On the one hand, Shrike would be perfectly justified in simply ending this conversation here and now, and he knows it. Aside from how strange this fellow is behaving, and the even stranger things he's saying, his... pet, or whatever it is, leaping at him would be sufficient grounds for him to leave. There are plenty of circumstances in which one might be obligated to continue to engage for all sorts of reasons, but at least one line has definitely been crossed, and it would reflect poorly on neither him nor his sovereign if Shrike refused to engage this nonsense further.
And yet, he hesitates to do so. The very strangeness of it all has piqued a certain curiosity. The sort that would doubtless continue to nag at him if he didn't at least try to find out what's going on. Not to mention, an introduction and name has been given; it wouldn't do not to at least return the courtesy. So instead he makes an effort to try to school his scowl into a more neutral expression to make a proper response.
"I am Shrike of the Yanchet, until recent Court Wizard to King Ferros of Saggrem, now Court Wizard and Consort to Queen Beredvyn of Nal."
Technically speaking, giving the titles was not strictly necessary. But Shrike's found doing so can be useful in discouraging certain... unwise behaviors some people might otherwise attempt. That, and he he wishes to see if this stranger at least recognizes something in them, for all that he seems to not yet still somewhat recognize Shrike himself.
the most socially sensible person in this group is a giant purple rat
And yet, he hesitates to do so. The very strangeness of it all has piqued a certain curiosity. The sort that would doubtless continue to nag at him if he didn't at least try to find out what's going on. Not to mention, an introduction and name has been given; it wouldn't do not to at least return the courtesy. So instead he makes an effort to try to school his scowl into a more neutral expression to make a proper response.
"I am Shrike of the Yanchet, until recent Court Wizard to King Ferros of Saggrem, now Court Wizard and Consort to Queen Beredvyn of Nal."
Technically speaking, giving the titles was not strictly necessary. But Shrike's found doing so can be useful in discouraging certain... unwise behaviors some people might otherwise attempt. That, and he he wishes to see if this stranger at least recognizes something in them, for all that he seems to not yet still somewhat recognize Shrike himself.