Ankyra Sound dinner at deviant's palace

caiaphas responded with a tense apology, and though he had sought to dispel the tension, lasher cupped her words with eager ears. "no need -- i was rash and such things must be said. i am a stubborn creature, priestess." he met her eyes with the inviting glow of his own, lips curved into a small bow. "but if you have need of my forgiveness, i grant it, freely and completely. let us speak no more of this. it is forgotten."

"it is a gift for your grotto," taltos said softly of the pearl. "it came from the sea, but it was too lovely to cast back into the waves, and so i brought it here, where i know you shall keep it close to the saltwater and give it a purpose. in addition," he went on, albeit somewhat cautiously, "it complements well the hue of your cheeks."