Kalani gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Porter takes Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Azova gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Porter takes Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Ksenia gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Azova gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Ksenia gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Catalana takes Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Victus gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Victus gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Catalana takes Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Drake gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Sabella gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Talwyn gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Drake gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Sabella gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Rorik gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Thea takes Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Talwyn gets a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Talwyn drops a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Thea takes Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Rorik gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Ciaran gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Ciaran gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Talwyn gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, 3 Thrax Guards, 2 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Alarissa.

Happiness, a bluebird arrives, delivering a message to Porter before departing.

Alarissa takes Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Alarissa takes Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Joining the party together is Porter and Rorik Kennex. Instead of bickering this time, they seem to be in deep conversation about something that's clearly very important. The most important of ALL things. It involves a lot of expansive hand gestures from both of them and apologies to other shorter people that they accidentally hit about the face. "Oh, shit. Sorry, sorry. I didn't see you there-- YES. It does, it needs more. I'll write the merchant tomorrow." Whatever the suggestion was, it gets a howl of laughter from Porter. "Is that sledding hill?" he asks and when someone hands him a sled, "YES."

The winter snow has accumulated, sure, but to the extent that the Thrax ward has? It is undoubtedly man-made. One such creation is that of the enormous sledding hill and the giant turtle shells from Escuma that are being handed out to everyone that wants to sled.

Hot toddies and chocolate are being handed out, along with the new liquors that have been concocted for the Taste of Arx especially. A large judges table has been constructed and placed off to the side for the eating competition.

Carita, wrapped in coat, is helped up onto the table to speak. "Welcome, all to the Taste of Arx here in the Thrax ward. Lady Catalana is going to host this next part, if she's ready, to run our Thraxian themed eating competition!" She then looks around, Lady Catalana? Are you ready?"

Wash gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Wulfrum had helped Carita up onto a table to speak before brushing some snow from the sleeve of his coat and then offering his hand back up to her to help her down when she's all wrapped up.

Easing out from the main doors of Thrax, Alarissa is bundled up in brocade and furs. ladies in waiting at her back and at her side, some of the far more little Prince and Princesses take off with nursemaids and nannies in tow to watch over them as she looks to Carita atop the table and smiles.

Wulfrum has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Ksenia files into the courtyard, soon finding herself availed of a pair of bottles that she tries to carefully balance within her arms while she wanders about to curiously take in the spectacle. At the announcement of the eating competition, she turns an inquisitive look towards Carita and the table.

Waldemai doesn't much like the cold, but he likes the sound of that. "Eating competition? Bring it on!" He snags a hot toddy to wash it all down. Whatever 'it' happens to be.

Ciaran has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Ciaran spends a while considering the very spooky bottle on offer, holding one up at eye level with one hand as he leans on his cane with the other. "Well, it doesn't appear too dangerously haunted at first glance," he offers quietly, a bit dry, in the style of someone who amuses himself even if no one else. He glances towards whoever migh be standing to his right. "...Do we nip right in or wait for some kind of signal?"

Drake has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Yes, there are a *lot* of expansive hand gesturing. Rorik accidentally smacks a hat off somebody in passing - "Whoops, sorry! Nice hat though!" - and continues on with his aggressive whispering at Porter until somebody talks about a food contest. He whips around, looking this way and that before he spies Carita. "Food competition? I'm in!" he bellows out.

Adrienne converses quietly with her escort, her arm linked with Prince Talwyn's. A cloak and gloves ward away the cold. Adrienne takes in the festivities - sledding hills and turtle shells - with furrow-browed wonder. The look passes to Porter and Rorik's fast-flying arms. "It was kind of House Thrax to hold a welcoming party for me."

Catalana has walked in arm and arm with Wash the whole time sharing with him, "I almost died of fright. Imagine getting up in the dark and finding that giant crab out the door and you know who's responsible for it." Hearing Carita, she beams at her. "Yes. Just give me two seconds Countess." Spotting Porter and Rorik, she lifts her voice and eyeballs the two boys before moving to join Carita.

Catalana shouts from nearby, "I know it was you Porter and Rorik. Be ready for revenge."

Azova has arranged herself so that she's standing near both Wulfrum and Carita, to be supportive of her Countess as she starts off the festivities. And she definitely knows better than to try and compete with some of these people for an eating contest, so the announcement of that event is simply met with a quiet snort and a bit of a smile as she finds a seat.

Thea comes venturing over to the Thrax courtyard. She lowers the hood of her look before grabbing a couple bottles. Nope. Not sharing these with anyone in the house. She greets those shes knows in passing with a smile,"Good evening." Finn meanwhile takes off to greet people HE knows. Why bother. He thinks he's a people anyway and Thea just shakes her head.

"I too like food!" Porter calls after Rorik. Yes, everyone is very shocked. He turns in Catalana's direction and just looks owlishly confused.

Drake is going right to the booze, of course, but he also hears the sound of an eating competition being announced. That definitely has his attention... but first, he gets the bottles of liquor. More for the collection, and all.

"Just what was the crab made of?" Wash asks. "I could see making it out of papier mache."

Merek takes a moment to adjust that attire which he wears, the gold-black material which is placed upon him. He finds a few drinks while he peeks about.

Merek gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

"What did you do?" Rorik looks from Catalana back to Porter, frowning accusingly.

Stepping through the huge doors of the Thrax estate, Prince Victus is making a steady stride down into the courtyard. Dressed in an ensemble of snakeskin and alaricite, the High Lord was being tailed by a very energetic otter. The shiny creature doing its best to keep up with the taller man's pace. Victus settles alongside Alarissa. "Did we always have this much snow? This seems like it's a problem."

2 Grayson House Guards, Crom, an expressive bull-mastiff, Songbird, a dignified war-mastiff arrive, following Lark.

Merek gets Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

"I couldn't kill a stuffed crab," Porter explains to Rorik, though this is a problem seems lost on him. He frowns, concerned.

Adrienne has joined the seating along the southern wall.


"Giant turtle shells? That sounds fantastic!" Kalani Seliki, bundled up with a fur lined silk cloak worn over a lovely velvet gown, joins the queue to be handed one of these Escuma sleds and tips her head subtly to listen to the welcome and announcements from the hosts. "Hah, eating competition," the Seliki murmurs, sounding amused at this as well as she meanders toward the enormous sledding hill that's been created for this purpose. Well, the purpose of the sledding, and the shells. The physician pauses, artificial snow deep around her ankles, and leans the huge shell against the side of her skirt, pulls a leather strip off of one wrist and wraps her braid up in a bun and ties it neatly at the nape of her neck before she picks up the shell and continues on. Sledding!

"We did not. I think there's been one year with this excessive amount of snow since I married you." Budled in furs, she's ridiculously small next to the High Lord who towers over her. Dark blue eyes flicking out to watch the children as they scatter. 'Catalana is running an eating contest if you feel like taking a stab."

Princess Sabelle and Prince Niklas arrive with their usual entourage but are easily blended into the large crowd that's already here, "Relara! Relara don't run off into the--she's run off again," she tries calling after her daughter then gives up, looking down at the little prince that holds her hand and laughing, "You can go too, Gareth, just take Elizabetta with you," she passes the tiny hand off to her lady in waiting then looks over to Niklas, "I hear there's going to be an eating contest! It sounds utterly awful and I'm sure you'll love it. I bet that the Kennex boys are--" and again she pauses since Porter is yelling, "Oh there they are! Porter! Rorik! You'd be so proud of Nik and the horrible recipes he was telling me you eat back in the Mourning Isles all the way over here."

Hearing Catalana and Wash speak about crabs, Thea's gold-flecked green eyes light up with impish mishchief. She goes to grab a drink before debating on the eating contest. Passing Drake, she grins,"So--want to see how much we can eat." Knowing Thea it isn't much.

Talwyn walks into the courtyard with Adrienne, seeming to be sharing a quiet song with her. He gives a quick nod to people he knows - and leads Adrienne towards the drinks. Drinks must be the way to start off a party - so he takes some for himself and Adrienne - and now looks upon the competition about to start, "Eating competition! I wonder if it's the speed or amount that matters here, " he wonders in amusement

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

Ciaran takes a dubious look at Prince Victus's otter, as if not quite sure he believes the fact that it's really there. He then peers at the top of his bottle for a moment. Yup, still uncorked.

Catalana murmurs to Wash, "I don't know. But I'm going to put a sharkenoid in their bed when they're not looking." Dealing with that, Catalana climbs onto the table beside Carita and encourages people to come forward "Yes. Now if anyone has joined us for a fealty dinner they know that as a right of passage they must try a live octopi. Tonight, I encourage you all forward to try a range of our specialty foods. I know some do not have strong stomachs, so it will be a contest on who can try the most foods without going green." She gestures to the first server who opens up a platter of darkened slimey black pasta. "First up. Something simple, a noodle dish flavored with ink from a squid."

(ooc : If you're playing it's a stamina/willpower + survival check at 15)

"Sabella! Niklas!" Rorik sees the Prince and Princess and starts waving his hands in the air, even though they have *clearly* already noticed him. He only stops flailing around when he knocks another hat off somebody. "Whoops, sorry!" he apologies to whoever that was, then beams a grin at Sabella. "Shark eyes mixed with octopus ink is a favorite of mine. Are you going to join the eating competition? You should!"

Talwyn has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Waldemai looks a bit dubious. "Squid ink I've heard of down in Southport, but noodles?" He shudders.

"There's nothing horrible about whitefish chowder, cold cockles and whelks with salt and vinegar or squid boiled in its own ink!" Niklas walks alongside Sabella, pausing when his son goes streaking off after his daughter. "Well, perhaps the squid is a bit much. But you aren't allowed to say that. Only we are." Niklas offers waves to various Kennexes. "It's tempting, Rorik, but I like to keep my grotesque overeating purely amateur."

Waldemai checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Ksenia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

"Hello Sabella! I'm sure all the recipes Niklas was reading off were absolutely amazing and delicious!" Porter calls out and then nudges Rorik to the competition.

Rorik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Thea checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Wulfrum checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Porter checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 9 lower.

Ciaran checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Drake grins back at Thea. "Ah, you know I can't turn down a challenge like that. I warn you, I love to eat. But the last eating contest I was in, a woman half my size won no contest."

He slides up to start eating the unusual dish that was offered. Black ink, but it looks delicious and savory, so he's going to enjoy it until he's full.

Octavian, a silken spaniel, an aid in Kennex livery, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Zoey.

Victus has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Drake checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Happiness, a bluebird arrives, delivering a message to Rorik before departing.

Happiness, a bluebird arrives, delivering a message to Porter before departing.

Sabella gives Niklas a look like perhaps he didn't hear all the words he just said and how horrible they were. Then she turns and seeks Carita out, smiling brightly, "This place looks amazing! And I think all of Thrax came out for it! Wherever did you get these bottles of alcohol they're so stunning we shouldn't even drink them but instead put them on display! Although I suppose they'll be just as lovely empty as they are full, so don't worry I won't let them go to waste!"

Carita has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Sabella has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

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

Azova has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Yes. The Southern is trying...Whatever all this is. Looking over to Waldemai, whom she decides to sit next to, Thea winks at him,"Messere Waldemai, shall we show them how we do it in the South?" The youngest Malvici looks down and starts to take a bite of whatever squid ink noodly thing is before is. "I have just the ink at home. I'll have to play with it more."

Ksenia steps forward, slipping past some of the larger fellows who jostle to prove their worth, drawn as she is by the lure of food. She doesn't look green at all, happy to dig into some of the dark pasta when it is offered to her and polishing it off with ease.

Esme takes Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Esme takes Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Rorik shoves Porter when Porter shoves Rorik, and it starts a whole thing where they are shoving each other until they finally shove one another down at the table. The noodle dish set in front of Rorik is not even considered - he just picks up a utensil and starts shoveling noodles into his mouth. Slurp. Slurp. Sluuurrrppppp. One of the noodles is slurped so quickly it whips up and smacks him in the nose, but he just keeps going.

Alarissa has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

For someone who clearly ENJOYS food, Porter is really struggling with this first dish. It's honestly a little baffling, but he shovels the first mouth in with gusto and-- stops, completely stops. He chews. He stops. He covers his mouth, he stops eating. He looks at Rorik slurping and looks like he's ready to gag. It's a miracle he swallows that first mouthful at all. Looking green in the face, he pushes the bowl away.

Just how Zoey managed to arrive late to an event in her home ward is anyone's guess, but arrive she does. Immediately she starts looking around for Porter and Rorik, assuming that wherever they are is where she will find either fun or trouble.

Wulfrum seems all to keens to get some squid ink in his gullet. It's a little weird that he doesn't chew... At all, just kind of tilts his head back and makes quiet ~ughng~ sound as he downs entire noodles from the bowl... Until they're gone. If that counts as eating then he just ate it all right, he gets a pint of ale and drinks it to wash it down the rest of the way.

Niklas has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

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

Zoey gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Well, if Porter's not going to eat HIS noodles, Rorik will eat them. He shoves Porter almost off the bench and steals his bowl, too.

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

Waldemai tells Thea, "It's the noodles that get to me, my lady. I remember we used to have the squid ink in white liquor in that little bar down by the docks."


Sled in hand, and managing the battle of artificial snow, full skirt, cape and so on, Kalani finds her way to the top of the sledding hill and takes her turn when an opening appears. Perhaps the sleds were meant primarily for children, but her Seliki free spirit has her setting the sled in place, tucking her skirts around her legs, making sure her slippers don't fly off and then pushes off with a whoop of delight. The shell spins a bit as it slides along the snow, drawing another laugh of delight as she traverses the slope and spins to a stop.

"Oh my gods, I feel vaguely ill just watching them. Any bets on who vomits first, and who they vomit on?" Azova wonders, looking down the table at others who aren't slurping noodles. Obviously, she's reaching for a bottle of liquor to pour a glass to fortify herself for the sights and sounds to come.

Carita laughs as she watches the eating competition, though her attention divides as Sabella appears beside her. "You're too kind, Princess. Darkwater put a lot of work into them, I only hope they taste as good as they look." She seems to be holding back from beaming with pride, but it's pretty noticeable. "Thank you, I'd like to take credit, but I think this is all Lady Catalana's doing. She put a lot of thought into this contest."

Drake digs right in, but's just the first course after all. He nods to Waldemai nearby, as Thea is addressing him, but Drake's mouth is momentarily too full to manage an introduction. Eating contests are important.

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

"Ugh, no." Porter doesn't need to be pushed away. PORTER LEAVES. Apparently to get something to drink that isn't full of squid ink or noodles. He doesn't say anything outright, but his face says it out all. He starts drinking from one of the bottles being given away. This is his now.

Niklas just hmphs at his wife's dismissal of fantastic Islander cuisine and heads over to load up a plate. He's not participating, but he might as well be. "Ooh, urchins!" He so rarely gets to indulge in proper islands food. When he's finished piling on the dinner he looks around and sees his wife gone off to chat with an organizer. "Well!"

Esme enters covered in LAYERS and LAYERS of outer clothing. Her green eyes slide over the area to find someone in particular. Actually, two someones. When she sees shoving going on, she just moves in that direction as if she knows. SHE KNOWS. There is a cant of her head to figure out what id going on. Pasta. Esme can handle pasta. She will move to get a bowl and see how it tastes. Though she's coming up to Porter and Rorik.

