3 Ivory Shields arrives, following Drusila.

Zelda, the royal messenger, 13 King's Own Guardsmen arrive, following Alaric.

The last of the thawing snow has been cleared away for this celebration event. Tents are set up along the commons where shops sometimes spill, piled with food, drink, and gifts for all comers. Food is Lycene in nature, with wines and fruits, salads and spiced meat and poultry, and of course a variety of light sweets and desserts, of citrusy and tropical flavor. The area around the commons is decorated with wreaths of flowers, budding spring tulips, dasies, and cheerful primroses in prominent display. White banners are flying from the tents and trees, some decorated with the Flame of Lagoma in honor of the changing season. As the air is a bit chilly still, some fires burning bright are set up here and there around the square, both for symbolism and for the light passing warmth that they provide.

To one side tent, under an awning of green and yellow, Nina Autumndale, who is hosting for Pravus, is looking nervous but quite pleased. She is wearing a long, elaborate stunner of a brocade gown in brilliant violet and gold, specially sourced for the occasion with little matching shoes. Her hair is long and flowing and she is trying not to fuss too terribly much as people start to arrive for the party. In a way it feels quite awkward for her not to also be playing music, but she has sourced a small troupe that is providing light background to the festivities under their own tent. A little box of her idea of party favors is present here: they are little plants, starting to grow, their tiny flowers yet to appear or bloom.

Adrienne gets A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Anisha takes A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Samael gets Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Samael drops Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Odile gets A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Sunny, an Ostrian Kitten arrives, following Orelia.

It is a very rare thing indeed to see Marquessa Teagan Blackram in white, but here she is. Aeterna and seasilk in gown and shawl; the pure white of the fine fabric stark against her naturally tan skin and the dark brown of her hair, gathered up in an intricate braid against her head and held in place by hairpin. The bright emerald of her eyes is echoed in the green of the seasilk. In the last vestiges of winter, many might be cold in such an outfit, but... she is a woman of the mountains and if she is cold, she bears it well. She has Chessa with her, the blonde dressed well, but demurely for the ocassion. Both make their way toward the tent to both greet Nina politely: "It looks lovely and welcomes spring perfectly," Teagan says with a gesture to the square before moving to take one of the seedlings herself... and pass it to Chessa for safekeeping.

Samael gets A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Teagan gets A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Orelia gets A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Nanette gets A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Nina has joined the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Lucrezia does not do parties. *However*, what with the whirlpool trapping her in the city, what else was she going to do? She arrives with the short, violent slink of a predator on the prowl, somehow out-pacing the Black Fleet Reavers following her. She rakes her eyes over the crowd as she comes and they glitter with a promise of malevolent trouble-seeking. Alas, Belladonna is -for some reason- not present to keep on her on her leash...

Nina gives a bright smile to Teagan as she is the first to approach her. "I'm so happy I was able to get things cleared out in time for the holy season, but there is a little snow on the ground still, isn't there?" Nina puts a finger to the side of her cheek as she considers things so far. "Maybe a donation to the Mercies would also be appropriate on their holy day. I should take up a collection or do something nice in their honor. I think that would be very nice too!" Nina seems happy to see that people are taking her little offer of plants. She spent a bit of time sourcing them and putting them in their new jars. "Did you know..." she says to Teagan, and folds her hands, "That there will be a new pottery kiln built in the new district? I wanted to make sure it was ready and we had so many little pots!" Seemingly totally oblivious to the strangeness of Lucrezia at a party, Nina waves openly to her with a smile.

For some time now there had been whispers and hearsay in Pravus about the arrival of another child of the Emperor in Arvum; the Saffron Chains no less. As to the why, there is of course speculation but it shouldn't come as a surprise that she arrives to the celebrations with the Softest, Anisha Whisper, in her accompaniment. While some of the other guests wore elegant affairs she wore a steelsilk bodysuit that had a dragonweep fire emblem in the center of her chest, her platinum spun robe was dramatic and nothing like her elder sister's more practical fashion choices. "We think it will be most beneficial to witness the cultural festivities of the various different fealties of the Compact and are most glad you agree." Her accent is heavy and yet she speaks in such a manner that easily cuts through a crowd, even if she is addressing her companion for the 'Get Well Soon' springtime celebration. On the way by Lucrezia she offers a polite nod of acknowledgement,"Princess Lucrezia we are surprised to see you off of your ship with all that we have heard about your preferences."


Baroness Ember Redreef is present and accounted for. She looks as out of place mingling as a falcon would look out of place underwater. One might even conceivably mistake her for some manner of guardswoman -- a guardswoman in seasilk, mind -- with the way she moves through the party in purposeful strides, and the way her stoic expression gazes out at everything around her so intensely. It's as if Ember simply has no choice but to come off like she's trying to intimidate someone -- even passively. At the very least, she has a glass of wine in one hand, though it seems like a prop more than something she's actually making use of.

A young, tousseled-haired man, maybe all of sixteen, escorts Adrienne to the commons. He earns a grateful smile and a few coins in thanks before he bows and returns the way he came. Adrienne waits alone on the edge of the festivities and adjusts the hood of her cloak to presumably ward away the last of the late winter chill. The musicians have her attention, after a brief study of Jadara, and she moves that way, a tiny seedling cradled at her hip.

Lady Orelia Stonewood saunters in from what is likely the wrong direction to have come from the ward where her family lives. A pair of peace-tied blades hang at her hip, and her hand rests on one of their handles as she takes in the scene.

Drusila is as is her habit dressed in her extravagant steelsilk dress, expertly designed to subtly reveal her sunkissed skin in the fashion in the southern fashion. With flowing step she approaches the hosting Nina, offering the young woman a pleasant smile. "What a wonderful celebration you have arranged for us, let's make this spring something fantastic."

She turns to scan the crowd with her amber eyes, eventually finding the trouble-seeking Lucrezia and she raises a lithe hand, waving towards the pirate princess. "Will you be dancing for us again Lucrezia?"

Teagan has joined the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

"I take it you are a fan of pottery?" There is some amusement in Teagan's features as she hands the seedling to Chessa who takes it with the utmost care. Brushing off her fingers, the Marquessa does look interested in Nina's enthusiasm. Green gaze drifts over the new arrivals, eyes narrowing just marginally to see who Anisha has arrived with. She leans in towards Nina, just slightly, and gestures. "What can you tell me of the Emissary and her time in the city so far? Have you had the... pleasure of her acquaintance as of yet?"

a grey mare with black points, Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound, Clovis, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy arrive, following Rowenova.

The Softest Whisper Anisha arrives, not quite in lockstep with Emissary Jadara, but certainly on her arm. Contrasting the steelsilk and platinum of the emissary with her own clinging umbra, the fabric drawn taut over her curvacous frame. She, too, accepts one of the seedlings, which is promptly given to Tamorin for safe-keeping, letting the Apprentice Whisper mill about in the background while Anisha focuses on Jadara - and taking in the varied guests and hosts. Nina, of course is offered a smile and a little wave as they move along, and the mirrormasked Whisper curtsies as Jadara addresses Lucrezia.

"Princess Lucrezia. Well met. You obviously know the Emissary already," She concludes, with a little smile. Her gaze drifts across the field, taking note of varied guests, and offers a small smile to Jadara as well. "While this particular event is, I suspect, informed by the context of the events this Winter, Spring Celebrations of varied sorts are very common across Arvum, and Lagoma is always a chief deity in such celebrations. I hope you'll have a wonderful time, Jadara-shizhe, and that you learn much of our ways."

Lord Samael Bisland strolls into the commons, looking relaxed and cheerful. He wears a fine seasilk doublet, the ivy brocade invoking a spring he hopes will arrive soon. He plucks a celebration seedling with dark, long-fingered hands, then presents himself to the hostess with a bow and a smile.

With an entourage of the King's Own forever in his accompaniment, the King of the Compact arrives in style to attend the festivities planned within the Setarco Commons. His first destination is the hostess, mouth posed in a gracious smile. "Mistress Autumndale, I hear tale that you're the mastermind behind the celebrations for today. I look forward to seeing what you've in store." A discerning glance is cast toward the ensemble she models, smile broadening in modest appreciation. "And of course, you look utterly stunning. The embodiment of renewal for spring."

Odile mills about the celebration at an easy pace, drawn soon enough to the display of small plants. A hand sweeps out to pick one up, its dainty leaves examined with a small smile before she might set off to observe all the unfamiliar faces around her.

Scout Rowenova rides forth into the Setarco Commons, doing so on a grey horse with black points and a light saddle as well as bitless bridle. Meanwhile, there is a soulful hound trailing along not far behind the horse who is apparently steered via split reins in the left hand of the wolf scout who additionally holds a young pup in her right arm.


Ember is en route to the table with the tent -- evidently, the food doesn't interest her much, though with her perpetual sternness, it's rather hard to pinpoint things that DO interest her. It's as she's en route, bearing in on said table, that the King of the Compact himself beats her to it. She has to stop in her tracks to avoid taking even a step too close, lest it come across as familiar. "Your Majesty," Ember says, with a curtsy so precise in its form and graceful in its motion that the strain of practicing it thousands of time until perfect is as obvious as the nose on her face. Once free of curtsying obligations, Ember moves to take a seat at the table with her wine -- wine she hasn't drank any of, and yet somehow did not spill a drop of while curtsying. "Mistress Autumndale. Marquessa Blackram."

Ember has joined the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Samael has joined the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Lucrezia is smiling, but in that way a cat does when it is just about to pounce on a mouse. Seeing Nina's wave her smile turns into a grin. Harass the host before the party starts? Oh, so fun! But Jadara calling her name distracts her(thankfully!), and she turns narrowed eyes upon her. One day forbidding people calling her princess would stick... Then Anisha greets her with it also. "Hello again Anisha. Emissary Jadara. I came to see if there would be any entertainment. I am utterly bored. I do not do well being unable to sail at will." There is a crazy light in her eyes like she's probably thinking of sailing into the whirlpool just to prove it can't keep *her* here. Hearing Drusila, she grins sharp and wide as a sword. "When I get drunk enough, I'll dance."

Orelia has joined the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Nina looks over toward Jadara as she approaches with Anisha. Nina nods to Teagan's question. Anisha, she knows, but Jadara... "I have seen her around the ward, but I haven't spoken with her too much! How nice of her to come out to see the celebration! I should give her a warm welcome!" She then waves at Jadara and Anisha, which... may seem like a frightfully common thing to do, but her courtly etiquette can sometimes be a work in progress.

She is about ot perhaps walk over and say something, but then... the king himself approaches, and her eyes go round as dishplates as he walks up and gives her a direct address of greeting. Nina grabs her skirts and curtseys, bowing her head as well. "Oh. Your majesty. It's... quite wonderful that you would come to the celebration. I hope you enjoy your time here and... thank you so much for your compliments."

Throughout the Setarcan Bazaar in the Setarco Commons, there's a buzz of excitement from the daytime crowds as a member of House Pravus moves through the Commons.

Briar, a quiet young woman, 2 Pravus Honor Guard, Intruder, an excited Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Sebastian.

Alaric has joined the A table under a tent with food and drink.

As the King approaches where she and Nina have been conversing, Teagan dips into appropriate greeting for him. "Your Majesty," she says. "I hope the Queen is doing well. A shame she cannot join us for all of this-" a gesture to the flowers in evidence, the first signs of spring. "I know she would love to see it. You will bring her one of the seedlings, I hope?" When Nina -waves- to Anisha and Jadara, the Blackram woman suppresses a flinch, but does look over to dip her head in a nod to the Whisper, whom she knows at least. "It is... nice of her, yes."

Alaric has left the A table under a tent with food and drink.

Alaric has joined the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

"You know, the Captain became the Queen of Thorns this year," Anisha offers idly to Jadara, nodding to Lucrezia. Now that introductions have been made and formality seen to, she can shift to the woman's preferred title. She shoots a bright smile to Drusila. "Messere Drusila. You look absolutely enchanting. Have you met Emissary Jadara?" Gesturing between the two. "Messere Drusila is one of the Archducess' most devoted servants, or so I am told."

Nina's wave prompts a little smile, and the Softest wiggles her fingers back at her, and gives a slight curtsey to Teagan, but alas, the bulk of her focus remains on Jadara and the small cluster of people forming around her and Lucrezia.

Odile is stopped from her idle wandering by the approach of a messenger, who murmurs something to her in a rather urgent manner. With a rather serious set of her lips, she sends them off with a brisk nod before turning to depart herself, tiny plant carefully held in one hand.

