[ there was a time when people had no such access to images of their betrothed, having to rely on word of mouth and artistic renderings. it feels less foreign to her, being able to look at him now, a stranger but not, and she has to find a little bit of comfort there. while she is known for her honest diplomacy on the union floor, she still tries to put on a brave face, not wanting to make a poor first impression today. ( of course, her reputation surely precedes her anyway. )
as young as she looks and is, she holds herself confidently with a straight posture, shoulders back, chin lifted just so, and only relaxes subtly when rilan extends a hand for her to shake. her palm presses against his and she feels warm. ]
It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Rilan. [husband. and doesn't he sound pleased about it!
that's just enough to get sola to crack a more natural smile, wine-red lips curving upward. her hand leaves his only for her to gesture to the table set for them both. ] Please, let me pour you a drink.
[He likes the note of honesty in her tone as she replies. She means it when she says that it's a pleasure to meet him, something that follows through with a genuine smile from her. He decides that he likes the way her lips look curved up like that, and hopes that she's given to smiling often, or at least that she might be inclined to do so for a husband.
Even if they were matched together by politics first and foremost.]
The feeling is mutual, and yes, I'd love a drink. Am I smelling something like oranges, or is that my imagination?
[He walks where she gestures, taking a seat only because he's not certain if she'd welcome him holding her seat out for her. Can she pour him a drink easily from across that table, or will she need to stand to do it? He decides it's easier to let her host however is easier for her, and sits with his back to the open doors behind him. A sign of trust, to turn his back on an opening that could allow any number of people through with him at a visual disadvantage.
Still, on the other side, it does also mean he sits between Sola and any potential threat. He may not want to conquer worlds, but it does not mean he not warrior-trained, or unwilling to fight.]
Would you mind if I asked you a somewhat blunt question to start things off?
It's what we're best known for, the Pollux citrus trees.
[ after moving to the table, she takes a seat first, surprised by pleased to see his choice of seating. interesting there is no such threat to either of them here, but she appreciates the gesture nonetheless.
firmly grasping the teapot handle, she easily lifts it, serving him from where she sits across the table, lips frowning slightly in concentration. sola has had much training on table service in diplomacy school and her hand is as steady as ever. the orange scent is more fragrant now and after she sets the pot aside, she pushes the sugars and honey closer to him if he wants to add more flavor to his tea.
the question he asks amuses her though she raises her eyebrows at the suddenness of it. ]
[It may be what they are best known for, but Rilan doubts that the citrus trees are what convinced the Barrithian nation to come to Pollux V's aid. No doubt there are resources here, minerals or power sources or technology that has been requested in return for their support.
But Rilan pushes his mind away from that, instead regarding the woman sitting across from him. She's graceful in her movements, enough so that he decides it cannot all be from practice. He gauges her reactions to his question, the lift of eyebrows, and knows it is unexpected, but him taking things off the normal track of getting-to-know-you conversations doesn't seem to perturb her. Either it doesn't bother her, or she is skilled in hiding her reactions. Perhaps both.
He notes, also, that when he asked if she would mind a blunt question, her response was not whether or not it would, but rather giving him permission to do so. Interesting.]
I was wondering if instead of engaging in polite small-talk to ease into our acquaintance, you might appreciate or even prefer that we begin at the heart of our arrangement with more forthright and open honesty.
[Not everyone is comfortable with it, but Sola is, by profession if not at heart, a politician. It's possible she would enjoy a more veiled conversation to pick apart later for nuggets of information given unwittingly, but at the same time he thinks she may also enjoy a rare moment of plain speaking. It's uncomfortable for some, he knows, but it's also the one element of Barrithian social conditioning that actually took with him. So, in a way, it's his first offer of really introducing her to who he is.]
[ if they're to be married, sola supposes that they wouldn't progress as far as they should if they kept to casual conversation. they should connect on some level even if they never fall in love. love was for other people.
she pours herself tea, focusing on the orange and amber liquid filling her teacup, a few tiny blossoms slipping through the spout. listening to him, her mouth twitches as she spoons a pinch of sugar into her drink, stirring it carefully before taking the cup in her hands. given her disposition, given her lifetime of training, being thrown for a loop is nothing new to her and her feathers remain unruffled. ]
I greatly value honesty. While many things take a more ... delicate touch, [ she chuckles dryly, pausing to take a sip, letting the warmth of the tea soothe her, ] I also greatly appreciate candor.
