Time: Evening Location: Grand Ballroom Attire: Sylvia's Outfit Interactions: Marina - @princess, James - @CitrusArms Mentions: N/A Color: #F09A99 Speaking with Roman and Kazumin had left the poor princess more flustered that she would ever admit, the former in particular. Sylvia had slipped out of the main hall the moment she had been left alone, disappearing from the ball to wander the halls of the castle. She pinched the skin on the back of her hand and twisted, the inflicted pain something to steady her nerves. She was quite glad that no one was around to see the face she was making. It would make her feel awful to cause any of her siblings to worry. Besides, the expression was decidedly not cute.
A sharp pain that shot up along the arm she had been pinched caused her to crash her shoulder into the nearby wall to support herself as she clutched the wrist of her left arm with the hand that had been pinching it. Her face scrunched up in pain as the familiar impulses surged through her. Sylvia had hoped that taking care of that business before they left for Caesonia would give her enough time. It had been such a nice trip and there had been so much to experience that she forgot the time.
Gradually, the pain subsided along with the inclinations it pushed. How unpleasant. Sylvia's smile returned as she released the hand that troubled her and shook it free of the light, tingling numbness that had started to creep along her arm. "That was quite a strong one! Trust me, grandpa, I AM working on it." Her words quiet and directed to no one but the ceiling followed by a laugh that was anything but cheerful.
“And I know just the girl who can help us…”
"Ooooh, who is it? You have to tell me, Marnie! Sylvia had spoke with a slight whine at the end as she appeared suddenly on the side opposite from where her sister was looking. She had slipped through the crowd to get over here after spotting her sister mostly alone and simply wanted to surprise her when she overheard just that last bit.
That was when she looked over to who her conversation partner had seemed to be. A tiny smirk growing on her lips as she narrowed her eyes on the man "I don't know what kind of relationship advice I can offer. I think it is too soon for you both." Sylvia let out a dramatic sigh as she placed her cheek in a palm.
Time: Evening Location: Grand Ballroom Attire: Aslam's Outfit Interactions: Elena - @Potter Mentions: Color Code: #FEF698 There was something about Elena's smile that helped Aslam to relax after the rather tense conversation with his Uncle. Her return of his pleasantry made him return such an endearing smile with a small, but genuine one of his own. Aslam held his chin between his thumb and pointer, tapping lightly with the finger as he hummed after her introduction. "Hmm, I hope you will permit me to call you Elena. In return, you can simply call me Aslam. Elena suits you far too well to use anything else." There was a playful undertone in his voice, yet he was being honest. Her name simply rolled off his tongue nicely.
He nodded in assent to her offer and he walked himself just ahead of her so he could slide her seat out. "My night has certainly been eventful so far. Why, just earlier I was able to meet my dear sister's likely suitor. It seems my interest in Varian continues to grow." Aslam let out a light laugh with a smile that showed he was truly happy about the arrangement.
Aslam took the seat next to Elena after she had seated and he helped push her in. He set his embellished chalice onto the table and shifted so he could face her properly. "This ball is certainly a grand on in its opulence. I personally appreciate being able to experience the fine cuisine." At this, Aslam's smile shifted a bit more devilishly before continuing. "I would say that dancing and music is where Alisdaht truly shines in a ball. There is a great passion for those arts within my people and it truly comes alive when the silk ribbons flow like a river with every move." There was a nostalgia in his words and a spark in his eyes that showed his love for his kingdom.
Time: Evening Location: Grand Ballroom Attire: Aslam's Outfit Interactions: Elena - @Potter Mentions: Color Code: #FEF698 Aslam had given a warm farewell and well wishes to his cousins as they left him, politely refusing further company and leave for whatever charming partner they'd dance with tonight. Even as they left, Aslam found a lingering smile on his lips as he held his personal chalice with the colorful liquor inside. He had not expected to connect with his close cousins, first Amira on the voyage here and now Munir. His eyes drifted over the ballroom at the various groups mingling and he felt his dear sister's words echo in the back of his mind.
His expression fell as his lips curved down into a slight frown. He had recipes to follow when he made potions. Detailed notes about the caused and effect of herbs, heating, and distillation. There was his personal espionage core back home where he could track down and receive detailed reports on nearly everyone and everything he wanted. Each had a clear process and expected results with contingencies for failure.
