PapaOso

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Duke Gideon Edwards

Time: 10am
Location: Drake Edwards Birthday Party at the Edwards Estate Backyard
Mentions/Interactions: @Tpartywithzombi Ariella, @CitrusArms Stratya

---

Gideon approached with a calm, paternal grace, watching Ariella’s gleeful exchange with Captain Stratya. Despite his initial worry, seeing his daughter’s flushed cheeks and the slight wobble in her stance made him relax somewhat. It wasn’t ideal, of course...his daughter was clearly drunk...but there was something reassuring about her carefree, unfiltered state. And to be fair, if he had been forced to stay in the dungeon for a night like his poor daughter, he’d need a stiff drink himself.

He smiled down at her as she jumped in surprise, clearly not expecting him.

"Father..." Ariella gasped, placing a hand over her chest as if to calm her racing heart. Her laugh, light and unrestrained, made him chuckle softly.

"You startled me…I was just talking to the captain here about chocolate and mead."

Gideon raised an eyebrow, both amused and intrigued.

"Chocolate and mead, is it?" His voice was warm, filled with the affectionate humor of a father who relished in his daughter’s presence.

Stratya, however, responded in her heavy accent.

"'Aye, aye, t' choc'la’e’s reyt fine, i’tis. I was jus' sayin’ I’ll ‘ave tae try an’ pu’ a choc’la’e swirrl in m’ nex’ batch o’ sweet brreads..."

Gideon blinked, trying his best to keep up with what Stratya was saying. Her accent was one he had trouble with despite his best efforts. It was to the point where it might as well have been another language entirely. His mind sifted through the syllables like trying to catch leaves in a storm...something about bread and... mead? Chocolate?

He nodded along anyway, a kind smile plastered on his face as he made a mental note not to ask too many questions. He didn’t want to offend the knight, and honestly, he found the whole situation rather amusing. His daughter, freshly released from the dungeon, chatting merrily about sweets while clearly intoxicated, and here he was pretending he understood a word of what was being said, all the while they were all gathered at a party for his very own son. What better way to spend the day.

"Ah, yes. Sounds delicious." He replied, his tone easy and warm. He wasn’t sure if that was the right response, but it seemed polite enough.

As Stratya continued, Gideon’s attention flickered back to Ariella, whose cheeks were glowing from more than just the alcohol. Her animated expression, the way she leaned forward with a playful grin, reminded him of the little girl who used to climb trees and tear through the garden barefoot. That untamed spirit of hers had always been both a joy and a challenge, and it seemed even now, despite her recent troublemaking, it was alive and well. How proud he was to see that spark in her continue to burn bright, it was something he adored about his daughter, despite the complications it sometimes came with.

His lips twitched into a fond smile as he reached for one of the colorful cocktails a passing server offered, glancing at the vibrant drink for a moment before taking a sip. The flavor was unexpectedly incredible, and smoother than he had anticipated. So good in fact, that he took another…even larger swig of the beverage, and then one more to finish off the glass. He paused, brow furrowing slightly as the alcohol hit his senses more sharply and way more quickly than it should have. Strange. He could hold his liquor well enough, but this was... something else. It mattered not, as what could he do about it now other than be careful. Perhaps just one more? Surely that would be fine.

There was an undeniable affection in his eyes as he turned back to his daughter with now flushed cheeks that matched her own. A quiet pride lingered in his expression that softened the edges of his smile. His daughter, for all her antics, was the light of his life, and he was simply grateful that she still found joy in cutting it up with her old man.

Leaning closer to her, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.

“You look like you’re enjoying yourself, my dear." He said, his voice full of warmth despite the slight teasing.

"But perhaps you should slow down with those drinks, hmm?” He winked.

He cast a glance back at Stratya, who was still talking...about what, he couldn’t be sure. But her enthusiasm was unmistakable. Whatever the topic, she was clearly passionate about it. He gave her another smile, nodding along with what he hoped was an appropriate amount of interest, while internally trying not to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

For all of the misfortune in not being able to understand the Captain, he found her quite admirable and honestly endearing. Of course, he had also heard just how competent she was at her job, and given the nature of the world lately…he had to admit he was happy to know that she was here. It’s good to have someone like her around at an event like this. Everyone was that much safer with the addition of her presence.

His eyes briefly moved to the ground below as he acknowledged internally how much more enjoyable the company of these two were than those at his table. Noticing his daughters bare feet, Gideon couldn’t help but chuckle under his breath.

“Shoes never were your favorite, were they?” He mused, shaking his head slightly. His tone was teasing, but there was an unmistakable undertone of affection. He was proud of her, for better or worse, and he wouldn’t have changed a thing about her wild spirit.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

The Help

Location: Edwards Estate Backyard
Time: Morning
Mentions: EVERYONE AT THE PARTY @Rodiak Nahir/Zarai @Tpartywithzombi Ariella @Silverpaw Wulfric @princess Charlotte, @PapaOso Bastard @Helo Callum/Rohit @CitrusArms Stratya @Funnyguy Lorenzo @Lava Alckon Drake/Farim @Potter Olivia @JJ Doe Ryn

The clatter of trays and the hum of idle conversation filled the air as the servants flitted back and forth across the lawn, weaving between the finely dressed guests. Amid the sea of flowing gowns and tailored suits, three young waitresses found brief moments to huddle near the refreshments table, their arms laden with empty glasses and half-eaten plates.

