"Ha!"

But Iobel has not been made optimistic enough to say what she's now thinking. She catches Cricket up on the conversation instead.

Cricket listens - then crosses the table to peer at Edarial up close. Judgmentally, because he is Cricket.

Edarial looks at Cricket, then inclines his head and says, "Hello."

"Hello," says Cricket, lashing his tail thoughtfully.

"You will good Iobel. Or else," Cricket pronounces. And then he steps back over to his binder.

Iobel facepalms. "I taught him to say 'or else' when I was eleven and have regretted it since."

Edarial tries very hard not to giggle. "I'm not offended. Yes, I will not mistreat Iobel."

Iobel translates this for Cricket.

"Not not bad Iobel. Good Iobel. Good good good Iobel." Cricket rubs his face on her cheek.

"I will," promises Edarial softly, "do my very best to be good to her, as well."

"Good," pronounces Cricket, and he drapes himself across Iobel's shoulder, purring.

"Cricket has always been one of the most devoted familiars I've ever seen. Mine and I get along splendidly but she has plenty of her own interests. Cricket is all about Iobel."

"I'm very lucky. My nice soft cat."

"That's adorable," pronounces Edarial. "Berathyme isn't devoted, I would say, but she is quite loyal. She likes me."

"That's good. What's she like, anyway? I don't think I've heard her speak a word of Marlese that wasn't Zevros's obvious handiwork."

Edarial snickers. "She's quite quiet. I've taught her some things in Marlese, but she doesn't tend to use them. Zevros's handiwork came up because it's been eventful and she's felt the urge to defend me. I would describe her as incredibly thoughtful, and patient. She sort of withholds opinions on most things and people until long after she's introduced, or after something drastic happens. She took a while to decide that she liked me, but once she did she hasn't wavered in it since."

"I'm leery of asking what she thinks of me."

"No opinion, actually. She will let you know if that changes. Berathyme isn't very subtle."

"I imagine I'd get more information about Zevros's vocabulary if she decides she doesn't care for me, but what if she decides she does?"

"She has yet to decide that she likes anyone but me," snickers Edarial. "But if it happens, you will probably get a snake that wants to cuddle you."

Iobel chuckles.