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"Well...it's not like there's many Yaeli traders so I'm sure it'll be okay." That much she was thankful for. Plus the clothing she had acquired for him surely would help with his blending in. Not that she wished for either of them to linger at this party long enough to truly reveal their whole life stories. She just hoped he could trust in her ability to spin a good tale - after all she was a bard was she not? It wouldn't be the first time I've had to come up with a story on the fly.

Only Jolanta's quiet statement had her thoughts come to a screeching halt. Nadiay swore that the tips of her ears were literally on fire when his words registered in her mind and the Matori halted, a rare moment of innocence flushing her features, "Ah, uh...yes that." She whispered to herself before charging forward even more, "Obviously you only do such things when in love and not for business." She found herself saying at random before they arrived to her chambers. It was silly to think of how innocent she actually was a thought that made her press her lips tightly together before she darted behind the changing screen, "Aye, aye." She quipped when she found her voice to answer his command. Tossing her used clothing to a corner the Matori woman pulled over her silks and let the teal fabric wash around her skin like water, such an image that continued to persist in the way the material shimmered as she swished into view. Swirling silver embroidery that was reminiscent of seafoam and crystals sewn in here and there as well would almost make one think her a sea spirit had they found her along the shore and the Matori finished the look by quickly brushing out her tied back hair so that it was loose and touching her lower back in wavy layers. Clasping a headpiece decorated with pearls and flowers in her hair Nadiya glanced towards Jolanta, "Do I look enough like a lady now?" She teased lightly before studying him, "You clean up nicely, Jol." She smiled at how merchant like he appeared in his own embroidered vest with patterns similar to her own.

From the slightly opened window one could hear the faintest stirrings of music taking up in full force, "They must have opened the doors in the ballroom so that people can enter from the gardens." She whispered as she listened, "I supposed then that's our cue to leave soon - if you're ready? Just remember that you're a merchant and uh...that we may be...umm..." She trailed off and bit her bottom lip sheepishly, "We may be um...in a situation together if you wanna call that situation dating even because you're guarding me but we can't say you're my guard so uh....yeah. Ready?"

Nadiya laughed at his words, "It's fine. Thanks for the compliment?" She teased lightly as she moved towards him and brushed a stray piece of lint from his own attire, "I never tried to be a lady in the first place anyways. It never really was quite my style since it's so restrictive and the like. I much prefer to be free to do as I please~" Taking a step back she also glanced towards the mirror and pursed her lips thoughtfully. Still I suppose we both clean up decently well enough. It would have to do in order to appease her family.

"Oh did I say anything?" Nadiya forced an awkward laugh and patted Jolanta on the shoulders, "It's just you can't say you're guarding me so it'd be awkward and then you know the whole being at my side all night people might assume that you know...well we could be together." She smiled at him ever so innocently before heading towards the doorway, "So don't be surprised if anyone makes assumptions and we could just go along with it since it would be such a hassle to take the time to try and explain things." Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly, "That's not such an awful cover is it? I mean I'm not that horrible to look at and we've already been through a lot together...I'm sure it'll be fine."

She paused suddenly and held a finger towards her lips before pressing closer towards the door, "I hear footsteps perhaps this is really our cue to leave before someone comes to look for me here and finds that I'm not...truly alone. Though I suppose that could help with the assumption that we have a good relationship going on up here..." The Matori tucked a stray strand of hair back sheepishly, "Buuut maybe that assumption won't be made if we hurry out of here. Okay, Jolanta?"

What was she doing exactly? She was about to throw Jolanta into a pack of wolves unknowingly and was last minute tossing random ideas at him? Not exactly random...I just didn't know how to broach the subject....okay maybe I could have explained things a bit more but I know he wouldn't have come then! It was easier to just hint that she could be in physical trouble - it didn't have to be typical bandit trouble just a different type of physical trouble. The physical trouble that was created by men trying to kiss her and flatter her since her family was trying to marry her off. She didn't exactly have to tell him that he was protecting her by creating the assumption that he was the chosen man who got to kiss and marry her in the end. Nadiya's gut twisted in a hint of guilt as she peeked towards him shyly. It was all fake anyways and after tonight he wouldn't have to see her, right? So she could just wing this. She had always jumped into things without much hesitation in the past so what was different this time around?

