[color=lightgray][center][h3][color=D2691E]Farim[/color], [color=E77298]Anastasia[/color], [color=#7393B3]Wystan[/color], [color=ab274f]Wulfric[/color], [color=904342]Nahir[/color], [color=DAF6C7]Riona[/color], and [color=#035E7B]Thea[/color] 

[COLOR=gold]Location: The Royal Curd[/color]
[sub][right][COLOR=gold]Mention:[@Conscripts] Dr. John [@Helo] Leo[/color], Charlotte [@princess][/right][/sub][/h3][/center]
[hr]

[color=E77298]“This place is incredible! I absolutely love it,”[/color] Anastasia declared to the table, picking up a menu. After scanning it, she asked with a mischievous grin, [color=E77298]“Would anyone dare judge me if I went straight for cake?”[/color] 

Without waiting for a response, she added with a wink, [color=E77298]“Actually, I couldn't care less if you do. I'm getting cake.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Order whatever you like, Anastasia, but would you do me a favour?”[/color] her brother beckoned her closer. [color=ab274f]“Can you tell me what happened last night at Roman’s gathering? I heard you’d been found unconscious, and that Shahzade Farim had carried you home safely.”[/color] He turned to the man in question. [color=ab274f]“I wished to thank you for that. I appreciate you looking out for my sister.”[/color]

Farim had taken his seat next to Anastasia and had been perusing the menu with interest as Wulfric poised his question. He placed the menu down and had a slight raise to his eyebrows. [color=D2691E]“Are you sure you would like to talk about such things here?”[/color] He paused, and at Wulfric’s confirmation, immediately acquiesced and began to explain the situation of last night anyway. [color=D2691E]“Well I suppose I shall share, given that those present would have a vested interest in it as well for their own reasons.”[/color] His eyes gleamed across the table at Nahir, Ece, Wystan, Wulfric, and Riona.

[color=D2691E]“To keep things short, I believe Dr John and his compatriot may be responsible, or at least know more than they are letting on. Simply put I found them helping to tussle with the enraged and possessed Roman after the guards interrupted the ceremony and once I had investigated the path they came from I found the princess out cold in the dirt. Once I questioned them on it, they had little to say in response other than that I should be careful with what I say.”[/color] He crossed his arms and gave a slight shrug.

[color=D2691E]“There was this woman who helped; Torvi I believe her name was. She helped me find her in the woods. From there I took her to safety and placed her in her bedroom to rest the injury off.”[/color] He left out the part about meeting Lady Thea, rubbing his head as if a phantom pain returned to his head.

Nahir sat quietly with the menu before her, held by two sweaty hands. She glanced up when Wulfric inquired about last night's event, but as Farim shared his experiences, she made no comment on them. Her throat felt dry, like she had just bitten into a delicious sand tart. The menu wasn’t doing her any good, and the smell of cheese– oh gods, who loved cheese this much? 

Still, she kept an ever-present, easy smile on her lips, indicating nothing was wrong. She nodded along with the conversation. Behind her, Ece kept a close watch around the table quietly.

Wystan had arrived a bit later than the rest, no doubt returning from a long patrol around the city. He had positioned himself strategically and quietly near the Danrose siblings when he entered, allowing them their space while ensuring he had a clear line of sight to the surrounding area. He noted the various dignitaries and guests, assessing potential threats and exits with a practiced eye. The cheese table, laden with delicacies, was where the watchdog had trained his eyes upon while listening to Shahzade Farim’s conversation, simply to make sure the food was not being mishandled and to remain updated on the latest occurrence.

[color=#7393B3]“...”[/color] There was not a word from him, but a grateful nod of the head to acknowledge the Shahzade’s open stream of information. 

