[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/aTnxbUc.png[/img] [h1][color=steelblue]Xiuyang Solari Good for the Soul[/color][/h1][/center] [hr][hr] [center][h3]The Faire[/h3][/center] Despite having what many would consider a disadvantage in height, Xiuyang had managed to do well in the three-legged race with Roslyn and the Reshta race by herself. While this might surprise others, it didn't surprise Xiuyang. Nothing about her appearance was particularly suggestive of athleticism, but she spent plenty of time running, swimming and surfing. She nearly met her match with the shooting game—while it would be a slight exaggeration to call them "rigged," there was certainly a trick to handling these toy guns. Other students figured it out, and Xiuyang followed suit, scoring just enough points to qualify for a token. While she had an increasing interest in potential tools of self-defense in light of everything that happened in ReTan, there was no point practicing [i]here[/i], so she moved on from it. The tug-of-war was an unmitigated disaster. Admiring the team that Juulet was building from afar—a team that included non-yasoi, and even Trypano—she thought, rather foolishly, that this could be a chance to not only win, but potentially make the acquaintance of another Avatar of Vyshta. She knew the alleged risks of getting involved with that girl, but favored her chances as a friend of Ashon. It was not to be, however; an unexpected Ciro Volta greeted Xiuyang, wanting her for his team. She was so surprised by this that Juulet's preferred candidate for a final teammate, Ashon, got snatched up in the confusion. An angered Juulet shoved Ciro aside, snatching up Xiuyang, perhaps out of spite. At the end of it all, the team Xiuyang had chosen lost, and she fled the scene—soaking wet and burning with curiosity about the boy who showed an interest in her, when other teams considered her a liability. The drinking game was close. If only they'd let her drink through her mask, as she was often seen doing around the school and in Mudville, she thought she could have easily taken it. In the end, it didn't matter, as Maura acknowledged her with a toast. She'd attempt to go again, to help Roslyn and Trypano get tokens, but the hosts of the event wouldn't let a "winner" play again. So, she spectated from the sidelines, drinking her heart out from her bottomless gourd alongside the contestants. Mountain Spring had truly given her a gift to end all gifts—no. It was truly a treasure, just like the man currently stood on a twelve-foot-tall stool, downing beers. As she watched her best friend chug like a champion, another student—one whose face and name would largely be considered irrelevant in the grander scheme of campus life, and secretly a member of [i]Le Volpi[/i]—approached Xiuyang. He informed her that, despite their best efforts, they simply could not dig up that much information on Ciro Volta. Xiuyang herself barely registered the information as Ashon and Penny had an argument about baby names, of all things. It seemed to be a serious one. Was Penny..? No. She couldn't violate her friend's privacy like that. She refused to reach out and try to sense it. She felt sick—not from alcohol—and quickly excused herself. [hider=Trouble Brewing: How the Mächtig Fall][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/aTnxbUc.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/qP2NuKi.png[/img] [h1][color=steelblue]Xiuyang and Roslyn Trouble Brewing: How the Mächtig Fall[/color][/h1][/center] [hr][hr] The [i]Hoch und Mächtig[/i] had ended with Xiuyang receiving a token from Maura; a gesture for which she'd be extremely appreciative in the near future, and one which did a great deal to clear the fog in Xiuyang's mind regarding their relationship. They were friends first, and business rivals second. However, the night's revelry would continue, and the warm notes of rekindling friendship would once again be overtaken by the dry aftertaste of failure. Just as she had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, so too would Trypano; but that wasn't what bothered her. No—Ashon and Penny were flirting, and the conversation that ensued treaded the line between Ashon's usual jovial ribbing, and a serious argument regarding his questionable taste in baby names. Xiuyang had exercised no small amount of willpower to resist the temptation to... check—but Penny was a friend, too. She respected her privacy. Yes, Penny was a friend. That made it worse. It was childish, she knew, but still, she fled the scene with a poor excuse that she didn't feel well, hobbling off through the bushes of the Arboretum, towards the Ever Tree and Hedda's Lake, one of the few places she still felt safe—though Juulet would soon take it from her. Xiuyang looked over her shoulder, and to be sure, she saw Roslyn, but didn't suspect for a second that the girl was following her. Few students batted an eye at the sight of Xiuyang being drunk. She always seemed to make it back to her dorm by herself just fine, and come back stronger tomorrow. This made it all the more surprising, then, that once she entered the foliage of Hedda's Lake, she began walking steadily. It made sense in hindsight; the girl was always swimming in low-level chemical magic. It would be strange if she didn't know how to purge the toxins from her body. What was also strange was that she had covered herself in a sonic bubble. One might have suspected the girl, who wore the shady Revidian merchant look as an almost "ironic" fashion statement, was up to no good. However, she soon knelt down onto the soil, hands pressed up on a tree, looking as if she was going to puke despite being sober. She shook, in [i]agonizing[/i] pain. When Roslyn spotted Xiuyang against the tree, the alcohol in the Hendlish girl's stomach twisted. Any questions in her hazy mind vanished instantly. She hitched up her skirts and rushed forward. Shoes kicked off in her wake letting her feet hit the soft grass. In moments, she kneeled down at the woman's side. Her hand reached out and gingerly touched Xuiyang's shoulder. [color=ebe7a3]"Are you okay?"[/color] Frowning at her ignorance of the obvious, she scolded herself for the stupid question. [color=ebe7a3]"Scratch that question. It might be better to shift into a sitting position. It looks like you had a bit too much to drink."[/color] Roslyn hoped that was accurate because she wasn't the most skilled healer and she doubted there was any Zenos nearby. Xiuyang's ears rang and her vision blurred as her face became another's. A sensation like a million hot pokers all across her body blinded her to her surroundings. Her heart nearly stopped as the hand touched her shoulder. On instinct, she veiled her face in shadow as she whirled around to confront her pursuer. She could barely hear Roslyn's voice, but she could recognize her, and knew from body language cues that she was trying to help. Her body trembled violently, as if she were on something much stronger than alcohol. She pushed the girl's hand aside and faced away, making hand motions like she was fine, but she wasn't. [i]No![/i] Not Roslyn—she could never know. [i]No one[/i] could know. The cost was too great. Upon closer inspection, Roslyn's eyes narrowed with concern. Something was off, her gut screamed. She had seen excessive drunkenness and its effects before, but never this harsh. The way Xiuyang's body shook hinted to something stronger. She fought the urge to jerk back when Xiuyang's blotted out face turned to her. Past the shadows, a pair of eyes stared at her. They seem to shift in color causing her breath to still in her chest. [color=ebe7a3][i]What the...