Thea has joined the stone firepit.

The windowless Eswynd hall is brightly lit by the central fire pit, a couple of braziers spaced for warmth against the winter chill, and candles. It's warm, comfortable, and inviting - even with the guards stopping guests on the way in to take note of their name. A makeshift stage has been set up beyond the fire, extra benches covered in soft furs for guests to sit on have been brought in as well. The long table is laden with roasted meats and root vegetables, breads and sheep's milk butter, hearty fish stew, a variety of cheeses, sweet pastries, and rich slices of spice cake. A drink station is available with many bottles of whiskey, rum, vodka, and wine available. Servants circulate to assist with beverages, clearing plates, or cleaning up any messes. Medeia and Klavdiya stand near the entrance greeting guests and taking names of those who wish to perform a song. "Hello, welcome! Please come in and find some food, drink, a spot to rest. Let Klavdiya know if you'll be singing! I'll get things started shortly."

Kalani arrives, following Zakhar.

Savio wields What an interesting lute, why are there bones on it.

A pit bull that Ember never bothered to name have been dismissed.

A pack of giggling and gossiping Redreef handmaidens have been dismissed.

Octavian, a silken spaniel have been dismissed.

2 Kennex corsairs have been dismissed.

Orland has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Orland has left the broad bench piled with furs.

Wash brings at few Crownsworn sailors with him, men he trusts and promised a drink. They might even count as backup singers.

Orland has joined the extra benches by the stage.

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

Haakon has joined the line.

Zoey has joined the line.

"My bawdiest!" Is the promise made by the Marquessa of Inverno as she enters the Eswynd Hall with Cristoph on her arm. Or rather, on Cristoph's arm. They must be talking about songs, getting in the mood for whatever the evening holds, because she wears a playful smile and a general air of adventure. Her eyes scan the room, and she sees many familiar faces, and some un-. Waves here, smiles there, hellos over yonder, and she leads Cristoph to some place they might sit and drink and enjoy the evening.

Tyche has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Cristoph has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Zoey has joined the long feasting table.

That damnable snow. Of course the marquis was bundled as much as he possibly could be to stave off the bite of the waning winter's chill. Accompanied by one of the newest members of the peerage, Gaspar shared a few soft and quiet words with Baroness Scylla Stormblood as they stepped into the Hall. No small number of familiar faces were in attendance and each known was given a smile and nod, should gazes meet. Guiding his companion over to the red-haired marquessa, Gaspar smiled at Tyche before addressing her in a much softer voice.

Gaspar has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Mikani has joined the long feasting table.

Quinley has joined the long feasting table.

Yuri meandered on through a bit haphazardly, taking a moment to lean against a wooden beam as he motioned off to his attendant, Bartolomeo, to hurry over with a pack. A few furious scribblings into the open ledger caught the lord in a bit of reverie, taking a moment to look over the work before giving the portly man a thoughtful nod and dropped the ledger in the side-worn pack the man had offered to him. Business concluded, Yuri sifted over toward the feasting table to, one, load a plate. Two, say hello to friendly faces!

Ian looks a little on the rough side, even for Ian. Not that he's unkempt or anything, because perish the thought, but there's a little bit of an extra slouch to his bearing. He's clearly someone who could use some coffee, but instead, he's drinking some kind of spirits, sitting near Haakon at the long table, just a couple of Swords hanging out.

Zoey sits at the feasting table beside Ian, looking over a parchment in her hand and humming to herself. She glances up to the makeshift stage and takes a breath. Then she reaches for her mug.

Haakon is entrenched at the long table, as Medeia greets the guests upon entry. A flagon of stout, bowl of stew, and chunk if bread are picked at idly, and his prized harpoon leans against the wall behind him within arm's reach.

"Good, because I'll accept no less," Cristoph replies to Tyche as they continue their conversation upon entrance. He gives the hall a long and curious look, assessing and with the eye of someone who has never been here before. As they make with their greetings, he's quick to say hello to the hosts but to mostly stay out of the way. No one wants to spends hours doing introductions, he's been there, done that. With Tyche, he finds a nice and comfortable place to sit and continue their conversation with whoever joins them.

Jasper, an unflappable scoundrel, 2 Redrain Guards arrive, following Deva.

Ryhalt enters the Eswynd hall with a subdued smile and moves along to one of the spare benches to claim a seat from which he can watch all those that would sing and, perhaps, dance.

Ember Redreef, Bloody Baroness of Redreef Shores, has chosen to indulge the fashion sense of the Mourning Isles tonight, rather than the Lyceum. A pace behind her? To one side, Lady Gehenna; to the other, not-at-all-a-Lady Martinique. Ember's expression is a stern and uncompromising one. There's nothing new about this. But she nods and exchanges polite greetings and the like as she leads her companions to sit, near Gaspar and his companion. "Whichever of you drinks more than the other without embarrassing the House," she says to Gehenna and Martinique, "I will award a medal of some kind."

Ember has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Mikani enters and smiles as she sees the Kennexes. Navigating the crowd she goes to join the pair. "Lady Zoey, Lord Ian. Pleasure to see you both as always. I do want to add that my children want to extend warm wishes to your children." She grins as she takes a seat. "I can't wait to hear what people have to sing."

Savio is here! He is a not infrequent guest darkening the door of the Eswynd Hall, but tonight he's being escorted in by Lord Orland Amadeo! "Oh, look at the lovely crowd, a few familiar faces here, no? Everyone loves a song... or two, or three, or more." The fingers of his right hand are touched together, experimentally, despite the bandages that still snugly cover the arm. "If Lady Medeia doesn't scold me for holding an instrument, I think I'll sing and play, I just love the not-a-lute Zak made. I'm healed enough to manage it."

A THUD-Clicking preceeds Zakhar's entry to the hall as he is stabbing the ground then floorboards with the unique cane, a small bit of dust that mixes like a gum is dropped as he walks. His left foot used to push it into the hole that was in place from the tip of the cane. Eventually he finds the table and heads directly to the Water grabbing a quick sip and settling in for a seat with a mouthful of some of the meats.

Zakhar checks stamina and survival at hard. Zakhar marginally fails.

Having slipped in quietly and trying to blend in with the crowd, Quinley sits at the end of the long table. She is observing all that is going on around her and nods to people who catch her eye but isn't saying much.

Wash has joined the line.

"Fine, whatever, I'll be here," Deva scoffs at her assistant, Jasper, as she finds her way into the hall for some fun tunes. She waves him off with her good hand, and takes a moment to adjust the sling cradling her other arm as if it slipped on the way. Oops. There's a stop by the refreshments for a drink first before she idly looks around for somewhere to sit.

"That was one of the better ones I've seen,"Thea can be heard as she enters the hall with Drake. There's a smile there as she, nodding her head in greeting. "Hey Medeia,"she greets her friend. Then the Kennexes. "As there EVER been this many people in this room at one time,"she wonders, grabbing a glass of whiskey and making her way to the fire. She nudges Drake a bit, asking,"Are you going to sing?"

