Pavilions have been setup in a grassy meadow flying pennants marked with colors of Crovane and Kennex. Beneath the pavilions are blackwood tables set with whiskey, rum, tea and water, as well as various types of food. Hunting horns, bows, quivers and spears rest against the poles of the pavilions, while horses, dogs and hawks move about the camp with hunters and their entourages.

Rysen stands just outside the pavilions with a glass of whiskey in his hand. His free hand runs along the coat of Bandit, the Crovane warhorse, as he gazes out across the grassy meadows towards the more deeply wooded part of the Gray Forest. He turns to face Wash and says, "You've chosen the perfect time of year to come hunting, My Lord. Weather couldn't be better."

Reese arrives at the hunt while decked out in her pink griffin gear and ribbons. The girl brought her war horse, hunting hound and falcon along for the trip. She peeks over to Rysen, giving the man a gentle smile that touches her blue eyes. "Lord Rysen, thank you for hosting this, I love hunts and you as well Lord Was and Lady Catalana."

Bianca moves closer to the pavillions with Merek by her side. The Legate is currently testing out a diamondplate bow while strolling calmly, she bides her time to pull the string and see if it has the perfect tension for the hunting. "To be frank, it's been quite a while since I have last done something like this." She comments, "So make sure to protect your behind."

Wash has talked up the visit to Crovane lands so much that some family members have attached himself to their caravan heading North. He and Catalana have left the children behind, but the long horse ride has taken its toll on Wash, who has never been a strong horseman. He walks with an unfortunately limp and avoids sitting for a few hours. "When you extended the invitation, I thought it best to take quick advantage of it, before the snows set in."

Tescelina arrives in a warm brocade jacket though contoured to her lithe frame. The collar is open a bit, revealing a gallant jabot beneath. Riding breeches and riding boots along with her weapons adorning slender hips complete the attire. She rests her gloved hands behind her back, moving through the campsite. She had come, as she always did, with an agenda for her own personal research. Eyes cast upward for just a moment, recording the sky, its scope or the cloud-coverage, before offering a sweeping knightly curtsy to Rysen and Wash. "M'lords," she greets in her quiet, muted voice, before moving on; offering a wiggle of her fingers to Reese.

Mikani comes along side Rysen. She has a horse from the Crovane stable which Mika had been talking to earlier as if to reach a compromise. She smiled as she took in the scene and the people. It wasn't her first time to Crovane lands ... but it was the first formal event on such. Adventures to be held. "Princess Reese good to see you." She says warmly before looking over at Wash and Catalana. "Lord and Lady Kennex, good to see some from the Mourning Isles here."

Merek is riding next to Bianca and nods to the woman as well. He has also brought his diamondplate bow, while he takes a moment to consider. He lifts up a hand while he waves to Rysen, and inclines, "Lord Rysen, my friend," he says. He then looks to the Legate, "With thick hides you should also bring a few spears, great to hunt with," he pats at the black spear which he keeps with him also.

It's colder here than in Arx, something perhaps not unexpected, judging by Evander's very-dull-looking wool outfit and scarf. Nevermind that's his ordinary outfit, he's wearing an extra layer on top in deference to the climate. It's about the only thing he's got right as far as travel is concerned, being largely unfamiliar with the usual items one takes, he's got a journal of notes, a book, and a pouch of tea leaves. Thankfully, someone's been mindful enough to set up hot water, Evander seats himself by the table while his tea leaves soak, coughing quietly into his scarf. Though he traveled with the Kennex caravan, he chose not to ride, probably a wise idea since he's even less of a good horseman than Wash. "It's already feeling cold up here," he notes in response to Wash, his voice roughened and faint from the coughing, leaning one elbow on the table. He pushes gamely to his feet as others arrive and begin to make greetings. "Princess Reese. It's been far too long. Cou- lady Mikani. Congratulations on your recent marriage, and yourself of course, Lord Rysen," it's a long sentence, and it ends with him turning away to take a brief coughing breath.

Reese looks over to Bianca and Merek as they arrive, having a dimple framed smile for them. "Sir Merek, hi." She says gently before looking upon Bianca. "And Legate, always an honor to see you. She then looks upon Tescelina. "Dame Tescelina." She greets in a friendly tone. "I have in idea for a painting, I think would suit you." She says still to the Oathlands Knight. After a moment she turns to Mikani. "Lady Mikani, greeting and well congrats. It really is amazing out here. "Oh, too long!" The girl agrees to Evander."

Niklas follows along with the Kennex contingent by merit of blood, if not name, arm in arm with his wife, Princess Sabella. Though the Grayson prince wears the badger's colors, attending a Crovane/Kennex engagement means he's dug out a floppy hat in Kennex colors and keeps his old sailboat signet ring hanging from a chain around his neck. "Well. That was more horse riding than I'd care to do for the rest of the year." It is somewhat notable that Niklas has decided that being drawn here in a fine carriage, occasionally chatting with his cousins out an open window, counts as horse riding. Such a dandy.

If Wash looks worse for wear, it's nothing compared to Catalana. Use to the cities and the occassional sea voyage, she has struggled with the ride too. Regardless. She has put on her happiest smile as she limps with her husband, "Thank you for the invitation Lord Rysen. It really is a beautiful land." She then checks on Evander as he joins, her natural maternal instinct kicking in and she reaches over and fixes his scarf. No need to catch the sniffles today.

Mikani grins at Evander. "You came for an adventure. This will be grand!" Mikani grasps Evander's shoulder and murmurs to the man in a forign language. "I'm so glad you could make it. Now you can find your own trinket to bring home." She then looks at Reese and flushes slightly. "Thank you. I'm pretty happy about it." Her eyes move to Rysen and she smiles more.

"Really?" Bianca questions, turning to the side so she can show Merek the sword hanging by her belt, "I'm only good with the bow, but I still carry my brother's sword around. Makes me feel like part of him is still following and protecting me." She says, turning and smiling quietly at Reese as the Grayson addresses her, "Princess, I hope everything has been going well for you."

Rysen beams at Reese. "It's an honor to have you here in the Northlands, Your Highness," he says warmly. He nods to Wash and says with a laugh, "And it was nice to get out of Arx while it was sweltering." Rysen bows to Tescelina, and says, "I'm glad you could join us, Lady Tescelina, though I'll admit, I'm a bit jealous every time I hear them sing that 'Bear Slayer' song they wrote about you." He grins, and nods in agreement with Mikani.

"Really glad you made the trip, Sir Merek" says Rysen holding up his glass in toast to the knight. Rysen grins as overhears Bianca offer a warning about her bow, and Niklas speak of riding. "It's a long ride, Your Highness, but the sights are breathtaking, and Lord Wash and Lady Catalana have made sure we're well furnished for the excursion," he says smiling and taking a drink of whiskey.

"I'm rather exited for the fresh air!" Sabella chimes in, all beaming smiles to the company as she leans on Niklas' arm, "Although that game of endless questions was rather...it lasted a very long time and passed some of it not entirely terribly. Lord Rysen! I hear we have you to thank as well as Wash here for this fun event! Are you going to be looking for just one elk or is it the person who brings back the most that wins? Oh! Look, Nik! Reesey is here! And Legate Bianca! Oh, and that's Lady Tesclina I must introduce you to her, she's so wonderfully quiet and thoughtful I'm sure the two of you will get on!"

