[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1064772112633569330/1125332946849644616/png_20230703_005058_0000.png[/img][/center]

[color=#758173]Time:[/color] Late Morning
[color=#758173]Location:[/color] Royal Gardens Tea Party
[color=#758173]Attire:[/color] [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1063629630306783232/1125313856760188958/20230702_233507_0000.png]Outfit[/url]
[color=#758173]Interaction:[/color] [@mantou] Wystan
[color=#758173]Mentions:[/color] [@Inertia] Auguste

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


[hider=A Look Into the Past]A young girl of about thirteen years old stepped out of the dark chamber, her face etched with worry and fatigue as she listened to the labored breaths still coming from the room behind her. Lady Mina Blackwood was feeling the weight of her responsibilities as caretaker and confidante to her uncle as it bore heavily upon her slender shoulders.

Count Sebastian Blackwood, a reserved and private man, has always been a source of mystery and concern to others. Mina rarely witnessed him appearing in public of his own accord and even when he did he tried to keep those appearances saved for when the sun went down. She knew that his illness made it hard for him to endure the sun for too long and she wished above all else that she could figure out a way to rid her uncle of his illness. To be able to simply be a child, not having to worry about others and just have some fun from time to time was something she longed for. That’s not to say that Sebastian encouraged her to take time for herself, of course he did. He loved Mina dearly and wanted to see her thrive, but she loved him back and refused to lose another parental figure.

As Mina meandered through the dimly lit corridors, her mind swirled with dark thoughts and heavy burdens. This time the sickness was hitting her uncle hard and she feared he wouldn’t make it through it this time. He needed more than what she currently was able to provide, but she didn’t know how she’d accomplish that. She felt ill herself and simply wanted to sit down and sob. She yearned for a respite from the constant worries that plagued her young heart. It was in this vulnerable state that fate saw fit to test her further.

A teenage boy, a servant in the Blackwood household, approached Mina with an audacious smile, his flirtatious nature evident in his bold demeanor. Young Ethan Holloway, a boy of fifteen years, worked for the Blackwoods along with his mother. He’d always had his gaze upon Mina, a burning hunger always present in his eyes. He’d even gone as far as trying to flirt with her on occasion, though they often fell flat. [color=tan]"Well, hello there, Lady Mina,"[/color] he said, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. [color=tan]"Out for a late-night stroll?"[/color]

At first, annoyance flickered across Mina's weary face, irritated by the audacity of his advances. Her mind was clouded with worries about her uncle, and she had no patience for idle flirtation. The hint of an idea began to take root in her mind, however.

Suppressing a sigh, Mina responded to Ethan, a glimmer of mischievousness lighting up her eyes. [color=#758173]"Oh, just couldn't sleep, you know,"[/color] she replied, feigning nonchalance. [color=#758173]"Too many thoughts running through this tired head of mine."[/color]

The boy chuckled, seemingly unfazed by her dismissive tone. [color=tan]"Well, I'm here to entertain, milady,"[/color] he quipped, a playful grin dancing upon his lips. [color=tan]"Perhaps a bit of distraction is just what you need."[/color] He began moving in a little closer and it took everything in her to keep from shoving him away. She wanted to see where this would go. [color=#758173]“I find myself captivated by your lips, longing to taste their sweetness and feel their warmth against mine.”[/color]

Inwardly, Mina found herself now intrigued by the boy's confidence. She realized that perhaps flirting could serve as a temporary escape from the burdens that weighed her down. A distraction from the worries that threatened to consume her.

With a newfound resolve, she matched his playful banter, her youthful charm intertwining with his own. The air crackled with a mixture of innocence and intrigue as they continued their exchange. As Ethan leaned in, his breath warm against her ear, Mina felt a rush of nerves mixed with excitement. This was all so new to her, and she couldn't help but wonder if she was doing it right. She couldn't deny the slight thrill that came from playing with fire, and for a moment, the weight of her responsibilities seemed to fade into the background.

[color=#758173]"Well, aren't you a bold one,"[/color] Mina retorted with a teasing smile, trying to mimic the confident tone she had seen in older girls. [color=#758173]"But I must warn you, I'm not so easily impressed."[/color]

Ethan chuckled nervously, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and enthusiasm. [color=tan]"Oh, I can tell,"[/color] he replied, his voice a bit shaky. [color=tan]"But don't worry, I'm up for the challenge."[/color]

With the air filled with both uncertainty and desire, they tentatively closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a clumsy, awkward kiss, their inexperience evident. Mina's heart raced as she allowed herself to be swept up in the moment, her mind momentarily forgetting the world outside.

Ethan's hands wandered hesitantly over her back and shoulders, clearly unsure of what to do but eager to explore. Mina let out a soft gasp, both from surprise and the thrill of the sensation. She couldn't help but think back to the books she had read and the stories she had heard, trying to emulate the passion she imagined should be present in such moments.

