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The sun had nearly set on Thanalan, most of the Amalj'aa at the Ring of Ash had retired for the evening. Loonh Gah stood over the cookpot, stirring the soup while X'yahma attended to their daughter. The green-haired girl was giggling as X'yahma put on a show with socks over his hands. The riveting tale was interrupted by a knock at the door of the steel hut. Loonh Gah's ears perked up as she turned her head. "I got it," X'yahma said as he stood up, placing the plain socks on the ground.
He opened the door, and the deep red eyes of another Miqo'te met his. "I hope I'm not too late for dinner," G'raha said, smiling.
"G'raha, glad you could come by!" X'yahma said excitedly. "Come in, supper's nearly ready." He put a hand on the smaller man's shoulder and very nearly pulled him inside.
"Is he your friend?" Loonh Gah asked as X'yahma shut the door.
"Loonh, this is G'raha. G'raha, this is my lovely wife, Loonh."
Loonh Gah smoothed over her loose dress and smiled. Before she could speak, U'ruha waved and babbled. "And that ball of sunshine is our daughter, Ruha."
G'raha smiled and waved back. His ears sprung up as he opened his bag and rummaged through. "Forgive me, I'd nearly forgotten. I had brought a little something to enjoy with dinner." He pulled out something wrapped in parchment, tied shut with twine. "Tataru insisted I bring something along when she caught wind of my plans and made some bread." X'yahma gave him a curious look. "Ah, it isn't... It's just seasoned bread. Not unlike something you'd find in Limsa, I assure you."
"I'm sure whatever he brought is safe to eat, Yahma," Loonh Gah said, giving him a knowing look as she took the loaf and set it onto the table before returning to the pot.
G'raha took a seat at the dining table while X'yahma picked up U'ruha and set her in a high chair, next to Loonh Gah's usual seat. "She's quite precious."
X'yahma smiled and ruffled the child's hair. "When she's older, I'm sure I'll have stories that'll make you think otherwise." The men chuckled, the child casting them a confused look.
"Twelve know I've more than a few stories Lyna would never want me to recount." G'raha glanced back over to Loonh Gah, his face falling. "When she said 'safe to eat,' does she have an allergy?"
X'yahma looked over to his wife, who gave him a hard look from over her shoulder, but otherwise said nothing. He looked back at G'raha and beamed. "You'll be the first among the Scions to know, but Loonh's with child again." He could hardly contain the goofy smile spreading across his face.
G'raha shared his friend's joy and smiled half as wide. "My congratulations. I wish you and Loonh the-"
"Loonh Gah!" she snapped from the stove, holding a steaming ladle.
G'raha smiled and laughed. "I wish you and Loonh Gah the best until the little one's safe in your arms."
A bowl clattered in front of X'yahma as the piping hot soup was served. Shortly after, two more bowls were placed as Loonh Gah set down a small dish of mashed poptoes in front of U'ruha.
"It smells delightful," G'raha said as Loonh Gah untied the parchment, unveiling the golden brown bread.
"And this looks like a perfect compliment. Thank you... G'raha?" Loonh Gah looked at their guest, who confirmed his name.
"I hope the seasonings agree with you," G'raha said before blowing on his spoonful of soup.
"I appreciate the concern, but a few herbs won't make me ill." Loonh Gah said as she cut a few slices.
"Famous last words," X'yahma said as he tasted the aldgoat soup. He was unimpressed with the menacing look Loonh Gah shot him before seating herself. "I'm glad you came, my friend. After supper, we'll have that drink I owe you."
G'raha nodded. "Indeed. Now that there's true cause to celebrate."
"So long as you don't reek of drink," Loonh Gah cut in.
"Aye, Aye, I'll try to show a little restraint," X'yahma said as he tore a piece of bread and dipped it into the broth.