“I swear, if she makes one more comment about how uneven the napkins are folded, I’ll scream,” the first servant, a brunette with tired eyes, grumbled under her breath. She shifted a tray of champagne glasses, her back aching from all of the bending and carrying. “It’s like she thinks we’re her personal slaves, not just staff.”

“You’re telling me,” the second woman, a fiery redhead, muttered as she arranged another platter of hors d'oeuvres. “Duchess Victoria is always like this. ‘Do this, do that. Not fast enough. Not good enough.’” Her voice pitched higher, mimicking the Duchess's haughty tone. “She doesn’t even look at us half the time, like we’re beneath her precious gaze.”

“She’s a bitch, is what she is,” the third, a petite blonde, said with a smirk. “Remember that time she made me redo the entire dessert table because the color of the plates didn’t match her dress? She didn’t even notice when I changed it!”

The three women shared a quiet laugh, but their amusement quickly faded as the reality of the situation set back in. Their eyes darted back to the party, where Victoria was gliding among the guests, her chin held high, surveying the event with the same cold superiority she always did.

“I’m so sick of her,” the brunette muttered darkly. “We work our asses off for what? A few silver coins and her acting like we’re dirt beneath her heels.”

“Yeah, while she throws around her jewels and diamonds, pretending she’s some queen,” the redhead added, her voice dripping with disdain. “Meanwhile, we’re lucky if we get leftovers.”

The blonde bit her lip, glancing toward the table of drinks where trays of expensive wines and liquors were being passed around. An idea flickered in her eyes, and she leaned in closer to her companions, her voice dropping to a whisper. “You know… we could do something about it.”

The other two looked at her, confused. “What do you mean?” the brunette asked.

“I mean,” the blonde said, a sly grin creeping onto her face, “we could give her and all these rich assholes a little surprise. In their drinks.”

The redhead raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Go on…”

“We just… mix things up a little. Make the drinks a little stronger. Or maybe… a lot stronger. ” The blonde’s eyes gleamed with mischief as she glanced toward the untouched bottles of liquor.

"Won't they be able to tell?" the redhead asked curiously.

“Not with the tricks I have up my sleeve, trust me...I have my ways. the blonde promised with a wink.

The brunette let out a low whistle, catching on. “Oh, I like the sound of that. Imagine Duchess Victoria stumbling around, making a fool of herself. It’d be poetic justice.”

“Not just her,” the redhead added with a wicked grin. “All of them. Let’s make them all regret treating us like dirt.”

As they straightened up, trays once again in hand, the blonde gave one final glance toward the liquor table, a secret smile playing on her lips.

“Let’s get to work.”

WARNING ALL PREMADE COCKTAILS HAVE HIGH INCREASED INTOXICATION EFFECTS! GO TO BAR FOR FRESH COCKTAIL OR DRINK WINE/BEER/ETC IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Duke Gideon Edwards & Duchess Victoria Edwards

Time: 10am
Location: Drake Edwards Birthday Party at the Edwards Estate Backyard
Mentions/Interactions:@FunnyGuy Lorenzo @Helo Callum @PapaOso Cassius @princess Charlotte @Tpartywithzombi Ariella

---

The sun bathed the sprawling lawn of the Edwards estate in warmth, highlighting the luxurious decorations Duchess Victoria had painstakingly arranged for Drake's birthday. Tables draped in fine linen were filling with guests, and now that the drama of the previous moment had become smoke beginning to settle…the air grew slightly less tense.

Duke Gideon swirled the cocktail in his hand as his eyes took in the craftmanship of the beverage. Taking a sip, he relished its taste, letting the rich flavors linger on his palate. Victoria sat beside him; her eyes alight with mischief as she aimed a teasing remark at Count Calbert Damien. "It seems your son has quite the taste, doesn’t he, Calbert?" she cooed, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Fancying Lady Charlotte, of all people. I do hope the boy knows what he’s getting himself into. Poor girls always seemed a bit... unhinged to me. And we all know what they say about women of her type. I mean just look to the newspapers…if what they say about her is true, is she even worth your son’s time, Calbert?"

Gideon stiffened slightly; his gaze fixed on the pair in question. The conversation around him became naught but a distant hum as he looked to Cassius, who had his arm draped casually around Charlotte. The man’s posture was effortlessly confident, while Charlotte, with that striking dark hair and quiet grace, seemed to brighten at his presence. Despite Victoria's dismissive words, Gideon saw something in Charlotte that Victoria refused to acknowledge…a resilience, a strength. She was, after all, Walter’s daughter.

