Andre, the messenger who can't even, Cuddles, the pinch-happy scorpion arrive, following Dante.

Wendy the little brown wren, Dante arrive, following Lora.


The evening is off to a spectacular start. Guests are welcomed at the entrance to the Fidante Villa by servants and escorted through the courtyard which has been transformed into a peaceful and serene winterscape; Potted evergreen trees, trimmed and decorated with glass ornaments and gently lit with cream colored stick candles lights the way towards the ballroom.

White gloved servants, dressed in rich royal blue attire weave through the people who have come to celebrate a Torean Winter in Arx. Aside from the vast display of Epicurean delights, beverages of all kinds, ranging from the deep full bodied Torrent (like a cabernet sauvignon), to lighter, crisper whites much like a Riesling, to the captivating Maiden's Blush, known for it's euphoric effects, to stronger spirits (whiskey, etc), there is also tea, coffee, hot cocoa, and mulled cider.

As he arrives at the ballroom, Talwyn accepts the glass of champagne offered to him. "Should I have you take a sip first?" he asks the server with a smile, following the traditions of those of the Lyceum, himself half-blooded in that way. But tonight? He's representing Valardin and he looks resplendent in his winter dragon outfit, the honeysilk warmed with a fur overwrap that he removes once he's inside where it's warmer and it gives him a chance to look around and take in the decoration. "Amazing. The Duchess always does seem to outdo herself."

Casting off the blacks of her usual choice of attire, Narcissa has adorned herself instead in dark, richly embroidered brocades for the evening with a dashing of thorns and a startling colored rose nestled in her inky curls. Her raven perches on her shoulder for a moment, forlorn and sulking, but alights to find a lofty perch on the chandliers when more of a crowd appears. A flute of Tor's rose-gold champagne is already in her upturned pale hand, half imbibed and easily the reason for the curl of her smile. "But yes, how many rose puns we hear this evening I say is a bet of at least ten-" her words are cut off to one of her guards by the other murmuring something to her.

Drake is here because Thea told him about a party. So... he assumes, walking in, that she'll be here, too. He walks in wearing a very heavy, Oathlands style winter coat... but that's what you need to survive a properly cold winter. Once inside, however, and things are warm and nice, he takes that heavy coat off and checks it at the door. Then, someone immediately hands him a flute of champaigne, so he knows he must be in the right place. That is not, of course, a terribly powerful drink, so he takes it all down in a fast gulp, passes the empty flute to another passing attendant, and gets a whiskey next. It's a drinking night.

Korka comes in not far behind Drake, but definitely not close enough that people would think they're arriving together. She too gets a flute of champagne but she only sips it, allowing someone to take her cloak and looking around. Talwyn's pants are giving a once-over with raised brows, "Have you seen that guy's pants?" She comments to Drake, "I feel underdressed."

Calista is overheard praising Talwyn: The man knows how to wear a pair of pants!

Liara emerges into the ballroom, shown in by one of the servants, in a snowflake-themed outfit that is likely singularly unsuited to going anywhere in actual snow, though it's certainly amply showy - high heels, skin-tight umbra and aeterna, and a whole lot of decolletage. While her first destination appears to be the wine available, the sight of cocoa being carried by on a tray diverts her attention, and she gets herself a mug of it.

Macda actually arived in a nice dress, and not her fighting leathers she normally is within. She looks within the room and she smiles a bit as she looks about the room, her eyes pan over the decoration and she smiles a little as she puts a little snowflake hairpin into her hair.

This is Marquessa-Consort Norah Eswynd's first proper party in the city. She is trying her best not to look like a wide-eyed tourist or country bumpkin, and she is doing a commendable job of succeeding. She opts for a glass of Maiden's Blush, having heard of its fabled effects. Her eyes are drawn to those legendary pants, but only for the briefest of moments.

At the invitation of Lord Pasquale, in who's arm her hand is slipped as they enter the ballroom, Calla is dressed in simple grey sweater dress that falls to her knees and matchign grey boots that hug her calves. She leans in to whisper somethign in Pasquale's ear befoe accepting her glass of rose gold champagne. "Well never quite seen a wine that color before," She remarks before taking a sip. "Mmm.. most refreshing."

Medeia, having passed off her outerwear to the servants, makes her way into the ballroom in vibrant purple seasilk with sharkskin and gold accessories. She accepts the flute of champagne and begins to slowly circulate, saying hello or waving and nodding in greeting as she sees familiar faces.


Piccola ain't no fancy pants, but her pants are fancier than normal.

Electing to keep her cloak about her shoulders, the miniaturized soldier makes her way in just behind Korka. "You look fine," she murmurs in passing. She looks about the ballroom for a few seconds, and then lets out a noise in her throat, as if disappointed. It's momentary.

"Hopefully there won't be any pony-riding," she mutters oddly.


Wearing a really thick northern cloak, Thea realizes it's probably warm enough without it. She's been here awhile, chatting with Calista. "No--do NOT hug that man back when you see him next. He'll think I'm dying,"she insists!" Realizing there are people showing, she lifts her eyebrow and turns. Oh right. Shrugging off the cloak, she hands it over and plucks a glass of wine, already anticipating the whiskey. Thea smiles a bit as she realizes there more people she knows.

Narcissa lifts her hand in greeting to Media as she enters, making her way towards the familiar face while extending smiles of greetings to others as she passes. "Do I still claim the title of favorite person or is there a contender to my throne?" She stage-whispers behind her hand, "If it must come to swords I am sad to say I am poorly-equipped."

Drake half-smirks at Korka, then looks over at Talwyn's aformentioned pants. He recognizes, at least, the make. "You know. I've watched them manufacture honeysilk, but I can scarcely afford to wear it on anything but a special occasion. It would cut too much into my armor fund." He raises his glass as if to say cheers, but then looks at Korka's dress, just to be absolutely certain. "You don't seem underdressed to me. That cut suits you." Though he also takes note, for a second, of what Liara is wearing, as his eyes do tend to wander.

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

Trailing along his wife, Oskar is doing his best to remember all aspects of etiquette, such as not biting the hosts or any of their servants. The Eswynd Marquis, has his eyebrows furrowed in a curious gaze, his eyes linger at the gloves of each servant. "Why do they wear these gloves?" He questions, in a low tone, "Camouflage for the snow?"

Miracle of miracles, Lora managed to get Dante out of the house. The DiFidante have trudged *all the way across the square* for this event, braving blizzards and frostbite and... well okay maybe not. Probably not. They're even running just a tiny bit late, fashionably so, arm in arm as custom dictates, with an appropriate pause on the threshold so that the marquessa can look around, not with appraisal but with familiar delight, drinking in the glamour of the event and the sparkle of those who've assembled. "If you want to appropriate me a glass, I will begin the rounds," she murmurs to him before releasing him into the wild. Ish. Mostly so that she can go greet the hostess first, with an almost but-not-quite kiss to Calista's cheek. "A triumph as always, Calista."

Beakers, an austere raven wearing a purple ribbon arrives, following Orick.

Pasquale is not dressed in anything that could be described simple, or plain, or for that matters warm. He just hides a smile when Calla says that about the champagne and lifts a glass from the waiter himself. "Then you haven't lived." His eyes sweep the others inside the ballroom before he looks to Calla again. "Shall we go greet the Hostess or Medeia?"

Making his way over to where Calista and Thea are, Talwyn smiles in greetings. "Good evening, Your Grace." he offers to Calista as he looks around. "This is above and beyond what I expected, Calista. It could easily be the event of the season. It's almost worthy of a song. Maybe a ballad." That is said with warmth as Narcissa approaches and he straightens up further. "Good evening, my Lady."

"Lord Drake it's like you're on the verge of putting together so many of the clues I've given you that sometimes I want to throw you a bone. Sometimes." Korka says with clear amusement, sipping her wine again then heading off through the crowd. Piccola gets a nod for the compliment as she makes her way towards Dante and Lora, "Marquis, Marquessa," she greets them each, "Thank you for the lovely gift. I'd have had it made into something for tonight but I ran out of time. Still, it was a pleasant surprise on a long day."

"The hostess would be more polite, but maybe we could grab Medeia on the way?" Calla asks as she takes another sip of the champagne. "Uh oh I may have found a new favorite drink for the season. I must ask where I can get some for myself."

"You are sharply tailored, Prince..Talwyn was it?" Narcissa compliments as she passes, raising her brows though the compliment is genuine.

Thea smiles a bit at Drake, already spying his drink. She offers him slight wave as she sees Korka too. As Talwyn walks over, Thea bows her head, greeting him,"Prince Talwyn, hello. It's been awhile. How are you? I didn't realize you were back in the city.." She hurriedly takes a sip from her glass, because already--ballads.

With a surprised laugh, Medeia greets Lady Narcissa happily. "Oh, I think you still have it, my lady. The contenders have been scarce." She turns, hearing her name from a familiar voice and gives a bright smile to Pasquale and Calla. "Pasquale! Baroness! Hello." She turns back to Narcissa for a moment. "Excuse me, I should introduce myself to the hostess." She inclines her head and approaches Callista. "Duchess, a pleasure to meet you. I am Lady Medeia Saik, Minister of the Hearth for House Saik. This is truly lovely."

Norah takes up a position at Oskar's side. "It's to show their hands are clean. And for the look of it, I think." She sips her wine. "It's customary to greet the host first and foremost, so we should make our way over there."

Particularly grim-faced for having to go out in the winter - even if it is just to cross the square - Dante arrives arm in arm with Lora, making sure to over-exaggerate the chattering of teeth and shivering. Unlike the Marquessa, he's come in full armor and with both swords hanging from his hip, making no consideration for fashion today. "Of course. Let me greet Calista first and then I will procure us both some wine and..." He smiles at Korka when she greets them both. "Inquisitor. I am glad that you like it, I am sure it will be quite magnificent when you do have something made. I need to figure out something too."

Macda laughs a little as everyone comments on Talwyn's pants and she smiles a little as she watches him approach Thea "now now.." she clicks her teeth a little in a tisking sort of way. She moves closer to Thea "Do save a dance for me?" asks Macda

After spotting Thea and Drake among the crowd, Liara offers over a cheery little wave, only to see Macda happen along nearby. "Macda!" she enthuses, and she smiles, heading over to greet her sister, mug of cocoa in hand.

Upon entering Orick politely declines the offered champagne, walking in and reaching up to give his messy hair a nervous ruffle in the midst of so many different silks. His pale hazel eyes dart from one unfamiliar face to another as he attempts to move casually through the crowd and find himself a place to sit that was decidedly out of the way.

Hamish walks into the ballroom flanked by Templars on either side, though he doesn't give it a minute before he's waving them off irritably and wandering around the greet the locals, starting by following Norah and Oskar on their way over to where the Duchess of Tor leads the party. Though he's ditched his clerical vestments in favor of plain black ironwool, it's hard not to recognize the bulk of the archlector of Death.

Drake is watching Korka go.... but, off she goes. Then Thea appraoches him, and he doesn't move from the spot. He gives Talwyn a nod, and then, one for Macda. "Good to see you two stil getting along." He raises his glass in greeting to Liara next. "Good to see you, Princess Liara."

"As long as you promise not to---break out in song at me,"Thea tells Macda. So not kidding. Kinda. Seeing Liara's hand, Thea lifts her hand in a wave,"Princess Liara, hello!"as she turns to look for Medeia. She knows she's here!

Calista is here, resplendent in shimmering aeterna and lace that looks more like an artist arranged snowflakes and spread hoarfrost across her body rather than an actual dress, save for the skirts that flow about her legs with each graceful movement. She is greeting her guests and comes upon Lora, returning the pair of kisses to the DiFidante's cheeks. "Thank you, Everything Cosme together so nicely. Our servants and workers are priceless. You look wonderful as always!" Fingers waggle over to Dante. "How is that sweet babe of yours? I cannot wait to squeeze his cheeks again." Greeted next by Talwyn, Calista smiles fondly and offers him a traditional Lycene greeting, a pair of air kisses to either cheek. "Your Highness, wonderful time have you here. I've heard so much about your pants! I must have the name of your tailor."

