Ai excused herself in a hurry at the mention of drink, and only coming back after perhaps ten minutes. When she did it was obvious why she had taken so long. She was dressed properly now instead of the work or exercise clothes she had worn before, and in a way that at the same time that spoke of someone trying to be as feminine as she could manage, and failing for the dual reasons of not being particularly graced in the chest or curve department, and of being isolated away from the fashions of the city, despite being so close physically.<br/><br/>She was good at serving the tea at least, ensconcing them by a fire and gliding smoothly through the short welcoming ritual while she listened to Konoka's queries. She couldn't hide anything while she listened, either, her earnest expression readily betraying her emotions.<br/><br/>"He has claimed that," she said, carefully choosing her words. "And there have been… disturbances. Sometimes at night, usually around dawn and dusk, but only rarely during the day. Sometimes just strange noises, or signs that someone else has been around." She licked her lips. "Sometimes, um, that's to be expected, with a shrine and all. But usually not at night and…"<br/><br/>She hesitated, pouring another round of tea as a means of filling up space, looking conflicted and obviously not saying everything she knew.