It's a delightful summery day, sultry and warm, and the humidity is almost drenching in its weight. Perhaps less delightful. But there is the pool, which shimmers with a tantalizing coolness; perhaps some relief may be had there. And there are fruity wines aplenty, and alcoholic beverages which are essentially just booze poured into a mixture of fruit juices. Holding a wine glass that has several berries floating in it, Grazia seems content to welcome guests while her co-hostess Calista sees to a few last-minute things in the house. There's quite a spread set out of light foods and sweet treats, too.

Harlen arrives, following Duarte.

The Voice of Fidante sits along the side of the pool, poised in a chair with an umbra parisol keeping her ivory skin safe from the summer sun. Narcissa is in an airy umbra gown that allows some form of modesty, no scandalous cuts of fashion and the lines of her body all but hinted at. A raven sits on the back of her chair, cawing every now and again with an odd hollow touch to the noise. In spite of her anything but summery look, her golden eyes brighten with mirth as she smiles a greeting to each guest in Fidante's home.

Frost, a Maelstrom Forest Cat arrives, following Lore.

Yuri passed on through the double doors through to the grand patio, his head passing along toward the guests already present. He hovered along nearest Grazia as he entered, bowing his head cordially with a smile, "A fine afternoon to you, Duchessa. We have never met before, if I recall. Lord Yuri Tessere, a fine pleasure." His hands settled upward on the towel ends around his neck after he had offered a cordial bow to the woman.

12 Grayson House Guards arrives, following Liara.

Merek walks along into the place wearing his normal dark attire along with the beltcape about the waist. He finds a place to settle in, looking about thoughtful while he nods, bowing to people.

Drake doesn't like to miss pool parties, since it's always a chance to see what the ladies are wearing. He has a towel on that he got from a previous pool party. There's probably a swim bottom too, his usual small sort of style, but right now it's covered by the towel, which is disappointing or merciful depending on your point of view. Drake always gets a lot of sun in the summer as he works out out of doors without his shirt. The suntan covers the fading of a long scratch scar on his chest. Of course... he goes for the punch, giving Grazia a winning smile as he grabs a glass. Then looks around. "A lot of people in black so far for a Lycene pool party."

Long hair tied back, keeping her neck cool, steps Thea. "This was a great idea,"she says to Grazia with a slight smile. Her eyes glance over to a raven, which the Malvici fully knows, where there is THAT bird, there is--"Nari, hey,"Thea greets with a wave. There's a wink to Drake as well as she passes.

Liara shows up, dressed as though she intends to be in the water any moment - at least once she sheds an overcoat and shoes to pass off to one of her retinue by the entrance. She slips further inside, going first to greet the party's hosts.

The summer's heat is enough to draw Tyche to the prospect of a pool party. Coupled with a desire to revisit old stomping grounds, the Marquessa of Inverno finds herself joining those seeking respite in the cool watches of the Fidante estate. She's dressed for the occasion - a light silk dress, which may or may not have something suitable for swimming beneath. Dark eyes scan and easily find familiar faces, her lips curving upward, a hand lifted to greet Yuri with the waggle of fingers. Gaspar, too, is met with a smile, but it is his brother she makes a path for, easily finding his side and sliding her hand in the crook of his arm. "I will give you ten thousand silver if you can see your brother in the pool in all of his clothes. Do you accept my challenge?" This is issued to Leonel, of course, as she nudges the man toward the wine.

The marquis arrived wearing familiar clothes: black silks like those already mentioned. He bore a few days worth of stubble on his chin and hair was freshly awry. So many familiar faces! He paused by Grazia first and smiled. "Duchess." A kiss was given to each cheek, lingering for but a moment before he whispered something to her. It was then at the calling challenge to Leonel from Tyche that brought a lofted brow and smile to his features. "Fifty-fifty split, brother?" He winked at Leonel and jumped into the pool straight away, silks and all!

Gaspar has joined the pool.

"Nari?" Narcissa arches a solitary brow, her parisol given a twirl. "That is a new one, Lady Thea. How does the day find you? Well, I hope. The hostesses have rather outdone themselves."

Lore arrives, all smiles and enjoyment, sweeping into a bow before Grazia, "Duchess Rubino. Its been far too long. I can't thank you enough for co-hosting with the Fidante's to make this happen." Straightening, she breezes right on through in her light silk caftan that no doubt is intended to be tossed aside the moment she gets within jumping distance of the pool. No black silks here, its all jade green and golden tan. As promised, she whips off the caftan, tossing it aside as she steps from her sandals to dive straight into the water. Yes, there's a bathing suit.

There are servants nearby who are willing to show people where to change into swimwear and to take clothing worn over swimwear. It's quite handy that way. And there are servants, too, who are eager to fill a glass with any sort of combination of wine and fruit.

Grazia looks quite relaxed, lounging on a chair with her fruity glass of wine, dressed in a loose fitting garment clearly designed for poolside fun. She vaguely smiles at Lore, not unpleasantly but merely as someone unaccustomed to smiling. "I suggested a party, and Duchess Calista suggested we have it here at her pool. It's beautiful, isn't it?" she says with an uncharacteristic measure of warmth.

Yuri sifted away after a moment, bidding a gentle nod to Tyche as she offered a wave. He exhaled a bit; the sun as oppressive as he believed it would be. His steps settled him off to the outdoor bar, eyes settled on Leonel with a curious gaze, "Were you going to show off your finery first before opting to undress, your Highness or have you some suitable trunks under all of that?" He clapped the man on the shoulder with a bid of familiarity before he gestured himself to the bar, intent on his heading.

Drake gives Thea a wave, with his non-drinking hand. His eyes drift over to Lore for a second, and he nods to her. Then he starts to take the towel off, so that he can get into the water better himself. Pool parties are for pools, after all.

"I'd say that's the easiest coin that's ever been made." A hand passed over his lips in an attempt to shroud what was likely an excessively broad curve to the man's lips, in the wake of Gaspar's /very/ memorable entrance. "It was a hard sell, Marquessa, but--" Peeling his gaze from the aforementioned man to instead affix Tyche with a pointed stare, Leonel's head inclined oh so reverently in the woman's direction, the fingers that were once hiding his mouth instead coming to comfort her, with a swat and pat upon the back of her own hand. "--I've worked a miracle, right before your very eyes. You can have the payment delivered to my room at your earliest convenience. No rush." The sly look persisted within his eyes, until they were soon leaving Tyche as well, and cast adrift upon the sea of perhaps unfamiliar faces as they arrived. Upon spotting Yuri a cluck, and clatter of Leonel's tongue struck at the roof of his mouth to try and garner the man's attention. "Lord Yuri, good to see you here. Though truthfully, I hadn't expected that you'd miss this." He commented as he strode, leading the Marquessa along and drawing near to a table. Yuri's query found his head swinging, to intone his response during the trip. "If you're eager to see me undress, just speak plainly. I might of the mind to oblige one of these days."

Lore has joined the pool.

When Gaspar leaps at the chance to earn coin by quite literally leaping into the pool with all of his clothes on, Tyche's laugh is quick and warm. She may have lost the bet she hastily made, and the consoling pat of Leonel's hand at the back of her own is met with a smirk, "Double or nothing? You in the pool, all of your clothes on. If I could get both brothers drenched with so little effort..." She sighs dreamily, the prospect clearly one that appeals to her. Her gaze darks to Gaspar as he surfaces, shaking her head in amusement at him. "You've certainly called my bluff, my lord. Well done. Shall I deliver your half to your bedroom, as well?" she picks up on Leonel's requirements for the delivery of the spoils, and then turns to hear him engaging with Yuri. "You had your chance, Leo. Didn't he have a bath ready for you that one time?"

Drake has joined the pool.

Harlen leaves, following Duarte.

Having been furnished with a glass of wine - no fruit - on her way through, Liara remarks on hearing the exchange between Grazia and Lore, "A splendid idea and a thoroughly charming spot for a party - I always do enjoy functions in this villa." The Grayson offers a quick smile and goes to settle herself at the pool's edge, dangling her feet in the water, and offering little wiggles of her fingers in greeting to some other familiar faces.

Liara has joined the pool.

3 Fidante House Guards, Santino arrive, following Calista.

Narcissa simply smiles at the commotion beside and in the pool, being of no mind to join herself at the moment from her perch beside. She nods a thanks as a light wine is brought to her by a man in Fidante liveryz

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

3 Ivory Shields, Monique arrive, following Lexir.

Thea looks to Narcissa and chuckles. "I can think of worse. Or better, don't worry,"her gaze venturing to the pool. She too is dressed for such but waits a moment until she hunts down a drink.

