[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iN4aAHz.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=6f4a50]Event:[/colour][/b] Metropolis Final Exchanges [b]|[/b] [b][colour=6f4a50]Location:[/colour][/b] Wánggǎng, ReTan[hr][hr][h3][url=https://youtu.be/7qNInJC4bOw?si=fj-WazbYBBy3Z-Cp]♫[/url][/h3][/center]
Maura eventually rejoined the others, her wheels carrying her alongside Kaureerah. She gently tugged on her friend's hand, a small smile playing on her lips. [colour=C0C0C0]"You know, they might actually let us see Xiulan now. After everything that's transpired, it would be quite a relief to finally go to that tea house we've been talking about."[/colour]

[colour=C0C0C0]"Hey Kaureerah,"[/colour] Maura began, her voice soft and thoughtful as she looked at her friend, [colour=C0C0C0]"you know, sometimes when people say things, it gets us thinking. Like, what if someone mentioned that, well, we're kind of exceptional in some way? Not that we are saying w agree with them or anything, but it's just got me wondering – what do you think about that?"[/colour] She shrugged casually, a faint smile playing on her lips as she sought her friend's opinion.

Kaureerah smiled softly, skipping along in that distinct eeaiko way. She bounded out in front of Maura, twisted, and stopped, forcing her friend to do the same. The soft smile became a large, mischievous grin. [colour=DEB887]"Why, my leetel stauwberree cauloored frend -"[/colour] She reached out and patted Maura on the head. [colour=DEB887]"Yoo aur e veery speciel goorl."[/colour] She flicked some hair over her shoulder and twirled on a foot, settling in beside Maura once more. Her face became a [i]touch[/i] more serious. [colour=DEB887]"Yoo heve e great menny taulents,"[/colour] she assured her friend. [colour=DEB887]"Wauns thet menny peepool woold bee jellaus auf."[/colour]

Maura beamed warmly up at the Eeiako. If there was one thing she was certain about, it was her deep affection for her newfound best friend, and she eagerly anticipated the moments they would share together in the times to come.
[hr]
As each student stepped up to claim a prize from the gift-laden table, tensions grew palpable. Some of the stronger students displayed a bullying attitude, not content with simply taking their share, but also snatching away from their peers. The two most prominent culprits in this were Ingrid and Jocasta.

Kaureerah, who had been deprived of her share, initially seemed poised to approach and voice her protest. However, in a swift change of direction, she abruptly turned on her heel and walked away as Jocasta pilfered from her portion.

[colour=C0C0C0]"It is as if those with power crave more, their greed runs through their veins like blood as they are nothing more than petty thieves who crave trinkets useless to them, as only to deprive others."[/colour] She reached for Kaureerah's hand and squeezed on it. [colour=C0C0C0]"Now there is [b]someone[/b] we would love to see Lady Matsuhara'd one day."[/colour]

Kaureerah blinked, somewhat nonplussed. [colour=deb887][i]Such venom.[/i][/colour] She'd always assumed that Maura was quite rich, especially since she was from a merchant family and was close friends with Ayla. It seemed something of a case of judging from a glass house. Yet, she couldn't disagree that Jocasta was just... [i]mean[/i]. Sure, Kaureerah had taken a second item. She was poor, had always been poor, and would not apologize for trying to get her hands on an unwanted thing valuable enough to free her from her financial dependence upon others. Jocasta was clearly rich as well, and had shamelessly ripped it from her hands to add to a growing collection. Turning somewhat pensive as Ingrid and Valerian clashed verbally on centre stage, Kaureerah's only response was to smile and nod appreciatively as she let out a supportive snort of laughter.

