First meeting - Koru/Xayah

The Kalil family palace was bustling with people donned in their finest silks and jewelry as they flooded into the halls to attend the birthday of the oldest son of the family. The palace was a bold statement of the family's wealth and love for luxury; truly sight to behold with its cream white stone, with turquoise and gold rooftops; elaborate windows engraved with filigree lattice and open terraces with flowing satin curtains. From the patterned floors designed to appear as though mosaic pictures, to the high chandeliers made of jade and gold, the Kalil family spared no expense for their luxurious lifestyle, and every noble or individual with enough welath to their name wanted to be a part of it.With the setting sun, the palace was painted in hues of orange and red, windows casting in golden light slowly fading as the evening drew further and more people attended the event
The parents of the family, as well as the birthday boy with his wife and children, spent the event in the large dining room, seated on cushions greeting as many guests came and went with their greetings and gifts- expensive as their money could buy of course. Scattered about the palace were the rest of the many children and grandchildren of the Kalils, enjoying the entertainment bought by the parents; music, dancers, acrobats, sword-swallowers, and other peculiar acts you'd think had snuck into the event in hopes for extra fame and gold in their pockets.
Koru, among the younger offspring in his generation, was lounging at a large terrace with a few of his friends and brothers. Each of them were engrossed in the provided drinks and entertainment, laughing near obnoxiously while eyeing some pretty guests going by. Some of them hadn't married, much to their parents' dismay, but it didn't mean they weren't on the lookout for someone. Would they ever commit was another question. Koru laid on a low couch, elbows rested on a lush cushion as he watched the surrounding scene with mild interest. Next to him was one of his older brothers, Vatek; a mostly responsible, but still humor-hearted son, often keeping close to Koru. The two had the strongest bond out of the entire family, which was a difficult feat most of the family didn't bother with. Many of his family was always clad in the most luxurious outfits, a new one for every occasion, which Koru turned his nose to, setting him further apart from his luxury-loving family. That is not to say he hadn't enjoyed his share of luxury, however. His rune embroidered shawl was draped around his neck, with glimmering gold decorating him from head to waist, all engraved in patterns of magical elements.
"Do you think mother might throw a fit if I were to leave early?" Koru asked his half-distracted brother, his tone revealing the pointlessness of the question.
"Might throw a fit? She'll be livid," Vatek scoffed a laugh at his brother, nudging his shoulder. "Try to hang in there at least until the sun's fully down so she won't chew me out for letting you go, yeah?"
"Mmh," the duve hummed and his brother was already laughing at some conversation Koru didn't care enough to listen to over the cacophony of noise he was already subjected to. His scarab beetle earring glinted in the candlelight as he turned his head to watch the incoming performer. 

–

Xayah had never traveled far from the continent of her birth. There were plenty of jobs for her to do there to keep herself afloat right where she was at, plenty of prissy nobles that would hire her for their amusement or benefit. Dancing and singing was a fun thing to learn how to do, when done for fun and leisure instead of necessity. Tutoring slacking noble children was another paid job Xayah found herself doing often; the parents favored her sternness when it came to ensuring their children weren’t at the same level as the common folk. Ironic, given it was a commoner teaching their children history and various other lessons. 

She detested them. All of them; not a single one of them was spared from her well hidden hatred and ire. The lifelong resentment she held for nobles was one born out of pain and suffering- let alone her view on the royal house itself and its members. There was nothing anyone could say, nothing any of them could do that would remove this bitter hatred of hers. And yet, she longed for and craved the very riches and power of these royals and nobles. Wished to be like them.

Taking their gold for any and all jobs they felt like throwing money at for someone else to do was an easy way for her to scrounge up every coin she possibly could. It was this very thing that had led to the discovery of an ad; one for a large, very rich noble family in Thedale. They were seeking out performers of all types, offering to pay a hefty price to those who were hired and proved they were worth it. The runner had never had a reason to leave her homeland before… but her eyes sparkled at the potential fortune she could make, her claws itching to shove the gold away where only she could find it. Xayah would be their songbird for a price.

