ReusableSword

Magus Reaver: Scions of Sorcery

looks fun ill probably work on something tonight if work continues to be slow.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: Archery Range
Interactions:@princess Anastasia, @Rodiak Zarai, @Potter Princess Sadie, @Mole Prince Felix
Mentions in order: @Helo Leo Smithwood, @Aerandir Verrick O'Hare, @SilverPaw Wulfric Danrose

Clothes for the day (No cape or weapons)

---

---

Roman watched the next few rounds of archery intently. Watching Leo and Erza keep up neck and neck was eventful. Every arrow hit and miss, he did not cheer just smiled and kept drinking his tea. Deep down he was a little happy the child wouldn’t get the bow. If he were to bet, he would put his money on Verrick. Luckily it would seem that the man was up next.

Verrick’s opponent was one of the Alidasht, an interesting matchup. The fact made him wonder how Mayet was doing after their dance last night. An arrow flying off into a tree turned his attention back to the shooters. He couldn’t stop his quick laugh at Verrick’s expense seeing as he had loosed the way ward shot.

The large man stood and applauded the woodsman on his win. Standing for a moment he looked around and saw that the very kind lady had reached princess Anastasia and given her the invitation. He could tell because she seemed just as bubbly as ever waving at him. Roman’s eyes caught Wulfric’s gaze for a moment which he returned with a slight tipping of his head. It seemed he was a beacon for bubbly and interesting people as an old face appeared near him.

”Good morning Roman! How are you? Good to see you! Isn’t this competition great?”

“Sadie?” he was not aware that she was joining them on their voyage over, of course he came over with his merchants, but no one told him she was going to be here. His questioning look turned into one of joy, “no one told me you were going to join us on this excursion.” He moved to hug her but paused and instead scooped up her hand in his. Her hand was smooth and small in his large rough hand.

“Im glad you were able to come I’ve missed our conversations on new inventions and improvements to designs.” He always had a soft spot for Sadie more so than some of the others. He wasn’t quite sure either his affection towards a fellow craftsman or because of one of his needs to fix things that are broken.

Roman’s eyes swept over every facet, blemish, and detail of the girls face like admiring intricate stone carvings. He couldn’t quite place it, but it felt like something was off in her features, he may not pick up on social cues all the time but even small or slight details when it came to things, he could perceive was a different story.

His hand tightened around hers for a moment and glanced at the crowd around them but didn’t see anything, the slight differences in her smile and voice could be just him overthinking things but still his gut instinct told him something was off.

“Princess Sadie” his tone low and his eye’s serious. “Like these fine gentlemen around you, my family all swore an oath to protect your family and the kingdom. That includes you. I am honor bound to follow your orders, to keep you safe, and as your friend.” He trailed off for a moment and smiled again, “I will listen to any of your issues, whatever you want to talk about, I will take even your secrets to my grave.” He has told her this before his way of trying to cheer her up.

His eyes looked up in time to see Lady Zarai and anna coming closer towards them. “Im hosting black smith lessons today at 1 pm. You should come join me before, during or after the class so we can talk about what ever you want.” His smile did not fade as he let go of her hand moving to the other side of the table.

Roman pulled two chairs out for Zarai and Anna, “its good to see you too Zarai, I have to say those battle scars you got sure do look good on you. Hopefully the other guy didn’t fair too much better.” He snickered at her knowing full well she will likely try to get back at him later today. “Ahh yes, the bow, it’s what happens when a noble house requests a weapon and only pays for the material needed and not the work of the craftsmen. The crest in the pommel is that of an elk, Regal, and a sign of protection.” He pushed her chair in when she sat down and moved to offer Anastasia her seat.

“Hello again Princess Anastasia, I would have loved to have been able to dance with you last night, but it seemed we at least had fun last night. Seeing as how I just woke up with a hangover, I can safely assume that the rest of you are still lightweights.” He smiled at her and chuckled to himself. “I do have to say, I am very proud of you. It takes some brass balls to stand up to your parents like that, no matter the repercussions you did a good job.”

Roman waited for her to sit down and pushed her chair in, pouring tea for all of them before the next round. He normally did this for others, as his family were brought up to take care of themselves when they had too. To others it could come off as him trying to be charming or pull favor from the young ladies.

