The laughter that had been building up had finally seeped out, uncontrollably. It really wasn't 'that' funny, but then again, contrary to what Piper was saying, she was anything but normal. A grin tugged at the corner of her lips as she eyed the brass knuckles, and slipped a hand to rest on the dagger that hung from her belt. 

[color=darkcyan]"As I said, it would be unwise to fight.  While I am sure you are both capable, I'm quite fast in the heat of the moment, I assure you that those would never be able to touch me"[/color] there was a hint of arrogance in her voice. Maybe it was a bluff, or just an attempt to get them to back down. 

[color=darkcyan]"Normalcy is for cowards, though I do apologize for startling you."[/color] Her features softened somewhat and there was a hint of sincerity in her voice. [color=darkcyan]"As I said, I was curious. At first I couldn't tell if you had intentions of harming the boy or conning him. But it was my curiosity of him that I followed. And as I see it, you're neither his mother nor guardian. So you have as much business with him as I do."[/color] She said matter-of-factly, her voice growing colder once more. 

She opened her mouth, and was about to continue, when suddenly there were screams from across the street. Her eyes darted past the three and to just beyond them in front of the healers shop. With all the ruckus, she couldn't make much out, but she thought she saw fire. People started to gather quickly and within moments, there were so many that she could barely see what was going on. Someone exited the shop yelling and cursing and carrying on. The boy turned to face it all, seemingly used to the chaos then turned back to  present her with the ball of lint once more. [color=darkcyan][i]What the feck did I step into?! This place is worse than home was[/i][/color]

She turned her attention back to Piper, an eyebrow twitched with worry. [color=darkcyan]"I don't suppose that is normal?"[/color] she gestured to the scene behind them then pulled her hood back over her head [color=darkcyan]"So you can trust that I mean you no harm and we can find  ourselves into a better situation, perhaps a safer environment, or at the very least, see what all the bloody commotion is about. Either way, it is obvious that right now is neither the time nor place to conduct business, whether by bloodshed or any other means."[/color]. She spoke quickly and her words struck fiercely, clearly her mood for games and niceties had dissipated. Her gaze flicked back to the crowd then up to sky as she noticed the thick black clouds that drenched the air above them. She tugged her hood from her face just enough to peek out and get a whiff of the smoke. [color=darkcyan][i]Fire![/i][/color]

She made sure to make no move, towards them or to the scene itself. She presented herself to them, at least as much as she thought was necessary. It was their turn now. Either way, she was ready ... for whatever this would bring. [color=darkcyan][i]I am Isabeau Falkenrath, and I am not afraid.[/i][/color]  She glanced at the boy with a smile and nodded, mentally accepting his gift, but still made no move towards them. Fixing her crystal eyes on Piper, her face was cold and hard, void of any expression, just as she was trained. 

[@Plecy] [@Ryciera] [@Strafe]