Samuel Vallis, captain of The Black Tide, 2 Stormblood Sentinels arrive, following Scylla.

Zakhar has joined the extra benches by the stage.

Scylla has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

"You'll accept no less?" Tyche's words are quick on the heels of Cristoph's, as if he's issued some challenge, and she's already plotting many ways to make him accept less. But where's the fun in that? She settles with him at the benches, her eyes moving to the drinks she sees on display. "Oh, what shall we drink tonight? How bawdy do you hope to become, Duke Laurent?"

Martinique beats a bit of the chill from her arms as she enters the hall, flipping her cloak back over her shoulders once they've entered the light and warmth. Her brows raise at Ember's challenge, and then she shoots Gehenna and assessing glance. "Challenge accepted, Baroness." She murmurs with a slowly growing grin. And then she's off towards the drink table, there to grab two rums, one of which is borne back to Ember. She offers a few greetings along the route back, to Zakhar and Savio, to her gracious hosts, before sinking down on the furs.

Martinique has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Orland was walking in stiffly beside Savio, though his arm given to Savio all the same, perhaps helping carrying something if needed. "It's... a crowd. I think I'll be happy I have one of the faces that blends in tonight." He admits, with a glance around, "If you need assistance, I can always support your singing with ... playing. I probably won't know how to play that thing, but a regular lute, if we find one available, sure."

Accompanying Zakhar into the hall, Kalani beams a smile at Mediea, and her aide Klavdiya, as she enters the hall. The warmth of the hall draws a sigh of happiness from the Seliki Voice, unwinding the cloak and giving it a quick shake to dust the snow off of it before continuing further into the hall. She's become somewhat of a expert at this point, holding things with just one hand and balancing on the forearm of the other, so she acquires a plate, adds food to it, and carries it with her to have a seat with Zakhar. There will, after all, be singing and music, two of her most favorite words of all time.

Kalani has joined the extra benches by the stage.

Savio has joined the line.

Yuri has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Ian straightens up a little bit from his slouch when he notices Savio and Orland. "Master Pontelaeus. I heard you'd gotten yourself messed up somehow. Healing up alright?"

Gehenna is all smiles and good cheer as she enters, offering greetings to familiar people she notices. "Lady Medeia Eswynd, what a wonderful idea for a party." She addresses the hostess first, then greets "Lady Thea Malvici." But eventually she makes her way back to the Redreef contingent, and answers Ember, "Embarrass by whose standards?" She asks in a sickly sweet tone.

Drake follows with Thea, looking in an up mood. Of course, he's looking for the drink immediately... and gets a glass. Then he looks at Thea, and takes a deep breath. "I can try, but I bet you'd be better. You've spent a lot more time at sea."

"I'll determine them as needed," Ember says to Gehenna, before accepting her rum from Martinique without a smile or a thank you. Such is the lot of commoners, or maybe just the lot of people who interact with Ember. Glancing around at who's close by, Scylla and Tyche are both given a restrained nod each. "Duke. Marquessa. Marquis. Baroness."

One would think that that old man would know better by now...Though he still takes the Water in one gulp then spends a little bit of time using the cane more as a stick to prod at things to verify the direction in which he's going to find the bench and a seat next to Orland.

Wash collects rum for himself, and sends Jayne to look after those he has invited. "I've been at sea for close to six months. I'm glad I got back in time to hear this."

Deva checks 'recovery check' at normal. Botch! Deva fails completely.

Yuri balanced a plate of various cheeses, buttered bread, some slices of roasted meat. But no vegetables, hm. All the while, he attempted to settle the wine glass he scooped from a server's passing tray on the plate, making delicate motions over to the firepit. Or trying to move toward it. The throng of folks caused a bit of a indecisive tarry of feet of the lord.

Medeia smiles brightly as the stream of guests filter in, barely keeping up with all the familiar, and not so familiar faces. Wash, Tyche, Cristoph, Gaspar, Scylla, Yuri, Ian and Zoey all get enthusiastic greetings as they pass through, cheek kisses offered to both Tesseres upon arrival. "Welcome Duke Ryhalt, it is lovely to see you. Baroness Ember, Lady Gehenna, Messere Martinique - I hope you are all well, please make yourselves comfortable." As Mikani comes in, Medeia offers the Crovane lady a squeeze of her hand, then resting that hand on Savio's shoulder. "I won't scold you, tonight is for merriment. Orland, good to see you, also." Zakhar gets a nod, and once he is past, she shakes her head, adding, "Kalani, keep an eye on him." As Quinley comes in, she greets the unfamiliar woman brightly, "Hello, welcome to Eswyndol! I am Lady Medeia Eswynd." Deva gets a smile, paired with a quick and critical eye toward the princess' shoulder before saying hello to Thea and Drake.

The Siren of Setarco pauses at the door, booted feet stamp into the carpet to dismiss any lingering flurries of white that clung to frockcoat. Removing wide brimmed hat from her head, abyssal strands come to tease about features as tawny eyes alight on those she knows - there is a flaring of nostrils much like a hound sensing a troublesome air.

Ophira moves from the door towards those that she knows, however, languid comfortability in most spaces that are graced with her presence. What is a sea shanty hullabaloo without a Seraceni? Lush lips curl into a smile, thick lashes not able to dim the impish light that sparks towards Scylla and Gaspar, "You look beautiful." Is crooned, that Pravosi lilt musical on tongue before with effortless charm is a bow teased towards Cristoph and Tyche, " Good evening!" And lastly to Yuri with his plate of food, does she reach forward to pluck cheekily from his plate all the while smiling at Ember, "I do love seeing my favorite Redreef."

"I won't make you play unless you want to. Completely up to you," Savio promises Orland, with a kiss to the other's cheek before greetings are returned to Martinique, and a bow, a quiet laugh, for Ian. "Lord Ian, it's been too long. I had some ah -- minor misadventures?" Understatement. "I'm healing well. I have good care, thanks to people who do not let me do all the foolish things I am inclined to do." He introduces his companion, "Do you know Lord Orland?"

Orland side glances to Savio, then back to Lord Ian as the man approaches, "He put himself into some high risk sitautions and handled them bravely, Lord Ian. One of the heros from our campaign down in the Saffron Chain." His gaze follows the cane click of Zakhar, "And there was some reaving done, I believe, for House Eswynd." A beat, "I suppose we'll find out how he healed tonight." He touches Savio's lower back, "Let's find a seat." He hears Medeia and nods his head at her, exhaling softly, "We have met, yes."

Ember gives Medeia a small smile -- and seemingly a genuine one! And then she looks to Ophira, one brow raised, that smile moving from genuine to a smirk. "Your favorite Redreef?" Ember asks, and then has a sip of rum. "You're confident you're speaking to the right twin, yes? You're certain you remember which one is scarred on which cheek?" She's messing around, but she's messing around with such an intense deadpan that the uninitiated might think she's being serious.

