(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: Busy, busy! At least that is what the Malvici servants are claiming to be. They have laid out several tables for guests to sit at and enjoy a fine array of foods.

Duck? Got it! Fish? Got it! Beef? Got It! Salad? Why... we've got it!

There is a collection of fine drinks as well, several from the Lord Martino's personal stash such as 'Countess' Rum and Black Laurel Wine. None of the fabled Heaven's Embrace however...

Sunaia has joined the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

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

Katherine arrives, following Rane.

Eirene has joined the a steel-edged table inlaid with an ebony Raptor.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound have been dismissed.

Gunther, a Rottweiler have been dismissed.

Octavian, a silken spaniel have been dismissed.

2 Kennex corsairs have been dismissed.

Waldemai looks around. Did someone say beef? He pulls up a chair at the sturdy table in the back of the room, leaving the better seats for the nobs.

Thea has joined the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Marian has joined the a steel-edged table inlaid with an ebony Raptor.

The Malvici Hall is ever-so busy today with servants attentively having the room in order, a large portly chef wheeling out the food on a tray to sit in the centre while the Lord Martino Malvici is almost chiding him. "This... should have been before." His nose wrinkles for a moment before he turned and stood by the doorway to welcome guests that had arrived. His left hand indicating in for those who had not quite yet taken to a seat.

"Ah hello there... hello. Ah, please. Do make yourselves quite comfortable. We have set up a good number of places." Martino's sharp green eyes creased Waldemai was the first to step in.

Lucita has joined the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Zoey has joined the a steel-edged table inlaid with an ebony Raptor.

Lethe has joined the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Leola has joined the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Katherine has joined the a steel-edged table inlaid with an ebony Raptor.

Eirene had paused at the top of the stairs in her usual red and black armor but then saw the fancy dishes and foods being laid out. "Ah fuck," she swears, eyes rolling. Several minutes later, ten or so, she returns dressed more for a formal occasion, with a crimson silk gown in a slightly older fashion style, with a fur cloak for warmth and a thin stilletto strapped to her thigh, visible only when she walks in her brusk fashion. A veil covered her braids as it hung down the back. She looks unhappy about it too.

Olivian has left the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Rane has joined the a steel-edged table inlaid with an ebony Raptor.

a slightly embarrassed courier called Guido have been dismissed.

Nina has joined the a steel-edged table inlaid with an ebony Raptor.

Cosimo de'Malvici, the Southport banker have been dismissed.

Marian enters into the great hall after taking off her cloak and freshing up in the water closet. Her blood red hair is braided and coiled at the back of her neck with a red garnets that shine in the candlelight. Her face is dusted with red garnet shavings as her blood red lips shine. Her scars which are many, have been painted to look like branches with small red garnets pasted against the skin. White tulle hugs her form as the branches continue onto the dress and the red petals are embroidered onto the styled dress. Her hands and upper arms are in white gloves that match the sheen of the dress and she wears the rings to the two gods that she favors, Gild and Gloria. A few flashes of porcelin skin under the skirt shows that she's wearing white stockings paired with blood red shoes. She takes a moment to look around before heading in the direction where Eirene is.

Lucita comes into the Great Hall after leaving guards and dogs at the entry where such await in a warm dry place. She sheds her cloak and gloves along the way and steps gracefully toward a spot to sit. "Hello to you all." She smiles a greeting and casually sets a few bottles of brandy down to be enjoyed by everyone. "Looks like you have enough prepared to feed an army, Lord Martino."

Lucita drops Saikland's Finest Peach Brandy.

Lethe quickly makes her way to a table once she arrives. She nods to those seated nearby with a friendly smile. "It is so nice to see everyone."

Nina, the Bard from the Lycene, arrives in the hall as she heard about this event and was told she would be more than welcome. She's dressed quite lavishly, in a light magnolia-toned gown from Selene's, and a fur coat that protects her against the weather. She removes the first upon arriving, getting used to handing off her garments to those who are working, and walks into the room as if she were an invited noble. Seeing that Rane, and Katherine are both arriving, she takes a seat not far from them as she's quite eager to see how well the happy couple has been getting on.

Leola moves in in Lucita's shadow. She gives a small smile to the group, moving to find a spot to sit in, settling down quietly and thoughtfully resting back

Thea has ventured in, coming down the stairs dressed in a Malvici colored gown-hawks included. Her dagger is attached somewhere to one of her long legs. She's not telling where though. Finn of course is with her, because well-far as he's concerned, he's part of this family too! Gold-flecked green eyes take in her family friends and she smiles a moment but sighs at the salad,"You don't give up, do you?" Looking entertained. Thea makes her way to a table and sets a bottle of Heaven's Embrace on the table..You know, the infamous, Martino's Nut Milk. The collection of alcohol isn't the same without it....

Zoey arrives from outside, shaking the snow off her cloak before removing it and handing it off to her aide. She looks around as the room begins to fill up and starts making her greetings to those guests with whom she is already acquainted.

"Princess Marian! It is a delight to see you again and welcome. Oh, Lucita..." Martino's assistant Johannes sees to the cloak being hung away from Lucita as he laughed slight, "Well you never know just who will come along. Kaia insisted on it." Bowing his head to Nina, Rane and Katherine, he greeted them easy, "Ah newly weds and their fine bard from the wedding. A fine day to see you all." His lips remained curled to Leola as he dipped his head formal to her before those sharp green eyes welcomed Zoey, "Your sister is just finishing applying some whatevers. Pearls in her hair?" Martino shrugged slightly, not quite so sure.

The Moores arrived together whispering about something and sharing private smiles. With the welcome of Martino, Rane smiled at him and dipped his head, "Thank you, my lord." He was not one to clog up an entryway full of arrivals, after all. There were a fine pair of tables and Rane chose one seemingly at random and greeted those there with him while pulling out a chair for Katherine to settle into. Upon seeing Nina nearby, he smiled all the more. "Hello, Nina. How have you been?" A glance to smiled, the only other he recognized at the table and made his further introductions a bit more privately.

Having arrived perhaps too early, Lady Sunaia Ashford is already seated at the table, and ...wears a dress?? Indeed, the white Ashford is swathed in pale pink silk with white flowers careening down the shoulders and skirt of the airy gown - surely inspired by the Lycene style, considering the deep chasm of lily-white skin laid bare on chest and back. Her platinum-white hair is folded into an intricate fishbone braid that hangs down the center of her back, wisps like spun snow framing her face.

As people begin arriving, she rises, lifting a delicate, quick smile to those she knows and dropping often to a neat curtsy.

"Lord Martino, it's good to see you again." Her moonlight gaze flits from the Malvici lord to Lethe when she enters and Sunaia lifts another smile to her cousin. "Lethe, it's been so long. How are you doing lately?"

Thea drops Heaven's Embrace, The Creamiest Liqueur.

Portia, a tittering bashful handmaiden, Renato, an overconfident courier arrive, following Kaia.

Katherine enters on the arm of her husband, Lord Rane, looking every bit as pleased as a woman might after returning from her honeymoon. A loving gaze is turned upon the man at her side before it slides across the fabulous room bedecked with food and ornate tables, and many guests, some of which she has met before, but most others being complete strangers. Perfect! At Lord Martino's greeting, the woman dips her head respectfully, displaying a row of white roses tucked neatly into her hair. "Glad to see you again so soon," she says, then follows Rane to his choice in table. When Nina arrives, a hand reaches out to take her's in companionable fashion. "I am so pleased you're here!" she says, oozing delight. When her husband introduces himself, she adds in, "Baroness Katherine Moore. A pleasure."

Marian smiles at Martino's greeting and nods to Eirene, "I couldn't refuse the invite of an old friend." She gives a wink and admits to him, "You have her to thank for getting me to wear a dress this evening. Normally I just come in leathers." She gets comfortable at her table, nodding politely to those that are sitting near her as she introduces herself to those less familiar, "Princess Marian Redrain, Warchief to the Northern armies and Voice to House Redrain." She smiles at Rane and Katherine, "Moore...ah yes, I do believe that well wishes are in order for your nuptials."

Lethe looks to Sunaia with a smile. "I suppose I have been keeping to myself lately, but it is good to see you Sunaia. I hope you've been well. I've been doing fine. I'm healthy."

"Damn, Marian," Eirene says with a laugh, crossing the room to welcome the Redrain princess. "You clean up prettier than I do," she says as she slumps into a chair, shifting a sword belt she doesn't wear at the moment. It's a gesture which would be automatic to her. The other guests, some quite unfamiliar, are given sharp nods of welcome or an occasional lift of the chin if she does know them. "I didn't realize dinner was going to be such a big affair tonight. I see all these people and think, well, fuck, I better dress nice, it's like, people and not the family alone." Introductions? Don't people know her already? "Eirene Malvici, Brigadier General of our house forces." She leaves Lady off.

"Well good! I'm sure she will be as lovely as ever once she is done," Zoey replies to Martino with a smile. "This is shaping up to be quite the gathering. I hope the dinner I'm hosting goes at least half as well."

"Thank you!" Nina says to Katherine and Rane. "Now since I'm not playing music for the event, I hope to get to meet some new people here and chat properly! And I have been doing quite well, thank you. Nothing so eventful as the wedding, but I'm excited for things coming up!"

There is at least one Riven here today, though that's likely the number that will show up. Mihaly is more or less on time, and having been here just recently, he doesn't get lost. The old Sword has decided on not wearing all of his armor to such a formal occasion, instead deciding on going with silver metal bracers and greaves. Does well to accent a sweeping surcoat of silver, white and cerulean that doesn't quite reach his feet, the collar is lined with lynx fur. That does appear like that's the majority of his colored theme. The silver and white go good with the older man's beard. A rather nondescript but well cared for steel sword is belted to his hip. No need for the diamondplate today. He stands just inside of the entrance of the great hall, taking a scan about and moving forward, weaving through attendees and servers alike.

Marian laughs at Eirene's compliment, "Pretty? Hmmm, I guess. When I told Princess Gwenna that I was going to a Lycene formal gathering, she had her maid do all this..." She points to the elaborate makeup that she has on, "Apparently, I make quite the tree." She looks around after Eirene's comment on the number of people and does admit, "It's more than I expected to say the least." Marian spies Mihay's arrival and motions for the lord to take the last seat at their table. She murmurs greetings to Nina and Zoey who are also seated with them while she waits to see if Mihaly joins them.

