Seist listened quietly, blank incomprehension on his face at the mention of America. It was apparent he knew as much about that land as they knew of his. However, at the mention of dragons, Seist's composure changed entirely. His head snapped up and his eyes went impossibly wide. His hand fell to his sword hilt and spasmed reflectively around the grip. Even the air around the three seemed to go cold until Seist managed to inhale and calm himself. Things returned to normal then and the priest seemed to relax a bit, although his shoulders remained tight and the strain of worry was evident in his eyes.
"Best we avoid the dragons for now, I think," he said dryly, "They may not look too kindly upon me if they knew my homeland, and if they are dragons from my world... I have no desire to be enslaved. Although, I would know all you can tell me about them. I am sworn to one of their kind and they might honor that oath." He grimaced. "Or not. I was never too certain on the details of that bargain. Oh, twins, I am truly in over my head this time..."
He swept the coins off the table and replaced them in his pouch. What he set out next on a table was directly in front of Shun, a tiny gem the color of blood.
"Ruby," Seist said evenly, "For information about this person without the reason for desiring it. My secrets are my own, friend, and if you cannot accept my bribe without the reasons behind it than we are at an impasse." Then he smiled slyly. "Besides, what is this person to you to protect? You are a stranger here too, are you not?"
