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 appointments.
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 metal 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
somewhat 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 meals in 'styrofoam' containers. Stacked high on another table next to them were piles of what seemed to be jackets and coats.
> I see. This is a charity event. A statement of Rimecoat oversight, if I had to guess. The humans would freak out. I suppose that's one of the things I miss about my kingdom. 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. How noble for wolves to extend their paws so far. Should I be less disappointed that he did not come after me? It's certainly less of a headache this way. <
A huff from my
mental companion
was all that met my question.