[Stringfellows] Rhythm of the New-Born Day [Cezary]

The proposal would be a formality really. Well, to Corvus anyway. Girls tended to obsess more over these things, he supposed, so he was determined to do it right. Jana deserved that. In fact, she deserved far more than Corvus could offer and sometimes he really didn't understand why she was with him, but seeing as she was with him, he was going to treat her like a queen. His Queen.

They'd been together for over a year now, and Corvus had recently moved into the small apartment above Jana's florists. It was a situation that was a little odd though. Corvus was yet to meet Jana's family, though he'd heard a lot about both her brother and father. A lot that terrified him honestly. He thought, given the amount of practice he'd had working for his uncle, that he'd be experienced enough with intimidating traditionally-minded people to know how to handle this. In reality, though, he was clinging to Jana like a frightened kitten. Jana's father didn't even know they were dating yet. Jana had said that was for the best. That they should wait until Corvus was 'ready to propose'. Well, he was ready. He wasn't sure whether he was ready to meet the man and ask for his permission though. Even so, for Jana he was sure he would manage. He'd do anything for her.

The ring had to be perfect. Corvus had been saving since before he'd even met Jana, not really knowing what he was saving for. Now he was separating that money in his mind. Some for the ring, some for the wedding itself, some for a down-payment on a house. His parents could spare a little to help with the wedding and house, and Jana could probably help too... but the ring was for him to buy himself. With a little advice from his best man, of course.

Corvus glanced nervously over at Cezary. "I think she wears more silver than gold. Or perhaps it's white gold. White gold would be better for an engagement ring, wouldn't it?" He was babbling. This was out of his comfort zone. Just stepping foot in an unknown shop was a big ask for the young man that clung to habit and routine as if his life depended on it. Stringfellows had a reputation as the best, and that was what Corvus wanted. Not something just off of the rack which a hundred other witches would be wearing, but something personal. Something unique. Something that showed her how grateful he was for everything she did for him.

Of course he had no idea at all about jewelry, about what Jana would like or what the fashions were. He doubted Cezary did either, but at least the other man had already gone through this. Cezary's experience was a comfort to Corvus. "Maybe a coloured stone rather than a diamond... " His grey eyes surveyed the few pieces that were out on display, searching more for ideas than expecting to find something perfect. He already had come to the conclusion that he should order something bespoke. "That's pretty," he added, pointing to a white-gold ring with a deep blue diamond. "Do you think she'd like something like that?"

Cezary was very flattered that Corvus had liked and trusted him enough to ask him to help him pick out an engagement ring for his girlfriend. Really, it had been a very heartwarming gesture. He had missed Corvus, especially in recent months, and was really happy to see things with him and Jana progressing to the point where Corvus was ready to make this kind of commitment.

That said, he had no idea why the older man would think Cezary would be even remotely useful in this endeavor. Cezary knew Jana alright, but not nearly as much as Corvus knew her. He knew absolutely nothing about fashion, trends, or jewelry, however. He didn't even really pay attention to what his own wife wore. When looking for her ring, he chose what he found to be most visually appealing. He'd had no concept of what Moira would even be like when he had purchased the thing.

Since he could be of no actual help, he focused his attention, instead, on trying to keep Corvus calm. He was pretty sure Jana would love whatever Corvus picked out for her. She didn't seem like one of those prissy types that would be offended if he picked the “wrong” cut. She was relatively laid back and fairly old-fashioned when it came to things like this. Corvus was already making her dreams come true by proposing. She would see the ring as a promise, not an accessory. It would look like his love.

He put a hand on Corvus' shoulder as the man began to ramble nervously. He felt for him a little. Things had been much easier with Moira. He had been a little nervous to meet her, but that had been a different sensation all-together. She wouldn't refuse his offer. They were arranged. He had been scared that she would be an awful cow, and she had pleased him by not being any of the things he feared. He hadn't risked bruising his heart with a rejection the way Corvus was.

Cezary didn't really understand marriage in the way Corvus, and many other people did it. Marriage for love seemed, to him, stupid. Love couldn't possibly be as strong of a bond as duty. Emotions were fleeting, but expectations and reputation were not. A good  business partnership could, logically, provide things for a growing child that a passionate relationship couldn't. As he had learned with Dieter, emotions were messy. He would prefer to continue on without them.

He wanted to support his friend, though. If Corvus wanted this path, then Cezary would be beside him the whole way. He eyed the ring his friend suggested, carefully. It was very pretty. He thought it looked fine, but he wondered if Jana might prefer something more traditional.

“I think she likes the white gold.” He agreed, “but maybe something more traditional would be more her style?” He wondered.