[hr]ATTN:[@Enkryption], [@AzureKnight] [hr][hider=Getting into the meat and potatoes]In truth to the matters of pomp and circumstance, Lupina was not one to dabble; the affairs of the rich and wealthy were between them and their larders - and, from what of them, she could steal. Such was the truth of things for the poor peasantry and downtrodden citizenry. So, with appraising eyes and slick fingers, Lupina was calculating what she could nick...

Taking a seat within the lobby they were brought to, Hector would be within sight of Lupina as he sat with a poised air about him. He’d regarded their new addition with some intrigue before, much like Scarlett, she bolted off without another word. But that was irrelevant. Who was this “Paradigm” they spoke of, and what were they after?

[color=8493ca][b]"Marquis Albrech, dead…a shame. This might have been a good chance to meet someone of high standing,"[/b][/color] Hector said, momentarily focused on social standing before he crossed one leg atop the other. He knew little and less of Miasma, beyond how to kill what spawned from it, but he trusted that everyone here could gang up on anything fool enough to rear its head while Eon was present. With a slight turn of his head, Hector would ruin Lupina’s chance to steal something as he questioned: [color=8493ca][b]"What do you make of this, Lupina? I was busy training with Ruecian, so I’m unaware if there are details of this joint operation that I’ve missed."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]What...?[/color]" Lupina asks, snapping her hands to her sided. "[color=BDD3E9]I wasn’t taking anything.[/color]"

Hector would give a quizzical tilting of his head. [color=8493ca][b]"Are you alright? You seem on edge. Though, I must admit a touch of nerves myself. Come and sit,"[/b][/color] he invited, making room on the sofa for her to sit a space away from him.

Herne would curl up in the middle spot, spectral tongue flicking out to taste the unfamiliar air the new people brought.

"[color=BDD3E9]Uh, sure...[/color]" Lupina says, now, nervous.

Hector didn’t seem to notice, and if he did, he was at least offering her a bit of peace and familiarity by  offering her a seat. Once she sat, he would continue: [color=8493ca][b]"Now, as I was saying, I was curious if you knew anything about the joint operation we’re gathered for."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]I might have to shoot someone, and they’ll die,[/color]" Lupina says, "[color=BDD3E9]That’s it.[/color]"

Despite the simple bluntness of her answer, Hector would nod and accept it. [color=8493ca][b]"I appreciate your frankness. I may have to do the same. This Marquis business will no doubt complicate things though."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]That’s a problem for those concerned, which I am not,[/color]" Lupina says, "[color=BDD3E9]A dead man is only good for the worms. Leave investigations to those that do their best on their asses,[/color]" she huffed, "[color=BDD3E9]I do my best in the field, taking aim.[/color]"

[color=8493ca][b]"Be that as it may, those who killed him ARE of concern,"[/b][/color] Hector corrected. [color=8493ca][b]"If you or Baast hear of anything, pass it along to me. If you wish, that is,"[/b][/color] the marksman added, adjusting the collar of his coat. 

Herne would look up at Lupina, flicking his tongue out twice. Tasting of her trepidation.

"[color=BDD3E9]If I listen for it,[/color]" Lupina says. "[color=BDD3E9]For now, I want out of this stuffy room. I’d like to take in vantage points. Build a nest, should time permit.[/color]"

Hector would shake his head once, saying: [color=8493ca][b]"I doubt the city would let that slide. As such, I can only make an offer for the first. Seeing as Scarlett and this so-called Ms. Laplace have deigned this wasn’t important enough to wait for, I imagine we’re at least free to kill some time outside."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]Scarlett’s like me, wild and free,[/color]" Lupina says, "[color=BDD3E9]This business is too closed, too boxed in - it’s an uncomfortable affair,[/color]" she says. "[color=BDD3E9]I envy the ability to just run. Albeit, that mind-ra -- wait, what? You offer what?[/color]"

Hector was already rising, with Herne slithering up along his back to perch upon his shoulder. [color=8493ca][b]"Care to join me for a late lunch? We’ll miss little, it seems."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]Gladly![/color]" Lupina says.

