"I don't understand." Faring was caught aback by Cedric's question. He was leaning against the end table where he had set down the menu, attempting to acquire more information on House Kilik's dealings. Faring went on about trust, but the disturbing discovery could hardly go unnoticed - and in light of that event Cedric immediately lost trust in Faring and what her goals may or may not be. It could very well be a case of her genuinely not knowing, but the coincidence was simply too much to ignore. After all, she seemed extremely apprehensive - even aggressive about the technology they had found at Rory's Stuff Repair. Faring immediately condemned it, and threatened to contact the authorities. This seemed... Premature, to say the least. At least in accordance with what he had witnessed in her personality prior.

"Saying you don't understand doesn't answer my question. Why was House Kilik's name on that pistol at Rory's? There's no other way for me to word this."

"House Kilik's name was on it?"

"I've said that twice now, stop stalling."

"I told you I don't understand Cedric! I don't know why it had my house's name on it!"

He pressed harder, potentially endangering their current relationship. But if the friendship they developed actually meant anything to her in the long run, then this demand for an answer should hardly be coincidental.

"The moment we went in there you threatened to call the authorities!"

"Yes, because magitech is dangerous and unauthorized firearms is absolutely against the law!"

He slammed his fist down on the end table, forcing its drawer open just a tad. He noticed there was something akin to a brochure in it, he'd look at that later.

"Damn it Faring, what are you not telling me?"

"I don't know!"

Tears began to well in her eyes. Cedric let out an exasperated sigh, maybe she was telling the truth. Something though just didn't feel right, his intuition was screaming at him that there was something much more complex afoot. She could also very well be a master manipulator, and he just never thought about it until now. Without saying another word, he thumbed through the brochure he saw earlier. Flipping through, he noticed there was a pool at the hotel with a hot tub and massage parlor. Some relaxation to think would be ideal right about now, it was getting dark - a hot soak before bed sounded amazing.

"Fine, when you decide you actually want to tell me anything you can find me at the hot tub."

She handed him a copy of one of the chips she acquired from the receptionist, he hadn't realized she was given more than one of what he assumed was the key.

"You'll need this to get back in. We're on floor five hundred." She sniffled.

He thumbed the chip intently.

"Just like that?"

"I don't know what your talking about, and I'm upset - but I also want to make sure you know how to get back, okay?"

He nodded. He went to his suit case and popped it open - there was a fair selection of elegant clothing within. There was only silence between them as he sifted through it, finding what he assumed was something like swim trunks. Either that, or just so happened to be silky pajama shorts. All the clothing at first glance appeared to be large enough to fit him, and the shorts he found had an elastic waist - should be more than fitting enough for a soak. He went into the nearby bathroom and changed - fluffy towels were made easily accessible, white and easy to bleach and clean, or whatever process they used. He acquired what he needed and made his way out of the room. He kept the map of the hotel with him to ensure he wouldn't get lost. It appeared that the pool and hot tub were on the primary floor, the one where the receptionist recided. He removed the leash but kept the collar on, wanting to make sure he wouldn't get detained for not being 'owned.'

He stole a glance at Faring before he left, she was spaced out organizing her clothing for the coming days. He felt bad, but he also figured this could just be another manipulation tactic. Regardless, he'd find out eventually. He was so focused on his own thoughts that the lonely elevator ride went by in a flash - he didn't even admire its quality. Thankfully, the numbers used in both low and high Korellei were identical - so understanding which ones to press was not unlike he was used to in his time.

The elevator signalled it had arrived, and he stepped out. Taking a gander at the map, it wasn't hard to navigate the swathing corridors to his destination. Several windows made the pool visible from the hallway he had found himself in, he wondered if maybe he should've borrowed sandals or something. All he had was a plain grey shirt that was somewhat tight and his shorts, the only other noticeable attire being his boots that he wore as a part of his UCSC uniform. They were comfortable combat boots, but probably looked incredibly silly with his current getup. The door allowing entrance to the pool section was locked, a wave of the chip he was given opened it. Many Korellei of varying ages and phenotypes were enjoying the pool and hot tub. One of the groups appeared to have a butler standing by, ready to answer their every whim. Said butler wore an iron collar and appeared lizard-like in nature, almost draconian even. Another slave, if he had to guess.

