Magpie shouts from the East Wing <EW>, "TALEN!!!"

There is a knock coming from East Wing <EW>.

Victus shouts from the East Wing <EW>, "NO"

Mirari shouts from the East Wing <EW>, "Not until they add a waterfall."

East Wing <EW> is now unlocked.

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

Maxene, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant arrive, following Alarissa.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery arrive, following Saoirse.

Jaxon, Champion of the Reflection, Tale - The Snow Fox, A Mirror Masked Woman, Calvary -- A Large Fluffy Hound, 6 House Velenosa Guards arrive, following Isolde.

Zoraida, a dead-eyed Apprentice Whisper arrives, following Lumen.

2 Grayson House Guards, Songbird, a dignified war-mastiff, Crom, an expressive bull-mastiff arrive, following Lark.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, 2 Grayson House Guards, Clark, an exasperated guard, Niklas arrive, following Sabella.

Carita arrives, following Mirari.

6 House Velenosa Guards, Jiacomo, the Velenosa seneschal, Chianti, a majestic black Ostrian horse arrive, following Talen.

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

Zavi arrives, following Magpie.

5 Pravus Honor Guard, Aida arrive, following Belladonna.

Karadoc has joined the Main Dining Table.

Alarissa has joined the Main Dining Table.

Renault, a floofy persian cat arrives, following Selene.

Waldemai has joined the Dining Table.

Phantom, the Great Grey Owl, Bear, a war mastiff, Brigid, a handmaiden, Sir Tyrus, Redrain Knight arrive, following Darren.

Dame Cupcake, the most elegant have been dismissed.

Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat have been dismissed.

Mirari has joined the Main Dining Table.

Phantom, the Great Grey Owl have been dismissed.

Bear, a war mastiff have been dismissed.

Waldemai comes in his his cap respectfully removed and goes over to sit at one of the side tables, away from the seats occupied by important people.

Aida have been dismissed.

Lark has joined the Main Dining Table.

Isolde has joined the Main Dining Table.

Cale, the Highhill War Hound pup, Thunder, the Highhill War Hound arrive, following Seth.

Alaric has joined the Main Dining Table.

Victus has joined the Main Dining Table.

Belladonna has joined the Main Dining Table.

Carita has joined the Main Dining Table.

Lumen has joined the Main Dining Table.

Sabella has joined the Main Dining Table.

Darren has joined the Main Dining Table.

Saoirse has joined the Main Dining Table.

Magpie has joined the Main Dining Table.

Terese has joined the Main Dining Table.

Harper has joined the Main Dining Table.

Oswyn has joined the Main Dining Table.

Gwenna has joined the Main Dining Table.

Niklas has joined the Main Dining Table.

Selene has joined the Main Dining Table.

Alarissa makes her way in with Victus, eyeballing those teapots on the table, a brow raised. There's a gesture to one of their little retinue before they're shoo'd off, for Victus' teacup to be passed over to him. "I don't know what is going but but please, by all that is holy, don't get too drunk."

Mirari leads Carita into the dining room, pointing to a table. "Let's sit here?" She says, pulling a chair out to have a seat. She eyes the tea with a slightly suspicious look on her face. "Someone else feel free to try it before I do. Just ..in case." She shrugs and finds herself something to nibble on instead.

Seryna, a charming Lycene handmaiden, 6 Grimhall House Guards arrive, following Vanora.

2 Grimhall House Guards, Gustav, a gruff Islander advisor, Vanora arrive, following Valdemar.

There's a little tardiness on the part of the servants today, really, it's not at all the Archduke Consort's fault. This tea party is very well run, nothing suspicious, everything ordinary. Okay well, when Talen arrives alone, without Eleyna, it -might- be a little suspicious. "Hello everyone, welcome to my tea party!" he calls, "and the tea party of my own imagination." There's a pause as he lingers, tapping his thigh a moment, before moving to stand behind his seat with a glance to the door. "I must apologise for keeping you all waiting, yet the last preparations were being put into place," he explains. "Who knew that tea can be served hot as well? Please, take your seats, and let's get settled."

Karadoc's here early for a meeting that he's supposed to have. But, oh, look. People. He quite obviously follows the crowd into the dining room, humming tunefully. Pulls a chair out from the main dining table and drops into it. "I love tea." Liar. " Leaning back, he crosses his left leg over his right knee and waits for the hosts to arrive.

Selene ambles in with all the other milling guests. "Hello, hello," is offered very generally as she navigates the crowds to try and find a place. "Oh it's quite the gathering just for tea, now isn't it?" Spotting Mirari, she raises a hand to offer a finger-wiggling wave and then also eyes the drinks. "Shall I be the brave one? I hope they did spike them, but maybe not poison them."

Darren makes his way in side by side with Gwenna, using the cover of her body to help himself to a secret little nip from his flask as he enters. He steps to the side, out of the way of the flow of traffic, while he considers the teapots arranged on the table for a moment. At Talen's invitation to sit, he does so, choosing a seat at random.

Her arm hooked with Mirari's, Carita's eyes are ever roaming as she takes in her surroundings, "Of course, wherever you'd like." comes warmly as she settles, smoothing her skirts our beforehand. Leaning to murmur something softly to Mirari, clearly amused.

Magpie Grayhope slowly enters and looks around the room slowly, the man looking worse for wear. He has a bandage wrapped about his head and is moving with the stilting movement of one that is struggling with unseen injuries. Still, he grins, and moves to sink into a chair at the main table not far from Victus.

Waldemai, it turns out, takes tea very light and very sweet. "Three, please," he tells the server quietly.

Gwenna seems immeasurably excited at the prospect of teas from the lands so far south from her own. She offers Darren a cheerful smile and says, "This should be lovely, don't you think? I wonder if the tea will be spicy, like some of their famed drinks." Seeing as the Archduke is busy with hosting and greeting duties, she stops one of those pesky tardy servants and requests they bring something to Talen. "A gift, for the host and hostess," is murmured and then she moves to settle into a seat.

"Thank you, Archduke Consort Talen. And good evening, everyone. Wonderful to see so many friends and esteemed faces here today," Alaric declares regally as he indeed gets settled with his protege alongside. "I think this will be quite a lot of fun," he declares to Lumen. "It's hard to beat House Velenosa for event atmosphere."

With Lord Niklas on her right ans Scholar Oswyn on her left, Sabella is chattering excitedly as they make their way into the dining room "...never been here before! It's so lovely! This is so exciting! I can't wait to see who else is here!" and then she beams a smile at the room, "All my favorite people! This is even better than I imagined! Look at those teapots!"

Belladonna enter the room, glancing around at their setting before claiming one of the seats at the table. Spending a few moments smoothing out the skirt on her dress, she finally places her hands in her lap and watches the people that filter into the room. Lifting a brow at the variety of people that are making their way in and to the table, ignoring the teapots for the moment in favor of the people. When Talen enters alone, her eyes narrow faintly and she looks around once more with more suspicion.

Lark arrives to the tea party, and finds her way to a seat at the table as the servants start pouring tea. The princess inclines her head in greeting to Talen, and carries herself with quiet dignity, sitting close to her sister Alarissa if possible. Yes, she's brought her dogs to the dinner table. She rarely goes anywhere without them. However they are very well-behaved and don't stray from her side.

Harper slips in quietly, looking around the room uncertainly, tugging uncomfortably at the dress she's wearing. Spying Magpie, she moves over and slips onto a chair next to him, eyeing the bandages curiously. "Looks like you got the worse end of the deal, Magpie." Spying Talen she makes a face at him but grins right on the heels of it and gives him a little wave.

Oleander, the tarantula, Sybilla, the Lenosian lady's maid, Hiss, the Lenosian viper, 13 House Velenosa Guards, Bianchetta, a powerful white Ostrian horse arrive, following Eleyna.

Cane tapping loudly across the floor, Isolde makes her way over to the main table. Talen is given a slightly disgruntled look of suspicion as she finds a seat not far from her brother. "No food fights this time, please." She comments, slowly settling into her chair. Being pregnant makes one so slow and unwieldy. Upon seeing Darren, the Princess offers him a small wave. "Come join me. Princess Gwenna as well."

Oleander, the tarantula have been dismissed.

Hiss, the Lenosian viper have been dismissed.

Vanora Grimhall arrives nearly right on time on her husband's arm, murmuring something to him and nodding at familiar artwork on the way to the dining room. "My, what a crowd. Cousin, do you mind if we join you?" She addresses Belladonna as the Duchess seats herself. She too glances at Talen beginning the festivities alone and raises an eyebrow, but it's more amused than suspicious.

Bianchetta, a powerful white Ostrian horse have been dismissed.

Oswyn looks nervous, because of course he does. These are a lot of important people. He's tamed his hair for this event and worn his nice clothes, even. There isn't even any ink on his hands for once. He considers all the people in the room, and whether he should bow. He'd be bobbing up and down for half an hour if he started. He shoots a concerned look at Sabella and Niklas.

Inclining her head towards Vanora, Belladonna offers a warm smile to her cousin even as her eyes roam about the room again, "Of course, my dear."

2 House Velenosa Guards, Renault, the mustachioed Lycene arrive, following Theo.

Victus and trio arrive. That is, the trio of Alarissa, the High Lord himself and one feline. Lilybelle, the infamous Claw of Arx as she'd been dubbed was sat atop the Prince of the Maelstrom's shoulder. His first bit of attention falls upon Talen, a narrowed gaze had for the dark prince. "Inviting me to a tea party is borderline the shiftiest shit you've done in a long time. Don't think I ain't watchin' you." Then it's back upon Alarissa as he takes a seat at his wife's side. Not far from Magpie nor Lark either as they all settle into their respective corners. "I'm probably not gonna drink a damn thing unless it's pourin' out of Eleyna's personal supply. At least that I know is gonna be spiked with some good shit."

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice, Quiet, a Valardin champion arrive, following Katarina.

Katarina arrives, following Austen.

There's Lark and Alarissa turns in her seat where Victus and she have settled, smiling at her, pressing a kiss to the other woman's cheek, murmuring to her even as she's rolling her eyes at Victus.

The teas on offer are a variety, extensively set out, from light to rich. There's spiced, sweet, bitter and milky, but then there's a the thirteenth pot and it remains forbidden by everyone who requests it. The servants shake their head, leaving little explanation, no reason to the refusal beyond a polite hand to their heart and bow no matter who asks. Not yet, anyway. "Your majesty, thank you very much. House Velenosa is, as ever, pleased to have you as our guest. So too each of the High Lords, and naturally all of our Peers. We must of course thank the commons here today as well, who make quite a lot of this all possible." As he's gifted something, he lifts it, a thank you to the Redrains. His sister gets a short laugh, a shake of his head, though there's a gleam to those steely eyes. "No food fights," he promises.

On arriving to this highly attended event, Seth stands at the entrance for a moment. No, not blocking the way so that others cannot enter, but somewhere off to the side. His steel grey eyes look over the various faces found at several of these tables, though whether he recognizes some of them or not (Most likely he does), he makes his way towards one of the tables that's already having their cups filled with tea. Settling himself him, he reaches for one of the cups at the exact moment that the tea is being poured into it, "Ah. Thank you."

"Oh, I'm in absolute agreement," Lumen says, her tone of voice cool and melodious, "Nothing like an /ominous/ cup of tea to get the heart racing." At Alaric's side, the whisper's eyes press into happy crescent moons. Her smiles are subdued and closed mouth, but no less sincere.

"Oh, Orathy destroyed me. I'm never fighting him again. Ever." Magpie responds with a grimace. "I'm still not sure if I'm thinking straight but I didn't want to miss a chance to have tea with so many fine nobles." He gives Harper a smirk, then looks towards Talen, asking, "Why the occassion?"

Victus drops Fear-Inducing Masculine Teacup.


It's with an easy stride that Terese's form slips into the dining room along with a string of guests. Gloved hands twists long lengths of dark curls, coiling and pulling them upwards until they are piled upon her head. Silver pins held from between her lips are plucked out and set into place even as she moves around the table. Her gaze sweeps about that which is set out before taking in those gathered as she finds a seat to settle into. "Curious and curiouser.." she muses even as she leans her weight upon one hip to slide one knee over the other, letting one dark knee high booted heel hand in the air. Her gaze turns towards the head of the table however even as one gloved hand rests lightly upon it as Talen speaks though her gaze seems to be searching for another.

Valdemar looks about curiously as he enters with his wife on his arm, listening to whatever she is murmuring to him. Inclining his head to Belladonna in silent greeting, the grimhall heir then moves to pull out a chair for Vanora once it has been settled where they are going to sit. Once she is in her chair, he moves to take one beside her, remaining quiet for the timme being.

Saoirse flops into a very specific chair ? HER chair, you know ? and looks over her shoulder at any servants bearing tea.

Harlen arrives, following Duarte.

Vanora brightens and leans in to offer an airy kiss of greeting to the Duchess of Setarco, one on each cheek. "Lovely." She catches Isolde's eye and absolutely beams. "Isolde! It's been forever since I've seen you. You look stunning." She settles into a seat near Belladonna, movements graceful.

With a stupid grin and lidded eyes, Theo comes sauntering into the dining room, running a hand through his hair as he claims a cup of spiced tea. "Extra poison in this one, yes?" he inquires of the servant, flashing him a grin before strolling over to claim a seat in some out of the way corner.

Darren slides deftly across a vacant chair to close the gap to Isolde, flashing her a smile. "Good evening, Princess Isolde. How lovely to see you again." He awaits her answer with attention undivided while Tyrus the grumpy Redrain night settles in for a long night of standing behind him.

Mirari watches people file in, looking a little amused at all the people who seem to be excited for tea. Carita murmurs something quietly to her and she laughs, leaning in to respond. She reaches towards some tea nibbles and hands the Darkwater Lady, something to eat.

Gwenna moves along with Darren to join Isolde as requested, dipping her head respectfully before smiling to the Velenosa once she is seated. "Thank you so kindly, Princess Isolde. Your earrings are exquisite. All your jewelry, really, but I have a fondness for pieces shaped like teardrops." There's a quick glance to her belt. "I requested the chains on this be done so even. If not rude to ask, have there truly been food fights at previous teas?" There's a flicker of amusement rather than alarm in her tone.

"Look, Victus, I'm not sure why you think tea parties are suspicious," Talen says with an even tone. "Besides," he raises his voice, "everyone under our roof today is -explicitly- given full Guest Rights," announces Talen, "and should any harm come of you it will be a grave offense to us. Any physical harm that breaks out will be dealt with accordingly. Any rudeness addressed by the challenges suitably." Then, as Magpie asks, he leans forward and says, "I had a very idea very suddenly and I couldn't wait. Blame my wife. Besides," he says, "I've never had a tea party and it's always been my dream since I was a little boy," he lies.

Niklas enters along with Sabella and Oswyn, smiling at his betrothed's excitement and nodding along as she expresses admiration for the people and the teapots and possibly the tapestries. To Oswyn he says, "I think your project sounds fantastic, Scholar. Count me in for whatever support you need." As they come to the table he pulls out a seat for Sabella and, just because it seems nice, one for Oswyn too. Then he takes a moment to look everyone in the eyes, because that's what 9th century etiquette expert Ansel Valardin advised in the book Niklas is reading. Or possibly is the advice given in his bird training manual? It's hard to say. "Good evening, all."

Duarte walks in with his own glass of tea, acquired elsewhere. He waves off any offers for additional beverage.

Katarina has joined the Dining Table.

Magpie eyes Talen, "Well, I guess we all have our dreams. You know what mine is..." He muses, then finally reaches for a cup of tea, drinking without concern. Then he mutters to those around him, "Is there food at a tea party?"

Theo has joined the Dining Table.

Theo has left the Dining Table.

Theo has joined the Dining Table.

Delight is evident in Selene's expression as the great variety of teas are brought out. She requests several, in small cups, just to enjoy the variety some. Poison does not seem a major concern. "It is a lovely gathering," she offers in echo of Talen's continued hospitable greetings. "This all looks fabulous. I'm eager to try them all." And she may. She even asks for the forbidden pot, and pouts when denied! Then at yet another arrival of conspicuous interest, she glances over. That would be Katarina, who earns a lifted hand and another finger-waggling greeting among the various she has offered.

Theo has left the Dining Table.

Theo has joined the Dining Table.

Victus picks up Fear-Inducing Masculine Teacup.

Lark whispers quietly with Alarissa from where she's seated, giving her sister's hand a squeeze along with a warm smile. The former High Lady of Grayson gives a nod to Victus as well. She does try the tea, but only after making certain that someone else has sampled from the same vessel. It's hard to know what to expect at a Velenosan tea party, but she's subtley alert just in case.

Melody has joined the Dining Table.

"Full guest rites?" That garners Alarissa's attention and she looks to Talen, frowning for a moment. "Last time I extended full guest rights..." But Victus says something and she's leaning toward him.

After the teas are being served, the Archduchess finally arrives in an ensemble of pristine aeterna and shadowy umbra. Her iridescite coronet gleams and the diamond at her throat twinkles in the light as she stops in the doorway, takes stock of the crowd, and begins to move through it, offering smiles and greetings here and there. Eleyna passes Belladonna and Vanora and offers a smile in greeting, "Duchess Pravus, Lady Grimhall. I'm pleased you could make it." Victus and Alarissa get a smile and a little wave before the Archduchess catches the eye of the King and offers Alaric a curtsy, grinning easily as she dips respectfully. Once she rises, she makes her way to her seat and glances at Talen, "I trust you got the greeting and whatnot out of the way, hm?"

Seth has joined the Dining Table.

