Zaspar and Robin - The Engagement Dinner [1/2]
Sept 8, 2024 12:00:31 GMT
Ruthenia Truelove and Andy D like this
Post by Zaspar on Sept 8, 2024 12:00:31 GMT
Set the morning after The Carousal Gambit.
Thanks to willemf for playing Robin. Thanks to Zaspar for failing all his insight checks.
----
Early in the morning after Zaspar’s party, a butler in the Arthiar employ arrives at Robin’s address. He carries a bouquet of fresh red roses in one hand, a basket of fresh muffins in the other. Nestled in the muffin basket is an ornate envelope embellished with gold leaf and addressed to “Miss Merryfair.” The butler knocks thrice, a dignified staccato rhythm embedded into him from years of training under Celeste Arthiar.
As instructed, he leaves the goods in a safe place by her door, warned by Zaspar not to disturb her rest after what was a challenging night socialising for one as shy as her. Duty complete, he nods once and heads back to the estate.
The letter reads:
”To the beautiful Miss Merryfair, I am thrilled we were able to speak last night, though saddened it had to be so brief.
If I may be so bold, I have booked a table for two this evening at the lovely restaurant across the road from you. I hope to see you there?
Yours,
Zaspar, first heir to house Arthiar.”
——
Zaspar is shown to the table by the maitre d, and is thrilled to find Robin there early. her hair beautifully and carefully put up in the latest fashions and wearing a beautiful red dress. Nervously she fiddles with her cutlery before spotting him and immediately blushing. Standing up she awkwardly curtseys. "Zaspar! I'm so glad to see you so soon. I'm so flattered you've invited me to such a fine dinner.”
He smiles warmly as he takes in Robin’s appearance. He steps forward, taking her hand gently and bowing slightly in return. He’s wearing an understated black tuxedo - though as typical for him there are some embellishments - a gold embroidered bow tie and cuff links in the shapes of red roses. “Robin, the pleasure is entirely mine. You look stunning this evening. Red suits you perfectly.” His voice is soft, genuine, and he begins to blush as well, slightly overwhelmed by the situation. He presses an awkward kiss to her knuckles and releases her hand, tapping his hands on his thighs awkwardly before gesturing to her chair. He pulls out her chair with a courteous gesture. “Right! Shall we sit? I’d love to hear more about you, your ambitions... everything that makes you who you are.”
She sits down and smiles, seemingly avoiding eye contact for fear of embarrassing results. "Oh! Well um, well there's not really much to say haha, sadly I have a far less interesting life than yourself my lord. I grew up on the Sword Coast as a minor merchant and came to Kantas to try and find my fortune. I've been remarkably lucky and well, um, I happen to be one of the more successful businesspersons in the city! But of course that's nothing compared to you Zaspar, may I call you Zaspar? I don't want to be rude.."
“Please, call me Zaspar,” he says warmly, waving off her concern. “There’s no need for formalities. You needn’t be so deferential - we are equals.” Though, it is clear by his subtle smile that he is enjoying - and almost expecting - the flattery.
He leans forward slightly. “You’re too modest, Robin. Coming to Kantas and making a name for yourself is no small feat. This place eats people alive.” He pauses, his gaze softening as he searches for her eyes, hoping to make eye contact. “I’m certain there’s far more to you than you’re letting on.”
She chuckles, the perfect image of demure shyness, and meets his eyes. "I promise Zaspar, I am far more boring than you think, I'm still flustered that you even wish to speak with me let alone.. um. Court me. But I am so so glad you see something in me." She blushes and looks away again, desperately scanning for a waiter to distract her. With a wave she finds one, and they smartly arrive at the table. She looks back at you. "Um. Wine, I think I could do with some wine right now haha,”
Zaspar grins, his own nerves settling at the suggestion. “A brilliant idea, Robin. Your finest vintage, if you please, and charge it to Cassius Arthiar,” he says, nodding at the waiter. Once the wine is ordered, Zaspar turns his attention fully back to Robin. “Please, don’t be too flustered. I am just an elf at the end of the day, and you, Robin, are the most beautiful woman in the room.” He fidgets slightly with his cufflinks, caught between composure and his growing affection. “How can I make you feel more comfortable? What would you like to talk about?”
