Raziq Njama, whose past likely involved navigating complex social structures and perhaps exploiting them, now carried a thoughtful air, as if re-evaluating the foundations of connection. He often observed King Zazu’s unwavering adherence to principle with a quiet curiosity, perhaps finding in it a stability he had not previously valued. Zazu had invited Raziq to the Royal Gardens, a meticulously ordered space where nature was cultivated with care and intention. Amidst the fragrant blossoms and precisely trimmed hedges, a different kind of order began to emerge between them, a sense of measured intimacy unfolding in the peaceful surroundings. Zazu turned from tending a rare and luminous flower, his gaze steady and thoughtful as it met Raziq’s. “Raziq,” he began, his voice carrying a newfound warmth tinged with a gentle understanding, “to cultivate beauty, one must understand its delicate balance. Much like trust.” Raziq, whose past might have involved the subtle manipulation of trust, felt a quiet resonance with the king’s words. Zazu’s analogy was unexpectedly insightful. He met his gaze, a hint of a more earnest contemplation in his eyes. Zazu stepped closer, his touch surprisingly gentle yet grounding as it rested on Raziq’s wing. “You once navigated the intricacies of influence, Raziq. But perhaps now… you seek the simpler beauty of genuine connection, a bond nurtured with honesty.” Raziq’s breath hitched softly, a subtle acknowledgment of the king’s perception. He nodded slowly, his gaze drifting towards the perfectly aligned rows of flowers. “There is a different strength in… sincerity.” Zazu’s other hand gently cupped Raziq’s cheek, his thumb lightly stroking the smooth feathers. “And perhaps… the shared intimacy of vulnerability can allow a different kind of blossoming?” He leaned slightly closer, his regal presence both steadying and subtly stirring a nascent warmth within Raziq. Raziq’s heart stirred gently, a feeling both unfamiliar and somewhat comforting in its unexpected openness. He looked into Zazu’s eyes, seeing not just the king, but a being offering a connection based on genuine regard. He nodded almost imperceptibly, a silent agreement. With a soft, almost hesitant sound, Zazu nuzzled his head against Raziq’s neck, a tender caress that sent a gentle warmth through him. His wings shifted, lightly brushing against Raziq’s, a silent invitation to a more personal unfolding amidst the fragrant blooms. Raziq rested his head against Zazu’s, the closeness feeling both secure and subtly arousing. The rich scents of the garden mingled with the warm, regal aura of the king, a quiet intimacy unfolding in the peaceful sunlight. Zazu lifted his head, his gaze holding a soft yet intent focus on Raziq’s. He reached out, his talons gently finding a firm yet tender hold on Raziq’s. “Raziq,” Zazu murmured, his voice a low, resonant caress that seemed to harmonize with the gentle buzzing of bees among the flowers, “your understanding of social currents was keen. Allow me… to explore the deeper currents within you… and perhaps, something more intimate.” A slow, internal warmth began to bloom within Raziq, a quiet opening of a space he might have previously used for maneuvering. “Guide me, Zazu.” His voice was a low murmur, tinged with a newfound sincerity. Zazu’s gaze drifted from Raziq’s eyes to his beak, a silent invitation that held a promise of gentle intimacy. Raziq’s own gaze softened, a subtle yielding in his usually observant expression. Their beaks met, a slow, deliberate touch that spoke of mutual respect and a burgeoning tenderness. The peaceful sounds of the garden seemed to underscore the delicate connection between them. The pressure was light, a prelude to a more profound exploration of their shared space. Zazu drew back slightly, his eyes searching Raziq’s with a gentle intensity. “May I offer you… a moment of unburdened presence, Raziq? A space where the need to navigate… fades into the simplicity of being together?” Raziq’s consent was a quiet, almost whispered affirmation, a letting go of the ingrained habit of social calculation. Zazu then began to gently preen the feathers along Raziq’s neck, his touch delicate and soothing, yet carrying an undercurrent of burgeoning sensuality. The soft rasping of his beak and the gentle pressure of his tongue sent subtle waves of warmth and a quiet arousal through Raziq, sensations both comforting and tenderly intimate. Raziq leaned into the touch, a soft sigh escaping him, the tension in his often-guarded posture beginning to ease amidst the beauty of the Royal Gardens. As Zazu’s preening became more focused, lingering on sensitive areas along Raziq’s throat and the delicate feathers of his chest, a subtle stirring became apparent beneath the king’s regal plumage. A slow parting of feathers near his lower abdomen