Julie
A leather booklet by her side, Priest passed the time wandering in her thoughts. Leaning back on the chair, the smell of pastries one would take in near a bakery, along with the smell of cooked meat mixed in the air; it brought a sense of relaxation, a take-away from the rot smelling, sewer-showered streets of the capital. When the young reverend dreamt of the empire's star, a sprawling metropolis of high-rising brick towers, with crowds among crowds of colourful splendor the people wore. Some of it reflected her image, and yet, it still disappointed her somehow. 

Supposed it's best to keep her expectations in-check.

With her eyes checking over the bound-leather journal, she took only a glance at the exiting Oriate maid and compatriot from the kitchen. Being so near to the kitchen, her plate would be first served. Removing her booklet from the table as to not seem rude, capping back the ink-stain cork in the ink bottle, she swiftly plopped the items back inside the satchel that remain slung around her shoulders. Micaiah straightened her posture..

.. When the Oriate had gently set the small platter on the round-shaped table, the smell was much milder than what Arthur had experienced. Scent of scallion and minced meat overcamed by the strong smell of stone-baked pastry. Oriates do have a stronger sense of smell, after all. The Priest took pleasure of it, not being a fan of overly smelly food. While others savour over it, it just makes her crave it again after she takes off. Setting her right hand's fingers on her lips, she moved her hand forward and slightly down as thanks, a smile evident on her features.

"*Grateful.*"
Cassandra
*Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Emiko was silently celebrating in the corner... You see, she gets nervous and embarrassed easily! Strange how she decided that she wanted to be the maid... But oh well, she did so anyways, much to her own delight. She likes doing new things... But she gets terrified easily too! Scary man with weapon... She had to not make him mad. 

Anyways, as they consume their food, Emiko silently went to write their bill onto a scrap piece of paper! She was proficient in doing inventory! Mostly because she has been doing it for at least a century. Some may call her an ancient fox, but she is really just... A lonely fox. No one has ever asked her "How are you?" :c 

Seemed like Arthur racked up quite the bill! 34c! Micaiah was second, going at 15c! Who will win the food of? Unless... Someonr decided to show up and buy out her entire wine stock! Lets hope that doesn't happen... But anyways, in preparation, she peered into an empty barrel, which was once full of wine, starting the... Laborious job of... Filling it up.

She whistled a soft tune about... Well, food. Specifically, fish! She likes fish, but she can't get fish because she is too far from the coast. She is sad. She wants to be able to chew on fish again. Waaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!*

"Fish~ Fish~ Fishley Fish~!" 

*All this talk of food was making her hungry... Her stomach growled and... She wanted food... But she must wait until her patrons are done before she consumes food! But how long will they take... Arthur ordered a lot... And Micaiah ordered something... She had to rack up prices a bit... Income is slow... Not many people are coming here. Maybe a few more copper?*
Cora
**Marceline arrives at the wooden establishment as well, full of pride and brandishing a radiant smile. She saunters up beside a stranger looking to gain entry as well.** "Afternoon stranger!...Oriate*Cheese* Café? Is It open?" **She asks, as she reads the sign. Marceline also drops her hood.** "You're not going to pickpocket me are you?"
Doris
Michael had approached the unfamiliar shop that had an enticing aroma emitting from it. The man had entered the building, the smell being enriched further just from entering it. He moved towards the back of the restraunt, a small woman ordering in front of him. Michael crossed his arms and heard her ask if she would've been pickpocketed. He scoffed and shook his head at the question she asked the woman, the bigger male silently waiting
Cora
**Ignored, Marceline scoffs, following the man Inside, she strolls slower than he does however, so she can bask In the savory aroma, honey to her senses. She takes a sharp Inhale.** "Ahhh. Cheese Café. Let's see!" **Then, Marceline Is back next to the strange man, who sort of towers over her.**

"Oi! You can't be *That* Large and not make a peep, chum." **She goads the stranger.**
Doris
**"And why is that?"**

Michael asked, looking down at her. He had been standing there silently, sure, but everyone had their own right to do what they pleased without harming others or breaking any laws, right? He had chuckled a little and glanced back down at the woman, before looking back to the counter.

**"Would you like to order first then so I can brood while I wait?"**
Cora
**Marceline chortles at the stranger, she nods In agreement as well.** "That's more like It. Sure, I'll have... Hmm." ``Assuming there Is a menu on display.`` **Her eyes scan the menu, searching for the best looking Item. A decision Is made.** "Emiko's Cheese Pie sounds delectable. With... Bubble Water?...That's right."

