Evaristo drops THE MURDER GAMES.

Raja gets Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Sydney makes her way into the murder and swiftly claims hey favored barstool when she notices the place's crowd is decidedly larger than usual. Certainly, there can't possibly be an occasion.

Raja puts Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies in a large, open-woven basket.

Nina gets Carved Wooden Lute from Instrument carrying case.

"I'm not much of a Whisper," Fortunato says. He angles himself back up on the bar stool, and places his plumed hat back on his head. "You're common, yeah? I assume you're joking," he says to Svana, "but divorce's not really a mark on jus' folk. They'd only bar you from the Whispers if you had dependent kids." He, and a cluster of other folk, are at the bar, and have been at the bar. Murder's often busy.

Corrigan trudges into the Murder, kicking snow from his boots halfheartedly. He glances around, and briefly looks as if he's wandered into the wrong establishment. Heading up to the bar, he gives those he recognises a brief nod, giving Tanith an appraising up-and-down. "You've outdone yourself, cousin," he says, perching on a barstool next to Sydney. "I had no idea that the counter was this colour beneath the grime."

Corrigan has joined the Crow Bar.

The back door opens, as it often does, and Raymesin ducks through. He actually seems to have found a smile from somewhere, though it may be second-hand as it definitely seems to be fraying at the edges. He holds the door for Tanith to follow, making her, rather than him, the centrepiece of the arrival. And then he's closing the door again once both Tanith and her dress are through, and offering her his arm in a manner that had to have been taught by a Whisper.

Revell wanders into the Murder of Crows - left leg still covered in bandages, but it appears that the splint has been removed, and she's only using one crutch to move around fairly comfortably. She's wearing her usual bright smile-- that is, until she notices just how -big- the crowd is. Gulping, she makes a bee line for the bar and slides onto the stool /furthest from all the commotion/, offering quick but polite nods to those she knows in passing.

Revell has joined the Crow Bar.

Svana stares over at Rowenova, then Fortunato, then back to Rowenova - and down to her stomach. "These two are ruining so many things for me already!" She ticks off years on her fingers. "I'm common, yes. I am joking about divorcing my husband." She laughs quietly. She stops and quiets, letting people do their entering.

Verity Locke comes in from the cold with all the appreciation for the warmth that a woman can have. After leaving her coat and scarf on a hook by the door, the courtier takes a moment to survey the crowd for friendly faces. She sees a few, but, the math on who's busy with planning is complicated. Lingering by the door /does/ mean she's nearby when Raymesin and Tanith come in, which sends Verity into a fit of marveling at Tanith's dress.

When Tanith and Raymesin enter, Rowenova shouts out with Northern volume, "CONGRATULATIONS!" Her voice just booms right across the bar and the force of what she says might even help shut the door from which the couple just came!

At the invitation of the bridge and groom after accidentally becoming witness at their ceremony, Zoey navigates the unfamiliar territory of the Lowers with a note in her hand until she finds the Murder of Crows. No aide with her this time and her guards instructed to keep a respectful distance, she enters the Murder and lowers her hood before looking around and getting the lay of the land, as it were.


Tanith is wearing a very purple dress, and she's wearing jewelry, and her hair is brushed and everything. She looks up at Raymesin when he holds the door open for her, giving him A Look that suggests all this is very unnecessary, but she takes his arm. "Oh ... wow," she mumbles. "There's quite a bit more of them than I expecte-" she's being shouted at. She snorts.

Mutters and copious side eye is given from the Lower Boroughs residents in the bar as one of higher station enters the Murder of Crows.

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

Fortunato cups his hands around his mouth. "Tanith! What did you get all fancied up for? You're marrying an Ulbran!"

Corrigan glances at Fortunato, grinning. "I'd get something heavy or sharp thrown at me if I said that."

Emara Grayhope doesn't make any sort of entrance. Somehow, she is just there, wandering around, watching people and peering nosily into baskets and pots. Upon spotting Tanith and Raymesin entering, she stops, turns, and just looks at the two for a moment with an inscrutable look on her face. Slowly, she wanders up to Raymesin and says, "You clean up well for a scare crow." She glances to Tanith and then at Raymesin as she grins brightly and says, "You break her heart and I'll cut yours from your chest with your own knife." A beat and then she says more warmly, "Welcome to the family. I suppose you'll do."

Nina, from the Bard's College, has set up a small band with her accompaniment, which includes a flute player and a bit of percussion. As this is not the kind of party that's terribly fancy, she's eschewed the pure string quartet setup in favor of some instruments that will likely allow for some lively dancing. She's in wool pants, useful against the cold, rather than dressing in something so fancy in this particular environment. At a wedding like this, attention should be on the bride... which of course, it is. She begins up with something spirited and lively to suit the occasion.

Raja slips through the crowd silently, looking for a place to sit. She chooses a spot in the back and slips into the booth. From her pocket, she brings out a half-smoked bit of rolled up haze and lights it up using one of the lanterns nearby. She leans back in her seat, looking towards Raymesin and Tanith, a wistful gaze for a brief moment.

Raja has joined the Darkened Booth.

Zoey spots the bride first and goes up to greet her. "Mistress Tanith, you look lovely! How has life treated you since the ceremony?" she asks, her smile warm and genuine.

Korka doesn't work here so she does have to make an entrance, pushing open the door and walking in with Archlector Hamish Farmer, "You're familiar with the terms of the wager? Because it starts now," she says to him, pausing a moment at the entrance then tugging on his sleeve and nodding towards the bar, "Let's start with a drink so if the Cullers come in to start a knife fight so they also get some attention we are too drunk to care."

Raymesin pats Tanith's hand on his arm, then calls right back to Fortunato, "Thought you Whispers kept up with th'gossip? We got 'itched weeks back!" He waves to the assembled, inclines his head to Zoey, and gives Rowenova a thumbs-up sign at her shout. By the reactions and by his expression, that's not one of the ruder ones to be found in the Lowers. Emara gets a smile that's fainter and sharper than the one he was wearing. "You'll 'ave ter get in line," he replies to her. "Tan gets first dibs. But thanks."

Evaristo has been busy - a part of the locale has been transformed into what must be some sort of obstacle course, and there's a few thugs hanging around near it that looks a bit suspicious. He now finishes up and rushes towards Tanith and Raymesin in a near jog, then stops and just STARES at the bride, and his smile widens in appreciation. "Dear gods, you're stunning." He winks at Raymesin. "You're looking dapper too, but your wife outshines you, I'm afraid." He then climbs up on a chair, to be seen and heard better.

"Dear people of the Lowers, family, friends, enemies and everyone else - this IS a celebration of Tanith and Raymesin that has married, don't ask me WHY, I guess they like each other - but more importantly this gives us all a VERY good reason to throw ONE BIG PARTY. Will there be fancy dancing and subtle insults? Absolutely not. There'll be WILD dancing and RUDE insults! Will there be itty bitty bites of smoked salmon, specially imported from that one river in the Northlands? HAH! No, there'll be hearty meals and cookies so sweet you will float on a cloud of sugar." He grins. "And of course, there will be GAMES and PRIZES. There is a book there with the rules, take a look and decide which game you like and then we'll start them up in a bit. BUT NOW - lets start drinking!" And with that, he cheers loudly and hops off the chair.

Sydney offers a wide smile, one of those signature grins of hers that looks halfway to being feral, but for the obvious cheer that reaches her eyes. She leans her elbows against the bar and offers, "Hope tying the knot doesn't free you from pouring out a drink for your favorite regular, Ani-Ani. I'm not likely to trust what the others serve up. Oh, right." She offers a subtler, more genuine smile. Congratulations."

"I shoulda had that in past tense. You /married/ an Ulbran," Fortunato corrects for Raymesin's sake. "So you oughtta be dressed in rags with a tiara of rusted iron, it's so, it's so!" He turns, and raises a glass to Evaristo. "Well said from the Master of Ceremonies! This is a Lowers party. No matter who's attending."

Drifa finds Tanith and Raymesin "Thank you for inviting me and congrats"

The entrance opens once more, letting in another snow covered fellow. After brushing off the snow, Axel steps inside and shuts the door behind him. He is, for once, smiling, as he looks around the place, taking note of everyone who'd come to visit. He makes his way towards the bar and plops down onto the seat, with his back turned to the bar itself. Corrigan, who is sitting near him, gets a wink, while everyone else he knows receives a greeting nod. He notices Raja who'd just sat in the booth and gives her a wave. After the announcement is done, he decides to join the celebration by ordering some beer from the bar.

Not exactly the place she'd be expected to turn up on any other occasion, Alessia nonetheless seems comfortable enough as she drifts into the main room of the Murder. She gazes around, before her attention is captured by Evaristo's announcement. "You don't need to tell me twice." She muses at the suggestion to start drinking. She approaches Tanith and Raymesin. "Master Ulbran, as I said to your wife earlier today, congratulations. I know my duchess would like to extend the same." She turns to the woman with a warm smile. "Mistress Tanith."

Axel has joined the Crow Bar.

Tanith has joined the Window Table.

Zoey gives Ulbran a respectful nod and a smile as well. "Thank you again for the invitation. I'm honored that you would have me here to celebrate with you."

From her corner of the bar, on a stool barely within comfortable conversation range with the others there, Revell watches Tanith and Raymesin with poorly concealed awe filling her expression. She'd not be caught dead admitting it, but -what a dress-. Then, when the party has officially been started, she turns to the bar and after a moment's consideration, she orders herself a measure of -rum-. It's a Lowers party, after all.

Rowenova curiously admires Tanith's gown with a soft smile before looking up. "Everything in the North is too big to get done eating it via tiny bites!"

Svana gets up from her stool and moves over to Evaristo, whispering to him. She gives him a clap on the back, then moves toward Tanith and says something quietly to her. And off she goes out the door!

Corrigan inclines his head to Axel with a wry grin as the man joins the bar. "Culler." He then glances over his shoulder at Alessia and Zoey, voice lowered as he continues. "Hrm. First your girl with the fancy sword, then these two. Murder's really gone to the dogs, with the number of Silks visiting. We'll have to clean the outhouse if this keeps up." He orders himself an ale, then glances at Revell. "Your mouth's hanging open, sweetheart."

Fortunato has joined the Crow Bar.


Tanith tries to thank everyone, she's a bit stunned though; SO MANY PEOPLE. She does her best to usher Raymesin to the table at the window, "Thank you everyone for coming," she calls out, pointing at Evaristo. "What he said. Please, there's food that's perfectly decent, cake, pie, and when you like, there's cookies to take home." She looks a bit in awe, looking out at all the folk that have come to join them, before gesturing at people to eat and take a seat, as suits them. Also... there's more than one bard here. WOW. WHAT.

Emara has joined the Murder Table.

Verity weaves through the crowd, making her way for the most important part in any bar: the bar. After pressing the bartender for a drink in a lowball glass, the courtier continues on her merry way. She attempts to get Sydney's attention with a look of recognition, but eventually her path takes her to Revell's side. Verity has a habit of appearing suddenly out of groups of people without warning, so it may be a surprise. "Hi again! Your boss told me all your dreadful secrets."

Verity has joined the Crow Bar.

Evaristo mingles his way through the crowd, over to Nina and her fellow bards. "My fellow people of the Lowers!" he calls out once more. "We have a band here tonight, and the talented Nina Autumndale, famous for her performances all over Arx, will sing for us and entertain us. Nina... the stage is yours, but don't forget to join us in merriment later."

Rowenova gets Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

And then a Culler appears and Korka looks pretty satisfied with herself, sitting with her back to the bar per usual, "Congratulations," she tells Tanith when the whirlwind bride passes nearby, "That dress is almost as lovely as your husband's cloak."

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

Siri, an attentive apprentice, Paris, a charming mercenary, 2 Keaton Huntsmen, Nomius, a deeply skeptical bloodhound arrive, following Apollo.

