[center][h1][color=5486ae]John[/color], [color=9354FF]”Ryn”[/color], [Color=salmon]Lorenzo[/color][/h1][/center]
[right][sub]Participants: [@FunnyGuy][@JJ Doe]
Interactions: Count Calbert [@princess], Mayet [@13org][/sub][/right][hr]
Despite being in good company… one might argue, great company, Lorenzo stole obvious glances toward Lady Vikena. His smile could not sell the idea he was completely happy and comfortable but it would be rude of him to say otherwise. 

[Color=salmon]“Never had these?”[/color] The duke did not skip a beat as he grabbed a serving plate and used a pair of tongs to grab one of the creamy custard desserts covered in caramel. [Color=salmon]“Count Hendrix. Here.”[/color] He quickly grabbed another serving plate and offered the same to John. [Color=salmon]“Docto- John. Try it. You will love it! I am sure of it.”[/color] The duke hadn't even processed how unfitting his actions were. To serve those beneath him in front of all to see. Someone out there might be gossipping about him, once again, especially after what happened, but this time, his company today voided the ego to care about such association. People would forget about poor manners the day after, but not the wonderful taste of food, as John found out with barely a bite. He had started, and wasn’t able to stop until the dessert was fully eaten. 

[color=5486ae]“Hmm…”[/color] The doctor closed his eyes briefly, letting out a short hum to savor the last of“his plate of custard. [color=5486ae]“You know, my father once said that there are no bad desserts in Caesonia. And I gotta say it’s pretty true.”[/color] Which would be somewhat true. Caesonia was known for this. [color=5486ae]“The bad ones are all in custardy.”[/color] But not for good jokes, however. From the doctor’s almost straight face as he uttered that line, he looked somewhat proud of it. Lorenzo wore the biggest grin and judging by the snorting sound he made, the count appreciated John’s attempt as well. 

[color=5486ae]“All terrible jokes aside, this is fantastic stuff.”[/color] John said afterward.

[color=9354FF]"I must agree. The… [i]deserts[/i] alone were worth the trip!"[/color] A wink. The count took another bite out of the dessert, before placing the utensil down on the plate he was holding in a hurry when a servant carrying a tray lined up with various beverages walked by. He raised his hand, [color=9354FF]"Excuse me, may we have some water?"[/color] Count Hendrix turned to the other gentlemen, but his gaze lingered longer on the duke, [color=9354FF]"... Unless there is something else you would like to drink?"[/color] The duke eyed the selection before looking at Count Hendrix with a confident smirk.  

[Color=salmon]“Men, this is too fine a night to simply drink water! These events are always an opportunity to test your pallets to fine wines and cuisine. If you think I'm wrong, just look at your plates as proof of richness being served tonight!”[/color] The duke gave a nod to the server while reaching out. [Color=salmon]“The red wine is calling to me.”[/color] Count Hendrix’s smile thinned, but he made no protest, [color=9354FF]"Of course."[/color]

[color=5486ae]“Uhh…yes, indeed.”[/color] Replied the doctor, in a noticeably less enthusiastic tone. He nodded to the server as well, one hand of his pointing at the red wine bottle on the table, but the other one, obscured from both the nobles, were vaguely gesturing his request to tone it down. The servant nodded and left, but then returned with a bottle that sank his excitement into the ground. It was a much heavier variant than the red ones. The doctor cursed under his breath as he opened the bottle and gently, [i]just gently[/i], poured a little bit into his glasses.

[Color=salmon]“You are far too modest.”[/color] The duke smiled as he placed his hand gently on the bottom end of the bottle to [I]assist[/I] his new acquaintance in pouring more than intended, going a tinsy bit away from spilling over. The doctor’s grip on the glasses tightened, seemingly about to break the thin spyre in a moment of surprises and dread of his incoming doom. 

[color=5486ae]“I appreciate it, Duke Vikena.”[/color] John nodded nervously to Lorenzo, before turning over to whisper to Count Hendrix, his face anything but impressed. [color=5486ae]“How the hell can I finish this now?”[/color]

The count tilted his head for a moment then raised his eyebrows, [color=9354FF]"Dr. Williamson, do you not drink alcohol?"[/color] To which John replied. [color=5486ae]“Not that I can’t, but I can’t say I enjoy them.”[/color] Not just from not liking them in general, but from more…deep-seated disdain for what it could do. 

