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He blinked and stared at her. She was... sorry? What did that mean... was she just sorry for being forward, or did she regret now that she had kissed him or... wait, what was Cervus's advice. Oh yes, to remember Filix as the little girl they grew up with... and that certainly made her less daunting, but not any less confusing. Sighing resignedly, figuring he wouldn't understand this at all, he kneeled next to her.

Attempting to stay calm, collected, and breathing he let out one slow breath and then took her hand in his. "I would like permission to court you, Countess Filix. Would you find that agreeable?"

Despite his rather collected manner, Aes could not suppress some of the blush that quickly rose on his cheeks when she kissed him. He would have to inform Cervus that his advice was not the least bit helpful and try as he would, he could not see the tree-climbing and mud-slinging green-haired child before him. Trying to regain his composure he cleared his throat.

"I am... sorry I kept you waiting. I wanted to give everything careful consideration and make sure I made the right choice." After all, only a few days of deliberation was quick for his usual week when he was given the chance.

"Y-yes. I would like that." He sat down slowly, trying to be careful with just-washed robes that still smelled of lye soap and water. It was hard for him to totally relax around Filix yet... even wit Cervus it was difficult to let down his guard. Somehow it had just become part of his nature.

"I hope you are not out here because something deeply troubles you?" His voice had regained some of its calm, soothing nature. It had been a while since he had run into Rosa and been forced into talking more coldly. He wasn't really as heartless as she loved making him out to be.

The change of subject relieved him, and he felt comfortable enough to put his arm around her. It wasn't as much a sign of affection as an attempt to comfort her while she was worried. Obviously this concerned him too, but his voice was as smooth and calm as it always was when he spoke.

"I am sure she will be fine... Cervus will make sure that when she returns she is treated for the valor I am sure she will exhibit even captured. I have faith in her. The women of the Sun Court are strong."

It was a generous offer, but he couldn't really imagine a countess (as much as she loathed her title) mucking out stalls. Actually, he wasn't sure that even with such good intentions Cervus would readily agree to such a thing... although with the exception of Muris, the rest of them were of a noble blood. Despite his protests, he simply nodded.

"But none of us can save her from what she's going through right now. We must look towards the future and think only of the best way to get her back to us, where she belongs."

"Oh yes. I find I have fully recovered... I am sorry to have worried you at all." He of course didn't mention that the cause of the illness was that his Kithain, had, in fact, died. That would be too tiresome to explain and might depress her even more.

"Come... I don't want you catching cold out here. Let's go inside... I have a small gift for you. I didn't plan to happen upon you out here." He stood and held out his hand to help her up.

He gave her a sideways smile as he helped her up and led her towards his quarters. When her hand fell away somewhat bashfully, he thought nothing of stopping to reach for it again, take it, and continue leading her towards her present... which he hoped dearly she liked. He knew she was nothing like her sister and would act grateful even if she loathed it, but he still wished it to be something she would appretiate regardless of the gift-giver.

It was a good thing that he had wrapped it already, else he would have been caught even more unprepared than he was when he entered the garden with a mind only to catch a spot of fresh air.

When he opened the door he chased one of the "pet" mice away and lit a candle to try to make the room feel a bit warmer and less musty. He disliked opening windows since it always ended up with even mild breezes somehow sending his papers flying, and he was no Cervus; every paper had its place.

Walking over to his desk he kneeled and opened a deep drawer, pulling out a silver and white striped box that was six inches deep and perhaps a foot square. Making sure he nudged the drawer back shut he walked over towards Filix quietly, the box in his hands.

"I hope it's to your liking..." he looked so serious about this, as if this were a test he had studied hard for and hoped to pass desperately.