2 Valardin Knights arrives, following Adrienne.

Briar, a quiet young woman, 6 First Legion Centurions, Adrienne arrive, following Sebastian.

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

6 Black Fleet Reavers arrives, following Lucrezia.

Though winter rages throughout Arx, under the awning of the ampitheater it's warm. Torches lit along the side of the aisles here bring a pleasant warmth, batting the snow away with their flickering heat. The stage itself is set with some pleasant, minimal decorations. There is a little wall of carved limestone set in the back both to hide comings and goings, and to replicate what might be the side of an island building. Behind that is a long drape of silk drip-dyed in the color of an island sunset - light blue above, and bronze gold near the bottom.

There is a small orchestra on stage here - a combination of strings players, a flute, and some percussion provided by a small set drum. They are tuning up right now as people filter into the theater and finds seats. These are all apprentices that Nina has from the Bard's College to accompany her at her show, some working for the first time at the new theater in order to support the opening endeavor. They are wearing black coats, with accessories of gold accent. Nina is not currently on stage, waiting in the wings for the appopriate time.

6 Black Fleet Reavers arrives, following Viviana.

2 Valardin Knights arrives, following Cristoph.

While winter probably isn't quite as unpleasant for Gwenna as it might be for those who hail from the South, the Redrain still dressed for the season. The cloak is quickly shed once she enters the Amphitheater and she makes her way slowly toward the open seats. Slowly, surely, because of the brilliant colors on display and all the other things she wants to simply take in.

Apparently, Cristoph decided this was an excellent event to bring his nearly five year old son to. "Yes, this is-- yes, something to with your mother's family. It's good for you. It's. Culture." There might an implied 'damn it' in there, but Cristoph too polite and Oathlander-y to say it outloud. Either way, he eventually picks up his stubborn child and hoists him over his shoulder and looks for a place to sit. The Valardin guards that trail along with him look. But someone points out Gwenna and bee-lines (see what I did there) in her direction. "Cousin!" Hello, fellow adult. He sits down and secures his child on his lap, as to ensure Lord Eadric does not escape.

It may surprise some to see Lucrezia there, but she's taken her usual languid sprawl in the seats, which means she's taking up about three. At least there isn't the brightness in her eyes betraying she's still celebrating the disappearance of the whirlpool, but that means the brightness there is all madness. This best be entertaining or Lucrezia's going to... Well, do what she does best.

Delighted to find the temperature warmer in the amphitheater, Medeia slides her cape off and drapes it over an arm as she decides where to sit. Spotting the somewhat familiar face of Lucrezia, she makes her umbra and rose gold clad way in that general direction to settle in for the concert.

The Archduchess of Setarco strides into the festivities without guards following her, the white steelsilk cape wrapped around the blonde's body shielding her from the cold as well as it can, but doing little to mitigate the look of utter on Belladonna's face. She is just so over winter already, it is not even funny, those lips already teasing a shade of purple as they quiver ever so slightly, even if the woman keeps her poise, that chin pointing ever so slightly heavensward in a regal manner. Defiant, even in the face of snowy terribleness. As she spots Duke Cristoph, the woman smiles warmly and does a brief curtsie, and to Gwenna, from afar, she blows a kiss and winks at the Redrain, obviously friendly. She moves to where Lucrezia is, and with a few pats, light shoves, tugs and yanks, she has the Admiral of the Black Fleet occupying just a single seat. She takes the other by her side, and gives the deadly pirate a kiss on the cheek. "So good to see you here. This will do you much good, believe me!" Much better than jolly and crass sailor songs, for sure. ... RIght?

Another cloaked figure arrives in the form of Lierre Keaton, and sure enough that cloak is put aside for the moment as she walks over to an appropriate place to sit. Crossing one leg over the other as she finds her sear, she sweeps a loose lock of dark hair behind her ear, the movement causing light from the torches to glitter off her Keaton signet ring. When she catches sight of Cristoph over there, wayward son on his lap, she lifts the same hand and offers a smiling wave to the Duke, followed by a courteous nod of respect.

