[center][img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjE0Mi41ZjllYTAuUTJ4aGNtVnVZMlUsLjA,/rawuh.regular.webp[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/SEOQvLX.jpeg[/img][/center]
[color=5F9EA0]Time: 6 pm
Location: Castle Dining Hall
Attire: [url=https://i.imgur.com/R61caal.jpeg]Winners wear red & black![/url]
Interactions: Drake [@Lava Alckon], Ari [@Tpartywithzombi], Thea [@Tae], Hala [@JJ Doe][/color]
[hr]

[color=9FA1A4]
[color=#9D8573]“Almost like you’re not Callum Danrose.”[/color]

The same slow, deep chuckle that had followed Hala’s other snappy response followed this one as well. The same amused spark flickered in his eyes and every bit of his posture remained as relaxed and unbothered as it had from the start of the banquet. As the accusation hung in the air, it was Ari, and not himself, who shot it down first. 

[color=slateblue]“it’s bold to talk like you know him when you’ve barely been in the same room for more than a few hours, let alone held a conversation considering I believe this is your first time speaking with him.”[/color]

Loyalty. A glow he was more than happy to bask in even if the display was clearly for Callum rather than the spirit who wore his form. 

[color=5F9EA0]“Almost like people love to spread rumors and exaggerate the actions of a child who has since grown up. People are not static...”[/color] Clarence replied once Ari had finished speaking, and his hands lifted as shoulders shrugged off the concern. [color=5F9EA0]“...I, certainly, am not.”[/color] His words were calm and practical, Hala was not a threat. The situation was exactly as Ariella had outlined; Hala did not know him in any capacity, they simply tossed out baseless suspicions. If he had to guess they were simply intuitive, maybe even another witch, but not a threat. 

In fact, Hala might even enjoy the chaos that was about to rain down upon the Caesonian court. 

[color=slateblue]“I think we have been gone far too long now.”[/color] Ariella spoke again soon after Hala had returned to the dinning hall. As she took a step forward, her brief drunken stumble did not go unnoticed. Clarence extended an arm without a word, offering her something steady to hold on to. It was the correct optics for him, to waltz back into the hall looking both regal and chivalrous, and dutifully leading a pair of stragglers back to the banquet. 

Drake greeted with a sense of urgency as they rounded a corner. Clarence only smiled back at him, studied him, and waited for the man to say what was truly on his mind. 

[color=greenyellow]”There is a new guest in the banquet hall. A silver haired man came in with chains wrapped around a woman…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]

How disappointing. Things had finally gotten truly interesting inside the dining hall just after he’d stepped out for only a few moments. Drake went on to explain how poorly this development would reflect upon the Edwards family. 

[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] 

[color=5F9EA0]“Not returning to the banquet hall would certainly appear suspicious given the circumstances. First your family’s servant has been caught indulging in forbidden arts, then your sister and her friends flee the banquet?”[/color] He shook his head at Drake. [color=5F9EA0]“Some might spin that into another scandal, and we [i]have nothing to fear[/i].”[/color] He continued with complete confidence as he spoke. 

[color=5F9EA0]“And neither you, nor your family, should be expected to shoulder the blame for a single, treacherous, servant. I will do all I can to make sure my family sees the logic in that.”[/color] He added, reaching out and placing a hand on Drake’s shoulder. He kept his eyes focused on the other man, saying what his words wouldn’t dare say aloud. He would keep Ari safe from witch hunters. [color=5F9EA0]“[i]Nothing to fear.[/i]”[/color] He repeated with the same easy confidence.

Clarence honored his bargains, and Callum’s allies were his allies now. [/color]