2 Iron Guardsmen arrives, following Titania.

The beach is alive with silk streamers that flutter and billow in the breeze coming off the bay s children's laughter and joyful screams mingle with the sounds of the shoreline. The shades of the sunset set the shoreline alive as musicians wander up and down the beach playing lively tunes fit for the birthday being celebrated. Food is aplenty andd very little has been spared in this regard. Sweets reign supreme alongside the more traditional foods. If it can go on a stick, it's there and put in a brazier to cook. A table lade with a sprawling cake of many levels and layers and iced to be as if a frothing shoreline with water that the brithday girl so loves, is bound to be cut up and enjoyed by all.

Alarissa stands watching said little girl with some of the other children who are there enjoying the festivities on the balmy fall day, all near the shoreline. Genaile ever present and keeping an eye on her charge. Animals bleat from further down and it would seem little expense is spared for the heir to Maelstrom.

Titania comes walking out onto the beach looking around she is in a dress and seems to have something in her arms, if one looks its a child she holds. Her blue eyes look about as she comes out onto the sands heading for the birthday party.

Waldemai is here to celebrate the tiny heir's big day, but, you know, commoners need to stay well back from the royal action. He takes off his cloth cap and waves it, and calls, "Happy birthday! Hip hip hoorah!"

It's been a bit since Victus has been down to the shores for a party, and not exactly a welcome amount of time either. So when the High Lord comes trouncing down to the beach among all the festivities, he's doing so with a softer expression on his face. One that says, 'party', but with a very limited amount of actual energy being expunged for it. "This all looks mighty elaborate considerin' she probably won't remember none of it when she's older." He comments aside to his wife as he kneels beside his daughter, who proceeds to whack him with a little toy sword.

"Master Waldemai. Be made welcome! Can you tell his Grace that it's not so much about her and whether she'll remember, but in celebrating such with others?" Alarissa looks between the champion and her husband with raised brows even as Titania's making her way down. "Countess. Be made welcome! Ohhhh, do I get to see him?"

Waldemai bobs his head. "Yes, of course, your highness." He explains,"Your highness, what her highness said." He winks at the little girl with the sword.

Titania smiles to Alarissa, "You do your highness." she smiles moving over to Alarissa looking to the small girl who just hit victus with the sword, "You show him." she winks looking to Victus, "Your Grace." she smiles.

There's a tiny woman tromping down the beach in short, stompy boots, and her marching step makes her dark curls boing-boing-boing with each step. "I went briefly to a ball yesterday, and so today we will go to a birthday party. We will be social again today and I will not call anyone a goat." A beat. "Even if they look like one. There are worse things to call someone, I think, like a blobby fish. Or one of slimy creatures that looks like a moldy wet cucumber. Or the inside of an oyster." Elloise knocks the sand from her blocky heels and leans over to peer at a thing on a stick that a server offers her. She accepts it and continues, "Highnesses. Lady Elloise Leary. It's nice thing to meet you and eat your food on sticks."

Zane, a tall and silent servant arrives, following Venturo.

Zane, a tall and silent servant leaves, following Venturo.

Zane, a tall and silent servant arrives, following Venturo.

"Hmph." Victus rubs lightly against the new forming bruise against the side of his face as he raises to meet their guests, while Astrid goes trouncing off to wreak havoc further down the coast. Not too far out of sight of her father of course. "I'm only saying that celebrations are also expensive." He muses in kind to his wife, a bob of his head had for Waldemai and Titania each as they greet. "Bidin' welcome, have some cake and drink something to get ya' drunk. I'm sure we brought some. Just don't give any to the birthday girl..." The unfamiliar face that is Elloise gives him pause, tilting his head to the stranger. "Lady Elloise, welcome, don't believe I've seen your face in the city before now."

Waldemai checks to be sure he has shaved recently, not that even shaved recently can keep him from appearing vaguely goaty.

"My personal coin paid for this, now hush, and enjoy. You're just grousing because I'm not letting you -curse- and swear around children." She points out. Alarissa's moving to come to a stand beside Titania, to look down at the fresh born bundle even as Elloise introduces herself. "Another Leary. I quite like Leary's. Lady Elloise, his Grace, Prince Victus, Countess Titania, Champion Waldemai." Making introductions. "Welcome. Yes Victus, there is alcohol. plenty of it. Plenty of everything." She looks to Titania. "How are you?"

Strolling down the high hill that the city sits upon, his coat fluttering in the breeze, Venturo's pale green eyes soak in all of the festivities. The sight draws a lopsided smile to his features, one dimple pressed in further than the others as he settles into the line to greet the birthday man himself. It's Alarissa, the only he knows, that garners a dip of his head towards the woman. "Princess. I heard about the festivities, and I thought it only fitting I come and give a small gift to a family that's been far too kind to my establishment."