Oswyn is momentarily flustered when Niklas pulls out a chair for him, and he sits down in it without even checking to see who he's sitting next to. "Thank you," he tells Niklas. "I'll have to tell you more about it," he tells the playwright Kennex.

A not at all suspicious tea party! How quaint. Melody, a young Prodigal who most definitely doesn't have any business wandering the estate has found herself in the dining room. Settling into a chair at one of the smaller dining tables with a smile playing on her lips, she goes on to introduce herself as, "Melody." It's not long before she's sampling some of the various teas, teasing those around, "It seems we got the cozy table. How are you all doing?"

Arriving not long after her Terese with a mane of bright Valardin blue, and something of an irritable look affected at the sight of her cousin, Katarina turns a contemplative glance over the arrangement of tables before her mouth upturns into a bright smile when Selene's finger-waggling catches her eye. "Radiant Selene, aren't you the apple of my eye this evening?" she pitches in soft-spoken salutations, her hand rising in affable wave to the myriad of familiar faces before she's drawing Austen along to a table with seating. "I suppose the excitement of this tea party is that everyone thinks something is poisoned or terribly afoul, even when it is not," she muses aloud

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

When Niklas and Sabella enter in the company of someone he doesn't recognize, Seth lifts his newly filled tea cup in their direction, "Lord Niklas, Princess Sabella, it seems that we meet again at another grand event." Lifting his head to view the various people at their tables or still lingering about, he has to comment, "This may be the largest event that I've attended of this nature." Whatever that means.

"Something in my drink last time I was here. You remember, I was dancing in the maw and then... Turo's springs." She looks to Victus smiling and then Alarissa reaches over to squeeze her sisters hand before waving to Eleyna. "He has extended full guest rights Eleyna. Which means, he can't even throw a fork"

"Archduchess. I wouldn't have missed it," Belladonna replies with a warm smile for Eleyna, flicking a brief glance towards Vanora, then over to Mirari. Katarina gets a fleeting but sincere smile as well before she's glancing around once more.

"Fucking no fork throwing or anything? Yeesh. I hope someone dies tonight at least." Victus murmurs with a roll of his eyes, beginning to fiddle with his own silvery.

Duarte crosses the dining hall for Saoirse and settles near her.

Mirari nods at Belladonna before she raises both eyebrows at Alarissa. "You know he's going to find a loophole. Even as we speak he's considering one, I wager."

There are, of course, light finger foods. Most are traditionally Lycene, which likely confuses -everyone- who's used to taking tea, but there are a few options on the 'traitor tray' that includes more Oathlands-inspired inventions by the Lycene chefs. "I did," is said from Talen to Eleyna, having risen at her entrance, then leant to kiss both her cheeks in southern style before moving back into his chair as she seats herself. "I'm just telling people why they can stop worrying they're going to be poisoned." Looking to Alarissa, he clasps his hands in his lap, and inclines his head. "Nobody would come otherwise, then it'd just be me... a tea cup... and an empty hall. I would be very said. Even my daughters said they won't join me and they don't even speak properly."

Austen steps in along with Katarina, almost freezing when he sees the number of people in the room. He lets Katarina guide him, moving to take a seat where she suggests. "..It is rather busy in here," he mentions to her.

Harper eyes Magpie with a grin, "Sounds like you're thinking straight enough to me." She takes a cup of whatever tea passes close by taking a curious sip of it then scrunching up her nose slightly, as if undecided if she likes it or not. Spying Eleyna, though, she sets down her cup and bobs her head in greeting, giving her a huge grin. After Eleyna passes she looks back over to Magpie and says, "What were you fighting about?"

Merely the pale sparkle to Mirari's golden appearance, Carita's laughter rings as she picks up her tea cup and replies in kind to the talented Velenosa woman beside her. Cerulean eyes continue to roam the room, lingering more on some than others before moving back to her table companion.

Saoirse looks up - oh, hullo, Duarte! - and leans forward to whisper to the count. After a second, she pulls away and reads a LONG message. A LONNNNGGGG one. She smirks at it, jots something down, and sends it off too.

Darren accepts a tea from a servant, his expression completely, entirely, unsuspiciously neutral as he takes a testing sip. Talen's continued overtures about the lack of poison to do seem to give Darren some pause though, as he looks to the man with a subtly quirked eyebrow for just one moment. It passes, fleeting, and Darren takes another drink from his cup with a small shrug.

9 Crimson Blades Private, 1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant arrive, following Prisila.

Selene gives a soft, musical laugh at the way in which Katarina returns her greeting. "That is very kind of you to say, Princess. And so far I have tried several teas without ill-effects. Although I almost feel it would be dissapointing if not one among the full selection had something special done to it." She glances back toward Talen. "If it was just one, it would make it something of a game."

"You know that's not true, Archduke." Vanora responds to Talen. "The reason we've all come is we expect someone to be poisoned and don't want to miss it." She doesn't seem concerned however, as she selects a few Lycene finger foods that don't really go with tea, but also asks for a cup with sugar. "Archduchess, you look radiant as always. Thank you for your hospitality. We're pleased to be here with you."

A gloved hand lifts as a cup of spiced tea is poured before Terese though her gaze drifts towards Eleyna and a quiet smile tugs at the corners of her lips. Her lips part as if to murmur something in passing before the sight of a blue haloed Katarina slips in. A half chortle escapes her lips instead that is quickly suppressed with the back of her hand. Slender dark brows rise towards her cousin as a wicked little smile crosses her features. Her azure gaze darts towards Austen, the man given a dip of her head before noting Seth having moved through the room to which her hand is freed and lifted in greetings as she settles in.

Duarte moves away from Saoirse to one of the tables and sits.

Duarte has joined the Dining Table.

"Good because I would rather not get pelted with silverware for -one- of these events." Eleyna wrinkles her nose and takes the seat that Talen pulls out for her, arranging her gown before she eyes the collection of teapots with a skeptical look. "So which of these tastes the -least- like tea?"

Katarina slants Austen a reassuring smile. "Come now, Sir Ferron. I will not leave you to drown in tea or have some other miserable fate befall you on my watch." Her smile is one of infectious delight for Selene, laughter bright. "I would be terribly disappointed if that were the case, though it would not be surprising. Sometimes the most confusing and exciting time is when /nothing/ happens." It's like clockwork that the Valardin happens to see that wicked little smile upon Terese's lips. Smoothly, she tells her, "Careful, cousin. I would not look so smug. I've taken great lengths to incorporate a little bit of roulette into your outfit selections and added a bit of itching powders to them. If you /itch/ tonight, you only have yourself to blame." All smiles and cheers here.

The thirteenth pot seems to be made of a black metal, stygian to those familiar with it, and probably not at all suspicious on its gemicettan quartz rest. Servants are moving around and offering to those super unhappy with plain tea the additions of rum, brandy, whisky and more to spike their own; it's purely on offer, not forced, and provided with great care. That last though, it remains unpoured. Talen's eyes linger on it a while, then he tells the Radiant, "There's a game, of sorts, that we'll play. I just wish everyone to have gotten settled first." A pause, before he clucks his tongue, "There can only be thirteen to try it, however. There's only enough for one pot. So, it's purely voluntary, but the volunteers must win their right to drink it."

Talen pushes his teacup to Eleyna, having been poured from a brass teapot that is regularly being refilled, and then saying, "I just poured at least like two shots of whisky in it to make it palatable," he stage whispers.

Taking this moment to simply relax in this warmth away from the cold and to enjoy some, hopefully, non-poisoned fancy beverages, Seth takes a quick sip from his slowly cooling tea before his eyes spot Terese from over the rim of his cup. Lifting his glass in her direction now, he calls out, "Greetings to you, Princess Terese, my esteemed snow war partner." Though they did have quite a few teammates, but he only notices the one at this moment. Though he does notice Katarina as well, for she is difficult to miss, "And Princess Katarina, it's a pleasure to meet with you again, whether it be to share cocoa with or, now, tea."

"Clearly, I wish to throw my hand into that up into trying that thirteenth pot." Alarissa volunteers. There's a dip of her head to Niklas and the Thrax Princess seems to be enjoying sitting back and surveying.

Everyone's arriving with entourages so what's one more? Even though the clanking of armor and chain is kind of loud, everyone should be used to it by now and as Prisila enters her gaze scans the room. The main dining table, packed as it is is given a courteous bow, for anyone noticing that is. The hosts are given particular notice and waves, followed by Isolde, Saoirse and the Duchess Belladonna. Mirari is passed and a quiet aside is said to her, the smile enough to indicate a passing greeting most likely. Even though she's still making the rounds it's clear she's headed towards the table with Katarina and Seth.

Austen dips his head in greeting to Terese before he looks back to Katarina. He nods, just a little to her. "Oh, I am not worried about that," he says quietly, settling himself in a seat with whatever tea he's managed to get hold of.

Niklas leans back in his seat to wave to Seth. "Lord Seth, good to see you. One does hope there's less fire tonight. Or more fire? I'm honestly not sure. Excitement seems guaranteed at least." Then to the princess sharing Seth's table. "Your highness. I understand you gifted my masterpiece to the Princess Consort. I am flattered beyond all measure. Now that Master Fortunato is teaching me to actually paint well I'm afraid I may never paint anything quite so good again. I may have to ask Lady Kenna if I can put Princess Sally Acorn on retainer."

Prisila has joined the Dining Table.

Lark finally ceases whispering to her sister, and glances around briefly. She inclines her head to Alaric, then toward Talen and Eleyna. "Thank you for hosting such a lovely tea party, your Graces. I must admit, I am curious to know what is in that mysterious thirteenth kettle," she says, when he finally mentions it. "How is one to earn the privilege?" she asks.

Victus raises a brow when Alarissa volunteers. "Oi, throw me into that too. If she's comin' home high I want in."

"I won't let Alarissa have all the fun, me too!" Katarina chimes.

"Oh thank the Thirteenth," Eleyna says aloud in reply. She takes a sip from the teacup and sighs a little as she pushes it back. "Still tastes like tea." She spots Terese across the way and grins at her niece, "Teresa made it, too!" Yes, the name is said deliberately incorrectly. She sits back in her seat as the games begin, a little smile on her face.

Darren gratefully accepts the addition of whiskey to his cup and looks much happier for it. "I'll play along," he announces in a clear voice.

Saoirse watches Duarte depart and doesn?t rise herself. ?But... this is my spot,? she says to ... empty air! He?s already gone. She looks loathe to give up her spot at the table. Instead, she makes weird communication with her pal via her eyes. THROUGH HER EYES. When Prisila whispers to her, the princess gives the lady a quick once over. ?As do you,? she says politely, lowering her voice.

"I'll have some too, clearly." Vanora declares to Talen, lifting an eyebrow at her husband to see if he'll do the same.

Niklas raises his hand. After complaining for so long that he's had dinner at the houses of a half dozen Lycene lords and never been poisoned, he's not about to give up now. "Count me in. And Scholar Oswyn as well, I think. For the pursuit of knowledge!"

Wylla slips in at some point. She hasn't just come from painting for once; her robes are pristine. She offers a shy smile, and then looks around the room, quite clearly searching out someone. But then there's the mention of that thirteenth teapot, and her gaze goes right to it. Her mouth opens and closes. But she says nothing, hovering in her Archlector's robes somewhere in the crowd, concern writ large on her face. She does not volunteer to have a drink.

Valdemar looks at the black metal pots, then glances at his wife before speaking up, "I will try some, if there is enough."

Harper eyes the thirteenth pot skeptically, then shrugs and looks over at Talen with a grin, "I'm game. I'll try it!"

Oswyn is speaking quietly at the main dining table, skittish as a deer. "Pardon?" He turns his head to look at Niklas, then raises his cup with both hands. "I, um, I already have a cup," he protests.

"A smart choice," Melody remarks to something quietly shared with her at the table from Duarte. That said, her attention pulled away from her cozy table and towards the bigger one with Talen announcing his game 'of sorts'. It's of no surprise when she angles her chin, considering, before asking the Velenosan, "How does one win their right to drink from it?"

Sabella raises her hand, "I volunteer too! Wait, what are we volunteering for? Another drink from the last teapot? Or have I just agreed to marry a Velenosan?"

Happy to let the guests play tea games, Mirari sits back and folds her arms over her chest. "I think I'll just watch, and hope that there are hallucinogenic agents in the tea." She says, glancing around the room as people volunteer.

Selene then seems to look up from some conversation in surprise. "What are we all volunteering for? Though I certainly shall try some as well." Sight unseen, it seems.

"Still, it's so very worth it though you do look rather stunning in that shade," Terese muses to Katarina in turn as she tips back slightly in her chair while conversation moves in a soft drift about her. She lifts her tea cup in toast before noting Seth's peeping gray eyes. "Greetings to you as well Lord Seth. I do believe we -smashed- our competition the other day," she calls in a soft lilt in return. As Eleyna speaks, she perks in her seat despite her cup held high at the sound of her name. "Aunt Eleyna, I wouldn't miss your parties for the world." That fierce little grin returns to the proper Lycene enunciation of her name. "And if I may, you look absolutely divine tonight."

Belladonna gets Setarco Serpentine Red from small canvas bag.

Lark adds after a moment, "And in case there is any doubt, my question as also an expression of interest in tasting it." She nibbles on a finger food while she waits to hear if there will be further explanation, glancing around at the others who volunteered.

Niklas eyes Sabella. "You had your chance and let Alessandro slip through your fingers, my dear." When he catches sight of Vanora, Niklas smiles and waves her way. "Lady Vanora, it has been far too long! We should talk again some time."

Micaela meanders in lazily, tardy and unbothered by it apparently. She's all in black, with a set of shining hairpins tucked into a thick mess of curls artfully arranged. She yawns as she enters but her green eyes are alight with mischief, or perhaps amusement as she saunters over to the table, waving a hand at Talen. "No, no, don't get up," she says to him. "I'm sure you're nearly overwhelmed by my presence as it is." And then she settles into a convenient seat. "Archduchess, you look positively radiant today."

"Lord Kennex, it's a delight to see you as well, as always. And you, Highness." Vanora greets Sabella. Her pale green eyes drift to her cousin and she is murmuring in Belladonna's ear, and smiling at the response.

"It's really rather simple," Talen says to those who opine their desire to not only volunteer but take part, "and it goes like this. First, you raise your hand, and we'll take account of your name to mark you as a volunteer. You do this by your own accord. Second, when it's your turn to speak you must offer one secret to the room. By doing so, we weaken the power of our very enemy, and then we raise our hands as a group to either approve or disapprove of its worth as a proper secret. If you reach thirteen yes's, you get to partake. If you reach thirteen no's first, you will forfeit your right to drink." As he nods to Jiacomo, the servants prepare to begin accountin', and Talen takes his time to thank Prisila and Micaela in turn for their arrivals. "Absolutely, I couldn't have anyone miss my foray into being such a positive bastien of etiquette."

Katarina has joined the line.

Selene has joined the line.

Lark has joined the line.

Darren has joined the line.

Vanora has joined the line.

Victus has joined the line.

Niklas has joined the line.

Eleyna laughs slightly, her pale blue eyes crinkling at the corners. "Radiant -and- divine. You two should teach Talen how to pay compliments," she says in response to Terese and Micaela before she leans in to murmur a few words to Jiacomo. The older man smirks and disappears only to return a few moments later with a 'special' tea cup. One might notice, if they get too close, that the tea that fills it is very red and smells like wine. It must be a special blend.

Sabella has joined the line.

There is a soft scoff earned at Terese's words. "Three more days, Terese. Just three," she reminds her cousin in delightful sing-song. "After that, the cease fire will be up and it will take Edain himself to spare you from my wrath for ruining my hair." Her familial threats taper off in favor of lending her attention wholeheartedly to Talen at the proposal of a game. Almost immediately, her hand slides up to mark herself a willing victim. That same hand flutters in exuberant wave to Niklas and Sabella, belatedly. "A shame we cannot sit at the same table this time, Your Highness and mi'lord!"

Valdemar has joined the line.

Alarissa has joined the line.

Turn in line: Katarina

Austen has joined the Dining Table.

Magpie eyes Talen, "What if I don't have any secrets?" The man asks in an innocent tone, a smirk pulling at his lips.

Wylla draws closer to the crowd, carefully. Teapot-avoidant, she makes her way towards Lumen and the King. "Your Majesty." And she nods her head at Lumen after a moment. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, Whisper. I need, a, um, a word." It's a bit awkward, though it's directed at Alaric. "When you can. Not here." Her hand moves, half-consciously, for her hair, and then she offers a smile to them both and steps back again, watching with renewed concern.

Talen makes a gesture, and Katarina is suitably called to play, all while Talen sips his (spiked) tea. To Magpie, he says, "Then you're screwed."

Selene gives a rather delighted clap when the actual 'game' is clarified. "Ooh. This sounds wonderfully intriguing and mysterious. And so many luminaries among us - I do hope the highest of the high shall be supplying suitably fascinating secrets." Does she include herself? Well, everyone shall soon see, most likely.

Lark listens to Talen's description of the game, and she gives him somewhat of a curious look, but she smiles and raises her hand, of course.

Sabella grins at Niklas and takes his hand, "I did so on purpose because I already had my sights set on you. Don't tell Princess Tikva." She stage whispers that last bit, then leans back in her chair, laughing to Katarina, "Maybe we shall play games that cause us to switch tables!" She looks over at Lumen and nods, "I think Gareth got it, but I'm going to get it back from wherever he stashed it! I think maybe he gave it to Princess Cassima. I'll get Princess Caith to find out!"

Seeming quite content to sip her tea and watch the proceedings, that's pretty much what Gwenna does. A sip from a new cup being sampled, she glances at those gathering in the line over the rim of the delicate crockery.

