hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ Ajax does not sleep well, but he has come to at least control his worst nightmares in terms of acting out— when he wakes suddenly there are no loud noises or truly startling movements, just forcing his eyes open suddenly to clear them as quickly as possible. The nightmares have become by now so overdone and consistent that he finds it hard to be truly moved— at least beyond the emotional toll they take on him that he also ignores the cumulation of.

For this fox youkai does not merely deal with the nightmares of his own experiences but all of the memories of Inazuma lost to their hosts, as they scatter like leaves only to be tumbled into the filth that sickens the land of the electro Archon. Many are Lady Saiguu's, but far many more are unnamed victims that have lost their lives to the miasma itself indirectly or directly that creates a constant cycle of pain and suffering. Ajax stares off with unfocused eyes, the nightmare he's roused from still echoing at the edges of his wakeful reality, clawing and freezing the boundaries to the point he has to wonder when does one become more real than the other. Will there be a point ever where those memories make up not of him than the reality that he faces every day?

(Someone's parents don't come home one night. They grow up orphaned, scared, bitter and alone and only wishing to get revenge on the ones that took their family away from them, that took their entire life away and made it nothing more than a means to an end. They never succeed, either because they can't identify the people, they agree killed by another, or bad luck catches up to them, too, in their quest and they die unfairly and unfulfilled.)

Ajax doesn't know why, but memories like these upset him the most. That suffering is always so raw, so real, so simplistic it's impossible not to sympathize with the victim as if... as if he could really empathize what having a family taken away would be like. What a joke, maybe even a vile despicable thought to think he could understand that suffering in any way.

(But as he glances up and notices Zhongli also asleep, head bowed peacefully as he's curled in against the fox youkai, Ajax feels a sliver of dread he doesn't quite understand. He knows what it is because he's felt it through others so many times before— the dread of losing this person. This adeptus does not belong to him or his life in any sense, though, he has no right to feel anything like (because even if Zhongli merely goes back to Liyue, Ajax will lose him. so why would he feel so strongly attached as if he understands what it feels like to not be alone that going back to it would bring sadness? )

If he's honest, he very much has come over this short trip to not want to be alone anymore since meeting this adeptus. Maybe because Zhongli treats him too much like a living being that has his own life and right to exist with the rest of the. That's an impossible future for him, though, so why does his mind linger on such a thing, regardless? Letting his gaze wander he glances to the large tail and how the way it's curled about him makes him feel like he could be safe. He's never felt safe with anyone before. Is it because Zhongli is such a powerful being that he feels a strange comfort in that or is it something else?

(Again he can't... be killed like a real person or by the miasma. And no matter how powerful and entity only be very specific individuals could destroy him, so there's no reason to feel unsafe. He isn't even sure how he could feel safe, but his mind tells him that's what he feels and so he goes with it. )

Not wanting to disturb the other, Ajax simply remains as he is short of snuggling a little bit closer once again. His elder is asleep and unaware, but it's all more than enough Ajax can pretend for some pmoments that's he's being consciously held. It's nice... maybe too nice to the point it shouldn't feel nice at all. Ajax is stubborn about what he wants to feel and how to perceived things, though, so he manages to rather easily focus on the positive he wants out of it.

(Even so, the youkai can't help but wonder why Zhongli is being so accommodating to him. He's not unhappy with it at all, but he has never particularly been able to make long term relationships really beyond face value.of course, to want to have relationships when something like himself... he guesses is only natural to want and feel things from the memories of others no matter how corrupted they have become.)

His curious blue eyes drift up to the antlered horns, quietly admiring them even as they catch the gleam and gentle glow of flowers and plants in the cave. Everything is peaceful enough until the sounds of wolves are picked up by his large ears. They flatten nervously but he only goes to move so he can make sure his tails cover them both efficiently. Regularly wolves aren't an issue, but the spirit realm ones that prowl about can be obvious and sneak attack if they don't recognize what they are dealing with. There's no way they will pick a fight if they sense either of their strengths normally but if they find them vulnerable they just might try their luck. A Ninetails with all his tails on display even while not needing to have them present, white or otherwise, should be enough to keep the spirits from trying anything though. Even so, Ajax shifts to protectively test his head against Zhongli's antlers now.