Zoey hears the S word. She turns to where she heard it, smiling as she does, and says to Corrigan, "I have the utmost respect for those who call the Lowers home, and I am only here as an invited guest. If you find my presence offensive, perhaps we should speak directly instead of making comments at the edge of earshot?"

Emara tips her head to Raymesin once her greeting is delivered and moves out of the way to let others get their greetings in. She threads her way through the crowd, ignoring the alcohol, but snagging something sweet on her way to a table.

Zoey gets Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Korka gets Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Revell gives Corrigan a blank stare over her glass of rum, then pointedly knocks the liquor back, never once taking her eyes off the Confessor. Is that.. challenge in her brown eyes? Hard to tell, from this distance, and then she's immediately distracted by Verity.

The woman first gets a warm grin, then, a severe frown. "Wait-- what? What secret? I don't got any secrets, I don't think. And Ras /most certainly/ isn't the type to share other peoples secrets, if they have them. Not that I do." How very convincing, Revell.

Raymesin gives Sydney another one of those smiles that doesn't quite look right on his sharp features, then gives Fortunato a handsignal. That /is/ one of the ruder ones from the Lowers. He inclines his head deeply to Alessia, then, before saying to Zoey, "You celebrated with us at the time." And then his shout goes up after Tanith's, "Evaristo 'ere wouldn't let us go without some kinda party. It's all 'is fault, folks, an' let's not let 'im forget it."

Apollo slips in from outside quietly, pulls his hands from his pockets to rub them together, blow in them as he looks around, seeing who's about.

Raymesin has joined the Window Table.

Nina lowers her lute for a moment to look out upon the crowd. She presses her hands together, and blows slightly, with a smile of pure joy. "Hello, everyone. Thank you from the Bard's College, and a special thanks to Mockingbird Evaristo for inviting me and my fellows here today. We're here to entertain you and lead you in a dance, but don't let us stand on ceremony! Let's all just be sure to have a great time in celebration of the happy couple!"

She turns and smiles at the band, and taps her foot a few times, before she begins another round of song. This one starts with a nice lively whoop and jingle of bells.

"Let's not hassle invited guests, ah?" Fortunato says toward Corrigan. And then toward Zoey, "Still, my lady, hassling's part of a Lowers party. Folk's rough here. But we ought to be targeting everyone in this party, instead of just looking out for those with titles, hm?" He returns Raymesin's hand signal, rude for rude. Off-hand.

Korka has joined the Crow Bar.

Nina has joined the Hearthside Table.

Sydney offers a little nod of her head Verity's way, pausing to reach over the bar while the overwhelmed tender is preoccupied, and snatches herself a bottle of the whiskey that is marginally less horrible, replacing it with a few coins to repay the favor.

Raja gets Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Hamish gets Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Hamish has joined the Crow Bar.

"Don't be surprised, my lady." Alessia says to Zoey with curled lips. "Soon enough, his stunted maturity will be an impediment." She heads over to the bar to accept a glass of whiskey, before making for the open-woven basket.

"Everyone has secrets!" says Verity, with a joyful tone and glowing expression. "That's what makes people so interesting. But, don't worry, I had to pay dearly for this privilege." She leans up against the bar, holding her drink in both hands as she looks out toward the bride and groom. "Isn't this magical? I know the crown cares little for common weddings, but the romance of it all is irresistible."

Corrigan glances at Fortunato and shrugs with a grin, before looking back at Zoey. "No offence intended, your ladyship. Please, make yourself at home. Enjoy the outhouse in all its quaint and rustic glory." He then glances over at Revell again, cocking his head, before addressing the barman. "..Rum. Whatever she ordered. Please and thank you."

Alessia gets Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Evaristo gives Tanith and Raymesin a few very pointed looks, and some gesturing that can NOT be mistaken for anything other than he thinks they should DANCE. Whether he succeeds in his enthusiastic encouragement or not, well, we'll see. He grins and walks over towards Verity. "Verity! Would you like to be swung around on the dancefloor for a few?" he asks her cheerfully. He downs a shot of a strong drink right after that, he has some catching up to do on the drinking department.


Raja seems to be quite content in her dark little booth. In fact, she kicks up her feet and turns to observe the revelry. She is quiet in her place. When cookies become available, you bet the high Culler steals one for herself!

Apollo takes Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Zoey chuckles at that before adding to the one behind the bar, "Rum for me too. I am still far too tightly wound to properly appreciate this party." She looks at Alessia. "I'm trying to figure out if this is a game of trading insults or if I ought to intervene." Her rum is delivered. "I think I'll just watch."

Tanith makes a noise that's not unlike a goose dying suddenly, at Evaristo's vague gestures. She looks at Raymesin a little wild-eyed. "I told him you didn't dance. Dancing was not my idea," she insists, hands up in surrender. "Honestly." She looks at Evaristo like she might kill him.

Revell wiggles her eyebrows at Corrigan, noting his choice of drink. She raises her voice a little, so that it may reach him over all the buzz inside the Murder. "Try to avoid the potted plants when you vomit this time, hm?"

Turning her attention back to Verity, her cheeks flush somewhat, however it's unclear if it's the rum making it's way around her insides, the mention of love, or the idea that someone might know /her/ secrets. "I do hope you'll tell me what secret it is, because I evidently need to do a better job at hiding it, huh?" She offers the woman a crooked smile and glances towards the couple. "Still wondering if love is real, but, this is definitely nice, either way."

Apollo seems to weigh the promise of cookies versus drunkenness and, in this instance, opts for cookies. He wanders over to collapse into a seat, only realizing after he's dropped that the other seat is occupied by Raja, who he gives a little smile and a quiet greeting.

Apollo has joined the Darkened Booth.

Fortunato bows slightly at Zoey, then takes a swig. Then bows slightly toward Zoey again. "My lady, I would suggest just absorbing the atmosphere. We won't let it get out of hand."

Raja continues smoking her haze. Her gaze shifts towards Apollo and offers a single nod to him.

Corrigan checked stamina at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

"Verity perhaps you'll want in on the wager the Archlector and I have for tonight, you seem to be off to a great start already," Korka intones to Verity, accepting a mug from the bartender, "And my lady down here insults are a form of praise. Unless they're meant from the heart. Such as, hello, Corrigan. Die in a fire."

Raymesin absorbs Evaristo's pointed looks without apparent worry, and Fortunato's hand gesture with a grin. He offers Tanith a smile. "I ain't dancin', not unless yer desperate," he says. "You want ter dance, go fer it. 'Aul that bard around an' trip 'im inter the fire with my blessin's."

Verity replies to Revell's smile with a sly grin of her own. "I think we all get to decide for ourselves if love is real. Choice choice choice freedom freedom, right? Perhaps you'll find reason to decide someday." Evaristo calls to the courtier, and Verity raises her hand (and her drink) in reply. "Swung around? I'd love that!" She downs her drink in one immense gulp, sets the glass upon the bar, and then asides to Revell: "Looks like you're spared my flirting for a moment."

Verity steps out to join Evaristo, briefly turning to point at Korka. "I don't know what I'm starting at greatly but thank you! After I'm swung around I'll come back to see what your wager is about."

Evaristo has joined the Hearthside Table.

Verity has left the Crow Bar.

Verity has joined the Hearthside Table.

Alessia has joined the Hearthside Table.

Zoey knocks back her rum it a less-than-ladylike fashion and grins at Fortunato. "I'm a Kennex, Goodman. The last party I hosted involved a food fight, and that was tame by my house's standards."

"Then I'm sure you'll see and hear nothing here that troubles you, my lady," Fortunato says, and takes another drink.

Ras arrives, following Rukhnis.

Evaristo offers his arm to Verity and leads her out onto the dancefloor like a gentleman - but once there, he makes true of his promise of swinging her around.

Axel finally receives his order of beer, even though it took awhile as the bar is plenty backed up with orders at the moment. He immediately takes a hefty swig of it, letting out a content sigh. "And what kind of wager is that?" Axel asks, turning his head to Korka as he overhears the conversation.

Corrigan receives his rum, giving it a sceptical look. With a frown of distaste, he knocks it back, pulling a face but giving no other obvious reaction as he bangs it down on the counter and gives Revell a sideways glance. "Bleargh. Couldn't you have picked a patron with some taste to pick up habits from? And I'll vomit where I like, if the mood takes me." He leans back and around Axel to look the flower girl up and down slowly. "That a new dress?"

He then turns to look at Korka, quirking a lip. "Delightful to see you too, Korka. Choke to death on your own mane, would you?"

He considers for a moment, watching as Verity heads over to the dance floor. He then gets up and strides over to Revell, attempting to grab her arm. "Come on. Last dance we had you tried to kill me, you owe me a rematch."

Tanith cups her hands around her mouth, and shouts at Evaristo:

Tanith shouts from nearby, "GRAB HER ASS, EV."

Nina admittedly is quite curious about games and wagers, but she has a job to do. As such she cannot entirely overhear conversations, over the sound of music provided for a dance. But she's thrilled that the dance seems to be quite lively, picking up in speed and cheering people on as they immediately get a bit rowdy out on the floor.

Korka has left the Crow Bar.

Sydney seems to shake loose of her stupor once she has a stiff taste of whiskey - something about the burn of truly, truly beautifully below-average beverage is enough to perk her right up. She offers a visible little shiver and puffs a quick breath, "Phew. Okay. /Now/ I'm fuckin' awake." She rocks up and out of her seat in order to... gods. Mingle. She bounces a brow at the sight of Evaristo and Verity taking to the floor, and she runs up short, folding her arms and leaning her shoulder against one of the wooden supports of the storied building. "...Knock 'er socks off, Evaristo. Supposing you're still spry enough at the ripe old age of seventy." Tanith's shout has her stifling an amused snort, and she nods her head. "Oh. Yes. Please do that, as well."

Evaristo shouts from nearby, "WHAT?! I'm not a COMPLETE cad, thank you very much!"

Verity is no trained dancer, but she's more clever on her feet than one would expect and has roughly zero shame to call her own. She gleefully lets Evaristo lead in the promised swinging, laughing all the while. She casts a glance in Tanith's direction, and the bride's words are hardly a reason to stop laughing. "I can't deny a woman's wedding day wishes!"

Raja looks Apollo over and speaks in quiet, laid back tones within her booth. She reaches to unhook a pouch from her belt and sets it on the table.

Raymesin doesn't seem to be inclined to dance, sitting with Tanith as he is. But his boot does keep time with the music, and that secondhand smile - still frayed at the edges - doesn't slip.

Rowenova was not lying when she told Fortunato about her wooden boxes, and after seeing cookies have been offered, she gets one of those boxes from her Messenger Bag and sneaks away a couple cookies into it before packing up that aforementioned box into the Messenger Bag once more.

Tanith props her chin on her palm, her elbow on the table, shaking her head and smiling. She watches the room fill up, but there's plenty of food, and lots of music.

Evaristo groans a little - but an amused groan - as Verity seems to cater to Tanith's whims. "Fine, fine," he jokes and he lowers his hands to grab Verity's ass with BOTH hands - and lifts her off the floor too, so he can literally 'sweep her across the dance floor', just more crudely.

Apollo gives Raja a study, and then the pouch she offers; and then he busies himself fixing a smoke, chatting with her quietly yet.

Revell -had- looked amused, if a little confused, but that look turns completely blank when the word 'flirting' is tossed in /her/ direction. And then.. the most furious crimson spreads across her cheeks, and she quickly waves the barkeep over for a refill of rum, suddenly feeling a /strong desire/ to get wasted, evidently.

The flower girl doesn't even seem to notice Corrigan's quip about her patron, or the fact he gets off his stool to approach her, at least not until she's grabbed by the arm. "I thought you -hated- dancing." She mutters quietly, downs her second shot and gets off the chair to follow the Confessor to the dancefloor. She actually seems able to put a little weight on her injured leg this time around. Maybe she -won't- try to kill him this time.. accidentally.

