[ Fortunate, isn't it? A curious interaction with a stranger is enough to put a smile on her face on its own, but then there's the peculiar sensation that he isn't a stranger. If she doesn't catch herself staring at him now, it's only because his attempt at weaving a tale has temporarily captivated her more.

Something brilliant? What could she have to add to its story? ]

Something in Yancai. She seeks a secret? Something dark.

[ The lotus struggles on, and Vanessa straightens to follow it for a step or two, wrapping her arms around herself in contemplation, getting swept away before she can even think of how she must sound. ]

Sent by an old witch. In truth, however...with her own secret, she seeks a key to break the spell. No, a curse. She can't return to the sea until she finds the key.

[ Her smile for the village falls away, leaving only the sad smile for the sea creature trapped in the waterways; for it, and for all the lost creatures. ]

The lotus is her disguise.