From each main entrance of the Stone Grove exists pathways lit by peculiar rose-gold lanterns, their flames an incandescent blue that burns unusually bright - shining like stars in the dark, guiding guests along. The paths converge into a small clearing cradled in trough of two hills. It's there where the descended stars, those beautiful lanterns and their burning blue flames, shine the brightest.

At one end of the clearing, the opening of one might presume to be a cave if it weren't for its shape being too well-formed. Music and the warmth of fire within emanates out from steps that make a short descent into a cavity below. At each side of the mouth stands two servants of House Nightgold dressed warmly in fashionable garb of both furs and comfortable clothing they intend to join the festivities in afterward. Their purpose is a simple one, to pass out small constructs of flammable paper and writing utensils alongside small lanterns. "You'll need these for tonight, we're told. It is quite warm down there. If you'd like to leave your coats in our safety, we'll hold onto them for those who would not like to overheat."

Once once is down in the Mountain Man-assembled place of the party, it is Duchess Nightgold herself who personally serves as the warmest of receptions to the arrival of guests. She's dressed in clothes better fit for the warmer days of spring, her curls elegantly arranged and small feet bare. The chambers are dimly lit, the inner pool of the assembled grotto lighting the place up beatifully with untrained eyes might believe to be bio-luminescent life, like that of the cruise if guests recall the earlier summer voyage she created. Servants float on the peripheral with trays of all kinds of alcohol to ply guests with, and delicacies of both the North and South to compliment their choices.

The pirate Admiral Alrec slowly makes his way there with a flask filled with rum and a freshly packed tin of smokes just in case. He only does this habbit when it is cold the smoking of course rum is all the time drink. He is dressed in a muted reds and a black boots trugging through the world of the cold. He is wearing a leather duster that hangs down low the buttons are bright once now faded with time and weather. He then lights one of the smokes slowly with a flick of a object inhaling sharply. He then looks around taking it in all for a moment and trying to gain his barings waiting for his own Duchess to arrive before he greats or speaks.


The Princess Natalia Grayson is interested in this party, after being assured that she will get to leave her clothing on, and thus she has arrived. It seems for the first time in many events, The Princess is without escort. However, she makes up with this by having amazing fashion sense. The midnight blue gown is crafted of seasilk and shimmers around her. It has the appearance that she has captures the night sky with all the stars and wrapped it around herself. A loft of her brows, but she does hand off her cloak to the attendant and moves first to Nadia. "Darling, it seems that this is going to be a smashing success." The slip of paper is tucked into the bodice of her dress for right now.


Fortunato is a small, plain man dressed plainly, and heavy enough for the weather, but without much to distinguish his clothing other than "dark". He is a bit reluctant to shed his old coat, but he does so with no real additional urging. If he accepts paper and writing utensils, he's also brought his own materials, canvas and easel stuffed precariously in his knapsack. He makes small talk with the servants; he makes almost an aggressive point of it, but it doesn't occupy him long. Then he's skirting the grove to get the best vantage he can of the standing stones and still set up his easel.

Freja has been here for quite some time, the hood of her fur-lined dress up as guard against the cold. Her leaves her face half hidden in shadow, only her lips visible as she takes up a post at the fringe of the gathering.


Alis is enchanted by her walk through the Grove, and then the clearing, and towards the steps. She turns her cape over to the waiting attendants, probably having frozen her small self half solid on the trip here. She's dressed in the particular fashion of the Valardin back in Sanctum. A combination of silks and armor; the chain mail that is part of the wrap dress' skirt, and the steel heel of her shoes. And she is far too occupied with her surroundings to pay much attention to what everyone else is wearing. "Oh, Nadia. You have outdone yourself I think. I'm quite pleased to have been able to make it today."

Nadia seems to share more than blood with Natalia, but choice of fashion as well. The duchess is clothed in garb of seasilk that embodies the beautiful array of colors found at morning's first light. "I'm glad you could make it, Cousin," she laughs, a kiss pressed to each of her cheeks. "It's rather warm down here, with the fires and the like." When Alis next in line to greet her, the duchess is no less warm and affectionate in receiving her, "Alis, I'm so happy you could make it! Thank you for sending the bottles of champagne for tonight. I can't get enough of the Valardin bubbly."

The Prince Antonio Velenosa has been away from Arx for awhile, and so what better way to reintegrate with the nobility of the Compact then to show up at one of their parties? But of course, the dashing young Captain (without a ship, alas) can not possibly show up to such an event on his own. He's dressed in easy, loose fitting light blue silks with a warm leather fur-lined coat over it, all embroidered with dancing foxes. But it is the Duchess Belladona Pravus which likely draws all the attention upon the pair, as she joins the festivities on Antonio's arm. Glancing around, he asks of the Duchess, "Shall I fetch us some drinks, my lady?"

Taking the advice prior to the fete to heart, Deva wears a shimmering dark umbra gown beneath a midnight fur cloak. It's slipped off and handed to a servant with a small smile. It would seem that she even sat for longer than five seconds and allowed a handmaiden to make her hair at least somewhat presentable. It's brushed and upswept, with dark pins to keep her bright red locks in place. Fingers wiggle briefly in greeting at familiar faces while she scopes out a spot to settle into.

Natalia laughs to that. "Darling, it is warm because we are here." She gives a wink and then swaggers herself right over to Freja. "Ahhh Princess, light of my heart in the darkness." A bright grin as she attempts to kiss the poor Princess' cheek. "How are you, dearest?"



"I am constantly bemused at how our rather staid culture is able to produce such an effervescent and cheerful drink. But I am delighted you enjoy it." Alis decides, smiling cheerfully at the Duchess and then moving aside so that everyone else can be received. There are not many people that she knows here as yet, but she can certainly make her way towards the drinks to find something warm to imbibe.

