Ridahne didn't know what to think or feel. She felt a tear or two spill down her cheeks but she wasn't necessarily upset, just...moved. Emotional. Which emotion, she couldn't say. All of them? She decided that whatever it was, it wasn't wholly bad. She decided on just overwhelmed. That seemed to encompass much of tonight, she thought. Somehow Darin coming over to speak with her made her feel even more 'on the spot', which just made her cheeks burn even hotter with embarrassment. She felt so exposed, so open and vulnerable. It scared her. And yet there was freedom in that, too. She didn't want to a make a scene though, and she realized with a quick glance around the room that she had anyway. Inwardly, she cursed herself for not just shaking the feeling off and rolling with it. 

Her amber-gold eyes flicked up to Darin, reflecting something like panic and yet something like an apology too. She wanted to speak, to move, to say something or give some sign. But she just had to...just had to breathe for a moment. This day had been earth-shattering for her in one way or another, and her brain was still struggling to keep up and process it all. 

[I]Get a grip, Ridahne. You were trained better than this. Pull it together.[/I]

One breath. In. Out. Another. Each one slower and longer and more controlled than the last. And then her hand reached up to take Darin's and her grip was strong and purposeful. She stood, smoothed back the loose runaway locks of hair, set her shoulders square and stood tall, composed. It was the best she could do. Ridahne spoke in a low voice so that only Darin would hear, "I am with you, Darin-Sol." Her hand was still wrapped around Darin's; she squeezed it. "To whatever end."

[I]Sol.[/I]

The honorific just sort of came out of her mouth without any thought or intention and though she didn't show it on her face, it surprised even her. But she had no intention of taking it back. When she thought about it, it fit. Roughly translated, the suffix meant 'one of high honor', but in Azurei only the Queen or her princesses merited that level of honor even though the word itself did not mean 'Queen'. Ridahne had not belonged to a Sol since her betrayal and had promised herself she would not swear to another ever again. But this felt right. Yes, it felt right. She hoped Darin wouldn't panic like she had when she had first called the girl Ri'atal. Perhaps she'd explain the translation of it later. Either way, it was something for her ears alone for now. 

"I'm sorry," she said softly, though at a less private volume. "I'm...not used to...being so...open. You play nicely. Will you play more for me on the road?" She smiled despite herself. "Maybe I could sing for you? I grew up around sailors, and they do love their working songs and shanties..." Another smile. It was awkward and uncertain in its delivery but it was her way of apologizing for all that had gone awry between them thus far, and it was her way of asking, [I]Are we good?[/I]. She got the feeling that neither of them would be the same when they left this farm. Now was as good a time for a fresh start as any.