Caprice gets Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Arriving early with the sole purpose of securing good seating, Caprice is...distracted from that goal by sights and sounds. The drinks will come, oh yes, but first, there are other revelers to consider, a buffet spread to admire, textures to discreetly rub with thumb and forefinger as she moves through th square.

Tyche gets Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Cristoph takes Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Drysi, a young shaman apprentice arrives, following Khanne.

The cold evening is easily forgotten when you enter the well lit walled square, courtsey of the blazing fires from the corners of the room. Several tables and booths have been set in different locations including a bar offering several types of beers and one offering all the good food to go with that! Mabelle is standing by that one, of course, along with Venturo as she greets those who arrive, "Good evening, thank you for joining us! We will begin shortly".

Noah takes Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Maureen, an unflappable nanny, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, 6 Grayson House Guards, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

Apollo takes Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Mabelle has joined the all you can eat with your beer buffet.

"Welcome, one and all!" Venturo's voice resounds from the fateful table where he currently sits, not upon a bench, but the edge of the table itself. His tricorn hat rests at a jaunty angle, as if it is a touch too small for him, a story surely to be had behind it. "And be certain to give your thanks to the Lady Mabelle Laurent for the wonderful evening in store for you. Shortly? We will be having a drinking contest. If interested, come let me know. And after that? My favorite," Up the showman's hands come, clasping together to rub, a glint of mischief in his gaze, "The stein race."

Sabella takes Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Arriving together would be Marquessa Tyche Inverno with Duke Cristoph Laurent, paired together and talking quietly to one another as the move through the arriving crowds. He seems to be speaking at length about his shoes, gesturing down to them with a small of his hand as if indicating something. It's probably a joke, if that short burst of laughter that follows is any indication. At the end he concludes, "I'm very well prepared."

Juba'al'samara, a Suj'abbati royal guardsman, A dutiful Valardin aide, 2 Valardin Knights arrive, following Katarina.

6 First Legion Centurions arrives, following Patrizio.

Khanne gets Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

"I may ask you for your shoes before the evening is through, just to see how you adapt under pressure," Tyche responds to some quiet word, a wicked grin to her lips. Her hand is comfortably settled in the crook of the Duke's arm, as they so often seem to be, and the pair of them move into the square. She pauses them with a little tug by the box of treasures, nodding her head toward the casks. "Shall we pilfer one or two?" They're free, but the little game of theft seems to amuse her, and she plucks up one cask and hands it to the Laurent, and then another for herself. "Let's find a place to sit? There's a couch there," she nods.

Noah strides in on his own. Don't everyone be shocked by this. His gaze moves across those in the area as if looking for someone. He nods towards those greeting people. He will move where he can get a cup.

Wrapped in a fur and leather coat, Alessia seems remarkably comfortable for someone who'd just waded through snow. She cranes her neck as she looks for familiar figures before making her way to the host and hostess. She taps Tyche on the arm fondly as she passes. "Buddy." She says with a smile, waggling her fingers at Cris, and then she's making her way to Mabelle and Venturo.

Alessia gets Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Princess Sabella Grayson never arrives anywhere alone, though she is noticeably absent an escort for the evening that is not of her normal guard retinue. Even so, the princess is smiling a dazzling smile, full of warmth to repel the winter chill. She looks around, seeking out familiar faces, giving waves of greeting.

Patrizio takes Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Katarina takes Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Lianne and Apollo, her hand curled about his elbow, slip out into the well-warmed cold from inside the brewery proper just in time to catch that announcement of contests. Beneath the dark folds of her heavy cloak, a vivid crimson dress of velvet and lace is worn in defiance of the wintry weather. She even manages to sell that suggestion for the moment; we'll see how long it holds. It helps that she has someone close at hand from whom she might leech some heat. With a sidelong look to the Whisper, she wonders, "How game are you this evening, mm? Should one of us partake in the drinking contest?" It's an awful idea.

Lianne gets Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

That the snow falls as seems always the state of things in winter does little to deter Patrizio from, in fact, making his way out for the the matter of a beer festival. Jade eyes cast about for familiar faces, when he's making his way in and... he catches a hint of mention of a drinking contest. "That could be interesting indeed, a contest," comes the prince's voice with a low mindful chuckle, even as he's gesturing to his entourage to go make themselves comfortable, somewhere else.

Princess Katarina Valardin enters accompanied by her date for the evening: her cane, whom she holds quite close. It clacks on the ground with each step. Not even the flowiest and showiest of gowns can hide that the Princess is limping. It does take a bit of the zing out of her bows and curtsies -- so mostly the young woman wearing a veil just nods greetings to people, fortunate that she can smile with her eyes.

Mabelle quirks her lips entertainedly to Venturo, "Certainly you are the one to give thanks to, but I'm certain your own enjoyment will come with making everyone out of their comfort zone for the sake of a sparkly prize", she winks to him and then greets people as they begin to arrive, "Caprice, Lady Mazetti", Mabelle looks down at the latter's pants and winks to her in approval. Tyche and Cristoph gets a wave and a wink as well as Sabella as she walks in, "Princess Sabella, Princess Katarina, A pleasure. Marquessa, Duchess, Whisper Apollo", she adds as well. Patrizio is regarded a moment, "I think you can win this one, easy", she shamelessly encourages him as she turns to get a piece of cake from the buffet behind her.

It's a truly terrible idea, and Apollo Whisper looks rather skeptical when he glances at Lianne, however strange a fit that is with the escort carriage. "I think," he says, "either we both should or neither; no fun being the sober of a pair." He manages a balance of innocence and challenge, in a single sentence. It's the only way to say that, really. He's quite comfortable in his gold jacket; his smile, at the ready, when Mabelle greets, and he offers a bow of his head. "Lady Mabelle, very nice to see you."

"Oh, was the other day not enough?" Cristoph wonders with a short laugh, drawing to stop near the box of treasures. "Just one or two," he agrees and plucks up one of them. They label is inspected and he looks up in time to spot the couch that she indicates. "Good idea," he agrees. As they work there way through to the couches, Alessia s greeting Tyche. She's given a short nod of greeting as well before the Mazetti woman is moving right along. His hand lifts and he waves to Mabelle when she pots him, "Cousin!" And then sitting.

Noah looks from one person to the other as he hears names. There is a pause on Sabella as he nods his head in her direction. For the moment, the Prince is just watching.

3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards, Torsney, an attentive high strung law clerk arrive, following Natasha.

Pale green eyes trail after those that come in, first latching on upon Caprice. A bright, rakish smile is flashed her way, "So lovely to see you, I do hope you'll try something, stay a while, and chat." A wink is cast her way, before his hand lifts, giving a waggle of fingers towards Lianne and Apollo, two ever so familiar faces. "Duke Laurent! No casts, I see, it must be a very fine week for you."

"Oh, no! I'm sorry, Master Venturo! I can't speak with you because I don't have any broken limbs. It would break tradition!" Cristoph will just wave to him from this safe distance on the couch.

Patrizio makes his way over to Mabelle and Venturo, offering both a playful slightly bow. "I don't know if it's something that I could win or not, but there's the fun in the attempting of it, my lady," he offers with warmth, eyes adance. And a grin, too, to Venturo. "This is, for the record, a fabulous idea. I've long enjoyed your brews, and I delight in there being an evening dedicated to it, even as winter refuses to abate about this city."

Khanne slips into the Festival practically looking like snow herself, wearing white silk and pale silver furs to keep her a bit warm. She is alone, which might help her arrive more quietly, though she isn't exactly trying to sneak in. She knows almost everyone here, so as she walks past them to find a place to settle, she smiles at them all. She waves to Venturo, whom she seems to follow in, then heads to Lianne to greet her with a smooch to her cheek.

Tyche laughs, "It is never enough, my lord. Never." Alessia sweeps past, and she turns a smile on the woman, waggling fingers, and then a wider wave to Mabelle as she spies her over there. But most of her attention is for Cristoph, and she wonders of him, "Will you compete in this drinking contest? I think you should." A beat. "Me too." Her voice lifts, then, calling to Venturo, "We will play!" And then in case it isn't obvious, "Duke Cristoph Laurent and Marquessa Tyche Inverno for this drinking contest!" And then she'll settle on the couches with the man she just volunteered.

"Lady Laurent, lovely to see you!" Caprice's greetings to the hosts are sincere but short; there are a lot of people wanting a turn! "I might be persuaded," she chuckles towards Venturo, gaze drawn from her appreciative study of his coat to a more curious consideration of his purple felt headgear. "...I did overhear something about a sparkly prize..." Near when Patrizio is greeting the hosts too, she nods in silent agreement about the state of the season.

"That settles it," Lianne answers Apollo, brows lofted high in both certainty and challenge. Bad ideas can always get worse. "Lady Mabelle," she greets with an easy smile... and a slight shiver. Look, the fires are nice, but it's an awfully chilly day. Her free hand tugs her cloak a little tighter. "Venturo, darling." Her smile skews impish as she looks to the brewer. "The both of us, the Guildmaster and I, will be participating in the drinking contest. I believe I can convince Duchess Khanne to join us as well." She tilts into the offered affection, the added warmth. Oh, fine, she can loosen her cloak to lay claim to another body to keep herself warm. It's a theory that merits testing, at least.

Katarina dips her head to Mabelle. "Lady Mabelle. A pleasure." She glances around as the drinking contest begins to claim contestants, and rests her weight on her cane somewhat. Doing her best not to be noticed. She handles her beer about as well as she walks.

"Should his limbs be broken?" Alessia asks Mabelle with a wry smile as she greets her with air kisses. "Venturo, excited to join this contest. It's been a little while." She beams for Lianne. "Marquessa, it's been a while. Glad to see you here."

Sabella drifts close to Mabelle, fingers wiggling in greeting. "My lady, I know better than to miss anything you are involved in. And how lovely you look this evening." Her attention moves to the cake, teasing gently, "If I wait a few minutes to get a piece, will there be any left?" She winks to the Laurent lady before turning at the sound of Apollo's voice. "Ah, hello! And Marquessa Lianne! It is a pleasure to see you both. Your dress looks like I may be a bit jealous were I to see the whole thing." The princess' voice carries a chirp of cheer as she adds, "If you both are competing, perhaps I shall try as well?"

2 Keaton Huntsmen, Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, River, a happy Oakhaven bloodhound, Barf, the Bog Dog arrive, following Amari.

