Tesha arrives by herself and dressed a bit more warmly for the weather. She's unpacked her brown leather cloak that's lined with marten pelts and she's wearing a pair of golden brown gloves on her hands. Her dress is still the crimson that she usually wears. She's been to the Spirits before, so there's a smile as she enters and removes her hood. She moves to the side to greet those that she knows, which is most of the people here, "Sister-in-law and brother-in-law." she smiles to Khanne and Arik. There's a wave to Cullen and a dip of her head. Then a nod of greeting to Violet, Adriana and Genevieve.

Gianna seems to be finished tuning her gittern over at the bar, and now she's just plucking out a simple tune. She inclines her head to Arik when he arrives, a faint smile curving her lips but not quite reaching her eyes - as usual. And since she's right near the people Tesha just nodded to, she inclines her head to the woman as well.

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

Chantilly, the demure companion, Lille, the dauntless companion, 2 Crimson Blades Private, Fairen arrive, following Elgana.

Adriana's a bit shy as she enters, clad in fall colored wools and wearing an apprehensive look on her face. Seeing a few familiar faces, she brightens a little. Tesha is given a nod back of hello before she goes to join Genevieve. The Oathland girl is -clearly- an Oathlander, with rosy cheeks and a golden blonde cast to her hair. Nothing at all Northern about her.

Shav looks like... A shav dressed like a lord. Mottled grey coat of wool with fur trim, crimson leather vest covering a shirt tucked into snug black leather pants and matching soft leather boots. His swordbelt sits slanted across his hips with a pair of blades hanging from it. Arik makes his way towards Khanne and Gianna an easy smirk on his face and frosted grey eyes skimming the room. "Well Khanne I -think- your gathering is smaller than the one I organized, but that's to be expected. Experience trumps youth."

Violet's eyes move to the door and widen. Over the rim of her glass she takes in her patron's new duds. And doesn't hide it. From head to toe and back again. As she lowers the glass, licking her lips, she even gives a whistle as he approaches. "Someone finally dressed your up," She teases him. "Welcome back. Did you enjoy Stormwall?"

Khanne is standing near the center table, facing the entry so she is able to greet everyone that comes in, at least with a nod and a smile if she is caught in conversation. She is, indeed, conversing with those that mill about. There is whiskey all around on tables and servers trays alike, and dishes of various food types for the enjoyment of all as well. She smiles and lifts a hand to wave to Cullen and Tesha before she looks around the room. "Good evening everyone! I am glad you have all come to enjoy a bit of a reprieve from the weight of the world on our shoulders. Tonight, is for you! Drinks, food, and song from House Halfshav to all! Anything other than Whiskey is on your own tab, but whiskey is on Halfshavs!" She grabs a bottle from the nearby table and lifts it high in the air. "Enjoy! Mingle! And when she is ready... listen to Gianna's lovely song... or bawdy song, as the case may be. Enjoy!" She then spots Arik and smiles his way... until he opens his mouth. Then, her eyes roll so far back in her head and she sighs. "Some people..."

Arik has joined the A central table with benches.

Khanne has joined the A central table with benches.

Taking the tea from Violet with a warmer smile, the red-clad sellsword lifts the cup to her lips, but not before giving it a sniff. With an approving look on her face, she sips the tea and seems to find that acceptable too. To Violet, she says, "Thanks. I'm sure she knew all sorts of good remedies, right?" Then when Adriana moves closer, she smiles again, "Ada, hello. Good to see you. Have you met Commandant Violet Marjawn before." Turning to Violet, she adds, "This is my cousin Adriana, Vi. Well, Jon's cousin. My mine now too."

Magnus arrives clad like a proper Redrain nobleman. Which means his coat combines not only high quality cloth, but also fur and bone accents, all within proper norms. If necessarily much larger than the usual to fit the Count. He walks into the Spirits alone, and pauses near the door, getting acclimated with the crowd gathered within, and perhaps looking a little lost. But he's here! That's a good first step, yes?

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Coraline.

With her retinue in tow, Elgana enters arm-in-arm with Fairen, tugging on the Leary with a laugh as she says to the man. "Cheer up, have fun and all will be well!" She pauses as the entrance, her ladies and guards filing off to go sit where they please and gives a look around. "Not too terrible a turn out and Gianna has a lovely voice. You will enjoy this." As she drags him from the door she gives smiles and nods to those she knows, a waggle of fingers here and there until she dumps Fairen into a seat and takes one herself. "And drink something strong!" she advises the man, gesturing for a server as she makes ot sit.

Elgana has joined the Sturdy Table.

Fairen has joined the Sturdy Table.

Arik claims a seat across from Khanne at the center table and plops down. Whiskey flows rather freely and Arik claims a glass with ease lifting in a cheers. "To Vala Khanne and Gianna Whisper. A night to remember or forget." and then it's down the hatch with the whiskey the Halfshav Sword tipping his head back in the act and the whole glass is emptied.

Tesha has joined the A central table with benches.

Cora arrives all by her lonesome, if you don't count the oh wait she forgot her guards at the training center, freeeeedooooooom!!!!!! And so it is a Cora free from followers for the evening arrives to mingle and party, briefly. Today she sports some lovely new bruises and is holding her left shoulder a little funny, but she is loaded down with pain killers so it's all good!. "Rum, there should be some!" She calls even before she makes note of the people here that she knows, which she does next and waves, with her right arm, to all those people.