At Lucrezia's smile the Emissary's placid expression softens into something that could even be the beginning of a smile. "Boredom is the product of an idle mind princess. This one understands the desire to get out and engage once in a while. We believe it will be good for you and for the others to see you." At the question of Drusila, the Emissary turned to look at her. She did not say anything but she seemed curious about this answer and when the Softest introduces her she offers her a courteous greeting. "Well met Messere Drusila, this one is pleased to see you well."

To Anisha, she leans in and listens to something she says softly, as was fitting the Whisper, before offering her a nod in agreement. Nina's wave gets her attention though and the Emissary excuses herself from Lucrezia to allow the princess her ranging for fun. When she manages to make way towards the hostess and subsequently the King the Imperial princess offers warm greetings. "We are honored to make your acquaintance King Alaric Grayson and are pleased to be a part of the celebrations Mistress Autumndale. Our gratitude."

Knowing at least three quarters of those present, Rowenova lifts her right hand, doing so with Squire Clovis the mountain puppy in it in a symbolic wave to everybody here before lithely dismounting from her grey horse who just stands because she is a lazy girl. Sir Floppington wags up to Rowenova, soon earning a good petting to those floppy ears then meanders closer to ongoing festivities.

Nina looks to Orelia and grins brightly. "Thank you! It's so nice to see you about again! This is just the first of many things to come! As I'll be working in Party Planning for Pravus from here on out and we are going to have at least two more balls this spring and summer..." Nina's eyes go a little wide, as she considers the work that she'll have to put in, but then she laughs again and waves it off, giggling. She notes a bit of worry in Teagan's comment about the Emissary, but doesn't mention. Then she approaches!

Nina gives Jadara a curtsey as well, once again a bow of the head. "Thank you for comnig to the event. This is a celebration of reflection on the changing of seasons and the Wheel; this is a holiday for our people and we hope that you enjoy my little celebration!"

Drusila gives the Jadarai Emissary a long studious look when she appears together with the softest whisper before letting her shoulders roll in a suble wave of motion. "Emissary Jadara, yet again we're honored with your presence, a pleasure to see you again as well Whisper Anisha, softest amongst your kind now I hear. I still owe you a letter I believe" She smiles thinly while raising an arm to bring the servants over with refreshments. "We have to get Princess Lucrezia some proper drink, lest she find other entertainment."

Sebastian is late, unsurprisingly -- even with the celebration literally on his doorstep. He strides across the commons, his gaze searching out the hostess. Seeing Nina surrounded, he gives a brilliant laugh, winking in the bard's direction before he continues on his way -- towards a table of drinks. Catching sight of Lucrezia, however, he comes to a halt with a tip of his head, eyebrows raised as if asking his cousin a silent question.

Samael exchanges a few pleasantries with the table occupants, but manages to drift away quietly before His Majesty's arrival.

Samael has left the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

"I certainly intend to enjoy myself," Alaric promises to Nina with a warm laugh. "Please, don't let me keep you from seeing to your duties as hostess. Excuse me." Zelda brings him a seedling to take into his possession, marveling at it momentarily before his chin dips in amiable greeting toward Teagan. "Marquessa Blackram, it's a pleasure to see you out and about enjoying yourself. Although Her Majesty could not join, she does send her warm regards and well wishes. I intend to collect a few seedlings to have sent to her as keepsakes. She'll love them." His attention is consequently stolen by the approach of Jadara, turning to receive her with a gracious bow of his head. "Ah, and here is the mysterious and enchanting Emissary who's stolen the attention of many courtiers already. I'm pleased to see you're being well taken care of with Softest Anisha. She is a precious gem, is she not?" He offers Jadara his arm graciously, ticking his chin toward the party proper. "I'm woefully without a companion for the time being. I don't suppose Softest Anisha would find it a terrible offense if I shared your company for part of the affairs?"

Poppy is so late. Very late. It's not her fault really. (okay. It probably is.) Spotting Nova, she makes her way in the direction "Nova! Why am I not surprised to see you here?" She offers waves and bobs as she makes her way through the crowdsm

Anisha is ever going to be the Emissary's shadow, and she offers an apologetic curtsey to Lucrezia and Drusila, "I am, yes. And I owe you time once that letter is received - will you pardon me?" Gesturing after the Emissary, and then hurrying along with her - and is promptly curtseying once more, as Majesty and noblewomen are approached, proferring a smile to Nina and Teagan as well. "Your Majesty, Marquessa Teagan Blackram, Messere Nina. May I introduce the Emissary Jadara, Envoy of the Undying Empire and Child of the Platinum Emperor?" She offers. "Jadara-shizhe, this is his Majesty King Alaric IV, Marquessa Teagan Blackram of the Cloudspine, and of course, you know Messere Nina, mm?"

At Alaric's offer, she brings her fan out, fluttering it idly before her face and hiding a smile. "There is little I could deny you, your majesty," She assures him. "And your company would do naught but enrich my own, so why would I be insulted." She looks from King to Emissary, offering an encouraging smile.

Thumb tracing the edge of the tiny pot in her hand, Adrienne appears to be content to listen to the bards, one of many in a crowd - admittedly, one wearing aeterna, though her cloak blocks some of that luxury. The occasional turn of her head, however, might indicate that she is not unaware of the very courteous politicking happening near the hostess's tent.

Orelia has left the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Sunny, an Ostrian Kitten leaves, following Orelia.

Lucrezia laughs at the idea of others seeing her would be a good thing. "Problem is people see me at things like this and think about stuffing me in a dress and making me act all proper Princess." Her tone implies she'd rather puke first, but does not keep them as Jadara and Anisha move on to greet the King. "That never turns out good for anyone," she mutters. Turning her gaze to Drusila who says the magic word 'drink', she nods vigorously. "Yes, if there is not rum here, I am going to do some dancing that won't make people happy." It'd make her *very* happy, though! Sebestian need not worry, she is off dragging Drusila through the crowd in search of a drink. *Everything is normal here*. "Where are the drinks!?!" She near shouts the question.

Nina checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 58 higher.

Although Rowenova had seen the food and veered in that direction last minute, she soon pauses to turn to Poppy. "Well, hello! You are not surprised because Sir Floppington and I always go to all the Lycene parties, except for the Mirror Masqs. Been there. Done that. No more." She wolfishly grins then asks. "Have you met Emissary Jadara yet?" She apparently uses the woman's title which not every UE rep really gets. She nods her wolf-framed visage toward that mentioned person before looking back Poppy's way. "Happy Spring to you. Did you see all this sweet Lycene food?"

And there is the Emissary, in the thick of them proper. Indirectly, the King helps with introductions, but soon enough Anisha is there to make them properly. Teagan dips her head in a nod to the foreign woman, taking her in properly now that she's not at a distance. "Emissary, I hope you are finding the city to your liking or at least learning a good deal from the people here." She clasps her hands before her, straightening; shoulders back. Though maybe not too straight. She's of height with the king and she's not going to -try- to make that too obvious. Other men, yes, not Alaric. "I would love to meet and speak with you, sometime. To learn of your country, in return. Would you be amenable if I wrote to schedule tea or perhaps dinner?"

"Such a celebration reminds us of the festivities in Daobujin Bo that coincide with our birthday. For we were born under the Cardinal sign of Flame and it carries with it all the implications and blessings of Lagoma that one might think." Jadara seems very pleased at this and quite impressed with the Mistress Autumndale. "Another mark of merit for the House Pravus. Well done."

With a curt nod she excuses herself from Nina and allows the woman to be greeted by her many fans this evening! Drusila's greeting is well received and the Emissary even flashes her a wink, demonstrating that she is definitively a bit more easy going than her siblings perhaps. Alaric's offer makes Dara smile, which is a very rare thing indeed. After the Softest Whisper acquiesces she slips her arm through his and easily keeps step with the Monarch of the Compact. "We are pleased to have made Softest Anisha Whisper's acquaintance so early on in our arrival to your capital. What great fortune, Your Majesty."

Jadara adds on in passing to Teagan,"We find it is different than we are used to and smaller than we expected but it makes up for it with its charm."

Nina turns bright pink when it seems like the king is flirting with the Emissary. She puts two hands to her mouth, covering it with both of them, looking further stunned. It takes a second to snap her out of this pose... when a tray comes passing by with rosee wine, and the server makes eye contact with her in an attempt to get her to break loose. Then Nina shakes her head a bit, and grabs the wine, which perhaps will steady her. At any rate, it's an elegant glass. Anisha makes eloquent introductions, and Nina feels a lot better, managing to collect herself neatly and not say anything embarassing or spill her wine. "I'm very glad that you could make it," she says to Anisha and Jadara. "Please enjoy food and wine of course!"

Poppy curiously looks in Jadara's direction before answering Nova, "Not yet. Gosh there's so many important people here." Her attention falling to the food she regards it all curiously "Does this mean with all the warming weather that we'll start seeing more of these elusive southern types?" She gratefully finds a server with wine and flags him down for a glass.

Throughout the Setarcan Bazaar in the Setarco Commons, there's a buzz of excitement from the daytime crowds as a member of House Pravus moves through the Commons.

3 Black Fleet Reavers arrives, following Viviana.

Well, at least Sebastian knows better than to insist Lucrezia wears a dress, his gaze tracking her and Drusila through the crowd for a moment before losing them. He manages to collect a glass of red wine, almost seeming a prop since the Pravus -- usually quick to drink -- leaves it untouched as he stops, staring across the crowd. There's a brief furrow of brow, a thinning of lips as if ill pleased, but that expression is wiped away smoothly enough as he makes his way towards where Adrienne lingers. "Your Highness," he murmurs, with a twist of lips. "It's not quite like Setarco, I know. But does it remind you in some way of it?"

Rowenova sets down Squire Clovis the mountain puppy by Sir Floppington the soulful hound (who kindly watches over the younger canine). After that, then Rowenova stands up to her full height once more plus the wolf ears atop her pelt headdress. "Most likely. I hope they bring berry preserves with them." says she to Poppy before loading up 2 plates with the tasty wares. "How have you been since we last saw one another?"

"Do enjoy yourself." Drusila encourages Anisha as the whisper excuses herself to introduce herself to the hostess and she finds herself dragged off in search of Rum together with Lucrezia. Spotting one of the servants nearby she gestures them close. "Be a dear and go down to the basement and get one of those bottles with the drawing of a bonfire on it, yes the one that shouldn't be served to unwitting guests."


Ember Redreef, party animal that she is -- literal Princess of Parties, which is weird since she's a Baroness -- remains a wet blanket, although not an active one. She takes exactly one sip of wine as she sits, casting her stern, always seemingly annoyed gaze out toward the partygoers. People-watching -- it's what one does when one has no particular skill at mingling.

There is a sort of inevitability in the look Adrienne turns to Sebastian. "Please, Sebastian. Adrienne," she corrects with a tone that implies this is not her first time, nor will it be the last. His question forces her to think and her gaze tracks the commons, particularly falling on Lucrezia on her quest for alcohol. "I think it might." Humor flicks across her pale eyes. "My congratulations on your appointment. House Pravus has accomplished something remarkable." A mild understatement.

Alaric has left the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Poppy picks curiously at some of the food, mostly stealing from Rowenova's plate. "Busy! I hit Prince Kieran with a snowball and I mean, it was an accident! But he certainly plans for a retaliation." Her voice lowers just a touch to her friend. "He told a few that I need the most lycene of lycene dresses and need to stand out in the snow for at least ten minutes." She shivers at the thought of that.

Lucrezia glares at some of the well-meaning vendors at the tents as they try to ply her with wine. Really, wine, her reputation should procede her, but it's probably some conspiracy to make her drink the stuff. "I'm going to make someone--" So very resourceful Drusilia is already nipping trouble in the bud by the order to go fetch a drink. Avid, she gazes at Drusila. "That better be rum you're having fetched. If it's some sort of wine dressed up as wine, I am going to be unhappy. Unhappier. No dancing for you."

The wine calming her spirits a bit, Nina remembers her first duty here is as a hostess as well. So she begins once again checking on the party favors, checking over on the food... doing slight fussy things. She has to lift her long skirt to move around much, and she still has the glass in one hand. But long, dramatic skirts are worth it. "I am also planning a small storytelling competition with a few prizes! I like to listen to stories as well as I like to tell them, so if anyone is interested... or, I suppose I could also confer with an additional judge so it is not based on my bias."

Anisha keeps a respectful distance so that Emissary and King may share a private word, but it's not long before the King's attentions are called, and the Whisper smoothly swoops in to take Jadara on her arm again, to turn back and continue escorting her along the party while this Majesty deals with whatever important business intrudes on his time.

"Perhaps we should inquire to have you made guest judge of the tales, Jadara-shizhe. It would put you in an excellent position to learn of our culture, no?"

