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[indent][sup][color=ab274f][b]Attire:[/b][/color] Hunting gear -> [url=https://i.imgur.com/6Xj8uUm.jpg]A toga (over a tunic) and sandals[/url]
[color=ab274f][b]Date and Time:[/b][/color] Sola 24th, Predawn -> Morning
[color=ab274f][b]Location:[/b][/color] His room -> Knights' barracks -> The forest -> The castle -> The church
[color=ab274f][b]Mention(s):[/b][/color] [b]AT THE CHURCH[/b] [@Helo] [color=hotpink]a very pink Leo[/color], [@JJ Doe] someone he knows?
[color=ab274f][b]Interaction(s):[/b][/color] [b]AT THE CHURCH[/b] [@princess] Anastasia, Calbert & Landon, [@Lava Alckon] Farim, [@Rodiak] Nahir & Ece, [@Potter]Kira
[/sup][/indent][/cell][/row][/table][h3][b]EARLY MORNING[/b][/h3]
One moment, he was sleeping, the next, he was awake and alert. He’d startled, and was almost halfway up and out of the bed, but it didn’t take looking around to know he was alone. [color=ab274f]“Tch.”[/color] He dragged a hand through his sleep-mussed hair, and sat up. Raindrops pattered against the windows and balcony doors. Accompanying it was incessant, loud, overly-frivolous chirping. From where he’d set it on the night desk, Wulfric picked up his revolver, cocked it, and treaded lightly to the balcony doors.

Of course, opening them alerted the sparrows regardless, and they flew off away from where they’d been perching. [color=ab274f]“Damn birds,”[/color] he muttered. It was a dark, cloudy, rainy morning. It was the twilight before dawn; the clouds only partially covered the gradually lightening skies. It was blessedly fresh, and he inhaled, deep and long. He stood there for a while, soaking in the atmosphere – and the rain – not minding the drizzle the winds carried his way. 

The rich earthly scent of petrichor hung heavily in the air. The rain washed away the usual smells of civilization, and enhanced those of nature. There was that distinctive freshly aquatic odor of the river and waterfall carried all the way from the direction of the forest. Then there were the woodland undertones of the trees, shrubs, and grasses. From the nearby castle’s gardens, the fragrance of flowering apple and magnolia trees was spreading, their sweetness as gentle as their budding blossoms.

It was pleasant, relaxing, invigorating.

Wulfric opened his eyes, staring into distances unknown.

He still wanted to shoot something.

With a low sigh, he retreated back inside. He had several hours to spare; he would go on a hunt. He dressed in simple, if high quality hunting attire, and donned a leather cloak.


[h3][b]THE BARRACKS[/b][/h3]
What he assumed would be a short stop at the knights’ barracks – he was there only to fetch his metaphorically dusty archery equipment – was unexpectedly prolonged when he found out about the previous night’s happenings at the Varian ceremony.

Despite its vicinity to the hospital, the knights’ barrack had its own medical quarter. As he neared the hallway leading to it, he heard an unusual hubbub. Wulfric changed his intended route, investigating the noise.

Within the infirmary, a troubling sight awaited.

One royal guard lay injured on a medical bed. His chest was heavily bandaged. A nurse had just changed the bandages, and was on her way to dispose of the old bandages which had bled through. The injured man had a deathly pallor about him, breathing shallowly in his coma, a layer of cold sweat clinging to him. Near his bed was a captain of the guards, and three other lower ranking men. The guards had been holding a discussion, though it died down at his approach.

[color=f7941d]“Your Highness,”[/color] the captain greeted, and all the guards bowed. [color=ab274f]“As you were.”[/color] At his sign, they straightened up.

[color=ab274f]“Captain…Blair,”[/color] Wulfric recalled his name after a beat. His gaze flitted to the recovering guard. [color=ab274f]“What happened?”[/color]

The head guard gave his account of the event. [color=f7941d]“We were searching for Lady Violet, Your Highness, which led us to the ceremony at the Lover’s Lake. There, a fellow named Erik, who introduced himself as the manager of the Ravenwood Artisan Guild, warned us away. We did not leave, however, and Lord Ravenwood, who wasn’t himself, charged us. Ravenwood’s guards tried to stop him, but it was in vain. We drew our weapons. Casey over there was the first in his path, and…”[/color] The man trailed off. [color=f7941d]“He looked like [i]a fu[/i]– like some monster bear had clawed him,”[/color] he concluded quietly. A moment of grim silence passed before Blair finished his report. [color=f7941d]“Ravenwood was then led away by some others. On the orders of Prince Callum and Princess Anastasia, we left the premises. We carried Casey here, and alerted a doctor. I ordered several other guards to continue the search for Lady Violet.”[/color]

