Elgana drops a fancy ironwood liquor display curio.

Morrighan gets Red Bear's Roar Aged Whiskey from a fancy ironwood liquor display curio.

Marian gets Red Bear's Roar Aged Whiskey from a fancy ironwood liquor display curio.

Khanne gets Red Bear's Roar Aged Whiskey from a fancy ironwood liquor display curio.

Mirk gets Red Bear's Roar Aged Whiskey from a fancy ironwood liquor display curio.

The greatest of Great Halls has been polished to gleaming, decorated and turned into a grand affair for the feast. Long tables lie heavily laden with all manner of foods of the North. There are specialty dishes from each of the duchies mixed in along with more common fare, but it is a strong reminder of 'home', a blending of all that is Northern. Along with all the food flows the drink - whiskey, whiskey as far as the eye can see but there are also juices and other libations, but it is the whiskey that headlines. From the rafters hang the banners that display the sigil of House Redrain prominently and those of the houses that make up the fealty.

The atmosphere of the Hall is warm and inviting as a small group of musicians play traditional fare of the North as servants move through the hall to tend to any of the needs of those gathered.

And then there is Elgana who isn't really running about but it is clear the Redrain is giving direction though when people start to filter in that changes and she hands that task off to one of her ladies as she shifts into role of hostess instead. All smiles she is as radiant as a spring morning as she greets those who enter, "Welcome! Welcome!"

Sasha gets Red Bear's Roar Aged Whiskey from a fancy ironwood liquor display curio.

Sasha makes her want into the dinner with a soft smile curling her lips. Her steps leading her towards the table as she looks about to see where she wishes to sit. A warm smile it given as she says "I am so glad you put this all together Princess Elgana, I am sure it will be quite fun!" Her steps then leading her over to take a seat at the small table.

Sasha has joined the Small Table.

Marian makes her way into the Great Hall, dressed in her ceremonial Everwinter white bear armor. Her keen eyes spy Elgana as she moves about on the last minute touches. She gives a bow to her, "It's lovely Lady Elgana, truly lovely." She glances about to see where she's suppose to sit, "Do you have any special order where you want us?"

Gwenna enters the familiar hall sans ledger though maintains the feathery quill that always seems at her belt. Pausing a few steps past the entrance, she smiles. "This is nearly enchanting," is declared in a genuine tone and then she glances around to espy the Redrain hostess who put this all together. "Princess Elgana, everything looks beyond," she calls even as staff pause to take direction from her cousin. That offered, she bobs her head to Marian's words, glancing a moment to the War Chief and then back to Elgana, brows arched slightly.

A fealty dinner was an affair not even the Sword of Farhaven would miss, and so Morrighan had arrived a touch early, taking up a temporary perch at a seat at the bear table. It has nothing to do with the over abundance and diversity of whiskey that can be found in no shy amount, of course. Brahm has found some rafter to settle upon, his dark eyes peering down to the Great Hall below, occasionally letting loose a raspy croak with a brief flutter of his wings. Voss on the other hand, sits at the dame's feet, head down on his massive paws, watching people come and go. The redhead does much the same in her observations, every so often sipping on a glass while working on stitching - a seamstress' work is never done. And there are deadlines.

Khanne is still wearing the colors of spring, joy, the vibrant season, though, today is a different gown, one bearing the mark of Morrighan's craft, as well as slippers that have vines snaking up her willowy legs. She walks in and wear a smile, bright as the sun itself (okay, maybe not so, but it is charming, and friendly). She waits, idly talking to the others near her as they arrive, to greet Elgana, the hostess. "Princess Elgana. You look lovely as always. Thank you for holding another dinner for us all." Glancing around she says, "everything looks as I expected it would... amazing."

Gods know that it takes a particularly stern team of valets to get Artur anywhere in time, if they can find him first, though today they seem to have done a good job. The prince shows up more or less on time and not only that, he's forgone his usual sartorial choice of leather and fur for something a little more refined, arriving in richly colored silk embroidered with the bears of house Redrain along the lapels. Striding into the hall with from the direction of the royal suites with a confident step, he's got that usual broad grin plastered across his face. He's actually close on the trail of Gwenna, who he nearly walks into the back of, though he skirts around his sister and aims a finger at her ribs as he passes. "Gwennykins" Artur greets, poking his tongue out a little, before turning his attention to the hall at large. It gets a low whistle and a nod of approval.

