World Tree MUSH

    So it's been a little while... Actually it's been years since Mau has been to her home town, and with the Demon Lord defeated, many of the cities and bastions are still in faitly high celebratory spirits. But Mau is kind of tired of all the celebrating and wants one thing.
    Just one thing.
    Some people, have recieved letters.
    'Hey, so.' The letters begin (or in the case of Suvdaa, Mau literally turned to look at her one night and said...) 'I want to go home.'
    'I'm going to visit the village of Middleston on this day, if you're free... Maybe we could all meet up there.'
    So the appointed day comes and Mau is standing at the outskirts of the rebuilt village, no one has noticed who or where she is just yet, she's just standing at the side of the road leading into one of the town's entrances. Middleston, before its complete destruction at the hand of the Demon Lord and his army, was a small village of about a thousand. But since the rebuilding and the fame the village has gained for being the spawning point of our local hero, the population and size of the village has doubled or maybe even tripled.
    "Mmmmm..." Mau mutters to herself, tail flicking as she waits for the party that saved the world to join her.

A day ago, Itana was by the bedside of a tiny angel, serving breakfast. Then someone knocked on her door with a latter. She had apologized to Castiel gently and stepped over to read the mail.

Her eyelids had immediately dropped and a sigh had found involuntary but heartfelt voice.

"This fucking cat."

    ----

Today, there is a sharp 'WARK' from not far behind Mau.

A big yellow chocobo is striding up the road with an archer on the back. Itana pushes her hood back and looks on at the village. Her lips come together in a firm line. More than anything, Itana dislikes villages, towns, cities - all of them. It's not a hatred so much as a profound discomfort - there is no setting in which she fits in less.

"Do you usually bring small armies of friends home with you?" she asks Mau with a cant of her head.

     For the sake of not freaking out any residents of the town, Dulguun will have to be by himself in the forests today. A day off to go and do what grizzly bears do, whatever that may be. 
     Instead Mau has to deal with her raider friend Suvdaa, hood drawn back as she seems... nervous? Uneasy? She's definitely taking a few paces around as people around, uncomfortable with the turn of events. In the coming of a battle, sure, Suvdaa could be ready and eager, but this... -This-, something as simple as meeting people where Mau grew up, it makes her a little uneasy. 
 
     "... It's still hard to believe the dumb cat who went alone into the frozen north came from here..." Suvdaa gives a mutter openly to herself, trying to put out some kind of conversation of some kind.

    A day ago, Illumiel was staying with her sister, and the nomad, when someone knocked at the door bearing letters for the two of them. She too had apologized to Castiel, and much like Itana, she reads and smiles a little.

    ----

    Behind Mau, not long after Itana arrives, the flutter of wings and a solid thumping sound announce the arrival of an angel. Pearl, gold and white wings fold, then vanish as the blonde girl stands, her eyes opening as she straightens from the Super Hero Landing pose. She reaches up to gently pet the flank of the chocobo

    Simon, for once, actually decided to use his holiday time this year. Partly to go see his niece, Lily needed to see him after all, and partly because of psych reasons. Really, being a counterterrorist with a mask of mystery is tough on your mental health you see.

    So he didn't need much reason to check in on Mau.

    "So this is where you're from, eh Mau?" He says suddenly, appearing like a slasher villain minus dramatic stings and chasing people with an axe. The tactical skellyman ditched his gear in favor of a hoodie and jeans. Somehow, even with his mask off, he manages to hide his face under the hood.

    "'s not bad. Fair sight better 'n Manchester."

    Upon spying Lumi-Lu, Itana, and Suvdaa, he greets them with a curt nod of recognition. "Ladies. Good to see you lot."

    Glancing up from her reverie as she stares down the road to her home, Mau looks to Itana.
    "I wouldn't call the people I count as friends a small army." The catgirl points out. "I'd say we're more of an elite strike force. And it's not like I'm expecting any trouble or anything..." The catgirl says with a little chuckle as the nomad and one of her angels arrive, casually sliding her hand into Suvdaa's with a small squeeze.
    "Yep. This is, technically, where I grew up." She says. That 'technically' probably sounds very weird, but Suvdaa would understand what Mau means at least, by the time Ghost appears like the spooky man that he is.
    "It's good to see you all." Mau says, and she means it, turning to face the road to town.
    She takes a breath.
    And Mau starts walking.
    Casual though she may seem, there's a stiffness to her as people start to glance up and stare. And looks of dawning recognition appear on a few faces, before further realization starts to dawn as they see the rest of the group and especially if people re wearing their Platinum rank tags.
    People start to wave.
    And whistle.
    And cheer.
    Mau flashes awkward smile and waves back a few times, she only pauses to jerk a thumb at the local inn.
    "That's where mom used to work. Old Thrain ran the place before he took up his position as general of the Dwarven armies again. Donno who runs it now, probably one of his relatives I guess." She says like a dumb tour guide as several children run up.
    Mau immediately hoists a small kitten-girl onto her shoulders, earning a series of giggles as she asks the local mischief makers: "Okay. So who wants to tell me where Miu's house is?"

