Violet has joined the In the Water.

Tall iron pikes are stuck in the sand all along the beach and on top of each is a fish that swims in tandem with another, the both chasing each others tail. The tails splay out and serve as anchors for anterns that provide the light for when night falls along the beach. Musicians hired and playing all together even though spread apart and a giant bonfire already roaring up, sending warmth out to those around it even though it is not necessary. Braziers scattered, with racks of floured or oiled fish. Alcohol flows, noise is a plenty and people from all ranka nd file - espeecially sailors are filling in to celebrate the birth of the High Lord of Thrax. Alarissa's flitting about, Ovelia in tow, moving around to make sure that everything is in ready, that the tables and area to sit and partake of the feast are available and then with a last stop to the waters edge tos peak with the handfull of servants who stand there with lengths of cotton to serve as towels, with little wooden buoey's bobbing in the wading area of the water and further out. Surely a sign of something water related to happen.

Wylla has arrived. She doesn't do socializing that well, and so she hovers near the edges of the setup, her hands twining a bit awkwardly at her sides and a shy smile sent to the gathering crowd. Splat has decided to accompany her, and she tells the kitten, "Don't go too far," as if he'll listen anyway. Unlike the Archlector, however, Splat is looking for action, gamboling all around!

Barric has joined the Northern Dunes.

Denica has joined the In the Water.

Coraline has joined the Northern Dunes.

Felicia raises a hand in Violet's direction as she heads over to her and the others with a grin,"Delegation, Vi. That's the upside of being in charge... at least, so I've heard." she grins, coming to a halt and wriggling her toes in the sand,"I like the lanterns, that's a delicate bit of artifice, not that I'm... usually, one for water in general."

Felicia has joined the In the Water.

Narses, 6 King's Own Guardsmen arrive, following Leona.

Barric smiles at something Coraline says to him and he nods before murmuring back to her. When things start to ramp up though he chuckles at something Coraline says and he nods, "Indeed, let's see what can be done." Then they are turning and heading back towards the festivities. Upon arrival he offers a polite bow towards Victus, "High Lord." He greets Victus with a wry smile, "Happy Birthday." And then to Alarissa when he catches her for a moment he laughs, "Sister, you should delegate!" He calls out to her and then looks back to Coraline, "Hmmm who do you know so I know who to introduce you too?" He asks the Princess on his arm curiously.

Briar has joined the In the Water.

Edward has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Lethe arrives to the event with a curious gaze at everything she sees. She looks for a quiet spot to watch.

Edward takes a few swigs of his drink as the party develops and then he walks back over to the picnic table to set the empty bottle down and dig into his pack for another. He yanks the cork out and then takes a pull on it before stretching his legs out to get comfortable and people watch.

The beach is nearly always a good place to be, and with a meal included it's all the better even. Into the sandy area walks to more walking arm in arm with one another. Graham Stonewood, and Tabitha Mercier. He will look over to her smiling "This will be fun, and we should certainly swim, if you'd like to that is."

Here comes the birthday boy! Victus Thrax himself, now Victus +1 year older. One year wiser, one year closer to death. He really doesn't look much different in the least, but something about today just adds that extra 'oomph' to his appearance. Maybe it's the fact that he still looks like one grumpy goose despite being surrounded by celebration. He's not come alone either, and it's not just the fact that he's got the infamous Claw of Arx bounding at his side. Astrid had her arms wrapped around his neck as he was coming down the dunes, where she would eventually be set down upon the sands. The little angry Thraxian immediately did her best to haul-ass straight for the body of open water, though would be halted in an instant by Victus grabbing the collar of her dress. Something that seemed all too common at this point.

Now, it was time to greet some guests. Victus' hand raised first to wave to his wife as she dotted about for t he party, while his eyes moved to catch Barric and Coraline. "Sword of Grayson." He greets. "I see my cousin just keeps stumbling upon the knightly types left and right. She's got a fuckin' knack for it, eh?" A thin grin forms on his face as he unceremoniously claps Barric on the shoulder. "Get some brew, Prince, you too cousin. It's a celebration after all."

"I don't think she stumbles upon it so much as flings herself toward them headfirst," Leona calls to Victus as she arrives. She's in the company of a few of the Hundred but she waves them away as they hit the beaches, giving them leave to have fun as she veers toward her family. "Happy birthday, you goon."

Grinning Cora starts pointing out those she has met, "Highlord Victus and Princess-Consort Alarissa of course, and I have met Violet and Denica, and the Lord Commander Leona." Victus' greeting gets Cora blushing all over again though an eye roll gets added in there at the end, "What can I say, it's a gift."

Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, 2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen arrive, following Amari.

Violet is enjoying herself with friends, new and old, at the waters edge. About her gallops and plays the very furry puppy named Gale. Except he looks like a fluffy bear cub at first glance. He has taken on a very special job for the party of protecting the area from seagulls. The occassional blurr of fur and energy can be seen charging up and down the beach around Violet. But then there is a small person about Victus. This small person, one Astrid, catches Gale's attention and the puppy runs towards her with great enthusiasm. Violet turns and sees in time to give a sharp whistle that makes Gale stop and turn to look at her, head tilted in confusion.

Sabella comes strolling along the beach, pretty ribboned slippers in her hand as she walks barefoot through the sand. The wind off the water whips her silken skirts around her ankles and clearly someone is not planning on going near the water. "Prince Victus!" she calls out with a bright smile amd a wave, "Happy birthday! Have you any wisdom to share about how to reach old age with such grace and dutiful resignation?"

Lethe has joined the Beneath Trees.

Denica waves a greeting from the water's edge towards Victus as she speaks near the water line to her company, her skirt tied up so that her knees are bared, and she wears a big smile for him, and an even bigger one for Astrid. She looks back, then, to her company, speaking animatedly.

Lisebet is on the beach, regarding everything with some bemusement. She does recognize some folks, certainly. There's a smile on her face as she nods to those she recognizes, if they glance her way. And if someone she doesn't recognize glances her way, they get - a similar smile, maybe a titch less warmth in it. She continues along, pausing to examine one of the tall iron pikes set up to provide lighting after the sun sets.

Wylla chirps to Sabella, "He's only thirty," with an uncertain, awkward smile. She avoids giving her own age, but surely she looks at least thirty. And she scoops up Splat before he spots any of the other furry friends around -- yet! -- andtakes a tentative few steps over. "I don't think I've met many people here," she adds, and it kind of hovers there awkwardly. "Archlector Wylla of Jayus." And she draws a deep breath, as if to signal, there, that's done, to herself.

Briar stands in the water with the rest down that way, his trousers rolled up past his knees and his shirt laying over there in the sand near his boots. He is conversing with those nearer to him, but that does not stop him from lifting a hand in Alarissa's direction in greeting.

Felicia grunts,"Little point in going to a beach party and getting grit in my nethers." the redhead notes to Violet, returning the hug with one of her own,"I keep reaching for Persuasion, though." her eyes can't help but find the Lord Commander, trailing over Alarissa and Victus, though she doesn't endeavour to interrupt right now, in favor of just sending a brief grin and nod Victus' way before turning her attntion to Denica and the small gathering near her.

Having removed her slippers before she reached the sand, Tabitha picks dainty steps across the beach, clinging into Graham with one hand, and holding her discarded shoes with the other. Her dress is hitched up to calf-height and she keeps her eyes focused downwards, on the lookout for sharp and/or gross things that should not be trodden upon. Lifting her gaze from its intent study of the gritty floor below, she nods at her companion with a small wrinkle of her nose. "Maybe. Can I see how I feel?" That being said, she dips into a silent curtsy as she passes Victus and Alarissa. The birthday boy and his wife are attending to the likes of princes and princesses for now -- best not to disturb them.

"Is that it?" Barric asks Coraline and then he is grinning at the clap to his shoulder by Victus, "I plan to, as long as I can keep away from my sister long enough she doesn't steal every cup from my hand." He laughs and then nods towards Victus before looking down at the little one, "Well, like a fish to water. You can tell she is Thraxian." He says to Victus with a chuckle, "Thank you for holding an open celebration." Then he starts to lead Coraline away and over towards Lisebet, "Lady Lisebet Farshaw, may I present the Princess Coraline Thrax. Princess Coraline, the Lady Lisebet Farshaw." He introduces the pair, "My lady you should not be all on your lonesome tonight, it is a celebration." He teases her lightly, "Join us?"

"Some things you do not delegate until you are ready to!" Alarissa calls out before she makes her way toward where Victus and Astrid are, a smile for Leona's words. "We need to build a shallow pool within the estate so that she stops trying to crawl toward the ocean every single moment." But people are start to settle and Alarissa claps her hand, taking Victus's hand to ease up on top of a sturdy table. "Gather round! I shall keep this short, I swear upon all that is mighty, so that we may enjoy the feasts and the prize of the evenng." There's wriggles of her fingers to those who bows or curtsy.

Sabella beams at Wylla, "How is he still breathing, then?" she laughs and waves a hand, "I'm just joking. I told the King it was a pity he was so old and he only has two years on me. Princess Sabella Grayson, a great devotee of Jayus, as it happens. I believe it is his blessings that cause me to find passion in, well, everything! So, I salute you in your chosen path. Not that you needed any blessing from me." Then she turns to listen to Alarissa.

Amari wanders out onto the beach alone, apparently, as not another Keaton is in sight yet. She takes her time, minding her steps and admiring the arrangements when she isn't searching for familiar faces. There's a small, polite smile for everyone but before she might happily ambush anyone, Alarissa is making an announcement. She naturally gravitates that way to gather round as suggested and to listen.

Denica nods slowly and than turns to face where Alarissa is, moving to gather around and listen to what she has to say, though she does pipe up. "Would it be safe for me to supervise her near the water?" she wonders. "She doesn't kick me... quite that much when I stop her!"

"Fuck is a goon?" Victus inquires to Leona in signature dry fashion, his arm tugging along as the child at his feet tried to get free. Lilybelle in the meanwhile takes off on her own, away from all of this... 'happiness' business going around. "Ya' look like you actually slept last night, cousin. Holy shit. You trying to look pretty again?" He jests and prods Leona's way once she's marched up to him, moving to give her a pat on the back. Though Sabella gets a much more dry look, eyes narrowed. "I'm barely even middle-aged. Ask Gabriel, or Orazio. Those are some folks gatherin' dust by now." He snorts, his humorous grin ever present as he turns to keep greeting those who speak to him with nods and fondness. Astrid in the mean-time has locked the puppy Gale in her sights. Victus mercifully let's her go, but perhaps not so mercifully for the puppy who is about to be smothered in youngling pets and affection. Still, rolling in the sand seems a better alternative than someone who was still a novice at walking straight trying to swim.

Alarissa's taking of his hand does give him pause. "Oh shit, was I suppose to write a speech?" He asks of her.

"Of course you can choose to do so or not, I wont force you." Graham comments to Tabitha though as they approach the gathering he will nod in greeting to those they come close to and especially those he knows from the crowd. He will chuckle lightly though, maybe just a walk to get our feet wet anyways? I promise not to splash you." He chuckles with playful grin given right after.

Wylla blinks at Sabella, a bit owlishly. Her head tilts, trying to take in all that enthusiasm. She manages a stumbly little, "Y-yes," at first, before she adds, "It's a pleasure to meet you," warmly and sincerely. "If you want to discuss Jayus, you can stop by the Shrine. I offered earlier today to someone to do the same. I said I'd have tea. Do you like tea too? Or coffee?" And then a pause. "I never asked him, you know. Maybe I should have."

Gale the Mighty Pupper withstands the might of toddler loving and pets. In fact he may be made for standing up to many threats such as this. And he takes it in happy stride, licking and keeping young Astrid from the water for now. Violet pauses and glances at Victus and then back. She keeps track of the conversation with an ear, but her eyes are on child and puppy like a responsible owner.

Leona grins. "Big guy. Blunders around a lot. Swears, drinks. Has a rough looking cat and a daughter prettier than he'll ever be." The pat on the back she takes with equanimity and his taunts she shrugs off. "I slept four whole hours last night. Suck it." Felicia gets a wink and an upnod in greeting, but Leona settles as Alarissa calls for everyone's attention, giving the Princess-Consort a wave and a smile as well.

Lisebet turns as she hears her name, a smile on her face. "Prince Barric," she greets with a smile and a polite curtsey. "It is a pleasure to see you again. And a pleasure to meet you, your highness," she adds to Coraline. A delicate shrug follows, and she says, "My family is often busy, but since I am the youngest, it does leave me often to my own devices." Which means she can do things like come out to a party of course. "I would be very pleased to join you, if that is alright with you." Alarissa's words are heard, and Lisebet gestures that way, offering a curtsey to their hosts as well.

"I imagine Jayus likes wine. Like-likes," Sabella willfully misunderstands the archlector, smiling brightly the whole while, "And I would absolutely love to do so. Tea for me, thank you. Someday I should hope to make him proud." Valor, for her part, is super duper happy to jump around barking and getting pets from little people! And big people! bark bark im a dog bark bark pet me bark bark dog dog pets pet pet im a dog!

"Lady Lisbet, it is a pleasure to meet you and I know I would be delighted for you to join us as well." Grinning at the being the youngest bit Cora nods, "I know the feeling although technically I am the second youngest by a few minutes I think."

Swaggering down to the beach, Valarian gazes about the crowd for a moment - then discovers the people he is looking for in the water. Of course. Rolling up his patched leathers, the red haired giant wades in up to his knees with a look of suspicion in the water around him, lazy wave of greeting to anyone he happens to pass along the way.

Valarian has joined the In the Water.

Barric chuckles at what Coraline says but he smiles at Lisebet, "Very good, come, I think my sister is about to get this party started." He he offers his other arm to Lisebet and then leads the Princess Coraline and the Lady Lisebet over towards Sabella, "Cousin." He says to Sabella, "I have some people you should meet if you haven't aready." He smiles at Sabella, "This is the Princess Coraline Thrax, and the Lady Lisebet Farshaw." He indicates each with a nod of his head. "Highness, my Lady, this is my cousin, Princess Sabella Grayson." Introductions, moar introductions, moar! Introductions for the scholar god!

