^ Salvador stared with an open mouth and a very, very confused expression. Void, he liked some bread pudding, or warm bread freshly baked, bread rolls, bread slices..bread in general, but old, stinking, dusty pieces of bread? No thanks. "Y..you should try canned bread, " he muttered. "no dust on that."

< Canned food is a big thing in the Nordic pact. especially for, poor people. Sal is the poorest of the poor, and so eats a lot of beans.

V "don't you dare to belittle me." He said, waving a finger at you. He's 1.49/4'8 it's very hard not to belittle him.

^ Maribelle looked down at Salvador for several moments, before squatting down somewhat before him to get on level with his height, and staring him straight in the eyes with that sad, dull gaze of hers. There was a long pause before she raised her hand high above both of their heads. "You look like a cute little fae... One out of a story. Yes?"

< Telling her not to belittle someone is giving her the chance to recognize what there is to belittle them for.

V "My-- The doctor's leeches need feeding." Maribelle said. She held the glass container out to the stranger, where three leeches squirmed about in water. "I would feed them myself, but I'm very busy, so... If you would be so kind, and I can pay you a couple of silvers..." There was a second where she took in a deep breath. "Their names are Seraphina, Felicity, and Antoinette..."

^ "Deal." Dean said with no hesitation as he gently pulled out a leech and stuck it on his arm. "Like this, right?" He asked, making sure he was doing this whole leech feeding thing right. I mean, how much blood could those little things possibly take? Hell, back in the old days they thought leeches were supposed to help or something. It wouldn't be that bad- he's getting paid for it after all.

> Dean will do nearly anything if the price is right.

v He glanced at the person below. "Hey you. Favorite band/musical artist?"

^ - Fyodor tilted his head at the younger man, at least partially reassured by the fact that he was taller than this other person. It was such a forward question, at least in his eyes, to ask about interests... Let alone those that screamed personal taste. Now, Fyodor was by no means "uncultured" by his definition of the word - if his shelves of books and his almost perpetual state of semi-formal clothing meant anything to this person. Unfortunately, books were the only form of culture he was really experienced with. Everything else was... A bit over his head. You know, despite living in America for a few decades by this point.

Subtly wringing his hands together, he replied, "I am the type of person who does not consider artists when listening to music. I like music based on how it sounds, not who happened to compose it." His voice was edged with hostility, while his eyes narrowed to complement the tone. "I enjoy classical music, if that matters so much to you. But for me, Beethoven, Mozart, Bach... They all sound the same in the end. But their music is always pleasing to the ear nonetheless." After this, he stopped acknowledging the other party and walked off to go on with his day.

< - there's also... one other genre he likes... that he doesn't want to admit: sappy love songs. he absolutely melts when he listens to one, regardless of how cheesy the lyrics are. (actually the cheesier, the better for him.) he claims it's just because he likes the instruments, and that's... sort of true?? he does prefer calmer love songs over more upbeat ones, but if they have that Sappy Vibe to them, expect him to at LEAST turn his ears in interest.

v - Coughing into his sleeve, Fyodor tapped you on the shoulder before coldly asking, "Are you going to move away from that bookshelf anytime soon?" Gee, could have been much nicer with your tone there. He didn't seem that agitated, with the exception of the occasional twitch of his mustache, or that inclined to intimidate. The middle-aged man was just... Apparently really, really focused on getting that certain book of his. What book was it exactly? He'd most likely never disclose it. Still, he did sometimes shoot some glances around you just to try to see what books were on there.

"I understand if you need to read a blurb. Or several. However, I do believe that this is on the brink of loitering..." he muttered under his breath, putting a finger to his chin in the process, "Not that I would call anyone on you, of course. This could be just a bit of a misunderstanding." He chuckled wryly, yet there was still clearly tension - at least from his side of things, of course.