Pasquale smiles at Medeia when she calls out to Calla and him. "And a good day to you Medeia." From there its just a step or two to Calista and the politely offered "Thank you for opening your home this evening Duchess. You chose a rather lovely theme." he looks to Calla. "Have you met Baroness Vaevici of Sangris in the Saffron Isles yet?"

"Makes for a good show, I'd say." Oskar admits, snatching a glass of the same kind of wine that his wife chose. "Lead the way." He instructs, using his free hand to comb the hair away from the face in an attempt to look more presentable to the Duchess of Tor.

"You are such a pansy...it is only a spot of snow." Narcissa teases Dante, drowning that comment in polishing off her champagne. Medeia is given a nod, a hand placed demurely over her heart for the assurance of her title of 'favorite' that remains. Upon Orick's entrance, the poetess quirks a solitary brow and waves a fond greeting on her way to procure her next glass of champagne. "We were able to steal you away from the Apothecary College, Professor? What do we aim to glean from this evening?" A beat. "I trust you are well?"

"A gentleman never names his tailor, Duchess, you know that." Talwyn gives a wink to Calista as he returns the air-kisses, well-versed on the Velenosian arts as Narcissa approaches and he bows his head in greetings. "Yes, Prince Talwyn Valardin. And you are hopefully on my dance card tonight, Lady...?" he glances to Calista. "If you do not mind the introduction, Your Grace?" comes the question. "After all, these trousers were made for dancing."

"Medeia! We have to stop bumping into each other like this," Calla giggles as she fingers waggles at the woman before stepping up with Pasquale and curtseying when he introduces her. "Duchess Fidante, a pleasure to meet you. This room is simply sublime. I don't have much of a winter where I'm from so this is a special treat."

"It would be my pleasure, Prince Talwyn, may I introdúceme cousin Lady Narcissa, Voice of House Fidante." Calista offers a slightly formal introduction for the Valardin Prince.

Norah and Oskar make their way through the receiving line. When they reach Duchess, the Marquessa curtsies low to Calista. "Duchess, thank you for inviting us. This is our first formal event in the city and we are honored to be here. I can earnestly say I've never seen this feast's equal."

Taking a moment to consider Thea's dress, Liara says, "My, what a dress. I wonder at times if I should introduce a hint of Oathlands fashion to my wardrobe, and that is quite inspiring." To Drake, she offers up a light smile and says, "I trust that everything proceeds well with the new House, my lord."

Macda looks over to her sister and she smiles "fancy seeing you here sister!" who is she kidding its actually quite rare of a sight to see Macda at a ball of any sort. "I did not expect to see you here, do you know Lady Thea, Lord Drake?" she asks Liara

Medeia has joined the a table of blooming roses.

"I do," Liara says, with a quick smile to Macda, though adds with a contemplative look about the ballroom, "although for me, the room is uncommonly unfamiliar. I must remedy that somewhat."

Orick looks uneasy in a party setting and he smiles with a momentary look of relief upon seeing his Patron, a familiar face, "Ah, Lady Narcissa, you are too kind." He clears his throat, ticking his head slightly to the side as if considering something silently before he continues, "A striking question and one that's apt to send me running back to the college. What is there to glean in an evening of frivilous conversation and drinking?" He hms, frowns thoughtfully and continues, "Yes-" He sounds distracted now but agrees, "I'm well-" A pause and he looks back to Narcissa, "Quite well, although a little troubled now that realize I might be here when I should be there." He points back over his shoulder and blinks before remebering to ask, "How are you?"


As Drake, Korka, and others file in, Piccola side-steps the incoming crowd.

From the entrance to one of the sofas she goes. There, she adjusts how her sword hangs from her belt, and then sits down there. She sits back, puts her arms along the back of it. Maybe she doesn't like large crowds? Or maybe she prefers to watch and wait at such events.

Or maybe she has something else on her mind at the moment.


Piccola has joined the a mahogany sofa upholstered in a voluptuous red silk.

"Baroness, we absolutely /must/ keep meeting this. way!" Medeia replies to Calla, but then she's retreating to give Callista space and makes her way over to a table, where she will stand and sip her champagne while watching the crowd, waving to Thea in the prcess.

Lora does indeed spot Korka, and bows her head in a suggestion of formal greeting to her, one belied by the faint curve of a smile that emerges. "Inquisitor, what a delightful surprise. And there's no need to rush it. We wanted to share the wealth; I fully expect that whatever you eventually have done with it will be marvelous. I do look forward to seeing it." As for the Duchess's question, there's a subtle flicker of something wry that curves through her expression. "Leon is well. I am imagining him asleep right now, because the alternatives are too noisy to dwell on." There's quite the gathering then. Talwyn in particular merits a moment of consideration, a very slight tilt of her head. "Your Highness. A pleasure to finally meet you in person. I've heard so much about you."

"Oathlands fashion. You and Belle could get up to some collaboration, possibly. She roped me into her last scheme, but I can't complain." Drake gives Liara a smile in return for hers. "It's going well. Slow to build now that winter has hit us, but the people are settling in and what we have is prospering. I think in the spring, we'll be hoping to do some more construction by the water, if we can." He nods to Liara. "Enjoy your evening. Perhaps we can have a dance later... if you don't meet a more interesting stranger." He winks at her.

Pasquale has joined the a table of blooming roses.

Coming to to give Calista a hug and a quick kiss on each cheek, Dante smiles afterwards, remarking, "You look wonderful, cousin - your sense of fashion is always astounding. There's quite a few people here I do not know." Narcissa's jibe is answered with an entirely straight face, "That's winter pansy to you, sister." Then he reaches up to a particular scorpion on his shoulder, showing him off in a display of sibling rivalry. A couple of glasses of Torrent are fetched and one handed to Lora when he drifts back to her side, chortling, "If Leon isn't asleep he's tyrannizing the maidservant."

Calla has joined the a table of blooming roses.

"Do they dance as you sing?" Korka asks Talwyn as she takes another sip of the champagne, giving Dante a slight smile, "If you think of something let me know. I'd hate for us to show up wearing the same thing at one of these soirees," her eyes wander around the room and the crowd, taking note of where the groups are forming, "I do appreciate it, Marquessa," she nods to Lora, then takes a step back, to go sit on one of those red sofas where she just about blends in.

Korka has joined the a mahogany sofa upholstered in a voluptuous red silk.

Thea tells Liara with a chuckle,"It's blended Lycene and Oathlands fairly well I thought. I may come to you soon with advice though, since fashion is definitely NOT my forte." Seeing Calla and Piccola make their way into the room, Thea nods to them, a curve of her lips appearing. "Baroness Calla, Pasquale. Hi.."

Calista pivots you're greet Norah and Oskar next though she stands near those she's recently spoken to. "Marquis and Marquessa Eswynd, it is an honor to make your acquaintance and to be your first formal introduction to the city of Arx is truly a pleasure. You grace me with your kind words. How have you enjoyed our beautiful city thus far? You both look absolutely stunning."

When Calista makes the introduction, Talwyn's eyes widen and he smiles more warmly. "Lady Narcissa, one of our shy poets at the college. Though I always look forward to seeing her work. Moreso now that I have returned to the city." he offers. He was just about to say more when Orick speaks to Narcissa. "If you find a moment, I would enjoy a dance with you, my Lady." he comments, as Lora joins in and he nods his head in greetings. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Fidante." he offers to her, before Korka's question has him chuckling. "Oh no, there will be no singing from me tonight, no matter how much you may want to coax. This is the Duchess' venue, and I am honored to just be a guest tonight."

"Neither have I, my lady." Oskar has his head lean forward in a bow, the stiff movements of his body mark it as a well practiced, yet rough. "And we, Eswynd, enjoy a good party." His eyes peer to the crowd, "I have never seen such diversity as well. Perhaps that's what makes it so special. We can learn from that." He comments, taking the drink to his lips and tilting his head from one side to the other, "The city has treated me better than I expected, so far, but the road got me a bit tired, I hope to get up to the speed in the upcoming weeks and enjoy everything good that it has to offer."

Calla chuckles at Medeia's response, "Yeah, you're right! You look absolutely divine this evening. You must tell me where you go your dress. I'm going to need some nice things made for all the parties there seem to be in the Winder here." When Thea greets her, her smile beams, "Lady Thea! A pleasure to see you again." She'll follow after Medeia to the table, grabbing another flute of the champagne on the way.

"Thereis nothing too exceedingly frivilous of company in the midst of winter; a balm to the solitary nature it enforces, to ease the heart and soul of those whom attend." Narcissa opines to Orick, contrarian in a wisp of verbal riposte as her Mirrormask nature dictates. "You should be here and kinder to yourself. Allow repose when schedule permits and needs dictate." To Talwyn she smiles, dipping her head as Calista makes the kind introductions. "My cousin is far too kind; Duchess Calista spoils us this evening. You are of the Bard's College, no, Prince Talwyn?" In a lull she offers the customary air-kisses greeting to Lora, murmuring something to her passing. "Winter pansy to me, darling brother? Shall I address you are Marquise W. Pansy here on out?"

"I keep having to learn fashion through exposure," Drake says, and then he takes another drink of it. "Remarkable how many conversations one gets into about it once you become known for that sort of thing." He looks at Thea. "So, now, this is a family party, anyone in here you know that I don't?"

Narcissa adds, quick to hold up a hand as her cheeks flush - certainly just the wine. "No, I shall withold from dancing but I thank you for the kind offer."

Pasquale joins the table with Calla and Medeia and then takes some time to offer nods to those he recognises. "Its good to see you again Piccola."

Liara offers up a quick grin to Drake, "We have discussed it at some length, although a prospective fashion show has not quite yet come to fruition - I have distracted her with such projects as the cookie contest. As for dancing, I shall certainly keep an eye out once it gets going." Her attention is back to Thea then and she opines, "Not your forte, perhaps, but if so, you have a good tailor all the same. And since her name has come up, Lady Mabelle can offer some excellent advice, as I am sure you are well aware."

Macda chuckles a little as she looks to Drake then to Thea then back around her eyes flicker to Talwyn and then the others before she moves along the edge of the social crowd to simply watch and drink.


"Lord Malespero," says Piccola to Pasquale. She looks to Calla as well. "Baroness." And Medeia. "Lady Saik." She nods her head to each respectfully, and then looks back to Korka.


Macda has joined the an oak sofa upholstered in a rich burgundy silk.

Thea has joined the a table of blooming roses.

Orick inclines his head politely with a slightly sheepish smile as Narcissa corrects him and Talwyn asks her for a dance, stepping back as he comments, "Of course, wise words about finding friends when the windows find frost, M'lady." Orick has a sharp grin on as he looks back up and several of the silks nearby get a polite inclination of his head but he isn't so bold as to introduce himself.

Medeia looks down at her outfit and gives a twirl for Calla. "You absolutely need to talk to Mistress Caprice. I'll make an introduction, you won't be disappointed." When Piccola address her, she gives the general a polite smile and inclines her head, but turns back to the table and takes a seat.

Thea nudges Drake for a moment,"Well--depends. Who do you not know?" Her gold-flecked eyes look about, singling out Calista. She nods her head to her cousin by marriage, a smile there,"That is Duchess Calista Fidante. She's married my huggy cousin Inigo Malvici." Thea mutters to Drake, a sigh escaping,"The man seems to torture me with them.." Seeing Narcissa, Thea smiles over to her as well, greeting her.

One eye squints and focuses on Narcissa, Dante murmuring the title she has proposed. "Marquise W. Pansy...I admit that it has a certain ring to it, but I think I shall stick with my name as it is, changing it once was really quite enough already. The confusion and chaos was far too much for one person to bear," he claims with a hand held up to his sister and an arm sliding back through Lora's, glass of wine lifted to his lips. "General Piccola, is that you? Good to see you again, I have been looking forward to that meeting you proposed. Hopefully it shall come about soon?" His gaze falls on Talwyn and Macda, "Good evening Your Royal Highnesses, I have heard much about you both - it is good to actually meet you in person."

Joy, the advisor of roses arrives, following Esme.

Calla sips at her first glass of champagne as she puts the other one on the table in front of her. "You guys really get into the whole winter theme huh? I guess it's one way to stay positive when it's so cold out." She watches Medeia's twirl with a smile, "Oh, yes please!" At the greeting by Piccola, she tips her glass in her direction. "Nice to see you again, Lady Piccola."