Violet has joined the A central table with benches.

Adriana wrinkles her nose. Free... whiskey? Okay. She takes a glass as one of the waiters brings it by and sips. Clearly she's not used to it because her nose screws up more as she settles in alongside Gene. "Nice to meet you," she replies to Violet, bobbing a curtsey with skirts gathered in one hand. "Count Magnus," she calls to the gentleman with a smile. "I love my new rooms! I've gotten all settled in now."

From his spot at the booth in the back, Coraline, Fairen, Arik, Elgana, and Lucita now get greetings as well with a friendly wave. "Princess Coraline, Marquis Fairen, Sword Arik, Princess Elgana, Baronness Lucita. A pleasure to see you all again as well," Cullen calls out after taking a long swig of whiskey before setting his glass down again.

Violet turns her attention from Arik to Adriana and smiles. "Nice to meet you, Adriana," She says warmly, holding out a hand to the woman. Her grip is firm, if taken, but friendly. The whiskey is gulped back and she gets herself another. Plus as many little pastries as one hand can hold. "My mom? She knew a fair few aye, come on and join me," The invitation given to the two as she turns and walks over to sit down next to Arik.

Gianna slips off her stool at the bar and says, "I do hope someone has a glass of whiskey waiting for me after this song." She looks over the room, her expression calculating. She looks pretty Lycene, really, though the feather earrings are perhaps a nod to Redrain fashion. "The last time I was here," Gianna says, her voice cutting over the noise and conversation, "I sang a song. It was a popular song. It was also a bawdy song. And so I penned a new song. It's simple but it's filthy, and it should be easy to sing along to."

Genevieve has joined the A central table with benches.

Being lead arm-in-arm by Elgana, Fairen follows the Redrain Princess with a slightly wrinkled nose, and a mildly red face that is slowly returning to a normal color. "'Cheer up.' She says." Fairen murmurs, a tone that is shifing from frustration, to be more into something of a mild teasing. Then he takes a deep breath as she guides him to a seat, wrinkling his nose up at her again. "Alright, alright. A double shot of whiskey in my tea this evening should settle my mood some." With Coraline arriving though, he casts his glance towards her, working a soft smile in her direction.

Lucita steps into the bar, her dogs and guard remaining at the entry. She pushes the hood back from her face to let it fall around the shoulders and free her hair to tumble in wayward curls around her shoulders and down her back. "Good evening Lady Khanne. I hope you are well." She moves toward the side to leave room for others to enter and gives a tiny smirk at the exchange of comments and expression between Khanne and Arik. "Any warm drinks? And hello Princess Elgana, Lord Cullen and the rest of you!"

Oh good, someone he knows! Magnus turns to Adriana, leaving the threshold to speak to her. "I'm glad to hear. We've been fortunate enough with the quick building of the Hall, thanks in no small part to your efforts." he smiles, the giant of a man glancing at the others around Adriana, inclining his head respectfully before introducing himself with "Count Magnus Stahlben, a pleasure."

Porter arrives late, but he arrives. Free whiskey is most definitely a good reason to show up.

"Cullen!" Elgana calls as she turns and waggles her fingers at him. "How's your dear sister? I should write her soon but if you see her before I do tell her I miss her." She then turns back to nudge Fairen. "Double shot of whiskey and maybe some tea on the side," she chides in a teasing tone before she waves toward Lucita. "Baroness Lucita is always lovely to see you. I hope you've been well. And of course, Lord Arik, I am glad to see you've returned safe and sound from the North. And with congratulations due to you on your new position as Voice." As soon as she gets a glass in her hand it is raised to the Lord. As she sips her dark gaze shifts and moves from face to face, settles on Gianna and then flits to Cora who gets a wave. "Princess Cora!"

With a bow to all at the table, but focused on Arik this time, Genevieve offers a quiet but respectful, "My Lord." Then to Magnus, a dip of her head of an equally courteous bent, "Count Magnus. Very good to see you. Thank you again for the welcome to your home." beckoning Adriana a little closer then, taking one hand from her cup of minty-scented tea, Genevieve takes a seat unless it seems that she would be breaking any rules of proper conduct.

Tesha gives a smile to Khanne, "It's good to see you again." she tells her. Then she's settling into a seat at the same table that Arik and her are at. She leans in to speak with them, a smile on her face as she does.

Gianna begins to walk as she sings. She catches sight of Porter and inclines her head to him before she starts to sing.

Oh farmer, oh farmer,
I'm in a bad way,
Oh farmer, dear farmer,
At the start of the day
Farmer, dear farmer,
I'm in such a mood
Oh farmer, oh farmer,
I never feel good.


At the central table it would appear that Khanne and Arik take no time to settle into some sibling antics as they sit across from each other one dressed in skin revealing silk the other in wool, leather and furs. I wonder what they could be 'discussing'? Those that note Arik though get his attention but Gianna is singing so he beckons them to the central table for his time.

Gianna checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 53 higher.

