Joseph
**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava, Astoria**

Her excitement made him smile, and the was thankful for the darkness that hid just how bright it had been. She composed herself, and he did as well, letting the smile fade. "Of course I mean it, there's no reason for me to lie about an invite." He reminded her how foolish that would be, then turned his palm over, his finger running along the underside idly. "Unfortunately, you'll actually be required to wear something nice, on the off chance we run into my mother, but I'm sure you can manage that." He teased.
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

She smiled at the tease. "If it means I get to see Zahadra, then I will gladly wear a nice dress for a day or two." She was absolutely ecstatic. Millie could not have guessed that things would turn out this way when she was just going to see a play. To not only be personally invited to see the capitol by the prince of Astoria, but also to see its legendary floral gardens for herself was simply amazing to her. Millie had to stop herself from laughing giddily. "I cannot express my excitement in words, Mikhail. I can't thank you enough."
Joseph
**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava Astoria**

She was adorable this way, fawning over the idea of the Astorian palace and it's gardens. They were a wonder, and he himself got lost in them for nights of escape. But it was sweet to see someone else so excited at the idea of their eternal gardens. He moved to stand, wiping at his pants should he have accidentally sat on any debris. "You don't have to thank me, Milena. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you, and I'd be remise to not return the favor." He nodded his chin in the direction of the garden. "Why don't you show me the garden in it's entirety? Before the twilight fades and it's hard to see?"
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

Mikhail had a certain charm about him that Millie rather liked. He was kind, and smart, and a touch mysterious. He was rather good looking too. She lightly shook that thought out of her head. There she went daydreaming again. "Yes, I'll would love to show you the rest of my little paradise." 

She then led him through her garden, pointing out the various roses, hibiscus, carnations, and other flowers. There were many instances where she said "Oh, I love these, come look." And "These turned out very nicely" Eventually, they reached the center of the garden; a small bridge which crossed the stream that cuts the garden in two. "This is my favorite spot in the whole manor. Right here on this bridge" She said, while leaning on the railing.
Joseph
**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava Astoria**

She agreed, and he once more clasped his hands behind his back, falling into step with her as she guided him through the garden. The further they got from the estate the less light they had from the torches, but the moon was doing well to keep things from being too dark. 

He'd never really had an issue seeing at night anyway, and the little stops they made along the way gave him time to stop and admire as she spoke. He let her talk, enjoying the way her voice lit up at each new flower they came across, talking passionately about how she had started each and their growth until they came upon the bridge. Stopping in the center, she leaned on the railing, causing him to do the same. 

"Why is this your favorite spot, Milena?" He asked of her, his attention on her instead of the scene before them.
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the running stream. "It's just quiet and serene. This spot helps me forget about my troubles for a while. My own little private escape. I can stay in this garden for hours, basking in the moonlight, and listening to the water." She turned to look at him leaning beside her on the railing. "I'm glad I could share this with you. Nobody else seems to appreciate this garden's true worth"
Joseph
**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava Astoria**

Her eyes closed before she answered, and he took the moment to look over her without her knowing she was being observed. She seemed so... Genuine. 

He gave a small nod, and swallowed down that lump from earlier that seemed to make another appearance. "I'm glad you felt myself worthy to see it." He started, then added. "You seem to be thriving here, carving out your own spaces to breath. It's lovely to see from an outsiders perspective - how many Haven's you've greatest for yourself."