Carmichael Ulbran arrives, following Theodoric.

Mirari sweeps into the garden, for once not wearing her usual dark hues. She pauses, glancing around at the people gathered before she makes her way to a table by the fire. Offering Waldemai a brief smile, she takes a seat at his table and crosses her legs.

Mirari has joined the table by the fire.

Zoey wanders with Ian along the paths until they come to the clearing. She's wearing a fairly simple amber silk gown with a lace bodice, but she doesn't shirk from settling on a fallen log at the edge of the clearing. One of the staff wanders by with a tray of various drinks, and Zoey picks up two, one of which she hands to Ian. If Delilah is already with them, she gets a small grin. "Better go ahead and grab one, dear."

Acilius, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants arrive, following Valerio.

Demetria Arcuri arrives, following Josephine.

Josephine arrives, following Rowenova.

A little off to the side, where it's easy to see who-all is milling around (and thus also to be seen by someone looking for them), Ian settles with Zoey on the fallen log. They having arrived early, apparently. Zoey has more of Ian's attention than usual. Not that he usually doesn't pay attention to her, but his gaze tonight has a habit of wandering back to her in a way that he'd normally be too focused to allow it to do. He shows no sign of being aware of this. Ian's generally not big on self-reflection.

It truly is beautiful and warm spring night. One that seems more like early summer than the newly arrived season. But the blossoms on the trees and the sweet scent of greet and warm green grasses fill the air as the little vixen arrives in the courtyard. A bright smile finds Valencia's lips as she sees so many beautiful and welcome faces and she nods warmly, a delicate hand extending in greeting to one and all, "Good evening, my sweetest friends, please be welcome!"

Lethe walks in and takes a moment to enjoy the garden and see who is here. She smiles as she looks to Valencia and looks for a place to sit.

Felicia prowls into the hidden garden in her usual 'off-duty' array of black leather accented with rubicund. Evidently that's her idea of comfortable, at least to judge from the way she offers a smirk and upnod for familiar faces on the beeline towards the alcohol.

Lethe has joined the table by the fire.

Under the full mask of her wolf pelt pulled down over her hidden face, the scout woman (Rowenova) shows up, doing so with no cloak but plenty leathers. Beside her is Josephine with whom she walked here!

Roses budding in their profusion and the promise of balmier nights to come provide a thrill even to hardened northerners. Delilah is no northerner, to be fair, and dares to go about without a cloak of any sort. On the contrary, she might even dare slippers for the sake of thanking Petrichor and Mangata for keeping the seasonal shift so very pleasant. "Thank you," she says to the server, her slim fingers pinching the flute delicately and bringing the drink to her. Nothing so much like alcohol and good clothing to add to fine company. "I intend not to let this go for long." She smiles faintly in Ian's direction, but a dark shade moving in their midst beckons her to raise a hand to the flame-tressed woman: Felicia.

Josephine is coming not at the side of some noble, but beside Rowenova, somber grey lycene silks of mourning and with all that aged stateliness that she seems to possess. Someone has convinced the jewelry to emerge. A lift of her hand to return a wave from Mirari, and a murmur to her entrance companion. "This is a delightful place."

Gianna makes her way into the garden, gittern in hand and not wearing a dress or gown for once. The stone pools attract her notice, and she veers thataway, detouring only to collect a glass of wine.

Karadoc wanders into the Hart's courtyard garden at a saunter, looking as nonplussed as someone like him can be, he guesses. Supposes. He's wearing ivory-white silks against a much more casual jacket of leather and buckles and -- really, it doesn't matter what he's wearing? He plucks a glass from a passing server's tray and looks for a place to tuck himself into and people-watch while he gets formally drunk at a very informal gathering.

Theodoric pads out into the garden, the spring night not having changed his wardrobe. His thickly bearded face matching the fur collar of his many pocketed over coat, open loosely in the warm air of the evening. He gives a nod to the host, and looks for an appealing space to occupy in preparation for the evenings festivities.

Lilith enters the gardens in a frilly, long-sleeve a-line dress of jade silk, with black slippers and a silver locket. Her wide, expressive green eyes take in the sights for a moment as she reaches out to bring a flower close to her nose. She takes a sniff and smiles faintly before making her way deeper in the the party. She sees Lethe walk by but doesn't go say hi just yet since she has her sights set on Valencia. "Good evening," she says in her soft, melodious voice in her Mourning Isles accent. "I'm Lady Lilith Melaeris. The garden is lovely at night. I should come see it during the day. I love to garden," she says with a smile.

Felicia snags a whiskey from a server, spotting the hand, and then it's owner brings a raising of her glass in salute and a grin towards Delilah, the cant of her head respectful for Zoey and Ian before she offers a brief wink Rowenova's way, as there's only one woman she knows fond of wearing a wolf pelt.

There's enough of a chill still in the air that Sebastian, when he arrives, is still sporting a coat. He throws it, kind of carelessly, over a chair he definitely doesn't not sit in -- instead heading straight for a passing server to claim himself a drink. "Ah, my dear Princess," he calls, spotting Valencia through the crowd, angling towards her. "What a lovely set up," he's saying, on the heels of Lilith's own offering, smiling brilliantly at her, too. "Lord Sebastian Pravus," he introduces himself to the woman.

In passing, "Messere Arcuri, you look very becoming in that particular shade of dove-grey silk. One's heart flutters in anticipation the day you choose to grace the capital's events in color. I may not survive it --" Karadoc bites on a knuckle, grinning around it. Then he toasts the jeweler, and drops his hand away to take a sip.

A bright smile is offers Lethe's way as she arrives, the little princess looking so very happy to see her. Felicia gets another, the smile growing even more as she is quickly brought a bottle of the Hart's best. With the determination of course it seems quick service is definitely in order for the lady. Rowenova and Josephine are offered a warm nod and a bright, "Good evening! Please be welcome," while Delilah is greated with gently touch of her arm as she passes by. "I'm so glad you are here," Valenica smiles to her.

Scanning the growing crowd, happy nods are offered to Lord Ian and Lady Zoe of Kennex and there is a little cry of happiness as Karadoc arrives. "My lord! It has been too long! I have to see to some things, but please find me later, yes?" Valencia invites offering him a delicate hand before turning to see Gianna arrive and another smile is offered her way as well, the vixen happy to see her return.

And then Lilith is there, looking breathtakingly lovely. Valenica's dark eyes light up and she nods warmly, "Thank you and be welcome, Lady. I am the Princess Valencia. I hope this is the first of many times we see you in my Hart. Thank you for coming," she nods and waves over a little serving girl with a tray of drinks so that Lilith be well cared for.

Karadoc has joined the table by the fire.

Ian shifts his weight a little bit to settle himself on the log he's using as a seat, and takes a drink. He's showing some signs of being sore. Nothing extreme, but someone who knew him could probably spot it. Someone who knew him REALLY well would probably guess that he's been out getting beat up in the sparring ring again. He nods to Valencia, and then to Felicia. Then his gaze is wandering back to Zoey again. In that dress, who could blame him?

Rowenova asides to Josephine, "It very much is. I am glad we came here." Then, she perks up, "Greetings, Dame Felicia!" instantly happy to see her, and it is incredibly evident in Nova's vocal tone. She also waves to everybody else, probably not really knowing them all but she knows half.

Brannen wanted to get out for a little bit. But he didn't really know where to go. Or what to do. It was only be chance that he heard that some kind of 'thing' was going on at the Hart, and with little else to do with his time, the Knight of Solace decided to poke his head in and take a look. The severe looking man with the scruff face stands in the doorway for a long moment before moving off to the side, getting a lay of the land. And maybe to figure out how he should be acting. Or what to expect. Or something. Let's go with something.

All the fascinating sights to see, from wolf pelts and grey silks to a Nightingale and practical guards, hold Delilah somewhat in check from any deep converations at the fore. She tilts the glass she holds back at a modest angle, no threat of its contents overspilling in a molten-gold drop to the floor of the gardens. "This is delightful, isn't?" she says, eye drawn briefly from Felicia's welcoming acknowledgment to the princess at the heart of it all, and then that lightest of touches. Her smile tilts up in a brilliant show of sunny blitheness to Valencia. "Good evening to you as well. A credit to you, Princess." She tries not to beam a little further than that, but dammit, she does.

Lilith smiles toward Sebastian and then says, "Lord Sebastian," cementing the name in her mind. She turns toward Valencia and does the same, "Princess Valencia." She smiles as a serving girl comes toward her and she puts a finger to her chin as she thinks about what drink she'd like. "A pleasure to meet you both. An absolute pleasure. I'm new to the capitol so I'm always delighted to meet new people. So many opportunities each and everytime." She plucks a glass of white wine finally from the tray and bows her head in thanks.

"Lord Karadoc. Some day perhaps I might. A year has passed since his passing, I suppose I just have not found the right shade for me." Josephine teases Karadoc. "Have you foudn the right bottle of alcohol yet? Do I need to slip a dawnstone into one and make you hunt for it?" There's a wink from the much older woman. Valencia's greeting gets a nod but then back to Karadoc. "Lord Karadoc Saik. This is Mistress Rowenova.

Zoey smiles softly at Ian when she catches him looking at her, but Delilah soon wins her attention. The dark skinned woman, black curls caught up in gold combs and a seasilk fillet, grins. "Good. I mean, I'm sure it's not the last we'll see of the server, but nonetheless." She smiles at Valencia when she passes before settling in beside Ian with her drink. But then, there's a Felicia! "Dame Felicia!" she greets warmly. "I've not really seen you in some time. Are you well?"

Entering clad in his armor as he typically is, Valerio halts just to the side once within the hidden courtyard to observe for the moment. His head is cocked slightly to the left to give his eye a better view. Plucking a drink from a passing servant gives hime time to nod sharply towards Ian. A few steps further has him commenting. "So, how are the ribs?" Valerio, sans helm this time, flashes a quick grin as he queries Felicia.

Gianna raises her wine glass to Valencia in a sort of greeting, taking a moment to study her reflection in the stone pool for a moment or two after. She adjusts her hair, inclining her head to Rowenova on her way past. Her attention has settled on Zoey Kennex and her dress, and the bard makes her way in that direction.

Gianna has joined the quiet clearing.

Rowenova slow bows to Karadoc then stands straight at the same pace, "Hello, Lord Karadoc Saik. It is good to meet you." She holds out a gloved hand for a hand shake, her left one. "How are you?"

