3 Black Fleet Reavers, Moonsilver, the pale-feathered raven, 1 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Raven.

The mystery of the pudding in the ceiling of the rafters at Sanna Manor have driven Cirroch to the Golden Hart's Arena. Somewhere to have drinks, and a spar, or conversation. It doesn't really matter as long as it's not about where the pudding came from. He stands in his garnet red and black leathers by a table, many whiskies have been made available by both the Hart and Sanna House. He puts his right hand to his heart, and gives a deep bow to all that enter. "Welcome! Marquis Cirroch Sanna. Please, enjoy our many whiskies."

Resolute, an Oakhaven bloodhound arrives, following Kastelon.

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

Raven strides in looking a bit frayed and overworked but the spirited and warm greeting causes her to stop, blink, and there is a bit of a mental reset as a broad grin splits. She bows, "Already looks like it will be a promising evening, very much obliged Marquis." She straitens and investigates the libation with interest.

Out for a stroll, Calla popped into the Hart to see who might be about and upon spying people headed to the Arena, decided to see what all the fuss is about. Her brow lifts when she spots the host as he introduces herself, lips curling into a subtle smirk. "Marquis Sanna! I've read your name recently, in messages from a dear friend, Lady Neve Greenmarch. She speaks very highly of you and your family. I was hoping we'd get the chance to meet." Then amber eyes look over the whiskey as she tries to make up her mind on which to try.

Kastelon meanders in - it's more perhaps that Resolute meanders in, and Kastelon's not too far in the pup's wake - as he's looking to see what'a afoot for once in the Arena, having heard the voices and sounds of others gathered there when he'd come in from the heat of the city without.

With his time of practice cut short and not wanting to sit watching the shadows grow along the manor walls Ciro had set out, the man wandering his way through the city only to be drawn into the depths of the Hart. His footsteps carrying him along through the entrance leading to the arena stopping just past the threshhold. The man seeming different today, more subdued than normal though none the less composed, his grey gaze setting moments later on the table of whiskey's only to spot a familiar face. A warm smile finally finding its way to his lips as he spots Calla, though noticing her talking to the Marquis he keeps his distance for now as he makes his way slowly and a fair bit more stiffly than normal towards the table of drinks.

2 Redreef Wardens arrives, following Griffin.

Cirroch nods to Raven in return then turns to Calla, "Yes, Lady Neve is a lovely battle partner, and a fierce one at that. It is an amazing day to meet one of her friends." He bows to Calla, then looks over to Kastelon, "It has been some time since I have seen you Lord Kastelon. I hope that all is well with your family?"

"All's well, my lord," answers the Keaton huntsman with his familiar shadow of a smile when he's inclining his head to Cirroch at the greeting. "Nothing more than needing to tend to training and the like. There are a great many in our corps who need to be trained up before we take to the waves, and not simply because we're not accustomed to such." He seems to consider the matter of the slowly building crowd, before he offers up, "And your family is well?"

Weapons Rack is now unlocked.

Red Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Blue Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Violet Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Green Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Silver Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Bronze Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Raven turns and looks to Cirroch, "If the marquis finds himself lacking worthy challengers the Blackheart of Pravus is always happy to oblige. It seems as if such a gracious host ought to be indulged with such a marvellous invitation."

"Fierce is certainly one way to describe Lady Neve, that's for certain." Calla replies with a soft giggle as her smile deepens. "I'm so glad I was able to run into you then. We should talk sometime, I believe we have more than just Lady Neve in common. But I'll leave you to your other guest..." And then she looks behind herself and smiles a familiar face. "Lord Kastelon, how nice to see you again. I hope you are well." And then she's off to find a glass and taste sone of the offered whiskey when another familiar face catches her eye as well. "Lord Ciro! Well well, I'm running into everyone I know here today, how wonderful."

Griffin snucks in behind the crowd with intention to watch.

Cirroch nods to Raven, "I would enjoy a spar, please chose your weapon and I will be with you in a moment." Cirroch then nods to Ciro and Griffin, offering a greating to them as well, "Marquis Cirroch Sanna, it is a pleasure to meet you both, please feel free to raid the already pilfered whiskies." As he takes his axe from his back and heads towards the fighting ring, he responds to Kastelon, "The family is doing very well, you should come by to our dinners. They've been possibly the talk of the city, especially after Lady Neve had her attempts at keeping one of Lottie's cakes safe." He laughs a little to this.

"It is good to see you as well, Baroness," offers Kastelon in turn to Calla when she addresses him, with a respectful inclination of his head. "It has indeed been quite some time. I'm well, and hope that you're likewise." He's not himself moving over to partake of the whiskey, even as his hand dips down to stroke Resolute's head as he's considering the ring, and then the matter of the challenge issued to Cirroch. Though a faint smirk does find him when there's the suggestion of Neve 'safekeeping' a cake....

Ciro finds his way to the edge of the table, One hand bracing against it as his other reaches out to gather up a mug setting it before himself. Moments later a bottle of whiskey is taken up and brought closer, The man pouring his drink as he hears the challenge from Raven given to Cirroch. The man musing under his breath, "That'd be a sight.." His head shaking slighly as he finishes pouring that drink just a finger shy of the rim. The Seraceni Lord keeping out of the discussion going on around him otherwise until he is called out by Calla. Her words bringing his features to soften slightly and that smile to grow as he glances up looking to her, "Wonderful is any day that get to hear that voice Saffron Siren." A quick wink given before he is pushing back from the table with the hand resting against it to straighten fully taking up his drink with his other hand to lift it as he looks to Cirroch, "A lovely treat to run across. You Marquis, there will be prose of your drink and your kindness one day. I am sure of it."

Cirroch wields Fatal Foxglove, a large rubicund axe.

Raven wields Requiem, a gleaming alaricite halfmoon blade with a shadowmeld grip.

Raven unsheaths a large, heavy blade that looks as if it belongs to someone like the mighty host of the evening rather than Raven who is so much shorter than her reputation might suggest. She holds it comfortably and confidently, making sure to move to the center of the arena so there's plenty of clearance for a spirited sparring match without menacing the guests. She waits for Cirroch to signal his preparedness to have large sharp things swung at him.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

3 Black Fleet Reavers have been dismissed.

1 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Petroc, the most unassuming man you have ever met have been dismissed.