revealed the steady emergence of his engorged form, its regal hue deepening with a quiet intensity. It extended with a measured grace, a silent offering of gentle intimacy amidst the fragrant blooms. Zazu angled himself slightly, his movements fluid and controlled, bringing the burgeoning warmth of his engorged member into soft yet insistent contact with Raziq’s lower body. He continued to preen Raziq’s neck, his actions a sensual dance of affection and burgeoning desire within the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens. Raziq felt the steady warmth against him, a sensation that resonated with a deep yearning for genuine connection beyond social maneuvering. A quiet heat began to build within his own core, a slow unfurling of a desire for the comforting embrace of the king’s presence. He shifted slightly, a subtle turning of his body that offered a clearer invitation for closer contact, a silent acknowledgment of the burgeoning intimacy between them in the tranquil gardens. Zazu responded to Raziq’s unspoken invitation with a gentle yet purposeful movement, guiding Raziq until he lowered his chest onto a soft bed of fallen petals beneath the shade of a blossoming tree. Raziq extended his wings for balance, his posture one of quiet surrender and a growing sense of peaceful anticipation. Zazu then carefully mounted his back, his regal talons finding a secure yet tender hold amongst Raziq’s plumage. The smooth, warm tip of Zazu’s engorged form pressed softly against Raziq’s opening, a gentle yet undeniable invitation to a deeper, more intimate connection. He paused, allowing Raziq’s body to acclimate to his presence, a moment of quiet anticipation hanging between them amidst the fragrant beauty of the gardens. With a slow, deliberate movement, imbued with a quiet tenderness, Zazu began his descent, entering Raziq with a measured grace. The sensations were a blend of gentle pressure and a spreading warmth, a feeling of quiet connection deepening with each increment. Raziq’s wings flexed slightly, a subtle tremor running through his frame as he adjusted to the fullness and the novel intimacy of their joining, the peaceful sounds of the garden surrounding them. Zazu, now fully mounted, pressed his regal body gently against Raziq’s back, a comforting weight that spoke of reassurance and burgeoning affection. He lowered his head, resting his beak softly against the feathers of Raziq’s back, a gesture of tender intimacy within the tranquil and fragrant atmosphere of the Royal Gardens. For a long moment, they remained still, their bodies joined in a quiet communion, the only sounds the gentle rustling of leaves and their soft, synchronized breathing amidst the peaceful symphony of nature. The sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting a warm and gentle glow on their intertwined forms. Then, Zazu began to move, his rhythm slow and deliberate, a gentle pressing and withdrawing that spoke of a thoughtful and tender exploration of their shared intimacy. Raziq instinctively moved with him, his body responding to the measured pace with a quiet grace, a sense of the need for social maneuvering softening in the gentle rhythm. The sensations built gradually, a warming pleasure that spread through Raziq’s core, easing the subtle calculations of his mind. Zazu’s movements were unhurried, each gentle thrust a deepening of their quiet connection, a silent conversation spoken through the language of touch and sensation amidst the beauty of the Royal Gardens. He would pause occasionally, nuzzling Raziq’s neck or whispering soft, reassuring sounds against his feathers, further encouraging a sense of genuine vulnerability. Raziq, finding a rare sense of unguarded intimacy in Zazu’s gentle embrace, reached a wing back, his talons tentatively stroking the smooth feathers of Zazu’s flank. He could feel the steady, regal pulse beneath his touch, a comforting affirmation of the king’s presence. Zazu responded with a deeper purr, a soft rumble that seemed to harmonize with the gentle sounds of the garden, his movements becoming infinitesimally more insistent, a subtle acknowledgment of their shared arousal. As their intimacy deepened, the fragrant beauty of the Royal Gardens seemed to embrace them, the sweet scents of the blossoms mingling with the subtle fragrance of their arousal. The gentle rhythm of their joining continued, a quiet dance of trust and burgeoning affection within the tranquil atmosphere. As Raziq’s own arousal began to peak, it was a slow, unfolding sensation, a gradual crescendo of warmth and pleasure that washed over him in gentle, yet increasingly intense waves. His soft sighs and quiet moans seemed to blend with the gentle buzzing of bees and the rustling leaves, a harmonious exchange of burgeoning intimacy within the peaceful gardens. Zazu’s