Wulfric nodded once, appreciative of the comprehensive summary. However, there were a plethora of questions which occurred to him. [color=ab274f]“Let us start from the beginning…Since when is Lady Violet missing? Why were you searching for her at the Lover’s Lake?”[/color]

[color=f7941d]“Countess Damien reported it last night.”[/color] The man proceeded to explain shortly why such urgency had been deemed necessary.

[color=ab274f]“Yet no one thought to search Lady Violet’s room to inspect the ‘disarray’ mentioned by the countess?”[/color] Clearly, the answer was no. Too, the guards had merely followed the count and countess’ suspicions that Violet [i]might[/i] have gone to the ceremony.

[color=ab274f]“We will certainly have to review security and investigation protocols. A renowned noble he may be, but [i]you do not follow Count Calbert’s orders or suggestions blindly[/i].”[/color] At his stern tone, a murmur of apologies followed.

The guards’ contriteness was sufficient, so the prince nodded. [color=ab274f]“You said you were warned away? Did this Erik act antagonistically…?”[/color] he frowned.

[color=f7941d]“No, Prince Wulfric. He was genuinely worried. He said Lord Ravenwood had taken some sort of a drug which made him vicious towards perceived threats.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“A perceived threat, hm?”[/color] Wulfric scoffed. It was telling that a Varian man in [i]their[/i] land faced with [i]their[/i] people considered [i]Caesonian[/i] guards a threat. Drugged he may have been, yet obviously, the Varians were well aware of the potential risks. [color=ab274f]“How was the situation resolved? You said someone lured Lord Roman away?”[/color]

He was given the description of a woman he recognized – Torvi. Jorviksdottir had taken it upon herself to redirect the crazed lord’s attention by taking away Lady Mina Blackwood. [color=ab274f]“That white-haired woman is one of our agents. It was a good thing she was there,”[/color] he commented. A pause followed as he organized his thoughts. [color=ab274f]“What is Casey’s state?”[/color] In other words, would the man make it or not.

[color=f7941d]“He’ll pull through. They say he was lucky,”[/color] Blair added bitterly. 

[color=ab274f]“I see,”[/color] Wulfric stated. There was a brief pause as he considered the situation. [color=ab274f]“His medical stay will be fully paid for, including his salary for any days of missed work because of his injury. Inform his family if you have not done so yet.”[/color]

Blair swallowed heavily, seemingly touched. [color=f7941d]“He’ll…he’ll appreciate that, Your Highness.”[/color]

There was a contemplative quietude shared among the men.

[color=ab274f][i]“Varian will pay.”[/i][/color] Wulfric proclaimed.

The main culprit of the incident was certainly Lord Ravenwood. [color=ab274f]“Social faux-pas or no, permit or no, you adhered to your duties. To have one of the royal guards nearly slaughtered to death,”[/color] he shook his head. [color=ab274f]“It will not stand.”[/color]

The prince huffed. [color=ab274f]“Now, I don’t expect that the lord will ever so much as face charges for assault, however, [i]I will[/i] ensure that the Varian royals compensate us for this matter.”[/color]

That, however, was for later. He had intended to go on a hunt, and so hunt he would. There were only two questions remaining. [color=ab274f]“Lady Violet is still missing?”[/color] The captain confirmed this with a nod. [color=ab274f]“…And what of my siblings?”[/color] he queried.

One of the guards who’d been silent thus far shifted awkwardly. [color=BC8F8F]“Er– Your Highness,”[/color] the man was awkwardly torn between wanting to look away and trying not to seem as if that’s what he was doing. [color=BC8F8F]“I ‘eard– I ‘eard the princess was carried to ‘er room by Sh-Shah– …by His Highness Farim.”[/color] He shuffled sheepishly, a hint of red creeping into his cheeks. [color=BC8F8F]“She– she was out of it – tha’s jus’ wot I ‘eard, is all!”[/color] he exclaimed, patently aware how this news would be taken.