"Wine in the Shrine," Wylla suggests merrily in seeming agreement with Sabella, although she keeps mum on Jayus' potential preference for potent potables. Instead, she nods at the Grayson princess. "Send a messenger and I'll be there. I paint a lot, so... it's better if I know someone's coming." She cradles Splat, who bristles a little at Valor the corgi's barking, holding him tight and making her way towards where Alarissa stands atop a table. She's short, so she has to look pretty far up.

"It's your birthday, no. Not this time, this is all me." She assures him before turning to the assembled and raising her voice. "And so, another year has passed for the High Lord of Thrax. A very life filled year for him, of laudable achievements, and personal bests." Alarissa looks to the man who -maybe- now she stands taller than thanks to the bench. "His first child was born and now he has another coming. He lost the red serpent in battle, but another starts it's way to our harbor, ready for it's final piece and to be unveiled. He assembled the Mourning Onslaughter and commanded the whole of the Compacts fleet and lived." Her hand lifts to gracefully gesture to the man. "He has started to learn more of himself, in an effort to be a better leader. He has begun to transform Thrax into the golden fealty that it was before one of the Isles greatest foes started to sink it's darkness into it." She faces him fully now. "Victus Thrax. High Lord of the Mourning Isles, you turn another year. We gather with you to celebrate this. To stand by your side and face it, the same way that we face every other day. I leave this night for my own journey, but not beforeI ensure that this first day of your thirtieth year, is started off well." She leans over to press a kiss to that scarred cheek. Then turns to the assembled.

"But fear not! Thrax wishes to celebrate this milestone in his Grace's life! Within the water, within the nets are oysters. Those who were with us at Maelstrom over a year ago know what this means. Find the pearl, a single pearl, and bring it to me, and with it, you will be find yourself the bearer of an Iridescite or Stygian ring of splendor. One or the other. But it is our way to share this ceebration with you. Now, go forth! Drink! be merry! and if youd are, forge the waters for a pearl!"

Tabitha twinkles a little grin at Graham, and then when Alarissa makes her speech, tucks her slippers under one arm, and applauds quietly. Quietly enough that she'll look polite if others join her in applause, but not like a complete loser if they don't.

Felicia elects to give a sharp whistle of approval, slower than Tabitha to offer applause to go with it, mostly by virtue of having to untangle her arms, first.

Lisebet grins at Coraline, amused there too. "Thank you, you are very kind." She takes the offered arm, walking with Barric and Coraline. It's good to make new friends, of course, Lisebet quite content to do so. And then she gets introduced to -- "Princess Sabella, a pleasure to see you again. How are you?" She inclines her head, politely. A stop then, for the speech, her gaze going over to the couple of the hour. She claps her own hands, briefly, with a sidelong glance over at Barric.

Edward has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Sombra, 1 Navegant Marines leave, following Edward.

"Ohhh, that's so tempting a game, but I specifically wore this dress so that later when the drinking has gone on too long someone might think twice before deciding to throw me in!" Sabella confides to Wylla. "And archlector, I don't know if you realize but I adore talking, so you will most definitely hear from me!" Then she offers Barric and his two ladies a brilliant smile, "Prince Barric! I actually have had the pleasure of meeting both! Princess Coraline, Lady Lisebet, it is always a fine day when I get to converse with you both! Will you be oyster hunting? And I am fantastic!" she beams at Lisebet, "Thank you for asking! I find each new day filled with promise and hope! And not just because people are having such wonderful parties with amazing gifts."

Leona has joined the Quiet Strand.

Lisbet gets a grin, then Sabella gets one as well, "Ah we met briefly I think in a shop, I should have mentioned. So many people I missed seeing her lovely face. Princess Sabella a joy to see you again and we shall yes! I mean how could we avoid such festivities it isn't like the Highlord turns another year older every day." A bit of evil enters her grin, "Which I will remind him later....often."

Lethe walks over to Alarissa after the speech. "It is good to see you and everyone." She smiles to the others nearby before turning to Victus. "I wanted to come to wish you a happy birthday."

Cora also cheers at Alarissa's speech!

Violet brings her hands together to clap for Victus and Gale turns from Astird at the applause and barks in excitement. Then it is back to sloppy dog kisses for Astrid. The Blades commandant's eyes go a little wide at Alarissa's game and she turns to smirk at Valarian. "Indeed, a treasure hunt," She chuckles before turning to head for the drink table. Eyes still on the dog and child of course. Gale takes all the pulling in stride, grinning like the silly pupper he is.

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

Valarian Applauding at Alarissa's words, the giant, red-haired merc then attempts to sneak up on his sister, albeit probably not so well, given his height and lack of...subtlety...before dumping two huge cupped handfuls of water over her hair, bellowing a mad laugh afterwards. Valarian tries to get out of the way of the wrath to come afterwards, grinning at Denica and Violet. "Nothing better, right?"

a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name arrives, delivering a message to Felicia before departing.

"Four whole hours? Wow. Fuckin' Lord Commander slacking off again?" The Big Thraxian calls back to his cousin as she moves off. Victus stands beside his wife, who was just a little bit higher than himself now. He does put a hand on her leg to steady her, just in case, while his peripheral is set upon ensuring Astrid was not about to attempt to sail the pupper back to the Maelstrom. As the words carry on though, he begins to incessantly rub at his bearded chin. Faint hints of emotions? The corners of his mouth tugging up in something that wasn't a grin, smirk, or scowl? No, of course not. Just a trick of the light, nothing more. When the words are finished he takes a long, deep breath as he looks on to Alarissa. "You're good to me."

Then his attention turns, an appreciative nod for Lethe. "Lady Lethe, thanks for showin' up. Ain't seen you for awhile yet, eh?" Astrid and the puppy were getting along quite well, with strong pets followed by some enthusiastic hugging.

Wylla smiles shyly at Sabella's words. "Well, I'll try it." Her Archlector's robes have paint here and there anyway, so it's not exactly as great a risk as it might seem. "And... yes, I can tell you like to talk." But she doesn't seem to have a mean bone in her body, and somehow that statement evades insult, settlin as a simple statement of fact. Eyeing the water, she looks for someone to hand Splat off to.

Amari can't leave Tabitha clapping alone, so adds a gentle round of applause when that starts. A glance goes to the water, after Alarissa mentions the oysters and the nets they might be found in there. She doesn't look too certain about that, really, so instead approaches the host, and the man of the hour to offer a proper Oathlander curtsey. "Happy birthday, your Highness. Congratulations on all your accomplishments, and I hope you have many more successes and a very long life." A smile then up to Alarissa if she's still on the bench, "Your Highness."

Graham will join in with the applause with the one beside him. He takes a moment to pat her hand if she'll allow. He speaks something in hushed tone before returning to normal. "It can be very fun, though it may take time. You will do wonderfully."

Leona before Leona moves away, she scoops up Astrid with a smile for Violet. "'Scuse," she says, "takin' the kid to the sand." Does Victus approve? Leona doesn't seem to care, though she throws a wink at Alarissa as she goes. "Your dog's welcome to come too if you want," she offers to Violet, but she takes the heir-apparent over to the quiet strand, flops down in the sand, and starts playing with the girl immediately. And the pupper, if puppers choose to come.

Tabitha smiles sweetly at Graham, then lifts herself up upon her bare and sand-veiled toes to whisper something into his ear.

Felicia acks as she's suddenly dumped on by her taller, younger brother, in true sibling fashion turning and having to chase him across the sands to try and give him a shove,"Get back here Val! Or I'm going to pour sand in your boots while you're not looking!"

Graham has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

After the introductions Barric smiles at Sabella, "Well, at least I am doing my part. I see some other people to introduce these two too. Have a good time Cousin!" He chuckles and then nods his head towards Tabitha, "That is mistress Tabitha Mercier, proprietor of the Mercier Tea Shop, very good pastries. I should know, I bought the whole shop out recently." He flashes a wicked smile at Alarissa but she probably wasn't going to overhear that. He will lead the pair over towards Tabitha and apparently Amari as well. "Lady Amari Keaton," He does more introductions, "Princess Coraline Thrax and the Lady Lisebet Farshaw, though I daresay you probably already know Lady Lisebet." He then looks over towards Coraline, "This is awkward, any chance you could snag me some rum and give me a drink Princess?" The scandal.

Gasping at the mention of the pit, shooting a glance at Briar, then Felicia. A worried look crosses his brow after soaking his dear sister, clearly concerned he might end up in the dreaded pit of Briar's, making his retreat all the more expeditious. Looking over at Denica, he squints a bit. "Sorry, I don't know you. Valarian Harrow....sorry, I have to run!" And run he does from the Dame Felicia, large feet thumbing across the beach as he laughs hysterically.

a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name arrives, delivering a message to Felicia before departing.

"lady Lethe! A delight as always to see you." Alarissa gets Victus's help to step down from the bench in a far more ladylike fashion, smoothing her dress around her. A glance to ensure that Astrid is not, indeed, sailing the pup to Maelstrom, a nod of approval when Leona's taking her off. Amari's approach has Alarissa extending her arms to embrace the other woman. "lady Keaton, be made welcome. I promsed no live octopi! But there are some who have been cooking all day to ensure tender. I need to move about and see to the other guests and go say hello to one of my protege's" Releasing Amari's, one last peck to Vic's cheek and Alarissa's making her way toward Briar.

Lethe shakes her head and smiles politely. "It has been some time, but we're both busy with other things. It is great to be here." She goes to get a drink for herself before speaking to Alarissa. "It's always wonderful seeing you, and today is such a great day for spending time on the beach."

Tabitha dips into a curtsy at Barrics greeting, then offers another to each woman present in turn. "Your Highness, Lady Amari. A pleasure to meet you both," she says with a smile, then gives a grin towards Sabella and Lisebet. "We have indeed met before, but it's very good to see you both. And you also, of course, Prince Barric."

Tabitha adds, "Although it's my cousin Bethany's tea shop. I'm just looking after it while she's busy with other enterprises."

Gale barks at Leona as she scoops up the child and makes it -very- hard to not trip over him. In fact he barks and tries to stop her from carrying away his playmate. Good guard dog? Violet's attention is momentarily taken by Felicia having water dumped upon her. But her attention does go to the dog and then Leona as she calls.

"Gale, play," She calls and the puppy stops trying to trip Leona up and instead follows her. Tongue lolling as he stared up at the enthusiastic Astrid. "ARUF!" Violet turns and her eyes go wide in mock-horror at Briar's threat. "You'll have to catch me first!" She tells him. "I'm getting a drink." And she goes and does that. Rum is what she brings back, four glasses even, one for Denica, Felicia, Briar and herself.

Barric says to Tabitha, "Ah of course, my mistake."

Lisebet is there, so she can certainly hold a kitten? Maybe? Except then the small grouping is wandering off, so Lisebet raises a hand in farewell to Sabella and Wylla. And Splat. Lisebet offers a grin to Barric, and then a nod to Tabitha. "Mistress Tabitha, good day." She tilts her head a bit, chuckling, the amusement lighting up her face, or is that the hint of mischief. "Do you know if there is more of the lemon lavender tea in stock yet? I find I might need to purchase more in the near future." Yes, they've definitely met. "Lady Amari, good day." She smiles sweetly to Barric. "Your highness is most kind. It is very appreciated."

Felicia isn't above attempting to chase down and tackle/shove her brother into the sand, no sir, he started it, after all. And making younger brother's eat sand is a time honored tradition somewhere, no doubt,"VALARIAN HARROW!" bellowed after him as she endeavors to catch up with a breathless kind of laugh ruining it.

Denica waves to Valarian as he bolts away. "Well... it was nice meeting you!" she says, before her attention moves back to Violet whom comes bearing gifts of alcohol! She beams and graciously take the glass, drinking happily.

Sabella waves to Tabitha and then says to Wylla, "You mentioned that you are a painter? Might I inquire as to what you tend to paint? Portraits or landscapes or just whatever it is your imagination inspires you to?"

"I'm most pleased there are none." Amari says of the live octopi, as she embraces Alarisa in return. "Perhaps I'll see you again after you've done the rounds. Everything looks and smells lovely." She quickly compliments before the Princess-Consort can get away. When she does, she turns and has more introductions which she accepts with a warm smile and polite dip of her head, "Hello! Your Highness, I'm not sure we've met, have we? Lady Lisebet, I do recall from the Golden Hart at Duke Vercyn's table. We were to have a debate?" Tabitha is regarded too, also smiled toward, "A pleasure to meet you as well."

Alarissa has joined the In the Water.

Briar reaches out to liberate one of the glasses of rum that Violet brings back, lifting it in toast to those around him before he takes a sip of of the contents with a happy sort of sigh. He watches Felicia go bolting after her brother, chuckling and shaking his head. "Man, Vi. Why can't you be cool like that?" he asks.

Wylla stares, Splat in hands, before she catches the look Lisebet shoots her, smiling uncertainly at the woman. "Hi! Would, um, would you like to take care of my kitten? I'd like to search for that pearl," she remarks, shrugging at her own mildly adventuresome spirit. "If you take good care of him, I'll give you the pearl. Or the ring. However it works." And Sabella's still chatting away, and she turns back towards her. This time, though, Wylla warms to the question. "Many things! I'm not a portrait artist -- isn't that Fortunato Grayhope's or Mae Culler's specialty? -- but I paint a lot of things. I just finished a work that... well... I can't let you see it. But I think Jayus spoke to me," she confides in Sabella, making no effort to be stealthy about it.

a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name arrives, delivering a message to Felicia before departing.

"I think the crown just took our child." Victus comments casually back to Alarissa as she moves to greet more guests, a snort of amusement had for his own humor. Something about Leona does seem to inspire Astrid to immediately be all-over her. Is it the shiny armor? Probably. His eyes dart around the beach at all the fun going on. "Shit, so much to do, so much to /want/ to do..." It was a doozy to decide which spot he was going to invade first. Eventually however, it seems he's content to actually get some swimming in. His coat is thrown off and back around his shoulder. Here comes the Thraxian-sized FLOP.

