As Rimeth sat on her room, waiting for her two maiden, she thought back at seeing Jovian again even if it was only a brief moment. She had seen his smile and liked it. He didn't even seem bothered by the shot she had made. The door opened and Rimeth saw her mother enter. She smiled but Amnestria wasn't happy.

The next half hour was filled with being scolded for doing such reckless thing and thorning another perfect dress while Rimeth got dressed in a more simpel, but still nice green dress. Her mother had done her hair differently than her usual ponytail. Rimeth sighed and decided to better listen to her mother for now. She grabbed her sketchbook, which was filled with drawings from her house, the woods but also from memories about Jovian and her, like the doll that still laid under her pillow. Rimeth walked towards the guest quarters and knocked on Jovian's door. "Jovian? Do you wanna make a stroll trough the garden?" She asked

After a few minutes of waiting he heard a knock on his door. He hopped off from his bed. It was always slightly weird to him that he was staying at his fiance’s parents house. They were destined to be together, without their consent, for the benefit of their kingdoms. A lot had rode on their marriage. He never had an issue with Rimeth. She seemed sweet and strong willed. He always figured it was a good thing rather than having someone who was dull.

Jovian shrugged off his thoughts, opening the door. She had aged fine over the years. She was quite attractive to him. He smiled when she had asked to stroll through the garden. “Yes. That would be great.” He said walking through the doorway to join Rimeth by her side. “The trip here was beautiful.”

Rimeth smiled, as they started to walk, she held her sketchbook close to her. "I'm glad you found the journey beautiful, I wished I went to your place, I still wanna see the lake by night. Your description in one of your letters sounded really nice" she aid and smiled softly. She showed him the way to the garden and looked at him. "And I really hope I didn't shock you too much with the arrow.. It was a practice arrow so it couldn't harm you" she said. He could clearly see that her mother had scolded her for being the wild fire she is.

"I Ehm.. I've made drawings of Ehm... us.. And the meetings we had over the years, I'm not that good but if you wanna see them" she said and a slight blush came on her cheek. She never really showed her drawings to anyone but wanted to show him. "Just.. Don't look at the last ten pages.. those are drawings for dresses.." she said

He listened to her as they walked through to the garden. She really had turned into a sweet girl. “It’s fine. It startled me. I figured you were showing off your bow skills to me.” He said smirking to her as they entered the garden. Jovian turned red when she had mentioned she drew him and her together. He let out a big smile. He couldn’t hide it. “Yeah sure.” He said grabbing the drawing from her when handed him the pages. “Let me know when to stop flipping through the pages.” He said looking at the first picture, then flipping to the next one.

"I kind of did yeah.. Remember how you said that your swordman doll was better than the archer doll you gave me?" Rimeth said with a soft giggle. She looked at him and was surprised that he wanted to see the drawings. She looked with him and smiled seeing the drawing she had made with his description from the lake by night. There was a silhouette of two dancing elves on the beach. "Sometimes I let my imagination run a little free, I thought it would be great to like.. Sneak away from your house and dance on the edge of the water" she said and her pink cheeks turned a little more reddish.

“Yes. I remember.” He said. Jovian was just a silly kid giving away one of his dolls to a girl that he played with. But looking back on it, he was glad he gave it to her. It suited her well. He looked over at her, turning slightly red. “I’ve never really thought about sneaking away with you.” He paused a second looking away and into the beautiful garden. “I know we’re meant to be together, we're to be married for our kingdoms, but I’ve never really thought about actually being with you.” He said being honest, still looking out into the garden. He turned slightly red and looked at her, “I think that would be fine with me.” Rimeth was a sweetheart. He knew some girls but they weren’t quite like her. Maybe it was the weight he had put onto their relationship. He didn’t know.

The older he got the more he realized how real their relationship was going to become.

''Well.. I've not really been thinking about it either.. But my maiden is in love with another servant and she was telling another maiden about it and I heard them.. And that kind of made me wonder about how it would be to be.. in love in general and well, since I know that we are promised to each other and such, I was just thinking about how it would be to really be with you'' Rimeth explained, her cheeks were still red and her voice was not much more than a whisper. She looked up at him and smiled a little. She then closed the book and took it from him so she would be sure to not see the dresses she had been drawing.

