A Crown of Scales

@ ashen knight;

Victoria smiled widely as she looked over at the older gypsy. She went through her future, which most of it was rather vague or very obvious. Though even so, she was very interested in what was being told. Maybe they couldn't tell her much about what could happen, but just thinking about what her future held was entertaining enough for Victoria. Though as they continued to the end of the reading, Victoria became more confused as the woman started to say things that didn't quite line up.

"For you, princess, I see...two paths. Two futures. One is easy to see, the other is hidden in a blur. I can not see one, but the other..." The woman let out a large gasp. "Oh...blood covers you. Heads of scales and thorns adorn your husband's walls....A name?" She was quiet for a moment as closed her eyes harder. "The....huntress and the hunter." She whispered. Though suddenly, the woman's eyes flew open and she looked to Nikola. They harden as she looked at him.

"Anguis diaboli." The woman spat at him. "Ut dependeat in eo capite in domum tuam." Which roughly translated to 'Devil snake (AKA Dragon). May your head hang in my home." The old woman spit on Nikola before tuning to the princess, quickly bowing to her before heading off. Leaving Victoria in total confusion. Her head tilted to the side a little before she looked up at her escort. "What did she say to you?" Victoria asked him, her eyes wide.

@ BearGirl

He had heard enough to suddenly become aware of his own heartbeat. What? This sounded familiar...somehow. he glanced at Victoria, wondering what sort of husband would come and hang scales and thorns on his wall. Scales? He grew wary of the gypsy and her words. It bothered him, the way it reminded him of an ancient tale a wizard told him that had spread like wildfire among all creatures mythical, among all creatures once feared and worshipped - now forgotten. The end of their race.

He didn't have long to ponder and recall it for suddenly the gypsy was glaring and cursing at him. At first, Nikola was shocked but there was amusement in his eye too. Her hate was immense. The rest of the gypsy pack also gave him an evil eye before following their leader. Nikola watched them go and calmly turned to follow the princess.

"Nothing for a princess' ears to hear. Foul derogratries." He smiled, seeking unaffected. Aside from witches, gypsies and alike somehow knew who he was. He was more impressed the gypsy didn't outright tell Victoria he was a dragon or prophesize that her escort would eat her - not that Nikola planned to. No, while he was slightly disheartened he had no impact on her life enough to make it into a future reading, he knew that it was better. He would earn his gold and he on his way back to pillaging and being a sell sword, charging more so now that he had served the Princess and had that nder his belt.

"May I have my time off tonight?" He asked, hoping that she in her good mood would allow it. It was almost time anyway.

@ ashen knight;

Victoria shook her head a Nikola a little, wishing that he would just outright tell her what the gsypy said. Though at the same time, she was too busy trying to make sense of the future the woman had given her. It all sounded so strange. And why would she want a husband who would do that her the walls of her castle? How did hunting come into play with all of this? She let out a sigh before looking up at Nikola as he continued to speak.

"Yes you may." Victoria told him. She had promised that Nikola would get his time off as so, and so far she had kept to that promise. There was really no reason to have Nikola truly hanging around her 24/7, even with the attacks. Besides she wasn't too sure how useful he would be with the way that his arm was. "We can leave you in the town once I head up to the estate. We will leave a horse for you too."

(Sorry that it is short. I didn't know what else to do)

[IM TIRED OF BEING SICK DX]

"Thank you," Nikola bowed his head, and once they returned after their small trip around the village, he set off in exploration and adventure, with the quest to find the witch. It was difficult to track down her location, and he knew that coming empty handed to a witch would be his last mistake, and also the last thing he would ever do. Death was imminent. That or he would find himself heavily maimed.
Nikola followed the small trace he smelled cat. And suddenly it made all sense. The fur around the witch's neck was not a cloth, it was a cat. Witches and cats were very friendly. But this one... He stepped forward around the corner and locked eyes with it. The cat innocently meowed.

A struggle and some wild goose chase, and an hour later, Nikola stood on the porch of the witch's home, secluded from the rest of the village and shaby and dark looking. Classic. He knocked firmly on the door, and the witch rustled and fussed behind it, before an annoyed voice said, "Go away."

"I'm here on business." Nikola shook a small purse in one hand and the coins clinked. He saw the witch's shadow move by the window. "I'll pay."
"Leave!"
"No."
He sensed the tension, but finally the door opened and the woman glared at him. "What do you want, snake?"

