On the sidelines, Nymere and Lunevere servants and family members exchanged proofs of identity for their houses’ respective heirs. Certificates of birth, portraits from childhood, inked copies of the family tree, things like that. It was all background noise to Azariah, focused as he was on Eryn. The lady was as still and silent as the night sea at rest. It was difficult to discern what she might think, or feel. But then – she took the rose. 

Her fingers happened to brush against his, which he registered mainly by how cool her hands were. The touch surprised him, but not as much as the lady’s voice: it was soft, yes, but lower than he’d expected. Almost [i]husky[/i]. It made him wonder what she’d sound like in a [i]different setting[/i]. Before his mind could wander off, the mental image of his grand-father beat him back intro propriety.

Though the lady Lunevere did not appear particularly impressed, she [i]was[/i] cooperating. [color=#93E9BE][i]If only to match you.[/i][/color] A pleased huff escaped him, amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes. [color=c83f49]“That’s great,”[/color] he chuckled, perfectly happy with her compromise. His chin tilted down as he observed the rose in her hands. [color=c83f49]“Red suits you better than you think…”[/color] his voice lowered, tone a touch more contemplative. If her situation was anything like his, then she was marrying him for her own reasons. Her willingness to work with him was important. If it meant they could support each other in the future, then this would be worth it after all. When his amber gaze met hers again, his smile was gentler but no less true. 

He perked up right away when the self-fashioned lace wristband was offered to him. He accepted it with a giddy laugh, amber eyes sparkling. Azariah was tempted to do so many things – crow at his prize, wave it into the air like a victory flag, kiss the fabric and direct a smoldering look at her – but something about Eryn’s demeanour restrained him. She was so attentive with the gift, so cautious and reserved, he reconsidered. Instead, he settled for pinning the fine green ribbon to his chest, where the rose used to be, and fashioned it into a bow. He did so with undeniable swagger. [color=c83f49]“Then it’s a good thing I’m not just anyone, isn’t it?”[/color] His grin was full, brash, and bright. 

Azariah fiddled with his new decoration before smoothing it one final time. [color=c83f49]“Thank you,”[/color] he said honestly. He recognized she had not parted with it easily. He didn’t know what it meant to her, but he could respect it. The extras (well, his family was there too, but they really didn’t need to be right now) finally took the hint, and gave them some time alone.

[color=c83f49]“Pleasure,”[/color] he drawled, but he couldn’t help wrinkling his nose at the appellation [i]lord[/i]. [color=c83f49]“Just…It’s Azariah.”[/color] Automatically, he extended his hand for a handshake, only to realize mid-motion it might not be considered appropriate. [color=c83f49]“Oh, whoops,”[/color] he retracted it with a sheepish huff. [color=c83f49]“That’s of those ‘habits picked up from a tavern’, or at least my uncle calls it that,”[/color] he rolled his eyes. The marquis didn’t know a thing – pub patrons didn’t get acquainted with handshakes, but by sharing drinks. 

He nodded at her following words. [color=c83f49]“Strange’s one word for it,”[/color] his smile turned wry. Azariah leaned against one of the ornate cabinets, trying to figure out whether Eryn meant she didn’t like how the world was right now either. [color=c83f49]“Yeah, me too. Wasn’t expecting to get married in the first place, but here we are,”[/color] he chuffed, amused. [color=c83f49]“You know…those things don’t have to belong to another time,”[/color] he told her casually. He paused, wondering if she’d take it as the hint he’d meant it. Then, he grinned, and strolled closer, gesturing widely as he spoke on. [color=c83f49]“We could have a party of our own later. Music, banners, colour, and light – with more cheer than this place’s ever seen. If you’d ever like to.”[/color] They were words meant to allay concerns of any would-be eavesdroppers – a spy could take his allusion of different times the wrong (or right) way – but it was a genuine offer.

[color=c83f49]“But uh…”[/color] he scratched at his head, mussing his neatly combed hair a bit. [color=c83f49]“If you’re second guessing all this, it’s the last chance to back out. I’m sure you know, but I figured I should say it.”[/color] He watched her for a moment. [color=c83f49]“I know I’ve decided to go for it. So, if it’s the same for you…”[/color] he shrugged, his voice light but comforting. [color=c83f49]“Might as well go on, eh?”[/color] He motioned to the door. To the rest of the world waiting for them. Azariah was alright with letting the world wait, though, if it meant giving Eryn the chance to choose.