Things in The Spirits are probably as they normally are: people are probably sitting, talking, drinking, maybe eating, more drinking, definitely drinking.. When in busts a red-headed shaman in shades of pink and blue, looking almost... bubbly? What a rare sight to see Khanne looking so energetic.

As the door bumps open, Khanne lifts her arms up in the air and yells, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!!!!" And just in case anyone is confused, she adds, "To me! Drinks are on me tonight folks! Let's celebrate! Belatedly!"

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant, 2 Redrain Guards, Stompy arrive, following Gwenna.

Garibaldi, the Lycene swordbearer, 3 House Mazetti Guardians arrive, following Theron.

A gaunt young man with oily black hair and ice blue eyes, 3 House Mazetti Guardians, Theron arrive, following Braith.

Kritr has just finished his sixth post-workout beer. He looks down at the six, and then up at the bartender. He holds up three fingers and raises an eyebrow. "Duchess Halfshav. Happy birthday. Which number are we celebrating tonight?"

Merek makes a way into the place to celebrate, although keeping to himself, while he smiles, "Happy birthday!" he says as well.

a

Rosalind is just about to answer Krit, but what--she yells,"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Rosalind waves to Khanne laughing,"Should I go grab you a cake?!"

Gwenna might always need a drink these days, what with all the doings of the Compact. But to have a drink /and/ celebrate something like a birthday? Double-win. Word in the ward travels fast and the Redrain arrives attired in spiderwebs and looking rather cheerful. "Happy Birthday," is offered, her tone matching her expression. "I even have a gift! But first, I need a very large, very chilled glass of white wine."


Surprises! There are more than a few surprises today and Braith steps in with Theron. When you drink in the Redrain quarter you are likely to be met with whiskey and more whiskey. "Poor husband," she croons at him but without any sort of actual sympathy for his plight. "They might be able to dig out some brandy for you..." MIGHT. She hums as she catches sight of Khanne but having missed her exclamation of drinks on the house she lifts her hand. "Khanne!" She says brightly and without waiting for Theron closes the distance.


Brianna gives Kritr a /look/. "It is her birthday, so she is celebrating whatever number she wants. And of course I have a present, as well," she says, turning to her cousin, "But it's more of a promise of a present. I've paid a painter to do a proper portrait of you. A proper ducal portrait."

Dipping her head towards Kritr as she walks to the barkeep, she says, "Thank you. Uh, I dunno. Twenty something ith. It's not important! It's a celebration!" She smiles, turning towards the bar to make arrangements and agreements for payments. Turning again, she smiles at Rosalind. "Thank you! No, I don't need a... well, I mean... I do like sweets.. what flavor?" She asks, squinting her eyes than shakes her head. "No no.. it's okay, we can send for one!" She smiles at Merek next. "Thank you." Gwenna arrives and makes Khanne go wide-eyed. "Ooh. You look beautiful!" She blinks. "Wait... you have a gift? Oh, you didn't need one!" She resists the urge to snap her fingers to get Gwenna a chilled wine, calmly turning instead to ask for one from a passing server. "I of course will tip all the wait staff." Braith and Theron walk in as well. "Braith! Hi! Welcome!" She looks to the bartender with a tilt of her head. "Brandy?" Barkeep offers some sort of nod and she shrugs, nodding as well. "Surely... but uh, I don't know how good it is. I have some apricot brandy in my suite..." She pauses, then adds, "oh, by the way, I am celebrating my birthdya that was... um..." She stops to count the days. "Um, more than a week ago. Anyway! Come! Celebrate!"

A sword is never late, a Sword arrives precisely when The Wife determines it seems. Theron does indeed allow himself the luxury of The Sigh of The Long Suffering Male as Braith gives false sympathy. Theron is already making exagerrated faces at being in close proximity to the home of so much northern whiskey. Then The Wife is rushing off ahead without him, which draws another sigh and a roll of the eyes. However, for Khanne, Theron has a wide smile upon his features. He bows deeply. "As always, good to see such a true family friend, Lady Halfshav. Pardon my wifes... exhuberant spirit."

Khanne blinks then and is moving to Brianna to give her cousin a hug. "You did what? Really? Aww, Bri Bri." A loud smooch is pressed to Brianna's cheek.

"That's why I asked." Kritr says, hands upraised in helplessness. "I wasn't going to assume." Three beers, delivered, Kritr is indulging tonight.


"Pardon me? Why? Exuberant spirit is the hallmark of a good time ahead. And since we are celebrating Khanne's birthday why not be so?" She chuckles and then notes Brianna with a bright smile. "Brianna, it is good to see you," she remarks warmly as she steps up closer to the bar. "Nightgold whiskey," she asks of him when he has a free moment and not being harried with all the orders. She can wait. EXUBERANT indeed.

She turns her head to look at Theron and Khanne, a simple but fond smile curling across her lips.


Once that big glass of chilled white wine is in hand, Gwenna's smile broadens just that much more. "That's a brilliant gift, Lady Brianna! I bet it will be an absolutely stunning portrait. How could it not be?" She then makes a small snorting sound as she turns to said Duchess. "How could I not bring a gift? It's a birthday celebration! Though nothing terribly fancy, I admit," is noted as she holds out a candle with some fancy ribbon tied around it. "It's supposed to be a soothing scent. I keep a few around myself and would near swear by them."

