[center][h1][b][color=9354FF]Fritz "Ryn" Hendrix[/color][/b][/h1][color=9354FF]Time:[/color] Sola 28 1739; Daytime Hours
[color=9354FF]Location:[/color] Edin Theater
[color=9354FF]Interaction(s)/Mention(s):[/color] [@princess] [@Silverpaw][/center] 

[color=F5F5F5]The organized chaos of final preparations echoed through the theater. Ryn darted between velvet curtains and gilded doorways, checking and double-checking arrangements that would ensure every guest—whether they arrived in silk finery or worn woolens—felt equally welcome within its grand walls. 

Movement in the royal viewing booth caught his eye. Ryn’s smile at seeing both monarchs, and the princes, in attendance withered as he watched King Edin settle into his seat with all the enthusiasm of a man attending his own tax audit. Beside him, Lady Morrigan maintained a steady stream of cheerful conversation, her hand occasionally touching his leg when his gaze drifted toward the exit. Clearly, it had taken more than Ryn’s personal invitation to get him here. 

He found Princess Anastasia tucked away in the wings, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on her dress. [color=9354FF]“Are you ready, Miss Annie?”[/color] he asked, tapping her elbow. He then gestured in the direction of the royal box. [color=9354FF]“Look who's here to see you!”[/color]

Right on cue, Lady Morrigan caught sight of them and waved enthusiastically. The king, meanwhile, had apparently discovered a heretofore unknown passion for architectural lighting fixtures. His studied ignorance of his daughter was so pointed it might as well have been a stranger sitting in the box.

Why did King Edin go to such lengths to ignore what was right in front of him?

Ryn watched Princess Anastasia’s face, noting the minute shifts in her expression and her hands. He leaned closer, pitching his voice low enough that only she could hear. [color=9354FF]“As much as I’m looking forward to your performance... you don’t have to force yourself to be here. If you need more time for yourself, that’s perfectly fine. I can fill in.”[/color] The train incident hung unspoken between them. Even without Wayra’s birds keeping watch over the city, word of her railway stunt had raced through the capital faster than the train itself.

[color=9354FF]“If you do choose to take the stage. Whatever’s been eating at you—”[/color] his eyes flickered meaningfully toward the royal box, [color=9354FF]“this is your chance to let them hear it.”[/color] He indicated her cello, knowing that music could be just as powerful as words.

[color=9354FF]“These acoustics?”[/color] Ryn pointed above them. [color=9354FF]“They’re perfect for reaching even the most determinedly distracted audiences.”[/color] And with considerably less risk than making her point standing on the tracks in front of a moving train.[/color]