Talwyn smiles as he considers Narcissa and shares a few quiet words with her before the Valardin Prince is studying the room, looking to meet and greet and mingle. Noticing Liara, he is about to head in that direction when Dante speaks up. "A pleasure to meet you." he offers as he finishes his champagne, setting the empty flute on a passing tray as he prepares to find a fresh glass of wine


Piccola doesn't have a glass, but she nods to Calla in acknowledgment. She and Korka are apparently conversing on some topic of interest to them.

Macda has left the an oak sofa upholstered in a rich burgundy silk.

Calista waggles fingers are Thea from her current spot and offers the same informal hello to Piccola in the distance. She will eventually make her way to everyone. But first, champagne!

What are these accessories for other than to be brandished with a flick of a wrist, murmured behind in a moment of a crowd - Narciss does such a thing and utilizes her folding fan of seasilk and stygian. It hides the flush at a dance offered, but quietly declines in murmurs for Talwyn sealed with a nod. The fan flutters once more, lowered now to at level with her waist as the Darkest Rose addresses her protege. "Professor Orick, any solitary being would be blessed to call you a friend." Catching his apprehension, she comments pointedly in raised tones, "And if any have need, the Professor here is an absolute artist at the creation of perfumes and scents of all manners." Mic dropped, she leaves him center-stage with a vulpine smile. "Dear brother, consider it your new moniker of affection from your baby sister."

Lora may've had a little more to say to Talwyn but then Narcissa draws her attention and she takes a little breath, straightening her shoulders. "I worked so hard to get him here; positive reinforcement. Please." She takes a glass from Dante as he returns, but her own attention drifts next to the Eswynds. "Marquis, Marquessa. It is an honor to meet you both. I've heard stories about Eswyn. I am Marquessa Lora DiFidante, this is my husband, the Marquis Dante DiFidante. You surely could've picked less delightful parties at which to make this momentous first public appearance, I daresay."

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

Macda moves over to Oskar, she murmers softly to him and then she sends a little smile across the room for her sister. She dose however slip right out before her song gets the better of her ... a little humming tune about drunken sailors

"Calista. Yes, I think we've met before, but I also think it has been a while." Drake gives a slight wave in Calista's direction. Then he looks at Narcissa, as well, as Thea looks toward her, but she seems otherwise occupied for the moment.

5 Eswynd shieldbearers leaves, following Oskar.

Caprice slips in, clad in wintry whites and warmer gold tones. Smiles and curtseys abound for faces familiar and not, the woman letting the minstrels' music set the pace of light, dancing footsteps that carry her about the ballroom's perimeter.

Pasquale has left the a table of blooming roses.

Seeing Caprice enter, Medeia stands and waves, then leans down to say something to Calla. She finishes her champagne and acquires a new glass before sitting again.

Esme saunters into the room because right now she's not wrapped in a thousand layers of warmth. For now. There is a bright smile as she surveys the room, perhaps looking for someone. However, that smile is from deep within her core and radiates out with inner sincerity. "Oh, this is just beautiful and wonderful and filled with all kinds of people." Joy moves off to the shadows to not be in the way unless needed.

After polishing off her cocoa and passing off the empty mug to a passing servant, Liara takes a stroll over to avail of some soup - she's going about this revelling thing really weirdly - from the central table. Bowl in hand, she heads back to mingle, stretching a gloved hand up on the way to brush at one of the paper snowflakes hanging down from above.

"Marquis and Marquessa it is a pleasure to meet you both. I have always enjoyed the Torian gardens and it is a pleasure to meet more of their roses." Talwyn offers with a smile and a bow of his head. "As I have returned to the city, I look forward to getting out and about more often. I had hoped to find a dance partner tonight, but it seems that I will appreciate the evening of meeting new people and making contacts I hope will bloom into more." See, he can even add in a pun there.

Thea nods to Drake. "I think you did. You were there when she--attacked me with her arms." She squints at Calista jokingly, finishing off her wine. Seeing Esme venture in, she's quick to grab the whiskey. "And I realize I haven't heard one thing about roses,"though she sees Lora and Dante. "Marquis, Marquessa. It's been--Well it's been a really long time. You've been busy it seems,"Thea says with a grin.

Drake has an empty glass already. He swaps it out for a full one as Thea does likewise, switching empty for full with a deft manuever. Then he looks at Lora and Dante, if blankly and without much initial recognition, at first. But at least the titles help.

Upon setting eyes on Esme, Calista high tails it over to her cousin and immediate links arms with the vibrant Fidante. "Oh goody, I'm so happy to see you. Not that I'm going to discuss the messenger you sent me the other day." The duchess teases. "You look lovely! I love this color on you."

Caprice's attention is caught and a smile blooms for Medeia from across the room; her hand lifts and fingers wiggle briefly in a return wave and - oh, is that champagne? Green eyes flit away from the noblewoman to the glass that's been pressed into her hand.

Narcissa nods a hello to Drake, having caught his glance in passing. To Lora she remarks, "Positive? He started it, even if his starting it was practically two decades ago." Concerning dance partners for Talwyn, Esme has just arrived when the poetess beams, "Cousin Esme! How spry are you feeling this evening?" Then there is a pun of 'blooming' and she coughs, clearing her throat of the laughter - holding up one finger to her guards in count.

Orick finds himself a seat where he can people watch without being underfoot, he has a static rehearsed smile on his face as all the partgoers revel and enjoy the evening.

Orick has joined the an oak sofa upholstered in a rich burgundy silk.

Esme was about to hug the entire party. How does one know this? Her eyes. Esme's eyes always seem to tell things in her emotions and thoughts. Then Calista saved EVERYONE by taking her arm. There is a brilliant smile for her cousin as she attempts to wrap her free arm around her. HUG! "Oh, this is probably not the place. Could you imagine if /everyone/ knew what I was up to? Why the skies would fall. The earth would shatter. So much that the entire population would just be a memory in a footnote of a story. We just /cannot/ have that." She looks over her outfit. "Why Caprice made this for me." The woman turns her eyes towards the person in question. "I am sure if you asked her and sent her coin, she would design your gowns. Glorious. Amazing. Things that would stun the unstunable." Someone has encouraged Esme to talk. This is all their fault. Her eyes slide over toward Narcissa for a few moments as her wild auburn tresses fall to the side. "Spry?" Then she looks over herself for a moment. "I mean, I don't plan on attempting to leap over buildings or... is there a challenge going on?" Curiosity lights up her eyes as that bright smile is given to everyone and all.

3 Iron Guardsmen, Sir Struttington, Esquire Messenger Peacock, Lyros, Clifford, the cliff diving pygmy goat, Dolores, Seymour, Cup Maintainer arrive, following Michael.

"Messere Caprice, hey. How are those fingers holding up,"Thea greets the tailor. When did she start knowing people! Good grief! Seeing Orik's face, she seems to completely understand his face before well--she slides him her glass of booze. He seems to need it too. Thea smiles for a second to Drake, telling him,"But I promise I'm not related to ALL of them."

"The night is young, your highness," Lora offers Talwyn, along with that glimmer of a smile that manages amusement despite its delicacy. She lifts her glass in Esme's direction as she spots her cousin, but her gaze drifts to Thea, and to Drake. The latter might not be familiar but she offers him that same very polite tilt of her head, though it's the Malvici who really seems to draw out her smile. "Lady Thea. It has been some time, hasn't it? I am happy to report that your lessons have been put to good use. I've managed a few cuts and scrapes, and even some broken ribs."

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle, Amieli arrive, following Quenia.

Drake tilts his head toward Thea for a moment, half-nods to her, but then, for now, continues the conversation at hand. "I'm meeting a few new people." He raises a glass in nod to Esme as he sees her... and yes, he knows that this is probably irritating to Thea, but he looks just a little mischevious about it. His attention then turns back to Lora. "I'm Drake, Wyvernheart house. Formerly Wyrmguard, in case that name means more than the new one to you."


When Orick is offered a glass of booze by Lady Thea he looks a little taken aback but he accepts it and then holds it, with a tight lipped grin, never sipping from it and eventually setting it aside as he remarks genuiely, "So thoughtful of you."

Having finished a second flute of champagne, Medeia is fairly certain she should get a third. So, she stands up from the table and excuses herself to track on down.

Who says that arriving late is a bad thing? Quenia strolls into the Fidante party somewhat late, bedecked in her usual brocade outfit for such occasions. She seems to be in good spirits in spite of her tardiness, and seems exceptionally pleased to see quite a few familiar faces. She wanders over to wherever the drinks are being served first, grabbing a glass of white wine for herself, and then starts to mingle among the crowd. She has a goal! Get herself out there!

Happening along near Orick on her meandering way through the ballroom, Liara pauses to greet him with an easy smile, still carrying that bowl of soup with her. "I don't think we have met. Liara Grayson, Princess of Bastion. How do you do?"

"It is Marquessa, I will hope yet that I will find someone to accept my offer." Talwyn smiles to Lora, his hands tugging on the sides of his trousers, making the snowflakes glisten. "After all, these pants were made for dancing."

"I have very happy fingers, my Lady! Most or all thanks to you," the copper-haired clothier responds to Thea with a smile visible over the rim of her glass. You know what stands out in a room full of refined roses? -Wallflowers-. Possibly unaware that she's been watched by others, Caprice appears to be watching Orick now - nor does it seem she's the only one!

Michael arrives very very late. And...probably doesn't know what he is showing up to. Just that there are tons of people all walking to the same place, and he shows up to a ballroom. And gets greeted with champagne. This is absolutely the best thing about being peerage in Arx. He'll take his glass with him and step out of the entryway so that others can come through as well.

"Yes, Prince Talwyn was just looking for a dance partner." Narcissa reassures Esme, "We both know how horrid I am at it when a crowd insists on existing. You do not seem frozen, yet?" Her gold eyes flit between the pair with notable mirth. Michael appears and almost instantly the Voice is looking to her raven to assure his perch is a safe distance from the Bisland.

Thea nods to Orick with a nod,"I find drinking helps, but you don't have to. At least you look--busy?" Usually her mouth is with drinks anyway as she gos to get another. Meeting Drake's eyes as he looks at her, she squints and then--smirks. Oh you wait, suddenly amused. "I'm glad to hear that, Lora. If you ever need anymore help, let me know. I'd be happy to--,"Thea offers with a sincere smile. Her gaze lingers about, nodding to Michael at his entranace. "Lord Michael..good evening."

Orick looks up and smiles kindly to the introduction from the Princes, saying as he stands, "Professor Orick, Guildmaster of the College of Apothecary. Delighted to have you with us for the Fidante feast." He is a narrow shouldered fellow who dresses in the clothing of a commoner and he seems a bit surprised to be spotted by a Princess. "Do you have an interest in the alchemical arts?"

While getting that new glass of champagne, Medeia stops by Caprice and whispers something to her, before noticing Michael's arrival. She lifts a hand in greeting, "Lord Bisland, hello." She starts to make her way back to the table.

Quenia cocks her head to the side slightly, looking for a voice. Her attention falls on Narcissa, "Did someone say dancing? Goodness knows I need a bit of fun, so if no one is volunteering, I'd happily dance. With anyone, honestly." She cracks a wide smile, mischief glistening in her dark eyes.

"So very many people," Dante murmurs to Lora with a blink as more and more people show up, then he blinks again at Talwyn's dancing pants. "Indeed, those are some rather special dancing pants, Prince Talwyn. I am certain you will find a dance partner in such spectacular trousers," he compliments with a grin, then smiles brightly when Esme shows up. "Cousin! I am glad you are here, how are you? Are you a dancer? I am afraid all of my dancing is on the battlefield, especially when armored." Dipping his head to Thea he gives her a fond grin, "You are very right, Lady Thea. We've been very busy, but I find that delightful. Always something to do in the Roseward."

"OH! You're here. Good." Michael steps sideways several times to 'startle' Caprice by planting a kiss into her temple. Then chugging his champagne to offer his elbow towards Medeia. "Dance?"

Drake looks toward the entrance as Quenia walks in. He was just about to approach her anyway... so he steps in, and offers a hand. "I know Talwyn was much eager, but I'd like to say it's good to see you again. Should we?"

Medeia has left the a table of blooming roses.