Her face reddens, going from a blush to a full fluster. "Oh um.. uh. You're far too kind sir. But please, let's talk about you. Of all the people here you certainly interest me the most and frankly you are far more beautiful than anyone I've ever met."
It is Zaspar’s turn to blush at the compliments. “Well, I am involved in a few things, honestly. I am a trained musician - viol, lute, and flute - and a champion rapier fencer for my house. I am on something of an exploratory adventure at the moment, and I have been recruited for all sorts of quests, from delivering muffins to rescuing dragons.” He states, very proudly, and grins once he finishes speaking.
She laughs, a perfect charming chuckle. "You are certainly the most fascinating person I have ever had the honour of sitting down for dinner with. Rescuing dragons? Duelling? My my Zaspar you seem to be a bonafide storied adventurer! A dashing scoundrel and a charming handsome man to boot. How could I have gotten so lucky."
“Robin, you are truly enthralling,” Zaspar sits up straighter in his chair, taking in the well deserved compliments. “It is I who is lucky, for I have the fortune to gaze upon your beauty without any distractions for the night.” The waiter comes back around with an extremely expensive bottle of wine, showing it to Zaspar for approval. He nods and gestures to Robins glass, and thanks the waiter profusely once both their glasses are full. “Would my fair lady care to propose a toast?”
She picks up the glass and swirls it thoughtfully, smelling the beautifully expensive wine before raising the glass. "A toast to you, my wonderful new friend, and to what we may become together."
Zaspar furrows his brow and clears his throat. “Yes, quite. To what we will become, if the Gods are on my side,” and he leans forward to clink their glasses together. He is a little unsettled by her calling him a friend, but assumes it is some sort of modesty based on the second half of her statement. “So… what do you usually do in the evenings, when you aren’t being the most perfect company for an elf like me?”
To say that she blushes would imply that she is not now in a constant state of blush. "Oh well um, not much sadly. Although! I do have some business meetings of course and I do occasionally get the evening to meet with friends, although none of those meeting could ever compare to something like last night and certainly nothing can compare to the wonders that this evening is already promising."
Zaspar smiles, clearly pleased by her words, and takes a moment to savour the wine before responding. “I’m glad to hear that this evening is already holding such promise for you. I must admit, I feel quite fortunate to be part of it.” He leans forward slightly, his tone curious and inviting. “What kinds of business meetings do you usually attend? And what sorts of things do you enjoy doing with friends when you have the chance?” It is clear Zaspar wants to get beyond the surface level conversation she is providing him. After all, in his view, they had already discussed their intent to marry last night.
She waves dismissively. "You really don't want to hear about business I assure you. Simple things, movement of things from A to B, how to grease the wheels, how to best supply this or that business with this or that product. I'm really more of a middleman for these sorts of things, I help businesses do better business. As to my friends oh they're simply wonderful some of them, perhaps we will have to meet them together some night soon!" She leans back. "And what of your friends? I was quite blessed to meet some last night, although I must say some of them were rather... less charming than your handsome self."
Zaspar’s gaze slightly hardens as he listens to her, and he sets his glass down with a thoughtful expression. “Robin, I must admit, while I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our conversation so far, I find myself yearning for something more… profound. We’ve spoken of marriage last night, and yet I feel as though you are keeping me at an arms length. I implore you, if there is some way I can prove to you that I am genuinely interested in your business, in you - just say the word and I shall comply.” “As for my friends…” Zaspar grimaces slightly as he thinks of his ‘discussion’ with Beets towards the end of the night. “Was there someone in particular you are referring to when you say, less charming? I certainly wouldn’t want to hang around someone that made you feel anything less than charmed…”
She sighs and places her glass down. "Please, Zaspar. I promise you I am all but devoted to you, I've never in my life met someone so charming or so wonderful and I struggle to now imagine any way to continue without you in my life. But it's exactly because of that I don't want to talk about my life. My life is dull, my life is hard, I don't want to talk about my current life because I don't want to live it, I want to live my new life with you. Can we not move past who I am now and speak of who we will be?" Taking another sip she continues. "And well.. I would not speak ill of your friends but.. Dee'arna was, how shall I say this, rather unpleasant in her constant questioning. She all but insulted me no matter how much I tried to treat her with respect. I can't bear to imagine what words she might be whispering to you, you have to believe me my love she is dangerous,”
Zaspar places a hand on top of Robins, gently. “I am sorry to push. I was just worried in case you had… changed your mind, now that we are alone together. And Dee? Well…” Zaspar pauses, thinking through his interactions with her. “I am surprised to hear that. She can be rather abrupt but that is just her nature as a storied academic. I have been on several missions with her now and she has kept me safe and given me some excellent advice.” Zaspar scratches the back of his neck. “But since it is you saying this, my love, I will keep an eye and see if she develops any untoward behaviours.”
