Emberly is greeting people as they show up, she looks a little nervous and her small fingers are woven together as she breathes moving along to the music of the band. "Welcome, welcome!" she calls, "thank you ever so much for attending, do get yourselves a apple from the bag as the theme today is apple" she grins. "I have a game set up for apple bobbing, and the person with the most apples can win a bottle of crovane apple mead"

There's a sense, at least from the dart-about of those jade eyes, that Patrizio doesn't oft come up to this part of the city. A faint sense that he might actually be a little bit turned-around and loss, and he offers a smile to Emberly as he spots her as she's dancing about. "Happy birthday, my lady," he says with warmth, moving over to greet the hostess. "I think that sounds like incentive aplenty for folks to try to participate, or at least get a little wet in the effort."

The Redrain gardens are lovely any time of the year, but this late in spring might be the most glorious. The spring flowers cast pleasant scents even as their time is coming to a close. Bright green leaves and buds of summer-flowers-to-be add to the ambiance of color, it seems. While Emberly greets those coming to wish her birthday tidings, Gwenna - dressed in whites and grays - gives a few final looks at the arrangements. Seeming satisfied, the Redrain gives a grin to the band and then waves to no familiar faces. "Duke Aethan, it has been far too long. The same can be said to you, Prince Patrizio," is offered cheerfully. "Emberly has arranged a truly lovely event for all of us here, which I'm sure everyone will very much enjoy."

"Apple bobbing I feel is a trend," Aethan notes as he comes in along behind Patrizio, nodding to Emberly, "Good weather for it, but I may have to decline. I had a little hectic morning already, besides I won the last bobbing apple came at the Dire Bree lounge. I'll let others have such victory today." His eyes settle on Emberly, "A good birthday though, to you." He hands her an APPLE. It's at least a candied apple. His gaze swings to Gwenna after he passes off his little gift, "Highness," he bows his head, "Indeed, it's been far too long since I've seen my former patron. How're you?"

Fearsome crimson rubicund plate armor - like the exterior of a proud, red apple - accompanies this big, war-torn sellsword's arrival to the birthday party. His vibrant violets skim the gathered crowd, thin lips twitching into a faint smile that plays along his pale visage as he ventures further into the gardens. Maris plucks up one of those offered apples and absently tosses it between sword-deft hands as he wanders about. "Happy birthday, m'lady." He calls over to Emberly upon realizing that his celebration is for her, his voice dusted by a clear touch of the Isles. "Y'know what they say. An apple a day keeps the Inquisition away. Or something like that."

Emberly laughs a little as she greets Patrizio, then she smiles to Gwenna "It is so nice that you have come to share today with me, I can not express how happy I am to see you both." she smiles to them as they come in, she tries to greet everyone. Her pale blue orbs look over to Gwenna and she follows her attention to Aethan, "Dont forget to take one of the candied apples from the bag .. I worked ever hard on them." she pauses and she smiles to Aethan "well met Duke Aethan, and thank you ever so much for attending."

A pause as she looks over to Maris, "thank you ever so much... Maris, I am very glad you have made it out today, the support of my friends fills my heart." she beams

Patrizio dips his head to Aethan when he noticed the duke following him, but there's a very warm smile for Gwynna as well. "Highness, it /has/ been a very long time. We should work harder at making sure such doesn't happen, and preferably outside of business affairs." Which might well say a lot about where the Pravusi prince is a lot of them time, even as a hand draws up to drift through his perfect coiffure. Briefly, he nods to Maris as well in recognition, before he smiles to Emberly. "I should have to make sure that I do, my lady, thank you."

Patrizio takes A Candied Apple from A Sparkling bag.

Maris gets A Candied Apple from A Sparkling bag.

Yvette gets A Candied Apple from A Sparkling bag.

"It seems like a lifetime," Gwenna replies to Aethan with a small laugh. "I'm well, thank you for asking. I hope the same for you? I've been meaning to reach out, but...well. Preparing for war keeps us all busy, and tallying the afters even moreso, at times." Rather than linger on that, she grins. "You won an apple bobbing contest? That's impressive. I don't think I've had occasion to do as much since leaving Farhaven." She looks to Patrizio next and bobs her head. "Truly, your Highness. It's been an age since I've just sat and had a few drinks for the sake of just having a few drinks with good company." Emberly's words draw the Redrain's attention back to her and she moves to take one of the candied apples. "I'm sure these are delightful. Another treat I've not had in what feels like another lifetime."

