[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/vm76qmi.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/rtwLejQ.png[/img][/center]

[color=f26522]Time[/color]: evening
[color=f26522]Location[/color]: the park
[color=f26522]Interactions[/color]: John [@Conscripts], Fritz [@JJ Doe], Violet [@Tpartywithzombi] 
[color=f26522]Mentions in order[/color]: 
[color=f26522]outfit:[/color] [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/06b08b90-7dc5-4b56-bad9-82183150fae5.jpg]Red tunic with a summer burgundy cloak and no hat[/url]
[hr][hr]

Roman couldn't help but give Violet a soft smile with a slight sigh, even if he was upset he still couldn't be mad around her. He didn't quite believe her when she said she was alright, it just made him want to pick her up and whisk her away from this place but he was a gentleman and would do the gentleman thing and take her back down the hill a little ways to talk with her. 

“[color=f26522]Give me one moment to grab some food and we can find a place to sit down the hill and talk.[/color]” with a smile he gave her a slight bow and turned to go to the food pile.

He did, however, nod to the good Doctor, [color=f26522]“I believe that is a wonderful idea, you can pull me aside at any time after the festivities. Same goes for you count Fritz.”[/color]

Roman moved quickly to the food and motioned for one of the nearby guards to join him for a moment.

"Can I help you, Lord Ravenwood?” the guard asked

“[color=f26522]Yes, take this.[/color]” Roman handed the man several coins and motioned towards one of the musicians down near the crowd. “[color=f26522]Go and ask that man down there if i can borrow his guitar, give him those coins for his troubles.[/color]” Honestly he wasn't sure how much he gave the guard as his mind was elsewhere but it seemed like it was a lot. 

Roman returned quickly to Violet and the others with a few pieces of food wrapped in paper. Offering his arm to violet with a soft smile, [color=f26522]“would you like to join me?[/color]” Motioning to another blanket further down the hill.

Violet could feel their eyes judging her. The feeling of disgust, curiosity and pity was cloaking her , the guests making her feel welcomed with their words but judged by their gazes. She took a step back instinctively as she felt the need to run away. A shroud of shame encased her. 

All but one. 

He gave off genuine kindness towards her. It made her all the more curious as to who he was and how he knew her exactly. She offered him an empty smile “[color=firebrick] Please, take your time [/color]“ She responded in her empty tone. She watched the figure bow and leave towards the food. 

Violet shifted her weight onto her cane as she felt the headache continue to pound her head. She continued to ignore it, she felt that this conversation was more important than her tiny inconvenient headache.

“[color=firebrick]Please to meet you Dr, I hope you have a wonderful evening.[/color]” She responded to Dr.John. She didn’t say much else, he created a shroud of discomfort over her.

She didn’t have to wait long for Roman to return, he was quite speedy she would give him that much. She looked down at an arm that was being offered too her. She looked up at the tall figure and then back down to his arm before accepting. “[color=firebrick] Thank you.[/color]” she said as she wrapped her arm around his, She turned to face his direction as her weight shifted gratefully off her can and onto the arm of the brutish sized man. 

She followed beside him, being escorted down the hill. Her legs were still weak and struggling to hold herself up as her pace would be rather slow and unnatural for a young woman as herself. [color=firebrick]“I apologize my legs are a little wobbly today..”[/color] 

Roman took her arm into his helping her with her balance while trying to take off some of the weight off her legs. She almost felt like she could fall apart in his arms. He found himself crouching slightly and slowing his pace to better help steady her. Whatever happened to her last night was surely a rough experience. The hit to her head must have also been bad if she didn't even recognize him. 

“[color=f26522]There is no need to apologize, I simply wish to help.[/color]” he spoke softly, holding only kindness in his eyes. “[color=f26522]I will tell you about our meeting last night, how you looked in that raven dress, and our talk on the balcony.[/color]” he sighed slightly but kept his smile while he guided her to their seat to watch the continuing fireworks. “[color=f26522]I even met with your father this morning but he said you left in the early morning.[/color]” When they reached their spot he set the food down to the side and helped her to her seat then found his spot next to her.