_lable

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After parting from Brianna, Khanne moves to grasp a hand and the forearm of Theron in her grasp in greeting. "Mazettis are always welcome wherever I am, as far as I am concerned. It is good to see you." Chuckling, she adds, "and there is nothing to pardon... I adore your wife!" Aside to Kritr, Khanne grins, "better than wishing me a happy fiftieth if I am not even thirty, yeah?" She offers him a wink. Taking the candle from Gwenna, she lifts it up in front of her to inhale the scent. "Mmm.. beautiful. I love lavender. Thank you, Princess Gwenna. The Spirits know I could use some soothing sometimes."

"I wasn't going to go higher than forty, promise." Kritr deadpans. "Happy birthday. If I were the sort to make something, or buy something, I'd get you something. Belatedly. That means late. Why not just say... late?"

Rosalind realizes something and grins,"Hey! I'll be right back!" She waves to everyone and darts toward the door, her eyes light up with a plan!

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound, Honeymare leave, following Rosalind.

"Spirits and ancestors save me." Theron quietly laments as he gives his wife a fond but clearly exasperated smile. "As you wish, of course, dear." Theron looks to see what other faces he knows, letting Braith do as she is wont to do. Then there is Khanne, and he returns the gesture. "We like you quite a bit too, Lady Khanne." At the mention of Braith. "Oh, I adore her too, she's not boring. But she is a handful, which is where I think my son gets his energy. Hmmmm. I wonder, how does one get a watcher for the wife...." The Ostrian Guardians outside, if they could have heard, likely would count their blessings to be outside. "Hmmm. Early twenties still, yes?" Theron too starts with the age guessing.

Lifting in glass in a bit of a toasting motion to Khanne, Gwenna offers a few nods. "I suspect we all could use something soothing, at times. There's a shop in the Lowers that sometimes stocks a variety of candles. I /might/ have bought them nearly out once, but who might blame me for it? I got no few of the lavender and a couple of applewood ones that are lovely as well. Next time I've occasion to be near that shop, I'll see if they've stocked again." She then offers some greetings to the rest who have come to celebrate before moving to take a seat and enjoy a few good long sips of her drink. Rosalind's departure is watched with some curiosity. "I am both excited and a little afraid of what she may return with," she says with a chuckle.

Gwenna has joined the Sturdy Table.

Brianna takes a seat near her cousin, waving off the whiskey and ordering a lemonade with mint instead. "So what trouble can we get you into tonight? I wish Perce were here. We could have fun embarrassing him. In a friendly way."


Seated on the stool at the bar - well no Braith is more leaning against it along with the bar before her. Nightgold whiskey ordered she watches to see if anyone can find that brandy for Theron. "You love me," she says back to Theron. "You got lucky and you shoudl really be thanking Hadrian." A bright smile paints the bards lips as she pushes dark curls from her face, jasmine oil allowing them to stay somewhat under control. She chuckles to herself, beginning to hum and tap her foot to some tune she's emitting in an impromptu manner at the bar. OH! Brandy is found and when her own drink is set out she turns about and holds both, lifting the brandy so Theron can see. "You have thus been saved from heresy. I know your soul is delighting."


Kritr has joined the Sturdy Table.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound, Honeymare arrive, following Rosalind.

At Kritr's comment, Khanne reaches up to pat her face, aghast, feeling for wrinkles or other signs of age. "I mean... I know I don't sleep enough sometimes... do I really look that old? And... because... belatedly sounds fancier than late. Maybe... I dunno." But then, Theron counters with early twenties and she gives him a wink. "See, another reason to like the Mazettis. Flatterers. I am glad Arik is not here to hear you speak of your son.. he'll be on me again about heirs." There is a dramatic eye roll. "In my own time.. in my own time..."

As Gwenna finds a seat, Khanne smiles. "I have bought gifts for others there as well! Though it's been some time. Lovely little store." About Rosalind, Khanne looks towards the door the woman had exited and nods. "Right? She seemed a bit excited and.. it's good to be wary of plans... I mean, unless they are your own...or well, thinking back on some of mine... maybe those too." She laughs then is sweeping through the room again, her silk skirts flowing about her, the slit showing a very pale leg before she loops her arm in Brianna's just before her cousin sits, turning her in a circle then letting her go to take her seat. "Oh.. believe me, I wish Perce were here too...." She pouts. "He does turn the prettiest shade of red sometimes, but alas, he is in Telmarch visiting some of his family there."

Rosalind hurries back in. Kinda. She's got something in her hands, so she's a bit slower. Which is good. There's still that limp. R

Rosa hurries to Khanne and plops her creation in front of Khanne and grins. "HERE! Everyone needs cake on their birthday!" Well, not plop. Plop would make it messy.

Rosalind drops A cheery birthday cake quickly but happily decorated.

Kritr shakes his head, lifting his beer. "To your continued youth and beauty. May you age backward but not all the way." He eyes the cake.

Gwenna smiles brightly at Khanne. "Isn't it the loveliest shop?" And then the Ravenseye noblewoman is bounding back in. "Oh, Lady Rosalind! I think that is the one of the most cheerful birthday cakes I have ever seen. As well, it looks delicious."

He came here for a drink, but it seems he's staying for a birthday party given the plentifulness of well-wishes directed to Khanne. Making his way to the counter, he orders some beer for himself and turns, regarding the crowd. A few familiar faces here and there, so he bows in their general direction to be all-encompassing. Lifting his glass of whiskey to Khanne, he calls out, "Congratulations, my Lady." And then slams back that drink, pushing his glass forward for a refill.

