Nate answered promptly, of the mind that it was never a good idea to keep a lady waiting. Especially not the imperial sort.

The Nestle's blues and greens had begun to take on a gilt edge, autumn beginning its first testing paces around the treetops. Soon most of it would be draped in fire, and then — winter. But hopefully not so bitter a season as the last. Time was passing, and with it, hopefully, wounds were healing. Things were certainly changing.

And that included the affairs of Walosi's neighbors.

As Nate crossed out into the open, he realized quite quickly the Lady Fujiwara had... gained weight. He'd never met a Lord Fujiwara (though it wasn't as if wolves wore bands proclaiming eternal devotion), and the realization surprised him.

But, on the off chance he was wrong about the source of her increased middling, he decided not to congratulate her all at once.

Nate smiled and bowed in a way he hoped was appropriate for the occasion, Pleased to see you again, Miss. Missus? Welcome back!

He gestured further in, There's a spring not far from here, it'll be a comfy spot to freshen up, if you'd like. Come in, come in.