[/i][/color] Her heart dropped into her stomach as her eyes adjusted. For a moment, Roslyn wondered if she was seeing things. Was it the trick of the light, maybe? Some primal instinct argued otherwise. Xiuyang had only done this a few times before, and it was always horrific, but she had no choice. She immediately began to reverse the facemimic process. Agony compounded on agony as her body returned to her normal. [i]Shit,[/i] she was actually going to hurl. It was unbearable. Hastily, she removed her mask with a silent hiss. No noise escaped the sonic bubble as she relieved herself of the alcohol in her stomach. [i]Damn.[/i] [color=steelblue]"Godsdamn it, Roslyn! You shouldn't do that. Scared the [i]fuck[/i] out of me,"[/color] came the disembodied voice from the mask in her hand. She exhaled, her breath ragged. She seemed more relieved than annoyed. The shivers started to die down as she leaned up against another, unsoiled tree. Swallowing the rising anxiety, Roslyn stood there and let the masked woman sort herself out. Her right thumb rubbed her fingers before a foul odor like sour carrots invaded her nostrils. She wrinkled her nose, but did her best to hide her disgust. All she could do was stand there and watch. When Xiuyang spoke, Roslyn breathed a sigh of relief. Her hand dug out a handkerchief and then offered it to Xiuiyang. Whether it was for the eyes or mouth, she didn't bother clarifying. [color=ebe7a3]"I didn't mean to sneak up on you."[/color] Roslyn didn't point out she was anything but quiet. For a moment, she considered her next words. Her form lowered into cross legged sitting position in front of Xiuyang. It wasn't lady-like, but at this point the brewer girl didn't care. [color=ebe7a3]"You going to be okay? Cause whatever that was, it seemed really bad."[/color] She tried to put on a comforting smile, but her worry bled through. Though Xiuyang's mask was removed, a veil of cloth still covered her face. She never showed her face to anyone, nor much of her body aside from her eyes and hands. The rumors why she did so were as absurd as they were numerous. One thing many students thought they knew was that Xiuyang couldn't breathe properly without her mask, but that didn't seem to be true, since she was breathing quite heavily now. As if she were just suddenly thinking about it, she quickly put it back on. This time the hiss was audible. [color=steelblue]"I must be losing my edge. You actually snuck up on me."[/color] A hollow chuckle echoed from inside the mask as she wiped the tears from her eyes. The pain had passed, and she seemed to be doing fine. She waved her hand dismissively, declining the handkerchief, though she did use the cloth on her face for it. [color=steelblue]"Sorry you had to see that. Drinking too much doesn't pair well with migraines and chronic pain."[/color] Reaching into her medicine box, she retrieved a pipe and set its contents to flame, but rather than smoking it, simply absorbed its chemical energy, using it for pain relief. [color=steelblue]"Don't like to mention it. Complaining ain't very classy, 'specially for me. 'Binder, heal thyself,' yeah? There's nothing for it, though."[/color] Seeing the polite decline, Roslyn placed her handkerchief in her dress pocket. Her form leaned back with her hands planted behind her. Absorbing Xiuyang's words, her lips shifted to the side in thought. Garith and Xiuyang had something in common it seemed. Her eyes softened with empathy while she listened. [color=ebe7a3]"Yeah, pain and alcohol are never a good mix. My brother avoids drinking because of that. Not ideal when we're suppose to run a brewery together."[/color] Roslyn kept her voice steady when she brushed the sensitive topic. Xiuyang shrugged in her usual blasé fashion. [color=steelblue]"Anyway, I'm not sure what else you expected to see, following the school drunk into the bushes. A lovers' rendezvous, perhaps? That's just a rumor, though."[/color] [color=ebe7a3]"I will note, I've seen many different types of drunken reactions, but yours... That's a first for me."[/color] She began to realize she might be thinking too much into this. Everyone was different after all. Moving on, Roslyn noted the medicine box and the pipe taken out. She considered asking questions, but she dismissed them. It had to be for the pain, she thought and moved on. [color=ebe7a3]"As for rumors, I never take them seriously. After being the subject of them last year, I realize how easily gossip spreads. All it takes is for a lady to strike up a friendship with a gentleman and everyone becomes very chatty." [/color] She rolled her eyes at the memory, chuckling softly over how farfetched some became. They mostly died down a month or so later much to her relief. Xiuyang turned her head slightly, as if she were just a little bit taken aback. Did Roslyn just... [i]dodge a question?[/i] Roslyn inwardly cringed spotting Xiuyang's reaction. She realized too late how she sounded and let her smile drop for a moment. Garith was the more articulate one compared to her, rarely fumbling over his words. Well, two could play that game, anyway. [color=steelblue]"You're better off. People only spread rumors because they have nothing interesting going on in their own lives. I'm sure you've heard the rumors that I'm a major tree-rider. I'll screw anything that has pointy ears, apparently. Oh, or that I must be a sanguinaire, because I never show any skin. That's a good one. If only my secrets could be kept so easily,"[/color] she japed with a wink. When Xiuyang mentioned sanguaires, a raw ball of emotions twisted in her gut. Her form tensed a bit against her will. Forcing herself to relax, she pushed away the discomfort. [color=ebe7a3]"You're definitely not a sanguaire."[/color] Her confidence was strong about that fact. [color=ebe7a3]"As for the other stuff, a good punch in the jaw might set them straight."[/color] Xiuyang took a deep breath, like someone enjoying the aroma of tea might. [color=steelblue]"I'd never heard you had a brother. Funny thing is, I also have two sisters no one talks about, aside from my dad—who reminds me every chance he gets that they were already married at my age. Whenever he visits, I like to ask him if he's secured any alliances lately. Hopefully he'll get a sense of humor before he gets that joke."[/color] Was it a sore spot or harmless fun? Roslyn wasn't sure, but she didn't pick at it. When her thoughts turned to her own family, the mirth seemed to fade. [color=ebe7a3]"Yeah, we didn't exactly leave on the best of terms. He was suppose to be here instead of me."[/color] She took a small breath and hid away the hurt. [color=ebe7a3]"So what are your sisters like?"[/color] She leaned a bit forward, her elbows rested on her knees. Xiuyang shrugged. [color=steelblue]"One's a proper snooty lady, living her best 'snootily ever after.' The other at least has a sense of fun and sneakily visits Ersand'Enise from time to time. Neither of them were impressively gifted with magic, though, so it's just me here."[/color] She might have looked like she wanted to say more, but kept her pessimistic musings about her father's possible motivations for sending her to Ersand'Enise private for now. More interesting was what Roslyn said a moment ago. [color=steelblue]"You're rather confident that I'm not a monster. Can't help but be a bit curious about why."[/color] Perhaps, after she allied with sanguinaires in ReTan, she needed some confirmation that she [i]wasn't,[/i] in fact, a monster. Perhaps it was her admittedly large ego about her secrecy. Perhaps both. Roslyn mused over memories she had of Garith before they drifted apart. In his youth, he held a strong wit and mischievous nature. The years wore it away and replaced it with a serious air and bitterness. Things were so much simpler before the disease. She bit her lip when Xiuyang mentioned her confidence. Her eyes shifted downward and considered what to say next. [color=ebe7a3]"I'm not sure you'd believe me, if I told you. I learned things I wish I didn't and even... killed someone by accident. I have regrets and deep down, I wonder if I did anything right."