Yuri managed to pace his steps backward as he turned to Leonel whilst stepping in time backward to the bar, shaking his head to echo the Prince's own gesture, "Good, you are beginning to pick up on my obvious tells." He chuckled before shrugging his arms out, "Not eager, simply concerned about your clothing. It looks rather fresh and new. It would be a shame for it to be completely ruined if somewhere were to...push you in." His head canted slowly in Tyche's direction, eyes wide a bit, "Ah, yes. /That/. That...did not go as planned, unfortunately. The Prince found the Tessere pools rather lacking and left. In my hour of need in pain." He chuckled again, reaching his destination as he shared some words with a tender at the bar and getting settled with his glass of wine. And then off came the sleeveless doublet.

Thea has joined the pool.

Yuri has joined the a small outdoor bar.

Lexir steps out onto the patio with Monique, a towel slung over his shoulder and bearing a genial smile. Dark eyes sweep over those gathered, though they seem to be searching out someone in particular.

Amador was not far behind the entrance of the Tessere's, though his a more subtle thing. There was a moment taken upon entry to assess the whereabouts of those present, posture easing slightly as the more familiars were spotted and mentally noted. Of course Gaspar was already in the pool. He meandered forward at a lazy stride to the poolside, dipping a bow of his head to the hostess(es?) as he passed further into the festivities until hovering at the water's edge and stating simply to the man within, "I see you've already ruined your silks."

Amador has joined the pool.

"I wouldn't /dare/ presume where my brother's coin should be delivered, marquessa. I'll collect it from him later on." With the sudden arrival (and minimal splash of a fine dive) of Lore, Gaspar swam over to her, beaming brightly. "I'm so glad you could make it." A kiss then, to each cheek with a lingering smile. Usually, wet clothes hung off of the frame of the wearer, but Gaspar's fit so snugly already, that there was not a great deal of distortion. The smile turned to look over Liara, seated at the edge of the pool and he made his way her direction. "Princess, you look as beautiful as the sea itself." He looked over to Amador, grinning. "You say 'ruin', I say 'enliven'."

"Anything you wish to call me, I trust." Narcissa promises Thea with a winsome smile before the other woman heads towards the pool.

Drake slides into the pool just enough that he doesn't spill his drink in the process. He looks comfortable there. Overhearing Narcsissa's comment to Thea, he raises a brow just slightly, but knows it was a tease.

Leonel's feet promptly stalled when Tyche's words registered, and whatever previous destination that he had decided upon in his mind was summarily forgotten. He swerved, leading her back in the direction of the pool, with measured steps. "Be gracious enough to provide me with an entirely /new/ wardrobe when I ruin these, and we may very well have a bet, Marquessa. A simple thing to give, no? I imagine that there must be /something/ you'd like to see me in. Here's your chance." Resting just at the edge of the pool, some thought hangs heavy upon the prince's brow, and his lips grow thin, with eyes cast upon the cool and clear water below. There's a struggle seen to keep a grin at bay -- twitchy corners of his lips, that he stubbornly tries to stifle and straighten out. "How's the water, brother? You emptied your pockets before diving in, I hope." He remarked to Gaspar, before Yuri then, searching the man out with a glance through the growing crowd. "And I brought you chocolates, too. Now I wish I hadn't, seeing as how you ungrateful you are for the .. fifteen or so minutes of my company that I provided. The best moment of your life, I suspect."

Leonel has joined the pool-side lounge chairs.

Leonel has left the pool-side lounge chairs.

"I'd have offered to host, but Duchess Dafne's spiders have practically overrun our courtyard gardens, and while they're a delight, generally having this many guests makes it difficult not to damage the cobwebs," Grazia notes with a measure of wryness as she takes a sip from her fruity wine. "So I am most thankful for the Fidantes offering to host."

Grazia has joined the pool-side lounge chairs.

Leonel has joined the pool.

Tyche has joined the pool.

2 Seraceni pirates, 2 Seraceni cutthroats, Misschief, a young silvery marmoset arrive, following Ciro.

Swiftly the red fox, 1 Greenmarch Guard arrive, following Neve.

Ciro, Neve arrive, following Calla.

Monique appears a subdued flame at Lexir's side, the woman not at all dressed for swimming and instead fixing the Pravus Prince with a skeptical look as she leans in to murmur something to the man with the single towel.

Tyche spares a moment to draw herself away from Leonel, going to the tips of her fingers as she draws her gaze over him. "I can think of an outfit or two," she admits, her imagination running wild enough to bring a smile to her lips. She slides her hand from his arm, and then presses her palm to his back to give a little nudge. "Go on, then." But her efforts to see him dunked are short-lived, and she slides herself down at the edge of the pool. Slippers are removed, set aside, and naked feet dip past the surface to sway in the cool water. Her hands sweep the skirt of her dress up and to the side, although too late to rescue one of the panels from touching the surface.

Lexir exchanges a handful of murmurs with Monique, that concludes with him nodding - then belting out cheerfully, to all present, "Where might a prince find a place to change?" He also waves to Lore. And tentatively, to a few others present.

A fashionably late trio arrives in the form of Calla flanked by Neve and Ciro, hands taken up by theirs as she's giggling at something funny that was said on the walk over. Once they make it to the Patio and Pool area, she pauses to look around and get the lay of the party before deciding what to do next. Looking at her companions, she asks, "What do you think, should we swim first or mingle?"

Nothing but fashionably late for the co-hostess of House Fidante. Calista arrives to the pool in her villa decked in radiant gold and glistening turquoise to emulate the gorgeous Summer day. "Work never ends." She announces with warm and inviting smile to all those who are already enjoying the refreshing waters. The Duchess pads over to Grazia, greeting her co-host first then makes her rounds to family and friends.

"Of the week, maybe. Life, let us not be too hasty, your Highness." Yuri called out after Leonel, taking up his wine glass and glass of whiskey as he settled edge next to each other, padding over to a nearby lounger to drop his belongings off at. Towel was draped over the back as he settled his doublet off on the seat. "The chocolates did not go to waste, at all. You may have lost my missive of thanks in transit, but ungrateful? Oh, no hardly." He smiled lightly, raising his wine glass as he lingered on the edge of the pool, settling next to Leonel right side. Shoulder to shoulder close. The kind of closeness that began to register in the young lord's mind as a slow smirk played along at his lips. He sipped lightly at his wine glass, peering down toward Tyche with a wink before glance at Leonel again.

Yuri has left the a small outdoor bar.

Yuri has joined the pool.

Liara offers Gaspar an easy grin. "Why, thank you, my lord. You look surprisingly less wet than one would imagine - my compliments to your tailor on the fine fit." She follows with a wink then gets back to her wine for a quick sip.

Drake looks over at Tyche, watching her expression with amusement. "Women so rarely undress me with their eyes like that these days," he says. It's another dry Oathlands joke. He's practically completely undressed as it is and little imagination is required.

"Perhaps that's because you give them no reason to, Lord Drake?" Tyche calls to the lord, overhearing his remarks. "From what I hear, they need not undress you with their eyes - because you undress for them readily."

"Ah, Calista. Your family has been keeping me company, and it is good that you were able to finish that business so that you can enjoy the party," Grazia offers to the duchess with the vaguest of smiles, motioning slightly with her wine glass in Narcissa's direction.

Amador's brows both arched in unison, the creep of a sidewinding smile threatening the corners of his mouth as he glanced between Drake and Tyche.

Neve removes her robe to reveal her swim outfit newly made - With soft Aeterna used to craft the chemise before you it is hard to deny the beauty of the chemise, the way the fabric offers the faintest glimpse of the form beneath hinting at the beauty found beneath the soft pure white fabric. The near translucent material falling gracefully along the curves of the wearer going from teasing to near sinful if wet.

The chemise falling no further than mid thigh with shorter that allow ease of movement and comfort. The sleeves edged in a soft seasilk dyed pink. The same lace edging along the plunging deep cut neckline of the chemise that can be tied to allow some sense of modesty or the illusion of it with little red ribbons that are stitched into the fabric to allow it to be closed up should it be wished.

She hmmns. "Well..we should probably thank the hostess..but a swim sounds really nice, and it would be good for your muscles to relax Ciro. So..I'll leave it up to you. But I'm really looking forward to a swim after all that dancing..and falling. Um..so, we should say hello! Oh, there's Monique.." she points over at the Monique in question "That's my cousin, she's really smart. If you have questions I encourage you to ask her, that's what I usually do."