"It is lovely to see you Marquessa Sasha. I'm so very happy you could make it," Elgana enthuses as that smile just upticks into more brilliance. She gestures to the tables, all the food. And then her gaze shifts to Marian as well as that smile. "It is lovely to see you Princess Marian! And no, please sit as you like. Mingle as you please. This is after all a Redrain event." Her attention moves politely but swiftly toward Gwenna then, making to hug the other princess. "Princess Gwenna! I'm truly glad you made it. Thank you. It's been a long time coming but we should definitely have more of these." Releasing Gwenna she steps back so she can greet the rest as they filter in.

Marian has joined the Bear Table.

Mirk strides into the Great Hall, dressed in simple traveling leathers more suitable to an open road in the North than such surroundings. He bows to Elgana, a smile on his lips, and says, "Quite the party you throw, Princess. I'm already glad I came. I couldn't pass up the chance to see the Great Hall for the first time." He straightens, his eyes sweeping the gathering of Redrain, gaze lingering on the unfamiliar faces with mild curiosity, while he nods to the familiar faces where he sees them.

Marian gives a salute to let Elgana know that she heard her and starts to make her way over to the bear table to sit down with the Sword of Farhaven. She leans over to give a quiet greeting to Morrighan and then takes her seat, content to sit back and watch everyone else to arrive. She does make sure to have a drink in her hand. She sends a wave on over to Gwenna to see if she wants to join her at the bear table. Khanne gets a respectful nod, hinting that perhaps she may want to talk to her later.

The familiar voice of her brother makes Gwenna's smile broaden considerably. "Artur, could you look any more handsome? That outfit is inspiring," is remarked after taking in the fiery-hued ensemble. "Thank you again for the lovely dress and belt. See? I'm wearing the latter! I love the gem-stars," she tells him and then beams at Elgana and embraces her back warmly. "Truly, you've already outdone yourself. Everything looks amazing and I can hardly wait to eat." That said, she moves out of the way so that the hostess may greet the others. The Stahlben is a hard figure to miss, even in a crowded room. "Count Magnus, it's good to see you again. Maybe we could sit together," is called over kindly and then she catches sight of Marian's wave, which leads the princess to move to join that table.

Gwenna has joined the Bear Table.

The figure of Magnus Stahlben makes his way into the Redrain Villa, his stride as confident as it can be given the circumstances. He offers a smile toward Elgana, moving in her direction on his entry to stoop into a respectful bow and rumble out, "Princess Elgana. Thank you for the invitation to attend. I was very happy to receive it." His eyes shift to mark the entry of each person that comes before and after him, offering a dip of his head in greeting before his attention shifts to Elgana. "If I can do anything to assist you, please let me know," he offers. When Gwenna speaks to him, he considers her offer but a moment before nodding his head and saying, "Certainly, that sounds like a fine idea," and then moves to follow her toward Marian's table.

Arik arrives only late enough that it is no longer fashionably late when he sweeps into the room with a look this way and that and then a mild frown as he notes a lacking presence or two.

Magnus has joined the Bear Table.

Artur flashes Gwenna a bright smile and casts a look down over himself when she comments on his outfit, before lifting his hand as she moves off toward the bear table. Lingering near the entrance himself, Artur moves closer to Elgana next, whom he greets with yet another warm smile. They seem to be pretty much Artur's default, honestly. "Elle! This is so lovely, good job!" he complements, with a gesture around the hall. He takes a half step closer then, before adding "Thanks again for all your help with the lance. You know how impatient I get about books" he laughs, lifting a shoulder into a lazy shrug as he does.

Elgana gives a warm smile to Morrighan as she enters. "Lovely to see you Dame Morrighan, I am so glad you made it! And you as well, Lady Khanne," the Redrain says as her dark eyes sweep over toward the shaman. Upon hearing Gwenna's call her smile turns to a grin. "Artur!" she exclaims as she goes to give her second favorite cousin a hug. "It's been too long! I've been meaning to catch up with you on that little project of yours." And then she's off to Mirk who gets that grin as well before a more unfamiliar face catches her attention, she studies and then recognition alights there. "Count Stahlben it is truly wonderful to see you," the princess says as offers a softer smile to him. "And thank you. You may yet regret that offer, my lord."

