Briar did not rush to avert her gaze as she had before -- in fact, she met Nisa's stare easily this time, and didn't dare to look away.

"Thank you for giving me the chance, miss," she gave in return. "I will do my best to be everything you need."

The mistress had such delicate hands. She was surprised by the power they must have held, evidenced by the bloody mess she'd just cleaned up. Brushing her thumbs over Nisa's, she pulled her hands away and moved to finish preparing their tea.