Rocco the rascally assistant have been dismissed.

Bryn, a flustered lovelorn Prodigal assistant, Misty, a sweet-hearted, but bossy Mistward Labrador arrive, following Svana.

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

Bryn, a flustered lovelorn Prodigal assistant, Misty, a sweet-hearted, but bossy Mistward Labrador leave, following Svana.

Bryn, a flustered lovelorn Prodigal assistant, Misty, a sweet-hearted, but bossy Mistward Labrador, Rocco the rascally assistant arrive, following Svana.

Micana, 1 Saik Guard arrive, following Lucita.

It's another beautiful night at the Hart. The air is warm and full of excitement as people from across Arx begin to arrive. Last minute preparations are made by the Hart's staff and the bar opens early to see that everyone is well cared for. Valencia finds her way through the room withe a smile as she sees that all is well in hand.

2 Whitehawk Guards, Feyre, a Whitehawk falconer, 1 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Elora.

Lucita carefully leaves her guard dogs with a guard watching over them just outside the Golden Hart. Into the arena she walks gracefully, her amber glance sweeping over the crowd as a quick smile comes to her lips. "It is good to see folks here again."

Waldemai picks up a bucket of ale and carries it up to the cheap seats in the rafters. "'Ware below," he calls. "The lower the level in the bucket, the more likely the spill!"

Lucita has joined the ringside table.

2 House Deepwood Guards, Tobias, a pine marten arrive, following Braelynn.

Braelynn arrives, following Piccola.

Having so much fun the last time she was, Thea is back. Because why not? Looking up though, because there's a familiar voice, she waves,"Messere Waldemai, hello." Making her way toward a table, she bows her head, giving a smile to Valencia,"Princess Valencia, hello again,"looking to Lucita as well. "Baroness..."waving to her too.

Not far behind, Icelyn makes her careful, almost furtive way into the Hart, weaving between patrons with the ease of long practice. A little discussion with the staff nets her a bottle of whiskey and glass; a bow and brief, ghosting smile are given to Lucita, another deeper bow to Valencia, and she climbs up towards the rafters herself.

Icelyn has joined the upper rafters.

Lucita spots some old familiar faces amid those gathered and gives a little wave to Waldemai and petal, thea and the others she knows. A few less familiar or 'stranger' persons are spotted and she graciously gestures toward seating at the table. "If you've not been here before, here is a good spot to people watch and see any spars that might occur, several seats here!"

Svana has a large cloth carrier wrapped around her midsection. She's strutting in, however, like there's barely anything in it. She carries all the refinement of a fierce Northerner. In her cloth carrier, however, there are two newborns; a boy darker than his mother, with her hair and eyes, and an ivory skinned, red-headed little girl who never seems to want to open her eyes. Svana settles into a seat and makes a gentle hushing noise to the little ones in her carrier.

Bells ring as the leather-clad merchant enters, she's headed towards close to the ring, clearly eager to get a go. That being said, she doesn't know a lot of the people here; and so sticks to herself for the time being.

Thea has joined the ringside table.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant arrives, following Mikani.

Svana has joined the bar.

Raja makes her way in through the growing crowd. The dark Culler woman stands there, smiling faintly and glancing to the bar. She weaves through the people present and slips up to the bar. "You have any flavored mead back there?" She inquires of the tender. After a short conversation and exchange of money including a tip, Raja makes her way away from the bar with a hefty glass of something frothy.

Having recently returned to the city, Elora Whitehawk is eager to attend this evening's event at the Golden Hart as one of her first social outings. A friendly smile is given to a few familiar faces as she arrives and then she is off to find a place to sit. Or maybe collect a drink. Either way, she's on the move.

Amieli has joined the ringside table.

Raja has joined the ringside table.

Berto has joined the bar.

Raja has left the ringside table.

Raja has joined the upper rafters.


Sipping and sparring are what Piccola does best.

The diminutive woman enters with Braelynn, apparently leading the other in by the hand. On one of her shoulders is her trusty composite bow and quiver; on her opposite hip, her simple sword, unadorned and boring. Peasant tunics are worn over weathers, giving her a decidedly obsequious appearance this evening, which is appropriate for the occasion; booze + brawling = destruction of finery. To her companion, she murmurs quietly, "If you're thinking of sparring here tonight, we'll probably need to tell her Highness upon entering." Beat. "If she sees me, she'll probably presume I'm here to take a beating."

She puts on a crooked grin, and walks deeper into the crowd.


Valencia turns to the sound of Thea's voice rining about the crowd and the little vixen gives a tiny bounce as she greets the woman with a big smile. Sweeping over, she offers both Lucita and Thea proper greeting before smiling to the rafters to spy the master smith. "Master Waldemai! How beautiful to see you! Do let my ladies know if the drinks are in danger of running dry up there," she calls out playfully.

Icelyn, too, is greeted with a warm smile, the gracious woman's bow replied to with a graceful incline of her head. A breath and another smile, "Your pardon, ladies, I must seen to things. I will see you later I hope," she nods to Lucity and thea before slipping into the crowd to offer warm smiles to Svana, the smile gentle as the bae is spied. Another cheerful smile is given gladly to Tatienne and Raja, "Ladies, be so welcome. And we do. Please be so welcome," Valencia smiles as she slips to the ring with a happy nod to Elora, Piccola and Braelynn.

Braelynn enters, wearing her bow, but certainly not dressed for sparring in her green silk dress. She seems to consider Piccola's words for a moment before responding. "I'll sip. You spar." There's a sheepish little grin in Piccola's direction as they move further into the crowd.

Petal arrives at the gathering while adorned in her simple seatouched wool summer dress and wooden garden shoes. The small commoner carries a large sewing basket with her that is filled with things. She peeks over the area, trying to get a feel for things here.



Clad in scarlet southern silks that embrace sensual curves and slender waist, Valencia gracefully moves to the center of the Ring of Valor. Offering a bright smile, she holds up her hands and graciously inclines her head to the enthusiastic crowd.

"My lords and ladies, misseres and madams. Dearest friends -- welcome to my Hart and thank you for joining us tonight. We are so very happy to have you here."

"Tonight we come together to enjoy the best of matches that Arx has to offer. We hope that you enjoy the festivities and good company, and will join us in cheering for all those who step into our ring. As always, we are accepting donations to help with the Hart's fundraising efforts," the little Lycene continues with a cheerful nod. "And again, I would like to offer another heartfelt thank you to all our generous donors -- past, present and future. Together, we are making a difference to people in our city and building a stronger Avrum. And, for this, I thank you with all my heart,"

"And now, to what we are all here for," the little vixen smiles brightly as she waves a hand to the brave and bold men and women who will soon be entering the ring to fight. "My dear friends, please join us in a round of applause as we introduce our competitors tonight. Please show them your appreciation! Competitors! If you would please take to the sands! Let the Hart's Sip n'Spar begin!"

Berto has left the bar.

The Hart's Sergeant of Arms, a gruff no-nonsense, grizzled specimen of a man, moves onto the sands and rumbles out the call, "Lords and Ladies, good folk and gentles all, Wolfscout Rowenova and Lady Thea are called to the sands! May your fight with honour and fire in your heart and the rest be damned," he roars out as he eyes the combatants with a look of approval. ""Ladies present yer arms and at yer leisure, lay on," he says with a gruff grin and a quick bow to each before stepping back for to allow them room to ready themselves.

Waldemai calls down from the rafters, "Five hundred silver on Lady Thea!"

