A/N: I don't own Valkyrie, Tipstaff or Skulduggery.

I got up and dressed, thinking about poor Tipstaff. It had to be lonely, being the last of his line. I found him in the library before the fireplace. There was a book awaiting me and coffee. "Please, help yourself, young knight. Chaucer. I think you'll enjoy him." He said and I murmured my thanks then sat and read.

I was actually getting absorbed in the book when I felt Tipstaff looking at me. I looked up and met his blue eyes. "Sorry, Valkyrie. But that's the first time I've ever seen you read anything that isn't electronic. My apologizes, it was rude to stare."

"You don't have to apologize, Tipstaff. Should I be calling you Sir Tipstaff?"

"No, no need unless we were in council, and as there are no real knights left that's rather unlikely. Tell me, young Valkyrie, would you have liked to be a knight, do you think? Are you enjoying your training?"

"Yes and yes, Tipstaff. Wait, that's where your got your name, isn't it?"

"Aye, it is at that. I was always destined to be an officer of some sort. At one time I led men to take evil doers by force. Now I just push papers around a desk and make coffee. I'm old and outdated, Valkyrie, you deserve so much better." I looked at him, I'd never seen him pity himself before.

"Tipstaff. I do deserve you, because we're best friends and partners now. Aren't you the one who said it would be nobler and more satisfying to succeed than to find out who paired us?" I asked and he nodded. "You see? Skulduggery would have shot them in the knees by now."

"How very charming." Tipstaff said dryly. "But speaking of your father, and the man sees himself as such, you should at least visit him. I know it is hard, Valkyrie, having a new family thrust upon you when you've lost your own. Rather like leaving your family and farm behind to train as a knight. But, you will find in time that your new family can prove a healing balm."

"That was quite poetic, Tipstaff. And I'll ring him at least. I don't want him trying to separate us and lock me away at home."

"I would mount a rescue. You are my lady, after all." He teased, his eyes twinkling. "But then you are also my lady knight, so perhaps you'd have to rescue yourself." He said, his eyes dancing. I shook my head at his silliness and went out in the hall to ring Skulduggery.

Though I did wonder why Tipstaff kept calling me his lady. Probably force of habit, I guessed. Skulduggery answered on the first ring. "Valkyrie, is everything all right?"

"Everything's fine. Dad." I managed and heard his gasp of delight. "I just wanted to check in with you, that's all. The family's good?"

"We miss you. Please say you'll come visit. You can bring Tipstaff, even if he did replace me." He grumbled.

"Is that what's been bothering you? Tipstaff may be my partner and best friend, but that will never change how I see you, Dad. I just like having him all to myself, to be honest. He's a remarkable man." I looked up to see Tipstaff looking at me and flushed bright red. "Um, I think I have to go." I murmured and rang off. Tipstaff's polite smiled grew into a grin and I flushed a deeper shade of red. "Not funny." I mumbled and he laughed.

Say, he's teasing her again. There may be more than best friends here. Hmm.