(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The hall has been set up for feasting, with tables laid with cream-colored lace runners over blue brocade tablecloths. Instead of flowers, reeds and cattail rushes adorn the centerpieces set in blown glass vases. Elegant hand-cast clay dishes, lacquered to a fine brown and blue sheen, sit alongside goblets.

Carafes of blackberry wine, mead, and white wines are available along with pitchers of stout beers for a more robust drink. They accompany laid out finger foods like vegetables with dill sauce and small squares of meat and cheese. The atmosphere is a sort of cozy formality, an intimate yet elegant affair.

5 King's Own Guardsmen arrives, following Symonesse.

Symonesse arrives, following Aindre.

The hall has been set up for feasting, with tables laid with cream-colored lace runners over blue brocade tablecloths. Instead of flowers, reeds and cattail rushes adorn the centerpieces set in blown glass vases. Elegant hand-cast clay dishes, lacquered to a fine brown and blue sheen, sit alongside goblets.

Carafes of blackberry wine, mead, and white wines are available along with pitchers of stout beers for a more robust drink. They accompany laid out finger foods like vegetables with dill sauce and small squares of meat and cheese. The atmosphere is a sort of cozy formality, an intimate yet elegant affair.

Playing hostess, Eirene has actually dressed in the more reserved manner favored by the Rivens, with teal and silver damask and her hair in a simple half-pinned braid. Of course, there's a weapon at her hip because she's Eirene, even if it is peace-knotted. She motions guests inside with a sweep of a gloved hand and her usual wry grin.

Sabella is only a few steps from Eirene as the guests come into Heron Hall. With a brilliant smile, she is mostly silent support for the Riven, having been around throughout the day to help in directing staff and ensuring everything is just right.

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

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

Lisebet has missed the last few of these. She breezes in, without a Duke on her arm, alas, but the petite duchess does not seem at all bothered by this. He'll be around soon enough, perhaps. (Or not, either way.) "Good evening, your highness," to Sabella, and then, "Lady Eirene, that is a lovely outfit. You look spectacular." The compliment comes earnestly, Lisebet's light blue eyes and expression matching the tone of her voice.

Thea isn't too far behind well--anyone. Dressed in a mix of her new Oathlander fealty and her old lycne one, she greets her aunt and Sabella with a slight smile. "Aunt Eirene, Your Highness, hello,"nodding her head before she goes to look for a glass of wine. She smooths the dress for a moment, knowing perfectly well she looks damn fine in it. "Oh wow, it looks great in here,"Thea declares,"And Auntie, you look amazing."

Prince Aindre arrives to the dinner in a timely fashion, not alone but with the Queen of the Compact on his arm and at his side, and while he is greeting the room he is careful to find an appropriate seat for her at the same time, "Lady Eirene! Just look at all the work that has been put into this dinner. The spread looks wonderful and Heron Hall is wearing the love and attention shown to it almost peerlessly.", a smile on his generous lips for the host of the night. Almost apologetically he adds, while sorting out his own seat as well, "I won't be able to stay for long, I have work to do even into the night but I thought it only fitting to stop and sit for a little while and appreciate the company of such fine people."

The old man that some might have come to know as Whitebeard (if friends with the Eswynds,) or Zakhar, or that old guy with a lot of cats, or the What do you mean you found WHAT? when disarming him before surgery?! is coming into the Heron Hall. There was mention of food and meeting Grayson's and this guy has a loose and weird connection to many of the fealties. And did we say that there was mention of food?

(if you haven't met Zakhar yet...)
A tall old man with snow-white curling hair, a curiously long deep and well healed over the years scar running the middle of his face, using an unique cane to walk, and (more importantly) a clowder of cats, along with a black and white marbled cat ridding along on his right shoulder bobbing up and down with each hop he makes... enters the hall. He reeks of blackberries and juniper, is talking to the cats with a thick accent mixed of multiple shav dialects, and seems rather happy hopping about. He waves to Sabella and Thea with a toothy grin, "Where's da foods and what's up fer kitties that wish to..." He's back to yelling at the cats as they all zoom off to find a high perch. "No! Ye get backs here. We're bleeding guests!"

Following the line of people into the hall, Vincenzo is adjusting the lay of the stormy blue tunic a bit, only to then give a smile and a nod of his head in the direction of Sabella, "Your Highness." That same smile is then offered to Eirene, "My Lady. Things do look absolutely fabulous." Stepping aside so as not to hold up the line, his gaze plays over the others that are making their way, a polite smile remaining on his lips. Of course, Zakhar's entry draws his attention and there's just the slightest little chuckle that falls past his lips.

The oldest living Riven is indeed here, if perhaps keeping an intentional low profile. Mihaly is never the type to stand in a spotlight, more prone to staying in the background while Eirene has her moment to be hostess. As for the Knight Commander himself, he's standing in the back near where the majority of most of the liquor is being kept, playing a discreet role of quiet observer.

While the cats are zooming off to find a high perch, Kalani also has arrived, and while she is not a frequent attendee of these dinners, the Seliki's are here. Ok, singular, but that's not the point. She pauses for a moment to unwind the wrap from around her shoulders, folds it neatly over one arm, and then joins the line of people moving into the hall and when the opening presents itself shares a warm smile and a curtsy to both Sabella and Eirene, murmuring her own greeting to go with the rush of conversation that is already circulating.

6 Grayson House Guards, Gioia, a clever actress from Gemecitta arrive, following Jerrica.

Symonesse is all smiles as she steps into Heron Hall on Aindre's arm. She's not exactly unfamiliar to the place, considering that its Marquessa is her protege, but she seems as delighted as if it is her first time seeing it, especially with the decoration. As Aindre offers wonders to Eirene, the Queen offers own, grinning brightly as she says, "You look beautiful, Lady Eirene. Those colors suit you!" She looks to Sabella and offers her the same bright smile, "As do you. What a lovely idea to host dinner here." As she is shown into a seat by her companion, her bright golden eyes drift as lazily as summer sunshine over the other guests. "Duchess Lisebet! I am so glad to see you again!" Then, to Thea, she bows her head a little and says with a smile, "Congratulations on your recent marriage, Lady Thea. I am sorry that I could not make it to your party. I do love weddings!"

"I can clean up nice," Eirene jokes to Thea and Lisbet. She does a little modeling turn to show off the gown, and though it's Riven and Crownlander styles, the fabric is all Southport in make. Her smile grows less smug and more sincere for Symonesse and Aindre, and she bobs her head in a dipped welcome. "Oh wow, thank you for taking the time to come out, Majesty - and Highness. It's nice to welcome you here to Heron Hall."

Zakhar's cats have plenty of places to rush away and they even smell a cat already there, an old Tom. "We got plenty of fish on the menu," she tells the older man. "Help yourself to the snacks and when the menu launches there's going to be lots more on the table. Vincenzo is welcomed with an amused grin. "Thank you, I tried to keep it all suitable for the house's theme." Kalani is also waved in with a smile.

"When y'all are settled and have drinks, we'll lay out the soup course," Eirene says, looking to Sabella for confirmation. Mihaly is given a thumbs up. She got this.

