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Fantasy Festival For The Lonesome Noble Or How I Was Tricked Into Attending A Hookup Event For Unmarried Nobles [Fantasy/Light Romance]

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  • Illesia
    Irvine

    Illesia smiled gently at Seraphina when she asked to want to have tea with her. It wasn't a bad idea, she enjoyed a cup of tea with some fresh snacks. Maybe she would do that some time, yes this beach trip would be perfect. As she was lost in thought, Wren had walked over and tenderly placed a crown of flowers atop her head. Being a bit surprised by being brought back from her thoughts, she gave a friendly smile at Wren as she gently touched the crown on her head.

    "Thank you Lady Wren, these are beautiful, and I hope that they wont be wasted on me" Illesia then turned to Seraphina and addressed her invitation. "And that sounds lovely Duchess Seraphina, I will bring some snacks to pair with the tea." Illesia smiled warmly towards the woman before turning and heading back to her dorm. She needed to pack up her clothes for the trip and maybe a few accessories as well.

    While walking back to her dorm, she was suddenly approached by several wispy figures, all eagerly awaiting to speak to her. Glancing over her shoulder to make sure no one else was around, she permitted the spirits to speak.

    'Madame, there is someone else here that can see us. they pushed that lady down the hill. This caused Illesia to furrow her brow and slow her walking to a stop. There was someone else? If that is the case, why did they shove Seraphina down the hill after witnessing one of the spirits? They don't look threatening, nor do they have enough energy to be physically threatening either. She gave a sign and dismissed the spirits, making a mental note about what they told her.

    After a little time, Illesia returned to the meeting point, dressed in her swim suit, sandals, and a large floppy hat. She looked at the others who had gathered briefly before watching the Queen open the portal. Her brows raised as it had been a very long time since she watched a portal actually be opened in front of her. Most of the ones she encountered were already open, and none of them did she actually travel through since there was no reason to. She ended up following the other through and immediatly felt the warm air on her skin the refreshing hot breeze blow by. Her brushed some hair from her face and allowed her eyes to adjust before she moved off to the side. She happened to hear Edwin offer up cupcakes to everyone, but she she heard the flavors she hesitated to walk over. They were sweets, and while she didn't expect them to be overwhelming, she also never had a sweet tooth when she grew up.

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Lady Isolde
Getting ready for the excursion didn't take long for the red haired young woman since Isolde really didn't need much more in life than her violin and people to toy with. Even that last necessity wasn't even fully a necessity because she did enjoy her own company. Even friends didn't generally mean enough to Isolde to cause her to seek them out for extended amounts of time, the only exception being Roland. So much had happened at the gala thus far that she was going to need a lot of time to fill him in and catch up on his own shenanigans. There was one other person weaseling her way into Isolde's very exclusive list of friends, and the redhead found herself worrying about Wren as she finished putting on her swimming attire. The way that Wren had looked to her so earnestly made it clear that she had something she needed to discuss with Izzy, yet she wasn't comfortable doing so in front of her sister. Did something happen? Had someone tried to take advantage of the sweet, naive girl? If so, well, no one could create a creative punishment quite the way that Isolde could. Rare were the times when Isolde saw fit to seek retribution, but she was vicious when the situation deserved it. Even a knave like Izzy had principles!

She slung her violin case across her back and approached the gathering of others who were apparently going on this excursion with the Queen. Green eyes narrowed as she felt the shift in the air, her skin tingling as the magic was cast to create the portal. She was not versed in many other forms of magic, but she could feel a similar sizzling in the air as when she used her bardic magic. Perhaps she would ask the other woman more questions about her magic later...though her largest question was why she didn't use any of it to help her disguise be more convincing. It could have been beyond her ken to trick others able to poke holes in her explanations.

A voice from her left caught her attention, and she turned to be addressed by the young prince from before. An amused smile curled on her lips as he sought to apologize for his behavior previously as well as to try to assert his position. How...noble. It was almost sickeningly so. If it had been anyone else, she would have thought his words were false in an attempt to gain her favor by seeming so chivalrous. Instead, she felt that there was an echo of truth to his words. Oh gracious, he had even made sweets for others..Was he that starved for attention that he had to try to hard to gain the favor of others? Ah, and that way he looked at Wren hadn't been lost on Izzy. They would make a striking pair, but Izzy was not completely certain of his intentions. If he was going to seek out the favor of Wren, well, he was going to have to pass Izzy's trials before she gave her approval.