He makes a big splash, little droplets showering the area immediately around him. After a moment of bubbling beneath the surface, Victus comes up again, hair now freshly damp and soaked.

"It was briefly at the Sleepless Knight, Lady Amari." Barric explains to her with a chuckle, "I would not be surprised you did not recall it, not much more than an exchanging of names." He smiles at Amari and then looks over towards the water, "I suppose I should at least try for that pearl before I get to drunk to swim." He smiles at the ladies and princesses nearby and then goes to shuck out of leathers so he can go swimming without getting waterlogged and drowning.

Victus has joined the In the Water.

And the chase is on! Valarian tears off through the sand, beginning to laugh hysterically when Felicia screams his name out, slowing him down. "Help, I'm being chased by a villainous big sister! Where's the cavalry when you need them?" Slowing his pace down...is he -mocking- the knight? The redheaded sellsword looks over his shoulder and brushes away some long hair to give a saucy wink to the Dame. Some nerve.

Briar looks up as he notices Alarissa heading their way, stepping forward a little bit so that she doesn't have to walk quite as far. He offers her a smile and dip of his head before he says, "Highness. This is quite the party you've thrown here. Thank you for having me. Have you met my sister Violet? She's the new commander of the Crimson Blades."

"Or has our -child-, taken the crown." Alarissa calls back to Victus.

To Lisebet, Tabitha flashes a sweet smile, then nods. "I'm sure there should be. I'll check for you the next time I'm there." Then with another curtsy towards everyone she has addressed or been addesses by, she says, "Please excuse me. Wonderful to see you all!" Then she pads over to the picnic table where Graham sits, slippers held in one hand and her skirts lifted above her ankles with the other.

Tabitha has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Violet smirks at Briar's comment about her being cool and rolls her eyes. "I am much cooler that you think," She tells him with a sniff before sipping her rum. Alarissa's approach is noted with a smile and she bows. "Your highness," She greets her cheerfully. However her eyes are following Valarian and Felicia across the stands. "An honor to meet my brother's Patron."

Lisebet smiles at Amari, pleased at the recollection. "Yes, indeed, and we still haven't done so, have we?" she says thoughtfully. "I suppose that this meeting is fortuitous." She inclines her head to Barric as he departs to swim, and then smiles at Wylla. "I can certainly hold the kitten, I think," she says. "But if you do find the pearl, there's no need to give it to me. You will have earned it all for yourself." A msile to Tabitha, and a nod. "I will look forward to a chance to chat with you, Mistress Tabitha."

Screw the sand. Felicia elects to circle off and come up on Valarian's outside in order to try and shove him in the water instead.

"It didn't happen to be green, did it?" Sabella aska Wylla very casually, glancing first to Valarian as he makes his escape from his sister and then to Victus as he jumps in, "Oh, no, the water play has started early." she says gravely, "There's no saving those of us who wanted to stay dry now!"

Jev is that guy who comes in walking with bent knees and a wide open mouth grin, and finger guns. Though guns aren't invented yet, so it's just a couple of random pointing fingers extended. "I heard it was a party! Whooossseee ThE bIrThDaY gUy?"

Wylla offers Splat up to Lisebet. He's a bundle of fur and needle-sharp kitten claws, and a lot to hold onto! "Good luck," the Archlector notes warily. Then at Jev's exclamation, she flinches a little, staring at him for a moment, turning gape-mouthed back to Sabella. "It had green in it. But if you mean was it very, very green, no, it wasn't. Why?"

Barric has left the Northern Dunes.

Barric has joined the In the Water.

Denica waves to Alarissa as she approaches and she watches as Victus enters the water fully with rather envious eyes, and with that Denica laughs, drinking the rest of her rum and shoving the glass in his hands. "I think I'll join him," she says, handily removing the dress completely, shoving it into Sojan's hands, and revealing... a rather modest shift beneath her silks. Smoothing herself out she wades out deeper into the water to join Victus with a little grin. "Get over here, Birthday Boy!"

"Oh, it must have been a very brief meeting while I was well drunk on Valardin milk." Amari laughs softly at the correction, "I do hope you'll forgive the slip, Prince Barric. I'll surely remember you now." As he peels off to go oyster hunting, there's a shrug of her slender, bare shoulders to the ladies left behind. "We have not, Lady Lisebet, and I don't make idle threats. We'll have to arrange a meeting soon but for now, would you like to try for an oyster? We could take turns holding the kitten, if you like." To Wylla, she smiles and compliments the feline, but she's soon heading for the water's edge, "He's very cute!"

Amari has joined the In the Water.

"Pretty sure the dog has taken both of us," Leona calls over to Victus and Alarissa, though she seems content to play sitter and relax, alternately scritching puppy and playing with girl. From somewhere she has a little toy sword that she's handing to Astrid. "Okay," she says, "show me whatcha got, kiddo." And promptly catches the sword just before it hits her in the face. "Excellent! Again!"

"Perhaps once you have tired of searching for the pearl, I will give it a try. I would like to," Lisebet says. She takes the kitten as warily as Wylla passes the little thing over. "Goodness, look at you!" she says, as she tries to figure out how not to get scratched, and how to keep the wriggly kitten from escaping.

"Oh," Sabella waves a hand, "I'm looking for a certain painting the archscholar mentioned to me once. But I'm starting to doubt it exists and instead have woven an amazing tale around it so that it is a painting that is yet to be, awaiting someone to inspire." she gives Wylla a faint smile, "But I often spout nonsense, just so you know. It's my defining trait, according to some. When you do show your painting I would love to see it. Jayus has never spoken directly to me that I know of so I would love to see the sort of artwork he would inspire." she laughs then, "I am not goinf anywhere near the water so I will take care of any pets or children that need it for thosr that want to play the game!"

Taken by surprise at his sister's crafty flanking maneuver, Valarian is hit full force by the powerful knight that happens to be his big/little sister, Felicia sending him sprawling head first into the water with a mighty splash, soaking all who are unfortunate enough to be anywhere remotely near where splashdown happens to occur, where his giant limbs flail about before pushing himself up, long red hair streaming water everywhere and hanging in his face as the sellsword laughs hysterically.

Victus throws his head side to side, shaking off the droplets that matted his hair and beard like a soaking dog. It was pointless considering he was already waist deep in the ocean, but it's purpose is so he can dunk himself back in and get all wet a second time! When he raises from the waves again, reborn, he howls. "I AM THE SALT'S CHAMPION." He proceeds to crash the water around him with his big arms, sending splashes of weaponized salt-water Denica's way and other's who dare remain in the 'splash zone'. After this attack, he dips beneath the waves again, maneuvering like an oversized shark under the rolling tide.

Valarian has left the In the Water.

Valarian has joined the In the Water.

Graham will shake his head to one part of the words spoken. "I think sitting would be good for the moment at least." He will look about though and point towards a pinic bench following along and sitting down beside her. He will gladly entwine fingers after a moment. "You do not mind me speaking as such. As if it's already happend?" He wonders.

Jev may have lowered his fingers, but he is not so easily dissuaded from his investigation. He mosies on over to the benches and eyes Graham. He snaps his fingers to point at him. "You're the birthday guy. Aren't ya?" he asks with a knowing grin.

Violet is suddenly thoroughly and completely soaked in water. Her body protecting her rum from all but a few drops. The look of wide-eyed horror is amusing and she manages to not shriek at it. Mostly. But she does jump and turn to stare at both Victus and Valarian. It's hard to tell who was the larger culprit (Victus) for a second. "Your grace, thank you?" She isn't sure how to respond and so drains her rum so it isn't contaminated further. Then she beats feat for a refill, becoming lost in the crowd.

Felicia noogies Valarian, unconcerned that she managed to get soaked herself in the process, though she does relent with her own laugh,"You need to be digging up oysters, oh little brother. If you're lucky you'll find the one with the pearl." she huffs at him, checking that her hair pins still have a grip on her own copper hair before she endeavors to wade back in the direction of Violet and the others,"/And/ I'm pretty sure that Violet got us some drinks, too."

Gale, for his part, falls asleep finally in a pile of puppy. Even Astride flopping or tugging won't get him moving for now. Sleepy puppy is sleepy.

Wylla smiles at Amari's statement. "He's getting big, though! He'll be a real cat soon," she remarks, before she gives Lisebet a sympathetic look. "If you bundle him up in your sleeves, the claws don't hurt so much." She looks back towards Sabella, staring for a moment. "If... if I hear of it, I'll let you know." And then she picks up her robes, stepping into the water as daintily as she can, with a little shiver as the waves hit her and a /look/ towards all the splashing people, more uncertain than condemning.

Wylla has joined the In the Water.

Barric runs into the surf dives into the water once he's in something resembling a small enough amount of clothing to swim without making it a serious effort, which is not much, small-shorts basically. The waves push at him but he breaks through and then swims towards where the nets are and towards the others who are also going to swim and hunt for the elusive pearl. He smiles at all the others in the water and laughs at the splashing between Victus and Alarissa, but he soon ducks under the waves before Alarissa can get him back for laughing.

Lethe has left the Beneath Trees.

Lethe has joined the In the Water.

Sabella sits down in the sand, reaching a hand out to pet Valor and any other animals left behind by people's gamble for riches! And fun in the water. "Is the water even warm this time of year?" She asks Lisebet curiously.

Lisebet figures out that if she holds the little cat just so, it seems to be content. And apparently it likes being scritched behind its ears, but not on its belly (ow!). She smiles to Sabella and says, "Yes, it's very nice." She may even have been in the water not so long ago, herself. Though not so far today.

Victus reemerges from the tide, like a large, hairy beast that has been freshly awoken. He doesn't look sorry. Not in the least. He's still gargling salt water when he lets out another triumphant cry, flexing that brutish form of his, torso a battlefield of old scars and muscles. He peers to the beach, seeing Astrid whacking and thwapping away with her toy sword. Quite natural really. His grin grows wide before he's slipping onto his back, prompting himself to merely float rather than act the part of a predator for now.

6 House Velenosa Guards, Jiacomo, the Velenosa seneschal arrive, following Talen.

Sybilla, the Lenosian lady's maid, 13 House Velenosa Guards, Talen arrive, following Eleyna.

Alarissa has rolled 1 11-sided dice: 7

"I can't swim, so I always just assume it's very cold and that's why fish like it." Sabella replies with a nod to Lisebet like what she just said makes perfect sense.

Jev makes his way to Waldemai. He is slightly discouraged now, but still determined. "You?"

Amari follows the other woman as gamely as she can, but it's clear her people are a landlocked bunch. Sea legs, she does not have. There's a little stumble here and there as she wades out, and a laugh and an apology when her clumsiness causes a splash that imperils Wylla's dry robes. "Oh, it's not too bad! I'm not sure what I just stepped on though, it was squishy. I hope it's alright." Wait, what if it was an octopus? She freezes, but obviously convinces herself it's fine. Everything's fine. She'll push on.

3 Thrax Guards, Olenna arrive, following Catriona.

Lethe steps into the water and can only sigh as she comes back with the wrong oyster. "It was worth a try."

Lethe has left the In the Water.

"It was probably just an eel," Wylla suggests, not seeming to realize that may not be the most helpful advice to give Amari. She reaches down. "Oh! Here's one. There's another one just over there." She gestures vaguely to Amari, and then reaches for a shell, emerging with it in her hands. "Let's see." She pries it open carefully, shivering all the while. "No luck! Did you?" she asks her newfound acquaintance.

Lethe has joined the Beneath Trees.

Tabitha has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Graham has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Graham leaves, following Tabitha.

Talen and Eleyna arrives in the midst of the party, black and reds for their outfits. The dunes are tricky to edge their way down, the sands troublesome, but Talen helps them descnd. Upon the beach they make a bee-line for Alarissa, Talen's own brows rising steadily at he gets closer, as if in anticipation of something. Then he dives to the right, and smacks Victus in the shoulder, presuming the High Lord and his wife are together. Psyche! "Happy birthday!"

Catriona makes her way down from the city, dressed in what, for her, is relaxing clothes. But not swimming clothes. Either she doesn't intend to get in the water or she doesn't care if she ruins her silks. She winds down towards the water's edge, smiling and nodding to people she knows and keeping eye out for the guest of honour his own self.

When Barric comes up with an empty shell he looks mildly disappointed but he chuckles and shrugs, looking over to see if anyone else got the pearl in the contest, swimming over towards Coraline he checks with the Princess but alas, neither of them came up with the pearl. Then there is more swimming and conversations to be had.

Admittedly, Briar isn't doing the best shell hunting job. He lumbers along, reaching to grab whatever shells he happens upon with his toes and lift them to take with his empty hand. As one comes up empty, he tosses it over his shoulder with a grumble before moving on to the next.

Lisebet is standing by Sabella, with a kitten in hand. "Oh, I see," she says to the princess. "Well, you could go in to your knees, i would think? If you wanted to get your toes wet?" So says the island born Farshaw lady. She grins though as the kitten tries to make an escape. "Princess Sabella, are you okay holding this little squirmy kitten monster? I would like to try to hunt down an oyster."

With Talen's help, the Archduchess manages to make her way across the sand, making a face the entire way as tiny grains get between her foot and the silk. That's the face that she's making when Talen releases her to give Victus the standard smack of greeting. Eleyna just looks upon this with a sort of jaded patience as she takes a step back, fully expecting Victus to now suplex her Consort into the sand. Pleasantly, she smiles at Alarissa and says, "Lovely day for a party."

Jev is about to ask another poor random attendee if its their birthday. But then he hears from a distance someone exclaim, 'Happy birthday!' He whirls to face the direction of the words and jogs in that direction, waving his arms above his head at Victus. "Hey! Hi! Happy birthday!"

Alarissa is on waters edge, Victus is wading, but close enough. A smile when Eleyna and Talen show, Alarissa easing away from the edge before she can get splashed again. "You both made it. Good." Embracing Eleyna and leaving Talen to be thrown in the water. Or the sand. "Is it not? I always promised a non-fussy party for his birthday. They are hunting an oyster with a pearl. I thought that the best way to get people in the water and then gather round the fire to warm up afer."

Alarissa has left the In the Water.