Adriana is given a smile as Cora sees her, "I should visit the Restless Knight soon again, I do miss the milk." Fairen is given a warm grin, "So is this a truce at last?" Cora calls and indicates Elgana. Cullen is given a grin, "Sword Cullen! A pleasure to see you again!" Violet is given a small salute, "Commandant, that last training bout was killer." Elgana gets a brilliant smile, "Princess Elgana! It is always a pleasure to see your wonderful shining face." Arik gets a smile as well, "Sword Arik, I swear you must live in this bar." But a curious look is sent to Khanne and she smiles, "Ah it is a pleasure to meet you, I have heard nothing but good things about you." Cora gives a respectful nod. She settles in to listen to this filthy song that was promised. Can never have enough of those.

"Of course. Both yourself and your husband have proven you deserved a place. You've been well, I hope?" Magnus answers Genevieve, before glancing back to Gianna as she begins to sing. He should probably sit down! And so he does, in case he's hiding the view of the performer.

Magnus has joined the A central table with benches.

Fairen wrinkles his nose up playfully at Elgana as she nudges him, turning towards her and perhaps only just halting himself from sticking his tongue out at her. "I think too much whiskey will not end well for anyone this evening." He decides, then turns to look over at Gianna as she starts to sing. Apparantly, the singing is enough to further settle his mood, a soft smile forming on his lips as he listens to the song. Then he looks over at Adriana and wrinkles his nose up at her, again, playfully. "Mistress Adriana, what a pleasant surprise for me to see you yet again."

Porter tucks his lips into a barely concealed smile and spends a moment searching out the source of all joy: free alcohol. There it is. Porter takes advantage.

Gianna keeps walking and singing, and she finds herself a mark in Magnus, it seems. The next verse is directed to him, with Gianna playing coy as her voice rings out.

Oh farmer, oh farmer,
I need a cock,
Please give me a cock
To wake me



A grin at Elgana and a dip of his head. "Of course, Princess Elgana. I shall make sure to do so. I saw her but yesterday, I am sure I shall soon again." But Cullen quiets down then to listen to Gianna's song with raise of his glass at Cora at her greeting with a bright smile.

Adriana dreads a 'filthy' song from Gianna. But so far, nothing so bad. It's just a song about a rooster. So the Oathland girl doesn't look entirely anxious. She smiles back at Violet and does indeed shake hands cheerfully. She sits, nodding back to something her cousin-in-law asks. "Nothing that isn't out of my keeping," she answers to Genevieve before nodding back at Magnus. "I'm just starting to set up ledgers and review what we already have on file. And I met.. oh yes, Marquis Fairen earlier." So she says just as he calls out to her. "And hello Again, My lord Marquis," she replies brightly. The smile fades as she takes another sip of the whiskey and shudders.

Violet turns to grin at Coraline. "Oh aye? Good. Well, I am happy to run you through more if you like," She says warmly. Then Gianna's is singing and her attention on Coraline is lost. The woman is grinning and it is full of mischief as she listens to the song.

Khanne scoffs at Arik at the table, then looks up at Lucita. "Good evening! I am sure there are plenty of warm drinks. Whiskey's on the house though. However, I often drink Whisktea. Which is warm. Perhaps you could try some of that?" She nods and says, "I am well enough. How have you been?" She turns to Tesha and says, "and you! For being related, I feel I should know you better." She stops talking though, in order to listen to Gianna sing. She tilts her head, smiling, waiting to see how the song progresses. Coraline's compliment makes her look momentarily shy, a brief glimpse really. After that fleeting second, she smiles and says, "you as well.... Cora, is it?" She had picked up the name from someone elses lips earlier. "Oh! Coraline! We are to ... Hi! It is good to meet you."

Gianna struts about as she sings, plucking at her gittern. It's true, it's a very simple song, but she's selling it.

How about that cock?
It leans to the right,
It leans to the right,
It can hardly walk
But what about that cock?
It leans to the right,
It leans to the right,
It's true.


Magnus checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 44 higher.

Lucita looks at the others gathered and listens a while to the music but instead of joining in she just murmurs something quietly to Arik.

The lyrics of the song quick catch Elgana's attention, the Redrain laughing and watching as Gianna plays it up.

Adriana has joined the A central table with benches.

Gianna gets back to the chorus. Simple!

Oh farmer, oh farmer,
I need a cock,
Please give me a cock
To wake me

And on to the next verse. Sashaying with a sway to her hips, Gianna approaches Elgana this time.

What about this cock?
It's so very stiff
It's so very stiff
It can hardly walk
How about this cock?
It's so very stiff,
It's so very stiff,
It's true.


To Magnus, Genevieve inclines her head, a smile offered, "Very well, thank you. It's a very good room. And I also hope that and Paige are settling in well. I know you've been very busy." To Ada, a couple more nods after another sip of tea, "That's good to hear, Ada." To Fairen, she offers yet another nod in polite greeting, "Marquis Fairen." Then another sip of tea.

Cora laughs at Violet's words and nods as she drinks down her rum, "Oh anytime," She pauses, "Actually give it a week then we will do it again." Khanne gets a smiling nod, "Yes, yes indeed I am that one. It is a pleasure."

