The hubbub of conversation droned on like an insect swarm inside the chamber.
Alden barely paid it any mind, focused on his food.
His expression softened as an explosion of flavour burst in his mouth.
He unconsciously relaxed, unaware he had been so tense.
He raised his goblet, filled with a fruit punch common in the Territory of Ice. The reason Alden forewent alcohol was because he did not really like to drink, finding no pleasure in the act of inebriation. He had seen Alistair passed out too many times from excessive drinking to have any real desire to do the same.
…Alden also very much liked having his wits about him.
The irresponsibility of doing the opposite aside - getting drunk in the middle of an official event was not wise, especially considering he was surrounded by many scheming vipers that would do anything to prove Morrigan had chosen wrong - Alden wasn't sure if someone had laced the mead with something.
