Get cleaned up.

You groan as the sun shines bright through the window above your bed. Outside is a song of birds. It's a lovely, pleasant sound, though what transcends that is the gentle breathing of the elf wrapped around your chest, snuggled up comfortably beside you. Her hand tenderly caresses your torso, and when you glance over, you can see she's already awake, watching and waiting. She smiles.

"Mmm. Ero King," she whispers. "That jest was made already, yes?"

"Sadly."

"We have a long day ahead of us."

"And I can't wait."

You both glance to the door in unison as the knob turns. It opens slowly and carefully. First you see a horn, and then the face of the copper dragon maid from last evening. She stares back. Then one step at a time, she makes her way in to return your clothing carefully onto the dresser top--of which is still a mess from the night prior. She shyly pats it, says nothing, and steps backwards through the exit, shutting the door in her wake.

"... Oh, nice. So she did come get our stuff at some point," you say. "That's kind of her."

"We should find Xue."

"You're right. I know he's a loner, but I still don't want him to stay along for long."

She slips from your body, and swings her legs off the side of the bed. "Mm. You should spend much of your time before the coming of the queen today with him." Her eyes remain on yours for a moment, as if to speak something without words.

"Do you--"

"You should not think me a fool, Kyle Warren. I did not notice straight away, but it also did not take me long. There is more to Xue than meets the eye."

"I should have known better than to keep a secret from the great Lady Tesgella."

She smiles. But then as she stands, she freezes in place. Her knees wobble. After clearing her throat, she turns a bashful eye back to you and whispers, "I think... perhaps you have left me rather sore this morning."

"Ah, sorry about that--"

"Do not apologize. This was my doing. Mm. Well now as we listen to the queen's speech, I will be thinking mostly of you."

The two of you don't immediately depart. Given all that transpired, washing up is required. Thankfully your clothing is clean and smells quite lovely thanks to the dragon maid. You're finished well before Nyllia, however, so you make your way outside to get some fresh air in the meantime.

On the way out, the copper dragon waves. "Thank you for staying with us, sir."

You smile and wave back. "And thank you for the service."

She blushes.

The streets outside as busier than before. Not only is everybody starting the day, but with the queen coming, the streets are filled with festivities. You lean against the wall a few steps from the doorway, and watch as people stroll past. Despite the destruction which befell Avana not long ago, spirits are strong. It's uplifting.

And it isn't long before you see a familiar figure approaching.