do not mistake his hesitation for animosity; hoshido and nohr had been enemies long enough to mark his memory. still, he offers a sculpture -- an elegantly crafted crane made from glass -- to the other prince, inclining his head in respect. " a gift for your birthday, prince ryouma. may our nations ever prosper. "
color him surprised at the offer from the nohrian crown prince. they had not been allies very long ; he wasn’t even sure how marx had heard of the occasion. ( surely some of the soldiers had told him, but the idea seemed so. . .normal for the way things had been for them. )
the gift is elegant, however, and it catches ryouma’s eye and holds his attention when he takes it from marx’s hands. it seems so delicate, held within his palm as it was, and he runs his index finger over the curve of its neck almost absently.
“ -- thank you, prince marx. . .and i truly hope things will remain calm once this is all said and done. ”