"Happily given," he answered, smiling after the kiss. That was when the nerves threatened to creep back, so he picked up the bag he'd brought and took something wrapped up in tissue paper out of it.

"I brought something for you," he said, managing to keep the hesitance out of his voice. Giving the gift to Hild had been less smooth than he'd hoped, but he had also expected that it might be more fraught. He didn't know how Krem would take this, if there were similar things or customs where he came from. Gannicus could only hope his explanation would clear any doubt or ease any fear.

Inside the tissue paper was a torc, designed with elegant spirals at the ends.