A fire crackled in the darkness, warming the cold winter air. By human scale, of course, it was a mighty conflagration, of the sort that might decimate a city or forest. But this was not a human world; by the scale of Sininentavas, the fire was large but not overwhelming, somewhere between campfire and bonfire.

The rustic setting and cold environs seemed at odds with the people sitting around it; none of them had to be out in the cold, warmed by burning wood like their ancestors once had been. But the Jotunn are not a soft people, and the woman who stood up at last, and turned to the circle, had chosen this place deliberately.

“I thank the mother of my niece for her hospitality,” Rajenlif said, nodding to Vwokhu. “I know some of you are wondering why I asked you here, rather than to the warmth of the palace on Jutuneim. Others may be wondering why I’ve asked you here at all. I am grateful that all who were asked, came.

“My niece and successor, would you please come and assist me?” Rajenlif asked, turning to a woman who had been sitting by a small table, upon which her husband sat. Rixie touched his head gently, and grinned as he shook her off with a chuckle; he was doing so much better of late. Still not perfect – when he got tired, his balance got a bit dodgy, and he still said he had to think about what he was doing more than he wanted to – but Alex had worked very hard, and he had very good doctors; she was immensely grateful that fate had agreed to give him more good time with her. And she made a point to remember that, every day – because every additional day with him was more than she ever would believe she deserved.

Rixie disappeared into the shadows behind Rajenlif, and brought, one by one, a series of round objects, about as tall as her thigh. Each was covered in a satin cloth, the colors of the banner of Jotnarherath. As Rixie did this, Rajenlif continued speaking.

“It is tradition in Jotnarherath that awards are not given in a grand ceremony. There are ceremonies after, to celebrate them, but the presentation of our highest awards…that is a sacred moment, between the recipient and the one recognizing their achievement. In truth, the award has already been granted – by those we recognize, to we the Jotnar people. No trinket or bauble can ever repay the gift you have given us through your service; we grant these only to let you know that your service has not gone unnoticed, and that the Jotnar people are profoundly grateful to you.

“I would ordinarily meet which each of you, privately. However….” Rajenlif looked down for a moment, then back up at the group. “You have all played a part in safeguarding Jotnarherath. I believe it is fitting that you are together for this.”

“Well said, High-born Rajenlif,” Rixie said.

Rajenlif nodded, and said, “The Shield of Savarna is the second-highest award that can be given by the Sovereign of the Jotunn, the second-highest that a Jotnar can receive, and the highest that can be granted to a non-Jotnar. Today, I recognize four of you as recipients of this award. Lady Siru Aljansen, Trora Ellispa-Lelia, Vwokhu Skamøld, and Karral Vilum, would you please come forward.”

Each recipient looked shocked, and each for different reasons. Siru, because she had expected that Aleks was the person who was to be recognized; Trora, who had thought the same, but of Sebb; Vwokhu, who had no idea what she had done to be recognized; and Karral, who suspected he knew, and disagreed.

Rixie handed each their shield; they were wooden, as the ancient shields of the Savarnans. Each was painted uniquely, based on the background of the individual – Siru’s in the red-and-black of her house, Trora’s in dazzling bright neons, Vwokhu’s in a subdued version of the colors of the House of Throden, and Karral’s in the colors of Herekleos.

Rajenlif smiled, as Rixie finsihed distributing the shields. “Lady Aljansen, when you discovered a plot against the Empire, you did not hesitate to warn us of it. Trora, Karral – you were integral in both protecting my successor, and apprehending those who assaulted her and her husband. And Vwokhu…you had decades of time with your daughter stolen from you by your sovereign, and you have borne that with grace and love, for her and for your people. Each of you has defended the Jotnar people; for those of you who are Jotunn this symbolizes that your sovereign knows that should I call you again, you will once more raise the shield. And Ms. Ellispa-Lelia, this symbolizes that, though we are not your people by flesh, you have stood in defense of us – and therefore, you are always welcome among us.”

Rajenlif stepped aside, and sat down, as did Rixie; the others did as well, as a man took center stage. He was not Jotnar, but he spoke in the Jotnar language, and if it was accented and imperfect, none would have dared question it.