The next round seemed to have started just as another approached their table, “Good morning, Prince Felix, it’s good to see you are doing well. Care to join us?”

He was ever inviting to the others and their guards, there was plenty of room. The match going on behind them seemed to be going rather well. Roman didn’t hear what the challengers name was but did recognize one of the men up at the shooting line as the man he had left at the Damien estate. He was still alive, so he supposed he was telling the truth. Roman took his seat and continued to watch the contest and the others that had gathered with him at the table.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: Archery Range
Interactions:
Mentions in order: @Rodiak Sir Mathias Larsen, @Tae Thea Smithwood, @Helo Leo Smithwood, @princess Anastasia, @Rodiak Zarai, @Aerandir Verrick O'Hare, @Potter Erza Turner, @Heartfillia Crystal Damien, @SilverPaw Wulfric Danrose, @mantou Wystan

Clothes for the day (No cape or weapons)

---

---

Roman was quite enjoying himself, the warm tea, the sounds and cheers of the spectators, even the sun was enjoyable at its current position. The atmosphere was joyful with the smell of good food on the air. It would seem that even a small commotion was brewing in the park behind them, a commotion that only garnered a short glance long enough for him to figure out he wasn’t interested.

As the competitors were finishing up their practice runs he began to spot several faces he recognized, Sir Mathias Larson and his adorable son Lukas. He enjoyed playing with children especially given that he had a brother and sister the same age as the boy. Roman had only met the young man a hand full of times but when he didn’t have to act proper he let the boy ride on his shoulders a time or two.

He noticed Leo and Thea also gunning for a spot on the archery range and smiled. Seeing Leo out here wasn’t unexpected, at least he was wearing shoes this time. It was unexpected to see Thea out and about during the day. It did not look like she had slept well from the day before, Roman would have to find her sometime today and see how she is handling things. Another one of the nobles he took a special interest in keeping an eye on them, he wasn’t quite sure why he did that he just assumed it was part of his nature of fixing things.

Speaking of people he had a special interest in, Princess Anna and Lady Zarai were quick to make their presence known after the first competitors were announced. The shouting from the two balls of energy from the stands was enough to make him turn around and spot them. At least they had a couple escorts with them, Roman couldn’t quite place the one next to Zarai but he recognized the one with Anna but couldn’t place his name.

He could have sworn he saw the familiar shadow of Verrick the queen’s woodsmen stalking through the contestants. That man could out do all the others here if he really wanted to, Roman only saw him use a weapon a handful of times but even by just looking at the man he could get a good idea just how dangerous he could be if he chose to be. Roman began clapping for the contestants as his eyes wandered the crowd again to see if he could see any more familiar faces. He wasn't too sure about this Erza fellow but did remember something about cakes from the night before.

The giant could see his old giant friend and his quite friend off by the trees with the ever captivating crystal Damien sitting on a blanket under a tree. She came up to the railing nearby calling out to Sir Mathias for good luck. He wasn’t quite sure if he made eye contact at this distance but he was sure to wave and smile at the big guy and crystal but he couldn’t quite make out their expressions.

Still turning his eyes fell on Prince Wulfric and a few of his guards, looking stoic as ever he wasn’t quite sure how to judge this one in public places. The others in attendance seemed to stop and stare at the prince so perhaps he didn’t get out much. He did notice Wystan was next to him, if he remembered right it was his favorite guard or something, he was sure it was more than that but he couldn’t really remember.

Before the competition truly got underway Roman was able to get the attention of one of the young ladies that was offering tea and refreshments to the people at the tables and smiled,

“Excuse me miss could I trouble you to do a couple tasks for me? It seems some of my friends couldn’t find me when they got here could you please invite them to my table?”

Roman dug into one of the pouches on his waist and pulled out about 20 coins offering it to the young girl. She looked at him for a moment before taking the coins and smiling,

“Do you know where your friends are and what would you like me to say Sir?” she was obviously fishing for a name.

“Ah Lord Roman Ravenwood, if you could let Princess Anastasia and her company know that they are welcome to join me at my table as well as letting Sir Mathias Know that his son and care taker are welcome to join us as well.”