Nikola smiled softly, and raised his other hand, lifting the cat he held by the scruff. "You will help me. Or I will turn your lover into a cloth for my feet."

The cat thrashed, the witch scowled, but one look at the unfortunate cat, she gave in and with a huff stepped aside. "Make it quick."
Nikola walked in and set the cat down. It shook, and darted into the shadows, where he then heard some growling and hissing. The witch followed closely, and paced around her fire where she was boiling some soup. "What is it?"

"A curse."

The witch turned around and looked at him, clearly surprised. "You want me to curse someone?"
"No, I want you to take it off."
"From whom?"
"Me."
The witch set down her spoon and came closer to Nikola, studying him. She lifted her hand and put it to his forehead, and for a while she stood still. Then with a sigh she withdrew. "I cannot."

She started to turn around, but Nikola grasped her hand and forced her to face him. Whatever hope he had, now fled and drained. "I will pay."
"I cannot as in I cannot take it off, money or not." She snatched her hand away. "I am a witch, but that curse is beyond my capabilities. That, however," She gestured to his injured arm, "I can."

Nikola slumped back into the chair and covered his eyes in frustration, and slid his hand down his face, "Do you know who can?"
The witch shrugged, "The one who put it on."
"She won't. Or rather, she can't."
The woman raised a brow questioningly, and Nikola chuckled lightly, "I ate her."
"You're an idiot." No, he wasn't going to argue that. In his rage and anger he had eaten the witch - dragons didn't think much, they reacted - without a thought.

There was a shuffle behind them, and the witch looked up. Out of the shadows stepped a young man, barely the age of sixteen. He was hairless, and his hair raven black, and his eyes a golden brown. Nikola looked at the werecat boy. So young. The boy shot Nikola a hateful look and disappeared into another room, rubbing the back of his neck.

The next hour, Nikola spent in silence as the witch worked to ease the work of iron on him. She healed it best she could, and tried to dull the pain though Nikola had suspicions that she did not do it as best she could, in her hate for him and vengeance for his manhandling of her lover. He paid a hefty sum of gold and left feeling lighter and not all that better. He headed to the grand house in the centre of the village, the one clearly where the main guy lived, and found his room after some blundering. He wondered if he would be needed for the night, if the princess would send for him.

@ BearGirl

{You can start the ball/party? :D}

@ ashen knight;

A few days later, Victoria and her escorts were finally at the last village. Though this one in particular was one they were spending a few days at. The family was close to her father, and they had a son that the King thought could be a potential suitor. However, it was also so Victoria could get a bit of a better understanding of some of the kingdom's goods. Unlike many of the villages, this area was a full and bustling town. It wasn't as large or as busy as the capital, but close to it. The first day they arrived, they headed into town to look around and for Victoria to meet her people. The second day, they Victoria was brought to some of the work areas to get a better understanding of the materials made in the town, being escorted by the noble and his son.

With it being her last night, the nobleman was going to host a party in honor of her. Something that the nobles often did when royalty came to visit - especially when they had potential suitors in the family. Though this party was much different that the others. It was grander. More people arrived, clearly more money spent, and everything was simply extravagant.

Victoria came in a little after the party had officially started, which was the proper thing for her to do as a royal guest. And, as she entered, the young suitor, Lord Morgan, offered her a dance. Soon they were spinning around the ballroom for several songs. It was clear that the young man was trying his best to woo the princess. Keeping her close to him, whispering while he could. Though Victoria was not quite falling for it. With having so many suitors chase after her, it was easy to become immune to the typical moves.

Once she was finally brought off of the dance floor, Victoria smiled warmly at him before quickly slipping away from the drink table. The young nobleman seemed unsure until he was suddenly intercepted by another guest. With a little breath of relief, Victoria picked up her drink and took a little sip. It was likely that she only had a little while until lord Morgan tried to come back and steal her away again.

@ BearGirl

He had taken to the walls to stand by and watch over the guests. His eye followed Victoria as she waltzed about the hall. She did not seem very comfortable or pleased with the situation but - he guessed - she had to cope with it. Being royalty and all. Across from him there were some giggling girls who would try to catch his eye now and then and when he glanced to them, they would blush and hide their faces with their fans, beating them rapidly but lightly with their slender arms and milky skin. He paid them little attention but did now and then send half a smile to them. For his entertainment.