He will finally drift back to sleep after a few minutes if Zhongli stays asleep. ]

[ As Ajax starts to drift back to sleep, the earth beneath them warms even though the many layers of blankets and padding that the kitsune had prepared for the two. It warms like stone being left out in the sun, glowing lines of amber criss cross along the cavern floor and then up the walls almost to the ceiling. They form a lattice, thin and delicate but obviously a barrier of some kind. One that does not appear to take much effort for Zhongli to conjure at all.

It is only then that Zhongli opens his eyes, nuzzling a little against Ajax's face as he blinks at him still half asleep. ]

You are restless. And expending your energy needlessly.

[ He pulls Ajax closer, tucking him underneath his chin even though it is Ajax who is providing them with the majority of the warmth. The snuggle of before becomes more of a protective hold as if he was shielding Ajax from the world.

Zhongli would be embarrassed if he was more awake, given that the nine-tails could definitely fend for himself. But on this border of consciousness and dreams, his instincts take over. ]

Rest. I will keep watch and make sure no creature can enter this cave.

[ oh this... this is unexpected.

Ajax watches Zhongli with doe eyes and his ears flattened back submissively, afraid that if he does anything at all it might ruin the moment of whatever state Zhongli is in. He understands, of course, that Zhongli is not fully awake, but that just makes it all the more fascinating. He would be so protective and welcoming to keep Ajax safe without the need to conscious pit on a persona of kindness or friendliness. Although it's true the youkai can handle himself and doesn't need protecting it still is an unusual experience which he'd rather watch it unfold than be offended, but the idea that this means Zhongli thinks he can't protect himself doesn't cross his mind.

So getting tucked under the other's chin and pulled close has the fox neither fussy nor tense. Instead he stares with big eyes into the dark of Zhongli's chest. His mind is suddenly blank, though, and he can't put together any thoughts like he wanted to seconds before with them all in a whirl of surprise at his friend's actions. Instead, he resigns and nuzzles the other at his spot under the chin, his ears lifting to gently stroke up against one of the adeptus's cheeks before going still to become a soft accessory for Zhongli's head to feel comfortable against. With the gentle heat and the added lights that only seem to glow in a tandem with the surroundings rather than wash everything out harshly, Ajax falls asleep relatively quickly once more.

This time, he had no dreams, just a sensation of warm and contentment. ]

[ Zhongli wakes before Ajax does. And if the other has not struggled out of his grip (intentionally or not) in his sleep, then still in Zhongli's arms does he remain. The tuft of his tail sweeps slowly back and forth at the space behind Ajax's knees. Restless perhaps. Or just contemplative. Either way, his eyes remained fixed at something behind the golden barrier.

The sound of the wolves had died down hours before. Whether they were youkai, mortal, or ghosts of the Abyss it is hard to say and also of little consequence now that the danger has passed.

When Zhongli feels Ajax stirs in his arms, he relaxes his grip slightly, hand moving to card between his ears once more as the youkai awakens for what appears to be a long slumber that was sorely needed. ]

Do you feel rested, Ajax?

[ His tone is calm and unhurried even though they both know they have a long and urgent journey ahead of them. ]

We have a long day ahead of us.

Ah, wow— [ he had opened his ears blearily, something between a whine and a yawn occurring as he introduce goddess to stretch. Even while not in fox form he still seems to keep the habits very faithfully. However, during his stretch he has paused at Zhongli's question and blocked before his eyes go wide and he beams in a moment of excitement& ]

Actually, I really do! I can't remember the last time sleep was like that. I feel really alive today or something?...!

[ not that the youkai needs any extra energy whatsoever. Seeming to not really know what to do with himself in stretched position still, he'll go and take his outstretched arms to wrap around Zhongli over his shoulders while offering a smile as he settles back into the other's arms. ]

We sure do! But I think it'll be great, we've got the best company to enjoy it, don't you think~? [ long journeys don't have to be unfun! ]

[ Zhongli relaxes into Ajax's casual touches, comfortable in a way he has not been in a very long time. He smile is small but genuine as he gives Ajax's ears one final scritch. ]

Yes, I do believe that is true. And perhaps once we have dealt with this matter, we can return to a more relaxing tour of Inazuma proper, yes?

[ Zhongli moves to sit up, nuzzling at the fox's temple before untangling from him. Then like so much scattering dust, his antlers and tail melt away in a shimmer of gold. The barrier protecting the cave dissipates as well.

