My eyes momentarily settled onto my king's moving lips, but quickly moved on. My eyebrow rose slightly at his question, but I quickly turned my expression neutral once again. I bit my lip in thought. "You understand correctly, Highness," I began, "I fear two things above all else. I fear spending my life alone. Having no companions with whom to pass the time and share stories and songs. My other fear is to pass out of this world without dignity. May I humbly ask the same question of you?"
The liesmith pondered her response without looking up. His eyes were carefully examining the craftsmanship of his bracers. "They are noble fears. As for my own," he paused, noticing a subtle flaw in the design, "I suppose I fear not living up to my destiny." With a flick of his wrist, Loki summonded a handmaiden to his side. Wordlessly, she commenced removal of the offending garment. "And now we are back to you. Tell me pet, what do you seek? What is your great plan for this lifetime?"
