Zakhar takes Curiosity Blackberry Gin from Cross belt.

The doors to the main hall and courtyard stand open to allow the spring breeze to circulate through the windowless hall and welcome guests arriving for the feast. The central fire is roaring and surrounded by early herbs - mint and sage - as well as dried citrus rinds to fill the air with bright aromas. Eswynder sailors are around the hall, already playing beats on drums and dancing while servants stand ready to assist guests with drinks. The long table has been set with roast lamb, spring vegetables, pies, fruits, and cheeses.

Medeia, the hostess for the evening, stands near the door to greet guests as they arrive. "Hello! Thank you for coming, please find a drink and make yourselves comfortable - but not to comfortable! There's dancing to do!" Though, it seems she might not partake in the dancing herself.

Haakon is not standing beside Medeia at the door to greet guests in the Arvani style. Rather, he is placed near the long table, overseeing a large quantity of empty mugs, flagons, cups, glasses, and any other drinking vessel a Prodigal house might make, paint, or steal. There's dancing to do? "And drinking, as well," the reaver calls with added emphasis. Even though Deia mentioned the drinking already.

When Medeia and Haakon last saw Ember, the Bloody Baroness of Redreef Shores was criminally drunk, grinning and seeming to have an actual, for-real, no-fooling Good Time while also making an ass of herself and instigating arm-wrestling contests. The Ember that arrives to this party is much more... /herself/. Her hands are clasped behind her back as she strides in purposefully, gaggle of handmaidens in tow. Her ladies-in-waiting chatters amongst themselves excitedly: apparently they're here not to spend the whole time serving Ember, but to actually enjoy the festivities. Before they are allowed to do so, Ember and her whole group curtsy deeply to the hosts in perfect, too-practiced unison. "Lady Medeia. Lord Haakon," Ember says, with some tiny degree of fondness escaping through her stony expression.

Enjoying the feel of the spring breeze as she removes the light wrap that was draped around her shoulders, Kalani stands with Zakhar as the other guests are queing up and moving through the doors to the main hall. The music that drifts through the open doors causes the smile on her face to warm even further, her love of music knows no bounds, and as the line moves forward she leans to the side to see Medeia, doing a best guestimate as to how long before they'll reach that point. She straightens then and speaks quietly to Zakhar, saying something that is paired with a grin.

Thea ventures inside the Eswynd hall, just like she usually does. It's almost like she's been here before! A lot. And she's been here early. Grabbing a drink, she waves to Medeia and Haakon. "Told you I'd make it. I escaped for a bit,"a smile escaping her lips.

The young Thrax woman moves to a beat playing in her own head. Each confident step, each sway of hers hips and arms, all are in tune with the internal music. Denica's smile is easy on her lips, her eyes bright and full of life as she walks into the main hall. There is more to her expression, much like someone that's coming home after a long time, she expects to see people she knows, and yet there is a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. The smile remains on her lips, warm enough that she can extend it equally to anyone she happens to pass. The layers of light skirts, tease the tip of her shoes while she walks, moving easily with the young woman, in a soft whisper. The smell of the burning herbs tickle her nose and nostrils flare as she breathes it in. It reminds her of something, and the smile grows wider, drawing her deeper into the room.

"Baroness, how lovely to see you. I hope your ladies-in-waiting will join the dancing." Medeia smiles brightly at Ember, and makes a gesture toward the reavers already circling the fire. Once close enough, the lady offers Kalani a hug and a nod of greeting to Zakhar. "Countess, welcome back, I'm so glad you could make it, let my husband pour you a drink, hm?" Thea gets a curious look. "Escaped from what? The Valardin ward? I didn't realize they locked you all in." A teasing wink is sent the woman's way before setting her hazel gaze on Denica. "Hello! Welcome to Eswyndol. I'm Lady Medeia Eswynd, over there is my husband, Lord Haakon Eswynd." The introductions are made politely, her attention shifting to note the Thrax guards that trail the young woman. "You must be.. Princess Denica. Or Cassima? No," her head shakes as the description she's heard matches up with the person she sees. "Princess Denica, a pleasure to meet you."

Happily exchanging a hug with Deia, and a quiet word paired with another smile, Kalani continues forward with the flow of foot traffic and drifts toward the long table with it's large quantity of empty drinking vessels to select from. Once near enough the Seliki countess sinks into a quick curtsey before selecting a glass to use while saying, "Lord Haakon, this looks to be a lovely evening and the music is just a delight, as always. I'm so glad you and Deia host these gatherings."

