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

[wolfchild]

Nothing now. That's why it would be a favor.

[ she keeps her own eyes large, her mouth relaxed. she can look younger than she is when she wishes, and she knows people tend to read it as innocence. not many think ill of children, even here. ]

[lucency]

That's - a very good point. [ she grins and it melts into a laugh and she shakes her head. innocence or not, belle's not the type to think ill of anybody unless given the chance. ] I think that's a fair enough price.

[wolfchild]

[ she smiles. ]

What's your name?

[lucency]

Belle.

[ she nods. one day, it'll stop being bizarre when she doesn't give a last name - at least, to her. ]

And yours?

[wolfchild]

Cat. [ she offers no other name. a bastard has no other name. ]

[lucency]

Cat. [ just for clarification, and after a beat, she nods. she's not used to people using animals as aliases, really, but she can't exactly judge names, given the types where she's from. ] Well, it's a pleasure to meet you.

[wolfchild]

Nice to meet you too. [ she lies with a warm smile. ]

[lucency]

So, the book. [ she lifts it, smile thinning. ] In exchange for something later?

[wolfchild]

[ she keeps her expression mild. ]

Can you cook?

[lucency]

I've been known to. [ she considers it with a slight sway of her head. back home, she'd certainly gotten no complaints. ] I'm capable.

[wolfchild]

Mayhaps that can be it.

[ she can hunt her food, forage for it. cooking is limited to trying to repeat umma's recipes. ]

[lucency]

You want me to cook for you? [ and that is her first instinct there. it's not negative, but it isn't what she expected. ] Or teach you?

[wolfchild]

[ she had been angling for a meal, but cooking is so much more useful. she smiles again. ]

Teach!

[lucency]

I think I can manage that. [ and besides! she's never gotten the chance to teach someone to cook before! this is either going to be a disaster or a brilliant success. ] Simple recipes first, alright?

[wolfchild]

[ she immediately pouts. ]

Not so simple. I know how to follow directions.

[lucency]

I should hope. [ she laughs, idly flipping through the pages of her book as she thinks. ]

I could let you make me the things you already know how to. That way I won't be teaching you anything that you already know.

[wolfchild]

Wouldn't it be quicker just to say what I've made? [ it's not a very long list. ]

[lucency]

[ a beat. ]

Probably.

[ she just wanted to make things fun. :||| ]

[wolfchild]

[ and no one will criticize you. ]

I can prepare seafood. I can bread fish and fry it.

[lucency]

[ applause. ]

Oh! [ to be fair, she did try to hide that instinctual look of surprise. she blinks it back. ] No, no, you're right. You won't have any trouble at all, then.

[wolfchild]

[ she's hardly offended. she only knows a few specific dishes, and the story for how she knows those is one she will never tell truthfully. ]

You have my name. Tell me when we'll start and I'll be in the kitchens.

[lucency]

I certainly will. [ now she has to find a cookbook. this is so on. ]

Thank you, again.

[wolfchild]

[ she smiles and gives a little wave. ]

Goodbye.