[A little late for that, metal lion. Though she recognizes the posture from most other felines - large and small - and relaxes her stance. Slightly.]

I saw one and grew curious myself. They started following and attracted this crowd. Satisfied?

[Hopefully he is, because she might be fascinated by him. He hadn't needed to spell it out to her for it to click in her head.]

You are a shapeshifter, yes? [How extraordinary.] That is a rare power, even amongst the mages of my world. Though why metal of all things?