Máire’s blades shot around at the sound of the woman’s voice, forming a razor barricade at her approach. Máire turned her head to appraise the woman, nearly invisible reticles around her pupils turning back and forth silently. [b][color=#640640]”What a serendipitous reunion this is,”[/color][/b] she greeted dryly.

[b][color=#9e8659]”Scribble-Ma’am!”[/color][/b] Rat shrieked in neurotic half-delight. [b][color=#9e8659]”Rat isn’t enemy! Rat doesn’t trespass! Rat brings Knife-Lady to find Templar-Friend!”[/color][/b]

Máire’s eyes flickered over to the rodential messenger at the sound of his rhetorical jabbering. [b][color=#640640]”She knows,”[/color][/b] she stated quietly, waving the nervous furball down. 

Rat’s head jerked back and forth between Máire and “Scribble-Ma’am”.  [b][color=#9e8659]”Knows?”[/color][/b] he asked, mind chugging to process what Scribble-Ma’am had already said upon her arrival. He blinked twice, standing in silence for a second or two. Then-

[b][color=#9e8659]”Oh! Knows! Yes yes! Rat is friend to Stoneworks!”[/color][/b] Rat cheered, skittering under Máire’s swords and around Scribble-Ma’am’s hips. Máire’s hand twitched to reach out and stop him, but ultimately let him go. Best to let him be. It did look a bit like he was using her to separate himself from Máire, though… but that was his prerogative. 

Máire sighed through her nose. The swords acting as a wall between her and Scribble-Ma’am didn't waver. Máire stared the woman down through the fence of blood-iron, perfectly still. 

[b][color=#640640]”I just came from Shieldtown,”[/color][/b] She stated with careful enunciation. [b][color=#640640]”How long ago did Fang leave?”[/color][/b]