Niklas has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Merek makes his way to the table with the squid ink pasta, and nods a bit, while he shifts the cloak which he wears about himself, the fur lining keeping away the weather while he begins to eat. "This is actually pretty great!"

Esme checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Ciaran perks up somewhat at the mention of a culinary gauntlet. At Catalana's challenge, he heads right over the banquet table, considering the mildly gross-looking black noodles with a skeptical eye. "Well, I've eaten stranger things before," he decides, before serving himself a portion. He chews somewhat conspicuously for a few moments, before declaring: "Texture's a bit different from what I'm used to, but it's not bad."

"Do I get bonus points for eating Porter's noodles, too?" Rorik shouts from his seat at the competition bench, leaning back with a few satisfying claps to his belly. It's during this process that he sees Esme, lifting his chin and tapping the bench here beside him. "Pull up a chair and a noodle bowl. Porter couldn't handle his squid ink, never could really."

Valerius wanders into the celebration in time to watch the culinary challenge and get an eye of the black noodles of the squid ink pasta. He can't help but laugh just a little bit at some of the comments as he passes by, drifting through the crowd toward the rum, because of course he mkes his way first and foremost to the rum, getting himself a drink before doing anything else.

Carita puts Bump in the Night in Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Carita puts Bump in the Night in Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Carita puts Bump in the Night in Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Carita puts Bump in the Night in Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Carita puts Bump in the Night in Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Carita puts Bump in the Night in Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Carita puts Bump in the Night in Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Carita puts Bump in the Night in Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Ksenia moves over to claim a seat, licking a bit of sauce from her lips once she's settled and contently awaiting the next delicacy to be served.

Zoey gets Bump in the Night from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Esme reaches out to touch Porter's arm, if allowed. "It's okay. I get it." She moves to sit near Rorik (aka heat source) and takes up the bowl of noodles. There is a look at it, but then she easily eats hers. There is a tip of her head. "It's interesting."

Ksenia has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Carita puts Drowning in the Deeps in a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Carita puts Drowning in the Deeps in a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Carita puts Drowning in the Deeps in a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Carita puts Drowning in the Deeps in a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Carita puts Drowning in the Deeps in a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Carita puts Drowning in the Deeps in a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Carita puts Drowning in the Deeps in a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Thea nods to Waldemai, completely understanding. "Just--swallow. And make sure you don't choke." That's good advice! Thea finishes off the noodles just fine. She exhales and with complete optimism declares,"I can do this,"while downing her drink completely. Thea grins over at Drake, looking amused.

Porter has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Rorik has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Valerius has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Esme has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Wash is quite fond of fish, and he stands near the barrel of live octopus inquisitively. It is entirely a coincidence that he is holding a knife in his off hand as he investigates.

Catalana just stares at Porter. STARES. She leans down to murmur to Wash, "I think Porter is dying. He turned down food." She shoves her husband towards Porter before straightening. Looking to the contestants "It looks like we're onto our next round. Next we have oysters. These are fresh and cold, straight from the sea. I suggest you swallow whole as you may get a burst of sand if you chew."

(ooc: Stamina/Willpower + survival at 20)

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 17 higher.

Ciaran checked willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 16 lower.

Rorik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 18 higher.

Ksenia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

Drake checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Wulfrum checked willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Waldemai waves for another toddy. "Too cold up here, my lady," he tells Thea. "Do you want one of these, too? Oh, oysters. Good in a stew."

Esme checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Valerius gets Bump in the Night from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Thea checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 19 higher.

Waldemai checked willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 6 higher.

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

"The burst of sand is the best part," Rorik tells Esme with a note of seriousness, before he pulls his plate of oysters towards him. He gets through this plate like a champ, on account of his big mouth. At some point, he takes three oysters at once!

Ciaran slurps down an oyster. This almost immediately proves to have been a Bad Idea. Whether he simply can't handle the texture or the oyster itself is to blame it's hard to say, but he quickly starts to look rather green around the gills. "Urgh," is his pointed contribution to the eating contest, as he goes off to slump down into the nearest seat, fighting a mounting nausea.

Azova looks right up from her glass at the mention of someone dying. "What was that Lady Cata... oh, Lord Porter. Poor boy. He did look rather green didn't he? Still, no vomit. No points if it isn't projectile." she laments. "Though I do wonder how Lord Rorik is handling /two/ bowls of the stuff /and/ oysters. Yikes."

Esme looks at the oyster before her, she shrugs her shoulders a bit and then downs it like a champ. For now. She moves to offer Porter one of hers. "You know, in the South, it's been said that these are to get people feeling a bit... well in the mood." She looks between Rorik and Porter. "Gods save us all."

Ksenia reaches out to pick up a couple of oysters, at ease with the uncooked, slimy shellfish. She tips each back, consuming them whole before leaving the empty shells upon her plate. Really, she just seems happy to sample all the free food, competition aside.

Wulfrum approaches the oysters and pulls out an extremely tiny silver fork... With this tiny tiny fork he starts ripping and noming down the innards of the oyster, one after the other, making faint ~omp omp omp~ sounds. He does chew ones and his body tenses up and cringes from the sandy bite.

Talwyn is sitting at the seats by the wall with Adrienne, drinking the liquor and is turning a tad green examining the food dished out for the competition. He's not eating any squid inked noodle yet, nor fresh oysters.

Take one of the oyster shells, there's an actual grin on her lips. "These are actually my favorite,"looking over at Esme though,"Not for -that- reason though." Those words, she tips the shell back and swallos the muscle down her throat. No problems here.

Drake takes attention of Esme's comment, looking over the table at her. "Really," he says. "Well, I hope you ladies will let us know if that's the case." He picks one up. "I think... it's the shape that does it, isn't it." And he makes just for a moment, a good slow of slurping it out. You use a little tongue for it.

Rorik lifts bushy brows at Esme while trying to steal more oysters off somebody's plate that's failing. Ciaran will do. He nabs a few and downs them, too, staring at Esme the whole time. Then he figures out what to say: "You Southerners need help with that? Huh."

ahem..Favorite would be Thea. Whoops!


Dusting herself off as she untangles from the giant turtle sled, Kalani rises to her feet and scoops the sled up with her all in one easy looking move. After all, if she can climb a cliff and then dive off it, she can sled down a hill of artificial snow. She gives the giant shell a experimental spin, one edge balanced against the snow, and rejoins the line.

When Esme starts suggesting that he eat an oyster right now, Porter frowns at Esme. Like, how dare you. How. very. much. He edges away from his cousin and the Fidante lady and ends up next to Azova. He drinks from the bottle in his hand says to her very seriously, "I think that I might be pregnant."

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

Niklas spies a familiar face and heads over to the southern wall, slurping down oysters drenched in horseradish before passing off a castle's worth of shells to a passing server.

Niklas has joined the seating along the southern wall.

1 Redreef Warden, Rylan, a distracted scholar arrive, following Scythia.

Zoey has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Merek looks to the oysters while he seems to think about it, then he picks a few up, while he begins to eat those as well, enjoying.

Catalana snorts at Porter's comment before addressing the remaining contestants. "Next, is fermented herrings. These fish are caught, coated in a salt and then left in barrels until they are almost a mush. It's a true delicacy when stuck at sea for months on end. I recommend you don't smell this one. Just eat." Before each contestant, a huge mound of mushy smelly fish is placed.

ooc: A wilpower/stamina + survival at 25 this time

"Now that would be quite the medical mystery, my lord." Azova replies, turning a skeptical eye towards Porter. "And I suspect many ladies would be quite surprised to hear that since I believe you're in posession of the wrong... equipment for that." es, that's a good way to phrase it. She looks quite proud of herself for it actually, and lifts her glass up slightly to toast him. "Should I announce it to the audience at large for you?"

Esme laughs at the message that Joy gives her and then gives more of her oysters to Rorik. To Thea she nods. "I don't mind oysters. I am a little concerned what the other dishes will be. I'm much better at alcohol than food." Her eyes move to Porter and then offers, "It's not mine. Not my fault. Did you not drink your tea? You poor dear." She might be stacking up plates RIGH near him. Her eyes move toears Merek and she waves to him as well.

Thea glances over at Rorik,"I heard there was a crab infestation. I don't think the South as issues with any sort of problem. Mood included." There's a twinkle in here eyes as she goes back to her oysters, swallowing away.

Esme checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 15 higher.

Wulfrum checked willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 23 higher.

Rorik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 4 lower.

Waldemai checked willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 5 lower.

Ksenia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 0 higher.

Thea checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

Drake checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 3 higher.

Waldemai forgot to hold his nose. "Ack...argh...phew! Better wash that out of my mouth with some more rum."

Wulfrum puts his tiny silver fork away and pull out... a soup spoon. Why does this Lord have silverware in his coat to begin with. With the fermented herring in front of him he starts to use the spoon to scrape the mush from those sharp little fishbones and just eats it by the spoonful. Looks like he's only breathing through his mouth during the attempt, though he is starting to look a little green in the gills.

"I don't know how they do it in House Darkwater, Lady Azova, but you /never/ steal an expectant mother's baby announcement from her." Porter makes a big show of scowling at her. But it's so elaborate that it can't possibly be serious. He winks at her and takes another drink. He glances over in Esme's direction when she claims to not be responsible, there's a snort of laughter.

Rorik doesn't listen to Catalana. He's served his bowl of fermented herring and sticks his nose in it to give it a big ol' sniff. "I don't know what you're talk -" he begins to refute Catalana's claim before it hits him. The stench. "Ohhhhh, Gods," he utters as he turns green around the gills, shoving his plate at Esme. But at least he doesn't vomit on her. Instead, he claps his hand on her shoulder and uses her to propel himself up out of the bench, running off the platform to topple into Porter. "Ugh, I think I'm pregnant too!" He whines, putting his head on Porter's shoulder.

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 13 higher.

Ksenia plucks up a chunk of fish between her fingers, the scent reaching her nose a bit before she's able to pop it into her mouth. She might not relish this one as much as the last dishes, but the flavor doesn't seem to bother her as much as the smell, and she chew diligently.

Valerius glances over toward Rorik and Porter from where he stands with his rum, taking in the sight of the competition and laughs, "I hope that's not contagious." He takes a few steps to one side, just to make sure.

Wash likes oysters. The game of tasting food ends when the oysters are revealed. He hangs out by that table and shucks oysters to eat while smiling and offering fresh oysters to anyone that ventures too close.

Merek takes a few of the fish to eat, while he smiles, "That's wonderful!" He seems to be content while he nestles up into his cloak in thought, then he nods a bit between folk. He is, well. He's weird.

Drake tries not to inhale the smell of the fish, as instructed. He manages to eat it, though he doesn't really seem to enjoy the flavor of it all that much. It's not his first time having to eat such a thing, apparently. "I do worry about the effect on the breath." He'll also wash that down with some rum, which clears the taste out.

Zoey gets Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Zoey gets Bump in the Night from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Esme has /two/ plates of this. She plugs her nose and just downs this like a champ too. "It's not as bad a smell as older brothers refusing to bathe." Ugh. She remembers that smell. Then she looks over at Rorik. "It's not mine either. Although, you two could maybe not make the same decisions at the same time." She does give a push of the food away after eating it. "However... /double/ baby shower. I'm throwing it!"

Scythia travels slowly forward, mostly hidden by that cloak of hers. This is an understandable thing, for it is winter and it is cold and the former Redreef is evidently still not acclimated to the chill. Yet despite the cold when that grand sledding hill with turtle shells are spied, she lowers the hood of her cloak and looks absolutely delighted. Amused even. That, and a hot toddy passed off to her, evidently makes for a fine mood.

When Rorik slumps against him, Porter puts his arm around his cousin's shoulder in a companionable fashion. He pats him on the head, "There, there. It's going to be okay. We'll have a joint-- YES!" he agrees with Esme before consoling him. He lifts his chin in the direction of Valerius and laughs, "I hear babies are contagious," he tells the marquis, all too seriously. "Watch out."

"The Nightingale had mentioned that she was putting something together and I'm glad to hear that you still want Nik to do something that involves the Liberators--" Sabella pauses when she accidentally looks over at Wulfrum and catches a glimpse of all the...eating. She pales a bit then forces her smile to be even brighter. This is fine! "I'm afraid you don't know my husband, Lord Wulfrum! He managed to destroy a cart and lose his pants last year! But yes, Prince Victus, I would be delighted to discuss it more! I--I really just can't believe most of them are still trying the courses. I mean," she says quickly, considering it is Victus she's talking to, "They all look delightful...ly fishy. And I'm sure when one grows up with such things they are as comforting as mashed potatoes are to me. But--did that one just move?" she shudders.

Catalana laughs and teases her cousins as they both bolt. "And you call yourself sailors." She watches as the others manage to get through the mushy fish dish and her lips jump in sheer enjoyment of torturing all these people. "Right. Good work everyone. Next up. Tuna eyeballs. These are pretty self explanatory. If you like crunchy and gooey textures, bite hard. Otherwise, a slurp may keep them down."

A check at 30 please)

And then, just like that.... Azova bursts into a peal of laughter. "Porter, I think your baby-daddy just got outlasted by an Oathlander." She finds this -hilarious-, to see Drake (with apologies to Drake who is no doubt a lovely person) outlast a Kennex at the dinner. "Now, Lady Esme. If you're going to throw a double baby shower, I insist on helping. It's only fair, since Porter told me first."

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 33 higher. Merek rolled a critical!

Thea looks at the fish and looks over at Drake. Right. "I'm from the damn south. I eat fish!" and with those words, she dives in, eating it. "I'm not kissing anyone tonight. Not at all." Taking a big drink of rum, she decides differently,"Maybe I will as punishent."

Esme checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 32 higher.

Thea checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Ksenia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 1 higher.

Drake checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

Wulfrum checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.


While in line, again, Kalani spots young Relara and Gareth, recognizing the youngsters she slips out of line long enough to link up with the two and offers to share her sled. The Seliki physician introduces herself in an easy manner and lets (helps) Gareth hold on to the sled as the line inches forward again. Once it's their turn at the top of the artificial snow slope she holds the sled in place and takes a seat, tucking her skirt and cloak in again. Settles Relara in at her side, and Gareth in her lap, and off they go, skidding downsloap with combined giggles of delight.

Merek lifts up a whole plate of the tuna eyeballs, then he begins to roll them up into his mouth. He keeps on to another and another, then he takes a few extra, "Amazing!"

Wulfrum doesn't have a piece of silverway for this so he wipes off the spoon and starts picking up a handful of tuna eyes and just popping them down his gullet with one satisfying chew each time. Halfway through his palmful he admits, "It's like the candy of the sea." then keeps going crunch slurp crunch slurp.

"Double baby shower?! We're gonna need a lot of water," Rorik jerks his head up from the comforted patting that his cousin is doing. Then he proceeds to slump into the wall. "I missed the TUNA EYES?! This is the worst night ever," he slumps, sagging down the wall a little bit.