Mabelle calls toward Cristoph, "Be kind to him, he brewed a honey beer for the occasion! You are allowed to talk to him without broken limps, just today!". Her arm slips around Patrizio's as he approaches her, "It will end eventually. I give it one week at best and while I might not be allowed to participate, I am happy to join you in the drinking, I need the excuse". Caprcie is urged, "Very sparkly first prize. Rare too, join in one of them, I promise you wont regret it". To Alessia, Mabelle just quips, "I did not do anything to him, it was my turn to be injured this week". Sabella gets to occupy her other arm if only for a brief embrace, "There is plenty of good food, I'm just starting from the end, the right way to do it"

Apollo returns that finger-wiggle wave to Venturo; when Lianne volunteers them, his brows lift. Well, he bought /that/, didn't he. "Good thing I'm wearing my lucky jacket," he says, which is likely just a ploy to intimidate the others competing. When Sabella greets him, he smiles brightly. "Your highness," he says, and gives a brief bow, shoulders and up. "Well, this will be a treat. We're going to join the drinking contest, so I'm guaranteed to be on my very best behavior." Hazards of patronage. He smiles, though; he doesn't actually seem worried. "You should join us!" he says, and nods, once.

Mabelle eyes Venturo amusedly, "Are you getting everyone drunk so they will all make for messy racers? I see what you are doing there"

"Mmm. I can drink," says Khanne with a small grin. Looking to Venturo, she says, "sign me up." She greets Apollo with a wave then casts her eyes towards Cristoph, her hand raising higher to catch his attention. "Haven't seen you in forever! Hello!"

Lamora arrives, following Auda.

A snort from the prince of Pravus, when he's listening to Mabelle. "It's going to last forever," he says, in a voice that's nowhere near serious, "and I know you well enough to know your tastes in drinks." Which might be a bit more serious. But there's a smile to Katarina when she's drawing close, and even holding a beer in one hand that should be on its way to his lips does not one thing to dim the smile to the Valardin princess. "It's good to see you again, your highness," he says warmly. "And more so out and about."

"If you insist!" Cristoph calls back over to his cousin when she tells him that he can be kind for today without risk to his limbs. Seeing as how Tyche is volunteering them for this game, he leans toward her on the couch. "If we're going to do this then I'm going to let Rupert know to have the carriage ready just in case I suddenly find myself unable to stand and walk properly. Nevermind carrying things." At any rate, "Yes! Us too!" He spots the waving of someone's hand and he twists from his conversation, "Khanne! Yes, hello! It's been too long. How are you?"

A couple of the servers come round with steins full of that honey beer Mabelle mentions, and Venturo takes one himself, lifting it up. "The rules? Are simple enough. This isn't a contest to see who can go the longest before passing out. Drinking is an artform, seeing how quickly you can do so without spilling. We will have a few rounds, and each time, those who are too slow shall be culled from the herd, so to speak." Once more a smile is cast towards Caprice, before out a kiss blows towards Khanne, "Do take care of those two, Duchess. I'm certain with you they won't find too much trouble." Those words sound ever so doubtful, however, all in a good way.

Auda takes Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Noah has found a place to lean his hip as he offers a deep inhalation of breath only to release it. A glance to the door, but then he looks towards the casks of alcohol. He looks back around the people before glancing towards Sabella. He nods his head ever so often.

Amari meanders purposefully (yes that's possible), into the square to have a curious look about. She has her two huge dogs with her, as usual, and a tiny goat. The former are leashed, while the latter just follows of her own goatly volition. There's no rush to the drinks just yet, nor does she elbow into any conversations ongoing. Simple smiles are offered to anyone familiar, and even those who aren't. She's not impolite.

"Probably wise," Tyche agrees with mock gravity at the need for a carriage, amusement twinkling in her eyes at the entire thing. She leans into Cristoph at the couch, her voice dipping momentarily for some shared secret, and then he's greeting Khanne, and she turns a wave on Lianne and Apollo. Her smile is easy and warm, and she hasn't even consumed any beer yet!

Piccola takes Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Generally a hermit when it comes to social events, an exception may be applied today when Natasha Thrax slips through the doorway and steps in, a pale hand drawing down the fur-trimmed hood while dark eyes sweep through the infinitely more warmer confines of an establishment that would have only been marginally familiar, save for a serendipitous refreshment of the details from yesterday's visit. Her accounting of familiar faces is quick and akin to lightning, gravitating like a homing bead towards Lianne's and Apollo's well-known figures off to the side, the Vala of the Northlands and a few other acquaintances, and just in time to overhear what is in store for the evening's festivities. No drinking contest for her, probably, but she isn't without her usual subtle affability, pale fingers lifting in a silent greeting towards Venturo and his co-host. The sight of the green-eyed showman's congenial countenance prompts the faint turn of the corners of her mouth upwards.

Katarina smiles to Patrizio. It's obvious, despite the veil. "Thank you, Prince Patrizio, it's always fine to see you as well. And to be out-- ah, and here is my escort." Katarina lifts a hand to wave for Piccola to notice. Clearly, Voices of House Tessere have important Voicely things to do and thus run a few minutes late when attending beer festivals. "Prince Patrizio, are you acquainted with General Piccola?" Katarina waits until Piccola is close enough, and touches the General's arm: "Shall we enter? And by 'we', I mean you will do all of the drinking so that I do not horribly embarrass us after taking more than two sips."

Amari gets Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

6 Ivory Shields, Oubi the Owl arrive, following Graziella.

12 House Velenosa Guards, Ibasia, the Velenosa Lady-in-Waiting, Ellani, the palm sized spider arrive, following Jaenelle.

"Your highness," Lianne greets Sabella with a bright smile and a bow of her head... which only allows for more vectors for snow to dot her dark hair. This, Venturo, is what betrayal of one's patron looks like. There may, later, be reprisal. But still, the marquessa smiles, delighted, when Khanne agrees to sign up, when Sabella asks if she should as well. "You should, absolutely. It'll be awful. We're bound to lose to the Duchess here, but there's no shame in failure when it's in good company." Her expression softens as she adds more quietly, "And thank you. I believe it's /your/ protege who gets the credit for my dress, if I'm up to date on the current state of affairs?" With Venturo listing out the instructions, she tilts her head curiously, not sure how we'll she'll fare under such rules. Marquessa Tyche earns a smile, a low wave from the hand which has captured Khanne, that same gesture rising a bit higher, then, to draw attention to Natasha, encouraging her over.

Auda is a little bit late, but not TOO late, it seems! "Rules? Contest?! Sign me up, Venturo!" She calls across the square to the proprietor, waving just in case he missed her, somehow! There's a flash of a grin to Alessia, and then she's strolling over to the Mazetti.

"It is decided, then," Sabella says with a laugh to Apollo, "We shall both be on our very best behavior!" The princess approaches Venturo to back up her claim, entering herself into the contest before it is too late.

Noah pushes off the wall to stride forward and offer his name for the drinking contest. Then he goes back to some wall to lean against it and observe, for now. At least he hasn't offended anyone yet.


To be fair, Piccola is //always// a little late.

The smallest of serpents slithers in on silent steps. Shoulders straight, she floats over to a place next to Katarina, where she can nod acknowledgingly to Patrizio from under her hood. "Your Highness." And then, to either of the two. "Your Highness." A Prince and a Princess! A pair. "I took a moment to sign up to drink," she explains blithely, shrugging her shoulders. "And I wanted to take a look around to check security." Security. Of course. "In case I end up starting a fight."

She knows herself and her enemy.



"The general and I are acquainted, yes," Patrizio grins to Katarina when she's asking if he knows Piccola, and there's a respectful inclination of his head to cement the impression. Moreover, he's definitely noticing how more and more people are pouring in and, finally, takes the opportunity to take a good drink from his cup as he's savouring it. "It's always more about enjoying the thing, than necessarily winning. It's a delight to /win/, but the experience is what should last in the memory."

Mabelle expresses to Patrizio sincerley, "Well, I talked to the gods, they have decided to keep winter a little longer just to torture you", she rolls her eyes at him in amusement, but when she hears the rules, Mabelle sighs, "That is not graceful!". She then murmurs to Patrizio, "I do not like beer, I think I will cheer you on from the stands, do not tell anyone though". Katarian and Piccola get a warm smile, "Congratulations on your elevation to Voice, Lady Piccola, beware of the abundance of missives", she winks, wiggling fingers to Amari and Natasha, "Lady Keaton, Princess Natasha, welcome".

"Lady Amari!" Cristoph calls out from the couch, waving at the Keaton woman from where he's settled with Tyche, just breaking away from a whispered conversation that has him looking both puzzled and intrigued. He's quiet long enough to listen as Venturo begins mentioning the rules.


To Mabelle, Piccola calls out: "Do you know how many I write daily, my Lady?" It is said in a way meant to suggest a joke in there; too bad her voice is too even and low to make it sound anything but deadpan.



Katarina hovers a bit closer to Piccola, shifting from leaning on her cane to leaning on the General. She glances between Piccola, Patrizio, and Mabelle: "...has anyone been by the Black Fox? How much silver have I lost...?" It's a joking question rather than a complaint -- Katarina rather plainly hopes that it's 'a lot.'

"Auda!" Alessia waves, beckoning her over with a smile. "I'm glad to see you here." She glances toward Venturo. "I'm not often a beer drinker but... I do love a challenge." She beams at this.

Steins come around to all of those who have expressed interest, and once they have been given out? Venturo lifts his once more to capture everyones attention. "We will be watching. And given the chill of the weather," It's an ever so innocent look cast towards Lianne, whom is sporting a touch of those white flakes in her hair, as if this was all part of his master plan. "spilling isn't advisable." Making certain one and all is ready, he begins the countdown. "Three. Two. One. Drink!"

Alessia checks stamina and survival at normal. Alessia is successful.

Katarina checks stamina and survival at normal. Katarina is successful.

"I am as well as can be," Khanne notes to Cristoph with a soft smile. She catches the kiss blown from Venturo and blows one back, though she is looking around herself. "Which two?" Then she gazes at Lianne and Apollo. "You two?" As she looks around more, she spots Natasha and gives her a smile and wave in greeting as well.

Sabella sees Noah, waving and calling over to him, "Cousin, what mischief are we up to, tonight?" But then her attention is claimed by Lianne, her smile growing into a full grin. "Oh, is he?" She pushes a dreamy sigh as her eyelashes flutter past her lips, affecting drama. "He is a master among masters, to be sure."

Cristoph checks stamina and survival at normal. Cristoph is successful.

Noah checks stamina and survival at normal. Noah is successful.

Khadija, a most lovely voice of reason arrives, following Svana.

Lianne checks stamina and survival at normal. Lianne fails.

Tyche checks stamina and survival at normal. Tyche fails.

Apollo checks stamina and survival at normal. Apollo is successful.

Sabella checks stamina and survival at normal. Sabella fails.

Piccola checks stamina and survival at normal. Piccola is successful.

