[hider=The Falcon and the Wolf][color=lightgray][center][h1][color=D2691E]Farim[/color] & [color=ab274f]Wulfric[/color][/h1]
Date and Time: Sola 23rd, Early afternoon[/center][hr][hr]
Farim had made his way to Wulfric’s horse, and during the pause in conversation before Wulfric made his way out, admired the horse once more. The stallion seemed well kept after, healthy, and a proper specimen of equine capabilities. Farim had scarce the time to interact with horses outside of Munir’s pet horse back home, and he enjoyed the chance to meet or interact with friendly creatures. But before he got too lost in thought, he readied himself for the conversation he prepared to have with Wulfric. From what he knew of the man, the news he planned to share could be taken in great strides or with curt malcontent. For Farim’s sake, he silently prayed for the former.

At a stranger’s approach without his owner present, the horse shook its tail and mane, snorting as it stomped one hoof against the ground. However, the prince’s familiar voice soon carried over, [color=ab274f]“Calm, Tio.”[/color] The stallion obeyed, then softly nickered in greeting, and Wulfric untied it from its post. The prince turned to address Farim. [color=ab274f]“You said you wish to speak about something, but it may be better to relocate. The middle of the street is hardly an appropriate place,”[/color] he suggested. [color=ab274f]“Any preferences on whether we remain outdoors or retreat indoors?”[/color] He would offer his office and the park as candidates, though if the Shahzade had something else in mind, he’d lead them there instead.

Farim took note of the idea of relocating, and nodded in agreement. Truthfully, back home, most conversations truly did just happen out in the open, amongst busy and crowded streets even. But this was just another one of the “little things” that made the customs of each land unique. [color=D2691E]“Ah, my apologies then. I am happy to discuss where you may prefer. I am actually heading back to the guest house where my family is staying once we have concluded. We could talk there or if you prefer somewhere closer to your family home, perhaps?”[/color] His usual cheery demeanor persisted, an uncanny smile placed on his face as he poked and prodded at the man’s preferences. If they were to reconvene, inside would likely be best, but he did not want to impose a location on the older brother after already taking up a fair portion of his afternoon.

[color=ab274f]“The guest house is fine.”[/color] It didn’t seem that the prince cared one way or another as long as they weren’t loitering right in front of a restaurant. Thus, he led his steed by the rope while walking alongside the Shahzade in silence. It was a quick walk to the building, as even without consciously hurrying, Wulfric’s pace was rather brisk. Once again, he tied Tio outdoors, and left him to wait after offering a few pats. He then headed straight indoors. The servants they passed issued quiet, polite greetings, while Wulfric simply gestured for them to be at ease and continue on as they were. He strode the direction of the reading room, and found them a secluded, private nook to sit and speak in. When Farim was settled in as well, he motioned for him to say his piece, looking towards the man with politely curious expectation.

The walk was indeed quicker than Farim had anticipated, finding himself lost in the prospect of what to say. Word choice was important, and delivery even moreso. Farim made sure to give the help a proper greeting all the same, and dismiss any of their constant attempts to offer food, beverage, or assistance. As they found themselves within the reading room, Farim turned to face the man, arms crossed and for the first time a more intense expression. He still spoke with a friendly tone but the concentration and subject matter still carried that aura of respect that he was sure would be important.

[color=D2691E]“Since coming here, I must say your nation is a lovely one. I have met a few individuals already, and have already begun to get into the rhythm of this entire courting season.”[/color] Farim’s hand moved, palm now facing the ceiling, as he did a slight shrug. [color=D2691E]“As informal as it may be to speak so matter-of-factly. That is one of the larger reasons we are all gathered in such large numbers, after all. The prospect of finding a suitable partner and all, whether for personal or political reasons.”[/color] He met Wulfric’s gaze as he talked, not wanting to look away or show meekness at such a pivotal time.

[color=D2691E]“It is to my understanding that when one is to…express interest in such a person it is customary to inform the eldest male figures of the family of such a thing. That is why, out of both respect and to clear any form of suspicion or curiosity, I wish to speak my intentions plainly so that you may either rest easy or double down on that ‘overprotectiveness’ that you mentioned from earlier.”[/color] He smiled slightly, still wanting to throw in some form of casual lighthearted conversation to hopefully ease the tension that he could feel building.

Wulfric gazed on impassively as Farim began talking, crossing one leg over the other. [color=ab274f]“So, you wish to court my sister,”[/color] he summarized. He observed the man, his piercing, cool gray-blue irises giving the impression of seeing through all. Informing him first rather than Edin was a good call on Farim’s part. That he’d approached this so formally was another point in his favour. After a tension-filled moment, the prince nodded once. 

[color=ab274f]“I believe you are serious in your intent, so I have no issues with you attempting it.”[/color] He steepled his hands together comfortably in his lap. [color=ab274f]“This might strike you as strange coming from me, but my sister is not your typical princess.”[/color] He imagined Farim knew that much, though he wondered if he was aware of the extent of her peculiarities. 