Breccan steps into the halls, taking a look around at the various folks and interesting things that capture his attention, like that big table of drinks just asking to be filled and emptied. Making his way over to Haakon he gives a dip of his head before he grins "Now this is something! I heard there was going to be music and entertainment, but a whole table of drinks? That's my type of fling."

Thea winks at Medeia. "Not the Valardin ward, no." But then she pauses. "Denica,"she grins. "Hey!" The Wyvernheart actually looks EXCITED and goes to greet her friend. Seeing Kalani, she waves to her as well. "Countess Kalani now, yes? How are you?! Congratulations on that!"

Haakon answers Kalani, utterly deadpan, "What gathering? We do this every night, weren't until just now I'd noticed outsiders joining us." Breccan is regarded next, and asked plainly, "Drinks are there for drinking. How swift you want be hammered?"

Breccan is overheard praising Haakon: He's got great sense of priorities for a party!

Ember offers something /like/ a smile -- it's /not/ a smile, but it's /like/ a smile -- to Medeia. "Of course my ladies will be dancing. It's the whole reason I invited them to join me." Ember makes a discreet hand motion, very subtle, and yet totally understood by her aides. They fan out to go enjoy themselves and socialize with reavers and so on and so forth. Ember herself moves to get a drink, and finds herself next to Thea and Kalani: "Countess. I hope that my cousin has been doing well in her time away." That would be Scythia, for the record.

Breccan runs a hand on his smooth chin and thinks about it, "I reckon a mead or a cider first up, and then after a few of those I'll be pickling myself with the hard hitting stuff that you might be hiding." He'll take what's offered, raising a toast to the hosts and giving a praise for the free drinks.

Denica's attention is pulled towards the hostess for tonight, and her smile brightens, "yes Lady Eswynd, I am glad to get a chance to finally meet you," she says graciously, her eyes sparkling. "I met your husband the other day in the city centre, what a lovely man," she says looking over at Haakon with a good-natured smirk. "What a fantastic set-up, I look forward to dancing tonight," she decides, and while there isn't so much confidence behind that statement, she looks ready to dive into anything that might present itself. Hearing her name and a familiar voice, she shifts focus over on Thea and the girl's smile widens ten-fold. Welcoming the greeting, she reaches out and gives Thea's hand a warm squeeze, "oh how I've missed you dear friend. Congratulations," she adds, her voice lively and excited.

Zoya doesn't seem to quite fit as she moves around the edges of the room and approaches Ember. A proper bow to Medeia before Zoya whispers at Ember.

Kalani exhales a quiet laugh at Haakon's words, "Quite right. Certainly makes for a crowded hall, night after night, I'm sure," she can be deadpan as well. There's a faint smile on her face as she's adding drink to her cup and greets Thea then Ember, in turn. "Thea, wonderful to see you, and congratulations to you and Drake, in return, upon your wedding day. And thank you for asking, Baroness. She and my uncle have settled in nicely at Pearlspire, there's much that occupies their time, day to day, and I'm hoping to get away this summer to spend some time there visiting. I'd be happy to carry any correspondence forward, if you'd like."

Medeia laughs with startled amusement at whatever Kalani says to her quietly, eyes alight. "Yes, mom, I'll sit soon. If I don't, you have my permission to have my husband make me." An inviting smile is sent Denica's direction before Thea steals the princess' attention. "A lovely man, you say?" Her eyes flick to Haakon. "Aye." Breccan is unfamiliar to her, but she doesn't get a chance to greet him before she spots Zoya, eyes narrowing.

Haakon is a lovely man? "Lies and slander," the reaver states flat in tone.

Ember leans in to exchanged some murmured words with Zoya, before her eyes drift back to Kalani: "Yes, actually. Please tell my cousin that if she misses another of our birthday parties -- well. I won't hold it against her, but who /knows/ what /Lady Marina/ might do." Ember might be joking, but she says it so deadpan and with such flat affect that... maybe she's not? Maybe?

Denica's smile turns to something mischievous and her eyes flicker with jest, "lovely, yes, very lovely, I stand by my assessment, as I can assure you it's accurate." Clearly she intends to perpetuate the story.

Thea smiles at Denica. "Thank you! I'm glad to see you! We have--things to plan! Deia and I. And Nel,"her eyes impish. "I'm not sure yet, but we'll figure it out,"taking a drink. "Oh, thank you Countess Kalani. It was fun. We had a dagger throwing contest, naturally." She greets Ember was well, nodding her head. "Baroness, good evening,"before she looks confused. "Wait..Who the fuck called Haakon lovely? Whose lying?"

