It was a clamorous scene after the display of wit every practitioner present had taken part in. For Lukho, especially, it was a lot of pats on the back and a tide of introductions thrown his way. He wasn't sure if he would remember a third of them if asked, it was one face after another. Even for his conspirators there was calamitous applause and thankful smiles. Some of those more politically savvy than others used the chance to get closer to the two representatives of the south's biggest and influential sects.

It could not be forgotten however, who was responsible for the outcome. While others were lauding Lukho's plan others were paying attention to how he had done it. It would be underestimating him to call him an ordinary practitioner of humble background or skill when he had become one of those worthy of standing upon the imitation Sky. And certainly, with how he had pulled such influence towards himself and wielded it to his benefit - and benefit he did - was a clear demonstration of skill. As the worm had been robbed and defeated he had overcome this hurdle his own way. There are many paths of ascent and none is lesser or greater than the other.

***

The jungles awakening had dragged even those asleep to rise with it. Now all were aware of this fortunate happenstance. What they did not know however was how it had come about. That was about to change as while Asive and the others had been gawking at the changes around their camp Zuko came bounding through the leaves. He looked both excited and wary, building concerning tension within his friends. Seeing the worry he was heaping on them he shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's not completely bad news."

That did not help.

He tried again, with more sense, "Lukho did this," he demonstrated by pointing his index finger in the air and moving it in a circle. "But now the Silver Cloud and the Dawn are on their way here!"

Guests! The South prided itself on being wonderful hosts, from the most extravagant to the most humble home, you treated guests as well as family. Perhaps even better. There was immediate bustle at the news, setting up tables and making sure the scenery would not embarrass them.

***

By the time Lukho and his guests came upon the clearing it looked like it was reserved for an extravagant picnic than a cooking and sleeping area for explorers. Three tables were laid out in a 'u' shape with a coal brazier set in the centre. The tables were covered in draping orange cloth decorated with bright beadwork and geometric patterns. The tents and pavilions in the surroundings provided enough lit lamps to make it as bright as day.

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Lukho had a bright smile on his face when he took in the scene. His friends had not let him down. They moved to take up seats, with Lukho sitting with the guests at the centre table with Zuko in between them. Edo of the Roaring Gale had already heard the news and had availed himself with immediate effect.

The dinner had been going well enough, the gathered practitioners enjoying the promise of what was to come - more than the food and company - now that the jungle had opened itself up. Edo, being the natural leader and conversationalist he was, guided them through one social discussion after another; never staying on one topic long enough to draw dissent. Of the ladies at the table Asive was captivating in her lilting laugh and constant smile. The Silver Cloud representative had glued himself to her, his food entirely forgotten as he was mesmerised by the beauty. It was this opportunity that had the member of the Dawn sect asking Lukho for a talk on the side.

Lukho stood and moved to the side, hands folded behind the back as he waited for his counterpart. When the man arrived he said, "You've put together quite a celebration given the circumstances." He had one of those smiling faces that constantly radiated happiness, not one to be trusted blindly, certainly.

"It would be wrong of me to take the credit. I'm just as surprised as you to see what they've put together given the time," Lukho replied calmly.

"That's the boon of having dependable allies around you. You've absolutely set yourself as such a target given what you accomplished earlier."

"Given what we accomplished. I could not have done that on my own, this is as much my victory as it is yours. Everyone who helped had a pivotal role in this."

The man from Dawn looked at him anew, sizing him up and smirking at his own thoughts, "I don't believe we've been introduced. I am Zamokuhle of the Dawn, a striving ascender looking at the rising sun from a three tiered peak."

One did not truly know someone until they were introduced to each other properly, announcing their standing below revered Sky. It was a practice taken from mortals way of introduction.

"It is my honour to make your acquaintance Zamokuhle. May we not walk past one another as strangers upon this long road."

"The honour is mine. I think we should head back to the others before the Silver Cloud drinks the night dry". Lukho turned to look at his guests, seeing members of the aforementioned sect slurring words and bumping shoulders with unsolicited chumminess. He agreed with Zamokuhle's words and they headed back to the others. The rest of the night was suffused with song and dance and beating drums, pulling in others who heard the revelry and decided to find out what was going on.