[color=E77298]“Dr. John!”[/color] Anastasia burst out in surprise. [color=E77298]“No, it was the mafia, like I told you earlier.”[/color] She cleared her throat dramatically and unnecessarily. [color=E77298]“Okay, here’s the tea. Roman was tripping WAY too hard, and he freaked out on the guards looking for Violet. Farim went to go help him, and I went to find them both. Then, as I ran into the woods…”[/color] She suddenly rose out of her seat and slammed her hands on the table, [color=E77298][i]“The mafia attacked me and everything went black[/i].”[/color] Her eyes shifted across the table, locking on each and every person briefly. [color=E77298]“I am a woman with a lot of information… And I’m cute. So of course, the mafia would naturally target me out of jealousy.”[/color] As she lowered back into her seat, she smiled and shrugged. [color=E77298]“They’re obsessed with me.”[/color]

Wulfric gave a nod of thanks to Farim. [color=ab274f]“Circumstantial evidence it may be, but that is concerning.”[/color] To Anastasia, he merely said, [color=ab274f]“What makes you think it was the mafia?”[/color] It could be one of her ridiculous flights of fancy, but if there was information to be had, he’d unearth it. [color=ab274f]“Did you notice anything when you were attacked?”[/color]

[color=E77298]“Long coats.”[/color] Anastasia informed him as if it was ground-breaking evidence. At which her brother raised a brow. [color=ab274f]“...How many?”[/color] 

Anastasia stuck two fingers up in response.

It was at this moment that a small and pretty blonde approached the table with a sense of urgency, her eyes fixed on Princess Anastasia. Thea had spotted her best friend shortly after entering the Royal Curd and had made a beeline for her. Without a second thought, she blurted out, [color=#035E7B]“Annie, dearest Annie, it is dire that I speak to you immediately as I have something of the utmost importance to tell you about.”[/color]

It was only after the words had left her mouth that she noticed the other people seated at the table. A flush of embarrassment crept up her cheeks as she realized she had interrupted their conversation.

[color=#035E7B]“Oh, I apologize for my interruption,”[/color] she said, quickly dipping into a polite curtsy. Her gaze first settled on Prince Wulfric, whom she had known for as long as she'd been friends with Anastasia. [color=#035E7B]“Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”[/color] The prince gave her a curt nod in response. [color=ab274f]“Lady Thea,”[/color] he greeted. Throughout the years of her knowing Anastasia, he’d somewhat got used to their high energy. The two’d been fast friends since their childhood, and were prone to getting entangled in giggle-filled girls’ talk, or stirring up trouble - often both.

Turning to Shehzade Farim, Thea offered him a warm, yet awkward and embarrassed smile. [color=#035E7B]“It’s lovely to see you again, Shehzade Farim. I hope you’ve been well.”[/color]

Farim offered a bow from his seat to the woman. [color=D2691E]”The pleasure is mutual, and I am happy to see you are doing well.”[/color]

Next, she turned to the stalwart guard to Wulfric and Anastasia with genuine happiness. [color=#035E7B]“Wystan! It's always reassuring to see you. I trust all is well?”[/color]

[color=#7393B3]“As well as we can make it, Lady Thea. Good day.”[/color]

Finally, she turned to the two unfamiliar faces at the table, offering them a graceful curtsy and polite smile. [color=#035E7B]“I don’t believe we’ve met. I am Lady Thea Smithwood. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”[/color] Then something else dawned on her and her eyes went wide as she began to look around frantically.

[color=904342]“It’s a pleasure, Lady Thea.”[/color] Nahir smiled up at the woman, her brow twitching at the sound of her voice. It was not a slight to her but the sudden intrusion into their conversation. She looked back to her menu before any signs of annoyance managed to slip out. What was going on with her?

Behind her, Ece bowed but remained silent, eyes trained on Nahir.

[color=#035E7B]“Oh dear, my brother isn't here, is he?!”[/color] There was panic in her voice as she continued to scan the restaurant. 

[color=E77298]“THEA!”[/color] Anastasia exclaimed with glee and reached her arms out toward her, [color=E77298]“Come, come.”[/color] She patted her lap invitingly as if beckoning a puppy, [color=E77298]“Have the warriors returned from the great war? Come inform me.”[/color] Her voice took on a peculiar accent as she beamed at her. Thea immediately took a seat on her friends lap, giggling at her and mimicking the same accent as she simply said, [color=#035E7B]”Indeed they have!”[/color] Her gaze shifted when Thea mentioned Wystan, and she turned to smile at the watchdog, joining in the greeting as she hadn't had the chance to give before. [color=E77298]“Yes! Hi Wystan! Why aren’t you sitting with us? I want to order you some cake.”[/color] She patted her lap again as if there was room for both of them somehow. The royal bodyguard smiled simply and said, [color=#7393B3]“Good day, and thank you, Princess. You will have to pardon me, I’m afraid there is only room for one at a time.”[/color]

Upon the subject of her brother, she took a glance around herself until Leo fell in her line of sight. There was no hiding the look of shock on her face. She tilted her head as she stared at him in awe.