2 Sanna House Guards have been dismissed.

Kastelon watches briefly as the combat's prepared to be joined between Raven and Cirroch, and he's still lingering with the dog, though there's the slow motion - not quite yet to the whiskies, as if he's not quite decided if he's about to partake while there's fighting to be seen (and perhaps drawn into himself). But there's a nod to the unfamiliar soul nearby, before he murmurs to Griffin, "I don't believe we've crossed paths, my lord. Kastelon Keaton, huntsman."

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

"I'm quite well indeed." Calla replies with a grin in Kastelon's direction. Then back to Ciro, she rolls her eyes a bit at his first, even though her cheeks get the faintest hint of pink. "Golden tongue indeed." She tsks with a soft shake of her head before finally settling on a bottle that looks good enough and pouring herself out a glass of the spirits. "I don't know," She starts, looking over the pairing of Cirroch and Raven, "Size isn't everything. I would give her a fighting chance. Wasn't she at the Pravus party that one time?" She asks Ciro.

"Me?" Griffin looks to Kastelion. "No, in fact this is my first time here. Lord Griffin Redreef. I'm not long here from the Mourning Iles."

Ciro almost shuffles as he moves closer to Calla, his movements slow yet steady as she makes mention of his golden tongue. A quick wink given in response befoe his focus turns to the arena floor. His voice lowering as he casually mentions. "Oh I know, I saw what she could do years ago.. Brutal is a word that comes to mind." The man admitting to Calla before nodding, "And yeah she was, Blackheart.." Moments later his head turns and he is leaning in to whisper something to Calla. With the whisper given he leans back and looks over to Griffin and Kastelion, "20 writs says she can take him."

Griffin hold uphis hands. "Not I, I'm afraid. Perhaps my friend here will take you up on it." The friend Kastelion is looked to.

"We're all from somewhere at some point, my lord. But well met at that." Kastelon's hazel eyes seem to consider the matter of the Mourning Isles. "Perhaps a place I'll venture to at some point, though, when my wanderings on the sea for the coming conflict are ended." But then there's the little glance in Ciro's direction when Griffin's drawing his attention in that way, and he considers the combatants, before there's a little nod. "I would be willing to see that wager," he finally offers. "20 writs it is."

When Ciro leans in to whisper something to Calla, her expression changes from one of brief concern, then to a deepening of the blush to her cheeks before she whispers something back, reaching up to play with the small lock of hair behind her ear that's been braided with a green ribbon running through it. The Baroness is just about to open her mouth to take the bet, when Kastelon beats her to it. And so she just shrugs and returns to sipping her whiskey as her gaze wanders the area casually.

Cirroch checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Cirroch is marginally successful.

Cirroch remains capable of fighting.

When the bet is taken by Kastelon after the whispered words exchanged with Calla there is a little rocking movement from Ciro as he moves from heel to toe only to wince and quickly return to be flat footed one more. A subtle nod given through gritted teeth only to after a moment and a deep breath later tell the man. "Deal.." That focus soon returning to the arena as he muses with a quick sidelong glance down towards Griffin, "Sure you don't want the action?"

Cirroch is smiling. He's having his arse handed to him by the short dark haired woman, and this doesn't stop him from smiling as he takes up the axe and readies himself for another onslaught. He's sore, though he's still standing. "You're a fast one."

Griffin remembers a previous engagement. "Pardon."

2 Redreef Wardens leaves, following Griffin.

Kastelon briefly watches Griffin go, before he's shaking his head and looking at least a little bit concerned as he's watching how Cirroch's handling the battle with Raven. "I've the distinct impression I'm being mildly had," he muses to Ciro and Calla, though there's no malice in his tone at the matter.

Cirroch checks 'unconsciousness save' at hard. Cirroch fails.

Cirroch is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Raven swings her brutal looking, heavy weapon as if to acquaint herself once more with it's impressive heft while she waits for Cirroch's signal that he's signalled he's ready she charges forward, swinging wide. His blade grazes along the outside of her arm but she lands a solid blow to his shoulder but that one's not enough to knock the man off balance. The next exchange is a series of close misses or glancing strikes but then Raven seems to find her rythm and those grin eyes narrow and a wide bloodthirsty grin splits her pale features, cheeks flushed and breathy grunts of exertion sound as she plants her feet and solidly follows through on a blow to the jovial host's solar plexiz, pressing the advantage with another swing and claiming ground as quickly as he yields it.

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

Calla returns another whisper with Ciro before her eyes come back to the fight, smiling in Kastelon's direction with a little shrug. "Don't ask me, I don't think I've ever met the woman. Just that I've seen her around the Pravus ward." But then the fight is over and Raven has won, and Calla applauds as much as she can with a glass of whiskey in one of her hands. "Well done!"

Cirroch hits the ground in a cloud of dust. A silly smile on his face as he looks up to Raven. He props himself up on his arms, "Nice form, Blackheart of Pravus. and Well fought."

Kastelon clucks his tongue softly and shakes his head, but there's that look to Ciro. "I believe the wager's yours, my lord," he answers, in a tone that speaks to the fact that, despite his statement with his buyer's remorse, he's a man of his word.

Raven holds the blade down in a non-threatening manner offering him a hand up though maybe she lacks the pass to actually be useful in that endeavor, "You nearly had me a few times, been a while since I've had to move that fast. I was SORELY in need of the exercise, I enjoyed that. Let's get you up and a drink on your feet, eh?"

Neve quite literally runs in, all the colored ribbons in her hair flowing behind her (especially the very long red one) till she suddenly comes to a stop on a di..silver. It's an actual silver she stops on, commenting with a enthusastic "Oh! Free money!" Bending over to pick it up, her fox comes skiddering to a stop sliding under her skirt and keeps going flipping around till he stops and sits, looking at Neve with an angry 'WHAT THE FUCK?' look.

Standing beside Calla one could easily find Ciro, The man looking upon the fight and that win on behalf of Pravus's Blackheart with keen interest, The man forgetting himself lifting his drink high only to have any cheers and congratulations quickly ended with a groan from the man as his arm quickly lowers. A glance given over towards Kasteleon, "20 writs I believe was the wager no?" The words slipping free just barely edged by a tone of discomfort if not outright pain.

Neve is overheard praising Cirroch: Holds the best parties, with the best cakes..to smash into only the most discerning of faces.

Neve is overheard praising Sasha: Holds the best parties, with the best cakes..to smash into only the most discerning of faces.