"Duchess Lisebet, I was just recently telling your husband that it has been too long since we conspired over ginger cake. Soon?" Sabella gives the woman a hopeful look, genuine in her wish to catch up. "Lady Thea, still alive. Very good! How is your new home treating you? Cousin, Queen Symonesse!" The princess' attention is captured by pair. "A shame that work will pull you away, but it is good to see you. And thank you, Your Majesty. I look forward to getting more of the vassals involved moving forward." Zakhar and Vincenzo both get a nod of recognition, a warm welcome, before Sabella reaches a hand out to squeeze one of hers in greeting. "I am so glad everyone could be here! Please get settled and we will be started shortly."

Thea finds her drink, shooing Finn--away from the food. Looking up at her name, Thea bows her head to Symonesse,"Your Majesty, thank you,"she sincerely says with a smile. "It's quite alright. I realize things are busy these days, but we would love to have you for a visit when time allows,"lifting her glass for a drink. "Hello Whitebeard,"she greets as well, smelling him for a the briefest of moments. "I'm assuming you've been having a good time." Gold-flecked green eyes drift to Mihaly and she offers her 'uncle' a wave, before she greets Lisebet as well. "Duchess Lisabet, nice to see you again,"pausing to take a breath. So.Many.People! "My home is treating me well, thank you. I can't complain, it's been very welcoming. I should show you the grounds someday,"waving to Kalani to as well.

Lisebet, upon hearing her name, pauses what she is doing and turns to curtsey to the Queen. "Your Highness," she greets, with a smile. "It is always a pleasure to be in your company." Lisebet then turns to look around, eyeing the vast number of cats somewhat askance. She grins at Eirene's comment, adding a bright "As always," to the hostess. She turns to Sabella, at her comment and chuckles softly. "Of course. At your leisure, your highness. I'd be glad to conspire over ginger cake. It's one of my favourite pastimes." She collects a glass of wine and finds a seat. "Lady Thea, congratulations. I also apologize for missing your wedding, but from what I've heard it was a lovely one."

Kalani gently squeezes Sabella's hand in return, following it up with a quick hug, "Thank you for the warm welcome and I'm glad that so many people are in attendance," she replies in a quiet voice, returning Eirene's wave with one of her own before she steps neatly out of the way to find a seat.. and along the way scoops up one of Zakhar's kitten army and carries it along with. Until she checks the kitten's undercarriage the kitten is officially 'it', not he or she, manners matter, after all. Once seated she waves to Thea as well, bowing her head respectfully toward the Queen and the others already assembled, non-avenger style.

It's not uncommon for Jerrica to arrive at things fashionably late. Tonight is no exception. Her pace is normal as she glides into the Heron House, but her demeanor suggests she was movin much more quickly until moments before. She smooths her gold dress and tosses a few rouge brunette waves out of her face as she scans the crowd. Her transformation into party mode is complete, and she begins to greet familiar faces. Her attention first goes to the hostesses. She extends her arms in a hug to her cousin "Sabella! I'm so glad to see you!" Then "Lady Riven! Thank you so much for having us all over! I've never been to Heron Hall before. I quite like it!."

"Well you certainly succeeded," is what Vincenzo offers to Eirene with a smile, his hands slipping behind his back to clasp together against the small of his back. When his gaze falls upon Thea, there's a smile and a nod, along with a quick, "Lady Thea." Then he's noting the Queen and her escort and there's a polite bow of his head before he's angling over to find himself a glass of wine, only to then move to find himself a seat.

Prince Aindre retains that apologetic tone for just a brief moment, long enough to offer, "Work is a constant these days. After all, the Compact has so much going on.", but past that he pushes the smile back onto his lips and accepts a drink from one of the people serving them, an amber liquid he swirls beneath his nose for a heartbeat before helping himself to a taste. "Honestly I was just telling Queen Symonesse not so long ago that I should find a reason to visit Heron Hall and this dinner came as the perfect opportunity. It truly was a grand idea to host them across the vassalage. I second that notion. Or third or fourth it, as the case may be. I cannot imagine more people haven't been pleased by the idea.", he admits, trying not to look too eager or distracted at the mention of a soup course that's soon to be coming. He lifts a hand in a silent, friendly wave of greeting for Countess Kalani down the table.

A nod is returned to Eirene from Mihaly, who for all of usual stance of 'looking as reserved as humanly possible', he cracks a slight smile at her thumbs up. Clearly, he never had a doubt about her ability to be a hostess. Thea is regarded as well, before finally starting to step forward. "Welcome to Heron House." the old knight says with all of politeness that a life-long military man can muster. "The Marquessa and Marquis are currently in a meeting with scholars from the Twainfort University. They will join us as soon as they're able." Symonesse is given a much more formal bow. "Your Majesty, you honor us."

Zakhar smiles to Eirene, "Don't let them hear you say that, they'll never leave." Turning to Thea, "Good time? Naw. Trying to dull the pain. Stoopid legs not healing right." He waves at his left leg and hops on his right while waving the bone carved cane about. "Lani! Imma going t.. fall ov..." Great. Now he's hiccuping. Spining his head, "Did one ya say Queen?"

Symonesse gives Eirene one of her usual dazzling smiles, but lets her end of the conversation lapse so that Eirene can greet and speak with the rest of her guests. Lisebet's response earns a bright, "You and I should have tea sometime. I think we might have a great deal of things to talk about. I have heard you are interested in jade stones. So am I." Vincenzo's bow is returns with a little bow of her head and one of those grins that seems to be crafted just for the one that it is bestowed upon, as if she is indeed elated and delighted to be seeing him again. Mihaly's greeting is met with a long, silent look. She tilts her head, the sweep of her lily white hair -almost- slipping over her ear as she squints her eyes and says softly, "You are full of stars."

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

Setting the kitten down on her chair as she rises to her feet, Lani is at Zakhar's side in a moment, left arm going around his waist, and she's encouraging him into the seat beside which the kitten is currently holding court. It's a cat, of course it's holding court, cats have staff after all. "Lets not fall over until after the dessert course," she suggests in reasonable tone of voice before easing back into her seat as well, kitten once more set into her lap. Now seated she smooths her right hand gently along the fur of the kitten and uses her left hand to wave a friendly greeting in return to Prince Aindre where he is seated up table.

Eirene watches the Queen comment on her husband and arches her eyebrows. She sets hand on the duskstone star at her throat and smiles as if not too surprised to hear it. Jerrica is motioned in as she heads to her own chair.
As everyone takes their seats, the household staff starts to pour drinks as requested, with water also for those not wanting the alcohol. Eirene settles in near a pair of empty chairs for Thesarin and Mia with Mihaly's at her side. "So first course is soups, yeah? We got mushroom and carrot in cream sauce, tomato with basil, and chicken with wild rice and garlic." The soups are set on the table with the clay pottery tureen and smaller bowls for sampling each kind.

Lisebet inclines her head a bit, to Symonesse. "I am at your disposal for tea at your convenience," she says simply. Her attention then turns to look at Mihaly at the comment about stars. A slight smile, and a nod his way, and then a near chuckle towards Kalani, the cats and Zakhar, as a rescue is perhaps enacted. She glances to Prince Aindre and does finally chuckle. "I'll - what is it now? fifth? Fifth that." she says, agreeing with his comment about holding the fealty dinner at various houses.

