[center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/wkbE032.png[/img] [h1][color=D2691E]Farim[/color][/h1] [color=D2691E][b]Location:[/b] Castle Dining Hall[/color] [color=D2691E][b]Time:[/b] Evening of the 28th[/color] [color=D2691E][b]Mentions:[/b] Hafiz, Anastasia [@princess], Nahir [@Rodiak], Kira [@Potter], Rohit[@Helo], Stratya [@CitrusArms], and Wulfric [@SilverPaw][/color] [color=D2691E][center]__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________[/center][/color] Amidst all of the chaos that ensued, Farim could not help but crack the sublest of smiles at seeing his father being chagrined in such a public fashion. It almost made him stoic to Anastasia’s parting - but he quickly snapped his focus back from his cathartic trance and gave her a subtle nod. [color=D2691E]”I shall be with you shortly.”[/color] He said across the table as she journeyed over to Wulfric. Surely what that man had in store would be of intrigue. But first, Farim swept himself carefully between the tables and scooped up his beloved falcon that patiently sat on the arm of the princesses chair. The bird’s gaze had been following Anastasia up until that point before enthusiastically climbing onto Farim’s arm, slowly stepping her way up behind his head; one of her favorite roosting spots. The shehzade moved behind Hafiz, his robes making it seem as if he glided across the floor. Farim offered his father only this in whispers. [color=D2691E]”What was that about wisdom and restraint again? Shall I have the artisans capture the moment you get an entire room full of potential allies in a frenzy? Come now, even I think you are better than this.”[/color] His attention moved to Nahir - whose subtle reactions to something said in hushed tones made him raise an eyebrow. Farim continued talking to Hafiz in a gentle tone. No longer a whisper, but not loud enough to broadcast to everyone. It was deliberate and measured, just like his old man taught him. [color=D2691E]”A man only rules through fear for as long as people are willing to be afraid.”[/color] Farim began. [color=D2691E]”A ruler who feeds ego over humility begets only one thing…rebellion with passion. And passion….”[/color] The young sycophant let the words hang in the air for a few moments. [color=D2691E]”Has killed more empires than it has built. But you knew that already, did you not?”[/color] [color=D2691E][i]But go on - feed your ego. Let it run wild as if you are the invincible man you think yourself to be. State your claims until that fateful dagger plunges into your heart - it will make THAT silence all the more rewarding.[/i][/color] That little intrusive thought Farim kept to himself. Farim sighed. But beneath the disappointment written on his face, there was a hint of satisfaction that people would not just write Hafiz’s actions off just because of his status as nobility. There would be a moment of pause before Farim moved again - for he was sure there would be some form of poised retort from the man. At the same time as Nahir, Farim excused himself from the group. But before he made his way, the sound of scraping met his ears as the strange man made his purposeful entrance into the banquet hall. Thara made a nervous squak muted only by her discipline and forethought to not draw attention to Farim, who offered a comforting hand. His fingers gently pushed the falcon’s puffed feathers down with petting motions. This individual was dangerous - that much was clear - and for once, chastising his father could wait. Farim stepped to the side until he had reached an equally distracted Anastasia. [color=D2691E]”Do you know him?”[/color] He asked innocently. [/center]