[ RP snippet between @cineas-duskhollow and I - which brought in @eleneyaeventide and @eliyon-starfury. Lemme tell you, this was fun! Sorry for posting it late!]
Cineas had wasted little time in sending the letters out to Eleney’a and Eli’yon. The stiff parchment paper had been sealed with the crimson E melted into the wax but also held the black seal that one would soon learn to be that of Duskhollow. The couple seemed quite perplexed by the request for them to join Elenaris and Cineas at the estate and Eleney’a found this to be rather unsettling. Even still, she eventually convinced Eli’yon to comply and they were packed and on their way back to the Isle.
As the two were ushered into the grand estate, Cindel greeted them and promptly guided them into the smaller dining room where a lunch had been prepared and all they awaited was Cineas and Elenaris to make their appearance. Eleney’a sighed heavily as she glanced over to Eli’yon who already seemed tense, as expected. “Surely it is for simple formalities. I can’t imagine anything else…” She shrugged, cutting a slice of cheese to place upon her plate with grapes and crackers before indulging in the wine that had been brought.
Cineas seemed rather uncomfortable himself as he sat on the edge of the bed in their chambers while he waited for Elenaris to finish readying for their lunch. His attire as of late had drifted from the elaborate robes to more simple leathers and light, linen shirts as he found his studies disrupted for continued work on the wing of the estate he was dedicating to Arrynn. It was rather hasty, but it gave him purpose in his work for now. A gentle knock at the door had signified to him that their guests had arrived and he perked slightly. “Love?” He questioned, his brow perking as he gazed at Elenaris through her vanity mirror.
Eli'yon shifted somewhat as he helped himself to the finger foods that were scattered about the table. He followed suit with Elenay’a as she served herself some cheese and had cut a much larger portion for himself. Though he declined wine at the time being, refusing alcohol was a rarity for Eli'yon but he had simply asked for chilled water instead. “Formalities,” Eli'yon said with a bit of a growl as he seemed to pick at, rather than consume the food on his plate. “I would much prefer to be back on the mainland.”
Elenaris perked at the sound of the knock, putting the final details of reddnend tint to her lips before she stood to meet at Cineas’s side. “Mm, shall we?” She said with a bit of a deep breath before opening the door and moving through it. They walked side by side, Elenaris not reaching for his arm or hand unless he offered it first. “Let us hope this goes as well as expected.”
In the dining room, Eleney’a huffed at Eli’yon and shook her head. “You knew this day would come eventually, unless you expected me to turn into just another fling.” She eyed him a brow raised and despite her words she knew they were wrong.
Eli'yon narrowed his eyes at the younger woman’s retort and finally allowed himself to bite into the cheese. “I've already met your sister. We're both aware of that. What I'm not fond of is whatever man thinks that he can come in here and start telling us what to do like he's some Lord of the house. Your sister isn't even married!” His face seemed to redden as his tone divulged his irritation and his voice was already louder than it should have been.
“It seems it's going rather well already,” Cineas remarked as he could hear louder voices but not make out the entirety of words. He stiffled a quiet laugh as he had taken Elenaris’ hand through their walk of the halls but had released it prior to their arrival to the dining room. He submitted to her as the door was opened for them and he gestured to Elenaris to make her entrance into the dining hall.
Elenaris sighed heavily as she recognized the voice even through the muffled echoes of the halls. As they came to the door and it was opened, she stepped through and made her entrance, however she paused and gestured for Cineas to take his place at her side. “Eleney’a...Mister Starfury.” She greeted them both as Eleney’a had rose to welcome her sister properly. “How nice to see the two of you again, I thank you for answering our call.” Elenaris glanced to Cineas as she introduced him. “As I am sure you are curious, this is Lord Cineas Duskhollow, it was through combined conversation that we thought it best we all come together for this lovely lunch and have a bit of a talk.”
