The warm summer evening is still lit with suns slowly fading rays, and the gentle breezes which flow through the open air shrine are comfortable and frequent. Templars stand as they do near the entrance, and a several larger than normal refreshment tables have been scattered around the shrine for easy consumption. Etienne is his usual shiny self, standing near the large altar at the middle of the shrine, near by the smiling face and brilliant red hair of the Lady Monique Greenmarch. Etienne raises his arms as an attention getting measure looking for the din to quiet somewhat. "Welcome everyone to the home of Gild!" he announces, "Tonight I'll be saying a few short words, then we'll be looking for a few stories of how Gild has touched your life, followed by a hopefully entertaining game. Please, make yourselves at home, and avail yourself of the refreshments available as we get settled."

Kaleb, a Harthall sailor have been dismissed.

Josiah has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Waldemai has already settled his buns in the plushly-upholstered pew. He nods along.

Dressed in his simple silks, the Corvini count makes his way into the Shrine of Gild. Something of a smile toys his lips as he whispers something to his adjutant. He bows his head to Etienne, before claiming a seat at one of the pews. His man hands him a brass goblet and pours him a few fingers of a pear scented drink from a bottle. At the Archlectors words, Giulio bows his head, raising his goblet in the man's direction.

Gwyndolin, Champion of Valardin in Dragon Cloak, Jace arrive, following Zara.

Lisebet is just arrived, and getting herself oriented. Food there, drinks there, and - an archlector there welcoming everyone. Perfect. She moves over to get some refreshments and then heads over to find a seat.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman leave, following Caspian.

Josiah Quietly walks in and takes a seat at one of the benches.

Lisebet has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger arrives, following Sparte.

Monique stands near the Archlector of Gild, Blessed Etienne, in all his elegant glory, grinning around at the assembly. "And this game is going to be a game of excitement and nerve-wracking possibility! I'm so happy everyone came tonight." But she steps aside, because the Minx of the Marches is not one for delivering sermons.

Denica has joined the Stunningly Beautiful Altar of Gild.

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici arrive, following Calypso.

Denica is settled in by the altar, peering curiously at the gathering and smoothing her skirts as she watches Etienne, and a glass of wine rests in her fingers. A warm smile is given to Monique as she lifts her eyebrow. "Oh there are games? I had only heard we were telling stories."

white-tailed eagle, 2 House Riven Soldiers arrive, following Thesarin.

Zara steps into the shine with a slow step speaking to Jace from time to time. She pauses for a long moment and then her eyes brighten as she leads him, if he decides to come, over to the alter and places her hands on Denica's shoulders before slipping into the chair next to her and inviting Jace as well.

Adam, A Young Apprentice, 4 Navegant Marines arrive, following Turo.

Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Turo arrive, following Carita.

Zara has joined the Stunningly Beautiful Altar of Gild.

Lisebet greets those at the bench she's at, and then she smiles a greeting Monique's way. Denica gets a nod of Lisebet's head, as do those with her. Waldemai way over there gets a small subtle wave.

Jace does follow Zara in, a definitel curious look on his face. When Zara leads him to seats by the altar, he arches a borow and looks about, then shrugs and does take a sea.

Jace has joined the Stunningly Beautiful Altar of Gild.

Etienne waves more people in, making sure to point out the tables of with food and drink. "We'll be asking for volunteers to share your stories of how Gild has impacted your life soon, the attendants will be coming around to assemble those that wish to speak after the sermon."

Sparte steps in a bit late, lookign around the room for someplace he won't feel out of place - and fails. He carefully, very carefully, takes a seat on one of the plushly upholstered benches.

Sparte has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Josiah watches all the people come in and greets everyone at his bench quietly..

Thesarin makes his way in at his usual measured stride, with a faint scowl as he looks over the crowds, offering nods to those he recognizes. The man looks... exactly like a shav out of the Grey Forest, dressed up like a Grayson nobleman. He moves toward the seats without a word, starting toward his seats.

Monique has joined the line.

Waldemai waits for people to volunteer stories, and as they head up, he beelines for the free feed, not forgetting to politely bow to his patron, Lady Calypso.