Gianna choosing her mark in Magnus leads to... nothing much from the Count. He chuckles in amusement and takes a drink of whiskey, but otherwise, doesn't seem bothered or flustered by having that part of the song directed at him! "I don't think there'll be much on file at this point, but if I find any missing paperwork, I'll certainly send it your way." he tells Adriana. To Genevieve, he nods, pleased. "Good, I'm happy to hear. Yes, busy, but it's been the good sort." And then he seems content to listen to the conversation around him, and listen to the amusing song.

Adriana admits to Coraline, "I actually, um, resigned," she says with a faint blush. "I have a lot to do with assisting Count and Countess Stahlben for now, and it felt... odd just because of my change in alliances," she continues. "So I don't work there anymore..."

Florian arrives, following Derovai.

Derovai strolls through from the Carl Hall -- at a brisk clip, without stopping. No, not even for Foolsbane.

Violet finds herself snorting at something Khanne says. She glances at Arik as she joins in on the chorus, "Oh farmer, oh farmer, I need a cock, please give me a cocke, to wake me," And she's giggling and singing badly too.

Florian leaves, following Derovai.

Khanne says something at the table to her brother, then blinks when Gianna's lyrics make way to her ears. "Oh... my." She then gets that almost evil impish grin and says to Arik, "Good thing I get woken up just fine. Am I right?" She nudges her foot against Arik's shin under the table, sort of, almost, not quite, gently.

Cora nods with an understanding smile, "I would love to visit with you sometimes anyway." She says to Adriana, "But I understand."

Porter snorts at Gianna's bawdy song and finally finds a place to land and put his feet up for quality people watching, most especially those closest to the melodious entertainer as they're the ones most likely to color at the lyrics.

Lucita gives a warm smile to the others, speaks softly to Khanne and pulls her hood up as she slips back out.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Lucita.

Gianna flashes a grin at Violet when she joins in on the chorus. Yes! Good! The smile seems genuine, even. Aloof as she may seem, she does enjoy performing.
Oh farmer, oh farmer,
I need a cock,
Please give me a cock
To wake me


Genevieve checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

The song Gianna sings elicits a soft chuckle from Fairen, the red in his finally flushing out of his expression. Adriana is responding to him, and he looks back at her, his smile growing slightly on his lips as he inclines his head at her. Though his gaze doesn't linger on her for long, and instead he looks over to Coraline, wrinkling his nose up at her. "A truce, with the vile Princess Elgana?" He replies, his tone soft and filled with amusement as he shakes his head. "Never!"

Evidently Halfshav's are not the best audience members while everyone else is mostly listening to the song there appears to be some manner of kicking happening under the table and Arik is pointing his finger in Khanne's direction. The last time that happened...

Tesha gives a look to the Greenmarch lord that is sitting by himself and she waves a glove at him, "Are you going to join any of the populated tables, Lord Cullen?" she calls to him.

Lucita's leaving gets a faint furrow of brows, but otherwise Cullen seems to be enjoying the music well enough, even if something else seems to occasionally cause a flash of irritation to cross his face. Finishing up his glass of whiskey and ordering another, he shakes his head at Tesha. "No, I'm quite well where I am at, Lady Tesha, but thank you."

Fairen's words cause Cora to laugh, "Vile? Hardly that, she is kind and lovely. I think rather you just need a proper bit of negotiation going on. A compromise? Or shall this war be eternal?" Cora asks with amusement lacing her voice, however even more amused at the song.

"I'm too terrible a princess apparently for such a thing as a 'truce' from the wicked Marquis but he'll learn eventually," Elgana says to Cora with a wink. As her rum arrives she focuses on it for a moment though her head is canted as she listens to the song further, chuckling at the lyrics.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice arrives, delivering a message to Cullen before departing.

Lord Cullen looks irritated, and he is a tempting target. Almost, but not quite. Now she's making her way to Adriana.

How about that cock?
It's so very fat,
It's so very fat,
It can hardly walk
What about that cock?
It's so very fat,
It's so very fat,
It's true.


Pawn, the courtier's apprentice arrives, delivering a message to Cullen before departing.

Receiving two quick messages in a row, however, Cullen's mood seems to brighten, and he rises from the booth with a wave to the room before heading out. "Thank you again for the entertainment."

Cullen has left the Back Booth.

Well Khanne turns in a huff and Arik slams another shot of whiskey a temporary ceasefire as Gianna approaches Adriana and the big table the crowd seems to be at.

Coraline and Elgana both rebuttal his teasing words, and Fairen chuckles softly, wrinkling his nose up at them both. "You too, Cora? How -could- you!?" He teases, shaking his head over at her. "Caith, Iliana, and now -you- have joined sides with the wicked Princess. My family has betrayed me!" He declairs in a low, purposefully dramatic tone. Then he looks back at Elgana and wrinkles his nose up at her too. "I will only 'learn' when you stop being such a pain in the rear."

Porter is laughing, watching people struggle to compose themselves in the face of the song. Most are quite good at it, which makes them utterly joyless in Porter's opinion. But then, Porter may have arrived preloaded. He is certainly in high spirits.

