Ari ♫ ♪ ♬ (gracenotes) wrote in emillion, |
“Er, yes,” he replied awkwardly, defensively downing the rest of his champagne. “I’m sorry I missed you there, it was very—crowded.” She gave him an amused look and said, “I had intended to offer my congratulations but you were occupied. I did not think you would appreciate a distraction just then. So, I suppose, happy belated birthday. It was a good one, I trust?” It was astounding, really, that someone who faced some of Valendia’s fiercest wild animals on a regular basis could look so uncomfortable and anxious under the gaze of a petite bard. “Thank you. And yes, it was a great birthday,” Zacheus replied with a nod. “Couldn’t have asked for a better one.” A server passed by with a tray of bubbling champagne; the archer gave it a longing look. “I am glad,” and utterly unsurprised, “to hear it.” Ari had to wonder why so many of Drake’s friends were so incomprehensibly bashful (take Merri, for Faram’s sake, or Ric’s obvious discomfort about anything that went on behind closed doors, or this display right here) when the monk was definitively not. It was a source of amusement, certainly, but it really was a curious phenomenon. She caught the direction of his gaze and had to stifle a giggle. “Another drink, perhaps?” “I should—I actually think I saw someone I know,” he said quickly, gesturing toward the opposite side of the ballroom. Zacheus desperately wanted another drink, yes, but another drink would probably lead to more interrogation about his birthday party. Just the idea of continuing this conversation had his stomach in knots. “But it was nice to see you, Ari,” he added, and the archer looked genuinely apologetic about rushing off. “The pleasure was mine, I assure you,” Ari said. As he made his escape, she called out, “If you see Drake, do tell him I said hello!” Final quip thus delivered, she went merrily on her way, her spirits lifted by the exchange. |