"I am glad to hear it. Do expect a messenger from me soon, Emissary," the Blackram woman tells Jadara with a small, polite smile. With a dip of her head to Nina -- as hostess -- and to both Emissary and King, Teagan detaches herself from the grouping and steps away. It is a party, so food and drink are a must. It's also a truth that the Blackram Marquessa is not very good at socializing so extensively for long periods of time. She has to take her opportunities to step away and collect herself. Which is what she does now, moving on to the tables laden with food and drink to collect this and that for herself before she finds herself drifting towards Rowenova; a familiar face.

Teagan has left the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Adrienne has joined the line.


From amidst the myriad tents set up around the Commons comes one Sword of Setarco with an easy grin on her lips, the one-eyed woman clearly having already been enjoying some of the drinks and other things available during the festival. Dressed in steelsilk and shadowmeld, in a style that makes it easy to mark Viviana as a duelist and sailor, the dark-haired Sin sidles up behind the Bloody Baroness, looking down over the seated woman's shoulder and into her cup of wine, "Baroness, are you going to drink that?" Flashing a lopsided grin and barely awaiting an answer, the Sword reaches to try and snag Ember's goblet away from her before letting her lonely eye scan the nearby festivities.

Anisha has joined the line.

Rowenova does not seem bothered about Poppy stealing from her plate because such things are easily replaced from the feast table. She does replace them while letting out a hearty laugh of Northern volume. "Prince Kieran Redrain! Hah. He is a fun and funny fellow. Did I ever tell you about our dance after the High Lady's drinking party? You are from Bonespire. You could stand out in the snow naked for 10 minutes and be just fine, I bet!" She lifts her fork in Teagan's direction. "Greetings, Marquessa Teagan." Then, she soon asks of both Poppy and Teagan, "Shall we join the line to tell stories?"

Sipping his wine, now -- just the barest amount -- Sebastian gives an effortless, well-practiced smile to Adrienne, watching as she gazes after Lucrezia. "You and my cousin would get on well. But really, I would hate for it to be said Pravus is nothing if not respectful." A brief laugh, as if he's well aware of all the things people /do/ say, and equally uncaring of them. "Shall I introduce you?" he offers, with a gesture, already taking a step. He doesn't, at least verbally, acknowledge her congratulations, but there's a sidelong look and a nod from him all the same.


The Bloody Baroness is now The Noble Sans Vino. Ember's glass is snatched away, and though she does come off a bit annoyed at being caught off guard... she comes off a bit annoyed all the time anyway, so it's not like this is any marked change. "Princess Viviana," she says, dipping her head in a stern nod toward the Setarcan swordswoman. "The first time I have had occasion to call you that aloud. Congratulations." The Redreef woman evidently does not mince words. "Quite a festival. I hope your family is duly proud of Mistress Autumndale's efforts. You just missed it -- praise from no less than King Alaric himself." Ember wags her eyebrows very gently in lieu of actually sounding impressed.

Her time with the king is brief and fleeting, like a leaf on the wind, inevitably it must fall eventually. The Emissary bids the King farewell and once again offers her arm to the Softest Whisper. At her suggestion the Imperial envoy seems contemplative,"This would be a very interesting opportunity and we like the idea but it would be untoward of us to inquire for such a thing. Perhaps -you- might ask for us," Jadara says with a coy smirk on her lips. Teagan's foreboding words of prophecy about messengers elicits a nod and a warm retort. "We are most pleased to hear as much and will make sure that Ami prioritizes your messenger Marquessa Teagan. You would not believe how often we receive messages that are meant for our elder sister or brother on top of strange requests. Very, very strange requests." With a laugh she slips away from the woman to allow her the enjoyment of the party. Royals Sebastian and Viviana are offered waves of greeting on the way to Mistress Autumndale once more.

Poppy waves Teagan and Rowenova to the line. "You go. I love to listen. Plus. There's music. I may be able to pull some poor unsuspecting person into dancing."

"Please," Adrienne answers, gesturing for Sebastian to lead the way toward his kin. "No one here could find fault with Pravus's showing. How is Marjory? And Juliana of course." She takes the opportunity to look more closely over Jadara and Anisha, curious but distant. It wouldn't do to stare.

It doesn't take long until the servant comes back out of the Pravus mansion, carrying a dark bottle emblazoned with bright artwork depicting a bonfire and the word 'warning' written on the label with elegant calligraphy. "Yes, that's the one." Drusila says brightly and offers the bottle to Lucrezia. "This is one of the ones we found in the Saffron Chains, there's some debate if it's a liqueur or a fuel but I thought if anyone could find out, it would be you." She winks at the pirate princess and steps away while waving at Sebastian and Viana. "I wish I could stay and enjoy the stories with the rest of you, but I've been called elsewhere."

Plate and glass alike are held up as if to ward off the suggestion. "Oh, no," Teagan tells Rowenova. "I have no stories to tell. I'm happy to eat and listen and let someone else have all eyes on them." Maybe wearing all-white was a mistake. She certainly looks like she's a bit out of her element.

Rowenova dips a nod to both Poppy and Teagan before she slides sideways with her own plates (yes plural) on one arm as she pops out a hidden fork from her armguard mechanism. Catching said fork, she gives it a little spin, too.

Rowenova has joined the line.

"Of course I will - and gather refreshments as well. Will you partake of the wine today, Jadara-shizhe? Setarco has some intriguing vintages, that really cannot be found anywhere else. I usually take any opportunity to indulge in such that I get." She quirks her lips a little and she, of course, detours to the refreshement - catching Adrienne's eye in an opportune moment, and giving her a little smile, and a bob of the head. A promise of later introductions, perhaps.

Once refreshments are collected, she steps back to Jadara and Nina, offering up a glass of rich, crimson liquid to the former. Leaning in, murmuring to the Emissary, before she offers a bright smile to Nina.

"Messere Nina, as the Emissary is here to absorb Arvani Culture, and offers a truly unique perspective, perhaps you would allow her to sit alongside you as a guest udge for your contest?"

Lucrezia glance between the bottle and Drusila, suspicious, but the temptation to try something new is too overwhelming to resist. "Thank you, Drusila." See, has manners. With expert ease, she gets into the bottle and drinks right from it. So much for manners. After, she grins wild and brittle. A drunk Lucrezia might not be an improvement...

2 Pravus Honor Guard arrives, following Galatea.

Sebastian effortlessly guides Adrienne through the crowd that is starting to gather in interest for the storytelling contest. "Mother is well. We visited over winter, and she got to fuss over her grandchildren -- three more now, all from Jules." The brilliant smile from the Pravosi might serve as answer to his twin's health. "Drusila. Lu -- is that rum?" the half-Thraxian prince asks just as Lucrezia's taking a drink, with a boyant laugh, glancing over his shoulder before holding out a hand as if to request the bottle for a moment. "Do either of you know the Princess Adrienne Valardin?" he gestures to his companion. "My cousin, Admiral Lucrezia Pravus," he's kind enough not to call her Princess, "And Mistress Drusila." Jadara's wave certainly draws Sebastian's attention; the Prince regards her intently for a long moment, before nodding his head in greeting -- all that he can do given the moment.


"It has a certain ring to it, doesn't it? I've rather grown to like it," Viviana muses in response to Ember's congratulations, that wide grin lingering on the duelist's thick lips even as she lifts the Baroness's cup for a drink. At the rest of the Redreef woman's words, the fencer mm's aloud and quirks a brow, "Oh, really? Nina has done a splendid job, and praise from the King is sure to make her work all the more popular. We will have to make sure her efforts are well rewarded." The swordswoman's lonely eye roams towards the little gathering that seems to be growing, a salute of Ember's wineglass offered in greeting to family and familiar faces.

2 Pravus Honor Guard leaves, following Galatea.

"That would be wonderful!" Nina says to Anisha. She grabs a chair... for the Emissary first, pulling it to sit along side her as she arranges the tent for the competition. "We can start the storytelling with the first person ready, and if more others want to join and are inspired to they are welcome as well!" She looks at Jadara. "I do hope some day to hear a story from your culture too!"

2 Pravus Honor Guard arrives, following Galatea.

Turn in line: Adrienne

Adrienne checked charm + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 30 higher.

Galatea has been scuttling about underfoot, seeing to something-or-other -- perhaps helping to make sure the event runs smoothly behind the scenes. Now, though, she finally steps out into the crowd proper, looking well at ease. She doesn't seem to notice the enormous blackened sooty scorch marks present on her top and smudged across one cheek, however. Such are the perils of the alchemist's profession. Hopefully she didn't blow up any of the food.

Whence Anisha returns with the refreshments she accepts them with apprehension, the name of the wine makes her laugh though and she raises it to her lips to sip it with a small utterance,"Oh the irony." Her expression is once again placid and hard to read making it by far the most difficult to tell if she liked it or not but it is not discarded at least. "Thank you Mistress Autumndale, we are very appreciative of the opportunity and are known to be very unbiased."


"I've never sparred a Princess before," Ember notes to Viviana. "Sword versus scythe, sometime. Consider it, if you'd spare such a thought. But I fear I must be off -- my liege requires my attendance to a matter. You know how it is." Ember gives Viviana a mild but still extremely precise curtsy. "Until next we meet, Princess Viviana. Give my regards to the Archduchess and to Princess Valentina, if you would indulge me that." And then, Ember is off, into the end of winter to go tend to something or other.

Ember has left the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

A pack of giggling and gossiping Redreef handmaidens leaves, following Ember.

Rowenova cannot help but to grin faintly about the sooty scorch marks that the newest arrival currently features. "Greetings, Goodwoman Galatea." says she.

Adrienne's greetings to Lucrezia and Drusila are brief as an attendant takes her nearly by the hand to tell a story. "Ah, please excuse me." With an abashed look, she finds her way to Nina's tent, murmuring something to her host before clearing her throat. "Adrienne Valardin," she introduces in a voice sweet with the Oathlands, as she proceeds to tell a story about the spring and renewal - and Get Well Soon.

***

Jacques hated spring. He hated rain. He hated flowers. He hated the smell of newly fertilized fields. He most assuredly hated babies - except for lambs, which he liked with a crisp mint sauce.

One morning he rode out from his village and came upon an old woman selling seedlings by the thoroughfare.

"A flower for the spring, good sir?" she asked.

"Leave me alone," Jacques answered and rode off.

The next day, he again rode out and, again, came upon the old woman.

"A flower for the spring, good sir?" she asked.

"Go away," he sneered and rode off.

On the third morning, Jacques could not be surprised to see the old woman at the side of the road. Rather than await the inevitable, he raced by on his steed, knocking over her table and crushing the young plants. He laughed - until the old woman appeared before him, stopping his horse cold. Before he could think on the impossible, she transformed into a beautiful maiden, auburn hair impossibly long and verdant eyes furious.

"You, Jacques, for your cruelty and callousness will become that which you hate."

He begged forgiveness, but it was too late. His horse reared, tossing him into the dirt, where his feet sank, trapping him in the soil. His legs turned to bark, his clothes to leaves, and he could feel himself stretch toward the sky. The woman vanished into the air.

Now he was a tree. This was not ideal.

Jacques hated being a tree. It was boring. It was VERY boring.

He was a tree in the spring, and then in the summer. In the fall his leaves turn golden red and drop lazily to the ground. In the winter he is cold.

The first itch of spring comes as a surprise to Jacques-tree. White blossoms bloom across his limbs. He finds himself happy for the first time since being trapped here.

So the years passed. Spring blossoms and summer sunshine turned to the bright colors of autumn and the bleak winter. And each spring became something Jacques looked forward to.

The blossoms were greater than they had ever been before - Jacques rejoiced. Then he found himself looking at his hands, his true and real hands. The sorceress had transformed him into that which he hated - and he could no longer hate the trees and the plants and the spring. He was given a second chance to live and love with a true joy of life.

And so he did.

Throughout the Setarcan Bazaar in the Setarco Commons, there's a buzz of excitement from the daytime crowds as a member of House Pravus moves through the Commons.

Fiore the Sarcastic Attendant arrives, following Gabriella.

Fiore the Sarcastic Attendant leaves, following Gabriella.

"I don't think so." Lucrezia still passes the bottle over to Sebastian after taking another swig. "Would be fairer to call it rum plus plus, rum extra? extra rummmy? *More* rum than rum." The way she sounds, Lucrezia approves of whatever is in the bottle, unidentifiable as it is. She grins at her cousin as he blessedly drops the princess title and looks over Adrienne. "I do not." Everyone's saved from more of her style of manners when Adrienne has to excuse herself to tell a story. She listens avidly even if the subject matter makes her tug on Sebesatian's arm to get the bottle back. More rums!

Nina listens raptly, and claps her hands a few times as the story ends. She looks at Jadara and smiles. "Wow, that story suited the theme perfectly. And so well told. It will be very hard to beat!" She folds her hands. "I like that we can celebrate plants a bit. I know sometimes they get a bit of a bad reputation lately."