''It won't be long til dinner is ready.. And, I wanna show you the gazebo before then'' she said, a servant walked by and Rimeth gave the book to him. She laid a hand on Jovian's hand and leaded him around a corner and showed him her most favorite place in the garden. The gazebo stood a little on the side and had a great view of the smaller houses that belonged to the citizens of Vellone. ''Sometimes when I'm sad I go here and then I know that I'll become a great leader because my people stand behind me'' she said and leaded against one of the poles that were carrying the roof of the gazebo.

He listened to her as she had talked. He didn’t really know either. He didn’t want to repeat what she had said, if he was feeling the same way. Luckily she had switched subjects rather quickly.

“That’s good. I’m starving!” He said and smiled, “I'm cruious about this gazebo.” He smiled and let himself be lead by her. He never had been that physical with her. It was a new feeling to him. The only time they had really touched each other was when they were little. She was stuck in a tree. He’s a noble so people don’t make physical contact with him on a daily basis.

When they had reached the gazebo, he looked out at the city of Vellone. It was beautiful. He looked over at her. It was like she was posing for a portrait. It made it even more of a spectuacular view. He turned a slight red, looking out into the city again.

“You have good confidence.” He said looking out at the small buildings and the trees. “That’s good.” He bent over, putting his elbows on the rail, relaxing slightly. “My father is a strict man. His people follow him because logical thought and tact.” Jovian’s eyes focused a little more, “He’s a good tactician as well.” He said remembering about some of the lectures he’d give about humans. You could almost call him a racist. He didn’t take a liking to humans at all.

The expression on his face had soften after a minute. He looked back at Rimeth. “This IS a good spot to get away from everything and just think.” He said giving her a soft smile. He didn’t want to dampen her mood with seriousness. If they were to marry then he could let her in a little more. At the present moment, he just wanted to have a good time with her.

Rimeth looked at Jovian and smiled, she too had on a daily basis not much psychical contact with people other than her maidens that helped her dress, and so she tried to hide her own light blush. She listened to him while they were at the gazebo and looked at him. ''Our fathers are quite different.. My father is strict and such but he also shows a lot of love and such during the day.
He always goes to the city once a week to hear out his subjects and take care of the problems.. Even if it are just very little ones'' Rimeth said, a certain pride sounded in her voice. ''I am allowed to come with him next time he goes, I really wanna get to know them.. Father says that they are not only our subject, they sort of also are our family as we take care of them and they do the same for us'' she said and looked at him with a slight smile.

She didn't know, but looking at him being so relaxed made her heart flutter a little. Was she falling in love? They were friends and their marriage was a thing, it would happen anyways. She didn't know. maybe it is just because I'm young or something she thought to herself. Short after that thought, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around quickly. ''Sylvar!'' she exclaimed and with a big smile she walked quickly over to her brother. ''Ri-Ri'' Sylvar said with a little grin and he wrapped his arms around his sister. ''I came to fetch you two for dinner'' he said like it was a normal thing. ''Yeah right.. You are here for much more, it's been a year now since you're married'' Rimeth said. ''I've missed you...'' She then admitted and looked at Jovian. ''Let's go, before mother is going to be furious again for being late'' Rimeth said and smiled softly. Sylvar smiled at Jovian and then walked away, Rimeth waited for Jovian and would walk next to him as they headed back to the house.

Their fathers operated a little differently in ruling but that was fine. He had liked Theomedar’s way of ruling. It was a gentle and inspiring way to rule. “That sounds exciting.” Jovian said when she had told she could go with her father. “Be careful.” He said to her standing up and stretching his back slightly. He didn't want anything to happen to her. She was a friend and more.

Jovian turned around when Rimeth had. He discovered she had heard her brother. He listened as he had said dinner was ready. Jovian was starving. It had been almost a whole day from not eating. He had rushed to get here. The danger of a possible human ambush worried him. There weren’t too many elves left. Vinebal and Vellone were one of the few major cities left for the elves. Dwarfs lived in the mountains of Mosca north of Vellone, west of Vinebal.

Jovian didn’t really know what happened in the Avalor family. He hadn’t known that Sylvar had gotten married a year ago. Jovian was happy for him. When Rimeth and him would write each other it was more of a personal thing. Now that they were together in person, and a little older. Things felt differently for Jovian. Things seemed to run deeper into Jovian's heart. The beauty of Rimeth had become much more noticeable to him, as well as her good attitude. It had touched Jovian, and he wanted more.

