[center][h1][color=ab274f]Wulfric[/color] & [color=#9D7A80]Torvi[/color][/h1]
[b]FLASHBACK: The 23rd of Sola, morning. After the Tea Party.[/b][/center][hr][hr][color=lightgray]
If Wulfric’s office was a haven of papers, it was still a mere fragment compared to the hub of information and activity contained in a meeting room on the second floor. The room was filled with smaller tables, several cork board stands, filing cabinets and bookshelves – and people.

One group was dedicated to compiling information on Black Rose and its mercantile activities; if there were any inconsistent or suspect monetary transactions, they would be found. This group worked heavily in cooperation with the Merchant Guild and other governmental and business personnel. Another group was focused on uncovering and empowering any local rivals to Marek, if only so as to hassle him. The annoying thing was, with how Black Rose had flourished, the company and Marek himself had some clear support among the nobility – even royalty. [i]That[/i] was something he’d have to look into, especially with Edin and Alibeth.

There were a few other groups, for planning, intelligence, analysis, and security. Obviously, only key individuals with information to share would come here in the first place. Still, it made for a populated room, and plenty of scurrying to and fro. It was a set-up convenient for the prince, perhaps less so for everyone else.

At present, Wulfric was conversing with one of the knights who had accompanied the queen when she’d gone to fetch the missing nobles from the party. That night, even though it had been shortly after the party had apparently ended, [i]nothing[/i] had been found at the warehouse.

The people he’d assigned to follow Anastasia when she’d tried visiting her ‘friend’ had barely anything to report. A mysterious ‘someone’ had visited, a person whose height and build [i]could[/i] be a match for Calbert Damien. Though, his sister had been the only one brave enough to speculate on the stranger’s identity. The man’s visit coincided with an increase in security at Marek’s, so clearly, something of importance had gone down.

[color=ab274f]“And that is [i]all[/i] that our men have uncovered since?”[/color] Wulfric sought to confirm.

“Yes, Your Highness. Other than the warehouse area being heavily guarded, there was no evidence. He had too many guards at the office to have anyone infiltrate it secretly.”

[color=ab274f]“Well, then it is high time we commence an overt operation. Have a team search [i]this[/i] warehouse again,”[/color] his finger nearly stabbed into a point on the map which was spread out on the table. [color=ab274f]“As incredulous as it seems, be on the lookout for a basement.”[/color]

The captain nodded, and the prince continued. [color=ab274f]“Here are the known facilities which Black Rose has rented within the city,”[/color] he traced the warehouses in question. [color=ab274f]“Have them searched too. Be courteous to the neighbouring tenants, and see if they have recently noted any unusual activity. If they ask the purpose of this action, simply say there has been evidence pointing to potential drug trade.”[/color]

More nods followed, and though the captain appeared mystified, he did not ask.

[color=ab274f][i]Good.[/i][/color]

[color=ab274f]“Finally, you will thoroughly investigate this location,”[/color] he pointed at Delronzo’s office building. This was the place Anastasia had gone to, and which he’d had a few agents observe from afar since that night.

He wanted to do something about the damnable man sooner rather than later. An open search, if nothing else, might pressure Delronzo. But would it provoke him into action, reckless or otherwise?

He was curious to find out.

Once the prince had given out the necessary orders, he paced across the meeting room, absorbing the information provided. Though he’d dismissed those he no longer needed, a number of his subordinates still remained. They worked on their assigned tasks, the chatter between them low in volume, and restricted to the necessary exchange of information.

The quietly intense, well-organized proceedings were interrupted by loud voices emerging from the adjacent hallway. These would be the guards trying to keep someone away from where they shouldn’t be – because [i]of course[/i], he had stationed sentinels outside for this very purpose. He trusted they would handle the matter.

Yet, the bickering continued. And was that a [i]growl[/i]?

Annoyance overtook him, so Wulfric strode out of the room with purpose, and [i]glared[/i] icy daggers in the direction of the commotion.

[color=ab274f]“Just what is going on here?”[/color] More so than a question, it was a statement demanding answers. His tone was just as frigid as his stare, and for a moment, he merely stood there, taking in the woman and her wolf. 

She was a tall, fit, and evidently well-trained woman, likely hailing from Varian. He did not know her face, however. The animal standing by her side was a magnificent specimen, but this was hardly the occasion to admire it. The strangers were square in the middle of the hall, as if they had all right to be there.