Marius wanders out into the gardens in simple attire; a neat and comfortable mixture of silks and leather that are not all that noteworthy. Just run of the mill stuff. He collects a whiskey from a passing server as he brushes by Brannen, lifting his glass in a silent hello, before he makes his way over to Valencia. "A lovely event and an equally charming atmosphere," he tells the princess with a vague gesture with his whiskey-holding hand. "Thank you for hosting, you never fail to impress." Having made his greeting, he turned a look around the various places to settle, considering.

Karadoc does grasp at Valencia's hand in greeting, briefly, before she flutters off like some exotic butterfly. He laughs, charmed by the older Lycene lady's tease and he shrugs his shoulders, "Am I so predictable, messere?" The question itself makes him grin a little wider than normal -- as though the answer were obvious enough. "No, I have not found the right bottle yet. One day I might."

Ian catches Valerio's greeting, and nods back, then Gianna is joining them, and he shift his attention to Zoe -- to her. To Gianna.

"My dearest Lord Sebastian! I'm so happy to see you! Thank you for coming," Valencia nods happily, offering the Lord a delicate hand. "Remind me to speak to you of a summer salon I was thinking about. I need your help," she nods warmly, leaving him to the company of the vivacious ladies who now surround him. A shy little smile is offered to Theodoric as she brushes lighlty past him, "My missere. I am glad you are here," she nods sweetly. The presence of Sir Brannen seems to draw the little Vixen's eye and she excuses herself and makes her way towards him, "Good evening, sir. Welcome to my Hart. I do not believe we have met, yes?" she asks the man, offering him a delicate hand in warm greeting.

Felicia mouth's a grateful 'thank you' to Valencia without endeavoring to disturb her greeting others, distracted by her name to dip her head again to Zoey,"Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated, just that I've been distracted by some projects of late and had less time for the more fun things in life." she assures,"That's a lovely gown, by the way." offered in addition, enough so that she doesn't spot Valerio until he's direct there, and her cheeks manage a couple of shades of crimson before she looks up with a laugh,"It's here." she advises with a point to a spot on her ribs,"All garish green and yellow with points of flaming purple... but it's okay... I found the medicine." she advises,"How's your head?"

Mirari has left the table by the fire.

a lithe, dark-cloaked Lycene woman, Loden, a hulking Mirrorguard Adjutant leave, following Mirari.

"Lady Lilith," Sebastian repeats, with a furrow of brow. "Any relation to Draco Thrax? He had a daughter of that name, I thought -- a cousin of mine, actually. Jules is much more on top of keeping track of our many relations," he confesses, with a wry smile. He gives a nod towards Delilah, and Karadoc too, as they greet Valencia, before he takes the princess' hand briefly, leaning into murmur something, before he says aloud, "Of course. I'd love to help you out."

"The benefits of knowing nearly everyone," Delilah murmurs in an aside to Zoey, that stellar rock a steady foundation to take in all else. Inquisitive eyes rove among the unfamiliar faces, and settle briefly upon Lilith, nodding in approval to that gorgeous selection of a dress. "I am simply glad I thought not to bother with the braids," she says in an aside. "To miss this waiting for my hair to be done? No." Her fingers curl in greeting to Marius, too, as he's headed by this way and that.

There was a moment where he has to figure out that he's been picked out, Brannen giving a couple glances around him before he realizes that Valencia had been talking to him. At doing so, he steps forward a little, taking the offered hand in greeting. "Possibly, I'm told I'm forgetful when it comes to remembering people. So if we have, I apologize in advance." There's a slight before he continues, giving a little upwards gesture with his hand. "This event to celebrate anything in particular?" he asks, and then, as if an afterthought adds, "Did I miss a holiday recently?"

"Oh dear," Lilith says with a small smile as she reaches out and grabs Sebastian's arm. "Sebastian, of course. Marjory's son. I didn't recognize you, I'm sorry. Yes, I'm formerly Lilith Thrax," she says with a small giggle. "How embarrassing. Well, to be fair I don't think I've seen you since you were a boy," she says with a smile.

"Ooh, how uncouth of me, messere Rowenova -- the pleasure is all my, I assure you." Karadoc rises to accept the Northern rangers hand, briefly giving it a squeeze. "Don't let my single-minded pursuit of drink convince you that I'm a lush, please. It's everything else that does." He offers her a smile before he drops back into his seat.

Rowenova shakes firmly (but not unkindly) for as long as Karadoc wishes to before letting go. "It is quite alright, and I could use a good drink... so, whatever you are going through, I completely understand."

"He is not a lush. Though Perhaps, Lord Karadoc, you might do some introductions? Lest Lord Grady get very upset with me that I'm not out and meeting others. A challenge set by him." Josephine looks around. "And a drink. Yes, a drink for sure."

Georgette, 1 Greenmarch Guard arrive, following Simone.

"Not missing a beat, the little southern princess smiles to the Marquis. "And thank you for coming, my dear Marquis Greenmarch. I cannot tell you how happy I am to see your wonderful face once more," Valencia beams at his praise. "Promise me that you will not be such a stranger," she insists with an impish grin as she continues to speak to Brennan.

"Tonight is simply a gathering of friends old and new to hail the arrival of another beautiful and with light, luck and love, a fortuitous one. I am so very glad you are here to celebrate with us," the little princes offers back, her dark eyes dancing. "My name in the Princess Valencia. I hope we will see much more of you in my Hart now that we have met," she smiles again and beckons Theodoric to join them. "If I may, have you met Missere Theodoric? This is... Your pardon, what is your name?" she blushes suddenly looking between the two.

"I spent all winter locked in a room, //not// being creative," Sebastian says by way of easy answer to Lilith, clearly unperturbed, to judge by his low-throated laugh. "I'd heard you'd married a Melaeris. I don't get out that way much -- don't leave //Arx// much these days either. You must let me catch you up on all the places to be around the captial some time."

"Lady Delilah!" Marius pipes up with a crooked smile meeting his lips. "You look as lovely as ever, I trust you've been doing well?" That curl of her fingers was as good as any invitation, judging by the way Marius approached and tipped his glass in her direction. "I feel rather out of my element today, but perhaps a good story or two - Which I'm sure you carry many of - Shall grant me solace." His smile was easily given, extending to Gianna, Ian, and Zoey. "May I join you?"

Zoey flashes a grin at Felicia. "Oh, I've caught glimpses of you here and there," she replies. "At a royal function or whacking someone around in the training centre. It's good to see you for more than two seconds, however. And thank you for the compliment. You look quite smart in those leathers; you always do."

Zoey belatedly waves Marius on over. "There's plenty of lawn and probably another log around here somewhere, Marquis. Are you well?"

"Haven't been in Arx a lot, to be completely honest. I was here for awhile before the winter, but returned to Fair Harbor to pick up my duty until the Grandmaster had a need for me." Brannen admits, giving a glance around the area. "So most people in the city I don't really know. But thank you for the welcome." His face blanches a bit, forgetting to introduce himself. "Right, my name. Sir Brannen Harthall of the Knights of Solace."

"Well, those are lovely shades, apparently I do good work?" Valerios single eye winks briefly and then he reaches up to ruefully rub his head. "Well, fortunately it was only my head, so I should be fine. But the house doctor was not keen on letting me sleep for a while. Finally he gave up after calling me stubborn and I mostly slept soundly. So I should thank you for that." The Ostrian marshal turns to look around a moment, and does smile and give a finger waggle of a greeting towards Valencia before putting his eye on Felicia again. "Hmm. Interesting choice of ah... garments slash armor."

"Certainly, messere Josephine -- messere Rowenova. Join us," with a gesture toward the other seats beside the fire. "Lady Lethe Tyde. Messere Waldemai Isenhu. If the ladies will sit, the lord will play fetch and carry of beverages as long as you do not mind me choosing at random." Karadoc wanders off, again, to removes glasses from trays until he has several in his hands. Trying very hard not to drop any.

"That'd be a great boon, Sebastian," Lilith says with a wide smile. She masks the small amount of pain she has when her late husband is mentioned. "I've been waiting for someone to do just that - show me around and introduce me to new friends." She dips her head and then takes a sip from her wine glass. "I can tell you all about the big wide world you're missing out on, too. We should catch up," she says leaning in to give her cousin a small hug. "Let me go say hello to a few other people and maybe we can catch up later," she says before heading away from him with a wink.

Rowenova has joined the table by the fire.

At some minor distance from the clearing, Delilah murmurs something quieter to the Kennex pairing and Gianna. Her fingertips steadily hold that flute of wine in proximity to her mouth, as effective as any fan from concealing her smile too openly. "Much too kind, Marquis. I have the best company to reflect their radiance back upon me, so the light is quite flattering." She gestures lightly. "Please, do join us. We're an assorted sort, but the conversation is always good and the company delightful."

Gianna inclines her head to Marius, enjoying a sip of wine immediately thereafter. She gestures for him to join them, reinforcing Lady Zoey's invitation. She says something quietly to Delilah.

Ian nods to Marius when he approaches. He manages to catch sight of one of the staff. "Just bring a bottle of whiskey over," he says. "And..." He casts a look at Zo -- around. "... glasses. Let's say ten." He slips his arm around Zoey when she leans against him.

Simone slips in and pauses to look around before her eyes fall on Marius. With a smile she starts toward him, intercepting him and slipping her arm into the crook of his, saying softly, "I apologize for being late. The messengers are lining up of late, but I escaped." Her eyes sparkle up at him then she turns to the others to give them a smile in greeting.

Josephine has joined the table by the fire.

Lilith has joined the table by the fire.

Rowenova hollers over, "CIDER or WHISKEY!" to Lord Karadoc, quite happy to settle down with Josephine by Lethe and Waldemai and Lilith.

Theodoric approaches Valencia's group when beckoned, drink in hand, sly smirk in place looking as though he is already enjoying himself. "Sir Brannen, nice to meet you." he says, finally arriving. "Just arrived then? Can't have picked a finer stop than this. Take a drink, rest yourself."

"Well, I am so very glad to meet you, sir. If you don't mind, I will excuse myself so I might welcome everyone. Please pardon me, she offers apologetically as she moves off again, Valerio's wave catching her eye and offering him a bright and welcoming smile and little wave in return as a pretty little buxom brunette barmaid arrives with a little note. Valencia smiles and nods, and then takes to the center of the courtyard, a happy smile finding her lips as Master Waldemai, who gets a beautiful and beyond fond smile saved for those who hold such standing as the most beloved of uncles.

Felicia chuckles,"I find a good set of armor does for most occasions." she grins at Zoey briefly before turning to snort at Valerio,"I don't think the Mercies would recommend a good knock upside the head as a sleeping aid on a regular basis. And well, I have my on-duty armor, and my off-duty armor. On-duty it's the rubicund for guarding his Majesty... off-duty... I choose to honor Death and my family." she admits with a slight shrug of her shoulders, nodding in the direction of Zoey, Delilah and company,"Would you like to join them? I admit I often show up at these things and wind up ducking out once it starts filling up."

