Thar Shaddin

The square was cluttered, jammed, and bustling. Just as he liked it. The simple street performer set up his little area in one of the corners between a weapon smith and a magic trinket cart. Once he was set up, which basically meant a stool was set up and a little tin bowl was placed in front of him, he started his performance.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. I am the bard, Horatio, and i come to weave my tales for you this day." And with that, Horatio DeBrouch, the traveling bard, started to work his magic on the crowd. He chose to start off this performance with a sonnet, one his mentor taught him many, many years ago.

"The raven's feather seems dull and pale
when i look upon your shimmering hair.
The purest amber seem in a dark haze
when my eyes meet your beautiful gaze.

No shadow cast could make me feel
glum or sad when to me you wheel.
Your simple smile, your lovely lips,
the graceful sway as you shake your hips.

Would any man be as lucky as i
then they would pray up to the sky
for every kiss, every single wink,
and every time into their arms you sink,
that they were yours. Yet as you see,
this ravishing beauty belongs to me."

His voice carried over the market place like a mage's myst, casting it's spell over anyone in it's reach. Soon, the bard had an extremely large fan-base, and after only a few more performances, the humble people were throwing what money they had into the little tin bowl. And even later, a few children came forward and started asking him question.

"Where do you come from?"

"Do you know of the Dragon of the Cavern Tavern?"

"Can you tell us a story?"

"Yes, a story"

"Story, story" the children the began to chant in unison. Horatio smile, holding his hand up to silence them all.

"I shall tell you a story" the humble bard said, and the children rejoiced.

"Do any of you know of the Trolls to the north?" They all shook their head.

"Well, they're giant creatures, two, maybe three times the height of any man here. With teeth that could grind through stone and skin as thick as leather...." And then he started recounting his tale of one of his journeys to the north, and his confrontations with the small tribe of trolls there. It was a short meeting, in which he nearly became a delicacy. "Luckily, trolls are notorious for their stupidity. A simple Ghost Sound, an-"

"Ghost Sound?" one of the children asked, a rather small boy, his soft brown hair matted with dirt, and his rag of a shirt and pants riddled with holes.

"Yes, Ghost Sound" Horatio said smiling, and as if on command, an intangible whisper could be heard throughout the crowd coming from the very back, "A small trick i learned many years ago from a wise man." The memories of Serafin made him smile to himself.

"You're a wizard?" The boy asked, his eyes wide with wonder and glee.

"Hardly, young one" Horatio said, playfully ruffling the boy's hair with his hand, "i only know what i must to entertain you, my audience." That saying brought a few smiles, and a few chuckles and grunts, from the crowd.


It took the rest of the day for the crowd to disperse, and by that time the sun was already dipping low on the horizon and the market place was mostly cleared out. He stood up and picked up the bowl at his feet, to see that he had made a killing this day. One more song, the musician thought to himself, one for Serif. With that though, he put his earnings in his money pouch, his bowl in his vest, and sat back down on his stool. He pulled his flute out and started playing, a haunting tune, almost a aria, but it was beautiful. Anyone hearing it would be brought to tears, either those of joy for the memory of whomever it was the song was played for, or those of sorrow, the the untimely loss of that person the song was played for, and the pain of the piper, the pain locked in his heart.

But why?! Ayden insisted upon asking for the umpteenth time, his mental voice riddled with frustration.

Rya, humorously putting up with it for the majority of the time was only now becoming agitated. Ayden, of course, was curled about her shoulders as an ermine, and was watching her carefully with his evergreen eyes. They showed a hint of arrogance and superiority that attempted to hide his fear. But of course, he could not hide it from her.

Her eyes slid to look into his, hers brightly sparkling with annoyance and a hit of curiosity. Why do you insist upon constantly asking me? she responded, her mental voice radiating a hint of warning.

Ayden huffed and looked away, up at a hawk circling the skies above looking for prey. His eyes narrowed thoughtful, yet echoing a hint of the annoyance his companion possessed. It's not safe to go into the cities he responded blatantly. You know that ... and yet you still insist .... he thought to her as he swiftly disappeared from his shoulder, vanishing up into the foliage of a tree they just passed under.

