She nodded again, giving his fingers a squeeze, to reassure herself perhaps more than him, who remained steady and true in her eyes, more precious to her than gold.

"My gift pales in comparison," Hild admitted, huffing out a soft laugh of embarrassment. There was nothing wrong with her gift itself, she thought, but to give it after what Gannicus had given her made her second guess herself. "Though I hope you will enjoy it, as it requires time with me."