The conversation was intense, back-and-forth as the two argued; the elves had no way of following along, but there was enough said through body language to make some guesses and to recognize a family squabble when they saw one.  Finally the other snake demon spoke in a tongue they could understand, his voice carrying smoothly.<br/><br/>Ortel was his name, and his titles came next (both elves' ears twitched at the 'first husband' mention, but that was something to ask about at another time); it became clear he was apologizing for Ursalo's behavior, explaining that the demon didn't know elvish culture well... Which was fine, except Tamlin still didn't know what the problem was.<br/><br/>Still confused, Tamlin looked between the demons and his servant, but the sheepish grin on Jera's face and then the whispered answer in his ear only took a moment for the prince to understand.  "... Oh."  The sound was quiet and half sighed; Ortel was not the only one familiar with this type of conversation.  His cheeks burned with embarrassment, darker than his already deep skin, and he blinked in surprise.<br/><br/><i>Oh</i>, he would be speaking with Jera about this later, and for a considerable length of time.  But not now.  Tamlin stared at his friend intently, dark eyes sparking and saying everything he needed to without a word uttered, then he flicked his ears in vague frustration and turned his attention back to the other demon, trying to think of what to say.<br/><br/>"Ah, well, yesterday was a memorable occasion, and the party was more involved than anything we are used to; I'm certain there were some emotions and curiosities flared...  There's no harm done, and no offense taken.  With such new possibilities ahead, there's bound to be some<i>excitement</i>."<br/><br/>Jera remained silent, though he wished to speak up and try to defend himself-- he was an adult, so was Ursalo, there had been nothing untoward, and the snake was utterly beguiling-- but he knew he'd only dig himself further into a hole if he opened his mouth, so instead tried to appear at least somewhat chastened.  Tamlin would scold him later, but the prince wasn't good at being stern.  Thank the gods it wasn't Naviin they were speaking to.<br/><br/>"It was my suggestion,<i>Tu-Annen</i>..."  A lie, and not a good one, but Jera didn't want the majority of blame falling on Ursalo.  For all he knew, their little tryst was a normal thing for demons (Ursalo had seemed incredibly quick to flirt and then had shown absolutely no qualms with things going further).  "I am sorry, my lord.  It was excitement, as you said."<br/><br/>Jera kept his gaze politely lowered, his head inclined like any servant when adressing his superiors, but Tamlin could recognize the tilt to his ears, the fidgiting of his fingers behind his back, and knew enough to tell the elf wasn't being entirely truthful.  In any case, whatever the reason, they would talk about it after the hunt-- Tam would make sure of that.<br/><br/>"We'll discuss this later," he murmured, and he glanced between Ranuk and Ortel, an awkward-but-sincere smile on his face.  "I would say these things happen, but I suppose this would be the first time.  I do not know the demon rules of etiquette, but the elves have none for such, ah, situations...  Perhaps we should make some."  Another pointed stare at Jera, and it was the redhead's turn to blush.