There was naught for Stephanie to do but graciously smile and exchange a hug with her nephew. She'd never be able to claim in a million years to approve of everything, or even most things, that Alistaire did or was but at the same time, there was the undeniable, sad fact that he was the only blood relative she actually had who wasn't trying to kill her or her husband.

And to be fair, the gifts he brought were lovely.

"Thank you for coming." Stephanie replied with a smile. "And thank you, I've always wanted cutlery in particular." Later, she'd have to quietly enquire as to whether the sword was primarily decorative or actually useful. Not that she couldn't make more devastating weaponry herself, but there was something about being able to practice with an instrument that didn't melt steel.