[color=E77298]“Oh he’s here…. and… heeeeeeeee…. looks like [i]a wad of bubblegum.[/i]”[/color] 

[color=#035E7B]“Wad of bubblegum?!”[/color] Thea asked alarmed as her eyes followed where Anastasia was looking. [color=#035E7B]”Why is he pink?!”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“A practical joke?”[/color] Wulfric suggested, having already noticed Leo’s pink state at the church. Eyeing her as she held a lapful of an excitable ball of energy in the form of Lady Thea, he stood up. [color=ab274f]“Please take a seat, my lady,”[/color] he offered. Thea supposed what Wulfric suggested could make sense. Still, she made a note to ask him about it later and make sure he was okay. [color=#035E7B]”Oh, thank you!”[/color] She said after a moment and slid over to the chair as she watched Wulfric move. He strolled to where Farim sat on Anastasia’s other side, indicating that he wished to speak to him. [color=ab274f]“You have seen two men as well, correct? Were they wearing coats?”[/color] The Shahzade affirmed that was the case, so Wulfric prompted, [color=ab274f]“Could you describe the other man if it isn’t too much trouble?”[/color]

Farim looked up to Wulfric as the man approached. He offered a slight chuckle and responded to Anastasia first. [color=D2691E]“Correct, you are the prettiest woman in the room with all the answers and information - so naturally very important people want to target you.”[/color] His tone was slightly satirical but still contained the hint of truthful belief behind his words. Annie pointed at her face as if to highlight that they were discussing her looks as he spoke, a smile on her face. [color=D2691E]“Would it surprise you to hear that Dr. John and his friend wore the very black coats that you just described?”[/color] The princess’s eyes widened with shock and she covered her mouth. 

[color=E77298][i]Dr. John is in the mafia…!?[/i][/color]

Farim paused and gestured towards Wulfric [color=D2691E]“And Prince Wulfric, I am afraid my memory seems to be failing me but I remember a rather light-skinned individual with similar accents and mannerisms to Dr. John. Similarly average build, and well, I am afraid that is where my memory runs hazy. I think it was partially because of the drinks at the ceremony that my perception was a little off.”[/color]

He held a hand up as he realized he may be re-describing the events of the other night. [color=D2691E]“No memory wiping fancy poison mind you. Just a strong drink I imagine.”[/color] 

[color=ab274f]“Thank you, Shahzade. That is more than enough information, I assure you.”[/color] The rest, he would simply find out by directly investigating Varian’s involvement in the event.

[color=E77298]“The drinks had fun drugs in them.”[/color] Anastasia clarified unnecessarily. [color=E77298]“They were like… ghost drugs.”[/color] Wulfric gave her a thoughtful glance. That descriptor followed by Farim’s reassurance that there was no memory wiping did call the possibility of magical involvement to his mind. Roman had also been described as ‘enraged’, ‘possessed’, and ‘out of his mind’, though he’d ascribed all of that to mundane drugs so far. Maybe there was more to it, though.

Thea quietly listened to the exchange for a moment, brows furrowing especially as she realized the importance of the conversation. She had a feeling her friend didn’t quite understand the risks she had actually faced the night before, nor would she, so she decided it was time to distract her once more and get back to why she came. [color=#035E7B]“Anniiiieeee!!! The most splendid, wonderful, [i]magical[/i] thing happened to me at the dating event. I met the most lovely, dreamest Prince Charming I think I’ve ever encountered.”[/color] She let out a blissful sigh as she leaned back in the chair, sliding down in it some as if she were swooning and through her arm across her forehead. [color=#035E7B]“I do believe I’m in love!”[/color]

Annie's eyes widened, and she let out a high-pitched squeal of delight, nearly bouncing Thea off her lap. Fortunately, her arms quickly wrapped around Thea in a tight embrace as she nuzzled her cheek against hers. [color=E77298]“Oh my goodness, Thea! This is incredible!”[/color] she exclaimed happily. [color=E77298]“Tell me everything! What’s he like? How did you meet? Do I know him? Who is he?!”[/color] She leaned in eagerly, her excitement radiating off her in waves.