Maura couldn't read minds, but she could sense that her friend was deeply upset by what had transpired. Nevertheless, she stood by her, fully aware that there was little she could do in the face of a figure like Jocasta.
[hr]
The Twin Emperors were not unaware of the conflict between Niallus and Abdel. Much as it was more distant than its abortive counterpart between Ingrid and Valerian, it was also much more of an actual fight. Both, in any event, concluded at around the same time. It was Ten-Jiu who rose, his voice loud and conspicuous. [colour=FireBrick]"But brother, we have had two contests! Both have concluded around the same time. Who is more deserving of the reward we have offered for a demonstration of true strength?"[/colour]

Ten-Re rose as well, and turned to him, seeming to consider. [colour=B2AC88]"Were both truly shows of strength?"[/colour] he proposed, and it was the scoundrel's turn to think. [colour=FireBrick]"Well... one had a great deal more action,"[/colour] he admitted, and Ten-Re nodded. This was intentional theatre, and they did not try to hide that fact. [colour=B2AC88]"Are all contests measures of physical strength?"[/colour] he questioned pointedly. [colour=B2AC88]"And is physical strength the only method of emerging victorious in one?"[/colour]

Ten-Jiu nodded at his brother's wise words.  [colour=FireBrick]"Then... perhaps we should honour one of these other types of contests?"[/colour] The sage smiled. [colour=B2AC88]"I believe that [i]all[/i] should have a chance to be honoured."[/colour] He cast his gaze out across the students and their closest peers. [colour=B2AC88]"What do you think?"[/colour]

Ten-Jiu was enthusiastic now. [colour=FireBrick]"We could hold a vote!"[/colour] he proclaimed, twisting and bending over to grab the chest. [colour=B2AC88]"All should have a say in the disbursement of such value,"[/colour] Ten-Re agreed. [colour=B2AC88]"Thus, we put this to you: who deserves the contents of this chest. Is it Abdel, is it Ingrid, or is is another?"[/colour]

It was natural for Maura on who she would pick, she squeezed on Kaureerah’s hand as she spoke. [colour=C0C0C0]“"We vote for Kaureerah. She conquered her fears and faced someone who had previously defeated her, all in the pursuit of doing what's right. Her strength of character and unwavering integrity shine through. She embodies the true essence of strength, always striving to do what's right and pushing herself beyond her limits."[/colour]

Kaureerah seemed to consider. There were definitely party lines here, and she knew which she would be expected to adhere to, but Abdel had already snatched up multiple items for himself. Ingrid had also been a bully, every bit as much as Jocasta, whose greed... well, in some ways, she understood enough about the two tethered and where they'd come from to understand why they were so eager to snatch everything. Then, Abdel spoke and voted for... [i]her[/i]. Kaureerah stood there, nonplussed, but pleasantly surprised.  [colour=DEB887]"I..."[/colour] Before she could speak, Maura voted for her as well, and warmth rose in her cheeks. Friendship had always been something she craved, but trust did not come easily. She swallowed as even [i]Ingrid[/i] voted for her, and then Niallus too!

[colour=DEB887]"Thenk yoo, frends."[/colour] There was a warm feeling inside of her and... what [i]was[/i] it? She could feel a pressure building in her sinuses. She sniffed and... oh [i]Ipte[/i] she was going to cry! She pressed her hands to her heart. [colour=DEB887]"Eye... eye woould voote faur aull oof yoo eef eye coould, baut eye cennaut."[/colour] She bowed deeply. [colour=DEB887]"Baut eye voote fer Yaelen, whoo ees a men auf hees werd."[/colour] He had voted for her too, and she wiped the back of her hand across her eyes, blinking away tears. [colour=DEB887][i]You weak girl! You don't cry![/i][/colour] The rebuke came not in her own voice. [colour=DEB887][i]You show them you're strong by [b]acting[/b] like it![/i][/colour] She dismissed it, though, for Kaureerah now had the strength to. She was now among... friends.

Jocasta was next, however. She nodded in agreement. [colour=ffdead]"Kaureerah has shown commendable strength, and growth."[/colour] She flashed a smile the eeaiko's way. [colour=ffdead]"However, she is not the only one who has, and I believe that there are others who also deserve recognition. I, too, vote for Yalen."[/colour]

Maura simply had a smirk after Jocasta's comment where she found an excuse to vote for her husband, then smiling sweetly as if it was never there. Maura silently judges the people not voting for Kaureerah by playing favourites.

The pair locked eyes as the pair had a mental duel between them.
[hider=Jojo vs Maura]Jocasta keeps track of the little mean girl cabal forming. She's seen people like Maura before, and she's [i]dealt[/i] with them.