Rowenova has joined the ring of valor.

Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound have been dismissed.

Raja lifts her mug. "Huzzah Nova!" She cheers down to the wolf scout. "I'll take that bet!" She calls to Waldemai, "500 on the scout!"

The Hart's Sergeant of Arms, a gruff no-nonsense, grizzled specimen of a man, moves onto the sands and rumbles out the call, "Lords and Ladies, good folk and gentles all, Wolfscout Rowenova and Lady Thea are called to the sands! May your fight with honour and fire in your heart and the rest be damned," he roars out as he eyes the combatants with a look of approval. ""Ladies present yer arms and at yer leisure, lay on," he says with a gruff grin and a quick bow to each before stepping back for to allow them room to ready themselves.

Thea blinks and laughs,"I didn't even get a drink down,"snorting up at Waldemai,"I love your faith in me, but the scout may be giving my ass a beating this evening." That said, the Malvici hurries over to the sands and winks at Rowenova,"Hey Nova."

Thea has left the ringside table.

Thea has joined the ring of valor.

Thea takes Raptor Helm from a physician's medicine satchel.

Stepping forth from a shadowy alcove is the wolf scout who jogs up to the valorous ring before high jumping over the very edge then landing lithely. Glancing around, she briefly nods her wolf-framed visage. When bets call out, she smiles gratefully. Then, she turns forth to Thea. "Lady Thea! Greetings!"

Tobias, a pine marten have been dismissed.

2 House Deepwood Guards have been dismissed.

Svana looks up to Waldemai. Without knowing the man, she smiles. "Five thousand silver on the Wolfscout!" She uses a small baby arm to pretend to cheer for Rowenova. Finally she undoes the straps of the cloth carrier and holds the little ones in her arms. "Cheer for your namesake, Rowan, otherwise Mommy will have to make dresses the rest of her life."

Thea wields Skystrike, the finely crafted diamondplate kopis.


Eventually, Piccola leads Braelynn to a pair of seats by the bar.

It's a good place to post up. Booze? Check. Close view of the fight? Check. More importantly, booze? Check. Yeah. While there, the woman with the short crop of hair summons the 'tender over to take her order, and then turns about to view the goings-on with a hint of a mischievous smile to her face.

Nothing bears Thunderdome.


Piccola has joined the bar.

Braelynn has joined the bar.

Valencia has joined the Champions' table.

Valencia has left the Champions' table.

Valencia has joined the bar.

Petal goes to take a seat at the bar. She peeks over to Svana with a gentle smile. She then looks over to the ring. "I think the wolf scout will win." She murmurs in her heavy accent. "I mean...else but a winter wolf scout, would win?"

Waldemai calls down to Svana, "You're faded." Yes, he'll go 5000 on Lady Thea. "No one defeats the nobles of Malvici!"

Petal has joined the bar.

The event largesse is impressive, the atmosphere loud with conversation and spirits--with quantity, if nothing else. By contrast, Amieli is a naturally quiet person, with an apparent knack for being somewhere with no clear indication of how or when she arrived. Regardless, the lady appears to be at the arena-side table, seated by Thea, one of the many familiar-unfamiliar faces that was greeted or may have greeted in the chaos of the crowd. Her hands join the wave of the applause, and this is the first overt announcement of her presence.

"I am positive you will both perform to the best of your skill," she encourages Lady Thea as the taller woman makes to stand.

Raja laughs at Svana. "I like your style!" She lifts her mug towards the woman before taking a hearty swallow.

Svana smiles to Petal, winking. Her own accent is thick and Northern. From the very tops of the Bonespire. "She will. I have the utmost faith in her." Svana turns to order her first drink of the night - red wine - since Waldemai has suggested that she's faded. "Not yet, I'm not! Ten thousand on Rowenova, I named a child after her, now I'm putting money down on her! Let's go, Row!"

Raja shouts at Rowenova, "NO PRESSURE NOVA!"

Nova half grins in the muzzle shade of her wolfy headdress, and then the preparing scout briefly bows to the Malvici noble before standing up then making show of her diamondplated gauntlets, one punching into the other hand which has a gloved interior which apparently contrasts with the shining white of the plated exterior. "Ready when you are!"

Lucita says, "I'll cover that bet, Master Waldemai. Five hundred you said?" She gives a good natured grin as she watches the two prepare to spar. Sir Floppington can stay by me till you are done... so he does not join in.""

The rowdy wagers bring a smile to the little vixen's face as she settles in to watch the first match begin. The crowd seems to get in on the fun and loud cheers and calls come from the stands, rafters and the many tables as the drink and good cheer flows.

Valencia claims that. *blushes*

Elora ventures over to the bar and exchanges silver for a glass of wine before turning to view the arena where she stands. She doesn't move to a table just yet and is taking in her surroundings as this is her very first visit to the Hart. When a spar is announced, her focus falls upon those entering the arena to participate.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

Elora has joined the ringside table.

Thea takes a red sword cape with golden chain and hawk embroidery from a physician's medicine satchel.

Waldemai waves to Lady Lucita. "That's five hundred with you, M'lady, and five hundred with my new friend Raja, and ten thousand with you there (Svana)." Oh, yeah, he's been drinking.

Svana grins up at Waldemai and winks. "Svana Grayhope, not you there. But I've been called worse. You might be calling me worse after I win."

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 64 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Berto has joined the bar.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 18, rolling 64 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 52 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 88 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 58, rolling 41 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 74, rolling 126 higher. Rowenova rolled a critical!

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 110, rolling 26 lower.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 68, rolling 30 higher.

Rowenova remains alive, but close to death.

Rowenova is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Waldemai cheers loudly. "What a great fight! A great start to the evening! Future warriors have a lot to live up to now!"

Raja blinks at the match. She sips at her drink and leans at the edge of her seat as she watches the two women. "Holllleeeee shhyyte!" She blinks as the women each give a pounding and receive a pounding. "When I grow up, I want to be like them." She laughs. Then Rowenova takes a dirt nap! "Damn!" She scrunches her nose and pulls out some coin to shove at Waldemai.

Lucita counts out her bet amount and sends it up to Waldemai in the upper seating. "That should refill the bucket of ale a few times. Good match!"

Icelyn leans slowly forward over the rafters, glass in hand, as the fight progresses, watching with a warrior's keen eye. By the end of it she's at a vaguely dangerous angle both for the contents of her glass and for herself, and when the match is won she animates with a full-throated cheer at odds with her mousey bearing. "Well fought! I know veterans who would be envious!"

Waldemai calls down, "Thanks, Lady Lucita!"

"Shit." Svana finishes her wine and sighs, looking down at the two babies. She puts the wine glass down, signals for another, and then tosses some coins in a pouch up to Waldemai. "She threw that much on purpose because my water broke on her sofa," Svana says wryly, with no real ill will.

What Nova and Thea do in the ring takes time, dodging and striking as their adroit combat carries on for clanging minutes. Far longer than many spars. Dealing out battering blows with diamondplate gauntlets and matching boots, Nova still takes some crime from that Raptor Dagger which often catches her with what are a few massive blows to just the right places. She goes down a couple times, but she gets back up until the 3rd go. And that is when the Malvici woman finds the perfect opening for that final blow.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Sasha, a Velenosian Assistant, Pomegranate, the gentle fainting goat arrive, following Dimitri.