Mirari leans in to whisper something to Eleyna and her response makes the dark-haired woman smile impishly. She gestures for a servant to being some spirits, and a small glass.

Oswyn keeps his hands down. Both of them. He puts his teacup on the table and keeps his hands on it.

Austen's attention is drawn to the discussion of the game. He frowns a little, considering it, but does not raise his hands.

Eleyna leans in to hear what Mirari has to say. Her brows lift and, for a moment, she grins and nods.

"Ah, hello Archlector Wylla," Alaric declares regally, turning slightly in his seat. "A word? Will any do?" He glances to Lumen thoughtfully a moment as if silently consulting her for ideas. "'Enigmatic'," he proclaims triumphantly after consideration before grinning. "No, no, I'm teasing. I quite understand what you meant. I'd beem planning to visit soon to see the first completed parts of the new year's construction soon as it is, so I'd be more than happy to come and speak with you."

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

When she's called to play, Katarina rises from her seat to face the group as a whole. "Well this will be carthatic," she declares, drinking deep of her tea, more rum than tea really. "When I first arrived to Arx, I was deathly afraid of the Mirrormasks because I thought they were really Magisters of the Mirror and one of them might be here to take me back for running away from home a few years ago. So, I would pretend to be a Prodigal and mute so no one would hear my Eurusi accent and play dumb when people tried to talk to me in my own language."

Talen murmurs absently, as if he's amused by the divide in the room, his attention riveted on each hand that goes up for a moment, and each hands that suddenly go -under- the table. He's probably inadvertantly spotting anyone doing heavy petting to their neighbour too. Not even a blink, it's a normal thing in such halls. "For those curious, the idea came to me when we found some hidden tea in an old chest my wife had in our closet. Did you know that my father, the Archduke, has a penchant to lock boxes that contain only tea imported from other places? I had no idea why, I had thought it a cover for a supply of Dust, but no-- just tea. So, I figured we could make it into a game, and see if we can't bring ourselves to spend an evening further weaknening an already poisonous presence in our city rather than being the poison myself." As Katarina talks, he explains the parameters of the game, "Now, everyone may vote. Simply state yes or no to your nearest Velenosan staff member, and we'll take a note. First to thirteen count either 'yes' or 'no' will validate Princess Katarina Valardin's secret so she may, or may not, drink from the stygian tea pot."

Wylla starts to interrupt Alaric before realizing, covering her mouth, stopping the shake of her head no at 'any word.' "We, um, we tore down the Shrine just recently, so there's not much, but you should, um... you should come. When you want. I promise it won't be too enigmatic. Well, maybe it will be." And she shrugs helplessly, lost in her own words for a moment. "But please do. Thank you, Your Majesty." From the sound of her voice, it's a matter of some importance. And then she's losing herself in the crowd anew, a bundle of nerves about that tea.

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

Oswyn's head bobs. Alright, he can be in this voting part. He leans toward the nearest servant and murmurs, "Yes."

"That is a secret, yes." Karadoc casts his vote, chasing it with a sip of brandy. It looks like tea. It counts.

Duarte shakes his head, tapping idly at his table. "That's not a secret. That's just hiding an embarrassment." He provides a wry smirk.

"That's why it is a secret, because I was utterly mortified," Katarina stresses to Duarte with a vibrant laugh. "No petulant young lady wants to be returned home once she's gotten a taste of freedom!"

"I don't remember you being afraid of /me/ highness. Perhaps we met later on though." Vanora responds to Katarina. She inclines her head to indicate yes to Talen.

Duarte's comment had Melody slanting a playful grin his way, and then she raised her hand to join in on the fun. "It most definitely sounds like a secret to me."

Melody has joined the line.

Darren seems to be drinking his tea much more quickly, now it's been given a splash of the flavor of the North. He gives Katarina his rapt attention while she bears her soul. Slowly, he nods. "Thank you for sharing. Yes." The teapot he intends to compete for drinking from gets a curious look as its brand is described as 'found'.

"Better safe than sorry where crows are concerned," Lumen feigns concern, tossing a pout Alaric's way, "They're incredibly smart or so I hear." Niklas's revelation causes her to laugh, bringing up a loosely balled fist to partially conceal her mouth. "Yes," she votes.

Selene looks up from what must be her own deep ponderings of her own life and what secrets she might share, but offers Katarina a smile. "Oh, don't be harsh. It was emabrassing for her, and that is enough. Yes for me!"

Lark listened to Katarina's secret, and when Talen calls for a vote on it, she is thoughtful for a time as she carefully considers it. "Yes," she finally says.

Harper eyeing Magpie, she shrugs, "On second thought, not sure I know any good secrets worth telling a whole room of people. S'pose I'll stick to the voting. And there's booze going around too, just watch for it." She looks over as a servant offers whiskey to add to her tea. With a grin she picks it up and drains most of the cup with a grimace then lets the servant fill it up with whiskey instead, muttering "Thanks!" to him. Eying Katarina she grins and nods, "I'll give you a yes !"

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

"Princess Katarina Valardin receives the necessary votes to affirm before those against," Talen calls, "and may thus drink from the stygian pot," calls the Archduke Consort. As the servants move around the table, they acquire it, and pour. The liquid that leaves the spout is likened to gold in colour, with gold leaf found within its midst, and the cup is carried with some small ceremony to Katarina. There's a murmur to her, a whisper from Jiacomo, before he departs. "Enjoy," Talen encourages. "Next!"

Turn in line: Selene

"They love me," Katarina jestingly cries toward Terese with a flutter of her lashes. "They really love me! Or, well, my embarassing tale anyway." To Vanora, her shoulders rise with a vibrant laugh. "To be fair, Lady Vanora, I was well acquainted in the city by then." When Jiacomo comes with the special tea, she receives it with curiosity.

"You should receive proper credit for making that admission in a room rather thick with Mirrormasks. Well done, Highness." Vanora smiles to Katarina, glancing around the table to make eye contact with other disciples of the Thirteenth.

When Selene rises to speak, it is first with a glance toward the table, and a former conversation partner in the form of Magpie Grayhope. "The gentleman and I were having a brief chat earlier, as he noted his odd place out here among so much of the peerage and I pointed out the less-than noble background of most Whispers, and what we achieve beyond those beginnings. After that the two of us started what might generously be called a mini-debate on status and achievement, pride and humility." She realizes she's going on, and 'ahems.' "Anyway, I state this as preface to offer my secret: most know that I came to this city as a traveling actress, and became a Whisper after success in that. But prior to that, I had been many other things to survive, a thief included. Born high or low, we all become more than we start as, and hopefully -better-."

Isolde has left the Main Dining Table.

Jaxon, Champion of the Reflection have been dismissed.

Tale - The Snow Fox have been dismissed.

A Mirror Masked Woman have been dismissed.

Calvary -- A Large Fluffy Hound have been dismissed.

6 House Velenosa Guards have been dismissed.


Terese makes a soft noise and 'tch' at her cousin before raising her tea cup to Katarina which incidentally seems to mean she's also raising her hand. A soft curse is muttered before she settles back. She's been otherwise quiet though it all as she debates the merits of the game and the allure of it all.

When Katarina returns to their table, Seth eyes her hard won mystery beverage with a look of both curiosity and wariness. His gaze remains focused on her, waiting for her to take that first sip even as the next participant of the game is called upon to speak.

"I'm no bird expert myself, but Aiden did tell me once that they were very clever, and he'd know as well as anyone," Alaric replies to Lumen while politely applauding for Katarina's approval. At this point, however, Zelda leans in to say something and with a nod and a regretful sigh, Alaric stands. "Begging your pardon, Archduchess, but I must see to a matter," he tells Eleyna apologetically. "Thank you for the kind invitation." Lumen gets a pat on the shoulder. "Don't have too much fun without me," he declares confidentially before smiling regally. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, everyone!" he declares.

Magpie looks to be scratching a note out on a piece of paper, then folds it up and looks around until he finds Eleyna and waves it frantically in her direction, implying it's for her. "Psss.. Archduchess..." He says, though gets briefly distracted when Selene seems to be including him in her secret presentation. The commoner smirks, waiting to see what she shares.

Micaela looks around curiously, and those eyes sharpen slightly. "My, my. Such luminaries here tonight. Three High Lords, two consorts, seven royals and until just now the King of the Compact?" She watches the tea being poured, the secrets offered. "Quite the crowd indeed."

Alaric has left the Main Dining Table.

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

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Alarissa inquires of Micaela.

Karadoc tips back his cup, takes a swallow, and tuts. "No, I don't think that's quite the revelation I was expecting from the esteemed Radiant Whisper. If you'll forgive my saying so."

Oswyn smiles a little at Sabella when she murmurs something to him. His head bobs. When Alaric gets up, Oswyn bows his head to him. "Your Majesty." And he exhales. No more king next to him. Thus relieved, he murmurs, "I don't think that's a secret."

Katarina regards Prisila at length, cradling her newly won cup of tea with grace after a whispered word from a servant. "People watching is a rather fun past time of Lord Seth's, I'm told," she says in jest with a golden-eyed wink to the Steelhart. "Has he told you about his rather fascinating business of canine breeding? The beasts are rather massive, and sweet, I think. I'd be inclined to think so if you were their owner. A glance is stolen toward Micaela, curious. "I hope it is not a terrible thing."

Eleyna looks up at the mention of her name and lifts her brows at Magpie as he's waving a piece of paper at her. She twitches her fingers at him, indicating that he should pass the note over.

"Perhaps something not generally discussed, but is it truly a /secret/?" Duarte votes no.

Lark tilts her head, listening carefully to Selene as she speaks of her secret. She doesn't give this one too much thought, her answer rather immediate. "No." She gives Selene an apologetic look. Then she looks to Talen and says, "Actually, I would like to withdraw from the game. I can't think of a secret I feel comfortable sharing here." She says nothing more, but there is a quiet resolve on her features.

Wylla's hovering. She starts to interject at Micaela's list, but once more backtracks, and gestures a little awkwardly to the chair Alaric just abandoned, since she's still nearby. "Um. Can I?" she asks the Whisper uncertainly.

Oswyn was next to Alaric, so he offers a smile to Wylla. "Of course." Even though she didn't ask him.

"Prince Talen, I hate to interrupt but I have a question as I consider my turn. Does it have to be a secret about ourselves?" Vanora inquires lightly.

Talen bows his head to Lark and murmurs, "Of course, your highness. Nobody is being forced to play. I only say this: Every secret held empowers the great enemy which poisons us, and denies us our rights, as humanity."

Lumen brings up her tea, partially obscuring the impish smile that lingers after she dutifully acknowledges Alaric taking his leave. "No."

Mirari stares at her glass before aiming a pointed look towards Eleyna. She looks somewhat disappointed as she scoots down further in her seat. Vanora's words make her laugh lightly, tapping her fingers on the wooden surface.

Scamp the raccoon kit arrives, delivering a message to Prisila before departing.

Gwenna overhears Micaela and chuckles a little. "Well, it's certainly a more diverse crowd than family dinners, hmm? And the tea - have you tried any of it? The...third or fifth one, I think, is worth a try." That noted, Vanora's question causes the Redrain princess' brows to arch a bit. "Ah, now that would be an interesting turn of things."

"It should be a secret you believe needs aired, Lady Vanora Grimhall. To out someone else's secret is up to you to decide, with all the consequences that come of it, just as the consequences of outing your own are likely worth considering," Talen clarifies.

Magpie grimaces when Eleyna gestures him to come over, and just grabs for a servant's sleeve instead, muttering something about broken ribs and axe wounds. The note is taken over to the woman.

Harper eyes Magpie skeptically, "Just what the hell are you inviting me to do Magpie? Is that code of some kind? I just got a drink worth drinking so I'm gonna stick with it either way, but thanks?" She gives him a slight grin, "Though admittedly you look like you need several good long rests." She eyes the note he's waggling around curiously though. Looking over at Selene she shakes her head and says " No ."

Lark inclines her head to Talen, and then she rises from her seat, murmuring briefly to Alarissa. She does pause by Talen briefly, to whisper something to him very quickly. Then she gathers her skirts and leaves the room, her dogs following quietly behind her.

Micaela turns her head to look at Alarissa with an amused smile. "You tell me, Princess-Consort. I've found the company of the extremely powerful to be, on the average, neutral. Sometimes blessing, sometimes curse. But what would I know?" As Lark leaves she looks at Talen. "Did you need someone to fill the spot she's vacating, or do you already have volunteers?"

Niklas snorts at Vanora's question. "That would certainly make things a lot easier. Though after a day of people arguing the merits of lying in the whites, I do wonder if we can really trust any secret told."

Lark has left the Main Dining Table.

2 Grayson House Guards, Songbird, a dignified war-mastiff, Crom, an expressive bull-mastiff leave, following Lark.

Selene looks around with an arched eyebrow. "Well, if an admission of a background of theft isn't good enough for you - I don't really know what to expect of the rest." She sits, clearly a little miffed.

Wylla blinks. But since Oswyn offered, she slides into a seat at the table as well, claiming the seat the king previously sat in. There's a cliche about that somewhere, surely.

Wylla has joined the Main Dining Table.

"I think that's a rather grand secret to share," Katarina calls supportively to Selene. "It takes gall to admit such embarassing facts!"

Eleyna glances at the note once it is pressed into her hands and then, after reading the contents, laughs, and gestures for a writing implement to scrawl something in return before passing it back. She's still giggling a little as she watches Lark whisper to Talen and then leave, head tilted slightly.

"We've still room, even if everyone is passed," Talen tells Micaela, "so we would welcome you." There's a long look before he adds, "So, please, join us." Then, a hand up, and he says, "I call time on that. We didn't quite make it to thirteen negative opinions so-- Radiant Selene Whisper, please await your cup and enjoy it, knowing the service you've done for humanity in sharing a little more about yourself. I hope it brings you some comfort to know you can speak so openly in front of so many."

Vanora smiles at Niklas. "I have one that isn't mine that I think meets Prince Talen's qualifications. I'll hope for your forgiveness, Lord Niklas."

Lumen belatedly gestures in welcome to Wylla, echoing Oswyn's sentiment as if he were in charge of the seating arrangement the entire time. "Please do, Blessed."

Turn in line: Darren

Darren makes solid eye contact with Victus while he pulls out his flask and tops off his teacup, making a bit of a show of the liquid splashing into the vessel. He winks.

Katarina checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 9 lower.

Terese has joined the line.

Talen says, "Darren! You're up buddy."

Niklas narrows his eyes at Vanora and says, "I will too, I suppose."

Austen's attention seems to be mostly on the secrets being shared, even though the knight himself doesn't offer any of his own. As he considers the room he sips his own tea, and to those watching closely there might be the faintest tremour in his hand. He does hide his smile behind his teacup as Selene responds to her negative votes, though.

Talen murmurs to Eleyna, "I was going to have you share the thirteenth secret but if we don't get to that many I nevertheless encourage you, you know. The people will appreciate it, I am sure, to learn more of you."

Micaela has joined the line.

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

"Forgive my lady but, I am always surrounded by those of the highest ranks and so to me, it is... normal? Delightful, ever a joy. But I can understand your feelings about it, and perhaps that of others." Alarissa offers to Micaela. "I hope perhaps some day it may not be so neutral but joyous as it is for me."

Jordan is late, but is here! He claims a seat at random, offering a bow towards the assembled Peerage and a deeper one towards the High Lords present before settling down.

There's a moment of clumsiness on Katarina's part - her teacup slips from her hands and shatters, splashing scalding liquid across the floor at her feet. She recoils away, quietly uprooting from her chair and beckoning for a servant to aid her in tending to the mess.

Darren looks startled. "Oh. Me?" He rises with grace, setting his teacup down to hold one hand up. "I am Darren Redrain," he says simply in an even tone -- titles are not names. He glances around at the faces surrounding the table for a moment, a sorrowful light beginning to shine in his eyes. "I still mourn my father," he says. He pauses only one beat before continuing. "But more than that. His loss still cleaves my soul like a knife, a pain I feel as a part of every moment. I wake to it fresh each day and carry it with me like a shroud through every single moment of my life." He clears his throat softly, continuing to survey the faces of the guests. "I sometimes wonder if I will ever know complete happiness again."

Micaela looks amused. "I find that doubtful, Princess Consort. But I imagine your presence is more positive than negative, so perhaps you'll be a balancing agent. Or you'll convince your peers to..." She pauses, and looks over as Darren tells his secret and then back at Alarissa, "... be more interesting."

Eleyna has joined the line.

Selene apparently gets a tea anyway, by narrow margin, and sits drinking it after giving Talen a smile and Katarina likewise. Though evidently, she's now in full melodrama mode anyway. The 'special' tea being very strong might help things along, for good or ill. "Maybe we'll get a few admissions of murder. Infanticide? Treason? I really do hope this will be good!" She coughs. "So his secret is that he's sad. No."

Magpie takes the paper back and reads it, then leans over to murmur again to Harper.

"Oh Prince Darren. I had such high hopes that you turned into a bear or some such thing. That is a [rno" Alarissa shakes her head, looking to Macaela with a smile.

"I have quitely and privately mourned my father's murder since I was a child." Duarte says. "But I would not regard the fact as a secret withheld."

Prisila wastes no time in rising to help the Valardin princess,"Your highness..." She bends down and begins picking up the pieces of the tea cup with only the slightest of sly smiles on her face as she does so. Each piece meticulously picked up and set onto the tray the servant was holding out. Until she arose and offered quiet, departing words to the princess and the table it seems. Then, as quiet as can be she makes her way towards the door but not before thanking the hosts and their honored guests.

