Bragi gave a tiny nod of approval at the manner in which Mr Smith introduced himself to Maid Marian. He didn't just go in for a stroke — he offered his hand for a sniff. Marian responded the best way a cat knew how; she sniffed his hand and then promptly ignored him. Bragi smiled slightly.

"Nice to meet you", Bragi replied politely. "I suppose I come here often, Mr Smith. But I am still quite new. New to the country, in fact. I'm from Denmark."

Something about the young man made him feel a little uncomfortable — and it was not the man himself, but the way some of the other patrons regarded him. It was difficult for him not to notice. And thus, with more than a small degree of guilt, it was with some relief that he caught sight of his business acquaintance Mr Wilson, who beckoned him over with a smile.

"Oh, do excuse me — I've just seen a familiar friend", he excused himself. "I hope we meet again, Mr Smith." And with a final, brief smile, Bragi scooped up his cat and made his way over to Mr Wilson — who barely lowered his voice in explaining that he was best steering well clear of "that sort".

Whatever that meant.

-fade out-