[color=lightgray] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/FVPEy13.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/NVSCwCf.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/jv5Pcmc.png[/img] [h3][color=teal]Part 1[/color][/h3][/center] [color=4C93C2]Time:[/color] 2nd Ignis, Evening [color=4C93C2]Location:[/color] The Damien Estate [hr] The Damien Estate’s dining room sat in hushed anticipation, a chamber of muted opulence where shadows played against pale violet walls. The great chandelier overhead glowed like a crown of fireflies suspended in crystal, its soft light shimmering across polished wood floors and glinting off the ornate frames of the paintings that lined the walls. At the far end, above the carved marble mantel, a fire crackled warmly, its glow flickering over gilt edges and casting long silhouettes of the high-backed chairs against the plastered panels. The grandfather clock on the wall ticked solemnly, a metronome for the silence. A long table stretched the length of the room, covered in a deep plum cloth that pooled elegantly at the floor. Twelve intricately carved chairs stood like sentinels along its sides, their dark wood gleaming with an oil-polished sheen. At the table’s head sat Count Calbert Damien, his presence as commanding as the portrait above the mantel, and beside him, Liliane in her pearls and silks, her every movement graceful and exact. Beside them was the youngest of their children, Crystal. Her fingers toyed with a single strawberry tart from the dessert course, picking at the glaze as if reluctant to break its glossy surface. She wore a soft cream dress edged in lace, the fabric whispering when she shifted, and her hair was braided, small wisps loose at her temples. There they waited. On the table itself lay a feast that bore the mark of wealth and precision. Silver platters gleamed, heaped with roasted pheasant, their crisped skins brushed with honey and herbs that perfumed the air with rosemary and thyme. A haunch of venison, glazed in a dark berry reduction, sat beside bowls of golden potatoes whipped to a silken cream. Baskets of warm bread...crusted loaves and soft rolls...were wrapped in linen, their steam rising faintly as if to beckon. Crystal dishes held spiced carrots glazed with butter, almonds, and ginger, while another offered emerald beans dressed in lemon and oil. Near the center, a tureen of soup still steamed, thick with pumpkin, nutmeg, and cream, its surface scattered with toasted seeds. For indulgence, delicate arrangements of cheeses, figs, and candied nuts were displayed on a mirrored tray, while decanters of red and white wine glowed like jewels in the candlelight. And at the far end, waiting to be uncovered, lingered the promise of sugared pears, brandied cherries, and a custard tart crowned with a lattice of caramel. Crystal finally dared a bite of her tart, her lips pressing to the sugared glaze with a youthful hesitation. Calbert watched her from the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable but for the faintest curve of amusement tugging at his mouth. He leaned toward her, his voice smooth, fatherly. [color=4C93C2]“Careful, little dove. You’ll spoil your appetite before the pheasant.”[/color] Crystal flushed, her small fingers freezing around the fork. Liliane, seated gracefully at his side, reached over to smooth a loose strand from their daughter’s braid, her smile soft as candlelight. [color=teal] “It is only a strawberry, Calbert,”[/color] Liliane murmured, her tone gentle yet sure. [color=teal] “Let her have her sweetness.”[/color] Calbert’s gaze shifted to his wife, and for a fleeting instant the charm in his eyes became something warmer, more genuine. He lifted her hand with effortless elegance, brushing his lips over her knuckles. [color=4C93C2] “Of course, my Lily. Who am I to deny you or Crystal a touch of delight?”[/color] He set her hand back with reverence before turning his gaze back to Crystal. [color=4C93C2] “You must know, my dear, the world is rarely so generous as your mother. Indulge wisely, and no one can deny you the spoils.”[/color] Crystal gave a small nod, encouraged by his approval, and returned to her tart with a newfound confidence. The clock ticked on, and the fire crackled against the hush. Calbert’s mind found itself occupied with the order of things, the anticipation of this little dinner and his ambitions for the event. This was not just a wonderful feast for a loving family. Nothing was so simple. At least not at present time, despite how the man truly wished it could be so. As much as tonight was meant to bond them…it was business. Then, faintly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the quiet, echoing in the great hall beyond the door. Calbert’s smile lingered as he straightened in his chair, his expression sharpening ever so slightly as he watched to see who would enter first. [color=4C93C2] “Ah,”[/color] he said, voice carrying like a chord struck on fine strings. [color=4C93C2] “It seems the others have decided to grace us with their presence.”[/color] [Color=gold]“Others?”[/color] Alexander’s voice cut in like a hot knife through butter—smooth. [Color=gold]“It’s wonderful to see you as well Count Damien. That smile of yours is- it's just something I could never pull off. Love it, and you look absolutely dapper this evening.”