To anyone else, the quaint picture of a big, loving family would warm the heart and soothe the soul. Anyone else might be pleased to have the chance to stay here in this warm house -- but this place was too neat, too polite, too perfect. He caught the strained look between David and Jason. Yuri felt a chill of dread to think of staying here. He would have to remain passive and vigilant, keep his guard up and his thoughts buried.

The only anomaly seemed to be that redhead. The disappointment of the family, he assumed by the way Jason apologized for her. There was always one.

Yuri nodded respectfully to David and accepted the offered seat, letting his pack down beside him. "It is an honor to meet you, sir, ma'am," he said as he tipped his head to David and Rosemary. "I thank you sincerely. You have a beautiful home." He probably said a bit more on the subject of gratitude and compliment, but his voice spoke automatically without his thinking much about it. He knew by now what to say to put people at ease in his presence.

During the conversation, his origin and presence in town was inevitably brought up. "I'm originally from Tolos, but as a trader I've traveled to most parts of the world. I deal in exotic goods and enchantments." Upon request he would readily produce a gold shimmering feather he had obtained from a monstrous bird in the desert; a beautifully painted mask from a tribe in the jungle; and a little pink stone that floated above his palm as if it were magnetized. "There is only a small market for my wares, though. Most of my time is spent working farms and construction. I know horses, goats and sheep particularly well. I'm proud to work, and to use my strength and skills however they will best assist you."

It was the same spiel, every single time. His voice might have sounded rehearsed, but he looked at David with sincerity and confidence in his skills.