Modya was sweating now, mainly due to the heat.  "I must say, you're not making a very good impression so far.  You lose your temper too easily.  And do you think direct confrontation is the only way to do things?  There is value in subtlety.  If you can not understand that, then we have no business."  He gave a subtle nod to the shadowy figure.<br/>The blade of the sword seemed to shrink, although a close examination would show that it was being drawn into the shadow hilt first.  When the sword had completely vanished, so did the shadow.<br/>The figure reappeared from Modya's shadow, completely hidden from sight by his stature.  They grabbed their shoulder and pulled the shadow from their body, sweeping it over Modya like a cloak in a sleight of hand trick.  As they whipped it around, Audrice caught a brief glimpse of pale, slender limbs and long green hair before the darkness curled back around their body.<br/>All this had transpired in a fraction of a second; Modya had disappeared, leaving Audrice alone with the shadow.<br/><br/>Modya scowled as he picked himself up.  Did she really have to drop him into her room?  It was probably easiest, the place he was most familiar with, but she kept it so dark in here, and he couldn't find the walls, let alone the door, short of walking into them.  Also, she kept the floor littered with candles.  Even if he managed not to trip on them, he knew he would knock some over and break others while looking for the way out.