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

Another beautiful autumn day: clear skies, warm sun, cool breeze. A perfect day for celebrating Mangata and kicking off the Days of Libation with fishing contests. As with Good Harvest, tables have been arranged away from the water's edge - some laden with food and drink, others set with chairs for the Faithful to feast. In the sand, a few fire pits have been dug, spits erected over them, giving off the scents of roasting pig, pheasant, and assorted fish. Godsworn and disciples move around the area ensuring platters of baked squash, boiled corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, apple pies, and more are plentiful. Closer to the water, and in the water, there are two distinct areas cordoned off for the fishing contests - by one, buckets and nets are arranged, and by the other buckets and spears.

Harlequin Medeia is joined by Legate Bianca and Archlector Brigida - sort of, Brigida is sitting in her chair facing the water, but she's definitely at least present. A Godsworn rings a bell to get the attention of the gathering crowd. Once things are relatively quiet, Medeia steps forward to address everyone. "Welcome to the first day of the Days of Libation celebrating the goddess Mangata! I am Harlequin Medeia Eswynd, and it is my honor to host today's festivities on behalf of the Faith of the Pantheon in partnership with House Eswynd. In a short while, I'll be announcing the rules for the fishing contests, but first I'd like to introduce Mother Bianca Wyrmguard, Legate of Creation, to get us started with prayer and a very special announcement." She steps back to let Bianca speak.

It is the odd hollow caw of the raven accompanying here that heralds Narcissa's arrival, her usual companion apparently finding some unspoken feud with the gulls down the way from the gathering. With hushed, firm words to settle down, the Fidante Voice gives her companion a reassuring scritch to his feathers before summoning a smile to greet the others. A fond hello is given to the hosts along with thanks, before she makes a beeline for Brigida in her chair. "Puzzling the grand mysteries of life, or contemplating the best bait for your hook?" she asks the older Fidante.

Merek walks along and into the place, wearing his dark attire while he adjusts that about his frame, in addition to the potion belt about the waist. He does take a pole he keeps with him, and finds a place to settle in.

Braxas is here both for the fishing and as entertainment. He carries his lute and wears a fine outfit of umbra and amethyst that attracts some attention here and there. The purple gems sparkle in the autumn sunlight and he smiles playing a few tunes on his lute to welcome the people to the festivities. He is smiling faintly as he plays. This music is upbeat yet soft, lilting and cheerful it soothes and uplifts both as it drifts accross the beach and over the waters. Meanwhile the fluffy kitten form of Grim bounces around chasing a dragonfly around the beach like the hyper feline youngster she is. The kitty might gain a few looks and children trying to play with her and takes it all in stride mewing in greeting to all she meets or runs into. As the bell is run the song wraps up and Braxas scoops up Grim and goes to attend to the announcements and prayers given by those of the Faith.

Braxas checks charm and performance at easy. Braxas is marginally successful.

Bianca stepped forward, extending her arms outward toward the gathering of festival goers. The command of her presence alone tended to be able to draw attention, but given the heavy haze of alcohol that hovered over the rowdy crowd the holy woman took a moment to project her voice in a sudden booth. "Children of the Faith! Welcome!" She let that hang a beat as some over-dramatic drunken 'shooshing' filled the crowd, waiting a moment so as not to have to use such a loud tone.

Brigida doesn't answer Narcissa. On closer inspection it seems the venerable Archlector has her eyes closed and is in deep thought/prayer/possiblý sleep. There is a grumble from her as she is distracted from her significant task to peek a beady eye at Narcissa. "Hmmph! I was getting ready for the welcoming prayer of course! Now shush a moment... while she speaks." Brigida cranes her head around to look at Bianca before reaching beside her for a small ceramic bottle of something.

Narcissa places a pale hand over her heart in silent gesture of apology, though a ghost of a smile dances at the edge of her black-painted lips. "Of course, naturally." She shifts her burnished gaze to Bianca as the festivities begin.

Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound, Tarik arrive, following Rowenova.

Medeia smiles warmly as Narcissa says her greetings, but turns back to the crowd until she hears the interaction between Narcissa and Brigida. She casts an amused look over her shoulder in their direction. "Blessed Brigida is very well prepared."

