shadowscribe | there's a darkness at the heart of my love;

There's a soft chuckle, "Trust, and I... Want to learn how your thoughts work. You may ask me any yes or no question pertaining to my magic. I will answer honestly, and if it is something granted by the Kingsteel I will tell you. I will not be offended by any guess you make, they cannot be any worse than I have already heard."

He hesitated a moment before reaching in to his vest and pulling out an envelope.

"My mother is hosting a 'tea' in a few weeks, the gardens will be in full bloom and I should like to see you there. I had an invitation made for you. It is up to you whether you wish to consider such a...calm affair a fulfilment of the tradition of attending an event in public. There is always the summer festivals or the harvests."

Arafel pauses a moment at the suggestion and then gently and somewhat curiously she asks,"I wouldn't mind the attending the tea. But it would be nice to see the festivals and harvests as well."

That's a bit more than the one traditional event in public perhaps but her lips quirk a little in amusement. "I've always been deep into my studies so I haven't gone to any of the festivals or the like in ... well. I believe I might have been a teenager? Or not quite that."

It was around then that puberty snuck up and with it her magical affinity was revealed. Her siblings still interacted with her but far, far less than that had before. That was just the nature of things.

His expression softens a bit, understanding of the rough timeline of when ones magic usually began to show.

"I would gladly take you to attend the festivals, even if we go in an... Unofficial capacity so far as our rank goes." He nodded. "And I... Apologize in advance for whatever difficulties and scrutiny the court puts you through during our courtship, but know that I will defend you unless you decree to me otherwise."

That softens Arafel's own expression.

"That's very kind of you. I will admit I have not been under the eye of the courts even though I do have some experience in such scrutiny. It's comforting to hear you'll defend me."

She looks down to her hands folded together in her lap again. Faint flushes stand out so much more on her pale cheeks.

"I appreciate that. And your interest itself. I've never thought of being courted so ... I look forward to it."

And if eventually he wanted a partner with a firmer hand, well ... maybe she should do some studying on that particular topic too.

there's a darkness at the heart of my love;

sorry this took forever, had some medical stuff pop up

no worries, take all the time you need. hope you're doing better!

Jeebus. The notif on this got eaten, sorry it took so long!!

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