Adriana checked composure + streetwise at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Adriana nods back at the singer. It's a song about roosters, and she's a farm-girl by the look of her. "That would would be better for the supper table," she agrees, giggling faintly. She misses the table conversation as the singer targets her- but two and two make four and she goes oooooh. Her cheeks color a little and she laughs a little higher in pitch now.

"Well Fairen, there is a theme here. Female, female, female and female" Cora says grinning, "See we are just the superior gender and have learned to come together for a common cause which is interpreted as being a pain in the rear but really it is just being amazing." Cora's smile is overly sweet as she teases him.

Violet is grinning and joining in on every chorus. As Adriana is accosted her dimples appear. And here comes another chorus and she rocks back and forth. As the girl laughs she shoots the rest of her whiskey, and reaches for the bottle on the table to refill it.

Gianna keeps singing, turning back to the tavern a large. She is so woeful. She is begging this farmer.

Oh farmer, oh farmer,
I need a cock,
I need a cock to get off!

The last line is particularly lusty, and then the song is over.

At the end of the song Cora cheers and claps the singer, "Wonderfully done!" She gives the room at large a broad smile, "And now I must away, I came only for briefly." A wave to each then off she goes.

Tesha gives a bit of a frown when Cullen just leaves and the Telmar woman looks to Arik for a moment and shakes her head. There's a look over the room and she spots Porter. The elusive Kennex brother. But then Arik draws her attention again.

"Ah, see there, Fairen? Mystery solved, hm? Cora knows exactly what she is speaking on," the Redrain laughs and then breaks into applause as the song comes to a lusty end. "Well sung!" Elgana calls to the songstress. And as Cora makes to leave she gives the princess a wave. "Pleasure to see you again, dearest!"

Genevieve might have look a little bit worried, just a teeny bit, at Gianna's lovely serenade to Adriana, but at the laughter she can't help grin faintly. Then as the singer finishes off her song, Genevieve places her cup down on the table and applauds firmly without going CRAZY with it.

3 Thrax Guards leaves, following Coraline.

Magnus' laugh comes as an amused rumbling, whether at Adriana's response or Gianna's song hard to tell. Probably both, however. "Good show!" he calls, using his mug upon the table as way of applause. Apparently the good Count has drank enough to not have his drink spill from the action, and indeed, it's swiftly filled again for a second round!

Fairen wrinkles his nose up at Coraline, sticking his tongue out at his younger cousin. "Oh no, you have just been deceived by the beautiful Princesses malicious charms." He replies towards her, then looks over at Elgana as she adds to the teasing, reaching a hand towards her midsection and tickling her briefly. "Such a pain!"

Adriana takes a hasty gulp of her whiskey and starts to cough. Clearly it doesn't sit well with her. That or the song has her looking a little pink.

Arik says something to Tesha and begins to applaud Gianna with an easy grin and a rumbling voice, "Another! Just a quick one!"

Soot, a gray foxhound puppy, Violet, a shopkeeper, 1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant, 3 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Petal.

Porter claps, big hands thundering together with applause at the end of the song. "Jolly good," he praises. Most certainly not the kind of song one would hear at court. It's too sly.

Violet brings her hands together at the end of the song, laughing heartfily. "That was delightful!" She says to Gianna. As she goes to take another sip of her glass one of her Blades comes in. The private siddles up and whispers in her ear. Quiet for a moment she then nods and stands. The rest of her glass is knocked back. "Mmmm, I'll be back. Have to go fix a thing," She tells those at her table apologetically.

Gianna levels a sly smirk in Arik's direction. "A girl likes to take her time," she tells him, coy. Since he set that up and all. But the applause and praise seem to please her; she dips forward in a theatrical bow.

Petal arrives in The Spirits while adorned in leathers and toting along a very large sewing basket. She is followed by a handful of guards. A quick glance is given over the bar as she tries to get a feel for things here. Then tiny seamstress seems friendly, but a bit shy.

Arik doesn't seem to put off with the remark and instead dips his head to Gianna and returns his attention to the table letting Khanne do the proper praising.

There is a minor stir near the central table as some people begin moving away whispering that Arik mentioned singing. Jokes about dying boars and gutted cats begin to crop up within ear shot even!

"Please no!" someone whispers, but doesn't watch their voume.

"Khanne will stop him, Spirits don't like bad noises right? someone else says pointedly for Khanne's benefit, from across the room!

Adriana blinks as she looks up from her cup of whiskey. "Surely it's not THAT bad," she says. As someone has to.

Violet has left the A central table with benches.

2 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Erin, Crimson Blades Private, Jin, Cranky Crimson Blades Sergeant, Gale, The Mighty Pupper, 2 Crimson Blades Lieutenant leave, following Violet.

"Can't say until I've heard it." Surely Magnus is not encouraging such a horror? Yet he looks VERY amused.

"Oh, it's not bad," Gianna says, merrily. "Sing, Lord Arik!"

Just sips her tea. By the Gods. She just sips her tea.

Khanne is overheard praising Gianna: Someone get this woman a cock, STAT!

"At least I'm beautiful," Elgana teases Fairen gently. "And besides, you started this entire thing. All it would take to cease all hostilities is an apology! I know you have it in you to apologize for being such a terror." At the whispers and calls for Arik sing starts, Elgana laughs and adds to them, "Yes! Give us a song, Lord Arik!"

