[color=lightgray][center][h1][color=E77298]Anastasia[/color] &  [color=9354FF]Ryn[/color][/h1][/center]
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Anastasia had wandered over to the dessert selection, trailing a finger down the cloth of the table. The gentle swish of fabric under her touch was interrupted by the unmistakable blare of a trumpet, which instantly piqued her attention. Craning her neck, she looked over her shoulder to watch Callum enter with the baker. She openly giggled, both at the absurdity of it all and just because it was nice to see Callum seeming in better spirits today at least. 

It was going to be daunting to tell him that she hadn’t been able to speak to Marek. He’d almost assuredly assume she didn’t try hard enough. Even so, she had no plans to avoid him. He was her little brother and she planned to make sure he knew how much she wanted to look out for him no matter what he thought of her. Her gaze had slid to her father as he entered. Though it was pointless, the princess waved her hand with a smile in greeting with some hopes he might greet her. Her hand fell as his eyes seemed to purposely rush over the sight of her and she dropped her arm back to her side. 

Ryn sauntered over to the dessert selection and positioned himself beside the princess. Feigning interest in the sweets, he leaned forward for a better view of the treat directly in front of the princess. [color=9354FF]“This one looks delightful,”[/color] he remarked, reaching for it. As his hand drew near, an errant cloth tucked in his sleeve slipped out, unfurling and draping itself over the petit confection. [color=9354FF]“Oh dear!”[/color] He whisked the fabric away, only to reveal an empty space beneath. He stared at the vacant area in faux puzzlement, then searched the cloth and found nothing. His gaze swept the surroundings, eventually locking onto Princess Anastasia. [color=9354FF]“Pardon me, did you see a runaway petit four by chance?”[/color]

[color=E77298]“Oh hi!”[/color] Anastasia greeted with a smile as someone moved into her range of earshot, [color=E77298]“It does look really good. Totally try it!”[/color] Her smile retained its glow, albeit with a subtle dimming, as her attention was drawn to a cloth that slipped from his grasp and fluttered to the ground. A quizzical tilt of her head accompanied her survey of the table.[color=E77298] "Hmm, where could it have disappeared to?”[/color]

She  directed her focus downward, bending her head to peer beneath the tablecloth as her blonde hair hung over her face. [color=E77298]“Maybe… Maybe pick another?”[/color]

Ryn joined Anastasia in peering beneath the tablecloth, [color=9354FF]“I’ve heard these petit fours are the crafty sort. One moment there’s a platter full of them and then—poof!—in the blink of an eye, they’re all gone! They must be masters of stealth … or so delicious we don’t realize we’ve wolfed them down.”[/color] He let the tablecloth fall back into place as he straightened up. [color=9354FF]“No matter, plenty more options to choose from. Which one catches your fancy?”[/color]

Anastasia rose with him with a giggle. She pressed her fingers together and commented with a smile,[color=E77298] “Oh you’re a funny one!”[/color] Her amber gaze set back on the table of goodies. She tapped her chin for a moment. [color=E77298]“I often have that issue… I can’t help myself around sweets… “[/color] As she drew off, there was a glimmer in her eye and she suddenly pointed out some fruit tarts. [color=E77298]“Oh you must try those. Sooo good!”[/color] In a plate lay a few fruit tarts, all with golden crust and custard centers. Various berries adorned the custard like little bouquets.

Ryn could not help but mirror the princess’s smile as he witnessed her regain her spark. [color=9354FF]“This one?”[/color] With delicate care, he moved a fruit tart onto a plate and raised it, inspecting it from every angle. He hummed his approval. [color=9354FF]“My mouth is watering just looking at it. Let’s hope this doesn’t…”[/color] His hand concealed the tart from her sight. When he lifted his hand, the dessert—and the very plate it was on—disappeared, leaving behind a familiar cloth. [color=9354FF]“Vanish into thin air like the last one.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Again?”[/color] He picked up the cloth, turning it over in his hands. [color=9354FF]“I’m beginning to suspect we have a dessert thief in our midst.”[/color] Ryn held the fabric to his ear and shook it. [color=9354FF]“Wait, I hear something… Would you hold out your hands, please?”[/color] The cloth hovered over Princess Anastasia’s outstretched palms. After a few theatrical shakes, he pulled the cloth away. A plate of tart now rested on her hands.