He had become obsessed with protecting his family from danger and when he tried to bring the woman he loved into that family...he fell short. Aslam failed so miserably that he found her like that. Killed like that, because of him.
Everything was so uncertain. The pressure of the emotions he let bubble under his calm surface brought forth a headache. Aslam slide a hand inside a small pouch sewn into his robes and pulled a small glass vial. He uncapped it and with a discreet motion poured the faint pink powder into his cup. He swirled it around in his hand watching carefully until it all dissolved and took a long sip. It was one of the first creations he made. A non-magical medicine he had developed for his father that helped with headaches with higher thirst being the only true side effect.
Aslam let out a long sigh as he looked back up into the crowd. Be a man who is will to be found. Aslam muttered something Ranya had spoke to him, the only one he had ever told of his pain of losing the woman he loved. He wanted to hide in his lab, protect Alisdaht from the shadows, and....be forgotten.
However, someone did find him in the middle of his melancholy. A pair of striking blue eyes met his own that seemed to ask for his attention. He made sure to empty his chalice and let out a low exhale. "Alright, dear sister. I will open myself once more, just for tonight." His eyes flicked over to see if he could find Ranya, and then made his way over to Elena.
"Good evening to you, my lady." Aslam returned the greeting with his own bow, sticking to his own tradition as an appreciation of her apparent efforts to learn his customs. It brought a faint smile to his lips. Gods knew it had nothing to do with the woman's beauty. Absolutely not. "It has grown considerably better now that I am in your company. I am Shehzade Aslam. May I have your name?" There was something striking about the figure she posed in her attire. He was quite a fan of black with gold accents.
Aslam kept his smile tight as Hafiz tossed Askel's and Ranya's budding romance into the open by bringing specific attention down on them. He took solace that at the very least he was leaving, taking one last cheap shot before running away. What he had not expected was for Farim to make his way over following his father's retreat. He gave him a brief, appraising look before offering a smile of acknowledgement. The part of his that was so furious and frustrated at Hafiz wanted to lump Amira and Farim in the same boat. However, he had had spoken enough with Amira on the voyage over her and with Farim previously to understand their position. They were welcome in this budding circle.
"You always have such a unique and interesting way of phrasing things, Farim." His hand waved away his apology. "You are not him and unlike your father you are truly welcome to join us." He didn't know if it was fate or just poor luck for Askel that the various representatives of Alisdatht were coming down upon him now.
Aslam held his drink up along with Munir and took a drink with him. "I worry for the rest of the world if we are able to hold onto such fortune."
He had begun to smile seeing Ranya stand by Askel's side, holding his hand, when his keen eyes spotted the bruising. For a moment, Aslam's gaze went unfocused and distant as the grip on his chalice made the color of his knuckles shift. He visibly took a deep breath as he put the thought and sight away, catalogued for later in order to focus on this moment.
Munir speaking first gave him the moment to calm himself and collect his thoughts, though he gave his brother a raised brow at his first statement. A bold opening move against Ranya and one he was not about to back him on.
"We had a chance to talk before we were interrupted and you will have my full support, as always Ranya. Just wait til I tell you everything he had to share about you." His gaze softened along with his tone with his lips curling into a mischievous smirk at the end.
His attention shifted up to Askel and he looked at him with a stern, focused look. "I got to see your character firsthand tonight. I am not going to warn you of dangers you are surely aware of nor make any threats. I only hope that you uphold that character for as long as you stand by her side. Do that much...and I'll look forward to the day I may call you brother." It may have been early to make such a bold statement, but it was partly to see if he could embarrass his sister in his own way.
Aslam flashed his uncle an easy-going smirk as if the stiffly given praise was something he had been happy to pry from him. There was no doubt Hafiz saw through the aloof persona Aslam used to conceal his true objectives and thoughts. It was expected from him. The opening move in any game was rarely to go all-in unless you were certain of victory before your opponent could counter. "It is my duty to ensure that our neighbors are treated fairly and present our nation in favorable terms." He waved with his hand like it was a natural course of action despite the tension that only seemed to escalate.