Tescelina wrinkles her nose a bit at mention of the Bear Slayer but there's amusement beneath it toward Rysen. "I was a bit curious of the lyrics, if you find a bard willing to write them down -- " Her voice trails before she cants her head a bit at the comment from Reese and her lip quirks with a slight smile. "Truly? We shall have to discuss it soon." Her attention drifting toward the sight of the Legate Bianca. "Dear Cousin." The Wyrmguard offers a knightly bow.

Merek nods a bit to Bianca at her words, seeing the importance of them. "I know how that is," he says, then he smiles to Reese and to Rysen, "My two friends, you are both doing well?" he asks, then he's shifting a bit. He has on his dark leather with his scarf on his lower face as well. He then seems to think, nodding to Bianca, "These are two of my closest, and few friends I've mentioned," he adds.

"Sorry. Sorry." Wash says. "I don't make a lot of overland journeys. I may have overpacked." He doesn't seem too abashed. "How is it that bedroll on the ground manages to be colder than a bedroll at sea?"

Evander gives a tiny, if wry and accepting, smile to his sister as she adjusts his scarf. Mikani earns a slightly less excited smile, but that's just par for the course, the thin Kennex given to muted reactions. "I've always wanted to see the North. As I recall you wrote very many intriguing things about it. Though does the edge of the forest still count as 'north' enough?" he wonders. Her reminder of a trinket earns a surprised, and pleased nod, before he murmurs back to her, carefully.

Catalana glances between Mikani and Evander but frowns when she mentions trinkets. She's the one encouraging this is exploring. Doesn't she know how delicate her baby brother is?! Catalana increases the fussing over her baby brother tenfold. "Careful Ev. I'm not sure is hunting is the best activity for you. How about we find a fire and books? Hmm? Oh, and maybe a blanket or two too, hmm?" Yep. Adding a layer of cotton wool to that mollycoddling.

Rysen laughs softly, clearly happy to be in the presence of Sabella's buoyant spirit again. "Game's plentiful in these parts, Your Highness, so I imagine we'll hunt as many elk as our skill allows. There's plenty of other game to hunt as well, and I'm eager to see what we manage." Rysen smiles at Tescelina's reaction to the song made in her honor, and says, "I'll see about getting it recorded, though I must give you fair warning I'm likely to put it in the Whites - for posterity's sake, of course."

Turning to Wash, Rysen asks, "Do you favor bows or crossbows for hunting, My Lord, or the spear?"

"I'm equally adept with either or any." Wash assures Rysen. "But I defer to your greater knowledge. Do you use beaters to flush the elk?" He at least knows what a beater is when hunting.

"Perhaps quietness is a Wyrmguard trait." Bianca suggests Sabella, greeting her with a small wave. Looking between Bianca and Tescelina, it's easy to note the similarities between the two, "And it's good that we meet again, cousin. I could do with a few familiar faces around." She adds, returning the bow with a polite dip of her head. Turning her attention back at Merek, Reese and Rysen, she offers the trio a brief smile, "I hope I can also grow to consider you all my friends. Sir Merek is a good person and I think he's in the way to great achievements."

Mikani grins at Evander, "It's always more wonderful in person. Books are great, the experience is better." She comments to Evander wondering at the look Catalana is giving her. She steps back giving Catalana and Evander space. She gives another smile at Evander before going to check on her horse again. She softly brings her hand down the neck of the horse and murmuring to it softly in an exotic lilting tongue as if trying to get a promise from the horse or something. She readies her bow for the hunt.

Reese seems to be a cheerful mood, but she got a bit slow to process as the princess often does in crowds. She gives Sabella warm smile upon noticing her. "Hi Sabella." She says, dropping her title. She then turns to Bianca. "Quietness can be a very wonderful trait at times." She says toward the scholar with warmth in her voice. The girl then adds to Tescelina. "Oh, we can talk later." The girl looks to Mikani. "Yeah, I like to turn experiences into books. I should write down the love story of Princess Sabella and Prince Niklas into a book or probably Niklas would do the story better justice."

Rysen grins. "To be honest, most of the time when I hunt, it's been a bit more of an... ascetic experience. Lots of stalking and lots of hauling heavy game out of the forest - but this style of hunting is growing on me. I believe Countess Arcadia calls it 'glunting' - short for 'glamorous hunting,' but I can get used to it." He reaches into his bag and pulls out a a carved blackwood spear with a steel head. "I had this crafted for you in Stormwall, My Lord, though your welcome to use a bow if you prefer." He offers the spear to Wash.

ysen nods in agreeemnt with Bianca. "I couldn't agree more, Legate Bianca. Sir Merek has quite literally saved my life, and we have had our fare share of adventures the likes of which are so strange as to almost defy belief."

Niklas offers up waves and smiles whenever his wife points out someone new he may or may not know. Rysen gets a quick dip of his chin. "Good to see you again, Lord Rysen. During our sequester in increasingly-dreary-in-my-recollection Bastion I thought often of what epics you may be writing or grand songs you may be composing. I do hope you will treat us this day." He raises a hand to Evander as the man passes, then says sidelong to Sabella, "That's one of my cousins you've never had chance to meet. He's brother to Cat and Jan. The three of them are as much alike as I am to my own siblings. But they've always seemed to get along better."

Rysen gets a carved blackwood spear with a steel head from a reinforced canvas shoulder bag with drawstring cords.

Wash wields a carved blackwood spear with a steel head.

Merek's dusky cheeks tint at the praise, not used to it, while he nods to Rysen, "Indeed, I don't think what we went through would be easy to believe. You wrote a book and many probably still think that poem really is just a story," he grins. Then he shifts his spear, twirling it about, then he shifts his bow a bit as well, nodding to Bianca also. "You're too kind, I'm hardly good, but thank you."

Tescelina's smiles are always quite /sad/ however there is warmth behind it for Bianca. "Yes, it is always a pleasure to see family." She spies Princess Sabella and eases once more into her genuflecting, knightly curtsy. Hand upon her heart, other arm extended. "Your Highness." Seeing her with her husband she offers the same and, "Prince Niklas." Though she /doesn't/ introduce herself, allowing the princess to do that -- she is extremely good at it, after all.

"I'm not going to... hunt," Evander reassures Catalana, quickly. "I'd probably just cause an accident, if I tried. I'm just walk around a little, once I catch my breath. Read some, later," he pats his book as if he has the day of totally-not-hunting at a hunting party well planned out. Mikani is given a brief, tiny smile as she edges away. "I'm- Cat, really, I'm- okay. Look, cousin Niklas is here." He's obviously trying for a distraction, nodding towards the other man.

Catalana hears Rysen, "Glunting? That sounds... dreadful." She glances to Wash, still a small touch of jealousy in her eyes. "Is the countess coming? I've yet to meet her. She seems the most... fascinating sort. Glunting and sailing." She checks with Wash, "Wish for my company or shall I stay back?" She gives Evander's scarf one last tug. "Alright. Stay out of trouble. I mean it."

"Don't let Nik overhear you say that or suddenly there will be a play where he and Tikva have twenty sword fights," Sabella grins to Reese, before turning an interested look Evander's way, "Oh? How many Kennexs are you secreting away from me still? You must introduce me so that I can ask him to tell me embarrassing stories about your youth! Do you think he needs introductions to people?" Then she catches sight of--"Lady Mikani! I am remiss in not congratulating your new husband, but I should not pass on the opportunity to do so with you! I hope married life is treating you well. Oh, oh, Nik! This is Lady Tescelina Wyrmguard. She's a knight and a gastronomer!" She looks incredibly proud of remembering that fact. "This is Prince Niklas Grayson, also known as the Playwright. But I might have mentioned that already since it's basically the first thing I ever say to anyone."

