1 Kennex corsairs arrives, following Titania.

3 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields, Titania arrive, following Patrizio.

6 Last Watch Sentries, Nils, an aging Northern steward, Bear, a war mastiff arrive, following Darren.

2 Culler Brutes, 1 Culler Boatswain, Clowder of the Nine, they have been fed don't let them trick you arrive, following Raja.

Renatabar

A scent of honey and lavender assaults your nose the moment you step into the salon, washing you with undeniable sense of calm. The salon has apothecaries stationed everywhere, offering massages, treatments, advisements, products. A rack of bathing clothes, towels and robes are arranged in the back of the room for those who choose to partake in the baths, the sauna in the back or treat themselves to the free massages.

But Wait, what is that smell? Is that... hot.. chocolate? Is that.. a cake cart? Sounds like a delicious way to relax. Remy of Artshall is standing by the door, offering interesting red jars to those who enter, while the patron, Mabelle is ... by the cake cart. Why are you surprised? Clad in Artshall Velvet and smokeweave and lips as red as berries, we know who wont be bathing today.

Mabelle drops a large wooden beehive.

Renata takes a luxurious lip rouge of sweet berry hue from a large wooden beehive.

The snow falling without is hardly a deterrent for the long walk from other parts of the city - even with it coming down as it's wont to do in the season, Patrizio Pravus is already shedding his cloak and handing it to one of his guard, as he's leading Titania with him from the weather without. "I can remember when this was brought up as a concept, for what it's worth," says he to the Kennex lady beside him with an easy chuckle. Before he does, indeed, make his way over to Mabelle by the cart, without giving look to the food itself. "My lady. May this opening lead to great success for your salon."

Ryhalt has the general look that while he might not be seen to partake in this place himself, he's definitely scouting it out to suggest to his wife and daughter and sisters. Man on a mission as it were. Still he smiles to Mabelle when he sees her. "Kept this one as a surprise from me, naughty Lady Belle."

The sniggering coming from a couple of Darren's guards is silenced by a stern look from him. He decides, after a moment of reflection, to leave them OUTSIDE the fine Oathlands salon before coming in himself, with Bear, a dog who is not, in fact, a bear, on his heels. The dog, unlike the guards, is far too well-behaved to snigger. He does sneeze, though. The high lord's smile is muted, and doesn't really give away what he's doing here. Just socializing, probably. That lipstick isn't his shade.

Raja had spent some time debating on whether or not she wanted to spend time at this opening. However, there is one thing Raja loves and it is honey. Oh how she loves the sweet syrupy goopy golden delicious mana from heaven. So, naturally, her curiosity overwhelmed her and she decided to make the trip to come and see what special thing this may turn out to be. In a sea of fancy people, Raja moves silently, taking in the finery of those around her and the delicious smells that swirl about them. The smell of chocolate pulls at Raja's nose and she eventually finds herself by the make your own hot chocolate bar! Chocolate is such a rare treat for the Lowers woman. Eyes light up as if she were a little girl and without further hesitation, she delves in to make a cup of hot chocolate!

2 Pravus Honor Guard arrives, following Galatea.

1 Kennex corsairs have been dismissed.

Raja has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Mabelle grins widely at people as they enter, "It was a long awaited dream, had a little setback of my city being burned and all", she winks to Patrizio, "They have lovely massages at the back", she murmurs as he passes by her. And to Ryhalt, she notes, "Sometimes I hide my business from you lest you'd like to take part in them, or claim your undue share", she winks at him. Darren is welcomed in and so is bear, as she moves to flatten his fur, "Oh you brought him! There are bathing suits in the back if you wish to get a massage or relish in the baths".

Spying Raja, Mabelle grins at her choice of location, wiggling her finger, "If you want anything from the lounge, Maurice will bring it over".

She then turns to announce, "Welcome all to the Honey Glow Beauty Salon, my Artshall apothecaries are here to take care of all your beauty needs and coat you all in honey until you are sweet and tasty to be fed to...", she halts, "No that's the wrong speech. Our gift for you tonight mixes two of Artshall's gifts, one is honey, the other is the red sap we found at the forest. It has lovely color, but I also used it in whiskey and it made people hallucinate so...", she shrugs as if she said nothing at all.

Ravana gets a gold-plated bee shaped fire stoker from a large wooden beehive.

a huge spotted dog named Fury arrives, following Aksel.

Princess Renata is close upon Patrizio's heels as she steps inside to shake off the snow from her coat. Falling snow left to the floor with a 'tsk' noise and point to assistant to aid in cleaning up within small whisper about ensuring no one might slip because of her. Coat handed off to assistant to reveal a duskweave and seasilk combination of corset and skirts. Nodding to Patrizio, "Dear Cousin." A small word to him as she looks to where the hostess is and heads for Mabelle to offer greetings. "Lady Mabelle, this is an amazing location to have. I hope you find it to bring a sight of beauty to the world when so much is left outside to be unsightly." A small pause as she takes a moment to look over the gorgeous fur which Mabelle is wearing. "You must tell me who your tailor is. This is an amazing piece." Turning away briefly to nod with small bow to Darren, "Your highness." A nod offered to Ravana, Ryhalt, and Raja before clasping her hands in front of her to take in the conversation of others.

Raja calls out to Mabelle, "Oh no! I want to know what we are about to be fed to! You owe us that much!" There is a rather devious smirk on her features and a bright smile. She is teasing of course. "I mean, wouldn't be the first time something tried to eat me." No innuendo was there. She's serious, but still in a good nature.

"I'm not sure your staff would want to clean up the dog hair," Darren replies to Mabelle with a smile. Bear, in the meantime, pulls his head away from her hand, but only so that he can snuffle it and (before Darren can think to stop him) slobber all over it. Darren winces. "That... might be why they didn't want him in the Queensrest," he admits, patting his pockets down in search of a handkerchief while he gives a pleasant, if distracted, nod to Renata.

"I'm here for the Dire Bees, I was told they exist," Ravana announces upon her arrival, the lanky blonde looking at the jars of lipstick with interest, but her eyes light up upon spotting the fire pokers, and she immediately takes one up, the devious look in her eye promising something unfortunate in someone's future. At Mabelle's quip about slathering the guest's in honey, her brows lift in amusement. "Do they hallucinate about anything in particular?" she then wonders, before turning to look and see who all has arrived in time to be fed to...something.

Ryhalt huffs in mock affront at Mabelle. "As if I'd be caught dead owning a place like this!" Still, he's definitely eying everything in a way he's going to be suggesting it to others. She might not be wrong! He smiles to Princess Renata and returns her nod. He chuckled at Mabelle's welcoming speech. "Are the 'massages' conducted by bees?"