[/color] He entered as confidently as he usually carried himself, wearing what was supposed to be a three-piece suit, yet it lacked the jacket, allowing the sheen of the dark green vest an opportunity to showcase itself against his black shirt and slacks. His eyes caught the faces of Crystal and Liliane next. He performed a mock bow. [Color=gold]“A pleasure to meet you again Countess, it's been far too long… And you.”[/color] He focused on Crystal as he rose. [Color=gold]“You must be Lady Crystal. A fitting name from where I'm standing.”[/color] Finally returning his gaze to Calbert. [Color=gold]“Where should I sit, Count Damien. The foot of the table, perhaps?”[/color] [color=4C93C2]“Good evening, Mr. Deacon.”[/color] Calbert greeted warmly, a smile painting his features. [color=4C93C2]“I am so pleased you decided to accept my invitation. Please, sit wherever you believe you belong.”[/color] [color=firebrick]”Good evening”[/color] Violet interrupted as she stepped into the room. Her black gown, made of silks dragging behind her. Her corset, adorned with Raven embroideries stitched in reds and golds, stood out against the intricate details on her bodice. Her hair was long, reflecting against its dark hue, the light from the fire almost encapsulating her in a red hue. Walking further into the room, she rested a hand on her father's shoulder, offering him a warm smile, glancing over at her mother [color=firebrick]” Father…Mother, you and the staff really outdid yourselves with this meal.”[/color] she said, admiring the spread on the table before her, her crimson eyes glancing up at Alexander with a warm smile on her face. [color=firebrick]” Very good to see you this evening, Mr Deacon. You’re looking well. I hope your travel here was comfortable.”[/color] She moved around the table to take a seat next to her sister, smiling at Crystal as she enjoyed her strawberry. [color=firebrick]”I apologise if I interrupted anything.”[/color] [Color=gold]“Oh, there's no need for that. We were merely exchanging greetings.”[/color] Alexander said just before allowing his eyes to catch sight of the doorway once more. Cassius was already drunk when he stumbled up the back porch of the Damien estate. The whiskey was still fresh on his breath, but he was of sound mind. Mostly. He’d promised himself he’d behave tonight. Family dinner and all that. But he couldn’t bear the idea of attending such a thing sober. Not with where his head has been lately. The doors of the dining room grew and grew as he approached them, having just missed his eldest sister’s entrance. Light spilled through the cracks, and the bastard straightened his coat, ran a hand through his…let’s be honest, perfect hair, and stepped inside. He was met with warmth, firelight, the smells of perfume and hors d'oeuvres. His family seated like figures in a painting...Calbert at the head, Liliane radiant, Crystal delicate as glass, and Violet sitting beside her in quite the gown. But it was the man at the far end that caught his attention the most... Bloody damned Alexander. That smile. The same one that had crawled into Cassius’s mind days before. He stopped just long enough to meet the vampire’s eyes. The room seemed to tighten around him. [color=lightsteelblue]“Evening, everyone.”[/color] he said, an easy tone obfuscating the tension burning in his chest. The words came with the slight hint of slurred speech…just enough to reveal the libations affecting him. He crossed to his chair, dropped into it, and took a long sip from the glass of wine in front of him. His eyes stayed on those of Alexander. [color=lightsteelblue]“Didn’t realize we were having...friends over as well.”[/color] Beneath the table, Cassius’s hand closed around the hilt of the steak knife...just for comfort, just in case. Liliane’s brows drew together with concern, clutching at the pearls around her neck as she tilted her body to face him as he sank into the chair beside her. [color=teal]“Cassius, darling…”[/color] she began softly, her voice careful and low. [color=teal]“You look pale… Have you eaten today?”[/color] Her hand twitched faintly toward his. Calbert’s expression, by contrast, hardened. His fingers drummed once against the table before he leaned over to whisper to his son,[color=4C93C2]“Do try not to make a spectacle of yourself, Cassius.”[/color] [Color=gold]“Your son is quite like me, Count Damien. I’ve never been a fan of surprises… no matter how grand they turn out to be.”[/color] Alexander chuckled while choosing his seat at the foot of the table, opposite yet so far from Calbert. It was an odd place to seat himself, making the table appear the way Alexander often viewed the world before him. [Color=gold][i]Me… and them.[/i][/color] [Color=gold]“Actually, since it seems that everyone is here, I think an announcement is in order.”[/color] Alexander let silence fill the room. He very much desired their reaction. Calbert raised a brow with intrigue, his steady gaze locked on Alexander. Violet's nose twitched slightly at the smell of alcohol on Cassius's breath, so she leaned back in her chair, attempting to create some distance. Glancing at her parents before turning her attention to Alexander, Violet attempted to steady her focus; however, it seemed withdrawn and distant as a smile crossed her lips. Cas’s head tilted ever so slightly at Alexander’s words. [color=lightsteelblue][i]Great…An evil fucking vampire with a [b]surprise[/b]. What’s the worst that could happen?[/i][/color] He thought silently, awaiting the big reveal of the wretched man’s announcement. [Color=gold]“It’s nothing too big, but I wanted to thank the Damien family— this beautiful and lovely family for donating the largest purses in the auction today.”