[Hijikata feels the same way. He may come across as a lone wolf type in some ways, and he does run out of patience with others quickly, but in truth he doesn't like to be alone. So he appreciates Cecelia's quiet company, much as her sharp mind and tongue keep him feeling like he's verbally blocking and parrying half the time whenever they talk.]

Hm... some fruit, I'd say. I've got a better understanding of exorcisms and spirit repels now, but the curses they put in the Forest of the Felled are a whole other tier. I went back to investigate, and I'm not sure if they're too complex or simply archaic, but I could neither recreate nor undo any.

[Neither of those things might have been very recommendable to try in the first place, but he at least wanted to see if there was an alternative to leaving the fate of the forest entirely up to that kooky Kymbyr!]