Tempest, Atila arrive, following Signe.

Signe arrives, following Jordan.

"Days ago, your Highness," she informs Victus as she flumps down into the sand, continuing to pick at her food. "From Leaholdt. Now, with my cousin Fairen -- the Marquis Leary and Tomwell. I haven't met the Marquessa yet, which is why I did not count her. However, she is just as important as everyone else. It's been very nice to be able to wander around the city to meet new people. Finally." Finishing the food, Elloise uses the freed-up stick to start sketching in the sand. "It's a pleasure to meet everyone. I was thinking about the waves today. So, it's a good idea to have attended. I can study the movement of the tides."

Titania smiles at Elloise, "A pleasure to meet you Lady Elloise." she then looks to Alarissa, "To be honest I have been struggling a bit but its why I am trying to get out more." she smiles softly. "Would you care to hold him?" she asks the princess of the small child looking to be about two maybe three months old thats in her hands.

Waldemai bows politely, and says, "It is good to meet you, my lady," as he is introduced.

Carrying Signe on his back, Jordan cuts a somewhat funny figure since he's wearing field armor, the Lady does not seem hurt, and he seems to have not that much of a problem carrying a slip of a girl in a piggy-back ride. He does, however, seem a little tired. It's hard enough to carry something heavy like armor, imagine with what additional weight the young Nightgold provides. Once they are at the beach, though, he sets her down, shaking his head with a laugh. "There we are, my Lady."

"I suppose that I can." But more people make their way to their direction and Alarissa smiles broadly as she carefully takes the Fireviper baby into her arms, supporting the head. In a strange somewhat backward way but none the less safe. "Master Venturo. It helps that you've a business near and dear to his Grace's heart and so very fit fr rowdy sailors." She points out, settling the baby against her to coo. "Yes, he does have a good place. You will get to enjoy it sometime. Are you giving your mama trouble?" Alarissa looks to Titania. "I can lend you Genaile if you need. We've three nanny's, we can spare one for a spell."

"Countess, you could always put the babe in a satchel. But wear him closer. A baby-bag. Of sorts. The way that a knight --" Elloise points at Jordan's cuirass "-- straps into chest armor. Buckles at the back. Not steel, obviously. But soft. Silk-lined kidskin? Maybe. It might not work when they are so very small, but when they are big enough to wiggle around before walking."

"And so, we have Highlord Victus, and so many more new faces," The brewer looks from Waldemai to Elloise, and then Titania before fixing his gaze back upon the Highlord himself. "Venturo Thayne, owner, brewer, and story teller at the Raconteur. It's moments like these that make us remember we live, I believe. That spark within us all that grows year over year, rather than diminishes. And so," Into his coat he reaches, and when the hand comes out? It's with a bottle, one that is presented towards Victus. "A gift." Down his voice lowers, into conspiratorial tones that still easily drifts to all of those around, "I'd keep a tight hand on it, else it might end up in your wifes collection."

Waldemai ahs. "Fond I am of a good ale, master. Do you supply the Golden Hart?"

"ah, a Leary." Victus grunts in kind to Elloise. "We've had a few of your distant family arriving as of late. Coraline, Caith, Catriona, Cassima. All of the C-sisters it would seem have some nice little ties to your family." Jordan and the piggybacking shaman are getting a raised brow. But you know what? Far from the weirdest thing to be seen at a party. "Ah, the brewer. I've heard much about it. Brewery. What a fantastic, magical place it must be to work in." His eyes take on an almost overtly wistful glaze to them. One that is broken in two when the bottle is put to his hand. "Oh dam- Dang, yeah. Shoot this is goin' right in the fu-friggen drink cabinet. Away from pryin' hands."

The ride and venture all the way to the beach should have been enjoyable. It was, mostly, if not for all of Jordan's armor. As barefeet touched the sands, Signe gave a brisk shake, stretching out limbs and rubbing into the aching spots. "Wonderful, though you can't swim in all of that Sir Jordan." A few paces behind them was Atila, the shaman's husky, that darted off to start chasing some of the birds that touched down on to the beaches. "Still, thank you. The ride back may shouldn't be too taxing." Assuming that was to take place the noble Nightgold started to head towards the others, beckoning the knight to follow with the waving of her hand. "Well met all! I love the streamers, oh! Where's the young one?!"

The young woman blinks upward from her sketching in the sand - something with a wheel or wheels - once someone starts more introductions. She offers a cheerful, dimpled smile to Venturo, "It's a pleasure Master Thayne. Lady Elloise Leary, inventor, scholar, apothecary, apprentice Inquisitor, future Explorer. I know I'm living because the air goes in and out, the blood goes around and round --" a pause "-- wait. Was that a poetic turn of phrase? Apologies." Her head ducks, offering a sheepish smile until Victus mentions cousins - and she brightens back up. "YES. Them, your Highness. I haven't met them yet."