"I heard the words story and games, and thought, perhaps an ideal way to spend an evening," said to Calypso in a quiet voice as they join the queue into the shrine. Caius tips angles his head subtly as he glances around, eyes narrowed subtly while assessing the places to sit before gesturing toward one with a nod and a silvered brow lofted slightly in query.

3 Armed Confessors arrives, following Alistair.

"You and I have different ideas of what an 'ideal' is, but I think this is more than acceptable." Calypso's quiet words to Prince Caius come with a hint of a smile. She's wearing a red and black gown with her sword on her left hip. Seeing Waldemai, she dips her head to him and listens to the request for story, the woman quirks a brow and moves that way for the line.

Calypso has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Monique waves warmly to those she recognizes, Lisebet and Denica, with a deep incline of her crimson head to Thesarin, Giulio and Sparte. It's clear that the Greenmarch Lady is both excited and thrilled to hear the sermon... or possibly to play the game.

Calypso has left the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Etienne returns to the middle of the shrine, pulling on his long coat to straighten it out he clears his throat somewhat nervously. "Tonight I'd like to talk about Generosity and Crisis." he folks his hands in front of him, lifting slightly on his heels. "The time for giving when danger is near is obvious and easy to understand. Knowing how, or what to give is often the more difficult problem to solve. While coins and arms are easy to carry it is often the unseen and unheard burdens that people need the most assistance with." he takes a breath as if to continue.

The Inquisition arrives, because there is talk of people sharing stories. And one must remained assured they are the right stories. All this talk of magic. Magic. Pft. Who believes that. The High Inquisitor of the realm looms in the back, three goons of the hood attendant with him. Sharp eyes drifting form oen person to the next.

Carita's arrival is quiet, though she walks with Count Turo, the pair talking quietly as they enter. Quietly she makes her way to a bench and settles.

Calypso has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Caius has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Carita has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Turo has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Monique has joined the line.

"So remember as we face what is to come, and what may be, that those around us need the generosity of spirit as well, and open your minds and hearts to those who may be poor of Faith in difficult times. Gild is ever watchful of our journey, and our fellow travelers who may lighten our loads as we travel, reach out to your fellow travelers and help them with their journey as they might help you." Etienne finishes finally, hands wide and a friendly smile on his face. He stands this way for a moment or two, before lowering his hands and gliding back from the altar to allow for people to come up and share.

Calypso has joined the line.

Denica has joined the line.

Turn in line: Monique

Monique, having stepped aside for the Archlector's sermon, applauds it with vigor. And then, as she's closest to the altar and already boisterous, she steps up for her story. "Before my family joined the Compact, I didn't much care for the Gods. I don't think it's any secret." There's an inviting smile, somewhat wry. "But since that time and now, much has changed. I have learned that it's not always the wisest course of action to indulge in my own life, my own story, as is my wont. When you let others in? When you extend your hand in friendship without fear? You may be surprised at the things you can achieve together. Gild has inspired such change in me, and I am grateful for it. And grateful for you allowing me to speak it." She smiles across the audience and then steps aside.

Lisebet's gaze goes to the new arrivals and she acknowledges their arrival quietly, enjoying watching the people. Her attention goes to Etienne as he speaks and she listens. And then to Monique, as she listens to the stories.

Turn in line: Calypso

Jace says somethng quietly to Zara before rising and deparitng quietly.

Jace has left the Stunningly Beautiful Altar of Gild.

1 Grayson House Guards, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Deliverance, an albino falcon, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rascal, a hyper terrier, Rosalie, a lady in waiting arrive, following Reese.

The Duchess Calypso Malvici steps up to the altar to speak and folds her hands behind her. Shocking, a Lycean Duchess speaking about their vanity for greed and wealth. But this is The General from a House less known for its political drama than its fighting capability. "Not long ago a woman approached me and she had an idea and a dream. It involved a whole lot of silver and the desire to make more of it. She sought me out for support and potential investment. It had been a tough action for her since investment was slow and it was weighing. But as the Archlector pointed out, sometimes the burdens are the hardest to bear. The burden of dreams can be the hardest. So rather than turn her away, I welcomed her in. I admit that my avarice was a guiding principal in this, but it took faith. So began the domino of further investments that has resulted in a growing wealth across Arvum, to many of the families represented here. Personally it resulted in growing my House's fleet threefold and preparing us for a potential threat. The pursuit of wealth is not just about coin, but the investment in our own kingdom." She bows her head before stepping away.