Medeia has joined the dance floor.

Intercepted by Michael, Medeia smiles and slips her hand into the crook of his arm. "Of course, let me just..." She holds up the glass and motions toward the table. "Put this down?"

Calla looks up from her drink when Medeia calls out to a late arrival. "Lord Bisland." She nods in acknowledgement as he asks Medeia to dance, the Baroness waggling her fingers at the Lady Saik, and gladly takes her glass of champagne off her hands.

Caprice's free hand lifts in a companionable touch near Medeia's elbow as she tilts her head in to listen to the whispering - leaving an easier target for Michael. She is indeed startled but it's a very busy place - probably nobody hears the squeak. "I've got next," it's not entirely clear if she's saying it to Medeia or Michael, but the woman does reach to take the noblewoman's glass with a wink.

A baroness calls to Michael, and she gets a jaunty wave as he pretends to be led by a much stronger Medeia towards the table to relief herself of her beverage.

That grin of mischief turns into a wide brimmed smile as Quenia notices Drake. She dips her head ever so slightly in his direction, glancing to his hand. Her smile grows wider, if possible, and she takes it. "I'd very much enjoy that," she tells Drake. She moves with an easy, elegant grace as she allows him to lead her to the dance floor.

Liara replies with an easy smile for Orick. "A pleasure to meet you, and indeed a pleasure to be here - what a marvellous ballroom. I adore the decor. As for alchemy, I suppose I could say that I have an interest in the creations thereof, although the processes remain an utter mystery to me. My protege, Lady Mabelle Laurent, would be a better person to ask - though I suppose it is not strictly alchemical, honeysilk is really lovely." Then, since she has some soup, she gets on with actually consuming a bit of it.


The celebration is still in full swing when the dance floor opens to a lively tune that is well known in Tor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwlOPnc5VSY). Professional dancers take to the floor to entertain the guests and ultimately to encourage others to join them.

Bodies move together in a teasing tango, coming close then parting. The dancers circle around each other in a slow, rhythmic pace, then come together once again. As the floor begins to fill, and the dancers and guests are into their steps, a flurry of winter white rose petals is released from various woven baskets that were hung from the ceiling. The ballroom might be on fire, but it is snowing roses inside.

Drake has joined the dance floor.

"Marquessa Quenia, good evening,"Thea greets the Marquessa with a slight wave. Moving to sit, she leans back and crosses her long legs. "Lady Mabelle is always designing clothes it seems. She's like Martino and Olivian."

Alfonso Donatello Fidante the Right Hand arrives, following Santiago.

Medeia turns to the dancefloor, now that her hands are free, and releases Michael's arm to curtsy to him. "Shall we?" She holds out a hand and lifts the other to place on his shoulder.

Orick nods readily to that, commenting, "I've met Lady Mabelle Laurent before... she reached out to me recently because I have been using Laurent honey in a few of my perfumes recipes. I've heard too about the Honeysilk that's been filtering into the Compact. I've yet to see a sample, save for at a distance." Orick glances around the room casaully, commenting as Liara sips her soup, "I wonder if anyone here is wearing it tonight, doesn't strike me as a winter fabric." He babbles for a few moments and then starts to trail off into silence as the Princess is busy sipping her soup.

Drake looks at Thea for a moment, giving her another nod. She's having a seat, but he'll be back eventually, one supposes. For now, he gives his glass to another passing attendant so he can move out to the dance floor with Quenia. He takes the Marquessa into his arms, not shy, but not too forceful either. He's had couple glasses already, just enough to loosen up and fall well into step with the beat, as the trained entertainment encourages everyone to move to the floor. Drake's practiced dancing enough to take the lead, and keep in proper step. The snow of petals makes for a nice backdrop.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome arrive, following Eirene.

"Oh dear, we're going to have to try very hard and do the right dance, aren't we?" Michael glances off towards the dancefloor where...professional dancers have jumped to, then provided space for others to find the dancefloor. He'll bow and then reach forward to grasp Medeia's hands and direct her out towards the dancefloor.

After a few words with Narcissa, Talwyn turns his attention and smiles to Esme. "Lady Esme, you look as though you have just stepped out of the snow, and made the crystals dance to your whims. Speaking of, if you are feeling so inclined, may I interest you in a turn around the floor?"

Quenia checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 28 higher.

Pausing with the soup as Orick goes quiet, Liara turns her head to gaze off across the ballroom, considering it momentarily, then looks back with a tiny shake of her head, "Not that I have spotted so far, although I would expect it to become more visible sooner than later. If you are especially keen for a sample, I am sure I could source one for you. The other notable alchemical creation I have happened by lately is part of a rather horrifying weapon - quite a distant relation of perfume, hm?"

Quenia has joined the dance floor.

Drake checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 4 higher.

Oh Thea saw Drake head out to the dance floor and Thea heads to where it's safe. Sitting with a drink. She looks pretty comfortable all things considering.

Left to her own devices, Narcissa falls back to the two easy comforts of Tor - rose-gold champagne and teasing her brother, Dante. "Does Cuddles still love you? Or has he pinched off a toe yet?"

Caprice may not be on the sidelines much longer; she's scanning the fringes of the crowd for a likely vict- dance partner. In the meantime however, she's slinking ever closer to Calla's table while working to add another empty champagne glass to the trays moving around.

Quenia also passes her glass aside. She'd only barely taken a sip, but she's in an adventurous mood tonight. She laughs lightly when Drake isn't shy about taking her into his arms, and seems relieved about that. "If I did not know any better Lord Drake, I'd think you were tying to make me swoon," she teases lightly. That elegant grace stays with her as he moves her across the floor, and she practically glides with him. Her eyes brighten when a version of the tango starts playing, noting to him. "

Quenia also passes her glass aside. She'd only barely taken a sip, but she's in an adventurous mood tonight. She laughs lightly when Drake isn't shy about taking her into his arms, and seems relieved about that. "If I did not know any better Lord Drake, I'd think you were tying to make me swoon," she teases lightly. That elegant grace stays with her as he moves her across the floor, and she practically glides with him. Her eyes brighten when a version of the tango starts playing, noting to him. "Oh, a dance of romance is it? Shall we give them some fire?" she adds, good naturedly?

Eirene braved the snows to join the party, handing off her cloak to an attendant and brushing snow from the hem of her brocade dress. Yes, a dress. Her hair is still set in into intricate braids and held with hairpins, like she usually wears it, so that's still normal. Dancing. She makes a slight face at that and goes for the food and drinks. Sipping the champagne very slowly. The Fidantes are given a salute with the glass, as are the familiar faces about the room.

Calla has left the a table of blooming roses.

Medeia checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

"Professor Orick, is it? You are one of our Apothecaries from the College, recently arrived from Tor? A pleasure to see you here. Unless I am very off and completely got who you are entirely wrong, which may have happened," Dante admits to Orick with a crooked smile, asking him afterwards, "How are you finding Arx?" Then he spots Quenia, giving her a fond wave. "Marquessa Igniseri, I am very glad that you could come! Enjoy your dance!" Eyes slide to the side and fix on Narcissa, "He loves me so much! He even stopped stinging me. Mostly!" A salute is returned to Eirene with his glass of wine, "It has been too long Lady Eirene, I hope everything has been good for you, congratulations on your wedding."

Calista slinks back to where Narcissa lingers. Assuming the Fidante is near Dante and Lora, the Duchess perks her head over the Darkest Rose's shoulder and murmurs something to her while her shadowed emerald eyes glance over to the dance floor, setting on this one and that one. Her lips curve upwards, mischievous as if she's sharing some hot gossip. Chances are she's inquiring about the toast points with goat cheese and capers.

Medeia laughs softly, letting Michael lead her into the group of dancers. "We'll d fine."

Esme stands beside Calista and laughs. When Esme does, it's like her, full of life. She cannot help but to do it fully and without question. "I fear that should I have a blade in my hands, I am wonderful. Left to my own two feet... well..." Her nose scrunches up slightly in a feline displeasure. "Let me just say that I trip over feet. The worst one I got my foot around his ankle, he fell down, but then I went down with him. Only, I grabbed the tablecloth to save us. Which tumbled down. Which had lit candles on it. Which, if you did not know, when come in contact with the tablecloth causes an inferno and..." Esme trails off as Calista slinks back. Then she smiles vibrantly at Talwyn, "If you wish to risk life and limb with me...."


"Distant but perhaps still related, as you suggest, the recipes that we use to make new silks are not so different from the ones we use to make weapons... its simply the ingredients we use." Orick opines with a tight lipped smile and a glance out at the floor, the offer the sample of Honesysilk earns the Princess a profoundly modest grin of sheer brilliance; toothy and wide yet still of its station, he states, "I would be honored to accept such a donation on behalf of the college. My students relish the opportunity to explore new discoveries."

It's when Cuddles is mentioned that Lora finally prepares to abandon her husband and his sister; she leans up to kiss Dante on the cheek and then steps away, likely to collect something to eat, pausing only when Calista drifts by. "This really is a delight," she says again, "maybe in the spring we'll be ready to host you all in our house. Though we don't have a ballroom." Upon spotting Eirene across the way she bows her head, then dips off to find a snack. Maybe the toast points.

Thea sees her aunt and--sighs with relief. "Aunt Eirene. Hey! You made it! Want to come and uh--rest that baby?"

Drake leans in, to speak in Quenia's ear a bit closer. "I will certainly do my best," he says. But it seems clear to him that she is a somewhat more practiced dancer. He can keep up, though. He grabs her hand, spins her around, and then pulls her back to his chest. "Now, if I should stumble, you can take the lead."

"So what you are saying, Lady Esme, is that you are a firey, passionate partner." Talwyn says with a hint of playful amusement. As Calista returns to grab Narcissa's attention, he chuckles. "I will take this as my cue to step away so that they may gossip while we take to the floor?" His arm is offered to Esme to lead her out so that they may take to the dance.

"Aye, I'm the Guildmaster most recently.. following a promotion. I have spent the last ten years teaching in the college in Tor though, yes." Orick explains to Dante, going on to adds, "Arx is an interesting city, I've taken a very special interest in the street lamps." Odd thing to say, but perhaps not for a master alchemist. "Curious, how they glow even in the dead of winter."

Talwyn has joined the dance floor.

Narcissa turns her head ever so slightly to listen to whatever it is Calista remarks to her. She smiles slowly, her cupid's bow pulled taut before she remarks back in kind silently. Snark finds Dante next;" Mostly is still not never. The darling has never struck me..." She pauses to wave a fond hello to Eirene as she appears. Lora is vanishing to find food and Narcissa stills a comment until such things are procured.

Esme has joined the dance floor.

Michael has joined the dance floor.

"I'm sure we'll manage somehow." Michael grasps a hip, then a hand, before leading the pair of them out onto the dancefloor into the crowd with suitable ease.

"Why thank you," Eirene replies to Dante, grinning. "It was a lovely wedding, and an even better honeymoon," she adds with a cheeky wink. Thea's given a lift of the glass in hello too as she strolls over to join. Narcissa, waving, is met with another lift of the rose-gold champagne. "OH! Yes. Everglow lamps!" She catches Orick's comment and turns to him, excited for the moment. "It's an ancient magic-science artificery thing that dates back to the Age of Legends and shit like that."

"I must say, I would be upset if perfume or silk proved to be harmful, all the same," Liara replies to Orick, with a quick smile, then following the exchange with Dante, she goes on, "Oh, the lamps! Someone sought to explain them once but frankly, it went in one ear and out the other. That was a few years ago."

Esme checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

"I look forward to that, Lora. Truly. Your house is built for entertaining and I would thoroughly enjoy being a guest." Because hosting duties is sometimes a bit much, even when one has an entire staff working day and night on all the details. Calista warmly greets Eirene. "My lady, it has been quite some time. Many congratulations to you on your nuptials. Inigo will be so sad to hear he's missed another party with his family. How have you been?" Spying Orick, finally, the duchess waves fondly to the Apothecary College's newest leader.

Talwyn checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 60 higher.

