Bryn, a flustered lovelorn Prodigal assistant, Khadija, a most lovely voice of reason arrive, following Svana.

Svana drops Elanne Grayhope.

Svana drops Rowan Grayhope.

Children are running around inside and outside of the butterfly garden dome, to which a cheerfully bright Sabella calls out half-heartedly, "No running!" It is a fruitless command, and one she doesn't put much emphasis into. Assistants are just putting the finishing touches on a treat table laden with cakes and cookies and all manner of other sweets. A small bar has been arranged for the adults. Sabella makes her way over to Niklas as guests begin to arrive, smiling warmly to greet them.

Mabelle is not here for children or butterflies, she's here for the cake. Clad in tweed from head to toe, quite literally, a butterfly lands on one of her hat's feathers before she even makes it in. Sabella and Niklas get a flutter of her fingers before she beelines to the dessert tray.

For once in her life, Babette isn't smiling as she enters the Butterfly garden. The Grayson princess weaves her way through the crowd of running children as she approaches Sabella, and offers her kinswoman a slight bow of her head. "Forgive me for running late. I tried to see if there was anything on butterflies in our library or at the Page. I couldn't find anything, sadly."

Arion arrives a little early perhaps, but he is smiling warmly, his shimmering gown of green and gold catching the light and flattering his lithe form. That long waist length hair tumbles beautifully down his back and shoulders, neatly brushed and styled to perfection. He carries a basket filled with colorful little balls made of some strange thin material with swirling smoke inside them. He brushes a strand of that crimson hair back behind a small pale ear as he approches Sabella and Niklas. He curtsies rather than bows, smiling warmly. "Your highnesses. I hope its okay for me to attend. Arion Harrow, at your service. I wanted to bring some of my work for the children to play with. Alchemy can make some wonderful things. Coloredsmoke bombs. Quite safe, unless you fear color, glitter, or the scent of various flowers and herbs?" He smiles softly. Plucking a green ball from the basket he smiles and looks to the children. Glancing to Niklas he asks. "May I?"

While she is not a child, Lady Esme Fidante is a fan of the host of the event. There is her trademark almost feline saunter as she arrives into the area. It's perfected to left hip, right hip, sway. Left hip, right hip, swing. Left hip, right hip, sway. It's the walk of a Southern woman, but Esme just seems to have more prowl. One might assume that she's on the hunt for something until they really take her in.

The telltale green eyes display a happy sort of energy from Esme as she moves further in and looks around. The auburn twists and turns move into place as she approaches Sabella and Niklas. However, her lips are curved into that radiating smile of hers. As if she could just light up the room and rival the sun. This, too, is broken by the squeal that leaves her lips. "Sabeeeeeeeeeelllllaaaaa." Yep. Incoming. The squeal heard around the world and if she doesn't move, Esme is going to be wrapping her up in a hug.

Arriving in with his left arm behind the Lady Arsenia Malvici's rear to hoist the kid up, the Lord Martino Malvici is stepping into the Butterfly Garden with daughter. The young child, fifteen months old, hiding away within his umbra coat as he's chuckling slightly. Dipping his chin downwards for both Sabella and Niklas, "Ah good to see you both. Apologies, Arsenia here is at... shy-stage it seems after the pointing phase."

Niklas stands midway between the little bar set up for adults and the sweet laden table of treats set up for the children and adults alike. The man having just received a messenger looks to the parchment before lifting the sample with it giving a little sniff to the paper with the scent upon it. And then another, and finally another, the man's eyes actually veiling briefly as his smile grows. Very quickly several things happen, a chain reaction set off with that first sniff as he quickly looks around, Duc for the moment out of commission after taking too close a look at the reptile house. Instead Nik is quickly motioning Isabelle over holding the message up and waving it as he tells her in a voice brimming with excitment, "I need you to go back to the mansion and get me my satchel. Not the art satchel or the writing satchel.. Yes that satchel." The man quickly sending her off before calling over Sam even as Sabella makes her way over. The man speaking quietly with the not a princess only to have Arion entering and offering that greeting. Nik's eyes lighting up almost seeming to gleam. "YOU.. Oh you marvelous man. Yes, welcome welcome. Come join us drink and sweets." The man then looks to Sabella and offers up the sample to the woman. "Yes.. Oh yes my love, your new signature scent perhaps." The man giving the woman a quick wink clearly already plotting and planning.

The one year olds run ahead of Svana into the garden, only falling down like they're little drunk people a few times in a row. She has her newest babies strapped to her chest in a carrier. Svana looks a bit tired around the eyes, and she gives a half-bow to Princess Sabella and Prince Niklas before spotting Martino. "Ah! Finally someone else with children."

A child with sticky hands run in the direction of Mabelle and quickly she begins running, likely out of the area.

The future Marquessa of Giant's Reach enters the butterfly garden hugging a kraken plushie tight to her chest as she boldly leads her siblings Entreri and Jacqueline with her father Marquis Cirroch Sanna following carring the youngest, Rikkon. Bear walks along side of Atoli nearly dwarfing the toddler as her personal guard.

