The grounds in front of House Valardin's manor have been swept clean of the remainder of winter's debris. The landscape is verdant green and a pink whitish blush marks the blossoms of many a tree. A temporary dance floor has been erected before the front gates and the area is lit up with torch light, and paper lanterns hanging from decorative flower wreathed beams that rise above the party goers. Dotting the lawn are numerous tables, offering guests the opportunity to sit and eat, close to all of the bustle of the celebrations. A collection of shadowy trees offer some relief from the many people.

The festivities have been set up for some time, so the only rushing around that Cristoph needs to do is solely to satisfy his own inability to sit still by the entrance. Which doesn't mean that he isn't watching the entrance! Because he is. Frequently. Check thing that doesn't need to be checked. Say hello to someone. Annoy another innocent person doing their job. Greet someone! Bump into Rupert when he informs he needs to relax? Check.

Atramentous, The Highhill War Hound arrives, following Tesha.

Bayberry, an Oakhaven juvenile bloodhound, Steadfast, a dunskin stallion courser, Bumbling Bees from a Clement bee hive arrive, following Norwood.

6 Grayson House Guards, Abbie, a gangly legged fawn, Gioia, a clever actress from Gemecitta arrive, following Jerrica.

Friends, family, fealty, and /spring/. Enjoying the entrance of Spring after the months of looking like part of the weather. Or, just not being seen at all because of snowbanks - Alis carries around a glass of sparkling Oathlands wine. From that special region of the Oathlands that makes the special wine. Effusive greetings, and suitably charming apologies for Cris being annoying (she has performance for a reason), are no doubt her most important roles of the evening so she dives right in! "Welcome, welcome! Enjoy the food. Have you seen the dance floor?" Lovely, boring, small talk.

The walk through the city tonight was an easy one - spring making it so much more pleasant to meander through the streets. And it also provided Tyche with time to get used to the feel of cupridium encasing her form. A corset of the golden metal, boots, a chainmail sleeve. All of these elements of 'war' are employed here in the most fashionable of flairs. By the time she arrives, she looks well and truly comfortable in the foreign adornments, her smile firmly in place, her ease innate like she, like the Oathlanders, was born to wear armor! Her gaze sweeps the gathering crowd, the clank of metal, the shine of steel all providing a rather stunning picture, but it is the man rushing about she settles her attention at, taking in his own attire, which looks suspiciously like her own. She smiles wider when she realizes this, and cuts through the crowd to find him. "Duke Laurent, I am so happy to see you found my missing sleeve," she lifts her bare arm to draw fingers over the accessory he wears. "It looks almost as good on you," she admits, and then spins to greet Alis, "Your grace. This all looks so lovely."

Appallon arrives, following Clarisse.

Lady Lily, A young silver sea otter, Clarisse arrive, following Valerian.

2 Farshaw trained guards, Suzette - a Westrock Aerie Page arrive, following Ryhalt.

A horse wearing a sweater comes charging... walking beside Mabelle as she enters the ground. A delicate silvery mask covering half her face and an ominous, prickly halo crown upon her head. There are also prickly cages all over her corset. In short, Mabelle is prickly tonight. Hopefully not mood wise. Smiling as she enters looking mightly uncomfortable in all that metal, she wiggles the fingers of the arm restrained in a bracer that has a dragon on it. Was it mentioned she looks uncomfortable? But she's smiling and smelling food, so there's that, "High Princess", she greets Alis, "Cousin, Marquessa", she leads her horse onto the grounds.

Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, Barf, the Bog Dog arrive, following Amari.

Rian, the overworked, lovelorn seamstress arrives, following Vincenzo.

The General of Farshaw -- Alban -- arrives right on time, wearing a brand new suit of diamondplate armor. He leads a woman on his arm: Princess Jerrica, who he is whispering to as they walk into the soiree. He straightens as he finishes speaking to Jerrica, and then looks about the grounds, noting many familiar faces (which, makes sense, as this is his fealty). He gives a wave to Princess Alis as she greets those arriving, and then takes care to make a wide path for Mabelle and her horse that she walks in with. He looks at the outfit the woman wears, and then says quietly to Jerrica, "Not that ridiculously dressed, see?" he asks.

This is why Cristoph is paid a salary, to make sure that things are going right. Sometimes in a manner that's /overly/ dedicated. Rupert presses a glass of sparkling Oathlands wine into his hand from the special region of the Oathlands that produces this wine. "My lord, please. Relax." For his sake. Please! The Duke of Artshall is prepared to argue, but it's Tyche voice that pulls him away from his assistant. The sight of her in all of the armor and silk earns a deep curve to his smile and he bows low to her before straightening, just in time for her to touch his chainmail sleeve. "Strange. It seems to fit me so well? But you say it's yours." He leans down to murmur quietly to her before straightening again. "Cousin Mabelle," he greets as she enters in her elaborate out. "You look very nice."


Tesha arrives to the festivities looking like someone who might still be in mourning given the color of dress that she wears. It's black and the only thing that breaks up the solem color is the jewelry that she wears. There is a quill pin worn on her dress as well. She gives a polite smile to those that she comes across, but for the most part she stays to the fringes for the moment and carefully observes things while Atramentous trundles along at her side. They were matching tonight with all the black.


"Oathlands fashion, Marquessa. It's wonderfully flattering on you." Alis praises Tyche, turning to raise an eyebrow at Mabelle, making a kind of 'what's covering your face' gesture, but trying to be discrete about it. Probably failing. "Lord Alban, nice to see you. And I am definitely not ridiculously dressed today. Perhaps yesterday, but not today." Just in case. "Lady Tesha, hello!"

"We can spend the evening deciding who wore it better," Tyche laughs as Cristoph claims the sleeve fits him, too. "Thank you for this," she adds, and by this she means the attire, because her hand sweeps down to encompass all of this. The whole thing! She hears the whispered words, and her laughter fades to a grin which accompanies the bold, "We look stunning together." She sweeps around to slide her bare arm through his, the pair of them looking quite matched in their fashions. "Thank you, your grace. The Duke Laurent helped me, I must admit, as I wanted to make certain I came properly attired. And you look lovely. The blue is perfect," she remarks with sincerity, her gaze sweeping over the woman. To Mabelle she looks next, the woman's mask earning the lifting of brows, but she need not ask /why/. She knows. "The perfect choice, Lady Mabelle." She twists then to look up at Cristoph. "Dance with me?"

As a Grayson princess Jerrica is used to parties parties. However, she's not used to arriving on time, nor has she ever been to and Oathlands party. For once she has actually fixed her hair. She's been trying to stretch her comfort zones and meet more people. This gives her a perfect opportunity. "Lord Alban," she says softly to the man leading her aroun, "you'll have to introduce me to all these people. And did someone say wine?"

Ryhalt arrives at the Jubilee alone, but smiling nevertheless. While not wearing anything overly ornate, his top gives a nod to the armor theme with epaulets on the shoulders.

3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Cassima.

Vincenzo is arriving by himself, behind another group of people who make their way into the grounds. He's not dressed ornately, but he did at least don a set of 'fancy' armor, at least for him. There's a pleasant enough smile on his lips as he takes to looking about, offering a smile and a nod to various people, though Mabelle does get a lift of his hand so that he can give a little wave in her direction.


Tesha gives a bow of her head when she turns to see Alis, "Your Grace." she greets in turn to the High Lord of the Oathlands. She gives a look to others that are around and dips her head in greeting as well before finding a spot to settle into to begin people watching.


It must have been something in the water or a bit of liquid bravery whatever the case it seemed Valerian had found his way out of the libraries and archives of the city and Thrax's ward and managed to make it to the most feared of things.. A social Event. The young man making his way nervously along with Clarisse speaking softly with the young woman, "Okay..so this is a dance or..what exactly is a jubilee? I don't think I've read anything on those before."

Amari perhaps considers fading back and off the grounds the moment she notices Mabelle in such elaborate fashion. Her brow lifts and her eyes widen at the prickly crown and everything else. Much like Ryhalt, she's arrived alone and not over dressed for the occasion. She hasn't even worn any armor, only a deep red Artshall velvet gown with an ironwool corset that at least gives the impression. "You've outdone yourself, Mabelle." She says in passing. She's for a glass of sparkling wine from the region of the Oathlands that's famous for sparkling wine. There is of course, polite nods to all the notables.

Alban comes to a stop as Alis addresses him and then bows to her slowly after he's disentangled his arm from Jerrica, "You were not who I meant, your Grace," he says, before straightening and acceding to Jerrica's request, "May I introduce to you Princess Jerrica Grayson, Princess Jerrica, Princess Alis. And, yes, we have wine. From one of the regions in our holdings known for it. Would you like me to acquire you a glass?" he asks of the woman next to him.

