Alaric is seated (waaay up there) on the decidedly vertical Elfbone Throne, dressed for the occasion in crown, cape, and stylish silks. He is chatting with one of the Crown Observers about something or other, but pauses to hold up a hand to address the court as people file in for the day. "Today's session of the court of the Compact of Arvum shall begin shortly," he declares personably with a charming smile. "As always, if you've a formal matter to bring to the Crown and have not already scheduled an appearance today, present yourself to the herald and you may approach the dais when called upon."

6 House Velenosa Guards, Ibasia, the Velenosa Lady-in-Waiting arrive, following Jaenelle.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard arrives, following Lisebet.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon arrive, following Victus.

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka arrive, following Merek.

Lys makes her way in, bowing where appropriate and then settles off to the side. Her hands folded in her lap. She may or may not be somewhere near Shard.

Bastien doesn't look like someone who particularly belongs in the palace; whether or not it's an open forum, it's still probably more likely to be populated with nobles than commoners. He's hanging around near the back, though, brow arched and gaze sharp-eyed and keen. He seems more interested in observing than bringing anything forward himself.

Victus comes lumbering in, wearing his coat across his bare shoulders. Fresh set of bandages across his chest and a patched up burn on his shoulder as well. "Hey are they serving food here?" He asks of a random on-duty servant. At least he has purpose.

They are not. Yet, anyway.

Lisebet makes her way curiously to the Open Throne. As she comes in, she offers a graceful curtsey to the King on the throne, and then she makes her way to where there's an agreeable spot to watch everything going on. She offers a smaller curtsey to Victus as she spies him, taking in the bandages and such.

Felicia is one of the retinue of knights flanking the throne along with Erela, even if with her rubicund armor and lack of barbute she doesn't exactly blend in with the rest of the anonymous guardians of the king. Lingering just off to the left of Alaric with her best stoic guard face on.

The Crown Minister of Infrastructure makes her way into the throne room, the guards that accompany Jaenelle stay towards the back of the room while Jaenelle herself moves to find a seat to observe. Before she sits, she offers Alaric a delicate curtsey and settles.

Without pressing issue of her own to present to the Throne, Lumen is among those filing in. Hand loosely clasped over wrist in front of her, she moves without particular sense of urgency. She does seem to be trailing a step or two behind Bastien, dark eyes making casual study of his movement and the general sort of way he carries himself. She definitely doesn't try out his posture for herself. "We're here to eat the king, your Grace," the whisper answers Victus melodiously with a knowledgeable upturn of her nose.

Erela is on guard for this occasion, dressed in full King's Own armor. Across from Felicia since she's here as well. The tall womans green eyes flick over people as they come in. She's left her barbute off this evening given she hates wearing the damn thing inside!

Merek has come to the Palace and to the throne room, to listen to what people have to say and to see if he has anything he might wish to ask. He has on his cape around his umbra attire, and his weapon has been properly attended so that he can come in.

Kaine takes a slow look around the throne room, then ducks his head and withdraws to the side, observing the proceedings for the moment.

Bastien's lips curve into the smallest, tiniest smirk at Lumen's response to Victus.

Shard slips in, as unobtrusive as someone who looks like her can really be in the royal throne room (not...very. But it's crowded, right?). She doesn't do any bowing, or really any nodding. She simply finds a spot of wall to lurk against, and, when Lys comes near, she glances briefly toward the other woman. Then she crosses her arms over her chest and watches, intent, openly curious.

Lys lifts a hand to toy with a strand of her red hair. It's all floofy, and probably some of it ends up brushing poor Shard's shoulder. Floofy cloud of coppery curls.

Dot, the war-wiener arrives, following Harper.

At the advent of there being no food and no cannibalizing of the king, Victus' lips pull into a frown. He skulks off to an out of the way corner, muttering some slew of curses and complaints beneath his breath. He'll pull a flask from his coat and uncork it, for at least a tidy gathering need not be endured without alcohol.

Lisebet's lips quirk up as well, at Lumen's comment to Victus. She doesn't comment though, simply settling in to her seat and people watching.

Lumen's lips curve into the smallest, tiniest smirk. Before anybody says it, it's definitely not because she's copying everything that Bastien does.

