The 18th of Immanis
Winter of Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Paradigm Shift: The Eclipse of the Sun
“Do you think she’ll like those cherry pastries?”
It was an idle question, but inquiring nonetheless, even as he tugged at his collar and adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves. Elantria and Eren were standing within the midst of his kitchen just outside of the city, nestled along a luscious green bank and winding dirt rode that led up towards the lovely estate. A twisting path snaked its way through the eleven some-odd gardens that surrounded the countryside manor, ending at a landing of white marble, tall pillars thrust upwards and supporting the balcony above. Two large red oak doors beckoned the soon-to-be expected visitors in warmly, one propped open with a large bronze vase, a leafy green fern harbored inside. A gentle breeze wafted through the house.
Eren was wearing a loose fitting white shirt, buttoned accordingly up the chest, the cuffs of the sleeves rolled back comfortably to his forearms. His collar was bothering him, a little more stiff than he’d prefer, granted how smooth the article of clothing hung to his skin, but he shrugged it off and glanced over himself. A black leather belt with a silver buckle latched his dark matching set of pants to his waist, complimented even further by midnight-hue boots, skirting the length of his knees and adorned in an embroidered silver buckle. At one point in time, Erenthril Mael’tharias would have been zealously protective over such boots; they were the illustration of how far he’d come since Paxia. But now…
He glanced shyly towards Elan.
They were bustling about the kitchen, neatly arraying everything that would be taken out for lunch. A picnic had been called into order, as well as a fun playful day along the banks of the River Lylles, just south of Mystique. Careful consideration had been taken when Eren had asked Elantria to invite her sister, Shawntay, to accompany them as well – they had met so briefly during the ball, Eren was curious to get to know her better, and with a small flicker of hope, Elantria as well. He grinned coyly as he packed some apples into the small wicker basket, followed quickly by the bread and cheese.
“Are we missing anything, Elan?” he asked, glancing over at her with that sparkling look in his eyes, still holding those cherry pastries in one hand. He idly wondered when Shawntay would arrive.
They would be here any minute!