This is how she found herself hot and miserable in Thedale some weeks later. Having a thin coat was horrid during the winter, but right now? Now it was a gift from the gods themselves to spare her any further suffering under the unrelenting sun and heat. Though, with the setting sun the runner found an increasing sense of relief as temperatures cooled.

It wasn’t hard to find where the a required her to be; there was an entire swarm of guests and performers gradually filing into a lavish building. Surely, where the Kalil family called home. Many of the other performers were bright and colorful, some even using little flares of magic to accent their performances and keep the attention on them. The usual, nasty flare of jealousy that always popped up when seeing magic was easily ignored as Xayah instead focused on her surroundings. Took in the sheer size and beauty of the Kalil home. Lavish was an understatement, and even the most stupid of people would be able to understand the sheer amount of work that was likely needed to get it to such a state. 

Admiring the carvings in the stone led her away from the swarm, dual toned eyes focused on the details before she redirected her attention once more. Tried to spot the hosts of this lavish gathering. Simple enough; just spot the most lavishly dressed and decorated reos here. Though… it seemed to simply be other performers and whatnot right now. Their hosts were likely further inside, waiting for their entertainment to come through the doors and begin the show. 

“Xayah?” Someone called, drawing her attention to what seemed to be a check in person. One of several, actually. Maybe this wouldn’t be a completely disorganized mess, then.

“That would be me.” Xayah confirmed as she trotted up, gold clinking with each step. Not that it could be heard over the general chatter in the room.

“Perfect. Thank you for making it to our esteemed celebration. If you could follow those singers and dancers over there, you’ll find where you and the others will be able to perform and rest between acts.” The vayron instructed, pointing to where a separate, smaller stream of performers were going.

A word of thanks later, and Xayah was quickly following the rest of the singers and dancers. The performance she would be putting on tonight wouldn’t have any dancing, so she didn’t have to worry too much about pacing herself to make it through the night. Walking through the doors revealed a larger room, the runner immediately realizing they were now walking past their hosts and their other noble guests. Now she could observe them as she wished, sharp gaze scanning the room to see if she could spot the Kalil family members. Not that she knew anything about them in the slightest beyond them being rich enough to afford to pay everyone here a decent wage.

Xayah’s expression remained blank, dismissive even as she regarded the nobles. Many were making conversation amongst themselves, not even sparing the performers a glance as they passed. Others, though… they were watching them pass by rather intently. Xayah locked eyes with some doing just that, her own narrowing slightly before she continued to look at the rest of the group lounging. The usual noble sons, from the looks of it. Though, one had a shawl that seemed to be embroidered with runes. It was his scarab earring that initially caught her attention, but the runes along that shawl of his? Oh, she wanted to borrow it to look it over and decipher what it could possibly mean.

Xayah’s ears perked some, expression shifting more to curiosity as she looked at the shawl and kinda looked at its owner. Likely a noble son who didn’t grasp the importance of what he had wrapped around his neck. A shame, really. Passing by the group wasn’t exactly the time to stop and demand information. Especially not in a noble house she was unfamiliar with, in a land she was foreign to. Perhaps she could recreate them from memory to find in the archives later on.

—

As the night went on, the sun had completely fallen behind the horizon and all the magical lights of the palace shone in all their glory. Candles, sparks, fireflies, the ambiance was moody and the people were at their happiest socializing and wandering about the palace. At the terrace, a Thedalian dancer was performing on the terrace, dressed in deep ruby red, complementing the obsidian scales covering her body. The rhythmic jingle of her gold jewelry was mesmerizing to the crowd, each watching with fascination as she moved like water around the stage. Vatek had some pretty lady leaning on the back of the couch to purr some compliments and Koru had to turn his head to hide his discomfort. His brothers were so easy-going about their physical charms, loving the showered attention. 

