Princess Sabella is standing by the door here to greet guests as usual! "Welcome! Please help yourself and have a seat or vice versa!"

2 Whitehawk Guards, Oddmun arrive, following Sapphira.

Sunny, an Ostrian Cat arrives, following Orelia.

Sabella may be standing by the door, but Talia has been in the dining room for a while now. Who knows when she slipped in, because it is hard to tell: her dress isn't that different from other servants, the same color but a neater stitch and better fit, slightly more fashionable, maybe. She lingers near the wall, as if ready to serve.

"Just let Martino know I'll have it taken care of, soon as I can,"Thea murmurs to Rocco and sends him off with Finn. Seeing Sabella, the Malvici smiles a bit, and does a small curtsy. Because manners and things. Finally she offers a waves and greets her,"Princess Sabella, good evening. It's been a while it seems since I've been able to attend one of your dinners."

Niklas follows Sabella in, decked out head to toe in ivory, including a coronet that's carved from the stuff. He offers genial waves to all present, leans over to kiss his wife on the cheek and then heads over to plop down at the enormous throne that has been incongruously set at the table for some reason.

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 2 Ashford Archer, 1 Ashford Scout arrive, following Lisebet.

Sapphira smiles as she threads her arm through Oddmun's, lingering for a moment near the door with him. "It'll be alright," she murmurs softly. "I'm certain they'll come to see you through my eyes, Limerance willing." A flick of her deft fingers across his tunic to brush away imaginary dust, and she gently touches his cheek, a smile tugging the corner of her lips upwards.

As she hears Sabella, she turns towards her and smiles, dipping low into a deep curtsey. "Good evening, your Highness. The evening finds you and yours well, I hope?" As always, she has her gittern case slung across her back, ever ready to pluck a tune no matter the occasion. "May I present Lord Oddmun Sanna, a charming gentleman of my acquaintance? Lord Oddmun, her Highness Princess Sabella Grayson."

Oddmun is not used to this. He'd rather be in the stables or out in the field. Here? He's out of place. That is until he sees Niklas decked out completely in ivory. There's a lift of his brows and to Sapphira, he murmurs, "I did not realize that bone is an appropriate dress for this dinner. I will have to ask Volcica about it sometime." he comments.

That is until Sapphira is pulling him forth in an introduction and he bows awkwardly, shaking his head quickly. "Hello, Your Highness. I hope I don't interrupt, Sapphira was rather adamant that I escort her."

Lisebet slips in quietly, leaving guards wherever they go at such functions. She offers a polite curtsey to the royalty and then drifts over to quietly get herself a drink.

Orelia wanders in, probably late, but you would never tell by the casual way way she saunters. She gives a slight bow at the waist to the hostess and smiles. "Evening, highness! Hope you have room for one more."

"Lady Sapphira, Lord Oddmun, how wonderful for you to come," Sabella says warmly as she's introduced, "There's a little bit of everything around so I do hope you find something you like and if you don't do let me know!" Niklas is given a bright smile and Talia a wave, "Lady Thea! I'm so glad you could make it as well! And of course," the last to Orelia with a gesture to the table, "The more the merrier!"

Thea spies Niklas' ivory, like-how can you miss it? She greets him with a smile, not really sure WHAT to say about it. Really! "I heard you won the auction, Prince Niklas. Congratulations. I have more, but I'm not really sure what to do with it." When Sapphire, Orelia, and Oddumn enter, she bows her head, greeting them collectively. Her face masked, but her gold-flecked green eyes ruining whatever she was trying to convey. "Good evening." Thea' eventually smiles and goes to sit. She notices Talia as well, including her in her greeing.

Lisebet's quiet entrance was apparently a success. Drink in hand, she moves towards the others. "Good evening," she says, with a gentle smile. "How is everyone today? Hungry I hope or Princess Sabella's and Prince Niklas' waistlines might be in danger."

Talia curtsies softly when she is waved to, her head ducking as she does so.

Sapphira smiles brightly as introductions seem to go smoothly. "I'm afraid he's right, your Highness, I was a bit adamant. But I was loath to leave his side, and yet family is very important." With Oddmun, she slips into the gathering, taking care to offer an equally deep curtsey to Niklas. "Your Highness, good evening! I trust the evening finds you well also?" There is a hint of amusement to her voice, one eyebrow lofting and her eyes twinkling.

Oh yes. She's keeping an eye on Niklas. No matchmaking shenanigans tonight!

