Alis has set about greeting people as they arrive, perhaps the familiar first since she recognizes a few. And will shortly find out who the others are! Not that she misses Edain's arrival, with the timely exclamation. "No food until after the prayers." she warns, trying to sound stern and most likely failing.

The Lady Sylvie Zaffria is wrapped in emerald silk that only seems appropriate for a Spring barbeque, except that it dips so low in the back, knotted at the base of her spine, that it reveals every bone there underneath sunkissed skin, leaving arms bare as well where the sleeves are knotted at the shoulder. Her fingers rest lightly against Edain's forearm, following his escort gracefully from the stables. "Of course. The Prince Edain is always careful to say prayers /first/, then food, then maybe singing and dancing," she offers in greeting to Alis, tipping her chin in a gesture of respect. "Princess Alis. Thank you for your invitation."

Lydia is one of the earlier guests to arrive, and not only does she arrive early, but she comes with one of her characteristically bright smiles, and carrying her own hot dish, filled with a dark, savory-scented pudding. She makes her way straight away to where Alis stands and offers out the dish. "Princess, it's a joy to see you as always. Do you have any preference on where I set this down? And your grace, a pleasure as well." She turns just so in order to curtsey towards Edain briefly.

Slipping in quietly, mostly using her cloak to obscure herself, a tiny figure sticks to the back to watch everything that goes on.


    Among the gathered Valardins is the most average of them all. Height, build, appearance, all around average. Well aside from the strikingly pale blue eyes and the blue 'casual' garb with white accents that marks Aurelian as a Valardin. As Edain approaches AUrelina nods respectfully to him and Lady Sylvie as well before looking to Alis and asks, "Is it not a greater concern you will start eating first cousin?" his calm, polite tone leaving it uncertain if he is joking or not, likely he is though.


Lady Juliet Fidante wears her hair in her customary Rose-of-Tor bun, complete with white swords and live roses in pale peach woven into said hairpins. Cascading waves of green silk making up her gown, and Fidelia following like a shadow to Juliet's radiance and bloom. The green-clad Fidante carries a bottle, while Fidante bears with her a large silver bowl, filled with rose-petal candies. "Princess Alis," She offers, with a bright grin. "Where should I set down the brought things, do you know?"

Pietro has turned up, drawn by noise and bustle generally speaking and also his native curiosity, for all that he is definitely not a Valardin by any stretch of the imagination. He smiles with easy cheer as he arrives, sketching a little bow along with his greeting. He is not carrying any food. He would not have the first idea what to do with a recipe if one were entrusted to him.


    With slow but purposeful steps, Darren arrives onto the Valardin grounds escorting the Duchess Nadia. The two are chatting quietly with one another about something. Somewhere along the way, he came into contact with a rather large bottle of whiskey, which he grips by the handle in a single hand as walks along. His eyes sweep the grounds, before he spots Edain and promptly approaches him, inclining his head in a nod. "Prince Edain," he declares ina booming voice, before thrusting the bottle of whiskey to him. "I brought booze."

When Mason asked his wife if she wanted to go out and attend a function. Y'know, just to get outside for a change, the woman looked at him, looked at the pile of messages on her desk, then back at him, as if that was any indication of her ability to go and 'be social'. Catching the hint, the Desert Prince has since decided to go stag for the event, but he did not come empty handed. Variety is the spice of life, so they say, and he has brought the spice. He arrives, carrying decent sized serving bowl of, you guessed it, chicken curry. Because, might as well melt your insides if you're gonna have a good time. Only the brave need apply to the Eurusi dish.

Alis flashes a bright smile at Sylvie, and then back at her brother, and then back at Sylvia. Oh yes, she's curious. But too polite to ask just yet. "I'm just pleased you could make it, of course." she replies politely, turning as her name is called twice more. "Countess Lydia, Lady Juliet. Come, follow me." she encourages the ladies, leading them towards that second banquet table so they can set their food down. Whereupon she will wait a moment to see who arrives. And then start with the speechifying.

Juliet drops Sultry Rose, a crimson fortified wine with exotic spices.

Juliet drops A Silver Bowl with Candied Rose Petals in a Myriad of Colours.

Leola looks uncomfortably out of place as she enters, the hood of her cloak pushed down and her unruly hair pooled within it. Her fingers play with a book strapped to her belt, and she quietly thanks those at the gates, murmuring to them a moment before stepping in further. She looks to Juliet and gives the woman a wan smile, but continues to cast her eyes around

Edain looks around when Alis looks at him and tells him to stay away from the food until there are prayers, as if she can't possibly be talking to him. Finally he realizes she /is/ talking about him and says, "I would not dream of it." he says incredulous, "I was just going to stand over here and look at the potato salads people have brought." Edain says slighty deject. That's when he sees the curry that Mason has brought, "OOOOOOOO" he says as he imagines trying that. "Countess Lydia, good to see you." he says to her and then turns to greet, Prince Darren, "Prince Darren it is good to see you as well. I hope everyone enjoys themselves tonight."

"If my ears don't deceive me," says the Compact's Regent as she arrives in the company of a full entourage, "Redrain beat us here." Dawn is in Grayson green, a pretty cut of emerald velvet and gleaming jade. It contrasts well with golden skin and fire-bright hair, though neither of those rivals the warmth of her smile as she advances through the crowds. Her secretary Linden trails, carrying a covered pitcher. "The Crown brings the last of last year's cider," calls Dawn. "But I didn't think to ask if it were alcoholic!"

    Nadia moves along with Darren's slow and purposeful steps with exceeding grace, the pale ivory silks of her masterfully worked skirt trickling over the grounds in their wake. A cropped corset allows relief from the gentle warmth of the sun while maintaining modesty in its brevity, rose-blonde curls woven through with a myriad of gorgeous blooms to compliment her green eyes. "Prince Edain," she warmly greets the familiar face. "This looks like a great turnout. We brought venison," she announces, one of her servants coming to chase after Alis with a freshly killed animal for her to carry. Redrain-Valardin joke, it seems.

It seems like quite a crowd -- enough of one that Cara's arrival with her Grayson guards isn't especially noteworthy or remarkable. She's dressed tidily in clothes suited to the variable weather of spring, though her hair is styled with little braids pulled away from her face and the rest of the dark mass left loose in waves down her back. A servant brings along a small covered basket of some sort of food, depositing it wherever such things go; the lady herself seems to pay that part no particular mind, at least. She glances around the throng as if searching for someone.

Sylvie leans in close to murmur something against Edain's ear, pulling back only to offer him a smile and leave him to greet his guests. Instead, she drifts away to secure herself a glass of something alcoholic.

"Welcome! Welcome, all! Thank you for joining us!" That would be the effusive greeting from Sophie, who might well cut anyone who would dare dishonor the Gods. If she and Alis can wait to stuff their faces, so can everyone else. "Prince Mason," she smiles. "Thank you for joining us, and thank you for bringing a dish from your home." Starting with someone she knows only by face and reputation. "How fares you wife?"


    Noticing the arrival of the Regent Aurelian bows his head respectfully and says, "Not all Valardin refrain from alcohol, though if required I can sample to make sure as I have no issues with it." His voice full of politeness and respect.


Alis eyes the dead animal, and then Nadia. "Duchess, are you courting me!?" she calls out, //obviously joking//. But, she makes the servants carrying it. The only blood she wants on this armor is from battle.

Eleyna arrives alone, as she usually does to these events. She's clad in pale pink, the shade of spring roses, with her long golden curls caught in a golden net studded with pearls, and cradling a bottle of wine, one of the better vintages of her own personal collection. Her steps hesitate for a moment as she gazes over the crowd, perhaps betraying a second of uncertainty, before she lifts her chin and moves to the table where the other guests' items are being placed. She puts the bottle of wine with the others and moves off to the side, pale eyes sweeping over faces both familiar and unfamiliar and offering polite nods to any who look in her direction.


    "I'm sure this'll be good fun," Darren grins to Edain, before dipping himself away from Nadia once he hears Dawn's voice. He turns, his face brightening as he sees the Lady Regent. "Well I'll be damned. You pulled yourself away from that desk of yours to come and have fun, Lady Regent?" Darren calls over to Dawn, chuckling as he makes his way to her. There's a brief glance to the King's Own, before he looks back to Dawn and wags his brows comically. "If your cidar's not alcoholic, we can dump the bottle of whiskey in it," he chuckles.

Most people from the Oathlands haven't seen Tobias for years. Those who know the Telmar family would recognize him easily though, even in a tunic of his own design. The bald heir-turned-mercenary wears a crimson tunic, with the Crimson Blades Sigil center front that does nothing to hide his massively muscled frame. His scabbard has been left behind tonight, and numerous similiarly dressed men start to mingle amongst the guests, while Tobias himself takes in the large group from the entrance, crosses his arms.

Dawdling around near the entrance as if not entirely sure what to do with himself, Pietro turns up at Sylvie's elbow as she beelines for the alcohol. He greets his liege lady by saying, "Damn good idea," and then hovering in her vicinity afterwards like he's going to ... I don't know, block people from attacking her flank. That seems totally likely at a barbecue.

Samantha arrives on her own, and as ever, her dress is nowhere near as extravagant as should be there norm. She's brought something to the party, a Deepwood servant carrying a stack of trays which when uncovered, reveal apple turnovers topped with glazed honey. "Princess Alis," she greets, not wanting to linger and letting the poor woman get on with the greetings. "I've brought a dessert from the Deepwood apple orchards. I hope it's enjoyed." And then she'll move along the queue to see the treats deposited before the servants head home and she swings into the social scene.

Alis walks towards the center of the picnic table cirle, in front of the tables where the piles of food are being set out, and whistles sharply for everyone's attention. Unless she is wearing neon, she's easy to miss.

"I'd like to begin our festivities by sharing some of the history behind this traditional, Oathlands barbeque. As I'm sure we all know, times are not always plentiful. Hunting is scarce, or crops did not yield. Trade did not turn out in our favor. And those are the times when it is most important to be able to rely on the spirit of community to see us through. Yet, it is sometimes human nature to retreat inwards and hoard what we can for ourselves."

Clearing her throat, the princess continues. "As Valardin we honor and strengthen the ties between vassal and liege, and neighbor to neighbor. And so in that spirit, we long ago began hosting communal dinners to assist all families during the leaner times. Those with more, brought more. Those with less, brought less. But everyone was free to partake of as much as they wanted. And at the end, whatever was left was send home with those who were most in need."

"To honor that, whatever is left at the end of the evening will be packaged up and given to those in need throughout the city. Princess Sophie Valardin is going to lead us in prayer, followed by Leola Allantore. Thank you all for being here."

Nadia bursts into a vibrant laugh at Alis, shaking her head. "No, but I thought the sentiments would be all the same," she calls back, eyes bright with mischief. She moves quickly to close the distance between herself, Lydia, Alis, and Juliet for one purpose: a vibrant, squeeing embrace. "Oh, I haven't seen you all in ages!"

Lydia follows Alis to the table, and quickly drops her meat pudding off. she pauses there to look over the other foods, especially at the curry brought by Mason. Her nostrils prick as she takes in the scent, but then her eyes lift and she sees her sister, and hurries over to Nadia's side. "Sister! You came! Prince Darren, Lady Regent. Oooh, there's so many faces here tonight."

Valencia steps into the party a bit later, but isn't that supposed to be fashionable for those wishing to make an entrance. Resplendent in her new dress, she makes her way through the crowd all smiles and delight to be in such fine company, dark-eyes scanning the sceen.

The royal stablemaster is not a common sight at events, especially those largely attended by nobles. Still, Tristan is here, striding along with Dawn, doing, for the moment at least, a very good impression of someone with gallantry and manners.

"Thank you," Juliet offers to Alis, with a bright smile, setting aside wine and having Fidelia settle the large bowl on the table. Spotting Leola, Juliet offers a small smile and a waggle of her fingers, then begins to move along the crowd, having plucked an orange petal from the bowl, and offering smiles and little waves of her fingers here and there. Eyes bright as she gives a small wave to Nadia and by extension, Darren, then to Lydia. The Lady Regent Dawn, of course, merits a curtsey - and then she spots Eleyna, moving along to the Princess, and offering a small bow of the head. "Your Highness. You look radiant. May I tag along as you make your rounds?"

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

Nadia is overheard praising Alis for: The fun-sized princess gave a brilliant speech.

Lifting his nose at the aroma of cooked meats, Damon purses his lips and scans the gaggle of offerings before looking towards Deva, "Okay. First order of business. Drinks right? What's your poison?" Then he narrows his eyes, noticing that his family's bottle was not on the table of drinks on display. The NERVE. "Personally I like a proper whiskey."

Catching that look from Edain, Mason smiles widely, as if knowing who's going to dig into the curry first. Catching sight of the banquet table, he follows suit, and another smile is offered to Sophie. "Not a problem at all. I can't say I've been doing much recently, so this was a good excuse to get out and have a reason to make a dish I love. Well, for besides my wife. She's taken a particular liking to spicy food recently. And she's doing well thank you. She grouses about her back. I don't think being pregnant is something she's a fan of, but secretly," he leans down to give a faux-whisper to the woman. "I think she's excited." The big ol bowl of curry is placed down, and from his other arm is a wrapped bundle. Apparently is a stack of flat-looking bread. "This is called nann bread. You do not eat curry in my homeland without it. It's considered a bring against food."

That answer will have to wait, Mason, for Alis has just called her cousin up to bat. The Mercy of Lagoma -- for the distinct white robe she wears allows for no mistaking her holy vocation -- may be a most devout disciple of Our Lady of Change, but her seminary studies has rendered her fully capable of performing rites for all of the first nine Gods the Pantheon. So it is with an undeniable sense of command that some may be surprised comes so easily to the affable Princess, as well as a joyful reverence that should surprise none who know her, Sophie throws her arms wide, smiles most beatifically, and lets her lambent voice carry to the heavens and those on the Valardin grounds. "O benevolent Gild, we are most grateful for your blessings of community, generosity, and goodwill. With the sharing of ourselves and our means, and with love for our fellows -- whether longtime beloved friends," some of whom she smiles at fondly as she sweeps her summer sky eyes across those assembled, "or those yet to be made," several of whom she smiles welcomingly at the sight of those unfamiliar faces, "we both honor you and are blessed by you, and we give thanks in your hallowed name."

Sophie closes her eyes then, presses her palms together in reverent mudra, and bows her head as she allows for respectful silence. That finished, she beams and invites, "And now Mistress Leola will lead us in honoring Lord Petrichor." At which point she steps aside.

