having anton in her life had been, arguably, the best thing for tatianna. [ @tonivanov ]
he had been there for her at a time when nobody else had -- they had been distant for varied and valid reasons, but his presence and constancy had been exceptionally valued all the same. as they’d gotten older and moved away from the war, something in her had softened towards him. though she had been preoccupied with the count during the war, it had been anton who was lingering in her thoughts. she simply hadn’t been able to help herself. she wasn’t sure what it was, but the grand duchess just felt... safe around him. nothing fostered that feeling in her anymore, and so she wanted to cling to that as much as she could.
watching as he finished up his training, the girl waited patiently, endlessly impressed by his skill. as somebody who had always enjoyed the written word, she seemed to lack talent in more physical or sporting areas, and so his abilities always impressed her.
“good morning,” the grand duchess chirped, smiling softly. it would have been odd to see them conversing, except for how obvious their friendship must have been to others, despite their different social standings. smoothing her skirts a little, tatianna’s smile grew into a grin. “you looked wonderful out there, truly. very impressive!”