"You mean a harness, my Lady?" Jordan asks of Elloise, adding a name for it ever so helpfully. "Your Grace, congratulations on your daughter's birthday!" He intones to the High Lord before Signe's remark has him grinning somewhat, and following in her wake, apparently.

Vald arrives, following Sina.

"Yes, thank you sir-knight." Elloise offers Jordan a grateful smile as he puts a proper name onto the concept.

"I do not, I'm afraid, though I'd be happy to should they have a desire." Venturo flashes a warm smile towards Waldemai, "Though the autumn line of drinks have just been released at the Raconteur. A few tantalizing ales you could try, sometime." A warm ripple of laughter comes from him, slow and rumbling at Victus' response, "Come by sometime, Highlord. I'll give you a tour and put you to work for a day." Those words sound quite serious, and up a hand lifts to give a wave of greeting to Signe and Jordan, but it's Elloise's words that have his eyes sparkling bright. "Is that so, Lady Leary? Brewing and apothecary have quite a few things in common, you know. And truly, I do believe every drink is a story, which you'll understand when you see the names of the drinks I offer. And I would contend your observations show you are alive... not that you are living." It's a coy smile flashed to her, letting the woman mull over his own thought on the matter.

"My collection -si- his collection Master Venturo. My drinking is limited. Great with child or no. But his Grace enjoys a fine brew and when we host a festivity, it behooves us to prepare and have the best and a variety to suit any visitor."

The young one is toddling along the surfs edge in bare feet with her nanny, randomly waving the little pint sized wooden sword that all the kids seem to have or are strewn about the beach. She's still getting the hang of walking. There's a shriek, the little girl going stiff straight while dong such, before she's off again in that clumsy awkward way that one year old move

Titania smiles at Alarissa, "If you could till I find one to hire I would be grateful." she says softly to the princess. She looks to the babe in her arms then to Victus, "For your daughter." she says soflty, "May she keep in close and bring her closer to the goddess." she hands him something thats folded up. She looks to the others, "I will have to look into a sling as well." she smiles.

"That's ever so true. There are many similarities. If you have the time I might like to learn how to brew. In the future. But, taking a step back. Alive versus living." She exhales, gustily, but she seems to get the purpose of the coy smile that Venturo offers. Elloise counters with a grin, "Metaphors. While I was thinking literally - maybe TOO literally - when I should be focusing on abstract concepts. Outside of the boundaries. If we engage in future conversation Master Thayne, I will. "

Waldemai ahs. "Ah the Raconteur," he tells the brewer. "An easy walk from my shop. I'll be sure to try a mug or five after a long day over the forge." And, of course, a short walk over is also a shot stagger back.

Sina makes her way down to the beach, somewhat late to the party, her sandaled feet shifting gracefully through the sand as she makes her way down toward the festivities. She pauses a moment, glancing about, smiling at familiar faces, before her eyes shift off toward the plethora of children playing in the distance. The young handmaiden makes her way then toward Alarissa.

Elloise has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Up Venturo's hands lift in mock surrender towards Alarissa at her quip in return, and a lazy smile touches his mouth, "So noted. May the whiskey age well, and be pulled out for a special occassion for your heir's future." He offers a deep dip of his head towards Waldemai, "And you are? There are such good shops right in the area. Which might yours be?" It's Elloise observations that has his interest drawn, his head tipping slightly to the side, "Indeed. Metaphors. Stories serve as lovely metaphors to be interpreted. Come by sometime, and I'll show you a bit of brewing, and tell you a story of my travels, and we shall see what you make of both of them."

Elloise has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Elloise has joined the Beneath Trees.

"Master Waldemai, you have a shop? I never knew this. Here I thought you were just a champion, by the by, I have a score to settle. How are you at... cat herding?" There's a conspiratorial smile on her face that is quickly distracted by Sina's arrival and what Titania offers up. She takes the gift with a nod. "We'll send over our second best. To help you out and a list of others that were well qualified but we never used. That way you know they are the finest. Sina. Join us?" A gesture to one of the shady area's as she starts to guide Titania over. Get mother and child out of the sun.

Alarissa has joined the Beneath Trees.

Sina has joined the Beneath Trees.

Waldemai holds out a hand. "Waldemai Isenhu, master smith. My shop's down on Southport Square, across from Malvici Hall. We're just outside the Lyceum Gate."

Signe offered a wave of greeting to the gathered in her search of the birthday honoree. "From the ones I've tried they're quite savory. They leave an impression on both the tongue and mind. Very impressive Master Thayne." She shared to those gathered, discussing the art of booze and brew crafting. When the one year old Astrid was discovered Signe smiled brightly, "There she is!" Not to be excluded from the child activities occuring on the beach the shaman wielded a wooden sword and darted off to defend the beaches against the invading children.

