[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1064772112633569330/1157187672721326121/Royals_and_Nobles.png?ex=6517b280&is=65166100&hm=9d7d77bc035053b4798a31d4753eeb7e523b334dd39495e908f8fbba1cf31141&[/img][/center]
[color=792a31]Location:[/color] Tea Party—->Edge of Lovers Lake
[color=792a31]Time:[/color] Morning—-->Night
[color=792a31]Interactions:[/color][@Infinite Cosmos] Munir
[color=792a31]Mentions:[/color] [@ReusableSword] Roman

[hr]

Count Sebastian Blackwood, dressed in the finery befitting his station, had been enjoying the company of several lesser noble women at the tea party. His charismatic demeanor and penchant for witty banter made him a favorite among the ladies. He had been regaling them with tales of his travels and adventures, his eyes occasionally wandering around the garden, keeping an eye on his niece Mina as she mingled with the guests.

It was during one of his charming anecdotes that Hakim approached him, discreetly delivering a small folded note. Sebastian excused himself from the conversation with the ladies, his curiosity piqued. He unfolded the note and quickly scanned its contents.

A subtle furrow formed on his brow as he read Munir's message. It was not entirely unexpected, given their last encounter, but Sebastian knew that addressing this matter was necessary. Besides, it was best to handle this discreetly.

Sebastian penned a brief reply, carefully choosing his words. The message read:

[color=792A31][i]Prince Munir,

I shall honor your request. Let us meet after the Summer Solstice celebration tonight. Come and join us for our celebration, I feel you’ll find it rather interesting. After it is complete I will find you and we can step aside to talk. Until then, enjoy the festivities.

Count Sebastian Blackwood[/i][/color]

He sealed the note and handed it back to the servant, instructing them to deliver it to Munir. With that done, he returned to the group of noblewomen, his charm and wit undiminished, though his thoughts now turned toward the upcoming meeting and how best to handle it.

[hr]

[h3][b][i]Later that evening…[/i][/b][/h3]

Count Sebastian Blackwood stood amidst the tranquil, forested setting chosen for the Summer Solstice celebration. The scent of pine and earth hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of burning wood from the small fires scattered around the gathering site. Dressed in black leather pants that clung to his lithe form, he stood shirtless, revealing the intricate designs of black ink that adorned his skin, symbolizing wisdom and transformation. The rays of the setting sun played upon these markings, causing them to glisten with an otherworldly quality.

Adorning his left shoulder was a pauldron crafted from an array of raven feathers, each one shimmering with dark iridescence. These feathers rustled softly with his every movement, giving him an ethereal air, like the spirit of a raven given human form.

On his face, he wore a dark wooden mask intricately carved to resemble a hauntingly beautiful raven. The mask's ebony eyes seemed to gleam with an uncanny intelligence, and its beak held a mystic quality, suggesting a connection to the spirit of this enigmatic bird. The mask concealed his features, adding an aura of mystery and reverence to his appearance.

His bare feet pressed lightly into the forest floor, connecting him to the earth beneath. The leather pants he wore were practical for the occasion, allowing for ease of movement as he prepared to play the hauntingly beautiful melodies of the northern territories. He adjusted the raven mask on his face and the feathered pauldron on his shoulder, ensuring they were secure as he glanced around, taking in the preparations for the ceremony.

Amidst the murmurs of the gathered crowd, Sebastian's keen eyes flickered across the attendees. As Roman spoke, explaining the rules and the events that would unfold that night, Sebastian's gaze shifted purposefully, his curiosity piqued by the absence of one particular individual. He scanned the faces, his eyes narrowing slightly as he searched for any sign of Munir, the enigmatic man who had been intertwined with his beloved niece…in more ways than he wished to acknowledge.

He wondered if Munir would muster the courage to attend such a deeply traditional and spiritual event. The Summer Solstice celebration was a far cry from the grand balls and political meetings of the court, a raw and ancient communion with nature that might not align with Munir's usual circles. Yet, there was an inkling of hope within Sebastian that perhaps Munir would show up, that he might find solace in the embrace of nature, away from the constraints of noble life. Perhaps he could prove he was more than the impression he’d left on Sebastian.

As the sunlight waned, casting long shadows across the forest floor, his eyes continued their search, lingering on the faces of the crowd. Whether Munir appeared or not, tonight's ceremony was a chance for everyone present to step away from their titles and roles, to embrace the primal connection between man and the earth. He also searched for his niece whom he’d left to finish getting ready for the night, an ever present worry gripping at him when she wasn’t near as of the last few days.