[center][h1][color=5486ae][b]John[/b][/color] & [color=f26522][b]Roman[/b][/color] & [b][abbr=1.) a state of disorder or disrepair; broken 2.) peaceful ruler]◆◆◆◆◆[/abbr][color=9354FF] "△△△" [/color]◆◆◆◆◆◆[/b]
[/h1][/center] [hr]
[i]((Previous Day Collab))[/i]

△△△ kept waving in Luz’s direction as Sir Barrios pushed her wheelchair until both figures were swallowed by the crowd. He turned his attention back to where the two other Varians were and approached them. [color=9354FF]“We meet again, Grand Healer,”[/color] △△△ nodded to Dr. Williamson, then to the blacksmith lord, [color=9354FF]“Lord Ravenwood.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Apologies if I am interrupting your mysterious secret conversation, but I was hoping you’d be willing to indulge me with a discussion about a certain mysterious secret party.”[/color]

Movement to the corner of his eye alerted Roman to the new presence seemingly wanting to join in on their conversation. [color=f26522]“Count Fritz ''[/color] he spoke, giving the man a nod of acknowledgement. [color=f26522]“Not so much a secret conversation, just discussing the pros and cons of possibly bringing these fried treats and popcorn to the northern territories. We don't know if they would be addictive or possibly some kind of health hazard.”[/color] his smile still didn't fade and he sounded just as genuine as he always was around others, [color=f26522]“So what is this talk of a secret party?”[/color] his voice lowered again.

△△△ sighed and shook his head, [color=9354FF]“The world couldn’t be crueler… Why do things that are bad for you taste oh so good? It makes no sense.”[/color] He smiled and continued as if they were still talking about food. [color=9354FF]“Why, the secret party that you attended last night, Lord Ravenwood. I heard it was wild! …But also a little concerning since everyone who attended seemed to have mysteriously lost their memories.”[/color] He glanced at Dr. Williamson for a moment. [color=9354FF]“Lady Vikena, Lord Smithwood, and I decided to investigate the matter.”[/color]

John raised his eyebrows [color=5486ae]”Oh yeah I’ve heard of that. It’s a nightmare for us yesterday.”[/color] He shot a glance over at Roman at the mention of Lord Smithwood. Given the almost certainty of magic being used, and their identities unknown, he couldn’t help but be a little worried. Especially when it comes to these two characters, they probably weren’t aware what they were getting into. [color=5486ae]”Oh, are yall? What have you uncovered?”[/color] 

[color=9354FF]“Not much so far. That’s why I wanted to ask you about the party, Lord Ravenwood.”[/color] He paused for a moment, considering how he should phrase the next part in case the lord was not privy to the possibility. [color=9354FF]“And ask if you have considered my suspicions, Dr. Williamson.”[/color]

Listening carefully as he decided on how to respond to the question, this was the first person that personally approached him with just that question in mind. [color=f26522]“Last night? Hmm well I've made some inquiries into the event as well. For whatever reason I was not affected as badly as some of the others."[/color] That statement was true as he glanced in the direction that Zarai left. [color=f26522]“I still don't remember anything aside from who was with us when we left and waking up with a slight headache.”[/color]

It was, as △△△ expected, the same testimony repeated by a different person. [color=9354FF]“As it seems to be more or less the case for the others as well. Which worries me more… My primary concern is what could’ve been done to the attendees during the party. Anything could’ve happened and no one is none the wiser because no one remembers anything.”[/color]

Not only considered, but basically confirmed. But the Count didn’t know that. [color=5486ae]”I will put that into consideration, yes. But there hasn’t been any evidence beyond speculation, and not a lot of evidence period. If there’s any in favor of your ideas, we would love to hear it.”[/color] He shrugged his shoulders and laid his palms bare, as a casual gesture, but one socially-savvy person could tell he was subtly probing the Count if he was willing to give out more information.