He had always felt a little... uncomfortable with the destined marriage, but the more time he had spent with Rimeth and knowing the fact that their marriage could help unite the elves made the whole experience that much more meaningful and worth it.

“Okay, I’m ready.” Jovian said when Rimeth told them they needed to go and eat dinner. He walked beside Rimeth as they went into the house and into the dining area. He sat at the table where his spot was going to be.

Rimeth looked at Jovian with a smile, she was a little surprised when she heard the slight worry in his voice when he said to watch out but she didn't say anything. She now walked next to him and looked up at him. ''Sylvar married the princess of the small elf village of Onorine. He seems pretty happy and this winter they expect their first child'' she said and looked at her brother. She had a certain sparkle if admiration in her eyes, she adored her older brother and looked up at him this was for sure. She then looked at Jovian, her eyes still sparkling but differently, like when she looked at him, a new feeling was showing in her eyes. A feeling she didn't really understand yet, but she would find out soon enough. She picked a rose from the garden and smiled softly.

Once they entered the dining area Rimeth looked around and smiled at both her parents. She gave both of them a kiss on their cheek. The rose she had picked earlier, she laid on the plate of her father. Theodemar smiled and took the flower and laid it next to his plate. Rimeth then took her seat, across Jovian and smiled at the servant that helped with her chair. She looked at Jovian with a soft smile. ''I didn't even ask properly how your ride here was.. That is actually pretty bad.. So ehm.. How was the ride here?'' she asked. Servant's came and went, filling the table with food and carafe's with wine and water.

Amnestria looked at both her children and then at their guest, she didn't say a thing and observed her daughter the most. She wished for her daughter what she had found when she was marrying Theodemar, under the same conditions as they let both their children marry others. Theodemar stood up from his chair and looked at everyone. ''I won't say much, just that I am thankful to see Jovian at our table today, and I hope you both will have a great time while you are together. And of course I am happy to see my son again on his short return to his family home'' he said with a soft smile. He was clearly proud of both his children. Once he sat down again he made a sign that they could start with eating if they wanted.

“It was well." He took a breath before speaking again, “Passing through Sassanthe makes me worry a little.” He said looking down at this empty plate for a second. He was starving. He couldn’t wait to dig in. Sassanthe was a melting pot for most of the cultures around the world. Dwarves, elves, and humans had lived there, even the occasional orc.

Jovian bowed his head slightly as he had mentioned him and listened to him all the way through.

Jovian had grabbed some food from the center of the table, picking out what he had liked most. After he had settled all of the food, he took a sip of his drink and looked at Rimeth. A smile slowly spread on his lips as he had looked at her. He casually looked down at his food grabbing a fork, and taking a bite of food.

After chewing his bite of food and swallowing it, he looked at each of the Avalor family members. “Has everything been okay these past few years?” He asked everyone and then looked at Sylvar, “Rimeth had just told me about your recent marriage and I wanted to say congratulations.” Jovian figured he’d break some words with everyone so it wouldn’t be a dull dinner. He took a another bite of food. Talking and engaging in a conversation wasn’t a hassle to him either at the moment since he was so excited about being able to eat the food before him.

Jovian must have picked up some traits from his father. Being quiet and to the point was one of the few things he had picked up. He didn’t really know if it was a bad thing or a good thing, but it had fit his personality pretty well. Or so he thought.

Rimeth took some from the food and smiled as she heard Jovian's voice. She couldn't help herself, his voice was something she really liked to hear. ''We didn't have much trouble trough the years, of course I didn't like it when the roads were too dangerous to travel,
I would have liked for the two of you to have spend more time together but luckily you could write each other'' Theodemar said and also took some of the food. Amnestria smiled. ''We are really glad t ohave you here now Jovian and we look forward to the engagement party at the end of this week, I believe Rimeth even made a dress for the occasion herself'' Amnestria said. Sylvar smiled friendly and Rimeth blushed and looked away. ''Mother.. I only drew it and gave it to the seamstress'' she whispered, a little embarrassed.

Sylvar chuckled and looked at Jovian. ''Ah, thank you so much.. We kept it small, my wife and I both don't really like big feats, she might come to your engagement party but this is only if the doctors say the two days travel isn't too much for her'' he said, a little worry was heard in his voice. Rimeth looked at her brother and since he sat next to her, she laid a hand on his shoulder. ''She is fine, I know for sure they will send their fastest rider if something bad happened'' she said, she suddenly sounded a lot more grown up and Sylvar smiled softly.

