2 Halfshav skilled veteran guards, Clovis, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy, Atli, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy, Hermann, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy arrive, following Brianna.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Aegis, a large red Oakhaven bloodhound, Rurik, a prodigal assistant arrive, following Mirk.

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.

Elgana drops a chest full of gift bags.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound arrives, following Rosalind.

Mirk gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

A festive air fills the Redrain Grounds with booths and banners decorating the whole. What snow has accumulated on the grounds has been cleared away into deep banks. The walkways laid with salt and sand to keep any ice at bay so that booths and tables can be laid out with the centerpiece being the pavilion replica of Farhaven Castle itself. Craftspeople have their wares on display nestled amongst various stalls offering up traditional foods and drinks of the northlands. Pairs of workmen in Redrain livery busily roll barrels of ale and set them up on opposites sides of what looks to be a racecourse as Elgana nods her approval before turning with a summer-bright smile to look at those gathered. "Welcome! Welcome to a Taste of Redrain," she says jubilantly. "I hope that everyone can find something new, or old, to appreciate the Northlands today and leave with fond memories. We have plenty of things on offer today, from food to drink to games with various prizes. I'm certain there is something for everyone." As people filter in, those she knows get treated to that warm smile and waves, greeting everyone in turn.

Brianna gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Porter has joined the a small gazebo with a forest motif in the style of House Blackwood.

Rosalie has joined the a small gazebo with a forest motif in the style of House Blackwood.

Nina gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Lierre gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Victus gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Rosalie takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Porter gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Zoey gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Rorik gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Rosalie puts a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear in a cross body-strapped soft black leather satchel.

Mabelle takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Azova gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Mikani takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Lorenzo takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

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

Waldemai hears the magic word. "Drink? Which way? he calls. He is still wearing his gift top hat from the previous Taste of Arx.

Mabelle has joined the pavilion replica of Farhaven Castle.

Poppy takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Brianna drops Caleb, ward of House Halfshav.

"BEER!" Kritr calls. "NORTHERN BEER!" He adds having already taken up a position where he is close to where that will be served.

Ulfric gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Nina is delighted to walk into the ward to the smell of food and the sounds of festival all around. She picks up a gift satchel immediately, going through it with a look of joy as she looks at all the treats and goodies. To her, the Northlands are terribly exotic, and she imagines what it must be like as she puts the sack over her shoulder. She grins at Kritr's excitement and enthusiasm... and lines up for some beer.

Victus comes trailing along, passed the gates of Redrain's ward and into the grounds proper. Per usual, he's followed by the orchestra of metal boots that march along with his retinue. Though he's easy to make out amongst them, with snakeskin coat and series of stygian beads woven through his beard. Near black eyes are looking left and right at the large gathering. There's a muttering under his breath before he shuffles off toward a cluster of tables, just a few steps from where the majority are gathering.

Victus has joined the a cluster of tables and chairs with accents of House Halfshav.

Sabella gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Azova has no idea who may be here or not when she makes her way into Redrain's ward to partake of their offerings, so her bearing is a bit more reserved when wandering in and taking a good look around with the scarlet gift bag clutched in her hand. The quick peek inside does make her smile, though. Because... "Whiskey!" Who doesn't love that?

Rosalind bursts on the grounds with a ton of energy,"Did I miss anything?! Am I late?!" Her red hair is flying behind her as she hurries in. But she hears beer too and heads over to that direction. BEER!

Brianna is herding a small group of fluffy puppies with the help of House Halfshav's young ward, Caleb. The boy is dressed in an appropriately-sized Halfshav tabard and he looks as if he wants to take all the puppies and run, but he is being Very Good.

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist arrives, following Rysen.

Mack, a sable Northern Shepherd, 4 House Crovane Guards, Madrigal, a Crovane equestrian, Bunny, a clever Northern Husky, Jasper, a dark sable Northern Shepherd arrive, following Fianna.

Katya makes her way to where the whole thing is supposed to be kicking off, her hands folded together but then tucked behind her back. Or tucked behind her back, then folded together. Either way, Katya makes a rather sedate arrival.

Rorik comes strolling in, already digging into his gift satchel. It's one of the reasons he very nearly bumps into Azova as he's going. "Whoops, didn't see you there," he is apologetic enough, flashing her a big, bold grin. "Did I hear you say whiskey??" There's a quick glance about himself, trying to identify where, in fact, the whiskey may be.

Happy to finally be able to attend one of these, Mabelle makes her way into the grounds, tantalized by the smell of meats. She chuckles at Kritr as he screams before she can look him up.

Not the hostess but sister of the hostess, Princess Helena Redrain is a pale figure milling about to help welcome guests, steering them toward the gift bags or the whiskey table, depending on their priorities. Northern whiskey is everyone's priority, isn't it? One can't beat the Farhaven barrels for the amber ambrosia preferred by Redrain and their vassals.

Katya gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Poppy bounds in with endless enthusiasm "I'm /so/ excited for tonight. This will be /way/ better than the Grayson and Lycene nights. Even if they did give me a tiara." She cheers for Kritr when he calls for northern beer, "And whiskey! Lots of whiskey!"

Mirk arrives in time to hear the initial welcomes, though at the size of the crowd he remains relatively quiet, weaving through the crowd and offering nods of his head aside to the familiar faces there - that is, most of them. He seats himself at the Halfshav table, for now, though not before helping himself to a drink.

Rosalind takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

5 King's Own Guardsmen arrives, following Symonesse.

Brianna chuckles at Poppy's comment. "Darling, of course this will be better than Grayson's. We actually know how to have /fun/."

Zoey is a half step behind Mabelle upon entering, and grabs her Laurent cousin by the arm before looking around for Mikani and any other Kennexes who made it to the party.

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

Rorik gets delicate opal snowflake topped hairpins etched with fierce flames along the pins from a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear.

"Haven't missed anything yet!" Elgana assures Rosalind with a grin. "We are going to start off with the very Northern tradition of a tankard run very shortly." Elgana tips her head toward the racecourse, barrels of ale set off in wait for the runners. "I hope to see a good turn out of racers. We have an excellent northern ale waiting to be enjoyed by the contestants, and some fine prizes."

The walk from the Thrax Ward to Redrain isn't really all that far, but the weather is a little chilly, Porter's cheeks have a reasonable amount of pink to them already. He's walking with Rosalie, head bowed as they're in the midst of some quiet bit of conversation. Whatever it is elicits a rumble of laughter from him. When it comes to grabbing some giveaways along the way in, he eyeballs them and says, "I'm supposed to find booze for Lady Esme. I guess I'm going to be carrying around two sets tonight. That woman is going to owe me."

Fianna has joined the an ornately crafted bench made out of exotic House Crovane black lumber.

Ksenia gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

"Hey! Baby Daddy." Yep, that's really what Azova just called Rorik. In public. "Porter's baby daddy... not mine! Not. Mine." she adds in a louder voice, just in case, as she hip bumps her fellow Thraxian. "Yeah! In the gift bags. /Whiskey/." she whispers in a serious voice. "Where are you two sitting? I don't know anyone so you're stuck with me now. And if you're here, I know Porter is."

Sabella is here, mingling with everyone and saying bright hellos to those she's seen at other events all week, "Isn't this just so lovely?! Did you see how many things are in these gift bags?! And these pavilions--Princess Elgana you have done a tremendous job here! I am very glad that I preceded this event rather than followed it!"

Ulfric makes a beeline towards the shouts of beer, getting a tankard and joining the festivities.

Kassandra seems to be following the crowd to the area and stands off to the side, just watching. She offers a shy smile as she notices the very smart looking dogs.

Rosalind gasps at her bag and cheers,"ohmygosh! There are cows!" She is instantly digging into her satchel, pulling out all her goodies. "This is amazing!"

Lorenzo has been hanging about, glass of whiskey in hand, casting a wave and a warm smile in the direction of friends and cousins alike. "Excellent set up," he says to Elgana in passing, hoping her energy is more enthusiasm and less frenzied chaos. "Do let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

Kassandra gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Poppy laughs brightly at Brianna's words "Exactly. It's not a real party until a punch in thrown though."Hearing Avoza she bounds that way, "Hi! I'm new to town too. Lady Poppy Stahlben. Hopeful mercy and um,northerner. Come. Try some whiskey."

"Wait, did we - but I - what?" There's some temporary confusion - and maybe even a little bit of fear - that alights behind Rorik's blue eyes as he slowly takes a few steps away from Avoza. Maybe he's looking to run. But then she qualifies and it leaves him laughing, his grin growing bolder. "Yes, yes. Not yours. Porter's. I'm definitely Porter's baby daddy, have you seen him?" He stands heads above almost everyone, so he rests an elbow on Avoza whilst searching for someone just as tall as him. "Ah ha! He's there, PORTER!" he bellows out, before he stage-whispers to Avoza: "I think he's with a GIRL. Come on, let's find whiskey and a seat."

Dressed in a silk tunic of House Keaton's emblematic green, Lierre arrives without fanfare. Respectful dips of her head are offered to anyone she passes by on the way in, with warm courteous smiles coupled with each gesture of greeting. It's when she sees dogs that she decides on her path through the grounds, making a beeline for Brianna's pups. The smile then is radiant as she asks the Halfshav lady and Caleb, "Do you need any help there?" Her eyes are almost puppy-like themselves as she looks towards the dogs. Puppers.

Hearing Sabella, Elgana turns toward the Grayson royal with a warm, welcoming smile. "You know what they say about saving the best for last, right? Even though, technically, there is one more to go." That's close enough, right? Elgana seems certain enough about it. "But thank you so much, Princess Sabella, this is your doing after all. Bringing us all together to enjoy what makes this Compact of ours unique."

2 Whitehawk Guards arrives, following Sapphira.

Rosalie smiles up at Porter and murmurs, "You may give her mine if you wish. I am afraid mine would simply sit around until there was someone else to drink it..." She glances around, offering smiles and nods towards those she knows, lifting a hand towards Mirk briefly before looking back to Porter. She smiles up at him, "Well. As I am your guest tonight.. where would you like to sit?" Her cheeks are also showing pink in them, her cloak pulled carefully around her to keep the warmth inside.

Fianna walks onto the Redrain grounds, sees the (large) crowd, and makes her way toward Crovane seating. Dressed in her riding leathers and boots, the Duchess of Stormwall appears to have just come from the Crovane stables and is looking to sit down. Familiar faces are nodded at as she finds a bench.

Elgana drops a mighty chest full of tankards.

Nina gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Rosalie takes a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Helena gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Rosalie puts a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard in a cross body-strapped soft black leather satchel.

Elgana drops RR ToA TANKARD RUN RULES - READ ME -.

Rorik gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Mabelle takes a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Mikani takes a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Porter takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Victus gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Waldemai gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Sapphira gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Mirk has joined the a cluster of tables and chairs with accents of House Halfshav.

"Oh hi! Hopeful mercy, meet already mercy. I'm Lady Azova Darkwater." Azova offers Poppy a bright smile, which grows when she first horrifies Rorik in front of everyone. "Come this way. Follow the large sailor guy." A gesture towards Rorik is made with the gift bag. "Or wait, I'll just bring whiskey back for everyone. Even Porter's girl! I can't believe he's stepping out on you like that, Rorik." she tsks, and then turns to follow Poppy instead.

Katya gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Mabelle turns toward grabby Zoey and grins at her, "Cousin. Did someone pull you out of bed?", she pecks her cheek. She draws her temporarily with her to get some beer, greet Kritr on the way, "Lord Clearlake", she finds some familiar faces and waves to Rosalind, Elgana and Mikani. Porter is here too, and Sabella. And puppies. This is too much

Nina gets herself a tankard first, not realizing that perhaps this is part of a competition. The tankard looks like way too much beer for her to drink, but she's going to fill it up anyway. In the process, she is slightly jostled by the people moving about.

Ulfric gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Waldemai is always up for a race if beer is involved. "I'd rather be drinking than running, but this is a good second!"

"Out of bed? What do you mean?" Zoey asks Mabelle before collecting her party favors.

Sapphira is late to the party, but she wanders over to scoop up one of the tankards anyway and join the crowds awaiting the event.

Rysen and Mikani enter the Redrain Grounds followed closely by the calligrapher Lygeia and Damien. Speaking warmly to those he recognizes, he is quick to find a glass of whiskey offering one to Mikani. Lygeia glances nervously towards the Stormspeaker Saga on the blackwood stand. Noticing his retainer's reaction, Rysen flashes a quick grin. "Your work is excellent, Lygeia. Enjoy yourself."

Walking with Mikani, Rysen approaches Elgana, and, placing a fist over his heart, bows his head with deep respect. "It's good to see you, Your Highness. Thank you for organizing this event. Everything looks breathtaking." Noticing Sabella nearby, Rysen bows to the Grayson princess as well. "It's a pleasure to see you in the Redrain Ward, Princess Sabella. I hope your sister is well."

Zoey gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

"Drinking /and/ running?" Victus squints at the ruleboard. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he wanders his way to the chest of tankard anyhow. "Ah, to hell with it."

"I think we've got them under control, but STOP EATING THAT--" Brianna starts to reply to Lierre, before getting distracted by a puppy with SOMETHING in its mouth. "Caleb, can you get that out of Atil's mouth?" The boy tries, but puppies have SHARP TEETH. He pulls his hand back, complaining and owwwwing. Brianna scoops up the puppy and manages to pull a live mouse from the puppy's needle-sharp maw. "Huh."

Rosalind takes a mighty chest full of tankards.

Sapphira gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Kassandra notices everyone else getting a tankard and wouldn't want to be rude by not partaking of the host's generosity so she wanders over to get a tankard as well. She carefully sniffs the liquid inside before taking a sip.

Rosalind take bottle from her bar

After this whole gift bag and drink situation is sorted out, Porter puts his hand on Rosalie's elbow briefly and squints around. "I hear Rorik screaming my name," he says. And just like Rorik apparently needs help seeing him, he needs help seeing Rorik and spends an undue amount of time looking for him. "Oh, there he is. He's with Lady Azova, lets with them?" he suggests and tips his head in their direction, prepared to lead them through the crowd of chaos. So many people.

Symonesse arrives with her small contingent of King's Own, looking a little flushed, but bright eyes from the walk. She gazes around her with delight and murmurs something to the guards, likely something about getting themselves a treat since they take turns purusing the booths and picking out from the selection available. Not the alcohol, of course, while they are on duty. She sees the crowd starting to gather for an event and starts to drift that way. Upon hearing Brianna's voice above the crowd, the Queen turns her attention in that direction, grinning.

Rosalind takes White Bear Whiskey from a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear.

Rosalind drops a mighty chest full of tankards.

Mikani smiles as she takes the glass of whiskey. She bumps her shoulder against Rysen's as she sees the Saga. Her head bows to Elgana and she grins as she sees Zoey out and about. "Lady Kennex. So good of you to make it up this way." She calls out.

"Lady LAURENT!" Kritr announces. He proffers her a beer. "Are you here for the festivities?" He asks. "You know Lady Kennex." He offers Zoey a tankard too, happy to be passing them around, not that anyone gave him the job. "Of course you know her. I know her too. We played cards together."

Spotting a familiar face, Katya waves in Porter's direction, but she doesn't glomp onto him or those he's with. Instead she turns her attention towards studying the rules of the game that have been posted. There's a small flicker of an uncertain frown, teeth chewing lightly on the corner of her bottom lip as she thinks.

Rysen gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Symonesse gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

"My heart is broken into a thousand and one pieces," Rorik puts his hand over his chest and sniffs at Avoza, whilst looking sadly in Porter's direction. "The only thing that can possibly heal it is whiskey. A lot of whiskey. Is that the Queen?!" He is definitely having trouble seeing porter now, because he's looking at the Queen. He accidentally smacks Porter right in the face when he's moving to flourish into a deep bow for Symonesse. "Your Highness!" he bellows. "Did you leave the cow in the other ward?"

Sabella gives Rysen a smile and a nod at his greeting, "So far as I am aware both of my sisters are quite well! And Princess Elgana I'm quite sure this will be the best evening I have all night!" she laughs and then takes a sip from a mug that someone has handed her, "Look, the Queen even came! Now everyone will be talking about it tomorrow!"

Brianna has joined the a cluster of tables and chairs with accents of House Halfshav.

Poppy beams at Avoza before looking at Rorik and Porter. She scoffs loudly. "They aren't that big." Regardless, she trots after them "You're a mercy? How wonderful. I've yet to meet Mother Sophie, but I'm super excited." She waves brightly to the boys "Hi. I'm Poppy."

2 Redrain Guards have been dismissed.

Lucien, a bright-eyed pine marten have been dismissed.

Nina hears someone say something about the queen, and looks over. "...Is that really the Queen?" Nina is a bit startled to see her here. She wonders if she drinks beer.

Rysen smiles warmly at Zoey. "I hope you'll share some whiskey with us tonight, My Lady. Will Lord Ian be joining us this evening?"

