Asger has joined the Dining Table.

Avaline arrives, following Echo.

Cirroch has joined the Dining Table.

Echo has joined the Dining Table.

Gwenna has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Cirroch has left the Dining Table.

Cirroch has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Aerandir has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.


Gwenna clears her throat and tings on her glass with a fork in an attempt to draw attention to where she stands before the tables. "Thank you, each of you, for taking time from your duties and other pursuits to come join us here at the villa. I do not think I am alone in feeling honored and grateful for your company." There's a pause as she dips her head in a motion to echo the words. "We hope to host more of these in the coming weeks and months, as we can, both to simply gather together as well as to share things from our respective homelands. One of tonights features is shark soup from House Crovane's holding of Stormwall. I was allowed a preview by Duke Asger and I can tell you, it's quite wonderful." The princess inclines her head again, this time directly to Asger in thanks. "When time allows, I would like to gather food and drink recipes, or even traditions from each of your own lands and holds, should you be willing to share them. Trading recipes, if you will. Our heritage is rich and I hope to bring at least some of it to our gatherings here in Arx. As well, our dear friends and plus-ones, I would welcome offerings from outside the North, of course, should you be equally willing to share." Pausing to glance across the dining, she prepares to conclude.

"I know these past weeks have been difficult and for many of us, even painful. While I do not have his words quoted verbatim, His Grace, our High Lord Prince Darren, once remarked that if we stop doing the things that make us who we are, the foes that come to break us have already won the war. While we could never forget the shadows that threaten our shores, nor the spirits of those who have left this world before us, let us take this time to appreciate the many blessings we can count today among our friends and family. Again, our deepest gratitude for each of you here. To the last." With that, Gwenna lifts the glass she tinged earlier in a motion of toasting, the signal to the start of dinner.


Darren has left the Dining Table.

Aiden has left the Dining Table.

Darren has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Aiden has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Astraea has left the Dining Table.

Astraea has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Echo has left the Dining Table.

Echo has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Khanne has left the Dining Table.

Khanne has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Mydas has left the Dining Table.

Mydas has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Marian has left the Dining Table.

Marian has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Tila has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Cirroch sits himself down at the larger of the table, taking one of the glasses of whiskey set at the table, and lifts his up in a cheer for Gwenna, "Well said, Princess! To the last!" And with that, he takes a long sip of his whiskey.

Darren is in the midst of settling himself in to a seat near the middle of the swords table when Gwenna gets up and begins to speak. He listens intently, his blue eyes focused on her, nodding quietly as she speaks in agreement. "To the last!" he echos, lifting the goblet in front of him which had been filled by a servant when he sat. He lowers his voice as Gwenna finishes, leaning towards her. "That was very good. It seems you are surviving your trial by fire with grace and poise. Your mother would be most proud."

Marian raises her cup of tea to her High Lord, "To the last," and takes a sip as she waits for the first course. She is quiet, thoughtful as she surveys the family and friends sitting with her. She seems relaxed enough, her polite mask in place. Her green eyes are a bit intense these days but softens in the midst of friends and family.

Asger raises his glass as Gwenna calls her toast, "To the last." and with that he tilts it back and takes a deep drink from it. Looking aside to Mydas he flashes the man a grin sharing in a faux conspiratorial whisper "I can tell ya my friend that the shark soup is going to steal the show." Eyes dancing with amusement he says "Of course when we make it at Stormwall someone wrestled the beast to exhaustion in the water before dragging it up on land to be butchered, better taste that way ya see."

Tila enters the Dining Room in a bit of a rush. Delayed with some household business or other. She curtsies, then moves to join the table. "Deepest apologies if I'm late. You set a lovely table, your highness." That to Gwenna, as she gets herself a glass of whiskey.

Mydas arrives... with his guards. No plus one with him, just the guards that have been his constant shadow recently. While they make their presence scarecly felt, the Marquis heads for the large table and takes his seat. Clad in umbra, with the occasional flash of aeterna bright, he arrives in time to hear the speech made by Gwenna. "To the last." There's a note of dark irony in his tone, but it seems only passing, as he gives a greeting smile to those already present as he sits down. Maybe it's a little forced. Either way, it's covered by a glass of whiskey before too long. The tension leaves him somewhat, however, as Asger speaks to him and the Marquis answers his friend. "Well I'd hope so, considering I and all of Acheron's soldiers will be dining at your place soon." he remarks, smirking with humour.

Aiden is clearly the odd man out in the room, with his Southern mocha skin and dark curly ringlets, though the Princess next to him, Astraea, has made sure the Grayson Prince isn't feeling excluded. They walked in together and took a place among the tables side by side. Aiden was wearing a combination of silks, a stunning white jacket over a black tunic with purple accents and black leather britches snugging waistline, with a hefty heeled boot to go with. He's dressed his best to sit beside Astraea, though upon Princess Gwenna's words to the table, he is part of that moment, of their family, experiencing the pangs of loss just as greatly as he lifts his glass to toast to them, but remains silent while he does so. He looks to Astraea with a soft word, "He's right and sometimes I feel I forget we have to move forward and not keep from what we do best. Skoal."

Echo was just in the process of getting settled when Gwenna quickly grabbed her attention with the sound of a fork tapping on the glass. She slid into her seat, pulling Avaline into the char next to her as she reaches out to grab at a drink and raise it in cheer. "Aye, to the last!" The drink was lifted to her lips and she enjoyed herself a rather generous sip before cradling it in her hands, glancing around the table and offering a smile to all those that sit near. "Oh, shark soup? I cannot wait to try some."

To be fair to Aiden, Cirroch could be confused with a southerner himself with his dark toned skin. He looking in good spirits right now, smiling as he inquires, "Shark soup? Never had shark before," he admits over to Asger. "I'll take your word for it though."

Once she has taken her seat next to Aiden, and near her kinsmen, Astraea offered gentle smiles to everyone seated. Waggling her fingers still to new faces. Gwenna is given a raise of her glass,"To the last," says the white haired princess in tandem with the others. The toast is given and so she drinks, a private look given to Marian before turning to her dinner companion for the evening. "I agree with you, your highness." Raea offers with a sympathetic look before uttering something quietly.

"To the last!" Khanne agrees as she takes her seat at the table with the others. She had poured herself a drink, of course. "Sorry I am late, and... not really dressed for dinner. I just came from a meeting..." She smiles to Cirroch and says, "you'll like it I think. It was good when I had it before."

Darren sets his goblet down, focusing his eyes on Mydas as he enters. He watches the man settle, offering him a bow of his head and a smile in greeting. "Marquis." He offers, "I am glad you could be here tonight." His attention moves to Asger, an eyebrow raising. "Do the denziens of Stormwall wrestle all their seafood, or just the sharks?" Darren asks, "Because wrestling a shark is impressive, but if you're out there dropping an elbow on a flounder I am going to find Crovane traditions /far/ more amusing than I already do."

"To the last!" reiterates the Lycene knight that is Aerandir, lifting a glass of his own to the toast, before tilting his head back in mild indulgence of the contents, marred lips smacking together as the aftertaste settles in. Sat beside Gwenna, he is, like Aiden, one to stand out in present company; possessed of a weathered, swarthy complexion and an ebony mane, one which has seen immaculate attention in being kept pristine for the occasion. The gaunt, marred man looks ever curiously between the assembled, soaking in the many faces, unfamiliar and familiar alike, before flicking a glance aside to Gwenna, "My darling brother would have been charmed by all this. Perhaps you shall have to invite him another him, Your Highness, hm?" he remarks in jovial tones, smiling cordially.

Redrain Cousin #12, well known for being particularly dog-faced, wished to make an impression. Perhaps that's why she's late, and with the Prince, Silvio, with his pretty, long hair and fancy shoes, as her arm candy for the evening. He makes /excellent/ arm candy, and curls his arm around her with a smile as they come in, and then take proper seats. Silvio smiles and casts his gaze around to the potpouri of people, eyes shifting to so many he is not yet acquainted with.

Asger snorts and tells Darren "Aye we wrestle all sorts of fish, swordfish, tuna, sharks, whales you know the works." gesturing to the man with his goblet he ask "So been meaning to ask ya, what if what a people are best at is drinkin' killing and being the most hard headed bastards south of the ever winter?"

Gwenna smooths out her leathers as she takes a seat, her smile wide at Darren's words. "Thank you, Your Grace. Do you really think so? I said it about a thousand times today to practice and wondered. Though I would like to think my mother might be proud. As for the trial by fire, we shall see. Someone may yet grace our doorway hoping to compete with thrown knives and my reputation will be ruined." The last is followed with a bit of a smirk. To Tila, she gives a small wave of her hand. "Nothing to apologize for, truly. I am grateful you could come join us!" And she does seem genuinely so. As luck might have it, the shark soup is the first to start being served, rather than keep everyone in suspense waiting for it. Silvio's entrance is greeted with a wave toward the large table to both he and Redrain cousin. A small laugh escapes her lips, head bobbing to Aerandir's words it appears. "Indeed, I think he would have found this quite charming. Next time, indeed." That said, she calls generally. "Perhaps we should introduce our guests, in case some may not be familiar. This is Sir Aerandir Elensar, a knight of honor and rather exceptional wit."