Sasha offers a warm smile to Arik as he enters. Her hand gestures for him to join her at where she is sitting if he wishes. Then her hands returning to the process of adding some milk and cream to her cup if tea and carefully stirring it with a spoon.

Teiddwen the Otter, A fiery headed prodigal named Gwddfgwyn arrive, following Asger.

Morrighan chatters softly to Marian where they reside, her attention caught by something, given the way she settles her chair onto all fours and leans against the edge of the table. Upon hearing her name the dame perks up, sea-blue eyes scanning the crowd, soon spying Elgana and lifts her glass in cheers - and greeting. "'ello Elgana, nice tae see you as well. I would'nae miss a dinner if'n I could help it, you've done a marvelous job with it."

Arik looks towards Sasha and then towards Khanne and Mirk noting they haven't claimed seats of their own yet so he mozies on over to take a seat across from the Marquessa. "Has anyone seen Shaman Signe this month?"

Arik has joined the Small Table.

Once greeted, Khanne makes her way further into the room where she greets the others who have arrived and found their place to sit already. She smiles to Marian, giving her a nod in return, then heads to Gwenna for a brief one-armed hug and a whispered hello. Artur is next, who gets a deightful smile, then Morrighan... whom Khanne rushes towards for an actual hug. She greets Magnus with a nod and, "Count. Good to see you about." And then Mirk and Arik are given a wave, fingers wiggling, before she says hello to Sasha. "I have seen you more times in the last couple of days than I think I have seen you in the last month!"

Sasha offers in response to Arik "I fear I have not, though if I see her I could inform her you were asking about her if you wished." Her attention then looking to Khane as she happily says "It does indeed feel that way yes. But I am quite enjoying it. Did you wish to join the table? There is plenty of room."

Mirk heads over to the table with Arik and Sasha and claims a seat for himself. "I haven't seen her since I met her," he says, shaking his head at the question. "Why? Is it important?" He nods his head to Sasha and says, "Marquessa. I hope you don't mind me joining you."

Mirk has joined the Small Table.

Gwenna's smile brightens once again, this time for the hug and murmured hello from the famed Halfshav Shaman. "Lady Khanne, it is always so wonder to see you. As always, you looks as beautiful as the coming of spring after the snows have faded." A glass of white wine is then deposited before the princess as well as a few things to nibble on. The wine is taken up first, of course.

Big as he is, it takes Magnus a moment to work his way beneath the table and to settle in without overturning anything, but he does manage. He offers Khanne a nod of his head in return before he says, "It is good to be about, honestly. I have only just returned late in the night from the North."

A soft 'oof' is exhaled whenever Khanne rushes forward and Morrighan is caught by a hug, completely unawares, at that. She smiles cheekily at the shaman, returning it as best she's able, and gives a brief wave when pulling back. "'ello Khanne, it's nice tae see you. You're lookin' lovely as ever t'day, what a beautiful ensemble," the dame notes, putting on an air of intrigue while assessing the shaman's attire. No idea who made those, none at all. "How does your cloak fit? Everythin' alright with it?"

Arik watches his sister off on her hug-scapades and then notes Magnus with a mild squint of his frost grey eyes. "Oh no Marquessa Sanna. I was just wondering I know Duchess Lydia was pre-occupied in her holdings and Shaman Signe has likewise been absent. It would have been nice if one of them had made an appearance is all. It's not everyday we get all the Duchy's in one spot... Well every other week at the Spirits but this is a -bit- different."

Asger bursts through the doors as is the Crovane custom, retainer following him on one side and his otter skittering along after him on the other making delightful chiruping noises at it investigates the new space. The Duke himself as is common is dressed entirely in clothes that would be more at home on a commoner then any member of the nobility, from his rugged leather boots to his plaid pleated man skirt and simple linen shirt "Evenin' friends, don't mind me just a wee bit late." and with he is making his way to the table, liberating a bottle of whiskey from a passing servant before he finally settles down. Looking about at the gathered faces he asks with an easy going grin "So what'd I miss?"