"Oh I am quite certain of it Zoey." Martino stepped with her into the Hall as he nodded to his assistant to take care of greeting people and instead walked to the centre, "Please do all be comfortable... I will come around with some trays for good food, plus wine. Happy as well to hear any tales that people have to share from their recent adventures. Otherwise you will all hear about how I slew that vine beast." Martino's chin indicated the vine on display while he stepped across to the centre piece table and gathered on a large silver platter from pieces of the various meats. With the tray in arm, he started off by Eirene and Marian's table and working around to Leola.

"A pleasure, Prince Marian. And thank you for the well wishes, of course." He settled down into his chair after Katherine had seated and turned to Eirine with a bit more puzzled expression and nodded. "A pleasure indeed, my lady." Another turn to Nina as he smiled with pleasure. "It's good to sit and learn more about you as a friend, Nina. I feel like all we have had time for was to work you too much!" There was a jest though, and hopefully it was well received. "Are you staying busy within the College?"

Martino takes a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes from a splendid banquet table with a massive towering cake in the center.

Martino takes a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits from a splendid banquet table with a massive towering cake in the center.

Martino takes a rich pumpkin spice pie from a splendid banquet table with a massive towering cake in the center.

Thea looks about the room and--geez. There -are- a lot of unfamiliar people here. After murmuring to one of the servants for something to drink, the youngest of the Malvicis also introduces herself,"Hello. I'm Thea Malvici. Medic as well as a few other things,"bowing her head with a slight smile. When Martino mention mentions the vine, Thea sighs and goes to sip her wine.

"I'm sure we'll all be delighted to hear about that, my lord" Leola responds to Martino as he comes past, smiling a little at the food and wine. She takes a little; though for the most part, the hedge knight seems reserved, quiet, thoughtfully watching today

"I'm ...healthy too," Sunaia decides on after a touch of hesitation, lifting a wan smile to Lethe. "Busy since I returned to the city, though with different matters than the Inquisition, now. How is Acheron - or have you seen him lately?"

With all of the introductions being made, Sunaia's silvery gaze flits away; she curtsies lightly. "And I'm Lady Sunaia Ashford. Pleasure to meet everyone."

Martino, having discussed a vine beast, receives a long look. "...It wasn't a beast, as I remember. It was just a vine - and we used it to slay a beast."

Martino drops a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes.

Martino drops a rich pumpkin spice pie.

Martino drops a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Waldemai is a hard working man, and a hard working man needs protein. Protein and fluids. 'Beef and rum, please," he says, trying to keep good manners in public. "No, wait, that suckling pig looks good."

Lucita follows Thea's example. "I'm Baroness-regent Lucita Saik and a musician-singer as well as a vassal of House Malvici." She gives a chaming smile toward the others, both ones familiar and new to her.

Marian makes sure to get herself fortified with a glass of rum and selects some of the suckling pig and green salad with fruits. She turns her attention to the those sitting at her table, engaging with them in conversation.

Nina gets a slice of rich pumpkin spice pie from a rich pumpkin spice pie.

Tarik arrives, following Rowenova.

Lethe smiles happily as she speak to Sunaia. "That's great. I haven't spoken much to Archeron lately. He's often busy with family things which I'm not really a part of. He's probably fine." She listens to the introductions.

Nina gets a small portion of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes from a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes.

Zoey gets a slice of rich pumpkin spice pie from a rich pumpkin spice pie.

Mihaly has joined the a steel-edged table inlaid with an ebony Raptor.

Zoey gets a small portion of honey roasted suckling pig with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits from a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Marian takes a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Holding hands, Rowenova and Tarik stride into the Grand Hall, side by side. Rowenova shouts out in Northern fashion, "My Malvici friends! Thank you for the free food!"

Sunaia takes a slice of rich pumpkin spice pie from a rich pumpkin spice pie.

Rowenova gets a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes.

Marian drops a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Rowenova drops a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes.

Sunaia takes a small portion of seared fish with fresh green salad and oysters.

Marian takes a small portion of honey roasted suckling pig with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits from a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Katherine takes a small portion of honey roasted suckling pig with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits from a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Rowenova gets a small portion of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes from a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes.

Sunaia takes a small portion of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes from a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes.

Sunaia takes a small portion of honey roasted suckling pig with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits from a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Sunaia takes a small portion of richly spiced boiled beef with fresh peppers and onions from a huge pot of richly spiced boiled beef with fresh peppers and onions.

Rowenova gets a small portion of richly spiced boiled beef with fresh peppers and onions from a huge pot of richly spiced boiled beef with fresh peppers and onions.

Zoey gets a small portion of richly spiced boiled beef with fresh peppers and onions from a huge pot of richly spiced boiled beef with fresh peppers and onions.

Zoey gets a small portion of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes from a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes.

There's at least a couple of faces that Mihaly recognizes, bobbing and weaving through the crowds until finally winding up in the vicinity of Marian and others. "Warchief Redrain, hello there. Thanks for flagging me over. Probably would've gotten lost otherwise." The rest get a nod in greeting before his eyes fall on Malvici General. "Eirene. Good to see you." And it's next to her that the Riven will pull a chair next to, settling down.

"Ah... but Lady Sunaia. You were away in the water. However would you know?!" Martino used that as his defence to Sunaia as he settled the food down on her plate and continued to the next one. "Oh your Duchess was an excellent person to speak with Lady Lethe. She had my eyes open on what is a traditionalist. Not a... crudy old type." Martino served the Lady Tyde before he crossed to Waldemai and laughed hushed to him, "Messere Waldemai you deserve both after your work on the dock. Did you wish to say a few things on that as well?" Martino defered to him with a faint smile and served Leola with a laugh, "Afterwards. I have a challenge for everyone here as well."

Nina gets a reasonable serving of food from the lovely platters on offer. Everything looks so amazing, and it's hard not to want to over-indulge, but she's careful about it because overeating would probably be a little bit against protocol. She also wants to be careful not to spill anything on her dress.

Rane takes a small portion of honey roasted suckling pig with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits from a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Waldemai looks more than a little ill at ease as everyone looks at him. He holds his cup, which is already about half empty. "I' sorry to bother everyone, your lord and lady-ships, but a bunch of us are just back from Southport and we worked hard on that fu...sorry. Project. And it come out dam...sorry, darned good." He lifts his cup. "I'd like to drink to, well, I'd like to drink to anything, but I think we ought to raise one to Dame Arsenia Malvici's Trading Port. Long may she enrich all of us and make us stronger."

Rowenova puts a hawk feather quill pen with black ink in
a weapons belt of dark leather with knife sheathes and alchemical containers - with socketed quills in the darkest vials.

Apparently, Sunaia is feeling hungry tonight as she takes a serving of just about everything that's offered. Why so hungry? Gods only know, but she nibbles on several things. "Oh, was it a different vine, then? You have me curious, Lord Martino. What vine was this, then?"

Lucita gets a small portion of richly spiced boiled beef with fresh peppers and onions from a huge pot of richly spiced boiled beef with fresh peppers and onions.

Thea starts to reach for the seafood. Not even surprising. When's the last time she even ate? Not important. Moving on. "Hello Messiere Rowenova, Messiere Tarik. How are you?"after HEARING the entrance. Her gold-flecked green eyes looking amused. Oh, Duchess Cousing too. She looks over to Calypso too, a smile there,"Cousin. Hello."putting her bits of food in front of her face. Thea does take a bit of the pig and sneaks it to Finn. And possibly her bird.

Martino is overheard praising Waldemai: Spoke proper about the recent trading port down in Southport in front of the crowd

Lucita gets a slice of rich pumpkin spice pie from a rich pumpkin spice pie.

Rowenova gets a slice of rich pumpkin spice pie from a rich pumpkin spice pie.

There was a bit of surprise carved on the soldier's face at a remark from one of his tablemates and it didn't vanish quickly. Instead, a quick look was shared with Nina and Katherine before he focused on the generalized talk of tales from those elsewhere and silently pondered what challenge lay in store for them. Of course, this was done quickly as he began cutting into his helping of roast pig.

Oh, look. Calypso's late. Surprise of the century. She comes down the stairs in a leisurely way, as though as far as she's concerned, a duchess is never late -- she arrives exactly when she intends to. Which is now.

Lucita gets a small portion of honey roasted suckling pig with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits from a massive center plate of honey roasted suckling pig embellished with fresh green salad, almonds, and fruits.

Lethe looks to Martino after enjoying a drink. "Duchess Margot is wonderful to talk with. She has so much wisdom to share. I'm glad you got the chance to speak with her." She smiles before taking a bite of food and listening to the conversation.

Eirene grabs the nearest glass and raises it, not caring what she may be drinking today. Waldemai's got the right idea. "To the trading port, and Southport. A task we all worked our assess off for that paid off." She pauses and then salutes Calypso with the goblet of... looks like a brandy. "To Duchess Calypso. And Lord Martino, for organizing all of it."

Lucita gets a small portion of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes from a large platter of savory roasted turkey embellished with baked potatoes.

In contrast to the others, Leola is quietly picking at food, settled and eating slowly, sipping at wine and smiling. She watches them eat; not hunger, but a profound satisfaction in her eyes as they all dig in. "To Southport, and the trading post" She echoes, lifting her glass and sipping a very touch

Zoey raises her glass of red wine in agreement with Eirene, smiling. "Hear hear!"

Marian looks over to see the arrival of Calypso who upon occassion she called sister after her marriage to Anze. She raises her glass of rum and stands up to greet the duchess, "To Southport! To Duchess Calypso and Lord Martino for this fine event." Once the toast is made, she'll retake her seat.

Waldemai can drink to that and he will. "Duchess Calypso and Lord Martino. Hear hear (*slurp*)"

Nina raises her glass as well and cheers as the toast is begun. "Congratulations!"

Finding herself unexpectedly toasted as she gets to the base of the stairs, Calypso rolls with it and executes a crisp, military bow.

Lucita finds a glass of something to drink.. amber hued... and she sips, smiling when it is not weak tea or flat ale but something that warms from the inside. She lifts her glass to toast with the others.

Lifting her glass of wine, Thea too toasts to such,"Cheers." She grins a bit to herself, regarding the port.

Marian is overheard praising Calypso.

Marian is overheard praising Martino.

Just then, out of the kitchen comes Kaia --holding a the tray of a humongous seared fish with oysters-- and a few other servants following closely behind with even more trays of food. Truly, the dinner was a gigantic banquet! "Good day, family, friends, honored guests! I bring more food!" she'd say with a warm smile as she lowered the tray and set it upon the table. "I'm proud to say -- I caught this one myself!~ I apologize for being slightly late --I just had to make sure it was cooked to perfection."

