The Setarco Commons have been set up with small tables positioned along the walking paths between the pieces of art to allow samplings of small hors d'oevres from all over the Lyceum paired with a selection of Lycene wines, particularly featuring those of the Granato vineyards of the Igniseri family as well as a few others. Even though the Autumn air is cool, there is no particular chill even as the afternoon wanes. The sound of music can be heard playing from a performer or two who play in the center of the courtyard. The art pieces themselves seem to be arranged along a walking path so that visitors might spend a bit of time looking at each one without having to crowd together. There is a relaxed atmosphere to the affair. The party seems open to any who choose to attend; and for those who inquire, it is an opportunity for one of the Voices of Pravus to have a first public showing of some of his artwork and to meet more people while sharing a bit of Lycene art, food, and music with those who are interested.

Sebastian, for his part, is standing near the entrance to the Commons and is greeting those who arrive, and handing each a small figurine as they approach, explaining that it has to do with the game to be played, and that he will explain that in a little bit, just to hold onto them.

Lucita gets a maple wood vielle with a mellow tone from a pouch embroidered with a scene of a summer day at a beach.

Lethe arrives to the event wearing blue. She looks around with a cheerful expression and takes the figurine with an appreciative nod. "Thank you."

Lucita steps into the area, her amber glance slipping from person to person and lingering on some of the arrangements. A slow appreciative smile shows as she strolls over toward Sebastian. She looks over the figurine given and back up to him. "Do you want me to try to conceal it? It will fit in my pack in the space the Vielle was held.

Circling around from the gates of the manor to the entrance to the square, Belladonna thanks Sebastian for the little figurine but doesn't linger there long, letting him attend to his guests without much of an interruption. She collects herself a glass of wine and starts to wander between the pieces, looking at all of them with a pleased little smile on her lips.

Sebastian shakes his head, "There's no need to conceal it. They don't need to be hidden. I will explain the game once a few more people have arrived." He gives Lucita a warm smile and says "Thank you for coming. I appreciate your willingness to play a bit for us this afternoon." Please have a little something to eat and drink while things get warmed up. He gives a warm smile at Belladonna when she takes the figurine and gives her a deep dip of his head. "Thank you for coming," he says warmly, and to Lethe as well.

Lucita gives a nod and a smile. "Alright, Thank you. You have everything arranged so nicely. People should really like your work." She moves so others can be greeted though on seeing Lethe, a delighted smile is given. "How are you, Lady Lethe? It has been so long since seeing you to say more than a brief greeting. It is hoped all is going well for you."

Donato steps out of Domus Inverno, and pauses for a moment at the side, taking in all that has been set up. He runs a hand through his sometimes disobedient hair and is satisfied as it settles into neatness, and then he makes his way first to the Duchess upon seeing her. He flourishes a grand bow to Belladonna, "My lady, with you here to draw the eye, I fear poor Lord Sebastian's art will go by and large unseen." His charming smile turns into a slightly naughty grin.

Lethe smiles as she looks to Lucita. "It's wonderful to see you Lady Lucita. It's has been too long since we've seen each other. I'm doing well at the moment, and I'm happy to be here. How about yourself?"

Waldemai is a few minutes late. He pulls off his simple cloth cap and apologizes. "Sorry," he says. "Got to working and...Oh, thanks," he finishes as he is handed a figurine. "Thank you. That's really pretty."

"You're welcome," Belladonna tells Sebastian for his words of thanks, but then it's off to the art. When Donato approaches she turns her head so she can follow him with her eyes, a warm smile offered up for his grin, accompanied by a tilt of her head in acknowledgment. "I put on a coat," she informs him, as if this were some great sacrifice. "It is the best that I can do. Besides, someone just has to catch a glimpse of a bit of it and they'll be forgetting all about me in favor of taking in it all."

Bianca arrives, following Costas.

Sebastian inclines his head to Waldemai as the man arrives and says, "There is no such thing as late. Please, be welcome. Enjoy some of the food and drink. The Lady Lucita Igniseri will be performing some music for us this evening, and enjoy the art and the commons. I am Lord Sebastian Pravus, a pleasure to meet you."

Waldemai bows again. "Master Smith Waldemai Eisenhu, my lord, ladies" he introduces himself. "I've heard Lady Lucita, and if there's anyone who hasn't you're in for a treat."

Donato has to laugh softly at Belladonna's sacrifice, his tone grave despite the grin, "You are gracious in your sacrifice, my lady." But, having greeted his leige, his attention turns down to figurine that Sebastian slipped to him, curiously, "Scales. Huh." He nods with a warm smile to Sebastian, "Lord Sebastian, you do such fine work." He snatches the nearest glass of wine, though.

Lucita smiles gently and continues to move through the area keeping her pace so it matches Lethe's and the two can talk a little while others arrive. A smile is given others as they arrive. "Oh, this is starting to look like it is going to have a good turnout." A faint color rises in her cheeks on over-hearing Waldemai's words and she says to him. "shhh, everytime I hear something like that I get a shade more worried that I won't mess up and have a bad night playing." There is a thread of humor in the words she says to him.

Sebastian continues to greet each guest as they arrive and make their way into the square, passing out the small raven figurines to each person and explaining that they are part of a game to be outlined shortly. "We have wines from various vineyards, but tonight we are featuring some from the Granato vineyards in particular. The food is a sampling from various parts of the Lyceum. Please feel free to tour the art at your leisure." There's a smile to Donato, to whom he dips his head and says, "Thank you."

Returning to her wandering between pieces, Belladonna lingers at none of them in particular, though she does avoid a piece or two (as if she just missed that they were there, of course). She sips from her glass and watches the others present, offering the occasional smile to anyone glancing her way.

Lethe continues to smile as she walks beside Lucita. "It really does." She laughs softly and looks to Waldemai. "I'm looking forward to her playing. It's good to see you here."

Sir Rodrick, a Valardin Knight, Spirit, the Sleepy Brown Fox, Echo, the Energetic Arctic Fox, Emma, the Educated Examiner arrive, following Sasha.

The Malvici clan's kept blade, Costas, is in escort this evening for the Archscholar of Vellichor, providing a dark canvas upon which the pale priestess shines even more brightly than usual. The pair pause at the edge of the gathering, sharing a few quiet words before the swordsman leads his charge to the receiving line, patiently waiting with grin of familiarity pulled onto his leathern face until Sebastian has made notice.

Sasha arrives a little late! But better late than never! Her foxes were left at home and only her assistant Emma and her guard Sir Rodrick are in tow with her. As she arrives, she smiles brightly as she looks over all the artwork upon display and lets out a content sigh.

Spirit, the Sleepy Brown Fox have been dismissed.

Echo, the Energetic Arctic Fox have been dismissed.

Waldemai bobs his head to Lady Lethe. "Well, my shop is only one square over..." Southport Square. "I'd be a poor neighbor if I didn't come visit, my lady." He nods toward Costas as someone he knows, and picks up a tiny goblet of wine in his large hands.