Drake looks up as Rorik seems to be out of the running, and stifles a laugh. He's trying to be polite, but, well, that's one down, taken in by the power of fish. He looks up to see Azova, a person he perhaps hasn't met, looking at him, and now it makes it a bit harder to stifle laughing, as her laugh is infectious. Nonetheless, the next dish is in front of him, and it's even weirder than the last. Pickled fish he's tried. But eyeballs... But, he cannot back down yet. People are watching. And so down the hatch it goes.

Thea's eyes look up instantly at Catalana. "I'm being punished aren't I?" For what it could be anything. She looks at the tuna eyeballs and takes as deep breath, making the mistake of SQUEEZING ONE. It bursts and squirts and just--ewwwwwww....Closing her eyes, Thea starts just spooning them in her mouth and swallowing them. With mouthfuls of rum.

Ksenia paces herself, happier to dig into the eyeballs than the fermented fish it seems. Plucking one up, she pops it into her mouth and crunches contently, seemingly used to this variety of island cuisine.

Esme stares at this food, but she's had worse before and it shows. She just slurps that right down. There is a reach for Porter's drink though to take it. She'll steal Rorik's too if he has any. "I just.. why do you offer these things?" Not at all why is she putting them in her mouth. There is a look towards Azora. "I mean, I might be albe to take on an assist for the baby shower." She slides her plate towards Rorik this time. "Eat up."

Victus followed the Grayson Princesses' gaze to the combative eaters. Shoveling so much seafood that they could've been construed as a pack of human piranhas. "One probably moved." He says with a nod. "That's how you know it's fresh. Nothing fresher than halfway alive. Rotting fish smells much, /much/ worse than meat or fruit. I'm /objectively/ sure of that." The otter on his shoulder let's out a quiet 'eeee' noise. "You should try some. Just take one of the sharper silverware to defend yourself first, in case it's a biter."

Nuh uh, Porter is too far away with his bottle, Esme. You're on your own. He laughs a little uncomfortably at something and turns to Azova, "But more seriously, when did you get back? I mean, I saw you the other night but I was distracted," he says, with a kind of wave.

Ciaran seems to have recovered somewhat from his horrifying intestinal battle with the oyster, because he's once again on his feet, now putting some distance between himself and the perils of the banquet table. Instead he's heading towards more distand seating, where he nods in recognition of Talwyn and Adrienne. "Your Highnesses," he greets them, in the deferential style of a vassal to one's lords. "How are you finding the Thrax cuisine?"

Rorik doesn't even *have* a drink. But after Esme tries to steal his invisible one, he pulls out his flask to down a few swallows. He then proceeds to obnoxiously lick the rim before he offers it over to Esme. The tuna eyes are just regarded with longing glances, but he puts his hand to his stomach. "I can't, can I? I can't!" He is trying to talk himself out of it. "No, I can! I can't resist a pair of beautiful eyes. Or.. a dozen," and even though he nearly threw up his fermented fish, he proceeds to scarf down some eyes. His tummy gargles loudly.

Ciaran has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Ciaran has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Wash nods to Thea. "I think everyone has heard about the spicy vodka. So... I wouldn't count that out." Wash promises the Malvici.

Azova slides her own glass out of reach, just in case. She needs it to survive just wacthing this thank you. Though she does gesture for another bottle of the good (strong) stuff to be set down in this little mpreg corner of the world. And she does give Drake a nod of acknowledgement, going so far as to incline her head in respect for his ironclad stomach. "Just recently, actually! I was away doing a bit of research and picking up some apothecary skills. And understandably distracted really. It was a Kennex dinner afterall. With a lot of liquor and lacking squid ink and eyeballs. How've things been out at sea?"

Shifting awkwardly at her seat, Thea loudly whispers,"Is it cheating if offer some to the--,"but pauses at Wash. "Lord Wash, that wasn't entirely my fault. It was delicious!" Her eyes glance once at Porter before mentioning to Wash in her best of innocenty voices,"I may have another surprise up my sleeve. You never know." Thea's lips curve into a smile as she waits for the next--whatever it is coming. Heads, guts..who knows.

Catalana lifts her hands "I think, it's time to let our contestants have break and settle their stomachs with a drink." She waits for a glass full of white liquid placed in front of them. There seems to be chunks in the glass." She grins, likely a very evil grin. "In front of you is sharks milk." So sharks actually have milk? It's best not to ask questions at this point! "Stolen straight from a nursing shark, and boiled to a nice warm temperature. It is winter after all. You will have to chew as an extra special treat, we've added some shark tongue to the mix. Enjoy."

(ooc: Check at 35)


Successfully navigating the slope and only then handing off her sled to the children, Kalani dusts the snow off of her attire and waves cheerfully to Scythia through the crowd. She makes her way over, rubbing her hands together then prudently tucking her hands beneath her cloak to thaw them out and pops out of the crowd near her aunt. "Hi! You look wonderful. Is that a hot toddy? I wonder if they have hot cocoa," all said in a rush as she beams a smile at Scythia.

Drake checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 10 lower.

Esme checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 12 higher.

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 24 higher. Merek rolled a critical!

Wulfrum checked willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 7 higher.

Thea checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 2 lower.

"Salty," Porter answers Azova without skipping a beat. "You should stop by the Kay later when there isn't a party and we can catch up." He turns to watch as Rorik lunges away to go eat fish eyes. "Good gods, he's going to be so sick later. And I'm going to have to carry him around." A glance is shifted to Esme and he shakes his head, smile crooked for a second.

Ksenia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 8 higher.

Carita's amusement seems evident as she continues to watch the competition, a mug of something hot her hands are wrapped around. "I wonder how gruesome a drunken sledding contest afterward would be after this?" she asides to her assistant, who visibly pales at the thought.

"What are you talking about? I have an iron stomach!" Rorik sticks one last tuna eye between his teeth and squishes it between them. Then his stomach lurches and he looks green again. Maybe it's the talk of shark's milk. "Mother made me drink that," he utters to Esme, so serious. "Eight glasses a day, sometimes I had to milk the shark myself. But it's what made me so huge," he leans into a wall, rubbing his stomach. To Porter: "You're carrying me back."

Drake stops eating eyeballs - seriously - long enough to introduce himself to the woman who is nodding in his direction. "It's Drake, by the way," he says to Azova. "Wyrmguard," he clarifies. In the process, he was not paying much attention however to the thing that he's about to be putting in his mouth, just picking up the milk, and then drinking from it...

He didn't listen about the chewing, and when he bites down on something unexpected his tongue is confused, and he sputters the whole thing out. Then he realizes that he did that, which, wasn't very smooth... and wipes at his mouth with the back of his hand. "Sorry, I... have never had milk you have to chew."

Scythia's warming her hands with her beverage, sipping it as she strolls on and eventually spies the contestants. She cannot help it, some of the particularly gruesome fare does cause her nose to wrinkle. Perhaps this is why she might be forgiven the fact that she moves on, that Redreef longboat catching her eye. That draws her in enough that Kalani's greeting has her jump slightly. "Oh, hello," she says, smiling to the other woman. "Thank you very much. It is. I believe that I saw some hot chocolate somewhere near - are you enjoying yourself?"

5 King's Own Guardsmen, Tulip arrive, following Symonesse.

Milk? Sharks. Thea was doing great and goes to lift the glass to her lips, it's RIIIIGHT there. The second a chunk hit sher throat though, she spits it right back into the glass. Nope! Can't do it. Thea steps back and goes to find another a drink,"I'm out. I 've done all I can take. Chunky whatever that was..I'm good,"and off she steps for--something strong.

Wulfrum looks at the shark milk and actually murmurs, "Okay I haven't seen this before... What the fuck is this... Did they get this milk from Sharkanoids?" picking it up he just goes for it, getting some chewy milk? in his beard but... He keeps it all down even though he gags and then burps afterwards. "This is just curdled milk isn't it."

Esme looks towards Porter for a moment and then smiles vibrantly back to him when she gets a crooked one. Then she's.. "Cat.. what did I do to you? Seriously, let me know. Send me a messenger. Or something. Shark.. warm. Oh hell, it's warm." She looks like she might cry for a moment in her green eyes before she downs it and /chews/ her drink. She tries to hand that drink off to Rorik and takes his slobbered flask to DOWN IT. Empty flask. Then she looks up and offers, "Porter, do you carry everyone? Here I thought I was special." She looks over to Azova. "What were you researching? I'm trying to find a few of my own things, but they are more faith based."

Merek lifts up the milk then squints at it, "Looks great!" He then begins to drink it, eating the shark in it, everything. He enjoys all of what he takes, "I might order a lot of this to take with me!" What is this man!? What power is this!

Ksenia continues to plow through the increasingly outrageous foods, though she continues to seem at ease with eating just about every part of a fish. She picks up a glass, tipping the chunky mixture back with the undiscerning tastes of someone who will eat just about anything.

Marchande, Junebug, the endearing and enthusiastic Graypeak Mountain Dog arrive, following Rosalie.

"Sure thing.... gods, how can he stand to eat that? I know, I know... shame on me. A Darkwater who can't eat tuna eyes. But really." Azova just gives a twitch of her shoulders and knocks back the rest of her drink before pouring another. "I'll send something over in the morning with Orion to soothe everyone's stomach. And headache." she promises, glancing over at Esme when she's addressed. "Mostly trying to learn how to make my own ointments and compoungs for treatments. So I don't have to bother others when it's time to stock up. Is your faith based research on healing? I'd be fascinated to learn more about that." she admits.

Catalana mutters to Carita, "I thought we may of had some vomits with that. Oh well." She claps her hands brightly, "Onward we go. Next up, one of my favorite. Live Octopus. Be careful. They bite." The lasting few contestants have a small fist sized octopus slopped on their plate. It wiggles and jiggles and will likely slither insider them.

(ooc: Check at 40)

Wulfrum checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 3 higher.

Rosalie takes Bump in the Night from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 8 higher.

Ksenia checked willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 10 lower.

Esme checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 20 lower.

Rosalie takes Drowning in the Deeps from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

"How do you feel about crab Lady Malvici?" Wash inquires. "I'm rather fond, but one can have too much."

Rosalie puts Bump in the Night in a cross body-strapped soft black leather satchel.

Thea has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.


"I really am," Kalani answers as she offers Scythia a quick hug and follows her line of sight to glance at the long boat. "Well isn't that something. That one needs rowers, right, they don't rely primarily on sail?" is wondered even as she tamps the snow down around her feet and wiggles her toes in her slippers, fake snow or not, her toes are cold.

Rosalie puts Drowning in the Deeps in a cross body-strapped soft black leather satchel.

Sabella looks wide eyed as they bring out the live octopus, turning to Alarissa and mouthing, 'like that?'

Baby octopi, everyone can eat these! Wulfrum actually pulls out a knife and a little shimmy a wet sounding crack and a flick to follow the crunchy and dangerous beak portion is removed. Then quick as you please he just sluuuurps it up, chews once and swallows with a visible lump going down his throat. "You can't trust them not to eat your innards." he confirms to anyone nearby.

Carita clears her throat past some amusement at Catalana's words, chin dipping as she pointedly has stopped watching the eating competition. Too gruesome by far. "Oh, I can't see anyone lasting much longer than this round, can you?"

As the sun begins to set low in the sky, the Queen arrives with her entourage of King's Own and... a cow. Her cloak is cinched tightly around her to protect from the chill as Symonesse gazes about her with unrestrained delight in her golden gaze. She looks at the calf as they arrive and murmurs, "No eating any plants that do not belong to us." The calf, of course, does not appear to understand a word she has said. She passes off his lead to a very put-upon guard and starts to wander about a little to see what the Thrax ward has on offer.

Merek lifts up the octopus while he looks to it, then nods, "Wonderful texture, it's beautiful," he then lifts that up to his mouth when the beak is off from it. SLUUUUURP, he then eats the thing almost whole while he licks at lips. "Amazing!"

Esme looks down at the food that is alive and moving and ready to bite her. She just stares at it. She puts one finger in and comes up with tentacles wrapped around her finger. There is a noise in the back of her throat as she brings it up. "You are too cute to eat. Yes you are." She turns to put it practically in Porter's face. "Look at it. Look at it's little face." Then she sets it upon her plate. "I've pardoned you." Her eyes move towards Rorik and narrow. "No."

Thea looks up at Wash with an impish grin,"I hear crab tastes great, but there have been some oversized ones. Should probably steer clear." She looks at the baby octopi and suggests,"And you shouldn't eat anything that can eat you, though that looks cute." Are octupus meant to be cute?

Moros is...as usual...late. It's a thing. But he shows up with a smile on his features and clearly a bit of interest in finding out what there is to offer. But it was going to be a pretty good guarantee that with the offering of food, and drink, and not having to pay for either, the young Inverno was going to show up.

Drake does not have an octopus, as he didn't make it through the shark's milk. But his eyes are on Merek, who is clearly the hero of eating weird things. Drake is going to have to work on that stronger stomach. His attention, though, momentarily goes elsewhere as apparently the queen has arrived. Her entourage is unmistakable, though... the cow is a surprise.

Alarissa looks to Sabella and then nods. "They often grab on, going down. Suckers. Gets an arm over the lips and onto the chin if you're not fast enough." Alarissa sighs. "And all the way down. Then the squirt of ink. You should have seen Lord Rysen eating one."

Ciaran looks like he's about to say something quietly to the people seated around him, but the ongoing contest draws his attention: Merek in particular. He just sort of stares at the man, looking vaguely queasy. "Well, there's a brave warrior, to be sure," he murmurs.

"It's the goddamn Queen." Victus says out loud to himself, his gaze set on the entrance gates. Then more pointedly to the guards on duty, "It's the goddamn QUEEN!" Near instantly, the stoic retinue straightens up and hammers one fist against their chest in salute. From 0 to oppressively formal in a snap.

"You better not vomit on me," Porter tells Rorik, this time he DOES sound serious. VERY SERIOUS, RORIK. He lifts the bottle to his mouth and takes a long swallow from it. Probably to fortify himself against the horrors of later tonight. In Esme's direction, another smile before he takes another quick drink. "I can't say." That's about giving people rides. He laughs about the octopus and shakes his head.

"Live octopus?! Why did they save the best for last?" Rorik complains to no one in particular. When he notices Esme PARDONS her octopus, his eyes widen. "It's going to die anyway out of the sea, might as well die in your stomach! Or in mine! It's an honorable death!" He counters. But his attention is quick to divert, because the Queen's brought a cow. He gapes for just a moment, before he flourishes into a bow for Symonesse.

Ksenia starts by slicing one tentacle off that poor little octopus, the still wiggling appendage brought to her lips and forced in there with her fingers. But of course, the creature doesn't give up even after it's been eating as she starts to choke, a fist thumping upon her chest in the height of manners, in front of the Queen and all.

The appearance of Symonesse is noticed, and the attendants at present perk up and offer her steaming drinks to warm her hands by, if she's so inclined. Carita is nudged and turns to tilt her head at the sight of the cow, puzzled for a moment, before she makes her way towards the Queen to dips low curtsy, "Your Majesty does the Thrax ward a great honor by showing up."

Thea just watches and well,"I suppose that's--I've the insides of a mans stomach, though I haven't seen anything crawl out." Taking a really large swallow of her much stiffer drink, she clears her throat,"This is definitely not the same thing, and I don't remember what point I was getting at."