The truth was Aslam was fighting the sinking pit that began troubling his stomach. He had played this song and dance with his uncle enough to know they were on weak footing, a pang of bitterness crept up at Askel's lack of subtlety. Time was a crucial resource they could have used that he kept spending with every rise to Hafiz's challenges. It was forcing Aslam into a corner that he didn't quite appreciate. Beyond a thin veil of surveillance, Aslam did not have the net of protection he enjoyed to shield himself and those close to him from the machinations of the Grand Vizier. A very real consideration danced in his mind to leave the Prince to the conversation and wipe his hands clean of any involvement to makes moves later.
Aslam read the faint expression Hafiz made to know where head looked. He dared take a look himself under the guise of making an amused roll of his eyes at Hafiz's opening question. What he saw nearly broke what remained of his fractured heart that he didn't dare linger for more than the brief second it took to look back at Hafiz. He cycled a deep breath through his nose as he wrestled with the gravity of the moment.
Familiar thoughts of simply ending his uncle's life flashed through his mind as the words he spoke proved no more worthwhile to listen to. His fingers digging through the soft flesh of his neck as his grip crushed the fragile bones so he could never speak of his dear sister in such a way ever again nor sully the name of the one she had such praises. Glad, was he, that his cup was so finely forged as to not buckle under the increasing strength of his hold.
What Aslam thought Hafiz intended to come off as came off a deconstruction of the pair's attraction to each other only sounded like little more than projection his ears. He had stumbled upon Ranya shortly after she climbed in through a window following a meeting of theirs. The way she had spoke of him, defended him so passionately in front of her own brother...it made every point Hafiz made ridiculous in context. Aslam called upon that recent memory to draw the strength to do what needed to be done. Tonight, and many nights after.
He didn't need to add onto what Askel dissed out to the viper. Why did it seem the entire royal line of Varian treated subtlety like a rock to smash over someone's head? Perhaps it was needed, uncomfortable as being on the back-foot made Aslam. Askel DID make Hafiz show a couple of his cards to the table as Aslam bore silent witness to the verbal bout.
His eyes locked on the incoming figure of his dear younger brother and his smile turned mischievously into a grin, offering a small bow of his head as Munir made his boisterous entrance. "Munir! I am glad you came over, dear brother. " A more genuine warmth filling his voice, even more pleased that he had elected to ignore Hafiz's statements like the petulant bully he was. His injection of energy into the situation was exactly the shift he needed and gave him the opportunity he had been waiting for, not to mention bringing the chance for more drink to find his own lips.
Aslam held his personal chalice for the servant and was poured red wine from the single larger bottle that resided on the tray. He could not be sure to what extent Munir understood of the situation, but it was clear he stood with them against the vile man.
"May he reign forever." Aslam raised his cup quickly with his brother to present the solidarity that linked the three men. It was at last time for him to make his move and speak his mind.
"We drink here and now in the hopes we can catch a bit of light to carry us through darkness! We drink to bring nations, cultures, and people one step closer to a more prosperous tomorrow. We drink to brings friends closer together and discover new ones." There was a giddiness in his voice as if he was caught up in the moment, injecting more energy into his words with each toast given.
Aslam held a finger up with a sly smirk as if what he were about to say was scandalous. "Most of all, we drink to give us the courage to find that special someone tonight free from pressure." His voice was loud enough the nearest groups would hear this last statement. "To a wonderful night of new connections." He raised his cup up looking at each man standing besides him before tilting his head back and bringing the cup to his lips.
Time: Evening Location: Grand Ballroom Attire: Aslam's Outfit Interactions: Hafiz - @princess, Askel - @Remram Mentions: Color Code: #FEF698 Aslam's heart was much like the vast desert of his homeland. It burned fiercely at times only to be later frozen in ice with one constant. It was left barren no matter the temperature save for the few oasis that kept life feasible. He could have chosen to dwell in those places of respite, clinging to what he could make of them. Instead, he has chosen to leave on a risky journey across the vast desert of his heart to find paradise. His hands had already destroyed one such place in his hubris and he would not make the same mistakes. Aslam's eyes had been opened to the threats that lurk beneath the sand and the false promise of mirages. His journey would only end when he found his promised land once again with certainty.
