"It's been a long time since I've seen a knight," she told the Omen, the fondness unmistakable in her tone. There were many, many things she missed about Valeria. And while formality wasn't one of them, she had to admit, she often found herself feeling a bit sentimental when it came to remembering the paladins.

Even when she'd been nothing, there had always been a gentleman or two, willing to lay down their cloak for her.

At least, when she was in a ballgown, wearing borrowed jewels.

She turned back to the stranger--well, Adrian now--and gave him a polite smile. "A pleasure to meet you," she said. "I'm sorry to hear you've had an unpleasant encounter with some of the local mushrooms. I've been trying to stick to the ones I recognize from home, as much as possible."