Nora arched a brow at the words "fuck toy" in reference to her, but she did not show much expression beyond that. She had been called worse over the years, but the labeling was interesting. Fiora seemed to have a reason for everything she did, Neither of the decidedly human women at the table knew what the lore mortis was, but Nora could tell something about it was interesting, by the way Pace's hand tightened on hers. Perhaps that was why the so-called insult did not phase her, most men she knew did not hold hands with their casual fuck buddies, nor did the enter into agreements to raise a child together.<br/><br/>Lane had expected him to be mad or chide her for taking the deal. Perhaps that was the thing that would ultimately break them, that he was somewhat self-serving and she was near the opposite. Her only motivation at this table was to save an innocent girl. Children did not get to pick their parents, she had learned that lesson well over the last few weeks. She listened to his instructions and fought the urge to nod her head. Fiora did not need to know that he had given her tips. Lane began to shake her head when he said he would come find her, but before she could get very far with the gesture, his lips were on hers.<br/><br/>She turned back to their companions, as Fiora announced the transfer of the child, and she saw the way Remy looked at Nora. Odd. He was the queen's servant, but he almost appeared sadder when his eyes landed on her cousin. Then Fiora and James got back into it and she held up a hand, their disagreement caused her to pause.<br/><br/>"I've heard many wondrous things about your realm, and I would enjoy seeing it. If you wish to eat here, I recommend the pasta primavera." Lane suggested. "They also have take-out, if you want to eat on the road. I would think though, the child would want to get a feeling for her new caregivers and surroundings. If her mother surrendered her to you, the moving could be difficult. Nora knows more than most who hard traumatic things and upheaval can be for a child." She looked at Nora. Nora and Sera Vale had lost their parents when Nora was 16 and Sera was barely 10. Even now, Lane was quite certain they were both picturing the small, skinny child that Sera had been. Lane was between the two women in age, and they had grown up together, until the world pulled each of them in different directions.<br/><br/>"I also imagine bringing her here might further the trauma she's experienced and I would not want that." It stung to say the words, but it was the truth. If James' had a complicated relationship with his daughter, then bringing her here might rip open wounds for the girl. She was still trying to trust him and as much as she wanted to think Fiora was a lying bitch, the bit about his quest for power rang fairly true in her ears. Maybe the child wasn't an accident, maybe she was another way he could cultivate power. If that was the case, then the girl would be safe with Nora and Pace. Probably even safer than she would have been with Lane.<br/><br/>"I just want what is best for the girl..."