Kavra Downkeep

I did my best, is all I can tell myself.

Out gathering candy with the little ones I assume?

[She smiles at Bastien]

What are you dressed as?

Mhm. He's 37.

[She gently tugs down the back of the shirt where it's gotten a little bunched up and caught]

And still a brat.

Ah, just one .. But he was..

Let's just say at one point I wanted multiple kids but he was enough to make me rethink it.

"Nope. Our work is done. Time to sit down and eat."

She looks towards the men. "That includes you two."

Kavra. Good to meet you.

Don't worry about the shirt, anyway. It's seen worse than a bit of tit leaking.

Aww, I'd be happy to!

[She takes the little one into her arms, smiling]

Look at that - what a smiler!

[Her only baby rarely smiled at her when he was this age. It almost feels weird to see]

I'm sure. I know what it's like.

Come on. There's a little nook over here between houses. I'll keep watch while you switch out.

People who don't know what they're talking about have the loudest opinions don't they?

Here. I've got a spare shirt on me. Probably will be more of a crop top for an Elezen but you'll pull it off I'm sure.

"Mm. He's a creature of habit. Alright. Grab some bowls and such would you honey?"

She hefts up the stew pot and carries it over to a small dining table, setting it down on a thick wooden platter.

"Oh I can definitely see why he likes you...ever since he learned the concept of analogies he's been comparing himself to various animals..."

A few seconds of thoughtful silence. "What are you two, exactly? Supposing you can even put a name on it."

Kavra just 'hmph's quietly, but her cheeks have taken on a slight dust of red.

In the living room, meanwhile, Feyran and the gentleman in question are locked in a staring contest of Way Too Blue Eyes, neither one looking like they're going to flinch first.

"Dump 'em in the pot. Like I said. Nothing too fancy. Can't have the arsehole thinking I like him."

"Hah. Where do you think he gets his habit of gift giving from? No need to explain to me, honey. I know how hard words can be. Not to mention how insubstantial. I accept your little tributes."

She smiles and winks at her. "I'll find a use."

"Mm. Just don't make it too much. Like I said I'm usually cooking for one most days. Hate to see food rotting in my supplies.."

"Gardening..." She huffs. "I tried once."

She doesn't elaborate.

"Yep."

She piles the carrots and potatoes from the pile onto a second cutting board.

"Those are my fucking least favorite to do, so. All yours, honey."

"Considering the 'friends' I've seen him have in the past were just used for their strength until they died on him or lost usefulness...well. Consider it a good thing I guess."

>> and more...well. The bloodier sort of crimes."

"Eh? Oh. That's eh, Thieves' Cant." She snorts. "I don't run with my crew these days, too busy with doing not stupid shite. But it sticks with you. I know it probably sounds like I hit my head and all. Just a weird, garbled sort of code. Feyran knows it too. Guess he's less into thievery these days>

Another bit of that nonsense language as Kavra peeks over her shoulder, nodding in approval. "You're quick. Good girl. Might be done quick enough to help me peel and chop the rest of these vegetables."

"One way to learn that he's the most active at the most inconvenient hours."

"Oh, you told him to ask permission before breaking in didn't you."

She snorts. "Oh he stuffs your pantry too does he?"

A deep sigh. "Aye, I know. Even if he just considers this place a reliable safe house, that's good enough for me. But he shows his affection in his own ways...bringing you here just because you asked says a lot for him."

"Few weeks. I'm sure he gives the impression he barely ever 'graces me with his presence', but he's a semi-frequent presence here. Even if I'm not always awake when he stops by."

>> cozy but not necessarily tidy kitchen.

"Should be all..."

"Here, why don't I just get everything out...wish I could say I kept a perfectly organized kitchen but often I just put things back in the nearest cabinet when I'm feeling lazy. Not going to pretend like that isn't often..."

She fetches flour, mixing bowls and other such things out from her >>

>> loaves of bread baking, so... Which would you prefer to do?"

"Absolutely. My meal for two has become for four."

She takes out a knife and taps on the rim of a large pot.

"Just stew thankfully. But I need to double up on the ingredients."

She takes out various vegetables and mushrooms and meats and sets them on the counter.

"I also need to get two more >>