Ranuk heard the bells as well, and when Tam began to broach the subject, he seemed aware of what they meant.  It would be crucial for Tamlin to have a way to worship in his new home, even if he was the only one to do so, and he hoped his religious aspects wouldn't become a source for contention...<br/><br/>But no, perhaps he didn't need to worry.  Ranuk simply signed a gentle dismissal, allowing Tam to leave without feeling guilty either way.  The prince's ears perked, and he nodded his head in gratitude.  [Ok.  Thank you.]<br/><br/>"I will see you later, then," Tam began as he stepped back from under Ranuk's shadow, his hair catching the sun and turning gold in the light.  He gave Ranuk another thoughtful look, the remnants of the smile still sitting on his face and at the corners of his eyes, and then he bowed slightly and walked off towards the ringing, rich sounds of the bells.<br/><br/>He would indeed see Ranuk later, would be with the demon the rest of his life... But now, after such a successful moment, the prince could dare hope his marriage would be a good one, and not an exile to dispair in.<br/><br/>----<br/><br/>Jera had long since finished the apple and unceremoniously chucked the core out a window, but he still bore traces of the fruit in his scent, hands and lips the main sources of the aroma.  The smell was sweet, combining with the lingering sunshine to make a summery little trail for Ursalo to follow.  It was very easy to track him down.<br/><br/>One moment, Jera was in the hall, and the next he'd felt himself get snatched up and pulled into shadow.  The elf gasped sharply in alarm, almost a startled cry, and he tensed under the hand yanking him in...<br/><br/>But then, after a second of disorientation and panic, he knew who it was.  A curse fell from his lips, though it was said without malice, just shock as he stared up with wide eyes.  "Shit! Oh, it's you..."<br/><br/>He gazed at Ursalo with surprise, chest heaving a little under the demon's palm as his pulse tried to calm after its minor scare.  His crimson eyes shone in the half-light along with Ursalo's magnificent golden ones, all several dozen as even the snakes were staring him down.<br/><br/>What was he doing here?  Had he chased him for more conversation, more unabashed flirting...?  Ursalo's hand was pressed against him, holding him to the wall with ease.  Jera knew he would not be able to push him away, but he had no reason to right then.  It was rather nice, actually...<br/><br/>"You scared me," Jera said with a crooked smile, leaning into the wall now as the tension melted away.  Maybe this was a demon thing, or maybe Ursalo was mischievous (a good possibility, considering how he'd been in the garden).<br/><br/>"Why'd you follow me?  If I hit a nerve with my comments, I am sorry; I didn't mean to.  My tongue just runs away from me sometimes..."