Waldemai lifts his glass toward Valencia and calls out, "Always the best whiskey in the city, your highness!"

Simone has joined the quiet clearing.

Marius has joined the quiet clearing.

"Now that's a tall order," Marius complains to Ian. Still, he plucks another bottle of whiskey off a passing server's tray as if he was going to make it happen. With Simone stepping over, however, he was quickly distracted, leaning over to deliver a quick peck to her brow. His hands were full, so he began leading her over to the clearing. "I'm just happy that you were able to make it out here! Please, join us." He cants his head towards Simone, introducing her to the others around, "This is Marquessa Simone Greenmarch, my dearest friend and probably the most wonderful woman in the compact." It's a tall claim, but he can say that about his wife!

Valencialooks rather sad that she must depart to formally welcome the guests and reaches out to gently touch Thesarin's arm as she passes. "You are a wonderful face to see. I am so glad you are here. Please let us speak later," she nods affectionately as she slips off to honour her duties as host of the Hart. The regret of departing Theodoric, Brennan and Thesarin too soon is thankfully eased by the call of Waldemai who's spirit always seems to lift hers.

Draining his glass, it doesn't take long for Sebastian to secure another one -- his steps this time taking him towards the clearing where a group of people are already gathered. "Lord Ian, Lady Zoey, Whisper Gianna," he greets the faces he recognizes, and nods to those he doesn't, as he sprawls gracefully onto a log nearby.

Sebastian has joined the quiet clearing.

Music drifts across the courtyard and gardens to mix with the sound of happy voices and laughter. The air is still warm and the night clear and the sky filled with stars. The little vixen steps forward and the music slowly fades as she coughs gently to get the attention of those assembled.

"Good evening," she smiles brightly "Thank you so very much for coming to our event tonight. We are so happy to have you here with us. Please be welcome," she offers warmly to the assembled guests, her dark eyes glimmering happily to see everyone gathered.

One of the staff goes to the clearing with a stack of glasses on a tray, plus a bottle of whiskey. With the one Marius tracked down, that makes two. Both of which might wind up being needed. Ian nods his thanks and braces himself on his cane so he can rise and go receive them. "Lord Sebastian." A nod of greeting before he looks over at Zo -- makes sure everyone has a drink in hand. Look at that! Manners and everything!

"No. No they do not. They get rather grumbly about it too. Quite loudly." Valerio considers Felicia's words on armor. "I keep thinking about commissioning an armor set for shipboard fighting at sea, and dedicating it to Mangata. Not a bad idea you've given me to consider." He looks towards where she does. "Yes, yes I shall accompany you then. It just occured to me I either do not recall who a lot of these people are, or have not met them yet." Valerio extends an arm towards the woman. "Dame Harrow, shall we then?"

"Ten? The calculations and tactical efforts to acquire sufficient libations for that many people will require at least three hands," Delilah murmurs after a moment, setting down her glass and heading off to proffer assistance such as Marius might require. He is welcome to hand off anything short of an oak keg to her, in that respect. Dipping in a light curtsey, more the flexion of her knee beneath that starry dress, she says, "My lady, a pleasure. After yesterday's sermon, I count it fortunate to make your acquaintance twice over." Her attention turns to Sebastian, then, ever moving in currents. "Lady Delilah Whitehawk. Lord Pravus, as it?"

Brannen lets Valencia go do her hostess thing, deciding that standing out of the way doing that people watching thing is more his bag than anything else at the moment currently. Bree was always the more personable one, less so him. But he tries, that's what matters.

"Tonight is a night to celebrate the return of spring and to enjoy good company. Tonight we have the best of spring cuisine and drink, and later on this evening we shall have some games," Valencia nods to a special obstacle course set up in the rose gardens below. "And please, as always, your happiness is ours. If there is something you wish for, please ask and we shall endeavor to bring it to you," she invites.

"But before we begin, a toast to all of you. For without you our Hart would be so very empty and not half so happy. And so, here is to light, luck and love....," the dark haired little vixen says raising her glass to the crowd. "To beautiful people, kind hearts, good friends and to many more sweet nights together. Again, thank you to you all for coming tonight and for your ongoing support of our Hart. To you!"

A sip is taken and Valencia offers another bright smile as she takes a sip and then nods to the musicians. Once more, the music begins and the little southern princes falls back to let the festivities continue, slipping off into the crowd to welcome everyone.

2 Grayson House Guards, Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, Sabella arrive, following Niklas.

Theodoric has joined the table by the fire.

Zoey is leaning comfortably against Ian, the man's arm around her as she sips contentedly from her drink. Each new arrival to the clearing is given a soft smile and little salute of her whiskey glass. "Hello," she greets in turn.

Rowenova raise up her own glass of amber liquid (half drank) to Valencia!

Delilah raises her glass in kind and takes a sip, the salutation to Princess Valencia supplied with effervescent delight.

"Quite correct. Lord Sebastian Pravus," said artist offers his first name to Delilah, along with an easy smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Delilah." He leans forward, about to ask a question, when Valencia offers a toast. Hardly one to refuse an excuse to drink, he lifts his glass, glancing back towards the Princess: "Here, here!" he calls, before taking a deep draught from his glass.

Gianna dutifully raises her wine glass up for the toast. When it's finished, she greets the newer arrivals by the fallen log. "Lord Sebastien," Gianna greets the man. "Did you ever get around to making that sculpture for High Lord Victus? It was a sculpture, yes?" She inclines her head to Marius, to Simone, and introduces herself. "Gianna Whisper, Nightingale of the Bard's College."

Felicia elects to drain her whiskey, tapping a server on the shoulder so she can pass it off with a nod that yes, more would be good, please. She gives a sharp whistle for Valencia's words and then with scarcely a blink elects to take Valerio's arm in order to lead him towards the gathering in the less-than-quiet clearing,"Just Felicia is fine. And you're in luck, I know most of the people there to varying degree's." she asserts with a cheeky grin.

Felicia has joined the quiet clearing.

Simone laughs and shakes her head, as her eyes sparkle merrily, "Unfortunately, husband, they already know me for the most part, so that might be terribly unbelievable." She turns to Delilah with a warm smile, "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Whitehawk. I am sorry that I had to leave before I could greet you at the sermon last eve." Then looking back to the others she gives a smile to Ian and Zoey, "Lovely to see you both again, Lord and Lady Kennex." Giving Gianna a bow of her head, she smiles, "A pleasure to meet you as well."

Karadoc has left the table by the fire.

Josephine has left the table by the fire.

Demetria Arcuri leaves, following Josephine.

"Ah -- yes," Sebastian looks surprised, and in fact, pleased, at Gianna's recall. "I've begun working on it. My memory of the Maelstrom isn't recent though, so it's slow going. But I've an idea of what I want it to look like. The difficulty is matching what's up here," he taps a finger to his temple, "With the actuality. I've already scrapped several attempts."

Niklas walks into the garden with Sabella, whose face is half-hidden by bandages. He looks around, offering waves here and there, before heading over to where Gianna is hobbing and nobbing. "Nightingale." He looks past her and grins. "Ah, Marquis Marius and Marquessa Simone. I see you've met my protege. Nightingale, allow me to introduce my friends the Marquis and Marquessa of Greenhaven."

Valerio has joined the quiet clearing.

Lethe looks to Theodoric with a friendly smile. "Good evening." She nods to Rowenova. "That is quite a title. I am sure being a scout is enjoyable."

Lilith raises her wine glass to Valencia from her seat near a fire in her toast before taking a sip.

Gianna gestures to Niklas and tells Marius, "My patron refers to me by Nightingale; I quite like the title. Good evening, Prince Niklas. Princess Sabella." Her gaze flicks to the blonde woman's face, taking in the bandage, one brow arching for a moment before the reaction is smoothed away again. "And well met, Marquis, Marquessa."

Ian has glasses and alcohol nearby, so that when Niklas and Sabella turn up, he can supply them both with same. "Prince Niklas. Princess Sabella."

"Good call on a refill!" Valerios own glass is drained and he blinks briefly as his arm is taken and he's lead towards the clearing. "You're Felicia as long as I am Valerio, sound fair? Also, excellent. I do know at least one of them." He does pause in step only slightly at the mention of the games. "Hmmm. Unexpected, interesting. Err."

Simone hears her name and turns just before she is about to move to sit on the blanket. A warm smile lights up her face as she spies Niklas and Sabella, "Ahhh, hello Prince Niklas and Princess Sabella! Lovely to see you both again so soon. Please sit with us?" She motions them both to come and sit with them on the blanket, then moves to sit next to Marius. She scoots in close so that there will be plenty of room for the others, before snagging a glass of the whiskey as they are passed around.

Felicia approaches the gathering with Valerio, grinning briefly,"Of course. Except in formal introductions. Marquis Marius Greenmarch and Marquessa Simone... Lord Ian Kennex and Lady Zoey Kennex, Lady Delilah Whitehawk, Lord... uh... Pravus? I want to say?" she looks apologetically at Sebastian,"And Gianna Whisper of the Bard's College." she offers with gestures for those present,"My lord's and lady's... Lord Valerio Mazetti." she offers, but there's a call of competition, and with a look up at Valerio and then over at Delilah she goes,"Come on, both of you... let's try our hand at the tug of war, yes?"

The conversation around the clearing benefits greatly from whiskey. Having abandoned her wine, so Delilah participates in acquiring a proper spirit, though not before assisting Marius with handing out any. "Our time shall come, Marquessa. Understandably the moment of Lord Alessandro's sermon was not necessarily the best for socialising." She turns her gaze over Niklas-and-Sabella-ward, the pairing receiving a markedly bright smile. "How delightful you could be here!"

And without hesitation, Delilah grins over her shoulder at Sebastian and holds out her hand to Felicia. "Let's. I promise the whiskey will hold for what foolishness I commit myself to acting upon."

A willowy brunette enters and hastens to Gianna's side; the Whisper barely manages not to roll her eyes. "In a moment," she tells the young woman, who nods and hurries off again. Gianna has a long sip of wine. "I'm afraid there's some business at the College I need to attend to --- my apologies." She inclines her head to Felicia and Valerio with the very faintest of apologetic smiles and sets her almost-empty wine glass down.

"Sebastian," the Pravus Lord supplies to Felicia with a nod. "A pleasure to meet you, Lord Valerio." He spots Niklas and Sabella approaching the Marquis and Marquessa, offering a brief, if genuine smile in their direction, and a nod of head.

Gianna has left the quiet clearing.