Resolute, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Dart, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrive, following Kastelon.

There are many servers and they are all moving through the growing crowds of the party, handing out glasses of sparkling wine from the region of the Oathlands that produces sparkling wine.

Mabelle wiggles her fingers at Alban before she leans over to murmur something to Alis about her mask, "Marquessa Tyche, you look absolutely magnificent. I knew I should have just worn a normal gown, comfort is beauty", she winks. Ryhalt's arrival gets an inclination of her head, "Duke Farshaw, Good evening", and Vincenzo's is met with surprise and a smile, "Vincenzo, do you know anyone here...?", but Amari's comment makes her turn and laugh, "Lets say I have a compelling reasno to want to be able to make sure my head is protected", and makes a sign of 'I'll tell you later'.

Kastelon's head turns about faintly as he makes a late entrance - or late enough for him, perhaps, when he's making his way over, following the sound of the throngs and the hint of the lights. "No, I don't think there's a hearth for you to go occupy," the huntsman can be heard saying to the hound who's trailing at his heels. "It'd be bad form regardless, since you're not the owner of these things." Not a touch of a smile finds him at the saying of it, before he's looking about, lingering on the fringes as if, perhaps, debating what he ought go enjoy.

Clarisse is dressed this evening in a Dark Purple Gown, not extravegent by any means, simple for the Lady, as she holds gently to the arm of the Kennex Lord Valerian, and smiles at him, "Admittedly I have not been to many either Lord Valerian." There is clear affection for the young Lord as they look around. At her side though is a pouch suited for the young healers supplies should any need help this evening. She does speak softly to the Lord though. "Admittedly I have not been to one either, so I believe we will both experience this together and find out more." She does offer a warm smile and bow of her head to those she knows, and even thsoe she does not.

Cristoph watches as Tyche makes with her greetings and there's a brief exchange about how lovely everyone looks. Everyone looks very nice! He definitely doesn't disagree with this at all. "Duke Ryhalt!" he calls, even as he's unconsciously extending his arm to the Marquessa in a silent reply to her question. "Good to see. And Lady Amari!" he waves then before handing his half consumed glass of sparkling wine off to Rupert. Fully taking up his position next to Tyche, he nods a polite 'excuse me' to the people around them and starts to cut a path to that dance floor located in front of the gates.

Cristoph has joined the a temporary dance floor laid out before the front gates.

Catching that question from Mabelle, Vincenzo takes a look about the area before he's looking back over towards her, "Well, I know of a couple of them. But introductions never hurt, now, do they." The smile deepens a touch and when a server passes with that sparkling wine, he's accepting a glass and then looking to it for a moment before giving a half shrug of one shoulder.

Cassima arrives with little fanfare and no armor. In fact, she wears nothing special at all, just some nondescript whatever. If anything, she seems to be focusing on letting the guards accompanying her flaunt the armor, each of them dressed in oiled leathers, with one elite guardsman in shining steel, all adorned with Thrax colors. Playing the dowdy wren to their bright peacocks seems to suit her just fine, allowing her to move around more freely, snagging a glass of something as she skirts the dancefloor.

Tyche has joined the a temporary dance floor laid out before the front gates.

Ryhalt accepts some wine from a passing server with a smile and thanks. As Mabelle greets him he turns that smile to her. "Good evening, Lady Mabelle. Glad to see you were able to solve your dilemma and come, after all." Hearing Cristoph greet him, he turns to smile to him, too, and lifts his glass. "Good to be here!"

"Princes Alis! How lovely to meet you!" Jerrica is bubbly. "Oh yes, please, my lord, wine would be lovely," she lets Alban go retrieve drinks. Then her atteniton goes back to Alis. "Tell me about yourself. How do you like to spend your time?" Vincenzo catches her attention as he walks towards Mabelle. She waves at him "Ohh he made my dress! I am always so happy to find someone to make dresses!"

There is a nod from Valerian when he hears Clarisse's words, the young man's free hand resting against the strap of his satchel fidgeting with it as he chews nervously on his lower lip. Clearly out of his depths and away from his normal area of comfort the Kennex Lord is a bundle of nerves as he moves with Clarisse. The admission though on her not having been to such an event before bringing some comfort to Valerian as he relaxes just a touch finally bringing his gaze to slip away from the woman to look over things and give the occasional respectful dip of his head.

Mabelle scans Amari a tad belatedly and informs her, "I love your gown, it is so magnificent", as her eyes truly take it in. She welcomes Vincenzo to her side, "Lets start with the hosts, This is High Princess Alis Valardin and Duke Cristoph Laurent, Marquessa Tyche Inverno. This is Vincenzo Villente, the very extraordinaire tailor who has returned to the city", she rests her fingers gently upon his arm, "Duke Ryhalt Farshaw, Lord Valerian Kennex and Lady Clarisse Charon, you seem to know Princess Jerrica and... Princess Cassima! Hello!.", she scans around to see who else she missed and then informs Jerrica, "Oh I am jealous!"

Vincenzo's looking over in the direction of Jerrica, even as he catches her comment and there's a warm smile given, along with a lift of his hand to give her a wave, recognition evident in his gaze as he spots the dress. Then he's looking to Mabelle and when she makes introductions, he's looking to each of the named. Alis gets an actual bow, while Christoph and Tyche get a respectful incline of his head, "Your Grace, Duke, Marquessa. It is a pleasure to meet the three of you." Then, as more introductions are given, he's looking to Ryhalt, Valerian and Clarisse, to smile and dip a nod of his head to them, "Duke. My Lord. My Lady." A glance to Cassima and there's a smile given, "That one I happen to know."

Amari does want to hear that story of Mabelle's so gives a quick smile of acknowledgement. She'll be waiting, somewhere, with a glass of sparkling win which she carefully liberates from a passing tray. Hearing her name, she turns to lift her glass in a silent greeting for Duke Cristoph and Marquessa Tyche as they whisk away to the dance floor. She doesn't give chase. "The crowd is certainly filling in." She says mostly to herself, but as there's others about that she knows, she offers greetings in no particular order, really. Mabelle's introductions are helpful for some of the unfamiliar faces. "Duke Ryhalt, nice to see you. Oh, Lady Tesha! Hello. Your Highness. Is that my cousin?" That last being directed to Kastelon, who she's spied. "Kastelon!"

Alis spins as she hears her name. A little white haired whirlwind whose smile quirks upwards as she takes in the princess who enthusiastically greeted her. "Your Highness. I hope you enjoy yourself this evening. You have to try the /sparkling/ wine." is emphasized. "I'm rather dull with my spare time I suppose. I train a lot. Sign a lot of paperwork. And let my children chase my spouse and I around pretending we're bandits and they are knights who have to catch us." she admits, amused. "Oh, Vincenzo did you say? I do have one of his gowns. And I am impossible to design for so he did a most excellent job really." Smiles, waves. She is on her best behavior so far.

Tyche sweeps after Cristoph, pleasantries handled... well, almost! There's a small pause as Mabelle makes introductions, the semi-armored Inverno smiling at the man. "Did we meet at the birthday? We might have. A pleasure to meet you, if not!" But then she's picking up her steps to follow the Laurent duke to the dance floor, as it was her suggestion in the first place! She easily slips around him, her hands moving to take up position against him, one touching the chainmail sleeve at his bicep, the other finding his own hand. "This is the perfect way to begin the evening, my lord. Others will follow, no doubt." And she'll nudge them into a dance, small yet mighty in her knowledge of all sorts of dances. Her voice drops, words shared just with her dance partner.

That there's alcohol being passed around... well, this is a large gathering, and a good enough excuse for Kastelon to be, indeed, lifting one of the glasses from a tray and taking a drink, with the demeanor of one who does such things because it's expected at such a function. Though how he sips it makes it clear that it's more the matter of there -being- a crowd. Though at Amari's shout, his head does come around, and he offers a nod of his head, and makes his way over that way. "Hello, cousin," says he, the faintest play of a smile. "Highnesses, lords and ladies."

"Ah! I've been found out! Curses, foiled again!" Cassima turns with a bright, mirthful smile for Mabelle when her name is called out. She tips a nod and sends a smile Vincenzo's way, "Yes, we've run into one another a few times now. THe first time quite literally and entirely my fault. Nose in the ledger while walking a terrible habit I simply cannot seem to break." Lifting her shoulders, she doesn't seem too fussed over it. She also gives a small nod towards Kastelon, recognizing him from the tavern the other day. She looks at the glass in her hand, wondering just what it is she collected, sniffing it lightly before shrugging and taking a sip. It seems to suit and she gives a nod before shooing the elite guardsman away, "Go be shiny, attract attention!"