Black eyes studied the doctor, analyzing his face and his fingers that were changing colors from the tight grip. Finally, Hendrix relieved the glass from his hands. [color=9354FF]"I don't think you should force yourself if that is the case. I’m sure Duke Vikena won’t take offense."[/color] He turned to the duke, [color=9354FF]"It seems Dr. Williamson does not have an affinity for alcohol, is there anything else he can try instead?"[/color]

[Color=salmon]“Oh… well I guess…. Um… Oh!”[/color] Lorenzo's solution was simple and maybe unwise. He took the doctor's glass from the count and surprisingly handed it back to the server. [Color=salmon]“Send this to… The beautiful young woman with the tiger as a pet.”[/color] Lorenzo pointed out Mayet within the ballroom and the server walked away to fulfill the random request, but didn't realize he was leaving John without a drink at all. [Color=salmon]“Apologies, John. If I knew your disposition, I wouldn't have forced it upon you.”[/color]

[color=5486ae]“No no, that’s fine…”[/color] John said, a little fleetingly as his hands still stiffened and confused face locked onto the server walking away from the three men. He wouldn’t say that he feels the same kind of doom as with the wine, but judging from how she reacted earlier, he didn’t feel like that would make it any better. [color=5486ae]“Water’s good for me. Thank you for understanding.”[/color] He said, turning to Count Hendrix afterwards [color=5486ae]”You too, Count Hendrix”[/color] His name forced the count to tear his gaze away from the same servant John was watching.

[color=9354FF]"It’s no problem. What’s the point of a party if you can't enjoy yourself? Please don’t feel the need to force yourself, Dr. Williamson."[/color] He glanced around their surroundings, [color=9354FF]"Besides, with how wild these parties can get, I have a feeling we will need the best physician in the Northern Kingdoms to be as sober as a judge."[/color] 

[color=5486ae]“It [i]always[/i] be like that, isn't it?”[/color] The doctor shook his head with a dry chuckle. Spotting another server replacing the waters at a far end of the table, John reached for it.

[color=9354FF]"In the meantime… Duke Vikena, might we start with beverages that are not too strong and pace ourselves? The night is still very young, so many dances to dance, talks to talk, foods to eat. I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities to taste all the Caesonian wine and then some."[/color] The pause was followed by a reminder of sorts, [color=9354FF]"If your [i]daughter[/i] allows it, of course."[/color] The reminder was more effective than anticipated as the duke stopped his glass an inch from his lips.

[Color=salmon]“Well I think you have a…”[/color] The duke trailed off as he caught sight of [i]him[/I]. [Color=salmon][I]Calbert[/I][/color]. The duke appeared bothered as he and Count Damien locked eyes before he briefly averted his gaze. The man that had been slowly cheering up was lost to his company. The duke then took a long sip from his glass.

John, who got himself the water he wanted, turned around and noticed the distant worried gaze on the duke. Too did Count Hendrix, who quickly read the older man’s mood. Both glancing to the direction Lorenzo was looking towards, noticing this mysterious figure, quite older than both the men looking at him, but seemingly close to the duke’s. A brief glance back and forth in confusion, the man walked away. 

[color=5486ae]“You alright?”[/color] John asked the duke. [color=5486ae]”Who’s that guy?”[/color] Instead of an answer, the duke remained silent as if he hadn't heard him. When the silence stretched on, the younger men exchanged looks at each other.
 
[Color=salmon]“Count Calbert Damien.”[/color] Lorenzo's tone was an unpleasant one and though he answered John, his eyes remained affixed on the man mentioned who had found his way to Lady Vikena. [Color=salmon]“Caesonia's beloved count.”[/color] His tone remained the same before he took another long sip.

Count Hendrix watched the duke practically inhale the wine, but his interest did not seem to be on the immoderation of it, [color=9354FF]"And you disagree with this?"[/color] His tone suggested that it was less of a question and more of a statement.
 
[Color=salmon]“No… that would be the answer I am sure I am meant to give. Alidasht is known to have many species of snakes, yes?”[/color] The fauna and flora in that country might have been the only information he researched concerning their foreign guests.

[color=5486ae]“...Yeah, as far as I can tell.”[/color] John replied from his memory. Hendrix only continued to stare at the duke, waiting.

[Color=salmon]“Yet they thrive here in Caesonia. Perhaps that is why I am not cut out for this. Why I'm a failure. I could never be such a thing.”[/color] He took a deep breath after his cryptic answer.

[color=9354FF]"Do you…not like it here, Duke Vikena?[/color] The count whispered so that the only witness to the answer would be him and the doctor, the implication of which was not lost on the doctor. He too knew this might be too touchy to flaunt in the open.