**Marceline sighs In content. She turns to face the stranger again, even pats him on the arm friendly-like.** "What about you mate?"
Doris
Michael scoffed as she had seemed to think she had corrected him, leaning against the back wall while waiting for the stranger to finish ordering. Once she did so, she had turned to him and even pat his shoulder. Huh. He got up off the wall and approached the counter, looking over the counter and to the left and then the right, looking for anyone. He called out for a moment, just in case. Maybe Marcie would have to reorder again.
Cassandra
*Emiko heard the call, hastily wiping her hands off from... Well, using magic. It was a messy process, which was kept clean by medieval technology, which brings us to our sponsor, Raid Sha- Anyways, she appeared out of the kitchen, approaching the two.

The maid was quite short, wearing what seems to be a generic Victorian style maid dress. Black with the white frilly bits. Not an early clothings expert, rather a weapon's expert! Well... Only European weapons. She also seemed... Well, not human! Her hair was a rich silvery white, while her eyes shine like rubies in the moonlight. That... Doesn't make her not human you say? Well, she also has... A pair of fluffy fox ears and... A very bushy and fluffy looking tail. Most definitely a kitsune! Those things were rare!*

"Yahello! Welcome to the Oriate Cheese Café~! How may I help you today?"

*She asked, gesturing to the board, which had the current iteration of the menu written on. She looked pretty happy to be here! That's a good thing I suppose? As per standard Ferret Ritual, I have posted the menu in  if you have missed it. Now back to the original RP.

It was a basic board with chalk writing on it. She will invest in some... Different mechanism to have a more... Effective and less time consuming board for foods!*
Cora
**Marceline approaches the counter beside the stranger, she leans against It to greet the peculiar looking maid.** "Good afternoon, my fine and dandy tailed friend. I think I've made my decision already... Emiko's Cheese Pie! With erh, what ever 'Bubble Water' Is. It's Intriguing." **She speaks with a merry smile.**

**Marceline sizes up the maid, particularly Infatuated with the more animal aspects of her.** "Ahh lovely. I can't put my finger on what race you are... Definetly familiar! Remind me, can you?"
Doris
Michael had glanced down to the Kitsune, before looking to his side and seeing his companion lean against the counter alongside him. Michael smirked and allowed the two to discuss, looking through the menu in his time.
Cassandra
*Stare. Was this person serious? It was incredibly rude to just... Ask about someone's race. Emiko didn't- rather wouldn't- show her reaction to this, rather just brushed off the comment as it was incredibly unprofessional!* 

"I see, one Emiko's Cheese Pie and Bubble Water!"

*She yelled out to Sutekina! Sutekina probably already heard it as she was... Having some down time! Ah yes, cheese pie... The heavy meal consisting of pie crust, a lot of cheese, and meat curry. 

She motioned towards a table, which followed the pattern of Micaiah to Arthur to Marc. She then looked at the man*

"Hello sir! What would you like today? Have you completed deciding or would you like to be seated and I'll come back later?"
Cora
**After a brief moment of mulling over why her question was Ignored, Marceline realizes and regrets her decisions, but what's done Is done.** "...Yes I'll just have those two Items, thank you!" **Then Marceline went to the table she motioned at. She takes a seat, and waits, sort of cursing herself In her head.** **"Damn It Marceline. Think before you speak!"**

**She huffs.** "Bollocks."
Doris
Michael had glanced back down at woman and offered a smile to her, leaning against the counter. 

**"Greetings. I was wondering if I could get one serving of Panis Petram and a glass of Emiko's Holy Wine, please?"**

The man asked, glancing to her.
Felisa
*Sutekina would've just finished tidying up the kitchen, but would be listening in on the conversations going on outside. Two new customers? Sutekina smiled. Look's like their business was having a pretty good start.* 

*She would start prepping the meal before Emiko even yells them out. The bubble water should be simple enough, and Sutekina was pleased that someone actually bought the cheese pie. She was worried that the listed price would deter most people, but it seemed people recoginized good quality food when they see it. Sutekina will be preparing the crust, expecting Emiko to come in shortly to help with the filling. She couldn't wait to see her again in her adorable maid dress and puffy ears and tails*
Cassandra
"One Panis Petram and a Serving of Holy Wine~!"

