Private Tales Stalked by Darkness

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard did his utmost to not watch the interaction between Ruven and Gwynn so closely but it was proving to be more difficult than he had expected. He was mostly looking at Gwynn though, for any reactions or expressions that would give him an idea of how she was taking all this, and whether or not her suitors flirting was proving successful or not. He felt his jaw clench without him wanting it too as Ruven assured Gwynn he would make their marriage as enjoyable as he could. A pit was beginning to form in Reynard's stomach and he didn’t enjoy it. The kiss to her knuckles only served to grow that dull sinking sensation. Reynard realized at once what exactly it was he was feeling, Reynard was feeling a sense of jealousy and that was the most worrying fact of all.

Reynard’s hands were clasped behind his back and he was standing straighter than usual, but he couldn’t help the words that tumbled out of his mouth. “Well he seems…” his words trailed off for a moment as he tried to think of something not rude to say. “Nice.” was all he could finally settle on. He wasn’t used to disliking someone this much, and the reason for the dislike had nothing to do with Ruven himself. Reynard needed to bury these feelings down as far and fast as he could before they caused any issues.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath until Reynard spoke from behind her. She let out her breath in a quick sigh and turned around. She fidgeted with her dress and fought the sudden urge to cry. "Yes," she replied vaguely.

She took a long deep breath. "I suppose we should return to my room," she continued, pausing a second before starting back down the hall. In a matter of minutes, her life had changed completely. She had met an Avariel for the first time, and he wasn't just any Avariel, he was her future husband. Only once she had returned to her room did it occur to her that she would have to talk to her father about this. Usually he talked to her before making any big decisions, but she figured he technically did not have to do that. If anything, he should talk to her mother before making any big decisions.

Gwynn sank down onto a cushioned chair, and, like usual her eyes drifted to Reynard's. "It's awfully sudden," she said. Had it only been this morning that she was flying on Gavne with Reynard's arms around her? She wished they could've stayed like that.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard followed Gwynn into her room and sat in a nearby chair, careful not to let his emotions shine through, though subterfuge and lying were never his strongest skills least of all when it came to Gwynn. It wouldn't do for a bodyguard to harbor any feelings towards a princess. Despite that he still couldn't help the small sigh that escaped his lips at her words. She was right, it was all very sudden. One moment they were riding together in the sky and experiencing something Reynard could only ever dream of, and the next she was being engaged to someone she had never even met.

Perhaps this might be for the best though? If she was already engaged perhaps it would be easier for him to forget his feelings towards her. Easier to focus on his duties as her bodyguard. That was easier said than done of course, he knew that earnest feelings weren't so easily forgotten or ignored. He needed to do what he always did, bury them down and try to focus on his job, the thing he was hired to do. Though when he looked into her eyes as they met his, it was incredibly hard to so.

"Yes it is, though I suppose it's hardly uncommon for royalty to be married off for the benefit of an alliance. A tradition that always struck me as unfair al things considered." he said with a weak smile, hoping his disappointment didn't show but knowing it probably did to someone so observant as she was.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn was silent for a moment as she considered Reynard's words.

"I just thought my father would let me marry whomever I wanted," she replied. "For love, instead of for power.'

She was silent once more. She knew the role of ruler was a complicated one, and it required sacrifices to be made. They could not be selfish and wish for their own happiness. Their priorities had to be the safety and happiness of their subjects, and if a strengthened alliance is what guaranteed that for the Sky Elves, Gwynn reluctantly admitted to herself that it would be a sacrifice that would need to be made.

She did not notice or recognize Reynard's disappointment through her own clouded and disappointed vision. After a moment, she blinked in an attempt to clear it. "I'm sorry, this has brought the whole mood down. This is my burden to carry, not yours," she cleared her throat and stood.

"We must focus on getting you more familiar with Yvan so that you can complete the second challenge."

Reynard De Eramant