Revell has left the Crow Bar.

Revell has joined the Hearthside Table.

Corrigan has left the Crow Bar.

Corrigan has joined the Hearthside Table.

Alessia has left the Hearthside Table.

Alessia has joined the Crow Bar.

Emara sits back in her chair, delicately picking apart a cookie into pieces to eat as she watches the dancing with an amused gaze. She even bounces her foot along with the music.

Sydney is most certainly not grinning like a fool upon seeing that spectacle from Ev and Verity, a hand lifting to snicker into her fingertips. "So crude."

Rukhnis slips into the Murder in her usual quiet way, though she's prevented from making her also usual sidelong-sidle-through-the-barely-opened-door as a consequence of coming in with someone else, namely Ras. She looks a little uncertain to see so many other people here, being all loud and cheerful and generally as unlike herself as it's possible to be, but nevertheless she offers a courteous tilt of her head as she steps into the room.

Verity yelps because, honestly, she didn't think Evaristo had it in him. No, seriously, the upper body strength is impressive.

Fortunato observes the Verity/Evaristo dance -- haul and says, "I don't think I could do that if my life depended on it."

Evaristo swings Verity around like that for a few but has to set her down after awhile - he might not be THAT strong, to do that the whole dance!

Tanith applauds, as it appropriate for Evaristo's feat. "Well done!" she chortles.

Zoey watches the dance over her second glass of rum, grinning and letting out a laugh.

Ras follows next to Rukhnis with a strangely lingering smile aimed at the side of her head, as if some genuine amusement and appreciation has continued to lurk for quite some time. Coming in off the winter night's street, though, into the noise and revelry of the Murder, shatters his light concentration and he looks around - seeking out Tanith and Raymesin in the crowds. "Yeah!" he calls towards them, lifting a fist in a cheer. "Congrats!"

Spotting the new arrivals, Rowenova beckons them all on over here to the bar, or even motions toward the dance floor where a couple couples are dancing.

"You can never tell what you'd do if your life depended on it." Alessia says with a laugh. "I'd probably dance nude in the snow if my /life/ depended on it." She takes a deep drink from her glass.

"I do hate dancing, but if I don't get up and move, that paint thinner you just made me drink's going to pool in my gut and burn a hole through it," Corrigan replies, leading Revell to the dance floor, passing Evaristo and Verity on the way. He's not a trained dancer by any stretch of the imagination, but he does move in time to the beat, spinning Revell around the small space as best as her injured leg will allow.

Raymesin too applauds at Evaristo's showmanship, then glances towards the door as it opens again. He spots Rukhnis and waves her into the room, then gives Ras a handsignal conveying thanks at his shout and wave. He leans back against the wall even as his foot still bounces in time to the music, apparently enjoying not dancing any more than that.

Sydney regards Alessia and calls, "Someone kindly threaten this woman!"

Apollo has joined the line.

Hamish has joined the line.

Tanith hears Ras and waves a hand to him, smiling. Her eyes flick to the woman that came with him, and she smiles a bit more.

Rowenova has joined the line.

A cold winters night, and what can be better than a party at the 'crows. Tython Culler makes his entrance pushing the door open and smiling a bit as he looks about, while shoving said door closed again. Then he's making his way toward the bar, to fetch a drink, offering curt nods and somewhat playful smiles to various people along the way.

Sydney has joined the line.

Alessia has joined the line.

Zoey has joined the line.

Verity is eventually released from Evaristo's mighty grasp. She catches her balance quickly, and claps her hands with a smile. "Ahaha! They don't dance like that in court." The courtier steps back to give Evaristo the most refined of curtseys. "Good luck with the games, fair host."

"I'm afraid that I can make no threat against this Lady that anyone can take seriously," Zoey laughs to Sydney.

Tanith drops a little wooden box with bone and bronze fittings, carved with skulls and little flowers.

Rukhnis notes the welcoming gesture from Rowenova at the bar, but for the moment she only tips her head back to the scout in another acknowledging nod before heading over to Tanith and Raymesin's table first. She makes a small graceful bow to the two of them, entirely out of place to the venue but seeming very sincere for all that, and tells them, "Yes, congratulations to both of you. I hope that your songs in being woven together form a more joyous melody still, and that you find great contentment and friendship together." Looking a little awkward, she adds more quietly, "It honours me to be here."

Evaristo has left the Hearthside Table.

Raymesin has joined the line.

Rowenova grins back to Tython and Rukhnis before she moves over to where the starting line is for the obstacle course, or the Assassin's Gauntlet to say.

Apollo has left the Darkened Booth.

Tanith beams at Rukhnis, offering the woman her hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you at last."

Nina will keep playing as long as people are interested in listening, but it looks like the games are about to begin! Still, if people are about to do an obstacle course... surely lively music is still quite appropriate for that situation. Maybe a song with a little more drumbeat, and a lot of energy, will keep them motivated to run fast and dodge well. She keeps a foot tapping as that's the best way to keep time within her little group.

Raja laughs at something that Apollo says to her in the booth. She nods once to him and watches as he runs off to participate in the game. Raja doesn't participate. Instead, she smokes her haze and nibbles on her cookies, content to observe.

Removing her coat when people start preparing for the first of the games, Alessia knocks back her drink, eyes glittering in anticipation. Sydney's call seems to amuse her more than anything, and she gives the room a sweeping gaze.

Tanith says in Eurusi, "Be welcome, loved-of-Ras."

Evaristo leads Verity to the side of the dance floor now, and tells her something, before he gives Tanith a nod. He sweeps up a bottle, which happens to be Raymesin's favorite brew and he thrusts that into the tall harlequin's hands in passing as he jumps up on that chair again. "LISTEN UP!" he bellows, his voice carrying well - he IS a bard after all. "The first game is beginning! See that obstacle course of tables, chairs, and the chandelier, and those handsome thugs - yes you are really handsome, best looking thugs in the Lowers, honest. Anyway! You need to move through that gauntlet, by jumping, climbing, swinging, and avoid getting knocked down by the thugs!" He grins, and waves for people to line up.

Turn in line: Apollo

Raymesin's smile for Rukhnis is warm as well. "We're honoured by your presence," he says, then rises smoothly to his feet. "Take a seat, Rukhnis, if yer want - I'm gonna go play."

Fortunato looks up at the chandelier. He repeats, "I couldn't do that if my life depended on it." He's clearly doomed to die, this one. He finishes his drink.

Apollo checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 24 higher.

Apollo checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 19 higher.

Apollo checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 15 lower.

Apollo checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Tanith finally looks at what Evaristo has done with the room. "Oh. Oh dear." She watches Raymesin get up to join and rolls her eyes. "Please, love, don't ... cut anyone."

Ras trails along by Rukhnis and grins fleetingly at Tanith and Raymesin. Although he glances towards those lining up for Evaristo's game, his gaze finds Nina next -- and he ducks his head, half-turning to mutter something towards the Eurusi woman. Or at least he starts to, but then his head turns back towards the barkeep-bride and his complexion darkens with a flush.

Tanith looks at Ras. "Did I say that wrong?" Wide, guileless eyes.

What Confessor Corrigan seems to lack in training and experience on the dancefloor, Revell more than makes up for despite whatever protests her legs may have. She somehow manages to make each spin and dramatic turn look -easy-, at a first glance, at least. She may be laughing, but there's the occasional tremble of her knee and subtle misstep when she's forced to rely on her right foot when truly, her left should've done the job. She seems content to enjoy the music and let others enjoy the games.

Turn in line: Hamish

Nina smiles over at Ras in a brief moment of eye contact. But then her eyes turn back to the game happening out in the bar! She lets out a little whoop - perfectly in time with the music - as the contest is about to begin and Apollo begins the gauntlet.

Axel has joined the line.

Rukhnis studies Tanish with a vaguely uncertain expression at the beaming greeting, but whatever the barmaid said to her after that makes the Eurusi woman's cheeks colour in the faintest hint of a blush. "I am glad to meet you as well," she returns, after a pause, though the words themselves are genuine. "I am truly glad to be here." She looks embarrassed all over again by Raymesin's words, but there's a look in her eyes that's pleased and touched as well, and she gives a small nod as the tall man gets to his feet.

Tanith gets a little wooden box with bone and bronze fittings, carved with skulls and little flowers.

Why not go first. Apollo knows he's got some go in his bones; he apparently just doesn't know how much. He leaps up on chairs, over tables, swings from a chandelier - does NOT get enough umph on the swing, catches an awkward leg on a chair, tumbles, collapses into the 'thugs' in a uncomfortable heap of laughter. Oh good. Just what he expected. So smooth. Excellent.

Tanith looks up at the chandelier, opening her mouth to say something ... and stops, settling back in her seat, crossing her legs, her elbow up on the table behind her. She sighs. "At least I scraped the dead rat off it."

Hamish checked stamina + brawl at difficulty 20, rolling 8 higher.

Verity leaves Evaristo to his sacred duty, walking off the dancefloor with a swing in her step. She stands politely aside while he explains the game. Once he's through, she snakes her way through the people to come near Tanith and Raymesin's table. "I'm so glad for you two," she says, warmly. The courtier reaches into the sash of her dress and withdraws a thick envelope. "There's a custom where I'm from. Everyone gives some money or goods to a newly-married couple so that they can start their new life together." She presses the envelope into Tanith's hands. "I'd like you two to have this as my well wishing."

Hamish checked strength + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 3 higher.

Hamish checked strength + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 5 higher.

Hamish checked luck at difficulty 20, rolling 11 lower.

Tanith accepts the envelope and almost tips over. "Fff.....-Verity-...!" the barkeep gasps. "This is ...I.." She blinks. "Th-thank you."

Turn in line: Rowenova

Rowenova checked strength + brawl at difficulty 20, rolling 53 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

Rowenova checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 4 higher.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Apollo has joined the Darkened Booth.

Apollo slinks back over to the booth with Raja rolling a sore shoulder, and gives her a self-conscious look. "That was -not- how that was meant to go," he tells her, and lights up that smoke he left sitting on the table off one of the lamps.

Standing near the window table near Rukhnis, Ras watches Verity's approach and exchange with Tanith. He ducks a nod in a greeting to the Oathlander courtier that goes with a small smile, and shifts attention back to the Eurusi woman, tipping his head.

Evaristo is keeping an eye on the contestants - and he's laughing a lot too, not in a mean manner, but cheerfully and encouraging. It IS quite the spectacle to watch the 'gauntlet' here, and the rowdy merry atmosphere is spreading. People are dancing and stomping feet, clapping hands, singing along with Nina in the songs they know.

Turn in line: Sydney

Sydney checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 20, rolling 34 higher.

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

Sydney checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 22 higher.

Sydney checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

"Shh," says Verity holding a hand up to her smiling mouth. "Don't mention it. I may not have known you two very long, but recent events have made me feel like we have a bond, no? Now, I shan't keep you while you have so many people to talk to and so much cellar booze to drink! I have a Korka to wager with, apparently." The courtier glances back to the bar. In doing so, she catches Ras' look to her and returns his nod and smile with a pair of her own.

Something Ras has just said to her makes Rukhnis snort quietly in amusement, and she gives him a small nod as she settles herself at the window table with a trace of stiffness.

Raja turns her gaze to Apollo as he sits down. A laugh comes from the darker skinned woman. "You still got up there and did it. That's impressive in of itself." She hands a bit of rolled haze towards Apollo and slides over a small lit lantern for him to light it with.

Rukhnis has joined the Window Table.

Ras has joined the line.

Turn in line: Alessia

Alessia checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 52 higher.

Alessia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Korka watched those going through the gauntlet, wincing where appropriate and yelling encouragement like, "Take him fucking down!" when needed.