[Color=salmon]“I…”[/color] The duke was vulnerable now. [Color=salmon]“Not in a long time. Life was better as a businessman. Not as many luxuries but people were… they were more genuine.”[/color] The duke brought the glass to his lips again, this time take a few gulps as if washing down the taste of his admission.

Count Hendrix gently placed his hand on Lorenzo’s wine bearing arm once the glass moved away from his lips, [color=9354FF]"A wise person once said that 'those who deserve power do not want it'. You being 'here' brings… so much hope to your people. And I, for one, am so glad to have met you,"[/color] there was a moment of hesitation, [color=9354FF]"Lorenzo."[/color] He smiled. [color=9354FF]"It must have taken a lot of courage to come to this den of vipers and I understand that you would like to… escape,"[/color] the hand on Lorenzo’s arm tightened ever so gently, [color=9354FF]"but if this place is as dangerous as an actual den of vipers… Please. [i]Please.[/i] Don’t drown yourself in alcohol and leave your daughter behind. She needs you."[/color] Lorenzo dropped his gaze towards the ground. Shame gripped him firmly.

After listening in silence, the doctor felt personal enough to speak up. [color=5486ae]“May I say something?”[/color] The brief attention given was enough permission. [color=5486ae]“I too was from Caesonia. Like…born here and grew up.”[/color] He continued, trying to lighten it up a little for what was next. [color=5486ae]“Everything was perfectly fine until it wasn’t. To this day I have no idea what’s the reason, but one day the king’s messenger just told us we weren't welcome here. So our family had to leave, all the way to Varian. It wasn’t fun, and on so many occasions we were left to God’s good humor. Believe me, I’m [i]breathing[/i] right now.”[/color] His words were more casual, but it too was sincere as it went on. [color=5486ae]“I’m not saying that leaving is a bad idea, but the one constant factor that allowed me to be here rather than…6 feet under, is my parents.”[/color] John knocked on the duke’s arm with the back of his hand, and too addressed him informally.  [color=5486ae]”So Lorenzo, whatever you two decide to do, you might want to do it together.”[/color] 

Hendrix’s eyebrows rose slowly as he listened to John’s past, as if he was more taken aback by it than Lorenzo’s earlier confession. [Color=salmon]“You two are both absolutely right. She needs me… Lottie.”[/color] Lorenzo’s eyes were on her while he felt he would never be able to truly assist her but at least as a sober man, he could try.

The count patted the duke’s arm before releasing him. Taking a few steps back, he bowed, [color=9354FF]"I believe we have taken up much of your precious time, Duke Vikena. We shan't keep you any longer from Lady Vikena."[/color] He straightened up, [color=9354FF]"Thank you for spending time with us."[/color] 

[color=5486ae]”Same, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”[/color] John gave the duke a two-finger salute.

[Color=salmon]“No, it is I who should thank you both. I'm afraid I don't know what sorts I'd be in without you both.”[/color] Lorenzo bowed with just his head and a smile. [Color=salmon]“If I don't get the chance to speak to either of you later this evening, I hope to do so during this marvelous season.”[/color] the duke walked off briskly to go see his stepdaughter

The count’s attention shifted to John, brows furrowed, [color=9354FF]"I… I can only imagine what hardships you faced, Dr. Williamson, but I think you are also immensely brave and magnanimous to have come here, despite what happened."[/color] 

[color=5486ae]”Thank you, Count Hendrix. Well, you have so many cards in a deck, sometimes you gotta deal with the bad ones.“[/color] John replied.

[color=9354FF]"Even so, I commend you. I fear I wouldn't have taken it…so… with such…"[/color] The count looked up, trying to search for the right words, but ended up with, [color=9354FF]"clemency."[/color]. 

[color=5486ae]”Haha, well, that’s not an easy pill to swallow that’s for sure.”[/color] The doctor laughed, as he nodded in agreement. 
Hendrix’s smile returned, [color=9354FF]"Will you also be staying over the summer?"[/color] 

[color=5486ae]”Yeah, I’ll be here.”[/color] John nodded. [color=5486ae]”I might go back for a few days to check on my team in the Institute, but for the most part, this should be what I would call a paid vacation.”[/color] 

[color=9354FF]"That’s a delight to hear! I’ll be here too, so hopefully we can see each other again soon, Dr. Williamson."[/color] The count offered his hand out for another handshake.

[color=5486ae]”Likewise Count Hendrix, I’ll see you around.”[/color] And the doctor eagerly took it. 

And with that, the two men parted ways.