"Today's session of the court of the Compact of Arvum is now in order. May the Gods light our paths to find just and successful outcomes."

With that declaration made, Alaric calls the court session to order and gets to several of the scheduled petitioners straightaway, generally minor nobility or successful burghers from the Upper Boroughs with issues that broadly speaking tread the line between 'very important to this specific individual' and 'generally applicable to others in the capital given various degrees of squinting'. These are seen off with a bit of polite conversation, some royal charm, and a few Observers sent off with official dispatches to the various Crown ministries. To be fair, unless you're into polite dips into the minutia of fealty governance it's not all that interesting to spectate apart from the quips Alaric throws in for as much his own amusement as the room's. But it seems to be a fairly quiet day for business, so we'll just hand-wave through the first batch of petitions and skip ahead to where the line is exhausted for now and the King rises from the throne and steps down to the dais. He converses with another member of his staff quietly and then with a big infectious smile raises his voice. "We shall resume after a break for drinks," he calls out grandly as the stewards fan out to offer everyone some wine no matter how reputable they look. "And since Prince Victus sounded rather hungry, I've had some honey cakes baked up today," he adds lightly as trays of those arive. It starts to smell a lot nicer in here as all the courtiers start to begin socializing. Which is really the point of holding court, if you ask them.

Dot, the war-wiener leaves, following Harper.

Aviana comes walking into the palace looking around her eyes wide with a bit of amazment, the young woman has never been here before and she feels just a tad intimidated so she hangs back near the back of the room.

Merek looks around and finds the honey cakes, while he bows towards the King and moves towards one to pick it up. "Hey, Your Majesty, are you coming to the next snowball fight this winter? I like having you on my time," he offers up.

Lisebet has to admit, the first wave of petitions are rather boring; the king is right about that. She accepts some wine as it is brought around, pausing as she hears the snowball fight invitation. That brings a real smile to her face. She sips her wine, and looks to see if Prince Victus has any rejoinders. Honey cakes? They'll definitely do. She gets to her feet to go join the schmoozing and chatting.

With the first set of petitions out of the way, Kaine steps away from the side of the throne room to mingle with others. He lifts a hand to gently rub his pendant of Jayus between a thumb and forefinger, though he extends a free hand to snag a honey cake from a tray as he nears the serving table.

Alaric regards Merek with a curious expression and a laugh as he takes a goblet of wine from the steward waiting at the dais. "Ah, Sir Merek. I did rather enjoy last winter's Cairn Valardin Carnival," he notes optimistically. "I suppose that I have every reason to attempt to defend my reign as team snowball fight champion if the scheduling allows." He glances at the King's Own beside him with a grin. "If I can't, though, I have very capable warriors to send in my stead, I should think."

As quiet as silk, Tabitha steps into the throne room, turning her cobalt gaze around her surroundings. The required formalities of curtsies and greetings and whatnot are given, then she slips into the crowd so that she can silently watch the proceedings.

Merek manages to find a drink and lifts it up in a toast to Alaric, "As you say, Your Majesty," he states, then he washes the honey cake down with it as he lets out a relieved sigh from having food. It seems that he is better at the social activity than asking questions as he finds a place to stand and relax.

Harper slips in quietly and eyes the crowd of people. She gives a quick, yet slightly awkward bow to the King, but quickly tries to head off toward a corner to find a quiet perch from which to watch the crowd. Spotting Merek, she tosses him a wave, raising her brows slightly at the discussion of snowball fights.

Lumen's well-kept brow lifts and lowers mildly, "Snowball fight?" She's intrigued. Not intrigued enough to stop copying Bastien. Hopefully, Bastien gets himself some wine soon. "If I might be so bold, this sounds like a job for the Champion's Guild."

Leola slips into the throne room, standing back and towards the rear of the crowd. She listens, clasping her hands together at waist height in a reserved, demure pose

Merek is overheard praising Alaric for: A King that knows his people. Long may he reign.

Erela steps down, but doesn't invade the King's personal space as he talks to others. Then there's a bit of a grin at his words, "Only if we can take the recruits as well." she rasps out with a nod to him. She was at least in a good mood today.