The chocobo warks approvingly at the angelic affections its receives. Itana smiles faintly and dismounts, giving Illumiel a light touch on the shoulder.

Back to Mau she looks, that mused smile returning. In spite of everything, she's starting to like the catgirl. If nothing else, Mau's audacious. Itana appreciates audacity, sometimes.

Taking a moment to tether her chocobo somewhere safe, comfy and out of the way, she turns to follow the catgirl into town. As people begin to look at them, though, Itana's shoulders grow a little more tense and her eyes increasingly fix forward.

People wave. And whistle. And cheer.

Itana stares forward, aware of the attention through her other senses and her peripheral vision. The noise whirls around her mind like a hurricane. There are more people currently paying attention to her than she's experienced even in her travels to bigger cities. In those situations, she was simply a bystander. Here, everyone's staring at their group and heaping emotion and focus on them.

More than anything, Itana wants to dive down a hole.

    Illumiel nods to Mau's explanation, looking around as the group enters town. She dips her head to those who start cheering and the like, but keeps pace with Itana, reaching up to gently hold the nomad's hand, an anchor point... She even goes so far as to spread her wings, the pearlescent, golden and white spans catching the light... before draping around Itana's shoulders to shelter her a little from the raw sound swirling about.

 
     Suvdaa turns to the hooded not-slasher-killer Ghost with a nod of affirmation, knowing his skill in battle has earned him a high rung on her ladder of respect. As more arrive, Suvdaa turns to nod at them, about used to some of their entries. Then, a hand is griped. 
     Suvdaa looks down at her hand now in Mau's and just hides her face for a moment behind her free hand, giving another soft grumble as she moves along. Suvdaa knows far to well about the 'technical' part, but the little addition of words doesn't make it easier. She feels more like she's being led as she follows alongside Mau, free hand adjusting that bear clock and fiddling with the bow over herself. The motion of the Inn does make her push out commentary: "I could use maybe five drinks by the time we're done..." 
     At least being close is calming her down some, sort of working off whatever rust has built up for ABSOLUTE YEARS on her social skills. It's only very little though.

    "'Technically.'" Ghost repeats like he's chewing on it. "Right." This is enough weirdness for him to ask too many questions. So the 141 operator is gonna just roll with the punches like usual.

    "Been missin' ya. By the way, my niece wanted you to have something." Ghost rummages through his bag before producing some ear warmers. "Knitted 'em herself. She's also been makin' jumpers, be worried."

    The hero's welcome is certainly a weird sensation. Ghost wears a mask just to avoid this sort of thing, being noticed in public like this is weird and generally a prelude to being shot at. The lack of any of that is foreign to Simon.

    If Itana jumped down a hole Simon wouldn't think twice about joining her.

    Not long after everyone proceeds into town, there's a commotion from the outskirts. Even in a larger village like Middleston, it's not every day you see a proper palanquin. Or even every week. Or every month. ...or, honestly not even every year...

    The point is, it's pretty goshdarned rare in a place like this to see a wooden noble's conveyance being carried into town by servants. But there is absolutely one now, proceeding down the street, a norimono-style palanquin being hauled by two burly-looking men who resolutely and stalwartly refuse to acknowledge any reactions to themselves or their cargo. They move in a stately, dignified manner, befitting the arrival of someone of high standing indeed, and only once they have arrived before a certain catgirl and her eclectic collection of friends does a soft voice from within the vehicle order, "Halt."

    The two men immediately stop, and each drop to one knee, lowering the norimono close enough to the ground that, when the side door slides open, the tiny girl within can slide her feet to the ground and step out much more easily. Geta-clad feet on the ground, the white-haired young lady stands up straight and... straight, turning to walk with ritual precision towards Mau, step by stately step, crimson eyes full of what appears to be complete and utter distaste and embarrassment. However, her voice and posture are absolutely controlled, formal and almost regal.

