The Yule Ball

"I can only hope. I take it your parents do not know of our siblings courting each other?" Descartes asked in a low whisper.

"Uh...no." Maik replied guiltily. "I don't think Elrohir's told them yet. He was a little worried I think, about how they'd take it. But since they seem to like you.."

"It should be okay, right?" Descartes says a little worried.

"I think so." Maik said reassuringly. "Don't worry about it."

Descartes nods. "Okay." he bitt his lip and spoke to Elwing. "Um, I'm finished. Dinner was delicious and your company most divine, but May I be excused? I believe Mr. Celebrian wants to speak to me alone."

"You may." Elwing said pleasantly. "Thank you for coming Descartes."

"It was a pleasure, ma'am." he says leaving the room. He was sweating prefusely just thinking of what Maik's dad had in mind for him. Chewing on his lower lip he knocked on the study's door.

"Come in." Artorius' voice came through the door

Descartes slowly opened the door and slid inside. He shut it and turned to face Maik's Dad. "Um, you said you wanted to speak with me, sir?"

"I do." Artorius replied. He stood facing Descartes, his face completely unreadable. "I would like to know, Descartes, what your intentions are."

"SIr? I am confused by your requests. My intentions?" Descartes says finding it extremely difficult to breathe.

"Your intentions, yes." Artorius replied. "What is it you wish to do with my daughter."

Elrohir and Maik walked away from the dinner table, having finished eating. Elrohir nudged Maik and asked "Could I borrow Asfaloth?"
Maik glared at him as if he were an idiot for asking. "No."

"With Maik? Well, I was hoping to offer her my parent's stressfree cabin for vacation. No teleporting in or out with in twenty-miles if the place, and well," he paused and began rubbing the back of his neck. He was beet red. "I kinda sorta like her."

"Kinda sorta?" Artorius repeated. "I think it's a little more than that, don't you?"

"Pleaaaase Maik!" Elrohir pleaded. "I just need him for the night. I'll take good care of him, I promise!"
"You are not using my motorcycle to impress your girlfriend." Maik told him, poking a finger at him.

"Yes, sir, it's more." Descartes knew he was about to be hurt.

"That's what I thought." Artorius said, finally smiling.

Elrohir just stood there, his mouth working, not knowing what to say. "But..please?! I'll gas him up for you!"
Maik regarded Elrohir for a minute, then finally gave in. "Allright, take him. But if there is so much as a scratch on him when I get him back..."

Descartes blushed deeply as he locked eyes with Maik's father. "I. . .Is that okay sir?"

"Yes. It is." Artorius replied. "But remember this Descartes, my daughter has been hurt once before, and I would be grateful if you didn't let it happen again. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. I would never hurt her." Descartes says bowing to Maik's dad.

Artorius inclined his head. "Thank you. Good luck to you then."