Another observation he made was that not a lot of slaves were to be seen where he and Faring had been, either that or they just weren't marked like he was. Maybe they were branded, and he didn't realize. As he stepped through the door, he received several looks for a few moments - before the crowd went back to their entertainment for the night. Cubbies immediately to the left sprawled with various clothing, shoes, items, and accessories. Following suit, he placed everything he was carrying loosely into an open cubby. He kept the chip close at hand, stuffing it in a magnetically sealed pocket on the inside of his shorts. He prayed the chip was waterproof. Worst case, he could simply go to the front desk and get another or contact Faring. He'd much rather bear the embarrassment of that than lose the extremely valuable chipkey.

He awkwardly plapped across the tiled floor, his human feet making sounds that a Korellei footpaw simply did not make. It was a relief that he didn't get very many looks as a result. The hottub was a good size, surrounded by the typical black and silver mosaic tiles covering the entirety of the pool section. There were a few older Korellei resting within it, enjoying de-stressing after the events of their day. It was Cedric's turn now to get some hard earned relaxation in. He found a somewhat secluded section of the tub, which in reality was just the side opposite of the rest of its occupants. He gingerly lowered himself down - inhaling an intense herbal scent emanating from the water. Bubbles arose from the turmoil of the tub's water jets, messaging the wracked bodies of whoever currently was resting within. The water was hot, but comfortable. He lowered himself in completely and embraced its offerings.

He received several stunned looks from the other occupants of the tub, their reactions thoroughly confusing him. Many began to whisper in hushed tones. What did he do? Was there something he did wrong? A deep voice from one of the tubbers across from him answered his inquiry - it was an Ursidae male. Interestingly, he spoke in low Korellei.

"You okay bud?"

Even more confused, Cedric replied.

"I'm fine. Did I do something wrong?"

"Well, no but... That's the section for most Reptilia*."

Cedric cocked his head, and the ursine cleared his throat.

"Lizards, if you don't know. It's extremely hot there."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Should I move?"

"You mean, it's not scalding hot? Your skin is uh, turning red."

"No, it's quite comfortable."

Dumbfounded, the ursine exchanged a few glances with the other Korellei nearby himself - the others equally confused.

"Well uh, if it gets too hot you can move here..."

Cedric nodded, "Thanks, I will if it does."

He exhaled from a deep breath, sighing in relief as he lay his head back. There were bright leather cushions lining the outer ring of the hottub, and made a comfortable head rest for truly relaxing. He gently closed his eyes and thought of nothing. He had been thinking enough recently. There was still quite a few things he needed to sift through, but if he started that immediately he wouldn't even be able to enjoy the heat. He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he noticed he fell asleep in comfort. He quickly opened his eyes, hoping that it wasn't super late. He glanced around, and many Korellei it seemed had turned in for the night. He looked around for a clock, and spotted a modern digital one across the way, mounted on the wall. It was about twenty-one hundred, or nine pm. When did he enter the hottub? He racked his brain to try and remember the last time he had unconsciously checked the time. Was it nineteen-thirty? He vaguely remembered seeing that number on the clock in the bedroom. If his memory served, that means he had fallen asleep for about an hour or so. Had it really been that long? He closed his eyes to relax and rested his head, then just - nothing. Maybe he was more tired than he thought on account of the events of the day.

Seemed odd for so many Korellei to have left the pool after only an hour though. In fact, he was the only one in the hottub now. The pool was open at all times here, at least according to the map. There were a couple groups still enjoying the pool itself, but the exhaustion of exercise was apparent on their muzzles. Nobody had approached him yet, so maybe he could relax for a while longer here. Hell, maybe even take another nap. This he decided, was the best course of action. He felt great, but was still tired from the heat of the tub. Maybe he would rest his eyes, just for a little bit.

Cedric jolted awake and quickly glanced at the clock. Two hours - another one and it would've been midnight. The area was blissfully empty. If he had done this in his time, he probably would have been checked on by the staff or strangers to make sure he was okay. Especially if the ursine's concern was anything to gauge by. Considering he was a slave, maybe it was a case of people just plain not caring. He considered finally getting out and returning to the room, but he felt amazing albeit heat-sleepy. A few hours of zero thought and a hot soak did wonders. Thinking about it now, the herbal smell was most likely from essential oils or herbs inside the water of the tub, which probably made the relaxation of resting within it much more intense. The scope of which, he had no idea. It made him feel good, and that's what mattered. Especially now.