own release came as a deep, shuddering sigh that resonated against Raziq’s back, a regal release amidst the natural beauty of the Royal Gardens. His body pressed closer, a final, tender embrace that spoke of a shared vulnerability found in their quiet intimacy within the tranquil space. They remained connected for a long time afterward, their breathing slowly returning to a synchronized rhythm, the peaceful sounds of the garden creating a serene backdrop for their quiet connection. The sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting a warm and gentle glow on their intertwined forms. Slowly, Zazu began to withdraw, his movements as gentle in separation as they were in union. He stepped off Raziq’s back, his gaze filled with a deep and tender affection, a silent acknowledgment of the genuine connection they had forged. Zazu gently nuzzled Raziq’s head, his touch lingering for a moment. “True connection blossoms from honesty, Raziq,” he murmured, his voice soft with intimacy, blending with the gentle sounds of the garden. Raziq turned his head, a soft, genuine smile touching his beak, a rare and precious display of his unburdened self amidst the natural beauty around them. “And the understanding to nurture it… is a gift, Zazu.” Later, Raziq Njama found himself in the ancient and contemplative presence of King Tamaa within the hushed stillness of the Tribunal’s upper gardens. Unlike the meticulously ordered Royal Gardens, these were wilder, more untamed spaces, offering a different kind of reflection. Tamaa stood amidst a grove of ancient, gnarled trees, their branches reaching skyward like time-worn arms. The air here was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a place of quiet resilience. When he turned his wise, aged eyes towards Raziq, there was a deep understanding in his gaze, an acknowledgment of the complexities of navigating the world. “Raziq Njama,” Tamaa’s voice was a low, soothing murmur, like the rustling of leaves underfoot. “The paths we take are not always straight. Sometimes… they wind through shadows.” Raziq, who had likely navigated such winding paths, felt a quiet resonance with the elder king’s words. He approached the ancient grove, the stillness offering a sense of unexpected peace. “Shadows often hold their own truths, Tamaa.” Tamaa nodded slowly, his ancient beak dipping in a gesture of understanding. He extended a hand, his touch surprisingly light yet grounding as it rested on Raziq’s wing. “But even in the deepest shade, there can be moments of… shared light, a connection that transcends the past.” Raziq felt a gentle warmth spread through him at the ancient king’s touch, a feeling of being seen without judgment. “Light… it is always welcome.” Tamaa’s other hand now rested softly on Raziq’s other wing, a gentle, encompassing touch. He drew slightly closer, his ancient beak almost touching Raziq’s brow. “And within that shared light… a different kind of intimacy can unfold.” He then gently preened the feathers along Raziq’s crest, his ancient beak moving with a slow, deliberate tenderness amidst the wild beauty of the upper gardens. As Tamaa’s gentle preening continued, a deep, resonant warmth began to emanate from his ancient form, permeating the still, earthy air of the grove. Beneath his soft, aged plumage, a slow stirring became apparent. A subtle parting of feathers revealed the emergence of his engorged member, its ancient hue possessing a quiet, steady vibrancy, like the enduring heartwood of an ancient tree. It extended with a patient grace, a silent offering of profound intimacy within the natural sanctuary. Tamaa angled himself slightly, his movements deliberate and unhurried, bringing the gentle warmth of his engorged form into soft yet persistent contact with Raziq’s lower body. He continued his slow preening, his touch a soothing balm that eased the subtle tensions Raziq often carried, surrounded by the quiet resilience of the ancient trees. Raziq felt the ancient warmth against him, a sensation that resonated with a deep yearning for a connection that offered peace and acceptance. A quiet stirring began within his own core, a slow unfurling of a desire for the gentle embrace of the elder king’s timeless wisdom. He shifted slightly, a subtle turning of his body that offered a clearer invitation for closer contact, a silent acknowledgment of the burgeoning intimacy between them amidst the rustling leaves and ancient wood of the upper gardens. Tamaa responded to Raziq’s unspoken invitation with a serene and deliberate movement, gently guiding Raziq until he lowered his chest onto a soft bed of moss beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak. Raziq extended his wings for balance, his posture one of quiet surrender and a growing sense of peaceful anticipation within the hushed atmosphere of the