Clowder of nine 1-year old cats have been dismissed.

Shekies have been dismissed.

Medeia's gaze does not go unnoticed and Zoya bows again to the woman as Ember's attention goes away. "Lady Medeia, I do hope you are well."

"I will convey this warning, I promise," Kalani replies with a solemn expression of her own. "If we're lucky, she and Orrin will have time to attend a few functions this season." Lani exhales a quiet laugh at Thea's words, "Dagger throwing really did sound fun. No guests managed to hurt themselves?" is wondered. As to the topic of Haakon and his rating on the Lovely-o-meter, the Seliki refrains from commenting, sipping from her glass instead. Diplomacy, enabled.

Haakon snorts and mutters to Thea, "Some princess. Not sure which one. Fucking princesses, aye? City is lousy with them."

Denica crosses her fingers and hides them behind her back (a gesture that is both obvious and intended as so), "I've never told a lie. I swear it. L-O-V-E-L-Y. In every sense of the word. He denies it now, but I saw it," she continues to wear the smirk, her eyes sparkling with tenacity.

Ember gives a nod to Kalani. "You have my gratitude, Countess. As well as a continued ally for the Pearlspire in Redreef Shores." Her gaze drifts to Zoya and Medeia's interaction, and her expression briefly but subtly tenses. She's keeping an eye on this. Discreetly. Hopefully discreetly. To avoid being obvious about it, she moves to greet Denica. "Your Highness. I'm not sure we've ever properly met."

Drink in hand, Breccan heads for a walkabout.

Not wanting Kalani to take her up on the challenge of having Haakon make her sit, Medeia moves toward the table. Before claiming a seat, she sidles up to Haakon and presses up on her tip toes (while also pulling him down, some) to kiss his cheek. A servant brings her a cup of tea once she is seated. "I rather agree," she says to Denica, but then Zoya has her attention once more. "Mistress Zoya. Welcome to Eswyndol." It's a cool reception, rare for the lady - especially in so public a setting. "I am well, yes. I see you made it safely back to the city. Good. I would've hated for the baroness to be without you."

Denica distracts herself from perpetuating propaganda to receive the introduction from Ember. A much more civilized expression forms on her features and she offers the other woman a smile. "A pleasure to meet you, I'm afraid I've been away from Arx, that I am still trying to place names and people. I am Denica Thrax," she introduces herself at least, and then her gaze flickers over the woman's attire. "What a beautiful outfit you've got on today," she compliments her, with sincerity.

Perfectly respectful is the older woman. Nothing about her bearing hints that she has any feelings about Medeia what-so-ever. Bland Servant Face go. "I do apologize for intruding. I had news to deliver to the baroness and it was along my way. No need to waste the steps of a messenger. Be well." A bow, again, and Zoya withdraws.

While the guests socialize and drink, the Eswynd sailors pick up the beat of the music, leading a jubilant tune on drums held in hands or tucked between knees. In some cases, hands or spears land upon shields to add to the sound. A lone stringed instrument is played by Klavdiya. Loryk and Mykael are teaching the Redreef ladies-in-waiting the steps to the dance as the chain of dancers gets longer, winding throughout the hall.

Thea lifts an eyebrow at Denica. "Right....,"her words trailing. Striding over to Medeia, she smiles at her as well. "I can't stay. I have things to attend to. I'm so sorry about that." Pretty sure Haakon isn't. "But we really do have to plan something and I have to talk to you anyway..."

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

Ember dips her head to Denica without smiling, in recognition of the compliment. "I am Ember Redreef, Baroness of Redreef Shores -- a vassal of House Darkwater. My cousin Lord Griffin used to brag to us as children that he exchanged letters with a Princess." Maybe it wasn't 'bragging,' but whatever it was, that's how Ember remembers it. She steals a glance over at Zoya, before continuing, "And now, /I/ can brag that an artist on the level of Princess Denica Thrax has called my outfit beautiful."

"You are welcome to stay." Medeia says to Zoya. She may have some opinion, but she's a /lady/, and she won't refuse hospitality to someone already in her home. "There is food and drink enough, it would be a shame to waste it." As Thea leaves, the lady smiles and nods in farewell before turning her attention to Denica and Ember. "Lord Griffin? How is he? I haven't seen him recently."