Riona, who had been quietly listening the entire time, quickly lost interest in the conversation Lady Thea started and glanced down at the menu. [i]King Edin’s Cheese Portrait[/i] was tempting. Not because it sounded particularly appetizing but the thought of driving a fork through that monster’s face had a certain appeal to it.

Briefly studying the odd woman out as he walked to the other side of the table, Wulfric sat down in the vicinity of Nahir. [color=ab274f]“Please excuse me, Shehzadi,”[/color] he dipped his head as he settled into his new position. [color=ab274f]“This table has become unexpectedly active,”[/color] he smirked as he commented. He took his time to study the guests. The restaurant was teeming with activity, and practically all the tables were full. Some were getting rather rowdy, even, but the waiters and waitresses were handling it all well. 

[color=904342][i]A little too much for my liking at the moment,[/i][/color] Nahir wanted to say but settled with, [color=904342]“It’s nice to see how lively they are.”[/color] Which wasn’t a lie, but she would prefer it if there wasn’t an invisible force crushing her skull from all sides.

Moments after Wulfric sat down, he was handed a menu - his previous one had been left to Lady Thea. He leisurely perused the menu, but it was difficult finding anything he thought he could stomach. The main courses nearly made him nauseous merely by reading about them, and the desserts were no better. In the end, he settled on a selection of appetizers, though he would downsize the involvement of [i]cheese[/i] when ordering.

Farim chuckled as the pair of women went on to gossip about the impending romance that Thea had recently experienced. He gave it some partial attention but figured it would be best to let the ladies gossip and gush as they please. The man took the time to map out his soon to be meal rather quickly, and decided upon some Cheese and Herb scones, the Cheese Volcano Vortex, and the Golden Cheesecake Carnival. He made sure to add an extra order of scones for Anastasia so he could offer some to her should she desire.

With Wulfric and Nahir conversing and Thea and Annie having their girls moment, Farim look over at the one person at this table he hadn’t recognized. [color=D2691E]”You there, I do not believe we have met. I am Shahzade Farim from Alidasht. Who might you be?”[/color] He said as he looked in Riona’s direction.

Riona jerked her head up from perusing the menu, a little startled that Shahzade Farim decided to strike up a conversation with her. She stood up from her seat and bowed with her arms crossed at the wrist and thumbs facing the floor. [color=DAF6C7]“Your Highness, peace be upon you. I am but one servant among many.”[/color] Riona held the pose until she was released from it. [color=DAF6C7]“You honor me by allowing my presence here. Rest assured, I will keep to myself. You will scarcely notice I am here.”[/color]

Nahir’s eyes stopped mid-sentence of the description of yet another cheese-infested item on the menu when she heard the servant’s voice. She made no attempt in looking up from her menu nor any other sign of acknowledging the woman, for now at least. 

Thea couldn’t contain her giggles as Annie squealed and bounced. She was so excited to tell her friend all about her morning, she could barely contain herself. [color=#035E7B]“We met at the mixer! He was my random partner and he was just PERFECT! Lord Drake Edwards, even just saying his name makes me swoon.”[/color] She said with a happy sigh and went on to tell her all about what they talked about. [color=#035E7B]“In the end, he invited me to his birthday party tomorrow!”[/color] She finished off the tale, but then gasped as she threw her hand over her mouth and looked at Anastasia wide eyed. [color=#035E7B]“I must get him a gift! But what should I get?!”[/color]

[color=E77298]“Oooh! Lord Drake Edwards is a total hottie and such a gentleman. “[/color] Anastasia  gushed. [color=E77298] “He’s a really nice person and I am sure he’d love anything you pick out for him…”[/color] Her smile faltered slightly as something dawned on her. [color=E77298]“...But beware, [i]mother from the Hells[/i]. It’s her you might have to impress, otherwise you got yourself one bitch of an in-law.”[/color] Firmly, she gripped her hands assuringly, the smile returning to her face, [color=E77298]“But! Don’t fret. We shall go shopping. The Duchess is the most extra woman in our country and we’re gonna need quite some gold to pick out something so nice she’ll be begging Lord Drake to marry you. If all else fails, she totally loves me and I will hype you up.”[/color]

Farim took a moment to chuckle at the gossip happening on his left. He just found a certain charm to it all - and was rather enjoying the group ambience before him. His hand raised in a single and graceful gesture as he pointed his palm towards Riona. [color=D2691E]“At ease, madam. So you are among the help here? Do you work for anyone here or are you out on leave currently? No need to shrink away - I imagine if you are granted access to this table it must be through [i]some[/i] merit, no?”[/color] He was both kind and curious - at a table of such highly influential members of society, how could a “simple servant of many” manage to slide their way in? Part of him wasn’t buying it but he decided to play along for now.