"I believe that was the wager, yes," Kastelon says, as he's summoning over one of the Hart's staff for some paper and a writing implement so that he can sign over the writs as agreed upon. Though there's a faint inclination of his head to both of the combatants as well, whose efforts were being wagered upon.

Neve is overheard praising Calla: She puts up with me, and that is praiseworthy in and of itself!

Cirroch takes Raven's hand in getting up and puts his axe back onto his back. He's smiling a broad ear to ear smile. "Very well fought. I dont' have a name for you though. Other than your title. It's up to you, if you prefer to be called Blackheart, then I am Bear." He pauses for a moment to check any spots for wounds over bruises, "Yes, a drink sounds amazing." He looks up to see Neve barreling into the arena. "Lady Neve, I'm sure we can wrestly up some cekes for your chosen weapon!"

Raven smiles broadly, "Ah, beg pardon Marquis. I am Raven, Blackheart of Pravus, and absolutely at your disposal any time you'd like a rematch. What

Calla catches that groan and it's the last straw as she narrows her gaze with worry in Ciro's direction. "Are you hurt? What happened?" She asks, too worried to think of whispering even as he's talking about settling the bet with Kastelon. But then an enthusiastic voice pricks her ears and she turns to spot a familiar fox and the lady he belongs to. "Neve!" she calls a little too loudly as she waves to catch her attention.

Raven smiles broadly, "Ah, beg pardon Marquis. I am Raven, Blackheart of Pravus, and absolutely at your disposal any time you'd like a rematch. What's your pleasure?" She gestures towards the card, sheathing her big blade and apparently preparing to fetch the drink for her new friend.

Kastelon sighs wistfully about the matter of the writs after they're exchanged, but there's a shake of his head, and the matter of his oath is clearly sacred to him. The implement is handed back over to the server, before he's stroking Resolute's head once more.

With writ in hand they are tucked away by Ciro only to have him hear the question and hear that concern as Calla calls him out on his movements and groans. The Seraceni Lord looking to her as he offers a smaller smile, "Put simply, Preparing for the kismet did not go well." The man offering up in response before he sudden excitment and the calling out to Neve has his gaze following Calla's own to focus upon Neve. His drink barely raised as if to motion her over as he joins in greeting the woman, "Ah Lady Nevey.. I was just thinking of writing you."

Kastelon gives Resolute a nudge, and the pair make their way out.

Resolute, an Oakhaven bloodhound leaves, following Kastelon.

Neve looks to Cirroch "Oh! Marquis, hello! No! I've seen what you do to cake, you naughty Marquis!" She sticks out her tongue with a 'Thbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbt!' Then a voice hits her and she smiles brightly "Calla?" She looks over to her "Oh! Is this your coin?" Running over she stops just in time to not slam into the woman. Though she wraps her arms around her in a hugging embrace with a enthusiastic press of her lips to the redhead's. "Hi!" she offers after softly. She looks to Ciro as she still holds the woman in embrace (though loosely) "Huh? Who are you?" She narrows her eyes "Are you the figman?" Releasing Calla to put her hands on her own hips. "If so you can't buy people with tasty figs, but..it doesn't hurt to send more figs. Just saying, if you send them, I will eat them."

Cirroch nods to Kastelon as he leaves, then bows to Neve as he comes off of the field, heading over to the table to snag a whiskey. Looking over his shoulder to Raven, "You look like a flagon drinker over this small glasses." He then looks to his assistant who pulls out a goat horn that has been hollowed out, handing it over to Cirroch, who in turn fills it with whiskey and hands it to Raven.

Isabetta arrives late to the sparing thing and everyone it seems is done sparring. That doesn't stop her from remarking, "I was led to believe this would be an exhibition of skill and might and possibly cake or pie? For some strange reason everytime I hear the name Cirroch it involves flying cakes and pies." She narrows her eyes around looking for signs of flying cakes and pies or well frankly anything. She notices Neve and gives her a little wave , but will not be disuaded. She demands satisfaction!

Raven's grin somehow manages to grow wider, "It's like you've known me for years! No chalices, yes to flagons..." her eyes widen as she's handed a horn. There's an owlish blink up at the giant followed by a cackle of pure delight, "Why have I been drinking from bottles when I could have been drinking from THIS? I suppose I should not be surprised you know how to make a statement, my new friend." She looks around and hefts the drinking vessel before going about trying to figure out how to take a drink "Will you take other challengers tonight?"

"Not it's n-..." Calla trails off as she's not quite slammed into by the Greenmarch Lady, a little squeak escaping her lips just before Neve presses her against them. Cheeks bright pink now, she giggles when the kiss breaks. "Hey you! Fancy running into you here." She offers softly back before looking over at Ciro when she does. "This is Lord Ciro Seraceni, but I believe you two are already aquainted somewhat. Fancy that.." She looks between the two trying to keep her amusement to a minimum. When she's released, she giggles some more. "Ciro is a good friend of mine. He likes to send people gifts, it's one of his many endearing qualities." Then to the man, she sighs, "You hurt yourself practicing your dance then? How?"

Cirroch turns from pouring out his own horn of whiskey to hear Isabetta declare that he is related to flying cakes now, letting out a loud laugh. "Lady Isabetta, it is great to see you again. Unfortunately I did not pilfer the cakes along with. Just the whiskies. However, I'm sure that we can have the Hart's staff find a cake and then we can toss it into the air, again." He finishes by staring directly at Neve, a smile and a wink for the lady.

When Neve's eyes narrow upon Ciro he gives her a look of amusement just barely edged by discomfort, "The Figman? Well that's a first.." A glance is given to Calla as he muses, "And I thought I was known for my flasks." His head giving a little shake before that focus turns back to Neve. "I wasn't trying to buy you with them, I was trying to share something sweet with you while saving me the temptation of eating them all. And well I have been known to send more than figs." The man motioning Calla's way with the last bit. His gaze drifting between the two women as they exchange their greeting, His mug lifted and a deep drink taken from it that forces a sigh free as the mug lowers once more. The question from Calla has him giving a small nod before he mutters, "Avoiding a small bundle of cute that decided she wanted to check out the pretty lights of a flaming blade.. I was going one way very quickly, and then needed to shift and go another way and my body..did not want to listen." His head giving a very small tenative shake. Finally he looks off to Raven calling out to the woman, "Thanks for winning that, Earned me back near what you took back in Setarco."