Gwenna takes A Candied Apple from A Sparkling bag.

Raimon enters quietly and sets his gifts down on the gift table: A crisp Chardonnay from the Fidante vineyards, a set of imported cheeses, a basket of flowers and a batch of cookies. And: one (1) bottle of apple brandy! When there's a clear interval in time and enough space, Raimon will present himself and make his own quiet introductions.

Yvette walked in quietly, seemed to have been in better shape then earlier. She was much more cleaned up and her dress wasn't as ragged; like she'd been in the woods. Hazel hues would glance around, noting a few people she'd met but others she hadn't. A smile was beaming bright along her features, "Hello, I hope I am not interrupting. I heard there was a Lady Emberly's birthday. Whilst we haven't met I wanted to wish her a happy birthday." she says softly to the others as she walks up.

Emberly smiles brightly as they gather, "so for those that were not here before, I am having a contest for apple bobbing." her eyes look over to Aethan and she smiles brightly. Then her eyes look over to Raimon "thank you for attending Prince Raimon Thrax".. she says warmly to him, "anyone that would like to try apple bobbing, may get into a line, I have crovane orchard mead for the winner." she says before she smiles gently a little as she looks to Yvette. "have you met everyone here?" she asks the other

"Mm," he quiets a response with a look that wasn't as tempered as it usually was, allowing some former sentiment sweep into his otherwise cool features, "Well enough," he decides to input, "We both, it seems, were carried by the necessity of war from social soiree. I have no hesitation to suggest the losses will be as bad as any other war, and some have had to pay for it far more than others." His eyes glance to Raimon, before he looks toward Gwenna once more, "Ahh yes. Lady Mabelle invited me to the opening of her Dire Bee Lounge and hosted an apple bobbing contest. I won a token material from her House. And today my team won the War Games, so I think, I best let others have the victory." He side steps for a moment, "Lady Yvette, pleasure to see you again. Ahh, there's Captain Maris, a team member of mine at the War games. The closer I'd say, to our victory." He asks to Gwenna, "We should catch up sometime, your Highness."

Aethan ^

"The issue is finding time for a balance in things, highness," Patrizio says, confiding gently to Gwynna when there's the comment about drinks. "I've only recently been squeezing it back in. But... the nature of life." The smile finds him again when he hears Raimon's name, and he turns, inclining his head to the prince when he's spied. "Fancy running into you again today, highness. How was the event at the tournament grounds?"

"Duke Regent Aethan Kennex," Maris greets the man rather formally, though his thin lips are hitched into an easy smile. "Good t'see you again. I suppose if y'plan on competing in this apple bobbing contest, we'll have no choice but t'go up against one another. A fateful turn of events, no?" His pale blonde brows give a little waggle before his attention is stolen by Gwenna, offering her an unbashed examination with his odd violet eyes: "Captain Maris Maw, at your service. M'pleasure."

Yvette says, "Umm.. Well I've met Prince Raimon, Duke Regent Aethan and Captain Maris." she nodded at that trying to remember everyone's names and titles, though it took her a few moments longer then someone whom was familiar with titles. "You must be Lady Emberly. I heard around Clearlake that it was your birthday." the red headed woman would hand Emberly sweets and snacks she baked; various cookies, candies and pastries. All smelled delicious and of various spices. A polite smile and nod of her head towards Aethan as she addressed him, "A pleasure as well.""

Alberico, the Malespero aide, Louis, a Malespero Armsman arrive, following Pasquale.

Raimon heads on over to Patricio after making introductions and upon hearing Patrizio call out his name

Emberly nods her head and she smiles, "this is Maris Maw, a champion, and Prince Patrizio Pravus, and Princess Gwenna Redrain." she looks about kindly as she tries to make sure she gets everyone, "and that one is Lord Pasquale Malespero" she says as she spies the general walking in.

