While Roman had never been one to try and picture himself in any particular sort of career, he could certainly see himself finding joy in being around children. And so, it was only natural that he might considered Nadya's choice of employment to be one holding a very rewarding feeling for herself. While the were had never really been given too many opportunities to work with younglings, the man adored their youth and innocence. Some might be surprised, others perhaps even suspicious or put off, by the fact that it was easy for him to smile softer and trust easier with little ones, but they were still so new to the world and often unscathed by the corruptions that were surely bound to try and steal away the light that he so often saw within them. Perhaps it was for the fact that he was raised in a pride, a family where he was one of the more middle-aged siblings responsible for his younger brother and sisters, that Roman had an irrefutable fondness for youthful beings, regardless of their species, carrying with him a fiercely protective and watchful urge when it came to their safety and their happiness. For as long as he could remember, he's always looked upon Drake, Dea, and Trinity with nothing but endless love and devotion, prepared to do anything and everything he could for them. Even if it was something as simple as holding their hand when they were scared or giving them his jacket when the weather was cold, and their own coat was not enough to keep out the chill, he'd always put them before himself. Yes, it had been something that had been expected of him from his parents, Tristan, and Nicolette. What older brother was not charged with the well-being of his younger siblings when the older ones or their parents were preoccupied with work or other engagements? But, it went so much deeper than that, reached far beyond the expected call of duty for the lion. Where this love, this unconditional and unfaltering protectiveness had been borne from might not be entirely known to himself or the world, and yet it hardly mattered that its origins were uncertain. It was there, and it was very much a part of the man.

Nadya replies to his light-hearted remark about the change in what it was she no found herself doing as a means to provide for herself only to reveal to the man that she had children of her own. He offers her a soft smile then at the imagery of the woman and her young, very nearly able to feel the pride and affection in her words that fall from her lips as she speaks of them. It warms Roman's heart, and yet he is careful to keep his expressions mostly neutral, preferring to keep such deep and more intimate parts of himself from showing in such a public place, and so when she chuckles lightly his own smile grows ever so slightly."That must be a wonderful opportunity for you, being able to have them with you. Although I'm sure it also poses its own challenges", he replies easily, amusement flickering across golden-hazel eyes for a moment as he pauses briefly before he thanks her and watches the woman make her way through the tables and towards the kitchen. What he hardly expected of Nadya though was for her to return with that beer, the man not entirely accustomed to such acts of warmth or kindness on part of someone that he has neither helped or come to know beyond the simple and common pleasantries they'd exchanged only moments ago. All the same, the were offers her a gracious smile in return as he gently takes the glass from her, reveling in the crisp taste of the Belgian drink on his tongue before setting the glass on the small paper coaster to his right. Golden-hazel remain steadfast upon the woman with raven hair and chocolate eyes even as her gaze sweeps over the sea of faces that filled the dining area, most of them talking contentedly amongst themselves between mouthfuls of food, quiet laughter and whispers brushing against keen senses as they mingle with muffled words that the were does not try and decipher. His attention remains trained mostly on Nadya, though to say that he was not careful to keep an attentive ear to a voice that became closer or a shadow shifted within his poriferals.

Her voice reach the lion, and only then does he turn his gaze away from Nadya and to the beings he's taken care to to sit away from out of mere habit, so accustomed to keeping some degree of space between himself and others that separating himself from the rest of the refined establishment came naturally. He nods thoughtfully as he allows for her words to linger there in the forethoughts of his mind. Sanctuary... The very word has him wondering when the last time had been that he had felt truly at peace. While traveling alone and never lingering in one place for more than a couple weeks posed little trouble for the were, it was vastly different when compared to the sense of feeling as though he belonged somewhere. The last time the lion had felt such a thing had been during those first years of his life, the chapters which had been both given and shared with the ones who meant more to Roman than anything in this world. Though there'd never really been a true home for him and his pride, that hadn't mattered. They had each other, and no matter where it was his family would be wander, so long as they had one another there was always that feeling of sanctuary. It was one that he found himself missing at times, but he gently pushes these thoughts aside, golden-hazel eyes flickering back to warm earthen hues as she speaks of her time here within the city. At first, the were's gaze gentles further as she speaks of how she'd come here with so little, the lion able to sympathize, though he had been fortunate enough to have the chances needed for hunting so that he did not have to take what he could not afford. And yet, as he regards her, the Nadya before him and how she seems to smile so easily, there is a soft smile that finds his chiseled features once more."It is remarkable, how we can often manage to rise from such places of desperate need. I hope that life has become much kinder for you", he replies warmly, tenor tones genuine as he watched her curiously for a moment.

There is only a fleeting silence that falls between them before Nadya is speaking of their kind and the order of things here, the lion keen on knowing where it was he stood in the hierarchy and hoping to learn of any possible locations it would be best for be rogue like himself to steer clear of. It was uncommon for Roman to encounter other weres in the small towns he tended to ghost through. However, what he hadn't expected was for Nadya to reveal more of her world to him, a perfect stranger uncertain of where it was his own path would lead him. He listens, a brow lifting as she explains the complexity of her situation, the ties that bound her to both of the resident packs which called Sacrosanct home. A small simpler dances across her lips and she seems to see his intrigue in what she tells him. There is relief in knowing that he would have little to be concerned with, the territories easily explained and yet his thoughts linger over the turmoils between her and her brother."I'm sorry to hear that there is a rift between you and your brother. Family has always been very important to me, so I can't imagine such a divide and the pain it might inflict", he says then, his words thoughtful and perhaps even tinged with a subtle sadness. She looks to the kitchen then, her words follower shortly by her sliding from the other side of the booth and again making her way through the tables and disappearing behind the stainless steel doors leading into the kitchen. She is hardly gone long before reappearing, this time carrying his plate and placing it on the table in front of him, the were offering her another gracious grin."Thank you, it smells great", he remarks thankfully, removing a single fry and slipping it between his lips. She then begins to share with Roman the information about the two alphas, the same two beings who were likely both large parts of her life.

Again, the lion listens, quietly storing these details which may very well serve of some use to keep him out of the trouble he was adamant to avoid so long as he could help it."I appreciate all the information, Nadya. I'm sure it will help me find a place here without any unwanted attention", he replies warmly, golden-hazel eyes unwavering from her earthen hues. He cannot deny that he is curious how it was that she found herself in such a place between two packs. Were they not at odds with one another as many similar communities tended to be? He holds his tongue, though, hardly wanting to overstep his welcome and the willingness she affords him. When she then goes on to ask him of whether or not he's had a pack, there is a wistfulness that touches his gaze and softens his smile."I used to live in a pride, with my parents and five siblings. We... never really stayed in one place for long. Sincr then, I've lived alone", he answers, tenor tones gentle if not perhaps a touch melancholy. Since leaving them, the lion has never truly felt compelled to find another. It was not possible given the were's lifestyle, and even now he was unsure of how long he would remain here."So, what of your children? Where do they fit into the structure of your pack?", he queries tentatively, though he couldn't help but ask after her young. In his pride, the elder siblings helped raise the younger ones, teaching them to social structure and responsibilities when they came of age to start helping provide for more than only themselves. However, it was unlikely that every pack was built on such a foundation like his family's. Not all cherished their young as the Lionels did, and it is this simple curiosity which prompts such a question. He wonders if perhaps she would he as willing to share such a thing with him as she has about her mate and estranged brother, if she might be like the few mothers the were has spoken with and beam proudly at the thought of the lives she'd brought into this world. He hesitates on asking further, waiting patiently for her next words she might have to offer him so that he knows just how far might be too far for Nadya.