"High Lord. There's something to be said for Redrain feasts and gatherings. Keeping the winter cold and darkness far away. How could I not?" Mydas answers Darren, gradually growing more at ease, more... cheerful. He's not drinking fast enough to blame the whiskey. "Well, as much as this southern carress can be called 'winter'." Wolf eyes turn to Khanne as she arrives, and he lifts his glass to greet her. "Like you'd have missed it, even had you come in having forgotten dress and cloak." he teases.

Aerandir inclines his head curtly to any that may glance in his way upon being introduced by the princess, flashing a cordial smile alongside the gesture of it, though it's a lopsided affair, his facial scarring twisting his marred lips askew.

Cirroch looks over to Darren at the man's question, laughing as he says, "I think that's how they tenderize their fish, your grace." He looks over to Khanne and dips his head her way, "Well, if you recommend it, then I will have to try it." Seeing Tila now Cirroch gives the woman a fond smile, "Hello baby sister, I'm glad you made it. I was worried you might have gotten lost in a book on tarrifs or some other mind numbing topic."

Aiden spends a moment murmuring over again, "To the last," before he takes a long sip of his black Kraken rum. Though he is quietly speaking with Astraea and it looks like they both have a moment of astonishment between them. His own cannot be kept in a whisper, "Really? I thought I was the only one." There's great relief showing in his shoulders as he considers the rest of the table quickly before speaking lowly enough that his words don't go quiet as far in all the din.

Marian has a glass of wine, which she sees to be barely drinking. She quietly listens to all the family talk around her. She is focused on her meal, glancing up here and there when a topic grabs her attention.

Scooting her chair in just a touch more, Echo grinned over at Khanne. "You are dressed wonderfully, my Lady." Her legs were crossed by her ankles and she peered over the rim of her glass at the sea of faces. "I hope everyone has met my eldest sister, Princess Avaline Velenosa nee Igniseri?" She canted her head Avaline's way. "I should've invited our the rest of the siblings but I'm afraid Pol and Mara were probably busy or something."

"Aye," Darren says to Mydas, "I have found that when I build a good, Farhaven fire in the fireplace, I end up sweating my b..." Wait, Gwenna is hosting a nice dinner, "Being very hot." He decides. "Not enough chill in the air here for a good roaring fire." He leans back in his seat, sipping his drink and motioning to Asger. "What if that is what they are best at?" Darren shrugs, "I'll give them your lands and titles." He grins widely, obviously kidding. "Then I figure they're Crovane." Darren quiets down as introductions are being made, and Gwenna introduces Aerandir. "Welcome to the Redrain villa, Sir Aerandir." Darren says, lifting his glass to the man.

"I've seen the Duke himself wrestle a shark, and bite it!" Khanne says, lifting her glass with a smile to Asger. "I am here to verify his claims." She nods, then looks to Gwenna. "Thank you, for hosting us. It is important for all of us to gather and rejoice in what we have in times like this. And you do so in a way that seems effortless. Your practice, if you indeed had to, paid off." She grins at Mydas and says, "it might have happened a time or two.... " She smiles at Echo. "Thank you, Echo, as are you, of course." She smiles to Avaline and says, "a pleasure to meet you. I am Khanne Halfshav." Looking around she says, "I was going to bring my best friend, but she couldn't make it. Maybe next time."

Tila gets her drink in time to join in the toast. "To the last!" She then properly settles into a seat next to Cirroch. "Shark soup?" she sounds intrigued. "I've never sampled this, either. Quite interesting. And I'd not have missed this, dear brother. I've been looking forward to it all week." She offers Khanne a smile and dip of her head. "Lady Khanne. So good to see you again."

Marian gets a message and then murmurs her apologies as she discreetly leaves the room. She gives a nod to Darren and Mydas. Then smiles at the rest of her family, "I'll try to come back if this wraps up quickly." Then the Sword of Fairhaven is stalking out of the room.

Marian has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

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

Avaline has totally been here the whole time, she smiles brightly towards the crowd as Echo introduces her. "I'm afraid I've only had the pleasure of meeting Princess Marian, thusfar," she admits, dipping her head towards the warrior. "It's good to meet you all, I'm sure you'll see me around a far greater deal to come." As always, she's dressed in fine silks, and her pale hair is done up in a lycene plait. She beams happily towards Khanne in greeting, dipping her head towards her. "I look forward to getting to know you better."

Mydas turns his attention to Avaline when she is pointed out, golden eyes observing curiously. "Princess Avaline Velenosa. I hope you enjoy Northern hospitality on this night. You'll have to tell more about yourself, of course. Perhaps share a story or five about your siblings." the Marquis smirks. "Ah, but I'm forgetting myself. Marquis Mydas Acheron." And he salutes with his glass of whiskey, and drinks! "You can't have roaring fires without bitter cold. The latter makes you appreciate the former." he agrees with Darren. "Well, clearly not enough for me to have heard the details. Although... there is that one time Freja mentioned once, now that I recall..." All in good fun.

There's another look of surprise before Astraea leans over and nudges Darren playfully. "Aiden doesn't eat meat either. You used to tease me relentlessly," professes the young woman with a mischievous squint. Wine is sipped and the salad is picked at verily,"Thank you for doing this Gwenna, it's been some time since I've seen everyone in the same place." Sheepish smiles accompany her statement before settling her gaze on Asger and Khanne.

"Someone's going to show me the finer points of shark wrestling I hope? Here I was just getting the hang of bear wrestling and now this. I'm afraid I'm simply taken by curiousity to see how this might go." Aiden says something though and she blushes before rising to her feet and pulling the prince with her. "For those who haven't made his acquaintance. This is Prince Aiden Grayson. He's a very lovely man and I felt it would be impolite to make my plus one introduce himself."

Has Aksel been here the whole time? It's likely. Or he just arrived. He sits quietly where ever he is sat, looking sort of out of sorts here but also apart of things. He eats and drinks cause that's what one is to do at these sorts of things.

Cirroch gives a tilt of his head over to Astraea and Aiden, shaking his head as he says, "I can't imagine why anyone would not eat meat. Animals are born to eat and be eaten. We are no different, excluding the fact that we're better at eating then being eaten. Why do you not eat meat?"

Gwenna offers the Velenosa a bright smile. "A pleasure, Princess Avaline, and I am glad you could come join us. I will state once again my envy at your family's stunning hair color. At the risk of stirring up the journals again, I occasionally toy with they idea of dying my own," she admits with a grin. "Snowballs," she then wonders in Darren's direction, one brow arching though a smirk is faintly at the corner of her mouth. Khanne's words tug her attention rather quickly though. "Truly, my Lady? And bite it?" Her gaze flickers between the Halfshav noblewoman and Duke Asger a couple of times. "You are too kind, Lady Khanne, and thank you. Maybe next time I'll only have to say it five hundred," is joked, small laugh following. "Thank you, Princess Astraea, for coming. And welcome, Prince Aiden! I hope to have more of these dinners, if this goes well. Maybe they'll have to be plus-two?"

After another sip of her drink, Echo set it down on the surface and blinked as she watched Marian out. Her gaze drifted back to Mydas and she painted a scrutinizing gaze on the man as suggested Avaline speak to him and share stories of the siblings. "Uh oh," she mumbled out under her breath. When Aiden is introduced, Echo had a bright, dimpled-cheek smile for the Grayson prince. "So good to see you again, your Highness. In the comforts of my home and not outside the city this time too!" Finally she gave Darren a gentle nudge. "Hey, after this, can I bug you for a few minutes?"

Khanne dips her head to Tila and smiles. "You as well. You and Gwenna both shall soon be the stars of Redrain hostessing, I am sure of it." She looks to Darren and says, "Tila and Cirroch hosted a lovely mean for the Sanna and Halfshav not long ago. It was marvelous." Nodding to Avaline she smiles and says, "you as well. Are you the only sibling that didn't end up northern?" She grins then laughs towards Mydas. "Yeah.. did Darren fail to mention he walked in upon me too?"

Brahm, a large iridescent plumed raven, 2 Iron Guardsmen, 3 Veteran Confessors arrive, following Morrighan.

Asger winks to Astraea as her gaze settles on him "It's true I once wrestled a score of sharks and bit a few of them to death, long story but true none the less." gaze flitting over to AIden he shares "Aye here's the best one ya gotta hold it up real close around the bitey end that way you only get tail whipped and not bit then you gotta do some bitting yourself and have an axe in hand to do the chopping bit from the other side." tucking an arm behind his chair he takes a long drink from his goblet, draining it before setting it down on the table with a clank. Smile turning to Gwenna he asks "So Gwenny where is this world famous redrain beef stew you were telling me about the other day."

Aiden's sterling silver eyes widen around the nudge Astraea makes to Darren, for the playful drop to the High Lord that he doesn't eat meat either. To regain some composure lost, he offers, "It used to rankle my father fiercely that I wouldn't, eat meat that is. It's something I chose to do, after being able to hear what others cannot." He shrugs his shoulders, turning to Cirroch, "I guess that must explain my attempted punch earlier, hm?" He clears his throat again and notes, "I cannot eat something that speaks, feels, and thinks. I just ..." He is saved by the latter introductions from going on further, standing up then at the table and offering a bow to the Redrains, "I must humbly thank you for the invitation to dinner this evening, and to you Princess Astraea. I look forward to getting to know you all throughout the night, some of you I've already met, others I've not had the chance to." Then he smiles at Gwenna and retakes his seat, nodding to Echo, "As it is good to see you, your Highness."

