<div class="floatleft">(https://yt3.ggpht.com/a-/AAuE7mBViEXufNE3sOcr1sfm2PL7B4vFb6ocvHP9Cg=s240-mo-c-c0xffffffff-rj-k-no)</div>"Books are a world unto themselves," Vanessë found herself saying, "Certainly my training involves reading lore on magic and memorizing spells and songs.  But there's so much beyond that.  Every author puts a little of themselves into their works, whether they report on findings, or spin fantastic tales.  Reading is like meeting a friend, traveling to far distances, and expanding the mind, heart and horizons all at once."  The elven noble still spoke in her characteristic calm, even tone, but someone who knows her well, or is especially perceptive of people would know that she was getting excited, speaking of books.  Seated slightly more forward and erect on her chair.  A minor accentuation in the inflection of her speech.  And perhaps just a very slight increase in the speed of her delivery.<br/><br/>She arched an eyebrow at the father's suggestion that they spar.  She was about to decline politely.  While she had the typical elven training in swords and bows, she was quite certain that the young man had spent far more effort in it than she had.  But the way that Erin had immediately dismissed his father's suggestion had rubbed her the wrong way.  She was entirely capable of speaking for herself.<br/>And now that she thought of it, although he was clearly stronger and could hit harder, and would probably outlast her in most physical activity, she had been among the best of her peers when it came to weapon accuracy.  She would certainly lose a melee fight with him, but sparring only required that she demonstrate that her blade could find its mark just as well as his.<br/><br/>"Maybe we should try sparring.  Perhaps I'd have something to learn from you," she said simply, the slightest trace of a smile on her lips.