She yelled out to Sutekina yet again... She needed to somehow... Well, make this more efficient. It's about as efficient as the medieval tax system! 

She motioned towards another table, which was right beside the woman. Free table! Nice table... Wooden table! Seems like Emiko liked her patterns. Who wouldn't? She lived on patterns for over... Well, 230 years!

"You may be seated over at that table! Be sure to yell out Emiko if you would like to make yet another order!"

She said, indeed, going back into the kitchen... To well, help Sutekina cook! You may ask, how would you cook a pie crust without any kind of oven? Well, you kind person, it was simple! You don't need an oven... She got the pie tin, waiting for Sutekina to finish the crust before she filled it up with the juicy steak curry! She allowed it to set for a few moments before... Well, putting on the pounds of cheese! In that all goes into the open flame. Fire tends to be a good cooking thing. While that was being made, Emiko went to work on the dough... Still having some excess, she used that dough to make some quick bread and... Plated it the same! The cheese pie would... Take a while.*

*Meanwhile, as that was cooking, Emiko ran to the back to harvest the bubble water and... Holy wine. The bubble water was... Quite a potent drink! Very fizzy... Very acidic. In comparison, the Wine was verys strong, having a deep and rich flavour. It had a strange royal purple colour and some golden dots inside. Truly a luxury drink! Both of these were 1 liters! 

After a few moments, she came out of the kitchen, holding two drinks and a small plate with the man's flat bread. She placed the bubble water on the woman's table, saying,

"Your meal will be ready in a few minutes!"

Before she went off to give the man his drink and flat bread... That was a lot of bread for the price he payed!

"Hope you enjoy your meal!"

And with that, she went back to the kitchen to... Watch the cheese pie... Well... Bake/broil/cook!
Doris
Michael watched Emiko wander over to the woman from earlier, dropping off her drink. She then made her way towards someone else, giving them their meal. Michael smiled and nodded thanks as she seemed to take his order, along with saying so before disappearing in the back. He had approached the table the stranger was seated at, yawning a bit. Just a bit though.

**"Would you mind if I sat here?"**

Michael questioned, glancing to Marceline as he kept a raised brow, awaiting her answer.
Jessica
*Arthur, in the meantime, was there listening to the entire conversation unfold from his seat. He was getting progressively closer and closer to scarfing and gorging on his plate as the various aromas filled his nose with an entire arsenal and army of luxurious smells, savory scents, and the overwhelmig smell of fried cheese and bread that accompanied the plate. Though, his tranquil-ish state would be interrupted as more customers entered the store, and bringing about them a great deal of noise as compared to earlier. When it was just him and that girl from earlier, he could enjoy his meal in peace and silence, but now that there were additional customers, that silence was snatched and torn away from him as he heard loud, deafening bellows from the entranceway. His wide eyes suddenly became cold again, and he set down the cheese pie he had began to pick up. He glared towards the doorway, in a harsh manner, letting the newcomers get a glance at his quick, displeased stare before he turned back towards his food. Sighing to himself, he finally opened his mouth wide, picking up Emiko's cheese pie once more, holding it up to his mouth.*

*He let the smells and aromas radiate off of the pie into his wide open mouth, letting the tastes of the air envelop his jaw and tongue as a mixture of fried, oily bread was combined in with the taste of aged, finely made cheese. Oh boy, if this was how it tasted when he held it up to his mouth, how would it taste once he sunk his fangs into it? He began to drool slightly in anticipation. His mouth started to water slightly, but with one of his sleeves, he wiped it off; a bit unbecoming for someone like him, but right now, the food smelled too good to care. Finally, after much apprehension and excitement, he bit into the food, a loud, heavenly crunching sound being made as the pie crust gave way to his teeth.*

*The first thing that he tasted was the divine, savory goodness of the cheese that lay beneath the pie crust spilling out into his mouth. It was melted, hot, and simply delicious. It filled the right side of his mouth, expanding and expanding as he chewed into it. After the first chew, he had stopped momentarily, unvoluntarily making an* "Ooo~!" *Sound. The crunchiness of the bread outside, combined with the cheese filling, was most likely enough to satisfy the most demanding of critics, connoiseurs, and the like. The squishiness of the cheese balanced out perfectly with the crunch and crispiness of the bread, a feeling that was simply... Godlike. However, that was not the end. As he put the cheese pie back down on his plate to admire the melody of tastes that were happening in his mouth, the scent of spiced meat became overwhelming, so much so that he had to look down at the pie once more.*

