Kouign-Amann Cookie led Starshine Cookie further into the heart of the Creme Republic. The golden afternoon sunlight reflected off the pristine white stone of the buildings, and the faint murmur of the city hummed in the distance.

Starshine Cookie kept close to her guide, but not too close. The architecture of the city was grand and elegant, unlike anything she'd ever seen before. Then again, she wouldn't have known if she did. Her boots clicked against the stone as she walked, her steps measured but slightly stiff.

The paladin glanced at her. "You're walking like you're expecting something to happen." She noted with a light chuckle.

"...Habit, I suppose."

Kouign-Amann Cookie regarded her thoughtfully, but avoided her gaze just as quickly after that. She gestured toward a long colonnade up ahead. "Come on. We'll take the main route toward the city square. It's livelier there, but you'll get a good look at what life in the republic is like."

She nodded, following silently.

The colonnade opened up to a grand promenade lined with banners bearing the symbol of the Creme Republic - golden crest woven into royal blue and green fabric. The streets were wider here, and the number of Cookies passing by increased. Some were dressed in fine clothing, others in more casual attire like merchants or scholars. It wasn't overhwelming, but certainly different from the stillness of the garden.

She could feel eyes watching her. Not in hostility, but in curiosity. A stranger in the midst of them.

Kouign-Amann Cookie seemed to notice. "They'll get used to you." She assured. "Newcomers aren't common, but that doesn't mean you're unwelcome here."

"Right."

They continued on, passing by a long stretch of market stalls set up in the main square. The scent of fresh bread and roasted nuts filled the air, and the wind carried the murmur of bartering voices.

Kouign-Amann Cookie smiled. "Hungry?"

"No."

The shorter Cookie raised an eyebrow.

Starshine Cookie sighed. "Maybe."

Kouign-Amann Cookie chuckled and led her toward a vendor selling warm, honeyed pastries. The vendor, a cheerful-looking Cookie, greeted them with a welcoming grin.

"Kouign-Amann Cookie! A pleasure to see you." Their gaze flicked to Starshne Cookie. "And I see you've brought company."

"She's new." The pink clad female said simply. "We'll take two."

The vendor nodded, handing over the pastires wrapped in parchment. Starshine Cookie hesitated before taking hers. It was warm in her hands, the honey glaze slightly sticky.

She took a small bite while Kouign-Amann Cookie paid.

...Sweet.

Familiar? No. But it tasted good.

Kouign-Amann Cookie smiled as she watched her. "See? Not everything is bad."

They continued walking, the streets slowly leading them into a more stuctured part of the republic. The buildings here were tall and stately, lined with statues and pillars. It felt different - less bustling, more controlled.

Starshine Cookie swallowed the last bite of her pastry. "What is this place?"

Kouign-Amann Cookie glanced at her. "The administrative quarters. It's where Clotted Cream Cookie and the others handle political matters. Not the most exciting place, but important nontheless."

As if summoned by their conversation, a familiar figure walked with his usual composed grace, golden locks catching in the sunlight. His gaze flicked towards them, a knowing smile spreading across his face.

"Well, what a pleasant suprise." He greeted as he approached. "I see you're getting a proper tour."

Starshine Cookie nodded. "Something like that, consul."

Clotted Cream Cookie studied her with an unreadable expression. "And how do you find it so far?" 

Starshine Cookie hesitated. She didn't know how to answer. It wasn't bad. It wasn't good. It was just... different.

"A lot to take in." She admitted.

Clotted Cream Cookie nodded, as if he expected that response. "That's understandable. The Republic can be overwhelming at first, but with time you'll find your place, I'm sure."

She stayed silent.

Kouign-Amann Cookie cleared her throat, shifting the conversation. "We were actually just about to find Starshine Cookie a proper place to stay."

The consul hummed in thought. "A wise decision. She'll need stability if she's to adjust." He turned back to Starshine Cookie. "If you require anything, feel free to ask."

Starshine Cookie simply nodded.

With that, Clotted Cream Cookie excused himself, disappearing back into the grand halls of the buildings.

Once he was out of earshot, Kouign-Amann Cookie exhaled. "He's... something, isn't he?"

Starshine Cookie glanced at her. "You don't like him?" That made two.

"I didn't say that."

"But you didn't say you did."

She smirked. "Perceptive."

"Indeed."

The two females went on. "So, I was thinking you stay in the residential quarters. They're connected with the paladin academy I go to, so you'll just have to go 'round the corner if you need me."

Nodding, Starshine Cookie let herself be led to a building more modest, yet still well-refined and to a quieter estate.

"This should work for now. Not extravagant, but still comfortable."

Starshine Cookie took in the space. The room was only slightly smaller than the one she had woken up in. The accents here were mostly silver rather than gold, a blue banner hanging over the door, sturdy bed and writing desk. There was a window that overlooked a private courtyard, where a few practice dummies stood unused.

She didn't know why, but something about that made her feel a little more at... ease. She liked it.

The shorter girl next to her watched her. "It's a lot, right?"

"Yes."

The other Cookie nodded, as if she understood. "Take one step at a time. No one's expecting you to be comfortable overnight."

Starshine Cookie nodded. "I appreciate it."

Kouign-Amann Cookie smiled. "You'll be alright."