"I do." Theron responds to Braith at the bar. "I will not." On the topic of thanking Hadrian with an air of an inside joke between them. At the raising of brandy, Theron puts a hand to his chest with an 'Oh thank the Gods' gesture. "I -do- love you." He turns to wink towards Khanne. "Sometimes quite capable of great truths Lady Khanne, let me get out of your way. We will be sure to sweep you up again in shenannigans soon enough." Theron once again bows deeply in respect and turns towards The Wife and the bar. Then he pauses as Rosalind hurries back in with a cake. "Oho! Well done! Lady Rosalind! Cake. Should have thought of a cake for..." Theron trails off thoughtfully on his walk for Brandy.

Theron has joined the Bar.

Braith has joined the Bar.

Rosalind is a little out of breath, because she was RUNNING! "You're welcome!" Rosa plops herself again next to Krit and grins at Gwenna too,"Hi best patron ever! How are you?!" The redheaded Ravenseye herself is sporting some new scars on her face and probably everywhere else. It's good. "Hi everyone else I haven't greeted yet! How are you?!"


Braith sets down the brandy for Theron and sips from her whiskey, watching as the cake is brought in and she can not help but smile. "Mmmm that looks like a joy in every mouthful." This is a compliment to Rosalind as she chuckles and then sips again from her glass as she as she turns about to settle on the stool and place an elbow on the bar to lean on. Amund is noted and is given a lofting of her glass before she leans over and places a kiss upon the Sword of Ostria's cheek. "You love the North...you must if you are here smelling the whiskey alone." She winks at him.


"Oh, isn't that cake the most precious thing?" Brianna coos. "You all are lucky Caleb isn't here. He'd find a way to abscond with it."

Surprised when Rosalind return, Khanne laughs at the sight of the cake. "Oh, you didn't have to.. it's lovely! So... colorful! I love it! Thank you!" She chuckles then to Kritr and dips her head to him. "Thank you, kindly." As Gwenna comments on the cheerfulness of the cake, Khanne says, "right?" She then stops a server and asks for some plates and a knife for cutting. When they return, the server takes it upon themselves to slice and dole out pieces of the cake to anyone who wants one. "Extra tip for you," Khanne grins. Spotting Amund's raised glass, she smiles and waves. "Thank you! Don't drink me broke!" She winks then laughs to Theron. "You better!" She points to both he and Braith. "I need more shenannigans!" A beat as she turns to Brianna. "We will definitely save him a piece."

Kritr rattles his empty stein into the same wet spot from where he collected it and moves on to another, already delivered. "Do you bake a cake every day on the off-chance of there being a birthday party?" He asks Rosalind.

Gwenna beams a smile at Rosalind. "I'm well enough, I think! How are you, darling protege? We really don't get together enough, my lady. The Compact seems to keep us all busy and dashing from one thing to another," is noted with a wry laugh. "That cake is /amazing/, truly. The bright pink frosting? It's so cheerful. I can hardly wait to try some of it." She pauses to sip from her glass again. "How have you been? Family is well, I hope? Despite the whirlpool causing havoc with shipping." She laughs, overhearing Brianna. "Jorah just turned two and I suspect he'd be quite interested in the cake as well," she calls over. And then cake is passed out and the Redrain hushes to try the confection /immediately/.

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

"Why? Do you want one too?" Rosa asks Kritr already. "I can get you one for your birthday! I'll put teeth on it!" Or maybe she ran to a bakery and begged them to let her decorate. Rosalind is awfully chatty. "I agree! We should get together more,"the Ravenseye tells Gwenna. "I've been good. Uh--staying out of trouble the last couple of months. Since the last expedition. I think Aella is close to locking me away soon." She may almost be serious. Taking a big drink from her mug, she smiles,"Im really glad you all like the cake! Everyone needs that on their birthday! And oh yeah! Kids too!" Taking a slice for herself. OH! CAKE!

"Happy birthday, cousin!" That would be Reve, who absolutely does not bother waiting to actually check to ensure that, yes, a birthday party is actually occurring at The Spirits. He makes this grand declaration with a forceful push of an entry into the establishment, boisterous as can be. Someone evidently is in quite fine spirits this evening. Even finer as he spies the crowd and amongst them the Duchess herself. A glass of whiskey is snared from a passing staff member, with him mouthing a 'thank you' as he goes. "You see?" and he zig-zags around this or that patron. "I arrived just in time for your birthday."

Orion, a healer's surly Assistant arrives, delivering a message to Reve before departing.

"No promises, my Lady. But I can promise it won't be anymore than one or two bottles!" Amund calls out back to Khanne with a slight lopsided twist to his lips as he orders three more shots. He reaches for a new one, and also lifts it to Braith, inclining his head to the bard before finishing off yet another shot of whiskey. He's not accepting the cake, it seems, but he sure is accepting the free drinks. "That Whitehold premium, the twenty-year," he tells the bartender, nudging the shot glass forward. "It's the Duchess's birthday, after all."