"Guilty as charged," Drake says jovially to Tyche. "But it WOULD be a shock if I suddenly got all buttoned up in long robes. Everyone would confuse me for my brother."

The wink was returned to Liara, with a charming smile befitting one of his reputation. "Simply not /yet/, your grace. Hopefully soon!" He started to push himself off the wall to swim in a lazy backstroke, but those words from Tyche, for some reason, caused Gaspar to submerge beneath the surface. There might have been the beginning sound of a laugh?

LOre kicks up a bit so she can offer a wave towards Lexir and Monique before bobbing back into the water.

Arriving with Calla the hand of Ciro's holding hers gives a gentle squeeze, The man grinning with a playful and clearly amused look showing across his features over whatever had been said on the way over. His grey eyes soon drawing over things taking in what was where and seeking out any familiar faces. The question from Calla gaining a small shrug from the man dressed in a bathrobe and wraparound pants of duskweave, "We could see about a drink and maybe see if there is something sweet after he walk over and then go for the dip? Mingle and nibble and then swim?" The man suggesting before leaning forward to look to Neve offering a warm smile to the woman edged with growing fondness, The words from the woman have the man nodding in agreement, "Well cousin and hostress then swim?"

"A poor substitute for company in comparison." Narcissa deflects in good humor, eyes dancing between Grazia and the approaching Calista. "You look exquisite as usual, cousin. Please tell me the mountain of parchment is somewhat diminished now?"

Thea lifts a hand from the water and waves to her cousin(sorta). "Calista, hello. How have you been?" She too looks to Narcissa and chuckles. "Im flattered. That feeling is mutual,"she says while listening to something at the pool as well.

Monique waves to both Lore and Neve, dipping her head too in Ciro's direction. And from there, the Minx steps to one side as Lexir makes ready his scandalous change.

Monique has joined the a small outdoor bar.

Calista offers kisses to Grazia, Narcissa, and Thea. "I have been well!" She says to the Mazetti. "And you? What a wonderful turnout. I love having so many people over to enjoy the pool and drinks. "Let me do a lap to say hello to everyone before finding a spot to call home for a bit."

After Leonel leaps into the pool and sprays Tyche with water, she's laughing and murmuring something to him, but her gaze lifts to spy Marena joining the party. With the lifting of a hand, she beckons the woman over to the edge of the pool.

Drake is splashed too... but doesn't mind it TOO much at first. He wipes wet hair away from his eyes, then looks at his glass... Which, is mostly water now. He raises it up. "Well, here, I'll need another."

"Of course, we'll certainly thank the hostess first." Calla corrects herself with a nods. "Can't forget to do that." She looks over to where Neve is pointing, "I don't think I've met her before. do introduce us if you can." Calla's dressed in a purple and wine red seasilk gown, with no real swimming clothes in sight herself. "Yes, mingle, nibbles and swiming, I like that. Lets go greet the Hostess then shall we?" She asks before moving over to wait until Calista is free to offer a curtsey and a smile. "Lovely party! Perfect for this time of year."

"Your Highness," Grazia calls to Lexir in a slightly belated sort of way, having been distracted by the arrival of Calista and a lot of Lycene kissy greetings. "One of the servants will direct you to an area set up off to the side where you can change to get in the pool. It's too warm to stay dressed up for long."

1 Kennex corsairs, Wyatt, a large long-haired sighthound arrive, following Cecilia.

Calista's kisses of greeting are returned before Narcissa sinks back into her seat, crossing her legs demurely at the knee. Throughtout each movement her parasol is shifted perfectly to keep her ivory face from the sun. She stage-whispers behind her hand to Grazia, "I really must get out and away from my books more often, I fear names muddle for me more frequently these days."

"A little birdie told me I'd find you here," Marena tells Tyche in a light tone that's about as jovial as the usually stoic woman ever gets. She's wearing something gauzy and appropriate for Lycene pool parties, dark hair left loose. With confident steps, she joins the Marquessa at the edge of the pool and takes a moment to survey the area with a keen eye.

Lexir thanks Grazia with a cheery wave, then starts searching out said servants, proactively hunting them down rather than waiting to be led away.

Monique has left the a small outdoor bar.

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

3 Ivory Shields, Monique leave, following Lexir.

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

3 Ivory Shields, Monique arrive, following Lexir.

3 Ivory Shields leaves, following Lexir.

3 Ivory Shields arrives, following Lexir.

Smirking a bit at the splashes of water that reach her, Thea simply wipes some off her bare arm with her empty hand. Unbothered. "Drake was able to,"Thea tells Liara. "A group of us went on that expedition. We were able to find the medicine for--tickjaw."

Drake gives Calista a look, across the pool, as she comes over to greet Thea, but, for some reason, he's keeping his distance a bit. Still he nods to her, acknowledging her presence... as a refill of the drink comes around for him.

Lexir soon returns, quite naked except for a towel secured around his waist that covers the nether bits. It's a sumptuously fluffy towel, black, with the arms of Pravus embroidered upon them.

Yuri canted his head rather slowly at Tyche's gesture as he glanced off over to Marena. He smiled at her entry, canting his head cordially in her direction, "A very good afternoon to you, Lady Inverno."

Monique has joined the a small outdoor bar.

Marena has joined the pool.

"Is that so?" Tyche quips as Marena lowers herself to the edge of the pool with the Marquessa. "I may have to hire a hunter, then, to take care of all these spying little birds." She leans in to whisper something to her cousin, quick and amused, and then the merriment continues at the pool.

From her place at the bar and secure with a glass of whiskey, Monique salutes Lexir's return with a touch of a smile, colored wry. "There's no way that will stay in place," the Minx offers with dry amusement as she nurses her drink.

Lexir has joined the a small outdoor bar.

Marena lifts a hand to flutter fingers in a polite greeting for Yuri. "Lord Yuri, likewise, a good afternoon to you as well. I hope I haven't missed all the fun?" As Tyche leans in, she furrows her brows as her expression takes on a too-serious expression while she glances around the rest of the pool. After a long moment, she murmurs something lowly in return.

"Ah, your Highness," Grazia offers with amusement to Lexir, looking him over as he emerges from changing in his towel. "You look so ready for the pool now. I do hope that you enjoy a cool swim." She takes another sip of her fruity wine.

Neve curtsies as she can in a fairly opaque rather short chemise. "Thank you for inviting everyone to such an event Duchess Fidante, it's a honor to come, and enjoy the delights. I'm not sure if we've met, but I'm Lady Neve Greenmarch, the lovely vision of red hair and purple is Baroness Valla Veveci and the man here is the one and only dancemaster, Lord Ciro Seraceni, fleet of feet, master of dexterity, and it's also his special special day, so this ends his day in the most perfect way!"

"I would say you have arrived at such an opportune moment that this gaggle here have finally managed to find their way into the pool; some of us primed within silks and all." Yuri held tight to his whiskey glass as he chose a spot that would not present too much of splash; having already divested himself down to his shortened black trunks. And feet first he dived in, right arm poised up quite high to prevent minimal backsplash of his whiskey. And in he went!

"It is wonderful to see you, Baroness Calla. I believe the last time we saw one another was at the winter fest. Truth be told," The Duchess says with a sauntering step near the pool before lowering herself to the edge of the pool and slipping her long bronzed legs into the crystalline water, "I love the Summer." She finger waggles a greeting to Neve. "You are welcome and actually, this was Duchess Graziela's idea. I happened to agree and here we are!" There are many she recognizes and many still she has yet to meet. "Marquis Gaspar, Lord Yuri. Some of my favorite Tessere men. I trust you are having a good time."

When Monigue gives that dip of her head to Ciro the man gives her a smile in return, His own dipping slightly to the woman moments later. Hearing Calla correct herself he is quick to look back to her, "Of course, Have to thank them for throwing this after all. Only proper." When she agrees to his suggested course of action he smiles softly, "Can't wait for the swim." A little glance given between Calla and Neve before moving with the pair to wait just short of Calista to wait a good time to offer thanks. When it finally is found his head dips, About to introduce himself before grinning when Neve offers such an introduction for both Calla and himself. The man looking to Calista telling her in his honeyed voice, "Thank you so much for this chance to revel in such fine surroundings before summer flees us Duchess, A lovely party and a radiant outfit for the occasion." His head dipping once more efore he looks to Neve, "Far too kind Neve, But yes a fine way to end the day."

"I don't remember going to very many pool parties down south where the swimmers didn't end up nude," Lexir points out to Monique with a wry twist of his own lips as he joins her at the bar, though he deigns to just lean against it, rather than sit. He has something poured out for himself, something he downs in a single gulp without really considering what it is, before sending his eyes sweeping on over the others present. "I'd think seeing everybody here with clothes /on/ is more unusual to me than seeing them all with their clothes /off/."

