He offered a small wave in return

Shade warbled joyfully, leaping off of Fatespeaker and jumping over to Ash, happily licking his face like a puppy.

Fatespeaker sat up, rubbing her snout unhappily.

Ash didn't push Shade away, figuring that it would hurt his feelings if he did.

Shades' licking didn't consist of any moister of any kind, but his tongue was smooth so it didn't hurt. He finished up and snuggled against Ash's side.

Fastespeaker shook herself out, clearly not liking Shades' way of fun.

Even so, he couldn't help but wipe his cheek once Shade finished.

He shifted back to his tiny size and squeaked happily.

Fatespeaker walked over and sat by them, not shifting to her smaller form.

He didn't mind

Shade smiled happily to Ash, squeaking something.

"He wants to know how you're doing." Fatespeaker translated calmly.

"Oh. I'm...fine."

Shade tilted his head, squeaking something else.

"He doesn't understand how you aren't good or great." She spoke, talons curling under her like a cat.