Caprice checks stamina and survival at normal. Caprice marginally fails.

Khanne checks stamina and survival at normal. Khanne is successful.

"Oh," Apollo says, smile lighting. "It's about /speed/, not endurance?" He seems... pleased. Yes. And Lianne, Khanne, and Sabella all joining with? Perfect. He gives a bright-eyed smile toward Tyche, catching her greeting, and then turns back to Lianne. "Partly responsible," he says. "Its inspiration should get due credit - and that's all you. Though I'm certain it isn't long before I find inspiration in Princess Sabella, either."

It seems to be a trend, perhaps everyone must be late when there is drinking involved because Gods they'll be late to everything else after they've had their fill and then some. Jaenelle enters not long after a few of the other stragglers, though she does not approach to enter the drinking contest, shaking her head as someone asks if she has plans. "No thank you, I would never make it past a single glass."

Auda checks stamina and survival at normal. Auda is successful.

Mabelle inclines her head to Auda as she walks in, "Hello there!" but as the contest begins, Mabelle watches and cheers on, "Drink, drink, drink!", clapping her hands in mirth while informing Piccola entertainedly, "It is quite clear to us all... High Duchess!", Mabelle turns to greet Jaenelle, "Good evening, welcome"

Patrizio checks stamina and survival at normal. Patrizio fails.

Svana slips in quietly, looking around at those who are mingling - and those who are competing. She stops by for free gifts of course, then takes a seat and watches the competition pensively, twisting the wedding band on her finger.

Amari lifts a hand to Mabelle and Venturo, but it's a greeting, not a late sign up to the contest. When her name is called, she searches through the crowd and finds a Cristoph. There's a lot of people here, she evidently realizes, and on the move, she neatly scoops Marigold up under her arm. With her little hooves kicking at air as though she's still walking, she's carried over to the Laurent and his couchmate, Tyche. "Duke Cristoph." She finally replies in a conversational tone, as if she doesn't wish to disturb the competitors. Tyche is offered a polite dip of her head.

That moment when the person who volunteered them for this adventure falls out in the first round. That's this moment right here, because Tyche laughingly takes the first beer brought around, lifting it in a toast to Cristoph, "To new experiences." And then she chugs! Or... tries to. She's much more used to sipping wine than chugging beer, and the petite redhead is out before this has even begun. The advisory against spillage? Ignored. The beer drips down her chin, onto her cloak, and she tries to gulp. But it gets to a point where she just can't. She coughs, lowering the tankard and waving her hand. "I'm out!" She looks to Cristoph. "But he's still in!" She laughs, and then waves to Amari. "Drink!" she encourages.

When Katarina is handed one of the Official Drinking Steins or whatever the contest is employing, she flusters: "O-oh! N-no, there must be some mistake, I didn't sign..." Katarina turns to look at Piccola. "...ah, I see how it is, General." Katarina is about to say something else and then suddenly someone is counting down and saying to drink and Katarina lifts her veil and starts drinking, because what's she going to do, /not/?

Princess Graziella Pravus arrives in a stunning outfit composed of layers of rich leathers, luxe velvets and decadent exotic black furs. The bright Pravus blue of her coat compliments the pale ashen blonde braid of her hair with ease. Her large listless gaze drifts vacantly over the gathered faces. She isn't here to drink to carbonated beverages to excess, not if that form fitting dress velvet dress is any indicator of her opinions about over indulgence. Her prowl through the room takes her from person to person but she doesn't linger overlong on any conversations, not once the drinking game starts... once the drinking begins she goes to watch that and affixes a polite expression on her face in the process.

Svana gets Exclusive Cask of Raconteur's Buzz of the Town from A Raconteur Gift Box of Alcohol.

Robyn, an artful archeress, 2 House Velenosa Guards arrive, following Ophelia.

Noah looks over at Sabella and rumbles, "I have done nothing. I am being social." Sort of. He's around those that are social. "I am drinking." This one is true. "I thought you would be proud." He looks oveer when he hears Jaenelle greeted. His drink is lofted towards her in greeting. He waits to hear the contest rules and then takes the drink.

"My lady Laurent," Natasha replies in return greeting, precise, mezzo-sopranic diction pitched to carry as she approaches to properly greet the hosts, though with no intention to linger given the crush of bodies who intend to do the same. Her earlier smile, however, does remain, lingering still and managing to resist its usual quick escape to the ether from which it materialized. "I don't get out much, but reputation dictates that this is a fine turnout as always." Gestures from Lianne and Khanne redirects her prior wave towards both women, before stepping aside to make room for other well-wishers, her meandering course taking her towards the Velenosan archduchess. Dropping a whisper to her cousin, Jaenelle, the look she casts over her shoulder as she steps away is one laden with subtle mischief, but set on her course to take up Lianne's silent invitation.

Auda beams to Alessia as she settles in with a stein. When told to drink? She lifts the beer to the sky, and then starts to down. Apparently she's quite a capable drinker?


Time to drink.

Piccola finds a place to sit and compete. Presumably, there's a seat somewhere for her. At the end of the count, the General picks up her drink, and lifts the mug. Glug, glug, glug, done. Like she has no gag reflex. And then, down goes the mug on a table nearby, followed by a disarmingly loud belch. "Next," she mutters lowly in a tone that suggests that she aims to win. Aggressively, if necessary.

Drinking contests are sacred.



Venturo is attentive, catching some of the new arrivals, and in particular the Princess Natasha who casts that look his way. Up his hand comes, fingertips waving in silent greeting, though his focus? Is all on those contestants. Unlike them, the man just takes a small sip from his honeyed ale, nursing it in due time.

Amari has joined the a padded couch that used to be a beer barrel.

Piccola has joined the a sitting area consisting of a barrel and padded stools.

The drinking begins and they start, partway through the first round, Cristoph turns and spots that Tyche is spilling hers on herself. He nearly doesn't make it through that first round himself because he starts to quietly laugh into the beer. But he succeeds! Suriving it somehow. "I hope this doesn't mean that was your only drink tonight," he finally manages with a laugh. "Lady Amari, have you met Marquessa Inverno formally?" he wonders and gestures between the two women. Then he'll continue with this contest he was volunteered for.

As soon as she hears the word, drink! Alessia downs her stein of honey beer, managing to keep steady all the while. Yay! She actually seems to enjoy the taste too since when she's done she glances down at the empty container with some approval. "Alright, I could get used to this."

"Cruel," Lianne croons affectionately to Venturo as she catches that hint of innocence turned her way. Apollo earns a similarly skeptical look as he passes credit on to her, sidelong, a hint of amusement glinting in her eyes. Stein in hand--which, yes, she's separated herself from her companions that she might participate in the competition hopefully adequately--she lifts her beer in readiness and, given leave, drinks. Quickly, too. Gods, she's actually not bad at this. Except, well, that part where she isn't supposed to /spill/. A trickle of the beer goes running down her chin, caught by a swipe of the back of her free hand before it threatens her lovely dress. And though the stein is empty when she draws it down and offers it back to staff, it's clear enough she's lost. Her lips purse as she draws away, moving nearer to a fire, and tells Apollo and Khanne, "My hopes lie with the two of you. Don't disappoint, mm?"

Patrizio clearly is much more made for drinking in a quality sense, and not quantity, from how he's going with the drinking competition. That he /can/ hold his liquor doesn't mean he can hold it steady, and there's quite a bit of it sloshing over the edge of his stein as it makes its way to his lips for him to swallow the brew down....

Lianne has joined the An auspicious table with bench seating.

Mabelle is likely talking to someone when Graziella walks in and her jaw drops looking at her gown, "Oh my goodness", she stares for a moment, elbowing Alessia, "Look. Princess Pravus", she greets Graziella, "If that is what you wanted me to see I am sorry to linger with it. It is most exquisite. I would have to get that form from your seamstress". She comforts Patrizio with some food on a stick from the booth.

Stein in hand, Caprice shifts in anticipation for the call..two...one! Down the hatch! Well- mostly down the hatch? And some dripping free to the ground. For uh, absent friends. Yes, entirely intentional, that bit of spillage. And the extra spillage when the woman laughs into her stein, liquid burbling.

Katarina has joined the a sitting area consisting of a barrel and padded stools.

Looking toward Alessia, Svana brightens. "My Lady, it's been ages since I've seen you. We were supposed to meet some time ago..." She's distracted then by Piccola's belch, and Patrizio's beer sloshing over the edge of his stein. The Northerner looks over at Caprice as well, starting to smile mischievously at those gathered.

Or so he can /think/ - that it's about being quick, rather than staying standing. Still, Apollo can drink - and he sure does. As soon as he's got a stein in hand, he's attendant, waiting for the countdown - and he drinks down the entire stein in one long take that suggests he wasn't always a Whisper. But then... nobody was. Gosh. His eyes turn sidelong on Lianne, brows up, eyes catching on the... wayward drip as he licks foam from his lip. A three-count too long follows, and /then/ he pulls his eyes north, laughs. "There's got to be /some/ advantage to taking half my meals at the workbench, mm?"

Apollo has joined the An auspicious table with bench seating.

Natasha has joined the An auspicious table with bench seating.

Oh, oh no, Sabella is not equipped for /speed/. She is equipped for /grace and elegance/. The princess does not. back down, however, though the end result is beer running down her chin and onto her damask coat. A cough and a splutter melt into a fit of giggles as she doubles over, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "Well! Now I shall simply drink at an entirely reasonable pace until my guards must carry me home." She looks about to say something in to Noah, but her eye is drawn to Jaenelle. Her smile quirks, dipping her chin in greeting to the archduchess before finding a new drink and settling at a table with some others.

Sabella has joined the An auspicious table with bench seating.

Svana has joined the A fateful table with bench seating.

Ophelia arrives with a clack, clack, clacking of her heels and quickly makes her way toward one of the fire pits. It's cold! For her, at least! She gives a friendly wave to her Archduchess and a few familiar faces, smiling brightly as she does. Her cloak wraps around her frame a little tighter and she goes to collect a drink... if she can find one close by.

Katarina drains her glass without spilling, and looks quite proud of herself -- and then Piccola burps, and Katarina's shoulders sag. "General," she says, soft and chiding, and gently pushes Piccola's bicep with her fingertips. "...I don't know how I drank that so fast." Katarina pauses, considers. "...you're going to make me work off all of this beer during training, aren't you."

"Oh no..." Tyche brings the tankard to lips again, looking almost comical in the way she tries to drink more. But slowly this time. "I made a promise." She wipes away the excess beer with her hand, clearly giving herself over to tonight's adventure. But then her hand has beer on it and she sighs... "Handkerchief?" she asks of Cris, but he's introducing her to Amari, and she turns an even brighter smile. "I believe I saw you at the art event, but I was entirely too late. A pleasure to meet you. Drink up."

