Re: In a most extraordinary voice between laughing and crying...
Baldr had thankfully stayed awake for a long enough period that when Eva grasped his hand, he hadn't been caught napping. Listening to the issues which faced their people was indeed important, unfortunately, it wasn't always very interesting.
"Of course," Baldr said of Eva's compliment. "It's my pleasure to help out," he added with a sincerity that knocked the sleep out of his eyes. "Oh goodness, no," the God of Joy told her with a laugh. "I avoided the palace at all costs," he explained, lips still curved into the slightest smile. "I spent as much of my time as possible outdoors, in the forests," the nature deity confessed. "Making friends with the animals and having long one-sided debates with the trees," he remembered fondly. "Luckily for me, I wasn't the one being groomed for the crown," he added, then realized he hadn't been very positive about their current assignment. "But this is important..." his face became sterner and his voice dipped lower. "You're a very compassionate ruler, Eva," Baldr informed. "It makes this entire process more bearable... enjoyable. Enjoyable," yes.