Katrianna ghosted through the city, shields reinforced so strongly that it was actually taking a bit of effort. She needed a book. Had finished the last one on the drive over. And so to Wicked Sisters Bookshop, as recommended by a shy young Councillor.

They all seem young.

Well. Except for Janos.

And wasn't that one of the reasons she was out walking around this city that had always been forbidden her? To avoid dinner with Janos?

I paid the price. It will be worth it.

Wicked Sisters Bookshop, in a Victorian on the corner of Sheridan and Sinclair. Requisite tinkle of a bell announcing her presence. Requisite store's cats to hiss at her. Even muffled as deeply as she was, she knew there was something in her that animals recognized.

She lingered over her choices far longer than necessary, almost long enough to attract attention; she eventually decided on a book by several Zirothi scientists detailing their research. She was leagues ahead of them, yes, but they might be taking paths she hadn't considered. Every avenue must be explored. She was close, but not there yet - a fact that frustrated her to no end. The new subjects should help. The first ones she'd been sent were half-broken by the time they got to her. She needed healthy subjects, in mind as well as in body.

She eyed the cashier, and let the shields slip just a bit. The girl was Taraki. Not a power that could cause damage, should the experiment go awry. Katrianna made a mental note, then asked "Is there a place nearby that I can sit and read this?"

The girl smiled. "Well, the Library is up this way - just walk toward the front gate and you can't miss it. But there's a coffeeshop on this block - oh, but they're having a concert there tonight, might not be so quiet."

"It's all right. I can read through anything."

She stpped back out onto the street and breathed deeply. The sun had been setting as she'd walked around, and now the fog was starting to roll in.

It was lovely. None of the Council reports ever mentioned that. This whole place was lovely, stone and fog and ivy, and Katrianna suppressed another flare of discontent that this place belonged to Alanna and not to her.

The coffeeshop was just a few doors down, bright blue and brightly lit, just starting to bustle with people.The concert wasn't for an hour yet, so Katrianna was able to secure a small table in the corner and a promptly-delivered cup of coffee. She dove into her book, suppressing her awareness of the world around her.