Octavian, a silken spaniel, Serissa, the equanimous nanny arrive, following Zoey.

Octavian, a silken spaniel have been dismissed.

Rhiannon is there waiting, perched up on a platform set high with a wooden replica of a tree and branches painted with color that's meant to simulate. They are likely used in training Ashford's tree scouts. She's waiting for everyone to arrive.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The field atop the hill has been 'decorated' with large wooden rocks, trees and buildings as a barrier between contestants and the targets at the far end. There is even a couple of platforms with ladders going up where shots can be taken from the top. Rules are on a placard at a line marked 'Start'. They state that each contestant will have to run through the obstacle course and shoot off an arrow at the target. They are only allowed to stop for 5 seconds to shoot and them move on. Bonus points will be given to those who do not stop or who shoot from the platforms. The top 5 will continue to the final round.

The field atop the hill has been 'decorated' with large wooden rocks, trees and buildings as a barrier between contestants and the targets at the far end. There is even a couple of platforms with ladders going up where shots can be taken from the top. Rules are on a placard at a line marked 'Start'. They state that each contestant will have to run through the obstacle course and shoot off an arrow at the target. They are only allowed to stop for 5 seconds to shoot and them move on. Bonus points will be given to those who do not stop or who shoot from the platforms. The top 5 will continue to the final round.

Amari treads up the hill with her hands behind her back, gripping lightly the curved stave of her diamondplate bow. It has yet to be strung, which might beg the question of whether or not she's actually meaning to compete or just curl up somewhere and have a nap. She has an attack of the yawns on the way, the last of which is large enough to require her to shake her head to clear the cobwebs afterwards. Upon seeing the elaborate set up, her brow lifts and she finds a place to stop and survey it all. "There's surely an Ashford responsible for this." She remarks to herself.

Archeron is waiting at Defiance Hill, and not even decked out in full forest armour, but instead in far more sea-faring colours of Tyde. While he waits for the event to begin, he is carefully stringing his bow and waiting for the off. After all, Ashford Ranger Veterans need to show that the best is behind them. His eyes lift though as Amari appears, and earns a little click of Archeron's tongue "After all the time I spent on that gift of a bow, 'Mari. How you wound me."

Zoey suddenly realizes she forgot to bring her own bow and starts looking around for any that might be provided.

Lisebet is on Harlan's arm, though she did catch Amari's wave, so she waited for the other lady to catch up with them, walking along with, so that she can then say, "Lady Amari, it's good to see you again. Lord Archeron, you as well." A glance between the two, and a brow arches. "Maybe I'll just go find a seat away from the archery range, and let you sort that out."

Harlan leads Lisebet towards the hill, his arm in hers and he smiles towards Amari and Archeron, "Hello, all. I cannot win this, by uthe by, even if I decide to take palce."

An Ashford scout provides practice bows for anyone who wants them. "Line up at the starting line if you are participating," yells out the Ashford Scout Commander, her voice carrying over the area, her perch on the platform giving her an excellent view.

Zoey gets in line after selecting her bow.

"It's not as though I threw it a lake, Arch." Amari replies with a half smile, barely suppressed, explaining, "It's still perfect for long distance, but I needed something a little smaller and more agile for horseback." Hence the one in hand, which she brings around to hold out for him to inspect. With Lisebet and Harlan caught up to, she smiles and bows her head to the pair, "It is lovely to see you. It feels like it's been an aeon. Congratulations on the twins, by the way. They must be darlings."

Amari has joined the line.

Archeron makes an idle stroll towards the starting line, gripping his bow with its badger-themed metal work. "Cousin Harlan, Duchess Lisebet. I can always rely on Ashford to make us poor archers feel loved." Arch then grins sidelong at Amari "Oh, it is fine. Truly. I am glad you have stuck with it. Even with my bad influence in your life. I hope life is well?"

Archeron has joined the line.

"It's absolutely terrible, thank you for asking." Amari says, not as if she's upset about it at all, more as though she's just sharing a simple fact. She follows to the line after a bright smile at Lisebet and Harlan, stopping there to put one end of the bow to the ground to string it easily enough. When she has that sorted, she gives Archeron a fuller once over and mms thoughtfully at what she sees. "You're doing well? If that's your wife's doing, she has lovely taste. You look quite sharp."