Thea curiously hears the Queen and looks at Mihaly. "I mean, the man knows a lot about stars. Makes sense,"looking to all the soups. "These all look really good,"ready to try them all. Peering at Zakhar, the Wyvernheart lifts her brow. "I can look at it later if you'd like. I didn't realize it wasn't healing properly, or I'd have looked at it sooner. I'm sorry about that..."

Lani lifts the bottle of Curiosity Blackberry Gin that Zakhar has shared, uncorking it and pouring some into her glass after letting the bottle breathe for just a moment. Her head is tipped toward Zakhar, speaking quietly, a smile curving her lips as she decides not to pour more gin into the glass that's standing ready to receive some manner of drink. She also sets the bottle down to the side, her side, that is, just slightly out of reach.

With greetings complete and a glass of white wine finding a way into her hand, Sabella finds herself a seat at the table, but does not yet sit. "Welcome everyone, thank you all so much for joining us here in Heron Hall. Thank you also to the Rivens to agreeing to host. It has been some time since there has been a fealty dinner, and for that I apologize. However! Here we are. I hope to present a new format going forward." She pauses, looking around at everyone with her signature cheery smile. "I would like to turn the start of the dinner over to Lady Eirene to give us an update on happenings within the holding. Unfortunately, she was informed rather last minute that she would be hosting, so she may not be prepared. Go easy on her." A wink is given generally to the group. "If anyone has questions about the house or its activities or possible connections you would like to make, please use this opportunity to ask!"

Having settled into one of the seats, Vincenzo is setting his glass to one side, only to then cant his head a touch as the different sips are listed off. A quick smile tugs to his lips, "A wonderful selection." Then he's quiet, gaze drifting from Eirene, to Sabella and then back again as he lifts his wine to his lips, taking a small sip as he just listens for the moment.

6 Grayson House Guards, Gioia, a clever actress from Gemecitta leave, following Jerrica.

Mihaly is caught off-guard by that state or perhaps observation. Jarringly so. It's a difficult thing to disarm an old soldier like him, but the Queen makes it easy. "Ah," he blinks, and perhaps his breath catches. "...thank you." he finally utters, which sounds far more softer and perhaps, human, than anything else he's said so far. There's more he wants to say, or rather, ask, but decorum overrides his curiosity. For now, anyways, lowering himself into a seat next to Eirene. Thea's voice brings the man back to reality. "A life's devotion, I suppose you could say. Forty years later and I still feel as I know so little, tracing the lines of constellations, the seasonal rotations of certain stars as opposed to others. The history beyond them. For all that I know, I tend to feel it is a droplet in a large ocean." He coughs into his fist, perhaps aware of how he can talk all day about stars. "Excuse my waxing on the topic."

At the Queen's comment about stars, Prince Aindre seems to give Lord Mihaly a long look, squinting his eyes just a touch as if searching for these bodies of celestial light. Just when it seems as if he might give up, he finally says, "Oh, there it is! I see a star!", and his smile turns briefly, deliberately arch as if to leave others wondering as to whether he really had or not. Still, he raises his glass of amber to Lord Mihaly and to Lady Eirene both in an appreciative way and downs another little bit of the stuff, falling silent for that and to better hear Princess Sabella speaking. And not at all because those fantastic looking soups are being brought out and there is a powerful battle inside of him to not just want a bit of all of them. When Sabella's finished speaking, he calls out, "I have no questions, but cheers for the new format! I say a second time."

Arriving a touch late, Cassima steps into Heron Hall and immediately seeks out both Sabella and Eirene to offer an apologetic smile before making her way to the table. She dips a brief curtsy to the Queen before slipping into a seat and folding her hands onto her lap with a quick smile shot to those seated around her.

Zakhar looks around the table squinting occassionaly as he may or may not get titles // quite // right. "Genril Thea, Lady? Riven? (Eirene), Prince nob..le's babysitter Sabella, Don't know you (Aindre, Cassima, Lisebet, Mihaly), Really? don't know you...(Symonesse), Vincenzo! I checked some of the items you had for sale, great job kiddo!" Then as he makes his way around the table there's a look of horr to Kalani, "Why would I drink (really drawn out) Water?!"

Symonesse perhaps looks at Mihaly for a little too long, a quizzical expression on her face as if she is trying to piece something together. By the time that Sabella is making her announcement, it seems that the Queen still hasn't figured out whatever it is that she's thinking on. She looks at Sabella and pays attention to the words that she is saying, but keeps sneaking little looks at Mihaly, obviously deep in thought. Then, as she is poured a glass of water by a server, she almost reflexively offers the young woman a bright smile, all warmth and cheerfulness before she settles back, murmurs a few words to Aindre, and then starts to looks appreciatively over the soup.

Eirene's able to perform last minute surgery or change battle-plans through the fog of war. She can manage a dinner party, surely? "Well." She has a little of the mushroom and carrot spooned into her bowl and stirs it thoughfully. Cassima's entrance is met with a wave towards the soups and an open invitation to hae what she wants. "I've organized a series of exercises for our troops to better prepare them for the ongoing land-based conflicts that we're all concerned with in the Crownlands. We're working to better scout the land surrounding the Twainfort and get maps with the help of the Society of Explorers to better know what resources we have available. Moving into getting more lumber and river-clay down to the city for firing. Our pottery exports are pretty fucking-- I mean, pretty spectacular as you can see."


*** Kalani has called for an opposing check with Zakhar. ***
Kalani checks command and manipulation at easy. Kalani is successful.
Zakhar checks wits and etiquette at easy. Zakhar is successful.
*** Kalani is the winner. ***

Catching sight of Cassima as she makes her way into the hall, Vincenzo is offering a smile and a quick nod of his head in her direction, only to then slowly turn his attention over in the direction of Zakhar. There's a grin that tugs to his lips, masked by the lift of his glass for a sip and when it lowers, he's offering, "Thanks, Zak." That last is offered somewhat muted, only for him to then turn his attention back to Eirene, listening and then chuckling softly to himself.

"To keep the kittens safe from the natural enemy, of course," Lani counters in a reasonable tone of voice, still keeping her voice quiet, the smile on her face actually warms a touch as she helpfully sets the kitten in Zakhar's lap as she acquires a glass of water for Zakhar and, to be fair, adds one for herself as well. She also eyes the bowl of soup with curiosity, using the spoon to stir the contents gently while listening to Eirene.

Zakhar checks intellect and etiquette at hard. Zakhar is successful.

Sabella gives Cassima a welcoming smile before the expression turns appreciative in Aindre's direction. She settles back against her chair, taking a sip of wine and favoring a small serving of the carrot soup. "I heard about the war games. Are you and Lady Thea in need of any support with that?" Her cerulean gaze lingers in Eirene's direction while she awaits an answer, though it is interrupted briefly with a mildly confused look between Zakhar and Kalani.

Lisebet gets some of the chicken soup spooned into her bowl, and settles in to listen and people watch quietly. The Ashford Duchess does smile at Zakhar, before offering quietly, "I'm Lisebet Ashford." Just that, at the moment.

