The Queensrest is populated as always with nobility, both beloved and spurned by the staff alike. And a few commoners sprinkled in as well for good measure. Alarissa has been moving from small group to small group, mainly those speaking in the languaes at the tables that she knows. Alaricite arm peering out from beneath the umbra and seasilk. Drinks of all kinds are indeed available for this in want and the atmosphere is lively on this warm summer afternoon and promises to be one of learning, or at least of twisting tongues.

Spontaneous applause erupts in the Queensrest Inn for the wildly famous visitor.

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

Axelle, a personal valet, 1 Iron Guardsmen, Bonehilda, the prettiest-colored spider arrive, following Felicia.

Octavian, a silken spaniel, an aid in Kennex livery, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Zoey.

Appolonia has joined the Bar.

Alarissa has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

The staff of the Queensrest drop their cool detachment and brighten considerably as they give cloying service to their newest guest.

Spontaneous applause erupts in the Queensrest Inn for the wildly famous visitor.

The normally aloof staff of the Queensrest Inn all fawn obsequiously over one of the most respected and famous luminaries of the Compact arriving.

The staff of the Queensrest drop their cool detachment and brighten considerably as they give cloying service to their newest guest.

Spontaneous applause erupts in the Queensrest Inn for the wildly famous visitor.

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guard, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants arrive, following Monique.

Tamorin, a bubbly Whisper apprentice, Evensong, a twittering songbird, Monique arrive, following Anisha.

Renato, an overconfident courier arrives, following Kaia.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant arrives, following Mikani.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Seton, A Velenosian Assistant leave, following Cerys.

2 Whitehawk Guards arrives, following Sapphira.

Umber, a bay courser, A darling cremello Artshall mini horse wearing a red blanket, Sapphira arrive, following Oddmun.

Zoey has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Renato, an overconfident courier leaves, following Kaia.

Rinel has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Evander arrives early. Even though it is summer, the Count-Consort of Darkwater is still wearing a scarf, perhaps as a polite measure in which to cough quietly as he regards the various tables. He seems to choose one at random, but he is effortless in his command of the elven language, or languages, it seems, since they switch halfway through. He doesn't stay where he is, though, moving freely about, and finally settling near the fireplace.

Evander has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Felicia has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Appolonia of Seraceni has joined the bar, where there are several (not enormously fancy) items of Eurusi cuisine set out to go with the traditional supplies of whiskey and other brown liquors that are not whiskey. Appolonia has several copies of her primers, probably for writing reference, but is at this exact moment drinking a glass of one of the non-whiskey liquors.

Rinel has left the Dark Corner Table.

Rinel has joined the Bar.

Monique and Anisha arrive with great fanfare, the lovely Whisper gracing the arm of the Minx of the Marches. Both heads are tilted together in quiet conversation, and Monique looks up at the cheering and obseqious staff, clearly basking in all the attention. "It's all you," she tells Anisha grandly. "They never do this for me. Is there any table you favor in particular? Perhaps the Banquet Table? I'm feeling grand!"

Lisebet enters the Inn quietly, taking a look around, and then smiles. She dips into a small curtsey for Alarissa and any other royalty present. The petite duchess then calls out, "Hello all. Your Highness, where might I be of most use?"

Rinel walks through the door, tilts her head, then goes to the place where the language is most familiar--the bar. She exchanges niceties in the odd sounds of Oathlands-accented Eurusi and gets to chattering.

In Arvani, alarissa calls out as people arrive. "Eurusi, to the bar! Marin'Alfar to the fireplace. That darkest corner is for those wishing to converse in Nox'Alfar, and for Shav tongues-" Alarissa gestures with her right hand toward Monique. "The esteemed Greenmarch will find a place" And with that, she settles to the fireplace that's most certainly not lit and a cold glass of something sweet.

Mikani has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Anisha is of course wearing a new mask for the season, with subtle differences from the one she wore last year. Her umbra is becoming a mainstay, though, and she is happy to be draped against Monique, stifling a chuckle with her hand at the attention from the staff. "Oh, no. It must be at least a LITTLE you," She suggests. "You are the Saviour of Sungreet, after all." She points out, with a small smirk. "And I simply your evoted servant." She looks around, and nods. "Let us be grand. Though I'll warn you, my knowledge of languages is mostly academic. I speak Eurusi passably..." She shrugs. "...But I'll go along and nod and smile and look pretty for you."

