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

[color=f26522]Time[/color]: around noon
[color=f26522]Location[/color]: the beach
[color=f26522]Interactions[/color]: Count Calbert/Charlotte [@princess], Cassius [@PapaOso], Olivia [@potter]
[color=f26522]Mentions in order[/color]:Lorenzo [@FunnyGuy], Ruby [@SausagePat], Kazoo [@samreaper], Violet [@Tpartywithzombi], Dr. John [@Conscripts], and others
[color=f26522]outfit:[/color] swimsuit being a long forest brown loin cloth and speedo mix[/center]
[hr][hr]

This really was a show after all, Layla was quick to pull everyone’s attention and continue with her spiteful rhetoric. This over the top show of self-importance just made him think that it could be for show, to show them that they were insignificant. It could also be a play, somehow, she would stand to gain from this exchange. He didn’t think it was to try and start a war or skirmish but maybe more to sully the name of Vikena, a political play then makes those around them loose faith in their ability to properly handle themselves. 

The exchange from the others wasn’t any less then she was throwing out. He could only think as to how these words would affect the younger peers around him. Most of them were fragile well maybe not the best word for it but he had noticed how even the smallest slight can replay in their minds. This coming from the many private conversations he has had with others in similar situations. The self-image of those so high up could be very fragile at times.

He was pulled from his thoughts momentarily when John stepped up to be the mediator. Roman knew he still had to play the lovable fool but he still had a job to do. He would not show off his fancy fighting skills here, as it wouldn’t match the profile of a bad fighter that he claims to be. Still, he would act in the man’s defense if it came to blows from either her guards or someone else.

That someone was indeed Lorenzo, a man famous for his observation skills. He seemed to be standoffish to the doctor with his words and body language. What happened next made him raise an eye brow and stifle a laugh. Clamoring to the princess’s legs after brushing his hand against her face. That man would do fine in Emberstone, as long as he could take a punch or two, Roman could see him getting even the oldest veterans to laugh with his bad luck.

He could barley pull his gaze away from the scene to see what was happening with ruby as the new Damien family member carried her over to the shade. Ruby was always getting herself into some kind of trouble, he didn’t know her personally but she was able to make him laugh a time or two with his time spent at the tough tavern. The reminder that he still owed a few songs to the bar keep crept into his mind, something he would have to settle later.

He began approaching the small group again but stopped short when he spotted count Damien make his way up the beach with his entourage. His paranoia and frankly the paranoia of the other members of nobility made them easy to find, it was hard to miss so many well-armed individuals in what should be a well-protected and monitored city. Their reliance for more men for more safety just makes them look weak and easy targets. 

Calbert was saying something to the man next to him but he couldn’t hear what was being said, the only thing he could make out with his limited ability to lip read with his not so subtle side eye to the count was well nothing to go on. When he did come closer he seemed to be giving out invitations to his party tonight. As well as some sort of apology to Kazu that didn’t seem to want to talk about it. Roman eyed over the gear and equipment his guards where using, locking curious and concerned eyes with him occasionally. It seemed rather mundane, going for numbers instead of equipment. A strategy that would only slow down a well-prepared attacker. 

[color=0054a6]"Good morning gentlemen. I'd love to extend an invitation to both of you. Lord Roman, I do know you have your own event tonight and I am certain it will be a wonderful time, but do feel free to drop by at any time. Dr. John, always a pleasure. You have my utmost gratitude for your accompaniment the other night. We have much to discuss, so hopefully I'll see you there tonight."[/color]

As good as a time as ever to play the fool, [color=f26522]“Ahh thank you for the invitation, it is unfortunate that my celebrations will last until the early hours of the morning. Otherwise I would have loved to join you. Hopefully I will be able to partake in your next arrangement, do send my regards to lady Violet, I’m looking forward to our next conversation.”[/color] His smile never faded as he watched the man go. He knew that neither of them were idiots and he was sure that the count had read the gossip column of the paper a few days prior just as he had.

Causing trouble wasn’t always something he strived for yet, he found that infuriating the man and getting him to think of his daughters well being more would pull his attention away from other endeavors. That’s not to say that he felt like Violet was a simple pawn, he did enjoy her company but it still felt good to rattle the man’s cage where others likely wouldn’t be able too.

Once the count had left and everything seemed to be settling down Roman made his way back over to the blanketed area where the others where. He noticed the red head who he couldn’t remember the name of holding her head in her hands with Cassius seemingly trying to comfort her. Taking a few steps around the blanket as the others cared for ruby and ate their sandwiches. He stopped a few steps away from the duo staying out of her personal space but still close enough to talk.

Sitting down in the warm sand he gave them a smile, “[color=f26522]nobility can be assholes sometimes huh? At least ruby seems to be alright.[/color]” deciding to go with a bit of humor and show some worry for their friend first. Nodding to Cassius as he invited himself into their conversation being the socially inept person he was trying to be. “[color=f26522]Nice to meet you again Cassius, I see you are also here to check on miss Olivia?[/color]” he spoke the last part with a bit of a question as he wasn’t entirely sure that’s what Charlotte introduced her as.

 “[color=f26522]I know how easy it is to feel powerless in these kinds of situations. You feel like you can’t defend your friends because doing so may disrespect some Royal somewhere and then your friend has to apologize for you.[/color]” He still gave the two of them a smile glancing momentarily over to where Layla had walked off in. “[color=f26522]when it comes to nobility and royalty you have to come at them at an angle, indirectly as some may say.[/color]” He gave them a sly smile as he concocted his plan, [color=f26522]“you see I enjoy Charlottes company even if we are not the closest of friends. So, my company, the Ravenwood artisan’s guild, has several long-lasting contracts with Layla’s father and her family for pretty much everything we make for them and their kingdom. In turn, I will be sending a notice that due to her actions and blatant disrespect we will be raising the cost of our wares by 5% for the next year.”[/color] A short pause as he picked up a handful of sand and let it slip through his fingers slowly. “[color=f26522]its not much, a drop in the bucket at what they can afford. But our contract changes are public to their advisors. This will smudge her family’s reputation, won’t be by much. But, when you get to the proverbial top of the social ladder reputation is everything.[/color]”