Raven bows to the big host and salutes with the horn and leaves him to mingle with the rest of his guests. Her gaze scans the crowd looking for others she recognizes...or who look like they might want a sparr.

Neve dips into a curtsy, because if she doesn't she might get yelled at by someone later. "Lord Ciro." She looks at Calla with a lingering look, then back at Ciro "Well..you have only the very best tastes in women, and in friends then." She reaches over to softly run her fingertips over Calla's arm "I'm Lady Neve Greenmarch and Calla is a lover of mine, and very dear to my heart." She pulls the 4 foot long ribbon from her hair out and points "See? This is her, I wear her ribbon at a lover's length because thinking of her makes me feel nice."

She waves to Isabetta "Hey Izzy!" She comments to them "She's a good freind too!" She looks to Ciro "I have some skill in healing, do you want me to take a look at it?"

Cirroch nods to Raven and shows her how to drink from the horn, a little twist to the wrist keeping the tip of the horn to the side or down to prevent splashing ones face with the drink. After taking a gulp, which he still maintains to be a sip, he looks over to Ciro, "The sword was on fire?"

Isabetta looks thoughtfully at the gathered there and sighs, "You know what?" She says with her hands on her hips, "It just so happens I have my leathers on, you know I'm actually a member of the Mirror guard? Well.. if there are any takers.." She starts to edge toward the arena, "Oh and if someone has a sword I can borrow, I usually only ever carry my bow.." She looks around to see if a sword materializes.

Fez, 3 Black Fleet Reavers arrive, following Ari.

Raven watches Cirroch and tilts her head and twists her wrist, it's a bit awkward as some spills from the horn while she drinks but she seems to be enjoying it. She lowers the horn, wiping her mouth with a back of her hand. Her gaze finds Ciro then and eyebrows lift, "When did you get hurt? Weren't you fine the other day?" She doesn't really expect an answer but she looks the man over as if somewhere there are all her questions answered.

In the middle of another sip, Cirroch points at the hart's Weapons Rack. "Princess Valencia was kind enough to allow us access to the Hart's weapons if anyone is missing theirs. And if no one else will take you up, I will happilly spar with you, Lady Isabetta"

Raven adds, "I will lend you one of my swords if you would like, my lady. Assuming you'd be will to sparr with me sometime. Raven, Blackheart of Pravus at your service."

"A flaming blade? That's part of your new dance?" Calla asks a bit skeptically as she looks over Ciro with a more critical eye as if she can spy any damage on him. Reaching out, Calla brushes Neve's fingers with her own and smile softly towards the other lady when she speaks, her cheeks continuing to glow pink a bit. When she offers some healing for Ciro, she looks thankfully in Neve's direction. "Yes, let Neve have a look would you? Or I'll just worry myself utterly sick." She adds a little more dramatically than is probably warrented, even giving Ciro puppy dog eyes as if that'll help convince him.

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

When Neve moves to give the curtsey her movements are followed by Ciro, his grey gaze settling upon hers of blue as she offers the more formal greeting. In return and with a breath taken in Ciro slowly eases forward bowing to the woman in return respectfully. Her comment on his taste has that smile of his growing, almost forgetting about his physical woes as he looks to Calla. His eyes seeming to settle for a moment or two longer than would otherwise be normal in mere convesation before returning to Neve hearing her talk of her ties to Calla. The man unable to help but offer back to her, "As do you it seems Lady Neve.." Her show of the ribbon and talk of how thinking of Calla makes her feel gaining a look of understanding from the man. When Neve asks on if she can help Ciro offers her a softer look of thanks and appreciation as he tells her, "That would be lovely, but maybe after socializing. I would hate to steal your attention away from the Siren here or your other friends." When he hears Cirrroch's question on flaming swords he nods looking off to the man, "Yes, because dancing with the sword alone was not near exhilarating enough. One must always seek their next challenge, their next test.. even if it is one of their own making." And then Calla is turning a question his way and he grins giving a nod, "My cousin is to thank for that, I was so lost in practicing with staff I forgot that I could easily incorporate it into my blade dancing and make something truly..amazing, so long as I can keep from injuring myself of course." A half smile given before the question and seeking from her to let Neve help him has him relenting in full, the puppy dog eyes bringing a look of warmth and true fondness to show as he sighs, "Cheap Siren..cheap. I will remember that next time." The words trailing off.

"Hi Neve," Isabetta tells Neve with a wave and then she regards Calla a moment then givs her a polite dip of her head, perhaps mentaly filing away a proper meeting later. Then her attention is all on Raven, "A proper spar? hmm, usually people challenge me to duels for claiming their homeland doesn't exist, but you don't seem to have a grudge against me yet," Isabetta comments. "I am Isabetta Gilden, primarily focused in scouting, but sometimes if an advasary gets too clos it is good to practice another line of defense."

Raven smiles "Eh, A sparr is not a duel. If you are challenged so much I'll not risk leaving your fatiqued and possibly unprepared to answer one of those challenges. A pleasure to meet you, Isabella. If you would like to borrow a blade to indulge the host I may lend you one, though it seems as if the host and hostess have thought of everything." She gestures towards where Cirroch had indicated the weapons for matches are located. She then bows with Betta's called away by some pressing business.

While Gwenna may appear dressed for fighting, the whiskey bottle in one hand and a circlet on her head instead of a helmet, might suggest otherwise. The Redrain pauses to look over the list of past Champions as she makes her way in, though doesn't linger too long in doing so. Turning to look over those who have gathered, as well as to the state of things, a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. "I've a bottle to donate to the cause," is offered kindly.

Neve calls out Isabetta's way "She's Lady Isabetta Gilden, don't let her fool you! Don't hurt her too bad, she's too pretty!" A soft smile knowing she's teasing. She'll get teased back for that later. She taks the hand of Calla's when it brushes over hers and laces fingers smiling then releases. "I do want to support any friends that Calla has because she is important to me. I beleive in supporting friends, and lovers - even their friends and their lovers. I've found that Calla is such a wonderful person, so if she likes you - you must be a wonderful person too." She hmmns. "I suppose I should use Lady Eirene's approach. Um..Let's see. Um...if I were Lady Eirene, what would I say? I think I would say...Get the Fudgedy frack off your leg you fidgety fudgeknocking fudger? What's wrong with your mother, is she fudged in the head? She should have taught you that you stay off your feet when you have a leg injury you fudgey fudging fudger of a fudge darn-tootin' mother-fudger! Now..now...just sit down and relax! Fiddles!"