Keeping her pace, her mind followed him until he reached the skies. He always did enjoy flying. She looked up at him momentarily with narrowed eyes before straitening her tunic and setting off at a stately pace. She wanted to reach Thar before it got dark enough for the gates to close, and the horizon was already growing dim.

_____________________________________________________


A few hours later Rya was wandering the streets aimlessly, waiting for the darkness to settle in. She had slipped into the city alright, no trouble at all, despite Ayden's anxious thoughts invading her own. He was still flying the skies above, keeping an eye on her while keeping another out for anything he considered a threat. He let her know the locations of patrols and such so that she could easily avoid them.

The crowded streets were starting to thin out till only the pub crawlers and a few stragglers returning home from work were left. She turned down a side street and found herself completely alone, her soft footsteps and humming voice echoing slightly off the narrow walls of the side alley.

Almost immediately she stopped, tilting her head to listen. She hadn't even realized she had been humming, or at least, did not know what it was that she was humming. As soon as she had stopped moving and humming she could vaguely hear the sounds of strangely beautiful music upon the air coming from some distance away and muffled slightly by the surrounding buildings. She realized that she had been subconsciously humming along with it as if she already knew the tune ...

She tilted her head to the other side, finding a bearing, and proceeded to follow the drifting sound. It must be laced with magic, she thought, as she listened. She had never run across anyone that could do that except for Taelon, her old master. She was not aware that she, herself, possessed that ability but she was keen to learn it all the same. Her thoughts drifted back to Taelon as she searched, filling her with a jumble of feelings that made her immensely happy ... and sad...

She stopped abruptly again, narrowing her eyes as she realized the music was controlling her thoughts. Once she was aware of it and knew the feel of it she easily pushed it aside and continued on. Rounding a corner, she came upon a street where a tall man sat on a stool and playing a flute. Instinctively and instantly she fled back into the shadows of the alley she had just emerged from. Observing the man, she could sense his inner pain and she frowned in empathetic response. She wanted to help but remained at a distance, standing in the dark shadows of a nearby shop, watching and waiting for whatever was to happen next.

Horatio smiled and leaned back after a few moments of his song. He laid his flute in it's case, then turned his gaze skyward. They sky was a dark lavender, as if the Lady of the Night and the Lord of the Day still had once last moment to dance their endless waltz. He smiled up to them, nodding his head to them, and to Serif, content in the thought that his old master was smiling down on him, no doubt flirting with one of the winged beauties said to reside on the other side. The old geezer. His heart was healed for the moment, and, with a pouch full of money, he had a few things to take care of.

He stood up and placed his stool back where he found it behind the smithy's cart. As he stood back up and streached his limbs he caught a slight glimmer of light in the fast-fading sunlight. "Please, there is no need to hide. Such a time as this, it's not a good idea for a woman to be alone wandering the streets." he said, turning to this woman hidden in the shadows with a warm smile. He always felt good after a good performance.

The human eye has a rather difficult time in darkness, becoming all but blind to what lurk in the shadows. But not the Elven eye. And in this perticular shadow, he was happy to find such an attractive woman, one seeming to be alone. He spotted the bird flying overhead, but simply thought it simply a bird out for one more flight. "Do not be afraid, i am not one of those who would take advantage of one such as yourself." he said, a small bit of uncontiouse magic behind his words. He didn't even know he was using it, but then again, he still didn't have complete control over his semi-newly descovered powers.

Ryalyn smiled to herself a perplexed smiled as she felt the man's mood shift again, casting his eyes skywards. She studied him thoughtfully, he was quite a bit taller than she with somewhat long blond hair and green eyes, overall rather hansom. His cloths suggested a sort of respectful simplicity but she sensed a bit of magic about him that was more than just his music ...