Violet slowly lowered herself to the ground onto the blanket. Using the cane to steady herself, she lowered slowly before feeling the soft fabric under her. “[color=firebrick]You met with my father?[/color]” She asked curiously. “[color=firebrick]Yes, I supposed I would have left as I only returned home an hour ago.[/color]” Her words seemed more questioned than matter of fact. “ [color=firebrick]May I ask you a question unrelated for a moment?[/color]” She looked over at her friend in question. “[color=firebrick]Do I repulse people?[/color]” she said bluntly, her face once again showing no signs of emotion by her question however, the fact she seemed to care about what the others thought of her seemed to be the only vulnerability she had shown. “ [color=firebrick]I felt alot of eyes on me, and sensed their discomfort. I would have left much earlier had you not agree’d to this meeting.[/color]” Once again her words fell back to that strange tone of voice she held. 
 
[color=f26522]“Yes I did, he didn't sound too pleased by our conversations we had the night before. I am glad you are back. You were rather blunt last night for our conversations, it was refreshing but I figured that was because you were not too fond of being at the dance with everyone.”[/color] he smiled at that thought but found his smile fading with her next question.

Again all he could do was give her a comforting smile, [color=f26522]“forgive me for assuming but it does look like you went through some sort of… trauma since our last meeting.”[/color] he smiled softly, [color=f26522]“not everyone is used to seeing that and fewer still know how to react to it. I've seen plenty of it.”[/color] He hoped that she understood what he was saying.

Violets attention turned to the man “ [color=firebrick]I - I don’t understand[/color] “ 

Frowning for a moment he began to check some of his pouches only to stop and retrieve a small disk. He wasn't so vain that he would stare into the small pocket mirror but it came in handy when meeting important people after working in the shop. Roman opened the small mirror and held it out to her, “[color=f26522]again i apologize if i'm being too blunt or forward… your eyes are red from the silver they were before, you have to use a cane to help you walk, your skin is a bit paler than it was yesterday, and you have another beautiful scar to add to the other ones.[/color]” Honestly Roman was worried, not just for her but also to how she might respond, the last thing he wanted to do was push her away or give her a reason to push him away. Her emotionless gaze was worrying enough for him.

Violet sat there in silence, listening to his description of her appearance. Her eyes were red? She figured her pale skin would be from her exhaustion but a scar? She watched him rummage through his pouches , the blurred figure moving around holding an object towards her. Her eyes clearly were unable to focus on anything, they searched around trying to gather in any information she could but make anything out. “ [color=firebrick]Please be blunt, It’s refreshing not being the reason for whispers. However, I unfortunately cannot see …[/color]” she omitted. “[color=firebrick] I think I am blind..but you say there was a time I wasn’t?[/color]” again her voice seemed so dull considering she just told him she was blind. 

“[color=f26522]Well yes…[/color]” that did catch him off guard, was this permanent or just something because of her eyes. [color=f26522]“You talked in great detail about your stories and the books you liked to read. Then we danced and talked about what we were searching for in life. I do believe that i said something along the lines of your silver eyes are like moonbeams in the dark but now they are more like rubies…”[/color] he stopped and got a better view of her eye’s he wasn't put off by their change in color with everything he has seen and done there were few things that bothered him. The only thing that bothered him about them now was the lack or absence of emotion that once blossomed within them. [color=f26522]“What is the last or first thing you remember about last night or this morning?”[/color] he asked patiently but quietly.

She took a deep breath as she looked away from him. Truthfully she really didn’t remember anything of what he said, or even the dance and if he was right then that just happened that night. “ [color=firebrick]I just remember more of a feeling then memories or thoughts…[/color]” she paused. “ [color=firebrick]I remember warmth, silence.. peace… Just a calmness that I’ve never experienced before. It felt like laying in the middle of a wildflower field with the sun warming your skin to the perfect temperature, no worries, no pain, just peace.[/color]” She shrugged her shoulders “ [color=firebrick]It sounds silly, I am aware but that is all I have. Then I just remember being in a carriage with my mother who wouldn’t stop fawning over me. That is about it..[/color]” 