Turn in line: Anisha

Comfortable with the attention and with speaking, even in an impromptu gathering such as this, Adrienne yields the floor to return to her companions, where rum appears to be the prize of the day. "Admiral," Adrienne begins, using the same and apparently preferred title, "I can only imagine how frustrating the whirlpool has been for you." To Sebastian, she adds, gently, "I will send Juliana a letter. This must be a busy time for an uncle, too, hm? You don't look worse for wear."

Galatea doesn't have any idea why Rowenova is grinning at her, of course. "Greetings, greetings," she says, while Adrienne is in the midst of her tale-telling. She looks more than a little discombobulated. "I see my half-sister is in attendance," she murmurs, making eye contact with Lucrezia for a distance. She waves with her fingertips without moving over to get in between the captain and her rum. She's distraced instead by the presence of Jadara. "Oh, my. The representative from the Platinum Empire is here as well."

Apropos of nothing, she tells Sorrel, nearby: "I think I should hate to be a tree, even if my leaves were beautiful."

Anisha checked charm + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 63 higher.

While people get in line, Teagan settles in somewhere with her plate and drink to watch the storytelling. This seems a more suitable means for her to enjoy the party. Observing and drinking (though not heavily... at the moment). The entertainment isn't a bad choice, either!

There's a lift of brow from Sebastian as Adrienne excuses herself to the tale-telling, but he's soon distracted by the rum he's secured. He's used to rum. He even enjoys it, especially on voyages. But this is not rum. One too-generous gulp leaves him coughing, red-faced, and incredulously staring at the bottle. "Gods, Lu," he mutters, somewhere between recrimination and appreciation. He's quick to give up the bottle back to Lucrezia's care, turning his gaze towards the storytellers while not-so-subtly brushing at his eyes. "Where have you been hiding /that/ stock?" he murmurs sidelong to his cousin. Adrienne's observation as she returns earns a brief smile. "I'm glad I look it."

Anisha takes a moment, gathering attention, keeping silence. When she speaks, it is with a loud and clear voice. "My friends. I wish to share with you a story about change, and growth, and renewal. I don't pretend the story holds a moral. But for me, at least, it holds a little wonder about the world we all share and partake in, and holds a promise of tomorrow and of Lagoma's power and blessing."

"Once upon a time, it is said, a great and primeval forest covered most of Arvum. Then elves and humans arrived, and claimed the land. In Petrichor's name they took dominion, and began clearing the woods to make their homes. And some First Children, children of the forest, delved deep and made sacred places."

She offers Jadara and Nina a benevolent smile, before loking out over the crowds again.

"One such place became home to a dryad, a spirit of the forest, tied to a tree, and a caretaker of the woods around her. When elves and humans and first children waged war, she chose only to protect and shelter. And one day, she faced a fearsome dragon - Madraxes the Great Red."

She spreads her hands, gesturing expansively.

"Madraxes the Great Red was the embodiment of fire, a cleansing flame, destroying the old and leaving the land fertile for new growth and change. And he burnt some of the woods of Arvum - for reasons perhaps lost to time."

She exhales, softly, and smiles. "But the Hope of the Land, the Dryad of the Woods, she faced the fearsome dragon, and interceded - pleaded. Could not her land renew and grow without the fire? Without this destruction.

She shrugs, and sighs. "I do not know her words to him, but it kindled a different flame in his heart. He fell in love, and so did she, and the two of them bonded together. When I heard this tale, I heard tell they together protected the grove, and had many children. Until a call was made, and Madraxes went off to protect humanity, in accordance with an ancient oath."

She lowers her gaze, and her voice just a little.

"Madraxes the Red died, and the Dryad mourned. A caern was made in her home, and he was brought to rest. Centuries passed, and it flowered and blossomed, and in time, even grief loses its sting."

She raises her gaze again.

"The Dryad met a traveller, and upon conversing with her, learning how the world had changed, how the world had shifted, she decided that her grief, and her love, would change the world once more. And so," Anisha brings her hands to her chest, resting over her heart.
%"She brought out the encased essence of her lover, and gave it to the Traveller. Seeking to see her change the world, as the dragonweep turned to ember in the twilight, and the fires of change took hold in a simple soul."

She smiles wide. And sketches a curtsey. "That soul still wanders the world. Holding the essence of Madraxes the Great Red. Seeking a worthy passion to lend her fire to."


The daytime crowds milling about the Setarco Commons burst into cheers and applause at seeing the famous Duchess of the Silken City, the much admired Duchess Belladonna Pravus.

Aida, the hypochondriac Setarcan maid, Roast, the cloak-eating baby goat, 2 First Legion Centurions arrive, following Belladonna.

2 Blackram guards, Chessa, Dimples, a Kite of the Cloudspine leave, following Teagan.

2 Blackram guards, Chessa, Dimples, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrive, following Teagan.

Luoye, a red panda arrives, following Zulana.

As the Imperial envoy listened to the tale she seemed drawn in by it and by the end of it offered a furrowing of the brow before leaning back and seemingly processing it. "That was so well crafted and all of the themes within it made us feel that we must agree with the hostess; it was /very/ well done." Jadara offers a curt nod of the head to the talebearer and slips her hands into her sleeves to listen to the next tale. It was about elves and humans and first children so of course the Emissary was drawn in by it. "Anisha that was a most beautiful story and you even managed to tell a tale about a dragon whom was not a Skylord. We are very partial to Fire," says the Emissary to the Mistress Autumndale, as if this is just known.

Turn in line: Rowenova

Rowenova checked wits + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 0 higher.

Appeased by getting the bottle back from Sebastian, Lucrezia laughs wild and more than a little mad at his reaction to the drink. "It's great stuff!" For example, she downs another and waves at Galatea. Maybe waving her over to *share*, otherwise known as entertaining herself from reactions! "Somewhere in the basement. All the best stuff is in the basement." At Adrienne's comment about the whirlpool, she makes a face. "It's torture. I'd rather go to the bloody Abyss." So. Very. True. Her attention is once more caught to Anisha's story, but she seems less disturbed by this story. She still drinks some more from the bottle. "Want some?" She offers to Adrienne.

3 Black Fleet Reavers leaves, following Viviana.

"More importantly," Sebastian adds, with a glance to Adrienne, "Did Jacques still like to eat lamb, after his experience?" He doesn't immediately grabby-hands for the bottle of rum back from Lucrezia again, which is telling in itself. His eyes go towards Anisha as she spins her tale, a tiny smile appearing, though his attention doesn't last for long, with Lucrezia's offer of the rum to Adrienne. He looks very interested in her expression right now, regarding her sidelong over the edge of his glass.

Anisha sketches a final curtsey, flicking open her fan and offering nods and mouthed thanks at the compliments, finding her place by Jadara's side once more, though she keeps a respectful distance so as not to impose or intrude upon the judges. Just close enough so that she can be drawn in for easy conversation, and sip her wine while having an excellent view by the other contestants. Raising her glass to Lucrezia, and Sebastian, and Drusila.

Nina nods to Jadara. Partial to fire. She is too, but all of nature's wonders are lovely. She raises her brow and nods, and then turns her attention to the next storyteller in line. She looks giddy to hear another tale... and then realizes her wine glass is empty, and carefully sets it aside.

Rowenova swigs down a little wine before using the associated flute with which to somewhat gesture during her own tale. It is a short one, one which speaks about how she was once married, but before she was, her liege lord had asked whether they would get blessings from the clergy of LIMERANCE for the wedding. Rowenova misheard and misunderstood Lord Arik (not the first time) and was constantly bothering Archlector Roran of LAGOMA for days on end due to the humorous mishap between the L-named Gods. In the very end, it was all an educational experience, and she has apparently become fairly fond of Lagoma, often encountering life changes which she welcomes more than times before. Although it is a bit humorous, it is a real story, says she.

Adrienne gauges Sebastian's reaction to Lucrezia's rum (or "rum") before giving a mild shake of her head. "You're kind to share, but no, thank you. I don't often drink. I'll share your future intoxication by proxy." Adrienne looks to Sebastian with brief amusement, narrowing her eyes at his inspection, "Why yes. Petrichor's blessings are to be cherished, even without mint. Hard as that is to imagine." Considering Sebastian, Adrienne reaches into a pocket of her cloak. "Speaking of gifts, would you accept one from me?" She extends on her palm a stiletto, sheathed. She pulls the sheath back enough to show the red glint of rubicund within.

Jadara has joined the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.


When the Archduchess leaves the Pravus Manor it is always to some outburst of the crowds or small groups quickly surrounding the ruler of the Silken City, asking for boons or for her to kiss their babies. Today they all seem enthralled by Nina's party, and the presence of illustrious emissaries, performers and those otherwise quite engaged with the festivities, causing the Archduchess to stare about, quizically, as she seems to not be all that in high demand. A smile paints her features, and in her gold-and-white outfit, the woman walks along the outskirts of the party, enjoying the treats in silence and walking with some hidden desperation towards wherever the sugarcakes can be found. While she does so, Belladonna listens to the stories with an amused smile, her tired eyes focusing on whoever it is that has a tale to tell, seemingly more than pleased with being in the background tonight.

When Zulana approaches, it is without fanfare; the woman has no visible guard retinue accompanying her, and -- for once -- she is not wearing her Imperial armor. What she /is/ accompanied by, however, is a small red creature who surveys the area with palpable curiosity from his spot on the Emissary's shoulder. Zulana's expression, in contrast, is far more mild as she approaches Jadara. "Nemei. You speak so highly of those who hosted you, I thought perhaps I should see this celebration of theirs."

The lack of the 'we' she uses in more formal settings suggests that, for the moment, Zulana is here merely as Zulana, rather than as Emissary and the Voice of the Emperor.

Anisha has joined the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Nina applauds as Rowenova finishes her tale, and again folds her hands. She smiles brightly, and looks to Jadara again, and then out. "If there aren't any other stories the judges will confer, but we still have time for those who wish to partake!" Still seated, but she looks eager to get out and about and mingle further as well. She's happy that there's a good turnout... ah, and Belladonna is here as well, exactly at the time she meant to be of course. Nina smiles to her.

Lucrezia lifts her bottle in return to Anisha and drinks heartily. Even the wild admiral is starting to go flushed in the cheeks from the strong drink. "More for me." She shrugs and drinks another gulp for Adrienne! She visibly shudders, not at the drink, but the idea of someone -liking- being a tree. So utterly boring! Bore-bore-booooooring! Then it is Rowenova's turn to tell a story and she laughs and laughs. Maybe it wasn't *that* funny, but she is getting on towards drunk.

As her elder sister arrives she beams happily,"Nejie! We, I, did not think you would come but we are glad you have. Please allow us introductions after the story telling or perhaps you might allow the Softest Whisper Anisha to be your guide while you are here? She has served us well since our arrival." Jadara composes herself and looks to the Whisper to make sure it would be alright but then she's eyeballing the arrival of Belladonna. "Maybe the two of you might greet the Archduchess herself?"

Spotting a certain Archduchess, Anisha offers Belladonna a respectful curtsey from afar, and raises her glass to her - and to Galatea, the alchemist's apparel causing a slight smile and a gleam of mischief to spark in her eyes. And when Zulana approaches, she curtsies to her, as well. "Zulana-shizhe. Well met. I am Softest Whisper Anisha, protege to Jadara-shizhe and her guide to the cultures of Arvum and the City of Arx. Please, be seated, enjoy yourself. Is there a particular refreshment or food you favour I may find for you among the feast on offer?"

Rowenova briefly bows then sidles away from center stage to now chow down on these dual plates (which she obviously shares with Sir Floppington who is the bestest boy and always gets his fair share of people food).

Ah, that's another familiar face. And one who seems to be enjoying being part of the scenery as much as she. Teagan moves from her spot and starts towards Belladonna, seemingly intending to intersect the Archduchess at some point in her meanderings. She's not moving quickly; someone else can surely get there first. But to move much faster could upset her own small plate of various treats.

Galatea gawks a bit when a -second- dignitary of the Platinum Empire shows up. She might have gone over to partake of Lucrezia's offered liquor, but something about having these particular foreign dignitaries here makes her look a little flummoxed. Seeing Belladonna arrive in her typically imperial style, the woman sort of scoots over in the archduchess's direction, inquiring discreetly, in the manner of a servant: "Do we need to make any special accommodations for the imperials?" Clearly she's volunteering to assist. (She also looks a little ridiculous, as the remnants of some exploded alchemical disaster have rendered her outfit a bit sooty.)

Anisha bobs her head at Jadara's suggestion, and smiles. "I would be honoured, of course, to be entrusted with such responsibility."