Riona’s lips quirked into a tired smile. Of course he didn’t recognize her. Not from the royal guest house or even the dinner party the Sultan hosted at said guest house. And why should he? To them, she was just an ant amongst many.

For a second, she considered letting it slide. After all, this wasn’t the first time. But then, something stirred within her. Riona’s gaze drifted to the table where Lady Charlotte sat, her words echoing in her mind. [i][color=D0B4EC]“…Just please do me a favor and do not let anyone tell you that you matter any less than the rest of us… You’re not an ant.”[/color][/i]

Riona turned her attention back to the Shahzade, looking him straight in the eyes. [color=DAF6C7]“We’ve met before, Your Highness. If you require a clue, perhaps Wystan’s indifference to my presence might jog your memory.”[/color] She nodded at the Watchdog.

[color=904342][i]The servant girl from the dinner. I wonder what she thinks of us. Is our dysfunctional family like any other?[/i][/color]

Thea's excitement wavered momentarily at Anastasia’s warning and a twinge of panic rose in her chest. She hasn't even thought about his parents and, truthfully, she knew nothing about them. Did they know about her? About her reputation? No, she couldn't worry about that right now. She simply would be kind and respectful when meeting the Duke and Duchess and do what she could to win them over. She squeezed her friend’s hands gratefully. 

[color=#035E7B]“Thank you, Annie. I’ll need all the help I can get to impress her it seems. Shopping sounds perfect. And with you by my side, I know we’ll find something incredible. Let's turn this into an adventure! And maybe you can help me find the perfect dress too!”[/color] The excitement came right back at the thought of shopping.

[color=E77298]“Oh for sure I can!”[/color]

For a moment, she briefly glanced over at Riona and Farim, having heard part of their conversation. Her eyes lingered on Riona, feeling like she looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place her. She hated when that happened and so she silently pondered the woman's identity as she turned her attention back to Annie, who did not follow Thea’s gaze to Riona, perhaps purposefully so.

His expression molded into that of a confused state of pondering. He rubbed his chin with his finger as he got a good look at this woman. He replayed the last few days in his head, still finding large parts of it foggy. [color=D2691E][i]I did not realize how much of my trip here has been erased by alcohol - I should drink a little less.[/i][/color] But there was one particular set of events that he was sober enough to remember. She was one of the ones who served drinks at the dinner the other night - the one where his cousin had decided to showcase the unyielding pride and might of Alidasht firsthand.

He snapped his fingers as he reached his epiphany. [color=D2691E]“Ah, the dinner! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner then. That night was rather…interesting, to say the least. I hope my boldness that night did not seem unbecoming of myself. I try to keep my temper at a minimum - especially in social situations.”[/color] He paused. [color=D2691E]“However, that does not answer the second initial question I posed.”[/color] He gestured once more towards her, his open palm facing the ceiling as he emphasized his meaning. [color=D2691E]“Who might you be? I apologize if you have given me a name before. I have had to learn many faces since coming here - and I promise to commit to memory if that is the case.”[/color] 

Seeing the Shahzade ashamed for forgetting about her, Riona’s expression softened. She sat back in her chair and flipped open the menu again. [color=DAF6C7]“Technically, Your Highness, I did answer your question: I am but one servant among many. I can’t imagine my name is all that important for you to commit to memory, not with so much else to occupy your mind.”[/color] Her gaze slid meaningfully to Princess Anastisia. [color=DAF6C7]“Anything about Her Highness, for one.”[/color] Then, her eyes darted to Wystan for the merest fraction of a second before settling on Shahzade Farim. [color=DAF6C7]“Is your intention to court her?”[/color]