Roman watched Violet closely, watching for a reaction or some kind of emotion. The explanation she gave sounded like she was at peace with whatever happened and now she was just healing unless she was lying to him, somehow he doubted she was. Still, it wasn't exactly what he expected to hear then again it was better than nothing at all. “[color=f26522]Well you did have a few glasses of wine by the end of the night. I remember leaving with some of the others somewhere but that's all a blur as well. At least I didn't get that bad of a hangover like all the others. Still… it's strange that neither of us can recall the events of last night.[/color]”

“ [color=firebrick]I dont think wine would take my eyesight , cause large scaring to my face and make me forget even the basic of things.[/color]” She said in a rather serious tone, almost sounding frustrated. “ [color=firebrick]I wish I had answers but I don't.[/color] “  Her headache was certainly not helping any matters either. “ [color=firebrick]Its not a blur, I simply have no memories. Faded images of my parents and I believe a sister but I dont remember anything but that carriage ride..no dinners, no dancing, no childhood …nothing.[/color]” Her voice was still void of much but there appeared to be a glimpse of frustration, a small hope that inside her somewhere was still a person  struggling to fight through. 

Listening intently to what she was saying with a sigh, he really wished he could help her with this but maybe this was all he could do for now. “[color=f26522]Crystal Damien is your sister… oh and apparently a half brother cassy… casius… cadvieous… I can't remember what he said…[/color]” he fell silent again as he stared at her, “[color=f26522]I apologize, I really want to help you and I'm not sure how. The only thing I can think of right now is just talk to you and maybe give you a hug if you would like.[/color]" He honestly didn't know what he could do to help more but he really wanted to do more for her.

“ [color=firebrick]It is quite alright Lord Ravenwood. I assure you I will be fine.[/color]” She wasn't sure she even believed that. Her eyes happened upon a glow close in the center of the man's chest. As her eyes were drawn to it, a bright blue color radiated from it. Violet could hear whisperings and children's laughter coming from the light. A sense of fear and anger came rushing over her as she unknowingly had reached for the object off his chest, holding it ever so delicately in her fingers. Roman…Roman…The voice called out as if he were searching for him. “[color=firebrick] You have a friend with you,[/color] “ she said bluntly. “ [color=firebrick]He is not very happy whoever he is,[/color]” she said before pulling back away from him. “[color=firebrick]Why do you carry him with you?[/color]” she asked curious as to why someone who be carrying around such an angry soul. 

Tilting his head in curiosity, Roman watched her reach out to him; he wasn't sure what she was doing until she picked up his necklace that had come out from under his shirt. He felt a spike of anxiety for a moment when she held it but it quickly subsided. What she said next didn't make much sense, “[color=f26522]A friend?...[/color]” he trailed off as he looked at his necklace and furrowed his brows. The memories of when he lost his friend to the ritual came back for a moment then dissipated, “[color=f26522]that's not something i'm willing to talk about out here… too many ears.[/color]” His tone was serious but not mean or upset. “[color=f26522]How can you see that?[/color]”

“ [color=firebrick]I am not sure, Just see a very strange light coming from whatever that was.. Kept speaking your name in a really aggressive tone. Almost as if they had a grudge or hate towards you..That is a rather dark thing you carry.[/color]” Her voice continued to keep its emotionless tone. “ [color=firebrick]It’s none of my business either way … Just something I noticed.[/color]” She turned her attention away from him as she adjusted herself on the blanket. 

She was curious however, he mentioned her having a scar on her face yet she had yet to see it. Slowly she lifted her hand to her face , first feeling around and not finding anything until she moved her finger tips over the left eye. Her fingers began to trace a rather thick raised mark above her eye, it moved down over her nose, nearly missing the eye itself. It was as if her face was split by this rather large marking. 

Roman was truly caught off guard now, was Bjorn still in there? He rubbed the pendant that hung from his neck and remembered for a brief moment that night when he lost his friend. “[color=f26522]Some of us will always carry our mistakes with us, sometimes literally.[/color]” he could only think of how or why Bjorn was in there in the first place if it even was him at all. Did that ritual work and they didn't do the right thing? Was it something else entirely? 