Walking off with Lupina following, Hector would walk the streets as if he owned them, head held high as he sought a place to dine. [color=8493ca][b]"I didn’t see outlying farms, yet there are a number of upscale restaurants. Likely, they import any number of ingredients to suit the palates of visiting nobility and aristocrats. It shouldn’t be hard to find something you may like."[/b][/color]

This might be one of the few times someone has asked Lupina what she’d like to eat, rather than her having to deal with what was available.

"[color=BDD3E9]Me?![/color]" Lupina meeped.

[color=8493ca][b]"Yes, you,"[/b][/color] Hector reiterated, confused by the question.

"[color=BDD3E9]I... nobody’s asked me that before... so... I don’t know how to answer,[/color]" Lupina says, shrinking back.

A life of wild freedom cut both ways. Lupina was free to do as she pleased, but a life of civility was beyond her.

Hector couldn’t understand that, but he could find ways around the problem. [color=8493ca][b]"I see. Then are there foods you despise?"[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]VEGETABLES![/color]" Lupina snapped, baring her fangs.

[color=8493ca][b]"...I…see…"[/b][/color] Hector said, taking a step back after she declared her undying hatred for veggies. [color=8493ca][b]"Have you had them cooked or just raw? Many that I dislike have been used in dishes that defied my expectations."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]Hate them![/color]" Lupina answered, childishly.

[color=8493ca][b]"You can’t just dismiss all vegetables outright…they’re part of a balanced diet,"[/b][/color] Hector said. He may not know all facets of Beluan life, but even he knew that they weren’t either just carnivores or herbivores. They were omnivorous, like all humanoids.

"[color=BDD3E9]You sound like Baast,[/color]" Lupina grumbled, as she pushed past Hector.

He’d need to keep pace with the Dire Sheep, as she had a much better stride than he did, as a Human. A man of sharp eye, and middle-class nobility, Hector could appreciate the landscape that Lupina strode through - as they left the confines of the manor, and merged into the affluence of the neighboring spaces. Lupina did not regard the finer eateries with anything beyond a passing glance; she didn’t have the appreciation for the sweet scents, savory spices, and atmospheric umami.

That was Hector’s world, not hers.

As they descended on her aimless path, Lupina’s step became more measured - she wasn’t rushing, but smelling the roses, so to speak. Why? The hustle and bustle. Hector and Lupina were moving through the seller’s market, surrounded by a mix of imported goods and local fare; brands that were of foreign make, name, and culture, and goods that were clearly of Cambridge - or rather, it lesser side.

The smell would hit his refined palette before it hit his nose: the scent of beer, the crushed, fermented hops of crude, pale ale; the scent of burning meat, onions, and peppers, as simple kabobs roasted; and, the rich, heaven-scent of fresh bread airing out. Tavern food. Simple, plain. Food for the working man, the soul of a city.

And, more importantly, where Lupina slowed down.

This is where she wanted to eat.

Not in the clouds where the rich drifted, but down to earth, where beast and men were equal.

Regarding the changing atmosphere as they reached the humbler markets and eateries, Hector wouldn’t pretend to understand everything about Lupina, but he did understand that she was the type to settle for whatever was offered on hand, and yet she had found something she [i]truly[/i] wanted to eat. If Hector were to ask she would likely respond with indifference, and as such…

[color=8493ca][b]"We’ll eat here,"[/b][/color] he proclaimed, folding his arms. [color=8493ca][b]"Is that acceptable? Its a fair distance from each middle end market stall here, so its likely to have good variety. You won’t want for options here, no matter what vegetables draw your ire."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]Here? But, wouldn’t you rather eat back up there with all the fancy food,[/color]" Lupina asks.

[color=8493ca][b]"Why would I do that? That’s the affair of those impressing with cultural knowledge to their invited guests, to boast of the food that doesn’t belong there, proudly pushing out the local flavors,"[/b][/color] Hector said, understanding full well that the upper class dining…that wasn’t the natural state of this place. [color=8493ca][b]"Those that are hungry should eat, and those that posture, should posture. But, we’re hungry. …That and the portion sizes are probably better here,"[/b][/color] Hector said, clearing his throat after his rant.

