Ribboned baskets encircle the furnishings set out on the beach, each full of canapes and fruits. Everything is finger foods, carefully covered to protect from sand and sea and salt. The staff of two Great Houses have come together to ensure that the very finest in refreshments -- food, wine, ale, everything -- are there to tickle the palate. Seating is set forth under shimmering banners in green and gold and white silk. It's not _quite_ a festival atmosphere, but it is a very high class shade of picnic.
As people arrive, Tikva stands in her silks and rose gold bells to greet prospective attendees with enormous enthusiasm. "Thank you all for coming! HELLO! We're here to celebrate patronage, to meet each other, and to introduce you to those you haven't met before! If you're looking for a protege, you may find someone whose art inspires you or whose skills delight you! If you're here to meet a patron, you might find someone who can build you up to great advantage!"

"I'm so glad you could join us." From the highest peer to the lowest baker, those words -- with some variation, crafted solemn and earnest in welcome -- greet each person to arrive and sign-in at the table set aside for the fair. Zara is there to greet people as the arrive, while her troupe of assistants take names and offer badges. Zara keeps an eye out for people, arranging introductions. She greets Saoirse, Rowenova and Ouida and steers them into one seating group after introductions, and does the same with Warrick and Fecundo.

Johannes, A tall and red cloaked gentleman arrives, following Martino.

Warrick has joined the Southern Dunes.

Fecundo comes down to the beach and moves to the place where the information is settled to see where he is going. He stops and listens to Tivka's introduction and nods to Zara as he is directed to seating.

Fecundo has joined the Southern Dunes.

1 Scarlet Phoenix Guard, Flutter, a lovely passerine bird, Joan arrive, following Videl.

Stepping in, exhaling even as he does so, Lord Martino Malvici follows the path along to the fair's main events. Slicking back his hair with his left hand hand his eyes crease to those he knows on route to the main stand.

2 Redoubt Buccaneers arrives, following Delfina.

Ouida arrives in polished leathers and with her squire in tow, though at a wave and send off the young man seems all to eager to ecape the party to go wander the beaches. She dutifully takes her badge and signs in, offering a courtly bow to Zara and Saoirse and a warm smile to Rowenova as they're ushered into a seating group. "Thank you very much for hosting, Princess Zara," the Harthall knight greets Zara, though then she's happily smiling at the other two as well.

Ouida has joined the Northern Dunes.

Rowenova has joined the Northern Dunes.

Quintin lopes down onto the beach, looking a bit damp around the edges but otherwise game.

Tikva seems nothing short of delighted as turnout continues to grow, and the servants she has circulating seem to interpret her animated gestures correctly by offering refreshment to newcomers. She says, "Please, eat and drink, enjoy yourselves. As you start meeting others, consider not only what you might be able to do for each other -- or not -- but also, whether you enjoy each other! Friendships can grow between people who are very different, and like minds can be found in unexpected places."

After picking up a good mead (in a wooden cup and a matching bowl), along with a fruit plate with added canapes, Scout Rowenova speaks up, "Thank you, too, for having hosted this." She says that to Tivka and Zara then moves along to where she is being steered. "Greetings." Sir Floppington, of course, is with her and wags up to Ouida and Saoirse.

Domonico has joined the Beneath Trees.

The tawny hound with greying muzzle and soulful eyes, Sir Floppington, sits down like the Very Bestest Boy Ever that he is, and Scout Nova sets down the mead bowl right there for him, too.

On an average day, Hana Grayhope can be found looking as though 'elegant appearance' is a distant second to the practicality of durable clothing she can don quickly enough to get back to whatever crafting project she's focused on. Today, however, the smith has actually dressed slightly upscale for a change; she's clad in a well-made peasant dress and shoes more socially appropriate than the boots she often wears in the forge. She's even made a halfway-successful effort to tame her usually unruly curls. She offers a polite nod or smile as she makes her way across the beach towards the table indicated for those interested in patronage.

Hana has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

As Delfina and Hana join, the former gets a particularly warm greeting as Zara greets her, and then helps direct her to a seat so that she can make introductions. Hana's greeting is no less friendly, but perhaps more reserved.

Stojan, the assistant, 3 Thrax Guards, Damaia, the assistant, Lady Snow arrive, following Denica.

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.

a massive cat with long black fur, Intrigue, a sleek, diminutive raven with blue-black plumage arrive, following Willow.