Hooded and wrapped in a thick, heavy white cloak initially, Belladonna gives it up when the offer is made, trading it for the bit of paper and writing implements. Then she's reclaiming her spot on Antonio's arm, the Duchess of Setarco dressed in a predictably revealing dark dress, pale hair and stockings and gloves sparkling with bits of gem and onyx in the glittering lights. It's all very fancy. As they descend into the cavern her chin lifts so she can take it all in, wearing an expression of wonder and delight. The question of drinks has her face lighting up as she looks back to her escort. "Please," she says. When she spots Alrec she lights up all over again, gesturing him over before she turns towards Nadia. "This is so beautiful, my lady. Thank you." She's reluctant to let go of her companion, but she does -- otherwise there will be no drinks, and that would be too very tragic.

"Light? I always thought I was the darkness." Freja quips in good humor to Natalia as she approaches. "I am well enough. What of yourself?" The kiss to her cheek is allowed for now.

"Well there you are.." Alrec speaks softly moving towards the Duchess Belladona Pravus with a smile."I was wondering when you would arrive? How was your coffee and drinks?" He then stops right at her right side watching the world for a moment with a soft chuckle. He then looks at the prince for a moment with a wide smile. His fingers bring out his flask now silver with the symbol of a grinning skull in the middle of taking a swig and then it is way again. The smoke right after leaving his lungs the light burning stick in his right hand with a soft content sigh.

Nadia breathes a tinkling laugh at Natalia's quip, and even more so at Alis' bemusement. Her attention, however, goes to Belladonna and Antonio as the pair are next to be received, "Your Highness, Your Grace, welcome! I hope you were regaled by the stars that descended from the heavens to guide you here tonight?" she hopes, a green eye winked with a gentle mirth. Her eyes find Deva next, taking a moment to ensure that's really her Voice she sees. "Princess Deva, I'm glad you could make it tonight. You look beautiful, as always. Did the handmaidens have too much of a fuss convincing you to let them at your gorgeous hair?"

Fortunato sets his easel standing, sets canvas against it, and begins a feverish, preliminary silverpoint. The artist is always a little singleminded about his work, but there's a driven intensity about his motions now, as if it were essential to get down a firm impression of the shadowed stones before too much time passes. Well, artists.

Natalia smiles at Freja. "You could never be the darkness." There is a pause. "Unless you are scouting. If you are scouting, you most definitely could be the night." She winks to her. The mention of Deva's name has her attention over there for a brief moment."

"I am the night?" Freja says, a bit perplexed and sounding comical unintentionally when she does it. "I'll...take your word for it, Princess." Taking note of Deva she waves her fingers at her and gives her a double thumbs-up for the attire.

"I have a feeling people will be speaking fondly of this little event for weeks to come, Duchess Nightgold. If you'll excuse me a moment,..." compliments Antonio to Nadia with a dashing smile and a flourishing bow, before he gives a nod to Belladonna and steps away. It is a pair of hot mulled wines that he fetches, but it will take a bit for him to make his way back to the Duchess' side.

Viktarkim arrives, a tall Prodigal Shav'arvani with dusky-reddish skin covered with tattoos and scarification. The tall man is garbed in a thick silvery grey wolf fur cloak over his leathers and steel against the invigorating winter weather. Never having been to House RedRain's stone grove, the archer slows his steps to have a good look around as people are gathering. His dark eyes note that most here are nobility, so he keeps himself a little apart, watching and listening. An artist with his canvas set up draws Viktarkim's attention ere his gaze continues to travel over the grove.

"I've usually got better things to do than deal with the fuss," Deva frowns at Nadia, lifting a hand for a moment to pat the back of her head. "It looks just fine when they don't," she insists, chin lifting a bit. "Good evening." Spying Freja, she heads in that direction to find an empty chair nearby.

Anze is late. Hes also wet. Seems that he figured a good idea after spending all day and half a dozen different duels at the training grounds he should wash up, but, didn't exactly have enough time to dry off. So, here he is, wet. There is no more leather armor, though the wolfpelt cloak is still draped over his shoulders and he scans the gardens looking for damiliar faces, spotting a few splashed here and there.


It's so dreadfully hard to see when one is short in stature. So despite the fact that she hasnt' had any liquor yet this evening, Alis finds herself propping finding a chair to prop somewhere unobtrusive that she can (yes) stand upon to see who is arriving and whether she knows them. And when she spies a familiar face, she waves. Waiting for the moment when someone will notice that she is suddenly much taller.

Freja beckons Deva over and immediately supplies her with a flask produced from one of her belled, voluminous sleeves. "There. That should help along the festivities." She winks and looks to the door in time to see Anze arrive. Her narrowed eyes are indication enough of her questioning of his arrival, apparently from a bath.

Natalia watches as Deva comes over and then smiles at her. "Greetings, Princess." Then she grins towards Freja. "You are everything that you wish to be."

Viktarkim seems to catch Belladonna's attention; she looks his way, studying him for a brief moment before Nadia catches her attention again. "We were; it is incredible. I am quite impressed." There is a dip of her head for the other woman before she fades back to step aside and let others be received, making her way to Alrec and seeking Antonio out with her gaze. Once she's spotted him, her attention follows him for his trek back. "Thank you, for coming," she tells Alrec. "It has been some time since I have been to something like this."