[/color] Her face fell when thinking of her last mission. [color=ebe7a3]"I am still having nightmares about it. The good thing is, I found beer helps numb the guilt."[/color] She tried to smile, but the eyes didn't match. Xiuyang had to resist the urge to laugh—not because what Roslyn said was amusing, but because of the absurdity of this situation. She was an honest girl, and it wasn't hard to guess that her true intentions in following Xiuyang were pure. Now [i]she[/i] was the one spilling her guts and seeking counsel from the school drunk—counsel which, having gone through a similar experience, she should ostensibly have. But she didn't. At least, not any that helped. Some of the tension left Xiuyang's body as she acclimated to the change of subject—not the topic of conversation, but the subject of their attention: Roslyn, rather than herself. Content with this turn of events, she settled into her role as a dispensary of dubious sagely advice. [color=steelblue]"I'm guessing you've met one, though I'd say it's not much of a guess. Here's the thing, though,"[/color] she said, taking a "drag" of her pipe. [color=steelblue]"There's nothing especially 'evil' about them. They're the result of putting a human in a moral dilemma—drink blood or die—and letting them fester in it for centuries. There's very little a human heart can do in that situation except grow numb. If you ask me, the ones who grow numb to the suffering of other people within a normal human lifespan are infinitely more deplorable than the 'evil' sanguinaires."[/color] It was an opinion that would be shouted down as heresy in any Quentic church—but it was very "Xiuyang." [color=steelblue]"Any evil you might see out there exists in all of us, to some degree. Sometimes, it's not our fault when it comes out. What matters is trying to be good. You got regrets? Hold on to them. They keep you human. I'd say you can't change the past, but, well."[/color] She shrugged and winked. [color=steelblue]"Thing is, we actually [i]can[/i] change the past, and just look at what good it's done for us. I don't look at the world and see perfection—do you? If the wealthy and powerful can't get it right, what chance do you or I have? We can only do our best, and accept that the mercy of our Pentad has to make up the difference. That's our lot."[/color] She said it so simply, and tried to make it sound more convincing for Roslyn than it was for herself. She reached down to her medicine box—not to take anything out of it, but to make the sign of Oraff, in a silent prayer that her killing was just. If Xiuyang was good at anything, it was her way of considering all the factors and justifying her decisions to herself before she made them. It always felt cynical to weigh lives on a scale as if they belonged in a ledger—but when all you had was a merchant's skillset, every problem presented itself as a type of accounting. Her friend from the brewery club was clearly more distraught by her first kill than she was. She'd hope that fact at least made her sound like an expert. As she finished her silent prayer, she nodded as if to confirm the soundness of her own advice—if that's what she was calling it. Roslyn nodded, confirming Xiuyang's suspicions. On a small degree, she knew what the masked woman said to be true. Vel was an example of this and his struggles reflected it. She prayed to the Gods he didn't turn into a blood thirsty monster one day. Her hands had settled into her skirt where they toyed with the folds. It was a childish gesture, but she didn't care. As Xiuyang finished, she seemed to digest the words bit by bit. [color=ebe7a3]"That makes sense. Sadly, I don't think the Gods have much mercy for my family."[/color] She needed more time to think, but some of the weight in her chest had faded. Roslyn leaned back again, her eyes fixed on her fellow student. [color=ebe7a3]"Do the nightmares ever stop? I imagine you had a few of them thanks to the mission in ReTan. Vel mentioned something about having issues with a giant squid."[/color] Xiuyang paused as the pieces started to look like they might fit together—but, even if Vel had become a sanguinaire during their visit to ReTan, surely he wasn't the one who'd scared Roslyn so badly. It remained a theory, for now, but it did make her even more wary of Ingrid. [color=steelblue]"I've never been much of a sound sleeper. Don't really get a lot of dreams to be honest, either."[/color] She shrugged. [color=steelblue]"Probably the alcohol—but uh, don't follow my example. Obviously."[/color] [color=ebe7a3]"I think that's a bit too late. I started when I got back from Vossoriya,"[/color] Roslyn replied. She knew her collection of bottles were growing each night. At this point, she needed one to two mugs just to relax then more to pass out. Her hand lifted to rub her neck which became sore at the thought. Of course, Xiuyang had been given some time to think about the knower titan. A small part of her refused to accept that what she'd seen was real, but either way, there was no sense in burdening Roslyn with even more worries. "Giant squid" suited her just fine. Perhaps if she did have a dream about ReTan, she'd try to superimpose a giant Ashon into the scene and have him eat the thing like a dish of calamari, just as he said. [color=steelblue]"Try to think of something, or [i]someone,[/i] pleasant to dream about, and maybe they'll show up instead, or help you out. If you get yourself a new weapon or something that makes you feel safe, you might see it in your dreams too. In the end, though, whether or not the nightmares end is up to you. Grow as a person, and outgrow your fears."[/color] She shrugged. It wasn't a totally satisfactory answer, even to herself—but as the words left her mouth, she realized that perhaps she was stronger than she thought. She'd never fight a knower titan with confidence, but perhaps the feeling of cosmic helplessness would subside eventually. Or maybe she'd just grow old and tired, like everyone else. Only time would tell. At the mention of weapons, Roslyn snickered. [color=ebe7a3]"I don't really have any. I might get a pistol from the Magehunters, but that doesn't make me feel safe. As for outgrowing my fears... That's hard to imagine."[/color] Roslyn let out a breath. It felt good not having to be careful with her words now. With Esmii, Niallus, and even Vel, they had so much to carry. It was not fair to add more on. [color=ebe7a3]"It's hard to go from normal to... being swept along in something way bigger than myself. Even when I had magic back, it didn't seem to make a difference. I hesitated and Penny died because of it. She's alive now, but..."[/color] Roslyn's arm wrapped about her middle, comforting herself. Xiuyang shrugged, defeated. She couldn't think of a weapon good enough to make her feel like she had a chance, either. Resigned to her own inability to make Roslyn feel any better about her situation, she started when she mentioned Penny. [color=steelblue]"Penny [i]died?[/i] That cheeky fucker didn't tell me shit!"[/color] She slapped her gourd on the dirt, scandalized. [color=steelblue]"I'll kick his ass later,"[/color] she told herself, drinking to it. Roslyn blinked and questioned if she should've kept it to herself. Well, it was too late to change it now. In all fairness, she only knew about it because she saw it happen. Otherwise, she would've been ignorant too. Though based on the use of he, Roslyn could guess where Xiuyang learned about Penny's situation. Then, finally, Xiuyang decided it was time to stop sitting on the dirt. [color=steelblue]"There's better places to talk than on the ground,"[/color] she said, pointing to the gazebo on the little island on the lake. [color=steelblue]"You wanna know how little people like me make a difference?"[/color] the merchant girl from a wealthy family said to the noble brewmaster, a glint of feigned smugness in her eye. [color=steelblue]"I've got a minute. Let me talk your ear off real quick, eh?"