Speaking as a
shifter
, a deep bow like that woman just used implies a trust that the
other beast
is not going to aim for your neck at the moment you become vulnerable and look away from them.
At least, that’s what our
instincts
tell us. Never breaking away too far from some of our
primal thoughts
, despite our higher thinking capabilities.
Pure humans
in my kingdom had a different way of
displaying respect
. Looking down, but not away, while holding their palms over their core.
I can only say that something about both sides’ methods strikes me as more respectful than...
showing your belly
. Wolves treat a position as submission that a feline regularly proves the
determined
can fight from?
More
claws
to
dig into
flesh. So silly.
Though maybe that is just the royal in me avoiding the idea of any
unnecessary submission
.
"Well, let’s dig in, shall we?"
Or just the fox mentality I was born with, that likes to make others
work for it
. The chase, the tricks, the lures.
Really, not a great quality to have
without any allies
in this world.
Other than an Alpha who
hopes for something
from me, someday. Without knowing anything about me.
Besides a
name
.
"Miss?"
"Citra."
She seems confused by the syllables I suddenly spoke. I dip my head forward in a
pale imitation
of the bow I just saw.
"My name is Citra, Anise. It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance... and I apologize for failing to introduce myself sooner."
"You really didn’t have to worry about that. It’s Crystalline’s policy not to ask more than we need to."
Pale blue eyes
crinkle
at the corners when I look back up. The woman’s hand moved out to unveil each dish without making a
big deal
out of what I’d done.
Humans are just like this here, I guess.
Names
have power and the act of
providing
it has meaning. An intent. The basis of most forms of magic I have any knowledge of.
While an introduction is often just a small piece of the encounter, it can either be particularly
memorable
or exceptionally
forgettable
. Setting the atmosphere is always important.
"I took the liberty of ordering a variety of their specialties. This right here is the traditional sushi. It’s slices of raw fish over rice."
Small and colorful pieces arranged with the aesthetics of an artist as much as a chef. The smell of vinegar and other ingredients isn’t as appetizing to me as the rest, but I’m certain I will be surprised by how well they work together.
Like fashion stylists with clothes, you can generally trust professional cooks with food.
"These are maki rolls. And here we have sashimi."
The presentation of each was fresh and clean looking. Something about the push for arrangement being part of the meal itself seemed
familiar
, yet entirely
foreign
.
I seem to recall a
reformist boar-shifter
of a neighboring principality introducing such
cultural elements
into the cuisine of their domain. With time, I suppose all great ideas will be had eventually.
No matter the world.
"And these are...?"
My finger pointed to a pair of
slender wooden sticks
placed beside my empty plate. The
moment
I asked, she produced a plastic fork from a cubby to offer me.
Anise must eat in this hidden room
frequently
.
"Those are chopsticks. Though there’s no shame in using a fork if you prefer."
"I’ll manage, thank you."
They were picked up with more confidence than this body
should
feel. Helene had never used such implements or had reason to
seek out
the opportunity.
While the shape was a bit different from what
human shifted beasts
used in my kingdom, the method of holding both at once in a single hand was similar. I selected a piece of thin,
translucent pink flesh
and brought it carefully to my lips.
The flavor on my tongue was clean,
slightly sweet
, with a mineral finish that reminded me of the mountain stream where I used to hunt when young. As a small fox that was actually
allowed
out of the palace or villa to be as close to free as a Princess can be.
I closed my eyes briefly, savoring the sensation of
both
the food and the memory it brought. Then I reached for
another
piece that looked a little different.
"This is... quite good."
"Isn’t it? Tsukisushi sources their seafood directly from the coast. The owner is something of a perfectionist."
I sampled each offering methodically, discovering favorites in the process. The fatty tuna, the salmon, and the garnishes of roe all had a richness that satisfied something essential within me.
But I realized I was eating
twice
as fast as my host - a ’faux pax’ that would have
swiftly
been snarked about if this were a gathering of noble beasts. I kept my tone casual, but spoke out between bites to slow down.
"You mentioned you’ve tailored for Ms. Voss before."
Anise smiled a certain way while taking a
delicate bite
of her own food. Ah, it’s only been some days here in this world since I had to deal with
pleasant small talk
with people.
> My skill has already rusted. The first topic should never contain your actual interest. Yes, Vrika, I’m interested... but it doesn’t mean- <
"She understands the importance of presentation in her position. Both as a CEO and as..."
She trailed off
mysteriously
, while popping the top of a beverage with similar foreign writing. Light tones of
alcohol
wafted out of the opening as she took a slow sip.
Very
slow. I know, I’m being
impatient
, but I can’t help but press!
"As what?"
"Ah? As someone in the public eye of the city."
With a nod at her answer, I stuff more food in my mouth.
Disappointed
.
I can tell
that much
on my own about her, I was looking for something ’juicier’. Or maybe I was hoping that this was a human that was trusted with her
hidden identities
.
As a werewolf, or maybe... just
as a woman
. They seem to be on friendly terms so getting opinions or slips about how Kyrie is outside of
how she appears
would have been...
Good?
I shake my head and look over at the other
delivered beverages
. Bottled water and
another
of what she opened.
"May I?"
"Take what you’d like. You know, you haven’t exactly been rude or anything, but you’re growing awfully polite since earlier?"
As I work to open the cap to the water, I consider what she says. It’s
true
that I decided to convert her into an ally of my own
if possible
.
Which is why I
introduced myself
that way. But I think this might be a case of my mood projecting outward when I am not...
satiated
.
"I’m afraid I become a bit less myself when I have not eaten in a while."
"Well, don’t we all?"
She chuckled and we ate in
silence
for a minute. As I hoped, she began speaking again
on her own
when that grew dull.
"The business world can be unforgiving. Especially to women who don’t project the right image. Ms. Voss has cultivated hers quite carefully since she was young."
"White."
My
observation
did not surprise Anise. If it was clear to me in a day, then it was
clear
to everyone.
If only all of the Rimecoat werewolves under her command could be so
blatant
, it would save me
a lot of headache
.