Did she just...hiss at a guy?
Valor's eyebrows raised, impressed, and he honestly couldn't have expected any less from her after the greeting she'd given him on day one. Add another thing to the list of things people would get to talk about later.
There would be more where that came from.
With a nod her way, Valor cleared his throat and strode forward. "Pari, you rascal!" he announced, and the blue-haired man jerked his head away from the lady he was currently kissing to flash a startled look Valor's way. He'd been drinking, from the flush in his face and the watery look to his eyes and it took an extra couple seconds before he recognized his friend. When he did, his eyes cleared a little and he broke out into a wide grin.
"Valor! Hi!" he said, waving. "Didja come to play, too? Oh, who's the lady? She's pretty--oh!" He laughed, rubbing his forehead. "That lady! No wonder she's so pretty, I pick good ones, huh? But why's she still all..." He waved at her manacles. "You big doofus, you''re s'pposed to take them off!"
"Oh gosh darnit, why didn't I think of that?" Valor gasped, pressing both hands to his face.
"Yeah, honestly, that's really kinda dumb--"
"Maaaybe it's because, I dunno...you still have the key?"
"Like how would you all even...wait. What?" Pari cocked his head, blinking dully.
"Yeah. You never gave me the key, Pari. And I just cannot have my bride getting married in slave chains! Can you imagine? Who does that?"
"I guess that would be kinda--huh?!"
Valor sighed, flashing Ka'lei a 'play along' sort of look before pulling her in close, one arm around her waist. "You really did give me a gift, Pari. The gift of true love! Now hand me the key so I might unchain her body just as I unchained her heart!"
Pari had gone quiet, as had the ladies on his arms, and several people standing nearby had also trailed off in their conversations to eavesdrop. For a few long moments Pari seemed gobsmacked, his mouth hanging open, but finally the spell broke and he began to fish around for his coin purse.
"You're joking," he murmured, finally producing a silver key and holding it out for Valor to take. Valor snatched it and flinched, holding a hand to his heart.
"You dare question my love? My own best friend? You of all people? My dearest Pari?"
"Either that or I'm way super drunk."
"I'm just as surprised as you, honestly," Valor said, and passed the key off to Ka'lei. "Well! As much as I'd love to join you, my darling and I have much to do to prepare! But here--" He flicked a coin to Pari with a wink. "That girl's on me. Now then, darling, shall we?"
And he flashed a smile at Ka'lei, jerking his chin toward the door.