Roman continued to smile and point out the princess in the stands and Sir Mathias where the competitors are at.

“Oh and one more thing, can you tell the announcer to send the top three commoners to see me for a prize once they are done. Thank you very much for allowing me to interrupt you for a moment.” Again he smiled and the young lady gave a small curtsy then left to go talk to the others. Roman returned his attention to the competition sipping the tea he was given.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

@Apex Sunburn hey im always up for another family member for roman he has a lot of family and the names are up for change if you want. the Ravenwood family are craftsmen and merchants at heart.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: outside the Damien Estate > Warehouse >> Archery Range
Interactions: Cassius Vael @PapaOso / anyone at the archery range

Clothes for the day (No cape or weapons)

---

---

The breeze coming off the rolling waves of the sea was calming. Roman had taken a few steps away from the estate to go over his thoughts and the information that was given. He didn’t have the mother’s point of view but guessing from all the information he has picked up so far about them she isn’t likely to be the one giving the orders. “Come on roman go over the details.” He thought to himself while looking over across the bay.

“Let’s see after getting home last night she was likely confronted about their actions and decided to send her off early this morning. Had to have been last night by the way it sounded she left before that dammed paper was written. Punishment it would seem but perhaps to strict, their family wouldn’t gain much from sending off one of their children during one of the largest gatherings of nobles in decades. Hell, even im here.”

Something was nagging at the back of his mind, socially he may not have been the most understanding of people, but he wasn’t stupid all the time. Something just felt off, this game was about deals and power plays, but he did not see an angle that worked. This is something he should bring up to his information broker when he got here. That man was always just around the corner or in a puff of smoke.

His attention was pulled back to the estate for a moment with what looked to be a flurry of activity and questioning looks. A man stood at the gates talking to the guard. Roman picked up the end of what the man was saying and had to stare for a moment.

“ol’ Count Calbert Damien...Tell the man his bastard has arrived.”

What a strange declaration, it would seem the count could falter and be human. Making a mistake as to sire a child out of wedlock for a man of such standing would be fun to see just how far this pushes the man.

“Good luck with that friend, you’re going to need it.” He called over before walking towards the port.

Judging by the way the guards were looking at him incredulously they were just as surprised as he was so this could be fun. Still not something he wanted to stick around and see, right now he just wanted to walk and think.

Roman found himself walking through the warehouse district when he heard the announcement for the archery contest in the background. This made him stop in his tracks. This was a good opportunity to spread the Ravenwood name, offer a prize none could refuse and watch what happens from the sidelines. The options were moving through his mind, and he visually nodded at his own decision, “Yup that’s a good prize.” Turning on the heels of his feet roman headed to the warehouse he rented to store the materials and safes he brought with them.

His family had acquired one of the warehouses to store their goods and a handful of muscle to keep it safe for the summer. The one where his things where stored had a couple guards out front whom he had already gotten acquainted to when they were unloading their cargo a few days ago. Stepping inside he spent little time going through the building. Rows of boxes and crates containing materials of all different kinds for whatever their family might need while here. There was even a small room built in the corner to provide some temporary housing for their men in the event they couldn’t find anywhere to stay.

He kept passing crates and barrels till he came to a row of safes in differing sizes. Each one with a different code on the front, a code that told him what was in each one. Stopping in front of a tall safe he spent a few moments opening the complicated locking mechanism. Inside where several ornate wooden boxes almost as tall as him with paper tags attached to them. Reaching in and grabbing one he closed and locked the door before heading towards the archery range.

Upon reaching the range he saw that they had already started but they still had quite the line of attendee’s and there were still quite a few people over at the park. Walking past the line with confidence like he owned the place and the physical size to back it up Roman strode past the attendants and approached the Announcer Harry Morgan and introduced himself,

“Good morning sir, I am Lord Roman Ravenwood I have a quick announcement to make regarding the prize for the winner of this competition.”

Harry seemed surprised but handled himself appropriately with a slight bow and signaled for a quick cease fire to the other people running the show. “Go right ahead Lord Ravenwood.”

