[color=lightgray][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/YGxzxVR.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/tDLCvpT.png[/img][/center] [color=D0B4EC]Time:[/color]10am [color=D0B4EC]Location:[/color] Edwards Estate - Drake's Party [color=D0B4EC]Attire:[/color] [url=https://i.ibb.co/kyG8ft9/A2-D2-A381-EFF4-4-AF1-99-DB-F4-EDCC799663.webp[/url]Dress[/url], [url=i.imgur.com/2SBcciZ.png]Amulet[/url] [color=D0B4EC]Interaction:[/color] [@PapaOso] Cassius [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo [@CitrusArms] Stratya [color=D0B4EC]Mention:[/color] [@Lava Alckon] Drake [/color] [hr] [color=lightgray] The Edwards' estate was even more grand than Charlotte remembered. As Tempestes came to a halt before the sprawling manor, her gaze slowly swept over the majestic structure with admiration. For the Vikenas and the Damiens, Sorian was a seasonal retreat, a place to visit when the leaves changed or the summer sun beckoned. But for the Edwards family, this was their main residence, and they certainly made sure everyone knew it. The pink-hued stone of the towering structure gleamed softly in the morning light, with its turrets and spires seemingly reaching toward the heavens. As they neared the entrance, Tempestes slowed to a gentle trot. Cassius dismounted first, offering his hand to help Charlotte down. She accepted it gratefully, her feet touching the ground with grace. She didn’t release his hand immediately, taking a moment to absorb the grandeur that surrounded them. [color=D0B4EC]"The Edwards have always had a flair for the dramatic,"[/color] Charlotte remarked, her tone light yet appreciative. [color=D0B4EC]"Duke Gideon Edwards is not simply a Duke, but the Duke of Soralia—second only to the royal family in power. Sometimes, I forget just how vast their influence is until I'm standing before their estate."[/color] A stable hand approached with quiet efficiency, dressed in neat livery bearing the Edwards family crest. With a respectful bow, he addressed them. [color=wheat]“Allow me to take your horse, my lord, my lady,”[/color] he said, his tone polite, his eyes respectfully lowered as he reached for Tempestes’ reins. [color=D0B4EC]"Oh, thank you—just one moment!"[/color] Charlotte reached into one of the saddlebags secured to Tempestes. Her fingers brushed against the carefully wrapped package inside, and she gently pulled it out. The gift, wrapped in green paper and tied with a silver ribbon, was simple yet elegant. Turning back toward Cassius, she gave him a playful smile and raised her fist in the air. [color=D0B4EC]"Onward!"[/color] Another servant appeared, leading them to the yard, where the soft melody of a band intertwined with the chatter of guests. Charlotte's eyes swept across the sea of people already gathered on the lush grounds. Despite the early hour, the estate buzzed with conversation and laughter. [color=D0B4EC]"So many guests, and it's still early... Lord Drake is very beloved."[/color] Charlotte remarked softly to Cassius, her voice carrying a note of admiration. Her gaze drifted over the scene, pausing as she spotted her stepfather standing near a table that hosted Duke Gideon, the Duchess, and the Damiens. Lord Drake Edwards himself was seated nearby, the center of attention, as one might expect on such an occasion. Just beyond them, she caught a glimpse of Prince Wulfric departing with a striking horse. [color=D0B4EC]"Your father's just over there... and Lord Edwards too,"[/color] she continued, her tone warm and inviting. [color=D0B4EC]"We should go wish him a happy birthday."[/color] With a graceful nod, she subtly encouraged Cassius to join her in making their way toward the table. As she approached the table of respected nobles, she steeled herself for the encounter with Calbert Damien. It wasn't her greatest desire to approach him at the moment, but it was best to get such an ordeal over with. As she neared, her gaze caught that of Duke Gideon Edwards, whose face lit up with a wide, welcoming smile at the sight of her. [color=D0B4EC]"Good morning, Duke and Duchess Edwards. Thank you for the invite to this wonderful party, and good morning Count and Countess Damien."[/color] The Duchess, appearing aloof, continued to sip her champagne as if Charlotte hadn't spoken. Meanwhile, Count Damien returned the pleasantry in a kind tone, though Charlotte couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze directly. His wife, however, offered a warm smile, whether genuine or not was difficult to discern. Duke Gideon, on the other hand, was visibly pleased by her presence. His smile was not just polite, but sincere, as if seeing Charlotte brightened his day. [color=Burlywood]"You’re always welcome here, Lady Lottie,"[/color] he said, his voice rich with genuine affection and his trademark charisma. [color=Burlywood]"Look at you! Walter would be so proud of the young lady you’ve become."[/color] His words, delivered with such conviction, wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. She smiled genuinely. [color=D0B4EC]"Thank you, Duke Edwards."[/color] Turning to face her stepfather, her grin widened as she caught his eye. [color=D0B4EC]"Fancy seeing you here, huh?"[/color] Charlotte greeted him affectionately, her tone light and teasing. [color=D0B4EC]"I don’t suppose you’d like to join me at that empty table in just a moment? I would like to wish Lord Drake a happy birthday first… Oh, and might I add, what a lovely suit. The color complements you wonderfully."[/color] As she was about to approach Drake as planned, Charlotte noticed him already engaged in conversation with other gentlemen. Rather than interrupt, she allowed her gaze to wander, eventually settling on a striking blonde woman nearby. The woman’s attire immediately caught Charlotte’s attention—pants, unusually so, and apparel that suggested she was part of the royal guard. Charlotte couldn’t help but be intrigued. A smile played on her lips as she took a step toward the woman, her curiosity piqued. [color=D0B4EC]"Pardon me, my name is Lady Charlotte Vikena. I don't believe we've met."[/color] [/color]