Galatea gets a luxurious lip rouge of sweet berry hue from a large wooden beehive.

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world, your opening, and we'll see when I make my way back there. I imagine the massages might be a bit less than private at the moment." Patrizio winks to Mabelle as she's being helpful, but that's a good turn and segue into his greeting his cousin. "Renata, you've endured the sea and winter to come back here," he says with warmth, leaning in to hear what she has to say to him, his hand resting on her opposite upper arm as he smiles and nods, and can be seen to whisper back to her.

Mabelle curves her lips to Renata, "Thank you for your kind words, Princess", she looks down at her fur, "I actually learned to stitch in my free time, Petal helps me with some accuracy, but I find it a lovely way to honor Jayus", she smiles at her. Her crystalline gaze turns to Raja and she says all serious, "To Dire Bees" and to Ravana, "There is one outside", before feeling her hand being all icky. She eyes Darren, collecting the handkerchief without looking too concerned about it. "It was certainly interesting when we found the sap, most people just danced a lot, I can send you some of the whiskey, or you can just put this all over your lips or eat it, its made of honey", she grins.

Mabelle rolls her eyes at Ryhalt next, "No, but they will scrub you with sugar and honey", waggling her eyebrows, "And there is a curtain, but as you will, Highness".

Darren has the decency to at least look sheepish as he hands the handkerchief over to Mabelle.

Ryhalt steps back, away from the curtain towards the massages at the notion of getting scrubbed down with sugar and honey. He looks at the cosmetics instead.

Renata stays just off to the side listening as she glances over the rouge for the lips, though the chocolate bar is her real desire as she sets to take to what there is to make. Nodding to Patrizio "As much as it was good to see my dear sister I felt with all that is upon us my talents would be best served here. I hope you take note dear cousin." Her emphasis leans towards some humor, "I have braved the winter and seas for you and family."

Renata has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Raja winces at the news of being fed to Dire bees. "That sounds terrible. I think giant serpents would be more merciful." A smirk touches her lips. As people mingle to look at all the new goods being offered, Raja sets to work setting up her cup of hot chocolate. In fact, she hums a tune to herself as sweet bits of this and that are added, topped with a bit of cream and chocolate shavings. "Hmm.. I bet this would be amazing with a shot of rum.."

Galatea has the keen-eyed, faintly judgmental air of a detective on a case, or perhaps an art critic waiting to pass judgment, when she enters the brand-new beauty salon in all its fragrant glory. With so many moving to congratulate and greet their host, she doesn't immediately join their chorus--instead, she discreetly slips over towards the wooden beehive, and the free samples on offer. Talk of hallucination and mysterious sap doesn't dissuade her. If anything, it encourages her. She retrieves one of the containers of lip balm, cracks it open, and inhales deeply of its scent, before scraping off the most minute quantity and placing it on her tongue. One can practically hear the gears whirring inside her head as she ponders it, and it's not like she lacks expertise in such matters, being one of the foremost apothecary-alchemists in the nation. "Oh, very interesting," she murmurs, as if some sort of epiphany has been achieved in so doing.

"What am I doing here, Fury?" Aksel asks the dog that is herding him into the honey scented salon. Aksel looks about curiously, at the strange sights of things that are beauty related. "I don't think this is the type of place for me, buddy." Aksel says looking down at the dog. That's now slunk back the way he came. "Well now, maybe I should take my leave.." He starts to turn to exit the same way he came, but spying the chocalate bar, Aksel blinks. "That's what I am talking about."

Darren laughs softly at something Mabelle whispers to him. "You're too gracious. Or just gracious enough at the very least. "Bear is..." Gone. Bear is gone. Because the dog has just noticed Aksel and HIS dog coming inside and goes bounding off towards them with no regard for the size of the space. Darren make a frustrated noise, gives Mabelle a harried smile, and breaks away to go after him.

"I would absolutely love whiskey that makes one dance," Ravana tells Mabelle, perhaps unsurprisingly. "And if I happen to accidentally offer a glass of it in toast to King Alaric in celebration of our new patronage..." she trails off with an innocent, indolent shrug of one shoulder. "Whoops?" Upon spotting Galatea's entrance, her expression takes on a slightly - but only slightly - more serious visage, and she moves gracefully toward her. "How is it?" she wonders.

Mabelle chuckles at Raja's words and declares, "Well giant serpents will certainly sting less", she spies Galatea with the corner of her eyes before turning to Aksel, "Sir Nygard, I hope you are recovering well?", she smiles at him, "The apothecaries can assist with scar balms and the chocolate can heal your soul", she almost says something to Darren but the man started chasing his dog, which just has her laughing. Mabelle then grins at Ravana, "Oops", and then sends her girl to deliver the bottle for the Captain.

Patrizio lets a laugh slide free easily as he's nosing to Renata. "I consider myself well advised," he says, that twinkle to his jade eyes as he's teasing her back, though he does sober up a hint as he murmurs, "though part of that, I do take very seriously indeed. Family is something that matters above all other things, in the end, no?" That smile again as he's taking a few steps aside, contemplating the salon proper as he offers a nod and a smile to Galatea on seeing her, but then there's the chuckle as he spies Raja. "Not that /this/ is when I would choose to interrupt revelry, Messere Culler, but we should speak soon about the Road. I'm hoping to have good word on it in the coming weeks."

Galatea checks intellect and alchemy at hard. Galatea is successful.

Galatea curtseys elegantly in Patrizio's direction--he's something like her boss, after all, at this point in her life. Their host, Mabelle, also gets a brief flash of smiling white teeth when their eyes fleetingly meet, but it is Ravana to whom her words are ultimately addressed. "I might have missed the preamble," she tells the woman, looking down at the small container of lip rouge, "But if I am not entirely mistaken, this has some sort of active ingredient. Medicinal, perhaps? I'm not sure." Evidently she doesn't think it's dangerous, because with the aid of a pocket mirror, she begins applying it immediately.

"Bear!" Aksel calls out seeing Darren's mastiff come bounding towards him. "No play today, buddy! Still a little sore." Bear, of course does not care about the state of people and ends up bowling Aksel over. He knew it was going to happen so he collapses and rolls around with the dog for a moment before patting the large beasts head, signalling the end of the play. He looks up from the floor to Mabelle and nods his head to her. "Still sore My Lady, but I am slowly recovering." He gingerly gets to his feat and gingerly makes his way to the chocolate bar. He doesn't know if it'll heal the soul, but it's damn tasty!

