#sleeeeeeeepy

The outpost loomed ahead as she walked down the wide path—trying not to drag her feet, and wondering if an amaro porter would have been a wiser option. Maybe she would see if there was one to be had for a quick ride back. She didn't like being this tired, but the mystery of what the Exarch wanted of her had piqued her curiosity more than just about anything else had since the shock of Emet's reveal. That had been stewing in the back of her head the past few days as they had traveled back. Between it and the Light, everything had gone half-numb.

Looking up into the blue sky though, it was a welcome relief from the Everlasting Light that had shown down before. That had to mean something, right? The people of this land all so much more joyful than before—which hadn't seemed possible. It was what kept each foot moving, one after another to see this task to it's conclusion, trusting in the man that was waving at her from a platform several above. He had said that he had a plan, one that required her not knowing it's machinations, one that required the trust she wasn't sure if she wanted to fully give, but had despite her misgivings. It had worked in Ala Mhigo with Moen's device, so maybe, just maybe it worked in that manner.

Rounding the final curve to the platform, the Exarch stood, almost distracted, staring out at the Crystal Tower. He reminded her of a statue more than a man, as she took the final steps to his side.

"Thank you for making the trek out here," his voice was soft and sincere breaking the silence. "I know it's not the most convenient location, but I wanted to be away from the prying eyes of the mean." He turned with a smile at that, the affection in his voice clear. He loved his people, and they loved him; that, Karo had never doubted from the moment she had walked into his city. Not really knowing what to say, Karo nodded with a small smile in return.

The moment stretched on for a beat, then two, before the awkwardness had them both turn away, the Exarch rubbing his arm self consciously, and Karo's tail flicking behind her.

"Ah, anyway, the reason I had asked you out here was to offer a gift," he had turned again to glance at her, a tad more sheepish and more unsure than she had seen him yet. That did explain the comment about away from the crystalline mean's eyes though—the one thing his people loved just after him was gossip.

As she tilted her hear in inquiry, he pulled the staff from his back, and looking to her again—perhaps for her reaction, or just to confirm it was ok, he tapped it to the ground, dispelling the spell that had been covering the surprise gift. There leaning upon the lamp post in front of them lay the most unique bow Karo had ever seen. Her feet were already taking her to it before she realized she was standing over it—the crystal it was made of sparkling in the sun matching the Tower behind it.

Spinning round she stared at the Exarch in shock. This bow was a work of art, but clearly made for use. She knew her face reflected her amazement as he gestured to it again as if to say "Pick it up, try it out". His body was still ridged with nervousness as she turned back to the longbow and lifted it.

She somehow wasn't surprised to find that the crafters had set in a weight reduction spell—the amount of crystal would have made the bow impossible to use otherwise. The grip was wrapped in soft leather with crystal inlay, the metal that the crystal was held by adorned with a beautiful star pattern. A quick atheric glance told her that the quiver was bespelled the same as every one that she had used to date with arrow returning magic.

Gently putting her Doman bow down, she slipped the quiver over her shoulder and pulled an arrow. Here it became obvious of the other reason he had chosen an outpost for the reveal—because what archer would want to wait to test the new?

Pulling the string back, the pull weight was a bit more than she was used to, but one that flexed her muscles, knowing this bow would pack that extra punch she had been hoping for with the new challenges that she had been facing. Aiming down the shaft, she found the archery targets the soldiers used—abandoned for the moment and let the arrow fly. A second later it hit the center with a solid thock—arrow buried halfway to the feathers. A couple of moments later it settled back into the quiver with a gentle click as the magic returned it.

"This is a princely gift," Karo had turned back to the Exarch, keeping him in her peripheral vision while she continued to examine the bow, running a hand along the blue edges. He hadn't changed his ridged stance, staff still grounded into the stone platform.

"You deserve it. It is the finest the craftsmen of the mean could make, the crystal from pieces fallen off the Tower itself. I hoped that the crystal being from your would would help with it's magical balance for you." If Karo had to wager a guess, the Exarch wasn't actually looking at her, but gazing downward. Despite not being able to see his eyes, he still moved as if people could still see his entire face. Sheathing the bow finally upon her back, she picked up the Doman one, ready to carry it back to the city.

"Thank you, truly," Karo reached up to place her hand over his crystal one still holding his staff. His head jerked to look directly at her even as she could feel the crystal flex slightly under her fingers—and what little of his face she could see flared as red as his sash. Finally cracking a smile, she gently squeezed his hand before letting go. "I'll treasure this and put it to good use."

"I'm—" the Exarch's voice cracked slightly before he cleared his throat. "I'm glad you like it. I hope it keeps you safe." Another smile shared, Karo nodded before starting back down the stairs. She wasn't quite sure what to make of the gift besides to be in a bit of shock about it—but she supposed it was nice to receive something to help her finish the task that had been set upon her. She picked up her step, eager to try it out more in a slightly more isolated area—perhaps she could see if Fort Jobb needed anything cleaned up? Tiredness was forgotten with the joy of a new tool, especially one as beautiful as the one now upon her back!