"Let us hope that I can deliver a most memorable night for you then, Your Highness," Nadia demurely responds to Antonio's high praise, a grin spreading her lips toward Deva. "No, there's nothing wrong with your hair when they don't at all," she promises, before turning to see Anze wet and newly cleaned, "I'm glad you could make it, Anze. I even saved you something nice," she laughs, and to him is tossed a small bottle of Stone Mountain whisky. The beverage of Champions, and bonafied memory-eraser. The duchess espies a chair and a Valardin princess on it, a touch of humor in the twitch of her lips. "I might need the same myself in a moment, Your Highness!"

Anze snorts when he sees Alis actually stand on a chair and he walks in that direction. Passing her along the way he gives Freja a brotherly pat on the shoulder and mutters something at her with a grin before continuing on to the Valardin in the corner. "Yah ever thought bout just hirin someone tah where yah could just sit on their shoulders?"

"Thank the gods," Deva sighs gratefully, accepting the flask from Freja with a wry smile. Stealing a sip, she glances up to see Anze's arrival, and then looks to Natalia once greeted. Her expression is a bit confused, but she manages a small and uncertain smile. "Hi," she replies to Natalia, in a most ineloquent fashion.


    Fashionably late, Cordelia hurries to the stone grove, acquiring the requisite paper and utensils on her way within. Contrary to earlier in the day, she's dressed in a low-cut and laced-trimmed square-necked camisole, partnered with a faded white knee-length skirt ornamentally surrounded by vertical leather strips, all beneath her red toggle-fastened coat, which in turn cinches at her empire waist by a golden-buckled tan belt. Black socks clad her legs, gartered by red ribbons, and small feet fit into a pair of brown leather ankle boots. As per usual, fingerless brown gloves slip onto either hand, while her ash brown locks presently draw from her sunkissed features into a red-ribboned ponytail.

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

Felix arrives wearing finely-made, but somewhat drab clothing colored charcoal and black. The tall weaponsmith makes his way along the lit path to the stone grove and emerges onto the scene with just the smallest amount of trepidation and uncertainty. Giving his hands a quick wring together, he steps out into the grove to survey the people gathered. He's cleaned up nicely enough, though an errant smear of soot might still be found somewhere on or around his face.

Felix arrives wearing finely-made, but somewhat drab clothing colored charcoal and black. The tall weaponsmith makes his way along the lit path to the stone grove and emerges onto the scene with just the smallest amount of trepidation and uncertainty. Giving his hands a quick wring together, he steps out into the grove to survey the people gathered. He's cleaned up nicely enough, though an errant smear of soot might still be found somewhere on or around his face.

Fortunato pulls out a series of chalky pigments, filling in the silver point edges with shadow and softer shadow. His strokes continue to be fierce, a bit frenetic. How fast can we detail, how fast can we fill in, how fast can we capture the life and mystery of the grove. It's like a race with himself. Do it quickly or it won't be real.

Alis appears entirely unrepentant of course. "Perhaps we can take turns, Duchess!" she calls back, grinning at the thought of hiring someone to just carry her around on their shoulders. "Are you offering, Your Highness? I am certain I would be able to see everything I need to in all of Arx were it so." Thus quipped, she lifts her glass up just enough to imitate a toast. "This is the first I've seen of the Grove. it's really quite nice. Do you know what else Nadia has planned to surprise us with this evening?"

As Antonio returns to Belladonna, he hands over her glass of hot spiced wine, and settles in beside as he nods his head slightly over towards a certain other guest over there. That certain other guest who is sipping his own wine. That certain other guest who is in no way dying. Good. Antonio sips his, and regards the collected people for awhile: it's not that he thinks anyone is going to poison him tonight, its just a survival skill and lifestyle. Of course, then he sees the Prodigal, and the prince blinks and stares for a long moment before shaking his head, "Interesting."

"Well that looks lovely and I might have to get a glass after my flask. I always bring my own." Alrec smiles softly watching the party for a moment and then he looks over at Belladonna for a moment."Of course and I came how could I not. This is a grand event." He then sips his own flask again after it exists his coat slowly and his fingers bring the smoke to his lips next before he drops it to the ground crushing it under his heavy boot."So then it seems like so many are here. So many you have yet to have the pleasure to meet."

Nadia still lingers by the side of the staircase that leads into the party. When Cordelia makes it fashionably late, but not atrociously so, the duchess serves as her warmest of receptions to the affair. "Cordelia, you're here! I was almost afraid you'd miss the fun of it all," she laughs, stepping forward to wrap the younger lady in another of their increasingly common comrardery embraces. "Please, enjoy yourself tonight and have fun!" Her attention turns to the first of unfamiliar faces in the long line of guests, her hand stretched out to offer her slender hand to Felix with a vibrant smile, "Good evening to you. I'm most pleased you could make it, but I don't think I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance?"

Freja smiles fondly up at Anze as he passes, murmuring her response to him before turning back to Deva. "I have more if needed. Just flail your arms like you are drowning and I'll come to your aid." A soft laugh and then she advises Natalia, "Yes, I can be what I wish, but I much rather be what I already am."


Ah, well, there's Anze. Viktarkim drifts back over towards that man and gives him a nod, "Prince, your House puts on welcoming decore tonight." The Prodigal probably means the lanterns and all strung about. Felix's arrival gets a study for Viktarkim doesn't know that large man. Each of the guests arriving in turn are noted, his baritone low in an aside to the Redrain Prince, "I hope there's whiskey."

Anze chuckles at Alis and shakes his head. He looks over the stone grove and shakes his head. "I'm not sure what else is in store for tha night though. Tha way tah see tha grove, if yah ask me, is at night, alone. When tha moon is bouncin off tha stone and its as still as can be. It's really somethin then." He looks up (since shes standing on a chair) at Alis "well, carryin yah around would really cut inta my lyin around bein lazy time" He holds out a hand to offer Viktarkim a firm handshake "Viktarkim, this is mostly put on by Lady Nightgold if I'm tah understand, but I appreciate the compliment anyway" he says with a laugh "s'good tah see yah again."