Listening to each petition as they step towards the throne, Jaenelle seems focused on each case and how it was handled. Once each has been heard, her attention easily shifts towards the honey cakes, which is plucked from the tray as it passes. Its broken up into pieces and plopped into her mouth. "I am sure Dame Felicia would be perfect for that. She seems to hsve good hand eye coordination."

Lys tilts her head toward Shard and asks, "Would you like one of those honey cakes, Shard?" She pushes off from the wall, her hands still folded behind her back. Her sedated silk jacket rustling ever so slightly as she starts in the direction of the SNACKAGES.

Lys is overheard praising Alaric for: A King that provides honey cakes is good in my book.

Aviana continues to remain at the back of the room really she is just watching and listening to the things going on around her, her hands folded in front of her.

Felicia can't help but grin wryly at Alaric's words, even if she does keep it, well, reserved, given the whole on duty thing. A look's cast Erela's way with a broader kind of grin. The call of her name brings a brief flush of color to her face before she spots Jaenelle and inclines her head in acknowledgment,"Only with swords, glasses and darts. I've thrown a few in my time though." she asserts.

"So it does get snow here in the winter..." Kaine murmurs to himself, before taking a bite of his cake. When a courtier raises an eyebrow at him, he swallows his bite down and explains as an aside, "It'll be my first winter here in Arx." Then he starts to wander toward the center of the room.

Shard doesn't look particularly thrilled at the prospect of honey cakes, but when Lys offers, she shrugs. "Sure," she says. She doesn't sound thrilled either, but when does she. Her attention flits over the room, not really settling on any one person for very long.

Being near enough to hear the conversation continuing about the snow balls, Lisebet chuckles. "That seems like it might be about the only fight I might be able to play at," she suggests, with lingering amusement.

Grandt, House Leary man-at-arms, Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl, 2 Leary House Guards arrive, following Fairen.

Bastien definitely gets wine as soon as it comes around, taking a long swallow and making himself ripe for mimicry by Lumen.

Lys brushes past Kaine on her way to get the honeycakes for herself and Shard, pausing briefly to say, "Oh, excuse me." The honeycakes are then snagged and one nibbled on, she eyes more of them and reaches out for a third. Mmm, greedy.

Stepping into the throne room silently comes Fairen, his eyes scanning the room carefully as he moves to take a places among those gathered.

Lumen gets wine as soon as it comes around, taking a long swallow and making herself ripe for mimicry by perhaps a third person -- who is she to say?

Kaine looks aside toward Lys and bows his head a bit, stepping aside. "Sorry, my lady, I was in your way." The step takes him a bit closer to Alaric and his group. He looks over and bows his head even more. "Oh - er - hello, your Majesty. Everyone. - The cakes are delicious," he offers to the King.

Is that wine? Oh yes, it seems so. With a smile to the server and a soft 'thank you', Tabitha takes a glass in her hand and before turning back to what she was doing. Which was watching peeps.

1 Saik Guard, Micana arrive, following Lucita.

Harper shakes her head as she is offered wine; but she eyes the honey cakes and snags one with a grin as the tray passes near to her, bobbing her head in thanks to the servant with the tray. Spotting Kaine she waves to him as well then goes back to watching those gathered around.

Lys returns to Shard with a honeycake for the other woman, but two for herself. One of which is quickly devoured.

Lucita quietly steps into the throne room and glances around, a curtsy is given and she moves to stand with some of the others and listen.

"I leave the composition of your snowball squad to your capable hands," Alaric tells Erela confidently. "I agree with the Minister of Infrastructure, though, you should make sure Dame Felicia is on your side." He grins at Jaenelle and bids her closer. "Princess Jaenelle, lovely to see you today. Congratulations once again on your wedding. House Velenosa's future seems very stable and secure indeed, a welcome development for not just the Lyceum but the entire Compact. How fares the Ministry of Infrastructure? Our new Embassy is quite the pride of the Crown Ward." He regards Kaine affably. "Good day to you," he replies sociably, fixing a little look on him. "And who might you be? I daresay you're a familiar face, but I don't think we've been acquainted yet. You were at the statue dedication in Guardian Square, were you not?"

