She might need some of that time to get Ani back to where she can have conversations, and not just kneel in a pleased mental haze at her Mistress's feet.

She has, of course, budgeted for this time. Long experience, you know.

She takes such good care of her Ani.

Ani is valuable to her.

She knows. It's an excellent bit of knowledge, the best thing she's learned in her entire life.

Kiss.

Kiss!

"It is about time for us to leave," Occlus whispers. "Are you ready, pet?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Off to dinner, then.

Shinrei invited all of Elaise, Chihiro, and Sayuri, as well as the existing party of course - so, Tobi and baby Anakin. (Elieyha and Amajina are out of the village, right now, but she thinks those introductions wouldn't hurt to have second anyways.)

Hopefully this time goes better than at the border.

Sayuri's a bit leery - though this mostly only manifests in keeping Chihiro close. (Her mom explained some stuff about her alt. Sayuri's known she's probably a reincarnation of Madara for a long time - she's mostly sympathetic towards Ani, right now.)

She keeps her breaths even and deep, leans on her Mistress's stability a little - and stays calm and centered in the moment. 

"I apologize for my behavior when we first met," she says. 

"It's cool."

"Sorry I brought up bad memories."

Small smile. "It's not a big problem, really."

"Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, please."

Chihiro sets about making some. It's not a full ceremony, but the motions are still soothing. And a good cup of tea is a peace offering.

She appreciates it. (She's tempted to learn that while she's here... It looks exactly like the sort of thing she likes doing for her Mistress.)

She's made some for Sayuri as well, of course.

Good girl; she can kneel by her wife once she's done serving. 

With pleasure.

(Given three out of eight attendees were likely to end up kneeling - well, the furniture is quite well arranged for that. Shinrei is at Elaise's feet, herself.)

Similar tastes, hm.

It promises to be an enjoyable meal.