[/color] Agreeing with Xiyuang's suggestion, she picked herself up. She paused long enough to dust off the dirt and casually followed. As she kept in step, her attention latched onto the conversation. A small spark of hope glowed in Roslyn upon learning about yet another person feeling the same way she had. Xiuyang would while away the next hour or so recanting the tale of her struggle with Seki and Hitoshi, alongside Mountain Spring and Cold Soup. She recalled how small she felt watching the titans fight, and how Seki refused to take the "child" from Ersand'Enise seriously—but she waited for her moment to intervene, and took down Hitoshi with a single well-timed arcane lance. The lesson, she insisted, was that even little people could make a big difference in the right context. If Roslyn felt small, she could cozy up to the "big" people, find her niche, and apply it. If Xiuyang learned anything tonight, it was that she gave more effort comforting others than she ever did herself. She held herself to higher standards, while giving others more charity. If she wanted to stop feeling small, perhaps she should stop belittling herself while propping up others. Perhaps she should be just a little more selfish. She thought to give Roslyn much the same advice, but she held her tongue for now. She'd defy her usual pattern and give her own advice a test run before giving it to others. She owed herself at least that much, right? Feeling the tale deserved one in return, Roslyn spoke about the incident at the monastery and then the warehouse. Including information about the anti magic devices. It reminded her that she still held one in her possession. During her shock, she had completely forgotten about it until now. She would need to figure out what to do about it later. [color=ebe7a3]"I have a lot of thinking to do, but thank you. So... How are you feeling now? If you feel up to it, we can pop over to the beer garden. I heard cider can help with stomach recovery..."[/color] Realizing Xiuyang might not want a second round, Roslyn then added. [color=ebe7a3]"Unless you have something else in mind? I'm all ears."[/color] Xiuyang waved her hand, in a "perish the thought" sort of way. [color=steelblue]"That suits me fine,"[/color] she said with a hidden smile. Perhaps, for once, she'd just made a rare, real friend.[/hider] [hider=Suunei Solari][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/YaGVxdE.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/aTnxbUc.png[/img] [h1][color=steelblue]Xiuyang and Desideria Solari Suunei Solari[/color][/h1][/center] [hr][hr] ...Silence. At first, a dramatic silence. Then, a confused one. Then, a very concerned silence when the crowd finally noticed. From within the darkness of the backstage area, a singular object became visible: a silver mask bearing a hauntingly wide and ambiguous smile that almost threatened the audience with a good time. Having secured the attention of the crowd—but not before a dramatic pause had passed—the disembodied mask moved eerily smoothly up the stairs and entered the stage, revealing the slim form of a dark-haired beauty in a pitch black wetsuit. She strode confidently onstage, in an almost spectral way as the stunned crowd silently watched. No words accompanied her appearance, only a form of music—which, like the lady's mask, was also caught somewhere between jovial and macabre. The curtains parted, revealing a large glass tank, empty except for a roughly five-inch layer of sand at the bottom. Above it was another tank, this one with a live thresher inside! Some among the crowd recognized this as a setup for escape artistry of some description—and were quick to point out that, for a student of Ersand'Enise, this could turn out... quite mundane. However, before the whispers could travel far, the masked woman made her next move: she craned her neck toward the audience, in an almost leering fashion—and, invisible eyes locked on the crowd, she silently and deliberately showed off each of her limbs—how the wetsuit hugged her body, leaving no space to hide any tools. In the meantime, two more pitch-black figures emerged, wearing skull masks. One began binding the masked lady hand and foot with rope, handcuffs, and yet more rope—while the other came bearing a plain sign that read "NO MAGIC ONSTAGE" in a variety of regionally-relevant scripts. The crowd whispered amongst themselves; some clearly didn't understand precisely what to expect—but the eerie mask, unsettling music and utter deafening silence of everyone onstage was making them anxious nonetheless. Others knew well, but whispered all the same: could the school really allow a student to attempt something so dangerous? As the girl was daintily lowered into the tank by one of her assistants, the other manned the pulleys hanging from the looming thresher tank above, and tipped it slightly, causing the masked lady's tank to begin filling with water. At last the show had begun in earnest, and the crowd began to quietly watch. At first, the masked lady did nothing—while the music quickened and built drama, she was just... getting wet. Suddenly, however, one of her assistants just... fell over, in an abrupt and notably un-dramatic fashion, appearing disturbingly unscripted. The water began to rise faster, and the remaining assistant glanced around, appearing alarmed as the masked lady calmly and daintily looked over her shoulder at her bindings... still not doing anything. "Would someone please assist?!" he cried, finally breaking the silence of the act! Tommy rose immediately, no longer able to resist the urge to add to the theatrics and save the damsel with his machismo—but he was too slow! Mahal took to the stage, pulling the rope as she was directed—only, the water began pouring even faster! The crowd began to panic! But the girl had been waiting for her moment—water at chest-height, her arms obscured by swirling sand, she'd used the wooden hair pin no one had noticed drop from her mask to pick open her handcuffs. She'd been using the teeth of the cuffs to saw through the ropes, freeing her wrists, ankles, and legs. Just as the crowd was begging for someone to save the girl from drowning, she leapt out of the tank, performed a handstand on the rim and landed onstage with a graceful flip, shocking the crowd and her impromptu volunteer! The crowd cheered as the masked lady patted a shaken Mahal on the back comfortingly, silently thanking her for participating in her clever little distraction. [hr] The judges, it seemed in retrospect, had been at least partially in on it. Sunny had gasped and bolted to her feet before being pulled back down by her sister. Luna had been still and impassive until near the end, when she grinned and clapped. Johnny Fabio had leaned in to Jocasta partway through the performance, when things had been going 'wrong' and the two had exchanged a secret discussion. The former was leaning back, arms crossed, expression unreadable. The latter was wearing a smirk. She clapped quite enthusiastically, but she'd been the toughest of all judges so far and that wasn't likely to change. Still, she at least gave a 3 out of 5. Xiuyang had gambled—correctly—that a magic-less act would stand out at Ersand'Enise, and the top five winners very much did. Unfortunately, Xiuyang was not one of them. Despite capturing the attention and emotions of the crowd, and scoring top marks with the judges, her act was less than appreciated by her fellow students. Perhaps the showing had been too morbid; there was a reason the school felt a need to go all out with the faire this time around, after all. The timing may have been bad. It may also be comeuppance for her insistent habit of remaining an enigma, even to her so-called friends. Perhaps there was such a thing as [i]too[/i] mysterious. Whatever the case, Xiuyang was unconvinced that she