Arik checked wits at difficulty 10, rolling 0 higher.

"I have heard your singing." Tesha points out to Arik. But she says no more on it. Then there is a look to Magnus, "I'm Lady Tesha Telmar. I don't think I have caught your name yet." she states with a smile.

"Well, it is hard to deny the truth when it is presented to you." Fairen replies towards Elgana, wrinkling his nose up at her. Then he bumps his shoulder into hers lightly. "But just because you are beautiful, doesn't mean you aren't wicked. And if I recall correctly, -you- started this fued when you -assaulted- me!"

"Count Magnus Stahlben, only recently arrived to Arx. A pleasure, Lady Tesha." Magnus answers Tesha, smiling pleasantly. "Telmar, from the Oathlands, unless I'm mistaken?" he asks.

Khanne bites her lip. "Oh Spirits help us... he is actually going to sing." Looking around she says, "quick! Use the wax from the candles to make ear plugs! Please do not poor hot wax into your ears!.. roll it on the table.. just.. you know.. in case you were unsure..."

Gianna continues to walk and play, a simple little tune that sounds, somehow, querying.

Mongoose arrives, following Joscelin.

Joscelin arrives, following Oliver.

Petal continues further into the bar, going to find a place to sit. She seems a little shy about the crowd. Still she has a smile of greeting that reaches her brown eyes. She peeks over to Magnus and Tesha, not seeming to know them. "I'm Petal." She says now that introductions are being made. She speaks with the heavy accent of a northern Shav.

Arik checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

To many drinks and a bad singing voice can cause even the wisest of men to sing. Lord Arik is not a wise man but he does sing...

"Little shaman, little shamn, how do you do?
I've got a story just to tell you
I've had nightmares for weeks, there in my sheets
The sounds from afar send me hurry to the bar
Every night in the Spirits I plead
Why can't someone kill these rabbits for me?
I tried to be nice, I tried to be cold
I even threatened them they'd grow old
But these rabbits are quick and they are slick%Little shamn, little shaman, here's some more of the tale
Have you ever heard a rabbit wail?
I have you know, right over there...
It almost made me lose my hair
Speaking of hares, have you seen one today?
I hear it has a headache and can't come out to play"

And he was looking at Khanne the whoooooooole time. It also just happens his timing wasn't bad, his song didn't make people sad, and even the lyrics were contrived his voice didn't take a dying dive.

Maybe Aksel just arrived. Maybe he's been there for a while. Maybe he's just been spotted. It's hard to tell when it comes to these sorts of gatherings, really. But he's there, sitting at the wobbly table whiskey in his hand, like he's been there this whole time drinking quietly.

Aksel has joined the Wobbly Table.

From cocks to rabbits. Adriana just claps in time, looking slightly buzzed from her one whiskey. She doesn't quite get the joke but she's enjoying the song all the same.

It would seem a goodly portion of the bar peers on in confusion at the... Is Arik drunk? Halfshav Lord andother portion of the bar might find that song particularly amusing and be waiting for an encor from Khanne.

Gianna holds her gittern carefully so that she may applaud for Lord Arik. "Are you certain you wouldn't like to join the College, my lord?" she calls to him.

Elgana is overheard praising Arik: Who knew!

Porter applauds, enjoying the songs as much as the drink tonight. Sometimes, that's all you need. Get buzzed, listen to music.

Petal seems impressed when Arik sings so well. She claps her small hands together and everything.


"Look, I don't care if the coin is that good," Joscelin Arterius is telling Oliver Coldrain, a scowl on the plump, pretty jeweler's face. "I'm not collaborating with you on an item for that jackass of a merchant. It's an ugly color in gemstones and you and I have -completely- different styles and aesthetics! We'd do nothing but yell at each other over it." She's in a gorgeous gown, made by a fellow Crafter, her curls bouncing as she stalks along next to Oliver, her gait shorter and therefore a little quicker to keep up with him as she gripes.

When Arik starts to sing, Khanne's misty eyes look his way. Immediately, she starts to laugh. As he continues on, she does as well, her cheeks going red from glee. She claps along in time, seeming not one bit offended. When he finishes, she nods and smiles. "Like rabbits! How do you think he got the headache?!" She winks at him and laughs some more.

Genevieve applauds for Aric in firm but composed fashion, then rests her arms on the table. She's still there, but she's quiet, just watching and listening to everyone around her. There's a lot to see and listen to, after all.

Amused by the song, Fairen chuckles lightly as Arik's singing comes to a conclusion. When Joscelin arrives, he looks over in her direction, giving her a wide smile. "Guildmaster Joscelin!" He says, almost calling out to her from his seat next to Elgana.

Petal's voice makes Magnus tilt his head in curiosity as he turns to look at her. "Well met, Petal. I am Count Magnus Stahlben." he nods. "Your speech is familiar. Might I inquire as to where you might hail from?" he asks politely.

Turning her attention from Fairen she shakes her head but calls out. "Well done, Lord Arik! Wonderful!" she praises the man. And then it is to Fairen she returns and says, "You are terrible, truly. One day you'll wake up and realize how awful you've been to me." Her tone remains light and teasing as she shakes a finger at the Marquis.