There's a period where Mihaly is lost in his own thought. Or maybe it's the soup because as he tastes all of them, he seems inclined to stick with the mushroom and carrot one, having found his preferred soup of choice. But he has enough wherewithall to agree with Eirene, nodding. "The Twainfort occupies one of the larger swathes of waterways into the Crownlands. The Twainfort was originally built as a military fortress in generations past because of it's strategic placement in being to control troop placements. It's something we have not forgotten about in the time since." But with all that being said with the decorum of a knight and military office, his mind is elsewhere for the time being.

Zakhar watches his gin be pulled away to then be replaced with water. Then there's the soup. He's playing with it. As the pieces of mushroom bob up to the surface he idly smacks them back down with the spoon. Looking around the table, he's slowly catching on that the soup can be eaten. Which he procceds to do by picking out all of the vegetables first. Then pickup the bowl with his mittened hands and slurp the liquid down as if he's only five and just figured out how to pick up ultensils only have them taken away as a stabbing hazard. (We'll get to that part... maybe) As the bowl is put down and his beard wiped away at with the back of the same mittens. He looks over to Lisebet. "Missues Ashford." Then he looks in mild horror at the water and pinches his nose before trying to drink some of it down.

Prince Aindre listens on to Lady Eirene as she speaks to the various projects House Riven is undertaking and he cannot seem to leave the pleased look off his face or how it grows while she goes on about it. In answer, he offers, "You can't go wrong with a better understanding of the lands around you and increased training of the soldiers, especially these days. A little bit of planning pays out in double and triple the moment you meet your enemies on the field of battle. But then, you know that don't you? You've seen more conflict than I have by far, Lady Eirene." He glances to Lord Mihaly next to her and in response he adds, "I would wager none of the fealty of Grayson have forgotten just how valuable the strategic placement of the Twainfort is for the Crownlands or how vital it has been in the past to the safety of those we cherish. It is worth remembering, always remembering..", sincerity shot throughout his tone.

Offering a smile towards Vincenzo, Cassima selects the mushroom and carrot soup, stirring it lightly before testing a spoonful. Smiling over the flavors, she looks towards Sabella to return the smile and glances to Zakhar. "Cassima Thrax. A pleasure, sir." Her attention slips towards Eirene's descriptions of projects being undertaken as she enjoys the soup.

12 Grayson House Guards arrives, following Liara.

Eirene answers Sabella after a quick glance at her partner in crime Thea. "A donor was generous enough to donate prizes for our best generals on behalf of House Grayson." She winks at the room with a cheeky smile, but doens't disclose who. "I think we have everything under control, though. We're setting up a bash afterwards for all the soldiers for which your party-planning skills would be helpful, Highness." Zakhar's horror at the water is met with a broad grin. "Eats like my six year olds do," she says, confirming his age-based style of eating. Said twins are not present, otherwise they would be wanting to play with the old man's cats.

While the soups are still lovely and warm, the next course is being brought out. Served in a 'family' style, dishes are placed down in the middle of the table for guests to try bits and pieces of whatever they like. As the Rivens are a river based domain, there is trout two ways; wrapped in bacon or fired in clay with lemon, tarragon, and sage. Roasted duck breast in red wine with carmelized onions. And from the Grey Forest, roast boar flank with honey and apples.

Thea confesses, spoon mid air. "I'm still learning about my new houses military and lands. They have a new navy port. And so much unchartered land, I'm more than excited to explore it more." She smiles now, fully excited. "It's fun to be--somewhere new,"her eyes drifting to Cassima. "Good evening,"greeting the princess with a smile. Hearing Eirene though, Thea looks curious. Really really curious. "Thank you though, your Highness. That was generous of you."

Symonesse takes a little bit of each soup. First, she eats the a little bit of each one and then, discreetly, she starts to mix some together in various combinations just to see what that might taste like. She listens with a half-distracted expression in her eyes, but she does seem to grin a little when Eirene's extensive military service is mentioned, as if something has just occurred to her. The Queen is barely finished with the soup and might pout just a -little- when her bowls are cleared away. Luckily, the appearance of the next course is a balm to her pique and she cannot help herself but say aloud, "I am going to have to be rolled out of here, I think. I want some of everything. I keep threatening to steal Mia's cook away from her. This is not dissuading me..."

Claiming some of the tomato basil soup for himself, Vincenzo is then listening to what Aindre has to say and there's another nod of his head given, "I don't think anyone could argue with your statement that a little planning goes a long way." There's a moment of silence as he takes a couple spoonfuls of the soup, only to then look to the next course that arrives. His gaze slides over in the direction of Symonesse, giving a soft laugh at her comment before nodding his head, "I would have to agree with you, Your Majesty. With as good as everything looks, I have a feeling I'm going to need to extend the waistline of my attire."

Quite late, Liara emerges into the hall and makes to find herself a seat, happily just in time for the main course. To the dinner's hosts, she remarks, "Pardon my tardiness. This all looks splendid." She's evidently particularly taken by the boar, and leans over to collect some onto her plate.

"I would be delighted to help with a party!" Sabella's expression lights up, sitting a little straighter at the idea. Her eyes dart between Eirene and Thea. "Count me in!" There's a small flourish as her hands clasp in front of her - most of the military and exploration talk going right over her head. As other continue to converse, she gives the soup a try and makes that sound (you know the one) when something hits the spot. "Your Majesty, might we work out an agreement to trade the cook between us? I could have every third week, maybe?"

"Are you referring to Mab, Your Majesty?" Mihaly asks Symonesse. "Mab has been a staple of Riven for, well, when I was a younger man. She was older than me back when..." he trails off. "In better days." Hard to really talk about how your entire family beyond your brother's children and yourself were the only ones to survive. Some history there that's not exactly hidden for House Riven. "Mab one of the very few who is still in service when my brother was Count. Mia has given her free reign of the kitchens, and in that realm, her word is law and we dare not to think otherwise." He thinks on that. "I think she made a apple rose with dusted sugar for you if I recall during a dinner here some time ago. I remember hearing about it." He allows himself a bit of a humored look. "I would say Mia guards her talents quite well."

"OH my, this all looks and smells amazing. My compliments to the chef and their employer. I knew I was right to leave the stays at home tonight," Cassima smiles over the selection before looking to Eirene and Mihaly. "Truly, an excellent feast." She does indeed follow the crowd by taking a bit of each dish to try, though the trout seems to have captured her more than the rest. She turns her smile towards Thea and dips her head towards her, "Good evening. Quite the nice dinner, yes?"

12 Grayson House Guards leaves, following Liara.

Eirene warns everyone, "There's one more fancy course before dessert, but help yourself to whatever looks good." The talk of stealing their chef delights her. "Poor old Mab's gonna faint when she hears you two fighting over her," she cackles to Sabella and the Queen. "She absolutely adores you, Your Majesty." As to all the jokes about waistlines expanding, Eirene plucks at the side-lacing of her gown. "This is specifically designed to be let in or out as depending on my fat-ness. I wore it when pregnant with our son Jace.

