Xarithe does not hesitate to quickly douse the flames coming his way from the elf who though claiming to be his ally tended to spit nothing but venom in his direction since the moment he left the corrupted druid's belly. "Albali please!" he snaps "Though your concerns are well founded you fail to take into account of whom it is you are speaking." The large snake beside him hisses as it rears it's head back, threatening to attack the one whom had agitated it's master. A soothing caress from the druid sparing Albali the pain of her coils. "Have you forgotten that I myself am a shape shifter? Why then do you think I chose to include leaving my companion Sira along with her. Shape shifting will not shed the coils of a snake." the druid hisses in her direction "Furthermore, I, unlike the lot of you, am accustomed to carrying heavy loads. Do you think this snake to weigh nothing? Have you not noticed how it's presence on my body fails to hinder my progress in the slightest? Why then would you jump to the conclusion that such a slim figure such as Miria would impede my movements further?"<br/><br/>With the initial rush of irritation passed, Xarithe sighs, his eyes narrow as he begins to wonder "Or is it...could it possibly be...jealousy?" a smile gracing the edge of his lips. " It does seem to add up now doesn't it. Denying me the meal of the corrupt druid, patronizing me for my antics involving other women.... Why Albali I'm flattered." he closing the distance between them, to stand face to face with the wiry elf.Ignoring any pecks from Ain a quick flick  of his writs knocks back her hood revealing her face fully to him. His words hushed as he speaks only to her "Albali, I realize my methods may be infuriating....but I need you to realize I am left with very few options here, aside from killing her what else would you have me do?... I need you to trust me, or at the very least give me some credit......." Xarithe pauses solemnly, before following up with "When have I ever led you astray in the past hmm? Was it not I who lent my snake to serve as your body guard in our initial confrontation? Did I not lead us successfully through the forest to reach this destination? Have I not played a crucial roll in the planning and execution of each and every battle that we've taken part in?.... and tell me who was it that waded into battle unarmed, was bludgeoned by a naga's tail, all simply to chase after a delicious gnome for you?" he pauses, and smiles as warmly as he was able. Attempting to reach out and gently lift her chin, so that his hazel eyes could meet her own. " I appreciate you Albali, I do. It's humbling to know you're there to point out just how stupid, foolish, and reckless I am. But I cannot change it. I am Xarithe Blackscale, raised a servant to the notorious naga, Janice Blackscale." The look in his eyes leaves little doubt that the subject of his mistress was a painful one. Steering the conversation back towards Albali he continues "Albali, from the moment we met, I felt comfortable by your side. Your smart and quick witted, with a tongue as sharp as any serpents fang." he chuckles a little at this last comment as he would know that better than anybody. "And your magical prowess has been an absolute godsend.....but, unless the day comes where I can call you mistress, I ask that you take a moment to consider some of what I have said into consideration when next you decide to question my actions"<br/><br/>Having said his piece Xarithe nods, making his way back toward the captive kitsune. "and Albali...." he calls over his shoulder. "You look much better without the hood." he matter-of-factly points out, while reaching out to gently caress the shoulders of Miria.