Scythia dips her head, appearing pleased at that answer from Kalani. With the question she regards the longboat once more, nodding her head. "It does," she answers her. "Have you tasted any of the cuisine? I was thinking of having Rylan smuggle some delicacies back for Sereia. Perhaps some tuna eyes." Did she overhear Azova yonder and was inspired? Perhaps. Her lips are certainly curved up, pleased, but she may just be teasing. With Victus' announcement, she scans the crowd, spies King's Own and the Queen and dips into a low curtsy.

Esme points a finger at Rorik. "No. I pardoned it. So.. you should get it some salt water or something." She tries to look adorable. "Please?" Then she looks over at Azova with interest. "Oh! I know nothing about healing, but I tend to find myself in situations that need it. Were you successful in your question." Her eyes move towards Symonesse and she nods in her direction and resists asking to pet the cow. Then she looks at Porter. There may be a murmured comment. Before she gets a drink and watches the rest of the affair now.

Adrienne checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher. Adrienne rolled a critical!

"Eating things that could eat you is just fair play." Wash counters.

Victus's words catch Alarissa's attention and she looks toward the Nox'Alfar woman, sucking in her breath at the beauty of the woman and then drops her gaze to the cow. She turns, right hand coming to rest on Maxene's arm and murmurs. Off to get some greens for the cow if one is close enough to hear Alarissa, and turns back to the ongoings and the Queen. Only when the woman comes near them does the one armed Princess Consort fall into a deep curtsy for the woman. nary a wobble in the process these days!

Moros takes Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Symonesse startles a little but at the salutes and then pushes back the hood of her cloak, revealing a fall of snowy white hair, as she calls out to Victus in mock-entrance, "So much for entering in discreetly, Prince Victus!" Then, her lips curve into a smile and she laughs in delight, offering the High Prince a curtsy in return before looks to Carita, grinning. "I wanted to come see what this was all about. Thank you for letting the event run into the evening hours so I could attend." She accepts a drink from an attendant with a bow of her head and says softly, "Thank you."

Drake looks back at Azova, backing off now and leaning back toward the bar. He notices she's getting a little green. "I did my best, but the ocean dishes do get a little unusual for an Oathlander's stomach."


Kalani dips into a curtsy as well, though there's a delighted smile on her face as she does so, speaking to Scythia in a murmur as she straightens. One hand lightly skims over her hair as she does so, a thoughtful look on her face now, "Could Rylan smuggle in live tuna, perhaps? Then the eyes would be the freshest when harvested and we could use the tuna for other dishes."

Ciaran is, like so many in attendance, visibly surprised to catch sight of the nation's elven queen. He very likely has never seen her before: because he stares at her quiet openly, struck dumb by a combination of beauty and finery. "Your Majesty," is his contribution to all the attention being directed Symonesse's way. But it isn't long before he notices the cow. He squints, trying to make sense of THAT weird detail. He glances at others seated by him, as if for explanation.

"Being dinner is an honorable death. I think I've almost heard it all, now." Azova chirps, following Rorik's gaze as he spots the Queen. "Your Majesty, welcome." One of many greeters, most likely, and like many others it's from behind a glass. Scythia's words are like a clarion call though, and she glances that way in near horror. "Only if you don't like this person. Honestly." she suggests, before looking toward Esme once again. "Well, it's a beginning. I've been practicing. And so far I haven't harmed anyone! Check on the Kennex household tomorrow after they've tried my stomach ache remedy." Beam.

Catalana is about to bring out the next dish as the octopus go down. Her eyes widen momentarily when she hears Victus and her eyes swivel to Symonesse. She bows her head with a warm smile to the Queen and seeing that she is looked after she returns her attention to the final two contestants. "Since we're down to the last two, I can bring out the last dish for the day. Now this is a rare delicacy. One that is truly special. This fish has been filleted while still alive. The fillets are moist and flaky and the heart is still pumping. You must eat the fillets raw and the still beating heart to win the game. Ready?" She waits a moment and two flopping fish are presented to the final contestants.

ooc: check at 50 please

Sabella turns along with just about everyone else at the party to beam a brilliant smile Symonesse's way, raising a hand to wave, then saying to those nearby, "I believe that's a Bisland cow. Well, now it's a Crown cow, but you know Lord Michael, right? He's very giving. He gave me a puppy once. Hm." she looks around, "I wonder where that is."

Wulfrum checked willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 4 lower.

Valerius can't help but be impressed as he watches the eaters continue to get through the various levels of the Thraxian cuisine challenge. Of course, when the Queen arrives, his attention shifts over toward her, watching from his position near the refreshment table with interest to see what she thinks of the festivities. Whenever she passes, he of course drops into a formal bow before rising again. Then he slips away from the refreshment table, but not without a bit more rum to carry him along.

Valerius has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Azova smiles faintly at Drake, humor showing in her expression at least. "You said it, not me. There are some excellent ocean based foods though, I promise." she assures. "... and they don't include still beating hearts."

Rosalie enters with her usual quiet step and lack of fanfare. She moves across the courtyard towards Alarissa, offering a soft smile for the High Princess as she dips into a quick but precise curtsy. "Your Highness. I have not seen you in awhile, it is a pleasure to see you again. How have you been?" Victus also gets a smile and a curtsy, though Symonesse gets near genuflection as she murmurs, "Your Highness. Pardon me, I did not mean to intrude."

Merek checked willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 14 lower.

Moros notes one of the fun things about coming in late is that you never know who you will come in after. So it is that following after the Queen's arrival, there's that moment of amusement when Moros realizes all the excitement at an entrance had nothing to do with his. A deep bow is given to the Queen however, the potentially morose male not looking nearly as such today. A polite nod of the head is also given in Drake's direction, having met the man before, before he starts to find a place to sit with the fancy bottle of absinthe he collected from the ship, tilting it to and fro to see how the lights play with the liquid within.

Ksenia finally seems to stop choking on that octopus tentacle, but now she looks rather red in the faced and has dipped out of the competition. Scooting off her chair, she sidles to the side of the table and dips at the waist towards the queen and her entourage after a carefult brush of her lips and wild waves of hair.

Wulfrum checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

"Eat or be eaten,"Thea nods over to Wash. "Unfortunately it had a cute face. Crabs however...They have claws and pinch. Terrible creatures." Her gold-flecked green eyes look over to Drake,"I could have gotten over the smell, but the chunks. The chunks killed me."

Two actual live flopping fish... Well Wulfrum has eaten a bowl of pasta, oysters, eyeballs, an actual herring or two... Now live fish. He grabs one by the tail and just beats it to death on the side of the table. Smack smack smack smack smack... His arm gets a bit tired... Smack. Then he chuffs and proceeds to kill the other one with some more table whacks.

Moros has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Merek looks to the fish, while he picks it up, then he sighs a bit, "I'm too full, I admit," he says, while he places the fish back onto the table. He does wiggle his nose a bit in thought, then shrugs, lifting the fish up while he begins to force it into his mouth. If he can't win, he can at least eat until he can't eat. What a trooper.

Merek checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 14 lower.

Drake chuckles a little at the comment about chunks, his shoulders shaking. "That's what did me in as well." He grabs himself a glass of spiced rum, and hopes that will wash out the sensation of ... chunks. "Most seafood I'm quite all right with though. To be honest," he says to Azova, "I could go for another round of the oysters."

On spotting the Queen, Niklas pushes himself to his feet to offer the nox'alfar a bow. "Your highness." and then, a modicum of propriety down, flops back into his seat and returns to inhaling chowder.

Catalana watches Wulfrum and tisks, "You had to eat it live My Lord."

Zoey likewise hops up and dips into a curtsy at the Queen's presence.

Merek tries to hold as much as the man can manage, then he makes a noise while he coughs a bit, then places a hand upon the cheek of his, while he sighs, "I'm too full, it's so tasty though!"

"Live tuna would not be very live by the end of the trip," counters Scythia to Kalani quietly once she's risen from her deep curtsy, still likely teasing the woman. Yet Azova's commentary is not lost upon her and she laughs in a most delighted fashion. "Alas, I enjoy my daughter's company a great deal. She however would find no end of amusement with the eyes." So it is that the young woman is making a little pinching motion. Squish. One hopes her child is young, though from Scythia's apparent age it is likely so. To whatever it is that Kalani just murmured to her, Scythia's brows raise and she turns to regard the cow that was in such fine company. "Is it?" she asks with a shake of her head.

Wulfrum takes a steadying breath and starts to clean the fish to eat them. It's slow work but he starts popping bits of fishy flesh into his mouth and not even through the first fish he just brutally table murdered, he looks up at Catalana and wonders, "How do you eat a fish live?" he picks up the half killed and gutted fish and nibbles on the scaly bit before going... Blarghfallafal hrk... Hic... as he just vomits all over the table that the fish were on. Nibbling fish a road to far.

Victus gives a nod of greeting toward Rosalie in kind. "It is nice to see you, Sister Rosalie. You may be needed to give final rites toward anyone who dies on our front porch." That sounded like it should've been a joke, but seeing the state of some competitors... well. The High Lord's brows are soon furrowing at the sight of the royal aide, a cow. "Arx has a palace cow?" Scarf the otter gives a rapid bob of his head. There is no possible way to decipher what that means.

"Fine. FINE!" Rorik huffs at Esme, snatching her octopus away. "I'll find him a home that isn't my belly, but I'm going now." It's definitely not because the look of that floppy fish with the still beating heart has him looking greener than ever, nope. It's definitely on account of finding the octopus a good home. He makes sure to pass near-to the Queen while he's making a hasty exit though to mention: "I like your cow, your Highness."


Kalani nods, most emphatically, and there's a brief grin to go with her words, "It is, for certain." She starts to tuck her hands into her pockets, even making the movement, only to remember that of course she is not wearing anything that has pockets, so the movement just looks silly. "If we built really big tubs and changed out the water every day, most of them might make it here alive. That's how fish is kept fresh from the haul to the buckets at the market, just a lot shorter distance and time," she supplies in a helpful and equally speculative tone of voice.

Symonesse offers smiles all around to those that offer nods or curtsies. To Rosalie, she beams and says softly, "You were not intruding at all. I think, perhaps, I am interrupting." She gives Victus a look, glances at his otter, and then back at him, brows raised as she says evenly, "You have an otter. How is a cow any stranger?" She turns to beam at Rorik as he compliments her cow, calling out after him, "Thank you!"

Ksenia grabs a glass of water as the remaining contestants wrestle with, and vomit up, the remaining dish, the woman taking a long drink before she exhales more comfortably, fading back into the background to resume a silent vigil of her surroundings and watch the royalty and nobility move about and socialize.

Climbing to her feet, Thea unfortunately admits,"I should be on my way." With a smile over at Catalana,"Thank you for not--killing me I guess,"taking a random tuna eyeball and tossing it to Finn. Who eats it with no hesitation. Shocker. She bows her head politely as well as wave as she departs,"Pleasure seeing you all again. To the Queen, a proper curtsy. Because for once, Thea is in a dress. A proper one no less. It's cold! And with that, the youngest Malvici is on her way. The Kennexes all getting a fond smile.

Rorik has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Catalana pulls a face of utter disgust as Wulfrum brings back up that cute wiggling octopus. "I believe that marks the end of the competition. Please give a round of applause for all our competitiors." She uses the help of one of the Thraxian guards to help her off the table to go give Wulfrum and Merek a prize each.

Drake looks at Thea and gives her a wave with his hand, the one not holding the glass. "I know I will see you around soon."

Thea has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, Scratchers the red-tailed hawk leave, following Thea.

"Someone, I can't remember who, won the cow at the auction I hosted, and it would seem, it has been gifted to her majesty" Alarissa relays and nods. "We have an otter. Caution, he will offer you his flask to drink from your Majesty." And there's a servant coming out with what one would swear are grass trimmings. Scatters them on the ground before the cow in a nice little neat pile.

Wash has treated this contest like it was an all you can eat oyster buffet. "Eels are like the opposite of chickens, the body dies when you cut the head off, but the head can keep biting."

When Rorik runs off with an octopus, Porter just watches him. "I'm definitely going to have to clean up later," he says and sighs. He settles in on the bench against the wall, apparently reaching the more mellow part of his evening. For now.

Zoey applauds the competitors before returning to her seat and her conversation.

Merek applauds, "I think he did better with some points," the man mentions, then leans back to accept any prize while he looks about to see if there's any alcohol. "Thank you!"

Esme is settled in but she does sort of watch as Rorik runs off with her octopus to 'save' it. Then she cuddles her clothing in more around her and finds a warm drink.

"There's going to be random squid ink everywhere." Azova agrees with Porter, despite that likely not having anything to do with what he meant.

Victus opens his mouth to reply. Then promptly closes it. "Yes. Well." His mind turns for the answer. "The otter is here against my will. That makes it somewhat /different/." Said otter gives a few cheerful squeaks. Here by choice or not, he's here to stay and estatic about it. Opting to move on before he's out-maneuvered again, the High Lord turns his attention to the competitors instead an begins a thundrous round of applause.

Rosalie smiles towards Victus, "Then it would seem I have arrived at the perfect moment. I will be sure to be on hand with an ipecac should anyone require.. purging." TO Symonesse, she smiles, "NOt at all, I was simply offering my greetings. Though I must admit, I would dearly love to speak with you sometime." THen there's Scarf! Scarf draws out actual delight in the young woman, "Ah, friend Scarf! Still have that ruby? Hold on, I believe I have another item...." She looks into her satchel and pulls out a sapphire the shade of a deep blue sea and as big as his eye, "Ah! Here we go! I thought you might like the color of it, it seems to have layers."

Drake sets his glass down to applaud the winners of the iron stomach contest. "You know, I'd wonder how the Queen takes to seeing people eating live fish, but then again I suppose she's seen stranger things than that." And then he lifts his glass again. Want to hold onto that.

"You bring him jewels!" Alarissa smiles at rosalie. "You are wooing him to see if he'll come with you instead of his Grace, aren't you?" Alarissa grins.

Catalana has joined the The Famous Redreef Longboat.

Catalana has left the The Famous Redreef Longboat.

Catalana has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Merek has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

As Carita watches Symonesse with Victus and Alarissa, nearly struck dumb, her assistant's nudging perks her up. "Ok then! Thank you Lady Catalana! That was a great success. Would anyone care to participate in the sledding contest? It requires a good amount of drinking. Each team of two should have a pusher (strength / stamina + athletics) and the turtle shell sledder (dexterity or perception + something for navigating you pick)."

(Please page Wulfrum with your teams)

Symonesse gives Alarissa a bright smile and shrugs, "I have no idea where he came from. Lord Michael sent him to me with a note and he's been with me ever since. He's a sweet, dear thing." The Queen looks fondly at the cow, who appears to not give even half of a damn about the Queen, especially since there are grass clippings to chew on. The otter makes her laugh and she shakes her head a little before she grins at Rosalie, "It is lovely to see you and I would love to talk anytime." Then, sledding is being announced by Carita. Symonesse's eyes light up and she looks to Rosalie, "Want to sled with me?"