A knowing smile slowly appeared across △△△’s face as he stared at Dr. Williamson. Even if the doctor had stumbled upon compelling evidence, he would not disclose it to him so easily. In his role as the esteemed royal physician, Dr. Williamson was duty-bound to safeguard the well-being of the royal family and her subjects. It was inconceivable that he would have neglected to explore the potential influence of magic when the slightest possibility of its presence emerged. The consequences of disregarding it were far too great to be ignored. [color=9354FF]“You sound like an intelligencer when you say it like that.”[/color]

After carefully observing the reactions of the men, he continued. [color=9354FF]“As you say, I have no evidence, just speculations and rumors. So I am sorry to say that I will be of no use to you, Dr. Williamson.”[/color] △△△’s eyes wandered in the direction Luz and her knight went. [color=9354FF]“However, I am desperate. And I am willing to investigate less reliable leads if I must.”[/color] His focus returned to the other two. [color=9354FF]“I don’t mind if it is mere conjecture, what do you gentlemen think transpired?”[/color]

Staying quiet for a moment to let the two talk, He pondered how to go about this conversation without revealing too much information but still giving this man a tail to chase. [color=f26522]“Well go over some of the more well known information, we were all royals or nobles from the three kingdoms, i haven't heard of anyone losing jewelry or money, most of us came out of the night rather unharmed.”[/color] he glanced at the direction the zarai had disappeared. [color=f26522]“Most of us… no missing organs or anyone mis-shapen in any way. What could we all have that could benefit someone?”[/color] 

He shifted his stance and straightened his back with a sigh, [color=f26522]“but I do press caution for you Leo and charlotte. If this person or persons would use something that affected the nobility and royalty from multiple kingdoms in such a way, then it's not too much of a stretch to come to the conclusion that they might harm or kill anyone looking into it…”[/color] his brow furrowed for a moment at his words, Fritz could very well be putting the others in danger thus making his job harder. [color=f26522]“So again be careful who you talk to and what questions you ask. You could inadvertently get them hurt as well.”[/color]

Guilt and sadness for a loss yet to come gripped △△△. [color=9354FF]“It may already be too late for that.”[/color] He whispered as he closed his eyes. 

△△△ took in a deep breath. He noted how both men were avoiding directly answering his questions, which led him to consider the possibility that either they were withholding information or that they were involved in the investigation in some capacity. [color=9354FF]“Lady Lesdeman believes that the party attendees were drugged. Were you able to find anything in their system to support this possibility?”[/color]

[color=5486ae]”There’s a lot of alcohol in their system, that’s for sure.”[/color] John crossed his arms, giving his thoughts a second scan before actually command his vocal chord to materialize them. He really did not want to give the Count information here, but giving him less would just alert him even more, hearing how he thought John was more of a spy than doctor. It’s pretty clear he had to give him something. And his quick thoughts provided him that something. 

[color=5486ae]”But within the alcohol we also find something rather…troublesome. It’s a substance called bihydrat hydroxyd.”[/color] With a completely straight face, John explained the situation. [color=5486ae]”The substance is, and I hope you will be discreet with this information, used in anesthesia. It is also a component of acid rain and pesticide used by farmers. Now, it isn’t inherently toxic, and since everyone seems to be fine the day after, it’s likely not poisonous. But keep an eye out for any dangerous symptoms.”[/color] The doctor looked at Roman with slight efforted reassurance, but his tone otherwise was eloquent before turning back to Fritz. [color=5486ae]”To answer your question, yes, if they were drugged, using alcohol with added substance would be a good vector of attack, seeing how it is odorless and colorless, so blends in really well with drinks. However, as much as we have used them in our medical field, none of our patients have experienced memory loss, so there are still unanswered questions.”[/color] 

△△△’s eyes grew wide and his mouth became slightly agape, unable to find the right words to articulate his emotions. [color=9354FF][i]Bihydrat hydroxyd. Bi. Hydrat. Hydroxyd.[/i][/color] His body began to tremble, starting with a barely noticeable quiver that grew into uncontrollable shakes. Until, finally, △△△ erupted into laughter. [color=9354FF]“Oh, Doctor! I’d be greatly concerned if they didn’t have a drop of bihydrat hydroxyd in them!”[/color] Pausing momentarily to catch his breath, he playfully added, [color=9354FF]“Would you please be so kind as to fetch me a cup of [i][b]water[/b][/i]? I’m starting to feel rather parched.”[/color]

[color=5486ae]”Ah.”[/color] John tapped the side of his head once. It didn’t fool him. Usually that would have worked. [color=5486ae]”Sure, have some.”[/color] He grabbed a bottle from his pocket, containing water he saved from Sadie’s party. Whether or not that came off as genuine or an elaborate ploy was up to Fritz, he was just glad that the Count saw through the ruse. Now he knew what to expect. 