[Rilan waits until she's served herself before reaching for his own tea. He hasn't sweetened it yet, preferring to taste it on its own. It's light, and the citrus flavor is pleasant, but he thinks some honey wouldn't be amiss and drizzles a little in to what is left in the cup. Her response makes this conversation feel promising, and he offers her an easier smile as he nods.]
I tend more toward extreme candor normally, which is something you should keep in mind if you have any questions for me, but I'll see if I can manage both.
[There is information he needs to share with her, not just about himself but about the truth of the nature of his people, how they regard this arrangement and himself, and what that means for her. He wants to learn about her as well, of course, but he is hoping that his own willingness to speak frankly will encourage her to do the same.]
I think I'd like to start by saying that I am here not only willingly, but glad to be selected to leave Barrith and settle here on Pollux V. I have no aspirations of becoming a political power here, nor of representing my people's best interests or working on their behalf while here. Pollux V will become my home, and as my betrothed, soon to be wife, you can expect that I will instead do my best to support you, your career, and the planet you call home as best I'm able. [He pauses a beat, then adds:] I did not leave any romantic partner behind, and did not have to give up hope of finding one back home.
[For all that he starts out of the gate with clear statements with no real personal impact, his tone shifts slightly as he continues. After he takes another sip of tea.]
You should not take any of this as a sign that my loyalty is easily shifted, but rather that my own people did nothing to earn it from me in the first place. But then, I've always been an outlier among them.
[ none of it surprises her, the nature of his approach, the way he presents and explains himself. sola had done her own research after teams of people attempted to prepare her as quickly and solidly as they possibly could before the date. she sits up straighter in her seat and her hands remain curved around the cup before her.
she makes several mental notes to file away for further analysis later, allowing them to marinate for a bit. a part of her wants to doubt his eagerness to abandon his home planet. but then again, not everyone benefits from their home, nor do they carry in their hearts the same love that she has for her own planet.
until that added reassurance. goodness, he came prepared. ]
Surely, the stars cannot have aligned this perfectly for us both, [ she comments lightly, lifting the cup to her lips again. ] To think that a partner with such qualities has almost fallen into my lap.
To be honest, since we're being honest, I was surprised it was your people who made the offer.
[If he's prepared it's because he's had a lifetime of processing the way he feels about his own people, his life, and how very, very much he does not fit in. He's had a long flight to think about this, and no over-abundance of pride to make him think of holding back the less flattering truths.]
Your surprise is understandable. My people have not bothered to hide how they regard other planets and people of the galaxy. They're in the business of conquering and exploiting, not saving.
[If you are not Barrithian, you are lesser. Period.]
The only thing that would move them to intervene like they are would be if there were some major advantage to the arrangement for them. That they'd offer up one of their own as a sacrifice, in an attempt to preemptively make it harder to break the alliance, must mean there is something they want badly from you or this planet. Something they cannot get without your planet's willing assistance, and probably something that you would not easily offer up.
[He'll figure out what it is, no doubt with Sola's help, and do everything he can to keep it from them. Not out of spite, of course, but just because it's the smartest thing to do. If they want it so badly they're willing to intermingle Barrithian blood with human...
You are quick to prove yourself with that kind of information.
[ she nods, almost approvingly, touching the tips of her fingers to her cheek without resting her elbow on the table. this is a lot of process, though the notion itself hadn't been far from her trains of thought. to have that confirmation ...
it does feel good to have the upper hand at least. ]
We will – I will ensure that you remain safe through all of this.
[ sola provides her best, genuine smile to reassure him from behind her teacup. ]
[The smile doesn't make his heart skip a beat, he does not suddenly find himself enchanted by her, but there is sincerity he recognizes at once. Honesty in her tone. That gives him hope that she is hearing him, rather than playing politician at their breakfast.
Even if politics are at the heart of their discussion in the moment.]
I would accept that you will do your best.
[He would not, cannot take a guarantee.]
I am curious how you're feeling about this arrangement. What you think of it. [He pauses a beat, before adding:] If there are things you already know you do or do not want in our marriage, I would hear that also.
[Rilan's tone gives his words the quality of invitation rather than a demand. In asking at all, he offers up that already he has considered that there may be only certain aspects or dynamics of marriage that she would want between them.]