Katherine reaches out politely to place a small helping of the pig and the salad onto her plate, but before she begins to dig in at her slow, measured pace, leans over to say to Nina in an aside, "How long have you been a member of the Bard's College? I visited some years back. I have thought about joining myself, soon." A fork plucks up a few leaves of salad idly, but does not immediately partake yet. Her pale blue gaze fixates upon the woman, paired with an open, friendly countenance. It is then that a toast is announced, and so the fork is carefully laid down so she might raise her glass along with it.

Kaia takes a humongous seared fish dish embellished with a side of fresh green salad and oysters from a splendid banquet table with a massive towering cake in the center.

Kaia drops a humongous seared fish dish embellished with a side of fresh green salad and oysters.

Rowenova gets a small portion of seared fish with fresh green salad and oysters from a humongous seared fish dish embellished with a side of fresh green salad and oysters.

Zoey gets a small portion of seared fish with fresh green salad and oysters from a humongous seared fish dish embellished with a side of fresh green salad and oysters.

Rane takes a small portion of seared fish with fresh green salad and oysters from a humongous seared fish dish embellished with a side of fresh green salad and oysters.

Zoey puts a whisper thin gold chain suspending a sea blue epiphanite solitaire in a small rosewood puzzle box inlaid with gold.

Zoey puts a small rosewood puzzle box inlaid with gold in a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

Martino's head dips low with a slight laugh as the room makes up the toast and cheers to both him and Calypso. "Oh, now. Now... it was the fine help of several here as well. Lady Eirene, Zoey and Thea with her new..." Martino's sharp greens turned to her, almost sighing, "Her new tavern." Laughing it off, Martino stepped back to the centre of the room as he leaned to the cheek of his wife Kaia's to kiss and murmur hushed to her, "Smell me."

Having taken the moment to likely torture his wife, Martino settled the tray of food down and swapped for Lycene Red to do the rounds. "Thank you Messere Waldemai for the kind words. Be there others with adventure or will I torture my family once more about vines?"

To Thea, Nova grins. "Doing well, thank you! Hope you are, too." Then, "Duchess Calypso! So good to see you!" Nova brightly chimes. Then, "Yes, congratulations! And... THANK YOU, LADY KAIA!"

Flask in hand, Mihaly raises it to toast both Calypso and Martino. "May your victories in life be as tasteful as the wine to your lips. Hear hear."

The Ashford lifts her glass of wine, lifts it with a brief smile towards Martino and toasts. She touches the glass to her pale lips and - does she even sip? Perhaps. Perhaps a drop. "Yes, congratulations on the port, Lord Martino. Count Tibault Laveer of Brighthold has just joined us in Arx; he and I were talking about the progress with your family's port." She sets the glass down again and spears some vegetables, then smiles briefly to Rowenova and Tarik. "Hello again; it's good to see you both."

Nina looks at Katherine, and smiles, between bites. "Thank you for asking. I joined the college just at the end of summer, so I suppose it's been a half-year now since I arrived from Setarco." She looks gleeful at her comment. "Will you be playing an instrument, or teaching dance? I want to have a concert of my own some day. But I think I will do it when the new Pravus district theater has opened!"

Calypso takes a turn around the table, greeting friends and family alike. The greetings are brief. She doesn't linger, otherwise she's going to be here all evening, and there is important drinking that needs to be done.

Thea shrugs her shoulders at Martino, not at all ashamed,"It's bringing in money, people are happy. I didn't think you'd mind -after- the fact. And the men were too eager to get it done,"quite pleased with herself. "Princess Valencia helped too. I think we got the job done." Thea starts picking at her food, taking a bite of the fish. "Oh, I'm well thank you,"answering Rowenova. Seeing Kaia, Thea smiles over at her sister in law.

Lucita gets a small portion of seared fish with fresh green salad and oysters from a humongous seared fish dish embellished with a side of fresh green salad and oysters.

Katherine finally, /finally/ takes a bite, glancing briefly to Rane as she does so. It is a look that says 'I am eating, look, see!' Only after a brief pause to swallow her bite does she turn back to Nina with a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "Actually, that is an excellent question -- the point about dancing. I was thinking of ah...lending my voice to the college. But now that you mention it, perhaps I may be able to lend more than that." Her full lips smile more broadly, then and she nods her appreciation to the woman. "When you do host your concert, I can assure you that Rane and I will be there, front row. And if you should require any assistance on that front, don't hesitate to reach out."

After the toast, Zoey returns to her seat and resumes sampling the various dishes and engaging her tablemates in conversation.

Tarik gets a small portion of seared fish with fresh green salad and oysters from a humongous seared fish dish embellished with a side of fresh green salad and oysters.

"Where's this tavern, Lady Thea? Here in the city or in Southport?" Sunaia asks. She notes Kaia aside and smiles, pleased to see her friend. "Kaia, everything looks incredible."

Lucita says, "Oh, my, another course? We won't need to eat for a week after this scrumptious meal."

"Thank you Lord Mihaly. Oh, Lady Sunaia. A time soon then you and the Count Tibault should speak with myself on it as I serve as the family's banker." Martino's head dipped low as he stepped around to Rane and poured a full glass of his Lycene Red before making the same to Katherine - Lycene portions. Not Oathlander. "How exciting to hear Messere Nina... now..." Having filled the glasses around Leola and offering some to her and then crossing to Eirene. Her murmuring catching him leading to Martino to curl his lips, "Oh, Lady Eirene has something of a story to tell us all. Hopefully... safe for us to hear?"

Waldemai is sticking to suckling pig and hard liquor. "You an't get this just anywhere. Really tender." He probably means the suckling pig.

There was talk of good happenings but there was food in front of him that took precedence. Of course, at Katherine's glance, he grinned and gave her the lightest of nudges with an elbow. His brow knit again at the mention of her voice being lent. That was certainly something to ask about later and a curious expression took hold while he munched in silence. Then, they'd continued on. "Absolutely, Nina. We are probably your biggest fans after all you've done for us." Right back into another bite of pig and a reception of that wine from Martino. The glance he gave to Katherine afterwards was one of almost good-natured exasperation. Spirits. Another hurdle.

Calypso gets a look at the Thraxxian rum on the table, and gives Martino a raising of eyebrows. It's dinnertime, though, so she's going with wine, right now. She takes her seat at the table.

Zoey looks to Lucita. "With all this food I think we could feed an army," she says.

Nina smiles at Rane at the compliment, but she puts eyes front as Eirene is about to, apparently, tell a story. She loves to hear of other people's adventures as she's always looking for new song material.

"I'll let him know," Sunaia replies to Martino, then moves her pale gaze to Kaia. "Did you happen to mention to anyone about the research we're doing for the princess? I wonder if anyone here might be interested in helping - or might know of anywhere there are known places for healing."

"In Southport, right near the port,"Thea answers Sunaia. A slight smile appears on her face as she explains,"It was side project as Martino was busy doing everything else. I nicely asked the men if they would mind helping me. It's called Canted Lever, if you ever stop." She looks about at all the food and exhales. Good Gods. Taking a bigger sip from her glass, she sneaks some more pig to her bird, while eating some of the oysters.

Katherine accepts the glass of Lycene Red from Lord Martino and then raises it up in appreciation, lips curling into a wry smile. "Let us channel all of our efforts toward getting my husband as comfortable drinking your fine wine as he is to wear your fine clothing," the woman adds, winking slyly to her companion before taking a long, healthy sip of her own. To Nina, her reply comes effortlessly, "I only hope that my voice is worth lending, of course. But I do agree with you. To fine music," she says, extending her wine glass out to Nina for a private toast. And then her attention is drawn to the upcoming story, eyes resting on Eirene with keen interest.

Eirene stands up and clears her throat. "You all saw it on the way in. A giant fucking skull in the middle of our courtyard. I'm sure everyone wondered a little about it. I'm going to tell you how the hell we came by that Gloria damned thing." She actually shifts her bodice to adjust it into a more comfortable position. She's not used to wearing a dress, no...

Thea's explanation takes Sunaia's attention; she lifts an immediate smile. "Of course, I'll visit when I'm there next. I'll have to make a trip. It's been far too long since I was in Southport. The name is clever, too."

Marian pauses in her conversation as Eirene stands up to tell a story. She smiles deeper as her old friend brings up the tale that she's going to tell. She raises her glass in a salute as Eirene starts ther tale.

"Mmmm, oh quite-so Baroness Katherine. Your Fidante roots still aid you there." Martino's eyes creased to Katherine as he stepped around to stand near the food once more and to Kaia. His fingertips brushing against's the spine and lower back of Kaia, along that gown, as he inhaled slightly. His head tilting curious as he heard Eirene begin to tell the story of the giant skull, "You know. I have - never - known how it got there."

While Eirene regales everyone with her tale, Mihaly leans back in his seat, having stuffed his pipe and using an nearby candle to light it up. With a few puffs of herbal smoke, not tobacco and certainly nothing illegal, it's likely literally dried herbs. Looks like he's strapping in to listen to the story.

Waldemai looks over at Lady Eirene. "Walked past it a thousand times, and always wondered where it come from. It was here already when I got here."

Calypso exchanges a few whispered words with Lucita, then lifts her glass to Eirene, as though handing the story over to her. She starts putting food on her plate. She's got excellent table manners, but she's not at all dressed up for the party. Hopefully she wasn't supposed to be dressed up.

Nina of course accepts Katherine's small toast, clinking her glass, but then settles in with sparkling eyes to listen to Eirene. No pressure, just a bard hanging on your words who might write some strange poetry later....

Calypso has joined the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Thea is trying hard to remember now. "I-don't remember if I've heard the story of that skull. Maybe bits and pieces?" turning to listen to Eirene. Picking more at her food, Thea is quite interested though. It's obvious in her demeanor.

Kritr heard there was free food and drink. That's really all it took, along with some curiosity about what a 'Family dinner' is like, especially when non-family are invited. Arvani are strange.

After they get seatuated, Nova quickly nabs a little bit of everything available before quietly speaking to Tarik and sliding off most of her beef dish his way and then seems to be motioning toward every individual and likely naming all except a couple people she might not know. When Eirene speaks of the skull, familiarity shows and Nova grins a bit about Calypso's regard for the rum.

A touch of color found his cheeks at the talk of wine and fine clothes, both things he wasn't overly familiar with yet, but at his wife's jest and the singsong quality of her voice, he couldn't help but grin and a glance was shot to Martino as well with a faint, playful shake of his head. Still, he ate every last morsel of pig and began on the fish while that tale was being told.