“The Order of the Emperor is typically presented in large ceremonies, and this time will be no exception,” said the Emperor, with a smile. “We are all going from here to Jutuneim for the unveiling ceremony of new portraits; while there, I will be granting awards to two of you. I wish you to know that a third member of our group would be granted this award…but he has already earned it, and it cannot be awarded twice. Prince Alexander, your actions have proven that you deserved that award, and if I was not currently limiting the Imperial Clade to those fighting in the war, I would have considered you for it as well. When the war is over…I might.”

Few people would have interjected in the middle of the Emperor’s speech, but Alex Carey was not an ordinary man. “Your Imperial Majesty…my son earned the Imperial Clade. My wife did. I…am not to their level.”

“Your son and wife are both heroes,” Tiernan agreed. “As are you, your highness. As for the others…I wish to inform you, Sebb Antersen, and you, Imperator-Probatio Aleks Odusi, that you will be receiving the Order of the Emperor at the unveiling ceremony. Both of you have provided service to the Empire at the highest level; I am honored to be able to acknowledge your service, and as the uncle of Rixie Carey…I am grateful that your actions helped to preserve her life.”

Tiernan turned back to his wife, who had been stirring the fire. She rose again, and said, “Thank you, my husband; I quite agree on all counts. There is one more award to be granted tonight: The Sword of Savarna. It is the highest award that can be given to a Jotnar, but before I present it, I must note that I will not be presenting it to a person here tonight, one who has earned it in every possible way except for his heritage. Imperator-Probatio Odusi, you are not a Jotnar…at least, not yet,” she said, with a nod to Siru. “But we are eternally grateful to you, and the Jotnar government has asked the Imperators Corps to grant you the Tez Magilna Award, in recognition of your service to our people.”

Aleks was already stunned by the Order of the Emperor – he had thought he was here to support Siru – and all he could do is murmur “Thank you, Empress.”

“Thank you, Imperator,” Rajenlif said. “Now, niece…there are two swords to be presented. In the past, there may only have been one, but as I gather them, I would ask you to say a few words about the award, and the changes that you and I have convinced the Council of Eleven to make.”

Rixie nodded, and said, “When I was granted the Sword of Savarna, High-born Rajenlif said that it had been delayed. That I may have received it earlier…but that there was some resistance, due to the lingering stain of my time as a Hoplite. I had Pure Savarnan Flesh…but that flesh was somehow tainted by exposure to Sol Archavia. Similarly, there has always been resistance to awarding the Sword to those who are naturalized as Jotnar, or who marry into the Jotunn. No matter how worthy, and how many hours they spend under Sol Jutuneim or Sol Sininentavas, their flesh can never become pure enough or Savarnan enough. Not even if one is Savarnan. I may not always be sure that I earned the Sword of Savarna – I doubt anyone who bears it ever feels certain of it – but I have no doubt that I am equal to any Jotnar, no matter where I was raised.”

Rajenlif returned, carrying one large sword. “And you most certainly are, my niece. It is the lie of Purity,” she said. “The belief that any flesh can be pure, or that there is a difference between Savarnan flesh and that of other Titans. As Lady Aljansen knows, it is a lie that the Council has finally put to rest. There will be religious groups that will claim that a certain level of ancestry is required to be Jotnar, a certain proof of pedigree; that is their right, but it will no longer be the policy of the Sovereign of the Jotunn. All who live in Jotnarherath, and swear allegiance to their Dronung and the Emperor alike, who learn Jotnar ways and share their own ways in turn – these are Jotnar. Our people cannot and will not be defined by simple genealogy.

“So with that in mind, today, we honor two people. The first recipient of the Sword is a Jotnar by birthright and by spirit; he put himself between an assassin and the Crown Princess, and risked his own life to save hers. Sebb Antersen, please, come forward.”

Sebb stumbled a little, and stood before Rajenlif; she lifted the sword, and he held up his one flesh and one metal hand. She placed the sword in his hands, and he bowed his head, and she placed a medal around his neck.

“Renowned Sebb Antersen, congratulations, and thank you,” Rajenlif said. She paused, and turned to Rixie, and smiled.

“I…uh…thank you, Dronung,” Sebb stammered. “I…I’m just glad it worked out.”

“I am too,” Rixie said, with a grin.