Quenia spies Dante's wave from the dance floor. She waits for an opportune moment to smile and wave back, and say, "I'm just glad I could make it," she calls out to him, she then gives Drake her undivided attention. Practiced she is, though she is more practiced in making sure her dance partner looks good, lessons from her cousin Lucita having paid off a bit. "Posh. If you stumble, I'll make it look like part of the dance," she confides to Drake, grinning mischievously at him. "Or, improvise so it seemed like it wasn't a stumble at all," she assures him with a wink. She easily spins around and spins back as he does that maneuver, and falls into place once more, her steps sure.

Medeia is a capable dance partner and slides right into the dance as led by Michael.

Michael checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle have been dismissed.

"Yes, that but that is why we make sure to study the good with the foul... you can't make a perfume from a poison no matter how sweet the belladonna smells." Orick explains to Liara and he hears the words from Eirene, "Quiet fascinating stuff, Sparklegas... I have been reading up on the alchemists of antiquity who helped install the copper pipes that make the lamps glow." Orick sees the Duchess from across the way and returns Calista's wave with a little bow of his head.

Michael's hand settles upon the small of Medeia's back as he does no such peacocking upon the dancefloor yet.

Piccola has left the a mahogany sofa upholstered in a voluptuous red silk.

Korka has left the a mahogany sofa upholstered in a voluptuous red silk.

Wendy the little brown wren have been dismissed.


So it is that, after talking and talking, Piccola takes Korka's hand.

And rises. And starts the long walk to the dance floor. As the music dies, there's something in the General's eyes. Mischief? Adventure? Something like that, and, lo, she is prepared with a sword on her hip, and silk clothing all over. Plus, that ironwool cloak of hers that seems more like a cape and cowl when she has that hood up.

And then? She starts to dance with Korka. //Slowly//.


Caprice doesn't choose -a- partner in the end. Rather, she chooses a pair of professional dancers, singling them out with a long stare and brows arching in playful challenge. Sashaying towards the dance floor to the strumming strings, she peels back her cloak to reveal both gown and slippers in all their sparkly glory and strikes a pose: dance-off!

"Real talent is working with your partner's mistakes," Drake says, his eyes sparlking at Quenia as he pulls the manuever off. He dances down the floor with her, watching her feet so that his keep time. "If I need another lesson, perhaps I'll get it from you." The dance between Piccola and Korka catches his eye for a moment, and he smiles at it.

Liara gives a little tip of her chin to Orick, a lingering smile never quite leaving her features, "And remarkable that it has lasted this long, at that. A pleasure to meet you, professor - I shall look for some honeysilk." And on she goes, back to mingle among the crowd again.

Leading Esme out onto the floor, Talwyn is giving a slight coaching session. "It's a simple quick step waltz. Actually, the waltz step is also the basis for the basic steps when you are learning sword training. Just remember what you know from that and do not be stiff, and we will do wonderfully."

One hand settles in Esme's, the other on her shoulder as he takes her through the steps, forward and back, to and fro, left and right. They repeat a couple of times and when they seem relax and have the steps downpat, Talwyn nods. "You are doing wonderfully." he offers in encouragement, before releasing her shoulder and with a step back, he twirls the Fidante lady with the other hand before bringing her back close and gives her a sudden /dip/, sweeping Esme's hair near the floor before bringing her back up again.

Calista is overheard praising Medeia: Yay! Dancing!

Calista is overheard praising Michael: Yay! Dancing!

Calista is overheard praising Piccola: Yay! Dancing!

Thea tells Calista with a grin,"So he can go around on his hugging spree?" Joking of course as she scoots over for her aunt and her growing baby belly. There's an intrest as she watches Piccola and Koraka dance, a smile tugging on her lips. Obviouly the Malvici is pretty content to hide out in the shadows. "Oh hello Lady Esme,"she eventually calls!

Calista is overheard praising Korka: Yay! Dancing!

Calista is overheard praising Esme: Yay! Dancing!

Calista is overheard praising Talwyn: Yay! Dancing!

"The Guildmaster? All the more reason for celebration then Professor Orick. The streetlamps? They are rather curious things, aren't they? Have you found something particularly interesting about them?" Curious, his wine glass is raised to his lips for another sip while conversing with Orick - at least until he spots Narcissa and Calista appearing shifty and up to something. His eyes narrow and a harumph follows, "Cuddles only stings those whom he loves, sister," Dante declares, glancing over the crowd and giving Liara a toast with his wineglass. "Your Highness," he greets her before realizing someone has snuck off for toast tips.

Niklas wanders into the party, late but not, like, super late. Dressed in head to toe gold, the Playwright Prince is not exactly the subtlest of figures. Of course when one enters a party the most important thing to do is get into the receiving line. For snacks. So he goes over, gets himself a tray of something that can be eaten between words and finally makes his way over to the Duchess of Roses, extending arms as if to give her a big, ridiculous hug. "Duchess! It has been far too long!" He looks over to the dance floor. "Goodness, all this dancing and I went and forgot my wife."

Caprice checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

There are no flashy moves from Korka as she watches out for that sword on Piccola's hip, setting her hand down on the other one, sliding her feet across the floor in a beat that's far slower than the music, leaning in to murmur something to Piccola so she can be heard over the music.

Caprice has joined the dance floor.

"Used to be I didn't have formal training in dance," Quenia admits. "I'd just sort of fake it, since I've always been rather dexterous." Her gaze follows Drake's and there she spies Piccola dancing with Korka. She grins widely at the Tessare noblewoman, but quickly turns her attention back to her dance partner. "Why go to a ball if not to dance?" she comments quietly, but perhaps speaking more of herself than anyone else. "And, I am quite grateful you rescued me to be my first partner, rather than allowing me to look silly on my own, dancing by myself" she tells Drake.


Piccola smiles faintly when Korka murmurs at her, and she returns the message by leaning forward and whispering into the other woman's ear softly. After that? A snicker. It's actually more of a little snort, but it's //definitely// a snicker.


The Duchess of Roses perks up from her perch just slightly behind Narcissa when she hears a very familiar voice. "Your highness!" She caresses Narcissa's shoulder as she politely excuses herself to greet the Grayson with a pair of air kisses to his cheeks. "It has indeed been a long time. Let me look at you." A mellifluous giggle escapes her as she takes a step back to fully examine Niklas. "You scamp, I did not see you come in." And she is indeed looking for Sabella. "Well, I can be her understudy on the dance floor." Calista gestures to where the others are shaking a tail feather.

Calista is overheard praising Drake: Yay! Dancing!

Calista is overheard praising Caprice: Yay! Dancing!

Since she's holding a nearly-empty soup bowl, Liara opts not to lift that in response to Dante, instead settling for raising a gloved hand in return. She happens along near Niklas and offers: "In the absence of a wife, Professor Orick over there seems a most fascinating sort, and surely shares certain attributes with Sabella - number of fingers, for example."

Calista is overheard praising Quenia: Yay! Dancing!

Talwyn is overheard praising Calista: The Winter Rose Blooms at the Ball.

Esme looks as if she dances amazingly well, but it's all Talwyn. She listens to his instruction with a nod of her head. "I mean I'm going to fall, but I appreciate your encourage..." The word dies on her lips as she's spun and dipped low. Those emerald eyes open incredibly wide at him. So very very wide. In fact, they almost seem to be all she has is eyes. "..ment." Then she's laughing again and wrapping her arms around the man. It could be formal, but Esme has never been one to have personal space. "You are truly a wonderful dancer. Who do you think your next victim will be?" Delight shines through her eyes as she drops her voice low.

Drake is overheard praising Calista: A ball is a good way to keep winter at bay.

Seryna, a charming Lycene handmaiden, 6 Grimhall House Guards arrive, following Vanora.

5 Grimhall House Guards, Gustav, a gruff Islander advisor, Vladimir, a shaggy brindle Grim Wolfhound, Vanora arrive, following Valdemar.

Talwyn is overheard praising Narcissa: The Dark Rose best blooms in Private Conversation.

Another mantle donned, Narcissa falls easily into the old teasing bit of the Wallflower of Tor as the party continues. It does not perturb her in the slightest, in fact she seems to relish retreating to a lean against a chair and watch the ongoing's with a soft smile once Calist has left her.

Talwyn is overheard praising Esme: The Rose of Devotion best blooms on the Dance Floor.

Narcissa is overheard praising Calista: My Duchess of Roses, tempered with steel.

Narcissa is overheard praising Lora.

The dancers humor Caprice and she matches them step for step - some of the lacking flair from the imaginary partner made up by her very twirly skirt. She laughs as they up the ante with a lift; she counters with a theatrically unenthusiastic hop and 'ta da' hands.

Talwyn is overheard praising Lora.

Not exactly on time to the party, but managing to slip in before it is over, is Duchess Vanora Grimhall and Duke Valdemar. The pair arrive dressed warmly enough, with cloaks passed off to servants and the opportunity taken to mingle and seek out familiar faces in the crowd.

Talwyn is overheard praising Dante.

"A knight always helps a lady in need," Drake says to Quenia. "But I am sure if I hadn't, some other man would have been just as eager."

Orick asides to Dante a bit more softly when he asks about any discoveries concerning the lamps, saying casually, "The gas which powers them is rumored to have some curious properties but its all rumor... I haven't had the mind to test the rumors." The narrow shouldered fellow giving the dance floor a long look but not moving to join the festivities as others head out there.

"I never look down, Lady Piccola," Korka replies with a slight quirk of her lips at one corner, "Or back. It's actually very limiting and why I take great care to never drop anything. So you are at least safe in that respect while dancing with me."

Quenia checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Eirene has a plate of food now, and sits down to 'get off her feet' nearby Thea. She balances a small plate of food on her baby-sized stomach and grins as the conversation continues about lamps. "I've only really started studying the Platinum Shift and the high artificers. Fascinating stuff, if not really my forte. My alchemy skills are limited to medicines." So she says, publically. The Thraxian pair are given a toast of hello with her glass.

Eirene has joined the a table of blooming roses.

Niklas returns those air kisses because that's just so the kind of guy Niklas is. When Liara and Calista make competing suggestions Niklas gives Orick a glance, then says, "Ah, I see he also has hair and appears to be breathing in and out. Why, the spitting image of Sabella!" He offers Orick a friendly wave, then looks back to Calista and offers the duchess a bow. "I would be delighted to take to the dance floor. And now that the man with the second snazziest pair of pants I've seen today has gone perhaps we can make a scene."

Talwyn would disagree with Esme, she is holding her own, the Valardin Prince is only elevating what is natural skill. Around the floor the pair spin and turn, the half-dragon, half-Lyceum more than happy to take Esme on a spin.

Quenia continues to go around the dance floor in easy strides, content to do jus that until Drake loses interest. Though it's the conversation on Sparklegas that gets her attention. "You mean about those supposed clockwork bugs lighting the lamps?" she asks. "They're called Sparklemites. Seems a lot like the Queen's spiders that came to her wedding, the ones that all clapped when she married King Alaric."


Piccola just nods. And then she leans back in to say something to Korka. Because.



Valdemar is dressed in colors reminiscent of the Mourning Sea as he arrives with his Duchess on his arm. Taking the offered glass of champagne, he sips from it as he glances around, looking for familiar faces while he and his wife move further into the room.

Pointing a gloved finger at Niklas, Liara replies, "Exactly! One can barely tell them apart." She doesn't interfere further, instead smiling at Niklas and Calista both and continuing on her way. She polishes off the soup and offloads the bowl to a passing servant, gaze flitting over the crowd.

Drake raises both brows at the sparklemite comment. That's something he didn't know much about. "Really. You are full of interesting knowledge." He chuckles. "I never know how anything works." He glides with her, but then takes a moment's pause. "I think I might step back to refresh my drink. Thank you for the dance."

Thea eyes Eirene aside as she mentions her intrests. And just hides her smirk behind her whiskey glass. "Sparklemites--that sounds so itchy,"she pipes up from her spot. As Valdemar and Niklas make their entrance, Thea greets them both individually with a nod of her head and a slight smile.

Orick looks over with a knowing smirk on his face when he hears people talking about sparklemites.

Alfonso Donatello Fidante the Right Hand have been dismissed.

"Princess Liara, forgive me for jumping in, but I simply must use my hostess card to slip in first. I shall return him, hopefully in one piece and gently used." Calista teases with the pair of Graysons. "I do hope you are having a wonderful time." The duchess slips her hand in Niklas' and lets him lead her to the dance floor. "Let us see those pants? You have some competition with Prince Talwyn Valardin. We might have to have a pants off dance off."

