242 Adventure

Iona took a long pause, gazing at the seed in Li's outstretched palm. For a second, he thought she was mesmerized by the beautiful sights embedded in every single one of its many crystalline facets, but her eyes had dimmed in their absorbed awe, her blazing red pupils now flickering like dim coals.

Instead, she looked pensive. Contemplative. Then, she put her hand over Li's, wrapping her palm over the seed as well. The shimmering light of the seed faded as their hands enclosed over it, leaving but a slight humming that echoed between their hands, as if the seed were a living, breathing creature.

"Thank you," said Iona with a smile. "There is so much that you give. So much in your heart that is generous and good. You give your time, your strength, and your commitment to those infinitely beneath you. You give that which is dearest to you. And you give it with no reservation, only wishing that what you give will nourish others and let them grow."