grove. Tamaa then carefully mounted his back, his ancient talons finding a secure yet tender hold amongst Raziq’s plumage. The smooth, weathered tip of Tamaa’s engorged form pressed softly against Raziq’s opening, a gentle yet undeniable invitation to a deeper, more intimate connection amidst the wild beauty of the natural world. He paused, his ancient presence a comforting weight upon Raziq, a moment of quiet anticipation hanging between them in the still, earthy air. With a deep, steady breath, imbued with a profound sense of peace, Tamaa began his descent, entering Raziq with a slow, measured grace. The sensations were a gentle expansion, a profound sense of connection that transcended the physical, echoing the enduring life within the ancient grove. Raziq’s wings flexed softly, a subtle tremor running through him as he adjusted to the ancient fullness and the quiet intimacy of their joining within the tranquil space. Tamaa, now fully mounted, pressed his ancient body gently against Raziq’s back, a comforting weight that spoke of enduring understanding and a deep, abiding affection amidst the silent wisdom of the natural world. He lowered his head, resting his ancient beak softly against the feathers of Raziq’s back, a gesture of profound tenderness within the hushed sanctuary of the upper gardens. For a long moment, they remained still, their bodies joined in a quiet communion, the only sounds the gentle rustling of leaves and their slow, synchronized breathing amidst the timeless serenity of the grove. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves cast soft, shifting patterns on their intertwined forms, a gentle embrace within the heart of the natural world. Then, Tamaa began to move, his rhythm slow and deliberate, a gentle pressing and withdrawing that spoke of a deep and patient intimacy, a sharing of ancient wisdom through the language of touch within the quiet beauty of the grove. Raziq instinctively moved with him, his body responding to the unhurried pace with a quiet grace, a sense of the complexities of his past beginning to ease in the gentle rhythm. The sensations built gradually, a warming pleasure that spread through Raziq’s core, soothing the quiet ache of past decisions. Tamaa’s movements were unhurried, each gentle thrust a deepening of their quiet connection, a silent dialogue spoken through the language of touch and sensation amidst the rustling leaves. He would pause occasionally, nuzzling Raziq’s neck or whispering ancient words of comfort against his feathers, further easing the weight he carried. Raziq, finding a rare sense of unburdened presence in Tamaa’s ancient embrace, reached a wing back, his talons gently resting on the smooth, aged feathers of Tamaa’s flank. He could feel the steady, unhurried beat of Tamaa’s ancient heart beneath his touch, a comforting rhythm that spoke of resilience and enduring wisdom amidst the ancient trees. Tamaa responded with a deeper hum, a soft vibration against Raziq’s back, his movements becoming infinitesimally more insistent, a subtle acknowledgment of their shared arousal within the tranquil grove. As their intimacy deepened, the timeless serenity of the upper gardens seemed to embrace them, the earthy scent of the soil and leaves mingling with the subtle fragrance of their burgeoning desire. The gentle rhythm of their joining continued, a quiet dance of trust and burgeoning affection amidst the ancient trees. As Raziq’s own arousal began to peak, it was a slow, unfolding sensation, a gradual crescendo of warmth and pleasure that washed over him in gentle, yet increasingly profound waves amidst the quiet beauty of the natural world. His soft sighs and quiet moans seemed to blend with the gentle rustling of the leaves, a harmonious exchange of burgeoning intimacy within the tranquil sanctuary. Tamaa’s own release came as a deep, shuddering sigh that resonated against Raziq’s back, an ancient release amidst the timeless serenity of the grove. His ancient body pressed closer, a final, tender embrace that spoke of a shared peace found in their quiet intimacy amongst the ancient trees. They remained connected for a long time afterward, their breathing slowly returning to a synchronized rhythm, the silence between them filled with a profound sense of peace and a quiet understanding that transcended words amidst the timeless company of the natural world. