Elva nodded. “Mm-hmm. Snow-capped during the colder seasons, which is what it is for us currently.” She went on to describe the Northern provinces for him as she walked by his side. “Maybe Sid and I could exchange notes about our practice. I’m always on the look out for new methods and such.” She looked at the man beside her. “So. Ruli says you used to be good at talking to ladies,” she teased, smiling cheekily. “If awkwardness was part of that arsenal, it’s not too bad. You can work that in your favor, it can be rather endearing.” 

--
Kire sighed, looking sleepily out at the water as she hugged her knees, her last conversation with Gael echoing in her mind. While what Ruli said was hardly an absolution, it was a little comforting. “Okay. I’ll take it. Last thing I want is for one more person to hate me for who I am, I guess. I can take it, but it gets—tiring.” An understatement, she knew, but it would suffice for now. She glanced at him briefly, considering his question. 
“I still have this Ring. I’m still Paladin. I imagine I’ll still be sent on quests. Or find myself chasing after them. It’s not like I’m abdicating all my responsibilities. Just….” Her voice trailed off, her gaze watching the waves. “I was given the crown because of a disaster. I’ve done many things I deeply regret. I’ve fought—” she paused to think, “—at least two great wars within my sixty years of rule, and several battles between that. I’m tired of war, but I always seem to be running headlong into one. I’m tired,” she repeated with a sigh, “I’m tired of failing to keep my country peaceful. Maybe the crown is cursed for as long as it sits on my head. It’s time someone else had a hand in it, let someone lead who isn’t just good at being a wartime Chieftess.” 
She shook her head, fidgeting with the empty bottle. “But if you meant, if I did let go of everything tying me down…hmm. I’ve always wanted to travel. Probably why I have pirates for friends. Seven hells, might even be one. Definitely can’t be a cook to save my life.” 

She chuckled before she fell silent again, listening to the sounds of the ocean, the wind that chilled her through her damp clothes. “You know, you’ve taken a lot of damage for someone you say you ‘don’t know well enough’.” She turned to face him. “Are you doing alright? That poison…” her voice trailed off again, knowing he was reluctant to even speak about it. “I know you said to forget the matter, but—” she sighed, “you nearly died. I—we were really worried. Especially if this was something you’d encountered before.” She looked down at her scarred hand as she spoke. “I can’t imagine dealing with that pain alone.”