[color=#93E9BE]"Oh, I'm alright, thank you."[/color] Eryn inclined his head slightly toward Azariah. His hand found the other’s arm, giving it a gentle squeeze as they both turned their attention to his sister. A smile tugged at his lips at the proud warmth in Azariah’s voice, the way he spoke of her as though she were his own child. It was disarmingly endearing.

While the blanket was being arranged, Eryn claimed the task of observing their surroundings.

The countryside spread out in a gentle sprawl of green, dappled with wildflowers that tilted lazily toward the sun. Grasses bowed in the breeze, their whisper mingling with the distant chirrup of birds hidden in the hedgerows. Butterflies drifted like flecks of paint on the air, while bees hummed industriously among blossoms. A narrow path meandered through it all, worn smooth by shepherds and townsfolk alike. Its earthen track was framed with moss and clover, softened where nature pressed close but never overtook it. The road did not feel abandoned but cherished — a ribbon of earth leading travelers onward through a land that breathed peace.

Eryn let himself breathe too, though the corset clamped his ribs like a vise. He settled onto the blanket, choosing shade for his shoulders but sunlight for his legs. For a fleeting moment, he longed to sprawl out, to soak in the warmth, but [i]proper ladies[/i] did not sprawl. With a stifled huff, he crossed his ankles neatly and folded his hands, listening as Azariah spoke fondly of his family.

Envy pricked at his sides. Azariah’s closeness with his kin was something Eryn had never known; his own ties to father and stepmother were more strained than his corset’s laces. Still, he nodded along, tucking away details as each family member was introduced — though he couldn’t help an amused wince at mention of the crotchety grandfather who delighted in meddling.

When Orianne approached with a platter, Eryn perked instantly at the sight of fresh vegetables. His mouth watered as she drew nearer, though a brush to his arm pulled him back from his hungry reverie. He smiled sheepishly and nodded.

[color=#93E9BE]"Oh yes, I’m not too picky. I’ll take whatever you give me. Though, I do like a good white."[/color]

Without thinking, he returned the touch to Azariah’s leg with the back of his hand.

If Azariah was salivating over meat, Eryn was no better with greens. He plucked a small carrot and popped it into his mouth — only to freeze as Orianne introduced herself. Mortification prickled as he chewed hastily, forcing down the bite before bowing his head.

[color=#93E9BE]"I do remember you,"[/color] he said earnestly. [color=#93E9BE]"I was just telling Azariah how alike you looked at the ceremony. You were wonderful."[/color]

Given a plate, Eryn served himself modest portions of broccoli, cauliflower, and salad, leaving space for the meat Azariah promised to fetch.

When Orianne asked after him, he blinked, caught off guard. He considered honesty — and decided on it. Far better than he could have imagined, though he reminded himself there was still an end goal to all this. He couldn’t let comfort lure him too deep.

[color=#93E9BE]"Your brother has been very kind to me so far,"[/color] he said softly, nudging a carrot across his plate with his fork. [color=#93E9BE]"We’ve not had much time together, but he does his best to make me feel welcome and looked after. It’s… very refreshing."[/color]

His gaze drifted toward Azariah, a smile flickering before caution tugged it back down. He turned instead to Orianne, his voice quiet but steady.

[color=#93E9BE]"I couldn’t ask for a better match from Liraen herself."[/color]