“I worked nearly all my life.” Kou didn’t sound particularly melancholic at those facts - rather, determined. As if they did not drag her down, but shaped her now. “I can’t just sit around and do nothing all day! I’d go plumb stir-crazy! I’m sure you understand.” A spry fellow like Yasei didn’t seem the type quite content with sitting still, either!

“To answer your query, I believe the Marsh Flats are closer!” Kou hadn’t spent too particularly long studying a map, but she did know that the swamps were Moonglade’s neighbor to the left. “And I’ve yet to visit there myself - perhaps that should be our first destination! Adventure - and crabs - await!” Her enthusiasm was only paused by the sudden change of nickname, one she hadn’t heard in a long time.

“Ojouchan? There’s no need for any of that. You’re free to call me Mama Kou.” She said, though the smile on her face said she was quite flattered by that - even if young master Yasei was only saying that to make her feel better. Their conversation, however, was cut short by the young Fellblood’s nap coming to an end! With unsurprising speed given how she’d seen him move back on the Crescent Coast at their first meeting, Yasei picked himself up before lifting Aleaphe like a kitten, depositing her on her feet. Kou accepted the hand up, reorienting herself on her cane. She was not so proud as to ignore the aid when it was offered!

And then he started setting off excitedly through the streets, begging for the other two to follow. With how excited he seemed as he moved, Kou had to wonder exactly which one of the young folks was so impatient!

“Oh?” Kou did not seem to entirely pick up on the double-edged meaning of Aleaphe’s words. Or, if she did, she made no indication of it. “Well, he’s been quite the friendly lad, isn’t he? That’s what I enjoy about him! His energy helps me feel young again, and reminds me to help find the joy in life!” And wasn’t that fun?

Oh, but perhaps Aleaphe was worried that something unsavory might happen. People feared what they didn’t understand, and someone not from the Crescent Isles might not understand a rather large Koma-inu all that well. She patted Aleaphe on the side encouragingly. “Oh, but don’t worry, dear. You’re in good hands. He won’t let anything bad happen to you on his watch.”

Aleaphe didn’t look like she believed that, especially considering the fact that she’d already been rendered unconscious in front of the duo, but they were the best she had. Especially since they were the only ones she could hold something of a passable conversation. She could only nod as Kou nudged her along with her cane. “Now come along, and let Mama Kou tell you about some sights in the city. You’re here on vacation, after all!”

Except a lot of those stories were rather long-winded and were accompanied by a lot of ‘when I was your age’… all the way to the inn that Yasei was bringing them to.

"Yeah, I get it. Sometimes it's nice to just relax though. You should take a break. Lie down under a tree and take a nap. That's one of my favorite things to do, you know. Can't do it all the time though. Even I'd get bored. Gotta find some action, right?"

Yasei chuckled to himself happily, enjoying the conversation as they walked. This time, he did a bit better of a job slowing his pace so Kou and Aleaphe could keep up with his stride. His giant tail swayed lightly from side to side behind him, showing his good mood off to the two ladies behind him. Aleaphe didn't seem particularly fond of the big man, but she was still a little amused by the swaying tail and cheerful tone. She couldn't actually understand a word Yasei and Kou were saying to each other, but the conversation sounded pleasant.

"Marsh Flats it is then! I've never been there either, so it'll be even more fun exploring!" Yasei announced confidently. What fun was exploring a place if you already knew it? It was much more fun to just go and get lost somewhere and find your own way. This trip to the Marsh Flats was sounding more and more fun.

Yasei chuckled to himself some more as he looked back at the flattered look on Kou's face. "You sure? I bet you're way younger than me. I'm really old, you know. Koma-Inu age slowly. It's only right for me to call you Ojouchan, isn't it? Well, fine, I guess I could call you Okasan then, if you really want me to." He said with just a hint of teasing in his voice.

It didn't take much longer before Yasei stopped in front of a building and announced that they'd arrived at the inn. The place didn't look much like an inn though. It looked a lot more like a bar that happened to have a few cheap rooms for rent than an inn with a bar. The first floor was full of tables and stools, the walls decorated with fishing boat flags and fish mounted on wooden plaques. A great white shark hung from the ceiling, making the centerpiece of the room. The bar had a colorful display of different bottles and jugs lining the shelves behind it, an incredible selection of alcohol of all sorts. There were even some imported options, made easier thanks to the bar's close proximity to the shore. That also helped with the food menu, which was mostly seafood.