Signe wields Feelthorn, a 3ft long 'sword' made from tree branches.

Titania has joined the Beneath Trees.

Alarissa is overheard praising Signe for: For having her own wooden sword.

"I'll be an attentive student, Master Thayne, then an avid listener. Knowledge through tales and lessons, thank you." Elloise rises from her seat in the sand, moving toward another place to sit when more people begin to arrive. It wouldn't do for a small lump of Leary to be in the way.

Juliana Pravus strides out into the sand, her shoes hanging from one hand as she walks towards the gathering. Her face turne up to the sun as she breaths in the sea air. "I would say this looks like the party of the year." eyeing the swords, the streamers and the abundance of small humans running around.

Signe checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

"A pleasure to see you once more, Lady Signe! And with quite the ride to bring you in." His eyes dance with mischief at that, the woman cast a warm nod before Venturo looks back to Waldemai, taking that offered hand in a firm if brief shake. "All, yes! Quite close indeed. A pleasure, Maser Isenhu."

Sina dips a curtsey to Alarissa and smiles warmly. "Of course, your Highness," she says, in response to the invitation. "Apologies for my late arrival, there were some things I needed to finish attending to at the estate." She glances at Titania with a soft smile, and a polite inclination of the head as she joins them beneath the trees. She glances off then after Signe as she brandishes her wooden sword and runs off toward the children. She gives a soft laugh at that, her silvery eyes lighting up.

Titania smiles moving to follow Alarissa, "I thank you, your highness." she nods her head to those under the trees as she joins them with Alarissa, "Hello." she says in a soft voice to them all and finds herself a seat.

"Well now." Watching Signe run off. There's a glance to the others. "Who will assist her in defending the beach?" There's a look to Titania. "Come, I'll take him, and you, go help Signe defeat the horde of vicious young children."

Speaking of small humans running around, there is one small human arriving with a slew of ladies - Sorenello Igniseri is literally dragging a fourteen-year-old junior nursemaid to and fro to make zig-zagging footprints in the sand, while an older woman watches on with tired indulgence and Ennettia brings up the rear, a shawl over her to keep away any chill. Upon seeing the group gathered, Ennettia says in her usual lazy, careless way, "Are we late? How utterly tragic. Do say we're not, and I can throw the little savage out to play with the others."

"Ahoy you salty sea critters and minions!" Signe raised her 'sword', threatening the young with the pointy end as she bellowed out a call to their attention. "You dare to tread on lands that belong to -me- the uh..." Signe searched around for inspiration of what to call herself. A thought brightened her features, eyebrows lowering and knitting towards one another in a mocking scowl. "Great Sea Spirit! Yes! My lands, my sea! Defend yourselves or be swallowed whooooooooooooooooooole!"

"You're quite welcome, my Lady." Jordan replies to the Leary with a bright smile, inclining his head in greeting to Venturo and finally walking towards Victus. The High Lord is given a curious look before he asks, "Are you still looking for candidates for Rites of Gloria, Your Grace?" And having asked this, he considers the refreshments at hand.

Titania nods her head with a grin as she moves off to join the children and Signe, "Do not fear my lovelys I will join youa nd we will defeat the great giant seat serpent to reclaim our lands and sea!" she syands with the children looking to Signe with a nod and a smile.

Waldemai stands back near the brewer as the nobles play with the kids. "Good there's going to be stability in the nation."

Pausing a moment to eye the play, there is just a second that one could be sure Jules is going to go charging into the surf, gown and all. But it only lasts that long befofe her gaze flickers to the adults in the group. Her head tipping with a glance at the High Lord. "You are going to need a fur collar for that for the winter." points to him with a nod as if putting it in her mind then turns towards the Princess-Consort, smiling as she closes the distance. "my Lady."

Venturo's pale gaze drifts over the newer arrivals, watching Sina for a few moments and the Juliana, before a rumblng 'mmm' of consideration comes from him. "It has calm. Stability will, hopefully, come in time with the hard efforts of the leaders involved."

The children, easily spanning ages from the todling one year olds, to even a few nine and ten year olds all swarm at Titania's heels and wave their varied wood weapons about. Some are lined in batting to protect young selves from real harm. But there's a rallying scream - someone passes titania a wooden sword as well - add the children surge forward with weapons brandished high in an attempt to overtake the sea serpent spirit that is Signe. Astrid's lost somewhere in the back, not that good on her feet

Alarissa checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

A serpant now, Signe calls out into the air, a sea-serpants battle cry in an attempt to imitate what one may sound like from her knowledge. The Great Sea Spirit Serpant stands her ground, issuing a challenge to children that charge at her and feigns fighting them off in a gentle fashion. She immitates the sounds of swords clashing, "FWISH....CLING! CLING! SWOOOOOSH! AHHHHHHH!"