"Costas!" Sebastian grins when he sees the man arrive. "Glad you could make it, Captain." And to the Archscholar he dips a bow of his head in greeting as well, "My lady, a pleasure to meet you. Sebastian Pravus." He then presents each with a small figurine and a promise that their purpose would be explained. Sasha too is greeted in turn and says, "A pleasure to meet you as well," before she too is gifted a small raven figurine.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance properly, Lord Sebastian, and match a face to the hand that bore such articulate script." Bianca in turn inclined her own low bow of greeting before reaching to take the offered figurine with her more common reserved smile. "Thank you." A hint of the shy preened in her features, stepping slightly aside so as not to hold up the receiving line and grip loosened on that of her escort's arm.


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Sailors pulling into port seem unsettled lately. They speak of a strange dark shape deep in the water as they sail to Arx, something lurking beneath the surface. Some say it must be a pool of yet more darkwater, deep beneath the waves. Others talk of krakens, though that's ridiculous; krakens, of course, aren't real. (And even if they were, how would one fit up the river?) Still others talk of giant eel-like creatures glimpsed beneath the surface, with far too many teeth and eyes. There is no end to the number of superstitious tales trotted out as the /true/ explanation by slightly-inebriated sailors in the taverns around the city.

Despite the wide range of stories, on one point they all agree: the darkness, whatever it is, is most often spotted near the statue of Mangata, where the blackish-green slime of the Dark Bloom has begun to grow thick, to the point that it's beginning to pool on the ground around the statue's base.
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"Lord Sebastian." The Sword of Southport dips his head in deferential greeting. "I have eagerly awaited this opportunity to see your work receive the appreciation it so richly deserves." A moment of consideration is given to the figurine pressed into his palm, provoking another grin for the appropriateness of the dark raptor's effigy. "A game afoot? How intriguing." But as others had queued behind the swordsman steps aside in the wake of the Archscholar and plucks a pair of wineglasses into the crooked fingers of one long hand.

Lucita turns to ask Lethe by whom she is walking to ask. "Have you a favorite from those you have viewed so far?"

Waldemai looks again at his own figurine. "A game? It's so well made, I thought it was a piece of art."

Lethe shakes her head. "It's hard to decide. I like so many of them." She looks at the Lady and the Spiders painting. "That one is fascinating." She then looks at the Celebrant figurine. "That one though it just makes me happy to look at. What about you Lady Lucita? What do you like?"

Sebastian smiles warmly to Bianca and says, "And you as well." Once people seem to have begun to circulate around the square, Sebastian steps up a bit onto a bench placed not far from where he is passing out the figurines and calls out to the crowd, "I'd like to thank each and every one of you for attending this little gathering today. Even in the midst of struggle and dark times, we must take some time to appreciate and enjoy life even while we prepare to and continue to fight the threats that face Arx and all of Arvum. So for these few hours, enjoy the music provided by the lovely Lucita Igniseri, the food, the drink, and the art on display. I would love a chance to meet and speak with you all." He pauses for a moment and then says, "You may be wondering about the small figurines that you were gifted on arrival. Each raven has a matching companion with the same colored ribbon tied to its leg. Find your raven's match, and you and that other guest will need to combine the words on your ravens to find a clue. Use the clue that you possess to determine which art piece it represents. Once you know which piece it is, return to me and whisper your answer. Those who guess correctly will receive a prize and have a chance to win a custom art piece that I will create for them. The winner of that piece will be announced at the end of the party."

Who is late to their own twin's show? Don't judge, it take a lot to look this good. Juliana steps out of the manor in white and gold, her dark hair lifted up into an intricate knot at the back of her head. The dress edgeing between scandal and mystery as it moves around her legs in clouds of sheer sillk. Pausing a moment, just inside the Commons to take in the crowd and the art it's self before the yound Lady turns to head towards the man of the hour, simply laying a hand on Sebastian's arm to let him know she is there, instead of interupting his conversations.

Sasha carefully looks over her new figurine and when she hears about the game, she draws closer. She looks excited as the game is explain and she begins to look around for someone else who has a raven with a violet ribbon

Lucita checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Donato pauses a moment, looking both interested and curious as Sebastian explains the game, and so he glances down at his raven with the pale yellow ribbon and allows sky blue eyes to scan the environs for a moment, but his attention falls upon Lethe, so he approaches. As he nears, he bows extravagantly, "My lady, allow me to introduce myself: Donato Inverno, Count of Caina." And then he flashes a bright grin and lifts his raven up to show the ribbon's matching color.

Lethe smiles as she looks to Donato. "Hello, I'm Lady Lethe." She looks at her own matching ribbon. "I suppose we are partners then. So do you know which of the art our clue is for?" She looks around.

Bianca leaned to glance over the figurine Costas had been handed, "What a pleasant surprise for the evening." Her brows lifted in unison, hand settled at the crook of the Captain's arm unraveling to instead toy with the wine colored ribbon dangling from it's tiny leg. "I have a few greetings to make, though also a wonderful excuse to seek out my figure's mate and view the display pieces. Would you like to walk with me or pursue your own game partner?"

Sasha continues to look around for someone who has a raven with a violet ribbon_Her eyes slowly scanning over the ones nearby as she continues to walk through slowly.

With the game explained, Belladonna glances down at her little raven with its violet ribbon and begins looking around. When she spots the little pice in Sacha's hands she moves to slip that way, lifting the figurine up and waving it in indication to explain her approach. It's safe! It's part of the game! Once she gets within conversational range, she informs Sacha, "I am old." Her raven with 'old' on it is brandished so the other woman can see.

"My raven's companion seems not to have flown the roost of yet." Costas murmurs aside to Bianca, drawing his gaze briefly to the rest of the collection still in Sebastian's keeping. "So I'll walk with you and let it take flight while I am distracted. To do otherwise would be a kind of cheating, and I have my unblemished reputation to consider." The warrior finished with a coarse grin, and turned his hand holding the pair of wine glasses to the Archscholar for her to pluck up.

Lucita readies her vielle as Sebastian cues her to play. She replies to Lethe. I like the joy that the Celebrant shows and the sheer emotion he captured in the Embrace though all are so well done." After speaking to her she raises her voice to say. "Lord Sebastian's art is the focus of this gathering and I'm going to try to provide music to emphasize his lovely and powerful works. So to start off..." She gestures toward the painting and sculpture both bearing some water...the surfacing and begins to play 'The Song of the Sea" ((ooc if you want music to sort of resemble kind-of, sort-of, try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg7L0OQiN78 ).

Sasha smiles as she makes her way over to Belladonna and reveals raven to read 'Wounds' on it as she says "And I am wound." She curiously looks about and asks "Think this one may be for the Mourner?" One of her hands gesturing to the sculpture in question.

Gesturing, Donato lowers his voice to whisper a response to Lethe.


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With that revelation comes a chilling report of a fight in the Grayson Ward. A group posing as tourists found their quarry, running Dame Zhayla of Old Oak, Sword of Deepwood to ground. According to the Mercies in the House of Solace, they also almost killed Princess Marian Redrain and Aksel Nygard, Sword of Stonedeep. Even now they're in the House of Solace, clinging to life. Other rumors say Count Artorius Magnotta, Lady Amarantha Sanna, Lord Ian Kennex, and Alarie Harall were also present, though they seem to have escaped relatively unscathed. Dame Zhayla's body has been removed to the Deepwood Manor.
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Lethe nods to what Donato whispers. "I think that you're right. Let's go tell Lord Sebastian, and see if it is." She gestures to him to come along as she heads over to Sebastian.

