Ives looked down at the little creature in his arms, which had reached out at his chest with its tiny paws. He stared at it affectionately before turning his attention back up to Rook again, trying to hide the fact that he indeed had a strong desire to keep him... or her. Ives couldn't really tell at the moment. "I suppose so," he smiled, as if it were the only thing that would be sufficient, for they couldn't leave the kitten to starve and without its mother. Truthfully he did wish to keep it, as it would be a nice little addition to the library he supposed. His eyes traveled down to it as Rook petted its head, indeed he had a strange way of showing his affections. Soon his eyes made their way back up to him, though, what would they do now? Go back inside and continue to hold the kitten in his arms as he had? As Ives begun to think the cat continued to mew, paws moving up and down in the air. He smiled tenderly. The kitten was probably hungry at least. Although he didn't know what sort of food it could have. Perhaps Rook would know better. "Should we... eat out here?" he asked him, not really sure on what to do. Perhaps Rook would rather go inside where it was warmer, however Ives wouldn't mind eating out here on the bench in the moonlight. It was pretty picturesque, and romantic in a way. And different for a change. He knew that Rook most likely didn't wish to be inside there with all those stuck up people.

Ives held the kitten as he watched Rook disappear back into the dining area, to return with both of their plates. He sat down on the bench as he settled, the little kitten purring as it moved from his arms and onto his lap, walking onto the surface of the bench as well. Its tail moved from side to side as its eyes curiously looked at the food in which the dishes were held in his hands. Ives took the shrimp from him as he then placed it carefully into the critter's mouth, the kitten more gnawing on it than actually seemed to be eating. But still, it then eventually gobbled the thing up, meowing for more. Ives looked over to Rook and took a goblet as well, raising it into the air before taking a sip of his own. He looked down at the creature, and then Rook had spoken. "Well, I guess I never really had considered myself one either. But you know how it is, our connection to animals are greater than most," he explained, continuing to look down as he stroked the kitten's head once more, then blue eyes averting back up to him. Indeed, Rook had looked so different now under the moonlight, long straightened hair shimmering within it. He never noticed how quiet it was, how they were at peace. It was unreal really. One moment he was worrying about where Rook had been yet here, now, he was sitting right next to him. Such presence making him nearly forget all of his troubles, that he wouldn't have to worry about him leaving again. Even the plant was far from his mind.

The plate sat beside him, however then he moved it over to the side, letting the kitten paw at it a little before taking a few nibbles out of the stringy greens. He set the plate down for it to eat, and it continued to do so as it searched for more interesting food. He smiled at it contentedly, before turning to Rook again. "I guess you're right," he said, agreeing with the fact. They couldn't bring it inside, and there were the elven houses that were made for guests. It was a good idea. Perhaps then the two can spend some more time together alone, away from this mass of crowd mingling with other races as if they were equals. It would make the night more enjoyable. Standing he took the plate and goblet, the kitten still sitting in the center of the bowl as it munched happily on whatever seafood it had in its mouth. "I think the cottages are over there," he nudged with his head, toward the other part of the garden near the other side of the castle of where the ball was taking place. The elf houses were set up beside the ballroom, lined between the tall trees although secluded enough for privacy. He didn't know how it worked if they just could take any vacant one or would have to reserve one. Though, they could find that out when they got there.

Ives had brought the kitten inside, looking around at the cabin that they were assigned to. Now this was much better, he thought. It smelled less of other races, the familiarity of the elven architecture made him pleased. His eyes averted side to side, walking along the wooden floor as he looked at the large bed, next to it a window that stared out into the dark green trees of the night. It was truly refreshing, especially to be away from the crowd. He wouldn't mind staying here for the rest of the night. Though, he wasn't sure if the Council would be expecting him to make himself present at the final dance. If it were up to him, he would much rather stay here. Here with Rook, and what now appeared to be their cat. He placed the little fur ball down onto the bed, which then began to paw along the fabric as it crawled and walked upon it. Flipping it over Ives sat on the bed, smiling as he rubbed its stomach. Its eyes closed in pleasure, purring gladly as he caressed it. He then looked back at Rook, who stood upon the wall, asking what they should name it. Looking back down, Ives looked at it further. Was it even a boy, or a girl...?

