The boy stands carefully straight, carefully still. His eyes are not so careful, and John knows very well to watch the eyes.
Well, fair enough; he can see the sense in paranoia. It's the mark of a scholar who will live long enough to finish their notes. He inclines his head in agreement, though for a moment there is something grave and weary written across his face.
"Simple rituals," he agrees, tone still unremarkably soft. "We'll call it a gentle welcome. Warm-up exercises. Let's turn our attention now to the big leagues of blood magic, as that seems to be our intended domain."
He does not resume drumming his fingers. Instead he gestures to an open chair, an easy invitation.
"Though I would hate to take you from your own research, if you've come for something unrelated."
( 1, paul. )
The boy stands carefully straight, carefully still. His eyes are not so careful, and John knows very well to watch the eyes.
Well, fair enough; he can see the sense in paranoia. It's the mark of a scholar who will live long enough to finish their notes. He inclines his head in agreement, though for a moment there is something grave and weary written across his face.
"Simple rituals," he agrees, tone still unremarkably soft. "We'll call it a gentle welcome. Warm-up exercises. Let's turn our attention now to the big leagues of blood magic, as that seems to be our intended domain."
He does not resume drumming his fingers. Instead he gestures to an open chair, an easy invitation.
"Though I would hate to take you from your own research, if you've come for something unrelated."