Tescelina checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 20, rolling 1 lower.

Wash is impressed by the gift from Rysen. "How very generous." He says hefting the spear in one hand. "I can't say that I've been nearly as thoughtful about this exercise. I am suitably ashamed. The feeling may last more than thirty seconds even." He smiles brightly. "It has been impressed upon me that Crovane is proximally the nearest ally to the Mourning Isles and Thrax specifically. So I hope that this is the first of many such journeys together." Wash is passably diplomatic, when shamed into such action. "A hunt could take all day. You should rest my love." Wash says to Catalana.

Bianca looks curiously between Merek and Rysen, "I would love to read that poem, later on." She says, "I know what is to have my life saved by a dear friend, I'm lucky to be to walk again after the Baroness Saik saved me from an alligator." She recalls, turning briefly back at Tescelina, "I might live in the Crown district now, but you should feel welcome to drop by, should you ever need something, cousin."

Reese look over to Sabella. "A play with Princess Tikva and Niklas having twenty sword fights sounds fun." She says, before adding. "What is Gastronomer?"

Rysen blushes furiously at the words of Niklas, and he smiles. "You are too kind, Your Highness. I've dearly missed your poetry and plays. I've written some in your absence, but I am hoping my master work is yet to come," he says, glancing towards Reese.

Rysen laughs warmly, and nods to Catalana. "Very dreadful, My Lady. It is not a term I plan on adopting myself." Rysen smiles, and nods to Wash. "House Crovane and the Northlands has the deepest respect for the Mourning Isles and House Kennex in particular. Lord Ian and Lord Aethan have done more for me than I could ever hope to repay." Rysen sets his riding blanket on Bandit's back, and then sets on his saddle, checking all the straps. He says to Wash and Mikani, "Shall we head out on the first hunt of the day and see what Petrichor may provide for us?"

Tescelina is shook. Her cheeks burn and she looks like a little /struck/. "Ah," she murmurs and reaches up a hand to comb at her fluffy ponytail, dragging it over her shoulder and passing her fingers through it like a nervous tick. "Astronomer," she corrects quietly. Trying not to seem too mortified. But she is most certainly embarrassed. "Gastronomy is the study of cooking."

"I promise not to trip over a branch and split my head open," Evander half-jokes to Catalana, and just in case, adds hastily: "Tea and books. Just like at home." He overhears Bianca's words, giving her a briefly surprised and interested look. "Excuse me, my lady, did you just say you were rescued from an alligator by the Countess Saik? That- I'd love to hear that tale some time, if you were willing."

Reese look over Rysen, having a dimpled smile for him. She then turns to Tescelina. "That makes more sense." The girl then adds a moment later. "Well, I am ready to go hunting." She adds.

Mikani looks at Wash and wonders if Wash knows the history of Crovane and the Mourning Isles. She smiles warmly at Sabella. "Thank you. So far married life is wonderful." With a soft nod she mounts her horse and gets ready to head out. Her eyes move over to Evander, "I think I have some books in that case in the tent. Maybe something you haven't read yet."

Catalana gives her husband a brief kiss and squeezes his hand before he leaves. "Stay safe. I will be waiting right here for when you get back." She then steals over to Sabella. "Princess. Have you met my brother Evander? He is easily the smartest person I know. Evander, this is Princess Sabella. Niklas's wife. She is just the most wonderful hostess and her children are just adorable. Shall we join Evander on a walk?"

"A night's rest has left me ready for the saddle again." Wash says without any authenticity. He has borrowed a horse for this venture, not being in the habit of keeping one at sea or at Stormward. His man hurries off to saddle it again, and Wash says his farewells. First to Catalana and then to the rest of his family. "Cousin Reese, you are coming I hope. Niklas?" He looks hopeful.

"I hardly need any family members to tell people my embarrassing stories, Sabella. I frequently lead with them in casual conversation." Niklas turns and offers the Wyrmguard Knight a lowering of his head. "Well met, Dame Tescalina. So you study the stars, eh? A rare passion these days, but I commend you for it!"

Reese looks over to Wash, nodding. "I'm coming." She says cheerfully to her cousin.

Niklas leans over to Sabella and says less quietly than anyone leaning over probably should. "Ford said he was going to go glunting once and mother made him eat a bar of soap."

Merek nods a bit while he rides with the others along with Bianca and listening to Rysen, "So, what's to be of what we successfully manage to hunt?" he asks also.

Bianca cheeks can be seen getting a little redder as she has attracted more attention than the usual, still, she nods, confirming her words to Evander, "I was helping her with a situation at Saiklands." She recalls, "The creature attacked me at the bogs, it was nine foot long. Then, I think someone wrote a report on it."

"Nine feet..." Reese says and her blue eyes widen. "I am glad you got away, Legate." The girl then quickly adds.

Mikani checked command + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 5 lower.

Sabella realizes her mistake only when Tescelina's cheeks turn pink, "Ah, yes, of course. You must forgive my memory. Most people blame their children, but I'm afraid I am just not familiar enough with either profession and the names are so similar! But of course, astronomer is what I meant and yes," she nods to Niklas, giving Tescelina a warm smile, "I knew it was the study of the stars even if I couldn't remember the proper name for it but now I shall commit it to memory for it sounds like such a romantic thing! Should we be able to see some tonight you will have to give us a tour!" She also casts an interested look Bianca's way since that sounds like quite a story, then turns her attention to Catalana, "I have not had the pleasure! Does he need introductions?!" She sounds ridiculously excited at the prospect, looking hopefully at Evander. Don't know everyone. DON'T KNOW EVERYONE!

"A feast for this evening," says Rysen to Merek, "and a trophey for one's home. Gods and spirits! Is there anything more exhilierating than a hunt? I am in your debt, Lady Catalana," he adds with a grin, as the Crovane huntsman mount their horses and prepare for the chase.

Reese looks to Sabella. "I could pretend like I don't know Lord Evander, if that would be helpful." She says with a touch of playfulness. The girl mounts up on her war hourse, getting ready for the hunt.

Merek checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 32 higher.

Wash endeavors to match Rysen's enthusiasm, hefting his gifted spear. "Elk meat! It tastes good." He winces and shifts on his saddle after mounting. "I hope."

Reese checked charm + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Mikani checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Tescelina is at once relieved by Niklas's words and then Sabella's skillful apology. The Wyrmguard knightess inclines her head. "It is my life's work to understand their mystery. I should be delighted for a chance to give you a tour." However, there is hunting to be done. She loosens her hair from the ponytail. Removing ribbon and clip. After a bit work, weaving it into a braided updo, she secures the clip in place.

Tescelina checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Wash checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Rysen checked perception + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Evander's expression seems to brighten visibly at Mikani's offer to let him raid her book store. "That's very kind of you, my lady. I shall definitely take advantage later." Bianca's story is listened to intently by the scholar, exhaling a breath. "Nine foot?" not disbelievingly but perhaps surprised all the same. "I'd love to see that report some time, if you know who wrote it." Catalana's words earn a sidelong look, before he says to Bianca, "Will you be hunting? If not, you're welcome to walk with us." Sabella's enthusiastic response to Catalana earns a mostly blank sort of look, perhaps deliberately. "Princess Sabella," he gives a bow, glancing towards Reese with a tiny smile. "Good luck," he bids those heading out to hunt.

Bianca checked command + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Catalana isn't one to disappoint the princess. Especially when she's almost quivering with excitement. "No. I don't believe he does." She offers a warm smile to Bianca "Please do join us. I'm unsure if we've met before. I have the worst memory sometimes."