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

"Those are all wonderful things to do! I am quite excited to try the /sparkling/ wine. I have not had it before, but I do appreciate a nice glass of wine. Is the sparkling wine an Oathlands specialty? It sounds so yummy." Jerrica says all this in one breath. Then she pauses to recover and take it a bit more of the crowd. Several polite nods are given out and a few waves. "Princess Alis, I'm so glad we have met. I suppose we should both mingle, no?"

Clarisse is gently holding to Valerian but as relieved as him, as the introductions are given, and then offers a respectful curtsey, "Your Highness, Duke, Marqueessa," trying not to stumble over her own words as the introductions are given by Mabelle, "Thank you for the fine introductions Lady Laurent." She smiles warmly at her, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Mister Villente. I can not wait to see more of your designs." Her deep brown eyes looking back to Valerian to see how he is doing, and if she should release his hand to let him mingle or if he would prefer her to stay close. Her voice is soft and clearly respectful and warm when she speaks. Though she still seems to be trying to relax in such situation. When the wine passes by, she does take a glass for Valerian though refrains from one for herself.

Ryhalt turns his smile to Vincenzo as Mabelle introduces them. "A pleasure to meet you, Vincenzo." To Amari's greeting, he grins to her. "Good evening, Lady Amari." He circles through the area until he's near Alis and smiles to her. "Good evening, High Princess Alis."

Once they disappear out onto the dance floor, much of Cristoph and Tyche's conversation is lost to the music being played by the trio of musicians. But their forms are visible enough and they move through the steps of their dance with a kind of certainty and familiarity that hints at them having done this before. This dance and others, several times over. At times, the duke can be seen bowing his head lower to catch some remark given to him and to exchange one of his own. Meanwhile, the servants are circulating the party and quietly announcing that there will a very lively dance for everyone to participate in shortly.

Mabelle smiles easily to Kastelon as she seems to have missed his entry, "Lord Keaton, good evening to you as well. And Princess Jerrica, we keep running into each other and never actually get introduced, I am Lady Mabelle Laurent, it is a pleasure... oh Cassima!", she is interrupted by the livelihood of the Princess, "You are back in the city and did not write. Certainly I am wounded. No more exotic perfumes for you", she winks to her. After exchanging a few quiet words with Vincenzo and asks him, "Shall we get a drink?"

Tesha dips her head to Amari, "Lady Keaton, good to see you once again." she states in a quiet tone. After that she finds a beverage to partake of and the red head goes to take over the spot she was sitting in again. She gives Atramentous a soft pat on the head as she settles in. There's a bit of a soft smile on her face as she watches everyone. Atramentous takes this time to lay down at the side of the seat that she's sitting in.

"I'm glad that you enjoyed it, Your Grace," is what Vincenzo is offering to Alis, another little dip of his head being offered before his gaze plays over in the direction of Cassima, a laugh falling past his lips, "I'm fairly certain I was deep in thought and not paying attention either." A glance back to Clarisse and there's a quick nod of his head, "I'll be releasing a few new designs over the next couple of weeks, along with a special, unique collection." Looking back to Mabelle, he's offering, "Oh, I do think a drink is required."

"You look to be in good health." Amari observes of her cousin as he approaches and she can better look him over, "You didn't lose any extremities to the bear?" That somehow doesn't seem to be a serious worry on her part. The slight half smile betrays the amusement in the question. Remembering her manners, however, she gives introduction to the loose group of minglers, "Have you all met my cousin, Lord Kastelon Keaton?"

Gianna swans in swathed in duskweave with glittering mirrorsilver. It's a lovely gown and she's even made a nod to the theme of the evening by wearing a single steel gauntlet. Drinks? Thank you. She swiftly accepts a glass flute of something or other from a passing servant and lingers for a few moments under one of the paper lanterns.

Tesha has joined the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Gawain makes his brisk way towards the Valardin Grounds, and slows down as he nears the crowd to take a quick survey of the people. He's clad in some shiny shiny armour, enamelled in House Blanchard's colours, though in deference to the fact that he is probably here to talk to people or at least eat someone's food, he's left the helmet off.

"Dancing," Alantir murmurs, lifting a glass of sparkling wine to his lips. In two gulps, he drains the container's contents. "Socializing, celebrating, general revelry." Each of these statements is followed by a drink, rapidly overwhelming the poor attendant that had stopped to offer the knight a beverage. It wasn't as potent as amber liquor but it would certainly get the job done. "Spring. It's a season. It happens every year. Like a harvest, though without the food, and with twice the humidity," he continues, head shaken dejectedly. A good host listened, and that was something he could do. After giving himself a firm and awakening slap, he opens one of the manor's double doors and descends into the courtyard fray.

"It was a close scrape with the bear, but we did seem to get away. The hunt was a success." Kastelon is not smiling, but there's the sense that it's clearly not a joke from the tone of his voice. "Though on the other hand, had it gotten a limb, I could more credibly be a pirate." -That- might be a joke. A familiar nods is offered up to those he knows on the asking if anyone's met him, and he takes a sip of his drink. Though there's a turn of his head at the mentions of dancing, to contemplate the floor for a few moments, before he's coming back to the moment.

Returning from getting drinks, walking a glass of wine to JErrica and carrying a ale of his own. He hands over the glass and then asks, "Haven't gotten me expelled from the fealty yet, have you?" of Jerrica with a wink.

Mabelle holds one of the servers as they serve them some drinks and she regards Vincenzo, "A new unique collection? I will look forward to that. I shall take you with me to the textile branch in Artshall, they are always working on something new". Her eyes land helplessly on Gianna as she enters, "Why you are a vision, it is good to see you. I did not have a chance to write back but I love your idea, we shall discuss it at length". Same gaze then falls on Alantir, "Prince Valardin, you do not enjoy spring?"

"Lady Laurent! We have seen each other many times but never a proper introduction." She smiles warmly at Mabelle. "You must know Lord Alban... Oh he must be here somewhere." Her eyes scan the crowd for Alban. When he comes up behind her face lightens. "I don't think I've been expelled from anywhere in my life!" Her voice betrays feigned shock.

Cassima turns a look onto Mabelle reminiscent of a kicked puppy. There might be lipquibble. "But.. but... I adore those perfumes...." Sniffle. Then she's chuckling and shaking her head, "Again, entirely my fault. I've been consumed with trying to reach out to everyone that I'm afraid I've let some missives slip through my fingers. Please, do forgive me, my lady. I promise I will send you a messenger every day to make up for it." Sidestepping a touch closer to some of the others, Cassima glances around and sips from her glass.

"Duke Ryhalt, I'm so glad you could be here." Alis inclines her head, and then offers Jerrica a bit of an impish smile. "It is an Oathlands specialty yes. Made from a special region of the Oathlands." she declares, without actually naming the region. Then there are cousins to greet, which she turns to doing. "I think I'm going to follow Duke Laurent and Marquessa Tyche's lead, and go find Prince Fiachra to drag him out onto the dance floor. He's absolutely love it." she decides, spiriting back into the crowd to supposedly stalk her poor spouse.

Gianna has another sip of her drink and inclines her head to Mabelle. "Lady Mabelle," she calls in greeting. "Thank you! I'm pleased to hear that. Yes, we shall have to speak about the project. I think the College would be perfect." She raises her glass to the Laurent lady and, spying Amari, slinks over thatway. "Aha. It's been too long."

There's a long, clear moment on arrival where Deva pauses and observes all the activity of the grounds from a distance away. She seems a bit stuck in place, like her boots have suddenly frozen to the ground. Overwhelmed? Agitated? Some combination thereof? She starts to turn away and her trusty assistant, Jasper, seems to be having some words with her. Then she abruptly covers his mouth with her hand? It's a whole thing. Neither of them look very pleased with each other.

Angelica arrives, quiet and observant, taking in the people and decorations, moving with ease in her armor. An eyebrow quirks at the sight of the dancefloor, but her expression remains otherwise neutral as she eases further into the crowd.

Vincenzo's giving a nod of his head towards Mabelle, "Indeed. Currently working on the details and just how I would like it to look." Taking a glass, he's lifting it to his lips for a small sip before it's lowered back down, his gaze shifting to Alban so that he can give a nod as he's introduced to Mabelle and then he's looking back to Jerrica, "Your Highness, the dress looks lovely on you. Though, it can be said I'm a touched biased." His gaze then darts back to Cassima, "Don't feel bad, Your Highness. I did the exact same thing when I returned."