    "Shuzenji-no-Matsu, Phoenix Maiden, head of Clan Shuzenji, Ally of the Emperor of Storms Fuyuhito, comes forth at the behest of her ally, the Hero Mau, in celebration and in friendship. I offer my most sincere congratulations on this auspicious homecoming."

    Her eyes now land in the approximate vicinity of 'kill me now'.

    And yet Mau seems way too used to hero's welcomes.
    Nevertheless after getting an answer from the children she-- pauses.
    Oh dear, Suvdaa, Itana, and Ghost are looking a bit on the uncomfortable side, and Mau offers her friends an apologetic smile.
    "Sorry guys. I know it might be a bit much for you. They're probably gonna wanna hold a huge celebration in our honor but you don't have to stay that long." She says quietly. "There's just. Someone I want you all to meet."
    That's a little cryptic as--
    Mau trails off.
    That is a gosh darn palanquin.
    Matsu emerges and Mau meets her gaze.
    To her credit, the catgirl from what used to be a hick village in the middle of nowhere dips into a bow.
    "I, Mau, daughter of Miu, of Middleston, humbly welcome you to my home."
    Formality out of the way she rises and flashes Matsu a grin. "And I'm glad you could make it too."
    Mau is quick to lead the party back out of town continuing along the road before a real crowd can gather, to a small home on the outskirts of the village.
    Small is a word for it. Modest definitely another word for it.
    Poor describes it kind of aptly.
    But Mau rushes up to the door and pauses as she's about to knock, hesitant, her hand trembles an inch away from the door as she looks back.
    "It's been twelve years..." She admits over her shoulder.

That's about when a certain someone makes a very, very dramatic entrance. Itana turns slowly to watch the procession of the Matsu Transportation System, her jaw hardening a little at first, then more, then relaxing when she sees Matsu's face and realizes that the young phoenix maiden is literally dying inside.

"...It is fine," she finally answers Mau, though there's a tightness in her voice that usually isn't there. "I don't... visit cities and towns very often. I will not stay for the celebration, though."

Back out of town they go. Itana breathes a sigh of relief once they're clear of the village centre. Soon enough, they're approaching the house.

It's a place of permanence. But it's closer to what Itana's used to. As Mau reaches for the door, Itana looks on and lets that faint smile return.

"Twelve years is long enough," she encourages. "Perhaps once you wanted to be a catgirl. Now it is alright to want to be home."

    "Nah, 's just...not used to the attention's all." Ghost waves a hand. It seems like Matsu also has the problem of being mobbed by people. Poor Molotov Cockatiel.

    The house Mau leads the group to is pretty modest in looks. It suits Mau somehow, a small town kid turned hero is a tale old as time. When Mau hesitates, Ghost places a hand on her shoulder. "We're with you." He promises softly.

    Illumiel dips a curtey to Matsu, folding her wings back up now the group are moving back out of town.

    She moves closer to Mau, gently resting a hand on the catgirl's shoulder. "I am sure... that whoever is here, they will be very glad to see you." she offers... she almost sounds like the other twin, the harsh growl in the back of her throat absent.

 
     "Dumb Cat. I'm not leaving." 
     Suvdaa gets that out right away, but still seems a little uneasy, looking aside even as things get worse. With Matsu's entrance on a palaquin, she just pauses and stares. And the feeling is all but mutual. 
     This is way too much attention drawing. This raider perfers other kinds of parties, like... around fires, with beef cooking, and yelling, and maybe some dancing to their next hunt. This is just... Too much. 
     When the group finally gets up to the house, Suvdaa pays it no judgement. Then again, it's probably obvious to everyone here that the woman was raised in animal pelts and tents in the snow, call that poor and small. It feels like Mau needs that little bit of motivation to knock and say hello after twelve long years. Well, Mau's shoulders are both taken by Illumiel and Ghost, so she decides to one up it. 
     The raider girl just raises her hand free hand up, balling it into a fist next to Mau's hand, just an inch away from the door. 
     "Knock together?"

    Matsu retains her stately demeanor until precisely the moment the group moves out of visual range of the palanquin-bearers. And no longer.

    "It is good to see you well," she says to Mau more informally, face relaxing at last. Beyond that, she walks alongside the group in quiet, hands folded in front of her. She seems to care not one bit that the townspeople will see her noble act drop a bit; all she's worried about is following along.