Cineas followed Elenaris as she gestured for him to come along her side. He offered a slight bow to his company, noticing Eleney’a’s manners as she rose to greet them but also taking note of how Eli'yon remained seated. Their eyes made contact, locking in what only could be noted as a visible power struggle for the moment. Cineas quickly occupied himself elsewhere as a smirk fell over his features. His hands had moved to quickly find the chair where Elenaris was to sit, before allowing himself to take his seat next to her.
“How quaint,” Eli'yon replied as he broke off a piece of the cracker. “Elenaris Eventide in her big estate playing house with some stuffy bag of air.” He continued with a dismissive gesture to Cineas.
Elenaris nodded to her sister to gesture for her to sit as she did the same after Cineas offered the chair to her. Her gaze shot to Eli’yon with eyes that pierced his visage like daggers and she inhaled deeply before responding. “Dear Eli’yon, simply because you were denied the place at my side does not mean you have any right or reason to insult the man that rightfully holds it now.” She stated calmly as she glanced over to Eleney’a somewhat apologetically. The younger Eventide simply lowered her gaze as she went about plucking the grapes from their stems only to lay them aside on the plate.
Cineas remained quiet at the present moment, he hadn't a need to interject and felt Elenaris could defend herself in the verbal back and fourth. He had busied himself with pouring a large glass of wine for him but only half full for her as he placed the pitcher back down in the mid of the table. “It’s not an insult,” Eli'yon replied rather briskly as he took note of the man at her side. “It’s the truth. His hands appear soft with the lack of work he's ever had to accomplish and I'm sure he spends a good influx of his days accomplishing absolutely nothing.” Eli'yon continued as his eyes found Cineas’ once more. All the older man could do in response was chuckle.
The elder turned her gaze once more to Eleney’a. “You could not have taught him some manner, at least? Between your gallivanting in bars and sexual encounters?” She had quite obviously become irritated but still remained calm save for the venom spat in the form of words. “Eli’yon, there is little need to go on about the accomplishments that Lord Duskhollow has made or his prior work. What matters now is the union that we are in which agrees that he is taking the position as Lord of the Eventide household and the only accomplishment that is worth discussing is the likelihood of Eleney’a soon having a nephew.” Her chin tiltled upward as she glanced to Cineas with a proud grin.
Eleney’a seemed shocked by Elenaris’s words though she could hardly imagine anything less of her. That was how she worked, intimidation by her words. “Perhaps the insults should stop between us all. We are all quite aware that the relationship between Eli’yon and I began a bit impure but as Lord Duskhollow stands by your side, I stand by his until he wishes me to leave.” She regarded Eli’yon before her eyes widened at the new. “A nephew?”She whispered across the table to Elenaris, looking between her and Cineas.
“We do not expect either of you to leave,” Cineas finally spoke up as he took a sip of the wine. “Elenaris and I have discussed the importance of her family and continuing to be the matriarch of that family. We are attempting to make amicable solutions to all issues.” He explained and released a heavy sigh as his attention now regarded the younger man. “Lady Eventide has explained to me your affections towards her and her denial of those affections in return. I am quite sorry that you were hurt upon her honesty, but I ask that you respect our union further. As the Lady stated, I will be Lord of this home and respect is deserved.” His hands promptly folded together as he rested them before his plate while Eli'yon seemed to fume. “You dare sit there and criticize our relationship as you're already with child? What did he do? Drug you?”
Eleney’a jumped at the raise in Eli’yon’s voice. She reached her hand across the table in hopes of gaining his attention. “Stop! Stop arguing and name calling.” She asked him softly before Elenaris spoke up. “I criticize your relationship because after claiming your devout love for me you quickly turned to prey upon my sister. Now, if my assumptions based on observations are incorrect, then I apologize, however, I believe that is partially why we are here today.” She rose a hand in the air to further the silence so she could continue to speak. “But moving forward, as Lord Duskhollow said, he is Lord of this home and should be respected as such just as I should be respected.”