[/color] His eyes glanced toward Violet who had underhandedly donated the most, but he allowed the fact of the matter to hang in mystery for the hunter of the family to catch. [Color=gold]“As a senior representative of the Black Rose, and as a man who fancies aiding the less fortunate, I believe that it's only right that I put in a request to have another street here in Sorian named after your family.”[/color] He smiled at the prospect. [Color=gold]“I’m sure King Danrose would be willing to do such if I requested it.”[/color] He said while finally grabbing the stem of his wine glass. Calbert smiled, his expression perfectly pleasant as Alexander spoke. His posture was impeccable and there was only a serene gleam in his eyes. [color=4C93C2]“Ah, yes… the auction.”[/color] he said, almost amused as if recalling a fond memory. [color=4C93C2]“A delightful event you hosted. I must say, I was most proud to see my offspring so spirited in their generosity. One might almost think philanthropy runs in the blood.”[/color] He chuckled softly, swirling the wine in his glass. [color=4C93C2]“You flatter us, Mr. Deacon. A street, you say? Well, I do hope it’s one worth walking.”[/color] His gaze swept the table, lingering a moment longer on Cassius, then Violet, before settling back on Alexander. [color=4C93C2]“But truly, your kindness knows no bounds. I’m certain the King himself will be most… persuaded by your suggestion.”[/color] Smiling, Violet stands, her glass held delicately, the soft clink of crystal as her glass taps against a ring on her finger. [color=firebrick]“How about a toast,”[/color] she begins, her voice carrying with quiet elegance, [color=firebrick]“to our honored guest, to Alexander, whose accomplishments have kindled a spirit of generosity and purpose within us all. You honor my family with such gestures” [/color] She smiled, looking around the table. Cassius did not wait for the [i]toast[/i] to conclude before bringing his glass to his lips. [color=firebrick]“May his success continue to inspire, his vision continue to grow, and his heart remain ever guided by kindness.”[/color] She continued. [color=firebrick]“To Alexander…[/color] Violets scarlett hued eyes moving to look at him as her glass raised ever so slightly[color=firebrick]”and to the good he brings into this world”[/color] Violet bowed her head slightly before extending her arm up higher. [color=firebrick]”To his continued success”[/color]. She brought the glass to her lips, taking a sip before returning to her seat. By the time his sister had finished, Cas’s glass was empty, and he had already grabbed the decanter for more. As he topped off his wine, he raised his glass as well. [color=lightsteelblue]“Here, here!”[/color] He mused. [color=lightsteelblue]“To such an honorable, charitable, righteous, selfless, humble, honest, valiant, dignified, well-dressed, and definitely [i]warmhearted[/i] man as you, Alexander.”[/color] With each word, Cassius leaned in towards Alexander at the other end of the table more and more, until he rose from his seat to conclude his addition to his farcical toast standing with his glass held high. As he finished his words, an amused little grin curled at his lips, his gaze finally breaking from Alexander as his eyes circled the room to look at each of the others with a proud smile before sliding back down into his seat full of joy and wine. [Color=gold]“Thank you.”[/color] He said with a simple nod from his side of the table. He wouldn't bask in such praise right in front of his host. And so he found it better to kill the momentum that Violet had started. His eyes scanned across them, mentally highlighting the players at the table. [I][color=Gold]Three… That's if I'm including the drunk.[/color][/I] He let his eyes fall to his glass before drinking its dark red contents, and though he enjoyed the flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon, he wondered if an equal choice of white was available. [color=4C93C2]“My, my… what a collection of eloquent tongues this evening.”[/color] His eyes gleamed with amusement as he glanced from Violet to Cassius, then to Alexander. [color=4C93C2]“Such praise. I daresay our guest must feel positively deified by now. If nothing else, I am delighted to see such… enthusiasm stirred by the spirit of generosity.”[/color] A smile played on his lips as he lifted a single hand, his voice carrying with command. [color=4C93C2]“Now then, my friends. I believe the hour calls for a touch of indulgence. Let us begin properly.”[/color] By the time the word [i]indulgence[/i] is spoken, Cassius is already pouring himself another glass. At the Count’s signal, the great doors at the end of the dining room opened. A small procession of servants glided in with silver trays. The scent of truffle, butter, and roast herbs filled the air followed by the gleam of metal domes being lifted in synchronized unison. A spread worthy of royalty unfolded before them: oysters, game pâté en croûte, consommé à la royale, and stuffed quail. Various liquor bottles and fresh baked bread were also brought to the table. The servants moved as if this had been choreographed, setting each dish down before stepping back to bow. The feast glittered beneath the chandelier. Calbert raised his glass once more. [color=4C93C2]“To appetite, conversation, and good company,”[/color] he said smoothly, his eyes cutting briefly toward each of them, [color=4C93C2]“—three things I find equally vital to any satisfying evening.”[/color] [/color]