Raja has her cup up to her lips, indulging from it when Patrizio approaches her. She blinks up at him, lowering her cup, leaving a line of cream across her upper lip. "We have been trying to do that forever." She laughs. "But wankers trying to destroy our way of life keep swooping in and redirecting my attentions elsewhere." She shifts a little, "Honestly, I have left that on the back burner. Thing is, we need to speak to the High Lord Jaenelle to get her formal approval as well as the other families as it will affect them the most."

One of Mabelle's girls brings over a bottle of whiskey - and a complimentary glass of it as well, to Ravana, which she accepts readily. "Does it sting your lips?" she asks Galatea, even as she fully commits to ingesting whatever it is Mabelle has dreamed up here. One only lives once. Usually. Or at least, that used to be the case. Times are a-changing in the Compact. She lifts the glass to her lips, taking a cautious sip, brows furrowed slightly in concentration as she waits to see what effect it has on her. "Have I grown bee wings?" she asks Galatea, twisting her long torso with the grace of an accomplished dancer - so the other woman can check, of course.

Darren doesn't get to Aksel and Bear in time to stop his dog from assaulting the injured Sword, but he does get there in time to grab the dog's collar and pull him off. "I seem to be doing a lot of apologizing for my dog today," he sighs to Aksel, while offering a hand to help him up. "I think he still remembers all of that bacon grease you were covered in at the Golden Hart." Like this is a statement that should make sense.

"When last I exchanged writings with the Minister of Infrastructure, she told me to speak to the King, and so I did. So his secretariat and mine will arrange a meeting in the next few weeks." Patrizio smiles beatifically to Raja, but waves his hand. "But enough talk of business while we're here. I wanted you to know it's a done thing." He does swoop in for a moment to get for himself some hot chocolate, before he's easing back a bit. Galatea's curtsey gets a lift of his brows as he moves her way. "And don't think I've forgotten of you, messere. I have thoughts and..." If briefly, his gaze shifts to where Rivana is speaking of the gloss, before he turns his attention back to Galatea. "I have thoughts for things to come, but as I keep finding myself saying, these joyous festivities are not the moment to speak of them. But soon."

Galatea checks composure at hard. Galatea is successful.

Renata sets to meticulously crafting a hot chocolate. Each dollop of cream and shaving of chocolate and cinnamon is carefully added to create what looks better to stare at then to drink. Slipping spoon to the mug to help lift some of her treasured treat to lips then carefully swallowing ensuring not to spill any, she holds the mug close to her. Her eyes slip over to Aksel's dog leaving her to smile to the animal and try to wave to it as she takes a few small steps towards the dog next to Aksel. Nodding her head to dog's owner, "Princess Renata Pravus. And who is this lovely mastiff?"

Mabelle shakes her head at Patrizio, "You're here to relax. Not work!", she tisks at him and then Aksel falls to his feet while Ryhalt is looking about to cause trouble. "I do hope you heal fast", she smiles at Aksel. Ravana's panic makes her laugh, "You first grow the sting. But if anything, it makes your lips softer, due to honey and such". Her eyes dart between Darren and Aksel and she wrinkles her nose at that mental imagine and instead turns her gaze toward Renata, "There is a cake bar as well!".

Galatea touches fingertips to her cheek, as if trying to work out just what she is feeling. It's a contemplative, almost scientific sort of expression, one which ultimately melts into something sillier when Ravana starts twisting around. "Ah ha," she suddenly laughs, like Ravana's very simple joke were much funnier than it actually is. "Ha ha ha," she laughs again, for good measure. It's still within the bounds of the normal, but someone who knows how reserved she is might find it slightly peculiar. It's a little bit like being happy-drunk, but then, she didn't drink anything.

The arrival of Patrizio to her side has her very quickly pulling back her mysterious-lip-rouge-inspired giddiness into something more neutral, albeit precariously and with visible effort. "Hmmn?" Her eyebrows lift a little too high as she regards Patrizio. "Thoughts! Yes, thoughts. Thoughts are /very good things to have,/" she tells him, with more profundity than the words actually warrant.

"Bear and I have know each other since he was a pup, Your Highness," Aksel says to Darren. "The big lug is just a playful puppy at heart." He grins at the man. "I'd much rather have him maul me with affection then rip my head off." He looks down at the dog and grins at him. "We'll have a proper row, when I'm all better Bear, promise." He tilts his head to Renata and looks towards the aloof dog, "That's Fury, Your Highness, don't take your shoes off however, or he'll likely steal them. And I am Aksel Nygard."

"/When/," says Patrizio, as he's drawing himself up fully as he looks to Mabelle at her call, "have you ever known me to be able to fully leave my work behind in public, my lady?" Then more seriously, "I'm /trying/. It's more making sure I remember everyone I need meet with on things, and it's not /my/ fault you bring all those people to where I am." As if it is her fault. But he does smile as if to try to encourage Galatea to relax, before he's easing off to one side, a brief word with one of his guard, and then he can be seen to be drinking from the hot chocolate.

Mabelle rolls her eyes at Patrizio, "Never", she does watch Galatea and Ravana however, looking curious, as if she's conducting some sort of an experiment. She casually stops by one of the apothecaries, lifts a small jar and rubs the honey scented cream on her hands. Marketing at its best.

"But I already have the stinger, my lady," Ravana points out to Mabelle with a bright laugh as she brandishes the fire stoker in one hand, and sips her whiskey with the other. She attempts to twirl the stoker between her fingers, the sharp instrument and crowded room a potential recipe for disaster.

Ravana checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Ravana is successful.

3 House Velenosa Guards, Renault, Timothe arrive, following Theo.

Mabelle checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Mabelle is successful.

Ryhalt smiles and waves to Mabelle and others as he's seen what he has come to see and starts to make his way towards the door.

"He's usually a lot lazier than this," Darren chuckles to Aksel, after Bear acknowledges the northman's promise with a deep 'boof' sort of a noise, somewhere between a woof and a snort. He gives Renata a reserved smile. And gets a grip on Bear's collar again, just in case.

Mabelle inclines her head to Ryhalt, "Thank you for coming, Duke Farshaw", she smiles to him before she notices a stoker pointed in her direction and simply ducks. She stares at Ravana, "Perhaps you sheath that for now and take a berry rouge".

Ryhalt nods to Mabelle. "Thank you for hosting, Lady Belle. I wish the best success for this place." He heads on out.

Galatea places one hand on Ravana's shoulder, and the other hand on Mabelle's shoulder, squeezing both of them, as if to help maintain her balance. One who was paying very close attention would notice her pupils are ever so slightly too large. "Lady Laurent," she trills in a soft, musical sort of intonation, "Might I ask what goes into the creation of your novel cosmetics?" Left unstated: her dim awareness of the fact that she is slightly out of sorts.