Nahir leaned in closer to Wulfric, her voice low enough for him to hear and not interrupt the others’ conversations. [color=904342]“How was your evening yesterday at the ball, Prince Wulfric? I’m afraid I wasn’t able to see your costume.”[/color]. She’d been so focused on Lady Dantès that she’d forgotten to do much of anything else. Today, that wouldn't be the case. [color=904342]“Ah, and if I may…”[/color] She moved her menu between them as if he didn’t have one of his own. [color=904342]“Would you have any recommendations? I’m afraid I am not very familiar with cheesy foods.”[/color] 

[color=ab274f]“It was an eventful masquerade. I had my share of conversations…and dancing. I hope you had your fun as well?”[/color] He thought he’d caught sight of Nahir on the dance floor, but they’d each been preoccupied by their company. [color=ab274f]“There was such a dazzling array of wondrous costumes, wasn’t there? Unfortunately, that also made it challenging to appreciate them all,”[/color] he commented. At her request, he closed his own menu, set it aside, and went through hers while sharing his recommendations. [color=ab274f]“Well, my policy on cheese is to treat it as a spice. It is meant to [i]complement[/i] a meal rather than overwhelm it. This is why I will forgo the main courses, and make a meal of the appetizers…”[/color]


[color=904342]“I indeed did have fun; I found myself the most interesting dancing partner. I should consider organizing similar gatherings back home.”[/color] Nahir smiled, glancing at the menu as he began his recommendation. [color=904342]“Wise words I'll keep in mind if I ever find myself here again.”[/color]
It was then a figure approached, her yellow dress bright and cheerful under the soft glow of the restaurant's lights. A cheese hat sat atop her head, completing her ensemble.She greeted them with a wide, welcoming smile that lit up her face.
[color=#F0E68C]“Hello, everyone! I'm Brie-anna, and I'll be your server today. Are we all melting with excitement to order, or are we still deciding?”[/color]Her voice was cheerful, and her eyes sparkled with mirth as she prepared to take their orders, her pad ready in hand.
[color=#F0E68C]“I hope you're all ready to have a gouda time!”[/color] Brie-anna continued. She chuckled at her own joke, her demeanor as light and bubbly as the sparkling water she began to pour into their glasses.
[color=E77298]“I want the sexy cake please!”[/color] Anastasia exclaimed with a giggle. 
Brie-anna's eyes twinkled with amusement. [color=#F0E68C]“Ah, the Seductress' Delight! It's one of our most tempting desserts, layered with dark chocolate and mascarpone that's as smooth as the charm I see here tonight. And those raspberries? Just as bold and delightful as this gathering!”[/color]
When she heard the Princess’s order, Riona stared at her. Was she only going to eat cake for lunch? … That sounded… fun, actually. Riona flipped to the desserts section of the menu. After some debate, she ordered the [i]Cheese Cloud Confection[/i].

[color=#035E7B]“Oh! Um…well I’m not all that hungry since I just ate, but…”[/color] Thea began as she quickly grabbed the menu and glanced over it. [color=#035E7B]“I suppose I’ll take the scones….Oh! And the Golden Cheesecake Carnival, please!”[/color] She simply couldn’t resist the sweets.

[color=ab274f]“What wonderful timing, Miss Brie-anna.”[/color] Wulfric, who had been about to explain his selection to Nahir to gauge if she would find such an option appealing, glanced at the waiter. [color=ab274f]“I do have a specialized order, if you do not mind?”[/color] The server did not, and so he continued. [color=ab274f]“One serving of the scones, as they are. One cheese board, but please do not go over 100 grams for the total weight of the cheeses. I prefer fresh fruit to preserves. One of the fondue with less fondue - a cupful at most.”[/color] The waitress wrote it all down diligently. Wulfric turned to Nahir, [color=ab274f]“Does any of that sound appealing to you, Shehzadi Nahir?”[/color] He left the choice on whether to double up on anything to the lady in question.

[color=904342]“Very much so,”[/color] Nahir turneed to Brie-anna with a small smile. [color=904342]“I'll have a scone and the cheese board, just as Prince Wulfric ordered.”[/color] She closed her menu, then added after a moment's thought, [color=904342]“And some fresh fruits on the side as well, no preference—just whatever you have available.”[/color]

Farim had taken a brief pause to think on the question posed by Riona before answering. Just as he felt himself ready to answer, Brie-anna had approached and thus the array of orders came forth from each and every patron at the table. Farim himself felt rather famished, and a good meal would be sure to tide himself over until the nighttime. [color=D2691E]“Brie-anna, was it? I think I shall go with the Cheese and Herb scones, the Cheese Volcano Vortex, and the Golden Cheesecake Carnival for my arrangement of meals.”[/color] He leaned in and whispered to the waitress. [color=D2691E]“Might you add an extra order of scones for the pretty lady next to me? I wish to give her some. If I must pay extra, that is okay.”[/color] Farim gestured towards Anastasia. Brie-anna gasped audibly and she smiled at Farim with a nod.