Wine and honey cakes are being presented, so Fairen politely takes one of each, nibbling carefully on the honey cake and taking slow, shallow sips of his wine. All, of course, in a very polite and calculated fashion, fitting for a Marquis in the presence of so many Nobles, to include the King of the Compact himself. Abalene and his guards, linger way in the back, with the exception of his personal guard, who lingers near Fairen for security. Then the King is addressing Kaine, and his eyes fall onto the man, observing his response.

Leola nods to Lucita, slipping in beside her baroness and settling beside her. She leans up, to murmur quietly

Kaine smiles and gives a wave back toward Harper, but his shoulders freeze in place when Alaric addresses him. He stiffly turns toward the King and offers a humble bow. "Oh! Your Majesty. I was. I didn't really compete in anything, at least not very well - but I did help Princess Sabella up when she, um, tripped." He clears his throat gently and apparently elects to move on. "The name's Kaine Algair, your Majesty. I'm an artisan and shop owner, and protege to Marquis Fairen Leary. And I'm also dipping my toes into, er, philanthropy." He takes that last word a little slowly to make sure he gets it right.

Shard accepts her own cake with care, and eats it with some lack of enthusiasm. Some. It's a good cake, and after a few bites she's a little less hesitant. For the moment, however, she's been passing on the wine entirely.

Erela gives a musing look at something that is said but gives a nod to Alaric, "We'll make sure that Dame Felicia is with us." she tells him. Then she gives a bit of a look around, checking to see if everything is going alright. No one is is trying to pull out any knives or anything of the sort.

"I expect nothing less from you, Dame Felicia" Jaenelle says with warm amusement for the woman. "I am sure the Lord Commander would be disappointed if you could not throw a good dart every once in awhile." At Alaric's bidding, she moves closer, "thank you, Your Majesty. House Velenosa's stability within the Hundred Cities is of utmost importance. I am pleased to hear that the Embassy is still being discussed after so long after its construction and opening. We've a few more projects in the works renovatiing older buildings within the capital and I am certain they will be equally as spectacular when finished."

"As long as I'm not throwing them at people without just cause, your highness." Felicia grins broadly at Jaenelle,"Then it might involve a discussion about better target selection next time." she offers mildly, cheeks a little pink. Erela's taking an overview of the room, so her attention settles on Kaine for the moment. Just to be cautious, of course.

Aviana gets the courage up to approach the king, she looks around at everyone as she does. She dips into a low courtsy, "Your Majesty." she looks down and holds the postion for a few long seconds and then stands back up, "It is a great honor to meet you." she smiles, the short woman stands in front of the king no goblet or cake in hand.

Alaric smiles regally to Kaine. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Master Kaine. I'm glad to hear of your interest in philanthropy. No matter one's station, there are many things we can all do to make our Compact better, from helping Princess Sabella off the floor on up," he quips. "What business ventures brought you to Arx, if I might inquire?" He smiles and gestures to Jaenelle. "If it grows to the point where expansion is necessary, you'll want to contact the Ministry of Infrastructure with Princess Jaenelle here in charge. She is always looking to find new tenants for buildings who regrettably did not meet with the mercantile success their previous tenants were hoping for." He grins at Felicia. "What's a more just cause than winning a winter festival contest?" he asks rhetorically.

Observing Kaine silently, Fairen smiles and begins to make his way through the crowd towards the man. As he arrives near Kaine, he leans in and whispers something softly into his ear, then he resumes munching on his honey cake.

Merek also notices that Harper is arounnd so he can wave towards her politely. He then smiles a bit and continues to drink at his wine a little bit.

Alaric also smiles to Aviana when she approaches and introduces herself. "Likewise," he replies personably. "Welcome to Court; I don't think I've seen you about here before. And who might you be?"

A knowing grin spreads across Harper's face as the King addresses Kaine. From the safe perch in the corner, out of the way of attention, she listens quietly to the conversations and looks around the crowd curiously while nibbling at the honey cake. She gives Merek a grin when she notices his wave.

Kaine smiles at Alaric's response and stands a bit straighter, looking aside toward Felicia. He keeps his hands at his sides, where they can be seen. "I sought to pursue the learning of various crafts, your Majesty. I came from a family of shepherds and I would weave wool or help repair a barn every once in a while. Now I am learning how to work with some of the finest silks from the Saffron Chain." He pauses a moment. "But for now, I'm mainly a tailor, woodworker and upholsterer. Now I'm working on making warm clothing for the poor before winter. Coats, blankets, and maybe even gloves for snowball fights, too," he says with a little smile. "I'm looking for all the help I can get when it comes to hiring assistants or getting the word out about it."