Graziella hears Mabelle's voice and she turns away from watching the competition to greet her with a perfectly performed presence as she abides in her airy intonation, "Oh, that's terribly kind of you to say... afterall, you are the expert on Artshall Velvet. I'm just touring the fabric, this is the first thing I've had designed in it." She gives a polite sort of curtsy to Mabelle and then cuts her large eyes back around the room as she adds in her absent minded way, "Such a lovely turn out... ever so many people for all the beer."


Piccola huffs under her hood, eyeing Katarina for a moment before telling her: "You think I'm going to stop at the beer?"



Katarina's eyes briefly widen in dawning terror.

Drink is called and Khanne raises her stein, gulping down the beer swiftly and... successfully. It seems she can chug gracefully, that is, if gracefully simply means cleanly. Chugging is never truly graceful. Licking her lips after, she asks, "how'd I do?"

Khanne has joined the An auspicious table with bench seating.

When she's nudged, Alessia glances over at Graziella's gown. "Oh that is gorgeous. It's so svelte." She's about to say more but then she smiles Svana's way. "You're right, we were. It's been far too long since those plans were made. My schedule has been..." Her mind seems to drift a little as though she's trying to recall something and struggling.

Patrizio has joined the all you can eat with your beer buffet.

"I'm not sure I have - but yes, that's right." Amari admits as she takes an end of the couch that was once a beer barrel. "Pleased to meet you, my lady." She offers Tyche with a smile that's momentarily bright, but lingers on in a politely diminished manner as she begins to observe the contest, or make sense of it. "I'll cheer for you both. Go, Duke Cristoph! Go, Marquessa- are you still in the running?"

Mabelle observes while there are some wet people in the winter and there might be an outbreak of beer induced penumonia. "No one looked, Marquessa", she lies outright to Tyche as she continues to converse quietly with Patrizio. Svana gets a wiggle of her fingers, "It has been far too long, Svana . I hope you are well"

Jaenelle speaks softly with her cousin for a moment before she turns towards Mabelle, dipping her head in greeting, "hello, thank you." She doesnt wish to interrupt the gathering by stealing one of the host's attention so she doesnt begin speaking to Mabelle while other things during the contest. As Noah's glass is lifted in her direction, that is where the Archduchess heads, to the wall holding Grayson. She peeks at the liquid within the glass, brow arching, "and what is the first of the contest?"

Apollo's comment draws Svana's attention. "You know that there is no advantage to taking your dinners at the work-bench since it doesn't allow for a proper break, Apple." The talk of tailors rom Graziella and Mabelle makes Svana's eyes flit languidly in their direction but she crosses her legs and then her arms over chest, nodding toward Alessia. "I understand, Lady Alessia. But should you like my company, all you have to do is call." She looks at Mabelle afterward and smiles. "I exist."

As those first ones are emptied, the servers come around to take them from the contestants, win or lose. But it's only those who managed to be quick and studious about not getting it all over themselves that get another stein handed to them. Venturo watches, waiting for everyone to be prepared, thankfully giving a bit of time before it immediately picks up again. And the clacking princess Ophelia? She'll find one of those honey ales at the ready for her, given over by none other than Zane himself. "Those of you who have moved on? It's time to go again. We don't want you to get too comfortable, after all. Now, three... two... one... bottoms up!"

Piccola checks stamina and survival at hard. Piccola is successful.

Katarina checks stamina and survival at hard. Botch! Katarina fails completely.

It's the whisper from Jaenelle that prompts a look from Natasha, porcelain expression suffused with both curiosity and mild befuddlement, mouthing a word - it *seems* like a name - towards her cousin before she retrieves a drink and observes, for a moment, the small cluster of admirers that Graziella has inspired with her new threads. The glance is brief, before her attention is pulled away by Lianne's, Khanne's and Apollo's showing in the contest, faint smile lifting a touch higher when she finally joins the chosen table with...a beer. She doesn't know whether it's an ale, pilsner or lager, but neither does she ask - half the fun is in the surprise. ...right?

Apollo checks stamina and survival at hard. Apollo fails.

Cristoph checks stamina and survival at hard. Cristoph fails.

Alessia checks stamina and survival at hard. Alessia is successful.

Noah checks stamina and survival at hard. Noah is successful.

Jerrica walks into the hall eager to see what all the comotion is about. She is wearing a full green skirt and a cinched leather bodice; her wavy, chesnut hair spills around her shoulders to about the middle of her back. She finds herself a stein of something while scanning the room for familiar faces. And sees a couple engaging in a drinking contest. So that's the mood here. Ok! She does not chug but drinkgs faster than normal.

Khanne checks stamina and survival at hard. Khanne fails.

Alas, Patrizio is /not/ one of those who's moved on to the second round. But the prize of it is that he can now enjoy the beer more fully, the brief half-closing of those jade eyes as he does take his time with the second stein-full, to enjoy its aroma and the play of the taste as he's drinking it in the way it was intended to be enjoyed. Jaenelle gets a lift of his cup in salute, as well as an inclination of his head far more respectfully, and there's a grin for Tyche. "I suppose I didn't perhaps do our fealty its proper due with my performance, but at the very least, I didn't humiliate anyone either." And then he drinks.


Round two: DRINK.

The next opponent arrives before Piccola. She stares at it hard for a moment, then snatches it up in her kung fu grip. The mug of brew is no match for her: she draws it close, drains it, and slams it down on the table next to her mercilessly. Her victory is followed by her signature drink-cry: the Belch of Brotherhood. "Next," she growls, pushing the empty cup away brusquely and making a face.

This is a woman only a pirate could love.



"Well," Katarina says to Piccola, "I will just have to enjoy /as much/ beer as I can, then, if I'm to work it off anyway~." Katarina is one beer in and already her voice is starting to do~ this~ thing~ more than usual~. She takes her beer and, while waiting for the countdown, rests her elbow on the table and her cheek on her palm, watching Piccola for a moment... and by the time the countdown is over, and others are drinking, Katarina is sitting there, holding her beer in one hand, her cheek resting on her other, and she's fast asleep after one beer. "Zzz~"

Mabelle murmurs quietly to Patrizio and Alessia, "See, if this was a rum contenst, I would have won", no she would not, if only for the fear of ruining her gown by drinking so fast. But as the contest continues, more dropping out and Mabelle encourages them, "Do not give up! Be in it for the gold..en beer", that did no sound right.

Noah turns to look at Jaenelle for a moment when she approaches. His blue eyes moving over her. "I came out to a social gathering." He downs the drink like a pro and the second as well. A glance towards Piccola as he indicates her. "Who is that?" He lowers his voice towards the Archduchess.

Graziella is blissfully aware of the side-eyes, compliments and whispers being generated by her very presense and appearance but she doesn't deign to wear that fact on her face. She maintains a lidded speculative expression as she takes in the continuation of the beer competition and smiles fleetingly to Svana upon the talk of talioring, commenting, "I've been learning to sew... it is very rewarding work. You must be blessed to do it for a living." She nods, airly adding, "Blessed by Jayus."

Apollo clinks that second glass with Khanne's, seeing as they're the two at the table who managed that first. That second, though, well. When he upends that one, it's at the overly ambitious pace of the first drink that he goes... which he can't sustain for _two_ steins, no. He doesn't wind up with a Beer error, no dribbling, but only because he tugs the stein away halfway through - coughing lightly. He looks like he's about to cheer Khanne on, but the words get stuck in his throat, and he coughs sidelong, away from anyone. "It's been an /age/," he says, making a disgusted noise in his throat. "I'm already sloshy in my middle."

"Do you think Norwood will be here tonight?" Cristoph wonders first of Amari and then to Tyche, remembering the night before. But then it's time for the next round and he tries valiantly to get through knocking back this next beer without spilling anything. But he's /not/ nearly as successful and this time ends up with a decent amount of it on the front of his tunic. He puts the stein down and plucks the silk away form his skin, "I've made some mistakes," he decides before laughing. With himself now out of the race, he choose to drink the remainder of his beer at a more normal rate.

Auda checks stamina and survival at hard. Auda is successful.

Venturo's 'bottoms up' snaps Alessia from her thoughts and she's draining the next stein in hand, thankfully able to stop it from spilling all over her. She holds onto Mabelle's shoulder as though that will help. When she's done, she turns to her. "But this is honey beer. You're the honey girl."

Mabelle redirects Alessia amusedly to Cristoph, "That's the Honey Duke. I just have a sweet tooth".

Picking up her stein for round two after murmuring a few words to her table mates, Khanne grins over the rim of the cup. She tips the stein to her lips and starts to drink, but something makes her hand shake slightly and a bit of beer starts to trickle down her chin. Lowering the stein, she sighs. "Welp... it was only beer, not whiskey...." As if that is her excuse for not being able to go further in the competition.

"If you humiliated anyone, so did I, and I refuse to believe I would ever," Tyche calls to Patrizio, erasing the memory of both of their loses so easily. "Well drunk, Prince. You're a natural!" How lovely it must be to live in her head. Cris fails this round, and she laughingly wipes the back of her hand on his shirt, since it is ruined now. "Well done, my lo...rd." There's a weird hiccup to the word. No one caught it. Because she smiles through it, and lifts to drink once more. "We, neither of us, will be champions tonight. So let's just keep drinking until it feels like we are, mmm?"

Svana worries over her ring finger once more, twisting the glinting wedding band she wears as she looks at Graziella before giving a nod. "Blessed by Jayus. Something like that. Blessed by intense boredom. Some people say I take on too many crafts for my own good. I don't sleep much anymore because of all my children." She stands up from her seat, excusing herself, and heads out the door.

Svana has left the A fateful table with bench seating.

Khadija, a most lovely voice of reason leaves, following Svana.

Marigold the tiny goat is set on the ground at Amari's feet, but if it was expected she would sit there with the two dogs who are already comfortably sat and sprawled, respectfully, she disappoints. With a plaintive maaaah, she immediately turns and spryly hop-climbs up onto the arm of the couch where she deftly, and regally perches.

"Fine, be that way. You're still not having any ale." Amari tells her small companion, before her attention returns to the contest. Cristoph's question has her look around to verify, but tentatively, she answers, "He doesn't appear to be. You'd surely feel the heat of his disapproving glare bearing down on you if he was. Good effort, by the way." A little bit of applause is offered both him and Tyche. A for effort!

Graziella brows both go up with a naive innnocence as she mutters to herself upon Svana's departure, "There's a person who could use a bit of balance in their burden." Then she's right back to people watching and following the flow of ale around the room despite not holding her own tankard.

