Geralt immediately withdrew his hand as the snake hissed and lunged, and a look of rage passed over his face briefly as he looked down at the creature. For a brief second, he imagined the creature's head under his wingtips as he slowly pressed down and crushed it's skull. He did not enjoy being startled.

Being among pleasant company, however, he composed himself quickly and in the blink of an eye, he was back to his graceful self. His smile was now a little strained, however, as his eyes lingered on the serpent a moment before he looked back up at Aurel. [color=crimson]"Kein problem, I seem to be having trouble with handshakes today..."[/color] He chuckled coyly and glanced over to where Ivory, Akane, and Illyana for a half second before looking back at the snake charmer.

Cora had gasped and covered her mouth when Licorice made the move to attack Geralt. She had been around Aurel's friends since she joined the troupe and had never seen one of them react this way, even to a Carnie. She could even communicate with them as Aurel could and heard their judgement of Geralt. She just didn't understand...he was so nice! She glanced between the two of them, and saw that Geralt was unhurt and relaxed a little. She made a note to ask Aurel about this later...

Now that he was closer, Geralt could see the source of the shimmering on Aurel's skin from before. They were scales, only discernible when he turned a certain way. In addition to this, his eyes were golden with slit pupils, just like the serpents he seemed to have such a deep bond with.

[i][color=crimson]Another half-breed...scum...kill his beasts to break his spirit[/color][/i]

Geralt blinked rapidly for just a second and tilted his head as if clearing a fog, then his eyes sharpened to meet Aurel's once more. He clasped his hands behind his back as he leaned in to speak to the lad, who was clearly shy. [color=crimson]"It is so nice to hear the tongue of my homeland on a native! Your accent is clearly southern German, whereabouts are you from, Aurel? I am originally from Berlin, of course."[/color] He laid a hand on his chest in a gesture of pride. He was clearly interested in this conversation, but wanted to make sure the rest of the troupe could understand what they were saying. There was no doubt in his mind that they were suspicious after seeing the snake nearly bite him, he had to keep up appearances until he was alone...

Illyana watched the entire scene unfold without changing her expression whatsoever. She had no doubt that Geralt could take care of himself, such a great magician should have no problem with a tiny snake. She did notice a look of disgust wash over his features and furrowed her brows in concentration as she watched his body language. The event had clearly upset him, but not enough for him to make it known to the rest gathered there. His composure returned just as quickly as it had faded, but she was glad to see him rattled, if only for a second. His poise was clearly practiced, and institution in his outward appearance, but there was something dark beneath that he had well-hidden. The fact that animals reacted poorly to him was a major sign, she would have to add this fact to her research tonight.