"Today we gather in celebration of the the gods and the graces they lay upon us. We give thanks for good harvest, the ever changing sway of the seasons in their ever cyclical rotations and of course we give thanks for the sustenance Mangata provides." Bianca began once it had grown quiet enough for her to speak at a more manageable volume. "I was reminded in the past few days that to some, there is a lack of understanding in why we hold such festivals and to be plain it is our joy -- our love -- our fellowship with one another that truly edifies the gods. Our actions today lift the spirits of ourselves and in that collective a great light blossoms from our celebration. Our praise." Her hands gestured outward to the crowds. "As the season shifts let us be reminded that /we/ are representatives of our Faith. Not just our words. Not just our prayers... our /actions/ reveal the true glory of the gods. Let us walk noble in those ideals. Let us shine from this year to the next as their deified examples. Let us be the /light/. Let us 'Walk the Path' and not just speak us. Let us pray." And her chin lifted to the heavens, eyes closing.

Showing up fashionably late is Rowenova holding hands with Tarik whilst the goodest boy Sir Flop leads the way to the fishing event!

Braxas bows his head to pray, Grim squirms and mews at Bianca in protest. Kittens have a hard time with prayers okay? Braxas keeps hold of the kitten praying quietly and smiling as he finishes and lifts his head. looking up he listens for further instruction from thier hosts.

Samuel, first mate of the Black Tide arrives, following Scylla.

Merek begins praying along with the bowed head, listening.

"Oh, Heavenly Ideas, examples unto us to emulate in your divinity of righteousness, grace, mercy and integrity. We give thanks this day for the bounty you provide. For in the darkness you give us the power to stand as projections of your light. You grant us good soil, fair winds, bountiful harvests. We thank you, oh Holy Icons of the Pantheon. We thank you. So let it be!" It was a brief prayer, but each word held impact as Mother Bianca spoke of their gratitude. Her hands then lowered, a smile on her lips. "And without further ado, Mangata has spoken and she in her wisdom has selected this year's 'Libation of Mangata.' I am happy to announce that the 'Harlequin's Bliss Golden Rum' from the Lost and Found brewery was the libation that found favor with the Pearl of the Sea. Let us raise our glasses and celebrate!"

Scylla crosses the sandy dunes comprising the shoreline, bare feet sliding enthusiastically between the loose grains of sand. Her body is wrapped in a billowing seasilk dress in hues reminiscent of waves breaking against the shore, and glittering in the sun just the same. Her umber hair hangs long and free, stray strands let loose to whip about her freckled face. It seems everyone has bowed their heads to pray, and when she's just within reach of celebrants, the admiral of Blackshore does the same, pausing mid-step and eyes fluttering shut respectfully.

Brigida raises her ceramic bottle up in salute/agreement with Bianca and takes a swig out of it before muttering a short prayer to Mangata and then Petrichor before she looks back out at the sea and says to Narcissa, "Take the time to watch the waves... same as when you get the chance to watch the wind blow leaves of the trees. It calms and focuses one wonderfully."

As Bianca begins to lead prayer, Medeia joins in silently. The announcement of the Libation of the Year brings a wide smile and loud applause. She is not holding a glass, but still, she is enthusiastic in that moment. Once the crowd has somewhat settled down again, she steps forward. "Thank you, Mother Bianca, for those inspiring words. Congratulations to Lord Ciro Seraceni for his entry receiving the honor of Libation of the Year and the favor of Mangata." There's a moment of pause while the crowd cheers once more, before she asks, "Now, who is ready to do some fishing? The first contest will be close to shore. You may choose net, or your hands, to catch fish, crabs, or things like mussels. Please gather by the first pile of buckets if you wish to compete."

Braxas sets Grim down as the prayers wrap up. The kitty mews happily and runs off to terrorize whatever catches her attention next. Braxas himself looks around curiously and samples the mentioned rum raising his glass in a merry salute. Sipping curiously he savors the taste as looks towards the fishing areas curiously. He keeps an eye on Grim as she explores darting about. Braxas selects a lttle bit of meat for himself and Grim and goes to find the kitty again, drnk and food offering in hand. The fishing contest is called though so he feeds grim his share and hurries to collect a net and find a place that looks promising.

