"...Chrom, was it?"
(It's a different face that comes to the forefront of Andrei's memories when he sees the blue-haired young man, the scent of forest and blood and the pounding of terror and regret in his heart that had engulfed him at the moment he'd come across the other body that night.)
But that would hardly be an appropriate topic of conversation, at any time really, but especially tonight. With some difficulty, Andrei summons up a polite smile and nod, though his fingers fumble slightly at his brooch as he tries to offer his crystal for an exchange.
Stop. Stop thinking about it.
"I hope you are enjoying the evening's festivities," he says instead, willing his hands steady as he holds out the crystal, "I do believe we are meant to exchange these."
"Ah, yes, that's me! What can I do for you?"
What a pleasant surprise to find a fellow teammate approaching him! Though Chrom tries not to dwell on the last mission to Rusalka, he recalls Andrei and his sister Brigid with ease. The archer may not have been someone the bluenette interacts with on a regular basis, but tonight the two of them can appreciate the festivities together. Chrom offers the blond a warm smile, already reaching for his own brooch. "Of course! Here, let me just..." and he slips a sparkling teardrop off of the ornament before handing it over to the man. Taking Andrei's in exchange, he pins it onto the correct spot on the brooch. "Thank you for that! Yes, I'm enjoying myself very well. This is the third time I've attended the Ethereal Ball, but it never fails to stun me. Whoever plans these is a natural, every single one is new and fresh and fun, leagues beyond anything back home." Glancing at the colorful ballroom, he tilts his head at the other. "Are you okay? Is everything all right? I hope you're having fun tonight, I think all of us needed this in some form or another."









