Moonsong Glacier One must have a mind of winter

The woman startled, and Dutch reeled back a fraction in time with her. His brows rose at the unintelligible cry, and he was relieved when the next words she spoke were — well. Recognizable as words.

"There is no need to apologize," he replied, taking pity on the sylph and further gentling his tone. She was only small, and still quite young by his measure. He couldn't imagine her being much of a threat to them.

Still. He would've liked to hear word before catching scent. He would have to excuse her for her relative youth and probable inexperience — later on, he might admit to himself that it was his own state of mind that'd contributed most to his pique.

"Then why do you come?" he asked her. "I will grant you safe passage, if our claim stands in your path."