Keeping her head bowed with all due reverance, it is only Brigida's words that brings Narcissa's eyes to open after the poetess has echoed with her own prayers. She nods once her understanding and casts her gaze forwards towards the waves before them. "Even in a storm the sound can be soothing - from a place of safety on shore at least. I imagine an entirely different song is sung if you are being tossed about in a ship." A pause passes as she takes a moment to settle down in the sand, stretching her legs out before her and leaning back on her palms. "By such suggestion of yours, I should be taking more trips to the beach these days. Mind if I watch the competition with you? I fear I am no fisher, but I do like to spectate." A beat. "And the Libation, can't forget that imbibing during this event."

Scylla lifts her bowed head and opens her eyelids, though only part of the way, as the vibrant sunlight has made it nigh impossible to cast her gaze about without squinting. A calloused hand is raised to shade her face so that she can locate the table of winning refreshments. It drops to join the other in a polite clap for the lord who...well, isn't present, but still deserving just the same. That slow shuffle of feet through the soft sand brings her to the offered glasses, and one is quickly plucked up, run under her nose for a brief inhalation, and then tipped back to taste. It's very good. She tips it back fully to finish the liquid off.

Haakon shouts, "Hear!" after the announcement of the favored drink, or perhaps to the announcement of fishing starting, the odds are even. Arms crossed over his chest, the Prodigal is already lingering near the water, enjoying the cooler temperatures of the season.

Brigida gives Narcissa a look at her suggestion and uses her staff to give the younger Fidante a nudge. "So what if you are a not a fisherman. Pull your skirt up and get into the water and *try*. It's another way to worship Mangata."

Merek looks up from the prayer, and makes a way to the water.

Bianca moved to find a seat with Brigida and Narcissa, settling in a ginger lower of aeterna clad form until she was settled and letting out a long breath. One thigh crossed the other and the holy woman allowed her shoulders to droop, an amused little smile crossing her lips as the Chosen of Petrichor made the very good point that one did not need to be a fisherman to get one's feet wet in praise.

Braxas grabs his net and adjust his grip getting familiar with it. he focuses taking a breath, takes off his boots and then wades fearlessly into the ocean waves. Heading out a ways he finds what he hopes is a good spot. Then offering up a whispered prayer to Magenta he lowers and positions his net in the water.

As contestants make their way to the water, Medeia smiles and calls out, "Please take a net if you choose to use one, and a bucket to keep your catches in. You may begin when this lovely gentleman," she motions to the Godsworn nearby, "Rings the bell." Then she motions, and he rings the bell.

Brigida looks around at Bianca as the Legate joins her and waggles her fingers towards the water, "Surely you are not going to sit back and not participate in this part of the worship hmmm? What a bad example that would be!"

Nova gives Tarik a squeeze to his hand and leaves Sir Flop in his charge whilst she moves to go fish with the others.

Merek checks wits and survival at normal. Merek is successful.

Scylla sets her empty glass down and does precisely as Brigida suggests to another. Long strides carry her out to the water's edge, letting the foam from the rushing waves tickle her ankles as she moves, until the cool liquid pools up to her knees. The skirts are left to hang loose, to be tugged this way and that by the current. She need not roll up any sleeves; her dress sports none, and she bends as though preparing to catch unsuspecting prey with her bare hands.

Scylla checks perception and survival at normal. Scylla is marginally successful.

Rowenova checks perception and survival at normal. Rowenova is successful.

Narcissa is ever the contrarian, Mirror Mask that she is, and holds up one finger to broker the deal, "If, and only if, I can have a few long pulls of the Libation before I make a fool of myself. At then I will have an excuse for the poor performance." As Bianca joins her and Brigida, she extends a smile, "That was a beautiful prayer, Legate. Thank you. I do believe we are being ushered and encouraged so that the Archlector here can resume her solitude."

Merek begins fishing while he takes a moment to check the net, maneuvering along into the water with the bucket which he draws along with him.

Braxas checks perception and survival at normal. Braxas is marginally successful.

Noodling fish from the water is nothing new for the Northern scout, and these particular waters are a lot warmer than those in which she has fished before. Under her cloak, she takes off everything that was on her hands before then stashing that away in inner pockets in the cloak, removes said cloak, and then tosses the rolled up bundle to land near Sir Flop and Tarik in yonder sand. Then, she turns back to the water, claps her hands together and then moves to start nabbing fish by their faces!

As the fishing contest gets under way, Medeia watches with keen interest, shouting encouragement to the contestants. "You're doing great! I can't wait to see what you all catch!" Then, a small update, "You've got a few more minutes to try and catch the most, or the most impressive, things."

