Out of the corner of her eye, Khepri noticed a figure burst out from the entrance of the Big Top, quick enough that it almost seemed as if they would collide. She, for her own part, was prepared to twist out of the way only to be surprised by the man's quick reflexes. The snake coiled around her shoulders and neck tensed and she clucked her tongue at the reptile, more mocking than soothing. Their relationship was not built on motherly compassion nor was it going to ever lead down that path; Khepri was just as likely to one day devour her companions as she was to care for them, a fate of which all of them were well aware.
At his predictable question, her smile widened just a little more and she tilted her head ever to minutely to the side. "Cobras are more afraid of their surroundings than we can be afraid of them." While highly capable animals in their own right, cobras were more reactive and defensive than overtly aggressive. Even their hoods were designed for intimidation in the hopes of preventing a fight. Corner one, however... that is a much different story. There were exceptions to every rule, but the cobra she wore like a living necklace was certainly terrified of her and respected her authority. It was also unable to injure her even if it wanted to.
"Does he scare you?" The man didn't seem the type to be easily frightened, but looks could always be deceiving. Once or twice since she had signed, she had been astounded by the bravery of a small girl and amused by the cowardice of a man who professed an unshakable bravado.