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


    Cordelia stubbornly shakes her head to Nadia's remark, "not for the world!" She shrugs apologetically, "sorry, the duel took longer than I thought, and then I had to rush back home to change. I wasn't exactly planning to come with tears in my clothes and smelling like I'd been rolling around in the mud." Beaming excitedly, she gives the Nightgold noblewoman a return embrace, "fun is definitely on the agenda, though I'm curious what the hostess herself has planned." Trailing Nadia among all the unknown faces for now, she looks out from behind her shoulder to offer Felix a shyly greeting smile.

Alis recognizes Viktarkim from the Trader's Tavern of course, and offers him a polite nod when he approaches. "That does sound like a sight to see. Indeed. I will make the effort to do so, as long as it won't offend anyone to find a random Valardin lurking about in their Grove." One must be careful afterall, and her smile turns into an exaggerated moue of disappointment. "Well, that is a shame. I suppose I shall have to be content with my lack of height. I would hate to cut into anyone's lazy time." The sincerity in her voice rings trye.

She accepts the glass from Antonio with a quiet word of thanks, another dip of her head. Belladonna chuckles for the interesting, her eyes following where he's looking -- smile growing a bit more when she sees what he's looking at. "Quite," she agrees. Alrec gets another encouraging smile. "There are a number of faces out there that I do not quite recognize; it should be a lovely evening. I hope that you do take the time to enjoy yourself here, as well. I do not think there will be trouble."

Fortunato returns to his wire to revisit the silverpoint side of the sketch, detailing leaves and stems and sundry of the unusual flora about the stones. He hunches over his canvas, as if it would help him see better.

Nadia steps away from the entrance now that her duty as welcoming committee is done. "If it's a shoulder to perch on you truly desire, look no further than Viktarkim for hire," she calls out to Alis, throwing Viktarkim playfully into the loop as she moves through the crowd. "Viktarkim, I'm glad you could make it out as well. Have you tried Valardin bubbly before? It's a most deceptively cloying drink. I had only two glasses and was out under Princess Alis' singing ballads of honor and glory, but... I think it was Enigma's rousing renidition of Ruin The Surprise with her sweet howls that really got her attention," she muses, a wry grin cast aside to Alis during her jesting tale.

Aethelred have been dismissed.

Nadia's greeting draws Felix's attention an broad, mirthful smile. "I don't believe we have. I am Felix Meadson of the Saffron Coast and master weaponsmith. I own Seaborn Weaponry closer to the center of the city." He reaches towards her with a large hand in greeting. Cordelia, Viktarkim and others present get a polite nod from the large man as well, but he keeps his boisterous nature a bit more subdued for the time being. "It looks like a great turnout so far. I hope I didn't misjudge and wind up somewhere I'm not welcome." This is spoken to Nadia still, his naturally loud speaking voice possessing a more dull boom at the moment.

"Oh I will do so and I just need to figure out where I wish to be." Alrec watches her for a moment with a soft chuckle and then he sips his flask again slowly. He then looks around seeking food and movign towards it leaving the Duchess on her own as he starts to pilage it. He is loading a plate with anything that looks good and then he waits to watch her from here. He sips his drink and picking at the food for the moment and he is not feeling truly social yet.


"The Duchess?" Viktarkim looks for Nadia and she's dwarfed over there by Felix's height. Anze's arm is accepted in a firm clasp, forearm to forearm. "Good to see you, Your Highness." Clearly the Prodigal likes this RedRain. Alis is standing upon a chair? Viktarkim turns his head at her voice, "Would you like a hand down?" He'll offer to help steady her so she not fall, if she wishes. Or for all he knows she may prefer to stay on the chair.

Wait, what did Nadia say? The archer looks her way. "Bubbly? Is it a kind of wine?"

Anze laughs at Alis's look of disapointment, grinning in fact. "Sorry tah disapoint. Yah know us Redrain though, layabouts always just sittin round drinkin whiskey, gettin up tah no good." He scans the room and when he can find one he snags a glass of whiskey from a servant and pulls them in to mutter something. Arraignements for drinks made he looks back to the company at hand. "If you're truly interested Alis, yah should do it. Just let someone in tha house know. Dunno if it would be tha same for you, but, I feel a little closer tah tha spirits at those times. Little touch of nature proper in tha city." There is a smirk and a nod to Viktarkim when Nadia offers him up as a perch for Alis. He returns Viktarkims firm handshake. "Aye, Viktarkim would be more than capable, an I figure if yah put out a request for it yah would have no shortage of men linin up tah be your perch."

"Of course not," Nadia assures Felix from over a shoulder, and hers is a most infectious zeal when she gently takes initative to draw him along with her and Cordelia to speak with the Valardin princess on a chair and Viktarkim. "Have you made the acquaintances of Lady Cordelia, Master Viktarkim, Prince Anze and Princess Alis? They're really quite a lovely bunch, all good friends of mine." She makes the introduction quickly, but with grace, a glass of strawberry-flavored champagne finding its way into Viktarkim's hand. "You might like it, Vik'. Won't you try it for me?" With that, the duchess is disappearing into the crowd make her way toward the lit waters of the small pond at the center of the party.

Alis is mid-drink, of course, when Nadia begins telling tales of singing ballads of honor and glory. And obviouslly that means she nearly inhales the drink when she begins to sputter, coughing to regain control of her faculties. Specifically her breathing faculties. "I've certainly heard nothing of the sort about the Redrain." she points out, still looking amused. "Alas, I assure you, with Arn glowering at anyone who might even consider standing in such a line, they would all flee like the wind. He's much better able to elucidate an intimidating stare. I have little luck with it." Smiling Cordelia's way next, she finally hops off her chair. "Pleased to meet you."

