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[img]https://i.imgur.com/bbAQJ7T.png[/img]
[color=seagreen][h1]Drake[/h1]

[color=greenyellow][b]Time:[/b] Evening of Ignis 10[/color] 
[color=greenyellow][b]Location:[/b] Edwards Estate -> Danrose Castle[/color]
[color=greenyellow][b]Mentions:[/b] Roman [@ReusableSword], Stratya [@CitrusArms], Charlotte [@princess], Nikolai [@HylianRose], Nolan [@remram], Thea [@Tae], Wulfric, Victoria, and Gideon [@princess][/color][/color]

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So here he was. Night of the ball. It was time to make an appearance after the hell that was Drunkard’s Day. Drake had spent the better part of 8 days in the hospital, being visited by some close friends and nobles alike to check in on his health. 

[hider=Hospital Recap]
Roman Ravenwood, Stratya Durmand, Charlotte Vikena appeared beside his infirmary bedside on their own time, offering well wishes and warm regards. It touched Drake to see them come and check in on his health. He made sure each of them received countless thanks for their actions that night. 

His siblings, Nolan and Ariella, were around often enough that he began to shoo them away if they stayed too much. Not out of annoyance; but concern for them seeing an elder sibling in such a state for so long. A surprise visit from his sister’s newly appointed bodyguard raised some questions—but he was ultimately far too focused on healing and resting.

Drake made sure to send couriers with hand written notes to Kazumin, Kalliope and Sahn-Dejk, and Olivia as well. He wanted to make sure they all made it well, and that their compatriots suffered no major losses or injuries. 

And of course, the ever starstruck Drake was most enthused over the visit of Thea Smithwood, and the events that followed that brought a certain kind of change. He certainly wasn’t the innocent and strapping young Lord anymore. Something bolder had stepped up inside him to fill a growing need for more vigilance in his life and for the people he cared about.
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The ensemble for the evening was a regal suit. Dark blue cloth etched with golden threads that lined the lapels of his jacket. This golden and dark blue theme continued throughout the outer layer of his attire to match the elegantly decorated dress that his date had chosen for the evening.

[color=greenyellow]”You have one of the best fashion senses in the entire city, you know that?”[/color] He made sure to dote his affection in full when it was appropriate. Her beaming smile and soft palm against his shoulder in mild protest served as a confirmation that said affection had found its mark.

Thea’s dress, despite Drake’s bias, was quite the work of art. Dark blue flowers with golden stems and leaves that mirrored the designs on his jacket. Alluring nets of lacey mesh covered key parts of her to serve as a more formal way concealing her skin, but leading just enough to leave a certain someone enamored.

As the two approached the entrance of the grand castle, their shoes clicking against the slick marble, Drake paused and gave a slight bow to the guard and herald at the entrance. [color=greenyellow]”Introduce us together if you wouldn’t mind.”[/color] The two castle staff members exchanged knowing glances before the herald ushered them in.

“Lord Drake Edwards and Lady Thea Smithwood!”

Thea wrapped an arm under Drake’s while they moved in-sync. The pair purposefully yet politely carved their path towards the royal family’s table, offering their greetings, salutations, and good tidings. His gaze lingered on Wulfric for a second, a sense of concern flickering in the back of his mind. The prince seemed different. Distant even. Perhaps the two needed some time to catch up.

The music continued on without missing a beat as more nobles poured in, the only thing to combat the sound of instruments was the errant chatter of party goers and the occasional cry from the usher. Once the two were away from the center of it all, Drake noticed his father and brother already present. His mother seemed as pleased as she could be—she was in her element after all.

[color=greenyellow]”I’ll go and handle the family pleasantries and hopefully keep my mother away from you so she doesn’t bother you. But in exchange I would like a dance.”[/color] He spoke transactionally with a hint of wit and whimsy to his voice, as if the dance was ever truly not his. Drake lifted Thea’s hand and placed a gentle kiss onto her knuckles before they departed, the two blushing as they went about their nights.

Drake took the time to approach Nolan and offer a reassuring pat onto his shoulder. [color=greenyellow]”Good evening everyone. Have I missed much?”[/color]

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