He studied Cassius more carefully. The man’s brash charm and the way he commanded attention was strikingly familiar. It was something Walter himself had too, though Walter’s confidence had been more tempered, less raw. For better or worse, the similarities were unmistakable. Gideon sighed quietly, unsure of how to feel. A Vikena and a Damien… That’ll be the day.

Victoria’s voice broke his thoughts. "I mean, Charlotte always had a knack for drawing attention, didn't she? It’s just a shame it’s never for the right reasons. And Lorenzo! Don’t get me started on that fool again, but that was quite the display… I fear the lessons he is instilling in Charlotte with outbursts like that will only make her even more intolerable.” Her words came out brimming with disdain as she reached for her own drink and took quite the sip. “Oh and speaking of drawing attention…Seems like Callum is going to fit right in at the table with those Vikena freaks. Don’t worry, Calbert, your son will surely see what we see in no time."

Gideon’s jaw tightened, though he said nothing, unwilling to ignite another pointless argument on the matter. Instead, his attention shifted, as out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar figure approaching. Ariella.

His heart clenched.

He had been so worried about her. After all, spending the night in the royal dungeon was no small matter, and her latest rebellion had left Gideon in a storm of concern.

"Excuse me," he murmured to Victoria, who was too absorbed in her conversation to even notice his departure.

Gideon strode across the lawn toward his daughter, his tall frame cutting a path through the festivities. His voice was low but filled with fatherly concern when he reached her.

"Ariella…" he said, his hand resting gently on her shoulder, "Are you alright, my sweet?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

---

Time: 10am
Location: Edwards Estate / Drake’s Party
Interaction: @FunnyGuy Lorenzo, @princess Lottie

---

“Cassius, a word?

The man’s tone was enough to convey exactly what was about to happen, but it wasn’t only the tone that Cassius picked up on, it was the Duke’s body language, his expression, and the subtle cues of rage that were bubbling juuuust beneath the surface. Predictable, really. It was a pity considering the way he found Lorenzo’s defense against Cas’s own father to be rather brave and poignant just moments ago. All the same, Cassius turned to the man with practiced politeness and listened to what he had to say.

He had been here before. Another father, one of many he had encountered over the years, giving him the speech. It didn’t take long for the corners of his lips to slowly begin curling into the arrogant smirk he was renowned for. The wolfish nature of his grin only expanded as Lorenzo’s little request shifted into a not-so-well-veiled threat.

The audacity of Lorenzo was amusing, at first, but this…this was more akin to hilarity. To question his intentions was one thing, but the man had displayed the sheer impudence to threaten him moments after insulting his honor and his family name. Plus, what had he done to conjure such a harsh response? Nothing. His arm around Lady Vikena’s waist had been nothing more than a gesture of reassurance among the chaos that Lorenzo himself had caused.

But fine. If the man insisted on painting him as the villain…

“Are you finished?” He said, his tone unhurried, almost bored. He casually reached out, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from Lorenzo’s shoulder, an excuse to lean in just a bit closer to the man as to ensure his words were for him alone. “I’m truly not sure what I’ve done to earn such ire, your grace, but you are fortunate that I am a man forgiving of such…outbursts. Insults, threats…all in the span a moment, really. Is that how a man of your status…a father...should conduct himself?” A bemused, haughty little laugh accompanied his words as he let them hang in the air long enough for them to settle before he continued. “How amusing, the thought of a street-rat bastard such as myself lecturing a Duke in the art of decorum. I mean look at you…”

Cas’s eyes glanced up and down at Lorenzo’s attire. He moved his hands to straighten the lapels of the man’s audacious and honestly ridiculous jacket. “What comes next, are you going to strike me? No? Then I suggest you pull yourself together and act like a real father for a moment.” Leaning down further, Cassius dropped his voice to a full-fledged whisper. “And to suggest that your own daughter may be nothing more than an hors d'oeuvre. How belittling. Plus, maybe I don’t want just a little taste? Maybe what I want is the full meal?”

It was at that fortuitous moment that a waiter arrived with a tray full of cocktails. “Wonderful!” Cas exclaimed with excitement. “This table is in desperate need of some drinks, wouldn’t you say so Duke Vikena?” He leaned away from Lorenzo to watch the waiter place a finely made cocktail down upon each of the table's placemats. Cassius then addressed the woman. “In fact, love, why don’t you go grab us some shots as well?”

As the waiter was departing, Cas could see Lottie returning from her greeting the nearby group. Standing, he pulled her seat out for her sweetly with a little bow and as they sat together, he turned his charming gaze to Lorenzo and smiled at the Duke as his arm found itself around the shoulders of Charlotte Vikena, pulling her closer once again.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

---

Time: 10am
Location: Edwards Estate / Drake’s Party
Interaction: @FunnyGuy Lorenzo, @princess Lottie, @Helo Callum, @Lava Alckon Drake

---

And there it was, as if the universe itself had a grand flair for theatrics…The drama.