"Hello Prince Niklas and Princess Sabella! Good to see the both of you." Marius inclined his head towards Gianna as he added, "It's a captivating title, Nightingale. I'll do my best to put it to good use." His glass was lifted slightly at Felicia, Valerio, and Sebastian's arrival. "Good seeing you, please, the more the merrier." An arm pulled around Simone's shoulders as he chuckles at Delilah. "Best of luck, Lady Delilah."

Sabella keeps a tight hold on Niklas'arm, giving half smiles to those she knows. "Marquis, Marquessa, Lord Ian, Nightingale," she greets each in turn, offering Delilah a wave., "This is all Niklas' idea so thank him!" Sebastian gets a nod as she moves to sit.

Sabella has joined the quiet clearing.

Valencia moves from the riser and then it's Maggnus who stands, the grey old war veteran and now Hart's master barkeep grins broadly at the crowd with a twinkle in his eye. "Alright, I see a fair number of brave and bonney folk out there. Who's up for a bit of a three way?" he grins at the crowd. "We'll need three teams for this. Two to pull to the win, and someone to inspire and cheer them on. Who's up for a bit of fun?" he calls out, his deep bellow of a voice rising above the merry din, nodding as he's informed that Felicia, Delilah, Valerio and Rowenova, Lilith and Lethe are up for the contest. "We need one more team," he calls out.

Simone hears her name once more and turns toward Felicia. Giving her a warm smile, she says, "Hello, Dame Felicia! I apologize that I did not see you sooner! I hope that you are well." She nods politely to Valerio, "It is an honor to meet you, Lord Mazetti!" Then she turns to Delilah and laughs softly, nodding in agreement, "Indeed, I felt like I should barely speak above a whisper at most times." Leaning against Marius, she takes a sip of her whiskey.

Lilith stands from her table and reaches out to take Letha and Rowenova by the arms, locking with them if they allow, walking/skipping toward Maggnus with a grin. "This should be fun. I have noodle arms so I'll be the inspiring glue of our team."

Rowenova lets Lilith have her left arm, and she skips over with a small limp, but she does not seem bothered otherwise. "We are going to win." says she, quietly growling to the opposing team! Grrrr!

Niklas passes alcohol from Ian on to Sabella, then leans over to give her a kiss. When Gianna is abruptly interrupted and gets up to go Niklas raises his eyebrows. "Well, at least she and Madialaena appear to be getting along. I had to look long and hard for someone appropriately sycophantic for what I thought the Nightingale would need." He glances around and offers Rowenova and Lilith both a wave. "Scout Rowenova, Lady Lilith. Good to see you both!" Then a smile for Delilah. "It seemed time for an evening out."

Rowenova says, "Hello, Prince Niklas! Good to see you, too!"

Felicia's grin turns wolfish,"Let's. Lady Lilah can be our inspiration for pulling mightily, yes?" there's a dip of her head also for the gathering at the clearing before she tromps off towards Magnnus,"Here! Us, too. Even if the scout is liable to make me regret that choice." she winks again at Rowenova.

Lilith returns Niklas' wave and then gives one to Ian and Sabella and the rest with them. She beams a smile as she skips with Rowenova and Lethe.

Lethe follows Lilith and Rowena with a cheerful smile.

"I pity absolutely anyone who expects me to lift Lord Mazetti." Unclasping one of her bracelets, Delilah neatly threads the serpentine bangle around a leonine brooch speared through the neckline of her gown. "That would be a phenomenal feat to raise your feet off the ground," she tells Valerio. "But I have perfect faith in you both. I have the awful feeling that in the face of our growling wolf-maiden there, I might need to serenade you or raise a lantern high."

Felicia has left the quiet clearing.

Deserra, a shy merchant's assistant arrives, following Alexio.

Rowenova has left the table by the fire.

Valerio has left the quiet clearing.

Lilith has left the table by the fire.

Lethe has left the table by the fire.

Late to the party, Alexio Donatti makes his way into the Garden with a pleasant air about him and a charming smile upon his features. His eyes slip around at those present, offering a wave to those he knows, and then looks around to start mingling.

Ian nods to Lilith when she waves to him on her way over to start tugging o' warring. He shoots Zoey A Look after something she says to him, then gives her a light squeeze and nods in response to it.

Maggnus laughs and shakes his head, "Come on now. This is Arx! One more needed and we'lll begin," he calls as Valencia moves to take her spot beside Theodoric. "I do not do contests much, but if I may be so bold, I would think I am not so very good at pulling the rope," she laughs. "Though I'm happy to try. But we do need a third, yes?" she smiles a little more as she turns to search the crowd for another teammate, a little smile offered Alexio's way as he arrives.

Theodoric, self professed non-team player, has been conscripted by the lovely host of the evening. Reluctantly leaving his seat by the fire and more importantly his glass and bottle he steps to the line, as it were, ready to defeat the oncoming challengers in this very serious business of pulling rope.

"Ha! You know others have voiced such doubts before and done well. Just ask Marquis Keaton. I rode him long and violently one evening and he managed to endure every moment..." Valerio gives just a little pause to that statement before adding. "He was my mount you see, a competition much like the games here tonight. His wife nearly passed out from laughter." Valerio does have a slightly mischevious grin and nods. "She shall make excellent inspiration, Felicia. Far better than I would. Now, do you wish to anchor, or shall I?"

Zoey glances at Ian, nudging him lightly as she murmurs, smile on her lips. Niklas' comment about assistants, however, garners him a sharp and wary eye. "Aye?" she drawls wryly. "And what, pray tell, was the reasoning behind the wretched chatterbox you foisted on me?"

Zoey hardly seems surprised by Ian's comment. She's still staring down Niklas.

"You have been pretty overworked," Ian points out to Zoey, (not in tabletalk this time) clearly too stupid to understand which side he's supposed to be on.

Rowenova says, "That Chloe gal is more hyper than myself or Master Draven."

Felicia can't help but stare at Valerio for his store, eyes going wider and wider in abject fascination before the bursts out laughing at the explanation of 'he was my mount',"You know, that really doesn't help the description at all. And hmmm... you can anchor. At least, I'll venture you're probably heavier than I by a little, at least. But Lilah is frequently good inspiration."

A healthy dose of skepticism levelled by sheer amusement practically radiates off the copper-haired Whitehawk girl. She shakes her head mildly at Valerio. "I shall salute you as the proper mount for such an event, if by chance the Spring Fling involves jumping with a person, then! Such a lexicon of the talents for noteworthy personages shall be essential for thriving in the Arxian social scene, especially with the Princess entering the fray." Her gaze brightens as she turns to the other participants, and clasps her hands together. "Good luck, though not too good, I fear!" she calls to Theodoric and Alexio. "And Mistress Rowenova with ladies... proper introductions might be needed aftewards, I fear."

And, for whatever reason, Zoey seems to be quite satisfied by the look Ian gives her. She looks, quite unusually for her, almost kittenish in her pleasure. But wait! She looks back to Niklas, awaiting his explanation.

Niklas turns a brilliant smile on Zoey, holds his hands wide apart as if moving in for a hug, and says, "Love!" He looks around. "Didn't bring Chloe? This would really be her thing, I think."

"Ok, girls," Lilith says as she groups up with her team, Rowenova and Lethe. "I believe in you. We got this," she says with a wry smile. "Just, put your back into it, yes? I think. Pull with your... legs? I'm sorry. I don't know very much about how to win. But I believe in you!"

Rowenova group huddle with Lilith and Lethe, "Thank you! I will do all I can." Taking off her leather gloves, she stashes them into her pockets on her skirt and rubs together her calloused hands, warming up the roughened flesh there.

1 Grayson House Guards, Thalia, a beautiful lady-in-waiting arrive, following Roxana.

Lethe nods as she looks to Lilith and Rowenova. "I'll do my best."

Zoey extends her whiskey-wielding hand, finger pointing around it as she gestures accusingly at Niklas. "Don't you 'love' me, you sadistic, meddling, scallawag. You purposefully chose a woman who would give me no end of grief, all for your sick and twisted amusement." Eyes narrow as she leans against her husband. "Do you know that woman showed up in my rooms at five in the morning with muffins and coffee? As if I haven't been working so much that I get precious little sleep as it is, you had to hire the most obnoxiously cheerful and enthusiastic wench you could find!" Playfully sulking, she lowers her arm. "She -sings-, Niklas. She sings -at- me."

Rowenova says, "I did that to Lord Arik before the trip North. hah!"

Ian takes a sip of whiskey, and adds to Zoey's litany of complaints a mild one of his own: "I got in some trouble for letting her in."

The server! And whiskey! Felicia snags the return of booze with a grin and passes the glasses on to Delilah,"Here, hold these oh lady of inspiration, yes?" before heading to take up a spot on the rope with a grin for the other competitors. There might be a testing probe of her ribs with a few fingers, and then she elects that she's going to strip down to her linen undershirt for movements sake, dropping her cuirass off near Delilah's feet,"Let's do this... reward's waiting at the end." she notes to Valerio with a laugh.

"She brought you muffins? And coffee?!" Niklas looks around to see if anyone else is hearing this. Someone complaining about getting muffins and coffee delivered! To Isabelle he says, "You should bring me muffins and coffee!" Isabelle gives him a very, very rude gesture in return. "Ah. Fait enough." Looking back to Ian and Zoey he says, "Does Ian not sing to you, Zoey? Perhaps she can encourage him and the two can serenade you all day! I'll send her a vielle. You can enjoy her learning to play it!"

Lilith walks over to stand opposite her team and begins to clap and stomp her feet. "We got this," she calls out in her soft, melodious Mourning Isles voice.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 20, rolling 9 lower.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 25, rolling 5 higher.

Rowenova stays garbed in her leather digs, moving over to take hold of the tugging rope with her calloused hands before setting up her pulling stance!

Delilah takes those glasses thus, looking into each with a focused, definite regard for anything unusual. Already the slanting look lifts up from Valencio and Felicia, winging away to Niklas. "He ought to have sung, but I think I can pull something out of this, one way or another." Clinking the glasses together in the lightest of chimes, her lilting voice scores its own plaintive arc of laughter. "As your lady of inspiration, I bless you both and promise we shall appeal to Lady Zoey for the finest of options when it comes to doing well."

Valencia looks at the rope and then smiles up to Theodoric, "Would you care to switch things up a little?" she grins. "Would you care to be my inspiration?" she grins a little more. "Now if I can find another," her dark eyes fall upon Alexio. "If you would pardon me, may I ask for your help with this?" she holds out the rope to him and smiles ever so sweetly.

Felicia checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

1 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.

Thalia, a beautiful lady-in-waiting have been dismissed.