Vanora herself is wearing a gown Talia designed, in homage to Grihem's Point, and she seems to carry it off proudly. "Everyone is dancing. Perhaps that means you owe your wife a step or two across the floor." She poses to Valdemar, taking her own glass of champagne and a generous sip.

Quenia has left the dance floor.

Esme moves with an easy grace as Talwyn leads on the floor. There is a laugh that leaves her lips from time to time. She steps a bit closer to him to allow her voice to drop. There is a teasing light to her eyes though.

"I certainly am, Duchess. A marvellous party, and I simply adore the ballroom and its decor. My congratulations on it all," Liara replies to Calista, cheery and earnest.

Narcissa holds up her corner of the walls dutifully, but lifts her glass in greeting to Vanora and Valdemar as they appear. The dancing continues to draw amusement from her, a jovial air never far from her expressions.

Quenia glances back to Drake, flushing a bit. "It's something my cousin Lucita told me about once. She's more knowledgeable about these things than I am, I assure you." A brief pause, "Thank you for the dance, Lord Drake. And again for coming to my rescue." She gives him a wide smile and then gives him a respectful curtsey for his involvement. She turns away from the dance floor for the moment, likely to either find someone to speak with or to grab another drink, since she never finished her last one.

Drake has left the dance floor.

As Piccola leans in so does Korka, pausing after whatever the tiny Tessere says to tilt her head just so, nudging back the edge of her hood with the bridge of her nose so that her lips are just barely missing brushing her ear with her response.

Continuing to spin and waltz with Esme, Talwyn's cheeks tinge red for a moment as he glances up. Noticing Calista and Niklas approaching, there's a brightening to his smile. "Prince Niklas!" he calls out. "I had forgotten to let you know that I had returned to the city! Your pants are spectacular!"

As Valdemar escorts her towards the dance floor Vanora gives a lingering look to Narcissa, taking in her fashion with high interest, even down to the perfume. "So many thorns, but they are beautiful. Sometimes I think I need a signature flower." This she murmurs to her husband as they glide into place with the other dancers.

Drake has joined the a table of blooming roses.


A curious expression comes over Piccola's face before she returns the murmuring from Korka with some of her own.



"Well, I would not want to remain in your debt any longer than necessary, of course," Valdemar responds to his wife before draining his glass and beginning to walk with her toward the dance floor. Along the way, he inclines his head in greeting to Thea and Narcissa, but once on the dance floor, his focus is on Vanora. Taking a moment to get a feel for the music being played, he begins to lead her through the steps of the dance being played, one hand on her waist and the other clasped with hers.

Valdemar has joined the dance floor.

"You are far too kind, Duchess Vanora." Narcissa remarks, dipping her head respectfully. "I have a few flowers in mind that would fit beautifully for you? But first, do enjoy the dance with your husband. Our conversations can always wait, though I do have a few ideas I have been pondering speaking with you over at length."

Vanora has joined the dance floor.

Quenia manages to get that drink and makes her way over to Dante and Lora, dipping her head at each as she approaches. "How are things in the Roseward these days? Hopefully a lot calmer from the days of man eating plants?" she queries.

Orick stands up and excuses himself from an immediate conversation about alchemy as he makes his way over to retrieve a glass of champagne and join Narcissa near the wall she was holding up, commenting, "A spiced hot chocolate would have made a nice addition to the evening." Eyeing the champagne playfully and then taking a sip and saying softly, "Everyone in the city will be talking about my fascination with sparklegas." A knowing edge to his grin as he says it with a conspirator's glint in his eyes.

Eirene arches her eyebrows. Pants? Dubious expression all around. Drake's welcomed as he rejoined their table, and Quenia is given a grin and a wriggle of fingers in hello. Korka and Piccola's mumurings are noted but she's not paying much heed to the dancers.

Drake walks over toward the table, grabbing... some numbereth drink for the night - at this point he's not really counting, but it's another glass of champagne, just to keep things fresh. He sits down where he sees Thea and Eirene, gesturing to the table itself. "I like this decor."

"It is as if two great minds have thought alike. Not destiny I know..." Vanora's voice holds amusement. "But kismet, perhaps? I'd love to hear about the blooms that inspire you, and whatever else you've been considering. After I indulge the Duke of course. We know how he loves to dance." More teasing.

Esme shakes her head at Talwyn in a 'you poor poor soul' manner. Then she drops her voice and looks around the rest of the floor. She sweeps through the moves, but they are not her choice. He leads her. He commands where her body moves and she just allows it. Less chances of setting something on fire.

Thea nudges Eirene as she asks her aunt,"When are you going to dance? I've never even seen you..Ever."

Fortunately, Dante's pants are encased in armor and therefore not a subject of discussion nor of any use in dancing. Instead, he sips wine and chats with the occasional person - and when Quenia approaches he beams a smile her way. "Marquessa, things are always dangerous there, or at least weird. Usually both. There's some troublemaking Abandoned that need clearing out or bending the knee, but when isn't there?" A hand is raised, palm up, the iconic gesture of the rhetorical question. "How is Granato faring? I am glad that what we feared may came to pass did not."

"Hot chocolate? I am particular to mulled wine myself." Narcissa asides to her protege as he joins her in wall-holding-up-duty. "In truth, Professor, I have not seen one myself in person, these 'sparklegas', but I have seen plenty of other wonderous things that some may call me mad. The maddest of it all? I have seen the Duchess Calista in....pants!"

Eirene gives Thea a 'are you shitting me' expression, eyebrows raised and lips drawn into a scowl. "I danced at the wedding," she protests. She overhears Narcissa and muses, half-aloud, half to herself, "What the Abyss is it with Pants tonight?"

Narcissa checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 15 higher. Narcissa rolled a critical!

Valdemar is an...adequate dancer, graceful enough to avoid stepping on his partner's toes as he leads her through the turns of the dance. And strong enough not to drop her when he dips her low at one point, then draws her back up to face him closely. "I love to dance?" he asks her in response to what she tells Narcissa, an amused look in his eyes.

Niklas brightens when he catches sight of Talwyn. "If it isn't the Dragon of Sighs! I always miss you when you're gone, your highness! I do hope you're still interested in playing Angus the Goat in my operatic adaption of the last days in the life of legendary hero Sir Erec Redhill. Your voice is exactly what I need, and I can also use people good at taking a knife for when the Nightingale finds out there are no leading roles for her. And yes, the pants are great, aren't they? Laurent Honeysilk! Last thing I'd expect to come out of Artshall, but there you go." He escorts Calista out to the dance floor where he offers her a bow, then starts a very nice, very proper courtly dance. And that lasts for, like, a few seconds and then he's doing the medieval renegade probably.

Niklas checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 50 higher.


Apparently, the murmuring, the whispering, the quiet discussion, leads Piccola to say one more thing to Korka, and then turn her mouth so that she can kiss her whilst dancing. It's a short kiss, mind, but after, the General bobs her head and smiles at the Inquisitor.



Calista is overheard praising Narcissa: Effortlessly composed!

Drake's trousers fit well - he's particular about that - but are not of any particular special make compared to the fancy-pants which are being discussed on the floor. He is about to say something else, but gets suddenly distracted watching women kiss on the dance floor.

Vanora checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

Narcissa checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 15 lower.

Valdemar checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

"Pants are /very/ practical things-" Orick opines rather passionately before adding, "I've always considered myself a man of reason and logic, there are plenty of moments when pants would be the prefable choice.. even for a Duchess who is renowned for her beautiful dresses." He takes another sip of his champagne and adds casually, "Yes, if you melt down chocolate and add some cream its a lovely treat..." A pause and then he speaks to the sparklegas, "As to the sparklegas, you may have yet seen it and not noticed. Sometimes the most wonderous things are right under our nose. It takes a keen eye to see what everyone else sees in a new light." There might be a pun in there somewhere.

"Granato is faring well enough. Though I still worry about things coming back to haunt us, so to speak. And," there's a pause as Quenia considers her next words. "As part of discovering more about our history, I'll be taking a Deathspeaker to Granato soon enough to see if we can speak to some of the older Igniseri dead who maybe haven't gone on to the Wheel yet. I know from the history of our house sword that I have some very interesting ancestors, from Lady Maria who held back 50,000 Knights of the Swarm nearly on her own to Lady Peyton who was a fire mage who had a phoenix familiar! My goal is to see how far back in our history goes, our origins, since the name of our family starts with a root word from, what I'm told, is the language of the First Children."

Gliding around the dance floor does allow for flow of movement and conversation. Vanora picks up on Niklas' words and asks over her shoulder, "I'm still hoping one of your pieces will have a part for /me/. I cannot act the way the Nightengale does, but I can carry a tune well enough." And keep up with the steps, apparently.

Kissing and dancing, it's like there's a Whisper on the dance floor instead of an Inquisitor. And she's not even wearing pants. Piccola's short kiss gains a mirrored smile from Korka and that quiet, murmured conversation continues between the pair, oblivious to the couples that are dancing a lot faster and more flamboyantly around them.

Without a moment of hesitation, Narcissa happens to hear something concerning the Nightingale from Niklas and drawls without so much as a blin, "Easily amended; distract her with something shiny and new. Have you seen Duskweave." The moment it is uttered she goes owl-eyed and blinks comically, flushing profusely. "Um..well, yes. Pants. PANTS. They are to be worn, but with all of their mentioning there is perhaps wish they be shorn." A beat. "Unwise in such cold weather." To Orick she speaks now -rather- quickly, as if trying to completely ignore her slip-up, "A new light? It never dawned on me, but then again when clouded with concerns of other studies we may not remain bright on all fronts."

so much as a blink*

The sashay to the dance floor has aeterna skirts swishing about long bronzed legs as if the lower half of her gown was the melting snow of the top half. She eyes Niklas' pants once more and gives him a knowing smile. "Oh, it looked familiar. I had a hand in assisting my cousin, Mabelle with this project." Calista confesses. As they begin to move closer to Talwyn and Esme, she inquires to the others, "Dragon of Sighs? There must be a story here. I am all ears you know?" Suddenly they are dancing and Niklas is quite prolific on the dance floor. It takes Calista by surprise.

Calista checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

The mention of Honeysilk on the dance floor gets a glance from Orick, the alchemist already mentioned his interest in the fabric earlier.

There's a warm chuckle at Calista and Niklas as they approach. "I suppose if you are going to ram me into the part, I will try not to be baaaad about it." he offers in retort, before he does indeed, sigh at Niklas' teasing. "I will allow Niklas to tell the story, he does it so much better than I."

"Duskweave is lovely. Complimented well by the right jewels." Vanora agrees with Narcissa even as she keeps one hand alighted on Valdemar's shoulder while he leads. "Prince Niklas, were you writing an opera about Artshall? I've been hoping to learn more about it myself. Very engaging mystery."

Talwyn then barks a laugh at something sked of him, his eyes widening before he responds to her with a soft chuckle.

Caprice eventually parts ways with her 'adversaries' after a soft round of applause just for them and some spirited but low-voiced commentary - probably something about their attire, judging by her gesturing. Bright eyed, she returns to her casual circling, unsubtle and more or less unapologetic about eavesdropping on various conversations.

Orick looks back from the dance floor after a few moment as Narcissa speaks of Duskweave and other... things, smiling absently and remarking easily, "That is the true trapping of modern life, so filled with a thousand Noble distractions and you call them concerns? Its why I've chosen to live my life dedicated to my passion. For discovery, knowledge, trifling mortal insight into the intentions of the recipes of the divine."

Narcissa has joined the an oak sofa upholstered in a rich burgundy silk.


Piccola smiles a little more at what Korka says to her.

"I actually just like it to keep elements off and the sun out of my eyes." And then, with a gentle tug on the hand, she adds, "Let's head back to the sofa? Get a couple of more drinks." She looks about a moment, and then mumbles, if to herself, "Probably should have done that //not// in the middle of the floor."

And then she heads back to the sofa she was at.



Piccola has joined the a mahogany sofa upholstered in a voluptuous red silk.

