HylianRose

๑ ❝ 𝕮 𝔥 𝔞 𝔯 𝔪 𝔢 𝔡 , 𝕴‘𝔪 𝖘𝔲𝔯𝔢 ❞ ๑ { A Witch’s Tale - RP }

Finn McKinley

Mentions: Everyone, I hope.
Interactions: @JFK Gregori

It was both a comfort and an annoyance. How warm and inviting this place seemed. The sounds from the coffee pot and the kitchen, the way everyone spoke. He hadn't been around this many people besides Trish since he'd left school. It was both comforting and made him want to find a nice hole to crawl into so he could be alone with his thoughts again.

Finn's expression barely changed as the... gloves? traveled past him. He made no real motion to move to speak to anyone. He kept his mouth shut as his eyes scanned the room and the people in it. He hadn't been in the building for some of their introductions, so he didn't know everyone's names, not that he really cared to remember anyway. The older man [Gregori] looked... kind, for lack of a better word. There was something about him that read grounded and.. wizened? Yeah, something like that. Though, Finn wasn't entirely sure what that would mean for him. If he walked over and stood next to him, would the man strike up conversation or leave him alone like he wanted?

When he looked over at the girl with the long dark hair [Wren], she was looking back at him with the same level of interest. His brow furrowed momentarily. He didn't quite like the way she seemed to see through him. There was a hint of knowing there that he didn't quite like. He'd probably try to avoid her if he could. He couldn't shift his gaze from her quickly enough.

The next was.. hard to miss with that bright blue hair [Noah]. Somehow the request to reside in the basement made so much sense that it hurt. Finn elected to ignore Trish's comment about him joining them. Though, realistically, Finn was a little upset he hadn't thought of it. The basement would have been perfect. Maybe there was an attic he could hole himself in...

The next one looked.. young and sounded it too [Soren]. He appeared to be very friendly and.. light magic, huh? Seemed interesting. There was a small part of Finn that was jealous of that. That magic sounded a hell of a lot better than his and a lot easier to control.

He didn't let the feeling linger, he'd already moved on to looking Juniper over, even as his sister walked off to find her own room. He followed after her after moment, his eyes lingering on the older woman before he turned. He watched his sister on the stairs, a dull, unimpressed expression on his face. He could tell exactly what she wanted and it was already annoying him.

At the first landing, he peeled away, his eyes glancing over the opened rooms. There was one that looked a bit darker that the others and he gravitated towards it. The walls inside were pitch black and the single lamp did little to illuminate the entire room. The windows let in light, but he was sure he could obtain some kind of blackout curtain, right? He set his small bag down to the side of the bed and turned to head back downstairs, despite wanting nothing more than to close the door and leave everyone else to it.

He filed into the kitchen after his sister, a twitch of annoyance on his brow. He glanced at the others again and decided to test his thoughts on the older man. He walked over closer, leaning again the counter as he stood nearby him enough to invite conversation, but far enough away that he could escape if the man actually decided to try.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

ʟ ᴜ ᴄ ɪ ᴀ ɴ ᴄ ᴀ ᴍ ɪ ʟ ɪ ᴀ
ʟ ᴜ ᴄ ɪ ᴀ ɴ ᴄ ᴀ ᴍ ɪ ʟ ɪ ᴀ

Time: 6PM
Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Lucian's Outfit
Interactions: @Potter Olivia
Mentions: @princess Charlotte

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He watched as the apparent anger on her face slipped into something more akin to earnest surprise and awe. Interesting... That in itself was somewhat revealing. He assumed her anger must be placed towards the King. He couldn't necessarily blame her. Even Lucian found it a little hard to swallow. He couldn't imagine doing anything remotely similar to Sophia, even if that made him a hypocrite. He kept his eyes on her as she dipped to curtsy, even as the room around them continued to buzz. It was clumsy and didn't speak to a woman who had spent their early years in the Court. Not only that, but most didn't react this... passionately about meeting him. It only left him with more questions, questions he wasn't sure he could ask presently.

Olivia Hawthorne... Lucian spent a short moment, trying to search his memories for the name but came up empty handed. He let out a soft chuckle as she continued. The word dashing made him think of the romance books he'd seen his sister's reading. The Dashing Prince. It brought an earnest smile to his face regardless.