[color=9354FF]“So that’s where it went! Let’s see if it has the other one too.”[/color] He repeated the performance over his free hand. This time, the first missing petit four reappeared. [color=9354FF]“There it is.”[/color]

He glanced between his and Princess Anastasia’s desserts. [color=9354FF]“Would it be bad manners if I returned this to the table? … Or perhaps I could make a trade? I’m sure this cloth pilfered an extra tart or two.”[/color] He covered his plate with the cloth and raised it, unveiling another fruit tart in place of his petit four. [color=9354FF]“Voilà!”[/color]

Anastasia stared with parted lips for a moment before she started to applaud enthusiastically, [color=E77298]“Oh my Gods! You’re a magician! That was so AMAZING!”[/color] She exclaimed. A few that had been nearby also started to applaud. [color=E77298]“I have not seen such a party trick since my brother’s birthday party when he was still a child… Please tell me how you did it!” [/color]

With a flourish, Ryn executed an elegant bow for his gathered audience. [color=9354FF]“Sleight of hand and misdirection—the core of many parlor tricks. A keen observer likely spotted me rearranging the desserts on the table.”[/color] He stepped aside to show the original petit four behind him. [color=9354FF]“I find chatter makes for good distraction. Sleight of hand requires practice, of course. Should you be interested, I’d gladly share a few techniques.”[/color] He lifted his tart and smiled at Princess Anastasia. [color=9354FF]“If you care to join me for dessert, that is. I have it on good authority that these tarts are exquisite.”[/color]

She tilted her body, her hands moving behind her back to lock eyes on the petit four with fascination.[color=E77298] “I’m always distracted so I am sure you can keep me surprised!”[/color] Anastasia was half joking with her exclamation. With a smile, she gestured to a nearby lawn table with two upholstered seats. There were pastel-colored pillows as well as a dainty umbrella that shrouded the area in shade.[color=E77298] “I’d love to.” [/color]

Anastasia selected another fruit tart and plated it with the other. The truth was she wanted to be distracted right now and he was quite pleasant company. The other day had been difficult and it still bore down on her as she had a rather overactive mind at times. She gestured toward the the table. [color=E77298]“That looks like a nice spot to sit and snack, don’t you think?”[/color] She took a step in the direction only to pause, [color=E77298]“Oh- And what’s your name?”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Fritz. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,”[/color] he said, setting his plate on the tabletop and drawing out a seat for her. [color=9354FF]“How may I address you?”[/color]

[color=E77298]“Fritz!”[/color] Anastasia repeated with a smile, nodding her thanks as she sat down. [color=E77298]“Such a unique name… My name’s Anastasia, but that’s a bit of a mouth full so… Many call me Ana, Annie, or you’re free to come up with whatever funny little thing that crosses your mind.”  [/color] She picked up one of her tarts to take a bite as she considered her next question.  However, more than one ended up tumbling out as per usual. [color=E77298]“So where are you from? And what do you like to do for fun? Oh and! …Favorite color? ” Her eyes set on him with interest and excitement. [/color]

[color=9354FF]“No name is ever a mouthful, Miss Anastasia. However, if variety is what you wish for...”[/color] Ryn rubbed his chin in thought, [color=9354FF]“Aisatsana? Nana? Sia, Tasia, or perhaps Phia? We can use random appellations until we find one to your liking.”[/color]

[color=E77298]“Annie works great but those are all pretty nice-… You ever make up fake names for fun and introduce yourself as different identities to strangers ? I like to put on different accents and all.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Not always for fun, but yes, I have.”[/color] Images of what little he observed of Princess Anastasia the past few days cycled through his head. [color=9354FF]“Although, more often than not, people don’t require alternate names or identities to pretend.”[/color]

Anastasia was not as quick to reply this time, her fork tracing aimless patterns on the plate of tarts before her. Amidst the symphony of voices and laughter that filled the silence, she eventually lifted her gaze, accompanied by a soft smile.[color=E77298] “I agree…I ’d be willing to bet many of the people here are all playing pretend… Well I know they are. I like to watch them often as you can imagine I have some more free time than my brothers.”[/color]