Before she is up, Rowenova lightly dances on her booted feet to warm up. Then, after the go signal, she darts forth and weaves through the obstacle tables before jumping up with a little flare of her direwolf cloak before leaping up and grabbing ahold of the creaking chandelier from which she swings forth before lightly landing then zig-zagging through all those handsome thugs, apparently able to do so because the closest two collide together before they can actually nab her. Then, she is out across the finish line!

Alessia checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 29 higher.

Alessia checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 12 lower.

Hamish has DEFINITELY been here the whole time. He came in with Korka and has just been at the bar enjoying himself. When it comes time for a test of physical prowess, though, he gets up and says to Korka, "Get ready be impressed when my knees rupture and I fall over and cry." The big Archlector steps up to the starting line, ducks his head, leads with his shoulder and then just bowls through everything. It's not pretty and it might not necessarily be in line with the rules, but when all you've got going for you is being enormous you do what you can.

Zoey knocks back the remains of her second glass while she waits her turn.

Turn in line: Zoey

Ras gives a short snicker through a brief grin at Rukhnis' snort, and then winds quickly through the room to join the crowd around the beginning of the obstacle course. He gives Sydney an upnod, bouncing both eyebrows in a challenge as if he thinks he's going to beat her.

Sydney tackles the obstacle course with as much aplomb as she's able to manage, setting aside her drink first and then throwing herself at the obstacles - she dashes over tabletops, batting away some of the obstacles that get in her way. It's the murder, so of course that equates to some slung beverages - one of which she catches and takes a quick gulp of before throwing it back at the patron who threw it at her, where it lands messily in their lap. She offers a wink, spryly leaping from chair to chair and then balancing briefly on the back of one chair before springing and swinging off of the Chandelier, sticking the landing.

Ras claps heavily for Hamish's run, and eyes Sydney's like he's sizing up her performance.

Zoey checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

Tanith bursts into applause, whistling shrilly for Sydney. "Fuck -yes-, well done!" Because she's a barkeep, dammit, not a princess.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 45 higher.

Zoey checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 6 lower.

Zoey checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Emara has left the Murder Table.

Nina will keep playing so long as people are dancing. After all, it's important to keep in the spirit of the party. But she keeps the music lively, in support of all the athleticism going on. She laughs with a bit of honest joy as Sydney incorporates a bit of drinking into her obstacle course run.

Evaristo cheers the participants and he laughs loudly at Sydney's antics. He's keeping a score though, jotting down 'points' on the score-card he holds.

Turn in line: Raymesin

When it's her turn, Alessia rubs her hand sin anticipation, before running over the tabletops, deftly evading the obstacles that come her way. One may wonder if she tore her gown in preparation since her agility seems unencumbered. She completes the gauntlet without a hitch, though not due to luck. Plenty of instances in which she'd have been knocked on her back without her speedy responses. She laughs when she finally lands on solid ground, launching herself from the chandelier.

Raymesin checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 20, rolling 29 higher.

Verity makes another daring go through the crowd (and obstacle course). This time, she returns to Korka's part of the world. The courtier leans up against the bar to try to flag down the bartender again, though she speaks to the inquisitor: "Alright, what wager is this?"

Raymesin checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 37 higher.

Raymesin checked strength + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 15 lower.

Verity has left the Hearthside Table.

Verity has joined the Crow Bar.

Raymesin checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Turn in line: Axel

Rukhnis folds her arms over the tabletop as she turns her gaze back to the rest of the room to watch the madcap competition going on in the middle of it. There's a hint of pensiveness on her face as she watches Ras, but on the whole she appears faintly relieved, and content to simply sit and observe everyone else's fun.

Corrigan trudges back to the bar, his dance with Revell ending as a song comes to an end. Pushing his way back to his seat, he perches on it again and reclaims his abandoned tankard, squints at it suspiciously, and orders a fresh one. "Not giving the assault course a go?" He asks the flower girl wryly. "You'd get /all/ the pity points."

Corrigan has left the Hearthside Table.

Corrigan has joined the Crow Bar.

Axel checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 57 higher. Axel rolled a critical!

Axel checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 2 higher.

Axel checked strength + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 26 lower.

Axel checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

There are times when being huge can be a help, as demonstrated by Hamish. Raymesin manages to prove that being even taller than the Archlector is helpful in some instances, and he balances on chairs with aplomb, then doesn't even need to jump to reach the chandelier. His height is not his friend, however, when it comes to the landing - he more cannons into the thugs than actually dealing with them, but he manages to come out on his feet and grinning at the end. And no-one even got stabbed!

Zoey takes a moment to adjust her gown and put away her jewelry before making her own run at the course. Sliding over and under tables goes better for her than one might expect, and as ever her shot has deadly accuracy -- or it would, if killing was the idea. When one of the thugs gets his beefy arm around her there is a moment of playful panic, but there is a stroke of luck when the Kennex Lady's curly black hair happens to tickle him enough that he drops her to address the itch.

Tanith covers her mouth with her hands when Raymesin tumbles; definitely not laughing.

Turn in line: Ras

Sydney retrieves her own drink and then backs off to watch the rest of the contestants, chuckling in spite of herself. "...bein' honest, I can't believe I actually caught that drink." She meanders over to the man who is frantically trying to mop his lap free of ale and offers him a charming smile, leaning in and... patting him neatly on the head, then dodging back as he swipes out at her, "Oh, spare me. You don't want to start something you can't finish. Like your drink."

Hamish moves back over to where Korka sits at the bar and grumbles, "I think I wrenched something." He twists this way and that. "Nope. I wrenched everything. The one thing I thought I wrenched is the only okay part."

Ras checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 73 higher.

Ras checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 32 higher.

Ras checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 17 higher.

Ras checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Revell slides onto the stool next to Corrigan this time around, evidently feeling a bit more comfortable being closer to the crowds when she has someone to -literally- hide behind, because that's exactly what it looks like she's doing. She leans down to run her fingers up and down her bandaged leg, making sure all is still in order, then waves the barkeep over to ask for a tankard of mead. "You're right, I'd win from pity alone, but if I ended up hurting myself -more-, you'd just get annoyed and lose patience with me. After laughing your ass off, of course."

Revell has left the Hearthside Table.

Revell has joined the Crow Bar.

Tanith shouts from nearby, "GO RAS!"

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "Stick it! The landing! Not the thug!"


Raja suddenly belts out a tremendous laugh at something Apollo says! The laugh is long and felt from the bottom of her soul. It was one of those deep laughs that just makes a person feel better no matter what is going on in one's life. After the laughter subsides, she has to breathe hard, wiping tears from her eyes.

Korka murmurs something low to Verity with a wink then settles both arms back against the bar, "You're enough of an assault course for anyone, Corr. Yet she's still standing. Mostly. Have you met Mistress Verity? She's from the Oathlands. Ask her about horses." When Hamish comes back she reaches out to rub one of his shoulders, "Good showing! If anyone is ever being threatened by a table I think they now know the Archlector to turn to."

Lamora arrives, following Auda.

Revell takes Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Zoey has joined the Hearthside Table.

Verity listens to Korka's murmuring, then turns her head to murmur back. By the time they're through, she receives her drink from the bartender. Her gaze shifts to Corrigan as Korka introduces her to him. "From Chevalle, specifically. Chevalle is horses. Ask someone from Blancbier about horses and they'll ramble on about mountain paths and spiced whiskey. There's always a whiskey aside."

Sydney takes Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

Verity gets Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

The line has been dismissed by Evaristo.

Corrigan nods in agreement at Revell. "I would, yeah. Though the last time you got fucked up was because of some other idiots, so you get a free pass for that one." Rolling his eyes at Korka, he turns to Verity and inclines his head briefly. "Corrigan. Guessing by what Korka said, the last thing I should do is ask you about horses. They're basically just misshapen cows that people get funny about if you eat, if you ask me." Finally, he looks Hamish up and down. "..You know that there are other games more fitting someone your age, right?"

"I once saw Mother Cassandra glare at a table so hard it moved out of the way, apologized and paid for her dinner," drawls Hamish, back to enjoying a beer and cookie. "Next time we get amorous you get to do all the work. I'm too old for ... everything."

Raymesin returns from the leaping about to the table where Tanith sits, leaning down to offer his bride a hug and a kiss before retaking his place at the table. He's looking flushed, and happy.

Zoey goes to sit closer to the bard and her band, enjoying the music with her third glass of rum.

Nina lowers her lute for a moment, but she snaps her fingers at the rest of the band to at least keep the percussion moving for eager dancers. She likes to take a break during her sets so that she can get a drink, and then perhaps others can also cycle out. It's proper naturally to greet the bride and groom if she can, and with the obstacle course winding down, perhaps there is a small gap she can use to do so. And get some wine... as soon as she can move to the bar to snag some. Finally she gets to walk closer to the groom, and gives him a smile and nod, with a, "Congratulations to you!" as he comes to approach his bride.

Tanith stands up, a pretty, bone-inlaid box in her hands. And something else in her hand. She's waiting for the winner, and then comes a bounding-Raymesin, and she gasps at the kiss, the embrace, and is grinning, blushing, as he takes his seat. She also looks happy, clearing her throat. PRIZES. Right. Prizes.

Auda checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Sydney seats herself at the bar and overhears that interjection from Hamish, grinning from ear to ear, "...Aye, that sounds about right for Cass. She's got those wonderful glaring skills, especially when I don't turn up to train at swords in a timely manner." Which she is clearly getting a great deal of mileage out of, given her lack of a sword. She swivels from side to side on her barstool, grinning, "Nonsense. There's plenty of things you're good at, Ham."

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

Auda checked stamina + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 2 higher.

Auda checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Revell pulls a face at Corrigan when he mentions what happened to her leg, but mercifully, she does not -verbally- protest. It likely has to do with whatever Korka said, however, causing her face to light up like a beautiful fire within seconds. "What is with -everyone- and their obsession with--" She clears her throat, unable to finish the sentence. Instead, she goes straight for the mead.

".. Horses are utterly terrifying. Rode one, once, and I couldn't feel my legs for two days afterwards. Do they taste as good as cows?"

"Yeah, well - that happens to you easily, sweetheart," Corrigan replies to Revell mildly.

Sydney offers Revell a sympathetic nod, "If they're good enough at it, it does feel that way, doesn't it?"

No sooner has Auda stepped into the Murder, than she finds herself faced with a challenge! How could she back down from Tanith and Raymesin's wedding-party-gauntlet?! Without even really saying hello yet, the young woman launches into it-- climbing over tables, balancing on chairs and even swinging via chandelier. She's not the quickest, but she makes it through without being caught or knocked down!

"Not in particular," says Verity, on the subject of horse taste. She glances between Corrigan and Revell. Her expression is neutral, but both clearly trying to hold back a smile and not particularly mindful that she's clearly trying to hold back a smile.

Revell pointedly turns away from Corrigan at that, and pulls out her notebook and something to write with. She quickly jolts down a quick something before ripping the page out. Reluctantly, she looks at Sydney while chewing relentlessly at her lower lip. "Are we talking about horses? Because if we're not--"

Sydney nods her head firmly. "Horses. Certainly horses." She takes an innocent sip of her drink.

Corrigan shakes his head. "Nope. Not horses." He takes a gulp of his ale, pointedly.

Ras starts the obstacle course by barreling into a run, but then he's skidding in a sudden slide past a thug - barely visible, he's so fast! Where'd he go? Oh, under a table - he's darting out just to leapfrog over another thug's back on the other side. From there he does a forward roll in which he grabs a chair, stacks it on the next table, and jumps on top. Now he's on -top- of the chandelier, slinking around it like some sort of oversized cat, and leaping down with a neat flip. He comes up with... a vulgar gesture in each hand, which he spins to show the thugs as he backs off out of the course area. Turning towards Rukhnis to see if she's watching, he grins with both eyebrows raised as if to ask, 'did you see that?!'