The Shehzade had begun to delve into such thought when Askel's hand pulled him out before he could sink further into the quicksand of such thinking. The gesture was familiar enough that he dared hoped the Varian Prince had caught his insinuation, but more than that he could sense the sincerity of his offer. He considered his siblings precious, but there was always the pressure from their father to push to the top...above the others. That was why the gesture and honest offer had left him briefly at a loss for words. Aslam's mouth had just opened to respond when something caught the prince's eyes that cause him to turn to see for himself.
A half-grin replaced the serious look on his face at the strange man's performance, unfamiliar with their identity. His finger tapped against the side of his chalice as he considered quickly how he might bring the man into his sphere of influence. Aslam had not reacted upon seeing Hafiz stride his way over to them though he did correct the faint lapses in his poise. There was no mistake in his mind. He was not the target of his uncle's attention, at least not primarily. "Grand Vizier Hafiz." Aslam replied with the same curt acknowledgement and his own faint smile.
Aslam took the opportunity of Askel and Hafiz taking the first round of the conversation to step beside the Varian Prince facing his uncle. It was hard not to smirk at Askel's reply. "Your eyes and ears are as sharp as ever, Uncle. We just so happened to stumble into each other." He let a small amount of levity into his voice. Whenever he interacted with Hafiz, it was like staring into a dark reflection of himself. What he could have become had the sun forever set within his soul. They both would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. Hafiz wanted power and a status above all others. Aslam wanted to protect what was most precious to him. His reasons might be different, but he was not against using the same means.
He did not join Askel when the prince stepped forward. There was nothing for him to gain by intervening in his moment. Now Aslam would see if the man who set his eyes on Ranya had the spine and wit to stand against the greatest barrier to their happily ever after. He desperately wanted this to be her very own fairy-tale. A valiant knight to slay the wicked serpent to rescue to the princess. Hafiz did not deserve the honor of being a dragon even if metaphorical and he hesitated to ascribe the word damsel to Ranya.
"Very true! I am grateful you would make a point in coming to speak with us. Your time during a ball like this is surely invaluable." He spoke amicably wishing he had taken the chance to refill his cup. His throat was already getting dry in anticipation of the coming back and forth. Even so, little would be able to pull him away from Askel's side now. Hafiz had given him the opportunity to show his support for their relationship and judge whether the prince truly had the principles to follow through.
Time: Evening Location: Grand Ballroom Attire: Sylvia's Outfit Interactions: Ranya - @Tae, Roman - @ReusableSword, Munir - @Infinite Cosmos, Kazumin - @samreaper Mentions: N/A Color: #F09A99 The sweet had merely been a diversion to shift further compliment or attention directed towards her, yet Roman's acceptance of it did bring some satisfaction to the smile she wore. The smile strained somewhat as she held back a laugh over his comment of sugar. A great deal of her parents early frustrations could be attributed to the dastardly substance and a certain duo's insistence on sneaking it whenever possible.
"You just need to know the right people, Lord Ravenwood, and you'd be surprised what you can find!" Sylvia beamed cheerfully at his review. "However, I do agree that nothing beats the treats found at home. Why, Ambrose know how many times I snuck of the castle for a particular craving!" She was excited that the conversation had changed away anything slightly flirtatious or romantic. The presence of Ranya, in particular, gave her additional reassurance that she normally lacked in this sort of situation.
The anxiety that begun to leave her crashed back as Munir seemingly crashed into their group. She was vaguely aware of him as a royal of Alisdaht, but not much more than that. Sylvia flashed him a similar, polite smile as she did to Roman when he had approached them. "It is a delight to meet you as well, Shehzade." It quickly turned more tense holding that smile as her heart dropped hearing his request of Ranya. That would leave her all alone with Lord Ravenwood and without a crutch to fall back on.
"I think brunch tomorrow is a perfect idea. I cannot wait to talk to you more when it is the two of us." The promise of a time set aside for them to hang out further lifted her spirits for the few moments it took for Munir to pull away her newest friend and quickly sank as her gaze shifted from them to the imposingly tall, and admitted ruggedly handsome man, before her.