Harlan smiles bafck towards Amari, giving most of his attention to his wife. She's lovely, after all!

Rhiannon waits for long minutes and then she slides down the ladder and walks over to the start position. She makes sure that everyone has a bow and quiver full of arrows. "There are three targets. You will start on a different spot on the field with each one. You three are participating? That will make this go faster." Her eyes linger on her cousin. "Maybe I should put up more obstacles for a former Tree Scout."

"Actually, Amari, it is my choice in style. Though, at the prompting of Radhilde and Margot - they insisted I had, and I quote, nice clothes for the engagement party. And then of course once you have worn clothes for the engagement party, you need more clothes for the wedding. Thankfully those Margot sorted. But these? My cunning idea. A compromise between functionality and fashion." A moment's pause, and his warm smile does falter a little "I am sorry though that things have been tough. You know if you need our help, you need only ask." His cousin's teasing rejuvinates his smile however, and his eyes platfully roll "It is some time since I was a ranger, cousin. And, well. If you could arrange for a horde of the Silence to attack me, I think it was the pressure that ensured I was any good."

Ian watches his feet as he climbs Defiance Hill, taking note of his own footsteps, one after the other, as though each is a conscious decision he needs to make.

Lisebet smiles as folks arrive for the archery, her gaze catching sight of Ian as he arrives. "I think you may have more archers, Rhiannon. Do hold up a moment or two," she calls easily.

Svana walks briskly toward Defiance Hill, not wanting to miss too much of the archery contest. Not intending to compete and not precisely dressed for it in any case, she pauses and looks about for a place where she can spectate safely.

"It's alright, I'm only trying to throw you off by playing with your emotions." Amari replies playfully with a little upnod to the obstacle course she seems sure Archeron will dominate. She turns some to regard Rhiannon, and listen to her carefully before offering a nod to the third competitor, Zoey. "We may have to work together to beat this one, Lady Kennex."

Rhiannon's looks over at Lisebet and then she nods. "Last call for entries into the contest," she calls out in that clear, carrying voice. "Please step forward."

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

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

Ian doesn't look like he has any intention of entering the contest -- he looks, instead, for a place to sit so he can watch.

Svana takes a step back at the call from Rhiannon and one toward Ian and nods politely to the contestants, "Good luck, everyone!"

Lisebet smiles over at Svana, asking, "Would you like to participate? There are some practice bows you can use if so."

Zoey smiles in her husband's direction, then returns the nod to Amari.

Svana blushes and shakes her head at Lisebet. "I can't recall that I've ever used one, to be honest. I would only succeed in embarassing myself. Thank you for the offer though."

Lisebet inclines her head, definitely making sure that someone gets in there. "Alright then," she says, with a glance over to Rhiannon. "It seems you've all the entrants who are coming today."

Rhiannon gestures to the field. "You see the obstacles along with the targets. These are all measured by difficulty. You will make your way through the obstacles and then shoot at the target. You get bonus points if you do not stop moving, or if you shoot from one of the higher areas. There are three targets. Lady Amari, would you like to go first?" (OOC: Roll dex+athletics at 20 for the course and dex+archery at 20 for the shoot -- first roll)

Sir Struttington, Esquire Messenger Peacock arrives, delivering a message to Svana before departing.

"I think once events are over, we should clearly start training the good nobles of the city, Amari. You can be my apprentice archery teacher. Or the master I guess, given how long you've been training." But then it is all serious, and Archeron's head turns to listen to Rhiannon, nodding his head before he steps to the side to let Amari begin the course first. It looks bad if you go too close and end up shooting other noble people. Then people yell 'OMG TYDE REBELLION' and then that's a whole /thing/.

Amari checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 40 higher. Amari rolled a critical!

Amari checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 35 higher.

Zoey applauds. "Nicely done!"

Ian takes a seat and settles in to watch. He takes more interest when people work through the obstacle course than in the shooting; during the obstacle course part of the competition, his gaze becomes sharp and focused, moving fast, taking in details. Not so much for the shooting bits, but he does politely watch those too.

