Private Tales Stalked by Darkness

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard thanked any and every god that happened to be watching because he was spared the agony of whatever conversation could spark because of his errant comment. It seemed Gwynn was just as unwilling to acknowledge the slip up, something he wasn't going to complain about. He was even more grateful she didn't even glance back at him, because he wasn't at all confident he could control his urge to kiss her if she was that close.

Reynard wasted no time in getting off of Gavne and taking in a deep, land anchored breath. The flight itself, ignoring all of the obvious feelings bubbling up because of it, wasn't as bad as he had worried it might be. No motion sickness or serious fear. It seemed he might really be alright with the flying thing which would be necessary if he was going to successfully tame Yvan.

Reynard turned to face Gwynn despite himself, just a couple feet away from her. His smile was wider than perhaps it had ever been in his life. His eyes shone with a light that could rival stars, though he did his best to contain it. Coughing into his hand nervously. "Well that was certainly the best flight I've ever had." he said with a chuckle. "It was also my only flight ever so at least the bar was set high." he said shrugging but still smiling. "And thank you for the wonderful flight Gavne." he said, knowing the eagle had at least a small part to play in just how romantic that flight had ended up being.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn was grateful to have her two feet on the ground, even if her mind was still in the sky. She ran a hand over her hair in a vain attempt to smooth it. She quickly dropped her hand, wondering why she cared how she looked. Gwynn cleared her throat softly and gave Reynard a smile. "Flying is amazing," she replied. She could see the sky had taken a hold of his soul as well; he practically radiated joy.

Yvan snorted and stomped a taloned foot. Gavne dipped her head to Reynard and then meandered over to console her brother. They chirruped to each other in a language only they understood but Gwynn still got the vague feeling the two eagles were talking about Gwynn and Reynard.

After a moment, she followed Gavne, who had now made her way over to her own larger enclosure, where she began to preen her feathers. Gwynn paused in front of the gate to Yvan's enclosure, extending her hands to show him she held no weapon or whip. Keeping her eyes on Yvan's, she spoke to Reynard. "You can come over and stand by me; keep your hands visible and keep eye contact."

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard's gaze certainly lingered longer than it should have, but he was broken from the spell he seemed to be under when Gwynn spoke to him. Flying was indeed amazing, that much he could agree with but it wasn't the flight that too ahold of his heart. He wasn't going to tell her that of course, he nodded is head and greed with her. "It sure is." Was all he could manage without saying anything he may regret.

It was time to get started it seemed. Yvan wasted no time in making his presence known, obviously one to bask in attention and not afraid to kick up a fuss to get it. Renard didn't immediately follow Gwynn and instead waited for her instructions. It wasn't long before she invited him over and clearly told him how to present himself to Yvan. It was standard of course. Be as nonthreatening as possible, while maintaining a level of respect. The kind of method that served one well in communication with humans as well as animals. The rohks were intelligent as well so it was likely better to treat them as such.

Reynard took his sword off his hip and the dagger out of its sheath before he walked slowly up beside Gwynn with his hands out in front of him, fingers spread wide to show he was unarmed. He maintained eye contact with Yvan as instructed. Reynard was never one to shy away from eye contact anyways, except apparently when it came to a certain princess, so this much was easy enough for him. Reynard knew well how to show proper respect to another person and applied those learned lessons here as well. He smiled, not wide but still kindly. "Nice to meet you Yvan." He ventured, not really knowing if speaking directly to the eagle was smart or not, but willing to take the chance as he was nothing if not a good talker.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn pretended she couldn't feel Reynard's presence even when she wasn't looking at him. He came to stand beside her, removing his sword and dagger in the process. Yvan had quieted, which was surprising, but he seemed to be focusing all his focus and intelligence on staring Reynard down, as if looking for a reason to hate him.

There was a long moment of silence before Yvan snorted and turned around, walking to the back of his enclosure and sitting down with a dramatic sigh, ruffling his feathers. Gwynn stared at the eagle in shock, and then turned to Reynard.

