“It's beautiful!” Kaylee lifted the shawl to her cheek and closed her eyes. “Mmm... so soft. Is this silk?” She couldn't help smiling as she breathed in the scent that rose from the material: Spring flowers and sunshine.

“Yes.” Inara's voice was full of warmth and smiles. “From Sihnon.”

Silk from Sihnon. She'd never felt anything like it. Kaylee opened her eyes and, holding onto the corners, threw the shawl out in front of her. It cascaded, like a waterfall, onto the bedspread beneath her. "And colourful too! I bet there's every colour of the rainbow in here.”

A chuckle bubbled up from Inara. “Probably.” She swivelled around next to Kaylee and reached out to stroke the fabric lying between them. “So you like it then?” She cocked her head to one side and smiled, her eyes shining.

“Do I like it?” Kaylee looked up, grinning like a fool. “Of course I like it. It's very shiny!” She couldn't even hope to count all the different colours. There were all manner of reds, and yellows, greens, and pinks, blues, and purples. Even tiny threads of silver and gold wound their way across the fabric. It truly was the prettiest thing she'd ever seen, even compared with the opulent surroundings of Inara's shuttle.

“I'm so relieved.”

Kaylee looked up from the material and frowned. “Relieved? Why are you relieved?”

“Well,” said Inara, her smile widening as she lifted her hand to Kaylee's forehead and stroked the lines furrowing her brow, “it's always nice to know the recipient of a gift actually likes it.”

“A gift?” Kaylee blinked. “Who for?”

Inara's laughter burst from her this time as she threw back her head, candlelight dancing across her skin. “For you, bao bay.”

“Me?” Kaylee looked down at the shawl and then returned her gaze to Inara. She shook her head and frowned again. “Why?”

“Because you deserve it.”

“I do?”

“Yes, you do.” Inara nodded.

“Why?”

“Because...” Leaning forward, Inara tucked a strand of Kaylee's hair behind her ear. “...because you've been so down lately.”

“I