She grips his hand gently in response. "Please, darling, listen to me. You have to avoid that woman. She is a liar, not to you of course but she is trying to push you away from people who could help you, she wants to see you fall and I have no idea why. But trust me on this. Please?"
“Wh… oh my. Robin, I am so concerned to hear you say this. Dee’arna and I have many mutual friends and without her I think I could have been killed the other week,” he sighs, thinking back to his foolish antics with Finnegan. Upon reflection it was truly a terrible decision to try to intimidate the owners of an ‘occult’ shop. “Who is she pushing me away from, Robin? You know, I didn’t expect to spend so much of our date talking about another woman, but I can feel the importance this has for you…”
"Um, well. People like me. Again, I promise you my love I have no idea why she is so spiteful but she really is a danger. She wants people like me, normal, sensible people to never even reach you." She lets go of his hand and leans back. "But I'm sorry, perhaps I am still, well, upset from last night. You're right of course this isn't about her this is about you. And what does my handsome charming date want to eat?"
Zaspar nods slowly, theorising that perhaps this is to do with the fact he had made flirty remarks around Dee’arna before. Perhaps the yuan-ti was secretly romantically interested in him, and Robin was unhappy about that? Love truly was a difficult game to play. “I think I understand, Robin. I am so grateful that you raised this with me… I will have to think what to do about this situation. Perhaps I can talk to Dee’arna and straighten things out,” he muses, sitting back in his chair and tapping on his cufflinks again. “I am so sorry to see you upset, for your pain will now be our shared burden. I will eat whatever you are having. I trust you to make a most excellent decision for our future satiation,” he smiles warmly at her.
She coyly smiles and beckons over the waiter again. "Yes, um, thank you yes I think we will both be sharing the garlic confit lobster. Yes, mhm, and the side of fried artichoke, thank you." As the waiter nods and departs she turns back. "I must say, I am surprised how fast we seem to have gotten together but... not disappointed. I always imagined growing up that one day a handsome young nobleman would sweep me off my feet and carry me away to a new life but I wasn't expecting it to ever truly happen."
“Well, I will be inheriting the house once my adventures finish, if my Father thinks I am ready. And he believes that having a smart, able, consort will make it that much easier for us to wield power.” Zaspar sips his wine and reflects for a moment. “Robin, I believe you are the perfect candidate to be my consort. You are beautiful, honest, charming, and your mercantile strategies will no doubt help our rule.” He clears his throat. “I was just wondering… do you know what’s expected of a noble consort? And do you know people might look down on you for your common birth? Are you ready to weather those storms with me?”
She places her wine glass down and her expression becomes serious and sincere. "With you, for you, I will weather anything to help you succeed."
Zaspar felt warmth blossom in his chest, and a genuine smile spread across his face. “Wow… how lucky I was, to be introduced to you, Robin. “ He smiles at the waiter as their food is plated, and gestures for her to begin eating from their shared plates. “I must say, I am so thrilled to have thrown that party last night, now. It ended a little… strangely… but this has made it all worth it…” He cleared his throat and watched her eat, still amazed to be opposite such a stunning woman.
--
“Robin, if you are obliging… I can have my Butler visit you tomorrow with the requisite documents to formalise our engagement. It is the usual faire: character references, financial statements, information about your business and so on.” He looks her in the eyes. “I am sorry that the process is so… intense… but I hope you understand, what a big deal it would be to merge our house with your business,” he states somewhat apologetically.
“I will of course formalise our engagement with a ring at the end of this dinner, should you consent. And do note that we will remain engaged at least until my adventures are finished, and then we can have the wedding of the century!”