Lierre has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Macda is there seated somewhere in the back she was watching this quietly, her eyes flicker over Belladona then and she smiles though she stays on the outskirts of the event just to pay the music tribute with her presence

There's a fine dusting of snow on the coats of the Pravus prince and the Valardin princess, only a small amount for the short walk between the estate and the amplitheater. Sebastian, at least, doesn't bother to hide the relief at the warmth within, readily giving up his cloak in favor of curling cool fingers together. His artist's gaze is, naturally, drawn to the decorations, the splash of different colors with an approving smile. Family are spotted and given brilliant smiles, while other familiar figures -- Princess Gwenna, Duke Cristoph, and Lady Medeia -- receive effortless grins. "Here, Ave," he says, looking to claim a seat near Lierre. He recognizes her signet ring with a lift of brown. "Lady Keaton," he guesses, as he slumps into a seat.

"Oh, this is lovely!" Calla exclaims as she wanders into the ampitheatre on the arm of the tall Blackram Lord, Gaspard. Her amebr eyes travel over the crowd until they land on Medeia, to whom she waves with a smile. "Come on, I want you to meet my friend, Lady Medeia." She says as she tugs the man's arm in that direction if he's amenable to following her.

Cristoph really has his hands full with this kid, enough so that he's probably regretting this course of action very much! Still, he manages to lift his chin and quickly wave to Belladonna when he notices her acknowledging him. "Very nice ward!" he calls out to the Archduchess. And then also manages a nod to Lierre too! He encourages Eadric to /also/ greet people, which he actually seems able to do without smacking his father in the head. Occasionally he points out someone in the crowd and Cristoph quietly recites their name to him.

In the back of the house, near the cheaper seats, are men working for the Butterfly Lounge, wearing jackets in Pravus Purple and minding the back of the theater. They serve as secondary bouncers, taking stock of those coming in for the show and making sure that people are sitting in a seat that befits their station. There are no tickets being taken or checked, as it is after all an open show, but those who are here from House Pravus are directed to the best seats near the comfortable front of the house.

As the sun starts to set and the stage naturally darkens, attendants put out a few torches in the center back of the ampitheater. This is not to make things colder, though the chill may eventually ripple forward. Rather, it is to rebalance the light, as a bigger fire is now lit on stage, carefully penned in by the stone construction that keeps it from further spreading, while adding a back light to the stage performance.

Adrienne checks charm and etiquette at normal. Adrienne is marginally successful.

Gwenna perks up when she hears the familiar voice of Cristoph and her smile broadens at the sight of Eadric. "Cousin," she says cheerfully back and then gives a little dip of her head to the child in his lap. "My lord," is said a bit formally, or maybe a tiny bit worriedly. Looking back to the Duke, the smile remains in place. "All goes well, I hope?" The query posed, she then catches sight of the Archduchess' greeting. Gwenna dips her head respectfully first, of course, and then offers a very warm smile back to Belladonna. "She is an exceptional dancer," is noted to Cristoph before she lifts a hand to send a wave in Sebastian's direction. As the lights are rebalanced, she makes a small 'oh' sound and turns her attention back to the stage.

The Sanctum-born princess is more comfortable than her husband-to-be as she lowers the hood of a fur-lined cloak to reveal the iridescite tiara beneath. Pale and poised, Adrienne's intent focus is on the musicians although she does spare a compassionate look to Sebastian. As they approach the comfortable front seating, her interest turns to surprise to pleasure. "Duke Cristoph? With Lord Eadric, I see. And Lady Lierre Keaton, too. How happy I am to see you." Faces familiar and new each receive respectful greetings - none, of course, more respectful than Belladonna. Lastly, her gaze falls on Gwenna, trying to place it. "Gwenna Redrain. We meet at last." This, a stage whisper, as the stage darkens. Adrienne, too, takes a seat with albeit posture more correct than Sebastian's.

Adrienne has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Comfortably dressed in a formal attire, Gaspard allows himself to be directed into the room by the Vaevici Baroness. Eyes constantly moving to experience everything the room has to offer, "I rather like this... pragmatic style, it gives a purpose to each and every item around." He comments to his companion, nodding to her suggestion and following as he searches for the woman.

Lucrezia doesn't just get put into a single seat without a fight. She at first swats at Belladonna's hands and then swears at her, be happy if you aren't pirate enough to know the context of most of them! Thus she probably ends up accidently kicking Medeia on the way into a 'proper' seated position. At last Belladonna wrestles her to a seated position, only to have Lucrezia drape herself over Belladonna, arm about her shoulders like a cloak and leg over hers. Content to be in *two* of her three seats again, Lucrezia smiles bright, bright, brightly. "Dearest Cousin, if it doesn't, I will make sure that it does." Maybe tying her to a seat would be advised...