[color=ab274f][i]“Why are these trespassers wandering so freely?”[/i][/color] He inquired softly, but with a near-hissing undertone; an evident sign of danger. Reflecting the light emerging from the hallway’s windows, his irises were as clear and light as glaciers – and just as chilling.

His posture was entirely regal, and there was nary a twitch in the direction of his sheathed weapons. Yet there was [i]something[/i] about him which, to the trained eye, was ready to [i]strike[/i].

The prince had no awareness of this whatsoever, but to the woman and the wolf, he appeared very much akin to a wild beast whose territory had been intruded upon.

He might as well have asked, ‘Why have they not been cut down yet’, by the way he was looking at the pair.

One of the guards bowed in his direction with a respectful, “Your Highness.” Smartly, the other watchmen kept a wary eye on the two unknowns. “She claims to be Her Majesty’s servant.”

[color=ab274f][i]“Oh?”[/i][/color] Wulfric questioned, tone still softly dangerous. This time, he was clearly asking the woman rather than the guards. Throughout, his gaze had been aggressively affixed onto the woman.

Torvi had taken leave of the queen's presence, her mind abuzz with thoughts of the impending mission. She decided to explore the castle, familiarize herself with the layout of this foreign environment. As she wandered through the corridors, Fenrys paced gracefully at her side, his presence commanding respect and caution. It was surprising how silent the larger animal was, even causing some who didn’t hear them coming to shout out in surprise. Every time this happened, Torvi couldn’t help but laugh a little before softly saying something to Fenrys in an unfamiliar language to most around her.

Unbeknownst to her, they had ventured into a part of the castle that was off-limits to most. The commotion in the hallway caught her attention, and she turned her gaze toward the escalating voices and the unmistakable scent of tension in the air. It was then that she realized she was the cause for the commotion, glances of alarm and some fear landing on her as she slowly came to a stop.

Two guards, clearly agitated by her presence, made an attempt to halt her progress, reaching out to grab her arm. Before they could make contact, Fenrys growled menacingly, a warning that froze them in their tracks. His golden eyes bore into theirs, daring them to make another move.

It was at this tense moment that a figure emerged from the room, and Torvi's sharp eyes locked onto him. He was a commanding presence, his aura radiating authority. His piercing, glacier-blue eyes met hers, and she felt a shiver of recognition.

His question, delivered with a chilling undertone, hung in the air, and Torvi couldn't help but grin a little mischievously. She was well aware of the trouble she had inadvertently stirred, but there was something about his demeanor that intrigued her. She held his gaze, her striking golden eyes showing no fear. It wasn’t defiance; it was a warrior’s recognition of another warrior.

[color=#9D7A80]"Apologies for the disruption,"[/color] she began, her tone respectful but not submissive. [color=#9D7A80]"I am Torvi Jorviksdottir, a serfant of Her Majesty, the queen."[/color] She inclined her head in a sign of acknowledgment.

Torvi couldn't help but notice the similarities in scent between this man and Queen Alibeth. It was a faint connection, but it piqued her curiosity. She had overheard the servant's address and put two and two together. [color=#9D7A80]"Highness,"[/color] she echoed softly, a glint of understanding in her eyes.

For a moment, she weighed her words carefully, her wolf still poised and watchful by her side. [color=#9D7A80]"I meant no offense, Highness. I was merely exploring the castle, getting to know my surroundings. If my presence here is unwelcome, I shall depart immediately."[/color]

Her tone held a hint of challenge, but her posture remained respectful. Torvi was not one to back down easily, and the presence of this prince, whom she assumed was one of the rulers of this land, only fueled her determination to assert herself in this unfamiliar territory.

As Wulfric studied the woman, it became clear she was confident she belonged here. She confirmed she was a servant, but there was nothing servile about her demeanour. That could be a sign of competence as well as it could be of arrogance. While respectful, she seemed to want to stand above most others.

[color=ab274f]“Daughter of Jorvik,”[/color] he stated. He was familiar with the naming convention; some people in the far north used it. [color=ab274f]“You must be very new here indeed.”[/color] There was a slight yet firm rebuke in his tone as he raised a brow at her, subtly looking her down. [color=ab274f]“Even if you have just arrived,”[/color] he guessed she must have, [color=ab274f]“is the notion that you cannot simply traipse around another’s property as you please beyond you?”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Besides,”[/color] he gave the wolf another brief look, then turned back to Torvi, lips pursed, [color=ab274f]“to bring in some [i]animal[/i]?”[/color] As much as he would enjoy seeing it in its element out in the wild, he was still quite reserved about the prospect of beasts like it muddying up their castle. [color=ab274f]“[i]That[/i] is a privilege we have recently permitted only to members of the Alidasth royalty. Whom you are very much not a part of,”[/color] he drawled.