Rowenova tells Revell, "You should ask Lord Porter Kennex about horses." Then, she wolfishly grins.

Raja is overheard praising Ras: Who knew you were so feckin' hot?!

Apollo glances from the conversation he's having with Raja - a quiet, warm appeal - to Ras' performance. He shakes his head a moment, and he could keep his voice down but what he says definitely involves the phrase 'part squirrel'.

Raja lets out a cheer for Ras. "Damn Ras! Great job!"

"What happened there?" Alessia turns to Rowenova, clearly intrigued.

Revell narrows her eyes, somewhat unconvinced. "Then I wouldn't know. Only rode one once-- Cooorrigan.." the flower girl lets out a long, drawn out groan and buries her face in her hands. "If it's -not- horses, then I wouldn't know, because my experiences have been -lacking-."

Between her fingers, she looks to Rowenova. "You know Lord Porter? I've met him. He's nice-- wait, this is still not about horses, is it?"

The final contestant, after Axel - who also makes it through - is Ras. Evaristo watches him with intersest and he makes some wow-noises and jots down his score with a blink of disbelief there for a moment. "ALright! All done! What an AMAZING show you all gave us, thanks to all contestants. We could start an acrobatic show in the Lowers, clearly. Now..." He walks back towards Tanith, and leans in to whisper to her the results. "Tanith here will announce the winners and hand out the prizes!"

"Nova!" Zoey calls the Scout with a laugh. "Those horses... ugh! You'd think they'd been reading the Breadcrumb books!"

Tanith had to sit down, maybe her ass got pinched. But! She's standing again. She looks out over the crowd. "RAS," she barks. "C'MERE."

Verity snorts. She works at her drink while watching the runs on the obstacle course. Her attention is caught by Ras' truly virtuoso display of urchin magic. Before he's done, she gulps down the rest and drops the glass aside to raise both hands to eagerly clap.

Rukhnis is that awkward person at the party who really doesn't know what to say or do no matter how many people she knows there, and just sort of sits in an unobtrusive corner looking vaguely glad that everybody else is having fun while trying simultaneously to seem as if she totally belongs here and is happy to just sit there unnoticed. She doesn't do any yelling in Ras's behalf as he navigates the obstacle course, but she does watch his attempt very keenly, eyes widening subtly along the way, and by the end of it all she looks actually beyond impressed at the ridiculously masterful display of agility from him -- a look that he probably catches when he glances back in her direction.

"Hate horses. They're like donkeys, but bigger and more crazed. And a donkey once killed me." Hamish shakes his head. "I hear the nox'alfar ride around on giant spiders. Seems better to me. Twice the legs, twice the stability. Lots of room on the abdomen. Giant mandibles dripping with venom if you come across a bear or some kind of wild horse."

After what Zoey says, Rowenova laughs! "Still about horses, yes." Then, the wolfy scout grins broadly to Alessia, "His horse was in love with Lady Aine's during the rescue mission. We were at war camp, and I told him to be careful because studs might still try even when they have riders on board. That has forever scarred that poor man."


Tanith grins at Ras, and gives him a little wooden chest. She winks at him. "Keep the chest too."


Korka watches Auda enter and then run the entire gauntlet, applauding at the end of it, "I was actually talking about horses if only because hearing Revell talk about how she's never had sex was old the first time she mentioned it."

Nina claps in a surprisingly sedate way for Ras's very enthusiastic obstacle course performance. She is watching him with a slightly quizzical, squinting grin.

Tanith shouts from nearby, "FIRST PLACE! RAS!"

Tanith casts about for Sydney. "SYD. Come over here!"

Raja shouts from nearby, "HUZZAH!"

Ras beams when he sees Rukhnis' impressed look, and then pumps a fist towards Raja's cheer. Then Tanith's bark has him startling in alarm. He hesitates a moment before jogging over to the window table, and then looks vaguely relieved when she gives him a prize - as if he expected some kind of scolding for actually being on the chandelier.

"Scarred by the thought of horses mating when he's on the saddle?" Alessia asks with an amused smile. "I have to say, this isn't a fear I come across often." She chuckles.

Korka puts her fingers in her mouth and whistles loudly when Ras' name is called.

"Some of their spiders talk though," Zoey points out to Hamsih, standing up after finishing her third drink. "The one that rides on the Archduchess' head does. Have you ever met that one?"

Sydney swoons back in her seat, an elbow smacks up against the bartop at Korka's commentary, catching her face in her hand as though affronted. However, whatever snark she was about to unwind is disrupted by Tanith. She eases out of her seat and flashes her teeth wordlessly at Korka. Time yet for other quips at a later date. She moves alongside Ras and elbows him in the side immediately upon reaching him.

Fortunato is overheard praising Ras: A mighty fine display.

Auda takes Raymesin and Tanith's Skull Cookies from a large, open-woven basket.

"Every spider talks," says Hamish. "People just don't listen unless they speak Arvani. Rather rude of us, really." He raises his beer toward Ras. "Well done, Goodman Ras!"

Ras grins at Sydney and jostles the brawler back with a bump of his shoulder. "I beat you," he says, ungraciously and unnecessarily.

Auda weaves through the gathering to her next target-- the cookies! How could she not? The next destination? A full mug of beer, and a grin flashed to Korka. She must have seen the woman looking at her!

Axel has left the Crow Bar.

Tanith looks up at Sydney. She crooks a finger at her. "You got second place." She passes the woman a token, and, if she lets her? Grabs the woman by the front of her shirt and gives her a nice, solid kiss. She breaks it, swats the woman on the ass. "Grats."

Evaristo cheers loudly for both Ras and Sydney and applauds vigorously - but then he slinks off to another corner of the Murder, to start setting up the next game.

Rukhnis's mouth quirks faintly to one side when Ras is announced as the winner, and she looks still more amused at the street rat's alarm when Tanith shouts at him. As he comes over to take his prize, she applauds with a vigour that makes her wince just a little -- probably having to do with the slightly stiff way in which she moves her right arm.

Corrigan snorts, and reaches over to mess up Revell's hair. "What have you only ridden once? Are /you/ talking about horses?" He then glances at Korka. "Says the woman whose partner reiterates it every chance he gets. Though I suppose it makes sense, he's gotten the better deal." He nods his head briefly at Hamish, gaze still on Korka as he shrugs with a grin. "As for the flower girl here, we sorted that peculiarity out recently; she's as filthy as the rest of us now." He makes no attempt to join in on the praising of Ras, only wincing in mild irritation whenever someone near him shouts loudly.

Rowenova looks to Hamish, "I once met this weird guy named Merimange who had this giant spider... and it was booze blocking people trying to get drunk!"

"And I think it might have caused roof damage to The Spirits a bit, too"! --Rowenova

"The queen says that they don't necessarily find the things we discuss to be interesting." Alessia says to Hamish with a wry smile. "If anything, the rudeness may be mutual."

Raymesin applauds Ras and Sydney - and flat-out laughs at the manner in which Sydney receives her reward. He, however, doesn't offer to kiss either of the winners.

Nina turns her head just in time to see Tanith plant a big kiss on Sydney. She has to laugh at that, though she tries to stifle it, putting a hand to her mouth as her cheeks turn a bit pink. She picks up a glass of white wine from the bar, taking her one bit of drink while she has the chance.

Sydney is hauled in by the newlywed bartender and shown little enough by way of mercy. She leans into the kiss and then offers a little yelp of amusement when she's smacked on the bottom. She wheels out of range, and points at the woman. Then points at Raymesin, "Ray! Control your wife! She's gone berserk from the power of that dress!"

Ras checked composure + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Ras keeps himself from making a kissy-face at Raymesin.

Apollo has joined the line.

Rukhnis claps loudly for Sydney as well, and if the motion is a little more temperate this time, it seems to have more to do with the wince from her previous round of applause than from any lack of enjoyment in seeing the brawler win a prize of her own.

"A new dress IS a very powerful thing," says Nina, thoughtfully. She puts a finger under her chin.

Raja has joined the line.

Nina has joined the line.

"Did you just say I was pretty, Corr?" Korka takes a swig from her mug and sends a wink Sydney's way, "And has Mistress Verity complimented my prowess? Oh, you meant the Archlector. So many people praise my skills it can be hard to keep track."

Tanith checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Raja was talked into it. She finishes off her joint and snuffs out the roach before rising from her seat and joining the line. She glances to Apollo, "I am going to regret this."

Apollo has left the Darkened Booth.

Revell casts a brief glance at Ras when his name is called, and while the guy probably wouldn't be able to see it, she smiles fondly in his direction and raises both her hands to clap ever-so-gently. Honestly, her cheer for him seemed like a private affair that not even -he- had the honour of being privy to.

And then there's more of Korka's snark, followed by a ruffle of her hair and more snark from the Confessor. "That's--"

"Nice chatting to you all, I'm gonna-- I need to be somewhere else, now." She slides off her stool, takes her mead and moves away from the group to go back to her antisocial corner of the bar.

Corrigan checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Hamish has joined the line.

"I should probably head of. Previous engagement." Alessia says, excusing herself. She smiles at Rowenova. "But thank you for that story. May we never forget." She chuckles, lifting her hand before departing.

Turn in line: Apollo

Ras takes the box over and shows it to Rukhnis, perching on a chair next to hers. "It's a lot," he might be overheard saying, impressed.

Ras has joined the Window Table.

Corrigan shakes his head at Korka. "Nah, I said the Archlector was something like twice your age and has aged gracelessly. Or words to that effect. Take it how you will, though."

As Revell gets to her feet, he attempts to put a hand on her shoulder and hold her in place. "Sit. You said you didn't know why you became a stammering wreck when sex is mentioned - the answer's practice."

Apollo has been pre-gaming the social influence; he looks well satisfied to have drawn Raja from her seat to give things a try. "I'm fair sure the worst that can happen here doesn't even leave a bruise. If it's terrible, I'll double your investment." He bites his lip around a grin at her, and then turns to try his luck.

Fortunato has joined the line.

Alessia has left the Crow Bar.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, 3 House Mazetti Guardians, Sirra, a very quiet maid, an indeterminate number of cats leave, following Alessia.

Rowenova grins back to Alessia, "Take care, My Lady. Good to see you!"

Apollo checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 40, rolling 15 higher.

Apollo checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Tanith laughs. "Not just a new dress, a -Morrighan Marin- dress," to Nina. And then she's looking for Sydney again. "Syd! Get me a drink, please?" Seriously, woman here without a drink at her own party!

Apollo checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 20, rolling 19 higher.

Apollo checked composure + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 14 lower.

"Morrighan does /exquisite/ clothing," Fortunato calls over to Tanith, flicking his own shirt.

Verity keeps the applause up for the winners, adding her laughter when Sydney is further awarded the judge's choice prize. "Ah! I'm sorrowful that I must leave all this and return to dreary work, but food budgets need money, no?" She glances to Korka and leans in, eyes half-lidded. "I definitely have thoughts about your prowess. Good luck with your wager, inquisitor." The courtier steps away from the bar, raising her hand to wave at Raymesin and Tanith across the way before making a line for the door. Well, her coat and scarf first. Very essential.

Turn in line: Raja

When Tanith explains who made her dress, Rowenova sends up a Northern cheer, which is basically shouting so loud one might think it is a battle cry!

Raja checked charm + seduction at difficulty 20, rolling 11 lower.

Raymesin waves to those departing, but something over by the bar has captured his attention for the moment.

"Think of it this way, Lady Alessia. We are actually similar to the nox'alfar in more ways that we aren't, but most of what we do bores the hell out of them. So imagine what it must be for spiders, who are very different from us." When another game starts Hamish shrugs and goes to get in line. "Why not."

Raja checked command + leadership at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

Raja checked command + propaganda at difficulty 40, rolling 17 lower.

