Remram

Pokemon Singularity

Okay, so an update for people. I am moving next month. My apologies for not posting. Life has been way too much and I did not feel confident that I could write for the game at a standard that I felt satisfied. That being said, I think I can start slow rolling posts out soon-ish if people are still interested in playing after this gap of time.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Askel Camila

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions @AuthenticTomb Aslam
Mentions: @Tae Ranya

---

Askel had not raised a brow in response to the Shehzade's moment of dumbstruck; his sister tended to have that effect on people. What had caused him to raise a brow was the familiarity that Aslam spoke of his sister and the fondness that tinged his smile. It gave Askel a moment of pause, questioning when Marina and the Shehzade could have met though it was not as outlandish as one would think. After all, the Varian and Alidasht delegations shared the same quarters so it was within reason that they could have met at some point during the day or perhaps even at the execution of the queen.

The prince had no reason to protest yet; he could not tell someone who or who not to be attracted to and he knew not of Aslam's character. Just as importantly, it would have made him a hypocrite if he had. Askel knew he was speaking to Ranya's brother; it was the eyes, green eyes that were so much like hers.

When Aslam asked his question, a light blush took a hold of Askel's face. He was grateful that he was facing away from Ranya lest his eyes found her across the crowded room. "Ah, well, actually yes. I promised to dance with a very wonderful woman who I gave my heart to, but if I had my way I would dance with her and her alone all night long once again." Memories of the night before flashed before his eyes, the smell of ale and the smoke of burning wood mixed with fragrant jasmine and vanilla, the sound of the violin singing and the percussion of boots cut through by the jingling of gold jewelry and her laughter, and beneath the faint golden light of the tavern, the heat between them and the thumping of her heart against his chest.

He could not help, but smile as he relived those memories in his head. "She is a beautiful not just in visage, but in wit and intellect as well. Listening to her weave words together is a pleasure I didn't know I needed nor do I think I could live without now. And her boundless curiosity! I've never met a woman with such a zeal for life; it makes me want to make her world bigger." For a moment, Askel could only think about how caged Ranya's life must've been, how restricted she was by her own family. Her desire to breathe and be free, it was something that Askel wanted to protect and nurture. "She deserves it," he added firmly.

"Ah, here I am talking your ear off. I know that I must sound like an infatuated school boy, but I am not embarrassed to admit it. It's a privilege to love her and be loved back honestly and sincerely." He looked back out towards the crowd. The more he spoke of her, the more he wanted to see Ranya again.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Magnus Pawonska

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions: @princess Anastasia @Lava Alckon Farim

---

"The woman that your cousin is speaking to is the youngest of the Camilas, Princess Sylvia Camilia," pointed out Magnus. For someone that was so eager to make connections it sure would have behooved him to know who he was trying to butter himself up with. Well, it was not any of his business though Anastsia certainly had some thoughts on his hesitancy on matters of the heart.

Magnus' brows arched straight upwards at Anastasia's bluntness when it came to matters of the heart though there was certainly wisdom in her words and above all else there was something that he could not put his finger on. One could painstakingly strive to make everything perfect, to completely do everything right, and then the moment passes because they were not present in the moment. That sentiment was shared by Fareed, who, at least to Magnus, seemed weary though it was not his place to ask.

His pale blue eyes fell back to Farim who suggested to guess who in this room the lord had his eyes on. Magnus' mouth curled upwards and his eyes crinkled before he started to laugh with a light yet bassy quality."You both flatter me, truly, but I really do not have anyone in my heart. If I did I would not have the pleasure of either of your company though I can say that seeing a couple like you has given me an idea of what to strive for."

Magnus gave Anastasia a kind smile. "I am one to overthink when matters seem so simple when it comes to people. We can never know what's truly going through someone's head though I suppose you are correct, your majesty. One can never know unless one is forthright with their feelings. I shall take your advice to heart." He nodded politely to acknowledge her fair points.

"Not to return to the topic of business so hastily, but you misunderstood me. I value my skills highly, but a lone engineer does not meet the needs of a Shehzade's ambitions. A team on the other hand, well, I'm sure we'd have something to talk about then." A chuckle passed his lips. "But let's put a bookmark there. One should not mix business with pleasure. I'm sure my sisters would have some choice words if I were to prioritize business over finding a bride."

