[center][h1][color=B3A984]Aedan Merryn[/color]
&
[color=D8716D]Julianna Hardin[/color][/h1]
[img]http://pa1.narvii.com/6459/76c1911fffcb1bdf92b737fc73ce0d241a558a87_hq.gif[/img]
[img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma7gpgpUCj1qe4kyho1_500.gif[/img][/center]
[hr][center][b]Location:[/b] The Castle of Abhainn
[b]Interacting With:[/b] Each Other[/center][hr]

Julianna made yet another mental note to grab Aedyn so that she can discuss some matters that have been bothering her as of late. She trusted Aedyn and really felt that it was not a mistake to do so. While the nerves were coming back to her being, she could still feel judging eyes upon her and it was not sitting well within her. She just wanted to marry the King of Abhainn and be Queen, hopefully a good one. Speaking of Queens, Rhoslyn, made her presence known towards King Maddox, who also apologized for her husband's actions so early within their arrival. Julianna honestly felt that Jack should've been apologizing but everyone knew that wasn't going to happen.

Once Rhoslyn started to wipe off whatever blood she could from Julianna's dress, her ears twitched at her words as she could not help but smile. [color=D8716D][b]"Why thank you, Queen Rhoslyn."[/b][/color] She bowed respectfully towards her. It was then Jack spoke once again and mentioned something about gifts, which he brought from Sliabh. Julianna noticeably rolled her eyes at Jack's display of gifts then looked at King Maddox as he complimented on the gifts.

When Maddox spoke that his servants would escort them towards their rooms, she thanked him with a smile but then gasped whenever he took her hand and placed a kiss upon her knuckles. [color=D8716D][b]"Oh, my."[/b][/color] She managed to breath out then watched Maddox start to walk away. Once the other nobles started to scatter and such, along with servants moving to do their king's bidding, Julianna walked over towards Keir and smiled. [color=D8716D][b]"I'll be in my room shortly. Feel free to pick an outfit out for yourself from my belongings, if you wish."[/b][/color]

Aedan had remained silent as Maddox continued to speak to Julianna and Jack. Aedan did somewhat appreciate it when Rhoslyn came forward. He didn't trust the queen, similarly to how he did not trust Jack, but he knew she was already an infinitely better ruler than Jack was, someone cool and calculated, rather than a child throwing an occasional tantrum. When one of the servants approached him, Aedan gave the man a nod and reached up, removing his heavy fur cloak as he handed it over to the man, ready to follow him off to his room as he adjusted his sheathe momentarily.

Once she spoke that, she made her way over to Aedyn, muttering towards him now. [color=D8716D][b]"Walk with me?"[/b][/color] She questioned towards him as she looped her arm with his, causing a few people to mumble but she knew that there was nothing more going on between them other than a trusted friendship and that's all that matters. 

Turning his gaze back over toward Julianna as he heard her voice, Aedan paused as he gave her a nod. [color=B3A984][b]"Of course, my lady."[/b][/color] He said respectfully, giving another nod to the servant as he watched the man head off to take the furs to his room, he would find it later. For now he simply appreciated having the weight and warmth off his shoulders, he still never enjoyed being so far south, even without his furs the heat was getting to him somewhat, and the day was more mild than it was properly hot.

Feeling Julianna's arm loop with his own, he took his hand gently off his sword and belt and glance over toward her, allowing her to lead as he ignored the muttering of the crowd still watching - eager to get out from under watching eyes, it was one part of being a noble he had not gotten used to. [color=B3A984][b]"What did you need of me, my lady?"[/b][/color] He asked, still speaking to Julianna often as though he were still only a knight, and not a lord, at least until the wedding - of almost equal rank and stature to her.

When Aedyn asked what she needed of him, she shrugged her shoulders while looking down at the ground beneath the both of them. Julianna let out a soft sigh before lifting her head up and her eyes averted over towards him now. [color=D8716D][b]"Not sure if it is the nerves or what but I don't feel very safe here."[/b][/color] She admitted in a whispered tone, one only Aedyn could hear. [color=D8716D][b]"I need you close by, at all times, Aedyn. I feel safer whenever you're close by and plus, I trust you."[/b][/color] Julianna mentioned towards him as she stopped in her tracks and continued to look right at him.

