...Well, that was new. Devin was completely unaccustomed to this kind of magic, but he showed no sign of fear or worry. Rather than run immediately, however, he tapped one of the artifacts with interest.

Crosses had never given him cause for bother. "Fascinating," he murmured.

Valdis putting herself between them is yet another unexpected move; he's not worth anyone getting hurt for. "I've no quarrel with you," Devin called, still keeping his posture relaxed and open. "And it seems we share a common hatred for my species."