Zakhar is between final slurps at the soup and then eyeing the incoming dishes of fish and meat, then fighting to keep his soup bowl. No one is sure as to why when a bigger plate is offered to the old man he seems intent to keep the bowl. Then proceeds to fill said bowl with a little of all the meats, fish dishes, and pheasant. Stirring a little to mix it all together and adding a little water on top of it. Looking up for a moment to Cassima, "It makes a better meal this way, eh?" there's a wink there at the end, but not to Cassima, someone, it's a kitten behind her... "No. You have to ask Missus Cassima yourself! Mister Pyre. She's not the nice singing tailor lady."

Prince Aindre glances to the side, doubt on his face over the Queen's declaration that she'll need to be rolled out of Heron Hall. Or maybe it's doubt concerning her mixing of the soups and trying every single combination. Either way, it isn't a look that's given with a bit of amusement at the same time. It's an amusement that transfers easily to Lord Mihaly as he begins to go on about Heron Hall's cook. Eventually he offers down the table, "I've learned once before there's no member of the Peerage so noble they can pull rank in a kitchen with a cook who understands the realm they work in. A dangerous passtime, that. I'd rather meet enemies on the battlefield, truthfully. I'd have a better chance of surviving.", and there he helps himself to portions of the roast boar and other mouthwatering delicacies laid out before them all.

Symonesse grins brightly and says in good humor to Sabella, "If you can manage to convince Mia to part with her for even a day, I would be surprised. I've been trying to lure her away for years. I send her ingredients from the Twilight Court whenever something interesting comes along and old recipes that I recall, just to see if she can pull them off. She has never failed to -improve- on anything that I have ever gifted her. She is a treasure and deserves all the spoiling and accolades that are possible." She grins to Mihaly and says with a wink, "Mab is why I -never- turn down an invitation to Heron Hall. Not that I don't enjoy the company, of course." As Zakhar says the name 'Pyre', the Queen startles a little and looks in the man's direction before she gives him a smile and says cheerfully, "What an adorable kitten and what a grand name for her... or him?" She eyes Eirene's dress appreciatively and says, "You'll have to give me the name of your tailor. I need at least one dress like that, I think."

3 House Riven Soldiers, 1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, Lianna, Feydin, a white-tailed eagle, Vigilance, a juvenile female Oakhaven Bloodhound, Berthold, Tinsel arrive, following Mia.

For her part, as she listens quietly, Lani's view of soup - delicious as it normally is - remains to be the sentiment that food shouldn't float. It's a peculiarity to this particular Seliki, but she does much the same as Zakhar. Minus some factors. She gently fishes out the bits that are floating in the savory broth, mushroom and more, gently drawing the bowl of the spoon across the edge of the bowl itself before lifting it and taking each bite. When Zak lifts his bowl to down the broth she grins, tips her head to the side, sets her spoon down, and thriftily follows suit. Technically, at this point, it isn't floating food, it's just broth.

Blinking at the comments seemingly aimed her way, Cassima turns her head, then blinks again at the kitten behind her. She looks back to Zakhar and offers, "I wish I could say this is an unusual occurrence. Sadly, it is not, and Mister Pyre is welcome to share the dishes, but he'll have to wait for me to bone the fish before he has any." Fish bones and kittens don't mix, after all. She does dutifully begin to pull the trout apart for those fine bones that might cause the kitten issues before setting aside some small slivers of all the meats. Twisting slightly, she plucks the kitten up and sets it on her lap so it can choose from the selection left for it while she turns back to her own meal.

"What if," Sabella starts to scheme, smiling in Symonesse's direction, "I steal away the pastry maker at Kennex Kay and offer them up in exchange?" This might actually be a declaration of war, the princess isn't sure, but those pastries are phenomenal. "Then we can just fill in the off weeks as necessary. Or all just dine together whever the chefs go in rotation." She's a problem solver.

Hearing the mention of Jace, Thea looks to Eirene. "Where ARE the kids,"look around. Mentioning too,"I'll have to find you when that time comes." Not that it is anytime soon. Far far away. "It is, yes,"Thea answers with a smile. "Im Lady Thea Mal-er Wyvernheart. It's a pleasure to meet you,"taking a drink before she goes to reach for more food. Possibly sneaking some for Finn, who is shamelessly laying near her chair, wagging his tail.

Eirene murmurs to Mihaly, "It's a good thing Trouble is outside," she says, glancing at the Pyre-kitty on Cassima's lap. "But he'll love all the leftovers." As for Thea, she answers, "The little monsters are outside in the garden, having their own little picnic while the grownups do the big dinner thing. It's mostly junk foods but they love it, chicken nibblets in breading and cheesey-noodles, that kind of thing."

When Mia arrives in the main chamber of Heron Hall, it's as she so often does -- in a flurry of skirts, her hems kicked up by the swift, unyielding pace she so often keeps. What is uniquely different is that rather than wearing a mask of polite reserve so commonly seen in public, or even the warmer expression that some might expect her to sport in her own home, she looks a bit.... irritated, some might. Or murderous. Murderous would also be appropriate, if one were prone to (just the very slightest) exaggeration. "My deepest, sincerest, most profound apologies, all. With both Master Wilkerson away and my brother at the Twainfort, there was an issue with our shipping that required immediate attention and no one else to handle it. One of our captains reported an entire shipment of steel simply missing from his expected manifest and it turns out that somehow, *somehow*, the dockmaster managed to confuse House Riven with House Rivenshari and there was enough ore for nearly three hundred and fifty shores tucked away on a ship about to leave for *Southport* before sailing on to Sanctum and.....," she cuts off, frowning somehow deeper still. "I'm rambling. To cut to the point of it all, thank you, Aunt, for tending our guests so well in my absence. You'll be pleased to know that between such a horrible error and the fact that the Southern Lady is normally transporting either the Physician's Guild or the Heron's Wing, all of it's docking fees will be waived... probably forever, if the Marquis scowls any harder at that infuriating excuse for a man."

"Your majesty, this one is named Floof, I believe," Kalani replies, catching the queens question directed at Zakhar and, setting her spoon aside, lifts the kitten from her lap - after carefully disentangling it's claws from her gown. "There's several of them, prowling around, I confess to a particular fondness for this one. But alas, between a sizable hound, a messenger raccoon and a striped tailed lemur, a kitten would push me over into 'hosting a menagerie' territory. Much as I adore it," her right hand carefully smooths along the kittens fur before setting it in her lap again.

Eirene motions to the empty seat left for the Marquessa and the absent Marquis. "Sit down, have some blackberry wine, and forget about that asshole. That's good to know you caught it in time before the ore went missing, that's a shit-ton of supplies. I don't know if they're going to bring out the fancy dish or if we should just skip to dessert." She looks around the table at their very full guests. "Do you want to see the fancy schmancy show piece or move onto Mab's fabulous desserts," she inquires.

"Jace is being looked after by our nanny." Mihaly clarifies. "We thought about bringing him down, but we didn't want to risk him starting to cry as being around so many people he wouldn't recognize." The Queen's assessment of Mab he clearly agrees with. "She has a rare talent that I have never seen. A gift truly in her ability to understand the family better than I, but I realize I am not the oldest in the house. She is. And I am not so arrogant to know we rely on her a great deal." At Mia's arrival, the old stargazer brightens just slightly in a perhaps fatherly way, seeing the the Marquessa enter. "Niece, thank you for joining us. Pola-" he coughs into his fist, catching himself. "Eirene has done an excellent job on overseeing things. Far better than I could've."