Sending a glance that way, Belldonna considers only briefly before she hands her violet ribboned raven over to Sasha, nodding her agreement. "I think you're right," she says, her tone encouraging. "Do you want to go make the guess?"

Juliana arches a brow as her brother announces his game, leaning in a bit at his side. "Match making, Bas?" it's a tease but still her eyes lower to the little raven in her hand then sweeping those gathered until landing on Costas. Her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Costas.." calling out with a smile. "Find me someone with a wine colored ribbon?"

Sasha nods softly and moves to go and whispers to Sebastian with a bright smile curling her lips.

Waldemai listens to the music all the way through. He's no nob, it's true, but he knows fine playing when he hears it. "Thank you, Lady Lucita," he says at the end. "That sounds like something you might hear out in the hill country."

Following along with Lethe, Donato explains with some amusement, "Of course, as a friend of Sebastian's I've seen most of his gathered work-- which is a slight advantage." He explains. Once they near to Lord Sebastian, he lowers his voice so that only his partner and the artist can hear.

And, of course, when Lady Lucita picks up her instrument, Waldemai can see her game token. Once the playing is done, he makes his way over to her.

"Literally if not figuratively," Sebastian says to Juliana when she arrives at his side, turning to greet her when she touches his arm, a small amused smile on his lips. Then he nudges her as she calls out to Costas. "Lazy. Go find your match on your own." Though there is a flash of a smile that follows. He then turns his attention first to Lethe who comes up with Donato. He leans over and nods to her with a smile and then hands a bottle to each of them in reward for their guess. "A correct guess." When Sasha approaches he leans over to listen to her and shakes his head in the negative. "Look closely at some of the other pieces and you will find it," he encourages her.

Deacon Pateris sweeps into the commons with a glass of wine already in one hand and a cigarillo in the other. He's given a raven figurine with a forest green ribbon himself. He holds the burning cigarillo in his mouth for the moment so that he can hold the figurine up and study it for a moment. With that done, he starts wandering about looking for its companion. He also happens to be great at multi-tasking, using his left hand to drink and smoke interchangeably while the other holds the figurine where it's easily seen.

Bianca had just begun her pace, sweeping to an immediate halt at Juliana's call. "It doesn't seem that will be too difficult a task." She chuckled, glancing back toward the unfamiliar woman to turn more fully and make her approach. A brief glance was turned to Costas with a partial lift of her a single shoulder in shrug, though soon after her raven bearing the matching ribbon was presented to Julianna. "Archscholar Bianca." She gestured to herself and dipped nod of greeting.

Sasha hmms softly and goes back to look over the artwork once more. It then dawns on her and she goes rushing back to Sebastian and whispers once more with excitement. A look of hopefulness echoing in her eyes.

Lucita gives a smile of thanks to Waldemai, glancing at his figurine as he approaches. She lifts hers over to compare and checks them then lowers her voice to speak.

Belladonna watches Sasha with warm amusement, not seeming to mind in the slightest. She sips from her glass of wine, back to observing, wandering between the pieces of art.

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

Lethe takes the bottle. "Thank you. This is one of my favorites." She smiles and speaks to Donato. "You were right, and you are lucky. I had to wait until tonight to see his artwork, but it has exceeded my expectations."

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

The call of his own name perks his ears up, and Costas turns to cast his gaze in Juliana's direction. "Am I your hunting hound now, Lady?" The rake shakes his head with a long-suffering sigh. "Let off one leash for the evening only to find another. Typical." He follows in the Archscholar's wake as she moves to engage the noblewoman. "Nevertheless I claim victory as the most talented dog around; I'd already had your quarry cornered. I'd say /that/ deserves a treat." A wolfish grin pulls his lips back from his teeth, baring pearly-white canines to both women in whose orbit he now drifted.

"If you didn't want me using others, you would have been more clear." Jules points out to her brother, letting go of his arm so that he can greet those with guesses himself. Then brow arching as Bianca steps up, amusment warming Juliana's features. "Archscholar, pleasure. Lady Juliana Pravus." eyes flickering to Costas with a tease. "Well done. Treat? hmmm" then leans up and presses a kiss to his cheek. "There you go."

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

Sebastian can't help but shake his head at Juliana, "I should have known better." Then he turns back to Sasha as she comes darting back over with her second guess. To this one, he nods and he presents her with a bottle each for her and Belladonna. "And here is your prize for your correct guess."

Donato whistles softly as the prize wine is handed over, and heexamines the bottle admiringly for a long moment, "I have not had this particular vintage, but I have fond memories of the Granato vineyards in general." He turns a quick grin over to Lethe, "We make a good team, my lady." He turns and flashes a smile for Belladonna and her partner, "Congratulations. We should all get shamelessly drunk."

Waldemai goes over to look at a particularly disquieting painting, and the returns to whisper to Lady Lucita.

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Juliana. Before we get into the game, I wish to thank you personally for your interest in assisting with the archival initiative. Your addition to the efforts is truly appreciated." Bianca offered in subdued tone, again sidestepping so as to create a triangle of equal distance between the three. A glance shifted between the captain and the lady in polite wait, serene smile remaining for the time though it edged with the humble addition of amusement. While one hand was involved with an untouched glass of wine, the other maneuvered her figurine to glance at its clue.

Lethe nods to Donato. "We do make a good team. I really enjoyed that game." She looks to Belladonna and Sasha. "Yes congratulations."

Sasha takes the wine from Sebastian and says "Thank you Lord Sebastian, It will look ever so nicely in my collection." She offers a warm smile to Lethe and says "Thank you my Lady, congratulations to you as well."

With raven figurine in hand, Deacon makes his way over towards Costas after spotting his raven. Holding up his own with the forest green ribbon, he wiggles it a bit. "It appears our ravens match, Messere Voducce," he speaks up while smiling warmly to the man. "I've got 'descending'. How about yours?"

Jules nods her head towards Bianca. "It is our pleasure, my lady." a glance towards Sebastian but then back. "Whatever we can do to give aide, please do not hesitate to call upon." then a grin as she pulls the little paper off her raven. "I must admit, this may not be fair, I think I know those pieces as well as anyone who isn't Bas himself." looking to her clue. "Hands." then glances towards Bianca. "Yours is?"

"Thank you," Belladonna says to Donato and Lethe, bowing her head. There's not much hesitation before she slips in to collect her prize bottle of wine. It's handed off to one of the servants of course, as she turns back towards Donato and Lethe. "Shamelessly drunk does not sound a terrible idea," she admits.

Caprice enters into the art event a bit late because the artistic type are just like that. Of course, when she enters Caprice is given a raven figurine because Sebastien's host skill is ON POINT. Her green eyes fill with curiosity as she glances at her ribbon and the word. Her eyes then move around the others thoughtfully to the others. Of course, she's immeditely distracted by alcohol.

Lucita moves on to another piece of art, this one is the Lady and the Spider. She says. "I will not play this one long, because it and gives a disquieting effect, a change in mood, just as the painting, The Lady and The Spiders does. The purpose is to create a feeling, to make one think. Below the odd notes, there is still a unity in the sounds and a theme." And she plays just a very short song, skillfully, but an attempt to draw attention to the art for which she plays it."

