#this is way pre-imprisoning war but if you wanted smth else please lmk! i'll whip smth else up ^^

[pestilight]

♡ / @sentinaels

     Amidst the brightly lit lanterns and merrymaking of a celebration that isn't quite his to partake — and yet, not quite not his — he finds himself slipping away from it all for just a few breaths. While it has been an enjoyable night, witnessing Sonia and her— their peoples engaged so wondrously in their customs, it has not stopped the twinge in his heart nor the falter in his steps. In the wake of lively song and dance, memories of a long bygone past had risen too easily to touch the surface of his waters: ones he might have ached to revisit were he alone, but.

     "Lady Janan," he greets, head dipping, bearing held carefully still. Not balking — any distraction her company may provide would be welcome, certainly. Of the whole their halves make, however, Sonia has simply always been the better with connecting. With offering words.

     With Janan.

     Not for a lack of want or trying on Rauru's part! Or so he likes to believe. In their queen's absence, he grapples their encounter with— an overstated courtesy. "A pleasant surprise that our paths may cross here." He pauses. Clears some of the stiffness from his throat. "Are you well on this fine evening?"

     ( He wonders how many times this makes it now, that something like awkwardness should define their moments together. )