"When I was younger, I think that I would have agreed with you too" she smiled at this, the idea of him agreeing, but silently let it pass. It was the compliment that caught her off guard. "You are quiet beautiful." she was not embarrassed by such things, the opposite in fact she had always accepted admiration with the same ease she would sunlight, good food, or company. But there was something about the way he said it which made her pause, an observation more than flattery.

A warm laugh escaped her, soft and genuine. Well, that's certainly the nicest thing anyone has said to me today. the smile on her face lingered, softening as she looked up at him.

I suspect you've made the mistake of comparing me to gods you've never actually met, she said then thoughtfully, nudging her shoulder lightly against his side before her attention moved as he shared a snippet of his past with her.

And over time, the warmth in her expression faded, as she took his story very seriously and after he was finished, and after a moment of silence she would mutter, That sounds lonely

What was she like? she asked then, ears flicking forward. I know she taught you stories, Lull would continue. I know she raised children she believed worthy of inheriting what she'd built, but that's not the same thing curiosity touched her eyes.

What about the real things? she asked, her smile widening My mother had a terrible singing voice, absolutely terrible. But she sang anyway all the time; loudly and with confidence her eyes gleamed with amusement as she laughed.

—