A/N: I don't own Valkyrie, Tipstaff or Ghastly.
Tipstaff decided that my giving him a token changed things. Namely, instead of driving me home as was proper, we were now free to spend all day together, and although I wasn't sure why he had decided that, I didn't mind. He looked at me as he drove. "Perhaps a stop by the Sanctuary is in order? I can at last see to the unpleasant task of cleaning out my office."
I agreed, as long as I got to help and he beamed at me. When we got there, Ghastly of course, invited me into his office. Hearing about the hair tie, he looked at me. "Tell me you didn't. He is a knight, Valkyrie. They tend to take such things rather seriously."
"And I'm his partner. He's already told me we are still partners, if fact I think we're doing combat training later." Ghastly nodded.
"Still, he will now feel free to get into fights on your behalf, so for the love of all that is holy, no flirting with cute guys, all right? I'd hate to see Tipstaff putting young men in traction."
"Wait, what?"
Ghastly sighed. "Valkyrie, it might not have meant anything to you, but you are his lady now and he will defend your honour. Which means protecting you from all other men since you already have him, even if it isn't in a romantic fashion. Oh, God. No wonder he was going to kill Anton. To him you are already his lady."
"That's blatant sexism." I growled.
"That's a man, being a man, Valkyrie. We're aggressive by nature. Well, you better go help before he charges in here looking for you." I did and Tipstaff seemed pleased at my arrival.
"We have a case then?" He asked.
"Not quite. Ghastly thinks I need to report to him, even when there isn't a case involved. He also thinks you've taken the notion into your head to fight any man who looks at me the wrong way."
"Naturally. A knight must defend his lady's honour. Not that you are incapable on the field of war, and we will indeed continue your training, but you are mine now to defend." He paused a beat then looked at me, grinning. "I wouldn't dream of it, my dear. I know how prickly you get about men trying to defend you. The next time the enemy attacks I shall stand back and let you be rent to pieces."
"That's not funny." I said, glaring at him, but Tipstaff thought it was.
"I wouldn't dream of defending you, my dearest Valkyrie. Why, I've met dragons who were less ferocious. Perhaps you shall defend me instead, as your mere glance freezes the very marrow in a man's bones." He teased.
I sighed and helped him pack up his things, but Tipstaff's glance was fond as he escorted back outside. "My own lady knight to defend my honour." He took his scarf off and wrapped it around my neck. "For my most ferocious and valiant lady knight." He said gently.
Aw, now they have exchanged tokens. At least Tipstaff is treating her as his equal and showing her respect. If you are still reading feedback would be greatly appreciated.