[ sola nods and leans against the backrest, gazing somewhere over rilan's shoulder as she considers his question. there is the response of the diplomat: setting the foundations for a powerful partnership, communication. and there is the response of the future wife: hopes for affection someday, honesty, teamwork.
this is surely a promising start and sola certainly won't protest that. he is willing to listen to her and offer her his help, putting everything else above the needs of his own people who he is ready to leave behind. ]
I wish to be more than mere partners with you. Granted, I am the one in the political position, but I want to – be close. To be honest and communicative. I know there is a lot that will be asked of us, but I also want to be clear that you do not have to be my bedmate. I would just need you to stand at my side.
[Rilan hadn't been sure if he should be the one to bring up the other aspects of marriage first, because after all it is a marriage, not just a mere partnership. The fact that it's arranged just means that certain aspects of it cannot be assumed as a given.
His expression softens a little, losing some of the stiffness it had before as his lips curve up bit by bit. The important part here is that she wants this to be more than just a marriage in name, or a political partner, and while Rilan has many thoughts on that, it's the last part that has him lifting an eyebrow.]
What if I want to be invited to your bed?
[There's absolutely no denying that Sola is beautiful, and Rilan would admit at once if asked that he is absolutely attracted to her. He's been behaving themselves because they are strangers, but there is a lightness and shift in his tone that suggests that an invitation is something he would absolutely want, if she wanted to offer one.]
You're not the only one who wants to be close. To have more than an amicable partner ship, if something could develop between us. I wouldn't expect or demand privileges but I'd welcome any you offered.
[ sola doesn't quite smile but does raise her eyebrows in interest when her gaze settles on him again. this is meant to be a frank conversation after all. ] I will remember you said that.
[ when she is ready, of course. though considering how quickly she reaches for another sip of her tea, it may happen faster than even she expects. ( and besides, breaking any sexual tension will surely help them build the foundations of their relationship. ) hmm. yes, thoughts of the two of them drifting – no, working towards more sound very attractive. and not just because it has been a while since she has been intimate with anyone. there's no mistaking that he is attractive in his own right. ]
Perhaps an invitation someday, [ sola eventually adds with the tiniest of smiles, small hands still curled around the teacup. ]
[Rilan is not in a rush, and has no interest in forcing chemistry or a desire for physical intimacy that isn't there. But he enjoys the way she responds to him. The words she offers and what he can read between them.
He notes the small nuanced reactions in her body language and slowly reaches for his cup as well to take a slow, measured sip of his tea. If there is heat in his eyes, it is carefully banked not to show too much too soon.]
Until then, I'd welcome...a friendship between us. One based on not true trust and respect for each other. One where were could build a life for ourselves together?
[ more than colleagues, more than friends, more than lovers. perhaps some combination of the two. it's something she might reluctantly look forward to if it weren't a sudden political move in order to preserve the country from falling under a militaristic rule. the voices of dissent have never liked their ways of candor, of negotiation and peacekeeping, finding the processes too long, with too many hoops to jump through.
at risk of looking as if they are throwing their values out the window for the sake of maintaining power, sola had worried about what her marriage would look like to the general public. but talking to rilan, she feels at ease that they would be able to keep the fighting at bay. they are bolstered.
she nods slowly. ] I rather like the sound of that. [ and she means it, leaning forward again, carefully observing the slightest change in his gaze. ] We will make this work.
[It feels very optimistic to speak of such things. Trust. Respect. Hope for a life together. It goes against everything that his people value for themselves.
And yet, it is what he wants for himself. He's not a dragon of ambition, and he doubts very much that a marriage to Sola will change that. She may be in politics but Rilan has no interest in it for himself. He only hopes that it does not drag her down or hinder her somehow as time progresses.]
We will.
[He lifts his cup of tea to toast with hers.]
Would it be too cliche or cheesy to toast to our next chapter?
[His bride-to-be is an intelligent woman, that much he knows. She is beautiful, yes, and he thinks that she must be clever to hold the position she does. Selfishly, he can only see that he gains in this situation. The possibility of something deeper than a mere arrangement certainly makes his breath catch in his throat as well. He never thought to want before now.
The toast will likely not bring them luck, but it costs nothing to take that chance, hoping it will anyway.]
With just the two of us? I do not think it cheesy at all.
[ sola isn't terribly sentimental. she has always been a pragmatist after all, never wanting to set her level head off-balance with meaningless things. but this should be special, regardless of the actions that set their marriage into motion.
toasting with tea – perhaps it would be considered unusual, but she rather likes the idea of raising a cup of the sweet orange blossom brew to the next chapter as he says. she lifts her hand and scoots forward on the chair to better reach him across the table. ]
To us. To our future. To the unknown.
