closed for @anoukvandermeer
Elijah drifted along the edges of the Element Tables, hands tucked loosely in the pockets of his dark slacks as he scanned the spread—smoked meats, salt-cured fish, drinks labeled after minerals he doubted anyone here could actually pronounce. People murmured and laughed around him, the whole room humming with a polished sort of excitement he never quite shared. But then his attention caught on someone standing near one of the displays—alone, observing the menu with a thoughtful expression. Not overwhelmed, not posturing, just… quietly present.
He slowed, then approached. When he looked at her, it wasn’t the guarded appraisal he gave most people tonight. His gaze softened—genuine, warm, the kind that didn’t ask anything of her except to exist. He nodded toward the spread of mineral-themed dishes between them. “Seems they’ve gone all-in on the theme,” he said, voice smooth, low, lightly amused. “I’m still trying to decide if I should be impressed… or concerned.” His blue eyes met hers again, steady but kind. “What do you think?” he asked.