[color=lightgray][center][h1][color=AFDCE0]Count Landon Monet[/color] & [color=0072bc]Count Calbert Damien[/color][/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/UPaB895.png[/img]

[color=AFDCE0]Time:[/color] 11am
[color=AFDCE0]Location:[/color] Church of Sorian [/center]

[hr]

Landon Monet found himself sitting in a pew at the grand Sorian Church, flanked by his energetic eight-year-old twins,[url=https://i.imgur.com/1gnke9X.png]Fayette[/url] and [url=https://i.imgur.com/LiSUZtR.png]Beau[/url]. They were both abuzz with excitement about the event, their voices mingling with the soft hymns echoing. As they waited for the ceremony honoring King Edin to begin, the children’s chatter turned Landon's attention from his frustrations over his wife Melanie's absence to the lively imaginations of his offspring.

Today’s ceremony was to honor King Edin, but for the children, the church was a vast playground inspired by tales of the Caesonian gods.

[color=#FFD1DC]"Papa, Papa, do you think Zivitas is here with us right now?"[/color] Fayette's voice was sprightly as she clambered playfully over the pew in front of them.

Beau, not to be outdone in their little adventure, bounced eagerly on the cushions, nearly tumbling over as he joined in. [color=#E1F7D5]"And Papa, could Zivitas make me super strong? Strong enough to lift zis whole church!"[/color]

Landon sighed and told them with measured irritation, [color=AFDCE0] "Ah, mes petits monstres, if Zivitas saw you now, he might just send a little extra strength your way to keep you pinned to your seats!"[/color] 

Fayette paused in her pew climbing, her small head cocked to the side. [color=#FFD1DC]"But wouldn’t it be fun, Papa, to fly around the top of the church? I could race the birds!"[/color] Her eyes sparkled at the thought and she stood up on the pew, lifting her arms. 

Beau, inspired by his sister's daring words, added with a giggle as he too began to stand and wave his arms, [color=#E1F7D5]"I would catch the stars for you, Papa, and put them in my pockets!"[/color]

Landon, despite his best efforts, found the corners of his mouth twitching upwards. [color=AFDCE0]"Mon Dieu, keep your stars in the sky, Beau. And Fayette, no racing birds today, please. We are here to listen, not to fly, eh? Both of you sit. Now."[/color]

[color=#FFD1DC]"But Papa, it’s so boring to just sit!"[/color] Fayette protested, her voice a melodious whine as she finally settled back down, her brother following. [color=#FFD1DC]"We're in the land of the gods!"[/color]

[color=AFDCE0]" And to think,"[/color] Landon sighed, the fight going out of him as he watched his children’s theatrics with a fond exasperation, [color=AFDCE0]" your mama is missing all this fun. She is off getting painted by one of the most famous painters in all of Caesonia while I am here trying to wrangle two little creatures of mischief."[/color] 

He shook his head, mild amusement flickering across his features despite his best efforts to remain stern. [color=AFDCE0]"Let’s just try to keep our feet on the ground for today? Let’s listen to the stories of the gods and enjoy the ceremony. After all, we are here to honor King Edin and maybe enjoy some of that royal cheese afterward at The Royal Curd,"[/color] he added, the mention of food hopefully anchoring his lively children a bit.

Fayette's eyes widened at the mention of cheese, her previous thoughts of soaring high above momentarily forgotten. Her voice bubbled with excitement, [color=#FFD1DC]"Cheese? Royal cheese? Is it magical cheese, Papa?"[/color] Her imagination was already racing, conjuring visions of cheese that could make you fly or turn invisible.

Beau, equally intrigued and not to be outdone by his sister, chimed in energetically, his voice light, [color=#E1F7D5]"Does it taste like the stars? Or maybe like a cloud? I want to eat a cloud!"[/color] He giggled, imagining himself biting into a cheesy, delicious cloud.

Fayette clapped her hands in delight, [color=#FFD1DC]"I want to try every kind! Do you think they’ll have pink cheese? Or cheese that sparkles?"[/color] Though some nearby attendees glanced over with amused smiles at her innocent queries, Landon was beginning to look embarrassed as the children's voices loudly echoed through the church.

It was then a figure with long dark hair caught their gaze and Beau gasped, seeing him first. [color=0072bc]"Ah, what do we have here? Future cheese connoisseurs or perhaps little cheesemakers in the making?"[/color] Calbert's voice was smooth and engaging as he knelt down to be at eye level with the children. His smile was warm and inviting, instantly drawing the attention of both Fayette and Beau. He donned a meticulously tailored midnight blue frock coat. Beneath the coat, he wore a lighter gray double-breasted vest and white shirt. His trousers matched the coat, extending to polished black leather boots. Accessories included a gold pocket watch, simple gold cufflinks, and a light blue silk pocket square, all signifying his high class and impeccable taste.

As Calbert approached, Landon's posture subtly straightened in recognition of the respect he held for the man.

Landon extended his hand, [color=AFDCE0]"Count Damien, it is always a pleasure to see you. Thank you for coming over—it seems you've already captured the attention of my two monstres."[/color]

Calbert returned the handshake with a firm grip, a smile lighting up his features. [color=0072bc]" Count Monet, the pleasure is all mine. How could I resist such a lively audience?"[/color] He then turned to Fayette and Beau, who were already excited, their previous mischief temporarily forgotten.

Beau's eyes sparkled with anticipation, accustomed as he was to Calbert often bringing small gifts, [color=#E1F7D5]"Monsieur Calbert, did you bring something for us today?"[/color] he inquired, his voice tinged with hopeful excitement.

Fayette, equally eager and not wanting to be left out, joined in with her melodious voice rising in excitement, [color=#FFD1DC]"Do you have presents, Monsieur Calbert?"[/color]

Calbert chuckled, reaching into his coat pocket. Knowing the children were in town, he had picked up a few items for the two children as he always had. [color=0072bc]"Well, what kind of Count would I be if I came empty-handed?"[/color] He pulled out two small, beautifully wrapped packages, handing one to each child. [color=0072bc]"For our young master Beau, a miniature puzzle. And for our charming Miss Fayette, a little storybook to spark your imagination."[/color]

The children eagerly unwrapped their gifts, rooted to their seats. Landon watched this exchange, a smile of relief playing at the corners of his mouth.
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