Lisa
The answer was simple. Gabriel hadn't seen her because the forest was a labyrinth of a kind—a place where there were layers upon layers of discovery, all depending on one's own resolve. Both a personal challenge and a puzzle. In short, one found only what one sought; anything extra, well, that was the gods' fate. 
-
"You do me an honor I don't yet deserve, kind one," She purred. "But you won't catch me denying golden words from a silver tongue." *I like the way he speaks!* Kateri was a benevolent spirit and rarely thought wrongly of others, but in this moment she couldn't help but contemplate the vernacular diurnal between the herbalist and the everyday man. *I wonder where he got his education.*
-
Tilting her head to the side, she allowed her espresso locks to fall before swinging them over to her shoulder, effectively shifting all her hair to the left side of her body. "And why does the young herbalist move to New Salvainia? Surely, you'd find more specimens in rural pockets of our nation, yes? *Tsk*," She clicked her tongue against her teeth. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me. Your business is your own of course, and you seem more than capable and erudite than to move for no reason. Blame my curiosity. Father says I have too much of it." 
-

Having no siblings—no brothers—Father smit Kateri with all the military acumen he could. The girl could shoot a crossbow, however, it was her choice, a personality *Defect* As Father would say, that corrupted her to prefer the bow. A primitive weapon in a steel world. Kateri disagreed for long list reasons that she feared would cause the poor boy in front of her to grow a long beard before she met the bottom of it. "A hunter is made in the mind, mister Gabriel, and as I see it, an herbalist is a hunter of another kind."
-
She glanced back at the wolves and wondered how true that would be, but her head wasn't in the hunt today. Instead, she craved to learn more about the world she wished to enter. "I've never sported with an animal before," She said truthfully. "Perhaps, one day, but if you wouldn't mind—as I hope you realize I don't wish to impose—telling me a little about your experience with our fair city. I am on the brink of a change and shall see it in... New light, soon." Kateri then wondered where the man lived. Did he live far from her? Could she visit him? She bit into her lip at the excitement of making a new friend, while silently praying that she doesn't scare him and his wolves away from her.
Billy
Indeed, the forest is a strange yet beautiful labyrinth. Some would find hazards hidden amongst its verdant canopy. Others would find a serene solitude within its wooded embrace. Finding camaraderie, though not impossible, is quite rare. At least, it is in Gabriel's eyes. Whether this was because the more metropolitan New Salvainia affected the wilderness surrounding it, he does not know. All he knows is that back in his relatively isolated birthplace, the forest contains more wild things than it does beautiful women.
-
His upbringing meant that Gabriel lacked a proper education. He only managed to scrape bits and pieces from the occasional books brought to them by traveling merchants. Even then, most of the books he purchased are of herbs and herbalism. His educated facade is something he picked up from several years of interacting with the more educated echelons of society. Try as he might, he would find his old habits slip once in a while.
-
Gabriel twirled his braided hair laid across his right shoulder. It was a habit he picked up in childhood from watching his mother. Some people might find it odd that he displays such a feminine gesture, but Gabriel pays them no mind. "It's alright. Curiosity is as much a virtue as it is... A trap. Out there, there are more specimens, yes. But what I need for the moment is a... Stronger income and connections. Neither of which comes easily back in my village."
-
His herbalist occupation being likened to a hunter painted a mischievous smirk across his lips. "Ah yes," He started loftily, "It is I, the mighty hunter of... Plants." He ended with a somewhat monotone voice, hoping it would serve as a comical punchline. "I jest, fair lady. Thank you for the compliment."
-

He doesn't seem to mind her subtle rejection of the offer to hunt alongside his wolves. He wasn't entirely sure how it would work out himself, after all. Instead, he gladly answered her curious query. "It is... Certainly a big change from what I'm used to. Very loud and crowded, but that meant plenty of opportunities. Believe it or not, I find it easier to get lost in the city than out here in the woods." Gabriel shoots Kateri another smile, hoping she'd find it as amusing as he does. "And what of you? What wonders of the city would you say a newcomer like myself shouldn't miss?"
Lisa
If said 'beautiful woman' would have heard the young gentlemen, she might have blushed at such a compliment. One would think with his appraisal of her, Kateri's home was ransacked by noble suitors! Alack, alas, it was not—most unfortunate for her and fortunate for them. Father wasn't the easiest to get along with and each one of those lads would probably leave the Makoaka household with more burns than kisses. Mr. Makoaka was one known to possess a short fuse in the patience department. Zero of Kateri's choices in men would be approved by him because of their political views, however, Father would likely overlook politics in favor of fighting mastery. Once again, a... 'quality'... That she didn't prayer to gods for in her future husband.

"A stronger income," She parroted devilishly. "If as you say curiosity is no sin and rather a *Virtue*, then pray tell, what is it that you seek to own?" Her thoughts raced like fire following tinder; Gabriel had already laid the field with it in his other word: 'connections'. "And I think you're right," She started as she relaxed her posture some. "If that is what you seek, then the heart of the nation is a star waiting for you to pluck. Bless your sparks," She finished while made a quick hand gesture on her forehead. 

Kateri relished a good laugh, and the herbalist presented her one on a silver platter with his theatrics. "I'm glad to see that your village at least allowed a sense of fun!" She giggled some more as he went out of his way to entertain her. Not something that *Everyone* Would do, mind. "I just tell it like I see it, sweetheart." Changing her tone a bit, she continued on the line about the city. "As for getting lost... It takes a bit of time, but if you need a guide..." She bit her lip unsure if it would be too forward to offer her services to him after only *Just* Meeting him. Pushing through her slight embarrassment, Kateri said, "No one should miss Auctobol." Her eyes twinkled as she said the word.
Billy
If Kateri prefer men who are less combative, then Gabriel is in luck. His family had always been of more peaceful ideals. The worst fight in the Renavórte household would be the time Gabriel and his brother accidentally broke a precious vase while playing. His mother, as much as he loved her, became as scary as a bear in his young mind. Something he never truly forgot even as he grew and moved on.

As such, Gabriel is less capable in combat compared to most others. He had to resort to less violent methods, even fleeing should the situation turn unfavorable. But, his prideful ways demanded he increase his combat prowess. What worth is a man who could not defend his own?

"What I seek is..." Gabriel paused. Not for dramaticism, but because he had to hold his tongue. He'd nearly let slip a flirtatious quip. Probably not something he should be saying to someone he just met. "I wish to open an apothecary of my own," He finishes. "But I still need so much more. It's still a distant dream right now, but it won't stop me from putting in the effort."

Gabriel was pleased that his attempt at hilarity got through to the woman. It would usually mean that his conversation partner would be less reserved about spending time with him. Surely it is a foolproof method for building bridges? Continuing on with the conversation, Gabriel responded, "A guide would be much appreciated. Maybe I'll spend less time trying to find the market and more time actually doing something more productive." He smiles encouragingly at her. "Auctobal? I've heard of it, but I believe I was a little late. I'd apparently just missed it when I moved in. Would you care to... Fill me in on it? Ah, but perhaps we shouldn't dally too much. We can continue chatting as we walk, yes?" Gabriel's gaze drifted upwards. The sun's rays pierced through the canopy, the sun itself sitting high in the sky. The conversation is pleasant, but Gabriel still had an errand to run and time marches on.