Meet back up with Xiaoqing.

Still garbed in her usual concealing coat and hat, Xiaoqing, also known as Xue, approaches where you stand. She gives you a nod, but otherwise doesn't yet speak. You look behind the cover, to all you can truly see--her irises like chestnuts beneath loose, pale blue bangs. They say eyes are a window into the soul. Though you haven't known her for long, you already see her rather different than most. While others see a mysterious man clad in dark, you see the lovely maiden inside--fair and kind, despite having suffered. Ice is cold. It can hurt, or leave a land desolate. Though it's also beautiful, like glistening crystal, and is nothing more than another facet of life.

Due to her mask, you can hardly notice her blushing.

"Why are you staring?" she asks quietly.

"You promised to stay with me today, right?" you respond with a question of your own. "Well I just look forward to it is all."

"Hmm. I see."

"You're far from where you first appeared in Abso, right? And you're amongst friends here. Sorry if this question is rude, but why do you still continue to hide your true self?"

She pinches the brim of her cap and tips a shadow over her eyes. "You should know by now that this world is unforgiving, and nowhere is far enough to run."

"Don't worry. I won't make you."

"... I understand what you're saying though. Just give me some time. Despite how I look, it feels like maybe you've adjusted to Absoterra more than I have. To be frank, I admire what you have here. You've seized control of your own life. And all these people, they care about you."

The inn doors open. Making her way out is Nyllia Tesgella, though as she comes, you notice her walking a bit strangely. After a brief limp, she takes a deep breath and returns to moving normally once more. She clears her throat awkwardly. "Thank you for waiting, Kyle, and it is wonderful to see you again, Xue."

Xiaoqing's eyes flicker up and down the elf's body. "Over night, I almost forgot just how lovely your dress is," she mutters.

"Thank you," says Nyllia with a curtsy. "It it perhaps my favourite garment I have ever owned, to be honest."

"Really?" you ask. "I hope you told Luna that."

"I did, but I shall again. The material is like a delicate kiss to all parts of my skin, and when I look myself in the mirror, I see--"

"A stunning woman, not just powerful, but beautiful as well," you finish her thought.

"To make a girl blush this early in the morning is not gentlemanly."

"You just made that up."

A quiet giggle comes from Xiaoqing, though she dismisses it as only a cough.

"Why don't you ask Luna for something when we get home?" you ask.

Xiaoqing shakes her head. "I'm not ready for that."

Nyllia, while knowing part of the truth, continues to hold her cards. But she still responds with, "We could always find something new for you to wear while we are here in Avana. Perhaps it will less stressful with only myself and Kyle here, instead of Castle Phoenix as a whole."

"I couldn't--" She whimpers. "It's just, I've never worn anything else," she lies.

"A proper gentleman should dress to impress, yes? I am sure under all that cover, you are a sweet, handsome man. I may even blush again. Hmm. How about this, Xue? I know a seamstress here in Avana. I trust her very much. We have plenty of time to waste anyhow, so we should make our way there, even if to simply browse. Whether you find something or not is not relevant. You could buy nothing at all. Sometimes the fun is looking."

You and Xiaoqing lock eyes. Without words, she nods in agreement, either surrendering to Nyllia's charisma, or accepting her own desires.