Zara has joined the Bar.

Arriving with Sapphira, Oddmun has his lips pulled into a line of thought. "I should learn Northern Shav." he admits to the bard thoughtfully. "After all, I do much of my dealings with them when I am working on finding new horse flesh to train and breed."

There's a glance to Lisebet. "Duchess! Delighted you have come! Sit anywhere! Find a tongue you wish to learn, or already know."

Zoey takes up her spot at the Dark Corner Table with a pot of tea and a tray of cookies.

Monique has joined the Banquet Table.

Anisha has joined the Banquet Table.

Felicia is not usually one for going to the Queensrest, and that no doubt shows with the way she squints at the staff upon arrival before prowling into the room itself. Her usual shock of long red hair has been recently hacked back to something approximately around shoulder length, which has resulted in it going from 'mildly tameable, with patience and trapped in a braid' to a halo of tangled red held back by her circlet. The call from Alarissa has her head towards the Dark Corner, and Zoey, with a smile and respectful dip of her head.

Hamish has joined the Banquet Table.

Monique's snort is full of amusement for Anisha's words. "Salacious Savior was the term I heard used. Can you even imagine?" She leads the beautiful Softest Whisper towards the banquet table, laughter in her tone. "I'll teach you all the best curse words, don't worry. You'll be proficient at saying 'fuck' in all the shav cants by the time the night is through."

Oddmun heads over to the banquet table, looking to see where Sapphira is going to head to. But there's a smile and a bow of his head to Monique and others. "Good evening. I am Lord Oddmun Sanna." he offers, and then chuckles at Monique's proclamation. "That would be a start!"

Most certainly no high lady as evidenced by both garb and the way in which she merely waves goodnaturedly to the pompous staff suggesting other accomidations for her sort, Karina drifts gracefully through the door amidst a gaggle of other courtiers.@r"I really don't know any languages," she remarks in passing to whoever may be nearest her. "None save that of paint and canvas, but I daresay that is not what people are here to learn. Ah, no matter. I'll find a seat anyway and listen. Now where...?"@rEasing from amidst her arriving gaggle, the delicate creature casts ocean deep eyes about her surroundings in an attempt, undoubtedly, to find a place where she might observe without becoming an unmitigated nuissance.

Hamish makes his way through the door of the Queensrest, bordered front and back by Templars who are probably being overcautious given that the Queensrest is rarely a place for one to be assassinated. At least this decade. Hobbies change, after all. After looking around the room and hearing the specialties he heads over and settles down at the banquet table, offering each seated there a nod. "Anisha Whisper." And to Monique, who he doesn't quite recognize, "My lady."

Where Oddmun is found, a certain songbird is not usually far behind in recent times. Still clad in her light blue gown from the afternoon's joust, Sapphira purses her lips for a moment in thought, and nods in agreement. "If you deal with those speaking the language, it makes good sense to learn. My cousin mentioned the possibility of my going North at some point as well. Is it commonly spoken, then? Should I learn it as well?"

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

"Blessed Hamish, I was told today that we should suggest that you have a little stuffed person riding spiders after I had a pony today with a stuffed knight on it's back." Oddmun comments with a grin as he settles in at the table. When Sapphira joins him, he nods. "The Shav tribes of the north do like to have their own little conversations. Plus it will help you learn the songs of the land?"

"...Yes. He offered to marry you," Anisha points out, with a slight grin. "And you are well known for your sensual nature and striking beauty, mm?" She suggests, with a hint of a tease. Drawing out a chair for Monique and settling next to her. Considering carefully. "Yes, that would be useful. Then whenever an Abandoned talks to me in cant I can give myself a little extra challenge with the added vulgarity," She notes with a smirk. Inclining her head to Oddmun. "Well met, Lord Oddmun," She offers bright. "No doubt you know Blessed Hamish," She rises to sketcha curtsey to the pair. "And this is the Saviour of Sungreet, the Minx of the Marches, the one and only Lady Monique Greenmarch," She offers, as Hamish has a hint of confusion. "And I, of course, am the Softest Whisper Anisha. A pleasure. I don't speak any of the shav dialects, I'm merely here to look good and nod appreciatively when you do talk to me." She explains. "But Lady Monique has offered to teach me a few words."