Lips pursed as Cineas seemed rather disgusted at the entire manner. The younger man was going on like a child had typically and he found his gaze dropping in slight embarrassment for him. “I never claimed devout love for you, Elenaris, I claimed an abundance of caring for you. That I wanted to one day be that for you. Now it seems in a short period of time, you've forgotten anyone that protected you, was there for you, or consoled you and found yourself carrying some silly Lord’s spawn.” Eli'yon was seething, it could be felt as his chest rose and fell with his breathing but he couldn't help but jump as Cineas slammed his hand down on the table and rose to his feet. The sound of yelling and slamming had attracted Ebonheart as he kept his silent watch outside but he hadn't done more than enter the dining hall with his hand on the hilt of his sword.
“The Lady need not ask for your cooperation on the matter any longer.” Cineas spoke as his tone was stern but his voice remaining quiet. “You are embarrassing yourself and your lady at this table in my home. You are disrespecting my future wife and you are insulting my son and heir.” Cineas continued as his eyes narrowed in the direction of the blonde male. “If you continue to act as a spoiled child I will prevent you from ever seeing Elenay'a and lock you in the dungeon myself.”
Elenaris found herself resting her head into her hand, the tips of her finger holding her up. “I must agree with Lord Duskhollow on the matter. I was hoping the four of us could come together without quarrel but alas, seems you seek trouble in everything you do, Eli’yon.” Eleney’a took a large sip of wine from her glass and sighed heavily as she set it down. “I think we should simply get to what we came here to discuss and move on. While I respect you, Lord Duskhollow, you must understand the surprise that all this news comes to me as. It was hardly to be expected and as Elenaris will stand for you, I must say that I do not appreciate assumptions being made of me and Eli’yon. So perhaps now that the harsh words have been thrown, we can move beyond this?”
Eli'yon seemed to quiet for the moment and Cineas had retaken his seat as the only thing to be heard was the sound of his chair moving forward once more on the marble floor. “And now that we've all settled,” Cineas concluded as he indulged himself in a rather large gulp of the wine. “The main purpose of you both being here in our presence is to discuss your relationship entirely. As Elenaris and I find ourselves to be traditionalists.” He took a breath as he placed the glass down and once more returned his attention to Elenay'a. “You sister does not make false assumptions on the matter. It is clear and evident that you and the Mister Starfury have a relationship of nature. You are living with him. I am simply requesting that some committed factor occur or I request you return to the Eventide Estate.”
A heavy sigh was released through Eleney’a’s nostril. “My residence is no longer the Eventide Estate, Lord Duskhollow. It hasn’t been for some time since I left with my brother in his travels.” She then looked to Eli’yon, feeling a bit unable to speak for the two of them because even she was unsure of their status and goals. “There has not been talk of union or plans of marriage between the two of us, as it stands we enjoy our relationship the way it is. Simple, without expectations really.” By now Elenaris had lifted her head, the maid came by to refill the glasses of wine and for once Elenaris denied as her fingers rubbed her temple softly.
With his attention on Elenaris, his hand moved to lightly rest within his lap. “We will discuss more important formalities later,” he concluded regarding the younger pair’s relationship and he indulged himself with another glass of wine. “Your sister has been under immense stress lately and we wish to not jeopardize Arrynn in any way. If we can all act like adults, let us eat otherwise Ebonheart will show you to the stables to eat with the animals.”
Elenaris shook her head, smiling over to Cineas as he seemed concerned for her health. “I’m okay, this needs to be taken care of… it is only a headache, it will pass.” She replied before Eleney’a spoke up in a softer tone. “Arrynn?” The younger woman’s gaze lowered to Elenaris’s midsection, a gentle smile gracing her features. “After our brother.” Elenaris looked to her sister and nodded once, understanding that Neya’s connection with Arrynn was short lived but hers was one of the deeper relationships she had with anyone. “Yes, my pearl, after our brother.” She then looked over to Eli’yon as he had become rather quiet. “So, are we able to discuss this properly or will you be taking Lord Duskhollow’s latter offer?”
Cineas watched the exchange of the women in regards to the name they had settled on for their son. While it held sentimental meaning to Eleney’a and Elenaris, Cineas simply regarded it as that being his son, his heir. Though his attention flicked to the younger male as he awaited his response with a certain sense of curiosity. “I do this for Neya’s expense and not of either of your own. I don't care for your flaunted relationship or child.”