"That's incredible," she said. "Usually he attacks anyone he doesn't know, and even people he does know. I've never seen him this calm and quiet. He must like you," she said, giving him a small smile. She supposed she shouldn't be surprised, it was not uncommon for Reynard to make a new friend- he was incredibly friendly and had a good heart. Perhaps Yvan saw that.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

He really wasn't sure what to expect, but after a few moments of staring he found himself surprised at the result. Yvan made no violent movement and surprisingly little complaint. Yvan was no in the back of his enclosure, opting for huff and ruffling of his feathers than anything worse.

Reynard was going to comment on how he was starting to feel mislead in regards to the ferocity of the eagle before Gwynn spoke. The surprise and shock in her face told him all he needed to know even before she finished speaking.

It seems Yvan didn't hate him at first sight. A welcome accomplishment to start off the trial all things considered. Perhaps it was a good day for Yvan or maybe Reynard had some sort of gift for taming. The reason for it didn't matter, the result was the same either way. He'd gotten this trial off to a great start.

He smiled at Gwynn, glad to have her opinion on the matter because he was very much out of his depth. "Well I hope he does. It would make my job much easier." He said with a chuckle. "I'll be honest, I'm not too sure how to proceed."

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn walked forward up to the gate, watching Yvan as he preened, seemingly indifferent to Gwynn and Reynard watching him. Gwynn knew that to be fake; Yvan was always watching, waiting for one of them to make a wrong move.

"For today, we just need to sit with him, so he can get used to your presence," she said. She walked towards wooden shelves on the wall closest to the door and pulled out a worn, dirty leather-covered sketchbook. Sometimes she would just sit up her, her back against Gavne's side, and draw the eagles, or the mountains, or anything else that caught her attention. She walked back to Yvan's enclosure and opened the gate. The great eagle merely lifted his large head, staring her down with those beady eyes. Gwynn showed no fear as she sat down, leaning her back against the wall perhaps four feet from Yvan. She looked up at Reynard.

"You can come in and sit down. If he attacks you, don't be afraid to stand your ground and fight back- show him that you're not afraid and that you can hold your own." She explained, her voice even and calm. She did not think Yvan would attack Reynard, but the eagle was highly unpredictable and she didn't trust him not to change his mind. Hopefully, seeing them with his sister would make it easier for the stubborn rohk to accept that Reynard was a good person and meant him no harm.

Gwynn set down her sketchbook and braided her hair back again. She picked up her sketchbook once more and opened it to a fresh page, picking out a charcoal pencil hidden in the spine of the book. "Hold still, and I'll draw you,"

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

If it was anybody else leading the way Reynard might not have been so confident in following them into the pen of an infamously ornery bird, but he trusted Gwynn quite a bit so he trusted her judgement in this. Though it wasn't exactly reinforced when she said he'd better be prepared to fight if Yvan decided to get violent. Not exactly a reassuring statement but he supposed there was wisdom in her words. It's not like violence was a foreign concept in the animal kingdom. Plenty of species established hierarchy and dominance through combat. Reynard wasn't exactly sure of his ability to effectively fight a giant eagle and he hoped he wouldn't have to put it to the test.

Reynard followed Gwynn into the enclosure and sat down across from her to give her a good view of his face. He had never been drawn before so this was certainly a new experience. He was interested to see how her drawing of him looked. He already knew she was quite the artist from her sketch of the assassin so having his own likeness done wasn't such a bad idea. Reynard smiled, though it was a bit uneasy at the thought that Gwynn would be doing plenty of looking and staring at him to get the drawing done. Being under such scrutiny, especially by eyes as kind and strong as hers, made his heart flutter a bit. "I'm ready whenever you are. Though I can't guarantee I'll be the best model ever."

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn hummed to herself as she drew, glancing up to look at Reynard often as she sketched the lines of his face onto the paper. The straight line of nose and jaw, the curve of his ears, of his lips. Gwynn blanked for a moment, the tips of her pointed ears red. She moved on to the rest of him.

She didn't know how much time had passed. The finished sketch was rough but Gwynn was rather proud of herself. She had paid attention to every little detail, drawing things most people likely wouldn't notice. Suddenly there was a weight on her leg and she jolted, realizing Yvan had laid his great head on her thigh. His beady eyes were fixed on the sketch. Gwynn's heart stilled at how close the eagle was, but she vowed not to ruin it. She tilted the sketchbook so Yvan could better see it.

