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Hongniang stood behind the seat of her Lady with a quiet expression, her eyes trained on their three guests. Normally, at these parties the older woman was on high alert for any attempt at her Ladies life or dignity, instead tonight had her watching the leaders of the other three seasons with exasperated fondness over tonight’s gossip.
“Truly, she is the perfect Ladies Maid, I just wish he had let me keep her to myself. Or maybe given me a prize for having found her.” Hongniang Lady, Gyokuyou, giggled in delight. Her coq smile hidden behind her pale pink fan, while her wings twitched in amusement behind her.
The head lady-in-waiting did her best to hold back a sigh, though the hardness in her features did soften a bit when she thought back to the little cat who saved not only the Summer Pixie’s life, but the life of her daughter Ling-li as well.
“I have to agree with you Lady Gyokuyou, and to thank you as well. The kitten was a wonderful support during my own…hardships. I can only hope he is taking good care of her.” The Winter Water Elf said softly.
The dark haired woman's lip wobbled a bit. Even though Lady Lihua wasn’t her mistress, she still felt a deep hurt for the still grieving mother. Her own Mistress had gotten lucky, that the cat’s sneaky message had gotten to her in time, that she had trusted ladies-in-waiting who, while skeptical, still delivered the coded message to her. The midnight blue haired elf hadn’t and was still reeling from the loss of her son and the trust she had in her family.
A soft laugh came from the Fall’s Windy Nymph, a smile on her face that had the other three seasons and their head ladies turning to her. Hongniang watched the common nymph with a knowing look of understanding.
“Oh trust me, from what I and my sources have been able to tell me our dear Kitsune Prince is taking good care of her. Ingredients to inspire when she’s feeling particularly ornery, and foreign medical journals to praise a job well done.” Lady Ah-Duo told them with a graceful smile.
A polite yet genuine smile made its way on the Summer Pixie head lady lady-in-waiting’s face. A small burst of pride entered her chest with those words. She would neither confirm nor deny that she was the one who planted that seed of an idea within the Kitsune Prince’s head on how to make the forest cat they were all so fond of work harder.
Still, she felt the feathers of her ears twitch as she strained to hear the meek voice of the Spring Sprite, Lady Lishu voice.
“F-from what I was able to tell. He’s been very kind to her. I even saw him present her with a beautiful hairstick the other day. E-Even prettier than the last one he gifted her.” The soft spoken sprite told them, a light blush dusting her pale face making her iris blue eyes pop.
Hongniang couldn’t stop the sigh that escaped her lips this time. The delighted giggle of Lady Gyokuyou and the soft oh from Lady Lihua spoke of the need for more tea about tonight’s topic of gossip. Turning her head, she signalled with a slight nod to Ailan to fetch another pot of tea and more snacks for their guests. She then tuned back into the conversation continuing to listen fondly as the Spring Sprite, with encouragement from the Fall Nymph, began to regal the Summer Pixie and Winter Elf the story of how their beloved shape shifting cat was last seen wearing a beautiful hairpin of the moon with poppies last time she saw her.