Gwenna's eyes widen a little and she sounds a bit delighted. "It seems you have had good tidings and accomplishments as of late, Duke Aethan, for which I am glad. I very much look forward to us finding some time to catch up soon." Attention returning to Patrizio again, she laughs a bit again. "True enough, true enough. I must endeavor to squeeze more time for such myself," she tells the Pravosi prince. Maris' introduction tugs her gaze that way and she offers him a kind smile. "A pleasure, Captain Maris Maw. Princess Gwenna Redrain. Thank you for attending this event for Lady Emberly." A nod is given next to Lady Yvette as the Crovane makes further introductions. "A pleasure, truly." That offered, she crooks a thumb toward the drinks. "Talking of drinks has made me thirsty, perhaps unsurprisingly. Lady Emberly, I think I will watch the apple bobbing, but am excited to see how everyone does."

Gwenna has joined the a modest picnic table.

Pasquale gets A Candied Apple from A Sparkling bag.

Patrizio inclines his head at Emberly's introduction of him, though there's a brief chuckle and shake of his head at Raimon, at something murmured to him by the other prince. And then the green eyes turn back to Yvette once more. "A pleasure meeting you, my lady," he offers, seriously enough.

Gwynna's words get a chuckle from him, and he's shaking his head. "If you don't make time, then the gods find more things to fill up what little time you've to yourself, I find," he admits, in a voice that's perhaps more severe than he intends. "Either leisure or responsibility find us."

Aethan has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Pasquale heads on across to Emberly after he's entered and offers a brief kiss on her cheek by way of hello. "Happy birthday Emberly." He looks up then, casting his eyes around the various people here. There is a nod of recognition for Maris and another slightly deeper one for Patrizio and Aethan. "I think I will skip the apple bobbing as well."

Yvette gives a dutiful nod, trying to place names to faces as Emberly goes on. She smiles sweetly, "Thanks I'll try to remember names and titles." she chuckles softly before looking to Gwenna, "To you as well Princess Redrain." the red head would let out a soft sigh, looking a little flustered at all the names she was going to have to remember by the end of the day. For now she would go to find a spot to sit down and enjoy the gardens.

"Of course, your highness." Maris drawls in response to Gwenna, lips hitched still as he draws back and peers over the gathered crowd. He returns Patrizio's polite nod of recognition from earlier before weaving over to lean against a tree, spinning that candied apple between his pale-scarred fingers. When he spots Pasquale, there's a slight pause before his strong, rounded chin dips and his lips part in a little grin. "Better chances for me, 'en."

"No Maris, you'll not be competing against me," Aethan assures, "I'm here for the cake." He says that so deadpan style that it might be a joke, but the thinly veiled mirth in his eyes suggests at some truth. To Gwenna he offers, "I'll let you get back to your hosting duties." He wanders over toward a bench that's underneath the willow.

Yvette has joined the a nice patch of grass, perfect for a picnic.

Cerys enters the garden area, and as always, firstly observing her surroundings before finding someone she could easily recognize. With that, she makes her way toward Raimon and the rest of the gathered individuals.

Emberly looks to Pasquale and she smiles nodding her head "whatever you like there is no judgment, if you do or do not." she says before she looks about and she nods her head to Yvette before she smiles brightly and she watches the people whom have gathered.

Raimon smiles and waves Cerys over, makes room for her to stand and begins to facilitate quiet introductions with those standing nearby . . .

Patrizio has joined the line.

Pasquale nods to Emberly and then makes his way over towards the tree that Maris has posted himself up against. "It's good to see you Maris."

Emberly drops Crovane Orchard Wine.

"It's good t'see you as well, my lord." Maris intones casually, posture relaxed from where he retains his lean. After a beat, he adds along with a little smile: "Congratulations on your marriage. I hope it brings you happiness, and further propserity to House Malespero."

Yvette was quietly admiring the greenery at the patch of grass she had chosen to sit down at. Eyes trailing to the different flowers, offering the occasional sniff of air to smell the wafting scents of them. She hummed lightly, listening to the small talk around her but was just happy to remain quiet.

Emberly sets the wine that the people wanting to try apple bobbing will receive. "Prince Patrizio, are you our only competitor?" she wonders her eyes shifting bemused.

Aethan has left the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

William, a taciturn quartermaster leaves, following Aethan.

Maris has joined the line.

Maris gives Pasquale a faint nod before moving into the line proper, sizing up Patrizio from off to the side; the enemy.

Yvette pursed her lips and got up from her spot to join in on the apple bobbing. "I don't think I've ever tried apple bobbing so I'll give it a go." she smiles to Emberly and the others in line.

Yvette has joined the line.

