Leggiero, a Hoopoe, Dolce, a Dove arrive, following Cesare.

The distance from the shrine to the Hall is spent with Aislin, quiet conversation between the High Lord of Bastion and the Voice of Ashford occupying the time it takes for an entire wedding party to relocate. They arrive to the hall together, with Lark's intent focus on the other woman for a lingering moment before her large, dark eyes lift to sweep over the hall as she sweeps inside.

Mydas and Freja are there to greet their guests anew, along with great quantities of food and alcohol at the disposal of any and all guests. The pair otherwise stand together to welcome those who arrive to indulge in the celebrations, the smiles upon their faces unmistakably true. A great fire burns in the hearth, as befits the celebrations of the North.

Corban makes his way in to the reception with the Lady Monique on his arm, as they walked before into the wedding. Murmur murmur they go along into the reception, the eyes running over the House's great hall.

Shortly after the Nightgold couple arrive at the Redrain Estate, the knight isn't too far behind, moving with a notable bounce in her step. Her elation for their union is unmistakable, however she leaves them be to greet their guests - for the time being. Grabbing at her skirt, Morrighan pulls it up enough to keep it clear of her feet while she maneuvers over to the collection of liquor to procure a glass of it for herself.

There is already a whiskey in Freja's free hand, the other holding Mydas' hand while she greets the guests with a bright smile. "If I don't see one brawl, or smashed bottle tonight, I'll be sorely disappointed." the Voice of Redrain bemoans.

Aislin has remained close to Lark, continuing her quiet conversation with her friend and liege lord. Still, as more begin to arrive, the Ashford voice turns to offer a nod to familiar faces -- Corban and Monique receive a pleasant nod, Morrighan and Khanne each one as well. And then Freja's remark about brawls prompts an amused noise somewhere between a laugh and a cough.

Lark offers a soft breath of laughter to Aislin, dry enough to produce heat if one could overhear it in the crowd. But then she merely tips her chin towards the other woman, before sweeping forward towards the bride and groom. "Marquessa Freja, Marquis Mydas, my congratulations on your wedding and oaths; may they hold honor for you both," she greets them with, though her smile twitches at Freja's words as she catches them at just the right time. "I am afraid I am destined to be disappointing, my lady."


    A pair of birds appear, fluttering into the area. A lovely dove, perhaps a bit pudgy for his kind, first flutters in and lands on a table. PeckPeckPeck. Hophop. Another couple of pecks. A few coos to announce something before the second bird- with its fabulous black and white striped wings land near the dove. The Hoopoe opens its brilliant orange crest- looking very much like a regal creature as it opens its long and graceful beak to make his signature sound.

    Not so far behind the pair is Cesare whisper- giving a little whistle into the air that's answered in kind by the two very different birds. "Ah. I see you've found the wedding reception before me." he says to the pair of birds as he come up to the pair. "Little friends, you should be careful." he says to his two pets. They flutter up- each taking a shoulder. "Now, lets find a drink, shall we?"

"Yet another reason why we're doing this in the Redrain Great Hall." Mydas remarks with dry amusement to Freja. When Lark approaches them, Mydas inclines his head in gratitude to the High Lady. "Thank you, Your Grace. We're glad you were able to attend." At her response concerning a brawl, Mydas chuckles. "Well, if you're not so inclined, do try to enjoy the company. I'm sure my lady wife will not hold it against you if you do so."

The newly minted bride leaves the hold of Mydas' hand to give Lark a hug. It's quite the sight, given the DRASTIC height difference between the pair, comical but genuine all the same. "Disappointing? Hardly! I still owe you a hunt or three. Whiskey? I won't make you spike it with tea. Promise." she holds out her pinky to swear on that before extending a greeting to Aislin as well. "Crus-, friend turned cousin. Spirits, we're gettin' old." she remarks to the explorer before giving her a hug as well. To Mydas she calls sardonically over her shoulder, "I made no promises either that it wouldn't be /me/ that gets in a fight either.."

Marian gives a smile as she makes her way into the room, and overhears the last bits of conversation, "Oh I'm sure a brawl can be arranged." She gives a smile to Lark and tells her, "Don't worry, we've got plenty here that are more than willing to provide the entertainment Your Grace." She gives a smile to both Freja and Mydas and then greets Aislin who is by Lark's side with a silent greeting. Then it's on to her blood sister, Monique, and her escort, Corbin. She glances about and anyone else seeking a greeting gets one as well.

Conker, the Ornery Red Squirrel, Dame Barkley, a chocolate tri beagle arrive, following Someone wearing A Featureless Silver Facade.

Someone wearing a black veil, Isabetta, Someone wearing A Featureless Silver Facade arrive, following Lianne.

Someone wearing A Featureless Silver Facade silently glides along with the trio, a dip of her head given. "Good company and wine. She has excellent taste in wine," comes the voice from beneath the silvery facade.

Khanne is -much- more comfortable in these surroundings, and it shows in her demeanor, more relaxed, despite her fancy gown and jewels. She waits in like to approach Mydas and Freja, giving a brief hug to Mydas with a bit of a squeeze, and then another less squeezy one to Freja. "Congratulations to the both of you. At least it will be no more difficult to pin either of you down for a conversation as it was before, with you both still in the ward. Not like that one... Anze.. whom I never see anymore..." She smiles. "I know you have many people to greet, so I won't keep you, but I wanted to wish for you all of the best things that may come your way." Then a look to Freja, "and a hope to be invited to the shaman ceremony?"

