"Ah, Berkut."
It's called quietly as not to disturb him too heavily; Nel knows that he's a busy man, and though her intentions mean well... this could only be a distraction from whatever it is that he's chosen to busy himself with. Yet there is a high degree of importance placed on what she's chosen to present him with, and the Professor steps closer to gently set a hand on his upper arm.
"Though you are not of the House I am employed by, I consider you my student. I hope this does not offend you." In her hand is a stack of two boxes- one is longer and thin, while the other is more of a square than a rectangle. Attached is a bow comprised of a dark indigo cloth and an intricate pattern of gold woven carefully into its surface, presenting a regal image fit for only the finest of kings. "I am aware that today is that of a date that bears quite the significance. The day of your birth."
She's still not used to the tradition of celebrating these things, as it was usually something that had never been deemed important. A year is nothing to a dragon that's lived for thousands of years-- but she supposes it makes sense to humans who must cherish every moment of their short lives.
"For what it is worth, I am... happy to celebrate this day with you. I have brought you a gift- two, actually. I can only hope that they live up to your expectations."
"Enjoy yourself, Berkut. I, for one, am grateful for this day: for it gave me the opportunity to meet you in this life." It's then that she presses the boxes into his hands, a warm smile meeting his gaze. "I will celebrate the next one, and the one after with you as well. It is a privilege to see you grow into a capable man and a capable leader."
Inside the square box is an assortment of baked goods that she managed to find at the markets- all of which hailing from Elyos and different kingdoms in the country. A few are from Valentia, from what she could find... but it's enough to keep him stocked for well more than a week.
In the other, however, is an intricately crafted tassel intended to be attached to the end of his lance, much like Represailles has-- it's meant to be durable in the heat of battle, the thin strings colored jet black. The neck of it is a beautiful, crisp gold that draws the eye easily while accentuating the darker tones... and finally, as a final decoration, there is a heavy silver emblem secured tightly into the fabric. It's fashioned into the shape of a snarling wolf, a direct reference to the house of his choosing.
"I do not expect you to use it. The tassel on my lance has been there for... a long time, and I cannot recall when I originally procured it. Should you decide to adorn your lance with this one, I hope it will retain a good memory for you."
Berkut turned instantly at the sound of the familiar voice, a smile quickly appearing on his face at the sight of the professor. Seeing the gifts she was holding, the smile only widens as she goes to explain. "Ah, my thanks Professor. Though please, I don't think getting a gift is ever something to be offended by."
Despite himself, Berkut can't help bask in the attention a bit, though her words about celebrating his future birthdays catch him a bit off guard. Frankly he has no idea what the future has in store for him. Despite the time he has spent in this Academy, truly he still hadn't found a goal, or purpose to strive for as of yet. The dark pit in his chest still yearns for vengeance, but is that good enough?
Quickly he refocuses his attention on the professor, eyes widening at the sight of the pastries. Already smiling, it turns to a bit of shock at the sight of the intricate tassel. Carefully picking it out, he brings it close to look over the careful details. The colours and work put into it, the emblem of a silver wolf.
For a moment he is simply stunned. Admiring the detail of it, and a part of him shocked that Nel even thought to give him such a high quality gift. They had met a few times sure, but something like this? An odd warmth filled his chest for a moment, and the smile widened further.
"I... thank you professor." Berkut tried to pull himself together. He was the former heir to an empire, not some stuttering fool. "I appreciate these gifts immensely. Trust me when I say I shall put this on my own lance as soon as I get back."
His grin turned into a smirk as he carefully set it back, before bringing back the box of baked goods up. "However this is too much even for me. I must insist you try some of these with me. Especially these ones from my land. They may be Zofian, but I had a few in my youth, shockingly not too sweet, but very rich in flavour."
Carefully balancing the boxes in one hand, he took one out and popped it into his mouth. A brief sigh of enjoyment as it tasted just like he remembered. Quickly he smirked and gestured toward the box, meeting the eyes of the woman who he had so rapidly come to trust and rely on. "Come now, it's my birthday so I insist on you trying some."