"Do you think it looks like him?" she asked conversationally. Yvan stared at the drawing and then lifted his head to peer over the top of the sketchbook to stare down Reynard. The rohk's gaze was one to make lesser men shake with fear.

After a moment, Yvan looked back at the drawing and made a noise that sounded like approval. Gwynn breathed a life. "Yvan approves," she said to Reynard, sliding the sketchbook across the enclosure floor between them. Yvan tracked the movement with his eyes but did not move.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard sat and waited while Gwynn worked on his portrait. It would've been uncomfortable sitting in silence, if he was with anyone else that is. The focused gazes cast on him weren't oppressive or uncomfortable, instead they were kind and attentive. Rather than making it feel like all the attention was focused on him, he felt seen and appreciated in a way he never did before. Maybe this was how everyone felt when having their portrait done or maybe it was just how Gwynnestri made him feel.

It felt like only moments had passed by the time she was finished. Time really had a way of flying by when he was around her. Reynard watched the scene between Gwynn and Yvan unfold, it seemed he had taken an interest in the drawing she was making. She showed Yvan the drawing and he peered over at him for comparison. Reynard easily recognized the intelligence and intensity in the eagles eyes. There was no doubt now that these giant birds were more than just animals.

Reynard didn't shrink from Yvan's gaze. He knew that doing so, that showing fear, wouldn't do him any favors in the eyes of the great eagle. Reynard met Yvan's gaze, and even offered a smile. Reynard knew what it was like to stare down terrifying wild beats, monsters and monsters in the form of humans. Yvan wasn't a monster, he wasn't something to be terrified of.

When Yvan sounded his approval and Gwynn confirmed that's exactly what it was, Reynard's smile only widened. Reynard picked up the sketch book as it was slid to him and took in the drawing. He had only seen his own appearance a handful of times but from his memory this drawing matched it perfectly. At the same time it captured details even he didn't really notice. Thing's he certainly never would've thought to include in a portrait. He looked up to Gwynn as he spoke. "This is incredible. You have a true artists eye Gwynn." he said softly.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn smiled at Reynard. Red tinted the tips of her ears. It seemed as if her ears and neck were to be permanently flushed whenever she was around Reynard. "Thank you, I'm glad you like it," she said. Yvan glanced between princess and bodyguard as if he could sense something and Gwynn pushed herself to her feet, ignoring the eagle's searching eyes.

"It's nearly noon," she said. Time had flown by since she had woken this morning. "I'll get us something to eat, you can stay here with Yvan," she paused briefly, "I trust you can handle him," she said, her voice softer, betraying a little bit of the worry she felt for leaving Reynard alone with the unpredictable eagle. But she had to trust him, had to trust Yvan, if they were to get anywhere with this second task. She knew the faster they completed it, the less of a chance Valynn would have to make the trial harder.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard did notice the sight flush in Gwynn's features but didn't comment on it. He pushed the thoughts and implications out of his mind as quickly as possible. The fog that accompanied with those trains of thought were better left for times he was sharing a space with a giant eagle that was known for being quite disagreeable.

Reynard stood up when Gwynn did, ready to follow her but it seemed she thought he should stay. Reynard knew she was quite smart but he wasn't entirely sure of the wisdom of leaving him here alone with Yvan. He'd just have to trust her judgement and see what happened, he doubted she was the type to mercilessly leave him to die at the claws of an angry eagle. He trusted her.

He nodded his head instead then, the familiar tug to follow her wherever she went having to be ignored. "All right. I'm sure we'll be best friends by the time you return." he said jokingly, hoping it could be that easy for this trial to be completed. His wry smile softened at her own softer tone. Her words were professional but he knew her well enough at least to recognize the worry poking through her words. He gave her a reassuring and soft smile. "I'll be fine, I promise." he said simply.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn forced herself to walk away, even as she noticed the conflicting emotions cross Reynard's face. She knew he didn't want to be left here alone, and it tore at her to walk away, but she also knew he had to pass this trial. For his safety and to prove Valynn wrong. Gwynn twisted the end of her braid around her finger, twisting and untwisting it as she walked the long way down to the kitchen.