Maura saw the envy, as she has better and more beautiful friends than the fake known as Jocasta. Her eyes roll at the multiple items spilling awkwardly on her lap. Not even all the items in the room can fill the absence of a heart the blonde possesses.

Or so Maura theorizes, Jocasta thought. A definitive answer would require having a heart, of course. Sadly, Maura, who has grown up with a silver spoon up her buttocks, hasn't thought to try buying one.

Thankfully for her, Maura doesn't speak bully with an inferiority complex, so can avoid listening to the tiresome self-pity talk Jocasta plays on others in order to incite sympathy for her own gain.

In Jocasta’s mind, Maura, had indeed, has proven disinclined to listen to Jocasta's self-pity, for she cannot hear it over the sound of her own self-righteous whingeing and persecution complex.

Maura enjoys sleeping soundly at night, knowing she is part of what is good in the world. The same cannot be the same for Jocasta, nor her husband.

For Jocasta, sadly, it seemed that Maura is self-delusional as well, as it may be all that allows her to sleep at night. Jocasta, actually having a conscience, is occasionally bothered by it. Perhaps she will pray for Maura's soul tonight with her good and righteous husband, who is also a member of the church.

Maura didn't realize that Jocasta performed comedy. It was that terrible, not even Ash would laugh at it. The idea of her having a conscience whilst profiteering from the hard work of her students is a tragedy. As for righteous husband, she can hear his knees shaking from here, and the look after his discussion with Ingrid, holy work wasn't done this day.

At least there was something refreshing about Maura owning her horridness, Jocasta had to admit, because only someone utterly detestable and without a shred of self-respect would be so cheaply willing to take the side of a bully who had personally threatened her before and had now repeated the same action with another weaker individual. She couldn't help but think it was a little tragic as well, though.

Maura knows Jocasta wishes she was as [b]exceptional[/b] as she is. Not even the all the RAS in the world can compensate for her inadequately in being a decent person.[/hider]

Ten-Re raised an eyebrow. Ten-Jiu grinned. They looked at each other and then at Trypano. The latter looked as if he was about to burst out laughing. The former was serious-faced. He nodded slowly, sagely, even. [colour=B2AC88]"Our hearts of stone have been swayed by your wise words."[/colour] He bowed before them. Ten-Jiu followed suit. [colour=FireBrick]"This is not a democracy, after all,"[/colour] he admitted, [colour=FireBrick]"and a better option has revealed itself: it is the people of ReTan who have shown the greatest strength over the past week, and it is those same people who will need it in the coming months."[/colour]

Maura squeezed on Kaureerah's hand three times. It may have not been a democracy, but the real gift was not in the box, but it was how Kaureerah was appreciated by others, something that some trinket can never equal to. Even if some didn't understand that. She has very happy for friend and told her as much.

Ten-Jiu crossed his arms, seeming to consider. [colour=B2AC88]"The reward that will go to the people of ReTan,"[/colour] he replied. [colour=B2AC88]"Who can say?"[/colour] He shook his head. [colour=B2AC88]"Certainly none of [i]you[/i]."[/colour]

Ten-Re watched what was unfolding with great interest. This, then, was the heart of the issue and why the entire conundrum had been created. There were lessons in all things, but some more than others, perhaps.

Meanwhile, Kaureerah had retreated from the entire mess, unwilling to be used as a bargaining chip by anyone else. It had been nice to have people stand up for her. She hadn't expected much from it. The powerful always ignored or trampled those below them. That was simply the way of things, and it wouldn't stop her from trying anyhow. She took out her lute after some time and took a few experimental strums.

Maura retreated with Kaureerah, their work had been completed and time to have departed and rest has been far exceeded, encouraging others to follow her example. She had performed all the perfunctory bows during the bickering. She had already seen through the ploy and knew this lesson, but she had her own learning to consolidate even if she knew without her leadership and guidance, the collective wisdom of the group suffered significantly for it.

