The Tangle [M] And roar beside the lions thinking how is it so easy

He stopped immediately when he realized that he had startled her and his expression mirrored hers an instant beforehand. Ashlar was immediately apologetic, though he did not lose his exuberance. He could see that she simply didn't recognize him at first, approaching in the darkened forest.

I was looking for your cliffs, he explained, beaming. He stopped there because as much as he'd been planning to visit, he found he would rather stay. Just like with Avicus, there was no sudden and conscious shift... just a sense. And while, in Avicus, this feeling had made him nervous, here there was no Tulimaq. No looming competition, no Prophet or silent one to disapprove either. Here the bard felt inspired to play.

He hopped back and then lunged into a bow, then smiled at her with an open invitation.