They resumed searching for chestnuts, and it wasn't long before their bag was crammed full. Valerion pulled the drawstrings that would close it, and he was about to place it on his back when he turned to Adrien. There was a pause, then he spoke:

"By the way, Adrien, may I ask you to call me Val? I'd much prefer it".

His voice had been a bit softer, and his eyes a bit brighter, as he made his request. "Yes, of course", Adrien said; he smiled broadly, and that smile was returned to him.