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Nolan Edwards

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions:@Lava Alckon Drake
Mentions:@princess Marina @Oso Ambrose

---

If time had allowed it Nolan would have given his elder brother an equally sarcastic remark except the royal crier announced a new name that had entered the hall, a Varian princess. Nolan looked towards the new entrants with reflexive curiosity and he couldn't tear his gaze away from what he saw or to be more accurate, who. Marnie, that mischievous red head who espoused her knowledge of insects and blushed with the same shade as her hair, was a princess and she stood there with that theatrical pose knowing that it would draw the most eyes towards her and he was no exception.

A light blush painted his cheeks and crawled up to the very tips of his ears, his mouth slightly agape. However, captivated with her as he was, an unwelcomed realization popped into his head: I said that to a princess?!

If there was a kind and loving god, they would have struck him down where he stood. Nolan though was spared from spiraling downwards thanks to his brother who took too much enjoyment in seeing him stunned by a woman.

The faint blush bloomed wonderfully across his face in response to his brother's remarks. "Fancy?! I mean, I..." Stuttered he. The typically publicly stoic young man's facade was broken into the flustered mess that he truly was. His lips pursed into a pout and his brows furrowed together at Drake. "Wipe that smug look off your face, Drake. It's unbecoming of you." He lifted his glass of wine to his lips and his gaze wandered back to the princess, following her and her shadow.

"She's... pleasing to the eye, I admit. I'd be stupid to deny it," stated the young man. His gaze turned down at his wine and gently swirled the glass. "The princess and I have become acquainted recently at the museum. She approached me and we both shared some common ground. Before I knew it I was walking through with her. She failed to mention, however, that she was a Varian princess."

There were details missing from their encounter, but it would be a cold day in Hell before he would tell Drake of his blunder. He would never let Nolan live it down for as long as he lived.

"If you were to ask my opinion though, her looks distract from her other qualities. I mean it as a compliment, even if she is a little devil." A smirk played on his lips.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Drake & Nolan

Seven years ago

It was an odd thing, to wake up from the verge of death in a hospital bed to now roam these lavish halls. Nolan had thought that his family's manor was luxurious, but this was of another order. This was a castle by comparison, a monument of wealth accumulated and shared throughout countless generations. For someone like him who had been a street urchin for the better part of two years, it was overwhelming to the senses. Nothing was an inch of place, not a speck of dust, and even the portraits and paintings were not tilted by a single degree.

That was now applied to himself; for the first time in years, he was clean and he wore clean clothes. He wore a loose shirt so as to not rub against the stitch along his stomach. Well, he was not really meant to be out of bed though his curiosity had gotten the better of him. How could he not be curious? Very few people would ever be welcomed to such a palace! But there lies the problem; this place was a palace, and it was big, very big.

It was just as much of a labyrinth with long winding halls to rooms that were larger than the hovels that the impoverished resided in. To put it plainly, he was lost.

However, as he ventured throughout the manor, he found an open door. He poked his head by its frame to look into the room with a young man in it. If he remembered correctly, this was Drake, Duke Gideon's son and eldest child. He stared at him quietly with his green eyes hidden behind his shaggy bangs.

To him, it was just another afternoon where he would be studying on recent politics or historical events. At present, he was going over Sorian judicial law in regards to “Grand Theft Palomino" as the book so aptly called it. In other words—what happened when someone stole your horse. It was getting rather interesting, determining when a horse is officially considered “stolen”, how long before reporting such crimes, and how to better prevent it in the first place. Then he noticed a presence at the door, and he turned his head with a pre-ordained look of annoyance.

He figured it would be his mother, perhaps his father, maybe even his sister coming to inundate him with something to interrupt his afternoon reading. But that initial cold stare softened upon seeing Nolan.

”Oh. It’s you.” He closed his book and stood up to greet the new addition to the family. ”I’ve been meaning to come take stock of my newest brother. But it seems you beat me to it.” He reached his hand out to shake Nolan’s. ”I suppose a welcome is in order.”

Was it polite to shake the hand of a noble when he offered it? Wasn't someone of lower birth like him supposed to bow when greeting someone of a higher social standing or would it be considered rude to not accept a handshake when offered regardless of status? It had been so long since he had to greet anyone properly; how was he supposed to do it? Duke Gideon had so much to teach him about the fine art of greeting others though he should be able to at least manage this much.