Throughout it all Cassius remained unperturbed, completely unbothered. To him, being labeled a bastard was merely water off a duck’s feathers. The man had been called worse, much worse, in his time, and honestly he was humored by the boldness of Lorenzo, or perhaps the stupidity, whichever was more accurate. The way the man so blatantly disrespected his name in such a public display was almost too good to be true. Initially, Cassius was impressed by the audacity, but his curiosity quickly shifted to his father…he was eager to see how the old man would react.

Cas simply stood there with his patented smile, watching the events unfold like a play before him. However, even before his father could get up from his chair, his attention shifted to Charlotte. She, clearly, was not as indifferent about it all as himself. He could almost feel the discomfort radiating from her as her eyes studied Lorenzo with concern. She tried to deescalate the situation, feigning ill as she urged Loreno to sit with her.

While others around him also attempted to calm the situation, their efforts proved futile. Much of the chaos became mere background noise to Cassius as he pondered ways to alleviate Charlotte’s discomfort. He had numerous strategies in mind, but he knew himself well enough to understand that most of them would only exacerbate the situation. His contemplation was abruptly interrupted by another man vigorously declaring him a bastard, nearly eliciting an audible chuckle from Cassius. The sheer chaos of it all was, in a strange way, quite delightful. The man extended his hand in greeting, and Cassius shook it with a smirk, his amusement evident in his expression. Immediately he could tell, even from that briefest of interactions, that he would like this man

Before he was able to properly respond, the dramatic way that his father slid from his chair to confront the Duke drew his attention. The confrontation only added to the entertainment and spectacle of this debacle, yet despite that fact that the man’s words themselves were not disrespectful of her…the tone in which his father used to speak about Charlotte stirred something within Cassius. For the first time since this chaotic little fiasco began, Cas’s brows furrowed ever so slightly, and his smirk fell into a more neutral expression.

Despite his initial recklessness causing the commotion in the first place, Lorenzo’s defense of himself and Charlotte was admirable. As Lorenzo moved to leave, Drake, the birthday boy himself approached to make introductions. Cassius matched the man’s enthusiasm as he shook his hand and greeted him in kind.

“It’s my pleasure to meet you, Lord Edwards. And don’t worry too much my good sir, it takes more than just some careless words to antagonize me. Plus, the Duke apologized so all is well in my book. I just hope the whole thing hasn’t put a damper on your celebration.” His charm was effervescent as his words flowed, and he paused to consider the man’s offer before continuing. “I’d love the chance to grab a drink with you at some point, but for the moment I need to ensure that Lady Vikena gets somewhere she can cool off a bit. I don’t believe she’s feeling well.”

As Cassius continued speaking to Drake, his arm slipped effortlessly around Charlotte’s waist, drawing her closer. With a smirk, he added, “Feel free to join us if you get a moment.” His gaze then moved to Callum. “And you, stranger... consider yourself invited.” There was a slight pause as his smile turned playful. “In fact, I insist on your presence.” Sealing the invitation, Cassius flashed the man a teasing wink.

His neutral expression then returned for the briefest of moments as Cassius found himself turning to look his father in the eyes just as he gave Charlotte’s waist a gentle, reassuring squeeze. Shifting his attention fully to her, his voice dropped to a soft, calming murmur that existed just above a whisper. “What do you say, Lottie…shall we escape this circus for a moment and get back to the fun we’ve been having all morning?”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

---

Time: 10am
Location: Edwards Estate / Drake’s Party
Interaction: @princess Charlotte, @FunnyGuy Lorenzo

---

As Cassius dismounted from Tempestes, he extended his hand to Charlotte with a natural ease and offered her a charming smile. She took it, her touch warm and delicate, and for a moment, he found himself lingering in that simple contact as she did not release his hand immediately. He certainly had no reason to complain.

He followed her gaze as it swept over the Edwards' estate. It was far grander than the places he'd called home over the years, and even more impressive than the mind-blowingly beautiful Damien estate he was only just beginning to get used to.

Charlotte’s admiration for the place was evident in the wonder that painted her expression as she explored it with her eyes, and that spark in her gaze told Cassius more than words ever could. It was as if she was drinking in every detail; the marble statues standing sentinel along the walkway, the vibrant gardens bursting with color, the way the sunlight danced off the fountain's crystal-clear water…almost like each element was weaving its way into her very soul.

"The Edwards have always had a flair for the dramatic..." Charlotte remarked, her tone light, drawing him back from his thoughts. He smirked at her words, the corners of his mouth lifting in response to her observation. She was insightful, something he was growing to appreciate about her. She understood the grandeur, but there was no detectable trace of envy or insecurity in her tone, only an appreciation of what it was.

“It’s quite stunning.” Cassius exclaimed simply as he handed the reins of Tempestes to the stable hand and watched as Charlotte retrieved a gift from the saddlebag. She turned to him with that playful smile that always seemed to soften the edges of his mind. "Onward!" she commanded with a gentle lift of her fist. He chuckled, the sound a touch softer than usual, as if her infectious energy had already worked its magic on him. Plus, she simply looked adorable as she did so.