"I am here for a good friend of my family, to help her celebrate." Theron mock-grumbles at the wife while grinning. "I am also here to get my wife out of the Manor before she loses her mind." A pause. "Thrain will be fine." Theron waves away concern for their son with the maids. "Likely he is smiling and breaking hearts already." He plucks up the glass intended for him and sips at it immediately. There is a solid snort of amusement as Khanne demands shenannigans. "Have them you shall!" A glance back to Braith. "Shall I fetch the Lady Mazetti some cake, or does she wish to have another drink first?" He lounges into the bar to sip and observe everyone else.


Braith gives Khanne a mischevious look before she studdenly stands up on the rungs of her stool and lifts her voice to be heard.

"OI! Gather round as I sing this song
In honor of a well known lady
For as old as she gets the younger she seems
So lets all sing along......

Her voice builds on the last before she launches into the chorus.

"One year older, two years younger
How does she do it no one knows
Who cares when theirs drinks and the correct chorus
Huzzah for Vala Khanne!"

Do not be shy and stamp your feet
To whatever beat you may sense
No one is wrong when its time to celebrate.
Come now keep the beeeaaat." She lets her voice raise again and begins the chorus anew.

"One year older, two years younger
How does she do it no one knows
Who cares when theirs drinks and the correct chorus
Huzzah for Vala Khanne!"

She did ask for Shennanigans and by all appearances she is looking ready to climb on the bar to dance.

Brianna is overheard praising Braith.

Theron is overheard praising Braith: Least Boring Wife Ever


Braith quickly asides to catch her breath before chorus again, "Yes, cake. Always cake!"

Theron is overheard praising Khanne: Many more happy birthdays for you!

Mirk wanders in late to the party, though obviously not missing all the fun, judging by Braith's singing. "Cousin," he says to Khanne with a nod of his head. "I heard you were throwing a birthday party. What birthday is it? Have you hit thirty yet?" There's a chuckle lacing the words, clearly joking, and he stops by the bar to hand over a little silver for a bottle of whiskey.

Braith checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Kritr loves sing alongs. Soon as the chorus starts the second time around he is all in, well as much as he can without asking either Gwenna or Rosalind to let him out. He stomps from a sitting position. "One year older, two years younger..." He didn't get quite catch all of that.

Khanne is still standing, ready to flit about and move from person to person, though she now has a plate in one hand with cake on it and a fork in the other. She takes a big bite and starts chewing as she mumbles to those about. "Lifting her fork to gesture to Rosalind, she says, "it's delicious! Thank you!" Sticking her tongue out, she then asks, "is it pink?" She turns. "Reve! Hi! Thank you!" Chuckling with a nod she says, "yes, yes you did. You timed it perfectly." She lifts her fork again, this time to Amund. "Okay.. okay, that won't break me too badly... " but she winces when he orders.

But then she just stops, looking mouth agape as Braith starts to sing. Her foot begins to tap and she laughs with joy. She even sets down her cake in order to applaud loudly at the end. "Thank you! Thank you!" Spin... "Mirk! Hi! I am! No, not thirty yet," she pushes his arm lightly and sticks out her tongue. "Wait! Hey! Hey!" she waves at the barkeep. "give him back the silver, I am buying tonight!"

"I doubt Aella would ever /truly/ lock you away," Gwenna says to Rosalind. "I mean, I'm sure she knows you'd figure a way out anyhow." The Redrain laughs a bit at that before taking a few more small bites of cake. "This is divine. My birthday is in July, Lady Rosalind, and I will certainly hope for a cake then - but not before!" She sees more people have arrived and espying Mirk, offers the Halfshav nobleman a cheerful wave. Braith's performance is quickly followed by a few claps of her hands. "Brilliant!"

Khanne is overheard praising Braith: A deligfhtful song from a delightful friend!

Braith is overheard praising Khanne: May you continue to enjoy your years!

Braith is overheard praising Rosalind: CAKEGIVER! GIVER OF LIFE!

Rosalind is comfortable with her cake and beer(best combo right!), when suddenly Braith suddenly hops up on the bar. AND SINGS! Rosa bursts out cheering and cheers! "Amazing!" Downing her glass. When Khanne sticks out her tongue, she laughs harder and nods,"It totally is!"

Oh! New people! When Reve enters, Rosalind waves,"Hi! I'm Rosalind Ravenseye! Ros or Rosa for short--bu-HI MIRK!" Rosalind is clearly enjoying the birtday party..even if it isnt't hers. "Sure Gwenna! Just make sure Aella doesn't lock me up!" Kidding! Kinda...

Braith is overheard praising Theron: A husband who will help me stand on a bartop to sing. Best husband.

There is a slow blinking as The Wife breaks into song. He does not seem overly surprised the Lark uses her voice for the occasion however, just that he had no warning she was doing it so soon. He even helps keep the beat for her, that is until he is ordered to produce cake. Cake for The Wife! So Theron steps back away from the bar towards the cake which is not a lie, tp procure said cake. A brief nod towards Mirk, another wink towards Khanne. A bow towards Rosalind for the cake now in his hand bring brought back to Braith.

Braith checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

When Khanne is declaring that he timed it perfectly, Reve is crossing that tumbler of whiskey over his waist and bowing in effortless flourish. This is play, make no mistake about it, for he happens to salute her right after and then down it in one go. This is a party after all, just ignore that contortion of his face due to the first bite of liquor. The next will be far easier. "Lord Reve Halfshav! Most self-declared esteemed cousin of she-who-has-belated-birthday," he greets Rosalind in kind. Or at least returns his introduction. Ah, Mirk! He is saluted with that empty tumbler before Reve progresses onward to find Brianna so he can comfortably try to squeeze a seat next to or near her.

