miraxselwyn

[miraxselwyn]

Mira sat down, pulling her legs up onto the seat as she seemingly curled up into herself. She ran her fingers back through her tangled hair, trying to decide how to go about confiding in Alara about all that had been going on. It was almost as bad as having to tell Anthony the truth about what she’d done, the person she’d become. Would her sister react the same way? She had to accept the fact that Alara may not be able to forgive her. But she had to tell her, she deserved the truth after all.

“Emir and I….we kept some things from you.” She started, glancing up at Alara she offered her a small sad smile. “Wanted to protect you more than anything, let you make your own decisions. By now I doubt it surprises you to know that if our family chose sides in this war it would be the Dark Lords. Family purity and strong, pure bloodlines and all of that.” Not that Alara needed the reminder, it was the reason she had left after all. She hesitated a moment before she spoke again, her eyes meeting Alara’s. “I thought I was doing the right thing by joining the Death Eaters. And when they asked me to join the Order as a spy, I agreed.” There was shame in her voice, impossible to hide. “It seemed simple enough, feed the order false information, take valuable information back for the Dark Lord.”

She shook her head, looking down at her hands. “It was easy enough at first. I remained detached, I did what I was meant to and nothing more.” She looked up. “But the more time I spent with the Order the more I began to question things. Anthony made me question everything. I didn’t want to get attached or involved. Damn Anthony for his charm and persistence…” her voice broke a little and she looked down once more. “I knew what I was doing was wrong, that I was on the wrong side of things.” She looked up once more, teary eyes meeting her sisters. “I never hurt anyone or killed anyone, but I know that what I did, the information I shared caused it. And I’ll never forgive myself for any of it.”

“I had to make it right. So I went to the Order and told them everything, prepared for whatever fate they would have chose. But they’ve given me an opportunity to show my loyalty, I’ve now gone to spying on the Death Eaters, playing them as I once played the order.” She explained. “I told Anthony everything, I had to.” Tears began to well once more and she shook her head. “I never meant to fall in love with him, and now I have and he’ll never forgive me. And now I’m pregnant…” A small sob fell from her lips, her head dropping as her hands went to her stomach. “I’ve ruined every good thing I have. I’ve been so damn foolish and blind.”

It didn’t take much for Alara to know something was wrong with Mira. Maybe time had stretched the space between them, but that didn’t matter. She was still her sister. And Alara could always tell. She kept her eyes on her, watching for the smallest sign, anything that might slip through the cracks.

“Are you sure?” The question came out softer than she expected, uncertain. She wanted to believe her. But something didn’t sit right. She could feel it. “Oh…” Her thoughts picking up speed as her heart thudded a little harder in her chest.

At the door, she left shoes and hung up her jacket without a word, carrying the takeout into the living room. She sat down, setting the bag aside, then looked up at Mira with a gentleness she didn’t have to think about. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice low, touched with quiet worry.

[miraxselwyn]

Mira laughed softly and waved away the words with a dismissive gesture. “You haven’t offended me, it takes far more than a suggestion to better my wardrobe to make that happen.” She assured her. “I don’t blame you for that, you’re meant to be enjoying your evening. Which is precisely why I should stop taking up all your time, I’m sure you have plenty others you need to see.” She smiled softly. “Go enjoy yourself, I’ll make sure to say bye before I leave.”

"I didn't mean to offend you. Style can always be elevated." Well apart from her own as that was perfect. "And now that I am back I got time to help you." In her mind she was doing Mira a favor. She was trying to be nice. "My parents did. I'll just try not to talk to him."

[miraxselwyn]

Mira hated to see him cry, she hated everything about this situation. But no matter how it hurt, no matter if he never forgave her; she had to tell him the truth. All she wanted to do was grovel, beg for forgiveness. Anything to see him smile and no longer see the tears or pain on his face that would no doubt be etched in her mind for eternity.