“You look miserable,” Vatek spoke suddenly, turning Koru’s head. “Why don’t you actually try to talk to someone tonight?”

“If you’re implying what I think you are, I believe you’ve forgotten who you’re talking to,” Koru replied deadpan and Vatek guffawed at his brother’s seriousness. 

“It’s like trying to put a cat in a bath with you,” he laughed, shuffling closer to his brother. “Come now, you must see someone here you don’t hate, no? That runner over there,” he nudged his eyes towards the corner of the terrace, “has had her eyes on you all evening. You should at least go talk. You’ll make mother happier- me happier.” Vatek tugged at what bond lied between them, and Koru barely gave the runner a glance. There she was indeed; a sleek vayron, coat as verdant at jade, with gold and white silks decorating her whole body. Koru didn’t catch much else about her in his brief glance.

“No?” Vatek deducted, defeated. “Ahh, well, worth a try.”

“A try you give each time,” Koru added, taking a sip of his drink. A mix of exotic fruit, some manner of refreshing juice his brothers preferred alcoholic. 

“Because I don’t want you to sit by yourself, brooding or whatever it is you do in your head,” Vatek pushed against his brother’s side, while Koru’s eyes laid onto the candles on the table, watching the flickering flame with more fascination than the obsidian Omii’Shen who had finished her performance. 

“The night’s young, so try to live a little. You’re getting a bit old to play shy anymore,” Vatek joked, before his brothers all brought attention to a newcomer to the terrace crowds. 

A vayron vibrant and radiant, with a confident air about her enough to draw the eyes after her as she walked. Pink, turquoise, and gold as much on her body as was on her jewelry. Vatek and the brothers watched with smiles as any young and brazen man would. Koru’s reaction was slower, his jade earring glistening as he pulled his eyes from the flame to meet the vayron. There was something fierce about her and those two-colored eyes.

—

Due to Xayah simply singing and nothing more, she and a few other performers had come to an agreement. She would sing, and they would dance or play instruments on a different terrace to help add to her performance. In exchange, she would provide additional vocals to their own performances. Something she was more than fine with; the more she put herself out there, the more likely she was to be hired. Networking with other performers was always smart to do. Even now as she looked around and waited for the dancer to finish her number, she could see other agreements being struck.

“They looked at me! Oh, I hope they're kind. Do I look okay? I want to make a good impression- I think they like me!” One dancer gushed, all sorts of fluttery and bashful as she peeked at the noblemen below. “Do you think I have a chance? They've spoken to other-”

“A chance at what, exactly?” Xayah asked from where she was resting, expression twisting with distaste at the very idea of what this dancer was implying. “That they whisk you away into their world? They've been eyeing every pretty performer tonight like they're a piece of meat, yourself included. If you're lucky, they might even acknowledge you in the morning if you somehow score a night with them.”

She shook her head, a disgusted snort of sorts leaving her as she turned her attention away from the shocked dancer. “Why would you want that anyways?”

“Why would- who wouldn't want a scrap of even something?” The dancer asked, shocked and increasingly indignant at the way Xayah had spoken to her. Had drawn attention to their conversation simply by being so dismissive. “Everyone here is hoping for some kind of chance to get in good with the Kalil family- especially the unwed sons. Everyone knows they're due to marry and their parents are getting desperate.”

“Well, I don't particularly care. I would rather take as much gold as they're willing to pay me, and carve out a life for myself. I'm not so desperate for a status boost to grovel at the chance to maybe catch a noble man's attention.” A disgusted look was sent to the dancer, Xayah officially looking down on her for now being so pathetic in her eyes. “I've worked in royal houses for nobles for years. I've been propositioned and offered betrothals in the past, all of which I've refused. I will not allow myself to be some pretty toy to entertain before eventually being discarded.”

Her words were a hiss, dripping with venom and vitriol at the very idea. No. Never would she subject herself to that level of desperate. One generation of suffering and longing was more than enough for her to refuse to repeat the cycle.