There is a wave for Mabelle when she spots the Laurent lady before turning toward Rysen and Mikani and giving them both a curtsy. "It is my pleasure! Thank you so much for your contribution of poetry once more. I am certain it shall find a place of honor on the shelves of so many libraries. Will either of you be taking part in the tankard run?" Elgana wonders as she moves toward the chest full of hand-carved tankards, plucking one up. "I think we are about ready to begin."

Turning to address the crowd, she lifts her voice as to be better heard, "The second not-quite-annual Taste of Arx Tankard run is about to begin! Racers, you will find quite a fun challenge with this one, for you must take your tankard and fill it with ale." An action Elgana then mimes with her own tankard, "And then race across the path, with the tankard /on/ your head." This gets Elgana's grin to broaden. "If you drop or spill your ale - you are out! Once you make it to the second barrel, the process repeats."

Brianna spots Queen Symonesse heading for her and bows surprisingly gracefully for a woman carrying an armful of squirming puppies. "My Queen," she says gently. With the drinking starting, a Halfshav servant comes to collect Caleb, who casts a longing eye to the puppies before being shepherded away.

Brianna gets Caleb, ward of House Halfshav.

Half-Mast, a surly-natured little person arrives, following Arthen.

Mabelle rummages through her bag and beams at Zoey, "There are toys in this bag. And chocolate!", but she is handed beer before she can even. "I think I know the woman about my arm, yes", she pats Zoey's arm and winks to Kritr. She glances around again with revery curtsy to Symmonesse, "Your Majesty". Listening to the rules laid out by Elgana she glances at her tankard and admits, "This will be messy. Are you racing Lord Rysen?"

Sapphira blinks a few times before peering down at her tankard once the rules are explained, "This is not going to go well, I fear."

Waldemai wants to know, "Is there a special prize if I get the ale down my throat when it falls off my head?"

Rosalind grins and loudly declares,"Rysen! Bets I'm beating you today!

Zoey gives Mikani a finger-wiggle wave. "Lady Crovane! I would not miss it." She grins at Kritr. "And I recall your purse being lighter after." She answers Rysen, "I would be happy to! And I'm afraid he is still at home. A brief illness took him, and since he is recovering *and* it is winter, he will be staying home today. I will pass along your greeting though."

The Queen is distracted from glancing over the item in the satchels, grinning in delight as she looks them over, by Rorik's bow and his question. She laughs a little and calls back in return, "I decided to leae him at home. I think I traumatized him a little by taking him to the sledding at the Thrax event. I'll be sure to tell him hello." Then there is Brianna and puppies, which Symonesse immediately makes eyes at. "You have your hands full. Literally. Do you need help?"

Chuckling, Rosalie gives a nod, "With a bellow like that, if we do not join him I am afraid for his companions' ears. Please, lead the way, my lord." She smiles brightly and moves along with him, though she does pause to offer a curtsy and smile to Symonesse along the way. "A pleasure to see you again, Your Highness!" Then they're moving right along and she's dipping into that quick, precise curtsy once more. "Lady Darkwater, Lord Kennex. A pleasure."

Lierre nods graciously to Brianna and Caleb, not flinching as the Halfshav speaks with a firm tone to the naughty pup. Keatons, they know what dogs are like. She raises her eyebrows in a wince when the puppy digs teeth into the boy's hand, then turns her eyes to the mouth with eyebrows still raised, though without a wince this time. "I think your friend thinks it's a cat." With that said, Lierre flashes another smile to Brianna and Caleb, dipping into a small curtsy-bow of elegant mien. "Excuse me. Lady Lierre Keaton," she says. Then when Symonesse arrives and Caleb leaves, another bow-curtsy of greeting comes next. "Your Highness." There's a look of wide-eyed curiosity in the Keaton lady's eyes as she straightens up again. Because QUEEN.

Kassandra hears someone mention the queen, and without hesitation, dips into a low curtsey of respect for the royalty. She then notices she has ink stains on her fingers and tries to cover the stains with her other hand while carefully balancing, or attempting to, the tankard of ale.

Azova nods once, with as near to solemnity as she can. "Yes, my lady. I'm a Mercy. I think Mother Mercy has been just extremely busy of late. But I am sure you'll have a chance to meet with her soon. Have you tried reaching Sister Estelle or Princess Isidora? They help with much of her work." is suggested easily, as she nearly runs right into Rorik when he stops dead to make his flourished bow. "Oh my. Pardon me." Somehow, she sketches out a hasty curtsy for Symonesse. "We were all traumatized by the Thrax event, Your Majesty." she murmurs jokingly, and then waves a greeting for Porter and Rosalie.

"You left an octopus in my room!" Porter accuses Rorik right before his cousin unintentionally smacks him in the face. "Fucking, ow." He puts his hand across his nose and holds it there. "Your highness," he says, but it's kind of nasally because he's holding his nose. Thanks Rorik. Also a nod of hellow to Azova, Katya, and Poppy that he's never met.

Rosalind takes a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

"If you can manage that," Elgana laughs to Waldemai, "I'll be certain there is a special prize indeed!" Oh, but there are other prizes. "First-prize winner will receive two ingots of star iron. The second prize winner will receive two of mirrorsilver. And third prize winner will receive a piece of iridescite and stygian."

Rysen blushes furiously at Elgana's words. "You are too kind your highness," he says, beaming at the Redrain Princess. Scoffing at Rosalind's boast, Rysen says to Elgana and Mabelle, "I will be competing, if only to make Lady Rosalind drink her words." Turning back to Zoey, Rysen nods, and grabs some whiskey from a passing servant offering it to the Lady of Stormward. "I appreciate it, My Lady."

Kassandra gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Rysen gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

"I wouldn't say no to some help puppy-sitting, Your Majesty. If you would like to watch one of the puppies until the arm-wrestling tournament, it certainly would make my life easier, thank you." Brianna hands over one of the fluffy puppies to the queen, before taking a seat with the other two at the Halfshav tables. "You're welcome to join us, if you'd like."

Mikani kisses Ryesn's cheek. His blush .... well Mika moved her attention to Zoey. "I am very glad." She grins and drinks more of her whiskey.

"You'd think he'd enjoy the rush. What's his name? You'll have to give him my best please!" Rorik says to Symonesse LOUDLY, basically shouting in Porter's ear to be heard above the crowd. Or just because his natural volume is LOUD. Anyway, he gives Porter a /look/. "What are you owing about? And the octopus SNUCK OUT OF THE BUCKET. It isn't my fault, he's got a mind of his own." He looks to Rosalie afterward, beaming a smile at her. "Hello!"

"Are you joining the race, Lord Porter?" Katya calls once the call goes out to get ready for the race. Which, evidently, she is going to take part in because..why not? She heads towards the starting line, glancing around.

Porter takes a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

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

Rosalind is already darting toward toward to fill her tankard,"That's where you're wrong!" But she eyes the Kennex giants,"Do all their drinks go in each leg? Or do they fall quicker?" Doesn't matter. Rosa totally has this as the redhead goes to fill up her drink.

Poppy has to ask, "Why did you have an octopus in your room?"

Mabelle pauses as she realizes, "Wait, you need to balance it on your head?", she glances out at her outfit. She really wants that puppy, "You know on second thought, I might just watch" She mentions to Rysen and Zoey. She grins for a moment, "I'm better off with the beard contest. Maybe next year". She peers at Zoey, "Whiskey? Where?"

Dressed in her usual dark and sombre garb, Rukhnis slips through the gates to the Redrain Ward with as much quiet unobtrusiveness as she can manage, which is quite a lot. Pausing off to one side of the general hubbub, her dark eyes scan the crowd closely for a few moments before she edges her way around the margins, only plunging into the sea of people for the purposes of getting to the beverage table and retrieving a mug of cider.

Rorik has to answer, "Why don't YOU have an octopus in YOUR room?"

Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound arrives, following Rowenova.

Rowenova arrives, following Tarik.

Helena finds a place to stay well-clear of the tankard run, finding the low and wide branch of a tree to sit on, crossing her ankles and letting silk-slippered feet swing a few inches off the ground. She holds a teacup of warmed whiskey from the scent of the silvery vapor mist that rises form it in the colder air.

"Pretty sure we did this same game with horses. Didn't we?" Must be a Crovane thing. Fianna sips her mug of whiskey just before spotting Queen Symonesse. A respectful curtsy is given to her and a friendly smile follows before she considers the current game again. "Was damn good fun. This'll be just as fun to watch."

Rosalind checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 25 higher.

"Oh, yes. Wow, is that race happening so soon?" Porter asks as he SQUEEZES his nose. When he says the octopus snuck out of the bucket, he FROWNS at Rorik. He moves to grab a tankard and says quickly to Rosalie, "This probably isn't going to take long."

Katya checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 26 higher.

Rorik checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 18 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 21 higher.

Victus checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 32 higher.

Porter checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 30 higher.

Sapphira checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 13 higher.

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 31 higher.

Waldemai checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 36 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 34 higher.

Rysen laughs. "We'll see about that," he says to Rosalind, grinning. He begins to drink some whiskey until Mabelle claims she'll fare better with the beard contest, and laughs some whiskey through his nose. Eyes wattering Rysen says laughingly, "Mercy, Lady Mabelle!" and then rushes off to join the contest.

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 62 higher.

Kassandra checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Rysen checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 59 higher.

Tarik checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 57 higher.

Nina checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 13 higher.

"His name is Tulip! No enoblement yet, but we are working on it!" Symonesse's wide eyes and smile might make one wonder if she's entirely joking about that or not as she shouts back at Rorik. She smilesat Rosalie, laughing as she says, "Good to see you again, too, Sister Rosalie. Perhaps we'll find an event here by which to nearly kill ourselves once again." She accepts one of the puppies, happily, from Brianna, and rubs her cheek against the top of its fluffy little head as she murmurs, "Would you be terribly angry if I just ran off with this one, Lady Brianna?" The smile she offers after is wide and guileless, despite the gleam of mischief in her golden eyes.

Ulfric checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 20 higher.

Mabelle sidesteps toward Helena as she stays out of the tankard race. She grins gleefully before Rysen runs off, "WHAT?! I won third place", she strokes her nonexsitant beard and finally greets Helena, "Princess. It has been far too long, Whiskey?", she hands her a cup she gathered on the way before even asking.

"That is a perfect name for a cow! Excuse me, I have to run with this tankard now!" Rorik shouts back to Symonesse. Then he grabs Porter and hauls him to the starting line of the race, sticking the tankard on his head. "This is going to be fine."

Two formidable war-mastiffs enter the grounds, a soft yet defensive growl passively emitting from both as they pass through the gathering with ease. Diminutive in relative comparison, Princess Lark Grayson following closely behind, briskly stepped and with her hands clasped in front of her politely as she inclines her head to those she recognises and warm smiles to those she knows.

Waiting for a point when she can politely excuse herself, Lierre once again bows to Brianna and Symonesse before slipping gracefully back into the crowd.

Arthen Dayne has a way of showing up sometimes, and he appears from out of the crowd of people near Princess Elgana, "You look like you have outdone yourself, Princess." he praises, wearing the kind of smile that reaches up to his eyes if just brief-like. "You remember to stay out of that whiskey until you are done judging the race, now.", he teases just before the race begins and then he's wandering off again through the people with half of his attention on the racers and the rest of it on the festivities.

Rowenova checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 63 higher.

Rorik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 15 higher.

Katya checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 45 higher.

Victus checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 30 higher.

Tarik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 17 higher.

Kassandra precariously places her almost full tankard on her head, but she's wobbly at best. "Well," she quips, "I have heard it's good for the hair."

Waldemai checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 16 higher.

Lorenzo steps over to stand by Helena, his own whiskey in hand. "Are your feet cold? Those look like they'd leave your feet cold," he comments, nodding at her silk-slippered feet. The Lycene prince is probably more bundled up than most who have gathered for this event.

Rosalind checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 27 higher.

Rysen checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 43 higher.

Porter checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 10 higher.

Kassandra checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Sapphira checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 3 lower.

Ulfric checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 19 higher.

Zoey checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Rosalie offers a small smile to Rorik at his greeting and inclines her head towards him, "Hello, my lord. You know, octopi are highly intelligent. You cannot keep them where they do not want to be. They will shed limbs to save themselves." Nodding to Porter, she smiles warmly at him, "GOod luck!" Her gaze shifts next to Symonesse and she giggles, "Perhaps we will, Your Highness. I will look forward to the adventure. I hope my messenger reached you?" There's a Brianna, and Caleb, with puppies! She moves to join Symonesse and Brianna, offering, "If I can assist, I will be happy to. I had to leave my Junebug at the house, she's far too excitable to bring to one of these, but I do love puppies."

Nina checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 10 higher.

Waldemai hears the joke about hair and rubs a hand across his shaven scalp. "Do you think the beer would be better on my head than in my belly?"

Rosalind rushes to the starting line, puttng the tankard on her head, asking,"Isn't the poor octopus going to die if it's not in water?" She pauses for a second, looking worried,"Wait--You're going to have a dead octopus in your room?!" Rosa grins over at Rysen,"You watch!" Rosa is probably going to be eating her words.

"I believe the right to run off with a fluffy puppy is one of the benefits of being the Queen of the Compact," Brianna replies to Symonesse with a grin. "Heaven knows there are precious few others. If this little one steals your heart, I'm sure no one would mind." Caleb waves to Rosalie as he is shepherded off home before things get too rowdy. Brianna hands one of the puppies to Rosalie. "You, on the other hand, don't get to run off with a puppy," she teases.

Nina puts a beer tankard on her head and starts to walk with it. This is probably not the most elegant thing to do in the presence of the Queen but she is trying! At least, when the challenge starts out, she doesn't embarass herself the very first round. She manages to get the beer to the end, and drink it too. That's one attempt down.

Well, apparently Porter is capable of putting this tankard on his head and racing to the next barrel. He actually manages to do this without having it fall straight off of his head. He rushes to the next barrel, drinks down the ale and is ready to head off to the next one checkpoint.

Kassandra is trying hard to keep her tankard in place before she considers the comment. "Actually, good ale is good wherever it is, but you are most right that it is better imbibed than worn."

Showing up alongside Tarik, Rowenova gives his knuckles a kiss, lets go, then supplyies him with his own tankard before she gets her own and then RUNS!

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 31 higher.

Fianna receives a messenger and sighs, rolling the parchment up and stuffing it into her back pocket. She whistles for her dogs to follow and then heads toward the Black Hall of Axes to tend to a matter.

Mabelle's approach draws a smile from Helena, who lifts her dainty teacup in Redrain's finest porcelain. "I have some!" she says brightly. "Warmed with a little lemon and a spoonful of brown sugar. Perfect for winter," she says. "How are you? It has been far too long. I've been wrapped up in some studies and research, I fear." She turns to look at Lorenzo with a grin. "I'm from Farhaven. This is nothing!" she says, despite the snow on the ground. "Have you stayed there yet in the winter?" she asks curiously of the Redrain that was born a Southerner.

Fianna has left the an ornately crafted bench made out of exotic House Crovane black lumber.

Mack, a sable Northern Shepherd, 4 House Crovane Guards, Madrigal, a Crovane equestrian, Bunny, a clever Northern Husky, Jasper, a dark sable Northern Shepherd leave, following Fianna.

"Yes, it seems to be happening now." Katya offers helpfully to Porter, then she adjusts the hem of her skirt a bit so that she's not at risk of stepping on it. Then she fills her tankard and lifts it up to settle it on her head, then with a very slow exhale she starts to move forward at a careful, but quick...ish pace. Once she reaches the second barrel she reaches up to take the tankard down, then starts to drain it without regard for potentially looking too much like a lush.

"We're not supposed to drink this until we reach the end?" Rorik looks disappointed, but as the race starts? He's off. It's a solid jog without spilling a drop, all the way to the barrel. Then he chugs, wiping his mouth off with his sleeve. "One round down, we're basically winning this," he says to Porter.

Sapphira is clearly not much of a northerner, as she manages to fill some of her tankard up with ale but then promptly spills it all over herself and the area round her. So much for being graceful. She pouts a touch as she slinks off to the side to try and dry herself off.

Head high and footsteps graceful, Zoey makes it through the first round without so much as sloshing the liquid about.

Mr. Hops arrives, following Jules.

Frosty, a friendly English sheepdog, Njall, a Northern nullifier, Jules arrive, following Svana.

"This is a real bad idea." With that inspirational declaration, Victus is off along with his fellow racers. For the time being leaving his retinue behind as he partakes in the alcohol hijinks. For the armor he wears and his size, he's surprising fast on his feet as he trots from one barrel to the next. Downing every bit of beer he comes across, without a sign of slowing down just yet.

Tarik takes the tankard and heads off down the race. Tarik makes it to the barrel and quickly downs the drink. Tarik turns to Rowenoa and laughs, "Okay, I am pretty sure after that I have about two more barrels in me."

