“I've tried, with the servants, leaving the most exact directions I can, but I arrive home to more than half of it dead on average. Not everyone has the talent for growing things, like you.” That was true. Alaras did try to keep up a garden at the Langlais household, for appearances, but it was always in a sorry state, being that he was there only when necessity dictated.<br/><br/>“I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you kept something like this a secret. Most people aren't interested in my notes and doodles. I think it'll be safe,” he admitted, handing the little notebook over for Basren to add the leaf to it. There were other things dried and pressed between slips of paper, the ends folded so they wouldn't slip out.<br/><br/>Alaras had been so focused on what he was here for that he had hardly given any thought to what court would bring. He'd been briefed, already warned that he was expected to be social. They knew that would be trying for Alaras, and already, he found himself exhausted at the prospect.<br/><br/>“I.. really hadn't given that any sort of thought.” Alaras stopped for a moment. “It's no longer something high on my list of priorities.” At least, not anymore. “I've been so wrapped up in other things.” He was finding it easier to speak in half truths.<br/><br/>“I'm surprised someone younger, like you..” Alaras stopped, realizing it definitely wasn't his place to speak of those things. He just remembered what he'd been like at Basren's age. He found his statement odd, regardless. Why would no one think he'd come to court looking for someone like Basren? Not unless Sovele had made it clear no one could, that, or he'd managed to cripple the boy's confidence. Both seemed possible.<br/><br/>“My qualities? You mean my inheritance.” Alaras reckoned he was about as warm and approachable as a cats claw bush, aptly named. There was no reason to change that part of himself, considered the less suitors he had to entertain, the better in actuality. He was going to be as frigid and boring as possible, but that wouldn't be difficult for Alaras. What would be was going about finding the information he needed, and possibly getting closer to Sovele.<br/><br/>“I may come to you for advice in navigating court. I'm not sure I'm fully prepared for any of it.” That was definitely truth. Hopefully he'd just come across as awkward, instead of unknowing.<br/><br/>He stopped, kneeling down beside a little plant with bright purple flowers.<br/><br/>“Viola odorata. I haven't seen one of these in a while,” he said, and for a moment Alaras smiled. “They used to be a favorite of mine.” He plucked a little seed pod, carefully cracking it open with the light press of fingers. When he uncovered it, little pale pearls were visible. He lifted one carefully out, and placed it on the tip of his tongue before crushing it between front teeth. Cool and sweet, like he remembered, but then it occurred to him maybe these sort of people had no idea. They certainly had no reason to try usual things out of necessity. Alaras was peculiar enough already that he hoped it wouldn't be questioned, and instead he reached his hand back, to offer the open seed pod to Basren.<br/><br/>“I'm not sure if you've tried them before. The petals, too, are edible.”