He goes to pick up the sealed memories, the violet more violent in its attempt to escape its gold imprisonment. But imprisoned it remains, even if the aura around the object is quite foreboding at the moment. ]

Sounds good to me! Hopefully it'll be nice and sunny for us. [ he chirps after getting the additional affectionate scritches. When Zhongli untangles then he will also roll to get up, his nine tails fading from sight down to just one. Although he will use a human form once they get closer to the shrine, for now he's content just hiding his tails.

Although he senses that presence, it's very clear it hasn't made way to escaping what Zhongli did to it, there's which means Ajax doesn't have to concern himself with it no matter how unhappy it is in its imprisoned state. As soon as Zhongli turns to signal he's ready to leave, the youkai will nod and they can both leave to be on their way. ]

[ The trip to Narukami Shrine is largely uneventful. With so much to worry about in Inazuma already, no one has time to notice two travelers making what appears to be a routine pilgrimage. It helps that Zhongli has also procured a set of more traditional Inazuman clothing to wear so he doesn't stand out too much in the crowd. A deep red yukata lined in silvers and purples. It is not a color palette he wears often, but perhaps that is the point as he seems to blend in more easily with the rest of the inhabitants.

At first, there is hesitation from the greeting miko as they enter through the last set of red tori gates before the great tree. Guuji Yae is a very important person with a very busy schedule. One does not simply waltz in and ask for an audience with her. However, upon sensing the nature of the miasma in the object they carry, a young shrine maiden (who introduces herself as Inagi Hotomi) quickly ushers them to a special waiting room in the back of the shrine, saying that Guuji will be them as soon as she is available.

Zhongli can only breathe a sigh of relief as he sinks into his knees in front of the low table where fresh green tea has been served. Surely this will go a lot smoother when Yae arrives and there no longer has to be pretenses about who he is. A lost benefit of being an archon, having to go through route paperwork and channels to speak with the people he needed to speak with.

He glances over at Ajax to see how he is faring, considering that the other said that he had shied away from most of the mortal civilization. Even as sparsely populated as the Grand Narukami Shrine is, it must be quite the challenge for him. ]

Have you ever been this close to the Sacred Sakura tree? I have to admit it is my first time as well.

[ Ajax is quiet when they are greeted by the shrine maidens, all traces of him being anything other than human gone. Never once does he meet their gazes even though it's clear he's listening and observing all the same. He seems to blend well enough even if he comes off aloof, but his demeanor becomes more friendly and open when on their way to the meeting room there is a young girl trying to teach the ornament rack to hang her own. She refuses any offers for others to put it to for her, saying how can her wish come true if she doesn't do it herself, and she has kept at it. When Ajax hears her explanation , he agrees with her before offering a way help her reach out herself. He doesn't pick her up (he at least knows humans react badly when a stranger handles their child without their permission even if the child doesn't mind,) and instead goes to crouch down and lean forward enough so she can jump on his back and climb on to be able to get herself to successfully hang it. After a small victory celebration of yays and excitement between the duo, they part ways and Ajax will turn to catch back up what with having probably made Zhongli and the shrine maiden wait.

Once they're left alone in the room, Ajax relaxes a little, some rigid tension visibly easing out of him. Zhongli's voice brings him to tilt his head as if he still has his fox ears to hear with rather than the current human ones, but otherwise seems to be keeping most mannerisms in check so far.

(Even so he's definitely uneasy and perhaps trying to judge if he's doing things coreectly or is trying too hard to be human or not enough or—) ]

Hah? Actually, no... it feels familiar though, like i've seen it before. But every time I have met with Lady Yae she has come to me.

Is that so?

[ The little things are not adding up.

Such as why Ajax has not even travelled here, where not only would he be welcomed as a youkai but as a person. Here in the heart of the land where one of his kind has always taken up the mantle of priestess.

Such as why Ajax is so good with children, so kind and affectionate, and yet he spends little to no time with them as far as Zhongli can see. But his joy in helping the little girl hang her ornament was apparent. How despite all the other sights and sounds of the Shrine, that is what he laser focused on.

(What is the secret that Ajax keeps so close to his chest that he must hide himself from the world as a result of it?)

Zhongli lifts his hand, placing it on top of Ajax's and opens his mouth to say something, when the very distinctive drawl of a very playful fox makes herself known. ]

Oh my my my. Look at what we have here. Ajax, dear, you should have told me you would be coming all this way.