2 Farshaw trained guards, Suzette - a Westrock Aerie Page leave, following Ryhalt.

Renata smiles politely to Aksel then looks back to Fury, her voice pitching to how one might speak to a fuzzy baby who has truly captured her attention. "And who is the kindest and gentle big puppy? Is it you? I'm sure you're very strong and able to help your master here in all of his needs. Yes. You're a very good dog." She looks back to Aksel with an arched brow as Mabelle announces there is a cake bar as well. "Oooh. That will require a great deal of inspection."

Theo steps into the salon and takes a look around. Stepping aside to let Ryhalt make his way out as the Prince takes a moment to get his bearings. A smile for those familiar as he takes in the scents found here. That is the sense that starts to work over time at the smell of honey.

Mabelle hikes her eyebrow entertainedly at Galatea, she does not seem too concerned about her state and then taunts her, "A Lady doesnt drug and tell. Perhaps you need some food in you, how about some cake?", she guides her toward the cake cart Renata is heading to, "Do not diss the carrot cake too soon", she advises the princess. Noticing a new entry, Mabelle smiles to Theo, "Good evening, My Lord", she assumes by his attire.

A murmur with his entourage, and the archduke of Pravus is being handed his cloak again. A brief pause to murmur in Mabelle's ear, and he's on his way out once more.

Fury stares at Renata sort of like this -.- Aksel's eyes wide. "FURY NO!" He knows that look he's seen it too many times. Aksel points to the door, "Go home, right now. I will not have you doing that here." Aksel continues to stare at Fury pointing to the door. Fury stares back. Long moments pass. Long moments things look to be tense between Fury and Aksel, but somehow Fury gives in and saunters away. Aksel breaths a sigh of relief. "He was going to tackle you, Your Highness." He says to Renata. "Tackle you and pull your shoes off. He may still do that, though, so please keep on your guard."

a huge spotted dog named Fury have been dismissed.

3 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields leave, following Patrizio.

With a very put-upon sigh that can't quite hide her smile, Ravana sets her new favorite pokey thing aside at Mabelle's stern suggestion. "A red lip with your coloring is rather lovely," she tells Galatea with a somewhat dreamy earnestness. "Different from Lady Mabelle with her famously dark hair, but you're both striking in it."

Mabelle jumps to the side as Fury runs past her and she widens her eyes a bit at Aksel and then at Darren as if saying 'There's worse than slobber'. She then considers Galatea and Ravana, "I've yet to meet a person red lips look bad on".

Galatea smiles a very polite, friendly, and also slightly dangerous smile at Mabelle after prying her steadying fingerips off of her and Ravana. "I am going to get you back for this," she promises in a way that manages to be sweet and ominous all at once. She looks around slowly. "But I may let you off easy on account of it's a very pleasant sort of problem."

She confides to Ravana: "I spent years incrementally making myself functionally immune to all the major poisons, so this brings back memories, if anything." Her newly red lips curl up into a smile. "Oh, look at you, with your very specific compliments. How's the whiskey? Should I order my own glass?"

Renata looks to Aksel as if he has just shattered every possible dream of hers that Fury is nothing more than a very large puppy who simply needs to be loved. Clutching her hot chocolate mug as she watches the mastiff lumber off, not bothering to look to her shoes as many others appear to be worried about. "If he needs shoes to chew upon I have several which I will gladly donate." She states this to Aksel with a nod, "He may have my extra shoes."

Raja has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

2 Culler Brutes, 1 Culler Boatswain, Clowder of the Nine, they have been fed don't let them trick you leave, following Raja.

Darren smiles to Mabelle and raises his eyebrows. But he also is keeping ahold of Bear's collar, still. Two incidents at the same party are quite enough.

Renata has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Renata has joined the a cushioned chaise velvety lounge couch by the hearth.

"Good evening, milady." Theo's smile is warm for the hostess. "This looks like a splendid affair. I rather like it." As if his opinion matters. He gives it anyways. A nod towards Renata. A familiar face as he watches that huge dog run, dash, something, away.

Mabelle inclines her head to Theo, unfamiliar, "You are most welcome. I am Lady Mabelle Laurent. You are welcome to enjoy the refreshments and the baths, there are robes in the back, and there's massages to those interested. Are you new to the city?", she asks before she goes through a terribly introduction round for no reason. Mabelle then turns to Darren, "I can have one of the guards watch over them for you, they were trained to handle dogs. I would really wish you to relax". She still spies Ravana and Galatea, waiting for results. Maybe. Horrified, she notes to Renata, "There is no such thing as extra shoes".

Theo takes a gold-plated bee shaped fire stoker from a large wooden beehive.

Darren nods to Mabelle. "That's kind of you. I have a man outside I can pass him off to, if he turns out not to have gotten all of the trouble out of his system. Perhaps you could tell me about some of, ah... all of this? It strikes me that I probably should get a gift for my wife, but the last time I took a guess about that sort of thing she gave me a look that I'd prefer not to see repeated."

"Recently returned." Theo tells Mabelle. If she allows he will bend to kiss her hand and then proceeds to introduce himself, "Prince Theo Velenosa. Thank you, I may look to your offerings as he straightens from his bend.

"That's probably true," Ravana concedes to Mabelle. "But some people can wear it, and others can make it look amazing," she adds, and out of nowhere she presses her glass of whiskey into Galatea's hand and then does a full twirl, black umbra swirling about her legs before she comes to a stop. "Why isn't anyone else dancing?" she wonders, as if everyone else is the problem here, and she turns faintly accusing eyes on Darren, Renata, and even poor Theo who has only just arrived.

Aksel eyes widen at Renata's proclamation. "Your Highness," he hisses out. "Do not encourage him. I have a mountain of shoes in my room. He does not chew them. He's a collector!" He shakes his head, "Please. He's cost of a small fortune already, I do not need other encouraging his habits."

Galatea finds the whiskey glass in her hand the very moment Ravana starts twirling. With a shrug, she lifts it, and starts drinking. She is not a delicate sipper when it comes to hard liquor, because she's glugged down most of the contents in no time at all. "I wouldn't want to show up your dancing," she teases Ravana, who is assuredly the better dancer. "But you do have a gift for making your own music." Her gaze slants in the direction of the baths, the siren song of 'free massages' evidently entirely too potent to ignore.

Mabelle explains to Darren, "Honey and its byproducts has quite an array of benefits when used as beauty products, from the honey itself to the wax. Our apothecaries concuted all sort of balms, lotions and treatments with said byproducts and this place is offering relaxation to its fullest as well as beauty remedies to take home. The lip balm is made of honey and red tree sap originated in Artshall forests, so it just has a very pretty hue and its a weeeeee bit hallucigenic", she smiles, "Galatea here must have eating it instead of applying it", she winks to the woman. Her hand raises almost automatically toward Theo but its not without registering surprise, "Welcome to the City, Prince Theo. I hope you enjoy your visit and if you need to be introduced, let me know".