Waldemai waves down to the newly introduced Svana Grayhope. "Thanks! It was a close thing either way...And I'm sending the winnings to the Golden Hart fund!

Tatienne watches the fight as it continues, and cheers on Thea when she finally wins. "Well done, both of you." She cheers.

Valencia looks to the rafter and Waldemai, her breath catching and a look of gracious gratitude offered as she bows her head respectfully to the man. "Misser Master Waldemai, you are truly a champoin of our Hart. Thank you so much, sir. We will put your donation to good use," she calls out with a grateful smile.


Piccola is in the middle of drinking from her cup when the match is over.

"Damn." She looks at her mug mournfully for a moment, and sets it aside. "Could you watch this, Lady Braelynn? I think -- " She looks at the board, and sees who her next opponent is. " -- well, shit." She frowns and sighs. "Make sure there's a medic, would you?"

And then, she heads over to the ring, getting her gear settled into place.


Well--When Thea and Nova take the ring, she didn't think it would it last THIS long! Not at all! Each hit she throws, she is met with one from Nova. The women continue blow for blow, each tired and sweaty. When Nova finally hits the dirt, Thea is the first to offer her hand, her own breath catching,"Here, let me help you up."

Piccola has left the bar.

The first match does not disappoint and crowds go wild.The Hart's Sergeant of Arms nods as to the combatants as he steps back into the ring, "A fine match," he offers approvingly before turning to the crowd and holding up his hand.

"Lords, ladies, gentles all! A fine first match to be sure! Give a round of applause for a fight worth seeing. And for your winner, Lady Thea!" The crowd erupts again and the man waits till the crowd calms.

Holding up his hands again, he nods to the next fighters, "And now our next match, he continues turning to the women, "Mistress Tatienne Lachance and Lady Piccola Tessere, you've been called to the sands. May your fight with honour and fire in your heart. Good fright," he offers with a curt nod to each as he steps out of the way. "Fighters, present yer arms and lay on yer leisure!"

Somehow has to arrive last and be rather fashionably late and it seems that Dimitri is going for that particular title tonight. Slipping into the arena with a rather curious glance, the Prince takes a moment to survey the area, lips curling up into the hint of a grin. Spotting a bar during his survey of the room, he begins to make his way over in that direction.

2 House Velenosa Guards have been dismissed.

Sasha, a Velenosian Assistant have been dismissed.

Pomegranate, the gentle fainting goat have been dismissed.

Haurchefant, an unassuming assistant have been dismissed.

Thea has left the ring of valor.

Thea has joined the ringside table.

Valencia is overheard praising Thea: A fine first fight. Well done and what a tone set for the night.

Braelynn is overheard praising Thea.

After a quick snooze on the sands, Nova suddenly opens her eyes wide before softly nodding as she reaches up and takes ahold of Thea's hand then gets up, doing so with a little carefulness and then quietly thanks her, doing so with a wrapping hug of one arm which doubles up as using Thea for support here.

Rowenova has left the ring of valor.

Elora is impressed with the first match of the evening and claps when both participants finish their spar. "Well done!" she calls out, cheering for both women. She then picks up her wine glass and takes a sip, waiting for the the next match to begin now that it has been announced.

Valencia is overheard praising Rowenova: No one rises like Rowenova. Such great heart can never been held down for long

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

Piccola has joined the ring of valor.

Piccola wields Ramo.

Valencia is overheard praising Waldemai: Truly a champion of the Hart. His generosity so appreciated always. Grateful.

Svana is overheard praising Rowenova: I love you, Wolfy. Even when you cost me money.

Petal is here, but the seamtress has been very distracted. She peeks over t Rowenova with a smile though. The girl then orders herself a mug of tea with warm honey.

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

As her name is called, Tatienne adjusts her leathers and plucks the priceless works of alaricite out of her hair, putting liberty in her left hand and fortune in her right. The difference in quality between her kit and Piccola's causes her some pause, but she elects not to comment on it. "Good luck." She offers the other fighter. "May the best fighter win."

Tatienne has joined the ring of valor.

Raja has left the upper rafters.

Tatienne wields alaricite hairpins with the scales of fortune and liberty.

Amieli nods in agreement, watching the fighting with idle interest.

"They are both very skilled," She notes. "it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Baroness-Regent Lucita; Lady Elora Whitehawk. I am Amieli Igniseri."

She claps politely at the conclusion of the match and the start of the next, with a bright wordless smile for Thea's battered return to the table.

Amieli claps along with the crowd for the conclusion of the first sparr--and the start of the second.

Insaya is meanwhile having JUST the honey. No tea! She shows up with some comb shoved on a stick over a cup. "Eyyyyyyy!" she manages thickly toward the outcome of the bout. It might be a hello, or a yay, or something else entirely. But its enthusiastic.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

Mikani enters the arena and grins at the feel of it. She heads to the bar to get herself a drink.

After wolfy hugs and secret whispers for Thea, Nova finally frees her before darting away to go find that namesake baby. She soon arrives nearby Rowan, doing so with a tuckered smile. "Hello there!"

Rowenova has joined the bar.

Thea smiles over at Amieli,"Thank you,"practically inhaling her drink. Gods! She eyes Rowenova in disagreement.

Piccola checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 9, rolling 42 higher.

Piccola remains capable of fighting.

Piccola checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 11, rolling 43 higher.

Piccola remains capable of fighting.

Svana sips from her second glass of wine and smiles at Rowenova when she pops up, looking to her friend. "Hello, dear. How are you feeling after that? You and Lady Thea really walloped each other. I think the babies like it," Svana says, smiling. Rowan drools at Rowenova and smiles at her. Elanne is sleeping - she might not have enjoyed the sparring as much.

Piccola checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 12, rolling 64 higher.

Piccola remains capable of fighting.

The cheerful banter makes Valencia smile as she turns to offer a warm nod to Rowenova as she leaves the sands and a playful wink to Thea as she also returns. "Well done, ladies," she offers with a little look of pride of seeing such talents upon the sands.

Piccola checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 56 higher.

Piccola remains capable of fighting.

Piccola checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 95, rolling 32 lower.

Piccola checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 56, rolling 6 higher.

Piccola remains alive, but close to death.

Piccola is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Just another face in the crowd, Kalani eases her way away from the bar, drink in hand, and is alternately watching the sparring match and eyeing the seats up in the rafters. Temptation.

"Thank you,"Thea thanks Elora as well. Awkward with the attention. But she takes it in stride of course, a smile appearing as another drink is brought over. "I had a hard opponent,"resting her body. "I dont think I'll be able to move for a day or two,"chuckling.

Slipping over towards the bar, Dimitri catches sight of Thea and Rowenova and he's offering each of them a quick smile and a nod of his head in greeting. The others are given a polite smile before he's finding himself a seat, lowering himself down so that he can settle down upon it.

Alfonso Donatello Fidante the Right Hand arrives, following Santiago.

Alfonso Donatello Fidante the Right Hand have been dismissed.

from up in the rafters, Icelyn catches Kalani's eyes directed their way and smiles a small, tentative smile down at her, gesturing round at the empty seats. Yes, she is infesting the rafters with nobility. How rude.

Kalani has joined the upper rafters.

Kalani lifts one hand in a salute, by way of return greeting, and promptly makes her way around the arena and heads for the way up to the rafters. If there's one thing this Seliki can't resists, its heights - chiefly, climbing to them. And not spilling her drink along the way.