3 Thrax Guards, Denica, Reese, Willow arrive, following Alecstazi.

Warrick greets Tikva and Zara with mild flourish, sweetened by recognition. He points out Tikva's bells after a half second trying to pin down where the sound is coming from, then moves to pick over the finger food. Eventually he makes his way over to Fecundo. "Your Highness."

Delfina makes her way down to the beaches, taking a moment to admire the expanse of sand and water before scanning over the people gathered here. She gives a warm smile and a wave to those she recognizes, Quintin among them, before she spots Zara and heads over to her. "Princess Zara, how nice to see you again! I had completedly forgotten you were involved in planning this event."

Martino pivots on his toes, a fussy adjustment of robe over the blue tunic follows soon after as he crosses to the table. Tucking a left arm beneath his torso to bow smooth to both Zara and Tikva, "Princess Zara. Princess Tikva... a good day and my deepest thanks for putting this on." Martino reaches to put one of the 'PATRON' badges over his robe, confiring with the them both on his position and makes his way there.

Delfina has joined the Beneath Trees.

Fecundo stands over with Warrick, where he was directed, speaking to the man as he watches the event grow.

Quintin has joined the Beneath Trees.

In contrast to Zara, Tikva greets people more or less like a hyperactive golden retriever. With bells on. Literal bells. Oh well, at least she's not jumping up on people or kissing them.

Videl has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Videl arrives a bit late, as advertised. She gets told where to go, and approaches the table.

Martino is overheard praising Zara: Such amazing organisation for us! She's paid a lot of attention to us all

Reese has joined the Northern Dunes.

Quintin waves back to Delfina, peering about to locate others he might know. A wave to Willow, and Martino --- Zara, Warrick. He's probably missing people as he picks up a bit of food and a cup of something to drink and makes his way over to where he's directed.

Domonico has left the Beneath Trees.

Martino is overheard praising Tikva: Such amazing organisation for us! Very active host with all those greetings.

Alecstazi comes down the hill with Denica on one arm, and Reese on the other. He looks around and murmurs, "I think I was supposed to send an RSVP, ergo my first stop should be to Princess Tikva to apologize for showing up unannounced."

Maple, a brown golden retriever, Toffee, a fluffy pomeranian, 2 Laurent trained guards arrive, following Mabelle.

Reese arrives while in the company of Alecstazi and Denica. "I didn't send a notice either." She says a bit sheepishly to the prince. She seems to be in a cheerful mood and smiles to those gathered here.

Martino has joined the Beneath Trees.

Denica has joined the Northern Dunes.

Painbow, a militant pygmy goat arrives, delivering a message to Mabelle before departing.

Reese starts to head toward the dunes. She smiles over to Ouida and Rowenova. "Greetings, Dame Ouida and Scout. I have Princess Denica with with me. She is an artist."

Even those who haven't RSVPed receive warm welcomes and zero shaming: Zara's there to greet them; her retainers are there to mark them on the ledger, and then it's onward in introductions.

Mabelle has joined the Southern Dunes.

Mabelle finally reaches the beaches, that was a long way to walk around oneself. She spots Zara and directs herself to the southern dunes

"If you need terrible icebreaker questions, I will be happy to come up with some for you," Tikva is exclaiming as she circulates, her voice carrying with laughing ease over the soft hush of the surf. "While knowing your protege's favorite color might not be that useful, I can't recommend enough knowing what gift they would give an imaginary dragon to avoid being eaten, because what if it comes up?"

Reese hears the comment about color. "Oh, in case wonders, my favorite color is pink." She chimes in with.

Ouida offers a bow to the two noblewoman who join herself, Rowenova, and Saoirse in their seating area. "So good to see you, Princess Resse, I hope you are well! And how very nice to meet you, Princess Denica. It's a lovely evening and even more enjoyable company, I think," she says, including the entire group in her smile.

Mabelle teases Reese from afar, "No! Really?" she winks to her

Hana flinches just a tiny bit when Tikva mentions the idea of being eaten by a dragon.

Arriving with Reese and a pair of Thrax, Willow glances about curiously for a moment, trying to get her bearings, and she wanders over to grab a patron badge. On her way back to greet the hosts, Reese's comment on pink curls her lips in a grin in response.

Reese peeks over to Willow and Mabelle, giving them a smile. She then speaks softlyw it those at the dunes.

