Zedd Witlock -- A pick-a-nick basket makes everything better<br/><br/><em>'Well, well. <strong>Someone</strong> is clearly an optimist,</em>' Zedd thought wryly as Phaedra began spreading out her make-shift picnic cloth onto the ground and set out some delectable-looking cheese and hunks of bread. His eyes widened ever so slightly at the sight of the food, and his mouth started to water almost instantly. The morning's jerky was long spent, and despite the likelihood of impending violence from Talos, Zedd couldn't suppress a low grumble from his stomach. His attention wavered from the towering warrior, and he glanced at the delicious temptations being offered, a desirous whimper escaping his quavering lips as he sniffed the fresh, warm cheddar.<br/><br/>His thoughts were so occupied with anticipation of a much-needed meal, Zedd barely registered that Talos was speaking again until he felt the swipe of a meaty paw against his shoulder. The blow held none of the speed nor the hostility of what he would have expected from an attack from the likes of Talos, but it nonetheless nearly sent Zedd sprawling to the floor of the clearing. He stumbled and caught his feet, righted himself before he could fall onto the girl's picnic sheet, and turned to look back at Talos with a mildly exasperated expression. '<em>Still,</em>' he thought, '<em>if that's the worst it comes to, I'll call it a victory.</em>' Zedd rolled his eyes with a grin and gave Talos a brief nod.<br/><br/>"Eh, I suppose you are not so terrible yourself, tiny," Zedd said, smiling. He turned and licked his chops, the tip of his tongue darting out and disappearing just as quickly as he focused his now-undivided attention on Phaedra's victuals. He was ferociously hungry, but he did not want to appear savage; he moved closer and sank to the ground on one corner of the sheet, his legs crossed comfortably. The thought occurred to him that perhaps he should wait and see if Feldor and Talos would be joining them, but he decided against it; if a fight did indeed erupt, he at least wanted to battle on a full stomach.<br/><br/>Zedd seized the opportunity to enjoy the girl's food -- and company -- as the Elf and the corpse continued their conversation. He gingerly took the bread she offered and popped a small piece into his mouth; the dry, fluffy texture was heaven to his taste buds. A quiet groan of appreciation escaped him, and he gave the young woman another smile. "This is easily the best thing I've eaten all day, miss. Did you bake this yourself, may I ask?"<br/>