Glancing first to Krit as he enters the hall, Sunaia flashes a sudden, bright smile at the Clearlake lord, then flicks her attention to Eirene. Travel tales? Adventure? Oh yes.

With so many people present, there's only so much space to go around, but Calypso, in the way she lounges in her chair, somehow manages to take up just a little more than her due. She starts eating, half an eye on Eirene as she tells a familiar story.

"During the Silence war, General Duchess Calypso spearheaded an attack up the Gray river to try to isolate and eliminate one of the Brand's columns." She nods to her niece at this, knowing she would remember. "We faced walls of Shavs, Bringers. Worse. It was Karadoc Saik that saw it first. We were in a cold winter's mist, not quite snow but enough to fuck up our visibility. A Fomori - a giant in service to the Silence." She scowls to everyone. "The hue and cry went up and down the line, and there was properly inspired fear. And excitement. I remember telling my lads and ladies that this was where we became the story, not just the ones telling it. And soon it came up through the mist. Over thirty-fucking-feet tall. Undead - rotting away with bone visible under tattered flesh. Carrying a war maul and dressed in tanned hides made of human skin."

"You should have seen fucking Harald Grimhall's face, he has so happy. Luca wanted the skull for himself. I had put a prize of ten-thousand on the one who brought it down but that felt -cheap- when we saw the fucker. The companies charged as one, going through armies of shavs to get to it and hacking and slashing away. When they finally DID manage to take it down, the flesh melted away as if the magic animating it had been broken. And all that was left was the skull, the rest going -pooof- into dust." She grins and motions behind her to the courtyards. "The shavs broke and ran then, and we let them. We think they had been controlled into service and there was no point in chasing them down. The Phoenix Brigade then went about and saved a lot of lives, proud of them as I am I had to mention it... but then we had to haul that fucking thing back to the city. Since Caly was the one who commanded the attack, it was hers by right of conquest. So. We have one big ass skull in our yard."

Lucita listens to the story Eirene is telling, paying close attention.

Tarik places

Waldemai looks properly impressed. "It's real? I always thought it was a statue or something."

"It's great for kids to climb on," Calypso puts in with a quick smile, just before taking a sip of her drink. "It's real."

Marian raises a glass to Eirene for her fine tale and then to Calypso for the woman who led the soldiers to victory on retrieving the skull.

Marian is overheard praising Eirene.

"O'

Nina looks startled by the description of the creature, so much so that she forgets to eat for a moment. But then she drinks, instead.

"I'm making a note to take a closer look at that thing on the way out then," says Zoey, taking another sip of wine.

Calypso hides her expression and a large part of the whispered conversation by lifting her glass of wine from time to time. "Once this is over, I'd like to talk with you more about this. This isn't the place."

Leola smiles a little, uneasy, and finishes her glass. She murmurs, briefly, to Lucita

There would be a bright smile directed towards Rowenova as she is thanked for bringing even more food. "You are most welcome dear. Do enjoy!~" she would insist. A small chuckle let out at Lucita's words. "Better that way than to leave starved.~" she chimes.

A small wave, and a kiss, blown to both her sister in law Thea, and her friend Sunaia. A mouthed little sentence given from afar to the latest.

The Malvici would lean in against her husband's cheek for that kiss. A coy little grin playing upon her lips as she took a brief moment to sniff him as requested. "Oh, my! Is that a new perfume? It's so delightful Tino.~"

Her gaze then falling over her sister Zoey. "Sister! You made it! Do make sure to take a good bit of that fish! Can you believe I actually caught that with my bow?!" Her tone hinting, she couldn't quite believe it herself.

However, her attention would seem to take a shift back to her husband --at the feeling of that mischievous hand of his running down her bare back. "Having fun are you?~" she would ask him teasingly, before letting out another chuckle. Her gaze, almost as swiftly as those words, drifting away and falling upon Nina. "Oh, Messere Nina! Your music for, Baron Rane's and Baroness Katherine's, wedding day was most splendid! I was genuinely impressed! I must have you play for our next Grand Ball, if you would indulge us. Oh, please say you will! Will you?" she would note with excitement --the lady would still remain on her feet, just by Martino's side.

Kritr says, "WE CAN CLIMB on it?" Kritr asks, eyes large and excitement written all over his features. He glances back the way he came. "Or wait. Just children?" There's a conspicuous attempt to moderate his volume."

After Eirene's story, Nova wows! "I did not know that one part about where its body went poof! Had a few meetings in its brain space, though." Then, to Krit, "YES YOU CAN AND GET UP IN IT!"

Lucita says, "I always remember the first time I saw the Duchess, she was seated inside the skull, one arm waving a handful of papers out the eyehold for a messenger to take and deliver. She was using it like an office. Nor will I forget Lord Arik's expression when he climbed inside and found he could stand up there, so much room in it. Or the time Duchess Calypso asked to meet with me and I had to figure out how to climb up on top of that skull to sit with her there to talk.""

"That's some damn fine storytelling. Damn fine." Mihaly says from his spot at the table, raising his flask to Eirene before tipping it back in toast to the current storyteller.

Nova cracks up, "Right?" says she after Lucita mentions Lord Arik.

"That's where I heard part of the story!,"Thea exclaims, nodding to Lucita. "She mentioned my cousin being inside it." Thea already starts planning to climb the skull later. Seeing Kritr, she greets him politely,"Lord Kritr, hello. How are you?"

Eirene says, "Luca and Talen were climbing all over it like children after the attack too, so it's tempting to adults alike. My twins love to chase eachother around it." She sits back down with a grin and goes back to picking at her food, a bit of this and that. "Princess Alis deserves a mention too. She saved an entire flank with her troops..."

"Of course I did! I did say I would, didn't I?" Zoey replies to Kaia, leaving her seat for a moment to greet her sister. "And that must have been some shot. You are doing very will with your lessons."

Calypso chuckles. "I finally came to my senses and got a real office, but that skull's great in the summer when my office is an oven."

Martino's eyebrows lifted up, so very impressed with the story and the telling from his Lady-Aunt Eirene. His hand lifting up the glass of red wine he had poured for himself to toast at Calypso and Eirene once more, "I... never did know how it came to be here. Thank you for that tale. If I rememebr it is entirely unbreakable as well. It must have taken great effort to get here." Laughing hushed with his wife Kaia, Martino's eyebrows lifted up as his lips curled wry as his wife went ahead to attempt to hire the bard Nina - as if he could say no now. His fingertips brushed against Kaia's back idly as he stood beside her and turned his chin to Marian as he welcomed her next, "As I went around, Princess Marian also had a tale from how she made the journey to Prodigal to Princess and Voice of Redrain."

"I don't yet know, my lady" Leola says quietly "I've written to those in the area, and I'm waiting for responses" She smiles, and rises, dropping a small, country-girl bob of a curtsy and making for the doors

Her moonlight gaze dancing with interest as Eirene recounts the story of the great skull, Sunaia smiles broadly. "Fantastic." She flits her gaze to Calypso and nods respectfully, "And congratulations. I don't think we've met, Duchess. I'm Sunaia Ashford, Killian's youngest sister."

Nina looks at Kaia with a bright smile. "Oh, thank you! I would be most delighted to. I do regret that being onstage for so long made it so hard to mingle, but that's why events like this one are so lovely! We can finally speak a bit!" She adds, after another thought, "I thought your dancing was very graceful during the event. I haven't ever seen someone so deft with more than one partner."

Lethe has left the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Leola has left the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Calypso lifts her glass to Sunaia, her smile a little bit dimmed just for a moment before it comes back. "Always glad to meet a sibling of Killian's."

Katherine turns her wide eyes to Rane, and shakes her head. "Thought I had heard -- and seen -- it all, but of course it seems there's always a bigger fish, so to speak." Slender fingers reach out to gingerly pluck a piece of fruit from her plate and pop it into her mouth.

Kritr has quietly helped himself to a full plate of food. He pauses when addressed and ducks his head to Thea. "Yes. Lady Thea Malvici. Makes sense you are here."

Eirene adds, "We've had that thing there for seven years now. The kids play King of the Hill and try to knock one another off, which scares the nannies shitless but hey, what' a broken leg when you're a kid, they heal pretty swiftly."

Dipping a grateful nod to Calypso as she notes the Duchess' expression, Sunaia's own smile echoes. "Thank you. And I'm always glad to meet his friends - he seems to have made so many here in Arx."

Marian smiles at the crowd as she moves to stand and take the stage, "Well, we have heard a story of war..." She motions to Rane and Katherine, "In honor of their recent union, I shall entertain you with a story of love." She smiles deeply, "A first love that led to me joining House Valardin."

"He was with us through a lot," Calypso says to Sunaia, with a lift of her glass, before falling silent to listen to Marian's story.

Waldemai signals for a refill. "Love a good story." He listens to Marian.

Thea smiles over at Kritr,"Well this is my home, so yes. Welcome,"drinking from her glass. She starts to eat the fish. She clears her throat, admitting,"I'd hate to think about all the times I worried my father regarding broken anything." Then Marian starts to mention a love story and Thea starts to shift her attention in her direction, curious.

Nina claps her hands just a bit as the next story is about to start.

When Marian calls out Rane and Katherine, Nova lifts her cup their way. "To Love!" says she with conviction! Then, she swigs back the WHOLE WINE.

Lifting his trimmed eyebrows, Martino was caught surprised and all the more curious on Marian's story as he parted from Kaia to walk across to the opposite table and pour some more drink into Waldemai's glass before making his way around that table some more. Wryly curling his lips to Sunaia as he stepped past her, "Looks like the vine story will just have to wait."

The baron reached over and gave Katherine's hand a squeeze, sharing a private sort of look for a moment before turning to look back at Marian in away of her tale. Rowenova was given a soft chuckle and thankful dip of his head.

"I was not born in the Compact," Marian tells those nobles that sit about her, "But instead was born in the Greenwood among the Abandoned tribe who broke a thousand years before. My childhood was spent in the woods, playing hide and seek with Valardin soldiers." She winks to any Valardins out in the crowd, because 'hide and seek' isn't exactly what she did.

"One day, I came upon a patrol of Valardin soliders who were in the river, washing off the dirt from the road. My warriors stole their armor and I pointed my sword at Prince Valen Valardin." She grins at all of them, "Now I could have killed him, but instead, I thought to get myself a bit of bounty." She shakes her head, "Little did I know what I had captured."

