[center][h1][b][color=9354FF]Fritz "Ryn" Hendrix[/color][/b][/h1][color=9354FF]Interaction(s):[/color] Lorenzo [@FunnyGuy]; John [@Conscripts][/center]
There was a juvenile, even ingenuous, quality to Duke Vikena. From the manner in which he entered the ballroom to accepting Ryn’s handkerchief without a second thought. He did not seem to question Ryn’s motives. Instead, he simply accepted the handkerchief as a thoughtful gesture, nothing more, nothing less. Ryn got the impression that with Duke Vikena, what you saw was what you got. Honesty. A rare breed amongst the nobility, especially as the active head of a dukedom. It was most likely one of the reasons why the "true" bluebloods looked down on him. Ryn, on the other hand, found it admirable –to remain as innocent as he was, despite the surrounding aristocratic cesspool. 

But he saw more than that on the duke’s face. Dark forlorn eyes, an ever-present gloom that covered his features no matter what expression he made, the fleeting moments when he seemed to be in a happier place that was not "here" in time or space. …The faint smell of someone who had a habit of overindulging in substances that dulled the pain. 

All of it made Duke Vikena look so fragile. So frail that one wrong move would crumble him to dust and the breath of bystanders would be strong enough to blow it all away. 

Ryn suspected this was exactly why Lady Vikena eyed him with open suspicion. Her scrutiny felt like thin needles poking tiny holes into him. How could he blame her? Ignoring for a moment the cutthroat environment in which they found themselves, even small children were taught not to accept items from random strangers. It was only natural to think that Ryn had an ulterior motive. As her father’s stalwart protector, his well-being was her top priority, because she loved him and he loved her. Duke Vikena’s last tether to this world.

After wiping away all traces that he was weeping just a hand full of minutes ago, the duke offered Ryn’s handkerchief back, [color=salmon]“I can have this cleaned off if you’d like.”[/color]

Without breaking the smile or batting an eye, Ryn took the soiled handkerchief from Duke Vikena, [color=9354FF]"I thank you for the offer, Your Grace, but there is no need to concern yourself with that, you already had a trying evening. I wouldn’t want to trouble you with such a trivial task."[/color] Ryn folded the handkerchief so that the cleanest parts were facing outwards before slipping it into one of the outer pockets. [color=9354FF]"I hope you are feeling well. Would you like something to drink?"[/color] Before the duke could answer, Ryn quickly added, [color=9354FF]"Water, perhaps? I’ve heard that the body becomes dehydrated after crying."[/color] As enticing as it must have been, alcohol was the last thing the duke needed. 

In his peripheral vision, the count noticed a man wearing a brown tailcoat conversing with Lady Vikena. Ryn thought he heard the name John Williamson uttered, but before long, Lady Vikena announced her temporary departure, [color=BBC7E1]"Gentlemen, I am going to find something to eat. Let me know if you would like me to bring anything back."[/color]

As much as he wanted to introduce himself beforehand, to start the process of alleviating the wariness she had of him, Ryn decided that it was better to let her be on her way. She too, had quite the stressful start to the night. It was only fair that she had time for herself and not be constantly guarding her father. Besides, it appeared that she delegated that task to someone else until she returned.

Ryn turned to properly face the brunet. [color=9354FF][i]John Williamson, John Williamson.[/i][/color] Ryn repeated the name in his head before he clapped his hands together once he remembered where he came across the name. [color=9354FF]"Dr. John Williamson! From the Varian Royal Institute of Science! Savior of Kolonivka?"[/color] Ryn walked over to the doctor and offered his hand for a handshake, [color=9354FF]"I knew I recognized that name from somewhere. I’ve seen quite the number of medical supplies sent to you when I was working at my family’s business. It’s so nice to finally put a face to the name."[/color] Ryn shook Dr. Williamson’s hand enthusiastically but made the effort to shake gently. He wanted to avoid accidentally hurting the man. For these hands were more valuable than any item in the ballroom combined. They were the hands of someone who saved lives on a daily basis, come rain or shine. No amount of gold could, or ever should, replace such a precious gift. 

[color=9354FF]"I didn’t know you were invited! It’s–… Oh!"[/color] Ryn released Dr. Williamson’s hand, backing away and turning so that he was able to face both the doctor and the duke. [color=9354FF]"How terribly rude of me, I never introduced myself have I?"[/color] Ryn bowed, the previous casualness dissipating as he did so, [color=9354FF]"I am Count Fritz Hendrix. Up until recently, I was just but one of many merchants, so please forgive me if I do forget the proper etiquette. I have much to learn."[/color] He looked up to first smile at Duke Vikena, [color=9354FF]"It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Duke Vikena,"[/color] Ryn then redirected his smile at Dr. Williamson, [color=9354FF]"Dr. Williamson."[/color]