Vander smiled a bit. "Thank you for the hug. I feel like I owe you now." He said softly. "Twice you have done so."

Eryn smiled at him and shook her head. "You don't... owe me anything for a hug," she whispered.

"Is that what a friend does? Embraces one another with no intent to receive anything in return?" Vander asked curiously.

Eryn smiled softly at him and nodded a bit. "That's one thing, yes," she whispered.

Vander smiled a bit and nodded. "I enjoy it." He said softly. "I remember the best gift someone gave me...it was not an object or money..."

Eryn tilted her head slightly. "What was that?" she whispered curiously.

"It was a kiss." Vander said softly. "I remember it like it was just minutes ago. I had just slaughtered her castle. Her king. I was ordered to show no mercy...but there she was. The last. Heavy with child and...I'm not sure why but I told her to go. She moved to me. Kissed me. Left..." He paused. "That was the last I was summoned. Left with that gift..."

Eryn blinked a little, surprised at that. "Wow," she whispered. She smiled a bit up at him, drying her hands on a towel. "That's quite a gift."

"I pray you do not frown upon me for my previous master's wishes." He whispered. "I do not have much choice. But for once I was able to...make a decision to spare her." He told her. "It was the most liberating moment. And the kiss. It made me feel...human."

Eryn nodded at him with a small smile. "It was very noble of you to let her live," she whispered.

Vander smiled easily. He walked over. "I am glad you think so." He said, a smile on his face. He jumped a bit though as someone rapped on the door.

Eryn frowned, glancing to the door. "Who could that be...?" she whispered. She shook her head a bit. "I'll be back." She moved to the door and carefully opened it.

There was a young guard standing there and he frowned at her. "Miss Altamas?" He asked. "We found a body in the woods. We believe it was one of the bandits that attacked you. Would you mind coming with me to confirm this?"

Eryn swallowed quietly, looking up at him. "Um... no," she whispered. "I um... Just give me one moment? I just need to make sure my grandfather's alright alone."

The guard nodded and stood patiently at the door. Vander frowned, studying the man. They had found the chunks of body, surely. Wondering how that happened.