Nolan straightened his posture and craned his neck upwards to look Drake in the eye as much as he could with hair covering his face, grabbing his hand for as firm a handshake he could give. "I, um, thank you my lord. You are much too kind."

Now that he got a good look at him, Drake really did look like what he imagined a lord to be; someone with a pleasant countenance and good humor with an intelligent glint in his eyes. He looked comfortable as a noble, in his own skin.

Nolan glanced over at the book that Drake was reading though he could not make out the cover though he went off the assumption that he was studying some affairs regarding the kingdom. "My apologies, I tore you away from your studies. I shall not make a nuisance of myself."

Drake felt his eyes roll. Not to mock Nolan, but to present a level of casual interaction. Drake knew something of Nolan’s backstory, his father made sure to share the tale over dinner at least 3 other times. He seemed shy and fragile, like a single wrong interaction could shatter this poor soul.

”Well for starters, you can call me Drake or brother. If we are a family it’s only prudent we address each other as such.” The young man paced back and grabbed the book, bringing it back to Nolan to show him its cover.

”Studying is just learning fun, useful things for later. I was just reading up on rules regarding horse theft. I hear you’re quite the learned one yourself, Nolan.”

He shook his head and with it his bangs like a shaggy dog that desperately needed grooming. It was an odd thing for him to be a learned street child, he knew that. If one were to pick a street child off the streets of Sorian and ask them to read a sentence or solve a written math problem, they would not even know where to begin.

"Oh, not as learned as you as I assure you my-, Drake. I am still behind my peers." Nolan examined the cover inquisitively. It was not a very exciting cover; it looked like one of those very stuffy academic books that presented its contents in a manner so dry that one would need a pinch to the cheek to stay awake.

"Grand Theft Palomino?" Nolan muttered to himself with an arched brow. He lifted his head to look at Drake again unconvinced, and said, "...Are you sure that this is fun to read or are you convincing yourself?"

Drake snickered. ”Your Drake, huh?” He closed the book purposefully, a dull thud sending bits of air flying up towards him, as if to simultaneously poof his hair. But he would never admit such an ulterior motive.

Nolan made a noise akin to a small yelp when the book shut so close to him. The puff of air that poofed his hair revealed his bright green eyes and his flushed cheeks that lit up a rather pretty face. A little pout formed on his face as focused on fixing his bangs.

”I convince myself of a lot of things, but it’s true that knowing anything could mean everything. Just depends on who or what you ask and when.” Drake shelved the book into its spot, and ran a finger along the spines until his hand landed on a much more colorful book than the rest.

Its title read “Did you Know? A Trivia Masterwork, pt. 32”. ”Here is the more fun stuff. You happen to be a trivia buff, Nolan?”

They really did live completely different lives. A puff of air blew past his lips though it was hard to tell if he was chuckling or if that was a sigh when he wore such a polite smile on his lips. "I am afraid to say that the life I had lived left me with little time for trivia." Nolan stated though his tone was even and lacked any frustration.

"However, that isn't to say that I am not eager or willing to learn, if you are offering." He followed up though he gave him a curious look. "If you are okay with it, I mean. You seemed quite... forgive me, but before that's the kind of look I would have given someone if I wanted to be left well enough alone. Were you expecting someone else?"

Drake palmed the book, shooting Nolan a curious glance. ”I believe that is commonly known as “RBF” — resting bitch face.” Drake snickered. ”When I’m ‘in the zone’ I look far more focused than I intend to be. So whatever pulls me out gets a bit of a death glare. It’s nothing personal, I swear.”

Flipping the book open, he decided to thumb through the various topics. Math, science, history, and all their various sub branches. Drake smiled and flipped to a random page under the Math section. Any budding genius had a soft spot for mathematics. Even if they “aren’t a trivia buff”.

”What is the smallest perfect number?”

"The smallest perfect number would be six followed by twenty eight, then four hundred and ninety six, and then eight thousand, one hundred and twenty eight and then so on." Nolan answered without taking a moment to think about it. "Currently, the only perfect numbers that are known are even numbers though they have not disproved that odd ones do not exist nor do we know if they exist infinitely."

