Jade cleared her throat, trying to keep her voice even. "It's a gold comb. The kind women put in their hair, for decoration, you know? My mother used to wear it, to our religious celebrations, to the parties and festivals us spirits would hold before venturing the world, to funerals, any special occasion. When I was very young, I used to ask her, "Mama, when can I be a pretty woman like you?" And she would always say, "You will know when you are, love. And so will everyone else." And I had a comb made of shells, to signify my element, water, to keep all beings alive. My mother wore gold to represent light, because she guarded the humans from darkness." She sighed. "But so far... I'm still not worthy to wear this comb." She took her pearl comb from her pocket, comparing the two possessions she cherished most.