"I am!" Sabella replies with a smile, reaching out to take the kitten from Lisebet. "And I do not think I shall even dip a toe. I know it is not fashionable, but I am definitely not a fan of the water."

Talen has joined the In the Water.

Eleyna has joined the In the Water.

Alarissa has joined the In the Water.

Splat, as he's transferred, mrrs in protest, waving a clawed paw as fiercely as a tiny furball can do. Then he's content being held by Sabella too.

Lethe gives up on the pearl hunting and gets some food to eat by the trees. She occasionally looks toward those in the water.

As is tradition, Talen greets Victus with a smack and Victus returns with an equal-shot of his own. Though his is less a friendly smack, more of a grapple. A grapple that is calmly going around Talen's waist. A grapple which is now involving lifting Talen up and promptly dive-bombing the two of them straight under the waves in a suplex. Like two angry bears that have just clashed together and immediately began mauling. Standard.

Lisebet has a bathing suit to wear, having come prepared this time. She does leave her dress safely on a dry rock, and heads into the water, managing to not drown, though she gets splashed accidentallyl by her entry being too close to Victus and Talen. That just brings a shake of her head, as she makes her way to where the oysters are, seeing if she can fish one out.

It turns out that being able to get animals to do what you want doesn't run in the family, because while Splat is a perfectly friendly kitten, cuddling him to her chest just means that in a couple of minutes he's climbing up her silk enshrouded shoulder with sharp kitten claws, "Oh, no, no, kitty, this is silk!" Sabella tries to reason with it, but no, Splat is intent on finding the most comfortable place to curl up, up on Sabella's shoulder, half under her hair behind her neck, "Uh. Kitty. This is not--I'm not really holding you anymore." she keeps one hand awkardly on his back, looking around for help.

Catriona spots her sister out in the distance, but she also spots something else interesting and detours that way first. "Hello, Princess." She greets Sabella with a little bow of the head. "That cat is darling."

"It certainly likes to snuggle, yes." Sabella replies, a little strained, to Catriona.

"We were kept a bit by business, but we did indeed make it." Eleyna glances over at Talen as he is lifted and bombed into water. She doesn't even look as if she's surprised. "This is really nice. Not fussy at all. I don't think I've been to the beach all summer, actually." She raises her voice to call out to Victus, completely unconcerned, "Happy birthday!"

Talen goes under for only a few seconds, but it's enough that when he comes up, he sucks in his breath. Really he's not dressed to be swimming, in leather armour even still, so he soon shoves off Victus as best he can and tumbles again once more at the waves. It's only then he shouts, loudly, "This is war, Thrax!" Wrestling off his cuirass, he storms the High Lord with a shove of his own, though at the last moment ducks low to sweep from far down by his knees. This man's tall, it's the only way guys. No referees present! War in Velenosa (and the Lyceum) clearly means less clothes.

Talen drops a taut cuirass sculpted from lycene diresnake skin armouring the spine with rubicund laminae.

Alarissa picks up a taut cuirass sculpted from lycene diresnake skin armouring the spine with rubicund laminae.

Barric has left the In the Water.

One eye briefly on the combat in the waves, Cat shakes her head. Thrax men. ... And Venelosian men, apparently. "Can I help?" She offers with an outstretched hand to take the wandering kitten. "He's not yours, is he?"

Barric has joined the Northern Dunes.

Oh, it is on. Lycene vs Thrax open warfare about to occur on a celebratory day, is war not hell? Victus isn't expecting of Talen's quick retaliation though and soon he feels his knees buckling out from under him when the Archduke is grabbing for him. He tumbles, but not before he gets on big arm around the other man's side. If he was going to be taken down, they'd both be dragged down by this sinking ship! Luckily, Victus was already mostly shirtless. Meanwhile his daughter is blissfully unaware, still going through the motions of some combat training with Leona. Lilybelle is still wandsering at the front of the beach, far, /far/ away from the water and any other animals.

Wylla speaks to a group of her fellow women who have clustered together, but as she says something, her hands wring, and she looks back a bit warily at Sabella and Splat, quite clearly concerned for someone's welfare between the two. Whose, though, might be a bit more unclear.

Leona is sitting on the quiet strand with Astrid, who is trying to hit her with a toy sword. She stops the sword momentarily and points to where Talen and Victus are wrestling in the water. "That," she says to Astrid, "is what we call a /goon/. Say it with me, /goon/." Astrid promptly responds with gibberish and Leona laughs and nods. "Yep. Goons."

Lisebet finds an oyster at long last. But alas, it is empty. She wrinkles her delicate little nose at it, but then laughs, searching out one more. Again empty.

"Oh, no, he's not mine." Sabella tells Catriona, wincing a little at sharp kneading kitten nails. So many purrs! "I think he's quite all right where he is but if he tries to jump or something definitely try to catch him!" It doesn't seem like Sabella has a lot of faith she could detatch him herself. "And how are you tonight, Princess? Come to try your luck finding a pearl?"

The wrestle goes on a while, at one point suck in stasis as Victus and Talen lock arms around one another, heads side by side. Then, with a tumble, Talen's in the water against and getting a good dose of salt water. As he coughs it up, he sprawls towards the beach, and just spreads out like a starfish while staring into the sky. "Alright, alright, let's not be hasty. It was all am misunderstanding," he broaches in diplomatic effort-- ever the Lycene. Can't win a war through conventional means? Manipulate your way through. "Oh, look. Astrid's training with the Lord Commander!" And then there's that 'goon comment', his frown suddenly like this: >:|

Shortly after Eleyna and Talen arrive, Sybilla, the Archduchess' personal maid, arrives with little Donato Velenosa in tow. The dark-haired toddler sees the sand and promptly wants to drop into it and roll around, yet is prevented by his current guardian. So, that's why Sybilla arrives, dragging the Velenosa heir as he growls and hisses. Upon seeing him, Eleyna smiles and says indulgently, "Precious!"

Lethe has left the Beneath Trees.

"Astrids doin what?" Alarissa looks toward Leona and Astrid and she sighs softly. 'Really?" But there's a growling and hissing Donato and she smiles. "Donato! Your father has been set upon by a thrax serpent! Go save him!" She calls to the little boy, looking back to the oyster hunters. "Victus will have a hangover terribly bad, but I will be away on a boat. Take care of him will you?"

Sorrel arrives, following Luca.

"I think," Cat says to Sabella, "that I'll forego the pearls tonight. But I can't resist a party." She casta another look down to the water and the two fighting ... well, not fighting /now/ ... men. "Or good food. And how are you, Princess?"

Zavi arrives, following Magpie.

When Talen is free, so is Victus. Though the High Lord is the one raising from the waters, back first before the rest of him comes as well. Like a serpent that brings forth the scaly hide before you see its teeth, the maw that will inevitably gobble up whatever waits in its path. Though the High Lord is less so concerned with eating Talen, he's probably poisonous. What he does instead is march up the sands just behind him and promptly flops his entire weight vertically across the mans back. It's a very lazy, yet effective 'splash' maneuver.

Felicia has left the In the Water.

And down Valarian goes, yanked by the ankle, his evil sister once more causing him to go under. Dame Felicia, sneaky water ambusher that she is. With a loud splash, he makes a fruitless lunge for her afterwards, but concedes defeat and follows Felicia out of the water. "Alright, alright. Let's go drink. And I'll pretend Arion is still here so I could put a sea creature into his hair.

Leona pays no heed to licentious Lycene frowns! No, she grins and gets back to work - play - with Astrid, and if she's not interacting with anyone who doesn't directly come up to her, she's still keeping a weather eye on things. Occasionally her gaze drifts to where Coraline sits, and it goes from amused to measuring, but she doesn't seem out of sorts. More thoughtful even as the people in the water play and splash.

Wandering down the beach comes the form of Prince Luca, but he looks bigger than usual. Has he been putting on weight? Oh, no, that's Sorrel on his arm, and she most certainly has been putting on weight. He meanders closer at an almost thoughtful pace, mindful of his companion's complications and how much more complicated they must be with sand underfoot. "Anyway, that's how I killed all those pirates. And here we are.", he seems to finish up, as they arrive. His dark gaze is cast around at the party that's being thrown, and he tells Sorrel, "Uh oh. There's food. Try not to act too embarassing around it, won't you?" and he grins, just lightly, as he teases her.

Valarian has left the In the Water.

Magpie Grayhope makes his way down to the beaches, a grin on his face as he takes in the gathered crowds. "Hey hey hey!! Where's the birthday bastard?!" He calls out cheerfully. "I hear there's a party down here!"

Talen's legs and head come up either side of the giant, a sound of discomfort as he's collided with, then he just lapses still. Dead. Well, not dead, but probably unhappy. "Really?" he groans, before he shoves the High Lord off and then sits up, propped on his wrists and palms. With stormy grey eyes for the beach. "We never run out of enemies," he smiles crookedly at Victus, as if their 'war' is settled despite that phrase. "Anything to drink around here?" he asks, panting from their recent wrestling bout.

"I am very well, thank you! Better than very well. I--" Sabella starts to say before Elizabetta leans in with a note. "Oh, it looks like I actually need to leave." she very, very carefully takes up each tiny kitten claw. It takes awhile! And then holds the kitten out for Catriona, "Would you be so kind as to return this to archlector Wynna when she comes out of the water? She's the short redhead with paint on her robes. Or she had paint on them, she might not now!"

Felicia elects to go get herself some rum, and some seafood, on a stick, snorting at Valarian,"Go hang out with someone else, gods, I don't need my little brother following me everywhere, cramping my style!" she advises him with a grin,"Besides, got to go take the bosslady a drink, I'll be back soon." making a roundabout way in her dripping linens over to Leona and her small charge both to offer her a drink and squat temporarily near toddler, puppy and Lord Commander.

Felicia has joined the Quiet Strand.

Valarian has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Briar moves back toward the shore himself, his stride carrying him roughly in the direction of Sabella. He lifts a hand toward the woman and offers her a smile. "Hello there! Did our surprise go over as desired?" he asks, giving her a grin.

Donato positively beams at Alarissa and takes off running down the beach, growling as he seems determined to launch himself at Victus. Eleyna just watches placidly before wandering a bit away to grab something to drink and eat, leaving Sybilla to watch nervously. Upon spotting Luca, Eleyna waves at him and his companion, laughing slightly, "I swear to the gods, if there is free booze to be found anywhere in this city, that's where I find Luca."

"Of course, Princess." Cat takes the kitten carefully from Sabella and examines it with a smile taking over her face. "I'd be more than glad to. Be well!"

Wylla, Denica, and Amari, and possibly Lisebet nearby them, start to emerge from the water, Wylla's gaze going right to her kitten. "Are we -- I'm sorry -- has he behaved himself?" she asks about Splat, looking from Sabella to Catriona. "None of us got a pearl. But we tried! Can I get anyone a drink?"

Taking a seat at the picnic table, Valarian gives Princess Sabella a wave as Briar approaches her. Doesn't know her, but if Briar does, that's good enough. "Ever get ahold of that cat or did it win the fight?" Picking up a glass of rum with a good natured smirk, he takes a long drink and brushes some sand out of his hair with a quick swipe of nimble fingers.

Catriona smiles and inclines her head to the arriving Wylla, offering her the kitten. "Speaking for myself," she says, "he has been very nice. He's a lovely little thing. Where did you come by him?"

"Is there anything to drink the man says." Victus scoffs as he raises out of the sand, now properly soaked and covered in a thin layer of wet sand from chest to toe. "You're at my fucking party, your liver is not being shown mercy here." But all of that ready boasting comes to a sudden halt when he's struck by the roving cannonball that is Donato. The High Lord doesn't even move as the growling child clamps onto him, staring down a little dumbfounded at the boy. "Is this yours?" He asks of Talen, raising up to his feet. If Donato let go now, it was a long drop.

Without missing a beat though, Victus also waves over Magpie. "Mags! Get a fucking drink and party! I'm out of my 20's, we don't got much time left."

"Vic, watch out! That child is a monster in the making!" Luca calls out by way of warning, as Donato rushes off to no doubt dethrone the High Lord of Thrax and take his place. They start so young, those Velenosa children. He stops near Eleyna and flashes her a grin, "You're right. I could smell the alcohol all the way from the gate. A moth to the flame, that's me. Now I'm going to drink it all. Every drop. And when I'm good and sauced, I'm going to fight all three of your husband. And maybe that very large birthday boy, too. Talen said he owes me some love. I take my debts seriously."

"My thanks!" Sabella says brightly to Catriona, pulling her slippers on quickly, "And yes," she turns a brilliant smile on Briar, "He adored it and was very surprised! I have to say I was very taken by all of it, you do excellent work! But I'm afraid I have to slip off for a bit. I shall try to return, hopefully after people have been thrown in the water!"

Coraline has left the Northern Dunes.

3 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

"Go find me lemon cake, someone else's husband," Sorrel says dryly to Luca as she walks in on his arm, but she's laughing so she cannot be too mad about his quips about her pregnancy. "I just want you to know how it feels! Also, that sounded like a lot of pirates. Look! Everyone's here already."

Lisebet also comes out of hte water, taking one of the offered towels, and returning over by Sabella and crew. "No pearl here, no," she agrees with Wylla. "Thank you, Princess Sabella, it was good to see you again." The last bit added as it seems Sabella is heading out.

Denica walks along wiht them, Amari and Wylla, after shooting a glare at her assistant for not providing a towel. She gives a little smile to Wylla. "If you wanted to get me something, I'll drink any kind of rum, not picky!" she grins. She blinks a moment and than waves excitedly to Sorrel as she spots her.

"Look, I have to ask, you're not as cultured and so sometimes I worry," Talen insists in a level tone, turning to watch as the sand whips itself up in Donato's fury, only to see him stop sudden at Victus in the grab. As he climbs to his feet, "Yes, he's mine," he announces, reaching down and grasping the back of Donato's tunic, and lifting him off his feet one-handed. As the toddler hangs there, nearly horizontal, arms out and legs splayed and wiggling to get free. It's ineffective. "Let's go get that drink, so I can see what a Thrax party is like, hm? Let's go and free the Lord Commander of her duties perhaps and leave Donato and Astrid to beat each other up over the rights to the oceans of Arvum?"