Signe checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Sina smiles as the chase is on, settling in beneath the tree with Alarissa, her eyes searching for Astrid amongst the squealing children. She lifts a graceful hand to shade her eyes from the sun, squinting a little. "It's hard to believe that an entire year has passed already," she murmurs. She glances toward Jordan briefly as he approaches Victus about the Rite of Gloria, and smiles briefly at the knight. She glances about then, to see who else is present, though as is her nature in large gatherings, she is fairly quiet overall. She dips her head toward Venturo when he seems to be watching her.

Beneath the trees, Elloise retrieves a slate drawing-board - a clean sheet of parchment - and a stylus. She begins to trace out the shapes that she had drawn in the sand only moments before: a series of wheels that she starts to connect with a complicated set of pulleys and interconnected pieces in-between. Nose crinkled up, tongue tucked out of the edge of her mouth. She will glance up from time to time to watch the play, smiling a little to herself as she enjoys the distraction for a minute. Then, quietly, back to work.

Smiling back to Sina, Jordan inclines his head to the handmaiden, bowing slightly in her direction as if in respect to Alarissa's station. Looking to the High Lord, however, he falls silent as he waits for his answer, head angled down slightly in a sign of respect to the Thrax leader.

"Mighty friggin' fine of you to offer, Master Thayne. I'll swing by and be knee deep in the stuff before ya' know it. Well, actually, might be awhile because my schedule is awful screwy dang near all the time." Victus replies evenly to Venturo, and for the first time that evening a brisk grin has broken out across the Prince's features. Excitement abound! Titania's gift is taken as well, with a nod of thanks. He'll stow that in a pocket for safe-keeping for the moment. Next it's Jordan up, who Victus regards with a steady gaze. "The Rite to Gloria? Well, I got myself two opponents lined up already and no proper schedule set for when we'll be fighting. But it's in the works. If you're willin' to be patient for maybe a couple of weeks, I could set you up with one as well."

"He never takes it off Lady Juliana. I swear. He would sleep in it if I let him. But yes, come the winter it will need a fur collar. Black wolf maybe?" She looks at Venturo then Victus then to Jordan. "Or how about the miniature one that is happening right now?" She gestures to the children battling. "The sea serpent is out numbered. Don't tell me you are afraid of little children?" A challenging look to all the men there.

A dip of Venturo's head is offered towards Sina in return, and up the corners of his mouth come to present a crooked smile, one dimple pushing in deeper than the other. "Venturo Thayne," His bright baritone lifts to life, just loud enough that she might catch that introduction. And then, laughter rumbles from him, his head dipping towards Victus at his response, "Whenever you have the time, Highlord, even if months from now. Always plenty to do, and the best part? You get to drink while you do it!"

Joined properly or no, the 5-year-ish Sorenello looks towards the group of children with wooden swords beating at someone and of course, drags his young nursemaid in that direction, leaving Ennettia to make her way with food tables, searching for the inevitable Grown Up Drinks that really must be here somewhere. Does she recognize anyone beyond the High Parents and perhaps Jordan? Only Juliana, really, who earns a light nod and faint smile. Is she embarrassed to simply drop into a birthday party? No, just comfortably picking up sweets and letting her child disappear into a horde with nary a blink.

Titania looks over at Astrid and she moves to the young girl, "Come we will fight the serpent together!" she holds her sword in one hand and help Astrid with the other. She moves forward taking her time moving at the small girls pace the sand can be tricky! "Make formations watch each otehr that sea serpent can be a tricky one!" she calls to the children.

"Terrified of children. They are the only ones," Come Venturo's response to the thought, and he seems so gravely serious without a touch of doubt to his voice, "that can tell better stories than I. No, no, I'd never dare wage into that particular battle. Someone far braver, surely," It's to the others he looks, as if certain one of them shall rise to the occassion.

Waldemai is built low to the ground, suitable for wading through the surf. "Does anyone need a horsie? Neigggghhhh! Neigggghhhh!"

"That is good to know, my Lady.." Juliana laughs looking back to Victus and his coat before nodding. "Black wolf would work. I don't think more than a wilde collar that can be turned up will be needed but it would help." her gaze sliding down to Alarissa's condition then back to the woman's eyes. "You are taking a healer or midwife with you on this trip of yours, yes?"

Sina returns Venturo's dip of the head with one of her own and a soft smile. Her own voice is very soft, but somehow she manages to make it carry to introduce herself in kind. "Sina Izetta," she reveals, before she smiles again then glances away a bit shyly. She glances at Juliana as she speaks to Alarissa of bringing a midwife, and she glances at the Princess Consort quietly, as if wondering the same.

