[color=gray][h3][center][color=ab274f]Wulfric[/color], [color=D2691E]Farim[/color] & [color=ef82a5]Anastasia[/color][/center][/h3]

[sub]Mention:[@Helo] Callum [@Oso] Killian[/sub]
[hr]

[color=ab274f]“Ah, it seems I am just in time,”[/color] Wulfric smiled, entering after the two did. He waited until the door was closed before posing his question. [color=ab274f]“You wished to discuss Callum?”[/color] He looked towards his sister and the shahzade, eyebrow arching.

[color=ef82a5]“As always!”[/color] Anastasia chirped, pivoting on her heels to beam at her brother with a gleeful smile. [color=ef82a5]“Farim was the first to notice something strange about Callum, actually, and once he pointed it out... well, I can’t unsee it.”[/color] She gave a quick, worried glance toward Farim before turning back to Wulfric. [color=ef82a5]“I was wondering if you noticed it too.”[/color] Her smile fell and she shifted on her feet with genuine anxiety. [color=ef82a5]“...I’m worried about him.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Of course, I noticed. Wearing a crown, praising our father, playing the noble game, dismissing Lady Violet, tacitly approving of slapping women, all without hide nor hair of discomfort or disgust…”[/color] He rolled a shoulder as he listed several of Callum’s suspect actions. [color=ab274f]“He has perfectly participated in activities he’s [i]loathed[/i] to his very core without a hint that he was bothered by any of it. He is not acting like the brother we’ve come to know.”[/color] His gaze strayed to Farim, wondering how much to reveal in the shahzade’s presence. 

[color=ef82a5]“Yeesh…”[/color] she muttered, scrunching her nose. Then she confessed,  [color=ef82a5]“I didn’t even catch half of that.”[/color] Her gaze then  slid to Farim along with Wulfric, an uncharacteristic note of seriousness threading through her voice. [color=ef82a5]“You saw it too, right?”[/color]

Farim nodded. [color=D2691E]“I had enjoyed a festive night among some pleasant company. That one night at the tavern named after him - he is an entirely different man now. One could say perhaps he was feeling a bit more ‘lively’ that night, but your tones suggest otherwise.”[/color]

The shahzade sighed, approaching the two and leaning on the nearby table. [color=D2691E]“Not to mention, there seems to be an awful lot of…tension between the various families. Seems like everyone is a little on edge.”[/color]

Wulfric tilted his head. [color=ab274f]“Is that relevant?”[/color] The posed question was sharp, and laced with doubt. [color=ab274f]“Unless you are proposing there is a common underlying cause to Callum being unlike himself and the tension at large….?”[/color] He challenged. [color=ab274f]“With a topic this important, I expect you to get to the point. Anastasia claimed you wished to discuss Callum. So, please, if you have something else to add, then get to the point, shahzade. As you say, tensions are high, so I haven’t time to waste standing around here when [i]something else[/i] could happen out there at any moment.”[/color]

Farim raised a brow in response, his face frowning to match the displeasing atmosphere thrust upon him. [color=D2691E]“I believe so. I was simply asked what I saw - so I gave an account. But if a simple ‘yes’ is all that is needed….”[/color] Farim raised his hands in a shrug-like gesture. [color=D2691E]“It was not me who requested this audience, Your Highness.”[/color] 

Farim took a moment to pause and think over the interactions this night versus the night previous. [color=D2691E]“All I can suggest is that he might be influenced by another. It is as if someone else has taken precedence over Prince Callum’s actions. Perhaps a really enthusiastic life coach…”[/color] Farim lightly suggested before laying an equally outlandish suggestion. [color=D2691E]“Or he is under some form of trance - perhaps hypnosis? Everything he has done thus far has thrown everyone present for a loop. So unless he has managed to fool you both for years with a fake persona of being a kind soul…Then there are stranger elements at play.”[/color] He looked to Wulfric, as if to say “There, better?”

Wulfric nodded curtly. [color=ab274f]“Now that is useful. Thank you for elaborating, shahzade.”[/color]

Anastasia made a face as she tilted her head back to stare at the ceiling, her lips pursing in a grimace. [color=ef82a5]“Uh oh,”[/color] she muttered, then exhaled through her nose and looked back at the two men, and for a moment, guilt flickered across her face. She opened her mouth, hesitated, then closed it again. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve as if debating with herself.

[color=ef82a5]“Uh—”[/color] Her voice caught briefly. Then she sighed, and her shoulders dropped in resignation. 

She looked to Wulfric now, more composed but still troubled as she decided to reveal another piece of info instead. [color=ef82a5]“Callum and I… actually… we went to see Marek.”[/color] She folded her arms, eyes flitting toward Farim briefly before returning to her brother. [color=ef82a5]“He was weirdly charming as always, but also kind of creepy. Like, everything he said sounded smart, but my tummy was like, ‘Girl, [i]this is off[/i]. This is bad. Turn around.…”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“That is an instinct you ought to listen to,”[/color] her brother advised firmly.

