When I left the diner, my steps were... lighter. The full stomach helps.
As did sitting down for more than a couple minutes.
But the biggest change to my improved mood? That was certainly due to not being the one under thumb - or heel.
Being seen as, if not normal, at least relatable enough to talk to really placed the bounce in my step as I walked to my destination. I passed storefronts displaying everything from electronics to furniture.
Plenty of less identifiable businesses, as well. Humans going about their daily lives pass just like before I ate - talking on phones, laughing with friends, rushing to appointnts.
I'm starting to see for myself how little is truly different from my own world... at its core.
Eventually I passed near a small green space nestled between tall buildings. A modest square where the concrete briefly gave way to actual nature.
Well, and tal benches. Nothing is perfect.
But what caught my attention wasn't particularly the location. It was the tables set up near the center. Surrounded by humans waiting in sowhat orderly lines.
A banner was strung between two poles that read [Vossden Winter Relief - Food & Warmth].
Individuals in matching blue striped vests handed out steaming cups and what looked like simple als in 'styrofoam' containers. Stacked high on another table next to them were piles of what seed to be jackets and coats.
> I see. This is a charity event. <
In my old world, there were ways the needy could receive assistance... but it usually involved entering into labor contracts or pledging fealty to a local lord. Wanting a return on the investnt of limited resources only makes sense.
This open giving without apparent expectation was... unusual.
Just as much as the card in my pocket.
As I lingered at the edge of the gathering and watched it proceed for a minute, a scent caught my attention when the wind shifted. The definitive sll of werewolf.
My eyes quickly located the source... aided by the | Mother's Intuition |. A broad-shouldered man stood to the side of the operation and watched over everything.
Even from this far away, I could tell he wasn't trying to hide what he was to our kind. His overall aura was almost territorial.
Not with aggression exactly... but a statent of presence.
> A statent of Ricoat oversight, if I had to guess. <
Only keeping the peace? Or was he keeping tabs on who accepts their food for so reason?
My wolf remained quiet, but had grown alert despite having been ignoring again. Such a moody beast.
I considered changing course to avoid any interaction with the individual entirely, but didn't do so quickly enough. Soone was moving toward ..
"Excuse , miss? Would you like sothing to eat?"
She'd approached, in that vest that showed off her 'volunteer staff' status, while I was distracted by the wolf. A middle-aged woman with kind eyes holding out a paper cup.
It didn't sll half-bad, but I still shook my head.
"No, thank you. I've just recently eaten."
"Oh, good to hear that."
She smiled, never looking away from my face. None of the up and down to take in my appearance.
"Even if you don't need to eat, you might want one of our jackets? Nights are getting pretty cold. Don't worry, they are free."
My first instinct was to refuse out of pure pride. To explain that I was not what she thought - not so destitute human in need of handouts.
But the words died on my lips as I realized the practicality of her kind intentioned offer.
I'd lost Helene's jacket in the forest during my escape. The clothes I wore now wouldn't be enough once the temperature dropped.
Not to ntion, I couldn't exactly shift into my wolf form for warmth while walking city streets.
>The humans would freak out. I suppose that's one of the things I miss about my kingdom. <
"...Yes, that would be helpful. Thank you."
She bead as if I'd done her a favor by accepting. A strange woman.
"We've got several sizes. I'm sure we can find one that might work well for you."
The volunteer motioned for to follow her to the clothing table. As I did, their watcher's gaze drifted over to us.
Lingering on just a few monts too long for comfort. Not threatening, but clearly taking note of in his mory.
> I suppose that their Alpha would end up telling them all about what I look like sooner or later anyway. Impossible to hide in their city without running into them. <
After a few attempts to hold different sizes up to , I took the jacket she picked out. It seed to be a practical but sturdy thing with a hood and multiple pockets.
Not all that fashionable, but even if I wanted to complain...
That smile she has makes too guilty to do so.
"This is... generous. Is this a common occurrence in Vossden?"
"Oh yes, every year in autumn and then again as winter approaches. Mostly funded by corporate sponsors in the city."
She leaned close and lowered her voice while bobbing her head toward the probably Ricoat.
"The big one of course being Lunarizon Industries. They always send soone to oversee and make sure everything runs smoothly."
So that ans Kyrie Voss's company funded this operation. The pack here took care of the city - even its most vulnerable humans.
> How noble for wolves to extend their paws so far. <
As I adjusted the jacket on my shoulders to make sure it fit, I found myself wondering about the motives behind such charity.
Was it truly compassion, good 'public relations', or sothing else entirely?
My wolf gives its usual disapproving growls for my cynicism. But I can't help it.
Such grand gestures always ca with strings attached. Of so kind or another.
Always.
"Thank you for this."
I pulled the outer layer back off and stuffed it into my backpack as I expressed my appreciation.
"Just stay warm and safe out there. That's really all the thanks we need."
She smiled as I nodded to her. The woman kind of reminds of soone...
Ah, of course. The maid from that one rchant household. Much too sweet and caring.
"I'll do my utmost to keep in good health. Good day."
Until I was out of the square, I felt eyes following . The nice woman, surely, in part.
But also the other werewolf... who I'd expected might question further for my presence.
> Should I be less disappointed that he did not co after ? It's certainly less of a headache this way. <
A huff from my ntal companion was all that t my question.
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