^ "Ah! Terribly sorry, my good sir! I'll be out of your hair shortly, I just need to find a particular book..." Kul trailed off as he gazed around, occasionally pulling a book out to read its backside. No matter which book he pulled out, he clicked his tongue in disappointment and returned it before gazing around again. "I swear it was in this area last time I was here. Where on earth could it be...?"
He didn't seem like he'd move anytime soon.

< There are only two books Kul would be that set on trying to find: an anthology of demons and darkness, or a cookbook revolving around beans.

v "You there! Yes, you! Don't run now, I can't keep up!" Kul laughed breathlessly as he approached you. "Bad legs, you know. Tell me! What time is it? I lose track too often and have something important to do later! Say, why don't you join me? We could always use more members!"

^ "Members?" As the unnamed soldier tilted his head. The word lingered in his mind. He wanted to feel belonged again. Have a team, a cause to fight for. Have a leader who can lead. He felt alone and lost most days, but this leader was giving him the opportunity to join a team. "You say you can save humanity. Save and protect everyone. If that is goal. I will join you in your just cause. As I too want to save and protect everyone." Submits and kneels to Kul T Leder.

< All he really wanted was to protect the innocent, weak, and" vulnerable. However, any charismatic leader can probably take advantage of him and make him believe what he is doing is the right thing. He's a great minion and follower when he believes he is doing the right thing.

v "Don't be alarmed. I am not here to hurt you. I am here to protect you. Is it okay if i accompany you to your destination at this late hour? To ensure your safety?"

"Oh no, ' he said with the same hopelessness in his voice. "I'm sorry young man, I'm afraid I'm.lost too..".

< Horrible with directions. He get lost all the time, sometimes can't even find his own house, smh.

V " I got a free ticket to the opera, " Xander mused while softly rubbing his chin. "Are you interested? It's one of the best seats in the house, " Xander nervously smiled. 

^ "An opera!" exclaimed Rose in surprise. He glanced at Xander shyly. Hm. He didn't care for operas. But he liked the idea of spending a day with the kind, fatherly man and his funny pet dodo that so reminded him of a fat, dignified old gentleman. 

"I think I'd like to come." said Rose offhandedly, watching Xander out of the corner of his eye. "I don't have anything to do today.

"And besides," he added as an afterthought, a bashful tone creeping into his voice. "I think you're...... I think you're an interesting person."

< Rose likes hanging out with fatherly types, or people he perceives as fatherly. He's more genuine with them and doesn't twist his words as much.

> "That's the girl I was talking about." Rose gestured towards a pretty young woman standing apart from the party. "Look at how plain she is. She comes from a disgraced family, you know. Hah, see? She doesn't even know who to talk to! Doesn't she look awkward?"

^ - Noel hadn't paid much mind to the woman beyond a mere glance when he arrived to the party. Really, he forgot she existed until Rose happened to point her out, but that was the case with most of the attendees. Events such as these-- in his grand, most important opinion-- were good for nothing but a touch of alcohol. A hug of alcohol. He was drunk.

He turned his gaze down to Rose and spoke hushedly, roughly, leaning in for better effect. "Look at how inconvenient you are." he said, "I think a lady has more worth than a brat when it comes floundering about."

Then, he snorted and turned away. "Fuck off."

< - He's... very protective of young women. Also Rose reminds him a teeny bit of his nephew. Which is very unfair of him [don't be mean to rose >:(]

v - "I had hoped you wouldn't come here so early." Noel droned. He looked towards the door, where the stranger stood. The lock was busted, the door was old. A pebble could open it, he thought. "We have some time before Maribelle gets back... So, let's enjoy our coffee while we still have peace, and while the place is still clean. I even have chocolate cake."

^ - Dolores was already small compared to the man, and his harsh, monotonous words certainly didn't help make that any more palatable. Like a dog, she cowered in the doorway for a solid minute before nodding, albeit weakly. It was pitiful, even for someone her stature and demeanor. It was definitely because of the intimidation factor. Hopefully.