Looking between its legs Ives pulled his face back as he flipped over the happy kitten onto its fours again. Yes, it was definitely a boy. The kitten then continued to wander about, walking along the bed sheet as Ives looked back to Rook. "I'm not sure..." he said, but at least now he knew what gender it was. It would be made much easier. Crossing his legs whilst sitting on the bed, he tried to think of a suitable name. Of course, Ives never had any pets before, so he had no experience in names. A hand then rested on his chin, continuing to think deep in thought while the kitten nearly wandered off the bed, turning around luckily in its path. What was a fitting name for it...?

How'd they find it? Here at the ball. Starving. No that was a bad name. That wasn't even a name to begin with. As he thought and continued to think, he then came up with a few ideas. "Lucky. Moonbeam. Pocket. Nibbles...?" he looked up at him. Those were all bad he was pretty sure, but that's all he could come up with. For a cat, that was. "Don't you have any suggestions?" he then asked, knowing that he should have some as well.

He looked as Rook plopped himself onto the bed, laying down as Ives continued to sit there. He scooped up the little kitten into his hands, petting his head as he then set it back down to walk freely on the bed. His gaze then averted to the wooden wall, toward the fireplace that stood in front of the bed but was not in use. What Rook suggested had sounded like a good idea. "Page... I like that," he said in thought. He hadn't had any pets either, though in books they had some odd names like the ones that he suggested. Sometimes they had symbolic meanings and whatnot, however he wouldn't have known to name a kitten of his own. Though he was right, he was going to be the Lore Keeper's cat after all. Though in his mind he was both of theirs, not just his. His attention then turned back to him as he spoke something off. Ives looked at him confusedly as he leaned on one arm, his back leaning backward slightly as he twisted his torso to face him.

What he said just then had been a little concerning. Though what could it be that he had lied about? That Ives couldn't forgive him? He tried to think about what he could be meaning, was it about the plant? Siofra? He then sat up a little as his eyes showed his anxiety, carefully focused on him. Was this about when he had gone from him for so long? But what did he mean? What was he going to lie about? Hopefully it was something trivial. But since it was Rook... that was something he rarely spoke about. And they were alone now, which made it all the more concerning. If it were Larkin he wouldn't have to worry that much, however... this was Rook. Not only that, but he cared about him. He then tried to make himself more comfortable as he leaned over again as well, hopefully trying to look more relaxed to hide his worry.

"What is it?" he asked. Even the kitten seemed to look up at him curiously, its tail swishing back and forth impatiently.

Ives continued to listen closely, paying attention as the man spoke. The day that he had said that he would be back in the morning...? Indeed, Ives had thought that he would have kept true to his word, for they had something after all, that he had slept there the days prior going into battle. Yet, had hadn't. He hadn't returned back to the library since the day he was under the influence of the almoner. But, as he continued to hear what he was saying, he couldn't control the shocked expression on his face when Rook had said he had slept with someone else. After he spoke of the almoner, Ives looked downward, at the bedsheets they so rested on. It was a lot to take in for him, however he was probably more confused to hear of the fact. What was it he couldn't remember? Why couldn't he? And why was he telling him this? His eyes then averted up back at him again when he continued to speak, knowing that he was speaking of the cold, harsh truth which were them. When he was done talking the Lore Keeper was silent for a moment, his eyes looking down yet again as he rose from his position on the bed, now sitting at the foot of it as he looked down at the floor. He didn't even notice the kitten that got pushed and now had crawled toward the pillows crying softly. He just... what did Rook do? He slept with someone? He wasn't sure if he was hearing him correctly. He knew how often Rook got angry with him. It wasn't as if they had the perfect relationship. Even as friends, they bickered on occasion. But with the plant, it just has gotten worse. Now this.

