Today, everyone had plans to go into town. Nelanna and Cecil, now that he could speak, had agreed to go out together on a date. While Kohaku had plans to go shopping for food, clothing, whatever else, so he tagged along with the couple until they reached Mamlak.

For some reason Kohaku decided to go with an appearance different from his real one, this time having messy black hair with occasional golden streaks and a bit more of a masculine face. His body seemed mostly the same, eyes still their usually amber and skin still fair. But, his fox ears and tail were gone, now making him look completely human. He explained how he sometimes received odd glances from others when he goes into a town looking the way he normally does. Fox ears, tail and kimono apparently aren’t as common as one might think. So to keep everyone from staring, he made himself look more human, albeit wearing his black, gold and silver elven styled clothing. Nelanna didn’t completely understand why he cared what others thought about him, but she went along with it either way.

The three stood by a large water fountain that looked like it’d belong in the center of the city. Nelanna was standing next to Cecil, her arm locked with his while Kohaku began speaking, “I will leave you two to yourselves while I go shopping. Once I have gathered all that is needed, I will wait here for you two. If neither of you come by sundown, then I shall head back to Virens on my own.” He repeated the plan nonchalantly, though the last part was something the three hadn’t discussed. This is because he understood that couples sometimes enjoyed making their dates last longer than initially planned. He didn’t know what Nelanna and Cecil would be up to, but he was prepared for some possibilities.

He then looked at Cecil, almost threateningly, looking like a protective father allowing his dear daughter to go out with her boyfriend. “I trust you will take good care of her,” he said with surprising calmness, yet with mistrust dripping from his words. Then, he smiled at Nelanna, bowed in farewell, and parted ways.

Nelanna blinked at Kohaku as he walked away, slightly curious about his behavior towards Cecil. But the quickly abandoned the thought and looked up at Cecil, smiling brightly with shimmering eyes. “Where do you plan on going first?” She asked, all too excited about their first official date.

Cecil had never been on a date before, but was super excited to have his first with her. Nelanna seemed a bit concerned about Kohaku's choice to change his appearance, but Cecil just shrugged. It wasn't that he didn't care, but Cecil had worn hundreds of faces, sometimes several in a single night. The fox had sound logic, and while Cecil kept his thoughts to himself, could not find any reason against his choices. However, he blinked several times with the surprise at the amendment to the initial plan.

Was the fox trusting him? Did Kohaku plan on turning something against him should Kohaku leave alone? Sadly, Cecil could not foresee this as a good thing. And there was the mistrust! But then, why was he leaving if they didn't return? "I shall care for her as a lady would." Cecil gave a mischievous smile. It didn't matter if the fae faced repercussions, Cecil couldn't help himself. Soon enough, the fox was gone, and Nelanna became his sole priority.

"First things first, breakfast. Most important meal of the day, or so I'm told." Cecil guided his red haired "goddess" through the streets. The town was really beginning to wake up. Sweet, fresh bread filled the air, people setting up their stalls for the day. Some were already beginning to hawk their wares. "Fresh eggs, get your eggs!." "Frit and vegetables, picked them myself. Ain't none sweeter." But his eyes were either straight ahead, or glued to Nelanna. He knew Mamlak some, and was headed to a romantic little place where the food was not only delicious, but looked spectacular as well, as if the chef was actually an artist.

Nelanna waved Kohaku goodbye before locking herself to Cecil’s arm. She felt bubbly inside, excited about her first real date. What was most exciting was that it was with Cecil. Who could have known that finding an injured stranger and giving aid would lead to this. It almost felt like fate, and she would have said that’s what brought them together had she believed in such things. She believed that everyone carves their own path in life. Finding him was chance, the rest was choice.

“Breakfast would be lovely,” she agreed with the widest of smiles. Walking at his side, she gazed about as the town began waking and preparing itself for yet another bustling day. It occurred to her that she’d never been to Mamlak so early in the morning; only Kohaku came at such an hour for shopping. He always said he wanted to be first in line, so he’d go when the town was still half asleep. It was rather quiet, and peaceful with no one pushing them around and stepping on them. She wondered why she never came at such a peaceful time. But then again, she wasn’t a morning person.

“Where are we going? Is there a specific place you have in mind?” She looked up at Cecil, blinking with a slight tilt of her head. Knowing him, he wouldn’t take her to somewhere random. He seemed to have the knack for planning things ahead of time, and he always planned things that made her feel special. She doubted he would do any different even with something as little as breakfast. Well, perhaps it wasn’t so little. “Most important meal of the day” after all. Either way, she knew she’d love his choice. Just being with him at all was the greatest thing she could ever have.

Cecil smiled down at Nelanna. ”Yes, and it is a special place. We are almost there.” He fell into secretive silence, only smiling at any further questions. The fae did not want to reveal anything about the restaurant. Five minutes later, he opened a door for her.

Inside, candles were enchanted to float overhead, but none were lit presently. Instead, their light came from a couple of windows. Various bouquets of flowers adorned each table, most set for two. Cecil escorted Nelanna to a table and helped push her chair in. A waitress came up as he sat down and asked for their order. After a brief glance to Nelanna, the fae gave a stoic gaze to the waitress. ”Tell Chef Lemuel that Anon Y. Mous is here, dining with a guest.”

At first, she blinked at him, unsure how to take the not-so-cryptic orders. ”Um… As you wish, sir.” After she was gone, Cecil turned to Nelanna with a loving smile. ”Wait till you see Lemuel’s work.” The waitress came rushing back with a bottle of champagne and glasses in hand. ”A thousand apologies! I was unaware of such a respected guest.” She fumbled with the glasses, trying to hurry in her appeasement.

He tried to slow her down, but it resulted in a full glass crashing into his lap. Cecil stood in surprise as the waitress stared in shock. ”Just go. Get me a towel, if you please.” The fae began to brush off any liquid he could, knowing full well the futility of the action.