[ She fortunately doesn't confirm if she passed the message on. The shrine maidens were too busy zipping around trying to calm the foxes, after all. ]
Perhaps he was chasing fish, causing more trouble than he's worth... hm. It just seems like no one here is capable of speaking dog, so it truly is up to interpretation. I doubt it's loneliness, however.
Good. A transaction worthwhile. I'll be seeing you shortly, then.
[ Because yeah, she's having to enter the fray to wrangle this dumb dog up too. ]
[ when Thoma does arrive at the Grand Narukami shrine, his face is almost as red as his jacket, but his smile stays ever so expansive (and apologetic) as he approaches Miko with a recognizable container of fried tofu take-out, carefully wrapped to preserve as much heat as possible without compromising the crunchy quality. it goes from being cradled in his arms to an open offer with both hands; whatever fear he feels around Miko has obviously been tempered by the urgency he feels to get the dog off the sacred premises. ]
Lady Miko, please accept my apologies again. And my deepest thanks-
[ a little excited yip of recognition from the criminal himself makes Thoma give a short laugh despite himself. little rascal. ]
- for allowing this trip in the first place. I'll be sure to exercise more caution next time. Ah, if there will be a next time, of course. I wouldn't want to presume.
[ Miko hadn't done anything that would scare the dog off. She stews in her own grievances, silent as the dull wind in the mountains. It takes a bit for Thoma to oblige to her request and make his way back – but she had left the ponds at the side of the compound to the front steps when he arrives.
The sunny blonde catches the sunset like nothing other, leaving the maidens behind her in awe. He's a good guy and his word was solid. They approach Thoma, taking the container for their Lady without even a single word.
Thoma's friend was all too happy to see him – bumrushing the boy without any reprieve. ]
If you can make one promise, perhaps. Are you willing to oblige my request?
[ A soft huff past her lips follows: ]
A smaller class of dogs. I'm not quite sure you can manage them.
[ the wanted criminal is safely gathered up into his arms, wetting his jacket and shirt and effectively heating up the housekeeper - who's already so warm - ]
Aha... [ his face is the epitome of rueful apology as he winces; the suggestion is well-deserved, but no less embarrassing. the only thing that comforts him is the thought that the shrine maidens aren't looking at the pair of them with any hint of disgust.
well. it must be difficult to resist the charms of a puppy, no matter how wet and dirty it is, right? ]
Yes, of course, lady Miko. I must say that I'm grateful to be granted a second visit at all. I'll be sure to use the time between to brush up on my skills of instilling obedience. [ after which he begins to look a little hopeful - ] Would you... happen to have any advice, milady?
[ If there was no one to set Thoma right, would he even be the dutiful worker many people know him as? Miko wasn't his 'supervisor' by any means, but Thoma provides the same helpfulness as he does to his Lord and Lady. Maybe it was because Miko's reputation far exceeds her title... ask Gorou. ]
The girls need a break from time to time. I'd rather them playing with dogs than falling for boys from the city. Either their hearts are broken or they leave my tutelage. A lose-lose and their sobbing does get rather annoying...
[ A thinly-veiled connection to men and dogs, it was clear dogs were the lesser of two evils in this silly case. ]
Positive reinforcement only goes so far. If you wish to have someone follow you, letting them know the proper way is the only way is crucial. There is a standard one must maintain and if they do not meet it – what is the alternative?
[ Thoma's smart enough to catch the implications and to keep his reaction to a bare minimum; it's times like these that Yae Miko seems truly otherworldly, when she's able to so easily dissect human lives into whimsical passings - and on some level, rightfully so. ]
Is this the experience you've found to be most common when dealing with us, my lady? [ his tone is nothing but sincere curiosity, ] That positive reinforcement cannot cover the entire distance of improvement?
[ it sounds harsh, but it also sounds like a very Inazuman way of thinking. the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes that it also applies to his own life here, and how he's been forced to grow.
but it also makes him wonder what Yae Miko truly thinks about his master. ]
Hm... I believe you're right. Even if we never consider it in such stark terms, that is the underlying expectation we all have when we're in such a position.
[ something to consider later. for now, the pup squirms in his arms and reminds Thoma - ]
I don't mean to take any more of your time than I should, Lady Miko. Thank you, again, for your gracious understanding. [ with a deep bow, ] I will take your words to heart.
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no subject
Perhaps he was chasing fish, causing more trouble than he's worth... hm. It just seems like no one here is capable of speaking dog, so it truly is up to interpretation. I doubt it's loneliness, however.
Good. A transaction worthwhile. I'll be seeing you shortly, then.
[ Because yeah, she's having to enter the fray to wrangle this dumb dog up too. ]
no subject
Lady Miko, please accept my apologies again. And my deepest thanks-
[ a little excited yip of recognition from the criminal himself makes Thoma give a short laugh despite himself. little rascal. ]
- for allowing this trip in the first place. I'll be sure to exercise more caution next time. Ah, if there will be a next time, of course. I wouldn't want to presume.
no subject
The sunny blonde catches the sunset like nothing other, leaving the maidens behind her in awe. He's a good guy and his word was solid. They approach Thoma, taking the container for their Lady without even a single word.
Thoma's friend was all too happy to see him – bumrushing the boy without any reprieve. ]
If you can make one promise, perhaps. Are you willing to oblige my request?
[ A soft huff past her lips follows: ]
A smaller class of dogs. I'm not quite sure you can manage them.
no subject
Aha... [ his face is the epitome of rueful apology as he winces; the suggestion is well-deserved, but no less embarrassing. the only thing that comforts him is the thought that the shrine maidens aren't looking at the pair of them with any hint of disgust.
well. it must be difficult to resist the charms of a puppy, no matter how wet and dirty it is, right? ]
Yes, of course, lady Miko. I must say that I'm grateful to be granted a second visit at all. I'll be sure to use the time between to brush up on my skills of instilling obedience. [ after which he begins to look a little hopeful - ] Would you... happen to have any advice, milady?
no subject
The girls need a break from time to time. I'd rather them playing with dogs than falling for boys from the city. Either their hearts are broken or they leave my tutelage. A lose-lose and their sobbing does get rather annoying...
[ A thinly-veiled connection to men and dogs, it was clear dogs were the lesser of two evils in this silly case. ]
Positive reinforcement only goes so far. If you wish to have someone follow you, letting them know the proper way is the only way is crucial. There is a standard one must maintain and if they do not meet it – what is the alternative?
no subject
Is this the experience you've found to be most common when dealing with us, my lady? [ his tone is nothing but sincere curiosity, ] That positive reinforcement cannot cover the entire distance of improvement?
[ it sounds harsh, but it also sounds like a very Inazuman way of thinking. the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes that it also applies to his own life here, and how he's been forced to grow.
but it also makes him wonder what Yae Miko truly thinks about his master. ]
Hm... I believe you're right. Even if we never consider it in such stark terms, that is the underlying expectation we all have when we're in such a position.
[ something to consider later. for now, the pup squirms in his arms and reminds Thoma - ]
I don't mean to take any more of your time than I should, Lady Miko. Thank you, again, for your gracious understanding. [ with a deep bow, ] I will take your words to heart.