She covers her mouth with her hands. "Zaspar I... I don't know what to say. Your- your father he would-. Zaspar I'm honoured. I will of course be willing to wait a lifetime if that's what it takes. Yes of course I will sign whatever it is I must. Zaspar... this has all happened so quickly I. I don't know what to say I'm honestly-" As she stutters out her response she begins to look almost faint, tears streak her face.
Zaspar stands up from his seat, his expression a mixture of concern and adoration. He gently moves around the table and kneels beside Robin, reaching out to softly wipe away her tears with a silken handkerchief from his breast pocket. He looks into her eyes with a warm, sincere gaze. “I know things have moved fast but - when you know, you know. But I want to make this moment even more special. I want to express my commitment to you in a way that you’ll always remember.” He holds up a hand signal to the maitre d, who scurries off rapidly. Zaspar reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, elegant box. He opens it to reveal a beautiful ring. The restaurant falls silent around them. Then, a four piece orchestra surrounds them, and begins to play a beautiful, romantic piece.
“Robin Merryfair, will you marry me?” He holds out the ring, his heart full of hope.
She stands, legs almost shaky. She moves her hands and mutters under her breath, praying? But after a moment she seems to come to, tears again running down her face. She gently moves to him and plants a kiss on his forehead before picking the ring gently from his hands, slipping it over her finger. "Yes Zaspar, yes I will."
Zaspar’s heart swells with joy as Robin slips the ring onto her finger. He stands up slowly, his eyes shining with emotion. With a tender smile, he leans in and presses a soft kiss on her cheek, letting the moment linger between them. As he pulls back, he feels an overwhelming sense of pride and elation. Seeing how emotionally she reacted to his proposal and musical surprise, he knew this match was destined. Turning to the room, he raises his glass of wine high and calls out with exuberance, “A round of drinks for every patron, in Cassius Arthiar’s name! Tonight, we celebrate!”
Cheers fill the restaurant, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement. Zaspar looks back at Robin, and puts an arm around her shoulders. With his smile never fading, he turns to her and murmurs, “This is just the beginning, my love. Our life together will be extraordinary.”
Thanks to willemf for playing Robin. Thanks to Zaspar for failing all his insight checks.
"If I told you that you rock my world, and I want you around me,
Would you let me call you my girl, my girlfriend, my girlfriend?
I can give you the life you deserve, just say the word, baby
And I got you
Girl
If they don't know your worth
Tell 'em you're my girl
And anything you want is yours"
Early in the morning after Zaspar’s party, a butler in the Arthiar employ arrives at Robin’s address. He carries a bouquet of fresh red roses in one hand, a basket of fresh muffins in the other. Nestled in the muffin basket is an ornate envelope embellished with gold leaf and addressed to “Miss Merryfair.” The butler knocks thrice, a dignified staccato rhythm embedded into him from years of training under Celeste Arthiar.
As instructed, he leaves the goods in a safe place by her door, warned by Zaspar not to disturb her rest after what was a challenging night socialising for one as shy as her. Duty complete, he nods once and heads back to the estate.
The letter reads:
”To the beautiful Miss Merryfair, I am thrilled we were able to speak last night, though saddened it had to be so brief.
If I may be so bold, I have booked a table for two this evening at the lovely restaurant across the road from you. I hope to see you there?
Yours,
Zaspar, first heir to house Arthiar.”
——
Zaspar is shown to the table by the maitre d, and is thrilled to find Robin there early. her hair beautifully and carefully put up in the latest fashions and wearing a beautiful red dress. Nervously she fiddles with her cutlery before spotting him and immediately blushing. Standing up she awkwardly curtseys. "Zaspar! I'm so glad to see you so soon. I'm so flattered you've invited me to such a fine dinner.”
He smiles warmly as he takes in Robin’s appearance. He steps forward, taking her hand gently and bowing slightly in return. He’s wearing an understated black tuxedo - though as typical for him there are some embellishments - a gold embroidered bow tie and cuff links in the shapes of red roses. “Robin, the pleasure is entirely mine. You look stunning this evening. Red suits you perfectly.” His voice is soft, genuine, and he begins to blush as well, slightly overwhelmed by the situation. He presses an awkward kiss to her knuckles and releases her hand, tapping his hands on his thighs awkwardly before gesturing to her chair. He pulls out her chair with a courteous gesture. “Right! Shall we sit? I’d love to hear more about you, your ambitions... everything that makes you who you are.”
