[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220311/27efd277073263c7d99ebe605d1cfab8.png[/img][/center] [right][sub]Attire: [url=https://i.imgur.com/rL0GEox.jpg]This sans the cane[/url] Interactions: Mayet[@13org] Mentions: Lorenzo [@FunnyGuy], Kazumin [@samreaper], others (Nahir, Amir, the Sultan, Mina, Felix, Thea, Charlotte, Leo) more briefly[/sub][/right][hr][hr] As he stared at Lorenzo, Wulfric got the distinct impression that the man was not paying attention at all. He was staring off into the distance, dazed, and his eyes were so glazed over one had to wonder if death by embarrassment was possible, after all. Given the watery sheen clinging to his lashes and lids, though, some of what was being said had to be getting through that thick skull of his. Disgusted at this waste of space bearing the title of Duke, Wulfric redirected his attention elsewhere. Thankfully, there was much else to keep his mind busy. For one, Wulfric was drawn to the fierce young woman whose sentiments he shared. He caught her nod, returning it with one of his own. It was reasonable for her to reference his words, yet it pleased him to hear it. If nothing else came of this incident, then at the very least he knew to have made an impression on one of their guests, which spoke well for the potential to strengthen their alliance in the future. Then there were the other of the sultan’s children. Nahir was level-headed, and subtle yet firm in her opinions. Amir, on the other hand, delighted with his viciously venomous account, veiled in a thin veneer of courtesy as it may be. When the sultan berated the two of his outspoken, impulsive daughters, it became clear he favoured the more diplomatic pair of his children. Somewhere in the middle of their discussions, they were interrupted by some impertinent nobody. Wulfric’s lips thinned as he inspected the man. Listening to him, he grew all the more unimpressed. [color=ab274f][i]‘We of Caesonia?’[/i][/color] Who did he think he was? [color=ab274f][i]I wasn’t aware we were in the presence of another royal. Perhaps he’ll shortly claim to be a long-lost brother of mine.[/i][/color] Bored of his words, Adelard entertained himself by snarking at the man within the privacy of his mind. The speech was lengthy, and overly embellished, most of his words as empty as the air between the fluff of his hair. Finally, the unasked-for interjection was over. [color=ab274f][i]All that drivel and not even an introduction?[/i][/color] The glory-seeking would-be-storyteller must not have any credentials, then. Truly, the sultan’s positive response was surprising. [color=ab274f][i]Maybe those mentions of the sun did it.[/i][/color] Though he found himself wondering at the sultan’s taste in people, he felt free to designate that bird’s nest of a man as someone else’s problem. Then, even more people came to say their piece, to the point that the area around the throne became crowded. At least they were known entities. Mina Blackwood arrived to support Charlotte’s request. Though she professed to echo Amir’s words, her argument was contradictory to his. [color=ab274f][i]You do realize ‘his royal highness’ standing there right next to you is one of those who declared the duke a fool unworthy of his position, hm?[/i][/color] He quirked an eyebrow at her, amused. Finally, the sultan cut in, addressing Lorenzo. Duke Vikena promptly threw himself to all fours and burst into tears. It was a pathetic display, one that Wulfric found repugnant. [color=ab274f][i]Wretched man, quit your wailing![/i][/color] Some years ago while on business in the city, he once had the displeasure of being approached by a mangy stray. Its whining had grated on his ears, much as Lorenzo’s sniveling did now. Back then, he’d firmly kicked away the filthy thing. At present, he felt the urge to do something rather similar to the Duke. Of course, he merely remained as he was, still and silent. He breathed through his violent impulse, and for his own peace of mind, disregarded the elder Vikena’s piteous state. In the end, the sultan announced his decision. Adelard raised both brows at the declared punishment. [color=ab274f][i]So, the universe has not yet run out of its tolerance for this man.[/i][/color] Regardless of fate’s inclination, select individuals were not so liberal in their forgiveness. As Wulfric eyed the remaining irate nobles of Alidasht, it occurred to him that those ‘dinner dates’ would prove to be challenging enough for Lorenzo. When things had all but resolved themselves, Thea Smithwood, and her fiancé and better half, Felix Camilia, came by to introduce themselves as well. Thea was awfully weepy, and Wulfric wasn’t sure if it was because of the wine or due to her concern for Charlotte. Either way, the duo of her brother and fiancé could handle that easily. Meanwhile, he had much pleasanter prospects to consider. That firecracker of a woman once again set her gaze upon him, and strode towards him with clear intent. Wulfric turned towards her, the gesture inviting, if restrained in its propriety. She still wielded the curious bladed circle of metal she’d had brought to her to threaten Lorenzo with. It was a curious weapon, one he wouldn’t mind getting a try at. The tiger, of course, was by its mistress’s side, as per the usual. Though he kept his eyes firmly locked with hers, Wulfric curiously noted the sway of her body. It was full of feminine grace, yet there was a thrilling note of danger present as well, and the effect was oddly complementary. It was somewhat reminiscent of the way cocky young men sometimes carried themselves, all easy confidence, though it was evident that in her case, the assurance was not entirely unfounded. The corners of his lips ticked upwards as he watched her watch him. She was open in her assessment, and her boldness was refreshing. He briefly questioned what she might discern. The regal manner of bearing ingrained upon his very bones? The slight spark of genuine excitement at meeting her? The political machinations ever present within his mind? There would be hardly anything overt. Regardless, Wulfric was sure he presented a compelling image. [color=ab274f]“Shehzadi Mayet, it is my honour. You yourself have caught my interest, so I am pleased to have your attention,”[/color] his small smile, and the minor crinkling at the corner of his eyes to match it, certainly reflected his words. [color=ab274f]“At your first steps upon our marbled floors, and through every of your subsequent actions, I was reminded of the mythical everflame, as bright and powerful as it is eternal. “Watching you, I thought to myself ‘Would it not be worthwhile to risk being burned, if I were allowed the proximity?’ Well, the answer is self-evident at this point, I believe,”[/color] he grinned playfully for a brief moment. Then, he glanced at the tiger by her side, marveling at the creature. [color=ab274f]“Your mighty companion well suits you.”[/color] Though the animal was magnificent, he did not linger too long in his admiration of it. He turned back to Mayet to address her. [color=ab274f]“The two of you must surely enjoy hunting together, no? If you find it agreeable, I should like to accompany you on any such trips while you stay here for the season.”[/color]