Dinner went on and Rimeth looked from time to time to Jovian, if he saw her, she would give him a small smile. She ate without saying much as she kind of still felt embarrassed by what her mother had said out loud.

“I would’ve liked to spend more time together as well.” Jovian said, taking a glance over a Rimeth briefly before taking a bite of food and sipping on some water. He tried to play it off cool, but there was a slight red tint on his face as he had sat the cup down on the table.

Jovian softly chuckled when Amnestria had said that Rimeth made a dress herself. “That’s lovely. I’m glad to be here as well. Thank you for having me.” He said. Jovian really meant it. Her mother telling him that she had personally designed her own dress let him though she truly looked forward to their marriage rather than despising it. It was a good step for both of the young elves.

“Nor do I like big feasts.” Jovian agreed with Sylvar. Jovian knew for a fact that he got that from his father. He was not a personable man at all and preferred to stay away from people. He was strictly a family man and a leader. Jovian had nodded in agreement with Rimeth as she tried to reassure her brother.

After a few minutes of eating Jovian looked up at Theomedar, “After dinner I’d like to speak to you in private about a personal matter.” He said taking a sip of his drink. He figured there was no better time to ask to talk about it. He was going to stay with Rimeth for a while before he had gone back home. It’d be better to take care of this now and write his father so the information could get relayed back to him as soon as possible.

Rimeth listened to what he said and noticed the slight redness on his cheeks. She smiled when he said he thought it was lovely that she made her own dress. She looked at her plate and then back at her family members, she was surprised to hear that Jovian wanted to talk with her father and a little bit of curiosity grew on her side. What would it be that Jovian wanted to talk about? ''Yes, we can talk in private after dinner, meet me in the library'' Theodemar said.

Rimeth looked at her mother. ''Mom? Did you talk with Daddy about my bow and arrows?'' she asked. Amnestria looked at her daughter and took a sip of wine. ''Yes.. Unfortunately your father had a good laugh when I told him the story... You will get them back after dinner'' she said and even though she tried to look serious, a little smile appeared around her lips. ''Oh tell me, did you sneak up and shot a arrow at the door?'' Sylvar asked. Rimeth grinned some and looked a little sheepish. ''I had to show my skills.. Jovian once told me I would be great when I would get older'' she said, pride was sounding in her voice. Sylvar chuckled and looked at Jovian. ''So it's you who got me a sister that kept shooting arrows at my head when we were younger'' Sylvar said but smiled and didn't look angry at all. Rimeth giggled. ''Don't blame him, he just encouraged me'' she said, kindly defending Jovian. ''Oh sorry love-bird, I won't hurt him'' Sylvar said, nudging his sister. Rimeth's cheeks turned red, this time it was clearly to see for everyone and she went quiet, looking away although she wasn't ashamed, she just didn't want to show it of too much.

Jovian nodded to Theomedar when he had given him a meeting place. He looked at the girls as they alked about Rimeth’s bow and arrows. A natural smirk came across his face as he listened to the them. He thought it was cute and funny how they spoke. He wanted to laugh Rimeth said that she wanted to show off her bow skills. He thought it was really cute. Instead he coughed a little bit from sipping on his wine. He looked up at Sylvar when he had pointed out that he was the one that encouraged her to become better with bow and arrow. In all reality, it would be really useful to have that skill for a woman. This way, she’d be able to kill someone much bigger than her if it really had come down to it. Jovian planned on being there though, no matter what. Even though their marriage had been set up and no real love was put into it, he would stand up for her as a man.

That being said, true real love, was festering inside of Jovian the more time he had spent with Rimeth. All the fond memories that he had with her, and her good attitude made it easy for him to fall in love with her over the years.

Jovian chuckled when Sylvar teased her about hurting him. She had seemed so innocent and free spirited. It was a perfect match for him personally. Maybe she would mature and change into someone different as time moved along.

He took a bite of some food, almost finishing his meal.

Theodemar was looking at his family with a smile while eating and chuckled a little about the small quarrel between brother and sister. Rimeth continued eating her meal after her brother found a way to shut her up and she looked at her mother. ''Mom?'' Rimeth asked and broke the silence that had found the dining room. ''Yes Rimeth?'' Amnestria asked. ''Can we continue with those embroidery lessons after dinner? Not too long but, just like half a hour'' Rimeth said, she knew how happy her mother would be from this and it was not that she hated to do the things a 'good women' should do, she just thought they were boring. Amnestria smiled, indeed happy that her daughter asked her for this. ''Yes honey, we can.. Of course'' she said.