Cirroch turns to see Princess Gwenna enter and offer a bottle to the party, he puts his right hand to his heart and bows to her, while keeping the goat horn held in his left being sure not to spill and of it. "Marquis Cirroch Sanna, of Giant's Reach March. Thank you for honoring our little whiskey and sparring party your highness. The whiskey may be put upon the table with the rest, or we can split it out between horns and glasses."

"Your cousin certainly has some unique ideas." Calla almost grumbles under her breath to Ciro just before giving him a slightly smug look when he aquiesces to taking Neve's offer of help before leaning in to whisper something to his ear again. When she pulls back she smiles brightly at Lady Isabetta's introduction. "A pleasure to meet you. Calla Vaevici, Baroness of Sangris." She introduces herself. But then she's soon blushing once more. muttering softly under her breath, "You'd think I'd get used to it at some point... but no..." Then she's giggling at Neve's impression of someone called Lady Eirene, and she doesn't notice the messenger until he clears his throat. Calla sighs as she takes the message to read it. "Of course, just when I'm starting to have fun." Turning to Ciro and Neve, she offers sad glances. "I must be off, you two enjoy yourselves." And then she leans in to kiss each on the cheek in turn before she tears herself away and heads out.

Raven bows as the princess approaches and looks around, "Anyone else looking to work off some steam and keep their skills good an sharp, speak now! Anyone game? By the end of this evening -or at least this wonderful drinking horn-I will not know which end of the blade to hold and which to poke with!"

"I'll do it," Amund chimes in as he walks into the Golden Hart arena, glancing at the board for the Champions for a moment before making his way to the arena. "What are your terms?" This is asked of Raven as he rolls his shoulders back, straightening his body. Considering his blades, and then Raven's, he draws his diamondplate sword, forged in a gold color and encased by a strange, flawless kind of crystal.

Mira, an assistant investigator, 2 Whitehawk Guards arrive, following Rhue.

"It has been an age since we last crossed paths, Marquis Cirroch," Gwenna offeres in reply and with a dip of her head in greeting. "It's an aged whiskey, from Farhaven, and I suspect the ones of Giant's Reach might have a bolder flavor. This," is noted with a lift of the bottle. "Is more of a back-up." A chuckle follows the words and she moves to place it on the table with the rest. "I did not think to bring a horn. Actually, I'm not wholly sure where the drinking horns even /are/ at the villa." The Redrain pauses to consider that briefly, but shrugs after a moment. "I prefer glasses. Dainty fingers and all. Thank you for hosting something so festive." Raven's words lead Gwenna to hold up a hand. "Aforementioned delicate fingers, or I might try to do a bit of fighting just for fun! I need these in working order for the House ledgers, though," is said with some amusement in her tone. She then moves to find a good place to watch any upcoming trading of fists.

When Gwenna arrives Ciro is briefly drawn to the sight looking to the woman, The Princesses movements followed briefly before his attention is stolen away by the exciteable and cheerful Neve near him. When she offers the words on supporting friends and lovers and their friends and lovers he can't help but have that smile of his grow. A nod of agreement given even as he voices as much telling the Greenmarch Lady, "To have the Saffron Siren as a lover and have her wear your token always.. You must be remarkable and the best of company Neve. Your view of helping friends and lovers and those who fall in similar lines with them one that I can certainly appreciate and share." As she breaks into her Lady Eirene routine he blinks a few times only to softly mutter, "That..isn't the issue, My leg..I mean." A glance given around before the parting exchange from Calla has his cheek darkening slightly as he quickly returns that kiss to her cheek whispering something softly to her before watching after the redheaded Baroness as she departs. Ciro moving stiffly to settle in beside Neve murmuring softly to the woman.

Raven turns to consider Amund. Jade green eyes taking over his weapons more than his face or clothing. Her eyebrows lift, "Armed, your choice of light, heavy, or medium sized blade. Fight until one yields or is incompacitated. Are those terms acceptable to you?" She adds rather belatedly, "Raven, Blackheart of Pravus. Who are you, challenger?"

"Fine by me," Amund replies as he settles into the arena, turning to regard Raven. "My name is Amund. And, yes, your face is familiar. Beats me where we might have met, though." As his blade hisses fully free from its shadowmeld scabbard, he points it to the swordswoman. "On your guard, whenever you are ready." He slips into an attack combat ward, dominant knee slightly flexed, sword arm outstretched.

Rhue arrives having heard of an impromptu sparring event. She's clutching at the first aid pouch strung across her body but it seems the container is being used more for a shield to deflect invitations to beat up or get beat up on. She starts for the viewing seats, looking around at those already here with interest.

Raven wields Blackheart Halfmoon Blade.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

Cirroch spots the newcomers, Amund and Rhue. He offers a greeting to Amund, "Sir Amund, it is good to see you again." Then turns to watch Rhue, clutching her pouch, and in his /not so inside voice/ and with a smile, "Welcome to our little soiree of drinking whiskies and sparring, Marquis Cirroch Sanna, of Giant's Reach March. Please, come join us."

Neve waves to Calla as she leaves "Sleep well! Make sure you change into nightwear, or your maids are going to yell at you! They yell at me at least. Too much tree climbing on the sheets and it takes a lot to get them clean." She settles down with Ciro to sit, leaning over to kiss him on his cheek where Calla did "Hee, stole your kiss!" Shaking her head quickly after "I'm just kidding, because kisses don't work that way. There's no stealing a kiss. Because it's an expression of emotion, feeling, sometimes love, sometimes lust, sometimes hate, followed by a bite."

She leans in to whisper to Ciro, looking him over as she becomes a little more serious.

Gwenna finds herself a comfortable seat, after fetching a good whiskey thanks to the Sanna Estates, and sets her attention to the fight about to take place. "I'm not familiar with either of the fighters," she remarks generally. "Which is my fault, certainly, and not either of theirs of course. I don't get out to see many of these, nor do I frequent the training center much. Even now, I'm a bit derelict in my duties, but..." She raises her glass to the fighters and then takes a few sips.