The wave from Sebastian is met with a smile from Medeia as she calls out, "Thank you again for the lovely sculptures in the garden, your highness!" She hears Calla's voice behind her somewhere. She turns and looks, brightening at the confirmation. "Barone- ow." She glances down at Lucrezia. "You owe me a whiskey for that," she says teasingly. She looks back to Calla and beckons.

The stories of Cristoph's son being an unruly monster are SURELY exaggerated, because now that the child is here in public, Lord Eadric seems perfectly well behaved! Still, the duke seems to be keeping a firm grip on his son. The young boy nods gravely to Gwenna when she calls him 'my lord', green eyes wide. "It does. I'm taking the boy out to experience some of his mother's family's--" he gestures around. "It seemed like a good idea." At the sound of Adrienne's voice, he shifts in his seat. "Princess. Yes, good to see you. I hope you're well." When the lights change, the young boy taps on his father's arm.

Cristoph has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Upon being greeted by Sebastian and Adrienne, Lierre places her hands flat on her lap and performs a respectful seated bow to both Prince and Princess. When she straightens her back, her smile is firmly and unaffectedly in its place with perfect amiable cheer. "Princess Adrienne!" Her voice is a sunny chirp at the sight of the flaxen-haired royal, which mean it extends to Adrienne's betrothed as well. "And Prince Sebastian. How good to see you both, and congratulations on your upcoming nuptials."

Diane, a bright-eyed peregrine falcon, Sini, a very fluffy Northland shepherd puppy arrive, following Orrin.

Matteo, an eager knight's apprentice arrives, following Irisa.

Sebastian has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Macda has joined the Pravus VIP Seating.


It's snowing, and the Sword of Setarco is grumbling about that very fact as she makes her way into the Mother of Sighs. Viviana pauses not far from the entrance of the amphitheater to shrug out of a fur cloak and passes it off to some attendant or other, leaving the one-eyed Sin in her usual attire. Steelsilk and shadowmeld cut in a fashion fit for the high seas or a duel. Or watching musical performances in style. Hand coming up to brush some flakes of snow out of her face and dark hair, Vivi looks around momentarily before flashing a grin and waggling fingers at the familiar faces of some family before moving to find somewhere to sit. The one-eyed Sword makes her way through the amphitheater, headed down closer and closer to the stage, moving to claim a seat right up front. "Just in time, it looks like," Vi offers to the others nearby when the stage darkens before she slips into her seat, a wide smile offered to the assortment of dramatis personae already comfortable in the the front row. "Yes, congratulations are in order, aren't they?" The duellist echoes Lierre's words with a flash of a grin for the Keaton woman before she looks aside to Sebastian and Adrienne, thick lips quirking up on side as she adds towards the Valardin woman, "I hope you know what you've signed up for, Princess."

Viviana has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Cassimir enters the amphitheater as quietly as can be and scans the vast room for familiar faces. When his eyes alight upon the smiling face of his cousin, any tension in his body seems to ease away. He directly approaches her and those congregating at her side. "Good evening, everyone," he says with a shy dip of his head. "I thought I would not see you until later this week, but I'm rather pleased to be wrong for once," he says in an aside to Lady Medeia, the cousin in question.

Macda sits in the vip seats, unless someone dares to kick her out. She looks up to the snow as it touches her nose and she sighs a little pulling her coat right up around her.

When Benito told him there was a party down the river, he was thinking it was something the hillbillies were putting together but once he passed them on the way here, and learned that was not the case, it was too late to turn back and so Furio rode on. Wearing mostly riding leathers and carrying the stench of a highway man, he secured his horse at the front and walked on in, following the music. He grabbed a handful of food and drink before finding a spot out of the way to sit and watch the soiree.

Calla winces in sympathy when Medeia gets kicked by Lucrezia, "You ok?" she asks as she wanders over to her friend. "I wanted to introduce you to Lord Gaspard Blackram," She then turns to the man on her arm, "This is Lady Medeia Saik, my friend who is helping me plan my first party at the Vaevici estate." Lookign around at the people getting their seats, she wonders, "Where should we sit?"

Orrin has joined the Back Row Bench Seating.

Furio has joined the Back Row Bench Seating.

Kalani has joined the Back Row Bench Seating.

