It was time to return, but Mengyao was not about to drag their supplies back himself - nor was he going to make Lifen do it herself. Instead he simply stepped over and let her slip her hand into the crook of his arm so that he could lead her away, Lifen's smile making one of his own cross Mengyao's face.

"Allies, yes, well," said Mengyao, with an exaggerated sigh as they walked. "I'm not entirely certain how well these...allies will do with me, since we both know how delightful I can be."

A smirk touched his lips as he added playfully, "You're much more likely to receive allies with that beauty of yours, my dear. I have a feeling you'll be getting your fair share of secret admirers in the very near future."

He was teasing her, of course, and they both knew it, and his laughter rang out, low and amused, as he escorted his best friend back to the tents.

Nerpin