Orion, a healer's surly Assistant arrives, delivering a message to Reve before departing.

"I lied, it'll be only the one, and it's not on your expense." Amund places some silver on the bartop for the 'tender before making his way to Khanne. He sets the bottle on her table and offers a bow of his head. "Happy birthday, and may there be many more to come." With a brief quirk of his lips, the knight turns to depart, wordlessly.


Braith will keep up the performance, singing out the chorus until everyone gets lyrics and its thoroughly caught in their heads. Bartop achieved without incident she bows forwards in a bouncing riot of dark curls before she straightens up and reaches down to grasp up her drink to lift it in Khanne's direction. "Cheers, Khanne." She throws back ther est of her whiskey probably much to Theron's dismay before her head turns and she notes Mirk. "Ahh good cousin! I hope you are well." She says and with care hops right off the bar without incident as well. Huzzah. She does not throw her glass but sets it back down motioning for another as she reaches out to take her cake and steal a kiss from her brandy loving husband. "There we are." She says and settles in to eat and share her desert with Theron.


"Fair enough," Mirk says, pocketing his silver again with a shrug. "Yet," he replies to Khanne. "Try not to have too much fun partying." He raises his bottle as if in a salute to Reve. "Cousin. It's unusual to see so much of the family in one place. Good, though." He looks around. "Well enough, Cousin. Well enough. And I don't need to ask how you are. The singing tells me that much," he replies with a chuckle. There's a nod of his head to Gwenna and to Rosalind both, returning their greetings casually, before he finds a table to sit at.

Kritr raises his beer to greet Mirk, the crowd is full of new or vaguely familiar faces to him, he latches onto Mirk's arrival with interest. "MIRK!" He shouts, just to make sure his greeting isn't missed.

Mirk has joined the Sturdy Table.

There is a laugh as Rosalind confirms to Khanne that her tongue is indeed, pink. "Excellent!" exclaims the shaman Duchess, Duchess shaman, Khanne. To Gwenna she says, "July? I'll have one made for you now so that by July it will be a stone statue!" Shaking her head, she chuckles to Reve at his bow and salute. 'Ah... thank you so much, but please, do keep your silver, drinks are on me tonight. Really, I'm not poor!" She grins and as he leaves, she says, "enjoy the whiskey!"

"Thank you Braith! You really are such a treasure." To Theron, she adds, "you are very lucky. Never forget that." Seeming confused, she blinks at Mirk. "Not have too much fun? Why not?"

Rosalind blinks at Reve and Mirk and Khanne and Brianna. "There's like--more of you?!" She eyes Mirk and asks, grinning of course,"Why are you quiet? Or do I talk too much?" He doesn't really need to answer. "Braith shoul-"but it's all drowned out by Krit again. "Krit! You can be heard outside! I'm telling you!" Right. More beer, and she starts drinking more.

Brianna twines her arms through Khanne's and Reve's. "There's more of us, and there's even more on the way," she informs Rosalind. "Halfshavs are here to stay."

Kritr says, "I'm INSIDE! If anyone out there sounds like me... IT ISN'T ME!" Kritr insists."

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, 1 Saik Guard arrive, following Lucita.

Gwenna finishes the cake and looks pretty pleased over all. A few sips of wine wash it down before she's laughing again. "By July is sure will be a stone statue, Duchess," she calls over to Khanne and looks amused. "Maybe we could start a confection statue garden in the ward." Grinning, she then starts a bit when the shouting begins. "Son of a motherless bear, I am too close to the loud ones," is quipped and followed by another laugh. "Lord Mirk, it's good to see you. I've meant for weeks to send word to try to arrange to meet up and have, perhaps obviously, failed in that endeavor. Perhaps we could arrange something soon?"

Mirk raises his bottle of whiskey in response to Kritr's greeting. "Lord Kritr," he says in his low, rumbling voice, as if he hadn't been shouting and had made a polite greeting all along. "Are you enjoying the party?" He shrugs at Rosalind's question, though there's a touch of amusement on his face, as if he knows what he's doing and is doing it on purpose. "It was a joke, Cousin," he informs Khanne. A pause. "Probably. I reserve the right to pretend it wasn't a joke if you find a way to prove it was good advice." He takes a pull of his whiskey, and then considers Gwenna's words for a moment. "We can arrange that, easily. And you're right. I hadn't thought of it, but it's been a good four, six months by now, hasn't it?"

There is no complaint at being a Bar Ladder assistant for Braith to continue performing. Theron is laughing softly, his smile in contrast to the stare he so often has in his eyes. With his eyes upon Braith, they too are smiling. Theron immediately slowly drains his Brandy in honor of Khanne with only mild display of pain at Braith and her chosen heresy. He has done well, and procured the cake... well enough he is even allowed to share the cake!! Theron mock swoons as soon as the first bote offers, complete with back of hand to his forehead. His attention turns to Khanne. "Oh, yes she is. And yes. Yes I am, Khanne. For she is not boring, and maybe we started arranged. But I do love her so, now and for the rest of time." Theron turns his head to place a kiss to Braith's temples. "But right now we are not here for her, Vala Khanne! Happy birthday again! May it be a blessed night full of shennanigans and fun!"