Rosalie smiles towards Alarissa and shrugs, "I have a fondness for Scarf, he is a delight. If he wanted to join me for a time, I would not be opposed." She blinks at Symonesse, then giggles, "I would be delighted, Your HIghness, though I warn my athletic skills are... very lacking. We may end up overtuned in the snow!"

"Well then that is not the cow I auctioned off if it came from Lord Bisland direct. All cows look the same." But Rosalie is asked to sled with the Queen and Alarissa offers her right hand out. "I can look after the cow, so you can take dear Rosalie sledding."

Ksenia continues to sip from her drink, settling down onto a chair as people pair off to join the sledding competition and she settles in to watch.

Drake looks about himself at the people here. "Well, I can push, but," a glance at Merek, "If it's all the same to you I think I'd rather grab the hind end of one of the ladies." That makes him laugh as if he thinks it's witty, but it's at least three-drinks witty. "Do you think it would be rude to compete against the queen? She seems remarkably enthusiastic."

Wulfrum just barfed all the food back up so he staggers to go sit down and wipe his mouth while rueing all of his life choices.

"I... did not know that," offers Scythia with a tilt of her head to the side. She seems completely oblivious to such a tidbit of information. The 'hmm' is a mostly silent thing afterward and punctuated with a sip of her hot toddy. When the next contest is announced she seems content to observe the teams gearing up.

Sabella laughs and looks over to Drake, "It's rude to not compete against the Queen for she can't play if there aren't other teams! If you're willing to push I'm willing to hold on to the front of the sled and scream!"


Kalani doesn't /quite/ bounce in place, but it's a near enough thing and she looks around for a partner. She hugs Scythia, "I'll be right back, I want to go do that," she gestures to the sledding contest and spots Merek in the crowd, to whom she waves.

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

Catalana looks at Wash's naturally "Wish to compete? You may have a better chance of winning with Porter though." She looks over at Niklas and assures Wash really loudly. "I think Niklas is too scared. You know how he hates to lose."

Symonesse laughs and shrugs her shoulders, "Mine, too, but I think being tipped over in the snow is half the fun." She glances to Alarissa, beaming as she passes Tulip's lead off to the High Princess. "Thank you, your highness." She links her arm with Rosalie's and starts toward where the sleds are.

Waldemai has been into the toddies. "I'll just sit here and cheer," he decides.

Drake gives Sabella a nod and a bit of a bow, and then offers his hand to her. "If you're game, then I am too. Let us go forth and show up the Queen."

Merek looks to Drake and blinks a bit, while he nods, then he looks around, "Ah," he notices Kalani, and nods a bit, "Hey," he offers a thumbs up, then he finds a position with the sleds, along with the woman, "This is kinda like sailing, but on snow right?"

Moros stands up from where he's speaking to those around the Valardins and Niklas, and makes his way towards the game. "If anyone else feels strong I don't mind taking a ride in the turtle shell. If there are extra arms." He stands about the edge as people pair up, feeling content to join or settle out if there are not enough to make teams.

Moros has left the seating along the southern wall.

Valerius applauds those who managed to make it through the competition, and then takes another long swig of his rum before he considers the potential of a sledding competition. He scans the area, idly, looking to see if there's anyone that he recognizes to invite to participate. "If anyone is in need of someone to push..." Then he hears Moros call for someone to push and he says "Would you care for a partner?"


"I've done it twice now," Kalani replies with a grin up at Merek. "Granted, it was just me, on the sled, the first time. But it's wicked fun, you'll love it. THink of it like sailing on snow."

"I think you might be putting too much faith in my abilities," Sabella laughs, but takes Drake's hand and then just about pulls him towards the sled, skipping with glee, "Last time I tried this we crashed into a hot chocolate cart! I think. I have very vague memories of that night because of the accident so this race will most definitely go better than that one!"

Scarf, seeing the appearance of /shiny things/, immediately perks up. With a rather loud 'scree' sound, he takes the offered gemstone in his tiny paws. Sharp teeth nip at the surface, ensuring its genuine before he stashes it away in his sash. Rosalie is given a quick nosing on the cheek for her efforts along with a quick pat-pat with one paw. "You are still bribing him." Victus observes.

Esme seems to already be drinking with Porter as they are deciding who's pushing and who's crashing .. erm.. guiding the shell into no danger at all. None. There will not be danger.

"I like all these foods." Wash admits. "I mean, I've never had shark milk before. Are we sure it was from a female shark?" He asks his wife. "Because you say milking... but that's a little unspecific."

"It's snow. I'm a hundred pounds later when you're pushing me on the snow." This is going to go well, Porter. So well.

Niklas snorts at Catalana. "That shows you barely know me, cos. At Princess Alarissa's first game night I happily rode the tempest toss'd ship and fell on a table. I once joisted against the king himself, as well as Sir Corban the Doughty. I am many things, Car, but not one of those things is dignified or particularly concerned about making a fool of myself." He waves to Wash and says, "I have no idea what this contest is because I have NOT been paying attention, but let's go lose it very badly!"

Ksenia rises from her seat after having recovered from her impromptu feast of oceanic oddities, the woman starting to make her way out of the courtyard after some more awkward standing about by herself.

Catalana grabs Wash's hand and drags him over to the sleds. Nope. He's not getting a choice in participating "Darling. Do you really wish to know the specifics of milk sharking?" She sets a turtle shell between Sabella and Porter and she gives them both an intensely competitive look. This will go well. It's fine.

Wash goes along with whatever directions his wife gives him while regaling anyone within listening distance of the strange eating habits of Eastern Shavs.

And now she is holding the reigns to a cow. Oh yes Alarissa is.

Esme moves over to come to her feet. "We got this. I feel like we need a team name." She tosses her auburn hair back a bit to that. Then she looks as she's competing /against/ Sabella. She almost looks like she's going to apologize. "Porter, can... can you even fit?" Her eyes move from him to the shell. Him to the shell. This will go swimmingly.

"It is not a bribe, Your Grace, it is a gift for a friend. I can and have and will continue to do the same for all of those I see as friends. Including your scarf, should you ever come up with a symbol for it," Rosalie responds to Victus with a smile before giving a small nod of her head to Scarf and smiling warmly at the otter. Carried off towards the start of the sledding, she discusses 'strategy' with Symonesse along the way, offering softly murmured words as they approach.

Niklas shoots Wash and Catalana the double bird and sits back down.

Drake nods to Sabella, his brow knitting, but his mouth still smiling, a sort of mock concern. "Ah, without a doubt!" He clears his throat. "If I see you crashing into a hot chocolate cart I'll just dive right in the way." He walks up the hill. "But try to steer away just in case."

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

Moros looks over to Valerius and he salutes, taking his hat, a rather round brimmed, floppy sort with the wide brim as he sweeps it from the top of his head, down towards the ground and then back up with a flourish. "Excellent. I cannot say that I have ever sailed in a turtle before but I'm sure we will do just fine."

Catalana mock cries at Niklas before sticking out her tongue.

"Yes, I can definitely fit. WATCH ME." Somehow he got the bottle back again, Porter hands it over to Esme and then lowers himself down into the turtle shell. It looks ridiculous. He's all legs and arms and and they're scrunched down, somehow. His feet are partially over the edge. He starts looking down the line at the other contenders. "This is going to be great."

"Don't worry," Sabella chirps, climbing into the shell and setting her hands on the edge of it and then realizing..."...was this an animal at some--did someone EAT THIS tonight?!"

Esme has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

"I haven't pushed someone in a turtle shell in some time, so we shall see how this goes," Valerius says with a dip of his head to Moros in return and a laugh, warmed by rum. He finishes off his drink and then makes his way over to wherever the competition is to begin.

After exchanging whispers with Rosalie, Symonesse lets the sister climb into the shell while she starts doing some warm-up stretches and a few lunges.

Talwyn stands up from his seat by the wall, murmuring aloud, "Oh well, we are already out here in the snow, might as well make use of it!" He looks around, "Well, I can drive!"

Ksenia has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Rosalie gets carefully into the sled and looks back to Symonesse, "I must say, I have not been sledding since... actually, I do not know that I have ever been sledding. But I sail, so I presume the mechanics are similiar?" SHe grins briefly and seems to try and settle herself best as to not rock the shell when they get started.

Niklas watches Symonesse do _lunges_ with obvious confusion. Perhaps he'd never expected that sort of thing from an elf. Or a queen. Or anyone because he's never done a lunge in his life. To Talwyn he says, "That looks awful." A pause, then, "The exercise. Not the Queen. She is, of course, staggeringly lovely. What did we just volunteer for? I hope it doesn't involve sledding. Last time I went sledding I went down the hill and my trousers stayed behind."


Kalani gives the sled a bit of a spin and sidelong glances to Merek, "Who's pushing, who's riding?" is wondered, sounding willing to go with either part of the contest. "Us healers, we're scrapy, I bet I could push the sled just as well as you could."

Merek takes a moment to settle onto the sled, "You can push me if you like," he says. The somewhat well built man is clearly going for win. He does take a drink of alcohol, then settles about while he waits.

"It probably works the same, I would imagine." Symonesse agrees with Rosalie, though it is abundantly clear from the expression on the woman's face that she knows nothing about sailing or sledding, so this should go very well for the two of them. She glances at Niklas as he looks at her in confusion and says, "I'm trying to limber up. You should try it!" Then, she looks at Rosalie and says softly, "I think our chances are good." No, no they are not.

"Not I," Drake says to Sabella. But the shell WAS an animal, most likely. "It's probably been dead a while. So you're going to be fine." He gets ready to make the push, on the signal.


"Deal!" Kalani replies and, since booze is being offered she takes a drink too and moves into position alongside Merek. "Have you ever been sledding before?" is wondered quietly. "Make sure you hold on the sides, good and tight, and oh, tuck your feet up onto the sled, it'll reduce drag."

Wash will be pushing the sled, naturally. "Are you sure you don't want me to pull? Seems like it would be more efficient to pull."

Carita watches as the teams form, her voice ringing out as she further explains. "Each time your team goes down the hill counts as a success, but there's a hitch. You have to drink a shot before you venture down. Each round." After an eating contest? What could POSSIBLY go wrong?

Lady Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards, Marquessa Pudding, a doughy dog, 2 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Sorrel.

Talwyn gives a smile, and stretches out his limbs to warm up as he gets up - He smiles broadly at Niklas, "I guess this time, let's hold on to our trousers tighter and make sure they stays with us!"

Unable to help the amusement now, Moros grins to his pusher as he settles down into the sled. "This should be interesting." He looks up and down the row of other turtles and just shakes his head. "I am going to tell people about the time I slid around the Thrax estate in a turtle shell /with/ the Queen, and people will be convinced it was just some drunken story. I am saddened that this true story will likely ne'er be believed."

"Maybe we should stop drinking," Porter says to Esme, glancing over his shoulder at her from where he's HUNCHED in the turtle shell sled.

Sabella overhears Symonesse telling Niklas to limber up and laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs.

Niklas doesn't look less confused and mouths 'limber up' to himself. He waves his arms around in a general windmill motion. "This is alarming."

Rosalie gives a solemn nod towards Symonesse and murmurs, "We make for a very strong team, Your Highness." This is going to be a hilarious disaster. They may wipe out other teams! Looking across to Talwyn, she smiles, "I look forward to the race, Your Highness. We shall see which of us navigates the slippery slope best, it would seem. Though I am certain your fall will be much more graceful than my own. I still have some lessons to learn."

Esme listens to the rules and takes Porter's bottle to take a drink out of it. This will be fine. She leans in to say something to Porter with a smirk upon her features. Who knew that Esme could smirk. There is a pause when he says stop drinking. Her eyes move from him to the bottle she just drank out of behind him. "Oh. Yeah, I stopped." It doesn't even sound close to the truth. She tries to figure out where to put her hands to push the shell.

"One should definitely /not/ stop drinking," Valerius says over to Porter, even though even he himself has stopped drinking. Then he grins at Moros and says, "That is the beauty of a good story -- the truth being so utterly perfect it's hard to believe, and yet.."

Azova has figured out why Carita insisted that she show up today. Because surely there will be injuries involved here with drinking and sledding! Thus, she begins rummaging through her pack to check for things. Just in case, of course.

"I have, it is fun, though not often I admit," Merek offers, while he takes the position on the sled with a little nod.

Drake has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Sabella has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Niklas has left the seating along the southern wall.

Since Drake is all readying to push, Sabella holds out her hands for both shots, clinks them together, and then downs hers while holding his out for him to drink, "Cheers! If nothing else, I shall remember this night probably for at least while it's happening!"

Esme has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Catalana assures Wash, "It's just like sailing. I'm a sail and you're the breeze." She looks over to Sabella and nods sagely to the princess. "Oh yes. Those little morsels you were enjoying before?" She leaves it vaguely with a twirl of her hand before reaching across and nudging Porter with her palm, just to see how steady he actually is in his shell.

Talwyn moves to settle himself down for the race, and replies to Rosalie, "If we do have to fall, the key to do it with charm and grace of course..." And he glances quickly to Niklas, "And with as much of our clothings intact as possible- it is chilly after all."


"Until today, I hadn't in years, but it's like diving off a cliff. Once you know how to do it, you never forget," Kalani sounds entirely reasonable about this as she sips again from the drink she's holding. "These round ones? They'll spin if you give it just the right nudge on the way down the slope. That's the fun part. As long as you don't vomit, of course. Drink more," she suggests, a cheeky grin, "it'll help."

Symonesse passes a shot to Rosalie and looks at her own warily. She sniffs it once, then shrugs, and knocks it back neatly. She doesn't even make a face. She hands to glass off and sucks in a breath. "Oh, my."

"I think... you're lying to me," Porter says to Esme, SQUINTING. Almost like he /doesn't/ believe her. How weird, that couldn't possibly be true. When Catalana pushes him he... doesn't actually move at all. Which might seem good now, but probably won't be when Esme tries to push him.

Esme tries to bat at Catalana's hands, in a friendly fashion. "HEY! Don't push him before the start. Cheater." Her smile doesn't have any depth behind it. As she bounces on her feet. Though she notes the lack of movement and nudges the shell a bit with her foot. Nudge. Nudge. Then a little more. Nudge. Nudge. Then she goes to kick it, but might miss the shell and hit Porter. This causes her to whistle. "I would never lie to you..." Her voice drops to a stage whisper, ".. that you would ever believe."

Rosalie's eyes widen when she's handed a shot of alcohol, "Oh my, I did not realize this would require drinking." She looks back to Symonesse, "I am afraid I have no tolerance at all for alcohol... this is going to get a lot more. Hm. Interesting." Letting out a breath, she takes the shot as quickly as possible, shuddering visibly over it and shaking her head, coughing lightly. "By the Gods that was... so strong..."

"If you crash your ... uh..sled..shell? Sledshell? You don't have to stop playing. What fun is there in /that/ after all?" Carita calls out, a wink to Azova as she prepares her Mercy gear. "Oh... yes. That's /exactly/ why I thought you should be here." She clears her throat. "You're not tapped out of playing, after losing, unless Lady Azova taps you out." (I will let Wulf call when to go and what to roll at what diff, since he's keeping score.)

Diane, a bright-eyed peregrine falcon, Sini, a very fluffy Northland shepherd puppy arrive, following Orrin.