Nudging Ravana, Mabelle suggests, "Dance!".

Renata's cheeks blush, even in seeking to hide herself behind mug of hot chocolate where she risks to burn her tongue in long sip while Aksel explains in his spirited means about Fury's collection and to not encourage the habit. Swallowing hard she looks quickly away, catching Ravana's question of dancing. Only to shake her head. "I am a singer. With the unfortunate ability of two left feet. Though there are many others who can help in your dance, yes?" She looks around to those that are here as if trying to figure out who can be paired off with who to encourage the dancing which Ravana and Mabelle seek now. Finally looking back to Mabelle with small nod. "You may keep your shoes. And I've been instructed to keep mine as well." Theo receives a small finger wiggle of a wave as she takes to holding hot chocolate mug closer. "Lady Mabelle, where is this cake bar?"

"Halluciongenic." Darren's eyebrows climb. "What sort of tree is..." This is when Nils appears at his elbow, and he excuses himself apologetically to talk to the old steward.

Galatea appears at Mabelle's side, to inform Darren, in the too-earnest way of someone who is by this point thoroughly drugged, "Everything is so /colorful,/" she declares, like this was vital information for the future of the Compact.

There are accusing eyes on him and Theo steps towards Ravana. "A dance you say? Can't be to difficult to dance here." He looks like he will join as he looks back to Mabelle. "Thank you kindly, I will find my way." Grinning at Renata's finger wave as he looks to dance with whomever will have him.

Mabelle steps toward the cake cart, "Right here", she collects a plate with strawberry cheesecake". But then she stares at Galatea, "Did you eat it? Or did you have whiskey too?", she chuckles now. She bows her head to Theo and explains to Darren, "Its a weird little clearing in the back of Artshall, the trees are red there".

Mabelle has joined the the traveling cake cart.

Galatea traipses along after Mabelle with a free and easy gait. "I only ate the littlest bit, to try and figure out what was in..." She looks at the whiskey glass in her hand, before look at Mabelle with a moment of sober worry. "What did you spike the /whiskey/ with?!"

Mabelle chuckles at Galatea, "The same thing there is in the balm".

"Finally!" Ravana says as Velenosa prince steps forward. "But first," and she motions toward one of the girls offering the honied whiskey, and a single shot is poured for Theo. "You must try Lady Mabelle's dancing whiskey," she insists. She then looks aside at Mabelle. "Does it have a name?"

Galatea just kind of stands there, staring into her mostly-empty glass. It's too fascinating to look away from, truly.

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant, 2 Redrain Guards, 2 Redrain Veteran Guards arrive, following Gwenna.

"Dancing whiskey? Sure why not?" Theo accepts the shot when it is handed to him. Smiling at the girl who serves it up and he quickly drinks it. Licking his lips as if to see what else he can taste besides the obvious ingredients. He will pass the empty shot glass back to the server as he extends his hand out to Ravana. "How are we dancing? Together or side by side?" Chuckling.

Renata lets out a sigh of relief as Theo is pulled by Ravana to wards a dance. Allowing her to slip to the cake cart, point out a slice for her assistant to take and follow the princess where she might sit to enjoy both cake and hot chocolate. Watching the group in their conversations. She appears to have a watchful eye towards Theo only to slip quickly to Aksel and Galatea.

Aksel looks relieved as Renata isn't going to encourage his dogs weird shoe fetish. He makes his way to the chocolate bar and is about to make himself a cup when the best word ever is spoken and he looks about the salon. "Whiskey?" There is a moral quandry that is happening to the man. The want of Whiskey vs Hot Chocolate.

Mabelle responds to Ravana, "Incidentally, Funky, Wild Winter", she chuckles at her, "You sing, Princess Renata? I play the Clavichord but rarely in public". Noticing Aksel's puzzlement, she suggests, "There is whiskey to be added to the chocolate at the bar".

Galatea eventually decides that she is no longer fit for human interaction, as the triple dose of Mabelle's mild hallucinogen turns into something just a wee bit overwhelming. Without saying farewell to anyone, she traipses towards the changing area in back, to don a robe and indulge in the absolute extravagance of a milk bath redolent with herbs.

"You're fun, for a Velenosa prince," Ravana tells Theo, taking his hand and offering a sweetly smiled backhanded compliment at the same time. Blame it on the alcohol. "Together," she decides firmly, her graceful steps leading him somewhat away from the crowd. "What did you think of the whiskey?" she asks, looking up at him. "Sorry, the 'Funky, Wild Winter', actually," she laughs, repeating Mabelle's name for the drink, her eyes following Galatea's figure as she heads for the baths.

Better late than never, right? Gwenna finally manages to escape the ledgers for a much-needed spa day. She pauses a few steps in to just take in the place. The smile that quickly tugs up the corners of her mouth seem to indicate just how much the place must warm her spirits. And like a calling-card to anyone from the Northlands, at least, that magic word tugs her attention. "Whiskey, too," is murmured, because surely that must be too good to be true, right? The Redrain then starts looking around to espy her cousin, the famed hostess and Laurent extraordinaire.

Gwenna takes a luxurious lip rouge of sweet berry hue from a large wooden beehive.

Gwenna takes a gold-plated bee shaped fire stoker from a large wooden beehive.

Darren returns from his conference with Nils just in time to see Gwenna arrive. "Gwenna! It's been too long. We passed each other like ships in the night when I rode into Arx." Still hanging onto Bear's collar, he moves to greet his Voice with more enthusiasm than he's shown for anything or anyone here, up to this point.

Eyes are on him again. Theo looks to see who is looking at him and its a Renata. Ah yes. They will have words shortly. Murmured ones at that but there is a dance to be had first. Grinning when Mabelle makes the suggestion of mixing the whiskey with chocolate. Sounds good to him. A hand goes about Ravana's waist when she proclaims they are to dance together his other hand freely taking hers when she offers it. He doesn't seem to mind being pulled away from the group in general. "Thank you. I think." Tease heard in his voice. "It was sweet and warm at the same time. Perhaps Funky, Wild Winter will do well with our peers. I can only assume that Lady Mabelle will offer it here at her lounge." He might have been gone but he does try to keep up in the short amount of time he's been back.

Mabelle mentions to Darren, "Perhaps I will take you for a trip to that clearing one day, its the most bizzare things. The trees are set in a circle", she informs him. But then, the lands of Laurent are known to be previously hosting Sylv'alfar elves, so why is that weird? Nothing is weird. She abandons her cake upon seeing Gwenna, and slips her arm around her arm once she reaches her side, "Cousin. I am so glad you are here. Doesnt it smell like the apothecary rooms back home?", she grins at her, clearly glad to see her. A nod of confirmation is aimed at Theo, "They serve it here yes, I should approach the Racounter Brewry for more bottles".

