thank you so much! the art was so inspiring, I just kept adding more and more stuff from it to the story. I had noticed the jewelry, and I'd be curious to know if Antares had thought about what it could be, but John totally surprised me as I wrote when he sort of proposed without saying anything. (yes, sometimes the characters sort of get ideas! lol!)

so glad the riding and the crossbow worked for you, too. thank you again for great feedback!