"Can't have that now, can we?" Orelia says, flashing Lisebet a grin as she takes a seat at the table. "I'll do my part then. I burn most of it off when I train anyway."

Oddmun glances aside to Sapphira and gives her a smile. "I think you just wanted to drag me away from the stables for a while. The courser I have been training is coming along nicely, I am almost unsure if I am willing to give him up or if I should save him for later use." he admits with a small smile.

Sabella grins at Lisebet, "They always are, our cooks are just that good! But it's lovely to see you, Duchess!" she looks around and then says, "Now everyone please keep eating but I wanted to let those of you that might never have been here before that we always play a little sharing game where one person will say what they've been up to lately or something they're planning on doing that might interest others and then the most important part is that they pick the person that goes next! So I will start and say that we had a wonderfully productive season doing plays in the Lowers this year and I think we helped inspire a few future boards and musicians and mummers! And so now let me see--Mistress Talia! Do you have something you'd like to share? I heard you are still doing your dazzling collections!"

Talia hesitates, nodding, before she answers in a quiet mumble that likely doesn't go far past those at the closest side of the table that she is not seated at. "Yes, your highness. I had to postpone the latest show to finish the stitching on a few of the gowns," she answers. A pause, before she adds: "I've been promoted to Assistant Guildmaster, and helped lead the Guild's efforts in clothing the Lowers as the whirlpool left many in rags." She slides a look around and then nods to Orelia, offering respectfully: "My lady."

"Well, should you decide to sell more so let me know! This coronet will side with the onyx, platinum and jade coronets in my collection. I believe that for the next blood moon I'll make something using the black pearl, as well." Niklas tilts his coronet just a bit before he turns and offers Talia his attention.

Lisebet grins at Orelia, at her comment. "I suppose I shall attempt my share too," she murmurs. Though she's petite enough that likely won't put much of a dent in the buffet. Sabella's reply wins a smile from Lisebet who shrugs delicately and then nods. "It's true - they are wonderful, admittedly." She arches a brow, as Nikas lists off his coronets, lips quirking in a bit of a smile. "That is quite the collection, your highness."

Sapphira chortles softly, finding a place at the table for Oddmun and herself. "Perhaps. But are we talking about the same sorrel and cream gelding you showed me recently? I know so little of horses, and you so much." She keeps otherwise silent as she settles down at the table, unslinging her gittern case and setting it down near her chair.

Orelia swallows the bite she had been chewing and washes it down with a mouthful of wine. "Well, in addition to having a lot of fun with the summer program, because damn those kids were stinkin' cute, I had my first duel since coming back to the city. I squared off with Lord Drake. Pretty sure I shocked a few folks when I drew first blood." She glances around. "How about you, my lady?" she says with a gesture to Sapphira.

"It is. I haven't given him a name yet. I figured that whoever ends up with it will perhaps want to grant it a name." Oddmun responds as he sits down, hands folded in his lap. "I have been talking with Brianna and Alecstazi on what I could do for an event. An endurance race was bandied about..." but when Orelia speaks to Sapphira, he quiets down so that the bard can respond.

Sapphira nods as she listens to Oddmun, smiling warmly. "Very true, though I imagine that can make training a little tricky? Ohh... a race? Now that would be something to see!"

Oh, but now Sapphira is called upon in the sharing game. "My lady," she replies. "I doubt my days have been quite so exciting as yours, fighting duels. Though truthfully, I must admit they have been good ones. There was the Festival of Death at the Bard's College, where Princess Sabella, Lord Santiago, and Mistress Aconite prevailed in a competition to see who could create the best performance within a very, very short time. Her Highness had simple but wonderful words, I played my gittern, and had a chance to witness some fine dancing by the three on my team."

Now, though, her cheeks do darken, and she can't help a smile. "Many of my days have been spent in the company of Lord Oddmun, though, and I cherish every one of them. But surely, your Highness..." Now she's looking straight at Niklas. "...you have some tales of your own to tell?"

"Always!" says Niklas in response to Sapphira. "There is, of course, the summer series. I believe this is five years in a row. This was a testier year than usual, but in the end it was another triumph and I was glad to participate." Says the prince who wouldn't stop complaining that these so-called plays don't even have SCRIPTS like it's IMPROV or something. "And of course there was my little Tala Everfree play, which, you know, some people consider to be one of the finest works of theatrical entertainment put to page. Which, of course, just makes me shake my head and smile. I have at least one play that's better, making _it_ history's greatest dramatic achievement! Anyhow, after touring the islands and changing the hearts and minds of thousands I decided to go ahead and treat myself." He reaches down and unlatches the case for a lute about half and again as long as most and sets it on his lap. "I'd like to rest on my laurels for a bit, but Dauntless awaits and then my long overdue as-yet-nameless comedy await." After threatening music by giving it a quick strum he looks to Thea. "And you my lady?"