As Alis greets everyone he side steps so he's at a table and starts to wrap his fist against the surface. A popular form of clapping for your host at such these things back home.

Sylvie smiles at her vassal as he turns up just as she procures a glass of wine, offering, "Haven't you learned by now that I always do have the best?" There is a hint of tension that bleedsout of her posture as she relaxes next to Pietro, her smokey gaze sweeping the gathering. It catches on a few here and there from the High Lord of Redrain to the Lady Regent. But as the prayer starts, her gaze comes to rest on Tristan wit a spark of recognition, watching him.

"Whiskey. Almost always. Nine times out of ten. Please skip the wine." Deva replies to Damon upon arrival. A hand lifts to idly pat the top of her head to make sure her hair is smoothed down and leave it at that. "Thank you," she adds, giving the man a tired - but no less genuine - smile. As Alis speaks, she grins over at the Valardin and applauds politely.

Dawn inclines her head to Aurelian and gestures Linden forward, to present the man with the pitcher. "Be my guest please. One can never be too careful," is her chuckled response before Darren's call draws her eyes away. "Shh, I'm not certain they realize I've escaped. You don't want me to leave, do you? And so far as I remember, your Grace, Redrain's whisky is best served neat. Let's not ruin it, however fine the cider. I hope you've been well." That last comes with a touch to his arm, a gesture made before others begin to arrive, many deserving acknowledgement. Curtseys or bows, she passes about nods, smiles, a wave here and there for those from Grayson specifically-- call her biased, go on.

Ferrando trucks in just while the host has everyone's attention with a speech. Fantastic timing for him! Not that he's antisocial or anything, but it presents a good opportunity to get his barbecue plate on and that is sort of the major thing he's here for. Rather unassumingly, he filters in towards the food and starts doing his best NPC impression.

Cara, being caught out of doors, bends her head in prayer -- but just as it ends, she inhales and lets out a distinctly ridiculous sneeze: "_chu_." It sounds like a mouse.

Nadia loops her arm through Lydia's companionably, quieting a moment to hear the opening words of Alis with great curiosity. "She's quite a way with words," she gushes of her best friend to her sister, and other best fiend, Juliet. She grabs Juliet's hand, to complete their trio comfortably. As Sophie gives praise, and then someone else, Leola, is called, her eyes drift from one to another in quiet observation and approval of their words.

Sir Rymarr Lyonesse travels in the wake of Dawn, a knight of the King's Own accompanying her regular retinue of royal guardsmen. For the moment the armored knight travels at a leisurely march after the Lady Regent. Cold blue eyes peer out at the festivities taking place from within the protective steel of his barbute. Should the attentive eye catch those of Rymarr's own intense stare, he seems to show some familiarity with the events unfolding. Even some faces seem to alight his eyes with a spark of recognition from the knight who once called the Oathlands home. Despite the many distractions available, Sir Rymarr remains relatively close to the Lady Regent. Polite nods are offered to a few familiar faces, yet the knight remains ever watchful of the Lady Regent and her immediate vicinity.

Pietro follows Sylvie's lead in obtaining a glass of wine. "You're right, I should have." He is also respectful during the prayer. He must be close enough to Cara to hear her distinct sneeze, because his teeth flash in a sudden grin as he looks up, dark eyes bright as he starts craning his neck to pick her out of the crowd.

Lydia's head turns from her sister after she gives Nadia a quick squeeze, and then turns to listen to Alis, her chin lifting attentatively. She claps at the end of Alis's speech, and then quiets for the prayers, since that seems appropriate.

There's quite the crowd here, so in order to not lose his partner in crime tonight, Damon takes Deva's hand and firmly secures it to his coat, making sure she had a proper grip, "Buddy system." He says before heading towards the drinks table to grab them some refreshments. "If we work in tandem, we have a much better chance of making it out alive." Whiskey is retrieved, glasses secured. Pouring commences. Mission accomplished boys. One glass is handed off to Deva before he takes his own.

Feeling more than a little overwhelmed by the vastness of the party, Princess Valencia draws back from the crowds to observe the happenings from a much less crowded part of the room.

Alis makes sure to pass by Samantha and give her hand a quick squeeze in thanks for the brought dish, along with anyone else the player has missed because she is spammed like whoah. She follows along with Sophie's prayer of course, head bowed reverently and hands clasped during the invocation.

Julea arrives with a sizable sack hefted up over her right shoulder, weighing it down and causing her to grunt as she comes to a stop. Her storm blue eyes scan the crowds, searching faces for someone or something familiar. There's a touch of swagger to the movement of her hips as she gets her bearings and makes her way over to one of the tables set with food, in particular the meats. She pushes aside a couple of the dishes, making space as she sets the sack down. She undoes the tie on the front and tips out her contribution for the evening: the cooked head of a boar. Quite a large one by the look of it, the flesh cooked to such a state that it falls off the bone, creating quite the gruesome visage.


    Darren utters a low chuckle at Dawn's quip, though he notably takes some of the boom out of the laughter, as though he were trying to keep the Regent's secret. He winks at her, giving her a warm pat on the shoulder in kind. "Redrain whiskey is fine -served-, no matter how it is done so," he grins to her, before dipping to murmur something that only she'd be able to hear. When he draws back, he sweeps the grounds with a gaze again, noticing Deva. He squints, and then rises his voice in a yell to get her attention. "Deva! You didn't tell me you were coming. Who's your date??"

Now there's a face that Mason hasn't seen for some time. He listens to the speech politely enough, still having a time with learning Arvum's god's names without getting them confused with his own. But respectful enough, before he's heading over in Dawn's direction. "Now there's a sight for sore eyes. I was unsure if you had simply vanished into that palace and only remained." Truly he looks more than happy to see his former Voice and he's totally going to move foreard to hug her, Regent or not, she's still family. To him, at least.

Eleyna listens politely to greetings and prayers, her pale blue eyes resting on each speaker with unbroken intensity. As Juliet approaches, a small, restrained smile curves her lips and she inclines her head, "My thanks, Lady Juliet. You look lovely as well." Her eyes sweep over the crowd once again, pausing on her cousin Valencia and offering a small nod, before coming to rest on Juliet, "I apologize for now following up for the drink I promised yet. Perhaps we can share one here to make up for my lapse in manners."

Cara has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Leola steps up, taking a breath. She wears no symbol of Petrichor, no robe of the Pantheon, but her clothes are decked with embroidered feathers. Her eyes quickly pass over the crowd of assembled nobles, and her tongue slips out, wetting her lips momentarily, before she speaks. Her voice is not loud, but it is silvery, melodic, and carries easily - her usual muted tones quite absent, as her voice spreads, one hand held on her book, the other, gesturing to the crowd "Know that Arx is blessed by the Lord of the Deep Forests, as a safe haven in times of need. The dominion we enjoy, from the hills to the valleys, comes from his blessings; to Petrichor, I give thanks - for the hospitality of each of you. To the warmths of your hearths. May we be ever blessed, ever fruitful, and may the hunts be safe. In Petrichor's name"


    Aurelian looks to his cousin as Alis explains the history behind the tradition they have all gathered for, then lowers his head in preparation for the prayer being given by Sophie. As the prayer comes to a close Aurelian nods to the Regent and makes his way over to poiur some of the cider and gives it a sip. Not much is in the cup, merely enough for a taste. After a few moments he nods to Dawn and passes the cup aside to be taken care of. Seems it is at least a little alcoholic, but with so little consumed it will hardly have an affect on the young schoalr-prince. His strikingly pale blue eyes then return to the proceedings as he returns to his former position near his cousins.


A flash of brilliant white is spotted amongst the crowd as a curious snow leopard prowls his way toward the Nightgolds, thickened tail given a lethargic flick before it weaves its way once between the bodies of Lydia and Nadia before taking up a sentinel stance within the peripheral. The duchess cranes her head briefly to catch sight of the animal's movements before letting her attention drift anew to Valencia. "Princess Valencia," she calls out for her other best friend, her free hand stretched to touch gently to the princess' arm and draw her attention to hers and Lydia's side. "You're looking a touch overwhelmed. Surely you remembered I was your date to this little soiree, mm? Can't have you floating abot on your lonesome."

Valencia warmly and gratefully receives Eleyna's nod. The little princess seems to steel herself, taking a small breath and scanning the crowd.

So many people, Samantha's head is spinning. Helping herself to some food - she doesn't bother to avoid piling up her plate - she considers her seating options and spotting Cara, waves her hand and offers an inquiring look.

"Fine," Deva huffs lightly at Damon, but keeps a grip on his coast despite her protestation as they swerve through the crowds toward their target. "Thank the gods," she mumbles low, lifting her prized glass of whiskey in Damon's direction before she tips back a long gulp. "Can you -be- any louder, Darren?!" Deva... yells back at her brother. So it goes, with the rowdy Redrain twins. "Date? What?" Pause, and then she looks to her companion. Right. "This is Damon!" Finally resuming a more normal volume, she nods her head and starts guiding the Wyrmguard in Darren's direction. As they move, she smiles and wiggles her fingers at Valencia.

Donella stands with a covered basket perched against her hip on the fringes of the gathering. Her fingers wind in the pearl strong at her neck as she bows her head to the delivered Mangatan benediction. She never comes to gatherings of this size. But she does hand off the salt bread from the basket to be taken away. "For the leftovers," she murmurs, for it is a plain and utilitarian dish.

Nadia has joined the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

A hug! Dawn turns from whispering something back to Darren to find herself faced with mason and what may or may not be a traditional Eurusi greetig. She goes with it, accepting and returning the gesture, and gesturing at the King's Guard as she draws back lest they bristle at having the Regent touched in their presence. "Not vanished, just buried," she assures the man with a laugh. "But Tristan helped unearth me, so I could attend. Have you met him? He's Alaric's stablemaster, and a good friend of the King. Tristan, this is Prince Mason Grayson, husband of Princess Lou, our Voice." That introduction done, she tips a wink at Aurelian-- yes, a wink-- and then turns to face the assembling, in order to people watch. So much chaos! She looks delighted.

Samantha has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Nadia has left the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Valencia offers Nadia likely the most grateful smile. "Nadia," she breaths taking her friends hand.. "I am so glad to see you. I had forgotten how these things ca be."

Nadia has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

And now that the Gods have been honored, Sophie merrily announces, "Everyone, please, help yourself!" Please don't maul the kitchen staff.

"Well, your highness," Juliet concludes, with a little smile - offering Eleyna her arm. "I've been told all good things come to those who wait, and I feel like I am equally to blame. I should be very glad to take you up on your offer," She shushes, then for the prayers - from the Mercy and the Disciple of Petrichor alike. Murmuring a small assent to the blessings. "...And if we like our drinks here, perhaps we may even move on to more of them at a later date." She spots the interaction between Eleyna and Valencia, offering a small wave to the Lycene-Come-Northerner. "Cousins, right?" She inquires. "I do find the Princess quite enchanting as well." Pausing briefly upon catching Sight of Samantha at the cherrywood table, and giving the Marquessa Deeepwood a small wave of greeting as well. "Should we find a place to sit, or just wander?"

Ferrando has food and will travel. Specifically, he will travel to a small picnic table and set up what he will inwardly refer to as the Furnished Duchy of Ferranistan. OR at least he would have if that table didn't get sharked while he was writing this. He alters course to rehome to a slightly bigger picnic table and sets about cheerfully peoplewatching while he eats his plate(s) of food.

Ferrando has joined the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

"I'm going to go bother Lady Cara," Pietro informs Sylvie. He toasts her with hie wine glass and goes to sneak -- no, PIetros don't sneak -- bound off through the crowd to the table in question.

AFter what seems like an eternity of watching the crowd, Tobias simply moves on into the crowd, heading for the food proper. "Didn't expect half of Arx to show up." His gravelly voice mutters, the sound almost lost in the crowd.

As Sophie and Leola finish their prayers, Prince Edain wraps his fist against the table to applaud them, "Amen." he echos the sentiments of the prayers, and then he movies to the serving table, so he can greet people as they make their way past the food table.

Pietro has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

A broad, some might say buzzed smile on his face, Pharamond Ashford arrives somewhat late- clearly having missed the devotions and prayers, but he doesn't seem to mind. His gait is just a little unsteady as he enters to grounds, unaccompanied, so perhaps his smile is a bit more than buzzed. Pre-gaming- Pharamond does it.


    Eyes idly scanning the crowd land on Donella, who is given a respectful bow of the head by Aurelian who is closer to his cousins than the fringes as he avoids shouting or causing a stir just to say hello to someone he knows. The wink from the regent is simply given a respectful nod as well. The embodiment of Valardin properness this one.


Nadia draws Valencia toward a seat at a small cherrywood picnic table where a few other familiar faces have amassed, so the two might speak quietly away from the insanity of the barbecue.

Khanne curiously seems to have followed others to find the location of the barbecue. She stands a bit on the outskirts, misty grey eyes scanning the crowd as if seeking a familiar face, but seems to find none. Her wine red hair is drawn back away from her face in loose braids that meet at the back, save for an escaped wisp of a lock that she reaches up to tuck behind an ear. Content, for now, to people watch, she remains quiet, though approachable.

It was Damon's turn to be led around by Deva now. Weaving through the groups of people while drinking. He's multitalented. Upon being brought to Darren and whoever he's with because I honestly can't keep up, Damon smiles and extends his hand, "Your Highness."

Mydas has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

As Pietro moves off, Sylvie does what she did last time there was food and mingling-- She moves towards Ferrando, claiming a seat next to him in a whirl of silks. She questions, again, "Anything good?" It doesn't actually seem like she has any intention of going past her wine right now.

Sylvie has joined the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Alis appears quite grateful as the prayers are said, and the party gets started with people heading to the tables. For a short time it looks like she is going to concentrate on making sure things are running smoothly from the fire pits and kitchens to the tables. She is quite the busy bee, running back and forth. At some point, there's a glass of whiskey in her hand to help fortify her efforts.

Samantha lifts a hand in greeting to Juliet, hopefully not missed in all of the activity.

    Julea takes a moment to turn the barbequed boar head, adjusting it so it sits just right atop the food table, nudging the apple that is held in its jaws to ensure it remains in place. Satisfied, she takes a step backwards and dusts her hands down the front of her patched leather pants. She follows with a lazy stretch that sees her hand settling on her right hip and eyes scanning the crowd.

