The fresh evening air felt good as they moved outside. The minute she had said 'horses' it all became clear. Emeric nodded and walked with her feeling like an idiot for not remembering. As she spoke about the gift her father was giving him he gave a small smile, wishing she could actually see this one. He gestured to his mask as a response.<br/>"This helps hide facial expressions quite well, I'm sure I'll be able to easily feign surprise."<br/>He then moved towards the railing of the small balcony with her and was trying not to be caught looking at her. His eyes trailed her form and he had to admit she was very lovely. Could she be someone he could marry? It was odd to think that of someone he has just met. She seemed far too kind to be tethered to a cursed man like him.<br/><br/>Her words shook him from his thoughts as she commented on the stars. He nodded looking at their beauty, not something he had really thought about before.<br/>"I don't hear of many ladies going on roofs, nor star gazing."<br/>He moved a little closer to her and looked up at the sky, the crescent moon shining down and the stars twinkling brightly.<br/>"The only times I ever really look at the stars is when I'm hunting at night. I can look at them and keep track of which way I'm going so I don't get lost."<br/>He turned away for a moment and then spoke a little quieter.<br/>"And on the battlefield, they can be relaxing to look at, and also... keep me from getting lost."<br/><br/>Emeric took a breath and then looked back down into her lovely eyes, enjoying the way the light from the ballroom lit up her face. He wanted to move away from the topic of war, it was always uncomfortable and he had been told by his brother not to talk about it with women since it wouldn't help him find a wife.<br/>"So my lady, are there any other absurd things you enjoy?"<br/>He said with a hint of playfulness in his voice. He was trying to keep things light, trying not to be nervous about talking to a beautiful woman, a beautiful woman who did not fear him. This was not something he was used to, but doing his best to not give her more reasons to be frightened of him.