<span style="font-style: italic">...although her advances have been unexpected. Attractive, I must say though, perhaps a bit clingy but still rather sweet. Not to mention quite soft to the touch in bed…</span><br/><br/>Alexei's grin was barely perceptible in the darkness of the wagon as his latest stream of consciousness drew to a close. The wolf had staked out a large crate of wine towards the back of the tight space, quiet, close to the light... and most importantly, a good vantage point over his portion of the caravan. Whether out of necessity or boredom he wasn’t sure, yet he found his mind weaving and poking around his companions, and from where he leaned against the walls with eyes half-closed he could observe the kitsune and leopardess easily, capturing their nuances like butterflies to preserve and pin up in his notebook once he found some time alone.<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>"I gotta admit, for bein' military types...they can cook up some mean grub, huh?"<br/><br/>"C'mon, big guy! Or y'ain't getting a bite!" </div></blockquote><br/><br/>"Most certainly," Alexei replied coolly, crossing his hands over his lap. "It's not often the army can spare people with such talents." Despite the polite smile he tacked on his face, he made no attempt to keep the conversation alive, tracking Kahmori with his bright lucid eyes as the multi-tailed fox hopped out of the cart. To Alexei, the kitsune hadn’t been very difficult to figure out. A big jolly brute always at the center of attention; full of energy and ready to unleash it on whatever (or whoever) he could. Had a taste for fine women and silly competition; entertaining, but not one to expect much discipline from. Yet he kept a journal, an old (if neglected) one as well; perhaps a hint at a more introspective side? He’d have to include that in his notes.<br/><br/>Despite Kahmori’s insistence, the lupine let a few more moments pass by before getting up himself, doing a few stretches before jumping down onto the dusty earth. Quite a bustle had formed around the campfire, yet Alexei was content to stand off on his own, finding a calm place to sit and take in what the pleasant day had to offer. As he looked around for such a spot, however, his ears swiveled around slightly as his other traveling companion caught his attention.<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>"But this sumptuous meal shall have a bitter aftertaste, for this is the last day I shall spend in such mah-velous company... I do so wish we could all get to know one another better." <br/><br/>"Oh Alexei, do you care to continue our earlier round of the Capturing Game? If you could set the board up, I'd be happy to arrange the pieces as they were when we last left off."</div></blockquote><br/><br/>“Of course Miss Xali,” Alexei replied, giving a courteous little nod. With a swivel of the foot that whipped his cloak through the air he retreated back to the wagon, and while he pulled the board and pieces from the casks of beer and mead he peered over his shoulder at the leopardess. She had been a fun little puzzle that the wolf had yet to decipher. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t been attracted to her, drawn in by her beauty and sophistication. A composed and regal woman, with an eye for the grandeur and luxury her monologue had exuded. Beyond that, however, a tactician, as attested to by her skill in the Capturing Game; likely innate, but just as likely haven come from less natural sources. She was a strong contrast to Kahmori, he had to note, who was stout-hearted, exuberant, outgoing-<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div> 'Ov Cass, Madam! Shall I run you a warm bath, as well?!' </div></blockquote><br/><br/>…also irreverent, brash, and probably lacking in foresight. Fortunately, Xali seemed to have a sense of humor to accompany her splendor, and she was equally content with being put on the spot as the kitsune. Fine by him, as it made it easier for him to go about his business unhindered.<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div> "I shall have something more edible, as you say. I'm sure that once we're in the field against the enemy, we shall all be eating well... those who survive, that is."<br/><br/>“I have a feeling 'Uninspired stews and broths' will be all we get, until we see a bit of action. Then? Well... I guess that kinda opens up the menu a bit, doesn't it?"<br/><br/>"Remember that everyone! Menu is going to broaden soon!" </div></blockquote><br/><br/>Although Alexei didn’t toss in any of his interjections, he couldn’t help but let a shadowed smile spread across his face. He wouldn’t be the first to admit the prospects they hinted at would be far more gratifying than military rations, but unlike most of his kind he usually bore a remarkable amount of restraint. While he tended to have more self-discipline, however, he felt that he could make an exception with the soldiers they would soon face. After all, a little bit of a history can make a rather delicious sauce indeed, and with Kahmori’s exclamation a flicker of anticipation coursed through his body…<br/><br/>Before long, he had heaved the large board from amongst several bottles of rum along with a small sack holding the small wooden carvings. Trotting back to Xali, he took up an empty rations crate and carefully topped it with their miniature battlefield, and soon he set the bag of pieces down before the leopardess. “That should do it," he stated softly. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will grab a plate for myself while you set everything up.” As he spoke, he couldn’t quite hide a clever little glint in his eye. He had precisely memorized the placement of the pieces as well, and he was curious to see if honesty was another part of her mysterious character.