She couldn’t blame him for the harsh questions, ones she’d already asked herself. If it hadn’t been for Anthony would she have ever even cared or thought to leave the Death Eaters? To stop what she was doing? She was selfish, and she recognized that she had not been a good person. She could try to fix it, to do right going forward. But it would never forgive all she had done before. “I know.” She said weakly, wiping at her eyes as she looked up at him. “I know there is no excusing what I’ve done, the consequences of the information I’ve shared. I know it’s unforgivable.” She wasn’t playing the victim, didn’t expect sympathy. The witch had merely accepted the consequences of her decisions and what it meant for her.

“I understand if you don’t….I know I’ve ruined that trust.” Her throat felt constricted, her voice hoarse with emotion. She winced at the detached tone of his voice and shook her head. “It wasn’t about tying up loose ends. I wanted to prove that I meant what I said about changing, righting my wrongs even if it is impossible. The order could have turned me into the Ministry, shipped me off to Azkaban and I would have accepted it.”

This wasn’t how she had wanted to confess her feelings to him. She had never cared for anyone the way she loved Anthony, and she’d wanted the first time she told him to be perfect. No matter that she meant the words, now they would only come out false, laced with the poison of her actions and her past. If he even believed she meant it, she wouldn’t blame him if he thought her reaching for anything to make him forgive her.

At the question she sniffed, wiping at her eyes. “It was just meant to be a job, my duty to the cause. Don’t get attached, don’t get close to anyone. I was meant to go in and gather information, put in minimal effort and get out and report it back.” She shook her head. “I’ve always been the sort to prefer solitude, it seemed simple enough to stay detached as I always have and do whatever was necessary. But it got harder the longer I was involved, the more I came to know everyone. I was battling myself, everything I’d been taught and raised to believe…But I knew I couldn’t do it any longer.”

Even now, as Anthony felt that his world was crumbling out from underneath him. His chest felt tight at the sight of Mira crying in front of him, with every guttural sob he wanted to close the space between them. To bypass his own hurt to ensure she was alright. To sit beside her on the sofa, and let her cry it out. Perhaps if he was a better man, he would have done it. But his feet remained planted where they were, the back of his hand wiping at his cheeks.

Anthony considered members of The Order of The Phoenix to be his friends, and while he was not close with everybody, members of the organisation were good people. People on the right side of history, irregardless of upbringing, people who longed for good, who reaffirmed that everybody had a place in the wizarding world. People who welcomed Mira with open arms, blissfully unaware of her true intentions. He winced as Mira stated his name, swearing that she hadn't passed on any information about his sisters. His relief was muted by a hesitation that he hated, how could Anthony believe her?

"Was that all that they had to protect them? The fact that you wanted, in some sick sense, to do right by me? What about the others? People, who might I add, welcomed you." It had only been twenty minutes, and Anthony felt as though the life had been drained from him. A wave of exhaustion settling on his bones. His voice defeated, "How do you expect me to believe you?"

Anthony's eyes settled on her for a moment, as his tears stilled, trails left on his cheeks. Shaking his head as Mira discussed her plan with the Order. "I'm happy that you're back on track with the Order and tying up any loose ends." His tone dull.

This felt too big to ignore, this wasn't a small mistake. This was heartbreak with intent. Irregardless of Mira's reassurance, the pain in his chest, and the gutting betrayal only grew as words of love fell from her lips for the first time. No matter how persistent she was that this wasn't her plan, Mira had made her decision the moment she had reciprocated his efforts at the Flint wedding. Irregardless of falling in love, or feelings become involved, Mira had made the decision that she was content with Anthony Abbott being collateral damage of her espionage back in November. That was hardly a decision grounded in respect.

"What was the plan?"

[miraxselwyn]

Mira feigned outrage. "Oh so now it falls to me to help you grow a beard?" The look on her face quickly turned to one of amusement even as she shook her head. "Perhaps I like you the way you are." Though she was pretty sure it was evident by the way she looked at him that she did in fact like him exactly as he was. Her smile grew as he assured her that his sisters would have stories, eager to hear what sort of trouble the wizard across from her had got into in his younger years.