Oddmun has joined the Banquet Table.

Mirk has joined the Banquet Table.

Sapphira has joined the Banquet Table.

Monique casts Alarissa an overly-fond smile before settling in at the banquet table, turning to Anisha, Hamish, Oddmun and Sapphira. "Well, there's plenty of room for all!" And then lowers her voice, presumably to teach the Whisper the first shav language in which to say 'fuck' and to respond to the others happily.

Lisebet hasn't chosen a table as yet, so she's still standing. She gives a good natured smile to Oddmun, Saphhira, Karina and those newly arriving. "Good evening, and welcome," she says lightly. "If you know which languages you wish to learn, there are those set up to teach a variety at the different tables. If you're not sure, please do feel free to meander and perhaps listen in for a bit at each table. I'm Lisebet Ashford by the way and if you are curious about languages in general, I can certainly try to assist."

Mirk walks in, late but unfortunately not fashionably so, and meanders through the room, nodding his head to the familiar faces he passes along the way - that is, most of them. He finds a seat for himself, and glances around at the others. "So what language is this table discussing, hm?"

Monique says in Northlands shav, "I'm teaching them all to say 'fuck' in various shav dialects, Lord Mirk."

Rinel checked perception + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Monique answers Mirk's question, smiling boldly.

Sapphira smiles and dips her head in greeting to those already present at the banquet table, taking a seat next to Oddmun. "Blessed, it's good to see you again. I hope the days since the last we met have treated you kindly?" Anisha and Monique both find themselves on the receiving end of a warm smile, the bardess shifting her gittern case to rest near her seat. "Well met, my Ladies."

As she glances back at Oddmun, she squeezes his hand gently, her expression turned soft and gentle, as dewy-eyed as a schoolgirl. "Very true. I'd be intrigued to hear their songs one day. Perhaps there are one or two you could teach me a bit later, if you wished?"

"Oh dear..."
Turning to Lisebet at the othee female's acknowledgement, Karina offers up a sheepish grin. "Would it be all right if I merely listen and pretend I'm learning something?" she inquires. "Languages do not appear to be my forte, but having just returned from an extended trip back home, it would be nice merely to mingle. Alas, my knowledge of tongues does not venture past Arvani. And given how early you try speaking with me in the mornings, I can't even speak that right."
Babbling is evidently not one of her shortcomings, though the maiden also does not appear to take her lack of linguistic prowess too seriously.

Hans the Helpful arrives, following Magnus.

Anisha enunciates a particular word that Mirk is saying, furrowing her brow and mispronouncing it. It's Lycene Shav, or wanting desperately to be, and it's not very polite, for those that understand it. Glancing to Lisebet and Karina, she chuckles. "I have a limited understanding as well, messere. Please, feel free to join us and you and I can nod sagely and pretend we understand it all. And of course, Duchess Lisebet. I spoke to Lady Sunaia just today. I'd love to speak to you again, if you can find an excuse to join our table as well.

Lisebet chuckles a bit, as she watches those new comers who might need a bit of encouragement gravitate towards a variety of tables. She smiles briefly at them. "I should be happy to chat with you all, or indeed to perhaps learn some bit of a new language." She lets everyone head whichever way, but does add, "You are of course most welcome to mingle, perhaps even sit with Whisper Anisha over here, as she suggests? I should be happy to sit and chat, certainly."

By the fire, Evander is sipping tea and talking in low Marin'alfar with Alarissa and Mikani. There's a brief lift of his fingers Zoey's way, but for the most part he's focused on the conversation.

Magnus had heard there was something going on about teaching languages. And since he dearly needed a reason to not sit at home and start thinking too much, the Marquis decides to drop in on it. Firstly, he didn't expect the Queensrest to be this fancy and now he suddenly feels underdressed. So, he just kind of stands there for a good long moment, before seeing the gathered crowd, deciding that's the best place to start.

e "Thank you."
The words escape Karina upon a relieved exhalation when Anisha addresses her with a most welcoming invitation. Petite shoulders relax with a modicum of visible relief as the slender female places one slippered foot before the other in her approach of the banquet table.
"Thank you, duchess," is murmured toward Lisebet then, Karina pausing in her approach to dip a polite curtsy. To Anisha, she flashes the bright flash of a most winsome smile.
"I've been gone too long. I'm actually rather nervous, being back. The crowd seem larger than I remember. Thank you kindly for your invitation."