Rather than take a glass, Morrighan purloins a bottle for herself, given the ample supply, and surely no one would miss it. Right? "I might be able tae help with tha', if'n y'know, nae one yells for Guest Right...an' if'n I can move in this damn dress," she calls out to Freja, holding up the bottle at her. "How about I chuck this at somebody whenever I'm finished with it?" the redhead then suggests with a teasing grin, shuffling her way up to the bride and her husband. "I do say you both look verra lovely, th'clothes really suit you."

Anze heads into the great hall and heads right for the bride and Mydas. His first act is to wrap Freja up in a bearhug with a bright grin "congratulations little sister" he says happily before letting her go and slapping Mydas on the shoulder "an you too, can't believe a f'an Nightgold stole my sister, whats tha f'an world comin too?"

Someone wearing a black veil enters the great hall in the exact same manner she entered the Sanctum of the Thirteenth. Covered in black silk, pale face and big eyes just barely visible through the lace of her veil. Most importantly, she's on Lianne's arm, as if she were a proper lady, being escorted as such. "I like sweet wine," she says, in a quiet voice. Okay, that might ruin some of the mystery.

Lark hugs Freja back like steel, despite her slimmer frame, wrapping her warmth around the other woman in a silent affection. Only as Freja releases, she does as well, murmuring, "I will take a glass and drink with you in celebration. No tea." That is easy enough to agree to, with a pinky swear given. As Freja moves to greet Aislin, and as more start to greet the couple, the princess only nods to Mydas, agreeing, "It was my pleasure to attend, my lord. I am certain to enjoy the company." With that, she moves out of the way for others to have their chance at the bride and groom, as a servant who has overheard Freja's offer finds a glass into the High Lady's hand.

"Of course one did," Aislin remarks to Anze. "Nightgolds believe in quality in everything." And then she turns back to Freja with a wry laugh at the mention of getting old. "Gods, it certainly /feels/ it, doesn't it? But you really /are/ family now, Marquessa, which means you're definitely invited to the next time I try to drag Nightgold cousins to Ashford House for a dinner." She clasps her friend's arm for a moment in promise, offering a smile and nod to Mydas as well. "And we /should/ do that soon," she notes to him. But then she steps back, making room for all the other well-wishers.

Isabetta remarks dryly to the black veiled woman while following along with Lianne and her, "From the looks of it, sweet wine is your only option." She considers the assortment and then amends, "Or mead, if I am not off my mark." She herself decides that the wine is much to her liking and selects one at random, opting for a glass with a mere splash in it.

"Of course, Khanne." Freja promises to Khanne of the shamanistic wedding ritual still to come, but probably far more private. To further the Northern stereotype of 'naked savages' she teases, "...as long as you don't mind a bit of nudity? Thank you for coming." She gives the Halfshav a lasting hug and then looks pointedly to the whiskey. "Better hurry before Morrighan gets it all...or throws it, apparently." as Morrighan calls over the crowd. "Thank you, Morri. You did make my gown after all!" And that is when the Anze strikes. For once, the scout wasn't paying attention and is picked up with a SQUEAK.

With much smoothing down of her umbra and seeing to it that well, the curls are always going to be out of place, Freja kisses Anze on the cheek; "Bully. But, thank you. Now we're even, eh?" she concedes. With a beckoning to a passing housecarl, Lark is found some whiskey promptly.

Monique waves to Marian, a bright smile on her face as she spots her sister. "Marian! You're looking stunning, as usual. You know Lord Corban, of course," she gives a nod to her date for the evening. "Wasn't the ceremony gorgeous?"

"Do make sure to at least not ruin the dress." is Mydas' smirking response to Freja. "That we should, and shall. I don't care if I have to drag every relative by the ear to see it happen." he answers Aislin, smilng, before Mydas' attention shifts to the new arrivals. Marian is greeted with a grin, though he's little time to do much more before Khanne approaches. Time to hug a friend! "Quite, only a short walk's distance from the Halfshav estate. Not that it ever helped us before." he remarks, amused. "Thank you, Khanne." he says earnestly. "Just try not to set the place on fire, mm?" he calls to Morrighan before Anze slaps his shoulder in greeting. "I'd say it's coming to a very fortunate but happy accident." he remarks to his new brother-in-law.

"Your Highness," says Corban, to Marian, bowing his head. "Of course. You kick me around the sparring circle all the time." He says it fondly. "I need to learn more from you about how to carry the weight of my armor without falling over."

Lianne finally finds her way to the festitivies with a small entourage of lovely women, though only the veiled beauty who has been at her side the entire evening has the honor of holding her arm now. "Sweet wine," she murmurs almost affectionately to her companion, giving the arm she holds a squeeze. She scans the room for a likely patch of out-of-the-wayness and starts off toward a table where she might hide without hiding. She plucks up a more generously filled glass on her way, something dark and red and well-suited to the black lace in which she's draped tonight. That glass is lifted toward the couple, should one or either look her way, before her attention continues on to Khanne... who gets a flirtatious little dip of her dark lashes which concludes when her focus returns to her companions.

Lianne has joined the Small Table.

Isabetta has joined the Small Table.

Someone wearing A Featureless Silver Facade has joined the Small Table.

Lark tilts her whiskey glass silently towards Freja, before she lifts it to her lips. She moves to trail further into the hall, claiming a seat alone on a couch and smoothing her skirts. (For a certain value of alone, given that her guards arrange themselves behind her.)

Isabetta trails along with Lianne and her companion, also taking a spot at the same table.

Lark has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Anze laughs at grins at Freja "aye, we're even now" and then there is another laugh at Mydas "aye, happy accident" as he heads away from the happy couple so other people can give their congratulations. He grins at Aislin "well, i'll consider it a good thing then, my best sister is pretty f'an high quality i'd say" he snorts at Khanne as he heads her way and gives her her own slap on the shoulder "you are allowed to come visit me yah know."

Isidora moves into the Great Hall with an ease of elegance and grace. One can tell that she's trying to be a proper stoic princess of the Oathlands, but her eyes are lit up. The joyous event is not lost on her, but she seem a little uncertain for a few moments. Her hands knit before her as she looks around the room. Probably to try and figure out who the couple that actually wed are.

Someone wearing a black veil has joined the Small Table.


    CEsare first makes his way to get something to drink- his birds chirping softly in his ears. "Oh, yes." he offers to the Hoopoe on his left shoulder. "I do agree. Not enough grubs." The dove makes a little sound, "I think you've had quite enough sunflower seeds for one day, Dolce." he seems quite content to talk to his birds as he fines a strong red wine. "Ah, perfect." he says to himself as he holds it up to check the vintage. "Exceedingly red." Or, apparently, just the color. "Deep sunset. Perfect."

Marian turns to her sister and smiles, "Yes, it was very well done." She grabs a glass of wine from a server as they pass, "Although, I wasn't aware that Mydas was related to Lady Aislin." She gives a curious look to her sister to see what she knows. But then gets distracted by Corban remarks on her skills in the ring, "Well then my friend, we shall have to do another round of sparring. Or maybe do a run on the Gauntlet. I find that's a great way to build up endurance." She does looks about as if she's looking for someone, "Have you seen my husband arrive yet?"

Someone wearing A Featureless Silver Facade isn't far behind Lianne and Isabetta, slinking into the seat seemingly having procured her own wine in the interim time, lifting the mask gently to take a sip, revealing only the barest hint of her chin and lips.

Someone wearing a black veil follows Lianne, in more ways than one. She snags a glass of wine as she passes, after a quiet, "Is this one sweet?" to whoemever is handing out wine. Then she's off to an out of the way spot, though not without lifting a glass to Mydas and Freja, just as Lianne does.

"I ain't throwin' it out, what kind o' blasphemous talk is tha'? Tha'd be a damn waste of good liquor," Morrighan opines with faux bewilderment, unable to keep a mirthful snicker escaping when Freja warns that the dame might nab all the whiskey. It's very possible. A cheeky grin is sent to the new Marquessa before her nose crinkles up at Mydas when he cautions her about fire. "Mydas, Mydas it's fine, believe me, I'm a professional, y'got nothin' tae worry about," she asserts, then skitters off to where the large fire burns, the flames mirrored by the iridescence of her gown.

"Simple, remove the dress and it is no longer posed a threat in the brawl?" Freja retorts to Mydas before oh so maturely sticking out her tongue at her husband. She catches Lianne and the masked woman's toast and lifts her whiskey from across the way in recognition before shifting her attention back to those closer to her. "Where the fuck did Fergus get off to?" she asks aloud. A beat. "...and someone please mind that the man's birds stay away from the vulture?"

Khanne smirks with a soft laugh and stage whispers to Freja, "you helped me with one of my rituals... remember? When have I ever minded a bit of nudity?" Turning to Mydas, she says, "we still need to continue to attempt making the effort. It hasn't been -too- long since the last visit after all. perhaps we should try again soon." And then she is off to find Morrighan and the whiskey. "Morri! Save some for me!" When she gets near enough, she murmurs something softly to the Dame while pouring a glass of whiskey, a large glass... more like a mug. A large mug. She smiles towards Lianne with a wink, lifts her mug and takes a sip before replying to Anze. "It's weird down there...."

Anze snorts at Khanne "you're weird"

Gerard, a secretary arrives, following Brianna.

Khanne takes a bit of a bow and smiles to Anze. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, dear Anze."

Lianne's salute is indeed noticed, and Mydas responds with a friendly nod in her direction. The veiled lady... gets a curious arch of a brow. But then Morrighan speaks up, and he smirks. "Ah yes, I had forgotten to whom I spoke for a moment. Rest assured, Dame of Flames, the error will not be repeated." he teases. "I was wondering when the first urgings of taking it off would take you." he remarks to Freja, her very mature grimace answered with a dignified, though amused, arch of an eyebrow. "We should indeed." he answers Khanne. "The fact that we've met on two occasions within the last six months is already a vast improvement over our usual average."

Freja checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 3 higher.

Aislin happens to overhear the comment about her familial ties, and so glances over at Marian. "My mother, Lady Alaricia, is the younger sister of Marquis Mydas' father, Lord Osmond, your highness," she offers in explanation. "So my brother, sister, and I are all related to the Nightgolds."

"Nooooo, it's mine!" the fiery-haired dame calls back to Khanne, making a cheeky face at the noblewoman, but it's mirthful and good-natured. Morrighan is in high spirits this evening, it would appear. She lingers in front of the fire, enjoying its warmth, lightly swaying from side to side while she occasionally tips the bottle forward, imbibing the contents. Mydas' quip of a potential error earns him a squinted look over her shoulder, and the dame sniffs lightly at the air, as if indignant. "Pft. Error. What nonsense."

Anze laughs at Khanne's reply "i'll have to keep that in mind, make sure I dont compliment too much otherwise it'll go to your head eh?"

"Oh!" Freja flushes instantly, choking on her whiskey for a moment as Khanne reminds her. "I..uh, forgot about that one. Whoops." She brings a closed fist against her sternum to try and clear the airway before speaking again. Mydas' remark gets a poker face then, that verbal riposte dying on her tongue with the segway, "Now I am contemplating the Northern festivities. It is a shame it isn't winter, nor that the bear is gone so there will be none of that wrestling...though spars I'm feeling." she says somewhat specifically with a glance to her brothers.

Fergus is here. He's just off one side of the room, drinking. Because that's what he does.

Marian gives a smile of appreciation when Aislin offers the ancestory that connects the two houses, "Ahh, I see." She raises her glass to the bride and groom, "To family ties." She smiles at Aislin, "We don't always choose them but they are on the most part close to our heart." She glances at Freja and gives her a smile. She looks over, notices her husband finally and then motions for him to come over and be social.

Lark is also still here, arranged precisely on the couch, and also drinking.

Joslyn has left the Small Table.

Aislin takes a glass of whiskey for herself, raising it in agreeable toast towards Marian in answer. "To family ties," she agrees. But then she leaves Marian to her husband, moving to take a seat as well.

Freja tacks on, "I could always go ahead and throw the whiskey waterskin and whomever catches it is next to get married?" No, no flower bouquet to toss here in the Northern House. She defends to her brothers then, "Don't look at me like that. Mom did it."

Aislin has joined the Pass Out Couch.

"I feel offended! Not many in this city have seen me in such a state... and here... you forget." Khanne tsks and shakes her head with a pout. She gives a nod to Morrighan then says softly, "soon," before heading off to the small table where Lianne sits. "Mind if I join you and your masked friends?" She looks at Isabetta then and adds, "and the woman I have not yet met? Hello, I am Lady Khanne Halfshav." Turning to Anze, she adds, "I won't let it go to my head, promise. he whiskey will take care of that."

Brianna steps in the great hall as the sound of the celebrations can be heard outside, a hand runs through her hair a moment to tuck it behind an ear before she says to Freja, "That's not fair, we'd have to catch it so we aren't doing a sin letting good whiskey go to waste having it fall on the floor." She nabs someone's drink as she passes by. Steal!

Mydas' amusement only heightens with Freja's silent poker face. Though he laughs when she mentions throwing a whiskey waterskin. "By all means." he smiles, though he otherwise remains quiet, apparently happy to watch the proceedings.

Speaking of whiskey... Anze goes in search of a glass once Khanne moves to speak with the masked people, downing the first in one go before getting a second to sip at.

Lianne takes a long drink, sets her glass down and gets to her feet... all at about the same time Khanne arrives at the table. "If you'd be so kind as to keep Lady Isabetta company while we're braving the crowd, I'll return as quickly as I can." It seems she and the veiled lovely are off to brave the crowd.

"See?" comes a remark from Morrighan after Brianna meanders in, bottle held and index finger pointed out at the noble Halfshav. "She gets it, dunnae waste whiskey like tha'. It's illegal. Or should be. Y'jus' dunnae do tha'."

Lianne has left the Small Table.

Isidora moves around the outside of the social gathering on her way to the drinks and food. Her honey shaded eyes take in the various revelers as she takes in the event. Upon reaching the table, she tries to locate tea or something that does NOT have alcohol in it. Apparently, she's never been to the North. When spars are mentioned, she looks up again to track if there is going to be wounded. For now, she seems pleasant and happy enough to just observe. For now.

Someone wearing a black veil rises up as Lianne does, falling quiet from her brief, quiet cahttering, and takes her arm once more. She's off! Towards the newly weds.

Someone wearing a black veil has left the Small Table.

"Don't feel offended; I thought it a dream." Freja flutters her lashes as Khanne and presses the back of her hand to her foreheard, threatening a swoon at the Halfshav before erupting into another giggle fit. From her boot she then produces a small waterskin, no bigger than a flask, and knowing her more than likely filled with the strongest stuff the Northlands can manage. "If anyone wishes to try their luck, this is goin' sailin' in..roughly a minute." the scout hefts the thing in her palm, about to make good on her promise.

Khanne lets off a snort and says to Lianne, "as ever, my timing is impeccable..." She nods and takes a seat nonethless, looking to Isabetta. "You must be Lady Isabetta? Pleasure to meet you."

Khanne has joined the Small Table.

Isabetta dips her head to Khanne silently and waits for her to sit down.

Khanne checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Brianna checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Morrighan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Aislin checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Someone wearing a black veil checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Fergus checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 64 higher.

Lark makes absolutely no move to attempt to catch the flask, but her dark gaze does lift from Aislin to watch the proceedings. It seems, she will not be the next to marry no matter what happens.

Up, up, up, upppp and then down sails the waterskin of whiskey turned bridal bouquet - down into the group of single women. Who will get it, is anyone's gambit since Freja's back was turned when she tossed it.


    A long drink is taken of the wine, Cesare giving a quiet nod. "Good wine." he says, as he looks towards the music being played. Northern style, surely, tapping his foot. "It certainly does have a certain... festive quality." the Maestro of Whisper House mutters to himself- just listening for a few moments more.

    Cesare then approaches the musicians, quietly bowing his head to them. To other musicians in Arx, Cesare is a known quantity- he is among the most talented. "Might I sit with you a while? I've got a song... Perhaps you can keep up." he says, perhaps a bit of challenge heard in his voice as he looks at the various musicians and their instruments. "You there, do you mind if I were to borrow that lovely looking.. Well, its not a violin is it. Too many strings. Some kind of fiddle I take it?"

    The Musician doesn't seem to mind handing over the fiddle. Cesare gives it a little test pull- a quick familiarization with the instrument. "Mm.. Yes. This should do nicely." he begins to tap his foot.

Donella laughs as the northern center of the bouquet drop seems to boil with activity, like fish in a net. "Well thrown!"

Anze makes his way towards donella now that he has a drink in hand and offers a grin "aye there cousin"

Lianne keeps close to her veiled companion's side as they start off through the crowd, circling around the bevy of lovelies looking to take that skin of whiskey home. A little breathy laughter escapes as they weave about while that flask flies overhead, but she keeps her eyes on her target, green-eyed gaze tracking Mydas with every intention of ending up in front of him unscathed for wandering through the proverbial battlefield.

Cesare checked charm + performance at difficulty 45, rolling 0 higher.

Isidora's eyes grow rather large as she takes a quick step back away from where that whiskey is being pitched. She does wait to see who catches it if anyone though. Her eyes tracking people as names are used. It's clear that she's attempting to place everyone.

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici arrive, following Calypso.

Brianna instinctively leaps when there's a flask being tossed in the air, the silk gown with embroidered gold shuffles in a green blur as she jumps towards where the flask might be, a hand outstretched....she's nearly got it!

Like a ping on radar, Morrighan's head snaps up, sea-blue eyes lifting to find that waterskin of whiskey soaring through the air. Quickly hefting up her skirts, the knight barrels through like a raging inferno, bound and determined to get that liquor. Along the way she swigs down a mouthful of the whiskey she already has, more fuel to keep the fire burning. Her eyes are on the prize - and not much else, resulting in her colliding into Brianna. Well, if she isn't getting it, those in her way won't either!

Calypso blinks a little as she arrives just in time to see a flask being tossed across the room. "Well, seems I choose the right time to step through the doors."

Fergus was not paying attention. He's been brooding over by the liquor, as is his wont, since that's what he had planned on doing this entire time. So he hadn't really been paying attention to what was going on, having been just in the middle of finishing his glass and looking for another. And then someone throws a wineskin. Is this some sort of game or something? No matter, there's booze to caught. And paying no attention to real cause of the thrown whiskey, he darts away from the table to sweep in, leap into the air and pluck said bounty out of the ether, like large, burly, and bearish blur that he is. "Hey. Free fucking booze." No, he has no clue about the intention of the thrown object or even its intended target.

Marian watches as her errant husband catches the whiskey without thinking and then tells the folks around her, "Well it appears my dear Prince Fergus is in the market for a husband."

Donella observes to the side, "Mind your head. The bruise is only slightly better than the hangover, Lady General."

Donella comments to Marian, "Do you think he will make a pretty bride?"

Someone wearing a black veil sticks to Lianne's side, staying on the woman's arm. A proper lady, she is! At least until there's some talk up ahead, in the direction she's going. And then there's something flying through the air. Big eyes go bigger behind the veil. It seems like everyone else is jumping? So, well, she ought to, too! And she does just that, giving a hop and reaching out a hand. So close! So close! And then there giant man barreling towards her, and the veiled figure lets out a positively undignified squeal. "Aiieee!" she cries, as she comes out of Fergus' way.

Calypso grins at Donella's warning, she holds a hand up over her head as she makes her way to the Former Thraxian Princess. "Bruises I can deal with. Hangovers are a whole different beast. How are you Princess Donella?"

Mydas watches with certain amusement as the 'flower bouquet' is thrown, and the struggle that ensues. Yet his attention shifts as he notices Lianne approaching with veiled companion in toe. The wolf eyes track her as well, then her companion. He opens his mouth to speak as they come close... and then Fergus catches the whiskey. "You're kidding me." And then Calypso steps in! "Our brother-in-law is apparently marrying again soon." he remarks dryly.

Just in the midst of taking swig, Fergus only thing catches the particular commentary. "Eh? What now?" The train is only just now starting to arrive at the station.

Anze grins at Calypso when she joins him and Donella "fancy seein you here."

"Yes, I think he would make an excellent bride," Marian tells Donella with a smirk on her face, "You and Darren will have to choose the match wisely."

Spotting Brianna, Khanne raises her hand up and shouts out, "Bri! Good to see you made it!"

Freja checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Isidora is overheard praising Fergus for: To be honored to be the next beautiful bride. The way and artform on how he just went for it. It is good to see someone achieve the dream they have obviously longed for, for such a long time.

"It's all yours, your highness!" exclaims the small woman in the veil, eyes wide and locked on Fergus for a moment. Really, she looks like a woman that knows when to let a wookie win. She backs away from Fergus, and grabs Lianne's arm again, to tug her away.

"Marrying again? I think Marian would have his head before that happens." Calypso comments to Mydas from across the room. And as she sees Anze is already in the direction she choose, she grins. "Good evening, Duke Anze." The formality is very clearly a tease.


    Single notes are what starts before the tempo starts to pick up, Cesare stomping his foot in an even tempo for his fellow musicians. And then a riot of joyful, northern styled music begins to echo throughout the great hall. Up-tempo and joyous it is a song never before heard, and the musicians are all doing quite well in keeping up with Cesare as he plays. It seems House Redrain only hires the best!

    "It is a wedding reception, and there are very few people dancing!" he says, his voice booming and carrying over even the music. "Its a sad day when the people from the north aren't on the dance floor at a wedding. I expect each of you- and in particular our bride and groom- to grab a drink and get to moving with joyous intent!"

Brianna collides with Morrighan, landing on her feet although she smooshes in the knight. "Hey! I'm pretty sure we're supposed to know each other's names before we go on a first date." smirking as she takes half a step back and giving a wink of an eye playfully to the other who didn't catch the flask. "I need a drink and a dance."

Anze offers a bow, mostly proper even! To Calypso "and to you Duchess Calypso" he teases back.

Kit, the grey fox, a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name leave, following Monique.

Isidora reaches behind her to find a glass of wine and cheer Fergus for his manly catch. "With the skill and fierceness that he went for that. It is always wonderful to see a man achieve his dreams of being a bride. Huzzah to the winner of the honor." Of course, the wine is set aside and not actually drunk from.

"Marian, my sword?" Freja says when she turns around just in time to see Fergus catch the whiskey bouquet. She even has the decency to begin to unsheathe it, the glimmer of an inch of steal showing from its hold. "Fergus, I had no idea things weren't happy at home." she remarks with a tone of the utmost concern. "It has even driven you to the drink!" she exclaims with a dramatic gasp and a glance at the whiskey he stole from the single women.

Donella nurses a very small glass of juice, though she struggles to keep from spitting it out. "Goodness, Marian," she says to her fellow Redrain married-in wife, "-how old-fashioned. What do you think I can get more for him... political or economic match? Or do we need to find someone puny, so he improves their height as an act of mercy? Darren will be no help at all..."

Lark rises from the couch with a quiet smile towards Aislin, murmuring a goodbye, before the diminutive High lady moves to make an equally quiet escape from the hall.

Fergus snorts. "Didn't know it was thrown for that reason. Shit. I don't want this. Fucking plague." So he tosses the wineskin away like it's some kind of contagion. "Here, fight for it or what the fuck ever."

"Oi!" comes a huff from the dame after her collision with Brianna, though she holds her bottle aloft to ensure no spillage. "Well, I mean, y'can have a name if'n you want, but takes a way tha' bit o' mystery," Morrighan responds in amusement before squinting off at Fergus. Scowling. Scowling hard. "You shite," she grumps in a good-natured manner at the Prince, free hand smoothing out her gown. "Swear..next time I make you anythin', I'm sewin' peacock feathers on th'ass."

Lianne had made a good bit of progress toward getting away from the commotion on her own, but when the veiled creature all in pitch reclaims her arm, she falls easily into step beside her. "So close," she murmurs. But they /do/ have a destination which they must surely reach right about now, a bright, almost apologetic smile offered to Mydas as they finally, after a harrowing journey across the great hall, find themselves before him--and, perhaps, his lovely bride, if she's yet nearby. "You'd think whiskey was on short supply for all that scrambling."

Lark has left the Pass Out Couch.

5 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Lark.

Marian isn't dancing, she's just too amused by what just happened. She tells Calypso, "Oh I don't mind if he finds a nice man to bring home." She takes a sip of her drink and then raises her glass to Isidora for her praise of her husband. She turns back to Donella and tells her, "Oh economic. Fergus is worth his weight in gold." She winks at her and then takes another drink, clearly amused by the recent events. She calls out to her husband, "Oh no love, it's all yours."

"Whiskey is never in short supply." Freja reassures Lianne as their scramble brings them closer. With a polite applause she offers, "I can throw it again if you all wish? But, nothing I think can top my brother the blushing bride to be?"

Donella answers the other question with a wan little smile. She has been kept to herself for a few weeks of quiet. "A lot of to-and-fro from the mountains. So far, no frostbite." To Marian she snarks aside with a laugh, "I thought that was just the damned bed..."

Aislin has left the Pass Out Couch.

"I suppose if he is willing to share..." Calypso shrugs at Marian's comment. And then smirks at Anze's formalities. "You keep up with that and you'll be more Lycene than I am in no time at all. Scary." She glances back to Donella then. "Good. It should be getting warmer soon. I was glad to be able to visit Farhaven finally. I only wish it were on more pleasant business."

"I admit, I feel like I should give you a medal, with how many obstacles you had to go through to get here." Mydas remarks, amused, as Lianne and her veiled companion arrive. "Whiskey, no. Whiskey that promises a wedding with some mysterious man if caught, yes." he adds, grinning. "Thank you for coming, Lianne." he tells her before shifting his wolf eyes to her companion. "And you, mysterious lady." He waits then, possibly for introductions. Possibly for a response.

Anze laughs at Calypso's reply "well, you'll have to blame my wife for makin me that way" he says still teasing to Calypso before taking another strong drink of his glass "did you wish your northern twin congratulations?"

Brianna says to Morrighan, "I'd rather have something else than a name, names can't dance." She heads over towards the dance floor, giving a weave to Khanne with a blown kiss. "Khaaaane, come dance!" she calls out.

Someone wearing a black veil stands before Mydas (and maybe Freja?), tall and straight as her rather slight form can manage. She holds a soft smile, seen easily beneath the lace. "My lord," she says, respectfully, with an inclination of her head. "Congratulations on your wedding," she says, her tone entirely polite, and little else. "And thank you for sharing your wine," she adds. An introduction? No, there's not one coming. Not from her.

Brianna has joined the Dance Floor.

Calypso glances over to Freja and Mydas. "I said congratulations formally. Looks like they are in the middle of talking to... someone." Calypso says as he gaze settles back on Anze. "I'll bother them later."

Aislin stands from the couch, putting aside her empty whiskey glass. She moves to offer another congratulatory wave to Freja and Mydas, but she too sets off towards the door.

Willen leaves, following Aislin.

Donella says, "If Gods... and spirits are with us, then perhaps pleasanter business will come, too. Its important to make much of happy times, now. Perhaps you can all come by to help harangue me into being less shy."

"The gods have spoken," Lianne answers Freja on a breath of laughter. Looking a bit more seriously to Mydas, she adds, "And they said no groom for me, thank you," rather solemnly, as if this were an awful cross for her to bear. Nevermind the good-humored relief which flickers through her eyes in the breath thereafter. When no name comes from her veiled companion, she offers, "My Huntress," to fill in the blank, even if a title like that only inspires more questions. "We won't hold you up long. I just wanted to congratulate you both before we were all too inebriated to remember."

"Names cannae dance, an' neither can I," Morrighan grumbles as she gives Fergus a hairy eyeballing, her gaze zeroing in on that waterskin. She mutters a few words under her breath and turns on her heel, returning to the fire to partake of its warmth.

Anze nods at Calypso and looks over the party "aye shithead" he says to his brother "you ever give tha groom a black eye for makin a move on our sister?"

Freja introduces to the veiled woman and Lianne, extending a hand, "Prin-...Freja Nightgold, Voice of Redrain." she catches herself with an apologetic look to Mydas. "Thank you both for attending. Huntress? I admire the trade, similar to my own." she compliments in her own way. Sharp eyes drift back towards Calypso and she promises, "You can come claim me anytime though I did promise my husband a dance. Don't feel the need to stand around, join us?" she asks the room in general.

Isabetta rises and dips her head to a few people on her way out.

Isabetta has left the Small Table.

Khanne nods to Isabetta and says, "I shall. Good evening to you." She smiles and waves before lifting her mug for a hefty drink.

"You don't want me dancing, Freja. I assure you!" Calypso shouts back to her northern twin.

Freja sternfaces. "Yes, I do!"

"The cruel whims of the Gods." Mydas tsks in response to Lianne, though he's merely teasing. The Huntress' response is met with a nod. "Thank you. And of course, feel free to have more if you so wish. It is its purpose." he tells the veiled woman. "And thank you, Lianne. I'm glad you were able to come, and brought company as well." he smiles. Freja's almost slip is met with a shrug. He doesn't seem to mind. "Old habits, I know how it goes." he smiles reassuringly.

Calypso looks towards Anze. "Freja wants me to dance. She only gets one day every to boss me around. And thats today. Will you join me?" She holds out her hand to him.

Marian gives a nod to Donella and tells her, "Yes, I would love to see you more." She finishes her drink and then murmurs something to her before then telling her, "Well then, I think I will slip out and tend to Nia." She then makes a point say her goodbyes to Mydas and Freja with a quick glare at her husband before heading out the door.

Anze smiles at Calypso "I would be absolutely delited to" he says as he offers his hand to her to take her to the dance floor.

"Don't worry, my sweet Marquessa. When my husband dies doing something silly, I'll marry you," promises the veiled woman, her voice positively adoring. She turns her attention back to Mydas and Freja. "A pleasure to meet you, Freja Nightgold," says the Huntress. She'll take that hand, when offered. A faint squeeze - the veiled woman's hands are rough and marked with little scars - and then she releases. Her attention swings back to Mydas. "And that is a lovely ring," she tells the man. Pause. "Your wedding ring. I've not seen one like it before. Either of your rings," she says. Her smile goes sweet. "Thank you, again," she says. Then she steps back, and murmurs aside, "And now I do need to go, Marquessa. Business... I think."


    The other musicians begin to stomp along with Cesare's tempo- one playing the drums adds in syncopation that really makes the groove all the more difficult to ignore. One of the musicians begins to play a truly lovely bit of trilly music on a northern styled flute, while Cesare's bow begins to dance and sing with surprising alacrity and style. While it certainly carries influences of the far South, Cesare's homeland, it would be difficult not to place this somewhere in the northern style. The tempo is ecstatic and exciting- the kind of music that gets the blood pumping.

With the newlyweds getting ready to lead the dancing, Lianne dips her head low to Freja and murmurs, "Marquessa is the finest title, by my measure," with a sly smile to the woman. Another low dip of her head follows for Mydas, though there are no words for the marquis. She simply whisks off with her Huntress and tilts in to whisper something to the woman before letting her go, freeing the lovely darkling into the evening.

Fergus chews on the inside of cheek before replying to Anze. "No. Not yet." Which means he's been at least thinking about it.

Someone wearing a black veil draws away from Lianne, and briskly starts for the door, without another word to anyone.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon, Ursa leave, following Marian.

Calypso smirks as Anze takes her hand and they move to join the newly wed couple at the dance floor. Weather or not teh Duchess General can keep a tempo or move gracefully is anyones guess. "I apologize in advance for any bodily harm I cause you." She tells her dance partner.

Anze smiles at Calypso as they take their place facing each other "well, fortunate for you I'll be leading so I think i'll be able to dodge out of the way of too much harm" he says before starting the dance near the bride and groom in tempo to the music.

Freja nods to the veiled woman, "Thank you, you are too kind. We saw to the design ourselves, rather than task it to another. Personal, I suppose?" she indulges that poetic license, however slight, and then taking the hand of Mydas and promising Lianne, "No, the best title is that of wife." and to the dancing floor.

Calypso checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Donella checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Lianne's return trip doesn't take quite so long as the initial outing, dancers a bit more manageably navigated than the lot diving for liquor. She ends where she began, sinking back into the seat she'd earlier abandoned with a fresh glass of wine in hand. With a glint of mischief in her verdant eyes she tilts in toward Khanne and murmurs something to the woman.

Lianne has joined the Small Table.

Donella reaches out and grasps at an unlit candelabrum, and proceeds to dance it out to the floor, hanging her bear mantle over it's shoulders. It's her stand-in Darren. She hangs her empty cup on it too.

Brianna checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Isidora finds someone around that will give her blessings to the couple when they end their dances. She does smile at the couples on the dance floor, but she moves towards the door to depart.

The Huntress' comment is met with a nod of thanks, though he doesn't respond in time before the veiled woman takes her leave. Instead, his attention turns to Freja's words. "You say that now." he smirks in response. He nods in farewell to Lianne, before motioning to a servant and giving them unheard orders.

Freja checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Brianna heads over to the dance floor as the Whisper is leading the music, and while she hasn't yet had a drink, she begins to move her hips to the beat of the song as she moves through the other single folks that are out on the floor. Her hands clap, encouraging others to come.

Calypso is exactly as horrible a dancer as she warned. She manages to step on Anze's toes.. twice. And she keeps meandering off beat even as he tries to lead. But, she does look like she is having a good time at least.

Anze does his best not to grimace or look upset when Calypso steps on his toes, just working on trying to lead the pair through the dance. He's not some masterful dancer, but he does manage to avoid stepping on any toes in return, and actually offers a smile back to the duchess after he voids her feet for a few steps.

Aksel is here. Maybe he's been here the whole time. Who knows. He's found the whiskey and that's all that matters. At least he's not drinking it straight from the bottle. But the night is young.

Mydas checked dexterity + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Mydas takes the lead in his dance with Freja, able to dance not from natural talent, but from constant drilling in the courtly sorts. His arm is around her waist, the other holding her hand, lips close to her ear as he murmurs.

There was never much drilling or lessons for the daughter of Torrud Redrain, Sword of his House. Her dance comes not from any true knowledge of the steps, but from an innate grace and love of the lively beat being played. Light on her feet and bright of smile, Freja presses her cheek against hisi and murmurs back to him as the music slows. It appears as though while the party may go on as long as the guests may wish, and certainly the housecarls will pour the whiskey and keep the fires roaring, the music going as long as they wish, the newlyweds do not seem long for the public eye.

Having sequestered herself away by the fire, Morrighan keeps a distance from the dance floor, content enough to observe those that take to dancing. She has no shame in drinking straight from her bottle, quite enjoying the whiskey while her gaze eventually drifts off to watch Mydas and Freja with a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Calypso stops her dance at the end of the first song, bowing at the waist to Anze. "I apologize for your toes. But, thank you for the dance." She grins a little. "I could use some whiskey though. Join me?"

Anze smiles at Calypso when the song breaks and he bows back, looking quite amused "It was an absolute pleasure, and I would love to join you for a drink" he says, offering his arm to calypso.


    "Heeey Ooooh!" Cesare calls out- the rest of the Musicians answering soon. His voice is lovely as it calls out across the crowd- a clarion call to celebration. Cesare continues to lead his fellow musicians down Jayus' path, the music now buoyed by the man's voice as he begins to sing. There is a reason Cesare is in demand- and it isn't that he seems to be able to pick up just about any instrument and make it sound good.

    Its his voice. Raw and smokey and silken all at once- his is the kind of voice that is impossible to ignore once raised in song. Somehow, though, this song is the sort that demands other voices- even those that don't typically sing. The lyrics are simple- a modified folk song improvised to fit the marriage at hand. The chorus is simple and all the musicians stop to sing together the heartfelt words: "Come and praise the joining houses, Raise your voices and your glasses. Happy, Happy, Happy- Fly into tomorrow's dawn together!"

    And the music continues- Cesare expertedly leading the band from one tune into the next.

Whatever is said between them, Mydas and Freja continue to dance, led by the music and Cesare's voice. He murmurs something in answer, and then leads her off the dance floor, though pausing long enough for Freja to make an announcement if she so wishes.

The Redrain, or Voice thereof now at the very least, turns at the last moment and thought near the door to pause and announce to them all, "Thank you all for coming to share in our happiness. Eat, drink, brawl and be merry! You have until sunrise, or whenever the blackout claims you. Spirits guide, and Gods bless you all." and off Freja goes, led by the wolf-eyed Mydas.