silvergarden | Avalon Inbox

Let's.

[ And he also sends the time he'll send for a carriage. He's dressed in attire perhaps too dark in colors for an early autumn ball, but that is nothing new considering his wardrobe consists of mostly blacks and royal blues. During the carriage ride, she may notice that he may seem stiffer in conversation, as his serious expression makes for a natural cover for any nerves-- he has to impress her, after all-- but he does engage in asking about her day and how she's been. Why, speaking with her may even seem to relax him, somewhat, but by the time the lord's manor appears in view, he goes quiet once more.

FAST FORWARD to that evening at the ball, he extends his hand for her to take, drifting with her to the dance floor. Naturally, he begins with a bow. ]

[For her part Rinea spares no effort in dressing for the occasion. By the time the carriage arrives she is positively glowing, wreathed in smiles and plenty of Somnus's many gifts. This is the first real ball they've attended since courting, and she's excited! Even Somnus's apparent reticence does not unduly worry her. She has seen many of Somnus's silences by this point. Some have been nervewracking or even scary, but this one... isn't. It's more reminiscent of the time they met after the fey queen's trials. And in that way, it's sort of cute.

As she curtsies to match his bow, she is fairly beaming.]

It is my greatest pleasure to dance with you today!

[Go off king!!!!!!!!!!!!]

[ OKAY he practiced (for two weeks or something), he's got this--

And as the waltz begins, he does do well, leading, with some effort, to spin with the others along the dance floor, hand at her upper back and the other cupping her palm in his. She may find that his steps have improved, that the strides he takes are grander, more performative, as he manages to keep up with her.

It seems he aims to impress. That is, until some of his steps hint at overcompensation rather than strictly being for the enjoyment of the dance, his expression remaining entirely too serious and hyperfocused throughout.

Hopefully, he doesn't make too terrible a blunder because of it! Here comes a twirl and then a dip! It's going to be way better than what his brother did, you'll see, ez pz! ]

[Ez pz! Maybe?! Well, putting aside the topic of comparison, Somnus is certainly doing very well. His pace is quick, his long confident strides respectable. And Rinea is not trying to outdo him the way she was Ardyn, so they sync much better. Somnus's sheer intensity does make her try to slow down a bit--what a face! she would rather he enjoy himself at an easier pace, really-- but he seems quite insistent, so. Very well!

By the time he leans her into the dip Rinea is giggling, a little breathless.]

Why, Somnus! [Her voice is entirely fond, tinged only with the tiniest hints of amusement. He is working so hard! It is so cute.] It is as if I am dancing with an entirely different man. Such fervor!

[ As expected, she matches his steps, and she is even able to accommodate hs skill level compared to hers. But--

>"It is as if I am dancing with an entirely different man."

Like his brother?? No-- no. She simply means him; he has improved, she means nothing more than that, she means comparison to him, he assures himself. (The insecure, childish part does remain hisses as how he could be better. Ardyn and her were gliding across the floor, after all.) Besides, it seems he's accomplished his goal by the end the waltz: he has her smiling up at him with stars in her eyes and breathlessness upon her lips, an expression that instantly sets his heart at ease and quells some of the insecurity within. How lovely she is, when she's enjoying herself, and he allows himself some pride in that.

As for himself, there's a single bead of sweat at his temple-- indeed, he is concentrating and trying very hard. His hand upon her back presses in further, straightening them both to stand once more, and the guests applaud as the ensemble finishes their song. ] For you, Lady Rinea, [ He turns to her, dipping his head towards her ear so she may hear above the applause. ] I shall endeavor to learn more, so that we may share more.

Oh, will you? I could ask for no greater gift! [Rinea beams at him, brighter than a summer's day. She squeezes his hand tightly as they vacate the floor for other couples to take part. Her steps are light as air, buoyed by his simple promise.]

I do find it curious that you practiced without me. [She would so love to learn with him, too.] Was it meant to be a surprise?

[ It's a gift that he will not withhold. Look out world, here comes Somnus, pro-ballroom dancer. ] Indeed, that was one reason. [ --But also, it would have been embarrassing to dance with her at a lower level once more than she had been dancing with Ardyn. ] However...

I would be humbled to practice more with you. [ Ahem. Now that he can actually (try to) match her. ] You know far more of this dance.

[So it was a surprise! How cute.] It's very sweet of you to have worked this hard for me!

[That might not be entirely true, but Rinea is still none the wiser; Ardyn could not be further from her mind.]