Alecstazi heads towards the princesses Zara and Tikva. He moves to Tikva first, bowing to the redheaded Grayson, "Your highness, thank you for putting this together. And thank you for putting this together. Also it is a pleasure to meet you face to face."

1 Rivenshari Clansman, Lucky, the fishing cat, Patock, A clever Youth arrive, following Athaur.

Athaur has joined the Northern Dunes.

Tikva's teeth flash in a wide smile and sketches a return bow to Alecstazi. "It is good to put a voice and face to a correspondent, your highness, is it not? I find that it can be difficult to meet the sort of person one wants to put one's name behind, it's not as though most beautiful craftsmen can be found amongst the canapes at your ordinary ball."

Saoirse is perched - yes, perched - on the edge of a tree branch. She looks remarkably unapproachable, which is probably the very worst vibe for this event. When a dog wags its tail at her, Saoirse stares at it coldly until the poor thing stops wiggling his butt and trots off to safer waters.

Willow has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Sir Floppers finds solace from Saoirse by sitting down and flumping sideways against Scout Rowenova (who is chatting away at the Northern Dunes).

As the frantic introductions settle down into a low hum of conversation, Zara rolls her shoulders back and releases a very muted sort of breath. Then she lifts her head to see who is still lingering around the food table or otherwise that might yet need an introduction.

Athaur had been here for a while. He had in fact, been early. Though he had been remarkable far more silent then the Rivenshari Count is known for. The only sounds coming from him were the bells on his person being blown softly by the wind. Perhaps a faint snore? No certainly not. Though he does start suddenly, looking around with an intent look as he tries to catch up on what was going on around him.

Saoirse has joined the Northern Dunes.

"You again prove yourself to be quite skilled, your Highness." Alecstazi looks around the gathering as if trying to figure out where to aim himself. Before wading into the pool, he gives Tikva a bow and heads over to Zara, offering the Valardin a bow. "Many thanks for hosting such an event, your highness. I am Prince Alecstazi Thrax."

Saoirse pushes off her perch after the dog passes her by and sort of ...curls into the northern dunes. She tucks her feet under her skirts, sitting with the dune people. She flashes Reese a quick look that seems neither antagonistic nor inviting - just registering, at most. To the others, she says, "Princess Saoirse Velenosa," though it's loud enough for anyone here who wishes to make her acquaintance to do so.

Fecundo chats quietly, for the moment, with Mabelle and Warrick, near the Southern Dunes. He seems relaxed enough, occasionally looking about to see more breadth on who has gathered for the event.

"I'm so glad you could make it," Zara says as she stops by Athaur, perhaps addressing her words to him to be sure that he is awake. Or -- maybe not. She's remarkably hard to read. She addresses the group at the northern dunes, not quite able to find a seat among them: "Do any of you have any questions that I might answer? We will be circulating in a bit, but I would like you to at least have the chance to discuss your interests."

Once it seems that most of the participants have settled in and are chatting comfortably, Tikva stops emceeing _quite_ so noisily and instead moves to circulate amongst the groups more quietly, pausing only long enough to collect a glass of pale wine from one of the servants. While Princess Zara moves to the larger group at the northern dunes, she heads to the southerly ones, wine glass caught in the curve of her fingers.

Tikva has joined the Southern Dunes.

Alecstazi has joined the Southern Dunes.

Over at the Northern Dunes, Nova drinks (from her cup of mead) as Flop drinks (from his bowl of mead). Then, she shares her appetizers with the canine, too.

Reese is overheard praising Zara: A very organized and intelligent host!

Reese is overheard praising Tikva: Woots, Patron fair!

Saoirse has left the Northern Dunes.

Saoirse has joined the Southern Dunes.

Saoirse wanders down the dunes after a moment or three. Hello, southern dune.

A gentle chuckle escapes from the Malvici Lord as he is in easy conversation beneath the trees with both Delfina and Quintin, ".... stories, and artwork, can be sold at almost any value if you pitch it right."

Hana pauses in her conversation with Videl and Willow, placing a little bronze paperweight on the table in front of her.

Hana drops bronze lacework rose with carnelian center.

Reese peeks over to the paperweight that is display ad her blue eyes widen. she looks impressed.

Zara pauses near various groups -- too courteous to quite be intruding -- to suggest to various participants that there's someone over here that they might want to meet, and she'd be pleased to introduce them.

