[ That loft of brow is met and matched with an inquisitive cant of head; a smile which surfaces in response to both the paladin's bemused pause and the words (dutifully chosen and equally thoughtful) which follow in its wake. Has Gabranth ever received such a declaration before? Unlikely, given the man's austere bearing; his propensity for assuming the role of guardian, and yet... there is something in his acknowledgement of Sion (amiss, Gabranth had said) which is a departure from militant gravitas and a hair's breadth closer to something by far more gentle.

Ah. ]

I should hope not. [ —he hums in idle agreement, golden eyes falling downcast to survey the terrain before them, looking for signs of trails and of runs; indicators that coeurl may be near. ] Though I am certain I could not rival you in field experience...

[ And there it is: a worn pathway in the grass, likely leading to watering or bedding area, the size of it accommodating for a large feline. ]

...in a way, we have been equalized, now holding the status of novices even in once familiar professions.

[ Following the hollow of the trail, fingertips just brushing against the blades of grass, Sion gestures forward!: ]

This way! [ And look! There he goes, darting ahead, stave removed from its place at his back in anticipation of what they might find. ]