Mikani squeezes Medeia's hand as she passes the Lady. "Thank you." She murmurs softly.

Martinique goes just a little bit quieter as Cristoph is introduced, sort of sliding into Ember's shadow. It's a big bench, after all. She will still enjoy her drink at least, while eyeing the feast table contemplatively.

Savio has joined the extra benches by the stage.

Scylla reaches out to grasp Ophira's hand in a companionable, and intimate, greeting. "I'm glad you're here," she murmurs, her silvery eyes conveying...something private. "I still have to return your sword; perhaps I can convince you to swing by the Stormblood Estate before you go home for the night?" Lord Yuri passes by with a veritable mountain of foods, which Scylla's previously claimed hand now frees itself to entertain. She plucks a square of cheese from the platter and holds it up with a thankful smirk to the man. "My dear friend, Yuri. I'm glad you're here; always with the food, too."

Ian looks startled, and then discomfited, at something that Zoey says at the table where he's sitting, and it takes him a moment to come back to his conversation with Savio. "I'm looking forward to the day when I'm not the only person people think of when they think of coming home bloody." Then he shakes his head. "Don't think we've been introduced."

Thea gives a slight nod of her head,"Lady Gehenna. Hello. How are you,"she asks with a slight smile. Seeing Deva, Thea inspects her, like she's looking for something small. "So um...you have something small with you? How are you by the way,"before she answers Drake with a clearing of her throat. "Well I didn't plan on doing it, to be honest." She looks over to Ian, Wash, and Zoey, and waves,"Hello Kennexes,"Thea greets.

Ryhalt smiles to Mededia's greeting. "It's been too long, Lady Medeia. I'm looking forward to this evening's entertainment."

Orland looks at Ian for a long moment, "I may have just been one face in a hundred who had wanted to learn from you, Lord Ian."

Yuri smiled shortly after his greeting of Medeia, sharing friendly and familiar words before the deluge of guests swarmed through the door. Careful steps to balance out his mound of food before Ophira snuck in from behind, probable with a variable hip check. The grimace and harumph from the lord's face was palpable before making it to his destination, smiling off to Scylla but looking to guard his food, "Absolutely." He took a moment to place his wine glass on an empty spot on the bench, popping some cheese in his mouth.

"Lord Yuri," Tyche calls from the benches, a lift of her hand to wave at him. "I'm glad to see you as well," she echoes Scylla's words. "I still need to bring Duke Cristoph to your establishment. Don't think I've forgotten, after our board game adventures where he almost cheated for you.

Deva has joined the stone firepit.

"Well to be fair, Ember. If I had to pick between you or your sister for which one ranked higher among the Redreefs in how far I like them, I think I would rate you above your sister too." Gehenna's tone makes it clear that this meant to be damning with faint praise, taking a sip from her rum and leaning back, "But I prefer I could pretend I like your sister better than I like you."

Ian peers at Orland for a moment, then a proverbial lightbulb seems to light up. "Bad habits. I remember now."

"Lady Medeia," Deva's smile is warm, but she is also walking away backwards quickly from the very same woman with the critical eye. It's fine. She's fine. She's not skewing her face awkwardly in pain or anything. Some adjustments are made, the knot tugged secure, and she seems to find some mild relief. "A small-- oh, no, not tonight," she tells Thea with a small smile. "I'm here," is her non-answer, waving around with her free upturned palm. "How are you?" And thus Thea finds herself company by the firepit.

3 Tyde Houseguard, 2 Redwood Initiates arrive, following Lethe.

Wash crosses over to Thea and makes a leg, offering her his hand. "I understand you are to be married. I hope you are well suited to it. Marriage that is. I hope he is well suited to you as well, but we can't always control that, can we?"

Lethe has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

"Why choose, Lady Gehenna, when you can disapprove of all of us equally? Or is it more fitting to disapprove of us as befits our rank? I'm not sure of the protocol." Martinique being just a mannerless commoner as she is after all. But she's speaking in dry jest, even as she sets her drink down and moves off towards the food table for a moment, there to forage. When soldiers gather food in the field it's 'foraging', not 'stealing everything in reach.'

Ember makes a face at Gehenna. "How dare you," she says. "That is my sister." It's not clear at all if Ember is joking about this, but she draws in a deep breath through her nose all the same. "Pfah. While you taunt me, cousin, Martinique gains a head start in drinking. ...well. at this event, since I'm sure your head start began around nine in the morning."

There's a gruff laugh from Zakhar to Ian's comment about coming home bloody. "They starting to looks at me that ways!"

Orland's expression remains aloof and other than the tweak that sort of turns his lips downward, he gives a light shrug to Lord Ian, "From how I hear it, the city comes banging at your doors, Lord Ian, for fighting lessons. Think nothing of it." He takes an intake of breath, "This is... going to be impossible to manage meeting anyone. I think I'll go sit down and have a drink. You're free to join us Lord Ian." And he then settles into a seat next to Zakhar, grunting, "How're you doing old man? Still pushing yourself ahead of healing?"

Drake looks at Thea for a second confusedly as she asks Deva about 'something' but... decides it's not really his business to gossip about that. Then he looks at Wash, with a laugh. "Well, it does seem that way. I hope it works out too." He looks cheerful about it, but he does have a drink in hand.

Scylla's hand is given a squeeze in return, leaning forward to give it a kiss with playful flourish, "Is that codeword for something? Oh!" A sweet laugh, eyes flashing before lowering with a dreamy stare that spoke of other imbibements, "I will definitely dip by to claim it - apparently the voyage proved fruitless." A glance towards Ember, a brow checked in turn before reaching to ever so lightly grab at her chin and turn that beautiful scar to the light, "I'm fairly certain that you're the right one, but how am I ever to be certain." A wink is tossed as Ophira then glances towards Gehenna, "Ah-hah! If it isn't my friend from the Shrine. I did end up letting your wonderful Baroness know how absolutely charming you were. We should go stop by the Ebb and Flow sometimes, I'm thinking."

Reaching forward to pluck another piece of something delicious from Yuri's plate, this one comes with the accompaniment of herself alongside him, "You should have brought that wine from your mother's cellar." Bright eyes tease up to the young Tessere, sylvan flecks all a-pop.

Thea leans back, pretty content near the fire. Looking to Deva, she answers easy with that drink in hand. "I'm well, busy---with everything it seems. Are you singing tonight,"she asks. Lifting her glass to her lips, the Malvici glances over to Wash. There's a small grin there as she reaches to take his hand. "I am, yes,"hearing Drake with amusement. "I think we'll be fine however, but thank you. I have no doubt that you and Lady Catalana can offer advice."

Ophira has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

"Maybe they can even put a box together for you," Ian calls to Thea, with amusement lacing his voice. Then he shakes his head to Orland. "My wife is here, so I should probably be, as well."