"No," Katarina naysays apologetically toward Darren's admission. "While it is certainly sad, I feel you've better stories than that."

Talen takes his napkin from his lap and throws it toward Darren. It never makes it that far, it flutters and falls to the table, into a pot of strawberry preserve that someone else has to pick up. "Not a secret to me, you'd expect the death of a father to leave its pain, though House Velenosa mourns with House Redrain in the loss of its former High Lord much as we do the loss of the Archduchess Carlotta Velenosa." Respectfully throwing napkins is a thing.

Micaela shakes her head. "Definitely
no%n. Do I get a vote? Of course I do, I'm playing this game."

Sabella puts a hand to her chest at Darren's admission, "Oh, I'm sure you will, Prince Darren!" She speaks up, tone entirely sympathtic. "I am so sorry for your loss. I think it is a secret! It is a secret of heart ache."

Micaela shakes her head. "Definitely no. Do I get a vote? Of course I do, I'm playing this game."

With a slight sigh and rolls of her eyes, the Archduchess mutters, "Fine. I might have a thing or two to share." She gives Darren a sympathetic look and murmurs, "It might not be the most scandalous or revealing secret, showing pain and vulnerability is terrifying. I vote yes."

"Yes," Lumen says, clearly out of pity.

Talen says, "You're being soft on him, Elly. I'll take back my tea."

Austen's head snaps around as Katarina drops her cup, the knight standing as she stands, leaning in to murmur something even as he moves out of the way of whatever servant comes to help clean up.

Mirari squints at her glass and lets out a huffing sigh. "I expected to get drunk with this game, not a single fucking drink so far. I am disappointed, to say the least."

"Because Darren is my friend and I'm allowed to be soft on whoever I want, so take back your tea because all you did was ruin good rum, you animal." Eleyna scoffs and pushes the tea back to Talen.

Katarina retakes her seat after a bit of a mishap of drinks, her smile apologetic in its presentation to her tablemates. She pauses, however, to hear Austen's whispered words before nodding once.

Despite the sea of 'no's that's going around, Seth doesn't cast his own vote, but moves to assist Prisila and Katarina in this clean up. It's hard to determine what the Steelhart would rate the secret, but as his brows are furrowed, he may as well be voting no as well.

Victus begins quietly rooting 'slap him, slap him, slap him' over toward Eleyna.

Carita's laughter is slightly muffled by a hand that's lifted, her eyes on Mirari. "We could.." but the rest of her words are softer as she leans to deliver them.

Darren's expression slowly slides towards amusement, and the mischievous glint returns to his eyes. "I'm afraid you'll have to see me in more private forum for the high-test stuff."

Niklas glances sidelong at Sabella then shakes his head. "I may have to withdraw. I was willing to share a secret, not one of these half-shameful non-secrets. I don't have any of those at hand. I suppose I could make one up. Anyway, no."

A long hard stare in Victus' direction, since throwing knives are off the cards thanks to Guest Right.

Prisila has left the Dining Table.

9 Crimson Blades Private, 1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant leave, following Prisila.

Rising up from her seat, Belladonna takes a good long look at Wylla, a smile playing about her lips. But then she looks to Talen and Eleyna. Dipping a slight curtsy, she murmurs, "I'm afraid I must ask permission to take leave. Between the duchy, my son, and Abbas' children, I'm afraid I'm rather pressed for time these nights."

"It's not a secret if you make one up, Lord Niklas! Don't continue the trend of disappointments," Katarina banters at Niklas in good humor, her smile playful. "Be the change you wish to see."

Though there are many in the room, it's deceptive how many, some of the lesser seen Peers present voting yes and no. There's not enough to reach the quota of negatives though, so pity wins, and Darren is given his cup. "It seems you lucked out due to a bleeding heart. Many fathers have been lost in this room," Talen tells the High Lord. "Go on, drink your cup," he offers before making it clear the next can take their turn. With Belladonna's excuse, he nods, not at all affronted. "It is the way of matters, of course, farewell."

"I have a really good one, want me to go first?" Sabella asks with a grin, leaning over to give Nik a kiss on the cheek.

Carita's hands lift, as Mirari answers her quiet words, in an effort to try to subdue her laughter but without luck. Once she's calmed a little she gives her a little helpless shrug.

Turn in line: Vanora

"Maybe the next one will be incest. I have high hopes," Selene continues in her still clearly grumbly peanuts-gallery fashion. Also sipping more of the loaded tea. "This is very good, by the way." Or well, until she runs out. Pout.

Wylla has joined the line.

Jordan looks sidelong at Selene, then considers the line of people sharing secrets with an intrigued expression.

Mirari laughs at Selene's words, reaching out to snag her bottle and pouring some in Carita's teacup.

Darren accepts the cup with polite grace, giving a polite nod towards his host. A polite nod, but with extra heavy eye contact, for some reason. He takes a quick sniff of the stuff in his cup with as much discretion as he can muster. "Here's to found tea, and fine hosts," he announces, lifting the cup towards Eleyna and Talen in turn before taking a large mouthful.

Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl arrives, delivering a message to Selene before departing.

A few emotions cross over Gwenna's features at Darren's words and the assorted votes that follow them. When he is allowed his drink, the princess smiles before seeming to give into a bit of weariness. Standing, she says, "Your Graces, I thank you for a wonderful invite and event, but all the lovely tea and a long day have apparently caught up with me, if my departure would be permitted as well," and dips her head. She gives Darren a nod too. "And Your Grace, if you'd not mind either, of course."

Belladonna has left the Main Dining Table.

5 Pravus Honor Guard leaves, following Belladonna.

"Can we tell even bigger secrets for another cup?" Katarina poses in saccharine request to Talen on Selene's behalf. "A question for a, ah, -radiant- friend of course."

Darren smiles to Gwenna. "Of course, cousin. Do take care of yourself, won't you?"

"Though this is by in no way meant to discourage you all from speaking on what you have in mind, as a show of good faith to airing matters of weight I will share one of my own secrets shortly, in the interest of weakening our great enemy," Talen announces. Then, to Katarina, he smiles faintly, "One per person. Where would the fun be otherwise?" Darren's salutations are given in return, a nod of respect.

As her turn is indicated, Vanora raises her voice so that it can be heard by the gathered guests. "My secret is an old Islander story that I know but not many do. It is the kind that needs telling. Years ago, Marquis Dorian Kennex drowned himself and very few people knew why. He was an artist, and hid that passion in secret, worried that it would make him look weak among the reavers. That, and the subjects he painted would make others think him mad. They were of individuals who had their identities stripped away, absorbed into massive beasts of hundreds of faces...each one screaming in torment. His own identity began to slip away as well. Little by little...and he was haunted by the sound of bees buzzing in his ears, day in and day out, endlessly. After a time he realized what had happened. Who had discovered his work...what would happen next. So he flung himself into the sea to avoid that same fate. Dissolving into insects."

Karadoc's still there -- yep -- still there. Although, it appears that he's started to daydream some. (Not snoring, so, not sleeping. Ahem.) Attention carried off by staring at the wine cabinets. So many vintages.

Gwenna dips her head once again. "Of course, Your Grace," she replies to Darren and then departs.

Gwenna has left the Main Dining Table.

There's a knowing smile curling her lips from Carita as Mirari takes her cup and fills. "You're too kind," is said warmly, and a little conspiratorially.

Oswyn pauses, squinting at Vanora. "Insects? Like..." Driskell. Oswyn doesn't say the name. He perhaps did not quite realize he was speaking out loud.

"Yes. Just like." Vanora answers Oswyn.

Mirari picks up a pastry and helpfully throws it in Karadoc's direction, looking away before he can trace it back to its originating point.

Vanora's secret makes Eleyna freeze in her seat. Her hand had been half-raised to take a drink from the cup, but then trembles before she slowly lowers it. She takes a breath, true distress on the Archduchess' face before she takes a moment to re-compose herself.

Sabella stares at Vanora and holds onto Nik's hand tightly, "What does that mean? Who had discovered his work?" She asks, intrigued and puzzled.

"I did." Vanora responds to Sabella. "It means that things happening now have happened before."

"You may be the smartest woman ever," Selene declares on Katarina's behalf, given that idea. "Even if it's merely just an encouragement to the rest. I do feel we have a lack of enticement and a lot of condemnation from people not really willing to share themselves." That said, she listens to Vanora's story. "Less a personal secret but very *interesting* at least. And topical. I vote Yes! And also for Princess Katarina's idea. Or just for more booze."

There's a flat press of her lips as the Lady Grimhall rises and tells a story, or a secret, who knows. "No. Because I ebleve it should be your own, and not anothers." Alarissa explains, sitting there in her seat. Though she looks to micaela. "Happy enough yet?"

Victus' eyes land on Vanora when it's her turn to speak. Though his expression is bleak as she continues to speak, eventually fading into a look of disgust. He shakes his head, turning back to his drink with a new sourness in his eyes.

Theo has left the Dining Table.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Renault, the mustachioed Lycene leave, following Theo.

Wylla perks up at the mention of art. But not for long. She sinks into her chair, going a little paler than her Northern blood already makes her, looking towards Vanora with an expression of utter sorrow.

Austen nods to Katarina, seats himself for a moment, then stands again. He bows to the table he was sat at and moves to leave.

Niklas laughs aloud at Vanora's secret and lifts a cup of his very normal tea. "My great grandfather, everyone. And yet the Duchess-to-be named her first born after the man." He tilts his head toward Sabella and smiles. "Not even in the top five of the worst Kennex secrets I know. But it's a fun story." He finishes his tea, "I say yes, if only because it's a good story."

Magpie is pulled from his flirting to eye Vanora as well, his expression darkening. "Well that just sucked all the fun out of the room." The man mutters quietly. "Almost made it three days without thinking about the monster that had my cousin murdered.. almost."


With each person moving to speak their secrets from one to the next, Terese remains settled within her seat though her thoughts seems to drift at times. She glances towards her tea only to find it cold. One of the servers soon sweeps it away and in turning to murmur a soft request her parted lips pause as Vanora speaks. Her tension echoing Eleyna's though her lips move after a moment to order something different this time.

Austen has left the Dining Table.

The pastry hits Karadoc square in the chest and falls ever so helpfully into his lap. That - is what recalls his attention. He reaches for it, taking a bite out of it. Remarking while chewing, voice muffled through a mouthful of honey-cake. "Oh, only one person at this table would have done that with such excellent aim." Chew, chew. Swallow. BITE, chew. "My thanks, messere."

Valdemar listens quietly. So far, he has had nothing to drink, too busy paying attention to what is going on around him and listening to the secrets revealed as part of the game. When Vanora is done, he glances over at his High Lord and the Princess Consort for a moment before his attention turns to their host for the evening and he says, "Yes."

Harper tilts her head and eyes Magpie with narrowed eyes again, "Are you trying to guilt trip me, Magpie Grayhope?" She mutters under her breath, with a curse about being too damned soft hearted. She glances over as Talen talks about his secret, and jerks a thumb over her shoulder toward him, "I wanna hear Talen's then..." She stops mid-sentence though and turns to look at Vanora with a frown, studying her closely. She looks over at Talen and Eleyna after a few minutes before looking back to Magpie. She reaches over and tries to pat his arm with a soft spoken, "Sorry Magpie."

There is a subtle shudder elicited from Vanora's tale. "What a terrible fate," she murmurs into her teacup, a humored smile playing at the corners of her lips to Selene's words. "You are too kind, Radiant. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so eager to go first and waited last and revealed quite a shocker to end the game," she jests. "Everyone loves a good foreign secret."

"I did." Vanora responds to Niklas. "It's a moving story. Also selected deliberately for the purpose of this game. Not to harm you. I promise."

Just this mention of someone dissolving into insects makes Seth's lips form into a tight line. "It's definitely a cautionary tales, but only if we knew how to prevent it from happening again." With that, he draws in another drink then sets his cup aside so that it can be refilled.

Duarte claps lightly for Vanora's reveal. "And that is a proper secret. Please note it took a Pravus to show how the game should be played."

Niklas waves a hand to Vanora. "No worries. I've always thought I take after Dorian. In fact, maybe that's my secret! There were other things I think you could have said that would have been far worse." He looks to Talen for the final results.

Mirari wordlessly offers Karadoc a casual salute, turning her attention back at the people offering secrets. She reaches out and pours some whiskey into her glass, drinking half of what she poured with ease.

"Yet you're not volunteering to show us how it's properly done yourself, mi'lord?" Katarina poses in teasing aside to Duarte, tutting.

Duarte says, "Oh i will."

Sabella starts a little when Niklas laughs, then looks relieved to hear that it's just a story. Whew! Magpie gets a sympathetic look, "I am sorry for your loss as well." She pushes Niklas' shoulder when he says that, "You are not full of bugs! I'm very definitely sure of that. I am now wondering if taking up painting is a good idea, though."

Lumen receives a messenger and after quietly excusing herself, takes her leave.

Lumen has left the Main Dining Table.

Zoraida, a dead-eyed Apprentice Whisper leaves, following Lumen.

"Definitely yes," Micaela says. "Finally a secret worth hearing. Names, is it? Is that the topic on everyone's lips today? Everything to do with bugs and names?"

Katarina looks expectantly at Duarte.

Alarissa motions a servant over to murmur something and a slip of paper written upon quickly.

Selene gives a little huff of a breath. "The foreign is always intriguing. Even to me, admittedly," she agrees with Katarina. And doubly, it seems, in the latter part. "I do want to see all the nay-sayers one-up the rest of us."

Karadoc licks his fingers clean, wipes his hand off on his trousers, and reaches for a disc-shaped looking sweet of his own to less-than-gracefully flick back into Mirari's direction. Sorry, Carita, you may be collateral damage.

Carita lifts her tea cup in Vanora's direction, though her smile is for Mirari and the pastaries being flung. "/Finally./" isn't said not quite as under her breath as she intended it to be before she drinks from her cup.

"It seems there's few in disagreement, at least not enough to count, so we shall of course let the Lady Vanora Grimhall drink from the stygian pot. We also thank her for her contribution, her openness, and I'm sure many people will have questions. Perhaps you'll take tea with her another day, somewhere else, and speak upon it with the lady," Talen proposes. Then, after a time, he rises up steadily and presses his fingertips to the table to speak out of turn. Since, it's easier that way, one imagines. "My secret is thus; some could say I cheated, some would say I used tact, but when I won the Tournament of Roses I did so through the use of subterfuge rather than skill. I hired blades in the ring, I had at least two who fell opponents for me, meaning my belt--" he looks to Victus, "--is made a little less shiny for it."

Turn in line: Victus

"Oh, please. Like -that- is a secret. Everyone guessed you are a cheater, Talen. You don't fool anyone." Eleyna rouses out of her silence. She holds her teacup out to Jiacomo. He refills it from a wine bottle.

Mirari catches the pastry and shows it to Carita before she takes a bite of it. She blows Karadoc a kiss and settles back, comfortably, in her seat. She tsks in Talen's direction but doesn't look like she means it.

Victus stands up, ignoring the looks that thrown his way. "Talen is a cheatin' ass." He announces to the table after the former's declaration that DARED besmirch such a grand belt. "But that ain't my secret, just felt like saying it. Mine is that I trained personally with Silver a thousand years ago." And with that he sits right back down.

Darren glances towards Victus and sips his tea.

"Thank you, Prince Talen." Vanora responds. When Jiacomo comes with her tea she listens to what he whispers and nods, smiling. The stygian pot pours into her cup and she takes a slow sip.

Talen throws his hands up at Eleyna, and then turns his head to Victus and blinks once, before he clears his throat. "So even a thousand years can't make you fight for shit," he ribs.

Magpie bristles a bit at some of the conversation he hears filtering around the room, but there's a murmur from Victus in his ear that seems to ease a little bit of his growing ire. Then he glances towards Talen as the man shares his secret, smirking weakly. "That's rather impressively clever, Prince Talen. I-" Then he falls silent as Victus shares his own secret. He lifts his brows in surprise, then he snickers at Talen's jibe.

Katarina smothers a choked titter behind a palm at Talen's secret, Eleyna's interjection, and Victus' announcement, quelling it with tea. "Well then," she exhales softly. "That's... a secret," she supposes.

Karadoc snorts, rolling his eyes at Mirari as he pours a refill from his flask into his emptied teacup. He toasts in her general direction, though, and sips at his tea.

Sabella laughs at Victus' first announcement, then gives him a funny smile for the second, "You look well for your age, High Lord!" She calls out, lifting her cup to him.

Talen's revelation does get Seth to arch a brow, "That's one way to get what you want..." Though it is what Victus says that makes him blink, those steel grey eyes of his cast out towards the Thrax Prince, along with most everyone else's it would seem. "It's definitely something." He nods in Katarina's direction to her response, before taking a deeper sip from his newly refilled cup.

Harper eyes Talen and Victus and just rolls her eyes, then looks over at Magpie with a concerned look. Seeing him perk up a bit though she gives him a slight grin. She looks back over to Talen, "I can't say how many times I've been told not to learn to cheat from you." She grins at Eleyna, "Sure doesn't surprise me.

Carita's gasp is barely audible to anyone not close to her, the pastery flung at Mirari seemingly examined as it's shown to her, something pulled from it to taste for herself before her attetnion is fully turned Karadoc's way. Oh yes. She sees you now.

Selene claps her hands at Talen's. "See, there's another good one. Personal guilt. He stole something /too/." And at Victus', she lifts and gestures with a hand. "Well, you're not a thousand years old, so it seems rather fanciful. But also like the sort of thing that will get you murdered by otherworldly assassins, which is probably at least worth booze. So So yes for both of them!"

