"A silver tongue to sweeten any bargain." Arno muses, nodding firmly. "It makes me inclined to practice my own, I will certainly say that much. Flattery could surely serve us all that way."

Sif's hair... He has to smile, imagining the shining locks, worn by the most beautiful woman he can picture. For him, that had been Elise before, but now, there are some ladies here who he can see in the role as well. In particular, he can see China, perhaps due to those eyes. They strike him in the way the golden hair might have done.

"I must remember this approach the next time that I need forgiveness." He says rather wryly. "It would have worked wonders when I was younger, and saved me so many lectures." There is a little wink then.

"One step ahead of trouble. That's not so bad if you think it through. Better the edge of the frying pan than any closer to the fire, right?"