It was something of a relief to know that he wouldn't be expected to memorize the entirety of the passages in one day. Even if he was confident in his sense of direction, the passages were a winding maze that would take more than a few tries to solve. Emris had to mentally prepare himself to go back through and catching Bazel's smile, he hesitated. Up until that moment he'd thought he'd managed to keep his discomfort fairly concealed, which only had him worrying at what else he hadn't done so well at hiding.<br/><br/>The second time through the passages Emris found it not as bad, the illuminating glow of the candle helped some; that and trailing his fingers along the cool stone as they walked kept the worst of his anxiety at bay; the walls couldn't suddenly close in if he could feel them. Maybe not the best rationale, but it helped. Not to mention, paying attention to where they were going and the Prince as he explained which passages he'd most likely use, didn't leave much time for worrying.<br/><br/>In the kitchen, he found himself almost stepping forward to take the knife away from the man. But he stayed where he was, unsure and not willing to find out what might happen if he intervened. Distantly he made a note to check for fingers in his food. The thought of which chilled him as he watched the vacant stares, thinking that if not for the stone hanging around his neck, he likely could end up like one of them.<br/><br/>Back in the tunnels, he was almost relieved to be back in that enclosed space. Better than being around the people...puppets back in the kitchen. He noticed that he wasn't the only one affected by it, though he didn't know exactly what had suddenly upset the Prince and he didn't ask, just kept a mindful eye on the winding passages.<br/><br/>Stepping outside, he finally felt that he could breathe again. And to think he hadn't been that thrilled being outside when he'd first arrived. Though the Prince's next words had a flash irritation running through him.<br/><br/>Leave. Why did everyone expect him to leave? He knew that the Prince was only looking out for his well-being but it made no difference. He understood the risks when he agreed to help the man. He started to say something when the sudden barking drew his attention to the fast approaching canine. Remembering the Prince mentioning that he didn't like dogs, he looked over to the man just in time to see the Prince throw himself onto his horse's back. In any other instance Emris might've found the reaction funny, but there wasn't anything funny about a snarling dog.<br/><br/>He actually blinked in surprise watching the sudden change in the canine when it noticed him and despite his wariness, he smiled, reaching down to pet him. "Saber's a good name for a good boy," smiling he ruffled the dog's ears before heading down the path. The prince hadn't been exaggerating when he said dogs didn't like him. Emris had assumed in the context of the Prince simply not being a fan of the creatures, but if Saber was any proof, dogs really didn't like the other man. To the point of aggression. It was strange and he didn't understand it. What was it about the other man that caused such hostile reaction in the dog? He seemed to get along just fine with other animals, or at least horses from Emris had seen.<br/><br/>Just as Bazel had said it would be Emris came upon the dog pen easy enough, the lock on the gate knocked free of it's latch. Ushering the dog into the pen, he scratched behind his ears, "I'll try and visit while I'm here, but I make no promises.." With a parting pet, he stepped out of the pin, making sure to secure the latch before returning to the stables.<br/><br/>With the danger gone, he couldn't hide the trembling smile that was bordering on a laugh, "I'm sorry," he said, unable to stop the chuckle that escaped past his lips, "I understand its not funny, but you're reaction was...memorable."