Welcome to Gaia! ::

West scoffed softly, shaking his head at Gene's joke. "Yes, it's..." he began, looking over at Mot. "Forget it." He peered down at his clasped hands, rubbing his palms together before twining his fingers again. "Is there anything you can do to help our fair Tortoise? Some sort of handsy ability bestowed upon you by our lovely..."

His sarcasm dried up as the very person he had been about to name stepped back into the garden. As she made her way through the crowd and touched his shoulder, West found he had nothing important to say after all. His king was here and he was calm.

Was. That knowing expression had stayed on Shun even as he answered, telling her exactly what she expected to hear. But there would be no time to explain, as the Queen returned in tatters, and spoke to the congregation. Riley listened, and caught wind of the conversation between men nearby as well. She looked up, and her eyes settled on Mot for a moment, clearly happy to see he was all right. She shoved her thoughts aside, focusing on the Queen just enough to realize that the problem they'd been trying to solve was hers to mend. Riley pushed herself back up to her feet, and picked up the shoes she'd taken off and laid beside her. She put them directly in front of the Queen, and bowed her head respectfully, before lifting her eyes up to the woman with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

When she turned to walk away, she picked up the tea that Gene had finished for her, murmuring a heartfelt thanks for it. She took it away, holding it at her side to imbibe it while standing beside Shun, waiting for him to reprimand her. She knew it was coming. She didn't mind.

Regardless of what West wanted, Gene actually did make a gunpowder tea for the fireworks boy. He had gone and fought hard as well, he deserved something for his effort.

She stopped in her motions as the King passed, squeezing her hand in reassurance. It seemed that all was okay, with her smiling and general demeanor. Perhaps they wouldn't fall this night, then? She should hope not - how furious would the ancestors be?

Oh, right...tea.

"My pleasure, Riley." Gene whispered, nodding before turning to West and Mot again. "Sores and aches...? I suppose I have a few, yes."

Terra came back with a tray of tea things, a pair of shoes and several servants following her. "Honorable Phoenix, your clothes and a bath have been prepared," she said with a bow to Levi before she offered the shoes--and realized Riley had already handed over her own. "Should I give these to Honorable Tortoise?" she asked instead.

She still had to deliver the tea supplies, she thought, her mind whirling with her jobs. It was good she was good at multitasking.

Shun lifted his head as he heard their King enter the gardens. Quietly, he nodded to her, then turn his attention back to his tea. That was, until he heard Riley speaking to him. He raised an eyebrow at her as she emphasized the 'was' she had replied with.

And then she went on and gave Levi her shoes.

"Terra already went to fetch her new clothing and shoes. You're better off keeping those," he muttered under his breath while taking a sip of his tea. Someone sounded a little grumpy, but the Tiger rarely was in a cheerful mood anyway.

Sure enough, the handmaiden had returned with the things.

Regarding the question of those with bumps and bruises, well he felt that he could certainly feel a bit better himself, but there were those who were worse for wear.

An eyebrow raised in alarm was the best expression that Damien could put on as the vixen of tea leaves known as Gene listed off he ingredients in her brew.

And gave a sour look of apprehension at whatever might be steeping in his cup. "you make an..............................iiinteresting concotion, Miss Gene." he managed to eek out before looking as crude as possible, fishing around in his teacup with his spoon for anything that could scrape or cut the roof of his mouth.

He was seriously questioning if he should create a patch solely for the purpose of growing tea leaves on premises.

Welcome back! Levi couldn't have been more relieved when Xiu arrived in the gardens, looking completely without injury. Thank goodness. She wrapped a free arm around the girl in an embrace where she sat before the King went along checking through the rest of their comrades.

It was just in time for help to come her way as well. That would be wonderful, Terra. Thank you for your hard work. Offering the handmaiden a smile to mirror her thanks as she left, Levi continued to toil with her hair, keeping it well out of the way so she could enjoy her tea.

The sister Tortoise then approached her, Levi's eyes questioning if anything was the matter. Before the Phoenix could open her mouth to ask, Riley lay before her, shoes placed at her feet. The offer was an act of pure selflessness, but Levi felt compelled that she couldn't possibly accept. This is too gracious an offer, dear Riley. But you must also have something to wear outside these walls. Leaning down to place a hand at Riley's chin, Levi gave the Tortoise a grin before taking back her hand. Please take care of yourself as well. It is the greatest gift you could give me.

Upon Terra's return, the Phoenix nodded. Yes, please. Give her the newest shoes so that the wear and tear of her past actions for the sake of the kingdom will not burden her further. I would be glad to accept her kindness so long as she will accept my thanks in return. Levi spoke to Terra directly, keeping eye contact on the hand maiden, until she turned to the Tortoise, a sly smirk overtaking her expression.

I will take my leave then for a bath and ponder further about this newly acquired news. Levi took up Riley's slippers, placing them on each foot before standing and making her way towards the palace entry with two servants at her sides.