With Sword Raised

“Welcome Mr. von Rudge” the host of the restaurant welcomes us.

He leads us to a table romantically surrounded by fake diamond drops. He is probably thinking of organizing a dinner for a couple in love. I politely hold Alcina's back as I escort her to the table and pull back the chair for her.

Sitting in my chair, a waitress brings us a wine list.

For me the choice is inflexible, so I wait for Alcina to determine her drink. When we're done with that and return the cards, I look at the woman in front of me. “Alcina, do you like your holiday in Midnight Moon? You know you can stay as long as you want. Our hospitality is indefinite”, I tell her.

“Does that apply to all Midnight Moon guests or especially to me?” she flirts. “By the way, how often do you have humans visiting? I thought werewolf packs were closed to our kind, you are like a cult that is kept a scrupulous secret."

I chuckle. “That is true. We do not identify ourselves with humans. Those who dare to do so face severe penalti