Wiping away the tears that had gathered at the corners of his eyes, △△△ inquired, sparing Lord Ravenwood the briefest of glances. [color=9354FF]“So, Agent… or Agents, who issued the directive to conceal the involvement of magic in this affair—His or Her Majesty, or V.R.I.S.?” [i]... A mysterious third party?[/i][/color]

[color=5486ae]”Hmm, who do you think did so, Count ‘Hendrix’?”[/color] John asked the mysterious noble. [color=5486ae]”You know, since you asked me quite a lot despite being quite aware of the transpiring situation.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Much less than you suspect, unfortunately. I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t have evidence.”[/color] △△△ gave Dr. Williamson’s first question careful thought. [color=9354FF]“Based on past dealings, I wouldn’t be surprised if either gave the order.”[/color] As Crosswinds Tradings merchants, his family had the privilege of working with both parties, supplying them with an extensive range of ingredients, materials, and items sourced from far and wide—some of which possessed extraordinary properties by Northern Kingdom standards.

Again roman stayed quiet as the two talked, the count saying something under his breath and the Dr. making a joke of some kind related to a chemical he didn't quite pick up on. Apparently the punch line was for water or some other beverage he wasn't sure. He knew chemicals when it came to certain subjects like acid etching and the right components to mix for certain creations. Nevertheless it did not seem like the count was being swayed to the notion that the two of them didn't know anything more. 

[color=f26522]“I'm not sure what you mean by agent, I am a craftsman and the head of my family's craftsman and trading guild.”[/color] Roman wasn't sure what that third party was but only let bewilderment escape his facial features. [color=f26522]“Magic is a dangerous thing, to both one's life and political standing. I Would tread carefully with your next words, Count Fritz Hendrix.”[/color] his voice changed slightly to a subtle accusatory tone.

[color=f26522]“To start a rumor that the Crown was aware of the use of magic on its nobles on foreign soil and did not do anything about it while telling everyone that knew to keep it quiet… could very easily be misinterpreted as treason.”[/color] his voice didn't shift or quiver and his body language didn't change either. The people of the northern Varian territories were known to be very loyal to the crown to the point that many thought of them as zealots. Taking any perceived question or rumor as a possible threat to them. Most of those rumors held true.

The difference in the responses between the two Varians revealed a lot. The reaction to △△△’s audacious assertions, regardless of their veracity, told him even more.

Appearing unflappable or innocently oblivious to Lord Ravenwood’s warning, the count clasped his hands together. [color=9354FF]“Excellent! Does this mean you will rectify my terrible misunderstanding by sharing more of what you know?”[/color] Though the question was directed at the lord there was an unspoken invitation to the doctor to do the same, whether in front of the other Varian or in private, if need be.

John sighed; Fritz really is persistent. Roman’s response seemed to only push his buttons even further. The doctor exchanged a glance towards the northern blacksmith, tilting his head as a silent gesture to let him take the lead, and also for permission. 

John was no Varian northsman of utmost loyalty, nor was he a Caesonian of grandeur. He was born into both, combined with a unique but cruelly attained perspective that really defined him as neither. He was John Harling Williamson, a scientist, epidemiologist, a healer and protector of [b]people[/b]. 

[color=5486ae]”I’ll let you in…you know what, let me tell you a story instead.”[/color] John began. [color=5486ae]”There are a number of villages in the north, those that suffered a devastating plague not long ago. The biggest one: Alestal. It was a horrific time, entire families wiped out, generations dented with trauma.”[/color] He kept calm in his speech, but then reached into his chest pocket for a small fountain pen, covered in milk white paint and golden engravings, handing it to Fritz with gentle care. 

[color=5486ae]”I was there in its darkest hours, as their salvation, and eventually I delivered it to them.”[/color] He said, without any hint of pride or sense of accomplishment, rather pity and anger. [color=5486ae]”But I did not do any of that. She did.”[/color]

Visible on the side of the pen was a word engraved, a name: Hania.

[color=5486ae]”A local doctor from Alestal. Initially we found ourselves at odds, but in time, we considered each other partners…even friends.”[/color] A smile appeared on his face again, overriding a monument of melancholy. But soon, that smile disappeared as painful memories resurfaced. [color=5486ae]”She’s the one who figured out the cause of the plague, the thing that so-called ‘men like you’ are so fascinated by, and fought it with itself.”[/color]

[color=5486ae]“Yes, she is a witch, and she saved that village. [i]But[/i].”[/color] John gave Count Fritz Hendrix an austere look, and what could be considered a desperate final warning. [color=5486ae]”The village knew of her identity, and there was no going back. I will spare the details, but she had become so immaterial to this world that it would be difficult to even know if she ever lived at all. And that is a good ending compared to what could have been.”[/color]

John took a long deep breath, before finally relaxed, knowing he had just revealed quite a bit more than desired. But the truth was still there, and he shuddered to think of the possibility of those who failed to see it. [color=5486ae]”How much of that was the decree of the king and queen, do you think? How much of that was the V.R.I.S deciding what is forbidden?”[/color]

Roman scoffed and stepped back folding his arms. He didn't like that he had to play the fool with political intrigue but he still had to hold some of his cards. He looked like he was going to say something when the doctor began to speak with his own warning. As he started, Roman looked towards the others for a moment then back at the count. He knew this story, there were several mysterious illnesses spreading among tight nit villages at the time. He was sent to maintain the quarantine with his men and persuade any against trying to escape or trying to get in. He did not envy John for what he and the other doctors had to do and see there.

