[Whoa. Aqua startles slightly and leans back, unused to such direct scrutiny from so close up. He hasn't dealt with kids her age since--well, since his own childhood. He forgot what it's like to face that uninhibited earnestness.]

Uh. Thanks. [He even allows her a little smile before lifting a finger.] Remember, though: don't get too close to people you just met, okay? You don't know what they're comfortable with.

[Or how dangerous they might be. Anyway, looks like they're off to see the wizard...s who work at City Hall. He, too, stands and gently takes her offered hand.]

I don't think it's a story. Owl-san gave me one of those scrolls, too. It's more like... do you know what a contract is, Anne-Marie?

[He starts in the direction of City Hall, mindful of her shorter stride.]