Micaela snorts suddenly. "Definitely no and no. I expected so much better of you two." She looks to Alarissa and says with a droll little smile, "This is the best they can do? If you're to make them interesting I imagine you'll need to work very hard indeed."

Niklas considers Victus for a long moment, then shrugs. "I guess it's a secret, but without more context it's rather dull. I also feel like it's just one of those things anyone can say. 'I was there when the children of Skald received the Silver Gift.' Who can say I wasn't?" He sits back in his seat. "Not that I would suggest the high lord would lie. So it's definitely a secret. I vote yes. But I also want to hear more."

"I don't think anyone's going to say 'no' to that, exactly. Let's move right on, and you can call me a cheat. Though if I'm upstaged by a past life, and one of such magnitude, I shall simply take this in stride," Talen insists. A flap of his hand at Micaela, as if brushing aside her 'no'. "I await yours, Lady Micaela."

Turn in line: Niklas

Melody levels a look at the High Lord, her nose creasing a slight bit as she studies the man with her dark, narrowed eyes. "I'd love to hear more, too," she says aside to Niklas, "But that's not part of the game. Unfortunately."

Victus picks up one of the tea pots again, angling it toward Talen's head. "Somebody tell me when the guest rite ends. I'll wait." He certainly seems... Serious. The age comments provoke a roll of his eyes before he settles them back upon Micaela. "My other one was that the first time I greeted a Marin'alfar dignitary I told them 'I am the mighty sea-rooster' in their own language. I dunno, wanna hear my names for bedroom games?" He's still holding this tea-pot threateningly over Talen's noggin in the meantime.

Oswyn squints in Victus' direction, frowning thoughtfully. "A past life? Yes to all three." Those being Talen, Victus, and Niklas. He lowers his voice to say something more quietly at the table.

Jordan tilts his head at Vanora's retelling of the secret, making mental note of it for some reason. With a frown, he sips from his tea, searching to see who happens to be next. Talen's admission causes him to chuckle and he looks for a longer time at Victus. "Thousand years ago? How did you- oh, well, Her Highness made the joke first," he nods to Sabella with a grin.


There is a slow inhale at some of the revelations as from within the room as Terese's gaze slides over the last three to speak a secret. "Well, it certainly makes some of our would be secrets quite lacking all in all," she murmurs as another cup of tea is set before her. She leans back however before letting her attention shift about the room to the rest of those like herself waiting to be called. She leans subtly towards Katarina and murmurs, "I think you got off rather easy being first."

Magpie has joined the line.

Talen murmurs to Micaela and passes her over a white bag. Nothing going on here.

Fashionably late, the Duke of Gemecitta strolls in looking a bit on the lonesome side, no Duchess Rubino on his arm today. She might arrive later, perhaps, but for now Aiden slips into the party, checking out what's going on.

"Past lives are not good enough for you?" Alarissa lifts a brow to Micaela. "You are a tough one. Though I'm curious what you would speak." Alarissa counters back to the noblewoman before looking to the next speaker.

Turn in line: Sabella

Since it's his turn Niklas pushes his chair back and stands up. "Let's see. I'm quite sad that my two favorite sisters are dead. I still blame Ford for Renatta's death? I'm /not/ sad that my mother is dead? No, no, no. Boring. I drink!" Niklas pauses and looks down at his tea, then shakes his head. "Well, I used to. I used to drink so when I slept I would do so without dreams. Empty. Because when I dream, I dream of the heralds. I dream of a green-eyed demon that chases me through the woods. The Greenstone. I think she knows my name. And I am learning to paint so I can capture her on a canvas." He glances around, then adds, "And I'd encourage anyone else who dreams things they wish they didn't to send me a message. I am always looking to talk to others." He settles back into his seat at that. "Oh, also, I think elves are weird."

Oswyn looks up from examining something on his jacket, his brows arching up. He blinks at Niklas. "Oh," he says, as though something's just occurred to him.

"That is a good one." Vanora nods to Niklas. "Several good ones really, I think you only had to pick one."

"That's a yes from me," Karadoc murmurs. "Personal, ominous. Interesting."

Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards, 2 Armed Confessors, Rary the Lycene beauty arrive, following Grazia.

"That is a good secret. I'll drink to that and vote yes as well." Mirari picks up another pastry, but it's not to toss at a table mate, she bites into it instead, pulling her feet up on her chair.

Ooh look, there she is. Aiden didn't get very far from the entrance before he turns around and glances back toward Grazia, his arm stretching out for her as he puts on a quiet smile, "I think we're just in time for the entertainment."

Darren nods sagely with another long drink of tea. "They are at that. Yes."


As steam drifts in lazy swirls over the rim of Terese's fresh cup of hot tea it is Niklas' words that draw a soft hiss of breath through her teeth and a pause in the lift of her cup. "Yes," she states simply.

Oswyn murmurs, "In case it needs to be repeated, yes."

"That sounds.." Seth starts after hearing Niklas' story, "Well, I hope that you find the time to get in some far more pleasant dreams, My Lord. But I will add my voice in and say yes as well."

Niklas laughs at Vanora. "No one is sad my mother is dead, Vanora. Except perhaps Octavia."

Victus takes a break from his teapot threatening to take a drink of the stygian tea-pot's brew. He almost has to double-take from how purely strong it is. "Oof. Oh, uh, yes{."

Carita's laughter continues to bubble up as Mirari throws things, though quiets as Niklas rises to tell his. Though her tea cup has been dormant for a while, as he begins she begins to drink, what's left in her cup slowly drained away. Lashes fluttering, her chin dips as she lets the rum soak through her.

"That, gets a {40Yes" Alarissa states.

"We'll certainly agree to let Lord Niklas drink, then! Onto Princess Sabella," Talen calls out, leaning forward, propping his weight on his forearms for a moment to scoot back in his chair. As he watches the room, he seems to be curious for those that remain to speak, somewhat amused.

Vanora shakes her head at Niklas while sipping her own stygian tea. "I recall hearing as much. Often."

Grazia moves to join her husband with a small smile on her face, hooking her arm into his. "Ah, very good. You'll have to tell me what I missed," she says softly as people fill the room with curious yes'ing.

Aiden nods and leans over to whisper something to Grazia.

Wylla looks up from the table at Niklas' secret. She swallows, and glances down at her tea. A long sip later, she brightens anew.

Sabella puts a hand on Niklas' shoulder and gives him a smile, "Can I just take one of those as mine?" She asks, but then stands for her turn, keeping her hand on his shoulder. "And you start living the best dream in five days and we shall work on making sure you are too tired to dream right away." She then looks over the room, "My secret is that I have seen a Herald die. Which is why I fear they can't be truly killed."

2 House Velenosa Guards, Renault, the mustachioed Lycene arrive, following Theo.

"Which Herald?" Talen asks, as if the answer hinges upon his voted, in the end.

Aiden has joined the line.

Theo has joined the Main Dining Table.

"What swords did you hire?" Sabella counters with a smile.

Melody can't help at Talen's quick response. "Oh, do we have to elaborate on our secrets as well?" She tut tuts, setting down her tea, amusement written over her features.

Grazia has joined the line.

Talen leans back in his chair, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. "Touche. I vote no." His 'sweet' smile is a half warped and twisted one. Then he laughs.

Aiden and Grazia both decide to apparently enter into the nights events, Aiden's head turned to consider the speakers in turn.

Oswyn reaches up, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes," he says. He lowers his hand and squints at various new arrivals, uncertain.

Micaela laughs. "I vote yes on that one. Heralds can't be truly killed? That's definitely an interesting secret, particularly with all the cheering we've done when the Gyre hit the grave. Supposedly, if you're to be believed. I like it."

Niklas sips his tea and considers the flavor before he nods and sips some more. He looks down toward the others who have shared secrets. "Worth it." He spares a glance to Victus and adds, "I dreamt once of your uncle, as well." Then smiles up to Sabella, reaching out to take her hand. "I vote yes."

"I state yes as well for my cousin." Alarissa agree's with Micaela.

"I don't exactly 'like it'," Seth says in response to what Miacaela says, "But if this is the truth, then it is good to know. Yes."

Mirari tilts her head, gazing towards Talen before she speaks up. "I'll vote no,because I have to support my Patron, even if he's an asshole sometimes."

Victus drums his hand on the table for a few moments. Then to Niklas, his expression remains stony. "Lots of people do. Usually it's as a serpent, though. Mine are usually when he'd beat the holy fuck outta me." His eyes return to Sabella. "Ehhhh... Yes."

"Excuse me," Talen says flatly to Mirari. "That's just rude. I put on a tea party for you, I give you the opportunity to profess your inner most shames, and you still call me an asshole."

Eleyna murmurs a few words to Mirari and passes a slim, silver-plated case over to Mirari, murmuring, "Feel free to share with the other, if you'd like."

"I feel like the whole thing is a little rigged toward those of us who are fancy magical reincarnated whoosits or seers," Selene observes from her own quarter. Then she looks over between Mirari and Talen. "She's just admitting her true feelings. She should get a drink for it."

"Least it's not me," Karadoc adds his two coppers with a cheerfully lopsided smile.

"I'm not sure we're going to make the thirteen no's, and it's overwhelmingly a yes, despite the fact that I've still got questions. Princess Sabella, we'll have to talk again later after you've had some tea. Give her highness a cup!" To Selene, he comments aside, "I'm pretty sure anything by way of voting is rigged from the start, in truth."

Turn in line: Valdemar

Niklas laughs at Mirari's comment. "My protege gives me the same smile she gives everyone else. Well, except for when her money shows up."

"You didn't get the good pastries." Mirari says to Talen, smiling politely in his direction. "If it wasn't for your wife, I would be throwing more things at more people."

Talen says, "At a tea party? Even -I'm- not allowed to throw things."

Waldemai ducks when the A-word comes out. Beheading, bun fight, it doesn't matter. He wants to be out of the line of fire.

Slowly standing up when his turn comes, Valdemar looks around the room, his features stonefaced and solemn. After he finally gets around to meeting his wife's gaze, he speaks up, telling the room, "I have had formal training to sing. Like my father before me." After perhaps accidentally lightening the mood in the room in the wake of some of the last several secrets, the Grimhall heir abruptly sits right back down, his own expression unchanged.

"The only reason you are not throwing things Talen, is that you instituted full guest rites." Alarissa quips to the man.

"Well considering who I invited I thought it best be safe," Talen says obliquely.

"I've been throwing things for the last ten minutes. It's fun." Mirari responds, taking a cigarillo from the case and passing the case back to Eleyna. She grins towards Vanora and crooks a finger at her. "You can throw pastries too, Talen. Karadoc especially enjoys when they go flying at his head - give it a try."

Talen leans over to Selene and asks, "Is this why she never applied to Whisper school?"

Vanora puts down her teacup and briefly stands from her seat near her husband, walking over to Mirari as subtly as possible and selecting a chair near her. Temporarily. Probably.


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Iron Guardsmen show up at the Gilded Page in response to reports of a break in to find a baffling scene. A number of locks are picked though no one saw anyone in broad daylight and only a single room has been burglarized. Despite careful questioning, there are no witnesses and there is no evidence left behind at the scene at all, but all the books in that particular room are completely gone, except for one page of very bad poetry that they left completely alone. Bad poetry makes a bad crime even worse.
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Selene laughs quite abruptly at that. "Oh, I don't know. Given the circumstances, I'd give her a pass. Call it 'adjusting to local cultural norms,' or something."

Sabella looks pretty pleased with herself as she sits and accepts a special cup of tea, "Thank you," she tells the man who brought it to her and takes a couple slow sips. She smiles delightedly at Valdemar, "Truly? That is wonderful! Are you going to join the Bard's College?" She asks.

Victus grabs a piece of silverly and begins tapping it on the surface of the table in rapid succession. "Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. YES."

There is laughter from the Lady Grimhall at Valdemar's secret. "That one is true. Not just Valdemar...the Grim Duke can sing as well. Beautifully."

Mirari ignores Talen and lights the cigarillo, passing it towards Vanora with a smile. She beams towards Selene and blows her a kiss. "Next time you need me to stab someone for you, Selene - it's on the house."

"If you manage to throw it into my hair, my lady," Karadoc informs Vanora - turning the look at the Archduke Consort as well, "- your Grace. It will stay there and it will draw animals. I'll pass it off as some sort of deliberate fashion choice." He yawns, "Gods."

Oswyn flicks a bit of coconut from a pastry off the sleeve of his jacket, frowning. "Yes," he agrees. "Since everyone seems so surprised."

"I think we ought to have a demonstration," Grazia interjects, leaning against Aiden and conferring with him in amusement.

Selene beams back. "I shall keep that in mind. Professional stabbings can be expensive."

"Having toured Grimhall these past weeks? Unlikely a secret, more of a suspiscion that the whole lot of the island sings." Alarissa looks at Victus and that tapping cutlery. "But I say yes"

Jordan has joined the line.

Vanora takes the cigarillo from Mirari and inhales a suitable drag, and then another, before passing it back. "I'm not throwing anything." She informs Karadoc. "Mirari is the threat here."

"Eugh, that's nasty," Talen says to Karadoc. Of the commentary from the Grimhall bunch, he opines, "Victus is never going to let you live that down, I think," drawls the man. "It seems another yes. That's what-- eight now? Five cups left, give or take," he says. "Go have a cup, Bard Grimhall."

Niklas narrows his eyes. "Half the people in Arx can sing. It may be a secret, but it's a dull one. I give it a firm eeeeenh."

Turn in line: Alarissa

Carita's bottom lip is captured as her attention flickers from speaker to speaker, her amusement seemingly growing as they speak. The impish smile offered Vanora's way as she joins Mirari, who she's sat next to, is coupled with soft laughter. "Careful, Lady Grimhall, this area has flying pastries. It can be quite hazardous to an outfit."

It would seem that Micaela's faith will not be misplaced in Alarissa as she rises when it's her turn and her name is called after the singing Grimhall confession. Fingers tent on the table top.

"I have a soul in my safekeeping that is not wanted by it's owner. Freely given, freely left. Never to be returned by their request. It brings no small amount of danger, no small amount of grief, no small amount of joy and comfort. Some day, I am sure, someone will try to kill me for it. But they'll have to get through my husband for it." She looks to Victus. "And clearly now you all know why I married the brute. I can only hope that they do not succeed and I value the trust they have laid upon my shoulders to keep their "

Wylla looks up from the table at the mention of singing, smiling at Valdemar. For her first vote of the night, she chirps, "I'd like to hear him sing! You should send a letter to the Bard's College; Mistress Gianna, and oh -- Yes."

Mirari pouts at Vanora before turning towards Karadoc. "Am I really a threat?" She takes the cigarillo and takes a drag from it, looking visibily more releaxed. She glances at Carita and purses her lips. "Perhaps I am a threat." A few moments pass before she speaks to herself. "At least I am a pretty threat."

As a servant enters, he moves towards Talen and the Archduchess as servants do, pretty subtle. The murmured words have Talen snort a bit, and then he taps his finger, as if deciding something.

Vanora smiles warmly at Carita. "I'm not concerned. When my outfits get ruined they are replaced." She glances at Valdemar and flashes that smile his way. "You are the most beautiful threat I know, darling. Or among the top five at least." She purrs to Mirari, holding her hand out for another drag.

Jordan offers a thumbs up to Valdemar as a vote. "That's probably less dangerous to know than a lot of the stuff that's been shared here, but it is nevertheless a secret."

"We're going to run out of tea before we run out of secrets. Any chance we can turn some people we shouldn't have said 'yes' to earlier over and try to drain it back into the pot?" Niklas listens to Alarissa and nods. "Seems good to me. Yes. And if anyone here ever decides they'd be best off without a soul, it's good that we all now know someone who does a good job of taking care of them."

"Your Highness, I'm not quite /that/ good. I can carry a tune decently, but I'm no bard," Valdemar answers Sabella, inclining his head to her somewhat. At talk of a demonstration, he turns to Grazia and adds, "I would not want to disrupt the game, Duchess." As he accepts the tea, he then turns to Niklas. "No, it is probably not quite as interesting as some of the other secrets, but it was something that I had a feeling very few in this room knew about me...or my father, for that matter," he replies, then takes a slow sip from his cup.

Mirari doesn't hesitate to hand the cigarillo off to Vanora, leaning in to murmur something to her as she does.

Oswyn reaches up to push his hair out of his eyes, even though it's not necessary, out of habit. He just encounters forehead, however, and he votes, "Yes."

As Talen eventually decides to agree with his own inner conflict, he utters a request to a servant, and they head off. About ten minutes later, a small collection of musicians arrive and place some mild songs to start, background music for the room. "We take requests, and invite karaoke, such as the Lord Valdemar and other such singers," is insisted.

"All of the best threats are beautiful and unassuming. The most vile people are wrapped in the kindest wrappings." Karadoc's tired, vaguely dissatisfied, and he pushes out of his seat. "It's been something. Well met and all of that."

"So your secret was that you can sort of but not really sing?" Melody gives a brief pause as she studies Valdemar. "Anyone can claim such." With a small sigh and disappointment in her tone, she goes on to say, "Too late for me to be denying you tea." Karadoc's comment only serves to bring about another saccharine smile from Melody.

Aiden is standing rather quietly beside Grazia, his eyes flickering to and from those who speak, observing. He turns to Grazia and murmurs, "You look nice. I haven't seen that outfit before." His head tilts then, his eyes upon his cousin Alarissa when she speaks of her secret.