Nina has joined the Main Stage and Orchestra Pit.

Irisa has joined the Back Row Bench Seating.

Belladonna is just -so- thrilled to have Lucrezia draped all over her, and it is quite obvious in the way she just hugs her cousing -back-. She smiles back at the woman, rubbing cheeks together, just the most adorable thing, while making sure her arms are securedly locked around the pirate. It is not that she expects Lucrezia to fly off the handle and do something inadvisable, it is just that... no, that is exactly it. When Medeia gets kicked, Belladonna stares a little mortified, "I am sorry for my cousin's behavior, she is not home broken just quite yet!" Still, she pays attention to the proceedings, keeping law and order during Nina's presentation.

Once the sun is set enough, and the lights in the back lowered, there is a small tone from the onstage orchestra that signals the beginning of the show.

At this point, Nina the bard walks out onto the stage, in high spirits. She's wearing an outfit of gold and orange and red, all colors that match the fire in her hair. The performance costume is brocaded with golden strands that pick up the flickers of firelight behind and around her.

Immediately, she breaks out a fiddle, and begins to play, loudly and raucously, a spirited song for dancing. This is accompanied well by the students on stage with her, who keep the backup in time. Nina moves among them as she plays, though the accompanists are seated. Nina dances around and moves with an energy that is infectious, bringing the song to a crescendo at the very end with a sudden squeak of the fiddle... as she stops in center stage.

She breathes in, taking her first bow. "Thank you all for coming out tonight!"

Adrienne, in quiet conversation with those at her seat and a cloak draped still around her shoulders, looks up to Viviana with silent appraisal. Finally she answers, Oathlands-accented voice respectfully soft, "If I don't, I have full confidence you will educate me, Silver Lion."

Somewhat late to the party, Orrin slips into the Amphitheater after brushing the snow from his clothing and leaving his trusty entourage of animals behind. Casting a quick look about the area, he's then slipping into a set of seats near the back of the room, remaining quiet enough to not disturb those around him.

Kalb, the chill bodyguard arrives, following Nisaa.

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Medeia." Gaspard flashes a smile to the woman, inclining in a brief bow as a greeting. "I'll want to hear everything about ideas for the party. I might not be the most social person around, but we wallflowers have some unique ideas on how to spice up events." His eyes turn to Calla in order to answer to her question, "Back row? That we can experience both the show and the audience reaction to it."

Shaking the snow off of her cloak and then, equally, off of her skirts, Kalani takes a moment to tap her slippes against the floor as well before following her uncle the seats near the back of the room. The look on her face is one of absolute delight as the music begins.

Aida, the hypochondriac Setarcan maid, Roast, the cloak-eating baby goat leave, following Belladonna.

Dame Irisa enters the ampitheater wearing a wolfskin cloak against the cold and a form fitting black dress with red hems and cuffs. Only the diamondplate and boots speak to her being a knight. She moves with Orrin and Kalani, looking around with a curious smile. Taking her seat with the Selikis, she settles in and keeps the cloak for a few while she warms up from the ride.

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

"Cass!" Medeia excitedly greets her cousin as she reaches to give Cassimir a hug (propriety be damned). "Well, I've been told recently that I'm the loveliest kind of surprise, so, surprise, you see me, and it is lovely." She grins up at him before making introductions to Calla and Gaspard. "Baroness Calla Vaevici, may I intorude my cousin Lord Cassimir Inverno?" She inclines her head to Gaspard. "Wonderful to meet you. Please, sit around me, all of you." She turns to Belladonna then and dips an elegant curtsy. "Archduchess Belladonna, a delight to see you again. Please, I'm fine. It would take more than a kick to put me down." She raises an eyebrow at Gaspard's seating suggestion, looking like it might be a good idea, bubt she settles into the seat she was at anyway.

"Whiskey?! Okay!" Lucrezia is answer to Medeia, happily oblivious that there's *punishment* involved in drinking whiskey for kicking someone. That might encourage her to kick someone again, really! "Houses are for cowards and wimps." She nods to Belladonna's apology, never to be housebroken *ever*, though she does seem perfectly content snuggled up to Belladonna. Maybe she doesn't quite realize yet she can't just fly onto the stage and interfere.