Patrizio turns those jade eyes of his to Maris when he feels that gaze upon him, the arch of one of those well-plucked brows, though the slight smile that finds his features only speaks to the amusement at clearly being regarded as some kind of competitor, when his own demeanour speaks to the activity as pure fun for the prince.

Emberly grins widely as she looks over to Gwenna and then Raimon, her eyes move around bemused at those willing to try getting an apple from the barrels. "Remember you are only using your teeth!" she smiles a bit as she looks over to Patrizio and that smile grows all the more as he steps up to try.

Turn in line: Patrizio

Cerys chuckles softly at Patrizio, "You as well," she then quiets, letting Patrizio continue with the activity.

Patrizio checks dexterity and athletics at normal. Patrizio fails.

For better or for worse, Maris Maw is a competitor and he likes to win. Still, his white teeth are bared in vague amusement right behind his parted lips as he watches Patrizio step up for his turn. From behind he calls, "Do your best, your highness. No one's gonna judge y'if you lose to someone as talented as myself."

Gwenna sips some wine while watching the line grow for the apple bobbing contest. "This will surely be a contest that will be talked about for an age! Or, surely, the rest of spring," she declares and lifts her glass in a toasting-motion toward the competitors. "Good luck to you all. I've heard good things about the prized drink."

"There's something to be said for going first," he says, with a grin towards Cerys when he hears the comment, and then a dip of his head to Emberly. "Are you accusing me of trying to do it with something else?" Says he, with a voice that's teasingly incredulous... and then a laugh. "If I could but train my hair to do it..." But the hands are clasped behind his back as the prince settles onto his knees - the better to ensure that he's /not/ cheating - before he dips in and...

Well, it's probably a good thing that he's quite alright with water, because that's all he /is/ getting, a face-full of water, and there's a hot laugh when he comes up, dripping and apple-less. "I'm /not/ good at this...."

Yvette watches the first in line eagerly before grinning at Maris' comment, "Hey.. hey, whose to say that you'll win perhaps you'll both be beaten by the likes of me." she chuckles at her jest, a glint of mischievousness in her hazel colored hues.

Emberly laughs softly as she looks to Gwenna "The Prince was quite the sport for 'Dunk a Pravus night' to raise funds for the Arvani Fire.. I think he has a thing for water." she whispers teasingly. She laughs as she watches the long haired prince give it a go.

Emberly is overheard praising Patrizio: trying apple bobbing

Raimon shifts his stance to put himself into motion slowly weaving his way through the crowd towards Gwenna.

Turn in line: Maris

"I appreciate that Maris." Pasquale says when Maris moves away from him. For a moment he watches the games but its not long before he turns and heads on across to the drinks.

Cerys chuckles in unison with Emberly, "Certainly.. makes for a great first impression," she twirls a finger, gesturing to Patrizio and then claps her hands briefly.

Maris checks dexterity and athletics at normal. Botch! Maris fails completely.

Maris checks composure and performance at normal. Maris marginally fails.

Gwenna raises her glass after Patrizio's attempt. "Brilliant attempt, your highness! I surely may have drowned," she remarks with a bit of mirth in her tone. And...perhaps ill-fated as Maris starts making his attempt next.

Pale face, purple eyes and champagne blonde hair disappearing into the barrel, Maris dunks his head in and bobs for apples. He's down there... far too long. He comes up sputtering, red faced, and tries for a grin before ends up choking up water instead. After a few moments of recovery, he shuffles off, "I needa drink." Vodka, not apple barrel water.

Turn in line: Yvette

Yvette checks dexterity and athletics at normal. Yvette is successful.

Patrizio somehow, from somewhere, finds a towel and... the Pravusi prince is still laughing as he's drying off. "There are worse things than being wet, highness," he says warmly to Gwenna, settling near her to watch the remaining attempts in the line, the green eyes dancing with amusement. "Actually, there was the time that I was in the dunk booth at the Hart, and spent the evening getting soaked, so..."

Yvette narrows her eyes at the competition, taking note of what each participate does. The red head northerner is next in line, a grin creeps over her facial features before she goes to bob for an apple herself. She didn't know if she'd be successful but she'd have fun doing it. After a few lingering moments, and a mop of wet red hair clinging to her face, Yvette appeared to have an apple in her mouth between clenched teeth. A hand went to come up and take it from her mouth, "Hey!" she laughed. "I did it."

