Arrival (Private)

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin smiled a bit at Namari’s remark. Only if he was calm enough to go back. Oh, that was truly a laugh.

“Oh, Namari,” Aerin said softly, a little smile of his face and he tilted his head. “I’ll never be truly calm around that man. If it weren’t for Elle loving him so dearly, and my parents coming home, I’d have killed him long ago.” He said this in a passive way, even waving, as if he were remarking about the weather. But whether she knew it or not, he was entirely serious. His hatred for the elf ran so deeply he’d have killed him. A shame his first attempt failed really. But he hadn’t been strong enough then. He was now, even in his crippled state, he could easily crush the life from Vlad. But…well, certain things held him back, and morals didn’t really have anything to do with it.

He paused, seeming to think, before he let out a slight chuckle. “I seem to have gotten a bit turned around. Which way to the others?” It was a tad embarrassing, Aerin normally had a much better sense of his surroundings, but he seemed to have lapsed on keeping track of himself. Actually, he was also curious to know how Namari would take his earlier statement, since he was sort of foolish enough to let slip that bit of information.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari stayed silent; what else could she do? She had no idea if he was kidding or not. Besides, even if he did mean it, he certaintly would not explain further.

Besides, Namari had to remind herself that she would do the same if facing a few select people.

She couldn't, however, manage to hold in the chuckle that escaped her lips. She went a dark red before coughing; it was not Aerin's fault he could not see.

"My apologies," she noted, smiling but still embarrassed herself. "We'll head right over."
With that, she gently took one of his hands into her own. Namari looked to where the two elves had dissapeared around the bend, and began walking, careful not to move so fast as to drag Aerin along.

"So what's your house like?" Namari questioned, excitement filling her once again as she recounted her future visit.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin felt Namari take hold of his hand and begin to guide him back to the others. He followed, taking in the sounds and scents of the garden to soothe him, the garden being his favorite place of the entire city. It reminded him of home, and where he came from. He found the sigh of the breeze calming, the scent of flowers, the warmth of Namari's hand...it suddenly struck him that he was holding Namari's hand, and the thought sent butterflies flitting in his stomach. His cheeks reddened a bit, and he had to resist the urge to pull away, even though he didn't really want to. But...well what if she could feel his hand get sweaty or something? Actually, the better question was whether or not she could feel his heart pounding in his palm?

He was mercifully pulled from these distressing thoughts when Namari asked her question, and he almost asked which house she was talking about. Obviously she meant the one she'd be seeing soon. Get a hold of yourself man!

"Big. Big for the general standards of housing in Avaleur I hear anyways," he replied. "It is two floors, which was a big error on the builder's part, considering my disdain for stairs and all. The front half of the bottom floor is my shop, the back half contains my office, the kitchen and the dining area. Elle tells me the kitchen is rather small, but then again, she herself doesn't have one. The actual bedroom and living area is all upstairs. I don't frequent it much, since it takes me too long to get up there. A shame really. Elle splurged on getting me one of the finest beds money can buy." He paused a moment before clearing his throat. "Not that you'd care about my bed or anything..." he mumbled. Oh dear, why'd he say that? That was just awkward and...

A few mental imaginings suddenly occurred to him, involving primarily himself, the queen and his fine bed, and suddenly Aerin found it impossible to continue touching Namari. He gently tugged his hand free, while mentally trying to banish his...intimate thoughts from his head. It was sort of like someone trying to fan a fire in the hopes that it'd die, but, like fires, fanning it sort of had the tendency to make it worse.

"It's...uh...quite spacious, which I like. I have everything inside memorized, so I don't even have to grope about in there," Aerin stuttered a bit, trying to get himself back on track. Who'd have thought he'd come up with something more distressing than Vlad himself?


(I torture him too much...)

[Namari Lovelle]

(( oh you're too cruel! Haha ))

She listened carefully, amused by the tale of his two story house. Truly it was sad that Aerin did not get to enjoy his house to the fullest extent. But, such as it is, there was little anyone could do about it now. Aerin truly was a tortured man, even with what most would consider the smallest things.

But then came the truly interesting part; Aerin's bed. At first the Queen thought nothin of the statement he made. But it only took a second of silence, and something clicked in her head. Her smile was now a straight line. Her eyes now a bit wider. Aerin's bed. Why would she care about his bed.