Additionally, the attire he wore was... something he insisted he could fight in, but still elegant enough so that he did not stick out like a sore thumb amongst the dressed royalties. When Victoria came off the floor, he sifted through the crowd towards her, keeping in her close proximity. He did not say anything as he slid in to a space behind her, unseen and quiet, keeping his distance. It was then he observed a familiar figure stalking through the crowd behind the Lord who hosted the party. The Lord came up to the princess and bowed before her (the young copy of him did the same). "Your Highness, it is an honor for you to have accepted our invitation. I hope the music is to your likes, and the wine to your taste." He straightened and stepped to the side a little to reveal his son - who was in fact, the very same man Victoria had danced with earlier. He seemed awkward as his father spoke, "My son, Morgan, though I feel you have already met. I saw you dancing together." He grinned a little and patted his son's shoulder. "What do you think, your Highness, is he a fit dancer?" A joke, he laughed softly. Morgan looked like he would wish to escape the place, and looked away from the princess to land his eyes on her bodyguard standing a while behind her. The two recognized each other.

"I apologize for Morgan's interruption by another guest. I hope you can speak to him freely now, it would be an honour to acquaintance the two of you. You are of similar age." He bowed his head this time and before the princess would have time to change her mind or make any reasonable argument against Morgan's staying by her side for the while, quickly disappeared.

"What a surprise," Nikola mumbled quietly - more so to himself.

@ ashen knight;

Victoria let out a small sigh as the lord ran off before she was able to answer at all. It was actually quite rude of him to ask her a few questions and then disappear before she could respond. However, unfortunately, Victoria was quite used to this when it came to suitors. The suitor - or the people around them - tended to be less concerned with manners when there was a prospective of a royal marriage. At least Morgan was not rude by any means, just odd.

She looked back at Nikola for a moment, wanting to see what dumb look he had on his face now. A smirk? A knowing glance? Or somehow something even more irritating than either of those options. Though, surprisingly, all she caught Nikola doing was talking to himself. Men. They never could just give her what she expected.

Looking back at Morgan, Victoria gave him a gentle smile. He really did seem to be a nervous boy. She set down her wine glass on the table. "You really do not need to try and amuse me for your father's benefit. If there is someone else you rather be talking to, I assure you, I can take care of myself." Victoria told him, perhaps a bit too bluntly. But she did not want to be hanging around all night with a boy that clearly had no idea what he was doing.

@ BearGirl

Morgan blinked at her. Her words were blunt, no doubt about it. Perhaps, she even saw him as a lesser - his being not only lesser in rank but in age too. That was fine. He had other love interests. Sadly, also older than him but alas what could he do. He straightened, at the least to save some dignity and said, "If I could leave with haste to spare you my presence, I would do so, however it is not fated in my father's eyes. It is fated in his eyes that I court you." His gaze slowly slipped off her and to the side, lost amidst the crowd, "However both of us do not desire it. I would ask only that you tolerate my presence a little longer, and appear interested in my words," he feigned a smile, "So that my father who watches from across the room thinks we are on good terms."

Nikola audibly scoffed. Perhaps a little too loud. Morgan flicked him a sharp glare, before extending his hand to the princess and bowing his head lightly, in a soft voice asking, "At least this once, may I have this dance?" He peeked at her from under his dark hair, a cheeky smile gracing his lips, "I assure you, I am very good, please do not be concerned."

@ ashen knight;

Victoria's head snapped back at Nikola as a scoff came from his direction. Her eyes narrowed at him. Surely, by now, Nikola knew better to be acting this way in front of any nobleman. Even one younger than both of them. She did not want to have to give him a lesson in manners but Victoria would do so if necessary.

As Morgan bowed in front of her, Victoria's attention turned back to him. She had no problems dancing with him for his father's benefit. Doing so would hopefully make the lord relaxed for the rest of the night. And there really was no reason to be concerned about his ability to dance. Any proper Lord would have his sons taught well. Balls were important and so was courting.

"Yes, you may." Victoria gave Morgan a light smile as she placed her hand in his. "And I can assure you that your presence is not a bother." It was not that she hated the boy. It was just clear that this was not going to work and Victoria did not like it when things were pushed on her. Though, she followed Morgan out onto the floor. Hopefully, he is as good of a dancer as he says he is.

