2 Keaton Huntsmen, Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, River, a happy Oakhaven bloodhound, Barf, the Bog Dog, Bandit, a dapple gray Duskshire feral, Clerk Kant, a mild-mannered assistant arrive, following Amari.

The merry clip-clopping of hooves follow Fianna Crovane onto the training field. Phantom is bedecked in his saddle and bridle while his handler is busy tugging on a pair of leather gloves. Familiar faces are noted and there is a nod in greeting to everyone just as a smile tugs at her expression. The Duchess of Stormwall is dressed in her riding gear and her long mahogany brown hair is let down to her mid back in its typical windswept array. "Lovely day for a stout, yes?" Fianna says over her shoulder to Phantom. He, in turn, whuffles in agreement while following close behind.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound arrives, following Rosalind.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Lizette, a pretty buxom barmaid arrive, following Valencia.

Jules claps his hands because he appears, in this instance, to not know entirely what's expected and calls out, "Here-here!" Or maybe hear-hear, either way. He fixes his eyes on the duchess and he grows silent after his momentary bit of cheer for the moment.

Philippe arrives on the training field on the back of his personal Cob, Oaty. The old count's riding attire would be a little dressy for the Oathlands, but a new riding jacket and breeches are in order for a semi-formal event. He has recieved a stout already and, perhaps in the interest of fairness, has already drank about half of it. "Remember, no biting," Philippe says at Oaty. Oaty acts like he doesn't hear.

Cookie looks like she is the one hosting the party. She is decked out for the day. Flowers in her hair. Mika laughs as the mare nudges her. "I think so." Mikani answers her Duchess as she gives Cookie a carrot. "Welcome all to Crovane. Please get yourself a stein ... and some stout. We will begin soon."

Abellus has made his way over to the riding competition, likely having heard that there was good beer to be had. In his patchwork clothing of leather and furs, it's possible that he might fit right in in some parts of the Ward, though the chiming of bells at his every movement is one indicator that he's not from 'round these parts. His expression doesn't change much as he spies the festive setup of the field, save for a faint upward tic of one corner of his mouth. He makes his way toward one of the barrels to avail himself of some of its contents, giving his own silent agreement to Fianna's assertion. It -is- a great day for a stout.

Amari arrives leading a handsome dapple gray decked out in Keaton green and black, with his mane braided with ribbon of the same colors. Her own hair is up in a high ponytail tied with a matching ribbon bow and they both seem to be in good spirits. He keeps trying to nibble on the end of her bouncy ponytail and she keeps idly batting his face away. "You're supposed to be dignified and handsome. You're representing House Keaton and Duskshire. Nooo! Don't make me regret having brought you instead of Clopsy." The scolding is more playful than not, and when they both see other people and their horses, they quickly lose interest in each other. "Lady Mikani, thank you for having us." She calls over in reply, then upon noticing Fianna ahead, she sketches a polite curtsey, "Duchess! How are you, cousin?"

Rosalind comes running in, no horse--because well--yeah. Her bright red hair flies behind her, a huge smile on her freckled face,"Hi! Hello!" The tall Ravenseye looks flushed and happy-off in the woods again probably.

Rosalind takes Crovane Tolt and Stout Stein from Crovane Prize Chest.

Amari gets Crovane Tolt and Stout Stein from Crovane Prize Chest.

Fianna gives a wave to Jules as she and Phantom pass by and eventually they halt somewhere near Cookie. The hostess with the mostess, of course. "Lady Mikani, this will be /grand./" she says before pivoting toward the ebony stallion again. As she does, she spots Oaty and Philippe entering the field. "Count Philippe! How good it is to see you again! It's been far too long." Oaty is admired from a distance until Abellus and Amari catch her attention. They both receive a wave and a polite nod. "Welcome!" Her grin widens. "Lady Amari, how /is/ Clopsy? I don't believe I've met your newest companion. He is /handsome./" Fianna is a sucker for dapples. "And I am well. I've been meaning to write you."

Fianna also waves to Rosalind when that red hair is spotted. "Lady Rosalind, welcome! Is the Countess on her way?"

Mikani grins at lady Amari. "You are very welcome. How else should one spend a fall day?" She laughs warmly as she gets a glass of iced tea. "I am so glad to see everyone here. We should get a line up ready so that we can get ready for the course."

Philippe lifts his stout in salute to Fianna. He takes another drink because, again, he's got to make this fair.

"Uncle Norwood found him in Duskshire," Amari says of her gelding, before lowering her voice to a loud whisper, "He suspects he was an outlaw's and by his rough manners and fearless nature, I'd have to agree. He's a great deal bolder than Clopsy, who is much enjoying me not riding her off into danger anymore." As others are named and greeted by the Duchess, she turns to look and nod politely to Abellus, Philippe and Rosalind as well. Then, replying to Fianna again she smiles, "Please do, when you have a moment. It's a matter of some importance, but nothing to worry about too much." With Mikani speaking of getting ready, she murmurs a pardon and fetches a stout filled stein for the competition.