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves cast soft, shifting patterns on their intertwined forms within the tranquil grove. Slowly, Tamaa began to withdraw, his movements as gentle in separation as they were in union amidst the ancient stillness. He stepped off Raziq’s back, his ancient gaze filled with a deep and tender affection, a silent acknowledgment of the quiet solace they had shared within the natural sanctuary. Tamaa gently nuzzled Raziq’s head, his touch lingering for a moment. “The strength to find peace, Raziq Njama… it grows even in wild places,” he murmured, his voice soft with ancient understanding within the tranquil grove. Raziq turned his head, a soft, genuine smile touching his beak, a rare and precious display of his unburdened self amidst the timeless beauty of the natural world. “And the wisdom to offer it… is a comfort, Tamaa.” Later in the night, the vibrant and often unpredictable energy of King Ono drew Raziq Njama into his high chamber. Unlike the serene wisdom of Tamaa or the honorable steadiness of Zazu, Ono exuded a raw, almost volatile intensity that held a certain stark contrast to Raziq’s more subtly navigating nature. Ono was restlessly examining a collection of intricately carved feathers near the open window, the city lights glinting off their polished surfaces. His movements were quick and precise, a coiled energy barely contained. When Raziq entered, his bright, sharp eyes flicked up, an immediate spark of interest and a flicker of his characteristic untamed energy igniting within them. “Raziq Njama,” Ono’s voice held a low, almost challenging resonance, the inherent restlessness barely contained. “You have a way of moving through the world… seeing the angles. What angle do you see… between us?” Raziq, who had often observed and subtly influenced social dynamics, felt a faint recognition in Ono’s words. He stepped further into the chamber, the city lights casting sharp reflections that seemed to mirror the complexities he often navigated. “Sometimes, Ono, the most direct angle… is the most surprising.” Ono set aside the carved feathers, his full attention now fixed on Raziq. He moved with a swift, fluid grace, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. “Surprise… I appreciate surprise.” He reached out, his touch quick and electric as his talons grazed Raziq’s arm, sending a jolt of unexpected sensation through him. “Tell me, Raziq… what unexpected path… shall we explore?” Raziq felt a stirring within him, a primal awareness awakened by Ono’s raw intensity. It was a sensation distinctly different from the gentle peace offered by Tamaa or the quiet understanding of Zazu – a sudden, sharp current. “Perhaps… a path with fewer… indirections, Ono.” Ono grinned, a flash of white against his darker plumage, a hint of the wild spirit that resided within him. “Direct… I can be direct.” He stepped closer, their bodies almost touching, the air between them charged with a palpable, almost volatile energy. “Shall we be… direct, Raziq?” Without waiting for a verbal response, Ono swiftly nipped at the feathers along Raziq’s neck, a sharp, playful bite that sent a jolt of pure, visceral sensation through him. It was an act that spoke of impulsiveness and a thrilling disregard for conventional boundaries. Raziq’s wings twitched involuntarily, a reflexive response to the sudden, intense contact. He reached out, his own talons finding purchase on Ono’s shoulders, his grip tightening slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the escalating intensity between them. The city lights streaming through the window seemed to sharpen, illuminating the raw energy that crackled in the air. Ono pressed closer, his vibrant plumage brushing against Raziq’s. A low, guttural purr rumbled in his chest, a primal sound that spoke of his mounting excitement. From beneath his sleek feathers, a rapid stirring became undeniably apparent. His engorged form emerged quickly, thick and pulsing with a fierce, unrestrained energy, a stark contrast to the more measured responses of the other kings. It sought immediate, forceful contact. Ono angled himself aggressively, his movements lacking the subtle grace of Zazu or the serene patience of Tamaa. He pressed his engorged member firmly against Raziq’s lower body, a demanding pressure that brooked no hesitation. He nuzzled Raziq’s neck with a series of quick, sharp movements, his excitement palpable in his rapid breathing and the tautness of his body. “Tonight, Raziq,” Ono’s voice was a low growl, a barely contained surge of primal desire, “we cut straight to the heart.” Without further preamble, Ono shifted his weight, his movements abrupt and utterly purposeful. He didn’t wait for Raziq to fully lower himself, but instead used the firm grip of his talons on Raziq’s shoulders to pull him closer, angling their bodies for an immediate and forceful entry. The engorged tip of Ono’s phallus pressed hard against Raziq’s opening, a stark and demanding sensation that left no room for gentle acclimation. Before Raziq could fully register the intensity, Ono thrust forward, penetrating him with a sudden, almost brutal force. Raziq gasped, a sharp, involuntary sound escaping his lips as the unexpected depth and raw power of the penetration took his