Waldemai listens very politely.

Etienne applauds the story. "Quite right, Duchess. Dreams often can be some of the heaviest burdens. A wonderful examine of Gild's ideals rewarded."

Turn in line: Denica

Reese arrives at the gathering while looking like Reese normally does in rosy tunic and ivory leggings. She moves with a nimble and quiet sort of grace. Realizing that stories are be told keeps the Princess quiet as she looks for a place to sit.

Reese has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Alistair's gaze slowly drifts over to the Duchess Malvici as she speaks of greed and avarice. And the burgeoning growth of wealth. Hopefully... all completely legally obtained. Though considering the Lyceum. He makes no remark as the story is told, a lesson for all.

Thesarin has joined the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Denica rises from beside Zara, looking to the others with a small smile. "Mine is nothing so grand as Duchess Malvici," Denica says. "But some time ago, I was approached by my dear cousin, Princess Coraline to help her found a new knightly order. Though it had never been a dream of mine to be a knight, I couldn't help but accept. After everything I'd done, it just felt like the right path for me to take. But I needed to squire, I needed to learn real ideals so that when the day comes that I take the oaths, I am not just a knight because my leige says so, but because I earned it," Denica smiles. "I chose the knights of Solace, and in their service I've come to truly understand and appreciate what Gild means to so many. What started as just a path to one thing, has opened my eyes to a god that I had only been going through the motions with, and through this service, my devotion to the gods has never been stronger." she smiles a moment. "Nothing so grand as I said, but Gild opens eyes, and made me realize just how important sacrifices can be, and how willing I am to do so now, for anybody." she says, smiling before she returns then to her seat beside Zara, casually leaning against the other woman with a grin.

Reese lifts her gaze to Denica while listening to her story. She gives the Thrax Princess a gentle smile that touches her blue eyes. "Oh, yay, Solace and Glid and Princes Denica!"

"Our paths are often winding, what is easily visible leading into the valley becomes obscured when our path continues over a rise ahead." Etienne says, as one does, when speaking about Gild and paths, and the like. "Does anyone else wish to share a story of how Gild has affected their lives?"

Monique listens to the stories from the pew at the front, having settled there after her own. There's a glowing smile upon the Minx's lovely face. There's applause where it merits, too, the Greenmarch not shy of voicing her appreciation.

Zara is overheard praising Denica: Shareing her story for Gild

Monique is overheard praising Calypso.

Monique is overheard praising Denica.

Monique is overheard praising Etienne.

Lisebet is overheard praising Monique.

Lisebet is overheard praising Calypso.

Lisebet is overheard praising Denica.

Lisebet is overheard praising Etienne.

Zara is overheard praising Etienne.

Zara is overheard praising Calypso.

Zara is overheard praising Monique.

Reese is overheard praising Calypso: great story!

Reese is overheard praising Denica: Great story!

Reese is overheard praising Etienne: Great event!

Sparte has joined the line.

Turn in line: Sparte

The High Inquisitor has an... inquisitive look on his features, as if he is pondering how Gild has effected his life and if he has any story he can tell for the public to 'enjoy'. As much as one can enjoy a story by the dour man. He does not rise up immediately to share any tale.

Reese looks to Etienne. "Oh, I can, I am not very good at such things, but Glid has touched my life." She says, getting in line. She then looks over to Calypso once again, giving the duchess a nod.

Reese has joined the line.

3 Thrax Guards, Freja the long suffering, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant, Behemo, a towering man with humble eyes, 2 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Coraline.

Zara is overheard praising Etienne.