Zakhar nods at the fluff that is Floof the Aloof Cat, a orange and black calico cat of about one year old. Piercing green eyes stare at everything and while it appears she will pounce, will instead roll into who ever is currently petting her. Mister Pyre, one of the burnt ember cats, (they are all about 1 year old) is enjoying the fish and is now looking at his sister, Qedivar as she slowly stalks the plate of fish mewing up a storm. Which in turn has a triple set of gray-blue cats that were quietly lazing at the top of a shelf are now all staring at Mister Pyre and Cassima, The Giver of the Delicious Fish.

"Ah. Highness. That makes sense," as he seems to be looking around the room at all the guards. did they just all show up now? "There were a total of three hands (15,) but there was a bird issue when they were younger, then there were two hands-ish (11,) one was adopted by a dear friend, and this old codger is Shekies." Zakhar tries to explain the cats to her highness Symonesse, though gets distracted as the cats start to gather towards Pyre, and shakes the cat on his shoulder loose. "Time to get your sibs in order shekies."

Lisebet smiles at the next course, taking a bit of her favourites onto a plate, and then pausing to add, "Our three children are home with their nannies as well," she says softly.

Catching sight of Mia's entry, Vincenzo is turning his attention over in her direction, only to offer a smile and a nod of his head, "Hardly a need for an apology, Marquessa. This has been a truly lovely affair." Lifting the glass back to his lips, he's taking another small sip of the wine before it's lowered down, his gaze playing over in the direction of Eirene once more, "I would say bring the 'fancy schmancy' show piece out before the dessert."

There is a very long exhale that comes from Mia, not quite a sigh, but the sort of long breath that suggests she's finally remembered to breathe after all of her extraordinary explanations. And probably a fair few expletives that she muttered under her breath while executing a swift gown change somewhere upstairs. A fine thing she did, though, because it makes for a lovely swish and crinkle of full skirts as she curtsies low to the Queen. "Given the Queen's fondness for dear Old Mab's desserts, and Mab's fondness for enteraining the Queen, I would recommend the latter. But that is entirely the right of Her Majesty, the cook, and our ad hoc hostess to decide." And with that, she sinks into the offered chair, fussing a bit about getting her honeysilk settled smoothly across her lap. "I hereby abdicate any remaining responsibility for the food, save to eat a good deal of it."

"Hello Marquessa Mia,"Thea greets lifting her glass. "It seems we're mixing and matching house's different cooks and having a party at some poing,"she says somewhat joking. Kinda. "Glad to hear you stopped whatever it was that happening at the docks. What a shi--catastrophe that would have been."

Symonesse listens with interest and maybe coos a -little- at the kittens because, really, has there ever been a baby thing that she hasn't cooed over? Mia's entrance steals her attention before she can give Sabella a proper answer as a slow grin steals over her pale face and she says, with unabashed affection, "I do feel sorry for whoever might have caught the sharp end of your tongue, my friend. I doubt he'll make the same mistake again. You are looking well, all things considered." As the talk on the next course begins, Symonesse looks down at her mostly empty plates and pats her stomach which definitely looks swollen with food and then says, "I think I'm going to need to steal away into one of the guest rooms for a food nap regardless, so bring on -all- the food!"

Cassima seems oblivious to the growing interest of the other cats. She even seems to be calmly ignoring the one on her lap despite still pulling the occasional bit of meat and setting it aside for said cat. Mister Pyre will eat well tonight, and the Thraxian Princess seems adept at animals being a part of a dinner service. She offers a smile towards Mia and agrees with the general consensus towards the dockside issues, "If they try to charge you any sort of fees, I'd be happy to requisition a few of the Isles Canines men to stand behind your husband to look rough and mean at the man until he agrees

Eirene shoots Mihaly a wifely-glare at something. The I-love-you-but-dont-you-dare look. She smiles back over at Vincenzo and Symonesse, and then motions to the staff. "Okay, this is, obviously, Heron Hall. You can find the damn birds everywhere. My kids make it a counting game to count all the birds. So. Obviously. What's a feast without a fancy show-off of the cook's skill." Several trays are brought out with roasted heron in a mustard-ginger vinagrette. A large platter is brought out with a bird which has been cooked and then reset with its' feathers for show, the graceful wings outstretched and long neck held high.

And she adds, "Dessert is just as fancy, I've been promised. Far prettier." And then out comes what looks like a spring-time garden. Daffodils carved out of exotic bananas. Sugar-petal dasies. Candied rose-petals and mint-leaves. Flowers made of puffed dough with fresh cream and whole blueberries at the center. On top of the flowers are ladybugs/ladybirds made of strawberries with black currant heads and spots. It's quite extravagant and a masterpiece of dessert-ery.

After tucking into the portion of his roast boar he'd taken and making - as discreetly as possible - a few noises perhaps unbecoming of a prince as regarding the peerless taste of it he pushes his plate forward an inch and rises up first to assure Marquessa Mia, "As someone who just had a fair share of it, the eating of the food is the best responsibility. I highly approve of the notion.", and then to everyone in general at the table. "I ate faster than I'd like and less than I'd like, but as I spoke earlier, a noble's duties still call to me. This was a fantastic dinner, I'll be dreaming of it for some time without doubt. My highest respect for Mab, and for House Riven as well for hosting us all tonight. If there's ever another, you can guarantee I'll be here. Maybe even if there's not, considering the quality of the food..". There are smiles for nearly everyone, one that stands out especially for Lady Eirene and also Lord Mihaly there next to her and he turns his attention to Queen Symonesse to suggest, "You work so hard for the Compact. You deserve the time to rest and to revel in this wonderful company. I'll meet you at meal's end to see you safely returned home?". Of course there's more food coming out and the Grayson prince can't help the longing look he gives it, adding a little more quietly for the Queen, "Perhaps you'll save me some of /that/?".

Sabella raises her glass of wine to Mia as she enters, quickly silencing any further thoughts she might have had about stealing chefs and sharing them with the queen. It is helpful, then, to have kittens to steal her attention... And a whispered word from Zakhar that causes her to laugh impolitely. "I am sorry, forgive me," she says quietly, a hand over her mouth. The amusement is plain to see, however.

Zakhar checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Zakhar is successful.

"Oh. My. Goodness." Each word is emphasized as both that heron and desert are brought out to the table and Vincenzo is then giving a shake of his head, "I'm not sure I'm going to be able to even get up out of this chair after trying that." He's certainly not shy about claiming some of the roasted heron, though, stealing a few pieces for his plate to savor the flavor of it.

Symonesse glances at Aindre as he rises to his feet and makes clear his intention to return to his work. She smiles up at him and says softly, "I'll sneak some into my pockets for you." She nods solemnly, as if this is the most sincere of promises before her smile returns and she adds, "I can find another escort home if work keeps you. I might not even be able to walk after all this. Remember to actually light a lantern if you are writing. You'll ruin that eye." Then, as if she cannot help herself a moment longer, she gazes with unabashed longing at the desserts on offer, but with an expression that easily insinuates that she is mapping out a plan of attack and trying to strategize her consumption.

