Despite being a stranger, Koun radiated nothing but warmth. In his mannerisms, even the area around him. He was warm. Even the parts that had been exasperated in his speech, his voice had always held a gentle warmth to it. He was dealing with a child, after all. Maybe not so much a child child, but still a young human. These situations were always delicate.
“I suppose we are….” he sounded a bit…upset at that. No that wasn’t the right term for it. It was a kind of sulkiness that young children would often have hidden away in their voice…..but he didn’t seem to be too aware of it. “Well, why don’t we start there, hm? You can call me Koun or Yuri if you’d like.”
He paused, tilting his head at her answer of the meat. So her father was a deer hunter. The gentle smile on his face didn’t move, as he gave a hum of contemplation.
“I know a few Venison dishes….not many since it’s not a type of meat I deal with often…..but I know a few. If it’s something you have readily, why not a stew? That would last you quite a few days as well.” he offered. “Some beef stock, various vegetables, and cut the venison up into smaller pieces and cook it all together. Granted, it’s not something that can be done before nightfall, as it would likely taste best if it was left there overnight. For something a little quicker, you can always have venison steaks with mushrooms. Simmer the meat over medium heat, add a little mushroom stock, with sliced mushrooms, and flip the meat when it gets charred on one side.” He paused, putting a hand on his chin. “Asparagus or Green Beans would go nicely with that too…..”
He tsked under his breath, slightly absorbed in the idea of food. While he didn’t eat very often, he was quite good at cooking different things. Both of those recipes he’d come up with on the fly, and while they were improvised, they did sound quite appetizing. Yet, the lie that flew off the young girl’s lips caught his attention, and he turned his eyes back to her. Those dark orbs narrowed slightly, watching her submissive actions and hands flying to her neck and sleeves.
Lies were something a fox like him were quite aware of, and were able to pick out among the truth. After all, the lie she spoke was one he did as well, far too often. A part of him was tempted, reach out and grasp that tiny wrist and pull back the sleeve…..but no. He wouldn’t do that unless she initiated touch first.
But he was a fox. And he was ever tricky.
“I’m glad you’re okay…..um….Oh.” his facial expression took on one of embarrassment, and he held out a hand for her to shake. “I told you my name, but I’m afraid I don’t know yours…..” In all accounts, he was completely genuine. He wished to know the child’s name. If he knew her name, he’d be able to find her again. He’d be able to help her if she needed. But also….he needed to be sure of something. And while his reasons for wanting to know her name were genuine, the handshake….well, it was for her own good.
She just needed to initiate touch. He wouldn’t lay a finger on her any other way.
¦ ✿ ¦ Mari stayed quiet, continuing to rock back and forth on the swing. she found a small bit of comfort talking to this man. he was very kind to her, despite her being a bit wary and a little standoffish. and even being outside and being cold, it almost felt like like it had gotten a bit warmer since he started talking to her... maybe that was just her imagination, or her nervousness. it didn’t really matter anyways.
she hadn’t meant to upset him with what she had said, but she knew she had to at least make it be known. they didn’t know each other. not really anyways... but, she did suppose knowing his name was a step forward from strangers.
listening carefully to the ideas for meals, she made sure to remember what he said. a stew would be a very good idea, but not practical for that night. she had never been the greatest at cooking steak, but it was a better idea than none.
❝ t-those sound really g-good.... t-thank you very much. ❞
she gave a small bow Yuri as thanks. she could at least start making a stew for the next night, but if she wanted to get things done before her father got home, she would need to make her way there soon... would it be okay for her to ask if it was all right to leave? or should she wait just a little bit longer..? she really wasn’t sure. perhaps just a little bit longer would be okay, that way it didn’t seem like she was just asking for a recipe and then leaving just like that. that would be rude, right?
her eyes finally looked at towards him, more so, at the hand he offered towards her. she had never been one to let others get so close to her... it scared her. for more than one reason. but... a simple hand shake would be a good way to thank him for his help, as well as a proper way to say goodbye. that would be a nice way of saying she needed to leave, right?
❝ um... Mari... it was n-nice to t-talk to you, Mister Yuri... ❞
with that being said, she carefully reached out, accepting his hand in a shake. her hand was so small compared to his...
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