Mabelle has all the great ideas. It's why she is the hostess with the mostess. Aksel bobs his head in agreement to the woman and NOW seeing the whiskey pours himself a generous portion before topping it off with some of that delicious hot chocolate. "Great idea, My Lady." Aksel says raising his concoction to her. "Love. It!" He says after taking a sip. He spots Gwenna and he bows his head respectuflly to the late arrival.

"Darren!" There is decided warmth in Gwenna's voice when she hears that of the High Lord. Seeing Bear appears to brighten her spirits even further. "Far too long, agreed. Donella, of course, made sure the staff had everything ready for your arrival and I'm sorry duties have kept us from catching up til now. I hear there's whiskey." When Mabelle's arm links with her own, the Redrain's free hand lifts to give her cousin's arm and affectionate squeeze. "It very much does smell like that. It's a scent I've missed dearly, though my mother tries to replicate it in Farhaven. I'm usually up for wine, but whiskey seems more needed these days," is noted with a grin. Aksel's bow is met with a respective dip of her head. "It has been too long since we've crossed paths, my friend. I'm so glad to see you."

"That's my assumption as well, but she was kind enough to give me a bottle and I fully intend to use it for hilariously nefarious ends," Ravana tells Theo as she settles into his arms, following his steps as they dance not to music, but to intoxication, having been quite assuredly poisoned by Mabelle, with their consent of course. "I don't think we've met, I'm Ravana Stellaris, captain of the Corsetina merchanting fleet," she informs him, looking more the inebriated social butterfly than a lifelong sailor at the moment. "Have you always lived in the city, or...?"

For the first moment since walking in Renata appears to be intrigued by someone other than the big lovable puppy who was sent away. Looking to her shoes briefly with bite of a red velvet cake she nods to Mabelle. Covering her mouth as she tries to chew quickly before answering the question, "I was once called the Siren of Luciva." She blushes deeply as she speaks of herself. "I haven't sung in awhile. Though I could come up with something if you'd like to duet Lady Mabelle."

6 Grayson House Guards, Maureen, an unflappable nanny, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

Mabelle looks about with a little concern as people seem to be going for the special whiskey instead of just the subtle high of the lip balm. Oh goodness this could go wrong. She just rounds her arms and keep alert. "Please send my aunt my regards, it has been far too long", she asks Gwenna before spying Aksel's Whiskey intake, Ravana's whiskey reaction and then happily distracts herself with Renata, "I will invite you to the mansion, see what we can come up with".

Sabella takes a luxurious lip rouge of sweet berry hue from a large wooden beehive.

"Donella never misses a detail, does she?" Darren's smile to Gwenna approaches a grin. "Still, I'm glad you made it back into town. I don't have illusions about how successful I'd have been, trying to fill your shoes."

"This sounds like a wonderful plan and I highly support it." Theo tells Ravana as they dance along and have conversation. He has not drank before coming here but that one shot of whiskey does have him feeling good and he's all smiles. All the smiles as he dances with the beauty here in this event. "Ravana Stellaris I am Prince Theo Velenosa. I have split my time here and back home. I am here for an unspecified time now and look forward to seeing what it is I can get up into."

Gwenna bobs her head a couple of times to Mabelle. "I will, I promise. She will be thrilled to hear about this place. Gods and spirits, she might even make an appearance in Arx," is remarked and followed by a small laugh. She had taken one of the balms when she entered and now takes a quick moment to look it over. "This smells amazing." That said, she applies a bit before fetching something to drink. Looking back to Darren, her smile broadens. "Donella does not, no, and thank the gods for it, hmm?" Then there's a dismissive wave of her hand. "Pft. You did quite well before I ever came to the city, Darren, and would do so again. Even so, I'm excited that we will get to work together again. You have been very missed, though we all knew how important your presence was needed in Farhaven."

Mabelle sits down and relaxes as she watches others dance, hallucinate and enjoy themselves. That is until Gwenna notes her mother might visit, "I never thought I'd see the day Ilene Laurent will land in Arx, I might faint", she teases her.

There is a small fuss at the entrances as Princess Sabella Grayson departs from her entourage to step within the soft opening of the beauty salon. The blonde is already made up, and smiling brightly, as she enters. There's an eagerness in her eyes as she looks around, but Gwenna and Darren both win an energetic finger wave before she glides directly toward Mabelle. "Lady Laurent! Oh, how magnificent this is!"

"I do love when my plans are supported," Ravana says with a silly, dreamy smile. "Twirl me," she instructs Theo, drawing away and waiting to see if he follows through. "Lenosia is lovely. It's got nothing on Luciva of course," she adds with steadfast loyalty to her part of the southern seas, "But it is lovely, with some of the most devastatingly beautiful vineyards," she recalls as their dance slowly approaches the end.

Galatea is, it would seem, the only one to be making use of the herb-treated milk bath, just out of sight behind the folded screens. With her brain turned fuzzy by the application of Mabelle's slightly questionable gifts, she lays with just her head above the waterline, wholly oblivious at this point to the party goings-on outside the more spa-style amenities in the back. She looks simultaneously half-asleep and utterly blissed out. Perhaps a satisfied, future repeat customer has just been born.

All it took was (presumably legal) drug peddling.

"It's been too long," Aksel says to Gwenna. "Now all we need to Marian to show back up and we'll be ready to tackle all the things." Aksel drinks from his Whiskey-Infused Cocoa again sigh happy at the proper blend of whiskey and chocolate. Meaning heavy on the whiskey. His gaze turns to the dancing before looking over at the sitting Mabelle. He walks towards her and offers his hand. "Care for a dance, My Lady? I'm not very good, so please forgive me if I step on your toes."

Darren returns Sabella's frenetic energy with something more reserved, a smile that doesn't much diminish the distance in his bright blue eyes, coupled with a bow of his head.

Galatea has joined the a bath of milk, honey, spice and all things nice.

Mabelle rises to her feet as Sabella enters and smiles easily to her, "Princess Sabella, welcome to the Honey Glow beauty salon. You are most welcome to enjoy the baths or a massage, or the sauna in the back, there are robes", she invites her and notes, "There are several products of honey and its own byproducts for you to explore and take home". Gladly, there are people in the back who would make sure Galatea wont drown. Her eyes turn to Aksel, as he offers her to dance. She smiles, a hostess cannot refuse, "Are you sure, with your injuries?", she takes his hand already however and steps toward the.. dancefloor? space by Ravana and Theo.