"No need to apologize to me, my lord. There are indeed many who would take advantage of servants, but I have found in my years at court that other nobles, even royalty, are not immune to being targeted by nefarious fellows. Titles do not make a person just nor does the lack of one make a person either innocent or incompetent. I do offer my own apology for having not introduced myself previously. Sometimes I forget that my reputation doesn't always precede me. My name is Lady Isolde, but you may call me Izzy if it would please you." She looked at the cakes being offered and had to admit...he did have a talent. Like Wren, he seemed to have an ability to narrow down what sweets a person would prefer. Still, that wasn't enough to shift Isolde's opinion in his favor.

"Thank you, my lord, that was most kind of you to offer. You are astute to assume that I would not like something too sweet. One might say that one's taste in sweets mirrors their appreciation for other aspects of life. I enjoy tartness to create a balance just as I also like spiciness to play against sweet things. Now the question is turned on you, my lord. What is your preference?"

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  • Drakkar






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    As Edwin's knife clattered against the cutting board with such ferocity, Drakkar found himself momentarily empathizing with the helpless slab of wood. His dear friend's sudden realization about the winery and the funeral he had attended long ago sent a tremor of unease through him. Luckily Seraphina was still in the dark. Drakkar's... unique condition had always precluded him from attending places of the deceased, so he had opted for a more subdued form of condolence. In truth, he doubted the bereaved women would have retained any clear memory of faces from that somber day, so Prince Edwin was probably safe, for now.

    A peculiar urge washed over Drakkar—an absurd desire to cup Edwin's face in his hands and ruffle his non-existent puppy dog ears. But such a gesture would be utterly bizarre, would it not? Even considering their close bond.

    As Edwin implored him for honesty, his crimson eyes bore into Drakkar's silver ones, a perfect reflection of his desperation. Before Drakkar could formulate a response, the cupcakes demanded his attention, offering a temporary reprieve from the weight of Edwin's words.

    Upon his return, Drakkar gazed at his friend, feeling the full gravity of his vulnerability.

    “You,” he began, voice low, “are the kind of man anyone would be damn lucky to have as a husband. There’s something rare in a soul who cares as deeply as you do. You always seek to better yourself, not for some image or prestige, but because you genuinely want to make someone else’s life richer, happier.”

    He paused, searching for the right words to give voice to the feelings that stirred inside him. “I’ve always felt safe with you, Edwin. Safe in the way that counts. You make people feel... seen. And that? That is a gift. Don’t ever doubt that.”

    Drakkar sighed softly, casting a glance toward the cupcakes Edwin had worked so tirelessly on, every delicate detail infused with thoughtfulness. “You’re not just fighting yourself to help yourself. You’re doing it so that someone, someday, can be wrapped in the warmth of the love you’re so eager to give. We might not be able to right the wrongs of our past, but we’re working hard to make sure it never happens again, and that counts for something.”



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    The golden rays of the sun cast a warm glow upon the pristine sands of the beach. The gentle hum of the waves and the murmurs of guests arriving through the shimmering portal filled the air. Drakkar stood beside Edwin, dutifully handing out cupcakes to each new arrival, though his mind was only half-present.

    Edwin, ever earnest, had been throwing himself into this event with genuine effort. Drakkar couldn’t help but notice his friend’s quiet determination to make a connection, despite his own burdens. It stirred something within Drakkar—a subtle reminder that he should, perhaps, try harder to engage instead of remaining so consumed by his own agendas. After all, there were people here with sincere intentions, perhaps even searching for true love. He owed them the same courtesy of attentiveness.

    As Edwin conversed with an elven lady—Isolde, or Izzy, if he heard correctly—Drakkar noted her slightly guarded demeanor. She hadn’t said anything sharp, but her posture held a quiet reservation that seemed to hover around her like an invisible wall. Was she measuring his friend up? Analyzing his intentions? Edwin appeared oblivious to it, as always, and Drakkar found himself amused by his friend’s resilience in the face of such subtleties. He’d handle himself just fine. Perhaps he’d be able to win her trust over in the end, as he often managed to do.