"We're here! This place is great. You should try the fried scallops, they're great with the sake!" Yasei said cheerily as he led them inside.

“Ahhhh, who has time for relaxing?” Said the grandmother, who should most definitely be resting her poor, elderly bones more often than she should be. “In my youth, relaxing was a five-minute smoke break and a nap before the dinner rush! If I had to sit and relax all day every day, I think I’d just be driven mad!” Yasei would definitely be able to see why Kou drove her poor grandson up the walls with her demeanor. Her abused body was at odds with her youthful spirit. It was the perfect recipe for disaster.

And yet, here she was. Still never giving up, still always going and moving as much as she could. Even now she tried her best to keep up with Yasei’s large strides and Aleaphe’s quick pace. “I’ve heard many stories about creatures that lurk in the swamps, and the ghosts that haunt the woods! I’m sure there are plenty of people that need saving there!” Then, remembering Aleaphe couldn’t exactly understand what they were saying, she turned to the young woman with a smile. “Have you been to the Marsh Flats, dearie?”

“Eh? Where did that come from?” Aleaphe scratched at her cheek. “Erm, I’m from Sol City, so I’ve never been… I took a ferry straight to Moonglade and then another one here. I’d never left my home country before now.”

“Well, you’re doing great so far!” Except for the fact that she’d come here with no preparation and no knowledge of the language, but she was doing quite alright for herself now, wasn’t she? Aleaphe stared at her skeptically while Kou turned back to Yasei, who was explaining to her that it was entirely possible that he was, in fact, her elder.

Why, Kou hadn’t considered that possibility before! She knew elves were the kind of people that were older than they appeared, but she hadn’t been aware Koma-inu were the same. Kou giggled, hiding her face behind her hand while she walked. “It’s not often someone makes me feel young again, Master Yasei, but if you insist then far be it from me to stop you… oh! I hope I haven’t been insulting you all this time by addressing you properly! I suppose I should be calling you Yasei-san…” she mused.

As she thought to herself, Yasei led them to a modest building that seemed more a tavern and less a place of rest. Kou translated the name written on the plaque for Aleaphe, who was watching the building with dawning apprehension.

“Are you sure this is the place? It looks kinda seedy…”

“Now now, perhaps it’s not a five-star establishment, but it’s local! And that’s the best experience of them all!” She slapped Aleaphe on the back, beckoning her in after Yasei.

It was a refreshing experience to get to be a customer in a new establishment for once! Kou settled into a seat next to Yasei, her head barely clearing the top of the table; a rather comedic sight next to the giant komainu. “I think I’ll take you up on those scallops.” She said as she perused the menu. “I’ve missed seafood from home!”

Despite Aleaphe’s initial apprehension, she relaxed somewhat as Kou schooched her chair to help her read and pick out what she wanted from the menu. The evening was promising to be a lovely one.

"Ah, it's fine. Don't worry about it. You don't have to use any honorifics with me, I don't really care about that. Just call me Yasei." He answered, waving a hand. He didn't really care what people called him. Some people he used to know even called him Inu or Pinku when they saw him. He'd even been called Kowai-kao once. He just forgot about it. The only nickname he'd been called that phased him had been when he'd been called Oji-chan. Now that made him feel old!

Yaei sat down at the table. He didn't need to look at a menu, knowing exactly what he wanted. He just needed to make sure he could actually afford it. He took out his coin purse and looked inside with a grimace. There wasn't a lot in there. That was right, he'd been here looking for some work and had ended up spending his day escorting Kou and Aleaphe. He was broke. Sorting through the coins, it was close, but he'd be able to buy the scallops and a small bottle of sake, but then he'd be in some desperate need of coin.

Looked like he was going to sleep outside tonight and focus on finding a wagon in need of a guard dog tomorrow. Maybe he could go fishing again and catch some breakfast himself in the morning.

Their server arrived and asked the table for their orders.

“Well, if you’re going to insist on me calling you Yasei then I must insist on you calling me Kou. We’re friends, are we not? There’s no need for fussing about with all of this formality nonsense.” It was clear that Mama Kou didn’t much care for standing on ceremony, either. Certainly, she didn’t care what others called her. Back in her youth she’d heard all manner of address, from targeting her family’s status as fellbloods, to her child out of wedlock. She was far too old to pay those any mind anymore. Nowadays, she was just Kou. She was quite content with that - and she did not care for what her friends called her so long as it meant that she had friends to take care of.

