Valentine was surprised that her interlocutor spoke English. Which was an interesting surprise. "I'm from the old world. To the west there's a small village near what once was the capital of Rus." She smiled to the stranger and reach out for his hand. She though that maybe the male wanted a handshake? It wasn't something she was used to but it seemed to be a social convenance around.

It was morning, Valentine had just flipped her sign to ''open'' and went inside her store. All the flowers were still asleep until she opened the blinds. She had just announced a sale to attract customers. It was the perfect occasion to put on display the Orchids she had imported from the old world and had cared for until they would bloom. The Vixen set the tables outside and placed the delicate flowers on it. Their delicate scent reminded her of her home village, Lena in the eastern forests of the old world. Her familiar was nowhere to be seen and the air was just a little chilly, not too cool. But it wasn't too warm either. The Vixen tied up her apron around her waist and a scarf in the hair. The store was ready for the sale.

''Anyhow I need to request your help to help me pick the mandragora out of the ground, but they are pesky plants.'' She said grabbing her sickle and shovel from the wall and headed outside to go in the garden. At first glance, it looked like a normal garden, but something was off. There were a few poisonous plants growing and a few more that definitely weren't common trade around. The Vixen walked up to the mandragoras she had grown and grabbed the leaves of one of those nasty plants. ''I must warn you, these plants have semi-sentient roots that tend to be anthropomorphic in shape. It's a form of aggressive mimicry and they have quite the defence capabilities, so I hope you are ready because I won't be able to protect you.''

After her escapade in town from a while ago, Valentine had remained to her quiet cottage in the forest. She had taken her time to prepare provisions and pickle food and various organic components that her brother had brought her from his hunting parties. The Witch happily sang to herself while sweeping her kitchen for she had invited a guest to join her for the day. Her mandragoras had grown nice and well but she required assistance to pick them and Sacha was away and didn't say when he'd be back. Val knew that he usually meant that he wouldn't be here for days and the vixen would have to occupy herself and clean the house before doing any magic ritual or summoning. After all, a clean house was a good house. ''And as you sweep the room. Imagine that the broom is someone that you love.  And soon you'll find you're dancing to the tune''She sang while sweeping. It was the first time she had company, it was the right opportunity to purify the house. While a few house spirits danced to her song, two brownies went outside to milk the goat, knowing they would be fed later as would the domovoi who followed her from the old word to care about her house in the new world.

Val walked around the bakery and saw so many things she didn't understand but the intoxicating smells pleased her. She bit her lips so she was nervous in this strange place. But Poe was watching her, he knew that his mistress was colour blind and all the smells could easily trick her. When she tried to pick a pastry that looked appealing to her, the raven shook his head. Something was wrong with it but he wouldn't say what. ''Reck, what would you suggest I try? It seems so difficult and I never had any of those before. Can you help me, friend?''

Val seemed wary about the security lights and looked up at the sky. She didn't mind a little rain much less a storm.  Though it was a little sad that she wouldn't have to experience coffee. Although other shops might be open still like the pastry shop and perhaps they'd serve something good to try out.''Why don't we go over there, the pastry shop seems to be open.She suggested and pointed them out the shop. Her familiar was still wary of the whole town but decided to say nothing.

Val was puzzled as to what Vance was saying, was there any danger? Or did Poe just tried to scare the stranger away from them? Knowing Poe both were equally possible. But he did agree to pay the drinks which seemed reassuring, maybe he wasn't a threat at all. Although, she decided to remain prudent. She knew nothing of him and Poe didn't help but Reck seemed to be trustworthy so she stepped from behind him and bowed to the stranger without saying a word. On the other hand, Poe was scanning the hedgehog from head to feet to try and discover anything that would indicate a threat.