deserved better. She'd needed to spend more than a mere two days planning to develop something truly excellent. She could, at least, consider the act a modest success; she didn't embarrass herself as so many beneath her had done, and none of the probing mages in the audience could figure out her trick. They'd wasted too much time on her carefully planted red herring: the layer of sand at the bottom of the tank that "obviously" hid a handcuff key, or a knife—its true purpose being to hide the wood pin from all but the most observant and skilled binding mages—provided they weren't looking for metal objects. Then there was Jocasta, who had probably figured out the trick immediately, and found herself suitably unimpressed with its simplicity. Hiding anything from Jocasta would likely be forever a pipe dream. In theory, anyone with the wherewithal to ask logical questions during her unsettling performance could have guessed that she was probably holding something in her mouth beneath her mask, and that was why the act was silent. However, it seemed as if no one did. Most were too mesmerized by the theatrics—and some, by her curves on full display. Though, it wasn't her body. [color=slateblue]"Xiuxiu!"[/color] came the hushed whisper of another girl from backstage. The masked lady, Xiuyang, stared into the darkness, at her own face. It was another Xiuyang! But, it wasn't. Xiuyang removed the creepy mask, revealing her face. Though, it wasn't [i]her[/i] face. The other Xiuyang saw her own face staring back at her. [color=slateblue]"Heyhey!"[/color] she greeted herself with a wave. [color=orchid]"Hey Desi,"[/color] replied the unmasked lady, hugging Xiuyang. Or was it the other way around? [color=slateblue]"I thought we were gonna do a bit and prank everyone?"[/color] the Xiuyang-faced Desi asked curiously. [color=orchid]"Nah. Was gonna call you over when I stepped up to claim my prize. Didn't win, though. I didn't make top ten, even,"[/color] she admitted, tapping the toes of her boots on the floorboards evasively. [color=slateblue]"Oh..! These kids have no taste. I was on the edge of my seat!"[/color] Desi assured her. [color=orchid]"Seeing my own face pouting like a kid is so fucking surreal,"[/color] Xiuyang remarked. [color=slateblue]"Shush! Father will kill us both if he hears you using my voice like that!"[/color] Desi replied, cupping a hand over her mouth. She resisted the urge to tell her little sister that she did, too, pout like that when she was young. Xiuyang snickered, wearing a smirk on Desideria's face that she wouldn't dare try. [color=orchid]"You wanna get a drink?"[/color] [color=slateblue]"Oh no, I couldn't! My husband is here too. We have, uh, plans after this,"[/color] she confessed. Xiuyang watched her own cheeks turn red. Had she ever made a bashful face like that? Is that what Ciro saw earlier? Just because he called her [i]"bella"[/i] in that smooth voice? [i]Good grief,[/i] she thought, shaking her head. [color=orchid]"Oh. Well. Guess I'll get drunk by my poor, lonesome self,"[/color] she teased. [color=slateblue]"Alone? But you looked like you were thinking of someone just now,"[/color] Desi fired back accusingly. [color=orchid]"Me, myself and I. Party of one, baby,"[/color] she denied. [color=slateblue]"Come on, sis!"[/color] she pleaded. [color=slateblue]"What about your sharp-eared friend you're always writing about? The one who's nine feet tall and handsome?"[/color] [color=orchid]"He's seven foot—and I never called him handsome,"[/color] Xiuyang dismissed, earning herself a quiet scoff. [color=orchid]"And watch your tongue. It's rude to comment on the ears... When did I tell you he was a yasoi?"[/color] She narrowed her eyes, suspicious. [color=slateblue]"Just now,"[/color] Desi tossed back playfully. [color=slateblue]"It wasn't much of a mystery though, you know? Even I know a few things about their culture. They're practically our neighbors! So anyway... introduce me!"[/color] she demanded with a smile. [color=slateblue]"It'll be fun! I'll be you, and you'll be me, and we'll see how long it takes for him to notice something's not right!"[/color] Xiuyang shook her head, averting her gaze. [color=orchid]"No,"[/color] she whispered sternly. [color=orchid]"We can't play around like that, you know this. We were pushing our luck to begin with."[/color] She sighed. She had no intention of introducing Ashon to anyone, not now that Penny was pregnant. It would be best if she—if she kept her distance. She choked up a little at the thought. Desi didn't understand, but she certainly noticed. [color=slateblue]"He broke your heart, didn't he?"[/color] she whispered darkly. [color=orchid]"No!"[/color] Xiuyang denied immediately. [color=orchid]"I did. I didn't... didn't act. I hesitated for too long, like I always do,"[/color] she said through gritted teeth. She was so very, [i]very[/i] tired of crying lately. Would her misfortune ever fucking [i]end?[/i] [color=orchid]"Change out of my clothes, would you?"[/color] she sighed, as if resigned to a lecture. But the lecture didn't come. Lectures were father's to give—and lately, Xiuyang spoke with an authority that reminded her of him. So, Desi did as she was told. [color=slateblue]"You're still so young, li'l sis. You will find someone—and when you do, indulge in a little romance. If not for Ipte's sake, then for yours."[/color] Xiuyang remained silent. She couldn't know. No one could know.[/hider] [center][h3]Soul Sisters Live![/h3][/center] [color=steelblue]"GANBATTE MIO-CHAN!!"[/color] Xiuyang shouted above the crowd with her mask's audio projection powers. It felt good to shout, after everything that had happened today. Juulet and Ashon would have been enough, but to top it off, her luck with the faire's events had turned for the worse, as well. Having momentarily given up on getting enough tokens for a decent prize, she resigned herself to enjoying the Soul Sisters' performance and going home. That was the only way to guarantee the day ended on a high note. [color=steelblue][i]Or so she foolishly thought,[/i][/color] she berated herself. The political nature of the performance did not escape her, and while she could handwave it as the idols being told to spread a message they might not necessarily agree with themselves, Xiuyang wasn't holding out much hope that that would be the case. Tasked with finding the beauty in such a performance, Xiuyang was surprised when, with a graceful flick of her wrist, Mio sent a token soaring out into the crowd. It sparkled in the bright stage lights as it arced through the air, the crowd's cheers growing even louder as they watched it approach. The short Rettanese girl, against all odds, caught not only the idol's attention, but her token as well. [color=#ebe7a3]"Nice catch!"[/color] Roslyn congratulated. Stunned, Xiuyang decided to also "do her best" in the remaining games. Though she was exhausted by the games before, a new surge of energy filled her with determination to win! Only... Who would be her "plus one" to invite backstage..? Ashon and Penny seemed to be having a moment, and even she, in all her deviousness, wasn't [i]that[/i] tactless. Curiously, she found herself searching the crowd for Ciro, armed with an excuse to interact with him again, but he was nowhere to be seen. Finally, her eyes landed on Kaureerah, whose eyes were sparkling with barely-concealed envy. She, like Xiuyang, seemed to be a fan. [color=steelblue]"I seem to be lacking someone to invite backstage. It would mean more to you than some random guy, I think,"[/color] she offered with a smile. Kaureerah smiled and jumped up and down. [color=#DEB887]"Eye woold bee delaighted."[/color] She took Xiuyang by the arm. Xiuyang couldn't help but grin stupidly at the Eeaiko's enthusiasm, though none could see it. For someone who had to stay low key, she always did have a weakness for that endless well of infectious positivity some had. [color=steelblue]"Well then, let's not waste another second!"