Niklas wields Madrigal, an alaricite and platinum archlute.

Lisebet listens to the tales of duels and performances with some amusement. She gets a plate of food, a small one, and settles to eating as she listens.

Like Lisebet, Oddmun decides to eat, because listening seems much better than trying to figure out what to say.

Thea shifts her eyes and admits,"I have another of the black pearl too." Thea was busy for a bit it seems. "I only offered those up, making Martino promise to donate half of the earnings to Lowers." She is attentive, listening to the others. Taking a sip of wine, Thea looks at Oriela,"I've watched you fight and well--did fight you. You're a fierce competitor. That was a close match between you and Lord Drake." OH! But then her shenanigans! "Well Malvici has been busy with the birth of Lady Kaia and my brother's daughter. So I'm an aunt, and of course my Aunt Eirene is now Lady Eirene Riven." She however says,"Myself? I was helping figure out why some foods from Southport and Ischia weren't making it to the Lowers. Still working on Southports defenses and small projects here and there." Reaching over for a bite of food, the Malvici combat medic admits,"I'm never idle long." Looking to Lisbet, she smiles,"And you?"

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting have been dismissed.

Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting have been dismissed.

2 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.

Clark, an exasperated guard have been dismissed.

Lisebet doesn't look upset to be called on, her own response graceful and relaxed. "I think I've been the most boring of all, of late. Mostly looking after Ashford interests and the children, especially while Harlan is off to visit Ashford lands. Mostly it's been about taking care of family and building up Ashford defenses and infrastructure so that we are well able to help rescue those in need and assist our liege." She pauses, and then adds, "On a more personal note, I've been studying so many things that I think my brain might explode, and am always willing to help diplomatically should it be required."

Lisebet turns to the Sanna lord next, with a gentle smile. "I believe you are next, m'lord."

Oddmun wasn't actually /expecting/ to be called on. For a large man, he can be a downright mouse in a social situation. So when the duchess calls him out he was in the middle of speaking with Sapphira when something that she says causes his cheeks to turn bright red and he clears his throat as he lifts a hand to push it through his hair in thought. "I do not have anything as grand as everyone else. Like I said earlier, helping Lady Brianna and Lord Alecstazi with their festival -- least after I could do after Alecstazi defended my honor at the duel with Princess Zara." he clears his throat and glances aside to Sapphira. "Our houses have talked and agreed to let us start a six month courtship to make sure that we will get along politically to start a marriage negotiation--" And something that the little blonde bard leans over and tells him causes him to clear his throat. "Who's next?" Please someone else be next.

Sapphira turns a lovely shade of rose in her face, coughing lightly. However, her eyes are twinkling and she can't help smiling as she listens to Oddmun. Too, she sidles just a tiny bit closer, keeping otherwise quiet and looking oh so innocent.

"I think that's everyone," Orelia tells Oddmun. "But congratulations on negotiations! Mine are still ongoing."

Niklas looks around, then says to Oddmun, "I do believe that's it! Though I'd certainly be happy to talk about myself some more! I helped Brother Felix breathe cupridium into the world, you know. I didn't do any of the smithing or the alchemy or what have you, but I offered lots of helpful suggestions that I'm certain we're quite important for realizing the final product."

Talia almost chokes on nothing, then coughs as quietly as she can as she shakes her head sharply. It comes rather close after Niklas' last words.

Receiving a messenger, Thea silently nods. She looks over to to Sapphira and Oddmun and smiles,"Congratulations." Her eyebrows lifts a bit at Niklas, congratulating him as well on the cupridium. "I hope to get something with such. I heard great things." Rising to her feet after finish that glass of wine, Thea excuses herself. "It was nice to see you all, but it seems there was an--issues at home." She doesn't ellaborate. Chances are, it's her fault. WHOOPS. "Until next time!"

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

Lisebet's smile grows a bit. "Congratulations my lord and my lady. I do hope things work out to a well negotiated, fair and acceptable accord for you both." She finishes her small plate, and sets it aside, smiling as she listens to the rest of the goings on.

Sunny, an Ostrian Cat have been dismissed.