A laugh fell from her lips at the admission, her smile turning playful as she moved closer. "I'm afraid you may already come off that way." She teased. Though he would certainly not hear any complaints from her. There was no helping the way she turned towards him as he teased her with kisses, a pout beginning to form. Before she could respond his lips were on hers and she found herself leaning into the kiss. Her fingers slid back into his hair and only when they broke for air did she finally part from him, albeit not far. "Let's skip drinks?" Her eyes met his, lips quirking. "I'm ready to go."

[miraxselwyn]

Mira was relieved to see Agatha emotional as well, hoping to use it as a cover for why she was so emotional herself. She was truly happy for Agatha and Emir after all, she’d been rooting for the two of them for a long time. But her happiness for them was only the tip of one very emotional iceberg that she was currently battling. She laughed weakly and nodded, squeezing her hand in response. “Truly Agatha the wedding has been beautiful, it’s going to be impossible for anyone to top this.” No surprises there.

“Please don’t tell him that or you may make my brother’s ego unbearable.” She joked. “But if you need an excuse to slip away and get some alone time with him, just say the word and I’ll create a diversion for the two of you.” Surely everyone could manage without the happy couple for a little while. The witch smiled softly at the question and nodded. “We are, we work together at the hospital and we thought it may be safer to come together rather than either of us come alone. Although I fear I may owe him, my parents are dying to encourage a match and Emir has already attempted a speech.”

Glad that both their sisters were celebrating this special day with the couple, Agatha truly felt thankful for their warm presence, especially Mira's considering the tumultuous months she'd been having. She was aware of how hard Alara leaving had been on the younger witch, hoping things would look up for her too soon enough. The hug turned into an emotional one, pulling away with tears forming in her eyes just as she saw the witch's expression, both on the verge of tears. A happy grin on the bride's lips, she kept her hand holding the other's, squeezing as she spoke. "It's proving to be a very difficult task, I've got happy tears to spare." She joked softly. "I'm just over the clouds, couldn't be more happy with how beautiful everything's turned out and Merlin, you too. I chose the dress but you're the beauty wearing it." A compliment true as ever, she let out a small sigh. "He's my dream man too, I just hate how little time we've had for ourselves. I saw you came with a Mr. Avery, I assume you guys are friends?"

[miraxselwyn]

Mira laughed softly as he suggested she take a shift for him, though even the thought left her exhausted. Already she was juggling so many things, and now with the pregnancy, she worried how she may juggle everything. “I’m relieved to hear you call us evening, try to remember that when my parents corner you later.” She had no doubt that they would try if he’d avoided them this far. “Ahh that’s good. Although knowing how determined they are I fear they would see that as a perfect reason for us to marry. Similar passions and all that.” The witch pointed out. She did appreciate Beck coming with, if nothing else he kept her distracted and kept her from sitting and moping. She sighed and shook her head. “Emir means well, he just likes to play the protective older brother role.”

Beck was happy to help with whatever Mira needed as their ties were rooted in helping others. Maybe some good karma would come from it. Or at least a good night. Beck was going to come regardless so having a friend anchor him through it was only a plus. "Maybe you can take a shift or something to pay me back, but also, I think I owe you from a few months ago, so we can call it even." Beck smiled against the rim of his glass. If his parents were here, they would probably be doing the same thing, especially after his failed bethrothal. "Maybe we can tell them we burned out quickly when we realized the only time we see each other is at work and realized it couldn't work out. I have been avoiding your parents, but your brother tried to give a speech, but it turned into a short conversation. I'm having a good time regardless."

[miraxselwyn]

Mira should have known Alara would see right through the smile on her lips. She knew she was a mess, and she could only pretend for so long before it all came crumbling down. The moment Alara was inside, she shut the door behind her and locked it. She turned to watch her sister, pushing a loose lock of hair back from her face as she steeled herself for what she was sure was coming.