Gaspar 'swam' over to Calista after her greeting and stood in the pool, drenched in his silks that, for some reason, he was still wearing. "My duchess, the time continues to improve by the minute. You look fantastic. Who knew that a happenchance meeting at the Fox with you and Duchess Grazia could turn into something so delightful." He looked between the duchesses then and dipped his head to both before swimming away aimlessly once more.

"Shocking - a Lycene being contrarian to your expectations." Narcissa deadpans sardonically to Lexir upon his observation of the lack of nudity. A sweep of her pale hand to her covered form, "We do aim to shock, and sometimes the means to do so is to not do the shocking...when such of the latter is the norm." A genuine smile follows, to add jovial air to her words.

Yuri pulled his head around to spy Calista fluttering along by the edge of the pool. The lord pulled himself up a moment on the edge, glass settled off to the nearby lip for now as he treated in a cordial smile, "Ah, my dearest Duchessa. Lovely to see /you/ this afternoon, as well. Absolutely enchanting, as my Marquis echoes a thousand times. Me? Swimmingly, now; aptly so. Do find some time to enjoy your efforts as well, if you please! Most gracious in opening your home to us." An offer of a bow before he turned back along to treat with Amador.

"Baroness Calla, Lady Neve, Lord Ciro. Hey,"Thea calls over from spot near the pool. Now a bit wet. From the pool. You know, splashes and all. Taking a sip, the Malvici amusedly regards Drake. "I dont know about THAT,"she teases.

Cecilia enters in a flutter of pale blue and blond hair. She wears a grin on her lips as she looks around. Back in the city from a time away she doesn't know anyone, though that doesn't make her grin falter in the least. She heads to the bar to get some Lycene treat. Her eyes wander to Lexir before she looks around.

Drake looks at Thea, looking... mock-offended. "You mean to say you wouldn't make me look good? Well, it's your book. Better to be remembered than not at all."

"It has certainly been awhile. Hopefully we don't wait so long for our next meeting, duchess Fidante." Calla replies with a warm smile as she is introduced all the same by Neve. Once that's done, she'll move off a bit to allow everyone else looking to greet the hostess their chance to. Finally letting go of the others' hands, she slips out of the gown she was wearing, revealing a simple satiny shift underneath for swimming. Nothing fancy, before finding someplace to secure her gown until it's time to leave.

"That's my line," Lexir chirrups sadly to Narcissa in response to her remarks, head straightening after tilting slightly to listen. "'When iconoclasm has become expected, has become an icon in of itself, then it too must be destroyed.'" He toasts her, afterwards. "Ah well. If you're to steal anything at all, wit's a good thing to pick. There's always more of it."

"Wit is the best whetstone of my talents." Narcissa promises Lexir, toasting him in return. Her raven caws in response, though the shifting of her arm probably alarmed him and caused poor Nevermore to seek shelter at the bar. "Though having no knowledge of your particulars or lines, I fear the theft is pure happenstance. My thanks for allowing me its brief loaning."

Neve waves to Thea "That's Lady Thea. Baroness Calla, you really need to meet her. She's dear, and wonderful, and of the very best calibur of people. The very best!" She squeals though when she sees Gaspar, jumping into the water to practically jump on his back, splashing down hard and under uncerimonsiously, she rises completely wet, and just about completely see-through in her outfit, and hugs the man sticking to him. "Marquis Gaspar, it's been too long!" She beams a smile, rubbing her wet, wet head against him. "Your advice has helped me so much in life and I feel truly happy again, feeling full of hope, and love, and hope, and danishes, and love. Less to do with danishes, as much as the feelings. Thank you!"

Ciro hearing his name called out looks around only to spot Thea, His free hand lifting to wave to the woman. "Already wet from the looks of it Thea, may as well get in." The man teasing as he moves away from Callista being pulled along by Calla. His thumb brushing the back of her hand before its released, when he sees her slipping out of her dress he does watch for a moment before his hands move into his robe carefully woring the tie of his wrap around pants before allowing them to sink along his legs and settle in against his ankles. The man bending over briefly to undo the ties around his ankles before gathering up the garmet moving to leave it with Calla's dress. When Neve moves to jump into the pool he watches after her, laughing as she raises up to launch heself onto Gaspar's back. The man laughing softly as his head shakes, "Is she always so happy?" A glance given to Calla as he asks that before looking around in search of any other familiar faces.

The marquis lets out a bit of a yelp and something before simply laughing and sparing a look to Tyche and Leonel. He grinned and shook his head. "Don't believe him, marquessa. There is /always/ something more to los--" And suddenly Neve! He was attacked. Accosted! But with arms suddenly hugging him, he had an idea /who/ it was. He laughed slightly and wiped the water from his face before returning that hug with a gentle pat to her back. "Lady Neve, I'm glad to hear that." The smile he gave the woman was genuine as she did seem to be in much better spirits from the last time he'd talked to her. His gaze ran over the woman's attire and grinned. "And here I thought the Lycene were going to bring all the scandal."

Cecilia has joined the pool.

Lore has left the pool.

Calla giggles at Neve, "I am very familiar with the Lady Thea actually. She's been to Sangris with me." She adds with a smile towards the Malvici Lady. "Lovely to see you again." Then Neve is off towards the water and it brings a bright smile to her lips as she giggles again at the Greenmarch ladies antics. Leaning a little closer to Ciro, her hand rests on his elbow briefly as she answers him, "As long as I've known her, yes." She Admits to his question. "C'mon, she shouldn't have all the fun. You better take it easy getting in though." She adds, a stern look his way before leaning in to whisper something in his ear.

Dripping wet (no pun intended), Lore pads across the patio and towards the bar, offering a quick bow towards Lexir and Moniwue before joining them, albeit a few seats away so as not to drip on the pair.

Lore has joined the a small outdoor bar.

"Scandal is all about what you make of it," Grazia purrs dryly as she sips her sweet wine, looking vaguely amused at something. She watches the people in the pool with a quick eye.

Calla has joined the pool.

Calista blows a pair of kisses to Gaspar and then to Yuri. "Ever so refined and gentlemanly. I always enjoy being the center of attention between the two of you." She teases. Amador is greeted with a waggle of fingers as is Monique who sits by the bar with a Pravosi prince she's yet to meet and now joined by Lore. She replies with laughter to something Gaspar says before shedding the outer layer of her kaftan and slithering into the pool in the racy two piece. "Scandal is not nudity. I will never understand why people marry those two ideas together."

Calista has joined the pool.

Thea tells Neve with a grin,"Yes. I cant remember if she helped tend to Martno when he fell from a roof." Ah. Stories!

Neve laughs and hugs the man even tighter, squish squish squish to the Marquis of Gaspar. She does take a step back after looking down "Oh? Does it suit me?" She looks uncertain with an obvious linger of self doubt. "Lord Ciro made it for me..hey, I can see me nipples..and my boobs, and my belly, and my..op, yup, there's my little bushy. Wow, you can really see it all! I like the pink on it, and the red."

Neve reaches up to take hold of Gaspar's cheeks and squeeze them softly, her hands just slide right off due to the wetness of the water though. She points after to her hair, and the ribbons in it "I've been adding ribbons the colors that represent people for my friends, allies, and lovers to my hair. Would you do me the honor of allowing me to put your ribbon or ribbons of your color or colors that represent you into my hair to represent you as a close confidant, ally, and friend? I would be absolutely delighted to wear your colors upon me, to give me comfort, strength, when I feel weak, unsure, unconfident. Like when I go to the bakery and there's 8 different kinds of muffins and I can only buy 3 different muffins, and I feel like I'll pick the wrong ones and I get so worried that I leave with no muffins, and regret it later and end up eating other things which do not fulfill me beause I wish I had the muffins I wasn't confident enough to buy before."

Cecilia has left the pool.

1 Kennex corsairs, Wyatt, a large long-haired sighthound leave, following Cecilia.

Neve has joined the pool.

Anne, a dangerously alluring Seraceni first mate arrives, following Dio.

Ciro's head dips and raises hearing Calla's answer, "She truly is something, a joy." The man admitting softly, his free hand lifting to rest against her hand on his arm. A gentle squeeze given hearing her words on not letting Neve have all the fun." The man leaning in to listen to her whisper a slower more subtle nod is given as he tells her. "Of course, Got to heal up after all." The man winking as he tells Calla that only to move with her to the edge of the pool not far from where Thea is situated. The man's arm drawing reluctantly out of the red heads grasp as he moves to ease down sitting on the pool ledge letting his feet slip beneath the water initially.