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy leave, following Sabella.

Amari is the slowest of the group, but she's taking special care not to sop up even more water with her skirt and avoid falling and somehow drowning in knee high water while octopus and eels attack. When it's shallow enough she double times out onto the beach and smiles, a bit relieved she's back on dry sand. There's no towel waiting for her either, but she wrings out her silks without a fuss. Her attention is divided between Wylla fretting a little over Splat and Denica drip drying, and the many new faces in the crowd. Focus, Amari! "Rum sounds lovely."

Briar nods his head with a smile for Sabella. "Good, I am happy that the two of you are happy with them. Please, do tell your friends about me. I am looking for all of the work that I can get. Also, for those who are not favorable or in need of armor, I am working on a few corsets currently that I will be rolling onto the floor soon. One should be finished tonight, actually," he offers to Sabella before turning and spying Lisebet. "Hello there," he says toward her.

As Donato goes clambering up the High Lord, Sybilla makes a noise that might be a laugh, quickly stifled. And then she's watching as Victus greets Donato. Do her eyes flash blue? No, they're brown. Surely they're brown. Must have been a trick of the water. She follows along behind Talen. "I can watch him," she says smoothly. "If you like."

Magpie grins when the high lord waves him over, heading in that direction. "Out of your twenties? Damn. You're almost as old as Aureth! Before I can drink I need to do something critically important." The Grayhope closes the distance to Victus and sweeps back his cloak, lightly resting his hand on the hilt of the cutlass at his side. "High Lord Victus Thrax, here before all of these people as witness, I challenge you!" He calls out loudly. "I challenge you to an arm wrestling match. To prove you're not too old yet and all that shit." He says with a smirk. "You know, once you get that kid off of you."

A bonfre rages bright even in the daylight and beckons those from the water to get their warmth and dry. servants of Thrax - servants, not thralls - have lengths of fluffy cotton for them as well and robes. Alcohol is aplenty and people walk around to dispense it as wneeded and wanted.

Wylla gives Lisebet a disappointed look. "That's too bad! I was hoping one of us would get it." And then she moves for the refreshments table, picking up glasses and rum. Despite her shyness and fumbling around words, she's not a klutz, and so no glasses drop as she returns to the others with the bottle ready to pour. "I don't know what, exactly, this is. I don't drink a lot. But it's got a squid on the bottle, so it seemed, um, appropriate." She pauses a moment, looking towards Catriona. "The Archlector of Lagoma gave him to me. He was the most colorful of the litter. I don't think he was supposed to be mine, but -- " She shrugs. "I'll have to find out whom he was supposed to belong to. I know Princess Echo loves him dearly."

Considering Wylla's words, Valarian pulls back on his shirt and pants, damp as he is anyways. "Well, what works as well as suffering of one's siblings to inspire great art, Archlector?" Drinking more of his rum and pulling his red hair back, messy and wet, "Honestly, I don't know that much about it. What are other great...ways to spark the creativity?"

"He's a sweet little thing," Cat says, offering the four-legged version back to his mistress. "Unfortunately I must go as well, but perhaps next time we can talk longer." She bows to the little roup

Luca disengages himself from Sorrel's side, and to his credit, he does wander over to the food, searching for something. He's sidetracked, of course, by a bottle of rum that some careless individual has left just.. laying there, abandoned. He picks it up, gives it a sniff, then takes a pull from right out of the bottle. Priorities, after all. Then he spies it. Cake. "I hope this is lemon..", he mumbles, before scooping some onto a plate for Sorrel, as long as some kind of seafood on a stick, before turning to bring it back to her, "Here you go. I'm sure this is lemon cake. If it's not, it's at least cake. Let's just imagine the lemon, can't we?" he suggests, offering it to her, "Remember to pace yourself or whatever. I don't know if that's real advice, but it sounds like the right thing to say to a pregnant woman..".

Ah, and a robe, the Thrax's are so very thoughtful. Lisebet is warming up quite nicely. "It is too bad, but it was a lot of fun." She settles and then grins at Wylla. "Sounds like it is made for us. We should definitely have some." She smiles to Catriona. "We haven't met, I think, but perhaps next time?"

"Please," Talen says, almost dismissively, passing her over to Sybilla with a dust of his sandy hands. "Donato, do not bite her, or I will take away your duck." Yes, an actual duck. I mean maybe not, it's probably a toy duck. Who really knows though. "Behave," he adds, last, before looking back to the High Lord after a glance up the beach to Eleyna. Handing off the baby to Sybilla is suitable parenting, right? When Magpie arrives to declare his arm wrestling contest to Victus, Talen snorts, then crosses his arms and watches the pair. "I think you're going to lose, Magpie," he announces. "This man's clearly empowered by the sea. He's too close to it to be defeated."

Sorrel sniffs the cake that Luca has brought to her thoughtfully, then takes a bite. "Good enough," she says brightly, beaming at the prince and his rum. "Trust me, I will pace myself. This kid is going to be huge, I fear. But I've still gained less weight than my sister did, I'm sure of it!"

Wylla looks towards Valarian, considering. "Other great ways to spark creativity include being nice to your siblings,"she points out, though not unkindly, with a slight smile towrds the man. And then she reaches out for a towel, burrowing herself in it with a little chatter of teeth. To Catriona, she adds, "Are you all right holding onto Splat for a few more minutes? I'll get you a drink too! So you can drink it, um, after I take him back."

"Princess Catriona Thrax," Cat introduces herself to Lisebet. "And yes, next time I would be pleased to speak with you more than in passing. That goes for all of you." She smiles, raises her hand, and begins to move off through the crowd.

Amari helps Wylla by relieving her of a glass and herself by claiming a fluffy cotton towel when a servant offers her one. A murmured thank you is given as she folds it over her arm, holding onto it until she's settled somewhere to dry her legs and feet. That in turn reminds her she's forgotten her slippers at the water's edge somewhere, so excuses herself to go search for them, after a polite dip of her head to the departing Catriona. "I'll be right back! I lost my slippers."

3 Thrax Guards, Olenna leave, following Catriona.

"He's very cute," Denica says to Wylla, accepting the bottle and grinning. "I do love things like that. Krakens, octopi... creepy things," she giggles. "He is a very cute cat," Denica adds. "Doesn't seem like he's ready to just pounce and claw at anything that looks at him funny.

"Not as cultured as what? A sweaty southern boy? C'mon, I was drinking proper since I was 13 and then some." Victus snorts in reply while Donato is freed of the Thrax's wrath. That growling and snarling looking thing earning another curious quirk of Victus' brow. "Your kid seems very angry about something. I really can't tell what." He nods. "Right, Astrid. Was something I've been meaning to talk to Leona about anyhow--" A CHALLENGER APPROACHES. His wide eyes take in the dramatic sight of Magpie marching toward him. How indecent! "Mags, are you sure? You might not be able to pleasure yourself ever again after this."

Talen says, "Ah, always the concern."

Lisebet turns to Briar, once Sabella's made her escape. "Master Briar, it is good to see you again," she says. "It seems your business is going well, I am glad to hear it."

Alarissa's back to wandering, to checking in on this and that, a little concerned that the pearl hasn't yet been found. But she swings by to take up a glass of wine before looking toward the dunes and Leona and her daughter and company. "You are determined to steal her for the Kights Own Leona? Instead of High lady? Do you want me to take her?"

Alarissa has left the In the Water.

"Be nice to Felicia? She's my big sister, I can't really do that. I'd be better off putting something odd inside her helmet and waiting to see the response when she put it on," Valarian opines to Wylla with a sly smirk. "Nah, I love her. Just have to harass each other, and I didn't see her for some time. So, having fun and all that." Draining his rum and taking another, giving the Maelstrom a look of delight, "She's alright. For a big sister."

Waldemai has left the Beneath Trees.

Wylla reclaims Splat, motioning one of the others to pour. "Oh, I don't know if I like that," she tells Denica. "And he's a very nice cat. He's just /a lot/ of cat." Splat seems to encourage this opinion, clawing abortively at her hair. She just stares at Valerian, not quite knowing what to make of him. "Can you pour this for us?" she asks at long last, before turning to see where Amari's gone off to. "Do you still want a drink?" she calls out.

Leona makes a shooing motion at Felicia, even as she stands up and drags Astrid with her. "Victus, don't break Mags. Mae would be really upset. I mean you can beat him if you want, but don't /break/ him." She shakes her head and steps toward where people are gathering to arm wrestle. "You can have your girl back, and I have no intention of stealing her for anything. She will choose her future. I will make sure she has options. But I don't think she'll be joining the Hundred any time soon. Wielding a sword now? That's another matter entirely."

"Oh, I'm sure. I'm incredibly sure about this. I've put this arm to good use for many many years. There's a lot of strength and endurance in it." Magpie says boldly, grinning. Talen gets a glance, "Your highness, you are welcome to bet against me, if that's your belief." He says with a smug smile, then looks back to Victus. "Right here, right now. We can make this quick, High Lord." The King's Own gets a cheery, "Hey Leona."

Felicia must have ears like those mythological bats, or something, given that she rises from her spot next to Leona, seemingly at the sound of her name. Or perhaps not, given that for all the fact that she aims a couple of fingers at her own eyes and then points them at her brother like 'I'm watching you', she doesn't actually make her way back down towards him but instead seems to be planning on turning into a shuffling sand zombie back towards the city proper.

Felicia has left the Quiet Strand.

"How big can the kid really be? He's probably all moustache, already. Maybe you've just got two or three of them in there, or something.", Luca points out, flashing Sorrel another grin. Just to be safe, to make sure it's not poison or anything, the Lycene reaches out and snatches just the smallest, smallest piece of cake from her plate, managing to get his hand back in the process also, and he pops it into his mouth as he turns, checking out the scene, with a look of trouble in his dark gaze.

Leona has left the Quiet Strand.

Briar has left the In the Water.

Wylla has left the In the Water.

It's pretty typical that Sybilla looks after Donato at functions, so when Eleyna sees her son in her lady's maid's care, she smiles in contentment and directs her attention to the party. With a drink in hand, the Archduchess finds a place near the bonfire.

Briar nods his head toward Lisebet, offering her a smile and dip of his head. "Indeed, the business is starting to take off. I am getting more orders than I can finish quickly, but not so much that it is impossible to do. It's been good. How have you been faring?"

"Sure!" Seemingly more than happy to do that, Valarian picks up the bottle of Maelstrom and pours out a few glasses, given that the Archlector is travelling with a gang. "Look, she's threating me now," he gasps to Wylla, pointing at Felicia making gestures from her eyes to him. "She's probably going to kill me in my sleep," he adds conversationally. "I always thought I'd be killed some other way as a sellsword, but nope. It's gonna be big sis."

"She will be glorious, I am sure of that." Wine in one hand, Alarissa's moving forward to take her daughter in the other, smiling at the little girl. "Soon, a brother or sister for you my little love." And Alarissa's pasing her off to Genaile who's on hand to ensure that Astrid, much like Donato, doesn't get into trouble. Astrid who is put down and is off crawling toward Donato.

Wylla looks towards Leona and Felicia at Valarian's indiction, reaching for her glass. "I mean, saying 'you deserve it' sounds terribly mean, but..." She shrugs, taking an innocent sip of the rum, her eyes widening for a second or two t its potency.

Lisebet smiles to Briar as she chats with him. "I have been well, thank you. I have taken to learning some new things, in hopes of being better able to help my family." She shrugs delicately, then glances at Wylla. "I hope you don't mind I left your kitten with Princess Sabella, but she said she wasn't going swimming at all, and I wanted to try my luck at finding that pearl. Not that I had any luck, obviously."

Amari's slippers are exactly where she left them so she scoops them up and hits them against each other gently to shake the sand off as she returns to the little group. She still has her empty glass, so she extends it to Valarian in hope that he might fill it for her. She does smile at him very winsomely and all.

Amari has left the In the Water.

"She'll be great," Leona agrees with Alarissa as she moves over to greet Sorrel. "Sorrel, you look amazing. I'm glad to see you here. Is my big lug of a brother off galavanting?" She smiles at the other woman cheerfully.

"Break him? Nah, break -part- of him." Victus so helpfully clarifies, kneeling down to greet the new swords woman in Astrid before she's plucked up by his wife. Standing up straight, Victus perhaps does not look the most intimidated by Magpie's arm of a thousand thrusts. With a shrug, the shirtless, sandy Thrax puts down his arm. Ready. "C'mon then, take ya bets and lets see who takes the biggest swings."

"Oh I injured my arm," Talen conveniently announces to Magpie, "but it wasn't through -self- pleasure," he insists, jerking a thumb at Victus, as he claims this is what the Grayhope will do no longer. Spying Eleyna walk to the fire, he smacks both on the shoulder, "When you're done with whatever business you're up to, arm wrestling or otherwise, come on over to the fire." Then, with that, he marches over to his wife.

"Oh, I did." Gulping his rum down, Valarian admits as such to Wylla without shame, and when Amari comes over with slippers in one hand and glass in the other, he chuckles at the winsome smile offered and fills it up. "Valarian Harrow. And who might you be? Other than obviously not my sister, because you didn't threaten to hit me with the glass."

Violet appears from the water and crowds again with a pleased little smile on her face. She can disappear when she wants and this time it was apparently to hunt for a pearl. And lo and behold her single-mindedness had paid off. As she emerges Gale lifts his head and gets to his feet with puppy stretching and yawn. Then he gallops over to her and circles her as she makes her way towards Alarissa, a large oyster in one hand. "Your highness?" She doesn't want to intrude in her conversation, but the oyster is held up.

Talen has left the In the Water.

Wylla shakes her head at Lisebet, settling Splat as best she can. It's not entirely succcessful. "No, no, that's fine! I'm sorry you didn't get the pearl, after all that effort. I wonder who did! I didn't see anyone talking about it yet." But there it is! She claps in surprise, seeing Violet approach Alarissa. "Violet! Did you win?"

