Reading is fundamental (OPEN)

R E M I Remi smiled though he couldn't quite interpret Jigano's tone. It's what I do; it sounded both reassuring and in agreement, but also potentially a bit deferential perhaps? Again the feeling of being an imposter—a raggedy commoner in this lavish place of knowledge—sent a shiver down Remi's spine. Though men like Ronin and Rory seemed to have no problem with Remi's inquisitive mind, and indeed Loren had applauded him for it, perhaps they were merely outliers. Perhaps Remi did not have any real justification for comporting himself the way he did. Smiling mildly, Remi nodded. The hand which was not holding the feather stretched out slightly, palm up. Slowly claws began to grow from his nails and the palm of his hand became a dusty rose sort of colour as pads began to replace the calloused flesh. Flexing his fingers before they became paws entirely, the partial-change slipped away and the man's hand dropped back to the book once more. "Oh, no. I can." Remi said reassuringly, his sunny affect immediately turning to one meant to inspire some amount of confidence in Jigano's continued safety. "It is more that when I shift often I find it hard to remain in control. My predatory responses feel so strong that often I feel as though I am not me. At least not fully." Perhaps that was merely a symptom of a soul as kind and convivial within the body of a full-blown predator, but the same could reasonably be said about a hawk. There was also the small matter of Remi having never heard of anything even remotely similiar having happened to anyone else in Northaven. You controlled your shift. Your shift didn't control you. "I would love to accompany you when you go." Brightening considerably, the alchemist flashed a delighted smile before realizing how absurd his request must have sounded. My friends need weapons to be around with me, but would you mind going on an outing despite the fact we're strangers? Sheepishly he ran a hand through his curls and bit the inside of his lip as his eyes fell back to the book before him. "Or, perhaps you might just direct me where I might find them?" The logical thing to do might have been to simply ask Isla, but of course her line of work kept her quite busy. That, and for some reason he thought that the level-headed medic might laugh at him for wanting to go out and draw some glowing-reindeer. "The peppermint bark is quite good too. If they are in the deer family they might enjoy it as well." Remi offered with a gentle shrug. He was no expert on animals by any stretch of the imagination, despite being one two, but he was happy to share what he thought might be helpful. Listening as the conversation swerved back to what he was, Remi listened fascinated. It was so unlike how things worked in Northaven. He knew that Loren could summon other creatures, but never had he heard of anyone changing others into them. Not even the most powerful mages were said to have done anything remotely like that. Of course Remi was no expert on magical goings-on, but as a shapeshifter surely he would have heard if such was possible? Although...that might explain the cuff he had been forced to wear. Was it to tell true shapeshifters from those merely magically changed? Was there even a difference? "Meddlesome." Remi repeated dryly, his accent seeming to force the word to have more syllables than it actually did. Shaking his head the alchemist took a breath and held it, looking down at the page before him and tapping the feather with agitation. Even so, Remi was careful not to damage it, as if it were still a part of him. "That is one way to describe them." Cautiously Remi glanced up, brows furrowed and his expression one of deep concern and anxiousness. He couldn't quite read the expression on Jigano's face and of course could not locate the reason for his anger, and so he merely nodded gently. "I am glad to hear that. My experiences have not been so tame."