Arthen Dayne arrives from somewhere off within the recesses of the Red Villa, his small companion Half-Mast at his side, and he's talking with the little man, "It's just a feast, Half. Go on, have some fun. You stay holed up with your nose in a book for any longer, and you're goin' to accidentally get shelved somewhere." Half-Mast, as ever, is there to offer a skeptical look to the man who pays him, but he is as wordless as ever, shrugging and moving onward, inward, to make what he can of the place. That leaves Dayne standing there, all dressed up in clothing that's far prettier than he deserves - maybe they were meant for someone else? - and a curious, searching sort of expression on his face. It takes the man a moment to sort through the folks who are all gathered together, familiar faces and unfamiliar alike, before he announces, "Well, ain't this somethin'!", like it's his introduction.

Sasha smiles warmly to Mirk as she says "Please feel free Lord Mirk, I welcome your company." Both of her hands soon picking up her cup of tea and softly sipping as she listens to Arik. As she sets the cup down she responds "Indeed that is true, it is not very often. Perhaps they are just running late."

"Duke Asger! I am so very happy you made it!" Elgana says warmly as she starts to filter more into the hall, toward the tables and food, now. Her smile stays warm and radiant as she looks to claim her own spot. "And Lord Arik," she says with a tone that dips toward teasing almost. "Where is our High Lord and Lady?" she wonders for a moment before that thought is gone, traded for a pause. She half-turns as Arthen enters and she smiles. "Dayne. Good of you to make it." And then she's claiming a seat.

Elgana has joined the Bear Table.

"Oh! The cloak is amazing, Dame Morrighan. Thank you so much. Make sure Arik pays you handsomely for it." Khanne smiles then turns to wink at her brother. She then looks down at her dress and thanks Gwenna before turning again to Morrighan. "So you like it? This old thing... Talented tailor who made it. Very talented. You should look her up sometime!" She chuckles then turns at Asger's voice. "Well, hello, stranger. Long time no see!" She nods to Sasha and says, "I don't mind if I do. " As she is about to sit, she spots Arthen Dayne. Echoing Sasha's words, almost, she says, "good to see you," to him with a smile.

Khanne has joined the Small Table.

"Mayhap someone counted the number of heirs and decided there were to few?" Arik suggests while claiming a glass of whiskey for himself a wry grin on his face while looking towards the Redrain table. "Duke Crovane, good to see you. Nice legs." he adds while tipping back his whiskey to take the whole shebang in a go and then hold it out for a refill at a passing servant while Khanne joins the de facto Halfshav and co table.

Lille, the dauntless companion arrives, delivering a message to Arik before departing.

Artur catches Khanne's smile from across the room and offers her one right back, lifting a hand in greeting, though he lingers near the entrance a little while longer. With Asger's somewhat...dramatic...arrival, he apparently decides that right by the doors might not be the place to be after all and so the prince starts a little circuit around the hall, taking a look at all of the food and drink that's been laid on with interest. Maybe taking a look at some of the servants that have been laid on with interest. Or not! He's on his best behavior. In any case, Artur mingles with the best of them. Minglemonglemingle.

"Tha's most pleasin' tae hear, I'm quite glad tha' you're happy with it," Morrighan chirps with a cheeky smile, her gaze slanting off where the formidable bearded Halfshav lurks, and the corners of her mouth curve up most impishly. "I sent him th'bill, if'n he doesn't fork over th'silver I'll beat it out o' him in th'trainin' arena." Teasing, of course. Probably. Her attention shifts back to those at the table, her brow furrowing a touch and moves to top off her glass with a little more liquor.

Gwenna turns her attention from the small discussion at the table as Elgana offers more greetings and then joins them. The princess offers a wave to the more recent arrivals both still finding their seats as well as gather at the small table. "Oh, if I had to guess, I'd suspect Prince Taran has both our High Lord and his wife busy," is said to Elgana with a small laugh following the words. Another small chuckle if offered to Khanne at the Shaman's remarks as well. "I should, indeed," she notes with a flicker of genuine amusement.

Glancing around at those seated at the other tables, Magnus catches sight of Arik, perhaps before the man has a chance to look away. He offers the man a nod of his head before his attention back to those at his table.