Rysen and the others who have mounted their horses to hunt ride off towards the woods of birch, firs and pines in search of elk. As the party rides at an easy pace, it is Sir Merek Black who catches sight of a group of elk, passing along a game trail under the shadow dappled forest.

Bianca smiles reassuringly to Reese, "It was a long time ago, I'm fully recovered now, but it made me stay a while in bed." She says, turning to nod at Catalana, "That would make two of us, my lady, but then, it's a pleasure to meet you." She dips her head, lifting her bow so that Evander can see it, "I'm going to try my hand at it, but I don't count on me if you're planning a dinner." And so she's already looking for some game.

Evander gives Catalana a wordless look.

Tescelina rides horseback, the hunting spear low to the side. It looks well gripped in her hand, no stranger to the task. Though she seems to share a quiet word with Lord Rysen, offering a slight quirk of her lip at the exchange.

Merek moves forward with the team, then he's looking about, searching. He then finds the target, while he lifts up a hand with a light twirl of his fingers, then he motions to where the elk has been found. He speaks to them quietly, "An elk, that way," he says, while he lifts up his spear to prepare it also.

Mikani checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 3 lower.

Merek checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Reese checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 50 higher.

Tescelina checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Bianca checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Rysen checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 10 lower.

Sabella does something that should strike fear into the hearts of even the most skilled warriors: she takes a deep breath, "Well! You of course know your dear sister and I am terribly jealous that you've been able to grow up with her your whole life whereas I only met her when I came to Arx some years ago! So of course you also already know Wash, my dashing cousin who stole your sister's heart in a story you've probably heard over and over again over the years so I will not excite you with the details again and then there's Lady Mikani Corvane, she was once a Grayson but she has such an incredible passion for making sure people are taken care of she stepped down from an important position to make sure someone else who was better suited could take the roll, which was so incredibly generous of her I've never heard the like of the action and who is wife to Lord Rysen Corvane who is our host along with Wash for this wonderful event! He has an amazing mind for lyric and poetry, the latter of which is something I've just never been able to master and am quite content to leave in the hands of one so capable, and then of course is Legate Bianca who is just one of the sweetest people imaginable in the entire city, which should surprise no one, although that alligator story did surprise me--she does so much charity work and knows everything about anything you can imagine! Probably even some things you don't want to. And then my sister, Princess Reese, who also vies for the title of sweetest person in the world and whom you clearly already know and she's just indulging me because she's so lovely. Sir Merek is there and will likely break back a mountain of elk, but I believe he's also a...I think it's a painter? Yes, I'm rather sure painting is involved. Or...it could be sewing! I've been away from the city awhile, apologies if I get the small details wrong. Which leads us to the Lady Tescelina, she's over there on that horse and she's an astronomer," she places a lot of emphasis on those words, "And quite an interesting person in general. I get the feeling she thinks a great deal about what she says before she says it, so we're very alike in that way. And I believe that's everyone since you clearly already know my Niklas here and should come to know all about me in the next few minutes as we find a nice fire to sit by before your sister wraps you in a bedroll and ships you back home!" She finally, finally finishes and takes a breath, beaming at Evander, "Now you must tell me all about you!"

Bianca turns in the direction of the elk almost immediately, being close to Merek has its perks. Though she goes throught he process of preparing and aiming the arrow correctly, it seems she lacked a bit of strength to actually hit the target, "See?" She groans, "I'm rus-- Oh wait, I think I might have hit a squirrel."

Rysen riding swiftly upon Bandit's back, follows Merek's signal in pursuit of the elk. He launches a blackwood spear at one of the elk, now in full retreat from the hunting party, but only manages to land a wounding strike. There is a deep and sincere look of joy on the Crovane lord's face, however as he rides, even if his spear was not the one to bring down the prize.

Catalana stares at Sabella, a mixture of amusement and awe "How did you do that without breathing?" Deciding to torture Evander some more, she encourages Sabella, "Evander doesn't know the story of how you and Niklas met. You should share it."

Tescelina may not have spotted the elk. But upon sight of the proud beast, she takes off on her horse with an almost sudden burst of speed. She is not alone, for Princess Reese joins her as the two young knights circle the horned prey. He rears back, thrashing as their mounts get too close. But the Wyrmguard Knight twirls her hunting spear in her hand, moving in and thrusting to catch between the antlers with an elegant strike. Both of her hands grip onto the shaft, twisting with enough pressure to force the elk to its front knees. Displaying a somewhat astonishing amount of strength behind her dancer's physique. As she holds it at bay, another twist angles its body. She can see the antlers beginning to cause splinters to fray along the spear, it wouldn't be long before it snaps. But she's given Reese the perfect opening.

The fatal spot of such a mighty creature -- its lungs. There is a silent teamwork between them. Two extremely trained prodigies working in tandem to fell the elk.

Wash keep paces with Rysen, concealing the soreness in his rear end by riding a step behind the Crovane lord. He shifts the spear several times, from a lance grip to an overhand grip and finally to a throwing grip. When the elk is spotted, he's the last to release his spear and it falls far short of the target. He actually dismounts to walk over to the spear and collect it, since he didn't throw it very far. "See? Equally adept with bow, spear and crossbow." He explains.

As a scholar, Evander presumably has better-than-average attention span and recall, and yet by the time Sabella gets to the end (and actually takes a breath?) the thin Kennex Lord is left blinking, glancing at Catalana as she makes her suggestion. With a brief clearing of throat, he says, "I'm almost afraid to ask how you would describe me, Your Highness," he says, with a tone that might be droll but just sounds flat. "There is really not much to know."

Reese takes advantage of Merek pointing the elk out to them, the girl charging in that direction he leads. She is not far from Tescelna, but not close enough where it hinders their space and riding. The Princess has a steel long sword drawn. She crouches low against her war horse and charges up, taking advantage of the opening that Tescelina provides. She strikes her blade right into the animal's chest, having power and precision in her blow. The hit is a good one the animal is left bleeding. The elk only lives for a few more seconds. Reese is flushed and her blue eyes are somber. She says a quick prayer to Pertichor and then looks upon Tescelina, giving her a respectful nod as if acknowledging they fell the beast together.

Reese is overheard praising Rysen: Yay, hosting the hunt!

Reese is overheard praising Wash: Yay hosting the hunt!

Mikani well she could blame it on the horse. She could, yet she wouldn't. Mika didn't get anything just a bunch of misses. And not near ones. Though that didn't change how much fun she had. Shortly she is riding back to camp without any game yet a huge grin on her face. "Oh that was fun." She sighs gleefully before dismounting and heading to the pavilion to get a warm cup of coffee. Yes this northern thing she was going to have to get used to.

Tescelina is overheard praising Rysen: A much more enjoyable trip to Stormwall!

Reese is overheard praising Tescelina: Woots, Knight hunter and stargazer!

Catalana clasps her brother around the shoulders "Not much to know? Oh Evander Kennex!" She tisks and then launches into an explaination of her brother. "Evander has spent most of his life at home with father, where he read every book in the library and helped run our whole family. He is just the most brilliant brain. Though, he has always suffered from the sniffles. He only recently came to the city, and it's so nice to have him here. I can't imagine him ever leaving." Conspiring loudly with Sabella. "I have been looking to find him a wife. Perhaps you can help me."

Merek checked dexterity + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 3 lower.

Tescelina checked dexterity + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Reese is overheard praising Sabella: yay, back in town!

Bianca is overheard praising Rysen: Hunt! Hunt! Hunt!