When she finally reached the kitchen, the head chef gave her a beaming smile. "Good afternoon, Highness, what can I do for you?" Gwynn did her best to give the kind elven female a smile as she asked for simple food that would be easy to carry back up. The chef offered to have one of the scullery maids carry it, but Gwynn politely declined and made her way back up, carrying the basket of bread, cheese, meat, tarts, and a bottle of sky wine. It was one thing about the sky elves that had become especially legendary as the rest had fallen into myths and legends.

When she finally reached the eyrie once more, her heart was thumping nervously even as she tried to convince herself everything was fine. And it seemed to be- the eyrie was calm, and Yvan was still in his enclosure, preening himself quietly. Gwynn opened the door to the enclosure, and released a soft sigh of relief to see that Reynard was in one piece.

"I brought sky wine," she said, setting the basket down as she sat down in front of Reynard.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

It was hard letting Gwynn go but he knew she wouldn't be gone very long. It was going to be good to see how Yvan behaved without her presence, and Reynard would be ready for whatever the great eagle decided to throw at him, though he sincerely hoped it wouldn't have to involve fighting or violence. So far things had gone well so Reynard hoped that was an omen for future success in the process of taming Rohk.

Reynard sat back down as Gwynn left. He stilled himself and his heartbeat, crossing his arms over his chest and making sure the bird knew he wouldn't shrink away in fear. Despite his worries though, it seemed Yvan was no more in the mood to fight than he was, as the eagle decided instead to stay away preening his feathers but still casting narrow gazes towards Reynard. He maintained eye contact whenever Yvan looked at him but didn't let his gaze linger any longer than that. He wanted to show he wasn't afraid and that he wasn't a threat either.

Just as time was starting to blend together and flow fast, Gwynn had returned with a basket of foods and what she called Sky Wine. Reynard had heard of the drink a couple times, though very rarely with any serious tone. Most were pretty convinced it was a mythical drink, the kind the only really existed in stories and legends and yet here it was in front of him, between him and Gwynn. He resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow and question the wisdom in bringing wine for them to drink. It didn't help that Reynard really wasn't much of a drinker as it was. He'd try it to be polite at least. "Ah, I wasn't sure if it was real or not. Is this the right special occasion for such a drink?" he said with a playful smile on his lips.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

She was glad to see Reynard was alright, and as she unpacked the basket, she wondered why she was even so worried in the first place. She stopped that train of thought rather quickly since it would help no one. She pulled out the medium-sized bottle of sky wine, the glass a deep red, hiding the color of the wine inside. She smiled a little at Reynard's comment.

"Isn't taming Yvan a special occasion?" She said, uncorking the bottle. She poured herself a glass, and one for Reynard. She was not one to drink, but she had a particular soft spot for the infamous sky wine. Many who drank it claimed it tasted better if you were an elf, but Gwynn didn't know how true that was, because she had heard stories of humans and other species enjoying it just as much as the sky elves.

She raised her glass to her lips and took a sip. It tasted just like she remembered. Sweet and almost fruity that left a soft aftertaste in her mouth. She was just about to take out the bread, cheese, and meat, when one of the members of the Royal Guard jogged up to the gate in front of the enclosure. He paused, looking between the three of them, his gaze lingering on Yvan as the eagle let out something that might've been a growl, if birds could growl.

"Your Highness, your father requests your presence in his office," he said, looking at Gwynnestri. Gwynn set down her glass and slowly rose to her feet once more. Something had happened, but Gwynn didn't know how bad it was yet. The guard looked harried but not afraid.

"I'll be down soon," she replied, her voice calm. The guard nodded and walked back the way he'd come. Gwynn turned to look at Reynard.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard nodded, taming Yvan was a special occasion he supposed and certainly worth celebrating but he hadn't actually succeeded yet. He simply managed to not be torn into shreds by the giant eagle and earned a chance to prove himself, at least that's as far as he saw. For Gwynn it seemed that getting this far really was an accomplishment, and if that was the case then he could only feel bad for the poor bastards who never even got this far.

Reynard took the glass of Sky Wine poured for him and took a sip. He wasn't much of a drinker and even less so when it came to fancy wines, but even he could recognize the quality in what he was drinking. It was sweet but no overpoweringly so, and left a light feeling to his mouth. He couldn't judge it in comparison to other wines but on it's own it certainly lived up to the stories.

