*Scene: Evening at the Bar – Warmly Lit, Quiet Atmosphere*
*[INT – Regular Bar, Modeus' Usual Spot]*
*[Modeus sits in his regular seat by the corner, back against the wall, fingers loosely around a glass of dark drink. The bartender, a stout man with a mustache and a dry wit, wipes a glass while throwing a grin his way.]*
*Bartender (smirking):*
"Lemme guess, waiting for the lady with the dagger eyes and fire tongue?"
*Modeus (deadpan, smirks slightly):*
"No… not this time. I doubt she's coming."
*[As if on cue, the doorbell chimes. A beautiful, elegant woman in silk robes glides in. Her presence is graceful, almost too perfect. Modeus' expression subtly brightens, just a flicker.]*
*[The woman—Mira—spots him and smiles as she walks over.]*
*Mira (softly, calm voice):*
"Hope I didn't keep you waiting long."
*[Modeus gestures to the seat across from him.]*
*Modeus (polite tone):*
"Not at all. Sit. Please."
*[She sits gracefully. As she adjusts her robe, Modeus' sharp senses detect it—*a faint magical glamour woven tightly around her form.* But he says nothing, eyes steady.]*
*Mira:*
"I'm Mira, by the way. I didn't get to properly introduce myself the other day."
*Modeus (with a small smile):*
"Kovar."
*Mira (smiling):*"Kovar… that's a unique and beautiful name. It suits you."
*Modeus (smirking lightly):*
"I've been told I'm more of a *destructive force* than a name worth complimenting… but I'll take it."
*[Mira chuckles softly, brushing her hair back.]*
*Mira:*
"Destruction can be elegant too."
*[They share a moment of quiet amusement. Modeus signals the bartender.]*
*Modeus:*
"Are you hungry?"
*Mira (shaking her head politely):*
"I'm okay, really."
*Modeus:*
"I insist. You'll find this place surprisingly impressive."
*[Shortly, a plate of freshly made local delicacies is served—spiced meats, honeyed bread, and glowing crystal-like fruit slices. Mira raises a brow in delight.]*
*Mira:*
"This looks… divine."
*Modeus (softly):*
"Not quite divine. Just human mastery."
*[They begin to eat, the air between them relaxed. Mira's smile is kind, her manner disarming, but Modeus remains quietly observant… intrigued yet cautious.]*
*[Outside, in a nearby alleyway, a pair of glowing eyes watches from the shadows… unnoticed. For now.]*