She went a deep red colour on her cheeks, and she could feel her ears burning up as if they were on fire. Oh.

He removed his hand from hers, and Namari quickly wiped at her cheeks in the hopes that they would stop burning up. Was Aerin having intimate thoughts about her? Did he like her? Or was he just making an offhand comment in a blank state mind? Truth be told Namari could not tell.

Then he began stuttering about his spacious house, clearly a bit nervous. Why did he have to use the word grope?! She wen an even darker red.

The queen did not know how she felt. Embarrassed? Amused? Flattered? She decided to ignore it for now, as they drew closer to Luelle and Vlad. By the gods she hope her face would stop being red soon.

With as normal of a voice as she could, and with a smile on her face, Namari spoke, "I'm glad you've gotten used to your new house. It must be awful trying to get used to a new place."

The last thing she wanted was to lose Aerin. She didn't want him to know that she knew... Whatever she knew. Or thought she knew. And she certainly do not want him to think she thought differently because of it.

[Aerin Vaettir]

(I literally laughed out loud at your post. This is why I torture him. Lol! )

Why did he feel like things were spiraling a bit? Aerin absently rubbed at the back of his neck, feeling like things were quite awkward thanks to his stupidity. Apparently years of study and an acute awareness of one’s manners did not save you from becoming a blundering idiot when saying one wrong thing, however small, in the presence of a woman who you had strong feelings for.

Things felt especially worse when Namari replied, and Aerin thought he heard a shift in her voice. Oh gods, did she pick up on his blunder? Did she think he had thoughts? Never mind the fact that he did, but did she think he did!? Oh, this was torture. He was sort of glad he was blind and unable to see her face at the moment. And the heat in his own told him he was blushing badly. Oh dear…

“Yes, it was awful at first,” Aerin said, swallowing dryly. “I was quite sure I broke a few toes in the process, what with smashing them and my knees too.” As they neared Elle and Vlad, Atropos having wandered off out of sight, Elle turned and walked up to the two.

“Feeling better?” She asked Aerin, before tilting her head, noting his blush. “Are you okay?” she asked, before looking to Namari and noting that she also had a blush. Elle eyed the two a moment. “Are both of you okay?” she asked slowly.

“Fine,” Aerin said quickly, nervously straightening his sleeves, though they didn’t need it. Elle eyed them longer, and she burned to ask what happened, if anything. Did Aerin somehow tell Namari his feelings? Now would have been a strange time, but who knew? She’d had to interrogate him later.

“Okay,” Elle said softly, dropping the topic as Vlad sauntered over.

“Aerin, your face is quite red,” Vlad said, smirking a bit, and effectively making the male twin blush deeper. Oh gods, why? Elle gave Vlad a sharp look and sharper nudge in the ribs with her elbow before turning back to her brother.

“Well, it is such a fine day, you’re probably burning up in those clothes. You dress in way too many layers, Aerin,” Elle said, trying to be helpful, though the idea of stripping down was probably the last thing Aerin wanted to picture currently.

“So, tomorrow evening we’ll have dinner. Namari, I think maybe an hour or two before sunset would be good? Better clear your schedule for the night, because I’m sure we’ll have fun!” Elle said, changing the subject and beaming at the other elf woman.

[Namari Lovelle]

( We are absolutely horrible people LOL )

She looked over at him for a quick moment; he was furiously red! Namari turned back so quickly that her head was nearly spining. Or was that because of the fact that now she was almost certain he knew that she knew.

Namari still didn't even know exactly what she knew!

However, now the two were closer to the others now. Namari prayed her face was not as red. She could no longer feel it as much, but she knew it was still there . That made her grow more red.

Gods, help me...

At first Namari felt better; Elle seemed to speaking to them normally. But thenshe asked if Aerin was okay... then if both of themwere okay. Namari, whose boldness and courage had never allowed the sort of thing, was now feeling incredibly embarrassed. She grew slightly relieved when Aerin had spoken first, and not her. She did not feel like coming up with any excuses. And she grew more relieved when elle dropped the subject.

Did that mean she knew? Aerin had to have a crush on Namari then. This caused her to go just a slight more red.