After observing the contest for a few minutes, Jerrica decides that it will be more fun to get only slightly effected and enjoy the people watching. She heads over to her cousin Noah to see if he is more affable when he has been drinking. He has just finished what seems to be not his first drink of the night. "Noah! How are you?" she beams. "You must introduce me to this lovely creature!"

Patrizio gives Tyche a distinct look when there's that comment about /feeling/ like a champion. "I'm always a champion," counters the prince, though the broad grin that brightens his features - and the faint hint of colour that's touching his cheeks as he continues to imbibe - might betray the level of seriousness that he has about such things. "Though I know not about rum contests, not one bit, my lady," he counters to Mabelle, with a nearly total look of innocence.

"I dunno, I was just told to show up. Something about beer. I mean, I thought it was a joke, because who has a beer party in winter, right? That can't really be a thing, is it?" Volya, as usual is chatting up some random attendent at the entrance of the square, more than happy to talk up the closest person next to him. As he hadn't been paying complete attention to where he was going, he finally looks forward, which causes his face to drop just a little. "Huh. They weren't kidding. It's a beer party outside. In winter. The city is so damn weird."

Jaenelle smiles towards Sabella when she notes the woman beside Noah. "You are well?" she wonders of the Grayson Princess, then asking, "are you participating?" She can only assume she is! Patrizio gets a finger wiggle in his direction and a bright smile in response to the cup salute, "Prince Patrizio, you look like you are enjoying yourself far too much. Perhaps one day you and I shall have to visit all the bars within the city together!" Then her attention moves again towards Noah and she gives him a very serious nod, "I see. Social. That" she shifts to look towards Piccola, "is the woman who promised to bring me the heads of those I wish dead. Isnt she lovely?"

It's the Princess Katarina who garners a bemused smile from Venturo, that rakish smile settling a touch lopsided. Once more, empties are collected and new ones are handed out to the small handful that have managed to stay in so far this time around. "Well, if ever we need to know whom can drink the most and quickest, we shall put any doubts to rest. One more stein. Will there be a clear winner after this one?" Up his chin lifts, holding a pause before the countdown picks up, "Three. Two. One. Drink."

Ophelia gasps with delight when Zane hands her a honey ale. "Thank you! Is this Valencia's?" Because /that/ particular cask of honey ale is her /favorite/. The archeress kiss-kisses Zane and then moves toward one of the tables where she can sit down, sip, and watch those participating in the drinking contest. Siiip.

Alessia checks stamina and survival at daunting. Botch! Alessia fails completely.

Auda downs the next stein, apparently lost in her own thoughts. Soon enough, though, she's grinning to Jaenelle and dipping her head respectfully, and then she's waving to Volya. She sure seems to know a few people, doesn't she? ..and then there's another stein!

Piccola checks stamina and survival at daunting. Piccola marginally fails.

Auda checks stamina and survival at daunting. Auda fails.

Noah checks stamina and survival at daunting. Noah fails.

Mabelle regards Tyche from afar, "You're winning right?", flashing her a very big smile, knowing fully well that she spilled all over herself. Volya gets her attention as she gazes up at the roof, "Half outside. Welcome, pleasure join us, if you can figure out how. There will be a second contest soon". Amari's goat gets an amused look, "Let me know when you sheer her, I'm having an experiment made", that does not sound ominous at all.

As a hand is wiped down the front of his ruined tunic, Cristoph looks down at the damp spot and then over to Tyche with an amused expression. "Very nice," he comments and adds on, "I think you found my handkerchief. It's my entire shirt." He glances to Amari as if to verify that this happened, though a small glance is spared back to Tyche for the hiccup in her words. His mouth curves briefly, a twitch and he shifts and moves to say, "Gods, yes. He'd definitely be frowning on me right about now. He's probably frowning in his study as we speak, sensing I'm doing something that he doesn't approve of." He tips back his stein and finishes what was left.

The Thraxian princess finally settles in the table once the hardy competitors have rejoined it, easing into a seat and settling the stein on the table with a careful, precise motion of her wrist. "I have absolutely no idea what this is," Natasha confesses to the rest. "I just took what was handed to me. Your Highness." This last to Sabella, greeting the Grayson princess now that she's had the opportunity to do so, followed by an expression that straddles the line between agreement, resignation and pride at what she says about the drinking prowess of Isles men. "Back in the day, His Grace could drink all day and still manage to be the most effective warrior I know," she remarks. "And I remember my lord Blackshore starting around the same age he did. Just another right of passage, I think." She nearly grins at seeing Lianne's pleased countenance, but this is one that she manages to hide behind the first sip from her tankard. To Khanne, her expression gentles palpably. "Duchess, it's been some time - it's good to see you out, and well."

Okay so it definitely seems like the second drink is starting to kick in because Alessia seems just a little lost when Mabelle says 'honey duke', squinting and glancing around the room until her gaze lands on Cris. "Oh." And then she's onto the final round, getting herself prepared to drink aaannd it does not go well. She gets about halfway through when she attempts to lean on Mabelle's shoulder, misses. And down she goes, spilling the rest of it. Woops.


Round three.

Piccola's hood -- it's so big that it shadows her face effectively -- turns towards Katarina. "Your Highness?" Oh. It looks like the poor dear passed out on a beer. A snort follows, as the third opponent comes by. This -- THIS -- will be a test. Unbroken and undeterred, she wrestles the stein in one hand, lifts it, and threatens to consume it all in one, two, three, four -- almost -- almost -- don't gag -- don't -- don't breathe. Glug, glug, glug. But the final gulp sticks in her craw, and she spews it manfully back into the stein, before coughing.

She slams the stein down, and admonishes herself gently: "FUCK."



A cluck of Patrizio's tongue when Jaenelle's teasing him with the threat of a pub crawl. "Careful, your grace, because I might have opinions on which of the various places about this lovely city of ours are best enjoyed on such a thing. Professionally." Which is to say that he's spent far too much time about such places. And another good drink of the beer before him, as he's making various considerations of those still in the contest, that playful smile when it's getting more and more difficult with the pacing.

Katarina remains asleep next to Piccola, a full stein still in one hand. Her sleeping makes her veil flutter gently when she makes noises like this: "Zzz~"

"If I can figure out how?" Volya raises a brow at Mabelle, clearly he finds that statement amusing in his own odd sort of way. "I mean, I'm not the one that's going to be trying to walk home in a straight line by the looks of it." he gestures at, well, that kind of drinking going on." But he'll amble on forward, skirting the periphery as he's usually known to do, giving a flick of the hand in a vague hello over towards Auda. "Ah, so I see more than a couple people are planning on being masochists in the morning from the," he pauses watching steins getting drained. "yep...that'll do it."

Mabelle swats at Alessia's arm, "Stop ruining my dress!", she straightens her, helpfully and lowers her into a stool, "Eat something!". She checks over the rest of the contestants and asks aloud, "Who has won? Come over to me come come!"

Noah looks over at Jerrica. He just looks at her. Blink. "Jerrica, this is the Archduchess Jaenelle Velenosa." A moment and then he sighs outwardly as if he knows he's going to have to say more. So he straightens. "Jaenelle, this is my cousin, Princess Jerrica Grayson." A longer pause. Is he holding off the rest? "Jerrica is very happy about most things. Jaenelle is the light of the South. Her beauty shines brighter than the north star." He says this in a low pitched rumble. His lips curve into a smirk at what Piccola was quoted. "I like her already." He goes to take a drink and something said by Jaenelle causes him to choke into a laugh on the drink. Yeah, he fails on that one.

There's a small nod to Cristoph at something, a smile, and Tyche turns away into her drink. More beer! Talk of Norwood has her smirking into the cup, and she lowers it, "Are we sure that he really is as restrained as all of that? Really? Has anyone looked at his book collection lately?" Innocently asked, as if that might give them clues into his person. She watches the final round of the drinking take place, Piccolo the victor, "Good showing, all! Cheers!" Her stein is lifted, and she drinks again. A woman on a mission tonight.

"A goat fleece knit fabric?" Amari guesses, and she sounds both curious and hopeful. Marigold looks like she's just concerned over the way she's being measured up by the Keaton. After a moment's thoughtful examination, she decides, "You'd need an entire herd of Marigolds to sheer enough for a coat, Lady Mabelle."

Cristoph, for his concern, his nodded knowingly to. "He is. He's got an occult sense for it. He's frowning right now, and worried there's an unauthorized painting of him somewhere he doesn't know of, but feels exists." Tyche's comment gets a few small nods, "He is really."

"Well done, General!" With a heft of his stein, Venturo salutes Piccola, before taking one more little sip from his own ale. The showman knows the benefits of nursing a drink, apparently! "The Lady Mabelle shall tell you what you've won! In the mean time," Slipping from his table, the man takes a few strides to the center of the square, "We have the stein race up next. This? Is as simple as it is difficult. A completely full stein will be given to you. And you must get it from here? At a strong walking pace," As an example, the brewer begins to take long strikes at a good but not unreasonable clip, still walking. Three, Five, Ten, Fifteen paces he goes. "To here. Those interested? Can start queuing up... but we will give a few minutes for those who are recovering from their drinks."

Caprice has joined the A lucky table with benches.

"M-mm." Alessia says shaking her head as she rests on a stool, though she sits there for now. "I just had dinner." She glances up at the prospect of another competition.

Khanne gives a small pout when her stein is taken from her, playfully looking at her now empy hand. "Something is missing..." She grins after though, watching the third round take place. "I think either the booze in the city got stronger, or the countenance of most people has become weaker over the years. But then, I never drank til first spill before..." Hearing Jaenelle's name, she looks around for her friend, waving when she finds her. This gives her cause to spot Volya in the crowd then as well, so she sends him a smile too.

"He is really," Cristoph echoes Amari's words to Tyche exactly and nearly at the same time. It's an action that has him squinting and looking back over at the Keaton woman. "What am I thinking right now?" he asks, tapping his temple. Yes, Amari. He's expecting you to start reading his mind off of this one moment alone! He turns back to Tyche as the next event is announced. "Lets go. I volunteer both of us for this, come on." And he's standing up! Putting down his stein and trying to tug Tyche up to her feet. "And you too," he adds to Amari. Who is spared his trying to haul her off the couch.

Cristoph has joined the line.

Alessia has joined the line.


"What's a 'stein race'?"

Piccola gets up, shamelessly belches again, and then gently wipes her mouth with the back of her glove. There's only a little dribble; there's nothing untoward about that, is there? She makes her way over to where Mabelle is, just after stopping to give Katarina a gentle rub on the shoulder. The trip takes about twice as long as it should, with the swaying, the stopping, and the stepping thereafter. Once she is in front of the Lady Laurent, the General repeats: "What's a 'stein race'?"