Before either of them had the chance to begin actually eating some food a member of the royal guard made himself present. Gwynn's father, the King, wanted to see her. Whatever it was it must've been important, as he couldn't recall very many occasions when either the queen or king made it a point to personally request Gwynn's presence. It seemed today's taming would have to come to an end for now.

Reynard stood and stretched a bit before looking to Gwynn and nodding his head. They would go together of course, him returning to his duty of safeguarding the princess's life. Hopefully whatever the King had summoned her for wasn't of grave importance. "Lead the way Gwynn." he said with a small smile, happy enough for a small break from the trials if nothing else.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn paused only for a moment and when Reynard finished speaking, she gave him a nod and walked out of Yvan's enclosure. She locked the gate behind her. She hadn't seen what she was looking for in Reynard's eyes but then again she didn't even know what she was looking for. The walk down to her father's private office seemed to drag on forever and Gwynn could've sworn there were more steps than usual.

They finally reached the door, and Gwynn knocked, waiting for her father's deep voice to say "Come in," before she opened the door. He was sitting in a chair in front of his desk and he rose when Gwynn walked in. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I have some good news for you," he said. In the seconds before he continued, she racked her brain for what could've happened, trying to guess the words before they came out of her father's mouth. But what he did say, she definitely did not see coming.

"A son of the Avariel elders is on his way to us as we speak, and he plans on asking for your hand in marriage, further strengthening our alliance with the Avariel people,"

Gwynn's rising heart plummeted but her face stayed calm. She even let a smile slowly stretch across her face. "Then I'll need to get ready to recieve him," she said, giving her father a gracious nod before turning and leaving. She tried to avoid Reynard's gaze as she walked past him but it her eyes drifted to his like a magnet. She blinked and looked quickly away walking down the royal hall faster than was perhaps necessary. When she reached her room she sank down onto the cushioned sofa, her eyes once more finding Reynard's.

She would have to change, and rebraid her hair, and freshen up. Because right now, when she was sweaty with wind blown hair and no makeup, and in riding clothes, she was not marriage material.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

The walk to the kings office wasn't technically very long but it felt like it. A mix of worry and tension made it to where Reynard's mind was racing. There were any number of things that they could be summoned for and he knew even less than Gwynn did. He could only hope it wasn't anything incredibly serious but that hope didn't keep him from worrying anyways.

Once they got to the office Reynard stood with an appropriate distance between him and Gwynn, hands clasped behind his back and attempting to keep his face still and serious the King delivered the news. As Reynard listened he couldn't help but feel the way his heart sank in his chest. He didn't want to think abut why but the thoughts forced their way into his head anyways.

A suitor was on his way to ask for Gwynn's hand in marriage. To woo her and sweep her off her feet. Regardless of feelings, it was a smart political marriage as well. It would help to strengthen relationships between the Avariel and the Sky Elves, something he was sure most were wanting to accomplish. The thought of her falling in love and marrying this suitor. He pushed the thoughts way again, successfully this time.

Reynard followed dutifully and silently behind Gwynn to their room so she could change in preparation for her suitor. When she looked into his eyes she would see confusion with the hint of a storm just beyond. Reynard sat in one of the chairs crossing his arms and finding a place on the wall to lock his eyes. He needed to sort out what was going on in his stupid brain before his emotions started to get out of control. He couldn't let his behavior effect the way Gwynn presented herself. An alliance was more important than his confused feelings.

 

[Ruven Fenwraek]

Ruven had long heard tales and legends of the Sky Elves, even if he had never met one. Up until today, that is. He had flown in to one of the Sky Elves' eyries with his personal bodyguard and was immediately taken down to the throne room, where he was to meet his future wife, the princess of the Sky Elves, Gwynnestri Ravaneiros. He had to marry her in order to strengthen the Avariel's alliance with the Sky Elves, and he knew it wouldn't hurt if they fell in love. He had never fallen in love before, but he had spoken to enough females (and even males) to know that he needn't do much more than turn on a little bit of charm to woo people.

Ruven was given a few minutes to freshen up, but he merely smoothed down his wind-blown silver hair before walking into the throne room. The King and Queen were seated on their thrones, and he bent forwards in a bow, his hair swinging forward to either side of his face like a curtain. "Majesties," he said, his voice lilting with an Avariel accent. At home, he was used to speaking the language of his people, but he was still fluent in the common tongue.