    But at mention of the twelve-year gap, the girl looks... awkward. Uncertain. "That's... that's most of my life." She's not sure what to say. "Ah... good... good luck...?" A pause, and a glance between Itana, Ghost, Illumiel, and Suvdaa. Halp. She has no context for a situation like this.

    Thankfully, this far away from the town center, there's almost no one around. But Mau flashes Suvdaa a small smile when the raider says she isn't going anywhere. Then Itana gets a look.
    Mau practically balks at the nomad for a beat before she's smirking. With Illumiel and Ghost's hands on her shoulders she seems to relax for a beat before nodding.
    "... Twelve years is a drop in the bucket." Mau realizes after a beat, to Matsu. "But it's felt like forever, this time."
    She knocks with Suvdaa and then a soft voice can be heard from through the door.
    "Who is it?" 
    Mau opens her mouth to say something but her voice catches in her throat.
    When the door opens, slowly at first, a pair of blue eyes peeks out. And then a woman. Specifically a woman with cat ears and long black hair. Though her hair is graying in streaks and she looks to be in her late forties or early fifties, there's another pause as she and Mau stare one another down.
    "... Hi, mom." Mau says once she rallies.
    The woman wastes no time in drawing Mau in for the tightest embrace and...
    They both start to flat out purr.
    It lasts for a moment, before the two break the embrace and Mau smooths out her armor and dress a little.
    "Mau when you left... I thought I'd never see you again. That something would happen or..."
    Mau shakes her head.
    "I'm home now."
    This is when Mau's mother regains her composure a little and remembers her manners. "These all must be your friends-- please come in. My home is small and humble, but make yourselves comfortable." She says stepping out of the way for people to enter.
    "I'll put on a pot of tea." She says.

Itana reaches out for just a moment and pats Mau between the ears. "Go home, cat," she encourages with a little smile.

And indeed she and Suvdaa do. Stepping back and folding her arms, Itana keeps that smile in place as she watches what unfolds. There is a great big hug.

There is purring. For just a moment, Itana wants to scritch them both.

A few bittersweet thoughts intrude. Mau has saved the world and returns home to her mother. Itana will never get that feeling - not anymore.

Her eyes migrate away, and settle on Illumiel. The thread of bitterness weaves back into the tapestry of warmth and becomes lost in the knit of emotions. She has other places to call home now - other people to turn back to when she finishes what's been in front of her for far too long. When the Red Wings fall from the sky, Itana will surround herself with white ones.

But there's a mom to meet. Looking forward once more, the archer clasps her hands at waist level and inclines her head. "Thank you. My name is Itana. Your daughter has taken good care of us."

    Simon, when the door opens, actually does something unexpected.

    He lowers his hood. His hair is close cropped like a proper military man, brownish-auburn with graying at the temples and a three-day stubble that comes from not having had to show one's face in a good while. His eyes are dark and reflect some horrific experiences, but also a tired gentleness too.

    When the woman answers the door, the brit stiffens up and clears his throat politely. Once Mau and her mother have a moment together, Simon follows them inside, clearing his throat politely.

    "Good afternoon, ma'am. I'm Simon Riley, I'm a lieutenant in the British Special Air Service, and I've been working alongside your daughter for a good while now since I began 'visiting', as it were."

    He nods his head respectfully. "And she's been a good friend since we met." The lieutenant smiles, just faintly enough while he waits to be seated once inside the house proper.

    Tea would be wonderful, right now.

    "I shall remain out here... My place is not in humble settings and quiet reunions." remarks Illumiel, turning away from the gentleness of a home and a reunion of mother and daughter... It's true enough though, the Avenging Angel doesn't do well with these situations.

 
     Suvdaa takes a small little step to the side as the two are reunited. Probably something to do with cats picking up scents. 
     Though for Suvdaa, she doesn't really introduce herself. Not yet, at least. There's too much social things going on. Too much talking. Too much... People. 
     Distraction. She needs a distraction. Suvdaa slips her way in when invited, and starts looking around. Where might someone come in from, where might they hold up, what's the best place to make a defense. Instead of trying to actually talk and be a little at ease, Suvdaa is all on that raider mindset. She knows she shouldn't be doing this, but it's more or less Suvdaa's turn to be in the 'please kill me' space. Meeting Mau's mom was going to happen, but with so many people around...

    For the moment, Matsu Shuzenji is quiet. She has no context for this kind of meeting. This kind of reunion. The very instant the feline woman pulls Mau into a tight hug, the tiny Phoenix Maiden stiffens. Her expression frozen, her entire body language on hold. She doesn't move, she doesn't speak. It's... impossible to read her. Just for that moment. Except, perhaps, for the very faintest, tiniest tremble.