Sabella doesn't even blink as Mabelle heads straight for the desserts, laughing softly. "Lady Mabelle! There is a strawberry cake with our name on it. *Our*," she emphasizes before looking back at the other guests as they come in. Babette is greeted with arms open for a hug. "Bette, I am so happy yu made it. The children will be delighted to see you again so soon after our visit to Bastion. There is nothing? Hm." A slight crease in her brow denotes a moment of thought. "We shall have to fix that. Ah, you have not met anyone yet, have you? Lady Mabelle, there? She is a very good person to know. Be sure to meet her." Arion gets her attention next. "By all means! Arion, you said? Princess Sabella Grayson, pleased to meet you. I am sure the children will *love* it. As will I. Glitter!" Her excitement is eclipsed only by the excitement of Esme, who is perfect in her amazingness. "Esmeeeee!" It is a powerful hug, the kind that probably sparks rainbows to fly off in all directions, two such vibrant women coming together as they.

"Well it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have Arsenia here meet some more now." Crinkling his eyes at Svana, Martino's chuckling hush as he's walking further into the garden along with her. Bouncing the daughter up against his side, Arsenia's face is remaining hidden within coat, "If she /wants/ to come out today."

Arion checks intellect and alchemy at easy. Arion is successful.

Esme seems to almost snuggle into Sabella. There are sure to be rainbows and sunshine everywhere. Then she pulls back for a moment to study the woman. "Your hair is just radiate. You must truly be shimmering in delight. I have missed you in my travels, but we must see to duty, mustn't we?" She grapples her a bit tighter before a release. Those emerald greens eyes move over the area. A vibrant smile to everyone they land on but it's clear that she's looking for someone and there. She spies him. A kiss to Sabella's cheek and Esme is off for, "NIKLAS!!" Yeah, incoming.

Svana moves a bit closer to Martino and grins at him. "Come, don't be shy, Lady Arsenia! Little Elanne would love to play." She scans the garden for her child(ren) and finds Elanne pointing at things and babbling a bit, while aggressively patting her brother on the back, as if she's the authority of the Butterfly Garden. Svana rolls her eyes. "It's going to be a long day. I hope you have a hip flask. I thought about hiding mine in the carrier here, with Eydis and Ashani but... that seemed undignified."

The redheaded Princess embraces her kinswoman with a hug. "Not a single thing... I thought I found a couple books, but one was a story, and another turn out to be a book on economics of all things. I thought about checking that one out, but I thought I'd..." The princess continues to spill out words before Sabella redirects her attention back to the guests. "Oh, Lady Madelle! Yes. We ironically met the other day at the page when I was looking for books for the party. She said she is your benefactor?" Bette turns her attention to Esme as she approaches and lets out an excited squeal. "Esme! It is so good to see you!"

As more people begin to arrive and Sabella and Esme greet one another in the powerful hug Niklas chuckles softly, The Grayson Prince looking to Babette. "We will have to fix that, soon you will know many." The man offering a warm reassuring smile to the Princess before his brow furrows. "No butterflies in the library you say..no that won't do at all." His head giving a little shake before he sees Mabelle quickly running from sticky children. The sight bringing his features to soften briefly before he is glancing to Arion, "Isabelle ran to retrieve my Satchel, but with the sample you sent along. I would be happy to help and invest in your business and future Arion. I would suggest though, if you wish to get out of the lowers. Maybe look into the ward, plenty of people moving through it after all." With that said he dips his head to Arion, "If you'll excuse me I have to go greet a few new arrivals." With that said Nik is about to step off only to find himself facing down an incoming Esme, a look of amusement mingled with surprise showing as he falls victim to the hug happy noblewoman.

As Atoli spots the other children she leads her little army of siblings in the direction of them with her personal guard Bear, a large sheppard dog. Ansgar takes Rikkon from Cirroch and goes to supervise the children.

Cirroch heads over to Sabella, "Princess Sabella, thank you for holding such an event for the children to be able to have a moment to themselves." He puts his right hand to his heart and then offers a small bow, "Marquis Cirroch Sanna, of Giant's Reach. It's been awhile since we last met. Sasha extends her greetings and apologizes for not being able to be here today. She does so love the Butterfly Gardens, and watching children at play." He then turns to watch for a moment, or to verify that Atoli is not attempting to rule all of the children.

Esme is overheard praising Sabella: Because she's the best at throwing kid's parties.

There is a flurry of movement on the path leading in as Domonico Magnotta enters, attired, predictably enough, in his leather and fireweave, red cloak sweeping behind him. His gaze however is not sweeping the room as he usually does but instead is focussed on the young blonde haired girl who is picking up the pace before him as she begins to break into an experimental run as she forms the vanguard of the pair. "Rawr!" goes Arsenia's cousin Palania.

Esme checks composure at normal. Esme marginally fails.

Turning her head out of Martino's coat, Arsenia's ice-blue eyes blink at Svana as she's coming to recognise her. Pointing a fingertip, the tiny child-stub angles down, "Hoi! Allo." Starting to kick and squirm as she's looking across to Svana's children and wanting down.

"Mmm looks like that did the trick... thank you Svana." Angling down, Martino's settling his daughter down so she can waddle off before wryly grinning, "Oh it is only going to get worse for Kaia and I, unfortunately. But you are suggesting a hip flask to survive parenthood with more than one?"