"Nothing, of course, your majesty. Can't possibly think of a single thing that could possibly be more just than that." Felicia assures mildly. It can't quite help the twinkle in her eye that gives her away though. Aviana's approach is observed, but well, no knives are in evidence so it seems that the King's Own is in 'friendly' mode at least.

"Or people?" Jaenelle asks Felicia. "Would Leona be so judgmental of throwing people at people instead of darts at people? These are very important questions I feel should be asked." She turns her attention towards Kaine, offering him a smile and polite dip of her head in greeting. "I do not believe there are any buildings available though I suppose I could make up an excuse to find one. No, that is unethical and the King would certainly frown at that. He does frown, you know, despite the grin that seems to never be to far off."

Lisebet catches sight of Fairen as he approaches Kaine, and offers a smile and a small wave his way. She drifts closer to where the King is still holding court, despite it being a drink break, following the conversation quietly. Her gaze goes to Jaenelle, and a thoughtful look crosses her face, though for now, she merely commits name and face to memory.

Honey cakes? Wine? Both of these things in unison are more than enough to lift Victus' spirits, his frown turning upside-down to show for it! Though not quite a smile, definitely a grin. The shirtless High Lord sets to taking a generous helping of said cakes in his arms. Sticky fingers be damned, he was making sure to bulk right up on some pastries. His other hand is left for a goblet of wine as the Thraxian finds a nicer spot to sit. And of course stuff his face.

Leola nods to Lucita as she murmurs to her Baroness, following the offering of food around. She does not partake, herself, watching and listening to Alaric as he makes the rounds, thoughtful.

"I imagine that would depend on the circumstances. I mean... a helpful little push in the right direction never hurt anyone important, did it?" Felicia enquires,"Or if his majesty was under threat. Then, miraculously, things become /much/ more acceptable." she advises with a glance towards Erela and a smile.

"Indeed, helping the less fortunate through the winter months is quite admirable. Our recent war has regrettably taken the lives of many soldiers and sailors but left their families very vulnerable. Anything we can do to help will be quite welcome," Alaric tells Kaine approvingly before smirking at Jaenelle. "I prefer to stay positive. It makes the yelling extra effective when I bring it out," he observes casually in support of her words. "Your sarcasm is noted and appreciated, Dame Felicia," he deadpans to her before eyeing Erela. "You have permission to evict Dame Felicia from the snowball team and pelt her with as many as you can, by the by," he informs her casually.

Merek looks around towards the others then to Harper and nods a bit, as he lifts his hand in a wave, "I've a thing to get to, take care," he offers as he moves on towards the exit.

When Lisebet casts him that smile, Fairen returns it with a soft incline of his head at her, his lips curled into a smile of his own. By this point, his honey cake is carefully nibbled away, leaving him with only a glass of wine. While Alaric addresses Kaine, he remains poised next to him, and then glances at his protege.

Felicia can't even pretend to be wounded at Alaric's words, though the look she casts in the direction of her fellow guard might just be challenging, confident in her own skills, for all the seemingly mild way she tucks her hands behind her and widens her eyes,"I would never, your majesty. Hardly know the meaning of the word, I." which might just be ruined by the wink.

Aviana smiles, "I am new to court and to Arx mostly, I am Aviana Bertram your Majesty I just recently came to Arx and opened a tailor shop." she smiles, "And Duke Aiden allowed me to open a shop in the Gifting Tree as well."

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka leave, following Merek.

Lucita:gives a soft, so muted it is barely heard, laugh at some of the exchanges. She listens to the flow of the conversation but stays otherwise quiet save for a few very low murmured comments to Leola.

Alaric tilts his head a little at the newness of hearing 'Duke Aiden' despite knowing full well it's correct, nevertheless grinning brightly at Aviana. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mistress Aviana. And it's lovely to hear of your interest in helping support the Menagerie; Aiden's done marvelously to revitalize the place. I wish you the best of success in your endavours here in the capital," he declares regally. "Marquis Fairen, hello once again. Welcome to Court," he says sociably. "I've just had the pleasure to meet your protege, as you can tell." He glances over his shoulder at Felicia. "I'd introduce you to one of mine, but I'm not sure I want to inflict that level of banter on you right at the moment," he deadpans.