Bianca dipped a bow of her head to Narcissa, "Thank you, Mirrormask." Her tone was soft and warm in its gratitude. "And as for participation in the event," she mused toward Brigida. "I think the Gods will forgive if I sit this one out. I am finding my mind to still ache from the festivities of the opening of the festivals." She chuckled low and soft. "I hope that you may forgive me as well, Blessed." She also definitely gave a sly sideways glance to Narcissa's comment on Brigida's possible ulterior motives for encouragement.

Scylla checks perception and survival at normal. Scylla is marginally successful.

Merek checks wits and survival at normal. Merek is marginally successful.

Merek keeps fishing while he places a few into the bucket. He seems to be having fun more than anything at the moment.

Scylla manages to pluck a crab up from the water, though it does return a nasty pinch to the stretch of skin between her thumb and index finger. It aches enough that, instead of carefully dropping the creature into the bucket, she aggressively throws it against the bottom with an audible thud. No doubt the creature has been knocked senseless as a result, but it's a point, and that's all that matters when a competition is underway. However, the moment spent nursing the wound at her lips causes her to miss the fish that passes by.

Braxas checks perception and survival at normal. Braxas is successful.

Braxas fishes carefully while grim bounces over to her friend the noble Sir Flop who is pounced and cuddled in greeting. Braxas smiles to Nova. "Hello Nova. Is your noble Sir Flop accompanying you today?" He talks softly as he fishes wit his net catching a small crab to start followed by two larger ones.

Brigida pffts at Bianca's excuse and responds with, "When I had just been made Archlector two dozen odd years ago I got utterly squiffy in the libations and THEN managed deliver a whole sermon the next day... still a little drunk and..." She pauses and suddenly barks out at Scylla, "YOU THERE! You show the animals some respect during this!" She glares at Scylla with her customary cold stare.

"Please, call me Lady Narcissa. I try to make it a personal venture of mine to wholly separate myself from the moment when I step into that role of the Thirteenth." Narcissa asks of Bianca, albeit softly as the fishing is now underway none too far from them. "I do think I will join though in the next competition, after I see...to...this!" She manages to pluck a small helping of the rum from someone passing by, giving them to the event go-ers. Upon the first sip she makes a face, coughs, and then exclaims, "It certainly packs a...strong dispostion so that I can see why sailors love it, and why sailors may also be inspired to their shanties and ballads that prefer 'colorful' themes and language." As Brigida raises her voice, she looks warily and instantly to her walking stick out of pure habit.

Bianca didn't seem to mind Brigida's comparison of the then and now simply nodding gently as she murmured softly, "May the gods grant me your strength someday, Blessed." She smiled and then offered a nod though this one for Narcissa. "I will remember that, my lady." Her attention turned however as Brigida bellowed out toward another, perhaps a bit grateful attention had been turned away from herself.

Rowenova checks perception and survival at normal. Rowenova is successful.

Medeia winces as she sees Scylla get pinched by the crab, and she stifles a chuckle when Brigida admonishes the admiral. "Ouch," she murmurs to herself. Louder now, "Alright! Finish up and make your way to me for the judging! You must get out of the water when the beell rings!" After another minute, the bell rings.

After pulling up one fish via its face, Nova nabs another with her other hand and holds up both the fish (one in each hand). She wolfishly grins about it before she sets those in baskets then moves on to reach for a third (she hopes)!

Braxas checks perception and survival at normal. Braxas is marginally successful.

Rowenova checks perception and survival at normal. Botch! Rowenova catastrophically fails.

Scylla checks perception and survival at normal. Scylla is successful.

Scylla casts a glance over her shoulder, her face filled with no small degree of coyness for Brigid's chiding tone. However, she does have the good grace to call out, "Apologies, Archlector," before continuing with the competition. The distraction does not necessarily disrupt her game, however, and she's able to pick up a few fish and another, less angry crab and drop them all gingerly into the bucket.

Merek checks wits and survival at normal. Botch! Merek is simply outclassed. This is monumentally beyond them and the result is ruinous.

Braxas finishes up, catching a decent sized fish and hurries out of the water before the bell sounds.

All of the sudden there are fish that begin biting Merek's feet and pulling him into the water, while more grab ahold of him. The man flails while he waves at the net, "AHHH!"

Scylla checks luck at normal. Scylla is marginally successful.