Rowenova has left the Northern Dunes.

Saoirse has left the Southern Dunes.

Saoirse has joined the Beneath Trees.

Willow starts to get up when whispered to but then looks at the item produced by Hana, attention lingering for the longest and she gives a slow nod, reaching to touch the patterns on the rose. With an apologetic look at the timing, she tells the Grayhope, "It was a pleasure to meet you, I hope you will keep me in mind."

Mabelle has left the Southern Dunes.

Mabelle has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Willow has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Quintin nods to Zara when she comes by the little group he's in; he offers a quick smile to Martino and Delfina both and says, "I quite enjoyed our conversation and feel better equipped to deal with dragons --- thank you both." A shallow bow, and he's moving over toward Zara's directed him.

Delfina has left the Beneath Trees.

Fecundo has left the Southern Dunes.

Fecundo has joined the Northern Dunes.

Quintin has left the Beneath Trees.

After a refill to the bowl and cup, Nova takes those to the Southern Dunes. Meanwhile, Flop follows along after her. "Greetings, all." says she before setting down the bowl of mead for the dog then swigging from her cup.

Quintin has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Alecstazi has left the Southern Dunes.

Willow has joined the Beneath Trees.

Alecstazi has joined the Northern Dunes.

Videl has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Ouida has left the Northern Dunes.

Reese has left the Northern Dunes.

Hana gets bronze lacework rose with carnelian center.

Rowenova has joined the Southern Dunes.

Ouida has joined the Southern Dunes.

Videl has joined the Southern Dunes.

Martino has left the Beneath Trees.

Martino has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Delfina has joined the Beneath Trees.

Tikva has left the Southern Dunes.

Reese has joined the In the Water.

Fecundo shifts from one set of dunes to those on the opposite side, nodding to those now gathered in that spot.

One group that Zara gathers she leaves just on the edge of the water. Edge. Not in. Definitely edge.

Tikva is overheard praising Valardin: I am grateful to House Valardin for sending their best to help with these festivities!

Tikva is overheard praising Grayson: Not to say that there's anyone greater than us, of course. Of course not.

Delfina has left the Beneath Trees.

Delfina has joined the In the Water.

Willow has left the Beneath Trees.

Willow has joined the In the Water.

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

Mal, a devious raccoon arrives, delivering a message to Rowenova before departing.

As people settle back in again post-introductions, Zara moves up the slope of the beach to a point where she can see the gathered crowd. She addresses them, voice carrying clearly although she hardly seems to lift it: "Thank you for coming. The tradition of patronage is an important and time-honored practice, one that allows those with the privileges and responsibilities of high birth to lift up the talents of those who might not otherwise receive the attention they deserve. I do notice that our numbers are unbalanced, so I wished to offer my advice to those of you who have not yet found a protege."

Zara doesn't have a chart, but there's something in the way that she gestures that _suggests_ it. "First, identify the areas of interest to you. I know that many of you were interested in working with those in the arts. From there, ask around in the city to identify those who are recognized as artists or interested in the arts. (@proprieties respected artist / +rphooks/search art) Then send inquiries around to find out if they have a patron. (@patronage name) At that point, you might reach out to them to see if they would care to meet so that you could discuss your share interests, and how you might support their work. It is important to note that responsibility of supporting, which can take many forms: financial, social, and so on. This is how I met my proteges, and I know that there are other artists out there. The practice would be the same for other areas of interest."

Quintin chats animatedly with Martino, Mabelle, and Hana. Okay, mostly Hana. He seems to have a lot of questions.

"A very sensible approach," Tikva says, reaching up to rub the pad of her thumb along the curve of one eyebrow. "Myself, I have always been a little less organized about it. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger. As long as you observe the forms of courtesy and are prepared to listen to the viewpoints of those who are vastly different from yourself without becoming incensed--" She grins. "--you can make connections you might not expect. Of course... not everyone you meet is a suitable protege! That's true! But you are unlikely to remain bored."

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

Murmuring away at the picnic table with Mabelle, Hana and Lord Quintin. Martino's eyebrows lift as his fingertips brush over the paperweight places on the table, "Oh... this is a curious material. Truly curious." Hushed conversation before he turns his chin to reply to the group.

