"Flattery only works on those who don't use it very often," Ran warned, but seemed pleased nonetheless as she stepped out into the night air — and paused on the stone of the front steps, staring up at the cloudy sky.

True clouds, not mist, and in a real sky... with a real moon, no less. Things that until now she'd only seen and remembered in dreams.

Ran drew in a deep, shuddering breath, her gaze fixed on the half-hidden moon despite the way the light made her eyes smart with tears. "It's... beautiful."