Catalana notices Esme's kick, since she's perceptive like that. In a flash, she's pushed Porter again and stolen his bottle. Sharing is caring Porter! She takes a slug from it and readies herself with a "Push Wash, Push!"

Valerius checked strength + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 38 higher.

Drake checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 34 higher.

Symonesse reaches out a hand to carefully pat Rosalie's shoulder as she murmurs in reassurance, "It might be that you are one of those navigators that works better with alcohol. This is fine. We'll be fine!" The Queen smiles brightly and claps her hands together. "Hold on tight!"

Esme checked strength + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 5 higher.

Kalani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 45 higher. Kalani rolled a critical!

Symonesse checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 8 lower.

Sabella checked perception + leadership at difficulty 25, rolling 23 higher.

Azova looks looks up with a comically startled expression on her face when Carita makes her an arbiter of 'cleared to play' status. "Well shit, Carita. Way to make me the most unpopular person here." she gripes jokingly. "Nobody break any limbs! I only have limited splints available!"

Merek checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 4 higher.

Niklas checked strength + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Rosalie checked perception + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 5 higher.

Moros checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 3 higher.

Porter checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Orrin takes Bump in the Night from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Orrin takes Drowning in the Deeps from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Alarissa's watching from beside Victus, then leans over and murmurs to him, going up on her toes to do so and even then, she doesn't come close enough.

Talwyn checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 13 lower.

When Drake pushes them off and they start flying through the snow, Sabella lets out a delighted shriek and holds on tight to the front of the shell. She realizes two things as the wind whips her hair back and reddens her cheeks: it's actually really cold out here and also this shell is very heavy and she's never going to be able to steer it herself. So, she leans back a bit to call out to Drake, "When I say lean to a side, lean to that side!" She squints against the snow that's being kicked up by the other shells and shouts, "Left! MORE LEFT! Right! LEFT!" she jerks to one side and then the next, leaning on the edge.

Alarissa mutters, "What ... ... do if the ... ... ... neck going down ... snow hill..."

Waldemai cheers for the fools on the hill! "Slip sliding away, people!"

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 21 higher.

Catalana checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 25, rolling 23 higher.

"Stop kicking me!" Porter sounds wounded, gripping the side of the shell more tightly. Why is everyone touching him? "Where the hell did my damn bottle go?? FOR RORRRRRIIIIK!" he calls out once Esme actually starts pushing them. They're definitely moving and he tries to use his weight for something useful, swinging it this and that way as he forces the sled to navigate how he wants.

"I hope you will remember it for a little longer!" says Drake with another chuckle. The race seems about to start, so he looks around at those nearby... including the Queen, and, apparently other competition. Then, he rubs his hands together a few times... and gives a good PUSH a moment later. The push is solid enough... but it's still up to her to steer! He's good at following orders at least, leaning when she says lean and keeping held on tight.


And they're off! Valerius gives a solid shove and launches them off along the course, "Here we go!" He's got solid strength to him to put behind his pushing as he gets them going, leaving it to Moros to guide their path as he keeps their momentum going forward. He laughs a bit and lets out a whoop as they begin the course, racing along with the others.


Kalani finishes her drink and then shares a grin with Merek, "Hold on!" she digs her heels in, shucks off her cloak, has no sleeves to roll up but crouches down behind the sled. She gets a good hold on the back edge of it, "Arms in, head down, tuck up your feet, hold on," she helpfully advises before she gives a massive PUSH and gets the sled going forward on the snowy slope.

Catalana had the stolen bottle tucked tightly by her side, as Wash pushes and Porter bounces along the starts to duck around others and dodge to the side. She squeals in absolute delight as the cold air brushes her cheeks.

Orrin comes hurrying to the festival, drawing cloak around himself. It's obvious he's looking for his family, having tarried too long at some task and only learned their destination recently.

Scythia watches with no small amount of anticipation the group on the hill, lips curved up with that smile of hers still. Maybe this is aided by the fact that she is quite warm bundled in her cloak still and enjoying that hot toddy of hers. Ah, rum! There's a refreshment table near and she heads that way for an exchange of beverages.

"AAAAGGGH..." Esme offers as she shoves at Porter on a shell. "How much did you drink? By the Gods. I hope you aren't always on top. Do you kill people when you sleep with them?" She lowers close to the cold cold cold ground and then just shoves Porter off the side. She offers to herself, "Remember when he told you to walk the plank. Remember when he told you to walk the plank. Shove. Pretend you are still on the ship. Shark filled... water."

Carita cheers from her spot near a brazier, bouncing and sloshing her hot toddy about, "Oh, Azova, you could never be unpopular. This should be really comical, just you wait." She motions with her mug, laughter lifting afterwards as she watches the first round go.

With two children and a dog in tow, Sorrel wanders out to watch the snow games. She's already got a glass of something warming in her hand as she wanders out and turns her attention to the sled race.

The teams that immediately bust out are Symonesse and Rosalie along with Talwyn and Niklas... The leaders who stayed in following the 1st place to last are: Drake and Sabella, Kalani and Merek, Catalana and Wash, Valerius and Moros, with Esme and Porter bringing up the rear... But shots shots!

DC 35 for the next round.

Niklas claps his hands together real good. Like, yeah, I'm about to kick some real ass. Hope you're hungry, Catalana, because you're about to eat some shell. Turtle power! Once Talwyn is settled into the sled he steps up, waits for the announcement to go and then shoves as hard as he can, which apparently isn't as hard as the shell is heavy because his feet give out from under him and he slips sideways, causing him to briefly get entangled with Symonesse, before he hits the side of his head on the back of the turtle and sprawls backward behind it. Fortunately Talwyn is a pro at this and there's no way that the turtle is going to slide backward or anything.

Moros is given a pretty great push and the man from Caina manages to not mess it up. Not that he manages to do much to take advantage of it, but he still does the important thing and that's not blow it. So he rises up a bit, sitting up in the shell, one hand going up once...twice....to hold onto his hat before he quickly pulls it off and puts it under his knee as he at least has short hair, so it's not smacking Valerius in the face as they go, making it successfully to the bottom.

Once the shell-sled starts heading down the hill, Wash drags himself behind it and uses his body to steer, slightly. Or maybe he's just jealous that the makeshift sled is only big enough for one.

Drake checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 14 higher.

Sabella checked perception + leadership at difficulty 35, rolling 18 higher.

Kalani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 3 higher.

Porter checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 15 higher.

Merek checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 0 higher.

Valerius checked strength + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 6 higher.

Moros checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 6 higher.

Esme checked strength + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 4 lower.

Merek begins guiding the sled while Kalani pushes on it. He seems to manage well enough, nodding a bit while he takes a drink of alcohol, then begins drifting along in that snow.

Catalana checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 35, rolling 41 higher.

"... you mean, like that?" Azova gestures with her glass towards Niklas who has managed to smack his head on the back of the turtle shell and then fall. She's biting on her lower lip now, and trying to shield her face so that her amusement is well masked. "A mercy should definitely not take an unholy enjoyment in watching people injure themselves, but..." *snrk*.


"What are you drinking?" Kalani wonders as she keeps pushing, have had a decent start and beginning to dig the heels of her sandals into the snow with the effort to keep it moving.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 13 higher.

Symonesse does her best to push, she really does. She even limbered up and everything. Yet, she doesn't -quite- get her aim right to do much more than start spinning Rosalie in circles. The Queen starts to make an effort to correct, but then Niklas is running into her and sending her onto her rear in the snow so that she isn't sliding on a sled down the hill, she is sliding down on her bottom.. She rolls to the side to keep any of the others from running in her and starts laughing.

There's a sucking in of Alarissa's breath and beneath her gloves, knuckles would be white.

Adrienne stands to get a better view of the competition. Her gloved hands are clasped and her attention appears to be divided between the Queen... and Niklas and Talwyn. Everyone seems to be alive. Surprising. Adrienne narrows her eyes assessingly before turning to offer Zoey and Ciaran a polite smile. "Lady Zoey, my invitation stands - and need not wait until summer. Lord Ciaran, I hope we can speak again soon." Quietly, pausing only to murmur to her hosts, Adrienne departs.

"Here we go!!!" Talwyn steers the movement of the sled in quick movements as the race starts. He quickly spots the predicament that Niklas is in, and he steers hard to avoid his shell sliding backwards. The shell does pause - on the ice edge for a moment while he works very hard at it - but no, off the shell goes backwards with him on it! It's the right time to do a quick pose for the pictures - and gives a gigawatt smile, teeth gleaming white and beautiful.

Drake is enjoying this so far, especially since... they didn't crash. He gets back up to his feet, and... with some enthusiasm, really, helps Sabella back to her feet quickly so they can run back to the top and give it another go. "That's actually fun! Makes me feel a bit like a kid again. I'll just follow your lead again." He waits for her to get back into the sled and settles behind before carefully grabbing... first the ground, then pushing off and grabbing her, lightly, but, of course with respect. She still has to make sure they don't crash.

Catalana quickly takes a slug from the bottle before shoving it into Esme's hands. "Good luck pushing Porter up the hill." She scrambles with Wash and leaps over Niklas, "Better luck next time Nikky." Into the shell she goes and expertly weaves around these new found obstacles in the snow.

Orrin naturally catches Kalani giving a solid performance, and - appropriate of any great noble - puts two fingers in his mouth to cheer her with a whistle and clapping, a sound familiar to anyone who's gone diving off the cliffs in Pearlspire. He spots Scythia fetching refreshments, then, and weaves her way to offer a murmur of greeting, smile bright - much of what is said is private, but at a survey of the surround, he offers: "What fun."

Zoey nods to Adrienne. "I will write you soon then," she promises.

Moros takes the cup for the shot and then another, and as he goes for a third the person making sure people drink says, "Only one shot, Sir." But Moros, not to be undaunted, takex another just for good measure even as he is told, "Just ONE!" Moros grins then and looks back at Valerius. "I work better this way," he says with a sage expression that loses a lot of its believability when he just smirks, a totally visible, not at all concealed, smirk as he looks back to Valerius. "Ready when you are." Truly, what's the worst that can happen other than a horrible turtle shell accident.

Laughter and oooooo's ensue as the Queen-Consort of Avrum goes bottom sliding down the hill, a Prince of Grayson almost runs her over. The chaos... The panic... No one else drops out of the race the shots not dulling their senses. The leader board on the second laps puts the following from first to last: Catalana and Wash , Sabella and Drake, Valerius and Moros, Kalani and Merek, and Esme with Porter bringing up the rear. Yet more shots much be consumed.

DC 45 for the next round. (only 1 round after that and whoever is in the lead wins)

Victus pans his gaze from one end of the turtly games to the other. "What's the legality of nobles dying on our property if they broke their own necks doing these stunts?" It's said to no one in particular, but clearly remains everpresent on his mind.

Kalani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 45, rolling 36 higher. Kalani rolled a critical!

Adrienne has left the seating along the southern wall.

When it comes to the second go around, Esme was a little too over confident. She takes a few steps back and pushes her hair out of her face. She has this. So she /runs/ at the shell when Porter gets set out and she does connect. The problem? They are about to Jack and Jill, as she slides down it with an 'Oh F...'. This has her walking back up angry and cold.

The hat is far more distracting to Valerius than the hair, and so when it comes off he laughs and says, "Good thinking." He offers his teammate a clap on the shoulder, and then they are back to take some shots and begin the next round. He downs his shot with a laugh, and then says, "I can only imagine this will get better with each drink." He laughs as Moros takes not one, but two and says, "I as well. Let's see how we do!"

Sabella looks absolutely invigorated by that run, turning to beam at Drake and sling her arms around him for a big hug before she takes that shot, "Let's see them try to beat us!" She trudges back up the hill and all but bounces back into the seat of the shell, clearly drunk on winning that first race but also a bit on the alcohol now! As a result she calls out the right moves this time, but they aren't as fast as some other people who definitely don't get Looks.

With Niklas crashing into Symonesse and Symonesse going down with a last shove, Rosalie is sent tilting over the hil... backwards. Letting out a shriek, she tries to correct, she really does! But even her navigational skills are of no use when she can't see where she's going. The young Scholar hits a large pile of snow with a WHUMPH! and leaving her struggling to pull herself from the pile of snow, laughter shaking her shoulders. She finally struggles free of the pile only to see SYmonesse sliding down along the side, offering a wave and a smile to the Queen, "We did not get hurt, I call that a win!"

Sabella checked perception + leadership at difficulty 45, rolling 8 lower.

Catalana checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 45, rolling 1 lower.

Valerius checked strength + athletics at difficulty 45, rolling 6 lower.

Porter checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 45, rolling 1 higher.

Moros checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 45, rolling 33 higher.

Drake checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 45, rolling 13 higher.

Merek checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 45, rolling 13 lower.

Esme checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 45, rolling 19 lower.

Merek is being pushed well, although his guidance is not the best. Which means he begins rolling into things from side to side while he goes 'weeee'!

"Fuck I'm gonna die," says Niklas, noted wit and beloved playwright, when that turtle shell comes back at him. Fortunately he rolls out of the way before getting all crunched and slides after the Queen. When he comes to a stop he says, face still in the snow, "I'm never getting limbered up again."

For their third run, Valerius takes another shot and then gets ready to push, but he's gotten cocky after the first good runs and this time as he gives them a push away from the starting line, he stumbles and almost falls onto Moros into the shell. "Agh! Sorry!" Thanks to Moros' skillful driving, however, they manage to make their third run intact, starting bobble notwithstanding.

Scythia cringes slightly at that whistle, turning immediately to spy the other Seliki. That cringe is still purposely apparent to him, but it is mostly amused and definitely more than a little fond. "You made it," she says, absolutely pleased. "Sereia requires a great quantity of tuna eyes." With this grand declaration she acquires a glass of quite dark rum and offers it to Orrin before taking one of her own.


The 'weee' of sound that Merek makes causes Kalani to literally snort out a laugh, not at all lady like, but it DOES spur her to put more effort into pushing Merek on the sled.

Everytime that they've gone back up to the top of the hill, Porter has taken the customary shot (which is basically on top of all the other drinks before) and then settles into the sled. He shouts out "FOR RORIK!" again, like Rorik is dead somewhere. But he's probably not. Unless he choked on that octopus. This time when they go down, he's able to navigate their moment when suddenly momentum overtakes navigation, the sled bounces and Esme and Porter go down the hill in a tangle of limbs to the bottom. The sled bounces away and under one of the tables. From the ground, where Porter is splayed like a starfish, "Oops."

Wash plots a course through the newly added obstacles and offers in a gentlemanly fashion. "I think this is the safest course, you'll need to use your hands... just there, to change course, if you can manage." He takes competition quite seriously, especially if there is alcohol on the line.

This is the last push, so Drake has got to make it count. He does his part as well as he can, pushing down on the ground again although... as the course gets more treacherous, he's having a hard time keeping up with the proper instructions for steering. Still it's a good push... fast enough that he has to grab onto Sabella's waist as he leans in to keep the sled straight, or, tries to. "We're going fast at least! That should count for something."