Arion beams at Niklas. "Of course Prince Niklas. I take it this means you like my sample scent? One moment and I will join you, let me give the children thier gifts." He smiles and approches the little ones croching down and setting the basket on the ground beside them. "How many of you would like to see something wodnerful? Many think that only magic can create fairy dust, well its not magic I have found a way to make what I call glitterdust." he holds up the shimmering green orb to a little girl. "Break it on the ground. Don't be afraid. Its safe and wonderful, I promise." He smiles gently and when the orb cracks he smell of sweet lemongrass and wildflowers can be scented as smoke of meadow green drifts glittering through the air. "Each ball has a different color and scent. Play with them as much as you like." He smiles and rises curtseying to the young ones before returning to Niklas and getting himself some wine to drink.

Once released from the hug of wonder, Sabella smiles to Martino and gives a little finger waggle to Arsenia. "Relara and Gareth are among the *runners*," she notes, a gesture toward the butterfly dome. "But perhaps she might enjoy that little activity group where Lulu and Clara have found distraction?" The younger children have a group of assistants helping them make little butterfly crafts. Her cerulean eyes land on Svana then, and the children. "Mistress Svana, welcome! Do please come and relax, let the children play and you get a drink, hm?" She's momentarily distracted by a piece of paper shoved under her nose by her very excitable husband. "Niklas that's.... Divine." Her eyes go wide, a dreamy look on her face. She shakes out of it as she sees Mabelle leaving. "Oh, hm. Babette, you know Esme and Niklas... This is Lord Martino Malvici, he is the husband of Lady Kaia, I am sure you remember her from childhood, Kaia Bisland? We will get you reintroduced at some point."

Svana tuuuurns her head slowly as Arion starts talking about sample scents, looking down to Arsenia descending from Martino's arms. She laughs at the little girl. Rowan is straying away from his sister, likely eager to get away from the back patting, and coming closer to Arion. Magic tricks?

Svana bows her head once more, this time in the direction of Sabella. "Thank you, Princess Sabella. That is a generous and much needed offer. And thank you for putting on this event, I'm glad to have my children meet others!" She smiles at Domonico, bowing her head to him. "Well met, sir."

"Oh my majestic artist of words. If you were not married, I would steal you away for your talents." Esme gushes over Niklas as her eyes slide up to his tiara to see if he's wearing one and which one. "You are looking glorious in your wonderfulness." Then there is a hug that rivals all hugs only to see.. "Babette! Oh, I truly feel it has been forever. I can't remember the last time I was in Bastion or you in Tor. I kept hoping you would come to the city." She turns to hug her as well, if she's willing. Then there are others that join the party. Esme's emerald eyes fall to a blonde rawr'ing child. There is a tick to her face. Then her smile dies. It's almost like the clouds concealing the sun and everything that goes with it. Her eyes tick up from the girl to her father before she meets his eyes and then turns back towards Babette. "Oh! Martino is most fabulous as well." The smile curving back up. "If you will excuse me, I'm going to get a drink, but we simply must catch up soon."

Wiggling his fingertips towards Arsenia, encouraging her further in, Martino's straightening himself once more. Sharp greens creasing at Princess Sabella's voice, "Oh a pleasure to meet you Princess Babette. Oh we have likely passed each other in the House of Questions. Should you need some more orientation there, do let me know." Bowing his torso down to Babette in greeting, Martino's further within the garden now and flickering an easy smile across to Esme. Arsenia meanwhile is staggering in with the other children to watch Arion with a curious face.

As Esme greets him in that way and hugs him in such a way it brings Nik's smile to grow, the Grayson Prince's arms wrapping around the woman as his weight shifts. Niklas actually spinning briefly with Esme before releasing the woman and giving up the hug with her. "And you Esme are radiant as ever. And my talents or my eye for the best of sweets?" The man playfully asking before he is dipping his head to her, the man wearing a coronet like he seemed to normally be. Moments later he is stepping away excusing himself to move to greet Cirroch, "Marquis Sanna, Good to see you again. This time perhaps less sweets will be worn." The greeting given warmly to the man. "Please help yourself to drink or food, though I should warn most of it is sweeter in taste and style."

"Well, I don't think anyone expected I would end up in the city quite like I did, but here I am," Babette says to Esme. "It has been far too long. How have you been these days? We need to talk more soon." Babette turns her attention back to Martino. "That would actually be helpful. I still need to reach out and make introductions, but I am almost nervous about it with a few of them..."

Domonico is still mostly focussed on watching Palania and making sure she doesn't chase after butterflies. The young child however seems more interested in the various adults around and bounces between them in turn, pausing in front of them and 'Rawr-ing' in turn before finding a new victim. Martino is first, followed in short order by Svanna, Babette and then Niklas.

Domonico on the other hand notes his brother and greets him with a nod before locking eyes with Esme. A pause and he gives her a slight smile and nod before Palania interrupts with the RAWR directed at the Fidante.

Svana has a messenger that pops up, seemingly out of nowhere. She sighs softly, making arrangements for the nanny to come sit with the kids before leaning to kiss Martino's cheek and say goodbye. "Khadija won't let Elanne pee on anything, I hope." She heads out as soon as the nanny gets there.

Svana gets Elanne Grayhope.

Svana gets Rowan Grayhope.

Bryn, a flustered lovelorn Prodigal assistant, Khadija, a most lovely voice of reason leave, following Svana.

Wryly drawing his lips across to Babette, Martino's voice is laughing hush. "Oh I can imagine why... I was in the same place and, with a few, still the same." Narrowing distance between the two, he's lowering his voice slightly, "Now likely isn't the time for us to speak of work but... let us catch up in the next few days. Be sure to bring a blank book and pen." Crinkling eyes at Svana as she's taking his leave, murmuring low reply, Martino's bowing his head to Domonico and greeting Palania with a broad smile, "Oh Arsenia is over there Palania... you cannot miss her." Pointing his fingertip off to near Arion.

