[color=lightgray][h1][center][color=lightsteelblue]Cassius[/color], [color=teal]Liliane[/color] & [color=gold]Alexander[/color][/center][/h1]

[sub][center][color=lightsteelblue]Mention:[/color][@JJ Doe] Count Fritz[/center][/sub]
[hr]

As the heavy wooden door closed behind the duo, a mix of aromas—ale, tobacco, and the earthy scent of rain-soaked leather—rushed to greet their noses. The tavern was abuzz even at such an early hour; loud laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the air. The patrons ranged from rugged laborers to vigilant drifters.

Liliane, her navy blue gown contrasting with the mostly earth-toned attire of the tavern's regulars, moved with grace as she shut her umbrella. Eyes slid to the well-dressed pair, the chatter hushing for just a moment as she made her way to the bar, the wooden floor creaking under her steps.

The barmaid approached with a smirk, wiping her hands on her apron. She stood out with her shoulder-length curly red hair and dark lipstick. Her face was littered with freckles and her dark eyes were adorned with makeup. She leaned on the bar casually, [color=lightgreen]“Hey! Name’s Marcy. What can I get for you guys?”[/color]

Cassius rested against the bar in an equally casual manner, taking in the lively scene around him with a joyous expression. The tavern was filled with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of mugs, just the kind of atmosphere that felt like the closest thing to home to him. Breathing in the all too familiar scent of stale ale, his gaze shifted to the barmaid. She seemed confident but looked rather young…perhaps [i]too young[/i] to be tending the bar in an establishment like this. [color=lightsteelblue]“Morning, love, I would simply adore a glass of brandy, the top shelf variety if possible.”[/color] He said with a charming grin. [color=lightsteelblue]“And if it’s not too much trouble, we have some questions.”[/color] 

Liliane's polite smile did little to mask her purpose, her eyes scanning the room not for a drink but for a face. [color=teal]"We're actually here inquiring about a young woman that may have passed by here last night.”[/color]

[Color=gold]“Pale skin, long raven hair, and an unforgettable pair of crimson eyes.”[/color] Alexander's words cut in as he stepped from right behind Liliane to find his place beside her at the bar. His interjection was so chillingly sudden, as if he had kept from out of her very shadow. [Color=gold]“Any information would be appreciated.”[/color] He added before glancing down at Liliane, concern painted across his face.

Cas straightened slightly, his eyes moving away from Marcy and his instincts sharpening as he assessed the abrupt arrival of this newcomer. His expression remained neutral, betraying none of the curiosity that stirred within him. Instead, he observed with a cool detachment and a naturally calm demeanor as he simply waited to see if Liliane was familiar with this man. 

Lily’s gaze shifted to Alexander calmly, studying him briefly as the barmaid responded.

[color=lightgreen]“Oh, yeah, I remember her,”[/color] Marcy said, tilting her head slightly, causing her red curls to bounce. [color=lightgreen]“Scar across her face, right?”[/color] She gestured animatedly with her finger down her face to highlight the placement of the scar. [color=lightgreen]“She came in last night and practically [i]inhaled[/i] a whole bottle of whisky on her own.”[/color]

[color=teal]“Was she alone? …Did she say where she may be heading?”[/color] Liliane asked, her tone hopeful.

Marcy nodded vigorously, her smirk fading slightly as she recalled the details. She placed a hand on her hip, the other gesturing towards an imaginary bottle. [color=lightgreen]“She was here with a man, dark hair and charming-looking. He was watching over her the whole time, especially when she started to get a bit... wobbly.”[/color] 
She mimicked a swaying motion with her body, rolling her eyes dramatically. [color=lightgreen]“Girl was a huge downer but then once she finished the bottle, she was a lot more fun.”[/color] The barmaid pretended to stumble, catching herself on the bar with a laugh. She leaned her head backward over the bar with a cheeky grin.  

