Lasulahn chuckles at that, and hides his smile in his cup. "I've heard quite enough from Maryden, talented as she is. It's very strange to hear." He glances up at the pat on his shoulder, and his smile softens into something warmer.

"Right. Difficult to keep that in mind sometimes."

"Ah?" His eyes widen in surprise. Attending a ball at the Winter Palace was quite different than offering to follow Lasulahn around. "I suppose if anyone knows what they're getting themselves into with that sort of offer, it would be you, wouldn't it?" He fidgets nervously with his cup, leaning forward in his earnestness. "Is that really alright? Do you really not mind going back to that sort of lifestyle?"