Alexio had been drifting along, and when Valencia offers a rope toward him to ask him to help he steps forward and takes it in his hands. "When this goes terribly, remember that you could have picked from all of these people," he jokes before shrugging.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 6 lower.

Felicia checked strength at difficulty 20, rolling 1 lower.

"Well, that would be the switch, wouldn't it?" Theodoric answers Valencia. He puffs up he chest, aiming to be quite inspiring of strength and of effort. "Let's go team!"

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 25, rolling 3 lower.

Felicia checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 7 lower.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 20, rolling 5 lower.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 25, rolling 7 lower.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 20, rolling 11 lower.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 25, rolling 8 lower.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 20, rolling 4 lower.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 25, rolling 4 lower.

Zoey arches one eyebrow at her cousin-in-law. It is a slow arch... and a dangerous one. "If you send that woman a vielle, I will garrot you with the strings." There is, however, a twinkle that she can't quite hide in her eyes. She pauses. "Well, no. I won't, but I will find some way of getting back at you."

Lethe checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Lethe checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Lethe checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Felicia checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Felicia checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Simone raising her voice slightly so that Niklas can hear the remainder of her quiet conversation, she says with a laugh and a mischievous expression, "I have been subject to quite a bit of Prince Niklas' humor in the last month or so given that he has been assisting us with a project of late. I felt I should simply return a bit of teasing to him. Yet he gets the last laugh, because I spoke so quietly that he could not hear my teasing." She smiles genuinely at Niklas and gives him a nod, "But he has been quite helpful and we have been grateful for his help."

2 Melaeris Crusaders have been dismissed.

Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

"Doubt we know many of the same songs," Ian says of Zoey's assistant, before taking a drink. "Or that Maggs would be amused by a sing-along of 'The Legate' in the Hart."

Lethe is about as strong as she looks, but she still tries her best.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Valencia has rolled a critical success!
Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Lethe has rolled a critical success!
Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Lethe has rolled a critical success!
Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Niklas gives Simone a smile, though his tone is very serious. "No, Marquessa, I thank you and the Marquis for allowing me to be a part of it. I..." He struggles for words for a moment, then just gives her another grin and shrugs, like, you know! Back to Zoey he says, "I'd kind of like to see Zoey Kennex in revenge mode! You'd get so much done!" Ian gets a laugh. "Oh, trust me, I made certain Chloe knew a number of bawdy shanties."

Waldemai cheers for the ladies sitting at the table, and for the Princess...Oh, heck, might as well cheer for everyone!

Rowenova pulls hard with much growling, her bandaged wounds a momentary bother, but her lovely ally does the best of all, making up for Row's slacking!

The look that Zoey gives Niklas is flat. It is baleful. It is coldly unamused. "That does it," she announces archly. She pulls a quill and a small notebook of paper from her bag. A pot of ink follows, and she dashes off a note.

Lilith is quite the inspiration with her clapping and stomping. "You got this!" she yells with a big grin. "Come on! You got this!" she yells as the teams begin to pull and pull. She watches on as Rowenova and Lethe actually do much better than even she was expecting. She doesn't let on, though, she shows complete confidence in her team.

Lethe is encouraged by the enthusiasm of her team. She pulls and pulls.

Marius was all smiles. And why wouldn't he be, he's got an arm around Simone's shoulders and Niklas is struggling for words. That's a first, right? His mischevious smile sobered soon after, and he was quick to reply warmly. "We are far better for having your aid, Prince Niklas. The thanks goes both ways." The subject might've been a bit touchy, so he left it at that and he turned his attention back onto the festivities - Particularly Lethe, who is pulling like no other.

Ian takes a sip of his drink. "I promise not to cry at your funeral," he tells Niklas solemnly.

Alexio will never claim to be the brawn of any group. So when the signal comes to start pulling, he turns around in the direction of where he is supposed to be pulling and flips his part of the rope up overtop his shoulder and starts trying to run. His feet chop up and down and his toes dig in as much as they can as he tries to do what he can for his team.

Halfway through his glass of wine, Sebastian's leaning forward, half laughing, half encouraging the teams without any particularly obvious bias. His steady drink is interrupted as a young woman slips in, whispering something quietly to him. With a murmured excuse to those nearby, he stands and slips out, following her.

Theodoric raises his hands above his head in cheering motion calling out, "PULL!" as loud as he can at his team. It sounds rather like he insists that they do it, though there is a bit of charm and finesse in it, just a little.

Sebastian has left the quiet clearing.

Keso, a totally legit assistant arrives, delivering a message to Zoey before departing.

The little vixen smiles and winks up at Alexio. "What could go wrong. I have two very handsome teammates. I think I am rather pleased," she nods with a little sparkle in her eye. Valencia takes up the rope and gets a good grip. Competitive by nature, she looks to the target of her affection so to speak and smiles. And then they are off, the little princess is nearly knocked off her feet by the fierce pull of the other two teams but she rallies... and though she is small, never underestimate the stamina of a little vixen who wants something... and she pulls with all her might.

Things could be worse. There is rope, there is liquor, and evidently one particularly unwise creature in the heart of that which deigns to take the matter of a three-way most seriously, and not at all seriously. Her soprano voice lifts over the strain of bodies, the clamour of laughter, and Delilah can wholly be blamed for giving Valerio and Felicia reason for distraction. She has no shame.

"Up and lead the dance of fate, lift me up, forget the weight!
Be known as heroes on earth, strike them with your boundless worth!

Sure of arms and blessed are we: our Lycene lord: broad and pure,
The swiftest of mounts is he, til winter he will endure.

Next to her, the sun shall hide, our dame's arms shine like her hands,
Witnesses to foes that died, victory forever stands.

And I, weaver of the hymn, choose many chords to inspire,
Igniting the soul within, and to hearts, a brand of fire.

For light their sweet touches are, and impressive is their might!
Tangled in a rapt'rous spar, thank god we're covered by night!

What witness feels not awe, nor trembles at our fame?
At the best three-way they saw, done in virtue's lofty name!"

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Alexio has rolled a critical success!
Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Waldemai applauds the lovely singing.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

Lethe has rolled a critical success!
Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Theodoric has rolled a critical success!
Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Felicia apparently nominates her teams cry to be,"Whiskey!" at least, that's what she elects to call as she pulls, laughing and struggling to try and get any kind of purchase against the other teams. The redhead laughs as she endeavors to keep purchase and try to make headway towards Lilah and the whiskey.

Felicia checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Felicia checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

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

Felicia checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Rowenova's back suddenly POPs! "Ah yes!" says she as she pulls harder than previously seen, backing up Lethe with more vigor, now!

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

When Isabelle brings him the news of Zoey's challenge, given that everything happens through the weirdest channels in Arx, Niklas laughs and quickly takes out some paper, scribbles something down quickly and passes it to Isabelle to pass to a messenger. Looking back to Zoey he gives her a broad grin. "I accept!" When Keso passes through his eyebrows rise. "Ah, and I see you have your champion!"

"Good work," Lilith says with a few more claps. She looks over toward Delilah and her song and crinkles her nose and squints her eyes for a moment before turning back to her team. "You've got this! Let's prove our mettle! Wow, you're really pulling hard," she says to Rowenova and Lethe.

Lethe doesn't want to let her team down, so she keeps pulling, but there is a moment where she is a little distracted.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Ian looks generally unconcerned while his wife challenges his cousin to a duel. He tops up his glass.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Lilith checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Theodoric shouts out "Pull!" again, this time though it's the way he puts the emphasis on the L's that makes it over the top, it sounds like the most charming set of L's ever said at the end of the word 'Pull'

Zoey packs up her belongings and retrieves her whiskey. "What of it?" she asks Niklas, unable to keep the grin fron sneaking around the corners of her lips. "I believe one should be proactive, and as this is my very first challenge, I wish to do everything expeditiously."

Felicia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Felicia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Felicia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Valerio checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Valerio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Sabella watches the tug of war with some amusement, reaching up to take Nik's hand at one point to get his attention, "They should've had us place bets. Isn't that the whole point of this place? Or am I confusing it with the casino?"

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Alexio checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Theodoric checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

2 House Mazetti Aspirants, Marius arrive, following Giulio.

Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Lethe checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Keso, a totally legit assistant arrives, delivering a message to Zoey before departing.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Delilah checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

It would appear that Zoey is writing again. Her dog is getting a work out, too.

Quite, quite late to the party, the slender figure of Giulio Mazetti makes his way into the party. He is trailed by his secretary, as well as two armed duennas -- well, guards, really. A faint smile toys his lips as he glances about, before nodding towards the bar. That grey shadow detaches itself from him and makes its way towards the bar, a drink ordered for his master. With a tilt of his head, he offers warm thanks and claims his drink, before stepping towards Valerio.

"I pray you are well, cousin?" he inquires, his tone most bland.

Once a message comes back to him, Niklas quickly sets to writing up his response to Zoey's challenge and hands that off to Isabelle as well. "My, messengers in Arx do run like Mangata's own winds." Niklas takes Sabella's hand gladly and gives it a squeeze. "We should have competed. With you as my inspiration I could have moved mountains."

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

Since her back popped (after round 1 earlier on), Rowenova has been doing well, but will it be enough? She groans low, pulling hard as she possibly can and definitely not ever stopping until they have clearly lost, her whole body is probably shaking right now!

Felicia's ribs might be bothering her more than she thought... or maybe it's the laughing at Delilah's inspirational song, but compared to the other teams it seems she does an awful lot more sliding back than she does striving forward to the glorious goal of whiskey.

Lethe starts to struggle as she continues to pull. She tries, but she just can't manage to win.

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

Perhaps it is the spring in the air, or Theodoric's pretty brown eyes that inspire her, but the little princess is determined to get to him. Her little feet firmly planted and her jaw set, the pulls the rope with all her might and by some miracle.. and likely thanks to the awful injuries suffered by her competitors and a bit stroke of vixen's luck, she and Alexio begin to move towards the grinning rogue shouting out a simple but effective "Pull."

Valencia claims this

Sabella glances

Sabella glances between Zoey and Niklas as the flurry of messengers happen. "Do I even want to know or is there any way I might not find out?" she asks, sounding a touch resigned.

3 Thrax Guards, Freja the long suffering, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant arrive, following Coraline.

"That song was amazing... I blame my failure on the blow to my head last night!" Valerio slides a little in his efforts to hold the line and tug back. Once the third round kicks in hes calling out. "Hey! Oh wait it's fair to claim the ribs since I claimed the head." There is more slip sliding, and then a collision into Felicia as they are yanked across. When the dust clears, his pride and backside are a little bruised. Fortunately Felicia was spard physical bruising because she's landed on Valerio.