Sebastian looks distinctly disappointed that Adrienne declines the rum, glancing towards Lucrezia with a twitch of lips. "I'm really going to have to get down to thatt basement," he says. "Especially as we start to pack everything up. Maybe claim a bottle or two for myself." When the Valardin Princess pulls a dagger and presents it to him as a gift, his brows go upwards. For a moment, he stares at it -- then her. He is too well-trained for anything but a polite acceptance, pulling the blade free of the sheath to inspect it for a moment. "That's fine work, and a thoughtful gift," he murmurs, turning over the knife, fingers touching the hilt. "That's Chevalle's insignia, is it not?" he asks. "Are you close with Count Phillipe?" Lucrezia's wild laughter makes him focus in on Rowenova's words with a smile that is more for his cousin's reaction than anything.

Rowenova fishes out a soft kerchief from her inner cloak. Said kerchief is a pristine purple with white embroidery of lily flowers along the edges only. Plus, it is lightly scented (not overpowering) with special alchemy, too. Offering out said kerchief, Rowenova finally tells Galatea, "Scorch marks!"

With no glass of her own to toast Lucrezia, Adrienne tilts a polite nod in thanks for the drink and, too, listens to Rowenova's tale approvingly. A hint of protectiveness enters Adrienne's expression as she notes Lucrezia's growing intoxication, but her attention must be focused on Sebastian's polite acceptance of her gift. "Yes, he's my uncle," Adrienne answers easily, also touching a finger to the hilt of the dagger. "I love Chevelle. Have you visited?" She sounds surprised by the idea, undoubtedly curious. "One of the apprentices I knew there works now for Felix Seaborn. He was kind enough to have this done for me."

Nina sighs. She does know the trickiest part of a contest is that one has to pass judgement. In the past she has participated rather than run such events, so this is totally different! But she is glad for Jadara, as surprising as it is to her to suddenly be relying on the Emissary as a peer, to help her work out her own thoughts. "The Emissary and I have decided that of the tales told, Anisha's was the most dramatic, but Adrienne's was also quite lovely! And so you will both win a prize, which I have prepared for you!" She finally gets up, and hands out floral tokens to the other ladies. She looks a bit flushed and excited.

Merek makes a way into the place, looking about while he listens.

Merek gets A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Galatea gets to the Archduchess first, causing Belladonna to turn away and finish chewing on the quite unarchducal bite she had given her favorite treat. When she turns back towards her cousin, the blonde has already dealt with the momentary culinary crisis and looks like the polite and regal woman she often portrays herself to be, a wide smile on her sugar coated lips. "Do not be silly. The Emissaries are here to enjoy themselves, just act as you usu- What happened to your clothes?" An eyebrow arches in questioning, before the Setarcan finds Nina to give her a supportive wink, showing her approval of the event. Teagan approaches, and Belladonna stays where she is, ready to welcome the Blackram marquessa with a hands behind her back. Eyes do spy on the celebrating Lucrezia and her increasing state of drunkenness, something that has Belladonna looking over at Sebastian with some worry. He can handle that, right? Oh gods, she hopes so. Worries, however, are set aside momentarily as Nina declares the winners, and Belladonna claps for both Anisha and Adrienne, beastly storytellers.

Merek notices there is storytelling, and a plant. He picks up one of the plants, pretty. He smiles while he finds a place to settle in and listen.

Galatea makes an inelegant noise when Rowenova hands her the kerchief, at more or less the same time Belladonna observes their current state. "Bwuh?" She looks down at herself, her facial features coloring a bit as she realizes what a mess she is. "That'll teach me to come straight from the workshop," she mutters, rubbing away as much of the soot as she can. She adds, at length: "...Thank you."

After passing off the scenty kerchief, Rowenova pulls out a pocket mirror and makes sure Galatea can easily see herself. Does that help or make it worse?! "Done that plenty times." she lets out a bright laugh!

"Perhaps," Zulana muses, considering Anisha thoughtfully. "But I fear I cannot stay; the remnants of Iron's guard have requested the Empire's aid and advice in dealing with unfortunate nautical matters impacting certain vessels." Which is perhaps a polite way of saying 'a giant-ass whirlpool in the harbor'. "We ask you return to the Ordered Path after this celebration, Jadara-shizhe, to discuss the matter; it would be best, after all, were we to present a unified message on what aid the Empire is willing to offer."

The shift to 'we' suggests that this is not a request on Zulana's part.

But then the senior Emissary turns to Anisha, looking the whisper over thoughtfully. "Where do you hail from, Anisha Shimin?" Zulana asks, after several moments. "Are you from the lands that House Pravus claims, or merely here to aid my sister?"

Sebastian really doesn't seem worried about Lucrezia's drunken state: so either he's used to it, or he's comfortable with just how close to their House it is if he needs backup. The lift of his glass towards Belladonna as she casts a look his way seems to serve as both greeting and reassurance, the artist's smile brilliant. "No, but the Count and I have spoken of his horses," the Pravus Prince tells Adreinne, as if it's no shock such a conversation took place with the man. "I was contemplating attempting to breed a line hardy enough to withstand the heat and humidity of the Saffron Chain; it seemed wise to start with well-bred warhorses such as Blanchard is known for." When the winners are announced, he slips the dagger into a pocket so that he can clap, smiling. "Bravo, Whisper Anisha, Princess Adrienne." A tip of his glass is given to each in toast, taking a sip. His gaze tracks Zulana with interest.

Teagan halts her progress to Belladonna to set her things down on a table and applaud those named winner. She then scoops them back up and continues forward progress. The Blackram is wearing -white- today. Almost entirely white. It's rather striking on her tall frame, it's true, but it's very different than the usual dark colors she favors. She's celebrating spring, it would seem. The woman tilts her head to Galatea and Belladonna both when she's near. "Mistress Galatea," to the alchemist. Then, a dip at the knees to the Pravus. "Archduchess. A pleasure to see you. Your party hostess-" a glance to Nina. "has outdone herself. As always, you select your people well." As she speaks, she is keeping half an eye on Zulana and Jadara both.

Nina, now finished with the game, gives Jadara a nod and a little bow of the head once more. "Thank you so much for your excellent judgement. It is really an honor to have you around." And that said, she then walks over to Belladonna... picking up all her skirts. "I'm so glad that you made it!" She says.

She gives a little spin, graceful enough with the skirts lifted up. "Let me all tell you what Belladonna was kind enough to do - she sent me a gift of brocade, just in time for this event. As you can see I was so honored to put it to such use! It's harder to get such nice fabrics with the whirlpool in the harbor!"

On Zulana's shoulder, Luoye perks up, rising onto his hind legs with his little paws in the air as he considers first Anisha with his head cocked very slightly to one side... and then his attention is drawn towards the food laid out, as though his nose were a compass needle drawn inexorably by the magnetic pull of Edible Things Which Smell Good.

Lucrezia cheers and hollers as Nina announces the winners, letting her approval be known to *everyone* who can hear her. "Just don't go too far." Lucrezia warns Sebastian for journeying into the basement after booze. She would know! Curious, she watches the gift from Adrienne to Sebastian, leaning in against his shoulder to get a better view of it and drinking from the bottle all the while. Just when it looks like she might say something, she sees Galatea move over to Belladonna. Without a word, she leaves Sebastian and Adrienne and swaggers over to Galatea and Belladonna. "You two -have- to drink this! It's wonderfully rotgut!" She points a finger at Galatea, gesturing at whatever's going on with her half-sister's clothes. "NO using it in some explosion thingy. It *is* drinkable." Is living proof!

The line has been dismissed by Nina.

"Do you ride, Sebastian?" Any further thought is interrupted as her duties as a guest again take Adrienne's attention away from her companions, this time to be presented with a beautiful silver brooch. "I will cherish it, Nina Autumndale," Adrienne murmurs before offering a respectful curtsey to both her and Emissary Jedara for the favor. She searches out the crowd to find the Whisper Anisha to offer a smile of congratulations. Delicate fingers play at the clasp as she works to fasten her prize to her cloak. "A sweet prize and painlessly won. You are not storytellers?" she asks, perhaps slightly more of Sebastian than Lucrezia given the latter's slurring, but her Oathlander politeness is firm - until she realizes that she's speaking to Lucrezia's back. Her mouth twitches. "Ah. While I don't wish to take you away from the party or your family, I would love to catch up if you aren't opposed." Adrienne gestures to a nearby table.

After what Zulana says, Rowenova tells her, "Hey, I know it might be weird, coming from me, but thank you for seeing what you might do."

Anisha accepts her prize, and sketches a curtsey of thanks to Nina and Jadara alike - shooting a smile to Adrienne. "I quite enjoyed your tale," She tells the Princess. "I'll add it to my own reservoir, with your perission," She inquires. And, of course, there's a glance and a supportive smile for Rowenova too. A for effort!

Accepting the accolades of a hopefully adoring public of both nobility and commoners, she's quick to leave the spotlight, better to offer her answers to Zualan. "I was trained in Setarco in the Arts of the Courtier, Zulana-shizhe," She offers. "So while I am not a native of Pravosi lands, I do have a love for their home and culture. And it was in their Shrine to the Thirteenth that I said my oath to become a Mirrormask," She explains. "I had intended on coming to this event, to share a tale, and when her imperial majesty informed me of her desire to also attend, I was thrilled to come as her companion." As for the matters of duty calling, there's a sympathetic nod. "I quite understand Zulana-shizhe. The House of Whispers frequently takes on diplomatic missions, and I am most familiar with how sensitive such matters can become both in terms of time and intensity." She assures her.


Galatea lets out a lengthy, melodramatic sigh, now that she's more or less cleaned herself up, holding a hand out to Lucrezia. "Oh, very well," she says at last, taking the bottle from Lucrezia. She does not drink from the bottle directly; she is entirely too fussy for that. She pours it into the first available glass, passing the bottle back to Lucrezia and then sampling the beverage sippingly. She standards there blinking for a few moments. "Awfully strong," is her observation, though she keeps it down well." She adds, earnestly, to Lucrezia: "I do believe the Valardin Princess with the long hair is keen to get to know you better."

As for Galatea herself, she keeps watching the foreigners, as if they were especially rare and exotic animals. Well, Zulana actually /brought/ what is presumably a rare and exotic animal, so that doesn't hurt.

Nina's pronouncement as judge elicits a firm nod. "I truly enjoyed hearing tales from both the Softest Whisper and from the one called Adrienne. Congratulations are in order." When her sister talks to her about Iron's guard it could probably become quite apparent that she isn't just the elder sister, she is also the Senior Emissary whom Jadara is beholden. Without a moment's hesitation she adopts the masque of Imperial envoy once more and deeply bows her head at Zulana's request. "We understand, Zulana-shizhe," she says easily and without a single ounce of apprehension. Such was the way of the Empire, so glad to serve.

Anisha's interactions with the other daughter of Platinum seems to keep a small portion of her attention, but once again she returns her attentions to the contest. When Luoye perks up though she smiles and watches him hone in on one delicious smell or another. "Surprised to see you bringing him off the ship, Lana."

Rowenova leans closer to the red panda and quietly whispers something before she moves away toward her grey horse. Before she gets there, there is the briefest stop to pack up whatever leftovers she has yet to immediately devour, packing away said food into wooden boxes with flip lids and leather straps. Then, she picks up Squire Clovis the mountain puppy and hops aboard her grey horse. After, Sir Flop follows her and the horse, on their way out. "Gotta go!"

Rowenova gets A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

a grey mare with black points, Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound, Clovis, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy leave, following Rowenova.

Sebastian's head tips. "That doesn't like a story," he tells Lucrezia, with a note of interest, before she's up and moving. There's a half-smile as he sees /where/ she's headed. The way Sebastian's shaking his head as he looks towards where Lucrezia propositions Belladonna and Galatea definitely has a /don't do it/ vibe of warning to it for the pair.

Sebastian's head tips. "That sounds like a story," he tells Lucrezia, with a note of interest, before she's up and moving. There's a half-smile as he sees /where/ she's headed. The way Sebastian's shaking his head as he looks towards where Lucrezia propositions Belladonna and Galatea definitely has a /don't do it/ vibe of warning to it for the pair.


Belladonna smiles at Teagan, "My greatest gift is enabling my people, they just happen to be immensely driven and talented." The Archduchess is obviously proud of Nina's performance and her celebration, the event seemingly more than a success. The Archduchess does glance at the Emissaries for a moment, blue eyes focusing on them from afar as if trying to read whether or not the two foreigners are having a good time. Her gaze returns, then, to the most important thing at hand: curbing Lucrezia's enthusiasm. As the woman approaches Teagan, Galatea and Belladonna, the blonde ruler of the Silken City nods slowly. "Oh, my dear admiral, the fact you are enjoying it that much is more than proof that the drink is explosive -enough-." She takes Lucrezia's hand, pulling her closer. "Marquessa Blackram, this is my ferocious admiral, -Princess- Lucrezia Pravus. If you ever have need of death in the sea, send her a missive." Death of who remains all too vague. Suspicious. The mentioning of a Valardin princess by Galatea has Belladonna finding Adrienne in the festivities, an the Archduchess gives the Valardin a brief curtsie from afar, a smile on her lips.