[color=ab274f]“If - and only when - you manage to earn [i]her[/i] favour and her serious consideration of you as a potential partner will you have any hope for the courting process…perhaps even marriage.[/color] Anastasia wasn’t the type to settle for a purely political union, and he didn’t intend to force one upon her. Granted, it was because Farim was a royal that Wulfric acquiesced with such ease.

[color=ab274f]“Naturally, if you harm her in any way,”[/color] a chilling smirk arose, [color=ab274f]“You’d best be ready to give up at least one limb.”[/color] Despite the cool amusement, one couldn’t possibly mistake him to be joking.

The Trade Prince had a feeling the eldest brother would catch on quickly. Once Thara was seen in her bedroom, and with how frequently Farim and Anastasia had been together lately, it was only a matter of time. [color=D2691E]“Well, it would seem you have the core of my message figured out.”[/color] He adjusted his posture and calmed his nerves, seeing how Wulfric’s reaction was a rather tame one all things considered.

[color=D2691E]“But allow me to clarify some things.”[/color] His hand gestured towards himself. [color=D2691E]“I am not some con artist looking to steal a woman from her family. I am seeking love in the purest sense of the word. So, I only mention that I have eyes on your sister. If she has eyes on me, then it can be official. It is her choice after all.”[/color] Farim began to pace back and forth, slowly, as he talked. However his gaze was locked onto Wulfric’s eyes with a look that could only be described as genuine, yet serious.

[color=D2691E]“I am sure there are many others seeking her favor, so if she shall choose another I shall respect it.”[/color] He stopped in his tracks, his eyes shifting downward, as if feeling hurt just thinking about it. But just as quickly as he stopped, he then approached Wulfric, eyes moving to meet his. [color=D2691E]“In a world of fake, cruel, and malicious people, your sister is a diamond in the rough. Her kindness won my attention, but in such a short time her sweet soul and caring nature have begun to win me over as a man. So that is why…”[/color] He paused for a moment, as if the very thought put a sour taste on his lips. [color=D2691E]“If I really am the cause of her hurt, you may take my good arm.”[/color] Holding up his right hand, Farim may have added a hint of sarcasm, yet his face seemed to be as serious as ever.

[color=D2691E]“That being said, if the source is someone else, I hope you do not mind if I show them a proper Alidasht punishment.”[/color] The blunt nature of his statement, however morbid, also was a chance for Farim to express how important this was to him. [color=D2691E]“I will likely be around much more, so of course you can always keep a watchful eye over one such as myself. I have nothing to hide, so I have nothing to fear.”[/color] Farim crossed his arms and waited for the man’s response.

Wulfric’s smile became a tad warmer at the Shahzade’s expansive answer. [color=ab274f]“Well, then, I imagine you and my sister might get along. I expect so could we.”[/color] He chuckled at Farim’s offered arm, and said, [color=ab274f]“In the unfortunate case that things go terribly awry, it very well might be something more…invaluable.”[/color] He gave a short but pointed glance towards the man’s crotch area. [color=ab274f]“But I do not think it will come to anything like that,”[/color] he smirked, slightly friendlier than before. 

When Farim mentioned his desire to punish anyone who harmed Anastasia, Wulfric gave him a brief stare-down. [color=ab274f]“Whoever hurts her will be dealt with by me,”[/color] he asserted matter-of-factly. [color=ab274f]“However, depending on the circumstances, perhaps I will let you assist,”[/color] he added. [color=ab274f]“That aside, I am glad you are someone who seems to understand her, and values her for who she is. Though, convincing [i]her[/i] might be the challenge,”[/color] Wulfric noted. He said nothing to the man’s offer of being watched; if he thought that was needed, he would do it. [color=ab274f]“That settled, was there anything else?”[/color]

The intent behind the message was clear. From Wulfric’s gaze Farim knew just what was at stake for upsetting the eldest Danrose. Still, he smirked and gave a sly retort. [color=D2691E]“How kind of you to consider it an entire limb.”[/color] Then there was the matter of the brother’s need to protect the woman first - a matter Farim yielded to because it was not his place to take the, dare he say, satisfaction of bringing justice to those who wrong his dear sister.

[color=D2691E]“I shall not overstep. Just like you, I am protective of some people. I am sure that Anastasia herself has been through quite a bit. So while it may very well be a challenge - it is a welcome one.”[/color] The heavy nature of his words began to lift at Wulfric’s reaction to the news. All things considered, the man had taken it well. [color=D2691E]“Ah. No, there is nothing further, unless you wish to ask me something yourself. Either way, should you need anything at a future time, my door is open.”[/color] Farim paused to let the prince speak, and would move to open the door for the gentleman on his way out of the guest house.

Wulfric’s expression matched Farim’s for a mere moment at the Alidasht prince’s playful comment. At the comment that Anastasia had been through much, however, his countenance sobered into a frown. [color=ab274f]“Yes, she has been.”[/color] The largest problem was that his sister barely seemed to recognize it, or perhaps she preferred to ignore it. But that wasn’t something he intended to discuss, so he shook his head. [color=ab274f]“Then we are finished here. I am sure we will be seeing more of each in the near future. I shall also be looking forward to your promised correspondence.”[/color] He alluded back to the topic they’d discussed previously, and after a respectful bow, took his leave.[/color][/hider]