The night is hot and sticky in the way that only midsummer nights can be. Fortunately the house has the technology to counteract that particular brand of torture, leaving Era and her soon-to-be-husband's free to curl up together in comfort. They do just that, blankets strewn haphazardly around their legs as they lay in bed, soaking in each other's company.

Era's emotions have been a whirlpool in recent days, fueled by thoughts of their future together. Wedding planning is overwhelming, but it will make so many people happy, and offers more variety the monotony of her current day-to-day life. Ardbert's involvement certainly makes things more than tolerable, if not easier.

She has only given the occasional thought to what lay before them after marriage. Ardbert would never expect her to be a homemaker instead of a warrior, but there are other expectations he may carry, whether consciously or not. It wouldn't be fair to be his wife if he isn't fully aware of what that entails—or, in this case, what it never will.

"...Ardbert, are you awake?"

Era knows he isn't asleep, but she doesn't know if he's awake enough for a conversation.