"Tila Sanna," the lady in question introduces herself to Avaline. And likely others at the table she's not closely acquainted with. She keeps it general. "Good of you to join us, Princess Avaline." She sips at her drink, smile warming at Khanne. "The good lady of Halfshav flatters us, but it was a good dinner with lovely company, and I hope to do more like it. The Sanna manor isn't quite Giant's Reach, but I think we're finally making it feel a proper home."

"Doesn't eat meat?!" Darren asks, looking alarmed as his eyes settle on Aiden. "But you still eat fowl, fish, and pork right?" Darren asks, because you know, those aren't meat. His attention turns to Avaline, his head bowing in greeting. "Princess Avaline, a pleasure and an honor to have you here tonight." Flipping his eyes to Khanne, Darren raises an eyebrow. "I didn't get /my/ invitiation to that." He says, though a smile indicates he's not really offended. "Lady Tila," Darren lifts his goblet, "It would seem you represent your family well."

Echo's stare is met with his own, wolf eyes expressing but the hint of amusement. "Such memories are always fun to revisit, aren't they?" But then Khanne says something. And he arches a brow. "Why yes, he did." And then Mydas raises his voice to be easily heard over the rest of the crowd. "Prince Darren, do you make it into the habit of witnessing your vassals naked? Really, what would your wife say?" He's smiling, and definitely teasing. Possibly even having fun!

Arriving to the dinner a little late with a retinue of guards in tow, one might argue if it's fashionable or not with the leathers Morrighan is garbed in - but in the north? Might as well be. She loosens a quiet yawn while scanning over the numerous faces, some familiar, some not, but eventually she begins to meander off to find an empty spot for herself among those she does know. Probably somewhere wedged in among Darren, Khanne, or Mydas. And Gwenna, of course.

Morrighan has joined the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Aiden barely holds his composure against the alarmed look to Darren, shaking his head in the negative, "Fowl especially not." Though seeing the man's attention wander brings him back to drinking his own glass of rum, looking flushed and glancing over at Astraea, a tight smile before he fills the gaps with more sips of rum.

Aiden's words cause Cirroch to pause in thought, studying the man with a bit of confusion, dark eyes roaming over him, then to his partner Astraea. Belately he turns to Avaline, greeting her with, "I am Marquis Cirroch Sanna. It's a pleasure, my lady."

"Thank you, Your Grace, 'tis an honour," Aerandir offers in kind, taking advantage of the moment of being addressed to study Darren more thoroughly from his seat, even if only for a few moments, "The Villa is a curious sight, I must say; there is something wonderfully refreshing about northern architecture and the influences of the Compact amongst it. A pleasing blend, nonetheless!" the Lycene says in cordial tones, his focus drifting between those speaking, an amused remark directed aside to Gwenna after a long, studious look about the hall, "I was half expecting to walk into the spectacle of one of your esteemed kin wrestling with a bear, truth be told."

With his gaze wandering again then, Aerandir dips his chin to new arrivals and those who were already here, smiling again as he introduces himself towards unfamiliar faces, his words accompanied by cursory glances to many of them, "I am Sir Aerandir Elensar of Southport, Knight-Errant of the Crown, and an endless menace, if my darling brother's given titles are aught to go by," grinning lopsidedly now, the jovial knight's attention is drawn by Morrighan in particular, who he takes his time in studying from afar, until he catches himself staring and pries his gaze elsewhere as a result.

"Oh no, my brother Apollis married into Malvici," Avaline says happily, sipping on the drink of choice on offer at the table. "Honestly, I sometimes wonder if I should have married north instead, been closer to my dearest sisters," she eyes Echo and Astraea fondly. "I've missed them so much, and it's a delight to have them both in my life once again," she grins towards Mydas with a mischevious glint in her eye. "Oh I'll certainly share some stories over wine someday. Come to the estate someday," she offers, grinning for a few more moments and dipping her head towards the others as they make their introductions. Gwenna gets a chuckle. "We are truly blessed, aren't we? Such an uncommon color, especially when shared among siblings. It makes me wonder sometimes."

Darren quickly responds to Mydas, waving a hand. "I just tell her it's a trandition in the Northlands and she doesn't fuss." Darren explains, "That's the benefit of marrying a Thraxian, they /really/ do think we all run around in loincloths punching bears and sleeping in the snow." As Morrighan wedges in to a seat near him, because he says so, he reaches over and gives her arm a squeeze. "And don't think we're done talking about this, Prince Aiden. Have you told High Lord Edain you won't eat bacon? Did he faint?" Darren asks, "Because I think he eats maple syrup and bacon in his sleep."

Gwenna's comment about her hair makes her even more flustered than before and Astraea plays with it nervously. "Thank you...Gwenna but I like your hair, it's beautiful as are you." She winks at her cousin and turns back to Aiden but before she can say anything Tila has introduced herself and Darren's alarm catches her attention. The lady is offered a wave and a smile,"Good seeing you Tila." Her cousin on the other hand is given a look before she elbows him,"Darren. I will tell Donnie next time I see her." She laughs and leans around him to poke at Asger. "I wish I was there, maybe next time you won't forget to invite me when you go fishing hm?"

"What do you think of the soup, Sir Aerandir," Gwenna asks the knight. "Shark soup sounds so odd, at first, but I find I rather like it." She then gives him a bit of a long-suffered roll of the eyes. "Oh, Sir Aerandir, you too? Clearly the next dinner will have to be more of a bonfire with bear wrestling," is quipped, her tone betraying amusement. Asger's words draw her attention and she laughs. "Part of the next course, I promise my Lord. Though I almost thought to change the menu so you could try it when I get my next language lesson," she tells the Duke, her smile wide once again. Sipping a bit of wine, Morrighan's entrance gives her every reason to keep that smile in place. "Dame Morrighan, I am so glad you could come! Please, shark soup for the Knight of Farhaven." The latter is noted to one of the ever helpful staff. But back to important things - hair! "Truly bless, Princess Avaline, Princess Astraea. I told Princess Echo the other day how genuinely envious I am of you all. Everything looks stunning on you!" A dip of her head goes to Astraea. "You are too kind, cousin, truly. Thank you."

Mydas nods to Morrighan as she enters. "Dame Morrighan, a pleasure to see you in what I hope are fine moods." he greets... well, not excessively warmly, but still better than what he's managed in recent times. And he drinks his whiskey glass empty, taking another one. "I might. My duties as Mirrormask sometimes take me to the Velenosa Ward." he remarks to Avaline. "Really now?" he asks Darren. "Remind me to organize such an event. I'm sure you'll be only too glad to participate, and prove your manly valour!" But that's enough teasing of Darren for now, other things must be done. Such as... sit back and enjoy conversation.

"That's a good point," Echo says, nodding along to Darren as she shifts in her seat to look at Aiden more closely. "Don't let High Lord Edain know, he's gonna pass out. He sent us bacon muffins a our last family gathering." Her brows furrow at this and she crosses her arms, clearly unconvinced of the 'bacon muffin'. Astraea's comment has Echo nodding along as she admires Gwenna from afar. "You always tend to spoil me with your words, your Highness. I'm afraid that we're both envious of each other."

Aiden glances over at Cirroch and offers a slight shrug to the man, as if to suggest he hadn't need of it one way or the other. When Darren's attention comes back to him, he settles his glass down before him and fidgets with the utensil before him, "I haven't. It's not something I... openly discuss, because of the issues it caused in my family, with my father in particular." He murmurs, "I am healthy and fit without it." Just not a strapping young person like the majority of Redrains in the room! He nods his head, "I'll take it under advisement not to slip a word of it to Prince Edain."

Darren speaks up from his conversation, "Yes yes, being in the North makes all the women of Redrain the most beautiful in the city, we get it." He says of the conversation going on.

Khanne laughs and lifts her glass for a drink towards Mydas and Darren. "Granted... it was long before he was married. I think he was quite shocked though. He didn't linger. Some rituals are just best done.... free!" She grins without a single blush. She then smiles and waves to Morrighan. "Hey, Morri!"

"This Lord Edain sounds like my kind a man," Cirroch laughs as he takes a bowl of shark soup and eats a spoon of it. "Pretty good soup. But now all I can think of is bacon muffins. I may even pay someone to steal the recipe for me."

Tila bows her head to Darren. "I try, your grace. And may I say, I've appreciated the strong hand and steady head you've shown Redrain, during these difficult times." She leaves it at that, so as not to get too deeply into the dour subjects of those difficult times. Sipping at her whiskey, dark eyes roaving around the faces at the table.

Asger laughs and leans one arm against the table, to tell Astraea "Well then lass maybe I'll invite ya the next time I go cavorting with the fuckin' Marin'alfar and liberate under sea shrines." the potential invite followed with deep hearty laughter as he tells Gwenna "If it's as good as ya say and you make that the requirement for the language lessons I might have to steal ya back to Stormwall for a more prolonged lesson."

Just as he is asked of the soup, Aerandir delves into it with a spoon dipped in, then withdrawn towards his gaping maw, making a pleased hum at the taste of it, "I have never quite tasted anything like this, Your Highness. I recall many jests of eating shark amongst my crew aboard the Lusty Mermaid, but I never thought I'd truly see to sampling their taste..." a slight pause, then he grins lopsidedly towards Gwenna, amused by the looks of it, "Perhaps the bear wrestling is best left for the northern reaches. I am told the beasts do not take well to the southward air, nor the lack of harsh winds and cold in comparison."

