Aarek huffed a bit at her insistence that he not pay fully, but he didn't challenge her. For a young woman, she apparently had quite the stubbornness when it came to her decisions. And who was he to argue with a lady?  "Yes, ma'am," was his only response. He bit down a smirk as he diligently removed a silver coin from the pouch, sliding it over to her. His mood was lighter than it had been since arriving in Mamlak.

At least, until Alairia appeared to sink at his compliment. Oh no. Her words were quieter, and clearly portrayed a subject that she wished to avoid. Oh no. He hadn't meant to upset her. Panicking slightly, he opened his mouth, but no words came out. Aarek was ready to issue an apology for dredging up her past. Questioning her about any of that immediately went out the window. But just as soon as the cloud over her had appeared, her smile lit up her face once more. He sighed audibly in relief, but remained cautious about his word choice. The last thing he wanted was to make his healer feel sad.

He raised an eyebrow at her mention of the worker in the kitchen. So, she wasn't here completely alone. That was good, anyways, in case something were to happen, gods forbid. Food actually did sound rather nice. Aarek had been on the road for so long, he honestly couldn't remember the last time he'd had a balanced meal. As if on cue, the half-elf's stomach let out a loud and rather embarrassing grumble. Redness exploded on his face, the blush obvious even with his sunkissed skin. 

"Ah, yes…" he chuckled a bit nervously, but the warmth soon faded from his cheeks. It was hard to stay uncomfortable in the other's soothing presence, which he was grateful for. "Well, maybe it has been a while since I've eaten a proper meal." The smile morphed into something more genuine, and he fidgeted with the rim of his glasses.

"I'm not particular, miss. Anything is fine, really," he answered honestly. Kassia made a noise somewhat akin to "tsk" on his shoulder, but he just rolled his eyes. The songbird was always trying to get him to be more pushy. Yet, Aarek was perfectly content with his way of living life. Besides, if the meal was free, then what right did he have to make demands? None. "Please, whatever your cook wants to make is fine. And I'd love to meet her, so I can thank her, if that's alright?" He tacked on the last part as a question, unsure of how things were done here. In most taverns, he would go to the back and personally thank whoever had cooked his meal, since they often didn't get recognition. But he was unsure of whether or not that was okay here in Mamlak.

A smirk crossed her face as Aarek finally did not fight her on the concept of payment. She was a stubborn just as her entire family was found to be. Even if they were not blood related, the qualities were still there. She continued to smile while her patient followed direction. Slight fingers reached out to take the coin from atop the table to place it in the pouch at her waist. ”We thank you for your patronage,” she responded with a slight mocking tone. Alairia was not one to have many friends, and she was seeing that he was a possibility. Hopefully he would visit even without an injury in the future.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that Aarek was in a mild panic for the emotional state she was in. It was sweet for him to worry but it had not been his fault. Ria rarely voiced her feelings even to her family as she had done well to hide them from everyone. What concerned her the most was that the half-elf had a problem with his nerves. She was doing nothing to help make sure that he stayed on an even level in those regards.

The healer patiently waited hoping that he would take the offer of food. She was curious if he had eaten anything of proper nutrition, though it was half doubted considering the standings out on the streets. A small giggle escaped her as the growl of his stomach became audible. ”That would be a resounding support to the prospect of food,” she continued to half laugh. Again he blushed. Alairia turned around to lean back against the table to face the outer wall. Hazel eyes glanced over the stocked shelves that were kept in order to the point of obsession. ”Syn will be happy to give you some of her cuisine. She hasn’t had much opportunity to cook for the full family recently with all the travel.”

Alairia pushed away from the counter to walk over to the door in the back. ”Come, my new friend.” Hand turned the knob to reveal the home that belonged to the Balatro’s. ”Welcome to my family’s home. Syn will be in the kitchens. Come.” She moved through the hall to where it opened up to the living space. It was moderately decorated with items, but what could be most noted were the portraits upon the walls and table tops. Teu, Alairia’s mother, did not want to lose a moment as the children had grown quickly. She would spend what money was available to document those moments in time.