There is a look of sheer innocence as Sina looks back Venturo's way that crosses the brewer's features, and up a hand lifts to give a wave of farewell towards Alarissa. As the others wade into that mock battle, the brewer slips out, turning to make his way back up the hill towards Arx.

"Noooo! HSSSSSSSSSS!" The Great Sea Spirit Serpant screeched while trying to dodge the oncoming blows from the wooden toy swords and sticky hands from the children. Parrying toy swords were easy, the children were slower and sloppy. Her sea monster sounds were abysmal, similar to the sound of stepping on cows. "HSSS! I call forth my sea minions! Defend me!!" Signe looks to the other adults at the child's celebration, discussing something she wasn't following due to dodging the horde of children. "Hellooo Minions! Defend me!" Signe makes a flamboyant gesture with her head, jerking towards all the young kids charging after her.

Signe checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Waldemai gives a wave as the brewer heads back to the city. "I'll stop in for a taste, master brewer," he calls.

"The best stories are the ones lived," Jordan opines to Venturo, but he nods to the brewer as he starts his way out. With a bow to Victus, the knight replies to his offer with, "I can be patient, aye. I'll be north within a week's time, myself, and then I'll be working on the next phase of my project for Ashford." He admits with a bright smile to the man, then, with another bow, he straightens and strides over to where Sina is.

Waldemai's offer to be a gallant steed is taken up by some five year old who quickly scrambles up, grabbing a hold of the champions collar and thrusts his sword forward with a shrieked 'Get it!". Order given, he gives a perhaps not so kid digging in of heels to make his horse go forward. Though there's space for Sorenello to join atop that steed. Astrid takes Titania's hand and moves forward into the fray of giggling children, even as some go tumbling off, struck down and playing dead. In as much as they can play dead. There are no contenders for the mummers here.

Alarissa looks to Juliana. "Three months to go, I will be fine but yes. Always. A midwife. I am going to skip the harlequins this time." Venturo takes his leave and Alarissa lifts a hand in farewell to him. "I suspect we'll stay at Maelstrom long enough for Sorrel to have hers though."

Signe calls for minions and Alarissa looks to Victus and Jordan for volunteers. "Lady Leary, can you capture this scene for me, so that I may trot it out as she gets holder?"

Signe is overheard praising Waldemai for: For chosing the wrong side of the battle but willing to get dirty!

Zane, a tall and silent servant leaves, following Venturo.

GusGus, the fluffy Whitehold Mountain puppy arrives, delivering a message to Sina before departing.

Waldemai checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Waldemai makes sure he has a good grip on his five-year-old knight and then charges forward, making as big a splash in the waves as possible. "Neigh!" he neighs.

Eventually, even Elloise loses the energy to keep designing. She starts to put her things away neatly into her satchel, piece by piece. She rises with a stretch and a muffled yawn before she slips away.

Elloise has left the Beneath Trees.

Sina smiles with relief when she hears Alarissa's words to Juliana, then she's briefly distracted as a puppy arrives, delivering a message. She looks thoughtful, then tucks it into her scaled leather cincher at her waist, before petting the puppy before it runs off again. She glances around again, and spies Jordan approaching. She offers him a smile, but she remains quiet as usual, though she's also got a curious look on her face.

Signe's assailed from all the sides, wooden swords poking and stabbing which brings the Great Sea Spirit Serpant down to her knees, "NOoooooooooo!" The shaman cries out, feigning a painful death as the children's laughter floods all around her. "My minions! They failed me! My land is yours..." The sea serpant is defeated, curled into a little ball on the sands while trying her best not to laugh when the swords poke at her ticklish areas.

Signe checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Ennettia, with a few sweet and savory treats, finally decides she has been standing quite long enough, making her way towards the trees where at least two other mothers are. "Princess Alarissa, how charming to see you again." She says, Titania and Sina included in a careless smile as Ennettia eyes the tree's roots for the perfect spot to fall, and indeed if there is a good place to sit, she'll sit. "A lovely event. I do hope you don't mind we were a touch delayed."

Meanwhile, Sorenello did not get on, but he is following the horses towards the water, Dulcetta - his teen babysitter - following behind cautiously. Both shriek at the cold water splashing on them, laughing.

"Three months yes.. but.. she sighs and shakes her head. "I would offer but I have promised Baroness Saik to stay close, as she is with twins and without the Baron." turning her attention to the battle, arches a brow. "So shall we make the wee Princess a winter cloak to match her father's" side eyes Alarissa with a chuckle.

Waldemai rears up over the defeated sea monster, allowing his little knight to wave a wooden sword around.