Zara glances over at Tikva with a hint of humor brightening the dark of her gaze. "It's true that it's important to find someone whose company you enjoy. These friendships are important bonds that cross the divides of class and fealty. If you have any questions on the practice, please feel free to ask at any point. It's important to keep in mind that these aren't contracts you are creating, but relationships you are building."

Fecundo seems to be enjoying the conversations at the Northern Dune with his three companions there, still easy and relaxed.

Fecundo has left the Northern Dunes.

Fecundo seems to bid farewell to those at the Northern Dunes and turns for the area by the water.

Fecundo has joined the In the Water.

Willow has left the In the Water.

a massive cat with long black fur have been dismissed.

Intrigue, a sleek, diminutive raven with blue-black plumage have been dismissed.

Tamorin, a bubbly Whisper apprentice arrives, following Solange.

Mabelle is overheard praising Zara: Lovely and most useful gathering

Mabelle is overheard praising Tikva: Well organized event!

Mabelle has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

"Ah do be well Lady Mabelle... and Hana. Thank you as well for showing off your fine craft." Martino's left hand rolls forth to the paperweight before him as he creases the corners of his eyes, "Truly. I expect a good number of those here will be contacting you."

Solange Whisper is late, certainly, but when a Whisper does anything, it is fashionable. Clad in a blood red dress that reveals both the line of her spine and plunges into her decolletage, she moves gracefully into the gathered crowd. There is a quick sweep of amber eyes, likely trying to locate exactly where she should be. Perhaps if she'd been on time, she would know.

After a brief interruption by her squire, Ouida is stepping back from her group with a certain amount of haste, and making her way towards the path up from the beach. She does stop to offer a bow for both Zara and Tivka, however, to thank the hosts before leaving. "It was a very enjoyable gathering," the Harthall knight says with a smile. "And I hope many successful connections will be made from it. Thank you again." It's brief, though, as she leaves in haste with her squire, at a very brisk not-quite-run.

Ouida has left the Southern Dunes.

Zara sits beneath the shade drafting a couple of notes in her correspondence book, but one of her retainers directs her attention to Solange. She stands, leaving the book with the woman, and crosses to meet her with open hands and warm regard. "Whisper Solange, welcome. I'm pleased that you could make it. There are a number of people who would be interested in meeting with you, I think." She pauses to bow her head to Ouida, features solemn but regard warm. "I'm so glad that you could join. Thank you."

2 Harthall house guards, Niall RedTree, adorably awkward squire leave, following Ouida.

Athaur smiles to Ouida, offering her another bow. "Lady Ouida, we shall have to speak further at a later date. He turns his gaze towards Solange as she is introduced by Zara, looking at her curiously.

Hana collects her paperweight and moves to stand as her conversational partners disperse. Mabelle, Quintin, and Martino are each given a respectful nod in farewell, before the blacksmith makes her over to the two hostesses. "Your highnesses, thank you both so much for hosting this! It's given me some options to think about for a patron. Though I think you also wanted to speak later?" The last is directed at Zara specifically.

"Thank you, Princess Zara," Solange replies, her lips curving into an easy smile as she curtsies gracefully to the princess. "I am sure. There has always been-- quite a bit of interest around my patronage. At one point, I entertained the possibility of making people compete for it, but arranging it was a hassle."

Martino presses his hands down onto the table and pushes himself upright from behidn the picnic table. An easy curl of his lips as he dips his head low to Hana, "A pleasure to meet you now, Hana." As he stands upright, Martino needfully adjusts his robe over his tunic, brushing it briefly with his left hand as his sharp green eyes are distracted for just a moment. "Mm... so err... where was I?" Forehead of the Malvici Lord scrunched as he turns to speak with the next group.

"A tournament for the honor of a Whisper's patronage actually sounds to me like a _brilliant_ idea," Tikva says with a bright laugh as she paces towards Zara and Solange. "A social tournament, perhaps, or a whole gamut of different noble skills." A beat. "Not the most _humble_ obviously but I mean I am a Grayson, we're rarely humble about brilliant ideas."

Quintin seems to be rather entranced with some notebooks and papers in his possession; he stands a bit apart, reading with a cup lodged into the sand at his feet. It's probably going to get sand in it. He doesn't seem to care.

Rowenova gets Lotties Chocolate Chip Cookie from Messenger Bag.

Solange's laugh is easy and bright, matching Tikva's before she nods and confesses: "My idea was questions, that they would have to answer, with judges to score how they liked the words spoken."

