Jigano froze at Arduinna's cheerful reception of the news of sacrifice, and only the presence of Killian and Samuel at his side kept him from losing control of his expression - and his tongue. He trembled beneath Sam's comforting hand, tension thrumming through his lean and slender frame as he balanced on a knife-edge of discipline and self-restraint before their guide and hostess turned to them with words of reassurance - and the explanation that would have eased much of their fear if only they had heard it earlier. For a moment it was all the bard could do to breathe, running the words through his head over and over until they made sense.
Slowly the precise control eased from his features, his expression lightening in increments as his shaking breath steadied and he turned suspiciously bright and grateful blue eyes onArduinna . He swept her a full formal, courtly bow, blinking back a dampness that was certainly not tears of relief and gratitude, and he rose smiling like the sunrise. "My thanks, Great Lady," he spoke fervently. "For your guidance, and your protection."
A song in her honor? Oh yes, he would begin composing one immediately, once he had assured himself that his friends were well and free to leave. His eyes had begun to scan the village for a sign of them when the war chief snapped at them. Snapped like a trap, her smile edged behind her brief words. A pale brow rose at the casual display of Delah's power, and he gave her a short, respectful bow as well, never taking his eyes from the dimunitive threat as he compared the claws on her hand to his memory of those torn in the earth where Amalia had vanished.
Someone to watch, indeed, he decided grimly. "We shall try not to cause too much trouble while we are here," he attempted to reassure her, though he knew it wasn't what she wanted to hear. Still, his gaze flickered down to meet the cheetah's sunlit glance, and behind him to catch the edge of not-quite-there that was all he could sense of Sam's presence. Lastly, he looked to Deimos and nodded slowly in acknowledgment for the big man's company on what could have been a very different ending to their foray. "Let's bring our friends home," he said simply, nodding again to their hostesses before stepping forwards to into the village to find those who were no longer lost.
Slowly the precise control eased from his features, his expression lightening in increments as his shaking breath steadied and he turned suspiciously bright and grateful blue eyes on
A song in her honor? Oh yes, he would begin composing one immediately, once he had assured himself that his friends were well and free to leave. His eyes had begun to scan the village for a sign of them when the war chief snapped at them. Snapped like a trap, her smile edged behind her brief words. A pale brow rose at the casual display of Delah's power, and he gave her a short, respectful bow as well, never taking his eyes from the dimunitive threat as he compared the claws on her hand to his memory of those torn in the earth where Amalia had vanished.
Someone to watch, indeed, he decided grimly. "We shall try not to cause too much trouble while we are here," he attempted to reassure her, though he knew it wasn't what she wanted to hear. Still, his gaze flickered down to meet the cheetah's sunlit glance, and behind him to catch the edge of not-quite-there that was all he could sense of Sam's presence. Lastly, he looked to Deimos and nodded slowly in acknowledgment for the big man's company on what could have been a very different ending to their foray. "Let's bring our friends home," he said simply, nodding again to their hostesses before stepping forwards to into the village to find those who were no longer lost.