"Oh, and I'm 'ere as directed, m'lady."



Tyche has joined the line.

"Lord Voyla! It's great to see you again." Auda beams, even as she gives her stein away to an attendant. "I really thought I could win that--" and then she's waving her hand to Venturo again, clearly up for another challenge.

Mabelle comments to Amari, "Trust me", and that's all she gets from her with a grin. As Venturo announces the winner, Mabelle reaches into her pack and takes a small box from it showcasing a perfectly marbellized Honey Onyx, "There you go!, to go with your beer!".

Auda has joined the line.

Volya has joined the line.

Jerrica says, "So /you/ must be the reason for the change in my cousin, Archduchess!," Jerrica moves like she wants to grab Jaenelle's hand excitedly but stops short realizing pawing someone you just met is probably not the thing to do. "I saw him /smile/ the other day!" Her head turns to Patrizio. "I think I met you at ... a ball was it? Prince Patrizio?""

You say, "So /you/ must be the reason for the change in my cousin, Archduchess!," Jerrica moves like she wants to grab Jaenelle's hand excitedly but stops short realizing pawing someone you just met is probably not the thing to do. "I saw him /smile/ the other day!" Her head turns to Patrizio. "I think I met you at ... a ball was it? Prince Patrizio?""

Enjoying a second stein in a way that allows for tasting it, Caprice cheers on each subsequent round of the contest. No favorites here! Somewhere in between, she collects cheeses and roasted chestnuts, and some of the stew, and... oh, there's another contest starting. Stein three is only half-finished, and there's still some kind of food chewing going on, but she's quick to join the lineup.

Caprice has joined the line.

Noah has joined the line.

Tyche laughs as both agree that Norwood /is/ like that, and she holds up a hand, palm out, "Fine fine fine. He /is/. You both know him better than I do." She slips from the couch, following behind Cristoph to get ready, only to have Alessia slip right in between them. A laugh, and she draws her hand over the woman's shoulder. "Are you sure you wish to follow him? He's rather distracting." Him being the Duke!

Khanne has joined the line.

"I can walk!" Sabella seems confident as she watches Venturo demonstrate. "I can dance, I can walk? Right?" A look is given to her tablemates. Then a shrug and a brilliant smile. "There is already beer on my coat, it cannot possibly get that much worse from walking, can it?"

Jerrica has joined the line.

Sabella has joined the line.

Patrizio has joined the line.

Glancing between Tyche and Cristoph when she slips between them, Alessia's eyes widen, then she's chuckling. "I swear this wasn't on purpose." She assures her, her words slurring a little. "Like for real."

Katarina checks dexterity and legerdemain at hard. Katarina fails.

As the competition careens onward Graziella finds herself a nice quiet place to sit and watch the displays of excess with an aloof grin on her face.

Graziella has joined the a padded couch that used to be a beer barrel.

A laugh, but Patrizio's head is inclining when he hears Jerrica. "We did, at the Grayson ball, yes." Those jade eyes twinkle, as he considers her for the moment. "It's a pleasure to see you again, your highness. It's certainly been far too long." He does laugh briefly, watching, as he's turning his attention again towards the next contest and contemplating it...

"Hey hey, if it isn't my former mercenary ex-girlfriend." Volya greets to Auda, which has to be some kind of joke. Or an inside joke. Or something. Whatever it is, he seems rather amused to see her here. "So what exactly is going on. Is everyone drinking their depression and self-loathing away? No, just me? Are we all headed to the vomitorium afterwards for a good old fashioned cleanse?"

When Piccola stands up, Katarina suddenly awakens with a start. "Uh? Wha?" She realizes the stein is in her hand and brings it to her mouth, clearly having awoken to the idea that oops she's still in the middle of the stein race, whatever that is! Except she tries to pull her veil up and aside in the same motion and there's some confusion in her hurry and it ends with her veil pulled funny and her drink half going down the front of her dress. "AAAAUHGGGHHH COLD--!"

Amari has joined the line.

Mabelle grins toward Voyla, "The Laurents have arrived Carriage drops all over town, I'm certain you can manage it if you want"

Alessia checks composure at normal. Alessia is successful.

Turn in line: Cristoph

Tyche's laughter is quick as Alessia protests the stepping between them, and she drops her voice to murmur something, before she proclaims to any who might listen, "I believe you!" And as they move to their positions, the woman will stay firmly between herself and Cris. Beer, glorious beer.

Cristoph checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 41 higher.

Cristoph is turning back to speak to Tyche and finding... Alessia instead. Which is not who he expected and it shows in the slight blink of confusion on his face. There are some whispered words and something Tyche says earns a quick laugh from him. "Mmmhm. Maybe, maybe not," he says outloud to the pair of them. Then it's his turn already! So he takes the completely full stein, offers a quick smile to his companions and begins walking a steady, reasonable clip to the spot he was indicated to go. Tada! Just like that.

At the end of the line, there is a whole process for seeing just how much spilled, which in the Duke of Honey's case? Is very little! Time to seems to be factored in, before a full, fresh stein is given to the next one up in line.


The General looks at the gem that the Lady Laurent gives her.

"Thank you, m'lady." The prize seems to have sobered Piccola up considerably. "This -- " She looks it over once more, and then slips it into a pocket on her Ferron-made utility belt. " -- is a very generous prize." She nods her head sincerely. "Again, thank you." And then she catches the startling screeching of a Valardin Princess, and whirls about to see what it is -- oh. What follows is trembling, shaking, and then a raucous laugh-and-point in Katarina's direction.

Snort-laugh-chuckle-snort.



Turn in line: Alessia

Tyche stands with her arm at Alessia's shoulder, a grin at her lips, as Cristoph steps up to move through this 'course.' She listens to some whispered return, and instead of speaking in secretive murmurs, she replies, "Of course I did." Her head tilts to Alessia, who is up now, and she gives her a little push forward. Helpful!

Amari will join the next contest, even if she may not be entirely sure what it is yet. She'll not push up to the front of the line though, so she has time to figure it out. In the meantime, at Cristoph's question, she narrows her eyes with a passing expression of intense concentration and then smiles broadly, and mysteriously. As he walks off with the stein, her hand goes to the satchel bag at her hip, and her fingers stroke lightly over the leather flap. When he's finished his successful walk, she calls, "Well done! And you were wondering what's in my bag."

Katarina checks composure at daunting. Katarina is successful.

Jerrica gives Patrizio a wide smile. "It has been far too long. I am glad we ran into each other again. Are you doing this game? I think this one seems like great fun!" She motions to the other players as she watches them for clues as she doesn't yet know exactly what she is meant to do.

Alessia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

"Ah but do you know the secret places, Prince Patrizio? Perhaps i'll be able to teach you something as well" Jaenele grins once more, "though I will say that I have a fondness for The Spirits. I spent far too much time there when I was a younger woman." As Noah introduces her to Jerrica, the other woman is given a polite dip of her head and bright laugh, "it is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Jerrica. I assure you I did not pay him to say that, now did I write it for him to say whenever he introduces me to someone new. I also must admit, I have no issues with such either. Smile, did he? How strange! And he did not break anything or cause alarm in the Grayson estate that he was mindcontrolled by something?" As Khanne smiles towards her, Jaenelle blows a kiss in the woman's direction. "Khanne, I have missed you! I think its almost time to celebrate Leona's birthday again in a few months, and I expect you there. Perhaps Eleanor will even agree to host it again."

Bibi, a snowy white peahen arrives, following Claudia.

Mabelle dispatches herself a tad closer to one of the tables, "Princess Grayson", she turns to Jerrica and then to Ophelia, "Princess Velenosa, allow me to introduce myself, "I am Lady Mabelle Laurent, I do hope you are nenjoying yourself this evening".

Katarina draws in a deep breath as she towels herself off -- fortunately, there was a towel, or at least a dry rag, at hand. As Piccola laughs at her, the veiled Princess is the picture of serenity. But, you know.

Serenity now.

Insanity later.

Cristoph checks composure at normal. Cristoph is successful.

While he doesn't look mind-blowingly, Cristoph does gape a little at Amari from across the room. Glancing at her bag.

Apollo stays put, rather than joining the contest that he... might actually have a chance at winning. But look at the company; who would leave? He chatters idly and in good spirits with those at his table.

Turn in line: Tyche

Holding the stein in hand, and with some help from Tyche, thank you Tyche, Alessia steps forward attempting to keep her balance. She actually manages, though not quite as seamlessly graceful as her movements generally are.

Natasha has joined the line.

Tyche checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 13 lower.

Better late than never, right? Claudia makes her way in, and on her heels is a very regal snowy white peahen. Did we mention regal?

Tyche's dark eyes follow Alessia as the woman struts through her turn, and she gives a small cheer of encouragement, and then she is handed her own stein. "Oh. Me?" Yes. This is the contest. And she takes a step. One. One step. She bumps into seemingly nothing, dips forward, then back, and the stein just tips inward, splashing on her dress. She gasps, looking down at the mess, and then laughs. "Handkerchief?" she calls to Cris, and then moves as quickly as she can to join him (and Alessia, presumably). "That was..." she just shakes her head. Shame.

Turn in line: Auda

Noah reaches out an arm to attempt to tangle Jaenelle with it. He watches the movements with the stein. "I do not expect to do well at this. You will soothe my ego?" Then he narrows his eyes on Jerrica. "I haven't changed. Point out the person. I'll offend them in less than a minute." He leans over towards Jaenelle a bit. Noah looks towards Patrizio. "If you go drinking with Poison, be aware you are going to have to carry her home. She's a slight thing. It should be fine." He looks over at the others for a few moments and then lowers his lips to the top of Jaenelle's head. He's probably whispering.

Auda checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 41 higher.

Amari is a witch, but one with manners. There's a subtle waggle of her brows at Cristoph, then she provides applause for Alessia's successful attempt, and begins to do the same for Tyche. One step, though. Her hands still. "Good try!" She encourages.

Mabelle murmurs aside to Patrizio, "Perhaps the door token should have been towels"

"You're my favourite ex-boyfriend to see, I must admit." Auda's grin is bright, and she's just a bit tipsy, and apparently glad to see Volya! "I'm always drinking those away, but today's the Kismet Beer Festival, so we're drinking for that, too!" Then, it's Auda's turn to race, and she's stepping up to the line. She's quick, and graceful, even after the drinking contest! Apparently this isn't her first time weaving drunkenness with speed and/or balance?