"Sorry tha' I'm late," Morrighan announces to the table at large, at least to those of the Redrain fealty she's familiar with. "Kind o' over slept a wee bit," she further explains before ticking her head aside at Darren, offering a warm smile. It's one that extends to Mydas and Gwenna when they give their own greeting to the dame, and she lifts a hand into a small wave. "'ello Gwenna, Mydas eh..shark soup? It ain't got squid legs in it does it?" she can't help but wonder with a narrowing squint of her eyes. "I'm alright, I'm glad tae see you're out and about," comes a belated response, softer, to the Marquis.

"Did you just say, 'bacon muffin'?" Avaline asks Echo with a horrified expression on her face. She looks rather horrified at the idea before she looks to Gwenna and nods in agreement with her sisters. "They are right, of course. Your hair is such a pretty shade, and lovely at that. While our own hair is unique, there is something to be said for the breadth of actual color that can be found in others. Don't doubt your own beauty," Avaline says, lifting her glass. She smiles towards Morrighan as she enters and helpfully adds. "Squids don't have legs, they have tentacles!" See? Helpful!

Darren decides to sample the shark soup finally, lifting a spoon to his lips and slurping the liquid. "Oh," Darren says, taking another spoonful. "This is downright delicious." He decides, looking up at Asger. "And you say it tastes better if the shark is actually wrestled up on to the beach, eh?" He asks with a grin, before turning his attention back to Aiden. "So Prince Aiden, tell me about yourself. Aside from your dietary habits." He smiles, "Because I fear that is an area we may never see eye to eye on."

"Bacon muffins?" This wondered by Gwenna at Echo's words. "Oh, I will have to invite my Laurent cousins to the next event and hope they'll trade us a bacon recipe of some sort," she muses, a glance given over the table as the empty shark soup bowls start being collected and a hearty beef stew loaded with vegetables seems next on the agenda. Plates of vegetables sans meat are placed before the meat-averse, Gwenna given a grin to the woman apparently in charge of timing the courses. Asger gets a smirk. "Well, I want to visit Stormwall anyhow, so that may work out just fine, my Lord." She appears pleased at Aerandir's remarks about the soup, laughing a little. "And here I thought all sailors ate might be shark." A laugh and shake of her head are then offered to Morrighan. "No squid legs, Dame. I don't think I'm quite that adventurous."

"Bacon muffins sound delicious, I don't know why you are making that face," Cirroch says back to Avaline with an amused grin over towards the woman. Upon hearing Gwenna he turns to the woman, requesting, "Make sure you share the bacon recipe with me." Seeing the Morrighan has arrived, the woman is given a nod in greeting, "My lady."

On the contrary to her sibling's horror Astraea is only snickering. "Bacon muffins are delicious if you have maple and bacon jam and butter." She admits with a sheepish shrug,"Hey I lived in Sanctum for three years of my life, the cuisine grew on me. Alas. That was then. Now, it's unappealing to say the least." Morrighan is given a wave,"Hey Momo!" Then more vegetables are devoured and washed down with a swig of rum. She might have been elvish in her proportions but Raea threw down at the dinner table. She was onto her third plate and all while doing it so lowkey. "Asger you got to go raid, I mean liberate Marin'alfar shrines?" She winks to show she was jesting with her choice of words.

"Yes, bacon muffins." Echo seems /really/ caught up in this. "They're..." Her grip tightens on her cutlery. "They're different." Concluding her thoughts on bacon muffins, she asks as an open offer, "Next time any of you go bear wrestling, take me with you! I want to see how I'd fare." Echo has a crooked smile at the thought of wrestling bears before directing that smile to Darren. "Aiden's dietary habits aside, I did meet him outside the city walls wandering around in the cold with prince Artur. That's something you can likely appreciate, right?"

"Well..." The laughter dies in his eyes, and Mydas looks away from the crowd and the conversations happening around him, turning his feral orbs to gaze at Morrighan instead. "I've had a lot of time to think. To reflect. And quite frankly? I'm sick of it." He raises his glass, looks at the whiskey therein. "So I figured a night where I'd do absolutely no soul-searching would be good. I doubt I'll get black-out drunk, however. There is some decorum to keep." he tells her.

Asger licks his lips as he explains to Morrighan and Gwenna "Actually lasses, if ya take a squid chop its tentacles up into slightly smaller then bite sized pieces, boil 'em up with the good kind of seaweed then clean and roast the body of the bugger to add in last ya get a fuckin' amazing soup. Course it needs some herbs, and veggies but fuckin' good all the same." With a grin over to Astraea he explains "Actually lass, we were liberating a Mangota shrine with the heelp of the elves miles underwater. Best memory of my life."

"Shark wrestling?" Morrighan pipes up after a time, sending a quizzical look to Darren before peering at the soup in question. "Is tha' a Thrax thing? Like bear wrestlin', only with fish, in th'water?" Once assured there's no squid legs writhing about in the dish, the dame procures a small bowl for herself, though keeps a dubious look. She looks down the table, spying Cirroch, and the redhead offers a nod in greeting - as well as to those she might have earlier missed. Her focus shifts back to Mydas, gaze somber, head slowly nodding in understanding. "S'okay, I understand. If'n you need a steady shoulder tae brace yerself on afterward, I'll see you get back tae your domain safe an' sound."

Grinning, Gwenna bobs her head a few times to Cirroch. "Of course, though in trade. Any sort of delicacy or dish Sanna claims as a favorite, Marquis, my Lady," she wonders, glance going between Cirroch and Tila. "Well, honestly, I'll share it without a trade, but do truly hope to have a bit of something from all of the Northern lands at future dinners. Maybe get people in the city interested in, say, the plums my mother is so fond of in Farhaven." While the methods by which someone can make squid edible cause Gwenna to wrinkle her nose, the latter remarks Asger makes seems to give her pause. "That sounds like it must be quite the tale, actually."

Aiden was quietly eating things that did not have meat in it, which generally meant veggie soup or salads. It's something he chooses to do and quietly now, that his dietary habits have been aired like dirty laundry. His eyes lift up from where he was pushing a few things around with a fork. The ask of who he was is met with a strange look before he offers, "Aside from arranging strange trips north with a handful of Redrains," he nods to Asger and Khanne, including Darren with a smirk, "I'm..." He takes a moment then supplies, "I'm often busy with my duties now. I've just been raised to Scholar-Liaison, officially a scholar for Vellichor, so teaching keeps me exceptionally busy when I'm not off adventuring, as I'm an Explorer too. And Minister of Upkeep... and you know, Officiator of the Menagerie that many of you here helped with," again a nod to Darren. "I've also been promoted to Commander of the Grayson Archers, so I'll be with you all in battle, if it's in Crovane or not, I cannot say, but Princess Marian's request has not fallen on deaf ears." He hms, "I mean I guess I like to research, pen the odd book, have horse races into the forest, spend time as a falconer. Wallflower at big parties..."

Khanne seems to have gotten lost in the buzz of conversation. She leans back in her chair, her mist grey eyes slipping from conversation to conversation as she enjoys her glass of whiskey. She smiles here, tilts her head curiously there, but doesn't make much comment, perhaps not even hearing if anyone spoke to her for a moment.

"Am I hearing my baby sister talk about wrestling bears now?" Avaline asks, lifting her eyebrow towards her. "Oh please don't worry your big sister like that, now I need to come to make sure I'm there to drag you away when the bear gets a good hit in. You do know they are... strong, right?" Avaline seems concerned and not at all sure if Echo is serious or not. She looks to Astraea and smirks a little. "I don't know how you can drift away from the cuisine we enjoyed as children. I personally tried to give up meat with you but... I just couldn't."

"Well, it'll take me a while before I'm wobbling on my feet... but I'll reach out to you if I need it. Thank you." Mydas answers Morrighan, and resumes his social drinking, while watching and listening to the rest of conversation. "You know... It's reminding me of my first dinner in Redrain. My introduction to the fealty at large. Signe and I were left to our own devices while Nadia... was Nadia." he remarks to both Morrighan and Khanne.

"The archers you say?" Darren asks, his attention suddenly caught completely by Aiden. "You know, I may have a favor to ask of you then..." he waves a hand, "I'll talk to you about it later, since I don't miss business with shark soup." Darren notes, taking another slurp of soup. "So you are keeping yourself busy then?" Darren says, with a wide grin. "That's good to hear. I've been meaning to drop by the Menagerie, I don't think I've made it over since my return from Farhaven."

Tila lets out a wry little laugh to Gwenna. "I think we can manage something fine from Giant's Reach for you. My favorite dishes tend to involve goat. Or sheep's stomach, for the more adventurous. But our cook does wonderful things with cinnamon as well that you might enjoy, if you've a sweet tooth." There's a blink, as Aiden lists off all of his duties, and she turns her attention to the Grayson man. "My word. You must be excellent at time management, with all of that, your highness."

"'Tis wonderful to see you again, Princesses Echo and Astraea; it has been far too long since I was last graced by your beauty and company alike, though I must confess this is an act of cruelty, to blessed with the sight of you both at once, yet to have to choose upon whom to rest my eyes," Aerandir remarks toward the women in question in flattering tones that border on amusement, smiling wryly at the familiar pair of them in his cursory glancing. A playful look is cast aside to Gwenna at her words, "Oh, if only. 'Tis a rather expensive delicacy, I hear. I've no desire to pursue the predators of the sea, regardless, with such intent; it seems very much like fighting a losing battle to me, yet somehow here we are, with shark soup in my grasp," he muses, finishing the rest of the soup at a leisurely pace, after which he eagerly moves on to the beef and vegetables, his table manners ensuring he slows down in spite of his evident hunger and appetite, "Only Thraxians could manage such a feat, I think."