“We are not here to flaunt anything, Eli’yon, truly. Simply we need to gauge your intentions and go from there but it was necessary to make grounds with Lord Duskhollow to ensure we were all on the same page of understanding who he is and who he is to become. Now, what are the two of you planning?” Elenaris continued on, lifting a glass of water to her lips before she licked the somewhat chapped skin due to her stress.
Eli'yon glanced across the table at the younger woman as he huffed loudly. “We have not seriously discussed marriages or unions,” he spoke as his gaze refused to indulge either Elenaris or Cineas. He sat back in his chair as his arms folded across his chest tightly. “With the possibility of me suddenly being requested to Argus such things did not seem right.” Cineas pursed his lips as he took another sip of his wine and gestured for his glass to be refilled. “So, just so I am correct, you two are uncommitted, engaging in sexual behaviors where the younger Eventide could wind up pregnant but you see no justification of marriage because of impending war.” Cineas seemed irritated as he spoke but just huffed to himself.
Eleney’a looked across the table to Eli’yon as he spoke, her brows furrowing at the mention of his leaving to Argus and she, too, huffed. “I would say as adults, consenting adults, we have the ability to do such things if we wish to. There are ways around pregnancy and we take care with such things.” Elenaris looked between the two for a moment before she spoke up. “Have you considered the possibility? Many couples marry even with the likelihood of the male leaving to war. Let’s be honest, here, Eleney’a… you are becoming beyond of age to take your husband, do not even consider throwing my age at me as we all know my situation was different. If the two of you care for one another, you at least get along, is it not better than an arranged marriage that could land you in the arms of someone you couldn’t even stand? What other plans do you have, Mister Starfury? Surely your father wishes you to marry a rather higher ranking noble, hm? And with your elder brother taking Patriarchy of Starfury, what else does that leave you?” Her questions were not harsh but realistic, thought provoking perhaps.
“Are you insinuating that Eleney’a will be arranged to another noble should I choose not to marry her here and now?” Eli’yon finally piped up in an irritated fashion as he glanced between Elenaris and Cineas. He seemed angered but growing tired of his anger, his responses were not as sharp or as loud and his tone seemed to be at its normal octave. “That had not been considered, no.” Cineas replied before Elenaris could, his tone short and honest. He motioned for the servants to bring their plates of lunch to them as he grew tired of the finger food and took an anticipated sip of his wine. “However it is not outside the realm of possibilities here. Let us continue to be honest. Noble homes need continuation and what better way to cement our place in the registry books than with an extended, powerful noble family?” His brow rose in the direction of Eli’yon and his features seemed rather flat. Almost as if these were simple matters to Cineas. However, Eli’yon remained with his jaw clenched and his gaze unflinchingly on Eleney’a.
Elenaris had parted her lips to reply but was cut off by Cineas, inhaling deeply as she looked over to him. “Let us be realistic here. Should the two of you not wish to marry, yes it will be considered she marry another, but as Cin- Lord Duskhollow mentioned, it does not entirely mean that you must fall to a knee at this moment. All we ask if that you take Eleney’a’s station into to consideration when it comes to her future.” She paused, looking over to her sister. “We are already caving in on some of our traditions in simply allowing the option of a marriage to a lesser nobleman in general let alone one that does not embrace his nobility to any extent.” Her gaze slowly turned to Eli’yon and while her words may have seemed harsh, her tone was calm.
Cineas seemed rather relieved when the servants had returned with what was prepared for them for lunch. It seemed more akin to a dinner as he glanced over the finely cooked roast with brown gravy, potatoes and vegetables. “Lady Eventide is correct. We all need to be realistic within our situation. The Eventide family has had considerable changes within recent years due to many factors. You, as it is my understanding, are the sole remainder of this family and need to carry on that weight.” Cineas’ words were rather blunt though he continued on with his honesty as he glanced between the two younger ones. “Do your traditions also include becoming with child before marriage or do you find yourself caving on that tradition as well?” Eli’yon finally asked in an accusatory manner.
