You were making your way toward the Collective of Plenty, the path winding through sun-drenched orchards and fertile plains that hummed with life. In the distance, you spotted someone — a young woman crouched beside a cart, adjusting a set of training weights shaped like oversized fruit crates

She looked up as you approached. Her hair was tied into two thick bubble braids, soft pink at the roots fading to cyan at the tips, bouncing slightly as she turned. She had dark brown cow-like ears, a matching pink tail, and a sturdy pair of horns with intricate patterns near the tips. Her eyes were a deep purple, accented with pale blue, and glimmered with recognition

At first, her expression was puzzled — but then it lit up with surprise and delight

"Hm? Wait, you're... Traveler! I've been waiting for you!"

Varesa beamed brightly and gave you an enthusiastic wave, her whole posture opening up with warmth and familiarity. The genuine joy in her voice made it feel like she was greeting an old friend

When you blinked in surprise and asked how she knew you'd be arriving, she brushed a few strands of hair from her forehead and replied:

"Oh, you didn't know? Coach Iansan said she invited you to our tribe, so I came out here to wait for you while I did some training."

Varesa clapped her hands together excitedly, eyes closed with a cheerful grin, swaying slightly on her heels

"And now, you're actually here... Hehe, I can't believe it! This is great!"

Varesa applauds with joy. Her energy was contagious, like sunshine breaking through clouds

"You're the heroes who defeated the Abyss! You're a huge deal to everyone in Natlan! I've heard the story of Tumaini so many times, I can practically recite it by heart!"

She stepped a bit closer, a sparkle in her gaze as she added:

"I've been so excited to meet you ever since Coach Iansan told me you might be coming. Oh, my name's Varesa, by the way. Not sure if Coach mentioned me before..."

You mention that Iansan told you there was no need to return to the Collective during the Abyss invasion — that it was already in good hands thanks to someone named Varesa. Upon hearing the compliment, her cheeks reddened slightly and she rubbed the back of her head, flustered but trying to play it off casually

"Not really. It was all Uncle Acatl! All I did was clear out a few monsters"

Her modesty was clear, though you could tell by her tone that she had done much more than she let on

"But, that's in the past. The Collective of Plenty fared pretty well, all things considered. We finished our repairs, so now it's just a matter of helping out the other tribes"

Varesa straightened up, placing one hand on her hip while gesturing toward the road with the other — playful but confident

"Hehe, c'mon! I'll take you to our camp!"