Waldemai nods his head when Lucita whispers to him.

It might not have seemed possible for Costas to have stretched his already self-satisfied grin any wider, but he finds a bit more room for smug vanity as Juliana presses a kiss to his stubbled cheek. But as the women fall into conversation about their pieces he takes a moment to enjoy the wine in his glass, only turning from reverie when he is approached by Deacon. "Are we paired?" He asks, glancing between his and the other man's birds. "Ah, you have it right. Hmm.." Popping his raven into brief flight, he catches it in palm and pinches the fluttering label between dexterous digits. "Shadows. Descending Shadows.." It only takes the swordsman a moment before an affable smile splits his leathern mug. "Ah! I know this one without looking, as it is my favorite of the Lord's work. Let's have a look together though and you can check my guess."

Waldemai moves over near the host.

Sebastian finally acquires a glass of wine of his own even as he greets Caprice and presents her both with a figurine and a brief explanation of the game, welcoming her, and directing her in to the commons where the food, drink, and art pieces are. He then sees the smith approaching him and he says to Waldemai, "You sir, seem to be approaching with purpose. Have a guess for me?" He leans comfortably against the tables with the figurines, even as he glances over toward Lucita and listens to the strangley discordant but short piece that she plays for the spiders. There's a tick of his lips upward and a tilt of his head as he listens, giving a nod of agreement that it is a fitting piece for the painting.

No sooner does Sebastian find himself a wine glass then Juliana lifts it from his fingers, taking a sip then handing it back. It's only then that with an arched brow she nods to Costas to see where he will lead her. Which lets face it, is a dangerous enough thing of it's own. "Lead on.. I am have little doubt you have it correct."

Deacon smiles a greeting to Juliana and Bianca as well. The courtesan isn't so fancy with his own raven, simply turning it over in his fingers idly. He does chuckle at Costas' showmanship, though. "Well done, well done. And you do?" He pans over the paintings with squinted eyes to try to figure this one out himself as well.

Bianca's smile turned to Deacon. "A pleasure to see you, Master Deacon. You found your parchment returned, yes?" Though with Costas' exclamation of a solved riddle, silvery gaze swept outward to the array of displayed paintings.

As the music rises, Donato settles into a comfortable relaxed appearance, tilting his head as he sips his wine and listens.

Caprice has a drink and moves toward 'The Leap' to look at it. Although, hearing the name Donato gives her pause. Those green eyes shift in that direction as her head pivots allowing the copper gold hair to sweep around her mocha skin. There is a clear look of confusion on her features.

"Let us all together go and have a look at the artworks." Costas suggests to Juliana, Deacon, and Bianca. "What we're all here for, eh?" The swordsman does not wait for agreement however, only turning on heel as he tips back a long swallow of the wine. He pads off in the direction of the row of paintings, assuming that the trio will follow his leading swagger.

Deacon flashes a smile to Bianca. "I did, yes, Archscholar. I apologize for not sending a 'thank you' missive." An apologetic look is conveyed to her. "I've been a touch preoccupied and busy." At Costas' suggestion, he flashes a smile and a brief nod of his head. "Yes we are, though I arrived a bit on the late side." As he looks over to the paintings again and notices Caprice, he lifts a hand to wave to her.

3 Laurent Guards arrives, following Nicia.

Juliana arches a brow as Costas strides off with all expectation that they will follow. "You know, I am half tempted to say lets just stand here and see how long it takes him to realize he is alone." head tipped as she watches him for a moment then smirks and nods to Bianca and Deacon before following along looking highly amused.

Bianca's amusement rose another tick to bloom within her expression as Costas set off with the assumption of their follow, and while she may have been loathe to foster that smugness, her footfalls would soon carry in the sauntering man's wake as well as Juliana's. She turned as she began her step off to reply to Deacon, "Oh, no need for apology. I just wished to assure Archimedes made his delivery as intended."

Nicia's perpetually late these days, it appears, and while she would normally try her very hardest to be on time for things, well...she sometimes loses track of time. As she hustles into the commons, she trails her three guards who seem to give her wide berth or just don't bother trying to keep up with her in her hurried state. As she arrives, and is handed a raven and told the rules she glances at the figurine in her hand before looking around a bit with a slight furrow of her brows.

Caprice nods her head towards Deacon and his group, but something has her far more intrigued and sadly at this moment it is not Sebastien's breath-taking art. "Excuse me.." Caprice walks up to the lounging wine drinking man, because she has no willpower. "what is your name?" This man she's attempting to speak to happens to be Donato. Then she tosses a bright and vibrant smile. "I'm Caprice."

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

Blinking out of his momentary reverie, Donato flashes a charming smile to Caprice, and bows with grace, "I am Donato Inverno, Count of Caina. A pleasure to meet you. Isn't Lord Sebastian's work here quite grand? I do hope you are enjoying yourself." He lifts his glass of wine up with a quick grin in a faux-toast.

It's not long after she sets down her empty glass of wine that Belladonna's wanderings take her back in the direction of the gates to Pravus Manor. She slips through them quietly, soon enough heading through the front doors.

As he passes down the aisles of artwork Costas slows to provide some time to take in each piece and allow the rest of the party to catch up to his lead. The gaze he settles on each is light, betraying his familiarity with the Lord's work. "Shall I let you guess which one I have in mind for our mark?" He inquires of Deacon, turning round mid-stride and proceeding to take his steps now backward with his attention on the other three. "Not much a game if I give up the sport for the advantage of greater experience."

Jules tips her head a bit as she comes to a stop beside Costas, a grin of amusement offered to Bianca before looking back to the men. "So what was your clues again? Just trying to make sure I am not trying to match two that don't go together."

Caprice mouths the name 'Donato'. Then she mouths it sloooooowly. Her full lips curving and caressing over each letter as her red-gold brows lower a bit more. "You aren't.." Then she shakes her head. "I knew someone once with that name. Yes, his art is amazing." Her eyes then see the disappearing Belladonna with a slight downward curve of her lips. If the woman looks, she'll toss a smile and a wave that direction. Then she looks back to Donato. "Did.. did you match your ribbon already? Are we supposed to walk around to eveyone?"

"Do you have uh..." Nicia pauses, checks the bird in her hand again before coming back to the color, "Sunrise?" She is starting to ask the nearest person, and getting a no begins to move on, asking the next. "Excuse me, do you have a ribbon that matches this?"

Aida, 6 Pravus Honor Guard leave, following Belladonna.

As Cambria passed through and into Setarco Commons, she found herself greeted and presented with a figurine of a raven. Only after she is explained the rules of the game does the Marquessa give Sebastian a wide grin and a friendly pat upon the shoulder. "I am so glad I could make it," she says to Sebastian. "I have been looking forward to this for some time." There is a quick glance towards her raven once more before she asks, "Was this all your idea as well?"