*From the place he had bitten spilled forth a great, delectable pile of spiced meat, meat whose aroma simply filled his nose, expanding it and conquering his sense of smell so that the only thing he could get wind of was the meat, and only the meat, in it's entirely. It was way too good for what it cost, no, for what it WAS, and so Arthur, quickly gulping down the last of the cheese-bread combo, picked the pie up once more, taking another quick chomp out of the pie as the meat juices quickly swarmed and filled his small mouth. It was beefy, porky, and contained a plethora of spices that simply brouht pure delight to his taste buds. This, combined with the backdrop of bread and cheese brought forth the finest combination to ever grace Arthur's mouth. It was delicious, savory, and overall, simply amazing. Eyes sparkling as his eyes darted from his food, back to Emiko, and back to the kitchen, he would exclaim in a semi-loud voice:*

"By the gods... This is amazing! Emiko, what did you even put in this? It's one of the best damn things I've ever eaten! And I came from a noble house, at that! How did you make this? No, who made this? I simply have to know, so I can give them my compliments!!"
Felisa
*Hearing the 2nd order come in, Sutekina would panic slightly. 2 customers at a time seemed to be their limit for now, and even that was pushing it. It would be difficult to take anymore with their current staff. She knew Emiko was against hiring other people, wanting this to be more of a family business but perhaps magic can be used to aid them? Sutekina would contemplate this idea for a moment but then go back to work. She would have to discuss the details further with Emiko after today, but perhaps using magic to create helpers or maybe more hands can make their work easier.*

*While she was finishing off the curst, she would see Emiko walk in and sequel in delight. There she was, all dressed up with her beautiful silver hair. She was so amazing, taking on orders and helping her cook despite it being Sutekina's job. She had to work harder and prove herself a good hardworking sister. She would hand over the crust to Emiko and get started on the Panis Petram, getting the eggs, yogurt, and bread ready just like she saw Emiko do it*
Cora
**Marceline accepts her drink, she waves away Emiko.** "Thank you! This'll be a new drink for me. Just look at It... All... Bubbly." **She states the obvious, chuckling. Now she glances up at the stranger from earlier! Her expression turns smug, she holds her drink close and nods.**

"I don't mind at all. I always welcome company." **Marceline says, going to sip from her drink. She looks Into the water, seeing the bubbles, It perplexes her!** "I've never heard of water with... Bubbles such as these before. Cheers!" **She exclaims, then takes copious amounts of gulps.** ``Assuming It's like a modern-day carbonated drink, this Is a very unwise decision, but the poor girl Is Ignorant about It!``

**It happens fast, the beverage fills her mouth, bubbling, a cacophony of crackling boggles Marceline's senses but that's not all, the pain on her cheeks and In her throat Is completely new, she coughs profusely.**

"Akcch!! What In blahaaahaazes?!" **She hisses.** "My water Is *Attacking* Me from the Inside!"
Cassandra
*While the man was enjoying his meal, Emiko was... Doing the labour intensive work of... Cooking this bloody pie! She definitely underpriced her pie... It should be at least... Well, 10 more copper? Maybe 20 more... She thinks she miscalculated. She definitely forgot labour costs. 

Anyways, she kept stoking and feeding the fire more... Firewood, waiting for the pie to... Obviously finish cooking. How did she do this you may ask? Well, it's uhh.. When the top turns brown! The top was, of course, all cheese! 

With it being cooked, she took a short break of well, drinking some of her bubble water! You see, it was mighty strong, Emiko's tail and ears shooting out like a bolt from a 1500lbs crossbow! Very VERY strong indeed. Sutekina should give it a try! 

Anyways, she took out the pot hastily to preserve her hands from burning. She just used a lot of cloth to keep her hands from burning you see? Onto the cooking top it goes as Emiko goes and contemplates... Well, how to remove it from the damn pot! 

You see, she reckoned that... If she flipped it over onto a large plate, it should work! And that's what she did! She took out a large plate, flipping it over onto it... Unlike Arthur's dish, this one meal took up the whole plate. There's a MASSIVE difference between a heavy meal and a light meal! 

She seemed to have some difficulty carrying the dish outside of the kitchen onto Marc's table, but she managed anyways. She bowed to the woman, saying,*

"Please enjoy your meal!"