[ but she still gestures to him if he would like to add anything to that, the tone of her voice allowing for a continuation rather than sounding final. ]
It's the first time he's been part of an "us" that he doesn't mind.
The extension of partnership in those words pleases him more than he thought they would. He watches her, closer to her now than she was before, and keeps his cup aloft as he responds.]
To becoming something better together than we were apart. To our potential. To us.
[His glass clinks gently against hers before he draws it back to drink deeply of the tea, finishing it as a symbol of his commitment to the things they've toasted.]
[ she likes the sound of that, the idea of unity. this brief conversation makes her feel a little more at ease when she thinks about the day she walks down the aisle, more spectacle than what she would prefer, yet what the public would want and be impressed by. they toast to their future and sola drinks.
setting her cup down, she reaches for a biscuit, nudging the tower of treats towards him with a little eager smile. ]
[He doesn't wish to downplay Sola's compliment, but Rilan's eyes slip down at the compliment, though his lips maintain their smile.]
Perhaps I won't do so poorly as a politician's husband then.
[Rilan does, however, reach forward to take not just one treat off the plate but two. They both go onto his plate, and he picks up one of them and takes at bite at once. They are, to no surprise, delicious, and he makes the appropriate sound of enjoyment as he takes a second bite.]
Will you tell me a little about yourself? Things that don't have to do with your work or the arrangement of our upcoming nuptials?
[ she pauses to finish her chew. her private life isn't something she often discusses with... well, anyone really. her life is her job and she has been training for this for most of her youth. ]
I am very fond of fashion, [ she admits almost shyly (almost). ] Beyond keeping up appearances for the public, I enjoy shopping and accessorizing. I also am an avid reader, even beyond what I must consume for my day to day, to keep my brain active. I admit that I do not have any exciting hobbies, but those are two things I very much enjoy.
[ she daintily takes another bite of her lemon iced biscuit. ] I did not have a typical childhood as I had been chosen amongst the other aristocratic families to attend diplomacy school.
[He does not mock her for her love of fashion and accessorizing. It's nothing he's had a particular interest in, but he appreciates how she looks now and thinks it wouldn't be a bad thing to learn something from her.
Listening with clear interest, he snacks on some of the treats on offer, tasting a second with enjoyment as he holds eye contact with her.]
I enjoy reading a great deal also. Fiction and non-fiction. I've never had any interest in fashion but I would appreciate your input if there are any trends you think I should follow.
[He wipes his hand on his napkin before pouring more tea for himself, this time sweetening it with a little sugar.]
But diplomacy school...was it a boarding school? And was it the subject matter that made it atypical or something else?
Then we will have a lot to talk about and hopefully many readings to exchange.
[ it's a heartening thought and sola brightens, briefly picturing long nights sitting by the fire, blessed peace without any work and few worries, surrounded by stacks of books. they chat, debate, exchange ideas and recommendations...
she leans back again, folding her hands in her lap. ] I attended boarding school. We were taught the usual subjects of math and sciences and literature as well as the art of debate, public speaking, political science. [ lifting a finger, she delicately brushes an errant hair away from her eyes. ] Each of us had been selected at an early age to represent our homes in the greater system.
[Boarding school is not a new concept for Rilan, having been for a few years himself. Diplomacy school is different however. The way she describes it at least falls in line with that he assumed it would be like. The manner of selection, however, is curious and new.]
A tradition, I assume? Who selects the people to attend? Were you one of a few volunteers, at least, or is the choice taken out of your hands?
[Did you choose this life? he wants to ask. Or was it the first of many choices about your life that were taken from you for the good of your people?
The matter is serious enough to leave him with a sense of unease that temporarily halts his nibbling of food and drinking sweet tea.]
Aptitude tests, [ she explains, thinking nothing of it. that is tradition and the way they have always done to ensure that they have the best representation on the galactic scale. ] I had agreed to it as well, but it is highly encouraged.
[ but she had been too young to truly understand what this would mean for however long would remain this position – presumably the rest of her life. sola has never been one to back away from a challenge, even when she was a little girl.
she holds a hand up reassuringly. ] I did not have my youth stripped from me. It was merely different from many other childhoods.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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as young as she looks and is, she holds herself confidently with a straight posture, shoulders back, chin lifted just so, and only relaxes subtly when rilan extends a hand for her to shake. her palm presses against his and she feels warm. ]
It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Rilan. [ husband. and doesn't he sound pleased about it!
that's just enough to get sola to crack a more natural smile, wine-red lips curving upward. her hand leaves his only for her to gesture to the table set for them both. ] Please, let me pour you a drink.