As Sasha sees Arthen she brightly smiles as she says "It is wonderful to see you Dayne." At Arik's comment she softly giggles, though attempts to hide it with her hand.

Marian spies Asger's arrival and gives him a polite nod. She's chatting with those at the bear table, having a glass of whiskey in her hand that she takes occassional sips from. She looks around and just has to ask, "What our High Lord is not arriving? I want to tease him about being fashionably late." She gives a wave to Arthur as he moves past, doing his mingling.

"You are probably right," Elgana says to Gwenna as she settles into her chair and looks at the food. "Doesn't mean I won't prod them about it later." Her tone touches on teasing at the end then as she glances toward Marian. "They may yet show, hard to say. At least we can eat and drink merry and enjoy each other's company in the meantime." As she helps herself to a little bit of everything her voice lowers to softer tones for the table itself.

Asger flashes a grin at Elgana "Good to be here, lass. Ann is just a wee bit busy putting the wee baby Silain down to sleep. Doesn't trust the servants, mah lad gets punchy when anyone else tries to tell him what to do and even if they are just baby fists he throws them in a way to make his ancestors proud." Asger's grin is ear to ear as he speaks of his infant son punching the servants. Then Khanne is catching his attention and he is pointing his bottle to her "Aye I have been a bit of a stranger, comes with having to deal with southerners day in and day out.It's amazin' they can get anything with their love of talking a lot and saying very little."

At the comment of 'wee baby' and the name of Asger's son Arik makes a *pffft* sound. "No one ever looked at a child so big and thought wee... The lad is almost big enough to start squiring and he's not even a year old!" he declares from the small table and on his second round of whiskey and burning the glass down quick.

Arthen Dayne, social butterfly that he is, goes about making his round. There's a greeting for Elgana, and a summer-warm smile that comes with it, "This is a real nice lookin' thing you put together here.", and another for Sasha, "Hey there, Marquessa Sanna. Fancy seein' you here.", his demeanor a rather casual sort of thing, really. A polite dip of his head, a wave here and there for some others, until he finds his way over to a table, taps on the back of an empty chair and turns his baby blue eyes on Khanne, "Anyone sittin' in this thing or can I just get cozy on it?", he asks, friendly-like. There is, maybe, a quick glance around for Half-Mast to make sure his small companion is also getting along, but it doesn't keep his attention for long.

"Give your adorable punchy potato a kiss for me and a hug for Ann. Be sure to tell my cousin she was missed, too. We should get together for dinner or something again soon!" Elgana leans back from the table to say to Asger then, her smile turning a touch affectionate at the mention of that baby. She leans back toward the table. "We should have dinners more often in general. I feel like we aren't all in the same room with plenty of whiskey and food at the same time." At Arik's comment she laughs, nose crinkling a touch as her eyes narrow playfully. "We'd expect nothing less out of the lad."

"Please, get as cozy as you like," Khanne smiles to Arthen, gesturing to the seat. "Have yourself some whiskey." She lifts her own glass in a toast-like gesture before taking a sip for herself. Misty-grey eyes shift over to Asger. "Easier to let them talk amongst themselves, I find. Usually... Good to see you are still able to walk and get around, be seen, and all that."

Arthen has joined the Small Table.

Arik lifts his own whiskey glass up in a cheers gesture, "Belated though it is a toast to Lord Silain Crovane, Heir to Stormwall and his long missed parents returning to Arx!" he rumbles in a good natured manner mostly to the room but he's clearly watching Asger's reaction. "Health, happiness, enough silver to replace all those shields he'll one day break."

Having circulated around as long as humanly possible, Artur finally has no other option than to take a seat at the table. It's probably well known among those he's close to that he would rather be in a tavern or running around the woods than at a fancy dinner, but he's making the effort! "It all looks really good!" Artur comments to nobody in particular as he sits down, having acquired a tankard of something potently alcoholic smelling somewhere along his route. A long drink of this is taken as the prince sizes up some of the food on offer, eventually making a grab for something that catches is eye.

