[center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/5EyRmcP.png[/img] [color=seagreen][h1]Drake[/h1] [color=greenyellow][b]Time:[/b] Evening of the 28th[/color] [color=greenyellow][b]Location:[/b] Banquet Hall[/color] [color=greenyellow][b]Mentions:[/b] Thea/Torvi [@Tae], Gideon and Victoria [@princess], Ariella, [@Tpartywithzombi], Leo/Callum [@Helo], Cassius [@PapaOso], Lorenzo [@FunnyGuy], and Kazumin [@Samreaper][/color][/color] [hr] Drake flashed his tried and true charisma-fueled smile at the nearby nobles at the table, nodding towards his father after his compliment. [color=greenyellow]”Thank you for the good graces, Father. I’m glad to be here with everyone. Tonight is surely one to be filled with quite a few interesting turns of events.”[/color] The man turned his head downward to the smiling lady who had taken her seat so gracefully. She really was the picture of grace and beauty - and the way she reacted to his attire sent a tingling flight-like sensation along the center of his back. After his paused stare, he blinked and lingered his hand just in front of her as she grabbed onto it. Even after she released he would let it sit in case she needed any further inspection or time to simply admire his appreciation for her gift. [color=greenyellow]”Well of course. You gave them to me. I couldn’t wait to find an occasion to show them off, my lady.”[/color] He smiled warmly. Drake met Leo’s handshake firmly and observed to the side as Lady Vikena approached with her gift. His hand grew gentle in Leo’s as he beamed with earnest delight at her new hair clip. [color=greenyellow]“It looks perfect, Lady Thea.”[/color] He was tempted to add on a “just like you” - but there’s a time and a place for such flirting. Drake took a moment to scan around the room for this supposed big puppy, and his gaze landed briefly on a strong looking woman with a large canine companion. [color=greenyellow][i]Big Puppy? That’s a whole bloody dire wolf. I wasn’t even sure they existed.[/i][/color] He coughed softly. [color=greenyellow]“Now, Lady Thea. I appreciate your excitement for such an exotic and quite fluffy guest. But they almost seem to be akin to a service animal. Twould behoove us not to disturb them while they were performing their job for that woman.”[/color] Drake leaned down and whispered into Thea’s ear. [color=greenyellow]”Plus, if petting cute animals is what you seek. I shall introduce you to my newly established menagerie of critters.”[/color] He snickered. [color=greenyellow]”A result of a fruitful birthday party.”[/color] The lord straightened his posture. [color=greenyellow]”I also understand you yourself are having such a party this evening. I’m very much excited for it!”[/color] It was around then that Ariella chimed in with her retort towards their spiteful mother. Drake simply kept his same smile, not wanting to egg on further reactions. But Ariella had the right of it - to belittle your own children in public was something they both found tasteless. Still, the man chimed in optimistically [color=greenyellow]“Well hopefully some good food can bring us together! And perhaps some scathing reviews of various shenanigans throughout the night.”[/color] He ended slyly, moving to take his seat near Lady Thea. Drake kept the hand closest to her on his thigh turned upwards, as if inviting her to take it if she pleased - but not forcing the matter. Between the fiery red fashion choices, eccentric outfits from the foreign dignitaries and nobility, and even some local figures bearing interesting clothing options; Drake felt his idea of being “slightly bold” with an orange rose and aquamarine cufflinks was muted in comparison. Which to him was not really what he cares about. Just that he could see that joyful smile on Thea’s face. Drake took in the various events happening around in the brief moments as he hailed a waiter to fill his drink with a generic red vintage. He saw Cassius ruffle Milo’s jacket, the Alidasht scheming far off in their corner, as well as a questionably distinguished Callum blowing cheeky kisses and commandeering absolute attention and respect. Not to mention Lorenzo’s usual outbursts and fanfare that seemed to spawn from within his very core. It would be abnormal if he [b]didn’t[/b] draw some attention. He took note of the one young man from the talent show - Drake recalled his name to be Kazumin. Now he seemed to be the new royal jester? What a turn of events. Taking all of these factors in, it was clear tonight would be anything but an ordinary banquet. [/center]