Ten-Re shook his head and, with that, he opened the box just a sliver. [colour=B2AC88]"I said that this would be a reward fit for your demonstration of strength, correct?"[/colour]

[colour=B2AC88]"It has been vague, as you put it,"[/colour] Ten-Re responded, [colour=B2AC88]"so that you might teach my lesson for me."[/colour]

[colour=FireBrick]"He is incurably lazy,"[/colour] Ten-Jiu jested.

He opened the box all of the way and there was... nothing in it. [colour=B2AC88]"When it comes to strength,"[/colour] he declared, [colour=B2AC88]"this is what you've earned."[/colour] The emperor shook his head. [colour=B2AC88]"Consider yourselves fortunate, this day, that we are not your enemies and have no desire to be, for the lesson is this: No man is an island. No man is an army. Strength comes from sticking together and not allowing your enemies to pry you apart and weaken you, from not allowing their words and promises to sway you."[/colour]

[colour=FireBrick]"They will exploit any crack,"[/colour] confirmed Ten-Jiu, [colour=FireBrick]"any weakness in the wall that you must be: a bulwark for peace, security, and decency."[/colour]

[colour=B2AC88]"Your decisions are important, there is no doubt,"[/colour] the sage added, [colour=B2AC88]"But perhaps even [i]more[/i] important is that you make them together, with each other's counsel."[/colour]

[colour=FireBrick]"Consider your strength when you stood together against the Titan - what you were able to achieve."[/colour]

[colour=B2AC88]"Consider the acrimony that a simple offer of riches has wrought among you in mere minutes now - such that you are willing to [i]kill[/i] over it."[/colour]

[colour=FireBrick]"Our enemies are ancient, evil, and canny. This one we fought was but a construct: a thing of great strength and little intelligence, but its controllers are [i]far[/i] greater and [i]infinitely[/i] devious."[/colour] Ten-Jiu shook his head, completely serious. [colour=B2AC88]"The coming battles will not be fought with strength of muscle or magic alone,"[/colour] concluded his brother. Both bowed, lowly and reverently. [colour=B2AC88]"This is our warning for you, and we pray that it is heeded."[/colour] With that, they retired.

Even if not voiced, Maura was inwardly bemused at the more literal offering, as the Emperors proudly state they provide the people of ReTan: nothing. Even if that was not their intention. However, she knew going forward she had to focus on herself. She knew she had to become better, there were expectations, and people counted on her now.

To save further second-hand embarrassment, she politely spoke for the attention of Jocasta. [colour=C0C0C0]"Tan-Zeno Re, we are all exhausted from today's events. Can you please facilitate transportation, so we may retire to our beds?"[/colour] She smiled sweetly toward their chaperone.

The Twin Emperors had retired, and now the floor was left to an increasingly anxious and despondent group. How easily the adrenaline, the fear, the thrill, the [i]triumph[/i] of their victory against a possible Marhazannet had given way to exhaustion, despondency, and infighting. The twins' lesson had been lost on most as they turned inward, caring only about themselves - their personal worth or contributions, their vendettas, their guilt, their moral superiority.
[hr]
If Ten-Re had summoned Xiuyang, then Ten-Jiu summoned one of his Black Guard: Stormcloud, and it was her honour-bound duty to follow. Golden Monkey and Evil Eye hung around, the former smug, the latter pensive. Mountain Spring had wandered off, and both Smoking Bandit and Chicken had disappeared. Cold Soup was dead. So was Sleeping Carp, and Lucky Dragon had not left the palace. That left Laughing Squid: a tall and regal robed figure of infinite wisdom and malevolence but the absolute inverse in terms of reverence.  He stood with his hands clasped before him.

[colour=9400D3]"Does not there remain one last opportunity?"[/colour] he interjected, unclasping his hands. They could see no face beneath the many-tentacled mask, but his voice was vast and languid and stentorian. [colour=9400D3]"Or perhaps one final danger."[/colour] The box that had contained nothing remained, left behind on the table, perhaps too ignominious a thing to be claimed. That was not where he was gesturing, however. Instead, his hands took in the figurines that the group had been collecting over the course of their stay in ReTan. [colour=9400D3]"Regardless, you have been ever the gamblers, and would it not be nice to end on a... high note?"[/colour]

Maura brought out the figures she possessed, Sleeping Carp and Golden Monkey. A stray thought wondered if they were now worth more following a passing of their number.

