<strong><em>Draven listened to her tale, nodding at points along it. He sat forward a little, gazing at her calculatingly yet again.</em></strong><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial black;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 10pt;">"You committed an act of violence that is not befitting of a river spirit. You're rather lucky that you're even still alive."</span></span><strong><em>He nodded again and thought to himself, his eyes searching hers for the truth. Once he was satisfied she was truthful, he sat back again.</em></strong><br/><br/><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial black;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 10pt;">"Well, I don't believe you're lying to me anymore. So I shall make you an offer. If you can pay me, I will protect you. Because it seems you won't always be near large amounts of water and being so far away from your river is bound to drain you as well."</span></span><strong><em>He allowed her a genuine and kind smile, something he rarely did. Something about this woman had intrigued him and he always enjoyed a puzzle. He had decided he would help her in her endeavor. Certainly couldn't just leave her to fend for herself. It wouldn't sit well in his mind. </em></strong>