The man had just finished his song as was putting things away when he somehow saw her in the shadows. Her eyes narrowed, a frown replacing her smile as she grew wary, especially since she knew for certain no human being could have seen her. Her sense of stealth was very acute. Still she had been seen so she paid close attention to his words.

"Please, there is no need to hide. Such a time as this, it's not a good idea for a woman to be alone wandering the streets."

Internally she smiled. She thought it was amusing that he would suggest such a thing. As if she couldn't take care of herself. But feeling a bit perplexed she leaned against the building, crossing her arms in a lazy manner, and raising an eyebrow. She noted that he had spotted Ayden, but she sensed no particular curiosity of his toward Ayden. Instead the man turned back to her and continued to speak.

"Do not be afraid, i am not one of those who would take advantage of one such as yourself."

Rya, feeling the man's subtle magic, had a brief internal strife between wanting to smile and approach him and staying right where she was. A shy smile flickered across her face before she pushed his subtle influences aside. It was slightly a different kind than in his music. This was more direct and solely focused on her. Made her feel safe and flattered, made her want to approach him, made her want to trust him. But her instincts told her that it was not wise to, nor could he be entirely safe the way he kept throwing magic about. Made her a bit concerned. But of course, she did not know he wasn't in control his magic. She assumed that he knew what he was doing since he was using it.

Ayden's mental thoughts of warning were bombarding her as well. Ayden felt the man's magic wafting her direction and he was protective to the point of anger. But she cooled his emotions and kept him at bay, focusing on this man whom she had sought out without knowing entirely why. She was curious but she was cautious as well. After a stilling silence, she gave him an odd little smile, looking directly into his green eyes, and replied matter-of-factly,

"I heard your music. You play well."

Horatio smiled, meeting her gaze, looking deeply into her crystal-like eyes. Crystal-like. He had heard stories of a tribe of people, elvish in appearance, but more powerful then any normal elf. Although his eyes were locked with hers, he was still able to take a basic inventory of her...assets. He had to admit, she was rather beautiful. A simple look that the bard himself prided himself on.

He kept his gaze solidly on her, not noticing the bird above them, and dismissing the anger he felt coming from it as a small bit of paranoia. He nodded, then closed his eyes and bowed low to her. "I'm happy you have enjoyed it." he said happily, realizing that he had used his magic, and now focused hard to keep it at bay. But a bard's magic came from his heart and soul, and for one to hold back something he's spent years expressing was not only an uneasy feat, but it was something that Horatio detested above almost all other things. An ancient wise-man once said:'This above all to thine own self be true,' And Horatio lives by those words.

But if it would make the woman feel alittle easier..."I'm sorry if I've made you nervous, i don't mean to charm you. Well, at least not with magic" he said apologetically, trying to smile reassuringly without sending out the same calming vibrations that he had just been sending out, the ones that seemed to make this, from the bard's point of view, overly-weary woman even more nervous.

He once more looked up at the bird, for the first time giving it his full attention, and he still felt the underlying feeling of uneasiness and even hatred towards him from it. He had been told by Serafin to trust his feelings, and it always worked for the fully-human bard, so why should the half-elf's instincts be any less reliable? "Friend of yours?" he asked, his eyes once more connecting with those eyes that seemed to pierce the soul with the simplest of glaces. He couldn't help but feel alittle exposed in front of them, but he hid it perfectly. "Please, i really don't mean you any harm, i simply would like to talk."

Still and unmoving she simply listened to his reply, smirking at his little bow. Indeed, he did seem happy about it but she could also sense that he seemed to be studying her in much the same as she was studying him.

"I'm sorry if I've made you nervous, i don't mean to charm you. Well, at least not with magic"

Her face became passive again but she didn't move even though she had the urge to shift slightly, and even to smile. The man so openly looked her in the eyes that it amused her. It was much easier for her to read his emotions and inner reactions that way, her senses much more attuned. She could sense that indeed he was sincere and that his apparently natural magic tendencies were being held at bay since they lessened a great deal. But the man seemed almost troubled by it. Finally, she smiled at him, a perplexed look once again crossing her face as she did so. She found this man to be ... interesting, if not a bit amusing as well.