"I am doing quite well, Miss Hawthorne, thank you for asking." Lucian replied with a quick bow. He heard the sounds of others arriving, but kept his focus on the girl in front of him. She looked fairly young, though he couldn't tell. Her dress complimented her eyes almost perfectly and her hair seemed almost a perfect fire-y match to her burns. He'd probably keep that particular thought to himself though. "Friend of the Vikena's?" He asked, his mind already wandering to the image of Charlotte in the cafe... "Oh! Then you must be good friends with Lady Charlotte." He offered with a warm smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 6PM
Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Dress
Interactions: @Infinite Cosmos Munir
Mentions: @Tae Ranya

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Nora nodded at his words. She could understand a need for armor. She made a soft call for Nox and felt his response. Her own armor was just out of sight, close enough to provide some comfort, but far enough away to inspire a small amount of anxiety. Nox was to Nora what Munir's veil was for him. Comfort. She felt a little bad for having asked him to take it off. It was a selfish request, after all.

When she noticed his attention slip, she too turned. Must have been people he knew. Which was why his parting didn't surprise her. She smiled softly and nodded her head as he spoke, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as her last name on his lips. Luckily, he got her first name right and that's all she really cared about. As another was announced, Nora paused, blinking. Ranya... her name was as beautiful as she. Nora could only hope she looked that graceful in her entrance... She felt a small pang of longing.

"Take as much time as you need to, Munir." Nora replied softly. "And you have my word. I shall reserve a dance for you." She added, blushing. She felt a rush of embarrassment hit her but tried her best to keep her composure, at least until Munir was away.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

FLASHBACK

Lucian & Marina

Time: Ignis 2 evening
Location: Guest house

---

Lucian had just finished his bath and had dressed in his pajamas. After the day he’d had, he was more than happy to settle in for the night. While he was happy he was doing something to better the world for his loved ones, he couldn’t get the image of that woman out of his head. She was a witch. Someone he should hate with every fiber of his being. She was one of those that had taken his wife from him. In the moment, he’d just seen red but after coming back to his room and saying goodnight to Marnie, he couldn’t help the small pangs of guilt.

She was just a girl.

”No.” He mumbled, shaking his head. ”She might look like just a normal, innocent girl, but Kilian wouldn’t have her in chains if she weren’t dangerous.” He told himself aloud, as if doing so would make it feel more true.

Marina didn’t knock, as per usual. The door swung open and she strode in like she owned the place, in her night dress and her curls a mess. She kicked the door shut behind her with a bare foot, then marched right up to him and jabbed a finger into his chest.

“I am not going to sleep until you tell me what’s going on.” Her violet-blue eyes narrowed like she was daring him to try dismissing her.

“You promised. So talk. Now.” Marina folded her arms, but it didn’t read like sulking… It was more like she was holding herself together. Her gaze was locked on him with that same determination she carried into every fight… and yet there was something raw swimming underneath it. Her foot started tapping against the floor in a fast, impatient rhythm, betraying the nervous energy she refused to admit to.

Lucian blinked, surprise on his features despite himself. He’d… completely forgotten that he’d promised her a chat. He took in a deep breath, letting her talk. She had every right to be mad, but all the same, he wasn’t planning on changing his course of action. He just needed to convince her…

Lucian grabbed Marina’s shoulder gently and guided her towards his bed, sitting her down. ”At least make yourself comfortable.” He sighed, reaching a hand up to pat at the top of her head. He couldn’t blame her for caring, he welcomed it, needed it.

”What do you want to know?” He asked, sitting next to her, the bed frame creaking under his weight. He didn’t want to reveal everything so, asking her where to start felt simpler.

Marina tucked her legs up beneath her in a pretzel, shifting until she could look him dead in the eye. She then held up one finger. “Who were they?”

Another finger. “Why did they have a woman on a chain?”

Then the final finger. “And what, exactly, were you meeting with them to discuss?”

Lucian let out another soft sigh. ”They are witch hunters.” His tone flat, almost cynical, ”That woman is a witch that Kilian caught and was transporting.”

He drew in a deep breath and turned his head to look at Marina. ”I was there to get debriefed on the current state of Caesonia.” Lucian continued. He lifted a hand to rub the bridge of his nose.

”And you...” He paused, reaching over to tap her nose lightly, ”...weren’t supposed to be there.”

Marina’s expression remained as it was, unchanging, unlike the storm in those violet eyes.

At the word witch, her gaze went distant, as if she were staring through Lucian instead of at him. A flash filled her vision, the brutal visage of Sophia’s body. She could still see the wrongness of it, could feel that certainty again that no ordinary hands could have done what had been done to her. Her throat tightened and her fingers curled into her own skirt hard enough to wrinkle the fabric.

