Lise's interest in the history of Svartalfheim struck Algrim as sincere, more than just interest out of politeness or mere political considerations. "Svartalfheim has a long, bloody past. Most children have to learn to fend for themselves at an early age." His own children had had the privilege of growing up in a relatively sheltered environment, but many others were not so lucky. With the foxes' support, perhaps a network of orphanages could be established in the elven realm, or some of those unfortunate children could even be relocated to Yelihaa. But of course, this was all in the future and dependant on the success of their alliance. "I am grateful that the fruit of our marriage will grow up in Yelihaa," Algrim admitted quietly.
Beginning to eat when Lise did, Algrim found Yelihaa's cuisine highly pleasing to this palate. Every bite was fragrant and flavourful, beautifully presented and expertly seasoned. He listend with avid interest to Lise talking about how their realms might grow even closer by extending their trade agreement beyond the mineral business. "An excellent suggestion," Algrim agreed, once again touched by how dedicated Lise was to ensuring his comfort and respecting his heritage. "From what I have seen of Yelihaa, its climate appears to be well-suited for agriculture. So, if you really wanted to start growing edibles from Svartalfheim here and share the excess with my people, you would have my deepest gratitude." Lise's efforts to accommodate him and help him settle into his new life far surpassed Algrim's expectations. The fox cared about his comfort, trying to come up with ways to introduce small touches of the familiar into the foreign. Algrim felt that Lise truly wished to create a lasting bond between them, uniting them both in heart and intellect. Meeting someone who was so dedicated to his happiness was a novel experience for the elf and he enjoyed the rest of their meal with a bright sense of hope for the future swirling inside him.
Once they finished eating and he was presented with the manual Lise had mentioned, Algrim took it from the prince and set it down next to him, intending to read through it before bed, nodding at Lise's reminder to retire early. When the time came to part for the night soon after, Algrim reached for Lise's shoulders and pulled him forward into a hug, angling his head to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. They were expected to share a bed starting tomorrow; it was only sensible that they got comfortable with each other. "Thank you again for welcoming me so warmly into your family." Algrim's smile was gentle and heartfelt. "I am looking forward to tomorrow."
Svartalfheim was not very open to those who were not dark elves, and even though foreigners were allowed in certain spaces, its climate was often too dangerous to send any agents to investigate. As there was no necessity to come in contact with the realm before, the foxes explored realms more open to those from other realms and hence lacked information on Svartalfheim. In a way, both of their realms were similar in seclusion.
Seeing Algrim enjoy the food and approve of his idea, Lise anticipated their alliance deepening in the future. Having an external alliance that knew about Yelihaa was quite an exciting prospect and the crown prince felt very inspired. If his mother was around, she would dampen his optimism in favor of caution, but she wasn't, so his tails were swishing happily behind him throughout their dinner.
After passing his fiance the manual and making move to leave, the young fox was suddenly pulled into a hug and given a kiss. Lise froze, not so much out of shock as it was out of awkwardness, his body flexible and soft enough not to be frozen solid. Red crept up his neck and onto his cheeks, a shy smile unable to be kept down twitching on his lips. He bit his lip to not grin like an idiot, but his swishing tails were giving him away. The fox took in Algrim's smile and returned the hug, tightening his hold on the dark elf for a moment before letting go. "So do I... I'll see you tomorrow."
Lise left reluctantly, constantly turning back to look at Algrim at the door before the estate's gates closed and kept them out of each other's sight. The head maid waited patiently by the side till she was needed, before guiding her new master to the bedroom. Most of Algrim's standard belongings were already sorted, while more private and specific items still remained in their chests awaiting instruction. But tonight was not the night for packing, and the head maid sought Algrim's instruction before readying for his rest with the other servants. Then with a gentle reminder on when she'd be waking him up tomorrow, the servants retreated, only to ring the chime by his bedroom door before the sun was even up.