Eleney’a looked across the table to where Eli’yon sat, her features sweeping over him in a manner of understanding of how Elenaris may have made him feel. Just as she was about to speak, her sister piped in. “That tradition is none of your business as a child conceived out of wedlock simply a few months before the possible marriage is much less of an offense than the lack of marriage in general.” Eleney’a looked to Cineas and Elenaris with a clenched jaw before finally opening her words to them. “We will discuss the possibility of our union, together, just the two of us. I feel you can offer us at least that. Once our decision is made on our options, we can move forward.”
“An offense no less,” Eli’yon replied as his gaze fixated on the older woman. “So you sit here and condemn me and us for our actions yet you have a bastard in your belly?” Eli’yon managed to chuckle lightly at the hypocrisy but quickly dropped the manner when Cineas had glared at him fiercely. Something seemed to change in the blonde male, and if one could see under the tunic of Cineas, they would see that the purple runes were illuminated dimly. He was not looking for memories or wishing to destroy them, he was simply forcing the man into a place where his tongue would not get him killed. Cineas did this merely out of respect for Elenaris. Beads of sweat could begin to be visible on Eli’yon’s brow as the process became painful and uncomfortable. Cineas made a slight noise with his mouth opening and closing as his hand retrieved the fork and he let Eli’yon be. “I think we can oblige your request, young Eventide.” He spoke in a rather amused fashion as he picked at the food.
The two women overlooked the exchanged between the men, Eleney’a soon looking to Elenaris with pleading eyes to get Cineas to stop. Nothing had to be done as the elder man seemed to be through with his ploy over the younger. Elenaris nodded to them all as she too picked up her fork and went about picking at the food. “Eli’yon, we are not condemning you, we are simply asking that you hear us out and guiding you into a favorable situation.” The Lady had lowered her gaze to her plate as she allowed the rest to continue talking. “ Eli’yon… I think we can oblige them and take time for us to discuss it. I see no harm in that.” Eleney’a said as she reached across the table toward him, resting her hand nearby.
Eli’yon had taken note of the extended hand and while he hadn’t moved his to find her own, his hands were still balled into fists with the whites of his knuckles exposed, he nodded at her to inform her silently that he was alright and that he agreed with her suggestion. What exactly had Cineas done to his mind anyways? He felt rather queasy and pushed his plate away, simply requesting water. Cineas paused in his movements to allow himself a sip of the wine from his chalice and glance between the pair. “I do believe it to be rather good that you two are agreeable to our requests here. Punishing either of you was never an intention. This was to be a...happy meeting.” Cineas spoke as he moved a hand around in gestures as he spoke.
Elenaris slowly sipped from the glass of water she had in hand, placing her fork down upon the plate as she looked to Cineas. “Yes, I agree. Somewhats the things we wish for simply are not meant to be but we have to accept them. In your case, you are being given the option to make what isn’t meant to be become a reality.” Eleney’a had barely touched the food, her glass emptied of her wine and she quickly requested for more. “Despite the rise in tensions, I believe Eli’yon and I do understand the position you both are coming from. Though, I will not agree to anything but discussions and from there who knows. “
Cineas seemed to be the only one that was entirely eating and had finished most of his plate save for a potato or two. He placed his utensils on the plate and pushed it forward as he gestured for his plate to be taken away and his glass to be refilled. “Discussions are all anyone can have though I believe Mister Starfury does understand the gravity of such discussions. We are simply looking out for you, Miss Eventide and do not wish your...reputation to be called into question at all.” Cineas’ words were quiet and feigned a somewhat genuine manner. While he was honest in what he said, he was concerned about what could have possibly already been hinted at with her reputation.