Khanne blinks and says, "wait... " Her eyes go to Astraea. "Raid the shrines?" She shakes her head. "We did not -raid- the shrines. We helped free them from the abyssal shit choking the life out of them." Perhaps this is a bit of a sensitive issue for her. She calms a little when Asger speaks about it a little more, but finishes her glass of whiskey in a few gulps.

Cirroch gives Gwenna a dip of his head and a grin in turn. "Sure, I will share with your one of Giant's Reach more popular dishes." He gives a small dip of his head towrads Tila, telling her, "We'll pick something out to share."

Echo nods along with Morrighan's thoughts. "How do you even begin to wrestle a shark? That sounds awful tough. Unless it's a beached shark and then it sounds too easy." It's important to Echo that everyone gets a fair fight, even sharks. Pallid irises shift onto Gwenna, "Oh, I'm going to be helping you out with evacuating people, not sure if Darren told you." Her lower lip comes out in a bit of a pout and she looks at Avaline. "Ava, I'm tougher than a bear! You don't need to worry about me at all." Darren's inclusion of Aiden has Echo smiling wide once more. "Oh, I can't wait to see the result of this - If you can manage to snag Prince Aiden, I'd be really happy!" Finally she turns her attention to Aerandir, cheeks coloring slightly. "You're too sweet. Raea's far cuter, you should look at her." This comment was supplemented with a gentle wave of her hand to her sister.

"Yes," Aiden quips in to confirm Darren's attentive ask. The matter of mixing business with shark soup has the young man smirk quietly, "Of course." He nods again at the matter of keeping himself busy, "If I don't, then I'd feel... as if I wasn't doing my part. I may not be a big flashy warrior that can take on a giant or a bringer by myself, but, I do what I can to help people succeed, so that they can be prepared. I think... my favorite part is being with the birds though. Baron Archibald Chirpington was quite displeased that he couldn't come tonight. I wasn't sure if it would be rude or not to bring my gyrfalcon." Probably rude, probably best he didn't. To Tila he looks to her, "I hardly sleep." It's a polite yet laconic answer. Truth or not is hard to tell. He merely smiles in wan behind his lifted glass.

Aiden looks to Echo, "Wait, what? Snag me for what?"

Echo blinks innocently. "I didn't say nothing."

Morrighan's response is quiet, yet another nod while she absently pokes and prods at the soup, though without much of an appetite, not much is consumed. Her gaze shifts aside to Khanne and she leans over, arm outstretched, reaching over enough to give the shaman a light pat on the back. "I dunnae.." the dame begins answering Echo, "I'd jus' prefer tae wrestle bears instead." She ticks her head aside at Mydas, blinking up at him while her gaze goes unfocused. Contemplative. "I'm nae sure I remember if'n I was there or nae, but I do remember th'first time I met her. Nngh..I miss Siggy and Gurdy."

Astraea comes back to the table just in time to offer a hug to Aerandir. "Good to see you again, aye." Her seat is taken once more and Khanne is given a quirked brow. "I was told people removed sacred weapons or something of the sort. Not that they won't be put to good use but it was definitely a joke. Couldn't imagine anyone actually doing that." Asger is given a sheepish grin before she leans over to say something to him that gets lost in the din of conversation.

Aiden looks suspicious at Echo, playfully so, letting his brow retain an upper curve, as if to say, I don't believe you. Stare!

"Do you truly wrestle bears? I just..." Avaline seems astonished. "I thought this was just a joke you told the rest of the compact," she eyes Echo again. "Just let me watch at least. If you're going to subdue a bear, I'd like to see it."

Aiden does let his gaze fall back to Astraea, hearing something about sacred weapons, though not enough to actually chime into that conversation. Maybe distractedly listen, because Echo deserves another contemplative look.

"We're known for wrestling bears." Darren tells Aiden, "I mean, we're pretty tolerant of random wildlife in the house." He grins, before turning his attention to Cirroch and Tila. "Speaking of Giant's Reach, how is the homeland?" Darren inquires, "I have been meaning, on my next trip to the Northlands to drop by. I've wanted to take Donella to show her the geysers."

Gwenna blinks a few times at Aiden, impressed from the looks. "That is...quite a lot, your highness. If you might have time, which it does not sound like you have terribly much of, I would love if you might have someone from your staff send a few recipes for meatless dishes? I imagine you might have ones we would not think of here." Tila's words cause the Redrain princess to perk up. "I love goat, my lady, and have an absolutely dreadful sweet tooth. Things with cinnamon sound delightful. I very much look forward to whatever you might be willing to share," is said, her gaze shifting back to Cirroch. "I will attempt to commandeer the bacon muffin recipe, at least, and one of our beef stews for certain." She lifts her wine glass in a mini-toast of thanks. Again, Aerandir makes her chuckle. "Well, I can't fault you there, Sir Aerandir. I can't say I would readily jump into the seas myself, though the soup is so delicious..." A few bobs are then offered to Echo. "He suggested as much, which seemed a brilliant idea to me. It will take a small army of us for the evacuation, at least, and I'm excited we'll get to work together. I'm still trying to catch up with Captain Kaede about the sea effort as well."

"Well Gwenny we'll have to get you to see Stormwall during the evacuation and before we're going to have to start rebuilding projects. It'd be a shame if you didn't see the Jewel of the north as it stands before renovations." Asger tells Gwenna rather seriously before Khanne and Astraea snatch up his attention "Yeah not entirely sure how normal people would raid one of their shrines anyways....Probably with a giant bell to trap all the air in that way ya could do the raiding underwater."

Echo sinks into her seat a little bit as she sips at her drink, completely avoiding eyecontact with Aiden in the most obvious fashion ever. "Okay, you can come watch me wrestle a bear when we get to it," she says with a firm nod, "But no interfering, it would be no fair for either of me or the bear." Her gaze anchors on Gwenna and she says, "Oh, Captain Kaede is working with us..?" Her nose wrinkles. "Well, it'll be fun to work with you!"

"Mm. Well, I'm sure he'll return to the city soon. He's got plenty of duties that await him when he does." Mydas remarks to Morrighan regarding Sigurd. "As to Signe... who knows where she is now. Hopefully safe. Or at least whole." He returns to even more drinking. Until he hears the name of Kaede. "Ah yes, the Prodigal Captain? Seemed like an interesting sort."

Aerandir offers Astraea a fleeting half embrace as she comes by, smiling up warmly at the woman, a flicker of a glance cast toward Echo, "You are too modest, Your Highness," before his attention shifts back to those speaking, and then finally back aside to Gwenna, with a question posed in evident curiosity, "Have you ever sailed?"

"We did not take weapons from the shrines..." Khanne says to Astraea. "Others were sent on missions to find such things. We did not. We were helping Mangata... not ourselves." She watches as the Princess leans in to Asger. She takes a breath and reaches for a bottle, pouring more into her now empty glass and setting her attention on others around her, and the conversation of bear wrestling.

"It goes well, your grace," Cirroch says back to Darren as he takes another sip of his soup. "Winter is always pretty harsh up in the mountains. But our people thrive. At least the Shav only attack infrequently, and we hope once the war is over we can convince them to bend a knee and join The Compact." He gives a little smile to Darren, "Please, bring Princess Donella, she can try Sanna's hot springs. Many of the women of Giant's Reach claim it does wonders for the skin. I know my mother swore by the waters and she didn't get a wrinkle on her skin until much later in life."

"Well,' is Tila's reply to Aiden. "Your dedication is admirable." To Gwenna, her smile broadens. "Goat it is, then. Only the stoutest creatures can thrive in the climate of Giant's Reach, so our goats are /especially/ tough creatures. But their meat is excellent if you know how to cook it. I think we can find you many fine things from our kitchens to enjoy."

Her own statements given, she falls silent for a few moments, looking around the room and listening in to the conversation around her as she eats the stew provided.

"Khanne you'll have to tell me more because I clearly got two stories in the same go." Astraea shakes her head with a slight bit of disappointment. "People can't keep anything straight these days." Then Aerandir is given a suspicious look,"You be...nice to my little sister." Echo isn't spared the eye of suspicion and neither is Avaline or Aiden or Darren for that matter. "What's this about archers?" She asks on the tail end of her last plate for the night, five was good.

Darren nods his head to Cirroch, "Excellent!" He smiles, lifting his goblet to his lips. "You should come by the villa sometime when we've a chance to discuss business. I'd to talk a little shop," He motions to the table, "But as I said, one does not mix shark soup and business." He grins, before allowing his attention to wander over the others in the room.

Khanne looks up to Gwenna then and says, "I spoke a bit to Kaede recently. I think she will be a big help. I do hope you are able to arrange a time to talk to her soon." She nods to Astraea and her brows arch slightly. "it's true... People cannot. I will be happy to tell more of our tale, if Asger doesn't beat me to it."

Hearing Khanne's response, Mydas shifts his attention to her conversation, looking mildly annoyed. "I'd like it if people would stop spreading rumours about, now of all times. Getting to deal with that nonesense from the Mirrormasks was enough, we don't need whispers of division between faiths."

