quiet had been the time, surreal the silence and even better the peace surrounding the group. peace rarely lasted long, and the kingpin had no desire to end it before it's time. humming to themself, the dragon curled up in the inn's main room, gaze tired but welcoming and warm. before them, close to the warm hearth, lay different kinds of foods and fruit juices that they had either traded for, or had made themself. tail curled up about their own body, they gave a low rumble of greeting to those who came to investigate the new scents. "welcome, welcome! i know this is a bit sudden, but i would like to propose a potluck, of sweet and savory foods to downright chilling snacks! please bring them when you've made or found such things! i've brought with me some of my favorite foods from my own childhood, including some baked goods! fret not about not having food to bring, any stories or anything else, would be enjoyable to share.", the kingpin murmured, ears perking at the sound of the wind howling outside. perhaps they should have invited the members of palmclan to this event ... but the cold kept the smartest in-doors. shaking their mane, they observed the dim sum, spring rolls, hot and sour soup, fried rice, and some lamb shanks. perhaps they had too expensive of a palette ... but the lamb had always been their favorite treat as a child.

Expectation was lacking where Sloan had been concerned on the matter of preparation or cooking of the various dishes Bai Shi had crafted, though watching the proceedings allowed a knot to grow within the heavy pit of hir stomach. Hesitation had hindered offering of assistance, however, present worry that clung to wayward thoughts, halted the notion as it was nothing but a mere inkling awaiting attention to expand. Silent observer had ze become, petulant even as hir own actions proved the direct origin of such downtrodden mood, departing well before things had concluded.

Difficult to gauge the frame of time that passed, away whittled much upon ponderance that ended at dead roads, tightening the circle ze paced across wooden boards. Realisation was a slow thing, forth creeping along behind a simmering heat, aching pressure built behind temples and eyes tightly closed. Finally it arose, about hir chosen quarters the fox scrambled, together gathered an assortment of items. Deposited into a wicker basket hir path to the inn was easy, if partially obscured by those enticed by the proceedings unfolding within the structure, about ankles tail flicking as ze crossed the threshold.

Others had arrived before, as was expected, regarded with a light smile partially obscured that sat odd against pale features, for the benefit of image more than anything another may deem it but allowed would they be to think what they wished. Upon the ground was deposited hir own load, inedible and thus not suitable for the food laden table. From was extracted various books, some simple and intricate but all colouring books to allow simple fun for those who wished it, in the basket left an assortment of coloured pencils.

About did Sloan glance, focus settling on the bucket with dust about the rim though contents were not as of yet identifiable. Closer did ze tread, as best as possibly trying to discreetly look at what was held within, brightened hir visage with a genuine grin as recognised the pieces of charcoal. The exact plans for it was unknown but other purpose may be found, one such the various empty pages in the back of many of the books ze had brought.

"Um, excuse me would you…" Into silence did hir voice trail, mind slowly piecing together words before they were disregarded, simple that ze finally spoke in a meek tone. "Like to draw." Briefly did rise a paw, gesture to the bucket with these finals words, indicated ze was requesting the use of some without words, worried the wrong ones may be used and thus the answer would be a definite negative.

smiling at the sight of the younger members of the group coming to the bonfire, did the kingpin relax, feeling less alone in the space around them. nodding to aker, playerone, wuyi, and sloan as all came in their own time, they rumbled in warm greeting. watching each item brought to the event, they gave a tender and light smile, "it looks so good ... it's been forever since i've done any baking", they chuckled, eyes darkening at the mention of the disappearance of their lover. they didn't know what the situation was between them, but they couldn't help the pain cloistering in their chest. after all these losses ... they didn't want a relationship again. they didn't want anybody else to get that close to their heart once again. the mangled bodies of their lovers lay in the forefront of their mind, the memories of their murders and deaths ever fresh in their head.

shaking their head slightly, they offered a polite smile to playerone as she spoke to them, "memories are memories, its best to leave them in the past. lovers are lovers for reasons, they come and they go as they please.", they murmured quietly to her, dismissing thoughts of him from their mind. they had a group to lead, and loneliness had no place at their side or in their decisions. they had children of their own and of others to look after and nurture so closely. chucking, they observed wuyi nearly knocking over aker's bucket, then sloan's own approach to the smilodon cubs.