"I'm just so glad that you made it," Nina says with a smile at Belladonna. "I ... also think I need to check on the food. Or maybe I've done enough and it's time I have myself a stronger drink!" She gives another beam at Adrienee, and then at Anisha, and then she looks... just a bit relieved, perhaps, that everything has been going well. Party planning is a lot of work but wine is ready and willing!

Nina has left the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

"And the success of Pravus speaks to how talented you are at doing just that," Teagan tells Belladonna, lifting her glass to the Archduchess. She does sidestep Lucrezia's approach, considering the admiral as she's drawn in. There's a slight curl of her lips, but she does give a dip of her head in greeting. "Princess Lucrezia, I have heard tell of you. Of course. Though I tend to presume you are at sea." As difficult as that may be at the moment.

Belladonna's distant greeting earns one from Adrienne as well. The princess curtesies with sober grace toward the Archduchess, posture flawless, before rising. There will be time for closer greetings when she is less mobbed presumably.

"Well done, Nina," Sebastian murmurs to the bard as she grants Adrienne her prize, his smile pleased. "It's a fine event. Hm. Me? Rarely," Sebastian admits to Adrienne without a note of embarrasement. "In winter I prefer the carriage, and at all other times, walking is the best way to experience the little, sometimes unseen parts of a city." His gaze is directed towards the cluster gathering around Belladonna, mouth twitching, before Adrienne's question has him smiling. "It would be gauche to seek to steal such prizes," he gestures to her clasp, "At our own party, wouldn't you say?" her gesture towards the table gets a brief nod, amenable enough to walking that way.

Adrienne has joined the A table under a tent with food and drink.

Sebastian has joined the A table under a tent with food and drink.

Nina has joined the a yellow daisy blanket.

Nina has left the a yellow daisy blanket.

Nina has joined the A table under a tent with food and drink.

Lucrezia smiles her widest smile as Galatea accepts the drink, but taps her foot with impatience from the unnecessary step of waiting for a glass. "Gloriously strong!" She nods happily to Galatea's assessment. "Does she?" She looks back over to Sebasttian and Adrienne. "She was starting to give me those looks the tudors always did when they thought they'd talk me into sitting down and listening." It was a look she reflexively runs from!! At Belladonna's oblique refusal of the drink, she sighs heavily and sulks through the introduction. Filter: gone. "Yes, I kill everything on the sea!" She mutters something crude about the whirlpool. "I'm going to add the sea itself to that list. Just you watch!" For emphasis she shakes the bottle. She won't be talked out of sailing into the whirlpool this time! "Hello!" She says to Teagan. "Want some?" Belated offer of the bottle of doom booze towards Teagan. "This is almost good enough to count as being on the sea."

Nina cheerfully gets herself some wine, though she has been trying to note the preferences of some guests and considers that there must be some rum in the future for the cooped up sailors. Then again, the situation of the whirlpool should be an unusual one... right? She beams at Sebastian, then says something quietly to Anisha in passing... but she seems quite happy.

Anisha takes A little green seedling in a clay pot from Free Plant Babies - Take One.

Luoye looks as though he's prepared to dart down Zulana's arm and off to the food, but Zulana reaches one hand up to gently stroke the red panda, soothing him as she murmurs something in her native tongue to her little companion. She starts towards the refreshments, though turns back to incline her head to Anisha -- just in case the Whisper is following. "There seems to be a great deal of curiosity about the Empire among the people of this city, despite the lack of interest in our earlier offers," she muses to Anisha. "Perhaps eventually, the Compact might send delegates to Tongdjiyi to take a glimpse... though, of course, Tongdjiyi's culture is its own, as the citizens bring their own traditions to the new realm."

Then Zulana pauses near Belladonna, turning towards her just for a moment to add, "Our condolences on the loss of one of your house, Archduchess."

Galatea brushes herself off, fairly self-conscious about her appearance at this point. But with Rowenova running off, her portable mirror goes with her, and she has to settle for 'elegantly dissheveled.' She stands up that little bit the straighter, when Zulana comes to address Belladonna. The alchemist enthusiastically barges into the conversation and addresses the emissary, curtseying formally before she speaks. "Your Imperial Highness," she speaks readily. "I believe that this is owed to an issue of...awareness. As horizons open up around an Arvum long isolated, our interest in points foreign grows to match. There is an abiding historical link between our realms, with your Emperor having figured so very prominently into our own history. It is a great regret of scholars such as myself that this history was, until recently, lost. Perhaps it is the recovered knowledge of the story that binds our fates that increases the public interest in your people." She adds, "I have no doubt there would be those who would be fascinated to visit Tongdjiyi." She slaughters the pronounciation of that word.

Belladonna smiles as Lucrezia threatens to kill the sea while Teagan speaks of the Archduchess' ability to bet on talent. It is almost like as if Belladonna smiles hard enough, Lucrezia will morph into an actual, proper Princess! Still, she doesn't, and the Archduchess snaps her blue eyes towards her cousin. "Is this your way of asking me for a dance, my cousin? I know how crazy I get for stuffing you into pretty dresses when you talk like this." It is a threat only a family member could give another, almost childish, but Belladonna would never deny handling her family with anything but a very loose leash.

Even if Lucrezia often makes her rethink the approach. Belladonna is still glaring at her cousin when Zulana approaches, making the blonde cease her childish animosity with the admiral of the Black Fleet so she can address the foreigner. "She will get well soon, Emissary, but I thank you." She nods at the woman, and turns her gaze to Galatea, as the woman just lets Zulana have it. Mortified, Belladonna smiles, and clears her throat, eyes wide as she looks at Galatea, eyes that say 'Let the nice Emissary go, Gala'.

Anisha takes another sip of her drink, seemingly happy to serve as possible interlocutor and introductor for the Emissaries - and after a glance to Jadara for confirmation, she moves alongside Zulana, idly placing the flower-star in gold as a second clasp to her cloak. "Arvum has been cut off from other nations and continents for quite some time. We knew we were not alone, of course, but that is different from having emissaries of such prestigious nations come visit, and present offers of alliances. I suspect we needed time to adjust and consider, and now, of course, we are intrigued to learn as much as we can of our potential allies, to find common ground and bridge differences." She suggests, with a little smile. "I do believe that visiting Tongdjiyi," Anisha struggles a little with the foreign pronounciation, but she has an ear for languages and a good mimicking ability "would be most thrilling, and I shall do my best to learn more of this place. And," She chuckles. "While we are all Arvani, I expect one could spend lifetimes delving into how our cultures differ among the realms - Northlander and Lycene, Pravosi and Crownlander... We, too, have our common gound to cover, and our differences to bridge. Which, of course, is part of the duty of Whispers. Do Emissaries such as yourself serve as diplomats internally between provinces? Or do you exclusively deal with foreign nations?" She inquires, as they make their way to the refreshment table. "The Setarcan Sin is quite rich, Zulana-shizhe, if you wish to partake in something uniquely Pravosi." as an aside. And of course, Galatea echoes her own thoughts on that of nations, so she gives a nod of thanks to her too. Sketching a curtsey to Belladonna, and quirking her lips at the Archduchesses' wit. "May we all, in our time, be greeted by the Queen of Endings with love in her heart, and get well soon as she serves as Mother to our new beginnings."

Anisha takes another sip of her drink, seemingly happy to serve as possible interlocutor and introductor for the Emissaries - and after a glance to Jadara for confirmation, she moves alongside Zulana, idly placing the flower-star in gold as a second clasp to her cloak.

"Arvum has been cut off from other nations and continents for quite some time. We knew we were not alone, of course, but that is different from having emissaries of such prestigious nations come visit, and present offers of alliances. I suspect we needed time to adjust and consider, and now, of course, we are intrigued to learn as much as we can of our potential allies, to find common ground and bridge differences." She suggests, with a little smile.

"I do believe that visiting Tongdjiyi," Anisha struggles a little with the foreign pronounciation, but she has an ear for languages and a good mimicking ability "would be most thrilling, and I shall do my best to learn more of this place. And," She chuckles.

"While we are all Arvani, I expect one could spend lifetimes delving into how our cultures differ among the realms - Northlander and Lycene, Pravosi and Crownlander... We, too, have our common gound to cover, and our differences to bridge. Which, of course, is part of the duty of Whispers. Do Emissaries such as yourself serve as diplomats internally between provinces? Or do you exclusively deal with foreign nations?" She inquires, as they make their way to the refreshment table.

"The Setarcan Sin is quite rich, Zulana-shizhe, if you wish to partake in something uniquely Pravosi." as an aside. And of course, Galatea echoes her own thoughts on that of nations, so she gives a nod of thanks to her too. Sketching a curtsey to Belladonna, and quirking her lips at the Archduchesses' wit. "May we all, in our time, be greeted by the Queen of Endings with love in her heart, and get well soon as she serves as Mother to our new beginnings."

The bottle, as offered forth, earns a look of consideration. Teagan is not one to shy from the hard stuff and is known to prefer whiskey. However, this -is- a public event and she's trying to retain that measure of decorum. Still, she is not immune to curiosity. Her plate and drink are handed off to Chessa, who waits nearby and... has no qualms in taking one of the sweets off the plate for herself. "Gladly, Princess. My thanks." The distraction of the drink does provide her cover to watch both Zulana's approach and Galatea's... enthusiastic greeting both. Is the coughing from Galatea or from the liquor? It could be a little of both as she passes the bottle back to the admiral.

"Emissary," she says to Zulana. "I admit I have... long considered how to write you, after reading your... enlightening entries into our Archives."

Idly, Anisha shoots Luoye a little smile, and a waggle of her fingers whenever the critter looks at her.

When rising from her seated position where she'd been serving as Judge, the Emissary did so with poise. She is privy to Galatea's interjection and seems to find some amusement from it but she otherwise withholds her comments. "Our condolences for the loss of your family as well, Archduchess." Jadara looks to the Softest Whisper as she engages with Zulana, watching her with passive interest until she has made her way to where the refreshments are. Since she'd already tried one of their wines, the woman was clearly intent on capitalizing on new experiences.

To say she dove in head first would be an understatement, grazing here and there and setting that which she didn't like on a napkin to be abandoned just like those poor people outside the Compact. Except these bites discarded will never be given a single thought again. The Emissary is still coherent enough to raise her glass like the Arvani and echo their sentiments. "Get Well Soon." After she has occupied herself at the refreshments table long enough she slips off to go and join the conversation budding between the guests.

Guy, a hunting kestrel arrives, delivering a message to Teagan before departing.

Lucrezia laughs with delight at Teagan's reaction to the drink, even if it might be from what Galatea says! Good enough for her! Belladonna's question of dancing makes her laugh even more and knock back another swig from the bottle. "Like the time we danced at the Pravus party? Please say yes!" If possible, Lucrezia had been even -more- drunk then! "Here?" There goes the Admiral giggling like a mad-man. "Now?" She's aware enough of what her cousin would or wouldn't do in front of foreign emissaries. She is fearless in calling the bluff! So says that wide, wicked grin of hers as she takes her bottle to go find someone other unfortunate soul to foist it upon. Someone needed to go get rid of that whirlpool before Lu did something -extreme-!

Zulana cannot help but wince -- very slightly, and she tries to cover it -- as people slaughter the pronunciation of the new province's name. "Tongdjiyi," she offers as correction, politely, perhaps more to Galatea than Anisha. Not unkindly, she adds, "Halcyon is a complex language, I'm afraid, and quite different from Arvani tongues; it has drawn from the ancient Jadai tongue, the high language of Caer'alfar, the khati trade tongue, and from other languages once used within the Empire's boundaries such as Weija. Even without the intersecting modes of speech, or the unique nature of the highest written form of our language, the pronunciation can be... tricky for those who are unfamiliar."

"And the Children are like tools to Father's hand; we can be a weapon drawn against the darkness, or a brush to scribe a treaty. Sometimes this may mean dealing with matters between provinces, but generally Father's officials do their job. Though unfortunately, there are exceptions. " Turning to Anisha, the senior Emissary's lips twitch very slightly. Was Zulana actually almost smiling? "While the Path which Father has laid out for us has many benefits, instilling competence among officials who might lack it is a challenge which no nation has yet conquered."