She picks up her glass of rum and takes a drink, "Now being noble, Prince Valen challenged me to a duel to try to win his men's freedom." She gives a wicked grin, "And he fought bravely against this war chieftain that had taken him and his men. But I prevailed in the fair fight, it was clear I was going to win until one of Valen's men tried to interfere, stab me in the back to help Valen gain the upper hand." She pauses for dramatic effort, "But being a man of honor, he could not let me injured unfairly and spun me away from the blade so that I was unharmed."

She gives a laugh and tells the crowd, "The clever prince lost the match but won my heart in the several days afterwards while we waited for Duke Arn to answer my demands." She shakes her head, "And you should have seen that old goat's face when he found out the prince he was trying to rescue was now engaged to the war chieftain that took him hostage." She looks up at the ceiling and it's clear that she misses the departed Duke Arn. Then she continues her story, "So I bent on knee to the Compact, my tribe became known as House Greenmarch, and I captured a crown of a prince in marriage, becoming Princess Marian Valardin."

Aside, Sunaia nods to Martino and briefly smiles. "I'm patient." She flicks her gaze to Kaia and lifts another smile, then turns to listen to Marian.

Waldemai raises his cup. "That's one heck of a prize!"

Zoey is overheard praising Marian.

Kritr applauds more loudly than is probably appropriate. "Greenmarch!"

Lucita says, "I remember when Lady Neve Greenmarch when she first came to join you in the city." She speaks to Mirian. "She was so unused to the fashion and clothes and excited to have a new dress and was so delightful in her explorations of the city. My sister and I admired her gumption in using a frying pan as her weapon of choice. Have not seen her in some time though."

Eirene says, "That's a good way to join the Compact. Love and honor." She lifts her glass in memory of the dead and drinks, closing her eyes a moment. "Two things worth fighting for in these dark days."

Kaia would have a sweet smile on display for Nina, Rane and Katherine. Aw, well, thank you! Although, it was all Martino's doing. We merely didn't want our lovely guest that day to feel left out --she had been going through a difficult day, and, so we all chose to dance at once. It was most interesting.~ A most wonderful celebration! We had lots of fun! Oh and the both of you looked so stunning!" But then, her gaze drifts over to Marian at her words --eager to listen to her tale.

Nina looks totally star-struck now listening to this story. She leans with her elbows on the table despite its apparent rudeness and listens with rapt attention, her eyes almost sparkling at the thrill of hearing the tale. "Ah, it sounds just like a song!"

Thea listens to Marian tell her story and maybe even smiles a bit. She takes a drink and grins at Calypso,"I forget they don't all start that way."

Marian nods to Lucita and admits to her, "In my early days in Arx, I was little more than a savage." She motions to the beautiful gown that she's wear, "Now I just dress better." She raises her glass back to Eirene, giving her a salute as she moves to rejoin her at the table. Nina, Zoey and Kritr also get a raised glass and drink as she settles back into her seat.

"From even my brief letters with Duke Arn. I can imagine it now." Martino's lips curled wry to Marian as she told her story and lifted up his glass of red wine to her, "To Princess Marian. Who..." With his forehead scrunching slightly, Martino seemed to work something out along a family tree for Greenmach, "Who is also then the sister... I would presume to Monique?" With his head tilting, Martino made the rounds over the table, crossing this time to the table opposite where Zoey sat. Red wine and rum offered to the Lady Zoey as the Malvici Lord agreed with Nina, "It is... oh, and Lord Mihaly. Did you not also have a tale for us this evening?"

After what Martino says, Nova pipes up. "Those Telmars." For those who know, the Duke-Consort of Halfshav is a Telmar.

Mr. Hops arrives, following Jules.

Katherine grins effortlessly at the story that Princess Marian tells, clearly enraptured by the whole of it and more so touched by their honorable mention. At Kaia's lovely words, Katherine blushes a lovely hue of rose, and dips her head graciously. "I am pleased that you enjoyed yourself so much. The event was as much for our guests as it was for us."

Marian grins at Martino, "Oh Duke Arn never forgave me for defeating him thorugh diplomacy. He was keen to bring his armies down on my people." When he asks about her sister, "Aye, she is my blood. I am the oldest, then Marius and finally Monique." Then she stops to give Mihaly her attention as a servant comes to refill her glass with rum.

Giving a casual salute to Martino with his flask, Mihaly sees that it's his turn at spinning a yarn. "Alright kids, gather round." Because anyone younger than him he qualifies as a 'kid'. Rising up to stand, he scratches at his beard, then smoothing it. "Old Mihaly will tell you a tale." He grins lightly, giving a puff on his pipe, letting it hang between his teeth a moment. "This story happened in the last year. So Marquessa Riven, my niece, had been getting reports of people going missing in a part of Riven land, a place called Mother's Marsh, deep in the Grey Woods. What we had found was the lost village of Hearthstone. Marquessa and Marquis Riven, myself, and a number of others ventured deep into this what seemed like no man's land. What we thought was missing people ended up being true, but what we didn't expect was the cult that was operating there. And the thing that lurked in the dark."

Eirene arches her eyebrows at Mihaly and sniggers as he plays the 'old man' angle. She refills her glass of brandy, she thinks it's brandy anyhow, and listens quietly, looking up at him.

Having finished her glass of wine, Zoey accepts Martino's offer of rum with a smile. She says something to him quietly while he is near.

"Oh, this ought to be interesting.~" would chime Kaia, as she moved to take a seat at last.

Katherine leans forward in her seat, clearly engrossed. Her plate of barely-touched food is all but forgotten as hands fold neatly under the woman's chin and eyes bend upward to the story-teller.

Murmuring hushed to himself, Martino smirked wry for a moment at Marian's description of the family tree, "I think we can imagine how the Minx of the Marsh learnt how." Martino's eyes turned to his sister Thea, eyes on the back of her head before he continued down the line and murmured hushed with Zoey for a moment. A wry curl of his lips before pouring to further top up Mihaly's glass while he described the story of the cult.

Tarik kisses Rowenova on the cheek before preparing to listening to the next story.

Tarik kisses Rowenova on the cheek before preparing to listen to the next story.

Jules makes his way into the great hall and tries to sneak silently into some place without disturbing the proceedings. He gives a few bows here and there along the way, notably to Martino. He does wave to a number of people along the way but he tries to keep his motions restrained to not draw too much attention to himself. In you're particularly interested in who he's noting, you can always check but it probably isn't that interesting.

Thea leans forward, amused at how Mihaly starts his story. Having her glass refilled, she awaits, completely missing Martino's obnoxious eyes on her.

That cheek kiss brightens up Nova's wolf-framed mien. She slings out one arm, happily nabbing Tarik in a momentary snug. She lets go soon enough, though, so they can easily absorb the story time as well as keep eating this free food.

Another puff. "You ever see a crocodile? Yeah? Well, this place hand plenty of them. Too many, actually. And moving around in a marsh while armored? I'll admit, not my best choice. I don't think we expected this place to be waist deep in muck. Once the cult leader got made and dropped the innocent act, he escaped for a bit, sic'd his people and his lizards on us. There we all were, beating back black-skinned crocs, me and Thesarin Riven back to back with each other while other broke inside the lodge. Blade and arrow, and even some Thrax Fire, we finally broke into the big meeting house that the headman escaped into. We went deep into the ground, found some kind of old catacombs that we stumbled around. Eventually, it turned into some kind of cave system, can't say how far down we went. Far enough. Until, eventually, we came to an underground lake of sorts. Cornered the headman there. But so was the thing he was 'worshipping'. Sacrificing all those lost souls to. You ever stand in the dark, and realize that there's something large out there that you can 'feel' before you see it? That feeling. Dread as we realized it was crocodile as big as a damn house. Maybe bigger, I'd say because it swallowed Tyrus Thrax whole." He snaps his hands together, like jaws snapping shut. "We thought him dead. Hells, we thought we were all dead. But damn if we weren't going to go down fighting. Throw caution into the wind and all we could do was take it on. And in mid-fight, Tyrus's sword stabs out of the beast's gut." He makes a stabbing out gesture. "The man was still alive and had literally cut his way out of the thing. I can't remember how long we fought, I want to say Thesarin planted his ax deep into the things head to finally put it down. We managed to save a few of the victims that had meant to be gator meat. And as as far as I know, we set the rest of the buildings on fire. The whole village had been corrupted. We made sure nothing remained in the end."

Waldemai shakes his head. "There's an ugly story. Glad you made it back to tell it."

Nina finally remembers to eat again. She goes for a little bit of the pie. But her eyes never leave Mihaly as her ears perk to the story of his adventure.

Marian is overheard praising Mihaly.

Eirene mutters, "So that's the whole story," as Mihaly finishes, nodding to him. "You didn't mention razing the village. But that's the right thing to do," she says in agreement, nodding firmly.

The lizards were sicced on them. Nova wheeze laughs then cuts off doing so after the Thrax Fire for which she curiously perks. She really gets into it during those stabbing gestures. "Wow!" After the story ends, "Good work!!!"

Katherine is overheard praising Eirene.

Katherine is overheard praising Marian.

"I think Lord Ian was on that trip as well," Zoey comments. "Those who know his scarf will understand when I say it came back smelling worse than when he left."

Marian enjoys the story of adventure against the cultists. She raises her glass when he's done, "Fine deed." And then takes a sip after saluting him. She settles back down and tells Eirene, "Thank you for inviting me...it's a fine dinner when such stories are told."

Katherine is overheard praising Mihaly.

Calypso takes the opportunity to eat while she listens. "I miss adventures like that," she sighs.

Lucita says, "Lord Ian's infamous scarf." She gives Zoey a wink as she teases. "Sometimes I think he sees me coming and automatically reaches to put it on.""

Mihaly takes a light bow. "It's my pleasure. When you get this old, you got plenty of tales of wars and battles. But for another time."

Nina eats pie and looks a little whistful... "I can't fight, but I hope that I can go on some adventure some day just so that I can witness it first hand. For the legends!"

Eirene laughs at Zoey. "That scarf needs to be burned," she jokes. "I'm sorry Caly," she says to her niece, giving a sympathetic smile. "I'm sure we'll find something that needs ass kicking, soon enough." She gives Nina a wry grin as she glances over, "Someday. Just don't be too excited. We're leaving out the blood and pain and people dying."