Sebastian smiles when Nicia arrives and takes a moment to greet his cousin, giving her a brief hug before turning her loose to go out and find her matching raven and enjoy the party. Then he turns to greet Cambria as well, giving her elbow a light squeeze in return. "Marquessa, always a pleasure. It's good to see you again. Of course. The object is to get everyone to mingle, introduce themselves, meet someone that they perhaps haven't had the opportunity yet, while enjoying the food and drink and the art. Besides, I enjoyed making them and thought it would be nice if everyone had something to remember the event."

a nondescript assistant arrives, following Acacia.

Deacon takes a good long moment to look over the paintings when he arrives over by the art. Costas's question has him nodding to the man, but he's still looking over each of the pieces carefully. Finally, he points to The Precipice with the rim of his wine glass. "I think this one," he says, lofting a brow to Costas. Looking again to Bianca, he smiles to her and nods his head. "He did. I received the letter just fine, thank you. If you happened to learn anything from it, perhaps we can meet soon."

Lucita moves to the some of the last of the art work. "This is a song that is more upbeat, happy. It represents the more lovely side of these pieces of artwork. I hope you will enjoy this as a background to viewing them. A happy celebration of music that segues into a bit of romance."

Waldemai bobs his head to Lord Sebastian, and points over to where Lady Lucita is playing a particularly significant tune. He has a raven with a sunset colored ribbon, and tells the Lord, "We think it's the Lady and The Spider, my Lord, although how she found such a good song so quickly I'll never know."

There are drinks, right? It wouldn't be a Pravus party without drinks, afterall. In her start hunting for a matching raven, Nicia pauses to find herself a drink, downing the contents before switching out empty with full and beginning again. She doesn't get very far as she circles around in a little bit of a tight circle to where she came in, tucking the raven beneath her arm before sipping her drink. She seems to think for a long moment before she spots Juliana, and beelines it for that cousin like her tail might be on fire.

Bianca nodded in response to Deacon, leaning toward him to mutter a few notes in a hushed tone though soon after her attention turned more fully to the array of paintings. She shifted to Juliana's side in a half-pace, lifting her ribbon to reveal the ribbon's bearing of the word 'Hundred' scribed across its length with a light shrug.

Donato arches a brow a moment, a look of amusement flashing across his features, "You did? It is not terribly a common name; I hope he left a good impression on you, or I might have to look for this fellow and challenge him to a duel for making my beloved name ill thought of." But he lifts his raven with its pale blue ribbon and nods, "Oh yes, the Lady Lethe and I matched. While talking to everyone is quite welcome, you have but to look around to see a matching ribbon, then try to solve the clue... Hmmm." He lets his pale blue eyes slide around the room, looking for another raven with a sunrise ribbon.

"I find them rather charming," Cambria says of the raven, holding it aloft to admire anew. "But, oh dear, meet and mingle?" She grins roguishly. "I feel so burdened now. I had intended to come here and gaze upon your lovely art and appear...wise and stoic, or something." There's a quick wink for Sebastian before Cambria glances across the commons.

Costas chuckles richly after Deacon's guess, eyeing the painting indicated. "Your eyes ever turned to the ladies, mate." The Malvici clan's kept killer raises his glass in a toast to the other man. "I respect that. But I think in this case it's led you to guess /their/ target and not ours. Still, kudos." Stormblue eyes flick to Juliana and Bianca then. "Perhaps you'd like to guess where the gentleman and I should be aiming our pursuit? In the spirit of equality between the sexes."

The door opens and in with night pours Acacia with a big smile and a swagger in her step. Standing in the door way, the curvy redhead is handed a a raven and she grins. "Aye, thank you," she says, giving the little sculpture a look over and noting the ribbon on it's leg. She looks across the room for a similar coloured ribbon and there in Donato's hand is the key to her quests... a raven with a pale blue ribbon. She grins and makes her way over to his side.

Juliana rolls her eyes at the men, then looks to Bianca and nods. "The Precipice. It's over here." said to the other woman. Leaving Deacon and Costas to talk, she simple takes Bianca's hand and leads her to the painting. "This would be it." smiles as she stares at it for a long moment. "I think it is actually my favorite." then glancing back with a laugh. "You can tell him. Because whatever wine he doesn't give away, I am just going to steal from him anyway."

Sebastian inclines his head to Waldemai and then smiles and says, "A correct guess, Master Isenhu. I will give you these for yourself and the Lady Lucita, as her hands are a bit occupied at the moment with her playing." He then presents Waldemai with two bottles of wine, one for each of them. He then chuckles to Cambria and says "You can gaze upon the art and look wise and stoic while figuring out your clue if you like?" Generous, is he.

"Burdened, so burdened!" Cambria says again, though it is obvious she is only teasing. Her hand touches the back of Sebastian's elbow as she moves to depart from his side. "I shan't keep you then, as I am certain you are quite busy as host this evening. Again," she smiles warmly. "I was glad to be able to attend." With that, the Mazetti Marquessa is off, ready to view the pieces on display.

Deacon smiles to Bianca in a reassuring manner and leans over to speaks quietly back to the Archscholar, but then he looks once more to Costas. Laughing, he gives a gentle wave of his hand. "At a guess," he says, shaking his head. "I will allow the Archscholar a guess, then." Smiling, he lifts his wine to his lips once more to sip from it.

Waldemai accept the wine. "Thank you, my lord," he says. White wine is not exactly his mug of ale, but certainly Lady Lucita will need a drop of something after her performance.

As Nicia scoots up to her, Jules grins. "Good evening, glad you made it Nicia." one hand reaching to give the back of the other girl's hand a squeeze. "You know Deacon? THis is Bianca and Costas." yes, Jules is horrible with working in titles.

Apparently, being an overtired Lower's girl makes it hard to tell what kind of blue she has, and another look reveals it to be sky blue. The redhead gives a grin and begins to wander the crowd raven in hand. "Aye, well at least the word is a good one for this even," she smiles.

Acacia said this

Bianca gave no argument as she was guided off, stilling before the gestured painting as she was swept aside before any reply to either Costas or Deacon could be made in the immediate. She looked about to speak in regards to the painting, though there appeared another new face. She smiled to Nicia, offering a light, "Hello."

Cambria holds her raven up, and waggles it towards Acacia. "It looks as though we have a match...?" Her brow arches, and Cambria gives enough pause to allow Acacia to offer her name.

"Juliana." Nicia greets, giving her a one armed hug before she glances towards the others, shaking her head, "I'm afraid that I haven't had the pleasure. Nicia Laurent...I don't suppose any of you happen to have a sunrise ribbon?" She wonders, lifting her raven up to show the ribbon to the group.

Caprice smiles at Acacia. "Muse of material!" She waves to the woman and offers to Donato. "Well, Talen did name his child such. So, you are in good company with the name." She looks over at Nicia and her bird. There is a slight 'well fuck' look for some reason but then she smiles at Donato. "We shall have to have wine sometime and discuss it." She starts off and pauses to add. "At your cost of course." A wicked smile and then she walks with that unearthly grace of hers towards Nicia and presents her raven with the sunrise ribbon on it. Her lips curve higher for Juliana. "Ah... the rider that Luis cannot manage, we meet again."

Acacia turns to smile at Cabria. "Aye, that's music to my ears, my lady," she grins and makes over to to the Marquessa's side. "And it's Acacia. Acacia Culler. Charmed to meet you....," she pauses in kind to offer the same courtesy.