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

"I do not disapprove of every Redreef, messere Martinique." Gehenna answers with a shrug, taking another sip from her rum. "I am quite fond of Jace and Sedna, and of course I love both my brother and sister." Without skipping a beat, Gehenna names four Redreefs. She takes another sip, before looking at Ember. "Seven. Some of us get up early." She answers her cousin.

"See, I'm here because my wife-to-be is here," Drake says with a smile at Wash. "So I completely understand. Though... Medeia and Haakon have always been great at hosting parties." He looks and calls over to Haakon, if he can get his attention for a second. "Congratulations, by the way. On your promotion to Sword."

"Me sing? Oh gods, no, no one wants that. Just here to listen. Been a while since I've heard some good songs. Are you?" Deva asks Thea with a lifted brow and a wiggle of her glass in her free hand. There's a fleeting smile and a 'you don't wanna know' shrug for Drake as she settles in, legs stretched out with a casual kick and boots crossed at the ankles.

"I wouldn't dream of advising you." Wash says, glancing to Drake with a nod. "I think that a strong marriage comes about in the same manner as a strong chicken. Or... maybe that's child raising. Come to think of it, I follow that philosophy at sea as well. Maybe I am just hungry. Is there any chicken?" He wanders off toward the food table.

Haakon calls back to Drake, deadpan, "I give it a week afire I sword the wrong bastard and the title's revoked."

Drake has joined the stone firepit.

There's an innocent look to Ian. The flecks of gold in Thea's green eyes bright. "That would be awfully kind of them, wouldn't it." She looks to Deva too, promises with a laugh,"No. You don't want me sinking." But then Thea pauses. Wait. "Did Wash compare us to chickens..."

Zoey looks up from whispering with Mikani and smile to Ian. "I appreciate your support, dear husband."

"Of course, Lord Ian. Best regards to you and to Lady Zoey," Orland bobs his head and decides to wall flower as best he can from the bench. But he's not alone, Zakhar and Kalani are there, and Savio. Savio of course getting a good natured kiss, a quick encouraging gesture. "If it hurts too much," he grabs the other's fingers, "tell me. I'll leap up on the stage. Or something."

Quinley has left the long feasting table.

"Well, then let it be a very happy week," Drake says back to Haakon, with a raise of his glass. "And to the Abyss with that one man you end up stabbing." He finds a spot by the firepit, and, practically collapses there. Being that the Highhill dog Calluna follows him around lateyl, he's gotten snug and it might be hard to remove him from that spot for a little while.

Lethe has left the broad bench piled with furs.

3 Tyde Houseguard, 2 Redwood Initiates leave, following Lethe.

"Do you guys cluck a lot?" Deva asks Thea with a straight face. Before an answer can be had, she cracks a mischievous smile and starts to push to her feet. "I'll see you guys later," she murmurs to the firepit crew, taking her glass with her as she goes. Road drink. She might return the cup sometime, maybe.


The General predictably arrives late.

She has the grace to at least enter without fanfare or releasing a thunderous belch. Cloaked in her usual black and her hood up, she skulks around the edge of the hall until she can find herself a place to surveil from. One, two -- yep, Piccola finds where she wants to be, and then wanders in that direction like she's always been here -- ALL THIS TIME -- and takes a seat on the benches somewhere near the rest of her family.

'There were three snakes on a bench' sounds like the beginning of an awful or bawdy joke.



Mikani is overheard praising Medeia.

Mikani is overheard praising Zoey.

"Medeia makes her way through the crowd, heading for the stage. One of the guards raps his spear against his shield, loudly, three times to catch the attention of everyone. "Hello again! A few of you have snuck in without greetings, so let this be me greeting you. I'm so glad to see you all here tonight. I was worried rescheduling might have caused some problems, but some of our guests and performers were recovering from important missions. Tonight, I wish for you all to relax, feast, and celebrate our recent victories and the lives of those we have lost in the past few months." She clears her throat, making a gesture to Klavdiya. "If you would like to perform tonight, at any time you may speak with Klavdiya and she will add you to the list. And, so that no one feels put on the spot? I will start us off! Be kind, this is only my third public performance - usually I don't sing in front of people." Whatever insecurity the lady has about her voice, however, is misplaced as she is a trained singer - she just hides that talent. She lifts her alto, in time with the beat upon a shield from the guard.

"There once was a lass from Saikland Greens, who dreamt of herself as pirate queen, so off she sailed on the savage seas, rowing for her fortune, she rowed!" The song continued for a few more verses, filling the hall with the tale of one Francesca Saik, who may or may not be made up, venturing across the waves and claiming the ships of others until she died in a duel on an island beach far from home.

"Our next performer," she says, once finished, "Will be my husband, Lord Haakon Eswynd, who was recently honored by being named Sword of our house." She applauds, pride evident in her eyes as she steps off the stage to make way for him.

Piccola has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Fascinated by the sheer immensity of the crowd tonight, Kalani is quietly sipping at the glass of wine she's holding and watching - listening - to the conversation that ebbs and flows, the way people move about, mingle, intersect and move on to the next meeting point. "He's merely remaining on the leading edge of his healing time. I think it's a race between our skills and his determination to be out and about, weather bedamned," she points out with a grin.

Turn in line: Haakon

Savio grins and warmly returns Orland's kiss, before chiding him, "I'm fine. I am! Just enjoy the entertainment! Lady Zoey asked me to sing with her, so you may see me up there twice, if she still wants me to join in... Oh, look there's lady Kalani! And Zakhar!" Enthusiastic wave!

Delighted laughter and (careful) applause follows Medeia's tune, and Savio is pleased. "I heard she sings, but never heard it. Fantastic."

When his turn comes, Haakon rises and casts an eye around the hall, before stating evenly, "This is a rowing song for the season, in leaner years before we turned Prodigal. The Seraph of Eswynd Rock hates it," he adds with a wry curl twisting his scarred lip. "Winter Winds." The name draws rumbles of approval from many of the household guards. He starts a cadence by striking his fist rhythmically on the planks of the table, which is taken up by many others, whether by fist or spear haft on shield rim. The reaver's voice is neither polished nor sweet, its most redeeming qualities are volume and clarity. Other voices join his for the final line of each verse as his deep voice sings:

"When the hungry winds of winter blow,
When the rocks will grow no more but snow
And the fishing nets have naught to show,
What must be done, we know.
Blow, ye winter winds, blow.

For in lean hard years of famine fame
The Goddess grants what the bold can claim,
Warriors of Eswynd earn your names,
To the longships we hove.
Blow, ye winter winds, blow.

We set to sea with naught but water,
What food remains with our wives and daughters,
We’ll live or die by the foemen’s slaughter,
A reaving we must go.
Blow, ye winter winds, blow.

Three icy days by the East Wind cast
Afore Maelstrom's coast is spied at last,
None but the brave will break their fast,
When Eswynd steel we show.
Blow, ye winter winds, blow.