When Cristoph is off actually socializing, Rupert is left to work! He starts moving among the party goers, "Will you be participating in the northern flight of the frozen and firey dragons dance- Master Jasper! It's good see you again! Princess Deva!" The Laurent archivist notes to some people that this really isn't his job, he works in records. Is anyone hiring? Hahahah, he's just joking. But seriously.

"You'd probably have to lose an eye as well." Amari thinks, because that would be peak pirate, having a peg leg and an eyepatch. She stares at Kastelon as if trying to imagine him thusly pirated up. Thankfully, Gianna distracts her before she can do or say anything beyond that. The Nightingale is beckoned closer in an amiable manner, the Keaton smiling broadly, "I feel even more poorly attired now. You look beyond wonderful, Gianna."

Mabelle collects the glass of sparkling wine from Vincenzo and chuckles at Jerrica, "I do know Lord Alban, unfortunately", she eyes the man with half a smile before gently nudging Cassima with the elbow that holds the glass, "I will forgive you, this once. We should have dinner soon it has been so long". Her glass is toasting Gianna as confirmation for their joint venture, and returns her attention to Vincenzo, "Well now you got my attention, I noticed you are working with honeysilk, so I cannot complain". Deva gets a raise of her drink as well when she arrives, "Princess!" as well as Angelica.

"I think that Lady Thea would testify that having but one eye wouldn't make me worse of a shot." No, this is definitely a joke from Kastelon, even if his expression's inscrutable. Though there's again that turn of his head towards Cristoph's aide when he's calling for the contest and... a shake of his head. No, it would seem that this particular Lord Keaton doesn't trip the light fantastic, and there's not at all a motion for him to be moving towards the dance floor. Though remarkably, despite himself, he's listening for a few moments keenly to the discussion about fashion.

One of the servants comes to tell Tesha that there is dancing about to start and she gives a bit of a smile and shakes her head as she speaks to them. Apparently she doesn't dance! The redhead takes a sip of her drink as she watches, amusement in her stormy gaze as she does.

Gianna comes to a halt by Amari and takes a moment to look her over. "You're doing much better with the sword harness. I think you need to be limited to at most one more heart-ornamented item though." This is said quite solemnly. For Amari's own good. She inclines her head to Kastelon as well. "Well met," she greets. "Nightingale Gianna Delvecchio."

Late to the party, Gawain promptly informs Rupert, "Frozen and fiery dragons dance? What is it? No, never mind, I'm in! What? I need a partner?" This revelation doesn't seem to phase the fellow too terribly, and he strides further round the grounds, gaze skimming over various people as if he's going to find someone to drag off to dance any moment.

There is perhaps a slight tinge of red that crosses his cheeks when Jerrica brings him up to Mabelle, "Yes, most unfortunate," he replies, before he turns to Jerrica and says, "I do not think you've met my cousin the Duke, have you?" He nods to Vicenzo, and says, "You did great work on Jerrica's dress I must say." as an aside to the man, before he tries to navigate over to Ryhalt.

"I just had to try working with it upon my return. It is an amazing fabric to work with. Such vibrant color." That's offered with a smile from Vincenzo, only for him to follow with, "I plan to try out all the new fabrics. See just what I can create with them." Looking to Gianna, Vincenzo is giving a nod of his head before looking back over towards Alban, "Thank you for that, My Lord."

Clarisse gently squeezes Valerian's hand as, as she looks a bit overwhelmed by the gathering, and closes her eyes a moment, before she picks up a glass of wine to take a sip, not wishing to be a bad guest, but she also seems content to try to fade into the background despite trying to get her and Valerian out of their comfort zone tonight.

Cassima turns a smile towards Vincenzo and chuckles, "Mutual inattention? I suppose I can be satisfied with that. And it did lead to an excellent acquaintance!" The nudge from Mabelle has her smile turning in her direction and giving a quick nod, "I'd like that very much, thank you." A quick sip is taken from her glass before she's looking around again, perhaps shuffling a bit behind some of her guards to better avoid the dancefloor, as if the sight of it will force her onto it.

A puzzled expresssion crosses Jerrica's face, but she is soon distracted by the sparkling wine. She takes the first sip and sparkling wine is just as good or better than the typical version! "Ohh," she swallows then answers Alban. "No. I have not met the Duke." She tries to gracefully keep up with Alban as she's shuttled over to Ryhalt.

Mabelle grins entertainedly as she notices the discomfort she caused Alban, mouthing to him, 'Was joking' before he is nagivgated toward Ryhalt. Her gaze then falls unfamiliar on Gawain, "Good evening, I do not believe we've met", she mentions in form of a greeting. "Well if its up to me, Vincenzo, I will never be tired of supplying you with challenges", she winks to him and then seems pleased as she informs Cassima, "Excellent, we'll set something"

The dance on the floor comes to a halt, because Tyche is too busy laughing to continue. Apparently Cristoph has turned comedian for the evening, because his quiet remarks are the catalyst to her merriment. "Come, let's drink something before the contest," she declares, tugging him toward the sidelines.

"A pleasure, Nightingale," responds Kastelon in turn, nodding to Gianna on the introduction. Though there's the turn of his head to Cassima as well, before he offers, "Your highness is finding things to her liking, I imagine, about the city? I've not seen you since our encounter in the Traders, but I imagine you've been finding things to occupy yourself beyond your books?"

Gianna checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 59 higher.

Gianna checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 29 higher.

Ryhalt is enjoying his drink as he watches people. As Alban and Jerrica approach, he smiles to them. "Good evening, cousin. Who is this lovely lady with you?"

Gianna checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 46 higher.

Mabelle checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 38 higher.

Mabelle checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 43 higher.

Mabelle checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 49 higher.

Vincenzo checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Vincenzo checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 30 higher.

Vincenzo checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 39 higher.

Tyche checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 26 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 26 higher.

Tyche checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 24 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 33 higher.

Tyche checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Cristoph checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 11 higher.

Cristoph checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 22 higher.

Cristoph checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 12 higher.

There's rumors of drinks and Angelica is headed that way, murmuring thanks as she's given a full glass. She pulls her helm free and shakes back her hair, tucking the armor beneath her arm as she sips with her free hand. She watches as others begin to dance, drinking what turns out to be wine as she finds a bit of wall to hold up, leaning casually as the event begins to unfold.

Gianna somehow manages to catch Vincenzo's look - though it might not be a surprise that someone with her ego is attuned to such things - and inclines her head to the man. There's a long, thoughtful look, and she asides to Amari, "Is that Vincenzo Villente?"

Gawain draws up short in his trek around the grounds, a course which had apparently not quite yielded results vis-a-vis people to subject to his efforts at dancing, and instead offers a bow to Mabelle, and a broad smile as he straightens. "We have not. I am but recently returned to the city after quite some time away. I am Lord Gawain Blanchard."

"Princess Jerrica, may I introduce my cousin, Duke Ryhalt to you." Alban says, holding on to formality for the time being, before he asks, "No Clover? I do hope Ivy is not keeping her too busy these days."

Looking up at Kastelon, inclining her head towards him, Cassima offers, "I've been reacquainting myself with familiar haunts in the city and renewing acquaintances and friendships, yes. Admittedly, I usually have a book ro two with me." She glances down into her glass before lifting it for a sip and adding, "Not nearly so fun as being eaten by a bear, as I hear it?"

As Mabelle address Gawain, Vincenzo is offering to him, "Vincenzo Villente. A pleasure." A glance to Mabelle and then back to Gawain, "Though I must interrupt this round of introductions in favor a dance. Please, do forgive me for the moment." A smile is given to Gawain and then he's looking to Mabelle, "Come along, my Lady. There's a dance to be had." And then he's moving to the dance floor, to tug Mabelle along in that direction.

Amari's smile flattens at the fashion advice. She seems to think she could add more hearts to her ensemble, yet. Like, so many more. That or she's just pretending some minor offense at the very thought of restraint. "Point taken, I suppose. I mean, I do have a lovely pair of-" Sigh. The welcome redirection Gianna provides she follows, turning also to peer at Vincenzo before nodding to confirm, "I believe that's the name that was going around. Are you familiar?"

Mabelle offers a quiet smile to Gawain, "Lord Kincade's brother? He was my first friend in the city, he spoke of you often. It is a pleasure to meet you, welcome back. Do send your brother my warm regard..." and she is pulled by Vincenzo to the dancefloor but does not seem to be regretful about it, chuckling, "Now this is new", she informs him as they reach the floor, "Watch from my heels, they are deadly to some species", she winks over her shoulder at Amari on the dancefloor.

Mabelle has joined the a temporary dance floor laid out before the front gates.

Vincenzo has joined the a temporary dance floor laid out before the front gates.

Gianna has joined the a temporary dance floor laid out before the front gates.