Renata finishes off her cake to dab lightly to corners of lips before standing up with intent to seek out more of the hot chocolate as she nods to both Gwenna and Sabella's entrances. A hand off of her mug to assistant and press of her skirts she makes a daring move from simply observing to head towards the two. Stepping closer with hands clasped before her, "Princess Renata Pravus. It's an honor to meet you both."

When asked to twirl? Yes, Theo does it easy enough to Ravana. Showing his own skills. The prince does know how to dance and he is enjoying the company of Ravana and the conversation they are having. As the dance starts to find its finish line one of Theo's assistants cuts in and there's a conversation that goes on for a few minutes between the two. Looking at Ravana, "Thank you for the lovely dance. I do hope we can dance again soon." Smiling at her as he lets her go so she can go about her business here as he begins to make his way out leaving some whispers for Renata. He has not forgotten.

Renata checks composure at hard. Renata is successful.

Gwenna returns Sabella's finger-wave with one of her own and then looks to Aksel, head nodding again. "There are few I miss as much as I do Marian, but you know how she is when she's put her mind to something, hmm?" His whiskey/cocoa drink gets her attention as well, brows arching a touch as she apparently makes a mental note to try /that/ heavenly concoction. Renata's approach is met with a warm smile and dip of her head. "A true pleasure to meet you, Princess Renata. I swear we might have crossed paths some years ago when the Pravus district was newly opened, but it was such a whirlwind of events back then. Princess Gwenna Redrain. Your velvet coat is simply beyond stunning."

"I'm sure we will," Ravana promises Theo, inclining her head politely as the prince takes his leave. She then procures a second glass of whiskey, making her way to the back where the pools are. "Galatea?" she calls out, looking for the other woman.

Renata is left with a small nod and lift of her hand to Theo's shoulder as he speaks to her in soft words a possible blush is pressed away as she nods to him before looking back to Sabella and Gwenna.

3 House Velenosa Guards, Renault, Timothe leave, following Theo.

"Thank you, thank you," Sabella gushes to Mabelle, her eyes crinkling with her smile to the lady. "It smells like... Oh, I can't quite describe it, but something delightful. A sauna?" She looks tempted. "That should be rather welcome on a cold winter day." She turns her attention to Renata, eyes widening with pleasure at the introduction. "Princess Renata, hello! Princess Sabella Grayson. Aren't you lovely? My father was a Pravus, before your time, but we're like cousins!" Sabella clearly knows a little about Renata but is not overly familiar. To Gwenna and Darren, she wonders, "And how have you two been? It has simply been too long."

"Still a bit tender, but I am sure I can manage a dance with you." Aksel says with a bit of a smile. He guides her to the dance floor as spotify kic.. err musicians.. shit are we just dancing without music? Awkward, if so, but too late, already asked for. He draws Mabelle to him, close but not so close to create scandal. It's just a dance folks, nothing see here. Two people dancing.

Ravana has joined the a bath of milk, honey, spice and all things nice.

Mabelle murmurs helpfully to Sabella, "Berries", before she is being pulled away by Aksel, carefully resting her hand upon his shoulder and anodther in his hand, "How much whiskey have you had?", she whispers hushedly, clearly worried about her toes.

"My day is certainly brighter now than it was a moment ago," Darren replies to Sabella with another smile. "It's good to see you again, Princess Sabella."

Gwenna lifts one shoulder in a quick shrug and grins. "As well as one can be with all that goes on in this world. Glad to be around familiar faces and for some time to enjoy the good things," she replies in a warm tone to Sabella. "I hope you are doing well? The years surely pass far too quickly, it seems."

Galatea makes a faint noise of vague disapproval, like her nap has been interrupted, even though she was not, in fact, fully asleep. She has some kind of medicinally treated wash-cloth draped over her eyes when she answers Ravana from her spot in the bath. The color of the water protects her modesty quite nicely. "...I'm...detoxifying," is what she eventually comes up with. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Only what I poured into the cocoa," Aksel says with a little laugh smiling down at the shorter woman. "So I think your toes will be just fine," contrary to his statement he isn't a stiff and wooden dancer. But he's not smooth in the movements of someone who dances all the time. "If this is the soft opening, I can only imagine what you have planned for when this place actually opens."

"I'm a bit tired, actually," Ravana confesses to Galatea, settling beside the bath, not in it. "But I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye, of course."

Mabelle scans the room and looks toward the baths and toward the Princely gathering at the side, making sure everyone is having fun before she returns her attention to her not so great dancing partner, moving side to side, basically, "Oh, I will not, and then people will feel like they missed something and next time come on the first one", she winks, "I'm keeping my enegies for the soon to come Artshall Festival".

Galatea smiles up in Ravana's general direction, unable to see her, of course, with a cloth over her eyes. "Ah, very kind of you. I do believe I'll be headed that way myself, once I'm done...absorbing the vapors, or whatever it is I'm doing." She suggests, "Save some money you won't miss. I'd like to take you with me to the local gambling-hall one of these days."

Sabella's smile remains bright as she gives Darren and Gwenna a nod. "You're too sweet," she says to the high lord before agreeing with the princess. "They do, they pass so terribly quickly." Here, her smile diminishes somewhat. "I should look around at all that Lady Mabelle has made available here. It all seems so interesting! Let's arrange a tea soon?" The princess looks truly pleased to be there until she turns and sees her assistant standing there with a note. "Oh. I guess I will have to come back." A proper frown curves her lips downward.

"I'm not much of a saver, you'll have to treat me," Ravana teases Galatea lightly. "Enjoy your vapors, I'm going to head out now. Message me to let me know you got home safe," she adds, before standing up.

Gwenna overhears Mabelle mention the Artshall Festival and wrinkles her lips. "You know, I always mean to try my hand at painting again whenever there is an upcoming festival in Artshall. I used to paint so often, but the last few years I have not been able to do anything of merit." Pulling out of that bit of musing, she grins and bobs her head to Sabella. "Tea soon sounds lovely and long overdue."

Mabelle notices some of the guests departing, she smiles to Ravana, "I hope you enjoy the whiskey", and wishes good sleep upon Galatea, and to Sabella, she notes, "It will be open from now on, be sure to visit whenever you like", such is echoed to Renata as well, "Dinner Soon".

Mabelle then tells Gwenna, "Then you better start, I expect to announce it very very soon", she beams, clearly there is a load off her shoulders.

It's all basic dance movements, from Aksel! But there is moments that suggests he knows a little more then the white man sway. But that maybe for another time. When the song ends, Aksel bows his head respectfully to the other woman. "Thank you, Lady Mabelle. I am sure there are much more interesting guests to go spend your time with." He flashes her a smile before heading back to where he left his whiskey/cocoa drink.

