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Lucy had arrived without warning at the apartment shortly before noon, and five minutes later Moiraine found herself in the passenger seat of Lucy's car on the way to a Tupperware party at Norma Jennings' home.

Although it had been an extremely unusual experience, she cannot truly say that it had not been a pleasant one. At the very least, it might be considered a beginning step, of sorts, toward becoming an accepted part of town society.

The Aes Sedai suspects that may have been Lucy's intention to begin with, but she does not plan to ask. The only question that remains at the immediate moment is what to do with the few pieces of plastic dishware that she has acquired as a result.

At present, she is sitting in a chair at the small table in the dining nook, contemplating the potential for using Tupperware as a makeshift vase.

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Cooper overheard something very interesting early in the afternoon.

This is why he is knocking on the door of the apartment.

"Come in," she calls. "It is not locked."

That gives Cooper a great deal of pause.

But he opens the door.

And says, quietly, and far more subdued, "Hello, Moiraine."

"Dale."

She rises from the chair and turns to him, smiling.

"Good evening."

"And to you." He leaves his hand on the knob momentarily, and looks at it, before shutting the door and turning around. "Moiraine, is the door warded?"

The Aes Sedai tilts her head slightly, studying him.

"Not at present," she replies.

Now he does smile, faint and brief. "Could I ask you to keep it locked, at the very least? As a personal favor?"

"To be certain," Moiraine says, quietly.

A pause.

"Is there reason for concern?"

He's still standing by the door.

"Nothing specific." Cooper shakes his head a little. "Let's just say -- it's good practice."

And things have a way of happening, in Twin Peaks.

"Very well." It is said just as quietly as before.

Another second's pause, and she gestures, gracefully, inviting him further into the room.

"Will you not come in?"

He seems to shake something off, and moves forward. "Yes. Thank you." His gaze falls on the table. "I heard that Lucy invited you to a -- gathering."

"Yes," Moiraine agrees, even as her glance follows his.

It would take someone who knows her well to discern it, but there is a clear flicker of bemusement in her expression.

"It was quite an ... unusual ... event."

Cooper tilts his head. "I hear they're useful for keeping leftovers."

"So I am given to understand," she says, a touch dryly. "However, as I have been accustomed to use other methods for such things..."

"Flower arrangement seems like a very good use for it."

He seems in earnest.

She glances from him to the 'vase' and back, with a faint smile.

"It seems a practical one, at least."

"Yes," Cooper agrees, and shifts his hands in his pockets.

He'd thought a little about how to ask, but --

"Was it an enjoyable gathering?"

Not perfect, Cooper. Still needs work.

Silence, for a beat or two, and then,

"It was, in a sense," she admits. "I suspect that my presence was a surprise to some of those present, but they were more curious than anything else."

Cooper nods. "Were they -- I'm not sure how to put this." Beat. "Were you uncomfortable? Due to their curiosity, or how they expressed it?"

"It takes a great deal to make me uncomfortable in the face of harmless curiosity," the Aes Sedai reassures him. "One woman by the name of Gwen was particularly determined, but Lucy distracted her after a while."

A pause, in which she studies him.

"... were you concerned?"

A faint smile.

"I'm an investigator," he says lightly. "I like to stay informed."

"Of course you do," Moiraine murmurs.

"And if there had been problems... it would be helpful to know. In case there's anything that can be done to smooth things over."

"It is all right," the Aes Sedai says, gently.

"It was kind of Lucy to invite me, I believe. She seems to have held similar concerns, in a sense."

A pause.

"And if I am to truly make this place my home, then it would be well for me to become closer to those who live here, would it not?"

Cooper tilts his head. "If I gave you the impression that I don't think you should do that, I apologize. My intentions are, and always have been, quite the opposite."

Surprise flickers in the dark eyes.

"You did not, I assure you."

A pause.

"Be certain that I realize your intentions are and have never been anything but honorable."

Without missing a beat: "It goes with the job." Another faint smile. "I'm afraid I'm expected back at the station. Stakeout."

"I am sorry to hear that," Moiraine says. "It is nothing serious, I may hope?"

Cooper shakes his head. "Nothing serious. Just my turn for it."

"I see."

A pause, and a slight smile curves her lips.

"Do you have sufficient coffee for the duration?"

"When I left, Lucy was brewing an extra pot. We should be fine."

It's Cooper's responsibility to stop by the Wagon Wheel for doughnuts on his way back.

"I have no doubt of it, then," she says.

Another pause.

"Even if she did obtain something called a 'Tupperware thermos' today for such purposes."

"Lucy thinks of everything." A quick smile. "Have a good evening, Moiraine. If you need anything -- you know where to call."

"Yes," Moiraine replies. "I do, as it happens."

"Light illumine and protect you, Dale."

"And you, Moiraine."

Another smile, and he lets himself out.

And, the instant he's in his car, passes a hand over his eyes before starting the engine.

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