"A fugitive?" He muttered, the shield-maiden parroted him around the corner. He should doubt her, he would, but the nose does not lie. Her fear is strong, even from where Laszlo sits outside the alley. Two uses of the stone for nothing. Maybe not, after all the girl's an easy target, perhaps carrying a few magical goods. Then again, given an immediate threat, the distant one of mage's enforcers might go out the window. The prospect of writhing in the alley, growing back flesh for an hour flicked through his mind. No, if she won't fall for granny, then he'll have to cut this one loose for now. He nodded again, and she spoke,<br/><br/>"Your road is a hard one, young lady. You need not fear the Strati here girl, but Ai is no friend to mages. So I extend a courtesy, one outlaw to another, my name is Siriel, and if you have need of a guide, I am at your service."<br/><br/>The old woman bowed, and Laszlo waited.