Open starter: Xavier von Bismarck and open (@francehqstarters)
Xavier had spent days getting the new lay of the land, examining the rulers and royalty of the countries which surrounded the formers duchies, the duchies themselves, and those who seemingly had less of a stake in what was said. He waited and watched, his usually quick wit silenced to listen...so carefully as to report back every word and scrap of information to King Javier, to tell him who was friend or foe. From his place in the corner of the main dining area, he listened and learned, a playful smile drifting across his lips while he mentally cataloged who he could use and who could not be trusted.
Still, he was surprised when he found that someone was coming to speak to him. He had always supposed himself an outlier in Versailles, only a Count when others had titles that extended into the upper echelons. "Greetings, Versailles seems alight with excitement once again. I must admit that I find a certain joy in people watching and I did not expect for anyone to notice me. Still, as you are here, may I offer you a drink?" Xavier asked, grabbing another cup and pouring some wine into it, extending his arm with his cup.
