The dusky brown tunic might not have been enough, he thought as he looked around at how everyone was dressed. But, it was the only outfit he could get to fit securely without falling down. He’d already put on a few more pounds, trying to focus more on the weight gain before he went right back to training. Mostly because he didn’t want to train himself sick like he did last time. But those were thoughts for another night. Tonight, he had to wrap up his insecurities and stuff them down because there was no place for them here. Not in the laughter that seemed to hum around him, not in the conversations that were shared over their drinks, and certainly not in the music as people’s heels clicked across the floor in a unique rhythm.

With how much he had been splitting his time between The Castle and The Stone Dragon he was deeply thankful to have everyone under the same roof for once. Olive either was here already, or would be here soon. He stood in the frame of one of the doorways, with a fancy glass of water clutched in one hand. He nodded at a few people he recognized in greeting, smiled, and raised his glass with them. There was nothing strained about it tonight and the moments he did spend alone weren’t as uncomfortable as they could have been. He found small glimpses of joy in those moments. A sneak peak into the past at a younger Grayson who had never been uncomfortable in a crowd and could speak to anyone with ease. In a way, that Grayson was slowly resurfacing, the pain was no longer dull or longing, and he felt more like himself for the first time in a long time. He felt more like the person he was supposed to be without all the baggage.

Besides, he had so much to look forward to, a future he hadn’t thought possible and it kept him waking up every morning eager for the day to begin. He had Olive, he had a child on the way, he had a family they had created, he had Tristan and the coronation was proof that everything was moving into the direction it should be. Even with the threat of Gwythr they still found time to be happy - he found time to be happy. That was enough, that was all he needed to feel fulfilled.

After successfully scanning all of the faces in the crowd for Olive and coming up with nothing, Grayson decided it was time to try outside. Perhaps she was catching up with someone, or was just arriving. He felt a buzzing nervousness begin to slide over his skin. Just the mere thought of her sent his whole body into a thundering frenzy. As he turned to leave out the door the body of someone else bumped into him, his own empty glass fumbled in his hand but didn’t fall to the floor. He didn’t look at her at first, and quickly placed his glass on a nearby table as he muttered, “Sorry, sorry.” under his breath. When he turned to face her he felt his heart leap, he’d hoped it had been Olive, both of them bumping into each other would be something they would do. But, it wasn’t and his heart slowed even as he reached for the woman’s elbow, “It’s okay, I wasn’t paying much attention either so let me apologize.” He noticed the glass in her hand, which was now empty, a few droplets slipping down the rim and the rest of the contents spread across the floor. Thankfully it had missed him, and everyone else. He didn’t know if he even had another outfit to replace the one he was currently wearing.

The girl's earthy brown eyes reached him and he smiled with that signature tawny boy crooked smile, “I’m sure there are plenty of people who’ve had more, although I haven’t seen anyone throwing up in the garden yet so there is still time.” He chuckled lightly. Grayson wasn’t a drinker, he tried to partake once but found the taste was something he couldn’t get over. So he kept away and often tended to those who had too much to drink, which was a rather thankless job.

He paused for a moment, realizing that he’d never seen this woman before and tried to study her face. Although, with the amount of refugees that were coming in there were bound to be a few faces he might not recognize. “I’ll go get something to clean this up with, we don’t want anyone slipping, would you like me to get another glass for you while I'm at it? It's the least I could do for being so clumsy.” He smiled again, Olive may have to forgive him for not finding her sooner, but she’d understand. It wouldn’t be like Grayson to walk away from a mess he created.