Fairen smiles back at Alaric, inclining his head at the King in a polite bow. "Hello to you as well, your Majesty. It is a pleasure to see you again." He greets, casting his eyes aside to Kaine, and then back towards Alaric. "I have noticed, yes. Master Kaine is an exceptional tradesmen who I have found to be in possession of honor and integrity."

Kaine gives a humble bow of his head to Alaric. "I will be putting the call out for assistants in a few days' time. They'll no doubt be busy in my shop, sewing and weaving." He flashes a smile at the King. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your Majesty," he says before stepping aside for Aviana, and turns a grin over to Fairen. "Thank you, Marquis. You're a kind patron."

Harper pops the last bite of honey cake into her mouth then moves away from the corner where she was standing. She slips around the back of the room towards the door to head out as she dusts off a few crumbs of honey cake off her hands.

Felicia blinks as innocently as she can manage, not that anyone is liable to believe the expression on her face, but the effort is made at least before she dips her head respectfully towards Fairen,"Marquis Fairen." she acknowledges with all the propriety she can manage at the moment.

Lisebet pauses where she is, standing with half a cup of wine, not far from Fairen, Kaine, Aviana, and the king. "Your Majesty," she says when there is a moment. "Duke Ryhalt has expressed his wish to catch up with events, and I am certain he will be reaching out as soon as Lady Ivy allows him a full night's sleep." There is a fond amusement there, as she takes the opportunity to let folks know if they haven't heard yet, that the Duke Farshaw is back in Arx. How she manages to keep a straight face with all the goings on at this point is anyone's guess.

"I look forward to hearing of good things from your developing partnership, then," Alaric tells Fairen approvingly. "Certainly Arx is the center of fashion of Arvum, but whether one sews for artistry or utility there is plenty of opportunity to make one's mark. I'm sure you'll be of great help for offering guidance." He smiles to Lisebet. "Lady Lisebet, good day to you. The Duke has returned, has he? I'm sure he's got quite a lot to catch up on here in the capital, but I will await word from him. Thank you for letting me know to expect it. How have you been since we last spoke at the Queensrest?"

Leola lifts her chin to Shard, and then lowers it in a respectful nod, continuing her attention to Lucita and Alaric

Shard glances toward Leola as she finishes off her honey cake. She gives a faint twitch of her head in turn.

Lisebet's smile broadens briefly. "You are most welcome, Your Majesty." She cants her head slightly at the next question, and then she says, "I have been well, thank you. I am chasing dreams and adventure, while helping out my family and the compact." She raises both hands, palm up, before she adds, "While I am certain there is much that could go wrong, I choose to try."

Aviana bows her head stepping back three steps then stands up, "Thank you, your Majesty." once that is done she heads for the way out her nerves starting to faulter a bit.

Erela is still on the other side of Felicia and Alaric. She's just been quietly watching the crowd and things. She does give a smile to those that are around the King though, acknowledging them as they speak.

Ibasia, Jaenelle's assistant, comes to her and passes a messenger. After reading it she frowns slightly. "Please excuse me" she tells anyone within earshot and begins to wind her way through the gathered crowd and out.

6 House Velenosa Guards, Ibasia, the Velenosa Lady-in-Waiting leave, following Jaenelle.

Jared, an overworked-looking, nervous Apprentice Whisper arrives, following Bliss.

Jared, an overworked-looking, nervous Apprentice Whisper have been dismissed.

"Adventure certainly doesn't happen without any effort," Alaric observes lightly to Lisebet. "And I'm certainly happy to hear of your efforts on behalf of your House and Compact." He inclines his head back toward Erela. "If your dreams have involved becoming a champion snowball warrior, I'd suggest getting in touch with Dame Erela here," he quips.

"Thank you, your Majesty." Fairen replies with an incline of his head. "I'm excited to see how well Master Kaine performs. He hasn't disappointed me yet, and I do not foresee him disappointing me anytime soon." He offers, then takes another slow, careful sip of his wine. Then he glances over at Felicia, catching sight of the expressions she holds.