Elgana isn't too busy watching people grab tankards and fill them with ale to not notice when Arthen appears out of the blue like he does. She grins at the adventurer-explorer-historian as she leans to say to him, "If I'm not moving the bar upward, I'll have no place to reach." It's all tease as she winks slyly at the man before looking back at the racers, laughing at something. "I'm glad you could make it. I was worried the winter was keeping you locked up somewhere in chains." There's another laugh before she's calling out to the racers: "Drink it down and then fill it back up before putting it back on your heads! Show me your northern spirit!"

Waldemai finishes his first lap and imbibes appropriately. "Aaah, that's good after some exercise." He introduces himself to the hair-joking woman. "Waldemai Isenhu. I run Champion Chainmail down on Southport Square." His black abd blue fingernails and the burnt spots on his leather clothes shout, "Blacksmith."

Azova asides to Poppy, after hearing some of the conversation of her acquaintances the Kennex lords. "They're pretty, but..." her voice trails off expressively, while she watches.

Cider now in hand, Rukhnis turns in a slightly different direction from the way she came and drifts her way with seeming aimlessness back through the crowd, yet managing to do so in such a way that her course takes her unfailingly back towards the edge. It's only when she's neared her destination that she notices the Queen herself like a beacon of cheerful golden light amidst the tumult of the crowd, and she pauses to observe the radiant woman with a deeply pensive air for a moment. Then she resumes her former trajectory, eventually seeming to wash up in a (relatively) quiet place near a shrubbery, from which she can drink her cider and observe the shenanigans.

Mabelle wiggles her fingers to Lark as she makes her way to the ground, beckoning her to the gazebo. Her hand halts upon offering the drink to Helena and she laughs, "Guess I'll have two", she chugs one entirely to avail her other hand while she watches Sapphira pour liquid upon herself and winces in sympathy. "I think I've not seen you for a whole year", she mentions to Helena, "I'd love to hear what you have been up researching an..". But Brianna hands people puppies to hold and she has lost focus.

Svana enters on Jules' arm, walking with a somewhat animated gait. She looks for somewhere to sit and waves to those she knows, which is a large portion of those gathered. Kissing Jules' cheek, she moves to sit down at the replica of the Bonespire.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, 1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant, 1 Crimson Blades Private, Akkar arrive, following Cillian.

Svana has joined the a supposedly accurate replica of The Bonespire.

Once again, being bald comes in handy for Kritr. He can easily tell if the tankard starts to lose its balance. "This is the worst way to drink beer." He rumbles. "But it makes it taste better, right?"

Just like that, the long legged redhead is off! Rosalind's red hair is flying behind her. Well kinda. She has to take her time so the tankard doesn't fall off. "This is like that time Aella was all,"Stand up straight Rosa. POSTURE!" Oh hey! Maybe she can sneak that sip of whiskey in her hand....

Rowenova speeds forth to the finish line of the first round before then swigging down all booze in her own tankard. She laughs back Tarik's way, "Hopefully more than that!"

1 Templar Knight guards, Sir Daniel the Beardless, a somewhat hapless Templar arrive, following Hamish.

"Kassandra Marin, very recently arrived in the city." She glances at her ink stained fingers, "I'm a scholar. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Alcohol hijinks? Kalani finds this to be a fantastic idea as she slips through the crowd and finds a place to observe from. Somewhere along the way she's acquired a drink as well, but as she isn't /racing/ with it she sips from it in companionable peace. Dressed for the weather, and decidedly not a northerner, she's fashionably attired in velvet and with a fur trimmed silk cloak to add layer for the attempt at warmth.

Symonesse tucks the puppy into her cloak looking as if she's prepared to abscond with it at any moment. "You said that you can win one during arm wrestling? Perhaps, I shall try my hand at that." The Queen, for all her many virtues, does NOT look like the arm wrestling type. She gives Rosalie a look and nods, murmuring, "I did and I agree. We should make some time to talk." Her golden eyes drift to the racing, wrinkling her nose and wincing in sympathy as Sapphire spills hers all over herself.

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

Sabella cheers for those competing, taking a drink of her own tankard though a very measured one. She blinks in surprise when Kassandra says her name, "Did you say Marin?" she asks, as if she must have misheard that.

"That sounds like a delightful treatment for whiskey," Lorenzo comments at Helena's description of the contents of her teacup. He gives a smile and a nod of greeting to Mabelle, as well. "But goodness no, Gwenna makes sure we travel north in the summer, generally. For the winter, it is better to travel south, isn't it? One isn't likely to be trapped on the roads or freeze to death." Lorenzo can think up any number of terrible things that could happen when one travels in cold weather.

Sabella has joined the a large pinewood carving of House Acheron's sigil.

Rosalie offers a smile and wave to Caleb, watching after him for a moment with the smile fading, then letting out a breath before putting a smile on her face once more. She accepts one of the puppies and cuddles it close, petting it lightly and scritching behind its ears. Looking to Brianna, she giggles, "I would not dream of it, my lady. Though if they can be purchased or won, I may just have to try my luck to get one of them. They -are- utterly darling." Turning that smile towards Symonesse, she nods, "I would be delighted, Your Highness. I shall look forward to it." Following her gaze towards the contest, she winces slightly and murmurs, "I doubt I would have lasted even that long..."

Hamish takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Poppy has joined the a cluster of tables and chairs with accents of House Halfshav.

Sapphira manages to dab the ale from some of her silk dress, soon exhaling in a most dramatic manner, "I knew I was not well suited to Redrain-style games."

Jules has joined the a supposedly accurate replica of The Bonespire.

Kassandra looks over at the beautiful woman who mentioned her surname. "Yes, Marin. It was my late husband's family name. I kept it after his death."

Rorik checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 5 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 38 higher.

Rosalind checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 12 higher.

Waldemai checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 22 higher.

Porter checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Tarik checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 56 higher. Tarik rolled a critical!

Rysen checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 22 higher.

Kassandra checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 16 lower.

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 40 higher.

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

Ulfric checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

Kritr checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 56 higher.

Katya checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 7 higher.

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 22 higher.

Mabelle's eyes trail Symonesse's puppy. Because. She was hoping her jacket wasnt that tight right now. She might be staring at the Queen, but who doesnt? She's a queen. Lorenzo gets a smile out of her, "I do not believe we have met, I am Lady Mabelle Laurent, a pleasure", another whiskey sip, she'll get there

Cillian comes walking onto the grounds looking around his hazel eyes looking about, he seems to have a fur boundle pressed to his chest a arm craddling it, he looks to his guards and nods to them as they seem to go relax a bit and Akkar is left out of the way.

Nina checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

Lark offers Mabelle a soft wave and a quick succession of nods as she heads in her direction, clasping a glass of wine from a tray as she does so.

Lark has joined the pavilion replica of Farhaven Castle.

Jules makes his way in with Svana, he's cheerful and eyes looking about here and there with the usual waving and bowing. As he moves to join Svana, he allows his eyes to scan around and laughs at the people racing around and looks back to Svana, "I say, what a place. We're just missing that wall to climb that they had in Southport." He rubs his chin and says, "I bet Mr. Hops would have liked it here."

Katya checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 26 higher.

Victus checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 14 higher.

Rowenova checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 40 higher.

Zoey checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 11 lower.

Porter checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 5 lower.

Rorik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.

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

Yep, Kass is definately a scholar as she is more adept with scrolls than she is mugs of ale." As she spills the ale, she sighs dramatically. "Well, at least I managed to get this far." She goes over to sit down to watch the rest of the event.

Rosalind checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 11 higher.

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

Svana waves over at Mabelle, while she looks at Queen Symonesse - no, not looks - she does stare for a long moment. She leans over to Jules to whisper something quietly as she puts a hand to her stomach and gets ready to watch to race. "I don't think that most of these people will be in a position to climb a wall by the end of the night."

"Oh, this and that. Some of the Sylv'alfar history and language, chasing down a bit of lore there of late," Helena says to Mabelle. She grins over at Lorenzo. "True enough. I do not wish travel on those roads after the first snow or before the first thaw on anyone except maybe our worst foes of abyssal nature," she says wiith a laugh. Arthen's wanderings draw her eyes and she smiles in his direction, before following Mabelle's gaze to the puppy in Symonesse's arms. "Your highness. How lovely to see you here tonight. Do let us know if there's anything you need," she says warmly.

Tarik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 29 higher.

Rysen checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 17 higher.

Kritr checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 36 higher.

"You did better than I could've," Sabella laughs, giving Kassandra a smile, "I'm Princess Sabella Grayson and a bit out of my element when it comes to drinking contests, really. I don't think I'll even be able to finish this first mug!"

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

The second tankard is filled, and Katya balances it on her head before she starts towards the third leg of things. This time she's not moving nearly as fast, and while nothing topples off, it's a lot more of a near thing. Then when she gets to the second one, she stops, grabs the tankard and downs the contents in one go.

Another tankard of ale down, another sprint to the next barrel. Victus is keeping pace, but the exertion is evident. The redness in his face was half burning stamina and half booze. "Goddamn it." He hobbles on one leg, slapping the other with his free hand. "You're not old yet, c'mon! Don't fail me now!" With a triumphant cry, he lunges for the next barrel on the trail.

"Come on, we got this!" Rorik has apparently decided he's Porter's life coach or something, cheering him on as they jog their way back towards the barrel. Whether or not he's a *good* coach remains to be seen. Anyway, he makes it to the barrel with ease, taking his tankard up off his head and chugging the contents until there's nothing left.

Oh, okay. Now they're going to run back to the other side. It's fine, Porter can definitely do this. He's not just a pretty face, AZOVA. He can hear you! See, look just fine. Totally balanced. Unfortunately, when he drains the next tankard of ale... he starts to look a little unsteady. It all goes straight to his head somehow. He tries to get the freshly filled tankard into position and-- promptly drops it on himself. "Aw, damnit. YOU GET THIS RORIK!" he calls out, before shaking the ale from his shirt and heading back over to Rosalie. "Well, that was quick."

Ulfric walks steadily but swiftly making sure not to loose his tankard, making it the the next stop he cheers and downs his beer "This is some good stuff!"

Poppy has moved over to join the Halfshavs and cheers in general "Don't fall over your own feet! Go! Go!"

Nina checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 11 lower.

Jules looks back to Svana after she whispers and he seems confused but turns back to her. After a moment he gestures to those moving around and says, "Yes, I think you may be right. I doubt I'll be fit to climb a wall by the end of the night, if you take my meaning." He snickers and lightly elbows her side. He makes a look around and says, "I met the Queen once but, needless to say, she was not impressed." He laughs heartily at this point.

Of course, one meets royalty with ale dripping all over them. Kass dips into a respectful curtsey, "Your highness. I thank you for your kind words. I fear I am out of my element here."

Rosalind has finished the first tankard and quickly goes to finish the second. YES! She goes to fill the second and hurries on to the back to run the line again. TANKARD ON HEAD! She can do this! But then Poppy! "Hey!" she shouts! "What about me!"

Mabelle returns Svana's wave and turns to Lark, pecking her cheek, "Princess, what a delightful boon to see you here". She chuckles at Helena then and admits to her, "So all the party themes, right?", she winks to her and allows herself to finally speak to Symmonesse, "That is one adorable puppy, Your Majesty", might have been a shake to her voice, just a little.

Tarik races down and fills his second tankard. Tarik downs the tankard with a gulp. Tarik clenches and unclenches his hands to try to steady himself. "I am not sure if I am going to make it to the third tankard."

Sidestepping the ale splashed from a nearby and overly enthusiastic toast, Adrienne slips around the perimeter of the grounds, dodging runners and dancers and enthusiastic arm pumps and the gods know what else with practiced ease, never missing a step despite the snowy grounds.

Sapphira gets another drink despite being covered in drying ale, soothing her hurt pride with sips of whiskey while watching the remaining competitors try their luck.

Enjoying the show, because on the sidelines, that's what it is: a terribly funny show that she isn't tripping around in. Kalani keeps one hand curled around the mug she's holding, maybe it's a tankard, but it has beer and that.. well that's what matters. The Seliki physician remains on the sidelines, enjoying observing the contestants slip sliding around.

Nina is graceful enough not to spill the beer - those dance skills pay off. But she's... not the hardiest of folk, and when the time comes to start chugging... Well, she chugs a little, and then she starts to turn green. She gags, and then she... just sits down for a second, the tankard half-unfinished. She might already be a little bit too drunk!

Smiling up at Porter as he rejoins her with Symonesse and Brianna, Rosalie murmurs, "If anything, I am heartened by your not being able to guzzle a barrel of ale and run a race. That seems.. very unsafe and dangerous to one's health." Leaning up, she does place a consolation kiss to his cheek and offers, "Lady Brianna might let you hold a puppy for a short while if you ask nicely. THey are utterly adorable."

Adrienne has joined the a large pinewood carving of House Acheron's sigil.

Lorenzo gives Mabelle a warm smile and lifts his whiskey glass in salute. "Prince Lorenzo Redrain. Delighted to meet you." And since the others seem to have their gaze drawn by the queen and the puppy, he turns to look as well, giving her a courteous bow. He looks back to Helena, giving her a grin. "I believe we're due a family trip in spring, aren't we? We've been talking about it forever. Once the snow melts, of course."

At the second barrel, Rowenova pulls up a new mug and then speeds forth. Passed up by Tarik, Rowenova lets out an impressed wow. "You can do it, Love!" helpfully cheers Rowenova then swigs down this second mug before trying to pick out a third one.

Drysi, a young shaman apprentice arrives, following Khanne.

Hamish shows up just as the drinking contest is in full swing. "Ah, well, missed my chance to have any alcohol tonight." He then stops at one of the many places to get free alcohol and gets himself a big tankard of free alcohol. "Never mind, then." Staying out of the way the runners, he makes his way over to the tends to find a place to sit and watch the slow motion disaster.

"You calling me a wall?" Svana asks, looking at her husband. There's a brief look that suggests she might be getting cross with him - until she laughs and leans in to kiss his cheek. "I haven't even grown to wall size. Wait until I'm a proper obstacle course, at least." Svana raises a brow when Jules admits he's met the Queen. "You've met the Queen? Why didn't you brag about that when we were dating? ..I wonder if I would have been impressed. I'm impressed now though, that counts for something, right?"

Cillian moves in further to cheer for his friend with one free hand, "YOu got this Nova!" he smiles, he is craddling whatever it is to his chest protectively.

Rorik checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher. Rorik rolled a critical!

Victus checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 25 higher.

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 54 higher. Kritr rolled a critical!

Zoey manages to upset her mug in the second round, narrowly dodging the splash. She goes to the side for whiskey.

Waldemai checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 1 lower.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 47 higher.

Symonesse smiles bright at Helena, murmuring, "Thank you so much for your hospitality. Perhaps you can help me either convince Lady Brianna to let me keep this one or perhaps we can convince everyone else to throw the arm wrestling so I can keep this one." She offers a dazzling smile in return to any greeting tossed her way, but seems rather preoccupied with the puppy. She looks to Mabelle and lwers her voice to murmur, "I might have already given it a name." Her teeth worry into her lower lip in the approximation of remorse, but there is nothing remorseful in the gleam of her golden eyes.

Mabelle rounds her eyes at Lorenzo, "Oh you are married to my cousin Gwenna. I finally managed tea with her last week. It only took two years", she grins to him, "I am pleased to finally make your acquintance".

Rosalind checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Tarik checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Ulfric checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 7 higher.

Rysen checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

Kritr paces Rowenova in the 'race', staying at her heels throughout. "The trick is to keep your pace as even as possible." He tells her. "Don't want to surprise your beer."

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Khanne is overheard praising Elgana: A graceful hostess who oversees the most delightful events.

Spotting the company that Rosalie is keeping, Porter respectfully nods his head to both Syomesse and Brianna while attempting to politely drip ale onto the ground from his shirt. "You... probably have a point about that. The drinking and running." He looks at the puppies and shakes his head quickly, "No, I'm afraid that I don't want to get the puppies damp."

"Gwenna is my patron,"Rosa shouts over to Mabelle as she's busy drinking and running and refilling and running. Seeing Krit, Rosalind mentions,"Long legs help too!

Sabella whistles for Victus even though that just seems to inspire Rorik and Kritr beside him, "I think it's an incredible honor for someone not from Redrain to win this competition so I'm definitely cheering on Prince Victus! And Lord Rorik doesn't really need any alcohol to be hilarious, but I'm quite sure it won't hurt."

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

Svana looks over at Cillian, waving to him and offering him a seat by way of hand gestures. She's most curious about whatever he's got held to his chest.

As the racers start to drop, Elgana murmurs the tally to one of her lady's maids, who is probably keeping the actual score of who is actually still in this contest. There are no clear favorites, really! She claps and calls out for runners at seeming random, cheering them all on. "Keep your head back! Spine straight!" come her random pieces of advice. "Watch your footwork!"

