Tense Standoff

John noticed the man frown as he approached, a questioning look appearing on his face. He looked towards Kirii who lounged nearby, unsurprisingly near Suri, no doubt receiving head pats moments before John arrived.

John shook his head at his companions' bizarre fixation on head pats, shifting his gaze back to the father of the two youths. The father still had a frown on his face, his gaze thoroughly inspecting John. It was a gaze similar to the one Thunderzen had given him when they had first met, an ancient, studious gaze.

"This is the boy you spoke of?" the father asked Luri, who nodded his head eagerly. The man turned his gaze back to John, his frown deepening.

"What's the meaning of this ruse you are trying to pull on my children?" the man asked, his deep voice filled with questioning doubt.