1 Kennex corsairs, Wyatt, a large long-haired sighthound arrive, following Cecilia.

Ciro has joined the pool.

Thea scoots a bit for Ciro and Neve both. "Ive never seen anyone as--happt as Neve,"the Malvici admits, a grin threatening her lips. Hearing Drake, she snorts. But smiles at him. "You would. I know you would. Youre a bit shameless..."

"That she really is." Calla replie warmly as she watches Neve interact with Gaspar, a smile of tender amusement playing at her lips, cheeks pink with blush for some reason. She then reluctantly steps away to allow him to slide in first, only hovering a little bit when he does. Once he's seated, she'll slip into the pool next to where he sits. "I really need to get one of these for my estate. I had a great big pool back in Sangris, but not here."

There was a loft to his brow and so much of what Neve had spoken seemed to go with little more than a mildly bemused. But the talk of ribbons came and Gaspar nodded once. "I suppose if violet hasn't been taken, that would be a suitable representation, my lady. It's a family color and I'm sure that you could find a suitable correlation to it." There was a glance around the pool to see Lore at the edge and Tyche with Leonel not far away. And then, a look to Marena, then to Yuri, and back once more to the Inverno. "Ah, yes, my lady. Of course, we would be delighted to host you."

Dio enters the patio of the Fidante Villa in a lose robe of flowing umbra, beneath which is only tanned skin and lean muscle till the gold silk sash of House Seraceni binds his waist. Anne Lucennia is at his side carrying a half-empty bottle of Ciro's finest rum. His attention is first drawn by the voice of his cousin, but his dark eyes scan the patio in search of the Duchess of Tor.

Calista swims towards Liara and Drake, doing her best to keep her amusement of what she overhears at bay. "Princess Liara, what a wonderful surprise to see you. It has been far too long." And then she turns to Drake to greet him just as warmly, and though she does, something catches in her throat and she bites back the intense feeling that seems to start to take a hold. "L-Lord Drake. Wel-Welcome to my home. I do hope you are having a good time.. If you could both excuse me a moment." And she swims to the other end to promptly get out of the pool and fetch a glass of something cool.

Calista checks composure at normal. Calista is successful.

Narcissa looks to the pool and something she heard, one brow hiking upwards sharply. Golden eyes drift away though and she continues to be a Wallflower among roses.

Drake looks at Calista, nodding to her... notices her get a little tongue-tied, and looks away, if just to spare her. "Ah, thank you, thank you for having me over, Duchess. You look lovely as ever."

"You should see to commissioning one," Liara says to Drake, though not without a hint of mischief. Then she offers an easy smile to greet Calista. "Ever a pleasure to see you, and to visit here, Duchess." When Calista turns to move off, Liara catches her lower lip between her teeth, a hint of concern passing across her features, but she says nothing.

Settled in at the edge of the pool Ciro smiles looking to Thea hearing her mention of Neve and the woman's happiness, A nod given as he says with an earnest inflection "It's infectious that's for sure." His head giving a little shake before he is looking to Drake hearing Thea call the man shameless. "I pass the title to you then, Wear it with pride and honor. Now if you'll excuse me I must properly enjoy the pool." The man grinning as he briefly glances to Thea, "Careful never know if he might toss you in the pool Thea." A chuckle leaving him with the words. His focus soon turning back to Calla as she settles in beside him, his hand reaching out to just lightly touch against her back as he leans in to whisper something to her before leaning back, "Deal?" A wicked grin briefly showing over his lips before he is carefully easing the robe off only to quickly slip into the water more fully. A sigh spilling from his lips as he is welcomed into the relaxing embrace of the pool without a worry in the world or a stitch of clothes for that matter.

Narcissa has left the pool-side lounge chairs.

Nevermore, the sulking raven have been dismissed.

3 Fidante House Guards have been dismissed.

Drake looks over at Ciro, laughs, and then back at Thea. "All right. I accept that." He takes a small breath. "But I should really have a portrait first. We do have a great hall and lots of old paintings in it. It only makes sense to decorate. That's only a little shameless."

Cecilia continues to sip her drink as she appreciates the look of new arrival, Dio, a smile gracing her lips as her eyes look towards the pool. "The pool does look delightful." She answers Ciro's comment absently before she strips down to ease into the pool in a graceful movement.

Neve nods "I will add violet! Thank you so much." She puts her hand on Gaspar a moment with a soft smile, then leaves him be waving towards Dio as she sees him enter "Marquis Dio! Come on in, the water's comfy! Bet you can't steal my coinpurse!" Because she's not wearing one. Moving towards Calla and Ciro She splashes Calla with a hand a little with a big laugh. "Hello everyone. This is so very nice, and refreshing. It's so nice I just want to hug everyone!" As she moves she does have a bit off a bruise on one of her lower cheeks, moving a touch stiffly on her right side - since the chemise she wears hides very little of anything.

Calista takes a breath and finds her center once more. A glance over her shoulder towards Drake has her looking at him most curiously than with longing, but still if anyone noticed, there is sadness behind the shadows of her emerald eyes. Unbeknownst to her, the Duchess comes in direct contact with Dio, nearly bumping right into him. Her hand clutches his arm to steady herself. "Ah, Marquis! Forgive me. Welcome, welcome. I am so sorry I did not get a chance to properly say hello to you the other evening at your event. What a wonderful time."

Thea watches Calista for a moment. She tilts her head silently but says nothing. "I'm where Im most comfortable,"Thea tells Ciro with a chuckle. "While Id like to think he would't, he's a gambler." Seeing Calla now too, she nods her head, a smile appearing for her.

Taking a glass of wine from a passing servant, Dio raises it to Cecilia in greeting. When he hears Neve's words he laughs, and says, "I cannot resist such an invitation, let alone in such a beautiful pool as thi-" Dio's eyes open in surprise, and he smiles as Calista grasps his arm. Once she's steady, bows in graceful manner of the Lycene court (without spilling his wine). "I am very glad you came, My Lady - and I am even more grateful for the opportunity to spend time at your villa. This place is breathtaking."

Calla leans into Ciro's whispering, her smile brightening considerably as she nods to whatever was said. "Deal!" She adds in response even as she gives a little shiver as if suddenly chilled. She doesn't avert her eyes when he slips out of his robe, eyes dancing a bit with amusement. And that's when the splash form Neve's hand catches her and she gives the greenmarch woman a look of disbelief. "You dare to splash me?" She asks with a giggle and pushes some water back at Neve with a giggle.

Narcissa rises from her seat, still wielding her umbra parasol, and heads for the double doors leading back into the villa. Kind smiles are extended alongside a silent wave of farewell from the poet before she is gone completely.

Nevermore, the sulking raven, 3 Fidante House Guards leave, following Narcissa.

Slipping into the water as Neve splashes Calla brings Ciro to laugh, The man turning in the pool slightly so he could look between the two women. The man's arms drawing up only to skim across the water in an arc before he is sending out splashes at both of them. The man looking to Calla as he tells her, "Now we both have dared to splash you Siren." A wink given before he is pushing back to slip away from the pair through the water. Noticing Dio a wave is greeting before turning to slip beneath the water swimming away just beneath the surface leaving naught but a glimpse of bare Saraceni ass in his wake.

A servant returns Calista's kaftan rather promptly, slipping it over bare bronze shoulders and adding a touch of modesty to an otherwise visually scintillating choice of swimwear. "Oh, thank you." She glances around a moment before returning her attention to Dio. "It pales in comparison to what we have in Tor, but I enjoy the Villa. I will have to give you a tour sometime. And I still look forward to our meeting soon."

After a remark of "A delight," and a smile to those nearby in the pool, Liara picks herself up out of the water, dripping wet, and goes to get ready to depart -- a towel, a spot of extra clothing and a reconvening of her bodyguard later, and she's off.

Liara has left the pool.

12 Grayson House Guards leaves, following Liara.

Eventually deciding that she needs to be in the water, Grazia slips out of her perfectly reasonable robe, revealing a perfectly respectable bathing suit, and she heads over to slip into the water.

Grazia has left the pool-side lounge chairs.

Grazia has joined the pool.

Neve splashes Calla again "I do dare! Dare I do!" She then uses both hands to splash at Ciro "And I get you too!"

Calla gasps dramatically when Ciro dares to splash her as well. "Are you two ganging up on me now? How is that fair?" She asks with a little pout in the Seraceni lord's directions before splashing him in kind, but only manages to get his bare rump as he slips under the water the way that he does.