    His focus shifted as another figure emerged from the portal. Drakkar’s eyes followed her—the elven lady with silver hair. She was radiant, of course, but there was something more. A curiosity—a need to understand what had captivated Seraphina so deeply that she placed her in her art.

    Her hesitant approach to the cupcakes drew him away from Edwin’s side. He excused himself politely, making his way toward her, intent on trying, if only to push himself outside his usual calculations.

    "Good afternoon, my lady," he greeted her with a warm, composed smile. "I couldn't help but notice your hesitation. Rest assured, these cupcakes are far less saccharine than they might appear. Though, you needn't feel compelled to indulge—dinner later tonight will undoubtedly offer more savory delights."

    He offered a slight bow, his voice smooth, yet deliberate. "If it went unnoticed in the chaos earlier, I’m Drakkar Dierlock, Prince of United Ostlandia. And you are...?"

    As she spoke, Drakkar’s eyes wandered to her wings. They were delicate, shimmering in the fading light as though woven from colored glass. His gaze lingered for perhaps a moment too long, curiosity piqued by the artistry of her ensemble. “Your wings,” he remarked, his tone soft but admiring, “are truly mesmerizing. They catch the light like the finest stained glass. Quite exquisite.”

    Catching himself, he quickly added, “Forgive me if I’m being overly forward. I tend to become a bit enthusiastic about such things—I’m a bit of a…glass maker you could say. I suppose it gives me an eye for these details.”

    He hesitated, not wanting to overwhelm her, but felt compelled to acknowledge something else. “And I must apologize for earlier—whisking Edwin away so suddenly. I hope my intrusion didn’t cause too much offense.”

    Though his words were light, Drakkar was calculating, measuring the distance between them. He was curious—about Illesia, about her connection to Seraphina, about the quiet grace with which she carried herself. He felt no need to probe directly, but his interest was genuine.

    His thoughts flickered briefly to Seraphina, who had just arrived on the beach. With a soft sigh, he ruffled the back of his head. “Lady Seraphina may still be upset with me over an earlier accident,” he admitted with a touch of chagrin. “Her fall, it was entirely my fault, though she’s been gracious enough to insist otherwise. We've known each other since we were young, in a sibling sort of way.”

    As they conversed, Drakkar’s attention was suddenly pulled elsewhere. His gaze fixed on a new arrival emerging from the portal, and his eyes widened, his voice a quiet murmur just loud enough for Illesia to hear, “Good Heavens...it's the Veiled Prince of Davaland himself?”

    The figure moved with a quiet but undeniable grace—a presence that carried an air of legend, far removed from the awkward prince who had been introduced the night before. Drakkar's mind raced with the implications of such an esteemed presence at this gathering, unaware that his softly spoken observation might spark confusion among those who recalled meeting a different Davalan prince just yesterday.










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Roland Welden
Interactions: Violetti Violetti Seraphina redroseknight redroseknight Isolde Ginko The Mushishi Ginko The Mushishi Edwin

Roland strolled through the portal a minute or two after the others. Either they had different expectations on what was usual attire for a beach gathering than he did, or they'd all managed to agree on a dress code in his absence. Either way, he supposed he should be thankful Edwin had had the mind to inform him of the happening. Roland was dressed much like he usually did. He'd left the suit jacket behind, opting for just a suit vest and dress shirt with rolled up sleeves, leaving his forearms exposed. Perhaps not ideal swimwear, but he preferred this way of presenting himself.

Besides, he wasn't here to swim anyway. He had his sights set on something else, or rather, someone else. Be that as it may, he was fairly certain he wouldn't get away with ignoring Edwin and his... cupcakes? Well, after the events of yesterday evening, nothing really surprised him about the man. So, he strolled over, noting Isolde's presence near the man as well. He smiled at her, raising a finger to his lips. She'd understand what he meant.

Edwin, well, the man was a loose cannon. He would hardly be able to stop the man from shouting his name from the rooftops even if he tried. Isolde, on the other hand, was much more used to keeping quiet. He'd prefer to keep the amount of times his actual name was mentioned to a minimum. Duchess Ravenwood wasn't stupid, quite the opposite, one time too many and she'd definitely figure out this non-secret of his. So, he briefly leaned in next to Isolde as he reached the pair. "Let's find some time to meet later, we have much to discuss, you and I."

