Alaras sweetened his tea only a little bit, avoiding any of the cream. A lot of the flavors of things within the city were things he was really just getting reaccustomed to, and many he'd never tasted at all. He'd grown a fondness towards some of the bitter teas they steeped outside of the capital, more so to break up monotony than for much else. Much of his distaste stemmed from talk, and situations anyway, but at least it fit well with his weak stomach and history of poor health.<br/><br/>Basren was interested in perusing their mutual interests, and Alaras smiled.<br/><br/>“Only for a season, as much as I've been able to avoid things up to this point, I don't think it'll wear me out too badly.” And then ideally, they'd be married. They'd need to decide if that put him in a good place to keep gathering information, or if it would be a more opportune time to try and take Maes' son away from Sovele completely. Nothing, of course, would be so uncomfortable as the time shared with the King himself.<br/><br/>“I think that would be best, just the three of us. He didn't seem happy about the time I'd spent with Anis without seeking him out in regards to you,” Alaras said, giving hint to what Sovele had said when they'd danced together. Basren admitted Sovele would like to know him better while courting the child he'd stolen and raised. Not just that, but Alaras<i>needed </i>to know Sovele better himself. The rest sounded fine.<br/><br/>“I could go for something that might require less dancing. Yes, it seems like we both might enjoy that.” Alaras didn't remember the last time he'd been on a boat, and with the smaller groups, he liked the idea of fewer eyes watching their every move. The food was simple, and he enjoyed it. Sitting beside Basren and taking tea with him in his garden was easy. More so than it had been initially, knowing who he was, and worrying Sovele had gotten his talons too deep into him to ruin him completely. That didn't seem to be the case.<br/><br/>“Show me more of what you're working on?” Alaras requested once they'd eaten and chatted for a comfortable time. “You said you wanted opinions on some things. I would be happy to give it.” When they got up, it changed their placement, and though Basren had been trying to hide one side of his face, moving about made it more difficult. The change of lighting and Alaras' shifting had done it, and he'd caught a good glimpse of Basren's cheek. He stopped himself from reaching to turn Basren's face, not wanting to let on to anyone peering at them that he was concerned.<br/><br/>“What happened?” Alaras questioned, though he could make his assumptions and surmise that somewhat was angry with him.