That is Not Dead Which Can Eternal Lie

"Hello." Ludo greeted Isuma just as brightly as she had done, and it tickled a strip of fabric over her as if to entice her to play. "Ah, you shall be a swooping predator soon, little cat-bird," it informed her. "And then all of the mice shall scurry and hide, else they shall be on their way to Mort as well." It listened quietly as Jigano spoke, glancing up from Isuma only when the fox began to approach as well. "It has been a very long time, since I was able to perform my duty properly," it said. "I am looking forward to it. And Vi is very angry, but Mort has never raised his voice to me. All is well. For now." Reaching out, frostbitten fingers emerged from a slip of cloth to scritch behind the fox's ear, content to accept payment now. LUDO Braved the forests, braved the stone Braved the icy winds and fire Braved and beat them on my own