Valencia has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Bethany slips into the crowd after the prayers are spoken, dressed in fine emerald green, and empty of any side dishes to offer the spread. Present only to satisfy her deep curiosity, rather than for another chance to take part in the social dance of small talk. She seeks our drink, a Deepwood apple pastry - and she tucks herself into a place that allows for the best view to watch the throng.

Sometimes things make an eye twitch. Someone entering the immediate vicinity is one of those things for Sir Rymarr. The right eye of the King's Own twitches once, but the gesture from Dawn seems to prevent the guardsman from stepping forward. He offers only a curt nod of his head in return to the Lady Regent, before sharing a glance aside to one of the other making up the contingent of King's Own escorting Dawn. Following Dawn's gesture of reassurance, Rymarr steps to one side in an effort to close a path leading directly to Dawn as though the beginning effort to some form of crowd control around the Regent. Though familiar faces swirl all around, for the moment Rymarr does not make an effort to withdraw from his position near Dawn to greet them.

Stepping for Sophie, Leola smiles gently, her eyes bright and a tremor of nerves in her voice "Thank you" She dips a small, quick curtsy "Your highness. For the chance there. It means a lot to me" She lets out a slow breath, nodding a touch "Though my heart would have words for making it run so fast" She grins quickly

Oh, Dawn still gets the formal Eurusi greeting, he was just trying to be culturally adaptive. This means there is a touching of forehead, such is his way. "Walk in peace, Dawn. May your feet find warm sands." he smiles before breaking away, clearly happy to see his friend again. Tristan receves a grin. "Hello, I'm mostly known as Lou's husband. The foreign one who talks with the odd accent." Indeed he //does// have an odd accent.


    "Well, yes, actually, I could be louder!" Darren calls back to his sister from across the way, his voice rising well above the thrum of the crowd, before he gently pats Dawn's shoulder in parting. He'll amble off to Deva and Damon, his sister given a grin, before Damon is regarded with a wary study, as though Darren were sizing up the man. "I don't believe we've met yet," he says to Damon, before seizing the man by the forearm and giving it a firm shake. Perhaps a little too firm. Likely /purposefully/ too firm. "Deva is my sister you know," as though there were something of importance in those words. And then he releases Damon, before grinning back to Deva, and giving her a nudge.

Blinking at first at the numbers present, Mydas quickly scans the area until he notices his cousin Nadia. "I thought I might miss it." he says with a bright smile as he approaches her. "Glad I didn't." He bows at her, the smile turning into a teasing smirk. "Duchess." And then he bows again for those likewise at the table. "Greetings to all!"

Donella smiles, and dips her head in response. She knows this dance, the greeting without speaking-- and pokes a little fun at it, long-distance, by making the traditional opening steps of a country dance, forward and back, and forward and back, and reverence.

Lydia is quiet through the prayers, but as they finish, she gently extricates her arm from her sister's. she leans over to Nadia and whispers a few words and then she moves towards the serving table. She finds a plate and heaps it with food, much, much, much more food than someone as tiny and delicate as Lydia should be eating. As she does, she lifts her head to Edain and flashes a smile. "It's a wonderful turn-out, your grace. Tell me, is there anyone here that I should maybe meet or get to know better? Or perhaps you want company yourself? Your sister seems to be quite busy and standing about is such a tedious chore!"

With kind encouragement, Sophie smiles at Leona, offering a friendly squeeze if permitted. "Lord Petrichor is surely pleased. Now, let us honor blessed Gild and make new friends." Summer sky eyes drifts and alight upon Khanne. "Are you acquainted with her?" Because that appears to be New Friend #1.

Damon smiles to Darren, returning the probably TOO hard shake with appropriate firmness, "We've met before, Your Highness. More than once." No one remembers the like... one of two people in this city with Silver hair, then he looks to Deva and nods, "She is indeed. And a hell of a shot with that bow of hers."

Eleyna accepts Juliet's arm gracefully and murmurs something to the other woman before turning her gaze over the crowd. Princess Donella is given a nod in greeting as Eleyna begins to slowly walk with Juliet's arm in hers. She watches the Fidante lady's greeting toward Samantha with a cool gaze and an offered nod for the Marquessa as well. "Let's find a place to sit for now, I think."

"I can't say I unearthed the Lady Regent," says Tristan, with an inclination of his head toward Mason. "I think she found me lost in the palace and dragged me along. She is a force of nature, sometimes." He adds, "Prince," by way of greeting." He even sounds polite.

While Darren sizes Damon up, Deva narrows her eyes at her brother and punches him in the arm. 'Playfully', in the manner that still might leave a mark. "He's well aware of that fact, Darren, gods. Damon was part of the envoy." Then she turns to Damon, "He's only older by a few minutes," she states very matter-of-factly.

"I can't claim to know her, no" Leona responds to Sophie as she casts a quick glance over Khanne. She doesn't shy from Sophie's reassuring squeeze, either "Though if you do, your Highness, and you think we should talk, I'd be delighted to be introduced" Her voice is softer, now, careful and slightly muted

"Blessings I'll take. Curry, not so much. Really, Mason, you ought to warn people when you put that dish before them. Did you warn the Valardin? Am I going to have a diplomatic incident to contend with shortly?" All teasing, or mostly so, from Dawn. Darren's departure leads her to smile after Redrain's High Lords, before a glance goes slipping over to Tristan. "A force of nature? The eye of the storm, perhaps," she laughs.

Julea has joined the a large maplewood picnic table with decks of cards evenly placed.

Alis passes by Deve, Darren, and Damon on one of her trips and interjects. "Older brothers." It's all she says, and then she heads over towards her brother finally. "Edain. You'll save me a seat, right? And some of that curry. And.. well. stuff. Food. Right? //Right//?" Yes is probably the correct answer. And then she's off to find Sophie.

"Mm, that does sound good. Now where do we want to sit? And what do we want to eat?" She inquires. "I know I'll be saving some of the petals for later. And it does look like people are going straight for the whiskey."

"See? Alis gets it!" Deva exclaims and positively beams at the Valardin princess, fingers wiggling in a friendly fashion as Alis swoops past them.

Edain cannot help but smile when he see's the exchange between Darren, Damon and Deva. He looks then to see where his sister and cousin are. Upon seeing Alis and Sophie busy like bees, and pleased that people are mingling and and getting food, he quietly slips to one of the tables and settles down at the table with the deck of cards.

Edain has joined the a large maplewood picnic table with decks of cards evenly placed.

Silas arrives on the grounds with little fanfare and his squire in tow: it was really difficult to make an entrance with such a large crowd of illustrious individuals. Arron is carrying a large cake with him, which is presumably his addition to the barbeque. No wine or tea: more than likely he anticipated them having a selection already, and by the looks of it his guess was correct. He sniffs the air, picking up on the strong scent of maple wafting over the area. "Yep. This is definitely a Valardin barbeque."


    "Ah, well. It's nice to meet you -again- then," Darren laughs to Damon, barely even flinching when Deva punches him on the arm. He does, however, lift his hand to place it ontop of her head, and give her hair a good rustling. Then, he barks out another laugh, and backs away just a touch. Probably because he knew another punch might come. "You were part of the envoy, eh? Good, good." There is a momentary glare in Alis' direction. "Older brothers, best brothers!" he replies.

"Perhaps from under a varitable mountain of messages." Mason replies to Tristan with a smirk. "But I can completely imagine getting lost in the palace. There was a time where I would get lost in the Grayson manor when I frist arrived. However, his laugh is light when Dawn talks about the dangers of curry. "Never, Dawn! It is an adventure in itself. A sight for the senses. They will find their own personal revelation in the spices. If there is any kind of incident it will be one that none shall speak of in public." A browwaggle at that. "Infact, I made this just the way that Lou likes it, so any who try it will have a real challenge on their hands." Oh, how Lou likes it? Oh yeah, some people are going to be in pain tonight. Delcious, delicious pain.

"I do not," Sophie merrily confesses to Leola, companionably linking arms, "thus all the more reason to say hello." And so she leads the way to Khanne, merrily greeting, "Thank you for joining us. I am Princess Sophie Valardin and this is Mistress Leola Allantor. With whom do we make the pleasure of acquaintance?"

"Part of, yeah. One of several." He smirks and looks at Deva, "A few minutes older, that means you had run of the place for a few minutes without him." Damon laughs lightly and takes a drink, "I know how it is on both sides, I have an older sister, AND a younger one. So I've received it, and dealt it."

Aurelian has joined the a large ashwood picnic table, with a bowl brimming with dice at the center.

Swoopy swoop, weaving though the crown, and TURN your partner, except if you didn't bring one... in this case, she turns singly with yourself. Like you do. Donella likewise makes an expressively bewildered face for Eleyna's benefit.

6 King's Own Guardsmen have been dismissed.

"Uuugh, stop!" Deva whines, smacking at Darren's hands as they muss her already disheveled hair. "You're the worst," she smiles in a far-too mischievous manner at her brother. "Yeah, I'm sure Mom was like, really happy to keep me for a few minutes longer. I think that means she loves me more?" Her shoulders in an impish shrug for Damon. "Technically, I have a younger brother too. I-- I guess you're only the second worst brother," she tells Darren mournfully.

Donella has joined the a large ashwood picnic table, with a bowl brimming with dice at the center.

Lydia has joined the a large ashwood picnic table, with a bowl brimming with dice at the center.

Mydas smiles. "Very well, thus far. Plenty of people to meet, and new sights to see." he grins.


    As everyone starts to claim their own seats and conversational partners, Aurelian moves to take a seat at another table. Leave the crowds to themselves. He does pick up a die on the table and looks it over casually.


Silas has joined the a large maplewood picnic table with decks of cards evenly placed.

Alis sneaks up behind her cousin Sophie, mostly so that she can finally meet Leola. "Leola, I can finally say hello. Sophie has been saying wonderful things about you!" she exclaims, taking up on the other side of the woman and then looking up to smile at Khanne.

Silas drops Angel Berry Cake.

"Buried under a small hill of paper scrolls," says Tristan dryly. "Every one written on the finest vellum in the finest calligraphy, sealed with glossy wax, all begging for the Lady Regent's time. That much I might have unburied." He runs a hand through his hair. "Like a summer storm," he adds to Dawn. "Warm, with occasional bursts of lightning."

Khanne's attention is drawn to the two women approaching her, arm in arm. At the introduction, a small smile plays upon her lips and she gives a bit of a curtsy, which is really just a very small and brief bend of her knees, at the greeting. "A pleasure to meet you both," she says to Sophie and Leola. "I am Lady Khanne Halfshav. I heard whispers of this gathering and thought I might attend. I am grateful for the opportunity." A small, musical sounding laugh escapes her when Alis sneaks up on Sophie and she gives the her a smiling nod in return to her own.

Eleyna makes a decision and starts toward the table with the dice bowl, pulling Juliet along with her. "I'll have to try the candied rose petal later. I've not much of a taste for whiskey, but I might only suffer from inexperience with the drink."

Eleyna has joined the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Edain seems to be enjoying settling into his place at his table and watching as people mingle and talk. As it seems most people have gone and gotten themselves a plate, he rises form his seat and fetches a wooden bowl and serves himself up some of Prince Mason's curry. He holds it under his nose as he walks back to his seat, "Interesting boquet... I am llooking forward to trying this!" he says as he sets back into his place and starts to spoon some up.

Lydia lowers down into a seat at the picnic table with her overstuffed plate of food, and a brilliant smile, "Princess Donella! It's been too long!" Her greeting for the princess is gushing in it's enthusiasm. She then beams across the table at Aurelian as she lifts a fork and geses to the various dishes on her plate, "What do you think? Anything worth a first bite?"

Valencia turning to Pietro she offers a most sincere, "I'm glad you were able to attend, my lord. Your kind company is most welcome, I can assure you."

"Alis!" Sophie is delighted and loops her free arm around her cousin for a side hug. "I am heartened by such a turn out. Allow me to introduce you to Lady Khanne Halfshav. Lady Khanne, this is my Princess Alis, Voice of Valardin and knight of the realm."

Dawn's eyes gather in a wince. "To Lou's taste? Mason, that's a crime and a sin, what you're doing to these poor people." Which is absolutely why she's grinning. "And I'm not certain if lightning is a compliment, Tristan, but I'll take it. Ah... I'm going to fetch something to drink, if you'll both excuse me?" She slides into the crowds, though it might be difficult to be unobtrusive she /is/ trying.

Tobias has joined the a large ashwood picnic table, with a bowl brimming with dice at the center.

"You know, I feel the same way - about whiskey, I mean. I can drink wine all day and all night long, but pour me whiskey and I get drunk at the drop of hat. Or a bottle, say. It's most disquieting." Juliet offers, as she joins the table alongside Eleyna, beaming a bright smile to Sylvie. "Duchess Rubino-Zaffria. What a delight to meet you again."

Juliet has joined the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.


    "No, mom clearly loves -me- more, because she wanted to see me first," Darren boasts to Deva, before uttering another hearty laugh. "But I suppose I should mingle. I need to talk to Princess Sophie, anyway," he reaches to pat Deva on the head once more, and then flashes a grin to Damon before he turns away and looks to the crowd. Sophie is spotted easily enough, and he lumbers that-a-way, his grin bright for the Mercy as he approaches, "Your Highness," he says cheerfully, nodding to the others that are around Sophie. Khanne, in particular, gets a warm grin.

After Darren wanders off, a look is sent towards Deva, "What's next on the checklist?" Damon takes a drink, watching her over the rim of his glass.

Pietro tips a couple of fingertips in Valencia's direction with an easy smile from his table, leaning backward. He says, "My thanks, Princess!" He picks up his wine for a sip as he leans back in against his table again.

Niccolo steps into the area and lifts a brow at the size of the gathering. The duke lets his hands come to clasp behind his back, as he walks around, nodding here and offering a touch of a smile there. His features, for the most remain schooled as ever.

Donella moves aside upon the bench to make room for Eleyna, as she approaches them, and leans far out upon it to run her speak-flaps at Aurelian and Lydia.

Leola smiles quickly to Alis and Khanne, glancing between the two "Thank you, then, for believing her" She tells Alis with a little imp of amusement in her dark eyes "It's an honor to meet you. I don't usually attend such as this - her highness Sophie especially invited me"

Edain checked stamina against difficulty 20, resulting in 30, 10 higher than the difficulty.

When Harlan arrives (fashionably late?), he is without animal carcasses of any sort. Judging by his weary expression, the Ashford lord probably would have preferred sitting in his bedroom drinking whiskey until he fell asleep. Alas, Harlan is here and he must act as though he truly wants to be.