Speaking of, was that a grimace on Yasei’s face as he opened his bag? Kou patted his hand with her own withered one, a gentle and understanding touch. “Oh, don’t you worry about paying. Let me take care of it. My grandson sends me money to make sure that I have enough while I’m out traveling. Isn’t he the most considerate young man?” She couldn’t help but gush.

The server came and took their orders - Kou having to play interpreter for Aleaphe while the young lady ordered what she wanted. The process was rather slow, but they managed to get everything in, Kou stubbornly insisting on paying for her new friends without taking no for an answer. She wouldn’t dream of making Yasei pay when he didn’t have the money and she did, no sir!

Kou had not grown up with money; it was a foreign thing for her. Ever since she could remember her life had been pinching pennies and stretching everything to make ends meet. This… lavishness that her grandson had afforded her, it was almost uncomfortable. Yes, much better to spend it on friends. Even if that meeting was in a seedy bar between a yokai, an old lady, and a girl who couldn’t even speak their language.

These were the moments she cherished.

A few moments later, their food arrived, along with their drinks. Kou picked up her own glass, paying no mind to the shake in her hands, before holding it up to the others. "To new friends!" She cheered, repeating the same thing to Aleaphe in infernal. "To new friends!"

Yasei let out a loud laugh that made some nearby tables look their way, wondering what could be so funny. Aleaphe, who couldn't understand what was being said between Kou and Yasei, was also surprised by the sudden outburst, jumping in her chair. She also seemed to have some lingering fear of the huge Koma-Inu for some reason.

"Okay! No formality nonsense.... Kou..." Yasei said, staring down at Kou with a face as if he was trying very hard to hold his tongue, but. "...baachan." Yasei finished bashfully with a smile. Ah, he tried to just call Kou by her name, but he couldn't stop himself from calling her Obaachan. It just seemed so fitting when he looked at her. He wasn't trying to be formal, he was just calling her what he wanted to call her. He ended up just combining the two.

"Hehe, can't do it..." He chuckled, scratching his cheek with one finger. "Koubaachan's the best I can do." He shrugged.

When Kou offered to pay for their meals, Yasei was hesitant to accept. It would be a big relief to his coin purse, but it didn't feel right to make an old woman pay for his meal. He had a big appetite, so his meal would be a lot to pay for if he really got enough to fill his stomach.

"I couldn't-" He started to protest, but was cut off by a growl from his stomach as loud as his laughter had been, drawing a few looks from other tables again. "Ah... If you really want to... Thanks... I should thank your grandson some time too. He sounds like a really nice guy, sending you money like that."

"To new friends!" He held his drink up and clinked it against the others, being very very careful not to break the cups, before chugging the entire thing in one go.

Kou burst out in giggles at the new nickname. “Koubaachan is just fine with me, so long as you don’t mind me calling you Yasei.” She’d never been given a nickname before! It was rather fun. Maybe she’d think of one to give Yasei, in return… would he like Fuzzyasei? No, that didn't quite have the right ring to it.

“Ah, no worries. I am more than happy to treat my new friends to a meal. I cannot cook for you both myself at the moment, so I will settle for taking care of you both like this. What is better than sharing a table and warm food between those whom you share camaraderie with?”

She beamed at Yasei’s thanks for Tarou.

“He’s a good kid. The reason I was able to retire, you know.” She repeated the same in infernal for Aleaphe to understand. “I was still working at my restaurant up until a few years ago when he showed up and told me it was his turn to support me. If you could believe it, I’d never met him before then. Up until then, he’d been traveling with his father…”

Ah, the mention of Nomura brought an ache to her soul and her old bones she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Kou reached over the table to take a sip of her drink, recollecting her thoughts.

“But he’s a hero, you know? He saved up a lot of money to come and help his old family. He didn’t have to, but he gave me a home and the chance to do what I want with my life. And I am more than happy to share these fun adventures with you all.”

She clinked her cup to Yasei’s as they all brought their glasses together.

The food was delicious - heaping piles of steamed rice, fish slathered in delectable broth, and spiced fried food. Kou picked at her meal while they all made small talk, though there was much less talking to be had as they dug in! Eventually she reached a stopping point, setting her chopsticks down against her bowl.