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Even if they were matched together by politics first and foremost.]
The feeling is mutual, and yes, I'd love a drink. Am I smelling something like oranges, or is that my imagination?
[He walks where she gestures, taking a seat only because he's not certain if she'd welcome him holding her seat out for her. Can she pour him a drink easily from across that table, or will she need to stand to do it? He decides it's easier to let her host however is easier for her, and sits with his back to the open doors behind him. A sign of trust, to turn his back on an opening that could allow any number of people through with him at a visual disadvantage.
Still, on the other side, it does also mean he sits between Sola and any potential threat. He may not want to conquer worlds, but it does not mean he not warrior-trained, or unwilling to fight.]
Would you mind if I asked you a somewhat blunt question to start things off?
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[ after moving to the table, she takes a seat first, surprised by pleased to see his choice of seating. interesting there is no such threat to either of them here, but she appreciates the gesture nonetheless.
firmly grasping the teapot handle, she easily lifts it, serving him from where she sits across the table, lips frowning slightly in concentration. sola has had much training on table service in diplomacy school and her hand is as steady as ever. the orange scent is more fragrant now and after she sets the pot aside, she pushes the sugars and honey closer to him if he wants to add more flavor to his tea.
the question he asks amuses her though she raises her eyebrows at the suddenness of it. ]
Yes, you may.
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But Rilan pushes his mind away from that, instead regarding the woman sitting across from him. She's graceful in her movements, enough so that he decides it cannot all be from practice. He gauges her reactions to his question, the lift of eyebrows, and knows it is unexpected, but him taking things off the normal track of getting-to-know-you conversations doesn't seem to perturb her. Either it doesn't bother her, or she is skilled in hiding her reactions. Perhaps both.
He notes, also, that when he asked if she would mind a blunt question, her response was not whether or not it would, but rather giving him permission to do so. Interesting.]
I was wondering if instead of engaging in polite small-talk to ease into our acquaintance, you might appreciate or even prefer that we begin at the heart of our arrangement with more forthright and open honesty.
[Not everyone is comfortable with it, but Sola is, by profession if not at heart, a politician. It's possible she would enjoy a more veiled conversation to pick apart later for nuggets of information given unwittingly, but at the same time he thinks she may also enjoy a rare moment of plain speaking. It's uncomfortable for some, he knows, but it's also the one element of Barrithian social conditioning that actually took with him. So, in a way, it's his first offer of really introducing her to who he is.]
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she pours herself tea, focusing on the orange and amber liquid filling her teacup, a few tiny blossoms slipping through the spout. listening to him, her mouth twitches as she spoons a pinch of sugar into her drink, stirring it carefully before taking the cup in her hands. given her disposition, given her lifetime of training, being thrown for a loop is nothing new to her and her feathers remain unruffled. ]
I greatly value honesty. While many things take a more ... delicate touch, [ she chuckles dryly, pausing to take a sip, letting the warmth of the tea soothe her, ] I also greatly appreciate candor.
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I tend more toward extreme candor normally, which is something you should keep in mind if you have any questions for me, but I'll see if I can manage both.
[There is information he needs to share with her, not just about himself but about the truth of the nature of his people, how they regard this arrangement and himself, and what that means for her. He wants to learn about her as well, of course, but he is hoping that his own willingness to speak frankly will encourage her to do the same.]
I think I'd like to start by saying that I am here not only willingly, but glad to be selected to leave Barrith and settle here on Pollux V. I have no aspirations of becoming a political power here, nor of representing my people's best interests or working on their behalf while here. Pollux V will become my home, and as my betrothed, soon to be wife, you can expect that I will instead do my best to support you, your career, and the planet you call home as best I'm able. [He pauses a beat, then adds:] I did not leave any romantic partner behind, and did not have to give up hope of finding one back home.
[For all that he starts out of the gate with clear statements with no real personal impact, his tone shifts slightly as he continues. After he takes another sip of tea.]
You should not take any of this as a sign that my loyalty is easily shifted, but rather that my own people did nothing to earn it from me in the first place. But then, I've always been an outlier among them.
