"Thank you, your Majesty," I said, taking it from him after a moment of hesitation. The ring was heavy in my hand and too big to even be worn on my thumb. But with so many eyes on me, I just closed my fingers around it, accepting it with a smile.
"Forgive the simple presentation," Aerion said, his eyes glimmering with amusement. "The Leaves of Sylvarus represent the highest honor of our new kingdom. I had intended to present it with the three others to be awarded for their contributions during the battle, but given you're to depart us, this is the best I can do."
"I think I'll be alright without a big ceremony," I said, slipping it into my spatial ring. "Who are the others you're giving them to?"
"Me, for one," R'lissea said, holding up her hand. I was a little annoyed to see she was wearing it, though I didn't truly mind. Jewelry really wasn't my thing.