Macda lookc over to those greeting one another and she smiles briefly, she listens to the music as it plays, her eyes flicking to Medeia and she smiles that way before she snorts a bit at a bit of conversation that touches her ears. A chuckle escapes the Princess's lips before she draws a breath and she looks back about. Her eyes forever dancing over the crowd.

"Hmmm, maybe...." Calla muses when Gaspard suggests the back row, before smiling at Medeia's introduction of Cassimir. "A pleasure to meet you Lord Inverno." And then Medeia is inviting them to join her, and she looks at Gaspard. "Do you mind terribly if we sit down here?" But then the show is starting and Calla's just interested in finding the nearest seat and so slips in next to the Saik lady.

Nina addresses the audience, her voice clear as she speaks out to everyone. "I'd like to express how glad I am that you made it out to our theater tonight! Much as the Pravus celebration event marked the opening of our Ward for everyone, this event is used to mark the opening of the Mother of Sighs, our new Suspires theater! I know the journey is long and home can be far, but the sound here simply can't be beat!" She nods her head again once, then bows with her whole body, a bow designed to be seen even from the back row of the theater. "It is my pleasure to present for you a short program tonight, featuring myself and these fine students from the Bard's College. But this evening is not just about me. Rather, it's my welcome to YOU, that you will enjoy the space here, and consider it in the future for any concert, play, or event you find suitable!"

Nina gestures to the audience. "I'd like to give special thanks to our Archduchess, Belladonna, who is here with us today... Princess Viviana and Prince Sebastian, who have both spurred on my ambitions in big and small ways, and, to anyone here who has come from the Bard's College, and the Harlequins!" Nina looks out to the audience, raising her hand above her eyes for a second, nodding upon seeing Macda and Medeia in the audience too. She gestures to bard first, and Harlequin second.

Nina gives another squeak on the fiddle, as if it is punctuation. "Before I begin the rest of my songs for tonight, please let me remind you of other parties we will be holding! The next major event to happen among Pravus ward will be the wedding of Princess Adirenne Valardin to Prince Sebastian Pravus!" She gestures now, broadly, to the two, who are here tonight. "We will have more music and song to share with you at that time, as we wish our best to the happy couple and their future together. And later in the future, our own Miraj will be holding a Masque Macabre, for those who wish to see a masquerade in the tradition of the Suspires."

As Nina is speaking, it's a bit of slight of hand but that doesn't necessarily cover the business going on behind her, as people on the stage are changing out, moving behind the walls and down into the orchestra pit in front of her. As her speech finishes, she is left by herself on the stage, framed by firelight.

Ambra, a plain-faced Lycene scribe arrives, delivering a message to Cassimir before departing.

Gaspard shakes his head, "Not at all, I would hate to keep you apart from Lady Medeia here." He says, settling at the seat besides Calla. His eyes turn to experience the start of the show, keeping himself silent as to not disturb the procedures of the event.

With the event taking place in the Amphitheater, Nisaa dressed fairly warmly. She enters, clutching her cape tightly around herself. Slipping one hand out to lightly brush fingers against her hair, done in an up-do, to try to rid it of any snow, she looks around the gathering crowd, smiling when she sees familiar faces. Just as Nina mentions the wedding of Adrienne and Sebastian, the Whisper waves lightly to them. Realizing the show is about to begin, she tries to find a place to sit.

Cassimir seems rather surprised to be hugged so vigorously, but he does have the social awareness to return it with some warmth. "Ah, yes, a wonderful surprise," he says, unable to hold back the chuckle of amusement that resounds. When the hug has ceased, he takes a seat as close as he is able to Medeia, all the while inclining his head politely to those he's introduced to. "Baroness, my lord, the pleasure is mine. Goodness, Deia, you've been busy these few months. I should have known you would win over everyone around you in only a short period of time," he says, a glint of some pride detectable in his eyes as he does. "Archduchess, Princess," he further greets Belladonna and Lucrezia who are also seated nearby. And then, before he's able to say more, Nina is making her announcements. All attention is turned toward her for this moment, a pleasant smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

Although there's a lively conversation going on in the front row, Sebastian at least quietens when Nina's voice lifts effortlessly, clapping at appropriate moments. When she mentions his name, he pushes to his feet, briefly: enough time to bow with deep and genuine respect for the bardess, before he settles, though not before he spots Nisaa's approach, drawing her in with a invited gesture to a seat close by.