Rajenlif nodded, and continued. “The second recipient of the Sword of Savarna is not a full-blooded Jotnar, and past bigotry may have denied him his due. But he married a Jotunn in a Jotnar ceremony; he was joined into the House of Throden on that day, as member of my family. And though he did not know it…on that day, he became my nephew. If a Prince of Jotnarherath is not Jotnar, then nobody is truly Jotnar; as it is, Prince Alexander Carey is as Jotnar as anyone who has ever lived. He did what a family elder is charged to do – he protected his loved ones, risking his life to save theirs. In so doing, he saved the life of the Crown Princess, and helped to bring serial assassins to justice. My niece, Well-born Hyrikken, will you please assist?”

Rixie nodded, and took two items from Rajenlif’s hand. She walked over, and knelt beside the table, and smiled at her husband.

“Nobody deserves this more than you, Alex,” Rixie said, carefully handing the toothpick-sized sword to her husband. “Though I will ask you to be careful with it. One does not play practical jokes with the Sword of Savarna.”

That broke Alex out of his stunned, uncharacteristic silence; he laughed, softly at first, but then loudly and boisterously. When he finally got under control, he bowed his head, and Rixie threaded the human-scale ribbon around his neck, bearing a human-scale medal.

“Imperator-Probatio Odusi, do know that when you have married, you too will be Jotnar,” Rajenlif said. “And we will meet soon after that – and you will be presented with your own sword and medal. Until that day comes, know that I hold you in the highest esteem.”

Siru beamed down at her fiancé, who looked quite ashen; she was so proud of him. She didn’t know how their future would play out, but she knew that any future that included him had to be fantastic.

“So for now, please enjoy the fire, and the cabins that have been provided,” Rajenlif said. “And know that while this is a very small ceremony, it is because your deeds are already known, and your heroism is clear to all. And as sovereign of the Jotnar people, know how grateful I am to each of you. Thank you.”

There was a small murmur as side conversations resumed. Alex was carefully unwrapping the sword; he noted immediately that it was different than Rixie’s, not just in size but style. That was not strange, of course; each Sword of Savarna was created uniquely, and designed for the bearer.

“I…can’t believe the Empress thinks I deserve…any of this,” Aleks said. Alex laughed at his namesake.

“Heroes don’t think they’re heroes. My son still claims he got the Imperial Clade because he was a bad pilot and crashed. Never mind the bugs he killed or the gunner and engineer he saved. Rix brought down Syon Fand and she says that the real award should go to Sam Rodriguez, and Sam ended up an OTE himself, and he says that he didn’t do anything but grab a flash drive. Kid, what you managed to put together? Both Rix and Vanser were impressed, and neither one impresses easily.”

“Still,” Aleks started, but Alex waived him down.

“’Still’ nothing. You earned this, and you’re going to have earned the Heart of Avalon when you inevitably get it. Get used to it, you’re a big hero, and by the time things are done you might be more famous than your little brother, even on Avalon. And remember, your money is no good at any Rixie’s, you eat and drink for free. For life. Plus, I like your name.”

Aleks smiled, and shook his head. “I just keep waiting to find out this is all a dream. I mean, I’m marrying a beautiful, rich woman who puts up with me, I’ve got a job that I think is going to be amazing, I’m being told I’m good by Alex Carey, for Goddess’ sake!”

“Two of those are worth something,” Alex replied.

“As for Hes…Nik and I are just hoping to keep his head on straight. He was bad enough when the Marauders won the Gold Cup, but since he scored the winner against Kiribati, well…he may be a great athlete, but he’s still my little brother.”

“Athletes do occasionally need a check on their self-regard,” said a voice drifting down from above. “Games are fun, but they’re just games.”

“Depends on how pretty the athlete is,” Alex said, smiling up at his wife. “Some aren’t egotistical enough, far as I can see.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised. And congratulations again, Imperator,” Rixie said, nodding to Aleks. “I hear you’re assigned to the 613^th. Krator-Imperator Joletel can be a bit prickly at times, but he is an extremely gifted analyst; you’re going to fit in well on that team.”

As Rixie talked shop with Aleks, Rajenlif walked over to the lead of her security team, who was wrapping up a conversation on his pad.

“Is there a problem, Chief?”

“No, High-Born,” Thurl Niebal said. “Just a ship that crossed into a blocked orbit; captain had just made a math error, but still, wanted to catch it before it could become an issue.”

“Glad to hear it,” Rajenlif said. “Carry on.”

“Yes, High-Born. Um…High-Born, may I ask a question?”

