(--)
Ithiel is by me!
The dusky man was surprised by his Optio's admission, though he regarded her with his usual indifferent countenance. She was not born a Luperci, then, or perhaps she had not realized her own abilities. It was an interesting thought, one the Caelum had not considered -- he had always known he would one day be able to turn his form, and he had looked forward to that day with eagerness. The man was preparing a response, one that did not call into question her birth and origins, when a horse's cry distracted him.
Lystra gave an answering sound, and Ithiel perceived Ezekiel, riding forward on his big stallion. Vesper excused herself and began shifting. Ithiel glanced from one sight to the other, and his eyes settled on his companion's shift. He did not find shifting something to be ashamed over, but he had not considered others' perspectives, of course. As the woman finished, she put her arms over her body, a queer motion that provoked a tilt of the dust-colored hybrid's head. Stand stronger, he suggested, although not terribly unkindly, and he even punctuated the statement with a smile, albeit one he forced.
The dusky man slipped his bow over one shoulder and waved to Ezekiel, pondering what business his Aquila had with them. Lystra trotted forward to greet Viggo and turned to move alongside him.
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