“Oh! That reminds me, is there anything you’ve wanted to see while you’re here in Starlight City, Aleaphe? Perhaps Yasei and I could take you on a tour and act as your interpreters!”

"He sounds like a really good kid. You must be proud." Yasei said cheerfully between throwing whole fried scallops into his mouth and taking a drink from his glass. He sounded cheerful as usual, but he hid another bittersweet thought. He never saw his child grow into an adult. How would she have turned out? Would she have been a hero, like Kou's grandson? Supported him when he became old? Did she support her mother when she got old while Yasei was a useless hunk of stone?

"No wonder that hotpot was so good! You used to work in a restaurant? What kind of restaurant was it?" Yasei asked, partially out of curiosity and partially to get his mind off of what he had no way of knowing or changing.

Yasei leaned back in his chair, causing it to creak loudly, and out a hand on his stomach with a sigh. He was satisfied with a delicious meal and more than one bottle of alcohol, though his tolerance was so high he hardly felt them.

Aleaphe glanced at the giant Lion-Dog as Kou suggested him and her escort the tourist around town. She still didn't quite trust the fuzzy menace that she was starting to suspect had been the reason she'd been knocked out, but she couldn't actually say that with certainty. She also just found him a bit scary looking and too loud. She didn't mind the little grandma, especially because she was the only one around she could actually hold a conversation with.

"Oh, well. I came here because I'd heard about a festival happening soon that I wanted to attend. That's why I didn't have much time to learn the language. I'd hate to take up too much more of either of your time. I have a brother in town though, so if you could just escort me to his home, I should be fine. This is the address. I can't actually read it...."

Aleaphe pulled out a folded up letter and showed the bottom to Kou where a home address was written in the language of the Crescent Isles with its pronunciation in Common written out underneath. The rest of the letter's contents were hidden, but the paper itself seemed oddly high quality and even still had a faint perfume of lavender to it.

Yasei leaned over to look at the address as well, to Aleaphe's distress.

"Hmm? Isn't that street the one with all the fancy mansions?" He asked Kou with a smile, not knowing anything Aleaphe just said.

Kou was always more than happy to talk about her grandson. He was the only family she had left, really; and he was such a kind boy! Though she did not miss the little tics in his happy-go-lucky demeanor, the same quality that had overtaken him earlier, Kou continued to prattle on, in that special kind of way that only the elderly could. “I am. Though really, I didn’t get the chance to raise him, but he’s such a thoughtful young man. Even when he cannot take the time to visit me himself, he’s always sending some of his friends to check on my health. Why, just the other day, he even sent someone to patch the leak in my roof! I’d been having a heck of a time getting up the ladder, what with the ache in these old bones, you know…”

Yes, this would go on for a long time if no one stopped her.

Thankfully, Yasei did; with a question about her restaurant.

“Oh, we were just a little shop, open on the other side of Starlight City.” There was an almost wistful quality to her voice, something odd. One might describe it as a special kind of love only born from duty. It was not her home anymore, nor had it been a love that she’d started out with. It was one she’d grown into as she got older. Something she was expected to, that turned into a joy. “It was called Koi no Yokan.”

A slow-growing love. An apt name, for a small, nondescript building. They were certainly not the prettiest, nor could they afford much upkeep aside from new paint every few years! But they made food with love, and passion. And most who visited once became repeat customers.

“We encouraged sharing! No diner should eat alone. Hot pots, soup, grills on the table… meals that people could truly enjoy together. You would have enjoyed it while it was open, I should think.”

She brightened at the mention of an upcoming festival.

“Oh! You must be here for the Queen’s beach party! Yes, a big event, a big event! This is our biggest season for tourism - most inns are plumb full this time of year!” She’d heard that the parties were magnificent, but she’d never received invitation to one. When she was younger, she used to dream… but nowadays she was far too old ant tired to attend such a thing! But it must have been awfully exciting for Aleaphe to pack her things and come here on a whim to attend!

She leaned over, squinting at the address, grimacing as the letters blurred. Her vision was nowhere near what it used to be. Thankfully, Yasei leaned over to help her! She nodded when she mentioned the street he’d referenced.

“Yes, I know the one! Aleaphe says that her brother lives at this address. She’s going to be staying at her brother’s home while she celebrates the festival. Have you ever been to a festival, Yasei? I’ve not had the opportunity to go before, though it seems quite exciting.”