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she makes several mental notes to file away for further analysis later, allowing them to marinate for a bit. a part of her wants to doubt his eagerness to abandon his home planet. but then again, not everyone benefits from their home, nor do they carry in their hearts the same love that she has for her own planet.
until that added reassurance. goodness, he came prepared. ]
Surely, the stars cannot have aligned this perfectly for us both, [ she comments lightly, lifting the cup to her lips again. ] To think that a partner with such qualities has almost fallen into my lap.
To be honest, since we're being honest, I was surprised it was your people who made the offer.
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Your surprise is understandable. My people have not bothered to hide how they regard other planets and people of the galaxy. They're in the business of conquering and exploiting, not saving.
[If you are not Barrithian, you are lesser. Period.]
The only thing that would move them to intervene like they are would be if there were some major advantage to the arrangement for them. That they'd offer up one of their own as a sacrifice, in an attempt to preemptively make it harder to break the alliance, must mean there is something they want badly from you or this planet. Something they cannot get without your planet's willing assistance, and probably something that you would not easily offer up.
[He'll figure out what it is, no doubt with Sola's help, and do everything he can to keep it from them. Not out of spite, of course, but just because it's the smartest thing to do. If they want it so badly they're willing to intermingle Barrithian blood with human...
The possible implications are alarming.]
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[ she nods, almost approvingly, touching the tips of her fingers to her cheek without resting her elbow on the table. this is a lot of process, though the notion itself hadn't been far from her trains of thought. to have that confirmation ...
it does feel good to have the upper hand at least. ]
We will – I will ensure that you remain safe through all of this.
[ sola provides her best, genuine smile to reassure him from behind her teacup. ]
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Even if politics are at the heart of their discussion in the moment.]
I would accept that you will do your best.
[He would not, cannot take a guarantee.]
I am curious how you're feeling about this arrangement. What you think of it. [He pauses a beat, before adding:] If there are things you already know you do or do not want in our marriage, I would hear that also.
[Rilan's tone gives his words the quality of invitation rather than a demand. In asking at all, he offers up that already he has considered that there may be only certain aspects or dynamics of marriage that she would want between them.]
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this is surely a promising start and sola certainly won't protest that. he is willing to listen to her and offer her his help, putting everything else above the needs of his own people who he is ready to leave behind. ]
I wish to be more than mere partners with you. Granted, I am the one in the political position, but I want to – be close. To be honest and communicative. I know there is a lot that will be asked of us, but I also want to be clear that you do not have to be my bedmate. I would just need you to stand at my side.
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His expression softens a little, losing some of the stiffness it had before as his lips curve up bit by bit. The important part here is that she wants this to be more than just a marriage in name, or a political partner, and while Rilan has many thoughts on that, it's the last part that has him lifting an eyebrow.]
What if I want to be invited to your bed?
[There's absolutely no denying that Sola is beautiful, and Rilan would admit at once if asked that he is absolutely attracted to her. He's been behaving themselves because they are strangers, but there is a lightness and shift in his tone that suggests that an invitation is something he would absolutely want, if she wanted to offer one.]
You're not the only one who wants to be close. To have more than an amicable partner ship, if something could develop between us. I wouldn't expect or demand privileges but I'd welcome any you offered.
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[ when she is ready, of course. though considering how quickly she reaches for another sip of her tea, it may happen faster than even she expects.
( and besides, breaking any sexual tension will surely help them build the foundations of their relationship. ) hmm. yes, thoughts of the two of them drifting – no, working towards more sound very attractive. and not just because it has been a while since she has been intimate with anyone. there's no mistaking that he is attractive in his own right. ]
Perhaps an invitation someday, [ sola eventually adds with the tiniest of smiles, small hands still curled around the teacup. ]
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He notes the small nuanced reactions in her body language and slowly reaches for his cup as well to take a slow, measured sip of his tea. If there is heat in his eyes, it is carefully banked not to show too much too soon.]
Until then, I'd welcome...a friendship between us. One based on not true trust and respect for each other. One where were could build a life for ourselves together?
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at risk of looking as if they are throwing their values out the window for the sake of maintaining power, sola had worried about what her marriage would look like to the general public. but talking to rilan, she feels at ease that they would be able to keep the fighting at bay. they are bolstered.
she nods slowly. ] I rather like the sound of that. [ and she means it, leaning forward again, carefully observing the slightest change in his gaze. ] We will make this work.