We’re upon their shore with last light's gloam
No warning had but our rowing drum,
Take what you can 'ere the Serpents come
And leave naught for the crows.
Blow, ye winter winds, blow.

We'll take their silver but prize their grain,
Red our spears by the stubborn stained,
We'll live, we'll reave, and we'll fight again,
Heave for the longship's hold.
Blow, ye winter winds, blow.

Overland we hear the horseman’s call,
Fast back to sea or ye’ll be their thrall,
Fly to the longships, one and all,
Set sail for Eswyndol.
Blow, ye winter winds, blow.

From returning ships a horn blast rings,
Dry fish, stale bread are the fare of Kings
Until the white isles grow green with spring,
Blow, ye winter winds, blow.
Blow, ye winter winds, blow."

Deva has left the stone firepit.

Jasper, an unflappable scoundrel, 2 Redrain Guards leave, following Deva.

Thea cheers for Medeia, her glass lifted high. "Great job!" Thea laughs at Deva aside. "That sounds--like a different sort of story---"waiting to hear Haakon's crazy next.."

Ophira has joined the line.

Zoey applauds Medeia and Haakon each in turn, and gives Savio a nod to tell him that yes, that is still the plan.

Ian settles into silence to listen respectfully as the music of the evening begins. It's nothing more than respectful, however. He doesn't really seem to be getting anything out of the experience. But he's being very polite about paying attention.

Wash applauds politely, freeing up his hands by holding a leg of roast fowl between his teeth.

Lani lifts the glass she's holding and toasts Savio with it, along with a smile, in lieu of a wave! Turning towar dthe stage, proper, to listen to Haakon and beams with happiness as the song unfolds.

Ryhalt sways slightly in his seat, clapping along to Medeia's performance. He does much the same for Haakon's, singing along on the last verse since it seemed the thing to do. Don't mind his singing too much.

Tyche has left the broad bench piled with furs.

Cristoph has left the broad bench piled with furs.

Rupert, the Laurent Archivist, 2 Valardin Knights, 1 Laurent veteran guards leave, following Cristoph.

1 Inverno Ensign, 1 Inverno Captain, Cornelius, a studious looking attendant, 4 First Legion Centurions, Cristoph leave, following Tyche.

Zakhar has a silly little grin for Orland, "I'm getting dere. Less boats, more sending metals to the sky lates." As Savio calls out to him, he looks to the Hearts (bones) with a smile. Leaning over to Kalani, "Aye mades that lovely instruments."

Drake applauds with heavy claps for the songs being sung. Then he finishes his entire drink in one go... and reaches out for another.

Orland checks charm and performance at easy. Botch! Orland fails badly.

During Haakon's song, Orland gives in to thumbing his boot against the floor and clapping his hands along to the sea shanty, and answering the chorus with his own baritone as it repeats and it's pretty simple to help sing with! HE CHOKES. Like, literally chokes. Was that bug?! Nope. Just swallowed his own spit down the wrong way or something! Or maybe someone threw something into his mouth. The rasp in his voice is ... growing pains. SOMETHING. It's awful and he stops. Don't worry, no cats dying over here, just a Voice.

Turn in line: Zoey

Zoey stands up and beckons to Savio with a smile before the pair of them go to the stage. After one last whisper to her partner she begins without any preamble in a voice strong and clear:

William Taylor was a brisk young sailor
Full of heart and full of play
Until he did his mind uncover
To a youthful lady gay
Four and twenty brutish sailors
Met him on the road one day
As he went for to be married
Pressed he was and sent away

There is a chorus of nonsense that strings along in a happy bounce, and then begins verse two:

Sailor's clothing she put on
And went to a board a man-of-war
Her pretty little fingers long and slender
They were smeared with pitch and tar
On the ship there was a battle
She amongst the rest did fight
The wind blew off her silver buttons
Her breasts were bared all snowy white!

Zoey grins at that last bit before repeating the chorus, and gives Savio a nod before the third verse begins. He joins in for a dialogue:

When the captain he did discover
He said, "Fair maid! What brought you here?"
"Sir, I'm seeking William Taylor
Pressed he was by you last year."
"If you rise
up in the morning
Early at the break of day
There you'll spy young William Taylor
Walking with his lady gay."

After an exaggerated gasp from Zoey comes another round of the chorus, and as the final verse begins she becomes a bit more animated than normal.

She rose early in the morning/Early at the break o' day
Here she spied young William Taylor
Walking with his lady gay
She procured a pair of daggers
On the ground where she did stand
There she cut down William Taylor
And the lady at his right hand!

Medeia let's Klavdiya handle the rest of the management of performers, calling people up as they need be. She makes her way through the crowd, saying hello and giving some other greetings as she can. Her destination? The table, to secure a glass of water and settle next to Haakon.

Martinique pauses in eating to applaud the performers, and joins in on the shared lines. Her voice is definitely in the 'choir' quality at best but that's why you sing in the background in a big group. Soon enough her plate is emptied and set aside to better focus on the drinking, and refilling her glass. She even brings a second back, which is offered to Gehenna with a mild expression. "Don't want you to fall behind."

"Orland! Oh no. Orland!" Savio is concerned... but kind of laughing... but concerned! He tries to balance the right mix of helpfulness and concern with 'but I don't want to call attention to this,' and then ultimately settles for stealing another kiss. "It's lady Zoey's turn, she asked me to back her up! I will be right back!"

Up he trots to grin at Zoey and then make a big sweeping bow as if to introduce her to one and all! When the part in the third verse comes in with the dialogue, he sings right there with her so that the song has the proper effect, but at the conclusion, his applause toward Zoey encourages the spotlight for her alone!

Wash is finished eating, enough to laugh and applaud the turnabout ending. He collects a fresh tankard or rum to wash down his meal.

Ryhalt claps along for Zoey and Savio's performance, chuckling at the end.

Turn in line: Wash

Ian downs the remainder of his glass of whiskey while Zoey sings and Savio plays, but he's thoughtful enough, at least, to leave off refilling it until she's finished, and he's expressed what he's hoping is the appropriate amount of appreciation via applause.

Drake listens to that one intently, particularly interested in the salacious bits before he offers his applause at the end.

Zoey takes Savio's hand so that they might bow together before exiting the stage.

Thea is talking, a coy smile on her lips. She listens to the tale and---grins. Broadly. Clapping as well as she can with a full cup. "loved it,"she calls out.

Zakhar has left the extra benches by the stage.

There is no more joining in of the chorus yet, as Orland coughs, tries to drink something, sputters, and decides to not be ridiculous by following that performance with an raspy encore of his own. Zoey and Savio's song at least get a fair thump of a boot and a much less toned down enthusastic clap. Tell me your embarrassed without saying you're embarrassed. He does of course, add more heart to his clapping once Zoey and Savio bow.