Roman took his box and cleared his throat, with a loud deep voice he spoke from his chest, “Can I have your attention please! I am Lord Roman Ravenwood of Emberstone and Ravenwood Industries!” Roman was sure to pause between each sentence to allow full understanding.

“We will be sponsoring this competition by offering a one-of-a-kind prize to the one that wins this tournament!” Roman opened the latches and pulled a long bow from the crate for all to see. “A once in a lifetime prize, a masterwork composite longbow fit for a prince, An Ivory Handle made with silver inlays and the symbol of the Ravenwood master craftsmen! Use it as a tool, a wall decoration, sell it for five times your annual pay! If you win its yours!”

The bow was quite expensive and took a long time to make, its white ivory and silver handle tapered down in color until it reached the black tips of the bow. The materials themselves that were used in its construction was likely more than a year’s wage for many of the people here. Roman took a step back from the line and moved to place the bow on the box lined with smooth beaver fur that glistened in the sun. it wasn’t the most expensive or best bow he brought with him but was one of them.

The announcer looked stunned as he admired the bow next to him. After a brief pause the competition began again with renewed vigor from the contestants. Roman new this was financially his loss, but this would help to spread the Ravenwood name in more ways than one. Publicity and good business. Most of the items he brought where to be given at things like this anyway.

Roman made his way back through the crowd of competitors giving them smiles and nods as he passed being as friendly as he could to all the participants young or old. At least he found a good spot near the front that hadn’t been claimed yet and happily accepted a cup of tea and thanked the one that poured it for him.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Roman Ravenwood

Interactions: himself and his thoughts in the meeting hall

Clothes for the day (No cape or weapons)

---

---

This whole gathering felt off, things didn’t quite add up or make sense. Roman, not believing he had anything important to say simply stayed quite in the back of the group. Not saying a word but his facial expressions spoke enough for him to whomever might have been watching the giant. Near constantly sporting an incredulous look as the conversation went on but not once looking like he felt guilty or ashamed for whatever had happened the night before. His eyes shifting back and forth moving from one person to another whenever they spoke.

Memories creeping back to the constant reminders and lectures he received from his parents about the political languages the other royals spoke. When he was young, he never could grasp the concept yet as he grew older, he became more and more aware of it.

“Remember if you can’t quite read the situation or know what to say keep that mouth of yours shut tight. Try to read the situation, from the words, the body language, and what isn’t being said.”
His fathers voice and the image of his impressive red beard crept into his mind for a moment.
“Assume the upper echelons of royalty know or have a good handle as to what’s going on, you can lie or miss lead them but be subtle and carful.”
After finishing his beer, he continued, “think of it this way, the nobility and royalty can be explained like this. It looks like a beautiful field of mountain flowers in a sunny meadow. Yet hidden just below the surface are poisonous plants, thorny stems, and venomous snakes waiting to strike.”

His memory faded as Callum started to confess to something that didn’t seem like him, then Mayet came in with anger, ready for battle. He caught Ana’s gaze for a moment and flashed her a brief reassuring smile. Leo spoke up and immediately gave up broad information likely without thinking of the repercussions. The advisor’s son who introduced himself as Farim tried to diffuse the situation, but the sultan or advisor didn’t seem too fond of the interruption either. They all seemed intent on letting one boy take the fall with a few claiming for his innocence. Another spoke up, one that almost went unnoticed being in a wheelchair.

Lady Zarai, a mischievous young lady roman is always a fan of her free-spirited nature. Yet it seemed that sometime last night she got in a fight, her mother going on and on about how her little porcelain doll was attacked and left for dead. At least that was how it sounded. Honestly it did look like she got in a good tussle, but he could see the small details of defensive injuries. He subconsciously checked his own knuckles for signs of a fight but didn’t see anything.

The recurring theme of poisoning and no one seeming to be able to remember what happened was strange. He seemed to be the least effected by whatever happened as everyone else seemed sluggish or off somehow. If it was just alcohol, then that would mean that everyone else here is just a lightweight. A plausible explanation but unlikely given Callum would normally put up a good fight for it. Psychedelic drugs were not out of the question either, some of the mountain mushrooms make you taste purple so it would not be too far out of the way for something like that to be used.