Waldemai's beer slips off his head. "Damn!" he shouts. "Well, that means I can keep drinking while the rest of you are running."

Symonesse's words make Helena laugh. "I am sure we can manage to get you a puppy somehow, your highness. Perhaps whoever is the winner of that one will be willing to wait for a replacement," she says warmly. "What name did you give it?" she asks, eyes bright at the thought of the naming of puppies. The pine marten that has been sleeping in the tree nearby suddenly opens one eye and peers at the puppy as well, then stands up on hind legs to //tch// at it curiously. Helena reaches out to still the little weasel, before turning to Lorenzo. "Yes, that would be lovely. I do miss it so."

Rukhnis watches the race play out with the faintly dubious expression her face normally wears during this sort of drunken Redrain mayhem, but she does pause in sipping her cider every now and then to set the mug down and applaud for various people including but not limited to Rysen, Mikani, Rowenova, and possibly Kritr.

Mabelle gasps delightedly at Symmonesse and asks her hushedly, "Is it a food name? Food names are the best. All my dogs are named after candy". She chuckles at Rosalind and calls back to her "KRITR is my protege!

Khanne is quiet as she arrives, mist grey eyes alert as she surveys the crowd before finding herself a drink and plave to observe the festivities.

Katya checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Rorik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 36 higher. Rorik rolled a critical!

Rosalind checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Victus checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Rowenova checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 29 higher.

Rysen checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 45 higher.

Ulfric checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 10 lower.

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 1 higher.

Tarik checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

Khanne has joined the a cluster of tables and chairs with accents of House Halfshav.

Jules laughs at Svana and shakes his head, "I'm not saying that! I'm saying I'll drink too much to climb over a wall. I expect I could climb over you easy enough." He sticks his tongue out but is still laughing, "And you don't brag about meeting someone who has no idea who you are. It makes more sense to brag about knowing Lady Belle or a duke or duchess or ... well, anyone who would at least recognize me."

Nina is a bit drunk now, but she's at least getting back to her feet. She checks to make sure her coat doesn't have any beer spilled on it, which, thank goodness it does not, and then she arranges herself straight upright so that she can possibly get some food and sober herself up just a little bit. She watches the race still going on, and makes sure her hair is arranged. And then she is not falling over anymore and is checking out some of the northern food stalls.

Lark returns a soft kiss to Mabelle's cheek and smiling warmly once again, "It's lovely to see you too! How have you been?" before turning to face Symonesse and lowering herself in to a curtsy, "It feels like it was only yesterday I was graced by your presence, your majesty." with somewhat of a wry smirk, "It's wonderful to see you, again - as always."

Kritr checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

By the time Hamish has made his way over to where Rosalie and Porter are he's finished his beer and traded it in for another. "Sister Rosalie. What have I missed? Does anyone need any last rites?"

Lorenzo gives a friendly laugh at Mabelle's expression. "Indeed, I am lucky enough to have Gwenna as my wife. And she often speaks with great affection about her Laurent cousins. We've been to visit a time or two, but we must have missed you." He is drawn to the conversation between Helena and the queen. "Puppies are the prize for an arm-wrestling contest?" he asks, sounding puzzled. It's very likely he hasn't been paying attention. "But surely one could be spared as a gift for you, Your Highness," he agrees with Helena. "A pup chooses its master, yes? And that one seems quite settled with you."

The two tankards that Rorik's gulped down clearly don't seem to affect him. Perhaps he's encouraged by Porter's loss, or maybe it's Sabella's whistle - the one CLEARLY for him. Either way, he flies back to the barrel without struggle. In fact, he doesn't just run FORWARD, he runs backwards, doing knee-lifts as he goes. "PORTER ARE YOU SEEING THIS? Not a DROP! NOT A DROP!" he lifts his tankard boastfully towards Porter before he gulps it down in practically a single swallow, already refilling his cup and raring to go. "Let's DO this!"

Zephirine arrives, following Talwyn.

Tarik calls over to Rowenova after he makes it to the third barrel and gulps down the tankard. "You really have a lot of faith in me, my love." Tarik laughs, "This reminds me of the time my mother caught me drinking from her private stash, and I was running from the boot she tossed at me."

The trip over to the third barrel is easy, but the third drink going down is not nearly as easy as the first two. In fact, Katya almost doesn't manage to get the contents down. But she's got it, even if she looks just a little green around the edges now.

As people cheer for her, Rowenova takes heart and keeps up her swift speeds, doing so at an even pace just like Kritr says. "Right?" she chugs down this third mug and still stands. Swapping out her empty mug for a full one, then Rowenova gets ready to dash anew for round four. "Of course I have faith, and see: you have prior practice!" she calls back Tarik's way.

The High Lord was starting to pant now. So much running gets the blood pumping, and so much alcohol mixing in was a recipe for disaster. Nonetheless, Victus pressed on! So far unbroken, although certainly losing some grace to his gait. At one point he even stumbled off the track, his eyes scanning through the crowd. Did someone whistle or something? Distractions, distractions! Race man, race! With a quick bit of percussive correction to the side of his noggin, he's running straight again.

"Well, I was considering calling it Tyrval, whether it is a boy or a girl. It's definitely cuter than Tyrval is." Symonesse snuggles the puppy tighter and coos at it, "Yes, you are. But I'm afraid if I call you that, you'll just sulk all the time. So maybe... Daisy, instead. To go with Tulip?" As Lark approaches, the Queen gives her a dazzling smile as she says, "I am just happy that I get to go to not one, but -three- different events in the same week even. I've not been this social in ages."

Rosalind is getting slower somehow! How?! She manages to finish the third tankard though. Which is awesome still! But--She bounces on her toes, trying to gain a fourth wind now. "Gods and spirits! I can do this!"

"Would it help if we throw things at you?" Kritr asks Tarik.

Brianna checked dexterity + sewing at difficulty 9, rolling 13 higher.

Well, everyone's got to cheer for someone in the race don't they? "Go on, Nova! Get it!", Arthen Dayne shouts from between his raised hands cupped around his mouth like a proud adventuring dad or something.

Sending up a cheer as well, and mostly laughing - to be honest, Kalani finishes the contents of the tankard she's holding and lowers it to hold between both hands. There's a certain gleeful delight to watching others doing something silly, and she's delighted to get to observe.

Rosalie smiles at Hamish'a arrival, "Archlector, its wonderful to see you. No last rites as yet, unless you are conducting burials for wounded pride. Are you enjoying yourself thus far?" She strokes at a small puppy's head, just cuddling it lightly until Brianna claims it again.

Ulfric starts off steady but quickly loses his balance, falling hard. Getting up with a laugh he shouts "I need a new beer."

Mabelle laughs helplessly at Jule's comment as she hears her name, "I did not know that's a bragging right". She curls her arm around Lark's arm to keep warm together, "Well and yourself? I am a little grumpy here learning everything is physical. So physical and I'm tiny", she asks Lorenzo, "Do you suppose I can manipulate my way to a puppy? I can do that". Upon hearing the chosen name, she grins at Symmonesse, "Well, lining up the names are important, and maybe some people eat daisies", she winks and adds, "We hope to see you at the Valardin Ward one tomorrow sa well"

Cillian has joined the a supposedly accurate replica of The Bonespire.

Cillian moves over to nod at Svana and Jules, "Hello." he says with his thick nothern shav accent, he moves to cradle the boundle of fur now looking down at it then to Svana.

Smiling up at Porter, she gives a nod, "Probably for the best. We should make sure to soak that shirt later, to ensure it does not stain." Still, she lifts the puppy towards Porter so it can wiggle its little butt and lick at his cheek. Giggling as she pulls the puppy back in, she offers, "I may have to try and talk you into winning me a puppy tonight. They are just too sweet."

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 2 higher.

Katya checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 42 higher. Katya rolled a critical!

Rysen checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 41 higher.

Rorik checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 11 lower.

Victus checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 15 higher.

Rosalind checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 17 lower.

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 42 higher.

Mabelle isnt exactly following, but she calls to Rysen, "Is Rosalind eating her words yet?"

Tarik checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 11 lower.

Mikani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 23 higher.

Helena nods at Lorenzo's sage advice. "It would be pretty much taking a baby from its mother at this point, I concur," she says, midnight-blue eyes sparkling. "Daisy is a lovely name. Daisy is a perfect name for the dog. After all, she is very cheering and it is almost springtime." She takes another sip of her warmed whiskey, then looks to the racing. "I don't think I'd make it out of the first round of this, myself. And I'd have to wear better shoes." She makes a face -- clearly she doesn't like real shoes.

Rowenova checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 3 lower.

Katya checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 39 higher. Katya rolled a critical!

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 7 lower.

Victus checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 14 higher.

"PORTER! ARE YOU WATCHING?! ARE. YOU. WATCHING! THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE!" This is Rorik, shouting over the crowd, clearly bragging. But it is his ego that is his downfall, as it so oft is. He takes one step - one single step! - and then the world goes sideways. Apparently 'how it's done' is Rorik suddenly windmilling as he tumbles forward, the tankard spilling down his back and making him howl as he lands face first in the path.

Lark shrugs her shoulders lightly at she turns to look at Mabelle, "Well, I wasn't planning on doing anything physical." a surprised glint in her eye, "Were you? I simply like to spectate."

"I don't think you're talking to the right man if you're hoping for someone to win you a puppy," Porter says with a laugh to Rosalie and does give the puppy a good petting once it's in his face. He nods to Hamish upon his arrival, eyeballing the beer. "I need to grab another one," he decides but he turns when he hears Rorik shouting his name again, his expression lined with amusement as his cousin keeps up the good fight... until it's over. "Where did Lady Azova wander off to?" Oh, and then Rorik is falling over. "Oh. He almost won!"

Mikani was keeping up. She was. Then there was too much. Too much drink. She stumbled forward and groaned. "I think .... I think I'm done ...."

Kritr checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 5 higher.

Rysen checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 33 higher.

Poppy has left the a cluster of tables and chairs with accents of House Halfshav.

Rorik's antics draw Helena's attention and she giggles a little before clearing her throat. "Yes, Lord Porter. That is clearly the way it is to be done. I hope you took some notes," she says to the Kennex in question, trying to look very somber and not at all teasing.

She knew it! She just KNEW IT! As Rosalind goes to fill her tankard, but..NOOOOOOOO. She turns in hopes Rysen doesn't see her. "I did it Rysen!" Rosa shouts! No she didn't "Okay I didn't! I spilled all over my damn leathers! Don't trip!" Please trip!

Lorenzo gives the queen a warm smile. "A daisy is a summer flower, isn't it? And tulips come up in early spring. I think it would be a pleasing seasonal contrast." Mabelle's question gets a laugh. "Manipulate? I suppose you could try... or you could just ask. Are puppies terribly hard to come by?" He gives a skeptical look at Helena's shoes. "I'm not sure how you even go outside in those cute little silk slippers. I think my feet would get cold just walking around the house."

Maybe there is some strange, crazy trick to this race. The longer it goes, the drunker she gets, the better Katya is performing. She seems more relaxed, less concerned about that full tankard perched on top of her head as she hustles along. Next drink goes down easy, easy. But it's not over! There is more...and as warm and fuzzy as she's feeling, she's looking at the next part of the race with trepidation.

Kassandra just watches those still competing, fully aware that she is still dripping with ale. Hopefully, it is good for the hair.

Azova is here! Somewhere, nearby. Close enough to hear Porter anyway. "I've been sampling the whiskey, obviously." Indeed, she has a glass of it in hand right now, wincing as Rorik shows them all how it's done.

At one of the tents, Adrienne chats pleasantly with Sabella, pausing only to wince at Rorik's spectacular fall. "Are you yet living, Lord Rorik?" she calls out, only half in jest.

Guzzling down a fresh heaping of ale, Victus grabbed hold of the barrel for support. Not too long after, he threw his hand high in the air and roared. "I AM THE STORM!" The tankard toppled out of his hands. "SHIT!" With a quick scramble, he scoops up his vessel and scrambles back onto the track. Not a drop of ale spilled. Yet!

Svana cheers quietly for her friends that have been eliminated, and those who are still going - albeit quietly since she's holding Cillian's baby in her arms.

Mikani helps Rowenova off to the side. "You know ... you know ..." She slurs a bit. "I thought you were going to win the whole damn thing."

"I'm FINE," Rorik muffles from the ground over to Adrienne. He lays on ground for just enough time to be closely acquainted with it, then pulls himself up to stumble over to wherever Porter is. "I basically won," he says to Porter as he flops down, wiping dirt off his face. There's a blink. "Are there puppies here or is the beer making me see things?"

Waldemai fills up his tankard again and sidles over toward Kassandra. "Did it go okay with the Princess? I wasn't going to interrupt her. Would be damned rude of me."

Mabelle grins at Lark, "Well no, I wasnt going to get Ale spilled over myself and shiver the night away, but there are puppies to be had, so I am conflicted". Mabelle looks around the ground for her dogs and points her trio to Lorenzo, "Evidentally not, but winning a puppy is much more rewarding"

"I always enjoy myself, Sister," says Hamish, tone serious, expression grave. He holds up his tankard in greeting toward Porter. "You'd best go get one soon, I do believe they may be running out." When he looks back to Rosalie he glances toward the dog, then shakes his head. "Your son looks just like you." At seeing Rowenova eliminated he clucks his tongue and says, "I would have placed my bets on the scout. She seems like she can do just about anything."

Symonesse just laughs when Victus calls out his battle cry. She offers up a little cheer for the High Lord and raises one of the puppy's paws as if to indicate that little Name Undecided is also cheering.

"Oh hey! I'm in a poem,"Rosalind loudly proclaims. She hurries over to Brianna and asks,"Hey Bri! Can I hold a puppy quick? Please?" Rosa kneels near Caleb then, a smile for him too,"Hey Caleb! How are you?"

Jules checked charm + performance at difficulty 45, rolling 79 higher. Jules rolled a critical!

Tarik laughs as his tankard falls off, "I told you I have three barrels in me." Tarik stops laughing, when he sees Rowenova drops out latter, he walks over to Rowenova. "I think we forgot our usual strategy of me just sitting out, and betting on you to win.

Kassandra says, "I think so." Kass seems to have gone into shy mode. "I didn't realize who she was at first." She then offers a friendly smile to the tall blacksmith, "You did much better than I did.""

1 Redoubt Buccaneers, Carrier Raven named Bucko, Irene - Shaggy Wolfhound leave, following Ulfric.

Kritr trails after Victus, less hurried, more thirsty. He hasn't been sprinting, arriving at each barrel just barely ahead of disqualification.

Porter squints at Helena, before he taps his nose as if he's thinking about something. "Yes, you're right. It clearly is the way. I /should/ have taken notes. Now I'm never going to be able to reclaim that glory." He glances to Azova, "Oh, there you are! Look, Rorik is back." He points down to his cousin on the ground in front of them. "Is the whiskey good?" The warning that the beer might RUN OUT motivates, Porter. He steps away to find some, with the intention of returning shortly.

Jules looks over at Mabelle as she mentions the bragging rights and nods his head to her, "Quite so! I have a few people I know that will claim they know me, I have to capitalize on those poor individuals!"

Waldemai shakes his head. "Not much, but it doesn't matter. The games are for fun." He motions toward her hands with his mug. "Ink, right? You know all that reading and writing and such?"

And one by one, the racers are weeded out. Elgana gives a little boo when Rowenova is eliminated, laughing at Victus' cry, but she looks then to the tally on the sheet her lady is keeping and says, "We are down to the last few brave souls. We shall see just who is northern in spirit today!"

Katya checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 50, rolling 11 lower.

So many put their faith in Rowenova (who usually lasts far longer than the four tankards she recently downed), but it certainly seems that after the fourth one, she ultimately stumbles from the race run with Mikani's help for which she quietly thanks her. She lets out a boozy laugh after Tarik's words, "Impressive foresight!" A silver lining she always finds. "Still fun! And, seeing you run faster than me, that was HOT, too." So inebriated, there are fewer inhibitions here. She tells Mika, "I was hoping I would, but not today!"

Victus checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 50, rolling 12 higher.

Rosalie checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 40, rolling 16 lower.

Mabelle grins at Jules, "Business man through and through". She eyes Rorik to the side, all over the floor and remarks to him, "Might as well make snow angels while you're down there"

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 50, rolling 44 lower.

Rysen checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 50, rolling 7 lower.

Kassandra winces at her fingers "Yes, I do know all of the reading, writing and stuff. It's been my life for many years now." She shrugs, "It is easy to loose oneself in the realm of books. It lets you forget."

Svana scoffs at Jules. "No wonder you like me. I not only admit to knowing you, I admit to being married to you." She kisses his cheek fondly before she looks down at the baby in her arms and coos, gently booping it on the nose.

"I wear boots if I have to be in it for more than a few minutes, but I don't like my feet to be stifled." At the final round of the race she gives her attention to the finalists, curious as to how things will pan out in the most difficult lap.

