"What do you want to know, my pretty?" Gordoc asked, his expression one of puzzlement. "Do you want me to scare Merl off--thump him for you? Just tell him your Uncle Gordoc will have words with him if he offends you." "No, no, I don't mean that." Tashi smiled. "He's not insulted me--at least, not by Eastern standards, I suppose." She wrinkled her nose. "What's he done?" growled Ramil. "Well, first there's the gifts--flowers and jewelry, mainly. What should I say when he gives me things?" "Thank you' usually does the trick," said Gordoc"