Akari smiled back, even though she was confused. The young girl . . . boy? Girl? . . . Well, whatever he or she was, it was a friendly enough being. Well, it it looked like a girl, walked like a girl, and talked like a girl . . . maybe . . .

She inclined her head in acknowledgement of the greeting. "Good evening." Rei was interested in the girl, making a soulful sound of curiosity. Akari walked forwards, less gracefully than the girl, and took the seat beside her. "I am Akari, a wandering swordswoman and this is my faithful companion Rei. May I have the honor of your names?" she asked both the lady behind the bar and the girl beside her.