Rosalie glances up at Porter and smiles faintly, "Oh I do not know about that, my lord. Just because you did not win this contest does not mean you could not win another." Then there's Hamish's words and Rosalie draws in a swift, sharp breath. Her lips press together tightly as she blinks, letting out a small breath before handing the puppy back to Brianna. She looks to Hamish, drawing herself up to her ful, not at all imposing height, and murmurs, "My son, Archlector, looked like his father, but had my eyes." SHe dips into a small curtsy and glances to Porter, "I am sorry..." THen she turns and departs the grouping.

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

"Very good." Azova assures, though it might well be after Porter has wandered off to find it regardless of her answer. She'll give Rorik a sympathetic expression for his /horrible loss/ though, and finish her drink quickly. "I've an early shift at the House of Solace tomorrow, but this was amazingly entertaining to watch. Try not to get into two much trouble, gentlemen." The others she knows are given a cheery wave before she slips through the crowd.

Mabelle peeks at Helena and wonders, "Stifled? You can make them out of Velvet and then they are fun", she displays her own leg to her and her fancy velvet boots"

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

Rosalind takes a big drink from her whiskey and hurries out,"I need to go pound on Cadern and Aella's doors! They're missing EVERYTHING!" She waves at everyone a lot! A bit drunk but still!

Talwyn steps into the festivities, and he claps gamely while he watches the race. He moves towards the food and drinks.

Kritr gets to the fifth barrel last, but without any disappointment as he drinks his fourth tankard and refills it. "Well done my Lords. Well done."

Svana gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

When Porter is coming back with his beer, he's catching just the very end of whatever it was that Rosalie was saying to Hamish. He visibly winces and then his expression falls. He looks after her and stoops down, handing the beer off to his cousin. "Drink this for me, Rorik, thanks."

Rosalind takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Waldemai looks down into his mug of beer. "I don't read or write," he tells Kassandra. "When there's something need forgetting, there's beer and there's singing and games and such."

When Victus makes it to the final barrel, it's more of a careening trainwreck that conveniently hit its mark. He nearly takes the full barrel of ale down with him as he slams into it, followed by a quick wrestling match with the inanimate object as he seems to have forgotten the basics of barrel operation. Yet through the force of brute smarts, he prevails! The last tankard is downed, and the Prince is a bonfire of adrenaline and alcohol. "I'm young and SPRY! My blood is booze!" He calls out, falling onto one knee. "I WILL SUPLEX A BEAR!" Drunkenly, he keels over onto his ass, palms flat on the ground to keep himself steady. "I need to lay down."

Nina is feeling a little put together, enough to simply watch the end of the race and see what happens there. She laughs loudly as Victus seems to finally take a very graceful victory.

Mikani walks a very crooked line to Rysen and plants a very very passionate kiss to his lips. "My hero!"

Sapphira relinquishes her cup when a servant in Whitehawk livery comes to find her, calling the blonde to excuse herself away from the party.

2 Whitehawk Guards leaves, following Sapphira.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound leaves, following Rosalind.

"You can do this...just...don't trip. Don't. Trip." Katya murmurs to herself as she gets the tankard refilled, and then she's off. Remember how she hiked up the hem of her skirt at the beginning of all this? She really should have secured it a whole lot better then she did, because the hem slides down, and she gets it caught under her foot. She stumbles, a few steps from the final barrel, but manages to not drop everything. Mostly, she tries to get contents drank, and it doesn't all really happen in the order it is supposed to. She's at the barrel, and manages to get most of the tankard down before two seconds later her rear end hits the ground as her knees forget to work, and she looks like she might just pass out on the ground.

Kassandra offers "I could teach you how to read and write, if you wish." She looks at her mug and nods, "There are distractions of all kinds. But I fear my singing is rather off-key and I woudn't wish to offend anyone with it."

Symonesse's eyes widen as Rosalie turns to leave. She looks over at Hamish, brows arching as she says softly, "I see you are still quite skilled at fitting your foot in your mouth." Her golden eyes widen as Victus announces he will suplex a bear. She pauses, then calls out, "Keep the poor bears away from the High Lord!"

Cillian takes a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Jules looks over to Mabelle and shakes his head, "It's all truth Lady Belle! There's got to be a point where you can just acknowledge the way it is I think!"

Brianna hands her puppies to Mirk and goes to offer Victus a hand up. "You clearly were born to the wrong family. You'd make an excellent Northern lord."

Rosalie has left the a small gazebo with a forest motif in the style of House Blackwood.

Porter has left the a small gazebo with a forest motif in the style of House Blackwood.

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

Lark claps her hands enthusiastically toward Victus, "Well done!" smiling and holding up her glass in his direction before turning back to her conversation with Mabelle.

Rowenova gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Applauding the - at least to her - surprising victory by the Thraxian Highlord, Adrienne murmurs to a nearby attendant, "Perhaps some water for him with our compliments? Or snow." A lot of snow. Buckets of snow.

Sabella takes a moment from talking with Adrienne to stand up, jumping up and down, to cheer for Victus! "Hooray, Prince Victus! You are the storm! A tornado of poise and drinking!" She then calls out to Elgana, "Please keep the bears away, Alarissa will never forgive you!"

Zoey has joined the an ornately crafted bench made out of exotic House Crovane black lumber.

Waldemai shakes his head. "Never needed to, never wanted to. People can just go around writing anything, right?" He thinks about that. His thought processes are not helped by the beer. "Is there something someone can't write?"

"Drink what?" Rorik blinks as Porter shoves a tankard of beer in his hands and walks out, shrugging his shoulders as he sits up to take a few gulps. "Are we fighting bears?" he asks this of Sabella, peering at her. "I think I'll sit that one out."

Cheering and applauding, and the laughing outright as Victus performs a gravity check and sits down, with unbeatable style, to confirm that the ground is precisely where he left it last. Kalani grins broadly, lifting her tankard to toast all the successful game contestants.

"What does suplex mean?" Helena murmurs to Lorenzo, eyes widening at Victus' victory cries but then grinning at the punchline. To Mabelle she says, "they are lovely. I just like lighter things on my feet, but sometimes winter requires more." Her gaze drifts over to the little faux pas, and she frowns a little, but adds her applauds to those for the finalists. "Well done, all!" she calls out. "You've all earned your worth of to being called northerners for the night."

Mabelle cheers for the winners, "Well done indeed!", she also cheers for Jules because she has no idea how to respond to that and she might have had too much whiskey. She returns to her conversation with Lark, murmuring to her teasingly, "Time to fill it then". She chuckles at Helena, "Slippers are more? Arent you cold though?"

Merek makes a way to the place to look about!

Cillian looks up and applauds for those who were in the contest waving his hand at Nova while he sits with Svana and Jules.

Kassandra says, "Perhaps the better question is are there things that shouldn't be written." Kass answers, "With the proper paper and ink, one can write many things, but it is not always wise to write just anything. Does that make any sense?""

Down to the last four, Elgana can't keep her eyes on anything else but those racers. Who will trip? Who will guzzle their way to victory? She has no idea, but there are gasps and then a laugh. All wide-eyed she watches until the last person is standing--er laying down?--and then she laughs, applauding loudly. "Well done, Your Grace! And Lord Rysen and Lady--" she looks to her lady's maid who murmurs a name, "Katya! Lady Katya!" There are prizes to be given out, so Elgana does just that--two ingots of star iron, wrapped in red silk, go to Victus, or preferably someone attending Victus as the High Lord of Thrax seems slightly drunk. She laughs at Sabella's call, nose wrinkling as she says back, "No worries! No bears here. At least not the sort he probably wants to suplex!" And then two pieces of shiny, beautiful mirrorsilver to Lord Rysen, "You do the northlands proud!" And then an ingot each of iridescite and stygian to Lady Katya. "Are you sure you aren't from the north?" she wonders to the Grimhall, smiling warmly. "That was wonderful!" she says the whole assembled here. "Our next game will be starting soon and that is going to be ran by our very own delightful Lady Brianna when she is ready!"

Rukhnis applauds appropriately for the glorious(?) victory of the contestants, and a little louder for the second-place finish of Rysen himself, though she can't quite suppress a sigh at his final state of inebriation. Possibly she's thinking of all the pots of hangover cure tea she's going to be brewing up in the morning. Then she gives up her vantage point by the shrubbery to make her way over to the display of the Saga of the Stormspeaker, which she eyes with a narrow look of caution.

Rowenova has joined the a supposedly accurate replica of The Bonespire.

Mikani has joined the an ornately crafted bench made out of exotic House Crovane black lumber.

Tarik has joined the a supposedly accurate replica of The Bonespire.

Lorenzo just watches the activity and chaos for a moment, only coming back to himself when Helena murmurs a question to him. "What? Oh, I'm not sure. It sounds like... complex? Like, a really strong complex?" That doesn't even make sense, so Lorenzo tries another sip of whiskey. "It was quite an interesting contest," he agrees.

"If those who have borrowed the puppies could kindly return them, please? Except for Queen Symonesse. Please accept that puppy as a gift from the North," Brianna says graciously.

Rysen races around with his drink doing well. When he sees Rosalind drop hers, he bursts into riotous laughter - just before drunkenly dropping his own. He continues laughing drunkenly, and cheers on Victus as he carries on. "Well contested," he says to Kirtr and Katya.

When Elgana bestows the mirrorsilver on Rysen with her kind words, he bows his head, pride and gratitude intermingling on his features. "Thank you, Your Highness," he says, before smiling to Rukhnis and Mikani, and making his way over to them, with more than a little drunken lean to his steps.

Brianna drops Arm-wrestling Tournament Explanation.

Mabelle claps her hands happily, "Oh the puppy race is about to start", that is not what it is, it is not what that is.

Waldemai grins and taps his head. "Ah, but if you're counting on wisdom to stop people from writing the wrong thing, you won't be counting for long. My old gaffer used to say, 'If common sense is so common, why is there so little of it about?', right?"

"We all have our skills, your highness," says Hamish as he watches Rosalie walk out. "I honestly forgot. Which I shouldn't have. My first interaction with her was asking about her husband and being lectured because I didn't ask about a son I didn't know existed. Though now I wonder what happened to her daughter." He sets down his unfinished beer. "I will apologize once it is more welcome than not."

Rowenova has joined the line.

Poppy has joined the line.

Symonesse has joined the line.

Victus takes hold of Brianna's hand. The workload is about 90/10, with Brianna taking the heavy part. "My mother was Northern." He muses, his speech slightly slurred. "Big with fancy armor and all that. Fucked up a whole lot of evil in her day." It takes near as much effort for Victus to stand up straight than he did the entire race. Nonetheless, he seems... self-aware of his surroundings, at least. Enough so that he can claim his prize when it's delivered. "Oh wow. This is fucking shiny." With a controlled stumble, he makes his way back over to the Halfshav tables. Giving some uncoordinated waves left and right from those who cheer. He's hopeless to actually try and locate them for a personal thank you.

Mabelle has joined the line.

Talwyn gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Having finished her drink and returning the empty tankard to the tray where she'd selected it from and joins the line, because she really just can't resist party games of this sort.

Tarik has joined the line.

"Wise words. Shall we join the next game?" Kass asks Waldemai. "Sometimes common sense isn't very common at all."

Kassandra has joined the line.

Kalani has joined the line.

Svana gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Waldemai has joined the line.

Khanne gets a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard from a mighty chest full of tankards.

Mikani has joined the line.

Poppy had wandered off and mingled and chatted with anyone who would listen. But now, now there's puppies on the line! They must be won! She grins at Nova as she clambers to join the line. "Go easy on me, okay?"

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

Lark chuckles softly at Mabelle with a shrug of her shoulders after a exchange of quiet murmuring.

Katya accepts the prizes from Elgana, then she shakes her head, "I'm fairly certain." She offers, getting back to her feet and doing a reasonable job of standing up without swaying too much. The prizes get tucked into a pocket for safe keeping, then she shakes her head, "No, not secretly Northern. But I like the snow, I would not be against seeing it once."

Svana stands up and looks at Jules. "I believe that I should I go show you exactly how strong I am in order to assuage your fears about the birthing chamber and me possibly murdering you."

Merek has joined the line.

Svana has joined the line.

With a drunken swagger, Rowenova sways her way to the armwrestling line, doing so with a grin to Svana before she looks to Poppy with a thumbs up!

Talwyn has joined the line.

Mabelle notices the people in the line, then she looks at Brianna's arms. Compares them with her arms. Begins to panic.

Once she is aware that the arm-wrestling is beginning, Symonesse gazes at the puppy in her arm and tilts her head, "Should we? Yeah, I think we should." So, with the puppy tucked securely in the crook of her arm, because there is no need to surrender it just to wrestle arms, the Queen makes her way toward the arm-wrestling area. "I am here to wrestle an arm!"

Kassandra usually lifts nothing heavier than a quill or a book. What arm muscle mass? She glances to the blacksmith, "I think you will win this one easily."

Talwyn moves over to the line since he sees everyone starting to queue up. He takes a gulp from his tankard as he asks the previous person in line, "What are we queuing up for? Is it a race?"

Mirk has joined the line.

Katya has joined the line.

Rorik let's out a loud WHOOP for Symonnese. "Bring home the prize, your Highness!" he calls out and then takes another drink.

Kritr has joined the line.

Merek makes a way to the wrestling though he looks towards the place others were at then sighs.

Nina looks up, startled, as the queen is about to arm wrestle. Nina will definitely not arm wrestle. But she wants to see this play out. Maybe someone is surprisingly strong. Without thinking about it, even though it's probably foolish, she gets herself more beer. She'll just nurse it, this time.

Mikani shouts, "Rysen ...! Zoey has a question for you!"

"The snow is wonderful, and the northlands should be visited at least once in someone's lifetime," Elgana assures Katya with a little wink. She turns then, looking around for something before her lady hands her a mug. She gives a murmured thanks, taking a sip as she settles in to watch quietly for once as Brianna gets her game going. "This has been such a lovely turn out. I'm so happy to see so many new and familiar faces."

Elgana has joined the a cluster of stone benches and tables with accents of House Sanna.

Rowenova says in Northlands shav, "Goodman Arthen Dayne, come wrassle!"

Symonesse turns, gives Rorik a dazzling grin and calls back, "Thank you for your support, Lord Rorik! You'll be at the top of thelist for play dates for my new puppy!"

"I will do my very best to see it, at least once." Katya assures Elgana before she smooths out her skirt, then moves to join in with those that are signing up for the arm wrestling.

"Only if I stand in the snow for too long," says Helena, and she swings her feet, a few inches off the ground from where she perches on her low-hanging branch. It's quite the perfect spot from which she can see easily all of the events. She takes another sip of her tea, and chuckles at Symonesse signing up for the game. "My money's on you, your highness!" Mainly because she thinks maybe whoever wrestles her might throw their game, but she won't say as much. Nope. "Good luck!"

Rukhnis studies the Saga of the Stormspeaker with keen interest tempered by the occasional quiet grumble, though overall her impression seems to be a favourable one as indicated by a small nod of what looks like approval at the end. Then she turns from the text to frown over at the arm wrestling and its next display of classic northlanderishness.

Brianna strides over to a table with a chair on either side. "First up! Lady Mikani and Waldemai!"

Waldemai puts down his beer and walks up. "Ready, m'lady."

Rorik shouts back to Symonesse: "Can I have a play date with Tulip, too?" And then sits somewhere to watch the wrestling!

Khanne gets a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear from a chest full of gift bags.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 58 higher.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 80 higher.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Waldemai checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Waldemai checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Waldemai checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Mikani checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Mikani checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Mikani checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Hamish has joined the line.

Jules turns his eyes over towards the cheering Belle from earlier and laughs but then Svana's off to show off her strength and blinks. He looks around trying to figure out what's happening but is just seeming as though he's been caught off guard. That and of course there's so much to distract the poor man.

Waldemai manages to...well, manages to isn't quite fair. He is a smith, after all. "Sorry, m'lady. That wasn't really fair."

Mikani looses gracefully and smiles, "No worries. Not hurt ... well anything but my pride."

"Our winner is Waldemai! Up next, Archlector Hamish and Scout Rowenova!" Brianna calls out.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 105 higher. Rowenova rolled a critical!

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Hamish checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Hamish checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Hamish checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

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

Khanne is overheard praising Brianna: Seeing her run such a tournament does my little Halfshav Heart proud.

Striding up to the armwrestling table, Rowenova respectfully bows to Hamish before sitting down and pushing aside her cloak panel which ultimately reveals her doublet sleeve with the wiry arm with its dense muscling somewhat defined before getting ready to clasp together with the Archlector for the show down.

Hamish steps up to stand across from Rowenova and gives her a nod. "This is what I get for telling everyone earlier that I would bet on you to do anything, Scout Rowenova." Then, despite being quite a bit taller than the Northlander, he sits down and, though muscles bulge in impressive fashion, it does appear that the god of arm wrestling (Limerance, it makes sense if you really think about it) is not with the Archlector today. Whether through skill or hidden reserves of strength, the scout pins him quite readily. While rubbing his wrist Hamish speaks to Rowenova in halting northlands shav.

