[Meanwhile, Ajax picks Tonia right up, coming over to the couch himself and plops down with his sister happily sitting on his knee. She reaches out to pick up some of the food, slipping off of him to better reach it before she decides that the cushion is more comfortable, climbing back onto the couch to sit right up next to him. Ajax lets his arm stretch out on the back of the couch, grinning up at his mother.]

Don't worry, we're just fine. It's just been a rough couple of days is all, and there's still plenty of work to be done.

[Tonia looks up at the two of them, her eyes wide and worried.

Did something bad happen?]

No, nothing bad, [he reassures her, patting the top of her head.] And even if it was, you know I'd take care of it, Tonia.

[I know! You can do anything, big brother!

Ajax smiles softly back down to his sister, as his mother pours out water for all of them, handing a glass to Lumine as she'd requested.

Here you go, dear. I had Tonia bring the pitcher because we've got a few more books to go through.

The look on his mom's face is devious, much like Ajax's own when he gets an idea- which makes the man turn to her, his jaw dropping in exasperation at her. Is his torture really not done now, even with Tonia's presence?]