Marian waits for the family to get settled in before standing up at her table and then giving announcement for the group, "It seems that our esteemed High Lord and his family can not make it this evening. He sent a note ahead of time, letting you all know to drink plenty of his alcohol and eat all of his food as punishment for not coming." She gives a grin and then switches tracks, "No seriously, there was a matter that he was planning on bringing up tonight." She gives a deep smile as she announces, "House Redrain is in the process of constructing an Arena. Right now we're planning on a gladiator pit, training grounds, mud spa..." She gets even a deeper grin, "with bar and potentially mud wrestling upon occassion, and sweat lodge." She looks at the others to see their reaction, "Our High Lord has asked me to gather additional ideas for the Arena as well as nominations for Master of Games."

Artur has joined the Bear Table.

Asger has joined the a red banquet table.

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

"Wait did you say Mud spa or mud wrestling because I heard the first, but I know it must be the latter!" Arik says after toasting to Asger's son and downing his entire glass of whiskey as a result.

Gwenna lifts a glass at Arik's remarks. "To the future of Stormwall," she offers and then her attention turns to Marian, that ever-present smile of hers tugging up a bit more at the corners. Setting her wine glass down, she gives a couple of polite claps and then turns to regard the room, brows arched a little in anticipation of any idea offers. An idle wine glass, though, is a terrible thing, so she is soon glancing back to hers and then grins as Artur takes a seat.

Mirk raises his own glass of whiskey, in response to the toast, looking more distracted than genuine about it. "To Stormwall," he says, before he falls silent to listen to Marian's announcement with mild interest.

Sasha oohs softly and says "I would adore to watch mud wrestling." She then adds upon "To the future of Stormwall." Her tea cup held up with both of her hands before sipping up it in the toast, soon resting it back down upon its saucer once more.

Marian gives grin and tells Arik, "Well, for purposes of this conversation, mud spa by day, mud wrestling by night. I think we can make the room do double duty." She then raises her glass with whiskey in it and joins the toast, "To Stormwall." Before looking around to see what other ideas are contributed.

"Mud spa... and mud wrestling. Sounds like I will need to work on getting a bigger bath in my suite...." Khanne laughs, then lifts her glass up to join in the toast for Asger's return and the birth of his heir. "Huzzah!" She joins in. "To Stormwall!"

"And a sweat lodge." Arik calls out since Marian is being so accomodating. He does have the good grace to be embarassed enough he changes the pitch of his voice but no one else is shouting from the small table so...

"To Stormwall!" Elgana adds her own as her glass is lifted. She falls quiet to listen to Marian, her eyes going a touch wide before she laughs. "Wonderful news! A mud spa. I am certain that this will be a welcome addition to the Redrain grounds and cannot wait to take advantage of this new space for future events."

Asger raises his bottle in the toast to his son "Aye, to the future of Stormwall." grinning from ear to ear he tips the bottle back and takes a deep gulping drain from it. Setting the glass down he looks around with a grin "So my friends what has been good in all your lives that involves the north and how we're the best?"

Not one to miss out on a toast or a good cheer, Arthen Dayne picks up just a random bottle of whiskey from off the table he's sat at, and lifts it up, "To Stormwall!", he calls out.

There seems to be a very slight tightening of Artur's jaw as he sits, though it soon passes and the broad grin that's so typical of him quickly returns. The prince begins working his way enthusiastically through the food that's within arm's reach, seeming keen to sample at least some of everything. This leads to things being piled on top of one another, or things being spread on other things, that would likely seem quite unlikely to anyone else. Chicken and frosting, anyone? Still, he seems happy enough. Looking over in the direction of Marian then, Artur asks "Will it be just for Champions, or for anyone?"

"A mud spa sounds absolutely divine," Gwenna remarks and lifts her glass again, this time toward Marian. "Though I agree with Lady Khanne," is then said as she glances that way a moment. "It sounds like a great excuse to get a bigger tub." She gives Artur a grin before taking another sip of her glass. "I imagine for anyone, much like the arenas that have been created in other districts. Perhaps there will events held there, too, yes? I thought His Grace mentioned something in that regard?"

"I would love to see events held there," Elgana says as she looks to her glass for a moment. "We could hold all manner of fund things. A mud wrestling competition for one. Nothing like watching a good bout of that." And then she looks around from her table as she says to the general room, "Also, if anyone has event ideas or anything please feel free to seek me out. I'm not busy enough these days and no one wants an idle Elgana about. She starts to get into mischief."