Valdemar listens to the conversations that his wife is engaged in, but in order to keep up with the dance, his attention remains mainly on his partner and guiding her through the steps. They dance close together for the most part, though, enough that he is able to speak with her quietly from time to time, leaning in when he does so. There is a smile on his face in spite of his question about his love for dancing.

Eirene seems to not be paying attention to the discussion of clothes, pants, and plays. That or she's too engrossed with her converastion with Drake and Thea. She occasionally nibbles from the plate precariously balanced on her stomach. Orick, though, his words do catch her attention and she asks, "Have you joined the Explorers? Or talked to Princess Lou? The Whitepeak project sounds right up your alley."

Korka barely avoids a fist to the face as Niklas twirls by, but she leans just a bit out of the way, following Piccola back to the couch and gesturing with her free hand for a waiter to bring a tray of drinks their way as she does so.

Korka has joined the a mahogany sofa upholstered in a voluptuous red silk.

Kevin, a jerk wolf spider with a really shitty attitude who totally sucks arrives, delivering a message to Korka before departing.

Esme frees a hand to attempt to touch Calista's arm when they come closer to where she dances. "You have the grace and dress from this, but yes, I am curious about the sighs. It sounds so... scandalous." It doesn't. Her eyes say that. However, Talwyn's laughter causes her to look at him and smile. Her voice drops lower.

Orick looks over when Eirene asks him about the Explorers, smiling easily as his birdish features break into a bubbly smile, "Aye, I had an exam with Lord Vitalis, we spent an evening out in the wood and we spoke of why I wanted to be an Explorer. I believe it went rather well... although I was not as athletic as his average applicants." Orick pauses, clears his throat, "Then there was the matter with the badger..." He trails off here though into a sip of champagne instead.

"Yes! Duskweave is lovely. I will match my thieving raven soon, and he will preen all the more venomously for it." Narcissa is clearly thankful for the distraction of others agreeing with her. Nevermore for his part, seems to sulk even more on his chandelier perch, puffing out his chest feathers more. No other birds who happened to the event with their keepers tarry near him, however. "Professor, the concerns of a few can be the concerns of the many. The Duchess, and her voices, are concerned with Tor - down to every last root and weed. Distractions, or happiness open to any who wish to attend? I envy you; I have naught passion, but duty, but duty has become my passion and I adore it and the trickling of effect I see that no others may ever."

"Badger?" Eirene gives Orick a curious frown. "Did it talk?" A perfectly serious question coming from her.

Orick looks back more somberly to Narcissa's words and adds stoicly, "The duties of birth are a blessing, that's why its a pleasure to serve the family. Allow us commonfolk to share the passions of our crafts with you, we work so that you may benefit."

"Honestly, I'm not sure _what_ the story is! I think Princess Terese thought it was just an amusing turn of phrase, but I'm a man too in-tuned with the dramatic not to have that one lodge in my mind for good." Niklas glances to Korka when he swings by, calling out, "You did a great job!" Vanora gets a laugh and a, "I've got the next two, if not three, shows lined up. I'm certain there is room for you in there somewhere." He just happens to be wheeling past Eirene when he overhears her comment. "Don't call her princess! She gets very angry but is too polite to seem angry so she just gets all passive-aggressive and it's no fun! And definitely don't call her by her full name, Lousitania!" Niklas Grayson speaks in all exclamation points.

Drake is listening in. He also wants to know if the badger talked. He grabs another whiskey to properly hear this story, raising both eyebrows now. "I've heard of a talking animal or two."

Orick, having two very different conversations at the same time with relative ease, turns back to the matter of the badger and admits with a blush, "No, nothing like that, it chased me about the camp for some time and then I sought refuge on a giant rock and Lord Vitalis came to my aide."

"Whatever else you may think of me, you know I can sing." Vanora quips back to Niklas, clearly in high spirits tonight. As music swells and quiets briefly, she pauses in the swirling across the dance floor. "Come, let us go have a seat. I want to get a better look at Lady Narcissa's gown." With that, she heads towards the sofas.

Orick adds, "I never knew badgers could be so vicious."

Vanora has left the dance floor.

Vanora has joined the an oak sofa upholstered in a rich burgundy silk.

Valdemar has left the dance floor.

Valdemar has joined the an oak sofa upholstered in a rich burgundy silk.

Michael has left the dance floor.

Hearing about talking badgers, Quenia wanders away from Dante after giving her response to him about going to Granato with a Deathspeaker in tow soon enough. "There were badgers talking?" she asks of Eirene, eyes curiously falling on the woman and glancing to the occupants of her table, and Orick. She grin at Thea and waves.

When a big old wolf spider crawls up on the couch next to her, Korka puts her elbow on it. When it protests by squirming and possibly biting her she jerks it back, grabs the edge of the parchment on its back, then elbows it off the couch, "Good to see even nice houses have pest problems," she says probably too loudly.

Medeia has left the dance floor.

When his wife suggests that they take a seat, Valdemar follows her over to sit down near Narcissa and Orick, nodding his head slightly. He waits for her to sit before easing onto the sofa beside her, grabbing another glass of champagne along the way.

"I am pleased to hear that Granato is faring well but I do hold those same concerns still. Let us hope that it will," Dante begins in his reply to Quenia when he suddenly stops and listens more closely. "Really? I think I would like to find out such things as well, how did you discover this? It seems every time I talk to you it is something more and more curious," he muses, tapping a foot on the ground. "There is something I would like to ask you about, but it has nothing to do with any of that, although now I want to know all about your family's history."

Eirene's head shakes in reply to Quenia. "I've just heard stories about talking animals, so when the professor said something about a badger, I was just curious." She grins at that. "They're nasty bastards," she agress with Orick.

Dance complete, Medeia looks around for her abandoned glass, but decides to just get a new one, as well as one for Michael.

Esme seems to be more amused than anything as she dances. There is low talking as her emerald green eyes flash in humor towards Talwyn and then back towards a few people and then back towards the Prince.

"Badgers? Are we to badger the Professor about it?" Narcissa can't stop herself, extending Orick a kind smile with a gentle shake of her head. "We are where we are; it is our choice to make the best of where we have landed. I do such as best as I can, and pray it is never seen or praised, only felt in small ways." She leaves it there as Vanora and Valdemar join their seating. "Thank you both for coming this evening! One day we will outrank them, Mirrormasks." she teases.

Thea smiles at Quenia. "Finally gave your feet a rest I see. How are you?" Meanwhile, she tries to listen to other topics of conversation. Possibly failing.

Orick looks around as the seats around he and Narcissa fill up with other people curious about the talking badger, he raises a hand and remarks solemnly, "On my life, there was no talking badger." He laughs here though and adds, "I do believe this is how the tales of talking animals got started, if I were a less honest man I might seize this opportunity to start a rumor of fantastical proportions."

Michael has joined the an oak sofa upholstered in a rich burgundy silk.

Quenia glances back over her shoulder when Dante speaks again, grinning. "I became friends with Dame Felicia Harrow. She'd been helping me with things with Granato. She mentioned thats' something some of the Deathspeakers can do, and well, she got her sister, Cufre, to help me out. We'll be meeting to discuss specifics and expectations very soon. If you'd like to see it in action, since this will be my first time using a Deathspeaker, you're welcome to come on the trip. Nothing is set in stone for it as yet." She glances back to Thea, giving her an odd look. "I only had the one dance," she protests, then grins. "I'm well enough." She nods to Eirene. "There was one at one of the Grayson balls. Josephine and I were rather stymied and bewildered that they let a squirrel come riding in on a dog and it seemed to talk to some people and they interpreted for them. Knights of the Fluffybottoms or something, something?" Yeah, Quenia's as serious as Eirene was about that.


"Ah, too bad." Drake shakes his head. "I think it was something I heard about a talking rabbit. It's always the small, cuter ones you have to watch out for." Quenia mentions a squirrel, and he just points and nods to it.

Moving through the steps gracefully, it's clear Niklas has more refined technique, but Calista can keep in step with the man. While he addresses the entire party, or so it seems, she laughs with mirth to the various conversations he's involved himself with. "A true man of the people." She comments. "I am very curious to know about these next plays you have planned. I am an excellent audience."

Thea finishes off her drink, admitting unfortunately. "I should get going. I have some bruises to tend to and a few other things to attend to.." She looks to her family and Drake and grins,"Behave--" Knowing full well--it won't happen.

Sidling up to Quenia, Dante gives her an intrigued smile at the explanation of how she came to find out. "I see. I don't think I know Dame Harrow, but she sounds like a useful person to know, as well as her sister. I would be thrilled to come along and help since it is certainly new to me," he says with genuine interest.

Micheal snags another glass and turns back to Medeia with a smile. "None of it seems particularly scary, my lady."

The Riven-Malvici is dead serious when she nods back to Quenia. "Yeah, that'd be it," Eirene replies, looking mildly annoyed by the fact there is a knightly order of small cute fluffy animals. Several attempts are made at getting off the couch. One. Two. Three. No such luck. She holds a hand out to Thea as she sets her plate aside. "Help me up, I need to grab some of those desserts," she asks, frowning.

Talwyn checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Quenia taps her nose at Eirene's confirming comment, then glances back to Dante. "I'd be glad to have you along and will add you to the list of people to invite." She grins cheekily at Dante and adds, "And, if we're fortunate, we'll be going while it's still winter so we can enjoy the warmth of our Lycene cliffs and natural pools."

"It did /at the time/," Medeia insists to Michael, but she doesn't seem bothered. Sipping from her glass, she looks around at the rest of the crowd.

Thea takes Eirene's hand and helps tug her up. "Being pregnant does not look appealing AT ALL. Luckily the produce is cute.." Like she's farming a baby..

As Talwyn and Esme go around the floor, she leans in and whispers something to him. The response is that he gives the Devotion of Limerance one more dip across the floor and then sets her upright. Stepping back from her, he reaches down and takes her hand. "For a Lady that claims she is better with the sword, I find that you are an excellent dance partner." He gives her hand a kiss on the top of it, before moving to Niklas and Calista.

"Would you like to switch partners for a bit?" he asks the pair.

Drake looks at Thea, nods to her. "I think I will be finishing the night as well. Thank you for... alerting me to this party. It was a good time." He rises from the table.

"If badgers are to talk, I will not stick around long enough to listen." Narcissa drawls over her presumed fourth glass of champagne to Orick, her eyes flicking to the dance floor briefly.

Quenia inclines her head to both Thea and Drake. "It was lovely to run into your both again." She grins at Drake. "And to dance with you. So, dinner, and now a dance. This is becoming a pattern, Lord Drake," she teases lightly.

Calista is overheard praising Niklas: Yay! Dancing!

"Yes, at the time. I mean now." Michael smiles and reaches across to clink his glass against her glass. "Oh. I think they're trading partners. Should we bandy over there to trade, and you can finish your story later?"

Vladimir, 1 House Corvini Guard, Mihail arrive, following Giulio.

Drake gives Quenia a bow. "I look forward to the next time I see you, then. Maybe I'll even send you a letter."

Calista is overheard praising Vanora: Yay! Dancing

Calista is overheard praising Valdemar: Yay! Dancing!

"An assuredly wise choice, M'lady." Orick intones on the matter of not sticking around to have a conversation with a talking badger. "Although one wonders if the Gods were to speaks with us, what vessel might they use?"

Esme smiles vibrantly at Talwyn and lowers her head. "Thank you for the dance." She watches him move over towards Niklas and Calista, but her eyes are very interested it seems on those two.

Quenia pretend gasps lightly at Drake, dipping her head. "Whatever will people think?" she comments, fanning her face a bit and adding a well placed wink. She nods her head to both again, and then turns back to the room as if to see if there's anyone else she wanted to talk to for the night.

"Please, take up another partner if you wish." Medeia says to Michael, gesturing to the dance floor. She looks over towards Narcissa and excuses herself, approaching her and leaning in to whisper something.

Drake has left the a table of blooming roses.

Dressed in a somewhat severe style, the Corvini count makes his way into the ballroom, his eyes flitting this way and that, one corner of his mouth set in a smile. "Duchess Fidante," he says, inclining his head towards the woman. His hair has been oiled, the now greying widows peak accentuated. "I pray the evening finds you well?"