Harlan looks over towards Rhiannnon, "I'm just going to do an exhibition. I can't win, whatever place I get, the next person gets my prize." He pulls out Stormbreaker, the alaricite bow.

Rhiannon nods at the Duke as she marks his name down. "Indeed so, Cousin. I should like to test myself against you one day as well,."

Harlan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Harlan checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

Harlan is apparently not ... taking this all that seriously.

Archeron checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 18 higher.

Archeron checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 53 higher.

Lisebet makes her way to sit by Ian, since that seems a good spot to watch. And she's definitely not going to partake. "Maybe you might join us sitting here?" she offers to Svana, though she's not sure of the other woman's name.

Amari takes a breath, and when she's called on gives a nod to Rhiannon to acknowledge. Though she doesn't look capable, she takes off like a rabbit after giving Archeron a quick wink. Off she goes, tackling the easier leg of the course with aplomb, not pausing in the least to snap an arrow into the designated target with a smooth nock, draw and loose on the fly as she tops a tower and then drops off the other side. She wasn't lying about the smaller bow being easier for her to handle.

Ian has just enough grasp of social graces to tear his attention away from Archeron's navigation of the obstacle course and not to Lisebet when she sits beside him. Then he goes back to watching like the master of small talk that he is.

Svana glances toward Ian, wondering if she should say something in greeting, but hesitates. Hearing Lisebet though, Svana seems to relax and turn to sit by the pair, "Thank you. I didn't want to intrude..." She makes a small of fuss of arranging her dress as she sits and turns her attention back to the contest, "Who do you two favor to win?"

Sandor, the Tree Scout Captain have been dismissed.

Nibbles, the Ashford Tree Squirrel have been dismissed.

2 Grayson House Guards arrives, following Liara.

2 Grayson House Guards leaves, following Liara.

"Let's see how my skills have held up." Zoey takes her turn.

"My wife is competing," Ian says to Svana in a flat tone. Well, he's probably talking to Svara -- he doesn't actually look her way. "So I think I'm obligated to root for her."

Archeron lets Amari have her start before he makes his way into the obstacle courses....well, like a nobleman who has spent perhaps a little more time of late in meetings about planning wars than fighting them. Proficient, but not quite as nimble as he might wish. Still, as he runs he nocks the arrow and pulls back with the smoother fingers of his shark skin gloves, releasing just before he needs to tackle the next obstacle - the more accurate arrow strike almost making up for the slightly puffy obstacle attempts.

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

Zoey checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 34 higher.

Root, a ferocious badger, 2 Ashford Archer leave, following Archeron.

Root, a ferocious badger, 2 Ashford Archer arrive, following Archeron.

Harlan is not having much of a problem moving through the course, his form nimble and quite athletic. However, he's taking lazy shots, not even really trying that hard. After all, he's just messing around, at least until he sees Archeron's shots...

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

Denica arrives, following Wash.

Lisebet smiles as she listens to the conversation, well aware of Ian's propensity to not be talkative. "I believe Lord Archeron may have an advantage," she says, going with Amari's previous words. "I am Duchess Lisebet Ashford, a pleasure to meet you - ?" Since she hasn't yet. "And have you met m'Lord Ian Kennex?" The others are busy with archery after all.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise, Roland, the worst bard in Arvum arrive, following Niklas.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise, Roland, the worst bard in Arvum leave, following Niklas.

2 Kennex corsairs arrives, following Catalana.

Wash is here to watch and politely applaud. He's no archer himself.

Archeron lets Amari have her start before he makes his way into the obstacle courses....well, like a nobleman who has spent perhaps a little more time of late in meetings about planning wars than fighting them. Proficient, but not quite as nimble as he might wish. Still, as he runs he nocks the arrow and pulls back with the smoother fingers of his shark skin gloves, releasing just before he needs to tackle the next obstacle - the more accurate arrow strike almost making up for the slightly puffy obstacle attempts. (repose)

Svana assumes that Ian is speaking to her and nods once, "Yes, well, I suppose that would obligate your choice..." She trails off, listening attentively as she's introduced to the two beside her. "The pleasure is mine, My Lady. My Lord." She bows her head politely and offers, "I am Svana Kolur of Stahlben. Pardon me for not saying so before."

