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[color=seagreen][h1]Drake[/h1]

[color=greenyellow][b]Time:[/b] Evening of the 28th[/color] 
[color=greenyellow][b]Location:[/b] Banquet Hall[/color]
[color=greenyellow][b]Mentions:[/b] Thea [@Tae], Kilian [@PapaOso], Gideon and Victoria [@princess], Ariella, [@Tpartywithzombi], Leo [@Helo][/color][/color]

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Drake finished the last of his plate, only a few quick bites, as the scene tensed. There were some thoughts and impressions from how the conversation with Lord Smithwood had transpired, namely how he seemed to take mental stress and obligation in stride. But to be fair - so did most of the men in his family. So his comment about different parenting styles wasn’t too far off the mark.

Before Drake could share much else, he looked to his father. The man’s ghostly gaze and complexion gave the young lord some minor concerns. Yet, this was not the time nor the place to draw attention to it. Drake simply stood up and quietly yet firmly spoke. [color=greenyellow]”I must away for a moment. Wine and water have run their course it seems.”[/color] It wasn’t a grand proclamation, just a subtle nod to those who may be paying close attention to him to draw off any suspicions.

The strides across the floor were long yet steady - and to Drake it felt like one of the longest walks of his life. He opened the door and shuffled quickly around it with grace and panache, holding the handle on the other side to let it shut as silently as he could before briskly walking down the corridor.

As luck would have it, he turned the corner and saw a trio of familiar faces. Ariella, Thea, and Callum all strode together, looks of content written across their faces. [color=greenyellow][i]It appears their time away did them some good for the mental[/i][/color] The man quickly walked up to them and impeded their forward path for the time being.

[color=greenyellow]”My deepest apologies to you three. But I must ask for a moment of your time.”[/color] Drake inhaled slowly, then bowed slightly towards them, yet angled more towards the pair of ladies. [color=greenyellow]”I do hope my words didn’t cause you both too much strife. Forgive my forwardness on the matter but I simply wanted the battle of wits to cease. So that we may make more pleasant memories.”[/color] He straightened his posture, his gaze meeting Thea’s for a moment - and Leo’s words flashed in his mind.

[color=greenyellow]”But stern and mean isn’t always the way to go. So my apologies, Lady Thea and Ari.”[/color] He looked at Prince Callum, an odd aura of refinement practically radiating from the man. Was a crown and some new clothes truly all it took for Callum to appear so regal? 

Before he looked for too long he offered another bow with his arm over his chest and a palm resting on his chest. [color=greenyellow]”And thank you, Your Highness, for checking up on them.”[/color].

Lastly, he met his sister's gaze, who likely found this brown nosing a touch too much. But he was always this way - something he was sure she would write off as “Drake being Drake”. Still, he offered her a reprieve from his usual overbearing attitude. [color=greenyellow]”While I can’t say I condone the spilling of wine on Mother….well done, sister.”[/color] His smile was earnest - and he was thankful she had done what she had to remove their troublesome parent from the scene. Drake felt himself calm down slightly, which made this next part easier

[color=greenyellow]”There is a new guest in the banquet hall. A silver haired man came in with chains wrapped around a woman.”[/color] He turned to Ariella. [color=greenyellow]”It’s Geneveieve. From my birthday celebration. He claims she has dealt in magic, and wishes to make an example of anyone who would do such a heinous thing in this day and age.”[/color]

Drake felt his speech gradually increasing in speed - as if the panic and worry began to take over. So he took a moment to scan over Lady Smithwood’s fair complexion - the pure beauty emanating from her offering him a moment of calm to keep his composure.

[color=greenyellow]”Frankly, the whole thing seems a touch barbaric and will likely have implications on our family, Ari. So that is why I seem such a mess.”[/color] He tossed in a quick white lie. Drake had definitely thought of the way it would look if his family hired magic wielding staff - but he was the most concerned about his dear sister. Yet his outward concern may give away more than he intended, so he hid it for now.

[color=greenyellow]”He has taken a seat near Lord Smithwood. I wanted to acquaint you all with the situation because…it has certainly grown tense in there. You could cut the air with a knife. Knowing this, would you all like to return to the banquet hall? I can accompany you if that would help.”[/color] Drake offered his hand towards Thea and took a step out of their forward path. 

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