Teenage Woes (D5, EE)

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Of course, but... you know, I have a hard time imagening you being a sinful man," she chuckled once more and rose from her seat. "Even as children, you were far from being the most difficult of all of us children here in the meadows."

[Ser Harben Varner]

Getting to his feet, he offered his arm, "perhaps it is being so far from you that has corrupted me?" he was smiling as he said so, teasing.

[Mariessa Tremaine]

She flushed slightly at the tease as she took his arm.

"I would hate to think of what could corrupt someone like you... or how I can keep it at bay," Mari smirked faintly.

[Ser Harben Varner]

Harben fell silent as they walked, content to allow his mind drift to fancies. He chuckled to himself, I'm worse than an unflowered maiden, he thought, daydreaming of romance.

[Mariessa Tremaine]

Mari gave his arm a gentle tug, concern knitting her brows close.

"... Are you sure it's not something you want to talk about?"

[Ser Harben Varner]

Guilt shadowed Harben's brow, the corners of his mouth pulling down, "I will tell you, Mari, just not tonight. It really is so lovely tonight," he paused, "you are so lovely tonight."

[Mariessa Tremaine]

She watched him carefully, but graciously let him off the hook this time. "Flattery is not saving you now," she nudged his side with her elbow in a playful fashion as a response to his compliment, "but you're right... it is a lovely night."

"I trust you to tell me when you feel ready to do so. But... hm, are you still certain you wished to return my ribbon? I mean... I did give it to you, for what you had already done for me."

[Ser Harben Varner]

"I wouldn't feel right. If I wore your favour, but it should have gone to another?" he cautiously avoided mentioning Terrance, "or if there were two of us with your ribbon?" Harben frowned, "there is your reputation to consider," it was a weak excuse, but a chivalrous one.

[Mariessa Tremaine]

"Uhm... I suppose you have a point there, still... I'm not really sure who else I would give it to." She was still embarrassed at how she had left Terrance on the dancefloor. "Maybe I should wait for someone to ask for it...? I think that is supposed to be the proper way about it?"

[Ser Harben Varner]

Unaware of Mariessa's abrupt departure the previous evening, Harben raised an eyebrow, but didn't inquire any deeper. "Perhaps you're right. I'm so sorry Mari, I didn't want to refuse your gift." With a self-effacing chuckle, "if all this is too complicated for me, then I cannot imagine what must be going through your mind."