Sparte is quiet through the stories, listening to each in turn with rapt attention. Then Etienne calls for stories, and Sparte considers that for a few moments before rising to his feet. There is a nervous smil eto Etienne, and a glance around. He removes his helmet quickly, seeming to consider it rude to speak with it still on. "Ah, sorry." Tucking it under his arm, he clears his throat. "I was... In crisis, when I was very young. In peril of death, in fact. I was lost in the woods as a child, you see, and I ended up gravely hurt." Sparte furrows his brow as he pauses, chewing on his bottom lip. After a moment he continues. "I often think back to that night. I don't know who saved me, but what I've learned of Gild since has taught me it was generosity, in keeping with Gild, that saved me. The one who found me and brought me to the nearest village left no name, left no way for me to ever say thank you for what they did to me. They just saw a boy who was hurt, and saved me." Sparte flicks a glance to Denica a moment, before looking to Etienne. "But while I was unable to repay the one who saved me, I have been able to show that same kindness to others. People falter all the time. We trip, we fall, some more often than others... But it is generosity from others that can lift us back up. I... Uh..." Sparte swallows, giving a small nod, and sits back down.

With a bow of his head, Giulio rises and departs.

Giulio has left the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Reese listens to Sparte's story, sucking in a soft breath and then giving the guardsman a smile. "I am very glad that Glid was generous enough to us to rescue you, Sparte." She says with a great respect in her voice.

Reese is overheard praising Sparte: Yays, Compact is blessed to have Sparte, yay Glid

Lisebet is overheard praising Sparte.

Zara is overheard praising Sparte.

Etienne smiles wide, and applauds for Sparte's story, signaling the attendant for the next.

Turn in line: Reese

Cora slips in during Sparte's story and settles in a seat near the back, she doesn't make much noise and tries for even less notice, still she is here. Her plethora of followers is kept outside.

Sparte swallows, giving a nervous smile as his ears redden. He slides a few inches down in his seat, saying something quietly.

Monique is overheard praising Sparte.

Lisebet is still settled, drinking some lovely mead and listening to the stories, with a thoughtful look on her face.

Reese makes her way to the front, moving with her nimble grace. "I don't fully understand glid. I don't even partly understand. I try though and I try to live my live in a way that will be pleasing to him and the other gods." She says thoughtfully. "I joined Solace a long time ago at the urging from my cousin, Duke Cassius. It seems like forever ago. He wore his shiny golden armor, talking to me about the merits of Solace. About the importance of fighting when not in the spotlight, about protecting those at home. Solace guides travelers and often their work goes unseen and unremembered and unpraised. I like lots of glory in battle and I especially did back when I joined Solace. It took a true knight and guardian of Solace to remind me that staying home and protecting the people and the land and the bounty that feeds us all and provides is sometimes even more important than valor and heroism. I miss him and I try to honor is memory and remember that." Seh says, having a somber and yet sincere smile that touches her blue eyes. Reese than heads back to the bench.

The line has been dismissed by Etienne.

Alistair is overheard praising Sparte.

Monique is overheard praising Reese.

Lisebet is overheard praising Reese.

Zara is overheard praising Reese.

Etienne claps again, still smiling the same warm friendly Archlector smile of his. "Thank you all for your wonderful stories tonight, I know I enjoyed hearing them and I'm sure everyone else did as well. The rest of our entertainment will be explained by Lady Monique Greenmarch." he applauds once more stepping back to open the space.

Monique listens rapt to Sparte and Reese and their tales of Gilded inspiration, smiling with immense fondness at the both of them. But then Etienne is announcing it's game time and the Greenmarch takes her cue, stepping to the front of the shrine, before the spectacular altar. "The game we are going to play tonight is called 'Hidden Gild'. We'll have everyone gather in a circle about the altar and put on blindfolds, and I shall be your 'shadow'. That means I will be sneaking around behind each one of you, and where Blessed Etienne signals to me, I shall stop. If you think you sense when I am standing behind you, raise your hand. Those who are right will get to choose a prize from the prize chest!"

The line has been dismissed by Monique.

Denica has joined the line.

Calypso has joined the line.

Etienne has joined the line.

Reese has joined the line.

Lisebet has joined the line.

Etienne drops Gift Chest.

Waldemai has joined the line.

Caius has joined the line.

Thesarin has joined the line.