Silas approaches the table not so crowded after dropping the cake off at the corner of the food table. He wrinkles his nose in slight distaste at something he finds at the table as he passes by, but ultimately seats himself at the table with fewer occupants. Which, consequently, is the table Edain is seated at and shoveling down curry. He tsks. "You're going to regret that later, Your Highness."

"Yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night," Deva scoffs at Darren with a roll of her eyes. She does lean to murmur something to him quietly before he can leave entirely. "I think that about ended my list. Aside from another glass, and maybe a bite to eat. You?" She tilts her head toward Damon, one brow lifting high. "This whiskey is great." So great, in fact, that she drains what she has left of it.

Valencia glances up and proffers a nod towards her esteemed uncle Niccolo as he enters, then turns back to her companions and dearest friend.

While Dawn fades into the crowds, so too does Sir Rymarr. While much of her retinue give her a little space to mingle and blend into the crowd, Sir Rymarr remains in her wake. He travels quietly and likewise works to blend into the very crowds which Lady Regent Dawn disappears into.

Mason cannot help but cackle a little at Dawn's reaction. "Dawn my dear, the way Lou eats it is how it's normally prepared in Ahj'on. Why that's a rather normal level of spice. Now, spicy for Ahj'oni standards? //That// would be cruel and unusual punishment. But he's suddenly gotten his attention draw away by Edain being the first challenger. "Ah, I see the first brave soul has shown himself! Good luck you, Prince Edain!" But he will move on over to where the man is, if perhaps to watch.

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

Khanne gives that polite curtsy to Alis then and says, "a pleasure, Princess." When Darren arrives, she shares a brighter smile with him, a deeper curtsy is given to him with seeming recognition of some facet of his appearance. "Prince?" she asks with a very small bite of her lip at the touch of uncertainty.

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

Nadia lifts her gaze from her picnic table to take stock of those coming and going. Her gaze immediately catches upon the familiar visage of Harlan, of whom she immediately waves over with a lift of her melodic voice, "Cousin Harlan, over here!" A glass of something promising is raised to him in beckoning, her smile bright before her attention is stolen thusly by the sight of Donella. "Princess Donella," she calls, raising her hand. "You look rather stunning today! You and I have to meet again, preferably without threats of death and doom spewing left and right next time."

Damon nods then to Deva, "Okay. Two or three or four more drinks, maybe some food." He kills his first drink, "Let's make it happen."

And then, a messenger approaches Niccolo. Two of them actually. They deliver letters and the duke reads them. His eyes narrow, and the parchments are slipped into the folds of his cloak. The duke turns, his cloak twirls and he's on his way out of the area. But, he did make an appearance!

It would seem that Sophie recognizes the voice calling to her, and she warmly smiles at Darren -- and expression that brightens a little further after a moment's assement. "Well met, Your Grace. You seem in better spirits." And she seems very glad for it. "Are you acquainted with Mistress Leola Allantor?"

Alis slings her arm around Sophie, to return the hug. "I definitely wish to speak with you later, Leola. And thank you for the long-titled introduction, dear cousin." she quips, incling her head towards Khanne when that introduction is made. But then, she spies prey! I mean, Harlan. Who looks like he would rather be chewing glass. "Prince Darren, I hope you did not bring tea, no matter how wonderful you believe older brothers are." is murmured towards the Redrain, on her way to the table of liquuor so that she can ply the poor Lord Ashford with a drink.

As Eleyna takes a seat at a table with Sylvie, Ferrando, and Juliet, she catches a glimpse of Niccolo wandering through the crowd and inclines her head for him, offering the trace of a smile. And then he's gone. Well, then.

    Julea moves around one of the tables, using a fork to pile primarily meet onto her plate at first, and when she reaches the head of the boar she brought as contribution, she slices some of the tender flesh off of its cheek and stacks it up on her plate. Another couple of steps bring her away from the table and she dips her head briefly towards Darren when she spots him among the sea of faces there. Everyone else seems something of a blurr, and she hesitates, tipping her head to the side as she searches.

Khanne shakes her head gently towards Leola. "Neither do I, but then, I have just barely returned to the city. It is... quite the introduction, I must say." That same soothing, melodic laugh is heard after.

Donella flings up a hand and says, "I guess we won't be meeting at the Thrax estate, then?" in a joking tone of voice, no plate and no drink in front of her.

"Let's go say hi to Edain and Alis real quick. After we grab our drinks. Maybe five?" Deva suggests to Damon, and starts to weave through those gathered to return to the most important space of all: the table with the drinks.

"There are worse introductions" Leola smiles to Khanne "I'm in service to Baron Eos Saik - I'm from the Greenlands - as well as the Lord of the Forest" And that same measure of mischief enters her eyes "And I believe a lord outranks a baron, though I'll not mention that to Baron Saik himself."

Edain looks to Silas as he sits next to him and says, "Nothing ventured nothing gained..." and he lips the spoonful up to his lips and places it in his mouth, chews and swallows, "Wow.. that taste is unique but is really very......" and that's w hen the heat hits the prince of Sanctum. He is able to swallow it down, with out much trouble, but, no matter how tough you are this is not the kind of thing the uninitiated are prepared for on their first go, "By Gloria's pink puffy nipples that SCALDS!" Edain exclaims, /far/ more loudly than he intended. And this is about the point where he might realize that peoplare looking at him, "I mean..." he coughs as he tries to regain composure, "This is very bracing dish Prince Mason!"

"Five. Definitely five." Damon says as he follows behind Deva as she weaves through the ocean of people to find both drinks and Edain and Alis. He leans down to murmur to her as they pass through people.


    "Lady Khanne. It's certainly nice to see you in the City again," Darren broadens a smile to Khanne, before he looks back to Sophie with a low laugh. "Well, your tea helped," he says to the Mercy, dipping to say something into her ear quietly before he straightens up and rolls his eyes to Alis with a chuckle. "I brought whiskey, don't worry. I've already given it to Prince Edain," he wavs his hand, before cocking his head to Leola as Sophie points her out to him. "I don't believe we've met yet, no. But Baron Eos mentioned her name to me. Well met, Mistress Leola," he inclines his head to her.

"Oh my gods," Deva is in the middle of a drink, but she starts sputtering and laughing as she hears Edain's excalamation. "I hope he's okay," she chokes out to Damon as they move.

Nadia nearly chokes on her wine when 'puffy nipples' echoes through the party grounds, her gaze turning to flicker over toward where Edain, the culprit, is. She blinks several times, immediately waving for a servant.

Bethany dips her head, stifling a laugh behind her hand.

Silas simply casts the Valardin highlord a winsome smile as he gets as close to outright cursing as the poor man is likely to get. "It's just as hot coming out, too. Keep your chamberpot close tonight," the Iron Guardsman quips before gesturing to his squire to get him a plate of food and wine.

Leola dips a light, swift curtsy to Darren as he addresses her - glancing across to Edain, and her cheeks quickly flushing pink, before she looks back "Your highness" She says warmly "My Baron speaks most highly of you. I apologise; we never got the chance to talk before."

Alis never wants to hear her brother talking about nipples, and especially not pink puffy ones. So, she actually grabs two drinks. She might wind up downing both before she can give one away as intended.

Harlan's attention is drawn to the sound of his name and he puts on a pleasant smile for Nadia as he turns his path in her direction. Though he seems to be looking for someone in particular, whether he sees Alis or not is hard to decipher. "Cousin," he greets. "Quite an occasion. I meant to bring venison, but my plans were sidetracked."

Mydas shakes his head in disbelief at the mention of puffy nipples, but doesn't comment.

Tristan wanders a few steps, in search of a drink. "If her nipples are puffy," he says dryly, "she should probably see a healer. Sounds uncomfortable."

Freja has just entered but she stops mid-stride upon hearing something about nipples; her left foot doesn't even connect with the ground and she is doing a full pivot on that right heel and heading right the fuck back out.


Darren cocks his head over in the direction of all the commotion, blinking at Edain before bursting into a full-bellied laugh.

Mason gives out a call of celebration. It's a particular trilling sound he makes that's probably native to his homeland. Clearly enjoying the reaction of the man, it's a sound that Eurusi might make at some kind of celebration. "Oopah, Prince Edain!" he laughs after. "You do well, my friend. Word of advice, do not drink water, it will not take the heat away. Milk. Always drink milk, that will help. But water or anything else is a lie." A seat it taken next to the man. "It's meant to be bracing. You think this is bracing, there are other kinds of foods from Eurus that I have not yet to expose your fair people to."

Damon barks out a laugh with Edain's... exclamation. "Must be good." He says grabbing the bottle of whiskey he's poured from and refills both his and Deva's glasses.

"That there is," Khanne responds to Leola with a smile. Darren's voice catches her attention and she turns to him. "Thank you, your Highness. It feels a bit odd yet, to be back, but I shall make the most of it, as I usually do. Just trying to adjust."

From the crowds Sir Rymarr reappears, clearly permitting his fellow King's Own to pursue Lady Regent Dawn while she has disappeared into the crowds. The barbute of his uniform tucked beneath one arm, the opposite gloved hand rises up to carefully smooth down the unruly case of helmet-hair which he has. He spares a glance to a familiar face or two; should he catch the attention of Princess Sophie, he sends a polite nod of his head in greeting to the Valardin royal. Needless to say, the knight from the Oathlands makes his way to one of the banquet tables. He seems to savor the mere sight of foods hailing from the Oathlands. He licks his lips tentatively, clearly weighing the difficult decision of what to sample first. While he takes the time to formulate an attack strategy against the banquet table, one hand shifts to shift the helmet beneath his arm in order to pinch it between arm and breastplate.

Deva is a pro at quick drinking. As soon as Damon fills her shot, she tips it back. It's fast work, and she cringes only slightly through the burn of it. "What a week."

Samantha of course, stares like everyone else, but doesn't bother to hide it when she bursts into guffaws. She gets control of it quickly, though.

Sylvie has left the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Valencia smiles over at Sir Rymarr as he moves through crowds, though delighted to see him again, she does not expect to distract the noble guard from his work.

"It seems we've already beat you to it," Nadia declares to Harlan with a wry quirk of rosebud lips, sliding aside to make room for him as best she can for her cousin. "Prince Darren and I brought the venison aplenty, and Princess Alis even carried it -- or didn't, I can't remember. Either way, my little Knight Errant friend is perfectly capable," she sweetly compliments Alis, her best friend, in case the princess is in earshot. Hard to tell when short people are so easily missed. She laughs at Edain, unabashed about it, before sending someone to deliver a quick word to him so she doesn't have to abandon her seat.

    When the greeting falls flat, Julea lets out a bit of a grunt. She sets the gathered plate of meat down on the side of the table she had been standing along side. Pulling up the hood of her cape, she starts to make her way around the outskirts of the sizable group, heading for the gates.

"Oh nice posture." Damon compliments, at the impressive nature Deva murdered that drink, to which he does the same before topping them both off again.

Alis apparently tried the strongest Redrain blend this time, because her eyes are watering (but she does not cough!) when she presses a glass of the stuff into Harlan's hand, murmurs something at him, waves cheerfully at Nadia, and then turns to look and see what else needs doing. "Careful. That's stronger then.. well, try it." she adds hoarsely "And thank you, Nadia dear. You are always so good for my poor ego."

Julea has left the a large maplewood picnic table with decks of cards evenly placed.

"It is quite good though." Edain says looking down into the bowl, hiding with his shame with a downcast gaze. "Milk got it." And he grows very very quiet as he seems determined to finish his bowl of curry. He does stop a passing attendant and asks them to go and get him a glass of milk though.

"Why thank you, I like to put our house guards to shame," Deva tells Damon with a bright smile, while reaching for the table. Then she peels away, heading for Edain and Alis' general vicinity. "Great to see you both. What a great party! I might not eat for another week. Thanks," she grins, raising her glass in a salute to the Valardin.

Fashionably late -- or really, just plain late -- Aislin Ashford makes her entrance to the Valardin gathering. The white-haired Ashford adventuress makes it all of four steps in before she takes in the immense crowd, and starts to look seriously like she's reconsidering the wisdom of this entire enterprise.

Runa has joined the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Nadia rises, reaching to ensnare Alis in a brief embrace with a tinkling laugh. "We little people have to look out for one another," she promises to her friend, looking past to see Deva coming since the hostess is with her and Harlan briefly. "Princess Deva, how good to see you," she chirps sweetly, something about what someone said at her table sending her into a fit of giggles. She leans over, murmuring something to Mydas and Valencia. She's surrounded by cousins. Too many of them.

"I'm glad you like it, Your Highness." Mason seems very pleased. "And just think, you are the first to be so bold as to try it out. But the real battle has yet to begin." he eyes that man with this sort of grin that says 'yeah, you in for it now, buddy'. "However, here is soemthing that might make you feel better. My wife, eats this by the bowlful. Apparently, pregnancy has a way of changing one's tastes for food. This is how she likes it. So, if you can eat this, you stand on a very small platform where only one other stands above the rest. You would be in private company with Lou and myself."

Joining Deva in the general vicinity of Edain and Alis, Damon places a kiss on each cheek of Alis and affords Edain a proper handshake, "Alis, a fantastic spread. We're going to have a conversation about not having any Wyrmguard scotch, but that'll be for another time. Thank you so much." Then he looks to Edain, "Don't think I've forgotten we're to get together soon. There's a lot to talk about my friend."

Mydas pauses and listens to Nadia's murmur before chuckling. "Ah, the harsh duties of being a Duchess!"

A savory leg of meat. Meat on a leg. That seems to be what Sir Rymarr decides on as far as consumption goes. He turns away from the banquet table with his leg of meat and tentatively takes a bite from the sumptuous meat. A little fluid drips down one corner of his mouth and he expertly swipes it away with the fabric beneath his vambrace. He begins to move through the crowds, nodding politely to those he nearly crashes into. It is only when he notes Valencia that Rymarr seems to find some direction in his movements. He threads his way through the crowds until he's within polite and professional distance of the princess whom he greets with a humble bow of his head, "Princess Valencia, a pleasure to see you once more,"

Donella appears to be PINCHING Lydia Nightgold at the large picnic table with dice bowl! It's scandalous! Shocking. Something something something, tender bits, something. What ARE they getting up to over there?

