“Well then, would you be offended if I said that didn't surprise me in the slightest?” His grin was merry and open whilst he leaned down to inspect a cart of assorted apples. It wasn't difficult to imagine Hermes being a force to be reckoned with after what he'd witnessed with the greasy shopkeeper – especially when the other shopkeepers feigned ignorance, yet kept a respectful distance from them all the same. However, what he did find somewhat surprising was the apparent age of his master; he must have been positively ancient. No wonder the name struck such a nerve. “Where there is a will, there is a way, and there is certainly a way about you.”
He plucked a few of the ripest red apples from the cart and carefully deposited them in his bag before reaching for another and presenting it to Hermes. “I've heard tomatoes make for a terrible breakfast.” Alcuin smiled graciously. “I am with Master Scott McCall now, of the Hale pack.”