Catalana has returned, a subtle pile of papers under her arm. She sidles up to Wash's side again and takes her place to watch

Denica is not much further from Wash, waving at Catalana as she approaches. She too is no archer and instead turns to watch at those who know it best.

Zoey makes her way through the course just well enough to get to the target, lamenting her choice of attire for the task. The arrow is nocked, aimed, and loosed in a motion as natural to her as breathing. She smiles and gives a satisfied nod before moving on.

"Lord Tyde. Do you want to lay money on the outcome? Say twenty thousand silver? I think Kennex comes out on top. You?" Wash addresses Archeron.

Rhiannon keeps watch, and once all competitors have completed their shots, she has a scout go collect the arrows, tallying up the scores. "Currently, Lady Amari in the lead, with Lord Archeron in second," she calls out. "The second leg of the obstacle course is of course somewhat more difficult, and again, you get bonus points for shooting while moving and for shooting from the higher areas of the course."

Ian doesn't turn his attention to Lisebet and Svana until after Zoey has finished shooting. "Lord Ian Kennex." He introduces himself (unnecessarily) in the same flat voice that he used earlier.

Catalana gives a loud whoop for zoey "Go Zoey! "

Amari checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 25 higher.

Archeron checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Archeron checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 51 higher.

Svana ; claps as everyone finishes their shooting, not favoring anyone in particular herself since she knows very few. With Ian's introduction, Svana obliges him by turning her attention to him fully. "Svana Kolur." She repeats her name again, not seeming perturbed or bothered really, perhaps assuming he didn't register her introduction before since he was watching his lovely wife. "I do say, they're all doing better than I could hope."

Who built these towers? Are they up to code even? Amari goes up the ladder of the next higher one and nearly misses a rung in the rush. No doubt she gets that fun drop in the stomach feeling, but she recovers and keeps going without tumbling to the ground. Like before, once she's on the platform she's quick and efficient with her shot, and is over the side in short order with a glance over her shoulder at Archeron and Zooey before she's on the run again.

Lisebet keeps an eye on the archery, happy to do so, and at the same time she acknowledges the new arrivals come to cheer Zoey on. "It's good to have spectators," she says with a laugh. "Mistress Svana, a pleasure to meet you." A glance over at Ian and she adds, "I am not sure I even know how to hold a bow properly to shoot it."

Zoey checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Archeron isn't in much a position to answer Wash as he moves through the obstacle course, and apparently what appeared to be humdrum out of practice levels in the last round turn out to be....pretty much just Archeron's idea of a regulation speed. He steadily climbs, he steadily runs, he steadily swings - perhaps not like a nimble rhesus monkey, but perhaps like a slightly randy sloth. The reason for the hum drum pace is perhaps revealed as he gets to the top of the tower where he is to make his shot, only a couple of heart beats to line up the shot as he moves across to scale down, his breath pausing for just a moment as he lets the arrow loose.

Wash applauds with sincerity as the difficulty of the course increases. "I bet that practice on the ratlines helped her with the climbing part." Wash insists.

Catalana laughs softly at Wash and watches in awe. "This is why I chose the life of a diplomat. They're making me tired and sore just watching them."

Zoey takes a moment to adjust her clothing for better mobility before taking to the second round of the course, which clearly helps. She takes her shot at the second target, back in her element. She waves to her family in the stands before getting back in line.

The wave from Zoey snaps Ian out of his intense observation of the competition. A twitch of a smile plays over his mouth and, improbably, he actually lifts a hand and waves back.

Harlan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 59 higher. Harlan rolled a critical!

Harlan checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

Harlan is still not putting too much effort into the shots themselves, although each one still lands the target. However, the show is in his moving around the course. He's leaping from spot to spot, making a few shots while in mid air, a few while climbing, one while leaping off of something, and one final one with his head turned, body contorted!

Denica watches, the competition still seems a little puzzling for her somehow. Scratching her head, she takes a step back, "I should go back to the mansion for now, I think I forgot something back home."

Catalana peripherally watches Ian. He's smiling /and/ waving. She murmurs to Wash, a touch smug "Next summer there'll be a marriage and babies." She nods self assuredly.