Drake smirked. He saw the effortless way this kid recalled all of that in a moment. He might not be a trivia buff but that doesn’t mean he was a budding mass of intellect ready to hyperfixate and overexplain any and all topics. Drake found himself fascinated already. He wanted to see his adopted brother’s potential for himself. ”Alright, hot shot. What is the one polygon that can tile a plane by itself without leaving gaps?”

Nolan tilted his head and looked puzzled or as discernibly puzzled as possible considering his hair covered his eyes. He failed to understand why Drake looked so pleased when he answered the first question. It was rather a simple question, just like the next one though he made a face at the specific wording

"That's a trick question, or rather, just plainly wrong because there are three regular polygons that can tile a plane without leaving gaps, explained Nolan. "An equilateral triangle, a square, and a hexagon. If we are counting irregular polygons then they're several more, but I digress."

"If you need an example, the tiles in the estate library are made up of square tiles." He pointed rather vaguely to its general direction, at least where he thought it was in the maze of a home. It would not have surprised him if he was pointing towards the opposite direction where he meant. How anyone was meant to navigate the estate was beyond his scope of understanding.

Drake nodded, noting the ease of which he spoke about topics that even more learned scholars took ample time to fully understand. ”Sounds to me like you are just such a know-it-all that even trivia fails to properly test your knowledge.” He said with a smirk. ”But then again I chose a pretty easy topic I’m sure. You said you want to learn right? What’s a topic that interests you? We’ve got all afternoon before supper, and I’m happy to show you where everything is or how to find what you’re looking for. We have an entire record on file that is solely there to keep track of just how many books there are.”

Drake spoke with an odd sense of excited enthusiasm. He didn’t ever really study with anyone before. The prospect intrigued him, and thus he wanted to try and snag what little dopamine he could from trying to “nerd out” with his new brother.

Drake had received another pout from Nolan upon being called the boy a 'know it all' though all was forgiven just as quickly when the promise of books and knowledge were laid out. Nolan asked in disbelief "Are there that many books?" Of course it was a silly question. He had been in the library before though he could never begin to imagine or quantify just how many books there were in that room alone. The sheer fact that there were maybe even more books was baffling. How was he supposed to start with just a single subject?

"I don't know. I mean, I don't know where to even start," admitted Nolan. One day he was dying on the streets and now he could learn and learn to his heart's content, but it was just too overwhelming. It was like offering a starving person a buffet; he had no idea what he even wanted to learn first.

The boy tilted his head and asked, "Where should I start?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Askel Camila

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions @Potter Kira @AuthenticTomb Aslam
Mentions:@princess Marina @Oso Ambrose

---

Askel could feel Aslam's gaze fixate on him a tad longer than he thought was necessary, or rather, the Shehzade was focused on his red hair as if he was trying to parse out some information. Aslam's eyes were intelligent, sharp, and purposeful. Of course, he could have just been distracted by the prince's hair color; it was uncommon in Alidasht after all. However, he had no idea what had happened when Ranya sneaked back into her room, but even he knew that her absence had caused a great deal of trouble for her attendant and her family. She very likely could not hide the fact that she had a beloved and for all he knew, someone saw him and let it slip though the fact that no one had approached him meant his identity was still secured.

The prince-knight hid his thoughts behind a well-rehearsed smile and returned their politeness with a bow of his head. "It is a pleasure to meet you both, despite my inelegant intrusion." His violet eyes focused on Kira and his smile became more apologetic. "I hope you are finding this night enjoyable, Lady Kira. I do apologize, typically I am much more aware of my surroundings." As a knight, it was a matter of pride that he was always cognizant of the dangers around every turn for he learned it the hard way. He didn't like it, the feeling of being off his game.

It was then Aslam's turn question Askel, an odd one. Was their conversation that spirited? "Oh, I pulled him into the brief Varian food tour that I was giving my friend Knight-Captain Durmand," explained he. "Beyond the food, it was just small talk though his company was very enjoyable. I would very much like to invite him for a drink if time allows it. Of course, the invitation is also extended to you as well," said Askel with a hopeful smile.

Before Aslam could give him his response, his attention honed in on the entrance of his sister and the knight that he served under. Of course, Marina looked dazzling and Ambrose looked like the very image of a knight that he still strove to achieve. Still, he could not help, but to fight the urge to roll his eyes at his sister's display to entice the men and women or for her theatrics with that fan of hers. Wasn't that their mother's? Still, to see her like this was better than her focusing on the events of this morning.