Admittedly, he was curious why this woman had been hired. With a sharp glint in his eye, he decided to question her. [color=ab274f]“You did not care to mention, but what is your role, exactly? A glorified guard…?”[/color] Surely, it was not just that.

While the prince was no longer as aggravated, he was still dubious of this woman’s presence. It was unlikely that she had gained access into the castle without a proper invitation, but even so, he’d prefer to have confirmation of her identity. And if she was what she claimed to be, she ought to learn that she wasn’t all so special as she appeared to believe.

Torvi met the prince's gaze with a steady one of her own, her confidence unwavering. His rebuke didn't faze her; she was used to navigating situations where her presence was questioned. His words were sharp, but she could sense his curiosity beneath the surface.

[color=#9D7A80]"Indeed, Daughter of Jarl Jorvik,"[/color] she echoed, acknowledging her lineage with a hint of pride. She inclined her head slightly at his remark about her being new, not offering any excuses for her presence in the castle.

[color=#9D7A80]"I am well awfare of the notion, Highness,"[/color] she replied calmly. [color=#9D7A80]"I assure you, I did not traipse around as I pleased. I was merely exploring my new home, as any newcomar might."[/color]

His comment about Fenrys being an animal caused her to chuckle, and she directed her gaze to the magnificent dire wolf. She raised a hand to stroke Fenrys's fur gently, her fingers brushing over the thick silver-gray coat.

[color=#9D7A80]"Fenrys is no mere animal,"[/color] she stated with a touch of amusement. [color=#9D7A80]"I suggest you look into his eyes again, Highness. You might find something intaresting there. He understands more than you may think."[/color] Indeed, if he were to look at Fenrys who was now staring at him, he would see a deeper intelligence there than one should find in an animal. It was as if the wolf understood every word that was being spoken and he had his own thoughts on everything that was happening. In fact, if one looked close enough, they might even say the wolf was now smirking at the prince.

Torvi's words were measured, her tone respectful but firm. She didn't intend to back down or let the prince dismiss Fenrys as a simple beast. She believed in the unique bond between her and the dire wolf, one that went beyond the ordinary.

As he continued to question her role, she maintained her composed demeanor. She couldn't help but appreciate his curiosity; it hinted at a certain level of intelligence and perceptiveness.

[color=#9D7A80]"Of sorts."[/color] she replied with a faint grin. [color=#9D7A80]"Her Majesty, Queen Alibeth, deemed the current circumstances to be...unique. She had concerns that her children's ordinary guards might not be quite equipped to protect them from certain threats that hafe arisen."[/color] 

Her words were carefully chosen, meant to convey the gravity of the situation without revealing too much. Torvi respected the queen's discretion and understood the need for secrecy in such matters.

[color=ab274f]“Exploring?”[/color] he scoffed, only mildly irritated. He did realize that she had made a genuine mistake when she’d entered this restricted area. Also, though he by no means intended to admit it, a part of him was entertained by her words. She was opposing his uncharitable interpretation of her actions, and trying to put a positive spin on what she’d been doing.

But he didn’t agree with the justification, so he shook his head once. [color=ab274f]“The entirety of this castle is not your home. There will always be areas where you will not be permitted, or which you will require clearance for. As [i]a newcomer[/i], it would behoove you to find a guide to accompany you.”[/color] The suggestion for an escort was just that; a suggestion. He did not intend to enforce it, as Torvi struck him as clever enough not to land herself in too much trouble even without a guide.

[color=ab274f]“I have set these guards here for a reason,”[/color] he asserted, lightly chastising her. Either she had not noticed them, or hadn’t realized that as an unknown face, her presence would warrant their caution.  

[color=ab274f]“Whether you consider it a matter of awareness or of cultural differences, I expect you will soon learn our standards, and abide by them.”[/color] He stared at her seriously. She needed to know that even if she was a direct servant to the queen, she was, after all, still a servant. Even if she met employees of a lower rank, she would have to consider that they too, had orders from someone above her station.

As the conversation turned to her animal companion, Torvi once again showed immense confidence in the being. Wulfric issued a thoughtful hum. [color=ab274f]“Well, pet owners do always claim that their beasts are special,”[/color] he began dryly, but humoured her, and took another look at the wolf.