Martino's eyebrows lifted high as Mihaly spoke about the cultists and turned his gaze slightly to the stone sword within the Great Hall. His lips pursing slightly as he dipped his head low, "My. What a beast to have slain." He continued away from the table with Mihaly and Zoey sat upon and back to the centre table where he returned beside his wife Kaia. A secretive, faint smile to her blue eyes before turning on his toes to lift his chin across and direct his voice to Rane, "I think the Baron Rane Moore also had one for us about... vines. Now, being someone who has also fought against a vine. I am dearly interested in this one." Still proud about that vine on the wall, Martino lingered once more beside Kaia with an arm looping through hers.

"I don't know how that scarf doesn't kill anyone on contact,"Thea tells Zoey. She smirks at that and mentions too,"Those goggles---"amusement flashing across her face. Turning to Calypso, Thea asks her,"Do you--go on any these days?" This asked as a sincere question.

"I used to think crocodiles a thing of myth and legend." Kritr tells whoever is closest to him, Jules perhaps.

Katherine nods in agreement with Eirene's words, feeling them quite keenly. All the while, she rests back against her chair and ponders all of these stories with a look of wonderment visible upon her visage. She snaps out of it in time to reach over and squeeze Rane's hand fervently. "Go tell it, my dear."

Jules has joined the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Zoey laughs at the comment's about Ian's scarf with a shake of her head, then resumes drinking her rum.

"I'm not just the general of the army anymore," Calypso reminds Thea (and probably also Eirene). "It'd screw things up pretty bad if I went of on some wild adventure and came back on my shield."

Waldemai raises his cup. "I fought many a battle with the fruit of the vine...Brandy, I mean, not that tasty stuff."

After the humorous topic of the Ian's scarf comes up, Nova quietly laughs. Though, she soon lifts her cobalt-blue/kohl-lined gaze to the next person: Rane.

Nina, sufficently chastized for her youthful enthusiasm, goes back to eating pie, considering the possibilities of pain and death.

Kaia is overheard praising Eirene: A terrific tale!

Marian laughs at the mention of Ian's scar. Then gives a laugh at the duchess tale and tells Calypso, "It's better than heading off to war with twins in your belly." She turns to her table and explains, "Battle of Stormwall, the war I fought in my departed husband's stead, I was pregnant with my boys."

Kaia is overheard praising Marian: A mesmerizing tale!

Kaia is overheard praising Mihaly: A blood-curdling tale!

Jules makes his seat then listens with wraps attention at the story of the crocodile and looks to Kritr and says, "Dear me, I don't know what they look like but they do sound dreadful." There's a shudder and then a soft laugh. He then hears about Ian's scarf and just gives a firm nod, who knows which element he is nodding to though. At the mention of Stormwall, Jules eyes lift a bit and he asks, "What role did you play in the battle duchess?"

"That's war." Calypso lifts her glass while she speaks with Marian. "That's different. But I'm going to have to leave the monster slaying to other people, at least until Cosette and Lukas are old enough to take over."

The former commander sat up a little bit straighter and gave Martino a nod when it was his turn to speak. He swallowed down that last bit of fish and cleared his throat. "Many of you may be aware to the fate of Acorn Hill, nearly two years ago now. All communication was lost. The roads were blocked by vines larger than comprehension. At the time, I was station with a garrison at Farfield Watch, just at the border of Keaton holdings and Moore lands. We never heard a thing. No chaos, no noises, but when no travel came from Acorn Hill after a few days, we went to investigate."

There was a bit of lose of color to sun-kissed cheeks as he swallowed hard. "Death in battle is one thing and someone can become accustomed to it. But the sight of wanton murder and dismemberment toward civilians and non-combatants? That will forever haunt me. Bodies were impaled on thorns protruding from the vines. Parts of people were here and there. We eventually made our way to the town square and found..everything was razed. Not a stone stood in one piece, not a timber was left uncharred. Everything was..gone." He glanced aside to Katherine and returned that affectionate squeeze. "The baroness and my cousin, Lady Brigid Moore, took it upon themselves to investigate the cause and reclaim their familial lands. With the aid of the Marquis and Marquessa DiFidante, as well as Archlectors Brigida and Roran, we found that the land had been tainted and corrupted. The Volkov Wood had suffered a very similar fate as Acorn Hill, and both, we believe, at the hand of House Thornweave. Through toil, ritual and the blessings of the gods, we eventually removed the corruption and now have a healthy, arable land to once more become home to a hardy generation of Oathlanders."

Waldemai raises his cup. "Saving a whole land...Now there's a noble victory."

Sunaia checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Nova solemnly nods about the haunting sight in Rane's story. She leans back, fills up and lifts up her cup, then swigs down more booze. Drinking more possibly helps.

Thea listens to that story and she turns unusually quiet. She downs the rest of her drink, and looks about. Nope. Not one word on Thornweave and the vine. A memory she'd like to forget.

Turning his chin to Nina, Martino's lips curled to assure her, "There are... ones that aren't on a battlefield. Oh you should come with Kaia and I on an adventure soon." Martino's arms gripped slightly around his wife's elbow, "She is a direct shot with the bow so, well, you will be safe." His sharp green eyes closed as he began to listen to Rane share the tale of Acron Hill. "Mmmm yes... the Ladies Thea, Eirene and Kaia here have been involved on the Volkov Wood side with our dear Domonico losing his wife there." Martino's head bowed low as a messenger arrived to murmur and inform Martino, "Ah and he will be arriving soon. How goes the planting of seeds in the lands Baroness Katherine?"

Having sat through the previous tales with excitement in her eyes and a smile on her face, The white-as-snow Sunaia's cheeks flush rosy as she listens silently to the story of the vines, apparently forgetting the food that sits before her. She stares at Baron Rane, raptly attentive. Tentatively, she asks after the tale is told, "What do we know about House Thornweave, now? I've heard so many different versions of their fate."

Kaia would continue to listen to the tales shared, while quietly murmuring about something with her husband.

Kaia is overheard praising Rane: A spine-chilling tale!

Marian is overheard praising Rane.

To the current tale, Mihaly looks a touch pensive, smokingo nhis pipe like he's trying to figure out something in particular. By the way his brows are knitted together, suggests as much. "It's good something was able to be done." he finally says, nodding after a moment.

Eirene turns to Rane and Katherine and offers a faint smile. Sunisa's question is met with an answer. "A group of us were able to break some of House Thornweave free from their fucked-up servitude near Granato. One of the elves died in the process, and all of us pissed off the Horned God in said process." She pauses to stab at her salad as if it might attack. "We've also developed a salve which can destroy the vines. Some of that work was actually done here under my command..."

Kaia mutters, "Well I'm glad they ... I've be ... ... if they ... were ... ... our delightful food has been ... As a former Crownlander I would ... allow ... a ... ... is why I //always// keep an eye on the servants while ... cook. I wouldn't ... another poison disaster to ..."

Nina sighs a bit. "It's very sad to lose someone, even, or especially, in an adventure," she says. "But I have heard some bards using their music to aid, even if they aren't good at fighting. But if it is safe ENOUGH, my only wish is to chronicle an adventure firsthand. I suppose it can always happen some day." She looks suddenly startled at Eriene's colorful use of language.

Sunaia mutters, "Shit."

Nova speaks up, "13 total of which 3 are dead (one of those Lord Oberion) and of which 2 are dead now, too. Remaining 8 are unaccounted for but worst case says they are probably bound and running amuck." She looks over to Eirne then, "Speaking of which, thank you for letting me borrow that sample. I will be going scouting soon and would like to take a defensive amount, if able, and will bring it back to you, too, if we do not use it up due to necessity."

Katherine squeezes Rane's hand as he concludes his tale, and there's a look of unease present now upon the baroness' features. Her skin goes pale with the memories, but otherwise, she focuses on the positive aspects of all of this, ones that Lord Martino was kind enough to inquire after. "I know that there are conflicting reports of these horrible, recent events. Some of these events are still fresh, for many of us." She offers a look of empathy toward the Malvicis for their recent loss, then continues. "But the land that has been recovered is more fertile than ever. I am pleased to say that sacrifices made to eradicate the infection on these lands were not in vain. Many families can resettle and rebuild again, thanks to those who came together. And so I thank everyone and anyone who did set forth to aid the families most in need, especially because we are one of them. Thank you." To Sunaia, Katherine offers a sad shrug of her shoulders. "Unfortunately, I can truly say I am unsure."

Jules listens to Rane's tale about the Thornweave and vines and grimaces at the mention of bodies being impaled on thorns. A nod of his head as he hears and says, "Always good to have brave and bold soldiers." He reaches to his side and pulls out a flask that he takes a quick nip from before he stashes it back away.

Lucita says, "When you speak of corruption, perhaps this tale will fit in. " She glances toward the others who helped with this one. "Baron Eos was killed in 1005. He was drawn into a trap by reports of a hostile Abandoned Tribe coming ashore along his southers beaches. Gathering his army he rode south for a few hours till he reached the site and there began a battle with him holding his own... till a black skylord swooped down and flamed them. The fire burned so hot, so deep it was seen miles away and even the rain falling did not extinguish it. It was so hot it turned a circle _two miles_ in diameter into blackened glass. Poisonous, tainted blackened glass, the armies all incinerated, just some bone at the center of the glass. A skant year and some later Baroness Kima went missing, presumed dead, and then in 1008 my husband was killed and left me in the position I am.

Over the early years of leading the holding we researched the glass,assessed the problem and found, during several expeditions that it was poisoning the bay, massive fish kills lining two miles of beach, plants withering, looking 'odd', and animals either dying or warping unnaturally. Hunts to kill and cleanse, to protect villagers began. And more research. Faith, Shaman, Singers, civilians and military all banded together to preform a ritual that removed the taint and poisoning and shattered that two mile disc of glass, enabling the beach to be restored. Still,over the years following we still find an odd beast or two. Like giant sized crabs that nothing but diamondplate or alarcite would even scratch, even on what should have been the vulnerable eyestalks."

Marian finishes her drink and then quietly considers the events of Acorn Hill, giving Rane's tale great consideration. Her earlier laughter is muted and there is solemn look on her face. Kaia's words bring a sharp glance at the word 'poison' is uttered, for the moment she says nothing further on Thornweave.

Waldemai listens carefully. "I remember when you were working on that. The strain was awful."

Thea listens, eventually saying,"I have still been helping the DiFidantes in Volkov. As far as their land is concerned. It's not--clear yet, but still." She asks, sighing,"What is it with these sharknoids and giant crabs, by the way?"

After her patron speaks and Thea asks, Nova replies back, "Warped by taint."

"If the giant crab is not toxic, I think it would be worth trying to eat it." Kritr says over the sound of his own comestibles.