Cedric wondered if he went way too hard on Faring, she seemed to genuinely not know what he was talking about. It could be a one in a million coincidence, like someone from House Kilik being a prior owner of the weapon - but if he kept getting off track with such thoughts, he may forget the possibility of her simply being a master manipulator. Faring was clearly intelligent, her command of the industrial capital was proof of that. Depending on how she was raised, she could have been trained in the art. Her parents were clearly skilled politicians, after all.

"Gotta say, that's a first."

The female speech startled Cedric from his thoughts. He looked in the direction it came from - his right side. A draconian looking but wingless woman was approaching him, clad in one of the most scanty bikinis he'd seen before. She had red scales armoring her body, with what appeared to be softer tan plates on her belly side. A large tail accompanied by prominent wedges topside protected the top of her tail. A nice symmetric set of horns lie atop her head, curved to an angle and colored like that of her hard scales, albeit darker. She had an ample, muscular body shape. Sharp toe and hand claws that were well-groomed accentuated her hands and feet.

"Mind if I join you?"

Cedric shook his head. This was their side, after all.

"Thanks."

She somewhat seductively slid into a spot next to him, embracing the heat with a loud 'Ah.'

"Never seen a primate like you before. Then again, never seen anything other than a Lacertilia hang out on this side of the tub either."

"That seems to be a common thought."

"You really aren't bothered by it huh?"

"The heat I assume. It's hot, but comfortable."

She stretched her arms wide, sinking further into the tub with a little moan. It was awkward, but maybe that was just a normality he hadn't encountered yet.

"Gotta say I agree with you. This stuff feels so nice after going about the day, huh?"

"Well, considering I've been here for three hours now I have to agree with you."

She seemed taken aback, which really shouldn't be surprising to him at this point given its commonality. Seeing shock on someone's face will always keep his brain running, if only for a bit. Maybe it's a good thing he wouldn't ever be used to it.

"Three hours? Man, people barely stay here an hour. It can get tiresome or boring being here that long."

Cedric shrugged.

"Had a lot going on the past couple weeks with almost no rest. Finally get a chance to just forget it all in a nice soak. I haven't been just staring at the wall mind you, I fell asleep a couple times."

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"Oooh I hear you. I've fallen asleep once or twice. I don't think I've ever fallen asleep more than once though."

She shifted over in her spot, leaning against the walls of the cozy hottub to face him - propping her scaled head up with one of her claws. He somewhat matched her movement to face her as well, albeit with much less energy. He'd been soaking for a long while, after all. Taking a closer look, she appeared to be wearing some rather well-applied makeup. Dark mascara and shadowing made her lizard-like slit pupils pop out more than they already did. Carefully applied magenta lipstick accentuated her muzzle, as well as what he assumed was a mild amount of blush and mascara. It seemed overkill in any capacity to him. He understood makeup was common, unsurprising to see in any society with those wanting to enhance their beauty. He'd even used it himself when wearing costumes or certain outfits, but the sheer amount of people that spent hours applying it for the day only to remove it after a small span of time made no sense to him - to each their own, he supposed.

"So who you work for big guy? Big house?"

He thumbed his collar unconsciously, hoping its leather material hadn't broken down after being wet for the long period of time he was in the tub.

"You could say that."

"Well you're here, so I assume you got a place to stay. Which house do you work for?"

She asked him the same question twice, which seemed odd. Given her appearance, she was probably looking for potential contacts or connections. Maybe she was just really curious, which would make an incredible amount of sense given his appearance and circumstance. He cleared his throat, moving his body a bit to get some energy running through him.

"House Kilik." He said plainly.

She whistled ever so slightly, her lizard-like lips showing themselves to be surprisingly pliable.

"That big alternative product company?"

She giggled.

"Guess I shouldn't be surprised, this place isn't cheap. Where you staying?"

He wasn't sure how to answer that question. Should he tell the truth?

"Uh, room three fifty eight."

"I get it, but like - if you're gonna lie make it convincing?"

"I'm sorry?"

"That's my room, silly."

Cedric's face flushed with embarrassment. How could he have possibly guessed her actual room? There's no way.

"Oh yeah?-" Cedric guessed she was lying.

She produced a chipkey before he could say anything further from the top of her bikini protecting her large breasts' modesty. She showed it him, and sure enough it had the very numbers he had just thrown out. He tried to stifle a laugh - the coincidence was just so absurd.

"That is... well shit."

She responded to his laughter, also enjoying the absurdity of the situation.