Raven strides to the center of the arena, handing her drinking horn to one of her guards to hold and unslinging her favorite blade and flinging her plait over a slounder before pivoting to face Amund and lift her blade, saluting with a flick of her wrist to send the blade giving a sharp jerk to indicate she is ready, allowing the challenger to swing first.

Gwenna has joined the raised seating.

Raven checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Raven is successful.

Raven remains capable of fighting.

There is a genuine warmth that shows across Ciro's features as Neve quickly leans in to kiss his cheek where Calla had only moments before, Her mention of stealing the kiss and then the quick lesson on how kisses can't be stolen bringing that smile of his to grow more fully blossoming into an actual genuine grin as he seems to find himself put at ease by the woman's personality and the way she seemed to tackle life. When Neve leans in to whisper to him Ciro's head dips closer, the man speaking with her in softer hushed tones whispering back to her before moving to begin pushing himself up from his seat beside the woman. Once standing Ciro turns partly to her offering his arm up.

Ari is taking a day to unwind, before the next duties and projects take him. He finds his way into this place, and sees that activity is going on. Acquiring a bottle of wine, he finds a seat, and observes fhte combat, for starters.

Raven checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Raven is successful.

Raven remains capable of fighting.

Raven checks 'unconsciousness save' at normal. Raven is marginally successful.

Raven remains capable of fighting.

Raven checks 'unconsciousness save' at daunting. Raven is marginally successful.

Raven remains capable of fighting.

Raven checks 'unconsciousness save' at daunting. Botch! Raven is simply outclassed. This is monumentally beyond them and the result is ruinous.

Raven is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

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

Rhue starts at the not-meant-to-be-contained-by-even-large-walls voice and skitters a little faster for a chair, stifling a laugh, "Whoops- just in time!" She doesn't settle in so much as sort of perch on her seat's edge as the first? two combatants are already in the ring.

Matteo, an eager knight's apprentice have been dismissed.

Cirroch steps over to Gwenna's seat. "Well, the fighters are Raven, The Blackheart of Pravus. And Sir Amund. I've sparred with both of them. Both are strong fighters." He watches Rhue nearly bounce as he speaks to her, "Little one, it is perfectly safe here. Welcome. I didn't mean to frighten you."

It is almost as if he's a blur; that first controlled dash that gets Raven within his striking range, the last minute sidestep that allows his stab to her rib to be even more effective than it ought to have been, following by the pressed advantage of a grazing hit, then a third, stronger backslash, and finally a circling arc that has him hit her on the collarbone. She lands a few hits on him, but they seem to have little to no effect on the man's agility; two more blows follow, similar to the ones before. At some point, he slips in way too close to her after evading a powerful blow by sliding forward, too close for weapon's range, so he pushes her back and sweeps her leg with the flat of his blade, keeping it pointed to her after she falls. "Well fought."

Amund did all that.

Neve takes Ciro's arm, but jumps up to her feet rising in a quick rush, hair and ribbons bounce a moment, as well as other things by the jerky sudden movement. "Okay..let's find somewhere and I'll take a look. I'm pretty sure they have supplies here. I have a few on my thigh on my garter. It's actually kind of handy having a garter, you can put snacks, and missives on it, and more snacks, they can't be too heavy or the garter will fall, and it's really embarassing with your running and your garter falls, then your leggings do. You can also take a bit of a tumble. But that said, I do love a garter! I should consder wearing one even when I don't need to for leggings. Then I might be able to put even more snacks..I could have dried berries as well as apples." She sighs wistfully "Mmmmn..secret thigh fruit sounds delicious!" She takes Ciro's arm "Okay, we'll be really quiet so we're discreet, noone will know that we're sneaking away to make sure your okay. I'm really actually pretty good at sneaking!"

The doorway darkens a moment while a woman enters. Not particularly tall, but Dame Irisa is wearing a long and rather flattering blue dress. There's a black bodice with white stitching around her waist with the red/black swordsash and belt with the Malvici crest for the diamondplate on her left hip. Her dark hair is down around her shoulders and the woman certainly doesn't dress like most knights, but then again that's Lycene Houses again. She steps out of the way of the entrance and takes a quick look to see who is currently in the arena before she moves for the bar and some sort of refreshing beverage that is definitely going to smell like whiskey.

"Aaaah," Gwenna draws out and dips her head politely to Cirroch. "Thank you, Marquis. I am close with a few from the Pravus family, but as I said, am not out to watch many fights, sadly. Though her title is certainly impressive. Sir Amund's name is familiar, though." She turns to watch the fight and raises her glass to the pair again. "Both look exceptionally skilled, for certain. I hope I can watch another fight or two before I have to return to the villa."

Raven's eyes widen in startlement. Fortunately her steelsilk keeps her intact but while she has a few near hits they are few and far between and the young woman isn't showcasing her swordsmanship so much as the ability to take a /legendary/ amount of punishming. Amund keeps it coming, persperation dreaming down her face and causing black hair to cling to it she gets a lean, almost feral air, her lips peeling back from her teeth and she pours everything into her counter offensive-again nearly landing a blow but Amund is too fast even for her adrenaline fueled rage. The fight should be over much quicker than it is but even for the young swordwoman's ability to take abuse-it reaches the same inevitable conclusion and she is sent sprawling.

The movements of Neve so quick to rise up have Ciro looking near startled as if not expecting such an energetic raising of the woman's form despite her bubbly demeanor and warm personality. When she begins to talk on garters and the various uses he can't help but chuckle as he tells her, "You know I was just having a similar talk with a friend, I think you might just be able to help me with it if your willing. It involves garters and one of the finest thighs the compact has." The man playfully bantering back with her before his arm is taken, The mention of sneaking brings him to chuckle as he nods moving with her away from the whiskey and the growing gathering, "I should hope there is, but we will find out. And I will do my best to remain Lycene discrete." A pause given before he adds quickly, "And yes there is such a thing."

Dame Irisa speaks to the bartender for a few minutes, quiet but serious discussion about something while she sips her whiskey. There appears to be no sense of urgency in her, or hint that she might be out of place wearing something like her dress in a place like this. She just uses the coinpurse from her belt to pay the man with a tip before turning. A slow, casual movement in her heels as she lets her eyes go back to the arena as she leans a shoulder against the wall, only then beginning to scan the crowd and see who might be around this evening.

