It was a relief, a vast relief, that this interview seemed to go a little better than the one previous. Maybe it was the festivities swirling around them, or the pride and love which shone in Papa's eyes whenever he looked at her. Whatever it was, she was grateful for it. She wasn't certain she'd survive the embarrassment, if he'd been openly unhappy that she'd singled Mar'lus out in the crowd, on this night of all nights.
She left L'van with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to find him soon.
"I should be thanking you and Shardamakath," she pointed out as she turned back to the other bronzerider,
"not accepting congratulations from you. You both made this possible. You helped make what I needed more than anything else in the world. She's perfect. All of his children are perfect but she's the most perfect, of all of them."
The pleasantries flowed easily and Sunaia was a little surprised to realize she wasn't blushing, to have been so complimented. She tilted her head up as she studied Mar'lus, trying to pick through why that might be. Samandirieth was sleeping; when awake she might have been urging Sunny to greater shows of confidence, but how could she be doing that while she wasn't even conscious?
It left her expression slightly thoughtful, slightly less radiant, as she met the bronzerider's eyes. This was worth a test. So she said,
"You look handsome as a Lord Holder yourself. You always do but that tunic suits you,," and then waited. Blush?
No blush.
What in the world.
It was probably best not to study this great gift and blessing too closely. Instead, Sunaia plunged on.
"No, no, I'm fine. Don't go. I wanted to tell you too... I'm sorry. About the lake. That really was my fault. I hope you don't think you did anything wrong."