[Bren found himself following this man, this beautiful stranger who had found him in the dark and made promises of safety and warmth and food. He'd read fairytales -- he'd read countless books -- and should know better than to trust fair-faced creatures in the nighttime woods and promises of gifts without payment. There was always some price to pay for anything, wasn't there?

Yet here he was regardless, in step beside the stranger and his horse. He cradled the cat close, focusing on the soothing sound of that purr les his anxiety get the better of him. This man, whoever he was, was not Trent Ikithon, and that made him the safer option by far.]

It has been a while since I have eaten. [Not since before the full moon. He'd been too busy running for his life.

When Essek commented on his clothes, he couldn't help a quiet laugh, looking down at himself.]

No? You do not like them? I suppose it leaves something to be desired. But it was better than wandering nude. That is frowned upon in polite society.