Narcissa applauds the contestands as the first round nears its close. Seeking liquid courage, she tosses back the rest of her glass of rum with only the slightest tightening of her jaw at its burn. "Thank you, Legate. If you ever a moment I would not mind picking your mind of a few things. For now, it would appear at some urging from the Archlector here that I must prepare myself to be washed away in a current for hunt of a fish."

Braxas checks luck at normal. Braxas is marginally successful.

Scylla checks luck at hard. Scylla fails.

Braxas checks luck at hard. Braxas fails.

Scylla checks luck at hard. Scylla fails.

Braxas checks luck at hard. Braxas is marginally successful.

Bianca let an empathetic gaze linger on Scylla mixed with subtle curiosity and a soft smile. However that gaze shifted as the game proceeded to observe the contest more wholly. That attention shifted again as Narcissa addressed her, bringing her gentle smile the woman's direction. "Of course, my lady. Whenever we may both find an opening in our mutual schedules I would be happy to sit and speak. Best of luck in the contest." She was definitely still nursing the haze of her hangover, words soft and few.

Nova strips down to her linens (still decent with a shirt along with pants whilst all her furs are left behind on the cloak). Seeing Merek being drug to the water yonder, she makes a run to reach him and tries to help, except the help is basically tripping and smashing not only him but also herself into falling onto the fish which hurts it enough it runs away, but then there is this bloody cloud. Whose blood is it? Merek's? Hers? The Fish? Who knows, but that draws attention, and she eventually surfaces without any fish in hand, maybe just gripping an arm of Merek before then suddenly shouting. "SHARK!"

A Godsworn dashes into the water to pull Merek out, while another helps Rowenova clear the water. Scylla and Braxas bring their buckets up and the judges take a look. After a moment of talking amongst themselves, one whispers the winner to Medeia. The Harlequin beams as she has the bell rung so she can make the announcement. "And we have a winner! Congratulations..." She looks at Braxas to get his name, then nods, "Braxas! You've won a lovely cupridium fishing knife." The prize is handed over before she turns to the crowd again. "The next contest will begin in a few minutes! Please make your way to the spears!"

Merek checks dexterity and athletics at normal. Merek marginally fails.

Merek eventually surfaces while he tries to pull Rowenova with him. He then begins to come up from the water and tries to pull the woman into the boat with him. It's not graceful, all the same he manages to make it into the boat.

"Of course. Thank you once again, Legate." Narcissa agrees to Bianca with a soft smile before rising to her feet. She removes her boots and passes them to one of her guards in Fidante livery before approaching the waves and awaiting instructions from Medeia for the next portion. Her raven seems less inclined and remains behind beside Brigida and Bianca, eyeing them and hopping about in the sand before them, puffing out inky black chest feathers before settling into a silent stare for the Legate of Creation.

Braxas grins and bows to Medeia gratefully. "Thank you. I will try my hand at spear fishing. But fear not, I would much prefer a knife to a harpoon so I will pass on this prize either way." he winks and goes to the spears. Grim nuzzles Sir Flop on the beach cuddling and purring against him.

Scylla turns to clap Braxas on the shoulder in a sportsmanlike manner. "Congratulations, it's a lovely knife," she adds, turning to level her squinted gaze upon Lady Medeia, as though to ensure the compliment is paid to one for winning it and the other for designing it, if that's the case. She can only assume. Now, the spear-fishing session commences, and it is one she evidently feels slightly more confident in, what with that wry smile she dons while crossing the beach toward the row of spears.

A small boat waits close to shore for the contestants, with a crew ready to help them get in and control it to take them out further into the water. Each is handed a spear and given a quick lesson on how to use it while the boat rows out. Then? It is time to try their hand at spearing a sea creature.

Braxas checks dexterity and archery at normal. Braxas fails.

Scylla checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Scylla is successful.

Merek checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Merek is successful.

Merek lifts up the spear while he tries to find a good fish, then he nods to one. The man begins spearing the fish to put into the bucket while he smiles.

It took a few moments for Bianca to notice the bouncing and highly intelligent bird. However with his little dance in the sand and his resolve to stillness, silvered gaze fell to the animal to match the silent stare. After a moment, one ink-stained hand unfurled from the other and extended in an offer of a perch to the creature.

Rowenova checks dexterity and archery at normal. Rowenova is marginally successful.

Narcissa checks dexterity and archery at normal. Narcissa is marginally successful.