Aleaphe politely cleared her throat, breaking Kou out of the beginnings of yet another ramble.

“Oh, right! She needs our help finding this address. We should help her, no? Just like real heroes!”

A restaurant that encouraged sharing sounded like a lot of fun to Yasei. He was always so outgoing, he could already imagine himself plopping down at a table with a bunch of strangers and leaving a table full of friends at the end of a night of drinking and eating. It sounded like a great place, but from the way Kou described it, it wasn't open anymore. That was a shame.

"That sounds great! I guess it's not around anymore though. That'd too bad. I wish I could've given it a visit." Yasei sighed. It looked like being petrified even made him miss some of the more recent things he would've liked. Maybe if he'd been freed a little sooner, he could've visited such a nice restaurant. He could've met Kou when she was younger and become friends sooner. There was no point thinking of that now. He was at least glad he'd been freed soon enough to meet her at all.

Aleaphe perked up as well as Kou mentioned the beach party. She leaned forward and held Kou's hand over the table before talking excitedly, a young girl ready to gossip about the latest happenings with a friend. Yasei just continued snacking as he couldn't hope to join the conversation happening before him in that strange language Kou and Aleaphe seemed to share.

"Yes, that! The Queen's beach party! Oh, I'm so excited to go. I heard a lot of adventurers were invited this year as well, like the last Black Harvest Ball in Sol City. Do you think any of them will be single? It must be nice to live so close to where it's going to take place. You don't have to worry about an inn. I'm glad I have family I can stay with so I don't have to worry about it either. I got lucky. Did you get an invitation?" She asked Kou, before glancing at Yasei with a slightly worried look. "Did your friend get an invitation...?"

Yasei nodded as he looked at the address.

"Oh, I love festivals! Is there one in town? We should definitely go! I know where this is. It's not too far away. We could even make it there tonight. And then we can go to the festival tomorrow!"

Part of Yasei's family was actually from that part of town, though he had no way of knowing if his family still lived there, or had changed names, or just plain didn't exist anymore after so long. One of the things he wanted to do while he was in the city was actually walk past his old home and see what had become of it. Even long ago, it had been a long time since he'd visited after moving out to go live with his wife. It was better late than never to pay it a visit. And after that, going to a festival sounded like fun!

"Hero's a bit much to call someone just for escorting someone to their house!" Yasei chuckled. "But you can be my hero for buying me dinner if you want." He said jokingly before bursting into laughter.

“The building closed down some years ago when I retired, yes, but as long as I live it’ll always be there!” Kou’s eyes sparkled with amusement - she didn’t see this as a loss, but as an entirely new and exciting venture. And the experiences she’d gained, the food she made, she’d not forget that, either. If she hadn’t closed down, she’d never get to share this moment with new friends. Besides, what was better than a stationary building for cooking? Being able to take your food on the road and share it with others, of course! Kou knew that connections between people went beyond what one could see or hear - it included meetings of the heart. Shared experiences over a warm meal and laughter even when they couldn’t fully understand one another’s speech. That was what was happening here after all, was it not?

“But don’t you worry. I’ll get my grandson one of these days and invite you over and we can have a grand feast together!”

Thoughts of a grand meal slowly drifted back towards the festival. Kou was quite surprised to say the least when Aleaphe grabbed her hand and started chatting away like Kou was one of her… what did you call them? Gal-friends. She didn’t quite understood the appeal of gossiping about single young gents anymore, but Aleaphe seemed quite taken by the idea of romance and adventure in high society places.

“I’m sure with so many gathering around to attend there’s bound to be a few young lads or ladies there to catch your eye!” Kou assured her, patting her on top of the hand with her free one. “And I didn’t receive an invitation to this event, love. I’m hardly an affluential woman!”

She was not shocked, however, to learn that Yasei had received an invitation. He seemed the rowdy type and just the sort who might enjoy the food and drink and socialization! He certainly seemed enthusiastic about it… so much so that Kou didn’t want to burst his bubble by informing him that the event was not, in fact, tomorrow. But someone had to tell him!

“Oh, but it’s not tomorrow… the events not for a few weeks, dearie.” She said, pointing to the date on the invitation. Still, they had to think about getting Aleaphe to her family member so that she was not stranded out here for long.

“It’s a good deed to be the first to step up and help a young woman in need in a country where most would mind their own business and leave her to struggle!” Kou proclaimed as she pulled herself to her feet - slowly, mind you - and grabbed her cane. “And now, Yasei! We must complete our mission and return this woman to her home posthaste!”