*Immediately after that, Emiko heard the Man's Exclamation, approaching him with a smile. She gave him a bow as well, thanking him*

"Thank you for your complements. My sister and I are the ones who cook and run this establishment. If you would like, you may enter and thank my sister yourself"
Doris
Michael had seated himself as Marceline approved his request, seating himself across from her. He pulled the chair out and sat, glancing to the small woman that sat across from him. He leaned back a bit, sighing softly. It was past noon and he was feeling drained. This atmosphere quickly changed though when Marceline coughed at the drink, causing Michael to grin slightly. 

**"I take it you've never had something like that, no?"**

He questioned with a snicker as she had began to recover from the drink. Michael looked to her as she still seemed offset from the drink, raising a brow.

**"So, stranger. What's your name?"**

Michael realized the pair didn't even know each other. So, he figured he'd ask to get formalities over with.
Cora
**Marceline recovers from her bout of coughing fast, she sets down the bubbly water for now, a tad bit afraid of It. She looks at her new friend, and nods sheepishly.** "Mmh, never. It's not disgusting, just... New. Drinks are supposed to be *Not* Painful, you see?" **She sighs.**

"I'm Marceline. Pleasure to meet you!...And I hope you weren't put off my by Initial display earlier. I take pride In being extroverted and friendly, hmm? You were just quiet. I wanted to err, push you In the right direction per se."
Doris
**"I was in the right direction. I think you pushed me off path, actually."**

He grinned, glancing to her as she set the drink aside, looking somewhat fearful. 

**"Pleased to meet you as well. My name is Michael. I'm glad that you aren't always like that then."**

He gave a smile to her and leaned back, blinking twice. 

**"What is it that you do, Marceline? For your occupation?"**
Cora
**Marceline takes a moment to appreciate her meal's display, It seems artisan crafted, and extra cheesy much to her nostrils' delight. Emiko Is met with a smile.** "Outstanding! You have my gratitude. It smells utterly delectable, I'm sure Its of high quality."

**Then, her attention returns to Michael, he's met with a smirk.** "What do *I* Do? Simply put, *Almost* Anything, for a price, you see? Call me what you will, Mercenary, Sellsword, adventurer, you know. Now excuse me while I violently attack this pie."
Doris
**"I'll leave you to it then."**

Michael replied, allowing her to eat the meal she had paid for. It looked rather huge in size, and he doubted her appetite. Although, not entirely. Michael leaned back and silently glanced to the table, before back at Emiko as she was tending to another table. He scratched at his chin, crossing his arms.

**"A sellsword? I can relate. That's essentially my profession as well."**
Mary
*Midday. Normally a busy time, people lazily wandering for a noontime meal. Not Yakaiyo. Her bright blue eyes wandered around the city, as stormy as a hurricane. Her elaborate bow was drawn with an arrow, the sharp head glinting in the light. Her clothes, however, would be torn and lacerated, not to the point of rags, but enough to show that she had been in combat recently. Her feet lay bare, not being too cut up on the cobblestones, surprisingly. A crossbow bolt had embedded itself in her side, not bleeding out, but painful to remove.*

*There. The bright light from the cobblestones revealed a blond, long haired figure. The faint figure of a crossbow could be seen, as she ducked around a corner. She saw a relatively small building, with bright lights on inside. Refuge. After a week of running from the elves, this finally seemed like a place she could rest. She opened the door using her knee, the bow drawn, but not raised.*
Cassandra
*The scene, as you know it, is... Well, now 4 people sitting at tables, all with food, a single kitsune maid, and well... Another Oriate in the kitchen doing stuff! Simple as that. There was a board with the written on it. It was quite peaceful in there... Warm and homey... Well lit... The only sketchy and scary person was Arthur!*
Becky
*Yakaiyo's eyes would dart around the room, finding the only danger to be the dark haired Oriate with a sword. She would sigh, and place the arrow back in her quiver. She would stay on guard though, the bow not yet sling over her shoulder. She asked the Kitsune maid* 

"Is this place safe?"
Cassandra
*Emiko being the ever so calm person she was, would look at the woman with the smile. She didn't... Stare at the bolt in her side... Definitely didn't stare! Not at all!*

"Yeah, it should be safe! Anyone who decides to cause trouble will not be in existence once I'm done"

*She said, having a very... Grim message conveyed in a strangely happy tone! Interesting*
Becky
*She would sigh in relief. She would sling her bow over her shoulder and walk over to a table far away from the others. She looked very tired, her face extremely pale, her black hair messy, her walk slow, with short steps. After sitting down, she would yank out the crossbow bolt from her side, careful not to spill blood on the floor. She didn't want to encumber others with her troubles. In truth, she wished that she had someone to lie on. Her throat was parched, and her stomach went empty. She hadn't eaten for a week, or had water for a day, yet the pain was somewhere else. She groaned as the bolt was pulled out, and a blue light emitted from her pendant.*
"Uhhh... What's here?"
Cassandra
"There's a lot here, but all of them are written on the board over there"

*She said, motioning towards THE MASSIVE BLOODY BOARD.*
Becky
"Wine please. The strongest you have."