Aedan nodded his head softly as she spoke, idly glancing around as he moved along with her. In a way he was not surprised that she did not feel safe, he didn't particularly. For many years they had been at war with the Abhainnians, and Aedan still thought it quite likely that this so-far temporary peace could be thrown into disaster once more. He hoped he was wrong, that the Abhainnians truly wished peace just as much as the Slibahns, but he figured all that could be done was to wait and see. He turned his gaze toward her briefly as she spoke again, nodding his head once. [color=B3A984][b]"You flatter me, my lady - I'll stand ready whenever you need me."[/b][/color] He assured her, unable to help his tone - speaking more like a soldier than a noble at that moment.

[color=D8716D][b]"Is there any reason you have been quiet thus far?"[/b][/color] Julianna asked as she even smiled towards him. [color=D8716D][b]"No need to be so serious right now."[/b][/color] She teased him slightly while giving him a small nudge on the shoulder as she was trying to loosen him up a bit. 

Aedan halted for a moment as she questioned him on his silence, neutral expression remaining even as she smiled and nudged him. He considered her comment. For the most part, he had been wary, similar to how she had said - he did not truly trust many of the Abhainnians, and having fought against them for so many years, it felt strange to now be walking the halls of their castle, and preparing for a wedding. [color=B3A984][b]"Just a soldier's nerves, my lady."[/b][/color] He answered simply, deciding not to burden her with his thoughts. [color=B3A984][b]"Though, the southern weather doesn't help."[/b][/color] He jested quietly, offering the slightest hint of a smile for only a moment or two, before his face turned neutral once more.

Talking with Aedyn made her feel a little bit better, to be honest. It's nice to have someone be there for her whenever her nerves got the best of her and she was happy that it was Aedyn in this moment. Julianna nodded her head at his response towards her question about him being quiet and could not help but chuckle towards him after his other comment. [color=D8716D][b]"Well, I guess we better go and get ready for tonight's celebration, huh?"[/b][/color] Julianna said as they made in within the doorway of Abhainn's castle.

Bowing his head somewhat as she suggested they move to get ready, Aedan moved to gently clasp his hands behind his back, stopping in the doorway as he looked over toward her. He had concerns over how safe Julianna would be in the long run. While he was there, he was able to protect her, and he would certainly do so - but in time he would return home, and he could do no more. It had been one of his promises to the late king of Sliabh - to protect Julianna for as long as he was able. Now it seemed that was beginning to come to an end, and it troubled Aedan. 

She leaned over towards Aedyn, giving him a brief hug then held onto his shoulders while looking into his eyes. [color=D8716D][b]"Thanks for making me feel better, Aedyn. I truly appreciate having you around."[/b][/color] Julianna mentioned towards him with a soft smile to follow her words. She really did enjoy her moment with Aedyn though and hoped that he could feel that vibrating from her.

Somewhat caught off-guard by the hug, Aedan only shifted his hands to his sides, not properly returning the hug as she spoke, eyes watching hers as he'd give her a nod. [color=B3A984][b]"There's no need to thank me, my lady."[/b][/color] He said with another gentle nod, unsure how else to really reply. As their conversation ceased, he let her head off first, taking a moment or two to himself as he glanced back outside, briefly resting his palm upon the pommel of his sword. He stood there for a moment or two, thinking, before he sighed and turned, heading for the room he'd had prepared for him.

[color=D8716D][b]"See you at the celebration."[/b][/color] Was all she left Aedyn with before waltzing away from him and heading towards her room, which was specially prepared for her. She did wonder to herself if her lady-in-waiting, Keir, was in her room and picking out an outfit like she had requested earlier or was Keir in her own room, getting ready. Julianna shrugged the thoughts away as two guards surrounded her now and escorted her towards her room.