"A soul?" Talen asks of Alarissa. "Is that literal or figurative?" he wonders, musing on this, before he drinks of his tea. Never having even taken a cup of the gold, he does so now, uttering, "This shit is strong. I think I've found my tea. Bloody expensive though." Then, at last he opts, "Yes, you seawitch!" to Alarissa.

Karadoc has left the Main Dining Table.

All that gold leaf has gone to talen's words, it seems.

Turn in line: Melody

Sabella looks to Alarissa with wide eyes as she shares her secret, "...I have a lot of questions, but having been on the receiving end of them after telling mine...that just sounds like a very good story."


There is a soft chuckle as musicians are called in as Terese looks over across the room. She sips quietly at her tea though as she considers Alarissa's secret, "It seems more like a riddle than a secret in truth." Her head tilts towards Talen's question before deciding to go with the flow, "Yes."

Grazia waves a hand at Lord Valdemar. "You are apparently being voted for. Let those of us without tea enjoy your lovely singing voice, hmm?" she suggests, then turns to Aiden and smiles indulgently. "Thank you. It goes very well with my swan ring, I think."

Micaela smiles at Alarissa's secret. "Yes again," she states. "I approve. A soul is no small thing, though I wonder how this soul is held. Charming."

"Now this is rather scary to admit in a room full of people who I'm not acquainted with," Melody begins, her smile going a touch uneasy as she presses to her feet, "But, I've met a monster of the woods. It was stained in blood, with the sharpest of teeth. I even felt its breath. My mother always warned me of such things chasing us, but I never quite believed her until I lost her to it." A long pause was given before she put on a smile once more. "I've since found a careful and steady home, far in the city. Out of the Lowers --" That smile went apologetic, and she directed it to Magpie "-- And have since been doing some studying on these strange monsters that roam the woods. So two birds in one stone. Feel free to find me after this all, assuming I don't die to the slow-acting poisons in this tea, and share with me what you're willing to share." The Prodigal then settles back in her seat.

Victus has a look to his wife when she shares her own tale. His grin has gone a tad lopsided, more surprised than anything. "Hmph. She's not sea-witch, Talen. We dealt with all of those durin' the pirate war." He raises a hand to place on Alarissa's shoulder and squeeze. "... Mostly, anyway. Pretty sure my wife ain't a witch of nothin' though, unless you count witch of pissing off my cat."

"You'll have to ask me in private sometime Talen." Though she looks to Aiden, then to the cup of tea. "Seawitch. That is the first time I have been called that." She takes the cup of tea that Jiacomo passes to her and sips, savouring, little by little and regards Micaele over the rim of it. "I'm sure there's many ways to hold a soul. Clearly, it's not in the individual." But Meoldy is speaking now though Victus gets a look. "The -cat- is a seawitch. It survived an explodding -boat-."

"Yes for virtue of wanting to know about forest monsters, and it's got me asking my own questions," Talen decides, "though I take issue with the belief my tea is poisoned."

Magpie hears the familiar voice of Melody sharing and looks her way. He throws the woman both a concerned study and a surprised look, "Wait, what? You're leaving? But-..."

"Don't be afraid," Eleyna says quietly to Melody. "You are brave to share that secret. I personally wouldn't let you regret it. I'm glad to know you are safe now. Also, I vote ges."

Oswyn remarks, "I don't have any secrets nearly as interesting as most of these. Yes." He may not have a secret, but he's being good about voting. He also leans over to collect a teapot and pour himself another cup.

"Perhaps you should have spoken up earlier then, Mistress..." Valdemar's voice trails off in responding to Melody, whom he clearly does not know. Since musicians end up coming in and offering, though, Valdemar looks around the room again for a moment, considering. He then leans in to speak quietly with one of the musicians, requesting that they play a well-known hymn to Mangata, and once they begin to play, he begins to sing along, careful that he does not get loud enough to interfere with the game.

Valdemar checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.


It is only belatedly that Terese's attention really seems to focus as she notes Grazia across the way. A hand is lifted and a softly murmured, "Greetings, cousin. It has been quite some time." Her gaze lifts however as Melody rises and begins to speak, curiosity sparks in her eyes as she murmurs, "Yes, I would like to hear more of that tale myself as I'd like to know how you survived it close enough to feel it's breath."

Darren has left the Main Dining Table.

Brigid, a handmaiden have been dismissed.

Sir Tyrus, Redrain Knight have been dismissed.

Aiden smiles quietly at Grazia, "It is a beautiful ring," he does add. His eyes wander across to his other cousin Sabella, lifting his hand to her to get her attention. He murmurs something to Grazia and then breaks from her to go approach Sabella and Niklas, "Cousin Sabella, it's good to see you again. That was an interesting secret. And Lord Niklas, it's good to meet your acquiantance at last. I've heard all about this wedding to come." He extends his hand to the man.

"And people think I am silly for not wanting to go beyond the city walls," Sabella shakes her head with a shudder, "Though maybe they thought I was silly for only fearing the dirt and the bugs. Now monsters roam the trees? No thank you. I shall stick to my tea parties and gardens. Well, snowy gardens, but safe ones nonetheless."

Carita dips a finger in to the frosting of the pasterie in front of her, her head dipped Vanora's way as she watches the beauties beside her create the smokey atmosphere her outfit was missing to really look ethereal. There's a deep inhale, her eyes going half-lidded as she lets the conversation swirl about her before Mirari's words bring her back to the here and now. "Tsk." She glance sidelong at her 'date' and when she rights from speaking low with Lady Grimhall, Carita leans to murmur something softly to Mirari, her arm wrapping around the back of the slender woman, a light squeeze... as her frosting coated finger lightly touching Mirari's cheek as she speaks to her.

"I think we're running out of tea," Talen says, as a servant indicates such, and he purses his lips. "You'll want to get -really- stingy with your votes now," he reports. "Four cups left?" Then, he signals the next.

Turn in line: Terese

"Aiden!" Sabella brightens when addressed by her cousin, beaming a smile his way, "I didn't see you come in! Or your lovely wife. Duchess," she nods to Grazia. "Some of the secrets here have been very interesting! A couple even better than mine I think."

"Yes. It's good to hear about these things that go bump in the night and who threaten us." Seth says, finishing up his second cup of hopefully not-poisoned tea. Though it doesn't look like his vote mattered!


As Terese's turn arrives, she seems less than prepared given the nature of a number of secrets divulged but she'd raised her hand and thus it is her turn to play. "It's curious that what I was originally going to say has been tossed out the window as I have sat and listened to other about the table speak their secrets. I would dare say that Lord Niklas and I do indeed need to speak sometime. As for myself it is no secret to face the west when praying to face Sanctum. It is not for tradition however that I face west when I offer up a prayer to the Gods, it is to turn -away- from the east.. for that is where a stormwind blows and brings with it the great beat of wings that sweep and scour the earth above a vast swarm of thousands upon thousands on inhuman creatures that serve to drive so many into the depths of darkness. That is the nature of my dreams and they are.. inescapable." With that she lifts her tea in hand towards Niklas, "And perhaps if I describe enough of things you might be able to paint it for me."

Victus takes the same feline off his shoulder by the scruff of her neck. "She ain't a fuckin' seawitch. She's just a hardy survivor. Look, look, little patches of her fur are growing back." He places a hand upon a patch of pink skin and pulls it back, where the faintest hint of stubble can be seen. "See? Told ya' throwing her in the bath was gonna work wonders. I'm a fucking genius."

Wylla checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Aiden cannot help but let that infectious grin to get to him, his own nervous smile softening and pulling into a broader grin, "Why yes, we arrived a little late, but we did make it." He turns his eyes toward Grazia, "She looks lovely in that white leather gown, doesnt she?" He turns back, "And yourself, I like this ceruelan on you." He compliments, "Quite beautiful." A beat, with a nod, "Some very interesting secrets to be sure."

Mirari laughs as the frosting is mushed on her cheek. She responds by aiming an innocent smile at Carita and passing the cigarillo in her direction. "You should try this. I think you'll enjoy it."

In gentle tones, Melody asks Magpie, "Talk about it soon, yeah?" A bit of laughter follows when Valdemar starts to sing along, and the Prodigal sinks cozily in her seat as others talk about the possibility of following up. "I'm always willing to learn." Terese's story has her worrying her bottom lip, but ultimately, falling silent.

Wylla just /stares/ at Terese. She opens her mouth to speak. She can't find the words. But there's a look of absolute horror on her face all of a sudden, and she's definitely awful at hiding it, as well as the fact that something -- quite clearly -- has clicked. "I..." is all she gets out.

As the tunes of the Mangata-inspired song wanes and Valdemar's contributions settle, Talen seems to be highly amused, definitely cemented in his opinion now. "Victus, you can never ever accept Lord Valdemar to your court without making him sing all his petitions. It will be extraordinary," says the Archduke Consort. Then, after a time, a request is made to the musicians and they begin to play the well known song in the city. The Ballad of Blitzed Bozos, a raucous drinking song, the kind that really shouldn't be at any tea party and yet is. It inspires at least a dozen people at the table to spike their tea more heavily with liquor, while others likely make their exist because -what kind of tea party is this-.

Vanora remains tucked in close with Mirari and Carita now too, whispering and passing the cigarillo back and forth. She looks intensely relaxed, and when she notes her husband singing her expression is softly doting. More openly than she'd like it to be probably, but the gold tea and the smoke take effect. "You'll definitely enjoy it." She insists to Carita. "I need to bring more home. The last Velenosa gift I left with is long gone. Long nights."

Niklas pushes himself to his feet briefly to shake the hand of the (a?) Duke of Gemecitta. "It is good to meet you finally. Sabella has told me quite a bit..." He slows in his greeting and turns back to Terese when she shares her secret, silent for the telling of her story. "I am, ah, still only a mediocre painter, but... yes, we should speak." He glances sidelong toward the Archduke and says, "Yes." When he looks back toward the princess he sees the look on Wylla's face and reaches out to set a hand on her shoulder. "Archlector?"

"Cousin Terese, so good to see you," Grazia offers with a pleasant smile to the Valardin princess. "And interesting words you have, an interesting secret, I would say. This may be the best tea party I've attended."

Micaela looks dubious. "Bad dreams? No," she says distinctly. "Anyone can have bad dreams. I have one sometimes about worms infesting my body that I have to cut out. Terrible things."

Oswyn holds up two fingers and says, "Yes. Also disturbing." He looks to Wylla and murmurs, "Are you alright?"

Sabella gives Terese a sympathetic look, but whatever she's going to say is distracted from by Wylla's reaction. "Archlector, have a sip of tea or water, you've gone quiet pale. Could we get a pastry over here?" A beat, "Delivered and not thrown?"

Once the hymn is over, Valdemar glances between Melody and Grazia, bowing slightly to the latter, and then he returns to his seat and sips some more of the tea. Talen's suggestion to Victus receives a short, low chuckle, before he goes back to enjoying his tea in silence.

Seth looks to Terese, his gaze studying her in silence after she speaks of what haunts her. To this, his own brow furrows, but he does pipe up, "Yes." And he leaves it at that.

"If ever Valdemar finds himself on board a purely Thraxian ship, I'll ensure that the crew know he'll be their shanty conductor of the evenin'." Victus replies back to Talen, still working through the tea from the black pot. He's taken quite a liking to it, it seems. "Same goes for Duke Grim, but he may be harder to convince."

Mirari gives Sabella a thoughtful look and glances at a pastry on the dish in front of her. "We only deliver them by throwing. You understand the dilemma of course. We can't go against the rules." She glances toward Terese and after a moment she nods. "Yes"

Aiden ndos to Niklas and was about to say something when he catches himself with Terese's secret. When he finally catches up to himself, he offers to Niklas, "I should like to speak with you at greater length, perhaps, about a painting of course." He considers the man and then waits to see if the tea will run out before he needs to speak.

Duarte simply points to Micaela and nods. "No."

Magpie gives Melody a nod, then falls quiet, turning his attention back to Harper sitting beside him.

"No for dreams. try again cousin by marriage." Alarissa laughs softly. "THough I agree with facing west to pray."

Micaela looks at Duarte. "That wasn't my secret," she says bluntly. "That was my vote for hers," she adds with a point to Terese.

Wylla murmurs something to Niklas, a little shudder crossing her shoulders. She gives Sabella a shaky smile, assuring Oswyn as well, "I'm fine." She's a terrible liar, and she's clearly not. Aiden's mention of painting brings a look his way as well, but she clears her throat, resettling herself at the table. Everything's fine. Just fine!

"A trendsetter would face North." Victus muses with a quiet chuckle. "Still, I'll vote yes."

"And I concurred with your point." Duarte explains.


Terese catches Wylla's stare which only makes her inhale slowly. "It seems I ought to speak with the Archlector as well." She dips her head towards Wylla with a bob of coiled and loosely pinned curls before giving a half smile. "Any assistance would be appreciated," she murmurs to Niklas and Aiden in turn. She settles back then.

Micaela finds a random glass and secures it, raising it toward Duarte. "Well okay then," she says, sounding mollified.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome arrive, following Eirene.

"Let me know what you eat at night so I can refrain from it, my Lady," Jordan murmurs to Micaela with a brief flash of a smile, settling back into his seat. He abstains from this round of voting, deliberating, apparently.

Eirene has arrived for tea. Late. And in a dress. And with a nanny carrying a pair of red and gold silk swaddled babies with dark hair and wide staring equally dark eyes. She also wears a sporty red feathered hat atop her black and white hair.

Selene looks like she's gotten caught up somewhat in some messages, but coming back to the game, she gives a little yawn. "Honestly I got bored of the 'I have portents of doom or met a monster once' things a while ago. I really hope one of the remaining players has something good." She looks thoughtful. "I've lowered my expectations from murder and treason to... I don't know, infidelity? I'm almost tempted to ask Victus about his bedroom games from earlier."

Since it appears that the general consensus leans toward yes for both Meloday and Terese, a server lifts the stygian teapot to pour for both women.

Mirari shifts her eyes toward Selene and cracks a grin. "What about secret illegitimate babies?" She asks, quirking a brow in her direction. "Or long lost deformed siblings?"

Turn in line: Micaela

Talen says to Selene, "I'll trade you a new secret for another one of yours," he proposes. "No tea, unfortunately."

Micaela looks at Jordan. "Cheese. I like cheese of an evening," she comments. "And wine. In any case it seems to be my turn. And there are so many secrets," she says with a careless wave of her hand. "And some are fun and some are mean and some are a combination of both. And others are just boring. The Silver Harpies are responsible for roughly forty-two percent of the crime in the city. The Archduchess, contrary to whispers muttered in the dark and exactly in line with what you all profess to believe but most of you don't, is not sworn to evil, nor is she sworn to good. Like most of us, she is what we call a free agent. Not that I think you'll believe that. The Compact has a way to kill the Horned God, only we're too chicken to use it. And the reason we can't talk about any of this often is something that the good guys did a thousand years ago. Oops." She puts one finger to her lips and makes a shhhh sound. "But don't tell." Green eyes dance with merriment.

Selene gestures emphatically at Mirari. "Yes! Any of those. Secrets! Juicy things." And then she grins at Talen. "I'll take that, as long is yours is juicy and not about some cultist you met on tuesday."

Rich, feminine laughter bursts from Carita at Mirari's words, the cigarello snagged and held as she leans forward to cover her face. Her eyes are watering now, and after she regaisn control the cigarello is lifted, embers flare a moment, and then passed back to Mirari as she speaks lowly with her.

"Oh come now. Supposed to be one and as you said, something juicy." Alarissa wags a finger at Micaela. "You disappoint me. I find you quite neutral." There's a -somewhat- exaggerated sigh. "No."

"I don't make promises that I can't keep. To anyone," comes the Archduchess' quiet reply, her eyes on Micaela. "Yes."

Aiden points out in confusion, "But those aren't really her secrets, are they?"

"I'm more interested in a couple of these than the 'I stole something one time, boohoo' story." Victus retorts back to Selene with a thin grin. "If you'd like to know one of them though, when I yell 'batten down the hatches' it means the ramming maneuver is comin' through." Ah, but now it's Micaela's turn and she has Victus' full attention. Each one that she drops also has him combing his beard with his hand, chuckling softly. "I have this funny feeling you're not precisely who you're claiming to be this evening."

Niklas looks to Aiden curiously, then nods. "Of course. Though I'm no master painter. I don't want this to be like the time I wrote that song about Legate Orazio and suddenly people were offering me commissions to write epic poems and ballads. I am a mediocre painter who gets better every day, but that's about it." He nods to Terese as well. "I will send you a message. I am always looking to speak more more who dream." When Micaela starts her series of revelations Niklas turns slowly to look at her. "Seems like a few yesses in there." As an aside to Aiden he says, "Other peoples' secrets were declared fair game when my great grandfather was outed as a bug-wizard. It's okay."

"I'll take that," Talen agrees, but is distracted when Micaela speaks, his eyes shifting that way and he utters, "The Silver Harpies are a bunch of cunts. They stole my silver stag pelt! Victus was there, all the guys were there, it was just rude. I bet they'd still anything." A pause, then he adds. "Yes." As an aside, he tells Selene, "Do you want to go first or shall I?"

"I think most this room know most, if not all, of that. I shall vote no." Duarte says with a drawl and wave of his hand.

"That is the kind of secret we need. This is a tea party with purpose I think." Vanora responds to Micaela. "Yes. Very good. Perfect."

Mirari takes the cigarillo back from Carita and settles her gaze on Micaela, the smile on her face gone. She shrugs a shoulder, takes another drag from her cigarillo and mutters, "Yes."

Eirene just snorts as she catches Micaela's commentary, blue eyes rolling at the string of commentaries. She stops and glances back at the nanny. "Maybe you should take shits and giggles back home. I figured this'd be a nice place to introduce them..." And get them used to secrets and lies early. She doens't comment to the game, waiting to get up to speed on the rules.