Askel could not help, but at least chuckle. "And there's my little sister, Marnie, stealing the show. I swear, if they would have let her she would have probably brought a sword instead of a fan."

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Nolan Edwards

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions:@Lava Alckon Drake
Mentions:@HylianRose Nora

---

He understood that his father had to perform his duties as a husband and as Duke of Sorian, but it did little to ease the disappointment. However, it was also understood that showing such a face would have stirred worry in his father's heart more so he dared not to, opting to wear a smile and politely boy his head."Take care, father," was all he said as he watched him go off into the fray. All he could do was join his brother to give their father a silent prayer for him. The poor bastard was going to need it.

Nolan's attention was brought back to his brother as he spoke to him, making no attempt to shake his ever familiar hand on his shoulder. A mischievous smirk crawled along his lips in response to Drake's amused sarcasm. "You only have yourself to blame; all these years you encouraged me to speak my mind and thus, I have fulfilled the role of the annoying little brother. It is by your own design," said Nolan with a matter of fact tone, his gaze ever playful and defiant.

His eyes shifted back to the hall, silently observing the participants once again. There was still no sign of Ariella and her new private guard nor was there any sign of Lottie and he strongly doubted that James was more likely acting as a guard for the ball rather than attending. He also didn't see any sight of that vivid red head of Marnie's either though he was only guessing that she may attend though he felt conflicted. On one hand, he would have liked to see her again. On the other hand, the sight of her would have forced him to relive his social faux pas and he would have to fight the urge to find the nearest balcony and swan dive off of it.

The only person beyond family that he could recognize was Nora... bowing to the person that bumped her?

Ye gods Nora, where the hell did your spine go?!

His attention though was broken by his brother's gentle prodding to seek romance, which received a singular dry laugh. "And why would you wish to punish these poor women with my company? Have they done something to earn your ire?"

"It is plain to see that this room is filled with ladies who indeed deserve such praise and admiration for there are many that are quite lovely and I am sure would make pleasant company, but I have very little to offer," said he. "I'm just... me, neurosis and all. I would be a mismatch for any woman that looked my way and entertained the thought of me."

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Magnus Pawonska

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions:@Redking0380 Fareed @Lava Alckon Farim @princess Anastasia
Mentions:@AuthenticTomb Sylvia @Tae Ranya

---

Poor woman, still forced to wear a smile when she had only only hours ago watched her mother be burned at the stake. The word pity failed to come close to what he felt for what Anastasia was pulling herself through. At the very least, Magnus could be a gracious guest and not let it show on his face.

When asked by her about his intentions of attending this Courting Season Magnus said, "That is one of my hopes though truth be told I am not quite confident in my ability to woo and charm. Matters of the heart are much more difficult to discern and delicate, something that I am sure to be clumsy with." Upon realizing that he may have been a bit too forthcoming with his perspectives on his own deficits, he gave her an apologetic smile and quickly added, "But no, I am also here with my sisters in hopes that they'll find suitable partners, but above all else I just want them to enjoy themselves."

Magnus glanced around the room and saw someone bumped into Nora, a small girl. Elena was not in his line of sight though he was certain she was in this room with them most likely wishing to be anywhere than here.

His attention was brought back to Farim. Not even five minutes in and there was someone already trying to curry favor.

"Deals I can work with though I am afraid that I do not know what I would be able to offer a Shehzade other than the private commission of my work. I am a mechanical engineer by profession, cars, firearms, that sort of thing." He had explained. If the man was offering then why not at least put in some free advertising though he was not sure if Farim had heard him over his own passionate promises to the princess.

Magnus politely cleared his throat to remind the man that he was still in public. "Not to ruin the moment, but uh, you know, if you wanted to see Brenoven Castle, you could make friends with the various Varian royalty that are in this very room with us," suggested he. "The crown prince and his siblings are attending this very Courting Season. In fact, I think a few of your family members have beaten you to the punch." He had been very careful to keep an eye on the man that spoke to his sister. It looked like he had shared a few words with Prince Askel and it appeared that Sylvia was becoming quite friendly with one Farim's family members.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Askel Camila

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions:@CitrusArms Stratya @Infinite CosmosMunir
Mentions:@ReusableSword Roman

---

It only took a split second to realize that Askel, in a moment of failing lucidity, that he had unintentionally insulted Stratya. In fact, he had only complimented the attire rather than the person that was actually wearing it. It could only be described as a faux pas of great magnitude and frankly incredibly rude to his friend who was obviously grieving.