She let out a soft laugh at the fierceness in her sister's eyes, shaking her head. "Alara it's alright, I'm okay." She assured her. "No ones hurt me." She'd really only done it to herself. She glanced around the room before back to Alara, a soft sigh falling from her lips. "Let's sit...I have some things I want to tell you."

Alara paused in the doorway, eyes scanning her sister with growing unease. Something was off, and the feeling settled like a weight in her chest. “Mira…” she said softly, stepping inside without hesitation. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to see them talking and report back to the family. She didn't need a reason for them to turn their backs on Mira.

She set the food down on the table, kicked off her shoes, and shrugged out of her jacket. Then she turned, facing her sister with hands planted on her hips, worry etched into every line of her face. “What’s going on?” Her voice was firm but gentle, concern clear in her eyes. “Did someone hurt you? Because if they did, just say the word, I’ll handle it.”

No one messed with her family. The little she had left.

[miraxselwyn]

Mira didn't pull away, embracing Agatha as she blinked back tears, cherishing the moment. She was happy for Emir and Agatha, and she wanted nothing but the best for both of them. She only hoped that Agatha would be able to help Emir when Mira slipped away as Alara had. "It was about time!" She joked, a small laugh falling from her lips as she pulled back. "Don't cry, you're going to make me emotional." She blinked back more tears, thankful that she could use this situation as an excuse for why her emotions were a mess. "The dress is gorgeous but I believe I have you to thank for that." She'd had to do a little last minute adjustment but thankfully it fit and hid anything that might give away her current condition. "Of course I am, my brother finally married his dream girl. I'm just so happy for both of you."

Everything had been perfect and even better than she could have ever imagined. Even as she had planned every last detail, the witch still found herself surprised and enchanted as the day went by. It was a dream come true and most importantly shared with the people that mattered most. A warm smile growing on her lips instantly, she welcomed the hug with the purest of joys, holding Mira tightly for a moment too long before pulling away. Having her by their side on their special day had been a blessing, even as a tinge of sadness had managed to slip through at the absence of the younger Selwyn witch. "Oh darling, I am truly grateful to have you here. I can't believe it myself that we've finally tied the knot." Agatha exclaimed, eyes once again pooling with emotional tears. "You look gorgeous as well, the color suits you wonderfully. How are you, enjoying yourself?"

[miraxselwyn]

Mira set the glass on the table as she focused her attention on him. As he thanked her she smiled and shook her head. "No need to thank me, as I've said you saved me from what would have likely been endless speeches, and them trying to set me up with every available man here." She laughed weakly, brushing a curl back out of her face. "Oh they have, my parents are wondering how serious we are and when they can expect a proposal." She gave him a grim look. "Don't worry though, I talked them out of that. I hope my parents and brother haven't tried to give you any speeches?"

Beck had no intentions of going to the wedding with someone, but he was quietly relieved that he was with Mira. At least they knew each other well enough to turn it into a fun evening. He knew that it would be a good night regardless, but it was better than the picture of him sitting alone at a table or being stuck in boring conversations with the elders in society. Beck loathed events where they all gathered to whisper about other people, knowing that his family's reputation had too many pressure points to choose just one. "Of course, thanks for asking," he smiled, leaning back in his chair with the champagne that tasted good enough to be gold. "I know how that can be. Have they said anything?"

[miraxselwyn]

Mira's lips twitched at the tone of Rabastan's voice. She was pretty sure her parents had sounded much the same way about how long it had taken Emir. If it weren't for Agatha she doubted the two of them would have ever made it to the wedding. As he turned to face her she offered a smile, grateful that she'd become quite good at faking happy. At least for tonight it was necessary to try and hold it all together. "I'm glad to hear it. I saw Alecto making her rounds but haven't had a chance to say hello, I'll be sure to do so." It was best to be polite after all, keep up appearances.