Coraline has joined the line.

Turn in line: Denica

Monique has rolled a critical success!
Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 72 higher.

Denica checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 58 higher.

Monique begins her circling, like a very quiet vulture, around the outside of the ring of people.

Turn in line: Calypso

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 58 higher.

Calypso checked perception + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Rising, Carita makes her way over to Coraline to speak quietly with her before she smiles sweetly at Monique, offers a little wave in her direction, "Lovely event, Lady Greenmarch," she then dips her head toward Etienne, "Archlector, very lovely event" who gets a smile from her next before she quietly makes her way out.

Carita has left the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Denica doesn't seem to ever detect Monique, reaching for her but... nope. She's not there.

Zara has joined the line.

Calypso stands there with her blindfold on, never hearing a thing.

Turn in line: Etienne

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 52 higher.

Etienne returns the nod to Carita with a friendly smile. "Thank you for attending." while fashioning himself with a blindfold.

Etienne has rolled a critical success!
Etienne checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Monique waves to Carita because she can't talk. It would give things away.

Turn in line: Reese

Cora speaks softly with Carita and nods giving her a warm hug and a warmer smile.

Etienne turns, and grasps blindly, finding nothing but air. Removing the blindfold he spots her, and snaps his fingers in disappointment.

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 71 higher.

Reese checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Reese has her blindfold on and she doesn't seem to notice anything.

Turn in line: Lisebet

Turo has left the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Adam, A Young Apprentice, 4 Navegant Marines leave, following Turo.

Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Turo leave, following Carita.

Reese is overheard praising Monique: A shadow!

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 54 higher.

Lisebet checked perception + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Lisebet also thinks she knows when Monique is there, but when she turns - nothing. The Farshaw Lady just laughs.

Turn in line: Waldemai

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Waldemai checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Turn in line: Caius

Waldemai has a blindfold on and is a fellow who has spent half his life banging steel with a big old hammer. Do you think his ears ring? You betcha. He has no clue.

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Caius checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Turn in line: Thesarin

Sparte discretely (not) flicks a little colorful rock at Caius.

In Caius's world, suspicious quiet would mean someone set something on fire, or is running amok; blessedly in this case it just means he doesn't hear Monique at all.

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 49 higher.

Thesarin checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Thesarin stands straight, tall, and broad as an old oak. And as Monique passes by, he keeps doing precisely that.

Turn in line: Coraline

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Coraline checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Turn in line: Zara

Monique checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 46 higher.

Cora figures there be nuttin, not even a breeze of whiskey after Mo passes by.

Zara checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Alistair watches the whole game, certainly not participating as what would it say if one is able to sneak up on the High Inquisitor! Or maybe hes just making it fair for everyone involved. Probably has wierd prodigal eyes in the back of his head.

It was clearly a bad idea to let the *reformed* professional thief be the shadow. Monique manages to sneak around the circle and it takes a great deal of her willpower not to steal baubles from pockets as she does it. But in the end, the circle is called and the Minx steps back, sweeping a totally-super-modest bow.

A colorful rock bounces off of Caius's chest, making him look down at the floor before scooping up the stone and tossing it between his hands as he watches the rest of the circle fail at the same test. "Now that is a skill set," he angles a nod toward Monique paired with a smile.

Reese pulls off her blind fold, looking all impressed with Monique. "Amazing..." She says in her direction. "Still, I think a Grayson should try this, none greater and all." She could be serious or she could be just teasing. "Can I be the shadow?" The blonde princess asks.

Etienne nods, watching Monique slink into literal shadows. "Yes, Princess Reese, that would be most helpful." his words followed by a bright but sly smile.

The line has been dismissed by Etienne.

Calypso has joined the line.

Etienne has joined the line.

Thesarin has joined the line.

Waldemai has joined the line.

Coraline has joined the line.

Denica has joined the line.

Reese gives people a moment to get into blindfolds. She practices a few soft foot falls on the metal floor. She is in slippers so that is plus, but it seems unlikely she will be anywhere near as quiet as Monique. She makes a bit of sound while practicing. "Just warming up..." She says softly. "Okay...I think everyone is ready now!" She says and starts to play the game.