And oh—

[ Yae hides a laugh behind one white sleeve as her eyes widen at the other guest ]

I see you brought a friend. Hmmmm. Where did you manage to dig up this old fossil?

[The fox youkai cants his head slightly to one side at Zhongli's hand on his, clearly focused on listenening to what the other's about to say before they are interrupted. Ajax perks towards the guuji with a friendly smile with Yae making herself known.

He reaches behind his head sheepishly before offering an apologetic smile with a polite and chipper greeting. Of course, she'll soon realize what the situation is and why the surprise visit but he'll glance to Zhongli with an encouraging smile. ]

At one of the abandoned shrines on Narukami. He was visiting, he said. [ He's guessing they must know each other because Zhongli was here a long time ago and they met and whatnot, but nothing further than that comes to mind right now.

He'll tilt his head back towards Zhongli now, glancing towards him encouragingly to take over speaking. It's better for him to bring up their reason for their presence. ]

[ Zhongli does indeed take up the reigns in explaining their situation, seemingly unbothered by being called an old fossil. Obviously, Yae had been hanging around Barbatos lately. ]

Greeting, Lady Yae. It has been a long time. As my friend Ajax has said—

[ Yae's ears flutter against her hair at such a casual declaration but otherwise she shows no reaction. ]

I was doing some sightseeing on Narukami when we encountered some abnormality in the Ley Lines. Something that Ajax calls filth though this is my first encounter with such vocabulary.

[ Zhongli sets the encased filth upon the low table, the dark purple miasma and short flickers of memory still leaking out if one were to touch the thing. For a brief moment, a flash of white fox ears and a tail seem to linger in the air. An afterimage of a spirit long past. Yae does not touch the but she does sit down across from them, ears perking up again in interest. ]

Purification of this magnitude it outside of my realm of expertise, so we brought it here that it might be handled properly. You have my gratitude for seeing us so quickly when we come unannounced.

[ Yae hums again in that distinct way of hers, settling back on her heels to cross his arms against her chest.

"Well well, it seems you came to the right place. This is surely something that we can purify. But where there are they chunks of filth, the source is usually not too far to find."

This time, Yae turns her gaze to Ajax when she speaks.

"Where did you find this again?"

(Perhaps a why did you bring this to me?" lays unspoken in her gaze, as Ajax always insisted on handling the filth alone. A sweet boy, but he was more skittish than a cat at a firework festival.) ]

[ Ajax is quiet and serious as Zhongli speaks, but he is pointed to not act as if he is income in the concession unfolding. He doesn't look to the filth, doesn't look between either of them, and it's only when he catches Yae directly her wisdom to him that his eyes focus on her. He's not sure how to explain because it's sort of arguably ridiculous. Just because someone who had been nice to him was very against the idea of eradicating the filth via destroying it isn't exactly valid reason to do this, especially when he's been so stubborn about going at it alone. Still, he is not willing to be embarrassed or hide his decisions and owns them without wavering. ]

One of the corrupted trees near the shorelines. Zhongli-sensei was very convinced we couldn't destroy it because the memories would be lost with it. He was not willing to consider any alternative until this one was exhausted.

[ he doesn't say it outright, but the implication is rather easy to see for Yae: because Zhongli was friends with Lady Saiguu, Ajax felt wrong going against his wishes to try and save the memories. Of course, Yae knows better than that being the only thing, but that suggestion does give her more insight— the young youkai is quite smitten with having a friend and the thought of closing any decreasing what he was wasn't on his agenda since he couldn't exactly prove to Zhongli his way was the best way. And of course... someone who doesn't want to destroy memories that are vile and filthy— maybe this adeptus would not feel disgust and fear towards what he is?

Still, all the various reasons and angles that Ajax could give as reasoning and explanation all boil down to a simple common truth: I made a friend and I didn't want to lose him by going against his wishes. So I humored him. ]

[ "Hooooooh."

Yae presses a single finger against her chin, thinking deeply as a "foxy" smile creeps upon her lips.

"I see. Well, Zhongli-sensei has always been stubborn like that. I'll take this off your hands—"

She gestures to the filth with a wave of her wide sleeves.

"And send one of the shrine maidens out to investigate when we can spare one. It's been quite eventful here for the past few days. I'm surprised the two of you have not been caught up in everything.