As they walked toward the yard, the sounds of the party reached his ears, a soft melody intertwining with the hum of conversation. Cassius wasn't a stranger to gatherings like this, but they usually involved more drunkards and ne'er-do-wells and fewer distinguished guests. He felt the weight of eyes on them as they moved through the crowd, his presence, especially so close to her, undoubtedly drawing attention. But it was Charlotte who held his focus, her graceful demeanor an easy draw for his eyes and thoughts.

"So many guests, and it's still early... Lord Drake is very beloved," Charlotte said softly, her voice carrying a note of admiration. He glanced at her, the way her eyes lit up as she took in the scene around them. It wasn't just the admiration in her voice that caught his attention, it was the way she saw these people, the way she always saw something good in them, and in places, and even in moments. It was a perspective so different from his own in many ways, so untainted by the bitterness and cynicism he carried so deep. But it was just so her.

As he continued to process her words, Cassius's grin faltered for the briefest moment. For some reason, Drake’s name on her lips tasted bitter, a sharp edge cutting through the easy charm he wore so well. He quickly smoothed his expression, but the feeling lingered like an itch he couldn’t quite scratch, and a single...slightly petty, thought crossed his mind. dRaKe iS vErY bElOvEd. Cas thought to himself with a sly grin.

When she mentioned his father, Cassius felt a familiar but brief tension coil in his chest. Calbert Damien stood among other nobles at the table and Charlotte led them over. “Father…Countess.” He said in greeting to Calbert and Liliane, his patented smirk playing on his lips.

The Duke of Soralia greeted Charlotte with genuine affection, which warmed his heart considering how the man’s wife didn’t even seem to acknowledge her presence. "You’re always welcome here, Lady Lottie." Duke Gideon said, his voice rich with warmth. Cassius noted how Charlotte seemed to brighten at his words, her smile softening into something genuine. It was more than clear that they held one another in high regard. He then stepped up to the Duke and Duchess with a subtle bow.

“I’m glad we can finally be formally introduced.” His words were absolutely brimming with charm as he spoke. “Cassius Vael, or rather Damien. Lovely to meet you both.”

With that, he watched as Lottie moved to the next person at the table. His eyes lingered on her as she spoke with her stepfather. She moved through this world with such grace, navigating the intricate social dynamics in a way that only further endeared her to him. Her kindness was not a facade; it was as much a part of her as her striking blue eyes or her inquisitive nature.

As she spoke, Cassius found himself captivated by the way she interacted with others and how she bridged the gap between formality and warmth. It wasn’t her words alone, but also the way she leaned in just a little, as if the person she was speaking to was the only one who mattered in that moment. There was a sincerity in her gaze that made even the most guarded souls drop their defenses, and Cassius found himself marveling at it, wondering how she managed to turn every encounter into something so... real. She seemed to have the gift of making people feel seen and valued, and it wasn’t a manipulation or tactic...It’s just how she was. There was a strength in her gentleness, a power in her kindness, and he couldn’t help but smile when he was around her.

For the briefest of moments, something about that realization gave him pause. However, he brushed it away as quickly as it came. Stepping forward, he properly introduced himself to Lorenzo with swagger and panache.

“It’s not every day that a man like me gets to meet a Duke, let alone two at one table.” He jested. Cassius leaned in, a mischievous gleam in his storm-gray eyes, his voice dropping to a soft whisper that was laced with playful reverence. “But between you and me…” He murmured, his words like velvet. “There's no contest. The award for the most impressive Duke at this gathering…well, it’s a foregone conclusion, my good sir. That ensemble of yours? Simply flawless. Every detail, immaculate.” His eyes flicked over the Duke’s attire, appreciating the rich fabric, the finely tailored lines, and odd yet wonderful shade of pink as if he was savoring a fine wine. After giving the Duke a moment to drink in the compliments before continuing. “I’m Cassius Damien, your Grace. It’s an honor to meet you”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

⛮ Milo St. Claire ⛮

Time: 8:00 am

Location:The Most Luxurious Suite Imaginable

Mention: N/A

Mr. St. Claire awoke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the heavy velvet drapes of his lavish Victorian-era suite. The golden rays kissed the intricate patterns on the ceiling, casting delicate shadows that danced upon the walls. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, fluttered open to the sight of the women around him, their forms draped lazily over the satin sheets. Each one lay in a state of blissful repose and relative undress, their skin glowing in the morning light as their breathing synchronized with the gentle rise and fall of Milo's chest.

A small, knowing smile played on his lips as he stretched, his muscles flexing beneath the warmth of the bedding. The sheets slipped off his body as he shifted, revealing the sculpted contours of his chest and abdomen, the result of years of meticulous care and discipline. The women stirred slightly at his movement, but Milo was already slipping out of bed, his bare feet padding softly on the plush carpet.