Lucian’s tap to her nose snapped her back.

She blinked, her lashes fluttering. Her nostrils flared, and she wrinkled her nose like a disturbed cat. “I was exactly where I was supposed to be,” she snapped without hesitation, her voice low and stubborn.

Her chin lifted, but in that not bratty way of hers, but with the kind of hard resolve she wore in training when she refused to yield, when she decided even the world didn’t get to move her.

“With you.”Her eyes burned with an intensity Lucian seldom saw, but he’d recognize it. It was clear from the look in her eyes, that she’d bleed for him, any time and anywhere.

“If you’re hunting witches…then so am I.” She concluded with certainty.

”No, Marina. You aren’t.” Lucian replied, shaking his head. The idea of it was enough to make his anxiety bloom. He knew they were going to talk in circles again, her stubbornness knew no limits, but he had to try. He couldn’t relent on this.

”If you consider Ambrose’s feelings for me now, imagine how he might look at me if I allow you to come with me on this venture.” His tone mellowed now, a softness to it that was trying its best to plead with her. ”What he might consider doing to me…” Lucian shuddered.

Marina held his gaze for a long second with her jaw clenched. “No,” she said finally, “You don’t get to decide for me anymore.”

She then leaned in. “I’m twenty-three,” Marina continued, voice steady. “You can’t control me. Ambrose can’t control me.”

At his warning, her nostrils flared. She shook her head adamantly. “And he won’t find out,” she said, sharp with certainty. “I’ll make sure of it.”

Lucian let out a long sigh, turning to match her gaze. ”If you do it, it won’t be with my graces.” He added, trying to match her stubbornness.

”You are twenty-three and should be doing what other twenty-three year olds are doing. Finding love, exploring the world, refining your skills and interests.” He watched her eyes, knowing full well he might as well be talking to a wall right now.

”Marnie… I know I can’t protect everyone. I know I can’t stop every bad thing from happening, but.. I cannot in good conscience agree to you following me on this.” Lucian shifted in his spot on the bed, turning to face her more fully. ”Give me one good reason why I should let you join me.”

Marina’s lip trembled and her gaze fell to the floor, her brows knitting. “Because you’re not the only one that lost Sophia. The words left her mouth without much thought.

She went still after, like she’d said too much. There was a long pause before she said, softer, “The moment I saw her… I knew no human did that.”

He felt his heart drop as she spoke. She wasn’t wrong. He wasn’t the only one who’d lost someone that day. Many viewed Sophia as family, as a loved one. Her death had sent the entire estate into mourning. Lucian knew that and still he was so caught up in his own grief, that he had scant room to even consider the walls outside his bedroom.

Lucian stayed quiet for a moment, the weight of her words settling on him. It was quite a while before he found his voice again. ”Okay.” He offered quietly, his voice thick with sorrow. ”But I can’t control what others say. I can’t make Kilian allow you to join us and I’m not… I can’t be the one to help convince him. But I won’t stand in your way.”

”Can we promise each other something though?”

“ … Of course.”

”We watch each other’s backs. When things look bad, we don’t take chances and protect each other.” His gaze was set on her, unwavering.

A sad smile stretched across her face; she couldn’t believe he thought he even needed to question the notion. “ …I’m always going to protect you, big brother.”

He watched her a moment before speaking again. ”You can protect me by also protecting yourself, understand? I’m not saying this because I want you to put yourself in harm's way for me. When things get bad, we both get out of it.” He replied, trying to make sure she knew exactly what he meant.

Marina digested the information for a moment then nodded firmly. “Deal.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 6PM
Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Dress
Interactions: @Infinite Cosmos Munir

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She lifted her head a touch as he began to speak, wanting to see him as he spoke. She felt her heart sink as he explained. An accident? One that left him with a hideous scar? Her brows furrowed before she tried to soothe them. She didn't want him to think she was merely pitying him. Nora offered Munir a gentle smile as she lifted her head to look at him. He didn't look hideous at all to her. His eyes...

She stopped herself. It wouldn't do to be thinking of how handsome he was when he'd just told her about something traumatic. Trauma was something she could relate to, after all.

"I understand... My apologies if my request made you uncomfortable..." She offered with a gentle head tilt. "Please continue to wear it if it brings you comfort." Nora added with a small nod. She couldn't even begin to imagine how what he went through had been like. Her mind tried to comprehend the pain of a cut like that through one's jaw, of the pain of the infection and the subsequent ways people had looked at him.