The other thing that was strange was he could have sworn they were picked up by the queen and royal guards last night or someone told him about it. Trying to remember specifics made his head hurt. Yet if that was true than the queen would at least know who owned the place where they were picked up or at the very least searched the area. He doubted they were so incompetent they would not do this, so it left two options. Either the queen knows who did it and they are powerful in some way or have some sort of sway over them and are using this to shift blame off that person or they truly do not know what’s going on. Either way Roman figured he should be carful with this subject.

The outburst from Anastasia was strange for her but given the situation he could see why. She was just going full tilt into her confession to pull the blame off Callum and onto her but keep the blame on her family. She continued and to him seemed to be standing up for herself. Roman couldn’t help but smirk for a moment, he was proud of her for not just sinking back and doing what she was told.

The king did say a few things but even from his earlier interactions with the man made him simply tone him out. A man that can not see the worth in fine craftsman ship like the king isn’t worth his time. The only thing that man would cherish would be a mirror that always follows him around and makes him look 20 years younger. Even when did receive the gift from his father the king almost seemed to toss it to the side the moment another toy was placed in front of him like a spoiled child.

The queen would be the first to suggest that this meeting convene after the Sultans suggestion of breakfast. The mention of food did break his thoughts for a moment making him wonder what the street vendors would have for sale right about now.

Roman’s gaze shifted to Wulfric for a moment as he made his finishing statements. He had the giants respect he may be cold and almost surgical at times, but it made him to be very effective at playing these political games. Not the best person for idle or relaxed conversations or at least his type of conversations, to be the way he is meant that Wulfric had to be guarded and carful as not to say the wrong thing the wrong way. Still, respected.

It seemed the Alidasht were not all satisfied with the answer given and he had to agree with them. Almost like they were part of a comedy play at the amphitheater, so far, they would likely have quite a few rumors and jokes been spread at their expense. He could only hope that it did not turn into a tragedy as the grand vizier demanded they take over the investigation.

It seems they were dismissed as the others began filtering out to proceed with their plans for the day. Roman couldn’t help but linger a little longer than some of the others just quietly watching the others and listening. He noticed Zarai stare at the door that Ana left through. Roman also wanted to talk to the princess but he could do that at another time. If Zarai did look his way, he would just give her a soft smile and a nod before turning to leave.

The main thing he was looking forward too this morning was to check and see what Violet Damien was doing this morning and to ask her father a very important question. He walked confidently out the door being sure to be courteous to any of the other nobility he may or may not pass on his way down the street. He could only hope to find a street vendor or something on the way to the estate.

When Roman arrived at the front of the Damien estate, he greeted the guard or messenger at the gate assuming they had one and would request an audience with Count Calbert Damien. If not Roman would confidently stroll up to the main door and knock requesting the same thing.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Roman Ravenwood

Interactions: himself and some NPC's

Clothes for the day (No cape or weapons)

---

---

Just a dream...

A field of purple flowers and green grass out to the horizon, the same Purple Heart shaped flower petals drifting through the air on the bright spring day. The slow gentle breeze caring the scent of a recent down pour. Roman walked through the field alone the vegetation reached his waist, his hands drifting through the grass and flowers as he walked. Wearing the same outfit, he had to the ball everything seemed peaceful, each step carefree towards a lone small outcropping of stone.

He reached the stone rock and saw it covered in vines of flowering jasmine. The scent blooming off it and making him smile. A single raven landed on top of the stone looked at him with its black eyes and took a clutch of flowers in its beak before flying off. Roman watched as it flew off into the distance his eyes moving to the shadow of the stone where a women sat in a black and red dress reading a book.

“Roman” the girl beckoned him to come closer her eyes leaving the book to smile at the man. Deep scars running down her chin and into her blouse.

“Come sit with me roman.” The girl called out. "Before its time to wake up.”

Roman moved up slowly to the girl but always seemed to be just a few steps away.

“Before its time to wake up.” She repeated with a smile.

The giant of a man felt like he was running toward her the flowers began to wither and blacken while the grass turned brown and dark clouds began swirling above them.

“What’s keeping you roman? Should I get the bucket?” the field began to grow increasingly brighter in an orange glow.