Niklas ignores any laughter, snorted or otherwise!, and instead focuses on devastating the local wildlife population by enjoying the spoils of several of its members having been recently removed from it and then served at the table. There's a bit of everything. When finished he sits back, picks up his archlute and just goes ahead and starts playing without asking anyone's permission because damn it he's in a throne! That he brought in here without permission and set down and no one ever thinks to take it away! To Talia, while playing, he says, "I do enjoy the fashion you've created to celebrate the houses. Even if I don't care for the houses in question your interpretations have been genuine art. I was saddened that the, uh, economic instability had negatively affected things."

Niklas checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 62 higher.

"Right, Sapphira mentioned seeing if she could attend the event you are holding for the Northlands dresses. She is quite the model, and if things work out, she would like to know what would be the height of fashion for the Halfshav and Sanna houses." Oddmun says, looking to Talia. "Do you have models lined up already?"

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 2 Ashford Archer, 1 Ashford Scout leave, following Lisebet.

Talia's lips press into a line, shaking her head again firmly with a quiet shushing sound, but then-- Niklas is speaking to her, drawing attention to her. She is quick to flush, answering, "Thank you, your highness. They are not the most practical of gowns, of course, but well-- they are meant to capture the Houses they represent." To Oddmun, she shakes her head again. "No. With this line and with Countess Arcadia's untimely death, I thought it best to leave the dresses on mannequins. In the past, I've had someone from the House attend to model them."

Sapphira blushes and smiles a little bit. "My Lord Oddmun speaks too kindly, I have little skill at modeling." She glances about at the congratulations spoken for the courtship, her cheeks darkening but her smile widening considerably. "Thank you all for the kind words. We are hopeful for such, gods willing."

"Well, it IS art! If it were practical it'd be ... math." Niklas grimaces at the very idea. Minister of Income, folks. "Or, like, wedges and inclined planes. What are those?" Immediately losing interest in whatever he was saying he looks back to Sapphira. "I don't recall the announcement, will Lord Oddmun be joining Whitehawk or the other way around?"

"It's very recent, just the past days have seen talk of courtship," Sapphira replies. "Thus far it's been back and forth between the Voices of each House. My cousin was most insistent upon at least a six-month courtship period before more formal negotiations would begin. Neither of us had any objections to such." Her cheeks darken, but she smiles.

"The way nobles fall in and out of infatuation--," Talia starts to mumble, catches herself, and then stops. She murmurs an apology. Before finishing with a soft: "It is rather smart, in any case, to have a minimum courtship."

Niklas sniffs faintly at Talia's comment, but instead of sharing Opinions instead says to Sapphira, "Well, I do hope he'll end up a Whitehawk. I sometimes worry for poor, increasingly-lonely Baron Silas at Hawkhold, hoping some friends stop by for tea and a bit of chat."

Sapphira nods and smiles warmly. "Agreed, my Lady. To have at least a minimum courtship is indeed wise. I was most insistent upon seeking my cousin's wisdom as well as his blessing upon the whole matter." She sighs softly, reaching for a bit of fruit and cheese to nibble upon. "I think, perhaps, it is because of just such a thing as you speak of, the way people can become infatuated so easily. No offense is taken at all."

Turning to Niklas, Sapphira smiles and cants her head. "That may well be a matter to be addressed a bit later on," she remarks. "I'm quite set upon enjoying the months ahead for the blessing they are."

"Oh, no. No, not my lady," Talia corrects quickly, turning red. A smile flickers at her lips, before she introduces herself in clarification, "I am Mistress Talia Baseborn, tailor and owner of Elegant Impressions."

Sapphira flushes lightly, and offers an apologetic smile. "I stand corrected, Mistress Talia." Her eyebrows loft, and she seems to think for a moment. "I'm not certain if I've been to your shop. My mind has been... elsewhere." Cough. "I might stop by one day soon, though."

"Of course. You're welcome, at any time," Talia offers to Sapphira quietly, tipping her chin. She curtsies to Sapphira and Oddmund, before she adds: "I do need to finish the dresses for the coming show. If you'll excuse me-- My congratulations of your courtship, my lord, my lady."

Sapphira inclines her head towards Talia. "Mistress Talia, an honor and a pleasure, and many thanks to you. I look forward to the show. If you would be so willing as to send a messenger confirming the date and time, it would be a pleasure to attend."

Talia nods, confirming that she will, and curtsies again before she slips out of the dining room through a servants' entrance rather than the way most of the family or noble guests enter and leave.

2 Whitehawk Guards have been dismissed.

Sunny, an Ostrian Cat leaves, following Orelia.