Costas lifted his near-empty glass in greetings to Nicia as they are introduced. "Lady." He presumes, having been given no help whatsoever by Juliana. "Yours is the only sunrise I have seen break this evening." One corner of the swordsman's lips curl up in a faint ghost of mischief.

"Marquessa Cambria Mazetti," Cambria greets in turn. "So, I see here we have to darling ravens with matching ribbons." She then leans in to murmur something to the vivacious red-head.

Hug returned. Juliana shakes her head. "No, we are all matched together. You have a sunrise hmm.. well tell you what, we can find out." then ther eis Caprice and Juliana laughs. "There we go Nica, Caprice.. and Luis manages just fine.. just not in water." no shame at all as she turns back towards Bianca. "So you agree this is the painting?" glance towards Costas and his line with a chuckle.

Sebastian seems content to talk to those who come by where he remains near the entrance, handing out the little raven figurines and sipping his wine that is safe with Juliana over on the other side of the Commons with Bianca and the others. He smiles as he watches people talking, moving from piece to piece, playing the game, and making their guesses. Those who guess incorrectly are allowed a second chance. Bottles of wine are given out, and Lucita's music compliments the pieces of art.

Bianca shook her head in reply to Nicia, "A pleasure," though as she noted Costas' glass near empty in turn her still untouched one was offered over. And then a nod turned to Juliana along with further confirmation verbally, "I trust your judgment on the matter, though I fear I may have been granted a bit of an advantage being granted your eyes for this game."

Sighting the color he is looking for, Donato nods to Caprice, and gestures over towards Nicia, "Ah, I do believe I have found your partner." He grins, and then inclines his head, before a burst of warm laughter escapes his lips, "At my cost, of course. Though I did just win a bottle of free wine, so it might not be so high a cost at all."

Bianca also briefly leaned to murmur something else to Deacon.

Cambria nods at something said by Acacia, grinning as she does so. "So we do! Very well, then, let us take a look-see, shall we?" She gestures with her free hand towards Sebastian's available pieces.

"Wonderful." Nicia observes when Caprice arrives to save the day, holding her raven out to show her the ribbon on it, and the clue on it that reads orange. "I believe we're supposed to find some painting or other now, but..." She glances around, shaking her head with something that might be akin to an apologetic, "I've a terrible grasp of art." She then smiles at Juliana, Bianca and Costas, "So it would seem...I wish you luck on your search."

Deacon smiles to Nicia as she approaches and inclines his head in a friendly nod to her in response to Juliana's introduction. "A pleasure, my Lady," he greets her pleasantly. Looking again to Costas, he raises his wine glass. "So, which is it?" he asks him finally. The question is left to hang just a moment as he leans over to murmur quietly to Bianca briefly before smiling warmly to her.

Jules gives Nicia a fast kiss on the cheek and a wink to Caprice before the two head off, then simply takes Bianca's hand again, especially as it is now free of wine, to Costas' benefit. "Come along gentlemen, we have an artist to bother. Besides, I need a drink." and she is heading towards her twin, Bianca in tow and Sebastian's wine glass in peril.

Acacia seems rather delighted but this little game and sets off to look at the work. "And so are you patron of the arts?" she asks as they peer at the rather impressive works around them.

Accepting Bianca's cast-off glass of wine and wasting no time in proceeding to do some damage with a long swallow inappropriate to the fine vintage, Costas looks to Deacon's question. "What, no guess of your own?" With a long-suffering huff he nods to Juliana. "Aye, let's do. I've a bottle to win myself and the gentleman here."

Caprice chuckles warmly to the comment from Juliana. "I see you are teaching him well. I mean he would have to lift himself to your bar of inspiration." Her eyes slide towards Bianca, Costas and Deacon. Then she looks back towards Nicia. "Does yours have a word written upon it then?" She just naturally seems to be of smiles and then her head nods. "One does not need to grasp art, merely feel it. It is nothing right or wrong, it should just make you feel something. Sorrow. Anger. Love. Bliss. Or a mixture of all of these things." She winks to Jules as she moves away. "You as well owe me a dinner." THere is a pause as she offers a slight yell towrads Donato. "Fine. Dinner."

Sebastian is overheard praising Lucita for: For performing beautifully at the art show. Her playing complimented each piece perfectly.

Cambria stands before an elegant sculpture, and observes it while lifting a hand to her chin as she hums thoughtfully. "What do you think of this one, Acacia?" She asks her companion for the evening. When Acacia asks her question, however, Cambria glances up with a smile. "Of a sort. Some time back, I attempted to host a showing for our own charming host, but my schedule did not permit it. When I heard he would be hosting this tonight, I was quite happy to hear it. I met him by chance at the Igniseri's." The Marquessa casts a quick look towards Sebastian, then returns her attention to Acacia. "I do believe art, in whatever form it may develop, should be nourished. How about yourself?"

The Archscholar again looked to speak only to be comically swept up in the tide of Juliana's charm yet again, turning to walk with her without struggle with a subtle chuckle. A nod was turned back over her shoulder to whatever subdued conversation she had shared with Deacon, though otherwise off she went at the lady's lead until they reached the artist of the hour.

Costas is overheard praising Sebastian for: Raven King of the Realm Artistic.

"Orange." Nicia replies, looking somewhat puzzled by Caprice's responses to how art should make her feel, then she shakes her head, "I'm afraid I'm not the one that would be the best for that, that would be my husband, Duke Cristoph. He's quite the art lover, I just act like I understand it."

Lucita gives Sebastian a smile as she finishes playing, each of the songs segueing one into another in an effort to capture in music what the art did visually, a soft accompaniment to it drawing attention to the artistic works. The vielle is put away and she steps aside and starts to try to pick up on the flow of conversations around her.

Waldemai slips over near Lucita and hands her a glass of white wine. "Courtesy of our host, my lady," he explains.

Caprice looks at her own and frowns. "Mine says gold. So gold orange, orange gold?" She looks over at the art thoughtfully for a few moments before she laughs. "Sometimes we all just fake it until we make it, yes? I don't think I know your husband. So that makes you a Duchess hmm?"

It's as though he can sense Juliana's approach before she even gets halfway across the Commons. His glass is lifted and he takes a long swallow, finishing the contents before taking up another just in time for her to get close. There's a sly smile that he gives to her, holding out the glass when she arrives. When Lucita finishes playing, he climbs back up on the bench for a moment and says, "Can I please get a round of applause for Lady Lucita Igniseri and her lovely playing tonight which so highlighted each piece she played for perfectly." He then raises his hands in applause for her.

"I actually do. My family has a few artist in it, though I'm not sure I have a stick of that sort of talent in me. But I do have an eye for it and a deep appreciation," Acacia smiles to Cambria. Looking across the room she catch's Caprice's greeting and offers one in return. Bianaca a respectful nod and Costas gets a look and maybe a smile, but it's hard to tell.

Cambria grins, then offers her arm to Acacia to link if she so chooses. "Shall we take our guess to Lord Sebastian, then?" However, at the call for applause for Lucita, Cambria cheerfully brings her hands together.

