It was a trait of the young to muster a blush on their skin. It was a reminder that significant age and experience spanned between them, but her words, concepts and thoughts were beyond her current years. It was a rather enlightening mixture, and it kept him on his toes as well, which was an admitted rarity these days. It was easy to think he had seen most that there was to see.

"It is a rare thing for something to slip passed my guard these days, but..." he turned his red eyes on her delicate hands as she reset the chess board. He swirled his wine as if he might even drink it all tonight. "There are some that have accomplished such a feat. You just might be one of them," he admitted softly. "But an enemy, that is unlikely so you will be protected while under my roof."

He gestured with a hand at the board as it was set up, not particularly interested in a game tonight but willing to entertain it if it meant stealing an hour or so more of her time. "Do you fancy a game, or shall we enjoy our wine in peace?"