"Of course you wouldn't know," Donovan smiled at the well-kept pet, taking his book gratefully and checking off his newest acquirement with a flourish of a quill. For as much as Fate channeled through the cleric, there was probably little he actually knew of the world. Donovan always appreciated his own freedom to explore, rarely bothered in his duties and never requested to do anything more.
The circle had disappeared, and with it the hum of magic that had grasped him in place. But it took a few moments for Donovan to shake it off, too stunned by anyone trying to stare him down. He wondered if the cleric was the singular most self-important human he'd met if he thought he could intimidate Death, but then his worth was plenty justified, considering. Finally he stepped away and back over to recollect the obediently waiting high priest, patting the spirit gently on the shoulder.
Spirits tended to follow him without needing too much instructing, and with barely a prod he and the priest were near the exit. "If this was a hoax, I'd probably have worn a silly mask and dressed my kestrel up like a unicorn. Rode it in just for show. Nah, this is just me doing my job and now I'm slightly behind on schedule. But I'll give Fate your regards. Or you can give Fate mine. Maybe put in a good word for me?" The last part was teasing, knew well enough that he'd probably be getting a stern warning from Fate at the least for annoying the cleric. But it had been worth it, and Fate had put him in a very low interaction job for a reason.
Pulling his hood back up, Donovan gave a small nod in departure before slipping through the walls with the priest. He'd be back soon enough.