Basren was a little late, but Alaras didn't let that bother him. He'd apologized, but Alaras shook his head. It wasn't necessary, and he didn't care how the waiting made him look. He wasn't going to pretend to be one of the pretentious lords that would act insulted at being left to stand there a few minutes. Basren bowed, a little rigid, and Alaras had to wonder at the change from the gala to now.<br/><br/>“The necklace suits you,” Alaras told him with a smile, though realized that could be interpreted as an insult. “Ahh.. I don't mean that you are plain. Just..” He didn't know what he was trying to say, so he just stopped while he was ahead. He couldn't very well say<i> Maes would have gifted you something like that</i>. He went in to the gate that was unlocked, feeling Basren follow not far behind, likely to close the gate again. Basren led him from there, and they didn't encounter the statue again, for which Alaras was thankful.<br/><br/>Basren seemed to relax once they were seated again, where they were partially shrouded and afforded a bit of privacy. Alaras relaxed some as well.<br/><br/>“I've been settling well, and I did enjoy the gala. Thanks to you for not allowing me to make a complete fool of myself. You lead well. I've hired someone to give me more instruction, so that I'll be more practiced in the future. So yes, I was expecting that we'd attend more events together, if you still find that agreeable.” Basren had just as much right to refuse as far as he was concerned. They'd seemed to suit well enough, but maybe he didn't want a man he had to be so patient with.<br/><br/>“We can agree to whatever you have the patience for. Don't worry over me so much. I.. need to get a little out of my area of comfort, I think. Whatever you'd enjoy,” Alaras decided, as much as he'd like to hovel up and not do anything. Of course, that wasn't what he was there for, and he swallowed before making his next request.<br/><br/>“Perhaps.. you can hint at a dinner for us and Sovele?” he chanced, “Like the one we had with Anis. So that he doesn't think I'm trying to conspire against him.” Of course, it might look exactly that; as if he was conspiring. There was no good step to take, and he loathed the idea of dining with Sovele, but it was better<i>if </i>he could get in the King's good graces. He didn't like that idea of using Basren to do so like he was, but that could easily backfire. Sovele on the same hand could be angry at him for pursuing Basren.<br/><br/>“You.. know him. I'm sure you're more aware of how to broach that topic, and if you think it a poor idea, just say so now.” Would Basren warn him if he thought it was a bad idea? Likely, if he was still in favor of their arrangement.