When you glanced at Lady Agnes, you saw that she had unfolded a hand fan, brought it to her face to conceal everything below her eyes from view, and averted her gaze. But though much of her face was hidden, there was something to be gleaned from what was not. The undersides of her eyes were a little higher up than they usually were. Especially at the outer corners of the eyes. This suggested that Lady Agnes was smiling behind her fan. Though you were unable to determine what kind of smile she was hiding.

[b]"She's just busy, Lord Everheart. Lady Melia is helping to manage the guests and the gifts. She told us not to worry her right now."[/b]

[b]"Why am I not surprised?"[/b] Aldric said with a mix of amusement and exasperation. [b]"You know, there are days when I think she doesn't quite get what retirement means... Though I suppose we all do what we must to take our minds off that whole Great Modron March business."[/b] Aldrich shrugged before looking directly at you. [b]"And stop with that Lord Everheart nonsense, Dmitri. Even if you hadn't just become a Lord Everheart yourself, we're in-laws now! Call me Aldric, my boy.[/b]

[b]"And of course we would take the time to be here with you,"[/b] You continued then. [b]"You are a very special man to our family, and we would never miss a chance to spend time with you on such a happy day."[/b]

[b]"Oh you shameless flatterer you."[/b] Aldric laughed. [b]"I guess now I know how it is you managed to charm my daughter so."[/b] It took him a moment to notice the drink you offered him, but eventually he did. [b]"Ooo! Thank you kindly."[/b] Your grandfather expressed his gratitude before eagerly accepting the beverage, taking a drink, and letting out a satisfied 'ahh'. [b]"That's some good stuff right there."[/b]

Aldric fell silent for a time as he savoured his drink then. He took in the sight of his surroundings as he did. This eventually led to him noticing Andraste and Durwith off in the distance, causing the old man to suddenly remember something and turn back to you and Lady Agnes. [b]"Say, have either of you spoken with the founders in attendance yet?"[/b] Aldric asked. [b]"Lady Andraste and Master Durwith came to see me earlier. The strangest thing happened though. They seemed to become somewhat upset as we spoke, but I couldn't discern why. And when I brought it up and asked if they were alright, Master Durwith went even quieter than he usually was and Lady Andraste made up some hasty excuse and quickly changed the subject. Strange, no?"[/b]