It took longer than that, in fact, because Shippou stopped to talk to another cat in the room. Fortunately Madeline didn't mind and kept him entertained for nearly half an hour.

Hisoka noticed Madeline, and eventually managed to make his way over.

"Your mistress seems to be doing well today," he commented.

"Fortunately," Madeline agreed with a faint smile. "She has not exactly been at her ease about this transition."

"I would imagine not," Hisoka replied. "It strikes me as a rather intense change."

"Indeed." Madeline was quiet for a few moments. "We're working on getting her through the season, at least."

"She seems to be benefiting from your excellent tutelage," Hisoka commented. "I'm sure the season will turn out well."

Madeline hummed quietly, noncommittally. "Yes, well, we can hope," she agreed, glancing at him before she sighed. "But it can't be over soon enough."

"I can imagine," Hisoka said said, nodding a bit. "Would you like some tea? A rather nice shipment came in this morning."

Madeline smiled faintly. "Tea sounds perfect right now," she agreed.

Hisoka nodded and relayed the instructions for tea to a passing staff member. A few minutes later, a tray was brought out with the pot of tea and two teacups. Hisoka deftly poured Madeline's cup first, and then his own.

Madeline let him, a little amused by the show, but she took her tea cup quietly enough. She sniffed, tilted her head a bit as she pondered, and then took a sip.

"It is good," she agreed.

Hisoka nodded.

"A favorite blend of mine," he said as he took a sip as well.

"Indeed. I can see why." Madeline relaxed a little as she sipped on her tea.

"So, still quite devoted to the dogs?" she asked, half-teasing. She tended to ask him every time she had a new mistress.

"Indeed," Hisoka replied with a faint smile. "How has your new mistress been treating you?"

"Fine. I don't think she's yet realized the extent of her pull over me." Madeline shrugged. "But for the moment she's fine. Fairly relaxed. Doesn't ask much of me."

"Good," Hisoka said. "I think you need that, after the last one." Because he'd practically had a front-row seat to Madeline's last owner, and it hadn't been pretty.

Madeline shuddered a bit at the mention of her previous mistress. "The few before her weren't great either," she muttered.

"All the more reason to enjoy this one," Hisoka said gently.

"Indeed," Madeline murmured. She managed a brief smile. "While she lasts, anyway, or until the power gets to her."

Hisoka just gave a small nod and sipped at his tea. He knew he was lucky; he wasn't bound unconditionally to one family the way Madeline was. So he just gave her support whenever he could.

When the party seemed to be starting to clear up, Madeline turned to Hisoka with a smile. It was a small smile but sincere.

"Well, I hope I'll be able to see you again soon."

"I'm sure you will," Hisoka replied, returning the small smile. "Go tend to your mistress, I'm sure she's frazzled enough by now."

Madeline nodded and moved in to the party area to gather her up, stopping at a proper distance.

"Is there anywhere else you wish to go, miss?"

Lacey turned around, slumping a bit in relief.

"Oh I'm so glad to see you," she said with a sigh. "Can we just go home?"

"Of course," Madeline said, escorting her over to the car and settling her in before she went around to the driver's seat.

"I take it that was a bit much for you."