The youngest nodded to Cineas once. “Somehow I doubt that is the entire truth however the sentiment is appreciated.” She stated before pushing from her seat with glass still in hand. “I believe I am going to retire for a bit of a rest. It was a rather large lunch..a lot of food and too many words.” She said coolly before looking to Eli’yon. She wouldn’t tell him to come but instead her features held the offer nonetheless. “Of course…” Elenaris replied, nodding to her and then to Eli’yon. “You may go,too.”
Eli’yon quickly rose from the table, almost as soon as Eleney’a had. He had wanted to be out of that dining hall the moment he had arrived and with her seeking solace outside of the room, he would follow her. Eli’yon would follow her just about anywhere at this point in time. He quickly met her at the end of the large table before he ushered them out of the dining hall with a large huff. The pain within his head was beyond throbbing at this point. “He will prove to be difficult,” Cineas finally stated as he continued to pick at the platters of finger foods. He was still hungry.
“As I had imagined…” Elenaris sighed as she rose a brow at him. “What has you worked up such an appetite?” She asked as she reached over for his chalice to take a sip of his wine which seemed to calm her demeanor instantly. Sliding the glass back over to him as she waited to hear his slight scorn, she placed a hand before him on the table. “My sister will work her magic, surely. I have little doubts in her if this is what she wants. Even if marriage is not in her books, she will do it to keep him...I wish I could place where this headache keeps coming from. That conversation did little to quell it.”
“I just find myself to be hungry,” Cineas replied with a shrug of his broad shoulders. Though her words were not scolding, he found himself pulling away from the platter and sitting back into the large seat more comfortably. He watched as she drank the wine though surprisingly he did not reply verbally and merely gestured the servant over to refill both of their glasses with the crimson liquid. “Do not say I never gave you anything,” he jested as he leaned forward to reach for his glass. “That conversation did more than cause headaches, I can assure you but the boy will do little in interfering with us any longer. I can assure you of that entirely.” His brow rose as he allowed himself to take a pull of liquid from the glass. “Perhaps my son is already showing his power over his mother?”
She smiled, the wine glass coming to her lips as she took a small sip only to set it aside as a hand came to rest up on her stomach. “Perhaps so…” She mused as she looked downward to where her hand laid. Her brows furrowed together, however as she looked back to him. “What did you do? ...Or plan to do?”
He chuckled quietly as he found himself comfortably settled into his seat with his wine in hand. The soothing feeling of the cool, crimson liquid entering his mouth had washed a wave of relief over him and his features resembled pure ecstasy as he settled upon swallowing. “I simply toyed with his mind somewhat,” Cineas replied with a rather evident smirk. “He is still quite fond of you. Loves you perhaps.”
Elenaris stiffened slightly as his words came and her gaze averted. “You say this out of assumption or from something you felt whilst dealing with your talents on him?” She picked up her fork once more as she seemed to fidget and poke around the food that was left on her plate before dropping it aside and pushing the plate away even further. “Despite that, I care little of his feelings or thoughts of me so long as he holds a respect towards me and my family, which includes you and our son. He has already faltered on those, save Eleney’a...though if he truly respected her, he would not hold her back from a life without union.”
“It was what I felt while in his head.” He replied as he sucked slightly on the inside of his cheek. He sat for a moment prior to allowing himself to continue to sip the liquid. “Or rather, such truths were revealed to me while I forced him to submit.” His weight shifted somewhat as he watched her actions and motions. Her averted gaze and picking at the food had caused him to grow curious but he hid that reaction quite well from her. “You still have care for him.” He spoke rather dryly as he finished his wine.
Her eyes returned to him with a soft exhales. “Care is a very endearing term and a bit too much for how I regard him.” She began as her hands came to rest within her lap. “I find it difficult, sometimes, to throw away those that may have at one time quite literally risked their lives for me. I don’t trust people often, and to trust with my well being is even less frequent, but I trusted him in both senses. Though now, I am mostly concerned with Eleney’a… if she cares for him enough to forsake her family, she’s truly fallen for him.. Perhaps not all the while knowing his feelings for me remain...and if she does know -” Her features saddened as she swallowed hard. “It is even sadder…”
He drug his tongue over the front of his teeth as he appeared to be in thought for the moment. He wasn’t sure entirely how to begin to word what was formulating itself in his mind and he simply leaned forward once more to place the empty glass onto the table. He pushed himself from the chair to begin his familiar pacing, his hues glancing around the elaborate hall. “And if he were to die?” Cineas asked as he turned to look at Elenaris. “If he goes to Argus, he will die. I am sure you are aware of that bit of information. And what of your sister then?”