Ruven rose slowly from his bow and met the firm gaze of the King. The older elf's face was hard to read, but Ruven thought he saw a flicker of worry. For his daughter? Ruven was curious, but he didn't say anything.

"The princess Gwynnestri will arrive momentarily," The King said. Ruven inclined his head and despite himself, his heart pounded nervously.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn walked into her room and shut the door behind her. She drifted to her closet as if half in a daze and rifled through the dresses, trying to find one that might be suitable. She decided on a deep blue long-sleeved tulle dress with a plunging back and flowers embroidered on it and managed to pull it on by herself. She stepped into a pair of matching blue heeled satin shoes and brushed her hair, braiding it back into a knot. She opted for gold earrings and a gold necklace, and she lined her eyes with kohl and her lips with mauve paint before she opened the door to her bedroom.

Reynard was still sitting on the chair, waiting for him, and Gwynn was strangely self-conscious as she looked at him. She didn't let herself linger on her thoughts for too long as she made for the door. "Ready?" her voice was strangely tight but she didn't focus on that.

The walk to the throne room felt much shorter than it should've been and Gwynn hadn't had enough time to try and come up with something to say when she met her supposed future husband. She had thought she would be able to have a choice in this, and she supposed she still did- she could turn the Avariel down, but that wouldn't mean it wouldn't look bad for both their peoples. So in truth, how much choice did she really have?

Pushing that depressing thought out of her mind, she walked through the open doors to the throne room, and caught a glimpse of her Avariel suitor from behind. He was really quite tall, and his long silver hair hung down his back, in between his white-gray feathered wings. Her father turned to look at her and then the Avariel turned his head as well, tucking his wings in as he turned to face her fully. She dropped into a curtsy, but kept eye contact with him as he bowed too.

"Gwynnestri, this is Ruven Fenwraek, son of the Elected Elder," the King proclaimed in a dramatic manner.

Gwynn dipped her head briefly. "It is lovely to meet you, Ruven. I hope your journey was well?" she said. She could not help eyeing his wings. He was the first Avariel she had met and it was taking all her training to keep her facial expression calm and pleasant.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Even sitting down and trying to sort through his thoughts didn’t help much at all. He was still confused and still was far less than excited for Gwynn’s first meeting with her suitor. This was more than just a regular suitor of course as they happened to be a member of the Avariels, a race that the sky elves were trying very hard to cultivate a strong relationship with. To reject them would do an alliance no favors and he was sure she was just as aware of that as Reynard and everyone else likely was. This was very much political which wasn’t a thought that brought him much joy. He could only hope Gwynn made the choice that was best for her even if that meant…

He didn’t finish that train of thought before Gwynn left her room in what was likely the nicest outfit he had seen her in yet. She came out absolutely stunning and for a moment he found himself lost for words.

When she spoke it brought him out of his reverie and he nodded his head a bit too quickly. Even as they walked to meet the suitor he couldn’t help but cast quick glances at her. She really was beautiful.

Just before they reached the throne room he spoke, partly without thinking. “Whoever they are, they’re lucky.” was all he said, quiet enough that no one but Gwynn would hear if she were listening. When they entered the throne room Reynard followed behind but kept enough distance to be unobtrusive. This meeting wasn’t for him and it was best he stayed as uninvolved as possible. A thin line was across his face as he did his best not to focus on how good looking the man named Ruven was. Of course he was attractive, they couldn’t have bothered to send someone ugly.

 

[Ruven Fenwraek]

She was beautiful. Ruven turned and bowed to Gwynnestri, keeping his gaze on hers the entire time. Her blonde hair caught the light of the sun streaming in from the high windows, creating a lovely contrast with her dark blue dress. He knew real love couldn't be based on appearance, but it did occur to him that their children would be incredibly beautiful.

When he straightened, he noticed the tall man standing behind Gwynn and wondered who he was. He was human and rather plain looking, dressed in fighting leathers. Ruven thought he might be a bodyguard, but why would the elves have a human doing that job, in such close quarters with the princess? It seemed there was more to this story than he originally thought.

"Very well indeed," he replied to Gwynnestri, giving her a smile he knew had made other women blush. "I flew here with my men," he continued, gesturing to his two Avariel guards standing off to the side. He thought she looked a little nervous, which he took as a good sign.