Freja drinks from her own flask and looks to Deva and asks, "Ever feel like we come to these things to hold up the wall?"

Fortunato is turning his sketch into something closer to a finished work, if one of shadows and less-intense shadows. As the work approaches finished, or finished enough, his energy abates. It's all tweaking and more tweaking, a few final details, a few better emphasized lines. If the passion-energy is no longer there to drive him, though, he doesn't exactly seem in a /rush/ to join the party proper.


    Hearing Felix' introduction, a short dark-haired woman quietly returns, "Cordelia Grimhall. Of Grimhall in general and Grihem's Point in particular." Smiling, she adds, "I've walked past Seaborne Weaponry. I've actually been considering buying a dagger or two from there. Maybe a shield?" Suddenly, she hears laughter, and turns to its source. Brightening to spot Anze, she waves at him cheerily. Ultimately, she ends up that way anyway, since she's compelled to follow Nadia's path through the party." Her name called, she nods in happy greeting, "Master Viktarkim. Princess Alis. I'm Cordelia Grimhall." A smile, "and Prince Anze and I have only just met earlier today. That was an exciting match." Turning to Alis, she replies, "pleased to meet you too. Alis of Redrain as well as Anze?"

Anze finishes his glass of whiskey, and the servant he had spoken to before almost immediately pushes another one into his hand. He glances over to Freja and smirks "well then stop holdin up tha wall dear sister and dear counsin and come over here and share a drink with me and meet these people if you haven't yet." There is an overly serious nod to Alis "aye, im sure whoever Arn is is very scary. Though, i'd imagine anyone he doesn't scare away is probably a little interestin eh?" Anze looks to Viktarkim "bout you friend, you afraid of tha big bad Arn?" He nods to Cordelia when shes pushed their way "you clean up a lot better than I do" and then a chuckle "nah, this is princess Alis ah Valardin, those two" he nods to Freja and Deva "are my cousin an sister ah Redrain. Alis ain lucky enough tah be part of tha family"

"Every wall needs support, something something," Deva eventually returns Freja's flask, giving the other Redrain a small smile. She leans in to murmur something low, beore lifting a hand to wave over at Anze.



    With the aid of a male guest, Nadia steps down into the pool, the ends of her pale skirts twined craftily into the iridescite and rose-gold bracelets at a wrist. The cool waters ripple around her lower calves as she wades the short distance out into the middle, the tiny blue lights floating on the surface shimmering brilliantly as they scatter around her. "If everyone could gather around the pool, I would be most appreciative," she calls out her request.
    In her hand are two pieces of parchment already full of writing, which she begins to fold into smaller squares respectively. "At the start of the party, servants passed out writing utensils and pieces of parchments to each guest as they arrived," she calls, her melodic voice projected with acquired grace of one accustomed to commanding armies. "If you haven't, servants will now pass them out as need be." True to her word, a finger lifts in delicate gesture to make sure her servants do just that.


Oh boy. The former Abandoned looks down at the glass of bubbling wine that Nadia pressed into his calloused hand. Like any soldier, Viktarkim eyes it suspiciously. . The glass is lifted so he may smell of it - strawberries? This is NOT whiskey. Cordelia is given a polite incline of his dark head, "Lady." The scary looking Shav cautiously tastes the champagne. It tickles his nose and he wrinkles it. "Who's Arn? Why would I be afraid of him?" Maybe he can get Anze to trade - a glass of whiskey for a glass of bubbly stuff!

Felix blinks owlishly at Nadia as she leads the way. Uncomplaining, he follows along and eventually clears his throat. "Ah...no. I have not, but it would be an honor." To Cordelia's introduction, he smiles broadly to her. "It's good to meet you, Lady Cordelia. Would you be looking for something custom-made with a bit of finery? I do have a minor caveat for my services. If you buy a weapon for me, you must share the story you weave with it." He gives a friendly, mirthful wink down to her before he settles back into keeping pace behind Nadia. Turning to the pool, he begins moving to gather around with everyone else.

Anze just leans in to Viktarkim and stage whispers "jus pound tha thing and we'll get yah a proper glass of whiskey" When Deva waves to him he beckons her over to join him and the others again.

"He's our Lord Marshall." Alis clarifies. "I would say more that anyone worth the interest would have to not be afraid of the man." Anze' clarification of her family status is met with a wry smile. "Correct. I'm of House Valardin." She says it with pride, despite that playful dig about her not being lucky enough to be Redrain. "I suppose I will just have to make do with having several of you amongst my circle of friends." But then Nadia is all asking people to gather around, and her interest perks.


A soft huff of breath, then Viktarkim takes Anze's advice and knocks back the champagne. Ugh, that's very strange. No reason the Duchess would poison him, surely, but you might wonder at the face he briefly makes. That glass can get set down somewhere when the paper, quills, and inkwells come around.

Caught by someone in the colors of her house, Belladonna accepts a scroll. She turns just a bit from Antonio to read it, smile apologetic -- the Pravus Duchess actually gives the paper a wide-eyed look as she reads it. Oh. There's a brief little frown, and she lifts her head to glance around -- and then she hands it back to the servant and waves them away. When Nadia calls out for the group to come to the pool, she starts that way, carrying the bit of parchment, the pen. Quiet, her expression more thoughtful than anything.

"Well if every wall needs it support, consider me forever laying down the foundation." Freja remarks to Deva with a wink. She nods to what is murmured and even laughs, lifting her flask in toast. "Cheers to that!"