With his order done he put his fingers together and leaned forward onto the table. [color=D2691E]“I was hoping to perhaps let things build before proclaiming such things in the public eye but to answer your question dear person-whose-name-I-still-do-not-know.”[/color] He paused to crack a slight smile at the joke. [color=D2691E]“Then yes I suppose that would be my intention. But that is not to say it is all I care about. She has just as much a say as me in the matter - I would rather things build naturally then I simply just force myself on a woman like some hungry animal.”[/color] The man’s brow raised as he posed his next statement. [color=D2691E]“And what of you, miss just-another-one-of-many? Any gentleman catch your eye this season?”[/color] He whispered these next few words as the others were absorbed in their conversations. [color=D2691E]“Or perhaps…ladies?”[/color] With a sly grin he leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his water. 

As Farim spoke of her, Anastasia stared off into the distance with a stupid smile, undoubtedly daydreaming about her cake.

Nahir’s brows twitched at the faint words of her dear cousin. Her eyes flickered to Riona for a brief moment before returning to Wulfric. [color=904342]“I take it your father enjoys cheese? It is rare for a son not to share passions with their fathers,”[/color] she remarked with a hint of curiosity.
[color=ab274f]“He does,”[/color] Wulfric responded simply to the first question. The very fact that Edin had built an entire restaurant dedicated to cheese made the man’s enjoyment of the dairy product plain as day. [color=ab274f]“Is it rare?”[/color] he questioned Nahir’s following statement. [color=ab274f]“I have found that I share few of his passions. The same holds true for my brothers, as far as I have observed.”[/color] He wondered what her true motive behind the question was. It wasn’t a simple one, and there were many implications one could draw from it. [color=ab274f]“But it is a fascinating question, isn’t it? How much is a person affected by their environment, and how much is innate to them? Of course, any outright deterministic viewpoint fails to take into account our free will…The actions we take - or do not - which shape us.”[/color]

Riona kept one eye on Wystan, trying to read his stoic expression, but the man had a face like a stone wall when he was in guard dog mode. Soon she gave up and turned her full attention to Shahzade Farim. [color=DAF6C7]“I see,”[/color] Riona said, voice carefully neutral. [color=DAF6C7]“I wish you the best of luck.”[/color] On so many levels.  

[color=DAF6C7]“With many vying for her affection, He-Who-Speaks-To-She-Whose-Name-Ends-With-An-H, you may need to be a little more bold. Otherwise, someone else might sweep her off her feet and take her away.”[/color] She leaned in, lowering her voice. [color=DAF6C7]“She’s a bit dense too.”[/color]

The Shahzade’s question earned a scoff from Riona. [color=DAF6C7]“The courting season is meant for people of high society. However much I might admire some dashing lord”[/color] —she allowed herself a secret, sly smile— [color=DAF6C7]“or enchanting lady, it would end only in heartbreak.”[/color] Her gaze drifted to the vacant chair and her smile vanished as thoughts of Dan occupied the space. [color=DAF6C7]“I... I’m not sure if I’ve moved on from the love I lost yet. It’s been years, but…”[/color] Riona caught herself and shook her head. [color=DAF6C7]“Forgive me, Shahzade. It was improper of me to burden you with my personal matters.”[/color]

As Brie-anna collected the menus, she gave a cheerful nod. [color=#F0E68C]"Alright, lovely folks, I'll be back shortly with all your delightful choices. Just holler if you need anything else!" [/color]

As the evening progressed and the various dishes arrived, the table buzzed with various flavors and lively conversation. The decadent dishes, though enjoyable, were notably massive and over the top in many ways. Everyone continued to engage in conversations, savoring the food and the company. Gradually, as the night drew to a close, these personal exchanges wound down, leading to warm farewells.[/color]