"No... No, I'll thank the Spirits for a voice for a night." Arik says from the table and a quick drink from his glass of whiskey before smiling, a rare sight, as Khanne is clapping and laughing. "Thank you though Gianna and everyone else a round of applause for Whisper Gianna. The true bawdy song singer of the evening!" and with that he thumps his broad palm against the table for a minute or so trying to get a second round for the paid singer.

Tesha just /STARES/ at Arik as he sings. Dear Gods. Why. Why rabbits. She wanted to crawl under the table, but she couldn't. She instead gives a look to her sister-in-law and there's a shake of her head.


"It's -red-. How can red be an ugly color? Isn't it one of the primary ones?" Oliver follows Joscelin into the Spirits, mirroring her scowl with one of his own. "And we do nothing but yell at each other as it is. We'll just have something new to yell at one another about," he says pointedly. And then snorts at her, placing his hand on the small of her back as they come into the tavern proper. They are clearly a mismatched pair, considering his leathers are practically common by comparison. He looks around after, to gain his bearings of those already in the tavern.

Petal peeks over to Magnus. "I come from the mountains North of Nightgold. I bent the knee to Redrain though and well live in Compact now though. Someday I will go back." She murmurs softly. "Nice to meet you, Count Magnus."

Gianna spies Porter, and makes her way toward him to murmur something quietly.

"Mm. North of Nightgold... South of Sanna, then. Some distance from my own people's lands. Well met, either way." Magnus smiles. "Stahlben lands are closer to the Everwinter than it is to... well, much anything else. Sanna, our liege, are the ones closest." he shares to Petal.


Joscelin opens her mouth to argue that it's a HORRIBLE shade of red with Oliver, don't be ridiculous, stomping her foot even, seriously, when she hears Fairen call out to her. "You think that's a good thing?" she says, exasperated, and dammit, trying so hard not to smile. "We shan't run out of things, I swear to you, Oliver." Turning her head, she marches towards Fairen like she doesn't care if Oliver is at her side or not, even if she glances his way like three times. "Marqus Leary," she greets Fairen on approach to his table. "Good evening, how are you?"

Porter lightly rests his hand on Gianna's elbow, then smiles and laughs at something she said. He leans in and whispers something back.

Khanne bites her lip, still chuckling slightly as she looks to Tesha. "Sorry... Just..." And then she sees Joscelin. "Jos! Hi! I haven't seen you in so long!"

Chuckling back at Elgana as she rebukes his statement, Fairen looks back at her and wrinkles his nose up at her again. "Terrible? To you? Oh no no no." He says, waggling his finger at her in response. "I am just honest with you. You can be as beautiful and 'kind' as you wish, but I know how truly vile you are, Princess Evil Dress." As Josceline replies to him, he gives her a bright smile in response. "Quite well. Very well indeed. And even better to see you again, of course."

Khanne is overheard praising Arik: Rabbits. All. Night. Long.

Tesha is overheard praising Arik: For how much Tesha is screaming internally right now.

Petal seems thoughtful as she listens to Magnus. "I think that Marquis Cirroch is the liege of Sanna?" She says, but doesn't sound fully sure. So many titlles to keep track of! "You are by Halfshav lands?" She adds a moment later, looking briefly over to Arik who she seems to know a bit. She has a smile for him and then turns her focus back to Magnus. "It is nice to meet you." She smiles over to Joscelin a moment later, maybe just now noticing her.

Arik rises up from the table while Tesha and Magnus speak. Genevieve and Adriana get a fleeting wave of the Halfshav's hand before he's moving over to Elgana and Fairen rather rudely joins them sitting across from Elgana and either beside Fairen or across from him too. "Princess, Marquis." he rumbles with a reckless grin, whiskey in hand.

Arik has left the A central table with benches.

Arik has joined the Sturdy Table.

Aksel is always good for joining in on the applause thing. His own palm smacks the table, causing it to wobble even more. Thankfully no drinks are on the table at the time or it'd might be a tragic evening. Speaking of that drink, he finishes and gets another poured fairly quickly.

Khanne seems thoroughly content and proud with herself as she looks to Askel. She gives him a wave and says, "good to see you again! Glad you could come out!"

"Oh you are awful!" Elgana laughs as Fairen continues his tease, her eyes rolling toward the ceiling as she sighs clearly exasperated by the Marquis now. When Arik joins the table she gives the Lord a bright smile. "Ah, Lord Halfshav! Wonderful song and welcome back home, of course." She glances to Fairen and then Arik. "Fairen this is Lord Arik, Lord Arik this is Marquis Fairen Leary. I am not sure if you two know each other or not." She gestures between the men with her glass of rum before she turns to Arik.


"Yes," Oliver smirks to Joscelin in response to her exasperated question. "And don't even start. It's a great shade of red." He follows her as she marches over to Fairen, ignoring her stomping, bending in a half bow by way of introduction. "Oliver Coldrain. Well met," he says to Fairen, before nudging Joscelin with his elbow. "Have you been hiding in your shop? Since everyone claims they haven't seen you in forever," he eyes her with clear judgment.