Taking a deep breath Nadiya paused before opening the door so that she could turn to fully face Jolanta, "Just know that I'm relying on you to keep me safe tonight, Jol." She managed with a small smile, "If you weren't here then I honestly wouldn't know what I'm doing since for the first time in a while I'm honestly frightened." Frightened of who could be waiting out there for her, of the stares that she could acquire, and of the future that her family sought to tie her down with. Every time she thought she was free it seemed something would come up to suggest otherwise. And the worst thing for the free spirited woman was the thought of being caught and tied to anyone or anything.

That stated she turned and pushed against the doors. Leading the way down the hallway she went downstairs until the hallway widened and ended in a pair of double doors. Bracing herself Nadiya paused to give Jolanta a small smile before the doors moved and opened to reveal a party. Matorian, Oban, Sautian, and a few representatives of other regions mingled inside while music weaved through the air from the outside. Food lined up on banquet tables and the great windows lining either side of the ballroom were open to allow fresh air and the scent of flowers to waft in from the outer gardens. Teal and golden decorations along with flowers and seashells lit up the space along with lanterns that flickered a lazy light alongside the evening sun.

"Well here we are." Nadiya smiled towards Jolanta, "We'll just mingle for a bit and I'll speak to my parents to prove that I was here and hopefully we can sneak out quickly enough." She narrowed her gaze to study the crowd as she pushed forward and hoped that he followed suit. Perhaps if they made it to the gardens they would be fine but as soon as the entrance came into view a hand was around her wrist tugging her to the side and allowing the crowd to merge around her cutting off sight from her Yaeli companion, "Excuse me?" Nadiya blinked as another Matori came into sight - a boy around her age with his hair slicked back and wearing obvious silks from the higher markets of Oba - a fact that made her nose wrinkle. Though perhaps that could have been from the lingering scent of oils that clung to him like a flowery mist.

"Miss Nadiya, correct?" He smiled as his golden gaze obviously lingered over every aspect of her body before reluctantly returning to her face, "I apologize if I startled you but I was informed that you would be at tonight's party. A grand spectacle certainly by your parents to create such an appealing space here though I see that they also have a talent for creating other sorts of beauty."

"Ah, yes." Nadiya felt her cheeks flushing and a hand clenched at her silk skirts, "I'm presuming you're Eriln from the Southern trading branch? My father mentioned your family but I wasn't expecting you to be looking for me when my brother is here. Ahren, after all, is the one who is more trade knowledgeable while I've been away from business for quite a while. I'm only visiting briefly you know."

Amusement flickered across his features as he took in her words, "I do fully intend to speak with Ahren about trading and another matter of sorts that our mothers also spoke of. I just wished to see the daughter that they speak so fondly of first and happened to notice you enter the room so I believed it was wise to approach before you disappeared. I hear you also have a bad habit of that as well something I would love to help remedy for your family's sake. How about we take time to speak more privately now that we're together?"

For her family's sake? Oh she was certain that was totally the case. Nadiya felt her ears burning with frustration before she forced a small smile, "Is that so? Then I feel that you should be satisfied as you have introduced yourself to me and we have spoken to each other. As much as I'm certain you would be an enjoyable conversation I truly must go as I have other commitments. So if you don't mind I have to show my companion to the gardens..." She glanced behind her hopeful that the crowd hadn't completely separated her and Jolanta. With the way that the other Matori was pressing close and reaching for her arm she could only pray that he could rescue her from this new danger.

A breath of relief escaped her lips as she turned to smile at Jolanta, "Oh there you are." She reached out to latch onto his arm, an escape from the Matori man who had just tried to tug her closer to him, "As you see, Eriln, I am rather occupied. Not just currently either, but now and for the future." She beamed towards Jolanta, years of experience from acting during story-telling lighting up her mischievous gaze, "At least that's our hope, right?" She glanced towards Eriln who was staring at them with a clenched jaw, "If our mothers had any talks between them then I apologize since my own mother didn't realize that certain things are already settled."

"Is that so?" Eriln forced a smile after a moment, his exterior calm replacing the momentary irritation that had crossed his features, "I didn't realize that your family had ties in Yael just yet considering the strangeness of that land. It seems a bit odd that your family is so open to such a place already, especially considering the priceless goods it seems Yael is taking from them."