Just stab her in the back and add more salt to the wound why don't you?

"The weight I can imagine; it takes effort to look like that, he chuckled. Askel looked a bit more thoughtful and offered her a much more apologetic smile. By the way, I have failed to mention how radiant you look this evening; I imagine that you've caught the stares of many suitors already. I'd be insulted on your behalf if no one approached you for a dance tonight."

Hopefully this would have mended this bit of awkwardness due to his carelessness though he was not given a moment to think about it. His attention was torn elsewhere.

"Lord Roman Ravenwood," the herald announced at the main door.

Askel's focus fell upon the behemoth of a man, watching him with great familiarity as he approached Sylvia and Ranya though his gaze, even in temperament, held a hint of worry.

His attention was brought back to his present company and bowed his head to them, "My apologies, I was distracted by the appearance of my friend, Lord Ravenwood. I was not expecting to see him here, considering the allegations."

It made sense though; he would have only looked more guilty if he hid in some hole puttering away at some jewelry. Still, he didn't like that Roman was there.

There were many reasons as to why this trip to Caesonia had made him uneasy; the kingdom itself was a den of crime and neglect and his brother's sudden urge to come to this Courting Season was suspicious even to someone like him who often had wool pulled over his eyes by his siblings. However, the presence of Roman Ravenwood was cause for concern. Now, Askel held nothing against Roman and in fact respected him. However, he knew the man. He knew what Roman's true occupation was, hell, they have worked together on occasion so Askel could say with a comfortable amount of authority on the matter that if Roman was in Caesonia then he was there for a reason and it certainly was not to find a bride. In other words, Roman was working on something and that meant, plainly speaking, trouble.

However, Askel maintained his pleasant smile. "Well, if we tour the entire table tonight we'd leave no room for the rest. While I've personally been able to sample your local cuisine during my days journeying Alidasht, I cannot say I have had a meal fit for a Sultan," he half joked.

There it was again though, that gnawing sensation in his gut. Even as a prince, he was still a knight and the presence of Roman reminded him of that. Even now, he could not allow himself to grow too comfortable.

"Forgive my sudden rudeness, but please start without me. I can feel my legs growing stiff standing around like this. I'll just take a lap around." Askel gave them a polite bow before he disengaged with his companions to walk around the room.

He wanted to find some time to speak to Roman to get a grasp of what the situation was, but this was not the appropriate moment for it. For now, he would just do as he said and occasionally stop to make polite small talk and greet other dignitaries while his gaze looked out for anyone out of place. However, he accidentally bumped the shoulders of someone as he removed himself from a brief conversation.

"Pardon my carelessness. Are you okay?" The knightly prince inquired.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Askel Camila

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions @CitrusArms Stratya @Infinite Cosmos Munir

The relief that Askel felt to know that he was facing away from Stratya and Munir when she asked him that question was overwhelming for his cheeks had taken on a hue similar to his hair. He did not need to face her to know that she bore an evil grin because she could not be oblivious to the fact that a member of Ranya's family was standing right next to her. It was even likely that Munir was even one of her many protective brothers, not that she would know.

In some ways, it would have been easier to just come out with it and tell Munir that he and his sister were pursuing each other though it would have been abrupt. It certainly would have been unfair to Munir to lay it all on him. Ranya wanted to be the one to tell them when she was ready and above all else he wanted to respect her wishes.

"I'm not sure who you are referring to," said the prince. "I'm simply enjoying the pleasing countenance of so many women tonight. It is just that some are more... striking."

Askel turned around with two more plates in hand, this time with handsome sausages and a side of finely shredded cabbage with a sour smell. "Sauerkraut is cabbage fermented in salt, a condiment we use to cut through the flavors of fat and meat. It pairs perfectlh with sausage." He flashed Stratya a cheeky grin. "Not blood sausage, to your relief. I imagine it would offend the senses of most here. No, just your typical fair of bratwurst."

He chuckled and then with a playful grin said, "Now if we had some Varian ale then we'd have a real party but alas the trifecta cannot be completed. I guess I'd just have to invite you two for an authentic Varian beer hall experience when this is over."