This animal…

It might be his imagination, but there did seem to be [i]something[/i] there. All he said out loud, however, was, [color=ab274f]“I suppose he is very well trained.”[/color] He met Torvi’s eyes then. [color=ab274f]“So be it. Feel free to have him accompany you. Just be aware that my father has a profound hatred of beasts being indoors, and my mother isn’t particularly fond of them either.”[/color]

As soon as the woman mentioned ‘unique’ circumstances, his gaze sharpened. He respected the secretiveness - it would serve her well. He nodded once curtly. [color=ab274f]“Accompany me,”[/color] he ordered.

He led her to a small drawing room down the hallway. It was empty, and once he ascertained their privacy, he turned to her once again. [color=ab274f]“This threat you are referring to…Is it [i]magic[/i]?”[/color] He suddenly asked, surprisingly blunt. However, based on what she’d said, and knowing Alibeth, there was little else she could have meant.

Torvi met Wulfric's stern gaze with a calm resolve, acknowledging the boundaries he delineated without conceding any hint of submission. She understood the importance of rules and protocols, even if she didn't necessarily appreciate them. It wasn't the first time she had found herself navigating unfamiliar territories, and she had a knack for adapting quickly. His comment about pet owners drew a brief smile from her, but she didn't engage further. Instead, she followed him as he led the way to a private room.

She took a moment to assess the surroundings before turning her attention back to Wulfric, meeting his gaze with a steady one of her own. The prince's directness didn't catch her off guard; she had expected him to get to the point as he’d already proved to be one that didn’t tiptoe around things.

[color=#9D7A80]"It is…refreshing to speak to someone so sharp. Yes, I speak of magic."[/color] She confirmed, her voice low and confident as she grinned at him. She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully before continuing.

[color=#9D7A80]"It seems the influence of sorcery and the supernatural is growing within Caesonia. Queen Alibeth beliefes it poses a significant threat not only to the royal family but to the entire kingdom."[/color]

Her words were chosen carefully, conveying the gravity of the situation without revealing the intricate details that were best kept secret. [color=#9D7A80]"I am highly skilled in…sniffing out magic users and the supernatural, if you will. Finding and keeping balance with these things has been my whole life."[/color] 

Her tone was matter-of-fact, and her eyes conveyed a quiet determination. Torvi was confident in her abilities, honed through years of training and experience. She understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of her role in this mission.

She didn't elaborate further, leaving it at that, respecting the need for discretion in discussing matters related to magic. Her focus remained on the task at hand, ready to assist in any way she could to uncover the source of the magical disturbances within Caesonia.

The prince returned Torvi’s look calmly even as he assessed the proud woman. Not exactly one for bending or blind obedience, though that was just fine. She also appeared secure in her experience. If she could be relied on, that would be excellent. The warrior did have her quirks, and seemed unused to high-society. Yet, she was adaptable, so overall, he was looking forward to seeing her in action.

[color=ab274f]“Refreshing?”[/color] he raised a brow. [color=ab274f]“I do hope you aren’t trying to insinuate that [i]my mother[/i] is dull.”[/color] However, his mild tone indicated that he didn’t believe she’d been trying to insult the queen, whom she’d spoken to most recently. It was merely a warning for her to be careful with how she phrased things.

He nodded at her explanation, and followed up with several questions. [color=ab274f]“Are you saying magic users can be detected reliably by mundane means? Or are you a practitioner yourself?”[/color] His neutral manner of asking assured that he wouldn’t judge either way. The next question, however, was more prodding. [color=ab274f]“What exactly do you mean by ‘balance’, and how would you ensure it?”[/color] He wasn’t sure if she meant that she specialized in eradicating witches, or else that she strived to prevent what she interpreted as ill-use of magic.

[color=ab274f]“Are you the only one who has been hired? I would prefer a team to deal with the numerous strange incidents which have cropped up,”[/color] he confessed. He didn’t truly doubt her skills as an individual, but relying only on one person to handle all magical occurrences would be poor management. 

[color=ab274f]“What assignment has the queen given you?”[/color] he then queried. [color=ab274f]“I assure you - she would be perfectly fine with me knowing, and is sure to brief me when we next meet. However, our respective work does keep us busy, and I would appreciate the information sooner rather than later,”[/color] he explained. [color=ab274f]“It also so happens that I am pursuing a target who has surely employed magic - of the memory erasing type. I wouldn’t be surprised if she has given you a smaller scale mission first, however.”[/color] Certainly, if it were him, he would first test her with something else.