“Of course,” Rajenlif said, turning back to him.”

“I appreciate that you chose me to serve as interim chief, rather than accept my resignation immediately…but…well, I do want to plan for what comes next, and…to be blunt, High-Born, I just want to know when I should expect you to formally terminate me.”

Rajenlif smiled. “You are right, Chief. I do not want to keep the chief’s seat interim for much longer. Which is why I am planning to reject your resignation outright, and appoint you to the position permanently.”

Niebal shook his head. “I…appreciate that. But High-Born…you deserve a chief who’s better than I have been.”

“No, I deserve a chief who’s better than Brantr. I’ve talked this over with my successor, who is as good a security mind as there is; we both agree that your only mistake was not outright disobeying a direct order from your superior, which is not so much a mistake as a no-win situation. You came as close as protocol allowed you to.”

“If that was all, that would be bad enough, but the shot….”

“The shot was stopped by a civilian working in concert with your team. He is here, and fully-recovered; Princess Hyrikken is also here, and completely fine. In retrospect, the error was mine; I should have been less concerned about confirming Rixie’s identity, and more about her security.”

“Still, High-Born…there are other good subcommanders who don’t have a disaster on their record.”

Rajenlif nodded. “Yes, you’re right…there are other subcommanders who have not had to go through what you did. But honestly, Chief Niebal…you understand your mistakes, and you have learned from them. I trust you far more than someone who has never faced a difficult call. I will not keep you on if you truly wish to retire, but if you are tendering your resignation because you believe that I am safer without you…understand that I reject that.”

Niebal sighed. “High-Born…I would be honored to serve you. I just…I care about the mission enough that I don’t want to compromise your security.”

“You were not the one who directed their subordinate to not investigate; you are not the one who forced his on-site team to wait while an assassin stalked my niece. Evwe thought that his job was to make me happy; you understand that your job is to keep me and my family safe. I trust you with that job, Chief Niebal; I hope you will continue in your position.”

Niebal smiled, and nodded. “High-Born Rajenlif, I’m a guard at heart…and a guard is always honored to serve.”

Another guard was at that moment entering a nearby cabin, carrying a wooden shield under his arm.

“Just got the kids down for the night. So what was the secret meeting for?” Xele asked as the door opened. Before Karral could answer, she stood up out of her chair, and said, “Wait…is that….”

“Shield of Savarna,” Karral said. He felt like tossing it into a corner, but while he didn’t think for a second that he’d earned it…it was still the Shield of Savarna, and it was owed respect. So he walked it over to a table and set it down on top of it.

Xele had been born about as far from Jotnarherath as a Titan can be, but she had been married to a Jotnar for years, and she had tried to learn as much about her husband’s home as she could. She knew how big an honor this was – the second-highest honor a Jotunn could receive. And she knew why Karral was even more taciturn than usual.

She also knew that while her instinct was to start telling Karral how worthy he really was, that wouldn’t help, not right away. And so she said, simply, “Congratulations.”

Karral snorted. “I guess. Trora also got it, and she definitely deserved it, she was the one who caught the comms issue. And they gave Sebb the Sword of Savarna,” he said, with a tight smile, “and that…that makes me proud. That kid was sure he didn’t deserve another shot, but given how outnumbered he was on that asteroid, I knew he was something special. Didn’t know he’d save Rixie and make up for my screw-up, but I’ll take it.”

“You keep saying you screwed up,” Xele said.

“I did. Alex Carey is proof of that.”

“And yet you just got the Shield of Savarna. That comes from the Empress, and I’m pretty sure if Rixie objected, the Empress wouldn’t have given it to you.”

“Rixie was actually helping. Alex also got the Sword of Savarna, and that’s well-earned. Rixie got to give that to him after handing me my shield….”

“Wait,” Xele said. “You were actually handed the shield by Rixie?”

“Yeah,” Karral said. “But….”

Xele rolled her eyes. “Karral, I’ve let you stew over this for months, but no more. Rixie just gave you the Shield of Savarna. Rixie. Is there anyone who’s better at security than Rixie?”

“Vanser Nix, maybe,” Karral said. “But he’s got the Imperator’s Corps behind him. Otherwise? Not anyone I’ve met.”

