[ There's a growing confidence to the way he handles the bird that almost has Vex cooing along with the owl, delighted. And familiarity too: for a man who has always preferred to craft and build, the handling of wildlife never seemed his forte. Yet here he is, almost at ease, save for the confusion of the situation. ]

It's lovely to meet you, Cordelia. [Trust Vex to have no problem with addressing another's companion, which the owl so clearly is. Even if she has no notion where the creature came from previously, she recognises the like.] ...She knows us, doesn't she? It's almost like you've been together a long time, isn't it?

[then a thought:] When we get home, [to Whitestone, to their friends and family, to their home] we really do need to have Cassandra clarify if that should be 'First House' now...

[ She wants the words to be casual, but she can't quite manage it, a shyness that rarely finds home with Vex'ahlia curving her mouth up at the corners. His wife. Her husband. She tips her head up at her husband, viewing him through her lashes, while warmth curls in her belly, still, at the simple fact of their marriage.

(It's not really elopement, is it, when you had to have the Guardian of Woven Stone sign off on it, on account of nobility. In exchange for Official Public Wedding nonsense during high summer. A ridiculous ceremony and excessive festivities, in exchange for the hand of this man for the rest of her days. Really, was the best deal Vex'ahlia's ever made.) ]