Keepa. What an enjoyable name, how it fell from the mouth or played out in the mind, her unorthodox tainted French enunciation inflecting it with perfect synergy; the first syllable was tremulous with her melodic pitch, and the name seemed to end on a breath. Yes, it was most enjoyable, and Edgar stood entranced for a few second, replaying the sound in his mind, memorising and reflecting upon it. 

His eyes focused again, however, when he noticed her notebook. This creature became more and more enthralling; he had never considered the Elvira to be a particularly well educated bunch, as they were painted as savages, similar to the monstrosity that stood over the group, and Edgar supposed he had not allowed that prejudice to vanish. Nevermore would it tarnish his mind; in his best efforts, he would remain an unbiased observer, already learning much from the atypical Elvira, and they had not even conversed properly, but doubted whom else, besides him, would care. It did not matter too greatly, as though the yearning for the company of another great mind was strong, Edgar’s self-satisfaction gained from learning what others had not was substantial enough to ebb this desire. 

On the cover of this book were the words, “Livre de Sorts”, French, which Edgar spoke, and realised that Keepa would probably be more comfortable talking in that tongue than he would be uncomfortable. French was a language he had a basic understanding of, and so the final word was a mystery to him; “Book of…” was all that he could translate. Trying to figure out the final word was a train of thought quickly derailed, first by Keepa explaining that her company were not too fond of humans, and second by the newcomer who spoke decent English.

Edgar paid little heed to his warnings, knowing that he would likely leave with the party, and then return when he felt it necessary, and Metro Centre would be no different to when he left. He stroked his beard languidly as this new beast cast his gaze around all those situated nearby, already speculating about what it is this journey would entail.

After the blind girl and canine-headed anthropomorph spoke their words, the huge beast uttered something in a guttural snarl, and they began to make their way off, only the blind primrose staying to enquire about Keepa.

“<We are leaving?>” Edgar asked.