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"A few years and they have to have the space to grow. If you have too many of them they'll stay smaller but the ones here can technically swim everywhere in the palace." All of the waterways connected and there were much larger ponds they could stop in if they wished. "They're rather smart though and they all have their favorite people. Mine tend to stay in here most of the time or they return here by night."

The koi all knew he was likely to give them treats and rub their heads. "Stick your fingers in the water, They'll come up to you."

"They know they'll get treats and someone to pet then." He laughed softly as one if the fish nibbled on his fingers. "If you think they deserve a treat you can give them one if the larger pellets in the bowl. They'll take it from your fingers as well." He did have them well trained and he knew all the fish that came to his pomd were friendly.

"I'm sure they'll like you either way though."

"I think they'll like you because they are a surprisingly good judge of character." He smiled before picking up one of the larger pellets. He lured over a large black and gold fish, feeding it the treat while it floated at the surface. "This one is one of the first ones I got when he was just a few inches long. He's quite the favorite for exporting his line as well."

Part of him doubted that Arlen really wanted to listen to stories about his fish but if it would keep the other man with him a little longer he was willing to talk.

As the fish swam around he explained who some of them were, their personality quirks, and which were those he'd raised himself and which were some that had just decided they liked him over the years.

"I have a few friends among the scribes, i suppose they are friends at least, but...." He ran his fingers along the edge of his sleeve when he set his hands in his lap. "Mostly it is just myself and my fish unless I am visiting Corvus."

There was just too much ceremony and history behind the Sailor Senshi for anyone to get close enough to be his friend. No one would think themselves worthy of it.

"I do Arlen." He smiled as he stood. He wanted to take the other man's hand again but he didn't know if it would actually be welcome. "I can walk you back to your room so you don't have to get lost. I promise you're not keeping me from my beauty sleep either."

He could at least get a little bit more of Arlen's time before they parted ways for the evening.

"I'll be fine in this." He laughed softly, shaking his head. He wouldn't have thought of 'beauty sleep' in that way but it did make sense. Even more so given how often it was used by ladies who seemed like they would want to escape. "It's not too far to the wing you're staying in."

He motioned for Arlen to follow him once the knight had his cloak and headed down the hall toward the guest rooms. The palace was quiet this time of day, most of the family having retired and the servants either gone home for the day or off doign other chores.

"Of course. Breakfast and then I'm sure you'd like to see the library." He nodded. "And you did promise to tell me a bit more about Mag Mell for our records." He didn't really want the night to end. Having someone he could speak to, be free with, was something he cherished. Arlen not having expectations on how he should act and who he should be made him feel free in a way he wasn't familiar with.

"You don't need to thank me for the night either. Both were my pleasure." He bit his lip before steeling himself. The hallway was thankfully empty as he leaned into Arlen's space and brushed a light kiss against his cheek. "Sleep well Arlen."

He bowed his head slightly before stepping back so he could return to his rooms.