#elsewhere

And yes, a (strategically) deep inhale.

"Huh." She tilts her head a little, considering this. "I stay at a mews, with a motley, so...mostly we don't have a lot of noble interaction. You know, as little as possible, anyway."

He notices the inhale, but with almost annoying discipline, he resists getting too distracted. Heck, he barely glanced!

"Sounds nice. " he glances back at the lodge "I think my break time maybe over. I should probably go back. Mmm"

"Oh, I don't want to get you in trouble," she says, smiling. "I don't suppose you know, though, whether I'd be able to ask to stay for a few days if I need it? I mean, with a mews I think it's a pretty fair shot, but a noble lodge?" She looks dubious.

"Oh you'd not likely to be refused there, but Argent Star could probably put you up a day or two if you need it. I'd have to ask."

Behind him, whoever he is, for he didn't give a name, Sylvi sees.. HIM, or rather, his duplicate, walking out with some sort of case

"It is a pretty place," she says, turning away to take in the view (opposite from where his double is making an escape), and to let him get a look at the strappy back of her dress that makes the lack of a bra abundantly clear. "But I don't want to intrude if I don't need to." A few paces away, lazy, expecting him to follow. "Do you know any good restaurants in town?"

"Well, our Hearth isn't bad, but if you like Mexican there's a new place I like..." He MIGHT be checking her out from t his angle. Guys sometimes feel more confident if they think you can't see them checking you out

"Oh, Mexican sounds perfect. There's something about the taste of the spices and a good beer that's just...Mm! But not cilantro. Not a fan of cilantro." She smiles at him over her shoulder.

Possibly catching him eyeing her.

And she did. He blushes lightly "Yes, well uhm I'd show you myself, it's called the El Dorado a Go Go... it delivers too, you see? but I am supposed to be on duty Miss.. ah, forgot your name, pardon"

"You didn't forget it. I didn't give it yet." She winks, and then relents, "Sayla,. And you are...?"

"Hap. Hap the Star eyed" a nod "Nice to meet you, Sayla, but I really should..." He looks at his phone "oh I'm late. Look come in if you want to but I am five minutes late for my return to duty"

"Star eyed?" She steps closer and leans in to (arguably) get a better look at his eyes. She's...very close. (And hoping Siv is all-clear.)

His eyes do have tiny stars in them, floating. It's weird, and neat

"Yeah it's ...changeling eyes thing. I have to wear shades away from here"

"Oh, wow...." she sounds mesmerized. "That's really pretty. I mean, y'know, in a manly way."

Hap is a bit lost in her eyes too "Yeah, I.. nice to meet you, Sayla I.. uhm.. thanks. I like yours too." A beat "Your eyes. I mean."

She blushes a bit and smiles. "Thanks. So...if I come by later, for refuge or something...you'll be here? I might not...." she allows. "But I might."

" I think I'd like that" He says, then with effort "Sorry, Sayla. I have to go. I'm surprised I haven't been missed already." With willpower that defies hormones, he heads back to the lodge

and in her ear "Nice. For a moment i thought you lost your touch. I'm out and then some. Thanks. You don't ever have to see that guy again"

"It was nice to talk with you, Hap the Star Eyed," she says, and if he looks back, she waves.

He..does.. And then into the lodge of the Argent Star he goes

She turns, gives a long exhale, and strolls back off the grounds of the Lodge, unhurried...until she's out the gate and around the corner. Then she picks up the pace and gets some more distance between her and the Lodge. "I wasn't sure you were clear," she mutters to Siv. "Getting an Uber now, meet you back where we started?" she says while texting.

"Perfect" Siv says

She gets back to the shopping area and ducks into a cafe while making final arrangements and then waiting for the Uber. Better not to be caught lingering near the Lodge if they figure something's gone missing.

She keeps checking the app to see if her car is getting closer, but stays deeper into the cafe, away from the window.

She sees a boggan enter the cafe... fear the social dynamics! Will it out her as a spy?

She goes to the counter to order a black-and-white cookie to go. Who could be suspicious of somebody who likes black-and-white cookies?

If the boggan's still there after she gets her order, she gives him a little nod and grin.

The boggan nods back...

"Hello. Don't know you" He smiles back "Good stuff here huh?"

"I hope so." She indicates the bag she just ordered.

"Looks like the good stuff to me" A ssniff "Yup . Gotta get one for myself now. " And he heads up to do that

"Enjoy," she says, and checks her phone again.

And the driver is pulling up NOW

Then the boggan blinks as if sensing something.. off

Oh, certainly the boggan's only noticing the anticipation of the Uber arriving. And out she goes!

Into the car and away.

The boggan realizes he's missed something, but getting the plate numbers won't help... this time. But his nose twitches with the promise of something juicy going on. Also? great legs

And in the car, the uber driver takes directions. This one is chatty "Oh that smells good"

"Yeah. I hope it's good." But she doesn't seem inclined to eat it just now. Easy chit-chat...weather, traffic, etc.

Weather? Hot, but not as hot as last year. Traffic? CRAAAZY... andd how about those E cars huh? Etc? Yadda

It's almost like talking with a boggan...wind him up and let him go, and she only has to contribute a little here and there.

Where's she from what's her name, she have family?

"Oh, up north, you can tell from my accent, I'm sure. I don't live at home much anymore, go to college in Jersey." (The mention of Jersey is likely to prompt a string of stereotypes from the driver.)

And it works and... oh thank goodness, they're at the stopping point.

"Great ride, thanks!" And she's off.

She finds Hap waiting for her at the waters edge.