    When the others move inside, Matsu looks torn. She glances between the door, and Illumiel, and the door, and Illumiel... and then, with visible hesitation, moves to step inside.

    She's not wiping away a tear. Shut up. This place is really dusty, that's all. Shut up.

    The house is small, humble yes. There's a living area, with a sofa, a table with a few chairs, and a big cushy reclining chair that's seen a ton of years. A door to the back likely leads to the sleep area, but that's not important because no one's going back there right now.
    Mau's mother, Miu, sets a pot of water to boil for tea and busies herself with making things as presentable and decent as she can. The house is clean and tidy at least, though.
    Mau doubletakes when Simon lowers his hood and actually shows his face. Is this like the first time she's seen him without his make or something covering him up?
    Probably.
    "Illumiel? C'mon. You're welcome here." Mau says softly as she steps in after the others. "Please, Itana, how many times have I almost gotten you or someone else killed here? I'm bad at taking care of myself let alone my friends." She says in joking tone.
    And then she sets her hand gently on Suvdaa's shoulder to ease the raider.
    "I know what you're thinking. This place is about as defensible as a dumpster. Try to relax. She's not going to bite."
    Then Mau eyes Matsu.
    "... You good?" She asks, concern frank and genuine in her tone as her mother hustles about, before huffing.
    Everything is as good as it's going to get.
    "It's nice to meet all of you- goodness this is so sudden... I mean I do not mind, I just thought my daughter would give me more notice."
    Mau flashes a catty little grin. The kind of dumb 'I thought I'd surprise you' kind of grin as Miu has another realization.
    "Ah... What is a 'British'?"
    Mau spends a beat inspecting the beat up old chair. Before she eases herself into it.
    "Anyway guys... There's something I should let you all in on. Something only mom and Suvdaa have known up until this point." She says as tea is served.
    ... It's catnip tea, for the record.

Itana stops before entering and looks back towards Illumiel. Then she doubles back, turns and draws an arm around the avenging angel. "I cannot speak for Mau, Illumiel. But you are a kind person. I have seen that much of you. Avenging the wronged may be what you were sent for, but it is alright to know and experience what it is to be among the right and good, at the most right and good moments."

Mau speaks for herself. Itana gives Illumiel a little squeeze. "There, you see?" She gives the angel a light pat, urging her on.

She'll step inside when the time is right, folding her hands once more and flashing a faint smile Mau's way. "You have a tendency to put us into situations, yes. I do not know if I will get used to it."

There is catnip tea, and Itana takes a cup and sips delicately. Her eyebrows lift ever so slightly before she looks down into the cup.

Then up again. Mau has a thing to say, and Itana cants her head curiously.

 
     With a hand resting on her shoulder and telling her to ease up, Suvdaa lets out a little pause and a soft sigh, nodding some as that seems to have done the trick. Just a little assurance. 
     Suvdaa finally relaxes and remove her boy, slipping it off her frame and setting it along with its quiver next to the door, only to move and settle towards the sofa, but instead of sit, she leans on the side, casually watching over everyone. When that little announcement hits of just what Mau intends to put out, the raider seems surprised. 
     "That? I'm... I'm a little surprised you haven't told anyone yet. You certainly picked a spot to say it..."

    "It's the simple things in life, Lumi." Ghost says gently to the angel. He gives Mau's mom a brief stare before he thinks better of it. "I'm from far away." is all he can say that'd really explain it, he thinks. Maybe Mau's mom is sharper than he thinks, but Simon's not really the type to make the explanations easy to digest.

    He takes a seat on a chair that's probably been around way longer than most of the occupants in the room, but it's sturdy enough for him and that's what counts.

    When Mau speaks up, Simon looks in her direction while he sips tea. The brit in him has missed a good cuppa. God knows what the catnip'll do to him, though.

    There's a noticeable pause before Matsu gives Mau a reply. "...I'm fine."

    The subtle bitterness in her tone suggests she is probably not fine. But she's at least dealing with it.

    Something about what Mau says, however, reaches the young Shuzenji clan head, even through the sour memories brought up by this visit. She turns to look at the younger catgirl with a curious eye, taking her catnip tea almost without thinking about it. "I'm... I'm listening?"

