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The two fell into a quiet, calm pace, moving through the forest with ease. Now that she was seven years old, the motions of walking were so familiar that she could do it without thinking when at one point, it had been such a struggle. Now, her Optime form brought her some comfort as it allowed others to convey thoughts with actions: with the touch of a hand or a gentle gesture. It all warmed her heart.
Tayui lifted her head up in surprise when Alaine crafted words with such carefulness and precision. For a moment, it reminded Tayui of when she had been the one to comfort and bring forth metaphors of such vivid hope, one could easily be fooled into thinking they were real, physical things. She nodded quietly when Alaine added, I would have liked to meet her, or for her to meet my son. It would have been very pleasant for her family and Alaine's to somehow unite and grow together. Tayui regretted that she had not met this woman sooner, for her empathy toward a stranger was astounding.
It seemed as though Alaine was intent on maintaining the conversation, while Tayui was happy to let her do all the talking. Her voice was soothing. But she could still contribute, and she did not mind talking about her other children.
“Yes, three,” replied with a surge of strength. She still had so much to live for. “Two boys and a girl -- one of them, Claudius, is still in the pack, while the other two are off, somewhere,” she added with a touch of sadness. “They're all wonderful and... growing,” she finished with almost a sense of wonder. It was strange to think some of her children would continue to grow when Noir would be eternally preserved at her one age.