Milo reached for the silk robe draped over a nearby chair, its fabric as smooth and luxurious as his very touch. He let it fall around his shoulders, the material cascading down his muscular frame, clinging just enough to accentuate his physique before he loosely tied it at his waist. Confidently, he made his way to the washroom.

The room greeted him with the soft scent of lavender and rosewater, a testament to his fastidious nature. A large, ornate mirror dominated one wall, its gilded frame catching the light in a manner that made the entire room feel like a work of art. Milo approached the water basin, hazel eyes glinting with the usual warmth that had earned him the moniker "Mr. Sunshine."

He cupped his hands under the cool water, splashing it over his face in a ritual that had become second nature. As the droplets trickled down his skin, his gaze lifted to the mirror. What he saw there was not his perfect face as would be expected, but instead the reflection staring back at him was... wrong.

The distortion was subtle at first, a slight ripple that made the lines of his face appear fluid, almost melting into one another. He blinked, expecting the anomaly to pass, but it only deepened. The once-kind eyes darkened, and his chiseled features warped as if the mirror had become a portal to a world where everything familiar was twisted into something uncanny.

Milo’s breath caught in his throat as he stood locked in a silent stare with whatever his eyes were seeing there in the mirror. The moments stretched out, each second laden with a growing tension that felt out of place in the otherwise serene morning. The smile he’d worn just moments ago was gone, replaced by an expression that was hard to decipher… anger perhaps, or simply just intensity.

Then, with a blink of his eyes after a long time of not doing so, the distortion faded, leaving his reflection as it should have always been; perfect, composed, untroubled. Yet, Milo found himself unable to tear his gaze away, the afterimage of that warped visage lingering in his mind.

He let out a slow breath, the tension in his shoulders easing as he forced himself to look away from the mirror. With a final glance at the water basin, he turned and left the washroom, his expression shifting back to one of serenity and confidence as he made his way back to the bed where the women, now awake, were waiting for him.

Fallout Franchise Roleplay?

Here's one that's currently active :)

roleplayerguild.com/topics/190516-the…

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Charlotte & Cassius

Part 1

Time: 8am (Earlier than starting point)
Location: Lover’s Lake

---

Charlotte was reclining in a hammock strung between two trees, the green fabric cradling her as she swayed gently with the morning breeze. The hammock was perfectly positioned by the water's edge, enabling her to listen to the sound of the cascading waterfalls in the distance as the smell of morning dew permeated the air.

A portion of her dark hair was braided both ways around her head and tied in the back with a blue ribbon, while the rest of it spilled over the edge of the hammock, catching the morning light that filtered through the canopy of leaves above. The pale blue fabric billowed slightly in the breeze, the lace trim fluttering. The dress, simple yet elegant, cinched at her waist with a satin ribbon, giving way to a flowing skirt that brushed against the ground with each movement of the hammock.

Beside her stood Tempestes, a beautiful dapple-gray horse, The horse nuzzled Charlotte’s hand affectionately as she offered it a handful of sweet grass she had picked earlier.

The hammock swayed slightly, and Charlotte adjusted her position to look out at the water, letting one leg dangle lazily over the side. The sunlight danced on the surface of the water, casting shimmering reflections. She watched them with a dreamy look in her eye despite the way her brain was rampant with thoughts.

Her thoughts trailed off as a sudden realization began to take shape. The visions she had been experiencing were memories. And that last one… Walter had known she would see it. Her heart quickened at the realization.

Her gaze slid out to the water and she smiled softly after a moment. "Perhaps I could be cursed… However, you don’t know what it means to me to see you after all these years…" she whispered, her words carried away by the breeze as if she were speaking directly to him. "I want to believe you’re still with me, guiding me, my very best friend." She closed her eyes with a heavy sigh.

Getting to see her father’s face and hear his voice so clearly, clearer than she had in more than a decade, had been a gift, no matter if it had been a curse or a blessing. Still, the uncertainty of it all gnawed at her, leaving her feeling both comforted and unsettled.

Meanwhile, the morning sun sat high as Cassius walked toward the lake, the golden light casting small shadows on the ground with each step. His boots crunched on the gravel path purposeful, yet tinged with the weight of uncertainty. He glanced around at the sprawling estates, the manicured lawns, the grandiose architecture of the manors behind him. It was just reminders and the symbols of his newfound status. Honestly, It remained strange to him, this life of opulence; formal dinners, masquerades, and the asinine expectation to behave like a proper noble.

He snorted to himself, the sound carrying a note of sarcasm. "A proper noble," he muttered under his breath. The very idea amused him. To think, how many men would kill for this? To wake up one day with wealth and power at their fingertips, to be treated with deference by those who once looked down on them. Yet, here he was, feeling restless, as if this new life of luxury would reveal itself as nothing more than a gilded cage any moment now.

Cassius had always been a man who valued his freedom, who reveled in the ability to go where he wanted, do what he pleased, and speak his mind however he wished to do so. The endless rules and expectations of nobility were a far cry from the rough-and-tumble world of mercenaries and battlefields he had known for most of his life. The formal dinners, with their stifling etiquette that he was sure he’d never grow used to, the masquerade where everyone hid behind masks, pretending to be someone they weren't… though fun, it all felt like a grand joke, one that he was somehow expected to play along with.

