[ Tempting as it is to make some remark about how Hilda should take care to listen to her elders, Thancred is now completely distracted by the deck of cards. They've clearly all been made with care, and the fact that each one was hand-drawn is even more impressive. Not that there would be any other way to go about it, but the fact that Hilda remembered what he showed her well enough to replicate something like a cactuar or even Tataru in her own style — well, it's impressive. ]

I had no idea I had befriended such a talented artist. [ At one point in his life perhaps that would have been little more than an empty flirtation, but his words are entirely genuine. He glances up at Hilda as she nurses her drink. ] If you had wanted more card ideas, you certainly could have asked me, though there is something to be said for being surprised with the finished product.

[ He studies each card in turn, understanding how much work must have gone into all of them. He handles them with care, his touch light as he doesn't want to damage them or even smear them with thumbprints. ]

It will have to be quite the favor. I can't imagine how long this all took you, and the fact that you did it for someone you'd met just the once...

[ He shakes his head, his expression mildly stunned. And touched. ]

I hardly know what to say.