It is a reaction he is more than familiar with. Even in a land as magical as this one, beasts who speak with the tongues of men are uncommon. He learned this on the night of his arrival, but truly, it does not bother him.

The ice continues to melt off the nearby trees -- warmed by his presence alone, it seems -- but he appears to pay it no mind.

"It is well, dear heart. Those who speak with the tongues of Men as I do are rare in many places."

Many worlds, many times. As many as there are stars in the sky, and yet so very few with beasts like himself.

"It is a gift not often bestowed."