[I concede. She says it, and he cannot bother to hide his smile; Rowan pulls his hood down to reveal his expression, bright-eyed and pleased. A weight lifted with her acquiescence, as though time itself has stilled to allow them a few moments' ease. At her will, it might as well have.]

Was it not my silver tongue that earned a place by your side?

[To convince her that he would be a loyal follower, even if under the not-so-hidden guise of locating her cursemark at Rogier's behest. Strange, how far both of them have come since then.

His features soften.]

Thank you, Ranni. I know you do little more than humor me, but I will make it worth your while.

[Here, his hand slips into his pocket, to pull out a familiar whistle. It pipes as clear as a bell, and in a rush blue, ghostly magic, Torrent appears beside them both. His friend paws at the starry ground with a hoof, flicking an ear.]

Come. [He swiftly mounts his steed, and holds out a hand to Ranni, beckoning. The mirror image of just moments ago, when she had reached out to him.] We go wherever you like. Torrent will ride undeterred with an honored guest on his back.