"You're beautiful, Gwynnestri," he said, a little on impulse.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn kept her smile calm as Ruven spoke. Even his voice was elegant, and he was really quite polite. For some reason this put Gwynn on edge; she could not yet find a bad fault in the Avariel before her. She glanced at his guards when he gestured to them, bringing her gaze quickly back to him. She was fascinated by the Avariels' wings, but did her best not stare.

A light pink coated the tips of her ears when he complimented her. She knew it was good, but a part of her still wondered if he actually meant it or if he was just complimenting her in order to get her to trust him. She swallowed. She would do them no good if she doubted everything that happened between them.

"Thank you," she said, dipping her head. She was suddenly reminded of Reynard, when, just hours earlier, he had said she was beautiful as well. For some reason that Gwynn didn't care to think about, Ruven's compliment did not have the same effect as Reynard's. She fought the urge to look at him, knowing it would be suspicious to Ruven's keen eyes. He had already noticed Reynard and Gwynn knew he was analyzing who he was.

"Shall I escort you to your rooms?" she continued, extending her arm towards Ruven.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

There were of course a multitude of things that bothered Reynard during this interaction, the most worrying part being that he realistically shouldn’t be affected at all. Not only was Ruven attractive but he was making a whole lot of eye contact with Gwynn. Reynard was so focused on Ruvens attention towards Gwynn that he noticed the brief moment the avariel suitor took notice of him. It was a quick glance but enough for Reynard to realize his presence had been noted. However much important Ruven put on that he didn’t know.

Reynard’s lips only tightened even further, first at the confident and charming smile from Ruven and then even more so at the compliment he gave. Of course she was beautiful, Reynard had said that much already and found an odd sense of satisfaction at being the first to compliment Gwynn in her beautiful outfit.

Reynard was grateful for the break in uncomfortable wooing going down in front of him, but wasn’t any happier to know they would be escorting the suitor and his guards to where they’d be staying for the duration of their visit. He bit back a sigh or any gesture at all that would reveal his feelings and did his utmost to look as serious and uninterested as physically possible.

 

[Ruven Fenwraek]

Ruven dipped his head, not able to help glancing at the human man once more as the princess led them out of the throne room. He felt the King's gaze on his back but tried not to let it bother him. The halls of the eyrie were surprisingly wide, which allowed him to relax his wings a little. He was rarely confined to a room and he had a feeling Gwynnestri was the same.

"Your home is beautiful," he added, in an attempt to fill the silence. He didn't know what to call this tower they were in; it wasn't really a house, nor a palace or castle. He supposed 'home' fit well enough.

Now that her bodyguard was walking behind them, it would be harder for Ruven to keep an eye on him, but he figured he was just being overly suspicious and let it go for the time being.

When they reached the doors to his chambers, they paused. It did not slip past his notice that they were on the royal hall. A pair of sky elven guards stood outside the doors, and he noticed their eyes, and how they tracked to his wings.

He turned to Gwynnestri once more. He took her hand and lifted it. "I know arranged marriages seem daunting and not at all romantic, but I assure, you, I will do my best to make it enjoyable for you," Definitely awkward words, but as he spoke them, his tone was smooth and confident, as if he fully intended to sweep her off her feet, literally or figuratively. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles and then bowed to her again before entering his chambers, the guards shutting the doors behind him.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn's thoughts were racing in the silence on the way to Ruven's chambers. Her father had put him on the royal hall, the same floor where Gwynn and her parents' chambers were. She noted that it was a rather trusting move for her father, the king who had shut up the Sky Elves for their safety. The Avariel were allies though, and had been for a while, so perhaps he thought it would be fine? She supposed it wouldn't exactly be in Ruven's best interest to assassinate her, rather he could be extra protection from her assassin.

When he complimented her home, the comment went a little over her head, and she had to blink a little before she could speak. "Thank you," she said, her response a little distant. Ruven didn't seem to notice, however, and none of them spoke again until they reached his rooms. She wondered vaguely how long her father had known about Ruven and why he had only decided to tell her literally last minute.

When he took her hand, all thoughts were forgotten. She was still standing there, speechless, even after the door shut behind him.