"You seem to be disappointed, sorcerer."
Lars flashed her an irritated look. "No, I'm not."
Elini clucked disapprovingly. "Of course. What seems to be bothering you?"
He stood up from the couch and paced around the living room. "I just don't understand why she would choose Dameon even after he almost got all of us and the rest of the world killed. The damned sun priest can't even think for himself and had to depend on Rhen to save him!"
Elini chuckled. "I admit I am not fond of the former Sun Priest myself. To say his alliance with the Demon Lord is merely a 'careless mistake' would be a grave understatement."
He threw his hands in the air in fustration. "Exactly!"
"However," She gave Lars a stern look. "You, or rather, we do not have the power to chose what is and what is not best for Rhen. That is her decision to make."
Elini approached Lars and put her hand in his shoulder. "She has forgiven him. He seems willing to change and make up for his shortcomings. You must trust her judgment. After all," she smiled. "You know that hers holds true, more than anyone else."
Lars said nothing.
After a few moments, he sighed, half-felt irritation emnating from it. "I could never win against you Elini." He looked at her, a small smile forming on his lips.
He sat back down on the couch, defeated, while she brewed tea for the both of them.
She poured him a cup and handed it to him. A quiet "Thanks." and an "It's fine." were exchanged.
They both sipped tea on the couch, inviting silence to come over them. It was a comforatable quiet, and it was one of those moments where one would find oneself's thoughts wandering about.
Elini's gaze dropped to her cup, watching the drink swirl and create patterns with the light reflected on it. It was then that Lars decided to break the stillness of the room.
"Have I... Have I ever had a chance with her?"
She took a good look at him, someone whom she have considered a son long ago. She spoke slowly, carefully choosing her words.
"A woman's heart is difficult to understand, Lars. Rhen can only say this for sure, but... no. I think not, Lars. Fate has led you to meet, not to be interwined."
He winced. "I knew it all along, but hearing you say it makes it even more final." He propped his head on his hand. He flashed her another smile, more because of self-pity.
"If it's any consolacion," she said as she finished her tea. "I could find some fine Veldt women for you to marry. That is, if you're willing to share."
Lars jumped out of the couch, face pale. Elini laughed, effectively disappating the heavy atmosphere that surrounded them.
Whatever retort that Lars had prepared had died on his lips when he saw her having fun. He settled for an irrate response.
"No! I'm fine! Damn it, Elini!"
When she still won't stop, he picked up his drink, muttering. "Just let me finish my damn tea."
"Well, if you're not keen on marrying Veldt women, why not ask Dameon to share Rhen?"-Lars choked-"She is a strong woman. No doubt she would be able to handle two husbands. I encourage you to think about it."
Elini calmly placed down her now empty cup and quietly left him coughing and choking in the living room.