One by one, they started to hand their figures over, but a couple did not have any and were, in any case, pointedly disinterested. For them, Jocasta relented and there was a flash of power as she concentrated. Spacetime unthreaded itself, centring on one particular spot, and a vision of Ersand'Enise appeared through it.

The ten figures stood there, in their handmade poses on the small table. Then, as if they were tiny people, they all reached out, joined hands, and closed their eyes. The plum tree that had existed upon the island had been destroyed in the great conflict of a few hours earlier. Yet, as they watched, ten new sprouts grew in its place. They did not, however, grow particularly tall. The tree trunks twisted and twined, thick and gnarled and, as their leaves spread and took in the morning's light, a gentle breeze swept across the reborn gardens. Before the youths and their Black Guard allies stood ten living statues: a grove of sacred trees.
[hr][hider=The Sacred Grove]
[h3] The Sacred Grove - ReTan[/h3]
The first appeared as either a cool and collected scholar adorned with leaves of mint or a shifting burning figure with great reddish-purple fruits, depending on who viewed it. Some, perhaps, might've seen both, paradoxically.

The second was shaped like a small woman in long robelike vines, bowed, and graceful, with hands made of peaceful white lotus flowers, or else it was a great vigorous tree of the Tarlonese writhing woods, its fruits small, dark, and piquant.

The third tree was warm and welcoming. It reached weak, tenuous arms out towards the teens, its soft, gentle pink fruit waiting in its palms. This, or it grew tall and guarded, its trunk thick and spiny, its fruits taking the form of armoured nuts, held jealously out of reach.

The next tree, fourth among them, bowed heavily, ever-growing rich golden fruits that fell from her arms even as more came to take their places. Yet, the fourth was also ancient and sparse, gradually decaying, with a single small withered fruit hanging from its branches.

Right of it lay the fifth, tall, beautiful and perfect, sculpted by grafts and trellises. It bent obediently towards the students, unless they bore witness to its other nature. In this case, it was a great vine, snaking eagerly in every direction, seeking out places to spread.

Sixth came a simple apple tree and it was what it was, making no pretence to be more or less than that, unless, of course, one saw it differently. Then, it was an ever shifting thing, growing now one fruit and then another, now with leaves, and thence with needles.

The seventh tree in the grove was not one, but rather a host of small stalks twining up together, leaning on each other for support, heavy with pods full of peas. There was one, for those who could see it, that stood apart, forcing itself up against gravity, stunted, but brilliant, bearing, and sheer determination.

Next came the eighth of the strange small trees, and it perched precariously at the water's edge, standing against the waves and the tides on a framework of sturdy roots, protecting the others. For those who could not perceive it, they saw only a small, shrinking tree with yellow fruits, desperately arcing away from shore.

Tree number nine in the grove, second from the right, grew in the same spot where the plum tree had once stood, taking up its form and carrying on its duties. Yet, there were some who saw a bold new tree sprouting there instead, bold and great in size, vigorously sprouting pink bananas beneath its great leaves.

The tenth and final tree of the sacred grove was wild and unpruned, with a sort of primal beauty, laden with cherries, buzzing with bees and wasps, and rambling off towards the sun. That was what some saw. For others, however, it was not a tree. Instead, there was a fruit stand with that very same fruit laid out neatly, branches laid about it for decoration.
[/hider]
Maura attended both the ReTannese classes and the extra circular Angic philosophy class, so the concept made a lot of sense to her.  In some ways, she was curious on how they responded to her, she knew she was unbalanced in a lot of ways, so having their truth can be rewarding feedback in itself. She approached the tree of Community and Individualism, the seventh tree.

As Maura approached, she saw, paradoxically, two plants before her, fitting two natures. However, as she drew nearer, a handful of the twined stalks began to grow stronger and thicker while others withered. Those could not support it without their peers, and the collective began to collapse. A second one, however, brilliant and individual, burned largest and brightest in her eyes.

Maura frowned a little at the result, as she moved to inspect the tree of Truthfulness & Obfuscation, the sixth tree.