Thea's eyes round at all the food still being brought in. "Aunt, I'm going to leave here LOOKING pregnant!" But she starts digging in anyway, agreeing with the Queen. Bring on all the foods! "I'll have to bring some home to Drake,"but gets distracted as Aindre goes to leave. With a bow of her head, Thea bows her head,"Good to see you."

The old man watches as the heron is brought out and then produces a spoon from /who knows where/ and proceeds to cut off a fully wing, bone, feathers and all from the bird. A shower of feathers occurs as he shaves? yes he's shaving the feathers from the wing with The Spoon... "Looks good! Where's the actual wing though? too many feathers."

Eirene gives Aindre a grin and a bow of her head as he prepares to leave. Zak's attack on the showpiece is met with a snort of amusement. "It's under there, not as much meat though. Just eat the other ones, it's a lot less work, they're already deboned and shit. Heron's are slim so there's not a ton of meat on 'em." She's been helping herself to bits and pieces of everything, but she's focusing on her own mustard-glazed heron for now.

Aindre is overheard praising Riven: A better time I have not had in so long.

Kalani is overheard praising Riven.

5 King's Own Guardsmen leaves, following Symonesse.

Symonesse leaves, following Aindre.

"I quite appreciate the offer, Your Highness," she answers Cassima. "Though I do believe that if the Marquis ever needs *help* setting someone to quaking in their boots with a look and a growl, he'll give up his titles, his sword, and his name and go live as a hermit on a hill somewhere from the shame of it all." Is she joking? She might be joking. She must be joking, though it's exceedingly hard to tell given how little the expression changes. "The Graysons, of course, are always welcome to join our table." To Aindre, "And you, Your Majesty, to make use of any comfortable surface you'd care to lie on as you like, though I'd strongly suggest a bed, behind a locked door, lest one of the children manage to escape Bess's attentions and come to giggle sweetly at you as a means of disarming you before the bombardment begins. When we last hosted the Valardins, poor Duke Farshaw practically faced a full Inquisitorial review of how many boats they have, and how large, and how many men, and how they're armed, and really it would've been fair for him to suspect that we were planning an invasion led by a seven year old boy."

Maybe Mihaly is rusty when it comes to social interactions, and he takes the glare from Eirene in stride, ducking his head every so slightly in a 'message received' kind of way. Good there's food there to occupy his attention. Though he can't help but stare at the feather shaving. "You know they're just for decoration, right?" he says, slightly deadpan. "You can just pull them off."

Vincenzo is overheard praising Riven: So much food!

5 King's Own Guardsmen arrives, following Symonesse.

"It's more fun this way," Lani points out as Zakhar is using the edge of The Spoon to remove the feathers, lifting one from the table and using it to tease the kitten. Floof, being a kitten, immediately recognizes the Enemy when it appears and begins to play - ferociously.

Zakhar looks at Mihaly, slowly forming lips over the words. "Just for dec-or-ation...Are you...?" He finally gets to the bone and meat and screams a "AHA! Founds it!" Looking over to Eirene, "More meats that was expecting." What Milhaly said finally registers with the old man and he looks between the smaller birds and the one he's just shaved down with the curiously VERY SHARP Spoon. The wing he has in his hands goes flying over his shoulder which is then pounced upon by a few of the cats. "HA! Still a waste of a good bird. For Decorations."

Eirene tears off a pastry petal and spreads the clotted cream over it before commenting dryly to Mihaly, "Yep. Reminds me of the twins," she says, watching Zakhar in amusement. She's moved on to dessert before he can attack that garden.

Admittedly, Symonesse just watches Zakhar for a moment with a sincerely curious expression on her face, as if trying to decide what he is doing. The temptation of dessert is too real, though. She looks away to start putting some sweets on her plate, laughing when Mia mentions the possibility of being held captive by tiny humans. "I shall just have to use my very special sleeping technique on the children and then we will all take a nap together."

Thea receives a message from Rocoo, causing her eyebrow to raise. "I'm sorry, it seems I have to be off,"she admits. "Thank you for this dinner. I'm going to be rolled out myself..."

Mihaly had really had a chance to look over all the food that had just been brought. "I...no." he finally decides after a moment of thought that he did have to take a moment on to consider. "Mab truly is just showing off at this point, isn't she" No, he less interested in the meat as much as he is that dessert. "I truly don't need this going to my waistline. It's already hard enough to keep weight off at this age."

"I'll gladly bear the burden of defending you from the dessert cart," Kalani offers to Mihaly, generously of course, and takes a helping for herself, and then a second, because what better way to prevent it from ending up in front of the Riven lord. She continues to waggle the feather for the kitten to bat at, though the kitten has progressed to chewing on the feather at this point and making tiny ferocious growling noises, all four feet engaged in combat with the feather at the moment.

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

Receiving his own messenger, Vincenzo gives a wrinkle of his nose, but at least he managed to finish his heron and some of the dessert, "It seems as if I, too, am being called away. Which is probably a good thing, before I become a permeant piece of this chair." His gaze turns to Eirene, Mihaly and Mia, "My Lady and Lord Riven, Marquessa. A truly delectable affair and I thank you for the opportunity to enjoy it with such good company." He dips his head to the trio after rising. To the others, he's offers, "Your Highnesses, Countess, Lords and Ladies. Thank you." Symonesse gets a respectful bow of his head, "Your Majesty." And then there's Zakhar, who warrants a wriggle of fingers in a wave and a simple, "Zak."

Cassima doesn't even hide her delight at both the showpiece heron and the desserts that are rolled out. She makes sure to take a bit of the roasted heron, nibbling the crisp skin while Mister Pyre gets the meat, but her eyes are truly on the desserts. She takes a bit of all of them. One of each type of flower, the fruit bugs, everything. And proceeds to sigh, "I'm not going to fit into any of my outfits after tonight. But I believe it will have been worth it." And she dives right into the sweets, tasting a bit of everything and seeming to enjoy every moment of all of it.

With a bite of food in his mouth, looking to the cats then back to the table. Vincenzo gets a nod and wave with what could be part of a wing of the smaller bird, then to the table, "If you don't fits, comes by the Emporium. I can let them out for you."

Symonesse looks up from her mass consumption of sweets to give Vincenzo a bright smile and incline her head. She says nothing because her mouth might be too full to talk, but her expression is definitely friendly, if perhaps a tad chipmunk-ish.