And perhaps, if it were Namari stabding next to Vlad, she would have jabbed him harshly in the ribs as well. She had to feel a little bad for Aerin at this point. He was too sweet and kind to have to go through this sort of embarrassment.

Sweet and kind. The thought made her, of course, go more red. Again.

She silently thanked Elle for coming up with that excuse, tbough it did Namari herself no good. At the very , east Vlads attention seemed to be kn embarrassing Aerin more than herself. She could just imagine however, using Namari herslelf to embarrass Aerin.

As Elle beamed at the Queen she could not help but beam back. It did seem like it would be a fun time, despitethe smaller incidents of today.

"It sounds like an excellent plan Elle," Namari smiled, the redness in her cheeks nearly gone. "I'll be there, no worries. Would you like me to bring anything?"

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin kept his face turned away from Namari as she spoke to Elle, he trying hard to better compose himself. Well, that was an utter disaster of a moment. Hopefully he hadn’t let on too much, or anything preferably. He’d hate to make Namari feel uncomfortable over something he couldn’t help. It’d be easier if she didn’t know. Less complicated. She had a lover, had a kingdom to worry about. No need to stir things up.

As Namari made her response to Elle’s excitement, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“I do hope we can learn to better get along, Aerin,” Vlad said, bending to speak gently in his ear. “I’d hate to put Elle and that fine young woman, Namari, into a difficult spot over such small matters. Wouldn’t you agree?” He gave Aerin’s shoulder a squeeze. Aerin felt his face flush again in anger, and he reached up, gripping Vlad’s wrist and pulling his hand away.

“I would, if perhaps I hated you over small matters,” he said, letting Vlad’s hand go. Vlad continued to smile pleasantly, bending closer to whisper in his nephew’s ear.

“Careful, boy. Need I remind you of what I told you years ago?”

“Need I remind you that because of that promise you now sport a disfigured face?” Aerin shot back quietly. Vlad straightened, looking slightly pricked, his vanity being struck at, and he turned from Aerin.

Elle, oblivious to her uncle and brother, shook her head to answer Namari.

“No need to bring anything but yourself. And hopefully you can keep the protective entourage to maybe just a knight or two. You don’t even have to dress up!” Elle said happily. Then she bent forward a bit, turning Namari from the men. “Thanks for helping me out with these two. I don’t think you have any idea how much they’d like to explode in rage right now.” She said softly, giving Namari a smile. “As a bonus for tomorrow, you’ll be able to see Aerin in his element. It’s kind of fun to watch,” she added, giving Namari a little nudge before turning back to the men again. “Okay, I’d better be off to start up some prep work for tomorrow!”

[Namari Lovelle]

She tried to half- pay attention to Elle, and half- pay attention to Vlad and Aerin, but to no avail. So she only noticed the way the two men spoke to each other, how they exchanged quiet words she was unable to hear.

But she still paid attention to Elle; after all that was the more important conversation at the moment. She needed to know what was happening at the dinner of course!

She nodded at the 'one or two knights' portion of the conversation. Yes, if she tried enough, surely that would be the case. After all usually only one or two were needed to go out to the firest. She did not see why it would be different with going to a friends house.

Friend; the word seemed a touch odd now. Now that she thought she knew what Aerin was thinking. As if there was only two directions it could go now; pulling apart, or coming together.

She shook the thought from her head; of course they were still friends! Namari was just overreacting.

Elle took Namari by surprise, however, for thanking her; after all it was Namari whom should have been thanking Elle, for inviting her to go in the first place. She smiled, however, as they both turned back to the two elf men.

"Yes, and I do believe I should get back inside. If I want the night off tomorrow I'm going to have to get lots of work done today."

Surprisingly, Namari was able to keep her face calm as she turned to Aerin, her face not going red anymore, voice the same as usual. She was still nervous, but she knew that she would have to save up her energy for tomorrow night.

Surely if the two argued at all she would need lots of energy to even attempt to calm them. They were like an ocean and a mountain.

Namari did not know who was what, however.

"Thank you for coming to visit again, Aerin. Really, are you all sure I don't need to bring anything? I suppose I'm just used to bringing food, wine or decorations to these sorts of things," she chuckled slightly.

