James stood next to the wooden stool Serena sat down on, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword casually. He faced her in a way so he could keep an eye on his surroundings whilst speaking to her. "Exeter is the land just west of your father's kingdom...surely, it will be a long trip, but perhaps we can arrange to head out there soon, though I'd hate to spend so much time in the simple retrieval of my property when I have such an important task to attend to...after all, you're not very safe, even if I've killed the man that was after you."<br/><br/>James listened to Serena as she spoke of her mother, her respect and love for her evident in her words...though he frowned when she mentioned her death, not truly understanding what it's like to loose family, but having been around death long enough to sympathize. "I'm sure she was a wonderful woman. She fought bravely, from the sound of it..." He raised an eyebrow as she mentioned the short sword her mother used, and possibly being trained in using it, causing him to shake his head. "From what you've told me, you'd be far too frail to use that weapon..." He drew his broadsword, feeling it in his hand and lightly swinging it in the open space. "...one does not simply kill a man with a light strike. You must hit your foe with force, and be unrelenting in your attacks; faltering in combat could lead to death." He presented the blade to Serena, letting her get a good look at it. "Swords are also quite heavy, m'lady, even those of a smaller origin." He smiled lightly at her, finally sheathing the sword and resting his hand back on the hilt. "Stick to magic, and that alone should keep you safe if someone is able to get past me...as rare as a situation like that may be, one must be prepared."<br/><br/>James paused for a moment, his gaze tracing over Serena's body for only a short moment before he pulled it away, running a hand through his medium cut hair. He looked back Serena when she asked about his hobbies, and he smiled. "I sing much more than the average man, and I do enjoy music grealy...I also read when I can; I am fortunate to have been born into nobility, for so few are literate, and reading is such a joy to me...only the wealthy can afford the tutors necessary to learn."