"And no. It won't be an issue." She added with a soft chuckle. "Beauty is rarely the full measure of man. And if it were well... Then... Not much of a man."

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 6PM
Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Dress
Interactions: @Infinite Cosmos Munir

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She felt her cheeks heat as he replied, her heart sinking down to her feet. Was that not how he had said it? Had she insulted him? How was it actually pronounced? Nora's face went red up to her ears. At least he seemed to be okay with it but she still felt bad. She wouldn't like someone mispronouncing her name. She wrung her hands together in front of her, her gaze resting squarely on the floor. The rest of the party seemed to swirl around them.

"N-Nora... Pawonska. Daughter of Count Pawonska..." She replied, her tone a little mechanical as she tried to force herself to reply. Her mind was racing as she felt his eyes on her. Why would someone as handsome as him want anything to do with her? She swallowed thickly, trying to keep her composure. She couldn't lose it now, the night had barely started.

She let out the breath she didn't know she'd been holding when he released her hand. Nora glanced up as complimented her dress, blinking at him. He wasn't wrong, it was a very pretty dress and seemed to be doing exactly what her parents had hoped. But, Nora couldn't help but feel a little like a fraud.

"You-" Nora started, her voice catching a moment as her nerves got the better of her, "You look good too." She continued, her face growing several shades redder again. "That is- I mean!" Nora stammered, her head sinking down again as she tried to hide her face with her hair. "Why... would you hide a face like that..." She added quietly.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

FLASHBACK

Roman & Nora

Part One

Time: Early Evening of Ignis 6
Location: The Merchant District
Interactions: @ReusableSword Roman
Mentions: @Remram Magnus

---

The sky had just started to darken by the time Nora had left the bookshop. She’d lost track of time as she perused the stories she could disappear into. Overhead, dusk bled into evening as soft oranges faded into deeper purples and bruised blues. Lanterns began to flicker to life as she walked, her books clutched to her chest. Nox asked if he could go check something out and she nodded in quiet agreement.

Not too far.

He nodded silently before slipping away from her.

The covers of her books were fairly obvious; romantic, foolish stories of knights and devotion, gentle hands pulling frightened girls out of the dark. She’d almost put them back, almost. But, then the shopkeeper had smiled at her and, for a brief moment, she had let herself believe in endings that didn’t hurt.

Her steps quickened, hastening to get back before it truly got dark. She didn’t like being without Nox by her side and she wanted to get back so she could set up and watch the stars for a bit outside where it was safe. The streets narrowed slightly as she moved past the end of the merchant’s district towards the stables where she would get back on the horse she had brought with her from home.

She was turning the corner when she heard it.

Footsteps.

Not behind her at first. To the side and too slow to be accidental.

Nora felt her stomach twist into knots. Nox had been exploring a bit on his own nearby and she could feel him. She implored internally for him to return. She could tell he had heard her, but the footsteps were already much closer than they were a moment ago. Her fingers tightened painfully around her books. Maybe she was just being paranoid, maybe they would walk right past her.

”Evenin’ miss.” a voice called out, slick like oil.

She flinched, her nerves on fire. Nope. Not walking past her.

A man stepped into the lanternlight just ahead of her, his smile crooked and wrong somehow. It set the hairs on the back of her neck on edge. Another followed after him, his smile missing a few of its teeth. Then, a third approached, close enough that she could smell the stale putrid ale on his breath.

Nora froze, paralyzed, as fear gripped her heart. Definitely not walking past her.

”Such a pretty little thing,” One of them smirked. She shot her head down, staring at the ground now. She tried to become as small as she could, as if doing so would make them stop. ”Walking all alone with those books, dressed like that. You must come from a pretty noble house, huh?” He continued.

”No, I-” Nora swallowed, her throat tight and suddenly dry, ”I don’t have anything.”

It sounded like a lie even to her own ears. She knew she wasn’t getting out of this. She could feel Nox getting closer and closer, so at the very least she knew she didn’t need to worry about that. But if he didn’t get to her in time-

Her thought was interrupted as one of the men walked over, his finger brushing over the edge of one of her books.

”Please,” she protested, her voice small, ”I’ll give you money.” They laughed in response, a sound that sent a wave of hot, nauseating fear over her.

Memories pressed in as her vision blurred. White walls, locked doors, hands that never asked permission. For a moment, she was somewhere else entirely.

Another hand reached out to close around her wrist. She let out a sharp gasp, her books tumbling to the ground, forgotten.