"You would be surprised since Yael has a lot more charms than most I've encountered." Quipped back Nadiya sharply as she easily caught onto his true meaning, "Jol also is a very aspiring sort and has already helped Ahren pave a new route. As it is I'm certain you have others to speak with and so I shall leave you be, Eriln."

"Miss Nadiya surely you jes-"

"Surely I do have to go since I promised to see the western part of the gardens before the sun sets fully." Nadiya tugged at Jolanta, "It's a lovely place to spend time with those should you find someone to be close enough with, Eriln. I highly recommend it for your significant other should you ever attain one as I have." Her cheeks flushed as she threw out the last words and then pulled Jolanta quickly away from the Matori who had simply gaped at her bold declarations. As her back turned from him she missed the tight lines that his mouth had become before he too turned on his heels to cross the room and disappear.

As she tugged Jolanta towards the gardens with her it wasn't until they were in the shadows of a terrace of flowers that she finally stopped moving. Even then she didn't let go until a slow moment later when she realized that she was still clinging to the Yaeli, "The nerve of that man!" She hissed, losing her temper in the moment as she took a few steps away from Jolanta and picked up a loose twig to shake it before her face as if imagining it were the Matori from earlier, "Acting like I'm some goods up for trade and then insulting you for no reason! I can't believe my family wants to attempt and marry me off to such a pig! I'm going to have to find Ahren and tell him about how ridiculous this all is!" Tossing the twig to the ground her amber gaze burned in anger before she glanced back towards Jolanta and slowly blinked...and then looked away, "I mean...thank you for finding me in that crowd. Talk about a mess, am I right?" Ahahaha...oh how awkward.

Where there others? Her jaw clenched at the question and the Matori woman found herself staring into the darkness as if seeking out others, "Mainly him I suppose." She finally found herself admitting, the words clipped as they escaped her pursed lips, "Though I wouldn't be startled if there were others in this place. It is a gathering of many trading families and the best way to connect ties, other than money of course, is by marrying off the next generation."

Twisting on her heel she tucked a stray curl behind an ear and faced Jolanta, "I admit that while my brother's success may have stirred some ill feelings against my family the biggest concern tonight was that of someone like..that man...if I can even call him that coming onto me. The worst thing is that I was brought home just so they could use me to barter with some of those families and even if I reject him there will be more until I either die or happen to have someone already..." Her amber gaze darted around once more before she studied Jolanta, "So perhaps I wasn't completely honest with the role I needed you to play, but please bear with me? I promise it'll be worth it in the end." Her gaze was begging him as she took a few steps forward and reached for his hands, "Please save me from their plans, Jolanta?"

The slightest of winds swept around them as they stood there in the gardens and as flower petals scattered overhead, tossed by the winds, the loud music transitioned momentarily into only the faint tremble of stringed instruments, a moment of serenity in the midst of the party. A moment that ideally assisted in Nadiya's pleas as she for once seemed completely somber rather than the playful woman who often teased and flirted about.

Despite everything a hint of her trademark smile, that teasing tilt of the lips that reflected the amusement dancing in her gaze, appeared at Jolanta's words, "As much as I enjoy the idea of him getting pummeled it would be rather inappropriate for this situation." She shook her head, loose strands of hair bouncing with the movement, "Does that mean you would come around every time he bothered me?" She found herself teasing as she glanced towards Jolanta, "I suppose I wouldn't mind being constantly hassled if you were there for me." She smiled a brief moment of sincerity slipping through her teasing mask before she glanced away sheepishly at how both of their comments, "Though we both realize that won't happen forever so at least I can appreciate your help now."

She nodded at his words, "I had the feeling that such an offer regardless of pay wouldn't be exactly your favorite idea. I'm sorry to have led you along like I did, but know that I'm really appreciative of this. Plus how could I worry since it's you?" Nadiya taunted playfully, "I know you're not connected to the trading families and you don't seem to be the romantic type so my heart is safe from temptations nor will I tempt you." Teasingly she took a step towards him, "The perfect mission for a Steel Eyes." So why was she studying him so intently while she spoke such words? Almost as if looking for any sign, any disagreement...which was not going to happen. Not that it mattered since this man was just her cheap way out of a long-term arrangement with any disagreeable companion. Impress my family, go away with him, and then avoid everyone like the plague until life settles down more and I know I won't be coming home to something like this. That was the plan and she was determined to see it through. Maybe he could even escort her to Sauti where she could just get on an airship and not look back. It was perfect.

