Gian was sure of it now: the fish could talk. He took a single step back from the party and cut his eyes to the side. "By Izurdin, a talking fish," he thought. Suddenly, and without warning, Gian Marco's concept of the world had changed drastically. "Animals are animals, they do not talk, especially not to beings of higher intellect." The Isur's steed, Baron, approached the party cautiously, also keenly aware that sea life did not belong on land and should not be able to talk. Gian Marco heard Baron snort behind him and he turned quickly to face him. His eyes narrowed and he began to inspect Baron's features, first with his eyes and then with his hands. He felt the horse's face slowly and deliberately, then pulled its lips apart and yanked its mouth open. Gian Marco stared into the horse's throat and then snapped its mouth shut. "If fish can talk. . ." the Isur thought. "No, no. Certainly not horses." He patted Baron's nose affectionately and smiled a broad smile. The horse squinted a look of priceless confusion at its master. Gian Marco turned back to face the girl and the fish, then grasped Baron's reins loosely. He wouldn't know where to begin communicating with a fish and, instead, looked at Cora. "I have crab at my camp," he pointed behind him. "Please join me if you like and, er-" he stumbled over his words "please invite your friend as well." He smiled at Eorar nervously and then turned, leading Baron back to his camp. |