The shouting and taunting didn't urge Dumitri to move any faster. Oh no, he kept his solid, casual pace through the ever growing, bullying, and angry crowd. As Conner drew closer to him though and the protestors seemed to be advancing upon the young man, he reached out to slip his arm around his shoulders and bring him in closer. It was like a wing to protect the innocent, if one would and he stared daggers at anyone who threatened to pull Conner away from him. There wasn't a threat in his eyes, but a promise that he would kill them, and most likely get away with it too.<br/><br/>Once they were beyond the crowd he would release Conner and consider his earlier questions.  One of his hands slipped into a pocket as the other remained fastened to the cane and he limped along with a little less grace now that he didn't feel the need to be as intimidating or on guard. "Well," he considered telling him the truth. He knew that pendent... he knew this boy from years past. Maybe now wasn't the time for it though. His logic and reasoning went out the window when he saw the pendant, impulse buying was never a good move, but he knew this boy was good and wholesome, trustworthy.<br/><br/>"I need a young man that I can rely on. Who won't give away my secrets and will remain loyal. I like having slaves around for a multitude of reasons, but your job, primarily will be a bit of light labor. I may send you off on errands, as you can see walking around for me is not especially comfortable. so it is easier to send a messenger. I also am at the end of my current occupation and will need to find a different means of income." He frowned, hating to admit it. This trade had come to its end. "With that said," he looked over to Conner, "It would be great to have loyal companion to help me through such a grand transition. I may also want to do combat from time to time... how do you fair in fighting boy?"