"Nohar I know, that's for certain." He was still surprised himself, sometimes. "Respectable" might not be quite such a new thing to him anymore, but it was still something he'd never imagined would be said in the same sentence as his name without some negative qualifier. "Isn't," for example.

He had to try hard to resist the urge to roll his eyes. At least Seel knew how to be polite while still being completely ruthless. That was a plus, right? At least it would make for less hitting. Because something told Cal they'd end up taking it out on each other later in private.

"No garlands yet. I'll make sure they save some for you."