“Of course I am.” She held her gaze forward even as he paced around the room. “If he goes to Argus and falls to the Legion then he will not be an issue. She will be heartbroken but she will live on. She’s done it once before. What are you getting at?” She asked, finally pulling her gaze away from the oblivion before her to find him.
He clasped his hands behind his back as he continued his pacing, though he stopped as he got towards the end of the hall. His eyes bore into the fireplace as he watched the flames rising and falling and the crackling of the wood as it burned. “How much do you love your sister?” He finally asked her as he turned to stare at her from across the room.
Slowly she pushed from the table and hesitantly began walking toward him. “Cineas,” She began, stopping just a few steps from him. “What are you getting at?” She asked in a concerned tone.
Cineas shrugged his shoulders as he turned around to face her, the feeling of the warm fire against his hands rather soothing. “What I am getting at is rather simple. The boy goes off to war, will obviously die in attempting to prove himself to something or someone. You maintain communication with Eleney’a enough to know when he leaves for Argus and the day after he does depart, we arrange a marriage to another Lord. One who takes the values of marriage on a serious note.”
“Cineas… it won’t be that simple. What if he doesn’t die? Plenty have returned alive from Argus.” She stepped closer with a sigh. “Perhaps we begin the discussion in search of another marriage but until his death is confirmed, I see no reason to make that decision. What if they come to us tomorrow having spoken to one another and agreed to a marriage in the near future?”
Cineas shrugged at her question somewhat, his features were flat and reflected little emotion. He had no dog in this fight. While he would care for Eleney’a as his own, he didn't have a reason to bend to her wants or desires. “It is that simple,” he replied in a simple manner. “Men with his attitude are the first to fall. I've sent many to their deaths and have observed many deaths myself. However,” he paused somewhat to raise a brow at her. “I am most perplexed about your...calmness regarding this whole thing. Both with your care for him and your sister.”
“Calmness? Why would I be otherwise? I have already spent my time raising my voice and concerns in regards to them. You told me I was to alleviate stress where can be and this one of those situations where it can be avoided.” She now stepped directly to his side but turned to face the roaring fireplace. “I see little reason to question me.” She stated sternly.
“I am merely observing what I see and feel,” he commented as his head turned to the side so that he was able to watch her. The way in which her face was illuminated with the fireplace had enhanced her beauty and he softened somewhat as he turned so that a hand could rest against her stomach. “I will fetch a physician to examine you regarding the headaches.”
She held her gaze upon the dancing flames as he spoke, a large rise in her chest gave way to the sigh that followed. “I’m sorry.” She said lowly and shook her head before looking at him. “I do not mean to disagree with you. Let us take this one step at a time and see where it leads us. Have plans to follow up on but only after one step at a time.” Looking down to her stomach where he rest his hand. “I think I just need to lie down...but you can send for Pyrenious if you wish to.”
Cineas softened his gaze that lay upon her stomach as his hand moved back and fourth in a comforting manner. There was no child yet, at least confirmed to them, but acting as such made him feel all the more relieved. “Ebonheart,” Cineas called loudly as he waited for the large knight to enter the room. “Please accompany Lady Eventide to our quarters and fetch Cindel as well as Pyrenious.” Cineas spoke as he gently leaned forward to press his lips to her temple. “I will check in on you shortly.”
His call had startled her slightly as she seemed to have nearly fallen asleep in a sense as she eased into the warmth of the fire. “Very well, my love.” She leaned into him slightly as he kissed her, lingering a moment as it seemed she didn’t entirely want to leave his side but did so anyways to disappear into the hallways and eventually to bed.