Marian checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

20 inflicted and Marian is unharmed.

20 inflicted and Marian is harmed for moderate damage.

"Mmmm truly pleasing to hear Baroness Katherine. Should you be in dire need... I know someone who can provide hardy gourd seeds in quite some bulk." Martino's head dipped low to Katherine before turning his back to pick out a liquor. Laughing sight before glancing, once more, in Thea's direction as Martino gathered up the bottle of Heaven's Embrace. "Well, let me pour you all a glass of this and tell you the tale about my... liquor here before setting you all a challenge."

Martino stepped past his wife and held up the drink to the room as he described it, "Is called Heaven's Embrace. This is a creamy liqueur that is from the crushed fruit of the sweet milk tree. Supposedly, this sap..." Martino starts with pouring Rane's drink as his lips twist to a smirk for a moment, "Is there to aid virility and fertility. So, please, do make sure you drink your moon teas." Nodding firm, Martino hums for a moment and continues around the table where Rane was sat, "The taste sweet with a slight caramel flavor has hints of rich nuttiness, light. Saved for just before bed and... in the company of another. Unless, that is, you are having a party for one."

The end of the bottle poured out, Martino steps back to the main table and sets it down to inspect the scene while there was something of a scuffle away in the kitchen.

Lucita says, "We chose not to eat them lest the corruption spread further, they had to be cleansed. Besides, when first we...oh.. should not speak of that at dinner." She gives a wry grin and shudders, just enough to indicate there wa s carnage involved."

Marian keeps looking at that glass, the one that was refilled without asking. She stops paying attention to those around her except maybe Eirene. She looks at her old friend and there's pain there as her lips tinge with blood.

As the party has taken a slightly sad, darker turn, Nina is grateful that the topic of dessert liquor now comes up. She looks up, at the bottle as it's described, and eagerly looks for the spiked tea.

Katherine glances sidelong to Rane and gestures to the drink. "Go on, my love, no time like the present."

Rane checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Sunaia checked perception + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Eirene checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 45 higher.

Kaia is overheard praising Lucita: A most informative tale!

Rowenova checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Thea snorts at Martino as he starts to go on his winded speel. "Not my fault..."

Katherine is overheard praising Rane.

Katherine is overheard praising Lucita.

The baron listened closing to Lucita's tale and his brow creased hard, nodding another as he dissected battle tactics or anything of the sort before remembering this wasn't a briefing, but a tale being told. "Giant crabs defending against diamondplate and alarcite?" He almost shuddered at the thought and he almost grinned at Kritr's remark on it. To Thea he nodded. "It is still likely quite dangerous, but should no longer be tainted or corrupted." When Martino spoke up once more and made a very pointed way of directing that speech toward him, his cheeks utterly burned a deep, bright red as he looked to Katherine for aid, but there was naught but further encouragement. His eyes went wide and he wasn't sure whether to laugh nervously or run. What he wound up doing was immediately plucking up his cup and taking a long drink from it.

Thea checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

"I had snow crab once. And by once I mean, once a day for a month." Kritr explains. "I liked it."

Lucita looks up as a messenger interrupts the story telling and meal. Reluctantly she rises and says to the others. "I am sorry, something has come up that I must leave." And she heads out. She was no where near what caused the incident in progress. "Be well all of you. and thank you for the dinner."

Lucita has left the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Micana, 1 Saik Guard leave, following Lucita.

With intent curiosity, Nova perks up after Martino ultimately presents the Heaven's Embrace. From her alchemy/weapons belt, she pulls up a copper flask which she empties out into her own mouth before offering out said flask. "Well... could I get down on some of that? Not for right now but for later?"

"The last one I saw was tainted," Sunaia nods to Rowenova in response to Krit. "I'd advise against it." She remains pensive, staring at the glass before her, which she decides not to touch. Her eyes, flicking around the room as Martino pours, note Marian's lips. She swears and rises abruptly, knocking over her chair. "You," she points at a servant, "Where do you think you're going?"

Calypso checked command + intimidation at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Nina looks up suddenly as Sunaia says something to a servant. Is... something afoot? Suddenly she wonders if she should not be drinking.

Eirene's eyes widen at Marian's bloody reaction and she calls out, "No, stop. Nobody touch anything. Nobody go anywhere." Her eyes fall to the food at Marian's plate and she scowls suspiciously at the refilled rum. "Ah fuck, Mari - hold on."

Waldemai has left the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Jules has left the a sturdy table inlaid with a cherry wood Raptor.

Calypso rises slowly, and she's not smiling anymore. Her eyes are glacial, glittering like the sun on ancient ice. Her mouth is downturned a little bit at the corners. "Save the glass. Eirene?" She nods towards Marian.

Katherine checked perception at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

A few drops of blood fall out of Marian's mouth as the warchief sits very still. Her firey green eyes just stare at the servant that Sunaia is shouting towards. She lightly taps a finger on the table to tell Eirene that she heard her.

Katherine reaches out quickly to pull the glass away from Rane's lips, perhaps even spilling it all the while. However, her face tells the baron all he needs to know. It is creased with a healthy level of fear and equal parts anger. However, she remains frozen in place at the table, eyes shifting around keenly, but returning to her husband every other second to ensure that no blood has begun to touch his own lips.

Mihaly had been refilling his pipe when he looks up at Eirene's concerned tone, attention brought to the forefront. When she rises, as does he. His immediate reaction is lay a hand over Consequence on his hip. He looks at Marian, then at Sunaia. Then at the servant. "You." he barks. "If you don't want to be cut down here and now, you'll freeze in your steps." And he's moving toward the servant at fast click.

Thea blinks and well. She looks up at Calypso and Eirene, her gold-flecked green eyes serious,"Aunt, cousin--I can try,"allowing her words to trail. She knows they know what she's talking about as she hurries over.

Kritr continues eating, confused by the sudden display of wrath.

Sunaia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Calypso stalks around the table, towards the servant, who has DEFINITELY stopped at this point. "Eirene's got it," she says to Thea while she walks towards the servant at an ominous pace. "Save the glass. I want to know who I'm killing tonight."

There is a blast of cold air as the doors open and in strides the stoic figure of Domonico Malvici, his hair damp from melted snow. A smile threatens hisface when he sees his family there before he notices the... tenseness in the air and the dangerous vibes from the others and his hand drops to Warspite's hilt. "Situation?"

Seeing someone has been poisoned, Nova growls lowly. She stands up and then moves over toward Marian and Eirene, ultimately providing them with what are belt vials of various solutions, telling Eirene knows which ones are which, but Nova is no medic here, but it might still help.

As the scene devolves into something more concerning, Martino steps back slightly to Kaia and murmurs hushed to her before indicating his wife off to the kitchen to inspect if all was clear and just what what happening behind there. He walked towards Rane and Katherine and murmured hushed with them as he held his own glass of liquor in it, "Well... welcome to the Lyceum. Worry not, Baron Rane. Supposedly it does that. You will have to let me know if there is something a-different later."

After spotting the blood on Marian's lips, Zoey immediately stops eating or drinking anything in front of her. She looks around, trying to understand what is happening.

With immediate strides, Sunaia makes her way towards the servant, her silver eyes piercing. She'll try to get there with Mihaly, but takes note of the servant's face, in case he runs.

Nina looks very startled to see blood. She pushes back from her seat, not wanting to even touch anything now, but knowing she's out of her depth in investigating who may have caused this crime. "... I mean, I know adventures are dangerous, but, I guess dinner can be dangerous too!"

Mihaly checked command + intimidation at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Calypso checked command + intimidation at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

"Dom - poison. Someone get me charcoal. Or clay," Eirene barks. "Thea, If you don't have any in your rooms, there's some on my shelves." She takes Marian's hand and squeezes it. "Breathe slowly, try to get some air in there. Through your nose." She's all business now, fancy dress aside.

From her belt array, Nova pulls out a glass vial with dark powder here before offering over said vial to Eirene. "I have activated charcoal, only so much. Will this help until Dom gets back?"

Thea doesn't have to be asked twice as she runs up to her own room,"Nope. I have some. Be right back!" And RUNS! Like RUNS! Long legs are godsend, really and she's back in flash, handing over the charcoal to Eirene,"Here."

Kaia's face at the sight of blood in Marian's mouth has her go slightly hysterical. The Malvici lady pales --her tanned skin going cold under Martino's touch-- and she look at him in panic. Her blue-grey eyes moving over to the ruccus coming from the kitchen and Sunaia's shouting at one of the newly recruited servants. "Oh gods...not again."

Marian isn't moving, she's sitting still and tries to breath through her nose as Eirene suggests. Now that the servant has been taken, Marian focuses on keeping herself conscious. Her fiery green gaze softens as she watches them work to save her.

Domonico nods once at Eirene's summary of the situation. There is precious little he can do regarding the poison but he can at least do something else. "Duchess General. I will lock Malvici Hall down. No one in or out until this is resolved?" He begins directing House Guards to the entrances and exits with clear, precise commands.

Katherine turns around and looks up at Martino, clearly still reeling from this entire event unfolding, but manages to pull her furrowed brows up a little and offer the man a strained returned whisper in reply.

Sunaia checked strength + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Eventually it gets through to Kritr that there has been a poisoning. He looks carefully at his food as if he could see whether or not it had been subjected to the same thing. He sniffs it speculatively.


Standing still, there is an unfamiliar servant about who's uniform of red does not match the others. Almost a perfect blend in and, well, he's been rustled by the firm gaze and reaction by the room. Near to the exit, the man stopped and turned.

"The North should never have taken THAT one."

The man's fingertip pointed towards the Princess Marian as he found himself flanked.

Rowenova's vial is taken with a nod by Eirene, who motions for Thea to join her when the younger Malvici returns with MORE charcoal. Good. "Hold her while I pour this," she says, motioning for the other medic to assist. She gently opens Marian's mouth and starts to pour in a little bit of the dark substance.

Shooting a glance at her assistant, Colm, as he finds his way off of the wall and casually walks over, Sunaia nods to him once, then flicks her gaze back to Calypso, deferring orders to the Duchess. The pale Inquisitor grips the servant's arm so hard, it's clear from the way he winces that she's not letting go without a fight. Her expression, while mainly calm, has a violent touch as her platinum eyes take on a wild glare.

"No one in or out," Calypso says to Domonico in a low voice. Her eyes are locked on the servant's. "The only chance you have right now of ever walking out of here is to tell me who you're working with. Everyone you're working with. Don't think I won't kill you. Or make it slow."