Sina exchanges a few quiet words with Jordan, then looks to Ennettia as she approaches Alrissa. She inclines her head in greeting as she is included in Ennettia's smile, though she still doesn't say much, quiet as a mouse. Watchful as a hawk, too, given the way her silvery eyes glance about regularly, taking in all the activities around her. Her lips curve up into a little grin as the sea monster is finally defeated beneath a swarm of laughing children.

"Oi! You dang kids, Sea Serpent is the beasts of Thrax! Ya know how friggin' rare on of them is?" Victus breaks away from the proceedings to throw himself right into the horde of the children. More specifically, a diving elbow into the sand that scatters the lot of those little buggers. Chaos would ensue in time, in vengeance for Signe.

"Oh... oh, yes." Alarissa looks to Astrid who's giggling and part of the slayers of the great serpent spirit. "That can grow with her just a little. She's growing so fast. But something like her father's if there's any of that leather left." Juliana's former words though, have her shaking her head. "No, tend to the baroness. I am fine. This is not my first time and it will surely bef ar easier than my last. Less Krakens and broken bones, I am sure."

Waldemair the faithful steep is rewarded with arms around his neck and hanging on. Victus's diving in has more screeches, and scattering children, some hesitating to look at parents as if it's okay or not to attack the High lord, before they dive back in to start doing just that. Anotehr sea serpent.

Titania gasps, "Look my brave warriors! It is another serpent to come avenge his friend! Be brave get him! Pile on my brave ones!" she helps Astrid move for her dad (Serpent) "Go show him who is boss my young princess, Mangata will protect you." she says softly.

Jordan is still engaged in quiet conversation with Sina, pleased at something she says before he watches Victus as he does a running start to where the Terrible Horde of Children are play-fighting. The impromptu maneuver has the knight laughing.

Waldemai checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Waldemai survives the new attack (and the royal arms around his throat). "Neigh!" he neighs, charging right ahead, splashing as much water around as possible.

Signe peaks under an arm used to conceal her face, the onslaught of wooden swoords and grabby fat hands have lessened. Someone smarter would have remained playing dead, but the shaman acting as the great enemy presses up onto her knees, "Ah-ha you'll never defeat me, I am a Great Spirit!" She shuffles onto her feet, running towards the table of food and treats as the children would be somewhat distracted by the Thraxian Pile Driver.

Signe checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Ennettia remains eating cake. Is that a glass of wine in her hand? Where did that-- ahhh, it seems the older nurse who is still around has a flask. And Ennettia sips wine, turning to watch the scene of Victus getting attacked by children. Her own contribution to the horde, now entirely damp and shivering but grinning with bright eyes, look from Victus to Signe, choosing his target-- and apparently decides he has a better chance against Signe, scrambling closer with finger on his lip in warning to his young nurse, in an attempt to 'sneak' up on Signe. While running. And damp. In the sand. With all the chaos. The boy even, should Signe look back, look in another direction as he jogs, hand shading his eyes as if he's looking for someone else way over there.

"Aye, and I worry her first, with the stress she has been under and twins on top that they may decide to come early." but then grins at the request and nods. "I am sure we can come up with something, we will make it a wide enough circle and deep hood that can be later split to a wide collar, that will allow to grow with her, to the ground so as she gains height she shouldn't need a new one until at least it is cape length." Juliana nods eyeing the tot. "Last until she is at least five or six." turns her eyes towards Alarissa "I have an idea for a series of shows if you would be interested talk in the future. I would normally ask Belladonna but with the Duke's passing."

After awhile, Victus does eventually emerge free from the pile of thuggish children. "Ye gods, they are tiny yet fierce! A DOZEN TINY SWORDS! MY BODY IS SPLINTERED!" And in that wave of horror, he's dragged beneath the terrible whirlpool of beatings. Such mildly annoying beatings. Astrid leads the charge against her weakened father.

"A series of shows?" Alarissa looks to Juliana, letting Sina and Jordan talk quietly, not interrupting. Watching the ongoing slaughter. Half the pack breaks away to follow signe to teh sweets which are a more tempting siren call than taking down a High Lord. The rest though, urge Waldemai to join them and Astrid belly flops on top of Victus, silk dress and all with a shriek and little regard for the comfort of the man.

Signe grabs a treat from the table, the Great Spirit Sea Serpent hoists it high into the air, "Ah! You win!" She spins around, catching the not so quiet and stealthy Sorenello trying to sneak up on her. "The treasure is yours! All of yours! Claim your reward!" The young shaman lowers her hand, offering the young boy a some rainbow colored puffy treat thing. Should more children come Signe has desginated herself as the bestower of tasty treasure.

Waldemai is a loyal steed and carries his little knight as he is bidden, kicking up the water and splashing everyone near. "Neigh," he says. "Whinney."

Titania giggles as Astrid leads the charge against her father, "Such brave warriors you are doing so well!" she urges them on as they pull him back down for more. She smiles her eyes twinkling like the sun on the ocean on a clear day. She looks to Waldemai and over to Alarissa to see how she is doing with Lief.