Wash gestures for the sailors he invited to come up with him and set up their instruments. His bodyman Jayne sets up a washdrum on a table, and four Crownsworn sailors produce instruments you might find onboard a ship. A mouthharp, a guitar made with a single steel string and of course, a fiddle. They begin playing with a clamor, adding dull stomps to the rhythm Jayne keeps on the washtub.
Wash waits until has attention, like a good showman, then he projects his best Captain's Voice to give some context: "This shanty is relatively new, sung by those who never expected to live long enough to sing a shanty of their own instead of one commanded them by a whip." Wash produces a short whip, just long enough to make a crack. This is the only accompaniment he adds to the music, cracking the whip during the chorus. He is no singer, so he lets each of the Crownsworn men take a verse and chimes in himself only on the chorus.

I used to be a thrall in chains, an icy oar to pull
And by my side my mate, lashed tightly to the hull,
From the shoals of Maelstrom Bay to the Saffron Chain we'd go?

And we'd shout! Pull! Pull! Pull! As from the Queen down below.

Out to the snows of Tyde lands, down to the Darkwater's edge
From Stormward back up to the Redrain's ridge
When the middie cracked his whip, the three of us would row?

And we'd shout! Pull! Pull! Pull! As from the Queen down below.

No bunks for us on which to lay our heads, no pillow just the oar
We'd curse at the bad fortune that had set us on this course
Together, us three, whip, mate and me windward we will go?

And we'd shout! Pull! Pull! Pull! As from the Queen below.

A pirate, shav, or 'bandoned be, no difference did it make
The captain in a cloak of blood and fletchings in our wake
Enemy before us, and Cat o' Nine behind, naught to do but row?

And we'd shout! Pull! Pull! Pull! As from the Queen down below.

There is a pause in the accompaniment and in a deep voice, one of the sailors intones the following:

Only when the killing quenched the captain's mighty appetite
Would he turn to us and say: "That could have been you tonight!"
I'd turn to my shackled mate, slumped o'er the stabberd rail
Twice as heavy was the oar now, while he rests his head in hell.

The entire ensemble pauses in silence for a moment of silence for the departed thrall in the song. Then once again it resumes with the same careless clamor as before but with all the commoners giving it it their full-throated best.

Once again the whip would crack, and the oar I would employ

A day, a week, a year would pass, no rest I would enjoyl
To mate I'd said goodbye, and to the one now in his stead, 'Hello'...

And we'd shout! Pull! Pull! Pull! As from the Queen down below.

And we'd shout! Pull! Pull! Pull! Pull! Pull toward the Queen down below

(The above was filked from Gaelic Storm's Devil Down Below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_b7o9rdWms)

Wash checks command and performance at normal. Wash is successful.

Orland is overheard praising Wash: An en-Thralling sea shanty!

Zoey's hand rests over her heart a moment while listening to the song, but when it does come to an end she joins in with the applause that comes.

Ryhalt furrows his brow at Wash's song, but listens respectfully until the end and applauds.

Ophira is overheard praising Medeia.

Ophira is overheard praising Zoey.

Ophira is overheard praising Wash.

Turn in line: Savio

Wash salutes the crowd as the players put away their instruments and claps them on the back as they return to their feasting.

Wash has joined the long feasting table.

Ian applauds politely for Wash pretty much the exact same way that he applauded politely for Zoey.

Savio joins in applause after Wash's song, pleased to have tapped his feet throughout it and cheer at the end! "Ah, you have to love a good shanty, don't you? You can feel the sea air on your face, nearly!" Spotting it's his turn up next, he takes a minute to gather his instrument and winks, "Wish me luck."

"Good luck, and break a leg!" Kalani knows -that- much about performance art to wish him the best.

Haakon shouts to Savio in encouragement, "Try not to die!"

Medeia joins in the applause for Wash, looking toward Savio expectently. She says something quietly to Haakon after he shouts.

Savio takes his place on stage with the pleased confidence of someone who does this frequently. He's a bard, after all! And is wielding a strange, not-lute instrument made of wood and bone, played with a bow and keys that move the strings. "Hello, aren't you all so lovely?" he greets everyone gathered, before introducing the song he is going to sing. "This is a lovely story about my favorite subject - Myself - and about a friend of mine, and about sailing. Specifically rowing. This is a lovely story about a lot of rowing." Without futher ado, Savio smiles, lifts his weird instrument, sings and plays:

"When I came to the mainland, my brother said to me
You won't be a sailor till you sail the northern sea
I know the one to teach you, if you think you can --
Go find Lord Haakon Eswynd, and that'll be your man

I said my lord I'm here to learn, and I am from the Chain
He said I'll blister both those hands, your arms will be in pain
If you want to be a sailor then there's one thing you must know:
How to get into this longship, and row and row and row

Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh the sky is dark and the sea is vast
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or else Haakon Eswynd will kick your ass!

(The music continues as Savio interjects, "He will you know," and then resumes.)

We set sail before the dawn and rowed around the bay
Hauling on those bloody oars until well past mid-day
Hours later, shore in sight, I said 'well that was fun'
And Haakon looked at me and said, 'you think we're fucking done?'

Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh sink that oar, pull sure and fast
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or else Haakon Eswynd will kick your ass!

Weeks and weeks and more of this, I asked if I've got it down
He looked at me unmoved and said, 'you might not fucking drown'
Sweetest words I've ever heard, the peace and joy of knowing
That now I can sail any sea, thanks to Haakon's goddamned rowing

Row, row, row, Savio!
Oh keep this lesson, make it last
Row, row, row, Savio!
Or else Haakon Eswynd will kick- your- ass!"

He laughs, and bows, and then blows a kiss and steps off the stage.

Mikani applauds the songs

Zoey laughs at Savio's song and follows it with enthusiastic applause for her partner.

Zoey is overheard praising Savio.

Ophira is overheard praising Savio.

Medeia is overheard praising Savio.

Kalani is overheard praising Savio.

Kalani is overheard praising Orland.

Mikani has left the long feasting table.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant leaves, following Mikani.

Orland is overheard praising Savio.

The song from Savio actually gets a reaction out of Ian, somewhere around 'you think you're fucking done?'. He snorts, and then leans his forehead on his hand and laughs almost silently.

Orland has left the extra benches by the stage.

1 Ivory Shields, Philippe leave, following Orland.

Wash claps for Savio's performance. "Death by Haakon is much more certain than death at sea. Stay on his good side."

Chuckling along to Savio's lyrics, Ryhalt claps through the appropriate parts in the song.

Thea shakes her head in amusement, laughing as Savio's song ends. No words coming from the Malvici.

Medeia starts laughing and doesn't stop until the song is over, clapping for Savio when he is done. "Well, this night is simply better than I had hoped. You're all wonderful. Klavdiya? Who is next?"

Turn in line: Ophira

Ophira checks charm and performance at normal. Ophira marginally fails.