She directed Aarek to follow her into the kitchen where stood a sphinx. The creature was working on a dish while standing on her back lion legs. Meat was sizzling upon the fire to put a wonderful auroma in the air. ”Syn, I was hoping you had some food for our guest here. He is looking forward to meeting you as well.” Ria smiled as she moved to the countertop to grab a piece of bread. An extra slice was gathered and handed over to her new friend. Syn turned around while setting aside her task. -Welcome to our home,-“ the sphinx state pleasantly. The female half lion dropped to her four legs and walked over to offer a paw in a shake. ”-I trust you have been taken care of well? I already notice the bandages that are Ria’s work. May health find you quickly.”-

Eyes alight with new warmth, Aarek followed Alairia to the back. He did think it a bit strange to be so casually invited into her family's home, but he felt curiously drawn there. Clearly, a lot of love was felt within the Balatro family. Just the atmosphere welcomed newcomers in with an air of joy. Portraits of the place's inhabitants were scattered practically everywhere, evoking a small smile at young pictures of his hostess. A small pang hit his heart. Sometimes he yearned for his childhood to have been different, yet this feeling was something new. He missed the orphanage. More than that, he missed having somewhat of a family.

His gaze traveled across the room, landing on Alairia, and he grinned again. "Your home is lovely," he commented softly as he adjusted the frame of his glasses.

Once they entered the kitchen, his attention immediately caught on the sphinx at the center of the room. Aarek couldn't even begin to hide his excitement. He accepted the bread from Alairia, but his eyes never left the chef. Kassia bristled in anticipation. Luckily, she at least knew well enough to not pester strangers with enthusiastic twits, no matter how much she might have wanted to.

"Pleasure to meet you, Syn," he greeted with a shake of her paw. "Yes, Ria's definitely very talented. Thank you both for your kindness. It feels like forever since I've had a fresh meal." If it weren't for the buzz of questions swarming his mind, Aarek would've gone into a longer speech of gratitude. His bird companion relaxed a little when he didn't. "Sorry, you must forgive me, but I've never met a sphinx before! There are so many things I'd like to ask you."

The intrigue in his voice was obvious. Subtlety had never been one of his strong suits, anyways. But as always, Kass was right there to snap him back to reality. Sharply, the songbird pecked his cheek, and he visibly winced. He got the message, though. Aarek stepped back to give the cook some space, reaching a hand to the back of his neck. "Only if that's okay, of course, ma'am."

While walking down the short hall her hand lightly trailed along the edge of the table against the wall. Paintings covered the home of the small family, and whenever Alairia looked at them it made her smile. Despite the hardships that the Balatro family had been through they had managed to make something worth the work. She could remember the first time they had come to Mamlak to open the shop. It had taken time and effort of their mother to get the money together. The home had been empty and in disrepair. Now it was full of light, love and laughter. Ria glanced over her shoulder as she moved to the kitchen to see Aarek taking in the sights of her home. Her chin turned back to hide the small grin on her face.

”Thank you,” she responded rather bubbly. Now that the main part of her job was over for the day, she could relax. Dae was to return at any moment from his mission and could take over the sales portion of the shop. ”You are actually in luck to see it clean. Usually we are a drop and move kind of family. Come into a room, drop whatever we have, and then move on.” Ria laughed lightly when they transferred to the kitchen where Syn was working on her latest concoction.

It smelled hearty and full of flavor. The young healer pressed her lips together to keep herself from laughing at the delight and excitement that was written all over Aarek’s face. She handed over the bread and found herself a perch on the dinner table to stay out of the way. As she picked at her own slice, Ria watched with great amusement as the bard tried to contain himself. The healer wrinkled her nose with a smile at Kassia.

The sphinx tilted her head to side slightly, and looked at the young man with a knowing smile. - “Our Alairia does not bring people back often to the home. You must be special. You will sit down and enjoy a hot meal to rest. Your little companion will need something as well.” – She gave a knowing nod to the pair before turning to gather some more plates. Tail swished side to side as she worked. Ears twitched as he put the potential of questions out. Ria swung her legs back and forth while sitting on the dining room table to see how Syn would respond.

- “You may ask your questions; I don’t mind. I like to see curious minds, and it is certain that you have a very curious one,” – she finally laughed. - “Relax child. You and your little one are welcome in this home. Take a seat where Ria has not placed her ass.” – With the sharp look and tone that moved the healer to hop down to find her own seat quickly. She may have aged, but there were still quite a few things she still could not get away with.

”Harsh.” Alairia rolled her eyes before motioning to the seat across from her for Aarek to take. ”You can ask whatever you want. She doesn’t mind people asking. Actually, Syn enjoys it since it means she has new people to talk to.” Legs were crossed and tucked under her in the chair just as Syn brought over the plate of meat that had been freshly taken off the fire. Another plate was put down of cooked vegetable variety to select from. ”Thank you Syn!” She motioned with her head for Aarek to take what he wanted on his plate. Ria took a few cubed pieces of meat to pop them immediately in her mouth. - “So, what is it you wish to know?”- Syn was now sitting on her haunches with wings flat against her back.