[/color] she replied in kind, leading her along by the arm. Others may have looked on in confusion, but she paid them no mind. Since when has she shied away from rumors, anyway? [center][h3]Backstage[/h3][/center] As the tokens were presented to the doormen, the guests were welcomed into the backroom. It was a vibrant and lively space, adorned with paintings and memorabilia of the Soul Sisters' previous performances and achievements. The walls were painted in shades of pastel colors and silver, creating a glamorous yet welcoming atmosphere. The lighting was soft and flattering, casting a warm and inviting glow, with lanterns along the edges of the room, creating a magical aura. In the center of the room, a long table was set up and covered with a delicate pink lace tablecloth. An array of snacks and refreshments like Jian Dui and Mooncakes awaited them, along with cups of green tea. The aroma of the freshly made delicious treats wafted through the air. The Soul Sisters entered one by one, each taking their seats spread around the table. Their warm smiles and friendly demeanor immediately put the students at ease, encouraging them to relax, sit down, and indulge in the tempting snacks and treats thoughtfully laid out for them. As the room filled with a sense of camaraderie, the Soul Sisters initiated engaging conversations, urging the students to share their thoughts and stories during the light-hearted small talk. Mio, with her signature charm, distributed Nikanese Spratz-coated Mooncakes, her smile as sweet as the treats she offered. Xiulan and Ai, seated side by side, were engrossed in an animated discussion about recent events in ReTan. Nia, with her melodic voice and infectious enthusiasm, casually delved into the topic of the Ten Masterworks of Kagemitsu Kenshin, a legendary collection that had inspired countless tales. Ji-woo, the epitome of grace, moved gracefully around the room, ensuring that everyone's tea cups were filled. Her attentive presence mirrored the way she cared for her fans, ensuring they felt cherished and appreciated throughout. Xiuyang entered the backstage area, swept along at Kaureerah's enthusiastic pace. It wasn't clear who was leading who by the arm at this point. [color=steelblue]"Go on, talk to them!"[/color] she whispered excitedly, sounding a bit like an encouraging parent, perhaps because she was borrowing her own mother's voice. She paused as Mio offered her a Mooncake. She didn't bat an eye at the idea of binding her food into her mouth in front of the fearsome Twin Emperors, but now a cute face seemed to be begging for her feedback. She looked around, a bit anxious. She [i]really[/i] wanted to taste Mio's homemade sweets. The flavor just wouldn't be the same if she dissected it on a molecular level. She wasn't [i]that[/i] good. Her hesitation only lasted for about half a second. Screw it. It was a secure area. She was surrounded by friends and a couple of guileless young lads. Maura wouldn't be her rival for much longer, either. Reaching underneath her veil, her mask hissed as it was removed, and she hung it at her hip next to her medicine box. With a grateful nod and a smile in her eyes, she took the Mooncake and bit into it. [color=dimgray]"It's wonderful,"[/color] a weak and raspy voice, like that of a lifetime smoker whispered. Her mask, still hanging at her side, suddenly piped up. [color=steelblue]"Sorry that I can't show you my face. I'm wanted in 36 countries... just kidding. The brewery club put a bounty on me though!"[/color] she japed while enjoying the snacks. Kaureerah's eyes widened. [color=#DEB887]"Hee hee! Yoor mesk hes eets auwn sense auf hoomaur!"[/color] She was dancing her heart out, finding all the pretty boys that she could. She shot a look back at Xiuyang and winked, gesturing. The Sisters continued to play host with practiced precision. Even in their so-called downtime, things could end up being rather scripted for the benefit of the fans. Each of them was very welcoming and considerate to those taking part in the event. Mio offered a warm smile to Xiuyang as she indulged in one of the Mooncakes. She tilted her head to the side as the girl appeared to take her mask off to eat, then placed it back on over her face. She listened carefully, then nodded, standing up to move away, only to return with a wide-brimmed hat with a veil, presenting the weimao to Xiuyang to wear. [color=red]"It is a privacy veil, please use it."[/color] She nodded encouragingly toward her to take it up, so she could enjoy eating without being on guard. Xiuyang was taken aback by how prepared Mio was, either to go to such lengths for a fan or just in general. If only Mio could see the smile on her face, this could be an even more unforgettable moment. She put on the weimao and thanked her, very politely, in Nikanese. For the rest, though, she'd have to rely on her Rettanese. [color=dimgray]"Sorry, I only know a few phrases,"[/color] she admitted. [color=dimgray]"You're so thoughtful. Actually... my face is a bit... disfigured,"[/color] she whispered. [color=dimgray]"I've never told anyone. I'm trying to learn how to fix it before anyone finds out. It's not the sort of thing any old healer can deal with."[/color] It all spilled out before she could stop it. She felt so secure in this little place, surrounded by so few people, even fewer of them knowing Rettanese. Mio's smile, however, was probably what cracked her open. [color=dimgray]"You remind me of myself when I was younger, always smiling like the sun... Heh. Sorry. Imagine being only 19 years old and saying something like that."[/color] She said it like it was a joke, trying to smile, but there was a tear in her eye. She hadn't realized how dearly she missed showing her face, or how desperately she tried not to think about it, until the faire. She'd joined in the revelry to chase away such thoughts, not find more of them. [color=dimgray]"Sorry,"[/color] she apologized again. [color=dimgray]"I'll do my best to stay positive like you."[/color] Maskless, she couldn't stop her voice from shaking a bit. Mio was moved by Xiuyang’s heartfelt confession and touched by the vulnerability of the moment. With a compassionate smile, she responded with warm sincerity. [color=red]"Thank you for sharing. I'm truly honoured that you felt comfortable enough to open up. Remember, our challenges don't define our worth; our actions do. So continue to be the person you want to be, let your true self be unveiled."[/color] Catching Xuiyang's mention of disfigurement, Mahal stiffened briefly. Her thoughts shifted back to her own scars splayed out on her back. It was now covered with something more elegant, its history hidden. A sense of familiarity from the woman washed over Mahal, but she couldn't place why. [color=#B8860B]"Flaws are natural and they can encourage people to make their own beauty. I personally find those expressions more meaningful and interesting. They reflect a person's creativity and their soul."[/color] Mahal struggled with the right words, but she let them out regardless. She knew it was a bit odd for airing it in a conversation she wasn't invited into. However, the words were honest. Xiuyang's gut reaction to Mahal's words was one of anger, but she quickly buried it. Her Rettanese was serviceable, but there was a distinct possibility that she didn't understand what she meant by "disfigured." The fact that she felt compelled to find comforting words was enough for the moment. Mio drew her attention away quickly. Wiping her tears, she nodded. [color=dimgray]"Took the words right from my heart. That's what I've decided, too."