Briar also sees Violet approaching Alarissa with the oyster and his light colored brow furrows. "What?" he balks toward Lisebet. "You have to be kidding me!" he adds before cupping a hand to his mouth and saying a long, low, "BOOOOO!" He drops his hand then, looking around with a scandalized expression and pointing toward Lisebet as if it were she that did the boo'ing. Eventually grinning toward Violet.

Leona looks at Talen. Then she blinks. Then blinks again. Then one eyebrow raises way, way up before she returns her attention to the upcoming armwrestling.

Amari bends her knee to suggest a curtsey which she may have done, were she not holding her glass steady. "Lady Amari Keaton. Pleased to meet you, Valarian Harrow. Your sister sounds very much like my cousin, the Sword of Oakhaven. I bet they'd get along well." Smiling still, she follows most every else as their attention goes to Violet, the finder of the pearl. "Oh, nice. I wonder what she'll choose."

Lisebet sips the drink someone poured for her, out of Wylla's bottle. She coughs though, as it goes down wrong with Briar's teasing. Once she catches her breath, she says, "I'm Lisebet Farshaw, a pleasure to meet you, Master Harrow. I didn't quite realize - you must be Dame Felicia's brother?" Okay, she was distracted earlier and missed that - it happens.

Magpie wrinkles his nose at the larger Thrax man. "I'm stronger than I look, you know. And I'm not going to hold back just because this is your party." He claps his hands together then, giving Victus a nod when he's ready. Talen gets a smirk, "Interesting. Maybe I can give you some pointers on efficiency... Anyway, this won't take long." Then he moves to the nearest little beach table with drinks on it and slides some bottles aside. "Alright, Prince Victus. One go at this. No rematches. I hope you're ready for cruel defeat!" And he'll plant his elbow on the table, ready for the quick showdown.

Upon spotting Astrid crawling toward him, Donato finally utters his first non-growled words of the evening. He squats down and pats his friend's head, saying cheerfully, "Hi, baby! Want swim?" He pats her head, gently because he has two little sisters and knows what the world 'gentle' means. It's shouted at him often enough at least. Near the bonfire, Eleyna passes her wine glass into Talen's keeping and pats a place in the sand for him to sit next to her. There is a heaping plate of various foods there on sand that Eleyna is picking at and she, generously, offers to Talen.

Staring over at Violet, the giant of a redhead rolls his eyes and groans at Wylla and Amari. "Figures. My -boss- wins. How's that fair?" Still, he chuckles good-naturedly, offering a glassful of rum to whomever may not yet have taken advantage of it. "Briar! Person talking to Briar! Need drinks? Princess Danica?" Apparently fine with shouting across the brach, he rests an elbow on the table. "A pleasure, Lady Amari. Your cousin is like my sister? Gods help you. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I swear there's no problem she can't solve using the brute force of her skull," he comments with a wink.

Luca's dark gaze seems to dance between a couple of people in the gathering, with interest, but for some reason he doesn't approach anyone. Rather, he takes his bottle of rum and wanders over in the direction of the bonfire, just after Talen begins to head in that direction. "You guys shouldn't have handed Donato over to Sybila. I was ready to watch him topple Vic and take over Thrax. Given enough time, it would have happened, I'm sure.", and he takes a pull from that bottle, but he doesn't sit after. He just stands near the bonfire.

Magpie checked strength at difficulty 5, rolling 27 higher.

Magpie checked strength at difficulty 5, rolling 12 higher.

Magpie checked strength at difficulty 5, rolling 17 higher.

Victus checked strength at difficulty 5, rolling 7 higher.

Victus checked strength at difficulty 5, rolling 6 higher.

Victus checked strength at difficulty 5, rolling 29 higher.

Appraoched, Alarissa turns to Violet, looking to the oyster in question, smiling wide. "And ths we have a winner She calls out. "Violet Marjawn! Of teh Crimson Blades. Tell us, Stygian or iridescite do you claim?" There's groans out in the water, as people start to make their way back in while others still swim for the sake of swimming.

Leona mutters to Eleyna, that eyebrow still way up, "Did Talen just imply that he injured his arm jerking off Victus? And did Magpie just offer to give him pointers? I mean I'm not judging, but is there something I should know about this 'alliance'?"

Denica grins to Violet and waves at her as she claims her prize, sitting with Wylla and glancing towards Amari, she just sips her rum with a little grin on her face, applauding for Violet.

Talen never said such a thi-- well, fine. If you ladies need something to sleep at night.

Eleyna glances at Leona and smiles serenely, glancing from Talen to where Victus is wrestling Magpie on the beach, "Look. Lycenes are going to Lycene, you know?"

"Oh, Luca. Don't you even suggest there are multiple mustaches in here. One is plenty!" Sorrel declares, gesturing at him threatening with a cake fork. She beams at Leona as her sister-in-law comes to greet her. "Leona! Thank you! I'm glad to be here. Your big brother is at sea at the moment, checking on some business for the house, but I'm doing fine. Little one's growing and kicking." She looks a bit curiously at Talen, glances to Victus, and tries to follow along.

Violet glances at her Brother with a smirk and she even sticks her tongue out at him. But her attention returns to Alarissa quickly with a smile, "Ummm...Stygian I think," She says with only a seconds thought on it as she holds out the pearl-laden oyster. "That was a sneaky thing! I had to hold my breath for quite a bit to find it," She says with a chuckle. Maybe she hears Valarian, maybe not, but the other Blade gets a glance of amusement.

Amari laughs at the description given and nods, "That sounds exactly like my cousin. You have my sympathy and my thanks for the drink." Her glass is lifted to the man and a sip taken that makes her blink hard. It's definitely stronger than the milk served at the Sleepless Knight. There's a glance at Briar, and Violet and back to Valarian as she likely puzzles out all the connections in her head. But where did Denica and Wylla go? She searches them out with a gaze and upon refinding them, moves to sit with. Smiling to the pair.

Wylla smiles gently at Denica. "So you can come by the Shrine when you want. Splat and I should... should get home." She takes another sip of the squid-bearing rum, but apparently that's all she cares for, before she sets the glass down, calling out towrds Victus, "Happy birthday!" Her voice doesn't carry. She looks back at Amari, adding, "You can come by the Shrine too, when you want! Tell me what sort of art you like when you do."

Leona laughs suddenly. "Indeed they are. Well played, I imagine. Who knew Victus was so popular?" Her attention is caught by Leona. "Fair enough. Glad to see you out and about at least, and close to your time I imagine." She smiles, bright as the bonfire behind them. "Have you picked out names?"

"I had no control over where it was. It could have been in the shallows too. I will get with you, so that you may dictate how you wish it designed. For now, go enjoy yourself and congratulations." Alarissa offers to the woman, resuming her observations, making sure nothing is going wrong. Astrid is happy to go swimming and Genaile's moving with the two children toward the water to make sure that Astrid doesn't drown.

Victus squares up with his arm, awaiting for Magpie to take his spot as well. When they start off, the High Lord is giving a rather poor showing of it. "Wait shit, you're actually strong?" He asks as if it were the most shocking thing to come to light. The birthday boy pushed back hard, but it's too little, too late. Victus' hand hits the table first and he looks utterly flummoxed by it all.

Talen is settled in beside Eleyna, and reaches to take something to eat after a kiss, before he looks to the fire. When a server is in the vicinity, he calls for a drink, which is eventually provided.

Lisebet inclines her head to Wylla, as well. "Nice to see you, and the kitten," she says, with a smile. Her attention goes to Briar, with a mock frown. "I saw that, you know," she says, though the frown fades easily enough. "I think that was probably a reasonable tease."

Lifting his glass to Amari, "Then you know my pain all too well. You're welcome, enjoy it." At the look from him to Briar to Violet and back again, he nods at her. "Violet's my boss. And a cruel one at that." That is stated in a tone rather unlike his sister beating down doors with her head, waving as Amari drifts off to her companions, then he gets up to give Wylla a wave. "Maybe you and I can talk about creative processes sometime. But...probably not when rum is in the picture." Swaggering off to go be nosy, he wanders down by Violet to look at her prize.

After receiving a kiss from Talen as he joins her, Eleyna glances at Luca and grins at him. "I mean, I'm pretty sure that Donato could have taken Victus, but then he'd have to rule Thrax and his grasp of the internecine politics isn't so great yet. Perhaps he can speak in sentences, we'll revisit the idea." She nods to a place in the sand near the fire. "Care to sit and have a drink with us. I brought all the snacks with me." She nods at the plate.

"You saw what?" Briar asks with a chuckle toward Lisebet, raising a large hand to lay on his chest in mock shock. He chuckles down toward Lisebet, giving her a wink before he says, "There's a good likelihood that it could have been. I mean... if I had done anything. Which I certainly did not."

Magpie clasps Victus's hand tightly and as the other man plays games, the Grayhope just pushes hard. Those broad shoulders that have built years of muscle through sailing and his more recent woodcrafting hobby don't hold back. When he wrestles the high lord's arm down to the table, the man laughs, "Hahaha! Fuck me! Wooo!" He calls in triumph, then slaps the Thraxian on the back. "Good match! Happy birthday, old timer." He snags a bottle of rum then goes to Leona, giving the woman a quick kiss on the cheek and murmuring in her ear before heading on to the fire where Talen and Eleyna are.

Violet bows to Alarissa with her grin, "I look forward to it," She says and turns to scan the crowd. It isn't hard for her to find her blond and very tall brother amongst them. First she stops for more rum and fried fish. Gale looks at her as she takes a bite and she pauses. "Bri...can I give him fish?" She calls out to Briar as she takes a grilled bit of fish as well. The commandant makes her way in his direction. Gale whines pitifully. As Valarian approaches she says, "It's a pretty pearl." The thing is picked up and turned about for him to examine. She knows a snoop when she sees one. "Also, I'm only cruel to make you better."

"Aw, you're leaving?" Amari sad faces a little but turns it around quickly and wiggles her fingers after Wylla. "I'll definitely stop by some time. It was nice to meet you, Wylla and you too kitty." Valarian's comments are nodded solemnly too before she's quietly watching Briar and Lisebet's exchange. Denica is turned back to after a time, and given a silent toast before she downs some more of her rum. "Jaerith would be so proud." She says, "One day I will surpass the rum drinking master."

Sorrel beams back at Leona, utterly delighted. "I have a couple of months left to go, and then we'll get to meet him. I'm convinced it's a him. Only Galen's son could possibly kick this much. This baby is inexhaustible. We've been calling him Thistle, but I don't know if it'll stick or not," she says brightly. "But I like the idea of Thistle Thrax. It's a good royal name, very sharp."

Luca flashes Eleyna a sharp grin, promising her, "Don't worry. I know a thing or two about politics. You don't even need complete sentences to get in the political ring. I'll teach Don all he needs to know about interporcine politicals." He does join them, finding a seat in the sand, but there's too much rum in his hands to worry over the platter of food for the moment. Rum that must be inside of him, and soon, and he makes that happen then, with another long swallow. "Man, why is sand so comfortable? They should put this stuff in chairs or something, shouldn't they? I could almost just stretch out right here and take a nap, I think..".

Wylla smiles at Lisebet. "Stop by when you'd like!" And she leaves the half-drunk rum and the clamshell, Splat in hands, as she starts to depart the gathering, offering Amari a wave. "I'll see you soon! And I'll make sure Splat is there." And then the redhead and her colorful feline protege are exiting, stage left.

Denica drinks down the rum quite easily, waving to Wylla as she departs. "I'll come see you soon!" she promises, before looking back to Amari. She grins. "You're going to need to catch up quite a bit," she assures her, grinning as she finishes that glass quickly, refilling it again.

Briar offers a nod toward Violet as she makes her way over, gesturing toward her puppy. "Shouldn't hurt him, so long as the fish is good. And I imagine it will be, here," he says with a chuckle, looking around toward the table of food before placing a hand on his bare stomach. He looks toward Lisebet then and says, "Lady Lisebet Farshaw, this is my sister Violet Marjawn. Commander of the Crimson Blades. Vi, this is Lady Lisebet."

"Sand on chairs is the exact opposite of what you want, Luca, you realise this yes? Please tell me you're fucking with me," Talen insists, hands out, like 'why are you like this'. Then, leaning over, he clicks his glass to Luca's and looks to Eleyna with a murmur, "Interporcine, really."

Eleyna just stares at Luca. "Necine, Luca. InterNECINE." She opens her mouth as if to add more and then closes it again, shakes her head and just lets it go. Instead, she focuses on expertly, and a little terrifyingly, dismantling a cooked lobster.

Lisebet laughs, of course, as Briar is so nonchalant about it. She waves a hand to the departing Wylla, glances over at Amari and Denica with curiosity, and then sips her own rum, shivering slightly. Sorrel is noted, but she's busy, so Lisebet contents herself with a finger wiggle in her direction, should she notice. She turns to Briar and Violet, with a smile. "Good day," she says, inclining her head.

Leona considers Sorrel's comment. "Thistle, huh? I'm a fan of...." And then her eyes go distant and she just trails off. After a long moment she shakes her head quickly. "Sorry about that. I don't know how royal Thistle Thrax sounds, but it's not bad. If you think it'll be a good name, by all means. I'll call him Thistle and gladly. I've heard so much worse."

Victus is quiet through celebration and back-smacking. He's just staring at his hand, lips just about parted for the seconds that tick by after the fact. Though after while he closes his fist and let's out a long held breath, standing up, walking out and picking up his coat to throw around his shoulders. "I'll be with you in a moment, bonfire Lycenes." He calls over. "Leona, Coraline, care to join me further down the dunes for a bit?"

Squinting as Violet clearly has figured out why he's come to peer over her shoulder, Valarian gives a little 'hrmph' sound, but claps her on the shoulder. "In all seriousness, congratulations. That's very neat. It'll be super pretty, I bet." So, then he wanders over to Denica and Amari again, having gotten shut down by Violet on her treasure. "I think she's not going to tell me," he murmurs to the two, eyeing their glasses. "Oh, so this is a rum drinking contest now? Or just becoming more used to it?" Polishing off his own, he pours another glass, then comments, "I don't think the Archlector likes me. But she didn't have Felicia as a big sister. I tell you, that woman is a noogie fiend, and I got the brunt of them. Travails of a middle child."