He was stuck staring at his necklace for longer than he thought when he did look back up to her she was running her fingers over her face. He watched her quietly trace her fingers over the new scar that definitely was not there last night, even makeup would have had trouble concealing that from him last night. “[color=f26522]It's okay. you told me last night that others said that you were tarnished because of your scars. I still believe that they are beautiful.[/color]”

[color=firebrick]“Although your words are kind Lord Ravenwood [/color]“ she felt her hand drop down to her lap, truthfully she had enough. The visual of that scar was large in her mind, although she couldn’t see it she understood now why her appearance made others uncomfortable. “ [color=firebrick]The world does not agree, nor do the guests of the event up the hill.[/color] “ She seemed to not be bothered as she was the night before. Violet would have likely cried herself to sleep, hidden in her room for months on end and walked around with a veil over her face. This was different however, she didn’t seem to care one way or the other. “ [color=firebrick]Seems that whatever did happen, I now too have to carry my mistakes with me for the world to see. At Least yours is rather hidden..[/color]” she eyed the necklace again “ [color=firebrick]But he certainly is loud.[/color]” Her eyes narrowed in on a shadowy figure that could be seen banging around in its constraints “ [color=firebrick]He certainly wants out, but best not allow that to happen.[/color]” She leaned into him, her hands propping herself up as she narrowed back into the necklace. “[color=firebrick]That is enough out of you, I don’t like your tone.[/color]” she said rather sternly, yet no one was around. 

While still crouched, in inches from his chest, Violet's arm gave out from under her. Her body collapsed slightly into his lap before she caught herself. Her body crumpled into him as she struggled to push herself up “ [color=firebrick]I'm sorry… Not quite sure what happened. Just a weird dizzy spell I think.[/color] “ She remarked but the truth was she hadn’t been feeling well all day. Her body felt weak and frail causing her to have a headache as if she hadn’t eaten for a month. Something about him however smelt.. enticing. She lingered for a moment longer before she broke the pull she had towards him and tried to steady herself into a sitting position again. 

Again he smiled at her and nodded slightly, “[color=f26522]that is true, if they knew some of the things i've done they would shun me as well… but it's not a mistake. Someone did this to you.[/color]” his anger flared again for a moment then subsided thinking about his necklace again. He didn't react as she came further towards him and didn't really know how to react as she spoke to the soul that was stuck in his necklace. Then she fell into him, he held her for a moment and then helped her back up.

“[color=f26522]It's ok, would you like something to eat?[/color]” he asked, offering some of the food he had brought to her.

“ [color=firebrick]Yes..That might be a good idea. I don't remember the last time I had food…[/color]” She accepted a sandwich and carefully unwrapped it. “[color=firebrick]If we only met last evening, why do you care so much?[/color]” she asked before taking a bite of the sandwich. She made a face, the taste was questionable. It was better than nothing but it was certainly hard to swallow her first mouthful. “ [color=firebrick]You don’t owe me anything to help me..You even left your friends to make sure I was ok.[/color]” She took another bite. 

He also enjoyed a bite of the sandwich and found it to be ok but satisfying for street food as she asked her questions. “[color=f26522]I enjoyed your company and our dance. Those from the northern territories, like myself, are quick to form bonds no matter how minor. Our lives are hard and up until recently rather short so we take what we can get and try to find the things in life that gives us joy, then celebrate them.[/color]” speaking of the guard returned and handed off the instrument to him he ordered earlier. The man didn't stick around the two retreating quickly.

Roman strummed the guitar and began to tune it, handling it like an old friend. “[color=f26522]If anything I believe you are a friend and we treat our friends like family as they are the family we choose. So why help you? Because I like you and I care about you.[/color]”

[i]Family[/i]

The word echoed in her mind. He liked her and cared about her ..as family. She could hear the voice from his necklace taunting her, laughing at the fact she clearly saw him as something other than family. She wasn’t sure what she felt towards him, but she certainly didn’t feel this towards her mother or father. There was some kind of pull or draw to him, she didn’t seem to have towards anyone else. Perhaps it was just due to their conversations the night prior, that her mind just felt a familiarity. 