△△△ traced the intricate engraving etched onto the surface. A hero whose name would never grace the pages of any history book. His hands cradled the priceless pen, drawing it closer to his chest, while his eyes closed in an effort to carve the name into his own memory. [color=9354FF][i]Dr. Hania of Alestal, Savior of Krasivaya.[/i][/color] Each letter possessed a weighty significance, an untold tale of valor and sacrifice.

With a sense of reverence, △△△ extended his hand, offering the memento back to Dr. Williamson. [color=9354FF]“Thank you for telling me about Dr. Hania. I am honored to be one of the few to know her accomplishments. She deserved better… I am sorry you had to carry such a burden, John. It must’ve been a heavy load to bear.”[/color]

Rather than answering the doctor’s question, △△△ recounted him with the abridged version of another tale. [color=9354FF]“Within this very nation, there was a noble house that vanished inexplicably from the face of Eromora. On a day like any other day, the small town they lived in had been reduced to rubble and the denizens were found as a pile of burnt bodies—some dismembered, one tied to a stake. Such a horrific incident should’ve warranted some kind of record, but instead, every trace of their existence has been systematically eradicated. No book or official document has their name, no map shows the town, and no painting depicts their image. They were being expunged, in every sense of the word. All that remains of them now is a blighted land where the town once stood, vague recollections from those who knew of the place before it was cursed, and people too scared to reveal the truth for fear of losing something precious to them. What is unsettling… is that this isn’t an isolated event.”[/color]

The story came to an abrupt end as the previously gentle and easygoing countenance vanished, and a striking sternness that he had concealed until that moment, dominated his demeanor. [color=9354FF]“Your warnings have not fallen on deaf ears, and I assure you I do not take what either of you have told me lightly. I appreciate the concern both of you have shown me. However, I’m well aware of what happens to people entangled in magic or who pose a threat to those of considerable influence.”[/color]

The count placed his hand over his chest and nodded in gratitude. [color=9354FF]“Thank you, for telling me as much as you could despite… regulations. I apologize if I have ruffled your feathers, gentlemen. But this party… may be part of something far more nefarious.”[/color]

John knew that, it wasn’t a surprising conclusion, but what he was surprised and glad about was that he managed to get the Count to open up. Soon, the hostile countenance began to subside to a more compassionate and gentle responding bow in return. 

[color=9354FF]“I lack evidence of any sort,”[/color] he stressed, [color=9354FF]“however… Let’s say, hypothetically, you’ve been keeping track of the number of attendants each Varian guest brought along, and you are aware that I brought three with me from Erwynn. If any of them or I were to disappear…”[/color] He stared directly at Lord Ravenwood, [color=9354FF]“You’ll know that your fears were correct.”[/color] △△△ leaned in so that both could hear him whisper, [color=9354FF]“And that Black Rose may be involved.”[/color]

[color=5486ae]”If you insist on getting involved then, Count Hendrix. ”[/color] John replied. [color=5486ae]”I will not stop you, but I hope you handle Leo and Charlotte well. The Lord for obvious reasons, but Charlotte…she’s a good girl. I don’t want the abyss to look at her in any shape or form.”[/color] Knowing the two of them, with their own separate wounds to heal from, and a concerning level of determination to any tasks, they may end up in serious trouble. 

[color=9354FF]“I cannot promise that no harm will come to them.”[/color] Especially if something larger lurked in the shadows. [color=9354FF]“What I can promise is that I will be there for them so that they don’t have to face the abyss alone.”[/color] The three Varians exchanged a wordless pause until Dr. Williamson finally spoke, breaking the silence.

[color=5486ae]”And also, you can’t drop the name Black Rose like that and not give us any context.”[/color]
 
[color=9354FF]“I can’t?”[/color] △△△ shrugged in an exaggerated manner. [color=9354FF]“Well then, I suppose I have no choice.”[/color] His fingers beckoned the men to come closer.