"New beginnings~" She helpfully answered in sing-song. She finished the last mochi and took a moment to chew her way through it. Madhuri studied him all the while.

"Hm... no tricks this time? That's a first. Typically they seek to tease before they decide to prank, but maybe they found you an easy enough mark simply to ruffle your feathers and leave it at that." She disposed of the skewer.

"But we simply must get you into the spirit. Be still." She all but hopped over, cupped her hands and lifted them to his hair just aft of the temple. When she pulled them away, a bundle of small bluebird hibiscus were left behind.

"Knowing this place, being out of the spirit of it would bring you more trouble than not."