"Mistress Hana, thank you for coming." Zara has a clear path in mind, but she pauses as Hana steps forward. "I'll be in touch to speak with you, and I'm glad you were able to join." She then looks sidelong at Solange and says, "You might leave blood in the water if you did that, but it would certainly weed out those patrons who don't like the way you play. Prince Alecstazi, do you have a moment? I believe that you and Whisper Solange might have things to discuss."

Hana inclines her head respectfully towards Zara. "I'm glad I was able to make it," she replies with a smile. But then she's off, heading back to her shop and whatever task awaits her there.

Hana has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Alecstazi turns to look at Princess Zara and offers a wide smile, "A Whisper? Fantastic. I would be glad to meet her." Alecstazi clasps his hands behind his back and makes his way to Zara's side.

Sweeping left hand through his hair, Martino crosses from the picnic bench to bring himself to the main table where food and importantly drink has been laid out by Princesses Zara and Tikva, "Truly, Princesses. Thank you for organising this. Was lovely to see, quite a few unattached commoners and even a good Lady who could use a patron." Martino's right hand rests upon his heart as he creases his eyes to Solagne for a moment while selecting a drink from the table.

Alecstazi has left the Northern Dunes.

"Your highness," Solange greets as Alecstazi moves to join them, dropping into a moment's curtsy even as her gold-flecked gaze studies the man under the fan of dark lashes. And then she straightens, offering him a soft smile. "Solange Whisper, at your service."

Tikva rests her hand over her heart and gives a little bow, one that jangles the copper-clappered bells in her hair as she straightens. "Thank you, Lord Malvici; it has been an honor to introduce much of the Peerage to what the city might have to offer in this regard."

Quintin has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Martino has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Martino has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

Martino has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Leaving Solange with Alecstazi, Zara turns her attention to Martino, echoing Tikva as she says, "Thank you for coming." Her voice carrying warm welcome. "I believe there's a great deal to be said for the tradition of patronage, for using our positions to lift up those of skill and craft to be sure they have what they need to practice. I'm glad to see such interest in carrying it forward."

Alecstazi takes a moment to observe Solange, taking in the cut of her modest gown and her coloring, he offers the Whisper a shallow, but point-perfect bow and smiles, "A pleasure to meet you, Solange Whisper. Tell me, what are your areas of expertise and interest?" The words are clipped with an Isles accent, and his blue eyes are the cold color of northern ice, but the man seems personable despite these things.

Picking a glass of the Lycene Red, Martino lifts it partway to his chest. Swirling it with his fingertips as he echos in agreement with both Princesses, "You are quite welcome and you are both right. As His Majesty has shown to us all... patronage is important and truly an opportunity to uplift Commoners in our city." Finally a sniff of the wine's bouquet and a sip of the slight red.

"Exactly what one might think of, when they consider a Whisper, Prince Alecstazi. Pretty speech, fine manners, being a companion to those who need one," Solange replies with a light humor to her words, her brow quirking slightly as she smiles to the man. "And yours? What would you consider your skill and expertise, your highness?"

Nova pops up and picks up all her food paraphernalia (the mead cup, mead bowl, and the appetizer plate). Sir Floppington also stands, too, wagging lots.

"I find that a good patronage improves and enriches the life of each partner," Tikva says. Her glance flicks between Solange and Alecstazi,and she smiles a little crookedly. "Whisper Solange was instrumental in improving my own knowledge of etiquette not long ago," is Tikva's idle remark, as she takes a sip of her own white. "Really, there is a reason that the Whispers are a critical necessity to the work of any diplomat."

Quintin has been standing around reading. Thankfully, he reads quickly, and he eventually tucks the notebooks and papers under his arm and rescues his drink from the sand. He takes a sip without glancing in it and makes a face when he realizes it's now got some extra grit in it. Yuck. Spying Rowenova and Sir Floppington, the young Ashford Lord waves.

Rese peeks over to Quintin, having a warm smile for him. She speaks with both Delfina and Fecundo. The Princess seems to be enjoying the conversation. They are near the edge of the water and not actually swimming!

Alecstazi's lips curve ever so slightly upwards at the corners as he once again takes a moment to study the battlegown worn so effortlessly by the Whisper. "I am, admittedly, an oddity in the eyes of most Thrax. I am not particularly fond of boats or sailing and I have a deep devotion to the arts of cavalry and horsemanship in general." There is a slight deepening of that smile. "I have to say, that gown is particularly stunning. Are you of the Oathlands or a fan of their fashion stylings?"