Anastasia nervously laughed, though the amusement never reached her eyes.  [color=ef82a5]“I felt awful, given Marek has been my friend and all, but I didn’t like how he was so focused on Callum… He barely even [i]looked[/i] at me.”[/color] 

Farim glanced at Anastasia in a surprised look - [color=D2691E][i]She calls him a friend yet her base instincts say to leave him at the first chance she got…[/i][/color] His confused look was written plain on his face.

Catching his expression, Anastasia leaned in slightly and whispered, [color=ef82a5]“I know, I know. It sounds insane.”[/color] Her eyes were wide yet sincere. [color=ef82a5]“But it was [i]a lot[/i]. I’ll explain everything later, I promise. Just… know I don’t mess around when it comes to my brothers. If my gut says something’s off? I listen.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“At least one of you now realizes how shady this so-called [i]friend[/i] of yours is,”[/color] Wulfric commented. He seemed awfully unperturbed about Anastasia having gone to Marek, as if he weren’t all that surprised she had done so. [color=ab274f]“When was this visit? How did Callum act during it? Did you touch, drink, or otherwise interact with anything there?”[/color] He shot off a few questions. [color=ab274f]“The first signs of strangeness I noticed were this morning at the theater, but it was nothing compared to how he is now. Since Delronzo is very likely a magic-user…”[/color] Wulfric hummed, and traced a finger across his lips. 

[color=ef82a5]“It was the other night,”[/color] she answered quickly, fingers lacing together as she tried to recall everything clearly.  [color=ef82a5]“Callum was... focused. Weirdly calm. He just sat there, listening to Marek like he was reading him his favorite bedtime story.”[/color] She paused, visibly uneasy.  [color=ef82a5]“We didn’t eat or drink anything from them. We just sat as Marek went on and on about father and the corruption in the kingdom.”[/color] 

[color=ab274f]“Ah, yes…a topic which would be of most interest to him,”[/color] Wulfric drawled. From what Anastasia said, Marek had utilized mundane manipulation so far. They could not deny the possibility of magical influence, however. [color=ab274f]“Perhaps presenting Callum to the witch hunters would lead to some revelations.”[/color] He was highly doubtful it would, and wasn’t willing to risk it – not quite yet – and was merely probing for reactions to his suggestion.

There was a slight tension when Farim noticed the way Wulfric casually dropped something like that. Magic was highly forbidden after all - yet he placed it so casually into the conversation. Like he was talking about what color clothes the man was wearing. [color=d2691E]“Given the nature of one of the more recent guests…I would advise against it. It is how Anastasia said earlier with Marek. The instant that silver haired man entered the room my entire body went ‘Habibi, this one is bad news’.”[/color] There was something off about that man - perhaps villainous intent or simply a selfish drive to do one's will that always raised red flags in Farim’s mental state. [color=D2691E]“You speak of magic so freely - is there perhaps a way you can detect its influence on another?”[/color] 

[color=ab274f]“Of sorts. I possess a device with which one can observe someone’s magical energies. I do not have it on my person at the moment, but it is possible to see the colour, thickness, and activity of a person’s magical ‘aura,’”[/color] he confirmed. 

[color=ab274f]“I concur that the silver-haired man is not sane. He acts like a [i]slaver[/i],”[/color] he snarled, [color=ab274f]“and is clearly proud of his conduct. On the other hand, there was this lady witch hunter I spoke to who seemed more…reasonable. Perhaps I was mistaken, if they are allies,”[/color] he shrugged. [color=ab274f]“Oh, and, as a note, I speak of magic freely because it is becoming all the more relevant. It strikes me as pointless to pretend it has no influence or to hide from it,”[/color] he explained.
Anastasia’s eyes widened slightly, and a chill rippled down her spine.  

[color=ef82a5]“Wait,”[/color] she breathed, eyes darting toward Wulfric and then Farim. [color=ef82a5]“The white-haired man. The one from the ballroom. The one with the woman on a chain…”[/color] Her voice faltered, horror creeping in. [color=ef82a5]“I thought he was just some creepy sadist with a fetish—”[/color]

She turned to Wulfric now, fury crackling behind her eyes. [color=ef82a5]“You want to hand Callum over to [i]him[/i]?”[/color] Her voice trembled. [color=ef82a5]“If you try to present him to them, I’ll stand in the way.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“If you truly wish to protect Callum, then we need to stop our mother. Right here and now. Before she sets a precedent we would not want.”[/color]

The shahzade needed to stifle the slightest of chuckles at the notion of a kinky couple crashing a banquet. Farim coughed lightly and nodded. [color=D2691E]“At the very least - that troubled person seems to be not of a good influence - but the lady witch hunter…”[/color] Farim paused. 