"Marquis Sanna!" Sabella's voice is bubbly as she greets the man and his small brood. "Oh, I do hope my cousin is well, send her our regards? There are butterfly... experts? In the dome, sharing information about the different ones, and a craft area over there," she points out the various places, "And plenty of delicious treats to enjoy!" She inclines her head to Domonico, giving Palania a friendly finger waggle as well. She becomes wholly distracted by whatever it is that Niklas is up to, however, and tucks herself at his side and threads her fingers with his. "Beloved." She doesn't say anything else, her gaze scanning the gathering to see what Relara is getting up to.

Arion sips his wine and drifts over to the children again, showing them how to play with the glitter bombs. He picks up a purple one and spins it through the air in a dazzling show only for it to explode midair. Purple smoke fills the air with glitter and the smell of lavender. He grins. A gold ball is offered a little boy. "You try?"

Entreri comes running over and falls on his face just as he's about to get to Cirroch. Cirroch has a minor moment of looking down to the child, a little bit of worry on his face, then Entreri can be heard laughing. The man reaches down and picks his son up holding him in one arm as he then nods to Niklas, "Prince Nikals, you remember Entreri? Entreri, this is the nice man that you threw cake at last you met." He bounce Entreri for a moment before looking to the child, "And what was needed so urgently?"

Entreri leans in to whisper something to his father then hides his face into their shoulder. Cirroch starts laughing. "Son. Ansgar has the plushies."

Palania, after suitably cowing the adults into submission with her fearsome 'rawrs' (or at least getting their attention momentarily) tottles off towards Arsenia after Martino's direction, face screwed up as she finds her cousin, giving her a hug then giving everyone around Arsenia a firm stare as proclaims her friendship with the young Malvici protectively.

Domonico responds to Sabella's nod in kind.



When Sabella comes over the man's fingers interlace with her own, The man leaning in to steal a quick kiss from his wife before leaning back. "My love.. a wonderful idea this was." The man then leanings in to murmur, "If there is thrown cake I am taking the pudding and going to war." The man teasing before he is looking to Cirroch. "Ah yes, I do indeed. A good arm this one." The man speaking with amusement as he motions to the boy held by Cirroch.

Finally the golden fainter rouses from his dirt nap, the little thing raising up onto wobbly legs only to move off after Palania curious as to what the child was doing.

Esme drops her eyes towards Palania for a few moments. Then she gives an over the top gasp and jumpes away from her. "Oh! You are so scary." Her eyes open expressively wide, but it's her give away. She lowers down to child level with a shake of her head. "You are obviously going to grow up to be a strong, brave heroine. You are already so very fierce." She offers out her hand. "Lady Esme Fidante."

Gasping as she's looking up, Arsenia's eyes are widely looking at the one of the glitter bombs. Gasping, blinking and giggling with a slight look of terror on her. Shuffling closer to the rest of the kids around Arion.

"Mmm, who knew that they get worse, then worse. Then better. Then worse. Mm?" Wryly smirking at Domonico, Martino's nudging his head towards Arsenia before finally getting himself a drink. "But, Princess Babette. Book and coffee. We'll arrange for your... induction of sorts."

"I think I'd like that. Have things been active here in the city recently?" Babette asks Lord Martino. Bette turns her attention back to Sabella. "Speaking of books... that reminds me. I was doing some reading in the library and I wanted to know if it would be possible to expand our collection sometime soon."

Palania didn't understand everything Esme was saying to her but jutted her chin out proudly as the hand is offered, looks at it before grabbing not Esme's hand, but her wrist in a imitation of a warrior's forearm grip greeting. A few shakes and then she was off to be with Arsenia.

Domonico occupies the vacancy she left and gives Esme a smile, "I think she likes you. She didn't try to push you over." Martino's comment gets a nod and he murmurs to his brother, "I think Palania is very protective of your daughter." Back to Esme again and his tone softens, "How are you My Lady?"

Arion notes young Arsenia's fear and gives her a gentle gaze, reassuring her with soft words and a sweet smile. Offering her a pink glitter ball he encourages her. "Its okay, I promise. They cause no harm. This one smells like roses, want to try it? Just toss it wherever you want. You have nothing to fear." He soothes her with a smile, encouarging the kids to take as many as they want.

Entreri is allowed back to the ground and the boy runs off to find Ansgar. Then Cirroch is watching Jacqueline step out of her brothers spring and is very carefully grapping at the pies and cakes on the table. Piling several into a small apron that she is wearing, creating a mess. The Marquis sighs a little, then turns to the table that Niklas has pointed out with drinks.

"I believe that we will need more drinks and a good sheild soon." Cirroch notes loudly to the rest of the adults as he pours himself a drink.

Sabella grins after Niklas steals that kiss, dipping her chin at his compliment. "Well, it is very nearly Relara's fifth birthday. I thought she might like a party. But I did not want to call it such." The interaction between Martino and Babette catches her attention before her cousin speaks to her. "Oh, I am so glad you two have a chance to talk now. This has worked out marvelously! And, yes, I imagine that would be just fine." A playful look settles across her features. "I assume you are not talking about bringing in more novels for me, however?"

