His eye immediately went to the source of the rustle as his shoulders tensed, not quite the glance of a hunter, but that of a scout, of one who was used to trying to observe as much as possible without being observed in return. There was a distinct analytical look in the acidic green of his eyes, and his shoulders relaxed after only a second, as he deemed the sound a curiosity, rather than a danger.

"Language barriers are hardly insurmountable, even without magic. The sahagin spoke no human language when human sailors first encountered them, and yet humans eventually managed to reach accords with them."

He shook his head, absently scratching the jaw of the illusory dragon child.

"But I have encountered this concept of 'trophy hunting', in other worlds. The hearts of such men are clouded with a Darkness that was uncommon in Radiant Garden."

Was. Until he and his fellow apprentices, foolish as they were, invited it in.