Amari has joined the a temporary dance floor laid out before the front gates.

Ryhalt smiles to Jerrica as they're introduced. "A pleasure to meet you, Princess Jerrica. Is this your first time at an Oathlands party?" He shakes his head to Alban. "No, Clover's staying with Ryland. I keep trying to convince her to come out, but she doesn't want to lose any time like she had with Ivy."

"Duke Ryhalt! We finally meet." Jerrica warmly greets the Farshaw. "Lord Alban talks of you often. How are you?" Watching the couples go to the dance floor she asks. "Are you dancing? I didn't know there would be dancing so I wore the wrong shoes. It is my frist time at an Oathlands party, and I fear I did not know how to dress."

"I don't know that being eaten by a bear is particularly -fun- as much as it might be something to get one some exercise. Though running from one's probably a bad idea," muses Kastelon as he sips of the sparkling drink once more, and the faint play of a smile finds him again as he's shaking his head at Cassima. "Though to each their own. The hunt that went with it was far more invigorating that a book, as well."

Moving off of the dance floor briefly, Cristoph is just coming down off his own peel of laughter. Rupert spots them, moving along to give the duke some sheets of paper and having him check it over. He nods his head in an agreeable fashion and sends him off. In the meantime, he stops one of the servers passing to pluck to glasses off of a tray and send one to Tyche. "It's even busier than when we approached the dance floor initially," he says of the crowd of people that are freely mingling around the grounds.

Mabelle's sweatry horse is feeling out of place and also, who wears a sweater in the spring, so she shows herself home.

Gawain extends the same bright smile to Vincenzo and answers him and Mabelle both, "A joy to meet you. I am Lord Kincade's nephew, in fact, but I shall send him your regards all the same. Do enjoy the dance."

Cookie, a darling leopard appaloosa Artshall mini horse wearing a red sweater have been dismissed.

There's a pause between the last set of music and this next. Those who are dancing in pairs are encouraged to join again, while several judges, all very old and battle hardened (literally) social mavens are there to decide who is doing the best. The music that picks up now has a rather demanding tempo, the beat is quick and starts off almost immediately with complicated steps that are not exactly for the faint of heart. But it's a lively dance, the kind that gets the heart racing and encourages the dancers to improvising if they make any mistakes.

Vincenzo's oblivious to the fact that he's been discussed by Gianna and Amari, for his intention is instead upon Mabelle, "Well, new is never a bad thing." A quick smile is given to her and then he's beginning to lead her in the dance, only to give a little chuckle, "I think we'll manage avoiding having you step on anyone's feet. Especially in heels."

"Was it? Perhaps you simply haven't read the right book, my lord. The right book in the right hands can speak to a person. Make them feel things." Cassima waits a few beats before acknowledging, "Though even I know when to get out of the library and into the world. So your point is well taken. But believe me, my ledger is quite the book. You might be surprised by the things I've found within it." There's the faintest of smiles to grace her lips, something that hints at something else altogether in the expression. She glances around briefly, then looks back to Kastelon, brow lifting, "No parrot tonight, my lord?"

"That makes sense, well, do give her my best." Alban replies to Ryhalt, before he explains to Jerrica, "Clover is his wife, the Dutchess, and their son Ryland is...how many months old now?" He asks of his cousin, "Clover is wonderful, you would like her. The life of any party she attends."

Tyche takes the offered drink, her cheeks still pink from the amusement on the floor, and she lifts it in a salute to Rupert as the man heads off again. "A clearly successful evening," she determines easily, her gaze flitting over the many attendees. She pauses for a moment as she spies Deva, a wave of fingers given. But then the contest is being called, and she widens her eyes, quickly drinking the sparkling wine. "Mrmm. Come! Let's see what we can do, Duke Laurent." She places the glass on a passing tray, grabs his hand, and draws him out into the dance! The laughter returns, because the dance is so lively, and the cupridium she wears adds a layer of the new to this endeavor.

Gianna finishes her drink and passes it off to someone else, nodding to Amari and offering her hand for the other woman to take as they head for the dance floor. "Mmm. I try to be familiar with all tailors of talent. But do you remember the Ballad of Nature's Prayer, in the College's collection? He wrote that." The College's Nightingale is light on her feet. This is why low-heeled slippers are the best - no wobbling, no turning your ankle and breaking it. Her gown's cape provides some flair with her movements.

Mabelle looks puzzled a moment as Gawain mentions being a nephew but instead her hands move to rest upon Vincenzo's shoulder and hand as they begin to show people what dancing is all about. She leans over to murmur something to him while she lets someone else lead her steps for a while.

Clarisse is so quiet in her exit while everyone is focused on the dance floor, she stops one of the servants to offer them her glass. The sheer amount of guests a bit to much for the young healer. She is unsure if Valerian will stay or go though, and leaves that decision to him. She is much better in smaller social situation.

Appallon leaves, following Clarisse.

"I'm doing well and yourself?" Ryhalt responds to Jerrica with a curious glance to Alban. "Good things, I hope!" He hides a grin somewhat. "No, no partner tonight, so just contenting myself with watching. You should take them off and stand on Alban's feet." He nods to Alban's wanting to wish will to Clover. "I'll let her know. He's about eight months old now." He nods in agreement to Clover being wonderful. "Yes, it's a shame she isn't here."

With a hand at her waist and the other within her own, Vincenzo is listening to the murmur that Mabelle offers, only to whisper something back. Then, as the tempo begins to quicken, he's guiding her through more complicated footwork, one that includes a little spin of her before he's drawing her back.

With the contest beginning, Amari watches Mabelle and Vincenzo step into their dance together. There's a pointed look aside at Gianna, and an arch of the brow before she tips her own drink back, divests herself of the near empty glass and accepts Gianna's hand. "I have a recollection of that. So he's a tailor of hidden depths?" She replies, but soon she's focused more on the music, and her own and her partner's movements. She's competent, even graceful in her motion and there's a certain economy to it. She doesn't try to match or outshine the Nightingale, but support, a whirl of red velvet and white silk, to her partner's contrasting deep blue duskweave and shining mirrorsilver.

Kastelon looks about for a moment at the question from Cassima about his 'parrot', and... "He was with Resolute and me when we arrived, so he's got to be somewhere around here," muses the Keaton lord, before there're two brief whistles, and indeed, the kite comes flapping from one of the trees to gracefully land on his gloved wrist when he's holding it aloft for the moment for the purpose of being a landing spot. His other hand continues to his half-full wine glass as he looks as normal as he can like that. "It'd be inappropriate for me not to accessorize with my parrot, indeed."

"Where has Alis gone off to, I wonder?" Cristoph asks before quickly trying to finish his already recently started drink. The High Lord is no doubt mingling in the crowd of guests, and so he doesn't worry about it overly much. When the music starts and she starts hauling him off to the floor, there's a loud round of laughter from the duke. He catches he wave and twists to see who it's being offered to. He lifts his free hand and waves to Deva before taking up the steps of this overly complicated dance. He's /competent/ but not nearly as good as some of the others that are out there. Still, he seems to be enjoying himself even if at one point he definitely bumps into Tyche.

Mabelle and Vincenzo pass by Amari and Gianna as they whirl around the entire dancefloor being oh so very dominant, good thing Mabelle's pencil skirt is not twirlly! But as they go by them, Mabelle interjects to the pair, "Annoyingly deep hidden depths!", likely an amiable jab at her dance partner.

Winter, A Highhill Puppy arrives, following Kiera.

Looking around at the sound of the flapping, Cassima gives a nod as if all is now right with the world now that the bird has landed on Kastelon's arm. "Too true, my lord. I hardly recognized you without your parrot, you know. You should have a pirate hat, too. One of those dashing ones, with the long feather!" That had to have come from a book. She finishes her glass of whatever she had grabbed on first entering and sets the empty on the tray of a passing servant. Neglecting to pick up a second glass, she looks back to the Keaton lord a slight nod, "Yes, I think a hat is called for. Since we cannot simply go lopping off lims to replace them with metal hooks or wooden pegs."

"In any case, I do mean to talk to him about the College," Gianna informs Amari, Mabelle, and Vincenzo as they whirl. And then the pairs are too far apart again, twirling in colourful displays like the finest of birds. But knightly birds.

Rupert is still moving around, as are the judges. When the archivist passes Kastelon and Cassima, he looks up just in time to see the man's bird flying toward him. He ducks down but then when he straightens, he peers at the man in what may best be described as mild concern. "My lord, that is not a parrot. Are you well?" Then a judge is coming over and dragging Rupert away to do something else. "Come watch this! Stop bothering the guests."

Meanwhile! The dance seems to be reaching its apex, with several overly complicated moves that involve swapping partners. Twice. Then returning to the original duo!