Hamish says in Northlands shav, "A good job of your face! A horse heart in your bosom swells!"

Brianna says, "Ouch. Scout Rowenova with the win! Up next, Lady Mabelle and Lord Mirk!"

Mirk checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Mirk checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Mirk checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Mabelle checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Mabelle checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Mabelle checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

There's some clapping from Elgana as Waldemai takes the win. "Well done!" She gives a smile to Mikani though, "Good show, Lady Mikani." And then Rowenova is up, so Elgana quiets down. But her eyes go wide as she watches the Scout versus Hamish. Elgana's eyes stay wide all the way until the end, but there's more applause. "Gods and spirits, Row!" she laughs, leaning to give Hamish a look to be certain he still has an arm.

Talwyn watches as the arm wrestling starts, "Oh, looks like its arm wrestling!" Prince Talwyn finally gets close enough to see what's happening, and he cheers for the competitors at the table - he almost forgets he's in the line - enjoying his drink

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist have been dismissed.

Poppy cheers and whoops for Nova and then for Mirk, "You've got this! Go House Halfshav!"

Rukhnis stays long enough to applaud Mikani's valorous effort, and to stare in no small wonderment as Rowenova handily dispatches Hamish with what looks like the barest twitch of muscle. Then after one final quick glance around, she eels her way out through the crowd once more and melts back into the shadows of the evening.

Khanne glances over to Poppy and smiles. "I like anyone who cheers for House Halfshav."

"That was amazing, my love!" Tarik cheers for Rwoenova.

Mabelle stares a little bit at Brianna as she draws the names. She then stares at Mirk. "But....", she almost protests. She wanders toward the huge lord and nearly whimpers at Mirk, "I need my arms so...", and before it even starts its.. over. He didnt even have to apply strength, meanwhile she is rubbing her arm, "Owe. Owe. Good sport!", is it?


Standing in line near Merek, Kalani watches the contest as it unfolds. She speaks in a low voice, "I am foolishly hoping to win a puppy. I'm sure my messenger Raccoon will have a fit, but it'll be fun if it comes to pass."

Svana is overheard praising Rowenova: I believe my friend gave an Archlector a wound that will make his bones ache on rainy days.

Symonesse cheers for Mabelle as she steps up to arm-wrestle Mirk. "Lady Mabelle, you can do it!" She loudly whispers to the person next to her, "Is this only done one-handed? Are we allowed to kick?"

Brianna says, "Congratulations, Lord Mirk. Our next competitors: Prince Talwyn and Tarik!"

After a precise pinning of Hamish's hand to the table top, Rowenova lets go and rises up before bowing deeply then popping up to her full height once more. After what Hamish tells her in Northlands Shav, she momentarily eyes him then heartily laughs with Northern volume! "Thank you for complimenting my face, and... well, my heart, too. Good work, and thank you for your desire to bet, earlier on!"

Kassandra claps for the blacksmith "I knew you would do well." She then watches as the woman who is next just hammers her opposition. "Looks like you may have some competition though."

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "GO Goodman Tarik!"

Poppy beams over at Khanne and gives her a wave. "Well. They are my Leige house. I think Volcica would stare ice daggers at me if I didn't. I'm Lady Poppy Stahlben by the way."

"We can do a drunken race later to make up for this one," Merek offers then to Kalani, and nods to the woman.

Mirk sits down at the armwrestling table. He looks thoroughly out of place in a contest of physical strength, but he braces one elbow on the table and stares across the table at Mabelle. "Best of luck," he says to her, clasping her hand with one. He readies himself and gives a firm push, seeming surprised at how quickly Mabelle folds. "It was a good try. Truth be told, I expected that to be me, if I had been paired with one of the warriors present."

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 32 higher.

"That was amazing, my love!" Tarik cheers for Rwoenova.

Talwyn checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Hamish looks confused by Rowenova's laugh. "I complimented your face?" He shakes his head and walks back to where he set down his beer. "I'm out of practice."

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Talwyn checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Talwyn checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 9 lower.

Mabelle raises her eyebrow at Mirk, "Who are you joking? You're huge". Owe. She then smiles abashedly at Symonesse, "I did my best, your Majesty"

Kalani, or Lani as her friends call her, exhales a laugh and lightly elbows Merek. "You missed the drunken race, earlier. They had to balance a tankard on their heads and run around barrels. It was hilarious. Lord Victus won, I think, mostly, the ground sort of .. rose up at the end and helped him."

Khanne smiles and holds her hands up to applaud Mirk. She then looks again to Poppy. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Poppy Stahlben. Your house has much to be proud of itself. I am Duchess Khanne Halfshav, also known as Vala of the Northlands."

Katya watches the competitors as each pair come up, applauding for each. She doesn't seem to have any favorites in the matches, just watches curiously. And a little drunkenly.

Rowenova heads back to the replica of The Bonespire to stand there but cheers! "That's my man!"

Waldemai shakes his head. "Not competition. I know Rowenova, and if she's next for me, I'll be heading back home with a sore shoulder."

Merek nods a bit to Kalani, "I apologize, anyway we'll make up for it later, that works right?" It seems that he wanted to participate, while he waits for his wrestle.

"Nothing to apologize for," Lani remarks quietly, shaking her head at her fellow physician, "it was just funny, that's all."

Rowenova helpfully/hopefully assures Waldemai, "I do not seek to do you harm, simply pin you quite precisely! Though, you never know! Balance is key, too, and I just drank a whole lot of booze!" Well, so did almost everyone else.

1 Templar Knight guards, Sir Daniel the Beardless, a somewhat hapless Templar leave, following Hamish.

So when his name is called, Prince Talwyn steps up to the table and sits down. He manages a smile at his competition, "This should be fun." He steadies his elbow on the table, and not with great technique, he tries to hold himself against Tarik!! It kindly teeters on the balance - for all of 3s, and then his knuckle is trumped on the table. He gamely says, "Good match!" and rubs his sore knuckle surreptiously

Merek nods a bit with a little smile, though he does wait to see the woman's thoughts on his question. Then he takes a drink of water.

"You definitely did, Lady Mabelle. His arms were on the large side." Symonesse sighs in sympathetic consolation as she passes the puppy to Mabelle. "Here. This should make you feel better."

Poppy beams at Khanne even more "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard lots of wonderful things about you." She returns to cheering the competition and rubs her flabby unmuscled arms "Why does it look like only giants are left? "

Mabelle beams delightedly as she is being handed a puppy. Now's the time to make a run for it. But she wont. She bids Symonesse, "Good luck!", and concentraces and making cooing sounds at the little creature.

2 Redrain Guards, Ciro Sclafani, a world-weary manservant, Hypoluxo, a black and white borzoi pup leave, following Lorenzo.

"Considering how much fun all of these party games have been, in the last two days?" Kalani voices this question to Merek in return and grins. "Yeah, this'll make up for it. Plus," she spins slowly around in the cold, "it's the best winter so far."

Tarik gets up to the table and dips his head to Talwyn, "Good luck to you!" Tarik places his elbow on the table and says, "I am just glad there is no silver on this." Tarik pushes against Talwyn's hand until he manages to force it down against the table. Tarik dips his head again to Talwyn, a bit surprise that he won, "Yes, excellent match."

From over by the Bonspire replica, Rowenova merrily applauds, "Good work, Love!"

Brianna says, "Excellent win, Goodman Tarik! Next up, Lady Poppy and Lord Kritr!"

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

"I'm just glad that miserable RAIN ended!" Kritr bellows. "RAIN! So WEAK! Be snow, or stay where you were." He steps up to the podium to armwrestle Poppy. "For the Honor of House Clearlake." He says, lowering his arm and levelling a stare at the woman who joins him there.

"Well, I more meant a make-up race later," Merek mentions then to Kalani, then looks about, "It's a winter like most winters. I like most winters."

This puppy has chewable ears. Really. It does. Control yourself, Mabelle.

Nina puts her beer down for just a moment to applaud the winners so far. But then she's distracted by the puppy, as it's passed to Mabelle. "Aww. They're so cute!" She looks at Poppy. "It's brave of her to do arm wrestling. Maybe I could've tried after all."

Poppy just stares at Kritr. "Good gods! Is that muscle ON muscle?! " She looks back to the Halfshavs, "If I die from arm wrestling please tell my family it was epic and amazing." Turning back to Kritr, she grins widely at him before shouting "FOR STAHLBEN!"

Poppy checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 13 lower.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 45 higher.

Poppy checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 11 lower.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 32 higher.

Poppy checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 13 lower.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

"I do not understand these words," Kalani sounds baffled by this statement. "I mean.. individual word wise, I totally get each word. But as a declarative statement, combined? you LIKE winter?" She then huffs out a laugh, "Craziness. Give me roasting sun and ocean waves."

Helena stands and moves to a place there's no snow to stand on, given everyone's interest in her silken footwear on the snowy grounds. "Those of you who would like to take part in a test of your olfactory perception, we can get started while we wait for the others to finish. Please form a line. Those of you still in the wrestling queue, you can join after you are done showing your muscular prowess." She gestures to the servants, who bring forth a table full of mystery boxes and blindfolds.

Talwyn smiles at Tarik, "You are a great athlete!" he compliments the man, "Good luck with the next stage!" and he heads to sit down to watch the rest of the competition

Mabelle calls to Helena, "Does that win puppies too?"

Kassandra watches all the arm wrestling wondering why she agreed to participate. "This will be amusing. Is there a prize for last place as well?"

Poppy never even stood a chance. Thing is, she tried right? Screaming her words and then scrambling she pushes and heaves against Kritr's arm. He does not move. Not an inch. She groans with strain and effort. "I got this. It's fine. Totally fine." Nope. Finally a waver before he finally puts her out of her misery.

Svana is overheard praising Poppy: Mr. Muscles is hard to beat but you give it your all.

"No, sorry. I don't know how to raise puppies!" says Helena with a laugh. "So for this contest, you will be blindfolded and go through a gauntlet of smelling challenges to test your perception *and* your knowledge of the amazing flora that makes up the northlands." She nods to the servants who pick up the black blindfolds, approaching those lined up for the test.

Kritr reaches out a hand and rests it on Poppy's shoulder. "You did your best." He tells her before standing up and reclaiming his beer.

"Yes, this is my favorite season and all," Merek says then to Kalani, while he nods a bit with a little smile.

Brianna says, "Hey, you managed to win one, Poppy. Next, we have Lady Kalani and Sir Merek!"

Poppy laughs as she straightens "Pretty sure you moved just to make me feel better." She gives his shoulder a punch, not that he even would feel it. "Good luck with the next round."

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 51 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Merek checked strength + smithing at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Merek checked strength + smithing at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Merek checked strength + smithing at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

Nina sighs, a lot. Well, that was probably a predictable outcome, but she can't fault Poppy for her moxy on this one. "Good try!"

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Merek checked strength + smithing at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

"You did your best!" Elgana calls over to Poppy, giving her a warm smile. "I can't imagine going up against a wall of muscle like that myself." As Helana gets a game going, Elgana turns her attention that way, curious. She smiles when she sees the blindfolds. "That looks like a fun game," she muses but doesn't budge from her spot just yet. There's a light nudge at Arthen as she gives the adventurer a grin. "It's been too long. We should swap stories, I have a few I bet you haven't heard yet."

As she is being blindfolded, Mabelle mumbles to the puppy, "You will help me smell things, right?"

Poppy hearing the princess's game rubs her hands together. "This is something I can do."

Merek offers up his arm to Kalani, while he nods a bit, then he begins to fight with the woman in wrestling. The man matches with her well, in fact it almost looks like showsmanship, the perfect way in which it always seems on edge of who might win.

With a gracious curtsey to Sabella, Adrienne joins the contestants circling Helena. She steps over at least one intoxicated northerner on the way (after casting the man a critical eye to ensure he is not, in fact, dead). Her pale eyes are serious as the blindfold is fitted over her head. She purses her lips.

Mabelle checked perception + medicine at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Mabelle checked perception + medicine at difficulty 35, rolling 30 higher.

Mabelle checked perception + medicine at difficulty 40, rolling 23 higher.

"See? Words that I understand but actually don't," Kalani replies to Merek as they step forward for their turn. Giving a playful flex of her arms, both of them, and then exchanging a quick grin with Merek before they get down to it. Kalani relies on years of training as a physician, and a LOT of hauling wounded patients about and so on, along with hands on knowledge of the human body and muscles, vis a vis leverage and so on, to make a go at this. She makes a funny face at Merek, ON PURPOSE, in the middle of it all and firmly resists the urge to grab the edge of the table with her other hand to assist but ultimately she squeaks by with a win. SQUEAKS.

Kritr finds his way over to Mabelle and in his distinctive rumble asks: "Why are you wearing a blindfold?" Je wasm

Kritr finds his way over to Mabelle and in his distinctive rumble asks: "Why are you wearing a blindfold?" He wasn't paying attention to the start of that contest.

Brianna says, "Well done, Lady Kalani! Up next, we have Queen Symonesse and Lady Katya!"

"It's a contest, Lord Kritr," Zoey answers. "She needs to concentrate on the smells."

Merek seems content, while he stands up from the arm-wrestling competition, then nods to Kalani, "Well fought." The man offers a smile while he waits along to watch, crossing his arms.

Nina gets another drink to watch the next round of wrestling. Her eyes are totally riveted on this contest now, so she doesn't even really notice another one is taking place.

Zoey checked perception + occult at difficulty 30, rolling 45 higher. Zoey rolled a critical!

Zoey checked perception + occult at difficulty 35, rolling 1 lower.

Zoey checked perception + occult at difficulty 45, rolling 4 lower.

Zoey checked perception + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 5 lower.

As Symonesse steps up to face Katya, she gives her a charming smile and tilts her head a little bit as she holds her rather delicately pale hand out to be clasped, "Are you prepared to be a dog mom, Lady Katya? I think I am. I mean, so far I've raised human-ish children and a cow and a whole bunch of baby spiders. I really think I'm ready for a dog."

Kalani moves off to the side but not before she does a little jig in place, spinning around again then offering up a hand to high-5 Merek. "See? No booze required to have fun."

Symonesse checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Symonesse checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Symonesse checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

As the servants approach Mabelle and the puppy on this magnificent collaboration, as Zoey informed Kritr on her behalf, she begins to smell and prevent puppy from chewing, because who knows. First box mumbling goes, "Birch? That's birch". The second box handed to her she takes a deep breath and notes, "Fireweed". She struggles a bit with the third as it makes her almost pass out and she notes, "Purple.. heather? I think"

Merek blinks a bit while he offers the high five, not used to it. He nods a bit, "Thank you," he offers, "You have a nice match, I am going to see if this other thing has any room," he adds, looking to Helena's thing.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

"Have fun! I think you get to hold on to a puppy while you do it," Kalani replies with a nod and a grin to Merek before she tucks her hands beneath her cloak to keep her hands warm as she waits for the next round.

"Your Majesty." Katya replies as she steps up to take her place across from Symonesse, "I'm not entirely sure, Your Majesty. I've never actually raised anything on my own. I think I had a fish once..." She then settles in to battle the Queen. Is winning or losing the wiser course of action here?

"Oh." Kritr understands quickly. "Well good luck." He tells Mabelle. "I would be terrible at that. I breathe through my mouth unless it is really cold."

Adrienne checked perception + medicine at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Adrienne checked perception + medicine at difficulty 35, rolling 3 higher.

Adrienne checked perception + medicine at difficulty 40, rolling 6 higher.

Zoey is blindfolded next, saying, "This reminds me of guessing the ingredients at your baking event, Belle." She smells the first box. "Oh, that's cedar! I would know that one anywhere." The other two though, elicit a shake of her head and a confession of, "So familiar, but I can't quite place it."

Jules has left the a supposedly accurate replica of The Bonespire.

Kritr folds his arms over his chest and watches Mabelle acutely. He has at least a passing understanding of plants, just not how they smell.

Poppy checked perception + medicine at difficulty 30, rolling 26 higher.

Poppy checked perception + medicine at difficulty 35, rolling 40 higher.

Poppy checked perception + medicine at difficulty 40, rolling 1 higher.

"A good showing, your Highness!" Rorik cheers for Symonesse and then ambles to his feet. "Zoey, I'm leaving!" He waves to his cousin-by-marriage before he staggers out, making sure to grab a whiskey for the road.

"I think it could be fun. You should definitely win a puppy. They are a little harder than a fish, even though I've never had a fish, but I just think they would naturally be more difficult than a fish. I mean, how do you take care of a fish? Just look at it in the water? Still, you look very capable. Might I recommend 'Daisy' as a good name?" The Queen makes and effort to push down Katya's arm. For a moment, she thinks she might almost have it. No, not really. Symonesse's arm goes down without much effort at all, leaving her laughing. "Goodness, you're strong! Good job! Remember, Daisy is a great name for a puppy!" She ends the contest by offering Katya a very solemn fist bump.