Absently, she clasped her hands in front of her once more adopting a more proper stance to soothe her nerves. A tightness that was not from the dress nor the corset supporting her bust gripped her chest. Sylvia decided to address his earlier question to ease her mind and bring an easier topic to the front before he could deviate into something more personal. "Do you think me a fanatic to suggest I have tried each one already? A favorite cannot be determined until each one has been properly tasted and evaluated. It is a serious matter for a princess to favor a particular subject." The exaggerated posh tone she dived into was accompanied by a light smirk as he moved to the different trays and plates. "However, this one has my favor so far. It would do well not to loose it." She grinned in a mockery of a play's villainess as she delicately plucked a cream puff pastry from its cohorts.
The little game she played to restore what confidence she had in dealing with Roman was put to the side as the strangest name and title broke her out of her performance. She had to blink twice just to make sure she wasn't seeing things as the man that came down the stairs following his strange introduction definitely lived up to the name. "Lord Ravenwood, do you know that odd man?" She spoke the descriptor with fascination unable to hear exactly what he said to Edin, but the looks directed his way were enough.
Sylvia purposefully shifted her position so that she was more or less hidden by Roman's much larger frame. She did not want the man to know she was staring at him like some unique creature at a fair. Her eyes went wider as he began to make his way in their direction. Her crystal blue flicking in every direction seeking some sort of escape like a frightened rabbit. One man's attention was already enough and now she might have to deal with two?!?
Her worst fears came to pass as she watched him get ever closer and closer until at last he ran into Roman. Sylvia glanced up at the bear of a man, surprised he would be somehow acquainted with the man in question. Out of courtesy, she stepped the side so that they wouldn't be speaking through the large obstacle. She shook her head offering her go-to sweet smile "We were simply discussing our favorite sweets presented at his ball." A bit of confusion flashed in her face at the presented flower. It broke way to a bright smile to match his own as she leaned in and plucked the sunflower from his hand, spinning it between her fingers.
"Hmpf, I suppose I can forgive such a imposition on our very important discussion." Sylvia tilted her head upwards in an exaggerated motion with sarcasm lining her otherwise noble voice. "I am Princess Sylvia Camilia, happy to meet you Mr. Kazoo the mighty skip meister." She spoke his name and title with overindulgent reverence with a full curtsy.
Time: Evening Location: Grand Ballroom Attire: Aslam's Outfit Interactions: Kira - @Potter, Askel - @Remram Mentions: Color Code: #FEF698 Aslam raised his brow not with confusion but interest at Askel's answer to his burning question. There was a conviction in the prince's tone that he could see matched the severity of his eyes. A part of him was taken aback at how earnest the royal was being to him and Aslam felt a bit of the sharpness in his scrutiny of the man become blunted. The smile helped to cement his growing approval of the one Ranya had set her eyes on. There was no longer any doubt in his mind he was the same one she spoke of and to whom that coat belonged to. The more Askel spoke of Ranya, even though he never named her, was enough to make the stoic shehzade smile himself. However, Aslam had promised his dearest little sister that he would not confront her admirer directly, at least not yet.
He placed a hand on Askel's shoulder as he finished, giving a light shake of his head. "Be at ease, my friend." His tone relaxed to be more warm. The impression Askel had left on him was strong and, despite his reservations, he believed what he spoke to be true. What he would leave unsaid is that should he ever betray or fall short of her expectations...there would be severe consequences. "I have to admit I am envious that you have you have found someone you can speak of so profoundly. She must be a real treasure." At the final word, he gave Askel's a brief, firm squeeze while his smile grew and his eyes squinted before he let his grip go.
His attention was so focused on Askel's small speech about Ranya that he had let Kira's presence slip from his mind until her voice grabbed his attention. Aslam overlooked her mention of his sister to answer her question, glancing into his own gilded cup to compare the traces of rich red wine that was left with his memory of a certain princess's hair. His hand swirled the empty cup idly with wine that was no longer present. "Red is a very fine color that pairs very well with gold." He hummed his indirect answer looking back up at his two conversation partners. "Competition is no stranger to us, Prince Askel. What we truly desire must always be fought for." A tinge of bitterness seeped into his voice at the end.