And then she began to hobble towards the door with as much a pep in her step she could muster and a fire in her eyes.

"Another feast together sounds great! I can't wait to meet him." Yasei said exuberantly. He would have given the little grandma a clap on the back if he didn't think better of it. He didn't want to break the old woman. Of course, that still didn't mean he'd realized what he did to Aleaphe. He just didn't think someone so young would be knocked flat by a little pat on the back.

Aleaphe suddenly looked a bit embarrassed that she'd gone into gossip mode with someone she'd hardly met, and an old woman at that. She was also embarrassed to just assume Kou would have been invited. Stupid. Not every old person in the Crescent Isles is some old and wise warrior or something. Those are just stories. Kou is just a kind old woman. And Yasei is... something...

"EH? A few weeks!?" Yasei exclaimed in surprise. He'd just assumed the festival would be tomorrow. Now he was a bit disappointed. He let out a sigh, but then returned almost immediately to his exuberant smile and slammed a fist into his palm. "I see! Well, that gives us some time before we go visit the Marsh Flats then! We'll wait until after the festival to get going. I should brush up on my Common language anyways. This whole experience made me realize it's not very good." He said with a shrug.

"Let's go!" Yasei announced as he got up and followed behind Kou to the door before realizing Aleaphe was still sitting at the table, looking confused. Oh right, she hadn't understood a word they'd just said to each other. He looked at her and motioned for her to come along with them. Reluctantly, she got up and followed them, assuming they were bringing her to her brother's home like she'd asked.

Outside, the sun was starting to set and the streets were starting to become more filled with the local nightlife. Lanterns were being lit and light flooded out onto the street through open doors and windows where people went about preparing dinner for themselves and their families after a hard day's work, or were preparing for their night shift.

Aleaphe looked around with a hint of wonder as the street seemed to transform into a whole different place right in front of her. The culture of the Isles was just so different from Sol City, where'd she'd grown up.

Kou could not help but laugh at the young man’s exuberance and his pure excitement for the festival. He may have professed to be older than her, but he was possessed by the energy of a man still in his twenties! All raring to go for a festival that would not be held for weeks. But she could not help but admit that Yasei’s own happiness was contagious, and even Kou found herself excited for a celebration she would not be attending, and what was to come after even more so. She’d always been a homebody, but she feared she felt the wanderlust gripping her again, the desire to take to the road once more…

Ah, well, they’d be setting off soon!

“I should brush up on my common as well in the coming weeks, then! Between the two of us I daresay we’ll have two halves of a complete understanding by the time we set out!” Well, you couldn’t say Kou didn’t have optimism and enthusiasm in spades! Even as she hobbled much slower than the other two were able to move, there was still a pep in her step while the unlikely trio sought out the address Aleaphe had supplied them with, intent on delivering her safely to their family.

Afternoon had already stolen away to evening, though the city was no less lively for it. The Crescent Islander’s night life was probably different than the big, bustling streets of Sol City that Aleaphe was used to, but for Kou, this was home. The sound of late summer insects buzzing around, and the pale light of the Mistress Moon guiding them. The smell of food in the air and laughter and the whispers of spirits in the wind, promising a chilly fall. Eventually, the homes grew bigger and more sparse, interwoven with lovely, carefully cultivated gardens. They were getting closer to her brother’s address… Kou was still surprised, to say the least, that a young lady who’d never visited the country in her life might have such a close relative who was so affluent. But life was always filled with funny little twists and turns, was it not?

Speaking of…

Kou turned to Aleaphe, tugging at the young lady’s skirts to get her attention. “A moment, if you please, dear. I’m sure that your brother and his family might have fancy interpreters that will help you, but I shudder to think of what might happen again if you’re caught unawares with no inkling of how to speak the language. So if you don’t mind, I’d feel a lot safer if you kept this with you…”

She reached for the pocket of her robes, bringing out a small bound book, one Yasei might recognize as her tome of translations. It might have seemed silly, but if Kou had something that another might need more, there was no point in keeping it to herself. And she wanted Aleaphe to have it.

She grasped the young woman’s hand, a smile on her face. “There is no greater strength than in our words and our ability to communicate with one another. I hope you can find that strength as well.”