Then a wall of fire formed between them the women’s smile never faded as her dress caught fire. Soon she was nothing more than a black shadow in a sea of billowing flame and choking soot. “Am I not enough for you Lord Ravenwood?” a blackened hand reached through the wall turning to ash as he reached out for it being nearly overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness his heart racing as everything went dark.

In the dark he felt a small hand take his, the size of a child’s, it was rough like his and he heard a small giggle. Opening his eyes to a frozen mountain winter wonderland, he was home for a moment. The small child squeezed his hand. Looking over he knelt down to see his sister, long dark hair pulled up into a ponytail and soot smeared across her face. Her small wiry frame was nearly opposite of his own bulk barley reaching his waist in height.

A protrusion in her side made her frame seem unnatural, a trail of blood stained the snow she stood in. “Big brother! be good like you promised and I’ll see you at dinner.”

Roman Ruffled up the small girl’s hair and smiled, “Ok Iduna, You be good to your brothers too.” the feelings of helplessness washed away and changed to sadness and longing.

Iduna pouted and stuck her tongue out at him, “you couldn’t save me but maybe you can save the other children.”

Roman watched as she skipped away into the snow she turned one more time, “Remember to wake up, I hope you don’t hit me for this.”

Confusion spread across his face, “hit you for wha-“

The splash of cold water from the bucket pulled the man from his slumber very suddenly. He rolled and stood up quickly ready for a fight that never came instead the two young men he asked to help him out last night at the ball stood in front of him, one with a now empty small pail.

“Apologies my lord we tried to wake you a few times, but the Queen requests your presence at the main hall.” Both boys couldn’t look him in the eye and almost seemed to be afraid of what he might do because of his rude awakening.

He tried to remember the events of the night but was quickly reminded of his nocturnal activities by a sudden bout of light headedness and pain. Did drunk Roman screw him over and not drink any water before drinking? Honestly, he couldn’t remember anything past the carriage ride over and meeting someone named Kazoo.

“you two are ok.” He spoke and looked around the room. It was a little messy well more than a little messy. He had stripped off his clothes after walking in and seemed to grab on to the sheets of the bed just to pass out on the floor.

“Please try to clean this up while im gone and later today at I think 1pm meet me at the black smith.“ Sauntering over to the mirror he dropped the blanket he was using to cover himself. Washing his face off he noticed the scratches and marks he had acquired the night before. “Looks like I got in a fight with a racoon. They sure are vicious here.” The necklace he always wore seemed to glow teal for a moment after he woke before darkening again, something he noticed but didn’t give it much attention.

he through on some traditional clothes, simple but still colorful to show off. Deciding to leave the cloak and bracers to pull his sleeves up and tie them above his elbows. The look put him somewhere between a low noble and commoner but that is what he preferred when not having to dress formal but still wanting to look good. His clothes also had several buttons and hand stitched intricate designs adorning his clothes.

Roman washed his face and drank some water feeling about as refreshed as he figured he would get without a full bath. Placing a few jasmine flowers in his pocket he nodded to the two young men with a smile, “see you at 1, at some point ill let you two know what I expect of you.” With that he was off towards the main hall. Noticeably not staring at anything that was too bright.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Roman Ravenwood

Interactions: Callum @Helo // Mayet @13org

Eavening Attire (Removed the small cape and most of the metal bits after the ball)

---

---

Roman kept drinking feeling a little bit of a buzz after his fourth ale knowing he would start getting a bit tipsier after maybe 3 or 4 more and sloshed at about 12 or 13 drinks. Yet he felt that these drinks were not as strong as the mead back home. They sure didn’t taste as good more like a braggot than anything, a mixture of ale and mead, a good strong but bitter brew for a working man or warrior.

It wasn’t until he finished his glass and started on the next did he see just how Callum responded to his drink. It was sudden and strange, he must have drank a lot more than he thought at the party as he was well aware that Callum was not a light weight. Mayet however was a wild card, it seemed she only drank half her glass but was being forward enough that even he could see that she was interested in him.