Sorenello, caught out, blinks his bright blue eyes for a moment, momentarily panicked...before he just grins, laughing delightedly, and gives a somewhat clumsy but ornate flourishing bow to Signe, before he grabs the reward and then ducks to Signe's side, attempting to get to the rest of the treats at the table -- or dodge beneath the table. As for his mother, she seems to be half-asleep, humming ightly as she watches the children play and eavesdrops on Juliana's and Alarissa's conversation.

"Yes, I haven't done one in a few years. Not since I came back to Arx. I couldn't find inspiration but someone said something to me the other day and I suddenly have an idea. But could use a backer or two if I can find anyone with interest." brows arching as Astrid launches herself onto her father. "Maybe silver wolf though.

Sina is very circumspect in her whispered conversation with Jordan, careful not to become obtrusive, the conversation discreet. After a time, however, the handmaiden rises to her feet, brushing sand from her skirt, and looks to Alarissa. She murmurs something to the Princess, and then waits, her eyes glancing briefly toward the battle as it continues on the beach, a little smile touching her lips.

Jordan is silent after his conversation with Sina, flashing her and Alarissa a smile, a bow offered to the latter, before he watches the mock battle going on with a look of clear confusion. He's no good with children at this stage of life, that much is clear.

Titania has left the Beneath Trees.

2 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

"You mean not since you tried to make me sit in that gods aweful pnk cushioned chair in the corner like a recalcitrent child." Alarissa smiles to Juliana. "If by shows you mean fashion shows, then most certainly I can and I will." Lief is content to sit in Alarissa's arms, the woman rocking clightly as she cares for the Fireviper babe. Three nanny's there may be, she's not unaccustomed to holding a baby. She just... holds them a littel differently.

More kids peel off to partake of sweets, one by one as they realizee that they are there andd Waldemai is abandoned by his charge as a server comes over to offer him something adult to drink.

Sina smiles to Alarissa, dipping her head. Then she gathers her skirts, and whispers something briefly to Jordan, before turning to make her way back toward the city. Soon, the young handmaiden is out of sight.

Waldemai is plenty wet, as befits the bottom half of a knight/steed pairing. He straightens up with a crack of the back. "Whiskey, please," he tells the server, watching the kids playing. He wades out of the water and empties the sea from his boots.

Sina has left the Beneath Trees.

Vald leaves, following Sina.

Signe plucks a little pastry treat for herself from the table of goodies following the awarding of treasure. "Little scamps." She comments jokingly while pinching some of the doughy treat to slip inside her mouth. "That was enjoyable. We should battle children more often."

"I can't say that I actually like much of who I was back then." Juliana glance to Alarissa with as smile and a crinkled nose. "Which would be why I decide to call of my betrothal, as I realized that To.. Prince Antonio deserved better than who I became." nodding when Alarissa says she would be glad to help. "I can come by later when you have some time and explain my thought."

Ennettia gives a little shudder as Waldemai leaves the water, "I don't know how you tolerate the cold." She calls out towards him, "The waters are chilly up here. I suppose the exercise kept you warm - simply watching you and Lady Signe made me exhausted." Her wine is raised in their direction in a toast. As for her son - who she really hasn't paid too much attention to - he's scurried off beneath the table, though on occasion he sneaks out to grab another treat, and perhaps encouraging other children to join his newfound secret fort and plot adventure.

"The tour starts soon, so after might be best. When I will want to do nothing but sit and we can discuss things. Give me inspiration for what to have made after I've my waist back again. Or at least can wear a corset to give me back my waist." She winks at Juliana, looking to Victus with a fond smile. "He makes a good father." She murmurs.

With a bow to the others present, Jordan starts to lead himself out of the beach, having seen the sights and everything else. There's a grin to Signe as he does so, but he holds up a pair of boots that he sets aside on top of a bench a bit aways from the sand for her. Then he departs.

"This? Cold?" Signe Nightgold erupted into a giggling fit, "That out there is nothing. Come to Stonedeep then you will know cold." She smiled brightly, reaching for another treat at the table to shove inside one of her satchels. Hell, another one was tucked within the leather fur lined pouch as well. "I should see where Atila bounded off too. I am a little surprised he did not come to my aid." Then her gaze looks to Jordan, "Nor you Sir Swiftblade."

Jules looks back to Alarissa, then to Victus again, nodding a little. "He does, yes." getting quiet then, idly fingering her bracelet as her mind wanders a moment. Then looking back, smiles. "After is fine, I have drawing to do and I also wish to speak with the Arch Duchess about something. So it will give me time to do take care of that. It's a lovely party but I should get moving, I promised Aethan I would find him and tell him how good his haircut looks." smiles.