"And hello," Hya said, singling out each of the girls in turn for a moment of eye contact and a slow smile. He let a little more of his D'Angeline accent bleed through. "I appreciate you all being hospitable enough to share your dorm with me a few days. I must admit, I've missed Xan."

He smile down at Xanthippe again, tucking her in a bit closer to his body. "It's been too long, cherie."