ａｕｄｉｏ + ａｃｔｉｏｎ.

[wolfchild]

[ she begins without preamble, speaking clearly and surely. ]

I have things to trade in the cafeteria. There's hams and cheeses, doughnuts, and juices. Socks too, and wet wipes, toys and jewelry. I've got books too for those who want them and markers in lots of colors. There's a lot more too. I'll be here all day or until it's all gone.

[ she took over a section of the cafeteria for her use. her direwolf lies beside her, guarding both her and the cart.

her wheeled cart ( commandeered from the clinic ) is full of items: the top has a tray of finger food from the promised cold hams and cheeses to oysters and shrimp packed in ice with sauces alongside, even cooked mini pizzas. below are assorted vending machine goods in their wrappers, sacks of ground coffee and hot chocolate, and a dozen fresh doughnuts. she has a pitcher of lemonade and a half-gallon of fruit punch.

in the drawers are assorted items such as wipes, hand sanitizers, socks and scarves, toys including a stuffed bear that moves and talks when you press its stomach, a few books and papers and markers.

hidden inside a bag at the girl's feet are a few cartons of cigarettes and small bottles of whiskey and wine for those who can pay a little extra. ]

Comments

[cesar]

[ he hates christmas. ]

Is this a charity rather than a business?

[wolfchild]

No. Which is why I need to know what you have so I don't waste my time. [ js. ]

[cesar]

[ There's a disproportionate number of grumpy kids to nice kids in this place, as far as Cesare's concerned. ]

I salvaged books mostly, and maps. I can of course offer you services if you would accept them.

[wolfchild]

[ he's the first to offer such, and she's instantly intrigued. ]

What kind of services?

[cesar]

[ What kind indeed... confessions? ]

I am skilled in scouting out information.

[wolfchild]

So am I.

[ true, and she is quite proud of the fact. yet she says it with the surety only children manage to make it seem like she's exaggerating. her defense relies on people underestimating her. ]

[cesar]

[ Only Cesare should have learned by now not to underestimate women and children. Should doesn't mean he does. ]

Skilled enough not to require a partner?

[wolfchild]

A partner needs trust. How do I know you're trustworthy?

[cesar]

I cannot tell you that. You must simply pretend you do while you decide.

[wolfchild]

[ as she does with everyone? ]

All right. I'll trust you.

[cesar]

And I will pretend to trust you as well.

[ Come now, Arya. ]

[wolfchild]

[ she trusts no one except her direwolf. it's safer. ]

Come by soon or I will sell them to someone else.

[cesar]

[ A chuckles. ]

A threat! So soon?

[wolfchild]

It's no threat. It's a truth.

[ she rarely issues threats anymore. a blade at the throat is just as telling and more effective. ]

I've a profit to make, you know.

[cesar]

[ Cute. ]

I must at least know your name to find your room.

[wolfchild]

Try the cafeteria. [ and listening. ]

[cesar]

That is not your name.

[wolfchild]

Cat. What's yours?

[cesar]

Cesare.

Who named you?

[wolfchild]

My father. Who named you?

[cesar]

My father.

Has yours no affinity for dogs?

[wolfchild]

Cats are more clever. [ direwolves do not count as dogs fyi ]

[cesar]

Dogs are the most loyal.

[wolfchild]

Are you a dog?

[cesar]

Dogs are followers.