He's very still as it passes by, scarcely breathing; attentive to what it's saying but part of that's to determine whether or not to bolt. His usual animation returns as its footsteps recede, and he leans over to retrieve his staff. Their wishes and desires shaping our goals and behavior, oh--as if he needed any further confirmation of the thing's nature.

This is what you want; this is what you brought to this space. Embrace it, mage, the beast had said, with eyes and wings all about. Take what's yours by right.

"Somehow I'm not surprised none of you have much imagination," he says, rising from his seat. "Are there any limits on what you'll do for," to, "your host?"