After she and Merek have found their way into the boat away from the blood and the alleged shark that had been in the water, she picks up a spear before then attempting to stick whatever carnivorous fishes might be on their way here, and boy are they ugly!

(That was Rowenova's pose.)

Meanwhile, Sir Floppington gently noses the mewch smaller kitty Grim before then briefly wagging and welcoming the small feline to cuddle up to him.

Scylla boards the waiting boat and waits until the rowing has ceased to prepare. When the time is right, she wields her harpoon in a manner that suggests she's used one more than once in her life. With a precise strike, the razor-sharp tip pierces the waves and subsequently spears a hefty fish. A satisfied smile softens her visage, and is shared with the others around her for their own successes, though an empathetic draw of her brows is reserved for Braxas. Next time!

Narcissa closes her eyes and presses her lips into a thin line, muttering something under her breath that is along the lines of "Why...did I....talked...going...drown." Not to be a spoilsport, she steps onto the boat and readies her spear for when her turn comes. The spear finds its mark in not a guppy, but not a shark either. It's a regular boring fish, but at least it isn't a boot and she is glad for it. A bright peal of laughter sounds from her lips and its amusement reaches her eyes as she holds up her spear in her one personal victory.

It's a little hard for the crowd to see what's happening on the boat, so they mostly go back to feasting and drinking and dancing while this part of the contest goes on. Medeia waits patiently on shore, keeping an eye on the boat.

Scylla checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Botch! Scylla is simply outclassed. This is monumentally beyond them and the result is ruinous.

Braxas checks dexterity and archery at normal. Critical Success! Braxas is spectacularly successful.

Brigida hmms from her position as she watches the events unfold and gives a couple of claps in appreciation to the actions of the participant before she reaches down and pulls up a long rod from the sands beside her and after a few moments of making sure she is doing what she is doing right, casts her line out into the shallow water. Humming to herself all along.

Rowenova checks dexterity and archery at normal. Rowenova is marginally successful.

Nova keeps spearing fish. Some really fugly fish. They are quite small, too.

Merek checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Merek is successful.

Merek takes a moment to keep spearing the fish and picking them up to put into the bucket, nodding happily.

Jasper, an unflappable scoundrel, Avalanche, a fluffy mountain pup arrive, following Deva.

Deva arrives, following Gaspar.

Scylla moves to shuck her spear into the water, but snags her foot on a rope coiled at the bottom of the boat. This throws off her balance, and no amount of time spent aboard a bobbing ship could help her keep her sea legs. She falls overboard with a splash, her spear clattering to the boards safely inside the boat.

Braxas misses completely and loses his spear the first spear. But he redeems himself. The shark that has been lurking and was spotted earlier is caught! Braxas deftly spears the large beast, down the middle with an impressive strike yanking it from the water with ease and staring.

Nova shouts aloud toward Braxas from her boat (well, Merek's). "YOU GOT IT! GOOD CATCH!"

It is hard to miss the action of Scylla falling overboard, or the giant catch Braxas makes at about the same time - probably saving Scylla from being shark food. The crewman on the boat drag the admiral back on board. It looks like they're getting to row back to shore, so the contestants have one more chance to try to claim a winning catch.

Rowenova checks dexterity and archery at normal. Rowenova is successful.

Braxas checks dexterity and archery at normal. Braxas fails.

Brigida watches the spearfishing, along with falling into the water and others spearing sharks. She's not actively putting much effort into her rather chilled fishing attempts and has a little swing of her ceramic bottle, smirking to herself.

For whatever success, or lack thereof, his mistress may be having, Nevermore seems still stubborn in staring at Bianca. He inches closer and emits one oddly hollow, echoic caw but doesn't hop up just yet on her hand. He pecks gently once or twice, seeking some form of food, but finding none sounds his disapproval loudly.

What in the world had he come down to?! There was pleasant conversation with Deva on the approach to the beach but there were splashes, chucked spears, apparently a sharkfin! Suddenly, he felt very much useless in all of this. There was one familiar figure, before she was plunged beneath the surface of the water, that he thought he recognized but /surely/ that wasn't her!

Narcissa checks dexterity and archery at normal. Narcissa is marginally successful.

Narcissa checks dexterity and archery at normal. Narcissa marginally fails.