There's a quick laugh from Gwenna and dip of her head. "Indeed I should! Perhaps having had such a long break from it, the inspiration will be there anew," she remarks and sounds rather hopeful. Perhaps it's the effect of the lip balm, but the Redrain does a bit relaxed as the event continues on. She takes a few steps to the hot chocolate bar to attempt her own whiskey blend.

"It was almost as tasty as it's going to be fun," Ravana confides to Mabelle once her dance is over. "I'll let you know how it goes. Enjoy the rest of your opening, and I wish you all the success in this sweet endeavor," she adds. Wiggling her fingers in farewell to those who remain, Ravana sweeps out the door into the winter wonderland that is Arx at the moment, still with a dance in her step.

Mabelle inclines her head to Aksel, "Thank you for asking me to dance to no music, it was very gallent of you", she teases him with a grin. "I'm pleased. Gwenna. I truly am pleased and the ground is so good now, you should see what it yields".

Renata looks to Mabelle with a nod as she is handed a small missive from her assistant. An audible sigh heard as she nods and offers quiet word which has her coat collected and presented quickly. "Lady Mabelle. We will absolutely need to do a dinner soon. Thank you for opening this salon. I will certainly be back for the spa treatment."

Ravana has left the a bath of milk, honey, spice and all things nice.

"You should be more than pleased," Gwenna tells Mabelle. "For all that you have done and the amount of work..." The Redrain lets out a quiet whistle. "I can hardly wait to see Artshall again. To /be/ there again, really. There is just something about the air, you know? It's difficult to describe, but you surely know what I mean. You should be very proud."

Renata has left the a cushioned chaise velvety lounge couch by the hearth.

6 First Legion Centurions, Sparrow, an enthusiastic and bubbly assistant leave, following Renata.

Mabelle gazes at Gwenna a moment, she nods and nods again, tears in her eyes, "Yes, I know. Artshall smells sweet", its all she says. "Oh it moved a little, by the way", she mentions offhand. The city moved a little.

Returning his attention to the conversation after being pulled away just in time to hear Mabelle's offhand little mention, Darren raises his eyebrows. "The... city? Moved?"

Mabelle motions with her hands as if she's shifting a box, "Moved".

If allowed, Gwenna will take one of Mabelle's hands and give it a quick squeeze when she sees the tears. "It does smell sweet," is agreed. She blinks a couple of times, then, and bobs her head as Darren speaks, clearly having the same question. "Moved," is repeated. "Well, now I am even more intrigued."

Darren gives Gwenna a helpless look like he's hoping she can somehow explain. Which, of course, she can't, so he's left with turning that look to Mabelle.

Having snagged his drink he moves back to the group. It doesn't seem weird that a city moved. "I am sure that when they rebuilt Stormwall they moved some stuff about." Flatten a city and you can DO WHATEVER you want.

Mabelle explains to Gwenna and Darren and basically anyone who's listening, "I rebuilt it closer to the riven fork. See the dragon fire that burned the city down, produced very very rich soil with interesting properties. Building upon it or digging under it, would have been wasteful. I build a whole underground system under the city for protection, evacuation and connected it to the waystation so goods can be delivered in bad weather as well. I did not want to waste the soil, so I moved it". She does that hand gesture again.

Mabelle coughs, "River.. fork".

"Well," Gwenna begins and lifts a shoulder in a quick shrug to Darren. "The land there is pretty flat, so maybe it...shimmied a bit." She then taps her nose and points to Aksel. "Right." Then Mabelle explains and the Redrain's eyes widen a little. "Aaaah. That's...brilliant, actually. I'm envious of your ingenuity, I think," she tells her cousin with a chuckle.

"That sounds like it was quite an undertaking." Darren looks interested as Mabelle starts to list off some of the changes that she made. "All of the city is new construction, then?"

Galatea has left the a bath of milk, honey, spice and all things nice.

2 Pravus Honor Guard have been dismissed.

Mabelle grins at Gwenna, "Took me a while to shake off the shock but if you get to do something from the start, might as well do it better, right? I knew what problems we faced because as Minister of Population and Welfare, I got all the complaints". She then confirms to Darren, "Everything that was inside the walls was burned to ashes. Gladly some of our establishments were outside the walls, but the city itself was nothing but ashes".

One might almost see the gears turning in Gwenna's head as she listens and considers. "The waystations we recently built across the north are all above ground and I hadn't considered doing something underground. I'm not sure it's possible, with the mountains around and the soil frozen most of the year, but..." She shakes off her thoughts and grins a bit wryly. "Well, at least the complaints lead to such an ingenious undertaking. My heart still hurts thinking of the destruction, but it seems Arvum has been built upon ashes and made better time and again. Truly, cousin, you are a marvel. How fortunate House Laurent is to have you," she says sincerely. "I would love to learn more details about it all. Maybe over tea soon? For now, I have a few things I need to finish at the villa. But I will definitely be back here to visit before long."

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant, 2 Redrain Guards, 2 Redrain Veteran Guards leave, following Gwenna.

Darren lets out a low whistle as Mabelle describes the destruction. "It's certainly a chilling reminder of the stakes that we're facing," he says.

Arxians seem to have cities flatten once every couple of years. We really should look into stopping that from happening. Aksel looks to Mabelle as she explains a curious expression on his features before he looks to Gwenna and Darren. "Building underground in the North is not an easy task. You have only a few months at most to dig what you need. It's doable. We did it all the time near Stonedeep in preparation of a new mine into the mountain. Tricky, but not as easier down south." In another life, Aksel would have been a miner instead of a warrior.

Mabelle calls after Gwenna as she leaves, "Sure, tea!" and then looks at Darren, "Yes, we live in horrible times. I made sure of that as well, stronger defenses, but.. he wont come for us again, I will make sure of it". Rather full of convinction, that one". Mabelle then invites Darren and Aksel, "I can share some of my plans if you would find inspiration in any of them".

Mabelle calls after Gwenna as she leaves, "Sure, tea!" and then looks at Darren, "Yes, we live in horrible times. I made sure of that as well, stronger defenses, but.. he wont come for us again, I will make sure of it". Rather full of convinction, that one. Mabelle then invites Darren and Aksel, "I can share some of my plans if you would find inspiration in any of them".

Darren turns that interested gaze to Aksel. "Perhaps you'd be willing to consult with Gwenna about..." And here's Nils at his elbow again. He sighs at something the steward says to him, but nods at almost the same time, and summons a last smile for Aksel and Mabelle. "I would like to take you up on that invitation, but I'm afraid I can't do so right now. There's something at the villa that I need to give my attention to. This has been a wonderful gathering, Lady Mabelle."