As Nadia makes her announcement, Fortunato makes a couple of last strokes on the canvas, covers it with a light cloth, and packs it and the easel into his knapsack. He descends toward the pool, drawing ink and paper back out. He tries to keep to himself as much as the space will allow, though.

Anze shoves his fresh glass of whiskey in Viktarkims hand and snags a new one from his now favorite servant. He fishes the piece of paper he shoved in his back pocket back out as he listens to Nadia give her speach and heads towards the pool.

Alrec as the call to the pool is given slowly the food is set down and he makes his way with the others for a moment with a wide smile. He is moving slowly not making much noise use to being sneaky. Not even trying this time and then he ends up right next to Bella."This is a lovely and I'm glad you invite me."


    Warmth gracing her cheeks, Cordelia shakes her head and chuckles, "oh, you clean up perfectly fine yourself." A nod to Alis, "of Valardin then." A warm smile, "happy to have more friends." Hesitantly, she ventures, "what were you doing on that chair, anyway?" Abruptly, she realizes Nadia has trailed off and appeared in the middle of the pool. Turning her way to hear her speak, she shuffles forth to the edge of the waters and listens quietly. Indeed, she's got some paper in one hand and a writing utensil in the other. Violet eyes betray her curiosity, but she keeps from asking outright. Softly, she replies to Felix with, "something custom-made, yes. So long as it's of a reliable quality, finery's just an added benefit." Giggling, she notes, "I'm a born adventurer, Master Meadson. I'll weave more stories with your blades than you've got ink to write them down."

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

Viktarkim belches as discretely as he may. Ehem. Glass of whiskey gladly accepted, he too moves towards the water as beckoned. "Thanks." That to Anze. Hmmm, Nadia half in the water is an appealing view, all the little lights floating around her like stars come down to nestle upon the water, luminescent flowers.

"It was so that I could see! I could not find anyone I knew, so I stood up on the chair to help myself." Alis relays this quite matter of factly, even with paper in hand as directed. Like the others, she's gathered around the pool now, waiting to see what happens and for further instructions.


    "They say the end of the year, where nature enters into the final stages of its endless cycle, that we often endure the hardest of trials. The agony of bellies left unfilled, and broken hearts left unsoothed. The spilt tears for mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and brothers in sisters of blood and both in arms," Nadia speaks of the suffrage of life and pains that plague all in the winter. "The night is often long and full of fright, but worry not - for on the horizon rests hope with morning's light."
    She raises her own paper and pen in hand, the parchment unfurled to reveal a list she's made on it. "Tonight, we are a people who's hearts are burdened by loss and pain. Our shoulders shrouded in the cloak of our own worries and fears that we've carried with us through the winter. Tonight, with winter drawing to its end, I invite you to write four of the heaviest of your burdens on your piece of parchment. It doesn't matter what it is, so long as it's something you would see yourself freed from."

Alrec's words spoken next to her have Belladonna turning her head to smile at him, lifting a hand to touch briefly at the backside of the closer shoulder. A sip from her glass and she's putting her attention back on Nadia in the pool, the little blonde's attention pleased but curious. When the words come her expression sobers considerably, lashes lowering to cloak her gaze for a long few moments. It isn't until she can smile again that her eyes come back up. It takes her only a moment to make to start writing, apparently having no trouble coming up with at least one thing to put down.

Felix's own warm smile light his face, though his attention does drift from Cordelia so that he can settle his silver-grey eyes on Nadia to pay attention to what she has to say. Looking down at his left hand containing the pen and piece of parchment he received, he aknowledges Nadia's words with a nod of his head. Nadia's comment has him looking to her with no small amount of amusement. "I hope to see you come by the shop sometime, then. I'm sure we can find the right balance and weight for you. Maybe even a little bit of personalization that makes the dagger yours." With a nod, his attention once more returns to Nadia and he gives her a thoughtful look. Finally he nods his head and pokes his tongue out from the corner of his mouth as he raises the pen to scribble something down.

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

Anze takes a deep drink during Nadia's explination and then pulls the writing utensel from his back pocket as well. He shoots a glance back towards Freja and Deva before looking back to Nadia.

Fortunato lets his paper fall open in his hand, his quill poised. He writes nothing.

There is a fleeting moment where Alis expression is bleak. Eyes blank, shoulders not quite held properly, and head bowed. It seems she doesn't have to think very hard on what four items she will write down as the heaviest of her burdens. Each word is printed neatly, and with care, as if it is something the Valardin' princess is determined to get exactly right. So it's not much different then any other endeavor, just more solemn.

His one pen hitting the perchentment slowly and not as quick as his Duchess the ideas swirling and then he looks down to read them one more time before he folds it slowly. He slips it into his pocket to wait the nex step and his eyes on the woman that is speaking for the moment. His tongue quiet for once and her touch to his shoulder with a softy nod towards her and then he relaxes the thought done with.

"Keep up the good work," Deva winks at Freja. Slowly, she shifts from her seat, glancing toward the entrance with a heavy sigh. "It's time I go check on something quickly. Enjoy your night, you two." With a smile for Anze as well, she grabs her skirts so she can actually walk and depart without faceplanting.

Freja gives a small wave to Deva as she moes to part. "You as well, spirits keep you." For now, the scout isn't moving to the pool with a piece of parchment. She is content simply to watch.

Viktarkim finds a place he can settle down and sit within the Stone Grove, near to the water's edge but not too close to anyone else. He is a man who likes his space. Whiskey glass is tasted ad set carefully aside so that he may smooth out the small piece of parchment on his thigh. Ink well and quill are readied and he listens, watching Nadia. A slight frown thins his mouth. It is a long moment before the Prodigal very carefully tries to pen one thing at least. It may be difficul to come up with four but he's thinking about it, then lets his gaze slip over the others around him in silence.