Warrick lingers with Rowenova, holding a cookie, clearly gifted to him. If it's meant to win him over, it may be working, as he struggles to resist chomping the thing in polite company.

Aonghus comes slowing walking down from the city proper, he stops to look at stalls of wares his fellow crafts have put together some he nods to and calls by name. He seems to have a heading but is still abit lost as he looks around the crowds of people.

"They do, my previous protege tested me ever-so well with her curious nature for seeking different solutions to problems that not even I had considered." Martino's eyes crease to Tikva before sipping his red wine once again and adding, "Very true. Usually on my own diplomatic missions, I hope to have one with me or us in the group. An insight few can rival but... Princess Zara, Tikva. Thank you and I should let you be good hosts." A smooth both from Martino follows before he steps back to cross over the sands.

"Neither, particularly. Not that I am against Oathlands styling, but when I first came to the city from a little nothing barony in the Lyceum, I was rather poor. I still am, depending how you consider things," Solange muses quietly, stepping away with perhaps an expectation that Alecstazi will follow as she moves to get a glass of wine from a servant. She doesn't look to make sure he does, a confidence in that singular lack of gesture, even as she continues, "Much of what I earn, I give to charity. Duchess Laurent was kind enough to pass me down this gown after she had no use for it.

Who knows why Rowenova does what she does besides herself (and maybe Sir Flop)! Spying Quintin's wave, Nova waves back as she says, "And there is the man who won the strategy games at the Domus Igniseri! Well played, by the way! Anyway! Farewell all!" After that, the Wolf Scout and the Soulful Hound bound away, heading back toward Arx!

Solange is overheard praising Grayson: For hosting such a patronage fair.

Solange is overheard praising Valardin: For hosting such a patronage fair.

Rowenova has left the Southern Dunes.

When Aonghus arrives, Zara excuses herself from her conversation when one of her assistants informs her of his arrival. She moves to intercept him, a warm welcome in her voice: "How do you do? I'm Princess Zara Valardin. I don't believe we are acquainted. Are you here in search of patronage? Perhaps I can introduce you to someone."

Quintin waves back to Princess Reese; spying Warrick, he heads that way. "Are you here seeking out a patron?" he asks the man. Possibly while said man has a mouth full of cookie, because timing is everything.

Isabetta is just dropping by late to see whom might be about this fair and maybe if she can snag some of the uneaten food, if there is any, but sseriously come on.

There's lots of food! So much food. SO MANY CANAPES.

"Ah, interesting. So tell me, what is it that you are seeking in a patron?" Alecstazi asks curiously as he studies the Whisper. "And you are from the Lyceum? Excellent. Which area? My mother was a Mazetti."

Isabetta is yay the food. She goes promptly to approach the food and commence snagging the food.

Pivoting partly on his toes, Martino creases his eyes in passing to Isabetta as he lifts his glass of partly drunk red, "Ah Lady Gilden. Been some time, how..." His eyes widen as food is snagged, leaning forward he murmurs, "If you want. I can have more cinnamon swirls brought forth from Lottie's again."

Warrick watches Rowenova head off, a little dazed. It so happens he's halfway through his treat when Quintin addresses him. "Mmh-" Pause, one finger. "Yes, Lord... Ashford?" he attempts to recognize. "But even if nothing catches, it's a nice time out the beach!"

"Support, in many ways. As I said, much of my own earnings are given over to charity, but someone to buy me pretty things, to fill my closets with gowns and surround my neck with jewels? I am not sure I'd say no," Solange muses with a quiet humor, lifting the claimed wine glass to her lips as she sweeps a look over the party before she meets Alecstazi's study easily. "It's a barony in Fidante land."

Reese looks over to Isabetta, having a warm smile for her. "Lady Issy Berry." She greets."

Fecundo offers a bow to both Reese and Delfina before turning to leave there company. He does pause to wave to Zara and Tivka, "Thank you both for a wonderful event."

Reese is overheard praising Fecundo: A charming and easy to be around prince, it was nice to see him!

Reese is overheard praising Delfina: She seems intelligent and battle-minded and well spoken!

Warrick has left the Southern Dunes.