Follow the dryad yet again.

It feels as if it hasn't been long since the last time Peony served as your guide through the wilderness around Castle Phoenix, though this time, it's in the opposite direction as Gobiidae. Before you know it, you're back on the road again. This time, she takes you straight down a hill that would be tricky for anybody else, but here you have a woman purely of nature, and yourself, who has been in far more precarious situations than a slight incline of loose rubble and tree roots.

Peony hums a gleeful tune as she weaves through the obstacles ahead with ease. Then after a moment longer, the ground evens out, and you're greeted with a sight that somewhat resembles where you spend time with Eva before, though this clearing is far wider.

There are flowers, though they mostly follow the perimeter, and they're orange and nearly as tall as you. Meanwhile, a stream runs between the trunks of the trees, and carves out through part of the clearing--sun's rays causing one curve of the water to glisten as if it were filled with diamonds. Otherwise, the grass is short, especially around the center, and while there's no specific place to sit, Peony rests down cross-legged right in the middle. She watches you with a smile, with no impatient or expectations, as if she's just enjoying that you're there. Nothing bothers her, and nothing is bothered by her either, as evident by the butterfly that has just landed atop her head. This is her element.

You touch your hand to your chest. "Sorry I'm not wearing the armour," you say.

"That's okay, m'lord." Imitating you, she places her hand upon her own chest. "I don't wear anything normally, so I can't blame you. Plus, there are trees everywhere!"

You stare up through the large clearing in the canopy above you. There are more clouds present now, though the sun still shines bright. Several birds fly past. As you remain there staring, you hardly even notice the butterfly land on your stomach. You look down to see that the one on Peony is no longer present. It must have moved.

Peony giggles.

Time passes, though not long. The two of you remain sitting in the grass as you wait. Finally, emerging from a sudden poof of smoke comes Yin, fortunately able to skip the journey down the hillside, presumably having teleported from the top. However, she's not dressed as a maid any longer. Her short, curvy body is garbed by a modest, pure white sundress with straps over her shoulders and a tiny golden bow between her chest. A wide-brimmed sunhat rests on her head. Fashionable flats with matching tiny bows decorate her feet as well. In addition, her hair has been clearly styled with some sort of product, as it has a subtle wave that isn't normally present, and dark lines trace her eyes. There isn't more makeup than that, yet it causes her beautiful eyes to become even more captivating than normal, and the white fabric over her stark red skin contrasts perfectly.

Peony is the first to stand. Her mouth opens wide, and she claps her hands together excitedly. "Ohh, you're so cute!"

You stand next. "Wow. You really are. I mean, you always are, but my heart really skipped a beat seeing you like this, Yin. You're truly beautiful."

Like an arrow was just shot straight through her heart, Yin stumbles, and slaps her hands softly against her blushing cheeks. "Oh gosh. Oh gosh. Oh gosh," she mutters under her breath. Then she clears her throat. "Th-Thank you... M-Master."

"You're both on your own now. I'll come back when you're done," Peony says without hesitation. She walks quickly towards the trees, and disappears almost immediately.

That was fast.

That leaves you with just the lovely Yin. A gentle breeze causes the hem of her dress to wave like the ocean, or soft white clouds. She stares in silence for longer than she should, which causes her to feel even more embarrassed. However, you aren't one to leave her struggling. Since she isn't going to do anything, you step forwards, and take a gentle grip of both her hands. They're warm, as always, yet not as warm as the smile she gives you just then.

"I..." She takes a moment of struggle before speaking. "This body. Red skin, horns. I was worried that nobody would--"

You place your hand beneath her chin with your thumb against it, and use this to gesture her head slightly up. Then you stare down into her golden eyes, wait a moment, and then push your lips against hers.

"Thank you for coming here with me," you whisper.

Her eyes suddenly roll back. Thankfully, you're fast enough to catch her as she begins to fall.

She pulls from your grip and stands up straight. "Oh no, I just fainted a little!" she exclaims. "I'm so sorry, Master!" Naturally, she begins to bow apologetically.

You put your hand on your head and chuckle. "Yin, you need to stop being so precious or I'll be the one who faints."

Yin smiles nervously. "S-Sorry."

"Just relax. Let's enjoy the rest of the afternoon, all right?"

"Yes please, Master."

"You know, you can call me Kyle at least once in awhile. I feel like if we're gonna be on a date, maybe that's an appropriate time?"

"Uhm. But I like calling you master, Master."

"All right, all right. You say what makes you happy."

Yin steps closer. She's mustered up the bravery to finally make a move of her own. The brim of her hat pushes back as she bends slightly to lay her head against your chest. "Mmm. This is such a good surprise. I'm so happy you agreed to come here with me, Master Kyle."