[center][h1][b][color=9354FF]Fritz "Ryn" Hendrix[/color][/b][/h1][color=9354FF]Time:[/color] Sola 28 1739; Nighttime Hours
[color=9354FF]Location:[/color] Castle Dining Room
[color=9354FF]Interaction(s)/Mention(s):[/color] [@CitrusArms] [@princess] [@FunnyGuy] [@Potter] [@PapaOso] [@Apex Sunburn][/center]
[color=F5F5F5][color=9354FF]“Ser Durmand,”[/color] he greeted, the firmness of his grip matching the Knight Captain’s own. [color=9354FF]“A pleasure to cross paths again so soon.”[/color]

In response to Captain Durmand’s first question, he lifted the small plate he held. On it balanced three vol-au-vents, each a marvel of architectural pastry—flaky, golden, and collapsing slightly under their own delicious weight. Their mushroom hearts released a savory aroma—rich and buttery, earthy yet bright with scattered fragments of thyme and tarragon. [color=9354FF]“I believe you. Every function in Sorian has proven a superb culinary experience.”[/color]

Turning from the Captain, Ryn surveyed the dining hall, where candlelight caught on jewels and polished buttons. The ambient noise of aristocratic chatter bounced off the high ceilings. [color=9354FF]“Quite the gathering tonight—many fresh faces.”[/color]

From across the room, he spotted the Vikenas with Ms. Persephone beside them, looking somewhat overwhelmed but maintaining her composure. They all were. He raised his hand in a quick greeting, careful not to let his face betray his concern. With Count Damien assigned only a few seats away from them, the evening promised excitement of the wrong sort for the Vikena party.

With a tilt of his head, Ryn directed the Captain’s attention toward their assigned table with its elegantly handwritten place cards. A few lacked the usual parade of titles and honorifics—a curious diplomatic omission in such company.

[color=9354FF]“Have you had the pleasure of acquainting yourself with any of our dining companions?”[/color] he asked, taking a sip of champagne. Pale gold and crisp, the beverage offered just enough sweetness to take the edge off the bubbles. [color=9354FF]“I recognize most of the names, but several others elude me.”[/color][/color]