    Settling into her seat Mau takes a sip of her tea and...
    "Oh..."
    For a moment it's like she forgets she's about to make a big announcement as she siiiiiiiiiinks into the seat.
    "Catnip tea." Miu explains as Mau starts to drift off and purr.
    Miu gives her a light pawing, which wakes Mau up immediately.
    "Oh right. So... I've only told Suvdaa and Mom this but... I'm going to make Suvdaa my bride." She pauses there. Waits for it to sink in.
    "Okay that's not it." Mau says, while grinning like a cat.
    "I've... Actually been at this whole world saving business for longer than I care to admit. I'm. Old. And tired." She sighs while Miu pets her ears.
    "I was chosen by the gods to kill the Demon Lord. That much you all know. Thing is. They had me do it a hundred times. Across a hundred lives, reincarnating each time. I remember every single life I've lived. I remember everything I've ever learned. But across all my lives, it wasn't until this, last, one that I've learned to cherish what I have. My family. My friends. The people I love and care for. I... Always hated being called a hero." She admits.
    "But to me? You lot mean the world to me. And it took me a hundred lifetimes to realize it... And that's way too long to take, to sink in, if you ask me."

 
     Suvdaa rolls her eyes lightly as she watches Mau just seem to slip into that state. "Dumb... Ngh..." 
     Catnip tea. It's always something. 
     The raider crosses her arms expectantly as she waits to hear what she's already heard. 
     ... 
     That is not what she's already heard. That is far from what she's already heard. 
     Infact, that's the first time Suvdaa's -heard- that. 
     Out of reaction, a hand goes for that sofa, something close by to throw. Nope. The sofa's too heavy. 
     What about her bow? Oh, that's gone. An arrow to throw at her? Nope, that's gone too. 
     Well, all her weapons to use against Mau are kind of gone, and insults are going to go over the cat's head when she's on catnip tea. 
     All Suvdaa can manage now is looking uncomfy as her face starts going red, to redder, to just about full red. There's no beating the allegations, the Raider's probably fine with it. 
     "... You hate being called a hero? Good. The only thing fitting to call you is 'Dumb Cat'..." 
     Suvdaa crosses her arms, but... she puts on just the faintest bit of a smile. Just a tiny bit.

Itana finds herself a spot towards the edge of things, mainly there to keep Illumiel from melting into the floorboards. Angel maintenance is an important thing.

Mau drops the big news. Itana cocks her head to one side. "So how does that work? You don't just take her into your tent and consummate things and that's it?"

But there's more. Curling her hands around her cup, Itana leans forward a little to listen. She's gleaned some hints that Mau's story is quite different than most - that both she and the Demon Lord have passed through this chain of events many times. She wasn't fully sure just how far it went.

She looks down into her teacup a moment, then up again, before patting Illumiel and rising. She circles around the group and over to Mau.

And then reaches out and draws her into a firm hug, bringing one hand up as she does to rub vigorously between her ears.

"Fucking cat," she murmurs approvingly. "Good for you."

    Simon's eyebrows raise for a moment as Mau explains, and then...

    A hundred lifetimes?!

    "Fucking hell." is all Simon can say, before realizing he's in polite company. "...excuse me." Point stands, that's an insane thing to do to someone. There's a good chance that this whole cycle will happen again someday, to some other poor souls.

    God help him.

    "Dumb Cat who's still our friend." Simon says, reaching to give the Cat Heroine a pat on the shoulder.

    Listening to the things Mau has to say, for the first time, Matsu's expression is unreadable not because of any attempt at masking, but rather because the feelings are so complex that it's hard to make sense of the look on her face. But finally, she murmurs a soft, "...Agreed. Way too long." There's a brief glance over to Miu, and then she adds in that same quiet voice, "Even if it's only in this life, or whatever... you still have a mom. That's more than some people get."

    She leans a little in her seat and takes up her tea. Sniff, sniff. Her brow furrows slightly. "...what kind of tea is this?" She takes a sip, and her expression immediately becomes even more confused.

    Mau smiles sweetly. She smiles ever so sweetly at Suvdaa. Mau KNOWS the raider is looking for something to hurl at her. "I know~." She says to being called a dumb cat. But seeing the raider girl smile?
    To Mau, that's priceless.
    Then. Then she gets a good rufflescruffling from Itana. Mau can't help but start purring as Ghost pats her shoulder.
    "I know." She does reply to Matsu though. "For a long time I was... Careless. Thoughtless about it. For too long, honestly." She admits before sipping her tea and siiiiiiiinking into her seat with a low purr.
    What kind of tea is it?
    "Catnip~."