Valencia is overheard praising Piccola: A worthy and talented fighter. delighted

Valencia is overheard praising Tatienne: Grace and skill upon the sands.

A smile from Nova goes to Petal, Lucita, Elora, and Dimitri. She tells Svana, "Semi sore, but otherwise alright." NOva smiles softly to the drooly baby and leans closer and briefly pecks him on the top of the head with a quick kiss before sitting back on a stool at the bar. "Did you like that? Yeah, you did, you liked watching us clobber one another." She sing songs every word.

Thea smiles over at Amieli,"Thank you,"practically inhaling her drink. Gods! She eyes Rowenova in disagreement.

Raja has joined the upper rafters.

As the fight starts, it quickly becomes clear that Tatienne is less skilled than Piccola. It is however not a difference big enough to overcome the disparity in equipment. The legendary merchant can afford great armour and nigh peerless weaponry. Had the two been wearing gear of equal quality, there's little doubt that Tatienne would have lost. The merchant offers a hand up towards the noblewoman, "Well fought." She offers.

Svana's little boy bops himself in the nose with his hand like a true OG. She leans in to kiss Nova's cheek, smiling at her. "You did great. Your big bath will take out the sore, I'm sure!" Svana looks at Petal, noting her hot tea. "You're a classy mum. Much better than me. I drank tea for all nine months of the pregnancy because I couldn't keep anything else down and now I'm a lush again," Svana says. She licks her lips and then nods to Dimitri from where she sits. "Since I'm the Minister of Loyalty, I should probably be more becoming."

Turning briefly over to Dimitri, Thea lifts her hands and waves,"Prince Dimitri, hello. Did you care to join us?" Her cheeks are still pink, her hair sticking to her face.

Okay, last call for requests to spar. We can always go back to this after our archery contest.

Petal ohhs softly, looking to Svana. "Tea is very good for that. I don't know if I am classy so much as..." She then trails off. "So much as well..not used to drinking."


Piccola takes Tatienne's hand, and pulls herself up.

"Indeed," she says briefly, wincing as she feels out an injury to her side. "Maybe I will have the upper hand next time." Maybe. She doesn't seem to be in bad spirits, though, and wanders back to the bar where she left her drink. Except that the archery competition gets called up, and the small woman with the short hair looks up to the rafters and curses to herself.

"Balls."


Nova softly smiles about the cheek kiss and momentarily hugs Svana and then momentarily hugs Petal, too. She tries not to get them all dirty from the sparring sands, but there might be a few grains there which brush off easy. "Gonna go do archery!"

Rowenova wields steel reinforced recurve hunting bow.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant leaves, following Mikani.

Rowenova has left the bar.

Rowenova has joined the ring of valor.

Catching Thea's invitation, Dimitri is turning his attention towards her, smile dancing back to his lips as he gives a little nod of his head, "Lady Thea! It would be a pleasure. Let me grab myself a drink, first, and then I'll be right over." Because, drinks are important. Obviously. Svana gets a return nod and a smile before he's moving to place his order.

Braelynn wields Leaf, an elegantly subdued rubicund longbow.

Icelyn has left the upper rafters.

Icelyn has joined the ring of valor.

Braelynn has left the bar.

Braelynn has joined the ring of valor.

As the archery contest approaches, Icelyn can be seen downing a drink from her lofty rafter position, then lightly descending into the thick of things. She joins the contestants in the ring, pulling a lovely bow off her back and stringing it with deft, efficient movements.

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

Elora is about to order another glass of wine when Feyre approaches with a note. She reads it, nods, and then hands the note back to the other woman. "If you'll excuse me, I'm needed at the Grayson manor." Rising from her seat, Elora gives an appreciative smile to those at her table. "Thank you for being pleasant company. Have a good rest of your evening!" And with that said, she gives a curtsy to Valencia before exiting the Golden Hart.

Piccola wields Spina.

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

Elora has left the ringside table.

2 Whitehawk Guards, Feyre, a Whitehawk falconer, 1 Iron Guardsmen leave, following Elora.

Icelyn wields serene wintertide oathlands steel bow with polished nickle grip.

Braelynn is holding Piccola's drink, but when the preparations for the archery contest begins she drinks the rest of her own wine, abandoning Piccola's drink at the bar. She pushes her own empty glass toward the bartender, sliding from the barstool. She said she was just going to drink, sure.. but..

She smiles sweetly at Piccola as she approaches the ring. "I changed my mind. I think." She smiles to Icelynn and gives her a polite nod of the head.

As one of the fighter yields, the crowd roars again. The Hart's Sergeant of Arms nods with quiet approval as he steps back into the center of the ring, "Well done," he offers with spark of a smile as he turns to the crowd to bellow, "And, your winner, Mistress Tatienne Lachance!" The crowd explodes again, cheering both readily as they step from the sand. The Sergeant waits till there is a lull and callous out in a deep rumble.

The sands now cleared, targets appear and a fine metal mesh is drawn about the ring to protect those in the audience.

Once the ring is prepared to his satisfaction; the Hart's Sergeant of Arms booms out. "A call for a different contest this night. Those who are skilled in the cart of archery will not test their skills. Archers step on the sands. Lady Icelyn Acheron, Lady Braelynn Deepwood, Scout Rowenova. Lady Piccola Tessere. Bring your bows."

Berto has left the bar.

Icelyn casts her dark gaze across her fellow contestants, focusing on their weapons. "You all fought well," she says quietly to Rowenova and Piccola. "It's a pleasure to meet all three of you. Shall we?"

Thea smiles over at Tatienne and Piccola, nodding in their direction,"Well fought. You're getting better Lady Picolla,"slowly starting to relax. She has another drink brought over, exhaling. Yes, it's that sort of night. She's certainly earned it.


"Oh, good," drawls Piccola, making a face at Braelynn.

It's all in good fun, though. She laughs and uses the end of her bow to try and trip Braelynn up as the two of them go into the ring of valor. Gently, of course. Maybe a poke or two, to get the other woman off her game. "Sure, compete after I take a dagger to the kidney," she murmurs to her friend. To Thea, she shouts out: "Better, but not smarter, I'd say, Lady Malvici."

Then, she sets up.


Nova smiles softly, "Thank you, Lady Icelyn." says she as she preps up a recurve bow which has a half refined yet half wild look to it, kinda like a Halfshav joke. Or something. From her back quiver, Nova pulls out a red arrow with black feathering, which also claims Halfshav significance.



Click-Clack. Click-clack. A man dressed in shimmering opulent aeterna, luxury metals and such. This time there is no Great Book, but the Stygian heel-cap boots sing: Click-clack on hard floors, the spurs sing, ching. Lord Santiago Leonardo Cortez Fidante stands in the doorway of the arena for a long moment, staring out across the crowd with that dark gaze just in time to catch the announcement for the archery contest. Hands then fall behind his back, as he stands soldier-like. As Rowenova readies herself, so will the Lord start to move closer to get a clearer view.

Valencia is overheard praising Icelyn: Charming lady and fine archer

Securing a drink from the bar, Dimitri is then turning to make his way over towards the table that Thea and Company have settled at and upon drawing closer, there's a smile given to Lucita, "Baroness. Good to see you again." Then, there's an incline of his head in the direction of Amieli.

Valencia is overheard praising Braelynn: A delight to watch compete!

Dimitri has joined the ringside table.

Whilst Nova is in the shooting ring, Sir Floppington over by the bar is giving Santiago the side eye.