Aiden nods to Darren, "I didn't ask before hand, knowing that, I shall have to bring him by, should I attend another. He eats... what I don't, if it's served on my plate. It's a good... system, we have worked out." His hands fidget and he settles his fork down by his plate, spending a little more time drinking. Gwenna does draw his attention, nodding to confirm that it was, "It is. Though sadly, that's not all of what I do, because I left out leading the veterinarians in the physicians, clerking sometimes for the Crown court, and well, I am still a probationary Observer. I think I'm just good at commanding people. I can't do it all alone. However, a lot of these roles overlap eachother, which helps, and a lot of them aren't full time - most of them are as needed. For instance, the Menagerie and the veterinarians go hand in hand, as do parts of exploring and being a scholar. I make it work. I need to, as I would otherwise feel quite..." And that's where his voice gets lost in the din, before he takes a sip. "But yes, I can try to get you a recipe or two. I don't cook, but I have a cook who does." He regards Echo with a smirk and finishes up his rum. He looks for another. He nods to Tila, "I enjoy it. I wouldn't do it otherwise."

Khanne nods to Mydas and says, "yes. There seems to be rumors flying all around about things as of late. I do not understand if people like to stir the pot and upset others? Or are just... well... Yeah, it would be nice if people stopped spreading rumors."

"Oh but of course, I'd /never/ dream of the opposite," Aerandir remarks toward Astraea, another wry smile given, until he sobers up some and looks to the ongoing discussion with a singular lofted brow. Taking the moment to drink generously from his glass, he seems to grow thoughtful at the talk of division and rumours.

"He's always nice to me," Echo tells Astraea with a wink to Aerandir. She lifts from her seat to quickly scoot up to Darren's side and whisper something into his ear. After she's done whispering, she idles by Darren's side, waiting for a response.

Avaline has only finished the one plate, and she eyes Astraea with an incredulous look, as well as a bit of a blink at the suspicious look thrown her way. "What's that look for?" she lifts her eyebrow. "I've been perfectly behaved all night, I'll have you know!"

"I'll take you up on that offer," Cirroch says back to Darren, lifting his whiskey glass to him. "Send for me whenever, your grace. I'll come over with my best bottle of whiskey, and promise not to drink it all before I arrive." He looks over to Khanne and Mydas, missing their converstation and catching the tale end of it, looking a bit confused, but doesn't ask more, though he does give a curious look over to his friend Khanne.

Gwenna shoots Asger a bright smile, likely due in no small part to her nickname. "It would not hurt to try to manage a trip beforehand, my lord, to get a better idea of the area. There is much to plan and prepare for." Quiet to mull that a moment, she doesn't let any concerns she has linger too long. "I have not truly sailed, Sir Aerandir. Small boats for idle fishing, but not raced across the sea on a vessel meant to conquer waves. Do you miss it terribly?" Empty plates are removed and, where requested, soup, stew, and even the steamed vegetables are refilled on request. Drinks as well, naturally. Oval platters of fruit tarts are set here and there along the table within easy reach of guests hoping for something sweet to nibble on next. To Echo, Gwenna bobs her head. "I very much look forward to it, cousin. I wish it were for less dire circumstances. Truly, Lady Khanne? I will say, Captain Kaede seems quite comfortable regarding the sea. Not everyone will be able to evacuate by land." Next, her head dips in thanks to Tila. "I very much look forward to it. We should trade a few recipes sometimes together, if time allows my lady. And ah, thank you, Prince Aiden. I will look forward to the missive from your cook as well." Then she falls silent, if only to pluck up a tart to nibble on herself.

"Mm. Well, one need only look at the white journals recently to have their answer." Mydas notes to Khanne. "You'd think we weren't off for the fight of our lives soon." A pause. "Well, probably not the fight of our lives. Certainly not at this rate." He shrugs, and returns to drinking.

Aiden was totally done talking now. Yep. He tries to listen to what other people are saying, nodding to Gwenna.

Aerandir is given a lingering look before she smiles,"Alright now. I mean it's for your own safety. Most all of our siblings are in town and there's identical twins among us. That...will be one confusing beat down if you don't." Astraea laughs and slides over a tumbler of rum for the man before she looks to Echo and directs Aiden's attention at her. "Isn't she adorable? Look at how she scooted across the..." She stopped for fear of teasing her baby sister too much.

"Sometimes people jus' like tae be verra chatty about things they dunnae know about, 'specially if'n it's a big thing goin' about," Morrighan absently remarks to Mydas and Khanne both while she searches the table for something to drink - opting for a little wine, if she can find it. A glance aside as Khanne is given, her expression thoughtful. "Probably jus' lack o' knowledge, but I dunnae doubt some like tae stir th'pot. Seen tha' plenty b'fore." She pauses, then, giving a little snort. "Th'whites jus' make me want tae plant my face ontae my desk an' drink another bottle."

"Thanks Darren!" Echo says cheerfully as she makes her way over to her seat. She drops a hand on Avaline's shoulder and gives it a small, comforting squeeze, before dropping into her seat. She blushes faintly at Astraea's comment and immediately lifts her glass to her lips.

Darren inhales deeply, turning his eyes to Avaline. "So Princess," he says, "I know that you /claim/ to be Echo and Astraea's sister..." he trails off, "But I see /no/ familial resemblence, so I don't believe it." He decides, "I think the only way we'll be able to verify your lineage claim is to bring you up to Farhaven for awhile, see how you thrive in the Northlands. These two," he motions to Echo and Astraea, "Have taken to it like a polar bear to a glacier, so my assumption is you would as well." As Echo thanks him, he grins and nods. "You're welcome Echo!"

To Mydas, Avaline offers her own appraisal. "That people are still able to be so petty in the fact of such danger is actually rather heartening," Avaline states, sipping at her wine for a moment. "We want life here in Arx to be as normal as possible, to give people a sense of stability. People may blanch at the behavior of certain members of royalty lately, but that's all in service to allowing people to feel as if they are still in control of their lives. These petty struggles still matter, and if people are still fighting in the whites... well clearly the end of the world can't truly be coming. Really, isn't that what we want? FOr life to continue on as normal as possible while we try to find a way to fix that which is barreling down on us?"

Tila grows quieter as the evening wears on, but she'll linger at the table to enjoy the good drinks, food, and company.

"I am in agreement," Cirroch says back to Morrighan, pointing his glass her way, a bit of passion filling his voice. "Not only that? If you have something to say to someone, say it to their face. Don't write it down in a journal, which is suppose to be religiously significant by the way. It's the equivalent of gossiping in a shrine, I say. It's petty and weak."

Aiden finds himself looking toward Echo and then back to Astraea, a little blank eyed at what was going on, owlish perhaps. He continues to eat as the Redrains are Redrains around him, smiling politely every now and then between their words.

Khanne snorts a laugh at Mydas' comment and nods. She smiles at Cirroch then and shrugs a little before leaning closer to murmur something to him. When she sits up straighter again, she nods to Morrighan. "True... very true. Hey... speaking of another bottle. I didn't forget, I still owe you one." Her eyes shift to Gwenna then. "She does seem very knowledgable and comfortable with her skills. She has a good idea, like you said... not everyone can evacuate by land... and I think she has the skill to do it. But!" she suddenly exclaims. "Probably shouldn't talk business tonight. Fun and whiskey..." She nods, lifting her glass once more.

Asger tsks at Gwenna "But in all seriousness lass if you can sit still for a moment so I can steal some of your time I'd be more then happy to get back to the language lessons, stew or no."

"Hear hear." Mydas raises his glass to Morrighan, but then his attention shifts. "Ah, but therein comes the issue that these past few days, behaviour in the white journals was not normal. One need only to look at the reactions among those in nobility older than twenty." Mydas points out to Avaline. "That everything is normal is what we should showcase, to show confidence and trust among each other, even if the stress of the oncoming fleets assail us day and night. We cannot allow division, even if in truth we all know such divisions are normal. To pretend that everything is normal does not mean that we should allow things that would normally take place in times of peace. Appearance, and truth, are two very different things." he remarks. He seems happy to discuss, and indee,d his eyes are more animated as he speaks to Avaline, happy for the dialogue of thoughts.

Tila has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

The Lycene knight hums in thought then, looking all the more pensive as his grey gaze drifts back to Gwenna at her words, and then to Astraea at hers, an amused grin sprouted. A small while of silent contemplation reigns over Aerandir, but when he speaks up again, it's with a rueful smile, "Perhaps you should give it a chance, one day, when there is time for it, Your Highness. I do miss it quite a bit, but naught will truly stop me from taking a voyage every now and then, once the war has ended," he hums again, smiling a little more fondly, as he regards Gwenna, "I miss my crew and Shiny, the most, I think, apart from all the other wonders and soothing sights of the seas. I imagine 'tis not common, regardless, for northerners to have any penchant for sailing, or to be fond of it - I certainly am yet to hear of such. Are there any amongst your family that may share my love for the seas, mayhap?"

Aiden hears the talk of white journals and murmurs, "It's a hard lesson everyone does have to endure. Though it only takes once for the hive of your peers to come down on you before you think to do something so foolish again. It's a shame, because then people start to filter the White Journals, which is supposed to be a record of what happens in our lives. If people are afraid to say what they wish? That is how history gets colored."

