The pride Rance could see in Kel’s expression and body language answered his question even before Kel actually replied. Of course he built it, Rance would have been surprised if the guide had been able to tolerate living in a town crowded with humans for long. However the portal might have changed their physical makeup, it hadn’t changed their minds or hearts. “I was actually lookin’ for a place to stay when I stumbled on you.” There was no doubt in Rance’s mind as to whether or not Kel meant it. They’d known each other too long for that even to be a question. “You might not want me crowdin’ your space the whole time, though. Week and a half is a lot. But I definitely want to see --”
The sharp sound of the baby manta being downed jumped Rance. He physically started, shoulders jumping and eyes widening in surprise as he whipped his head toward the alarm. It took only a heartbeat to see what was happening, then Rance was shifting into raven form -- without the swirl of a feathered cloak, Kel might notice -- and flying at the leopard, his bow dropping to the beach beside Kel. An angry croaking cry and flapping and clawing at the big cat’s face. It wasn’t something he would have done months ago. Like anyone who had lived a portion of their lives amongst beasts, he knew that ayoung animal becoming prey was nothing but the cycle of life. But something about the cry kicked something in Rance’s chest and impulse had him attacking before he’d given the action any thought.
The sharp sound of the baby manta being downed jumped Rance. He physically started, shoulders jumping and eyes widening in surprise as he whipped his head toward the alarm. It took only a heartbeat to see what was happening, then Rance was shifting into raven form -- without the swirl of a feathered cloak, Kel might notice -- and flying at the leopard, his bow dropping to the beach beside Kel. An angry croaking cry and flapping and clawing at the big cat’s face. It wasn’t something he would have done months ago. Like anyone who had lived a portion of their lives amongst beasts, he knew that ayoung animal becoming prey was nothing but the cycle of life. But something about the cry kicked something in Rance’s chest and impulse had him attacking before he’d given the action any thought.
