[color=lightgray][center][h3][color=4C93C2]Count Calbert Damien[/color], [color=LightSteelBlue]Cassius Vael[/color], [color=ffce00]Shahzade Munir al-Kadir[/color], [color=5486ae]Doctor John Williamson[/color]

[color=4C93C2]Part 2[/color][/h3]
[/center]
[hr]
His eyes traveled between the two men as his response was for them both. [color=LightSteelBlue] “Indeed, I’ve left boot prints across Eromora. There are few lands that I have not witnessed with my own eyes, and those that have eluded me thus far will not do so forever. You see, until recently, I was among the top sellswords in the world…a member of the Iron Wolves mercenary company. I know it isn’t humble of me to say so, but I was the best in the world at what I did.” [/color]  Cassius explained, confidence and conviction spewing from every word. His focus turned more specifically to Munir as he continued. [color=LightSteelBlue] “And trust me, things such as these disputes rarely happen without the authorities being in the know. These oligarchal merchants think of themselves as princes in your deserts, and their pockets may as well be bottomless pits of endless wealth. It’s just the way of these things, my friend.” [/color] 


[color=ffce00] “True enough, I suppose, Mr. Cassius.” [/color] Munir’s tone a little colder and quieter than before. It is true that trade disputes happen all the time and peasants die by the droves daily. Such is the harsh reality of the world. Munir also understands that the enforcers of the laws of his country, while numerous and adept at their work, cannot cover all corners of the kingdom. Certain things are surely to slip under their ever-watchful gaze and go unheard. However, the accusations of the authorities being in the know but doing nothing about it and the merchants essentially benefitting from bloodshed does not sit lightly with Munir. But, having an understanding of the environment he is in, he decided to accept that answer for now, and bring it up with his father, and perhaps his cousin Farim, later.


[color=ffce00] “Such as it is the way of the world, I suppose. You know, I wonder how it would be to live life constantly on the move, and also having to be in consistent danger. That sort of life cannot be easy, yes?” [/color] Munir said, genuinely wondering how Cassius carries on with his day to day.


John sat watching the two men converse about their occupation. Two very different men, the rich and powerful versus a so-called lowly sellsword, or mercenary as the legal term dictated. His attention was piqued at the mention of being in constant danger, how it must have felt for this prince. For John, he wasn’t constantly on the move, but being in constant danger was a common thing. Even though hospitals are known to be a place of nurture and saving lives, it is also quite dangerous. Diseased individuals are everywhere, and one is always at a high risk of suffering with them. Not to mention sometimes doing disease control work is always ‘fun and exciting’.

But there is also another kind of being in constant danger. 

John nonchalantly glanced over to Count Calbert, who had been sitting mostly quiet for the time being. He knew the guy wanted to make a move on the doctor. What could he be thinking right now? Even more, what is this guy like as a person?

[color=5486ae]“Count Damien, we haven’t had the opportunity to know each other better. Do you have any hobbies you would like to share?”[/color] He probed. “[color=5486ae]“I play board games in my free time. Chess and backgammon being my favorite.”[/color]

Noticing the shifting of Munir’s tone, Cassius could not help but wonder if the Shahzade had been raised to see his own nation through rose-tinted glasses. It had been his experience that those with a stake in sovereignty and its design often found their fingers off the pulse of reality. Truly interesting, though, considering he had assumed that a man of Munir’s specific brand of reputation would see through the cracks and façades of authority. Perhaps he did, however, something about this topic certainly struck a chord with the man all the same. 

[color=LightSteelBlue] “Indeed, easy is not a word that I would use to describe such a life. Though it was thrilling, fulfilling at times, and dangerous at every turn… It taught me more about this world than any book or orator ever could.” [/color] In truth, it had not even been that long since Cassius had left that life, yet already something about it felt as though it was a lifetime ago. [color=LightSteelBlue] “But now I find myself enraptured by an entirely different purpose. One with which feels rather foreign to me still…yet perhaps just as perilous in its own ways. I wager a man like me could learn a thing or two from someone such as yourself, Munir.” [/color]    

[color=4C93C2] "Ah, games are a delightful pastime, aren't they? I am an avid lover of games."[/color] Calbert replied with a smooth smile. [color=4C93C2] "Chess, cards... they offer a certain strategic pleasure, don't you agree?"[/color] He leaned back slightly, his eyes glinting with interest. [color=4C93C2] "Beyond that, I find hunting, falconry, and fencing to be rather stimulating pursuits."[/color]

With a measured pause, he folded his hands, directing his gaze towards John. [color=4C93C2] "Tell me, Doctor, have you been engaging in chess for long?”[/color]

Munir nodded along, taking occasional sips from his cup as the count talked about some of his hobbies. It seems the games played are similar across the world, as Munir himself is familiar with the games being mentioned. However, when the count mentioned falconry and hunting, Munir leaned in a little more than before, having more interest in those activities than the less active games the good doctor had mentioned. [color=ffce00] “No no, Cassius, I have no lessons to offer as I am but a mere student myself. I’m still learning and stumbling through these perils you mentioned.” [/color] Munir responded to Cassius’s previous statement.