Harlan is somewhat distracted when Alis is putting a drink into his hand and murmuring to him. He looks down at the drink, then, and finally to Nadia. "I'm glad to hear it. No party is complete without venison." It's an attempt at humor, at least. "I wish that I had been here to see that. Not that I doubt you could carry a whole stag if you wanted to," the last an aside to the young Valardin princess, who he leans toward to return a murmur before sitting down and offering for her to join him.

Samantha has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Edain shakes Damon's hand and bows his head to Deva, "Lord Damon, Princess Deva, it is good to see you both... I um... apologize for my outburst. This stuff is very hot." he says as he continues to work his way through his bowl of curry. He will not be beaten by it, "But yes there is much to talk about.. but after what you've both been through, I think it is fair to take a night to relax and enjoy good food."

Whatever it is that the Highlord of the Northlands murmured to her appears to deeply please Sophie, and she reaches to fondly squeeze his shoulder. "I have something else for you. First, however," she slips her arm from Leola's and kindly requests of both the trainer and Khanne, "If you'll excuse me," so she can slid that same arm through Darren's, then addressing him again, "You may help me plant the seeds of a new friendship. So." Her eyes cast about those assembled. "Whom do you not yet know?"

Silas nudges the plate of meet with his fork curiously before trying a bite and humming thoughtfully. "Hm. Completely doused in sweetness, but I suppose it's a good use of the abundance of maple trees." He glances down at the wooden table beneath him, as well. He then eyes Mason. "It tastes just like a bowl of pure spices to me; it's hard to gauge any actual taste."

Harlan has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

"Of course, your highness" Leola tells Sophie, smiling before she looks back to Khanne "You said you had returned to Arx. Where have you been, might I ask? Before I came here, I'd never left the Greenlands - never really left my village. It's been an awfully big adventure"

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

Damon looks down at his hand a moment before stuffing that hand into his coat, eyes moving about the vicinity for a moment before returning to his drink.

Pietro waves at Aislin with his typical enthusiasm from one of the cherrywood tables.

"Hope you're having a good night, Nadia," Deva tells the Nightgold with a small smile and a lift of her drink. "Edain! Never be sorry for that. Never. Please, actually, do it again!" she teases lightly. "If you have questions about it, happy to sit down and discuss. Enjoy your night," she tells him, with a quick pat to his shoulder before she peels away and looks to Damon with a lifted brow.

Damon looks to Deva with lifted silver brows, "Ready?"

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

Sitting next to Edain, looks over to Damon and Deva. "Good afternoon to the both of you. Really, you should give a try to what Prince Edain is trying on for size currently. A damn champion of the culinary arts, if I say so. A brave me." he says with a happy smile to the pair of them, then giving a bit of chuckle over towards Silas. "That's because there's a lot of spices in it. I'd have to say that just about every food in Eurus has a particular degree of spice. This is why I suggested to eat with the nann bread. That really makes the meal complete."

Aislin glances over at the cherrywood table where her kinfolk are seated -- and from where Pietro is waving -- only to spot no spaces left. She offers Pietro a wave in return, then turns to look for somewhere -- /anywhere/ -- to sit and get out of the worst of the crowd. She quickly decides the table that has cards and dice looks promising, perhaps because she enjoys gaming, or perhaps just because it's the nearest one with space.

Alis smiles warmly at Deva, after quickly returning Nadia's hug. Younger sisters of Highlords also have to stick together, right? "So glad you could make it. We still haven't been able to meet for tea or a drink." For Damon she also smiles after their greeting. "I've been waiting for the shipment of the latest vintage! Did you get it already? Oh dear. I'm so sorry I didn't put any of it out." Sincerely apologetic. Also apologetic, she looks at the full table the load of cousins are sitting at and makes a slightly apologetic face at Harlan. "I'd love to sit with you all. But as there is hardly room I'll just have to yell at all of you from the next table over." she quips.

Pietro has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Aislin has joined the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Pietro leaps up from the table and bounds over to Aislin with familiar enthusiasm. He leans beside her with a hand to fall on her shoulder and mutters to her with his lips parted on the breath of a wide grin.

Giving Damon a conspiratorial thumbs-up, Deva follows up with a smile and a quick wave for familiar faces as they depart.

And they're off! Damon leads Deva through the swarms of lords and ladies to make their departure for much quieter pastures.


    "You have something else for me?" Darrens brows quirk curiously, his head tipping to Sophie as she slides her arm through his own. Her question earns her a low chuckle, as he allows his gaze to sweep around those gathered. "Hmmm, that is a good question. Whom /don't/ I know yet?" He ponders this, before his eyes fall upon Bethany, and he points to her with a free hand. "I don't know that one over there. Do you know her, Princess?" he looks to Sophie curiously.

"See... I probably should have listened to that. About the non-bread." He blinks, "Why is it called non-bread? Does it taste like bread but really isn't?" Edain asks of Prince Mason as he claims a snea near him. He looks up to Damon and Deva as they turn to go, "It was good to see you both." he says, as the retreat. He looks to Darren, "Are you going to try some of the curry, your Grace?"

Mason is overheard praising Edain for: For braving the curry like a true champion

Pietro squeezes Aislin's shoulder and then skips back over to his table to reclaim his prior seat, bouncing as he goes. What a dork.

"What, dearest Duchess, can a man not have any fun?" Mydas smiles.

Pietro has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Smiling with amusement, perhaps because she knows Darren will needle her until he knows just what else she has for him, Sophie simply nods before following the gesture of the Prince's hand. Considering, she eventually ventures, "I believe that is Bethany Mercer, sister of Master Lazarus and Sir Silas. I saw her at the Traders Tavern the other week, but have yet to be properly introduced." And so she looks to her escort and lofts her brows. "I say we remedy that."

Khanne gives a nod to Sophie and echoes Leola. "Yes, of course. Enjoy your evening." She smiles then gives another small dip of her head to her before turning back to Leola. "I am from the north," she says simply. "How long have you been here in Arx?"

Silas studies Mason with a critical eye, but it softens with a wry smile and shrug. "I'm just being a chump. My tastes aren't really... keen on strong flavor punches." Given his dislike for whiskey. He sips at the wine provided to him by his squire and wrinkles his nose. "Are you fond of anything without spices?" He overhears his sister's name being spoken by others and looks around expectantly.

"Not as long as it seems" Leola laughs gently in response to Khanne "Let me see. I came here at the start of winter?" She muses "And it's now spring. I'm used to the southern climes - the cold was terrible. I came here at my Baron's request - I train animals, and I hunt. He needed a new warhouse"


    Darren is momentarily distracted from the Princess by Edain's challenge, and he lofts a brow over at Edain. "You -are- joking, right? I heard that stuff makes you shit your brains out for /days/. There's no good challenge that ends up with you shitting your brains out," he laughs over to Edain, before grinning down to Sophie and nodding his head. Her arm gets a squeeze, before he lumbers off with her in tow, directly to Bethany Mercier.

Sir Rymarr's chin dips slightly, allowing himself another bite from his leg of meat. He savors it for a moment before handing it aside to a passing attendant. Once again Rymarr settles his helmet onto his head, a gloved hand grips to lower edge of the Y-visored barbute and tugs it roughly down. Once he's satisfied with the placement of it, Sir Rymarr again melds into the crowds in order to seek out the fellow King's Own and their protected ward. Only for Sir Rymarr to eventually depart and return to the palace to continue his duties elsewhere.

Bethany glances upward suddenly, chin dropped and eyes askance when she also hears her name. Her lips twist, then curve up into an immediate smile, drawing herself up to her feet - and dipping a bow to the incoming duo of Ds. "Good evening," she chirps to the Princess Sophie and Darren, "your Highnesses."

Mason shakes his head at Edain, but giving a little chuckle. "//NAAn//-bread. Naan-bread, Your Highness. That is our word for it. It...ah, it is called that because of the time of day it is usually baked. And there are many version of naan-bread. My favorite is called a made with a particular green herb. I feel it enhances the flavor without being as spicy. But it tastes like bread, yes. Just a little different from the different herbs cooked withit. And like I said, ther are many different variations." The question from Silas makes him consider. "I've never had venison until I came Arvum. Most of the times it was chicken, pork, and...the occasional camel, but I can't say I was very fond of that. Also there are different fruits here I enjoy, but there is a distinct lack of cocnuts here." The fact that Darren is saying no gets a nod. "Only if the curry decides to punish you. It is fickle and capricious, but yet, it takes no prisoners when it decides to."

Khanne laughs lightly and nods. "Some time then. The cold is wonderful, if you are prepared for it. I am in love with the snow, and truly miss it already, but I heard Arx calling, and here I am."

To Alis, Harlan makes a show of sampling the drink she gave him. "Oh, that's good. I could do with more of that today, I think. Thank you, your highness."

Edain raises a brow to Darren, "Now that's just silly, Prince Darren." Edain protests, "If it did that everyone would die of dehydration. Isn't it very hot in Eurus. I am sure I'll be fine." He stops another attendant and says, "COuld I maybe have a hunk of that sharp cheddar over there." he asks. That's right, bind yourself up, just to be safe!

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

If Alis was going to try that curry, you can damn bet she's not going anywhere near it now. What is it with men and shit jokes? SIGH. "I'll make sure you have some to take back with you then." she promises Harlan, gesturing over one of the servants for a brief word and then eyeballing her brother. "You are keeping your door shut tonight I hope, Edain." Ugh!

Silas chortles at Edain's request for the cheese. "A wise tactical move. I wish I thought of that." He nods to Mason and his lamenting of the lack of coconuts. "Too temperate here, yes. We use a taste of coconut in some of our more expensive teas, but... well they're expensive for a reason." He pauses thoughtfully once again before continuing. "Have you tried fish? Squid? Octopi?" Bethany was finally spotted in the corner of his vision, but he merely watches for now, disinclined to interrupt her impending conversation with big brother antics.

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

"I was not prepared" Leola grins to Khanne "I was shivering terribly for months, until Mistress Aurora was kind enough to make this dress and cloak for me. It taught me a little about the city, however, and so it ended well. How are you finding Arx, at this time?"

"That sounds very much like a bread I would never eat," Nadia calls to Mason aside, her lips quirked in a faintly humored smile. "I'll leave that to Prince Edain, and whomever else might be so brave as to eat it. A shame, really, that Prince Darren doesn't seem so inclined to test the fates and see if he'll survive a night," she tacks on her goading words with a sly smile at Darren, as though expecting him not to take the bait. She turns her attentions thusly on Silas. "Sir Silas," she calls with a touch of fondness. "Good day to you! I trust you're staying out of Prince Mason's culinary death-traps?"

Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Did Darren Redrain, Prince of Farhaven, Highlord of the Northlands, and Bane of Bess just turn down a challenge? Sophie's face can't decide if it should be shocked, appalled, dismayed, or overtaken by the threat of impending and uproarious laughter. Of course, her brain also catches up to realize, "Wait. What is my cousin doing?" This won't end well in Edain's rear end. She just knows it. Her wince confirms it. Surely Mason won't let the Prince of Sanctum kill himself, though. Grayson and Valardin have a long-standing and epic bromance. And so it that she slo-o-o-o-owly returns her attention to her conversation partners and offers a friendly smile. "Welcome. Mistress Bethany Mercer, if I am correct? Thank you for joining us."

"My people are simply used to this kind of food. There have been a few things I've eaten here in Arx that have...disagreed with me." Mason admits in a sense that yes, even he doesn't have an iron stomach. "But curry is not something that causes me discomfort. Now, //daal// on the other hand, that is a food that Arvani are not yet ready for. Even in Eurus it is not something, but only for the brave and the downright suicidal. An excellent dish. I have had it...once. And once, was enough even for me." There's a bit of excited gasp at Silas. "I've wanted to eat more fish, actually! I haven't had the chance to do so." No, the curry will not kill, for those wondering. But for some, you might wish you did.

Bethany lifts a hand, briefly, to greet her brother Silas with an utterly carefree smile. And, back again, to drop a prim curtsy and return Prince Darren's greeting, "The honor is ever mine, your Highness. I hope that you are enjoying the fete, yes...?" Her eyes bright and merry, "Did you try the curry?"

Mason also makes a note to send a bundle of naan-bread to Nadia.


    "You're a terrible liar, Prince Edain. And I'm not going near that stuff. Redrain palettes enjoy simplier things. Like venison. Vension doesn't make you shit your brains out for days on end," Darren calls back to Edain, though he does narrow his eyes over at Nadia when she replies. There is a small twitch of his lips, before he broadens a grin. "But I /will/ try it. If Duchess Nadia tries it with me," he demands, the gauntlet thrown! And then he looks back to Bethany, and dips his head to the woman. "It's nice to meet you, Mistress Mercier. I haven't tried the curry yet, no. But as soon as the Duchess decides she's not a pansy and will try it with me.."

Khanne takes in the craftsmanship of the garments worn by Leola and nods. "Very pretty. I should try to meet this Mistress Aurora. I did not bring much with me." She smiles and says, "I have not been here long, but so far it has been lovely. I have met a couple of people, you now included, and hope to meet a great many more while I gather my bearings and settle in."

If Edain kicks it from curry consumption, that leaves Alis in charge of the family fortunes Nobody wants THAT. She would spend everything on shiny armor and amazing weapons, sure. But... "Oooh, shall we make this a contest? Whoever can ingest the curry the most stoically wins the Valardin Barbque title. 'Curry Killer', perhaps, this year." she quips, glancing between Darren and Nadia.

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

Silas quirks a smile up at Nadia when she greets him. "Good evening, Duchess Nightgold. It's great to see you here." He lifts his chin and nods his chin. "I've learned my lesson the first time, at the dinner Prince Mason introduced it at." His lips tug into a smirk at Mason. "Then it's decided: I'll see if I can find you a good fish dish. House Thrax might be able to provide. Seafood is my favorite." He squints as Darren seems to step up to the curry challenge. "Uh-oh."

Nadia throws an exasperated look at Darren when he does exactly what she hoped he wouldn't. "Oh, come now, what a way to drag us both into the shitter for the night," she laments with a tinkle of laughter. She grabs for a glass of Lenosian white, casting apologetic words to her companions at the table before setting forth to where the dooms-gut dish resides. "Alright," she tells Darren. I'll do it if Sir Silas does it with us," she looks in askance at Silas, giving him her most hypnotically compelling beg and puppy-dog eyes, "Please, Sir Silas, surely you would represent the Iron Guard and their iron-cast stamina here, now, while all of the finest in Arvum are watching?"