Aiden ahhs softly to Niklas, "I didn't quite know the rules of the game. I believe I was a little late and missed it. My apologies." He then notes to Niklas, "It was more about your offer, that if anyone was bothered by images or dreams to have you paint it. I can understand if you'd rather not, of course."

"Which is why I said no." Alarissa points out to Aiden. "I voted no when another did the same. Thumbs down."

Jordan glances sidelong to Victus after his remark to Micaela, then back to the woman. "Cheese is fine. Not sure why that'd give you wormy nightmares, truth be told. Thousand years ago, huh? Sounds like one hell of a screw up. Yes."

Micaela smiles at Aiden. "They don't have to be. That wasn't the rule. The rule was they have to be relevant. And all four are relevant right now. Though maybe not in a little while, if you're lucky. Particularly since people are screwing their courage to the sticking place and trying to figure out how to use the weapon without killing everyone. Or human sacrifice. Alas."

Niklas laughs at Aiden and shakes his head. "No cause for sorry, your grace. We've been a little bit of everywhere this evening."

Sabella stares at Micaela. "Human sacrifice?" She asks, then catches herself, "Ah, don't answer that. I think I probably don't want to know. And Niklas is very modest," she tells Aiden, "What he thinks is mediocre is actually good enough to hand in one of Princess Alarissa's studies!" She sounds downright proud!

Selene snorts a bit at Victus' admission of... terminology? "Charming. I think just about every sailor has yelled that at some point. And maybe theft isn't interesting to one with the cultural freedom to pillage at whim for most of their life - it tends to matter more to those who can actually be arrested and punished for it." But she then turns back to Talen. "I don't mind going first, and I'll give you an option of topic that I shall speak on: the mystical and obscure, even though it seems overdone - but apparently its all the room is in the mood for, the traitorous - although I warn you this will leave a single detail unrevealed due to ongoing concerns - or... I suppose I'll add a 'purient' category, just because I've said I enjoy them."

"We've a majority for, and only a few against, and as the evening winds down there's still not enough to reach a quota I'd say is 'no'," Talen drawls. "Very well, Lady Micaela, we'll provide you a cup. Be careful, it's rather strong. You might not be able to handle it."

"There better be a deformed long lost sibling in this, Selene or I'm going to be really let down." Mirari says, narrowing her eyes at the Radiant.

Magpie gives Victus a sidelong glance, then asks, "Is the Archduchess up soon? I'm quite eager to hear what she has to say."

Vanora beckons to her husband once he's finished singing, encouraging him to join her with Mirari and Carita. She glances at Selene and raises an eyebrow, but there's a smile to go with it. "Me again." She states to Mirari, holding out her hand.

bursts into some loud, belly-aching laughter. "Oh ye gods, you're just unpleasant to be around /all/ the time aren't ya'?" He replies to Selene with another long sip of his spiked tea. His eyes turn back to Magpie, then over to Eleyna again. "Yeah, Eleyna, my commoner friend here wants to hear something juicy from your perspective. What kinda skeletons are pokin' around in your ripped sheets?"

"Traiterous," Talen decides for Selene, leaning on his hand a little, "though let us wait until the Archduchess' secret has been spoken," he encourages out of politeness. There's a nod to Eleyna then.

Turn in line: Eleyna

Mirari hands Vanora the cigarillo and wrinkles her nose. "That's the last of it." She says, settling back on her chair. She snatches a pastry and starts to pick at it, the amused smile making its way back on her face.

"I technically killed my first husband." Eleyna says, leaving a slight pause for those words to sink in before she continues. "Guiseppe Argento married me even though he was in love with Belladonna Pravus. He got the idea that if only he got me out of the way, he might have a chance with her. So, he used the Lyceum's favorite weapon; poison. Unfortunately for him, I'm one of the best alchemists in the Lyceum, particularly with poisons, and I figured him out pretty easily. So, as punishment for being both stupid -and- homicidal, I convinced the servant charged to give me the poison to switch his cup for mine and he drank the poison meant for me. No one may harm us unpunished."

Selene looks thoughtful at Mirari's jest. "Not that I know of, though I haven't checked in with them a long time. There's at least a bit of adultery, incest, and a touch of patricide, maybe." But she pouts then, as Talen picks. "Well, I'll tell you sometime later, I'm sure." She will indeed wait on Eleyna's, the first words of which cause her immediate delight. "Oh here we go!"

Wylla looks a bit askance at Eleyna's words, as well as her position in line. But she votes, "Yes," quietly, her nerves visibly starting to jump again. Another wary glance at that teapot.

Waldemai pushes his still barely touched tea cup ever-so-slightly further away from himself after hearing Eleyna's story.

Magpie lets out a low whistle as Eleyna shares her story with the room. He nods in quiet approval, then slowly gets to his feet, grimacing at pain from injuries he's recovering from. "Thank you, Archduchess. Prince Talen. This has been interesting. I'm going to go and sneak around your home now..." He says with a roguish sort of grin, slowly gimping towards the door.

Melody clasps her hands together, "A true story from the Lyceum," she notes, sharing a pleasant smile with Eleyna. "I wouldn't have had it any other way. Yes, easily. It also makes me that much more worried about your wine." That bit said with a little waggle of the drink in her hands at Talen. "Which, by the way, is /amazing/."

"A murder! We finally got our murder!" Selene goes on, clearly very pleased. "Even if it was totally justifiable and rather a case of self-defense. Brava." Her vote should be obvious!

The remark that Selene makes about Mourning Islanders causes Valdemar to look in her direction and shake his head slightly. Then he notices his wife beckoning to him, and he rises, his tea finished, to walk over to where she is sitting so that he can find a seat with Vanora and those near her, easing into it as Eleyna is telling her story.

Mirari smiles at Eleyna, nodding her head at the Archduchess' words. She picks up her glass of spirits and raises them as she speaks one word. "Yes."


Slender dark brows rise as Terese gazes over at Eleyna over the rim of the cup of tea just poured. She lowers it slowly and murmurs a soft 'thank you' to Jiacomo as she sets it carefully down upon the table. "Yes," she offers to Eleyna though it's difficult to hide the slide of a fierce little smile that glides across her lips.

Victus lays down a steady stream of applause, the drink having loosened him up enough for just that. "Yesss, Lycene plotting! Paranoia! Assassination! Finally, I've been comin' here for so long I never thought I'd get to hear a damn good story about it. That's what I've been missing! Who else? Who else? Did ya' poison anyone beyond that? Oh, and yes!"

"Definitely yes," Micaela says firmly. "Who doesn't vote yes for a story of poisoning and absolutely understandable and excusable self-defence in the Lyceum? Only traitors, that's who. Traitors, and people with no sense of humor." It's impossible to tell which is worse from her tone.

"There's one more cup after this, if it gets through, I'm afraid the teapot will be empty. Nonetheless, as the game is quite fun, I suggest we continue to the end if the volunteers are willing. It is, after all, in the spirit of freeing information from the clutches of the dark," Talen announces. As Eleyna speaks, he seems unsurprised, but he does chuckle slightly as he watches Waldemai. "I should've knighted that man, I think. Simple, but I like him." As Magpie gets up to leave, he waves, and says to Selene. "You wanted me to dig for the dirty laundry gossip, didn't you? I'll switch, if it makes you feel better, and give you something in the same category. 'Purient' as you say." With a short laugh, he then says, "Go on, get your cup," he tells the Archduchess. "Though I'm going to be carrying you upstairs later, I already know this."

All of this chatter around him looks to be giving the Steelhart lord a headache as he rubs at his temple, brow heavily furrowed. His cup is then extended so that it can be filled a third time. However, Eleyna's story catches his attention and like some others, he, too, turns his gaze to his cup; the tale raising some sense of paranoia. "Yes..." He then murmurs, keeping his gaze on Eleyna, curiously, but he has nothing more to add.

"It is, isn't it? I think we'll have to serve it from time to time. It needs a name, though," Talen says of the tea they've made to Melody.

"Yes," Eirene replies with a dry laugh. The twins are indeed sent home. Another time for babies, perhaps. She does look rather unlike herself in her red silks and silly hat, so she pulls the hat off and has it taken home with the pair.

Vanora takes the cigarillo from Mirari and inhales the last few puffs of it, listening to Eleyna with rapt fascination. She nods her head, affection obvious in her expression, and echoes Mirari. "Yes." There's a kiss for her husband when he joins them. brief and affectionate. "You sang at a Velenosa tea party. I cannot wait to tell your father."

Harper grins over and says, "I vote yes because it's the Archduchess." As Magpie gets up she stands up muttering something about keeping promises and goes to help him limp out. She gives a wave back to Talen and Eleyna before she goes.

"Well... sounds like a good Lycene payback story! So, Yes." Jordan chuckles, looking at his tea for a moment, as if eyeing it for anything it might be spiked with before he drinks it down.

Magpie is overheard praising Talen: Quite the tea party

Magpie is overheard praising Eleyna: Great secret!

Sabella's mouth drops open though she closes it very quickly, "That must have been a horrible thing to realize," she says somberly and a little sadly to Eleyna. "I"m sorry you had to go through that." She takes a larger sip of her tea.

Magpie has left the Main Dining Table.

Zavi leaves, following Magpie.

Harper has left the Main Dining Table.

Turn in line: Wylla

Talen says, "Remember! Last cup. Choose wisely if you want to give it to the next person or one of the remaining volunteers."

Wylla looks down for a moment and then looks up. "I was almost married. I didn't kill him. But he almost killed my ability to... to do art and to see, and I... I didn't like that. I didn't want that. I couldn't have it. So I called off the marriage. He was a good man, and I regret it every day that there wasn't a way round it that I could see. I still wonder what he's doing." She hesitates for a moment. "I think... I think there was more to it than that. When I couldn't paint, it was like there was some sort of, um, force. Stopping me. I'm not sure if it had to do with being married instead of swearing myself to the Faith." She hesitates. "I don't know if that's a very dramatic secret, but it's mine." And she shrugs a bit helplessly at Talen.

Aiden murmurs to have his name dropped from the game and he quietly makes his way over to Grazia, looking rather anxious. It wasn't the poisoning part, really! He's at least had no tea and apparently won't be having any now!

Katarina has left the Dining Table.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice, Quiet, a Valardin champion leave, following Katarina.

Eirene holds up a finger, "Too late to enter?," she asks, glancing at Talen and Eleyna curiously. "Because you can imagine I have some stories to tell."

"You might as well, I can only assume it will get back to him eventually. Maybe not the wisest choice of secrets to divulge, but it was all I could really think of," Valdemar responds to Vanora after her kiss. He then inclines his head in quiet greeting to both Carita and Mirari.

"an aborted marriage? hmm no" alarissa states sympathetically.

Mirari smiles towards Valdemar, nodding as he joins the trio.

"The game makes it so that I really want to say no regardless of what I hear from the next people," Melody complains, clearly wanting to hear as many secrets as she can. "... I'm giving this a No. Not because of what I just said, mind you, but it's not really much of a secret that some people call off weddings."

"That's quite alright, but it isn't for me to decide alone whether it's worthy of the tea though. I've heard of far more supernatural things, though perhaps it is a blessing of Jayus bestowed unto you at some point-- and violating your service to him would see it disappear. I'll vote no, however. Thank you for sharing, Archlector." Then, to Eirene, "You can volunteer your secrets but there'll be no more tea from the thirteenth pot, the stygian one, unfortunately," Talen tells Eirene. "I'm willing to provide every person who's voted as giving a proper secret the opportunity to call thirteen people out in the room to drink something alcoholic straight though. Let that power go to your heads."

Carita's head dips in return for Vald, offering a smile before her attention returns to those secrets being told.

Oswyn returns to the room, having excused himself for a short period of time. Chugging two cups of tea rapidly has some consequences. Not poison, this time. Hopefully.

Talen says, "Oh and Eirene, you can pick one person thirteen times. Probably Victus."


"Well, you are hardly one to ever be outdone Aunt Eleyna," Terese offers even as the rights to the last cup of called and rowdy applause fills the room from Victus' hands. "The game only called for one secret!" she calls out before looking down at her tea. "I admit that I'm rather glad I didn't prattle on about alcohol this evening." Even so she begins to list slowly to one side and lets her elbow slide onto the table in the process. As Wylla speaks, she draws quiet then, thoughtful. "I feel as though you left your actual secret out of it as it wasn't about your marriage breaking off so I am hard pressed."

"I pick you thirteen times, Prince Talen." Vanora states.

"Probably me, yeah." Victus pipes up. "Wait, why?"

Talen says, "You already played, Lady Vanora! Too late!"

Vanora sighs dramatically, finishing her tea.

As if catching on to some of the anxiety after the revelation of her own secret, Eleyna murmurs with a smile, "I only poison the people I either really, really hate or really, really like."

Talen dryly utters, "Great, so in either mood you're in, I'm poisoned."

Grazia points out to Talen, "You already knew that."

"Yes," Eleyna says to Talen with a smirk.

Micaela drawls, amused, "Don't pretend you're not happy about it."

Mirari smiles towards Talen. "Perhaps you should take up alchemy."

Talen says, "Do we have any more votes for Archscholar Wylla? So far I hear mostly no's."

Duarte has joined the line.

"No," Eirene says, with a slow shake of her head at Wylla.

"I'll vote No." Mirari responds, glancing briefly towards Wylla, blowing her a gentle kiss. "Sorry."

Selene grins at Talen. "You didn't dissapoint, I don't think anyone can top the Archduchess." Then, with the request of topic changed, she concedes. "Purient? There's all too many choices here, though some confidentiality keeps me from sharing in full. I've been a lover to part of an incestuous pair of siblings, or was once hired, ostensibly to perform a play, but really to seduce his son by dressing as his wife, which draws to mind all manner of... familial issues, deep-seated."

Eirene has joined the line.

"She speaks the truth. I suspect Eleyna was resppnsible for my butterfliesc

Niklas corrects mildly, "Archlector," but doesn't actually vote.

"Oh right, words. Sorry, ArchLECTOR," Talen corrects. "No tea for you. Do you want some vodka?" Next!

Turn in line: Grazia

Mirari blinks at Selene and then opens her mouth to respond, but after a few moments she furrows her brow and shakes her head. "I have too many questions. Best not to ask any." She picks up her glass and takes a deep drink.

Bear, a war mastiff have been dismissed.

Phantom, the Great Grey Owl have been dismissed.

Brigid, a handmaiden have been dismissed.

Sir Tyrus, Redrain Knight have been dismissed.

Wylla sinks into her seat a little more, giving Terese a vaguely wary look at the 'actual secret.' "She already said she was bored of that sort of thing," she murmurs, nodding at Selene.

Selene holds her hands up helplessly to Mirari. "But come now, I imagine you've no shortage of similar. One of those," and here she looks at Talen. "I could actually share a little detail of one of those with you... but I would suspect you would prefer it be private, as it, well..." She doesn't go on, but glances at Wylla. "Oh, this is a special... bet? Pact? between the two of us. I'm done with the rest of the contest, I think."

Eleyna looks at Selene in silence and pulls out her cigarette case. She pulls one out, sets the case aside, and lights up, quietly taking a drag as she just watches and listens, her face expressionless.

Vanora stands from her seat gracefully and walks over to the Archduchess, briefly occupying a chair close enough to murmur softly to her.

"When I was young, my uncle Duke Giovanni Rubino ruled with an iron first," Grazia begins, her voice husky but her words fairly monotone. "Many of his nieces and nephews who had aptitude were put to work managing affairs for the house. One of them, a cousin of mine, was cooking the books, skimming the accounts to gamble the money away. Being the lawyer and the investigator, I eventually puzzled it out, but rather than turning this cousin over to be executed for treason, I slept with them. If the duke had found out, he'd have murdered both of us." She spreads her hands. "I'm safe now, though, as I'm unlikely to commit treason against myself. But my cousin..."


Terese's features soften at Wylla's words and nods towards another. "Some might though not all secrets as you know are so clear to divine as much depends on what they might already suspect. Though if I might, you and Talwyn might have some things in common. I am hoping his trip away will help to clear his head a bit but if you will I would like to speak with you another time." Admittedly she's still listing though she does try to straighten even as she takes another slow sip.

Sabella leans against Niklas, looking up at him with a warm smile, "I'm glad we came. This is the best tea party! It's so nice when everyone trusts each other! This is great. I mean, I didn't want to know about monsters in the woods that we need to feed people to, but this is great. Usually there's just lots of oh how are you I'm fine at these events but this? This is really--" she pauses when Grazia speaks, then looks down into her cup and has another sip, "This tea is really good! But I'm glad Alaric left early."

"The Radiant and I are satisfying our desires to keep spilling secrets because she was bored with end of the world matters, supposedly," Talen explains. "As a host, in his big boy clothes, and with the duties of my wife's Consort I figure I'd try to remain entertaining," is furthered. As Selene gives her secrets an extended life through the invitation for another discussion, he sees Eleyna's expression, and that steady burn of her cigarillo. It makes his eyes gleam with something cruel, more than mischievous, before he returns, "The Archduchess' heir, Donato Velenosa, was conceived in the Redrain halls. We had to pay to replace a couch for our dear friend over there," he says, extending a hand to Darren, before he continues, "and Princess Donella was somewhat miffed herself. In turn, it started a game, and I once had it reported that the High Lord Victus and his Consort broke into the cartographer's room on the Carlotta to do their own nasty and they sent me a broken table which we haven't actually burnt yet, for some reason, perhaps as a reagent for a future joke down the road."

