Malachi stopped mid chew when Eir’s parents so quickly dismissed the offer. His thoughts were much along the line of his friends, seeing that the decision was fairly unreasonable considering Eir’s age and the tenuous relations between the two nations. As they argued and reasoned Mal’s gaze surprisingly went to the matron of the house, to his grandmother’s expression. Of course, he quickly looked away, unable to read her expression. As his friend sat back on his seat, looking defeated already, Mal’s mind was ticking over. He had to bend them to agree somehow... Despite not wishing to be anything like his parents, it would seem he would have to employ some of their tactics he’d picked up on.
Carefully, and with a forlorn expression, he picked up a napkin and wiped at his mouth before setting it down on the table. He clasped an hand on Eir’s shoulder and gave a mournful smile.
“It is okay, brother. I’m sure in the future there will still be opportunities to visit. Fret not, we can still write letters... Though I’ll sorely miss you” he said in Vs’Shtak.

He pushed out his chair and began to stand, though the meal had really only just begun.
“I’m sorry, but you will have to excuse me. It’s best I get a letter to my father before your reply of decline comes through. You know my father’s temperament Lord Aluanas, I’m sure he will take this as personal slight” he blew out his cheeks a little as he thought about the monumental weight that would rest upon his shoulders as the sole person who could smooth relations. Though in reality, his father would probably only be slightly annoyed. But Malachi really wanted to drive home the point that this moment could make or break the relationship between two houses.
“I assure you I will do my absolute best to quell the majority of his anger. Hopefully negotiations of trade will only be delayed slightly, at best probably a few months if I can convince him. No doubt he’ll feel as if the trust is only one sided. After all, he sent his son to a land that has the most hate for us in an offer of friendship. It was not easy for him to offer the first hand of clemency. I will make sure to remind him what gracious hosts you have been despite the heavy prejudice you have faced... It can’t be easy to maintain such liberal views under the critique of others...” the last comment vaguely hinted that Lord Aluanas was bending his views to please others- something Mal new would hit the man’s pride.
He looked aside, as if disappointed “Knowing my mother she probably had already begun have renovations done in the wing where Eir would be staying- Not to mention she probably had organised a banquet in honour of his arrival-“ he looked to Fen’Ora ruefully “You know how my mother loves to plan these things”
He blinked as if thinking of something for the first time, “Oh- Hopefulky she hasn’t gotten ahead of herself and sent invitations already-“ he made as if to hasten off, talking as he left in a flurry “She’d have invited all the Phonaxian lords. How embarrassing if my letter doesn’t reach her in time! If she has to publicly cancel the event- They’d probably think the trade deal is in doubt...”

As he stood at the door he gave an apologetic bow, “I’m sorry to leave dinner so early but I must get this letter written. I’ll be in the study if you need me-“
With that he hurried off, grinning to himself once out of sight. He’d done a nice job of that, he supposed he could rival even the most prominent of Alessandrian actors.

