"Caress Melani, I do hearby grant you the rank of Cheval, welcome to the Order of the Gauntlet," Daran Edermath declared with a concise set of gestures and the passing over of a small badge depicting the iconography of the Order with empty places that might later hold representations of increased rank.
"I am glad that you changed your mind about my offer, I think you will do well in the order."
Caress smiled politely and nodded, brushing back a lock of hair in a good artifice of coquettish manner. "I wonder whether the rest of the Order will agree with your estimation, sir."
"And why did you accept the offer then?" the man asked giving her a knowing look.
"It occurred to me that if anyone might need a courtesan's grace, it is those who give so much of themselves, and hold so much tightly inside," she smirked in a mirror to his own expression. "Some might uncharitably suggest I see a... business opportunity."
The old half-elf blushed briefly, taken aback by the response, but chuckling in response. "Regardless, your heart is that of a defender, and that is the important thing. You will find a good place in with the order. Where do you plan on heading next?"
"Tonight I shall attend to my own duties," she said. "And on the morrow, we are making the trek to the ruins of Thundertree."
"I see, be careful on that, I've heard rumors that the land there is cursed."
"All the better reason to investigate, then." Caress responded.