Yuri snaked an arm at one of the lounge chairs after having pulled himself out from the pool, readily where the umbra doublet had been deposited as he curled a towel of his around his waist to give a gentle pat before twisting it around his neck. He joined in at Marena's side a moment, seeming to have a hushed conversation as he provided escort for the Voice's departure.

Dio raises his glass to Ciro, smiling with amusement as his cousin enjoys the pool in true Lycene manner. To Calista, Dio says, "The beauty of Tor is legendary, and in Ischia they say, 'beautiful as a rose of Tor' to describe those things upon which the people shower the most affection." The marquis takes a sip of his wine and nods to Calista. "If you are offering me a tour of Tor, I worry I might never leave. I have only been twice when I sailed for the Black Fleet, and the beauty of that city is irresistible." When Calista mentions a meeting, Dio's expression grows slightly more solemn, "When you are free, I am at your service, Duchess."

Drake, his cup once again empty, makes a bold enough move to climb out of the pool, to this time, get something for himself directly from the bar. He does grab his towel again as he does so. Maybe that's just that small bit of Oathlander sensibility, or maybe he just doesn't want to track water everywhere. He does make a bit of a show of drying his hair off first before putting it around his waist.

Drake has left the pool.

Drake has joined the a small outdoor bar.

Cecilia feels her lips twitch with mischief as she waits for Ciro to surface before she splashes him. "Now it's two on two." She laughs melodically as she waits for a reprisal.

For her part, Thea starts to climb out of the pool. "I should run before this turns into a war of some sort." Her gold-flecked green eyes however appear to be laughing. Taking a towel and wrapping it around herself, Thea starts to make her way to Callista first before she leaves. "We'll have to catch up soon, yes?"

Ciro doesn't go far resurfacing only to be splashed by Neve, the man half sputtering half laughing taking the splash right to his face. Only to have another quickly join as Cecilia joins in the battle of the pool. His hands lifting to slick his hair back and off of his face looking to the Neve. "If I wasn't told I need to take it easy I would be dunking you.." The man telling her playfully only to quickly splash back at her. A look is given moments later to Calla, "Could always try and dunk us?" The man challenging with a lifting of his brow. The man feigning not noticing the attack from Cecilia before rounding on her a bit too quickly given the wince but just the same both hands dive into the water infront of him to send out a larger splash towards the woman.

Cecilia laughs as water rains down on her. She covers her eyes with her hands before she uses both of them to splash the man back. "I don't know Lord Ciro ...." She says calling out the name everyone else has called him. "A little lady like me ... dunking a big strong man such as you? I suppose I could try." She winks playfully at Ciro before playfully trying to dunk the man.

A mellifluous laugh breathes from Calista's lips. Were the day not so hot, nor her cheeks already flushed with color from the heat, she might blush. Her glass presses to her lips to keep the lyrical sound from rising too loudly. She taps the glass with her finger of the hand coiled around the drink, then points to Dio and stage-whispers, "You are good. You are exceptionally good for the ego." The Marquis of house Sereceni is gifted with a surreptitious grin and a playful wink. "I could do both." She sips then, followed by a sweeping hand around the patio. "A Tor of the Villa here and a trip to Tor. If it proves to be a hands on experience, that is. I have been curious on how to properly navigate the waters between both my homes. But this topic bleeds into more business than pleasure and today is all about pleasure." The Duchess makes note of all of those who are swimming and splashing about." Before Thea leaves, Calista turns to her and bids her a warm adieu. "Yes, let's do that soon, Lady Thea."

Neve has left the pool.

Swiftly the red fox, 1 Greenmarch Guard leave, following Neve.

Amador has left the pool.

Marena exchanges a few words with Yuri before she dips out, expression thoughtful as she strides to go tend to something not nearly as fun as a pool party.

Marena has left the pool.

Calla lets out a little squeak as now Neve is splashing towards her again and she holds her hands up as if to protect her from all the water flying around her, giggling a bit as she does so. When Cecilia decides to join in, she offers her a smile. "I don't know you, but I like you already." She announces with another giggle before turning on Ciro when he mentions dunking going on. "I don't think Deia would approve of any dunking happening." She comments with a little tsk of her tongue off the roof of her mouth. Then she catches's Tyche's waving and returns it with a smile. "Marquessa Tyche! i didn't see you there! How are you?"

Thea has left the pool.

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

Yuri allowed the guards to tend to their own duties as the lord departed from Marena's side after the extended word, striding along back to the pool and taking a gander at all who remained. There was a brief moment icy blues met Tyche's gaze for a second, averted quick and then returned with a polite smile as he settled the towel back to the lounger to rejoin the pool.

Yuri has left the pool.

Yuri has joined the pool.

Gaspar shed his shirt, laying it on the side of the pool. He floated on his back and seemed to delight in the heat of the sun. Feet kicked idly and slowly, sending him in a lazy circle around the water's surface.

From over at the poolside bar, Lore slips from her stool, wobbles, rights herself, and approaches poor, poor Prince Lexir. With words spoken only those at the bar can hear, she darts in, dipping down and tilting her shoulder into the man's sternum as one arm wraps around his leg and the other around his arm. Straightening, she hoists the Pravosi Prince into the air and carries him at a fast walk towards the pool. Laughing all the while. Once to the pool's edge, she grips the edge of his single piece of clathing, that towel about his hips, then hoists and dumps the poor man straight into the pool! Dusting her hands off as she straightens, Lore turns and saunters jauntily back to the bar, only to bow and offer the towel to Monique with a quiet murmur.

Ciro checks charm and performance at normal. Ciro is marginally successful.

When he hears Calla comment on not knowing Cecilia but liking her there is a quick nod from Ciro as he says, "She is playful, A good sign to be sure." The man telling her before nodding as she mentions Deia not approving of dunking, "Likely right, She might smack us both for that." His focus turning back to Cecilia as he offers up warmly, "Lord Ciro Seraceni.. And the saffron one here is Baroness Calla Vaevici" With the introduction given and the greeting from Tyche the man feigns terror, "Oh no! The silken shark she swims!" The man turning slightly only to hear the response to his dunking tease from Cecilia, When she moves to try and dunk him the man doesn't fight it allowing her to as his body goes slack to ease beneath the surface.

His attention elsewhere, in comfort and just a little bit into his cups, Lexir doesn't react to Lore's touch initially. "Hey now wha-oooah!" he calls out, right about when he's lifted into the air. Flailing, he can do anything but squawk as Lore removes his sole piece of coverage and tosses him, naked as may be, into the pool with a loud *SPLASH**. Bubbles surface in his wake. The seconds tick by.

Lexir has left the a small outdoor bar.

Lexir has joined the pool.

Lexir checks stamina at easy. Lexir is successful.

Dio smiles warmly at Calista. "Let it be a hands on experience then." When the duchess speaks of pleasure, Dio drains his glass of wine, and hands it to Anne. Shedding his robe, he moves to the side of the pool and dives into the water, breaching not far from Calla.

Drake was saying something to Lore, but she was busy throwing the prince into the pool. As he was getting a drink, he didn't look over at first, but then laughs as Lexir is tossed unceremoniously into the water, with nothing on at that. Drake shakes his head slightly at Lore. "A quick wit and a quicker arm," he adds with a laugh.

Are they rewarded with a smile? ... They are.

Lady Monique Greenmarch, who has not smiled in quite some time, allows her ruby lips to curve up, and it even touches her emerald eyes as Lore returns to bow, with that quiet murmur of hers. The Minx doesn't quite laugh, but her smile grows deeper and she turns it on poor Lexir. There's no apology there, though. Just deep humor. She turns to murmur something back at the bar.

"Well, I suppose that was an inevitability," Grazia remarks, wiping a bit of water from the splash, shaking her head slightly.

"Just be gentle with him." Calla calls as Ciro is getting dunked by Cecilia after he introduced the both of them to her, and though she's smiling, there's a brief look of worry for the Seraceni lord. But then she gets distracted when someone surfaces nearby and she turns to spy Dio. "Marquis Dio! Hello! I had not seen you arrive."

Lexir slowly, ever so slowly, drowns. It is said that one does not even notice a drowning man, their limbs and more importantly, head, below the surface, unable to breach, unable to splash. Bubbles and flailing, that's all there is, and when one is addled by wine and women (or mead and men), who can really be bothered to pay attention to those things?

Lexir checks stamina at normal. Lexir is marginally successful.