He turned to Edwin immediately after, ignoring Isolde. "You have a rather unique list of talents, my friend." He said, grabbing one of the rum glaze cupcakes and taking a bite. "I didn't expect you to be a talented baker as well." He took another bite before grinning. "You wouldn't happen to have the rum bottle with you?" He added with a joking smile before turning and walking away with a small wave. "Enjoy your afternoon."

It didn't take long to find her. After all, out of everyone there, it was her that stood out the most to him. "Duchess Ravenwood, as radiant in the sunlight as you were in the candlelight. Perhaps even more so." He started, running a hand through his hair. "I trust you got my invitation along with my little gift? Not very original to gift you your own product, I admit, but I figured you might want a little taste of home. To share with your sister, or anyone you'd like."

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice slightly. "I was hoping you'd spare some time for me today. This is hardly the venue for private conversation but I'd like to occupy some of your time nevertheless. Of course, if you'd already made plans for the afternoon, I wouldn't want to cause scheduling conflicts. If so, perhaps you'd accept an invitation for tonight, I hear the stars are quite the sight out here." He pulled back, smiling at the duchess.
 
Lilia

As everyone walked through the portal one by one, Lilia stood ready to close the portal once all were through.

"You all look wonderful!" Lilia complemented on the others outfits. Though she found it a bit dull for Roland to not arrive in any beach wear. She thought that maybe he could go for something short sleeved at least as it was quite warm there on the beach. That reminded her though. She raised her hands up and cast a spell that covered everyone. It was a protection spell of sorts. It was to avoid sunburn to be exact.

"We can't have you all getting sunburns. It's a little protection spell of mine. You should be able to stay out in the sun for three hours before the spell needs to be renewed or you need to cover yourselves. You will still get a tan though." Lilia said. She walked over to Edwin who offered cupcakes and grabbed one of the lemon cupcakes. "I honestly am not a fan of rum, so I will take the lemon ones instead."

As she bit into the cupcake she spotted Irvine. Swallowing before speaking, Lilia said: "Looks like we have a trespasser on the royal private beach. Please identify yourself and state what you are doing here before I teleport you back into town." But then she heard Drakkar mention that it was a prince of Davaland. "Oh, interesting. If that is true, welcome and forgive my rudeness. I just had a spar with your brother yesterday, however he is a heavy sleeper so I left him his breakfast in his room." Lilia said before noticing what she said may cause misunderstandings.

"Uh, I mean. I was in a disguise and I let him win. The terms were that I was to go on a date with him, but it was altered to that I make him breakfast. The way I said it maybe made it sound like we had romance but nothing of that sort happened. I still have to find someone of my interest at the pairing event and honestly there are a couple candidates, both men and women." She explained.

In the background, Lucia was heard saying: "I sure know who I am interested in."

Ignoring her niece/adopted daughter, Lilia turned to Drakkar. "I am surprised to see you here. It has been quite some time, hasn't it?"


Lucia

When Lucia saw Wren, her eyes glowed up. She went over to Wren and grabbed her hand. "You look super cute! I am so happy that we went to the island together!" She said. She then let go and noticed the cupcakes. If there was one thing that could rival Lucia's love for Wren, it was Lucia's love for food. Lucia grabbed one of each cupcake and began stuffing them in her mouth. With still food in her mouth, Lucia said: "Theesh cubcakesh are rearry good, Ebwim. Cam I haff bofe you and Wrem ath parthnerth? Omly if you are fime wiff sharing."


Lilia flicked Lucia's ear to which Lucia flinched and said: "Don't talk with food in your mouth. You are getting crumbs all over Edwin." Lilia then apologized for her niece. "I am so sorry for my uncivilized niece."
 
PRINCE OF SILVERSAND
EDWIN WELLSTEIN
Preference
Royal Beach, Paritaniakau

Edwin nodded at Isodle's words, she was right. Just because you could be a lord or lady, does not make you untouchable in the end. Isodle was wise, someone worth talking to if the chance arose in private. Within that span of time, Isodle allowed Edwin to address her by Izzy, if he preferred. That made him smile, as he finally met someone who didn't care so much for titles too!

"Then I am just Edwin, or Ed. Whichever you prefer, Izzy! I'm glad to be on a first name basis with you now." Though formal in both of their presentation thus far, Isodle's question finally pierced Edwin's thoughts in such a profound way, it was violent; but with tender consideration.

