When I left the diner, my steps were… lighter. The full stomach helps.
As did sitting down for more than a couple minutes.
But the biggest change to my improved mood? That was certainly due to not being the one under thumb - or heel.
Being seen as, if not normal, at least relatable enough to talk to really placed the bounce in my step as I walked to my destination. I passed storefronts displaying everything from electronics to furniture.
Plenty of less identifiable businesses, as well. Humans going about their daily lives pass just like before I ate - talking on phones, laughing with friends, rushing to appointments.
I'm starting to see for myself how little is truly different from my own world… at its core.
Eventually I passed near a small green space nestled between tall buildings. A modest square where the concrete briefly gave way to actual nature.
Well, and metal benches. Nothing is perfect.
But what caught my attention wasn't particularly the location. It was the tables set up near the center. Surrounded by humans waiting in somewhat orderly lines.
A banner was strung between two poles that read [Vossden Winter Relief - Food & Warmth].
Individuals in matching blue striped vests handed out steaming cups and what looked like simple meals in 'styrofoam' containers. Stacked high on another table next to them were piles of what seemed to be jackets and coats.
> I see. This is a charity event. <
In my old world, there were ways the needy could receive assistance… but it usually involved entering into labor contracts or pledging fealty to a local lord. Wanting a return on the investment of limited resources only makes sense.
This open giving without apparent expectation was... unusual.
Just as much as the card in my pocket.
As I lingered at the edge of the gathering and watched it proceed for a minute, a scent caught my attention when the wind shifted. The definitive smell of werewolf.
My eyes quickly located the source… aided by the | Mother's Intuition |. A broad-shouldered man stood to the side of the operation and watched over everything.
Even from this far away, I could tell he wasn't trying to hide what he was to our kind. His overall aura was almost territorial.
Not with aggression exactly… but a statement of presence.
> A statement of Rimecoat oversight, if I had to guess. <
Only keeping the peace? Or was he keeping tabs on who accepts their food for some reason?
My wolf remained quiet, but had grown alert despite having been ignoring me again. Such a moody beast.
I considered changing course to avoid any interaction with the individual entirely, but didn't do so quickly enough. Someone was moving toward me..
"Excuse me, miss? Would you like something to eat?"
She'd approached, in that vest that showed off her 'volunteer staff' status, while I was distracted by the wolf. A middle-aged woman with kind eyes holding out a paper cup.
It didn't smell half-bad, but I still shook my head.
"No, thank you. I've just recently eaten."
"Oh, good to hear that."
She smiled, never looking away from my face. None of the up and down to take in my appearance.
"Even if you don't need to eat, you might want one of our jackets? Nights are getting pretty cold. Don't worry, they are free."
My first instinct was to refuse out of pure pride. To explain that I was not what she thought - not some destitute human in need of handouts.
But the words died on my lips as I realized the practicality of her kind intentioned offer.
I'd lost Helene's jacket in the forest during my escape. The clothes I wore now wouldn't be enough once the temperature dropped.
Not to mention, I couldn't exactly shift into my wolf form for warmth while walking city streets.
>The humans would freak out. I suppose that's one of the things I miss about my kingdom. <
"...Yes, that would be helpful. Thank you."
She beamed as if I'd done her a favor by accepting. A strange woman.
"We've got several sizes. I'm sure we can find one that might work well for you."
The volunteer motioned for me to follow her to the clothing table. As I did, their watcher's gaze drifted over to us.
Lingering on me just a few moments too long for comfort. Not threatening, but clearly taking note of me in his memory.
> I suppose that their Alpha would end up telling them all about what I look like sooner or later anyway. Impossible to hide in their city without running into them. <
After a few attempts to hold different sizes up to me, I took the jacket she picked out. It seemed to be a practical but sturdy thing with a hood and multiple pockets.
Not all that fashionable, but even if I wanted to complain…
That smile she has makes me too guilty to do so.
"This is... generous. Is this a common occurrence in Vossden?"
"Oh yes, every year in autumn and then again as winter approaches. Mostly funded by corporate sponsors in the city."
She leaned close and lowered her voice while bobbing her head toward the probably Rimecoat.
"The big one of course being Lunarizon Industries. They always send someone to oversee and make sure everything runs smoothly."
So that means Kyrie Voss's company funded this operation. The pack here took care of the city - even its most vulnerable humans.
> How noble for wolves to extend their paws so far. <
As I adjusted the jacket on my shoulders to make sure it fit, I found myself wondering about the motives behind such charity.
Was it truly compassion, good 'public relations', or something else entirely?
My wolf gives its usual disapproving growls for my cynicism. But I can't help it.
Such grand gestures always came with strings attached. Of some kind or another.
Always.
"Thank you for this."
I pulled the outer layer back off and stuffed it into my backpack as I expressed my appreciation.
"Just stay warm and safe out there. That's really all the thanks we need."
She smiled as I nodded to her. The woman kind of reminds me of someone…
Ah, of course. The maid from that one merchant household. Much too sweet and caring.
"I'll do my utmost to keep in good health. Good day."
Until I was out of the square, I felt eyes following me. The nice woman, surely, in part.
But also the other werewolf… who I'd expected might question me further for my presence.
> Should I be less disappointed that he did not come after me? It's certainly less of a headache this way. <
A huff from my mental companion was all that met my question.