[ Lowering is good, but Pure Vanilla knows Dark Cacao won't place that sword away until he's absolutely certain there's no danger here. As much as the Grove looks like a cheerful little ... well, Grove.

The blunt reply makes him smile. Ah. Well. If he had any doubt this was his friend, it evaporates right there. ]

I am glad. Not so much that you are here. Our forces cannot take much more thinning, but that you are well... What is the last you recall?

[ It's safe to speak here, in this little spot. ]