In a fluid motion, the man outstretched his hand to Lugh.
Lugh merely stared at it, unmoving, unreadable behind the veil that masked his face.
An awkward silence settled in the air like dust refusing to fall. Isolde nudged him sharply with her elbow.
"It's a handshake"
She whispered.
"I know"
Lugh replied simply.
"So no handshake?"
The man asked, voice still light, but curiosity flickering beneath.
Lugh gave no reply.
The man chuckled dryly, raising the same hand to scratch the back of his neck. His voice turned slow, layered with intent.
"I heard a priest here ran mad not too long ago. Claimed he saw demons."
"Sorry to interrupt"
Isolde cut in briskly, stepping forward, her tone dismissive but edged.
"But we have to go."
She reached for Lugh's hand, ready to lead him away, but the man halted them with nothing but his voice.
It was no longer affable. It was cold, hollow and heavy.
"What do you hope to achieve by coming here... to the Church of Ember Creed?"
