There are tears in his eyes when she pulls back to look, tears in his eyes and the biggest, wildest, toothiest smile on his face. And when he can see that little frown line from him being right, because he's terrible that way, he can't help that he lets out a big, full-chested laugh while he holds her tight.

First he sways a little but then he's spinning them once, twice, and so close.

"I mean what I said, Ulla! I mean. that the most brilliant. most talented. most amazing sildroher this Barge has ever or will ever see..." and his voice lowers a little as he nudges her temple with his forehead, "is a free woman."

A soft huff of amusement.

"A free woman with help to get her vengence. And all the opportunities of a deal on this ship available to her." He adds a sway. "And a home with at least one friend. who'll always have her back.

"Always."