Braelynn pulls the bow from her back, even as Piccola attemps to trip her. "Hey!" She exclaims with a little laugh. She smiles ever so sweetly and pulls a simple green arrow from her quiver as her perpetual mischievous smile turns only slightly more serious. She prepares, concentrating on the target and trying to block out everything else while she does.

Raja turns her gaze to Kalani, offering a smile. She leans over and extends a hand to offer greetings. "Raja Culler." She says, introducing herself. "Good to meet'cha." She beams a grin and then goes to take a drink. Her smile falters as she now laments and empty mug.

Braelynn has left the ring of valor.

2 House Deepwood Guards have been dismissed.

Tobias, a pine marten have been dismissed.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 49 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 32 higher.

Braelynn pulls the bow from her back, even as Piccola attemps to trip her. "Hey!" She exclaims with a little laugh. She smiles ever so sweetly and pulls a simple green arrow from her quiver as her perpetual mischievous smile turns only slightly more serious. She prepares, concentrating on the target and trying to block out everything else while she does.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 44 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Pausing just before her first shot, Icelyn waves at Raja up in the rasters and gestures towards her empty seat, perhaps suggesting that the Culler, bereft of drink, should take advantage of the whiskey bottle she left up there. Then she shoots: One, two, three, each arrow sliding swiftly from her quiver almost before the last has thudded into the target. They all hit, and easily, the largest of the targets little trouble for the Acheron scout.

When the first round is called, Nova lets loose three arrows. Zoom Zoom Zoom. They all three hit their intended target with apparent ease at short range. Then, she preps herself for round 2.


*thunk* *thunk* *thunk* Piccola fires three shots in rapid succession in that weird, bow-legged stance of hers. She looks over to see how Braelynn's done, and murmurs, appraisingly, "Nice, nice." Friendly competition. For the moment, at least.


Braelynn is rarely very serious, but about this she certainly is. She lifts the bow and fires an arrow at the first of the targets, and then retrieves arrows for the 2nd and 3rd target. She hits the targets, but it's clear she's certainly not the best archer competing. She looks toward Piccola as she speaks to her and the smile widens, "Nice shooting." Then to Rowenova she calls over, "Impressive!"

Thea grins over at Dimitri,"Your Highness, hello. How have you been,"nodding to him. "I haven't seen you in awhile.."

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 76 higher. Piccola rolled a critical!

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 58 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 27 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 26 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 100 higher. Braelynn rolled a critical!

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 42 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 36 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 58 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 29 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

Raja perks up, beaming a smile down at Iselyn as whiskey is offered! Raja lets out a cheer for the woman. Of course, she does not hesitate to take a splash of whiskey and pour it into her cup.

Nova smiles brightly, "Thank you, My Lady." says she to Braelynn's reaction. After shooting off three more, Nova still hits her intended target but has a couple go wider than she would like. She lowly whistles bout those shots that Piccola and Braelynn fired off there at dead center.

Thea shouts over to Rowenova"How the hells are you still even to move?!" Thea for her part is still sorely sitting, possibly going to be needing a lift home. HA!

Raja shouts, "She is a machine!"


*thunk* *thunk* *thunk* Piccola's mouth curves into a smirk when her final shot hits dead-center. She's probably about to gloat when she looks down range at Braelynn's spread. That just makes her chuckle lowly. "Show-off." A tap on the other woman's leg with her bow, a reassuring one.


Icelyn's next three shots at the longer range strike true, but clearly not as true as she would like. She eyes the two more outlying of the three with a hard gaze, cool as Icelyn's eyes rarely are, as if she expects them to move for her. But her attitude does not transfer to her competitors. "Well shot, My Ladies. I could take tips from you, I think."

Braelynn lifts her bow again, and fires off three shots in rapid succession. Two of them are 'ok'... but one shot? It hits DEAD center. Wow! Even Braelynn seems a little surprised at that. Blinking as she looks over at Piccola. "Luck." She explains with a grin. She looks back toward the targets to prepare for the next round, sparing a moment to smile brightly at Icelyn, "I think the four of us are quite evenly matched. It may be a close one!"

Nova smiles back to Thea and Raja, "What she said." Yes, it is an obvious joke!

One of Svana's little ones starts to cry. She picks them up, puts them in the carrier, and and speeds off. "Good job, you!" is called out in the general direction of the competitors. Then she hurries off.



Though the nearby dog side-eyes Lord Santiago, his own eyes are watching the archery event. Though closing near to Sir Floppington, the Albatross feathers of his sealskin boots fluttering with each pace, to reposition himself at the nearby tables.

Svana has left the bar.

Bryn, a flustered lovelorn Prodigal assistant, Misty, a sweet-hearted, but bossy Mistward Labrador, Rocco, the rascally assistant leave, following Svana.

Santiago has joined the ringside table.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 10 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 64 higher. Piccola rolled a critical!

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 24 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 101 higher. Rowenova rolled a critical!

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 21 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 35 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 6 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 24 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 29 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 33 higher.

Thea chuckles over at Raja and Rowenova while she is content where she is. "I have energy, but-I think I'll relax for now.."

Raja laughs at Thea's response. It's all in good nature. "That's because, m'lady, you have sanity!"

As the next round of arrows go out Braelynn shoots again. The increased difficulty makes it more difficult for her to hit the target. Still, she does. One of them just barely. She hrms as she drops her bow, shaking her head, but it's quickly replaced by a carefree smile. She raises a brow at Piccola and Rowenova and mouths the word 'wow' at them.


*thunk* *thunk* *thunk* Piccola can't help but let out a breath when her final shot hits dead-center again. She's probably about to gloat when she looks down range at the others' spread. "Can't catch a //break//," she kvetches before laughing and chin-bobbing at Rowenova. "Real nice. Real nice." Low whistle. "Damn."


Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 22 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 80 higher. Braelynn rolled a critical!

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

Braelynn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

Nova saucily smirks as she doles out the three arrows to the yonder targets before pulling out a fourth one she nocks but does not yet draw. "Thank you, Ladies." She smiles even brighter before she goes to aim anew.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 33 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 49 higher.

The additional range slows Icelyn: Her shots take more time, slowing while she sites past the feathered shaft of her arrow. And, again, each strikes the target, drawing a feathery circle around the target's bullseye.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 7 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 50 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.


*thunk* *thunk* *thunk* Piccola lets out a breath after she makes all three of her shots. Their spread isn't quite as tight, but it's harder at this range. She looks at the others' results, and then frowns at Braelynn. "You've been holding out on me," she half-accuses her friend, gesturing at her with her bow. "Yeesh. Anyhow -- " Shrug. " -- drinks on me after this one."


Tarik walks into the room and head to sitting at the upper rafters.

Tarik has joined the upper rafters.

Thea has left the ringside table.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes leaves, following Thea.

The last round is not so kind to Icelyn. No misses, but one of her arrows lodges dangerously close to the edge of the target. She hums thoughtfully. "That one would have escaped," she can be heard to murmur, before turning to her opponents. "Thank you," she says, and bows to all of them, Rowenova included. "For letting me test my skills against yours. You are all archers I would have been proud to work with professionally. ... Or maybe /will/ be proud to work with, in the future."

Another trio of arrows are fired off, then Nova slings back her recurve bow, doing so at the same time that the last arrow is flying forth until then securely thunks into the yonder target in a close grouping with the first 2. After, Nova nods once to the yonder target then turns back to all of those who are her fellow archers and bows in turn to them, too, before popping up to her full height once more (plus the wolf ears on her pelt headdress). Then, "Aye! Thank you, too."