Rysen checked dexterity + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Bianca is overheard praising Wash: Hunt! Hunt! Hunt!

Bianca checked dexterity + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 4 lower.

Merek makes his way about when he's finished up with looking to the elk. He tries assisting while he dismounts, but doesn't do any good with the dressing. He instead sighs while he looks to see of any other game about also.

Merek is overheard praising Rysen: Hunt!

Merek is overheard praising Wash: Hunt!

Merek is overheard praising Rysen.

Mikani is overheard praising Rysen: Great hunt.

Mikani is overheard praising Wash: Great hunt!

Niklas is very much used to Sabella's long introductions and tendency to know everyone in the room, or in the large wooded area as it were, so he piles up a plate with refreshments and occasionally calls out, "Kennex!" and "The winds of change et cetera et cetera!" whenever he sees any sign that Wash or any of his people are nearby. When he returns to the conversation it's with an enormous pile of whatever's available, some sort of haunch and roast onions and some buttery turnips and maybe some mushrooms. For a wealthy member of a wealthy house, he sure has a knack for taking advantage of a free buffet. "And that's everyone," he says helpfully at the tail end of Sabella's introduction. Though when Catalana goads her further he grimaces and stows a honey-boiled squab in his face.

Tescelina withdraws her spear only once the elk's black eyes hold that vacant death. That emptiness, which comes upon all living things. She lowers her head and prays as well, weapon resting while her other hand clutches at her heart. With a look toward Reese, she bows respectfully in kind. Riding toward a nearby tree, dismounting and hitching her horse, she joins Rysen in dressing the game. Her jacket has been removed, leaving her in black leather gloves, the protective corset, and her blouse. But the sleeves and curled back to her elbows to do the messy business. She shows a deft hand for the work.

Wash sits out the dressing of the game. He watches, taking it all in, but instead of helping, he plays a lute. Not literally sitting out, sitting is out. He walks around, entertaining. He's not a particularly skilled player, but he doesn't ruin everything he plays.

Rysen laughs warmly and says to Wash, "I find that when I'm hunting, it's about the company and the glory of nature far more than whatever I manage to bring home. Thank you for coming to my homeland, My Lord. Every Crovane takes pride in showing off the lands of his birth." When Tescelina and Reese bring down the elk, Rysen raises a fist and cheers! "Gods and spirits, Princess Reese!" shouts Rysen, as he rides to the site of the fallen elk. He dismounts swiftly, and, taking a bone-hilted dagger from his holster, he kneels beside the animal, offering a few words in praise to the spirits of nature. He works with Tescelina to dress the elk, and sets the animal on the back of Reese's horse, saying, "Fine work, Lady Tescelina, Princess Reese. We shall eat very well tonight."

Sabella accepts a glass of wine from Elizabetta, who is such a dear she's also brought over a cheese plate, which leaves the princess to hyper-focus on Evander with a bright smile, "Your sister is trying to set you up for a long night because if there's one thing I like better than introductions it's talking about my husband. It's actually quite a romantic story but I shall keep it short since our focus here should be on the hunt: we met at a masquerade at the Black Rose Theater where it turned out he was a terrible dancer and clocked me in the ear with his elbow. We'd meet the next day where he offended me so that I threw my slipper at him and he decided to keep it, which by the way I haven't forgiven him for because it was a dreadful walk home. For Elizabetta since she carried me. In any event we eventually figured out we were the people at the masq and then had to wheel and deal for the match to be made successful, which I did not help by praising Niklas' large talent to Ford early on--but it all worked out all right in the end, four children later and he's the Minister of Coin for Grayson. I told everyone that he'd be an asset to the family," she says with pride, eyes lighting up as Catalana mentions matchmaking, "A wife! Oh, Cat, you need to give me more details than that! Someone to marry into Kennex I presume? And you're a scholar," she looks Evander up and down with aggressive cheer, "Have you met Nightingale Gianna?"

Mikani relaxes by the fire with her cup of coffee. She puts her feet up and relaxes as she listens to those talk around her.

Reese didn't end up helping with dressing the game for whatever reason. She does look toward those who do such with admiration though and even a touch of humbleness. The girl makes sure to clean her sword before putting such back in the sheath. She gives Petichor another prayer and then goes to tend her horse, cooking and spoiling the animal on the walk back.

Some might well recognized that trapped-in-look that some men get on Evander, right in that moment, as Catalana speaks. His eyes go kind of distant. Maybe it's that he doesn't find stories of romantic get-togethers quite as enthralling as near-misses with alligators... or maybe he's trying to avoid that other half of the conversation Sabella latches onto. He coughs, briefly, into his scarf. "No, I-" he glances at Niklas, but he's absolutely no help with his happen-to-be-eating move. "I haven't. And I'm not... looking."

Mikani has joined the canvas pavilions in the colors of Crovane and Kennex.

Niklas nudges Sabella in the side. "Why would you fling someone into a frothing sea of sharks like that?" To Evander he says, "Gianna is a lovely singer and a darling woman and will eat your soul for breakfast, cousin, so do yourself a favor and let Cat find you someone suitable. Before Tavi does."

Wash is happy to salute the beauty of Crovane lands in song. Not that he's much of a songcrafter. "From amber waves of ... sand?" He attempts. "To violet mountains over me?" He returns Rysen's enthusiastic cheer with a rejoinder: "How long will it take to cook?!"

Merek checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Tescelina wipes her forearm across her forehead when they finish the work. There's a swift nod to Lord Rysen. "He fought valiantly," she commends looking toward the beast once more before returning to her horse. Mounting, she prepares to ride back with the others.

Wash checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Catalana naturally ignores Evander's protests "Nonsense. Of course you do." She chatters to Sabella is if Evander has no say in the matter. "I met the Lady Peri the other night. She is just a darling and so clever. Perhaps her? " Glancing over to Evander she remarks, "As much as I'd love for Evvy to stay a Kennex, I want someone to love him too. If he has to marry out for happiness, so be it."

Reese is overheard praising Niklas: Yeah back in town!

Reese is overheard praising Merek: Wonderful singing!

Mikani checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Merek lifts up his voice, and also sings with anyone that will, a nice voice all in all. In fact, he seems to be able to do a lot of things he doesn't often share while he smiles a bit as well.

Reese is overheard praising Catalana: A protective sister and wonderful Lady!

Merek nods a bit also!

Bianca blinks a few times as she listens to the voice of the man besides her, "Where did that come from?" She asks, visibly surprised, "You should do that more often, I'll introduce you to some of my singing friends."

Mikani sings with Merek and Wash, she takes a counter harmony as her voice moves over the notes enjoying the song.

Reese sucks in a soft breath, seemingly impressed by singing. She looks over to the three, having a dimpled smile for them. "Lovely, I should dance a long, my ribbon dance...."

"If you want him to marry out for happiness than our discussing it is probably not going to help," Sabella laughs, giving Evander an apologetic look, "I do not mean to talk as if you aren't here. And I only meant that the Nightingale might know of more eligible ladies in the city than I do since she often plays for parties and tends to move in those circles. She was once a Whisper, you know. Hm, I shall have to think on it if you're open to suggestions," She tells Evander, "Lady Peri is very sweet, but a bit...adventurous. I think that pairing might give you heart palpitations, Cat. My sister is single, you know," she mentions casually, gesturing Reese's way.

Reese checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 32 higher.

Sabella also looks over at Merek when he starts to sing, clearly impressed.