[color=ab274f][i]“She what?”[/i][/color] Wulfric hissed ferociously. The guard folded into himself with as much guilt as a scolded puppy. [color=BC8F8F]“S-sorry, I dunno any more, Prince Wulfric.”[/color]

The royal clenched his teeth. [color=ab274f]“Continue your duties. My siblings’ guards [i]will be dealt with[/i] in due time.”[/color] It was fortunate none of them were there at this very moment, or he would have been irresistibly tempted to give them all a good whipping. The sheer incompetence was appalling, and Wulfric added ‘extra training for the royal guards’ to his ever-growing mental list of to-dos.

He exited the infirmary in an awful mood, though the knowledge that he’d get to unwind in the following hours helped. He fetched his sturdy composite bow, a quiver and arrows, a bow sling, and some other supplies. Before he departed, he had a very light breakfast alongside the few knights who had either risen early or were on their way to sleep following a night shift. He packed a few treats for the hounds he’d take today, and was finally on his way.


[h3][b]THE FOREST[/b][/h3]
He picked up a pack of short-legged scent hounds at the royal kennels. The building was sizeable for what it was, as they kept different types and breeds of hunting dogs. Inside, each had a spacious kennel which could be opened up into the outdoors area. Outside, they had fenced exercise grounds for the days when no one was taking them on a hunt. 

The canines at the kennels were unusually restless. [color=FFFFFF]“They’ve been loud all night. Something’s got ‘em disturbed,”[/color] the hound master commented.

[color=ab274f]“Is that so…?”[/color] A number of select hounds were released to accompany him, barking loudly in excitement, and he crouched down to greet them. He petted the bunch as they crowded around him. [color=ab274f]“Let’s go.”[/color] He snapped his fingers, and the hounds followed.

Soon, they were trekking into the forested area towards the west-north of the castle. There were still plenty of trails to follow along this close to civilization. They passed near enough to the Lover’s Lake for Wulfric to notice the Varians at work already.

They were cleaning up after the ceremony – and after Roman’s rampage. The evidence of the man’s mindless wrath was plentiful; numerous trees had been felled or heavily damaged, and there was an eerie silence as the animals had vacated the surrounding area.

Wulfric couldn’t help but think that part of the reason for the Varian’s clean up was to remove evidence of all that had transpired.

Silently, he headed further northwards. The ground was soft due to the rainfall it had soaked up throughout the night, the muddy areas yielding under his boots. The underbrush swished between his ankles, growing taller and denser the further he strayed off the beaten path. Leaves rustled with the wind and rain, thick droplets penetrating the canopy to fall down below. 

He sent the dogs ahead, and followed their communicative barks. As soon as they caught scent of a prey, their pitch changed, and he knew they were hot in pursuit. He followed on foot at a steady pace. When he closed in on the dogs, he took ahold of his bow from where it’d been slung on his back. He grasped it in his left, ready to shoot. When the pack was within sigh, he withdrew an arrow from the quiver. Then, the hare was within sight, and he nocked the arrow, aimed, 

released–

and missed. 

Had he had a rifle, he would have made the shot. Wulfric didn’t mind though. He wasn’t that good of an archer, and getting frustrated would be pointless. Besides, the hounds were still chasing after the animal. He took his time searching for the arrow first, because he did not wish to litter.

When he found the hounds next, they had managed to chase down the hare. It was a neat kill with minimal tearing. He cleaned the hare right away, letting the dogs at the parts he didn’t need.

The hunt went on afterwards, and two catches later, Wulfric deemed it enough. The second hare, he’d shot dead. The third, a rabbit, he had weakened with an arrow to its flank, and the dogs had finished it off. With three kills under his belt, it was time to head back.


[h3][b]TO CHURCH[/b][/h3]
At the castle, he took a simple shower, using a mild but pleasantly scented honey soap. He generally preferred long soaks in scented baths, but he was short on time. Since he had decided to attend the religious ceremony, he forewent stronger scents, additional oils, or perfumes. 

An attire fit for a courting event had been prepared for him, but a change of plans called for a change of clothes. He retreated into his room in a bathrobe, calling on his servant.

His introspective mood was interrupted by a knock. He gave permission to enter. [color=ab274f]“Get me the damned ceremonial shroud, would you?”[/color] He ordered after a moment. [color=FFFFFF]“Ah…Your Highness will be attending the church, then,”[/color] Curran noted. He was too professional to be ruffled either by his cursing or by the request. It wasn’t an unusual request per se, but while Wulfric frequented the temple, his visits to the church were sporadic. The attendant excused himself, and returned a few moments later, bearing the requested clothing.