@ BearGirl

At her words, Morgan's eyes narrowed in satisfaction, akin to a cat who enjoyed its treatment, and the small sound he emitted was almost too alike to a purr. He turned with the princess hand in his to lead her to the dance floor, but not before he could escape Nikola's teasing.

"I shall remain here, your Highness, lest I be distracted by the food."
Morgan sensed nothing of it, and added casually, "I'm sure you would find it to your taste."

Nikola's eyes narrowed in a smug look, "Purr-haps."

The corner of Morgan's brow twitched inwards and his breath hitched, but only for a moment. He said nothing, but marched straight out into the crowd, leading the princess quickly but gently into the crowd of dancers. There he placed an arm around Victoria's waist and gently lifted her other hand with his own before falling to the rhythm of the music. To say Morgan was a good dancer would be an understatement. With his cat-traits, he was light, quick and sure on his feet, and moved with an elegant pace and breeze, almost as if he were sliding along. He didn't say anything during the dance, only allowed them both to silently enjoy the music.

@ ashen knight;

Before Victoria truly had a chance to react to Nikola's statement, Morgan was already bringing her out onto the dance floor. The interaction between them felt rather odd to her. Though as to why Nikola decided to purr at the boy was beyond her knowledge. Maybe they knew each other? Maybe Nikola was stirring up problems like he always did?

As Morgan's hand slipped into hers, Victoria's thoughts quickly changed courses. Time to dance. When the music started, Victoria laid her hand on top of his shoulder. Soon they were moving to the rhythm and Morgan was moving absolutely flawlessly. She had to admit that this was rather impressive. The boy definitely knew how to move his feet and his partner just right. A light smile came over her features as she realized it. Now this was just what she needed.

@ BearGirl

They danced for a while longer before the tempo changed and suddenly people were switching partners. Morgan seized the chance. He stayed with her a little while longer, then caught sight of a man making a small gesture. He understood. "It was a pleasure. Alas, there seems to be someone interested in dancing with you. I hope you forgive me." Morgan smiled and twirled her, letting go off her hand to smoothly transition her to the next partner.

Said partner being Dain. He caught her into his embrace and gently moved her into the next step. "Good evening, your Highness." He brought her hand to his lips and gave it a small polite greeting kiss, waltzing her on. He was dressed elegantly, and although the smell of some light and pleasant cologne wafted about him, the scent of air and wilderness and horse lingered underneath. His eyes were bright, and his posture straight, and his step sure and certain, but there was a little air of slight weariness. He had clearly come from the road not long ago. In fact, he arrived here just this afternoon. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

@ ashen knight;

Surprise flashed over Victoria's features as she suddenly found herself in Knight Dain's arms. This was not what she was expecting in the least. She had to stop herself from outright blurting out to ask why he was here. It was quite disappointing to see him, but luckily she was able to hide that from her features and instead smile lightly at him. Why must he be so insistent? Always keeping his eye on her, chasing after her like a puppy. Surely even he was beginning to tire of this.

"Good evening, knight Dain." Victoria laid her hand onto his shoulder and pressed her hand a little more into his to move herself more so into proper dancing form. The surprise of seeing Dain had caused her to lack in her dance etiquette. Though, thankfully, Victoria had managed to not miss a single step. "I am quite enjoying myself, thank you. Though if you do not mind me asking, what caused you to come tonight?"

It was clear that Knight Dain had just arrived here earlier today. He smelled of woods and horse, and he even moved as though he had been on a long ride. Though why did he come? Had he been invited by the lord? Was there something going on at home? Or was he just being his annoying self and chasing after her again? "There is not anything wrong at home, is there?"

@ BearGirl

Dain smiled gently down at her. "There are no problems at home, except one. You are not there." He gave her a brilliant charming smile. Such words would probably have been charming and lovely from a husband or lover. Regardless, they were a clear flirt.

They waltzed a little more, and he twirled her, catching her again before continuing. "I heard there had been assassination attempts on you. That's unnerving. The news has been spreading. I came here on my own will, and with your fathers permission, to escort you for the rest of the journey." His eyes narrowed for a moment, and his tone acquired a slight edge, "I am aware you have a bodyguard, however, in times like this it is better to have more than one, lest something go amiss." Or the bodyguard betrays.