[/color] Smiling, she took a half-step toward her, then took it back, clearly having resisted the urge to hug the kindhearted Nikanese idol. In the background, Ji-woo's political commentary brought her back to her present worries. Would the Twin Emperors really follow through on their deal? Would she be able to secure the Tarlonese land for the Yasoi? Would doing so even result in the best outcome? Her face darkened as she considered her future role in this matter, and the price the Twin Emperors would require in exchange. Again, she felt powerless, useless. She hated this feeling. Something needed to be done. [center][h3]Leon's Concert[/h3][/center] "Something" would have to wait a while longer. With a rush of newfound energy, Xiuyang returned to three of the games she'd passed over due to bad luck in her earlier attempts. There were games requiring heavy use of magnetic and kinetic magics—two of her weakest—and a fireball game that by all rights she should have won on the first attempt, but the judges seemed to have a lapse in attention. Now, she'd returned with a vengeance, and managed to win all three games in no more than two attempts each, surprising even herself. Finally, she had enough tokens to claim the highest level of prize she still had access to—some of the tokens came in limited supply, alas. There was one more game, a type of shifting hedge maze runner, but she'd spent quite enough energy already, and had her fun. At the end of it all, there was Leon Solaire's concert. Xiuyang wasn't one for song and dance, all things considered. While seemingly all of her friends and fellow students paired off and basked in the sensual atmosphere, Xiuyang indulged in the warmth of her one true love: alcohol. Yet there was one left to join her. Seeing as the token distribution was all but finished Trypano trudged her way past the couples and chatting few to someone she had been meaning to talk to for some time during this festival: Xiuyang. [color=crimson]"Hello again. Had any luck with token collecting?"[/color] Xiuyang rocked a hand back and forth to indicate a middling result. Technically, that was true, as she had about half of the possible maximum. Shrewdly, she kept them buried beneath the bandages around her arms, as though they were sleeves, having noticed some others being stolen from. She sighed. Was nothing sacred, not even these silly games? Perhaps it was the school's fault for putting next year's tuition on the line for those who otherwise couldn't afford it. [color=steelblue]"Yourself?"[/color] she asked. Curiously, she hadn't seen much of Trypano lately. Trypano simply gave a shake of her head. [color=crimson]"I was not able to make my own luck in many of these events."[/color] She crossed her arms, a mild exhale from the nostrils serving as a modest sigh. She hated the idea of depending on luck or the will of beings more powerful than her in forging her own fate but many of these games favored skills that she either didn't possess or were simply matters of luck. She has grown a great amount of disdain towards matters of uncertainty. [color=crimson]"I've not collected enough tokens to be of worth in even the mildest sense. Quite frankly if I were able to part with any of the tokens in my possession I'd be happy to offer them to you so that they'd do some good rather than none."[/color] She glanced at the tokens she currently possessed, assessing which ones she could part with. Remembering her mercantile instincts, Xiuyang perked up. [color=steelblue]"You got two that I don't, actually. That would put me up a prize tier..."[/color] She left out the part that it was the difference between silver and gold tier, which was staggering. [color=steelblue]"What are you hoping to get for them?"[/color] she asked nonchalantly. [color=crimson]"Nothing, really,"[/color] Trypano answered back, her tone ever still flat and inexpressive, like reading a stone tablet. [color=crimson]"It is simply that in the possibility that you were able to reach the top prize tier you could, in theory, receive access to the Forked Tower. Seeing as I'm restricted from speaking of it's contents as per the non-disclosure agreement I had signed I ordinarily wouldn't be able to discuss matters pertaining to my time within. Should you receive access however I fail to see how I would be barred from discussing it's contents with someone who already has access to it's interior. It would be easier to discuss the full scope of my work should you receive certain 'insights' that I have already obtained."[/color] It was risky to put more trust than necessary in someone, especially after the last time, but she was quickly finding that what she could accomplish by her own hard work and sacrifice was still ever so limited. Any means of expanding what she was able to achieve was quickly becoming needed, especially given what forces were beginning to shift in the background of globe-spanning events. [color=crimson]"Even if you don't receive access to the tower the other rewards will provide benefits both in magical potential and financial. The better off you are, the easier it will be for you to find me a lab to work out of after all."[/color] Indeed, while not wholly selfless a gift it was a gift all the same. She didn't need recompense for there to be value in seeing Xiuyang prosper. On some deep down level perhaps it was simply nice to see someone she's able to talk to in some capacity achieve more, even buried under layers of pragmatism as it were. Xiuyang scoffed. [color=steelblue]"They'd never let a Solari roam around that place unattended. I'd consider it an insult to my family if they did. Besides, I'm nowhere near the grand prize... but I do know someone who is."[/color] Taking the Leon concert token, she approached Abdel. [color=steelblue]"Hey, Abdel. I'm Xiuyang; heard about me from Maura?"[/color] She smiled. [color=steelblue]"I saw what happened. Some people are just terrible, aren't they?"[/color] She gave the responsible parties who had stolen his token the side eye. [color=steelblue]"This is the last one you need, right? Here. You can have it, if you wouldn't mind helping a girl out. Don't worry, it has nothing to do with my friendly little competition with Maura."[/color] Abdel and Rikard had just caught eye of Maura and Ayla conversing, but before they could push through the milling masses that searched for the now missing star of the concert, they were intercepted! By a familiar face, no less. [color=#9e0039]"Oh, hey!"[/color] replied a surprised Abdel. [color=#9e0039]"Yeah, I remember you from ReTan. And school."[/color] he smiled faintly. [color=#9e0039]"Not many people hide their mouths most of the time."[/color] [color=steelblue]"I know, right? More people should try it—covering their mouths in public. Especially politicians and lawyers,"[/color] she japed back good-naturedly. Then, he heard her proposition. The teen pursed his lips and crossed his arms. [color=#9e0039]"Hmm, well the thing is, I've got-"[/color] he shifted his eyes to both sides and then leaned in to whisper. [color=#9e0039]"Sixteen tokens."[/color] then, he retreated back with an impish grin. [color=#9e0039]"Maybe we can switch it around, and I can get you a couple. How many did you manage to get?"[/color] [color=steelblue]"I'm jealous just how multi-talented you are to get all those. Your performance at the talent show was especially good. Me, I might as well have got last place. I'm still wet behind the ears,"[/color] she joked again. [color=steelblue]"But, uh..."[/color] she started, awkwardly. [color=steelblue]"You do need one of each to get the grand prize, right? I was sure you did; would be way too easy if you didn't."[/color] She shrugged. [color=steelblue]"I'm nowhere near a full set. I only got 8; it's a hopeless case."[/color] Abdel chuckled as they exchanged. This one talked well. Definitely a merchant-type. The fanning of his ego was what made him slightly cautious, especially as the whale of the event. What could she possibly want? [color=#9e0039]"Don't sell yourself short."[/color] he canted his head, eyes searching onto Xiuyang's. [color=#9e0039]"I, uhm, think I got each, actually."