Braith answers for Theron, or with or after. "He is..and he knows it," Braith eyes the Mazetti sword and then beams at him. "It was my pleasure, Khanne. A song is at the very least what you deserve on this day." Mirk gets a bemused smile and she tilts her head, "I am that easy to figure out," she says to him and watches the others, eating her cake and perched once more safely upon her stool. She feeds Theron another bite of cake and seems contented to watch the others during the celebration. "It seems I may need to play music for dancing to happen."


"Lady Teeth here brought cake. Also, can't decide whether she is inside or outside, or I am inside or outside." Kritr tells Mirk, almost sounding like he is complaining. He does have a normal conversational volume, it just happens to be twelve decibels higher than everyone else. He pulls at his beer before deciding to try the piece of cake that was delivered.

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

Reve flashes a grin to Mirk, and said grin grows even more when Brianna is twining her arm through his. "Hurrah!" he cheers in the wake of her words and in absolute agreement. He lifts his tumbler once more, but this time it is just to note it for the staff so that he can acquire a refill. After all, drinks are on Khanne! "Well, this Halfshav," he says to Brianna there, easily, "actually has a pending engagement that was agreed to before I knew about the party, but *mostly* he is not going anywhere." This is punctuated by a shoulder bump.

Lucita is late, of course she is late! Busy, busy, busy, all the time busy, if not with one thinhg, with another. Lucita gives a warm smile on entering the area and lifts her hand in a little wave to friends. She stays quiet as she listens to the flow of conversation and gets a drink upon which she sips.

Brianna groans when Reve says he might be leaving. "Such a busy man," she drawls. "Never stops to say hello, always rushing off somewhere..."

Rosalind just grins at Mirk but then Krit is talking again. "By the way, I'm apparentely Lady Teeth. I don't know why...I them all. I didn't lose any the last couple adventures. Just lost skin!" She stuffs her face with cake to silence herself, pretty content with beer and sugar. Like she needs either. Muffledly she explains too,"Krit is LOUD!"

"Too long," Gwenna replies to Mirk with a grin. "Likely we've both had some things happen that we can catch up on. There was a strange thing, when I was in Sungreet, that I wanted your opinion on. Another thing, but..." She gives a dismissive wave of her hand. "When we meet. No serious business at a party, after all! You should really try the cake. It's absolutely divine," is remarked cheerfully with a nod to her own empty plate. The Redrain nearly chokes on her wine at Kritr's 'Lady Teeth' remark, another laugh on the heels of her recovery. She finishes her wine before anyone makes her laugh again. "Much as I hate to leave mid-party, and especially such fine company, I need to return to the villa for a few things. Lorenzo said he would try to come by, but I suppose duties are keeping him as well." She slides out of her chair and stands. "Happy birthday, Duchess, and many more to come! Thank you for hosting such a lovely event. And a good evening to all!"


Gwenna's parting gets a lift of Braith's hand as she waves, a brief smile on her lips but cake. Cake takes up her ability to respond. Delicious beautiful cake. She leans into THeron a bit and murmurs something to him before a warm smile pulls at her lips. She feeds him another bite before wrinkling her nose up at him.


"I'm having fun! This is my eighth beer." Kritr adds, explaining everything with a doublefisted beer and fork-with-cake explanation. He isn't smiling though, he expresses fun with volume, not facial contortions.

Reve's countering, "I am absolutely saying hello. Hello brilliant cousin of mine. You see?" He leans in just a little bit closer to murmur a few words to Brianna, afterward straightens up with, "Soon however - you and I? Another chat. I can see if you have any advice for the task Arik gave me." After surveying the crowd he remarks, "Though perhaps I should pay for drinks, gather a crowd, and begin to poll others. A plot for another time, however." With the arrival of that second tumbler of whiskey, he begins to drink it swiftly.

Lucita's eyes widen as she spots a messenger slip in and approach... *gasp* the wrong person... oh, yes, what a mistake to make in such a crowd. She hisses to the messenger.... Khanne... it goes to Khanne, not Brianna, I know you have gotten in the habit of taking messages to her lately but ... _not this time_!" Her eyes roll and she catches her lower lip in her teeth. "Now, what to do, what to do."

Gwenna has left the Sturdy Table.

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant, 2 Redrain Guards, Stompy leave, following Gwenna.

At the mention of PLOT, Rosalind perks. "Who said plots? I like plots!" But then she's distracted away from all the Halfshavs when Lucita comes in. Waving over to the Baroness, she calls her over,"Hi Lucita! How are you!" But oh crap! "Bye Gwenna! I hope to see you soon--"but she's too late. Hopefully she heard her out the door.

Theron has left the Bar.

Garibaldi, the Lycene swordbearer, 3 House Mazetti Guardians leave, following Theron.

"We can tell," Mirk says with a low chuckle at Kritr. "But as long as you're having fun, right? I haven't seen you around, Lord Kritr. What have you been keeping yourself busy with?" He squints at Rosalind. "Lady Teeth, hm?" There's an implied question there, but he doesn't bother to ask Why or How. "Even if you play music, some of us will stubbornly resist dancing, you know," he informs Braith.

