Well, he was hesitating. On one hand, he wanted to know what in the world was going on here. On the other hand, he was disturbed enough by the lack of presence that the elf had had -- or that he hadn't had? -- that he was no longer all that eager to head right inside.

Another few seconds' pause, and he sighed heavily, finally turning to head out of the courtyard, back toward the forest. At least it was close by; he stopped there near the trees, eyeing them, then looked back to the castle. Turned back to the trees.... Apparently something else was wrong here as well, given his frown. "The forest doesn't feel right either...."

That shield of his was staying out, for now. Just on general principle.