Draven took the goblet of water and quickly started drinking it, thinking, Damnit! What the hell? I thought she was just asking if I like Hannah, not like like her! He said, "Mom, I think I'm still too young to get married, and she's also older than me," he thought, or am I way older than her? She might be twenty, but she still looks like a ten-year-old.
His mom said, "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." Draven thought, I guess, but I don't really care I'm not looking to get married anytime soon. He said, "But Mom, I think we're both still young. Isn't this a little too soon?
"His mom, with a smile, said, "And yet 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, 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, hearing what his father said and looking at him, thought, Damnit, old man! I thought you'd be on my side, but I didn't think you would go ahead and fuck me up like this! I guess I should have just refused from the start when it was brought up, but now refusing is not even an option.
Draven cleaned his mouth with a napkin, continuing his thought, But I guess it's not that bad. She looks beautiful, and in about a hundred years, she will turn into a fine woman. He looked at his mom, smiling, and said, "Alright, Mom, I agree to the engagement."
His mom said, "Oh, honey! That's wonderful news! I'm so glad you've made this decision. Let's all hope it turns out well, and Hannah agrees to the engagement as well."