His voice cut through her thoughts once again when she heard him ask,

"Friend of yours?"

She had watched the man glanced up at Ayden who had started circling high overhead again, in an agitated sort of way, but her gaze was unmoving. She simply raised an eyebrow again, her smile disappearing again as she sent Ayden another mental touch to try and calm him. But it failed when the man continued on to say,

"Please, i really don't mean you any harm, i simply would like to talk."

She flinched when Ayden broke her mental hold on him. He instantly dived toward the ground but her mental voice called out to him as he did so. Idiot!! What are you doing?! You! The one who said we should remain hidden and here you are exposing yourself. He already suspected and you just gave in. She sensed Ayden's reasoning taking over. It happens sometimes, that they switch roles, one being the reasonable one and the other irrational. Most of the time Ayden was the rational one. But he was so afraid to lose her that he would do anything to prevent it. It had always been the two of them, especially after what happened that forced them to leave their home. And when the children taunted her when she was little, he began to hate anyone other than her. Only Taelon had ever been able to win Ayden over simply because Taelon had always been there for the both of them. But since they had to leave what they had called home, Ayden had become even more protective and fearful for her. She was so curious that he felt she did not always think first. And they now knew that they had enemies, enemies that neither of them could identify. So to him everyone was dangerous and sometimes he chose paranoia rather than instinct which was not always a good thing. It could make one blind to the world around them. She knew he sensed her mind and he was slowly calming himself. He was such a passionate creature, just like she, but he was also very intelligent.

Just as Ayden came within a few feet from the ground, at the point in fact where he would have shifted, he changed the angle of his dive at a frightening speed, catching a rodent off guard that had wandered out of a crack in the wall in the front of the building she was leaning against. She chuckled softly as she watched him take off again. Moving out of the alley she took up a position in front of the wall and leaned back against it, crossing her arms casually and placing a foot up against the wall as she smiled slyly and said,

"He must not have liked us impeding him from his meal. Falcons are quite territorial you know."

"Are you sure?" Horatio said with a chuckle, shaking his head exasperatedly, "Because i could have sworn that it was staring daggers at me." And he was serious about that, for during the hawk's dive, to a split second, the green eyes of the bard looked deeply into the bestial eyes of the bird. And had not Horatio seen it for himself, he would have thought that it couldn't have been. But it was, there was a soul within this bird of prey beyond that of any others of it's kind, and within that soul was a will to protect this girl that seemed unbreakable.

Had the bird been human, and had that human been a bit nicer and not as motherly, Horatio would have slapped him on the back and complimented him on it. But whatever he saw was gone the instant the eyes broke contact as it dove for the vermin. He then looked back up at the woman and smiled, letting alittle bit of his magic out if only to break the ice as he took a step closer. It looked like a simple step, the kind one would take to meet an old friend, but the method, the calculation behind that simple movement would have been see, would have been known to those of elven dissent, and would show them that he was being cautious. "Please, allow me to introduce myself" the bard said after only a few steps, just so he could get a better look at this woman. "I am Horatio DeBrouch, traveler and bard, at your service."

He ended his own introduction with a sweeping bow, his hand nearly brushing against the ground. "And you are?" His eyes met hers again, and he knew she was looking into his mind. He didn't like it, not at all. He didn't need to look into her own mind to know that something was amiss about her, just simply her eyes. The eyes of a race of people like elves but not, with dragon blood in them. And he could just guess that she was being pursued by something or someone, simply by her reluctance to step into the light and the hawk's unnatural will to protect her.

He could also sense the power emanating from her, and he could feel smug little smile behind her mask of serenity. Now, that just pissed him off, but he hid his emotions from her, and now from her prying mind. A smile spread across his face as he stood back up straight again. He was not as skilled in the powers of magic or telepathy, but he could mask his own thoughts and emotions so well that not even the strongest psychic could break through.