What did Edwin like?
What did he appreciate?
Edwin had always been a very cheerful fellow, often times he would be fine with anything presented to him. He could always make anything work. He was never picky, never held himself to a high standard, always treated people equally. Edwin was the textbook definition of a saint. The world scratches its own brow wondering how Edwin was possibily conceived. He could just say that he likes anything and be done with the question.. But something about Izzy's question, something about Izzy in general tore down a part of his selflessness. He finally looked inward, and found an answer.

"If you would not mind, I will speak plainly and true. Whether it makes me look like a fool or not, well...that matters little. You ask me what I prefer?" Edwin smiled, as he looked down at his cupcakes, then back up to Isodle.
"If I am to speak with honesty, I think I like.. The passion one has for something they hold dear to them. Let me explain, if you will." He understood it might not make sense at first.

"I have always felt that the chef with the passion to cook, to better themselves and their craft, to create dishes that inspire and engulf others in warmth and happiness is something entirely on a different level. You can feel the love, the care, the dedication one has put into their creation whether they are just starting out or if they've been doing it for years. It makes the experience far more genuine, and the taste is always unique. Much like how you seem to have the craft for music" He points out her violin.
"Wouldn't you agree, that you appreciate those who have a passion for music are people you can truly find common ground with? I believe passion makes all the difference. You may have all the best ingredients in the world to create the greatest dish to ever grace this earth...But it means nothing if you do not have the passion; the effort, love, or care towards those ingredients nor to the people you will present it to." Edwin concluded his statement with a smile, wiping his eyes just a little.

For Isodle, it was just a question about Edwin's preferences... Perhaps in taste, or in life. But to Edwin, it meant far more.

As Roland entered Edwin's space, snatched a cupcake with a funny little statement about the rum. (Which our beloved Edwin had brought with him, currently protected as we speak). He had to smile back at Roland. He waved back to his friend he had acquired on this most unusual event. "Enjoy your afternoon as well Roland!"

All form of intellect soon left Edwin as Wren appeared beside Isodle. He stood there, quite awkwardly, staring down at Wren with big, bulging eyes. In all honesty he would have been quite overjoyed that Wren had greedily scarfed down both cupcakes with such ferocity. But there was no doubt about it, he had lost himself in Wren's eyes once more. There was an internal tug on his brain, perhaps a reboot process in order. A jolt in his face that quickly observed the only thing he was capable of pointing out.

"Your flower crowns are crafted with such care and a delicate observation!" He stammered out.
"I-I thank you for the compliment, Lady Wren."
What are you doing?
Making a complete imbecile out of yourself?
Love is not for you.
That girl is too good for you.


Edwin finally closed his eyes and wiped the voices away. He calmed himself just enough to finally return to some intelligence.
"Your fondness for them is what makes all the honor mine, Lady Wren. I hope I am able to recieve a flower crown from your wonderful hands."

Edwin was surprised at Lucia's entrance, but her appetite quickly won over the situation. Edwin gave a small laugh, looking down at Lucia. "I'm glad you like them as well Lady Lucia." He wasn't able to quite make out what Lucia had been saying, but when Lilia intervened with a flick to Lucia's ears it seemed to become less of an importance. "No no! The crumbs are quite fine, we are at a beach after all. I could probably just take a dip if I needed to cleanse myself" He held up his hands in an attempt to diffuse the tension of Lilia had over Lucia.

Interactions: Daddy Dream Daddy Dream TanteRegenbogen TanteRegenbogen Violetti Violetti Key of Stars Key of Stars redroseknight redroseknight

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  • Illesia
    Irvine

    Her attention was pulled from the offering of cupcakes to a handsome young man that she recognized from earlier. She gave a polite smile before giving a small curtsy.

    "Illesia Mondessa, Duchess of Artor. Its a pleasure to meet you, and I thank you for your considerate eye." She didn't expect that her hesitation towards taking the cupcake offering was that visible, but then again when it came to what she was to eat, she didn't make an effort in hiding her feelings towards it. As her eyes drifted back over to Drakkar, she noticed he was mesmerized by her outfit. Before she could really speak, he spoke as if he was entranced by her wings.

    Illesia chuckled lightly when he caught himself and gave an explanation. She didn't mind, for the suit had once mesmerized her when she first laid her eyes on it. A gift from one of her friends, who knew it would come in handy with catching the attention of a prince. She reached up and took a piece of the fabric in her hand to look t it before turning her attention beck to Drakkar.