She set her untouched glass of champagne on the table beside them before she turned her attention back to him. "They certainly do grow fast, have their own personalities too I imagine?" It was strange to be talking about his children, knowing now that she carried one herself. Without thinking her hand went to her stomach briefly before she caught herself, letting it drop once more. She shook her head. "It's nothing, I was only doing my duty. I'm glad that Alecto healed well and that the babies are alright. That's all that matters."

"Hasn't it?" Agreeing, he couldn't keep the mild judgement from his tone. It wasn't a cruel response; merely a factual recognition that he found lightly droll. He was genuinely surprised that they hadn't married earlier. But he knew that Emir had his own motivations, and it wasn't his business to think on it further.

"We're all well, thank you," he said, turning away from the happy couple to face Mira again. Looking her directly in the face, even he couldn't miss the faint, glossy sheen across her eyes. It was not like this witch to be moved by emotion, not even on such a happy occasion. He would not yet comment. "The twins are growing quickly. I'd say like weeds, but that would be rather cruel." He chuckled, amused by his own dark humour. His expression pacified a moment later, however. "I am grateful for your help that night, you know. I cannot imagine a life without my children in it."

[miraxselwyn]

Mira shook her head, looking down at her hands as she let Agatha speak. She knew the witch thought well of their family, but she also wasn't aware of the harsher side of what their family could be. She wondered if Agatha even knew what side of things Emir stood on. If she did then perhaps she would understand why Alara was so afraid of the consequences. "I don't think it's us that she's afraid would harm her. She knows Emir and I would never." It was unspoken that there were others however, who potentially would. "I'm trying to see things from her side. And I can understand how afraid she must have been at the possibility of having to tell our family. To tell them she was unhappy with her engagement? It wouldn't have gone over well."

She sighed, settling her head in her hands as she sought to fight off the impending headache. Perhaps she understood Alara's side more than the others because she was in the same predicament. Because she was about to make the same decisions for herself. And it was not because she thought Emir or Agatha were bad people. But because she knew with her views she would not be safe to remain where she was. That for her own safety and for the safety of those she cared about, she too would have to disappear. "It doesn't matter what I decide, someone will judge or hate me for my decision either way. This war is tearing people apart and families apart and it's exhausting. I'm exhausted. With all of this."

[miraxselwyn]

Mira arched an eyebrow. "I hadn't realized my style needed elevated Serra." She really wasn't offended, Serra had always been the type to say whatever she was thinking with no regard. And truth be told, Mira could care less about how her style came off to others. She had far too many other things going on. "Ah and why is he here? I'm assuming you didn't invite him? Your parents?"

"You should let me style you sometime. I could elevate your style. I would be really good at that." It sounded like fun, picking clothes for someone else and Mira was someone she liked so she wanted her to look good. "Plenty of people, you're right, but I heard that Malcolm's here.." She sighed. "I'm avoiding him."

[miraxselwyn]

"I'm just making sure." Mira was pretty sure that her family would all jump at the chance to have her date someone respectable of their choice. She didn't want any of that, especially when she already had so much going on. And at the end of the day there was one person she wanted, regardless if her family didn't accept him. There was no one but Anthony. "Oh I don't know. If I'd come alone they likely would have tried to arrange a marriage with someone here. Coming with Beck simply meant they thought it was time to start arranging my marriage to him." She shook her head. "They're certainly persistent."

Emir being himself and generally not the most observant person in any given room, he did not notice that anything was amiss with his sister, too focused on his own wedding. "I am aware of that." He nodded when she said they were just friends, Beck had said the same thing to him earlier. Still he was relieved that he was here with Mira so that he knew that Mira was in good hands and would get some reprieve from their parents. He wasn't surprised by her words, he'd been expecting just that. "And do you not agree that it would have gone much worse were you to come by yourself?"