[color=8493ca][b]"Table for two,"[/b][/color] Hector said as he entered, expecting Lupina to follow with him.

Lupina blushed, hiding her face with her azure hair, as she followed. Hector was really kinda cool.

Squeezed into slightly uncomfortable chairs across from one another at a small table, the duo would receive menus lined with flavors of the day, changing each day, lunch specials, alcohol, fried delights and fresh brews, all bearing the true identity of Cambridge.

Furrowing his brow in thought, Hector wasn’t sure what to get. Perhaps…Lupina had a chance to recommend.

Lupina was scanning the menu, looking at it with the utmost seriousness, as she chewed her left thumbnail in focus. It didn’t help Hector any, but it did bring attention to her lips, and the memory of them upon him.

"[color=BDD3E9]Hrm...[/color]" Lupina groaned, closing her eyes; radiating magic for a moment. "[color=BDD3E9]Oh, this.[/color]"

[color=8493ca][b]"Did you find something interesting,"[/b][/color] Hector asked, not wanting to admit he was lost in the options himself.

Lupina nodded, and pushed the menu forward to the noble, and tapped the selection.

A humble shepherd’s pie.

Hector considered it for a moment before saying: [color=8493ca][b]"That does sound appetizing. Though, are you sure? It has vegetables in it."[/b][/color] Hector had misunderstood that she meant it for herself.

"[color=BDD3E9]It does?![/color]" Lupina asks.

[color=8493ca][b]"Yes. See,"[/b][/color] Hector said, pointing at the listed ingredients in tiny print beneath.

"[color=BDD3E9]But, it doesn’t taste like vegetables![/color]" Lupina says, "[color=BDD3E9]It’s white! And, bread tasting! And, meat tasting, too![/color]" In no uncertain terms, the Dire Sheep looked fundamentally broken as a person-type thing, "[color=BDD3E9]How do vegetables not taste like gross and green...[/color]"

Hector sighed, astonished that she, as it seemed, liked dishes with vegetables as long as she was ignorant to their existence. [color=8493ca][b]"That’s the nature of a chef. To make the unappealing appetizing. I’ve had stuffed cabbage that had me in disbelief, once,"[/b][/color] Hector recounted, putting his menu down.

[color=8493ca][b]"I’ll order us an appetizer to start with, if that’s alright with you,"[/b][/color] Hector offered.

"[color=BDD3E9]But, cabbage is green... green is gross... how do you eat green...[/color]" Lupina asks, her eyes unfocused, as she stared at her hands, questioning her... well, entire life.

[color=8493ca][b]"You should be proud, Lupina,"[/b][/color] Hector said, closing his eyes and solemnly nodding. [color=8493ca][b]"You’ve awoken to the possibilities vegetables can bring. I’ll have to make you some myself once we return to the tower. Then, you’ll never decry vegetables again."[/b][/color]

…That might almost sound like a threat. MORE vegetables?

Lupina’s face would turn bright red, as she stiffened. "[color=BDD3E9]N-No! I couldn’t impose! You cooking for me!? I’m, like, a stray dog! You don’t feed strays![/color]" she says, attracting chuckle from some of the elder patrons.

[color=8493ca][b]"Nonsense,"[/b][/color] Hector dismissed. [color=8493ca][b]"You’re not a stray of any sort. You’re merely learning,"[/b][/color] he said, while Herne poked his head up from the side, wondering if food was ready yet.

Lupina would reply by shoving her menu in her face.

Hector would let out a slight chuckle, before ordering them a set of chicken wings for an appetizer, since Herne could eat those as well.

Across the bar, Baast would be seated, nursing a beer, and minding the entirety of the bar. For now, this was Lupina’s moment in civilization. He didn’t want to spoil it for her.

After receiving his chicken wing and swallowing it whole, bones and all, Herne would slide over and hide beneath the bar, right beneath Baast’s chair. People didn’t like snakes, so he would make himself as translucent as possible, to not make trouble for Hector. Despite this, he was very much able to be sensed by Baast, while Hector spoke in casual conversations with Lupina.

"[color=D8B895]Being troublesome,[/color]" Baast asks.