Karina has joined the Banquet Table.

Lisebet has joined the Banquet Table.

Hans the Helpful leaves, following Magnus.

Mikani has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Mikani has joined the Dark Corner Table.

"Well met, everyone," Karina greets the table at large, the corners of her lips bowing upward with a ready smile. "Please do forgive my bumbling of your names, because they will be bumbled until I memorize all your faces. And if drinks are involved... that might take longer than it might otherwise do. I am Karina Seabright."
One slender hand rises from the folds of her skirt to curl delicate fingers in a small wave.
"Crass language does not bother me. I probably will not understand it though. Arvani is all I know. Strange. Whenever a stray cat tells me off, it's quite obvious, but people speaking foreign tongues, and I am left wholly oblivious. Mysteries, mysteries."

Sapphira checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 41 higher.

Hamish checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

Sapphira checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Evander stands, murmuring something quietly to Alarissa, before he tucks his scarf tighter around him and makes his way out of the room.

Evander has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Jaq, a solemn looking assistant, 4 Redoubt Buccaneers leave, following Evander.

Alarissa dips her head and rises when Evander departs, off to wander the tables and make sure that everything is going well.

Alarissa has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Alarissa has joined the Bar.

Oddmun checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Mikani has left the Dark Corner Table.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant leaves, following Mikani.

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

Rinel checked composure at difficulty 30, rolling 17 lower.

Vagari The Cinder Cat arrives, delivering a message to Zoey before departing.

Oddmun has left the Banquet Table.

Sapphira has left the Banquet Table.

2 Whitehawk Guards leaves, following Sapphira.

Umber, a bay courser, A darling cremello Artshall mini horse wearing a red blanket, Sapphira leave, following Oddmun.

2 Whitehawk Guards arrives, following Sapphira.

Umber, a bay courser, A darling cremello Artshall mini horse wearing a red blanket, Sapphira arrive, following Oddmun.

Oddmun has joined the Banquet Table.

Sapphira has joined the Banquet Table.

Hamish is overheard praising Symonesse: Second best queen I know!

Zara has left the Bar.

Elena, a solemn knight attache, Alette, a discreet lady's maid, Isabel, a calm diplomatic aide, 4 Valardin Knights leave, following Zara.

Anisha has left the Banquet Table.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: Sitting quietly and enjoying the conversation.

The staff of the Queensrest drop their cool detachment and brighten considerably as they give cloying service to their newest guest.

Spontaneous applause erupts in the Queensrest Inn for the wildly famous visitor.

Tamorin, a bubbly Whisper apprentice, Evensong, a twittering songbird arrive, following Anisha.

Anisha has joined the Banquet Table.

Merek makes a way into the place, looking about while he begins to listen as well.

Monique shouts loudly from nearby, "Fuck!"

Rinel checked composure + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 11 lower.

Rinel yelps in surprise before teetering precariously on her barstool, and then... /thump/. "Ow," she says, in the universal language of a bruised ass.

Anisha shouts from nearby, "And what does that mean in Arvani, Lady Monique?"

Sapphira shouts from nearby, "Or in Northern Shav, Lady Monique?"

Monique has left the Banquet Table.

Oddmun is overheard praising Monique: A great fuck teacher.

As the people at her table slow slip away, Anisha rises, and looks to Karina. "Please do look me up, messere - I should be thrilled to speak to you again, and witness your art." Glancing to Hamihs, she quirks her lips. "And be well, Blessed. I shall always be glad to assist the Faith."

Oddmun has left the Banquet Table.

Sapphira has left the Banquet Table.

2 Whitehawk Guards leaves, following Sapphira.

Umber, a bay courser, A darling cremello Artshall mini horse wearing a red blanket, Sapphira leave, following Oddmun.

Rinel has left the Bar.

Karina has left the Banquet Table.