[miraxselwyn]

Where: Blenheim Palace, Selwyn Wedding With: @slwagatha

Mira was a mess of emotions and truly doing her best to keep a smile on her lips instead of burst into tears. She was happy for Agatha and Emir, happy that they'd finally made it here and hoped nothing but the best for the both of them. But she couldn't help but think that this may be the last time she saw the two of them. She was barely holding it together. Seeing that Agatha had a moment free she slipped over to her, pulling her into a hug. "Congratulations. You finally got my brother here." She tried to joke, a smile on her lips as she pulled back to look at her. "You look gorgeous."

[miraxselwyn]

Once Mira began to speak there was no stopping the way the words began to tumble from her mouth. She struggled to so much as look at him, her eyes on her lap as she told him everything. She expected him to hate her, she would deserve it after all. She had kept things from him for so long, had tried to keep up the lies for far longer than she should have. She thought she wouldn't catch feelings, that it would just be fun and a nice distraction. What a fool she'd been. And now she'd ruined everything.

She flinched at the sound he made at her words, it was warranted. But she'd never heard a sound so cruel from him. He'd never been anything but kind and warm to her, her own personal sun that had brightened her life. She wasn't sure she could ever forgive herself for what she'd done to him. No matter how she tried to fix things going forward, it would forever weigh on her.

Her eyes lifted to watch him as he began to pace, blinking back further tears as she ignored the wave of nausea that threatened her. Her eyes widened at the question, the seeming accusation and she shook her head. "Anthony...I swear I didn't. I didn't tell him anything about that. I wouldn't have risked your sister like that." It was such a selfish, callous answer. Because at the end of the day while she may have never specifically mentioned Anthony or his sisters to the Death Eaters, she'd still put them and all other order members at risk on a regular basis with her decisions.

The sound that fell from her lips was a broken sob as he mentioned love, her heart clenching in her chest. She'd fallen in love with him too, and she'd denied it for so long. And now it was too late, if she said it to him she doubted he would even believe her. Tears streamed down her face as she returned her eyes to him and she shook her head. "I didn't want to come to you with empty words, I wanted to show you that I meant it. I was prepared for whatever the Order chose to do, whether they turned me in or not."

She wiped at her eyes futile, more tears continuing to fall. "I don't expect you to forgive me. I know I've done terrible unforgivable things." She breathed. "But I never pretended with you Anthony, it was real. Everything I said, everything I had with you was real for me, no matter how I tried to fight it." Her voice broke. "I didn't plan to fall in love with you."

It had all unravelled so fast, too fast for Anthony Abbott to comprehend.  It felt like mere seconds ago that he was joining his girlfriend on the couch, music humming faintly in the background, concerned for his girlfriend but with a faint hope that whatever it was, that they could work through it.  But as the conversation unraveled, as the thread continued to get pulled further and further, it was evident that the foundation between the pair which Anthony had believed was healthy, and stable, was nothing more than smoke and mirrors. 

As Anthony’s eyes flickered over Mira, analysing her facial expressions, her tears, the fidgeting.  Searching for the slightest flicker of a break, or ill-placed words, any sign that this was merely fiction and not fact.  Ultimately, a search that amounted to nothing. Unable to hold back a scoff as Mira spoke, a noise filled with cruelty.  A rare cruelty that Anthony had only directed at very few in moments of anger.  Would Anthony even have the ability to tell if she was lying? Clearly, the woman sitting beside him had gotten a thrill out of running rings around him for months.  The same woman who slept beside him, had dinner with him, and been his confidante for months. The beautiful, kind, and clever, Mira Selwyn who he had spent almost every moment with, or thinking about since November. Anthony’s heart sunk as he realised the role he had played in an act that he hadn’t been aware he was auditioning for.  A spy,  Anthony had been dating a death eater spy.  Anthony was in love with a Death Eater Spy. 

Did he even know her?  Or was it all an attempt to get more information? To present herself as a trusted figure within the Order,  Anthony and Rosmerta were respected within the ranks. Solid and dependable folk, that was who the Abbotts were.  Anthony had always tried to ignore prejudices about family names, too many people had been discounted simply due to their family ties, a last name wasn’t always an indicator of character.  That seemed to be an ideology placed upon the young man and his sisters from their parents. But clearly, Anthony had been a fool to trust a Selwyn.  