Alexio continues to do his running pull, rope held tightly over his shoulder. It isn't dignified, and it might look as though Valencia is pulling harder than him... but he's still trying. And that's what counts!

"Good job," Lilith says as she walks over to congratulate Rowenova and Lethe on their stellar performance, assuming everything ends. They lost, but surely they proved themselves capable. "A very good job. You two deserve something to drink," she says with a smile as she hugs them both.

Theodoric is overheard praising Golden hart.

Ian finishes his drink and braces himself on his cane. "I'll leave you to this," he says to Zoey. "Going to get some sleep so one of us'll be awake when she shows up at 4."

Late, unbelieveably late to the party is Cora and stepping in she steps to the side to take in what is going on around her.

Perhaps the task is too difficult; Delilah may not quite charming her dramatic warrior companions to the height of victory, but she does proclaim, "Whiskey for everyone, and a shot for all. If it's whiskey you want, it's the best stuff of the forest you get," she chimes in, all but laughing aloud. The ending to such things leave her clapping, beaming up at Valerio and Felicia.

Vale, A Baby Arctic Fox, Pearl, A Baby Arctic Husky arrive, following Clara.

Zoey smiles at Ian and nods. "Alright. I probably won't be far behind you. I'll see that the fire is banked when I come in."

Rowenova finally releases the stretched rope, doing so rather slowly before turning back to Lilith and Lethe to group hug with her satin-clad arms. "Yes, and so do you, Lady Lilith! Thank you both!"

Ian nods once, and then starts picking his way out of the garden, watching his own footsteps as he goes. "Good luck," he says dryly to Niklas as he passes him. Because Ian is a dirty traitor. Or not taking this remotely seriously. Probably the latter.

Ian has left the quiet clearing.

Waldemai applauds. "Hail to the victors!" he calls. He finishes his whiskey and rolls off into the night.

Waldemai has left the table by the fire.

The game over and the little vixen spent she nearly collapses against Theodoric. A smile is offered Alexio and a nod of thanks. "I... I have never been so inspired I think," Valencia laughs, looking rather shocked and shy, her cheeks flushing. "I think this there is only one thing to say to this... DRINKS FOR EVERYONE!!!"

Lethe looks at Rowenova and Lilith. "I am glad I joined with the both of you. I'll probably be sore, but it was fun. I think I'll have to wait on thst drink though. I need to be going."

Felicia's backside might be fine, but apparently she's going to flounder like a fish out of water while turning shades of red once it occurs to her just who she's landed on. Spluttering with laughter as she gracelessly endeavors to roll to one side and then offer Valerio a hand up,"I... ah... you didn't bang your head again, did you?" she asks, grinning wryly at Lilah before turning her attention back to Valerio,"My foot slipped." she insists adamantly.

Niklas has joined the quiet clearing.

After a quiet exchange with Simone, Marius lifts to his feet and helps her up. "It's been a bit of a long day and I think we're both about ready to retire for the evening. Thank you for the company," he says to those nearby, "And no, it definitely isn't the whiskey that's making me sleepy." With Simone pressing to her feet and taking Marius' arm, the two stepped out for the evening.

Rowenova merrily chimes to Lady Lethe, "Well, ok! I sure hope you will not be too terribly sore!" She lets go of group hugs and back pats her team mates.

Marius have been dismissed.

Simone smiles warmly to the others and waves farewell to everyone. Looking to Valencia, she calls over, "It was a lovely event, Princess Valencia! Thank you for holding it!"

Simone has left the quiet clearing.

Marius has left the quiet clearing.

Georgette, 1 Greenmarch Guard, Marius leave, following Simone.

Delilah has left the quiet clearing.

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly leaves, following Delilah.

Sabella applauds for the teams that competed, especially the winning one, "Great job!" she calls out, giving all of them a half-smile. It's probably a full one but who can tell with those bandages. "I love that more gatherings are having such interactive competitons! It does raise the bar for all other parties though and I fear I'm not that clever."

Looking about, Giulio takes a swallow of his brandy and raises a glance towards those present. His gaze flits from person to person, a small smile toying his lips. "Interesting... and sadly, as usual, I do appear late to the party. How... unfortunate." He considers the those present a brief moment, one brow lofted in question.

Marquessa Pudding, a pudgy puppy arrives, following Sorrel.

"Not the same one, no..." Valerio cannot stop twisting a verbal dagger a little at Felicia's expense. he does grunt a little and accepts her hand up, letting her get him to one knee so he can rise. He puts his eye on Delilah. "That song was outstanding, on such short notice, well done. Sorry I let you both down there. Normally I don't budge. Hmmmm. Perhaps it was lack of drinking first."

Rowenova says, "Thank you Princess Sabella!"

Late to the party, Clara makes her way into the Hart and pauses inside the garden, stepping off to the side to look around at everyone there. She's wearing a teal lace dress that is cut short in the front but falls low in the back. She stands on silver heels that are about 4in tall and she has a beautiful Star Iron tiara atop her head. Her long hair is pulled off to one side in a long messy braid and she has her diamond plate axe strapped to her back. Even in a dress and wearing a tiara the field medic can't be without her weapon. Spotting Nova as she thanks Sabella, Clara makes her way over to the other woman and places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Nova. Hope yer doin' well tonight?"

Zoey is talking very quietly with Niklas over in the clearing. Her face is deathly earnest and serious. She looks worried, quite honestly.

"I am more than sure you are up to the task, my dearest Princess Sebella," Valencia beams, still a little winded from the game. A large glass of whiskey is poured and served to Theodoric in Velenosan style, "Thank you for this. To my inspiration," she gives a little smile. "And what may I get you to drink, missere. I do not think we have even been properly introduced. I am the Princess Valencia and this is Missere Theodoric Ulbran."

"Not the same..." Felicia starts, and then her brain kicks in, and she does a marvellous impression of her hair with the skin of her face,"I... ah... oh gods... sorry." she manages with a laugh as Lilah slips away,"Well... I say... drinking cures most ills? And a soak in a hot spring can cure the rest." she offers with a grin, pressing a glove to her cheek like that might hide the color, or convince it to go away at least.

With her wolf pelt fully down over her (and peeking out through the eye holes), Rowenova turns away from Lady Lilith and faces front toward Shaman Clara who the wolf scout carefully hugs (making sure to certainly adjust for the diamondplate axe back there to not be cut up)! "Yes, I am doing much better than I have been in some time. There was rock painting for the Lowers orphans, then there was this here Tug of War. I am finally feeling like myself again. Have you met my recent team mate? Lady Lilith?"

Dropping the rope back to the ground and sharing a nod of victory with Valencia and Theodoric, Alexio moves to retrieve himself a drink and then makes his way from the garden.

Deserra, a shy merchant's assistant leaves, following Alexio.

Sorrel drifts in like a cheerful spring breeze, dressed casually in leathers of eggplant and lime, covered in musical notes. She seems to be in fairly high spirits, humming a little song as she makes her way in, glancing over the crowd curiously.

Rowenova says, "My back popped during the tug of war, too! I feel better!"

Finding a nice quiet corner to settle into Cora gives a wave to those she knows, Rowenova, Felicia, Lilith, Sabella, Niklas, Zoey, Alexio, Sorrel, Valencia. That done she waves down a glass of rum to wallflower with.

Theodoric beaming with the rewards of a great inspired victory, and now a replacement for the whiskey he left on the table at the start of this fine contest, he can't be doing much better than he is at this moment. He hears his name spoken by the hostess and looks to find who he is being introduced to.

Draining his drink, Giulio tilts his head towards Sorrel as she passes in. "Your Highness," he offers, before handing his glass off to one of his guards, who returns it to the bartender. A nod is offered to his cousin and then he slips out.

2 House Mazetti Aspirants leaves, following Giulio.

Lilith smiles toward Clara as she's introduced. "Good evening," she says with a bow of her head. She sees Coraline and returns a wave.

Valencia is overheard praising Theodoric: Such charm that seems to inspire great things, an exceptional competitor, and great fun at a party. I am so blessed to know him. <3

Valencia thanks Alexio again and settles in at Theodoric's side, her smile growing as Coraline arrives and the Clara, offering a warm wave back as the final course of the evening is served.

"Good. It is good ta see ya out an' about." Clara offers Nova a smile and then looks over to Lilith and offers the woman a smile, white gaze settling on the woman. "Good evenin'. Lady Clara Crovane. It is a pleasure ta meet ya." Spotting Valencia's wave, Clara offers the woman a nod of her head and a smile.

Rowenova lets go and moves aside, "Is there anything I might get for you, Shaman Clara?" she motions back toward the available drinks and so on!

Clearly this is the laugh of a misbehaving schoolboy, which starts to turn into a bit of a belly laugh. Valerio struggles to get it under control and does his best to look as innocently as he can at Felicia. "M-my, whatever do you mean?" He even goes so far as to mime with his hands a halo of sorts over his head. "As to drinking, you may have the right of it, often the cause and or solution to so many problems, shall we go find out which?"

"Lady Clara," Lilith repeats with a smile, her eyes taking the Shaman in, taking notice of the other's eyes. "A pleasure to meet you," she says in her soft, melodious voice. She bows her head to Clara and Rowenova, "If you two will excuse me, I do need to be going. Have a pleasant evening."

Felicia might think better of the reasons not to do it later, but for now, she reflexively elects to thwap Valerio's nearer shoulder with an abrupt burble of laughter,"Drink long enough, and it's frequently both." she notes,"But, sure... ah, let's. Before I manage to bruise anything else."

After some more quick whispering, Niklas steps forward and gives Zoey a hug. It's brief, then he's stepping away and offering her a salute, "I look forward to seeing my champion crush yours and hearing you announce publicly that having someone wake you up at 5 in the morning with muffins and coffee is actually a very good thing."

Rolling her eyes at Nova, Clara offers her a smile. "No, but thank ya Nova. Just enjoy yer evening." To Lilith she offers a smile before turning to Nova. "Who was that? She didn' give her name?"

Valencia has joined the table by the fire.

Rowenova motions yonder toward the exit door out whence Lady Lilith just went, "Lady Lilith Melaeris."

There is a hug over in the clearing, and Zoey looks almost weak with relief. The smile she gives Niklas is warm, even if it is a bit shaky. She nods when he salutes, and her soft voice remains pitched for her immediate surroundings alone.

Theodoric gathers a number of plates and sets them on the table nearest the fire, not letting any of the last course escape back into the kitchens, making a plate for himself and a variety there of he starts to eat. A moment later, mouth somewhat full he remembers the hostess. "Would you like anything, Princess Valencia?" it's then he eyes the rest of the company who may not have had anything to eat, and motions several of them to the table by the fire.

