Ursalo smiled and did a small bow of sorts, the movement sinuous and his scales glinting in the sun.  Jera tried not to stare, but he couldn't help but admire the glimmer, wishing to run his fingers over the snake's smooth body again...  Last night had been eye-opening; the elf had learned a great deal in those delightful dark hours.  His ears perked and his face heated at Ursalo's comments; yes, there were definitely some elves who could appreciate a demon's grace... Could appreciate lots of things.<br/><br/>Tamlin smiled too, unaware of the silent conversation happening between the two, and then noticed Ranuk arriving with another demon, one from the treaty signing.  Ranuk had removed all his decoration, leaving himself unadorned except for some sensible clothes (at least, sensible for his form).  His fur shone brightly, his mane--what else could Tam call it, so long and luxurious (he could admit that)--loose and falling freely about his massive shoulders, waves of silky, snow-colored hair that framed those icy, pale blue eyes.  He made quite a statement, very different from the demon beside him: slim and serpentine, dressed regally in deep merlots and burgundy shades that matched the coloring on his throat and the slender spikes on his head, his thin hands moving elegantly.<br/><br/>The pair were in conversation, though of what, Tamlin had no idea-- he could only assume they were talking, but the sounds they made were nothing he recognized as language.  Ranuk's voice rolled forth in thunderous sheets, interspersed with surprisingly dog-like noises that reminded the prince of the hound his brother kept, and the other demon more or less whispered, a series of writhing notes and air pressed tightly between his teeth.  He was moving his hands with purpose, the fingers capped with delicate and dangerous claws, and he did not seem happy.<br/><br/>That displeasure increased when the demon locked eyes with Ursalo, who chose to place himself behind the elves.  Perhaps the demon was upset with Ursalo for something, but Tamlin had no idea what the reason might be; had something happened at the party?  He stood in mild confusion, just watching as Ranuk and the other approached, and Jera simply stood there with a polite little smile on his face, bowing respectfully to his lord's fiance and the newcomer.  When they were close enough, Tamlin smiled again, though even he could tell there was something strange in the air.<br/><br/>"Good morning," the prince began, but he stopped once he could hear the other snake demon hissing out words, or what he thought were words.  Whatever the problem was, it was going to be addressed.  Jera straightened up from his bow only to be met by a cold shock against his chest, the tip of his lord's betrothed on a bit of skin; he managed not to jump, but the servant's brilliant eyes were wide and surprised.<br/><br/>"Ah, hello again,<i>Ven</i>-Ranuk; I hope you slept well..."  Jera glanced at Tam for answers, but the prince had none, and instead both elves stared as the strangeness unfolded.  While Tamlin was in the dark, the redhead began to wonder if perhaps the others knew what had happened-- could they sense it, smell the truth on him?  Was that what the sniffing had been about...?  Jera did not relish getting into any trouble over his wonderful little dalliance with Ursalo; it might embarrass Tamlin, but the prince was used to his servant getting into these kinds of situations... However, he had no clue how the demons would handle one of their own sleeping with an elf.  And as much as Jera didn't want to be punished (and was fairly confident he wouldn't be), he certainly didn't want to see Ursalo punished: it took two, after all, and they'd both known what they were doing.<br/><br/>As his friend worried silently, Tamlin gazed between the demons with equal parts curiosity and bemusement.  He was puzzled; unable to follow the language, he could only rely on what he could see, and what he could think on: the party, Jera and Ursalo had danced...  Was that so bad?  Or...  Or was this about something else?  Something... more, than what had happened at the party?  Tamlin hadn't seen Jera afterward, hadn't seen him until the morning, and hadn't asked about the evening's events... Maybe he should have.<br/><br/>Ranuk's laughter startled both elves, the small grey figures tensing in alarm and ears alert.  It wasn't that the sound didn't hold mirth, it did, but the noise itself was alien and bizarre.  It would take time to get used to.  In any case, it told Tamlin that whatever the situation was, Ranuk appeared amused by it, and that kept him from worrying too much.  There was more back-and-forth between the demons, and the prince cast another small, puzzled smile at his husband-to-be.<br/><br/>"Is everything alright?"  A simple question, but it made Jera squirm, his freckles burning a dark shade of silver and his heartbeat rising.  He stood quietly by Tamlin's side, looking nearly as innocent as anyone, except he knew he'd been found out and there was no hiding anymore.  This time, Tamlin was the only one out of the loop, but he'd be caught up soon enough.