* closed starter! ━━━━ with @tragic-keepers.
it is on her hunt for another cup of wine that she notices her, standing on the outskirts of the celebration. ah-rin herself had chosen to remain near one of the exits, breathing the warm dornish air instead of the cloying scent of flowers, avoiding the much dreaded small talk with people undesired — it is tiresome, this pretending. the nobles dance and drink and laugh, as though they have not spent moons bleeding. as though their problems had vanished the moment they left king’s landing behind. that, at least, she can relate to: would she not be happier if she could sail to essos tonight? would she not delight in forgetting whatever tragedies this voyage has brought? though it may be too late to escape, she cannot help but yearn for it. what she can avoid right now, however, is further boredom: she collects two goblets from a passing attendant, crossing the room and offering one to shizuka, or rather pressing it into her hand before she can refuse. ❝ here, ❞ her voice, usually impassive, holds an underlying mirth. ❝ there is no need to be nervous, lady blackwood. nobody here will bite you … i think. ❞ with that, a smirk tugs at the corner of her lips. she takes a sip of wine, studying the younger woman, remembering how she had swayed on her feet while insisting everyone else mattered more. ❝ you have healed nicely, i presume? ❞