She sits down and smiles, seemingly avoiding eye contact for fear of embarrassing results. "Oh! Well um, well there's not really much to say haha, sadly I have a far less interesting life than yourself my lord. I grew up on the Sword Coast as a minor merchant and came to Kantas to try and find my fortune. I've been remarkably lucky and well, um, I happen to be one of the more successful businesspersons in the city! But of course that's nothing compared to you Zaspar, may I call you Zaspar? I don't want to be rude.."
“Please, call me Zaspar,” he says warmly, waving off her concern. “There’s no need for formalities. You needn’t be so deferential - we are equals.” Though, it is clear by his subtle smile that he is enjoying - and almost expecting - the flattery.
He leans forward slightly. “You’re too modest, Robin. Coming to Kantas and making a name for yourself is no small feat. This place eats people alive.” He pauses, his gaze softening as he searches for her eyes, hoping to make eye contact. “I’m certain there’s far more to you than you’re letting on.”
She chuckles, the perfect image of demure shyness, and meets his eyes. "I promise Zaspar, I am far more boring than you think, I'm still flustered that you even wish to speak with me let alone.. um. Court me. But I am so so glad you see something in me." She blushes and looks away again, desperately scanning for a waiter to distract her. With a wave she finds one, and they smartly arrive at the table. She looks back at you. "Um. Wine, I think I could do with some wine right now haha,”
Zaspar grins, his own nerves settling at the suggestion. “A brilliant idea, Robin. Your finest vintage, if you please, and charge it to Cassius Arthiar,” he says, nodding at the waiter. Once the wine is ordered, Zaspar turns his attention fully back to Robin. “Please, don’t be too flustered. I am just an elf at the end of the day, and you, Robin, are the most beautiful woman in the room.” He fidgets slightly with his cufflinks, caught between composure and his growing affection. “How can I make you feel more comfortable? What would you like to talk about?”
Her face reddens, going from a blush to a full fluster. "Oh um.. uh. You're far too kind sir. But please, let's talk about you. Of all the people here you certainly interest me the most and frankly you are far more beautiful than anyone I've ever met."
It is Zaspar’s turn to blush at the compliments. “Well, I am involved in a few things, honestly. I am a trained musician - viol, lute, and flute - and a champion rapier fencer for my house. I am on something of an exploratory adventure at the moment, and I have been recruited for all sorts of quests, from delivering muffins to rescuing dragons.” He states, very proudly, and grins once he finishes speaking.
She laughs, a perfect charming chuckle. "You are certainly the most fascinating person I have ever had the honour of sitting down for dinner with. Rescuing dragons? Duelling? My my Zaspar you seem to be a bonafide storied adventurer! A dashing scoundrel and a charming handsome man to boot. How could I have gotten so lucky."
“Robin, you are truly enthralling,” Zaspar sits up straighter in his chair, taking in the well deserved compliments. “It is I who is lucky, for I have the fortune to gaze upon your beauty without any distractions for the night.” The waiter comes back around with an extremely expensive bottle of wine, showing it to Zaspar for approval. He nods and gestures to Robins glass, and thanks the waiter profusely once both their glasses are full. “Would my fair lady care to propose a toast?”
She picks up the glass and swirls it thoughtfully, smelling the beautifully expensive wine before raising the glass. "A toast to you, my wonderful new friend, and to what we may become together."
Zaspar furrows his brow and clears his throat. “Yes, quite. To what we will become, if the Gods are on my side,” and he leans forward to clink their glasses together. He is a little unsettled by her calling him a friend, but assumes it is some sort of modesty based on the second half of her statement. “So… what do you usually do in the evenings, when you aren’t being the most perfect company for an elf like me?”
To say that she blushes would imply that she is not now in a constant state of blush. "Oh well um, not much sadly. Although! I do have some business meetings of course and I do occasionally get the evening to meet with friends, although none of those meeting could ever compare to something like last night and certainly nothing can compare to the wonders that this evening is already promising."