“Vanser Nix would tell you Rixie’s better than he is,” Xele said. “I know, he’s said it to me, while broadly hinting that he knows for certain that I’m Dizmona. Anyhow, Rixie gave you the Shield of Savarna. Who knows security better, you or her?”

Karral gave his wife the slightest of smiles. “Rixie. Definitely.”

“So if Rixie thinks you did a good job…well, she knows better than you. Right?”

Karral looked back at the shield. “Still feels wrong. Alex got hurt. Could have died. A few more minutes and he would have died. Doesn’t feel like I should be getting an award for that.”

“And yet you think Trora should be. You think Sebb should. You picked them both, brought them with. They were there because you wanted them there. And because they were there, Alex didn’t die, and neither did Rixie. I’d say that’s worth honoring.”

Karral walked over to his wife, and put his arm around her waist. “Xele, you’re another honor I don’t deserve, you know?”

“You’re as wrong about that as you are the shield,” she said. “Now, I do have some bad news. Pryvani called me while you were getting your award. She asked if you could take a quick detour on the way to Jutuneim, she wanted an extra body for a meeting.”

“Not bad news, that’ll pay for the trip,” Karral said. “Where are we heading?”

“Kalevala,” Xele said.

Karral took in a deep breath, and held it for a long moment. “Kalevala. What…what city?”

“Gavpot Kalevala. And to save you the next question,” Xele said, “the meeting is with Kyteloy and Serrakah Vilum.”

“If she’s meeting with Vilum Space Defense, there wouldn’t be anyone else worth Pryvani’s time,” Karral said. “I assume you told her that they…may not want me there?”

“She said, ‘Darling, Serrakah Vilum is nothing if not respectful; she will not deny me any member of my detail.’”

Karral grunted. “She didn’t mention Kyt, I’ll bet. She would definitely tell Pryvani to breathe vacuum. But it’s not up to her, it’s up to…up to Ms. Vilum, and Pryvani’s right.”

“I didn’t accept the job,” Xele said. “I didn’t turn it down, but I didn’t accept it.”

“How much is she dangling?”

“A lot, even by her standards,” Xele said.

Karral sighed, and said, “Xee, I need to talk to her. And I know you can listen in, but….”

Xele kissed his cheek. “It’s their loss, Karral. I know what you did, but if Liss or Reyan did that…I’d still love them. And so would you. Nothing they could do would cause me to cut them off. Not forever. I know what that’s like.”

“I know you do,” Karral said, kissing her forehead. “I know how you felt turning on your father, and even if he deserved it…he was your father. My family hasn’t committed treason. And unless they do….”

“…you can’t turn on them, I know,” Xele said. “Because whether they know it or not, you’re a good man.”

“And you are a good woman,” Karral said. “And the finest wife anyone could ever have.”

At that moment, a woman whose husband would have hotly contested that statement was talking to the woman who Karral was about to call, while her husband sat snugly in a pocket inside her coat. Her boots crunched through the snow on the way back to her mother’s home.

“Pryvani,” Rixie said, with a hint of admonition, “I’m not sure why you’re putting Karral through this. And don’t tell me it’s because he earned the Shield of Savarna; that’s not going to be the takeaway from Serrakah Vilum, and it definitely won’t be the takeaway from Kyteloy. Unless you hope to throw them off guard.”

“Karral wouldn’t be a party to that, and I wouldn’t want to put him in that position even if it was that kind of negotiation, which it isn’t. Honestly…and I’m not going to tell him this, because he’d be sure to turn me down…the last few meetings I’ve had with Serrakah, she’s asked about him. Obliquely, referring to him as the head of a private security agency, but…well, you have children, and so do I. And you know that if you got mad and stopped talking to Ryan and he stopped talking to you, after a few weeks you’d regret it, and after a few years, you’d be miserable about it, no matter how right you’d been in the first place.”

“Yeah, my mom and dad have both said…wait…you think…she actually wants to see Karral?”

“I do,” Pryvani said. “And I think Karral does, too. He stole from his family, yes, but no more than his trust amount would have been worth, and he’s paid it back with significant interest. I know he’s not trying to buy his way back into the family, but I do believe that he’d like to reconnect with them, if they’d have him.”

Rixie chuckled. “So your plan is to get him there, and hopefully, get Serrakah to at least say hello?”

“Yes,” Pryvani said. “It’s worked for you. I know, despite all the hardships you’ve had to deal with and all the baggage that you’re left with, you are grateful to know them, and grateful that they know you.”