A strange place indeed, with Callum suddenly blurting out a few things and laughing maniacally before wanting a race? Strange. Even Roman looked to the blue drink with clouds drifting by and back to his own dark lager. Pushing the drink back to towards the bartender with a smile, “On second thought I think this ale is plenty enough for me. Please tell the owner of this establishment that he is doing a wonderful job and that if he ever needs or wants something made by the Ravenwood Craftsman Guild I would be happy to take his commission.” Roman smiled at the lady and turned his attention back to Mayet after watching Callum run off with a laugh of amusement.

“This place is strange and I agree with what you said about Nala, only enough room for one or two predators in here it seems.” Roman took a few more gulps of his drink setting down the glass that was now half full. He felt himself getting a little warmer either from the atmosphere or the room itself he could not tell as he was used to much colder temperatures. Subconsciously undoing a few buttons at the neck of his shirt letting more of his muscular chest and shoulders show, the subtle sent of mountain jasmine drifting off of his bronze skin.

Taking in his surroundings again he took notice of the small food fight across the room, the dancers, and the fighting ring. Callum still running and moving, some others in the darker corners of the room having their own fun, while some just kept to themselves and drank. “Callum is a good man not to great on the physical part, I think that’s the first time I’ve seen him run.” He couldn’t help but laugh, “He suffers from what we like to call a glass jaw, I figured that one out the first time we met in a bar fight. The little guy will tucker himself out eventually.” Roman was well aware that he was insulting him but it was the kind of insults that old friends threw at each other from time to time.

“How bout this then Mayet. You finish your drink, ill finish mine, and we can go see just how good it feels to dance to the beat of the music like those guys over there.” Motioning to the dance floor. “If the tigress before me feels up for it that is?” A challenge but Roman was definitely having a good night. the morning should be even better when he gets to talk to Violet more on what they discussed at the ball. See just how much of a pain her father will be and if he will have to ask him every day to court his daughter. For now Roman knew it was time for fun and relaxation while he began to drink the rest of his glass.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Roman Ravenwood

---

---

“Roman, how are things in Emberrock?”

Roman gave the prince a slightly disappointed face while keeping his smile. Motioning for the man to hold on a moment as he organized his drinks next to him with a smile to the bartender, “thank you kindly miss, one more water and three more of this lovely dark ale for me please.” Being very polite towards the bartender.

Turning his smile back to Callum with a laugh, “I haven’t seen you in what 3? 4? Years and your first words are a slight? We both know its Emberstone, and we both know that shit doesn’t bother me like these other idiots. Im not your dad but at least this time im glad I came.” Roman proceeded to drink the entirely of both glasses of water with one breath each as Callum spoke.

“Enjoying your time in Sorian? I’ll bet they don’t have parties like this in Varian.”

“Ha not quite as interesting, the summer festivals im missing right now though. Those ones are fun.” Picking up his first glass of ale and drinking two big gulps before putting it down again, eyeing the blue concoction next to him for a moment. He hadn’t touched that drink yet but by the looks of everyone else it was going to put him on his ass.

“I got to tell you it was good seeing so many friendly faces again but there were two that stood out tonight and im looking forward for once to making more memories with them.” The bear of a man unbuttoned his sleeves around his wrists and rolled up his sleeves up past his elbows showing off his scars and bronze skin.

“Violet Damien, she said she danced with you even, but it seems you had better luck with her sister, she said she’s a bookworm and a few other things that reminded me of you. I do like that one I’ve never met someone that could bring me out of my shell like Violet.”

Roman finished his first beer and started on the next without skipping a beat, “She has beautiful scars, her skin is as soft as silk, her voice carries pain and mystery in equal bearing, those eyes its like looking out into the stary night and having a hot forge look back at you. I don’t know what it is about that one but im looking forward to finding out just how deep her pain is and exploring her mystery.”

“its like she’s a work of art. every facet, every etching is like a whole nother book an entire new story of depth and wonder.” Leaning in close for a moment and speaking a little lower, “this one really gets my metal hot if you know what im talking about.” Roman couldn’t help but give a big laugh.

Then another man cut in wearing a mask but Roman knew by the looks of him it was the blond from the cart but under a different name and a strange accent. A fast talker barely leaving enough time to get a word in edge wise, Roman elected to drink his beer and laugh. This was turning out to be a good night. “Here Here, I do hope you enjoy the festivities friend.” He wasn’t entirely sure how to proceed with that one, but he left just as soon as he came.