Deva is carrying a white puffball of a dog in her arms. The not-so-little thing is eager to play in the sand, so the princess crouches to let Ava dart around and kick it up everywhere. The dog life is a good one. "Remind me what's going on here again?" she asks Gaspar while casting a curious, and perhaps slightly confused, look down the beach.

Amusement played softly along Bianca's features as she observed Narcissa's raven, however she remained still despite those explorative pecks. Apology joined her amusement in her expression toward the animal, patience keeping her hand aloft. However, as she remained in her inspection of the beast her snowy brow did perk.

Scylla accepts the assistance of the others boarding the boat. Once perfectly buoyant, it is now weighed down by the woman, her seasilk soaked with the water it was designed to emulate, but she's not upset, not a bit. In fact, she's laughing through it all with her eyes shut tight against the brine that would burn her eyes. When at last she's run her hands down the front of her face, cleared away the excess water oozing from her umber mane, glittering silver eyes lift to inspect the catches the others have successfully made during her absence. "I think I'm tapping out," she says with some lingering levity.

Some fishes are to be had, but not a the last try for Narcissa. She stabs the cresting waves, wobbily on her boat and groans aloud her frustration as she comes back with naught but a SINGLE string of kelp on her last stab. "I will stick to my books." she decrees to no one in particular.

Merek checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Merek is successful.

Brigida hums away as she fishes by the edge of the water with the long fishing rod, paying more attention to the spearfishers than her own efforts and she chortles, "I really wish you had done this now Bianca!" she says with a smile.

Merek begins spearing a few more of the fish while he takes the time to place them into the bucket.

Gaspar leaned closer to Deva and explained what it was the gathered were celebrated. He grinned as Ava took about to enjoying herself and spotted...yes, that was Scylla. Just who he'd though. Her laugh brought a smile to his lips as he watched safely from the sands. And even wet, that gown she wore was clearly gorgeous and very likely suited her quite nicely when it was dry!

The crew alerts the contestants that it is time to head back and then rows to shore. Once there, they help everyone off and then start unloading the catches for judges to review. And while Braxas's shark catch is spectacular, it doesn't quite impress the judges as much as the sheer number of fish Merek caught. He caught a lot of fish. A lot. Enough to sway the judges over a shark. Medeia smiles and holds out the harpoon as she makes the announcement to the crowd. " Congratulations Merek!" She passes him the weapon before turning back to all the contestants. "And now? All you caught gets added to the feast. Thank you all for your efforts today!" And then, one more announcement to the crowd. "Remember! Tomorrow is the last Day of Libation! We'll have one more special party here on the beach. For now? Stay and feast and we will see you tomorrow!"

Bianca called in return to Brigida, her tone light and humored. "I fear I would end tail up in the waves, Blessed. Or perhaps /that/ is why you have such a wish." She teased, though careful not to ruffle the feathers of Nevermore as he pecked and stared disgruntled by the lack of food in her possession.

The raven eventually hops onto Bianca's hand and just sits there, still as a statue and stubborn in his search for non-existant food. The Legate does not get any pecks, but just a continued stare-down.

"Oh, we missed most of it! Drat," Deva snaps. She nods along lightly to Gaspar while trailing behind her dog who moves ever closer to the water. "Looks like that was great fun! I'll have to make sure I'm here in time for the next one," she decides firmly, while her hands drop to rest on her hips. As the rankings are announced, she cheers brightly for those named.

Finally! Now that that shark is out of the water, Nova can catch a decentlysized fishie. She brings it up and pulls it off the head of her spear before it is tossed into the basket near.

Merek smiles a bit when he's mentioned, taking a moment to nod along to Medeia, "Thank you," he offers, then he places the bucket of fish to where the feast will be added to. He does point to a specific fish, the one he will want at it. "I like fishing, it's always fun."

Scylla disembarks from the boat, dragging the hefty skirts of her dress along even as they drip salt water in a trail behind her. The sand clings to the fabric desperately, but she doesn't seem to care a whit. "Congratulations, Merek," the admiral says companionably, and with that same bright smile perpetually affixed to her freckled features. "And thank you my lady," she murmurs to Medeia, bowing her head, then bows to the others sitting nearby, one after the other: Archlector Brigida, Legate Bianca, and Lord Haakon. That is when she spies the Tessere marquis standing beside an unknown person. Determined steps carry her toward them, her bare feet shuffling with exaggeration through the sand. "Enjoy the show, my lord?"

Merek puts cupridium harpoon in a backpack, made of black leather.