"Um, yes, of course," she replied meekly before scuttling inside and closing the door in the process. While doing so, she couldn't help but judge herself for that mousy hesitance she had shown just seconds earlier. Their prior interaction wasn't too hostile, was it? Besides, he did propose an opportunity to meet up at some point... It was better sooner than later, yet at the same time, Dolores really wished she had more time to prepare than the amount she had. Since when had she last really left the house? Or the city for that matter? The isolation ate at her, and the back of her mind dangled the idea that she was just really, really desperate for human interaction at this point.

Either way, the elder nodded and muttered, "I wouldn't mind either coffee or cake to be honest... That's normally what you eat around here, yes?" She looked up at him. "And maybe, if we have the time, you could use that cookbook of yours... You don't have to, but it's a suggestion."

< - the lass honestly would've brought her dog over because she's unsure of how it'd do by itself at home, but... considering Noel's phobia for dogs, her being a fool and forgetting said pooch is definitely for the best sdjycvgsfedyv. also.... this made me think Dolores likes semisweet/bitter foods more than super sugary ones.... not sure if I'll make it canon, but it's an idea hehe.

v - It was quiet. And clear too, except for the wisps of clouds and the occasional snowfall. Dolores sighed and watched the flakes of frozen water, as well as the gentle puff of chilled air that came from her nostrils. She looked down at her hands, then over at you. She was smiling, yet it was clearly a bit on the forced side of things. Like she was thinking. Too much. It wasn't as relaxing as one would suggest; it would've been more pensive than truly tranquil...

"I don't normally see folks up in such cold areas, to be honest," she remarked after a minute of just observing you, "Mind explaining to me why it attracted you here? I know you're probably not going to stay here for long, but... I can't help but ask visitors that..." With a more hushed voice, the elder added, "Well, at least any visitors who can get past the whole issue surrounding my reputation, that is... Which is even less, but I digress..."

Using a necromanced character to revive a thread... Fitting, no?

^ Expé's slow footsteps were not quiet; the snow crunched underneath them as they walked, and their unsure, clumsy gait led to them slipping and nearly falling occasionally. They really shouldn't have been surprised that they had caught the attention of a resident of whatever city they were wandering the outskirts of. They had jumped ever so slightly as Dolores started speaking, then silently felt grateful that they had the hood of their cloak pulled over their head, completely hiding their face in shade.

"Ah... Y-You startled me, madame... I'm just... Searching for someone. I'm starting to zhink zat he's not anywhere near here, zhough..." They trailed off, struggling to think of something else to say. "I... I am not aware of any reputation you may have, madame. You seem like... A perfectly nice woman... To me, anyway..."

< The only reason Expé would ever willingly go somewhere as cold as Snowpoint is if they were ordered to, or, in this case, if they're searching for Gautier. They hate the cold... It makes it harder for them to move. Their fingers and toes have frozen right off their body during particularly cold winters in France, and they'd really not have to go through the ordeal of re-sewing them back on themself, or worse, having to find replacements.

v Expé was terrified at the prospect of approaching a human they don't know, but they felt they were out of options. They adjusted their cloak and hood, making sure their face wasn't visible, before approaching the person they had set eyes on.

"Je suis désolé... Er, I mean, euh... I-I'm sorry... But... Do you have any silver...? In any form. I can't... I can't explain why, but I need it... Desperately."

^ "Yes, I saw them both. I couldn't stop. She was very beautiful," NV said. "Such pristine fur and eyes so clear, like the ocean. She was energetic and powerful, she radiated delight. No matter where she went, people watched her. I was jealous." They went silent. "Yes. She was in that aisle."

< If they see traits they like (and they always do) they'll do whatever they can to steal them off the person.

v "You're perfect in every way. Your looks, your personality. Please, share with me your secrets. How do you do it? Do you think I can be as amazing as you?"