[color=5486ae]“It certainly does!”[/color] John pointed at Calbert in agreement. [color=5486ae]“It keeps your brain active, and it gives you that sense of pleasure beating your opponents, like you said. I’ve played recreationally against the common folks in my hometown, and I’m telling you, they’re pretty strong.”[/color] 

Munir didn’t seem particularly interested. John would like to inquire about the Alidasht variation of chess, in which the pawn’s initial two-step move was absent, whereas Sorian and Varian chess had it. En passant and castling were also removed, so Alidasht players tended to play slower but more decisively than normal players. If they liked to entertain that, it could be a nice thing to keep the conversation going, but for now, it’s Calbert. 

[color=5486ae]“Though I don’t play it professionally or anything. It’s hard to make it in chess, not worth the free time I barely have.”[/color] John said, finishing the rest of his drink, pondering if he should ask for more. [color=5486ae]“The players…also have a warped sense of intelligence too, from what I’ve seen. It’s not a quality I admire.”[/color]

[color=4C93C2]“Ah, Doctor Williamson, I can see your view. ”[/color] Calbert began, his voice carrying a warm, inviting timbre. He adjusted his posture slightly. [color=4C93C2]“Many do mistake their intelligence after a few fleeting victories, as with many games not limited to chess… However…True mastery of chess does not merely arise from memorizing strategies or securing those fleeting victories. It requires an astute understanding of one’s adversary and the finesse to anticipate moves not yet made. Excellence, therefore, lies not within the confines of the board but in the nimbleness of thought and the depth of perception. I dare say this mindset applies to much more than chess, perhaps life itself...”[/color]

He grinned at John, [color=4C93C2] ”I find it quite riveting to deduce an opponent’s tactics and predict their next moves. It’s akin to understanding the deeper layers beneath surface interactions, wouldn’t you agree?”[/color]

His question hung in the air a moment before Calbert turned his attention to the wider group. [color=4C93C2]“And speaking of layers and strategies, I’m curious about how everyone’s courting endeavors are faring this season. It’s a game of hearts, after all, isn’t it? Each of you playing your part on a grand emotional chessboard. How have you gentlemen found the experience?”[/color]

Cassius gave a nod to Munir’s response and then leaned back in his chair, swirling his bourbon thoughtfully as he considered Calbert’s question. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes.

[color=LightSteelBlue]“Ah, the game of hearts,”[/color] Cassius began, his voice dripping with a blend of sarcasm and charm. [color=LightSteelBlue]“I suppose it’s a game much like chess in its own right…though instead of pieces on a board, you’re maneuvering emotions and pairings that could last a lifetime… No pressure, right?”[/color] He smiled and took a sip of his bourbon, savoring the burn before continuing. 

[color=LightSteelBlue]“You know… I have been a fortunate man to learn such a great deal about the arts of pleasure and seduction from all corners of this world. But this... this dance of courtship and marriage somehow feels foreign to me. In honesty, I’ve yet to come to terms with my true thoughts on the matter. It is, however, something I imagine is now expected of me.”[/color] He stated, turning his gaze to meet his father’s eyes. As he spoke, his mind occasionally became flooded with thoughts of one particular woman, but he forced clarity and wore his alluring smile with pride. 

[color=4C93C2]“I expect that it would do you well, Cassius. The world is always easier to take on with a partner in hand… However, I do not expect you to rush your pace or your life for my sake.”[/color]

[color=ffce00] “Mm. Yes. A game of hearts indeed. As I am not first in line to inherit the Sun Throne, I would say I’ve had an easy go at it.”[/color] Munir quipped briefly. [color=ffce00] “All of this palace intrigue, all of this gossiping and spreading of rumors of who was seen strolling the gardens with who and who approached who during the evening’s ball surely has its appeals but to me, it is just that. Rumors and gossip. For me, as you gentlemen may have known given my reputation, I’m simply here for the festivities and to broaden my own horizons. I do not believe I will find a wife this season.” [/color] Munir’s tone was a little drier than usual as he ended his sentence.

Taking a sip of his iced mead, he gave a small pause to the conversation before continuing, tone lighter once again. [color=ffce00] “With what has already taken place, I feel as if I’ve experienced enough and I can return to Alidasht a smarter man than before. However, I don’t think my father would be very pleased with me if I just went home, back to the sands and sun. So here I am, in the company of fine gentlemen like yourselves” [/color] Yes. Munir was babbling at this point. His mind kept turning towards Mina, and what has recently taken place.
It ached him to have said what he just said. To not be able to loudly announce his feelings and having to redon his armor of being a rake and one who is simply here for his own pleasure.

[color=5486ae]“It does. Watching my opponent suffer does give satisfaction…”[/color] John enigmatically said. [color=5486ae]“Games of hearts aren’t as similar though. I don’t deceive or break people psychologically.”[/color]

Calbert simply chuckled at John’s response.

Cassius didn’t give much indication to what was going on. It seemed like he had someone in mind, explaining why he felt that way. As for Munir, he tried his best, but John could sense the salt dripping from his words. There was one woman John knew he was dabbling with.

[color=5486ae]“Hmm, I find it…enlightening.”[/color] John stared at nobody in particular. [color=5486ae]“Overtime, I see every woman I met as a potential romance partner, but more like people that need company. A friend you may call it. Life in a castle can be lonely. And if they want to proceed from there, they can.”[/color]


[color=5486ae]“I don’t have the same pressure to find a loved one as you gentlemen though, but isn’t it a good thing though, that your wife is also your best friend.”[/color]

[color=4C93C2] “Indeed, gentlemen. The courting season is still very early.”[/color][/color]