"That would be a new dream for me, I must admit. But perhaps I will see how it works, if Dame Erela does not mind. And I look forward to having some stories to share, if you will permit me the opportunity." She offers a very polite curtsey to the king, stepping back to allow others to speak to him. Like Fairen. That done, she finds herself near Victus, glancing up to blink in his direction, and then chuckle softly. "Your Grace," she greets him with a smile, before moving to speak more quietly with him.

Alaric smiles appreciatively to Fairen. "As do I. Thank you both for stopping by, and do enjoy the wine," he declares regally before stepping forward to approach Lumen. "And Lumen Whisper, you may have thought I didn't notice you but that's not at all the case. What manner of mischief are you making back here tonight?" he asks impishly.

When Erela hears her name, she turns her head, to them, "I missed something, didn't I? I apologize." the Knight rasps out as she gives a look to Alaric and Felicia.

Lucita's eyes show a glint of humor and she looks toward the others, still quietly listening.

Leola smiles to Lucita, and steps back, as the audiences draw to an end. A final murmur, and a thoughtful glance about; at the dias, and the throne

Arm poised upward as if to take a drink despite having switched to only pretending to drink for some time now, Lumen blinks her lashes in a great show of faux-innocence at Alaric. Her mimicry of poor, always very pleasant to everybody Master Bastien slowly fades. Damn! She broke role! "Who, me?" She coos, head cocking to the side. "No mischief here, your Majesty, I assure you. Only it's a pipedream of mine to play the part of a grumpy-puss ole playwright in Lord Niklas's next play so you've caught me in the midst of some very important research." The whisper conceals her smile behind her glass of wine.

"His majesty was suggesting that I was being sarcastic, for some reason utterly mysterious to me." Felicia advises Erela, perhaps having to do with her having been sarcastic earlier,"And as a result decided that you would be quite within your rights to boot me from the theoretical snowball team and pelt me with snowballs. But I suspect that Lady Farshaw would be an able replacement for me." the redhead advises her black-haired counterpart.

"Oh, so -you're- going to be my competition in the auditions, eh?" Alaric notes to Lumen with a flared eyebrow and a suspicious squint. "Well then, may the best thespian win," he notes with a remarkable abscence of sincerity. And then he grins, ruining the effect before taking a drink of his own wine. "I hope you've found a little bit of fun in your research. It seems the prospects aren't too horrible, at that."

Erela gives a laugh, "I think if we all got in trouble for being sarcastic, we'd all be off the team." she tells them quietly. "I'd never boot you off of a team. But I'd be happy to have Lady Farshaw on the team as well." tells Felicia and the others with an amused twinkle in her green eyes.

Lucita gives a nod to Leola and gives a curtsy again as she turns to walk out with her. "Thank you for your time and advice, Dame Leola. I'll think things over." She keeps her voice low pitched, discrete, as she respectfully withdraws.

1 Saik Guard, Micana leave, following Lucita.

Distracted from her quiet conversation with His Grace by the mention of her name, Lisebet looks up, eyes widening. "Well," she manages, then has to take a breath. "I would be pleased to join such an august team, but I fear you might well regret having me there, if your goal is to win." A pause. "Unless it's to win at amusement, then I am certain to be of assistance, with all the snowballs likely to splash snow over my face."

"Well, it won't do at all for us to be in competition," Lumen says breathily, offering the briefest of pouts. Her eyes slide down and up Alaric. "You'll have to drop out of the running or I shall be forced to intimidate you." Her free hand rises up, finding her hip so that she might lean into it. "Understudy is still very respectable."

"It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game." Felicia opines,"Besides, I'm not sure how you actually /win/ a snowball fight. I generally just go until I'm laughing too hard to keep making them." she advises with a grin at Lisebet.

Vald arrives, following Sina.

"The goal is to have fun I would suspect." Erela tells Lisbet with a smile. "Or well, if it is to win, we'll have fun while doing it." she nods. There's a look to Felicia and she nods in agreement, "Dame Felicia is right. Maybe we'll get together for practice before then or something." she admits.

"Did someone say snowball fight?" Victus suddenly pipes up, flecks of honey cake stuck in his beard. "I throw a fucking mean snowball."

