Shady

(Ooh that’s awesome! I may poke around with that, too. Seems like great questions!) “…true,” Talia agreed with a nod. Then smiled sheepishly and joked, “including pasta.”

Talia nodded. “Good for him… gosh that’s like something out of a storybook. Getting chosen off your farm to become a Lord. How fun.”

“That’s good at least.” Talia nodded. “Lucky for sure.”

“That’s so bizarre.” Talia furrowed her brow.

“Wait, so he’d never met the man?”

“Why would he do such a thing?”

“Hopefully that’s a good sign?”

Talia blushed, but actively forced down her discomfort and forced a tiny smile. This woman may as well be a noble herself from proximity; she was allowed to say that.

Talia nodded, not sure how to answer, so she carefully attempted, “…I’m sure sometimes difficult decisions have to be made…”

Talia grimaced and nodded. “Yes ma’am… unfortunately.”

Talia chuckled gently, returning the smile. “Fair enough.”

"...Why?"

"Oh?" Talia looked at her curiously. "What's yours?"

(hah irony) Talia nodded, relieved. "Right. That makes sense. So, back to just a cruel nickname."

Talia hesitated a long moment. "...But she's not actually a troll, of course...?"