and every broken heart will mend

[scourgingstars]

[Not too long after the trial, a note found its way under everyone's doors, all of them written in the same neat handwriting that had been asking after a ring not that long ago.]

If any of you would prefer not to be left alone after all of that, I propose we meet in the dining hall. Nari has taken up cooking at the moment, and should anyone wish to talk I will be present regardless of whether or not the group at large should choose to join us.

-Ardyn

[True to his word, Ardyn was at a smaller table in the dining hall with an untouched cup of coffee in front of him; lost in thought leaning his head on one hand as the other turned a silver coin over between his fingers.]

[King in an empty hall, and savior of nothing. All that effort to prevent bloodshed, and it had come down to a situation designed to force their hand from the beginning.]

Comments

[desperateprayer]

I'm s-sorry, Arianna.

[ At least when she's cried herself out enough she apologizes. ]

[daughterofthemark]

There is no need for you to apologize.

[In part because Arianna's not entirely sure what she's apologizing for. Crying on her? Needing to be held back earlier? Kissing her?]

[desperateprayer]

I shouldn't have kissed you.

[ She's aware enough of that, at least. ]

[daughterofthemark]

Ah--!

[Aaaaaaaand now she's blushing again.]

No, no, that--that's perfectly acceptable!

[desperateprayer]

...Arianna...

[ CLARITH IS TRYING TO ARTICULATE THAT IT'S WRONG because she's drunk and that came out of nowhere and this is definitely a rebound and-and-and... ]

You're a very kind person.

[daughterofthemark]

[Meanwhile Arianna's just concerned that Clarith thinks she's in trouble or something.]

Thank you, Dame Clarith. You are as well.