Rimeth nodded with a little smile. Sylvar was the first to finish his meal and looked at his father and mother. ''If you excuse me.. I really need to write a letter for Ameliya to say I got her safely or else she will worry and that is not good for her'' he said, his father smiled and waved with his hand as a sign he could go.

Rimeth looked at her brother leaving the dining room and smiled. She secretly would wonder if Jovian would be the same if they were not together, hurrying to reply her letters or to write a new one to start a new conversation. She finished her meal at the same time as her mother but they would wait for the other two to finish before taking their leave.

Jovian had finished his dinner shortly after Sylvar had. He stood up and bowed slightly to Theodemar, “I’ll be in the library.” He said and looked over at the rest of the family, “Thanks for dinner, it was excellent.” He smiled. “I’ll find you soon Rimeth.” He gave a small smile as he headed out of the room, into the library.

He began to walk around the library looking at the several books they had collected. There were subjects about all kinds of the races that were present in their world. Lore about vampires, werewolves, witches and other creatures he had never heard of before.

He walked over to one of the books, opening and reading a bit of it, to pass time, waiting for Theodemar to finish up with his meal.

Theodemar smiled at their guest and nodded. He looked at his daughter and wife and took his own last bite. Once swallowed, he got up and walked to his beloved wife. He looked at his daughter and took Amnestria's face in his hands, only to kiss her on her lips. Rimeth giggled and turned away her head with a red blush on her cheeks. Once Theodemar stood straight again, he looked at his daughter. ''Rimeth, don't be so shy.. You know that the moment you come of age, you will marry Jovian'' Theodemar said and walked to his daughter, he gave her a kiss on her forehead. ''But, I've never kissed before daddy.. And seeing you two do it, is rare'' she said and smiled at her father.

Amnestria smiled and got up. ''Let's go to fetch ourselves some work my girl and then we will sit near the warm fire'' she said. Rimeth nodded and got up, she looked at her father. ''I don't know what Jovian wants to speak about father.. But,
will you not be too hard on him... Please? I.. start to really like him'' she said. Theodemar smiled and nodded. ''In that case, I shall be nice for him'' he said with a wink and walked towards the library. Rimeth and Amnestria walked to the main hall, which was cozy and held warm by three big fires.

Two servants fetched them the big basket with threads and embroidery work and both female's sat down and Amnestria gave her daughter a small piece she could work on. ''Why don't you try to make a little gift for Jovian?'' she asked. Rimeth smiled but then a frown appeared. ''It will never be done in time..'' she said. ''Well, he can't take home a big tapestry so why don't you try to make a bracelet or something'' Amnestria said. Both females laughed and Rimeth nodded, she took a green color that reminded her of the green in his hair and her mother started to explain how it worked.

After wandering through the library for a little bit Theodemar walked into the room. Jovian walked to meet him, “Thank you for seeing me.” He said bowing his head slightly. “Of course.” Theodemar said giving him a slight nod in return. Jovian walked with Theodemar to the table and stood beside it. “My father wanted to let you know about the weapons and armor he’s been forging for the past few years.” He took a breath, “He’s got more than enough for Vinebal and wants to know if you’re ready to receive shipments.”
Theodemar nodded as Jovian had told him about the information. He looked up at him, “You’ve aged into quite the young man.” He stated, “Yes, I’m ready to receive shipments.”

Jovian smiled, “Thank you sir.” He said responding to him. It was rare for Jovian’s father to give compliments out, but Theodemar had possessed a much gentler heart, maybe it was his daughter that had softened him up or it was just the man he became.

“My father had said there were reports of humans mobilizing their armies in Coreno, preparing for some kind of attack. He suspects they might be attacking Onorine.” He paused for a moment and added, “He said Sassanthe shouldn’t be harmed, since there were so many mixed cultures there.” Jovian leaned his hip on the table, “My father wanted to know what your response would be.”

Theodemar put his hand on his chin as he thought, “This is grave news.” He said continuing to think about what they should do. “Let me think about this while you’re here. I’ll give you an answer by the time you head back home.” He finally answered.

“Come. Walk beside me while we go join my family in the living room to enjoy a nice warm fire.” He said motioning for Jovian to walk beside him.

They both left the library and walked towards the living room where the girls were.