Denica's smile softens at the mention of exchanging letters with Griffin, and there is a touch of nostalgia in her sparkling eyes. "Is Lord Griffin about these days? I remember those letters, I still have them tucked away somewhere," she admits, recalling bits of her childhood now. "I hope to see him again, perhaps I should write, I would be curious where his own art is now," she says thoughtfully. Denica seems content to reconnect with so many people, though her interest drifts to those she doesn't know yet, and will no doubt make rounds at some point. Until then, she talks quietly with Ember, "it is nice to meet you Baroness Redreef, let's endeavour to talk over a nice meal sometime in the future," she suggests to her.

Kalani had aimed a cordial, and deeply respectful, nod to the Baroness with the last exchange of words and stepped aside to enjoy the drink in her hand while the conversation had carried on without her. Seeing Deia take a seat, Lani waits a few moments while other points of conversation are had, the delicate diplomatic dance of social intricacy and intrigue brings a smile to her face. She moves toward Deia after a bit, surveying her (seated!) friend with a nod of approval, not intruding as she turns her ears - and attention - toward the music.

Ember looks to Medeia: "Lord Griffin is well, I suppose. He keeps himself busy." This is a polite answer that can probably be accurately understood as 'we live together and yet still somehow are not super close.' Ember's gaze returns to Denica, and she nods deeply enough for it to count as a minor bow. "It would be the honor of House Redreef to host you, Your Highness. Our main hall is newly remodeled -- it cries out for guests of your stature to grace it."

Medeia is not bothered by Zoya's departure in the wake of her invitation to stay, and sets to the task of sipping her tea and observing her guests. As Kalani nears, she smiles. "I imagine things are fairly quiet in Seliki Manor. How are you adjusting?" And while she does hear Ember's response about Griffin, the mention of the remodeled main hall at Redreef brings a choking-on-tea sound from the woman. "Oh. Yes." Clearing her throat, she offers Denica a smile. "Prince Tyrus has a splendid painting on display in the Redreef hall."

The young woman smiles warmly and then blinks for a moment, with some jest in her voice she whispers, "then I ought to be on my best behaviour," she says good-naturedly. "I look forward to seeing your newly remodeled home," she says to her. At the mention of the painting, she nods slowly, and says sincerely, "I would love to see it," she adds. As her eyes drift around the room, they fall on Caprice, and she squints a moment. Denica unable to place the woman, waves her over, "I don't think we've met," she says to her, looking at her gown as well with appreciation. "Everyone is so beautifully dressed in the city, I love all the colours and the glimmer of this and that. It is inspiring."

For a moment, Ember gives Medeia a serene and unironic smile. She's very proud of that painting.

"It is, yes," Lani confirms with a small nod, "taking it one day at a time. To be fair, the amount of paperwork hasn't really changed," she adds with a smile and a lift of one shoulder in a light shrug. "What is the painting of?" she wonders, curiosity coloring her tone of voice.

The Redreef ladies-in-waiting get the hang of the dance quickly, adding to the chain of dancers with their giggling rising with the music. Loryk and Mykael look around to see if there are others to teach.

"Myself," Ember says. "Nude, slathered with blood, swinging the severed head of Ivan Helianthus." That serene smile remains. "If only Prince Tyrus's work was prophetic about more than the generality of Ivan's fate."

Lani eyes Ember for a moment, a grin forming on her face, "If only," is said in a tone of quiet agreement. "Swinging, by the hair, I presume?" is wondered, one pale eyebrow arching upward to accompany the gleam in her eyes.

Denica raises a brow at the description of the painting and she looks impressed.

The old man, Whitebeard has been sleeping off a doozy of a hangover, still reeking of the blackberry gin. How he got to the Eswynds is anyone's guess. But here he is.

Ember's blissful attitude persists: "Of course, Countess," she says. Her gaze fans over to the maidens and reavers, and she asks those assembled: "Speaking of Ivan Helianthus's death: shall we dance?"

Is it appropriate to dance in honor of the death of an apostate who ordered the death of your uncle? Medeia seems to think it is and even rises from her seat. "I'll dance to that. I'll dance until I go into labor to that." It's a joke. Her eyes flick to Kalani. "I won't, I promise."

Clowder of nine 1-year old cats, Shekies leave, following Zakhar.

"Nothing wrong with a moderate amount of physical exhertion even when you go into labor," Kalani points out, very reasonably, with a wink at Deia. "Dancing, walking, walking with style, it all works, in my book."

The chain dance continues, having breaks and stops and starts throughout the night as the revelers drink and feast and celebrate - togetherness, the fall of an apostate, the impending birth of a first-born, the elevation of a lady to countess, and more. Even is dreadful times, there are reasons to celebrate. Everyone is taught the steps and is seen home or given a place to sleep it off in the end.