"Are you intimidating me with threats of intimidation? You must really want the part," Alaric deadpans thoughtfully to Lumen. He gestures to the side nonchalantly with his free hand. "I suppose that it behooves me as a patron to provide opportunities to my protege. Indeed, to assist you in your endeavors is what the whole tradition is all about." He nods decisively. "Very well, I suppose I will withhold my participation in the tryout and its certain success so that I do not impede your dearly held pipe dreams," he pronounces as gallantly as his broad grin allows him to.

"And fords a mean river, too." Felicia advises with regards to Victus, not at all quiet despite the way it's 'asided' at Erela,"At the way the team is growing we're going to have to separate into sub groups... or have a free for all, after the first snow." she clears her throat quietly.

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper, Scourge, a sweater wearing rat-dog arrive, following Mae.

On hearing that there's an open Court going on, Sina makes her way eventually to the Palace and the Throne Room, her gaze curious as she glances about. She pauses, mingling somewhere in the gathering of petitioners and onlookers, and takes to quietly observing. Her lips curve into an amused little smile, however, when she hears that the topic of conversation appears to be snowball fights.

"Let it never be said that your Majesty is not generous as he is handsome, courageous-" And then Lumen just lists off a whole lot of totally arbitrary (but positive) adjectives. At one point she checks her nails. Good thing she can talk for a long time. "-benevolent, and empathetic." She tilts her glass in reverence Alaric. "I'll try to do you proud, if I'm selected."

Into the throne room comes a faint jingle jingle. It heralds the arrival of Mae, dressed in a black silk dress, covered in a dark silk cloak, jingling as she move. She's here for open court!

"We should do the King's Own and friends versus everyone else." Erela muses to Felicia. "That would be something, wouldn't it?" she asks her fellow Silver Sword. "If that didn't chase people off I guess." she adds. "His Highness could be on our team for that one." she states to Victus with a smile.

Victus would finish off the last of his honey cake and subsequently pop each fingertip in his lips one by one. "If it involves snow-chuckin', count me in." He replies aside to Erela and Felicia each. "I ain't had the chance to ford a bank of snow before, but goddamn will I try."

Bliss had, at some point, stepped in. It's not really clear how the very colorful Champion, outfitted in her dueling garb, had managed to do that, but she's in there, watching the antics with a small smile of amusement on her face.

Alaric absently nods to most of the list of arbitrary adjectives, looking thoughtful at some of the slightly less person-applicable ones. "I'd rather be symmetrical than not, certainly," he observes. "And I know you will do just wonderfully," he tells Lumen supportively. "I'll leave you to your practice, then. I believe I am supposed to tell you to break a leg, in the parlance of the theatre. Please don't do it in the non-metaphorical way, though." With a raise of his glass, he grins in preparation to move along.

"I still have a bottle of the Marquessa's Mint Madness to donate to the cause of fording a snowbank." Felicia smirks at Victus even as she nods at Erela, grinning briefly at Alaric for 'break a leg' somewhere behind his back.

With a vertical dip of reverence for Alaric, Lumen returns to shamelessly copying all of Bastien's movements. Well, almost all. She doesn't want to black out.

Erela gives a grin and there's a nod to Victus and to Felicia, "I sense a bit of a fun time" she admits. Then there's the jingling of something entering and the Knight straightens. She turns her emerald gaze to Mae as she comes in and there's a dip of her head to her.

Lisebet had not quite noticed Lumen's activities before Alaric drew attention to her, but she does now, listening to the conversation quietly as she watches the interesting movements and postures. Then she tilts her head, with a smile for the King's Own. "That sounds like fun," is her observation. "Also, I am not certain that I could climb a snowbank of any size, never mind ford one, but it sounds a great place to hide, sort of." A pause, and then she adds, "erm, well, perhaps not hide, but rather stockpile snowballs for those with better aim to use?"

Mae's barely in the room before there's the sound of nails on stone floor. She turns, and there comes Scourge. Her little hair-less rat-dog, wearing a sweater /and/ a scarf. "Oh, geez!" she exclaims. "You were supposed to stay outside!" she hisses, then quickly leans down to scoop him up. "Shhh. Quiet." As if maybe no one noticed. She quickly steps aside, and finds herself a place to sit.