“Xayah, you're on in just a minute.” A vayron said, drawing her attention away from the conversation at hand. If she'd even call it that, really. 

The singer didn't give the other woman so much as a second glance before getting up to be ready to step out as soon as the dancer was done. Which, she'd put on a wonderful performance. Xayah's favorite part about events like these was being able to see the talents of other performers. She made it a point to give her appreciation to the dancer when the winded woman came through, then was striding out to take the terrace.

Xayah barely regarded the nobles that were staring at her- beyond a child that seemed oh so starry eyed at the performances. The singer was not immune to the innocence of childhood, her expression softening just enough to give the young noble a tiny smile before returning to stony neutrality once she looked ahead again. 

Sharp eyes briefly scanned the rest of the terrace crowd, spotting the older nobles with their brazen smiles as they looked at her. Like a prime piece of meat, just like she'd said to the dancer. Though, the one with the rune scarf she was itching to get her claws on seemed rather miserable or bored. 

It didn't hold a spot in her mind long enough for her to dwell on it before she started her number; elegant voice ringing clear as she sang for her audience and focused on nothing more. 

Her focus was on her song, and before too long she was finishing up and turning to leave the terrace, quietly wishing the next performer luck as they passed each other. A cool drink waited for her once tucked away, and she gave thanks to the ones congratulating her on a job well done. Every performer- regardless of how they may personally feel about each other- supports each other in events such as these. 

—

For every beauty that came and went through the terrace, Koru held little intrigue for them. Sure, they were talented, but dazzling clothes and alluring eyes weren’t appealing to him the same way his brothers reveled in them. When Xayah came out for her performance, Koru had expected the usual pleasing smile and attention on the passing nobles, but the runner carried herself through the people with little intention to show affection. The fleeting smile to the child did not go unnoticed by Koru, as he watched the small interaction. The performer took her stage and another song began, playing rich notes all throughout the terrace, soon followed by her voice. Captivating in both appearance and voice, Xayah enamored many young and wealthy guests in the crowd, as well as a couple of his brothers, who watched with smiles. Clipped ear perked, Koru sighed to himself, closing his eyes to enjoy the song. Vatek wasn’t lost on his brother’s attention to the performer, giving the duve a look though he couldn’t see it.
When Xayah’s time came to an end, the runner gave her thanks to the pleased crowd, one of Koru’s brother’s even beckoning her for another song, but the runner politely refused, She needed a drink and a break for her throat, and frankly, staying to sing songs at a table of self-important rich men was the last thing she wanted. With a sweep of her turquoise tail around the corner, she was gone to rest and find her next stage to perform in. 

"Look at you actually enjoying something," one of Koru's brothers pointed out out loud. "Finally found a face you like? She seems shy, but I'm sure she'll sing another song, they all want the money after all." 

Vatek kicked his brother playfully, earning a snicker. "Are you blind? It's the song he liked," the older brother looked at Koru, who glanced back mildly indignant, mostly keeping to his neutral appearances. "Voice like a songbird, that one."
"Irksome, the both of you," Koru groaned and the other brother laughed. Finishing his drink in a large dip, the duve finally stood from his spot. It felt like tearing a tree off its roots, but Koru needed space from his obnoxious brothers. The drinks were getting to their heads, no matter how their parents detested them being drunk in the slightest. Vatek may have been the only one keeping to that responsibility, but it didn't mean he was any better.
"Hiding away so soon?" Vatek assumed with a look on his face. Koru didn't much care for that look- the sorry, pitying, even bothered look.
"I'm going to see mother and father," Koru replied, tidying his fur with a paw. "Best I make an appearance now, lest they think I did." He left the terrace with his brothers’ voices fading off into the noise behind him. The inside of the palace was bustling with people mingling among one another, taking every chance they managed to build new contacts amongst each other. Honestly, every event the Kalils threw was just another business venture for some people. Koru detested the fact, but not much else could be expected from their status. 