The Queen had to remember that this was not exactly as formal as other dinners she had been invited to; but it still felt rude if she did not bring anything.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Vlad gave Namari a smile and a bow as she announced that she had best be off herself.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I am thrilled you plan to join us tomorrow evening,” he said. Elle beamed at Namari, feeling all kinds of excited and slightly nervous. She turned and jumped a bit, seeing Atropos standing behind her, as if he materialized from nothing. He gave the queen his crooked, sharp grin before turning and following Elle as she began to depart. Elle waved to Namari before turning back to Vlad, talking to him.

Aerin sighed inwardly, feeling a bit better the further he heard Vlad go. He supposed he should go home and prepare for tomorrow too. He wouldn’t need to do anything, except mentally prepare for the fact that he’d be spending the better part of an evening in an enclosed space with Vladimir. Gods help him. He faced Namari again, relieved to hear her voice normal. Perhaps he had imagined it strained earlier. Either way, he was sure the awkward moment had passed. For now.

“You don’t have to bring anything. Just yourself. Really, this dinner is unnecessary, but Elle is rather excited about my inheritance,” Aerin shrugged. “I just wish she didn’t have her hopes so high regarding my uncle and me.” He sighed before snapping his fingers and holding out his arm. From a nearby tree Lenore came fluttering down, summoned, in her raven form. She landed on Aerin’s arm and stepped up to his shoulder.

“Fortunately I’ll have my favorite three ladies to keep me in my place,” Aerin said, half joking, half serious, referring to his sister, Namari, and Lenore. After a moment or two of thought he laughed a bit. “I need more male friends. I’m surrounded by women.”

[Namari Lovelle]

She nearly jumped herself at Atropos' sudden appearance as well, smiling back at him. He truly was an odd man... but Namari was not one to judge so harshly. She waved as the three wandered off.

"It's Elle, she is always very optimistic," Namari smiled softly. "It's just the way she is. Perhaps she might understand someday."
It was hard enough for Namari to understand; after all, there was a reason for their hatred with one another. But without knowing what it was, it was hard to understand.

One day, perhaps she would be told. But until then she could not ask.

She went a touch red; but no more then a slight pink, at the mention of his three favourite ladies. But she could not disagree. After all, at this point Aerin was probably one of her top three favourite men as well.

"Truly it is the exact opposite problem with me. The only female friend I have is Elle," Namari laughed. It seemed, though, that being surrounded by mostly males on a daily basis, it would make sense for her to be friends with only males.

"Who knows, maybe you'll make a friend of Walter someday!" Namari smirked, trying not to laugh at her own slight joke.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin frowned a bit. Elle understand? Understand the whole situation?

“I dearly hope she will never learn. It’ll break her heart,” Aerin said softly. Of course she was being hurt either way, but Aerin was trying to find out what exactly was the best thing to do. He reached up to pet Lenore, who gave a small cooing sound.

“I’m glad Elle has a friend like you. You’re a good influence on her. Though she may be a bad influence on you,” Aerin said, smiling a bit, tapping his cane absently. Elle and Namari seemed so different, and yet Elle clicked well enough with the queen. But Elle could click with anyone. She was social like that by nature. Aerin gave a laugh at Namari’s little joke.

“I’m sure Sir Walter would be thrilled at the idea,” he said before sighing. “Well, I’ll be off. I’ll probably have to close the shop early tomorrow so I should start working on my orders now. It seems we’ll all be busy.” Lenore flew from his shoulder and shifted into her naked human form, taking hold of Aerin’s hand. “Have a good night Namari.”

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari's curiosity peaked once more. Exactly what could it be, if it would break Elle's heart? She kept her mouth shut. At least it felt as if she were getting closer and closer to an idea of what happened.

Slow and steady was alright with her.

She smiled at Aerin's remark about Elle and herself; she was glad to have a friend like Elle as well. And perhaps she would be a good influence on her.
All the same she thought Elle would be a good influence on herself as well. Let her relax a bit more.

"Have a good night yourself, Aerin. And...don't stress out about tomorrow. Just focus on having a good time, and your accomplishment," she smiled, referring to his inheritance.

Before she walked away, she hesitated, before putting her hand gently on his shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Aerin. And you as well, Lenore," she smiled wide at the girl, before passing by the two, looking back at him just once with smight worry, before going back inside.

Truly, tomorrow would be most interesting.