Magnus nods. "Quite. Marquis Cirroch is the head of Sanna, vassal of the Halfshav Duchy. Myself and my people are vassals of Sanna, and from Sanna, this leads us to Halfshav, and then finally, Redrain." the newly made Count explains to fellow prodigal Petal. "That's how I've undertsood it, anyway."

Gianna's smile has faded by now. "Maybe," she tells Porter. She turns away and collects a glass of whiskey from the bar, observing the other patrons. Downing a gulp of the amber liquid, Gianna takes up her gittern again and begins to play. She sings a song about wolves in winter.

Standing, Genevieve holds onto Adriana's arm with a gentle but firm grip. "Come on, I'll walk you back."


Narrowing her eyes at Oliver, Joscelin bares her teeth at him. Then blinks, and blushes, and looks to Fairen and his table apologetically. "Ah. Wonderful, Marquis. Was the gift well received? Might we join you?" To Oliver, she huffs at him. "Guild business takes more focus than bench work, and I've been working on the construction of the trade school. So yes, maybe I -have-." Khanne catches her attention. She raises her hand to the young woman and grins. "I may have started early, madam!" she confesses with a laugh. Then tries to step on Oliver's foot. On purpose.

Aksel raises his glass over towards Khanne, "It's been too long," he calls towards her with a nod his head. "It's good to have a drink," there is a pause as he takes a sip, "or three. With so many about. Who knows what the evening will have in store."

Adriana nods to Genevieve. "I'd probably get lost going back even if it's right outside. I'm still lost here..." The girl stands and wobbles into a curtsey.

Wrinkling nose up at Elgana, Fairen grins and rests his hand on her forearm, patting it to further the teasing the two are sharing. "Awful, perhaps! But you love me!" He replies, chuckling and then turning to Arik as he arrives at their table, smiling at the man and inclining his head at her. "A pleasure to meet you, Lord Arik." He greets, any sign of that past frustration completely faded away. Then he glances towards Oliver, smiling at the man. "Hello, Master Oliver. I believe I was acquainted with a member of your family, Mistress Sameera Coldrain." Mentioning that though, his happy expression fades into something more sober. "My condolences for your lose." He looks over at Josceling with a wide smile for her as well. "I have not had a chance to deliver the gift yet, sadly. My wife has left Arx to attend to some business. I can assure you though, you will be the first to know how she reacts to the gift. And yes, please, I would love for you both to come join us."

Petal listens to Magnus, giving him a nod. "I have been in Compact for a about two years and yet the titles still give me cnfussion." Petal admits. "Redrain has been good to me." She adds a moment later. "Anyways, welcome to Compact."

Harlen arrives, following Duarte.

Adriana has left the A central table with benches.

Butterfly, a morbid pygmy goat kid have been dismissed.

"Fun, I hope!" Khanne replies to Aksel, lifting her bottle in toast towards him.

Joscelin has joined the Sturdy Table.

Tesha has left the A central table with benches.

With nods, smiles and bows to all present, and with appropriate farewells, Genevieve lifts her free hand in a wave, then helps Adriana to navigate her way out of the Spirits.

Genevieve has left the A central table with benches.

Racer, a juvenile Oakhaven Bloodhound, Private Fane, Crimson Blade Assistant leave, following Genevieve.


"You need to get out more. Look, you've forgotten how to smile. You don't show -all- your teeth," Oliver retorts to Joscelin, a smirk curving up one side of his mouth. His eyes are warm with the tease, the look not fading even as she tries to stomp on his foot. Thank the Gods for good leather, he feels nothing at all, though he does look curiously downward. "Did you feel that? Like a soft breeze over my foot," he muses, nudging Joscelin, before he takes a seat at the table. His attention flickers back to Fairen, the smile fading at his words of Sameera. "Yes," he says with a long frown. "She passed while I was still away from the city. She was not blood, but she was family all the same," he says. "She is well missed."

Oliver has joined the Sturdy Table.

Aksel grins back towards Khanne and nods, "So far it looks that way." He takes a drink from his glass and turns to listen to Gianna and her song of wolves in winter.

Tesha gives a few parting words to the table she was sitting at and then rises with her whiskey in hand. And sure enough, when she turns to see where Porter went, the large Kennex is GONE. "It's like he knows..." she mutters. Then she finishes her whiskey and there's a look over to where Arik is seated. Then to wear Cullen was. And she finally just decides to do the right thing. She leans over and whispers something to Khanne and then takes gives her a smile before she starts to leave.

Duarte slips into the place and passes easily to the bar. He places a silent order with the bartender then goes and invites himself to sit at the table. "Good evening, all. I trust this empty chair was not being reserved."

Duarte has joined the Sturdy Table.


Josie huffs as she's nudged, but when the pair sit she leans over to kiss Oliver's scruffy cheek. "Ridiculous man," she grumbles at him, settling in her chair and looking for a server. "What are we drinking? Next round on me." She nods to Arik and Gianna in greeting. "Joscelin Arterius, new friends. This is Messere Oliver Coldrain." At Duarte's arrival, she laughs. "Count Amadeo," she greets him.

"I believe it's time I be on my way." Magnus tells his table companions. "A good evening to you all, it's been a pleasure." And with that, the man makes his way towards the exit in that slowly deliberate pace of his.