The tree stood there for a moment, two of its natures clearly visible - a duality in the most ready sense. Then, a face appeared within its bark. [colour=green]"Answer me this, Maura Mercador,"[/colour] it said, wooden lips parting, [colour=green]"Are you honest or are you a liar?"[/colour]

As she contemplated the question, she found herself reminded of a children's rhyme about a pair of twins. Yet, she steered clear of adopting someone else's truth, for that wasn't her own. Through this process, she arrived at a response that resonated with her essence: [colour=C0C0C0]"Nothing is true."[/colour]

[colour=green]"A very good lie,"[/colour] it replied, [colour=green]"But also, perhaps, a truth?"[/colour] It smiled. [colour=green]"Please, eat of my fruit."[/colour]

Maura takes both of the fruit, and ate of them. She certainly had her own truth, as she cast shade on the seventh tree.

The apple was delicious. Maura found herself taking a second bite, and a third.

[b]Maura will now receive advantage on all perception rolls. Enemies will roll with disadvantage against her for stealth or if trying to lie.[/b]

Then, with some hesitation, she bit into the other fruit, and it tasted like... well, whatever she thought of! She considered apple sauce, and then marshmallows, and then cinnamon! Wondrous!

[b]All opponents will now roll disadvantage on perception rolls against Maura. She will roll with advantage when lying against NPCs.[/b]

[colour=C0C0C0]"That seventh tree has some very beautiful pea pods, does anyone else see that?"[/colour]  Maura tested her ability as she questioned the others.

Kaureerah tilted her head to the side. [colour=DEB887]"Yees, Eye heve nooteeced."[/colour] She hesitated. Then, she began to walk that way.

Maura smiled widely toward Kaureerah. [colour=C0C0C0]"Yes, it fits you well. We are like two peas in a pod."[/colour]

Rikard finally goes for the disgusting-looking fruit, palming it. However, Jocasta is there. [colour=ffdead]"Are you sure you want to eat that, Rikard?"[/colour] her eyes were concerned. [colour=ffdead]"It doesn't look too healthy."[/colour]

For a moment, Rikard felt her awesome power, and he started to shrink back. Then, however, he straightened. [colour=0072bc]"Nah, I think I'm good."[/colour] He tossed it into his mouth in one fell swoop

Jocasta glared at him. Rikard swallowed... the fruit. He grinned. [colour=0072bc]"It's not bad. I think it was safe after all."[/colour] Jocasta smiled tightly, and then impishly. [colour=ffdead]"You little shit..."[/colour] She twisted to leave. [colour=ffdead]"Well done."[/colour]

Maura regarded Rikard, [colour=C0C0C0]"You should get the bravery fruit for free for that act alone."[/colour].

Kaureerah, meanwhile, walked up the intertwining pea plants. There, she perceived both six communally supportive stalks and one fabulous one rising up the middle. She brushed her fingers over the pods.

Gently, Kaureerah plucked a pod from each. She opened the first one, with its bright colours, and then popped the pea into her mouth. Then, she opened the regular pea pod and inspected it. There were five peas inside and she thought that it might be nice if she shared. She cast about for four other people who she liked and who might want some.

Maura smiled sweetly toward Kaureerah.

Kaureerah smiled back and skipped over. [colour=DEB887]"Waunt saum?"[/colour] She waved Abdel over as well. [colour=DEB887]"Yoo too?"[/colour] She regarded the skuggvar and blinked. [colour=DEB887]"Cen shee heve saum too?"[/colour]

She thanked Kaureerah, [colour=C0C0C0]"Sure, we would love to share with you."[/colour] Maura opened her mouth toward her.

[colour=DEB887]"Catch!"[/colour] She tossed the pea into Maura's waiting mouth. It was a cute gesture, but the Torragonese flubbed it. It bounced off of her cheek and started to fall. Her hands flailed to catch it and, fortunately, she was able to after a few bobbles.

Maura blushed red as she finally caught and ate it. [colour=C0C0C0]"Perhaps next time you might need to drop it in."[/colour]

Kaureerah blushed and made a pouty sorry face.