As Malachi echoed his excitement and thoughts, smattering in some extra details along the way, Eir felt himself becoming more and more excited. He kept it contained and tried to slow his emotions down. After all, nothing was set into stone even though he could practically see the future clearly with this one. His parents would love to allow him the opportunity to see Phonax and build yet more bonds for their future partnership with the Hythians. “It all sounds amazing. Truly.” Eir said as Sehrish gave a small hum of thought.
“And two months is plenty of time to properly see you two off. Seems I’m to be left alone to my own devices again.” She mused before then looking to her husband with a smile. “Less devices...of course.” She went back by him, giving his hand a small squeeze as if to remind him she was there with him and wouldn’t betray that trust again. They had talked and truly she felt a deep mourning for the stress her husband was under. She didn’t wish to pile more on to the man when he clearly was overwhelmed. “Perhaps you might wish to be a part of those farewells, love?” she asked in case he felt more comfortable supervising since he seemed to still be on edge with her being around Malachi and touching the man. You could break a board over his tense shoulders, something that she both admonished and loved with the way it made the big man look so sturdy and strong.
While Sehrish ogled Ifram a moment, Eir began giving Malachi an exuberant nod. “You’re right the opportunity is undeniably a win for both our families. There’s no way my parents will turn this down.”
~~~~~
“Absolutely not.” Eir’s fork clattered to his plate as his father looked over the letter, passing it to his wife who also gave a similar scoff. The pair looked completely resolved on the matter even with just one reading of the invitation. It had been presented at dinner by one of the servants, to which Eir had almost fidgeted his way out of his seat in excitement. Surely his parents would love the idea, he had thought up until the very moment his father’s face soured and the unfortunate words left his lips. Eir’s crestfallen expression was clear, his brows knitted in this way that made him resemble a wounded puppy. He floundered a moment for his words, mouth opening and shutting in disbelief.
“But father. You can’t just turn down a direct invitation from a foreign dignitary. Lord Hythian is an ally—“
“Oh I am well aware of who Lord Halthazar Hythian is. The answer is still no. As lord of this house I have my rig he to refuse anything I don’t approve of.” Aharon stated around a bite of meat that was covered in a red sauce that all too closely resembled blood. Eir had to admit it made his father look incredibly intimidating but he forged ahead in trying to convince him anyways.
“But why? The Hythians entrusted Malachi to our care and they surely could do the same for my safety. Besides, Phonax has some of the best military and safest cities. I would be well cared for—“
“The same could be said about Glaperan streets and yet you two have managed to be kidnapped and **** off a gambling ring in the city.” He caught Eir’s startled expression and gave a scolding frown. “I have friends all over the guard in this city. And I’m not stupid. You boys are boys and I understand your need for adventure but at least in my city I can be sure you two are watched and cared for. I cannot expect the same in a foreign country.” Aharon’s spiel drove his wife to nod, Fen’Ora offering the boys a more serious look.
“You have never been outside our reach, Dantheir. You are also admittedly inexperienced in dealing with foreign relations. It might be pertinent you wait a few years before being thrown into the fire.”
Eir sank back in his seat, defeat clear on his face. Of course his parents were worried about him. They saw him as a child and a liability or seemed...He offered an apologetic glance to Malachi before speaking up.
“I...suppose. But can’t it be considered more thoroughly? Perhaps...?” He was floundering for a reason and any at all to convince his parents.

Septimus, for his part, slept very well after their fun. When Asena cuddled up to him for warmth, he happily draped an arm over her waist and pulled her back up against his chest. His eyes opened a crack and he smiled. "Good morning my dear," he murmured. "How was your night?"

Agnar Skyf-Khodit'
Location: Physically? Arcadia, Celestialan Tower. Mentally? Someplace else.
Accompanying: This bunch

Agnar had been training elsewhere when the summons for this meeting had been given out. Of course his being there was ‘essential’ just like every other damned meeting in that little office. Whatever happened to ‘Are you perchance free tomorrow?’ or ‘We’re holding a meeting, would you like to attend?’
His status as the more brute force of the group often meant he wasn’t needed that much which was fine for him with his free-lance mercinary work. However, it meant he was often on the grounds and often without an excuse not to be in attendance. Agnar hadn’t bothered to change out of his training gear; a pair of hide pants that were fire-proof and a worn out jerkin that held the odd spot of soot or the occasional hole from his stray embers. He brought his axe along, not wanting to wander all the way down to his quarters to put it away. He cut an intimidating figure as he entered the room, but his status as ‘henchmen’ seemed to counter this with a kind of invisibility.
He took up a spot on a stool near the princess, his hulking figure making it seem too small. He rested his axe across his thighs and was absentmindedly rubbing at a scuff on it when she addressed him.

The usually quick-witted and cheeky individual immediately felt at a loss of words and felt his face heat up and his hands also warm with his magis. He rubbed harder at the scuff and managed to mumble, “And snapping trees in half with my bare hands... on the off day”
With his gaze focused on the axe-head he could respond a little clearer.
“I could be into poetry and crochet for all you know. What about you? Besides being ‘one with the animals?’” he said back, glancing down at her only to hurry back to the scuff mark on his axe-head.

Nesryn’s own face lit up at Dimitri’s expression of excitement and wonder. His warm smile and the misty eye look he got made her own emotions well up within her and when he lifted her veil with the breathless whisper, she gave him a soft look, taking his hand gladly with flushed cheeks. To think there would have ever been a man more capable of making her feel as safe as she did with him, or as loved and wholly accepted was an impossibility. She was sure that if the All-Mother still held sway in the universe, that no matter what life she lived she would have only been meant for Dimitri. When they were together inner turmoil ceased, thoughts cleared and her soul thrived.

As the importance of marriage was discussed, Nesryn stared right back up at Dimitri, allowing the knowledge that she was about to become Mrs Valcrow set in. This was her family...
Whether a child was possible, whether they got their own home or lived with the others, whether they had money or were poor, Nesryn knew she could never be more content than if she had Dimitri.

The Elviyenne glanced in confusion and Eir quickly stepped up to hand the priest a book, her keen eyes unable to catch the cover in time but its contents was revealed soon enough.
Her heart squeezed as the distant memories of weddings she had attended came drifting in. Eir had found the vows of her people and obviously translated them for this priest. Her gaze broke from Dimitri’s for a moment so her glistening eyes could meet his and her trembling lips could mouth a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to him. Before her mind quickly returned to the priests words.
With a full spirit and eyes alight with joy she repeated the vows, a smile tugging at her lips as he seemed to scramble to get the words out as fast as possible.
“I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the—“
She moved forward to meet his enthusiastic embrace and melted against him as they kissed, amusement and elation causing her short breath and need to break the kiss. As he hugged her to his chest and lifted her off her feet slightly, she gave a bright laugh, cupping his face in her hands and kissing him again. The cheers of their friends echoed in her ears as she let her eyes slip shut.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The evening of dancing and eating and more dancing brought a perfect end to the whole day and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The people here were so welcoming and glad for their marriage and it made Nesryn feel at peace with their situation. If they had to lay low for a while, there were honestly worse places to be. Every now and again throughout the evening, someone would pull her aside to strike up conversation or speak on how the service was so beautiful. Some of the older women of the island had whispered Nesryn sets of instructions on child rearing, bearing and helpful tips on how to increase her chances. Though the bride flushed with embarrassment at every comment, she took note in her mind and stored them away. On the whole the event had been lovely, but of course the woman grew more quiet, though her joy didn’t decrease. She’d used a years quota on conversation in one night.
When Dimitri tugged her into a dance, she was glad to be reunited with him and in close proximity, her body tingling with delight at how he called her Mrs Valcrow. The kiss to her temple cleared her thoughts and she gladly nodded and followed through the dance steps with him for the duration of the song before subtly managing to steer them out of the main group and to the side where it was a little quieter.
“I’ve loved this evening and this whole day has been nothing but wonder. However...” her voice dipped a bit lower and he had to bend down slightly so she could purr quietly into his ear, “What do you say we finish the celebrations off privately, my husband?~”
That was all it took for the pair of them to be more motivated in bidding farewell to those still dancing and drinking and hurry off home together.