Ophira stood from where she sat on the bench of furs, plucking one last piece of what appeared to be a sliver of apple from Yuri's plate, "I think you're going to need more food on your plate." Is rumbled, eyes simmering in their linger before svelte form is a-sway a few feet away to let her voice ring out with raucous, Seraceni appeal! There is a smattering of Ischian's who'd managed to wiggle themselves into the space and already they started stomping their boots in call to their newly returned Voice:

I rose you up from the bottoms deep
Eyes that hold me, high tide creeps
I feel that tug on my very soul
An eerie call, a depthless hole

ring-di-diddly-eye-oh

I realized too late, oh woe is me
The gales are risin', the wind off key
A hurricane blowin', it's hard to see
The price must be paid, the iron rods fee

ring-di-diddly-eye-oh

All over my shirt, all over my cheek
My sailor's thirty second'er does leakr
With an exhale of breath, those eyes do roll
I laugh and as I tell he, "It's the Siren's Toll"

ring-di-diddly-eye-oh, my sailor paid The Siren's Toll!

There is then a raising of that goblet, because that was still in her bejewled hand looking every inch like she might raid coasts with a pirate band. It was a bawdy song, true deep dive salty and without looking to see the responses in the room? The Siren of Setarco takes herself back to promptly settle down amongst comrades at the bench piled with furs.

Gehenna has joined the broad bench piled with furs.

Wash applauds politely again. "I haven't heard that one before." He comments. "That must be from the South, right?"

The line has been dismissed by Medeia.

"Yes, most certainly from the South!" Is chirped towards Wash, Ophira then takes a healthy gulp from her goblet.

Ryhalt claps along jauntily to Ophira's tune.

Rising to applaud Ophira, Medeia smiles brightly and makes her way back toward the stage. One of the Eswynd guards helps her back up, and hse turns to the gathered crowd, expression alight with joy. "Thank you, thank you so much, to all of our performers this evening. Let's have another cheer for Lord Haakon, Lady Zoey, Messere Savio, Lord Wash, and Lady Ophira!" She leads the cheering and applause for a moment, before the noise settles down. "And thank you all for being to share in the song. I hope you stay longer, there is food and drink aplenty. Seats by our fire. Continue to lift your voices in song, share stories, catch up with new friends, or meet new ones." There's a flourish from her as she lifts both hands to her lips, makes a kissing motion, and turns her fingers out to the crowd. Once she is off the stage, she begins to mingle.

Medeia is overheard praising Ophira.

Medeia is overheard praising Zoey.

Medeia is overheard praising Wash.

"The wind off-key. I have no ear for music, as I have been told many times, but I know what the wind sounds like when it is off-key." Wash assures Ophira. "Gods, I just came back from six months with the Thrax Leviathan and now I want to go right back out there again."

Medeia is overheard praising Haakon.

Ophira checks composure at hard. Ophira is successful.

"I'll raise a glass to that," Ian says of Wash's sentiment of wanting to be out of the city. He even raises his glass, so he wasn't joking.

Yuri worked up a resounding whistle at the announcement of the performers, joining in with the applause before he settled himself and returning to his waning plate of food.

Gehenna checks intellect and law at normal. Gehenna is successful.

There is something shared quietly as she whispers over to Yuri, offering a wily smirk before glancing out over towards Wash with a curious look but pulls politeness through, "Six months is a long time to go without hearin' a lover's voice go off-key." A curious cant of head, "But I can understand the call to the ocean."

With that does Ophira ease to a stand, finishing off her rum with a flourish of a gulp, "Scylla, I'll be seeing you soon!" Is called out, chin dipping towards the Eswynd hosts before the Seraceni departs.

Wash barks a laugh at Ophira's response as if she'd made a joke. "Oh, I don't think I'll be in Arx -that- long!"

Haakon raises a painted clay flagon to the departing Seraceni, in mute farewell.

Drake claps again at the final song. At this point, he's pretty fair well into his drink, so he'd enjoy a lot of things, but he seems very honest in his appreciation.

Ophira has left the broad bench piled with furs.

Drake is overheard praising Medeia.

Drake is overheard praising Haakon.

Drake is overheard praising Zoey.

Rocco thrusts a note in her hand, causing Thea to roll her eyes. "Im apparently needed. But thank you for this,"Thea calls over to Medeia. And maybe Haakon. "The songs were----entertaining."

Drake is overheard praising Ophira.

Drake is overheard praising Savio.

Martinique checks dexterity and legerdemain at normal. Martinique is successful.

Drake is overheard praising Wash.

Thea has left the stone firepit.

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

Wash is overheard praising Medeia.

Yuri took to a stand as he glanced around, eyes sifting down to a plate that had seemed to be picked clean by 'buzzards' around the bench he had taken to sitting with. "When will the next one be on a caravel, hm? Shanties /at/ sea, this time around?" He glanced off to Medeia with a chuckle, taking a moment to sip at whatever was left of his wine.

Zoey is overheard praising Medeia.

Scylla is overheard praising Medeia: An exceptional hostess, as always.

Ryhalt leaves sometime during the mingling.

At the furred bench, Ember shakily stands up with the aid of both Martinique and Scylla. The Baroness has somehow managed to get staggeringly, embarrassingly drunk; not so much embarrassing for the damage she's doing to her liver but because she seems to have lost control of her mood and is sulking beyond belief.

"My lord," Medeia laughs softly as she responds to Yuri, "I would need to borrow a caravel, Eswynd does not keep one among our fleet." She tilts her head, thoughtful. "Mm, but if someone wished to /lend/ one, I would consider it!" She rests her hand on his arm lightly before moving along to talk to others. Ember catches her eye, and she makes her way over to check in with her, Martinique, and Scylla quietly.

Wash is pleasantly buzzed but in no hurry to leave, possibly because when he leaves, the men he brought to perform will feel obliged to leave with him and they don't often get to indulge in this level of fine food and company.

Zoey grins at that. "I think I might know where you could find one, but they are committed elsewhere at the moment," she tells Medeia.

Scylla casts an empathetic look backward toward Marquis Gaspar, as though hoping he'll understand that she's on a mission, here. After that, it's pretty much up to Martinique and Scylla to escort the Bloody Baroness from the premises, drunk as she is and seemingly unable to carry herself forward on her own. When Lady Medeia slides up next to them, Scylla turns to Martinique, as though expecting her to provide a much more appropriate answer than the one that's hanging off the tip of her tongue.

"La Rosa will have a festival caravel, in time. We shall do 'sails-to-nowhere' in circles and simply cavort about on the open sea air for some hours at a time. It will be lovely." Yuri chuckled lightly at Medeia's gesture, peering off to Gaspar, "Correct, Marquis?" He winked off to Gaspar, unaware if he would be listening.

Martinique makes a quiet response to Medeia, something of a demurral, with a small smile as she moves to assist in half-dragging Ember out of the room.

