She smiled when he looked up, though it was rather a pale thing, not quite as exuberant as usual. "I didn't expect to see you either. But I'm glad I did," she said, and came over, pale eyes roving from his soaked appearance to the bowl he must have made... There was no other explanation for its presence here in the woods.
"I'm... well, I suppose. Was looking for a puddle. For the tradition, you know. Just.. didn't want to go to the Grounds." A quiet admission, but she didn't seem to mind having found him instead.
Water was trickling over the edges of the elegant structure. He offered her an umbrella; with a slight shake, Maea tilted her head. The overflowing water was caught by invisible hands and began to rain upwards instead, to pool over both their heads, forming a shimmering shield. With a glance at Jigano's drenched clothes and hair, she made the water leave him as well, should he allow it, until they were both dry and snug under the makeshift shelter.
The wisp drifted closer, the firelike orb pulsing with approval at this new game. It bobbed over to the white haired man, its colors fading from blue to white and back again, cautious but curious.
"No, he's not kin. But he is a friend," the girl mumbled aloud, gazing at the wisp. "Jigano, this is Shii. Don't let it bully you, please. I'm trying to teach it manners."
Maea
this too shall pass