"All good things." Jerrica reassures Ryhalt. "Clover sounds wonderful. I'm sorry she couldn't be here this evening. I'm sure you've been keeping busy with all the things going on lately." Her headtilts at the comment about standing on Alban's feet. "Have you hidden a talent for dancing from me?"

Tyche steps along with the Honey Duke, and there are a few occasions where the clank of armor proves that she is not as accustomed to the wearing as such as she would pretend. The ringing is met with laughter, and the pair make a 'good-enough' showing at the dance, but do not come out victorious!

"Let us not get -too- silly about it - it'd be hard for me to use my bow with a hook." Kastelon's not saying anything against the idea of peg-leg, though, and there's the brief turn of his attention towards Mabelle an Vincenzo on the dance floor, the barest hint of a smile. "Perhaps that might not be a bad idea, though, for me to speak to the good sir and see if he could work me up an appropriate hat. Something that'd not be out of place with the rest of my attire." That faintest, faintest suggestion that he might actually -have- a grasp on fashion might be stunning.

Tesha looks about at things and then finishes the drink that she was nursing. There's a look to Atramentous and a smile, "I think we've had enough outside time for today, lets head back." she murmurs to her dog. Then she rises and makes her way towards one of the people she can drop an empty glass off with. She does take a moment to give a look off over the dance floor and there's a smile, "Lets see who wins the contest at least." she nods to this.

Mabelle almost protests from afar to Gianna, "I need him for the shrine! And maybe a shop! But he can certainly do all three", she calls toward her as Vincenzo continues to spin her gracefully about, while the exchange quiet conversation.

Deva responds to waves in a distracted fashion but eventually sneaks back off without as much as a drink for the road.

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

Helping himself to a cup of cider off a picnic table to sip at as he watches the dance, Gawain looks up as Tesha happens along somewhere near where he loiters, and he raises the cup in greeting. "Hello there! You don't happen to dance, do you?"

"I most definitely have not, I am nimble, but I am no dancer. The steps...elude me entirely." Alban admits, before he says to Ryhalt, "If you keep getting her hopes up like this she is going to find someone who CAN dance, and then where will I be?" as he asks this, his arm slides around Jerrica's waist, tugging her a little closer to him playfully.

Angelica eyes her empty glass and is quick to swap it out for another, back to observing the dancers.

"Hidden!? Hardly!" Is what Vincenzo offers in passing. Before has a chance to reply to anything else, the dance causing the pair to whirl past, a chuckle following in the wake at Mabelle's comment. Even in leathers, he's able to keep up with the tempo, guiding his partner through them and being guided in kind. There's nary a blink as partners wind up being swapped, and then again before he finds himself back with Mabelle, a quick little laugh falling past his lips, "This has turned out to be a rather fun little dance."

Cassima is hard-pressed to suppress her amusement at Rupert's comment towards Kastelon, or the judge's rescuing of the pair by dragging Rupert away. She manages, but just barely. Mirth dances in her eyes even as she schools her features into placid neutrality. She glances after the man, then looks back to Kastelon, "I do highly recommend Master Vincenzo. His work is exceptional, and he's one of the few tailors I know that will actively design for men. So you would be in excellent hands. I've been promised a meeting myself, so that he can assist me in replenshing my wardrobe, as everything I own currently is made for fall and winter weather."

Ryhalt nods in agreement. "Yes, all the preparations for war and all the regular duties besides, quite more busy than I usually am." He chuckles at the question if Alban can dance or not. "I have my doubts she'll leave you for that, if it hasn't been an important point already."

Despite an aversion to participating in these events, Alantir seems sincerely invested in the dancers and their performance. He observes silently from the sidelines, gaze fixed upon the slowly depopulating floor, with arms folded neatly across breastplate. As appropriate, he claps the palms of his hands together and offers applause -- admiring the form and bravery of those who had volunteered to perform in front of complete strangers. This was a strength of character that he did not possess.

"I'll spin you both together, and you can fight it out for his attention." Amari suggests as a fair compromise to determine what Vincenzo should help with. She makes no claims on the man, but gives him an appraising look, when she can spare the focus. "I should really do something for the College. I have the time, and no duties but to garden in Uncle Norwood's yard."

Bob, the chartreuse parakeet arrives, following Baelos.

"Yech. Dirt. Boring," Gianna declares. She passes Amari off, and then another, and then she has her lady back again. When Amari's back, Gianna notes, "I think I could take her in a fight. Do you?" Surely she is jesting.

Mabelle is swapped in an awkward moment as she finds herself dancing with Cristoph and then relieved to find herself back in Vincenzo's arms, murmuring amusedly to him, "I thought I lost you for a moment", she laughs helplessly and teases Amari, "I dont fight! I win! All means valid", she winks to Gianna as she finds aversion to dirt and rather agrees with her.

After that dizzying moment of partners switching up, everyone returns to who they originally started with. The music slowly begins to taper off and the judges are furiously writing things down and arguing. In fact, there seems to be a great deal of it. As if they can't make up their minds about something. But finally after someone slaps their hand down on something, a decision is made! "The winners of this are Lady Mabelle Laurent and Master Vincenzo Villente, VERY closely followed by the Nightingale of the Bard's College, Gianna Delvecchio, and Lady Amari Keaton!"

"I may have to weigh dancing when compared to other important qualities." Jerrica winks at ALban and rests her hand on his at her waist. "I do hope all this settles without too much awfulness. But enough of that. Have you tried the sparkling wine? There are amazing beverages in the Oathlands. Coffee! Sparkling wine! This is great news."

While the lovely manor grounds have been swept clean of most winter debris, somehow Baelos Redrain finds his way into the party. As is his wont, the prince is rakishly disheveled, shirt askew, beard scruffy, and he comes armed with his own bottle (half empty), approximately two hours late. But, he is here all the same! He makes his way barward, taking a wide angle around the dance floor.

Tesha gives a smile when the winners are announced and a round of applause, "Bravo Lady Keaton and Mistress Gianna." she calls. Probably lost on the wind and the crowd. She then gives a look around and nods to things, welp. Better get going on home.

Angelica sets down her glass to applaud the winners, watching as others do the same; perhaps she needs a proper example, or maybe she's out of practice clapping in alaracite gauntlets. Either way, her wordless congratulation seems as genuine as anyone else's.

Kastelon seems almost to have not noticed Rupert's comment or approach, or he's just very good from appearances at paying such disbelief no heed. "I would admit that I'd not the first idea of who to approach, save for hearing of one or two who've skill, and knowing that they might well direct me to the right person," he admits. "I could ask Apollo as well, but I know not if he does appropriate hats." Which is a fair question too, in his own part, when he's hearing the announcements of the winners, and applauds politely.

"Hey now! No need to fight over me!" That's offered with a laugh and a beaming smile as Vincenzo gives Mabelle one final spin before bringing the dance to a slow and then eventually a halt. There's a murmur to her, a smile and then he's giving another little laugh when their names are announced. Casting a look in the direction of Gianna and Amari, he's dipping his head towards the pair, "You two put up quite the 'fight' on the dance floor, though. Very well done."

Gawain looks over at Tesha a moment more, then as the winners are announced, he leaves his cup aside and frees his hands to applaud briskly. "Great stuff!" he calls, as if he is in any sort of position to judge whether it is or not.

"I think I've converted her to coffee." Alban comments, and then his eye catches the dancing going on, and he looks over at the movement of the dancers, fading into the background of the discussion while he watches.

Mabelle halts on her feet and as the winners are annouced she first curtsies to her cousin and then to Gianna and Amari, "And I didnt have to play dirty so that's great! Wonderful opponants", she grins at them and bows her head to Vincenzo as well.

"She's deceptive, that Lady Mabelle." Amari warns her best dance partner once she's returned from the temporary swaps, and is in graceful orbit of Gianna once more. "I've seen her stab a man." That issued, she's laughing softly as the judges pronounce the results. She bows her head graciously to the victors, and smiles to the pair, "Well fought, tailor of hidden depths, and lady savage." Hearing Tesha, she turns to curtsey to their one true fan.

Ryhalt chuckles at Jerrica. "I have." He gestures to his glass. "I highly recommend it. Not better than coffee, but nothing is better than coffee." He lifts his eyebrows lightly at Alban's comment about coffee. "You didn't like coffee before meeting Alban?" He asks of Jerrica.