"Oh, I won't push it. If you don't wanna tell me where you're at that's fine. I'm just being nosey. Besides this, what do you do for fun?"

"For fun?"

Cedric racked his brain - what DID he do for fun? Nothing he said would make sense in this day and age.

"I uh - like to play games."

"Holo games? Video games?"

Aha! He could work with that.

"Video games."

"Ooh, which one is your favorite?"

Caught again. Why was she so interested in him? He considered removing himself from the conversation, but it wasn't exactly a negative one - just a slightly uncomfortable one, in lieu of his current predicament.

"I like a few of them the same, can't really name a favorite."

She let out an exasperated sigh, but not in annoyance.

"Man, you are a tough nut to crack."

"I'm sorry?"

"You really keep to yourself don't you?"

"Mostly, yes."

She returned to her original position, and silence followed shortly after. Just as he considered getting out, more Reptilia entered the the pool area. The red scaled woman shifted her slits in his direction.

"Oh boy, here we go."

Confused, Cedric inquired.

"Something wrong?"

She seemed more than happy to reply.

"I was hoping to get at least thirty minutes here without there being other people."

"To be fair, I'm here."

"Yeah, but you don't count."

"Uh, I don't count?.."

"Yeah you're just one person. One or two is fine, but I was hoping it'd stay that way a bit."

Curious, Cedric made another inquiry.

"My turn to ask a question or two, if you don't mind."

A little grin showed itself on her lips, more than ready to hear what he had to ask.

"Ooh, you are so sweet aren't you?"

Ignoring the odd acknowledgment (but not soon to forget it, compliments were few and far in between for him.)

"Are you... Or more aptly I should say, are Reptilia nocturnal?"

"Well that's a weird question. We aren't really, we just are slow during the day. We get nice and energized at night, like lupines. It's also because that's when a lot of people are off work."

"Is it because of the heat of the sun?"

"Yes actually, you research us a lot? Weirdo." She responded playfully, but it still cut Cedric just a bit.

"Just... Confirming an observation."

She took the effort to engage in a nice, long stretch. Probably mentally preparing herself for dealing with more 'people.' Cedric was wondering if basking had something to do with them being less active during the day, but that would imply Reptilia were cold blooded - or at least some latent instinct was there that was reminiscent of being cold-blooded.

The new occupants of the area appeared to be a mix of gators, salamanders, Lizards he didn't recognize, and a couple more Reptilia, similar in draconic appearance to his new visitor. They filtered in - some keeping to their groups, and others not. A few of them made their way to the hottub itself - and the entire crowd were in various states of confusion at Cedric's presence in their 'spot.' None of them appeared to approach him or question him about his side preference. A few of them appeared inebriated, or at the very least generically loud and obnoxious droning on about various topics. He could see why the woman next to him was annoyed.

It was at this point he seriously considered leaving. He'd been here a while, and was surprised Faring hadn't showed up yet to hound on him. Maybe she was just giving him space? Despite her age, Faring was socially sensible. Thinking she would be annoyed or concerned may have been too premature of an assumption.

From his peripheral, Cedric could spot a trio of Reptilia, similar in draconian appearance to his surprise visitor. They spoke in somewhat hushed tones, the faint but familiar scent of alcohol guided itself to his nostrils. He had a pretty good guess on what was about to happen next.

One of the draconic-looking occupants of the trio shifted closed to his neighbor, and begun to speak in low Korellei.

"Hey there, that one yours?"

The fine looking woman twisted her head, her scales surprisingly quiet as they overlapped in unison, it reminded him much of a snake. She shoot a look to Cedric with the implications of 'Watch and learn' before twisting the opposite direction where the lizard man was shooting his shot.

"And what if he is?" She said with a sultry tone.

"Then I'd say it's a fine piece of property for such a fine woman."

Cedric twitched again.

She giggled. Was she reciprocating?

"Oh you, you're cute I'll give you that."

The man appeared puzzled, and slightly shied away, realizing he was most likely about to gloriously fail at his flirtatious attempt.

"Who do you work for?"

He puffed out his chest.

"I'm the son of Durd, of House Derfin!" He said proudly. Cedric had to stifle a giggle and hide his smile as he looked away, yet still intently listening.

"Oh Honey, you're going to need a lot better accolades than that to get to know me. Try it on some lower class girls maybe? It might work."

Stunned, he shifted away back to his trio - speechless. His cohorts let out a resounding "Ooooh!" In response to his failure.