Rosmerta… Anthony’s heart stopped for a moment, a wave of sickness coming over him. “My friends...My sisters are involved in this…” Lifting himself off the couch, increasing the distance between the pair. A physical indicator of the trust between the pair, which was violently ripped apart at her admission.  Anthony begun to pace “Did you know that Rabastan Lestrange has been sniffing around The Three Broomsticks? Did you tell him about the safe house?” 

Anthony’s hands moved to his face, rubbing at it slowly. Trying to disguise any signs of the tears that had fallen down his cheeks.  A ridiculous attempt to ignore physical signs of his hurt, his anger, his heartbreak. “Never meant to lie to me? You’ve been lying to me for months, Mira.” His tone sharp. Heartbeat thundering in his ears as he spoke. 

“You spoke to them first?” His voice gutted, cracking as he spoke. The Order of the Phoenix had found out about this before him. His frustration only grew as Mira mentioned the wedding. "I changed everything for you? How do you expect me to believe that?" A pause, "You've allowed me to fall in love with you." A cold laugh escaped him, aghast. "Sorry, you've allowed me to fall in love with an idea of you, for months. And you expect me to forgive you because you've came to an agreement with the Order?"

"You wanted to be on the right side of things? Didn't you think that started with me?"

[miraxselwyn]

Mira was doing her best to maintain a smile, to enjoy herself. Nearly impossible when she felt like she was falling apart. So much had changed in such a short amount of time, and yet she was here attempting to keep her normal cool facade. She was happy for her brother of course. But there was that niggling thought that this could very well be one of the last times she got to see him. On top of a broken heart that left her feeling on the edge of tears constantly. A pregnancy that she had kept to herself, blessedly kept hidden in the dress she wore but leaving her feeling nauseous nevertheless.

She stood to the side, leaning against the wall and watching the festivities when Rabastan joined her. She forced a smile onto her lips as he offered her a glass, taking it and toying with it without taking a drink. "Rabastan. I am, thank you. I'm glad we finally made it here, I'm happy for Emir and Agatha. It's been a long time coming." She smiled fondly over at them where they were currently dancing, blinking back tears before she turned to look at him. "How are you and the family?"

Starter for: Mira Selwyn @miraxselwyn Where: Agatha Bulstrode & Emir Selwyn's wedding

Rabastan had not seen Mira since Alara's departure. Having offered allegiance and support to both remaining Selwyn siblings, he'd left them alone and had returned to his selfish occupations. He thought of nothing but the war and his family, as uncaring for others' misfortune as he was for society gossip. Their paths had barely crossed in other ways, either. He had not been injured and neither had they worked together significantly. Perhaps it was this absence that drew him to her now, noting something darker in her appearance but not caring enough to consider it. They were all tired, after all. No amount of relaxation and rest could erase it. The war took a heavy toll, but their sacrifices would be worth it in the end. It was a just cause.

Taking a champagne flute from a tray as it floated past, he joined her and smiled briefly, offering her the glass. "Hello, Mira. Are you well?" Sipping his own drink, he then pushed it onto a ledge and leaned idly against a pillar, observing her further. "Your brother seems happy. I'm pleased for him."

[miraxselwyn]

Mira couldn't help the laugh that fell from her lips at the confidence in Serra's voice. She may not have agreed with her at times, but she had to admire her confidence. "Mm well on occasion I have my moments." She mused, taking another drink of her champagne. "I'm sure you can survive for one evening. Plenty of people here that are dressed and up to your standards to keep you busy after all. Have your eyes on anyone?''

"I agree. My taste truly is impeccable, I am glad that someone recognises it. Although I'm not surprised that it's you." She gave her a rare genuine smile. Mira was very smart, perhaps the smartest of her three cousins. "Oh I would have, but my parents forbade me from kicking people out. Even if I feel that it does speak against everything I stand for to let this go.