She was startled by the loud and abrupt strum of the guitar as she felt her hand to her chest catching her breath. “ [color=firebrick]That startled me[/color] “ she said, her voice still void of any fear or joy. “ [color=firebrick]I suppose that speaks to your character, family is an important thing I would imagine.[/color]” 

“[color=f26522]Apologies, I didn't mean to.[/color]” smiling at her softly, he really didn't mind the facial scarring it reminded him of the injuries his sister sustained. Not even the strange eye color was off putting to him, strange definitely but not entirely too off putting. Softly strumming the guitar and thinking about family, “[color=f26522]well if everything aligns correctly, if we are able to grow this bond between us then maybe you can be a part of my family permanently.[/color]” he smiled again and thought about what he had just suggested a bit more carefully.

“[color=f26522]It's not a marriage proposal but I wanted to be direct with you so you are aware of my intentions to find a wife this summer. If this is too much and you want to run, that is fine, I am perfectly fine with just being friends.[/color]” Roman looked away to take a bite of food and then begin to strum the guitar again. “[color=f26522]Do you mind if I sing something?[/color]”

Violet sat there, strangely too stunned to speak. She felt the first thing she had this whole time, her heart skipped a beat. It was a strange feeling, one she couldn’t quite describe. Why would someone want her? She couldn’t even remember what he looked like, or the conversations they had. Not to mention the large scar on her face, yet he sat there and considered something as big as sharing a life with her even with all her faults and issues. 

No, people are cruel. This was likely some joke he would bring back to his friends to laugh at later. 

“[color=firebrick]I don't think in my state I could run..[/color]” She said softly, showing the first sign of Violet. The real Violet. Her subtle joke made her smile lightly but it faded rather quickly. It was a passing glimpse of her, showing that she was still there…somewhere… [color=firebrick]”Sure, I don't mind.”[/color] Her emotionless voice returning. 

[color=f26522]“You did say you don't remember our conversations last night, but we talked about our family’s, what we do in our free time and what we want for our future. I am the oldest of 9 brothers and 7 sisters. 4 of my siblings have passed away.”[/color] while he idly talked his fingers found the right cords and placement. “[color=f26522]I am a blacksmith and craftsman by trade. Still, everyone living in the north is a warrior in some fashion. But I am not one to run away from a good time.[/color]” he spoke as he started to play the guitar and the melody for the song.

The tune was simple and relaxing at least for him, it was a song he had heard in one of the taverns from varian. It was quite popular with those people. 

(Curse of the Fold by shawn james)
[color=f26522]“Give me your heart and I'll show you how to feel
Send me your soul and you'll know what it is to be free
We all need a deeper purpose
One that's true and bold
The only thing that could hurt us
Is the curse of the fold.”[/color]

He wasn't singing quietly but he also wasn't shouting it either, just a song for those around him.

[color=f26522]“I once knew a man who had fire in his eyes
Bloody right hand, he had taken his enemies' lives
The past was his torture
The future held his hope
Until he chose his fortune
As the curse of the fold.

Although you may feel like giving up
It's not the only road
The path less often traveled
Holds the highest, the highest of hopes”[/color]

He had his eyes closed for the first few verses of the song making sure he wasn't forgetting anything but by the last two verses he was paying attention to the almost unreadable companion. Next to him.

[color=f26522]“Some used to say that I'd never scale this mountain
Now that I'm close they shut their eyes and draw their curtains
Those who don't believe
Will always encourage defeat
They'll scream and shout and scold
For the curse of the fold.

Although I felt like giving up
It's not the road I chose
The path less often traveled
Held the highest, the highest of hopes
Held the highest, the highest of hopes.”[/color]

Continuing to play the guitar a bit longer before he stopped and looked over to Violet with a closed lipped smile on his face. [color=f26522]“I do enjoy that song, it's one of the ones that i am happy that i learned when i did.”[/color]

Violet sat rather quietly, her fingers had found their way into the grass blades as it pulled on one after the other. She could feel his eyes on her as she continued to just sit and listen , the words holding quite a bit of meaning behind them. She felt as if she had fallen into some relaxed trance, her mind being pulled from all its thoughts as she looked over at him “ [color=firebrick]You have a very relaxing singing voice. Thank you for sharing that.[/color] “ Her voice continued to sound emotionless, but yet she seemed somewhat genuine in her statement. “[color=firebrick]Well I suppose you should be getting back to your event. I feel like I've occupied much of your time as it is. I do appreciate you answering my questions.[/color]” Violet used her cane to prop under her as she unsteadily tried to stand back up. 