“My only regret is that it didn’t happen sooner,” Rixie said.

“Just so,” Pryvani said. “Now, this may fail spectacularly, but….”

“It’s worth a shot,” Rixie said.

Pryvani looked down, and said, “And right on schedule, there is Karral. Say hello to your aunt and uncle for me.”

“Of course,” Rixie replied.

After she signed off, Alex said, “She was definitely a fairy godmother in a past life.”

“Oh, there’s no question,” Rixie said. “I don’t think anything makes her happier than successful meddling in people’s lives.”

“Honestly, all the money in the universe doesn’t mean much in the end. What matters is how much love you give, and she’s given a ton.”

“And deserves as much back,” Rixie said. She frowned a bit as they approached her mother’s cabin. “You know, I think sometimes that she’s as needy as me on that front. Having no parents is a lot better than having Syon Fand as your mom. She doesn’t show it as much, but….”

“No, you’re right,” Alex said. “I think that’s why she’s worked so hard to build the family she has. And not just Zhan and the kids, but you, me, the clan, Darren, Dia….”

“So many people, it’s true,” Rixie said. “And not because I was a secret princess or because she knew you’d become a successful businessman, but because she thought we were interesting.”

“We are that,” Alex said, with a cockeyed grin. “You most of all.”

“Hardly,” Rixie said. Stopping at the door, she reached inside her coat, and retrieved her husband; he shot her a feigned look of annoyance, but he knew that it probably was best to not be resting against his wife’s breasts when saying hello to her parents.

Rixie pulled open the door, and paused for a moment at the array of people in the small cabin living room. Vwokhu was showing Akwe and Namø the Shield of Savarna, shaking her head at the thing. (She understood why she’d earned it, but she had Riksa back; she didn’t need any other reward.) Rixie’s niece, Peppi, was lying on a couch, talking on her pad with Rixie’s brother, Isku, and thanking him for pointing her toward a good coach in Aarnivalkeja; Isku had been happy to, as the coach was an old friend and always looking for players with potential professional talent to mold, and Peppi had ball-striking skills that could just get her there with enough work.

On another couch, Rixie’s nephew, Hilmar, read his pad with mild disinterest, while his mother spoke to Rajenlif; the Dronung had put Katri in touch with Varva Hannøsdat, who had been quite happy to support Katri’s translation work, and who had spoken with Katri about possibly teaching at the Otnist Theological School in Aarnivalkeja. Katri was surprised enough that Emmissary Hannøsdat even bothered to message her, and was extremely surprised that Varva had been not only willing to listen to her as she explained her difficulties with her spiritual path, but to help her through it.

The Emperor, Rixie noted, was watching his wife, a smile on his face. She smiled in turn; finding someone who you could love was the greatest thing possible. She suspected – correctly – that given a choice between all his power and simply being able to watch his wife, Tiernan would choose the latter.

“About time you two got in!” Vwokhu said, waving Rixie and Alex in. “It’s cold outside!”

“I’m a Jotnar and Alex is from Wisconsin. We’re fine,” Rixie said. She shrugged off her cloak, and headed for the kitchen; her internal clock told her that Asteria would be waking from her nap very soon, and would want a snack. She set Alex gently upon the counter, and began rummaging for something reasonably healthy.

“You want me to help?” Alex asked. He leaned on his cane; he was about ninety percent back, thanks to a lot of hard work and luck. Whether he got the other ten was an open question, and not one that either he or Rixie were overly worried about. Not that he didn’t want to keep working, he was happy to get as much back as he could. But he’d gotten enough back that he was no longer worried about being a burden.

Not that he ever could be.

“Just keep me company,” Rixie said. She paused, for a moment, and looked back at the room. Alex didn’t have to follow her gaze, or ask what she was thining.

“I really am so glad,” he said, “that you have this. Nobody deserves to have a loving family more than you.”

Rixie looked down at him, and beamed. Quietly, so only her husband could hear, she said, “Alex…I already had everything I ever needed.”

Alex nodded, and said, simply, “Me too.”

At that moment, the door to a side room opened, and a bleary Asteria wandered out into the group. The Crown Princess of Jotnarherath, heir to the Carba Throne, set to work cutting up some fruit for her.

She could not have been happier.