Rhiannon keeps watch on all of this fun, calling out, "The third section is still more difficult. Archers prepare." (same rolls at 40) She waits until everyone is through the second section and then she takes the total scores from the shooting at the target, pausing to say, "In this leg, Duke Harlan followed by Lord Archeron. This puts Lord Archeron in the lead overall currently."

Harlan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 4 lower.

Harlan checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 40, rolling 7 higher.

Svana fans herself with a hand a bit as she watches the others. "Just watching them makes me hot. It does look fun though. I will have to make sure to wear something more suitable the next time I get wind that something like this is taking place. And perhaps exercise a little..."

Ian side-eyes Catalana, and becomes VERY interested in the cometition.

Amari checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 8 lower.

Archeron checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 2 lower.

Amari checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 40, rolling 27 higher.

Archeron checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 40, rolling 28 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 5 higher. Zoey rolled a critical!

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 40, rolling 9 higher.

Harlan is obviously starting to have a harder time with the actual climbing. He probably over did it a bit, stumbling once or twice. Still, he's able to land each of his shots, although he definitely looks like he's stretching muscles he hasn't for a while. This is what being desk-bound does to you!

There's some struggle on the next leg of the course, the tower gets taller, the course more strewn with obstacles. Amari gets caught up on a tree branch, then halfway up the tower she does properly miss a rung and rattles down three before she gets her footing again. Heart in her mouth, she still presses on and makes the top - if shakily. It takes a three count to steady her nerves, but her archery is practically reflex, and it shows. That part is clean, smooth and on target. She's still shaking her head as she jogs back to the line.

And the steady pace is broken as Archeron hits a tough segment. As he climbs, he is forced to make a small jump for one of the hand holds and his fingers find no purchase, causing him to stumble. He is able to hold on and swing back to make the attempt again, but the stumble cascades down. Trying to make up time, he is more rushed and less prepared when it comes to the shot - solid, but perhaps not as close to the centre as he would like. Still, that was tough enough that Archeron takes a couple of moments to catch his breath. It's a tough competition out there! Still, while paused he does make sure to check on Amari.

Zoey takes a moment to tighten up her sandals and adjust anything that might interfere with her freedom of movement. She watches each of her competitors on the course ahead of her, examining their every slip-up or missed step. After a deep breath, she tackles the course herself. She allows herself a second for a single surprised laughed before firing off her third arrow and exiting the field, still grinning.

Wash applauds more loudly than before. "Good show Lady Kennex! Good show!" Wash shakes his head. "The stoic Lord Tyde saved himself a bundle of silver methinks."

Rhiannon takes a moment once all competitors are done to confer with her assistant rangers and scouts, and then she comes over to whisper to Lisebet.

Lisebet smiles to the group with her, and gets to her feet, dusting off her remarkable dress, and then she moves over to stand by the three chests that have been set up for the winners. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming out to our Archery Course, we do appreciate both those taking part and our wonderful spectators. The shooting has come to an end, unless there are some folks who might like to take some shots for practice. However, before hand, I'd like to announce the winners, and ask you all to come up and get your prizes." She pauses, and then adds, "Duke Harlan, as sponsor of this event with me, is not eligible for prizes, and he knew this going in, but wanted to test his mettle."

She glances at the notes provided by Rhiannon again, and then she says, so in third place, M'Lady Zoey Kennex - with an amazing run in the final section that is quite impressive. In second place, Lady Amari Keaton, who shot admirably all the way through. And in first place, Lord Archeron Tyde, well done. In fact, congratulations to all." A pause and then, "And for those who are interested, Duke Harlan's exhibition showing would have placed him in second, tied with Lady Amari."

Catalana grins at Wash, "Did he bet? I don't remember hearing him agree."

"He did not." Wash says. "But I think that he might have if I caught him earlier."

Wash is clearly disappointed that Zoey didn't win. She was certainly stellar.

Svana claps for the contestants as they finish up and Lisebet presents the prizes, only pausing to stand herself and briefly brush off her dress. "Good job, everyone! Very well done!"

Ian braces himself on his cane and pushes to his feet as the competition comes to an end.

Zoey approaches Lisbet to graciously accept her prize.