Indeed - the push from Valerius sends the shell into a bit of a spin, and Moros ends up looking over his shoulder for a moment before he manages to keep the spin going around enough that they get righted and are going correctly down the hill once more. "That could have been...interesting..." he says with a laugh, especially when they slide safely into the flat at the bottom and he gets out again. "Oh, excellent. More shots."

Wash checked intellect + sailing at difficulty 45, rolling 4 lower.

This third run after the second--or was it third?--shot is definitely not as successful as before. The only reason Sabella and Drake don't crash out is because Drake pushed them so far they can't help but get to the bottom, no thanks to her calling out, "SLEFT! NO, NO MY SHELFT WHICH IS YOUR KNIGHT!" and inexplicably she leans in the opposite direction she calls.

Talwyn is quickly thrown off the turtle shell, and slides down the slope next to Niklas. He hears Nikla's words, and quickly checks on him. He struggles to his feet and offers an arm to him, "Well I do feel a bit more alive, and less queasy after the slide!" He's really quite cheerful despite the fall

"We survived!" The Queen cheers with Rosalie as she slowly picks herself out of the snow pile and attempts to dust it off her cloak and the gown beneath. Symonesse wriggles a little, shivering, as she calls out, "Oh gods, I think I got some snow down the back of my gown!" She stomps and attempts to pat her back to encourage the snow to vacate, ineffectually. She calls out, "Did you survive, Prince Niklas?"

Maple, a brown golden retriever, 2 Laurent trained guards, Cupcake, a cookie girl, Truffle, an energetic mountain puppy, Toffee, a fluffy pomeranian arrive, following Mabelle.

Orrin's eyes fly directly heavenward at Scythia's comment; she might not know about the HORRIBLE heckling that happened in the Seliki household with fish eyes, but if Kalani happens to be shoving past at just that moment, she'll likely have cause to snicker. "Of course she will. Miriam will /love/ that." He glances back, eyes the aftermath of the near death experience of the Queen-consort, watches Kalani a moment. "How is her showing?" he asks Scythia, as if he expects she'll have been keeping track of the contest.

Esme and Porter are out! Catalana and Wash are out! Oh the humanity, oh the humor. The remaining teams vying for the lead in the last lap of the race are Drake and Sabella in the lead... Valerius and Moros right on their tail... and Kalani with Merek valiantly fighting for the win.

DC 55 , final lap who ever is in the lead at the end wins. If everyone is knocked out, the highest total gets it. Gooooo!

Niklas rolls over and looks up at the sky. "I did! And I'm pretty sure I kept my trousers this time." He reaches down and tugs on his pantleg, then nods. "Yep! So all in all that's only the third worst thing to happen to me on a sled."

Sabella checked perception + leadership at difficulty 55, rolling 19 higher.

Azova plays the Mercy role thoroughly at least, and has a hot drink made available immediately to everyone who has taken a snow bath. Along with some extra warm flffy cloaks to borrow to keep the chill away.

Mabelle peeks into the courtyard at the mass of people, looking for a familiar place. She offers a curtsy to the hosts, Victus and Alarissa, as well as others and makes a bee line toward her cousin Zoey.

Kalani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 55, rolling 26 lower.

Valerius checked strength + athletics at difficulty 55, rolling 20 lower.

Moros checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 55, rolling 14 lower.

Mabelle takes Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Esme is tangled and her lips might be blue. Maybe they shouldn't have been drinking. "PORTER KENNEX!" The scream heard round the city as she goes DOWN hard with him. "You are on my leg.. no wait that's your leg." There is a kick of legs in various sensitive places. An elbow tossed here. A hand shoved there. "I'm /coooold/. This might be as close as Esme gets to whining. "Porter.. get me up. Warmth. I need warmth." She gives him the most pathetic look. Then she tries to twist so he's in the shell flight path and not her.

Mabelle takes Drowning in the Deeps from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Struggling up to her feet, Rosalie grins towards Symonesse, "We did! And in one piece, no less!" She staggers over to try and help Symonesse rid herself of the snow down the back of her gown. She looks towards Talwyn and Niklas, "Oh my! Um... Prince Niklas... yes, yes you kept your trousers!" Looking back towards Symonesse, she murmurs, "Would you care for a cup of hot cider, Your Highness? I believe I will get one myself to help chase the chill away."

Drake checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 55, rolling 20 higher.

With a Queen still very much alive and most other nobles in the same state, Alarissa seems to relax a little, keeping that cow near while it chews on grass, relief on her face.

There it is. On the fourth run down, Moros looks back at Valerius. "I think I saw something last time. Watch this." He just cackles, as they slide down, and he sees the bump that looks like it should make a great ramp for the sled. Oh yes, an excellent ramp indeed...had it been a bump or a ramp of sorts. However...when it is a rock that has WAY less success and the amazing tale of Valerius and Moros, two strangers turtle-sledding in the night, defying the odds, and defying all expectation comes to a careening halt. Well...the shell does. For the riders INSIDE the shell, however....it's highly likely that their journey still continues through the air for several more yards.

Merek checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 55, rolling 16 lower.

Merek definitely looks like he is having fun, even if they might not be winning. All the same he begins to rock a few times up into things.

More shots! There are more shots, and then there is one more run and it may not help that Valerius has been drinking whiskey since early in the afternoon at this point, because while he is having a delightfully good time, his coordination is perhaps beginning to show the barest bit of suffering. "Sure!" he says with /great/ enthusiasm as Moros points out the ramp. What could /possibly/ go wrong from hitting a bump like that at speed? Well.. to say that it ends with both Moros and Valerius ass over teakettle in the snow would be putting it mildly. The fact that Valerius just lays there on his back cracking up at the hilarity of it shows that he's no worse for wear despite that very short but eventful flight.

In the end there could only be one to win... It's uncontested only Drake and Sabella finish the lap. Both Kalani and Merek along with Valerius and Moros bite it in the end. For those who want to know who -would- have scored second and third it looks like Valerius and Moros tumbled slightly after Merek and Kalani... The race is complete!

Wash's planning doesn't take into account Catalana's skill and strength. When she wipes out during the intended maneuver he careens down the slope to rescue her.

Catalana got too cocky. The run starts okay, well, no. It doesn't. Over she goes with a squeal and a spray of snow.

"ESME FIDANTE!" Porter hollers in return, except he doesn't sound angry. Instead he starts to absolutely lose it the angrier she gets about the snow and the cold and the landing in a pile. He's just LAYING there, laughing hysterically at the top of his lungs. He's laughing a lot less when a shell hits him. But then it starts up all over again.

Victus says, "We really should've brought some mercies to this."

Azova ahems politely, looking over at Victus. She's just waiting for the carnage to stop first, thank you.


Kalani is laughing even as Merek is stuck in the snow at this point, maybe they've re-sled this particular patch of snow one to many times and she skids as much down the hill as Merek does. Yay sledding! She finds a safe patch of snow to work with, though, and since it's handy, she scoops up a handful of snow, compacts it into a ball, and pelts Merek with it. Team Physician, rawr!

Mabelle has no idea what she has walked into. She observes as people pull and work hard while being intoxicated. And screamy. And then Zoey explains and she just releases an "Ahhh". She's about to say something but.. is that rum?

"Quite well, from what I have seen," Scythia answers her husband, tone still ridiculously pleased with herself for that earlier ribbing. She sips at her new beverage, the rum fine enough to serve as warmth. Maybe she takes a little step closer to Orrin too as she observes the sledding.

The Queen gives Rosalie a grateful look as she assists her with the snow problem and responds with a beaming smile, "I think cider sounds lovely." Symonesse steps closer to Niklas and offers him a hand to get up as she says, "Trousers on, thankfully. I imagine bare-assed in the snow would be uncomfortable. Need a hand?"

Esme pouts at Porter. It's so pouty and adorable. Then he /laughs/ at her. Esme gasps. "Porter, cold is a bad thing!" If she had all her limbs back and could get up, she'd probably stomp her foot. So she does the next best thing. She grabs up snow and shoves it into Porter's face. "Ha-ha." Although, she then does actually start laughing pretty hard at that.

"Third worst is not that bad indeed." Talwyn completes checking on his teammate, then bows to Symonesse, "I'm glad you are alright, your Majesty. Apologies for the accident!" He nods approvingly at Rosalie's words, "Warm drinks will be excellent."

"I can send for some." Alarissa softly offers to her husband.

Drake gives the last push everything he's got... and the sled sails down well steered and speedy, without even crashing into the snow. He's momentarily just happy to be part of the game and still in it, but... it looks like they're the fastest sledders too. Getting all the way down to the bottom of the course, he dusts off his hands... and then his rear as he makes sure everything is all in one piece. But it seems to be. Sabella... and the shell too. "Great steering!"

Victus glances over toward Azova. "Nevermind, we got one. She'll be in charge of putting everyone back together, then."

The last run! The LAST run! Sabella is bright eyed, cheeks a bright pink from the cold and the wind as she takes that final shot. "Drake. Drake. Listen." She grabs the man by the front of his jacket to pull him close as they climb back up the hill, "We can do this. We are the best. There are no two people who have ever climbed inside the carcass of a dead sea otter or whatever and practiced as much skill at falling with great speed across frozen heights as us. This is our moment. Our children's children will tell the heroes of their generation of this moment. Our moment. The great houses of Grayson and--and you're like a Valardin right? Gryphons and dragons. Two winged creatures flying to victusry. Victusry. Whatever, it's a Thrax word for victory probably. We can do this. We. Will. TRIUMPH!" And then they're in the shell and flying down the hill with her calling out commands that let's admit it are kind of slurred, but she seems super amped up by the thought of winning! At the bottom when they don't crash horribly she turns around and screams with delight right in Drake's face, "SOME KIND OF VALARDIN! WE MAKE THE BEST TEAM!"

"Can I put them back together the wrong way? Because that seems like more fun now that they're already wasted." Azova wonders.

Nodding towards Symonesse, then Talwyn, she smiles, "Hot cider around, then. Prince Niklas, a glass of mulled wine for you? Or perhaps a hot toddy?" Stepping over towards the small cluster near the top of the hill, she watches to make sure Niklas can get up alright before slipping off to procure the drinks. SHe gets one each for Niklas since she didn't stay to take his order. Everything is put onto a tray and someone far more sure-footed and dextrous than she to carry it. As she moves to rejoin the trio, there's drinks handed around and she smiles, "To survivng the turtle shells and snow!"

Orrin draws his arm around Scythia as she steps close, and turns eyes back on the sledding just in time to see Kalani tumble with Merek on down the hill. "Ah, I suppose I arrived just in time, then," he says, seeming amused. He finally takes a sip of that dark rum she got for him, and smiles. "I like this better than I did when we first met," he says. "I blame you."

Wulfrum looks up from the table and wonders aloud, having finally gotten over his barfest, "Victusry?"

Moros sits up, after a bit, looking over to the shell that made it to the bottom and he applauds, before getting up. The way that he doesn't quite seem to have the best sense of balance surely had nothing to do with the end result. What happened in the ride however was its own thing. Alcohol not withstanding. And then...Moros gasps. "Baby! Are you alright? Are you okay?" Is he talking to Vale--no. He's talking to the bottle, that as he checks in his pockets, he sees is still safe. Snow fortunately provides a softer landing. "Thank goodness...." he says, bringing the bottle up to his cheek and hugging it. He does however remember to offer Valerius a hand to get to his feet should the man need it to end his laying there but he just chuckles. "So good. That...was just...fun."

Niklas takes Symonesse's hand and gets up. "Bare-assed in the snow was bad. Bare-assed in the snow and then I bowled into a cider stand was worse. The cider was very hot and I smelled like apples for a week." Once up and looks down and sees that Sabella has won the whole thing. "Oh, this is even worse than had Cat won." To Rosalie he says, "I'll take two."

Porter growl-laughs in outrage when snow ends up in his face, and wipes it away with his hand. A look is given to Esme and then he starts to stand up, cracking his neck before he snags the Fidante woman and picks her up. OVER HIS HEAD- no, not over his head. That would be overkill. Just in his arms, to the nearest snow bank. Where he-ever-so-gently places her with a POOF of snowfluff into the air.

Drake was highly inspired by Sabella's motivational speech. And... just, to be honest, a bit dizzy when she pulls him in close and almost off his feet to make sure to deliver it with maximum impact.

But once they're on the bottom of the hell, and she shouts in glee, he smiles, even as he covers one of his ears. Then he laughs. "Ah! Well, I'm just strong, but without your leadership we could never have done it!" He laughs. "And I'm a Wyrmguard, but 'some kind of Valardin' is just as well." He's grinning ear to ear by this point... not even so much about winning but about her enthusiasm about winning.

Carita watches, her face a mixture of enjoyment and horror, like she can't decide if she wants to laugh or avert her eyes. Azova finally pushes her towards amusement, laughter ringing out. "Try not to assemble them wrong."

When it looks like the yelling, the jumping up and down, and the hysterical laughter have calmed enough that it's easier to tell who is injured and who is just a little crazed from the liquor, Azova begins moving towards those lying in the snow, heading right for the most injured first with only the barest pause before she begins her rounds. Her guards, and Orion, are of course conscripted to help. The unlucy bastards. "I'll try, Countess. I'll try my best!" she calls over her shoulder.

Catalana shouts while laughing "I heard that Niklas. I'm just super glad I beat you." Brushing the snow off her gown, she looks over at Wash with a lopsided smile "You okay? Want to go back to grossing out the mainlanders with eating oysters?"

Esme SCREAMS. There is no other sound for the noise that comes out of her lips. "No.. Porter.. No you don't want..." He does. Oh but he really really does. The shriek is one that has some humor to it rather than fear. When he puts her in the snow bank, she grapples him like a cat trying to avoid water. It's all nails and pulling. So there is a chance he's going down in the snowbank as well. If he manages to hold his feet, she'll attempt to kick them out from under him.

"Ouch," Symonesse looks truly sympathetic as Niklas relays his run in with a cider stand. "I mean, it could have been worse. Could have gotten frost bite and then where would we be?" She grins brightly and her eyes brighten as Rosalie returns with something warm to drink. "Oh, yay." The scream makes the Queen flinch and she turns her head to look for the source, eyes wide.

"I'm fine, baby, I'm fine," Val answers from where he lies laughing in the snow, knowing very well that Moros is /not/ talking to him, but finding it hilarious anyway. He lifts his head to try to figure out what he /is/ talking to, and that only makes him chuckle more. He reaches out to take the hand that is offered and drags himself up to his feet, clapping Moros on the back and saying, "That.. was a story for the ages, my friend. Valerius Malespero, by the way." He offers his hand, now that he's upright, for the shaking. "You were a fine teammate."

Oh, god. What's happening here? Porter isn't used to fighting cats. He tries to untangle himself but Esme basically has herself gripped to him randomly, between that and the KICKING, he goes down into the snow. At which point it's just a flailing match as he swats snow at her. Nothing to see here, folks. Totally okay.

Merek takes a clean snowball while he blinks then to Kalani, and picks another himself so he can throw that at the woman. He laughs a bit, having fun with the whole thing.

Kalani checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 25, rolling 1 higher.

