Erik's eyebrows shot up as the blade extended, even more impressed and intrigued than he'd been a moment before.

"Not a threat," he said dryly. "At least, not to you." He took another step closer, in part to illustrate how unperturbed he was by having a sword brandished at him, and in part to get a better look at how it worked. But the kid responded by stepping further back, looking wary and angry in equal measure.

"I'm not going to attack you," he said, a little impatient. "I've a sense, an affinity for metal. I couldn't help noticing. My apologies for intruding." He stepped back as if to leave, then added, "You might want to avoid waving that sword around to everyone you meet. You'll find some sparring partners, I'm sure, but you'll scare the hell out of the cleaning ladies."