Astraea looks pretty embarrassed now and she begins sinking lower in her seat. Her gaze darts to Aiden and then to Mydas, Momo and Khanne. She shifts in her seat a little bit more before she blushes and clears her throat,"Excuse me. I'm going to take a walk." She stands up quickly, walks past Gwenna and gives her a hug before stopping and kissing her siblings on the forehead. Waves are offered to everyone else as the sweep of her sunset colored silks brush across the floor.

Astraea has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

"What?" comes a questioning response from @Me as she plants an elbow on the table, cheek resting into a gloved palm while she swirls a bit of wine about in her glass. "Eh...what do you owe me a bottle for? You might nae have forgotten but I evidently have. Did I lose one? Have you been in my liquor cabinet, woman?" The dame drifts into a bit of silence, listening to Mydas with an agreeing nod of her head. "Why even pretend? One can ignore somethin' all they like but it ain't goin' tae change th'fact it's there. Jus' accept it, deal with it, an' keep doin' whatever you need tae do. Ain't all rainbows an' butterflies."

"Isn't that what Black Reflections are for?" Cirroch ask back to Aiden, turning his gaze towards the man. "So that the more hidden truths can be discovered by our descendants? And white journals are what we wish for the public to know?" Seeing Astraea depart he gives the woman a wave before turns back to her companion.

"The hive, is it..?" Echo responds to Aiden, musing in her thoughts for a moment. "That's an interesting way to put it, but I agree completely -" She pauses as Astraea quickly scoots off and falls silent herself. A sip or two was taken of her drink and she looks up at Avaline almost expectantly. "Poor Raea... I've been avoiding whites because a lot of people have been butting heads non-stop for days now."

"That's a good point," Avaline agrees with Mydas at that. "I stirred the pot perhaps a little more than I should have the other day, but it was a pot that I felt needed a little stirring. If there's anything I cannot tolerate it's insincerity, and I try to weed it out like an exterminator trying to clear a grainery," Avaline sips her wine, giving a glance to Aiden. "For all the stir that I caused, I imagine I'll do so again in time. It's just how the whites work, though perhaps I'll wait a little longer until we've dealt with our current situation," she seems ready to say more but Astraea's departure seems to confuse her for a moment and she rises from the table then. "As much as I'd hate to depart so soon, we can discuss it another time. You all have a good evening." Avaline offers a dip of her head to the rest assembled. "Good evening, all of you," Avaline offers sincerely.

"You pretend because when the farmer looks up to you, he needs to know that you're confident the evil will be stopped. He needs to know his family will be safe should he be called to war. Every single one of your soldier leaves something behind when you call them to arms. They must be able to trust you, to leave it. That is why we must pretend confidence, should there be some lacking. That is why we must be strong, even when within ourselves we shiver in fright at what may come. To be noble is more than privilege and titles and fancy clothes. It is duty, it is responsability. And it is the duty to fake it even when you know it's all a farce." he explains to Morrighan. He nods to Avaline as she announces her decision to leave. "Likewise, Your Highness, till we meet again."

Aiden shakes his head, "The blacks are only released when someone wills it that way..." He looks confused as Astraea bolts from the table, leaving him a little flustered as his eyes follow her, before he settles a look upon Cirroch, lifting his shoulders. Echo's agreement has him nod, "It is not our place to say what can or cannot be put in either the White or Black journals. That is for you to decide, each of you." He watches Avaline go as well, looking torn between following and remaining. Dabbing his mouth with a napkin he rises from the table, "It has been an honor to dine with you tonight. If you'd excuse me, I should ensure I haven't offended the Princess Astraea." Because... that was totally his escort here right? Meeep.

"Eh, people need to put down the damn quill and just have a fight." Darren says, "Throw a few punches, drink some whiskey, be done with it." He waves a hand to the door, "All this talking and back in forth in journals doesn't convince anyone of anything, it just erodes the confidence of the people. They figure if we can't solve these kinds of conflicts, how the hell are we going to solve the ones where our lives are on the line?" Darren asks, lifting his goblet of whiskey. "Either way," he lifts his goblet to Gwenna. "Let me say again, my dear cousin, how wonderful this evening was. I am truly grateful you organized this meal."

"I found myself actually at a loss each time I went to scribe my journals," Gwenna admits once she's cleaned any stickiness from the tart off her fingers. "Reading it all was almost like getting lost. Anything I thought to write just seemed...out of place," she admits while taking up her wine glass again, raising in Morrighan's direction as well. Khanne's words make her grin a bit. "Ah, but indeed, fun and whiskey, not much business tonight, Lady Khanne. After this dinner, Asger, time will be freer. I truly wish to learn the language before we all head to Crovane. I want to be able to speak to your people if whatever language they prefer." Astraea's words and hug cause Gwenna to bob her head. She watches the departures, thoughtful, before turning back to Aerandir. A bit of a wistful smile tugs the corners of her mouth. "It sounds as though you miss it, indeed. There are some in the family, I'm sure, who favor the sea..." A glance and arched brows go to Darren briefly. "Though the sea only touches a few places in the North, really. I would like to give it a chance sometime, though. Have you been out recently?" Back to the High Lord, the princess inclinees her head. "Thank you, Your Grace, but the meal is only half of it. Our company makes it. Thank you all, truly," she offeres around, raising her glass again to everyone gathered. "And thank you, Your Grace, for trusting me to attempt such a thing. We shall do so again once things settle, yes?"

Aiden is overheard praising Gwenna for: A lovely hostess!

"You should'nae have tae pretend confidence, you know, nae on this matter," comes a cryptic response from Morrighan as she looks aside to Mydas, though seems focused on his explanation on the matter of pretending. "I ain't sayin' there will'nae likely be loss, there has been an' continue tae will be, but in th'end, we'll win an' it'll be fine. I ain't worried. I suppose I'm spoiled in tha' Redrain has always taken good care o' me until I was able tae stand on my two feet, but my confidence in th'fealty has never wavered. I forget what it must be like tae those who dunnae see what I see or know what I know." Falling silent for a time, she lightly scuffs her boot on the floor under the table. "Did'nae mean tae offend, Mydas. Sorry. I did'nae mean tae imply anythin' by it. I know there's a great responsibility an' duty on th'shoulders o' th'nobility."

"That is a fair point. Foolish people will be foolish," Cirroch says back to Darrow with a raise of his whiskey glass to the man. "And that is a good way to solve disputes. Punch each other, drink, and if you are still angry, punch some more. Keep going until you someone blacks out from the punching or the whiskey, or you put aside your anger." He turns back to Aiden, dipping his head, "Ah, right. I keep forgetting that. I already decided I'm going to release my Black Journals. All that are really there are some private thoughts and a record of places I've woken up blackout drunk."

"You'll have to forgive my siblings," Echo says with an uneasy smile, "Raea made a comment on the whites and got a bit... Picked on?" She wrinkles her nose. "I believe Ava went to do what older sisters do - and is comforting her." The chevalier offers Aiden a small smile. "I apologize, this is probably really awkward for you."

Cirroch is overheard praising Gwenna for: She is an excellent hostess!

Khanne seems confused by all the leaving, blinking her eyes. She is interrupted then when Drysi brings her a note. Curious, she unfolds it to read, and smiles. The talk of journals and things kind of fades into the background for her for a moment.

Darren smiles to Gwenna, "Yes, your company is also wonderful. Boy, fishing for compliments earlier about your appearance, now about the company..." He shakes his head, "Pretty transparent, Gwenny." He winks, before turning his eyes to Echo. "I haven't caught up on journals today. Someone went after Raea?" Darren narrows his eyes, "Do we need to start punching?"

Aiden looks relieved that it wasn't necessarily him that chased his escort from the room from Echo's words. Hut he steps around the chair anyway and bows to Gwenna, "Thank you Your Highnesses, for having me." A look toward Echo, as he sympathizes, "I've said the wrong thing too, in the past. I've felt the weight of opinion and pressure from my peers, but at the end of the day, I live with my choices and my words. We are only who we are. We have the freedom to do that." He tips his head, "Please do enjoy the rest of your dinner. It was lovely." He will clasp hands with any of the Redrains that wish it, going from one to the other to make sure personal sentiments are said before he moves to trail after Astraea.

"Thank you for joining us, Prince Aiden. You are welcome back to any dinner, as I think you've survived a bit of your own trial by fire," Gwenna remarks to the Grayson, grinning.

Mydas waves it off. "Not all have your confidence. I am certain we shall triumph. It'll take hard work, and it must be made clear that all must do their part. But I would not hold it against anyone that might think twice before leaving their families behind to go fight in some far-off land. I'll get them to move, but I wouldn't blame them." he says with a shrug. "But now, I must depart and prepare. I wish you all a good evening." Mydas nods to the others, and takes his leave.

Aiden chirps back to Gwenna, "And what a lovely fire it was. So warm I could almost move in." And then he drifts out to wander around the ward, hopefully he doesn't get lost!

Aiden has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

1 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Aiden.

Mydas has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Sir Erron, 2 Acheron guards leave, following Mydas.

The Lycene knight appears pensive at the talk of journals, black or white, nose wrinkling in brief. Not deigning to play any part in that conversation just yet, Aerandir inclines his head to those who depart, watching them go before his attention befalls Gwenna once more, "I have not, Your Highness, much to my chagrin. Something to remedy soon, perhaps, though the unpredictable tides of duty can oft keep one confided in the city rather endlessly," he muses falling silent again as he looks between those speaking, brows furrowed in thought of his own.