Askel's concern brushed aside whatever melancholic memories were springing up as he looked over at Kira more closely. "Is there something amiss? We could step outside if you need some fresh air?" He offered, a bit ashasmed he was too distracted with other thoughts to notice sooner.
Time: Evening Location: Grand Ballroom Attire: Sylvia's Outfit Interactions: Ranya - @Tae, Roman - @ReusableSword Mentions: Color: #F09A99
Sylvia did her best to hold keep her gaze in line with Ranya's as the kind princess reassured her. The little tension and anxiety that had built and expressed in her eyes eased enough for her to return the sweet words with a smile once more. The way Ranya spoke was so much more eloquent and beautiful than her more direct approach of speaking, yet she could feel the sincerity. It was almost as if she was speaking to another of her siblings. "I do not wish to call you a liar so..." Sylvia took a small breath and stood a little straighter with a wider smile. "...I will have to take your word for it!" A bit of her previous energy flowing back into her voice.
Her soft, red eyes blinked as she tilted her head slightly at the change she noticed in Ranya. "Ranya what is...?" The question was cut short as she turned to the side where the familiar man's imposing frame came into full view. Sylvia's hands were folded in front of her dress and retained the smile that Ranya had managed to get back.
That was until he spoke and the compliment hit her ears. With the previous conversation still fresh, there was nothing to stop the faint blush that came to her cheeks and the bit of fidgeting she started to do with her fingers. It was all that kept her from glancing away. "It is a pleasure to have your company, Lord Ravenwood. I thank you for your kind flattery." Nothing could hide the nervous undertone of her polite speech. A large crowd throwing her praise? That she could handle and accept like it was breathing. A directed compliment in a more private setting? It was difficult for her to keep her composure.
Her attention briefly returned to Ranya at the opportunity she presented to shift Roman's direct attention on them. "I do not know if you enjoy such sweets, Lord Ravenwood, but we both found this one to be quite delicious." Sylvia spoke a bit softer as she stepped closer to the table and plucked a tart from a tray, placing it on a light cloth. The princess had more of her beaming smile as she presented the pastry to him. "If you are going to join us, you must at least give it a try." A bit of her more mischievous side returning.
Time: Evening Location: Grand Ballroom Attire: Aslam's Outfit Interactions: Kira - @Potter, Askel - @Remram Mentions: Marina - @princess, Ambrose - @Oso Color Code: #FEF698 Aslam acknowledged the prince-knight's introduction with a slight nod finally slipping his hands away from steadying Kira. The changes of his expression were mild though he retained a general look of amused curiosity, which was typical for the alchemist prince. His posture was straight yet his shoulders were quite relaxed and each movement he made was long and flowed together. Aslam had been about to wave away his apology and give an answer to his request to speak more at a later time when Marina walked in.
The mild mask he wore before others cracked upon seeing the beauty of the fiery girl he had encountered in the market. His eyes opened more and his lips parted slightly as he committed the sight to memory. It was unsettling, unnerving, and frankly unreal the reaction seeing the Varian princess like this had stolen from him. He had though himself in control and steadfast with his emotions, yet the grand entrance of Marina had stirred something he had long thought extinguished further. He was aware enough of the man next to her not to feel the pang of jealousy at least. His immediate impression being that Ambrose would prove a far greater wall to overcome if he decided to grow closer to the princess he currently escorted.
His golden eyes blinked twice as he collected himself to focus on Askel's words with the all he said before brushed aside. Aslam returned Askel's chuckle with a reserved laugh, though the faint smile was plenty genuine. "I believe one would have to be blind not to look her way after that. I would not be surprised if she had hidden a dagger on her person somewhere." Aslam added with a touch of fondness he didn't try to hide. He had debated whether or not he would openly deny having met the princess before the ball and decided he had no need. Unlike his sister, his actions were not so monitored or closely curated.
"I think this ball is shaping up to be a memorable one. Tell me, Prince Askel, do you happen to have anyone particular in mind for a dance tonight?" He shifted the topic quickly into something he was incredibly curious about with a casual and laid-back tone.
RPM
princess
Oso
Fetzen
CitrusArms
The Otter
SilverSpring
Not a Sayan