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And yet, it is what he wants for himself. He's not a dragon of ambition, and he doubts very much that a marriage to Sola will change that. She may be in politics but Rilan has no interest in it for himself. He only hopes that it does not drag her down or hinder her somehow as time progresses.]
We will.
[He lifts his cup of tea to toast with hers.]
Would it be too cliche or cheesy to toast to our next chapter?
[His bride-to-be is an intelligent woman, that much he knows. She is beautiful, yes, and he thinks that she must be clever to hold the position she does. Selfishly, he can only see that he gains in this situation. The possibility of something deeper than a mere arrangement certainly makes his breath catch in his throat as well. He never thought to want before now.
The toast will likely not bring them luck, but it costs nothing to take that chance, hoping it will anyway.]
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[ sola isn't terribly sentimental. she has always been a pragmatist after all, never wanting to set her level head off-balance with meaningless things. but this should be special, regardless of the actions that set their marriage into motion.
toasting with tea – perhaps it would be considered unusual, but she rather likes the idea of raising a cup of the sweet orange blossom brew to the next chapter as he says. she lifts her hand and scoots forward on the chair to better reach him across the table. ]
To us. To our future. To the unknown.
[ but she still gestures to him if he would like to add anything to that, the tone of her voice allowing for a continuation rather than sounding final. ]
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It's the first time he's been part of an "us" that he doesn't mind.
The extension of partnership in those words pleases him more than he thought they would. He watches her, closer to her now than she was before, and keeps his cup aloft as he responds.]
To becoming something better together than we were apart. To our potential. To us.
[His glass clinks gently against hers before he draws it back to drink deeply of the tea, finishing it as a symbol of his commitment to the things they've toasted.]
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setting her cup down, she reaches for a biscuit, nudging the tower of treats towards him with a little eager smile. ]
That was lovely, Rilan.
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Perhaps I won't do so poorly as a politician's husband then.
[Rilan does, however, reach forward to take not just one treat off the plate but two. They both go onto his plate, and he picks up one of them and takes at bite at once. They are, to no surprise, delicious, and he makes the appropriate sound of enjoyment as he takes a second bite.]
Will you tell me a little about yourself? Things that don't have to do with your work or the arrangement of our upcoming nuptials?
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[ she pauses to finish her chew. her private life isn't something she often discusses with... well, anyone really. her life is her job and she has been training for this for most of her youth. ]
I am very fond of fashion, [ she admits almost shyly (almost). ] Beyond keeping up appearances for the public, I enjoy shopping and accessorizing. I also am an avid reader, even beyond what I must consume for my day to day, to keep my brain active. I admit that I do not have any exciting hobbies, but those are two things I very much enjoy.
[ she daintily takes another bite of her lemon iced biscuit. ] I did not have a typical childhood as I had been chosen amongst the other aristocratic families to attend diplomacy school.
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Listening with clear interest, he snacks on some of the treats on offer, tasting a second with enjoyment as he holds eye contact with her.]
I enjoy reading a great deal also. Fiction and non-fiction. I've never had any interest in fashion but I would appreciate your input if there are any trends you think I should follow.
[He wipes his hand on his napkin before pouring more tea for himself, this time sweetening it with a little sugar.]
But diplomacy school...was it a boarding school? And was it the subject matter that made it atypical or something else?
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[ it's a heartening thought and sola brightens, briefly picturing long nights sitting by the fire, blessed peace without any work and few worries, surrounded by stacks of books. they chat, debate, exchange ideas and recommendations...
she leans back again, folding her hands in her lap. ] I attended boarding school. We were taught the usual subjects of math and sciences and literature as well as the art of debate, public speaking, political science. [ lifting a finger, she delicately brushes an errant hair away from her eyes. ] Each of us had been selected at an early age to represent our homes in the greater system.
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A tradition, I assume? Who selects the people to attend? Were you one of a few volunteers, at least, or is the choice taken out of your hands?
[Did you choose this life? he wants to ask. Or was it the first of many choices about your life that were taken from you for the good of your people?
The matter is serious enough to leave him with a sense of unease that temporarily halts his nibbling of food and drinking sweet tea.]
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[ but she had been too young to truly understand what this would mean for however long would remain this position – presumably the rest of her life. sola has never been one to back away from a challenge, even when she was a little girl.
she holds a hand up reassuringly. ] I did not have my youth stripped from me. It was merely different from many other childhoods.
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