"The Prince of Farhaven was considering having some formal bouts... You know three shields, some tournament weapons, first to break the opponents shields wins the fight. Things for the commonfolk and Peers that didn't involve the Champions and some imagined southern slights." Arik says rather matter-of-factly and with a roll of his eyes at the last bit about southerners. "I'll chip in for a sweat lodge to be added, personally you just send me the bill Princess Marian."

Asger glances around as he listens to the various conversations and asks "Why the fuck would anyone pay ta go play in mud? Ya can go dig up a pile of dirt, toss some water on it and ya got a mud spa." clicking his tongue he muses "Now the mud wrestling I can see, ya get some attractive lasses and have them wrestle and then ya can place bets and the house takes a cut and bam, ya can make money on that."

Marian answers Artur's question, "It is intended for all warriors, all houses under the Redrain fealty." She does admit to the group, "We could invite other warriors from other wards to participate. I'm not opposed to it." She nods at Gwenna's words on holding events, "Absolutely. We should be able to hold our own contests and hold events." She grins as Arik brings up chipping in for the sweat lodge, "Yes, we should be gathering funds. I encourage everyone to donate. We shall be adding plaques for the biggest sponsors, giving naming honors to those houses who provide a substantial contribution." She gives a deep laugh at Asger's comment and tells him, "And you're right, I think mud wrestling would be a good pull."

"You know Duke Crovane... I wouldn't mind a bout with you or your Uncle. Mayhap we can be the opening match for the arena. That or you could have your massive kid come in and take me at the knees." Arik says in an inviting and then wry noted rumble. He actually seems to believe this kid would be able to wrestle at one years old. How large he must be.

Khanne looks up to Marian and shouts out, "what about non Warriors? We aren't allowed to... play in mud?"

Asger considers this before telling Arik "No, instead we'll gather the various young heirs of the houses and have them fight it out in the mud pit. The wee baby Silain will dominate the competition and the whole of the compact will know you don't fuck with Crovane. Ever."

"Aaaaah." The sound comes from Gwenna and she gives a few small nods of her head. "Still, it will be a wonderful thing for all of us to utilize in one way or another. I can hardly wait for the construction of it to begin. Perhaps come winter, should it be complete, we could have an event and then celebrate with a bonfire to officially mark it as open? Not that we ever need an excuse for a bonfire." A chuckle follows the words and then she glances again to Khanne. "Oh, I have every intention of using those mud baths, sword at my side or not. Let them try to stop us, hmm?" The remark is light, the princess' eyes crinkling at the corner with her grin.

"I think there are many here who would advocate non warrior mud wrestling," Marian tells Khanne and Gwenna with a smile, "And yes, children can play in the mud too as long as it's supervised."

Artur nods in understanding as the arena gets explained a little more, the prince chewing on his bottom lip thoughtfully a moment or two, before giving a firmer nod, this one seemingly of approval. "Seems a fine idea!" The prince grins, before turning his attention back to the matter at hand. Namely, the pile of unlikely foods he's got stacked up in front of him.

Arik turns to discuss with his table before remarking to the room. "Hold on we're trying to see who will get with child first..."

"I'm certain I know who I'd place my wager upon if we are talking a bout between that darling punch wee one and you Lord Arik," Elgana simply laughs before her smile gets hidden behind the rim of her glass. "That is a lovely idea, Gwenna! We should absolutely do that."

"As the Sword of Whitehold I'll delegate fighting for the honor to the House to Lord Mirk Halfshav's first born to mud wrestle Lord Silain whenever they are relatively old enough to toddle about at the same time." Arik decides to Asger in a lighthearted rumble and then sips some more of his whiskey. "And for the curious matchmakers he is decidedly single at the moment."

Gwenna is overheard praising Redrain: Fealty dinner and Arena announcement!

Marian is overheard praising Redrain: Great food, good company and great way to introduce the Arena idea

Mirk stares at Arik like he's lost his mind, or possibly like he's only now realizing that Arik lost his mind long, long ago. "Don't go making promises no one intends to keep," he says with a slow shake of his head. "It gives people false hopes."

Arthen is overheard praising Redrain: To the last!

"Single and practical." Arik amends at Mirk's buzzkill remark!