A shout from the direction of where Arion shows off his smoke bombs draws her attention. Gareth. Pretending for all that he is a heroic knight battling a lavender smoke breathing dragon. "Gareth, sweetheart, do not hit anyone with that stick!" Sabella is not even sure where he got the stick.

"Mmmm so she is. Just you wait until the next ones arrive... whenever that might be." Laughing slightly more to Domonico, Martino's shoulders are shrugging before turning his chin once more to Babette, "Oh they have been but for... split reasons. Let me have the Princess Natasha Thrax sit with you as well. Curiously was there something you were perhaps looking into more?" Stepping closer to Babette, the Malvici Lord is lowering his voice to keep hush while swirling glass of wine.

"Of course we could bring in more novels," she says. "However, I was mostly talking about the non-fiction collection. More research. The histories. Maybe a couple of books on butterflies of course. What do you think the kids would like added to the collection?"

Esme totally would have given Gareth a stick. She straightens and nods her head towards Domonico. "Am I?" The question is lightly given before she offers quickly as if hoping no one catches that. "I am well, Count. It is good to see you out and about." Her eyes slide over towards Martino and Babette. "You know, I was planning to marry Martino until he just ran off and married others. He shattered my heart. Shattered it." She's lying. The playfulness in her eyes show this. "I was thinking how he might make it up to me and this talk of books makes me think he should just allow me full access to his library whenever I want." There is a wink towards Babette, so she doesn't think that she is being honest in this.

The response from Sabella has Niklas giving a nod, "Well this is a fine not a fifth birthday party." The man giving his wife a quick wink afte he tells her that. When he hears the comment on how soon they might need more drinks and shields Niklas gives Cirroch a curious look only to spot the apron and cake wielding daughter. A grin spreading along his lips as he nods, "Well seems I may have to go get my pudding." A little shake of his head given before he leans in to whisper to Sabella. Moments later he draws away moving to Isabelle as the woman returns, fishing out a bit of paperwork checking it over before he nods moving to Arion, the papers held up, "Here you go Arion, Should be enough to find your footing outside of the lowers."

Widening her eyes at Arion's attention, Arsenia's grabbing at the pink glitter ball and holding it into her dark red vest. Grinning at him, excited, she's throwing it down at the feet of hers and Svana's children before clapping and trying to make another. MORE MESS!

Esme is overheard praising Arion: All the glitter!!

Martino is overheard praising Arion: Ensured my darling daughter didn't blow up EVERYONE

A stick? A dangerous weapon indeed and one that has now been identified. There is a narrowing of the little Magnotta's eyes as she spies Gareth and puts herself between the stick wield menace at Arsenia (who is oblivious to the danger as enraptured by pink glitter balls).

Domonico's face hardens a moment before he softens once more at Esme's words. "I think you have the run of the libraries of most Houses should you desire Esme and... PALANIA NO!"

The shout is aimed at his daughter... a split second too late as the running toddler tackle slams into the four year old stick wielding Gareth in order to take down that threat.

Cirroch checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Cirroch is successful.

Arion smiles warm and grateful to Niklas. "Thank you Your Highness! I already have plans in mind for how I want to set up my shop. Umm. Would you like me to set that sample scent I offered you aside as a signiture scent for someone? You seemed to like it. I can make it strictly for one customer if desired. That way its a unique scent unlike any other I sell." He smiles softly. Then he spots Garteh and his stick. He blinks, quickly he snatches the stick away from the child replacing it with a red glitter ball. "Here. There are no dragons brave warrior, no need to fight the air. Why don't you dance and wander in the smoke, maybe you will be blessed with a vison of something interesting and amazing?"

Arion checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Arion is successful.

The distractions between watching a toddler take out Gareth, and glitter flying everywhere then the recognized scream from Atoli calling the children to arms. And the cake starts to fly.

Atoli is standing in front of Bear and demanding that the 'troops' throw the cake at the adults, Entreri has gotten a plushie and is standing along side of Bear, and Jaqueline is sitting on the ground handing out cake and pudding to whomever will take it - as well as stuffing her face with the sweets.

Cirroch manages to step out of the way of the first piece of cake flying through the air. Where it lands he's not paying much attention to. Though the man is laughing to himself.

"Oh, Relara likes anything with pretty pictures, she is quite the budding ar- wha?" Sabella is interrupted as Domonico shouts and Gareth barely stumbles as Palania collides with him. The little boy blinks, looks up at Arion, takes the red ball and stares at it. "Thank you, Goodman Harrow." The princess breathes a little easier as her son throws the ball straight up over his head. Boys. "Yes, Esme, please come visit the Grayson library anytime you please." Her eyes flick back to Babette. "Are there books on how to convince your son to be a nice, quiet economic type?" She laughs softly before noticing the... Oh. That's why Niklas said she would need her parasol.

"I think I ran into a couple books on economics earlier actually, but I doubt they are the kind of books that they'd be interested in. Few pictures too." Babette leans in to whisper something to Martino, and squints slightly at the side conversation.

Niklas grins hearing the words from Arion, "We will discuss something along those lines soon, now is not the time for business. I may have a suggestion for the name." The man moments later drawn away as Gareth is near pounced by the protective girl. Niklas calling out, "It means she's sweet on you son, Stand fast." With that said and the battle line being drawn by the eldest of the Sanna brood Niklas is quick to make his way over to the snack table taking up position near the large bowl of pudding, one hand moving to grasp the spoon as the man gets ready to protect the sweets and of course his velvet tights after the last food fight versus velvet warfare.