Calista nearly jumps out of the way when Lore appears nearby hoisting Lexir over her shoulders. Up and over, sans his fluffy towel he goes with a big splash that gets her wet. She jumps out of the way on instinct, like a cat repelling water, just for that moment, when she dips closer towards Dio and Calla. "That is certainly one way of getting into the water." She flashes them a smile and turns towards the bar to finally greet Monique and Lore. "My lady, Mistress Lore." There are kisses for both. Has she not realized Drake is there, too. She pours herself another drink.

Cecilia laughs as she dunks Ciro easily. Too easily. But still she always did get her way. "You made that too easy Lord Ciro ... you should put up more of a fight when a woman pushes you down for her pleasure." She teases before splashing him again. "Pleasure to meet you Baroness. I am Lady Cecilia Kennex." She introduces herself with a satisfied wink.

Drake checks perception at normal. Drake is successful.

Lexir checks stamina at hard. Lexir is marginally successful.

Drake is about to say something to Lore again, smirking, when looking into the water he catches sight of Lexir's conundrum. Monique mentions that he doesn't look well. Drake squints. "... Ah, he seems fine." Drake throws back his drink. "At any rate, the ladies in the pool will either prop him up or collect his corpse. And who'd let an eligble Pravus man drown?"

Minutes later, the bubbles have begun to surface more rarely from where the Pravosi had been sunk, from an initial flurry, to now just a smattering every couple of seconds.

Lore returns the kisses to Calista and smiles, "Duchess. Always a pleasure." Monique's words have her looking back towards the pool and pursing up her lips. "I feel as though this is a trap. But in the interest of easing your concerns, I will go check on him for you." She holds out the towel to Monique once more, then turns and dashes back towards the pool to dive in once more.

Lore has left the a small outdoor bar.

Lore has joined the pool.

Lexir checks stamina at daunting. Critical Success! Lexir is spectacularly successful.

"Wait, he cannot swim?" Calista, overhearing Drake goes into a panic. She follows Lore to the edge of the pool to help, if need, pull the Prince out of the pool. Guards are also called in.

"The sun is rather high in the sky. Perhaps, trap or not, he is soaking his head for want of staying cool. Though--" Yuri paused as he glanced off to Calista's mild panic attack, watching in as some guards linger in fervor.

"I am easy to miss, My Lady," replies Dio to Calla. He leans a little closer to the baroness and says, "How did my cousin get injured. He has not spoken of it with me. Drunken accident? Vengeful lover...?" When Calista ends up closer to him, Dio smiles, but when his eyes meet those of Monique, it fades, and he says, "I saw your request fulfilled, My Lady." When the marquis notices Calista acquiring a drink in the pool, he is by her side, pouring one for himself. "Truly, My Lady, I have not enjoyed myself so much in a very long time." At the call for the guards, Dio glances over his shoulder to make sure all is well.

That response from Tyche in warning brings a grin before he is dunked, the man indeed in trouble albeit not the worse there was to be in. Surfacing moments later to hear the words from Cecilia he laughs softly, "I've been told to take it easy and let others do the work for now, Otherwise a fight you would have had. With a dunk or two of your own, if not a toss." A wink is given with the words before he is motioning towards his cousin, "Lady Kennex, Marquis Dio Seraceni my cousin." His hands moving through the water as he works his way closer to Dio and Calla. A look is given off to Tyche as he nears them, "So how fairs the shark of silks tonight? Your song should be done soon, perhaps sooner than your dance." When he sees the commotion at the edge of the pool he blinks only to see Lore diving in.

Like a crocodile, Lexir lurks beneath the surface, waiting for his prey - his prey in this case being Lore. The Lady Calista Fidante and her house guards are unmolested, but the Mistress Artiglio is not - a full five minutes after he'd been dunked, he suddenly surges up out of water, grabs ahold of Lore as she prepares to dive in, and drags her into the deep with him, to some horrible, squamous fate no doubt.

Dio has joined the pool.

Drake doesn't move from the bar, but applauds the very successful water-based deception. "Seems he's a strong enough swimmer."

"WAUGHIKNE-" before the exclamation can be finished, Lore is drug beneath the water by the lurking Lexir. It WAS a trap! Still, she's grabbed and pulled under, much to her chagrin. This means WAR. WATER WAR.

"He's opted for the thrill of surprise. She will be missed." Yuri glanced along to Drake as he rose his whiskey glass in the air, closing his eyes as he tilted his head back before taking a solemn sip.

Cecilia presses the water from her face as she gives the Marquis a large grin. "Pleasure to meet you Marquis. Are you like your cousin? Let the women do all the work for you?" She teases warmly with a wink as she watches the man absently splashing Ciro again.

The sound that both Lexir and Lore miss as they're under water is Monique's one singular soft burst of laughter. It fades after a heartbeat, but it was there and real and witnessed by everyone not under water.

"Enjoying myself immensely indeed." Calla replies to Tyche with a bright smile before looking back over at Ciro with a stern glare. "And you better do what you're told, or I'll be telling our friend out about." The healer one who will certainly smack Ciro if he hurts himself more. Then to Dio, she blinks, "He hasn't even told you?" She tsks at Ciro for that. "Apparently, it happened when practicing a new dance... A flaming sword was involved, which I was told was somehow /you're/ idea actually, Marquis." She adds with a little giggle before looking back over to Ciro. "I'm going to find a drink and something to nibble on, I'll come find you later." She says, leaning in as if to whisper something into his ear.

At the sudden splashing and flailing going on around him, Gaspar stood from his floating and arched a brow at the goings-on. He slipped over to the edge of the pool near his kin and Tyche. There was a glance between them, and they likely understood the gesture despite the lack of words. A motion was made to a servant and they seemed to know him quite well for some reason. A Lenosian Red was handed to the marquis and he took the first of a large drink.

Yuri passed his eyes over to some of the occupants in the pool after Lexir had made away with Lore; his eyes catching Tyche's rather abruptly. His brow pursed together in silent question after his toast, gesturing to himself as he lay a hand over his chest, "Eyes at me, Marquessa? Have I something on my face?" He smirked a bit as he caught Gaspar's glance with the same expressed brow.

Lexir holds Lore down underwater for a good ten to fifteen seconds before breaching the surface like a black-maned whale, dragging the Eurusi woman with him and pulling himself up out of the pool. He's chuckling, and after wringing out his hair, reaches over to help Lore out - not she'd likely need it. It's the thought.

"Just your handsomeness, Yuri. I cannot help myself," Tyche replies easily to the question, not revealing whatever secrets were shared.

Yuri narrowed his eyes at Tyche, very lightly. It was perhaps the most non-threatening gesture in his entire life, "...right."

Calista narrows her eyes into slits. Usually she does not let such things make her grumpy. "Ah Ha! We've been deceived." But there is no malice in her voice. She looks to Dio and Calla who are near by and she lets go a sigh of relief. "I think I need to cool off." Kaftan off again, the Duchess quietly slips into the water and dunks her head under for a moment. When she surfaces, she beckons Gaspar over for a moment with a little curl of her index finger.

Lore squirms and wriggles, but she has been caught! Once they surface, she drags in a deep breath, then laughs as she's dragged to the edge of the pool, "I can swim! Hey, I can-... ahhhhh, never mind." She'll enjoy the fun, it seems. She even accepts the offered helping hand from the pool, flashing a grin at him and tossing back her own mane to be wrung out. "That was good. Nicely played, Your Highness."

The man laughs hearing the words from Cecilia to Dio, His head shaking slightly as he tells her. "I wager I could still dunk you..even with my sore back and ribs." The man giving the Kennex a mischievous look only to have Calla's tale of his injury have him looking to her, "I meant his sister actually, She just made me think of our time working on my sword dance..and well what's better than a sword? A flaming sword of course." A tone of excitment showing as he speaks of the dance before he is leaning in to hear that whisper, the man whispering something in return before delivering a quick kiss to her cheek only to once more slip beneath the surface after a deeper breath.

"No hard feelings, I hope!" Lexir calls out to Calista with a rakish smile and a laugh. His attention shifts back onto Lore, afterwards, whom he sniffs at and waits for her to finish with her hair before slapping her across the back and bidding her come with him as he returns to the bar, to Monique, to his /towel/. He is very naked at the moment.

He'd not yet settled with the beckon from the duchess was received and noted and thus, Gaspar grinned just as bit as he slid her direction through the pool and paused within arm's reach. "How may I serve, my duchess?" There was a wisp of a grin, airy and half-expectant, but the marquis dropped to his chin in the water and simply 'swam' before her.

