Ranuk's posture loosened even more as Tamlin answered, his great white head lowering so that they were finally eye level. Ranuk watched, almost unblinking, as the elf explained himself. It was rather refreshing actually, Tamlin's view point.<br/><br/>Out of all the elves to be married to, they managed to find the one that did not hate demons outright. A rare and lucky occurrence, and Ranuk found himself strangely grateful. He had been prepared for the possibility that his future spouse would be resentful and terrified, flinching every time Ranuk came close, constantly stinking of fear. Tamlin still did, but it was slighter than before and fading quickly.<br/><br/>Ranuk was sick of that scent, he has smelt it for centuries throughout uncountable battles and wars, reeking from elves and demon-folk alike. It followed him like a specter, haunting him wherever he went, and the only relief he could find was in his mother's chamber, the halls of his own apartment, or when he was completely alone. And he hated to be alone.<br/><br/>He made special efforts to make his husbands and children adore him, just as he did them, and their nest was a place of comfort and warmth. He had despaired at the thought of the sour scent poisoning the air of his comfortable home, of having a spiteful prisoner lurking about, sullen as a kicked cat. Ranuk would have been patient, would have weathered through the distrust and racism with as much understanding as possible, but it was a relief that he did not have to go through such a trial.<br/><br/>Calling it a marriage did not discount the fact that this was a hostage exchange, but Tamlin apparently decided he would treat it as it was labeled. 'Our marriage' he had said, recognizing that this was happening to the both of them, Tamlin<i>and</i>Ranuk, as if it were a collaborative effort rather than the shrewd political maneuvering of their parents.<br/><br/>Ranuk supposed it was a partnership in a way. He and Tamlin would be physical proof that demons and elves could coexist peacefully, an example that their people could look to and strive to emulate. If their marriage was amicable, it would be nothing but a boon to elf and demon relations, so why wouldnt they try to make it work?<br/><br/>Ranuk had been prepared to be the guardian of a invaluable asset, which could easily be seen as a jailor of a political prisoner from a different perspective. But Tamlin had only thought of marriage in the literal sense, a husband and a husband creating and maintaining a positive relationship. Naive or pragmatic, Ranuk could not decide, but he saw their situation in a much different light now.<br/><br/>-That is admirable.- Ranuk signed, slowly and meaningful to convey that he was impressed.