The room has been set up for a friendly, well-appointed, but not overly extravagant summer dinner. Whiskey, wine, and water are already on offer, with a plate of bread, sliced apples, and sectioned summer sausages on the center of the table for a starter course.

Drake, who is now head of house, is standing by the doorway as folks enter. He's decided not to sit until he's greeted guests, and hopes that makes things fair for all. The room itself is kind of formal just by design of its structure, but Drake is doing his best to create a casual atmosphere, having brought in a couch for people to sit aside and talk before or after dinner for those who'd rather get familiar and comfortable.

There's dogs here - really, so many, Thea's and Drake's both as well as the others that tend to wander the grounds.

Drake has joined the Heavy Ironwood Table.

Atramentous, The Highhill War Hound arrives, following Tesha.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The room has been set up for a friendly, well-appointed, but not overly extravagant summer dinner. Whiskey, wine, and water are already on offer, with a plate of bread, sliced apples, and sectioned summer sausages on the center of the table for a starter course. Next to follow are small roast chickens - single serving game hens - and summer vegetables grilled - zucchinis and peppers as well as potato. Dessert is summer fruits served with cream with just a bit of Wyrmguard chocolate for those who wish to partake. Wine and booze also is flowing freely, but it is strictly optional and tea and milk are also provided.

Isabeau arrives, precisely on time, and knowing that Thea won't likely have left Strawberry Pupcake, Bijou has been wrangled and brought. The Duchess is wearing sunset-colored honeysilk, perfect for the advancing season of summer. She pauses to greet Drake with one of her sweet, warm smiles and offers a hand, "Count Drake, thank you for inviting me."

Kiera stans of to the side to allow Drake and Thea to be the first to greet incomiming guess yet seems prepared to offer her own thanks and greeting to all who arrive. her eyes are shining with excitement and pride

Making her way into the dining hall along side Drake is Thea. She's dressed in something a bit airy than earlier, her hair tied back. The Countess is dressed for comfort this evening. Sorta. Helping greet the guests, she smiles and does the hostess duties. Naturally. "Hello,"she says. "Welcome to the dinner. Welcome. Please drink and eat a lot. Because I drink a lot--so I need to live vicariously through you all,"Thea teases a bit.

Isabeau is definitely right. Strawberry is clumsily running around in all his puppy glory, chasing around Finn's large puppy tail.

In a flurry of silks, both sets of panels from his overcoat and loose legging trousers flowing and swishing around him as Cirroch strides into the dining hall just behind Isabeau. His voice starts out loud "Count Drake! Countess Thea! ..." then he attempts to start over again as so not to allow the building echos to rattle from the walls to the rest in the hall, "The Marquessa sadly won't be making it tonight." He looks to Isabeau, and Kiera "Duchess Isabeau and Lady Kiera. A wonderful evening for friends." He then is taking a look at the offered food.

Runa the clever, seafaring raven, Havard, a battle-scarred gentle giant, Bryndis, another redheaded northern Prodigal arrive, following Aella.

Tesha arrives after others and just as quietly as she usually does. Dressed in the usual Telmar crimson. She didn't have anything special made. Other things were on her mind. She gives a nod of greeting to Drake and Thea, "Count, Countess, thank you for having us over." she states. Atramentous is settled beside her and doesn't move until she does to go find a spot to sit.

Thea has joined the Heavy Ironwood Table.

Denica arrives at the dinner, mostly on time, with her retinue in tow, her assistants helping to navigate the gown she is wearing. Not an easy feat. The young woman looks fresh-faced and cleaned up, giving the impression that she is in fact nobility. Wearing some of Maelstrom's finest fashion, she is a bit apprehensive as she steps into the dinning room. That look washes away quickly, seeing some familiar faces, but one in particular she is here for. She approaches Thea and Drake by extension, "Count, Countess, thank you for hosting a lovely evening," she says graciously and well rehearsed, yes on her best behaviour tonight. A few other faces catch her attention and she offers a simple smile to Isabeau, Kiera and Cirroch, having met the later two, not too long ago.

Aella finds her way into the dining hall, looking around as if hoping to spot someone. Whoever it is, they must not be there as she quickly switches to giving greetings to the people she knows. "Countess Thea, Count Drake, thank you for having me here." A drink? Somewhere? She could use one.