"Not long at all," replies Rysen to Wash, smiling to hear his song. "You have a gift for music, My Lord," says Rysen with a tone that belies deep respect and apprecitaion. Rysen nods in agreement with Tescelina, and moves over to his own horse, swinging into the saddle. Rysen laughs softly, and an expression of true happiness moves across his features as he hears the voices of Merek and Mikani adorn Wash's music, and smiles at Reese when she mentions dancing. "Did you know, Your Highness, that you were the first person I ever danced with upon coming to Arx?" he says to Reese.

The party makes its way back towards the hunting camp and the pavilions, with a magnificent elk tied to the back of Reese's horse.

"We don't all get to marry for love. Hardly any of us do," Evander protests, though given who he's protesting to, it's probably in vein. Niklas' advice doesn't really help much, the grimace the thin Kennex gives when he mentions Tavi suggesting that might've already happened. Oh, looking, singing: the scholar looks super interested all of a sudden.

Wash lifts his eyebrows skeptically at Rysen's praise but doesn't stop playing. He nods ot Evander. "Do you know any good songs? All I know are sea shanties."

Merek checked charm + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 30 higher. Merek rolled a critical!

Reese arrive with the others and she hasn't started dancing quiet yet. She looks over to Rysen, giving him a smile. "I remember that dance. I was glad you danced with me. I don't often dance at parties and it was fun to do so." She says in his direction. She will help to get elk down from her horse.

Catalana glances at Evander and then back to Sabella, clearly interested in this match making process "Reese is not as adventurous as the Lady Peri?" She then reaches aside and steals a piece of her friend's cheese. But then Wash has returned and all her attention is on him. "You're back. Coming over and pecking his cheek, she asks "Did you catch an elk?"

Merek seems content to lift his flask, "And we'll, alwaaaays beeee," he then takes a swig while he offers a resounding aria, then he's leaning back on his war horse while he pats her on the side as well, "Beauty, let us drink tonight, oh wait, you're a horse, you can't," he laughs, then she turns her muzzle to make a sound at him, and he holds a conversation with her, someway. The horse whisperer. "I know, plenty of food for you, we'll get you a bit," he grins to Bianca, "I would like to yes, singing is fun, I also like to dance a lot also."

Evander clears his throat briefly, looking grateful for Wash's question-slash-distraction, even if that's not normally his thing. "Mostly... scholarly works. I could probably recite most of Lianhan's ballad, though I can't... sing... very well."

Mikani laughs softly, "I know some fun songs ...... " she probably murmurs more to herself than to the crowd. Her eyes take in Evander and she watches him for a bit before giving him a look of empathy. "Blink if you need saving." She whispers loudly. "WE can talk about how the Sylv'alfar use the word honor differently than the Marin'alfar and how that changes how we deal with them in diplomatic solutions ... well hypothically speaking."

"I can't sing either. Which is perfect for catching tuna." Wash explains. "They leap right onto the boat trying to kill me when I start singing."

Rysen laughs and nods to Wash. "I know a few songs, but they're mostly sad. My wife, on the other hand, knows the best songs for drinking or dancing or any other happy occasion," he says, glancing toward Mikani. When Reese speaks of dancing, a flush of red rises to Rysen's cheeks, and he says, "That was the party Prince Niklas danced with His Majesty, I believe. Not sure I've ever seen such dancing in all my life!" Rysen says, laughing happily, as his horse comes to rest near the camp, and he dismounts.

Upon return with the bounty, Tescelina sees to her horse. She relinquishes the hunter spear as well, borrowed and well-used. It'll need repairs. But the Wyrmguard Knight has other concerns. She removes her gloves, washing her hands in a basin and along her forearms in slow measure. Clearing away the residue of blood. When she is finished, drying her hands, she cuffs her sleeves back properly and slides into her jacket. Working the clasps up and looking right as rain.

Removing a small alidade from her saddlebag, a few writing supplies, and a small scroll, she moves to a spot with a finer view of the firmament, a little away from the main festivities. Preparing herself for a bit of that heavenward research.

"I remember that dance too." Reese says to Rysen, giving him a smile. The girl then starts her ribbon dance, which is just pulling ribbons from her golden locks and waving them around and being silly really. She spins in a few circles though.

Reese looks over to Rysen. "Oh, I remember that dance too." She says and stops her own dancing. Her moment was pretty quickly over of being silly like that. "Thank you for hosting this, Lordy Rysen."

Sabella laughs at Wash, "Oh, come now, are you telling me you never swept Catalana off her feet or serenaded her to win her heart?" She teases, before turning her attention back to the serious matter at hand, "Reese is certainly adventurous but she's also very caring and nurturing and it might put your nerves at ease to have someone like that who could take care of him. And also she's extremely lovable!" A significant look is cast to Evander. Love my sister! "But there are plenty of eligible lords and ladies in the city, certainly some princesses and princes, and if you find one that you fancy just let me know and I can help! I know everyone. Or, I used to. I'm trying to catch up again! Wait, is everyone back from the hunt? How many elks were caught? Who won? Do we all win because now we can eat?"

Bianca gets down from her horse as she moves back closer to the pavillion, taking the reins with her hand and guiding the animal back to where it can rest. "I can't help but feel curious about it, my lady." She tells Mikani, overhearing the talk about different elven linguistics, "If it isn't too much, I'd love to be included in such discussion."

"His Majesty and I did make quite a dashing couple," says Niklas mildly. Though when Sabella asks about getting to eat he looks over, a fork full of braised shallots of brandy-drowned rabbit halfway to his mouth. "We weren't supposed to start eating yet?" He looks down at his plate, briefly considers the merits of shame, then shrugs and keeps eating.

Wash, still strumming the lute like it was a banjo strolls around the campfire. "Swept Catalana off her feet Sabella, can't say I ever really tried? Can you sweep a tsunami off its feet? Can you undermine the earth itself? Can you force nature to respect you? I think anyone who survives this far North knows that you must earn the respect of something that powerful. But... I did put on my best pair of trousers the first time we went to a ball."

Merek makes a way to the campfire while he settles about where Bianca and Reese might be, with a nod to Rysen also, then he's waiting to get his piece of the feast also. He takes a nice bite of meat while he listens to folk also.

Reese pad off after Bianca trying to pretend to be very interested in Elfin languages as well. She goes to sit by Mikani. Merek is given a warm smile. "Very nice singing Sir Merek."

"I- would love to talk about that," Evander's really not just clinging to the life-raft Mikani offers him, he's genuinely interested in the purported conversation she threw out there. "I'm curious, actually, how you came to be named as the Marin'alfar ambassador. Do you talk with one of them regularly? Or are you traveling to Maelstrom a lot not?" The significant look from Sabella is difficult to ignore, and Evander is perhaps too polite to do so anyway. "Your sister is a very generous and loving person," he agrees, carefully, like he's tiptoeing through some kind of minefield.

Reese checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Catalana casts her husband the most sentimental of looks. "Of course he has. He wrote me a book of poems and songs and whenever I'm away from him I take it with me. It is one of my most prized possessions." She then tells Sabella, and whoever else is listening. "When he was seventeen and first left for sea, he kissed me at the docks and told me that every time I looked out at the sea it would whisper back his poems and words of love. That way, I would never be alone, and never have need to miss him. I think I spent nearly that whole year sitting on the beach listening to the water lap."

Mikani grins at Bianca. "I would be honored for you to join in. It is an interesting thought. How different words come about in different languages .. and how that might affect how someone sees the world through that language." She grins. "I know it is an interesting thought for me." She looks at Evander. "Well I don't travel at all for it ... I speak to them when I am able. They are very busy. So I have a process to get them missives." She smiles more before taking a deep draw of her coffee. "Did you find a trinket? I think I might have a stick I could give you." She teases Evander.