Domonico checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Domonico is successful.

Chuckling hush to himself on the conversation about books between Babette and Sabella, Martino's left hand is rolling forth from his chest while right still cradling beneath wine, "Well I have a written a book that might be of interest. It is in the Archives, in the Gilded Page's collection." Turning his chin towards Babette, he's mmming before offering his ear once more.

Arion smiles and gently scoops up Palania offering her a silver glitter ball. "You are noble and brave, defending your friend like that. Here. Yur reward noble defender. I believe that one is scented with a special flower that only blooms under the moonlight. He brings the little girl back to her father and offers the man a shy smile and a faint blush. "Sorry. I did not mean to cause trouble..."

Afar to Esme, Martino's laughing slightly and tisking to her. "Married others? My, my. I did not marry any others but simply swept them off their feet before escaping out the window. Your letters, though, always were written by - my - hand." Raising his glass of wine across to Esme before nodding. "But you are certainly welcome to. Let me know what books might take your interest."

Esme opens her eyes wide and she steps beside Martino and then a bit behind him. No, the knight is not using the man as a shield at all. Not at all." Her lips curve up a bit to the girl's antics. However, she's watching to see how this all plays out. Then she cants her head towards Martino. "You say that, but now. //NOW// I doubt that. When you were telling me how much you loved the long lines of my horse. Was that really from you? Or when you said that you found my beauty to be unmatched did you mean by candlelight? Because telling someone they are beautiful in candlelight is not telling them they are beautiful." She offers towards Babette and Martino in a feigned whisper. "Would it be wrong to take odds on the children for who's to be victor?"

Domonico moves with purpose towards his daughter, swaying back momentarily to avoid a cake that was launched by someone small. Palania on the other hand was very disgruntled that her heroic charge was for naught against the older boy (and had been bounced onto her rear with a huff by the impact). Arion's scooping her up in his arms though? That doesn't get the best of results, despite the offering of the silver ball. Oh no. Palania kicks, slaps her hands out and RAWRS into Arion's face as she attempts to smite the man for daring to interrupt her brave crusade against Gareth. Fortunately Domonico is there to take her off of Arion *just* before biting was about to become a viable tactic. Now in her father's arms, she rails in protest a while before giving baleful glares to all around. "That is fine Messere. She's rather willful and protective already it seems. You did no wrong." He gives the man a nod before carrying thw pouting Palania back towards his brother and Esme. "Very sorry about that."

Atoli appears to be ready to throw a fit if the other children don't 'get in line' and 'start behwaving properly as the sowders that they are.' Her sister, Jacquline is quite happy with the sweets that she's gotten to herself though is running low now. And sabotage! Entreri has thrown both the plushie and cake at his oldest sister, now trying to climb onto bear. The large dog is quite used to the toddlers trying to ride him, and thus lays down looking up at all the children with its large brown eyes, the dog's fur makes for a massive floof suddenly lain down with the toddler still holding onto part of its side and then flopping on top of the dog with a giggle.

Cirroch makes his way over to Niklas, "Perhaps something better than a spoon for delivery? Unless you're seeking more spray than direct, Prince?"

Sabella is... Backing away from the cake throwing children. About the same time, Relara has gotten involved in the mess and sneaks up on her, smushing pudding onto the princess' hair where it sways along her lower back. Her eyes go wide. For a split second, it looks like Sabella might have a meltdown, but she instead quickly turns, snatches up her eldest, and mercilessly tickles the squirming child. Peals of laughter come from the pair before the girl is released. Then a gesture to her lady-in-waiting has Sabella's hair very carefully being cleaned with a handkerchief and water.

Niklas checks charm and performance at normal. Niklas is successful.

Esme cants her head at the food fight and sighs. "The tactics.." She looks over at Domonico for a moment and offers out her arms. "Hello little one. I'm a Knight of Limerance. I feel we should talk about duty and honor of a knight. You want to come with me for a moment?" She's so trusting. Soooo trusting. Comeon.. hand the child over. You know you wanna."

Stumbling towards cake, but really just landing on the floor, Arsenia's mostly now shuffling on hands and knees while the Lord Martino is distracted in conversation with Esme. Laughing slightly as he's turning on his toes to try and catch Esme behind him, "Mmmm oh if I was to say, would that not ruin the dear surprise? If it was by my hand or by my dear ghost writer?" Glancing to his daughter, at last, Martino's commenting, "Not Arsenia. She likes to throw but cannot stand."

"Oh? I honestly hadn't thought about the spray and cast off.." The man seeming to think a few moments before finally his eyes level upon Atoli and the other children. "The things we do to keep children amused.." With that said he gathers up the bowl of pudding and marches forth. Moving to stand a few yards before the girl only to sink down onto his knees to bring him more to children level, "I challenge you all to a fight, for the honor and title of the daring sweet thrower of socials."

Arion curtsies to Domonico. Yes, a curtsey. He is wearing a dress after all. He smiles kindly, understanding. "You have a wonderful and fierce daughter, she will grow up to be remarkable I'm sure." He burshes that crimson hair back and dodges away from cake throwing looking nervous. "Can I....hide behind someone please? It takes ages to get sweet things out of my hair..."