"Thank you," Drake says, to Tesha first, then looking at Denica who really did dress to the nines tonight. After a few are starting to filter in, he allows staff to pull out his seat for him. "You can be seated, but of course feel free to arrange yourself as you like." He looks at the head of the table, and shrugs both shoulders. "Except for me, I suppose I sit here." Drinks are plentiful - it looks like the vodka has been brought out too. "Ah, good turnout," he says, looking at Thea and then Kiera.

Not forgetting Thea, of course, Isabeau greets her next, offering aother of her sweet, warm smiles, "Countess. You look radiant." She turns her attention away as Bijou moves to greet Strawberry Pupcake, padding after the puppy who is likely a half-sister, or a cousin or something. Isabeau moves on to Kiera, looking her over before offering some quiet approval, "That dress looks quite well on you, my Lady. I'm glad you liked it."

Kiera smiles broadly, Isabeau getting first greeting "Duchess thank you so much for comiming. The dress you sent was perfect for this evening. Iam so proud to wear it" she says

Cirroch looks at the couch for a moment, then takes a seat at the table. "Is there a particular type of vodka there Count Drake?" Cirroch asks as he reaches out to fill his plate with sausages bread.

Cirroch has joined the Heavy Ironwood Table.

Drake takes the hand of Isabaeu before he gets into his seat, after Kiera has greeted her. "It's so great to have you here and visiting our home. I hope that you feel comfortable here as well. I don't think we could've gotten as far as we did without the support from Telmar in all of this."

Isabeau smiles at Kiera and apologizes, "I meant to get some shoes to match it, but I was also meant to be wearing pink tonight. I have been much too lax in having things made." She sighs softly and gives her honeysilk a slight pat, "Still don't have the jewelry for this finished. Duke Shepherd sent me duskstones." She smiles to Drake and dips her head at the greeting, "Of course, Count. And we will continue to support your family." She moves to settle down now, a hand smoothing over the ombre sunset hues of her skirt.

Isabeau has joined the Heavy Ironwood Table.

Thea lifts an eyebrow for a moment at Cirroh's loud booming voice. "You and my cousin Santi will have to see how talks loude. Also, try the citrus vodka,"her voice amused. "Lady Tesha, hello. It's our pleasure, honest." When Denica and Isabeau arrive, Thea is quick to offer them a small smile and wave. "Denica, you cleaned up fast. And thank you, Duchess Isabeu. I plan on eating...I've been doing that. A lot." Looking to Aella, as she arrives, the Countess smiles at her as well. "Countess Aella. Thanks for coming. Drinks are there,"winking at the woman. Completing understanding.

Strawberry stops and greets the new dog with a whine. Thea meanwhile agrees with Drake while she smiles over at Kiera.

Drake says, "s dress"

Denica's brow perks at the concept of citrus vodka and she murmurs something to Stojan, except he isn't there. He is already trying to find a drink of the aforementioned item. With a glass full in her hand, she seems a bit more relaxed, bring it to her lips and taking a sip. A little smirk is offered to Thea at her comment, "a few jumps into the Bay, all that's needed," she winks, with a little mirth in her eyes. Swirling around the clear liquid she considers the flavour, "this is nice," she murmurs, not sure who to compliment, but it's extended.

Cirroch nods to Thea, "Citrus vodka?" He then looks for where to find it while picking at the plate of Sausages and bread. He looks to Denica, "Princess Denica, it's good to see you again. Perhaps we can discuss about the inquiries you were interested about?"

Kiera waves to Cirroch as she meanders to Tesha to give greeting "Lady Tesha. Thank you for coming tonight" she says softly

Drake is looking at the way the ladies are dressed, as he sometimes does - Kiera's is new, and Isabeau's is eye-catching. He tries not to stare too long, which WOULD be rude, but he does say, "The honeysilk revolutionized the summer fashion scene around here. Not that I know much about that REALLY, but I was happy to have a hand in it. Let's hope some future project proves as successful." He's not forcing a particular topic of conversation among the others, though, just digging in to the meal already at table. "Eat and drink as you all will - of course. I'm not... used to sitting at the head of the table so pardon me in advance if I don't lead things too much..." He looks at Thea. "Thea, everyone, is aware of the announcement at least yes?"

Atramentous, The Highhill War Hound leaves, following Tesha.

Denica has joined the Heavy Ironwood Table.

"I helped create it. In Southport. With Messere Alexio. While I was in Southport,"Thea admits regarding the vodka a bit proudly. She starts piling mostly fruit on her plate. Some vegetables. For now. Key word. FOR NOW. "Duke Shepherd really is the best of people and patrons,"Thea mentions to Isabeu, grinning a bit. "He said he would be coming this evening, so he may be fashionably late." There's a slight pause as Drake speaks. In a rare turn of events, her tan skin grows a bit red. "I--well--Most here know. Not drinking gave it away, not to mention a couple other things." Thea too mentions with a grin,"Denica has been busy too. I'll let her tell you about it though."