Rosalind grins at Finna but unfortunately admits,"I think my sister is busy with Countess duties. She's vetting g cranky holed up in her room, so I slide her food under her door." She MAY joming!

Abellus lifts his fresh mug of stout in a little toast toward Fianna, Amari and the other riders as greetings are given. One arm swings in to tilt that mug for a first sip that turns into a series of full-on gulps. Doubtless the vessel is quite a bit lighter when he finally lowers it again. He swipes a thumb over his lips and lets out an approving 'Ahh!'

Jules returns the wave and gives a laugh as Fianna passes by, not because of humor but the general atmosphere of excitement the man has at the moment. His eyes shift around the horses slowly and takes stock them. He may not be much of a breeder but he can tell a mare from a stallion, not that he's doing that now though! He glances over to Rosalind in turn and gives a chuckle before his eyes glance around ever mindful where he steps.

Amari has joined the line.

Philippe has joined the line.

Fianna has joined the line.

Jules has joined the line.

Rosalind has joined the line.

"Ah! I see." Fianna says to Rosalind. "Do give Countess Aella my regards, yes?" A hand gives Phantom's neck a pat and she listens to Amari speak of this new gelding of hers. "I see, I see. Well, then. I shall have to visit both Clopsy and your uncle Norwood at some point. And that matter to discuss? I shall address it tomorrow, you have my word." For now, they shall drink and enjoy the afternoon with some of the best company in Arx! The stirrups of Phantom's saddle are drawn down as soon as she retrieves a mug of stout for a hearty swig. "I have to do this one handed?" she asks with a chuckle. Phantom bobs his head and snorts in amusement. "Greeeaat."

Amari checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 28 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 19 higher.

Amari checked strength + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Amari checked luck + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 10 lower.

"Many thanks, and you're always more than welcome to visit." Amari insists before she too has to struggle up with stein in hand. She manages, though not without getting herself stuck at a crazy angle while she waits for the stout to stop sloshing dangerously from side to side. "Woah. wooooah. Good." She coos to keep Bandit from doing anything nervy while she finally rights herself. The reins aren't bothered with, she instead guides the dapple gray ahead with her knees and both hands close around the stein in the mostly vain hope that she'll not spill it too badly. The pair in that fashion tackle the narrow path with relative ease, then the trotting poles and finally the winding path. It's just that with every step, she loses a bit more of her drink. To prevent a worse loss, as they come out of the narrow section she takes a big gulp off the top. It doesn't help a lot. By the time they've reached the end, she doesn't have a lot left. "I think I've lost." She announces to the rest of the competitors, but she does so with an amused laugh.

Mikani applauds Amari after she completes the course.

Fianna watches Amari mount into the saddle and can't help but stifle a giggle or two. That'll be her in just a moment! Then the pair are off through the course and Fianna takes a swig of stout while watching. "Good form!" she cheers and then lifts her mug when the pair are finished. Time for a refill before the next pair begin!

Rosalind grins at Amari,"I doubt that. That was great. " Rosa is better at climbing but thats ok!

Turn in line: Amari

Turn in line: Philippe

Philippe checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Philippe checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Philippe checked strength + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 30 higher.

Philippe checked luck + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Jules takes the opportunity to cheer for Amari along the way and clap in turn even as perhaps there may not be so much of the drink left. He's still looking as though he's pretty impressed with her riding through the course even if she is not pleased with the results of her drink at the end.

Valencia arrives without much fanfare, her large dark eyes glimmering with all the excitent in the air. Moving quietly, she slips through the happy crowd to try to find the perfect place to watch the competition and to admire both rider and their fine mounts.

Mikani is overheard praising Amari.

Count Philippe trots Oaty up to the starting line. He indulgently pulls down the rest of his first stout, trading the mug for another full one. "Oaty, remember," he says at his steed. "No mischief. No biting." Oaty whickers.
The starting signal is given. Oaty jerks to a start, and Philippe immediately sloshes some of the highly filled stout onto his cuff. Bad luck! But the Oat(h)lands don't surrender just because of an initial bad beat. Holding Oaty's reins with one hand, the count stabilizes the stout by what seems to be will alone as they start in toward the course. By the time they get to the poles, all seems to be in good order, though Phillipe is still down critical points from that initial rough start. These are the wages of party games!
The count boldly continues on as they go into the winding path. Cobs show their real edge when they get into rough terrain. Philippe and Oaty climb the winding path seemingly without real effort, but now Philippe is trying to make up for lost time. He pushes Oaty on. "Glory, boy," he whispers at the horse.
Oaty and Philippe come down from the hill at a good trot. They have time to spare as they cross the line. Philippe shows his still mostly intact stout to the judges, waiting for their leave before he returns to drinking it.