He left the last bit unspoken. His eyes flicked from Nikola (whom he found in the crowd on the side) back to Victoria and smiled lightly. It was awfully warm here. He smiled to her again. "Would you care for a refreshment and a walk in the gardens? I heard the Lord here has excellent mazes."

@ ashen knight;

Despite Dain's many, many flaws, there were two things that Victoria did kind of admire him for and that was his loyalty and his determination. No matter how many times Victoria had tried to let the knight down gently, he always came after her with the same hope and tenacity he had from the start. While she never would marry him, Victoria hoped that she could keep him as a loyal knight - maybe even a better position if he could ever get rid of this crush. So, instead of responding to his first statement, Victoria decided to move on.

"Yes, unfortunately we have come across people attempting to kill me." She said with a small sigh. "Luckily Nikola has been able to end the danger before they were able to succeed. Though, I agree, it is a good idea to have another bodyguard the rest of the way home. It is easier to get to me while we are on the road than it is at the palace. So, thank you for escorting me back Dain."

Once the song had ended, Victoria moved off of the dance floor with him. Did she really want to be alone in the gardens with Dain? No. She preferred to keep their time alone as minimal as possible. Victoria sometimes easily grew annoyed with Dain and she did not want to get his hopes up even more than they already were. However, the knight did ride all the way to the palace to escort her home and she could tell he needed to get away from the ball. So, she gave him a small nod.

"Yes, lets head out to the gardens. Though promise me we will not get lost in the maze." Victoria joked lightly. Heading over the to refreshment table, they picked up a drink before heading outside.

@ BearGirl

Inwardly, Dain winced at the mention of Nikola. The humiliation pulled on him, Dain, the best knight of all knights, was a deep wound and unlikely to heal anytime soon. If Dain could have a say in anything, he would say that Nikola was bad news, and at best a serpent laying in wait in a garden of flowers, ready to strike. And he would be right, about the serpent part at least.

However, he was glad that the presence of Nikola didn't deter Victoria from taking on another bodyguard. He needed no coin from her, his loyalty was not based off the money she would give him. No, it was true and strong. He also admired her skill in reasoning. She was not illogically stubborn. He thought of her as smart, and calculative, and was rarely wrong.

Moving off the floor, he also picked up a drink and offered her his arm to escort her out. "Get lost? Impossible." He gave her a soft and easy smile, another charming one that many ladies in the court would (and did) swoon over. "Although, I sometimes I do in..." he trailed off, purposefully or not he was not sure, and dreamily looked away. Dain was quiet for a while, allowing her to enjoy the fresh air and cloudless night sky. They encountered a lovestruck couple in one of the nooks and, to avoid startling them, Dain gently put his arm around Victoria's waste and turned her down the other pathway. Behind them, Nikola followed, distant and quiet enough to not be noticed, slinking in the shadows.

"How has the trip been for you?" Dain asked softly, leading her to one particular spot he knew existed. It was a balcony at one end of the maze and overlooked a field of roses. Quiet romantic. It had seats and a table for viewing pleasure. "For your personally. I imagine it can be exciting to explore, but tiring also." He glanced to her.

[Is her friend, Charlotte, with Victoria on the trip or did they leave her at home xD]

@ ashen knight;
(Charlotte did not go with Victoria, but she could have gotten invited to the party if we need her here!)

Victoria allowed Dain to lead her through the gardens, even letting him wrap an arm around her waist to do so. The position was a little more intimate than she would prefer, but Victoria certainly did not want to stay near or startle the couple. So, she continued to follow him through the garden until they ended up on a balcony.

Her eyes looked over the view, a thoughtful expression on her face. It really was quite beautiful here. The grounds were quite nice and everything beautifully maintained. Victoria headed over to the edge of the balcony, her hands laying flat against the cool stone. "You know i love to go outside of the castle and the city." She confirmed. "I enjoyed my trip, despite the threat of my life ending... I hope to continue to travel my country and beyond that, but yes, I am tired and am ready to be home now."

Victoria confirmed. It was hard to admit how much she missed the castle and the city, which was why she tried not to dwell on it much. It had been an amazing experience and Victoria did not want homesickness to ruin that belief for her. "I am excited to see my father, and the others... I must admit that I miss them dearly."

Her head dropped a little for a moment. But Victoria was quick to lift her chin back up and to turn back to Dain. "How do you and the other knights handle being so far away from home for so long?"

