Listening intently, Lynette’s nerves briefly disappeared taking her had to her mouth to keep her laughter at bay. She recomposed herself before long though she continued to struggle to keep a straight face. “…Forgive me…I must have frightened you for a moment with my seriousness. I had not expected you to have such a sense of humor. But,” her face returning to a sharp cool, with hardly a pause she continued. “while the subject remains relevant: I am not of Norad. Until, recently, I hail from none other than the Sechs Empire, not just as a native but I served within its military. It was only a few years ago that I was disgraced as a soldier and abandoned by my home country that I came to live here, saved by the generosity and kindness of Norad and its people. I realize that is a lot to take in at once. The point I wish to make with all of this is that I live now only as a citizen of Norad but I also have no intention to lie about my past, especially in close quarters.” Lynette ended her monologue stiffly waiting for a response from her audience, not knowing quite what to expect.
Sofia’s eyebrow raised as the woman began to speak about her past. Clearly she wasn’t from Norad, that part wasn’t necessary to state, though helpful to be sure.
She had a moment of panic when Lynette told her she was from the Empire but all her worry faded when the woman promised she wanted to live and stay in Norad.
“Wow… that all sounds AMAZING up until you came here…” She sighed. “I guess you’re expecting to learn my FUTURE too?” She hoped not, stuff like that should remain between close friends, not new friends.
Lynette gave a sigh of relief leaning back against her chair, “I am grateful for your understanding and your willingness to continue helping me. It never ceases to amaze me, how accepting this kingdom and its people are. But now that we’ve gotten past ‘introductions,’ do you know of any local specialties at this restaurant? I am not picky with my food and would very much like to try what you suggest.”
“Hmm… They are simply known for BELOW AVERAGE food, I don’t recall any specialties…” Sofia looked over the menu. “The pie is pretty BITTER. The curry quite MILD.” She began listing all the different foods offered and their specific tastes.
“Anything strike your fancy?”
“What intrigue!” Lynette signaled for the wait staff to place an order of curry and pie. After waiting patiently for Sofia to order, Lynette felt inclined to break to the silence “I hear there is a bath house in this town as well, is there anyhting worth noting, or is there something else on your mind you would prefer to discuss.”
