"A break from just computers is fine if you have other nerd-aligned fields of knowledge."

"Biology, physics, history, palaeontology, economics—particularly behavioural..."

"I could probably stand to learn economics if we're going to be technology tycoons."

"Economics is loads of fun! Okay so when people talk about 'economics' they can actually be talking about a few different things..." And she can start on Econ 101: what is economics.

They're obviously two undergrads chatting about a class of some kind. They get only a slightly elevated level of attention re: wings.

And here's the Darsellian restauraunt. There's no line waiting for seats, reservations are not called for, and the scent of roasting meat heavy with spices wafts out.

The scent is not really appealing. For obvious reasons.

"I had my sense of smell mostly turned off for most of my time after turning," she comments idly.

"...New vankire essentials for me list, add a scent blocker or air filter of some kind. Possibly other sense-depriving tactics if I'm liable to lunge at the mere sight and sound of a human."

"—I am not really letting you near humans after you turn until we've reasonably determined you can deal with them without external aid."

"But lacking external aid in the case that it becomes necessary would be stupid."

"Right, I just mean you should at minimum be able to run away in case it fails. Most vankires, even those who actually did eat humans, can deal with living around them after some time. The lots of extra brain room means we can shove the temptation to a back corner where it can whine unheard."

"Er... How do you propose we do that? Have me watch a hiker from two tiles away in midair or something?"

"That's more-or-less the standard procedure, yes. Start slow, breathing very little, paying attention to the signs of the blood lust so you'll know how to recognise them and tuck them away somewhere."

"I see. Say, can you give yourself human taste again?"

He goes into the restaurant.

"...I don't actually see why not. So probably."

Terel shrugs. "Seems a shame for only one of us to eat is all. Or you can just go back to talking about economics."

"I can eat, too, it just hadn't occurred to me—even the best human food tastes nowhere near as good as human blood."

"Well... D'you want to or no?"

"Sure." Pause. "Done. I can now taste things."

A waitress shows up to seat them and asks if Sadde needs any special considerations.

"Nope! I can eat at least anything a human can."

She brings them to a table in the corner. "Will you be having the buffet?"

"I will at any rate," Terel replies.

"I will, too."

"Alright! The food is mostly self serve but I'd you want something specific just ask. Drinks?"

"Water."

"Hmm, water, too."