Arven chanced a glance round at the fireplace, where Miss Kozlova had evidently caught the gaze of a very disapproving family. Arv smiled slightly as he returned his attentions to Miss Kozlova. He wasn't surprised by her family's admonishing expressions, but nobody had warned him against corrupting the young.

While she'd asked for his most interesting story, that was quite the ask, and this was not his most interesting story. But it was the one that clashed the most with their current situation, and thus, he thought, the one she'd enjoy the most.

"Ah, well our hero in this story is Antonia the jaguar, not the fool with the outstretched hand. But for one wild moment it looked like they might become allies. For while the monkeys hastily dispersed, the jaguar approached very slowly, her teeth sheathed and her yellow eyes steady. The fool did not move; he was steady too. Hand still outstretched, even as Antonia came closer, closer... until her maw very nearly touched his fingers. It was a magical moment he'd never forget.

And then, of course, she changed her tact. In a sliver of a second, the jaguar slammed her jaws down on the hand, digging in her fangs and growling furiously. Luckily, her meal was not just a fool — he was also a wizard, and had ensured his wand was in his other hand. And I'm sure you can think of all manner of spells that can unchomp a jaguar from your hand."