Rosen gaze could not help but to linger upon the far too silent procession haunting the streets. One more akin to a funeral march than anything joyous for subdued were those within it. The sullen air clouding them infectious as it drifted over onlookers alike and bid their own tears to flow. A suffocating fog hanging over the troops could hardly foretell any good news and yet it only bid the hound’s curiosity to burn ever brighter. Surely there would be an announcement. A woven proclamation to give way to all which had transpired in the king’s words.

However, that did not mean Augustus himself could not attempt to get an insider’s scoop. The truth. Phrases not laced with the plagued lies of royalty for the tales so oft spun were always painted in a favorable light. Glazing over sordid details in hopes of shoving it all under the rug where it would lay forgotten despite the combative voices of those beneath. Even thinking of it now brought a tongue to click in unrestrained distaste over the matter. And while a prime target for such interrogation quickly came to mind, he would hardly ambush Ajax the very moment he stepped across the threshold.

While he knew the vampiric would not spare any detail, his retainer would be given some space. A chance to rest before being assailed with a fool’s questioning and to prevent such temptation from taking hold, he would leave before Ajax even had the chance to arrive. Though it was not without instructing Jafar to stand vigil at Juliet’s door. An added bit of security to ease the mind should anything untoward happen in his absence. He did not plan to be long, this particular venture shouldn’t take any time at all… and yet such a thing always had a way of slipping away from him so to speak.

Tonight he would try to be mindful of it. It shouldn’t take long to find someone willing to speak with him. After all, he was familiar enough to a number of those fighters. And there was an unwavering confidence that most would not turn his company away especially when they held no other to tend to this evening. So with a final glance toward the saber toothed feline he set out into the low lantern light that illuminated the streets.

Eyes passing over those who drifted from the ranks and toward their waiting abodes, only to linger upon a towering figure with ebony hair streaked in silver. Haitham. A man who found recognition in the noble before Augustus had even called out. In the moment their conversation was brief. Plans made to ‘catch up’ over dinner, however, the destination suggested lay a bit further than the goat had intended to wander… yet it was hardly one refused. Not if it would get him what he craved, however, the idea of going ahead was not a desirable outcome.

Even as a wolf offered reassurance. He would meet him there after the older man ‘put himself together’ for the night ahead. A notion which brought a near silent huff from August’s lips, polite laughter before the teasing remark slipped free, “Make it quick.” Wherever the night went, whatever happened, mattered not; so long as he gained the information he was after. For now he would go ahead and await Haitham’s eventual arrival.

---

Nestled at a corner table, sights lingered upon the all too familiar frame of a lion. Watchful of the man for a but a moment as the keeper fetched a well deserved drink. Though the cacophony of scents assailing the senses blotted out just what his poison of choice may be yet if it was anything like those shared in the past, he held a fair assumption. Light spirits swirled in his own glass, while he had not come here to meet up with this particular soldier Lif’s company was one he far preferred over awaiting the arrival of a near stranger. Casting another glance toward the door - to ensure a once prospective distraction had not decided to waltz in - his own perch shifted. A drink abandoned

Nails clicked lightly to the counter top as he slid into the open seat alongside the muscular red head, refraining from immediately laying a hand on him as instead Lif was fixed with a stare filled in silent question. Those unasked as attentions redirected and far different tones rose in place of desired query, “Oh come now, get the man something stronger. He deserves it.” And August hardly figured Lif to be one to deny a free drink when it was offered. Nothing more than a smile offered to the keeper until their back was turned, only then did sights return to one known.

Attentions dancing over Lif’s frame as if in silent appraisal, a passing examination for further injury no matter how so much of him lay veiled beneath fabrics. Slow breath escaped a lamb before that focus settled, hoping to capture the lion’s own gaze. A teasing grin pulling over his lips, enough to mask the worry which festered. All while feigning ignorance to the other’s identity for this was not a face seen for some time, “Good to see you stranger. Alone for the evening?”