Once Ayden was out of sight of the ones below him he circled back and landed on a roof behind the man to eat his prey and to keep an eye on his companion. He was quite calm now and regarded the man thoughtfully. Quickly finishing his meal he shifted to a tabby cat in order to get a good whiff of the man. Hmmm, I do believe he is of elven decent ... he thought to his companion, a hint of thoughtful reproach but that does not mean he is an alley. We don't exactly know who it is that hunts us...

-----

I'm quite aware of that, Rya responded absentmindedly, paying more attention to the matter at hand. You left me with quite a problem to mend ...

She was listening to the man who had questioned his answer, thinking quickly on how to best counter it. Shrugging, deciding it was best to jest in a thoughtful way, she simply said,

"Maybe he thought you were going to try and steal his meal" She smiled at the thought but she was keen on the fact that the man looked disturbed by the incident. She wasn't quite sure how to solve that without giving Ayden away, something she simply could not do. The risk was far to great...

She sensed a bit of his magic being emitted her way again as he stepped forward. Ayden in response on the rooftop behind the man drew closer to the edge, still and calm but ready if she needed him. She smiled inwardly at him in a proud sort of way. She hid it easily though since she was a bit concerned with how to deal with this new situation. The man was cautiously introducing himself, placing him closer to her. Instinctively she straitened up unsure of how to respond. Her face was blank, covering her uncertainty. Trying to get a sense of his intentions as a baring she met ... Her eyebrow raised and she backed up into the wall a bit, her eyes momentarily flaring bright blue. She met nothing. She didn't know why but that bothered her a great deal. It was like being blind and vulnerable. And his smile wasn't helping. She was having trouble sensing the intention behind it and she wasn't sure if he was being sincere this time.

-----

Ayden tensed up on the rooftop where he stood. It was growing darker and he didn't like the way things were going below. He had decided to let Rya deal with it but ... He watched her straiten, her momentary fear and confusion being equally masked by herself. She wasn't going to give in so easily. Her face took on a apathetic expression again and he sensed a bit of determination beneath it. He relaxed again.

-----

"I'm Rya" she responded after awhile, still standing unmoving near the wall. She had no reason to move any closer so she remained at a distance as an extra precaution.

Horatio smiled, his cautious demeanor visibly loosening. "Well met, fair Rya." he said with another bow. He then straightened up, and his smile disappeared. "But who is he?" he said, pointing behind him at the now-cat. Yes, he felt the transformation, or at least he felt the magic discharge from it. Now, from the rest of her reactions so far, he knew that this would shake her good. He didn't really want this, but he didn't like being looked down on. Granted she probably wasn't, but even still he felt like he was.

"Whatever problems you have, they're your own, and i don't have any need or want to get involved in it. I simply don't think it's wise for you to walk alone on these streets." The mental block he had loosened to the extent so that she'd know that he was sincere. He wasn't trying to be mean or anything, but he didn't like being thought of as weak. And the cat behind him wasn't making him feel any better, especially since he knew it wasn't a normal cat.

Now, he was normally really good with the ladies, but he wasn't sure about this one. Sure, she was really good looking, and probably extremely powerful, but she was way to up tight about life. Although she was probably in mortal danger or something. Then again, who isn't these days.

Ayden chuckled merrily to himself, tilting his head at the pointing man, Heratio, below him. He could tell the man now felt threatened by them and he found it somewhat amusing, even though his thoughts and feelings were blocked. Only someone who felt self-concerned, or wanted to hide something, would block someone's curiosity. Ayden backed away from the edge, disappearing from view.