Adrienne stands utterly still while waiting for her turn, a blindfolded statue trying to get her sightless bearings. A servant warns her of his approach and she tilts her head, taking a hesitant breath of whatever is offered. She pauses, thinks. "Bog myrtle." There is no warning for the second box and she coughs with an accusatory frown. "NOT bog myrtle. Bear berry." The third servant brings a third box and gives the princess a warning. This one takes Adrienne the longest of all, her pause prengant before she says with hesitant certainty, "Melancholy thistle."

"Behave yourself!" Zoey bids Rorik as he departs.

Maybe Katya was going to let the Queen win, because that is what a good citizen does. But in the end she just really wants that puppy! She's quite careful to not damage Her Majesty in the process, smiling at her at the fist bump, "Daisy it is then, Your Majesty. And yes, but you also have to change the fishes water, which is tricky. They are very slippery."

"Well. I can smell bear berries when I find them." Kritr comments. "And anyone that tries to harvest them."

Brianna says, "Congratulations, Lady Katya! Don't worry, Your Majesty. Your heart will not be broken this day. Up next, Kassandra and Svana!"

Svana checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Symonesse makes a little face and leans in to whisper, "Oh gods, you have to -touch them-?!" The Queen shudders and shakes her head vehemently. "Gross."

Svana checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Svana checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 13 lower.

Tarik checked perception + occult at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

Tarik checked perception + occult at difficulty 35, rolling 14 higher.

Mabelle pulls at her blindfold, "Can I take this off now?"

Tarik checked perception + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 13 lower.

Kassandra smiles softly to Svana "This should be an easy win for you." She notices the other contest. That one should be more up her alley, so to speak. But, she's a woman of her word so she gets ready to loose the arm wrestling... well, not ready to loose as she will try her best but she's an academic, not someone who is very physical.

"You probably should like, scoop them, don't actually touch the fishies," Merek offers!

Kassandra checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Poppy slips the blindfold over her eyes and waits for the first box. She laughs, "Will I be kicked from the fealty if I guess wrong?" She sniffs the first box "Oh. Juniper, right?" The second is brought forth and she barely has to sniff "Medow-rue!" The final box however is super tricky. She takes multiple loud sniffs before cautiously guessing, "Butterbur?" She pulls up her blindfold and looks to Helena expectantly.

Kassandra checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Kassandra checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Svana looks at Kassandra and bows her head to her respectfully before she moves to the arm wrestling table, taking in a breath. "I don't know about that, Miss. The only thing I wrestle are bolts of fabric."

"Fish are food, not friends," Symonesse mutters mostly to herself as she finds a place to sit and watch people sniff stuff.

Kassandra chuckles softly, "Fabric is heavier than quills." She is definately not going to win.

Mabelle removes the blindfold and notices Symonesse's expression. She walks over to her and returns the puppy for good cheer, "There you go", she then lowers her voice and adds, "Fish -are- food".

Somehow, Svana manages to wrestle Kassandra's arm down to the table - but just barely. By all accounts, she is likely the puniest of competitors. When it's proclaimed that she's won the first round, she stares at Katya. "I don't know how this happened. I was supposed to be convincing my husband that he's safe to be in the birthing chamber."

Nova shouts out, "Good work, Svana!!!"

Helena jots down answers and gives nods or shakes her head when people look to her to ask how they did, but mostly it's all with the sort of quiet air of a tutor grading a person's work, all while keeping an eye on a sand glass that one of the servants turns over at the start of each contestant's attempts.

Brianna says, "Well done, Svana. Now, on to round two! Scout Rowenova, Smith Waldemai, come on down!"

Rowenova hops up and then briefly dances from one side to the next side before zooming forth to the armwrestling table and smiling brightly to Waldemai. "Greetings!" She sits down and happily presents her wrestling arm to the man.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 56 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 104 higher. Rowenova rolled a critical!

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Waldemai checked strength + smithing at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Waldemai checked strength + smithing at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Waldemai checked strength + smithing at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Her turn concluded, Adrienne lifts her blindfold to welcome back the light. It musses her intricately braided hair, a sacrifice to the celebration and better than many of the other alternatives.

Mabelle smiles aside to Adrienne, "Are you new to the city? I've never seen you before. Great sense of smell!"

Tarik puts the blindfold on and waits for the servants to bring him the box. Tarik taps his right foot against the ground as he ponders the contents of the first box. After several moments of tapping his foot, he proclaims, "Pine." Tarik does his tapping foot again as he brought the second box to him, "Hhhmm, I believe is Harebell." Tarik taps his foot only a couple of seconds when getting the third box, "Oh this is easy, this is ivory nut root described in Archsholar's Py's work, "Aromas to Entice Young Lovers." The servants quickly tell him that he is wrong. Tarik laughs nervously, "Well, uh.. my mistake.

Waldemai nods and grins and says, "Howdy." The outcome, of course, is inevitable.

Talwyn checked perception + occult at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Talwyn checked perception + occult at difficulty 35, rolling 3 lower.

Talwyn checked perception + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 16 lower.

Kassandra smiles to the blacksmith "I think you did well." She then wanders over to the smelling event. Maybe...

One hand still holding her blindfold, Adrienne turns a pale gaze to Mabelle. She studies the striking young woman before answering, in a tone sweet with the Oathlands, "Adrienne Valardin and, yes, completely new. I know Duke Cristoph, but I regret not having made your acquaintence, Lady Laurent." She glances to the box, perhaps lingering on the one mischievous one from her round. "How did you do?"

Brianna mutters, "Daaaamn"

Svana watches as Rowenova takes on her second opponent, waiting for the total annihilation that's going to come easily to the Wolf Scout. She winces and cringes a bit seeing how hard Rowenova beats the man. "It's just a friendly arm wrestling competition, Scout. If you keep this up, Apollo is going to have to make one of these men a prosthetic arm."

Rowenova carefully defeats Waldemai, apparently controlling the arm wrestling and not just ripping off valuable arms he might need for his smithing work. After, she lets go and rises up. A bow there, then she zooms away, passing by Tarik's contest with a little laugh. She sits down by Svana, "What I went for controlled precision, not battered people!"

Mabelle perks at Adrienne, "Oh, Princess Adrienne then. A pleasure", she flashes her a smile and fills in the informaiton, "Duke Cristoph is my cousin. I am Mabelle, his minister of population". She keeps tracking the contest and admits, "I think I did well enough, but there are still other contestants. Are you a physician or an apothecary? You seemed to know the plants well"

With his blindfold on, Talwyn leans forward and consider the contents of the boxes. The first one caused a slight furrow on his thick brows, "...Birch -perhaps." And the second one, he literally brings his nose almost all the way to his nose, and he hazards a guess, "Rosemary..." and the event aide makes the song of a tongue clicking - and it's a mistake. And the third one draws a total blank, "Oh well - I give up... What is it?" he peers into the box, "Hey - I haven't even seen that one before - can I keep it?"

Zoey has left the an ornately crafted bench made out of exotic House Crovane black lumber.

Brianna says, "Damn, Nova! Up next, Lord Mirk and Tarik!"

"Remind me never to anger Nova," says Helena with a laugh, glancing over at the wrestling area and shaking her head. Talwyn's question makes her laugh. "That's fleabane. A nice thing to have. Feel free."

Mirk checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Mirk checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Mirk checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 58 higher.

Nova shouts out, "Go Halfshavs!"

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 44 higher.

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 30 higher.

Svana eyeballs Rowenova and Tarik, crossing her arms over her chest. "You two are going to have to fight each other! Try not to rip his arm off, Rowenova. He'll look awfully funny in a suit with one arm pinned up. I will still have to charge you for the extra fabric of the arm he's not using for his wedding outfit, you understand."

Rowenova checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Rowenova checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 35, rolling 22 higher.

Rowenova checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 40, rolling 34 higher.

Kassandra checked perception + medicine at difficulty 30, rolling 22 higher.

Kassandra checked perception + medicine at difficulty 35, rolling 15 higher.

Kassandra checked perception + medicine at difficulty 40, rolling 12 higher.

"Lady Mabelle Laurent, likewise." Adrienne smiles, a faint, tentative thing. "I was in Artshall not long ago. How is your holding?" Talwyn's comment also earns an amused glance from Talwyn. "Fleabane has a kind of poetry to it, cousin." Ah, but Mabelle has asked her a question. "Mercy, of a kind. Had I realized that Helena Redrain would be testing my knowledge, I would have better prepared. You?"

Merek checked perception + occult at difficulty 30, rolling 12 lower.

Katya's gotten distracted by trying to follow one too many things while being a little too tipsy. So her cure for this is pulling out a small pouch, which she produces a slightly bent cigarillo that she tucks between her lips, and lights from a match. Out of respect to others, she at least adjusts herself so she's downwind of everyone.

Merek checked perception + occult at difficulty 35, rolling 64 higher. Merek rolled a critical!

Merek checked perception + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 11 higher.

Mirk sits down across from Tarik. There's a hint of a smile on his lips. "Master Tarik. Please don't go easy on me just because of House loyalty," he says in a wry tone that expects nothing of the kind. He puts his weight into it, but Tarik has him beat, almost immediately. He only laughs at his loss, shaking his head. "I don't mind the loss in the least," he says, rising to his feet and rubbing at one arm slightly. "Just make sure someone in the House wins, hm?"

Kassandra sits dutifully down and allows herself to be blindfolded. As she takes a sniff of the first one, she smiles "Calundula, or at least that is what they called it when I was learning. It may be a regional name." She then takes a breath before the second box is given to her. "Comfrey. It's rather useful." Then the third box is placed before her. "Ginger. It's very good for an upset stomach."

Lark stands up from her seat to be a little closer by Mabelle and Adrienne, smiling politely and inclining her head, "Welcome to the city, Princess Adrienne. I am Princess Lark Grayson, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Mabelle admits to Adrienne, "Holding quite well despite the last battle", there's a bit of a grimace there and she tells Adrienne, "Both - apothecary and physician. I'm in the final stages of building a new hospital in Artshall". She beams at Lark as she joins the conversation, introducing herself before Belle managed to.

Adrienne gives a graceful half-spin, clearly caught off-guard by Lark's arrival. A blindfold still half-covers her forehead, giving the Oathlander a faintly piratical apperance. "Lark Grayson. I'm honored by the welcome. Sabelle has been allowing me to steal too much of her time. How do find the festivities?" Mabelle earns a brief, sympathetic glance. Adrienne tips her chin in acknolwedgment of the recent conflict. "My congratulations. I hope to see it in person when it is finished."

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, delivering a message to Mikani before departing.

Rysen comes to stand near Mirk and Tarik's table watching with anticipation shinning in his story grey eyes.

Elgana continues to keep one eye on the arm wrestling and the other on Helena's sniffing contest. It's a hard thing to do, watching two events at once, but the Redrain royal tries her very best. There are a few pauses of murmured conversation shared with Arthen, but otherwise, she claps when someone wins their bout of arm wrestling - giving Rowenova the loudest applause as she doesn't rip arms off but wins with such flourish each time.

Tarik:dips his head to Mirk after the match is over with, "Of course, Lord Elder." Tarik shakes out his arm a bit as he looks over to Rowenova, "I believe Rowenova has this one in the bag.

Merek places on the blindfold, while he takes a whiff, then nods, "Some kinda tree." He then works on the next, "Cranberry flower, I can detail you its uses as well as the subtleness of the scent," he then begins to explain, then he waits a bit upon the next. "Red heather!"

Brianna says, "Goodman Tarik wins! Up next, we have Lord Kritr and Lady Kalani!"

Rysen checked perception + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

Rysen checked perception + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 31 higher.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 44 higher.

Rysen checked perception + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 25 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 55 higher. Kalani rolled a critical!

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 157 higher. Kalani rolled a critical!

Lark nods in head a few times in quick succession to Adrienne, "It's wonderful - most entertaining indeed."

With cobalt-blue eyes (in their kohl outlines) apparently fixated upon the armwrestling scene between Mirk and Tarik, Rowenova jokingly notes to Svana. "After watching him win so much, I am not sure how I am going to fare!" Then, "Another win! Good work, Love!" The competition servant shows up with those triple boxes and temporarily blindfolds Nova. She quickly scents each one, doing so with a quick list of each herb, "Bog Myrtle. Cat's foot. Eye Bright. All stocked in the Defense Lab." After she gives back the removed blindfold.

Poppy had moved off to the side and looks to have stolen some of the flowers. Using deft fingers she weaves them into a delicate crown and props it on her head. Straightening she comes over to those still going "This would be so hard if you had a snuffled nose right now."

At some point, Symonesse's attention drifts from the contests to instead focus on the puppy. She lays the puppy in her lap and gently threads her fingertips through its fluffy fur. While her smile is no less luminous that her public expression, there is something sweet and bright in the way she smiles at the little dog dozing off against the brocade of her skirt that shines a bit more rarely.

Atli, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy have been dismissed.

Kritr pauses before the arm wrestling begins to introduce himself to Kalani. "I'm Krit Clearlake." He explaiuns.

"As do I - and different, as intended," adds Adrienne in agreement with Lark. "I plan to be in the city for some time. I'd enjoy making your acquaintence further." Adrienne pauses, a frown flickering over her features before she narrows her eyes speculatively at Lark. "Is that your perfume? It's beautiful."

Bouncing a bit onto the toes of her sandals, mostly just to keep warm, Kalani moves forward when Brianna calls her and Kritr up for the next round. "Hi," she says with a grin, extending one hand to Kritr, both in greeting and to get started. "Kalani Seliki," she offers in return. "Merek almost won the last round," she sounds pretty enthusiastic about this and since no one will /ever/ believe this story she puts all of her effort into it. All. And then some. And a bit more. And a trifle extra. Also a few ounces and maybe a pinch.

Kassandra didn't completely make a fool of herself as she did in the prior two contests. She watches this last contest intently because it's more interesting to her.

Brianna winces as Kalani SMASHES Kritr. "Well done, Lady Kalani. Princess Katya and Goodwoman Svana!"

Nina looks back at the arm wrestling competition as Krtir is about to wrestle again. Surely, he's a master at this challenge. Nina's surprise is quite visible in her eyes and on her face when a smaller-seeming woman walks up, and, seems to be quite a match for him.

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

Svana checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Svana checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 9 lower.

Svana checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Lark smiles brightly at Adrienne, "Yes, that would be lovely! Perhaps you, Lady Belle and I could arrange a lunch date sometime in the very near future?" before looking around suspiciously, a couple sniffs of her nose, "Perhaps? Maybe? I'm not sure. Thank you though! It's always nice when someone else notices my perfume because I'm so used to the smell of it myself."

The difference in height actually works in Kalani's favor. And his efforts are wasted trying to compress her arm rather than beat her muscle. to her credit his opponent bears up mightily under the strain until Kritr has exhausted his own strength.

Rysen lets his left arm fall to rest across the hilts of his longblades as a Redrain servant blindfolds him. He is offered the first box, and takes in its scent like a wolf on the hunt. "Hmmm... cedar." Smelling the second box, he says, "Fireweed," and to after the third: "Melancholy thistle." Still blindfolded he grins and says, "Excellent choice, Princess Helena. Is there any plant more beloved by poets save the laurel?"

Svana bows to the Princess, having only known that by the fact that Brianna calls out her title. She smiles and sits down to get to work before she is swiftly beaten, looking perhaps like she doesn't quite know what just happened when her hand hits the table repeatedly. "Wow. I'm shocked. ...Okay, not really, but thank you anyway, Princess Katya!" She pauses. "Is this what you do in the midst of high society is thank a Princess for beating you, your Highness?"

There's a bit of a startle when her name comes up again, and Katya quickly taps out the ember on what she's smoking before she hurries forward, "Sorry." She was totally paying attention. The cigarillo gets tucked behind her ear before she moves up to take her place across from Svana, then there's a slightly nervous laugh, "Just Lady...Not a Princess that I know of."

Winking at Rowenova, Tarik says, "We are up next. How about a little wager?" Tarik smirks, 'Winner has to give the loser a massage."

Mabelle smiles quietly to Lark, "Brilliant Idea. I would absolutely love that". The excitement of the evening and the whiskey giving their tired marks, "I hope to see all tomorrow in the Valardin ward taste.!"

"/Lady/ Katya. My apologies. So many names, too many drinks," Brianna apologizes.

Remembering at last, Adrienne pulls the blindfold free of her hair, her pleasure in Lark's suggestion more than evident. "I won't speak for the Lady Laurent, but I hope she'll agree. I'd welcome the company. It is always difficult being new to a city." Mabelle answers simultaneously, and Adrienne nods her thanks. "And I. Thank you for the introduction."

Rosalba, a creamy-white raven with strikingly-alert azure eyes arrives, delivering a message to Mikani before departing.