[/color] he scratched the back of his head, feeling as though he was shooting her down each time. [color=#9e0039]"But I think you only need fourteen for the prizes, right?"[/color] he nodded. [color=#9e0039]"...If you need help with something it doesn't have to involve tokens, you know."[/color] Xiuyang blinked. Did she... miss it in the fine print? It really didn't seem like Abdel was lying. She sighed, defeated. [color=steelblue]"It's not like me to miss details like that. Ever since ReTan... I feel like I can't focus at all."[/color] She was the one scratching the back of her head, now. [color=steelblue]"Well, um. I guess you don't need anything from me, then,"[/color] she said awkwardly. [color=steelblue]"I'm not exactly comfortable, asking for favors. Doesn't feel right, getting something for nothing. Merchants, am I right?"[/color] she jokingly scoffed, shrugging. [color=#9e0039]"Yeah,"[/color] replied Abdel, regressing into a deep muse as ReTan came up. [color=#9e0039]"I don't think many of us came out the same, at all."[/color] He looked to Rikard, and further away his own girlfriend. They seemed 'fine,' but even they weren't totally unaffected by what they had seen. He, like Xiuyang, took that experience quite hard, however. [color=#9e0039]"It's also late, we've all had drinks and got our minds warped by the beautiful songs,"[/color] he commented with a more chipper demeanor. He then shrugged. [color=#9e0039]"You can always just say if there's something you need. We're friends, right?"[/color] he tilted his head, smiling. [color=#9e0039]"I mean, if not friends, we're at least something after coming out of that crazy trip a few weeks ago. Promise, no debt or favors."[/color] [color=steelblue]"Yeah... had a bit much to drink,"[/color] she lied half-heartedly, looking a bit lost. She never was good at trusting people that she couldn't bribe or blackmail. That was yet another talent she lacked that Abdel seemed to have. [color=steelblue]"Of course, we're friends. All the more reason I should make sure you get something out of helping me, right? That's my take on it, anyway." "It's not the sort of thing I should involve you in, otherwise,"[/color] she whispered directly into his ear with audio projection. [color=steelblue]"Nothing nefarious. It's just not something I want spread around."[/color] Whatever it was, it seemed to be serious, and she seemed unwilling to talk about it unless she had something to offer—and she [i]thought[/i] she was offering access to the [i]Forked Tower.[/i] Abdel nodded. [color=#9e0039]"I get it."[/color] and then, he smiled bright. [color=#9e0039]"Need help getting home or...?"[/color] Head tilted, he worried that maybe she had more than what she was saying. [color=#9e0039]"I think Maura is going with Ayla anyway."[/color] Xiuyang blinked. The offer seemed to surprise her. [color=steelblue]"Sure."[/color] She flicked the Leon concert token back to Trypano. [color=steelblue]"Looks like that plan was a bust. It's getting late, but maybe you should keep trying. The night is still young, after all!"[/color] Carefree, she took a drink from her gourd, seemingly unaware of her contradictory words. Xiuyang's face couldn't be seen, but she definitely made one. She was drinking the good stuff. [center][h3]An Unexpected Invitation[/h3][/center] When Xiuyang returned to her dorm, she found something waiting for her: poised just as immaculately as everything else on her desk, the letter drew her eye with an attached rose. What?! Who—?! and then she remembered Ciro Volta, who had tried to approach her more than once during the faire—to which she had responded in kind, but always seemed to [i]just[/i] miss him. She'd thought that perhaps he'd given up—but he didn't, and here was the proof, with an unexpected, undeniable subtext attached that sent her heart aflutter. Inexorable curiosity about the handsome yet mysterious boy clashed with ingrained, stubborn cynicism; only two types of men showed interest in her, Xiuyang told herself: those who were desperate for love, and those who thought [i]her[/i] desperate for much of the same—an easy mark. Which one was he? Should she even read it? The Trials were just around the corner, and anything that impeded her sleep or her better judgment tomorrow would be a setback, she determined. There were more important letters she needed to open first, she told herself—and letters that were less important but had arrived days ago, besides. ... It was a moot point. The sight of the rose lingered tantalizingly in her mind. She was like a kid, trying to go to sleep knowing that there was something exciting going on—fun times to be had, gifts to be received in good cheer—but not [i]quite[/i] knowing what to expect. Beneath the surface, too, she had put her heart on ice this night—lest it burn with envy toward Penny—and the sight of it warmed her, in spite of her stubborn attempts not to let it shake her. The walls of her determination to [i]not care[/i] were slowly crumbling to dust. What was the point of waiting any longer, if it was going to be like this? The letter was intended to be a gift, and she was letting it become a nuisance—why? Because she "knew better?" Was it an act of spite against Ipte who had yet to bless her? She mentally berated herself for taking it so seriously. In the grand scheme of her life, heavens help her if this was the most eventful thing going on in it. At the end of the day, it was probably just an average love letter. She could open it now and, in the worst case, maybe regret it for a little while after, or she could leave it unopened and let it occupy space in her mind, possibly forever. Confused, anxious and—beneath the mire of mixed emotions, [i]eager,[/i] she carefully opened and read it, her cynical eyes only partially cutting through the prose and gentlemanly banter to the core of its message. He wanted to meet her at... The Groove?! [color=steelblue]"That little shit,"[/color] Xiuyang remarked with a grin. He was definitely flaunting his connections, mentioning The Groove, and the simple assumption that she'd know how to find it on her own was bold, yet also subtle. "I know what you get up to in secret," his words seemed to suggest teasingly. He was sharp, and his letter seemed to suggest that he thought she was sharp, too, which gave her hope that maybe he didn't take her for a fool, after all. If that was the case... was there a chance he was actually interested in her? Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that she didn't know how to react to this news. For once, she [i]knew[/i] she was on the back foot. She didn't have a single ounce of makeup to her name, and no pretty dresses to wear. No, she did! The Twin Emperors had given her one! Though it had been intended to be used as a weapon against her, she would now make it her own. Only, wearing bandages on her arms and legs with such a nice dress would [i]definitely[/i] look tacky. She didn't need to be an expert in fashion to know that much... but then again, in some cultures, women covered as much skin as they could. What if he found it... exotically charming? Screw it, she'd hedge her bets and wear a shawl. That would make the bandages less noticeable. Or... a thought occurred to her. What if she borrowed Desi's body? [i]Could[/i] she do that? They looked similar enough, and it was unlikely that Ciro had ever met her. Surely it would suffice for a first date, and if he noticed a difference, she would blame it on the makeup she didn't have. Her mind reeled and returned to the words: "first date," implying that she was already entertaining more than one. AAAAAGH! Hopeless! She was a hopeless girl! But she was armed with a plan, and as long as she was using facemimicry, she may as well... She grinned. He'd never see it coming. She knew she was playing with fire, but she couldn't resist the temptation.