Victus has left the In the Water.

Victus has joined the Beneath Trees.

Coraline has joined the Beneath Trees.

Patting Barric's hand she winks to him with a smile, "That's me, I will be with you again momentarily." And, with a quick shy peck on the cheek off she trots.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger, Gene Erique, Guardsman arrive, following Sparte.

Leona has joined the Beneath Trees.

Margot arrives to the beach party a bit late but hey better late than ever. The modestly attired duchess looks about the party goers and smiles faintly, catching up the hem of her skirts so she can walm more easily over the sand.

Barric smiles at Coraline as she heads off and he nods, "I'll be here when you're done. Need to get dried off and get all this sand off me so I can get dressed again anyways." He chuckles and meanders on over towards the bonfire.

"Yeah. Internecine. That's what I said or whatever..", Luca admits, glancing down at his rum bottle before clinking it with Talen's glass. It's possible he was drinking even before he arrived here. He tells the man, "Sand /in/ chairs. Inside! Not on them. I'm always cleaning sand out of my private places after I'm down at the beach. But if someone stuffed them inside of some leather or whatever, imagine! That'd be nice, right? It would be like a chair that was made just for your ass. No matter who was sitting on it..", and he takes another swallow of rum, briefly. "Can you believe Vic lived another year? I mean, I guess that's for the best if we get parties out of it..".

Violet tosses Gale the baked fish and he dives into puppy heaven. Did he even chew? Probably not. Now he follows after her eyeing the fish she is taking generaous bites of. "Mmmm, oh, 'ello," She says around a bite and bows to Lisebet. "A pleasure to meet you. And it's Commandant, Briar. I know they sound similar, but there is a difference," It's a gentle correction, but important to her apparently. "I chose stygian, Valarian!" She calls as he wanders off with that vague pout. With a head shake she turns her attention back to Lisebet and Briar's small group of people.

Leona murmurs to Sorrel, "Please excuse me. We'll catch up later? I promised to have a word with Victus and Coraline tonight." She gives the other woman a sideways hug, smiling warmly at her before striding off to where Victus and Coraline are waiting.

"Oh, by all means, I'll take suggestions. I mean, I'm trying to name a baby with Galen. With Galen," Sorrel repeats for emphasis to Leona, grinning demonstratively. "But yes! Let's catch up later!" Side hugs are good.

Magpie drops down in the sand beside Talen and Eleyna, but does overhear Sorrel. "Thistle? Like.. Prince Thistle? Prince Thistle Thrax? That's a rough name to live up to, and I'm talking as someone that's had to own the name 'Magpie'... " He says with a grin for the princess. Then he pulls the cork from the rum bottle and has a swig.

Amari winces, but gamely tips her glass back and finishes it off. She scrunches her eyes tightly shut afterwards for a five count and exhales loudly when they pop open again. Did it! "Easy. I've been practicing." But, is she capable of Thraxian levels of rum drinking? Probably, certainly, definitely not. There's a look up to Violet when she hears introductions going around and her empty cup is held aloft, as if in the hopes it might magically refill by someone's charity. "Congratulations, Commandant!"

Eleyna has left the In the Water.

Eleyna has joined the Southern Dunes.

Talen has joined the Southern Dunes.

Denica has left the In the Water.

Denica has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Magpie has joined the Southern Dunes.

Amari has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Violet has left the In the Water.

Sparte makes his way down to the beaches, carrying a small bundle under one arm. It isn't wiggling or moving, so potentially a good sign. He glances around, taking an aim towards the birthday boy Victus.

Luca has joined the Southern Dunes.

Margot spots Sorrel and heads over that way, lifting her hand to the pregnant princess. "Your Highness! I do think it has been far too long since I saw you."

"Stygian? Good choice," Valarian hollers back to Violet, trying to get more sand out of his hair and failing miserably. "What kind of design? Getting something neat carved on it?" And magical indeed! There the sellsword is, and with a grin at Amari's rum drinking exploits, he refills her glass with a clink of his own against it afterwards. "No one can drink rum like the Thrax, it's true, but we can at least try to enjoy it as much." Sitting back down at the table, he stretches out his long, leather-clad legs.

"I can't even argue with you," Talen relents, eventually, to Luca. With a short snort, he then drinks heavily, eyeing as Magpie gets closer and plonks himself down. "Hey, Magpie," is given, a nod to Victus' excuse, before he lowers his voice beside the fire and becomes less of a presence amongst the din.

Sparte has joined the Beneath Trees.

Sorrel puts her hands on her hips and squares off at Magpie. "Have you any idea the sort of things *Galen* suggested? Thistle was the best compromise, and it's not great. But it'll do while he's still in the womb. We have some time to come up with something better," she points out. And then she's caught by the fine duchess, and turns, beaming a smile at her. "Duchess Margot! It's fantastic to see you here. I keep meaning to come for a visit and catch up. Well, I should still do that."

Violet turns her smile on Amari and gives her a friendly bow as well, "Lady Keaton, a pleasure. I'm looking forward to working with your house setting up our kennels and breeding lines," She says before she finally sips her own rum.

Zelda, the royal messenger, 13 King's Own Guardsmen arrive, following Alaric.

People come in from the water now that the hunt is done. Thebonfire keeps things blazing nad warm as night is starting to make itself known on the horizon and turns the skye brilliant shades. The iron fish stakes that hold lanterns make conveient gathering places for people as food - most of it seafood - and alcoho in abundance flows for this public birthday party for Victus.

Briar has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Margot nods to Magpie and then smiles softly considering Sorrel, "Oh I should come visit you, it's my apologies that are owed. You look absolutely stunning. I only wish I could have achieved that glow that they speak of as well as you have while I was carrying my children."

Violet has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Alarissa's still making her way through the party, one end to the other and then back again, making sure everything is still going as it should be while others gather and enjoy themselves. With victus, Leona and One of the C's off in a dune for some probably serious conversation, She's watching from waters edge when she stops, to make sure that Astrid and Donato do not drown themselves, even as Astrid's taking to the water like a fish.

Lisebet has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Denica waves invitingly towards Violet, giving her a big grin, sipping more of the rum, or gulping it really. She seems to take it all down easily enough, but how much tolerance can this small woman really have? She leans back in her seat at the picnic table. She grins to Amari as she downs her drink and she nods. "There you go, now try to do it without wincing," she giggles.

Alaric rolls in a bit fashionably late, although he has apparently sought to speed up his arrival somewhat by arriving fashionably late on a large white destrier. Fortunately, beaches are roomy. Also from up there in the saddle it's a pretty good vantage point to find the birthday highlord without needing directions from anybody.

Ian doesn't do so well on beaches, trying to walk with the shifting sand under his feet, but he's here anyway -- eventually. Better late than never? He hangs back on solid ground, though, while he takes stock of the scene.

"Oh, have you visited the kennels at Keaton Hall, yet?" Amari asks of Violet, quite curious at the mention. She notices her hand getting ever heavier as she's talking and notices that her prayers have been answered by a sellsword with a bottle of rum. She dips her head politely to Valarian in thanks. "A smart comprimise, I think. I'll do my best to enjoy this." And try not to wince while doing so. She gives Denica a stern and focused look of determination, lifts her cup and swings it to her lips. Down the rum goes. This time she only closes one eye! An improvement. "Denica. How do you do that? It's burning."

Leona turns from where she stands with Victus and looks at Alaric as he rides onto the sands. Fist to her chest she bows. The Silver Swords on duty are taking care of his security, but Leona gives him her formal greetings with a warm smile as she straightens.

"Oh, how do you know that you didn't?" Sorrel replies with a laugh to Margot, her evergreen eyes twinkling with mirth. "I know I don't feel like I'm glowing! I feel like I'm growing in a very unusual direction," she adds brightly. "But I know it's a baby by the way it kicks. I have to come up with better names, though."

Alaric has joined the Beneath Trees.

Victus follows Leona's gaze, locking his eyes on Alaric when he comes riding on in. "Ha, he shows up to my court and to my birthday. He keeps this up folks might start to talk." He lifts his hand in a wave, the High Lord partially soaked, partially sandy, definitely with a very wet-dog smell to him as well. Margot and Ian are also given their own waves.

Margot nods agreeably to Sorrel, "I suppose that is true, Dagon insisted I was." She smiles faintly. "I am so glad to see the Thrax Family growing so much." She lifts a hand to wave to Victus, her head bowing to him in greeting before her attention returns to the princess. "Once you have a moment you do have to let me know, we should set up a a tea."

Alarissa has joined the Northern Dunes.

To the Dunes is where Alarissa moves next, to make her way to her brther and ease down into the sands to join him.

Barric looks over towards Alarissa and smiles when she comes over, "I see you've forgiven me about the Jel-" He pauses, "The incident that shall not be named? Though it was pretty dirty not letting me drink that night." He says to Alarissa with a chuckle before he bumps her shoulder with his and their voices dip in volume.

Sparte has left the Beneath Trees.

Ian nods respectfully to Victus when waved at. "Happy Birthday."

Sorrel is standing near Margot, and thus waves to Victus when he waves to the Duchess. "Happy birthday!" she calls cheerfully, then looks back to Margot. "Honestly, my schedule has mostly been telling people that they can do things while Galen isn't here and watching sparring from time-to-time, since it would be unwise to do it while pregnant. I've done a lot of walking to keep in shape, though, because I just want to eat cake. Lemon cake, specifically. I'm just obsessed with lemon cake right now."

Margot laughs, "Well I will ensure we have some at tea. Truely, do be at ease and enjoy the fact that there is no war to threaten you or the child just now." She looks up towards the dunes to Talen, Eleyna, Luca and Magpie, "Might I join what looks to be the Lyceum conquest of the northern dunes?" She asks, reaching out to grab a random drink from one of the servers.

Sparte comes back from his brief stop at the trees with good spirits and bundle still in hands. He grins at others who are out and about enjoying the celebration, but isn't staying himself. Feet are always carrying him back off towards the city.

Ian takes note of the people over by the dunes, a place where he is definitely not going to try to go, then turns and heads back to the city again. This is a rare one in a thousand day, it would seem, when Ian is turning down a chance to drink someone else's booze.

"Please, Duchess Tyde, of course," Talen invites, gesturing beside the fire.

Luca turns his dark gaze down the dunes as Margot calls up to them, and offers up a smile, "This dune is well conquested! You should only come up if you're willing to deal with a bunch of terrifying Lycene!", but even as he says it, he scoots just a little farther around the fire to make room, taking his bottle of rum with him.

"I hope you don't mind if I tag along with Duchess Margot," Sorrel says brightly to Talen, then eyes Luca. "Yes, tell me how many pirates there were again?"

Margot steps out of her sandles to ascend the dunes and smiles to the group, "I do think I might be able to bare the company of some most frightening southerners." She offers a hand to Sorrel to assist her in the climb.

Margot has joined the Southern Dunes.

Sorrel has joined the Southern Dunes.

The drunken Fox-Prince lifts his bottle of rum from the sands, holding it up in toast to Sorrel, "Like.. a thousand, at least! A thousand pirates! They didn't stand a chance!", before he's turning his attention back to the ultra-secret scheming that's happening on the southern dune.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger, Gene Erique, Guardsman leave, following Sparte.

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

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting arrive, following Sabella.

Atreke, a severe-looking scribe arrives, following Rinel.

Rinel slips through the crowd, waving a bit of fish and calling for Lilybelle.

Agatha may be late for this very important date (Well, for the Thraxian birthday boy at least!), but the first thing she hears is Luca up there shouting from a dune. She frowns and calls out a warning. "Beware! He may try to ride someone own a dune or turn them funny colors!" That caution given, she looks around for the guest of honor and ends up wandering towards the trees, bowing to Victus when she gets there. "Your Grace, your Majesty." And a bow of the head towards Leona. And a big wave at Coraline. "I just wanted to send my best wishes for this day of celebrating your Youness, Your Grace. Has your most honorable cat drawn lots of blood this evening?"

Sabella comes wandering back on the beach, hopping a little bit as she unties the ribbons of her shoes to tug them off again. Rinel gets an odd look, "...have you not heard the stories?" she asks the other woman. "Or do you not value your fingers?"

The infamous Claw of Arx has not been partaking in these birthday festivities. This celebration was beneath her. However, when the scent of fish catches her nose, there's a noticeable change in demeanor. That one gleaming eye slowly turns its glare to Rinel, her nose perking. She does not do her the respect of turning all the way around, but she does bless the Scholar her attention. For now.

"You're the only woman I've ever ride down a dune, Bear!" Luca calls out, from atop the southern dune, and he flashes her a grin, along with a wink, before his attention's back on whatever is happening near the bonfire.

Violet eyes the message that is brought her and lets out a sigh. "Well, that is my night being called," She says with a sad smile. She tilts back the rest of her rum and stands with a stretch. "Thank you everyone for the pleasant company. And if the Count is willing, of course you are welcome, your highness," She says with a bow to those at the table. "I'll see you, maybe, at home later. If I don't fall asleep at my desk again," She tells Briar as she collects Gale and slips out.

Alaric smiles at Agatha from atop his big white destrier admist the trees. "Good evening, Princess Agatha," he declares regally. Snort, declares Thunder horseishly.

Victus whirls around to spy Agatha after a few more quiet words, the brawny Thraxian without a shirt, but with a coat to cover his shoulders. He is very sandy. Very wet. "Ah, the loud one that hits things." He declares. "I remember you. I thought I saw her chasing a seagull earlier, but it may have been my imagination. Talen almost drowned me earlier and that's had my head a little bit spun-around for a good while. She's somewhere around here. I don't think this 'party' thing is enjoyable to one of her kind."

Cora waves to her friend grinning from her spot under the trees then is back to chattifying

Violet has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Rinel beams happily and moves towards the savaged cat. "She just demands /respect/, Your Highness. But she's taught me that already." The scholar flashes her hand at the woman--there are a few scars there. "So, no cute-talk for the Claw of Thrax. Just respectful distance and delicious fish." She moves--slowly, carefully--her hand toward Lilybelle and deposits a plate topped with a small dried fish, a small piece of fried fish, and a strip of raw fish that the woman has somehow purloined from a chef. Rinel crouches and watches the perpetually enraged creature.