Lucita nods her thanks to Waldemai. "That is thirsty work, and a challenge to try to match music to the setting and pieces shown." She gives a wry little grin. "This was a time I am glad had traded some songs with others. I used one and parts of another I learned doing that."

A man bearing the traditional robes of the Faith and indicated as a Scholar by the pins worn upon his collar made his way into the showing, making his way to the Archscholar now wound arm in arm at Juliana's side. And /yet again/ the woman of white looked to speak only to hold her tongue as the man leaned a whisper to her ear. Bianca offered him a short nod and he left as quickly as he arrived while the woman offered light applause to the performer. "It seems you may have to claim our prizes on my behalf, Lady Juliana." And then to the host, "Lord Sebastian, this has been a lovely evening, thank you so much." And back to Juliana! "Would it be too much trouble to ask you to give my farewell to Master Voducce? I don't wish to distract him from the revelries."

Hand in Bianca's, Deacon and Costas following along, Juliana doesn't miss a beat. As she steps close and she accepts the glass that Sebastian holds out to her. The drink taken while he makes his announcement, just in time to hand the glass back and press a kiss to his cheek as he comes back down pff the bench. First applauds Lucita, then looking back. "Bianca has a guess for you, Bas." offers.

"Yes, although technically Duchess-Consort, but yes." Nicia replies with a nod, tucking her raven once more under her arm before she glances around, "Orange and gold, fire? Sunset? Passion?" She points towards one of the sculptures, Embrace, "Warm colors mean passion, yes?"

Acacia gladly links arms with the Marquessa, pausing to offer applauds as well. "I have to admit, I may never get used to parties this big," she grins, casting her eyes about the room looking rather amused by it all.

There went the sly departure. "Oh, yes. Um..." And Bianca leaned to whisper as requested prior, unraveling herself from Juliana's grasp in careful detangle.

"I prefer small gatherings, myself," Cambria says to Acacia. "Yet in this life, one must grow accustomed to swimming in the big water. You may find that, sometimes, even in the deep ocean, you are still a lonely little fish." As the pair approach Sebastian, Cambria politely stands back to allow those who reached the host first to make their guesses.

Caprice nods her head. "I am good with passion and warm colors." She laughs. "You see, you are good at this already. We should definitely guess the Embrace. I mean, it might be wrong, or it might be right, but it will be a guess." Her green eyes move to watch the various people as they mill about and then back to Nicia.

Sebastian inclines his head to Juliana and Bianca and waits to see what two guesses the four have to offer for their pairs of birds. When Bianca offers her guess for she and Juliana, he nods to her and smiles, "A correct guess." He then presents the pair each with a bottle of wine.

Lucita lowers her gaze and then lifts it as she inclines her head, a little bow given at the applause given her and a soft spoken Thank you. She lifts her glass of wine toward Sebastian to say "To the artist whose skills we have been enjoying tonight."

Juliana blinks as Bianca makes her good byes and transferes to her hold on the woman to resting her hand back on Sebastian's arm with a smile. "I will let Costas know you were pulled away. Be safe and thank you for coming."

Bianca offered a gracious bow of her head upon receiving the bottle, "Thank you again.. and to you, Lady Juliana, thank you for the guidance." She chuckled, pulling the gifted wine to the fold of her arms. One last bow and off she scurried!

Sebastian gets an elegant Granato wine called Summer Blush from a pouch embroidered with a scene of a summer day at a beach.

Sebastian gets an elegant Granato wine called Summer Blush from a pouch embroidered with a scene of a summer day at a beach.

When it appears as though Sebastian is ready, Cambria gives Acacia a nod and the pair step forward to whisper their guess...

Sebastian gets an elegant Granato wine called Summer Blush from a pouch embroidered with a scene of a summer day at a beach.

Sebastian gets an elegant Granato wine called Summer Blush from a pouch embroidered with a scene of a summer day at a beach.

"You may be right, a guess is worth it, even if we are wrong." Nicia agrees before she waves towards Sebastian, trying to get his attention before she moves over towards her cousin to whisper something in his ear.

Costas didn't bother to whisper his guess to the evening's host, instead he lifted his wine glass in salute to Sebastian grinning in good cheer before stating surely, "Fate conspired to make this game easy for me. The painting in question is my favorite of your works, and not only for the enthralling story behind its inspiration."

Acacia smiles and looks back at the sculpture in question and studies it a little more.

When Cambria and Acacia approach to give their guess, he nods his head to the pair of them and says, "You are both correct." He then hands them the bottles of wine. When Nica next makes her approach to offer for the pair of sunrise ribboned ravens, he shakes his head and says, "Try again, and look close to each piece to find that combination."

Caprice moves towards Sebastian with Nicia, but pauses to hip-check Jules as she does. Accidents happen!

"Evidently we guessed wrong." Nicia points out to Caprice with a shake of her head, sighing faintly before she gestures towards the works of art, "Back to the drawing board?"

Sebastian can't help but chuckle as Costas lifts his glass and catches his attention. "It seems that it did, in fact." He then presents both Costas and Deacon each with a bottle of wine, as it seems Costas guessed correctly for the pair.

Cambria thanks Sebastian as he offers her a bottle of wine. Then, with her wine tucked under her arm, she turns to Acacia and gives a quick pump of her fist. Her smile is broad. "We did it! And if it wasn't for our host here, I may never have had the chance to have you as my partner." There's a wink for Acacia. "It's been a pleasure to meet you, Acacia. I hope I haven't kept you from mingling, though."

Caprice looks towards Costas and Deacon for a moment and then to Nicia. She drops her voice to the woman and then she wiggles her brows at the woman. There is a wait before she looks at the other pieces from her vantage point and then back to her. "Or we could just pick them at random?"

"Aye, that's very kind of you. Thank you," Acacia laughs. Tto Sebastian. "Your work is excellent," she says stepping back to let his other guests have access to the host and artist. Turning to Cambria she grins, "Well, that was rather easy. Last contest I was in it was not such. And no, I'm glad for the company, thank you," she nods back warmly to Cambria.

Jules steps into Sebastian as Caprice "hip checks" her, laughing. "I said come to dinner and we will cause him trouble, not at his show." reaching for his glass again for another sip before lifting her gaze to Costas. "Bianca asked to give you here appologies she was called away." taking a sup and then handing it back to Sebastian.

Deacon smiles and gives a nod sidelong to Costas as he gusses correctly. That smile is beamed to Sebastian as he hands him the bottle. "Thank you, Lord Sebastian. Your work is fantastic." A humble bow is given to him before he gives an appreciative look at the wine too.

Nicia shakes her head at Caprice, "I'm afraid that first option is...not very me." She then glances around, noting the paintings and sculptures before she reaches over to tug at Sebastian's sleeve, "How about that one?" She points towards the Celebrant.

The redhead seems a little lost in thought as she glances at the sculpture of the Surface, her large brown eyes taking it in. "It's beautiful but far to rich for my blood," she grins to Cambria. "I think I shall remain a distant fan of the work and not fall madly in love with it. Do you see any pieces you would like?"

Caprice laughs a bit at Juliana and offers, "Oh. Right. Not at the party. I keep forgetting that, Dear. I will strive to remember." She winks towards the woman and then looks towards Nicia. "Very well, we shall do this the Valardin way." That might be code for the boring way, but she's not admitting that. "We guess the Celebrant." She offers towards Nicia. "We might need a third guess too."