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

Galatea was, apparently, a little -too- enthused, in the way that only scholars can be, to meet with a living breathing incarnation of someplace that was until now just a footnote in her books. Upon being told to cease and desist by Belladonna, however, she promptly makes herself inobtrusive and shuts her mouth. She just nods rapidly at Zulana's explanation.

After a moment, Zulana selects a fruit-based sweet from the refreshments, and passes it to Luoye where he perches on her shoulder. The little red panda happily takes it in both forepaws, holding it up to his face to nibble on it as he sits back on his hind legs once more. Zulana herself does not pour a glass of Setarcan Sin -- she did say she had matters to deal with afterwards -- though does remain near the refreshments. Luoye, perhaps, is a somewhat /spoiled/ red panda.

Adrienne has left the A table under a tent with food and drink.

A very late arrival, Alessia Mazetti, drifts into the commons, making her way past the tents in the search for familiar faces. Her demeanor brightens when she spots Anisha, lifting her hand to wave to her friend. But it's the hostess who she approaches with a beaming smile. "Your grace." She curtsies, appraising Belladonna. "You look stunning in steelsilk. Though I imagine you've heard that many times."

Adrienne has joined the A table under a tent with food and drink.

Guy, a hunting kestrel arrives, delivering a message to Teagan before departing.

Anisha repeats the name of the place, once more. Thoughtfully considering it, as she listens to the Senior Emissary. She shoots the enthused Galatea a small smile of sympathy as the woman follows her Archduchess' orders. Bowing her head to Zualan as she is addresed. "Whisper House serves as tutors to nobility. Usually in an instructional manner, from childhood. But sometimes, if a young noble misbehaves,remedial lessons are doled out as punishment and apology, a clear sign of admitting wrongdoing as good as any words spoken aloud." She muses. "I see that we have several things in common, Zulana-shizhe, and this pleases my heart." She concludes. And, she looks to Belladonna. "When you have a moment, your grace, I would beg to borrow your ear in a short, private conversation. If it pleases." A smile there, and a glance over to Jadara again, the smile blossoming into a full-on grin as she spots the Emissary enjoying herself. Then, there's Alessia, and Anisha sketches a curtsey of greeting. "Lady Alessia. Have you had the pleasure of meeting the Imperial Emissaries, Zulana-shizhe and Jadara-shizhe?" Gesturing to the two Jadai, she offers a bright little smile, and looks over the crowd again, to make sure she's not inoring anyone.

"Zulana-shizhe, Jadara-shizhe, may I present Lady Alessia Mazetti, glaivedancer and mirrormask. Her art with her chosen weapon is true beauty," She offers up.

Say what anyone will about Lucrezia: the woman is crafty. She just has that power to bend rules and call on peoples' BS, and know exactly how far she can stretch her wings and not get them clipped. She teases Belladonna with the Archduchess own threat, and the blonde narrows her eyes, fighting a smile by puckering her lips. Slowly, the blonde nods, "Not now. Not here." Very well. Lucrezia takes the day, but Belladonna knows where she lives, and thanks to that whirlpool, Lu is not going anywhere. "This is far from over," she lets her cousin know, before she is off to continue her path of wanton destruction. At the approach of Alessia, Belladonna smiles warmly, "Anyone looks stunning in steelsilk. It is the easiest thing in the world." She winks at the Mazetti and places a hand upon her own lips, as if asking the glaivedanceer not to share that secret. To Anisha, she nods, "Certainly, Whisper. That would be my pleasure. We will find some time."

Luoye -is- spoiled, of that there should be little doubt! Jadara shakes her head a little bit when she watches her sister feed him from the table, her eyebrows even crest a little but she doesn't say anything. Instead she walks over to the Valardin princess,"Earlier I addressed you as Adrienne and that was terribly informal of me as I was unaware of your title and station at the time, Your Highness. We would hope you could offer forgiveness just this once for such a transgression and in exchange we would be very happy if you might be willing to serve as a sort of cultural example and guide for your own House and fealty?" Since they were on the discussion of culture.

"Although if there already exists such a role in your family or House then we would be pleased if you could offer us a point in the right direction." Anisha's voice gets her attention again though and she turns to look at the woman introduced,"Lady Alessia. You are a glaivedancer? We would be most curious to see an exhibition of your skill. Do you perform?"

There are a couple messengers that the Blackram Marquessa is sending and receiving with the help of Chessa. They have Teagan's imperial features drawn into lines of concern. Even what distraction was building in the fascinating creature that is Luoye is dashed by them and she exhales in a small sigh. There is a look back to Belladonna, the Emissaries, and the others gathered. "If you will all excuse me, I must attend to some matters." There is a small -- but strained -- smile of apology. "Emissaries, I do hope to see you both at a future date. I would love to learn more about your home, people, and... how you have settled here in Arvum. Archduchess-" this, to Belladonna. "As always, it was a pleasure to see you."

Teagan is overheard praising Nina: What a lovely party

Teagan is overheard praising Belladonna: As always, she selects the best person for the job

Anisha curtsies to Teagan. "Marquessa, it was truly a pleasure to see you. I regret we did not get to converse much today, but I hope we get to rectify that later. Perhaps when I can perform the tea ceremony for you and Jadara-shizhe." She suggests, with a little smile.

In quiet conversation with Nina and Sebastian, Adrienne gives a puzzled look to Jadara on finding herself not only addressed but on such a topic. The Oathlands princess stands slowly, dignity in the motion as she sets down a glass of water onto the table. "How could I ask forgiveness from you when I know in my heart that I would be a thousand times less graceful were our situations reversed. Far from having transgressed, you have my admiration Emissary." Her smile is a faint, flickering thing. "See? I can't even remember all of your titles. But if I can be of assistance, it would be my pleasure to serve in what way that I can as a," she pauses, pale eyes narrowing to come up with the phrase, "cultural example and guide. Will you forgive my own transgressions when they come?"

Zulana watches Jadara approach the Valardin princess, but does not presently add anything. Instead, she turns her attention to Alessia when Anisha introduces the woman. "Ah, then you /do/ have weapons-dancers here. Some of the citizens of this city seemed most confused to hear of the blade-dances our adepts perform at certain festivals back in Daobujin Bo." The senior Emissary studies Alessia, as though perhaps trying to judge the woman's skill by appearance alone. "And perhaps someday you might travel to Tongdjiyi to join in the Festival of Blades to be held in Respite, should the Compact decide that Tongdjiyi were to make a good friend."

Sebastian rises from the table where he talks quietly with Adrienne and Nina as Jadara approaches. While she addresses Adrienne, his gaze is unabashedly on the foreign dignitary, nodding his head when the exchange is completed. "Emissary Jadara. I hope you have settled in well?"

"Of course." Alessia's lips curl, before she gives the archduchess a subtle wink. As if to say the secret remains between them. She swivels around when Anisha introduces her to the emissaries, her brows shooting up on hearing their names. "No, I don't believe I have." She studies the two women, a smile remaining on her lips. She inclines her head graciously. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. Gods, I hadn't heard another emissary had arrived." She shakes her head, apologetically. "I do, yes. My retainer carries one in case the hostess requires me to do so tonight." She chuckles. To Zulana's she tilts her head. "Tongdjiyi. Interesting, I've never heard of the place."

Teagan does tilt her head in a nod to Anisha, on her way out. "That might work out wonderfully, in fact. I shall write you to arrange that, if you could. Thank you." And then she's passing on her way out, already speaking quietly with Chessa about the latest missive.

Lucrezia waves a hand flippantly over her head to acknowledge she heard Belladonna's promise their battle of wills was still ongoing. With the drunk having dulled the edge of her bored aggression, Lucrezia circles through the crowd like a shark narrowing down on its prey. The center being Merek. When she reaches his side, she takes a long swig from the bottle. Drunken walking and drinking are a waste of precious rum^2. "Just watching all the festivities, Merek?"

Nina has been speaking with Sebastian and Adrienne for a moment in the food tent, and finally once again reaches the bottom of her glass of wine. She takes one step out again as the conversation seems to drift a bit. She looks pleased that things have been going well, though she knows that the main party seems to be winding down.

"The Princess has requested a song, and now that I am finished with most of my hosting duties perhaps I will play a bit on my fiddle for those who still wish to dance! If you are sober enough, or drunk enough, either way!"

Chessa, 2 Blackram guards, Dimples, a Kite of the Cloudspine leave, following Teagan.

Galatea has not, it seems, been perfectly silenced by the order to stop blabbing. Or at least, she feels like enough time has passed for her to risk asking a single question towards Zulana. "I would be most intrigued to hear more about Tongdjiyi," she offers after Alessia speaks, bright and cheery and totally unguarded. She flicks a glance at Belladonna afterwards, as if to see if she's earned any further archducal wrath.

With an unsure glance cast at Zulana, the younger Emissary looks back to the conversation at hand with her typical warmth and openness. "Of course. Often upon the path of enlightment we will stumble and fall, it is best to get up and keep going. Think nothing of it and should you make some minor mistake in mode of address or other social misstep I will /gladly/ correct you." Jadara seems to think about Sebastian's question, as if hoping to give an earnest and candid response.

"I'm not quite sure how to answer that. It's very unlike what I'm used to but everyone has been -mostly- gracious. Which, again, to echo the words of Nejie, I cannot be too sure why people were so reluctant of our Father's offer but yet seem very willing to get to know more of us. As someone who is interested in other cultures and the art of diplomacy, it's a good thing though. This curiosity, at least in my opinion." Her useage of the singular form makes it quite clear Jadara is expressing this herself and not as the Voice of the Emperor though.

Nina gets Dark Wood Fiddle from Instrument carrying case.

"All of Father's Children sent to address matters outside the Empire on His behalf would be styled 'Emissary' during such tasks," Zulana notes to Alessia. "And there are other Children among those working to suppress the rising tides of darkness here within Arvum -- though many have a more narrow focus, as with Jadara-shizhe's efforts within the Saffron Chain. Our brother Kozu is also 'Emissary' when within the Compact, though he presently remains in Tongdjiyi for the moment to oversee the training of new adepts there. Instructing Tongdjiyi's defenders in the Art is complicated by the atmosphere of this land, and some of the most promising students have been sent to Daobujin Bo for training."

Luoye stuffs the rest of his fruit tart in his mouth and stares down at the table once more, his cheeks bulging out like a chipmunk's.

Adrienne listens to Jadara with absolute focus except to slightly turn to ensure that Sebastian is included in the conversation. She answers, with a calmly knowing look to Jadara, "Yes, I imagine so. I will look forward to the education." She seems to even mean it, wryness aside. "Do you dance, Emissary Jadara?" she asks with a brief glance in Nina's direction after Jadara finishes answering. "I believe the answer to your question can only be resolved with more conversation."

Anisha moves along a little, still within conversational distance to Zulana, or at least close enough to easily rejoin her. She offers a smile to Sebastian and Jadara, and chuckles a little as Galatea dares her Archduchess' wrath, but it is Belladonna who earns the bulk of her focus. Leaning in for a quiet word.

Sebastian's attention turns to Jadara, smiling with ease. "I imagine it is like that for everyone stepping on a new land. Princess Adrienne and I were just discussing similiar with Mistress Nina--" who he now sees is stepping up to play music -- he gives a rueful smile. "And like all places, there are underlying complexities of which it takes time to perceive. But curiosity -- that is a useful trait for a diplomat to have. Perhaps we can exchange thoughts on that matter sometime soon." Adrienne's question of Jadara about dancing earns a low laugh, and a gesture as if to encourage them to such.

Alessia raises her brows to Sebastian, her smile unfading, though giving a slightly less subtle greeting. She turns back to Zulana. "Ah, of course. Will we be graced with his presence in the future?" She asks of Kozu. She turns to Anisha. "How have you been, messere?" She adds, giving the whisper a more familiar smiles.

Nina finds it hard to resist a request to play music. She has a small troupe with her, but when she walks into their presence, she looks lively. She goes to a spot in the green tent where she has left her instrument case, which she never has very far away. Then she removes her fiddle and begins playing a lively dance tune, the others around her keeping time. She taps her foot and soon enough, there is a good bit of song for those who would dance, or those who just want to have a little promenade.

Nina checked charm + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 36 higher.

"Perhaps," Zulana notes to Alessia, in regards to her brother. She selects one more fruit tart -- Luoye reaches out his little paws to try to grasp it even before Zulana has held it out to him -- and then offers a polite nod. "Forgive the abrupt departure, but as noted there are matters to consider as concerns what aid might be offered to the city, before Iron's surviving guard come to speak with us tomorrow."