Erin, Crimson Blades Private, Jin, Cranky Crimson Blades Sergeant, Gale, The Mighty Pupper leave, following Violet.

Because of course the King has a gallant white steed. Just of course he does! Agatha looks at Thunder apologetically, but speaks to Alaric. "Remind me to carry peppermints around in my pockets from now on! Good evening" When sand and water spray from Victus' quick turn, Agatha steps back so she doesn't get TOO splashed. But hey, it doesn't stop her from nodding enthusiastically to his description of her. "Yes! That's me." The loud one that hits things. "Well. I hope you enjoyed the near drowning! Is that, you know, tradition? Do people try to drown you on your birthdays, Cora?"

"Not last I checked!" Cora says to Agatha with a grin, "But hey things might have changed last I knew."

Alaric ruffles Thunder's mane a little before smoothing it out. "That's all right. Thunder is on a strict diet. If everybody who wanted to feed the royal steed got to, I'd be rolling around on him instead of riding around," he notes sociably to Agatha.

Lisebet rises from the picnic table, pausing to lean a bit towards Briar as he says something. She's a bit wobbly, perhaps, but manages to not fall over. There's a bit of a laugh, and then she says, "I am sure that Ramona is near." She's a little shorter, so has to stretch up on tippytoes to reply someting a little quieter. Then she settles back onto her feet, weebling backwards a bit before she looks back to the table. "I agree. We can definitely continue another day. Thank you."

"You seem like you know what you're doing more than most," Sabella admits to Rinel, running fingers over the kitten-nail pulled silk on her right shouldet. "I should think archlector Wynna would have need of skills like that. Or scholar Wylla. Or both, reversed!" she says cheerfully, before moving over towards one of the picnic tables, "We passed the point of the whole water thing, right? Everyone's drunk and dry now?"

Sabella has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Briar chuckles, reaching out an arm to steady Lisebet before nodding his head and saying, "Alright, let's be off then." With that, he'll head off back in the direction of the city with Lisebet, his dog loping along in their wake.

Gazing up a little drunkenly from the table, Valarian spots Signe and gives a slow, lurching wave. "Hey......come have some rum! Also, the water is really nice right now, it was fun looking for...oysters. And pearls in oysters. But I didn't find any." Shaking the bottle in her direction, the huge sellsword leans forward a bit.

Lisebet has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Agatha grins at Coraline. "Well good. Let's not make that a tradition, then." She waves at Alaric and Victus (and Thunder!) before stepping back and to the side, the better to let them continue their conversations now that she's greeted the birthday guy.

Talen rises slowly, finishing off his drink, then setting the bottle into the sand with a twist and shove. "Speaking of which," he extends off his revelation shared with Luca, "I think we should find a quieter part of the beach, Eleyna." As he dusts his leather off, he looks around, as if in search of his cuirass that Alarissa stole away. He doesn't seem overly concerned, though. "Shall we, your grace?" he poses, extending a hand, before he looks to Magpie, Luca, Sorrel and Margot. "If you'll excuse us, ladies and gentlemen. Luca, see you around the house. Magpie, we'll catch up soon for the rest of our talk and have Victus and Alarissa there too." With that, he rolls his shoulders, prepared to escort his wife somewhere else for the eve.

Briar has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Lilybelle has a narrowed eye to Rinel when she approaches. Not quite jumping to the offensive yet, but certainly a well-guarded kitty. One who would not be swayed so easily. But, the offering is being considered. Her eye darts between that fish and the Scholar herself. Eventually, the mangled feline presses a paw to the ground, the badge of her station jingling 'round her collar as she stabs a pawful of claws into the fish and drags it back to her perch. It would appear this gift has pleased her.

Talen also calls out, down the beach, "Hey, Vic, we're off. Tell your wife she can't keep my armour, will you? Happy birthday!" There's a smile for Alarissa, as he's sure his voice carries.

"We'll figure out who's it is when we figure out if it fits me." Victus calls back helpfully.

"What, no, that's not how that wo-- ah fuck it," Talen says.

Luca calls out, "Just armwrestle him for it, Tal!"

"It's with your servants Talen." Alarissa calls from the dunes, gesturing to their retinue. "As if I would keep amor that smells of sweaty you. I'm not your -wife-" Alarissa's head rests on Barric's shoulder, smiling to the Lycene's.

Magpie laughs from his place by the fire at Luca's quip.

Margot bows her head to Talen and Eleyna, "Your Grace, Prince consort, be well."

Also quickly corrects himself for Agatha! "No no, drowning is not tradition for a birthday party. It's just tradition for Talen and I, because Talen is an ass and he needs to be constantly reminded of it. Today, I believe I have done that job well. Maybe at his birthday he'll drown me instead. Ain't that fun?" He gives a wave as she departs!

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Deliverance, an albino falcon, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rosalie, a lady in waiting arrive, following Reese.

Rinel grins at Lilybelle and moves towards the Birthday Boy. "Happy Birthday, Your Grace," she says to Victus, bowing.

Reese arrives on the beach while wearing her pink gryphon tunic and ivory leggings. She looks ready for battle and has alot of weapons too! The warrior princess quickly glances over the area, trying to get a feeling for the situation. Lots of ribbons are tangled up in her golden locks.

Agatha pauses on her journey to whichever spot of beach was tempting her. She's doing mental math here. "Talen almost drowned you because he needed to be reminded he's an ass? Er. I mean. His Grace nearly drowned you. Important to use proper titles if I'm going to use ass in the same sentence. I think." She reaches up and rubs the back of her head. "Well. It's more interesting than a birthday handshake!" Wave!

Lisebet does pause to call out, "Happy Birthday, Your Grace," and then she heads out, Briar accompanying her.

Talen has left the Southern Dunes.

Eleyna has left the Southern Dunes.

Sybilla, the Lenosian lady's maid, 13 House Velenosa Guards leave, following Eleyna.

6 House Velenosa Guards, Jiacomo, the Velenosa seneschal, Eleyna leave, following Talen.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard leaves, following Lisebet.

Signe's offering a wave of her hand after Valarian's drunken inventation. Wholly amused her smile is deep on her approach to the wooden benches. "I'd hope it would be. Looks like you still had fun either way!" She laughs a little, issuing a polite wave for the departing Briar and Agatha.

Sabella offers a bright wave to Reese before turning back to say something to her table.

Isabetta shows and takes in the size and scope of the affair. "This is someone's birthday or something.." She remarks, but doesn't seem so sure about that. "I should probably know whose." She scratches her nose and then sets off in search of the cuisine.

Reese looks over to Sabella waving in return to her sister. She then peeks over to Isabetta, giving her a smile that reaches her blue eyes. She moves with her cat like grace, further along the beach.

Signe has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Isabetta waves to Reese and then for no apparent reason attempts to give Agatha a hug, like she was some sort of huggle bear and no doubt it looks like the most awkward attempt. Very wooden and such. She also says, "Thanks." To the poor bear.

Agatha holds still during the hug as though Isabetta might just be a dangerous serpent that could constrict if startled. But at least she doesn't paw the woman away or try to lift her up. "Hey. I mean, I was just trying to help. It will be okay." She looks over Isabetta's head to others nearby in case any of them might be in a position to take over the duties as Person getting a Hug.

Luca rises, brushes sand off his ass, and begins trudging down the dunes, heading for where Victus and a few others are at. He stops near where Reese is lingering on the beach though, for a moment.

Victus turns to regard Rinel with a grin, having taken some time to keep a hushed conversation going. "Scholar Rinel. You've yet to be gouged by my cat again." He muses with a nod. "I was about ready to start yelling for you for our next lesson in theology as well. But a party seems like the worst place to try and learn somethin' serious, aye?" He chuckles gruffly, waving to Luca as well on his approach.

Luca has left the Southern Dunes.

Luca has joined the Beneath Trees.

Margot has left the Southern Dunes.

Reese glances to Luca as he draws near, listening to his whispered words and giving him a nod. She is still here, but being on the quiet side.

Rinel smiles and bows to the Highlord. "I would be honoured, Your Grace," she murmurs politely. "My apologies for intruding," the scholar says as she withdraws towards... Agatha! "Hello, Your Highness!" Rinel chirps.

Isabetta has let Agatha go but she sees Rinel and instantly her eyes narrow and she tells Agatha in a near whisper that is totally loud enough for like anyone to hear, "Careful of that one," She is pointing at Rinel not at all discretely. "She'll whack you with a pillow when your back is turned."

Victus waves as Rinel departs. She may find Lilybelle keeping an ample distance. Closer, but still distanced.

Leona has left the Beneath Trees.

Narses, 6 King's Own Guardsmen leave, following Leona.

Coraline has left the Beneath Trees.

Coraline has joined the Northern Dunes.

Rinel checked command + teaching at difficulty 71, rolling 33 lower.

Agatha smooths her super fancy (not really) tunic after the hug. She turns her head, the better to greet Rinel with a smile. "Hello, Scholar. Did I see you braving the wrath of the cat? Well done, that! And ..what?" That for Isabetta when she takes a step back and narrows her gaze a little. "Well. If you don't trust her with pillows, how come you were with her somewhere that had pillows?"

Luca has left the Beneath Trees.

Sorrel has left the Southern Dunes.

Sorrel leaves, following Luca.

Sorrel arrives, following Luca.

Sorrel has joined the Southern Dunes.

Rinel smiles wryly at Isabetta and bows. "My lady. It is good to see you again. And Lilybelle isn't as bad as people say--she just doesn't tolerate foolishness. She's stern, not wicked."

Alarissa has left the Northern Dunes.

Denica is focused on her drinking for the moment, she's fallen a little silent, just giggling as she looks around and listens to the conversations going on all around her.

Away from the Dunes moves Alarissa carefully in the sand to seek out Victus and murmur quietly.

Reese makes her way toward Victus. "Happy birthday, High Lord Vicus." She says in his direction. She then looks over to Alarissa giving hr a smile since she seems to be heading the same way. "Your Highness." She adds to Alaric.

Isabetta glowers a bit and tells Agatha, "It was a trick, entirely not my fault or doing. I was a victim. I should go." She says this and rather abruptly turns to go. Why'd she even come?

"Oh dear," Rinel says worriedly. "Did I offend her? I think I offended her. I didn't /mean/ to offend her."

Alarissa beams to Reese, kissing either cheek. "Dearest Cousin. Good to see you." And Alaric gains a deep dip of her head. "You, your majesty. Mark me down for a meeting soon in the nearest future. I have something to shamelessly ask you for. But it is not so imperative that I bother you now. Drink. be merry. Debauch my husband further. I take my leave, to rest before my journey tomorrow."

Reese looks between Isabetta and Rinel. "Um...I am sure it ws your fault, whatever it was Lady Isabetta." She says and then peeks over to Rinel. "Your fine." She says, giving her a smile.

Agatha looks puzzled. This is not a new expression for Agatha! She pats Rinel's shoulder VERY gently. "I'll go check on her and make sure everything's alright." She grins at Reese when she offers her help. "Have a good evening!"

Isabetta pauess to tell Rinel, "Oh shush, It isn't really that easy or possible to offend me, unless it makes you uncomfortable to think you might have, in which case, yes you probably did."

Alaric waves from atop his big white destrier Thunder to Reese and Alarissa as they approach. "Reese, Alarissa! Good evening to you both." He grins cheerfully at Alarissa. "I happen to think it's always a good time for shameless requests, but if you'd like to retire we can certainly meet later."

Lilybelle contributes to this conversation between the trio of ladies. Hiss.

Victus in the meanwhile turns his attention to Reese. "Princess Ribbons, one of the most solid Princesses I know. Appreciate you comin' out. Sorry we ain't got a lot of pink 'round here."

Isabetta seems to pause a moment while being trailed by Agatha, then locks in step with her and leaves the beach

Agatha leaves, following Isabetta.

Reese looks over to Agatha giving her a grin. She brushes her cheek into Alarissa's kiss, giving her another smile. Reese then goes to take a seat beneath the trees. She seems flattered by Victus' words.

Reese has joined the Beneath Trees.

"Ahhh, it may be the best of time for you, but I am growing another daughter for Victus." Alarissa pats that soft round of her middle. "Because he is a man who seems like he needs to be surrounded by women more so than he already is. But tell your secretary to get with mine and I shall shamelessly, your Majesty, pester you for coin for something. Not much, just a little. But I think you'll find you'll want to do such." And with a kiss to Victus' cheek, Alarissa's making her way back toward the city, Genaile with a sleepy Astrid coming with her.

"Hold on one second--" Sabella tells her table, standing up and calling out, "Did you say you were open to shameless requests, Your Majesty? Because there are a lot of us here and many are already pretty drunk."

Alaric calls out from atop his horse in reply to Sabella, "I said it was always a good time to hear them. I didn't say anything about granting them!"

Reese curls-up beneath the trees. She looks over to Alarissa. "Oh, congrats! But how do you know you are not carrying a boy?" She asks, before looking over to Sabella and her blue eyes widen. "Not too shameless Sabella or I will be forced to challenge you."

Rinel looks around with a frown, but an angry hissing sound brings a smile to her face. "Hello, there," she says to Lilybelle. "Let's go on an adventure." The woman moves to where some cooks are frying up the last of the fish. "You there!" the scholar says imperiously. "The Claw of Thrax demands fish! Fresh, please," she adds with a smile. "She likes them alive best, I think." The cook looks at her curiously, then shrugs, shouting to an apprentice to bring over a fish. Rinel takes the flopping creature with gratitude and puts it on the ground before Lilybelle. "There you are, Your Royal Catness," she says with satisfaction, sitting herself down on the sand to watch the cat.

Sabella laughs and puts a hand to her chest, "Surely you don't think I would ever do something to cause that, my dearest sister! Although, I would get to set the terms if that happened, right?" She grins at Reese, then points at Alaric, "Too clever! Someone hasn't had enough rum. Well played, Your Majesty!"

"You would get to the choose the terms and please please don't choose a dance off or a hug-a-thon." Reese says, living her voice to carry.