Amari takes a moment to catch her breath at the starting line. Archery for her probably doesn't include so much climbing, and she's winded. At Lisebet's announcement, she stands straight and tucks her bow under her arm so she can give some applause first for Zoey, then Archeron and Harlan who she would have tied with. That causes her to raise a brow at the Duke and smile, but she makes no remark. It's the Duchess she calls over to, "Thank you. That was certainly a challenge." Archeron is regarded next, as he is the winner, just as she called it. "I hope Lady Zoey and I made it somewhat difficult for you."

Archeron walks back to the area with all the people after the run, carefully restoring his bow to his back. The long lithe Tyde stretches his arm out, working out from kink from that last section's little hiccup but he is smiling. Catching the end of Catalana and Wash, Archeron's head tilts "What did I agree to or not agree to? I must admit, I was focused on trying to keep up with the others. Lady Amari has improved, and I just seem to be getting slow in my time here in the city." He does let himself grin a little though as the results are read out. A little pride is allowed. He goes closer to Lisebeth to get the prize, and offers a nod of his head to Amari and Zoey "If you ever want to practice, Lady Zoey, I'm always happy for company from within Thrax." His eyes slip to Amari "And, I would say so Amari. You are a bit more nimble than I. And Lady Zoey was quite remarkable on that last section. I think the only one of us to keep her footing sure."

Harlan grins over towards his cousin, 'Well done, Lord Archeron. I am q uite pleased to see you outdo me." Another smile is given to Amari, "And yourself, Lady Kennex!"

Wash waves a hand. "You saved me twenty thousand silver." Wash tells Archeron. "I was going to bet against you. Which would have been silly of me, wouldn't it?"

Liara shouts from the north, "Those who have finished eating potentially inconvenient quantities of pie are welcome to come and dance!"

Zoey smiles warmly at her competitors. "That was so much fun! And I would love to practice with you," she says that last part to Archeron in particular. "Next time maybe I won't be last," she adds with a grin and a wink.

Svana lets her clapping die as the champions address one another and listens attentively until she hears a shout. "Oh, the fire! I forgot!" With that Svana curtsies farewell, "Excuse me..." and heads north.

"With that done, our archery is concluded," Lisebet says. "Thanks to Lady Rhiannon for her wonderful job setting up the archery targets and the obstacle course and scoring for everyone. Now I think we are all well within our rights to go dancing, yes?" She smiles at her husband, with a touch of sass. "I would like to show this dress off some more."

"Never bet against Tyde, Lord Wash - in the end we always seem to make it through." Archeron says with a smile towards the Kennex nobleman "Though, in truth? I tend to only bet when I am confident - in this one? I knew nothing of Lady Zoey and the bow. And Lady Amari was trained by me some time ago, and I know her dedication..." Harlan is given a small bow of the head, after all one of the cousins is a ruling duke "Thank you Cousin. Good to know all that Ashford silver spent training me was not wasted, hrm?" As he receives his prize he bows to Lisebet as well "Grayson and its houses are always generous - and my cousin is most lucky in his choice of bride."

Harlan grins over towards Lisebet, "We are well within our rights to do whatever we wish, I think." He grins, and offers her his hand.

Catalana checks with Wash, "Shall we go eat and dance?"

Amari accepts the silver archery prize from Lisebet with a bow of her head and a suggested curtsey with a slight bend of knee. With bow under her arm and box now in hand, anything more than that would seem a bit awkward. "Thank you, Duchess and Lady Rhiannon." With that, she steps back out of the way, and nods her agreement to Zoey. "It was fun, but I think I'll go curl up somewhere with a drink about this tall." Very tall. She gives another smile to the Duke, and the assembled Kennexes, before lifting a hand to Archeron. "It was nice to see you, even if you did deny me first place."

Wash offers Catalana his arm. "I think so. Old Sausage should be ready soon. Are you up to dancing around a bonfire like a shav?"

Wash gestures to the Duchess. "Would you lead the way Duchess? I don't know what part of the Grounds they are lighting on fire tonight."

Catalana grins at Wash as she takes his arm. "Depends if Lady Elloise is there to document it. I don't wish to be dragged into her experiments on Shavs and the peerage."