Rukhnis peers into the box as Ras shows it to her, and gives a small nod of agreement. "I am sure you can think of something useful to do with it," she tells him. Because that's what everyone wants to do with their contest grand-prize money: something useful.

Raja checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Tanith stands to trot over, and snag Verity for a hug. "Thank you for coming!"

Sydney just so happens to be in possession of the good drink. She casts a wave Verity's way when she moves toward the exit, "Don't freeze out there, Verlock." She offers a little flash of her teeth, "Or do. You're a grown woman." She then turns to pour Tanith a tall glass of whiskey.

Revell stops when she feels Corrigan's hand on her shoulder. She could probably twist away from him, but instead she silently returns to the stool and starts emptying her tankard at a rapid pace. Her attention is solely on the game, this time around.

"Oh, really?" Nina considers Tanith's gown a second time. "I haven't bought any of her works!" she says, suddenly all engaged now that the conversation is about fashion. "I absoultely must visit her shop then..." Then she starts a bit. "Oh! I think it's my turn to draw a card in the game soon." She looks over at the table. "So... um, the premise is we have to lie to nobles? I guess it's a good thing there aren't TOO many here to get offended by that." Though there is Zoey, who she smiles at briefly.

Turn in line: Nina

After what Nina says, Rowenova points out, "It is Bear Threads by the bank."

Nina checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 20, rolling 19 higher.

Nina checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 4 lower.

Nina checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 40, rolling 3 lower.

Nina checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

"There ain't enough rats in the Lowers for all the rat kabobs I'm gonna buy," Ras agrees with Rukhnis, grinning fleetingly. Useful purchases, apparently, or maybe he's joking.

Turn in line: Hamish

Apollo, trying to con some money out of a rich noble? Perish the thought! He laughs at the cards he gets, and tucks two down, tumbles through a quick assessment of the hypothetical noble's tastes is given, a twist about how someone just came in wanting the latest fashion but - for a price, he could obviously move her up in line. Where he stumbles is trying to rope Raja into urging the woman; bridging those two worlds is no mean feat, but with some quick thinking and some subtle clues about how she's meant to disagree with him, suggest that only /very/ posh ladies would think of spending so much, he recovers. Does she buy the silk dress for one million silver? He waits with bated breath.

Hamish checked charm + seduction at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.

Hamish checked command + leadership at difficulty 30, rolling 7 lower.

Hamish checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 40, rolling 7 lower.

Fortunato checked wits + riddles at difficulty 20, rolling 42 higher.

Fortunato checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

Fortunato checked intellect + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 8 higher.

Fortunato checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Zoey has joined the line.

Rukhnis slants Ras a rather wry look for his assertion of what he's going to do with his money, but it's an answer she seems to appreciate somehow, however ridiculous it may be.

"I am!" Verity shoots back to Sydney. "Though you seem to regularly object to how /grown/ I am." She's caught up in a hug by Tanith, and returns it with a firm squeeze. "You two are worth celebration. Also your pies. You'll still be making the pies this coming week, right?"

Turn in line: Fortunato


Raja is high. She is exhausted and looks to be without sleep for at least a day. Still, she is here and participating in this game of social skills. Social skills are not her strong suit! At first, she tries to be seductive, but is quite hillarious instead with her over exagerated hair flips and eyebrow waggles. Then, she tries to be a leader! This only very mildly works, possibly just maaaayyyybeee inspiring some feels in someone out there. Though, in the end she bombs, seemingly loosing her ability to form a cohesive presentation. Finally, at the end, "Fuck it! I just need some whiskey!"

Hamish checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Zoey grins. "Lying to Nobles is a survival skill. We have to do it to each other all the time."

Tanith accepts the whiskey from Sydney, grinning, then snags a barmaid darting by and asks her to get Rukhnis' drink as well, which is brought very quickly. Tanith mimes a curtsy at Sydney. "Thank you!" Her arm still around Verity, she grins at the woman. "Yes, I will be making pies," she promises, laughing.

Sydney flings a muffin at Verity for /that/ comment.

Nina looks at Apollo, and starts to pick up her own cards. She squints at them for a second. Then she looks across at the noble, and then starts to laugh. "Well, um, you see," Hm, not off to a great start. "I learned my trade at music while I was sailing on a pirate ship as a first mate. I was so good at the blade that I astonished a princess. According to this card," she says. Then she sees Raja try to badly flirt, slightly fail at it, and giggle a bit more. She snorts. "I should actually probably be back to playing, as I'm simply not a very convincing liar after all!"

Sydney checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Fortunato checked composure + manipulation at difficulty 20, rolling 17 higher.

Tanith oohs. Muffin flinging.

Fortunato checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 12 lower.

Hamish walks up to the rich noble, looks him in the eye and says, "Give me some fucking money. It's going to orphans. Why do you hate orphans? Asshole." He does not walk away with any money.

Fortunato checked command + propaganda at difficulty 40, rolling 9 lower.

Fortunato checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

A muffin bounces off Verity's head. "Augh! You're wasting baked goods!"

Rowenova attempts to reach out and nab the flying muffin and mayhaps eat it!

Nina cracks up laughing at Hamish's attempt as well. She may not have been good at the game but it really is a silly one.

Apollo is overheard praising Hamish: I never thought I'd be calling him straightforward, but, ah...

Raymesin actually /laughs/ at Hamish's attempts to get money from the rich noble, and starts a round of applause. "Three cheers for th'Archlector!"

Fortunato is overheard praising Hamish: Such grace!

"Asshole!" calls Ras towards the rich noble who doesn't give Hamish any money, backing up the archlector. But he's snickering too. "Hooray!" he says to Raymesin. That's at least one cheer.

Turn in line: Zoey

Korka looks to be about to reply to Corrigan but then Hamish is doing his thing and she actually laughs outright, "I think it's safe to say you didn't miss your calling, Archlector."

Zoey checked charm + seduction at difficulty 20, rolling 16 higher.

Zoey checked composure + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 36 higher.

Raja is overheard praising Hamish: I am going to have to try that line.

Zoey checked charm + etiquette at difficulty 40, rolling 1 lower.

Zoey checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Fortunato stands and spins a truly elaborate lie, straight-faced, to the target, but seems to forget why he's spinning elaborate lies, which ends with him going, more or less, "Uh, so -- money?" He lacks Hamish's panache. But he boys and departs.

It's probably for the best that Rukhnis had been merely holding onto her cider rather than drinking from it, as she lets out a loud snort at Hamish's money-raising attempt that would almost certainly have been cider coming out her nose if she'd actually been drinking.

Corrigan glances up from his murmured conversation with Revell, grinning wryly at Hamish's approach. "..Alright, colour me surprised. Impressively direct."

Rowenova lets out a hearty laugh then looks to Hamish, "That sounded Northern!"

Fortunato has left the Crow Bar.

Ugarte leaves, following Fortunato.

Evaristo is watching everyone playing this social game - which turns out more hilarious htan he could ever imagine. He almost falls into a heap on the floor at Hamish, and the combined efforts of everyone... He has some help from staff to keep track of the score, and gets little notes given to himself. He reads, and counts, and then leans in to Tanith to whisper the winners again.

After a moment, Verity recovers from the cruel muffin assault. She turns to give Tanith one last hug and then disappears out the door before anything else is flung her way.

Sydney clicks her tongue, "Waste of baked goods is right. Hmph. Grown."

Verity has left the Crow Bar.


Tanith grins at Raymesin, caught in conversation with him, then grins at Evaristo when he whispers at her! She nods. Clearing her throat, she calls the first prize winner:

Ras gets up in order to approach Evaristo, attempting to get close enough to whisper to the bard.

Ras has left the Window Table.

Tanith shouts from nearby, "ZOEY. The first place winner!"

Apollo shakes his head, reaching to put a hand on the small of Raja's back a moment. "I'll get you a whiskey. I'm glad you tried." He grins, then starts toward the bar to do that thing - important to keep implicit promises, see.

Tanith stands on her toes, looking for the second place winner. "Apollo!" she calls. "Apollo Oakwood! Second place winner!" She waves a little bronze ring at him, beaming.

Raja shouts from nearby, "Huzzah Zoey!!"

Rukhnis finally does take a long drink of cider, thankfully free of any further danger of it leaving her mouth through her nose. Though she's still quiet she's begun to look a little more relaxed, as if her appreciation of the party and the people here has grown more genuine the longer she's sat watching. When the winners are announced she sets down her drink to applaud them at length.

Nina laughs again. "Well I suppose, a noble WOULD be the best at knowing what nobles want to hear, hm?" But it's clearly said in good humor. She finishes her glass of wine before returning back to the dance floor and her band. She takes a small breath, looking over at the programs, before picking up another lively tune to keep people chatting.

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "Yay, Lady Kennex!"

Hamish leans back against the bar. "I think that went well. Doesn't work in a contest, but later on he'll realize that he actually does like orphans."

Apollo wheels back, turning to take the ring with a well-pleased expression. "Thank you," he says, and then leans close to murmur something in her ear before going off to fetch that whiskey.

Rowenova says, "Good job, Master Oakwood!"

Raja glances to Apollo when he touches her back, not anticipating the touch. But, the offer of whiskey makes her relax and nods once towards him. She moves away from the game area, sort of tailing behind Apollo.

Raymesin seems to be mostly settled in for the duration, with a tankard at his elbow and a smile plastered to his face. It might be genuine, but it's hard to tell.

Zoey approaches the 'noble' with her head high and her smile sweet. She greets him properly with a practiced curtsy, knowing when to bat her eyelashes and how to turn her phrase just right. When she turns around after and first prize is handed to her, she grins. "Why thank you! I'll make sure this goes toward my project to help the influx of refugees. You are most generous."

Ras nods at Evaristo, and after the winners are announced, he runs over to jump on top of one of the few empty stools at the bar. He stands there expectantly.

Ras has joined the Crow Bar.

Korka checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 40 higher.

Tanith move to sit cross-ways on Raymesin's lap, careful not to knock over his tankard, or her glass of whiskey. She takes a moment to kiss him right between the eyes, then looks over at Ras.

Revell folds up the note she wrote earlier, then attempts to catch the attention of one of oh-so-busy people at work in the Murder. She hands the parchment over, whispers something to the barmaid and gestures in Ras' general direction. She receives a single nod in response, after the flower girl has put a coin in her hand.

Once done, she attempts to slide off her stool once more and smiles faintly at Corrigan. "I'm sorry, but I think I'm gonna slip out."

Rowenova looks up to see what it is that Ras is doing. Full attention there!

Korka checked wits + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 26 higher.

The social game winners announced and prizes given, Evaristo cheers and applauds and then steps up on the chair again. "Now! Our acrobatic friend Ras wants to do a little speech! And after that, there'll be a little game led by Tanith before we do the final of my games, the Mysterious Shadow. So Ras! Come up here," he says and waves to the young man to step up.

Korka checked perception + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 2 higher.

Korka checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

There's a party in full swing in the Murder today, and Evaristo appears to be the Master of Ceremonies. Meanwhile Tanith and Raymesin are seated off to one side, decked out in their best finery. There's food and drink and music, and lots of people apparently having fun.

Sydney applauds, despite the fact that she was busily pouring drinks and flinging baked goods at Oathlanders to really pay much by way of attention to the contest itself. She takes a long breath and lets it out slow, turning back to regard the Murder from the doorway with a goofy smile gradually working its way onto her features. Maybe that's just the drink, or maybe it's just her, enjoying the atmosphere. She dispels the question marks by raising her bottle of whiskey and taking another long gulp, and then shouting "You're all fuckin' beautiful!" A beat, "Except Korka!"

"That's right," Korka nods to Sydney, raising her mug, "I'm magnificent."

