Never in a million years would the young woman believe that she would obtain and own a luxurious item such as Chanel No. 5. She was never materialistic. Owning things did not matter to her, because she had nothing really own to own. That he was kind to give her this was quite endearing. She was happy to show off what her mate had given her, not necessarily to brag about what she owned. It was far more important to her to cast the light upon her mate and his thoughtfulness rather than her own happiness. She was far too humble as a creature, the girl putting value in other people and their actions they had done upon her. Dorian was one of the very few people she trusted, even more one of the few males she trusted as well. The Fae King had never done anything to harm her or inflict any sort of pain on her. Rather he seemed to enjoy her presence, and didn't use her to achieve whatever it was he wished of her. Their conversations were always interesting, both educating the two without truly belittling the other. It would seem that Dorian wished to show off his own gift that was bestowed upon him by his own lover. It was quite a sight that immediately made her think that they had eloped. Although she had never thought of her own wedding, she would at least want those she cared for to be present. It is his admission that they indeed did not get married that relived her. After all everyone deserved to have those they cared for to witness two souls becoming one. As she explained how their society worked she assumed that as a person of royalty, he would at least understand the importance of territory and protecting it. His admission that she did not need to pay for anything was met with a gentle shake of her head, and a small smile. Her voice firm, but kind.

"Yes, but I must do something in return for you. I cannot take an item and you not receive anything in return. I shall be paying, please?"

For a girl that never had anything to her name it didn't mean that she would allow others to provide her anything. Before Tetradore's untimely death he had placed her within his business of the Ark, and so she had money to her name. Although she barely spent it on anything that didn't necessarily mean she would allow others to spend their money before her own. It was the least she could do for Dorian after the equitize gift he had given her. Oh, how she was delighted to learn new stories, stories that by the age of this book must be one forgotten. After all everyone knew of Aesop Fables, but not necessarily anything from the Grey Book. Surely her mate would enjoy listening to the stories. Whether he understood them or not, she hoped that both sides of him would be intrigued. The stories she reads aloud for her mate may not be as fun as video games and movies, but they were entertaining to her. She rather enjoyed being alone with him in their bedroom, shutting out the world and enjoying a serene moment together. It was good to slow things down and just enjoy the moment, because life was indeed short. Talking about her mate to another was something she had not done before, not even with her good friend Seafina. Indeed she spoke eagerly about her other half, wanting to make him shine, to help the Fae King understand why the Were-Amur Leopard ensnared and held her heart. Because it was imperative he know and he understand. After all it was noticeable to all that they were completely different from one another...that it would be difficult for anyone to understand why in the world the girl would fall in love with a boy like that. The Fae King's inquiry about how she saw their relationship was met with a deepening blush and small simper. Shyly she took a sip of her tea, a bit uncertain to admit it. Truly it may seem sound childish, but she was assured that saying aloud to Dorian would not be met with judgmental stare, a snarky snicker, or any sort of thing that would put her down. With a small nod she muttered quietly.

"Soul mate is such an outdated term, that most do not believe it any longer. Although I do think we are soul-mates. It's like I'm whole when I am around him."

Dorian would not poke fun at her for admitting something so significant. He would not make fun of the woman for admitting something so important and endearing. He would not ask such an imperative question if it wasn't because he truly meant it, or at least believed in soulmates too. Oh how comforting it was and how safe she felt to open a little bit of herself before him. Wasn't this how friendships worked? Tearing down walls and allowing others to come in? To share close guarded secrets and to discuss them safely, knowing that there will not be hurtful teasing and shameful comments shared between them. For a moment she looked up at him, wanting to assure herself that telling him such a sensitive thing would be met with agreement rather than something else...entirely. The offer to leave out of the country and spend time with her mate in foreign lands truly sounded like a dream come true. To go to Italy or Spain, to experience how others lived...to see what they did, to try their foods or melt into their culture seemed so very ideal! It was an offer that Raven knew, deep down, would most likely be impossible. After explaining to him how their life worked in the Were world it seemed like he did not comprehend it as she assumed he would. Instead she smiled politely speaking warmly to her friend.

"That is a very kind thing to offer us Dorian, thank you so much! I do not know when we will be able to, but I do hope one day we can take up your offer."

She took another sip of tea, remembering that he had directed the conversation all on her. It was not right for her to do all the talking. So, she quickly amended the problem, taking control and asking the Fae King her own questions. Surely she was not out of line to ask?

"Tobias and I are mates, but we are not married. What do you call yours if you are not married? Is there a term foe it in your Fae culture? Tell me about him?"

Raven Clocksworth.