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, Rocco, the rascally assistant arrive, following Thea.

After her last three shots Braelynn drops her bow, looking a little cross eyed, though she squints toward them for one last look. She seems quite content with her performance, even if she didn't win and she smiles brightly at Rowenova. "Nice job!" She takes a step toward Piccola and leans in to say to her loud enough to be heard. "Yeah, maybe.. but HER!" She points to Rowenova. "Wow." Icelyn's words elicit a smile and she chirps back, "Thank you Lady Icelyn. Your shooting was quite impressive as well. All three of you were wonderful opponents!"

Thea has joined the ringside table.

Braelynn is overheard praising Piccola.

Braelynn is overheard praising Icelyn.

Icelyn has left the ring of valor.

Braelynn is overheard praising Rowenova.

Braelynn is overheard praising Valencia.

2 House Deepwood Guards, Tobias, a pine marten leave, following Braelynn.

2 House Deepwood Guards, Tobias, a pine marten arrive, following Braelynn.

The Hart's Sergeant of Arms calls out with a voice that reaches the rafters, "Well done. A good show. Ladies, Lords and gentle folk, your winner, Wolfscout Rowenova!" The crowd rises to their feet again to cheer loudly for them as the ring is cleared of mesh and targets.

Waldemai cheers for Rowenova. "I would have bet on you in this one!"

"I shouldn't be surprised," Icelyn says, stepping out of the ring to clear it for the next round. She says it to Braelynn specifically, the ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Deepwood, am I right? You and yours have no shortage of fine bowmen and women."

Icelyn is overheard praising Braelynn.

Icelyn is overheard praising Rowenova.

Icelyn is overheard praising Piccola.

Tarik whistles and cheers for Rowenova.


"Oh, I've shot against her before," replies Piccola to Braelynn.

Not that finishing at the bottom seems to bother her. Heck, she even got thumped in a spar. But with an easy-going laugh, she prods her friend in the side before walking back to the bar where -- did that bartender take her drink? She frowns, and marches on back to solve that particular mystery.

Do not take a woman's drink.


Piccola has left the ring of valor.

Piccola has joined the bar.

Valencia has left the bar.

Braelynn nods, "I'm lucky to have been taught by such fine tutors. I can take very little credit." She follows behind Piccola even while chattign to Icelyn, "I do enjoy archery, but I'm afraid I'd be fairly useless in any actual fighting." When she arrives at the bar she calls cheerfully over to the bartender, "Wine please!"

Braelynn has joined the bar.

Nova awws softly after what Braelynn says. "You, too." She then perks up after the winning words are thus spoken by the Sargeant of Arms. Nova turns around, smilingly surveying the crowd around then momentarily eyes Santiago, but then suddenly spots that whistling Tarik up in the rafter level which seems to completely distract her. She has a bigger smile now and soon bounds forth as though the ring railing were a mere obstacle to jump over: which she does, before speeding up to the rafter level. On the way there: "Why, Thank you, Goodman Waldemai!" says she before climbing up to where Tarik is. "HI!"

Rowenova has left the ring of valor.

Rowenova has joined the upper rafters.

"Don't be so sure," Icelyn says to Braelynn. "Archery is a bone-deep knowledge. Once you learn it, you can use it anywhere." But she doesn't get to go further: A messenger in Acheron colours taps her shoulder and they have a short conversation before she shakes her head and turns to go, bowing again to Braelynn, then to Valencia, and raising a hand to her rafter companions, on her way out.

A breath as the the room rumbles with excitement -- Valencia looks well pleased at the evening's events. Cheers and chants still echo here and there as the Hart's guests start to toast, well, it seems everyone. A little smile kisses her lips as the little raven-haired princess settles back to enjoy the happy din.

Valencia is overheard praising Tarik: So very grateful for the donation. I am honoured.

Valencia is overheard praising Alban: Not present but also a man of great generosity

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Waldemai waves. "Great fights! 'Night, all!"

Valencia has joined the ringside table.

Alina has joined the ringside table.

Valencia gracefully joins the table with a gracious nod to all. "Quiet the night, yes?" she offers warmly as the crowd begins to mix and mingle again. "Such talent shown tonight. I am always so amazed to see such."

Raja has left the upper rafters.

Lucita is overheard praising Leola.

Lucita is overheard praising Rowenova.

Lucita is overheard praising Quenia.

Rukhnis arrives, following Ras.


From the bar, Piccola holds up her hand to try and get Valencia's attention. "Your Highness!" And she uses her voice. Which is loud. Apparently, she can be loud when she wants to be.


There is a pause before Valencia looks up, apparently thinking another prince or princess is being hailed. Piccola's looks and wave draws her eyes and she suddenly realizes she is the one being called. "Yes, my lady? How may I serve you?" she calls back cheerfully.

Finishing off her last drink, Thea rises to her feet. "I should be off. It was fun, but I should and well--take a bath. For a few reasons." Bowing her head to everyone gathering and offering a wave, she strides over to the door. A smile is given to all those present.

Kalani has left the upper rafters.

Tatienne has left the ring of valor.

Ras wanders in with Rukhnis at what seems to be the tail end of the event, and casts a cautious glance around. He shifts aside to duck his head in a farewell to Thea.

Valencia is overheard praising Braelynn: A lovely, talented woman with a generous heart for charity. Honoured.

Thea has left the ringside table.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, Rocco, the rascally assistant leave, following Thea.

Kalani slips from her most excellent seat in the rafters, bringing one of the bottles with her, and makes her way back to the main floor to take a stroll around, fascinated by the arena She nods, more than once, to the friendly staff, rejecting the offer of more to drink, she's still well armed.

Rukhnis follows Ras in at a very sedate and cautious pace, looking tired, hollow-cheeked, and all around painfully thin. She shifts a rather dubious gaze around her as they come further into the arena, frowning vaguely out at the ring and peering up into the dimmer space of the rafters.

When Valencia's attention is pulled by Piccola Braelynn passes her something "From House Deepwood, Your Highness. We hope it's helpful." She drops her hand back into her lap, and then takes another drink of wine. The raise brings a blush out in her cheeks and she nods her head before looking back to the bartender and waving her hand at him to get his attention.

From up in the rafters, Nova casts concerned eyes upon Rukhnis down below, and when the dark-eyed woman looks her way, Nova tiny waves to her and to Ras.


"Serve me?"

Piccola squints at Valencia. "You, your Highness, serve no one." She passes along a punch to the Velenosan Princess. "A token from House Tessere." She gestures at the woman next to her. "Briefly, on what we discussed by letter, this is Lady Braelynn -- " From House Deepwood. " -- my partner. We are working together regarding the enterprises we talked about, and hope to be able to convince the Lodge of Petrichor to assist us shortly." Beat.

"I will, of course, let you know of our progress."


Rukhnis's gaze spots that small motion in the rafters, and she stares a little harder to discern just who made it. As she spots someone who might be Rowenova way up there, she raises her hand in return.

Ras pauses to give Rukhnis a chagrined look, for some reason, and then slinks over to a seat by the arena. He pulls out a chair, presumably for the Eurusi woman, judging by the way he waits by it and watches her. Something quiet is muttered, and then he glances up at Tarik and Rowenova in the rafters, and lifts his chin with a brief smile of greeting.