Nisaa has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Turning her attention from the quieter conversations along the seats, Gwenna looks up toward Nina and it seems the bright smile is just going to stay in place. She offers a few small claps toward the stage, and then towards the luminaries the Bard mentioned. "I suspect every event will be as brilliant, if not more so, than the one before!"

Caprice makes her way to a seat in the back as unobtrusively as possible - aside from a few discreet waves to familiar if dimly-lit faces!

Adrienne, too, raises a hand in thanks to Nina with the acknowledgement, her other resting lightly on Sebastian's forearm. Only then does she resume applauding with the others. She says aside to her company in a voice not meant to carry far, "She's quite in her element, isn't she?"

Caprice has joined the Back Row Bench Seating.

Macda happens to catch Medeia's eye as she settles and the Grayson princess gets a cheery wave in response before Medeia turns to Lucrezia. "Mmhmm, it's only fair." She smiles to Calla as she sits, gives a subtle wink to Gaspard. "Aww, Cass," a faint blush creeps into her cheeks at Cassimir's complient. Then she turns her attention to the stage. She grins and waves to Nina when they meet eyes.

Lierre has left the Front Row Bench Seating.

Nox, a kitten black as pitch with star-dappled fur arrives, following Ophira.

Macda has left the Pravus VIP Seating.

1 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.

a small twilit kingsnake have been dismissed.

Thistleton, an elderly and devoted manservant have been dismissed.

"Thank you," Calla beams at Gaspard as she slips her arm through his again when he's seated next to her, leaning her head against his shoulder for a moment to look up at him. But then she's applauding with the rest of the crowd and settles in to pay attention to the show.

Lierre has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Nisaa moves to take a seat as near to Sebastian and Adrienne as is available. Respectfully, she smiles and dips her head to the others nearby. Arranging her cape and gown brings her ears a bit nearer to Sebastian and she smiles at something said, speaking softly to him in return. "Good evening," the Quietest Whisper says in her soft but melodious voice to everyone, again lowering her head in respect to the nobility. Her eyes travel up towards Nina, smiling at the bardess as a form of greeting.

Calla has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Lucrezia licks Belladonna's cheek, probably retribution for being told to act her age or something. Then she watches Nina as the show gets underway, rapt, except for murmuring to Belladonna.

Gaspard has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Late, usually so, Ophira winds her way into the space with a smirk on lips and slips to find a comfortable spot in which to listen and take in the wonderful tones of the ravishing Nina. Fingers pluck from the confines of a hidden pocket in the depths of form fitting frockcoat, a flask! What is in the flask? Probably rum. With the way the Seraceni is swigging? Most undoubtedly rum.


In the front row, the Sword of Setarco lifts a hand to waggle fingers at Nina when she hears her name from the bard, grinning up at the redhead, and anyone who happens to look her direction. Beyond that, she seems content to relax and enjoy the show while occasionally chatting amongst the front benches.

Furio has left the Back Row Bench Seating.

Nina has been changing instruments, putting down her fiddle now, and swapping to a lyre, which she holds up to one side. She plucks a few experimental notes, checking the tune, and then speaks again. "This next piece requires some small introduction. I was fortunate enough to meet someone in the city... who had a strange and arresting dream. When I hear stories from others, sometimes I feel inspired to create poetry, and put my feelings to music. This song is not the most uplifting, but there is inspiration as well to be found in the darker places... and I hope it will find you in good spirits all the same."

Nina begins playing on the lute, and singing... a song that is clear and audible even in the back. The orchestra accompanies her in a way that allows her voice to ring louder than anything else, in time as she sings.

"You are the phoenix reborn
Burning like fire, like a blaze, in the black
You are the phoenix reborn
Dancing in flames, and the heat,
Will burn your soul to ash

You are the phoenix reborn
Here in my arms, spinning fast, set to fly

You are the phoenix reborn
Dancing on glass, every shard
Throwing light into the eye

Listen all night to the music of stars
Shut off your ears to their pain
Everything unravels here where we are,
Fire and blood in the rain

You are the phoenix reborn
No world survives, when your shell starts to crack.
Ink in the waters of time,
Dark upon dark
Until everything fades..."

An attentive listener, Adrienne watches Nina and musicians with wistful composure. "Lovely," she observes aside, "and sad."

Dame Irisa smiles to the music, listening. The chatter from her dies down while the performance proceeds. She removes the cloak, finally, and sets it aside. Hands take a moment to run over and straighten her dress as she looks on with a wistful smile.