After a long, long space of nothing that surely seems longer to Fortunato than to anyone else, he writes four words and folds the paper closed.


    "Huh. That makes a sort of sense. -I- should've thought of that earlier." Cordelia nods thoughtfully, only for her attention to refocus on the Duchess of the pool. Falling silent, she seems a bit moved by Nadia's speech. She shifts from one foot to the other and swallows a couple times, only to draw in a breath at mention of hope. Pursing her lips thoughtfully to learn of the reason for the parchment, violet eyes flicker down to the sheet held in her hand. Somewhat distractedly, she replies to Felix, "I'd like that. I'll be around sometime soon. I particularly need a compliment to my sword." Then, after a long pause of consideration, tongue against cheek, she scribbles something down with her writing utensil, pressing the paper to a carefully up-raised knee. By the amount of time it takes, it's long, possibly a sentence or more. Or maybe just a really big name. Then, she manages to more quickly add three more items to her list.

"Let this Spring herald in a time of healing for broken hearts. A time of renewal of hope and a rejuvenation of one's spirit," Nadia speaks those words only when most of the crowd has finished committing their woes and troubles to memory. "Let it be the time where you can walk freely without the weight of burden, and lay to rest grudges. Let it be our time to grow."
    The duchess looks down at her own parchment, gently folded it into a tiny square between her fingers. "This parchment symbolizes four of the greatest burdens I've made my crutch this past winter. It's been my excuse to let misery and fear of the unknown be my company - the thing that keeps me from cherishing life the Gods have given me. I don't know your story, but in some of your eyes I can see that my words resonate with similar pains within you." Her gaze rests on a few familiar faces in the crowd, giving them a smile full of hope and reassurance.
    "Burn it," she encourages them all with confidence. It is then that the chains that held the lanterns aloft with their incandescent blue flames around the pond's edge are lowered for easy reach of all. Nadia moves to one just at her left, boldly setting the parchment alight until it is consumed by the fires and its ashes flutter away into nothingness. "Let the flames burn away your pain. Let it be the flame of hope that frees you of the responsibility of holding onto those woes, those fears, and grudges."

Felix continues writing his burdens, but pauses to look sidelong to Cordelia again. "Are you more interested in something more defensive?" The tall smith seems to enjoy his trade well enough to ask follow-up questions, at least. Laughing then, loudly, he waves at his own words dismissively. "A conversation for another day. I'm certain I can come up with something." With that, he finishes writing down his burdens and does likewise, lowering the parchment to flame so that it catches on fire. He quickly moves his hand as the material burns quickly into ash.

Anze scribbles something on the paper, crumples the whole thing in a ball and steps forward to jam the crumpled paper into a lantern and pulls it out on fire. He watches it burn for a moment and tosses the last piece of it into the air where it burns away at the last second before it burns him. He moves over to where Freja is holding up the wall and folds his arms and looks at his sister before muttering something to her.

When it registers that they will be burning, rather than something else...well, Belladonna's expression washes over with a bit of relief. It takes her only a moment to finish her list off, and then she's reaching to give it to the flames, the whole of her focus on the act until the parchment is gone. Only then does she step back a pace, a smile sent over in Nadia's direction. She doesn't withdraw any further than that though, hovering a step behind and to the side of Alrec, watching the others as they commit their burdens to the fire.

Folding the parchment up, Cordelia does her best to return a smile for Nadia, nodding her head sincerely. When the lanterns lower in reach of her short stature, she carefully drops the paper into one of the glowing beacons and watches her worries go up in flames. Stepping back to give others room, she smiles again to the Duchess, forcing herself to breathe out a calming sigh.

Freja shakes her head softly, face still half veiled by her hood as she speaks softly to her brother.

Fortunato holds his paper to one of the lanterns. A corner singes, lights . . . and then the artist pulls it away. Extinguishes the flame with a quick press of his thumb and forefinger. He winces, hard. He sighs. He tucks the paper away.

Alis folds her piece of parchment with as much care as she wrote it, meeting Nadia's gaze from across the short distance and simply nodding an agreement with her. As the blue flaming lanterns are lowered, she uses the distracting brightness of so many lights to quikly wipe the corners of her eyes and then shake her head and whisper a few words to herself. But once she's said whatever she needs to say, the folded bit of parchment is allowed to burn along with everyone else's burdens. The nigh impenetrable facade of cheery politeness is back in place and she quickly searches for another drink so she can toast to freeing oneself of burdens.

The paper is leaving Alrec hand quickly as he throws it towards the fire with a little motion as it sails through the air."Burn my little paper burn." His voice is soft and then it lands right in the center of the flame with a soft chuckle."Everything is fun when you turn it into a game." He then pats the Duchess next to him on the shoulder."I hope it helps your stress my Bella."


Instead of one of the lowered lanterns, Viktarkim leans over and holds his folder out piece of paper to .. Nadia? No, not quite. His goal is one of the floating lanterns set onto the water, little burning blossums of light. His are not fears for the most part, but things that yet burden. Slowly the bright little fire spreads to consume the paper, turning it black and twisting it before it feeds the briefly growing fire. Not so different from Lagoma's fire, perhaps. And when it threatens to burn the tips of his calloused fingers,the archer lets it fall into the lantern to be engulfed. The light flares a little before it dies back down upon the water.

The pat to her shoulder and the words that accompany it have Belladonna offering a smile up Alrec's way again. She leans into him companionably for a moment, her outside shoulder lifted and dropped in something of a shrug. "I've no stress, admiral, never fear," she teases him, and then she's backing away from the pool a few more steps. Only then does she actually turn, moving to circle the pool at a bit more of a distance, looking over those assembled with something of a thoughtful expression. Also, she drinks from her glass. Quite regularly. It isn't long before she's needing to fetch a refill.