The little vixen looks sincerely surprised and a gracious and grateful smile parts her lips for Braelynn and then to Piccola. "My sweet friends. You are too kind. Thank you both to you and House Deepwood for your support of our charity. We will see that this goes to good use. Please accept my greatest thanks, my ladies." Valencia smiles again as Piccola brings her up to date on her endeavor and she smiles again. "I'm so very excited to see what comes of this. Please keep me appraised. I'm so excited to hear more," she nods earnestly as Ras and Rukhnis arrive, the pair receiving a warm smile and gentle incline of head. "Welcome," she calls out to them. "Please enjoy drink on house, yes?" she smiles.

Nova gently squeezes Tarik on his nearest forearm the nods back to Ras and Ruk before she looks back to Tarik and whispers back to him with a soft smile.

Rukhnis frowns vaguely at the chair Ras has pulled out, her expression suggesting she isn't really looking at it, and by the tilt of her head perhaps she's listening to the crowd instead. She presses her lips together briefly, but then she gives a small bow in Valencia's direction before asking Ras, "Do you think they have tea?"

"I'll do what I'm able to help." Braelynn smiles and looks back and forth between Valencia and Piccola before the bartender shows up in front of her. "I think something a bit stronger, perhaps? Whiskey?" One he acknowledges her order she turns back to the other two. "I will hopefully be able to tell you soon what House Deepwood is willing to contribute to the effort."

Petal is still here, but the girl has been very quiet, seemingly even distracted. She continues to hold her te and then nods over to Rukhnis. "They do, Princess Valencia provides everything." She murmurs softly.

Lucita has left the ringside table.

Ras chews his lip with an uncertain crease to his brow. He looks from Rukhnis towards Petal, then across the ring towards Valencia. Obviously he remembers who she is. There's a lift of his hand in her direction, a small wave rendered, and he says, "I'll go to the bar and get some tea." Departing from the side of the pulled-out chair, it appears that's just what he's planning to do.


"It's an ongoing thing."

That's all Piccola has to say about that. She inclines her head curtly to Valencia. "I don't mean to hold you, your Highness, on this evening; however, one night, maybe I could visit to discuss other potential ventures." Danged Lycenes and their ventures. She then turns her attention to Braelynn. "Whiskey's definitely on order, just hold on." And then, she slowly drains her mug of mead, glug, glug, glug. Ah.

"Okay. Whiskey time."


After wandering around the room, at length, and determining that she's just tipsy enough to enjoy the walk home, Kalani slips from the room and out into the clear dark night.

Rukhnis nods to Petal, and she also gets the same small bow. "Mistress Petal. It is good to see you again. I hope the night finds you well."

"I would love that, Lady Piccola. Please at your pleasure I am yours," Valencia smiles warmly as she waves a bottle of one of the better bottles of whiskey over to the table for the ladies to enjoy before smiling up to Ras and offering he, Petal and Rukhnis a warm wave in return.

"It is somewhat late; perhaps I should be leaving as well," Amieli agrees with the general sentiment quietly, making to stand from her place at the table. "It was a beautiful night, and a pleasure to have spent it here. Thank you."

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

"Illicit, Your Highness. Illegal. I have heard of fighting rings, but this does not seem to be one of them. And the clientele is too highborn. I am confused by the purpose." Indeed, Alina looks very confused.

Micana, 1 Saik Guard leave, following Lucita.

Tarik looks his notes and lets out an deep sigh, "Finally, after all these years." Tarik turns to kiss Rowenova on the cheek.

Amieli has left the ringside table.

On the way to the bar, Ras is stopped by a messenger in the crowd. He takes a look at the note, then nods to the person and exchanges a few mumbled words -- after which he continues on to procure two mugs of tea. At the bar, he gives Piccola a sidelong look before drifting back towards the table where he'd left Rukhnis.

Tarik offers a wave to Ras.

"Thank you!" Braelynn chirps at Valencia as she drops the bottle of whiskey off in front of her and Piccola. A polite nod is given to Ras she sees him glancing at Piccola and she beams a smile in his general direction, calling over to him, "Baron! It's delightful to see you again!"

Rukhnis has not gone so far as to sit down while Ras has been occupied with fetching tea and receiving notes, though she is leaning against the side of the table, probably not so subtly as she hopes. She accepts the tea from him, giving him first a faint frown, then a small nod.

Nova always accepts a cheek kiss from Tarik. She had been peeking to those research notes, but then she glances up to his eyes with a serene smile then quietly intones, "It is a beautiful story. I love stories like this."

Alina stares at Rukhnis. "Your jewelry is strange," she says bluntly. "Are you one of the Eurusi refugees? I did not think they had money."

Glancing down to the interactions below, Nova quietly clears her vocal cords.

Ras glances back to Braelynn and offers an informal little salute, two fingers shot off from the side of his forehead. An awkward grin accompanies the motion, and he looks back at Rukhnis just in time to catch Alina's statement. He blinks and his brow knits uncertainly as if he's not sure how to react, but the messenger returns before he has a chance to decide if he's going to interject or not.

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

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

Valencia blinks to Alina's thoughts. "Oh, I should hope not. Our events are held to raise spirits and support for good works. All here are welcome to spart and it is all above board. And, to be true, my lady, all are welcome here. The Hart is a place for everyone in Arx to call second home," she offers back with warm accord. "We have many guests from all of Arx. We are honoured to see them well welcomed and cared for," she adds with a cheerful smile.

Rukhnis blinks sharply at the sudden question from Alina, whom she apparently hadn't even really noticed before. She looks at the other woman for a long moment, then answers quietly, "I suppose you could say that I am, though I have been in Arx for three years now, and in the lands of the Compact for longer than that." She raises her eyebrows, politely inquiring. "Where is it that you hail from?"


One of Piccola's eyebrows rises when Ras reacts to what Braelynn calls him. Then, she turns to her companion, and talks to her in a lower voice where they are standing.


"I am from Lycene, myself," Valencia offers with a gentle smile to Ruknis. "But pray, my lady. I do not think we have had pleasure of meeting before," she calls up warmly to the woman. "I am the Princess Valencia. I'm so very pleased to welcome you to my Hart. I hope you will return often now that we are acquainted," she invites with a little look to Alina and back. "We are all friends here. That is the way of the Hart, yes?"

Ras makes a gesture with the second note in his hand and mumbles something to Rukhnis, then glances up into the rafters. Alina gets an unfriendly stare before he backs up a step and turns around, apparently headed out.

Alina checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 16 lower.

"Oh," Alina says in response to Valencia. "That is very charitable." She looks at Rukhnis with obvious curiosity. "I am from Redreef Shores. That is in the Mourning Isles, which is to the east. It is ruled by Great House Thrax. How did you leave Eurus? Were you a noble?" Her tone isn't hostile in the least. It's simply inquisitiveness, completely unburdened by any concept of etiquette or grace. If she weren't obviously grown, one might think her a child. She looks at Ras with some confusion.

"Did I offend your manservant?" she asks. "I am sorry."

Nova quickly kisses Tarik on his cheek before she moves to climb down from the rafters above -- after which she meets Sir Floppington the soulful hound and tenderly pets the floppy ears -- then slowly meanders toward the bar scene.

Ras is already departing and totally didn't hear himself referred to as a manservant.

Valencia listens quietly to the exchange before stepping in. "My Lady Alina, I have heard of Redreef Shores. I understand it is a pretty place. Tell me? How are you finding Arx this season?" she asks as she gently tries to turn the topic with an apologetic glance to Rukhnis and Ras who is already heading to the door.