-----

Rya couldn't help but smile, a quite honest smile this time. The man was very intelligent, more so than many of the people she had encountered before. But she really had to get a better sense from him. Taking the last few steps toward Heratio, and standing less than a foot away from him, she looked him strait in the eyes, narrowing them but still keeping her smile. She had to look up since he was a great deal taller than she and said,

"If you really think he is with me, then I am not alone now am I?" Her brow furrowed thoughtfully as her eyes searched his momentarily, not really trying to read him, but rather trying to sense anything else amiss like a disguse or some other such trickery. After a second she stepped back, Ayden seemingly materializing out of nowhere on her shoulder as a black ermine, when in fact he had snuck up from behind her. "Looks can be deceiving ... but it seems yours are not." she finished relaxed and almost smiling, nodding her approval in a respectful way. He was not a threat but he had proved to be a more difficult person to be sure of in intentions. She had never met an elf, let alone a half-elven with his abilities before. It threw her and Ayden off when they were already a bit nervous from entering the city. Ayden was cuddling against her cheek, watching Heratio with his forest green eyes, his expression blank, but Rya could tell that Ayden was quite calm if not a bit curious himself.

"This is Ayden," she said, reaching up she stroked Ayden's head, "He's like family to me. Makes him a bit peevish and protective sometimes. Don't take it personal, he's like that to everyone he first meets ..." Oh thanks! Ayden thought to her sarcastically. Well you are ... she responded, amused.

Horatio smiled, "This above all, to thine all self be true" he said, nodding back to her. "And i concede to your logic. However, i don't think a bird, cat, or any other animal could get you a drink." He couldn't help but offer. It's basically what he wanted to do all night, but he hid that small tidbit of information from her, and let her see anything else. He had to know that she, and the weird little changeling on her shoulder, were not a threat. Not that That bard had anything to really fear from anyone, but better safe than sorry. And he knew that's what the two in front of them were thinking as well. He looked up at the sky and saw the moon, her full face shinning down upon the trio brilliantly, then turned back to Rya.

"If you would like, i would be happy to show you around the city a bit. I've lived here for years before i began to travel, and i know every street, alley, and hiding-place like the back of my hand." he said with a smile, "As well as several of the best taverns for fifty miles in any direction." He then added, "And besides, it's no fun to drink alone." There was no magic in this, well, none except that of an honest man asking a girl to a drink.

He held out his hand to her, then looked to the creature on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll take care of her. You can come too if you'd like" he said playfully to it. He really didn't know for sure if the creature was sentient enough to understand him, but he figured he was. After all, shapshifting is a very strong form of magic, and even the most capable humans have trouble with it. "If you'd like, I'll tell you whatever you'd like if and when we get there." he offered after having an idea. He didn't want to get involved in it, but he had no problems with sharing his knowledge and his expertise. Then again, to be perfectly frank, he was getting bored and would actually enjoy some excitement.

Hehe, so that's what he wanted ... Ayden thought to himself, his mental chuckling the only thing he allowed Rya to hear. Turning his head he surveyed his companion with an interested look only to see that her face was somewhat blank but her eyes puzzled.

-----

Drink? Ryalyn thought, somewhat confused, Ayden chuckling at the back of her thoughts. She had never really enjoyed the smell of spirits, especially those she had come across over the years which were probably not good quality anyway. And as far as she could tell, drink tended to do more harm then good, incapacitating the ones who drank it. The idea didn't really have much appeal to her and she really didn't understand why others did find it appealing. But she supposed she didn't need to actually drink anything that was alcohol anyway and she did find the man intriguing ...

He's likely to have quite a bit of useful knowledge too you know, Ayden commented, turning his eyes back on Heratio, face still blank but eyes, thoughtful. And he offered it freely...

Wait ... you think it's wise to go? she thought to him, her mental voice filled with skepticism since it wasn't natural for Ayden to agree.

I don't see why not. He wouldn't dare try anything... he drawled back.

What makes you think that? she inquired.

I think he has an inkling of what you are and even if not, he must at the very least sense what you're capable of. He's proven that when he so easily located me ... Rya was a bit perplexed. She could defend herself that was true but she suspected Ayden meant more than that.

While Ayden and Rya were having this internal conversation they were both still listening carefully to the man. "And besides," he was saying, "it's no fun to drink alone."

Heh, I'd say... muttered Ayden, his mental voice dripping sarcasm and amusement simultaneously. Rya paid little attention to Ayden's commentary but when Heratio spoke to Ayden, his mental snort of indignation echoed in amongst her thoughts and she couldn't help but laugh. Ayden turned his eyes sharply on her in a venomous way. I should hope you didn't find that amusing ...

