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[sub]Interactions: [@mellowdy], [@13org][/sub][/center]

[color=gray]	There was some level of admiration for Mayet, something he attributed to her intelligence and strength. She did not seem to be easily deterred, he did not envy those who crossed her, even less than he envied Lady Harlow currently. 

	When she responded favorably to his quick response, he couldn't help but give a crooked grin in turn. It had been a risk to do, bold-face complimenting another noble could go one of two ways usually. Not that he was terribly worried about his [i]reputation[/i] these days, it helped to not drag more attention to himself than necessary. "[color=a0410d]I try,[/color]" he responded brightly, playfully even, "[color=a0410d]It helps that you didn't shoot that down.[/color]" 

	And as the situation escalated and people hurled their respective insults towards Lady Harlow, he couldn't help but wonder if he really [i]would[/i] have been better off at home. As much as he liked to see Crystal, she had taken off in a flurry of skirts to watch the archery competition and left him with a handful of plates. It wasn't as if they'd really spoken much at all. The awkward exchange of compliments hadn't done much but leave him with a bad taste in his mouth. 

	Mayet was interesting, at least. She was more than willing to stand for herself, now facing off with Lady Harlow, who he imagined was no longer feeling all that prepared. Though Mayet was [i]not[/i] acting on behalf of his sister, he was still grateful for her readiness to step up to the plate. It wasn't that Priscilla couldn't handle herself, but he'd long-since come to terms with the fact that he could be a bit protective of the people in his life.

	He was left contemplative and [i]still holding one too many plates[/i]. 

	When the Duke Vikena called out to Mayet, excluding her title, even [i]he[/i] couldn't help but wonder exactly what gave him the [i]gall[/i]. He quite nearly opened his own mouth to comment, but rightfully, Mayet spoke up. Her annoyance at the situation was something he could sympathize with. Oftentimes when nobles gathered anywhere, there was an expected level of chaos but this was [i]unexpectedly[/i] chaotic. He wasn't sure anyone could apologize enough to cover the sheer [i]mess[/i] that had been made of the park that day.

	"[color=a0410d]I know I don't speak for everyone but I do apologize your outing has gone so terribly,[/color]" he said to Mayet, grimacing somewhat. "[color=a0410d]It seems, at times, [i]some[/i] of us forget our manners.[/color]"

	This last bit was directed mostly to Lady Harlow, who he'd already offended once today and saw very little reason to refrain from offending more. The Duke however... well, he didn't have much experience with the Duke. 
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