With a delicate gesture, she lifted a forkful of tart, using it as punctuation,[color=E77298] “That woman over there is Countess Melanie Monet. She and her husband Landon are from over east. “ [/color] The brunette's laughter danced in the air as she engaged in conversation with fellow nobles over cups of tea. Yet, upon closer thought, the noise had seemed tinged with a touch of strain. Beside her sat a blond gentleman, his grip on her hand noticeably tight. Anastasia's expression grew slightly distant, [color=E77298] ”...Never seen her not wearing a smile.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Sometimes… it’s easier to pretend than to face reality.”[/color] Ryn murmured, observing the false gaiety around the count and countess. Their companions reveled in laughter and merriment. Whether by choice or ignorance, they were blind to the discord beneath the surface. [color=9354FF]“Especially if you believe you’re alone and trapped because you cannot imagine anything better beyond the thorns of unforgiving reality.”[/color]

Anastasia’s smile faded out of his view. She wondered if he was particularly perceptive of how others may feel or if he could relate to such a lonesome and harsh sentiment.

Without directly facing her, Ryn gently posed a question. [color=9354FF]“If given the chance, what would you do for”[/color] he eyed Princess Anastasia, [color=9354FF]“one so lost and forlorn? What words would you offer to… them?”[/color]

As he eyed her once more, a smile grew as she lost herself in thought. Her gaze fixated on his and she spoke softly yet earnestly, [color=E77298]“I’d tell them that they’re not as alone as they think…That there’s always someone there to help if they look a little closer. ”[/color]

This time Ryn fully faced her. [color=9354FF]“Then allow me to say this to you, Anastasia. Though your smile lights up any room, it never quite hides your pain. Earlier at the dessert table, I saw a lonely young woman seeking recognition from someone she loves dearly.”[/color] He broke eye contact to watch King Edin in the distance. [color=9354FF]“I can only speculate why he is reluctant to reciprocate… but I think he cares for you in his own way.”[/color] Briefly, Ryn’s brows furrowed and, more to himself, he said, [color=9354FF]“He is… preoccupied by his own unhappiness.”[/color]

His warm gaze returned to Princess Anastasia. [color=9354FF]“You are loved by many. You’re not alone, even when it feels that way and no one seems to care. There has always been and always will be someone there for you. It may take courage, and aid from others, but things [i]can[/i] improve.”[/color]

She stared at him, caught off guard that the conversation had taken a turn toward her.Her gaze remained fixed on him, hanging on his words as they unfolded. Anastasia's hand extended across the table with a faint smile. [color=E77298]“You’re very sweet and you seem like you’re pretty smart…  Thank you.” [/color]

[color=9354FF]“If my words sound sweet, it’s because they are yours. I merely relayed your wisdom back as a reminder.”[/color]

[color=E77298]“...Truth is.”[/color] Her shoulders slumped and she set down her fork.

There was a certain comfort in confiding in a stranger, she realized, and it was a bit easier to speak to him than perhaps others about such. [color=E77298] “I do wear a mask but it’s for myself more than anyone. I feel sometimes I can fool myself into enjoying everything more. Even when things aren’t ideal, I like to try to have as much fun as I can and enjoy life to the fullest. You never know when it’s going to end right? …Buuut easier said than done.”[/color] Her gaze slid to King Edin, [color=E77298]“When it comes to my dad, I once got to know a side of him he doesn’t really show. He can be a nice person… And because I know he can, I don’t want to give up on him.”[/color]

Princess Anastasia’s sentiment toward her father resonated with that of Countess Monet. From what he heard, the countess had been trying to “fix” her husband for years with questionable success. Ryn focused on Count Monet’s iron grip. [color=9354FF]“Do what you can to help him… but keep in mind that it’s not your responsibility to ‘fix’ him.”[/color] With effort, he pulled his eyes from the other man’s hand.