Santino arrives, delivering a message to Jules before departing.

Mikani is overheard praising Philippe.

Turn in line: Fianna

Fianna is in mid swig of her drink when Philippe finishes the course and then lifts her mug as she cheers. "That was good!" She pivots toward the crowd for their approval. Valencia is spotted and given a wave! "Did you even spill a drop, Count Philippe?" Her tone is teasing and she grins over at the fellow equerry. "Pressure's on now..." Because she's next. Oh dear.

Mikani smiles and applauds for the amount of drink left

Abellus puts a couple of fingers between his lips and lets out a loud whistle as the first two riders each complete the course. His own way of giving applause, it seems! His mug has been refilled and he meanders a little closer to the action as he drinks.

A cheer goes up for Philippe's ride and the little vixen cheers, too. A bright smile parting her lips in to a warm and easy smile as Valencia nods her approval. Fianna's wave is happily returned and another smile is offered to Mikani as she cares for her guests and sees to the event.

Amari has to agree and as Philippe arrives at the finish where she's lingering still, she gives him a very solemn tip of the head. "Well rode, Count Blanchard. Your horse is very sure footed." She further compliments, even as she's leaning a bit to see how much he has left in his stein. She clicks her tongue when she spies the liquid within.

Jules watches as Phillipe raises through and cheers along but as he comes towards the end of the course, he seems to be on the edge of his seat with the minimal amount of stoat spilled and cheers excitedly as he comes across, "Amazing!" He happens to catch Fianna waving to Valencia and he in turn spots her and waves as he moves over that way slowly.

Fianna checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 3 higher.

Fianna checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 56 higher.

Fianna checked strength + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 70 higher. Fianna rolled a critical!

Mikani waves at Valencia and grins at the woman.

Fianna checked luck + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Mikani is overheard praising Fianna: Amazing rider and amazing Duchess!!

Good gods. Fianna has to mount with a mug of stout in her left hand -- this'll be rich! Doing her absolute best to hoist herself into the saddle (why does Phantom have to be so TALL?), she manages to make it up there after a few tries. She settles after a moment and decides to direct Phantom with a squeeze of her knees, which means that both of her hands are holding her mug in hopes that the stout doesn't slosh. "Oh man." she says, laughing heartily at this attempt. Phantom begins to move forward and Fianna is balancing just fine. For now.

When it's their turn, Phantom trots down the narrow path at a smooth clip and Fianna is holding onto her drink for dear life. Success! They bounce over the trotting poles and then through a winding path until the very end when Phantom breaks into a canter. "Oh spirits!" Fianna doesn't curse, it's a miracle! Nor does she slosh /that/ much stout. She cannot help laughing, though -- it was a good try!

Jules watches as Fianna comes through and he just blinks in amazement as she moves through the narrow path and then it's just jaw dropping from there. He doesn't even seem to notice the drink, so engrossed by the drink. He claps after he's registered it's over though.

Mikani would be drinking her tea but the way Fianna rode Phantom was the way Mikani swam. It looked like the most natural thing in the world. When Fianna finished Mika clapped enthusiastically afterwards. She looks around, "Master Jules .. you are up. Good luck."

Jules checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher. Jules rolled a critical!

Jules checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Jules checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 21 higher.

Jules checked luck + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Turn in line: Jules

Count Philippe is gracious. It was a good performance, but that bad start probably puts him out of the winner's circle. Still, a man must come to accept failure as a consequence of growth.
The count nods to Fianna. "Luck," he says to her before she begins her run, but it was clearly not needed. She and her steed make short work of the course. The old man is impressed, particularly as she takes the hill. Philippe nods approvingly, taking a long draw of his stout in respect for the accomplishment.

Catching Jules' eye, Valencia offer a bright smile and little wave that grows as he begins making his way through the crowd. But soon Fianna takes to the field and the little Lycene turns her attention to the tall steed and it's able rider. Impressed, the little raven haired princess rides to cheer along side the others, utterly enthralled with the level of horsemanship and horses here. When Jule's name is called, she cannot seem to stop from calling out her encouragement. "Good luck, Missere! Ride well!"

Rosalind hurries out, as not interrupt the horse and things. But she does give a big wave and smile to before she runs! Yes...runs.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound leaves, following Rosalind.

Mikani moves to stand by Valencia and she leans to whisper to the woman.