Alis adds, also. "Thank you for bringing that cake, Sir Silas. If there is any left, I may hoard it entirely for myself."

Donella calls across, "Don't try the fermented shark, whatever they tell you. Just don't! I won't be responsible!

Leola takes the message, but does not read it, not yet. She smiles warmly to Khanne, nodding "I don't wish to monopolise you, my lady - I'm sure you'll find many more interesting folk at the party than I. I would ask, should you enjoy hunting, that perhaps something could be arranged? I'm trying to arrange a hunting lodge, for precisely that purpose"

"I love it." Mason agrees with Edain. "I shall have to construct a trophy for the winner of this contest of the iron-willed and of gastron-intestinal fortitude. And if Duchess Nadia partakes, I will send her as much naan-bread as she likes as a prize." he promises. That all said, a thankful smile is given to Silas. "I would certainly appreciate that, Sir Silas. I would really like to see what kind of seafood dishes there is to try. I haven't had the chance just yet."

Cara has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Cara rises from her table and with a smile and quietly-spoken excuses for her dining partners, she makes her way out of the assembled guests.

Juliet rises from the table with Runa on one arm and Eleyna on the other, and possibly Aislin will also get dragged along, as she moves with a measured step towards the tables full of food, grabbing a bottle of wine and a few cups, as well as a platter which she piles high with various meats on offer, both the boar and the venison receiving a measure of the Fidante's greed. With that in hand, she shoots a triumphant smile to the people she knows and quite a few she does not, before moving in the direction of the stables.

"I recuse myself of this competition after my embarrassing outburst." Edain says when Alis speaks of competitive stoicism and curry consumption. He finishes his bowl, and starts in on the wedge of sharp cheddar that's been brought for him. "You are in the right part of Arvum for t he best seafood dishes, I am told, Prince Mason. I am told the more severe the seas the more tasky the fish, and Maelstrom has no shortage of rough waters to harvest delicious seafood from."

Bethany nods, expression very earnest. "I see, your Highness. I will not partake, if you will pardon. Yes, perhaps my dear brother Silas will find--" a glance to her brother. Eyes dart, following a figure (one we will not mention, poor little lamb that is Beth) and back. "Something nicer."

Silas is prone to puppy eyes. He scowls in inner tumult as he struggles to resist, but it is futile, and the Iron Guardsman bows his head. "Very well. I'll need some of that cheese... like, all of it."

There's the Darren Redrain that Sophie knows and, well, not loves, but certainly likes well enough. And then others gets called out and she starts laughing, a shining merry sound. "I have not, Mistress Bethany. Someone needs to be in a position to tend to the wounded." Like the Mercy here. "Very well!" she then chimes. "Let us make it a wager as well! The losers will make a generous donation to the House of Solace, because, trust, you will be calling upon us, and the winner will be magnanimous enough to match it!"

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

Khanne gestures out to the crowd and replies to Leola, "there are others more entertaining than I this night as well. It was a pleasure to meet you." The offer of hunting brings her lips into a slightly wider smile. "I would love to speak with you further about that soon. Perhaps I can send message to you one day and we can talk then?"

"Please do" Leola dips a small curtsy to Khanne "I'm often found at the Saik Tower. Oh - and the Shrine to Petrichor, now, as well" She nods, stepping back and glancing over the crowd once more, shivering gently

Silas promptly downs the rest of his wine and instructs his wide-eyed squire to procure him another. He glances to Bethany, expression grim. "If I do not make it, send my regards to my brother. He can have my furniture."

Clapping his hands, Mason rises to his feet. "Sit sit, the both of you." Oh, he's //way// too happy about this, moving to get fresh bowls of chicken curry for the three of them. "The rules of the competition is thus, as laid down by Prince Edain. Whoever consumes each of their bowls the most stoically will win. This will involve no random outbursts. Silent weeping is allowed, so long as you do not make a show of it. You are allowed one glass of milk to go along with the meal and a section of naan-bread each."


    "Fine," Darren barks over to Nadia, before inclining his head to Bethany. "It was nice to meet you, Mistress. If you'll excuse me and the Princess..." he then gives Sophie's arm a little tug and pulls her right over to the table. "The Princess Sophie will also be partaking. Because she is not a wimp, either, are you, Princess Sophie?" He inclines his head to the Mercy and puts on the broadest, most charming smile he can muster. "Bring on the curry!" he demands.

Alis is going to take the opportunity to sit when it presents itself, though she does look prepared to leap up and take care of any issues that may arise. Not including anything involving the curry contest, however. Somebody else can take care of that shit. Pun intended.

Alis has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

"I have a room in the Halfshav house," Khanne calls out to Leola as she slips into the crowd.

Edain sighs, taking comfort as others take the curry challenge. Misery has always loved it's company.

Nadia inclines her head, gently linking her arm through Silas' own to draw him alongside Darren. "Could someone bring this man -all- the cheese," she calls out in sweet-pitched beckon, quite pleased that she has yet again masterfully duped another poor soul into her and her Redrain Highlord bestie's shenangins. "I bet it'll be Prince Darren who suffers the most tonight," she wagers aside to Sophie. "So, if you receive an urgent summons from the Redrain Manor, it is because of -him-. Not -me--" She blinks once at Darren, immediately protesting, "Why would you pull in the Mercy! She's probably some sort of connection to an apothecary that knows how to ..." She stops, looking over at Gwen. She remembers, of course, that she's got two apothecaries in her employ. Winnerdom.

She accepts a message from the messenger, thanks them, and tucks the folded missive away for later reading. However, Bethany's curiosity is overwhelming, and she fidgets - twisting her signet ring over-and-over again in thought. A blink, looking up: "Yes, Silas. I'll tell him that I can have your furniture," she grins.

Valencia raises an eyebrow and shakes he head at the scene unfolding. "And I thought I was easily drawn into a challenge," she grins.

The three bowls are set down for each of them, of equal size so as there's no 'but I got more' kind of complaining. "There is no time-limit to how long it takes you. But I warn you; eat the curry too fast and it will have it's way with you. Enjoy the flavor, but the suffering is also exquisite." Bowls laid out, glasses of milk are produced, and each of them are given a section of naan-bread to go along with it. "You may start your leisure. Trash-talking is welcomed, of course. Prince Edain and I will judge who the winner will be."

    Julea returns back to the event, after having taken leave for some time, and this time she's wearing something perhaps a touch more apt. Gone are the usual worn leathers and instead in their place is a dress. It's plain, both in fabric and in design, but the shade is becoming on her none-the-less. Wrapped around her left forearm is a strip of cloth, knotted there in a bandage-like format, concealing the skin beneath. Not quite sure what do with her hands without a cape to toy with, fidigits instead with this wrap as she makes her way around towards the other Redrain.

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

Valencia hopes the message is DON'T DO IT!

Silas gets dragged along by the Nightgold duchess but he's quick to make sure the new glass of wine comes with him. Bethany gets one last mournful look, but it was mostly for theatre. He seats himself down at the table where they would attempt to ingest the curry and stares at the bowl for a long, unnerving moment. "This is going to be even worse, isn't it?"

Mason give a long, wolfish look to Silas. "Very."

Watching the 'contest' from where she stands, a smile plays upon her lips, finding amusement as bowls are set forth.

Alis seems rather pleased with herself for suggesting the utterly strange contest. And, also more then happy to let Mason and Edain run it. She is fascinated, despite an underlying concern that everyone will avoid these barbeques in the future. That's tomorrow's problem. Today? Entertainment!

    "You fiend," the knight utters back.

Silas checked composure against difficulty 20, resulting in 20, 0 higher than the difficulty.

"We're going to do marvellously," Nadia promises softly to Silas in sidelong. "It's Prince Darren who's going to lose." She predicts, nudging her childhood cohort in the side before looking over toward Mydas, Harlan, and Lydia for support. "Cheer me on, my dearest family!"

"Very well, Your Grace," Sophie replies, quite serenely, "for 10,000 silver donated to the House of Solace. 20,000 if you win." Sweetly, she smiles. "To compensate for my being ill on the morrow and my brethren out a healer." Is she a wimp? No. She also has no problem letting her suffering better the lot of those less fortunate. Gild surely is proud.

Nadia checked composure against difficulty 20, resulting in 26, 6 higher than the difficulty.

Darren checked composure against difficulty 20, resulting in 13, 7 lower than the difficulty.

Aislin has left the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Eleyna leaves on the arm of Juliet, offering nods of farewell to any that would notice her departure, but otherwise remaining her usual cold, distant self. She offers and eye to the contest being conducted by the other party-goers, but it is no more than a gaze before she glides through on her way out.

Eleyna has left the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Juliet has left the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Runa has left the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Pietro has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Silas wisely takes his time spooning up the curry and gently dumping it into his mouth. His eyes water as his mouth is lit aflame (metaphorically thankfully) but he stops just short of openly weeping. Having some idea of what to anticipate helps, but not as much as he hoped it would. It will take him some time to finish, but the milk was consumed right away; much to his chagrin.


    Aurelian stands from the table he was sharing with Donella, Lydia, and Tobias and starts to make his way away from the gatehring.


Anze is what one might describe as hella late to the party, but he managed to make it. He scans the room, and the massive number of people with a hrm, trying to figure out where he should consider heading too first. The first goal though, before dreaded socializing, is to grab some maple whiskey with a wary touch and take a sip. There is a hrm and he takes another drink, its no redrain whiskey, but it will suffice. He picks a table only a little at random, dropping into the small cherrywood table and beaming at the group at hand "why look at that, Nadia, my dear cousin, Mydas, ALis, Stallion, how are we all?"

Aurelian has left the a large ashwood picnic table, with a bowl brimming with dice at the center.

Anze has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Nadia stares down at her bowl of curry-wurst as though reconsidering her life's choices up until this moment in time. She inhales a deep breath, several times, before taking a few modest sips of milk. She swishes it around in her mouth, then adds a few pieces of bread to cushion the sides of her palette before breaking the curry into several smille pieces. She gracefully shoves it all in, chews as quickly as she can, before swallowing it all deeply. A deep shudder rolls through her, tears welling in her eyes before she fans her mouth with an ardent flick of her wrist. "By the Thunderborn's balls, this is -- What in tarnation is in this!" she hisses, but ultimately keeps herself together.

Valencia beams as Anze joins them at the table, "Sweet cousin-in-law! You're here! You're just in time for the show."

Alis gives Anze a look. A //warning// look. One that he is likely to ignore. But at least she tries. "Glad you made it, Anze. Why don't you try some curry?" Look at her innocent smile. Just look at it. What could she possibly be up to.

Bethany cannot resist any farther and turns to carefully open the letter, scanning it. Her expressions shift curious-considerate-challenging-and finally, resigned. She offers a nod, quietly bidding the festivites goodnight, stepping away to pen a reply. "Breathe through your nose, Silas." Over her shoulder as she departs.

Darren checked dexterity + athletics against difficulty 15, resulting in 20, 5 higher than the difficulty.

    Julea comes into a lean against the side of the table, one arm wrapping around her waist, and the other resting on the surface. She slouches a less than lady like manner, watching with some interest as Nadia takes on the bowl of curry. There's a hint of a grin there, broadening her lips, and it takes her a moment to pick up Anze's arrival, offering him a quick, though brief wave, before her focus is once more on the contest.

Silas opts to wave to his sister instead of vocalizing his goodbye. It seems he takes her advice.

"Wonderful to see you dear cousin, An what show is that?" Anze asks Valencia with a smile even as he side eyes Nadia trying the curry. He deadpan looks at Alis "Yeah, I don't think Im goin to be tryin whatever that is. But I appreciate the offer pipsqueak" Anze leans over the table and tries to ruffle ALis's hair before he grins at Julea when she leans against the table "Julea, how are yah?"

Harlan offers Anze a polite smile when he joins them, perhaps a little too polite to be truly genuine. "We were doing quite well, thank you." Harlan has alcohol, after all. It might not be the most proper thing to indulge at a gathering like this, but that seems to be where Harlan is focusing. That and the Alis sitting next to him.

Khanne watches the others, particularly those interacting with Darren, her eyes searching for familiarity.

Alis swats at Anze's hair-ruffling hand, looking thoroughly exasperated at both that and the nickname. As usual. "Scared, meatshield?" she taunts.

    Julea seems a touch surprised when Anze does indeed notice her, and for a moment she checks over her shoulder to see if there might be anyone behind her that he is referring to. Finding none but herself, she meets his grin with one of her own. And for once, she's not dressed in leathers, instead a plain and creased dress, and a strip of leather well wrapped around her left arm, concealing the skin beneath. "Evening Anze--" There's a quick clear of her throat before she corrects herself, "Your highness."


    "What is that? That doesn't look like whiskey," Darren points at the milk that is served along with the curry, and reaches over the table to grab himself one of the whiskey bottles that litter it instead. He looks to his competitors, and then down at his own curry, and then he grabs hold of his spoon and starts to literally inhale the curry. It was a fatal flaw, of course. Those first few bites, taken in quick succession, means the sweat starts literally pouring off of him. And then when he reaches for the whiskey instead of the milk to cleanse his palete? It seems to only make things worse. By the fifth spoonful, it looked like his entire face was crying. "What the flipping fuck is this fucking fuck fuck FUCK!" he is not the most graceful of cursers, unlike Edain. He does not finish the bowl, no. His tongue on fire, he does the only thing he can think of - he picks up the bowl and flings the rest of the curry right at Nadia, because it is ALL HER FAULT.

Nadia checked dexterity + dodge against difficulty 15, resulting in 13, 2 lower than the difficulty.

Nadia checked dexterity + brawl against difficulty 15, resulting in 23, 8 higher than the difficulty.

Darren checked dexterity + dodge against difficulty 15, resulting in 19, 4 higher than the difficulty.

Mason watches on as the three contests battle the curry. "Now this is what I like to see. There is no greater challenge than battling your own will against your stomach. I should make this more often. My wife would be very proud of you all. She eats this at least once a week. There are times where I am awoken in the middle of the night by an angry Grayson Voice demanding that I fetch her some. Apparently, I have already an inkling our child will be something of a spitfire. And then Darren can't handle the curry, while Silas managed to hang on Nadia looking a bit like she's coming out on top. "What're you thinking, Prince Edain?" he asks the man before blinking. Then curry is starting to be thrown around. "Oh boy."

