Rather than respond, Shani simply reached for her partner’s hand and led them out to the nearby balcony. Ash tried not to hold on too tightly, her nerves alight as she checked to make sure the small box was still in her dress pocket- an action she had done at least a dozen times already that evening.
Long overdue scene of Ash and Shani’s proposal!
February 14th, 200 years ago
Lively music sounded from a band on the small stage at the far end of the crowded ballroom, a joyful tune that kept the dancers steps light and excited. Everyone was dressed in their best, the room filled with a sea of mostly humans in colorful dresses and suits. The pillars on the edges of the dance floor were wrapped in garlands of red and pink, and the air was pleasantly scented by the hundreds of thousands of flower arrangements the Proudmoores had clearly spared no expense on.
Boralus was one of their favorite cities, and Ash and Shani would be remiss to miss out on a party such as this. The pair practically stumbled off the the dance floor as the night grew older and their stamina began to wane. Both of their faces were flushed from the activity, but they bore wide grins as they settled together against the wall to catch their breath.
They were both quite the sight. Besides being among the only elves in the room, they drew more than a few glances their way for their attire alone. Ashryne wore her hair down over her shoulders, the long blonde locks flowing down over a silver dress. Her lips were painted a deep wine-red and winged black eyeliner outlining bright blue eyes. Shani was just as elegant in her sleeveless violet dress, necklaces and bracelets fit with shining gemstones adorning her body. Her red hair was no less wild than usual, the sparkling headband she wore doing very little to control it. Ash could hardly take her eyes off of her- so she simply stopped trying.
It was a night of extravagance. Neither of them would have been able to afford this attire or attendance to the party on their own. It was a combination of favors on both their parts. Ash’s from Vela, a wealthy friend who gladly pulled a few favors. Shani’s had been from her…’sailor’ friends who frequented the city. It was best not to ask how Shani got anything done, honestly.
“Is there something on my face, darling?” Shani asked with a grin, breaking Ash from her thoughts. Confused, she shook her head. The taller woman leaned in closer, her lavender-white eyes glowing brightly. “Then why are you staring at me?”
“Oh,” Ash’s face flushed further as she turned away. “Sorry I...was just thinking. Do you want to get some fresh air?”
Rather than respond, Shani simply reached for her partner’s hand and led them out to the nearby balcony. Ash tried not to hold on too tightly, her nerves alight as she checked to make sure the small box was still in her dress pocket- an action she had done at least a dozen times already that evening.
The view from the balcony was beautiful, the lamp posts attached to the stone railing bathing them in a soft yellow glow. The moon was nearly full, it’s light glittering across the waves stretching out beyond the Keep, along with the thousands of stars that hung above them. It was perfect.
The two of them settled against the railing, looking out over the sound. A few other couples were out there too- but they paid them no mind. The balcony was large, and this was a moment just for them. They stood in silence for a few moments as Ashryne gathered her nerves.
“Shani-”
“Ash-”
They laughed as they spoke at the same time, Shani waving a hand as she said gently, “You first.”
“Okay,” she nodded, smile fading as she took a deep breath. “Shani, these past sixteen years have been the best I’ve ever had. Because of you. You mean everything to me, and I wanted to know if...if we could make it official. For ourselves, if no one else.”
Slightly shakily she got down on one knee, the stone floor freezing beneath her. Pulling the box out of her pocket, she opened it to reveal a ring. “Shani, will you marry me?”
“Oh, no,” Shani blurted out, a hand flying to her mouth. At that moment, Ash’s whole world shattered. Had she misspoken? Misunderstood? They’d discussed this extensively- what sign did she miss-
“No no, I mean yes!” Shani quickly knelt down in front of her, cupping Ash’s face in her hands for a moment. “Fuck, yes, of course I’ll marry you. It’s just- hold on.”
Ash watched in confusion as Shani pulled back to reach into her own pocket, producing...another small box. Sheepishly, she opened it to show it contained another ring.
“I was...going to ask you the same thing tonight,” she said, her cheeks flushed. Shaking her head, she put the ring aside to bring her hand back up to Ash’s face, wiping away an overjoyed tear from her cheek.
“It’s a yes from me too,” Ash laughed before pulling her in for a kiss.
