Welcome to Gaia! ::

Aman’s brow furrowed thoughtfully. They had not yet stated the matter, but he like Elanorriel could guess. Carefully he chose his next words. "If his origins are humble we shall simply have to determine based on the beta’s character." His voice was steady and low; the words themselves spoken slowly and clearly. "As we have little to extrapolate his character, you as his representatives shall do. We will hear this request, and be told the ilk of this Guang YingXiong before reaching a decision on the matter."

There was the slightest flicker across the Christian's face as the female -Iris- interceded. He knew that was not the way of those for whom they conversed, but he himself was not against it. Silver eyes darted to his elven companion who merely nodded with her serene smile as ever in place. So that was how it would be -an attempt by those involved to get this as close to the Chinese tradition as possible so that the young lovers could be together properly and guilt free. Internally Aman sighed. It was all very confusing in a way but he saw the sense of it. Jia was the epitami of a biddable child... he wanted what was best for her.

Just... in ways it seemed too soon. She was still his little girl.

Aman's face remained resolute and unreadable other than showing he was listening as Iris spoke. Here and there he nodded, the only other movement a slight flick of his stained glass mural tail or his hair shifting on the current. Elanorriel was more expressive, in her gentle way, with slight increases to her soft smile or lit eyes and gentle nods inviting the speaker to continue. She looked interested and motherly, and in truth was both. Trust was high in Aman, for though she knew this had to be hard on him she was also certain he would do his best.

He could almost feel that support and appreciated it. Lord, if it be your will let me still set an example that they may come to You. A small swallow and with a nod he reached to accept the scroll. "Your heart speaks well. We will consider."

And then he smiled. Not a bright and cheerful thing, nor something as elegantly gentle as Elanorriel's but warm and comforting. At peace. "It's just a matter of protocol." Aman commented to reassure. Perhaps Elanorriel's ease of the situation was wearing off on him, or her trust in 'their daughter' to like a worthy beta. He prayed and felt no falseness in the beta with whom they spoke, nor any reason not to believe them. More than likely, he would accede to this beta's proposal. Idly, Aman wondered if it included living arrangements. He would miss Jia's gentle glow and presence.

The tank leaders bowed, nodding lightly. Elanorriel gave a slightly brighter though still gentle smile of reassurance. She already knew her decision, and could guess Aman's. It really mattered however on the scroll they now had. The full request.

Aman & Elanorriel stood silently side by side as they had earlier, watching the pair leave. "Jia will be heading this way soon. I wonder if her young man still intends to meet her this night." The elf did not look at Aman -she did not need to. She could feel his thoughts churning just as much this way as of looking at his unreadable face. "If not, she will be greatly disappointed."

Although it was clear to the both of them that Aman heard her the Christian did not make a direct comment. "She'll not see us here. I trust in her honor, and we need to read this." A thoughtful look crossed his silver eyes. If they swam home now they would pass Jia on her way here. That would not do, unless he intended to send her back home. That was something Aman was reluctant to do. Then again... if this Guang YingXiong was not coming he did not want to leave his 'daughter' here alone in her sadness.

"We'll go to that cave." The patriarch decided, pointing not to the cave Guang Ying Xiong had been meditating within the day the young Chinese lantern beta lovers had met, but one just beyond it. Even though there was still sun flickering through the water the softly glowing bioluminescence within could vaguely be made out. Following his indication Elanorriel smiled -still gently. Again her eyes lit with happiness, and she understood what Aman did not say -what he did not need to say.

Softly the elf nodded. "Let us go then." With a graceful flick of her tail she took off, not even looking like she was swimming hard. Aman chuckled and followed, silver eyes darting around them intently. Once in the cave they settled back out of sight from the entrance and unwound the scroll together. Elanorriel chuckled softly now. "I'm almost surprised. I think I expected something more elaborate."
"On behalf of our tankmate Guang YingXiong, we humbly request a match with your esteemed Jia YaHuo." Aman read aloud, lightly shaking his head, a half smile of amusement on his lips. "So simple... after all that I was sure he would have the exact terms all lined up in here." The Christian tapped the scroll he held open with the back of his hand. "I suppose that will be when we draw up the engagement or marriage papers then."

Elanorriel put her fingertips delicately to her lips, but they did not hide the smile there nor the twinkle in her eyes. "Probably."

Aman sighed. "Come on then. Let's get this over with. How should we word our agreement? We can request to meet with him?"

"I believe that would be acceptable. What do you think of keeping it simple? We accept your request, hinging on a meeting of all involved parties to confer the details of this union."

A nod. "I like it. We can ask Gaebor to deliver it to their home in the morning." Elanorriel arched a brow, pausing in finding writing things to look at her companion. He smiled. "We will set a date and see them all soon enough. It will be an adventure for Gaebor to find their home with a time limit, and this really is not something we should leave at those corals -hoping this Guang shows much less spots it. I think it is quite all right to have someone not involved but trusted deliver the reply as we prepare for the meeting."

Bright blue eyes twinkled as she listened. "So you send the 'honorable older brother'... how devious." Aman chuckled. "Ah yes, well there's that too."

Not knowing her 'parents' had come this day, nor thay they had met with Ying's tankmates, a single shining red fish swam lightly through the waters. Past their caves. One could not easily tell her anticipation from the gentle and easy way she swam but it was there nonetheless. The way was well known now, and nearly beloved as the goal, and the one she hoped to meet there.