Turn in line: Volya

"It was my intention to see how I could fail at this too, honestly," comes Patrizio's answer to Jerrica, with that warm smile of his, even as he's trying to see what it is that the others are doing in the line ahead of him. Jaenelle's question gets an arch of one of those finely-plucked brows when he's considering the question. "I think I'm interested in seeing these secret places that you're talking about, since I think I've learned of all the public taverns, at the very least..."

Mabelle's comment gets a hot laugh. "Save that it's probably not as memorable a favour, truth be told, as much as it would be useful."

It's not only the company that's lovely over here--though, truly, it is--but there's also beer and a nearby fire that renders the cold night almost toasty. Lianne, too, is inclined to stay put, even if she encourages Natasha otherwise with a wide flare of her eyes, that innocence entirely implausible, but intentionally so, belied by a grin as she drinks her beer. With Jaenelle calling in this direction to the Duchess seated among them, Lianne offers a bright smile and a lift of her stein to the Archduchess, a toast across the distance. When she looks to Natasha again, that faux innocence flares again briefly above her wide smile before she nods, agreeing to whatever's been low-spoken. "Much luck, your highnesses!" is for the parting princesses, heading up to take turns at this race.

"A pleasure you meet you, Lady Mabelle! Such a lovely gathering, thank you for hosting with my favorite brewmaster." Ophelia gives a polite nod and then collects her honey ale, turning to find said brewmaster among the crowd. When she does, she murmurs something to him before finding a spot near the fire pit to watch the contest and sip her drink.

Turn in line: Caprice

Caprice checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 8 higher.

Volya has joined the An auspicious table with bench seating.

Robyn, an artful archeress, 2 House Velenosa Guards leave, following Ophelia.

After Cristoph is done looking suitably impressed by Amari's guessing abilities, Alessia has made her way across the room. "I would clap but my hands are still full," he says to the Mazetti woman with a short laugh. But then it's Tyche's turn and his eyes are fixed on the woman, when she spills the beer down the front of her dress, he winces and this time his laughter is sympathy. "Oh, no. Yes, come here. I have a handkerchief." He doesn't. He knows exactly what's about to happen next. Another whisper is circulated among those near to him, eyebrows lifting up in good humor and a light tease.

"Ooof." Alessia almost seems about to use the fur on her coat before she thinks better of it. "Honestly, better than my previous..." She laughs again, glancing at where she dropped. "Display."

Caprice walks in a line like she's done it before! But it's possible she's not terribly used to doing so while holding a heavy stein. Still, in the end it's only beer being spilled, not her person, so. Win!

Turn in line: Noah

Noah checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 63 higher. Noah rolled a critical!

Whatever Natasha says to her comrades at the table seems to have encouraged the usually detached princess to rise from her place on the table, a long and inscrutable look cast to Lianne and Apollo. There may even be a playful warning, something along the lines of not telling *someone* about this or reprisals will be had. Empty threats, surely, but at the mirthsome calls from both her protege and the Whisper, the dark-haired royal can't help but groan comically, booted strides taking her after Sabella, and dropping a whisper to the Grayson princess. "What does this mean for us then, Highness?" she wonders. "Ride together, die together?"

(Bad girls for life.)

I will of course be there, Jaenelle." Khanne smiles to her and blows a kiss back. "I think we are overdue something or other as well. We'll figure it out, I am sure. I'll send a note, yeah?" There is a lot going on, and for a bit, she just smiles and watches the... entertaining chaos around her. Still, she is ready to compete again, paying a bit closer attention to those competing to see what exactly she is preparing for.

Tyche has indeed moved to Cristoph, and her hands are at his shirt, tugging it to her to try to wipe up the beer. It isn't working, because there's a Duke attached to said shirt, and she laughs at her own failed efforts. "Next time, we just sit and watch, mmm?" She looks to Alesia who is speaking about her own efforts, "You could have been like me, mm?" And then her voice drops, a murmur shared for the Laurent.

Mabelle considers Alessia amusingly, "Perhaps I should put a warning on my events, this week you are getting wet, next week you are getting coated in dough. Sounds reasonable. I should really go for towels".

Turn in line: Khanne

Sabella grins with delight at Natasha. "I prefer to neither ride nor die, Princess, but if I must? I can think of no better companion."

Khanne checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

"Well with the snow, we'll probably get wet anyway." Alessia says aloud to Mabelle with a chuckle before saying something quietly to Tyche.

Noah puts a hand to his chest as if Jaenelle wounded him for some reason. However, he moves to take up the beer stein with a smile as he turns from her. The smile leaves his lips as he all but juggles the stein to the end of it. Slide here. Move here. Swing around here. He's making it a bit of a showboat for the Archduchess he is leaving. When he gets to the other side, he downs the drink. That might not have been a thing, but he comes back to the Archduchess in the next moment to bow before her.


Piccola doesn't mean to be bad.

But she chuckles and snickers because, well, Katarina poured beer on herself. IT'S FUNNY. IT'S OBJECTIVELY FUNNY. The General risks much by walking back to the Valardin Princess -- a slap to the face; a punch in the gut; a smack on the ass. But, c'mon. It's worth it. Because, honestly, her laugh is awkward-but-pretty. "May I escort you to a place to change, your Highness?" asks the Lycene Beer-and-Belching Champion.

"I know a place not far."



Katarina neither slaps face nor punches gut nor smacks ass. She swallows whatever wounded-ego fury that might want to wiggle itself free, and stands, to offer Piccola her arm. "Careful," she says. "I don't want your attire to get wet."

A stein is pressed into her hand as Khanne steps up to the line. She takes a breath and exhales with a puff of her cheeks, preparing herself for the task at hand... walking. One hand on the handle of the stein, the other curled over the air around it, as if it were a flame she was protecting. That won't help anything at all, but perhaps her own mind. She starts to walk, her steps sometimes faster, sometimes slowing down, but eventually gets to the other side with seemingly a full cup! (Maybe a drop or two less... maybe)

"Lianne!" Jaenelle calls over to her sister in law, blowing her a kiss as well. "I agree that we need to go do something," this is said to Khanne, including Lianne in the process. "It has been some time since Victus had his ship stolen. Im sure he'll be fine with it. We just won't tell him. Can either of you sail?" Her eyes shift between Lianne and Khanne in question. "You know, it doesn't matter, it can't be that hard, and there are three of us." She points towards Patrizio afterwards, "It is a date then. And no he won't," Jaenelle spins towards Noah, brows furrowed at the very thought. "I..." then she watches him partcipate and her yelling at him is put on hold as she patiently waits for him to go and return rather calmly. "am capable of taking a sip of wine in at least 15 estabishments."

Turn in line: Jerrica

"I heard that," Natasha calls to Jaenelle, blandly and with a face laden with so much gravamen that she looks *too* serious to be...well, serious. "I can be bribed to look the other way."

Jerrica checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 3 lower.

It's true. Cristoph is still wearing this tunic that Tyche is trying to claim with her hands, he stumbles a step forward to her. It might be just a little of an act, unless the Marquessa is exceptionally strong! Once he's a foot closer, he's bent somewhat to continue the conversation. Whatever it is, it has him gesturing for his assistant and offering the man a few murmured words before he turns back to the pair again.

Turn in line: Sabella


It was worth it.

Piccola takes Katarina's arm, and puts her hand upon hers. Despite having guzzled all of that delicious beer -- really, it was delicious -- the General musters up what sobriety she has left to guide the Princess to the door. Along the way, she holds up a hand to waive towards Mabelle and Venturo, but does not call out across the intervening space. The show must go on, after all, even if it has made some women --

-- anyhow, off she goes with Katarina.



Piccola has left the a sitting area consisting of a barrel and padded stools.

Katarina has left the a sitting area consisting of a barrel and padded stools.

Juba'al'samara, a Suj'abbati royal guardsman, A dutiful Valardin aide, 2 Valardin Knights leave, following Katarina.

Katarina leaves, following Piccola.

Mabelle watching from the sidelines as some get wet and some stay dry and all she can think about is how happy she is she is not allowed to participate.

Sabella checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 10 lower.

Because she chose to stay sober during the drinking competition earlier, Jerrica is well prepared for the stein race, but her enthusiasm may still get her. She takes the cup, steadies herself, then begins her course. "Guys!! I'm doing it!" She squeels. "Watch!" She makes it to the end with a mostly full cup only dribbling a bit thanks to her sobriety. Which she plans to remedy.

"Passably," Lianne calls back to Jaenelle on a trill of bright laughter. Nevermind the slight knit between her brows that draws into question just how passable that might be at the helm of an unfamiliar craft. "/And/ I might know just the right bribe to extend to his sister." Her stein goes up again, toasting her agreement, sealing that promise of mischief.

Turn in line: Patrizio

Sabella nudges Natasha gently and looks in Jaenelle's direction. "We can leave a taxidermy shark battling starfish in its place," she says of the boat. "I hear he loves when I gift him things like that." She giggles, but then it is her turn! And, look, the beer that she mostly drank but also spilled on herself has definitely hit her, now. The full stein is handed to her, but the giggles over taxidermy gifts - which likely she understands at all - are not subsiding. "Oh, right, walk..." She walks, but the beer just sloshes all over. This outfit will need some washing.

Patrizio checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 7 lower.

Turn in line: Amari

Amari checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 49 higher.

"If said bribe has anything to do with seaweed, Marquessa, you can keep it," Natasha tells Lianne gamely, and while a grin or a laugh stubbornly remains hidden within the alabaster fortress of her, mirth stitches through her air and brightens dark eyes, transfiguring them to glowing embers with their secretive amber sparks. At the nudge from Sabella, she is reminded, remarking, "He absolutely loves the table you gifted to him recently, by the way. It has a place in the Atrium Shrine."

As the trio of them have finished their stein race, Tyche slips an arm through Cristoph's, an arm through Alessia's, and drags them back to the couch. But they stop, of course, for some beer along the way. "Here. No contest, just enjoyment. My dress can't handle any more beer tonight." She'll release Alessia to scoop up her newest stein to drink.

Graziella has left the a padded couch that used to be a beer barrel.

6 Ivory Shields, Oubi the Owl leave, following Graziella.

Turn in line: Natasha

Natasha checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 0 higher. Natasha rolled a critical!

Clearly, Patrizio's attitude on life - at least in moments such as the beer festival - is more of indulgence and enjoying the moment. Having a stein in his hand is not the big problem, nor is the fact that it's full of beer. It's that he's walking with it, and that he's trying to make his way through the course. Somewhere, along the way, he's definitely forgotten that he's supposed to be keeping it largely intact and full, and at the pace he's going, there're good rivulets of the frothy stuff coming over the sides. And then the vessel is further emptied when he seems to realize how much worse he's doing than others, and with a salute to the crowd, he chooses instead to ensure no more of it reaches the floor, by drinking it down.