@ BearGirl
[It's ok! I was just wondering xD]

Dain teetered a little behind her while she looked over the balcony and out onto the fields, but ended up siding beside her as she asked how he fared being away from home. It was his turn to be thoughtful now.

"When we go away," he began, placing his hands on the railing and casting his eyes down. "We think of the good and work we do for our people. We know we go away so that our temporary hardships are rewarded by the smiling faces of our women and children and fathers when we return. We keep the peace of our people, of our kingdom, of your Highness." He quietened for a moment, it was almost as if in this one thing he was simply and genuinely sincere. "The thought of this helps us go on. Reunion is all the more fruitful and joyful when we come home victorious."

He cast her a small glance and offered a tiny smile, then looked back out and gave a small unsure laugh. "However, I do not know how lonesome rangers handle it. Perhaps, unlike soldiers, they are not tied by anything. They abandon everything they have and leave to go seek their own adventures. I think it despicable. They are without pride. They abandon their family and for what? They do not achieve great deeds. They simply are." His mood darkened, and his brow furrowed. "And most become mercenaries, sellswords. Murder is the easiest way to make a living. It's foul and takes no mind, but rewards with a high price." Dain's grip on the railing had visibly intensified, his tone tainted by unpleasant memory.

In the background, one such lone ranger curled his lip in a small smirk, but remained hidden in the shadows, too interested to disrupt their conversation.

@ ashen knight;

A light sigh came from Victoria's lips as Dain started his verbal attack on lonesome rangers, or to be more exact, Nikola. She turned towards Dain more, her side leaning slightly against the balcony. Victoria waited patiently for Dain to finish speaking before she spoke. "I think it is very brave and admirable what you and the other knights have done for the kingdom. I am always thankful that my father and I have you all."

Victoria pressed her palm lightly into the balcony before continuing. "That being said, I think it best that we do not insult Nikola or his life choices. I understand that they are a bit...odd and maybe immoral." She said gently. "However, Nikola has saved my life multiple times this trip and I owe him a debt of gratitude. I understand that he is not your favorite person, but I ask that you and the others treat him nicely. Could you do that for me Dain?"

Her voice was soft and sweet like honey towards the end. Victoria knew that this was not a long term solution - or even a solution at all. But, she was hoping that this will minimize the amount of fighting and terrorizing they could cause on the way home tomorrow. And, if Nikola were to stay around, then to minimize how often they would fight around her. Though, Victoria was positive that would not happen. Nikola liked to press Dain's buttons, and she had to admit that she found it quite amusing. Though, it did not look good on her when members of her own party were fighting.

@ BearGirl

Dain cast a look at her. "He saved you because you paid him." Pressing his lips together, Dain thought about his next words carefully, and added - though this time more quiet, "I do not understand why you chose him before all the knights in your kingdom. Are they - are we - not enough? He takes coin from you but should anyone offer him a higher price, how much loyalty does he hold to not sell you out?" He hoped he made a valid point. "Any knight in your kingdom would see it as an honor to die for you, and yet..."

He looked away with a constrained sigh. He understood her will to eagerness for him and Nikola to get along. If her subordinates fight, it does not do well on her image. Dain knew this. "As you wish. Besides, I do not aim it at Nikola alone. There are plenty other rangers besides him. I hold my opinion of them all equally."

He watched a firefly fly past and land temporarily on Victoria's shoulder before flying off again. "That reminds me. When you return home, a suitor will come - I heard it as rumours, but from my knowledge, they may be true. The Duke of Arfia is said to come visit you and ask for your hand." The Duke was... a measly old man, put nicely. Dain never had a favour in him but the man was rich. Dain allowed himself a soft laugh at the thought of such a man thinking he had a chance with Victoria whilst Dain, a young, noble, well-known and rather handsome knight kept getting rejected. Which reminds him...

"Ah, I also-" He broke off, reaching somewhere into his clothing to produce a small velvet bag. Out of it, he produced a beautiful pair of crystal earrings. In the fire's light they sparkled and produced many wonderful hues. "I acquired these during one my travels. I thought they would best suit the most elegant and beautiful person in the whole kingdom, one with strong nature and a kind heart." His eyes raised to meet hers, his hands extending the earrings towards her. "Please, accept these, as a token of my gratitude for being in service to you." He lightly bowed.