"Oh! Your other cousin, right." Calla replies when Ciro corrects her tale of the injury, cheeks pink with embaressment when he kisses one, before she heads off for that refreshment now.

Lexir has left the pool.

Lexir has joined the a small outdoor bar.

Yuri beamed pleasantly at Calista's reaction, giving a gentle nod as he succumbed to more of his wine. He was poised to speak to the Duchess, "Not too lo--" before he saw the dagger-like stare from the Velenosan prince. Icy eyes peered off from the rim of his glass, narrowed at Leonel as the prolonged secrets began to be shared between Prince and Marquessa. Slowly, his own stare at Leonel became passive and stonefaced; what in the hell were they chattering about. He sipped gently if only to keep his mind elsewhere. And not on secrets.

Dio laughs at Calla's explanation. "Flaming sword, eh?" he muses glancing at Ciro. When his cousin introduces Cecilia, Dio bows his head. "It's a pleasure, My Lady." To her question, he opens his mouth to answer, but no response comes readily. "I cannot lie, my marquessa served the people of Ischia well, and though an Oathlander, was beloved by all, but there is no task I will not perform for our people." There is a fiery look in his eyes, but it quickly subsides. Ciro's further explanation causes Dio to laugh. "Lady Ophira is an expert in the knife dance, but I've a feeling you'll surpass her someday, cousin," he says to Ciro. "Especially if you're willing to use flaming swords."

Cecilia checks perception and empathy at normal. Cecilia is successful.

Lore has left the pool.

Lore has joined the a small outdoor bar.

Calla has left the pool.

Drake seems to perk up at the mention of a flaming sword, but, lacks context, so he just keeps drinking. It's probably the kind you dance with, not the kind that sprouts flames on its own.

Calista tosses a charming little wave and an endearing smile Lexie's way. "Oh, none whatsoever, Prince Lexir. Glad to have been able to help you make use of your scandalous nakedness!" She turns to Gaspar and merely says, "Hello. We've not had a moment to catch up."

Cecilia nods at Dio. Her sea gray eyes take in the man and the flame in his eyes. "Well then you are a Marquis true. A noble for his people always a good sign." She says before bowing her head in understanding. Loss reflected momentarily in her own eyes before she grins at Ciro. "Flaming blades, that does sound like fun. Maybe after you are healed you will show us?" She grins her eyes asking just as much as her words.

Dio has left the pool.

Anne, a dangerously alluring Seraceni first mate leaves, following Dio.

Calista is overheard praising Grazia: A most wonderful co-hostess!

"A pity that. I found Duchess Grazia upon my arrival and she was a delight, of course. I'd already taken up Marquessa Tyche on a bet to jump in fully clothed by the time you'd arrived and I couldn't steal you away from the throng of guests that so desperately seek your approval with outrageous theatrics." His gaze swept over her in that swimwear and the smile bloomed. "I feel as though I've heard few enough convey their thoughts on how marvelous you look so allow me to do it for them all." He leaned forward a bit and whispered something before leaning back to look over those that still remained.

Beneath the surface Ciro swims, the man moving along with little kicks of his legs and feet to propel him forward towards Cecilia. His feet lowering down to rest against the bottom of the pool moments later as he reaches out for the woman, His hands moving not towards her shoulders but towards her waist taking hold of her before he is quickly dunking back beneath the water after calling out to Tyche, "One second." The man taking a breath with the last word before vanishing beneath the surface trying to drag the Kennex noblewoman beneath with him.

Yuri wafted his finger at Tyche a moment, shaking his head, "Mm, is that so? More oft that it seems his Highness has a particular look as if he has cajoled you with such a scenario fixed by yourself and the details therein that do not exist." His gesture sifted between the two of them, shaking his head as his eyes had the look of shade, though it was swiftly replaced as his eyes cast out to peer off to Ciro. His smile settled back to Tyche with a chuckle, "Yes. Do wait, would you kindly." Yuri cast a glance to Calista again, going to continue his word but saw the Marquis joined in private word. He bid a gentle nod, reaching back to clasp a hand around his wine glass; eyes sifting between Tyche and Leonel.

Grazia is overheard praising Calista: A delightful co-hostess!

Cecilia gurgles a scream of surprise as she gets dragged under with Ciro. Luckily she could get a breath before she playfully fights him to get herself back to the surface of the water for a greater breath. "You delightful scoundrel." She laughs before she tries to push him under the surface of the pool.

Calista listens to Gaspar with rapt attention, then as if he's told her the juiciest gossip or the funniest joke, she bursts into laughter and shakes her head. Her cheeks deepen in color. She replies in hushed tones, even going as far as playfully flicking water upon the Marquis Tessere. "Lord Yuri, you were beginning to say something, I believe?"

Yuri pulled his gaze away from his gossipers, brow relaxing a bit as he preened his head forward to spy Calista, "I had some warning brewing in my head about not chilling too much, but it's utterly gone now. Though, I wanted to extend such a pleasant and gracious thank you to Duchess Rubino and yourself for a truly wonderful time. Neighbors we are but none to oft do we take precious moments to come together. We should do this more often." He smiled brightly, fixing his posture to stand properly as the last of his wine was drained before he moved to rise from the pool.

Ciro surfaces just moments after Cecilia letting her go fully only to have her turn on him as she calls him a scoundrel, "Seraceni are Pirate Lords, Didn't you know?" A playful wink given before she tries to dunk him, Unlike the first time this time he puts up a bit more of a fight pushing off the bottom to resist initially going under only to finally relent letting the woman push him once more beneath the surface after a deeper breath.

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

Cecilia presses Ciro all the way under the water before pushing off his chest and rising to the surface of the water. She was all laughs waiting for the man to come up again. "And we in Kennex are Pirate Killers." She grins watching him carefully for his next move.

Drake has left the a small outdoor bar.

Calluna, A Highhill Puppy leaves, following Drake.

Monique has left the a small outdoor bar.

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

"It is a delight to have you here," Grazia offers pleasantly to Yuri as she lounges in the pool not far from Calista.

Yuri is overheard praising Grazia.

Yuri is overheard praising Calista.

Calista has left the pool.

3 Fidante House Guards, Santino leave, following Calista.

Nevermore, the sulking raven arrives, delivering a message to Lexir before departing.

There's a sudden movement in the shadows as Tyche stands, droplets of water racing down her body to find the surface again. The silk she wore for the occasion clings to her, but the dark fabric offers some modesty (that she really does not need). "I believe it is time for me to seek a towel, and perhaps head off for the evening." A quick smile is sent to those in the pool, and finally to the hostesses. "Your highness," she remarks to Leo, a brow lifting, "Would you walk with me, or do you still wish to enjoy the waters." And then to Gaspar and Yuri. "Gaspar, Yuri, are the two of you lingering...?"

Yuri having already started toward his towel, his head parted along to Grazia with a cordial smile, bowing his head before his eyes fixed to Tyche shifting from the water's surface. "I am not; business to attend to and missives to pen. I was just going to settle on my own but if you two wish to pace along, I can walk with you two to Reflection Square." He offered a friendly smile, drying himself to a point that he could shift back on his sleeveless doublet.

There was a nod of his nod to Tyche, smiling a bit at the offer. "I'll remain to ensure that the gathering finds a pleasant enough ending. Thank you, marquessa. Do take care of the two most important men in my life, hmm?" He smiled more and offered her a wink before easing over to the last remaining duchess nearby and smiled over at her. "You've been quite the observant one today, hmm?"



Ciro doesn't surface right away after she pushes off his chest, the man coming up a few moments late. Hearing her response his brow lifts, his grey gaze glinting with a devious gleam of mischief. "Is that a fact now?" Something making him to tense and chuckle briefly before he is reaching out with his right hand for her shoulder in an attempt to push her back beneath the surface. The Seraceni Lord glancing to Tyche quickly, "I hurt my back overdoing it with practice for the carnival. Must rest." The man clearly failing at following the orders of some healers. When its clear that Tyche is leaving he calls out, "Soon silken shark, soon!" A little wave given moments later to the others before the hand moves to join in with the attempt to sink Cecilia slipping beneath the surface seeing to guide her down.

Yuri bid a wave along to Gaspar with a smile, calling after the Marquis, "I will have Barto wait along for your return, unless you are wont to be elsewhere this eve, Marquis. Fresh pastries in the kitchens upon your return!"

Yuri has left the pool.

Tyche has left the pool.

Leonel has left the pool.

1 Inverno Ensign, 1 Inverno Captain, Cornelius, a studious looking attendant, Leonel leave, following Tyche.

Tyche leaves, following Yuri.