Jaenelle's eyes shift towards Natasha when she offers to look the other way, squinting in a not so serious way before her attention again shifts towards Lianne when she offers a solution. "When Alaric and Leona took his ship around the bay, /they/ didnt have to bribe anyone. I am in charge of the docks, and it's safety, As Minister of Infrastructure I here by shut down the docks to every citizen of Arx OTHER THAN Lianne and Khanne, and I. For safety reasons." She takes one of the empty steins and cangs it against a table as if officially ending the arguement.

"All of you?" Amari tells her dogs, and goat, as they all join her in the line rather than stay comfortably out of her way at the couch. She gathers the ends of the leashes dragging along the ground in one hand, and gently instructs the lot, "Go easy. Especially you, River. Marigold, to my left." Funnily enough, the little goat dutifully obeys with a chipper little 'baah!' of apparent acknowledgement. There. Patrizio is off and walking, so she comes to the line to observe and is given a stein.

When it's Amari's turn, she looks apprehensive but chin up! Stein balanced, she strides confidently onto and through the course. Her dogs both at heel together, and the goat hopping around as if she's the star of the show. Thankfully none get under foot, and the Keaton arrives at the finish still dry and composed. "Very good!"

"Definitely no contest." Alessia seems keen on that much and it's probably a good thing given that she's still partly slurring. She takes the stein and lifts it to the both of them before an amusing thought pops into her head.

Lianne bursts out laughing, bright and abrupt, at Natasha's quip about seaweed. She's quick to get that under control and assure, "The thought never crossed my mind, your highness!" Her laughter only resurfaces for Jaenelle's definitive declaration, her smile bright enough to justify the redness in her cheeks as something other than lingering chill from the snowy weather.

Mabelle walks over to where Amari is standing and begins to stroke her goat as if assessing something. Mainly she's assessing how quickly she can irritate Amari, winking to Cristoph and Tyche as she does.

Noah arches a brow to the comment. He opens his mouth to say something and stops when she starts to bang the empty stein on the table. The blue of his eyes moving from her to the others in this boating event. He gives a slight grin towards Jaenelle. He lowers his head to speak to her and then the stoic non-smiling expression is back as he watches the others.

After her turn, Jerrica returns to the group she had been with before. "That could have been much worse," she says before dabbing the other Grayson princess with a napkin. "Sabella, let's clean you up." Then she raises the mug she did not give back in Patrizio's direction. "To the marginally good," she says before taking a few gulps.

"It's one way to get-" Cristoph begins to say in response to something that Tyche has just spoken, but it's a quieter word from Alessia that earns that burst of laughter from him. He quickly covers his mouth and then brings the stein to his lips and starts drinking again. "It's one way for me to be..." and then his words are lost to the crowd as Tyche hauls them back along to the couch. She's very much in charge of leading them around this room apparently. He flops back against the cushions to resume his conversation. A wave of the stein is given to Mabelle as she passes him.

Khanne opens her mouth to speak when Jaenelle mentions stealing Victus' ship, then closes it and shakes her head instead. "Nope. I am not a sailor...." Waving a hand in the air, she adds, "no worries. We'll figure it out." Her lower lip is drawn in between her teeth as Natasha pipes up. "Bribed with what exactly?" But it seems Lianne has that covered as well. "Welp, seems all set then... When do we set sail?"

Apollo hides his humor behind his stein - particularly when that quip about seaweed comes. There is no commentary offered; he's doing well to hold off his laughter.

Patrizio does not look one whit apologetic, though, about the nature of how he's managed to get through the race. There's a hoisting of his cup back in salute to Jerrica, before he's looking about... and there's the gesture to his centurions. No, this is a good spot for the Prince of Pravus to perhaps bow out for a bit, and leave further losses behind him for the time being.

Patrizio has left the all you can eat with your beer buffet.

6 First Legion Centurions leaves, following Patrizio.

Irritate Amari? Hardly. She actually scoops Marigold right up in her arms so that Mabelle can stroke her fur with less stooping over. "Under her chin." She even suggests, as the pygmy goat is defenseless. "You can't leave me in suspense about this goat fleece experiment though."

As the race comes to its natural conclusion, Venturo flashes a warm smile, stepping up upon the bench at that fateful table. "Very well run, one and all! However, in this? There was one clear winner who not only didn't spill a drop, but managed it with such a quick walk he left the competition in the dust. Prince Noah Grayson!" Up his stein comes in a salute, glancing around at everyone, "Do go see the Lady Laurent to find out what you've won."

"Why must you taint these festivities with your web of lies?" Natasha wonders of Lianne of the seaweed with that same deadpanned inflection characteristic of her usual brand of mirthsome comments, but her earlier amusement only seems to intensify at the sound of the Marquessa's laughter. Taking her stein, she narrows her gaze at the course, before taking the first step, caution and precision enabling her to wander through and finishing with not a dropped spilled. There's that, at least, even if her time isn't as long as the rest. Go ahead, *wash her in your judgment* - just not with beer. She manages to return to where her companions are, though, taking a seat next to stein-racing buddy, Sabella.

Sabella raises her brows in amusement to Natasha. "Does he? His note back seemed... Oh, but the notes from Alarissa!" She laughs with bubbling happiness as she spots Jerrica and allows her cousin to dab at her. "Jerrica, my dear, have you met people? Shall I introduce you?" She introduces her, sort of. With a flourish, she starts pointing people out. "That is my newest protege, Apollo Whisper. He is, at least in my opinion, a legendary craftsman of our time. Next to him is Marquessa Lianne Malespero, who recently took our dear Lady Sunaia from the Crownlands - but we forgive her on account of being so lovely. Then there is Duchess Khanne Halfshav, who is a Crown Minister like me! Agriculture. You might enjoy speaking with her..." The introductions continue until the princess has noted everyone she could. Then she wanders back to the table, sitting with her beer and her Princess Pal, Natasha.

Noah starts to say something to Jaenelle and stops as he hears his name. There is a lowered brow as he looks over the others. A question to Jaenelle before he moves towards Mabelle. A breath before a lower rumble. "What is it that I have won, Lady Laurent?"

The three of them, Alessia, Cristoph, and Tyche, seem to be having a good laugh over something. Probably the spilled beer, and the Marquessa's lack of grace. The redhead responds to Cristoph, one hand on the beer, the other moving to lock over Alessia's arm, keeping the woman trapped by the pair of them, forced to listen to their antics. What torture!

Bibi, a snowy white peahen have been dismissed.

Mabelle regards Amari entertainedly, "I have a fainting goat, her hair is so silken, so Ivy and I are trying to see what we can do with that. We already dropped quite a few bundles of sheers in the college when I recently visited Artshall". Upon hearing Venturo and Noah approaching her, Mabelle reaches for another box, this one displaying a brilliantly sparkly Honey Diamond, "There you go!"

Alessia has joined the a padded couch that used to be a beer barrel.

Mabelle has left the all you can eat with your beer buffet.

Mabelle has joined the a padded couch that used to be a beer barrel.

Noah nods his head towards Mabelle to return to Jaenelle. There may have even been a thank you. He can be nice. Sometimes.

As she is introduced, Khanne lifts her hand and smiles to Jerrica. "Pleasure to meet you." She starts to applaud, rising from her seat as the winner, Prince Noah Grayson, is declared. "Congrats!"

Lianne looks from Volya across to Auda, offering a small smile to the alchemist, whether it's caught or not. Natasha is welcomed back warmly, not a hint of mischief shared. She looks proud of her patron. When she catches names being spoken nearby, her attention turns to Sabella and Jerrica, a friendly smile cast toward the unfamiliar princess, her head bowed in some semblance of apology. Acknowledgement of the Crownlands' loss, at least. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, your highness."

Trapped or no, Alessia seems perfectly fine with being pulled over to the couch, and her spirits are high as she drinks from her cup. "Hmm yes." Though she does a double take at something said, before laughing once again, glancing at Cris to gauge his reaction.

Apollo gives Jerrica a bright smile, and a dip of his head. "Very good to meet you," he says, in good cheer, just after finishing stein number two. "Gods, did he really?" he wonders, angling a look to find Prince Noah amongst the attendees. He amends, on the heels of Lianne's greeting - to Jerrica - "Your highness." Yes, propriety. He manages, generally!

"Your Highness, My Lady, My Lady...." Jerrica tries to keep up but there are just too many people. "You'll have to forgive me if I only recognize your faces later." She takes another long drink and imagines that many people may not remember all the names from tonight!

Auda frowns a little when Noah managed to out speed-walk her, but it isn't a serious frown! It's more mildly disappointed, really. At least she has a full stein of beer, which she proceeds to drink from! There's a glance around the festival, checking in on this or that person-- and a little lopsided smile offered back to Lianne. Hell, there's even a little finger-wave.

As the tension from the festivitives begin to calm, Mabelle smiles to Venturo and then turns to the guests, "Thank you all for attending the Beer Festival. I am grateful for my very industrious co host, Master Venturo. Feel free to remain if you like and enjoy the food and drinks offered. If you fancy more competitions where you get messy, you can always come and bake with the Laurents next week. Have a lovely rest of the evening".

Mabelle is overheard praising Venturo: Wonderful Co-host

Lianne is overheard praising Mabelle: Riotously successful.

Noah is overheard praising Mabelle.

Noah is overheard praising Venturo.

Jerrica is overheard praising Mabelle.

Jerrica is overheard praising Venturo.

Natasha is overheard praising Venturo.

Apollo is overheard praising Mabelle.

Natasha is overheard praising Mabelle.

Lianne is overheard praising Venturo: Magnificently cruel.

Alessia is overheard praising Mabelle.

Apollo is overheard praising Venturo.

Baelos wades through the crowds with his typical gusto. Did he just arrive or has he been here all along? Judging by his apparent drunkenness, maybe he has been hanging out by the beer tables for some time... "Not bad at all!" He bellows in a deep voice as a man next to him rapidly polishes off a large stein. The Redrain claps him on the back. No, clearly he is too loud to have been here unnoticed. Having long ago perfected the rare quadruple-fist, he manages to grab four steins by the handles and moves further into the party, sloshing away.

Khanne is overheard praising Venturo.

Apollo is overheard praising Natasha: How does one look -stylish- with a stein in hand?

Khanne is overheard praising Mabelle.

Auda is overheard praising Venturo.

Auda is overheard praising Mabelle.

Jaenelle claps softly, almost as if she is just doing the motions! When Noah is announced the winner. "Very good." Then she turns towards Venturo and Mabella, "thank you both, I enjoyed this very much!"