The marquis laughed and nodded. "It's as though we don't have a trio in the harbor ready for use /now/, Lord Yuri." He flashed the man a wink and slipped an arm behind Piccola's back with a hand pressed to her spine. "Lady Medeia, singers and sailors, thank you all for a lovely enough. Most of House Tessere must see to some urge business, but we leave you with our most charming in our stead." A wink, again, to Yuri.

Savio is sitting next to Kalani over at the benches, unwinding the bandages of his right arm for her inspection! Brief snippets of conversation for anyone overhearing seem to be about healers, injury, and how Savio will never know anything about midwifery and the world is better this way.

Scylla nods along with Martinique as best she can with an armful of Ember weighing down her left side. "Lady Medeia, thank you for throwing yet another lovely event. I always enjoy them." A pause later, after a momentary hesitation, she adds, "One of us will be sure to write."

Ian has settled into a comfortable slouch, drink in hand, and seems content to listen to the conversation for the time being.


The General nods to Medeia as Gaspar gently but firmly presses her out.

"We should talk at the Salon soon," Piccola tells the other woman in passing, pulling her hood back up over her head. Because she can't look mysterious and cool with it down, no. She simply must have the shadows about her, as if it were part of her arsenal.

Thus, with the Marquis d'Iriscal, she departs.



Scylla has left the broad bench piled with furs.

Samuel Vallis, captain of The Black Tide, 2 Stormblood Sentinels leave, following Scylla.

Yuri glanced off to where his family was beginning to make their exit, before he rose his glass up in praise to Gaspar for the words, "Ah, he is a poet. Clearly, how could you not see such? The Marquis should have easily been able to compose his own shanty on the spot, no?" He chuckled idly before he meandered his way to Haakon, offering a reverent bow, "Due congratulations are in order, my lord. May I echo my Marquis' sentiments when I say, enemies of Eswynd shall know the bitter end in time."

Martinique is overheard praising Medeia.

Gehenna is overheard praising Medeia.

Wash is overheard praising Haakon.

Martinique has left the broad bench piled with furs.

After an exchange with Martinique, Scylla, and Ember, in which Medeia needs to extract her hand from the baroness', the lady steps aside and dips her chin as the trio departs. She gives a nod as well to Gaspar and Piccola, calling after, "We shall!" After a moment, she loops her arm through Yuri's. "A party caravel? I love this idea. Completely frivolous and extravagant. When do we go?"

Haakon inclines his head to Yuri. "Fair words, lord Tessere. I thank you for them. And may our enemies ever be the same."

Ember has left the broad bench piled with furs.

Yuri chuckled at Medeia's enthusiasm, shaking his head, "I am sure the Marquis made mention of them, but hardly are they outfitted for the machinations I have in store for one of them, at least. I cannot completely defang the Tessere navy for my own whims." He paused a moment, glancing off after Gaspar's departure, "...or can I...hm."

Piccola has left the broad bench piled with furs.

Gaspar has left the broad bench piled with furs.

"My lord, I emphatically shall endeavor to see our enemies are ever the same. But as a sign of joyous occasion, I must congratulate you all the same. La Rosa's dining hall remains open to you whenever you shall wish to celebrate with your beloved." Yuri glanced and bowed his head to Haakon soon after speaking to Medeia.

Wash eventually does decide to see his way out. "Thank you for your invitation Lady Eswynd. Congratulations Lord Haakon."

"I shamelessly support indulging your own whims, my lord." Medeia grins at Yuri and gives his arm a squeeze before shifting to settle back beside Haakon. "And your kindness, as ever, is a boon. I should have the ability to meet with you soon about having La Rosa cater the opening for the Sanctuary." She looks over to Zoey and the Kennex lords, then. "Lady Zoey, Lord Wash, you both performed admirably. Lord Ian, have you had enough food and drink?"

Ian lifts his glass for Medeia, to show her that he is, indeed, drinking alcohol. That's not really what she asked, but that's the answer she's getting. Then he looks to Haakon. "Do you have Eswynd's house weapon on hand? I wouldn't mind seeing it."

"Thank you, Lady Medeia," Zoey says with a nod of her head. "I appreciate you hosting the event where I had my first opportunity to do so."

Wash inclines his head to Medeia, "Credit the sailors. These four are an integral part of the Candlelight's crew, I trust them to define the culture for her crew."

Yuri widened his eyes a bit as he nodded his head toward Medeia, "Oh, yes! You had said such in your letter. We can discuss over a tasting, perhaps? My chefs have been experimenting with different culinary techniques and adding flavors to the short menu as the dining hall has been open for as long as it has. If you give me a time in which you would like to sample, I can have some dishes prepared for your perusal?" He deposited of his empty plate of food, left with his wine glass as his question trailed after Lady Eswynd.

Drake has left the stone firepit.

Calluna, A Young Highhill Mastiff leaves, following Drake.

Medeia grins at Zoey. "You were lovely. Truly." Then she dips her chin to Wash and then regards the sailor's with him, looking at them closely. "Oh! Yes, I recognize all of you from the scouting mission. Fantastic job, at sea and on stage, messeres." Turning to Yuri, a nod is given. "I will have some time in the coming days, I'll send you a note when I have something more definite than that. Your commitment is inspiring. I look forward to it." The crowd has thinned considerably, which has the lady looking toward Gehenna and Kalani. "Lady Gehenna, Lady Kalani, have you two had a chance to meet? And is there anything you need? I hope you've been enjoying the evening."

There is a touch of humility from all of them at being addressed by the host and a Lady. Wash's tone is all geniality. "Gentlemen, you've done me a favor this evening, I shall return it, shall we abscond to the Golden Hart to win some silver?" Wash asks enthusiastically.

"I think it is time that I head home as well," Zoey says, rising to her feet. "Thank you again for a lovely party!"

Zoey has left the long feasting table.

Kalani finishes tucking the edge of the bandage back into place around Savio's arm and looks up in time to hear Deia's question, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure, as of yet. And this evening has been wonderful, Deia. Your parties remain to be THE hot ticket. The music was such fun!"

Yuri smiled cordially as he bid his head off toward Medeia, "But of course. You simply give me fair notice and I shall have the chefs prepare the finest." He glanced toward the others within the main hall, bowing gently, "A fond evening to you all. Glory upon House Eswynd!"

Wash has left the long feasting table.

Jayne, Burly Sailor leaves, following Wash.

Ian doesn't leave along with Zoey, or even Wash, but once Zoey and Wash are gone, he braces on his cane and, with effort, pushes to his feet so he can join Kalani and Savio by the stage.

Ian has left the long feasting table.

Ian has joined the extra benches by the stage.

Yuri has left the broad bench piled with furs.

Bartolomeo, protege of Signora Lauretta Tessere leaves, following Yuri.

Medeia bids Wash and his sailors, and Zoey a fond farewell as they head out. To Yuri, she dips her chin. "I will let you know as soon as I am able. Thank you. May the warmth of our fire keep you as you cross the city." Kalani's words earn a big smile. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it. You deserved a chance to rest."