No, your response ... Her mental and physical giggling somewhat contageous to him, it began to grip him to the point where it took him great control to fight it. He would not laugh ....

Trying to get her giggles under control she looked up at Heratio and shook her head. "Oh, I'm not laughing at you, don't worry! It's just-"

"I find your method of speaking to me offensive..." Ayden drawled.

Rya flinched and froze, her face blank. What are you DOING?! Keeping her eyes very focused on Heratio's, searching.

Stirring things up a bit. he answered dryly as he sprung from her shoulder and landing on the ground as a serval, lean and strong like a cat but slightly bigger and with a different coloration. He padded on a few steps away, turned elegantly and sat very carefully watching them with a bored expression, his tail twitching lazily. "Well, lead on oh illustrious one," he said, his voice bored but masking a bit of sly mischief.

Horatio, having been caught in the giggling epidemic, slowly brought himself back under control. He didn't truly understand their thought-speak, but he did have a general idea of there topic of conversation. And when the cat, Ayden she called it, spoke to him, he couldn't hide his glee.

"Alright, if you'll follow me" he said, starting to the east of where they were, passing the now-larger cat and playfully petting his head. "Try to keep up, kitty" he said, before disappearing from site. In truth, he only ran away like a giddy little girl, but it was with such speed that if they had blinked, they'd never be able to find him. His steps echoed around for many many yards in every direction as he walked, the sound waves bouncing of the walls, and the echos were almost completely indistinguishable and uncrackable.


But there was still a matter to be attended to, so he jumped down from a rooftop a few feet behind them and leaned against a wall. "Actually, you never said yes, Rya. I'm sorry, Ayden, but we can't go anywhere until your friend says she'd like to." he said, more talking to Rya than to the cat. He wasn't one to force a girl to come with him, well, not really, physically force her. "So, shall we?" he asked, holding his hand out once more.

Neither of them had moved an inch except for Ayden, who had crouched and let out a low but powerful growl. Rya was ... shocked for lack of a better word. She felt ... violated somehow when Heratio touched Ayden and clearly so did Ayden. Ayden was an extension of her and not even Taelon dared touch him. It was taboo, an unspoken but very powerful and meaningful taboo.

When the man came back, Ayden, still crouching, instantly bolted for her feet, wrapping himself between her legs out of reach, as much of his body pressed up against hers as possible. She could feel him shaking. Rya was staring down at him still shocked and a bit shaky, barely aware of her surroundings. She didn't entirely understand what was going on but she had an idea. They didn't really know that much about their bond but it was obvious to both that that must not happen again.

When the man spoke her head jerked up and around as if a loud noise had startled her, her eyes visibly burning a fiery blue. After a second she closed her eyes and shook her head slightly.

"I'm sorry, what?" she asked, her eyes open and normal again. She had completely just missed everything he said.

Noticing the rather annoyed, and alittle frightened look of both cat and master, Horatio bowed low, his voice loosing most of it's jovial bounce. "I am sorry, i did not know it was forbidden to touch the shapeshifter" he said, thinking it also forbiden to address the shapeshifter by his name. "Please, i offer my humblest apologies. I merely said that i was not going to force you into following me, in hopes of acquiring some form of information about whomever it is you so obviously fear. Therefore, i will not lure you with false hope, nor abandon you on such dark streets."

Once he finished his little speech, he stood up straight, his green eyes dark with a hint of shame. He did not mean for this to happen, or at least to get this kind of reaction from what he saw as a harmless game. But either way, he would make amens. He really did want to talk with this girl, Rya. And he was willing to hold back his playful nature if it meant easing her distress. And he let her sense that. He didn't want to loose a friend before he made it, especially on his first time back to this city.

"And if you'd like, i may be able to calm the nerves of your friend, as well as your own." he then offered, "Don't worry, it's not mind control or anything of the sort, simply a soothing spell."