His head turned over his shoulder to look back at him. "Why?" he asked, a sad tone in his voice. Just now it was starting to sink in. He had really done it. He had slept with another. But he? So it was another man he had done it with. He had mentioned before that he had slept with people during the war, but they were mostly women. But he didn't know the reason as to why he was so angry which had led him to do it. But, Rook was letting him know. Probably because he cared. Cared about this... whatever they were. Ives remembered that before he tried asking him what they were, but... still, it was so disconcerting at the moment. If Rook had cared, why did he sleep out of anger in the first place? It wasn't making sense. But he had to try to reason with himself, not to get so caught up in emotions. Though in fact, he was probably more concerned about what was happening currently. Why was Rook telling him this now? And what had caused him to become angry? He then turned around, resting on the bed further as he looked at him directly. "I... I know that this may sound senseless, but what caused your anger?" he asked, eyes moved to the side as he spoke solemnly. He couldn't find himself to look at him. If... if it really happened. He had to think about it more. Though, eventually his eyes made his way back up to his, and if Rook's hand was close enough he would place his own upon it as he looked at him closer. With concern, and perhaps with a look of understanding. But the hurt in his eyes was also evident.

"I don't know what we are. But, since we are here together now, and alive..." his eyes trailed away again, his hand moving back to the sheet. His gaze met the cat, which found himself resting comfortably on one of the pillows. It curled up into a ball, his sleepy eyes taking long blinks. Ives had thought about this for a while now, ever since Rook had gone hunting for the plant. If he came back alive, now they had a future. Sure, the almoner might try to spread rumors of him having an affair with Rook. But, that was not his concern. His attention moved back to him, the pain even greater on his face.

"We should..."

He couldn't bring himself to say it. It was a foolish thing to say. Not when Larkin was missing. He was still needed at the library. The elves needed a Lore Keeper. They could not just take off into the wilderness never to be heard of again. Such was a hopeless lie. Pulling himself away, Ives looked downward again dejectedly. "Nothing. Forget I said anything," he said promptly, eyes turning to him again with dolor. He then stood from the bed, getting up in hopes Rook would drop any questions he had. Moving toward the small round table that sat at the other side of the room that stood before the starry view of the forest, Ives had his back facing him, placing two hands on the wooden surface as he breathed. Turning around abruptly he looked at him again.

"Aren't I a mistake Rook?" he asked, smiling with sadness. Moonlight reflected off his features within the light blue hues from the outside.

Ives didn't quite understand what he had meant. Though, he listened carefully to Rook's reasoning. Pushing him back out there to chase the plant again, indeed he didn't consider that. But it had been true. Ever since Rook came back home, it didn't feel like, like it was over. That there would be the danger still out there that would threaten their future again. And although Rook was not infected anymore, Ives was. And that bothered him. What if one day he just lashed out at him? The plant taking over his mind? Or perhaps it already had? Though it was unsettling how he had no signs of infection. He didn't assume that the plant had just disappeared from his body so. But then why? It wasn't a question he could easily find the answer to. He wanted to look to the future. He really wanted to. But, with him infected, and the danger still out there, it seemed futile. But he didn't doubt Rook's ability. He had done the best he could. And Rook was strong, powerful. Probably more so than any other soldier had. Not many had such dangerous flames as he did. And before Rook had tried to push him away for that very reason. The reasoning of hurting him. Perhaps now was an example of that. Of what he could do. He had hurt him, even intentionally. Yet... Ives couldn't bring himself to hate him. To despise him. To push him away and never forgive him. To never see Rook again. That... that would bring him more pain into his chest. They had been through so much together, even as friends. But now, he understood why. That he had said something hurtful. Though, with Rook, many words were considered hurtful. Maybe Ives should just watch his mouth more often. For hurting Rook in that way... he was truly regretful. He was sorry.

