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[hr][i][color=LightSteelBlue]Time: 10:35[/color] 
[color=LightSteelBlue]Location: Archery Contest[/color] 
[color=LightSteelBlue]Interaction: [@Heartfillia] Crystal, Jacob, Liah / [@princess] The Good Ol’ Count[/color][/i]
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Cassius was more amused than he had been in some time. This had already been one of the more eventful days of his life. There had been some over the years that had been filled with enough conflict, drama, and bloodshed to satisfy a dozen lifetimes…but this one was something special. Thus far he had met his father, annoyed and impressed the local nobility in equal parts, made an absolute ass out of himself in front of his newly revealed sister in the best way possible, and perhaps if he hurried he could witness the last moments of someone’s life. [i]What a day indeed[/i]. 

Though the execution interested him, Cassius did not enjoy watching anyone die. As a mercenary he had witnessed and dealt his fair share of death, but he never allowed himself to become numb to it. The weight of taking a life was something he held with high regard. He wouldn’t be considered honorable by many standards…but he had his creeds, his beliefs, and his own form of principles. Ending a life could be exhilarating. It could be heartbreaking. It could be liberating. One thing it should never be is taken lightly. This is why he intended to be present for the execution. Not to gawk at someone as they are put to death or judge them for the crimes that led them to this point…but to ensure that at least one person in attendance watches their last moments with reverence. This kind of thing was important to him. But first…he had to deal with his current predicament; his sister and her comrades were not going to let him leave without verifying his identity first. Thankfully, it seems that he wasn’t going to have to wait very long. 

Arriving on a brilliant black horse like a story book hero…or perhaps villain, the Count himself climbed down from his steed and approached them. He appeared even more regal than their previous meeting. It was clear to Cas that his father was one that took appearances very seriously. He was sure to disappoint the man in that regard. Calbert greeted them and then looked towards Crystal. Something about his eyes gave Cassius the sense that there was sadness there. Perhaps worry. Cas looked over to his sister as he tried to work out what exactly he was missing. The next few moments were a blur to him as the Count explained the truth to Crystal. Her reaction was not ideal, but he couldn’t blame her…this was sure to be a [i]lot[/i] to take in. 

Cassius watched as his overwhelmed sister walked away. His usual smirk fell into a solemn expression. It was clear that there was more going on than he realized. Insight suggested that something bad had happened. In his arrogance he had missed the signs in his father's eyes…until now. Looking up to his father he couldn’t help but feel a little bad for letting his chaos make what could possibly be a rather serious situation that much more complex. He had intended to be a thorn, and never would have expected to feel bad about his own success in that regard. He would ask the Count about this intuition later, but he felt now was not the time. Even he, in all his panache and his devil may care attitude, could leave well enough alone once in a while. So, he kept things simple. 

[color=LightSteelBlue]Thank you for telling her the truth. I fear she wanted me thrown in the darkest of dungeons for my claim. I…apologize if I upset her.[/color] He took a deep breath, almost not expecting the apology that just came out of his mouth. [color=LightSteelBlue]”Well…I’m sure you have all manner of important business to attend to. Myself, I am going to attend the execution. Someone has to pour a drink out for the accused. Might as well be me.”[/color] For a second time today, Cas walks away from his father without giving him time to respond. Sure, he feels bad for whatever the hell may be going on with this family…but he’s still Cassius Vael.