Cyno and Tighnari never appeared very caring or loving in public. It shouldn't have mattered, but people sometimes stuck their noses where they didn't belong.
Tighnari was often seen as rude or bitchy. They were strict, punctual, played by the rules only they knew, and they didn't hesitate to speak up or put someone in their spot. Unfortunately, it led to them being feared and respected but also not quite popular among the people. Forest rangers are supposed to be kind and friendly after all- Tighnari was not.
Cyno, on the other hand, shared many of Tighnari's personality traits, but being the General Mahamatra, it was seen as a good thing. To be feared waz a goal for people wouldn't do wrong if they were afraid of his wrath. But it didn't make him seem very fit for a caregiver's role either.
Collei was one of the rare people who actually got to witness what both of them were like behind closed doors. When their duties and jobs were set aside and they got to relax and enjoy each others company.
Tighnari still complained and bitched around- especially when Cyno mase a terrible attempt on a joke- but she could always see a smile tugging at the corner of their lips and how their tail wagged in hidden joy. Cyno still tended to sound so very serious, but it was endearing when it was directed at Tighnari, who was only explaining the different ways of cooking fungi. Cyno still treated it like the most important matter, even wrote some of it down, but Collei knew that he'd mess up and come ask her for advice- she couldn't wait.
Their little family seemed so mishapen at times, people even asked her if the two of them were too strict, too unloving. But Collei always fought back, swore up and down that they were perfectly happy, and that she loved them both just like they loved her.
Cyno and Tighnari never appeared particularly caring in public, but it didn't matter. Their home was always filled with care and love, and it was nobody's business.