With the fighting over, Amund nods to Raven, offering his hand once he's sheathed his blade. He glances over to the Marquis and the Princess of Redrain, bowing his head in a silent greeting to both Northmen. Neve and Ciro's exchanges bring his attention to them briefly, and it seems to amuse the man enough that he offers a nod in passing to the Greenmarch, his attention shifting back to the Blackheart.

Neve blinks "One of the finest thighs? Is it Calla's? It's not mine is it? Mmmmn, no, my thigh is thick, and not really as fine. It is a woman's thigh right? What do you want to do with a garter? You want to make a utility garter? Hmmn. I'd try that." She walks with Ciro.

2 Seraceni pirates have been dismissed.

2 Seraceni cutthroats have been dismissed.

Misschief, a young silvery marmoset have been dismissed.

Ari grins. Ah, young people making sport of combat. How fun. As for himself, he sits back, and makes sport of booze. And watching young people do thet hings young people do. Someone pasing out, well. Do better next time. Though he sits up. Does he recognize that person? Maybe, hard to tell at htis distance.

Raven pauses a few moments, exhuasted, sore, and dumbfunded at how thoroughly she's been humbled. Her jade eyes wide around making the young woman look even younger. She lifts one hand to show that she yields and then grimaces and rises stiffly to her feet to retrieve her blade, "I do not know that I've been so thoroughly humbled in some time, My lord. Well fought, thank you for the match."

"Oh no, no, just didn't expect a bull roar indoors," Rhue grins to Cirroch before she's pulled back in to watch the bout! Oh, and there's one down. She stands up to see better, clapping cheerily for both combatants. "Wooo!"

Gwenna returns the nod from Amund with one of her own and then looks back to Cirroch. "Marquessa Sasha is well, I hope? I meant to try to politely crash one of your dinners, but with so much going on in the Compact, didn't quite manage it," she says with regret at the edges of her tone. "Hopefully you might allow me to do so in the future. I feels like a near lifetime since I've seen Lady Tila as well." Rhue's remarks about a bull roaring draws a laugh and the Redrain turns to clap again as the competitors leave the field. "It was a really stunning bout. Almost makes me wish I could wield a blade despite what the instructors in Farhaven said about it."

Ciro smirks hearing the words and question from Neve as he guides her to the doors leading away from the Arena, The man leaning in to murmur something to her before he adds without an ounce of shame or much issue given the fact that he doesn't really seem to try whispering at all, "A thigh can be fine for many reasons Neve, thick or not." When she asks over what he wants with a garter he chuckles softly while shuffling ever closer to the world of the hart beyond the arena, "That is something to discuss with far less earns around, lest it ruin the surprise."

Cirroch laughs as he overhears Neve and Ciro, giving both a nod and a smile as they get up to leave or head off. His attention is taken back to the spar as he watches Raven get knocked to the ground, his attention is pulled back to Rhue for a moment. "First I've been called a bull. I'll answer to Bear, Marquis, or Cirroch, or some combination of that." He raises the drinking horn and goes to drink from it realizing that it is empty as Gweena begins to speak to him, he hands the horn off to his assistant Petroc for a refill before responding. "Poppet is doing quite well your highness. Four healthy children, with a fifth on the way. You are quite welcome to the mannor when you're available. There's another dinner coming up as well."

"You are welcome. You hold your own, Mistress Blackheart. That is good. If I am not mistaken, you are beholden to Pravus, correct? If so, you will be see a lot more war than I will in the near future, though I expect to see a fair amount of battles, myself." Amund inclines his head to Raven, making his way to a table. The newcomers earn a brief stare for a moment before he claims a seat for himself, reclining against it.

Rhue opens her mouth to clarify but changes her mind, instead watching the not-bull drink, from a horn. Her grin ticks wider, and she sidles away from her seat now that the ring's between matches in order to fetch herself a drink at the bar.

Raven grimaces and rolls her shoulders, "I had been fairly confident in my ability to hold my own in battle but now it's clear with the death of my mentor, the blackheart before I, I've allowed myself to become complacent. Well." She smiles wryly "I imagine battles to come will fix that one way or another, won't they my lord? I have no doubt your enemies will learn to fear you long before they face you. Fare thee well." She then stiffly shuffles back to where she left her guards babysitting her drinking horn.

Raven has joined the ringside table.

Gwenna's eyes widen and her smile broadens. "A fifth? That's delightful news, Marquis! Please offer her my congratulations. As well, I look forward to the upcoming dinner and will do my best to attend. Perhaps I can even get Lorenzo away from naval plans to accompany me. I should speak with His Grace and Princess Elgana about another fealty and friends dinner, really. It would be wonderful to have everyone together again." The Redrain finishes her whiskey and then lets out a sigh. "Speaking of naval plans, I suppose I should get back to reviewing what this upcoming engagement with Eurus may cost us. We lost no few ships at Sungreet and trying to replace as much is a financial balancing act," she says and stands from her seat. "Well fought Raven, Blackheart of Pravus, and Sir Amund," she adds in the pair's direction and then starts to make her way out.

Gwenna has left the raised seating.

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

Raven settles down at an empty table with her drinking horn with a groan, wrapping her arms around it and sticking her entire face in the opening of the thing and slurrrrrrping to sooth her bruised pride.

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

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

Ari gets up. Curious about the fallen warrior. Maybe someone he's seen at the docks, either here or in Setarco. So with his bottle, he goes over to approach Raven's table. "May I sit? Good effort out there. I came in at the unfortunate end. Ari Corsetina." If you know, he's a Knight of Setarco, but he's not one for titles other than Captain.

Petroc brings a freshly poured horn of Sanna house whiskey to Cirroch, as he nods goodby to Gweena and offers them a few words aside before they leave. He then takes the horn and offers a toast to those that are still filtering in and coming off of the field. "Thank you all for coming out for a little cheer with our neighbors before any of the wars take us off in different directions. A well fought spar between Sir Amund and Raven. For everyone, please feel free to enjoy the whiskey." He then takes his usual /sip/ which is a gulp to probably everyone else.

Raven rises stiffly and bows to Ari, " Captain, good eve. Welcome to join me if you'd like." She offers the drinking horn, "My eyes were bigger than my gut. Whiskey?" yes that entire drinking horn is full of Whiskey.