Jules has a horse? Where'd he get that? Either way he's got his stoat in his hand and he shifts about the saddle for a moment as he tries to get situated. He takes a moment to eye the mug before it's turn to race. He's a decent rider it would seem but he's no master. He does use his knees but he also seems to be using the reigns more than the others have largely which likely indicates he's not as skilled. Still he moves through the course respectably and moves through the narrow portion, over the poles, and the winding path himself. His eyes seem more distracted in it all though, he's looking at the crowds as much as anything else and waving here and there with his smile and laugh going along the course at the same pace as he does. As he reaches the finish line he eyes the mug and seems rather pleased as he throws his head back and laughs.

Fianna remains in the saddle and takes another pull of her drink as she watches Jules begin the course. She almost coughs when she sees him venture down the narrow pathway with such speed. "Excellent job!" She cheers and then watches him finish with agility and more than enough luck on his side. "Impressive!" She then pivots toward Philippe and Amari closeby, dark brows raised with amusement as she takes another swig of stout.

"Aw." Is all Amari can say to that masterful performance of Fianna's at first. Not that she's upset, she does end up smiling and clapping a hand lightly against the side of her stein. "You both made that look fantastically easy, and now Jules as well. It's almost as though you've all been practicing, or make a habit of drinking in the saddle." She gives them all playfully arch looks. It's clearly the latter.

Mikani checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 13 lower.

Mikani checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Mikani checked strength + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 14 higher.

Mikani checked luck + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 7 lower.

Philippe has settled into a full mounted drinking posture. He lifts his mug in salute to Jules during his run. "A good effort," he says, perhaps to himself, as he looks toward the approaching Fianna. "My lady, a masterful performance. The laurels are clearly yours for the asking." He tilts his head to the side at Amari's statement, raising his brow just so. The notoriously stone-faced count does not smile, but he clearly understands and appreciates the jest. "A long campaign requires strong drink."

Mikani walks up to Cookie knowing it is her turn. "Well ... let's see how our practices are going." Mika says softly to the mare before she mounts up. Well, Mika didn't fall but she did drop her stein at every turn. At the end Mika was laughing. "I didn't do well but Gods and Spirits that was fun." She says with a grin before dismounting. "I am pleased to announce that Duchess Fianna Crovane is the winner of the first Tolt and Stout!" Mikani says with glee before getting the trophy and handing it to Fianna.

Philippe balances his stein on Oaty's shoulder so he can clap properly for the dutchess. "Well earned!"

Abellus lets out another long, obnoxious whistle as the winner is announced, and lowers a hand to the strand of bells at his belt, jingling them in a merry, chiming melody in honor of the day's best rider.

Valencia looks at Jules with new eyes and offers a proud nod of approval, seeming very happy for the man's showing. Mikani's ride is perhaps not as successful, but the lovely Crovane seems to take it with poise and great spirit. The little princess calls out her encoragement and appreciation of the woman's ride. As Fianna is annouced the winner, the little vixen rises to her feet to applaud with the rest of the apprecitative crowd, offering her own approval at a find show of skill and an exceptional mount. "Bravo!!! Well done!" she calls without though for decorum as she loses herself into the joy of it all.

Jules makes his way away from the horse and over towards Valencia with his stout and then as Mikani starts off, cheers ever so excitedly as she goes through and seems quite happy through the run. As Fianna is announced the winner he raises his mug about and cheers and says, "Well I can't say I was too surprised after seeing her run." He laughs loudly.

Mikani stands up before everyone. "Well thank you all for coming to our first annual Tolt and Stout. I cannot impress upon you all how honored I am that you all have attended. Please stay and drink and eat your fill. Ride the course as many times as you wish. Just know that you are all blessed by the Gods and Spirits. Thank you again." Mikani bows her head to the crowd.

Amari offers a congratulatory lift of her stein for Fianna and her winning of the inaugural Tolt and Stout. "That does seem fitting, and well earned. Congratulations!" She smiles warmly before finishing off what little stout actually remains in her cup. It wasn't a lot. "I think next years will have to be more challenging. Say, with the stein balanced on your head, while riding backward and with no saddle."

"I had been fool enough to think myself a favorite," Philippe asides at Jules.

Fianna downs the last of her stout and then laughs heartily at Amari's observation, grinning afterward. "You're welcome to visit anytime and find out, cousin." Her tawny colored eyes glint with amusement and then she turns her regard to Philippe. "Thank you, Count Blanchard. It's an honor to receive such praise. This has been great fun." When it's Mikani's turn, Fianna cheers on her cousin's efforts. A long breath is drawn in and Fianna lifts a forestalling hand when she is announced the winner of the tolt. "I won? Oh, spirits! Lady Mikani, do consider giving it to another?" Her cheekbones turn red and she looks between the other competitors.

Mikani shakes her head. "Duchess Fianna, you won it fair and square. I won't give it to another."