[center][color=9AF781][h1]Lord Leo Smithwood[/h1][/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/OEh1rTU.png[/img][/center]

[color=9AF781]Time:[/color] 6 pm
[color=9AF781]Location:[/color] Castle Dining Hall
[color=9AF781]Interactions:[/color] Drake [@Lava Alckon], Killian [@Oso]
[color=9AF781]Mentions:[/color] Thea, Ari, Gideon, 
[color=9AF781]Attire:[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/oKdesJw.jpeg]“Why was I not told red was the color for tonight?”[/url]
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[color=lightgray]
[color=greenyellow]”From what I’ve observed thus far - it seems public scrutiny from one's own is something you too wrestle with as well.”[/color]

[color=green]“Wrestle with? Nothing quite that dramatic. My mother sets high expectations, and knowing that someone only sees the best possible version of myself inspires me to rise to those standards.”[/color] Leo’s response was as polished as it was sincere, and his practiced, easy smile only vanished when he took a sip of wine. His mother had her flaws, everyone did, but he wouldn’t be discussing those over dinner. 

[color=green]“But Thea…”[/color] He shrugged. [color=green]“I think a different parenting style would’ve suited her better.”[/color] He brought another bite of food to his mouth and paused while he chewed. It was obvious enough that their mother gave Thea a lot less leeway than she gave him. [color=9AF781]“And I think a lot of mothers are a bit more overprotective of their youngest.”[/color] He added. 

[color=greenyellow]”Should we perhaps check on the ladies?”[/color] Drake asked and Leo was about to disagree. He preferred to let Thea have her space as well as the chance to bond with Ariella, when a man entered the feast with the sound of a heavy iron chain rattling against marble announcing his presence. Queen Alibeth addressed the man, Killian, whose gaze was as sharp as his cheek bones. 

[color=a187be]“Allow me to clarify. The woman you see before you has been apprehended under my directive. She was responsible for tampering with the refreshments at the Edwards’ recent gathering—a calculated act designed to sow chaos and bring harm to our noble class.”[/color]

[color=green]“You should. Might be best that they not miss this.”[/color] Leo whispered to Drake and noted that Gideon looked deeply disturbed by the new development. Understandable, he imagined it was deeply embarrassing to have one’s own servant be responsible for such treachery. Another instance of tampered drinks brought to mind the parties Marek threw and Leo wondered if this servant was one of Marek’s minions. 

[color=RosyBrown]“This once great city has become afflicted by the corruption of Magicae. I have come here, along with my companions from [b]the Vanguard[/b], to cut that rot from the wound in this city and to cleanse it. We are here to heal the wounds of corruption left in the wake of the arcane. I will rescue you from the maw of abomination.”[/color]

Leo’s smile widened as Killian spoke. Finally, someone competent was here to take Sorian’s witchcraft problem seriously. Once the witch hunter had finished speaking, Leo gave a light offering of applause to the man’s well-spoken words. He turned to Killian, who had taken the empty seat next to Leo and gave the man a nod of respect. 

[color=green]“Sir Killian, it’s an honor to share a table with you. I don’t wish to dampen your enjoyment of the feast so if you have time later I would like to discuss my own concerning experiences with the sorcery that plagues this city.”[/color] He said once Killian had finished greeting the canine companion of another woman at the table. 

[color=green]“Lord Leo Smithwood, heir of Stravy.”[/color] He introduced himself as he extended a hand to Killian.[/color]