Irisa spots a particular face in the crowd as it thins out and the Dame steps that way. Maybe Rhue hears the clack of her heels, maybe not. But she approaches with her whiskey held up and holds a rather entertained smile. "Well well. Back in town and you don't come see me right away? I mean I have all the free time on the planet with nothing to do and.. well, I'm terribly offended." She's a brat and she knows it, winking to her cousin. "Rhue. So good to see you, love." Whether Rhue wants it or not, she's going to get a big hug from her cousin.

Amund orders some whiskey for himself, lifting the glass to Raven by way of a toast before knocking it back. He continues to observe, silently, Irisa, and then Rhue. Considering the interplay between the two. He halts another waitress, this time ordering a whole bottle of the stuff. "How are your lands this time of the year, my Lord? I'd expect you are preparing to march with the Redrain hosts should the Eurusi make landfall," he calls out to Cirroch.

Cirroch takes Giant's Reach malted very clear northern whiskey from Exotic Leather Satchel with carved bone buttons.

Luxe arrives, following Giorgio.

Ari nods to Raven. "Thank you," he bows his head, and carefully sits at a table with her. "I have a bottle of wine, we can share it and your whiskey. Thank you," he grins. A glass momentarily and he's in business. "So what may I call you?" he asks Raven, smiling as Amund toasts her. "War is coming, and I see we're all getting prepared."

A new arrival to the arena comes in the form of Giorgio Pontelaeus. The merchant is most certainly not outfit in such a way that would suggest he is here to fight, but rather he is simply here to see what all is going on. The way he pauses just inside the entrance and allows his eyes to shift about the space would suggest he has never been here before, and after only a moment's hesitation he turns to head toward the bar.

Giorgio has joined the bar.

Raven ahhhs, "Forgive me. Raven, Blackheart of Pravus, Captain of the Blackwater." she makes a face, "I've had enough war preparation to tide me. I dream doing drills and sifting through paperwork. Hopefully the sparring will help settle my sleep." Raven is settled at the smaller of ringside tables drinking from a large drinking horn and chatting with Amund. Raven's hair is wet from persperation and a flush lingers on her cheeks from recent exertion.

Raven spots giorgio and waves!

Cirroch nods to Amund, "Aye. I'll march if that is where my axe is needed." He watches Irisa approach Rhue for a moment, as he is turning back to Amund he spots Giorgio entering, and welcomes them to the arena (he is not shouting, though it's his attempt at an inside voice, he might be shouting.) "Welcome! Marquis Cirroch Sanna, of Giant's Reach March. Please feel free to partake of the whiskey."

Rhue's steps to the bar slow as she notices someone angling for her, but her questioning look soon brightens when the incoming figure is spotted to be, "Rissy!" the greenthumb gasps out in happy surprise, maybe upping the ante on the brat game. "Ah, you know how it is. Just SO many demands on my time, there's the pruning, and the watering, and the scads of hapless suitors to politely turn away... delays can't be helped." The hug is tolerated, even returned, Rhue giving her cousin a little skoosh before pulling back again with a quiet laugh. "I'll make it up to you. You can get me a drink?" Her grin tilts, lopsided.

Ari has joined the ringside table.

Angling by the bar, Giorgio orders up a glass of expensive whiskey and the bottle as well. Reaching his hand into the coinpurse at his waist, he pulls out enough coins to pay for the drink and slips it across to the barkeep quietly before turning to look down the bar at the others already there.

Offering a nod of his head in greeting to Rhue and Irisa, he then turns his gaze outward toward the others. Cirroch's greeting is returned with a much more mild smile and lift of his hand in greeting. He doesn't shout out in return, but upon seeing Raven's wave he does move in the direction of her table.

Giorgio has left the bar.

Giorgio has joined the ringside table.

Amund chuckles briefly to himself at something he overhears, keeping an eye on Rhue and shaking his head. Apparently she amused him somewhat, his attention turning to Cirroch, then. "Be careful if anyone calls out Anointed Ones, my Lord. Nobody can take on one of those without bringing a lot of friends and even then it's not a guarantee you'll survive." Having made note of this, he inclines his glass towards the younger Wainryte. "What's her name?"

Raven chuckles, "I've a few sailors that are about your age. They won't take retirement or lighter duties. Stubborn batards." She looks up and grins, "Giorgio! Come, sit, please help me with this whiskey. After getting my rump driven into the dirt I can't leave here with a horn full of liquor." She winks and offers it to him, "I have seen your brother here and there but not you! All's well I trust? Do you know captain Ari Corsetina?"

Irisa ignores everyone else who might be watching the interaction. At hearing the shorthand of her name, she laughs and glomps in for the hug. Its not a classy movement, but its long-parted family members meeting again. She gives a happy little growl, happily rocking her cousin with the hug. Stepping back, she holds Rhue by the shoulders as she looks the young woman over. "You don't age and you're making me jealous. Clearly this clean living agrees with you. I think I'll buy some poison for you, yes," the Dame laughs, drawing an arm around the younger woman to walk her to he bar. "Whatever you want, I'm buying. But don't tell me that about suitors. I might want to meet them all. Someone needs to remind them that they aren't good enough for you and if I must fall on that sword then so be it."

Irisa dips her head to Giorgio in reply to his greeting. Its a respectful movement, slow and meeting his eyes.

Giorgio has his own bottle of whiskey, which he lifts in return to Raven as he pulls out a chair and slips into it at the ringside table. "Yes, yes," Giorgio says in a friendly tone of voice. "My brother has a fair bit more free time. At least for the time being. I trust that he has been holding up his end of our arrangement with Prince Sebastian regarding the training that we had all discussed?" he asks, one brow arching gracefully as he looks across toward Raven. When Ari is mentioned, Giorgio shakes his head and gives the Captain a curious once over. "No, I don't believe that we have met. I am Giorgio Pontelaeus, Merchant Prince and Minister of Economic Development of Tremorus."

"It's the mud," Rhue tells Irisa seriously. Very seriously. TOO seriously. "You rub it in as often as you can, see, let it dry until it's flaking off, then have your bath like normal. That's the secret. Have you ever seen a wrinkly pig?" Grin growing wider with every step, she lets herself be led along the rest of the distance to the bar. Speaking of pigs, "There's no suitors," she whispers loudly to the Dame and gives a little snort of amusement, darting a glance to Giorgio when she catches the gesture and smiling a greeting in return. To Irisa: "I'll have what you're having. But what have you really been doing? I thought it'd be another few days at least before I could track you down. I would have had flowers for you by then."