But I do have a favor to ask in return, since it seems the two of you and have been out and about."

This, she says, while looking pointedly at Ajax.

Zhongli suspects he does not quite understand the dynamics or power play between the two fox youkai, so he wisely stays out of it for now. The only indication of which side he is on is the hand still gently cradled over Ajax's. ]

[ Ajax looks a bit thoughtful at her comments about them avoiding some pretty big things going on, and he tries to think of anything unusual beyond the conditions that have been for some time. Perhaps something else besides the weather, after it had been perpetual hell and fury for longest time until that outlander arrived. Ajax had followed them around curiously for a bit from a distance since they made their appearance, but they didn't seem to be around to do any harm. He automatically assumes it has to do with them because other than Zhongli they are the only new variable he knows of in Inazuma and Zhongli did not seem like he was here to make waves.

Maybe if it wasn't for that loud fairy tagging along and having panic attacks every time something moved, he would have stuck around longer or even tried talking to them (no, no chance.)

Well, regardless, he supposes he and Zhongli will hear about it or they will witness it first hand soon enough if it's really as eventful as Yae describes it as.

The younger fox youkai realizes it's not as if he can avoid this so-called favor and wait to get a better idea of what she wants before he agrees to it, but he also does admittedly feel like he did dump her more work after being so indifferent on doing things alone, all just because he had a soft spot for an old adeptus that has paid attention to him for several days (not that Ajax is fully self-aware of this just yet.) ]

Yes, whatever you need. [ his smile is sweet, and very unassuming— he knows he's not fooling Guuji Yae, but it's simply habit and practice pose that he can't break, especially when around Zhongli (especially not when Zhongli hasn't pulled away his hand even once Yae greeted them.) ]

[ The hand placed on Ajax's own suddenly becomes a tug as Zhongli yanks on it, trying to cut Ajax off mid sentence. ]

You do not mean that.

[ And then to Yae: ]

He does not mean that. An undisclosed favor is not a fair trade for the assistance that we have asked for. I would like to understand the nature of your request before we agree to anything.

[ Yae just chuckles, thoroughly amused by Zhongli's antics. "Yes, yes. Of course. I'd never dream of trying to get an unbalanced agreement by you. I simply want you to keep an eye out for something for me. And nothing half so dangerous as what you already brought me today. Is that not a fair trade?" ]

[ oh, he doesn't? Ajax's smile is puzzled even as Zhongli takes over. Ah, so that's what it is, no t a fair trade... the fox youkai can't help but now try to get a better understanding as he listens to the two. Clearly Yae knows him a lot better than Ajax so it's best to see how Zhongli works these negotiations out than interrupt just yet. ]

[ Zhongli crosses his arms over his chest, a clear sign that Yae should continue. It is a practiced motion, one that he has done many times before. Perhaps his dealings with fox youkai (or just tricksy creatures in general) has left him equally adept at handling them as well as bone-weary of their antics.

"Oh, Mister Zhongli~ No need for that dour look on your face. It's simple really. I'm looking for a very special feather - a pinion feather from the Thunderbird. It's gone missing from where it is usually kept and I'm afraid with this distraction, we won't have the resources to go hunt for it ourselves. Now, I'm not asking you to drop everything and look for it seeing as the two of you are on vacation. But an extra pair or two of eyes never hurts.

And young Ajax here will know it when he sees it."

She gestures to him with a wide sweep of her sleeve, a move which has Zhongli tilt his head curiously to one side before he straightens his posture and turns to Ajax. Yae never did anything without purpose. So either she wanted Ajax to find this artifact or have Zhongli realize something when he came upon it himself.

Ah well, as long as they walk into this obvious bait with eyes wide open. ]

It seems like a fair exchange, their aid in exchange for ours. Do you find the terms acceptable?

[ Ajax nods. Unfortunately, if Zhongli was hoping for him to think about it for any length of time, he'll be sorely disappointed. ]

Yeah, fine with me.

[ he'd probably be doing something similar anyway and without Zhongli and his company any other day so it's no big deal where their next stop is to the young fox youkai.

Besides Yae always has good intentions despite her tendency for vague words of wisdom and trickery. Almost always, at least!