Torvi met Wulfric's gaze evenly, undeterred by his probing questions. She understood the necessity of caution when discussing matters of magic, especially within the royal court. His comment about his mother drew a small chuckle from her and she simply smirked at him as she replied with, [color=#9D7A80]“Of course not, Your Highness.”[/color]

As Wulfric delved into his inquiries, Torvi remained composed, answering each question with careful consideration.

[color=#9D7A80]“I am not necessarily a practitioner myself,”[/color] she explained. [color=#9D7A80]“But I hafe been trained to recognize the subtle signs of magic use, both through obserfation and certain… techniques. I hafe equipment that some may find…questionable, but I do not cast magic myself.”[/color] She didn't elaborate on the specifics any more than that, maintaining an air of mystery around her methods.

[color=#9D7A80]“By ‘balance,’ I mean ensuring that the use of magic does not disrupt the natural order of things,”[/color] she continued. [color=#9D7A80]“It is about maintaining harmony between the mundane and the supernatural, preventing any misuse or exploitation of magical energies. Often that requires…eliminating the target that is deemed dangerous.”[/color]

Torvi paused for a moment, considering his next question about her role within the investigation.

[color=#9D7A80]“As far as I am aware, currently I am the only one Queen Alibeth has hired directly for this task,”[/color] she admitted. [color=#9D7A80]“Howefer, I am prepared to collaborate with others if necessary. Teamwork can often yield better results in such matters, though I do usually like to work alone.”[/color]

As for her assignment, Torvi chose her words carefully, mindful of the need for discretion.

[color=#9D7A80]“The queen has tasked me with infestigating seferal incidents of magical disturbances that hafe been reported across Caesonia,”[/color] she replied. [color=#9D7A80]“My initial focus will be on gathering information and identifying potential sources of these disturbances while acting under the guise of you and your siblings' new protector.”[/color]

She paused, meeting Wulfric's gaze with a steady one of her own.

[color=#9D7A80]“This is all I am willing to say on the matter,”[/color] she said with a look that said that was final. [color=#9D7A80]“However, if you require my assistance in any way, you need only ask.”[/color]

Torvi's tone was resolute, her commitment to her task unwavering as she prepared to face the challenges ahead.

Wulfric listened carefully to the woman’s words as she spoke. He was fairly certain she was being politically correct (or simply cautious) and did not wish to indicate that she [i]was[/i] using magic of some sort. [color=ab274f]“In the end, whether your techniques and equipment are supernatural in nature or not doesn’t matter per se - as long as you remain mindful of this ‘balance’, and as long as you provide sufficient results, of course.”[/color] He was basically giving his implicit approval and permission for her to rely on supernatural means if she thought she had to. He doubted she needed him saying so, but it might encourage her to gradually become more open when discussing her expertise.

It was unfortunate that he couldn’t use her as a magical consultant. But even just having a single person who was knowledgeable about the supernatural was a boon. [color=ab274f]“Well, if you are ever ready to share your tips and tricks…”[/color] he invited with a smirk. He did not expect her to do so at the moment, so he continued the conversation after a brief pause. [color=ab274f]“There have indeed been several incidents,”[/color] he nodded. [color=ab274f]“As a matter of fact, I have just talked to Lady Violet, who exhibited severe changes in her appearance, behavior, and her motor and cognitive skills. Hey eyes are now crimson, and she was thought dead a few days ago,”[/color] he summarized. [color=ab274f]“I would be curious to hear your professional opinion regarding her, so pay attention if she is ever in your vicinity.”[/color] 

As for the other incidents… [color=ab274f]“There have been reports of strange, potentially magical occurrences at the circus. Then there is that whole after-party debacle which had happened a few days ago. Marek Delronzo, the owner of Black Rose, is suspected to have erased his guests’ memory of the party. My younger siblings - Callum and Anastasia - consider him a friend, however. I would not want them endangered because of their trust in the wrong man,”[/color] he concluded. Though he was unsure of her loyalty, Wulfric wanted to extend Torvi at least the basic amount of trust. She couldn’t do her job without the necessary intel, and he was curious how she’d handle it. Certainly, her conduct so far had impressed him, as she had firmly refused to divulge the particulars of the queen’s orders.

With that, the two concluded their introductory meeting. As they had discussed all there was to, they each went on to attend to their respective duties.[/color]