    "Don't fret too much, the way you admire my suit is how I reacted when I first received it. It is truly a beautiful piece, and it is nice to know a glassmaker finds beauty in it as well." She smiled gently again before a ghostly whisper came to her ear as her company spoke of Sera's fall. So this was the one who could see ghosts? Well, she wasn't entirely sure since the whisper only said him in her ear, but from past experiences, that typically meant it was a confirmation. "Oh dear, that was you? What could have happened to have you cause her to fall?" Illesia asked curiously, tilting her head and looking worried. But before he could answer, Drakkars attention was pulled away but someone unknown.

    She turned in the same direction as Drakkar had and noticed a stranger begin to approach the group. Immediately she narrowed her eyes, cautious of the newcomer suddenly approaching the group, but when her current company had spoke of him and his name she became less tense and more wary as to why he was approaching now. The Veiled Prince, someone most everyone knew about who participated in politics during the wars with Davaland. Illesia found the prince to be quite striking against everyone else, especially with the way he carried himself and the legends behind him
 














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    Drakkar observed Illesia with quiet appreciation, her movements possessing an ethereal grace that seemed to transcend mere nobility. Her evident understanding of his interest in her attire brought him a measure of relief, emboldening him to venture further. "Perhaps you'll allow me to create something to further complement it?" he proposed, his voice carrying the measured confidence of one well-versed in his craft.

    The question regarding Seraphina's fall lingered in the air, causing a visible tension to settle across his shoulders. Surely, he couldn’t divulge the entire truth, lest he sound mad. While gentlemanly duty compelled him to respond, providence intervened in the form of the Queen's sharp retort to the veiled prince – if Irvine's presence hadn't already commanded everyone's attention. The Queen's swift rectification of her stance didn't escape his notice; after all, it wasn't uncommon to mistake the prince's identity, given his notorious absence from social gatherings, reserving his presence for matters of genuine import.

    A light chuckle escaped him unbidden. Were his own parents as insufferable as Edwin's appeared to be? Fortune had smiled upon Drakkar in this regard – he was among those rare crown princes’ whose family exercised remarkable restraint concerning matters of marriage. His father had always maintained that one of his sister's children could be named heir should Drakkar fail to produce one himself. This freedom had allowed him to direct his attention toward weightier matters. Such an abundance of luck today – perhaps it portended an imminent reversal of fortune tomorrow. Best to seize the moment while it lasted.

    As the Queen's attention turned their way, Drakkar acknowledged her with practiced politeness. "I must confess, Your Majesty, the surprise is mutual, I hadn't taken you for such a romantic – though I mean no offense. Your boldness in expressing interest in certain candidates is indeed more characteristic of your nature." His eyes held a glimmer of genuine curiosity as he continued, "I find myself wondering what manner of person captures the Queen's interest." He paused before adding in a quieter tone, "If you might spare some time later, I have a matter of importance to discuss. Though it can certainly wait – it would be remiss of me to dampen the festive atmosphere with serious discourse."

    The veiled prince's challenging tone drew Drakkar's attention. He watched the exchange with measured concern – surely the Queen wouldn't resort to violence over such an affront to her event, though the rumors of her temperament did give one pause. Moreso, he didn’t need her in a bad mood. "Ah, but you misunderstand the nature of this gathering," Drakkar interjected. "It's far more than a mere bonding event – it's an opportunity to look inside yourself and surrender to…true love." His lips curved into a knowing smile as he regarded Irvine. "Are you so certain you can evade Cupid's arrow indefinitely?"

    Turning to address those nearest him, he continued with a practiced ease, "In fact, I was just about to invite the lovely Duchess Mondessa to explore the caves with me." His eyes sparkled with genuine enthusiasm as he added, "I've heard that Paritaniakau is home to some of the world's most remarkable wonders – particularly Lunafrost crystals, said to possess healing properties, tended to by luminescent cave moths. I've never had the opportunity to witness them firsthand." He paused, considering the inherent risks. It’s true that dark places can be home to more ghoulish creatures, but it was a risk he was willing to take. Afterall, he was indeed a rock man at heart. No creepy ghosts were going to stop him this time!!