As he passed people, everyone turned their heads to the young Kalil, one of the black sheep of the family some say. His coat and attire were nothing short of recognizable, so he had to pass his greetings and nods at the occasional passerby. His parents were at the heart of the palace, likely sore from all the talking they’re doing to each and every guest. Though that was unlikely, knowing they do this each event. 

During Xayah’s break, one of the organizers of each performance came into the room, knocking half-hastily. “Xayah?- Xayah, you’ve been put to perform for Mr. and Mrs. Kalil in the dining hall, Miss Jhalise hasn’t arrived for her time. You’re music has been arranged there, do make haste.” And they were off. The other performers were murmuring amongst each other about the turn of events. The Kalil parents were the head of the family, and bought only specific performances they enjoyed, each hand picked and planned ahead of time. Someone must have put a good word in during this other singer’s absence.
Xayah had to pamper up and rush out to find the dining hall post-haste, with some guidance from other performers who knew the place better. Hallways of people began to feel more packed, with grand rooms passing by before she reached the central hallway, where two large double doorways stood, made of beautiful engravings and gold detailing. Outside the doors stood a very alert looking woman, holding a small clipboard as discreetly as she could to blend in. As soon as her eyes set on Xayah, which was admittedly sooner than Xayah had likely noticed her, she beckoned the runner over.
“Perfect, you’re here,” she looked at her list, “A tad tardy but that’s all and well,” muttering to herself in a fast manner. “I will go in and announce you, and you’ll step in when the door opens. You’re new to the palace, but I’m sure you can muster a composed appearance. No eyeing the hall or chatting with the guests, keep your attention on the Kalil’s. Just walk to the blossom on the floor, can’t miss it,” she instructed the runner and took a small bit of information to introduce her to the Kalils, before slipping inside the double doors like a mink. After a beat Xayah could hear the woman announce her arrival with a clear tone that quelled the chatting inside.
“Esteemed hosts, may I present to you; Xayah, hailing from Warrenfall, here to perform a song for you all.”
The doors opened for her, presenting the resplendent dining hall, filled with all manner of guests at the edges of the room. Low tables and cushions lined the sides and the end, where the parents sat, decorated with layers of silks, satin, embroidered in gold, with glimmering headpieces. You’d think them a king and queen from the sight of it. Beside them sat some close family she would assume, including the oldest son and his family. There were three young children, as well as a teen and an adult sitting by them, but their relations were lost to her.
The only familiar sight was the rune embroidered scarf and the vayron wearing it standing behind the Kalil parents off to the back. With a glint of his earring, his attention turned to the arriving runner. The Kalil parents looked to her with a mix of intrigue, expectation, as well as likely dislike for having someone not chosen by them be brought to perform. Yet they’d agreed to it for her to be here, more or less.

–

  Xayah hadn’t expected this turn of events. Performing with the rest and potentially scoring some new clients to hire her later? It was on her list of plans for sure. But this? Replacing a singer that’d been hired specifically by the Kalils to perform for them on a blossom of all things. Who could have vouched for her to replace the singer was beyond her, but turning down such an opportunity would be beyond foolish. So she hurried through freshening up, chugging down the last of her cooled water before rushing to where she’d been instructed to go. Her gold clinking together as she jogged was what announced her arrival before she got there.

The rundown the announcer gave her was all common knowledge to her, so she simply nodded. Go out, focus on Mr. and Mrs. Kalil and their family only, and get to singing. Much like she’d been doing this whole time, only with the very people who’d hired her and everyone else here. No pressure. Though, she didn’t feel anxious. Had this been early on in her career she would’ve been a ball of nerves, but now? Now it was simply another number.

The introduction to the hosts paired with the door opening was her cue, Xayah striding out in an unhurried fashion to approach the blossom that would be her stage. She kept her head high, gaze landing on the Kalil heads once she was close enough. Which really, it’d be impossible to mistake them for anyone else. They had the most expensive gold and silks adorning them out of everyone else here, surely. Though, a quick glance at the others immediately next to them showed what she was assuming were their children and grand-children. A sight that had her expression softening for just a moment once again before reached her blossom. 