Rukhnis inclines her head to Valencia, telling her, "I believe we have met once before, but it was quite some time ago, when I was still very new to the city. I am pleased to see you again, and to see the Hart as busy as ever." She then continues to listen to Alina with perfect courtesy, though she rather spoils this at the end by nearly choking on her tea. "He is not my servant," she tells the inquisitive woman, sounding slightly offended for the first time. "He is my friend, and a very skilled investigator." She exhales in a quietly grumbling noise and composes herself again as she studies Alina. "I have spent time in the Mourning Isles," she says. "As for how I came here, I imagine I came the way everyone does -- by sea."

Setting his hands upon the table, Dimitri is looking towards Rukhnis, only to offer a smile before his gaze plays over in the direction of Alina, "My Lady, perhaps you should be a touch more .. considerate in your words, lest you risk offending someone." The glass is brought up to his lips, the remaining drink within drained before he's settling it back upon the table.

Recovering the rest of her courtesy, Rukhnis adds to Valencia with a bow, "I am Rukhnis al-Katibi, lately of Eurus, as you hear."

Nova walks down to the bar area as Sir Floppington precedes her to Rukhnis, to whom he offers nose and ears to hands if the physician might wish to pet.

Braelynn has finished the glass she's drinking and risen from the bar, preparing to exit. Her eyes shift to the gathering of people that seem to be growing a little more heated. She nods to Piccola, picking up the bottle of whiskey, or what's left of it, and weaving her way through the people toward the exit.

"Oh, please accept my apology. I'm so glad you have returned. Would you care to join us for drink?" Valencia invites with a little look to the door and back. "Rukhnis al-Katibi, I am honoured to meet you again. I hope you and your friend Missere Ras will visit us more often so I might get to know you both better. You are both most welcome." A gentle smile is offered to Dimitri as he speaks and she bows her head to him.

Alina steeples her fingers and furrows her brow. It makes her eyes look even more sunken and hollow. "Fascinating. I know nothing of the Dune Kingdoms. I had heard that the Dune Emperor is Alaric the Third. That will pose interesting legal questions, if true. Perhaps you can teach me aspects of Eurusi law. I am sure that the customs of that land are very different from ours." To Valencia, she says, "It is very confusing. I am not used to meeting so many people. I am supposed to advance my station before returning to Redreef Shores, but it is very difficult to find a person who desires a political marriage."

Perhaps not so shocking to literally anyone listening to the woman.

Alina looks at Dimitri with obvious confusion. "I did not mean offense. I thought everything I said was correct."


Piccola quietly makes her way out too. She does turn about to make sure that the conversation surrounding Alina hasn't broken into a war of words or challenges, but her retreat takes her out of the Hart's Arena soon, whereupon she journeys away to parts to be determined.


Piccola has left the bar.

Braelynn has left the bar.

2 House Deepwood Guards, Tobias, a pine marten leave, following Braelynn.

"No apologies of any kind are required," Rukhnis assures Valencia, "as it was so long ago, and the meeting so brief." Feeling the softest and most discreet nudge at her hand, she glances down to find the ever-faithful Sir Floppington there, who is rewarded with a gentle rub behind the ears.

Dimitri's offering an incline of his head towards Valencia before looking back over towards Alina, "Words are a powerful thing, Lady Redreef and the manner in which they are wielded can inflict great offense, even if what is spoken happens to be correct. Bluntness, while appreciated at times, must be measured with politeness." There's a smile given towards Alina, "I would recommend speaking with someone from Whisper House. They are better suited to explaining and assisting with such things."

Sir Floppington gratefully gazes with soulful eyes up toward Rukhnis for those bestowed pets, and he gently wags, too. Nova steps up and gently pats him on the sides with both hands, bringing out that ripe watermelon sound from him. Glancing up, she smiles softly to Rukhnis as they simultaneously pet the dog.

"All right, there really needs more drinking." Tarik lets out overly dramatic sigh, "Summertime in Arx is already too bothersome without having cold drinks in their hand, so I humbly request that we start with some rounds of drinks. I will but the first round in honor of successful expidition to the Everwinter with the help of Goodman Rukhnis's friend by the way, of my friendship with Princess Valencia, and my future marriage to one of the best archers and research partners in Arx.

Rukhnis, having considered Alina with the fortifying influence of Flops, finally says, "I am afraid I know next to nothing about the law as it is followed in the various Dune Kingdoms. I imagine it differs from one kingdom to the next, as the customs do, but I confess I am equally ignorant of all such legal matters." She bows a little to Rowenova as the scout approaches behind her hound, greeting her, "Rowenova. I hope that the night finds you well, and that you have been well these last many weeks also."

Alina looks mildly scandalized. "How could you obey the laws if you had no idea what they were?" she asks, pale eyes bulging slightly. The aesthetic effect is unfortunate.

"Even so, please allow me to mend such a silly lack of remembering. I am embarrassed," Valenica offers a gentle smile to Rukhnis. To Piccola and Braelynn as they depart, another warm and gracious nod.

Reaching out, Valencia sees that all the glasses at her table are filled again before settling back again as Dimitri offers his kind advice. "Just so, the Whispers are the epitome of grace and diplomacy. I only wish I was so gracious," she notes with a graceful nod. A sympathetic nod is offered to Tarik as he speaks of the heat. "I can only imagine, my missere. And you are far too gracious," she smiles shyly, her cheeks coloring again. "But to be true, it is I who should be drinking ot all of you. You fill my Hart and heart with such joy and I am so grateful."

The mention of additional drinks draws a little chuckle from Dimitri and he's giving an incline of his head in the direction of Tarik, only to then turn his attention towards Valencia, "That they are. But I fear I should be on my way. There are a few things that I need to attend to. It was a pleasure to finally make my way here, Your Highness, and I do look forward to venturing back again." To the others that had gathered, he's giving an incline of his head and a smile, "I hope you all enjoy the rest of your time."

"It is in fact easier than you might think," Rukhnis tells Alina, looking very vaguely amused. "One simply refrains from killing, hurting, stealing, and being similarly profoundly offensive to others, and generally one does quite well. Indeed, I know vanishingly little of legal affairs in Arx itself, and have not been clapped in gaol yet." She takes a sip of tea and continues to pet Floppington, who is always diplomatic.

Tarik checked command + animal ken at difficulty 11, rolling 24 higher.

Alina takes out a small notepad. "So killing, hurting, stealing, and being... 'similarly profoundly offensive' to others are all illegal in Eurus. /Fascinating/," she breathes. "How did you come here? What was your profession in the desert?"

Tarik checked command + animal ken at difficulty 22, rolling 39 higher. Tarik rolled a critical!

Dimitri has left the ringside table.

Marly Aarden, a quietly assertive servant arrives, delivering a message to Tarik before departing.



Lord Santiago sits at the table, silent this whole time in such a way as to nearly fade into non-existence. Yet, at mention of Eurus the Minister of Tor leans forward on the table and in his thorny aeterna coat, settles both hands together. Gazing over those present.

Nova pets down Sir Flop on his sides where she just patted him all up then stands up to her full height once more, so the good boy can completely focus upon his favorite physician. Then, Nova admiringly regards Tarik. "Thank you, Love." Then, she smiles softer before quietly telling Rukhnis, "I am well. Thank you." She certainly seems to be incredibly content right now. Not saying all that much, but just basking in the good will sent her way by multiple people.