Tails of Wisdom and Taste

Holo

Nothing quite like the scent of ripening wheat. Reminds me of home.

Holo

I've spent centuries watching over fields like this one. The farmers back then would leave offerings for a good harvest.

Tingyun

What a quaint tradition. In Xianzhou, merchants would pay handsome sums for my blessing on their business ventures.

Tingyun

I find it fascinating how different cultures revere fox spirits and wolf deities.

Holo

I must say, your nine tails must be quite the maintenance challenge! I struggle enough with just one.

Holo

What's your secret? Surely you must have some special technique.

Tingyun

The secret is camellia oil and patience, dear Holo. Each tail requires individual attention.

Tingyun

I begin at the tip and work inward, like so. The finest nobles in Xianzhou request my grooming advice.

Holo

My merchant travels with Lawrence taught me that apple cider vinegar removes tangles without damaging the undercoat.

Holo

Speaking of Lawrence, he used to get so flustered when I'd ask him to help groom my tail. Men are so predictable, aren't they?

Tingyun

Oh my, how delightful! There was this merchant from the Xianzhou Trade Commission who would bring me rare combs just to earn my favor.

Tingyun

He'd turn crimson whenever my tails would accidentally brush against him. Such entertaining creatures, aren't they?

Holo

Let me show you this brushing technique I learned from northern wolf tribes. May I?

Holo

(Her fur looks even silkier than mine. I wonder what it feels like.)

Tingyun

Of course. And perhaps you'll allow me to demonstrate the Foxfire Comb technique on yours?

Tingyun

It's said to make one's tail shimmer in moonlight for a full cycle.

Holo

Wait—did you just—I think our tails are—

Holo

(Oh wheat spirits, this is embarrassing!)

Tingyun

Oh my! How embarrassing! Our tails appear to be... entangled.

Tingyun

Please stand still, Holo. Sudden movements will only worsen our predicament.

Holo

Ha! If Lawrence could see me now! The wise wolf Holo, tangled like a pup in her first hunt!

Holo

This is what we get for gossiping about men, isn't it? The gods have a sense of humor!

Tingyun

Let's sit down and approach this methodically. I've untangled trade agreements between warring merchants; surely our tails can be negotiated with as well.

Tingyun

Your fur is remarkably soft, by the way. You clearly know more about grooming than you let on.

Holo

You know, partnerships are like these tangles. The more you pull away hastily, the tighter the knot becomes.

Holo

It took me centuries to learn that. Lawrence taught me more about cooperation than I'd care to admit.

Tingyun

Once, I mediated a dispute that had lasted three generations. The solution came when both parties stopped pulling in opposite directions.

Tingyun

The men I've known always rush to solve problems with force, when patience yields better results.

Holo

Aha! Free at last! Your diplomatic skills extend to fur emergencies, it seems!

Holo

I haven't had this much fun in decades. Traveling alone has its merits, but sharing stories is better.