He smiles again, the cat nestling into his arms. "Indeed, it is."

When she mentions leaving, he takes a step forward. "Not at all. Please, come in. I so rarely have company other than my cats." He gives a soft chuckle. "I suppose you could say this is my castle, now, yes. Apparently long-abandoned ones are on sale."

Oh, but his voice, a cultured tenor, is so enticing. Clad in old-fashioned robes, he looks every inch the alchemist they say he is. He extends a hand, clearly inviting her into his home.