[color=lightgreen]“ As for where they were going, they mentioned moving to another bar, but I didn’t catch which one…”[/color] Marcy straightened up and tapped her chin before adding with urgency, [color=lightgreen] “...And a group of thugs followed them out! Seems like they were in some sort of trouble.”[/color] 

Liliane glanced toward Cassius, interested in his thoughts as she replied to the barmaid, [color=teal]“...Thank you, sweetheart, that’s very helpful.”[/color] 

His eyes were still settled on the stranger even as Marcy spoke, though Cassius listened intently to every word the young barmaid said. Finally, he turned his gaze to Lily as she thanked the woman. He took his moment to address her curious glance with a whisper meant only for her. [color=lightgray]“I wonder who this mysterious casanova is? If they were being followed, perhaps your initial sense of urgency was well founded, Lily.”[/color] 

The barmaid flashed a quick smile. [color=lightgreen]“Good luck. Hope you guys find her.”[/color] Then she paused, her eyes widening slightly. [color=lightgreen]“Oh, and you know what? I saw the same man here a few nights ago with Lady Charlotte Vikena. They were looking for somebody just like you are now.”[/color] 

[Color=gold][I]Interesting… Charlotte is quite tied into things.[/I][/color]

[color=lightsteelblue]”She’s a curious one indeed.”[/color] Cas stated nonchalantly, though a buzz of curiosity swelled within him at the mention of her name.It seemed as though he was unable to escape her since the night they met outside of his father’s doorstep. 

The countess did seem to ponder that information, but she was quick to face Alexander, [color=teal]“...What brings you here, my dear?”[/color]

[Color=gold]“Well conveniently… You, my dear.”[/color] He smiled kindly before his expression slipped back to concern. [Color=gold]“But in truth, your husband was whom I was searching for until I spotted you, your umbrella, and your strapping bodyguard there entering this… humble establishment. It's by the mercy of the gods that we find ourselves together, searching for your precious daughter.”[/color]

Liliane held his gaze, her smile never falling. Finally, she looked toward Cassius. [color=teal] “Cassius, sweetheart, please continue this conversation with Marcy for me. There are some questions that failed to cross my mind I’m sure. “[/color] She offered an arm toward Alexander, [color=teal] “Let us speak somewhere private.”[/color]

Cassius simply answered with a nod as he watched the two take their leave, a look of amusement painting his expression. [color=lightsteelblue]“Well…that was fucking strange.”[/color] He stated plainly to Marcy as he turned his attention back to her. [color=lightsteelblue]” I am curious though, have you ever seen that gentleman before?” He asked, referring to the strange man that had appeared seemingly out of thin air.[/color] 

[color=lightgreen] “...I don’t think so…”[/color] Marcy answered hesitantly as she pushed him the brandy he requested. [color=lightgreen] “Any more questions before I attend to the other slobs?”[/color] She asked with a smirk.

He shot the brandy in one, long gulp before responding. [color=lightsteelblue]”No more questions, but I do have a request…pour me another.”[/color] He flashed a kind smile at Marcy as he slid the glass back towards her. 
Marcy raised a brow but did as he requested.

Soon enough, Countess Liliane returned. [color=teal] “Sorry Cassius, hope you did not have to wait too long here.”[/color] She moved to lean on the bar and waved over Marcy once more, who sighed as she walked back over. [color=teal] “Are you certain you did not overhear the name of the bar nor the name of the man…? Her safety is at risk, please understand.”[/color]

The barmaid tapped her chin, then finally her face lit up. [color=lightgreen] “Wait! I think his name is Frizz or something like that. Yes. Frizz.”[/color]

Liliane stared at her in confusion as she repeated, [color=teal] “Frizz?”[/color]

[color=lightsteelblue]”I believe she means Fritz.”[/color] Cassius declared to Lily. [color=lightsteelblue]I know this man, met him last night at the masquerade. He’s charming, rather odd, but charming.”[/color] 

[color=teal] “Let us find this Fritz then.”[/color] [/color]