[color=9354FF]“Taking a more proactive approach could help too,”[/color] Ryn went on. [color=9354FF]“As they say, change seldom comes to those who wait idly.”[/color]

[color=E77298]“That’s true… And you know what… That even sounds cool. “Anastasia tapped her chin. “I’ll do something proactive then. I’m going to talk to him… Today!” [/color] She took a motivated final bite of her tart and then glanced at Fritz once more, [color=E77298]“So Fritz!  Tell me more about you. You seem like someone who has a really interesting story.” [/color]

[color=9354FF]“Me? … Well, let’s answer your first set of questions.”[/color] Ryn inhaled deeply and spoke without pause. [color=9354FF]“I-come-from-a-merchant-family-in-Erwynn-Varian-I-have-many-hobbies-and-interests-it’s-difficult-to-narrow-it-down-to-just-one-To-name-a-few-I-play-musical-instruments-whenever-my-muse-decides-to-pay-a-visit-and-I-can’t-say-no-to-a-good-book-or-promise-of-adventure-big-or-small-I-am-open-to-trying-anything-at-least-once-As-for-favorite-colors-I-don’t-have-one-because-every-color-is-my-favorite.”[/color] He finally paused to take a breath. [color=9354FF]“What about you, Miss Annie?”[/color]

Anastasia’s expression lit up and she giggled. [color=E77298]“Oh wow! Okay. What a mouth full. I am noting in all… But hey! Instruments! I play the cello actually! What do you play!?”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“I've tried my hand at a few instruments, but never mastered any.”[/color] Ryn kept his eyes trained on Princess Anastasia, and his face smooth, as his ears perked up at the mention of Black Rose Trading Company hosting an auction for Prince Callum’s charity event. [color=9354FF]“Have you ever played with other musicians or performed for an audience?”[/color]

Anastasia's gaze shifted across the room and came to rest upon Alexander Deacon. Her brows arched with a hint of curiosity as her eyes locked onto him.Her brows raised with intrigue. He worked with Marek? She wondered why the two of them had never met?[color=E77298] “...I’ve performed solo, but never with others.”[/color]She answered him, though with a slight delay. Her attention briefly drifted toward Callum, and a cascade of inquiries surged through her thoughts.  [color=E77298]“What is going on…”[/color] she murmured softly, her words a mere whisper that escaped beneath her breath.

[color=9354FF]“Would you consider performing a concert for this charity event?”[/color] 

Anastasia gasped and looked back to him with wide eyes. [color=E77298] “I totally would!! …”[/color]Her excitement slowly died down as a realization hit her.. [color=E77298] “Hm but I don’t know if Callum wants anything to do with me. I have to make things right between us still… Him and I had a bad argument.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“An argument?”[/color] Ryn prompted.

[color=E77298] “Yeah long story short: he thinks I betrayed our friend, but I didn’t. I don’t have many ways to prove it. Stinky situation.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Then even more reason to do the concert! This event is the perfect opportunity to reconcile.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“I can host the concert under my name.”[/color] Ryn paused to consider the other option. [color=9354FF]“Or perhaps Countess Monet would be a better choice? House Monet is respected in Caesonia, and her compassion and altruism are well-known. I am fairly certain she would be interested in contributing to the charity event. Her involvement might attract a wider audience.”[/color]

Enthusiastically, he added, [color=9354FF]“We can even invite our musically inclined friends to perform with us! You’d be supporting your brother in his endeavors, helping a good cause, spending time with friends, potentially making new ones, and your parents can watch you play!”[/color] 

[color=E77298] “You’re… You’re just full of GREAT ideas!”[/color] Anastasia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine excitement. The idea of being involved in something directly infused her with a revitalizing energy she hadn't experienced in quite some time.  [color=E77298] “How about the two of us work together to make this happen?”[/color] She suggested eagerly, [color=E77298]” It’s your idea and I’d love to help. I can ask around and I think asking Countess Monet to be a part of it would be great too…Maybe we should go ask Callum if he likes our idea!”[/color] Her gaze slid over to the table. [color=E77298] “It looks like he’s over there actually.”[/color]

[color=9354FF]“Splendid.”[/color] Ryn searched the attendees, mentally making note of who might be willing to contribute. [color=9354FF]“If we’re going to host the concert under Countess Monet’s name, it might be better to ask her now before bringing up her name to your brother.”[/color] He tilted his body closer to Princess Anastasia. [color=9354FF]“And I am sure she would appreciate to hear you tell her that she’s not alone.”[/color]

Anastasia smiled. She rose and offered her hand to him,  [color=E77298]  “Let’s make our merry way, my friend!”[/color]

Ryn stared at the offered hand with wide eyes before taking it into his and rising to his feet. [color=9354FF]“Let’s.”[/color][/color]