"Master Vincenzo could certainly handle the request, though if you seek a leather hat... perhaps Apollo or... ah... Audgrim? I think that was the name on the shop I passed." Cassima's brows draw together in concentration as she tries to recall the name of the other leatherworker she passed in her wanderings. Finally, she shakes her head and looks back to him, "But yes, I imagine Master Apollo could easily accomodate. Though, if I understand correctly, has he eschewed his craft for becoming a Whisper?" As the winners are announced, Cassima offers polite applause for the dancers, and a smile towards Mabelle and Vincenzo for winning. The sight of Baelos has her eyes widening as she leans in towards Kastelon, "Who is that? I don't recognize the face and he looks like he just rolled out of the wrong side of someone else's bed..."

It's with reluctance that Cristoph spins Tyche out to someone else, but she's back to him again and to the conversation they're managing to have. Whatever it is, he seems deeply invested as well as amused. They're coming to the end of this particular adventure though and the duke's steps begin to slow as the music starts to drop off to a conclusion. He shakes his head at a question Tyche poses at him, "No, that's it. Just socializing from this point out."

Tesha figures out why Gawain is looking at her a little too late, "Oh, Lord Gawain, I'm sorry! I was distracted." she frowns. "I...no, I don't dance." she answers very belatedly. Looking a little ashamed of herself for missing the Blanchard Lords question.

Gianna comes to a halt and takes a few moments to regain her breath. The winners are announced, and a flicker of petulance crosses over Gianna's features before she's applauding Mabelle and Vincenzo. "Well done," she announces. She raises her hands to applaud them. It's a bit odd, given how she's wearing one gauntlet, but she manages. She murmurs an aside to Amari with a hint of a wicked look.

Vincenzo is dipping his own head in a little bow towards Mabelle, "My thanks for a wonderful dance, Lady Mabelle." He's then looking towards Amari, a chuckle coming past his lips at the 'title', "Thank you." Then, to Gianna, he's flashing a smile, "Thanks! I was worried I would have to deploy the Lady Mabelle's secret heels. Thankfully, the feet were all safe."

"Nor do I, but what's the worst I can do?" comes Gawain's cheerful answer to Tesha. This is followed by an instant of reflection as he peeks down to and kicks his shinily armoured feet together. "You know, best not answer. Looked fun all the same."

Angelica tracks the movement of various guests at this event, eyes pausing on Baelos as she takes in the man's particular appearance, before moving on to the host himself, and the woman at his side. Angelica sips from her glass, her expression still quite neutral, whiskey-hued eyes continuing to other faces in the crowd, noting the winners of the dance.

Picking his way away from the majority of activity of the party Valerian slips to the frindges before settling in on the grass beneath one of the trees on the grounds. His satchel opened and a small canvas plucked free as well as several small bottles of paint. The man situating things before getting to work glancing between party and canvas.

Mabelle shushes at Amari, "You cant both tell them I'm deceptive and that I stab people, you're giving out all my secrets!", she winks to her and then looks down at her diamondplate heels, assuring Vincenzo, "These are reserved for unnatural things"

"Perfect," Tyche decides at the rest of the evening unfolding with just socializing. She drags Cristoph from the dancefloor then (or just gentle leads, really), weaving them toward the servants once more to claim a second glass of sparkling wine. "Ah, here we go," she extends one to the Honey Duke as she looks over the crowd, "Oh, Prince Alantir," she spies the man, lifting her glass to him in invitation to join them. "You find yourself at another party, I see. Enjoying your evening?"

Baelos finds his way to the bar, looking at the dance floor with an amused grin. He swaps his mostly empty bottle for a fresh drink, offers the attending servant a wink, and then swivels around to take in the party and those gathered. He takes special pride in any looks or whispers that he observes.

Kiera enters the throng of patrty goers just as the dance contest comes to a halt. Like Baleos horribly late but unlikeike him, neatly arranged enough. She looks over the throng identifying most of the faces. spotting tesha and her pooch at the edge of the crowd "Lady tesha a pleasure to see you

"I've only been in Arx for a short while, and we don't have much coffee in Bastion." Jerrica shrugs at Ryhalt's question. "I suppose Alban could credit himself with me liking coffee. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to leave early, I am expected back at the mansion for.. obligations" Jerrica gives her regrets and says her goodbyes before leaving.

When the dancers are announced, he claps for their performance, though he hadn't been watching very closely. "Good evening, Princess Jerrica and I'm sure we'll see each other again soon." Ryhalt says to Jerrica as she departs.

Alban follows in Jerrica's wake, saying his goodbyes to people as he goes.

Tesha gives a bit of a smile to Gawain, "I'm guessing there isn't much that you would do that's bad, Lord Blanchard." the woman nods to him. "It looks like fun and I'm sure that you'll have no trouble finding a dance partner this evening." she dips her head to that.

6 Grayson House Guards, Abbie, a gangly legged fawn, Gioia, a clever actress from Gemecitta leave, following Jerrica.

Cristoph slows behind Tyche, exchanging a few pleasantries with different guests before his long stride catches him back up to his dance partner. He moves back to her side, his hand drifting to find fingertips at her arm as reaches for one of those glasses. "Thank you, Marquessa Inverno." A smile is offered to the Valardin man, "Prince Alantir. It's good to see you again. It's been oh- what? Twenty four hours or so since the last time?" Maybe a little longer!

"Oh. Well, I shall have to remember that," is what Vincenzo offers to Mabelle, smile tugging back to his lips. Claiming a couple more drinks from a passing server, one of the glasses is extended over towards Mabelle before he's casting a look about, angling over to one side of the dance floor, "Well, I suppose that there is more mingling to be had, now."

"I believe that Audgrim was with us on the hunt," Kastelon's considering the list of people that Cassima's mentioned, but there's the turn of his eyes to Baelos when there's the mention of the figure arriving, and he considers. "I fear I know not, highness," he offers more softly and there's the tip of his head, and a keen ear to listen for if there's an introduction made. "I fear there are a great many people about this city that I don't know, and it seems like more every day."

Amari covers her mouth, so that no more of Mabelle's terrible secrets can be spilled. She's shushed, save for whatever she whispers in Gianna's ear. Surely, not more secrets. Whatever's murmured in reply, prompts a serious look paired with a equally solemn sort of nod. "I should show you the honey onyx." She says, before more addressing Gianna and Mabelle together, "You two, I think should be better acquainted."

Gianna exchanges some quiet words with Amari, arching her eyebrows.

"Honey onyx?" Gianna inquires, perking up. Shiny gemstones? What? Yes, please. There's a hint of a smile curving her lips as she looks from Amari to Mabelle.

It was only a matter of time. Rather than retreat behind his visor or pretend he hadn't heard his name called, the knight offers a small smile and polite dip of chin. "Good evening, Marquessa Inverno. You and Duke Laurent put on quite the impressive display. I admire your fearlessness, truly. To dance is to demonstrate some degree of vulnerability," he reasons, gaze shifting between the duo. For a moment, it looks as if he is prepared to say more -- but he bites his tongue and refrains. "Yes, something like that. But I do prefer taverns to -- well, the courtyard."

Ryhalt drifts on back towards the Westrock Commons after a while.

Gawain laughs at that and shakes his head at Tesha. "With that sort of encouragement, just wait until I try my hand at some poetry. People will come from miles around to see who can run away the fastest." He lifts his cup of cider to greet Kiera when she happens nearby and he offers an amicable, "Hello there."

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

Mabelle collects the drink from Vincenzo and smiles to him, "Yes, certainly more mingling to be had, at least Amari here seems to have moved from my vile secrets to my good secrets. And yes, we are about to get very well acquinted", she grins at Gianna and lifts her hand to display her bangle displaying a big chunck of said stone, "Yes, honeystones, there are diamonds as well", she reaches over to touch the earring dangling from her ear in the appropriate shape of a bee wing.

"I could say the same, and this isn't even my first time in the city. I've been here before, for a long stretch of time. But... so many new faces. And so many remembered faces gone..." There's a brief pinch to her expression before she smoothes it out and offers the faintest of smile towards Kastelon, "Do we do the polite thing and at least go introduce ourselves? No matter his appearance, he did make an effort to be here."

Angelica turns her head at a conversation that's caught her attention, her whole focus honed in on it. Dark eyes pale to soft amber, the woman returning her helm to its proper place on her head. Her attention shifts to the hosts of the event, and she looks to be ready to make her way there... only to be caught by a messenger. So instead, she changes course, swipes another drink (she's two-fisting it, oh no), and makes a quick but discrete exit.

As Cristoph joins her in the socializing with the Valardin prince, Tyche settles to sip her sparkling wine. When the compliments come on their dancing, she hides a smile for a moment before her glass before she lowers it, "You've danced before, your highness. You possess the same fearlessness, no doubt. You just spend it less frivolously. Something to be admired." She leans into Cristoph for a moment, sharing a whisper that easily travels between the three of them.