Nisaa paused in her greetings to the others as soon as Nina's voice rose out once more. Turning her complete attention to the stage, the Whisper listens closely. "Her voice is truly beautiful," she says to the others when the song comes to an end. She rises to her feet, applauding the song and the performance of it with grace, clapping softly. Retaking her seat, she nods to Adrienne. "There is often beauty in the melancholy, it is why so much art can move us to tears."

If Cassimir has /ever/ been moved by a piece of music, then it is this song right now. The expression he bears upon his visage twists with some pang or other, and then his hand begins to rub idly across his sternum.

Kalani is moved to silence as well, listening with rapt attention and a look of quiet longing for the beauty of the words and the ability to turn such words to beautiful music.

Valerius has joined the Back Row Bench Seating.

Inevitably, Sebastian's gaze is drawn to the front, as Nina lifts her voice in song. Her voice stills him, and when he does move, it's to lift a hand to his face -- is that a brief tear? -- before he pushes to his feet and offers a thunderous round of applause.

Sebastian is overheard praising Nina.

Between songs, Medeia managed to take a peek around and gives a brief wave to Orrin, Kalani, and Caprice. But then she is captivated by the song Nina performs and she finds her hand resting on Cassimir's shoulder comfortingly as she stares at her fellow Harlequin in awe.

Lips curl into a purely humbled smile, a hand going to press against breast to make sure she was breathing before Ophira stands to join in the applause which might never be enough for so wondrous a talent!

Ophira is overheard praising Nina.

Lierre has left the Front Row Bench Seating.

Quiet for the moment, Orrin is letting his attention drift to the stage from the quiet conversation he was engaged in so that he can settle in and listen, though he does offer a smile and nod towards Medeia. At the end of Nina's performance, though, the large man is bringing his hands together to give a booming series of claps.

Valerius has left the Back Row Bench Seating.

Orrin is overheard praising Nina.

Gwenna, as well, joins in the others heralding praise toward Nina. The song seems to have really resonated with the Redrain.

But for Belladonna's arms all but pinning hers to her side, which Lucrezia realizes at this point with an expression missed with discontent and awkwardness of how to free herself. Still, she is relentless and manages to clap wildly, whether the occasion warrants it or not. House training, not happening today.

Gwenna is overheard praising Nina: An incredibly moving and profound song!

Valerius stumbles into the Amphitheatre 'fashionably late' and looks around to see where there is seating left. The audience is praising the song, looks like he should be able to simply start clapping and then find a seat. /nothing to see here/

Calla adds her applause for Nina's song, sighing softly at the meloncholy of it as her fingers tighten a little bit around Gaspard's arm. "She sings so beautifully."

Cassimir is overheard praising Nina: Bravo!

Catching sight of Valerius' entrance, Orrin is offering a smile and a incline of his head towards the other man before looking towards Kalani and Irisa, only to then murmur something softly to them.

Valerius has joined the Back Row Bench Seating.

Lady Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards, Marquessa Pudding, a doughy dog, 2 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Sorrel.

Nina takes a bow, finishing the downtempo number. The applause from the audience is ringing, and she seems happy with the turnout so far. The lights remain dim, and Nina moves on to another instrument, picking up a lute and strumming a few more cheerful notes.

"Thank you so much everyone. Thank you!" She looks anxious, but takes a breaht, and continues. "This year I was honored to be inducted into the Harlequins. Learning about the Queen of Endings and her doctrine of renewal has given me great hope. I learned of a Winter poetry contest, but as I was preparing for tonight I was a bit busy to attend. However, this piece, I dedicate in honor of winter, and of spring. May it keep you warm until winter ends."

Viviana is overheard praising Nina: Miss Autumndale is an absolute delight.

Ambra, a plain-faced Lycene scribe arrives, delivering a message to Cassimir before departing.

Nina checks mana and performance at hard. Nina marginally fails.


Piccola just makes her way in, real quiet like. Or tries to. Tries to. She looks around for a place to sit, selects a location, and plops herself down there, with only a slight jangling of her gear. Just a slight.



Piccola has joined the Back Row Bench Seating.

Sorrel is a little bit late, it's true, but she slips in as subtly as possible. Which isn't very subtle, because as usual, she's wearing bright red. She looks immensely pleased with something as she heads for the front row.

