Phantom Hollow Sneaky Sneak

She awaited further jokes, maybe even for him to claim her apparent success on his own handiwork, but instead it went right over his head. The act he'd been putting on was suddenly gone, and from where she stood he even looked surprised. Mitanni hesitated, watching him. He didn't honestly believe what she was saying, did he?

Oh, but he did. The teasing smile on her face dimmed and slowly slid away, surprise of her own mingled with worry taking its place. He couldn't give up on her lesson now. She hadn't learned enough! She hadn't even really gotten to test this mud mask he'd shown her.

Hesitating a moment, half hoping it was still only more acting, Mitanni spoke up earnestly, "I was only joking, Judas. I thought that's what we were doing." Obviously she'd read the situation wrong, and it had almost cost her valuable knowledge. "You'll...still teach me, right?" Nervous now, she watched him, hoping she hadn't offended him to the point she'd lost her chance. She'd be kicking herself for days if she had.