Gerald
**Tyras Vandel
Vandel Manor - The Inland City of Jezera, Astoria.**

"I can nurse it while she's still here." Tyras said reluctantly, knowing the offer was something that Natalia had never really put on the table. He wiped his mouth with the loose end of his shirt sleeve. "Do either of you want a glass? I'm more than happy to share." He asked loudly enough for Charese to hear at the end of the hallway.
Joseph
**Natalia Vena
Vandel Manor - Jezera, Astoria**

The woman gave him a thankful look. "A glass would be nice." She said simply, and turned to motion for Charese to come back. She did, with a life in her step like an overeager canine. 

"Lady Vena has procured your attire for the event, as well as her own. We really should get you fitted to assure she did an acceptable job with the blind measurements." She started, gripping Tyras by the elbow.
Gerald
**Tyras Vandel
Vandel Manor - The Inland City of Jezera, Astoria.**

Charese clamped onto his arm like a vise and happily dragged him to the room in the manor where she had set up shop with wedding supplies. She let go of his arm to ready a presentation of what they wanted him to see. Meanwhile, Tyras went to the nearest drink cart and poured Natalia a glass of wine. He handed it to her and waited for whatever he was supposed to see.
Joseph
**Natalia Vena
Vandel Manor - Jezera, Astoria**

As it turned out, Charese had neglected to give her the majority of the details. She'd acted as if nothing had been planned since Tyras was unavailable, but as she dove into her notes, it felt like the majority of the ceremony and it's preparations had already been completed. She took the glass Tyras offered her, careful not to let their fingers touch as she did so, and carefully lowered herself into the seat allocated for her. 

Mainly, it seemed Charese wanted Tyras' approval on things she'd already discussed with Natalia. The guest list, who should be placed in positions of honor, the menu, location, and a million other questions that Natalia herself had already been asked and answered. 

"An elopement doesn't sound too bad when it's all laid out like this. One or two major decisions a day seem like nothing until they're being read off to your betrothed." Natalia murmured, her lips grazing the top of her glass as she glanced to Tyras. "You're allowed to change anything, it won't hurt my feelings. If this were my dream wedding, we'd have been married on the shore months ago and we'd be enjoying our spring along the coasts touring Astoria."
Gerald
**Tyras Vandel
Vandel Manor - The Inland City of Jezera, Astoria**

"I suppose it's too late to put it off until next year when you can have your dream spring wedding." Tyras suggested, open to an extended window of time more than simply being interested in fulfilling a dream. He had tuned out much of the superfluous information like seating arrangements. The food and drink held his attention the most, but he had nothing to add. "It all sounds fine to me. You've both done a terrific job." He held up the bottle in a half-hearted gesture of gratitude.
Joseph
**Natalia Vena
Vandel Manor - Jezera, Astoria**

"It's far too late, my lord." Charese said pointedly, but smiled happily when he complimented their work. Finally she stood, and pointed to them both with a firm look. "I'm going to fetch the attire _don't move from this spot or I'll have you both tied up until your wedding day._" She warned, and while Natalia thought it was supposed to sound playful, it certainly came across more as a mother scolding her children than anything. 

Charese left, and Nat took a generous sip from her glass, her gaze lingering on the doorway. "Why, may I ask, do you keep trying to extend the arrangement?" Her question had her turning to look at him, her warm gaze moving over his features before settling on his eyes. "Is it an issue with the title or the bride?"
Gerald
**Tyras Vandel
Vandel Manor - The Inland City of Jezera, Astoria**

"It's because of what you said. It's an arrangement. I'm not naïve. I figured it might come someday, but now that it's here, it just feels *Odd.* And it's not a problem with you, either. I've known you most of my life, Nat. If I couldn't stand you, I'd try harder. Still, when I think about the future like the wedding and one day taking over for my father full-time, I'm filled with a strong feeling of hesitation. The Vandel house leads Jezera. That's how it has always been, a family of born leaders, but when I think of myself one day holding that mantle, I don't feel born to lead." He couldn't hold eye contact with Lady Vena and dropped his gaze to the floor.
Joseph
**Natalia Vena
Vandel Manor - Jezera, Astoria**

Alone, it was easier to talk. She pushed herself from her seat and moved to close the door Charese had left open, sliding the lock into place so the woman wouldn't disturb them. She might pound on the door, but she wasn't strong enough to break it down. 

"I'm sure any time your father falls ill it doesn't help those fears either, Hm?"She mused, returning to her seat and taking her glass. Only now that they weren't under someone's watchful eye did she place a hand on his arm, squeezing it once sympathetically. 

"I think you've come into a wonderful time in history where leadership is not longer being represented the same way. A born leader differs only in charm and charisma. You have those traits, they're just ivershadowed sometimes by your temper." She teased, trying to make light of it. 

"Besides, I'll be at your side, ready and willing to help sway Jezera in your favor and maintain support for you. We can handle it when the time comes, we're good partners at the end of the day."
Gerald
**Tyras Vandel
Vandel Manor - The Inland City of Jezera, Astoria**

"You're right that my father's health is a concern. Any time is too soon to lose him, but I know he'd want to live to see me get married." He said, partially conceding to Natalia. "I know why I have reservations, but what puzzles me now is why you don't seem to have any at all. Why is that?"
Joseph
**Natalia Vena
Vandel Manor - Jezera, Astoria**

Nat took a sip of the glass he'd give her, only to find her taste for wine hadn't changed. She'd not found one she liked, and often found herself denying it at events. 

"'Reservations' isn't the word I would use. That makes it seem like this is something I can walk away from. I've known since we were five that I'd marry you, and my whole life has lead up to being your wife and Lady of Jezera." She shifted once more in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position in the wooden chair. 

"Nervous that its finally happening, I'll concede to that fear. But I hold no reservations about it, there's not as much riding on my shoulders."