Isabeau grins a little as she brushes off Drake's compliment with a touch of mischief, which is a little moreso when said by her warm, sweet voice, "Oh this old thing? I pulled it out for accompanying Duke Shepherd to some Grayson thing." To Thea, Isabeau agrees softly, "He is, really. And if he misses it, you know he'll send a lot of gemstones or something. I think my box of dresses was from when he missed a dinner I invited him to." She laughs a little with a wrinkle of her nose, "It's also why I have duskstones to pair with this dress when I manage it." She sighs softly and looks to Drake, "I'm hoping to start with the Blackram's wool soon, something finer than seatouched."

Denica takes another sip of the vodka, seeming to welcome the relief that Cirroch's question provides from the conversations about fashion. Yet, there is a moment of hesitation in her eyes. "I am not sure it is a topic, that is appropriate. Though I am hoping to talk to you about some... security matters," she murmurs, dropping her a voice ever so slightly. In the meantime, she does offer to the man. "Try the vodka, it's good. Refreshing. Nice for this time of year, where the seasons are posed to change," she murmurs taking another sip. When Thea mentions she's been busy, she gets a guilty look on her face, but it quick to shrug it off, especially when she realizes what Thea must mean. She offers the other woman a warm smile, "just a bit of redecorating for your home," she murmurs, in a rare moment of humility.

Cirroch appears to have found the citrus vodka and has a hearty amount poured into the goats horn that he carries with him, a decent sized sip is taken which then causes the whole bottle to be brought back to the table with him. "Count Drake, I've found that a conversation doesn't need to led as much at a dinner, as much as knowing what one can use as a shield if cake starts to fly." He smirks towards Kiera, then looks between Thea and Kiera, "Lady Amelie isn't hiding in the shadows with a cake by any chance? This dinner being an elaborate ruse to get me to drop my guard?" There's a flash of a grin before he takes another sip of the vodka, then looks back to Drake, "I would love to speak with you at some point about the process you went through to create the Honeysilk, Count Drake."

Aella dips her head gratefully and grabs a drink before offering a smile to Isabeau and Cirroch. "Duchess, Marquis, good evening." She's doing her best to be polite and well mannered as she settles at the table.

Isabeau turns a smile aside to Aella, warm and open as she greets, "Countess, lovely to see you here." She gets a teacup as she begins selecting up some foods for her own plate, "Who is planning on attending the myths and legends Masquerade?" she asks around the table, her eyebrows raising slightly as she looks from person to person with some interest.

"Possibly a good thing to discuss," Drake says to Cirroch, looking over with an up-nod. Then he laughs. "Lady Amelie certainly wanted to give her congratulations at some point," he asides to Thea. "But probably not by THROWING the cake." Then to Denica, "Now I have heard a little about that project... but. Haven't seen the results yet. I should take a look, eh? I didn't want to interrupt the womens' planning." He takes a drink from his whiskey, then looks back to Isabeau, a slight chuckle as she plays down the worth of her gown. "Good. Well the Blackrams are a good place to start. And yes. I'll be at the Masq. You can try to find me. I'm not going to go as a dragon - they all say that's too obvious."

Kiera makes her way over to Cirroch and Aella "I am sorry the Marquessa could not attend. I was looking forward to returning the hospitality she extended to me on me first few visits to sanna manor Then to Aella "Thank you for coming Countess"

Thea's lips curve into wry smirk. "Or trying to eat my octopus again." She takes a bite of the apples in front of her, asking then,"Wait--what has she done with cake? She keeps trying to get me to have a tea party..." Getting some lemon water, Thea looks to Isabeu,"I plan on it. I was thinking as Vanessa Malvici. A pirate and all..But at this rate, I may have to rethink that idea,"digging into more food. "The wool? How much different is that than the seatouched?" Someone isn't very fashion savy. Clearly.

Denica finishes off her first drink, in quick order, she's looking for another already. Catching some of the conversation, most of it doesn't get much of a comment from the artistic princess. Though she does respond when Drake asks her a question. "Ah, well it is finished now, so you can look at any time. It was fun to do, I suspect children understand art better than adults," she says with a little shrug of her shoulders.

