He grinned at her as they climbed the stairs to the main deck. "Oh, that reminds me," he said casually. "I have something for you."
"I do," he said, nodding. "I have to go get it; it's in my room. It's from my home, but I think you'd like it."
"Oh, okay," she said, her expression curious. (Apologies for the short reply! I'm totally blanking right now.)
(You're okay! I get like that all the time.) He gestured with his head, suggesting that she should follow, and began walking. He seemed excited, and he kept glancing back at her with a smile on his face.
"I think you'll like it," he said. He shrugged, grinning back at her. "If all else fails, you can just sell it."
"I would not sell a gift. That is bad manners." She raised an eyebrow, but smiled brightly. "Plus, I probably will like it."
He nodded and entered his room. There was a scuffling noise as if things were getting moved around, until he returned, carrying a large, foldable easel. The wood was a warm brown, carved with beautiful ivy vines. Flecks of gold paint lined wood, highlighting the various wood workings, and catching the light. There was a small drawer attached to it to hold paints, brushes, and canvas, and a small crest was carved into the base, depicting a sleeping fox surrounded by ivy tendrils. The name read 'Sparks' and the motto said 'Mors nulla gloria'. He set it up next to her and grinned. "Do you like it?"
She stared at it, her eyes wide with awe. After a moment she looked up at him, a large smile on her face. "Jack..." Her voice was soft, before she burst out and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "I love it!"
(Aw.) Jack stiffened with surprise after she hugged him, but after a moment, he laughed and wrapped his arms around her. "Oh, good," he said quietly. "I'm glad."
She stepped away, rubbing her arm self-consciously. "Ah, sorry." She shook her head, giving him a slight smile. "How come you're giving it to me?"
He frowned, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Uh.. I think it means 'Death is no glory' or something like that." The question obviously made him uncomfortable.
She tilted her head at his reaction. She was a bit curious, but didn't pry. "Oh, okay..." Her tone seemed unsure, but she shook her head. "Sparks, huh?"
This attempt at further conversation seemed to make him even more uncomfortable. "Right. Yeah. I.. uh... I think that belonged to the people who owned it before me."
She looked at the ground, suspecting she was failing at conversating. After a moment, she spoke up, her eyes considerate. "Thank you, Jack. It's really beautiful."