Xayah gave no speech, no further introduction or flavor text if you will. She wasn’t blind. The lord and lady of the palace were clearly not thrilled by her presence, and wasting any further time trying to talk herself into their graces would blow up in her face. Proving they didn’t make a mistake in trusting her to replace their hired entertainment was the best option. 

Once again, the runner began her song. A different one from what Koru had heard before, but just as elegant. Longer than her other numbers as well. As she sang, Xayah allowed herself to periodically observe the nobles as they observed her. Which… my oh my, it was the duve male from before with the rune inscribed shawl and scarab earring. Sitting with the lord and lady of the palace; likely his parents or relatives in some way, if he was sitting so closely. That didn’t change anything about her non-existent opinion on him, though. He was pretty, as all nobles were in some way. Handsome, and if she dare say, melancholy in appearance. Like he’d rather be anywhere but here.

Nothing for her to truly dwell on. Noble children who longed for things other than a pampered life were nothing new to her. So Xayah continued her number, ending on a long note that rang out wonderfully in the large room after she finished. From there, she continued to sing however much more was needed and expected of her until her time was up. A real test of her song knowledge and variety. 

With a deep bow after her last song, Xayah thanked them for the honor to sing before them, then turned to leave through the open doors once more. A cold drink was calling to her, and she wanted to attempt to rest before rushing to her next performance. Someone else had likely filled the spot she would be at currently, so the runner was having to do some mental math of sorts to figure out what her next performance would be and how long she had until then to rest and get there on time.

—

After Xayah bowed and took her leave from the hall, Koru's parents shared a look amongst each other. A simple, barely noticeable expression to declare their opinions to each other. Koru watched as his father gave a subtle side nod, signaling he had no large complaint. His mother's lingering gaze spoke otherwise, until her head turned towards Koru's side, eyes cast to the table as she listened for her son, expression ever elegant, unreadable.
"A foreigner. You know her?" His mother stated plain, before asking with an expectant tone, almost distasteful of the thought
"No, mother," Koru downcast his eyes, before looking to her again, "only by her appearance at the terrace."
"Mm," she replied curtly. Her love for tradition, and specific songs held firm in her opinion of Xayah. During her songs, she had been quietly listening, intense gaze on the performer. Her attire was too much of a common showgirl for her taste, but no one in the room seemed to deny her voice the praise. Except Koru's mother, who only gave a polite half smile in courtesy as Xayah took her leave. Koru's father had enjoyed the performance more, as had the oldest son and his family. Not to mention the many nobles around the room with their own mixed feelings. Many were like his mother, and some older nobles may have turned their nose at her, but largely the performance was a success for her. Koru was glad of it.
"She is... different. She is no Jhalise," Koru's mother added, turning her attention back to the guests, as the next round of finger food was brought about. Koru said nothing to her statement, knowing there's no persuading her to change it. Quietly, he got off his cusion and left the dining hall. His mother's eyes followed him as he left through the double doors.
The night went on, with some guests taking their leave as the clock pressed midnight. Koru had made his visit to see Vatek and the others again, and was heading to his study to recuperate from the night of socializing. On his way, he saw a familiar glimpse of pink and turquoise, as Xayah was likely making her way back to the break room after another round of songs somewhere. She was hardworking, more than many others here, Koru noted. Many lingered, socialized, pampered the nobles with their attention and other surely charming methods, while this one made her presence, performed, and left as quickly as she'd come. Confident, sure of herself, and unafraid of a challenge thrown upon her. Something to set her apart from the others.
"Miss Xayah," Koru called out as she was getting near the room door. "I wanted to thank you for your performance to my parents. It was on short notice, but I am glad you were up for it." His voice was warm and sincere, his head nodding in a polite bow in his thanks. 