”Please-!” she cried out, panic clawing its way up her throat. ”Let go,” she pleaded, then louder, ”Let. Go.” Tears stung the back of her eyes as they threatened to spill. Nox was still too far away but she could feel his anger.

The man’s grip tightened as she struggled and Nora felt another wave of unwelcomed memories wash over her in a sickening cloud. She felt her stomach churn and her body felt uncomfortably warm. Bile threatened to climb up her throat.

Another night, another walk—anything to clear his head and focus his mind. There were many problems and too many things to do. So much so that the cries for help almost missed him. Almost.

His path shifted on a dime. Careless steps transitioned to seamless, quiet movement until he was right on top of them.

“I don’t think she likes being touched,” he said.

The voice would have sounded like an angel regardless of who spoke it. The words alone gave her some small, painful hope that everything would be okay.

One turned to speak, but Roman didn’t let him get a word in. He kicked the man’s knee into an unnatural bend. The attacker's screams were cut short by a swift knee to the face, liberating what remained of his teeth from his jaw.

Nora jumped at the sound of the impact and the scream that followed. It sent her nerves on end and she balled herself up, hugging her knees as she knelt. Nox, please.. She pleaded without words.

The other two moved to attack, only for Roman to land a foot square in the chest of the closest man, sending him flying back into the wall before he crumpled into a heap.

The last man drew a knife and lunged—sloppy, slow, desperate. Roman grabbed the man’s wrist and snapped his arm at the elbow. He pulled the man forward and down. One last strike to the face left him unconscious on the floor with his friends.

He took a moment to examine the blade. Just as he guessed, it was one of the ones they had given away a few weeks ago.

She was trying her best to keep her breathing even. Every fiber of her body screamed, tensed and burning. She could feel the world beginning to spin around her and she fought the urge to vomit once more. Her body shook with the force of her anxiety.

He turned his gaze to the girl. “Are you okay, miss?”

He looked her over, but he didn’t know her. Black no, very dark brown hair, brown eyes, fair skin. She was cute, but he definitely didn’t recognize her.

The voice from before spoke and, with some effort, she managed to lift her head to look in it’s direction. She gasped, stumbling back on her rump. He looked just as scary! She scrambled backwards, fear apparent in her brown eyes.

”Please-” She started, tears threatening to spill, ”I don’t have anything!” She could feel Nox getting closer.

Oh, it looked like he was scaring her. Not an unusual reaction to a late-night stranger, he supposed. It wasn't like he could just walk away and leave her like this. “My apologies, miss. I didn't mean to frighten you. These men just caught me on a bad day.”

His words relaxed her mind, but her body was still fighting the adrenaline and wouldn’t calm down. She felt her tears, hot in the back of her eyes, stinging as they began to fall.

His gaze shifted to the ground, and he saw the books. As he picked them up, a few of the titles caught his eye. He flipped towards the end of one volume and began to read aloud.

“He wiped the black blood of the beast from his blade and knelt, his voice rough with the smoke of the battle: 'I told you I would tear the world apart just to find you.'”

So, romance and knightly honor then.

“My name is Roman, Roman Ravenwood. What would yours be?” He knelt across from her; the threat the men posed was all but gone now. Still, he couldn’t just carry her away when she was like this, else others might think he was trying to take her. He couldn't have any more of that.

The words from her book tug at her, her gaze shooting up at him. She felt embarrassment spread across her face, a contrast to the tears that were now streaming down her face. Her breathing was still stuttered, her chest shaking as it rose and fell in too quick a succession. Nox was close. Wait.. She commanded, trying to get a hold on herself.

Nora took a moment, her eyes closed as she focused on her breathing. Magnus appeared in her mind, counting with her. She whispered the numbers quietly, and a few moments later, she felt calm enough to lift her head at him. She stared for a moment, as if trying to take the measure of him. Her knees still felt too weak to stand, but she had to try.

Weakly, Nora pushed at the ground with her palms, trying to rise. She knew he’d asked her a question, but she still didn’t quite trust him yet. Roman… was that a name she knew? She couldn’t remember. She didn’t think so. A moment later, her legs gave way and she slumped back down to the ground. She let out a frustrated huff of air.

His eyes and his smile were soft and patient. She didn’t say anything, but at least she was calming down. “Adrenaline is a hard thing to come down from. Take deep, slow breaths.” His voice had changed to a lighter tone—the one he used with his younger siblings whenever they were frightened or needed comforting.