But the Lore Keeper could not speak, as he looked up at him again when Rook had already gone toward him, squeezing his shoulder and looking at him directly in his eye, eyes of possessiveness. Yet Ives did not pick up on that. Instead, he just looked into those familiar blue orbs, as he had seen them so many times. Perhaps it was the look of surprise that was in Ives' face. His eyes were slightly widened as he looked up at him upon hearing those words. His whole life... he was Lore Keeper. It was his destiny, to become the keeper of lore then die. He didn't expect any of this. He didn't even expect to find love, or even friendship. One that had promised a cure. This was a mistake. All of it. Rook could easily find someone else, like the very one he slept with. Not one who was doomed to die. One that had such a tough outer layer of a shell yet was so weak within. One could say Ives hid behind the knowledge that he very well kept. Behind all that prim and properness, was a very ill, weak-willed elf. He couldn't even properly wield a blade. Nor did he have any experience in bed. But Rook, Rook was the only one who had seen those weaknesses. Yet, now, here he was saying that Ives was one of the few choices that wasn't a mistake. It made him feel... His features softened, a hand reaching the one that grazed his cheek as he held onto it tenderly. Gently he brought it down as he pulled away, downcast eyes looking toward the ground solemnly. He moved back, toward the table, sitting on its ledge as he continued to look downward and to the side. After a few breaths it was then he decided to speak.

"Yes," he said, a low and serious tone. But, now that they were... together. If Rook wished for them to continue to be like this, they had to make it work. They couldn't make any more mistakes with each other ever again. Ives... he wanted to run away with him. Run away from everything. The plant. Being Lore Keeper. Everything. All responsibility that prevented them from closeness. Yet, Larkin was still missing. That was the sole reason he hesitated. But, if he wasn't a mistake. He couldn't let himself be weak. He didn't want to see Rook go away ever again. All those days of worrying, they pained him. But now this. "Do not do that ever again."

After a long moment of silence, his head turned back to him, perhaps with a more sullen look with a tinge of regret. "Rook... I am sorry," he spoke. "For what I said." He moved closer, gently getting off the table as he stepped toward him. "But, I never did think of pushing you back out there. I want to be here with you. It's just that..." he looked down for a moment, but then back toward him. "I'm still infected." He didn't know if Rook still knew that, but Ives felt it in his gut. He didn't want to turn against him. And what if the danger spread? If all the lives of elves were at stake. They would be away from it all. Even right now, here at this ball, was something Ives could not have even imagined. Wherever the plant was, it was lurking somewhere. He felt that it was just... waiting. "And that had bothered me." But his eyes then looked at him with determination. "But not anymore." It was a lie, perhaps, but something to not let him know that it still worried him. Marching closer he stood right before him, gazing up at him bravely. "I would rather think of you. Anything. I don't want to think about that plant any longer. I want us to be together. Rook..." He was about to say it again, but he refrained. He had to know that there was someone that was going to take care of the library. And was this an appropriate time and place to say it? Right after Rook had just told him that he cheated on him. Yet, there were still so many things they had yet to discuss. "I love you," he decided to say instead, but those words were true all nonetheless. Wrapping his arms around him he drew him into a hug, one that was rare for the Lore Keeper to do. He didn't know if Rook would reciprocate it or not, or even if he could understand his words. Or the feeling behind them.

After the long hug Ives drew back, smiling slightly. Perhaps now everything right would be set into place. Maybe now they can enjoy themselves a little better. Everything seemed lighter off their chests perhaps. Moving toward the bed, Ives settled down upon it once more. The kitten was still resting upon the pillow, its little tiny chest moving up and down as it slept. Still Ives looked up at him, wondering if Rook would follow to the bed as he then rested his head on his hand, moving his legs up onto the bed as he laid down. Now, there was something he was curious about. Something Rook had to answer now that he had told him about it and Ives had forgiven him. "So..." he started, his voice now lighter than it had been before. "Who was the one that you had slept with?" his tone had a tint of jest to it. Perhaps the Lore Keeper had been more bothered by the fact that Rook had troubles with their relationship, not entirely the fact that he had slept with someone. As Ives knew before, he was much more experienced than he. He had slept with many during the war and Ives never had slept with anyone else his whole life. It was something that he had to come to terms with a while ago. Rook would always hold that over him. So it wasn't too much of a surprise that he had slept with someone out of anger. Or maybe it was because Ives felt better now after the whole situation. Either way, his expression had an amused look to it, as he anticipated Rook's answer, wondering who was lucky enough to have him.