"We're popping up all over the place, aren't we? Like it's spring and we are blossoms!" Khanne pauses and looks to Brianna. "Wait, more to come? Are you pregnant?" Her eyes are big and stormy grey as she stares at her cousin before turning to Reve. "Oh! Thank you for coming by! It is good to see you. We should talk soon!" Her attention then shifts back towards the bar and Braith and Theron. "Dancing? Oh Gods and Spirits. I am not good at dancing... Thank you, Theron," she adds as he wishes her a Happy birthday again. She then smiles and waves back to Lucita, laughing a bit as she seems to admonish the messenger. "Probably not the first or last time that happens."


Lucita enters and the Baroness gets a wave from Braith, her smile growing before she is setting down the empty plate and downing her whiskey. There is a glance to Mirk however when he gives her such a challenge and there is a lofted eyebrow. "Really, cousin. I know you can likely dance for you can walk can you not?" She muses over this and waves it off. "Another time, I will see if I can get you to do a jig." There is something of quiet amusement on the Sanna's lips as she commits more heresy in the eyes of a certain Mazetti while she downs more whiskey.

"Training. Hunting bears. Learning to ride. Trying to figure out how uncle-ladies talk. Why under-leads anyway? Is hoofed creatures harder to say than undu... unger... hungrulees?" Kritr isn't drunk, he just has trouble with words over three syllables. He alterantes beer and cake, like he doesn't know what tastebuds are for. "Also... I got a patron. So I've been helping Lady Laurent with some stuff."

Brianna rolls her eyes at something Reve says, and then Khanne is asking that question. She raises her glass of mint lemonade, as if that answered everything. She gives Reve a side hug, murmuring something to him before patting him on the shoulder.

Reve lowers his empty tumbler, sets it aside, and murmurs a few more words to Brianna. Conversation's far too serious for the moment, but he returns that side hug. That being said, Rosalind is offered a chuckle and he calls forth to her, "I shall write or find you another day, Lady Rosalind Ravenseye, to explain. For now, do enjoy the whiskey - I hear there is a party about." He nods to Khanne and, disengaging from Brianna, calls forth, "Soon indeed. Beautiful eve to you, cousin!" Mirk, he is not forgotten, for Reve makes certain to tap him on the shoulder on his way out. Just because.

Lucita gives a sheepish grin to Khanne and Brianna as the error seems to be getting sorted out. "I hope you do not mind my crashing what seems to mostly be a family or fealty party. Sometimes I think I've known Halfshav's long enough and worked with them closely enough to feel like maybe...just maybe can slip in, for a little while anyhow." She then replies to Rosalind. "Oh, hello, almost did not see you over there! I'm well enough, just busy with the end of summer things to be done. And you, how are you?"

Rosalind doesn't understand Teeth either! "I've never bitten anyone that I RECALL!" She downs her drink hurriedly before scarffing down her cake. Her cheeks appearing like a chipmunk. Swallowing, she darts toward the door,"I'm good thanks! I forgot I need to meet my sister though." That damn limp! "Happy birthday again, Khanne! I'm really glad you liked your cake!" She laughs, telling her,"Your tongue will be pink for days!" Brief pause. "Mirk! I owe you a book of questions!" And off she goes!

Hans the Helpful arrives, following Magnus.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound, Honeymare leave, following Rosalind.

Well, Magnus and Halla were going to head to the Golden Hart, as the new Marquessa has been dearly interested in these 'Champion' types. It's only in passing that they heard about an impromptu party for their Duchess. So it goes to logic that they should at least drop in give their well-wishes to their liege. Opening the door, he holds it open for his wife. "I thought I had heard something about this, but I wasn't sure which day. Now I feel like we may of missed out on it."

Mirk turns at the tap on his shoulder, and belatedly raises his whiskey bottle in a salute. "Evening, Cousin," he replies. "I know how to dance," he replies to Braith. "I just choose not to."

Halla arrives at the Spirits looking, well, probably decidedly less out of place than she currently feels. The sun has finally set, reducing the very worst of the heat, and this is the bar that Northerners supposedly so favor. Still, she pauses in the doorway, gray eyes moving slowly over the room -- and the crowd of faces, in search of at least one she might vaguely recognize. Hope. They say it springs, or something. "I have not seen the Duchess in many years, and she was not a Duchess then. She was one of too many cousins to keep track of at Whitehold. Except for her brother. I remember him, mostly because of the amount of time he spent shoving me into the mud, whenever it thawed enough for there to be any."

Lucita murmurs aside to Khanne. "I wonder just how many messages do go astray. It would be quite... distressing, some of them. Can you imagine... thanking the clan leader for a gift of something intimate when you hardly know them, or asking someone who is less than socially adept if they can tutor etiquette and diplomacy to cousin or something wholly inappropriate like that? Thank goodness most messengers dont make too many mistakes.

Brianna spots Magnus and Halla and gets up, dragging them by the hands over to the party. "Khanne is buying. Take advantage of my cousin."

Khanne gasps, loudly and deeply, so much so she coughs, still staring at Brianna. "You... you... You sneaky devil! Congratulations!" She waves to Reve as he prepares to leave, smiling at him. "Beautiful eve to you too!" She walks over to Lucita to thank her for the kind gift and smiles at her. "It is open to everyone, just mostly family who came. Thank you for coming! Please, have a drink, I am paying tonight! Enjoy! Oh, and there's cake, courtesy of Rosalind! Thank you Rosalind!" she shouts as the woman goes to leave. When Magnus and Halla enter shortly after, she smiles to them. "Welcome! Help us celebrate and have a drink!" Perhaps she does not immediately recognize Halla, as it has been years.


