Matthias rumbled with laughter at her sheepish reply, reverberating like thunder through the forest.  Before him, she was like a rabbit, a lost, scared thing--caught in a serpent's gaze.  His ill grin deepened as he sauntered closer to her, eyeing her up and down.  Moonlight glistened off his unnaturally sharp canines.

	[b]"I have gone by many names, my dear."[/b]  He mused with a baritone growl, low and sensual.  [b]"But you may call me--[u]Matthias[/u].  A pleasure to meet you."[/b]  He stooped into a low, gracious bow, placing his spindly hand over his bare chest in a mockery of nobility.  [b]"I am but a traveling wizard--seeking knowledge of the arcane.  And for some reason, this forest has drawn me to it.  It's as though I can sense the magic deep within--calling to me."[/b]

	His pleasant expression skimmed over the forest for a brief moment, his chest rising with a steady breath drawn inward, as if inhaling the very magical essence of the forest.

	However, Matthias' reverie broke shortly.

	[b]"Apologies,"[/b] he said with a light curtsey. [b]"I was lost in thought for a moment.  I forgot to ask your name."[/b]

	He leaned closer, [b]"What is your name?"[/b]