Draven took the goblet of water and quickly started drinking.
*Damnit! What the hell? I thought she was just asking if I liked Hannah, not if I liked her like that!*
He put the goblet down and said, "Mom, I think I'm still too young to get married. And she's older than me, too."
*Or am I actually way older than her? She might be twenty, but she still looks like a ten-year-old.*
His mother smiled.
"My dear, in the eyes of the First Trees, what is a handful of years but a single breath in the span of our lives? Among elves, such a difference is nothing at all. We live for centuries. Trust me, honey, those few years will fade into insignificance before you've even truly begun your journey."
*I guess, but I don't really care. I'm not looking to get married anytime soon.*
"But Mom, I think we're both still young. Isn't this a little too soon?"
His mother smiled again.
"And yet, you're old enough to protest with such seriousness. No one's asking for a wedding tomorrow, honey. But these conversations start early among our people, not to hasten love, but to let it grow if it will. You have time."
His father joined in.
"You're both young. She's just a few years ahead of you, not lifetimes. In a century, you'll laugh at the thought that it mattered. Get to know her. That's what the engagement is for—not to wed you off, but to see if you two can walk the same path."
Draven looked at his father.
*Damnit, old man! I thought you'd be on my side here, but I didn't think you'd go ahead and fuck me over like this! I guess I should've refused from the start when this was brought up, but now refusing isn't even an option.*
Draven wiped his mouth with a napkin and continued thinking.
*But I guess it's not that bad. She's beautiful, and in about a hundred years, she'll turn into a fine woman.*
He looked at his mother with a smile.
"Alright, Mom. I agree to the engagement."
His mother beamed.
"Oh, honey! That's wonderful news! I'm so glad you've made this decision. Let's all hope it turns out well and that Hannah agrees to the engagement, too."