There is another burst of laughter from the man. He does rub at the armored shoulder with exaggerated motions with a grin. "All right. I promise to behave a little better, Felicia." Valerios rather Lycene grin determined that was a lie. He does gesture for her to preceed him in the Search for Booze. A right proper Quest.

"Ah, well... perhaps I'll get ta meet her again sometime." Clara slips an arm around Nova's if she doesn't object. "So, ya here with a date or am I goin' ta be yer date now?"

The kind gesture of Theodoric brings a gentle smile to her lips, "You are kind to think of us," Valencia returns with a gracious nod. "If I may, perhaps a little tart would be wonderful," she nods to the platter of food. "It is a beautiful night. So many wonderful and lovely faces in my Hart. I'm so glad. Did you have fun, my missere?"

Rowenova never objects to Clara hugs. She lightly snugs her, "Well, I came with Mistress Josephine, but we are not dating. You know how I am these days: 'nobody got time for that'." It is her new motto. She came up with it during these medieval times!

"Well, we're surrounded by booze." Felicia points out to Valerio with a gesture as she grabs her cuirass and at least half swings it on for the moment,"But if you wanted somewhere quieter... well, how brave you feeling?" she enquires with an arch of her brow,"And I disbelieve entirely that you're going to behave."

Rowenova says, "I had fun!"

Acting like she has pierced his heart with an arrow, Valerio puts on his best wounded expression. However, his single eye dancing with amusement betrays him. "We are surrounded by booze. Yet your question has me very curious indeed. I will venture very brave. After all, I think I know a few well placed words that would aid my escape should I find I need to do so."

5 Sanna House Guards, Petroc, the most unassuming man you have ever met arrive, following Cirroch.

Felicia gives a disbelieving snort,"Words generally require the right ears to hear them." she advises,"So the question is... do you trust where I'll take you, or do you have somewhere in mind?" she enquires of Valerio with a grin, nodding towards the door.

"Very much, as usual you're an unparalleled host." Theodoric says to Valencia, shifting a rather large tart on to a plate in front of her. "I've no doubt that my charm will hold in future such contests." he grins widely without a stitch of humility.

"Well... We I don' see her still here?" Clara looks around for Josephine. "No... so that makes me yer new date." She ponders something and then smiles over at Nova. "We can be single girls together. Maybe even stomp on all those nasty relationship problems. Who needs men!" She's teasing, of course, appearing to be trying to chear the other woman up.

Acilius, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants leave, following Valerio.

Merril, a scholarly aide, Warrior, a skittish pygmy goat kid, Valerio leave, following Felicia.

Acilius, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants arrive, following Valerio.

"Oh, oh this I have to see. So yes, I shall trust your judgement Felicia. One moment." Valerio turns and bows towards Valencia. "Princess Valencia, as always a pleasure, and well done. Alas. Another challenge calls me, I must answer it." Another bow and he straightens to turn and face Felicia. "All right, lets see what you got."

Acilius, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants leave, following Valerio.

Valencia's eyes drift warming to the others chatting at the tables and smiles. "I am so very lucky to have such beautiful people in my Hart. It is them who brings such good things," she offers back earnestly. "I cannot say how happy I am to see such good things in my Hart. The little vixen laughs as Valerio returns to say goodbye. "He is a charming man. I like him I think," she smiles to Theodoric.

"Humanity, I would guesss! Babies need to be made!" Answers Cirroch as he enters the gardens, calling over to Clara with a smirk offered her way. He makes his way to the party, looking around a moment before his eyes catch Sabella and her bandaged face. He approaches, his smile quickly fading as he moves to where her and the others are at.

Cirroch has joined the quiet clearing.

Rowenova looks around, "I must have gotten distracted by the Three Way." The... what? She adds in, "Tug of War." to specifically clarify. "Did you ever make that antipenis perfume?" She cracks up, "How did your day go? Shall we go figure out what free food we might like?"
She peers over toward all those tasty treats on yonder table! Then, "Marquis Cirroch! Good to see you! We will not use the perfume on you!"

Apparently Cora is rather unobservant at times and had missed the fact Sabella had a bandaged face. Moving over to their table she speaks quietly.

Cirroch lifts his hand in greeting to Rowenova, though he is talking to Sabella at the moment, and looks quite concerned for the bandaged woman.

Niklas stands in the clearing holding Sabella's hands and talking with her quietly. He glances over when Cirroch approaches and offers the man a nod. "Marquis. Good to see you this evening." He pauses and looks over to Rowenova. "Did she just..." Then he looks back to his little grouping.

Sorrel espies Zoey and company over in the little clearing and heads that way curiously. "Do you all mind if I join you, perchance?" she wonders politely.

Niklas has left the quiet clearing.

Clara looks over to the Marquis when he starts talking about babies. "Yes, well... I seem ta have the opposite effect on men. The day I find a man that is willin' ta deal with Asger an' me... Well, it'll be quite the day." She chuckles. "How are ya doin' Marquis?" She shakes her head at Nova . "No, but I'm still workin' on forumlatin' that. I'll let ya know if I have a break."

A gentle smile finds her lips as Cirroch arrives, but she does not interrupt his moving to join the table. Valencia smile again to Theodoric as she nibbles the buttery crust of the tart, her appetite now finally returning. "I cannot wait till summer. I think swimming parties in the stone pools perhaps? Or maybe a stargazers party on the roof?"

With Sabella on his arm, Niklas heads to the exit, smiles mostly gone. He waves to friends as he goes.

Sabella has left the quiet clearing.

2 Grayson House Guards, Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Clark, an exasperated guard leave, following Sabella.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, Sabella leave, following Niklas.

Cirroch looks over to Sorrel as the woman moves over to join them at the clearing. He doesn't say anything to her, though he does lift his brows her way before turning to Clara. There clearly is something that weighs on him as he speaks to her, his earlier jovalness completely gone. "I'm sure you will find someone eventually. The world is a large place. And I've...been better, is all I can really say."

Looks in the direction Niklas and Sabella left in and sighs before looking for a place to settle again, rum glass dangling loosely in hand.

Rowenova waves goodbye to the Graysons before turning back to Shaman Clara, "Thanks, let me know when..." She trails off, no longer joking around because the somber mood is now concerning her. She worriedly gazes through eye holes (in the wolf pelt) toward Marquis Cirroch before looking back to Shaman Clara, "Should we go sit over there?"

Theodoric looks over the assembly, "Everyone likes a good swim or soak." he replies to Valencia. "Star gazing is a rather quiet past time, staring at the sky too long can swallow a person up." he takes a drink from his large whiskey glass.

"I'm sure I will." Clara agrees with Cirroch. "I just keep attractin' the wrong sort. Nealry punched a couple of people the past couple months. One a Prince." She shakes her head. "His liege gave me permission ta axe him fer his behavior though so that was somethin'." She looks over the man with concern. "What has ya down? Anythin' a medic or shaman can help with?" She looks over to where Nova is suggesting they sit. "If the Marquis would like?"

"This is not my party, you are free to come and go wherever you want in it, though I would appriciate the company," Says Cirroch back to Clara and Rowenova with a nod. "Nothing you can help me with, just a mistake I made that I will have to appologize for later."

Rowenova has joined the quiet clearing.

Rowenova heads over there. "What is wrong? What mistake, please?" Yes, the Northlands bluntness!

"I suppose. Perhaps a silent party?" Valencia muses but seems to dismiss the notion. A curious glance and a gentle smile is offered Coraline, Clara and Cirroch's way, "Good evening, ladies, Marquis. You are faring well? Is there anything you may need? Please ask and it is yours," she invites with a warm little nod not seeming to wish to interrupt but still wishing to ensure they have what they require to enjoy themselves.

Clara has joined the quiet clearing.

Giving Valencia a warm smile as Cora lifts her glass in thanks but seems uncertain what to do beyond practicing her ninja wallflower fu.

Zoey smiles at Sorrel, though it's a weary expression. "Of course, Sorrel. There's still half a bottle of whiskey, and I think one more unused glass." She gestures to a nearby log. "Ian was expecting more people than we had."

Clara quietly moves closer to Cirroch with Nova. She doesn't have to be a blunt Northlander... Nova does that for them both. She just waits to see what Cirroch says in response. Her attention shifts to Valencia and she offers the woman a smile. "I'm doin' great. Happy ta get out of the Medicinary an' not work fer a night. Thank you fer the party, Your Highness. It was a lovely occassion ta wear this gift an' dress I got to go with it." She motions to the tiara atop her head. Not really her normal style but when someone gives you an expensive gift you where it when you get a chance to show appreciation. "How have ya been, Valencia?"

"I rather not talk any more about it, since the offended party isn't here and I don't know enough about the situtation yet," Cirroch says back to Rowenova and Clara with a shake of his head. "Less I shove my foot further into my mouth to the point where I can't get it out." He shakes his head then, turning to Valencia, "I am okay. I have not been out to many parties, decided I would change that. How are you, your highness?"

"I am so very well, my lady. And I am so happy to see you as well," Valencia returns to Clara and Cirroch upon seeing the others are well cared for and not in need of anything. "I"m glad you both were able to join us. I do hope this means we will see more of you both." Large dark eyes settle upon Clara's finerly and she nods warmly. "It is a beautiful piece. You wear it most well. I think perhaps we shall have to have more parties for you to wear it to, yes?"

Rowenova actually looks quite worried but she does not further question the upset Marquis but still offers, "Just let me know if there is anything I can ever do for you!" She can scribe and she can message, and she knows all the different peoples. She back pats him, unless Cirroch does not seem up for it!

Clara simply nods to Cirroch. "Well, if ya need anythin' let me know. I'm happy ta do anythin' I can. Even if that is helpin' ya make some jewelry ta help say sorry or simply some tea ta have durin' yer conversations ta resolve it. Or... ya know... I could put an axe to the problem." She offers the Marquis a smile. "Just let me know." Then she looks over to Nova and says something quietly to the woman before loking to Valencia. "Thanks. I don't... do the whole girl thin' very often." She laughs. "But I couldn' help it... it was a very nice gift from someone who I know can' really afford it. I felt it would be insultin' not ta wear it. So yeah... if there are more parties I should think I'd like ta wear it."

"Thanks Rowenova, you are a friend of Sanna, and I hope you remain our friend for a long time," Says Cirroch back to Rowenova, a smile returning to his face. He looks to Clara, blinking a few times, then lets out a small laugh. "Okay, I can appriciate someone who understands how axes solve many problems. Afraid it won't solve this one though. Jewerly though?" He wonders to Clara, looking to her tiara, "Nice tiara by the way."

