Silverlight Terrace blue

Elk laughed a little; he wished that it didn't seem like a kindness to her, but he found himself charmed all the same by her humility. And he was charmed, of course, by the idea that she was charmed — that was what that smile meant, was it not?

He didn't step forward with her, but neither did he cede any ground as she came nearer, apparently to poke at his package. heh.

"Tokens," he said, lowering his voice now that they stood so close. He didn't want to yell in her ears. "I'm meant to give them to any especially strong and charming men with instructions on how to reach her. That way she'll know that they've been vetted already."

He dipped his head; it came very close to hers. But he only nudged the rolled pelt enough to unfurl it, revealing the priceless feathers within.

"But I am not the only herald running about for her," he said, sweeping a paw toward the selection. "I would like for you to have one. A pretty thing for a pretty woman. You will appreciate it far more than a man would."

Unless the man was him. Elk was a little sorry to part with any of his hard-earned feathers, but he really did want to see one tucked into Callyope's pale fur.