    "The Lunafrost Caverns are quite the natural phenomenon," Drakkar elaborated, his voice taking on the rich quality of a master storyteller. "Where the ocean meets ancient stone, the caves create a sanctuary of crystalline pools. The Lunafrost crystals, which grow in delicate spirals along the cave walls, release their essence into the saltwater, creating what locals call 'the tears of the moon.' These waters shimmer with an otherworldly luminescence – a perfect harmony of mineral and marine magic."

    His eyes took on a dreamy quality as he continued, "The crystals themselves seem to pulse with the rhythm of the tides, their soft blue-white glow intensifying and dimming like steady breath. When moonlight filters through the cave's natural skylights, it catches the crystal formations in such a way that the entire cavern appears to be woven from starlight and sea spray. The healing waters below create a natural bath, kept at the perfect temperature by the meeting of warm underground springs and cool ocean currents."

    He gestured elegantly toward the cliffs in the distance. "The locals say that on particularly clear nights, one can hear the crystals singing – a melodic resonance created by the waves rushing through the cave's acoustic chambers. It's said that bathing in these waters during such a song can mend not just the body, but the heart and spirit as well. Exciting, isn’t it?" Drakkar adjusted his glasses. His heart, body, and soul was taken by the imagery he’d created. Someone would probably have questioned his status as prince and mistaken him for a local tour guide. Then again, maybe that was his true calling. He had spent a great ordeal of his life studying all the magical nooks of the world, in hopes of finding a solution to combatting the demon he was sure to face one day.

    Initially, he had intended to extend this invitation solely to Duchess Mondessa – her ethereal attire would have seemed perfectly at home among the crystalline formations, as if she herself were an extension of the cave's natural beauty. However, he quickly dismissed the notion; he didn’t want to risk making her uncomfortable by suggesting she accompany a virtual stranger into such an intimate setting. Besides, keeping such a magnificent sight to himself felt unnecessarily cruel. Let all who wished to witness nature's artistry do so.

    His attention briefly drifted to Edwin, who now found himself surrounded by three enchanting ladies. Well, well, Drakkar mused, a hint of amused pride warming his chest. Perhaps my friend doesn't require my assistance after all. Yet even as he watched, he couldn't help but notice how Edwin's gaze invariably returned to the younger Ravenwood sister, regardless of who else vied for his attention. Edwin could be surrounded by every eligible noble in the realm, and still, his eyes would seek out only one.

    Fear not, my friend, Drakkar silently promised, already formulating plans. By nightfall, I'll have created an atmosphere so perfect even the stars will seem to have aligned just for you two. Even if Seraphina decides to have my head for it. His friend deserved the chance to explore these uncharted feelings.










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Sensation

















Wren felt her cheeks warm at Edwin's kind words about her flower crowns, a rosy blush spreading across her features. Her heart soared knowing that someone had noticed the care she put into each creation, the way she studied each flower's placement to bring joy to others. But when he mentioned receiving a crown from her hands, her breath caught in her throat.

If only he knew...

Her fingers circled the edge of her swimsuit as she tried to contain the butterflies in her stomach. She had been working on a crown for him, spending the hours prior searching for the perfect flowers that might capture even a fraction of the mesmerizing depth of his crimson gaze. But how could she possibly tell him that? The gardens of Liviania had offered many blooms, yet none seemed to match the unique intensity of those eyes.

The moment was brief – a flicker really – when Edwin closed his eyes and seemed to retreat inward. But in that heartbeat, Wren's healer's senses trembled with awareness. The world around her darkened ever so slightly, and she felt it – an echo of something raw and painful that he carried within. Her heart ached with the desire to ease whatever torment plagued him.

Lucia's enthusiastic appreciation of the cupcakes, though muffled by her impressive consumption of them, provided a welcome distraction from her flustered state. Wren couldn't help but smile at Edwin's gentle response about the crumbs, his kind nature showing through even in such a small moment.

When Drakkar began describing the Lunafrost Caves, Wren's eyes widened with wonder. Crystalline pools that shimmered with moonlight? Waters that could heal the heart and spirit? Her mind immediately began spinning with possibilities – surely among such magical wonders, she might find the perfect flower to complete Edwin's crown. And perhaps... perhaps these mystical waters might help quiet whatever demons seemed to whisper within his mind.