Rowenova steps up to Tarik and gives him a hug with back pats before then wryly countering, "Winner's choice -- give or take -- on the massage offer." Then, she settles down at the armwrestling table, bring up her sleeved arm along with the associated hand. "I never knew that our first time wrestling one another would be quite like this."

Kalani looks if not actually stunned (sorta gobsmacked and stunned trout combined) and looks at her arm a little warily and shakes it, just a little, and offers Kritr a somewhat baffled, a little apologetic, smile. "Well fought, sir," as she eases away from the table of contest.

"And /Lady/ Katya wins! On to the semifinals, where we have a battle of lovers -- Rowenova and Tarik!" Brianna clearly has had a few and is having too much fun.

Kritr shrugs. "I don't really like dogs anyway." He tells Kalani. "So where is Seliki?"

Svana has left the a supposedly accurate replica of The Bonespire.

Svana bows to those, and then turns to her friends, giving Rowenova a kiss on the cheek. "I'm tired, I think I should go. Had a fainting spell the other day that Jules has lost his buttons over, so to speak. I hope you get to have the massage, for the record."

Svana is overheard praising Brianna: Thank you for hosting a great event!

Svana is overheard praising Elgana: Thank you for hosting a great event!

Rysen's words draw a smile from Helena. "You know I love all of the plants, save perhaps the poison ivy and sumac. Even wolfsbane has its purposes, and is so beautiful, even if it doesn't smell much. I thought of putting that in here as a tie breaker if we needed it, but thought the better of it." She claps her hands. "I shall announce the winners after Rowenova and Tarik have their bout, so they can concentrate on that."

Frosty, a friendly English sheepdog, Njall, a Northern nullifier leave, following Svana.

"You're doing much better than I would be..." Katya points out to Brianna regarding names and titles, which she then relights the cigarillo now that she's done actually with that round.

There's a cheer from Elgana as Rowenova and Tarik are declared the semifinalists. "A battle of lovers!" she laughs, raising her mug as her attentions turn fully onto the arm wrestling, curious to see who comes out on top in this match.

Tarik smirks, "All right, deal." Tarik laughs, "THis was not what I had in mind, but remember I am going to need my arms for research." Tarik places his eyebrow on the table and tries not to smile.

Refocusing her frank gaze on Lark, Adrienne continues, "I will blame Princess Helena for overstimulating my senses. What shall we serve for lunch? Food or gossip or both? If find myself in need of a little of everything of late." Poison ivy and sumac. Adrienne shoots a concerned look to Helena before catching up wtih the conversation. She laughs under her breath, exhaling.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 115 higher. Tarik rolled a critical!

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Removing the blindfold, Rysen smiles at Helen and nods. He comes to stand beside Brianna, offering her a fresh drink, and gazing with interest at the contest taking palce between Rowenova and Tarik.

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 41 higher.

Mabelle chimes in to Adrienne and Lark when she is not dosing on her toes, "Both! And Cake. Loads of cake"

Tarik checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Poppy cheers and claps and whoops for Rowenova "Use those puppy dog eyes on him! Do it Nova! You can do it!"

Lark offers a soft chuckle to Adrienne, a knowing look to Mabelle, "Yes... usually food, wine, cake and gossip."

"Seliki? Oh, at Pearlspire," Kalani replies as she tucks her hands beneath her cloak again, once more determined to stay warm. She glances up at Kritr as she explains, "On the eastern coast of the Crownlands, that is, and northeast of the Twainfort and Old Oak."

Sabella gives a cheer for Rowenova, standing to clap and whistle, then makes her way out of the crowd, chattering excitedly to Elizabetta about all the amazing things that are stashed in the favor bag.

Rosalba, a creamy-white raven with strikingly-alert azure eyes arrives, delivering a message to Mikani before departing.

Rosalba, a creamy-white raven with strikingly-alert azure eyes arrives, delivering a message to Rysen before departing.

Sabella has left the a large pinewood carving of House Acheron's sigil.

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

Tarik knows how many of these matches that Rowenova win and tries to slam her arm down quickly, but Rowenova holds on and Tarik arms begins to bend back to the table. Tarik lets out a grunt as his knuckles hit the table, "So would like that massage with or without oils?"

"Food, drink, cake, and gossip. A full meal." They probably won't notice that the Valardin princess changed it away from wine. Details. Artistic license. "That woman is remarkable," Adrienne transitions while watching the end of Rowenova's arm wrestling bout. "I don't believe I've caught her name."

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, delivering a message to Mikani before departing.

Clasping hands with Tarik, Nova puts all she can into the arm wrestling, but (after what he said about needing his arms for research) she cannot help but quietly laugh at the get go. She loses ground at the very beginning, and it certainly looks as though Tarik nearly has her, but she somehow makes a gradual comeback during the latter half of the physical contest before then finally winning. "Phew! You almost had me! With oil!" She lets go and hops up! Then, she respectfully bows to Tarik after their mutual math then pops up.

Mabelle agrees with Adrienne's small adjustment, "Rum. This is Rowenova, she's an alchemist, a very strong one, must be all the stirring", she jokes and winks to Nova

Rosalba, a creamy-white raven with strikingly-alert azure eyes arrives, delivering a message to Mikani before departing.

"Thank you Lady Kalani." Krit says, adding, "Good luck on the match. I hope you win a puppy."

"Gods and spirits," mutters Rysen to Brianna. "How does she do it? I could've sworn I had her at the celebration for the late Duke, but she fought her way to victory then too." He breathes out, laughing softly and running a hand through his dark hair. "Well done, Scout Rowenova!" he calls as the wolf scout leaps up and bows to Tarik.

Brianna says, "You show him, Nova! Lady Kalani and Lady Katya, you're up!"

Mikani gets many messengers. She sobers quickly and just leaves.


"Thank you," Kalani replies as she watches Nova and Tarik, "Thank you. I really," and she laughs quietly, "really wanted to win a puppy."

Mikani has left the an ornately crafted bench made out of exotic House Crovane black lumber.

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 leave, following Mikani.

In between bouts, Helena stands on a bench to give herself a little more height and help her project her voice a little. "Thank you for participating in my little Smells of Redrain contest as part of our Taste of Arx event -- for what is taste without smell? Very little, truly," she says with merriment in her eyes. "Congratulations to all who managed to successfully identify all three difficult scents without the use of every senses. Lady Mabelle, Princess Adrienne, Scout Rowenova, Lady Poppy, Scholar Kassandra, and Lord Rysen have all gone through the gauntlet of aroma and come out on the other side. However, there can only be three winners -- or at least I only have three prizes. So our first place was -- Scout Nova! Is there nothing she can't do? She gets first choice of the three signature scents that I designed and commissioned for this night. Nova, do pick your poison -- or your perfume, at any rate."

Helena drops a golden book tote.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 45 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Lark brings her glass up to her lips, turning to look at Adrienne while regarding Mabelle with a gestured hand, "You'll find there are very few in this city who's name escapes Lady Belle. Quite the social butterfly."

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Rosalba, a creamy-white raven with strikingly-alert azure eyes arrives, delivering a message to Rysen before departing.

Waldemai claps for his friends who have gotten through the bad smell contest.

Rowenova gets a slim emerald-green bottle adorned with a golden elderflower charm from a golden book tote.

Katya checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 82 higher.

After what Mabelle says, Rowenova jokingly stirs an invisible pot, doing so with an invisible spoon before shouting out to Rysen, "Thank you!" Then, the wolfy scout spins around with widening eyes after she is suddenly proclaimed the scents winner! "oh my, Princess Helena! Thank you!"

"They make alchemists a bit differently in the north," Adrienne murmurs after offering Mabelle her thanks for the introduction. Lark's observation has her looking away from Helena's announcement of the winner - applause for Rowenova is well earned - to study Mabelle again. "I'm pleased to be among them. I may need your services further - is it bold of me to also call you Belle?"

Vagari The Cinder Cat arrives, delivering a message to Rysen before departing.

"And next, second place goes to Lady Mabelle! Lady Mabelle, you may have second choice," says Helena, with a gesture to the bottles.

"Oh, perfume," Nina says. She does think that's a wonderful gift, but it makes sense for a smell competition too. She applauds the winners, very curious about the perfumes.

Katya drops the cigarillo and grinds it out beneath her boot, then she moves up to take her place again with a nod towards Kalani, "Lady Kalani, good luck." She offers, then holds up her hand. Eventually, everyone's luck runs out. And this go around it seems that it is her luck that has run out.

Mabelle rolls her eyes amusedly to Lark and winks to her as well, assuring Adrienne, "Of course you may, I", but her name is being called and she steps forward, "Oh! Thank you! What an appropriate prize", she laughs

Kassandra wanders over and sits near Waldemai "There is nothing to that one. I've read extensively on medicine. If you ever need a burn treated, if I can find the things I need, I can make it hurt less." She winces "I only arrived earlier today and so I am getting completely lost, so finding things may be the difficult part."

Mabelle takes a golden bottle with a silver-apple charm from a golden book tote.

Tarik laughs at Rowenova, "Wait, I only get a bow? Tarik walks over to her," I think think that effort deserved at least a kiss."

Helena laughs. "You are welcome. I do like to design them, though I do not have the patience to make them myself. I'll leave that to others," she says with a grin.

Helena gets a golden book tote.

Helena gets an opaque glass bottle in shades of red and violet with a golden heather charm from a golden book tote.

Mabelle grins at Helena, "I am exactly the opposite, if you can remember! Perhaps we should collaborate"

Kalani rubs her hands along her arms as she moves forward, introducing herself to Lady Katya with a smile, "Nice to meet you too," she offers in return and holds up her hand as well. She huffs out a little bit of a laugh, "Who ever wins might go up against Rowenova, and I'm not sure I want to," she admits. And yet, she tries and tries anyway and ultimately wins out. "Wow, thank you. Hard fought!" and eases away from the table.

"It was quite close between Lady Poppy and Lord Rysen, but Lord Rysen did eke out those answers a little more quickly," says Helena with an apologetic look to the other finishers, before handing Rysen the last of the three perfumes, one in a red-violet bottle. "However, I do have gifts for all of you."

With widening eyes but no less of a giddy grin, Rowenova steps closer after what Tarik just told her. The apparently rank at the same height, so the connecting kiss to his darker lips is an easy thing to do. She does not seem remotely abashed about the public display, but her wolfy headdress may be somewhat concealing the lip exchange.

"And Lady Kalani takes it! Time for our finals! Both finalists get a puppy, but this is to determine who gets to choose first." Brianna waves Rowenova back to the wrestling table.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Poppy beams at Nova and laughs at her friend "Do you ever lose? I am going to partner with you for everything." She shares excitedly with Nova, "I am getting a matching dress made so I can wear that tiara to the ball." She hears her name and turns to the voice. She applauds loudly for Rysen "Good work your lordship."

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

As winners get decided upon for one game, Elgana applauds loudly for them. "Good job on the smelling things! I couldn't have done it myself," she laughs. "I always get my scents mixed up and I'm not one for woodsy things. Helena got all of that, I'm afraid." Finishing off her mug of ale, she turns back to the finals of the arm wrestling, another cheer leaving her as Rowenova is called back up. "You can do it, Row! I believe in that arm of yours!"

Cillian has left the a supposedly accurate replica of The Bonespire.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant have been dismissed.

1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant have been dismissed.

1 Crimson Blades Private have been dismissed.

Akkar have been dismissed.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

"Thank you, Your Highness," says Rysen, accepting the red and violet bottle. He smiles warmly at Poppy, and says, "Your senses are at least as sharp, My Lady."

Rosalba, a creamy-white raven with strikingly-alert azure eyes arrives, delivering a message to Rysen before departing.

Kassandra oohs softly as she's given a silk red rose. She brings it to her nose and inhales the sweet aroma. "Thank you so very much."

Mabelle claps her hands cheerfully, "Thank you!! This has been so lovely an evening! I thought I'd only come for an hour and look at me four hours later", she laughs. "Hope to see you all tomorrow at Valardin's!"

Talwyn cheers for the winners, as they receive the perfumes. His attention is slightly divided by the finale over at the arm-wrestling contest, but that's the way of the big faires! He receives the red cloth rose and places it on his doublet in appreciation. "Thanks for the great contest - and the fleabane!"

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 54 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 47 higher.

Kalani checked strength + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 69 higher.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Mabelle has left the pavilion replica of Farhaven Castle.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Helena gets a perfumed red rose made of silk from a bag full of red silk roses.

Accepting the rose from Helena, Adrienne touches it to her lips and gives a ghostly smile. "You are too generous, your highness. This is a treasure." She seems to mean it. "It seems that not every rose has its thorns."

After having lain a big kiss upon Tarik as previously requested, Nova steps up to the wrestling table and sits down across from Kalani with a dreamy grin, probably still somewhat basking in that post-kiss bliss. She grins back to Poppy and Elgana but then she ultimately focuses on the wrestling match, and certainly gives it her all!

Talwyn's words make Helena laugh. "You are quite welcome. Now you know why Redrains have no fleas despite all the fur we wear!" she says with a grin, despite the fact she's not wearing fur at all. To Adrienne, she smiles, and dips her head. "You are kind to say so. It's just a token, but one that is heartfelt. I hope you will keep it fondly in memory of the camaraderie and fun we all had this night."

Rysen glances towards Brianna with a troubled look as a white raven flies through the grounds to give him a message. He quickly moves to Elgana's side, and, with a bow, says, "It's been an unforgettable evening, Your Highness. Thank you again for organizing all of this." With a nod to Lygeia, who falls into step beside him, he makes his way over to Mirk, offering a brief word, before making his way south.

Katya lifts her hands up and applauds the two finalist, and whoever it is that comes out the winner. She's not paying too close attention, instead she's moving towards Elgana, who she is pretty sure is one of the hosts and not one busy judging arm wrestling, "I just wanted to say thank you for hosting this."

Really really really wanting a puppy provides pure motivation for Kalani and she shares a grin with Rowenova, "We both get to pick a puppy anyway, so now it's just who gets to pick first." Kalani sets herself, makes a brief fist to flex her arm and then sets-to with Nova to finish the contest and somehow wins. Somehow! She lets out a delighted laugh and hustles around the table, quick as a wisp, and hugs Nova! "This was so much fun!"

Brianna walks over to Kalani with a puppy in each hand. "This one is Clovis and this one is Hermann. Choose wisely," she intones. "Their brother, Atli, or whatever Her Majesty decides to call him, seems to have fallen in love with the queen."

While everyone is very distracted with the final round of the arm-wrestling, Symonesse whispers something to the puppy in her lap, carefully lifts it into her arms, tucked beneath her cloak and oh so casually strolls away from the grounds. Very sneakily. With her King's Own guards in tow. Much stealthy.

Lark whistles sharply toward her resting mastiffs, "Come on dogs." The princess shifts her focus back to Adrienne, "Well, I'm headed off to a quiet place. The hustle and bustle, endless festivities and wine has worn me out."

Rowenova lets out a Northern laugh after her imminent loss, hugs up Kalani and then merrily chimes. "Remember that one time we were at the Sip N Spar, and you totally beat me in the sands there?" She wolfishly grins!

Adrienne curtseys, deep and correct, for Lark with her departure. Straightening, she adds, "I'll look forward to our lunch. May Jayus sweeten your dreams, your highness."

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist leaves, following Rysen.

Elgana's smile dims just slightly at that look for worry on Rysen's face, but she nods, smiling still, "Thank you for coming and for your poetry. I hope all is well, I noticed your lady wife left rather in a hurry. But, again, thank you for coming and making this event wonderful." As Katya approaches, she offers the Grimhall that sunnier smile. "It is my pleasure, Lady Katya. Thank you for coming and enjoying the day with us. I hope that you had a wonderful time and will leave with fond memories for the days to come."

Lark waggles her fingers toward Adrienne, "Nice meeting you, Princess."

Lark has left the pavilion replica of Farhaven Castle.

5 King's Own Guardsmen leaves, following Symonesse.

Laughing, Kalani shakes her head at Nova, "I do, and the lesson I learned, from the headache the next day, is to never - ever - drink that much in one sitting." She beams at Brianna next and glances between the offered puppies, her heart melting into a puddle immediately. "Oh man. oh my. Hermann. The name just does me in."

Tarik cheers Rowenova, "Great job, my love." Tarik walks over to her and kisses her on the cheek.

In the silence that follows, Adrienne looks up the sky - and definitely not at Queen Symonesse - and exhales, a rose still tucked under her chin.

"I will have nothing but fond memories, Your Highness." Katya offers, then inclines her head to Elgana before she trails after the others already departing.

Kassandra cursties and then starts to head south. She has things to occupy her time now.

Hermann, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy have been dismissed.

Waldemai lost everything in sight but he still has a commemorative mug, at least. "I'm off. Thanks for the games, and congratulations, all!"

Victus has left the a cluster of tables and chairs with accents of House Halfshav.

Clovis, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy have been dismissed.