Ayana's eyes widened a bit as her soon to be bonded practically climbed all over her kin towards her. As she came closer, the princess bit her lip and smiled, looking down at Iri with interested. Her eyes started to comb the rest of the Mer's body, finding it extremely interesting how long she was! The color and texture of her scales was somehow pleasing to her eyes too, causing her cheeks to glow slightly as she realized how she could find Iri pretty. Then she heard herself squeak softly when Iri started to circle her, feeling the tail rubbing up against her calfs and focusing right back on her future bonded when she patted her own tail.

Ayana tilted her head a little, giving a shy, but genuinely sweet smile at Iri telling her to sit. Though the next words would a bit confusing in how it was presented, she figured Iri just wanted Ayana closer so it was easier to see her. Thinking more about the idea of sitting on Iri's lap, she felt her cheeks grow a much brighter red before slowly sitting herself onto the Mer's tail. It was interesting in how it felt - cool, rough, and yet somehow it wasn't uncomfortable in the least, causing her to actually relax more - especially seeing as the offer gave her shaky legs respite.

[b][color=d442fb]"... it's.. um, nice to meet you Iri.."[/color][/b] she spoke shyly, though her obvious interest in examining the Mer was not the least bit slowed down by her own bashful nature. Instead, she kept looking into Iri's eyes for a moment before slowly, hesitately looking at her hand while she felt the scales of the woman's tail. She bit her lip and blushed again, giving Iri a sweet smile. There was one thing she did enjoy about Iri already - her forwardness - and she was more than content to let her continue being forward.

Her father watched most of the exchange, smiling at his daughter, knowing that she might find this arrangement agreeable. After all, if anyone knew Ayana right now, it was him and just the notion of someone being so interested and forward was a big deal to her - not to much the exotic nature of the Mers. He turned his attention to the Hafsa and clasped his hands together gently. [b][color=ffc028]"M'lady... I thought on the ceremonies and traditions of your people and mine and came up with an idea."[/color][/b] Keltin had been an unusual ruler, but everyone loved his straight-forward causal manner when appraoching people, even though many of the other kingdoms could not comprehend his distaste for politics. [b][color=ffc028]"When they are speaking their intentions to one another... we can have everyone gather around and do the handfasting for our part - I'm sure you remember the symbolism. Otherwise, after this it is customary for the bride... well, my daughter in this case... to be under your care. You can then continue along your ceremonies as you see fit. Does that sound reasonable?"[/color][/b] he asked, though quickly interjected. [b][color=ffc028]"Of course if you need anything from us for either of their comfort... please let us know. I hope in the days to come we can become more familiar with each other.."[/color][/b] Unclasping his hands, he gave another smile, though it was mixed with happiness and sadness, knowing one of his daughters wouldn't be filling up the hallways of the castle anymore. He knew she needed this though, he'd just miss her.