And what kind of fox youkai would he be if he couldn't handle some kind shenanigans should they arise. ]

[ Yes, it's quite clear that Ajax is not giving this any deeper thought than what it appears on the surface. But Zhongli can not chide him too much for that— he is young, does not seem to have much opportunity to interact with others, and Lady Yae was at the top of the food chain when it came to kitsune youkai. He probably had not even considered the fact that he could negotiate anything before today. ]

Very well. The tailfeather of the Thunderbird.

[ Zhongli knew that tale as he had even on one occasion had the opportunity (or perhaps misfortune) of hearing about the Thunderbird from Ei when Makoto was still the Electro Archon of Inazuma. The creature had become a threat to the residents of Seirei Island and they were discussing whether or not a peaceful resolution could come to pass between them.

History tells the end of that story. It ended the same way as many similar stories did — a resolution not to be found and the Thunderbird slain or sealed by the hands of the Archon.

Why would anyone want a cursed artifact like that in their possession? Surely it contained some of the rage and malice of the fallen foe. Surely it could not be good for anyone who came in contact with it.

Of course, Zhongli says nothing of his internal musings. He does not need (or want) to tip his hand to Yae, and Ajax does not seem interested in the specifics. Very well. It will be up to his discretion then. ]

Then let the contract be sealed, for my words are as solid as stone.

[ Yae openly laughs, not even bothering to hide it daintily behind her hand. "Maaaa, you never change. It would be quite endearing if it wasn't also a bit tragic." ]

[ Ajax is admittedly interested in what Yae means about Zhongli, even as he rolls the words said by his new companion around in his head.

Contract... stone... this feels on the tip of his tongue, and he can't help but intentionally turn to start sifting through memories of Hers in particular to try and see if the face next to him is somewhere in there with her. If not her, has Lady Yae ever informed him —

—eh, he'll do it later. Now isn't a good time to get lost in thoughts. ]

Then, we will head off soon after Zhongli-sensei finishes his tea and bring the item back with us next time~.

Yes, after I finish my tea.

[ To which Zhongli takes a long pointed sip, ignoring Yae for the moment. How rude! He isn't tragic. He's retired.

He turns to Ajax when he's done: ]

Ajax, might you allow myself and the Lady Guuji to catch up on things for a few moments. I shall be ready to go soon.

You may also stay here as well, but I'm afraid our conversation will be dreadfully boring.

Sure, you don't have to tell me twice! [ he definitely doesn't want to deal with sitting through boring conversations. Which means he's more than ready to depart and leave the two of them to themselves for now.

Once he leaves, he is very good about going about keeping himself occupied for the two elders to catch up. ]

[ A couple hours later, Zhongli emerges from the meeting room with Yae, pensive and thoughtful, but he is quickly drawn out of his own head as he looks around for his new fox companion. Ah, perhaps he should not have lingered too long in his reminiscence (but it was so rare that he had a chance to talk to anyone that knew Baal, knew those who lived and breathed before the cataclysm.) Even if Zhongli had to suffer through barbs and teasing about being a cradle robber.

Honestly.

He first heads to the placards where visitors to the shrine may offer their wishes, black calligraphy ink splashed across small wooden boards. Ah, perhaps when he finds Ajax, the two of them might indulge in this most mundane of pastimes.

If he is not there, Zhongli will circle round the rest of the Narukami Shrine. It's a small place. Surely he will find him eventually. ]

[ Ajax can be found not far from the hung wishes, staiing up curiously at the large outreaching branches of the great Sakura Tree. As if mesmerized, the young fox youkai stares up at the pink petals that hold fast despite the high altitude and breeze that continuously encourage them to take flight, wondering if he's seen anything prettier than this. He'd give to take a nap while waiting for Zhongli, but now can't recall if he ever made it before stopping to settle here and watch the Sakura petals dance their way through a short-lived existence.

He'll snap out of it when Zhongli approaches close enough, looking to him belt a smile lights up Ajax's face and he'll wave for good measure. In his hand is one of those wooden ornaments, but it doesn't seem that he's managed to ink anything into the back of it as a wish just yet. Somehow, with Zhongli suddenly there, it doesn't feel like such a thing he has to focus on in the moment, instead putting to go to the adeptus' side. ]

Sensei, you're finished? Did you have a nice talk? [ the fox youkai hopes so considering how long he was with Lady Yae, but one can't be too presumptuous about such things. ]