Roses and Thorns

2- The Locals

Taking my leave, I wander back towards the Stocked Pantry, which is still brimming with noise and light this late into the evening. The establishment is part wood and part stone, which is probably somehow related to why it hasn't burned down yet, and like Alabaster's, it was made by the residents instead of shaped from the existing earth. Most houses in the Glade are, though not all of them- it's a strange in between, but Canira rarely mind and my own home is serviceable enough.

The inside of the Stocked Pantry is more elaborate still, full of light from candles and overhanging orbs that rest in the air like small stars, emitting no heat. Most of the warmth along with all of the noise comes from those still hanging around. The older denizens of the Glade sit on any conceivable surface, enjoying boxes that once held supplies, kaanin furs, and some just stand leaning against each other, whispering idly into each other's ears. The room itself is spacious but still cozy, decorated with the aforementioned furs and scattered boxes, with a makeshift bar towards the back. Past there lies shelves of warm pastries and a door to the owner's house, where she lives with her two adoptees.

I'm about to order some food myself when I'm affectionately headbutted by a small tuft of stormcloud and fur. Asha Violaera looks up at me with eager eyes, tail swinging. She's gray with darker spots mottling her side, with long and tufty fur, which just barely manages to disguise how thin she is. Her pale blue gaze catches mine and she lights up. "Rose!"

Behind her lumbers Ace, the remains of a frosted sweet clinging to the tips of his jowls. He's wearing a long cape that's made out of material no nicer than the bags on the floor, though his dark fur struggles to escape from it. He's of a violet hue, though parts of his coat are closer to a deep navy. Though he, like Asha, comes from the noble Stelparada breed of Canis, the common term being "marked with stars", he has no evidence of any spots.

"Looking at something?" he asks.

"You've got pastry all over your face." Asha says.

"I was thinking more about the cape, but yes, you do." I say, raising a paw. "You should get that."

He runs his tongue across his muzzle with a broad smile.

"The cape makes you look like a potato, too." Asha points out, gripping the edge with her teeth playfully.

"Do I make a handsome potato?" Ace nudges her with his nose and she lets go, tail still flailing everywhere.

Asha giggles. "Yes. You're the best potato ever."

"Great. Now that we've got that out of the way... I can't believe you went in for the Hymn of Souls, Rose." His tone is kind, even pitying.

"I didn't." I tell him.

He seems remarkably unsurprised. I get the feeling a lot of the reactions are going to be like this. Ace continues, "Were you just there to get him to confess? I think we all want an answer, but I don't know if you're going to get what you want from him."

I smile. "I ordered a potentially permanent delay on his execution, actually. You should've seen the look on Alabaster's face."

"You did?" Ace's ears perk.

"Mhm. I have reasonable doubt he may not be guilty. In fact, he claims he might be able to help me sort this all out. He might not be completely reliable, sure, but I could use the help." I try to ignore how suddenly my heart has picked up at the thought of said 'help'. I suppose I'm more excited about it than previously anticipated.

Ace shakes his head. "You're a little crazy, you know that?"

"I could be- or I might be onto something."