Domonico gave Arion a nod of respect at the man's words and curtsy. Palania gives Esme a pouting look and leans into her father, not taking her eyes off the Fidante though. She doesn't however bite or slap at Esme's hands so...that's something. "Palania? Esme is a friend. She fights too." That at least meant that Palania gave Esme another thoughtful stare though. "

Atoli has cake in her hair, again by one of her siblings, but also has the coveted plushie. The toddler turns to Niklas, wiping the cake off of her, then takes a bold step forwards, "You need to surwender."

Cirroch watches Niklas take the pudding over to the children, then when he hears the challenge and Atoli's response he's stepping over to his heir. "Atoli. You've been issued a challenge. This is over honor now, not demanding terms of surrender." The toddler looks up to her father, then back to Niklas with a little nod, hugging the plushie closer to her.

Esme checks charm and leadership at normal. Esme is successful.

"Apparently behind me is not safe," Sabella says as her hair continues to be cleaned. "But, do feel welcome to try." The princess is oddly calm about her own hair, given that it is one of her favorite things. Her eyes fall on Niklas, shaking her head. "Esme, I should have you train Gareth."

Esme tries to be most charming towards the child. For a moment, she's focused only on the little girl. "Come on. You can trust me, Darling. I will show you how to be the best knight in all the realms. Or at least this party. Your father trusts me." She does give a side eye towards Sabella and a bright and vibrant smile. "Careful what you wish for."

Niklas checks charm and manipulation at easy. Niklas is successful.

When he is asked to surrender he grins shaking his head just slightly, The man's eyes briefly lifting to Cirroch giving a nod in agreement before he looks back to Atoli and her siblings. "Now then, who is going to make the first attack. I should warn you I am the best pudding thrower in all the compact. In fact, if you ever visit Grayson Mansion there is a large mural of me and the great pudding war of 1010."

Palania, with some trepidation, and only after reassurance from Domonico, accepts Esme's offer, scrunitising the woman's face as she tries to ascertain the meaning of all of Esme's words. "If she tried to bite then hand her back and I am taking her home.'

"Mmm let us speak again soon, Princess Babette, expect to see my dear courier with you soon." Crinkling his sharp green eyes, Martino's bowing his head before turning on his toes to gather up Arsenia as she's dragging herself through the mud and dust. Sighing deeply, holding the stained child against his purple silks, there Martino is holding brave about ruined clothes with mud. Bowing his torso smoothly to Sabella and Niklas, Martino's voice extends brief to the two, "Thank you both. Arsenia seems to have enjoyed herself." Yes. Arsenia is muddy. Dipping his chin low to the other guests, with ease of step the Lord Martino is taking his leave.

an immaculately dressed assistant named Johannes, a slightly embarrassed courier called Guido, Cosimo de'Malvici, the Southport banker leave, following Martino.

Arion bows his head to Domonico and considers a moment, biting his bottom lip. "I am Arion Harrow. Its an honor to meet you and your daughter...my Lord?" He smiles softly. Glancing to the child again he looks rather fond. "She is adorable. Even if she almost bit me. I don't object to biting but that kind of biting is no fun." He blushes a pretty shade of pink. "Did I say that outloud? Oh dear..."

Success! Esme has Palania in her hands and she moves towards the cake and pudding tables. Her eyes slide towards Niklas. "Now, Palania. It is always wise to get a lay of the land. You have to see the tactical advantage. You see how all of this is on one table. We simply move it..." She will shift the girl to one hip as she starts to move the desserts off the table. She's setting them in different places. ".. so that they don't have just one place to go. Now, in times of conflict, we do want them in one place. That way we can.. well we'll get to that. In terms of a Niklas Grayson war though, we do the honorable thing." She picks up some pieces of cake. Some pudding. Then she //kicks// over a table and tucks Palania behind it. "We find a bunker and attack first." With this, she will toss the pudding towards Niklas. "FOR THE SOUTH."

Atoli smiles broadly then looks to Niklas. She takes a step back and is diving behind bear as the cake thrown from the table by Esme is flying through the air. Jacqueline now out of her sweets gets up gingerly and comes over to the pudding bowl and takes a handful of pudding, eating some of it and then the rest is thrown at Niklas.
Cirroch hears the battle cry from behind him and turns just in time to watch the cake start flying, completely missing his daughters antics.

Niklas checks charm and performance at normal. Niklas is successful.

Domonico nods to Arion at his greeting, "Well met Arion Harrow. Count Domonico Magnotta and that..." he points to the young toddler listening rapturously to Esme's tactics, "...is my heir Lady Palania Magnotta. Currently undergoing instruction in war from Lady Esme Fidante." He chuckles at Arion's words and nods, "Indeed you did... and indeed that kind of biting is far from pleasant."

Palania has decided to alternate between throwing cake in random directions and eating it... before offering some to Esme, mushed between her fingers.

Cirroch checks command and leadership at hard. Cirroch fails.

Hearing the cry from behind him Niklas fully expects cake to be lobbed just not at him, So when it smacks him against the upper back splattering into his hair there is a look of surprise, only to then moments later be attacked from the front and the pudding wielding toddler, The bowl of pudding is drawn up as Niklas reacts as if being stabbed by sword and shot full of arrow, tumbling to the ground fully causing the bowl of pudding to e upended across his chest and over his face. After a moment though the man twitches and begins to raise up as he speaks not in Arvani but another tongue and language, an almost musical edge to the words as he raises up to stand only to move on the table and Esme. Someone wanted hugs..oh they will now get hugs.