Talen says this, then looks to Grazia, and asks, "So did anything come of the lost money?"

Talen says, "I mean, it wasn't ever recovered, you just buried the evidence?"

Eirene slow-claps for Talen.

"You still have that fucking table?!" Victus blurts out, tea-cup held in one big mitt while the other hand is hanging open. "I mean we really weren't very hygienic about it, I dunno if you wanna be keepin' it around."

Darren snorts. "It was a damn fine couch." He takes a long drink from his cup of tea, noticeably slouching in his chair. "I loved that couch," he comments sadly.

"The cousin's paying /me/ back so I won't have them killed for treason," Grazia replies to Talen with a twinkle in her whiskey-hued eyes.

Sabella looks at Talen's questions. Then she starts laughing and laughing and laughing. So hard that eventually she has to set her tea cup down or she'd spill it.

Talen leans back and eyes Grazia's outfit, murmuring, "I suppose I'll let the tax issue slide," in jest. Then, he laughs, and adds, "Yes."

"It was an excellent couch," Eleyna agrees with Darren, grinning as she takes another puff and exhales. "As for the table, I plan on giving it as a gift at Astrid's wedding."

Oswyn just shakes his head and sighs a little.

Darren starts looking around at the furniture of the Velenosa house with a new -- and speculative -- eye.

Talen says, "_Everywhere_, Darren."

Darren shakes his head. "No no. I'm picking my spot."

Mirari mumbles something under her breath and when she catches Oswyn's expression it breaks her and she begins to laugh. She leans forward and rests her forehead on the table as muffled delighted laughter escapes her.

Wait a minute. Alarissa was enjoying her tea and then there's talk of a table. -The- table and those pale cheeks turn sacrlet. Even more so that it hasn't been destroyed. "We are fair certain that that is where Danse perchance was... conceived." She sips the rest of her tea.

Once again, Selene seems delighted. "Eminence, while no one shall hang, no kingdoms shall crumble on the back of those particular secrets... you have outdone yourself in keeping things entertaining. The Lyceum lives up to its reputation in every regard." Though yes, there may be some future concerns as regards to any spare lumber she comes across.

Eirene leans in the doorway and takes in the scene a moment. "I suppose I came too late to really get in on the fun. I'll keep my secrets for myself then, and perhaps play another time." She just shakes her head at Darren's contemplative look.

Vanora grins at Eleyna and parts from her side with a kiss for the Archduchess' cheek, returning to Mirari and her husband further down the table. She murmurs something quietly to him and settles back in at his side.

"Yes, well, sometimes couches get ruined," drawls Niklas, finally finishing the tea, having taken Jiacomo at his word about its strength. "I'd strongly suggest people avoid sitting on the couch in the Grayson library that has gryphons on it." He considers for a moment, then his eyes go wide and he says, "Oh dear, that's all of them. Well, I guess I'm no help."

Wylla, after a few moments, murmurs, "Yes, of course," to Terese. And then she's heading from the tea party, without even a sip of vodka!

Sabella stops laughing, clears her throat to look down at the chair she's sitting on, giggles once, then gives Niklas a horrified look as her cheeks flush red, "Niklas Kennex!" She reprimands, standing up because of what he said and certainly not because she doesn't want to sit on a sex chair, "Scholar Oswyn sits on those couches!"

"I hear nobody against the Duchess Rubino, and so, the last cup goes to her. That means there's a few left. One Jordan, Duarte, and Eirene-- but you're not playing Eirene? Very well. Jordan and Duarte, you may speak your secrets if you want. If you do, you may distribute thirteen shots of vodka each to get the taste of tea off our tongues." Talen announces.

Oswyn mutters, "Not anymore."

Waldemai perks up right away at the idea of getting the taste of tea out of one's mouth.

"Well, to be honest, Archduke, I think I need to be in town for a bit longer. And make better secrets of my own. Right now? Anything I say would be immediately topped. And honestly one has to admit when they're out-played before their play even began," Jordan demures with a shake of his head. "Maybe next time."

Niklas shrugs a shoulder at Sabella. "Here's hoping he's drinking his tea or things are going to get weird."

"And you didn't name him Carlos? I'm heartbroken. Heartbroken." Eleyna sighs and drains the 'tea' in her teacup. She smiles at Vanora and her eyes follow her as she moves to sit with Mirari and Valdemar once more.

Catarina's chin dips as her eye is caught by someone in the room, laughter softly joining Mirari's as the stories about broken, replaced, and possibly untouchable furniture kicks up.

"The payment for my secrets is thag I get to pass out vodka like a house servant?" Duarte queries.

Eirene just shrugs at Talen. "I'm just feeling disconnected tonight," she says with a dry smirk. "Besides," the Malvici adds. "My secrets are probably worth more than thirteen shots of alcohol..." She salutes casually to the room and makes her way out into the hall. "Another time, maybe."

Wylla has left the Main Dining Table.

"You get to force people to drink alcohol and weaken the creature of Stolen Secrets while doing so," Talen replies evenly. "Or you may not, and instead, keep them to yourself. It is a game, my friend,2 Talen expands.

That LAST part catches Eirene mid turn. "Okay, fuck that guy," she says firmly as she stalks back into the room. "I'm still in then."

"It's not about topping or outdoing someone. It's just about playing. Don't you ever just -play- instead of attempt to win?" Eleyna asks Jordan directly, her gaze focused with startling intensity on the man.

"Now now, Archduke," Grazia purrs in an almost seductive manner as she takes her teacup. "We're paying taxes on the repaid funds. Slowly, over time. There's only so much blood you can get from an incestuous cousin."

"Eh, I mean it might not have been Danse." Victus offers. "Could've been, but maybe not. I dunno, we were active that month. Speakin' of, Danse is just a goddamn champion. Barely heard him scream once since we got back to the city."

Alarissa meanwhile, has finished her golden tea and sits there beside victus with a content and happy smile on her face, murmuring to victus.

Turn in line: Jordan

Turn in line: Duarte

Talen says, "In, or out, or shaking it all about?"

"Hear hear," Micaela says to Eirene. "Fuck that guy, in-deed. I mean, not literally. That's kind of disgusting. And he has a lot of teeth I'm told. Would not recommend." She wrinkles her nose. "But metaphorically speaking, and not in the way he'd like, fuck that guy."

Talen says, "1 out of 5 stars on Clit Advisor."

"When I gamble, I don't really expect to win." Jordan tells Eleyna. Finally, he tilts his head, and looking back to the Archduchess "Alright, Your Grace, here's one: I stopped a famine with a flower through the unlikely event of coming across a courier in trouble. And I noticed that, when I meander around, even if it /seems/ senseless, I am tugged into specific directions to do good deeds. I've yet to decide what it means, and I prayed at the Temple of Gild, and I received a very indirect sign when I got out of there. But I don't know heads or tails of what to make of it."

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

"My secrets are pretty tame by comparison. First is I don't know how I got here. One second I was kneeling on a river bank lamenting my life choices and attempting to cut my guts out. I passed out from loss of blood and next thing I know I'm in Arx and the Count of Bravura. People call me the Silk Spider, but I am deathly afraid of spiders!" Duarte shrugs and sighs deeply. "I tried to have Mirari Corsetina killed once but no one was brave enough to accept even 100k silver to take the job." He gazes to Mirari with a narrowing of the eyes and a considering look, "But I think she found out about that and has been gracious enough not to bring it up." He crosses an arm over his chest and taps his nose as he thinks, "I was also good friends with Duke Cassius. We once shared an amorous kiss after which he claimed my mustache was crafted by the hands of Jayus and that mine were the softest lips in all of Arvum. Together we anonymously co-authored several romance novels that make Northern Nobility giddy, and Valardins blush. Such titles as 'Glorious Waves of Desire', 'Pirate and the Spy' and 'A Triple Threat' - all of them based on true events! Except the latter, of course, as the Duchess and I did not begin sleeping together until years after the book was written."

"Well done and an interesting secret, sir." Eleyna offers Jordan a silken smile and inclines her head.

Darren finishes his tea with an actual look of regret, then of shock at regretting the end of a cup of tea, of all damn things. Not to be deterred in his staunch pursuit of alcoholism, he produces his flask and tips it back. "Did I hear something about shots?" he asks with interest.

Mirari is still laughing, her head resting against her folded arms on the table. She's not drunk or hazed, surely. Duarte's admission makes her laugh louder, and she rises to her feet, pushing her hair away from her face. "I'm going to go find Luca, tell him about the furniture and see what we can destroy." She waves a distracted hand at her companions as she makes her way towards the door.

Oswyn turns his attention toward Darren and squints at him. "I could use a shot," he says, sounding a touch on the weary side.

"I've read that book!" Vanora laughs at Duarte. "She has a copy in....nevermind. That one was good."

"Very well then." The others announce their secrets and Eirene calmly states, "I was a torturer for Lucien Malvici during the war with Tor." She must have been no more than a teenager or barely in her teens at best. That said, she smiles at Duarte and nods slowly, sadly. "Yeah... I once asked him to write smut for me and he told me that I -was- his smut."

"Thank you. It's not half as interesting as yours or those that were shared here tonight," Jordan admits, holding up a hand as a courier arrives. He frowns, murmurs a quick response, then receives another. He frowns, pensively.

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

Mirari has left the Main Dining Table.

"Wait. Cassius wrote -novels-? He wrote -smut novels-?" Eleyna leans back in her chair and whistles under her breath as if her mind has just been blown.

Melody had been nursing on her heavily spiked drink in quiet for a long time now, only sharing the occasional brief whisper with one of her companions at her side table, but a smile does manage to creep across her lips as Jordan gives in and shares a secret. Then, at Duarte's secrets, Melody allows an easy laugh to escape her lips. "What a charming life you live."

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

"Go forth and do your good then, Sir," Talen encourages Jordan, "for there are plenty doing enough of the other to counter it." Even in the midst of Duarte speaking, he spies Mirari leaving, and shoots her a look of 'stay out of the rooms you're not meant to be in'. It's a complex thing to manage. Though, he listens to all of Duarte's and then just shakes his head, "I don't care what anyone says but there was some filth in there worth knowing about you, Count. Eirene's up next, but Sir Ober and Count Amadeo may distribute their shots. You may pick Mirari despite her departure, I will send someone to her with them." Snorting at Eirene's contribution, he asks, "Medics make the best torturers, I've found. I once asked to be one, but instead they put me in a room and just let me do my thing without any weapons or tools. I think my personality was enough for the man to break. You'd be ten times more effective. Alright, who's getting drunk on your behalf?"

Niklas reaches out and sets a hand on Sabella's. "We should probably get you home while you can still walk." Oswyn's comment gets a laugh. "I hope you were writing all of this down for the records, Scholar. Make it as hard as possible for the stealer to take all these secrets." Pushing himself back in his seat, Niklas gets to his feet and lifts Sabella to hers. "Shall we?"

Oswyn starts to get up as well. "I'm afraid I left my papers and quills in my satchel," he tells Niklas. He has no satchel with him, instead being clad in finer clothing than usual. He peers at Sabella with just a bit of concern.

Carita says, "Well," Carita's amusement twinkles in her eyes as she watches Mirari depart, a finger going up a moment as if to stop her but lowered almsot as quickly. "..she invited me." comes out with a bit of laughter as her blue eyes take in the crowd."

Jordan rises to his feet, distributing thirteen shots between Micaela, Eleyna and... Niklas, actually, assuming there are enough glasses to do so. He knocks one, then two, then three, then four, and steps back, wobbly. "Alright," he pauses, breathing out all that strong alcohol before flashing Talen a brief smile. "Evil perpetuates itself, it doesn't need help. As for doing good, I work hard at it, Your Highness. Or at least try."

"We've never broken any furniture." Vanora comments to Valdemar. "Perhaps we should go remedy that. We're not keeping up with the...others." She gestures vaguely to the room. "Also Mirari shared a lot of haze." She's a little altered by the combination clearly.

Selene does arch an eyebrow at the topic turning to personal pornography comissions and presumed stashes thereof. "Another fascinating one to end the evening on, to be sure." While she turns to watch whatever beverage distribution, she does offer toward Talen and Elenya, "Unless anyone is presently planning to drown me in more alcohol tham my weight, I should likely be on my way as well. But it has been a delightful gathering."

Yes, Jordan drank some of his own shots.


There is laughter in the background, "A Triple Threat? I saw that book lying around in the stables," Terese muses and shakes her head. "I've been trying to figure out who's been sneaking away to read it in the hay." Her free hand knocks the table lightly as she raises her tea cup and drains the last of it herself. It takes a moment to compose herself though she'd listened easily enough to the back and forth of intimate romps experienced and shared.

Theo has left the Main Dining Table.

2 House Velenosa Guards have been dismissed.

Renault, the mustachioed Lycene have been dismissed.

Duarte had Harlen pass the shots out for him.

"Ya' got any copies of that smut?" Victus chimes in. "I do book reviews, sometimes. I ain't had a good smut story because Magpie ain't wrote one in ages."

Three shots are placed in front of Eleyna. She eyes them and then, without a single qualm, starting neatly knocking them back one after another.

Eleyna checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

"You're so cute when you're drunk!" Sabella tells Nik with a big smile, letting him pull her up and leaning into his chest, "Or is that me? Pffft, I'm adorable all the time! Right, Scholar Sowyn? Thank you for the party! The tea was full of delicious secret gold!" She tells Nik's shirt, cause now her face is leaning into him.

"We have copies, in our library Victus." Alarissa points out. "You just don't look at books there, unless MAgpie gives them to you. We have very many books." She points out to him.

Eirene just shrugs at who gets her alcohol. "I'll be nice. Let everyone remaining split 'em up, three for me, and the rest to go 'round. I hate admitting to it, so getting good and drunk may suit me well tonight..."

"We got too fucking many books. I can't be assed to look at /all/ of those spines." Victus replies. "Magpie lets me know exactly what I'm gettin' soon as I get it. That's an easy life."

"You're so fucking wasted," Talen foretells for Eleyna as he watches her with some interest. When Selene makes her exit known, he lifts a hand, but does not rise. "Farewell, Radiant. A pleasure to have you as our guest," he imparts. "Hey, Victus, I can write a smut novel for you. It'll have tentacles, I promise. That's probably all you can get off to these days"

"We almost did, a couple of times. But apparently, almost is not quite good enough," Valdemar says in a dry tone, before standing up and offering his wife his arm, both to help her from her seat and to escort her out of the room. Bowing his head to their hosts, he tells Talen and Eleyna, "Your Grace, your Highness, thank you for another interesting evening."

Talen says, "A pleasure, Bard Valdemar. Lady Bard Valdemar."

Theo glances up from the table, watching as Elenya tosses back each shot without flinching. "Impressive, cousin." He purses his lips, and drops a nod of appreciation.

'Talen Velenosa! Take that back!" Alarissa admonishes. "Take that back before I throw you on a boat and send you off to the redwater to see what it's like to be hit by a kraken a few times!"

"I'm pretty sure I've read a smut novel that had tentacles in it. And sailors. Sailors and tentacles," Grazia purrs, apparently quite warmed by the tea.

"Yes, Princess," Oswyn agrees with Sabella. "Constant adorableness." He stoops to collect a pastry from the floor and return it to the table.

Jordan rises to his feet, flashing Eleyna a grin when she starts doing the same as him. "You're fun, Your Grace. Thanks for the evening." He bows again in the direction of the Peers at the table and starts to head out.

Niklas looks at the drinks and makes a face. "Well, who needed sobriety?" He lifts a glass and knocks it back, then says to Jordan, "Be good, Sir Ober. We're the only ones who can and nothing is going to do it for us." He finishes the other two in short order and stands there for a moment, trying to remember how his ankles work. "Hm. I think I'm set."

Selene has left the Main Dining Table.

Renault, a floofy persian cat leaves, following Selene.

"You probably have tentacles, seawitch," Talen turns back on Alarissa, no intention of taking anything back, clearly.

Niklas has left the Main Dining Table.

Sabella has left the Main Dining Table.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, 2 Grayson House Guards, Clark, an exasperated guard leave, following Sabella.

Sabella leaves, following Niklas.

Rising in one fluid motion and smoothing her hands over her hips, Carita takes this moment of distraction to make her way to Talen, leaning in to murmur softly to him before turning to dip a small curtsey to the room at large before departing.

Oswyn has left the Main Dining Table.

The alcohol seems to hit all at once and Eleyna lays her head on the table, muttering, "Fuck."

Seth has left the Dining Table.

Cale, the Highhill War Hound pup, Thunder, the Highhill War Hound leave, following Seth.

Jordan checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 45 higher.

Talen nods once to Carita, "Of course, farewell."

"Not that you would know." That's strong tea. "Maybe your wife does" Alarissa quips back.

"We are not High Lords and the furniture isn't ours. I can't imagine explaining that away to your father. I'm not sure I can think of a subject I'd like to discuss less with him than..." Vanora gestures vaguely again. She rises to her feet only with the help of her husband and smiles genuinely towards Talen and Eleyna. "Archduchess, Archduke, thank you for having us...and for doing this. It's important. I'll see you soon I'm sure."

Jordan manages out of the Estate without stumbling into a door, so all good. Nobody wants to smash their faces where Niccolo likely took one of his wives, after all. "Goodnight!" He shouts out, and then is gone.

"I'd rather read a nice adventure story myself, or perhaps a historical account," Darren remarks, snatching a shot from a passing tray with alacrity and sending the vodka down the hatch. "Bleauch," he states eloquently as the flavor twists his lips. "Delightful."

Waldemai accepts his small share of the liquor gratefully, as though he is very thirsty. At a tea party. Go figure.