<strong>Eshalu - Magna Sophia chapterhouse, en route to Commandant Vin's office</strong><br/><br/>Eshalu relented at Aeryn's instruction. She disengaged from her quarry, taking a couple of steps back and bringing her spear to a neutral, guard position, the point parallel rather than perpendicular to her stance. The sudden rush of the hunt had put her on alert. Her blood was racing and she fixed Tabetha with hungry, yet curious eyes. There was no cruelty or violent intent, merely the bemused expression of a hunting cat contemplating a gazelle, undecided whether it was prey or a simple distraction.<br/><br/>"Of course," Eshalu said when Aeryn chided her that Tabetha's presence was legitimate, "I apologise for my lack of understanding of your customs. It appears that your presence here is welcome." She gave Tabetha a conciliatory nod with a tilt of her head. Her gaze, though, remained fixed on the messenger, keenly observing for any muscular tension that may lead to sudden movement.<br/><br/>The sensation of Aeryn's hand on her back helped relax Eshalu. She found the gesture reassuring, a subtle communication that all was well and that she could allow her guard to fall to a lower state of alertness. That was a welcome respite. Being at the fullest state of preparedness required her full attention and would become unbearably tiring with the passing of the day.<br/><br/>"Lead and I will follow," she told Aeryn.