Having been allowed to sit at the gilded table, along with the Chapter Keepers of the chateau, was an honor unbefitting someone of her station. Still, refusing to do so would not only have been rude - given te invite had come from Lord Rodias - but also disrespectful to her superiors, who were willing to share a table with her without complaint. ... Though, she was unsure of how to feel after realizing that even the rude, half-wit tiger-boy was also allowed to sit down and join then, especially after his rather uncouth inquiry which Ashara had deigned to overlook as nothing more than a bizarre form of greeting... Still, such boorish behavior, someone needed to teach taht overgrown cat how to speak to ladies proper.

The following meeting was a bit surreal. Especially when the topic of them no longer being in the forest of thier home, but rather, now stuck atop some mountain? How had that happened? When? Was that why the shrine's air felt so cold, because of the change of elevation? And why hadn't anybody told her about this earlier? Surely, she couldn't have been the only one to [i][b]not[/b][/i] have noticed? Many thoughts circled int he fox-lady's head as she did her best to follow along with this new informatiion and grasping the reality that was quite frankly dropped on her head like a saturday-morning cartoon-anvil. Even worse was the realization that there was some kind of settlement just below their castle, a settlement of unknowns with unknown disposition.

However, despite all these revelations, and with all of Lord Rodais' explanations, the fox-girl had remained quiet throughout the meeting - listening and taking in what was said, choosing not to speak or interrupt. Outbursts of shock or anger or any other kind were rude when one of higher standing was speaking, and any who would do so were severely lacking in manners. Though, that was true for any conversation really - you did not interject and cut someone else off until they were done speaking.. But, Lord Rodias didn't end his speech by merely going silent, instead he went off to do something rather remarkable.

The Supreme Being who was the only one of his kind left in the chateau, the last of the Sable Lords and their only true, rightful leader, displayed in a grand yet irrefutably admirable act of humility, that he would not take his position and status for granted. He would not claim control or leadership without consent, and he would ask for [i]their[/i] approval and loyalty. Truly, this was the grace of a true King, someone who asked for loyalty so he may lead those around him to better and safeguard their lives, rather than rule with contempt and take charge with force and strength alone. Lady Deka_Ribbon had always said that sincere humility was important, even among the strongest and most important people, for arrogance gives birth ot hubris and conceit - so to see one of the great Sable Lords display such sincere humility, it was nothing short of glorious. Ashara could feel her cheeks slightly warm up and a wide, genuine smile form on her face as she looked at the young master with the admiration and kindness he deserved - like that of an older sister looking at her noble, mature younger brother forced to take charge and become the head of his clan.

She rose from her seat slowly, her tails gently swaying from side to side as she got up. With jingling, soft steps she circled the table so that she may stand and look at his kneeling figure for jst a moment, before again sitting down on her shins and knees with hands placed upon the upper side of her thighs.

"You are our young master, my lord Rodias. Our Creators all trusted and valued you, then and now. There is no doubt in my mind that the only one fit to lead us through this new and strange place, is you." She said, smiling warmly. "Sod I am sure that - if not all, then at least Lady Deka_Ribbon, would agree with me. So raise your head, young master, and give me your command. I, Ashara Masamune, will follow wherever you go." Her voice rang with sincerity and earnesty. It was not the stale or dishonest pledge of a sycophant, but the honest and heartfelt promise of a true and loving servant, or perhaps even, family-member.

Still, as she sat there, tails wagging lightly and ears flitting occasionally, she couldn't help feel as if she'd maybe overstepped her boundaries and gotten a bit too full of herself. Still, if her new master was going to display such kind and genuine generoisty, then she had no choice but to return his feelings with equal respect and love.