Ami is not one to mince words or to linger unnecessarily but she does intrude to bring the younger Emissary a reminder to keep her schedule. She nods to the Imperial bureaucrat and looks over to Zulana before turning to Sebastian and Adrienne to wrap up her conversation. "How about I answer that question at a later date when you can show me your House's ballroom." Jadara offers the Valardin a smile before she bows her head to the Pravosi royal. "Curiosity and temperance. You need both or else the diplomat in question just ends up like the cat everyone always talks about and we all know how that ends, hm?"

With a curt bow of her head and the ghost of a smile she moves away,"Farewell for now and may your feet someday find the Path." The Imperial doesn't just leave though, not without offering to escort her Whisper back to the quarter in which they reside and not before offering her farewells to the rest of Pravus and the wonderful Hostess.

Adrienne dips into a low, smooth curtsey for Jadara. "Until then. May Gild light your path home." She takes a step back, suddenly thirsty, and reaches for her water glass.

Anisha murmurs quietly to Belladonna - but once she's said her piece she looks to Alessia. "Oh, very busy. But good. Very good. And it is time for Spring, time for growth. Time for many things. I still need to get to work on your sculpture, though," She notes. "I keep my promises, it just takes me a while, sometimes." And then, she hushes for Nina's performance.

Then there's Ami, and Jadara is called upon, and Anisha sketches a curtsey, ready to follow her along.

Jadara has left the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Ami, an Imperial bureaucrat, Izanagi, an Imperial Guard leave, following Jadara.

Luoye, a red panda, Jadara leave, following Zulana.

Adrienne waits until the emissaries are well out of reach before she says, ostensibly to Sebastian who is nearest, "I need help." She drinks her water and watches the trio depart, features inscruitable.

Nina has left the A table under a tent with food and drink.

Sebastian's gaze thoughtfully traces the two Emissaries departure, not really bothering to hide it. The tap of his fingers on his unusually barely-touched glass do so in time with Nina's music. Adrienne's words however draw his gaze with a lift of brow, gaze flickering over her and not seeing anything obvious. "...with?" he prompts.

Nina is most in her element when she is playing, it seems, but she won't make it too difficult for those who intend to continue to have smaller conversations. To those who are leaving, she also gives nods of farewell. As she finishes a song, she gives a bow, and then looks after the Emissary and those leaving. She sighs in a bit of relief as this truly did seem like a successful venture.

Adrienne cracks a tiny smile that never reaches her eyes. She sets down her glass and holds out a hand to Sebastian. "A partner. Dance with me?" Her gaze drifts again to the distant emissaries.

"No rush." Alessia says with a smile. "I'm excited to see what you have in mind." She turns to look at Jadara and Zulana as they take their leave. "Until next time." She gives Anisha a hug when she prepares to depart with them. Then Adrienne's asking Sebastian to dance. "Perhaps I'll get the next round." She gives the man an easy smile.

Stefano, an inconspicuous Lycene bodyguard, Carmela, a gleaming dusken-feathered crow, Ambra, a plain-faced Lycene scribe arrive, following Mirella.

Stefano, an inconspicuous Lycene bodyguard, Carmela, a gleaming dusken-feathered crow, Ambra, a plain-faced Lycene scribe leave, following Mirella.

Lucrezia waits a whole of a minute--That's a long time for her!--before she decides that Merek is lost in whatever people-watching he's doing. While she scans the crowd for someone else to inflict her paint-pealing rum replacement upon, she listens to Nina's playing. If anything the music seems to agitate her even more, based on the scowl coming to her face.

Sebastian regards Adrienne long enough that it might be considered verging on impolite, before he sets his glass down, taking her hand to guide it to his arm. Two steps towards the music, and Alessia's words waylay them, the Pravosi Prince stopping. "Lady Alessia. It's good to see you -- it's been some time. Do you know the Princess Adrienne Valardin? Just recently arrived to the city, as I understand it?" he looks towards Adrienne for her confirmation. "I would be happy to save you a dance, my lady."

Distracted, Adrienne turns a polite, serious gaze to Alessia. "It is my pleasure to make your acquaintenance, Lady Alessia. I have only recently arrived." She takes in the other woman thoughtfully. "Your gown is lovely if you'll allow me to say."

Galatea looks significantly less tense now that company has thinned out a bit, and she exhales audibly as she returns from the drink table. Sipping away at Lucrezia's private stock has her cheeks faintly flushed just after a single full glass: but then, liquor that strong probably isn't meant to be imbibed as anything other than shots. She steps lightly, overhearing Adrienne speak to Alessia. "Yes, I don't believe we have been introduced, either," she tells the woman, curtseying formally, even though she's wearing trousers instead of skirts. "You are truly radiant, my lady; thank you for gracing us with your presence."


Belladonna excuses herself from her current engagements, and slowly walks over to Lucrezia to grab her cousin by the hand and yank the lanky admiral of the Black Fleet towards where the people supposed to be dancing gather. There is no real request, for unlike Sebastian and Adrienne's galant and positively Oathlander-y ritual, Belladonna and Lucrezia look like they might be about to fight more than they are about to dance. One hand upon her cousin's hip, and other holding the -former- pirate's own, and Belladonna smiles before she starts with the other woman. It is terribly courtly, Belladonna's moveset, her eyes never leaving Lucrezia's as she goes in headfirst into the terrible task of quelling her cousin's drunken fury and making a princess out of her yet. "Now, now. The better you pretend to be enjoying yourself, the faster we can leave and get drunk, mm?" Bribery! Nothing is sacred anymore! She nods at Sebastian and Adrienne when she passes by them.

Nina plays another tune on the fiddle just to keep the spirit lively. A few new people have arrived after all and she feels compelled to keep the party going as long as the wine is flowing. After the next round of song, she lowers her fiddle, gives another bow to the crowd, and then does another round to make sure glasses are full and guests are happy. As she does, she checks on her little plants. Those not taken of course will have a good home right here in the gardens.

"Thank you, your highness." Alessia says, brushing a hand against her skirt. "Not exactly warm, but I deal with the pain." She laughs lightly. To Galatea. "I believe we met briefly a while ago, messere. But, Lady Alessia Mazetti. Glaivedancer, which you probably heard a short while ago." She grins. "Though what that means? I'll probably need to show you rather than tell you."

With a last smile for the Mazetti, Sebastian leads Adrienne out onto the dance floor. It is a wholly notable contrast to his pair of cousin's dance -- some stately dance belonging more properly on the ballroom in full regalia rather than in the midst of the commons, surrounded by food and wine and tents.

Quiet and forebearing, Adrienne allows the introductions to continue around her and it is with a polite tilt of her chin that she greets Galatea in turn. "Please, we are all just partygoers here. I insist." Intrigue lingers in the look she sends to Alessia at the mention of glaivedancing, but her answer is, politely and - yes - gallantly, "If there is pain, it is among us jealous onlookers, I'm sure." She returns her attention up to Sebastian to continue their way to the floor. The constrast in dance styles seems deliberate, and Adrienne carries on a hushed, pleasant conversation beneath the music.

Nina enjoys creating a good setting for those who wish to dance; it brings romance to the party, as the hour of the evening grows later. The fires around give a nice drama to the place and keep things warm, even in the last of winter's winds trying to threaten the celebration of spring. She gives the dancers a slightly slower song as she raises her fiddle again.

Lucrezia looks hopeful at first, like she thinks Belladonna's taking her to go raid the basement stash. Hello, the bottle's getting dangerously empty here!!! Then it drunkenly dawns this isn't for more drinking, but dancing. For a few moments there she looks like she's actually going to bean Belladonna with the bottle by the way she flails both hands about in protest. There *are* better ways to avoid the fate, but -maybe- she wants the excuse to relieve her boredom. Not even drunkeness can explain how terribly she dances, though. Not one, but both of Belladonna's feet will get stomped at this rate as Lucrezia fumbles through the dance she's never once done. Courtly dances? Puke. There isn't enough bribery in the world to make Lucrezia enjoy this and it shows on her face! "This is the worst dance in the world. It doesn't even go to the music." Yeah, that's not what's not going with the music here...

Nina provides a slower dance, but Adrienne and Sebastian are models of propriety. No Oathlandic tutor with dirty looks could find fault with their performance - a necessary calm amidst hurricane Lucrezia-Belladonna.

Galatea blinks a few times. "Now that you mention it," she says, after a few moments of looking at Alessia, "We may have been introduced before. I'm a bit scatterbrained at the moment, as I fear I've demonstrated quite profoundly. Inhaled too many vapors, I think! A peril of the profession. It's making me just a little bit too enthused and the words just keep coming and I really ought to stop talking but you know it just keeps going and going," and thankfully she runs out of breath. She sucks in a new one. "Oh, my. I fear this formula mimght have had a delayed effect. Anyway, glaivedancing! Would you believe I've never seen it performed? I would be fascinated to see it!"

"It's not a problem. It must have been over a year ago." Alessia says with curled lips. "But what vapors are these? If they erase one's memories so aptly, perhaps they'd be of use now and again." She winks. To the question on glaivedancing. "One day, I'll certainly make the effort to."

Belladonna grins at Lucrezia's alleycat style of dancing, and she tries to no-sell as much as she can the whole stomping at her feet thing. Purposeful or not, the Setarcan ruler just tries to resist the urge to choke her cousin as much as she is able, finishing their first routine and holding Lucrezia in that proper position before her hand slowly snakes around the admiral's waist to hold the not-pirate just above the small of her back, pulling her close to the blonde. Bella arches a brow, "The worst just means I have nowhere else to go but up, Lu." The second set is scandalously more heated, something that the Lycene folk would think as admirably spicy, but to Oathlander sensibilities it might involve too much grinding and eye contact. This time Belladonna is ready for the foot-stomping, so she moves those feet while guiding Lucrezia through the motions. Belladonna moves herself and Lucrezia dangerously close to Sebastian and Adrienne, almost challenging the two to pick it up.

When the song shifts again to a different tempo, it seems Sebastian's taking the opportunity to lead Adrienne off the floor, back over to where Galatea and Alessia stand. The Prince reaches for a glass from a nearby server without asking which it is, but given he doesn't drink perhaps it's a mere prop. "I would very much enjoy seeing you undertake such a performance, Lady Alessia," he murmurs. "What--" his brow crinkles as he looks at Galatea, at the scorch marks on her. "--have you been up to?"

Fortuitous, then, that Sebastian flees the dance floor rather than try and compete with Belladonna and Lucrezia, because let's face it, that's no competition.

Nina finishes her dance song, giving another bow to those still sticking out the event... regardless of if they paid attention to the tempo of the song, or not. She smiles at Belladonna and her efforts to keep Lucrezia happy at an event that... well, was clearly not her style. But people have different styles!

She puts her fiddle away for now. "I suppose," she says in passing those Pravus still present, "That we should have a nautical themed party some time! I know a lot of good sea shanties."

Watching Belladonna and Lucrezia from over her shoulder with quiet fascination, Adrienne can only give a light shake of her head. "I would fall on my sword, your Grace, rather than attempt to outshine you." She catches up with the conversation at hand, still on glaivedancing, but also a closer look at Galatea's attire. "I should apologize, I don't believe I heard your name."

"And the tempo's rising." Alessia says with a chuckle when Sebastian rejoins them. "Perfect timing. You know some faster Lycene dances, yes?" She smiles. "The next party, I'll be baring a glaive." She adds. "Not in a threatening way of course."

Anisha has left the A table with a green and yellow covered tent.

Lucrezia is infinitely better(not hard??) at the next style of dance, but is still dangerous to everyone on the dance floor since it seems she's more about getting them involved with everyone else than just focusing on Belladonna. Just testing Belladonna's dancing skill! When the music stops she digs in her heels, refusing to budge anymore. "WANTON PARTY RIGHT NOW!" She means her ship, of course, but well, maybe she's just a little too excited about that part. Something Belladonna whispers to her has her look towards Adrienne and Sabastian. "Nope, not going." To emphasize her point, she flops down to sit right where she is and takes a long swig from her bottle, emptying it. She turns it over and shakes it, like more might come out.

"Of course," Sebastian answers Alessia, with a twitch of lips. "And /that/ should be interesting. You might even outshine our Archduchess and Admiral, though," he glances towards the pair, fond laughter in his voice, "That, admittedly, is rather difficult." Nina's passing comment earns a laugh. "Weren't you and Lu going to do something? Hmm -- walking the plank, was it?"

Sebastian is overheard praising Nina.

Galatea is overheard praising Nina: What a lovely party!

Galatea is overheard praising Belladonna: What a lovely party!

Sebastian is overheard praising Belladonna: What a dancer.


"If we are going to have a party after the party then I'd be happy to join you if I was invited," Nina says. She folds her hands and looks very happy. "Just... let me clean up here a little bit. Would I be overdressed for a Wanton party?"

Sebastian is overheard praising Lucrezia: Setting the bar high.