She turned back to face Cedric, again resting the side or her scaled head in her clawed hand.

"Those boys need to learn their place. They should be nice and patient, and wait for a girl to hit on them instead."

Given that this was a matriarchal society, it made a lot of sense. Cedric was used to men hitting on women, it was a fact of life. Here though, the tables are turned and it seems - more selective as well. This would be the equivalent of a society where the women hit on the men instead of the other way around - from his time, that would be considered a major compliment. Here though, it seems like only horny or desperate males dare attempt to approach a woman - or in this case, particularly stupid males. Cedric considered how he should respond next. Being a slave, he may not be privy to those societal constrictions - even if he was, it was her that approached him - not the other way around. Regardless, he should be in the clear - she did speak to him first, after all.

He mimicked her resting position, resting his head on his left hand - paying careful attention to stare at her directly, and not her sizable bust. She had an excellent body, through either good genes or perhaps a form of surgery - it was quite alluring. She obviously knows that too, and it was clear she was leveraging it. Smart.

"Does that happen often?"

She gave a long sigh, and a prolonged blink. She was trying to work him, he surmised. He wouldn't fall for it.

"Not very. Only foolish young men with too much confidence would regularly do such a thing."

"I see, makes sense."

"So, what's your story big guy?"

She caressed his right arm with her free hand. Cedric knew he needed to treat this situation with tact, to avoid being taken advantage of. The thin tan scales of her hand were gently smooth, most likely the result of a moisturizer of some sort - or perhaps Reptilia soft scales were just that - soft.

"I'm a slave of House Kilik, there isn't much else to say."

She narrowed her eyes just a tad, her glowing yellow orbs further being accentuated by her shadow and mascara. This was dangerous, he thought.

"Oh please, I'm sure there is. I've never seen a primate like you before. Big and strong like the rest, and yet you look lovely and symmetric. Do you have hair anywhere else on your body?"

Her phrasing was coated in a lustful tone, dripping with the confidence of a fine looking woman who knew exactly how to twist a male her way. Cedric challenged her tactics.

"Indeed I do, but if I may be blunt - your seduction, while very effective, won't work on me."

She cocked her head and giggled.

"Oh Honey this isn't seduction, this is just me being me!"

He doubted it.

"If I wanted to seduce you, I'd do something more like this."

She drifted uncomfortably close to Cedric, slowly and eloquently pressing her body against his. Her breasts squished against his chest, causing his blood to flow - in many places. Her scales were so soft. She slowly, purposefully began to wrap her arms around his body. Her lower body began to press against his forming tip, before he realized it, she was breathing hot down his neck. Coyly, she whispered into his ear, "I think it's working."

This was a losing battle. One of the hardest things for any man, or woman - to contend against mentally was base instinct. The want to be with a woman, to want nothing more than to slam them on a bed and enjoy a lustrous night. Reproduction instinct trumped many things, but could be countered with willpower. Too much exposure, and like a virile disease it would overwhelm you and send you spiraling out of control. Cedric technically had an opportunity here, if he really wanted to see what being inside a Korellei would feel like. This thought alone disarmed him, because it meant that her strategy was working - and he was very much losing the fight. The only way out was avoid it, a tactical retreat as it were.

Cedric cleared his throat, and slowly drifted away from her. "I concede, that worked uncomfortably well."

She let out an elegant laugh, "You know, this could be more than a fun little playful thing."

Cedric cocked his head.

She shrugged her shoulders, "It's dark, and you know my room. I wouldn't be averse, you know. I have protection."

Cedric unintentially flustered. He was still a virgin, and the idea of essentially getting a free ticket to sex was incredibly tempting. Here, he had a golden opportunity to lose his virginity to a very attractive, and a very seductive woman. The fact that she was covered in scales didn't even bother him, frankly he was too turned on. He nervously looked around the pool, many looks and whispers felt like they were laser focused on him. He started to lose his composure.

"Would you walk with me?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Come, walk with me."

"S-sure."

Cedric couldn't identify why he so willingly agreed to her prompt. Right now, he was losing his willpower. It was too uncomfortable, too awkward. He just wanted to be away from it all - his ADHD was in overdrive, and it fed his anxiety. He was nervous, he was horny, and he felt as though he was being judged by all the eyes on the room. This was a worst case scenario - what if they identified him? Sure, he was a slave - but if he lost his composure completely it would smother the House Kilik name! He was embarrassed, why is he showing any kind of restraint? He felt his heart beat increase, and began to suck in far too much air into his mask - Ah, right he was still wearing that thing.