Zaspar smiles, clearly pleased by her words, and takes a moment to savour the wine before responding. “I’m glad to hear that this evening is already holding such promise for you. I must admit, I feel quite fortunate to be part of it.” He leans forward slightly, his tone curious and inviting. “What kinds of business meetings do you usually attend? And what sorts of things do you enjoy doing with friends when you have the chance?” It is clear Zaspar wants to get beyond the surface level conversation she is providing him. After all, in his view, they had already discussed their intent to marry last night.
She waves dismissively. "You really don't want to hear about business I assure you. Simple things, movement of things from A to B, how to grease the wheels, how to best supply this or that business with this or that product. I'm really more of a middleman for these sorts of things, I help businesses do better business. As to my friends oh they're simply wonderful some of them, perhaps we will have to meet them together some night soon!" She leans back. "And what of your friends? I was quite blessed to meet some last night, although I must say some of them were rather... less charming than your handsome self."
Zaspar’s gaze slightly hardens as he listens to her, and he sets his glass down with a thoughtful expression. “Robin, I must admit, while I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our conversation so far, I find myself yearning for something more… profound. We’ve spoken of marriage last night, and yet I feel as though you are keeping me at an arms length. I implore you, if there is some way I can prove to you that I am genuinely interested in your business, in you - just say the word and I shall comply.” “As for my friends…” Zaspar grimaces slightly as he thinks of his ‘discussion’ with Beets towards the end of the night. “Was there someone in particular you are referring to when you say, less charming? I certainly wouldn’t want to hang around someone that made you feel anything less than charmed…”
She sighs and places her glass down. "Please, Zaspar. I promise you I am all but devoted to you, I've never in my life met someone so charming or so wonderful and I struggle to now imagine any way to continue without you in my life. But it's exactly because of that I don't want to talk about my life. My life is dull, my life is hard, I don't want to talk about my current life because I don't want to live it, I want to live my new life with you. Can we not move past who I am now and speak of who we will be?" Taking another sip she continues. "And well.. I would not speak ill of your friends but.. Dee'arna was, how shall I say this, rather unpleasant in her constant questioning. She all but insulted me no matter how much I tried to treat her with respect. I can't bear to imagine what words she might be whispering to you, you have to believe me my love she is dangerous,”
Zaspar places a hand on top of Robins, gently. “I am sorry to push. I was just worried in case you had… changed your mind, now that we are alone together. And Dee? Well…” Zaspar pauses, thinking through his interactions with her. “I am surprised to hear that. She can be rather abrupt but that is just her nature as a storied academic. I have been on several missions with her now and she has kept me safe and given me some excellent advice.” Zaspar scratches the back of his neck. “But since it is you saying this, my love, I will keep an eye and see if she develops any untoward behaviours.”
She grips his hand gently in response. "Please, darling, listen to me. You have to avoid that woman. She is a liar, not to you of course but she is trying to push you away from people who could help you, she wants to see you fall and I have no idea why. But trust me on this. Please?"
“Wh… oh my. Robin, I am so concerned to hear you say this. Dee’arna and I have many mutual friends and without her I think I could have been killed the other week,” he sighs, thinking back to his foolish antics with Finnegan. Upon reflection it was truly a terrible decision to try to intimidate the owners of an ‘occult’ shop. “Who is she pushing me away from, Robin? You know, I didn’t expect to spend so much of our date talking about another woman, but I can feel the importance this has for you…”
"Um, well. People like me. Again, I promise you my love I have no idea why she is so spiteful but she really is a danger. She wants people like me, normal, sensible people to never even reach you." She lets go of his hand and leans back. "But I'm sorry, perhaps I am still, well, upset from last night. You're right of course this isn't about her this is about you. And what does my handsome charming date want to eat?"
Zaspar nods slowly, theorising that perhaps this is to do with the fact he had made flirty remarks around Dee’arna before. Perhaps the yuan-ti was secretly romantically interested in him, and Robin was unhappy about that? Love truly was a difficult game to play. “I think I understand, Robin. I am so grateful that you raised this with me… I will have to think what to do about this situation. Perhaps I can talk to Dee’arna and straighten things out,” he muses, sitting back in his chair and tapping on his cufflinks again. “I am so sorry to see you upset, for your pain will now be our shared burden. I will eat whatever you are having. I trust you to make a most excellent decision for our future satiation,” he smiles warmly at her.