[color=white][b]”Alwaysss,”[/b][/color] Herne hissed softly, quietly.

"[color=D8B895]Why,[/color]" Baast asks.

[color=white][b]”Hector isssss bussssy.”[/b][/color] The serpent spoke plainly, also knowing that right now, this was their moment. But seeing as Baast was here not doing anything, he’d take a warm body and start slithering up Baast’s pant’s leg.

"[color=D8B895]Oi, oi, what are you doing!?[/color]" Baast hissed back.

[color=white][b]”Warm!”[/b][/color] came the answer, leaving Baast to deal with trying to deal with a snake in his boot while Hector continued talking to Lupina.

"[color=D8B895]Could you get out of my pants,[/color]" Baast asks, trying not to bring attention to himself.

After considering it for a moment Herne would say: [color=white][b]”Yesss,”[/b][/color] before starting to crawl up his shirt.

Baast swallowed a squeal, as Herne invaded his privacy more so, and chugged his beer to keep controlled.

Comedy ensued as Baast attempted to hide the snake now OUT of his boot, while Hector had a pleasant luncheon with Lupina, keeping an eye on her to make sure she didn’t pluck carrots from her pie and discard them.

"[color=D8B895]What is wrong with you...?[/color]" Baast was trying to keep calm.

[color=white][b]”Cold,”[/b][/color] Herne replied simply. He was solely seeking body heat.

"[color=D8B895][i]Haaa...[/i][/color]" Baast sighed, "[color=D8B895]Fine.[/color]"

Shaking the tip of his tail in delighted acceptance, Herne would subtly coil around Baast’s neck beneath his shirt, happy his subordinate was so understanding.

"[color=D8B895]Don’t test your luck,[/color]" Baast says, pushing a clawed finger against his head.

Baast would receive the tender feeling of a snake’s tongue flick against his finger.

Baast’s irritation melted, as he sighed, blushing. "[color=D8B895]Damn brat...[/color]"

Finishing their meal, Hector would clean his face one last time with his napkin. [color=8493ca][b]"A good choice of restaurant. I’ll have to remember this place. Even if [i]The Soggy Mare[/i] is a hideous name."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]It’s charming,[/color]" Lupina giggled.

[color=8493ca][b]"I don’t see the appeal, I admit,"[/b][/color] Hector said with a slight chuckle. Without batting an eye or letting Lupina see the check he would pay up, starting to stand.

[color=8493ca][b]"We should head back. I imagine matters will be sorted soon."[/b][/color]

"[color=BDD3E9]You’ve never been down and dirty in a dungeon party,[/color]" Lupina says. "[color=BDD3E9]And, probably. Hopefully the stuffy stuff is stuffed.[/color]"

[color=8493ca][b]"If it isn’t, I’ll take note of the important parts,"[/b][/color] Hector said, indirectly offering a way for Lupina to stay in the loop without having to be at the gathering.

"[color=BDD3E9]Better you than me,[/color]" Lupina says.

Having thoroughly vexed Baast, Herne would slither up Hector’s back as if he’d just been out for a moment, letting out a happy hiss as his Master was now free once more.

[color=8493ca][b]"Oh and, Lupina?"[/b][/color] Hector asked before looking at her over his shoulder. [color=8493ca][b]"Be careful of having loose fingers. The Holy Seer would know in an instant,"[/b][/color] he warned, bringing to mind the question:

Was that a general warning, or had he gauged her intent from the very start?

"[color=BDD3E9]I have no idea what you mean,[/color]" Lupina lied, looking away.

Hector wouldn’t press the matter afterwards, walking back with Lupina.

Lupin would be rather reserved and shy, caught by Hector, and not willing to admit it.

Returning after checking in at the front desk, Hector would return to his seat, an open space reserved for Lupina if she chose to return and endure the wheels of bureaucracy at work.

Morgan would soon return as well, suit far more dirty with a few leaves and twigs stuck in her dark hair, plopping right down in a chair she pulled out, fingers netted.

Maybe, another day, Lupina would suffer such things, but, for now, she had ducked up at the front door, and taken to the rooftops. She needed to see the town for what it was, high in the sky.[/hider]