[color=D2691E]“She is interesting. I have a feeling she will have testimonies about that Varian ritual in the woods, assuming whatever trial that was hinted at is still happening for Lord Roman.”[/color] Farim turned his head to look at Anastasia. [color=D2691E]“Before you were found unconscious in the woods - she was quite the formidable fighter. A tad bit cheeky on the tongue as well.”[/color] The man could not help but question why all of this was happening now of all places - and why amidst what was allegedly a “call to justice” for the events in the woods the other day there was suddenly a public witch hunt being displayed.

Wulfric hummed in interest. [color=ab274f]“So you have met with Ms. Torvi.”[/color]
Farim nodded. [color=D2691E]“Things to consider - just like your fancy little device. I suppose you are employing its use during this banquet if you are not holding onto it, no?”[/color]

The Caesonian prince snorted. [color=ab274f]“My, with how you are fishing for answers, it is almost as if you are a magic-user yourself,”[/color] he poked the shahzade for his obvious attempt at gaining information. Chuckling, he shook his head. [color=ab274f]“Unless you truly are an expert on the subject, I see no reason to provide you with more sensitive information.”[/color]

Yet another raise of the brow from the Alidasht royal. [color=D2691E]“And who's to say I am not?”[/color] He said with a sarcastic smile - but he quickly raised his hands in a faux surrender. [color=D2691E]“Although I merely ask out of curiosity, not necessity. I was not aware this information was as sensitive as it was. My expertise lies in knowing things - so it is only natural I inquire.”[/color] The raised hands moved to tuck under his now crossed arms as the man pondered his next thought. [color=D2691E]“Is there something that must be done before the banquet reaches its conclusion?”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Well, if you were a magical expert, your knowledge would be invaluable,”[/color] Wulfric retorted with a shrug.

[color=ab274f]“There is something [i]I[/i] must do. So, if we are done here, I shall return to the banquet promptly.”[/color]

Anastasia glanced between the two men, tension flickering behind her eyes. Her gaze lingered on Farim for a moment, thoughtful. But then, instead of speaking, she turned to her brother. 

[color=ef82a5]“Before you go back, I just wanted to…”[/color] She trailed off, then stepped in and hugged him.

[color=ef82a5]“I know it’s been stressful, Wulfy,”[/color] she murmured in his ear. 

[color=ef82a5]“But you’re doing a good job. You’re going to be a great king.”[/color]
Her brother was evidently surprised by her gesture, but wrapped an arm around her, loose and careful. [color=ab274f]“Thank you, Anastasia,”[/color] he replied quietly. He had no idea what had brought on her gesture, but was grateful regardless.

As she pulled away, her eyes slid back to Farim, head tilting once more with curiosity, clearly still awaiting his answer.

The shahzade stood with a focused contemplative look on his face. [color=D2691E][i]Carefully constructed baited answers as always, Wulfric.[/i][/color] He calmly thought. But his straight face turned into a smirk. [color=D2691E]“Seems a bit strange to ask such questions when you already have the means to identify as one affiliated with the blight of magic.”[/color]

[color=D2691E]“Either you already have your answer…or your device is simply a clever way of catching a confession. Perhaps even catch me in a lie. Oh, I love these kinds of games!”[/color] Farim clapped his hands while he grinned. But once he looked over at Anastasia and took a pause to interpret the rushed cadence behind Wulfric’s speech, he decided to act accordingly.

[color=D2691E]“But it seems this is not the time for fun quips exchanged between friends. So I shall be brief – you need not worry about me.”[/color] He was sure Wulfric would read through his “not really an answer”, but the truth was there – what Farim did with his supernatural talents was not a primary threat to the Danroses or the nation as a whole. He just hoped Wulfric would agree with him on that before assuming the worst.

[color=ab274f]“Had I been concerned, our conversation would have had a different tone,”[/color] Wulfric told him honestly. [color=ab274f]“I do have my answer, but given the political climate, I shan’t force anyone to reveal whatever skills they may or may not possess. However, if you are ever inclined to continue this discussion, I will be available.”[/color] 

He inclined his head to the shahzade. [color=ab274f]“Until next time then.”[/color] He strolled to the door, but stopped just as his hand grasped the handle.

 [color=ab274f]“Oh,”[/color] he turned his head towards the pair. [color=ab274f]“Shahzade Farim, if you have not yet mentioned to my sister the topic which you seek to discuss with my parents, now is the time.”[/color] That said, he took his leave, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

Anastasia watched the door click shut behind Wulfric, her expression unreadable. Slowly, her gaze shifted back to Farim, eyes searching his face.

[color=ef82a5]“Do you…know magic?”[/color] she asked at last, her voice barely above a whisper.

Farim clicked his tongue. Was this not meant to be about someone else entirely? How did it swing back in his personal affairs so readily? He offered a slight sigh with his fingers rubbing the base of his forehead. [color=D2691E]“Thanks, Wulfric. Appreciate the subtlety….”[/color] Farim said to the closed door.

Then he turned, one hand holding his wrist as they relaxed in front of his midsection. [color=D2691E]“I suppose now is the time to come clean – if witch hunting is to be the standard. Then yes, Anastasia. I know magic.”[/color] He figured there was no sense in twisting his words now. [/color]