An impatient claw clicks against the gnarled armrest of an ornate wooden chair, illuminated by the emerald ambiance of blossom-adorned vines and tendrils that line the parlor, offering an organic and fragrant atmosphere. Despite his viridescent surroundings, Tomi's sharp, canid eyes remain fixed on his host, Lady Pisthelle, a middle-aged Verdatian woman of regal bearing. She stands before him, draped in a royal shawl, embroidered with the emblem of Lamina Town, pinned proudly to her shoulder.

Tomi's voice, deep and resonant, breaks the silence hanging in the air like a heavy tapestry. "Is something amiss, my lady?"

Utterly lost in listless thought, her company’s remark releases her from her stupor. She takes a seat and offers a concerned reply to the enigmatic visitor.  "Neia, neia, Amati. Just making sure everything is as it should be. I simply want relations with Alterra to be as strong as possible before we start making our moves."

Tomi, with a polite nod, inquires further, "Then surely everything in the documentation is as it should be, no?"

"Yes, Amati. All is fine. And Gorumand, he is ready to purchase?"

"Ye– Yes, my lady…"

Concern creeps into Lady Pisthelle's voice as she presses further, "Amati…?"

Pink petals, like gentle raindrops, fall from Lady Pisthelle's leafy brow, landing delicately upon the wooden desk between them. Tomi's tails, sprouting from his lower back, twitch in response to her unease. He offers her a reassuring smile and looks deep into the ivied absence that grants the sovereign her vision. 

"I assure you, my lady. The Blackout is in safe hands. Gourmand will accept the transaction, and you and I will be one step closer to realizing our dream," Tomi soothes.

Lady Pisthelle sighs and pushes the document toward Tomi, rising from her chair to gaze out of the window at a group of Verdatian children playing in the lush garden.

Tomi follows suit, rolling up the document and securing it with a small green ribbon before placing it in his bag. He walks up behind Lady Pisthelle and gingerly rests a hand on her knobbly shoulder.

"You worry far too much, Laela…" Tomi murmurs, his voice humming with empathy.

Lady Pisthelle covers Tomi's hand with her own leafy palm. "Not everyone has your carefree spirit, Amati. The burden I bear to protect my people weighs heavy in my breast each and every day."

"The burden we bear, you mean. We're in this together, Laela. Or need I remind you again?" he teases, tails bristling at her remark.

Lady Pisthelle turns to face Tomi, a leafy smile gracing her features. "You're right. I can't even begin to imagine how turning against someone like your mother must encumber your soul."

Tomi's smirk evolves into a wide, fang-filled grin. "It's all about perspective, love. I have faith enough in your prophecy to put my life on the line as necessary. As long as we do as instructed, all should be well, right?"

Lady Pisthelle chuckles at Tomi's words. "Absolutely, my well-spoken friend."

"Fantastic. Now there is simply the matter of payment…"

Lady Pisthelle reaches into her pocket and retrieves a modest pouch filled with jingling coins. She hands it to Tomi with a playful grin. "Of course, Amati. Always the Skaia scrounger."

Tomi accepts the pouch with a flourish, offering an exaggerated bow that elicits a genuine laugh from the foliated monarch.

"Cheers, Milady!" 

Laela leans in, her voice filled with sarcastic admonishment. "I must wonder wherever you found the gall to speak to me so informally, Amati. I am still Lord and Lady of the Verdancy."

"I imagine I must’ve picked it up after spending the past four years exploring her majesty’s greenery." He punctuates his remark with a sly wink, prompting a subtle shift in the variegation on Laela’s face.

"Yes–well… Guards! Come take this haul to Amati’s carriage!" Laela commands.

Two robust Oaken guards swiftly appear, carrying away several black boxes from the parlor.

As the guards exit the estate, Laela turns her attention back to Tomi. "Will that be all from you today, Sir?"

"Actually, Laela, I require one more thing from you."

"And what might that be?"

"I need your signature on a blank so I can forge a diplomatic visa from Alterra to Dendra," Tomi admits.

"You can’t jump?" Laela asks with a raised brow.

"Not after I take The Blackout to Alterra. I’ll have expended my tails, and I need to get there by week’s end."

"I see…" Laela muses. She returns to her desk, retrieves a blank sheet of paper from a drawer, and signs it at the bottom. The seal of Mestria Estate is stamped onto the paper.

"What’s in Dendra that’s so important anyway?" she inquires.

"I have to pay a visit to an old friend. But my real goal lies in Lesourdo East." he responds with a cryptic tone. 

Laela, puzzled, questions further, "Lesourdo East? That area is uninhabited, no?"

Tomi's grin widens as he shares his intentions. "Not for much longer, my dear."

As Laela hands him the signed charter, she playfully suggests, "You know I could just have a visa made for you, Tomi?"

Tomi chuckles, offering a mirthful response. "Yes, but where’s the fun in that?"

Laela joins in the laughter. "Never change, Amati."

"Never, never, always, and forever," Tomi replies with a warm smile. He gives her a quick hug before bounding towards the estate's exit.

"Safe travels, my friend!" Laela calls after him, waving a boughy goodbye to the Kytsune.