Aleaphe looked at the book, a little confused. She didn't know what it was until she took it and gave it a look, noticing the title written in both Common and Crescent Islander. She gave Kou a smile, touched by her concern.

"Thank you. I'll take good care of it. I already feel better having it." She said as she clutched the book to her chest.

Truly, she felt a lot more confident now. It was true that once she was reunited with her brother, she'd be well taken care of, but it was still comforting to know if she was separated somehow, she wouldn't be so unprepared again. Her interactions with Kou had been pleasant for two strangers who had only just met, but who knew what other strangers would be like if they found her lost and alone. She shuttered to think of what might have happened if the only person she'd met today was Yasei...

A bit distracted from the touching conversation happening behind him, Yasei was looking with wide eyes and a more open mouth than usual between the address written on the letter and the magnificent mansion whose gate they were standing outside of. He double, triple, quadruple checked. Looking at the number on the side of the gate, the street sign. Yup, everything was right. This was actually the place in the letter. He knew the houses on this street were big, but this one, it made the others look modest in comparison. Just who the heck was this girl's brother to live in a house like this?

"This is it." He old the others, holding out the letter to give back to Aleaphe with a smile. Half of him wanted to just give the letter back and take off running, while half of him wanted to be invited in. She or her brother might offer a reward or something for helping her, but in his experience, dealing with rich fancy people was a pain in the tail, especially rich fancy foreigners. Aleaphe seemed nice and all, but who knew what the rest of her family was like?

Kou nodded in understanding; as if the young fellblood’s answer was not unexpected. She’d been the one to carry the book first, after all, and it had done wonders for her when she was nervous and timid in traveling to a new country the first time. Visiting Moonglade months back, though the sister country to the Crescent Isles, was still something entirely new and frightening for a woman who’d rarely left her neighborhood in almost the entirety of her eighty-one years. But when she’d gotten there, began conversing with the locals even with her fragmented common… she’d made friends she’d never even dreamed of.

And as Aleaphe thanked her, any sadness she might have felt parting with the item evaporated. Material possessions were temporary - and although one might argue memories were only ever so finite as well, they were a greater treasure. And she would cherish the relieved expression on Aleaphe’s face that, for all the trouble she could have landed in on the soil of a foreign country, she’d found help instead.

“You’re very welcome.” Mama Kou replied, patting the young lady’s hand with a smile that stretched her cheeks. “Sometimes, the world can be so big and frightening, but when we can find solace in one another and seek commonplace in our differences, that is when we find true understanding and peace. And the world becomes a little smaller for it. Never stop learning and going wherever your heart takes you.”

Yasei had stopped in front of a big house by then, and - my, it was difficult for Kou not to be intimidated by the sight of it. Though she lived by more comfortable means now, she could not deny that she’d grown up through modest means, scraping for solars and barely making ends meet and doing just enough to keep a roof over her head. Her youth had left her almost intimidated of these homes and the people that lived in them, similar to the komainu who’d suddenly grown quiet while they stood at the edge of the property.

“Oh, we’re here!” Kou relayed to Aleaphe, who took the letter with a wary look at Yasei - glanced to Kou once for confirmation - before accepting her correspondence and tucking it in her pocket.

“Thank you for all your help.” She murmured, then added as an afterthought, “Both of you.”

Kou translated the gratitude for Yasei, and turned to their charge with a broad smile. “Here; let us escort you to the door.” A reward was the furthest thing from her mind, but she wanted to make sure that Aleaphe was not ambushed in the… five feet from the front of the property to the front of the house. Turning to Yasei, she whispered in common, “Come along now dear, don’t be shy. We just need to make sure she’s home alright and finish the job. I’ll hold your hand if you need.”

She reached over to grab his hand with hers while Aleaphe made her way to the door and knocked on it, eager to be out of the muggy midsummer evening and in the solace of a home with a familiar face. For a moment, no one answered; Kou briefly worried that they’d arrived far too late, and might have disturbed someone’s rest. But soon enough a young man came to the door, and his eyes lit up in recognition before he and Aleaphe started conversing in rapid fire common, too quick for Kou to comprehend. She only caught a few words - including, big and scary and unconscious and nice. After a long moment, the young man turned to look at Kou and Yasei with something between gratitude and apprehension, which was probably an apt expression given they’d accidentally knocked his sister out.

Kou dipped into a bow, suddenly shy. What was she supposed to say now? The elderly woman honestly had not expected to get this far.