Cathek's ministrations upon her hand brought a faint twinge of pain, but it was soon soothed away. Her eyes flickered down, just barely catching a glimpse of his face. This was 'almost' exactly how she'd hoped to wake. Being kissed and pampered made a mortal wound almost something to look forward too, if there wasn't this undercurrent of anxiety.<br/><br/>As Mai explained, Kage's expression was very difficult to read. As though she were taking the information from a book. Her smile, however, was gone. Twenty five years... To her, they had passed in only an instant. What had happened the very hour of her fall was so clear in her mind, she could still feel the heat of fire and the sting of blades. Twenty five years her sister had lived without her. Their parents, Cathek, everyone... What wonders might have been achieved, in twenty five years...<br/><br/>Soon, Kage's eyes slid closed again, and her smile returned, if hesitantly,<strong>"Then it sounds like you have quite a bit to tell me,"</strong>She felt Ember's kiss, and would have perhaps returned the affection or at least bowed her head. However, she found herself unable to do so; which wasn't entirely unpleasant. Though she did move her hand in an attempt to feel exactly what her elder had brought for her.<br/><br/>It was at precisely this time, that they all received a visit. Slowly and calmly, as though completely unaware of all the complexities involved in it's entrance, Sako slid slowly upwards from within the neck of Mai's<em>comfortable</em>blouse, and coiled about her shoulders. Though it did not speak, the familiar's unblinking eyes were plainly upon its master.