The peaceful and hopeful moment shattered as a shimmering portal materialized nearby. Several men stepped through, their faces grave as they exchanged hushed words with the Queen before announcing that Countess Isolde was urgently needed at home – a family emergency required her immediate return. Wren could only watch helplessly as her dearest friend was whisked away through the portal, though Izzy managed to flash her a reassuring smile that seemed to say they would meet again. Although she lost her romance teacher, she would still channel her energy from within!

Drawing upon every ounce of courage that Izzy had inspired in her, Wren lifted her gaze to meet Edwin's. "Would you..." she began softly, then cleared her throat and tried again with more confidence, "Would you and Lady Lucia like to explore these caves together? Once you've finished sharing your wonderful cupcakes, of course. Izzy would want us to enjoy them in her honor. As for the crown...I promise I won't make you wait too long." She beamed up at Edwin.

Her eyes darted briefly to the Veiled Prince, internally vowing to win him over as a friend at some point. She didn't quite register all his words from earlier, but it seemed like he wasn't thrilled to be in their company. Perhaps the man was hungry. Yes, that must be it.

Her heart thundered in her chest at her own boldness just now, but Izzy would have been proud. She would simply have to be brave on her own, and save all the details to share with her friend upon her return. Wherever Phina had run off to as well, she would have to fill her in. I hope she's not in any trouble...I swear she was here one second and then gone the next. Ah well, she always loses herself in the arms of nature (little did she know she was about to lose herself in the arms of someone, and it wasn't nature!).











♡coded by uxie♡
 
Roland Welden
Interactions: Violetti Violetti (Seraphina)

Mentions: Ginko The Mushishi Ginko The Mushishi (Edwin)

Roland didn't resist as Seraphina took his hand and pulled him away from the others. The gathering seemed just about at a turning point of devolving into absolute chaos and he'd gladly skip the whole ordeal. He smiled as she explained herself. "I wasn't complaining, quite the contrary in fact. I'm not sure how being associated with alcohol reflects on my character, but..." He chuckled. "I suppose I can't say it's inaccurate. Besides, being the subject of your thoughts is never a bad thing for me."

Roland chuckled again at the mention of Edwin. "Quite the character indeed. I know someone who would see the man as an easy mark because of that kindness. Then again, she sees most people as an object to exploit to increase her wealth. Personally, I think he's rather interesting." He paused as they reached the cove, settling down on a rock next to her. Not quite close enough to touch shoulders, but certainly closer than most nobles would consider appropriate.

"Did I give that impression?" He asked with a smirk. "Target is such a harsh word, my lady. I don't intend to harm prince Edwin, nor anyone else for that matter. But the man certainly is fascinating. Never before have I seen a noble, much less a prince, act with such complete disregard for decorum. The bloody man all but forced me onto his shoulders for transport the other day." He reached up, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, like I said, he's rather interesting. And, to be frank, rather refreshing. Of course, not nearly as interesting or refreshing as you. Which reminds me, The Intricate Art of Cheese-Making: From Curds to Connoisseur, was it? Has cheese-making always been a hobby of yours?" He asked with a knowing smile.

His smile vanished as he considered her next question. "I do not expect there to be a next." Well, frankly, there wasn't much of a current one either. Though he supposed Abigail and his grandma had instructed him to find a partner at this party. That was something he'd been planning to ignore, until the Duchess had walked in. "I'll be quite free after this. Perhaps I'll travel and find myself in Ostlandia. I hear the Ravenwood Duchy produces quite the wine. But who knows, the future's rarely set in stone."

"That's the way of the nobility, isn't it? Hiding away every sincere thought behind a wall of carefully crafted compliments and arguments. Yes, you'll hardly ever see someone step forward and tell count Abel that his yellow tie looks like it was picked from the shelves by a color blind dog."
He turned towards her, the corner of his mouth curling upward in a smile. "I agree with you my lady. Such walls only hold us back. I believe the greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one."

"But, I am not blind, my lady. I can tell you are worried. And why wouldn't you be, for all I talk about being honest, you know there is at least one secret I am keeping from you. I have been sincere in my interaction with you from the start, the one you've been talking to is not a front or ruse."
He said, shifting on the rock to face her fully, meeting her eyes. "But, of course, that one lie remains. That one mystery. Do you want to know? Just say the word, and I'll tell you who I am and why I'm here."
 

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