It seemed they only had enough time for one song at the very least he chose one of his favorites that wasn't a drinking song. He watched her try to stand after giving him the compliment. Without hesitation he quickly got up to help her to her feet, [color=f26522]“it's quite alright, you are not a burden. Those people up there.”[/color] motioning towards the others at the top of the hill, he could see them all talking and smiling. [color=f26522]“They are my people, that is where my loyalty lies. I will always be able to spend more time with them, I can't say the same about you.” [/color]

Holding gently onto her arm to steady her, [color=f26522]“at the very least allow me to walk you back to your carriage or back home if you did not arrive in one.”[/color]

[i]They are my people, that is where my loyalty lies..[/i]

Those words hit her , the feeling of those peoples eyes on her.. The sense of disgust and confusion she felt with them. If that were true, if those people were his people then she certainly would not feel welcome around them. 

“[color=firebrick]It is quite alright Lord Ravenwood. If I'm honest, I would much prefer to walk home by myself. It is no offense to you but your friend is rather noisy and my head is already hurting as it is.[/color] “ She paused and looked back down at his necklace “ [color=firebrick]Yes .. you win. However he can’t hear you so all your shouting is useless.[/color]” Her tone was firm but still void of anything. 

Violet leaned against Roman for a moment before shifting her weight onto her cane and steadying herself. “ [color=firebrick]Perhaps next time we meet, he will be less of an issue.[/color]” Violet said about his invisible passenger. 

“[color=firebrick]Thank you for reminding me what a friend is.. Lord Ravenwood.[/color]” Violet's eyes still struggled to focus on him, her crimson orbs dotting around but for the first time this evening a small smile spread on her lips. It didn’t stay long, however it was sincere. “[color=firebrick] Have a good evening.[/color]” Violet turned around and began making her way down the hill towards the forested exit of the park. 

Continuing to smile softly at the girl and nod, [color=f26522]“as you wish i would normally insist but it seems you have a few guards wandering the crowd just as i do. I will leave you in their capable hands and hopefully we can see each other more through the week. You can always find me at the blacksmith in the afternoon.”[/color] Roman walked with her quietly until they reached the bottom of the hill.

[color=f26522]“In case you don't remember, I did mention that I believe your scars are beautiful because I have a sister that has similar scars and she is the most beautiful of all my siblings. I thought you might have wanted to know why I don't have any issue with your scars. Scars that you said made you ‘tarnished goods’.”[/color]  

Patting her arm gently with a smile, “[color=f26522]I do hope you have a wonderful evening and you get plenty of rest. I can't wait till our next meeting, Violet.[/color]” another short bow and he returned to the spot they were at. 

Roman didn't waste too much time to hand off the guitar back to the guard. He really only looked back now and then to watch her leave a little longer. Returning to the top of the hill with everyone else just in time to hear Sadie talk about just how Lukas was her hero. He made sure to lock eyes with John with a head tilt and no smile that basically said, “[i]Lets Talk.[/i]” 

Violet hadn’t seen any guards but then again her sight was so bad she wasn’t surprised. Her mother must have sent them out after she found out She had gone for her walk. At Least there was that. 

She stopped for a moment as he said his goodbyes, the words about her scars sat with the weight of his words on her chest. Her face didn’t show any signs of a reaction but she certainly felt something, unsure of what it ment. 

She heard his footsteps as he took his leave, she stood still for just a moment. Soaking in that feeling of acceptance and care. It had been a nice change from all the disgust, discomfort and panic. It reminded her of that feeling she had not long ago. Peace. 

Turning back around, Violet walked off at a slow pace towards the exit.