breath away. It was a sensation unlike anything he had experienced before with the other kings – immediate, visceral, and undeniably potent, cutting through any subtle defenses. He gripped Ono’s shoulders tighter, his body instinctively bracing against the forceful intrusion, a low, almost pained sound escaping his throat. The city lights seemed to pulse with the sudden intensity. Ono, his excitement evident in his ragged breathing and the fierce grip of his talons, began to move almost immediately. His thrusts were deep and driving, a relentless rhythm that left little room for anything but pure, unadulterated sensation. There was a primal urgency to his movements, a focused intensity on the physical act itself, bypassing any need for nuanced interaction. Raziq cried out, the unfamiliar intensity flooding his senses. Ono’s movements were raw and untamed, focused solely on the physical connection, a fierce expression of pure, unadulterated sensation. The carefully observant part of Raziq’s mind began to recede under the onslaught of Ono’s unrestrained passion. Ono’s purrs were loud and guttural, each forceful thrust accompanied by a sharp, almost panting intake of breath. He moved against Raziq with a fierce, almost possessive energy, his body a tight, vibrating mass of pure sensation. The city lights outside seemed to blur and streak with the intensity of the moment. Raziq, despite the initial shock of Ono’s aggressive entry, found a primal response awakening within him. A raw heat began to build in his core, a mirroring of Ono’s unrestrained passion. He arched his back, instinctively meeting Ono’s forceful thrusts with a growing urgency of his own, the subtle calculations he often employed momentarily forgotten in the heat of the moment. The sounds in the chamber escalated rapidly – Raziq’s sharp gasps and involuntary moans mingling with Ono’s guttural cries and the rhythmic thud of their bodies coming together with unrestrained force. Ono’s grip on Raziq tightened, his wings beating against Raziq’s sides in a frenzied, almost chaotic rhythm, a whirlwind of pure, unadulterated sensation against the backdrop of the sprawling city. Ono’s movements became more frantic, his body pushing deeper and faster, the relentless rhythm threatening to overwhelm Raziq’s senses. Yet, within that overwhelming intensity, a strange, exhilarating release began to build. The primal nature of the encounter stripped away pretense, leaving only the raw, visceral connection between them against the glittering cityscape. Just as suddenly as it began, Ono’s movements reached a fever pitch. His body tensed, every muscle straining, and his cries became sharp and high-pitched as he reached his abrupt and intense climax, his engorged form pulsing fiercely within Raziq, a raw, untamed surge of release under the silent watch of the city lights. Raziq, caught in the violent storm of Ono’s passion, found his own carefully held composure shattering. His body convulsed around Ono’s, a sharp cry escaping his lips as his own release was triggered by the sheer, unadulterated intensity of the moment. The raw, untamed energy of their union reached its explosive peak, a primal shedding of all restraint against the backdrop of the illuminated city. Ono collapsed against Raziq, his breathing ragged and shallow, his grip slowly loosening as the immediate intensity of his climax subsided. The chamber was filled with the sounds of their labored breathing and the lingering echoes of their shared, intensely physical release, the city lights below a silent, glittering witness. They remained joined for a short, breathless moment, Ono’s weight heavy against Raziq’s back, the raw, primal energy slowly beginning to dissipate, leaving behind a strange mix of exhaustion and a lingering, almost unsettling intensity under the silent watch of the city. Then, with a sudden, almost abrupt movement, Ono pushed himself up, his vibrant energy already beginning to resurface. He looked down at Raziq, his bright eyes holding a wild, almost triumphant glint against the backdrop of the sprawling metropolis. “There, Raziq,” Ono said, his voice still slightly rough and edged with the remnants of his intense climax, against the hum of the city below, “no detours.” He offered Raziq a quick, almost possessive nip on the neck feathers before turning away towards the window, his restless energy already seeking a new focus amidst the urban sprawl. Raziq lay there for a long moment, catching his breath, the imprint of Ono’s raw, untamed passion still vividly etched within him against the glittering cityscape. It was an encounter unlike the gentle solace of Tamaa or the quiet understanding of Zazu – a primal, visceral explosion of pure sensation that left him feeling both shaken and strangely… present against the backdrop of the illuminated city.