Maura shook her head, it wasn't Kaureerah's fault, it was her own, she returned her a reassuring smile.

Kaureerah popped the pea into her mouth and it seemed to grow warm. The others would've felt more or less the same sensation.

[b]As long as they are allied and within twenty yards of each other, Kaureerah has gained the ability to share a single pool of mana with any of the five: Dayanara, Qadira, Maura, Ingrid, and Niallus. They may also combination cast with each other so long as she is among them.[/b]

With everyone having taken of the sacred grove, one final matter remained. Jocasta began to gather energy for a sustained portal to the other side of the world. [colour=ffdead]"If you have any goodbyes to say,"[/colour] she announced, [colour=ffdead]"now's the time."[/colour] For herself, there were none.

Maura and Kaureerah, meanwhile, had separated themselves from the grove by this juncture and were deep in conversation with Yawen and Xiulan. It was difficult to overhear what was being said, but there were plenty of nods, reassurances, and then a series of hugs and some tears.
[hr]
For those able to hear their interactions, Maura was presently speaking to Kaureerah. Gently pulling on her friend's hand, she discreetly indicated Xiulan's presence. [colour=C0C0C0]"She looks truly exquisite and dignified in that attire. Shall we approach and greet Xiulan and Yawen?"[/colour]

With an encouraging smile, Maura urged Kaureerah to join her as they made their way toward Xiulan and Yawen. Taking a deep breath, she allowed a gentle smile to grace her features, striving to convey empathy and support through her eyes. Her words were chosen with great care as she began to speak softly and genuinely.

[colour=C0C0C0]"Xiulan, it is truly heart-warming to see you once more,"[/colour] she began, addressing both Xiulan and Yawen, her tone sincere. [colour=C0C0C0]"In the midst of these ever-changing circumstances, we want you to know that our friendship remains a steadfast beacon for me. Regardless of the roles we are called to play, the bond we share holds immense value in my heart."[/colour]

Xiulan gave Maura her full attention. [colour=a2d39c]"You and your friends had changed my life."[/colour] She smiled back, though there was a slight sadness in her eyes now. [colour=a2d39c]"We had many good times."[/colour]

Maura's gaze remained kind and unwavering as she continued, [colour=C0C0C0]"You know, when the appropriate time comes for a state visit, we would be honoured to personally guide both of you through the transformed Longwan Island. It would be my joy to showcase the progress we have achieved."[/colour]

Xiulan pulled her close. [colour=a2d39c]"I would [i]very[/i] much wish to go there,"[/colour] she replied, her embrace tight and trembling. She went for Kaureerah next, and the songstress stiffened momentarily as something was whispered. Yawen, in a wide-brimmed hat, let her gaze bounce between the other three.  She shook her head tightly.

Maura wanted to offer her a token, a keepsake of sorts. While she acknowledged that there would be more suitable opportunities in the future, she sifted through her belongings and her fingers came across a book. She skimmed over the guidebook to creating Torragonese beverages. While it wasn't the most perfect gift, it certainly was distinctive in this region. She presented it to her, her hopes resting on the sentiment behind the gesture outweighing any monetary value. [colour=C0C0C0]"Maybe this could assist you in getting ready for your visit. Do make an effort to try each recipe."[/colour]

Xiulan looked at her, a half-step short of incredulous for a moment, and then let out a soft, warm chuckle. She shook her head ruefully. [colour=a2d39c]"It is a perfect gift to me, I sink,"[/colour] she admitted. [colour=a2d39c]"I will to read it and treasuring it all."[/colour]

Kaureerah, for her part, produced a small, glowing yellow mushroom pendant. [colour=deb887]"Thees ees faur yoo."[/colour] She pressed it into Xiulan's palm. She produced a second, then, and it glowed red. This, she handed to Maura. Finally, she revealed a third - in blue - for herself. She leaned in as she handed it over and whispered. [colour=deb887]"Eye doon't cere eef hee ees en elder senguinaire."[/colour] She grinned mischievously. [colour=deb887]"Eye'll caut hees baulls auff eef hee's meen too yoo."[/colour] Then, she drew back.

[hr][hr]