    As parchments are burned, the blue flames of the lanterns are turned briefly to a fiery golden hue - a well-crafted symbolism to inspire hope in those who commit their burdens to be burned to ash. Servants move through the crowds to supply all manner of guests with some form of alcohol they might favor, even water or juice for the odd ball that might come to a Redrain party and not expect to imbibe.
    Someone passes Nadia a glass of whiskey of her own, which she gives thanks for before turning her attention to the crowd once more. Her vivacious smile is infectious, expressive features alight with hope and joy renewed in her eyes. "I feel as if I can breathe a little deeper already," she quips with a bubbly laugh, shoulders rolled as though she'd just been liberated from the heaviest of armor. "What about you all? Are you ready to welcome in the rebirth of Spring?" She gives a rousing shout, raising her glass high in toast. "Here's a toast to new beginnings!"

Anze laughs at whatever his sister mutters to him and he throws his arm around her shoulder and is still laughing as he half hugs her "Now that is tha funniest thing I've heard all f'an night Frey" he says happily. A glass of whiskey is pressed into his hand and he raises it and echoes Nadia's words still laughing "tah new f'an beginings" and he drains the glass in one go. He shakes his head and grins at Freja "Frey, if I'm tha dour one of tha three of us then tha world hasn't just gone sideways it's gone completely tha fuck upside down."

A glass of whiskey finds its way into Alis hands - how many days in a row is she going to have a hangover? - just in time for that toast. To which she smiles, because who could possibly not smile at the bubbly Duchess. "To new beginnings." she agrees, hoisting up that glass and then knocking back whatever was in it in one go.


    "Oh. I'd love that one, if I could?" Cordelia chuckles shyly to a servant carrying a tray of red wines, and she summarily lifts one vessel from its home. Already taking a small sip, she blinks to hear the oncoming toast. Grinning wide, she lifts her cup skyward and shouts, "to new beginnings!" Tilting the liquid back, she manages to drink half her refreshment before wiping her lips with the back of a glove.


There's nothing jovial about Viktarkim. Writing impliments set aside, he picks up his whiskey glass and raises it, then drinks of it. He watches the others, most of whom he doesn't know. He isn't precisely grim, but he remains silent and watchful, keeping his thoughts to himself. The last of his whiskey glass is knocked back.

Fortunato takes a glass of whiskey himself and downs it with a second wince. All right! He doesn't remember the toast bit until his glass is empty. "To spring." Lower, almost sotto. "And spring is a cycle."

Freja looks completely confused at Anze's amusement, "Wait, what? I was being serious. How did you take that advice as a joke?" She remains blinking like an owl as he drains his glass. "Er..well, yeah. That would mean the end of times."

Anze squeezes Freja a little harder "it's a joke cause you tellin me tah not be dour is like a southerner tellin a northerner tah stop bein so cold. It just doesn't make sense." He shakes his half with another little laugh and mutters something to Freja again.

Whiskey. Yes, that makes a much better replacement for her empty glass than whatever she had before, apparently. Belladonna lifts her glass in Nadia's direction when she calls for the toast, letting out a bright sounding cheer. Then? She too tosses back the whiskey, clearing her throat as she lowers the glass and straightens her head back up. Cough. Clear throat again. She does recover after a moment, a pleasant glow starting to creep up that smokey complexion. It isn't too terribly long before she starts to drift in Viktarkim's direction, certainly not taking a direct route. There is curiosity there. She cannot help it.

Smiling graciously at the servant who brings the drinks 'round, Felix dips his head in a brief nod before lifting it to his lips. "Hear, hear," the man bellows loudly and with a strong tone of mirth. The smith holds his glass a touch sheepishly then, realizing his volume. He turns his attention to the others present, watching with interest to see who goes where.

Freja openly scowls at the hug but it is in jest as she returns it with one arm. "Anze, that'll be the day. Maybe I'm only a little tired and need to head to bed here soon?"

"Well then my Douchess it seems you are in good hands. I will bid you aideu and I have a few things to do for the fleet. I will see you shortly." Alrec nods towards her and making his way slowly towards the exit with a smile and watching the group before taking another swig of his rum.\

Nadia ascends out of the pool, the ends of her skirts made sheer by the waters. Wringing as much of it out quickly, she moves through the crowd with a vibrant laugh, reaching to link her arm with one of Alis' own. "Hello, my favorite little knight errant. How do you feel?" she asks of her, green eyes lifted to Cordelia and Belladonna next when she finds them with her gaze. "And you, my ladies?"

Alis finds her glass refilled and her arm taken up by the hosting Duchess. "I feel like I may be singing ballads under //your// window this evening, Nadia. I implore you to ensure I am home well before then. Or else those windows may be broken." she jokes. But, may not actually be joking. Who knows!? It could be a fun surprise. Her eyes gaze upward to be able to see how Cordelia and Belladonna answer. Though she does also lift her drink a bit in Anze direction to acknowledge he and Freja as well. She's trying not to forget anyone, as lost in her own thoughts as she may be.

Alrec makes his farewells and Belladonna pouts after him, but she waves after him anyway and then turns to find herself another glass of something to drink. Nadia's call in her direction swings her attention around promptly, the little blonde's steps halting. There is an immediate sunny smile for the other woman, a lift of her glass offered that way as her first answer. "I am quite well, my lady, thank you," she answers, her tone warm and cheerful. "I am so happy that I returned to Arx in time to be here, tonight." That smile is turned on Alis next, and then Cordelia as well.

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