Eirene is on her feet! And she's ready for dessert. Mmm, dessert. She thanks Thea, waves goodbye to Drake, and starts to help herself to cakes. She doesn't recognize Giulio and gives him a once-over with curiosity as he joins the party.

"Count Giulio!" Quenia calls out to the Corvini Lord. "I got your message, and I shall be answering it on the morrow as my time has freed up then." What better way to deliver a message than in person? "Alas, for the nonce, I must away to my home." It seems she's decided to head back out herself as well.

Giulio "I await with bated breath," Giulio says, his head inclining in Quenia's direction.

Thea has left the a table of blooming roses.

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

"I believe I recently wrote to you Count Corvini." Vanora remarks. "You must be inundated with missives all the time."

Niklas offers Talwyn a bow. "Of course, your highness." Though at that moment a messenger shows up and hands off a letter. Niklas gives it the eye, gives out a few more bows all around, then edges toward the exit.

From the dance floor, Calista greets Count Corvini with a waggle of her fingers. She moves along with Prince Niklas' lead. "My dear Count Giulio, good to see you. I am having a marvelous time!" Talwyn and Esme appear in her periphery just as the song ends. "Your highness, thank you for the dance. Any time you need an understudy, I would be honored. I must be a gracious hostess." She curtsies to the Grayson, then offers a bow to the Valardin. "Prince Talwyn, I would be delighted to have this dance. My darling Esme certainly highlighted your graceful moves before. I am afraid I will pale in comparison."

"In the dire straights of desperation,
The lone voice calls out thin and strained,
A siren's love? Naught but desecration,

Forever played, but ever feigned?"

Narcissa suddenly recites off the cuff to Vanora, brandishing her folding fan once again as prop before settling back down into her seat to aside to Orick, "If the Gods choose a vessel, it will be whatever they deem fitting for the messege in question. One must always ask; what is the target audience?" She upturns her burnished gaze to Medeia as she approaches and answers her quietly, behind that folding fan of course.

"Rather such, yes," Giulio says, his head tilting towards Vanora. "I will review the matter, though it may take sometime. Affairs of late have been somewhat... fraught." A dry smile toys his lips as he leans in to whisper something to his manservant, who meanders off to, ostensibly find his lord refrrshments of one kind.

Korka stands up from the couch she was sharing with Piccola, giving the Tessere a wink, "Too much," she replies to something the other woman had said, "And I look forward to it. Until then try not to die." As others seem to be heading out, she then joins the crowd, merging into it as much as someone wearing red can in a sea of snowflakes.

Eirene shakes her head a little, "If Petrichor wants to send a serious message, he could do better than a stoat with a monacle. But, I suppose, you work with that you got. Who am I to question the Gods, right?" She smirks to herself as she plates a few small cakes and chocolate covered strawberries, returning to a less difficult to manage chair than a couch.

From the Duchess Grimhall there is a burst of applause, her pale green eyes glittering with appreciation. "A beautiful verse. I could easily set it to a tune. Perhaps you do not sing, Lady Fidante...but do you enjoy being moved by music just as you do flowers? You seem the type to understand sad songs."

Korka has left the a mahogany sofa upholstered in a voluptuous red silk.

"Esme is a daring dancer on the floor. Hopefully Niklas..." And then Niklas is departing and Talwyn is giving Esme an apologetic smile. "Another time." he offers as he hears Narcissa's voice and glances over towards the Voice of the Roses, before his arms are offered to Calista. "Shall we then, Your Grace?"

Talwyn checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 46 higher. Talwyn rolled a critical!

Orick beams at Narcissa as she recites her stanza off the cuff so effortlessly and he glances to the others at the mahongany bench with a wrinkle of his nose. "Stunning, isn't it." And then adding to Narcissa, "That was my impression as well, which is what we should remain shrewd in the face of oddities like talking animals. Truth be told, running would be my initial reaction as well but logic suggests another course."

Esme sighs as Niklas leaves. Lady of sighs! Then she winks towards Talwyn as she moves to go to the drinks to collect one of her own. There is a soft chuckle at something however.


Piccola watches as Korka gets up and takes her leave. She remains where she is on the sofa, however, resuming looking at everyone else as they dance and mingle, seemingly content to remain where she is. She finishes off her drink, sets her glass on the table next to her, and goes back to being just a witness.



Esme has left the dance floor.

Talwyn is overheard praising Niklas.

Valdemar applauds for Narcissa as well, nodding in agreement with what his wife tells the Fidante noblewoman. As he hears people talking about messengers from the Gods, he shakes his head slightly and remarks, "They do make odd choices at times. Very odd, and little to do about it." With this, he takes a long drink from his glass of champagne, almost emptying it.

"I sing, but only all by my lonesome when no others may be subjected to its misery." Narcissa amends to Vanora with a bright peal of laugher. "The melancholic is my preference in subject matter. It is the flip of the dichotomy so oft' not indulged. I know happiness because I know sadness. I embrace both and the gray between." She pause to smile slowly at Medeia, pressing something into her palm for a passing moment.

When his drink is empty Orick finds his feet and excuses himself for the evening with a soft spoken, "Enjoy the party." To everyone around him and another soft nod for Narcissa, "Good night, M'lady."

"Let's" And once more, Calista is swept up into the music with cadence and staccato. Talwyn takes the lead, drawing her into the moment but rather than performing the dance, she soaks in the raw sensuality of the heady rhythm and allows it to bind with her soul, then eventually with her feet. Though they dance together, it's a beat she adores and might just be dancing for herself; seductively as a Calista is wont to do.

Calista checked charm + seduction at difficulty 15, rolling 67 higher.

Medeia nods and wraps up her whispered conversation with Narcissa, a smile on her face as she moves back to Michael's side, collecting another glass of champagne on the way.

Orick has left the an oak sofa upholstered in a rich burgundy silk.

Beakers, an austere raven wearing a purple ribbon leaves, following Orick.

"Indeed." Vanora seems to agree. "Suffering and sorrow are gifts, though they do not feel that way at the moment. They forge us into the blades we will become, and to know them and not shy from them is to also know true beauty, and true happiness. It is all in the balance, yes. Even the depths of despair, and the darkest dirges, have their place." She studies Narcissa then thoughtfully, as if to uncover the sadness for herself without asking. Her husband gets a rueful smile. "There is always something to do about it."

Eirene can't help but check Calista out. It's an appreciative glance but not a leering one. It's hard to miss such a display and who is Eirene to deny that it's a good one. Talwyn is no slouch in the dance department himself, and so even the person who dislikes dancing finds herself watching.

Talwyn checked charm + seduction at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Michael glances from Medeia towards Narcissa. He'll sneak an arm around Medeia's waist and drag her off towards Narcissa. "Wheres your friend, friend?"

Medeia checked charm + seduction at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Esme checked charm + seduction at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Michael checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Vanora checked charm + seduction at difficulty 15, rolling 50 higher.

"If you do not feel pain, you don't know when you are blessed." Narcissa drawls over her wine, golden eyes veiled by her heavy lashes for a moment as her gaze drifts to the dance floor. "She truly is the apex of social grace." she opines, watching her duchess turn about the floor before turning her attention back to the Grimhalls at her seating.

After a moment, Giulio's man returns with a goblet of brandy, to which the Count offers a nod of thanks. Those dark eyes track back towards the Duchess Fidante and he raises his glass in salute, though as is oft his want, his face is set in the polite, courtier's mask. A sip is taken as that gaze gives the room another scan. For a moment, his smile grows a bit more sardonic.

As the dance tempo changes and Calista takes it to a higher plane, Talwyn follows suit. It's not oozing the sensuality that Calista easily has, but the Valardin raised in the White City makes it clear that he knows the steps. He follows Calista across the floor, sometimes the pursuer, sometimes the pursuee as the pair of them move deftly, swiftly, and in a liquid flow. Thighs may touch, borders may be encroached on -- it's all terribly seductive and the two appear to be well versed in the ebb and flow of the movement as he spins Calista close just to bring her back to a proper distance. Oathlander meets Lycene and the dragon tangles in the rose bushes.

Valdemar raises a brow at his wife's response to what he says. "Maybe," is all he says back to her, his expression turning thoughtful for a moment. Then, briefly, his attention is caught by the dancing of the evening's hostess, and an appreciative look crosses his features before he turns his focus back to those around him.

Scooped and redirected, Medeia is now walking back to Narcissa on Michael's arm. "Ah, Lady Narcissa, I return. Do you know Lord Michael Bisland? This is him."

Narcissa checked command + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

Vanora notices Calista certainly, and her gaze is warm and appreciative for her old friend. Yet she's also distracted utterly by a potential new one, and sparkles in Narcissa's direction. "She is. Though not the only one with impressive graces to notice. If you make beautiful things from your pain, then you are blessed yourself, and passing that blessing on to the world. I am curious what you have suffered to inspire you so...though I will not ask here and now."

Eirene finishes dessert and sets her plate back with a servant. The pregnant woman rests a hand on her stomach and scowls to herself. "Ugh, walking all the fucking way back to the Riven hall seems so dumb. I may just crash at my old place tonight," Meaning Malvici hall.


"I've a horse nearby, Lady Riven."

Piccola lifts herself from where she was sitting on the sofa. "I should be on my way too. I could offer a ride there."

She pulls her hood back up over her head.



When the Dragon shows that not only he has talons and scales, Calista is brought back to reality. Her peal of delight brings the bloom of blush across her cheeks. "I had the Maiden's Blush earlier." She confesses. The sensual steps soften a touch but maintain the heart of the dance with leg flicks and quick turns. Impressed with Talwyn's ability to keep up has the Duchess nodding with approval. "You have far more finesse and refinement in your steps. Mine are more instinctual. Always have been. I could barely focus on my tutoring when I was younger. My thoughts were always on the next thing. However, I can say at this moment, I am certainly in the present. Have you been having a good time, I hope?" On the next turn, her body is that much closer to his and she rises onto her toes to brush a whisper across the lobe of his ear.

"Yes, I do know the Lord Michael Bisland. My corvid companion was his thief for a while..." Narciss answers Medeia. As if on cue, the sulking raven flutters down from his chandelier to find perch on Michael's shoulder now. Apparently, whatever thread on his neckline is just SO interesting in that moment. Peck.Peck.Peck. The poetess tries her best to ignore it, but a ripple of laughter escapes yet again and results in her struggling to answer Vanora, "Y-yes...she is beautiful and I find her my constant teacher in most thing. I am blessed to be her Voice. But yes, make beauty from pain - from whatever you are given. Dance on broken glass and reforge it anew, to a chalice if you must to drink your victory from." As for her own suffering, her voice is lowered to Vanora lone.

Eirene grunts a rough agreement to Piccola. "If you wouldn't mind. Gods, I hate being so fucking codependent. I cannot wait to get this damn boy out," she mutters, having her cloak fetched to her. Medeia is given a wave of goodbye, and the hostess is given a sharp nod of farewell but she doesn't interfere with the conversation with Talwyn.

So many conversations to listen in on, so many delectable treats to nibble, but, alas... probably so many commissions to fill the hours in this busy event season. Slowly but surely Caprice makes her way towards an eventual exit, though she does also make an attempt to give personal farewells to familiar faces not too deeply engaged in conversations, and of course, effusive thanks for the hostess, left with an attendant for some time when the Duchess isn't setting fire to the dance floor.

Medeia waves to Eirene, and Piccola, before turning to just. Stare. At the raven situation on Michael's shoulder.

Caprice has left the dance floor.

Ack. Michael hunches his shoulders as suddenly that corvid companion finds his shoulder, and nibble nibble nibbles on his brand new coat. "Lady Narcissa...And. Ah. Our friend." He'll step forward carefully towards Narcissa, to reach forth and grasp the couch back to lean in and kiss her upon the forehead. "I haven't seen you in a very long time, my lady. Its been a displeasure."


"Very well."

Piccola finally manages to get a word in to the Duchess. "Your Grace, thank you for the invitation. If you don't mind, however, I will take the Lady Riven home; my Villa is nearby and we, of course, have horses." Because, y'know, she trains 'em. For fun and company. She delivers a rather elegant bow, and then turns to Eirene.

"Ready, Lady Riven?"


Eirene has left the a table of blooming roses.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome leave, following Eirene.