Turn in line: Calypso

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Calypso checked perception + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

So far Reese is pretty sneaky as she stands behind Calypso.

Turn in line: Etienne

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Etienne has rolled a critical success!
Etienne checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Reese thinks she is sneaky when she goes behind Etienne, but she is not nearly sneaky enough for the archlector's awareness.

Etienne spins, gingerly reaching out and ... bam! CAUGHT! Removing the blindfold, and cheering, for himself, how unseemly.

Sparte is quietly observing. The break, and how things are going, has a grin come to his face. Then when the Archlector wins... The one GIVING the prizes... Well, he laughs and grins even wider.

Reese has pink cheeks and a sheepish smile. "Well done, atchlector." She then adds. "We are still playing, keep your blindfolds on." She moves around after speaking hoping to hide where she is going.

Turn in line: Thesarin

Thesarin checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Reese goes to stand behind the barbarian count now. She once again seems to think she is more sneaky than she is! She is actually pretty quiet, but Thesarin is alert like a wild wolf in the woods is.

When Reese passes by, Thesarin's hand juts out--remarkably quickly, for how slow the man usually moves--to block her path. He reaches up slowly to pull off the blindfold, and gives Reese a slow nod.

Reese is blocked! She sucks in a soft breath. "Oh, Count Thesarin..I should have known I couldn't hide from you."

Turn in line: Waldemai

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Waldemai checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Reese tiptoes toward Waldemai next. She isn't as quiet a would be ideal for this game, but she does seem to be trying.

Waldemai does actually seem to notice...something...through the ringing in his ears. When he takes the blidfold off, He sees Reese. "Oh, you're paying me back for that unicorn," he says, embarassed. "Thank you, your highness."

Reese has a smile for Waldemai. "Oh, yes, Master Waldemai, I am." She says, but it seems unlikely she was found out on purpose.

Turn in line: Coraline

Coraline checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Reese easily sneaks past Coraline, the princess looking quite pleased with herself.

Turn in line: Denica

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Denica checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Cora chills, totally oblivious to Reese wandering behind her. Maybe she is lost in troop training by now.

Zara has joined the line.

Monique watches everyone with a vast sense of amusement, applauding when people catch the new shadow.

Caius has joined the line.

Reese slips behind Denica next. She is rather quiet, but not quite quiet enough to fool the Thrax princess.

Lisebet has joined the line.

Turn in line: Zara

Having availed himself of something to drink while observing the next round of contestants, Caius joins the line again as Reese continues her way around as shadow stalker.

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

Zara checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Denica turns around and catches Reese, giggling softly and chuckling. "I knew it!" she eyes Monique for a moment. "Well, you've certainly known you needed to be at your best for me, didn't you?"

Reese smiles when Denica catches her and the smile reaches her blue eyes. Her cheeks are warmed with a touch of pink and she seems to be having a good time. She seems only further encouraged as she very quietly slips past Zara.

Turn in line: Caius

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Caius checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

The blonde princess is trying to sneak up behind Caius next. She is just quiet enough where maybe she could could fool the unaware. The Oathlands Prince is far from such though and can easily sense her presence.

Remembering the rules, Caius lifts one hand slightly at just the right moment and is able to 'catch' the shadow as she stalks around the circle. A grin forms on his face as he tugs off the blindfold. "Ah hah," and bows slightly to Reese.

Wilhelm pops in to say something quietly to Sparte, prompting him to stand. His helmet is quickly slipped on, a glance given to the altar before Sparte quietly leaves to go off to business.

Sparte has left the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger leaves, following Sparte.

Reese lifts her gaze to Caius, giving him a smile that touches her blue eyes. She keeps silent though and tries to sneak upon the next person.

Turn in line: Lisebet

Reese checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

The line has been dismissed by Reese.

Lisebet checked perception + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Lisebet for her part tries once more, but alas, she does no better this time. She laughs again though, shrugging delicately. "Definitely something I guess I need to work on. Determining when there is a shadow behind me."

Denica gets a rich burgandy vintage wine from the vineyards of Granato from Gift Chest.