After what felt like an eternity, Mina finally broke the kiss, her cheeks flushed and her mind racing. [color=#758173]"You know,"[/color] she said, trying to sound alluring, [color=#758173]"I know a place where we can find some vodka. Care to join me for a little adventure?"[/color]

Ethan's eyes lit up at the prospect, clearly eager to continue the escapade. [color=tan]"Lead the way, milady,"[/color] he replied with a grin, taking her hand in his and following her lead.

As they made their way through the dimly lit halls, Mina's nerves began to resurface. She knew what she wanted to achieve, but the weight of her actions bore down on her. The idea of getting him drunk both excited and terrified her. She needed to gather her courage, to find the strength to carry out her plan.

Once they reached her room, Mina closed the door behind them, her heart pounding in her chest. She poured the vodka into two glasses, trying to keep her hands from trembling too visibly. They sat on the edge of the bed, sipping the liquid courage that would lead them down a path neither had ventured before.

As the night wore on and the vodka began to take effect, Mina's nerves eased, replaced by a sense of daring and recklessness. She found herself laughing more freely, her inhibitions slowly slipping away. Ethan, too, seemed to become more emboldened, and together they danced along the precipice of something both thrilling and dangerous.

In the midst of their laughter and playful touches, Mina couldn't help but wonder if she was crossing a line she could never return from. Yet, in that moment, she felt alive, unburdened by the weight of her responsibilities and the secrets she carried.

As the night grew late, Mina's mind became hazy, the world around her becoming a blur. Ethan's presence and their shared escapade became a distant memory, lost in a fog of alcohol and youthful exuberance. And in that intoxicating haze, Mina found a momentary respite from the darkness that loomed over her.

Little did she know, this night would mark the beginning of a dangerous path she had set herself upon, one that would lead her deeper into a world of secrets, desires, and the very darkness she had sought to escape.[/hider]

[hr]

As Mina and her uncle, [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/946085234833752075/1125253539514552370/taetaesaurus_Create_an_alluring_rendition_of_Strahd_von_Zarovic_333a7c88-7c2a-4680-8754-46304a82f18f.png] Count Sebastian Blackwood[/url], approached the entrance of the royal gardens, their presence was met with a mix of admiration and curiosity. Mina's attire exuded an air of elegance, her flowing dress adorned with delicate lace and intricate embroidery that accentuated her youthful beauty. A sunhat, adorned with a satin ribbon, sat atop her carefully styled hair, framing her face with grace.

Sebastian, on the other hand, had taken extra care with his appearance for this occasion. His suit, tailored to perfection, hugged his form and accentuated his broad shoulders. The clean lines of his freshly groomed facial hair and his neatly trimmed haircut only added to his commanding presence. It was evident that he had regained some of the strength and charisma he had lost during his illness, and Mina couldn't help but notice the change in him.

As they joined the line to be inspected for weapons, Mina's concern bubbled up within her. She leaned closer to Sebastian, her voice laced with worry. [color=#758173]"Uncle, are you sure you're feeling up to this? You only just recovered, and the sunlight..."[/color] Her words trailed off, the unsaid concern lingering in the air.

Sebastian turned his gaze toward Mina, a soft smile playing on his lips. [color=silver]"Fear not, my dear. I am feeling much better, and the fresh air will do me good. Besides, I couldn't let you attend this event alone. I promised to watch over you especially after the events from the other day."[/color] His reassurance washed over Mina, momentarily easing her worries as he referred to her strange vision and how she’d fainted. Because of that event, Sebastian had kept her in for the next day and had even considered sending her back to Kolonivka, but she managed to convince him otherwise. So here they were, together at a tea party during the day.

Their turn in line arrived, and Wystan stood before them. As he would begin the customary inspection, Mina couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and mischief. She cast a playful glance at the bodyguard. [color=#758173]"Oh, I hope you'll be thorough in your search. Wouldn't want me sneaking any dangerous weapons past you, now would we?"[/color] Her tone carried a flirtatious undertone, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes.

Her uncle gave her a brief, amused glance as he removed the sword Mina had noticed him wearing earlier and handed it over as he complied with the rule of no weapons. He’d never been fond of Mina’s flirtatious ways, but he also understood why she did what she did. He just wasn’t sure if Wystan was one she should be playing her games with.

Mina's lips curled into a mischievous smirk as she leaned closer, her voice a mere whisper. [color=#758173]"I trust you'll handle me with care, Wystan. After all, I wouldn't want to be mistaken for a threat."[/color] She wondered if he’d be surprised that she knew his name or not, but she always made a note to try and learn everyone’s names, whether they were servants or nobility. Wystan was one she considered more important to remember as well as he was often around Prince Auguste.