"Hey."

He shot a look at the lizard woman.

"Look at me, grab your things - and follow."

Not knowing what else to do, he followed the orders without question. Time moved at at such a pace that Cedric couldn't register anything that was going on around him other than her orders. Before he realized it, they were up one of the side elevators from the previous corridor that housed his penthouse elevator in the center. A few more steps, a few follow and move orders, a few more steps. He heard the word 'Enter' and stepped forward - hearing a door close behind him with a click, he looked around at a quaint suite with a single bed, some kind of holovid screen, and various things strewn about.

"Huh? What?"

"Sit."

He looked around for a quick moment, and spotted a comfortable looking leather couch. It was as good of a place as any. He plopped down, and tried to focus on his breathing - which was now rapid firing at such a pace that he felt like he was about to pass out.

"Drink."

"Huh?"

Before he realized it, he was grasping what appeared to be a glass of water. Without a second thought, and downed it.

Several long minutes went by, and Cedric continued to try and slow his breathing. He felt a scaled arm around his shoulder.

"Just breathe, honey."

He quickly nodded and did as he was told. Just breathe, just breathe... As he did so, he began to calm down and take a second look at his surroundings. The suite was cloaked in beige and white, easily cleanable colors adorned much of the suite, much of the walls were white-washed and decorated with gold frills and silver accents. Brown curtains were open, revealing the lustrous glow of Saint Amelìon's downtown. Surprisingly, it looked very much like a stereotypical hotel room, nothing of the sort of grandeur that was present in their penthouse. That being said, much of the furniture and decorations of the room did much to identify it as high class, as marbled sculptures and golden decorations dotted much of the room. Whatever space was left, was dominated by eloquently decorated planters and modern art.

He turned to face the red-scaled woman again, her skimpy bikini leaving almost nothing to the imagination.

"What... did you do to me?"

"My my, that's the most unintelligible conclusion you've come to yet."

Cedric did not have any worthy response to this, he felt that anything he said would simply make him more of an ignoramus. He kicked himself mentally.

"You look and feel like a man, but you act like a boy."

Nothing more insulting to his pride could have been said. Cedric prided himself on his sturdy composure, and his steely willpower guided by his intellect. All of these defining features of himself that he was so proud of just crumbled to dust. He felt embarrassed, and defeated. He had lost, critically.

Sensing this, the woman took a softer tone.

"You had a panic attack, honey."

"What?"

She pressed on, "A panic attack. I can certainly say that my advances haven't caused a young man to lose his mind, until now I suppose. Would you like some wine?"

"You know what? Yeah, I think a drink will help calm me down."

She curtly nodded and sashayed around the suite, she looked back to where he was on the couch, her rear and swishing draconic tail in full view - but Cedric felt so insulted and defeated in himself it did nothing to irk his prick. In fact, he had completely lost all sexual heat.

"I've got some stronger stuff, if you want that babe."

"Please."

He stared at the floor, cursing under his breath and wanting nothing more than to rip his mask off his face. The slowed rasping of the device infuriated him. Why couldn't he just be allowed to breath normally? Without the mask?

A clatter of glassware awoke him from his curses.

"Honey, or strong?"

"Honey, please."

A few more clinks, and the draconic woman was once again sitting next to him, handing him a fine square glass that was quite small in his hands. He peered into the light brown liquid, inhaling the sweet scent of a honeyed alcoholic beverage - his favorite. He downed it in one go, mistaking it for a shot.

"Oh my. Shall I refill it for you? Or maybe multiple times until you're satisfied?"

"Please."

Another pour, another shot. Another pour, another shot. He was about to down a sixth until he was stopped by the familiar voice, "I think that's enough for now sweetie, just enjoy it."

He slowly nodded and sat silently, taking careful sips and giving the alcohol time to flow. After an unrecordable time of resting on the couch, he felt the gentle caressing of a hand around his shoulder and arm. The draconic woman was staring straight ahead, watching something on the holo TV.

"I think, I'm good now."

"Oh?"

"Yeah."

"Mmm, okay. Why don't you tell me your name?"

It made him uncomfortable, but giving this woman his name was the least he could do after what she had done for him.

"Cedric. Cedric Fuller."

"Strange name for a primate."

"I suppose so."

"Well, you gave me yours so I'll give you mine. Tressa. Tressa of House Rax."