[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/tbIvwoy.png[/img][/cell][cell][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240504/7ea89157aa7490b85c1faa2a61df7e74.png[/img][/cell][/row]
[row][cell][sub]Location: Herb Shop[/sub][/cell][/row][/table]Kira listened intently as Gadez spoke, his words flowing with a mix of coldness and theatrical flair that piqued her curiosity. His boldness amused her, particularly when he described her as "short yet effective." It was a compliment she could appreciate. However, the insinuation that her herb shop was a mess didn't sit well. She felt a flicker of irritation but kept it well-hidden behind her calm, calculated demeanor.

Her eyes never left him as he continued his monologue, his gaze drifting over her and her shop with an unsettling scrutiny. She found him intriguing, but that intrigue was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism. His words were too smooth, his compliments laced with subtle digs that made her question his true intentions. She had come across many similar types of people during her training as an assassin. Gadez was clearly no mere gardener, and Kira wasn’t one to take anyone at face value—especially not someone who so effortlessly mingled flattery with critique.

[color=DC561E]"Short yet effective,"[/color] she echoed with a faint smile, acknowledging his compliment. [color=DC561E]"I’d agree with that."[/color] Her tone was even, almost nonchalant, but there was a sharpness in her gaze that conveyed she was not one to be trifled with. Tilting her head slightly, Kira’s expression turned thoughtful. [color=DC561E]"I wasn’t aware the Princess was in need of a gardener,"[/color] she said, her tone mild but laced with curiosity. [color=DC561E]"I suppose it makes sense, given the state of things."[/color]

Kira let her eyes sweep over the assortment of herbs and plants she had painstakingly gathered and nurtured. [color=DC561E]"Gardening isn’t really my specialty,"[/color] she said, her tone practical and matter-of-fact. [color=DC561E]"The land here is harsh, and the ground grows too cold for anything to survive for long. Most of what you see here has been foraged from the forest. The wilds still hold some life, even in this unforgiving place."[/color]

Kira’s gaze shifted back to Gadez, her demeanor calm as she explained further. [color=DC561E]"I manage with a few plants indoors where the environment can be controlled, but for the most part, it’s a matter of finding what already exists in the wilderness and making use of it. The forest provides, if you know where to look."[/color] Her words were straightforward, devoid of any embellishment. She wasn’t trying to impress him, only stating the reality of the situation. [color=DC561E]"I appreciate your offer, but my needs are somewhat unconventional. The ground may be too cold, but the forest—well, it’s resilient."[/color]

Kira studied him for a moment, weighing his offer. [color=DC561E]"If you truly want to be of use here,"[/color] she began, a hint of challenge lacing her words, [color=DC561E]"you’ll need more than gardening skills. Foraging is what keeps these shelves stocked. It’s not just about knowing plants—it’s about understanding the land, knowing where to look, and being able to defend yourself against what dwells in the dark."[/color]

She regarded him with a sharp, assessing gaze and a brief look at the armor hidden beneath his cloak. [color=DC561E]"You seem capable, despite being a [i]humble gardener[/i]. Do you know how to forage and defend yourself? Can you navigate the wilds and find what others overlook? If so, then perhaps you could be of some use to me, Gadez Paladice."[/color]

She repeated his name, tasting it as if weighing it for truth. Her slight smile remained, polite and controlled, but her eyes held a wary glint. She wasn’t fooled by his polished words, nor did she trust his intentions. But for now, she was content to play along, intrigued to see where this interaction might lead.

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[sub][b]Interactions:[/b] Gadez [@Dezuel][/sub]