Al-kin saw the Being first. With a soft noise and a quick motion, the fae creature stood, putting a slim arm out to ward off the human. Hoping to keep Alarin’s guard and the chief’s friend safe from mistakes of misunderstanding, Alarin spoke quickly and pressing, the strange bird-like language of Alarin’s people filling the space of the tent.

"I did not realize anyone Searched, Mahta. The village is under my protection however, as I owe them a life debt." Alarin licked thin lips and glanced back at Kahler while at the door flap the enormous creature crouched and let out a low, threatening growl, body coiled in predatory position.

Alarin too tensed, despite the actions of the day before, the guest reached for a blade which was no longer there and at the seeming insult, the creature’s growl deepened. Fear danced taut over the slender alien form and Alarin spun sideways between so as to ensure Kahler’s safety while at the same time, attempting to appease the angry creature.

"While we are just met, we cannot be enemies," the normal quiet spoken creature called out in the speech of man, eyes wide, arms spread to either side like broken wings, though for the most part, Al-kin kept a fixed gaze on the newcomer. "Despite all sense of one being wronged, tales can be told and the truth out, please!"

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis