12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Fluffy Maine Coon arrive, following Victus.

The final touches are being put on the Whisky Tasting Bar, nudges made so that the pairing treats line up under the correct bottle of whisky. The cake, a massive sculpted affair carved to resemble a bear, albeit a unique one with vines and flowers worked into its fur, dotted with berries to create an almost spirit-like creature, is being placed at its own table. Reigna is overseeing it all, a little party general, sharp-eyed and pacing back and forth to ensure everything is perfect. There are butterflies *everywhere*, the air filled with bewjewled wings, and attendants finish hanging rings from the gates of the race track that's been set up along the perimeter of the gardens. She turns to look around the gardens as people begin to arrive, a wide, bright smile on her face as she looks up at Kael beside her.

Painbow, a militant pygmy goat arrives, following Cristoph.

Khanne has joined the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

Khanne arrived a little early and was shooed away from the setting up of things by Reigna. She can be found sitting on a swing, humming a song, wearing.... pink? Or is it peach? Either way, it is an unusual color for her to wear, one she's not been seen in before. Her hair is twisted up and somewhat tamed by a steel and glass bloom of lavender and her feet... utterly bare.

Crown Princess Lark Grayson arrive alone, if one can ever truly be considered alone when flanked at any given time by a rotating squad of Grayson guards, dressed in a gown of dove grey silk worked with a gryphon in forest-hued thread. A stygian circlet rests in her blonde curls, featuring a large epiphanite and flanked by metal-worked gryphons. The griffon lady sweeps into the gardens quietly yet confidently, bearing herself towards not the hosts, but the guest of honor. "Lady Khanne, my belated best wishes on your birthday," she gestures to one of her guards, who produces a present: perfume in a glass bottle. "Thank you, for everything that you have done for the Compact in the last year."

Who has been already hitting the tasting table with all of that fine whiskey and choice pairings? That would be one Kael Keaton. For those that arrived early, the Count was in absolutely fine spirits. Potentially due to the fact that there was a shot or two of said spirits prior to even his wife and his arrival, but it allowed him the strength to help with the setup and then rearrange (again) to her specifications. Thereafter? He's donned a ridiculous pelt and fastened it about his shoulders as though it was a cloak (though it is not). Seems as though the faithful husband is going to take on the role of one of the bears this evening. He offers his wife a squeeze of the arm in support before looking out toward those gathering. "Thank you all for joining us," he calls forth in hearty welcome. Then, in his 'I am at a Tournament!' voice, he bellows, "In celebration of Lady Khanne Halfshav!" Did he just call out the birthday girl? He so did.

Magpie Grayhope arrives with a woman on his arm. A woman that while short and slight and dark of hair cannot possibly be his wife! Can she? There's no cloak, there's no dark colors, there's no lingering in the shadows. Rather, the woman beside Magpie is dressed in an oversized silken tunic that starts vibrant red at the shoulders and slowly drifts through the rainbow, to reach violet in the middle, then back through the colors to red at the hem. This woman also has a rainbow-colored silk scarf, and rainbows stitched in her dark leggings, and a even a bracelet made of rainbows around her wrist. So. Much. Rainbow. But of course, there's no one in Arx that has that oddly-shaped face, with too big eyes and a too big mouth. It must be Mae! Perhaps this is a prank? Or maybe she's showing up drunk?

The Marquis of Aviaron arrives accompanied by none other than his wife, Mydas and Freja showing up arm-in-arm, the former clad in umbra and aeterna, with the occasional white gold to complete the outfit. His golden eyes sweep over the gardens, and those assembled there, till they find Khanne. Bare feet, of course. "It'd be of especially bad timing for me to miss your birthday of all times, would it not?" he asks as he approaches Khanne, smiling. "Especially since you've chosen to wear pink. I can't recall the last time." He nods to Lark in greeting, before glancing back towards their hosts. They shall be greeted soon as well, assuredly!

Cristoph arrives on the scene and is currently alone, wandering into the crowds of the party. Surely there are people he knows there, and he nods his head or gives them a little wave as he forges a path towards where there must certainly be drinks. Hearing Kael speak, he stops in his journey and listens before giving a golf clap with his hands and continuing on to the refreshments.

Here comes Victus and his retinue, arriving with as much subtly as an armored core that protected the grimacing giant of a man within can possibly do so. Which is to say, there's a lot of noise. A /lot/. But what they lack in their care for arriving without tact, they make up for in how quickly the guards compact into the far corners of the garden to take up the least amount of room possible, leaving the High Lord to wander the grounds alone. Well, mostly. The moment he's inside he's already moving for the whiskey bar, the largest source of alcohol there yet. The birthday girl seems to be getting swamped and he's of no mind to intrude further!

Alarissa has two peope in tow with her. Or maybe it's Victus who has two people in two with him. Either way, Alarissa's walking beside her husband into the gardens, but it's Caprice that's on the Princess-Consort of Thrax's arm. "You should see her boat." Alarissa smiles, all thin black velvet and golden Thraxian serpents and like her sister, a stygian coronet in her hair. She looks around at the gardens, smiling. "And I will introduce you to the Countess Keaton at some point, if you have not already met her." But victus is parting from their side, off in search of booze and Alarissa's making her way to Reigna.

Victus gets Honey's Run, a honey infused bourbon from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Monique arrives on the arm of the handsome Telmar Commander, Lord Corban. Party date night! "This place is always so spectacular," the Greenmarcher remarks out loud, to the upstanding man at her side. "Reminds me of when I used to lead your men through mazes and lose them in the old growth of the forests. I can't even count the number of times I've dangled from my pinkies unbreathing... oh, look! Booze! Already a fabulous party, but there was never any doubt, with Countess Reigna organizing it!"

Cristoph gets Cold Burn, triple filtered whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

"The last pink I saw on her was when she blushed." Freja asides to Mydas,clad in her umbras as well - though the dark crimson woads of her father's mark she does wear across her face. She leaves her husband's arm long enough to give Khanne a hug of greeting. "To the woman of the hour,may there be many more years of moonclad rituals. " A wink there and then she steps back to resume her spot of being Mydas' heathen arm candy.

Magpie gets Honey's Run, a honey infused bourbon from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Alarissa gets Hallowed Glenn, 21 year old whiskey from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Monique gets Fire Oak, a premium barrel aged whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Lianne's barely had time to settle back in at home after returning from a few weeks in Nilanza earlier in the day, and yet she is here, obligations shunned and correspondence ignored. Her olive skin has darkened for time spent on the island, the deeper coloration suiting her well. She may have done better to wear something brighter to contrast her tan, but her dress is so dark a green that it seems nearly black when not catching the light just so. Though not precisely alone when she slips in quietly among the rest of the arriving nobility, the young blonde woman attending her slips off to the side not far from the entrance, surveying the crowd warily while trying not to let too much of her own thoughts show across her features. The marquessa, meanwhile, drifts along the edges of the gathering, her verdant gaze settled upon Khanne. There's a smile turned toward the birthday girl, but she seems in no rush to push her way through the receiving line to say any hellos.

Lethe gets Hallowed Glenn, 21 year old whiskey from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Caprice moves with a strange sort of grace that almost looks like flight. It's as if her feet don't touch the ground and she can compel gravity to release her. That firegold hair spills down her mocha shaded shoulders and back as the tailor looks around. A smile curves up her lips to that. "I would love to see the boat and meet the people." She stares longingly after Victus. It is not becaue of his shapely... assets. It's because he's going where the whiskey lives.

Magpie cannot compete with the rainbow wonder that is his wife. Instead, the man is just wearing his blue seasilk shirt, and has his hair pulled back and largely trapped beneath a blue silk bandana. "You know, you look amazing, Mae. You could have left those damned jingle boots at home." The man is commenting. Then he sees all the people pouring into the the party, "Shit. This is.. a lot.. Where is Khanne?" Behind him are a couple of thuggish looking brutes (the same from last night at the High Lord's party if any are paying attention) carrying a very large, heavy, cloth-wrapped thing. That's right! A big thing! Wrapped in cloth and twine! Maybe it's a coffin! Or a wardrobe! Or a very small outhouse. "Lady Khanne!!!! Patron!! Where are you!" He yells out rather obnoxiously.

Lianne gets Cold Burn, triple filtered whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Cristoph arrives at the whisky tasting and pairing bar, he taps his fingers against his lips as he tries to decide exactly what he's going to try. "Decisions, decisions." But finally he reaches for one and has some poured into a glass, savoring it quietly as he watches party unfold around him with interest and attention.

Caprice gets Honey's Run, a honey infused bourbon from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Mydas has joined the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

Lethe arrives to the party alone. She wears blue and takes a look around at the decor. She finds a spot to stand and looks to see who else is here.

People! So many people! Reigna laughs when Kael uses his tournament voice and she beams, looking around to find Khanne, and waving to the birthday girl. She looks around the gardens and takes a deep breath, pitching her own voice to carry across those gathered, "Welcome everyone and thank you for coming to celebrate Lady Khanne!" Note, she doesn't say birthday, just celebrating the lady. "We have a wide array of refreshments here for everyone to enjoy, and soon we will start the Firsst Annual Lady Khanne Halfshav Bear Race! I have posted the rules of the race at various places and I will go over them before we begin. Until then, please! Enjoy!" Announcements done, Reigna moves to head over to Khanne, though she beams and waves to those she sees on her way.

Lark has joined the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

Acilius arrives, following Valerio.

Mae did not leave her jingle boots at home. Each step she takes, there's a faint jingle, given off by the odd black-red-and-white boots she wears, with a series of small little bells stitched into the cuffs. Jingle, jingle, jingle. She stays silent, besides for her jingling, and the loudness of all those rainbows, and just lets her husband lead the way.

Bounding ahead with a hop and a skip comes a small tanned fennec fox who weaves expertly through the crowds to a destination by the covered swing. Flushed of face and drawing in a steadying breath arrives the Palace Seraph who follows Dame Marra. When passing known people, she smiles but Ailith's attention is on catching up with the fox. "Not fair," she whispers to the furry one as she glances swiftly around the gardens before gradually slowing to take in the adornments.

As guests begin to arrive, Lark being the first to approach her, Khanne rises from the swing and walks over. She takes the offered bottle in hand and sniffs it, beaming a smile to the blonde. "Pine! It reminds me of home. Thank you so much for coming Lark... and..." Her cheeks turn a certain shade of blush. "It's.. I mean, it's why I am here. Thank you..." She nods, then chuckles as she looks over to Kael. As more and more people arrive, she echoes, "yes, thank you all for coming." She touches a hand to the Crown Princess' forearm and says, "I would like to speak with you more sometime soon. It has been a very long time since we have. If you will excuse me? I need to greet the others."

And so she does. Khanne spots Magpie and Mae, waving to them happily. Mae's outfit gets a little tilt of her head. Must be the night for wearing something one normally would not! She smiles and nods a greeting to Cristoph as well. "Good to see you," she adds, then spots the towering form of Victus with his wife by his side, though she does not know the woman on Alarissa's arm.. "Thank you for coming, birthday buddy and wife.. and guest!" She chuckles as he heads for the whiskey, then turns to Monique and Corban, smiling as she overheards Monique's words about the mazes. "It is good to see you both! Please, come in, booze and enjoy!" Freja's arms envelope her in a hug then, and the woman gets hugged in return. She laughs and says, "thank you... I hope so too! It's fun to see the look of surprise on peoples faces." She winks back and spots Lianne. Lifting a hand to wiggle fingers to her in a wave, she will speak with her later. "Over here!" she answers to Magpie with a chuckle and a wider wave of her arm in the air.

Freja has joined the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

A /race/! Cristoph has never turned down a good challenge. He wanders over with his whiskey to where the rules are posted and knocks back his shot as he reads them over. "A bear costume..." He clears his throat and holds back some light laughter. When he hears Khanne's voice, he turns to catch sight of her. "Ah, Lady Khanne! Happy Birthday!" However he has quite the problem. A big problem. "Okay! Who need a partner?" He calls, using his Extra Loud voice. "I'm willing to be the bear! And wear the costume!" Not something he was expecting to be calling out tonight, but there we have it.

Kael looks across those gathered, particularly honing in on certain individuals. First and foremost there is Duke Cristoph Laurent. The Count's lord-liege is eyed, considered, and he breaks into a broad grin before inclining his head in greeting. He does not stop there however, for spotting the large figure of Victus, he eyes the other man and perhaps, just perhaps, a look of hesitation enters his gaze. Nonetheless he looks on, and next it is Magpie, a stranger, that he considers. A deep breath is taken, a steadying thing, and he appears about to announce something further. There is a pause, he marches to the whiskey table, snares some of the honey bourbon and pours himself a grand amount before downing that. He coughs once, twice, and then gives his head a shake. There, strength found, he calls forth, "We will require bears to carry our faithful riders! Now, my wife has informed me that she will *attempt* to not be jealous if some pretty young lady chooses me," and he shoots his wife a look that is absolutely teasing, "So I must instead choose a pretty man to attempt to lead to victory!" It is here that he looks pointedly toward Cristoph and then dares swing a look to Victus. Thereafter, a turn toward the group assembled. Wait, when Cristoph volunteers to be a bear, Kael is shooting him a pointedly betrayed look. Comic-style.

"I will make time," answers Lark simply, tipping her chin towards the Minister before she moves to withdraw as well. The High Lady moves towards the rules that have been pointed out, scanning them with dark eyes thoughtfully.

Alarissa notes the longing look and since the Keatons are busy, Alarissa smiles to CAprice. "Run free, I am going to sit somewhere and watch the ongoings. See who's going to be a bear and maybe meet my sister." She assures Caprice, unwinding her arm.

"I heard her. This way!" Magpie says triumphantly, and will try to scoop up his wife to carry her through the swarming people, "Excuse us. Watch out please. Big gift coming through. It's for the Lady Khanne, greatest patron a crafter could have. Pleeeease watch out." It's slow progress, but he's carrying a rainbow in his arms and has two brutes hauling a giant thing behind him. when they near the swing, he gets people to clear room and the large wrapped item is carefully set down. Magpie also gently sets his wife down. "Lady Khanne... your gift awaits you at your leisure."

Lark has left the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

"Unless you want to be my bear, Count Keaton! I won't object!" Cristoph calls across the crowds to Kael with a plenty amused expression.

Mae gives out a positively undignified squawk as she's scooped up off the ground. Well, a squawk and a jingle, though the latter is from the boots. "Why are you... carying..." Mae whispers out at her husband, but doesn't even finish. She just lets it go. Until she's dropped back to her feet, in front of Khanne. "I am not the present," she says, to Khanne. "Unless you want me to be."

Caprice gives a warm smile towards Alarissa and shakes her head. "I will act as your date for the evening. We are boudoir friends now." She does signal a 'I-will-cut-you' to the one person trying to take the whiskey she wants. Those gemstone green eyes are filled with humor though. "Who is your sister?" She glances around the party a bit and seems really to just be focusing on what everyone is wearing rather than the people.

Lianne lifts a hand to her lips to blow Khanne a subtle little kiss across the crowd when their eyes meet for that brief moment. Her attention drifts among the others, settling a little longer on Rainbow Mae and her jingling feet as she seems to be offered up as a present, her smile brightening before she moves on from that, too, taking in the talk of bears on her way to go partake of some whisky.

Lethe looks toward where the bear race will be and then makes her way toward Alarissa. She smiles as she looks from Alarissa to Caprice. "Hello!"

Khanne blinks as she realizes in her efforts to be such a good social butterfly, she failed to greet one of her closest friends. "Mydas!" She rushes over to him and gives him a tight, albeit brief hug. "I am very glad that you made it." She looks down at her dress and shrugs. "Someone thought I would look good in it.... I dunno, but it's new, so, I thought I would give it a shot... What do you think?" Turning, she looks at Magpie with a big gift following behind him (carried by two members of the Brute Squad). "Are you offering me your wife, Mags?" She smiles and looks at the gift, then snaps her fingers when Mae clarifies that it is not her. She fingers the wrapping and asks, "can I open it now?"

Corban smiles over at Lady Monique and shakes his head at her as he walks with her through the gardens. "It leads to the question why Lord Ansel and the others did not simply wait at the other side. Why go through the mazes?" Corban puts off that particular bit of strategy, but nonetheless leaves his arm in Lady Monique's so he can guide her towards whiskey.

Better late than never, followed by a harried looking man, Valerio slips in to readjust himself briefly. He takes one step only to have it falter as he isn't sure he heard Kael correctly, asking his Aide-de-Camp. "Did he just ask to be ridden by a bear? Or ridden -like- a B- know what? Doesn't matter." Apparently the tides have ceased to be, the deserts have iced over, and the northeners are getting suntans. For the Ostrian Marshal is not in his armor in public in what may be the first time in living memory. Adjusting the Aeterna white uniform tunic, Valerio stalks forewards towards his target as if he is still an armored being. Anyone noticing his trajectory would realize it is straight for the Birthday Lady and his own turn.

"Not my sister." When Lethe approaches, offering the woman a kiss to the cheek, lips barely grazing "Lady Lethe Tyde, meet Mistress Caprice Artiglio. Cousin to the Archduke Consort of Velenosa. This, Mistress Caprice, is a friend and lady in waiting, Lady Lethe. As for my sister..." Alarissa's shifting her weight till she spots the coronetted noble. There's a polite gesture in Lark's direction. "The Crown-Princess Lark Grayson, High Lord of Bastion."

Magpie just laughs. "No no, not my wife. This is your gift." He smirks, gesturing to the large wrapped item. Then he just wraps an arm around Mae and steps back, "Of course you can, it's your gift, my lady." His eyes wander to those preparing the race, "Mae, are we going to do that bear race?" He asks curiously. Then his blue eyes catch Lianne and he offers her a little smile and a wave.

Magpie drops fall foliage bookcase.

"It does, doesn't it?" Monique replies with a light laugh. "I think it's because they thought I might never come out again. Not a bad idea, all things considered," the vibrant redhead muses to her companion. "Now," her gaze drifts down to his belt area, "are you going to be my bear?" An eyebrow arches high with amusement.

Freja has left the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

Aethelred have been dismissed.

Dangerfloof, the Bearded Vulture have been dismissed.

Party General Reigna makes her way over towards the starting line of the race track and once again raises her voice to try to get people's attention, "Okay everyone! Pick your partners! We need teams of two for the race! If you need a bear we have a couple volunteers! In fifteen minutes we need all participating teams to line up here at the starting line so we can go over the rules of the race! There are prizes for the top three racers and a special gift for the top three bears! Fifteen minutes!"

Mydas chuckles as he returns the hug given by Khanne. "My wife was kind enough to not require my attentions for the duration of the festivities." As to the pink, Mydas seems to give it an actual, serious analysis, before finally nodding. "I suits you well. And then there's the surprise attached to it, to the colours. A fine ensemble all in all for you." he declares. As a patron of the arts is wont to do. And then his attention is upon the gift being offered, and the reactions to it.

Of course, Lark does not miss being gestured to. Those large, dark eyes do not miss much. There is a slight question in the bare lift of a brow, but the woman steps away from the rules and moves towards Alarissa and Caprice, and Lady Lethe. She stops for a moment as she passes Ailith, murmuring quietly towards the Seraph, before she continues to the other women to greet them with: "It seems, as usual, there are few games for those whose skill lies in a quick /intellectual/ wit, rather than relying on our muscles."

"How would you even open me up, my..." Mae starts, and it's not until those words are actually register in her brain. Near instantly, her cheeks flush read, and she leans a little more into Magpie. Her eyes go this way and that, she sights people she knows. Lianne gets a long, lingering, adoring gaze. And then she spots the familiar face of Ailith. She gets a sweet smile, still red-cheeked. Mae's attention goes back to Magpie. "Oh, um... Sure. Am I going to ride you?" she asks, eyes going big and wide.

"I -- suppose -- so." It doesn't strike Corban as very dignified, but at the same time, he is not going to let the poor Greenmarch go without a partner for the game at the party. He shakes his head slightly, and then nods to the Party General. "Lady Monique and I will participate." He assumes she can figure out which will be which.

Freja has joined the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

There comes forth a chuckle from Kael before he shakes his head toward Cristoph and calls forth, "I do not know, given that I may be your second choice, I could always keep myself a volunteer." Ah, and then he spies Lord Valerio Mazetti and considers him. He, too, is a large and intimidating fellow. "Or volunteer Lord Mazetti! He is, after all, a pretty fellow." Maybe to Kael he is, for certainly the words do not appear to be ill intentioned. He places a swift kiss upon his wife's brow before starting to weave his way through those gathered. Is he approaching Cris or Valerio though? That is the question. He does call out to Corban, "Lord Telmar? The liquor." He points out the whisky table swiftly as his good deed of the eve.

Monique joins Reigna at the starting line with Corban. She laughs out to Kael, "Not yet! I need him sober, Count Kael! It would be a terrible accident in the making to let him start drinking before the race."

Khanne is momentarily distracted by a figure in white approaching her. She blinks, then blinks again, her eyes opening wide before she laughs and meets Valerio with a hug. "You aren't all clanky!" She touches his arms as if she cannot believe it, rapping her knuckles on them. "They are quiet!" She laughs again. "You look great!" She pulls him by the arm back towards Magpie, Mae, and her present. She then takes a moment to unwrap the large item, revealing the bookcase hidden beneath the paper. A gasp! "It's beautiful Mags! Like a tree in the forest!" She slings her arms around his shoulders in a hug. "Oh thank you, Mags! Finally, some place to hold all my things!" .... "Ailith!" She shouts, waving to her across the way with a smile.

Alarissa has joined the The Belladonna Wysteria Arbor Path.

"I shall perhaps need a stiff drink to steady my nerves /after/ the race," says Lord Corban with a shake of his head to Monique, before then nodding to Kael. He raises a hand in greeting to the Keaton lord, making a mental note for where he is bound once his bear duties are complete.

Lianne is already partaking of the first pairing by the time she catches that wave from Magpie, a nod tipped his way in response. The call for bears and riders has her brows pitching upward as she looks about the crowd, but it doesn't seem she has any intention of volunteering to play either role. Curiosity is cast down toward her feet before recognition dawns, a warm look turned toward... something that those who aren't close aren't liable to catch. Setting her drink down, she snags a small plate of ribs from the tasting bar and dips down low, her dark skirt pooling around her. There, at her feet, is the garden's resident Scoundrel, a black and white cat loitering near the food in the hopes of getting some. Satisfied hopes, it would seem, as the marquessa offers some of that tasty boar up to the fickle little beast.

Freja has taken up post on the fringe of the crowd, the towering woman quite content to act the part of accessory for her husband.

Lethe has joined the The Belladonna Wysteria Arbor Path.

Caprice glances at Alarissa's hair coloring and then towards Lark's. "I thought most Grayson's were blonde." She shrugs a bit and then smiles towards Lethe, "It's great to meet you. Let me know if you ever want to set up a meeting for clothing." What? Like she's not going to say that at least once? Then she looks back towards Lark. "Hmmm... you have nice eyes. I've always been partial to them. I do seem to be around a lot of Graysons lately." Her smile never falters, but she does keep her eyes on the birthday girl between people; watching how she interacts.

Mydas seems to be quite happy to merely watch, and be nicely accessorized by his beloved wife.

Lark has joined the The Belladonna Wysteria Arbor Path.

Ailith crouches to bring her fingers over the fox's crown, scritching softly behind the broad ears, murmuring quietly. The act pauses when hearing her name and a blush warms her own cheeks. "Lady Khanne," she responds, her voice carried without even a shout. The Seraph rises and approaches the birthday girl, passing Magpie and Mae with a nod, before pausing to admire the large bookcase. "The level of detail," she comments, glancing to Magpie, admiring. "By Jayus, the inspiration you have is wondrous." Then she turns to passes a small object to Khanne and whispers when giving.

Caprice has joined the The Belladonna Wysteria Arbor Path.

Magpie grins widely at Khanne's reaction to the gift, drawing her close to hug tightly when she embraces him. "Glad you like it. Happy birthday, Patron." He says warmly, then declares, "I think I need to go dress up as a bear or something, so we'll have to chat more later." He gives Mae a grin, "You're going to ride me." He confirms, then throws Ailith an appreciative smile before he slips off to go prepare for the race.

Lethe nods to Caprice. "I will course, and it's very good to meet you too." She continues to smile as Lark approaches. "I suppose the Bear race will be interesting to watch at least."

Mae gives Magpie a nod, then a flap of a hand that might be the worlds most awkward penguin wave to the group as a whole. She sends a sweet smile to Ailith, murmurs a few words, then turns and heads for the staging area.

Khanne beams a smile at Ailith and touches one of the carvings on the bookcase. "Isn't it magnificent? Magpie is so talented." She takes the item slipped to her by Ailith then, looking at it and leaning in to listen to her. She nods to Magpie and says, "good luck! Have fun!" before murmuring her thanks to Ailith quietly. Looking up then, she shouts, "Oh! Hold on! I'll do the race thing! Wait for me!!! Who needs a partner?"

As Kael and Valerio seem to be teaming up, Cristoph will take another quick drink of his whisky while he watches the various pairs team up. "Last call for anyone that needs a bear for the race!" Though he also seems equally happy to enjoy several more shots of this whiskey... decisions! When he hears Khanne calling for a partner, "Over here! I even promise to /not/ drop you!" Comforting!

"Lord Keaton." Valerio isn't quite thunderous at Kael's approach. "I'm dissapointed in your definition of pretty!" It probably does not help that Valerio's normal eyepatch has even been replaced by that silky shiny whiteness that is the Aeterna. "What's this bear and rider nonsense you just voluntold me to do?" Any actual sting possible is likely removed due to the fact Valerio cannot hold a straight face, and starts grinning, and then laughs. "Bribe me with a drink and I'll ride you all you want." A brief pause and a wince. "Having said that? How about several drinks. All at once?" Then there is Khanne! And she's rapping him. "Augh, woman! And you wonder why I am always armored." Still, there is the smile, and he is dragged away to the present unwrapping. "Ah, perfect timing that. It does look amazing, Master Magpie." He turns to his assistant, and recieves a bundle of fabric that he immediately turns to give to Khanne. "Perhaps this could be a start of things stored in there?"

Jiacomo, 2 Velenosa House Guards arrive, following Eleyna.

Cirroch enters the gardens and follows the garden path lined with roses, peonies, candy-tuft and thyme. He is wearing a crisp white silk shirt and coat that contrasts with his mahogany skin, and crimson red pants. He is a giant of a man and is carrying a bottle of whiskey. He approaches Khanne, Ailith, Magpie and Mae and smiles to them. "Happy birthday," he says looking to Khanne as he holds out the whiskey.

Kael flashes a broad grin toward Monique and Corban, calling to the pair, "Perhaps I am attempting to have the odds go to my favor!" Which would be underhanded and all, except he happens to go to the very large Valerio at that point. He laughs toward the man's words, good natured even with his counter, and then drops into a gallant bow. "Lord Mazetti," he rumbles. "Do me the honor of riding me to victory." There is a pause there from Kael, a distinct thing marked with a furrow of his brows before he shakes his head, laughs to himself and gives a swift stroke of his beard. He's guilty of the same word play as Valerio, it seems. After this gallant proposal he catches sight of the bookcase and whistles. He is most definitely appreciative of the item, studying it even as he is offering his arm over to the other fellow so that they can take their place at the start of the race.

Cirroch has joined the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

Lianne sets the little plate of boar ribs on the ground where the feline descending upon that veritable feast won't be underfoot. She runs her fingers through the cat's fur a couple of times, his back arching absently into the affection, before abandoning the little beast to let him eat. When she straightens, she downs the last of the glass she had been sipping at rather swiftly, fairly certain no one will notice during the commotion of getting all the bears in costume and the riders into position, then plucks up the whisky which had been portioned out to accompany the plate of food she'd just given away to Scoundrel. Then she's off, drifting through the crowd while she watches the race get set up, an amused smile playing upon her lips.

Jiacomo, 2 Velenosa House Guards leave, following Eleyna.

Arriving late - there's nothing fashionable about this kind of sudden tardiness, but the lithe figure of the Telmar Lord is obvious. Tall, mostly all legs and glasses and topped with a shorter fluff of auburn curls. He attends alone, although, in the fine company of him and himself with a linen-wrapped present tucked beneath his arm. Percephon carefully surveys the crowd gathered, looking tentative, and he seems more than keen to avoid being notices straightaway.

Magpie checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Kael checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Cristoph checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Corban checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Archimedes the White Horned Owl arrives, delivering a message to Freja before departing.

Khanne nods to Ailith then and murmurs, "we'll speak later. Thank you." She holds out her wrist, bearing a new bracelet and turns to Valerio then, seeming touched by something said. She looks at the dress handed to her, unfolding it before herself, her lips parting in a bit of awe. "Oh, it is gorgeous. Thank you.. and I will hold you to that." She smiles at him before he is called over to the race, though she does start to try to make her way there as well. "Cristoph? You're my partner? We likely won't win... I hope you are okay with that!" She pauses her barefoot steps a moment and looks to Percephon, catching his entry from the corner of her eye. She falls silent, dressed in that peachy pink dress, then smiles at him with a finger held in the air as she rushes off to the race. She'll greet him later.

Khanne has left the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

It is a thing that happens. At the arbor path, Caprice moves to hug the High Lady of the Crownlands and Lark steps away quickly, graceful but unable to do so without it being noticable. "I have not invited you to touch me, Mistress Caprice," she says, her dark eyes unreadable for a moment. "If you will excuse me. Princess-consort, you are looking well. Lady Lethe." She moves to draw away from the group at that.

Lark has left the The Belladonna Wysteria Arbor Path.

Monique checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

Mae checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 26 higher.

"Oh, that's alright. As long as I can outpace Count Keaton, I'll be content." Cristoph replies to Khanne, the birthday girl. He grins broadly and... puts on a bear costume? Whatever exactly that involves, he'll put it on and then wait for Khanne to be ready. Once she is, they can go barreling off through the course as soon as the word is given.

Khanne checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 2 higher.

Alarissa checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Magpie is trussed up as a bear and scoops up Rainbow-Mae, then waits for the signal and goes tearing off, hot on Cristoph's heels. "Woooo!!!! BEAR RACE!!" The man yells, turning the call into a roaring sound.

Corban is a -- decent bear? Really, by any objective standards of bear-dom, Corban does pretty well off the blocks, but the reality is he's surrounded by a bunch of ur-bears, and so finds himself in the back of the pack from the start, which he tries to make up for as they head for the rings.

Monique is practially giddy to climb on Corban, surprising no one at all. She glances aside to Kael and laughs. "You're lucky I've left my thieving days behind me or I would absolutely throw some tacks in your path and sabotage your ride!"

"Christoph has all the luck tonight, with her involved!" Valerio calls over laughing. "Birthday girls always have extra luck!" Then his face deadpans with an ominous. "Don't drop her." Another heartbeat, and Valerio winks at Cristoph with a chuckle. Then he is turning to formally bow to Lord Kael Keaton. "My Lord, it will give me great pleasure to ride you hard, furiously, and victoriously tonight. I shall ensure my shaft thrusts true. Thrusts true and deep. Thrusting true, deep, and accurately." A solemn nod is granted, but even the normally stoic Valerio can't hold a straight face, his deadpan is failing visibly and his voice is cracking slightly by the end. Saved by Khanne's promise to hold him to his promise. "Good Luck, My Lady. Though, I daresay. My Bear is better." Here's to hoping there is no instant karma.

Lark retreats silently, until she moves to join the Palace Seraph with a quiet murmur, settling in beside the woman to watch the rest of the race.

Valerio checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 2 higher.

Let's face facts, Kael is eyeing Valerio for a moment in a manner that indicates he might be second guessing his life choices. Thereafter with a most boisterous laugh he calls to Reigna, "Dear wife! You should be jealous still!" He keels somewhat for the other to hop on his back, adjusts with a wince and waits. That ribbing from Cristoph is heard and he calls forth, "But Lady Khanne is so *small!*" After a beat he adds, "Where you go, we shall follow!" Because clearly this is where House Words are appropriate. Despite the weight of Valerio, he isn't doing so bad! "Fiend!" he calls playfully back to Monique, shooting her and her bear a grin.

With the racers gathered, the 'bears' (Corban, Magpie, Cristoph and Kael) are putting on their costumes while their respective riders, Monique, Mae, Khanne and Valerio get ready to mount up. As Reigna lifts her kerchief and drops it to start the race, Cristoph takes a commanding lead but the others are not far behind. They approach the first gate with it's glittering collection of metal rings ready for the riders to spear with their lances.

As the race properly begins, Lianne plants herself where she might have full view of the spectacle and watches with wide, delighted eyes as the bears dash off with their lance-wielding riders, sipping at her whisky in lieu of any actual cheering. Hard to tell who she's rooting for, really.

Mae is atop her bear - and really, have you seen Mags with his shirt off? - and she seems to be in rather a good mood. With her 'lance' in one hand, she sings as he starts to race down the way. "Bear down, Magpie bear! Make every step clear the way to victory!" First gate, she reaches out and up to effortlessly hook a ring, effortless despite the way she's giggling. Of course, with each of Magpie's steps, he jostles Mae enough to have her jingle bells jingling.

Ailith acknowledges the High Lord of Bastien with a warmed smile as she converses quietly while watching the racers and making faint gestures.

Caprice has left the The Belladonna Wysteria Arbor Path.

"I haaate those boooots." Magpie growls in a teasing bear voice as he deliberately jostles Mae far more than necessary, a big grin on his face.

Monique, atop Corban, goes for the gold ring. She wobbles and waves and it's a near thing, but she ends up spearing the gold and her smile is bright and more than a little greedy. "Come on, Corban! Faster! Blessed spirits, this whole game is full of innuendo!"

5 Grayson Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Caprice stands and doesn't seem put off by Lark's reaction. She is noble. It is how things are, but it was worth the risk. Hugs always are. Then she smiles at Lark. "It was most wonderful meeting you." The clothier decides to glide from the party, but she waves towards the birthday girl.

"Yes, please do not drop me!" Khanne says as she prepares to ride Cristoph's back, toy lance in hand, echoing Valerio's words. Though, his next to Kael have her coughing out a laugh. "Oh... Spirits..." She can't seem to stop laughing as her Bear takes off and she tries her best to get that copper ring! She manages, the ring circling its way down the lance. Lifting it over her head triumphantly she shouts, "one down! I could try for Silver... but..." She bites her lip in thought. She digs into Cristoph's side with her feet a little to hang on, but thankfully, she is at least bare foot.

Monique checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

"We will take tea later." Alarissa agree's with Caprice, a tight smile on her face as she divides her attention between Caprice and then her sister afar. Victus is somewhere drinking but Alarissa looks to Lethe. "I'm feeling unwell. I should return to the ward, can you let his Grace know such?"

Corban mutters as he trudges forward, left-right, left-right. And really, he is plenty fast. It's just all comparative, you know. He lets out a cheer despite himself when Monique spears the gold ring at the first set, and continues to trudge forward towards the second.

Cristoph doesn't seem to suffer at all from carrying Khanne on his back. Whether that's because he's athletically inclined to begin with or because Lady Khanne is 'small' is unclear. He uses his arms to keep her legs in place so that she does not accidentally become dislodged from his back as he charges merrily on ahead.

Mae checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 11 higher.

"Ha-HAaaaaa-ohhhshit! Yes!!" Valerio had been aiming for a gold ring, and nearly fell off the side of Kael trying to get the target. "Success. Good Job my Hairy Beast Steed, onward. So that I may shaft more rings deeply!" The Lycene grins and drops silent as he concentrates upon the next target.

Khanne checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Valerio checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 4 higher.

12 Thrax Elite Guards have been dismissed.

Crow - Thraxian Steward have been dismissed.

Lilybelle - Fluffy Maine Coon have been dismissed.

Khanne is very willowy, even if she isn't short, she is quite... light. Likely though, Cristoph could handle a woman even twice her size. She aims for the next copper ring and, well... it is a good thing she did not try for silver. She pouts, but says, confidently (even if it is fake confidence), "I'll get the next one!"

Khanne checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 14 lower.

Alarissa has left the The Belladonna Wysteria Arbor Path.

Olenna, Pellinor leave, following Alarissa.

Mae continues along, singing all the same, perhaps singing even /louder/ now that Magpie has objected to her boots (again). "Bear down, Magpie bear!" she nearly shouts, because Mae does not have a singing voice at /all/. "Put up a fight with a might so fearlessly!" she 'sings', and she kicks her feet, and makes for all the more jingling. But, then, she snags the next ring without issue.

Percephon is carefully stepping past the refreshment table, pointedly avoiding all whiskey. No offense, whiskey. It's not you. Although he pauses to give the finger foods a curious glance, considering it for a moment. Until, oh, word play. "Bear necessity, it seems, to have double entendre and innuendo at a festive fete. It's a requirement." He steps around to enjoy the best view of the game. Which happens to be standing beside Lianne. Watching with a hint of a lopsided grin, "Watch them get their bearings first. Then, we watch as they bearly manage to win. The winners will require forbearance."

Cristoph keeps barreling along, "You've got this, Lady Khanne!" Okay, maybe she doesn't have it. But he seems undetermined and plenty happy to keep running at absolutely full tilt the entire time. Maybe it's his fault that they miss the ring!

Kael continues on his rampage, his laughter dying down as he carts the large man on his back. Evidently sending shouts and ribs is secondary to actually playing the part of the bear now. He is indeed lapsing behind the nimble Duke Laurent, though he tries to make a show of it!

Mae checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 18 higher.

It's clear Monique wanted the gold, but she was just a liiiiittle bit unbalanced and got silver instead, and a scowl when she sees Mae snag gold. There's a calculating look, but no dagger flies out from a concealed place.

Monique checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

"Onward, Noble Hairy Steed of Bear-ing... ugh ok that was bad." Valerio starts to concentrate on the next target, when he realizes. "God Gods, I am doing this sober!! Unfair! Quick! A runner with some booze! Mead! Beer! Brandy! Something!" then it is time to thrust hard and true again. And he does! Another golden ring resting upon his lance. "Onward!" Forgetting himself.. he does kick to spur his mount without thinking. "Ohshi- sorry M'Lord."

Valerio checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 28 higher.

"ROOOOAAAARRRRRGGGG!!!" Magpie bellows as he runs almost recklessly, trying to be a ferocious wild bear that hopefully drowns out the singing of the woman on his back. "Magbear!!"

"Silver! Nice!" calls out Corban as Monique spears the silver ring at the second set. Soon, he continues to trundle forward, towards the third set of rings. "You really owe me a back rub after this, Minx," mutters the Telmar Lord, hitting the gas for the final run towards the finish.

Corban checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.

Magpie checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Cristoph checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 42 higher.

"This is why they have whiskey at these things," Lianne murmurs with a sidelong look to Percephon and a little wobble of her glass. "To help us bear the otherwise unbearable disregard for the Arvani tongue." Spoken so dryly, one might wonder if she'd intended to make her own joke, though the little upward tick at the corners of her lips might provide some insight. Or she might be smiling to find her fellow scholar settling in beside her. "Have you a favorite, Lord Percephon?" Another even delivery despite the way her features contort for the roaring of the Magbear.

Kael checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Khanne made another attempt for copper and manages to get the lance into the hole, but then, it got stuck and fell from her hand! She curses, but then begins to cheer for Cristoph, using both hands to hang onto the bear costumed shoulders. "Go, Cristioph go!"

Mae's biggest difficulty seems to be with, you know, carrying a tune. But then with the jingling, and Magpie roaring, who can actually hear her anyways? "We'll never forget the way you thrilled the cit-y!" she continues, despite all the other noise. "With your steps so jingl-y!" And then, easy as you like, she snags the next gold ring. Once she has that one, she turns and glances aside, at Monique and Corban. She sends a kiss through the air. And now for the final stretch! "Bear down, Magpie Bear! And let them know why you're wearing the crown!"

As they clear the rings, Cristoph runs at absolutely top speed. "Okay, hold on!" Even if they didn't capture all of the targets, he's still got plenty of energy to just absolutely leave everyone in the dust. Which goes to show, keep practicing jogging in your plate mail, folks.

Cirroch is here at the party drinking a whiskey and looking like he's new in town and ready to make friends with almost anyone.

Magpie is definitely losing speed, likely on account of wasting energy on yelling and jumping around to try and shake Mae's boots off. As Cristoph blasts to the finish and Kael races ahead of him, the Magbear finally pushes to run for the finish. "That doesn't even rhyme!! RAAAR!!!" and he tromps through the finish line, breathing heavily and sweating.

Percephon mutters, "I'll admit that the last one was a stretch. Unbearable, without the paw-sitive enforcement of a ready drink in hand. Although, fur the sake of all, it is best to allow the whiskey to those that know how to best handle their spirits." Self-admonishing, as he clasps his hands behind his back, right wrist circled by the fingers of the left hand. Done so, he drums his fingers against his forearm, watching the contestants. "Naturally, one must side with the lady of honor and wish her the most of luck on her day of celebration. Although, following in a close second is my cousin and his rider - tied with a certain rainbow-hued individual and her spouse." Ever droll, although his dark eyes flick over the rims of his eyeglasses, aside toward Lianne.

From the back of the pack, Corban really does not -- I mean, he does okay. But he's no match for Magpie bear and certainly no match for the Laurent who can run full speed with a woman on his shoulders. "I -- am apparently no good at being a bear, Lady Monique. I should have to turn in my belt buckle."

While Kael has quite the distance between him and his Liege-Lord, nonetheless he is making a show at it. He pounds the dirt, working up a good sweat as he goes in for the second place. "RAWR!" That's more bellowed than roared, but Kael certainly has the best intentions and makes a show of the fact that he is still able to communicate. Or maybe that is just his response to the fact that he was spurred!

"Oh, I'll make you later on," Monique tells Corban in a mutter that's not all that low, so much as it is promising. "But probably better to keep it on here, for now. Unless the drinking devolves into something more Lycene in nature." But she's smiling as she clambers down, handing off her rings.

Lianne gives Percephon a look which suggests she may well be reevaluating her friendship with him as the bear puns continue, expression pensive for a few seconds before her smile creeps back in. Softly, she murmurs, "I've only seen you pass out once." Of course, she's also only seen him take more than a sip of anything stronger than tea once, and that impish glint in her eyes gives that fact away. Returning her attention to the race, she notes, "I'm rather partial to the Shameless Rainbow, though her bird doesn't make an especially convincing bear." With a tip of nod toward Khanne and Cristoph, she adds, "Not like Duke Laurent does." With the racers crossing the finish line, she waits to see how the tally comes out.

"Well maybe if you'd /bear down/, Magpie Bear!" Mae shouts at her husband and slaps his shoulder, as Cristoph and Khanne go past, then Kael and Valerio after them. "C'mon, we're going to loooose!" Of course, a moment later, the finish line! And Mae jumps right off Magpie's back, and gives a cheer! "Woo! Threeee gold rings!"

Lethe has left the The Belladonna Wysteria Arbor Path.

Riding on Cristoph's back as he races to the finish line, Khanne's legs are flashing a whole lot of pale skin, no care given to modesty. It's just legs after all. She cheers when he crosses first, then hands him her single, solitary copper ring as she begins to slide down his back and letting her feet once again touch solid ground. "Told you we'd lose. Sorry! One day I will have time for some training of some sort...." She smiles and waits for the winner to be announced. "Thank you for being my bear though. You got me to do something a lot of men have tried and failed at though. You got me to ride you!" She winks with a laugh. "Consolation prize?"

Magpie drops to his knees after Mae hops off his back, sighing in relief. "Whew... that was a workout. Nice job, sweetheart!" He says around gasping for breath. Then he looks at Cristoph and just shakes his head, "Who the fuck are you? How were you running so fast?" His face is flushed and sweaty.

Ailith applauds from the sidelines, her smile growing as she nods toward Magpie and Mae for what appears to be a win. Then in turning to focus on the Crown Princess, she blushes a little.

Cristoph makes a big show of making some growly bear noises as he gets over the finish line. Of course, he's going so fast that /stopping/ is a bit of an issue. He stumble-stops and then stills as Khanne gets off of his back. He laughs brightly at her remarks, shaking his head. "I can't with all the innuendo tonight." When Magpie speaks to him, he lifts his eyebrows. "I'm insulted that you don't remember me. I sent a giant case of wax related items to you once. Can't you tell my handwriting from the way I can run?" Geez, Magpie. "Duke Cristoph Laurent. And I workout in armor, it's very bracing."

Magpie laughs then, "OOoooohhh... Nice to meet you... my lord." He says as he gets to his feet again, wiping at his brow. "Damn, you're fast. Remind me to never piss you off." He says with a grin. Then he throws Khanne a smile, "I got to see a lot of your riding since we were all chasing after the Duke here. You did great, my lady."

"I certainly do not remember such an incident Marquessa Pravus," Percephon retorts, archly - that tone of voice is accompanied by the briefest crook of his grin in a flash of good humor. Although he momentarily drops his studious gaze to the whiskey in Lianne's glass, considerately. Turning a look over his shoulder at the refreshments table, before turning back to watch the conclusion of the race, "No. Duke Laurent is more buzz and sting than tooth and claw." Quieting down to see how the scores add up.

Cirroch claps for Khanne and smiles at her as he holds his whiskey against his chest.

As the teams race around the edge of the garden, speeding towards the finish line, Reigna is there, cheering them on. Cristoph and Khanne finish well ahead of the second place finishers, Kael holding Valerio with Magpie and Mae hot on their heels. Corban and Monique bring up the rear, and there are plenty of rings sparkling from the rider's lances. There is a laugh from Reigna as the racers all cross the finish line. Once the rings are tallied, Reigna waves her hands to gather attention, "In first place we have.... Bear Kael Keaton and Rider Lord Valerio Mazetti! In second, Bear Magpie Greyhope and his lovely wife, Rider Mae Grayhope! In third, Bear Duke Cristoph Laurent and the Birthday Lady Khanne Halfshav! Close behind there is Lord Bear Corban Telmar and Rider Lady Monique Greenmarch! A round of applause for our racers!"

"You did great, Khanne!" Mae insists, despite the descrepency in rings. She offers a sweet smile to Cristoph, too, who obviously did well. Then she's reaching out with her free hand to pull Magpie back up to his feet. Cause she's strong, too! "I'm going to send you to Jhond for... conditioning," she stage whispers to her husband. Then eyes are on Reigna. She eyes her own rings, then the others'. When it turns out she /hasn't/ won, she scrunches up her nose. But, second place. "Woo! Grayhope!" she calls out.

"You can do it, Mighty Lord Bearington Keaton the First!" Valerio had snagged a lesser ring, not trusting his ability to get the best ring at this rate. "Onward, Noble Bear-Man. You got this. Don't you quit on me!" Spur. Spur. "Remember. This was -your- idea!" Valerio is laughing despite his typical dour self. "Wooo! I see legs!!" That, of course, cat-called towards Khanne. Then there's the finish! Immediaely Valerio not only hops off his mount, but gains a bit of distance as if concerned his mount may take a swipe at him! Then to Khanne and Cristoph. "Well done! But you dropped something, My Lady!" Turning towards Mags and Mae. "I thought you had us, outstanding skill young lady! You handle a lance quite well." He looks to Magpie again as Cristoph explains. "He beat me to it, when you wear armor all the time like we d- ok. Well like I -normally- do. this is all Khanne's fault." He gestures to his own uniform. To Corban and Monique he bows. "Also well played!" Then pauses as he realizes something. "Wait, we pulled that off?"

Lark's hands come together in polite applause, her ink-dark gaze sweeping all of the competitors before tipping her chin towards them respectfully as she murmurs to Ailith.

Reigna drops a golden brown silken grizzly bear mask.

Lianne claps her empty hand against the back of the hand wrapped about her whiskey, unwilling to surrender her drink to join in the applause properly. She then lifts her glass and toasts to the winners, taking a modest sip before turning a look aside at Percephon again. "Why is it that all of our interactions involve alcohol of late?" she teases. "Even our upcoming adventure, oh noble, /sober/ escort. We really ought to do something about that. Sit down sometime to properly catch up away from the crowds."

Kael is not, in fact, taking a swing at Valerio. He is instead immediately rising up to his full height once the taller man is hopping off of him, and stretching, his back cracking somewhat. So too is there a vigorous rub at his side. Afterward he laughs, though it's clear that the Keaton Count is still getting his bearings about him. It takes him a moment but he joins the other group, giving Valerio a friendly slap upon the back with his palm. "Good race, you all," he offers forth to the couples. "However, if there is a next one in a year? We make Duke Laurent a rider. That man is ridiculously quick."

The prizes are set off to the side near the finish line, a gorgeous set of Ice bear pelts, complete with taxidermied head resting on top. A golden brown silk grizzly mask, and... well... is that a dog? A rat? It's... mostly bald save for a glorious mane of silky white hair at the head, neck, tail and feet. And it's snarling like it's going to destroy the world. ....yay?

Khanne does indeed applaud for everyone, smiling from ear to ear. Several strands of her wine-red hair have escaped the bloom of lavender she wears, laying in wisps against the edges of her face. She laughs and says to Mae, "thanks! But, you are definitely the ring bear-er between the two of us!" She laughs again and shakes her head then stares at Valerio. "I did? What did I drop? Congratulations to you, Valerio, and Kael!" She waves to Cirroch, mouthing 'I'll be right there, sorry!' Her eyes then sweep past Lianne and Percephon where they speak, smiling before returning her attention to the final portions of the race, the prize giving out... ing.

Corban looks over at Monique as they finish and smiles a little bit. He leans in and murmurs something to her, then going to get himself a bit of whiskey so he can drown away his losses.

For their service as 'Bear', Corban, Magpie and Cristoph are all given a frosted white bottle, Reigna sending the bottles to each of them.

Magpie just grins when he hears they get second place. "Nice work, Mae." He says, "Grab our prizes? I want to go speak to Marquessa Lianne." He says, and starts to wander that way, still adorned in the bear costume as he approached where Lianne and Percephon sit.

Cristoph steps back when he spots the dog-rat that's on display. It apparently frightens (or repulses him). "I'm also quite agile!" He calls over to Kael. With bottles to be given out, he looks intrigued when he receives his.

Cirroch smiles to Khanne and mouths, 'That's fine.' He takes a sip of his whiskey and looks around. He sees Ailith and Lark and bows to them. "Good evening," he says.

"I thought that you might be better --" Percephon clips himself off, completely losing track of his thoughts in order to carefully squint at the balding rat-dog thing. "--what in the name of all that is most holy and utterly profane is that /thing/?!" The Scholar-Lord blinks. Twice, in fact, before his eyes start to tear up. His shoulders tremble from laughter that he is so clearly holding in. "Yes, Marquessa, I am but - but --" unraveling "-- a messenger away. That poor creature needs a sweater Do you have any inkling as to what it is?" He asks Lianne. "It looks like someone shaved Good Ansel."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Monique before departing.

Lark nods softly to Ailith, only starting to draw away from the Palace seraph as Cirroch approaches them. The lord gets the weight of her large, dark gaze in a sharp study, even as she greets him, "My lord, good evening."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Monique before departing.

"Good god, Man. Do you need me to lift you to crack your back?" Valerio does give Kael a concerned look, though at a wary distance still. Then he barks a solid laugh. "Hell with that, let's ride him ourselves or something." He takes a bow however, graciously as his uniform allows him to. Once he stands upright again, he straightens his tunic with a Picard Manuever. Then he is looking towards the prize table. "Miss Mae? If you would?" Valerio beckons to the younger women with his left hand. "I'm a simple military man. As such, I look forward to displays of martial skill, in whatever form they may arrive." He gestures to the prize table. "Your skill riding that man..." He gestures towards Magpie with a smile. "Deserves recognition. As such, I vacate my first place position as rider, to you, Miss. Please, do me this honor of accepting, and take your pick."

Cirroch smiles to Lark. "Crown Princess Grayson, right?" he asks. "Marquis Cirroch Sanna of Giant's Reach. Pleasure to meet you."

Ailith appears in brighter spirits following the conversation with the Crown Princess and greets the approaching nobleman, Cirroch, with a light bow. As he is speaking to Lark, she turns to lean down to examine the fox at her side.

Monique brushes her gown off, straightening it before leaning over to Corban. "A moment longer? I'd like to greet Princess Lark personally and reinforce ties there before slipping away."

"I suppose some of us must be content to simply follow our Liege!" retorts Kael to Cristoph, flashing an easy sort of grin toward the other man before bowing his head as the faithful vassal that he is. He stretches his back -- or starts to stretch his back, one more, when Valerio's offer registers. He snorts and then calls back to him, "I am just fine, thank you! My wife is a healer and shall tend to me after your vigorous riding!" The words are spoken with a sparkle in his eye and he turns toward the whiskey table so that he can snare himself a glass. He settles and quiets, watching as the prizes are displayed and selections made. "By the gods," he mutters in his whiskey, "Please, by the gods, someone take that beast."

"You all will have to take turns riding Duke Cristoph," Mae says, to Valerio and Kael. Because, well, someone needs to stick up for the poor duke! And then she's blinking, as Valerio approaches. "Um?... Oh! uh... Okay..." Mae says, stammering a bit, clearly off guard. She turns to set her eyes upon prizes. "Ooooh..." Mae says, her eyes going wide. "I want the ugly puppy!" she blurts, and points. "Look at it, Mags! It's so /mean/..." She starts to approach, ever so cautiously.

Though the thought was incomplete, Lianne answers all the same, murmuring, "By some measures," as she lifts her glass to take a deeper sip. It's another second or two before she's spotted what's captured his curiosity, her own eyes going wide as she lets out a little barely there giggle. "A fine name to suggest to whoever takes the adorable little terror home." And it sounds like she means it, as if she does, in fact, find that horrid, yipping thing adorable. As to messengers, well. They either will or won't be sent. Time will tell. For the moment, her attention is caught on Rainbow Mae as she approaches that riled up pup.

"Of course," murmurs Corban to Monique, touching her arm gently and guiding her over towards the Crown Princess, taking a gulp of his whiskey as he does. Because he really does need that drink. "Your Highness," says the Telmar Voice to the Grayson leader as he draws closer. "Lady Monique and I wanted to stop by and say hello. And I wanted to express again my thanks for your warm note of the other day."

"I'll be back when needed," Khanne says to Cristoph before she turns to rush over towards Cirroch, yelling over her shoulder, "Mae has a lot of practice Magpie riding! Probably! But she does it so well!" She bites her lip and clears her throat to stop herself from laughing before reaching her destination. "Cirroch! Sorry I missed you when you arrived. I was trying to get over to the race and I... Please, accept my apology. I am glad you could come!"

"Indeed, Marquis Sanna. Have you met Seraph Ailith? She is the Crown's seraph," introduces Lark simply, her fingers lifting to gesture in a wave between the two. Her gaze flicks to the woman, before sliding back to Cirroch and then away as Corban and Monique approach. "Lord Telmar, Lady Greenmarch. Good evening. You competed quite well."

Magpie pauses when he hears Valerio give his wife the first choice. He looks back, grinning, and then just stares when she goes for the ugly, puppy... thing. "What .. the... f-..." He groans before putting on one of those fake, forced smiles. "Yaaaay, we have.. an ugly.. rat.. dog.. thing. We'll call it Estardes." He says with a smirk, then turns to start walking to where Lianne and Percephon are standing again. When he reaches them, Magbear offers a sloppy bow, "Marquessa Lianne. A pleasure to see you again. And... " His eyes wander over Percephon, "I don't know you, my lord. Sorry." The commoner says.

Cirroch turns from Lark to Khanne and smiles. "That is quite alright," he says. "I was just introducing myself to Princess Grayson here, in the meantime." He pulls out the bottle of whiskey he was holding for Khanne and hands it to her. "Happy birthday." He then regards Lark and nods as she introduces Ailith. He smiles toward her. "Good evening, Seraph Ailith."

Mydas has left the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

"Well, My Lord. With such an injury, your wife gets to- ahem. Nevermind. I shall not go there." Valerio turns his Lycene self to look over there. Pointedly NOT looking at Kael. My aren't those walls vertical? Then there is Mae and her jingling, and her expression and blurted desire of a prize. He is hard pressed not to snicker a little, and gives a little shrug of sympathy towards Magpie.

Freja has left the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

Aethelred, Dangerfloof, the Bearded Vulture leave, following Freja.

Cristoph laughs at any further comments of people riding him tonight, "I'm not quite /that/ durable." He responds before wandering off. He doesn't seem interested in becoming the owner of a dog and since he has this bottle of vodka, well.

"Oooh.. whiskey!" She smiles and takes it in hand. "Thank you so much. My favorite!" She smiles and examines the bottle. "Please... continue your conversation with the Crown-Princess." To Lark, she gives a smile and a nod. "I don't want to interfere.

Monique curtsies before Lark, looking up with a smile. "I didn't want to leave without acknowledging it personally, Your Highness. It was much appreciated." She looks to the Seraph as well, including her in the warm smile. "And I owe you thanks too, Seraph Ailith, for your inspiring words."

"Oooh.. whiskey!" KHANNE smiles and takes it in hand. "Thank you so much. My favorite!" She smiles and examines the bottle. "Please... continue your conversation with the Crown-Princess." To Lark, she gives a smile and a nod. "I don't want to interfere.

"Thank the gods," Kael huffs, for clearly he was afraid he was going to have to take the dire bear-beast home, vile rat-thing that it is. He drinks most heartily from the whisky and shoots a sidelong look toward Valerio at his jest. His brow raises and, after a beat, he just snorts.

As The ah, rat-like pooch is claimed, with Reigna telling everyone who will listen it is *not* a product of Keaton Kennels, she smiles and hands Mae a pouch of meaty treats, "Feed him from this, and he will adore you." With first place squared away, she looks to Khanne, "My lady, Lord Valerio is letting you choose! You can pick either those Ice Bear pelts, excellent for a cloak or helm, or this lovely silk bear mask!"

"No, a better name would be to call it Arn," Percephon suggests in a quiet and mannered way. "It's probably just as good-tempered as the Duke is." Glancing away from the nightmarish hybrid of vermin and companion, he glances toward Magpie as introductions are made. "Lord Percephon Telmar," he introduces himself with a shrug of his shoulders toward Magpie. "I don't know you either. So, it's mutual."

Ailith inclines her head to Cirroch, "Good evening, my Lord. Well met." The politeness of tone fades away to more warmth as she espies Corban and Monique. Before either depart, she comments, "Lord Corban and Lady Monique, I am glad--" Suddenly, she blushes and smiles, clearing her throat after hearing Monique, "--I am glad they were well received. Do either of you drink whiskey enough to discern what tastes best? My knowledge is with ales or tea."

Mae is transfixed now. The rest of the world might as well not exist. There is only the shivery, snarling, not-quite properly dressed rat dog. "Shhh... It's okay..." she whispers. Then she reaches out, and immediately gets bit. "Ow! Ow... Gosh you are /bitey/... worse than Magpie when he's drunk..." she murmurs to the dog. "Just... stop... biting me for a second! I'll let you go eat Lianne's food!" she pleads to the dog. And then Reigna is just in time to hand off a bag of treats. "Oh! Thank you, my lady," she says, with a smile. Then she digs in to grab out a treet and tosses it at the dog. "Eat! Stop growling!"

"If there were anything I could do, in truth--. As it stands, it was nothing," Lark replies in a murmur, tipping her chin to Monique in a gesture before sweeping a look to Corban that settles again on Monique. "I will leave you, now, to discussions of whiskey tasting. Good luck with it." She slides a gaze towards Cirroch, adding easily to the man, "Welcome back to the city, Marquis. Perhaps soon, we can meet to speak on Northern matters." With that, the diminutive High Lady retreats.

Her attention is called for by Reigna then and Khanne turns from Cirroch to look that way. She regards the pelts, and the mask, and bites her lip. "Well, the mask is very nice, but... that pelt is gorgeous... could I?" She glances at Valerio again. "Besides, he would look adorable in that mask." She grins/

Cirroch nods at Khanne and smiles, "Oh I just introducing myself." He looks toward Lark before she leaves, "I might send word to you later, to perhaps ask about how I might be able to help with the campaign in the Gray Forest."

"Ah, I cannot say I am a discerning drinker myself," says Lord Corban, the modest Oathlander dipping his head to the priestess. "But Lady Monique, on the other hand." His eyes twinkle with a bit of mirth as he looks over at the Greenmarcher next to him, as if to say she knows the topic well.

Reigna picks up a golden brown silken grizzly bear mask.

Lark nods simply to Cirroch's request, permission granted.

5 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Lark.

"Master Grayhope," comes with a shallow dip of Lianne's head to meet Magpie's bow. There's a little gesture with her glass to suggest that it's meant to serve as introduction as well as greeting. "I regret to inform you that your singing voice far outshines your wife's." If Mae's earlier shouting might qualify as anything remotely close to singing. Not that she sounds /actually/ remorseful to bear that not-at-all-newsworthy news. She looks like she's about to say more when she catches her name over where the snarls are coming from, though it proves a minor distraction, her focus prompt to return to the men nearby. "How have you been?" seems to be for both or either. Who can be sure.

Whiskey? Did someone say whiskey?! Monique leans in to Ailith, even as she sketches another curtsey of deep respect for the departing High Lady. "I'm a lush," Monique finishes for Corban, to Ailith. "When it comes to whiskey. It's my deepest and greatest passion and pleasure. Some think it's thieving, or men, or even women, but it's whiskey, Seraph! Sweet, smooth, hard, rough, all of it!"

Magpie checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Ailith tucks her hands into her pockets while eyeing Monique, a glisten appearing in her eyes. "Which of these would you say would be better for my parishioners?" She motions to the bar. "I keep an assortment on hand for counseling. Never know when a small bit of drink can help soothe."

Realizing he has new people to meet, and such a little crowd has gathered about the new person. Valerio approaches Cirroch after slapping Kael on the shoulder. "Hold down the fort My Lord. I'll be right back to catch up with you." He plucks up a drink on his way and inclines his head first, and then outstretches his hand to Cirroch. "I do not believe we've met yet. Granted, there's many I have yet to meet. Or have met and forgot." He takes a deep drink of the... cough... Bitterbeer he randomly selected without paying attention. "Ahem. Lord Valerio Mazetti, I have the honor of being the Marshal of Ostria in the service to House Mazetti." Annnnnd then he has a Bear Mask suddenly. "Wait, what?"

"So... guess you need a name?" Mae asks, as she stares at the dog. "Or do you already have one..." she muses. The dog has settled down, now that it's eaten. It's staring at her now, staring at her like she really ought to give it another treat. "How about... Monique?" she asks the dog.

With the prizes awarded, Reigna beaming as she has the pelts packed up for Khanne and handing Valerio his mask, Party General Reigna finally has a chance to relax. She moves over towards Khanne and gives the woman a hug, if possible, "I am so glad to see you smiling anad having fun, my lady. Have you seen your cake?" She points to the towering, bear-shaped cake with it's vines, flowers and berries. "It is chocolate with a filling of raspberry and blackberry..."

Cirroch flashes Valerio a smile as he grips his hand. "Good evening, Lord Valerio," he says, his voice is deep and booming. "Well met. I'm Marquis Cirroch Sanna of Giant's Reach. It's a mountain stronghold up where the summer never begins. I'm newly returned to Arx and am glad to make new friends."

"Oh! Lord Percephon. I've heard of you." Magpie says with an easy grin for the man. "Pleasure to meet you." He peels off the bandana he's wearing and mops at his brow, then shakes out some of the matted down, sweaty curls. There's a quick glance when he hears Mae's sharp cries from the tiny beast biting her, but he too just returns his attention to Lianne and Percephon. The Marquessa gets a charming smile, "Yes, it is regrettable. I did my best to try and overtake her with my own voice... alas, she is very determined. I have been well. Yourself?"

Cristoph is nursing his next drink of whiskey as his path takes him by Cirroch and company. It looks as if he's angling for an exit, but he slows to take stock of the unfamiliar man. "Marquis Cirroch Sanna?" He repeats, mentally storing the name away for later. "Duke Cristoph Laurent of Artshall. I don't think that I've had the pleasure of meeting you before."

Corban gives Monique something of a puzzled look when she describes whiskey in such a way, shaking his head. "I wish you would refer to me with such affection sometime, Lady Monique," says the Telmar with a sort of wry sound to it. But he turns and listens for the best to be shared with the Seraph's parishoners.

When Valerio slaps him on the shoulder, Kael is snorting softly and shaking his head. He spends a short amount of time there indeed holding down the fort, but catching sight of his wife, he refills his glass and thereafter starts toward her so that he can slip comfortably in at her side. A very bearish arm slides around her middle before he inclines his head toward Khanne deeply. "Happy birthday, my lady," he murmurs to her, voice probably the most sober it's been all night long, despite the fact that he's clearly had his share of whiskey. There's a glance cast toward Cristoph when he introduces himself to Cirroch and he looks over the man curiously.

Cristoph is overheard praising Khanne for: Happy Birthday Bear Rider!

Corban is overheard praising Reigna for: For being a fine Games Master!

Cristoph is overheard praising Kael for: Good hosting!

Corban is overheard praising Kael for: A fine host!

Reigna is overheard praising Khanne for: Best Duke Bear rider ever!

Khanne first hugs the pelts to her, then lets them get packed up and held for her out of the way. She starts to walk towards Percephon, Lianne, and Magpie, but stops when Reigna returns to her. She hugs her close and says, "I am, Rei. I am having the most wonderful time and... I couldn't.. I wouldn't have, without you. Thank you so much for all this.." Her eyes blink rapidly a couple times. Nope, she's not getting emotional here. Thankfully, cake is mentioned, and she does have a slight bit of a sweet tooth. "I did see it, it is gorgeous! Did you decorate it and everything? I saw flour on the note earlier... It sounds delicious!" She smiles at Kael and says, "Kael! Thank you! I haven't been able to talk to you all night. Thank you so much." Her eyes look over towards the whiskey tasting table then.

Cristoph is overheard praising Reigna for: Lovely hostess!

"Transient," Percephon answers the general how-do-you-do posed by Lianne, with a uneasy shift of his weight from foot to foot. Settling again, as he continues to hold a package that he seems less inclined to gift the more he has a chance to observe. He raises a shoulder up, lowers it, and quietly acknowledges Magpie. "Most have." Matter-of-fact, but kind. "Pleasure's mine, Master Grayhope." With a cautious look toward the yipping - from the dog-rat, he thinks - or it's the growling. Anyway. He doesn't seem quite so focused in that direction unless it's determined that the rat-dog is some kind of preternatural beastie.

Cirroch turns to Cristoph and bows his head. "Well met, Your Grace. I met with your liege, Prince Edain just this morning. I'm negotiating a marriage," he says with a smile. He looks toward Kael and nods to them.

"I think that calls for repeated testing of each one first," Monique opines brightly, turning to Corban with a winning smile. "You know I hold you in the second highest esteem, Lord Corban. Maybe if you didn't drink *tea* like an honorable Oathlander," she teases before turning back to Ailith. "Will you join me in sampling, Seraph?"

Reigna is overheard praising Mae for: Excellent Lance skills!

Reigna is overheard praising Kael for: Hottest Bear in town!

Turning his good eye from Cirroch to Cristoph, Valerio inclines his head deeply. "Duke Laurent. Well raced, Sir. Well raced indeed." He turns to give a subtle lookout for Kael before continuing. "Might I voice a concern, Sir? Count Keaton was awfully winded by the end of the race. It seems his stamina and endurance is lacking for someone so -young-. Perhaps we could engage him in some military exercises?" Valerio's head turns towards Cirroch long enough to wink, and continue on. "Mountain region, you say? Bad winters then or more moderate a climate?"

Khanne is overheard praising Reigna for: Simply wonderful woman, hostess, and friend!

The fox approaches and head butts at Ailith's ankle. The Seraph apologetically smiles at Monique and Corban before backing up a step. "That's my reminder there's duties left before the evening is over. I apologize for leaving so suddenly. Maybe another time? I do wish to expand my knowledge of whiskey. Sometime."

"I have been in Nilanza," Lianne tells Magpie, as if that might be proper answer to his inquiry. Maybe it is. While it surely means there have been meetings and plenty of work to be done, it also means she's been on the ocean, on the islands, under a more southerly sun. It's plain in her tone, in her bearing, in that deeper color in her complexion that she's been well. There's something a little warmer in her smile for Percephon's answer, even if it's not quite so clear why. Tilting toward the bespectacled man, she murmurs something quiet, gaze flicking up to find his before shifting out over the crowd to track the birthday girl.

Ailith gets Honey's Run, a honey infused bourbon from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Valerio gets Honey's Run, a honey infused bourbon from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

"Sometime soon," agrees Corban with Ailith. "Perhaps we can do it in lieu of the next tea, Seraph." Corban appears used to this ribbing from the Greenmarcher Monique, and so he just rolls his eyes when she critiques his usual drink of choice. "Gods bless you."

"Ah, congratulations on your impending nuptials, Marquis Cirroch. If you find yourself in need of someone to write up your contract, my wife, Duchess Nicia is the finest lawyer in Arx. And I'm not biased when I say that at all." Yes, Cristoph is /absolutely/ biased. But that's to be expected! "I'm certain she'd be more than glad to help write one up if it's for a member of House Valardin and their betrothed." He smiles and turns to Valerio, listening to him with an upraised eyebrow. "I think you're quite right. He could use more exercise, wouldn't want him winded out on the field. I just put him in charge of my infantry."

"I helped Marie with the baking and the decorations, yes! I spent most of the day in the kitchen and let me tell you I will never eat again, I am so full." There is a pause and Reigna returns Khanne's hug. "You keep having fun my dear, dear friend. Tonight is all about you having fun." She turns to Kael and beams, "Why hello there, Bear Master Racer! You did so well! And while drinking! I am thoroughly impressed with your ability to carry Lord Valerio to victory!"

Percephon gets Fire Oak, a premium barrel aged whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Dame Marra, a limping fennec fox leaves, following Ailith.

"Alright, so, here's the ropes, kid. Keep up or you become a homeless, abandoned rat. Got it?" Mae says to the dog, who continues to stare at her. She then turns, gives a little wave, and starts over towards Magpie, Lianne, and Percephon. The dog follows her, because, well, she has more treats. As Mae approaches, she trails fingers across Magpie's shoulder, but it's Lianne that she goes directly for. "My Marquessa," she greets, as she interupts the conversation without hesitation. She delivers to Lianne a kiss on the cheek, right after that greeting.

Cirroch returns his gaze to Valerio and smiles. "Ask a mountain giant and he'd say it's mild but a southern lord like you might think it very cold," he says with a wink. He turns back to Cristoph and nods. "Thank you, Your Grace. We meet with Princess Isabeau, actually, to begin the negotiating. I'm afraid I've already fallen in love, like an idiot."

Magpie gives Lianne a nod, smiling. "I hope the visit brought you some pleasure, my lady, and wasn't all paperwork and administration." He watches her murmur to Percephon, looking like he might drift away, but he waits. "If you'd like to do that, my lord, I could keep Marquessa Lianne here company .. that is, if the lady doesn't mind?" He asks, glancing between them. Oh, and there's his wife with the rat-dog. The sailor eyes it warily.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Reigna before departing.

"I have been busy being a bear," Kael answers Khanne, his eyes still holding a sparkle of amusement. Yes, he just had to state the obvious. He is most definitely looking over toward the other party however, inclining his head toward Cirroch in response though he looks at the man appraisingly when there is mention of a marriage afoot. Ah, and there goes Valerio, ribbing him. "Excuse me. I have to go be a bear *again*." He kisses his wife upon the temple, withdraws, and counters to Valerio as he comes by the larger man's side, "Only because this fine lord happened to be kicking me in the lungs the whole time!" He grins and adds, "Though I suppose that is no excuse." Amiably, he offers Cirroch his hand. "Count Kael Keaton," he introduces himself before he inclines his head back toward Reigna. "Countess Reigna Keaton, my wife." After a moment more his brows lift and he says, "My interaction with the Princess has been minimal, but she was quite kind with the birth of my son, Aeryn. Congratulations."

Cirroch takes Kael's hand and smiles to the Count. "Well met, friend. Marquis Cirroch Sanna of Giant's Reach. Just returned to Arx recently."

Khanne chuckles as Kael excuses himself to be a bear, then she sweeps in to brush a friendly smooch to Reigna's cheek before heading off to the whiskey table. "I need a drink...." She makes a face, as if she is parched and near death for it. Her eyes bring her attention over to those she was about to approach before, after she has whiskey in hand, she heads that way again, steps taking her over to Lianne, Percephon, Magpie, and now Mae.

With an owlish blink of dark eyes behind lenses, Percephon cants his head slightly to catch the murmured words, making the barest eye contact before he follows her gaze in order to follow the path of Khanne through as she wends her way through her guests. There is a moment where he /seems/ inclined to offer a word in argument - possibly even to disagree. But, the reasoning is sound, and he can only mutter: "You still need a beard." With a lopsided grin, he offers Mae a nod in greeting, although an eyebrow quirks upward. Repeating the same kind of nod for Magpie. "No need. She's going to come this way --" spoken as that's exactly what Khanne does.

Khanne gets Hallowed Glenn, 21 year old whiskey from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

"Excellent choice, Sir. The Count and I had troops do some wargaming not too long ago, and he was certainly an able commander." Valerio nods sincerly at Cristoph's response. "Still. Even the commander needs their exercise." Cirroch gets a chuckle. "I'd like to avoid asking giants anything. I've seen many unusual and marvelous things in the world. I think them I would prefer to view at a distance. Even I have limits for what I prepare to swing at." At the mention of Swinging, Valerio finds he is turning to face Kael, with a large grin. "I do not have the slightest idea what you mean, My lord. Me? Kick -you-? Unheard of! Now, if you change those words to 'motivating you' well then you are correct, and it was effective. We won." Valerio flashes his brightest smile.

Monique watches Ailith go and then looks to the booze, then back to Corban. She grabs his hand and a bottle, smiling brightly.

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

Captain Reedy, a Telmarine military aide, Monique leave, following Corban.

"Of course, Nicia mostly handles the process of making the documents official. However I'm sure Princess Isabeau is very thorough." He smiles and tips his head at the man, a smile that only broadens when Kael comes by. "No excuses. We're going to have to muscle you up so that you're more durable the next time someone kicks you in the lungs." He laughs and then sighs at length. "It's about time I get wandering back home myself. Let me know if you two would like to meet up sometime for some exercises. Of the non-bear related variety." With that, Cristoph will be disappearing through the crowds and out of the party.

Reigna laughs as Kael heads off towards Cristoph and Cirroch and Valerio. She returns Khanne's hug and then finds herself heading over in the direction of her husband and the others. She waves to the others, sliding up next to Kael. "Hello there! Duke Cristoph! Duchess Nicia! Hello there!" She looks to Cirroch and smiles, "Everyone having a good time?"

"Winter, darling," Lianne replies quietly to Percephon with an impish glint in her eyes before they're turned toward Mae. When the brightly colored jingle-footed woman moves in to make that possessive declaration--greeting, whatever--and deliver that kiss, she tilts toward it ever so slightly, a kind concession to their differences in height. "My huntress," is offered in kind, dark lashes dipping low for just a breath. When her gaze lifts again, it's to track Khanne's approach, a bright smile turned toward the birthday girl. Though she murmurs to Percephon that, "This mountain--" Patch of grass in the gardens, more accurately. "--is getting crowded." Not that she seems at all to mind. It just makes for a very poor hermitage. Looking down at the hungry, hideous pup, she asks of Mae, "Who's your friend?"

Cirroch looks toward Reigna and holds up his whiskey glass and smiles. "I'm having a great time," he says. "I'm Marquis Cirroch Sanna of Giant's Reach. I'm an old friend of Khanne. Thank you for having me."

Khanne finally reaches the others and takes in a soft breath, letting it out slowly. Her smile is ever present, and she says, "my cheeks are not used to all this..." She rubs one, gently, then leans in to give Lianne a one-armed hug, her whiskey held in the other. "Thank you for coming. Sorry it took me so long to get over here." She steps back and then looks up to Percephon. Her eyes drift up to his dark ones. Her smile twitches, briefly, but the corners of her lips twitch up a bit more after. "Perce, it is good to see you... Thank you for coming.."

Kael offers a firm handshake to Cirroch, nodding his head to him in amiable fashion. "Well met, indeed. I hope that you find a home in Arx as I, and my wife, have." He inclines his head to the man, releases his hand and steps back once more to be standing amiably next to Valerio. "Okay, motivation," he says, pressing his lips together in mirth. He's accepting of it, of course. Now, when Cristoph makes as though to depart he sweeps into a bow in earnest, his expression sobering. "A good eve to you as well as your life, my lord." When his liege departs, he straightens and then offers to his Mazetti comrade, "I am still working on the training grounds at Keaton. When it is a bit more refined, say within the next fortnight, I would be happy to have you visit and offer me your opinion." Ah, with the arrival of his wife, Kael's arm slides around her.

Painbow, a militant pygmy goat leaves, following Cristoph.

Mae kisses Lianne's cheek, then she draws back, though it's only to step aside, and then slip an arm through Khanne's arm, and give a squeeze. "Hello, Lord Percephon," she says, as she looks to the man. Is that an edge in her tone? That's an edge in her tone. She looks back to Lianne, then. "His name is Bear, I guess. But... that's a bad name. So... he'll need a new name," she says, as she looks down to the ugly dog that's sitting there, staring up at her. Licking it's lips. "Something more regal. Or less. I don't know. I'm hoping he's a good ratter, cause, like... If he eats Valery's mice, I'll be soooooooooooo happy!"

Magpie's eyes flick from Lianne to Percephon, again looking like he might move on even as Mae is getting close and comfortable with the Marquessa. He hesitates, but seems to decide to stay put. His attention slides to Khanne and he gives her a grin, "I didn't get to plant *my* kiss on your cheek yet, my lady, so please bolster your constitution." He moves closer to Khanne, reaching to wrap his arms about her in a brief, but tight squeeze before planting a somewhat obnoxious, overplayed kiss on her cheek. Then he releases her with one arm but keeps the other casually draped over her shoulders. To Percephon he explains, "Lady Khanne is my incredible patron. She's been so supportive and loyal to me, encouraging my work and never stopping me from following inspiration. She's amazing." The snorts then, hearing Mae's comment on Valery's mice. "Gods, yes. I would kiss that thing if it ate her mice."

"Still summer. Sun-tanned to golden brown like a walnut," Percephon taunts - partially a reminder to himself, mostly a joke for the Marquessa. Although he watches the greeting between commoner and noble with the hints of a more elusive smile for Lianne and Mae. It fades. With the edge. Is it paired with a glare? A Mae-glare?! Now there were questions to ask. Or, at least, thoughts rising up to make him consider a slew of questions to ask. Another time. "In a moment, I will be stepping off the edge of the mountain's face to plunge into that great certainty known as -- an exit --" he admits, tones mild. Turning to look at Khanne with an twinge of a smile that ticks upward a little higher, "I promised to come. I came." A beat. "It's nice to see that you're having such a good time."

"A pleasure to meet you, Marquis Sanna! Any friend of Lady Khanne is someone I would like to know." Reigna grins and bobs her head. She waves as Cristoph heads out and inhales deeply, looking around as if trying to figure out if she is needed or where she might be needed. She's on alert, but still happy to smile to the Marquis of Giant's Reach. "I have never been that far north. What is it like?"

Lianne reciprocates that affection from Khanne just as unevenly. For the same reason, really, her own whiskey glass yet half-full. "I hope you'll forgive my empty-handedness. In my hurry to get here, I left your present at home. I'd thought to send Fajra back for it..." But, well. She looks toward the entrance where the blushing blonde is laughing and chatting with Zavi, the flirtation passing between the young pair rather obvious. Not something the marquessa means to interrupt. A shift of her gaze between Khanne and Mae then over to Percephon might indicate that she's picked up on some touch of tension, but rather than address it directly, she dips down toward the pup to get a better look at the ferocious little beasty. "If he proves competent and requires a proper title, I'm sure we could find him a suitable post. Sir Whoever-he'll-be, Fangs of the March." Or something like that, says the little waggle of her glass.

"I think I'm going to be smart and take him up on that offer." Valerio nods after Cristoph departs the immediate area. His eyes travel briefly over those at the gathering, lingering for several moments on one in particular before continuing to turn to converse. "Your wife has down an outstanding job, Kael. Hell, technically you people helped pry me out of my armored shell. Know what a rarity that I put this thing on, is?" He gestures towards the stiff uniform, and then tugs at its collar briefly. Then he slaps his forehead. "I forgot to pass on to you, we have started on a formal training ground as well. Repurposed some of the grounds, specifically more towards the Guardians. However, I would be delighted to come visit regardless the reason. But certainly, you're closer to being complete than us. Maybe I'll have some ideas for you, and steal some for ourselves." He finishes his first drink, and now tries the Honey Bourbon. "oooh. That. That is nice, that needs to come with a long cigar smoke some night. Speaking of, I really do owe you two a social call. Duties have just been crushing on me as of late." At Reigna's arrival, Valerio beams at the woman. "Well done, outstanding job tonight My lady." He turns to look towards Cirroch. "The Keatons here, great friends to have. They also have excellent kennels and trainers... though that little uhm. Dog-critter-thing, not a representation of their skill. Not theirs in general I believe."

Khanne smiles as Mae slips her arm through her own. She smiles down to the shorter woman and leans her head in to lightly touch it against Mae's for a brief moment. Her comment about mice brings a chuckle to Khanne's lips, but she cuts it off, lifting her glass of whiskey for a sip... a long sip.... oh look, her glass is empty. She chuckles again and tilts her cheek towards Magpie then. "Now is your chance. Thank you for the bookcase. It is amazing! I just hope everything fits on it." She pauses. "I have a lot of stuff...." She laughs then. "But it is utterly beautiful. You've set the bar high for the pieces I ordered." She winks at him, then leans in for that kiss to her own cheek, grinning at the emphasis of it. "Aww. It's easy to be a patron to you. You are so talented, how could I even think to stifle that creativity? I have the best protege in Arx!" She turns at Percephon's words then and asks, "leaving so soon?" She nods and says, "yes... you said you would.. and you did." She takes a breath, her smile brightening as she says, "I am.. having a good time. I am a bit astonished that so many came. And honored... and.. thank you for coming, Perce." Shaking her head towards Lianne, she smiles. "Of course, not a problem at all. We still have a pub crawl to get to yet, don't we?"

Cirroch looks between Valerio and Reigna and smiles. "Frozen tundra, mostly. Giant's Reach has geothermal geysers to keep it warm and cozy. We have a great many mines into the mountain. We're a big mining march," he says summing up his beloved home.

Reigna laughs delighted at Valerio's words, blushing brightly, "It is not often I praise someone for their ability to ride my husband, but by the gods, Lord Valerio! You were a wonder! It is always a delight to see you, my lord and your praise goes straight to my heart. Thank you." She is beaming, the little Party General happy as can be, as she slips an arm around Kael. "I am so glad people are enjoying themselves. Lady Khanne is one of my dearest friends and I want so much for her to have a good time tonight." To Cirroch's words she lifts her brow and nods, "That sounds very unique!"

"Hear that, buddy? Mags will kiss you on the mouth!" Mae says down to the dog, which continues to stare at her, like she might be the food. Mae looks back up, to Lianne. "The march? You think he'd be all... /Lycene/?" she asks, as if being Lycene is a bad thing. Then she turns, quickly, as Khanne leans in, to deliver to the red head a cheek kiss. "I didn't get you anything. I don't have a patron to support me, see? Also, um. The last painting I gave as a birthday gift left the receiver of that gift sobbing. Sooooo..." Mae just falls quiet again, to let the pleasantries fly.

Another cautious look, back, and he isn't sure if he should be bracing himself for any kind of physical affections thrown his way. He rather hopes not, as the edges of his eyes flinch, and the line of his jaw tenses as he clenches his teeth into an uncertain smile. Although, there is so much social subtext to read that Percephon has clearly lost his place in this metaphor. His shoulders bunch up beneath the starkly tailored lines of his monochromatic clothing, and he tips a sideways glance toward the dog-rat and the one crouching down to inspect it. "Oh." He says the word out loud, as it all comes together with a nearly audible click of brain gears and cogs that start up. He glances aside, coughing into his fist, "I should. Perhaps, to leave you to the revels that you deserve, my lady." He tells Khanne, "I left your gift on my worktable. I had a very difficult time attempt to distill the scent of tourmaline."

Magpie looks down at that dog again, then reaches to snag one of the treats from Mae so he can hold it down to the gnarly little creature. "Here you go. I'll spoil you rotten, don't worry. Mae, is it a boy or a girl?" He asks, glancing up her way when he should probably be watching the rat while dangling meat in front of it. Percephon distracts him them, "Everything okay, my lord?"

"She has," agrees Kael in a most reasonable fashion, and thereafter his lips are just pinching once more to suppress his amusement. In a manner that is absolutely deadpan, he says, "As your bear for the evening, let me just say how very happy that I am that you were not, in fact, armored this time. I believe the end result would have been quite different." When the man continues regarding the training grounds, not to mention the social calling, he is nodding most swiftly. "The idea would be to see where my area is lacking and then design it in yours. I do not see -- and this might be naive -- any true opposition between our two forces. We can better utilize the land then." Yet, at the mention of the rat-dog he swiftly shakes his head. "No, that is a... rescue... that came sniffing around our kennels and wanted to be a snack for one of our hounds. Reigna saved it."

"All the more reason," Lianne offers on the wake of Mae's last words. "Works which stir emotion are far more compelling than those which simply capture a likeness." It sounds as if there might be more to that thought as her evergreen gaze settles on Khanne, but nothing more comes. Instead, she tells Mae, "And yes, he--" She's already decided, it seems, without ever checking, following Mae's lead. "--may well be Lycene, fierce as he is. Bold." Rather than ugly, maybe he's merely, "Avant-garde?" She flashes a playful smile toward Mae. There's another look, then, for Percephon, but it doesn't linger long.

There is a smile for Mae and she shakes her head. "It is okay. I had a visit with you earlier, that was nice. Time with someone is one of the best gifts there is. Yeah?" Nodding her agreement to Lianne's words she says, "it is true.. emotion is art itself, really. If a piece stirs you, that to me is beauty." She tilts her head then, regarding Percephon for a moment curiously, her gaze slipping to a package, then back to his dark eyes. "I would rather you stay as well..." her brow furrows a moment then she steps a touch closer to murmur to him.

Khanne did and said those things, because who else would?

Cirroch finishes up his whiskey and then slinks away from the crowd as best he can as a big giant man.

Cirroch has left the The Lianne Pravus Ivy covered swing.

Looking to Cirroch, Valerio arches his eyebrow over the eyepatch. "Geysers, ah. Then are you fortunate enough to also have hot mineral springs as well? Onces that don't instantly boil you to death, anyways?" Reigna'scomment draws deep chuckling out of him. "Your husband was fun to ride, his stamina made for easy thrusts of shaft." He attempts a look of innocence, which on a one-eyed-lycene probably looks anything but. For Kael another snort of amusement. "Ha! Had I been fully armored, I would have denied your request. Even I cannot possibly be that cruel for a joke." His hand tugs at his collar again. "Still. I feel... naked. Utterly naked. Even with Mandate here on my shoulders. But the things we do for Lo- uhm. Affec- errm, friendship. Yes."

"I dunno... check if he has a peep!" Mae says, to her husband, as the man goes down to feed the dog. The dog will, of course, snap at the food. And if Magpie's not fast enough, he'll catch fingers. "But Lianne says he's a boy dog, and I'd trust a farmer to know," Mae says. About Lianne. Lianne the Farmer. "Anyways, I really don't think time with someone is a good gift. I mean, someone you /like/, I guess. I think time with a /lot/ of people is a punishment," Mae opines. "I also think maybe not all of us can be brooding Countesses of Marches, who dine on the emotional turmoil brought by tragic art," Mae says, to no one at all!