When she tried to stand, he smiled again. But when she slid back down, he tilted his head to the side for a moment, then moved to be right beside her. “This might freak you out a little bit, and I apologize. But I'm going to pick you up and carry you out to the street before some of their friends come along. Okay?”

Her head bolted up at his words, eyes wide as she watched him. He wasn’t exactly wrong and she wasn’t in any kind of position to get herself to safety right now, clearly.

It wasn’t much of a question, really, but he needed to get them out of this alley. “Here, hold these,” he said, placing her books on her lap. With little effort, he scooped her carefully into his arms. “If you want me to put you down, I will when we get back to the street. Otherwise, just tell me where to go.” He knew this was a bit awkward, but hell, he was awkward already. He might as well commit to it.

She blinked as the books were placed on her lap. With shaky hands, she reached down to secure them. She clamped her eyes shut as he reached for her. She felt strong arms reach under her and the ground disappeared below her. He smelled… like something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. It wasn’t unfamiliar…

Perhaps there was a small part of her that took solace in knowing that if she didn’t want him to pick her up, Nox was now close enough to do something about it. She just didn’t want to play that card unless she had to.

”Thank you.” She whispered after a moment, her eyes slowly opening to look up at him.

He had taken only a few steps down the alley when he heard the whisper. He didn’t reply to her, just smiled and kept walking. That was until he started to feel it—or rather, the lack of it. It felt like a weight had left his shoulders; carrying her actually made him feel lighter. The sensation made him stop entirely, just a few steps away from the street.

His mind was silent. None of the voices or problems were there—just peace. Everything was clear and direct. He basked in it for a moment longer, taking a deep breath and savoring the feeling.

The pause had her confused, his steps slowing to a halt for a moment. Was something wrong? She didn’t hear anything and hadn’t heard anything from Nox either. Before she could say anything, he was moving again.

After a few moments, he stepped out into the street, looking down at her with renewed interest and curiosity. “I… I don’t know what you did, or if you're even aware of it, but… thank you.” He needed to figure out who this girl was. She could help free him.
“Where… uh, where to next?”

She looked back at him, her brows furrowed at the expression on his face. It was the face you made when you’d found something interesting, like a good book to read. It confused her. She couldn’t even fathom to think why he would suddenly show such a face. And then he spoke, an odd look of relief on his face. Or at least, she thought it was relief.

”You’re welcome…?” she replied, utterly lost. She lifted her hand, which had by now stopped shaking quite as much and pointed in the direction of where she was staying. ”I’m… staying at the Noble’s Housing…”

He couldn’t help but give a soft chuckle at her reaction. It was a telling reaction, especially for someone trying to hide something. Regardless, it put him in a very good mood. When she pointed towards the nobles' housing, he had to wonder who he was actually carrying in his arms.

“Oh, I know where that is. I suppose I have a room there somewhere, too. Where are you from?” He didn’t want to push her into giving her name if she wasn’t comfortable with it, but at least she wasn’t shaking anymore.

His tone was friendly and had a calming effect on her. Maybe it was the way he looked happier, but maybe it bled a little into her. Her nerves were still fried and she could feel how stiff and tense her body still felt, but she was starting to come down from it. The memories once again felt distant.

”...Varian.” she replied quietly, wide eyes still watching him with a mixture of confusion and wonder. Who was he? Why did he have a room there too? Was he someone she should know… Her mind raced with names of her family’s friends.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

ʟ ᴜ ᴄ ɪ ᴀ ɴ ᴄ ᴀ ᴍ ɪ ʟ ɪ ᴀ
ʟ ᴜ ᴄ ɪ ᴀ ɴ ᴄ ᴀ ᴍ ɪ ʟ ɪ ᴀ

Time: 6PM
Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Lucian's Outfit
Interactions: @Potter Olivia

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Lucian arrived in all the pomp a circumstance befitting a Crown Prince. He kept his head held high as he was announced. He bowed his head ever so slightly as other nobles bowed to him. He stepped forward with measured precision, turning several heads as he walked. There was no excess to his movements, every motion a performance in and of itself. It was times like these where Lucian felt more a doll than a prince.

He paused briefly as he spotted the King. Disgust and rage filled his chest, but he never allowed it to show. He kept his gaze steady, watching the King for a moment longer than most would dare to and bowed his head politely. Not several hours ago, that man had burned his wife. On some level, Lucian was relieved. That was one less witch to muddy the waters of this realm. But on the other hand, the lack of remorse left a bad taste in Lucian's mouth. That and what he'd learned about Mina's rumors and their origin.