Asger nods easily to Arik's announcement "So let it be written, so let it be done, my friend. We will have our children wrestle for the honor of our houses, and should either abdicate from the fight it will be the remaining house's child's duty to track them down and wrestle them to the ground in a non mudded environment." looking aside to the relatively empty table he had taken a seat at he says "I'll start trainin' mah babe in the art of wrestling as soon as I get back. He can nap when he's older."

Arik is overheard praising Redrain: All we were missing were the Nightgolds and Asger singing

Morrighan is overheard praising Redrain: Redrain fealty is best fealty. To the last!

Arik has left the Small Table.

Arik has joined the Bear Table.

Asger is overheard praising Redrain: Redrain intends to make scantily clad whispers wrestle in the mud, I look forward to seeing how this turns out.

Arik gets up and makes his way over to the pre-dominantly Redrain table with a brief bow while approaching Gwenna and Marian.

"Still trying to marry people off," Elgana chides teasingly at Arik as she shakes her head at him. "You are a terrible man sometimes." She looks to the table, the food and she sighs. "I think I over did it this time but this has been lovely. So very lovely. Drink and make merry! We have so much whiskey and food."

Marian is sipping her drink and enjoying the commentary from the fealty. She smiles as Arik approaches, "Come...join us." She makes sure to refill her drink glass again, and makes a few comments.

Khanne is overheard praising Redrain: Free Whiskey and good company!

"Peers of the North, commoners too there is one more announcement of a less entertaining and far more serious nature I wish to make." Arik says while straightening up from a brief conversation with the other two Voices at the bear table. He does steal a bottle of whiskey off the table and lifts it in a cheers gesture perhaps to get some attention and perhaps to have something to drink.

"It is the pleasure of the High Lord and Prince of Farhaven to announce that in recognition of House Crovane's steadfast loyalty to the Compact, the defense of the Northlands, and the sacrifices of Stormwall that House Redrain will be offering to fully fund a memorial to the sacrifices of its vassal if House Crovane would accept such an offer. Duke Crovane it has been long overdue and we hope this step towards recognizing those who died in a formal manner will continue the rebuilding efforts and recovery of you, your lands, and your people." Arik says and he manages to seem rather serious in his rumbling voice.

"While the Duke considers," Gwenna says, her voice raised for the room. "Perhaps after the next one or two fealty dinners, we might open up the idea that other of our Houses might host such, if they wished? Not obligatory, of course, but should any one wish to do so, I think it might be lovely for us to gather together in each others' homes."

Asger dips his head gratefully "Aye it would be an honor to accept, far too many died and recognizing them all is a task that has been put off too long as we have rebuilt and seen to the needs of those still living. I'll have to send a letter to the High Lord to thank him for the generous offer." This said Asger returns back to his bottle to slowly sip from it

"To House Crovane a vassal that fears no storm and proved it on the shores of Stormwall." Arik states with the acceptance and then takes a sip from his own bottle of whiskey.

Gwenna has left the Bear Table.

Gwenna is overheard praising Elgana: For hosting an amazing fealty dinner!

"To remembering our fallen and giving them a proper memorial," Marian adds her own spin on the toast and takes a deep drink. She then lets the others enjoy the revelry around her, sticking out of the main action for the rest of the evening while she nurses her whiskey.

Marian is overheard praising Elgana: Excellent party

Gwenna gives a dip of her head to those at the table she departs and offers a warm smile to the room as she makes her way to exit. "If you might all excuse me, I have a few matters to attend to. Thank you so kindly for coming and Princess Elgana, thank you especially for making this such an extraordinary event."

2 Crimson Blades Private leaves, following Gwenna.

Marian has left the Bear Table.

Magnus has left the Bear Table.

Magnus leaves, following Marian.

Sasha toasts (now that her player isn't waylaid by baby fussing!) "To House Crovane!" lifting her tea cup with both hands once more before sipping upon it.

With the toasts done and the war memorial accepted Arik dips his head to Asger and steps away from the table. "Continue to enjoy yourselves please." and then like the other two voices he's off.

Arik has left the Bear Table.

With a few words and a smile to Elgana, Artur pushes smartly to his feet and turns for the door with a brisk step. His expression would best be described as stormy by the time he passes through the door and out into the halls of the villa beyond.

Artur has left the Bear Table.