He flinched back as the black owl landed before them, blinking and staggering back a couple quick steps. For a moment he felt caught out--his backfired magic had him off-balanced, no shield prepared, no-... Ahh. It wasn't attacking them.
All right, then.
He gave Mercurius a gentle nod of gratitude--a tad delayed--at the rush of magic that flowed his way. He reached his nose out to touch the lion's--and then shook his head, a little.
After a moment he turned, pacing out with the white lion by his side, with a weary but satisfied tread.
exit Pride