Magpie checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

"Well. Well enough --" Percephon relents, wordless, and offers the gift over to Khanne with a discreet whisper of his own. Chancing to lean in just far enough to speak without being overheard.

Valerio's words have Reigna's cheeks blooming with pink color and peeking to her husband even as she tries and fails to fight a wicked case of the giggles. "Oh... I -- I cannot... oh my." She fans her face with a hand and looks up at the ceiling, giggling even as she turns beet red. Oh, Oathlands girls.

Kael just gives Valerio a Look. It is a rather pointed thing, with a capital 'L.' Now, his head is tilting to the side and he regards the other man for a moment before snorting once and taking a sip of his liquor. This look happens to be joined with another Look soon enough as the man is stumbling over his words. He does not rib him, nay, he just leans over and taps his glass against his own. "How is your niece?" he asks kindly. "I saw her at the Assembly but I was unable to greet her." His blushing bride, well, she is pulled in closer against him so she can hide her face if need be.

"Ow!!" Magpie suddenly yelps, yanking his hand away and glaring down at the dog. "You little shit." He grumbles, then snags another piece of meat to lure the creature over with, "Here. Calm down. I'll get you fattened up, don't worry. But not too fat, you need to be hungry to catch those mice." The second piece goes smoother and the man will kneel down, "Here, Mae, pass me the bag. I'm going to see if I can get him to calm down more. What did you call him? Scourge of the Marsh, Marquessa?"

Lianne hardly looks to part of either farmer or brooder, but she offers objections to neither remark. Those paying attention may even catch a warmly amused smile turned Mae's direction. Her attention snaps toward Magpie as the rat-dog catches his fingertips. Alarm gives away to humor as he coaxes the pup over. "Scourge," had not been what she'd called him, but it sounds so lovely in her Arx-softened Setarcan accent. "I like the sound of that." Wasn't this Mae's pup to name..?

Khanne takes the gift then, smiling as she looks it over. She starts to try to untie the knot that holds the wrapping closed, but... stops. Pouting, she looks up at Percephon, a lopsided smile replacing the expression soon enough. "Well, it is lovely. Thank you, Perce. The colors of the wrapping are my favorite."

"Oooh, yeah. Scourge. We could call you Scourge. You like that?" Magpie asks, grinning as he pushes more treats at the dog, "You do, don't you? Look at your twiggy little tail wagging. I'll carve you a doghouse. A little doggy ... fortress." He muses. "Just stop fucki-... er.. sorry, my lady." He glances up to Lianne before commenting more softly to the puppy. "Stop biting me."

Mae giggles as Magpie is bit, and as the man swears at the dog. "Aww! You can't give him /your/ nickname," Mae says, to her husband. She means 'you little shit', clearly. Her eyes tick back to Percephon, and her eyes narrow a moment, as she leans forward, to look past Khanne, and to glare at him. Yes, she's glaring now. Yes, it's meant ot be seen. She stands back upright, and looks at her husband. "Yes, Scourge of the Marsh. So titled by the Marsh-kessa herself," Mae says, ever so sweetly. Her eyes flick back to Lianne. "Didja get my last letter?" she asks, her eyes going big and bright and overtly excited.

Magpie gets Fire Oak, a premium barrel aged whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Lianne gets Hallowed Glenn, 21 year old whiskey from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Lianne gets Fire Oak, a premium barrel aged whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Mae gets Cold Burn, triple filtered whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Percephon gets Hallowed Glenn, 21 year old whiskey from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

On occasion, a Lycene must be a Lycene. At Reigna's giggle-fit, Valerio spares her by just offering her a wink, and a faux-whispered. "He liked it. A lot." Then there is the L-ook from Kael, and once more Valerio is attempting to be the personification of innocence. He does very poorly. At the glass tap, Valerio first beams with pride, and then sips at his bourbon. "Aha! Which one! I am blessed. All are doing so well. Cambria had urgent matters along with Hadrian or I am certain they would have been here. Dianna, excells at her art, and I couldn't be prouder. She cannot know this though, her ego is worse than my own. We all miss her sister terribly, though."

Valerio gets Cold Burn, triple filtered whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

"I know. I figure that for the moment, it can simply occupy space in a corner and remain very attractively wrapped until a later date," Percephon admits, and he leans away from Khanne in order to catch that Mae-glare directed on his person. He thinks he understands why now, and, he simply offers a very pensive expression in return.

Valerio gets Fire Oak, a premium barrel aged whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

Reigna does indeed lean in to Kael, hiding her face as she giggle in the wake of Valerio's words. When she finally gets control of herself and pulls back and smiles, "Lord Valerio... you are amazing. I am so glad that we are friends. I am so happy we are friends." She leans over to touch Valerio's forearm briefly, "It is so good to see you." She leans up to kiss Kael's cheek and then pulls back, "I should go see the Lady of the hour." With that, she heads over towards Khanne.

Khanne looks up at Percephon with a curious tilt of her head, then speaks softly, reaching up to perhaps fix her hair. She nods to him after a moment then says, "thankfully... I am patient. I might do something with the linen, after.. later... hate to let it go to waste as simple wrapping." She takes a breath and smiles again, turning to the others. She looks to Mae, and her expression, then turns to Lianne. "So... pub crawl is still on, yeah? Should I ahve a beard made for you?" She glances around at the other party goers, smiling and waving across the way to the others before looking back to Lianne. Then, a glance aside to the whisky table. She pouts, then reaches for a bottle gifted to her earlier, opening it up and taking a goodly drink.

"My apologies, Khanne, for the optimism." Percephon offers the apology with a tidy bow forward, as he folds his hands behind his back, looking over the others. "If I duck out of here now, will it seem as though it was properly timed? Hopefully so."

Kael chuckles and just shakes his head before taking another sip from his liquor. "I was actually speaking of Marquessa Cambria," he says with a renewed amount of interest. "I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Lady Dianna." He does indeed take the word of art rather literally and his brows raise in unison. "An artist? Perhaps an introduction can be gained." He nods to his wife when she is sliding back toward Khanne and, once she's out of earshot, he states more quietly, "I am interested in commissioning a piece for Keaton Hall sometime."

Khanne looks at Percephon with absolute, ponderous, perplexity. She nods slowly and says, "if you must go... I will speak with you soon, and... thank you."

"Pub crawl sounds fun. Me though, I am going to see if Scourge here is a whiskey-drinking beast." Magpie says, delicately reaching to try and pick up the tiny dog he's been stuffing treats at. Oh, was it Mae's gift? Well, now she has to fight the animal away from her husband. Assuming Scourge doesn't try to kill him.

Lianne benevolently accepts Magpie's apology with a little dip of her head as she once more straightens to her full height, a second spent smoothing out her skirt rather unnecessarily, the silk prone to drape nicely all on its own. There's another nod to consecrate Scourge's naming, her whiskey glass lifted and its contents drained to make it all super-extra official. The question about the letter gets a faint purse of her lips, far from a frown, before she explains, "I spent the day on the water, huntress." And didn't have any messages which didn't require immediate attention sent on to the March, it would seem. "I'd noticed two letters reminding me of this party and little else before I dashed out. Perhaps we might meander--" There's a tip of her head toward the winding paths through the gardens. "--if you'd care to talk now?" Not that she seems in any hurry to separate from the group. With a firm nod to Khanne and a lift of her not-at-all-bearded chin, she says, "A proper ale-catcher to see me through the night. Though I'll need a few days yet to settle back in." After Khanne addresses Percephon's departure, she looks to him and adds, "And I'll write," the 'soon' implied.

"Wait, why are we getting beards?" says Mae, who has apparently invited herself to whatever this pub crawl is. "I don't... I can't grow one," she says, earnestly. Then she eyes Lianne, and blinks a few times. No way can Lianne grow a beard! Khanne, however, gets a more critical look. Because, well, Northern barbarian. She then looks abck to Magpie. "Aw, geez, Mags, don't get him drunk!" she whines at her husband, as the man slips away. She huffs. Then her attention slides back to Lianne. "This is more important than-... Okay, it's /less/ important than coming to drink with Khanne. But more important than banana yields and whatever else," she says. She glances back to Magpie. "I'm going to go walk with Lianne! Don't get my dog drunk!"

Khanne gets Cold Burn, triple filtered whisky from Whisky tasting and pairings bar.

"So am I, My Lady. It is good to have friends, and to laugh. Do ensure you too have fun this evening." Valerio winks to Reigna and watches her make off towards Khanne, who of course he also watches for a moment before looking towards Kael. He starts chuckling. "Ah, well. Dianna is top marks at her particular art. However, I am not sure that such a commission could be had. She is, a dancer of sorts. However, I'll be sure to put her in touch with you, either way. She's a lively lass, a rightful pain in my backside. But you all are so young, you'll soon just be plotting against me." Teeth flash in a quick grin.

Reigna moves up next to Khanne and if possible, slides her arm around the Halfshav shaman. "Hello my friend." Reigna's voice is gentle and she smiles brightly, "So. Hello my friend. Have you enjoyed the celebration of Khanne as much as I have? I must say, when I woke up today I did not anticipate seeing you riding my liege dressed up as a bear."

Khanne spots one lone glass left on the table and slinks aside to grab it, downing it all in one long, several swallows, drink. She lowers the glass as Mae talks and looks to her. Shaking her head, she states, "nothing is more important than drinking with Khanne. I hear she's pretty awesome, even when drunk.... did I thank you for taking care of me by the way? The other night? Thank you..." She wiggles her fingers as she and Lianne head off for their walk, turning to see Reigna headed her way. "Rei! Thank you so much for tonight. I really cannot... thank you.." NO! No emotional Khanne! She sniffs and leans in to give the other woman a tight hug. "I am enjoying it immensely, yes, thank you." She laughs and says, "nor did I dream I would be, or that Valerio would be riding your husband!" She laughs brighter at that even, looking over towards the duo of Kale and Valerio, winking.

Magpie glances up, "Okay, have fun, ladies." He says, throwing the trio a grin as he carefully lifts the puppy up in his arm. "Alright Scourge, time to do some whiskey-tasting." He heads for the drink table, fully planning to get the dog good and sauced up along with himself.

Chuckling softly, Kael inclines his head toward Valerio. "So it seems that I will need to find another artist for the commission. So be it, there is some thrill in the hunt." When the man continues on, he is shaking his head and then gesturing vaguely where the great bear race was just a little while ago. "You, my friend, dwell entirely too much on age -- especially for someone not old at all. And, for the record, I do believe that I have aged a good ten years with the birth of Aeryn." And from the proud look he wears, he does not care at all. Catching sight of Khanne's look toward them, he raises his glass to her and his wife.

"You're far too out-going," Lianne says of Mae's inability to grow a proper beard. It sounds more like an apology than any sort of criticism. When provided that particular scale of importance, she seems skeptical. Truly, she seems as if she might be ready to explain the importance of 'banana yields and whatever else,' but she falls short. Do bananas even grow in Nilanza? Seems rather improbable given how far north the march is--even if it's well south of here. She takes a moment to set her emptied glass down as she watches Magpie bravely scoop up Scourge. As she offers her arm to Mae, she assures Khanne, "Soon," and praises Reigna on the, "Magnificent party." But then she's off down whichever path Mae might choose.

"I am so glad." Reigna doesn't miss that spike of emotion, and she is just about to reply when Lianne offers that compliment, "Oh, my goodness, thank you my lady!" Reigna waves to Lianne, "Do have a good evening! Thank you so much for coming." She looks back to Khanne and lowers her voice for a moment, murmuring something to her friend before she leans back with a smile.

"Oh no! See, that is why age is an issue. I have completely forgotten to ask about your child. I failed." Valerio sighs sadly and hangs his head, which means. He takes a deep drink. Then looks back at Kael. "So. how is the anklebiter? Have you progressed the stage where everything is cute, and gone to 'oh my god, how can something so tiny make that smell?' yet?" Valerio is all smiles as only a father can be. "Still. They are only so little once." \

Khanne is overheard praising Valerio for: He rode the Count so well! Not to mention how good he was with his lance.

Khanne is overheard praising Cristoph for: I held on tight with my legs, and he raced for the finish line!

Kael just shakes his head in response to Valerio, rueful for that commentary. The rueful expression soon enough melds to something even more fond regarding his son and he is sipping some more of his liquor. "The true question is how something so very cute is capable of such output," he counters, grinning. "One time, he even," and he shoots a look to his wife to make sure she cannot overhear him as he lowers his voice further, "...went in the bath. My wife's reaction was amazing, even if I did have to do the cleaning."