The Silver Queen [AU]

[Jessica Alton]

Jessi eeps softly and goes utterly still. This close, Vigile can hear her heart rate spike to a speed that's way about what's healthy for a human. Either she's about to have a heart attack or she's another race. Or both.

[GamesMaster]

He frowns, his tail twitching. "Are you alright, miss?"

[Jessica Alton]

Her scent turned sweetly sour with fear, she inclines her head downwards a little to protect her neck and allow her to watch Vigile somewhat out of the corner of her eye. 

[GamesMaster]

"...Miss?" he asks, concerned. He takes a few steps backward, onto thin air. 

[Jessica Alton]

Jessi shudders, finally taking a breath. "I- don't-" She steps back as well, getting some more distance, and turns so she's able to see him squarely. "I... please don't..." She struggles to find the words, her brain screaming PREDATOR! PREDATOR NEAR YOUR THROAT! over and over again.

[GamesMaster]

His ears flatten back against his head, and he looks chagrined. "I apologize if I startled you. It is my habit to sit near those I am protecting."

[Jessica Alton]

Jessi nods weakly. "Sorry, I just..." She bites her lip. "I guess I'm just... a little, umm, skittish?" She winces on the word, glancing away. "Please don't be offended?"

[GamesMaster]

"I'm not at all offended, merely concerned. Is... someone hurting you, miss?"

[Jessica Alton]

"What? I- now, not." She musters a trembling smile. "Not anymore. The Captain saved me." She shakes her head a little. "But it wasn't... about that. Just..." Jessi bites her lip, then tries to keep it light by saying, "your growl isn't the only thing that's fierce, not when it's so close to my j- face."

[GamesMaster]

"I assure you, I mean you no harm," he says, hesitantly. 

[Jessica Alton]

"I figured. I mean, I know. It-" Jessi shrugs a little. "Just... instinct. Sorry."

[GamesMaster]

"Is it... alright if I sit on your shoulder?" asks Vig, taking a step toward her again.

[Jessica Alton]

"..." Jessi bites her lip, then nods. "Just... warn me? It was mostly the... well, it looked like you were lunging for..."

[GamesMaster]

"My apologies." Mortals are so unobservant -- my butt wiggled a full two seconds before I leapt, some part of him protests. He walks gingerly onto her shoulder, turning to face the sleeping Lady Coquette. "I shall protect you if any misunderstanding occurs."

[Jessica Alton]

"Thank you Bright Vigile," Jessi says politely. "Umm. Anything... anything I should know or... not do or say?"