"Of course, by the time I got back to Stormward, the Marquis realized I was serious about the whole courtship thing and he did his best to keep us apart for another eighteen monhts." Wash adds. "We had to be on our best behavior when my penance was over. I grew out a six inch beard so that the guards wouldn't recognize me. Which... would have worked better if the guard let hobos enter the manor."

"With your permission, Your Highness," says Rysen to Reese, "I'll have our cooks take the choicest meat and grill them straight away." Rysen makes his way to a nearby basin of water and washes his hands. Overhearing Catalana, Rysen smiles, and he laughs outright when Wash speaks of growing his bearded disguise. Rysen finds himself some whiskey and makes his way over to Niklas's side and says, "Have you been to Stormward lately, Your Highness?"

Catalana laughs at Wash, "Oh yes! That thing was so ugly." She teases him then, "Was that before or after the time the Marquis caught you trying to climb the outer wall to my room?"

Bianca lips part in a smile, now that she's in the comfortable enviroment of scholarly chit chat, "I believe it's fundamental for our understanding of their culture, the language shapes their thought process and logic, besides it's easier to read about their stories with some more original sources." She says, "Then, I wonder if other entities of old also have a language of their own."

Sabella listens to Catalana and Wash's stories with a wistful expression on her face, giving a dreamy sigh, "I've always said your love story was better than any romance I've ever read," She keeps half an ear on the conversation Mikani, Bianca, and Evander are having, but mostly it's the dramatic retelling of the Kennex that captures her interest, "It's so inspiring that after all these years--and children--Wash still talks about you like you're just his sun and moon and stars! You described Cat as a force of nature, Wash, but I think that's really the two of you together. I feel like you'd both move mountains--and have!--in order to stay together."

Reese looks over to Rysen, giving the Lord a smile. "I would like that Lord Rysen, thank you." She says in the Lord's direction. The girl is quietly somber now, but she seems to be composed. She shows no hint having noticed the previous conversation.

"I'm still looking to learn a few more languages," Merek mentions then to the others while he seems to think about the conversation. "I have met the ambassadors of the Marin'alfar before, they are nice," he adds, with a nod as well. "I actually learned about a new language recently, there are so many of them to learn," he says also.

Evander listens intently to Mikani's answer. "I should love to speak to you more on the subject, my lady, when you've the time." With a clearing of his throat, he says, "I haven't, yet. Perhaps I'll go for a walk after we eat and try and locate something. I'm not sure a stick is very Northlands specific," with somewhat of a dry tone. Catalana and Wash's sharing of their courtship earns a tiny smile, genuine, if brief. The topic of languages soon pulls his attention back, nodding to Bianca. "Almost certainly, they must. I would love to learn the first language. I have heard snippets of it only, but it is difficult to comprehend. Much of it appears to be contextual - it can be hard to understand a language without also understanding the culture."

"Before." Wash informs, stopping beside Catalana and gingerly taking a seat, stilling the strings on his not-banjo. "Fun fact, that was the second time I climbed those walls. The first time you weren't at home, it was your aunt." Was informs Catalana. "Anyway, after that, Denholm realized that the only way to keep me away from Catalana was to send me back out to sea, so he offered me a commission. What he didn't know is that I'd already met and dueled the captain he wanted me to serve under." Wash is modest about Sabella's compliments. He gestures wordlessly to Catalana as if that explains everything.

Bianca turns her attention first to Merek, "Oh? What language did you learn? Despite all my talk I can only read in Arvani." She reveals, finally dedicating some of her focus to the food on her plate as she collects her thoughts on the matter of the first language, "I believe you'd have to pretend to be at the time it was written to understand it better, which is especially hard due our narrow understanding of the past."

Reese finally tries to whisper to Evander. The girl seem somberly serious.

Mikani feels her eyes light up at talk of another language. "Ooooo I am on the hunt for my next language. Though First Language sounds interesting. I'm very torn on it." Mika looks at Rysen as the other talk about their love stories. She smiles softly and flushes a bit before looking back at Evander, Bianca, Merek and Reese. "Well Crovane is known for Blackwood. It's very beautiful if you should find it." She explains to him before drinking more coffee.

With a nod from Rysen, a group of men and women being to prepare Reese's elk for a feast. The various cuts of meat prepared by Rysen and Tescelina are cooked and seasoned to bring out the best in their flavor and texture. In the end, nothing is left to waste, as even the bones and tendons are presented to the dogs and other animals, and the majestic antlers of the elk are presented to Reese by one of the gamekeepers. "Yer Highness, 'twas an excellent hunt," the older man says, as he kneels with the trophy, as if it were a cherished family sword.

Rysen, coming to Merek's side, says, "I'd be happy to learn a single language besides Arvani. Lady Mikani is somewhat embarrassed I haven't even mastered Northlands Shav."

Evander's head turns as he leans in to listen to Reese. His reply is just a somber.

"It's the one I mentioned to you, still learning how to speak it, but I do know Nox'alfar and Eurusi," Merek mentions, while he nods to Bianca a bit as well. He then looks to Rysen and offers a nod, "I'd be happy to teach if you ever want to learn anything," he says also.

"I can only speak one language myself." Reese says chimes in with. She reaches out for the offered antlers, giving Rysen a smile. "Oh, thank you, I will keep them and mount them up, thank you."

Evander visibly seems to straighten, looking with interest at Merek. "I've been looking for a Nox'alfar teacher for some time. Do you teach?" he inquires.

Mikani smiles and nods with Evander. "Ooooo me too. So much interesting stuff is in Nox'alfar."

Catalana gives a small laugh at Wash, "I swear after that Delholm put nails in the bricks hoping you'd spike your hand when climbing up. Thank goodness for Jan going and sneaking you through the kitchens after that."

"I still think that was my idea, I already procured the servant's outfit." Wash says proudly.

Niklas glances up from his plate and says something rather primly to his cousin.

Niklas says in Nox'alfar, "No one of any decent moral character speaks nox'alfar!"

Bianca lifts one eyebrow to Merek, "You better share those texts with me, I long to know about them when I have more time to study." She declares, listening attentively to Niklas as he begins speaking in what sounds just like gibberish to her, "Was that Nox'alfar, Eurusi or something else?"

Evander gives Niklas a blank look, clearly uncomprehending. "It wasn't Eurusi, nor Sylv'alfar or Marin'alfar," he says.

Mikani looks much more curiously at Niklas. "I was thinking that it would be interesting to write a musical in a different language." She laughs softly. "If I were more of a writer that is." She seems to add on.

"I am willing to teach the Nox'alfar language to any that wish for it," Merek mentions, while he nods to Evander, looking then to the elk meat while he takes a bite of the sausage. He then looks to Niklas with a chuckle. "I don't speak the Nox'alfar, but a lot of documents are in it," he then nods to Bianca, "Nox'alfar."

"Reesey, are those from the elk you got?" Sabella asks, looking wide eyed at her sister and how large those antlers are. Then she laughs at Catalana and Wash, "I could honestly listen to the two of you tell these stories all night so please, continue! You really ought to write them down. If you had entered these in Lady Monique's contest you would have taken first place for certain!" As for languages she chimes in, "I only speak one language as well. I really ought to learn more since I'm not doing much else with my time lately, but there are just so many I don't know if I could pick just one! What if I don't start learning the best one? What if learning one means I can't learn another? I'm quite certain that's not how it works, but one never knows!"