—

"Miss Xayah. I wanted to thank you for your performance to my parents. It was on short notice, but I am glad you were up for it." His voice was warm and sincere, his head nodding in a polite bow in his thanks. 

Xayah paused in her beeline for the breakroom, the cool drinks all but a sirens call to her once more. But hearing a warm voice call to her made her ears perk, the runner’s head all but snapping around to look at the new face. Or, not a new face actually. The Kalil relative- son, actually based off of what he’d said.

“It was no trouble,” Xayah assured him as she turned to face him, eyes flickering to his scarab and to his shawl briefly now that she was close enough to really see the details. “It was an honor to be given the chance to prove my skills, despite not being your parents' preferred taste.”

Xayah’s tail swayed some as she thought, eyes narrowing oh so slightly as she tilted her head while she regarded the noble son. Mulled over her question and the best way to approach it. He seemed mellow tempered, but she wasn’t so ignorant and bold to push that by being overly brash and familiar with a noble she didn’t know.

“... What is inscribed upon your shawl? I recognize it’s magical, but I am unfamiliar with its purpose and meaning. Does it serve a true purpose? Or is it simply for show?”

—

Koru gave a subtle smile and hum of approval as Xayah expressed her honors for the opportunity. The flick of her gaze to his earring, then shawl wasn't anything new to the duve, and he was prepared to dismiss it as another person simply having a better look at his peculiar attire. He was about to take his leave, when Xayah asked him a question. His shawl. For a split second he looked at the runner almost curiously, almost to wonder the depth of her question, before his eyes followed to the hanging end of the runed fabric, lifting it slightly as it glinted in the light. 

"Vita ex Cosmi oculo nata, Solis in ignes mittitur. Omnis homo fortunae suae fabricator est, lux astrorum fortuna caeca est," Koru recited fluently, before looking back at Xayah. "A life born from the eye of Cosmos, is cast in the fires of Sun. Every man is the maker of his fortune, and fortune is blind to the light of the stars." Translating the writing, he lowered his paw. "It is old writing I studied and took keenly to, along with those runes you recognize to mark many strings of magic." 

—

Xayah’s eyes lit up when he translated, her expression shifting to more open interest as he explained the meaning of the runes upon his shawl and their significance. It made several more questions pop up, all of them battling for the forefront of her mind as she eagerly slotted away the info. Made it a point to try to remember or write down what he said so she’d have greater success finding it in an archive later on. 

“Quite the quote.” Xayah mused, her focus only on his face for a moment longer before she looked to the shawl once more. Oh, how she wanted to look it over herself. See if she could feel the strum of magic imbued within the very threads, if it had any. “I’m afraid I am not currently familiar with whose writing that may be, but once I return home I will be searching some archives to perhaps read about it. Along with those runes, of course.”

Xayah gave him an incline of her head, enjoying this conversation however brief it may be, but wanting to rest and get something cool to drink before she continued her work. “Thank you for indulging my questions, my lord. If you’ll excuse me, I need to prepare for my next act. I hope you enjoy the rest of the festivities.”

–

Koru gave a smile at her genuine interest, pleasantly surprised though his composure scarcely gave it away. "If you're keen to learn, I would look for Suhr's work in the archive on the eastern isle of Warrenfall. Soleticus Suhr had vast collections on the study of primordial magic, though I'm unsure how much of the texts come with translation." Koru thought the last part almost to himself, but quickly pulled himself back to her. As Xayah excused herself, Koru gave her another polite nod. "Of course, don't let me keep you. It was a pleasure, miss Xayah." 

With their parting, Koru headed deeper into the palace where guests were no longer allowed, heading for his own vast quarters to dig into some of his old notes. The brief talk of magic had him feeling quite inspired to refresh his mind before sleep. Perhaps he himself will do some light reading on Suhr’s writings. Hopefully the bustle of the event will clear out early in the morning, he would much rather have the palace quiet when he wakes again.