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[Color=82ca9d]"And a Mirthful Revel to you too Aaron."[/color] Salem couldn't help but chuckle at Aaron's use of the word disguise. He hadn't thought about it but he supposed after the week he’d had, Aaron might be glad to go unrecognized as the mage of the mines, or that embarrassment of an apology letter, or quite honestly just the general daggers people glared at him when he entered a room. [Color=82ca9d]"I'd recognize that golden hue anywhere, though don't worry I'm sure no one else has had the pleasure of having to look at that sunlit hair everyday in affinity class."[/color]

There was a bit of a grin spreading on Salem as Aaron politely declined his offer, a Cheshire smile that marked the line where his timidness stopped and the tequila began. [Color=82ca9d]"Thank you, it's a special kind of Lily my family had worked on, changing the coloration ever so slightly to match the golden hue of fine silk or aged porcelain. My classes have helped greatly in how I handle my energy and control its flow."[/color] Salem downed his sweet wine, its rich sugary mouthfeel sliding down nicely as he reached and took Aaron's glass, finishing it off with his left hand as his right wrapped around the light mages side and was placed beneath his shoulder, pulling him close enough for their hips to touch. Salem gently placed the glass on the table near them and moved his hand over to Aaron's right, slowly lifting it up to start a dance. [Color=82ca9d]"Silly Starag, there wasn't really a choice in the matter."[/color]

Any reply Aaron had to Salem’s compliments and the Spellmans having a proprietary brand of lily died in his throat when Salem stole his drink; a strangled sound of protest was all that escaped. He sighed his irritation out with a roll of the eyes and leveled a look at Salem as he squared up properly to waltz, letting Salem take the lead. 

[color=f0d705]“You owe me another drink,”[/color] he said pointedly, though he’d let the issue die as the music started. [color=f0d705]“Now what’s got you in such a good mood? I don’t usually see you so chipper.”[/color]

[Color=82ca9d]"I fully planned on giving you my other drink don't you worry."[/color] Once the music began and their dance had started, Salem took the time to savor this moment before leaning his head slightly forward and whispering in Aaron's ear. [Color=82ca9d]"I had a full day’s rest."[/color] He leaned back once more allowing the light mage to see the smile beneath the mask.

Aaron’s eyebrows shot up beneath his mask, the man flooded with a combination of excitement and apprehension. So they [I]had[/I] to be connected then! He hadn't doubted it, identical dreams weren't exactly easy to come by, but now there could be no doubt. And truthfully, he was happy for Salem. He was happy for both of them! He wouldn't wish that kind of torment on his worst enemy, and he was happy they could put it behind them. 

Of course, that brought him to the subject of covering it all up. 

But he reflected Salem’s smile with one of his own, leaning in to reply in a whisper. [color=f0d705]“So did I.”[/color] He couldn't quite stop the excitement from leaking into his voice. [color=f0d705]“Does that mean we can be done with this then? No more obsessing?”[/color] 

Salem couldn’t help but widen his smile at the mention of Aaron having also had a full sleep. It did, however, bring up more questions than answers. Why them? Were there other students possibly affected or was this truly just the work of them being invaded my Lady Sinnenodels mind mage? Also what did it mean that the dreams finally halted? There was definitely more to this than they could possibly imagine and Salem was raring to get to the bottom of it. He was about to press Aaron with some of his concerns when suddenly the mage suggested that they could be done with this. How? How could one simply just want to forget and move on on such a mystery? How was this not biting at him? If it wasn’t for the mask Aaron would’ve been able to see Salem’s eye threaten to twitch at the mere thought of just abandoning the issue that had plagued them for a week. He was about to speak in protest and tell him what he found when Victor’s voice rang out in the back of his head. 

[center][color=92278f][i]“Be careful what you say around the stagg boy.”[/i][/color][/center]
Salem tried to keep his smile going as he gave a slight laugh at what Aaron had said. [color=82ca9d]“I hadn’t actually thought of that. It’s nice, knowing I don’t have to wonder if I will have enough sleep to continue my studies or not.”[/color] He sighed and shook his head, his hair tossing ever so slightly above his cape. [color=82ca9d]“I didn’t find anything anyways. Was a bit afraid you’d somehow come back with a wealth of knowledge and I’d have nothing to show for my efforts. But I suppose it makes sense, chasing ghosts and dreams only leaves you with empty hands as you grasp at air.”[/color]

Though he was pleasantly surprised, Aaron couldn’t deny he felt more than a hint of suspicion about Salem’s reply. He could believe that Salem didn’t find anything - he hadn’t found much of value himself outside of his meeting with the Princess - but somehow, it didn’t seem quite right that dogged, principled, persistent-to-a-fault Salem would just give up his search for answers so easily. Aaron would let himself hope that Salem [i]was[/i] sincere and [i]would[/i] let the issue die, but he’d be prepared if he didn’t. 

Smiling kindly, Aaron shook his head, still keeping his tone low. [color=f0d705]“I didn’t come across much either, only something… tangentially related. But we can discuss that later.”[/color] He shrugged and let his smile brighten. [color=f0d705]“In the meantime, I’m just glad that we can put it all behind us, and not burden ourselves or [i]anyone else.”[/i][/color] Aaron’s smile remained, but there was a hint of warning in his eyes and his voice at the last part. 

Salem's eyebrow arched. Surprised not in that Aaron had found something, but more so that he believed it'd burden others. With the exception of the librarians who could help him locate texts or at the very least point him in the proper direction, Salem didn't quite believe it was burdensome for others. His smile remained as he began to wonder if there was some merit to what Victor had told him. If perhaps withholding information or playing a part would give him more clarity onto others, or at the very least Aaron. These were new waters that needed testing, but they appeared to be the right course for now.

[Color=82ca9d]"It's like I said before. If either of us were to find something it'd be you, even if it isn't much. Either way I thank you for this dance. I hope we can do it again someday."[/color] Salem leaned forward, giving Aaron a kiss on the cheek and another smile. It appeared his night may actually be going well after all.

Aaron rolled his eyes at the kiss, making a mental note to make sure later that Salem understood what he’d meant, but broke off the dance with poise as the music came to a close and offered Salem a customary bow. [color=f0d705]“Likewise,”[/color] he replied, quirking his head at the crowd. [color=f0d705]“Now go enjoy Revel.”[/color]