The redhead's expression falls whenever Mydas takes his leave, and she rests her forearms on the edge of the table, chin settling upon them. Morrighan drifts into a state of quiet, lightly twisting the stem of her wine glass about, spinning it around every so often.

After a moment, Cirroch turns to Khanne, deciding, "Since we're not talking business this dinner, I won't press the issue too much. But I think we should perhaps have a meeting of the Northern Development Council, maybe to discuss how best to provide relief to Stormwall after the war."

Echo finishes up the rest of her drink and sets it down on the table. Having watched a few more people make their escape and the room grow quiet, she announces to the whole table, "I've been pretty quiet about this, but I feel like I should make it known here. If anyone here or anyone you know is looking for training with the larger variety of weapons, send them my way. I believe I could help out in a way that no others could in the city."

"Are you going to charge for that training?" Darren asks of Echo, grinning. "Did you want to go in the other room and talk about the other thing?" he inquires, motioning to the door. "Since things seem to be winding down in here?"

Asger has been quietly eating the stew provided him, finishing it and declaring to Gwenna "I have to admit your folk do make a mean bowl of stew, I'm gonna have to get the recipe from you." looking over to Cirroch he informs him "Probably the best way ya can help provide post war relief is start stockpiling stone and building supplies and have your masons on standby to move in after the fighting. On top of that we'll probably need help in the food department because I'm not expecting great things for our food stores after this."

Khanne was still smiling as she looked at the note, tucking it away. Tiredly, she leans an elbow on the table, resting her chin in the hand. When Cirroch speaks, her eyes move to him. She tries to resist the urge to roll her eyes, but... whiskey and tiredness seem to make it impossible. "Uckhchhh" comes some sort of sound. "More meetings." She smirks though and nods. "We'll have a meeting... sometime... Might not be til after the war though. Cuz then we'll know what we are facing. In the meantime, raising funds and resources to prepare for whatever... sounds good to me."

Tilting her head, Gwenna makes a 'hmm' sound after laughing a little. "Truly, Marquis Cirroch? I've so little in my blacks thus far, I am undecided. Perhaps that will change." Darren's remarks make her eyes widen and she nearly snorts a laugh. "Am I so transparent? I'm going to have to work on that," is quipped with no lack of humor in her tone. "Ah, indeed Sir Aerandir. Which makes me all the more grateful your duties allowed you to join us this evening. I did not know you knew my wonderful fair-haired cousins as well. Training Center? I sometimes consider taking my old spear from childhood and trying my hand there." Brows arch a touch in Echo's direction. "I may take you up on as much, Princess Echo, at some point. If only so that I am not woefully unprepared for things that may come. Proud as I am of my trophy from Dame Morrighan's birthday bash. Which, I still say, should be a yearly Redrain event." A grin then to Asger. "Told you, did I not? Not as good as the shark soup, but..."

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

Echo snorts out a half-laugh at Darren's question. "I mean, I /could/ ask for money for that training, but I don't have the heart to do that. So I'll offer my services for free. I also would love to speak to you in the other room about that." She rises to her feet and nods at Gwenna, "There are better teachers for the basics and intermediacies out there. If you're looking to become an expert, however - Let me know!"

Aerandir glances to Echo then, smiling, "I may have to send my brother after you, then, Your Highness. He favours a particularly sizeable maul... and reckless abandon to go with it," he remarks, glancing to the others with a thoughtful hum, eyes fixating particularly upon Morrighan, "Where is your friend, dame?" a hand waft toward her in what seems to be a gesture directed at her shoulder. A moment of realisation, then he smiles sheepishly, "I, ah... suppose one would not bring a raven here, of all places. Has your companion a caretaker, perhaps, or do you allow him, or her, free reign outside?"

Gwenna earns a look and another smile at her words, his head inclined curtly, "And I was most glad to be invited, and would hope to receive one again another time. As for your cousins, 'twould seem I am in the habit of crossing paths with princesses..."

"You'll have to wait until I die to find out," Cirroch says back to Gwenna with a wink given her way, before turning to Asger. "I see, my lord. I'll keep that in mind. Please, feel free to reach out to me should you need aid. I am eager to help." Turning back to Khanne he grins, "Sorry, I know you don't want more, but that's the life we're born into. I'll make sure to take you out drinking afterwards."

Darren stands up as well, smiling widely as he feels the full strength of the whiskey he's been imbibing all night. He walks past Gwenna's seat, putting a hand on her shoulder and squeezing before motioning towards the door and Echo. "Well then, lead the way Princess Claymore."

Darren has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

"Thanks for the dinner!" Echo calls out with a wave over her shoulder as she steps out on out of the room.

Echo has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Bear, an giant dog, Phantom, the Great Grey Owl, Sir Tyrus, Redrain Knight leave, following Darren.

Darren leaves, following Echo.

"Mn?" Morrighan exhales, looking down the table to Aerandir when he inquires about her feathered companion. "Tha' surly feathered grump?" Her sea-blue eyes lift towards the ceiling where a particularly large raven has perched and sat, eyeballing all below, being master of all he surveys. Which is, mostly, the food. "He's bein' th'observin' scavenger tha' he is. Brahm has free reign tae go wherever he wants. Hardly a time when he ain't with me, even if'n he ain't seen."

The tables are cleared of anything finished, just the desserts and drinks left, beyond the plates people are still finishing up with. Giving a few nods of her head to Echo, she grins. "I will do so," is promised and she lifts a hand to wave as she and Darren depart. To Aerandir, another bit of laughter escapes her lips. "I will most certainly invite you again and hope your duties will allow another visit. I hope you enjoyed it?" More laughter, this time at Cirroch's words. "Well, then I hope it will be a very long time before I get to do so, Marquis." As the room thins further, she leans back, content to sip her wine. "I suppose dinner has more or less been finished, hmm? No bear wrestling, no punching. I rather think it of vague success. Did you all try the tarts? I'm going to have a second before too long."

Khanne eventually pushes back from the table and says to Gwenna, "thank you so much for hosting. I adore seeing you, but, I think it is time for me to wander off and clear my head a little." She nods to those who remain and says, "I hope to see you all again soon."

Khanne is overheard praising Gwenna for: A stunning hostess and a pleasure to know.

Khanne has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

Serenity, Drysi, a young shaman apprentice leave, following Khanne.

"I think I might get going," Cirroch says back to Gwenna as he rises to his feet. "I'm finding myself a bit tired. But thank you for hosting this dinner, it was wonderful, especially the soup." He gives a nod over to Asger, then turns to the rest at the table. "Have a good evening, everyone."

Gwenna waves as Khanne departs, then says to Cirroch, "I knew that soup would steal the evening," with a chuckle. "Gods and Spirits guide your path, my lord. Thank you again for coming."

Following Morrighan's gaze, Aerandir takes notice of the raven perched up there, brows lofting somewhat, "Well, then, 'twould seem I am not quite as perceptive as I once was, courtesy of age," he muses with a grin tugging at the corners of his lips, inclining his head to Gwenna as he is addressed anew, "Of course, how could I not with company as fine as your own, Your Highness?" the Lycene flatters, then dips his chin to those departing and shifts his eyes back to Morrighan, "Inseparable companions, I see. He is a curious one to have, your Brahm; I have always been fond of ravens, thanks to a companion of my own that I once had. May I ask how you were brought together?" inquiring, he peers upwards again, content to observe the avian in question.

2 Redrain novice guards arrives, following Donella.

Cirroch has left the a long cherry wood table etched with swords.

5 Sanna House Guards leaves, following Cirroch.

Donella prods her head into the room, looks perturbed, and then abruptly ducks back around the corner.

2 Redrain novice guards leaves, following Donella.

Gwenna gives a faint roll of the eyes, smirking at Aerandir. "Ah, there's that kind flattery, my good Sir. You will certainly be on the list once again for the next dinner," she tells the Lycene and then seems content to sip the remainder her wine quietly as he and Morrighan start discussing their respective animal companions.

Asger exhales and leans against the table to take a drink of his once more refilled goblet "Well this has been a pleasant dinner even if we did stray a wee bit into business." Flashing a smile at Gwenna he tells her "You've been an amazing hostess, lass. Great dinner." drumming his fingers against the table he looks over to Morrighan studying her quietly for several long seconds

Brahm peers down at the table below, loosing a raspy series of croaks to those that remain in the dining room, and now that it's thinned out, the corvid glides down from his perch, circling about until he lands upon Morrighan's shoulder. "He's quiet when he wants tae be, but right now he's hungry," she remarks to Aerandir before her feathered companion zeros in on what's left, aiming to gobble up what he can before shooed away. "He was given tae me tae raise when I was younger, a gift from Darren's late Father, Prince Sherrod. I've always loved ravens, they're verra intelligent, beautiful, an' thankfully this one has proven tae be a most loyal companion."

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

Gwenna dips her head kindly toward Asger. "Your soup stole the evening, my lord, and I think the evening a success in no small part due to it. Thank you again for having the recipe sent over. We will catch up soon for another lesson, I hope." Finishing the wine, she stands and stretches her arms in front of her and then sighs, smiling. "If you might all excuse me, I'm going to see if there is anything last minute to be taken care of with the kitchen staff and then I believe I will go tuck myself into bed. Thank you yet again for coming, so much. I think it was a good night."