As he moves deeper in a faint tingle sets up along the back of Dorian's neck. [i]'Closer to town than I thought it would be. It is definitly what we thought it was'[/i] He keeps walking, his head turning this way and that. Eventually he feels eyes on him. He follows the feeling but keeps his own gaze at eye level. [i]'This smell. . . Not even the salty breeze can cover up this much blood. Not to mention all the filth. This creature has no refinement'[/i] His pace is uneven as he leaves the path. Another peal of thunder strikes at his ears from overhead, the flash of the lightning muted by the thick branches high above. The static in the air adds to his own tension, his muscles prime for action. However none of this is reflected in his expression or movements.

[i]'Do not need to spook it before I am close enough to grab it'[/i] His eyes snap to the ground as a small furry something darts past and down a hole at the base of a large tree. He stalks slowly after it, keeping his gaze down towards the small dark spot among the roots. When at last he reaches the tree he pauses. Reaching out he presses his fingers against the rough bark and as another bolt of lightning flashes overhead he looks up. Silhouetted by the blinding light the hunched figure of something high above draws a faint smirk to his lips. An instant later the light fades and his eyes adjust back to the darkness. He can see it more clearly now, the messy hair, the tattered clothing. [i]'Beneath that filth I suppose is a young man of twenty, or close to it. I wonder how long he's been out here. The rumors started around the last boat in, but did he come here on it? Or has he been traveling over land. . . Either way, he needs to come down so we may speak'[/i]

The faint pitter patter of rain reaches his ears before the first drops begin falling around the elder. His eyes remain locked on the figure above, his expression relaxed and patient. [i]'If he is young and just untrained, I do not suppose he has any idea what is going on with him. Being turned is often times very disorienting'[/i] Raising a hand he motions for the young man to come closer. [i]'I could go to him just fine, but it would be better if he would come to me. That and I an just not dressed for climbing today'[/i] He motions again, stepping back to clear a spot at the base of the tree should it desire to come all the way to the ground. The rain turns from gentle to torrential in less than a minute and Dorian prays that Horace is already in the stable.