She coyly smiles and beckons over the waiter again. "Yes, um, thank you yes I think we will both be sharing the garlic confit lobster. Yes, mhm, and the side of fried artichoke, thank you." As the waiter nods and departs she turns back. "I must say, I am surprised how fast we seem to have gotten together but... not disappointed. I always imagined growing up that one day a handsome young nobleman would sweep me off my feet and carry me away to a new life but I wasn't expecting it to ever truly happen."
“Well, I will be inheriting the house once my adventures finish, if my Father thinks I am ready. And he believes that having a smart, able, consort will make it that much easier for us to wield power.” Zaspar sips his wine and reflects for a moment. “Robin, I believe you are the perfect candidate to be my consort. You are beautiful, honest, charming, and your mercantile strategies will no doubt help our rule.” He clears his throat. “I was just wondering… do you know what’s expected of a noble consort? And do you know people might look down on you for your common birth? Are you ready to weather those storms with me?”
She places her wine glass down and her expression becomes serious and sincere. "With you, for you, I will weather anything to help you succeed."
Zaspar felt warmth blossom in his chest, and a genuine smile spread across his face. “Wow… how lucky I was, to be introduced to you, Robin. “ He smiles at the waiter as their food is plated, and gestures for her to begin eating from their shared plates. “I must say, I am so thrilled to have thrown that party last night, now. It ended a little… strangely… but this has made it all worth it…” He cleared his throat and watched her eat, still amazed to be opposite such a stunning woman.
--
“Robin, if you are obliging… I can have my Butler visit you tomorrow with the requisite documents to formalise our engagement. It is the usual faire: character references, financial statements, information about your business and so on.” He looks her in the eyes. “I am sorry that the process is so… intense… but I hope you understand, what a big deal it would be to merge our house with your business,” he states somewhat apologetically.
“I will of course formalise our engagement with a ring at the end of this dinner, should you consent. And do note that we will remain engaged at least until my adventures are finished, and then we can have the wedding of the century!”
She covers her mouth with her hands. "Zaspar I... I don't know what to say. Your- your father he would-. Zaspar I'm honoured. I will of course be willing to wait a lifetime if that's what it takes. Yes of course I will sign whatever it is I must. Zaspar... this has all happened so quickly I. I don't know what to say I'm honestly-" As she stutters out her response she begins to look almost faint, tears streak her face.
Zaspar stands up from his seat, his expression a mixture of concern and adoration. He gently moves around the table and kneels beside Robin, reaching out to softly wipe away her tears with a silken handkerchief from his breast pocket. He looks into her eyes with a warm, sincere gaze. “I know things have moved fast but - when you know, you know. But I want to make this moment even more special. I want to express my commitment to you in a way that you’ll always remember.” He holds up a hand signal to the maitre d, who scurries off rapidly. Zaspar reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, elegant box. He opens it to reveal a beautiful ring. The restaurant falls silent around them. Then, a four piece orchestra surrounds them, and begins to play a beautiful, romantic piece.
“Robin Merryfair, will you marry me?” He holds out the ring, his heart full of hope.
She stands, legs almost shaky. She moves her hands and mutters under her breath, praying? But after a moment she seems to come to, tears again running down her face. She gently moves to him and plants a kiss on his forehead before picking the ring gently from his hands, slipping it over her finger. "Yes Zaspar, yes I will."
Zaspar’s heart swells with joy as Robin slips the ring onto her finger. He stands up slowly, his eyes shining with emotion. With a tender smile, he leans in and presses a soft kiss on her cheek, letting the moment linger between them. As he pulls back, he feels an overwhelming sense of pride and elation. Seeing how emotionally she reacted to his proposal and musical surprise, he knew this match was destined. Turning to the room, he raises his glass of wine high and calls out with exuberance, “A round of drinks for every patron, in Cassius Arthiar’s name! Tonight, we celebrate!”
Cheers fill the restaurant, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement. Zaspar looks back at Robin, and puts an arm around her shoulders. With his smile never fading, he turns to her and murmurs, “This is just the beginning, my love. Our life together will be extraordinary.”