-oh, wow, yeah, he did need one of those, didn't he. He leans into it a bit.

After Raafi collects Enough Hug, he can make it to the dining hall in time for diner.

Scyelen is sitting in her usual corner. Kirche is sitting with Tabitha a few tables over.

He usually makes something of a point of not acknowledging Kirche's existence in any way, but today he lets her see him checking for her as he heads to Scyelen's table. Most likely that'll be enough to get her attention.

"Hi."

She really wants to ask what he talked about with Miss Vaux, but he was already clear he didn't want her to know, so she doesn't.

"Hey, sweetheart. You all right?"

Scyelen just nods and picks at her food, stealing glances Kirche's way.

He pats her hand and turns his attention to his own, looking for an opportunity to catch Kirche's eye.

Kirche gets a lot of attention, but not usually from those two.

When she notices Raafi looking at her, she seems surprised, before covering that surprise with a sultry smirk.

He rolls his eyes in return, but - fondly, and gives her a questioning look.

Kirche grins at him.

She picks up a roll to nibble on and gets up, slinking her way over to Scyelen's corner. Perhaps unexpectedly, Tabitha, without looking up from her book, also gets up and follows.

"Now why might you be sending such a penetrating gaze my way?" Kirche teases. "Could it be my heated charms have finally lit a fire of carnal desire?"

"Nope," he teases right back. "But we do have a situation you might be able to help with. You know that maid I'm friends with, Siesta?"

Kirche makes an exaggerated show of not believing him, but says, "Oh her. Yeah?"

"Transfered," Tabitha interjects without looking up.

Kirche blinks. "Hmm? She's not here anymore?"

"Mmhmm. Her contract got bought. By this real sleaze, Count Mott. He has the right to it, but I want her back - there's a book your family has, he says he'll let her go for it."

Kirche puts a fingertip to her lips. "Book?"

"Oh! That old thing? Hm!" She smirks at him. "It is a family heirloom, but I suppose I could be convinced to part with it."

"For the obvious, I suppose."

(Scyelen is probably beet red right now, isn't she. He doesn't check, this is absolutely not the moment for it.)

(If he did check, he would see that Scyelen is actually not blushing all that hard; more anxious than anything.)

Kirche pouts and puts a hand on her cheek for effect. "My, so blunt."

"We ought discuss this in a more comfortable setting," she suggests. "Come to my room in an hour."

"I'll be there."

As Kirche wanders off, Tabitha trailing in her wake, Scyelen watches them go like she isn't entirely sure what just happened. She pokes her fingers together pensively.

"I thought you didn't..." she makes a vague gesture Kirche's way.

"-I mean, I don't. But I can make an exception for this."

Scyelen looks at him suspiciously.

"Doesn't that... go against everything you were saying about why we have to rescue Siesta?"

"It's different when you're choosing it. Not different enough that you shouldn't be careful, but I know how this goes, for me, I'll be fine."

Scyelen is still giving him a very dubious look, but nods.

"We can talk about it later, if you want? It sounds like I haven't explained it very well."

Scyelen just shrugs.

Dinner proceeds.

And an hour later he knocks on Kirche's door, freshly bathed and in a slightly fancier outfit than he usually wears.