Scythia shakes her head and murmurs, "Spoken too soon," as she spies the tumble. Now, when Orrin remarks about the rum, she looks up and offers him a cheeky sort of grin. "I fully accept blame the--" She cuts off, abruptly so, when the scream comes forth and snaps her attention back to the sledding. Does she make a move like she was going to help if there is trouble? Of course not. But she does look that-a-way.

Merek checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 52 higher. Merek rolled a critical!

Rosalie offers Niklas both the mulled wine and the hot toddy before hand the cider to Talwyn and Symonesse. The scream has her looking around wildly as well before pinpointing Porter and Esme. Chuckling softly, she touches Symonesse lightly on the arm and murmurs, "Just snowy hijinks, Your Highness. Nobody is hurt." THen she claims her own hot cider and pays the nice servingman for coming all this way out with the drinks. Looking towards Niklas, she offers a sympathetic smile, "If you find yourself with any scrapes or bruises, I would be happy to provide a poultice or remedy, Prince Niklas."

Esme is less startled by the snow now that she's not being put in snowbanks. She tosses more snow at Porter as she tries to get out of his range of grip and back to her feet. She looks around as she realized she's screamed. "Well.. Roses." Then she tries to find her feet, using Porter if she has to.

Sabella flings her arms around Drake again for another hug, laughing and clearly delighted and kind of drunk, "That was amazing! Did you see us?! I mean you were us so of course you did! If it weren't for your pushing we definitely wouldn't have made it, I barely had to steer we just flew like we had wings! Which I guess you do being a Wyrmguard! Thank you for being my partner tonight! Hey Nik is--wait," she looks around at the bottom of the hill for Niklas and when she notices he is not down there looks back up towards the top, "Oh gods, the bumps we hit were any of them wearing a coronet?"

Zoey invites Mabelle to come sit with her as she whispers something.

"Two children fewer," chirps Niklas cheerfully in response to Symonesse. Then with a nod two both highnesses and Sister Rosalie he says, "I should go temper Sabella's ego before she has a commemorative turtle tiara commissioned and declares herself the Queen of Sleds and then I tell her she's a shell of a woman and then I have to sleep on the couch for a while."


It's a narrow miss, but Kalani manages just barely to avoid the return snowball that Merek wings at her. If he hadn't been sitting on the sled it would've made an ideal shield! As it is, she loads up again and wings it at him once more. She's decidedly gleeful and waving to Orrin and Scythia in the crowd just as Merek wings one at HER in return, hitting her dead on, netting a quick burst of laughter. "Oh, it's on, mister, it's on," eyeing her fellow physician with a LOOK.

"First of all, oysters are amazing. Second, I think they are throwing snowballs now. I got to bean His Majesty with one a few years ago..." He stoops to pack a snowball and hand it to Catalana. "So... you're turn."

Drake gets a hug, which he's grateful for and returns with a wrap of his own strong, though coat-covered, arms. He pulls back, touching her lower arms as she gives her breathless congratulations. "We are known to fly from time to time." Then he follows her eyes toward Niklas... but only laughs. "No, I think we were in the clear there. Come on, I shall return you to him in one piece, thank goodness." He lets go of Sabella's hand and walks toward Niklas where he is chatting. "I may present to you the winner of the sledding contest, and myself, her assistant."

Merek checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Merek begins weaving to dive into the snow away from anymore snowballs, while he scoops up two, then begins to do a barrage of them onto Kalani, not minding who might be within the way if she dodges.

Catalana looks at her snowball and looks to Niklas. She looks back to Wash. "If I get him in the face, we will never hear the end of it you know." Regardless, she aims for Niklas's face.

Moros bows to the Queen, to the hosts, giving a third flourishing bow with the sweep of his hat to everyone else and he then turns to Valerius, gladly shaking the man's hand. "Indeed...quite fun. Thanks for the push. Moros Inverno," intones the new arrival. "I should get back to the estate soon. This has been quite enjoyable." As he stops by the liquor cabinet on the way out to grab the other bottle of alcohol, and hopefully avoid the snowballs in the process.

Moros takes Bump in the Night from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Waldemai runs out of hot toddy and staggers back to the forge.

Catalana checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Ciaran has been watching the entire sledding event in fairly contemplative silence, nursing the liquor on offer. As the excitement seems to be dying down somewhat, he makes his way over to the main table, greeting Catalana and Carita both. "My ladies," he addresses them. "Thank you for putting this together. I have fought in pitched battles less intimidating than the...wriggling platters you put together. Quite the gauntlet."

Valerius gets Drowning in the Deeps from a small, personal liquor cabinet.

Orrin grins in a way that is downright impish when Scythia's attention is so readily drawn off by a scream. He doesn't seem as readily turned; he does, however, lift a hand to wave back at Kalani. "Very cheering to see you in such good spirits," he comments, glancing sidelong at his wife. "I imagine you'll feel differently when that snowball fight migrates this way."

"I, too, should probably depart," Valerius says, making his own farewells, and bows of appropriate nature to the queen before he too departs the festivities, "This was truly an event to remember."


Kalani ducks, because ducking and dodging and laughing at the same time really /really/ enhances her dexterity. Getting splatted by a snowball, not once but twice, only makes her more determined! She scoops up another one, compacting it between her hands as quickly as she can and wings it at Merek and immediately dives down to make another one.

The scream calls Carita's attention, eyes wide, as she nearly chokes on her hot tody. That shock and horror is only abated as she presses a hand to her chest as she shakes her head, turning her attention on Victus as she joins he and Alarissa with a curtsy for the pair. "Well, it doesn't look like anyone broke their neck on the hill." She clears her throat and offers a sheepish smile, "So the snow.... I /am/ sorry there's so much. Maybe all the kids of the Thrax ward can have fun sledding until it melts?" Ciaran gets her attention next, her smile shining his way, "Lord Ciaran, how are you doing this evening? Did you participate in the sledding contest?"

The entire time that the scuffle is transpiring, Porter is laughing. Esme might have been screaming, but he seems to have enjoyed it. But his tolerance for the cold is probably quite a bit higher. He eventually DOES get up out of the snowbank and offer to help her. "Ah, well. Fuck. I'm going to go find Rorik and make sure he hasn't gotten lost with the octopus."

Niklas checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 31, rolling 29 lower.

Kalani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 49 higher.

Azova has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Orion, the surly healer's assistant, 2 Redoubt Buccaneers leave, following Azova.

Talwyn gladly takes over the warm cider from Rosalie, and listens to Niklas with a smile, "It sounds like you have your work cut out for you. I should probably return to have a chance of clothes and dry off!" he waves to Niklas and gives a bow to Symonesse

Esme smiles as her mood is pretty elevated at the moment. However, her teeth are chattering. "I should..g-gg-go too." She offers a bit and moves to head out with Porter, but more for her home not his. She offers a shivering wave to those there.

Porter has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

"I have no doubt that it will be a gathering point for all the children in the ward Carita. Have no fear." Alarissa assures the other woman, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek. "It has been a lovely affair. No dead nobles. A resounding success."

Ciaran shakes his head quickly towards Carita. "No, I abstained," he says regretfully. "I fear I'd have been something of a liability to whoever I was with, and I'm on strict physician's orders to refrain from unnecessary physical activity that's more lively than a brisk walk." He adds, "Fun to watch, at least. Your event seems to have been an enormous success." In good humor, not mentioning the Queen herself, he adds: "It even attracted a royal cow."

Esme has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Merek checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 25, rolling 16 higher.

Screams aside, Scythia is turning back to peer at Orrin quite swiftly. "Snowball fight? I do believe that is when we take our rum and you escort me home, husband. Perhaps Sereia might do without those tuna eyes for another year."

Merek takes a few strikes from the snow, while he makes a noise, then he begins to roll into a place to find a bit of cover while he nods a bit. "Truce!" To Kalani.

Wash is overheard praising Carita.

Niklas knocks back his mulled wine like you aren't supposed to do at all and starts over to where Sabella is. As he passes Ciaran he says, "That's not a very nice way to describe Catalana." He's just about to congratulate his wife when he takes a snowball to the face, staggering him and sending him sprawling once more. "That was hardly necessary." He tongues at his teeth. "How many of these are you supposed to have? Twelve? I have far too many."

"I see no corpses out on the field." Victus replied to Carita. "The broken remains of turtle shells notwithstanding... So I would say that this has been a rousing success all and all." Putting his hands to his hips, he takes stock of the sheer volume of snow that covered the land. "Eh. I'll set Astrid out here tomorrow with her brother and sisters. They'll take care of this in due time, one way or another."

When the snowballs start flying, Symonesse wisely moves for her cow. It might be to protect it. It might be to use it as a shield. She takes a drink of warm cider and gives both Carita and Alarissa a bright smile, "Thank you for looking after Tulip. Countess Carita, this has been great fun. The sledding was wonderful, even if we lost." The Queen's normally pale face is flushed a rather charming shade of pink with laughter and exertion.

Armed with a fresh round of snow ammo, Kalani pauses and eyes Merek.. or rather eyes where Merek has rolled to cover. "Maybe," she calls in return, tossing the snowball lightly between her hands, "come on out and I'll consider it."

Orrin's brows lift, face twisting with reined amusement. "Perhaps we can wander past the market on the way, and discover what princely sum they're fetching just now." Tuna eyes, that is. He polishes off the rum in the glass, and offers Scythia an arm so that he can escort her toward the ship and cabinet to collect their bottles.

Ciaran checked willpower + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

"My pleasure. This is the second cow I have ever met. It's quite sedate." Alarissa offers back the reigns to Symonesse. "Thank you kinds for not dying in our Courtyard. I greatly appreciate it. Even if the Queen of Endings might mourn the chance."

As Drake delivers Sabella back to Niklas, she beams brilliantly at him, "Nik! We won! Did you see--" and then he's knocked over with a snowball and she blinks a few times, then realizes he's on the ground, "Nik! You can't win if you keep falling over."

Ciaran does his best not to laugh at that comment from Niklas. He mostly succeeds. "Terribly rude of me, you're right," he agrees, as serious as you please. A little too serious, even. "In fact--" he's about to say something else, but elects not to tack it on when Niklas gets a face full of snow. "Mmn."

"I do believe that is a most exceptional idea, my lord," offers Scythia in turn, her hand settling there upon his arm so that she can not only have an excellent escort but also use him as a human shield.

Catalana sniggers at Niklas as he goes sprawling. Naturally she cat calls to him, "So graceful Your Highness." She may be edging behind Wash as she says so. She may be taller than him, but he's still a great meat shield.

Rosalie checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Drake did not have a snowballed aimed at him, so he merely watches with a bit of a deadpan as Niklas is clobbered with one. He raises a brow at it. "Good work," he says. To Sabella: "I suppose it'll be your task to scoop him up.... but I think I'll watch your back. That assassin could strike again."

And off Orrin and Scythia go, dodging the near certainty of snowball-related death. This time.

1 Redreef Warden, Rylan, a distracted scholar leave, following Scythia.

Diane, a bright-eyed peregrine falcon, Sini, a very fluffy Northland shepherd puppy, Scythia leave, following Orrin.

Carita dips a curtsy for Symonesse, "Oh, it was our pleasure, truly. I'm glad you had such a good time. I thought watching you go down the hill NOT on a turtle shell as you laughed? Was a sight worth seeing." Her own cheeks are pink from booze and the excitement, "Thank you again for coming." Then to Victus, she's laughing, "I think I might send my Nerissa out here as well if you don't mind? I can't imagine she'd want to pass up sledding."

Wash's hair makes up for a lack of height, in wild disarray from all the exercise. He holds a snoball in either hand and readies them to make sure no one else threatens retaliation against Catalana. Teamwork.

Merek nods a bit, stepping from cover, "My apologies!" To Niklas, he kinda began a little bit of the snowball fighting after Kalani threw at him, then he chuckles a bit.

When snowballs start flying, Rosalie seems to manage to just not be there. In fact, she's over there! By Alarissa and Victus and Carita. Approaching with a smile and a curtsy for the latter, "Countess, this has been such great fun. Thank you for hosting it." Looking to Alarissa, she smiles, "I have a request for you, Your HIghness, when you have a moment. Nothing that will require much time or effort, but I promised Astrid I would get a scarf for all three of you. SO I will need your favorite color and an emblem of something that you truly enjoy."

Wulfrum still seems a little green in the gills and goes trudging off in the snow for hearth and home and a bucket. Definitely a bucket, hic.

Symonesse laughs as she takes the lead back from Alarissa. "Tulip is remarkably sweet-tempered. I think he enjoy getting out and about." The cow just keeps chewing on grass blades and staring, dull-eyed, ahead of him. The Queen grins at Carita, "I think I might have actually made it on the turtle shell had it not been for Prince Niklas. Sister Rosalie was an excellent navigator, though!" She beams at Rosalie before she slowly backs away, cow in tow, to head for the exit as she continues to shake snow off her cloak.

Wulfrum has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Kalani follows Merek's line of sight and spots Niklas then immediately looks back at Merek, "Tell me that one was yours, not mine."

"White." Without hesitation. "And surprise me. You've done so well in the past doing that." There's a dip of her head as Symonesse and Tulip start to head off with guards and there's a sigh of relief. 'ALaric won't murder me now."

"Bring children. Bring pets. Bring pointy objects too." Victus mused with a shrug. "Winter don't last forever and this is an absolute clusterfuck's worth of snow."

Surely as the Queen is leaving, no one will notice Mabelle sneaking out after watching that spectecle and wishes she was here sooner to get drunk.

Kalani is overheard praising Carita.

Kalani is overheard praising Wulfrum.

Zoey is overheard praising Carita.

Kalani is overheard praising Merek.

5 King's Own Guardsmen, Tulip leave, following Symonesse.

Kalani is overheard praising Catalana.

Victus is overheard praising Carita: And nobody died!

Victus has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

12 Thrax Elite Guards have been dismissed.

Lilybelle - The Claw of Arx have been dismissed.

Scarf, a sinewy, serious, shiny-seeking otter have been dismissed.

"I'm just a little poor commoner, so... It was definitely yours," Merek then offers to Kalani cheekily.

Kalani is overheard praising Sabella.

Merek is overheard praising Wulfrum.

Merek is overheard praising Kalani.

Merek is overheard praising Catalana.

Merek is overheard praising Sabella.

Merek is overheard praising Niklas.

Talwyn has left the seating along the southern wall.

Zephirine leaves, following Talwyn.

Ciaran is overheard praising Carita: A fine hostess who ran a rather unique (and slightly horrifying) banquet!

Merek is overheard praising Carita.

Ciaran is overheard praising Catalana: A fine hostess who ran a rather unique (and slightly horrifying) banquet!

Kalani exhales a huff of sound, sort of a laugh, and casually tosses the last snow ball she's holding at Merek. "I'm still going to blame you, I think your aim is better. Or your arm is better. Or.. some combination thereof."

Merek checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 25, rolling 34 higher.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Warden, Vagari The Cinder Cat, 1 Order of the Firebird, 2 House Crovane Guards, Biorna - The Protective Mastiff arrive, following Mikani.

Merek steps to the side, while he nods a bit, then he looks back to Kalani, "In any case, this was all fun. Though looks like it is growing towards evening." He pulls his cloak to him, while he glances up to the snowy skies.