The tunic was simple enough to put on his own. Driven by a measure of paranoia, the prince added a belt, a sheathed dagger at his hip, and a holstered revolver at the small of his back. Finally, he turned to face the servant, extending his arms and standing still while the man wrapped the toga around him.

[color=FFFFFF]“It will be an event to honour His Majesty,”[/color] the servant noted. His tone was utterly blasé, but Wulfric knew the man was aware of his distaste for deification. It was a subtle warning to let him know what to expect. [color=FFFFFF]“Afterwards, The Royal Curd will have its grand opening,”[/color] the man added after a beat.

[color=ab274f]“The cheese restaurant?”[/color] Wulfric was tempted to sigh. He turned around at Curran’s subtle prompt as the man worked to properly place the complicated garb on him. Traditionally, wearing a toga was all about the method of wrapping and folding it, with nary a knot holding it in place. His left side was more heavily layered, which required him to keep his left hand in a fixed position at about 45 degrees, extended forward or held on his chest. He wore no additional jewelry nor any other accessories. The toga was a heavy woolen cloth, uncomfortably weighty, and rather stuffy this time of the year.

At times, he regretted that it had become somewhat of his trademark.

But it was what it was, and he hitched a ride in a carriage to the church. Plenty had gathered already, and he sighted many familiar faces. Immediately upon his entrance, there was an uptick of noise, some turning around to catch sight of him, many beginning to chatter amongst themselves. Wulfric nodded here and there in greeting, offering a sedate wave to the crowds. With his free hand, he gestured for the unruly masses to turn around and sit down. Gratifyingly, they obeyed.

More obvious than any other disturbance, however, was a blotch of…[color=hotpink]lurid pink?[/color]

Irrevocably drawn to the irregularity, Wulfric blinked at the sight of a pink Leo. [color=ab274f][i]What the–?[/i][/color] He wasn’t sure if the lord was developing a penchant for absurdist humour, or if someone had played a practical joke on him. As distracted as he was staring at the out-of-place patch of [i]pink[/i], he almost didn’t notice the woman next to him. He blinked again. 

Was that [i]Dantès?[/i] He did not get the chance to confirm his suspicion – he had not stopped in his inspection, and was past the pair before he could get a second look. However, that woman was the same height, had the same build, and the same hair as the Lady Dantès he had met at the masquerade. However, the woman next to Leo was clearly a servant. One of their royal servants, even, if he wasn’t mistaken.

Option one. The two women were one of the same.

Option two. Leo’s hot pink visage had disturbed his sight to such an extent that a vaguely similar woman made him think of Dantès.

Frankly, both options seemed equally likely.

All thoughts of whether he’d just hallucinated or not were dispersed as he caught sight of [i]a stranger[/i] trying to ingratiate herself to Anastasia. A random nobody, acting [i]as if she belonged[/i] among a group of royals.

But first things first. There were royal peers and nobles he wished to greet.

[color=ab274f]“Shehzadi Nahir,”[/color] he bowed to her, [color=ab274f]“My lady,”[/color] he gave a respectful nod to Ece. [color=ab274f]“It is my hope you will find this gathering enjoyable and illuminating.”[/color]

He stepped forward, not yet acknowledging the intruder. [color=ab274f]“Shahzade Farim…”[/color] It was unfortunate that they were not in a more private area, as he wished to thank the man. [color=ab274f]“A good day to you, and may it be peaceful,”[/color] he said instead. [color=ab274f]“Count Damien, Count Monet,”[/color] he offered each a nod in greetings. [color=ab274f]“Good morning, Anastasia,”[/color] he graced her with a small, genuine smile. 

Anastasia had already seated herself next to Farim, and thus, it was a simple matter to take a protective stance next to the pew. [color=ab274f]“Miss,”[/color] as he redirected the smile to Kira, it acquired a far cooler edge, even as his tone remained entirely pleasant and polite. [color=ab274f]“I understand the desire to mingle with such prestigious personages as ourselves. However, I am certain you can appreciate the need for caution and for [i]proper protocol[/i] when someone as unknown as yourself approaches royalty.”[/color] Regardless of whether Nahir and Ece accepted Anastasia’s offer to sit with her, he did not intent to let the stranger anywhere near his sister. Not even if all the other royals gave their permission, he would not allow it.[/color]