*She brought out 40 silver coins and laid them on the table. Any normal person would have ordered a meal by not eating for a week, with growing stomach pains, but they were ignored. She looked at the nearby lights, and remembers, the elves with their torches and magic storming her home, calling for death. Her heart aches as she remembers her husband, Hakaze, telling her to go. She's trying her best not to cry right now, currently succeeding, but barely.*
Cassandra
*She nodded to the woman, taking the 40 silver coins... Strange order... But oh well! 40 servings of wine!

Emiko bowed to the woman, running to the bloody well... Back, picking up a well... 40 liter barrel... And a large mug. Seems like a person can drink?

She kinda... Pushes it towards the woman... Placing it onto the table with the cup. Oh well, they can choose what to drink!*
Cora
**Marceline begins to pick at her food, she starts with a morsel of pie crust. It's savory, delicious, she closes her eyes and relishes In Its flavor. It's definitely a better feeling than the bubbly water, which Itself wasn't terrible, just the fact It was entirely new to her palate.**

**Any doubts Michael may have about Marceline's appetite are folly, the gal has been eating rations of jerky and fruits for weeks! This meal Is definitely doomed. She grins, smacking her lips at the taste.** "Ohm—Mhm. Mmmhm. Jussh ashsh I sthought. Cheeshy. Vewry." **She speaks with her mouth full, It's followed by a gulp at last.**

"Pardon me. Sellsword, hmm? Two sellswords walk Into a Cheese Café~.." **Marceline begins to tell a joke, but seemingly... Abandons It, so she can sip from her Bubbly Water; It serves her better, washing down the food. She continues to dine, like she's not eaten In weeks.**
Becky
*Slender fingers grasp the barrel, and carefully let loose a stream of gold and purple wine. It seems different than normal, but she doesn't pay attention. She picks up the mug, and drains the entire thing. She honestly is a lightweight, but she just wants to forget, the fear that she felt being chased, the sorrow when she lost Hakaze. 'Maybe, just maybe, he'll come back. You didn't see him fall, he might have escaped.' Deep down inside though, she knew there was no way Hakaze would come out alive from the elven horde. Her hands start to violently shake, and she doesn't know whether it's anger or grief, as tears start to build up in the corners of her eyes.*

*The wine was strong, stronger than any alcohol that she had had, which honestly isn't saying much. However, she knew that even Hakaze would have a hard time trying to stay sober after this. The flavor of the drink was splendid, coating her tongue in a powerful flavor. No remark was made. She continued to drink, 2,3,4. This was probably more than her husband had ever drank at once, and she, a lightweight, had just finished what seems like several bottles of wine. She drinks more, hoping that the pain and sorrow will fade away, even for a moment, but the drink only amplifies the feeling. Tears start to trickle now, but she keeps in the sobs, not wanting to disturb the other customers.*
Doris
Michael had snickered at the joke, shaking his head.

**"That's funny. And original."**

He didn't seem to mind that she had forgotten her manners for a second as she talked with a mouthful, before pardoning herself. 

**"What's the hardest thing you've been sent to kill, being a sellsword? Creature or human."**

He asked.
Cora
**Marceline Is sure to actually finish chewing before she answers his question. With a hard gulp, she wipes her mouth off.** "Mmph—Oh err, that would beeeee... Off the top of my head..." **She takes a brief moment to really think, despite saying off the top of her head.** "... Nothing too monstrous, actually. Say for... In the mind. I had a mission once, where I had to participate In the capture and killing of a very undesirable predator type man. Very sadistic and Ill-mannered."

**She chuckles.** "He got what was coming to him."
Doris
**"Well, that's good that he got what he deserved."**

Michael said, watching the woman think on his question before responding. Michael had adjusted the way he was sitting before finding a different comfortable spot on the chair.

