"Are you really the only one who can hold your own against her?" The question may have been made mostly in jest but the truth of it struck her moments later. Were people that afraid of speaking their minds? Even Thrask?

"Shhh. Don't encourage him too much. He might try to take the lion's share if he thinks you're being generous." He chuffed at her. Don't tell the nice Templar not to feed him! "And I would assume the shells would be cleaned," she added, wiping her hands on a towel. She pulled out another pot to fill with water for the second batch.

She shot him a grin from over her shoulder. "It's very telling that you got that out so easily. I only wish it could be that simple. We could retire early and take up crab fishing as a real hobby."