But the joke, he thought with a grim smile, was on him. Because despite the humor he found in it all, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was out of place here, a wolf in sheep's clothing. What was the price of this life, he wondered? And would he ever truly fit the bill?

Cassius paused as he neared the lake, staring out at the calm water in the distance that mirrored the sky above. The calmness of the scene was at odds with the storm brewing within him. His body almost physically ached for the adrenaline of battle, the thrill of danger, the satisfaction of a hard-fought victory. The chaos and peril of his previous life had become so ingrained in him that now, in the stillness and safety of Sorian, he felt like a man out of place, out of time. This concerned him, as he had only been a part of this new world for a short while.

There was a restlessness in his bones, a gnawing need for the unpredictability that had once defined his existence. Here, everything was predictable and controlled. Even the dangers he faced were carefully measured, wrapped in the trappings of politics and intrigue. The thing that something inside of him missed was the raw, unfiltered life of a sellsword, where every decision was a matter of survival, and every day was a gamble.

He flexed his hands, the familiar calluses on his palms a reminder of the life he'd left behind. In those days, his weapons had been an extension of his will, and every scar on his body told a story of a battle won or lost. Now, his sword and his axe hung in his room as almost nothing more than a decoration, a relic of a life that seemed to be slipping further away with each passing day.

Finally, he had almost reached his destination, just in time to hear her words as softly spoken as they were.

Turning to face the sound, Cassius laid eyes on Charlotte. Confusion spread through his mind. He had not seen her since the masquerade a couple of nights ago, though part of him had hoped to. Alas, here she was. He processed her words and wondered who she was speaking to. It was surprisingly reminiscent of the way he would sometimes speak to the wind as though his mother were with him. She looked lovely there, and comfortable laying in her hammock. Cassius smiled as he shifted his momentum in her direction and adjusted the dark leather doublet that clung to his broad shoulders, its worn edges and faint scuffs betraying his reluctance to fully embrace the pristine elegance expected of him in Sorian. Beneath the doublet, his linen shirt was simple, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing the hard earned scars that crisscrossed his tanned skin. A small dagger hung at his side from the belt laced through his dark wool trousers.

“Good morning, Lady Vikena.” Cas greeted her in hopes of not startling her. “What brings you out here, well ...other than talking to ghosts?” He asked with a sly smile and a glint of curiosity in his eye. He approached slowly as he did so, closing the distance and reaching a hand out to pet the beautiful mane of Charlotte’s horse as he waited for her response.

Charlotte’s face lit up and she beamed at Cassius. “Hi! Good morning!” Without a second thought, she jumped up from the hammock and she closed the distance between them. Then, she wrapped her arms around him in a brief embrace.

Subsequently, she pulled back and told him with unnecessary haste, “You will not believe it—I completely forgot to find a gift for Lord Drake’s birthday… So I had to rise at the crack of dawn and ride to the store to find something fitting… A bit dreadful of me, I know.”

“And once that was done, well, I simply couldn’t resist coming here afterward,” she confessed with a smile. Tilting her head in that curious way she always had, she asked, “But what about you? What brings you here so early?” Though she had initially been hesitant to trust Cassius, especially after the rather terrible first impression he had made, Charlotte had gradually come to see him in a different light. His kindness during the ball had softened her heart, and the more she reflected on her distrust, the more she realized it was in poor taste to judge him simply for his name. She had been judged enough for her name and one of her best friends had bore the same last name as him, after all.

With that in mind, she had decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, but she knew she had truly made up her mind during their dance at the ball.

His lips curved into an even wider smile as he accepted Charlotte's embrace, a rare moment of warmth in his otherwise nonchalant demeanor. As they released, he returned his hand to stroke the horse’s mane, though his eyes did not leave Charlottes.

“I wasn’t aware that grown men had birthday parties.” Cassius said in jest with a slight chuckle. “But I’m sure he’ll adore the gift…it’s very thoughtful of you, Lottie. As for me…” He cast a sidelong glance at the lake, nodding towards a cluster of fishing traps partially hidden among the reeds. "You see those over there? Those are mine. I’ve come out here a few times since arriving in Sorian, not just for fishing, but it's also a good place to clear the head. This spot has a way of putting things into perspective."

Lottie immediately giggled. “It’s quite normal in noble circles, Cassius… Certainly, your father will try to throw you one, so beware.” Lottie said as she continued to laugh, “I love birthday parties… Though I haven’t had one in some time myself. “

Her eyes brightened with a sudden memory, a grin spreading across her face. “I remember at my parties, we used to play pin the tail on the donkey, and I always failed miserably... It was such a splendid time!”

Noticing his gaze shift toward the fishing traps in the lake, Lottie followed his eyes, feeling a slight tinge of embarrassment that she hadn’t noticed them earlier. “Oh... I suppose that’s breakfast, then?” she asked with a hint of playful curiosity.