Lucian turned after greeting Edin and set his gaze upon the courtiers. He had to remember his aim here. He wasn't just looking for a wife. He was keeping an eye and an ear out for anything suspicious. In his mind, the search for a wife was set-dressing. He spotted a red-tressed woman dressed in green. Were those... burn marks up her arm? Curious, Lucian made his way over to her.

"Good evening. Lucian Camilia, it's my pleasure to meet you. I'm afraid I missed your introduction." He spoke as he got closer, smiling a practiced smile.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 6PM
Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Dress
Interactions: @Infinite Cosmos Munir

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Nora had noticed the tall masked man. He was beautiful in every way that a man could be. His eyes seemed to glow in the light of the ballroom and his skin seemed to do the same. The covering on his face, however, made her skin crawl in an uneasy way. She tried to push past the feeling as she glanced back down at the floor. She gave a small call to Nox in her mind, which he responded to quickly.

When she lifted her head again, the man was walking towards her. Wait... towards her? She felt a small pang of panic crawl it's way up her chest again. She couldn't tell if it was nerves because of how handsome he was or the mask he wore giving her anxiety.

"Hello, my lady. I am Munir Al Kadir. Pleasure to have made you."

Nora froze, feeling her heart beating too loudly in her chest. Moo.. near? Is that what he said? She'd been too in her own head to hear him properly. Pleasure to have- Nora blinked, her mind still trying to process his words.

"M-Made me?" Nora asked softly, looking from his hand to the rest of the crowd. With so many eyes on her, she felt like she had to take his hand. Gingerly, she reached out her own gloved hand and placed it in his outstretched one. "The pleasure is mine... Moonear?" She really hoped that was how he pronounced it.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Nik & Ari

Flashback

Location: Edwards Estate Time: Ignis 5 Evening

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Ari lingered just inside her doorway, one hand resting against the carved wood as she watched Nik’s back disappear down the corridor. His footsteps faded into the hush of the manor, swallowed by thick carpets and stone walls. She found herself staring a moment longer than she meant to, curiosity prickling beneath the exhaustion.

With a soft exhale, she turned away and slipped into her room, closing the door behind her.

The space beyond it felt like a contradiction only Ari could have created. What had once been a pristine, stuffy chamber befitting a noble daughter now looked as though Rapunzel herself had claimed it and never quite finished unpacking. Hand-painted details crept across the walls—delicate vines, half-faded florals, little creatures hidden in the corners if you looked closely enough. Books were everywhere, stacked in precarious towers on tables and the floor alike, their spines cracked and loved. Bundles of herbs and dried flowers hung from hooks and beams, filling the air with a faint, earthy sweetness. It was chaotic, warm… undeniably hers. Seeing her touch layered over the manor’s former perfection was still strange, even to her.

She crossed into the bathroom, the marble cool beneath her bare feet, and shed the weight of the day piece by piece. The white silk nightgown slid over her skin, hanging from two thin straps that rested lightly on her shoulders, the fabric falling into ornate, almost too-delicate detailing. She followed it with a matching silk robe, tying it loosely before gathering her hair up into a messy bun atop her head. A few rebellious tendrils of red escaped immediately, curling around her face as if they, too, refused restraint.

Ari paused at the mirror.

She sighed, biting her lower lip as her reflection stared back at her. Pale. Too pale. Her eyes were shadowed, darkened by fatigue and something heavier she didn’t want to name. The bruises stood out cruelly against her skin—one blooming along her shoulder, another dark and unmistakable near her head. She lifted a hand, fluffing a strand of hair forward in a futile attempt to obscure the worst of it, then tugged the robe higher over her shoulders, as though silk could hide it.

It didn’t, but it would have to do.

Turning away, she left the bathroom and crossed the room toward a second door. When she opened it, she revealed the adjoining guest suite beyond. It lacked her flair entirely. No painted walls, no cluttered books, no hanging herbs. The space was still lavish, still undeniably part of a rich manor, but untouched by her chaos. Immaculate. Preserved.

This was where her governess had once stayed.

It hadn’t changed since then. The housekeepers kept it pristine, free of dust and time, as if its occupant might return at any moment. The bed was large, the furnishings elegant, and beyond it lay a private guest bath, all connected neatly back to Ari’s own room by the shared door she now stood in.

A few minutes turned to several as Nik tried to find his way around the kitchen. There were a few straggling servants who gave him looks, but helped him and a vegetable broth wasn’t exactly hard. But, it took him a few tries to get it home he remembered his mother making it. Well, close enough anyway. He just needed to get some nutrients into her system, she’d looked awful and he knew that broth would go down easy and likely not upset her stomach as much.

