Kouign-Amann Cookie had left her water, food, and clothes, telling her to come out as soon or late as she wanted. Though she was thankful for the privacy, she still felt nauseous and wanted to pretend this was a dream. The memory loss was, understandably, stressing her out more than she'd like to admit. Everything seemed to blur together into one single alien line.

Starshine Cookie shivered a little as she shakily stepped out the bed and her feet hit the cold marble floor. 

She immediatley fell down. 

Cursing, she hoisted herself up by the bed as much as she could, taking a few cautious steps. Walking felt weird.

The room was big, and the space felt empty as she walked over to a tall, silver framed mirror that just so happened to stand in a corner. How coventient. Next to it was a stool with the clothes. Everything looked so fancy and lush, but that didn't have to be everyone's style.

She looked in the mirror. And it was... well, her, she assumed.

Soft, long blonde locks that curled a little at the ends. Scars littered her leanly muscular arms and entire body, and she wondered where she got them from. One was deeper or smaller than the other, most almost star-shaped, but all the same were they old and healed. Her own silverish-grey eyes were staring right back at her, seeming to contrast starkly with her gold hair.

All in all, she had to admit she didn't look that bad.

Starshine Cookie put on the clothing Kouign-Amann Cookie had given her. Long white jumpsuit, darker vest with embedded loop patterns and combat boots. A bit formal, but she suppose it would be considered loungewear in this place.

As much as she had found the other female's attire suited her, she was glad she didn't get something similar to that herself. She had a feeling she disliked dresses.

Starshine Cookie took a deep breath. Ready now.

She stepped out the room, closing the door softly behind her. The hallway stretched widely, gleaming under the afternoon light filtering through the tall windows. Everything about this place was delicate and refined ― almost impossibly perfect.

Kouign-Amann Cookie stood a few steps away, hands folded neatly in front of her. She had been fiddling with her dress, but when she looked up a small, kind smile was on her face. "Good to see you."

Her tone almost tilted a little, and Starshine Cookie couldn't help but wonder why.

The paladin took out a small piece of fabric from behind her and placed it into Starshine Cookie's hands. Very light, not even the weight of a berry. A ribbon. The color of snow and just as soft as it.

"It's yours. It was in your hair when we... when you were found. I thought perhaps you would have wanted it back."

Starshine Cookie shifted on her feet, looking at the ribbon for a long time before pocketing it. "Yes," she cleared her throat. "So... what now?"

"A tour. There's much to see, but we'll go at your pace." Kouign-Amann Cookie turned, leaving Starshine Cookie no option but to follow her.

They walked in silence for a moment, their steps echoing against the polished floor. Starshine Cookie's muscles were still slightly tense, and though she moved with more ease now (thankfully not falling flat onto her face), she still felt uncomfortable. She kept her gaze low.

"You're free to ask anything." Kouign-Amann Cookie said as they neared a tall archway leading into another corridor. "I know you must be overwhelmed."

"That's an understatement." Starshine Cookie heard herself muttering, to which the other let out a breathy chuckle. "Fair enough."

The corridor led into an open balcony overlooking the heart of the republic. Below, elegantly dressed Cookies moved along, their conversations blending together. The city stretched out in delicate curves, a combination of rich colors and golden accents.

Starshine Cookie leaned against the railing, eyeing the scene with both curiosity and discomfort. "Is it always this busy?"

"More or less." Kouign-Amann Cookie answered. "The Crème Republic thrives on trade, diplomacy, and knowledge. There are always discussions happening, deals being made, ideals being shared and whatnot."

Starshine Cookie frowned. That all sounded foreign. Or maybe too familiar? Ack, she didn't know. Frustration bubbled up in her chest as she barely managed to grasp one thought before the other slipped through her fingers.

"Is there something wrong?"

She blinked, realizing Kouign-Amann Cookie was watching her. Exhaling, she shook her head. "Simply... trying to take it all in. It's odd."

Kouign-Amann Cookie merely nodded.

They moved through a grand hallway with intricate paintings. Starshine Cookie found herself drawn to one in particular ― a depiction of a battlefield, Cookies clashing their swords and spears together in a swirl of motion and energy. The artist had captured every detail wonderfully, from the tension in their stances to the raging storms in their eyes.

She stared at it longer than she meant to. Her fingers twitched at her sides.

"Do you like history?" Kouign-Amann Cookie piped up.

The grey-eyed female hesitated, shrugging. "I wouldn't know."

How could one conjure up such real-looking emotions with just paint and a few brushes?

A pause.

Tilting her head slightly, Kouign-Amann Cookie stared at her. "You are looking at that painting like it made you recognize something."

Starshine Cookie's jaw tightened. She had no answer to that.

The paladin was silent, then hummed and continued walking. Starshine Cookie let out a breath before following, glad the woman wasn't noisy.

The pair passed through another set of doors, revealing a quieter part of the republic ― a garden enclosed by marble walls, fountains trickling gently as few Cookies here and there chatted and enjoyed tea at shaded tables. The atmosphere here was different. More... serene.

"This is one of the private courtyards," Kouign-Amann Cookie explained. "A place to step away from politics and the usual busy life. Even the consul himself comes here when he needs a moment to himself."

Starshine Cookie could hardly imagine the blonde male that was so composed find comfort in a garden. Though she could see his facade was so obviously fake, or at the very least practiced, she thought he'd like reading a book in his chambers more.

She felt her shoulders relax, if only slightly. The scent of flowers... she liked it. It was calming, and peaceful.

Kouign-Amann Cookie stopped near a bench and gestured for her to sit down if she wanted. Starshine Cookie hesitated yet again, before lowering herself onto the cool stone surface.

They sat in silence for a while.

"You don't talk much." The paladin said. It wasn't judgement, Starshine Cookie had to remind herself ― just observation.

She tilted her head. "Neither do you."

"Touché."

A breeze passed through, making the leaves rustle and the faint buzz of conversation seem even more distant. Starshine Cookie traced a thin cut on her hand, the sensation bringing her comfort. Her mind was a blur, but at least she could be at peace for just a fleeting moment.