"Thank you so much, Jol!" She found the words escaping her lips as she jumped forward without thinking to wrap her arms around his shoulder in a hug, "I think you're wrong by the way - you've already saved me a lot even before this. Maybe I'm the one not worthy to be saved by you yet you keep helping me out." Her cheeks flushed at the whispered confession before she realized what she had done and the girl moved a step backwards away from him, "I'm sorry I got a bit carrie-" Her words cut off as her name was stated loudly behind her and Nadiya found herself turning on a heel to try and see who was calling for her. I guess it's showtime now...

"Of course you would say that." Replied Nadiya with a small smirk, "I suppose I should be more careful of how much coin I give then." She teased in turn, "Gotta make it last as long as possible." Though she had the feeling that if she was truly in trouble and he was near that coin wouldn't be an issue. Despite how he shifted away from the whole knight persona and how he seemingly beat himself up for something in the past the woman couldn't see him as someone so cold hearted to leave someone in need alone. But then again I suppose my mind just enjoys creating stories too much. Even when she was younger her brother often did say that she was too trusting and optimistic for this world.

She rose a brow at how easily he agreed with her, "You are a rather humble sort, Jol." Nadiya found herself stating as she pulled back, "Give yourself more credit, okay?" She felt bad that he agreed with her comments. Just because he was serious didn't mean it was a bad thing and that didn't mean romance wasn't for him...the Matori let out a soft sigh before she caught a glimpse of what could have been a flush. A small laugh escaped her then and she shook her head, "I've been told that quite a few times now so it doesn't surprise me~ Much more fun to be different anyways."

But their conversation was cut short as her brother and mother both approached from the side, "Bear with me." She found herself whispering before moving to greet the two, "Ahren!" The Matori bounced forward with a small wave, "I was wondering where you were~"

Ahren rose a brow as he got close enough to get a view of Jolanta, "Nadiya why are you here with-"

"This lovely man?" Nadiya cut in with a smile, "You have great timing. I wanted to introduce our parents to my dear Jol." Saying the words made her heart skip a beat, surely from fear of being caught and nothing else, but it was enough of a feeling to have her gaze slip towards him sheepishly, "I didn't realize he would arrive in time but here he is. Strange right?"

"Nadiya what in the world are you plotting this time?" Ahren pinched the bridge of his nose before glancing towards Jolanta, "I apologize for whatever shenanigans my younger sister has caught you into sir but do not feel required to stay. Trouble after all is her trademark and I do not wish for you to be burdened by our family's business."

"Ahren that's mean." Nadiya pursed her lips before reaching out towards her brother's hands, "As it is just show us to mama and papa so we can be introduced properly? I want them to meet him because he is on a tight schedule and I have agreed to leave with him as soon as possible. You wouldn't want to cut young lovers apart so early, right?"

"They are not going to believe you." Ahren retorted sharply, "Truly though what are the two of you going to do? Nadiya I'm accustomed to cleaning up after you and have helped you so many times in the past but this time I'm uncertain of how this is even a feasible idea..."

Nadiya shook her head, "I know and I'm grateful. But trust me when I say I'm happy right now? Why get married so early when I have someone already? And if we get introduced to Mama and Papa what is left to do? You know where they are surely so just lead the way?"

Ahren raised a glass to his lips as if he were desperate for all the drink he could get, "If I were you two then I would drink some of the spirits before you head over there." He finally stated as he wiped his lips with a hand, "And if you truly are okay with this then I suppose I can lead the way." He glanced towards Jolanta, "Speak now to save yourself."

Pursing her lips again Nadiya pressed closer towards Jolanta and wrapped an arm around his own, "If he wanted to break up with me Ahren I assure you he probably would have done so already, right?" Her amber gaze skirted towards Jolanta as the faintest of blushes decorated her cheeks.