Kastelon shifts his arm - which has Dart briefly ruffling himself up - and then there's a nod of that bushy brow of his. "Perhaps we ought do such a thing, highness," says the huntsman as he's reminded of the fact that simple politeness is itself sometimes a good thing. "It affords the chance to get another drink as well, perhaps something not so... sparkling."

Baelos has progressed to his second drink. He seems in no hurry to mingle. Apparently despite his tendency to make himself the center of attention, he is content to hang back and binge drink quietly from time to time.

"Yes. Wouldn't want all your dark little secrets to be exposed, now, would we." There's just the touch of a tease that dances through those words as Vincenzo turns with Mabelle towards Amari and Gianna, his gaze darting to the earrings a moment before then looking between the trio, "Honey diamonds. Such an interesting gemstone."

"Maybe you just need to practice at it more to feel comfortable, Prince Alantir." Cristoph makes this suggestion and then falls silent as he listens to a quiet word being spoken to himself and the other man. At one point, he clears his throat and glances between them before saying something that's meant to be clarifying.

Gianna steps forward to peer intently at Mabelle's jewelry. No shame, she's sizing it up. Actually the calculating look could be a bit disconcerting. Keep to well-lit areas and use the buddy system maybe, Mabelle. "Lovely. From Artshall? You do get the best materials. No one ever asks me to help find a new kind of cloth and I'm terribly disappointed in that."

Taking the shifted arm into a light grasp, Cassima inclines her head, "Precisely. Besides, how else are we to find out who he is?" Curiosity is strong with this one. Still, she takes the tactful route to assuage that piqued interest at least. His mention for something less sparkling has her musing, "I wonder if they have brandy... I enjoy a good brandy now and then. An acquired taste but..." She pauses, seeming to lose her train of thought for a moment before snapping to and finishing, "someone I was close to introduced me to it, and brought out my inner connoisseur."

Valerian's eyes remain adrift between canvas and party, the Kennex Lord carefully dipping his brush into the paints from his little tucked away spot only to return it to the small canvas.

Mabelle curves her lips at Vincenzo and Gianna, "I cannot take credit for that, its all nature. I'm not sure when you were last in the mansion but the walls are covered in honeystones, we just convered the cave and sent them for refinements until they served for jewelry". Teasing Gianna however, Mabelle promises, "I'll take you to the Textile branch as well, next I go to Artshall. Perhaps if you sing to the looms the silk will come out cultured", she grins at Gianna. "Cultured silk. I like it"

Ah, yes. The masked ball. Anonymity was a breeding ground of courage. Liquor, too. He could not say the same for sparkling wine. Even after four glasses, he felt no more or less at ease than he had prior to leaving the manor. "Will you be participating in the joust tomorrow, Cristoph? As I seem to recall, you were injured at the last. Dimounted and suffered an injury to your extremity. Have you recovered fully?" There is no judgment in the man's tone. He seems genuinely concerned for the Duke's health. And then his attention settles upon Tyche. "I suppose I should be asking you the same, Marquessa. That armor is breathtaking. You seem more than properly equipped." In regards to the whispers, he says nothing. BECAUSE HE DOES NOT WISH TO HURT FEELINGS.

Kiera nods to Gawain, titling her head to the side as she responds with a curtsey "Lady Kiera Wyvernheart" she says offering a curtsey

Tyche laughs as Alantir asks if she will participate, shaking her head, "No, but thank you for extending the question to me. The last I held a weapon I fell face first into the mud. I have no desire to see that repeated, and it would be repeated." She has no doubt, clearly, that she would fail. "But I will be there to cheer you all on. I do have a favorite, however," she admits with no remorse, extending a hand to squeeze Cristoph's forearm. The whispered conversation continues then.

The mention of cultured silk has Vincenzo giving a little chuckle, "That what be a rather interesting thing. Would that make the rest of the silks .. uncultured, then, Lady Mabelle?" An arch of a brow and he's turning his attention back over towards Gianna, "She's promised to take me to Artshall as well. It does stand to be an enlightening time, there's no denying that."

"That sounds like something people would pay quite a lot of money for," Gianna muses. She nods to Mabelle, straighting up and adjusting the regular onyx ring on her finger. "I shall have to take you up on the invitation. We do have much to discuss." She casts a sidelong look at Vincenzo and notes, "The College's collection contains something you wrote. Do you have an interest in music? We would be happy to have you join if you like."

"Oh, like singing to cows so that they produce finer milk." Amari seems to approve of the idea, though maybe that's not nearly the same thing. "Cultured song silk." She tries aloud for herself, but as she does, she notices a familiar figure drinking at the bar and he looks dangerously adrift, aimless even. On the sly and probably out of deep concern for Baelos, she beckons.

"All things are an acquired taste when you get to it - few things come from birth, after all. Save for milk, and that's a wholly different conversation," muses Kastelon as he's drawing Cassima over to the bar, near to Baelos, before there's a gesture to draw the attention of the attendants there, and then to the princess to invite her to order first. And a nod, to Baelos, as they're joining him. "I hope we're not intruding, my lord," he says respectfully, inclining his head. "Kastelon Keaton, and this is Princess Cassima of Thrax."

Holding his cup carefully off to the side, Gawain dips in a bow to Kiera and then introduces himself with a smile. "Lord Gawain Blanchard. It is good to meet you, Lady Kiera. Did you see the dancing here? Altogether energetic stuff."

Tesha gives a chuckle to Gawain, "Apologies, my Lord. I'm sure that your dancing and poetry will be well received." she states. There's a nod of greeting to Kiera but she doesn't stick around much. She's got work to do back at Telmar.

Tesha has left the a shadowy collection of trees just beyond the torch lights.

Atramentous, The Highhill War Hound leaves, following Tesha.

As Cassima and Kastelon orbit closely enough to the atmosphere of Baelos, he adopts a clever grin and dips his head in greeting to the pair. "Lovely work out there on the floor. Have you ever considered boxing with that footwork?" He pauses for a moment, "Of course, not intruding at all. What is your drink?" He quirks a brow, "And I just so happen to know a Keaton or two, and there was a Thrax princess just the other day who wanted my portrait." He strikes a profile.

Mabelle laughs helplessly as the invitations accomulate and she grins, "Good thing I travel in a wagon! But truly Vincenzo, I think if we were to call spidersilk and honeysilk 'feral' someone will be very insulted", she then tells Gianna, "Yes, people do like the idea of spending money one things related to Art and luxury. Artsilk. That's a name for it", she grins, "Especially if its coming from Artshall, though honestly, they have such a long list for me, I might find my death by disgruntled Artshallian Workers, before I will by centipedes", she nudges Amari.

"I will be," Cristoph confirms to Alantir, before holding up the arm in question. "It's been many months since the last time that I broke it. So I figure it's healed up enough for me to take another go at it." This last is spoken mostly in jest and when he does so, he glances down and over at Tyche. Conveniently this is when she's touching his forearm, so he lowers it now so that he can pull his hand back and steal hers. Her fingers are given a squeeze. Whatever Tyche whispers next has him curling his lips in evident amusement and he rocks back onto his heels, assuming a most innocent expression. He murmurs something back before tipping his head toward the exit of the grounds.

Vincenzo is giving an incline of his head in the direction of Gianna, "I had heard that it was and I do have an interest in music. Are there those that don't?" An arch of a brow, a curl of his lips to a smile and his gaze drifts back over towards Mabelle, a quick little chuckle falling past his lips, "Really? I can't see anyone being offended by that." A quick grin and then he's looking back over towards Gianna, "I'll have to think on your offer. I've only just returned back to the city and am still settling in at my shop at my former role as Quartermaster for the Templars."

"That... is an excellent point, my lord. And one I hadn't truly considered prior to now," Cassima glances up at the Keaton lord with a newfound appreciation for the mind behind the man. Nodding, she faces forward again to watch where she steps (SEE VINCENZO SHE'S LEARNING!) as they approach both bar and Baelos. She blinks lightly at his opening compliment and glances up at Kastelon, then back to Baelos, "Ah, apologies but... neither of us danced. But, it is a pleasure to meet you regardless...?" She leaves an open-ended, trailing question to allow him to supply a name for them. The pose struck has her clearing her throat and offering, "It may have been one of my sisters. Some of them are into more.. artistic pursuits. I may also have many sisters, so it is difficult to say precisely which one it might have been."

The party continues! But it's really more of an after party at this point. The servers will continue offering sparkling Oathlands wine from a region in the Oathlands that produces sparkling wine until they run out of bottles.

"Do," Gianna tells Vincenzo. "At least come for a tour at some point. We don't have any gemstones set in the walls but there is a decent liquor collection."