The standoff was interrupted when a familiar figure strode into the Hospitality House. Alexander Ross was a fellow traveler from Syliras, although Orin hadn’t interacted with him or his patron on the voyage. He and Orin had only run into one another a few times, and Orin didn’t know quite what to make of the squire. Still, another person poking their nose into the affairs of Orin’s kitchen definitely wasn’t doing much to soothe Orin’s ruffled feathers. ”No Alexander. I have everything under control. This lady and I were just having a friendly conversation.” And then Orin added something that he would probably regret later. Unfortunately at that particular moment in time, the chef really need to blow off some steam. ”Besides, we’re not in Syliras anymore. The Order holds no sway here. So this is definitely not your affair.” He felt a bit guilty at rejecting Alexander’s likely genuine offer of help but Orin was sick and tired of people interfering in his affairs. And a lifetime of living under the Order’s thumb had finally gotten to Orin. He’d had more than enough of judgemental Knights in his life, although he’d never be so foolish as to express his distaste in Syliras itself. Here, though, Orin had the perfect opportunity to stick it to the Order without consequences other than potentially offending Alexander.
Finally, Philomena reacted to the chaos in front of her. As Dr. Lefting stepped between him and the Dhani, Orin couldn’t help but feel a distinct sense of relief. While he’d been fully prepared to lay down his life, a diplomatic solution was always better and now he could back down without losing face. Over the years, however, Orin had learned that retreating from a bully of any kind would just cause them to think you were an easy target. So instead of letting his guard down, Orin bared his teeth in something that could, under favorable lights, be seen as a smile but more resembled a mad rictus. "Who you calling prey, scaley?" Only with that did he lower his arm and put his blade away. ”Thank you Dr. Lefting, for making everyone see reason.” Now Orin backed up slowly, not taking his eyes off of the Dhani for an instant. He still had severe misgivings about the snake.
Walking away, Orin untied his apron and tossed it at the Dhani. "Put that on. No one wants to see what you're showing them right now." It was better than nothing although Orin would have to make sure she didn't walk off with the House's apron. And then he'd either have to scrub it thoroughly and burn it when she was done. Partially that was because he didn’t know anything about her and where she’d been, so getting something that touched her near food was a recipe for disaster. But also Orin was angry in principle. This crazy woman came into his establishment and felt that she could make trouble, and walked around naked. Orin really didn’t want to own or use anything that had been contaminated by touching her. And wearing it next to his skin just seemed wrong.
Getting rid of his apron had one more intentional effect. It exposed to numerous blades he kept on his body at all times these days, both throwing knives and the two daggers he owned. Hopefully it made an impressive sight and would deter any further hostilities. Ducking into the back room for a few ticks, Orin made his way over to where they kept the meat. Their raw supplies were rather low for anything but fish, since preserving anything in this heat was difficult. Luckily, he had a recently butchered pig that had miraculously survived the journey here. He’d been planning on making a stew to stretch it out and make it last but desperate times called for desperate measures. While Orin didn’t know exactly what snakes ate in the wild, he had a vague recollection that they were carnivorous. So this meat would go to the last person who really deserved it. But Orin was definitely of the opinion that feeding someone always endeared them to you, and it was infinitely preferable to a fight.
Hoisting the carcass up with a grunt, Orin staggered a few steps before he settled under the weight. Moving back out into the main room proved a challenge, but although his arms burned with the exertion, he maneuvered it onto the counter. As he prepared to get food into the mouth of the Dhani, he threw one more jab at her. When I said no clothes no service, I wasn’t kidding. But it’s not really the clothes I mind as much as your complete lack of at least pretending to live up to politeness.” Getting out a cleaver from a nearby drawer, Orin began chopping into the pig, channeling his anger and hopefully presenting the image that he was not to be messed with. It was a scary looking knife and although Orin probably actually couldn’t use it all that well in a fight, it certainly looked impressive. "I'll suppose you'll want this raw." His voice practically oozed with scorn, although he didn't add, "like the savage you are," so he considered it a success. These days, Orin was counting his small victories. Grudgingly, Orin realized he should live up to his own ideals here. ”Tell me how much you want, and since continuing to call you scaley is rude-- albeit very satisfying might I add--you should probably tell me your name. Not that I really care but it’s the polite thing to do.” Looking over at the Dhani, Orin realized he was being unreasonably cruel to her. So he let his anger dissipate slightly as he took a deep breath. ”I’m Orin Fenix, the cook at the Hospitality House.” Then, before he forgot, Orin turned to the other people currently before him. ”Dr. Lefting and Alexander, let me know if you’d like me to whip you up something as well.” Then, duty done, Orin subsided into chopping the pig into pieces while watching the Dhani through narrowed eyes. He still didn’t trust her.