Niklas says in Sylv'alfar, "Now I rise once more as the dreaded pudding monster, Behold my glorious sweetness..and beware!"

Arion blushes and smiles bashfully. "I apologize Count Magnotta. Sometimes I think outloud. But yes. Sometimes biting can be enjoyed. Getting bit in the name of fighting and war? Not so fun though. He sees cake sailing through the air and squeaks in alarm grabbing Domonico's arms and hiding behind the larger man. "Sorry. I am no warrior. Cake projectiles are hard to wash out too..." He stares at the ground.

Esme checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Esme marginally fails.

Arion checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Arion is successful.

Cirroch says in Northlands shav, "Children that is not the proper means of Sanna. Now stand forth.""

Cirroch attempts to bring his children in and instead has them all giggling at him. He then looks to Jacqueline, "Just like your mother I see."

Jacqueline squeels as Niklas falls over and stands her ground only to then look over to the large dog named Bear as the prince starts to rise babbling at her in some language. Atoli apparently was not running away, though has snuck around the dog and is now creeping up on Niklas's backside with more cake.

Esme glances to the offered cake from the hands of the toddler. She's been in battle. She's eaten worse. "Thank you for sharing, Pala my dearest." She's probably going to be sick later now for this. Then she watches the other children. Oh no. "Don't let him win. He has fallen, everyone to the attack." He has hugging arms and this causes Esme to narrow her eyes and lob some of the cake she has at him. Then her eyes turn to the child beside her. "This is where you must save yourself to fight another day. Run. Run to your father and make sure to wrap your hands all around his legs... to use for a shield." Yes. Shield. Not to dirty his outfit up. Not at all. Then her eyes flick back towards Niklas. "Niki.. my friend... my buddy... can't we talk this out? I mean, I didn't mean to do it..."

Niklas checks charm and propaganda at normal. Niklas is successful.

Niklas doesn't notice the approaching Atoli creeping up behind him even as he closes in on Esme, His hands held out palms up and arms open revealing the sticky mess coating his front. Hearing her pleas his head dips and raises only to have him pouncing forth to wrap his arms around the woman drawing her into a messy pudding filled hug. It's then that his fingers grasp his wrists seeming to try and secure his hold of Esme. "Let's hug it out.." The man squeezing slightly before relaxing though not releasing her as he calls out. "I got her kids, On the attack. Whoever gets the most cake on us wins the crown of Warrior of Sweets. Rise up young ones, Rise up with cake and pudding and sticky treats. RISE UP AND EARN YOUR CROWNS"

Esme checks charm and diplomacy at normal. Esme is successful.

While Domonico is currently being used as a defensive barrier for the panicking Arion, Palania is debating whether or not to leave her new friend Esme to the clutches of Niklas... indeed there is a moment when it looked like she was about to bite again. She does however choose to strategically withdraw from the conflict to show her father her cake covered hands proudly, forgetting the instruction that Esme gave her.

Atoli is quick to dash forwards and put her cake covered hands upon Niklas's legs. Jaqueline continues to stand by the remaining pudding bowl, getting more on her than anyone else. Entreri looks up at his father and mumbles broken northland back at him. Cirroch has lost control of the children, this is typically when Sasha or Windi would step in. Instead he has Ansgar and Petroc who both are having a quiet laugh on a bench nearby as Rikkon sleeps on Ansgar's shoulder. Throwing his hands into the air, with a sigh, he turns to the dog, which in turns looks back at him with a smiliar sigh.

There is a squeal that rises up out of Esme as she's 'hugging it out' with Niklas. Esme looks at him most sadly, but it never shows in her tattle tale eyes. Those don't seem willing to let her lie at all. "I..." Hmmmm. Then she pauses and offers, "No, children do not listen to the false promises. He leads you not to the crown of glory, but away from the valor of honor. Would you attack a defenseless woman held captive by an undead creature? For surely he fell and rose again. He is sweets of temptation made of man. Surely, you wish not to attack such things. No, in the name of the honor of Limerance and the Gods forsake the battle he leads you into. Turn his despair and want for battle into love. Grab up all your cakes of love and puddings of devotion. Wrap your arms and hands around Niklas. Show him that you love him. Defeat his war with the love of our hearts that come from the duty in which we live and love." She leans in to whisper something to Niklas as he holds her.

Sabella checks command and intimidation at normal. Sabella is successful.

Relara has decided that her attack on Sabella was insufficient and sneaks off put pudding in Gareth's hair. It is at that point that Sabella decides she has let her eldest get into enough trouble. "Relara, Gareth, go to Maureen and get cleaned up. Now." While she doesn't *look* mean or angry, her voice has taken on an authoritative edge that demands attention and obedience. The children go find their nanny, and the princess helps herself to a glass of wine.

Niklas checks composure at hard. Niklas is successful.

Niklas seems to largely ignore the words of Esme spoken to the childrren, despite playing along as the undead pudding creature with a now messy coronet and the rest of him. When Esme leans in to whisper to him he betrays nothing. Just a small playful smile edging his lips as he chuckles softly looking to her a moment only to murmur something back as he releases her and opens his arms for any other impending attacks. The man welcoming them before finally going down slowly as if finally slain.

Esme is overheard praising Niklas: Undead pudding monster