Sebastian takes the glass back from Juliana when she steps in next to him. "Thank you," Sebastian says to Acacia with a dip of his head. Then he shakes his head to Nicia and Caprice and says, "One more guess." He glances around at the crowd. "Would anyone like to give them a hand at finding their clue?" He invites the rest of the party to join in on this last one. "One last guest, and then I will reveal the winners of the custom artwork."

"Honestly?" Cambria says. "I adore them all. But if I could walk away with one this evening, if Lord Sebastian could bear to part with it...?" She points towards a painting for Acacia to take note of. "There's just...something about it that I particularly enjoy. What about you, though?"

Costas shakes his head at the news from Juliana. "Leaving me with a cold arm and literally holding the bottle." Tongue clicks against teeth in disappointment. "Last time I play escort for a woman that actually has responsibilities, goals, or productive occupation." His wolfish grin settles back on the Pravus noblewoman then. "In that vein.. What are /you/ doing this evening?"

Nicia glances at Caprice when she mentions the Valardin way, a dark brow quirking upwards very faintly but she doesn't make any comment on it. Nor does she seem inclined to do anything that might be unboring, either. She then waves a hand towards the pair of paintings, the Surfacing before she downs the remaining contents of her glass, "I'm afraid that's my final guess before I must retire to paperwork."

Lucita sips from her glass of wine and exchanges a few soft spoken comments with Waldemai.

"Ohhh is that where we are going with this?" Juliana laughs at Costas. THen pointing at him then to Nica and Caprice. "Help them with their clues. Maybe if you are nice you will get another treat."

Acacia looks to the piece pointed out and smiles. "Aye, and what do you like about it?" she asks glancing aside. "I think I like the one we were bestowed very much. There's something lovely about it. Though the others are all excellent as well." Another, glance is offered to the silks about her and she grins. "I think I may be at my wits end for parties though. I don't know how you navigate them with such grace," she grins, glancing over Juliana's way and offering a nod because it seems like a fun thing to do.

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

Caprice considers the pieces before them. "The surfacing II has fish. However, it seems I am not good at this and I tend to love art in the name of Jayus." She looks over the woman thoughtfully, focusing on the colors of her dress and then smiles. "I do like the color of your dress though." A pause. "That is not a flirtation or inviation, I'm a tailor it is what I notice about people." She offers and then looks to Costas and offers a bright smile. "Do you have skills in art and appreciation? You might help with the clues gold and orange."

The swordsman turns his attention to Nicia and Caprice as indicated after chuckling drolly. "I like to think I have an eye for beauty. What are the hints?"

Nicia glances down at her dress, then back up, "Thank you...it was a recent purchase." She then holds her raven out towards Costas, "My clue is orange, and hers is gold." She then shrugs her shoulders, "I'm terrible at this game, I'm afraid."

Cambria laughs aloud, then leans in to murmur something to Acacia. Afterwards, with her hands clasped behind her back, she says, "I find it evocative. The scenery is lovely, and quite...relaxing. And yet there is also the intimation of something more. A story or secret that I have not quite unlocked yet."

Acacia glances over at the crowd and leans in to reply to Cambria, a bit of a roguish grin curling her lips.

Costas squints his eyes shut, lifting a calloused hand to his temple as he mentally reviews the Lord's work, of which he is apparently quite familiar. After working tongue into teeth for a few heartbeats he states with surety. "That would be the Verdant Garden." The rogue looks to the Pravus lord for confirmation, but an expression of sporting surety that peels his lips back in a grin.

"Do you trust the rogue?" Sebastian asks of Nicia and Caprice, to see if they want Costas' assistance in their final guess.

Caprice grins towards the woman. "You should acquire more, do let me know if you want help with that." She pauses a moment and smiles at Costas. "I say we go with his guess. He's done so well so far." She looks to see if Nicia agrees.

Juliana grins as Costas guesses and lifts her glass to him.. well Bas's glass, before turning her attention back to the ladies.

"Oh that's not a very fair question at all." Costas chides Sebastian.

Caprice adds, "I always trust rogues, they are some of my favorite people."

Sebastian can't help but laugh a little at that and says, "Well, with this guess, at any rate.."

Cambria looks towards those Acacia does, and continues her quietly spoken conversation with the red-head.

Sebastian gets an elegant Granato wine called Summer Blush from a pouch embroidered with a scene of a summer day at a beach.

Sebastian gets an elegant Granato wine called Summer Blush from a pouch embroidered with a scene of a summer day at a beach.

Juliana sends a wink towards Acacia when she smiles to her before looking back to see what the verdict is.

Nicia's fingers drum lightly against her raven, pondering the suggestion before she nods, "It is better than be just continuing to make random guesses. At least this way if it's wrong, I'm not the only failure." She waves her hand to Sebastian, "We shall trust his guess." She then glances at Caprice, then down at her dress, then back up, "I usually just wear what people gift to me to wear...I'm worse at fashion than I am at art."

Deacon smiles around at people, keeping a fairly subdued demeanor tonight. He's not lacking in any pleasantness or warmth, but isn't quite as talkative as usual. Lucita's quiet words to him are greeted with a bright smile and nod of his head before he murmurs back to her. "Just send me a missive when it's convenient to the both of you," he adds, not as quietly.

"It would seem that Costas' guess was correct," Sebastian says. He then offers earch of the ladies a bottle of wine as the game concludes. He then once more climbs up onto the bench and says, "I am proud to announce that the winners of the custom piece of art that will be designed for them will be Archlector Bianca, and Lady Lucita Igniseri." after drawing the names from the names of all those who had participated and correctly guessed their art pieces. "Arrangement for the pieces will be made in the coming weeks. I'd like to thank everyone for attending. Please, continue to enjoy the food, drink and art, linger, and talk as long as you like."

Philomel, the Nightingale arrives, delivering a message to Deacon before departing.

"Another easy one." The Sword of Southport asides to the pair of Pravii. "On my first viewing of the piece I was graced with a particularly fond re-memory: plucking blossoms of both gold and auburn on the same balmy midsummer eve." The prurient grin on his face only blooms on his lips a moment before disappearing behind his wineglass.

Waldemai applauds for the winners, and also shouts, "Many thanks to a most excellent host!"

Orathy checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Orathy is one of those people that people won't seen unless he wants to be seen. He's been settled in a dark spot in the vacinity, watching all along.

Waldemai turns to Lady Lucita, and says, "And thank you for all the fine songs. I'm glad you won the art work."

Nicia accepts the bottle, then offers it towards Costas, "For your assistance, thank you. I might have been at this all week if left to my own poor judgment."

Acacia takes not of Orathy's arrival and smiles. "Orathy," she nods with a flicker of impish amusement in her eyes.

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

Lucita says, "Oh, my goodness, That was a surprise. I expected to enjoy the art and company of others here, but not to win anything. Thank you."

Waldemai slips off back to Southport Square, hoping that the fire in his forge hasn't burnt down half the city.

Orathy's position revealed, his dark eyes turn toward Acacia, brow raised as if to silently say: What.

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