Anze snorts at Harlan and grins at him "oh, were havin a good time? Sorry to ruin it for yah Stallion" he laughs and then laughs again when Alis knocks his hand away "f'an terrified pipsqueak, I don't mess with things goin inside my body, I like to keep whats in there in there eh?" He bahs and waives a hand at Julea "it's still Anze Julea. No need for tha highness, yah enjoyin this all?"

Silas simply watches the two other competitors break out in what appears to be the start of a fight - typical of Northerners - and calmly scoots away to get out of the crossfire and cleverly get out of finishing the small bit of curry still in his bowl.

Khanne seems about to approach Nadia, seeming to recognize her. Only a couple steps are taken when Darren tosses the bowl of spicy curry at her. A gasp escapes Khanne's lips and she lifts a hand to cover her mouth. Whether she hides astonishment, or amusement, is probably hard to tell.

Sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy life happening. And that's Prince Edain right now. Nibbling on his hunk of sharp cheddar. Watching Darren eat curry and the fling it Nadia and the fall out that comes in that wake, "Ahhhh To day is a good day." sure tomorrow morning won't be. But tonight? Tonight is good.

Alis watches with both amusement and possible horror as Darren goes on a cursing streak and then flings curry at Nadia. WHERE IS HER DRINK. This is how alcoholics are made, people. So glad her brother is enjoying this moment at least!

Valencia grins. "We were thinking of going to The Spirits after the festivities. Well, those who can still walk that is. st will you come?" she asks Anze, eyes watching the contest with interest.

If one ever wondered how wars are often started between petty members of the North, now would be a most wonderful demonstration of how two childhood best friends handle their disputes. The bowl of curry is flung and lands right in Nadia's face, her mouth falling open in a wide gape of shock before it immediately turns into a banshee's squeal as juices seep into her lashes. She rubs furiously at her eyes, flinging the mess left and right, and it only gets worse. "What -- Wha-- OH, MY GODS! DARREN!" She screams, doing the only thing the duchess knows how to do to that man when he freaks her out and that's a full on tackle that doesn't help unblind her.

Donella says, "You know what? I like Valardin parties. I am definitely having them over."

Darren checked dexterity + athletics against difficulty 15, resulting in 27, 12 higher than the difficulty.

Nadia checked dexterity + dodge against difficulty 15, resulting in 21, 6 higher than the difficulty.

Alis just makes a rude gesture at Anze, though she attempts to do so discreetly. With the whole... curry and tackling thing going on, she figures she's pretty safe.

Abbas makes his way to the barbecue because if one is to be honest. Outside of fish on a spit or snow crab legs this is about as foreign an experience as a reaver can get. Pitch eyes cast about to take stock of his surroundings. He comes with a small retinue of his personal reavers. But they do not dally and take to the food like krakens to sweet and juicy fishing boats. This leaves the man alone for a moment. His beard and hair are tied. His one-handed axes are sheathed on his belt. He is dressed casually enough. He does not seem to be surprised at the current situation. His flat facial expression remains as he observes.

    Initially Julea responds with a nod to Anze's question, and then she grimaces, shaking her head. "Though this is, at least, entertaining to watch. And I do like to watch, and there's a lot to watch here. So it is porbably just as well I enjoy that." She babbles, just a bit, her tongue running away with her as she tries to words and somewhat fails at that. Fingers twist the leather binding her left arm, and her lips draw into the beginnings of a smirk, watching the Redrain take on the curry.

Donella raises an eyebrow as the show continues. "Abbas. Try some of Prince Mason's cu-ree."


    Really, Darren should've known better. But his face was on fire, his tongue was on fire, his stomach was on fire - literally, everything, on fire. And so the flinging curry? Completely happenstance, truly, and he didn't even realize what he'd done - he was scrambling for the milk, pouring it down his throat to cure the burn, when Nadia banshee squeals and flings herself onto Darren. It knocks him into a stagger, but not compeletely down. "Oh my gods, Nadia, your FACE! Somebody, grab the milk!" and so, while he's trying to fight off the tiny Duchess Nightgold? He manages to grab her arm and pin her down onto the table just long enough to grab the milk with the other hand, and pour it all over Nadia's head.

Valencia calmly leans back from the curry spray as it hits her dearest friend. She shakes her head and draws her skirts back from the curry on the floor, "Oh dear. here we go."

Silas returns to his seat near Edain as the fight unfolds. He's acquired his own cheese on the way. "I -hope- the Duchess's eyesight will recover after that..."

Anze nods to Valencia and then bursts out laughing when Nadia gets nailed by curry. It was close to a spittake, hes glad he didn't take that sip just then. "aye cousin" he says still laughing "aye, I can head to tha spirits after" hes laughing and shaking his head. He smirks when Alis makes a rude gesture at him and this time instead of trying to ruffle her hair he tries to pinch Alis's cheek. Still laughing he comments to Julea "aye, sorry I missed so much of this night, surprised tha Valardin are throwin such a fun party."

blinks, staring at his cousin and Darren fighting. "So... Anyone want to make bets?"

Khanne overhears 'The Spirits' spoken by someone, turning towards the voice that spoke, which happens to be Valencia. She arches a brow with interest, but is soon distracted by the antics of Nadia and Darren. Seeming perhaps accustomed to such behavior, she merely takes a couple steps away from the tackling duo.

Mydas blinks, staring at his cousin and Darren fighting. "So... Anyone want to make bets?"

Donella says, "Fortunately, there are Mercies on hand. I think. There were..."

Nadia checked dexterity + brawl against difficulty 15, resulting in 8, 7 lower than the difficulty.

"Will it be you versus Anze and Lord Harlan in the next round, cousin?" Sophie quips to Alis before she smile and nods to Julea, whom she recognizes from the Spirits some nights ago. "Welcome, Mistress Julea, is it?" And then comes the 'enthusiastic praise from Darren' and it can't be helped. The Mercy breaks out in uproarious, merry laughter -- a truly lively and shining sound -- the moment she an no longer stifle it. There are even tears. Sure, she'll feel a little bad later, and will be extra kindly and soothing when offering the necessary heals. And then when Nadia tackles the Highlord of the Northlands, she considers intervening, her expression growing a shade more concerned. "This isn't the start of the Flaming Arse War, is it?" That doesn't sound entirely a joke.

"So...Prince Edain." Mason is just kinda watching the whole thing unfold. "This happen all the time? Or just today?" He flinces at Nadia getting a face full of curry. "Someone wash her eyes out! That stuff does burn the eyes!" There's actually mild worry in his voice at that.

Harlan's attention is drawn to the scene, and the Ashford lord is frowning, clearly wondering if he ought to step in on his cousin's behalf. Sophie's comments draw his attention quite quickly back to the more immediate commentary. "I think, respectfully, I would rather avoid... all of that."

The Prince of the Thrax makes his way near his cousin. "Is it good?" Abbas ponders curiously as he keeps an eye on the strange affairs. "That's not what they are eating, is it?" He asks Donella as he sits.

Valencia sighs and pulls out a silken handkerchief and begins to dab the curry from Nadia's face. A quick nod to a servant sends them scurrying to get a towel and a basin to assist the Duchess in tidying up.

    The tiny Duchess Nightgold's day just went from fabulous to terrible, and now downright godawful in less than a minute. When Darren snatches hold of her and pins her down to the table, she automatically goes for the jugulars in her total freak-out panic attack. Her eyes are burning worse than a goat's anus after being fed currywurst. That kick? It doesn't hit Darren, thank God. It hits, sadly, Silas in possibly a not so good place if he doesn't manage to get out of her flailing way. "Get the feth off me! I'm going to KILL you! I DECLARE WA-- THAT BURNS! THAT BURNS!" she whines.

"Nope. I learn from others' mistakes." Alis quips at Sophie, while smacking Anze's hand away again. "Should I maybe.. you know, break them up" She stands up to lean over the table and get a better look at the action. "Welcome!" she also calls out, trying to sound cheerful as she greets Prince Abbas.

Lydia has left the a large ashwood picnic table, with a bowl brimming with dice at the center.

    "I brought a head of boar." Julea says as an aside to Anze, a hint of pride in her voice even as she mentions this to Anze, clearly considering this to be quite the delicacy as she points out the gruesome looking thing on the table. Some meat has been carved off one of the cheeks, but much of the rest looks un-touched by the nobility of Arx. Catching her name, her attention strays, and Anze is saved the dignity of being offered some of it, as she lifts a hand up in a wave like gesture to Sophie. "It is. Julea, the Redrain Sword Seller."

"Oh, sweet Ahj'on...." Mason places a hand over his face. "Note to self, never bring curry to another public affair. Ever again."

"Generally stuff like this happens more at Telmar barbecues if I am being completley honest." Edain says with a smile, "But When you have Redrain guests its always best to be prepared for such things..." He says, almost serenely calm as Darren and Nadia tussel, in what we can only persume is a dust cloud with fists and feet sticking out of it every so often like an old cartoon. Edain looks to Donella and says, "I am very glad you are enjoying the festivities, Princess Donella."

Donella says, "No, I think you should bring it to every public eating-thing ever."

Silas checked dexterity + dodge against difficulty 15, resulting in 43, 28 higher than the difficulty.

Anze leans his head over to the boar head and looks over to Julea "still any left? You should get me a slice" because curry is gross and boar face is not apparently.

Tobias says, "It does? Father must be getting soft in his old age."

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

    His mouth might be stuffed with cheese, but Silas was ever alert of projectiles coming his way. While he didn't -quite- expect the flailing duchess to kick at him, he moves away on simple reflex and she instead... kicks his steel armor. "Uh..."


    "Nadia, Nadia! Calm yourself, I've got to get it out of your eyes! Oh, gods, it's so painful!" Darren utters, dodging Nadia's kicks and trying to continue dousing her eyes with milk, before reaching for towels or whatever was nearby to start pile them on Nadia's face as well. If it has the added affect of smothering her screams? Yay for Darren. "I didn't mean to get it in your eyes! This is all your fault anyway!"

Valencia shakes her head, still not used to the rather bold partying style of her Redrain family. "I suppose one day I shall not be surprised by this," she says taking a sip of wine. "At least it's entertaining, though a little messy." She sits back from the now curry covered table.

Nadia checked command + manipulation against difficulty 15, resulting in 34, 19 higher than the difficulty.

Abbas offers a proper Thraxian smile to Alis. -_-. "Thank you for hosting." The reaver dips his head in a nod in greeting. The man reaches for whiskey and gets himself some curry. He eyes the bowl suspiciously. But when you eat living octopus and live on the sweet teet of the Salt hard eating is something of a normalcy. And so he slides his spoon into the stuff and samples. He stares at it for a time and swallows. Quiet for a time before he offers as polite as he can manage, "This is the strangest thing I've ever eaten in my life..." He ponders, "What..." He tries it again and he exhales slowly. "...it's uh, unique."

Darren checked willpower against difficulty 7, resulting in 6, 1 lower than the difficulty.

    There's a little bit of a skip in Julea's step as she pushes away from her unladylike slouch against the table and grabs up one of the plates. She pulls her kukri knife from its sheath and uses it to slice off more of the best part of the boar head, the cheek of course. Making sure to include lots of juicy skin. She piles up a sizable amount, eyeing up Anze and the size of him, clearly gauging his hunger and his ability to eat as quite substantial. Moving back over to his side, she holds it out to him, "Here--" She starts to say, before her words are drowned out by the screaming Redrain's and she grins.

"I would be willing to pay money for you to say that to his face, Lord Tobias." Edain says with a crooked smile And that said he pu shes to his feet and says, "I am going to go into the kitchens to find more milk. I have a feeling we need it.":

Valencia chuckles, "You would." The comment seems a little unfair as the little princess does seem more than a little amused by the entire affair. "Is this a traditional barbecue activity. I'm not entirely clear on this?

Mydas shrugs. "Eeeh... I'd say typical Redrain activity more than anything."

"I think I've just realized the military application to curry." Mason asides to Donnela. "I mean, by just watching this, I should sell the recipie as a weapon."

Valencia nearly snorts with laughter. "Ah, you are right. I should know this," the little princess grins at Mydas. "I have been duly schooled, sir."

Alis shakes her head quickly. "No. Curry flinging and wrestling is not on the typical barbeque activity list." She may sigh a little at the end of that. And this time, she just grabs what is left of Harlan's drink. Because screw it, she needs more whiskey to deal with the aftermath of this.

Edain has left the a large maplewood picnic table with decks of cards evenly placed.

Mydas inclines his head towards Valencia. Which is rather risky, considering how close they are. "Ever a pleasure to put beautiful women back in their place, Your Highness." he says with a teasing smirk, eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I am very sorry," Mason says a bit apologetically to Alis. "I expected many thing but not....this." Hard to really say what else he honstly expected, but this was not on his life of 'things that can happen while eating curry'.

Nadia says, "s@emit Nadia manages to calm herself just enough that she isn't trying to punch Darren's lights out. Rivers of tears are hidden under the piles of whatever serves for towels on her face. Her screams die down, her hair and clothes drenched through with currywurst, ale, whisky, and a lot of goat milk. She's suffering terribly at the hands of her liege, and the infamed commander of the North does what she does best: guilt-trip her best friend for all the suffering he brought her; "H-How could you blame me for this, Darren?! I only wanted you -- OW! -- Ow -- To -- You threw the bowl at me! I didn't tell you to throw it! What if I'm blinded permanently?!" She weeps, and that does bring some relief, "This is all YOUR fault!""

Sophie just lets out a sigh. The kind of sigh of someone used to such antics. And then the corners of her mouth twitch into some semblance of amusement now that she's certain there will be no war or permanent blindness. And so her attention is amiably returned to Julea, "Well met. You are a recent arrival, if I recall correctly. How are you settling in?" Disregard the ruckus playing out behind her serene countenance.

Nadia manages to calm herself just enough that she isn't trying to punch Darren's lights out. Rivers of tears are hidden under the piles of whatever serves for towels on her face. Her screams die down, her hair and clothes drenched through with currywurst, ale, whisky, and a lot of goat milk. She's suffering terribly at the hands of her liege, and the infamed commander of the North does what she does best: guilt-trip her best friend for all the suffering he brought her; "H-How could you blame me for this, Darren?! I only wanted you -- OW! -- Ow -- To -- You threw the bowl at me! I didn't tell you to throw it! What if I'm blinded permanently?!" She weeps, and that does bring some relief, "This is all YOUR fault!"

Donella is fascinated, "I know *I* want it."