Rysen nods to Merek and says, "I'd love to learn Eurusi. Oh, the look on Rukhnis's face when I tell her, 'you should get more sleep,' in her native tongue." He chuckles and takes a sip of whiskey. Rysen blinks when Niklas speaks in Nox'alfar.

Catalana waves away Sabella's words "I doubt that. No one wants to listen to the stories of crazy children in love. Plus, you know how the world feels about our marriage. It is still scandalous in some eyes."

Wash calls to the Legate. "Blessed Legate. May I inquire what moved you to join us on this outing?" He says, ever so delicately, as if Bianca might take offense to the inquiry. The faith is a mystery to Wash.

"That's what will make it a best seller," Sabella laughs!

Mikani looks at Catalana. "That sentiment I can understand." She says softly and gives an understanding nod to the other woman. "Though sometimes it's fun to be scandalous."

"My eldest sister refuses to teach me Eurusi. She claims that it is a dark language that corrupts the tongue which speaks it." Niklas shrugs and stabs at a fish, finally getting to the sea portion of his meal from all lands. "Of course, /she/ speaks it." He sniffs. "Octavia is a complicated woman." At Sabella's words he looks to her with a fond smile. "Why learn other languages when you do capably use the one you know to such greater effect than most, my love?"

"They are wonderful." Reese says, holding onto the giant antlers." She looks all proud of them. She seems suspicously more into the antlers than the languages. "Maybe I will learn a second language." She says but the more empathic might guess she probably won't, but that she very well might mount up those antlers she is admiring!

Evander goes silent a moment, as if trying to recall amongst the very long list of introductions Sabella gave whether the man was one of them. "That is excellent to know, Sir Merek. Lord Evander Kennex," he adds, on the very-likely chance the man doesn't know of him. "I also speak Eurusi. It was the Lady Mikani who helped teach me, actually."

The title is enough to make Bianca go on duty mode, "As Legate of Creation, I oversee the devotees of Petrichor." She explains, "And in turn his dominion the land, it's common for hunters to dedicate a prayer for him before and after a hunt, then it only felt natural that I'd celebrate this aspect of the faith by joining the hunt. Besides, on a more personal note, I do enjoy feeling the nature and trying out my archery."

Catalana smiles at Mikani warmly "Wash was actually born a Grayson prince. Prince Washburn. When he was seventeen he snuck onto our family boat and begged permission to be mine. My family made a Grayson prince prove he was worthy of me, and after /years/ of proving his worth, we threw away the titles and he married into my family, thus becoming Lord Wash." Smiling and briefly touching his chin, she shares "It was the best scandal ever."

The completion of the hunt arrives with little fanfare. Servants, cooks, anyone who can be pressed into service to supply the nobles with a plate and utensil fill the pavilions with a quiet bustle as roast elk and other savory foods arrive.

Wash salutes Bianca with his first bite on his fork, and a mug in the other hand. "I am grateful for your company then, and your candor. Among my other inadequacies is a nagging feeling that I'll never live up to the expectations of the faith. Call it a personal shortcoming."

Merek nods a bit to Evander, "Of course, it's a pleasure," he says, then he looks to Wash, "I'm sure you are doing well," he adds. He then nods to Rysen also, with a lift of his brow to Niklas, "What a weird way to look at a language!" he admits.

"Isn't it just the best story?" Sabella asks Mikani, helping herself to a plate that Elizabetta has put together, "I find it absolutely inspiring. I believe at once point Niklas wanted to write a play about it, but thought Wash might put him out to sea if he really put pen to paper. And I'm rather glad you're here, Legate! I've heard such stories tonight and in such wonderful company. I've never been one for hunting myself--Reese can attest that any sort of weapons training I am woefully terrible at. She once tried to teach me how to dodge a hit and I ran into a tree in our backyard and knocked myself out! I'm rather sure that tree has never forgiven me and am wary of the woods now because you just know with the rustling of leaves those trees are spreading that tale and it's just embarrassing."

"As am I," says Rysen warmly to Bianca, as he accepts a plate of cooked flank steak and stands beside Wash. "I have always felt closest to Petrichor here in my homeland, and it's a true honor to have you travel with us on the hunt."

Mikani smiles and nods. "I think it will be years of me proving my worth to be marrying into a Duchy." She laughs softly, "Though I do love the story." She grins as she looks between Catalana and Wash and then turning her attention to Sabella. "It is a very beautiful thing to hear." She assures the woman warmly before Damien gets her a plate.

Reese rises to her feet while holding the giant antlers. "I should get these back to my tower." She says gently to those here. "Thank you so much for hosting Lord Rysen and Lord Wash. And for Singing Sir Merek and Lady Mikani. And it was nice to see you always, Sabella and Legate Bianca and Prince Niklas and Lady Catalana, Lord Evander." The girl is then off.

Reese is overheard praising Mikani: Wonderful singing!

Rysen is overheard praising Reese: Elk hunter!

Reese is overheard praising Bianca: Yeah, the Legate joining the Hunt!

Reese is overheard praising Evander: He has his wit about him!

Merek is overheard praising Reese.

Niklas tilts his head toward Merek. "I do not disagree. Then again, having met the thing that represented Eurus during the decision and heard tales of what passes for rulership there, perhaps she has a point. Though Prince Masun'al'ajionij and Princess Katarina are delightful people, so not much of a point."

Catalana grins, "Yes. But still scandalous eight years later." She then leans to Wash and murmurs something along the lines of going to make little northern babies before climbing to her feet, "I should go rest. I forgot how tiring riding is." She gives Wash's cheek a peck and heads away.

Bianca smiles at Rysen, "I have to confess I used to be very close to Vellichor, having been Archscholar for a long period only helped in that. But then, since I have assumed the duty of Legate, I've begun to understand more of the gods and I know each one of them has a role in the Creation." She says, turning to wave at the departing people.

Merek finishes up his elk while he nods a bit to the others also, then to Evander also, "I will likely be free about this week to teach as well," he says.

Evander's gaze follows Catalana's departure, looking thoughtful, though he doesn't immediately stir. Nodding to Merek, he murmurs, "I will get in contact after we get back to the city."

"You should take heart that she trusts you enough to leave you to your own devices," Sabella comments with a smile to Evander as Catalana takes her leave, "Although with the Legate here, how much trouble could you possibly get into?" She then looks over at her own husband and amends, "Probably more than most, actually."

Mikani finishes her half eaten plate off to Damien for him to take. "I should find my bed. Sleep would be good about now." She bows to them all. "Thank you all for a wonderful outing. It was quite fun."

"Oh easily." Wash agrees with Sabella. "I watch my tongue closest around the Legates. Blessed Brigida nearly took my tongue off the other day for cracking wise. I am much admonished." Wash lies. "I think I had a moment once, with Mangata. And of course, I pay homage to the Queen of Endings for allowing me to be alive at the same time as my Catalana."

"I'm not really one to get into trouble," Evander states, easily. "Though I do want to collect myself something to bring back." He dusts off his pants and rises, nodding to those departing. When he returns it's with an unusual-looking set of cones from some of the local trees, settling down near the fire to have some tea, coughing quietly into his scarf as he settles down with a book.

Mikani has left the canvas pavilions in the colors of Crovane and Kennex.

"Blessed Brigida is kinda scary," Merek admits.

"Trouble has a way to find those who just wish to remain quiet." Bianca says with a slight smirk, waving as people begin to depart, "It's getting late, maybe I should get back too. Thank you all for this lovely hunt. I'll thank Petrichor for making it possible in my prayers tonight."

"I should as well," Merek offers, then he stands while he offers a bow to the others also.