"Sleeping technique?," Mia asks, her dark brows arching. If she's noticed anything odd at all about the way that their guests may or may not be attacking the bird, she's given no signs of it. Really, the woman makes an excellent foil for comedy. Yes. That's surely it, and not that she's briefly forgotten the rest of the table in favor of sighing at the dessert that's been brought out. Beginning her meal with dessert may very well become the plan, with the way her eyes have narrowed at it. "Would you ever be interested in employ as a nanny, Your Majesty? If you ever tire of being Queen, I know a family in search of another to care for their growing brood. And by a family, I mean us. Me, really." There's a flick of her eyes to Eirene at that. Perhaps in all the contract negotiations, she didn't *quite* realize what taking on Lycene twins until they came of age really meant. Or maybe her own is quite enough, and Eirene's only added to the chaos. "I generally find that when left unattended, Riven children tend to form themselves into a feral pack that roams the halls, ready to prey on any stray squires or food carts or unattended guests that have gotten lost on their way to the gardens." To which she adds, specifically to Vincenzo, "Do take care to avoid any if you see them on your way, sir, and thank you most sincerely for joining us."

Eirene waves to Vicenzo. "Glad you made it, was nice to play hostess for once." She grins to Mia, "thank you for letting me run this show while you handled the shitstorm."

Sabella has been momentarily pulled away from the table by a messenger that she needed to respond to immediately. Returning to the table, she issues another apology and finds herself overwhelmed by the desserts. "Oh my. I, too, may need to either nap here or be rolled home." There's a glance around as some make departures, bidding them farewell, before selecting something seemingly at random to satisfy her sweet tooth.

Mihaly gives a sagely nod to Mia, then looking back at Eirene. "Speaking at that one's caretaker for longer than I'd like to say, I have distinct memories of her as a child apart of said feral packs. Mab's food carts were easy prey for her and her siblings."

"I have never been a nanny. Not professionally at least, but if this whole Queen thing doesn't work, maybe I should consider a change in occupation for a little while. I do adore children, but I am also afraid that I might be a terrible influence and teach them all sorts of things that you might not want them to know. Like how to summon spiders or maybe how to talk to cows." Symonesse says between bites. Finally, she sighs and says, "I need more stomachs."

Catching sight of her secretary as Palerma steps into the hall, Kalani dusts her hands off on her napkin and rises to her feet, excusing herself from the table long enough to take the message and glances at it once it's unfolded. "Forgive me," she address everyone assembled, "I, too, must depart earlier than intended. This was wonderful, and I look forward to the next such event." She hands the note back to Palerma, scoops up Floof and speaks softly with Zakhar before she follows Palerma's lead and moves for the door.

"You might ask a cow's advice on that," Mia chimes in, right before she pops one of those little mints into her mouth.

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

"Please do not say that too loudly, Your Majesty!" Sabella nearly groans in Symonesse's direction. "If Relara hears you say she can learn to talk to cows, I will never get her to stop mooing throughout the mansion."

"From what I understand, summoning spiders may not be a bad skill to learn, Your Majesty. And talking to cows seems like a great stress reliever. I talk to my books sometimes, though that's more like... just an open-ended grumbling at figures that don't want to add up. At least the cows might talk back." Cassima offers towards Symonesse with a brief smile before her dwindling pile of desserts catches her attention once more and she's back to devouring them with gusto!

Zakhar waves to both Kalani and Floof as she kitten-nabs away bolting before he completely realizes that he's with one less cat now. He turns to Symonesse, "Talking with cows is fun! Though the real bits are the birds, such wonderful things they have to talk about, a little showy though, always talking about who they hit with their... erm... shit." He tried. and failed.

Lisebet gets a messenger, and she shakes her head, chuckling softly. "My apologies all, it seems I'm called away. Thank you for dinner, this was truly lovely."

Eirene bows her head to Kalani before she grins at Symonesse. "My children love their chances to come to the palace and visit you. And the more they know, the better prepared they are for a weird world out there." Sabella is met with a nod. "Well, I'm sure we can get you a room, yeah?" She glances at Mia for confirmation. Cassima gets a chuckle and she says, "Maybe it's good we didn't serve roast beef then." Zakhar is given an arched eyebrow as he talks about talking to birds. Suspicious of that.

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 2 Ashford Archer, 1 Ashford Scout leave, following Lisebet.

"You should tell Relara that cows do more than 'moo'. They also chuff and snort to say different things. Tulip has been very good at trying to teach me his language even if I still don't understand anything that he says." Symonesse says between bites, speaking as if talking to cows is just a thing to do and this is fine. To Cassima, she grins and says a little lower, "The spiders can be intimidating but once you get to know them, you learn what terrible gossips they are."

"As for being rolled home, Your Highness," the Marquessa continues, fortunately having taken a moment to enjoy her mint before speaking again, "the Grayson grounds are just barely past Triumph Plaza. I've no doubt that one of our knights would be delighted to carry you, and tell the story of swooping up a princess, for all the rest of his days." Mia is about to say something more, clearly. Yes, *clearly* something has sprung to mind as the conversation turns legitimately to talking to cows. And birds. And maybe cats? Someone said something about cats. Even after all these years, she still blinks, and blinks again, and choosing instead to say, "Though as my Aunt has said, we also have a room for you, if you'd prefer." Best not to comment on talking creatures. Obviously.

Mihaly ruminates on that. "Well, I certainly can't talk to animals, but that doesn't mean I don't try to listen sometimes. Though I do think the cat Eirene and I found only tolerates me because of our marriage. Stubbs is..." he shrugs. "He just really likes her. "I don't think I"ve been blessed in such a way. But there are times where I think," he pauses, shaking his head. "When I look up at the sky, the stars seem to speak, if you can look at them the right way. But. They always look so sad." He shakes his head. "Please forgive me, I think I've had too much to eat tonight."

Sabella laughs softly. "Perhaps I could let Relara learn, if you felt inclined to have her along sometimes. I may be able to keep her attempts at talking to them inside the mansion directed at Niklas. He is better with animals than I am." To Mia, she turns a grin. "Oh! How could I deny someone such a story? It would be an honor to be swooped up and carried home. A second dessert it is!"

"Oh yes, the spiders of the Twilight Court are much larger than their contemporaries here, aren't they?" Cassima pauses, pondering that for a moment, then chuckles, "And now I cannot get an image of a cow-sized spider chittering over the antics of their friends and relatives with a cup of tea in each leg... oh my." She snorts out a small laugh, then clears her throat and reaches down to scritch between Mister Pyre's ears. "All full little one? Good. No, no cream for you. The last thing Master Zakhar needs is for you to upend your tummy on the way home."

Eirene eyes a strawberry ladybug and holds it up. "Almost too cute to eat, but Mab would be offended if I didn't so..." Down it goes. "Well, this was nice," she says to Sabella. "I think we set the bar pretty damn high for dinners."

"They can be, yes." Symonesse says of the spiders as she slows down on dessert. She

"They can be, yes." Symonesse says of the spiders as she slows down on dessert. She just toys with some sugar petals left on her plate as she says with an almost homesick sort of longing in her voice, "I would count some of them as friends, gossip and all." She lingers there for a moment, but Mihaly's words steal her attention out of her own almost brooding moment as if she wants to say something, but thinks better of it.

With bird out of the way and then finally spotting the dessert now... now. Zakhar clicks with that there is one less cat as he looks to where Kalani was sitting. "She took off with my gin!" Or he could be more interested in the gin. The desserts get a second eye and he's trying to figure out what he can hold in one mittened hand digging into the different shapes and fruits.

Caine Arnasis, a foul-mouthed assistant leaves, following Mihaly.