But I am also glad to hear you will practice with me, next time! Because I do love dancing for dancing's sake, but... [She has no real reason to be embarrassed, but Rinea's cheeks pink all the same.] I like spending time with you most of all. No matter your skill.

[ --Oh.

Oh.

She favors him not just for his skill, but for his company? (over Ardyn?? and this, after everything he's confessed??) Somnus finds himself reaching for her company, hand abandoning hers to curve lightly around her back, fingers curling delicately against her waist, a touch not meant to be imposing, but present. This is a bit more direct of him than usual, but her words encourage him to be bolder. ] I, as well.

[ An exit from main room of the gala leads them to balcony over the gardens of the fief. He plucks a glass of wine from a server to offer to her. ] Lady Rinea...

I have given you flowers. But it had been my neglectfulness to not ask which bloom you favor the most.

[Rinea relaxes easily in his grip, smile curling with pleased satisfaction. Somnus's nonverbal communication is subtle, but she doesn't miss it; it gladdens her to have spurred him. Frankly, she craves it. Each little touch makes her feel that much more loved.

As they exit to the balcony Rinea accepts the glass with a little laugh. Speaking of nonverbal communication, Somnus certainly likes to express himself through gifts, doesn't he? Even now he is seeking to hone his craft to her favor. He is so sweet, she thinks, smiling up at him admiringly. Unraveling his human behaviors little by little like this is such a joy.]

It is not quite bouquet centerpiece material... [Rinea casts her gaze across the gardens below as she answers.] ...but in Rigel, I liked andromeda plants. They were hardy things, but so pretty. In the same way, here in Avalon, I love lilies of the valley. And harebells.

[The gardens house a willow tree in the middle distance; its gently drooping boughs echo the plants she speaks of, too.]

They look a little melancholy... but they are growing well, just the same.

[ Andromeda plants... If only there was a way to bring them here for her. Or perhaps there is, and he needs only discover it himself. Anything for her, truly. Perhaps it's no surprise that his primary love language is giving gifts, when he still has much to learn in other ways to express himself.

But he is learning. Case in point: how he currently has his hand to be around her back, settled upon her waist and giving her a soft press towards him so that she may lean into him as they look out towards the garden. Even this much contact causes his heart to quicken and skip to a melody he's known only because of her. ]

Melancholy...? [ He repeats softly, musing. He supposes he could see the association, even if he's not at all educated on flowers. She seems to see the beauty in a number of what would be considered melancholy things ~~himself, included~~. ]

Then let them be of joy, instead, and strength. [ Where he has his hand still positioned upon her waist, his thumb idly strokes back and forth over the same spot. It is warm. With her, it is warm. ] Much like yourself.

[Rinea's shoulders shake in a silent giggle. Sometimes the way Somnus compliments her is so sincerely meaningful that it's almost embarrassing.] Well, thank you.

[Invited by his continued hold, Rinea settles contentedly-- maybe boldly-- into Somnus's side. The sounds of the gala behind them are a comforting hum of merriment. The outside air is fresh on their faces, and its chill is kept easily at bay with Somnus's warmth. Unlike the last time she held him this close--worried for him after Ardyn, holding him tightly so he wouldn't fade away-- now, she is utterly at peace.]

The lily of the valley, in particular... [Rinea's fingers close a little tighter on the stem of her glass.] In the language of flowers, it can mean a return to happiness.

Maybe it's silly, but I'd like to think... [She can't quite meet his eyes.] ...Perhaps that can be us.

[ Had this been a year ago, it would be impossible to imagine himself settled, weary but content, on a balcony with another beside him, his arm around her. There are many uncertainties in this realm, even more within his own that forever weigh on his mind, but with but a few kind words, touch, and the gentle cadence of her voice, the burden of it all eases. For once in two thousand years, his mind is... quiet.

"It can mean a return to happiness."

He isn't quite there yet, but the journey has already started with her. Even if either of them were to vanish tomorrow, he is certain that what he has learned from her won't be forgotten, but cherished. A return to happiness-- it is a path he will walk, for if someone as good as her believes it is something they both may have, then who is he to deny it?

As always, she is inspiring, and this quiet hope she shares with him translates into a hope he harbors for himself, for her, for the both of them, and what they have. Warmth eases his expression, smoothing the steel of his voice. A ghost of a smile, fond and calm, pulls at the corner of his lips as he turns his head to admire her profile. ]

I shall make it so.

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