Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

"To be honest, my havens are anywhere that aren't in there." She pointed at the manor. "It's suffocating, the way I'm treated. They ask for perfection when perfection is simply impossible. Out here, in my garden, it's simple. Quiet. I find you worthy to join me because you haven't asked for perfection with me. You've been understanding, and you listen to me. You cannot begin to understand how much it means to me just to have someone *Listen* For once." She had to do her best to not tear up. She had been holding onto those feelings for a long time, and it felt good to finally say what she needed to.
Joseph
**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava, Astoria**

She motioned back towards the manor, and he pressed his lips together into a tight line. He didn't personally understand that sentiment, but he had been blessed with a relatively normal upbringing. Besides the murder of his presumed father and brother, the kingdom hopping and all that- he'd enjoyed life in Vincentien before moving to Marin. 

"They're just wanting to assure you all the opportunities. Very little nobles actually realize the best way to make a statement is not blending in with the rest of the court. I'd probably not have known you if you'd just been another someone in a crowd at a gala." It was the truth, and he offered a small smile to try and soften it if it felt like a blow. "You're easy to listen to, you're enthused about things and actually seem to care about the conversation you're carrying." He raised his good shoulder in a half shrug. "I certainly am enjoying your company, perfect or otherwise."
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

She listened to his explanation, and gave him a smile in return, turning to hide the blush which traitorously appeared on her face. "I appreciate the compliments. You're too kind, Mikhail. Though, I also suppose you're right. I'm not trying to blend in with the crowd at all. I don't want to. Just another faceless noble who's content with the noble lifestyle with no regards for the people. That's not where I want to see myself."
Joseph
**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava Astoria**

Her comment brought up a good point and he straightened before turning around. His elbows found the railing she was leaning on, and he leaned back against it, letting the wood press into his back as he let his eyes trail upwards towards the moon that hovered over them. "Where do you want to see yourself?"
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

"I want to help people. To use the benefits granted to me when I was born to benefit those around me. I don't want to one day be a ruler of anywhere simply for the sake of ruling. The people deserve better than that. I want to be a servant for the people. That's where I want to see myself. I don't care that I won't be very popular with the rest of the upper class. I don't do it for them." She looked at him, gazing up at the sky, then she turned her gaze to the stream which ran underneath them. "You probably think me strange, like my parents and the other nobility do. I wouldn't blame you." She brushed a bang out of her face.
Joseph
** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava Astoria**

"I think those are very Noble thoughts, Lady." He countered. "That's exactly the kind of attitude I should hope to be seeing from a future Lady of Astoria." There was a pause before he continued. 

"Have you attended court with anyone our age before, Lady?"
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

She smiled. "Thank you. I'm glad to know that my ideals are shared by at least one. As for your question..." She paused, thinking. "Now that I think about it, no. When my parents forced me to go to any functions, there have only been adults. Perhaps that's why I always felt out of place."
Joseph
** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava Astoria**

Mikhail nodded, pushing himself off the railing of the bridge. "I think you might benefit from seeing the court members from the rising generation. You'll find your ideals aren't strange to them." He turned and offered his hand to her once more, "We should was back, it's been a long day."
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

"That sounds nice. I suppose we should be heading back. It is getting late." She took her hand in his once again, and together they walked back towards the interior of the Manor. As they went, she turned to him. "Perhaps it would be better if you were the one who told my parents of your invitation to me to return to Zahadra with you?"
Joseph
**Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava Astoria**

"I can do that, though I might wait until tomorrow. It seems a better topic to bring up over breakfast instead of now." They headed towards the manner, and before they entered her paused, brining her hand up to his lips. "Thank you for showing me your garden, Mil." He said, releasing her hand with a small smile. Holding her hand for longer would imply things to those who might see in the house, and he wasn't going to cause a scandal for her.
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

"I agree. Breakfast is a much more opportune time for such news." She replied to him as they walked. When they got to the door and he kissed her hand, it was hard to hide her blush. She smiled and turned her head away in a very poor attempt to do so, once again attempting to brush away that infernal bang which refused to cooperate with her. "I'm glad you liked it. It's very special to me. Is there anything else you need before we retire for the night, Mikhail?"
Joseph
** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava Astoria** 

She blushed, and it made him feel heat rise in his cheeks. He hadn't intended on making her blush, but it was sweet he had. "No, Lady. I'll be fine. Thank you for your company today." As they moved inside, a servant came to usher him to his room for the evening. 

"Goodnight Mil. Sweet dreams." He called. Giving her a smile as he looked over his shoulder once more before ascending the stairs.
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

"Oh! Um.. You too!" She called back, heading to her own room as well. It had been quite a day. A very good one at that. She looked forward for the next day, the market, combined with a trip to Zahadra had her excited the whole time she was preparing for bed.