Apollo orders /two/ whiskeys; he's clearly not had anything to drink, nor enough to smoke, to be in a proper mood. He turns as he's taking the glasses to find Raja - surprisingly right there, huh. He puts a glass in her hand with a smile, and then leans on the bar to listen to Ras, sipping. He pauses a moment to study that ring of his, thoughtful.

Rukhnis's gaze follows Ras as he gets up on the table, watching him with an intent and serious gaze from over the rim of her mug of cider.

Urain steps through the entrance, spots the collection of people and bartop obscured by foot, and turns on heel to meander back out into the frigid street.

"Tanith and Raymesin've known each other a long time," declares Ras after Evaristo draws attention, on top of the stool at the bar. His voice is not particularly inspiring, or melodiously cadenced, but he speaks loudly - almost aggressively, in fact. "And I'm so happy that they found out they love each other. Cuz they deserve to be happy." If anyone's going to remember this speech as great, they're probably at least a little drunk right now, or maybe in a very sentimental mood. His brow furrows, as if he's making some kind of challenge. "There's love and warmth and gladness in the Lowers, and today, they're fighting the darkness with theirs. Monsters can't win as long as we've got this!" Anti-climactically, he jumps back down, and glances towards Revell and her note.

Corrigan glances up as Revell gets to her feet. "What? Don't be daft, sit down. You wouldn't want to miss what Ras has to say, surely."

There's a pause. "Besides, you should play the third game with me. Consider it practice, maybe."

Hamish checked intellect + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

The line has been dismissed by Evaristo.

Hamish checked perception + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 26 higher.

Hamish checked intellect + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 17 higher.

Hamish checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

To Ras, Rowenova aggressively responds with a growled exclamation: "RIGHT!"

Apollo checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 30 higher.

Apollo checked wits + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

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

Apollo checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.


Tanith, still sitting on her husband's lap, promptly turns red through to the temples, and hides her face behind her half-finished glass of whiskey.

Evaristo listens with focus to Ras, a glass in his hand - finally has the time to have a drink too. "HEAR HEAR!" he calls after that and he cheers at Ras and raises his glass in a toast to Tanith and Raymesin.

There's something in Rukhnis's expression that seems to take Ras's speech as rather deeper and more meaningful than it sounds (to anyone not pretty well drunk already), and she gives him a small nod that is not only approving but subtly reassuring somehow.

Auda lifts her beer to the happy couple, downing the rest of the glass. She is, however, then sidling her way towards the door.

For the second time, Revell is stopped from her attempt to leave. She doesn't look the least bit happy about it, and she doesn't get back on the stool.. but she does remain. ".. I suppose I could stay for the last game. It's stuff I'm good at." There's an attempt at a smile. "Would be fun to see if you deserve your spot in the Inquisition too."

Turning her attention to Ras and his speech, the corners of her lips twitch and she wraps her arms around her torso. She's probably both drunk and sentimental enough to remember this speech as great. Probably.

Raymesin's voice lifts. "Fuck's sake, yer makin' us 'ave a party an' now yer doin' speeches?" He's smiling, though. "Just eat an' drink an' be merry. We're glad yer glad for us, really, but keep goin' with the fun!"

Sydney offers a look at Ras, a bit of flush in her cheeks. One does not simply drink whiskey straight from the bottle and escape without inebriation, especially given that she's recently been tapering off. She looks plenty enough into her cups now, and she yells at Ras, "S'a horrible speech! Ain't no one even gonna remember it! Boo!"

Evaristo makes a gesture at Tanith and winks - the floor is hers now, for that game.

Tanith kisses Raymesin's cheek in gratitude, nodding to him.

"Hear hear," Corrigan adds wryly in response to Raymesin. He then looks faintly aghast to have agreed with the man and goes back to his ale.

Tanith is still blushing when she stands, and gestures to a barmaid. "Alright! Surprise G-Aame!" Her voice cracks but the woman has been shouting and drinking all night.

Tanith drops a pile of just the 'right' half of all of Evaristo's footwear.

Tanith clears her throat, holds up a box. "ALRIGHT. This is a test of wills! Very simple! You put your hand in the box. The longest person to manage, gets all of Evaristo's right pair of shoes, and the money in them." She grins. "Anyone wanna give it a go?"

Ras smiles at Revell, tucking the note into his pocket. "I'll read it later," he promises, and looks towards Raymesin with a grin. "I'll shove it up my ass then!" Great clapback (not). He smirks at Sydney and then looks towards Rukhnis with a strangely more solemn nod.

Evaristo checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

"Oh, why not!" Was that Zoey's fourth drink? She steps up to put her hand in the shoes.

Nina is not going to participate in this game, it seems. But she does enjoy the speech that Raymesin makes, as simple as it is. When the game seems to involve some suspense... she pauses, gets out her fiddle, and starts playing, on the strings, some darker music that implies a little bit of suspense, with a small series of rising, dissonant chords.

With suspicion, Rowenova eyex the box of shoes. "Are we allowed to use Alchemy, or tough it out?"

Apollo glances at Raya and shakes his head. "In this crowd, it's going to be full of spiders. I've had enough of that." He is firmly noping right the hell out of that.

Evaristo does not expect a thing here. He is smiling, waiting with curiosity on the game - and then he has to fumble with his bottle as he ALMOST drops it, his jaw agape in shock. "Hey. HEY!" he protests and the bottle goes to the counter as he shoulders his way through - this is a game HE intends to join. "YOU DIDN'T!" he protests, but he IS also amused.

Hamish has left the Crow Bar.

1 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

Sir Daniel the Beardless, a somewhat hapless Templar have been dismissed.

Evaristo has joined the line.

Raja takes the whiskey from Apollo and closes her eyes, sipping from the amber brew. There is a moment where she simply savors the whiskey as a sleepy person savors coffee in the morning. "Thanks." She says this in a purring tone.

Ras looks quickly at Tanith, then at Evaristo. The reaction makes him snicker and fold his arms to watch.

Tanith is tipsy and hissing at Evaristo while she holds the box that has a hole cut in the side of it. "I did I broke into your house, SHH."

Revell gives Ras a thumbs up and a smile, partly in response to his speech, partly in response to his promise. It's evidently no rush. Then, she turns her attention to the pile of shoes, head tilted curiously. ".. I'm not touching that, though."

Sydney is, as it has been established, now less than sober. She meanders over to the line with a bit of a wobble, still holding tight to the neck of her bottle of whiskey, "I ain't scared of a fuckin' box! It's just four squares!" Well, that math almost checks out. "I was-- I was born for this!" The auburn-haired brawler proclaims.

"Oh crap, I need new locks. REALLY good locks," Evaristo says and he just laughs and laughs.

Auda has joined the line.

Sydney has joined the line.

Rukhnis glances down at the impressive chestful of footgear, looking absolutely baffled by what it all means (or maybe just by seeing more shoes in one place than she's perhaps ever seen in her life), but willing to go along with this and see where it leads.

Raja has joined the line.

Zoey has joined the line.

Rowenova rolls up one of her sleeves of her doublet to her bicep before then getting out a single vial from her alchemy belt before ringing her arm with whatever it is at the elbow then corking and putting the vial back in belt. Then, she steps up with a grunt to Tanith.

Raymesin's grin turns wicked at the sight of Evaristo's face when he realises what the prize actually /is/. He stays where he is, though, apparently having either no use for shoes or an idea of what's in the box.

Evaristo checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 16 lower.

Tanith holds up the box for Ev. It has a hole in the side of it.

Zoey checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 12 lower.

Auda looks a little bit conflicted, but pauses long enough to filter into the line to win the right half of Evaristo's shoes. That's sooo worth it.

Korka has joined the line.

"Stormbird!" calls Ras from near the bar, towards the window table. "I bet you'd be real good at this one!"

Rowenova has joined the line.

Auda checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 18 lower.

Evaristo is FIRST - he sticks his hand into the box with full confidence. Then his expression changes, and he visibly shudders and that hand coems right back OUT real quick. "AHHH!" He backs away, quickly.

Rowenova checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 4 lower.

Sydney checked willpower at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Rukhnis slowly turns her head to stare at Ras. It's not even so much that he's telling her, for some reason, that she'd be good at it, so much as if she's wondering why she'd /want/ to be.

Turn in line: Evaristo

Raja checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 12 lower.

Turn in line: Auda

Zoey checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher. Zoey rolled a critical!

Korka checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Auda reaches her hand in the box, and then shudders visibly as she pulls her hand back and gives it a little shake, as if she could still feel whatever-it-was, and wants the feeling to go away. She's quickly moving aside, lingering just long enough to see who 'wins'.

Korka has much the same reaction as everyone else, sticking her hand in and then recoiling quickly after, brushing her hand against the nearest table and suddering.

Sydney sticks her hand in and endures whatever is inside of the box for a time and then squints up her brows and yanks her hand back. Whether it's a victory for her willpower or a failure of her ability to process whatever's in the box while increasingly inebriated remains up for debate.

Rukhnis has joined the line.

Rowenova slightly wrinkles her nose but then sets her hand down inside there, doing so with a tentative frown. Although she stays in longer than many do, there is one point when she decides to finally remove her hand because it is pretty uncomfortable.

Rukhnis checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 2 higher.

Turn in line: Sydney

Turn in line: Raja

Turn in line: Zoey

Turn in line: Korka

Turn in line: Rowenova

Turn in line: Rukhnis


Raja peels away from Apollo once she has claimed her whiskey. As she turns around there is a game happening! She decides to join in and steps up to participate. She stares at the box and crinkles her nose. She wants to stick her hand in, but hesitates. She finally reaches into the box and jerks her hand back! Eww! She almost spills her drink... almost.

Zoey sticks her hands in the box, then quietly nopes it back out again.

Evaristo watches everyone else with both amusement and some nervousness. He glances down at his boots - least he IS wearing one pair right now.

Apollo has joined the line.

Apollo checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Tanith watches, delighted, as people accept her warped sense of humor and stick their hands, one at a time, in her harmless, innocent little box. She should not be giggling so much, she is a grown woman, but dammit. It's -funny-.

After staring at the box, and people putting their hands in it, for a very long moment, Rukhnis finally lets out a long sigh and moves to join the crowd. Squinting briefly at the box, she then puts her left hand in it, very carefully. As she does she gets an odd look on her face, but it seems to be more the look of someone debating just what it is she's feeling in there. Her brow furrows faintly, and after a moment she takes her hand back out, looks at it, peers at the box one more time, and then simply shrugs.

Corrigan checked willpower at difficulty 25, rolling 20 lower.

Corrigan gives the box a look from the bar. He then looks at Tanith's expression. "..I'm good. Thanks."

Ras smiles at Rukhnis' expression, shaking his head in light amusement. Then his smile broadens into a wide grin and he claps viciously for the Eurusi woman's willful nonchalance.

Apollo whispers a moment with Raja, then goes to shove his hand in. Ain't no lowers party without sticking your hand in something gross, right? He puts his hand in, immediately makes a face, nose wrinkled, and then risks actual life and limb by going to wipe his hand on Raja's shoulder. As if she didn't TELL him it was gross. He downs the rest of that whiskey.

Tanith gets a pile of just the 'right' half of all of Evaristo's footwear.

Sydney wobbles on over to where the newlyweds have taken up their roost and slides in to hook an arm up and around Raymesin's shoulder, pulling the tall man into a hug and planting a kiss on his cheek, "You guys throw the best partiesh. No other parties even /have/ a horrible box. This is... good. You're good."

Tanith laughs. "Alright! Any one else?"

The line has been dismissed by Tanith.

Corrigan has joined the line.

Rowenova has joined the line.

Sydney has joined the line.

Raja checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Tanith gives the pile of Evaristo's very nice shoes to Rukhnis. "Blackmail, favors one at a time, or just .. give them to Ras." She grins, digs in the pile for a pouch of 10,000 silver. "Well done!"

