"I can't believe how arrogant you are when you're asking for my help."
"I'm astounded at your ill manner when it's evident you want something from me. It can hardly be concern for Julienne that drove you here. Appalling though it is, we've something the other requires."
The viper's jaw tightens. "Among immortals Lady Chang'e is said to be one of the most beautiful. Why hasn't she divorced you yet? What does she see in you?"
"The simplicity of frankness." Houyi is well aware that she isn't always frank: but that is for another time. "Not that your species values such a quality."
"You insufferable—" Another reptilian noise. "Very well. I can try to reverse what I did. But before we get to that, I want to know if you've given the monk your blessings."
"Should I want to hunt you down, I'd