“The other one that caught my eye is Mayet the Alidasht princess. Now that woman… woo.” Again, his smile never seemed to fade as he spoke to his old friend. “That one is definitely unique, and I do believe would be very fun, my only worry is that we are two spirits of fire. time will tell if our flames will burn brighter together or burn each other out.”

“What of you friend? What new adventures or fair maidens have you gotten a bit too far into lately?”

"I think you might need more than just a small mask to hide your identity, Lord Roman."

Their conversation was interrupted slightly yet again by a familiar voice joining them with an almost whisper in his ear. Roman did not recoil from her sudden appearance only took another gulp of his beer and smiling at her, “Ah yes, I thought the same thing Mayet that’s why im not wearing one. Good timing, I was just telling my friend Callum here how fun our dance was and how Gracefully you move across the dance floor.” Taking another drink of his beer and looking to his blue drink again, he honestly wasn’t sure if he was going to drink it now, the beer here was great paired with this environment and he did want to remember this.

“How even now in this environment, the look in your eyes never lose that look of a mighty predator, a skillful huntress. Reminds me of one of your myths, the fire Jinn, im sure if I could see your soul, your power, I would see a mighty blaze.” The man was glad he was out of the castle and in this place. These kind of places with this kind of people and these kinds of drinks was always a nice way for him to relax, unwind, and not have to worry about holding his tongue.

@samreaper
@13org
@Helo

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Roman Ravenwood

---

---

With the end of the ball and the dispersing of the others back to their homes, estates, and guest houses came a feeling of relief for the man. Roman never really liked these social gatherings but it would seem that this one had been rather interesting compared to the last. Hopefully he would be able to find violet again tomorrow. Maybe a walk around the area would be nice if he didn’t get too smashed at the party coming up. Hopefully it would be a good one.

Roman only stayed in his room for a moment to leave his coat and get ambushed by Princess Ana with a hug that he gladly reciprocated before skipping off to inform the others of the ‘secret’ party. He did like her she was always bubbly and absolutely adorable. He was glad she hadn’t changed much since the last time he saw her. She never seemed to judge anyone poorly or have a negative outlook towards others or most others. Ana and Callum were his favorites of the Danrose children.

He made his way quietly to the others at the stable and waited in the back of the crowd as the others whispered or talked among themselves. Once the carriage pulled around he found a nice spot on the floor in the carriage and mostly kept quiet but his smile didn’t fade. They stopped for a moment to pick someone named kazoo up and continued to what looked to be an old dilapidated warehouse. Letting everyone else out first Roman found himself at the back of the group scanning the environment outside of the warehouse finding only the feeling of being watched from an unknown place but shrugged it off.

A masked man was guiding the group further down into a secret passage down under the building, a rhythmic sound slowly became auditable as they walked. At first it almost sounded like a hammer or two swinging away at something with how it thumped in your chest but that idea was soon forgotten as the strange sounds began to accompany it. At the bottom of the stairs Roman almost missed the man offering masks as he stared at the lights and sounds around them, “by the gods” he whispered turning to the man with the masks.

“Ha, I don’t know about you but I don’t think that mask will do much to hide this frame.” Motioning with his hands to his physical build. “Thank you though.” The Tall man made his way to the bar and eyed the bartender for a moment, “quite the establishment, tell me what will it cost for a pint of your darkest beer, a pint of water, and…” trailing off for a moment as he looked at the menu. “Conquer the Mountain that one sounds good. And tell me miss” eyeing the woman once again, “how does one get into that ring over there?” motioning to the fighting ring nearby with people cheering and shouting.

He seemed to be a little easily distracted at the moment and was definitely a lot louder than he had been at the dance, almost like he waited all night just to be this way. He looked among the patrons at the bar until he thought he recognized the clothes Callum was wearing earlier but was hard to tell with this lighting. “CALLUM!” he raised his voice for a moment to get the attention of likely everyone at the bar, “Come drink with your old friend, it’s been too long.” The smile on the large man seemed like it would last forever.

@Helo