Calypso checked command + intimidation at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

"It's never the servant, so I'd suggest you have a single opportunity to save your life. Maybe if the owner of this house is feeling merciful." Mihaly states evenly to said servant even as draws Consequence. "So before the Duchess takes your head, I'd suggest you now tell us who told you to poison the Warchief. Who are you going to die for and is it truly worth that effort to be tossed under the wagon." Hearing that response, he takes a another step forward, placing the tip of the blade under the servant's chin. "Duchess. This is your house." he says to Calypso without actually looking at her. "Your command."

While Eirene and Thea are working on Marian, Nova makes sure to move items for efficient access and hand things and take things as are potentially needed.

The baron paused at the boldness of the servant until it was quite clear that this /wasn't/ a servant of theirs. This was not a weapon he was wholly familiar on dealing with, but thankfully there were plenty here that can.

Martino GM Roll checked wit(2) + bluff(3) at difficulty 37, rolling 9 lower.

Sunaia checked composure + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Thea is with her hand, but keeping her hands away from Marian. For REASONS! Thea simply does as Eirene tells her to do for now, her eyes watching her surroundings as well. Her gold-flecked green eyes serious as she works.

Marian tilts her head back and drinks the charcoal solution as provided by Eirene. She closes her eyes and listens to the servant's words but her throat is too raw for her to answer. She grips the table as it painfully slides down.

Domonico briefly steps out the door and his voice is heard clearly ordering the guards to lock the gates.A few moments pass before he re enters and heads *straight* towards the suspect servant, hand on Warspite's hilt, ready to draw the blade at either Calypso's command or to instantly deal with an emerging threat.

Barely keeping her composure, Sunaia's eyes narrow further as the man tries to pull away, her grip a vice as she lowly growls, "Do you think I'm joking? I'll break your arm. And then, your hand. And I'm sure the Duchess can think of several other pleasures."

Mihaly tilts his head after a moment. "Since when does anyone in the *North* use posion. Most true Northeners would look at that as a coward's move." But the tip of the sword doesn't waver. Not yet anyways.


"You had one here. Tonight. I visited recently."

The man's lips curled slowly as he glanced across the room and commented, "I am with the Drowners on Caer Morien. You still have one of ours and I am here to take one of yours. You have taken this Warchief into your home and continue to ruin this land for us."

The man's hands lifted up, before he quickly drew a blade to hold it against his throat. His dark eyes upon the Duchess Calypso and other guests. "Let. Me. Leave."

Eirene doesn't look away from Marian as she calls out to Mihaly, "The cultists I told you about," she says flatly. The princess is administered to. "Just keep calm, breathe through your nose, slowly," she says in a flat tone, no emotional inflection. "This will absorb the poison."

Eirene checked wits + alchemy at difficulty 30, rolling 3 higher.

Nina isn't getting involved in any of this, but she is watching it with rapt attention, curious as to what might happen next. Maybe one for the storybooks.

Kaia like a few of the others in the room remains far away from it all. Watching --startled-- at the very unexpected turn of events.

Calypso checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 5, rolling 40 higher. Calypso rolled a critical!

Domonico takes a step back from the immediate situation and moves off to one side, sweeping his gaze around the room careful.

Nova continually assists Eirene and Thea with Marian. She glances askance at the Drowner boy and lowly growls before turning back to her efficient work.

Calypso gives the man a 'seriously?' sort of look and socks him in the face hard enough to break his nose (and possibly other parts of his skull) (and possibly fracture her fingers) with an audible, sickening crack, while she catches his wrist with one hand and jerks it away from his throat. "Not today, asshole."

Kritr stands up out of his seat, spilling food onto the floor. He applauds loudly, slowly but building. "THAT is how you lay a man OUT!" He says encouragingly. "I don't know anything about Drowners or Caers or Moriens, but I know how punch a man! THAT. IS. HOW!" Slow clap builds to enthusiastic cheering. "MALVICI!"

Zoey is overheard praising Calypso.

Katherine is overheard praising Calypso.

Mihaly, perhaps sensing the punch coming, drops his blade just before Calypso knocks him in the face. Once the man's has lost blade, he does what any other respecting knight would do. Cracks the man in the back with the pommel of his sword. He's not going anywhere any time soon. Just to make sure he tries running away.

Kaia is overheard praising Calypso: She punched that foolish drowner of Caer like a proper leader ought to! Cheers to Malvici! We are lucky to have her!

Sunaia checked luck at difficulty 20, rolling 9 lower.


Caught completely off guard by the solid crack of Calypso's knuckles, the Cultist dropped down the sword and yielded themselves. Blood pouring through the battered and crunched nose of his as his hands remained up. Knife dropped. His nose and likely best part of his face spraying blood across those close enough to not have escaped. (Anyone nearby take Luck vs 20 to save your precious white fabric)

Choking hard, the cultist gagged, "Pl... n..."

Back he slammed into the floor, utterly knocked from his feet and out cold where two Malvici Guards gathered the cultist up and awaited Calypso's direction for which cell to use. The cold one or the REALLY cold one.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

Eirene checked luck at difficulty 20, rolling 14 lower.

Thea remains exactly where she is supposed to be. Which is by her aunt and Rowenova. But you bet your ass her dagger is starting to come free as she slides her her hand under her gown. When Eirene whispers back to her, Thea nods her head quietly,"Long as she's ok.."

Mihaly checked luck at difficulty 20, rolling 12 lower.

Marian checked luck at difficulty 20, rolling 12 lower.

Kaia is overheard praising Eirene: Wastes no time! She moved swiftly to aid Marian from that poison.

Thea checked luck at difficulty 20, rolling 9 lower.

Kaia is overheard praising Thea: Wastes no time! She moved swiftly to aid Marian from that poison.

Kaia is overheard praising Rowenova: Wastes no time! She moved swiftly to aid Marian from that poison.

Calypso shakes her hand out, because there's no way her fingers aren't going to at least be swollen later. Her good mood is gone, though, past even face punching to bring it back. She looks to Domonico, and there's still fire and ice in that gaze. "I want to know who let this man in. If they're fucking lucky, they're going to be cleaning out latrines for the foreseeable future." If they're not... She gives orders for where he's to be kept, and for someone to clean out his pockets.

Calypso checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

A quick, respectful nod to Calypso as the Malvici Duchess handles the man - spraying blood all over Sunaia's face, throat, hair and gown as his nose is shattered. The Ashford barely blinks, flicking her silver gaze to the woman and curving her lips in a brief-but-wicked smile. "Nice work, Duchess. Let me know if you ever want some side work as a Confessor."

Calypso says, "And damn it," Calypso says, "I liked this shirt.""

Clearly, the Malvicis had this well under control, but that did not mean his guard was down. Quite the contrary, he swept his gaze around the room to look at anything else out of sorts. A hand reached over and idly rested atop Katherine's as if to placate and soothe.

Nina checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 0 higher.

What a bloody Friday! For some reason, the blood spray just divides itself around Rowenova and never touches a single fur on her niveous pelt or her direwolf cloak. Eirene, Thea, and Marian are not so lucky, though. How?!

Nina looks ... a little surprised, but she's not close enough to get blood spray on her, having pushed back from the table a bit before. She doesn't scream... maybe she's seen arterial spray before, after all. However, she's been quite put off her food for now.... "Well, this was surprisingly eventful, wasn't it?"

"For the record, Moriens have nothing to do with with Caers Morien." Tarik clarifies as he moves the food around his plate, "One is a place in the south, and one is family that dates back to the time around the Reckoning.

Thea sighs at her gown and frowns, everything slowly sinking in,"The blood. Blends in with gown, yes?" refocusing on Marian.

Kritr comes close enough to examine the damage to the nose. "Well. Now the shirt has character."

Eirene's got some blood on her red dress. Some of it belongs to Marian, some of it belongs to the very unfortunate cultists who got punched AND cold-cocked out. While blood doesn't come out of silk well enough, it's at least crimson colored. "Well fuck," she mutters, wiping it off her face. "Okay, let's get Marian to the couch where she can lie down until the charcoal starts to soak up the poison," she says to Nova and Thea. "Sorry this went sideways," she says to Mihaly, looking a little sheepish.

Zoey sighs and mutters to herself, "I think I need to stop going to Lycene parties."

Domonico nods his head seriously at Calypso's orders, "At once. I shall work with my brother on this as well." The stern Admiral starts directing House Guards to start rounding up the House Servants for a headcount.

Marian doesn't seem bothered by the blood on her dress because she's recovering from the poison. She closes her eyes and lets them move her to the couch. There is a bit of a smirk as she overhears Calypso's words. Her voice a mere rasp as she tells something to Eirene and Thea.

Nova waves off the apology given. "Not your fault, My Lady." She offers out strong arms to helpfully move Marian if the war chief will take such help from the strong scout.

Mihaly doesn't really even notice the blood on him. If he does, it'll be later when he changes. Consequence is sheathed. "Dumb kid. Martyrdom doesn't get you anywhere." He shakes his head, watching him get drug away. There's a frown on his face, turning away after the servant is taken out of sight. "It's fine." he eventually says to Eirene. "Though I am going to give you crap for saying how this doesn't really happen anymore."

Marian mutters, "This ... what I ... for taking off my ..."

Having made his way from Rane and Katherine back to Kaia, Martino was stood with his eyebrows lofted high. Leaning to his wife, Martino murmured hushed to Kaia once more, "You know... people are going to start avoiding our parties if we keep having things like this happening." With the calm returning once more to the hall, the Malvici Lord lifted his drink to his lips and sipped it. Exhaling at the creamy liquor drunk by him, "Or. They won't stop."

"Martyrdom would have saved him a lot of pain," Calypso says to Mihaly, while kicking the knife away from the fallen assassin's hand. "A lot of pain. I think he knows that."

Accepting a serviette from a servant, Sunaia wipes her face, mainly spreading the cultist's crimson blood all over her face. She looks down to the ruined gown. "Well. I guess I won't be wearing this again."

Thea murmurs to Marian quietly, but in understand,"I dont think that would mattered. But we got you.."

"Ah fuck, I forgot I said that, didn't I," Eirene says to the old Riven knight, shaking her head. "So, yeah, I guess I was wrong." She listens to Marian and cackles a little. "It wouldn't have helped, honey..."

"I'm guessing you don't usually break noses at Malvici family dinners. Might be a good tradition." Kritr rumbles.

Kaia lets out an audible sigh. "Well...even with all that care...they still managed to get through. This is rather upestting." she admits to her husband in a hushed tone.