[The warmth of her hand against his comes as a surprise. He's about to ask her what she's doing, when...she turns the same question against him. Tugging his hand back, he finds that the girl's hand comes along with it. Flexing his fingers does nothing to untangle them from hers. His brow furrows in bewilderment.]
I'm not doing anything! My hand is stuck like this.
[Glancing around the shade of the tree, Matthias realizes that they are not alone in this predicament. They are surrounded by couples clasping hands over the ribbons they had tied to the branches. The difference, though, is that nobody else seems bothered by it. He catches smiles and warm countenances, shy glances and soft tones as people get to know their partner.]
no subject
I'm not doing anything! My hand is stuck like this.
[Glancing around the shade of the tree, Matthias realizes that they are not alone in this predicament. They are surrounded by couples clasping hands over the ribbons they had tied to the branches. The difference, though, is that nobody else seems bothered by it. He catches smiles and warm countenances, shy glances and soft tones as people get to know their partner.]
What did you say this ceremony was about?
[There is an edge to his voice now.]