Did you? Truly? *Me*?

He sits and fusses with his napkin, laying it across his lap delicately like the Lord he is. Or was.

"Did it take you terribly long to prepare all this? I am impressed. Beyond impressed, and you must *know* by now how meaningful that is.

Of *course* I do. I can will myself to look however I want!

But, thank you. It is good to know I am well received.

Why are you so focused on the past today, hm?

No. For all that I know, you could be *venomous*.

He looks over the spread eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Lucky for you, I've come to very much enjoy the food of the sundered world."

You look well.

No jokes, but do *not* make me regret saying so.

If you insist. Let's go.

[He just stand there looking like a tired mom.]

Ah. Of course. The day of japes.

That was *their* mistake, though it would hardly be surprising to see you *repeating* Azem's.

Must you pull these emotional niceties out of me?

I suppose it will come down to who bites *harder*, then.

I am *plenty* fun. Just not when there is *work* to be done.

...Spend time with me. I've missed you.

Since when have I gone around *inspiring confidence* from people?

No.

I very well could be. Watch your back.

Good. Go on, then. Shoo.

It has been a bit, yes.

And how do you know that I am not *already* those things? When you see a cubus, is it as such? Or is it me in disguise?

Perhaps I am not even *Emet-Selch*. I could be three shoebills assuming his form.

Give it time, cat. I am still waking up.

Busy? Enough to keep me from *you*? No.

So I've noticed. The air seems jovial. Are you partaking?

Prepare for me your most favorite dish.

[Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh.] I am indeed.

One would hope.

[He waves a hand dismissively] My cat-shooting days are *long* behind me. I'm much more interested in *other* activities with the previous involved.

...Fine.