Sorrel has joined the Front Row Bench Seating.

Calla has left the Front Row Bench Seating.

Nina begins to sing again, this time with her backup, and using her lute.

"Winter days, quiet nights...

Rain and wind unyielding
Bring the dark, and the cold
Numb and so unfeeling

Seasons where, flowers die,
Colors pale and faded
But through night, sun will come,
And the light unshaded

Spring-
Will come
New flowers will grow in the rain

And spring
Comes with the sun
And spring will bring new life again

Though our friends someday will pass,
Death will always find us
Winter's knell, is not the end
No final chain to bind us,

Much like night turns to day,
And the winter thaws come,
Past our death, we're reborn
Through a power awesome

And so spring-
Will come
New flowers will grow in the rain

And spring
Comes with the sun
And spring will bring new life again..."

Nina finishes the piece, and lowers the lute again. A good little happy note, though nothing astonishing happened. There's a bit of a shake in her fingers as she lowers the lute, perhaps adrinaline washing over at completing her number successfully.

"Exquisite." A content sound escapes Adrienne before she joins in with a more traditional accolade: applause.

Orrin has left the Back Row Bench Seating.

Diane, a bright-eyed peregrine falcon have been dismissed.

Sini, a very fluffy Northland shepherd puppy have been dismissed.

Kalani lifts her hands to add her enthusiastic, and appreciative, applause to the room in response to the second set offered by Nina.

Cristoph has left the Front Row Bench Seating.

2 Valardin Knights leaves, following Cristoph.

Belladonna listens to every verse in rapt fascination, her blue eyes focused only on the performer as her body seems taken by a gentle lull that has her swaying side to side by Lucrezia. The whole number seems to take the Archduchess and appeal to particular sensibilities of the Setarcan ruler, who at the end of it stands to clap for Nina, her praises far less attention-grabbing than Lucrezia's wild and loud cheers from before, but no less sincere. The smile on her face speaks of the pride she feels for the young Autumndale, and what she has managed to accomplish.

"Exceptional!" Valerius is clapping as loudly as he can.

Irisa applauds happily, clearly loving the symbolism behind the music. It is not hard to spot another lover of the Queen of Endings. The grin nearly splits her face as she sways side to side happily.

Gwenna seems in obvious agreement to the compliments being offered. "Beautiful," is remarked from where she sits, her hands drawing together again to clap for Nina.

Medeia joins in the applause once the song is done, unable to find words to say - so she doesn't.

Rising from his seat, Orrin is once again clapping and offering a booming cheer. That done, he's once again reclaiming his seat, letting the silence take hold once more.

This next song, following on from the last, has a different impact on the artist of Pravus: Sebastian's response seems more measured, smiling genuinely as he once more pushes to his feet to applaud Nina's song.

An exhale of breath, Ophira is in full languid lounge in the back as she remains enraptured and happily in the throes of the tune. There is a sidelong glance to Orrin, unable to keep from chuckling, "That's right, bring the house down!" Is cheered, raising her flask before lapsing back into her musical coma.

Nina takes a moment to bow again on stage, dipping her head forward again to acknowledge crowds even in the back. Her face is flushed when she raises it, looking perhaps happy or perhaps embarassed suddenly, as if she realizes that there's so many eyes on her. Any other nuances of her expression are lost, as the view from the stage is one where the light behind her leaves her face in shadow when it tips forward.

"Thank you all very much," she says.

"I hope that the rest of the evening finds you well... and if you have any inquiries about this theater, please take them to myself, or to Miraj Roumier. We would be happy to book your event, and to collaborate with you!"

It is as if Nisaa can feel the chill, the numbness Nina sings about. Pulling her cape closer again, she listens to the song whose melody and meaning soon seem to put her in a state of quiet awe. Lowering her hands to her lap, she sits still. When the song finishes, it seems it is Nisaa's turn to be so moved by the performance that tears dance in her eyes. She stays seated a moment when others rise to applaud, trying to compose herself. It doesn't take long, for soon, she is standing and praising the talent of Nina.

Cassimir claps with as much gusto and excitement as is possible for him to do. He even stands to his feet for it.

Nisaa is overheard praising Nina: Her talent, her ability to draw emotion with song, is art and beauty personified.

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

Lucrezia is overheard praising Nina.

Valerius has left the Back Row Bench Seating.