“Oh he can certainly try…” Cassius mused. “But whether I show up, now that’s an entirely different story.”

His laugh was genuine, but his eyes softened a bit at the revelation that she had not had a party of her own in some time. “Guess we’re just going to have to fix that, aren’t we? If no one else throws you a party, Lottie, I’ll give you one you’ll never forget.” He said confidently.

She blushed and fixated her gaze on the fish traps instead.

“Oh and yes, that is most certainly breakfast.” Cassius ran his fingers through the perfectly groomed mane of the horse one final time before motioning toward the traps. “Well…are you gonna make little ol me go grab them all by myself, or are you gonna help?” His smile was both disarming and enchanting as he teased her.

“Me? A lady? Help you?” Charlotte teased with mock surprise, feigning shock, “...Oh, you poor thing. You’d be positively lost without me to save the day.” With a cheeky smile, she flexed playfully, then hitched up her skirt with exaggerated elegance and made her way toward the reeds.

“I’ll be sure to tell everyone far and wide of your heroism here today, princess.” He said with sarcasm and a wink as he let her pass and then followed behind her casually. “Such bravery, such charity from an esteemed woman such as yourself.” Playfulness laced every word as he spoke, and after a moment the two found themselves at the traps. Cassius lowered to grab one of the smaller baskets and pull it from the water, revealing it to have a healthy bounty of fish. “I hope you’re hungry, Lottie.” He said with a smirk as he reached out to hand her the basket with joy.

She took the basket into her hands with enthusiasm, however it was a little heavier than she anticipated. Charlotte wobbled on her feet as she adjusted her grip and found her balance once more. Hoping to brush off the moment with grace, she met Cassius’s eyes with a bright smile.

“So. Do you usually fish in a lake for breakfast?” She inquired with a playful lilt. “I mean, no judgment… “ The thought simmered in her brain a little and she could not help but continue, “Well, perhaps a bit of judgment. Surely you have enough to eat at home. It’s hardly fair to waste these poor creatures' lives.”

Cassius stepped closer, ready to catch her if needed, but Charlotte quickly regained her footing and met his eyes with that bright smile of hers. He himself smiled at the way she wobbled. He couldn’t help it, it was just too damn cute.

“Not all the time, but often, yes.” Cas admitted. “Just a piece of my old life that I can’t let go, I suppose.” He nodded at her point, understanding the concern.

“Besides, whatever I don’t eat at home goes to the staff, so I feel like it balances out all things considered.” He looked down to his other traps, which were most likely full as well, and continued, “Don’t worry, though.” He said, turning back to her. “I only take what I need.”

Cassius then moved to open the other baskets, letting the majority of the fish escape. “I wouldn’t want you to think I’m some heartless brute.” His smile softened with his words, a mix of teasing and genuine affection in his eyes.

“I assure you my impression is quite the opposite.” Charlotte told him warmly and smiled. She considered his words before adding, “ It’s lovely you think of your servants…I often forget mine are paid to live with me as they’ve become so dear to me…” Her look grew far off and her smile grew as her mind wandered to the faces of their staff. “Delilah has always been my attendant and maid for the household, but I suppose I have always seen her more as my big sister… Or perhaps even like a mother.”

After a pause, she giggled and said, “And Gilbert is our darling chef. He is a liiiittttllee grumpy, but goodness do we love him. Then, Nathaniel is more my stepfather’s employee but he has a wonderful heart. “ Charlotte had then approached closer to assist if needed. Though, she forgot her hands were already quite full. Her expression shifted with enthusiasm as she proclaimed in a hushed voice, “And we have a secret handshake!”

Listening to the way Lottie spoke of her servants filled Cassius with a sense of ease. Not all nobles felt the way she did about their staff. Having gotten to know her a bit, he wasn’t surprised by her sentiment, but still…it was a comfort to confirm she was the kind of person he thought, and hoped, her to be.

“You really are as sweet as you seem, aren’t you?” Cassius asked with curiosity and a playful grin. “Most people wear kindness like a pretty necklace to be shown off, but you…you just…care, don’t you?” He smiled at her once more. “It’s honestly refreshing. And I bet they adore you, don’t they?”
As he finished releasing the fish that he wasn’t going to use, Cassius took a moment to reset the traps for next time, gently took the basket from Charlotte, and began leading them back over to her horse and hammock.

“Hopefully I get to meet ‘em…Delilah, Gilbert, Nathaniel, and the rest. They sound lovely.”

“You really think so?” Charlotte had asked with genuine curiosity as she came to a halt beside Tempestes, who nuzzled her hair affectionately. She smiled and gently hugged the horse for a moment, then turned on her heels to meet his gaze once more. “Of course you will! I live right next door, silly. You can just come over.”

“I do.” Cassius said simply, kindly, and with full conviction.

Morior Invictus; How Do We Continue On?

As am I 🙌