Etienne watches the last of the players make their attempt, happily congratulating the winners, he drags a small chest out from under a table and fling sit open. "Please, winners, take your prize." he announces with some dramatic flare.

Caius gets a pair of dainty hairpins displaying colorful glass butterflies from Gift Chest.

Monique applauds all the players, and calls out, "I'm happy to offer lessons, should anyone desire it. And I am a middling teacher," she adds with a toothy grin. "Congratulations, all. And thank you so much for passing the evening with us, and for sharing so much of yourselves."

Reese sneaks past Lisebet. She peeks toward the gift chest, seemingly curious to as to people's choices.

Josiah has left the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Kaleb, a Harthall sailor leaves, following Josiah.

"Thank you for hosting the lovely event," Denica smiles. "And giving me a chance to speak of what I learned," she grins, waving to Coraline and chuckling. "You missed my story, though it was nothing too special, just my experience in serving Gild."

"Princess Reese, for gracefully stepping in to solve our difficulties." Etienne says glancing at Monique. "Please take my prize from the chest for yourself." he offers.

Thesarin gets Resurrection, a custom Corsetina scent from Gift Chest.

Reese glances over to Etienne. "Thank you, Archlector and Lady Monique." She murmurs she steps up to the chest, looks carefully over the items and quickly goes for the pink shag rug.

Reese gets Pink Shag Rug from Gift Chest.

Lisebet smiles and inclines her head. "Thank you to everyone who was willing and brave enough to tell their story," she says. "And to Lady Monique for a fun game. I have enjoyed this evening and I think I have learned something."

Waldemai gets Kiss of the Python Snake Wine from Gift Chest.

Etienne picks up Gift Chest.

Waldemai picks out a bottle of snake preservation booze. The snake appears to once have been venomous. He hopes it is not poisonous.

Cora grins at Denica, "Well then you will need to tell it again for me. Thank you for hosting this lovely event Etienne, Monique. It was a good deal of fun."

The Duchess smiles, watching people fetch their gifts. "What a wonderful way to celebrate. Thank you very much Archlector." Then a nod to Monique, "You, dear, have a very bright future in certain professions." Assassinations, theivery, etc. She moves for Caius, but is caught by Thesarin and she dips her head. "Absolutely. Would you mind if the Prince joined? We have an 'involvement.'" That's one way to put it. Something she'll mention in private.

Reese hugs the pink rug to herself. "So soft." She says. She then peeks over to Coraline. "I will have to remember that I can sneak up on you, Princes Cora." She says teasingly.

"A fine thing," Thesarin steps back a moment from Calypso, giving a short nod, and a low noise to the back of his throat. "My thanks to the hosts. Archlector, Lady Monique." He nods to both, and then looks back toward Calypso. "...reckon so," he rumbles out quietly. "As you like."

Denica grins in return and picks out a bottle of wine. "Oh the Spring wine? I missed that, so now I get to taste finally," Denica beams towards Monique and moves to hug Coraline, and than moves over to Reese to do the same.

"Oh, dear," Lisebet says after a moment. She leaves it there but glances also at Lady Monique. Sigh. "I suppose I should head home. Thank you once more." She smiles briefly, and offers a wave. "Good night to all of you."

A slight blush at Reese's words, "Oh dear, perhaps I need to take Monique up on some training in awareness, although it might be fun to be snuck up on now and again." No she does NOT realize it could be taken any way but literally!

Selecting a pair of hair pins from the chest, Caius tucks them into one pocket, a plan for later. "This was a great deal of fun, my thanks to you," he nods to Monique, "mistress sneaky feet," and a somber nod to Etienne, "for your gracious hosting of this event." He shares a nod with Thesarin as he moves to Calypso's side. "Where to?" is wondered, one silver edged brow lifting slightly.

Caius has left the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Calypso has left the a gold-inlaid bench of cherry wood, with plush aeterna upholstery.

Cora also returned Denica's hug with a warm smile.

Reese returns Denica's hug, wrapping her arms about the princess. "I'm putting this out in my tower, maybe on the main floor." She says, seeming to adore her new rug.