Revell has joined the line.

Raymesin laughs as he gets hooked in by Sydney and kissed, his own arm going around her shoulders in turn. "Glad yer enjoyin' it," he says, "But if th'Inquisition 'ear you callin' me /good/ they'll 'urt themselves laughin', an' then where will we be?"

Zoey has joined the line.

Ras glances towards the next game, straightening from where he started to lean against the bar, and unfolds his hands. But first, he looks back towards Tanith and Rukhnis, and snickers. There's a look of anticipation in dark eyes, as if he thinks he knows what the Eurusi woman is going to do.

Tanith hhnks and has to hug both Raymesin and Sydney at the same time because who wouldn't want that, honestly.

Evaristo smiles VERY charmingly at Rukhnis now and sort of hovers near her, but... Well, he is still hosting here. "Don't you worry, I'll get back at you," he promises Tanith with a toothy - but amused - grin.

"Alright, that was HARROWING and HILARIOUS - I think we need to calm down with a game of finding the MYSTERIOUS SHADOW that lurks around the place. Come step up if you wanna play!"

Corrigan mimes writing notes. "Raymesin.. Ulbran.. Probably has a larger body count than the Reckoning.. Puglilist said he's good, though. Net zero, one to keep an eye on."


Raja laughs at Apollo as he yanks his hand back out of the box. When he makes his way towards her and wipes his hand on her, she totally has a teenage girl freakout moment! "Ewwww! Stop! Stop it!" She frantically wipes at the shoulder he wiped on, then realizes it is on her own hand! She then looks to Apollo and reaches over to wipe it on his face!

Turn in line: Corrigan

Corrigan checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 48 higher.

Corrigan checked wits + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Corrigan checked perception + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 12 lower.

Corrigan checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Auda makes her escape!

Lamora leaves, following Auda.

Turn in line: Rowenova

Rowenova checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 8 lower.

Rowenova checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Rowenova checked perception + linguistics at difficulty 40, rolling 12 lower.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Sydney grunts at the hug from both sides, "Aggh! I always thought I'd die this way, jus' not so soon!" She sways and disentangles herself from Raymesin and Tanith as it becomes clear that another game is at foot. "Hold on. I've... I've got this. You, /totally/ don't believe me, /RAYMESIN/, but I've /got/ this." She points, and then points /also/ at Tanith, nearly stumbles over her own feet, and then getting in to line. Shadows beware, you're in for a scare.

Rukhnis stares at the pile of shoes she's just been handed with a "my god what have I done" sort of expression, which only deepens when Evaristo hovers his way into her vicinity and gives her that smile. "Er, yes, well," she says to Tanith. "Thank you." There's an unvoiced "I think" at the end of that.

Turn in line: Sydney

Sydney checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 2 higher.

Sydney checked wits + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 21 lower.

Sydney checked perception + linguistics at difficulty 40, rolling 22 lower.

Sydney checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Ras stifles an affectionate laugh and then goes over to hang out with Sydney, reaching around to tap her on the opposite arm and innocent looking off in the other direction afterward.

Ras has joined the line.

Turn in line: Revell

Revell checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 50 higher.

Revell checked perception + occult at difficulty 40, rolling 4 lower.

Revell checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 42 higher.

Revell checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Apollo's face falls when he wipes the slime /on his face/, and he manages to affect - for a flickering moment - a glower that is actually whiskey-infused... er. Mildly discomfiting? He's been taking lesson. But then his face cracks into a grin, and he pulls out a black, monogrammed handkerchief, and wipes at his face. He turns that over to her to finish wiping her hands. "Simultaneously the worst and best party I've ever been to, which I think is the point, isn't it."

Rowenova wanders around looking for clues. Being an introvert means that she sometimes forgets to ask the right questions at the right time, even though those questions likely came up in her mind where no one can know or read em. Trying to talk to people when she does comes with a language barrier if they have deep accents. But, she is still lucky during her tracking hunt to try bringing back at least a few physical clues to the fore.

Turn in line: Zoey

Tanith sits on the window table her legs kicking grinning. When she realizes what people are doing, she awws softly. "That would have been fun," she laughs.

Raja has joined the line.

Zoey checked intellect + riddles at difficulty 20, rolling 2 lower.

Zoey checked intellect + linguistics at difficulty 40, rolling 13 higher.

Zoey checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 30 higher.

Zoey checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Apollo has joined the line.

Corrigan cracks his knuckles, getting to his feet and heading over for the game. Initially, the crowd of people he has to interrogate part before him and his carmine Inquisition cloak - who wears an Inquisition cloak to a party? - but Corrigan quickly homes in on those with something to hide, as if scenting blood. It might be just a game, but the man seems to take it seriously, and one of the poor riddlers wilts and forgets his lines when Corrigan calmly explains how seriously he's taking the game, and what happened to the last person to not answer a question. Eventually, with a smug look, he returns to Evaristo and gives his answer to the riddle.

Raymesin nudges Tanith's hip with his elbow. "Go play, then! I did."

Sydney drifts from patron to patron, clutching tightly to her drink. "Hey. I've seen the way you're lookin' at everyone. Don't think I ain't... noticed that." She slams her hands down on a patron's table immediately after drawing her initial conclusion, leaning in and pressing her finger against the man's chest. "ADMIT IT. It's /KORKA/. I know it, and you know it, and y'ain't gonna convince me any fu--" Her stomach makes a horrid noise, and she flees from the building, looking green.

Tanith has joined the line.

Tanith huffs at being nudged, and takes the encouragement.

Nina keeps to her fiddle, and continues to play some slightly suspenseful music... though soon enough, she can't stop from playing some slightly more lively string notes as the accusations already begin flying. There is a sense that she certainly enjoys the work, even if it keeps her from being able to participate in all of the games.

Turn in line: Ras

Ras checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 30 higher.

Ras checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Ras checked perception + linguistics at difficulty 40, rolling 6 lower.

Ras checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Rukhnis sets her brand-new amazing stash of right-footed shoes on the table, very meticulously, as if they might do something terrible if they're not treated with respect. She then takes her seat again and retrieves her cider, watching the next game of the night kick into gear.

Turn in line: Raja

Raja checked intellect + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Raja checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 20 lower.

Her time with the Scholars serves Zoey well for the most part, but she has never had much of a read for these sorts of puzzles. Language? Investigative ability? Certainly! Sadly, her luck does not hold this time, and she shakes her head in mild frustration.

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

Raja checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Turn in line: Apollo

Ras sneaks around mostly eavesdropping on other people's interrogations. There's some serious sniggering that nearly outs him from a dark corner near Sydney at one point, but then he pauses - squinting and looking perplexed - while trying to understand Zoey's conversation with a robed fellow. "Huh," he mutters, but returns to Evaristo with an answer nonetheless.

Revell offers Corrigan a fleeting smile with a level of challenge to her gaze. Rather than going the opposite direction of the inquisitor however, she follows right behind him, questioning those he has questioned - and either gotten answers out of or not, and uses his threats and much scarier demeanour to her advantage, making it known to all in the bar that clearly, -she- is the nice one. They /want/ her to win over the horrible Confessor. So, there is no shortage of whispered words and notes tossed her way, and with a prideful smile she returns to Evaristo with her answers. How lucky that Corrigan is here for her to take advantage of, huh?

Turn in line: Tanith

Tanith checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 20, rolling 56 higher. Tanith rolled a critical!

Tanith checked wits + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 3 lower.

Tanith checked intellect + linguistics at difficulty 40, rolling 16 lower.

Tanith checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

The line has been dismissed by Evaristo.


Raja stares at Apollo, beaming a grin when he gets some on his face! She waits for him to process what has happened, then laughs at what he has to say. "PRetty damn good party." Then the next game is happening!

Raja steps up to participate in the game, but her inebriated demeanor causes her to bomb out. It was a nice start at the beginning!

Apollo seems to know a thing or two about the setup, here, and puts together a sense of who to talk to quickly, offering incisive questions that lead him right. In the end, though, he just doesn't have the knowledge to put the clues assembled together into something helpful. What the hell is it all supposed to MEAN? He gives a bewildered shrug, turns to watch Raja. "Good gods, that's impressive," he says at her drunken, haze-addled bungling. "I can't believe you'd share smoke that puts you in /that/ excellent a state." Yes. He is 150% blaming that performance on the injudicious use of good haze. He might even be convincing. Maybe he wins the game he wants to win.


Tanith bounces over, all purple skirts and grins, and starts to ask all the questions, sticking her nose right in their drinks, telling the worst, most awful jokes ever ("Why did the chicken cross the road? BECAUSE THE INQUISITION HAHAHAHA-"), and trades insults with a gentlemen who's curses are so awful and language so foul that Tanith is double-over with laughter. That's pretty much how it ends, her hand on the barcounter, trying not to fall over.

Evaristo is watching this all standing next to Raymesin, swaying a little himself as he's had the chance to drink quite heavily. The answers he receives are noted down, and some of them makes him snicker, some raise eyebrows, but he doesn't reveal who seems to be the winner until everyone is done. He grins and waves at Tanith to get ehr attention, then leans in to whisper the names.

There is, somewhere, a very awful surprise waiting for someone in the snow, that has been cunningly covered up by even more snow by a very drunk Sydney. Some future snowball fight is in for a horrible, horrible, surprise. But Sydney is looking much improved now, that green pallor gone from her features. "Best party!"

Tanith finally stands straight, but she's still laughing. She moves to Revell. "Congratulations. Revell! Winner!" But she gestures to Corrigan as she turns away. "He deserves half," she chortles, moving to the second prize winner.

Tanith grins, moving to Korka. "Second place!" and hands her a little ring, giving the woman a wink. "Well done!" And the very tipsy bride skips back to her table and her husband.

Ras grins and claps for Revell, giving a whistle through his teeth. There's some more clapping for Korka, and then he heads over to hang out near Rukhnis again.

Ras has left the Crow Bar.

Ras has joined the Window Table.

Zoey applauds the winners. "Well done indeed! That was a tricky one."

Revell blinks and stares blankly at Tanith, then glances over her shoulder as if expecting some other Revell to have turned up right behind her, but then there's a box in her hand. She glances at Corrigan, looking utterly -petrified- for a spell. "Wha--? I'm-- How? I--.. I'm good at something?"

She pulls the box close to her chest, hugging it as if her life depends on it. Then, in a daze, she staggers back towards the bar. Once more muttering, no less surprised 'I'm actually good at this? I was just joking..'.

"And THAT, my friends, concludes tonight's games! Now there's more drinking and dancing - I am sure Nina, our lovely bard, can join us in the merriment while her friends play," he suggests, waving at Nina to leave the stage and just party for awhile, if she wants to.

Tanith calls from her table, to Revell, "Half. To. Corrigan."

Sydney fiercely shouts from her barstool, "Take it all and run, Revell! Spend it on better horses!"

What Tanith shouts causes Revell to pause, then she walks up to Corrigan and hands him -the entire thing-. Maybe he'll know what the heck to use it for. It's brief, but Sydney's comment does actually cause the flower girl to laugh nervously. How tempting a suggestion.


Raja laughs at Apollo's words! "Part of the enjoyment of haze is sharing a mutual experience with someone." Deep thoughts by Stoned Raja. She now turns around, her gaze searching through the people. She makes her way through the crowd once the individual is spotted. Raja stalks up to Tanith and whispers to her, winks, and hands over a small gift.

Raymesin sits and watches and applauds and smiles, and actually seems to be having a good time. When Evaristo calls out to Nina, "An' thanks for the music!" Raymesin calls over towards the bard and the band, pounding the flat of his hand on the table to reinforce the point. "Know any really filthy drinkin' songs?"

Zoey is overheard praising Tanith.

Zoey is overheard praising Raymesin.