Cerys squints her eyes as she watches Maris, "Oh, ..I hope he's alright," she covers her mouth briefly and then turns to Gwenn, "Indeed, good to see you again," she offers a gentle smile, "I trust you have been well." After a moment she begins to clap for Yvette, "Well done!"

Gwenna lets out a sigh of relief, from the sound, when Maris is free of the barrel. "Well done, Captain," is offered over to him before she smiles as Patrizio joins. "True enough, your highness. You know, I have not been to the Hart in at least a year. I had no idea it had a dunking booth! It seems I really must make some time to go by there and explore all the wonders."

The line has been dismissed by Emberly.

"In fairness, it was a fundraiser by Lady Emberly for the Apothacary College, that the Hart was kind enough to host," Patrizio says to Gwenna, setting the cloth aside. "But it was enjoyable, and it benefited a good cause."

Yvette gets Crovane Orchard Wine.

"Aaaah," Gwenna replies with a couple of nods of her head to Patrizio. "It sounds like a delightful event and I am sad that I missed it. I will add it to my list of things I must endeavor to do more often," is noted with a chuckle. Her attention returns to Yvette and the apple bobbing, as the noblewoman seems to have managed the feat. "Well done, Lady Yvette! Congratulations!"

"Thank y'kindly." Maris responds to Gwenna as he works on pouring himself a glass of one of the offered drinks. "You know - you win some and you lose some." He sniffles, silky hair still soaked and dripping, water slipping down the exterior of his armor. He seems fully recovered and in high spirits however, despite the rather devastating loss. He eyes Yvette from across the gardens. The victor...

Emberly smiles a bit as she looks about she looks over to Patrizio as she listens as he speaks about her fundraiser .. "I do like a good fundraiser." she smiles before she looks over to Yvette as she wins the contest "you outshine the men Lady Yvette!" she grins "thank you so much for trying out the game." she laughs a bit and she looks over to Cerys softly and her eyes move over the others, "its been a wonderful day.

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

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

Cerys smiles at Emberly, "You deserve nothing less, Lady Emberly. A lovely birthday to you."

Emberly is overheard praising Yvette: Winner of Apple bobbing

Raimon is overheard praising Emberly: To our most excellent hostess. Happy Birthday !!!

Emberly gets A Candied Apple from A Sparkling bag.

Gwenna gives a dip of her head to Maris. "I know it all too well, Captain. We used to bob for apples every summer in Farhaven as children, and it would get rather competitive," she explains with a bit of a laugh. "One time, I nearly drowned out of sure stubbornness! I thought it almost better to die than come up without an apple." There's a roll of her eyes at the memory. "Obviously, I didn't die, but neither did I manage to get an apple. The following summer, though, and the one after? Totally did." Looking to Cerys, she smiles warmly. "I got a bit caught up in the bobbing, my apologies. I've been well enough, yes, and I hope the same of you?"

A smile from Patrizio at Emberly's comment, and then a breath, when one of his centurions is finding him. "I should be off, I fear," he says quietly to the hostess, and there's the sketching of a bow. "Thank you for having me, my lady. I hope the rest of the party is as enjoyable."

Yvette says, "Thank you Lady Emberly for your compliment. Thank you all." she says softly before laying the apple down on the table. Her gaze catches Maris' and instead of offering him a cheeky grin from her win, she would pop open the bottle of the Crovane Orchard Wine she had won, filling two glasses, each for the others whom participated. She would walk over to Maris and then to Partrizio. "It's only fitting that I share the wine with great company." she says with a humble tone of voice."

"You're too kind." Maris murmurs, vibrant violets creasing a touch as he considers Yvette and accepts the glass of wine. Soon, he lifts it: "To great company, and to Lady Emberly Crovane! Happy birthday!" Releasing a warm, breathy laugh, he sets the brim of that glass to his lips and draws in a slow swig, letting the wine settle on his tongue; enjoying the taste.

Cerys shakes her head at Gwenna as she smiles gently in turn, "No worries, we all did. I have been well, thank you." She then leans over, reaching for an apple from the bag.

Emberly smiles to Patrizio and her eyes look over to Raimon then Gwenna "and thank you for being a lovely co-host." she says with a warm smile

Alberico, the Malespero aide, Louis, a Malespero Armsman leave, following Pasquale.