Galt was perceptive, but he couldn't begin to understand her hesitance there. Many were unaccustomed to learning something that brought them into such close contact with an opponent. Bows, crossbows, polearms, even swords kept a level of distance between yourself and whoever you were fighting against, but knife fighting was the most up close and personal form of combat there was. At least, that involved blades. It made sense she would be hesitant, though he did see a small spark in her eyes when she saw him twirled the dagger before her. Maybe there was hope for her yet? He would ask her again later, perhaps once they had gotten to know the other better. 

"As you wish, my lady. I just wanted to offer you the same kindness you showed me," He explained, presenting himself in a stressed formality to add some whimsy to the awkwardness. 

[hr] 

On the appointed day, Galt found himself feeling a bit of trepidation. The ex-thief had gotten used to meeting with people he wasn't entirely familiar with, having gotten the basics down on when to scrape and when to bow and when to graciously welcome someone into his presence. He had even entertained Queen Morgase for a short time the other day, when she had been visiting to speak with the good Duke Valdemar of Mrugalstern whilst the king was entertaining guests from Grand Empire of Peregon. Galt had managed to find out from the most auspicious lady of the land that she had been the daughter of the rival of the current Emperor of Peregon. Galt had said something witty, gods he couldn't even remember it, but evidently she had gushed about him to King Heraclad III. Galt felt that was good.

Right? So he hoped, at least. As he bumped along within the carriage, he recalled how making a reputation for yourself on the streets was either an extremely good or a horribly bad aspect to gain. Fear and notoriety helped one to do a job, but it also put a target on one's back. He wondered if word had gotten out already, and if Silke's brother would be more or less pleasant with such knowledge. Either way, he would suck it up and learn the bow if it was the last thing he would do. 

He glanced out the window as he entered the gates of the Kasper residence, passing by iron embellishments in the shapes of lions and statues of mythic creatures he did not have the pedigree to recognize. Eventually, the carriage was dragged by the well manicured ferns and brush of the front lawn, and a stately looking man, likely a chamberlain, awaited him by the stone stairway leading up to the large oaken door once he slowed to a stop. 

He wondered about her brother not being present to greet him, but he supposed it didn't overly matter. Galt didn't know if Silke was here or not, and though he imagined she was on the premises, he couldn't guess if he would see her. He hoped he would, as it always made the time go by quicker. She had said she wouldn't be present for the lessons, but he guessed he still rather held out some hope for it. 

If only he had bow lessons with the Queen.