Still seated at the bar, setting her empty glass down as Mirk speaks of not choosing to dance, Braith can not help but smile at him. "A shame," she remarks warmly and leans into the side of the bar as the Stahlbens enter. She smiles in their direction and pushes up slowly to her feet. "It was good to see you, Mirk." Braith steps closer and offers a hug to the elder of the two before she steps back and is on her way out following Theron's earlier exit to catch up with him. "Marquis, Marquessa," she says in greeting to Halla and Magnus. She stops though, offering a hug to Brianna as well and thus starts for Khanne and Lucita. "I am sorry I must take my leave but let me know when I can visit with you again," this said to Khanne.


Brianna laughs at Khanne. "I mean, we didn't do it on /purpose/, but we also didn't... not?"

Khanne leans a bit towards Lucita, nodding and laughing a bit before saying something softly.

Kritr has one last beer to drink, but he might have that one to go. "I have to get second practice in before dark." He points out to no one in particular. "I am glad that your birthday was today and it is good Duchess Khanne."

"That must be a nice thing, if maybe a little confusing." Magnus says, considering Halla's words. "To have so many relatives. Cousins and the like. I have far fewer. Perhaps able to count them one hand?" He's not sure and would really spend too much time thinking about it. Time he doesn't have because he being yanked by Brianna, impressive, given his size. "I think I've taken advantage of her kindness far too much as it is, Brianna." he grunts, but goes along with it regardless. "Gah. Ah, Duchess Khanne. It's been...hm. A long time." Probably a year, at best. Braith is then nodded at politely, then glancing back at Halla. "I'm you already know your cousin, Duchess. Halla has mentioned you I think one or two times since she's come to Arx."

Lucita nods to Khanne and looks toward Braith as she approaches. "I would enjoy talking with you again sometime, too, if you have room in your schedule." The entry of others catches her attention and she casts a smile their direction.

There will, perhaps, come a day that Halla grows used to the hugging, or dragging, or really any sort of unexpected grabbing by Brianna. That day is most definitely not today. There is a moment where she stiffens, eyes widening - but then a familar flash of red hair. She offers a broad smile in reply, but asks, "Still? We did not bring a gift. I didn't think to-," she cuts out, finding herself suddenly shoved in front of the subject of the conversation. And, kin or no, her liege. The bow that follows is low and likely far more formal than Khanne, or anyone really, expected in the bar that night. But such is the way of the Blackfrosts.

"Oh! Soon, Braith! I will reach out. Thank you so much for coming, and the song, and your presence, and you are just a joy!" Khanne says to Braith , reaching for a hug from her friend. "Thank you, Kritr," she says over Braith's shoulder. "Thank you for taking part in it! I hope you had fun!" Releasing Braith, she addresses Brianna. "Congratulations. I am so happy for you both!" Then... "Magnus! It has been awhile! Good to see you about again!" She blinks and looks back to Halla. "Halla? Halla... from... Way back? Nooo... Hi! Wow, I haven't seen you since... well... a very long time!" She blinks when Halla bows though, waving her hand and shaking her head. "None of that... at least not right now. This is a celebration, not official business or anything!"

Khanne is overheard praising Brianna: Congratulations, Cousin!!!!

Khanne is overheard praising Alecstazi: Congratulations, Couin-in-law!!!

Lyle, 2 Redrain Guards arrive, following Kieran.

Lyle, 2 Redrain Guards leave, following Kieran.

Kritr has left the Sturdy Table.

"I didn't even know it was her birthday." Magnus admits a tad bit sheeplishly. And he's also surprised by the welcome from the Duchess. "Ah, yes. Good to see you as well. We wanted to wish you well, but I admit, I'm a bit at fault for not remembering at all. And," he blinks, then darting about. "Right. A gift. Ah, gift." He's suddenly at himself cautiously. Then a shrug at Halla. "I could give her that shirt."

Braith has left the Bar.

A gaunt young man with oily black hair and ice blue eyes, 3 House Mazetti Guardians leave, following Braith.

"Nauma's daughter. Or one of them, at least," Halla replies, as though that may answer any question that Khanne may have. But it is also followed by a nod, and a slowly broadening grin, at being surrounding by so many kin, however thin or watered their blood relation may be. Yes, that is relief on Halla's face, and a good deal of it. With no bows to be accepted, she instead offers an arm to clasp in greeting. "We wish you well, this year and many more to come, cousin."

Lyle, 2 Redrain Guards arrive, following Kieran.

"I'm going to head out, too, Cousin," Mirk says, rising to his feet. "But it was good to see you." He deposits the rest of his bottle of whiskey somewhere near Khanne, so she can have the rest of it, and then waves a hand on his way towards the door.

"Well, it isn't... today...." Khanne says towards Magnus as the party begins to die down a bit. "It was uh.. over a week ago? I forgot my own birthday. Worked right through it.. no gifts needed, please, you can keep your shirt." She smiles then turns to Halla. "Right! Nauma's daughter! Right! When did you... wait..." she looks and points between Magnus and Halla. "Are you two....?" She then takes Halla's arm and grasps it in kind. It's no surprise, really, that Khanne didn't recognize the woman immediately. She wasn't actually -IN- Whitehold much in her youth. "Mirk!" She exclaims next. "Thank you for stopping by. We need another catch up session soon I think. Yeah? I miss our talks!" She waves towards him after he leaves the bottle. "Thank you!"