Gratitude

Elswyth mentally thanked Kuryzan for the opportunity to hold Heron close like this. Usually such a chance would be a bit difficult to get as she didn't want to make it too obvious to him that she wanted him to see her a certain way.

Kur really wasn't too bad for a noble. Even if he was a pseudo heir of the throne he was actually a rather humble guy. He wasn't arrogant and he was genuinely nice. Elswyth found nothing wrong with his character and actually found his shyness just a bit endearing.

Of course he had nothing on Heron. Her wizard was far more adorable. But she didn't have anything against being friends with this other wizard.

She liked how he had made it so easy for her to secure a dance with Heron. And the fact that she could feel his full support in her chasing of Heron's heart made her feel gratified. At least she was pretty sure that he was aware of her feelings and was actively trying to help her in small almost imperceptible ways.

It was fully appreciated.

Heron was dense after all when it came to girls liking him. Now, boys liking his sister – that he would notice in a heartbeat.

Elswyth understood this from her glimpse into his mind all those weeks ago. Heron was not really all that concerned with his own romantic future. His sister's was far more important.

It was somewhat sweet. But also really annoying as she wanted him to actually pay some attention.

But then again that confused look on his blushing face when she teased him was rather cute. He had no idea how to deal with females and it showed.

…Perhaps this was fine too. At least for a while. She should enjoy his innocent reactions a bit more. It wouldn't last forever so she should save up memories of this side of him while it lasted. Because she was sure that someday he would no longer be at all shy and might even be the one to do the teasing.

Actually she looked forward to that. Being teased by Heron would be nice. Imagining him a bit older and all grown up and teasing herself mercilessly – how great would that be. Not that it wasn't good as it was. She loved how innocent her sheltered little wizard prince was. But that was somewhat the appeal of that imagination. Just the contrast between how he was now and how he might end up. He really couldn't stay quite this innocent forever after all. Not that that would entirely be bad, but she wanted to make him at least a bit less innocent at some point.

"Elswyth?" Heron's voice broke into her thoughts, "What are you thinking so deeply about?"

Ah. She couldn't really admit she had been thinking about ruining his innocence sometime in the future. That would just scare the boy. Even if he was old enough for marriage, he probably needed a few years. And she could wait two or three years. Anyway, she needed to answer something. So she smiled, "Just possibilities."

"What sort of possibilities?" His warm brown eyes were filled with curiosity.

"…Nothing I wish to share right now." She answered with a grin on her face. Let him stew on that a bit. He probably wouldn't come to the right conclusion but maybe it would pop in his head.

She could certainly hope so at least. She didn't want to outright say yet how she felt towards him, but if he could at least have it occur to himself as a possibility it might make him start slowly get used to the idea.

"Oh." He sighed. "I was thinking as well actually."

"Hmm?"

"I think I prefer Amriel dances."

"Well, I wouldn't be able to compare them." Elswyth then was hit by a wonderful idea, "You'll have to teach me one."

There. A reasonable logical reason to have another dance with him. And he didn't even think to decline it as it was a rather smooth timing to secure such a dance.

She felt excited about this. Dancing with Heron was rather fun. He was pretty quick to pick up the steps and he really could dance rather well once he knew what he was doing. She was blessed to be able to be in a position to teach him anything that requires grace. Because while he might be lacking in strength he was rather graceful.