The servants helped him find a tray and before too much longer, he was heading back up the stairs to Ari’s room. Luckily, even if he’d had a terrible memory, her door stuck out like a lighthouse against the lavishness of the estate at large. It was a beacon of creativity and personality, something he thought the rest of the place lacked.

He propped the tray up into one hand, balancing it carefully, and knocked firmly at her door. ”It’s me.” He spoke.

Ari nearly fell over, catching herself on the door of the guest room. She felt her heart nearly jump from her chest as she caught her breath. The situation at the tavern must have really stuck with her as she felt some flashbacks of the event.

”Come in.” she said slightly breathless as she used the door frame for support, trying desperately to compose herself before Nik noticed.

His eyes narrowed as he heard a quiet thud from inside her room. He couldn’t place what the sound was, but it stuck out in his mind. He reached for the handle and pushed the door open, his other hand still balancing the tray. He couldn’t help it as his gaze passed over her figure. He hadn’t necessarily been lying about not giving taking her to bed a second thought if she had been anyone else. Then again, Nik would sleep with any remotely attractive woman, so that didn’t say too terribly much.

”I’ve brought you some broth. Hopefully you can have some of it before bed and it won’t upset your stomach.” He explained, now taking the tray in both hands so he could more easily carry it inside. He glanced at her torso, his eyes darting to the bruise peaking out from the silk robe. Looked like it hurt.

”If you don’t want it, don’t eat it. I’m not going to force you.” He continued as he took the tray over to the table by her bed. ”Whether you want to feel better or not is up to you.”

Nik looked back at her again, watching how weak and fragile she looked. For an independent woman, he could understand how that feeling might be frustrating. Help would feel like a slap to the face, regardless of how warm or kind. His gaze shifted to the bruise again.

Oblivious to his glances, Ariella’s eyes fell to the tray on her nightstand. Watching the steam dance out of the bowl of hot broth as the smell of its inviting flavor hit her nose. Her stomach turned with hunger and nausea.

It felt slightly silly but she was strangely touched by the gesture. This man, this stranger, took more time out of his day to ensure she was taking care of herself. He put in more effort in the last 20 minutes than her mother ever had. Then again, he was being paid.

Trying to not linger on it, Ari smiled softly ”Thank you, I think my Father would be very happy with your efforts." she looked up at him. No one other than her brothers had ever been in her room before, not even Callum. Nik’s eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second at her comment. There was a very small part of him that felt slightly insulted by her comment, but he couldn’t refute that he’d mostly done it because of his position. While he would have slept with her in different circumstances, he definitely wouldn’t have made her food.

She felt slightly exposed but she also didn’t feel worried about it.

Gesturing to the guest room she looked over her shoulder then back towards him still using the door frame as support.

”This is your room. There is a large king bed, a wardrobe for when your things arrive. Private bathroom… and I'm sure I can arrange for the housekeepers to start servicing your bedroom. Though I do ask, for my sake… that you don't make one of them number 84…or was it was 85.” She tried to hold in her laughter.

”They bring breakfast to your room each morning around 8:00. After that, well the day is yours." she couldn’t help but wonder if he was used to this way of living.

Shuffling out of the way of the door she made room for him to explore the room if he wished.

Nik walked towards the door, pausing as he passed her. ”No promises.” He replied, his voice barely above a whisper. ”If you need me, I’ll be just beyond this door.” He added, his tone returning to it’s normal cadence again. He offered her a smile.

if you need me.. his voice whispering in her mind as she nodded trying to play it off.

”Please consider my position in all of this. If something feels wrong, if you don’t feel safe, if you need help, don’t leave me in the dark. We share similar cages, you and I.” Nik pleaded, his voice genuinely sounding concerned.

Her emerald gaze met him as she paused for a moment taking in his words. Why did she already feel so trusting of a stranger? It was as if she knew him but she had never met him before.

Reaching for the door she smiled.

”Goodnight..” She said softly shutting the door between with care.

Nik stood by the door for a moment, even after it closed. Listening. Listening for her faint footsteps to hear if she was heading for the broth he’d made her. Eventually, feeling a little silly about it, he walked away.

Ari stared at the door for a moment, her eyes glancing back towards the hot bowl of broth. Her arms instinctively raising and wrapping around herself as she let a breath out that felt like she had been holding in for some time.