**"Has anyone ever been paid to kill you?"**
Cora
**Marceline had just continued her meal, when Michael asked the question. She makes him wait a full moment, and sipping of her drink, before the next one Is answered. She finishes chewing.** "A few, yes. I don't particularly like traveling to Kadho anymore because of It. Bad characters there!" **She nods.** "What about you, oi? How long've you been In the lifestyle. What's the closest *You've* Been to meeting your maker?"
Doris
Michael had sat in a somewhat long wait before she responded, basically taunting him with how long she took to reply. 

**"I see. There have been a few times I came close to dying. It's something that I accepted though. I'm not entirely scared of it. What scares me is how random or sudden it could happen. There have been a few times I came close to dying. The scariest and closest one was probably a Werewolf that had made its den underneath an abandoned town. The town was nestled on top of the cave. I was hired to go in and kill it."**
Cora
"Hired to go and kill It alone? Bloody hell mate, I'd have demanded a partner." **Marceline takes another bite out of her meal, this time she does not take an exaggerated amount of time to consume It.**

"Oh and, about... Death. I completely relate to you about that. The scary aspect of fate Is that you can meet yours at any time. Just a while ago, when I asked you If you were going to pickpocket me? That was sort of an Inside joke for myself. You see, I came from the Salvania Inn Tavern before I came here. There, I met some Vampire fellow at the bar, his name Is Franco, wherever the no good bastard Is." **She sneers, regaling onward.**

"Anyways, he flattered me, I let my guard down and allowed him to get close—close enough to swindle me! The sly fiend fondled my waist while calling my eyes beautiful. Little did I know, he finessed my silver coin pouch! I only found out when he so urgently had to leave. On his way out the clumsy bumhead knocked over a drunkard, and then, I seen what was In his hands. My silver pouch." **She leans forward.**

"...I chased the runner down, a ways away from the Tavern, and confronted him head on! He had the audacity to challenge *Me* To a duel. Folly him. He pulled out a long sword, I pulled out *My* Weapons." **Marceline pat-pats each side of her waist, where her weapons are sheathed. A Short Sword and Dagger.** "He was Incredibly sluggish. A quick parry and riposting thrust did him In! I cut his chest! He gave up. And I have my money back!"

**She leans back, seeming to be finished with the story and her food, which there Is about a slice of left.** "Dueling Is my forte."

**Marceline hides a hearty belch In her hands.** "Ugh. Anyways, what I'm trying to get It, Is that I just wanted to enjoy a mug of Ale. By random chance I am pickpocketed and challenged to a duel that could have ended my life! Isn't that just... Uncanny. Twenty-Five year old me, who's survived this long, dead to a cheeky thief? Rubbish!"
Doris
**"That would have been a pretty crude way to die if that had gone wrong. But, you didn't! You're here now, and we're sharing stories. You seemed to do well."**

Michael replied, listening to her story with interest. He folded his hands and nodded, yawning softly.
Cora
"Precisely. But I'll be damned If I'm ever going to let myself die to such cockamamie bullshite." **Marceline reaches Into her silver pouch and counts 16 silver coins. She places them on the table, expecting Emiko herself to come and claim the payment along with the gratuity.** "What are your preferred weapons?"
Doris
**"I have a sword, a kite Shield, and a crossbow I use. I prefer my sword and shield."**

Michael said, crossing his arms and glancing to her. 

**"I'm assuming you prefer to use your short sword?"**
Cora
"Both, actually. I utilize them both. Dual blades for deadly dancing partners! My short sword, I use her for making heavier advances. Thrusts, parries, blocking, and deep plunges. My dagger? I use her to follow up, slicing at body parts, drawing blood, weakening fortitude." **Marceline looks around for a moment, seeing the rest of the restaurant, and some venomous stares.** ``She also doesn't bother mentioning her appended hand-crossbow. It's the first thing most people see when seeing her front anyway, It's so boasted!``

"You know, we've been getting glared at ever since we walked Into this place."
Doris
**"No, I didn't know. From who?"**

Michael asked, dropping his voice a bit as he looked to her, tilting his head. He did indeed look to the crossbow, praising its looks.
Cora
"Come on. You can just... Panorama around. They look a tad angry." **Marceline gestures with her shoulder, to a sitting Arthur, who's sat somewhere else.** "I'm not particularly In the mood for It either. Would you like to head out? Leave our pay?"