[center][color=9AF781][h1]Lord Leo Smithwood[/h1][/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/OEh1rTU.png[/img][/center]
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[color=9AF781]Time:[/color] 6 pm
[color=9AF781]Location:[/color] Castle Dinning Hall
[color=9AF781]Interactions:[/color] Thea, Drake, Gideon, Charlotte
[color=9AF781]Attire:[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/oKdesJw.jpeg]“Why was I not told red was the color for tonight?”[/url]

[color=lightgray]
[color=9AF781]“Lost little leprechaun?”[/color] Leo scoffed, every word of it ridiculous. [color=9AF781]“I am never lost. And, if anything, I’m the top leprechaun. Certainly the tallest leprechaun.”[/color] He grinned and straightened the collar of his jacket. If his outfit was giving leprechaun, that was a good thing at least; a creature that exuded wealth and abundance was a favorable comparison. 

His attention shifted to the woman Thea pointed out. [color=9AF781]“That is not a puppy.”[/color] Leo added, then he looked at Drake. [color=9AF781]“Lord Drake, time to prove your worth. Protect my sister from her urge to pet a large wolf.”[/color] He jokingly assigned the task to Drake. 

[color=9AF781]“Who thought letting a wolf into a banquet was a good idea?”[/color] The comment was mostly muttered to himself. Sure, the Alidasht royals were allowed to bring their pets around; they were royalty, after all. The woman with the wolf, however, wasn’t someone Leo recognized as important nobility, but clearly, she was worth paying attention to. 

He rose from his seat when the Edwards joined the table and did the same when Ariella joined them moments later. The Duke and Duchess of Sorian, although they kept their voices low as Victoria pecked at everything their children did, it was not entirely unheard by those closest to them at the table. 

[color=Burlywood]“And Lord Leo, I’ve heard great things about you. What an honor to sit with you tonight.”[/color] Duke Gideon, as expected, was a shining example of poise and charm. 

[color=9AF781]“The honor is entirely mine, Duke Gideon.”[/color] Leo replied with a respectful nod. Then, with his head turned so that neither the Duke nor the Duchess could see his face, Leo shot an amused look at Thea. [i]‘She’s worse than mother.’[/i] He mouthed silently. His eyebrows lifted; at least Thea had extensive practice with difficult Duchesses. Seemed like she was going to need it. 

He stood up again, this time as Charlotte approached the table to offer Thea a birthday gift. [color=9AF781]“It’s been a good day so far.”[/color] Leo answered, patting Lottie’s shoulder as his natural enthusiasm returned as if it had never vanished. As if he hadn’t spent the past couple of days moping around her estate. 

[color=9AF781]“How are you?”[/color] He asked. [color=9AF781]“Coming to Thea’s party tonight? Guaranteed to be a great time, perfect way to end the night.”[/color] Leo watched as Thea tore through the wrapping paper. 

[color=9AF781]“The very peak of fashion.”[/color] Leo said with an approving smile. 

The night got even better. A new pair entered the hall, the bickering couple - or was it a truple?- from the cheese brunch. Sjan-dehk, dressed more for a military affair than a royal banquet, was a bold statement. Beside the Captain, once more was Iyen, and Leo was still unsure if the woman was a lover or a bodyguard, but both seemed possible. And Kalliope the Unhinged Hater of Cheese was carried in the sailor’s arms. 

Or she had been carried until the clumsy man dropped her. 

Leo chuckled. [color=9AF781]“Oh no, someone hide the cheese before that one has another tantrum.”[/color] He whispered to Lottie. [/color]