Joining Hati at a table in the corner, Alistair sat and made himself comfortable beside her. A nearby hearth was crackling away and the warmth it provided left him sighing in contentment. He eventually spoke. “Good evening, Hati.”  There was a moment where she just smiled. Reaching for her tankard, she raised it to him. “Here’s to you. It’s rather amazing to sit here and watch you work a room, you know. You do it so well. None of the ladies ever notice a thing, and it never gets old. I do wonder, however, where all that charm goes when you’re conversing with me.”  His eyebrows, always rather expressive, drew together in an instant. “Excuse you.” Beside herself, she sniggered and reached out to pinch his arm. He made a face at her, unimpressed, and asked, “What brings you to the pub tonight? Were you lonely?”

“Alistair, breathe,” murmured the woman, altogether amused. “Aren’t you surprised to see me?” He swallowed, gaze turned up to the Heavens as if to ask for assistance. He let out a slow exhale, obviously distressed, and rubbed at his eyes with an index finger and thumb. “Yes, sorry. I’m just… bewildered, if we’re being entirely honest.” There was a soft sound at the door. Fenella glanced behind him to find a woman lingering on the stairs. She took note of her elegant dress, the way her hair was pinned, and cleared her throat. “I appear to be interrupting something. Have you found yourself a lover?” He almost choked. Before he could speak, Hati descended the front steps and wandered their way. She replied in his stead. “That’s a new one. We’ve been called a lot of things but not that. We’re friends. I’m happily spoken for, darling. My name is Hati.” Fenella’s nose wrinkled. She lowered her voice so the driver wouldn’t hear her. “Ah, of course. You’re a wolf. I can sense it. Smell it, even. No offense intended, my dear. Our senses are keen. Anyone who is a friend of Alistair’s is a friend of mine as well. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”