Rowenova peeks up toward Clara's tiara, "Ah yes, I actually recognize this, and... it is a fine piece! What fine work he did!" She glances back toward Cirroch now, "Of course, I will always be unless you decidedly disown me!"

Valencia is overheard praising Golden hart: To my Hart of my heart. Thank you for allowing me to do good work in this world. You have kept me alive. I hope we can bring an end to suffering.

Zoey has left the quiet clearing.

Octavian, a silken spaniel leaves, following Zoey.

"I doubt that will ever happen," Cirroch points out to Rowenova with a little grin given her way. "Sasha loves you. She even dotes on you, from what I've seen, as if you were a baby cousin or something like that. It's amusing."

"She's easy ta want ta dote on, honestly. I could do with spoilin' the girl more often but she won' let me." Clara gently pushes Nova with her shoulder. "Wouldn' let me pay her more fer her help around the Medicinary."

The conversation moves on and Valencia smiles to Theodoric, a contented smile finds her lips once more. She settles back in her seat, a glass of wine in her small hands. "It is strange," she muses. "So often as a grand event such as this winds down I grown a little sad. Everyone leaves with their friends and fellows and I am often left behind. But tonight," she smiles a little more and shakes her head. "Tonight my heart seems content. It is a strange and wonderful feeling."

Rowenova likely grins (from her vocal tone when her facial coverage is on), "Thank you so much for taking care of me, both Crovanes and Sannas, the Halfshavs and the Redrains, too. I love my Northlands family!" says she while happily hugging herself and slightly rocking from Clara's nudging.

"The Northlands is pretty great," Agrees Cirroch with a nod back to Rowenova, then looks around a moment before deciding. "I think I'm going to head back home though. It's getting late in the evening, I should turn in."

"No one as sweet as you should suffer not havin' people around. Yer a good woman, Nova. I think ya deserve ta be happy." Clara offers the woman a warm smile and nods her head over at Cirroch. "I should probably head back to the medicinary myself but it was nice to get out fer a bit."

Theodoric seems to have had his fill of the collected foodstuffs, he too is now relaxed, though his posture could more easily be called a slouch. A large heavy glass plays between his finger tips, tilted to his lips with some frequency. "The party always ends at some point." he says, his version of wisdom spoken in his stone-worn low tone. "Take contentment where you can find it." this spoken with a smile.

Rowenova simply bobs her wolf face, "Ok, take care, Marquis Cirroch. Please, stay safe." She turns back toward Shaman Clara, offering out a big hug again, doing so whilst quietly whispering to the white-eyed woman.

Cirroch has left the quiet clearing.

Cora waves as Clara heads off and looking towards the table, Cora looks a bit unsure but begins heading that way as the party has gotten smaller. "Hi, uh do you mind a bit of company?"

There is only one answer and it is offered with an abundance of warm welcome. "You are so very welcome to join us. Yes, please do," Valencia nods brightly as she reaches forward to refill Theodoric's glass. "Ladies, if I might present the dashing and dangerous Missere Theodoric Ulbran. My dearest missere, please meet the lovely Mistress Rowenova and the delightful Princess Coraline of Thrax. Please sit, ladies, and tell me what you are drinking?" she invites with the wave of a small slender hand.

Clara places a friendly kiss on Nova's cheek and heads out, offering a wave to everyone as she goes.

Clara has left the quiet clearing.

Coraline has joined the table by the fire.

Rowenova has left the quiet clearing.

Rowenova has joined the table by the fire.

Rowenova waves goodbye to Clara then swings by the refreshment table from which she picks up a rum bottle as well as a small jug of spiced cider before then bringing over that whole mess to the fireside table. "Thank you." says she before sneakily pouring the rum bottle into Coraline's glass, doing so with practiced ease (like she does this a whole lot or something). She never spills a single drop! Once that is done, she then pours some for herself in a cup, along with mixing up with a little cider. "Master Ulbran, eh? Why does your last name sound so familiar?"

A grateful smile to Valencia and Cora makes her way over to the table. As Rowenova fills her glass that smile goes to her, "Thank you, that is very kind." Having settled into her chair she leans into it before nodding to Theodoric, "I believe we have met Master Ulbran. It is good to see you again."

There is a sweet smile of farewell to Clara as she departs and a slightly wider one as Nova spikes Coraline's drink and then happy nod to Coraline herself. "No, no, please, it is my pleasure to have you both here. It has been such a beautiful night, it seems a shame to see it end," she nods warmly as they ladies turn to speak to Theod.

"I do community work, in the lowers, you may have heard my name there." Theodoric says to Rowenova, half into his glass. He has straightened up slightly as they sat, but is still looking rather relaxed, several large glasses worth of whiskey relaxed. In his hand another dark red colored cigarillo which carries a lightly cherry fragrance. He nods and smiles to Coraline. "Yes, I can only hope for less interesting entertainment than the last time we saw each other."

Rowenova slightly bows her hidden head under the wolf pelt to Princess Cora, then she glances back to Valencia and Theodoric as she settles back into her own seat beside them. Although she does not go into too many details here, "Dated one of your volunteers, a while back, but we split up not long ago." Then, she lifts up the wolf pelt which finally reveals her blistered lips completely slathered in a dried cream of white which is then dilluted by the alcoholic beverage she starts drinking, her mixed cider and rum.

Rowenova checked willpower at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Wincing at the dry look Cora digs out a tin of more of that cream and slides it over to Rowenova before smiling to Theodoric, "Oh in truth it would be a less than fun end to the night were we to have a repetition. I am rather glad those things don't have the illness, that would make life much harder." She grins to Valencia, "I can understand not wishing to see it end, this is my first purly social thing in..months?" she says wonderingly, "Goodness I don't get out enough I think."

A glance at Roweova's lips brings a look of pain to the little raven haired princess' eyes. "My lady," she gasps softly with compassion and worry, so much the talk of Nova's paramour forgotten for now. "Are you alright? Shall I send for my mercies?" she offers, her worry remaining, though she offers a little approving nod to Coraline for offering the salve.

"Would you like to lodge a complaint?" Theodoric asks Rowenova, a large sly smile on his face. "I could see that our volunteers are better trained to not disappoint in the future." he spies the lift of the stylish pelt, the fortitude of her drinking prowess, then asks. "Are you feeling alright?" watching Coraline deliver more balm. A thick black eyebrow raises at Coraline's comment next. "Well, it turned out rather well for me, it seems when everyone is murdered and you volunteer to dispose of several large rat carcasses that gives you defacto ownership of an establishment." the rogue smiles and dips his head, as if dispensing sound advice. "I've heard a little of this illness, it does not go well?"

Setting down her drink, Rowenova lets drop the wolf pelt over her face and quickly shakes her covered noggin. "I will be fine. No mercies. Thank you. There was poison ivy oil in a fruity drink, but I am getting better over time and gonna be fine." says she to Valencia before reaching out her left hand, smoothly accepting the medicine tin from Coraline, "Thank you, too." Now for Master Ulbran, "While I can appreciate the offer, and I very much do, it is gonna be okay. If he comes back, it might work out just fine. Who knows."

Cora winces when hearing where the lip thing camre from, "Ouch." She smiles to Valencia, "I am not in my full uniform for it I realize but I am a physician with the guild." she grins as Rowenova waves off the offer and shrugs, "Ah yes, well how has it done since?" This to Theodoric.

"Oh, your pardon, your highness, I did not realize. I'm so very pleased to know this," Valencia nods warmly. "I find the healing arts such a noble pursuit. I am not very well versed in them, but I did volunteer to assist Lady Eirene during the battles in the North. So many saved thanks to such good care," she nods once more and turns to smile gently at Nova. "I'm so very sorry for your end," Valencia offers as the conversation brings her attention brought back to the ended love affair. "It is very hard to have one's heart hurt. You handle it with far more grace than I think I have in pass. I do hope works out for you both," she nods gently with a little look Theodoric's way and back.

Theodoric makes a slight grimace as Rowenova explains, "That seems rather unfortunate." he says and his face mirrors the sentiment, eyes focused on the woman for a moment. "You seem capable of resolve in both flesh and spirit, I expect it will serve you well." and he lifts his drink in toast. "You've my permission to make him suffer whatever pleasures or punishments you decide. I brook no quarter for unprofitable dealings." his glass raised leaves him no other choice than to drink from it. The question from Coraline brings the glimmer of pride to his face. "Well, rat free for one. I've been gathering some interest to re-open the fighting ring, perhaps put on some theatrics. Taking inspiration from our ever popular hostess here, I've stolen all her secrets and I will eventually steal her audience as well." his smile is quite wicked now, but the words are laced with an unmistakable humor.

Rowenova raises up her own drink toward those here, then she pipes up after the fortitude sentiments, "Thank you. Both." She almost says more but then the alcoholic beverage is calling her name. She lifts up the wolf pelt for yet another drink, completely downing the final contents of her cider/rum cup.

Cora waves one her hands with a grin, "Oh I agree, I am always a fan of the Mercies and the Guild, they are all amazing." A small laugh and Cora nods, "Oh to be sure, they no doubt brought the place down, glad they are no longer a prolem."

Coraline has left the table by the fire.

3 Thrax Guards, Freja the long suffering, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant leave, following Coraline.

The little vixen looks amused, "You can try, my missere. I wish you luck," Valencia teases back her dark eye dancing playfully. Another nod and wish of good night is given to Coraline as she departs and the little princess reaches forward to top up Nova and then Theodoric's glasses. "I should think your lost beau is a very silly man for doing such. I have faith he will regret such bad decisions," she nods.

"I will take all the luck I can get" Theodoric teases back at Valencia. Wishing Coraline a fair evening he gladly accepts the refill of his glass even though much more relaxing will have him sliding onto the floor. "I have no doubt of the same, and if he does not, then you should arrange it."

A wolfish grin is momentarily seen as Rowenova lifts up the wolf pelt for yet another drink, completely downing this new one in a single go before then setting down the empty cup and the wolf pelt once more. "Well, everybody has their problems. Some more than others. He had many. He seemed remorseful, but then he also has to live his own life. I support his decision to soul search, along with hopefully figure out what he needs to do to make his life livable, on his own terms as a free man, hopefully so with Skald's blessing. It may be that he finally succeeds and comes back to Arx. I sure hope so. One day."

Valencia takes a sip of wine and sighs quietly as the garden seems to drift, the tables are cleared away as are the lanterns. Valencia rises from the table and give a little stretch. "I think it is time for a swim. This night is too beautiful to not enjoy the waters," she says with a mischievous smile, her glass set down on the table. "Please say on and enjoy this fine night or join me as you will. You are most welcome in my Hart."