[center][h1][b][color=9354FF]Fritz "Ryn" Hendrix[/color][/b][/h1][color=9354FF]Time:[/color] Sola 28 1739; Nighttime Hours [color=9354FF]Location:[/color] Castle Dining Room [color=9354FF]Interaction(s)/Mention(s):[/color] [@princess] [@Apex Sunburn] [@FunnyGuy] [@Oso][/center] [color=F5F5F5] Given the peculiar events plaguing this season, magic had been high on Ryn’s list of suspects regarding Lady Charlotte’s affliction. One closer look through the enchanted lens transformed suspicion into grim certainty: a shadowy veil draped over her magicae like a funeral lace. An active curse. The symptoms Lady Charlotte had described to Captain Wasun—then kindly reiterated for Ryn’s benefit—helped narrow the possible spells. Not sufficiently, regrettably. These lenses, useful though they were, also offered no distinction between a single curse or several layered atop each other. Without Wayra’s considerable expertise, his means of aiding Lady Charlotte remained limited. Beyond the door, voices spoke of business dealings between Duke Vikena and Black Rose. Ryn’s gaze met Lady Charlotte’s across the dimly lit space, eyebrows furrowing in silent commentary. [color=9354FF][i]The plot grows positively labyrinthine.[/i][/color] Lord Vael-Damien’s arrival drew his attention. A quick gesture brought him close; a finger to lips counselled discretion. Then Ryn returned to his highly dignified career as a professional eavesdropper. Mention of laudanum shipments sparked connections. [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5586525]Dr. Crane’s “prescription” for the Duke’s sleeping difficulties[/url] came to mind, as did [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5431725]the list of herbs they had discovered in His Grace's chambers.[/url] Did these shipments also include [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5445683]those mind-altering substances?[/url] A soft, broken whisper pulled him back to Lady Charlotte. [color=D0B4EC]“Lost... my self-worth?”[/color] Tears gathered until her eyes resembled fractured sapphires. All that remarkable composure she had tried to maintain throughout the evening began to crack. Ryn set aside his tumbler. [color=9354FF]“Charlotte.”[/color] She would not look at him. Could not, perhaps. Her gaze had folded inward, fixed on whatever bleak landscape the spell had painted across her thoughts. Gently, Ryn turned Lady Charlotte to face him. Taking her hand, he pressed it against his chest where his heart beat steady and sure. [color=9354FF]“Breathe,”[/color] he whispered. Softer still, [color=9354FF]“Here. With me.”[/color] He drew in a deep breath, held it for seven counts, then released it slowly. [color=9354FF]“Do you feel that? In through your nose…”[/color] His chest rose beneath her hand. [color=9354FF]“Out through your mouth.”[/color] It fell. Again. [color=9354FF]“Yes, that’s it. Just focus on breathing.”[/color] They found the rhythm together. Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Stillness settled over the hallway. Somewhere in the castle’s stone bones, the air shifted. A strange hush pressed in around them—not silence exactly, but a hum beneath the silence. As if the castle itself had chosen to join in. [color=9354FF]“Your father,”[/color] Ryn began on an exhale, [color=9354FF]“is perhaps one of the most guileless noblemen I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.”[/color] Fondness warmed the observation. [color=9354FF]“He often speaks before his thoughts are fully formed.”[/color] In. [color=9354FF]“Which leaves the rest of us guessing at what he intended.”[/color] Out. [color=9354FF]“But even in the short time I’ve known His Grace, one fact remains unshakeable.”[/color] Another breath. [color=9354FF]“His love for you runs deeper than words can express.”[/color] A smile touched his lips, soft as candlelight. [color=9354FF]“You know this, don’t you?”[/color] Eyes drifting shut, he continued. [color=9354FF]“Think back. Remember the moments you’ve shared.”[/color] Air escaped his lips.[color=9354FF]“The difficult times you weathered together. The bond you formed.”[/color] The next breath replaced what was lost. [color=9354FF]“Don’t let this curse twist those memories.”[/color] [color=9354FF]“Because you know, deep down…”[/color] Exhale. [color=9354FF]“As surely as the sun will rise.”[/color] Inhale. [color=9354FF]“As the shape of the moon shifts.”[/color] Exhale. [color=9354FF]“As the tide will pull the sea.”[/color] Their eyes met. [color=9354FF]“As certain as this next breath—”[/color] And it came, slow and full. [color=9354FF]“—you are loved.”[/color] The castle seemed to sigh in agreement, its stones settling deeper into foundations laid centuries past. [color=9354FF]“Not just by your father, mind you. By plenty of others too. Those who’ve passed on…”[/color] He reached for Lord Vael-Damien’s hand, bringing it to Lady Charlotte’s, clasping them together. [color=9354FF]“And by those who are still here. You are beloved.”[/color] [color=9354FF]“Even if there are moments you think otherwise… You are loved. Even when you feel undeserving of it… You are still loved.”[/color] A gentle squeeze. [color=9354FF]“We wish only for your happiness. Hold onto that thought.”[/color] Ryn murmured. [color=9354FF]“When you feel your heart cracking, you know the people who’ll help remind you.”[/color] He released their hands with care. [color=9354FF]“Hang in there. Dawn will come.”[/color] Retrieving the bottle from the floor, Ryn poured water whilst addressing Lord Vael-Damien. [color=9354FF]“Unless you have a way to lift curses, Lord Cassius, I’m afraid all we can do at the moment is provide moral support while it runs its course.”[/color] He handed the cup to Charlotte, but watched the Lord’s reaction closely. [color=9354FF]“If these symptoms began earlier today, I suspect they should end come morning… If not…”[/color] The words hung in the air. [color=9354FF]“Well. Alternative measures will be required.”[/color] Ryn repositioned his tumbler against the door.[/color]