Anze grabs the plate from Julea and laughs "I didn't think that'd work so well, thanks Julea. You hunt tha boar yourself?" and plate in front of him he digs in, chowing down on some boar face as he watches all the hilarious occurances going on around him. Boar face and curry throwing, this is a good party. He grins again at Harlan "Stallion, its been a while, seen any good lemurs recently?"

Silas simply remains fixated on the fight and scarfing down the cheese.

Quickly moving from the shadows and taking a vial from her small pouch and a rag, Gwendolyn pipes up. "Duchess Nadia? It's Gwendolyn." She skirts around the excitement with very strained features, trying not to draw any attention to herself apparently. "I can look at your eyes, help flush them out and see if they'll be damaged." She says to the currently blinded woman being tended to.

Khanne stays rather quiet through it all, her expressions ranging from amused laughter to genuine concern. When things seem to begin calming, she approaches Nadia and Darren. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Ah..." Mason has to blow out a breath, thinking before he talks. "I've never heard of someone getting curry in the eyes in all my years so..." There's a bit of thinking, really taking into account all the spices are used. "I don't //think// you'll be blinded."

"Well, I suppose this is how traditions are born, no?" Valencia muses to Alis with a big smiles. "Though we may with to rethink this one," she winces, moving back into Mydas. She glaces up at him and smiles slowly, "And you do it so nicely, too."

Alis waves a hand towards Mason. "No need to apologize. Really. It is the most lively barbeque I have ever been to." she admits, attempting to find a bit of amusement in the whole thing. Other then the obvious.


    "I'm /sorry/ Nadia!" Darren utters, completely and utterly apologetic. He's trying his best! He even picks out a bit of the curry from her hair, casting a sheepish look over to Sophie. "Let Princess Sophie look at you, you're not going to be blind, I aimed for your /dress/, I'm sorry!" he sighs, before he inclines his head to Gwendolyn as she comes over, actually looking concerned. "She's not goign to be -blind-, she's just hurt. Help me flush her eyes out?"

"A lifetime of experience, Your Highness. A lifetime." Mydas replies to Valencia, smirking at the going-ons and drinking from his glass quite calmly.

Donella says, "I think when you give away the leftovers... perhaps... send the curry to the armory instead of the the Lower Burroughs."

    "Good-- Just been putting the finishing touches on my shop today. Though it might be a bit longer before I have a decent amount of stock." Julea raises her voice so that it carries across the ruckus that is the Redrain's, her smile broad and her eyes glinting brightly as she talks to Sophie. She grabs up another plate and helps herself to more, the kukri brought into her hand and used to slice up more portions from the boar head. "Nah, not myself. Got too busy this morn. So, I found a guy who knew someone who knows someone, who could get me one. And spit roast it in the authentic Three-Trees style."

Khanne glances towards Donella and gives her a nod of serious agreement.

Abbas pulls one of his axes from his belt and lays it across his lap. Probably for comfort because running around with weapons was sometimes hell on relaxation. He watches the maybe blinded or maybe not blinded Nadia quietly as he eats his curry. He seems to be quietly curious about the results. Pitch eyes shift between Darren and the Duchess.

Harlan doesn't seem to mind Alis' acquisition of his drink, just now. He's a little horrified by everything that's going on, honestly. "Is she going to be okay?" He'd check himself, of course, but given he can't do anything, it's probably best to leave room for those who can. "Only you, your highness," is offered to Anze with a tight smile before the Ashford lord is offering a small shake of his head to Alis' murmur.

Anze nods at Julea "last thing I hunted down was a deer. Been a while since I nabbed myself a boar. Good call though, never know what kind of weird food these southerners are gonna have. Weird things from tha ocean no doubt." He continues eating boar face. He takes a strong drink of his glass and grins at Harlan "I am a pretty good lemur, ain I?"

"Depending on the spices used, you'd be surprised. Someone tried to give Lady Signe bloodroot paste to put in her dog's eyes." Gwendolyn mutters to the man, taking her vial out of water in full now as she gets near Nadia with a grimace. "It stings, Duchess, I know, but I need you to open your eyes as much as you can." She says with tight, pulled back lips. Looking to Darren she says, "Hold em open for me while I flush and dab." She says, taking a small cloth now covered in some form of ointment she tilts her head and begins her administrations of two droplets of water and dabbing away excess gunk and curry in the woman's eyes. Little "Sorry." coming out with every wince and cry that may result.

Valencia watches quietly as Nadia is tended to, setting down her drink in case she should actually be needed.

Nadia bats away the materials piled upon her face, her porcelain features about redder than the cherrywood of the nearby picnic table. Lashes crusted in milk peel open to reveal inflamed eyes, and she might just look like a demon spitting out hellfire from them, the way she's glaring contemptuously at Darren with her mouth twisted in a mournful moue. "Gwen, can you tell Mydas kindly that... that he's SO not getting an inheritance for betting against me? Please? After you flush out my eyes."

"Tsk, cousin, you wound me with your baseless accusations." Mydas replies evenly. "I mean, you can't even SEE if I bet against you." He takes another sip of his drink.

"Well." Tobias says as the sibling war over blindness continues. "I now have a new weapon in the Crimson Blades armory; chucked curry." Tobias dryly, "I think I'd prefer wine, though."


    Darren huffs out a sigh, helping to peel away all the stuff that got piled on Nadia's face to help her deal with the sting. He suffers through his own pain, so gallant, to help Gwen with Nadia's eyes. "ACtually, you know. I'm not sure if this is a bad look for you, Nadia," he comments on her redrimmed hellfire eyes, trying to be nice! He even offers a smile!

Nadia checked composure against difficulty 20, resulting in 34, 14 higher than the difficulty.

"That is wonderful news," is Sophie's amiable reply to Julea. "Are you enjoying Arx so far?" Darren did call for a Mercy but Nadia seems content to let Gwendolyn handle it. Odds are the House of Solace will be receiving more than one request for a house call in the upcoming hours.

Anze snorts at Mydas's line and gives the Nightgold a pat on the back "you're a brave one Mydas. If I don't see yah for a while an that pup of hers looks a little too fat I'll know what happened to yah."

Silas seems mildly relieved that Nadia was going to be alright, seemingly, and she's stopped flailing. He consumes the wine he acquired now with a wince. "Lets not turn curry contests into an annual thing, please."

Donella says, "Pearls. Ground pearls, ground fine--dissolved in warm but not hot water. There is a snake in the southern Saffron chain that spits burning fluid into the eyes, to blind its prey. Pearls are what the island wise women suggest, don't they Abbas? Also, it makes a wonderful treatment for heartburn. I have no idea what the Mercies say-- you will have to share that, Princess, if this curry is going to be making the rounds..."

"Mydas, please keep quiet lest I stitch your lips shut instead of the next open wound when I have to give you treatment." The tiny woman says as she works, a bit more no-nonsense when in her zone of work. "Just stay still, it's almost all out. I will give you a special mixture to flush your eyes out tonight. You'll be as clear as sunshine tomorrow, Duchess, I promise." The woman vows before finally finishing, a few more splashes of water and a single dab at each eye and she backs off with a nod. "Should be good now, can just pretend soap got in your eyes." She says with a bit of a strained smile, extending a hand for the Duchess if she needs it to get up.

Nadia exhibits an exemplary control over her natural urge to attack Darren, sucking in a deep breath with a feeble nod of her head. "It's alright," she hoarsely whispers. "Because your ass is going to feel the wrath of curry tonight. I'm sure of it. And when you do, I will be -laughing-. We'll be even then, promise." She happily, well as calmly as one who just got almost blinded by curry, lets her eyes be tended to by Gwen and whomever helps sees them flushed out.

"Quite so," Harlan says to Anze before leaning in toward Alis and then rising up to his feet. He won't leave without that bottle, but he does seem to be intending on leaving now.

    "Used to go out though with my father. Boars can be pretty aggressive. Seen them tear a few men up." There's silence for a time as Julea works on eating some of her meat, fingers frequently pulling juices from her lips and chin. It takes a bit before her mouth is cleared enough for her to reply to Sophie. "Mostly yeah, I mean. It's a lot bigger than Three Trees," stating the obvious as she sets aside her plate and wipes at her lips. "But yeah, more personalities, lots of things to watch. Promise of good work-- and His Highness was kind of enough to step up as my Patron." She nods towards Darren as she mentions this.

"She will be alright," Valencia asks Gwen, all the mirth gone from her eyes. She looks at her darling duchess and frowns with concern.

Through all of this, Mason seems to be at a loss. Seeing all this unravel makes him sigh. So he walks over to the table where the large bowl of curry sits. He stares at it for a moment, sticks a finger in it, bring it up and sucks it off. A bit of nodding from the man. "Tastes fine to me..." He's never seen this kind of reaction before. Sure it's hot, but didn't expect it to be flung around.

Mydas chuckles at Gwen's response. "I raise my glass to you, milady. Very well, for the sake of my future self, I shall remain quiet." Though his eyes lose none of their mirth.

"Was good to see yah again Stallion" Anze says happily at Harlan, even if Harlan doesn't seem to be particularly happy to see him.

"In truth, Your Highness," Sophie admits to Donella, "I will need to consult with his Highness." At which point, she politely inquires, "What do your recommend, Prince Mason?" Then, back to Julea, the Mercy wryly notes about Darren, "His Grace is a good man. Not the wisest, but decidedly good."

"Please let me know if you need anything, Nadia. I will have it sent to you right away." Alis offers, as she stands up to get that bottle that she promised Harlan. When she returns from the table that has the array of liquor on it and hands it over, she smiles and murmurs something back to him before he leaves and she offers a proper send off. "It was nice to see you again, Harlan. I'm sure we'll speak again soon."


    "You are extraordinarily gracious, Duchess," Darren remarks to Nadia, patting her head before he shuffles away, because she appears to be in very good hands with Gwen. He does murmur something in Nadia's ear, before he looks over to Sophie and Julea, because he's heard his name. He steps thataway, wiping his hand across his brow as he does so. "Well, that's over. She's not blind, I assure you!" Darren remarks, before he looks to Julea and offers a grin. "How's the shop coming along, Julea?"

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

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

"It runs in the family, Your Highness." Mydas answers Anze. "Though if you do see the pup so fat, would you mind poking a hole in it? I might need the fresh air."

"Yes, just fine, I think." Gwendolyn murmurs, wiping her fingers on her rather drab clothing as she nods, peering into Nadia's eyes deeply as if looking into her soul. "The blacks of her eyes are shrinking and growing, so it means they're taking in light properly, just a bit confused right now. And you see the tearing? That is healthy, it's dispelling what I could not reach." She explains to whoever the heck is listening, smiling faintly to herself as she nods. "If the curry was much more spicy or had a lot more.. Heat to it. It could be potentially worse, the eyes are delicate." She explains before shaking her head, "But no matter, the Duchess is fine now. Eyes will sting but in the morning she will look chipper."

Harlan has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

"What do I recommend?" Mason blinks at Sophie. "About the curry or about getting curry in the face? Because the latter I'm not sure I've ever actually heard of happening. I suppose wipe the eyes with a rag covered in milk. Cold milk. That should nullify the spices better than water or anything else could. I mean..." he's trying really hard to think of something. "Ummm...I would also tell them not to go very far from their rooms tonight. For their own benefit as a precaution." Pause. "And everyone elses."

    "I hope you do not mind your highness, but i did rope a few of your men into helping me haul in a few of the more heavy tools. They were just standing around looking bored. And the promise of ale livened them up some." Julea raises her voice a touch as she speaks to Darren, still speaking with a portion of food in her mouth though she does quickly attempt to swallow it midway through. "But everything is set up now, and it is officially open, but it might take some time before I can build up stock. High grade steel is expensive."

Valencia nods to Gwen, trusting in her knowledge. "You are a good woman, Miss. Gwen. Thank you for seeing to her. Truly."

When her help was not needed, Gwendolyn seeing to the care of Nadia quite efficiently, Khanne had slipped back to the outskirts of the crowd a bit. Her eyes scan the grounds instead of the people for a moment.

Alis sits back down at the table, this time with her own bottle of liquor that she pours into a glass; offering same to everyone else that is there.

Donella murmurs something about looking forward to a drink, before she and her guardsmen drift off toward home. Dieting sometimes has its advantages.

Anze laughs and slaps Mydas on the back again "I'll keep that in mind for yah Mydas, make sure yah get some air." Anze tilts his head to Julea when she gives Darren the lowdown and he hrms "Yah should show me tha place some time Julea, I'd like to see tha shop, maybe talk bout a blade with yah" He offers his drink to Alis to fill, wondering if she even will.

Donella has left the a large ashwood picnic table, with a bowl brimming with dice at the center.

"No," is the Mercy's reply to Mason. "For the impending explosive arse inferno. Is there any way to lessen the exit burning." Completely straight-faced is Sophie, even as Darren is in earshot.

Nadia awkwardly manages to sit up after some time, still quite the red-eyed devil, shimmeying her way down. "Another Great War gracefully avoided," she calls after Darren in a wry sort of Redrain humor. Enigma and Herrath, Everwinter direwolf and leopard alike, make their way over after being attracted by distressing screeches from their duchess, on edge but curious. She mounts Enigma in an elegant sidesaddle sit, clutching to its furs.

Silas finishes his wine and stands. "I think that's enough excitement for me today. I am relieved you will be okay, Lady Nightgold." He doesn't mention that kick she sent him; he suspects it was unintentional and it didn't hurt anyway! He inclines his head to Mason. "And... well I didn't really enjoy the curry, Your Highness, but it seemed like a fun idea for a contest for what it's worth."

Khanne mumbles, "that was close... And me, without my armor."

"They do." Abbas confirms what his cousin says about the pearls. The man slides his hand from his axe and he stands from his chair. The Prince slides the weapon back in its belt and makes over to the Duchess. There is a simple nod to Donella as he passes her and as the man comes up to the red-eyed demon he offers slight smile. "Might I see you home safely, Duchess Nightgold? I can have my men fetch a string and have some thrall crone fix you a remedy."

Alis is sorely tempted to whack Anze over the head with the bottle. But she does pour him a drink. Because she'd be a poor hostess otherwise, and that would just not do! He does get a look again, though. It's her exasperated look.


    "Good, good," Darren says to Julea, before frowning in Sophie's direction. "It still burns," he mutters. Then, to Nadia, he utters a low chuckle, shaking his head. His attention however is stolen by one of those nasty messengers, who thrust a note in his hand. To which, he simply sighs. "My apologies. I should go and attend to this. I have a feeling I'm goign to be suffering very soon, anyway," and then, with a nod, he dips out.