Cirroch digs some of the bread apart, making a well to stuff the sausage into then rolling the bread up before taking a bite of the pocket sandwich (tm). "The cake is because of a moment at my manor, the Marquessa has rules for cake wars at our home. Something that started as a means to keep the children... Well, no. The children started the war, Sasha and I ended it. Then Sasha chose to give additional rules and has ever since led the war of our small army against me with cake as the weapon. And Lady Amelie believed that there should be grace and honor to flinging cake. Thus... We're in a war of our own." He looks around, "Though she's been hard to spot since the declaration was made." He looks over to Denica, "We can speak later if you'd like, though security you say? We might want to discuss sooner." He nods to Kiera, "Her schedule didn't work out to be able to tonight, though I'm sure we will find a time where you may return the hospitality." Cirroch sits back into the chair and stretches his feet out, crossing them at the ankles as he takes another bite of the rollup he's made.

Caelan, a seductive and haughty apprentice Whisper arrives, following Amanita.

Isabeau takes a moment to lean and murmur something back and forth to Thea before straighteing up and smiling over at Denica, "I still need to send word and come visit, don't I? I have been horribly busy, but I promise I will make time quite soon."

"The what?" Aella looks at Isabeau in confusion. "A masquerade?" She knows what one is, but she's not up on social calendars. She dips her head to Kiera. "Lady Kiera, how are you?"

"My word. Are we going to teach our firstborn about cake wars," Drake says, flatly, at Thea, fearing that it is a yes of course. He's moving on to the hen at this point, and though it's not exactly spicy - this is Oathlands cuisine after all - it's at least well cooked, salted, and properly juicy. "After dinner, I invite you all to go visit the library here if you like as well. Surprisingly enough it's my favorite spot to relax in the house. But more for drinking than reading. I like the windows." He looks around again. "We have some plans, by the way, to all visit Highhill directly before the fall becomes winter. We hope it'll be a worthwhile trip and we get a lot done."

Always fashionably late, Amanita sweeps into the dining hall and has a seat at the table as if she'd only been out in the hallway receiving a messenger. She grins over at Thea and then looks around at the table at large, taking note of faces she doesn't know and those she does, bowing her head to Drake.

help clue

Thea doesn't bother to hide her curiosity regarding Cirroch and Denica. Instead, she gives Denica a look. With the look of innocence, Thea just smiles at Drake. "Cake wars? In an Oathlander house? Would the lycene do such a thing?" Yes. She would. But she's interrupted by---"Amanita! Where have you been?! Welcome! Come sit and eat! And for the love of gods, please drink! I need you all drunk or something, so that I can live vicariously through you." She's teasing. Sorta. The Countess goes to hug her cousin, smiling a bit.

Kiera nods to Aella "I am well. Happy to finally be playing host" She takes a moment to holler over to Drake "I found the sweets you've hidden in the liquor cabinet. Seeing as I don't drink alcohol he likely thought i wouldn't find them

Denica pauses for a moment at Cirroch's reaction and then it hits her and she shakes her head, "no threat," she tells him. These words should be enough and she returns Thea's look with an innocent one herself, but Thea would know that look. It's not innocent at all. A polite smile is given to Isabeau, she doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all. "I believe I've moved since then, so it might be a bit more challenging," she says as she sips from her second drink.

Isabeau smiles to Aella, "Valardin is throwing a masked ball centered around different myths and legends soon. There's been some speculation about how many dragons would be in attendance and I believe wagers are being made on the exact number." She sighs softly, shaking her head, but her eyes are quite bright with mirth.

"Side bet on which colors," Drake says to Isabeau aside, and laughs a bit at it. Then Kiera says what she found, and he sighs. "... All stolen from the Wyrmguard stores I assure you, but feel free to pass them about." He's drinking for two now, at Thea's request it seems, but before putting his glass down, gives an acknowledgment to Amainta's entrance. "Don't be shy, start in on food because there's still too much."

Cirroch looks between Thea and Drake and slowly realizes that he might have inadvertently introduced a new game to the Oathlanders. "I'll let you sort out your own rules. It'll be akin to the spears thrown at bladders that we do in the March, and I recently learned that another here in Valardin has a similar game they play." He's quick to grab one of the hens and begins to peel it apart, as he looks over to Isabeau while she explains the masked ball. He then nods to Denica, "Fair. Send a missive of when your schedule allows, I'll have Telo open my schedule."

Aella grins at Kiera as she shouts at Drake. "Clever. Take them all and hide them again." She winks before turning to Isabeau. "Oh. Three. Because with there being bets, people will try to prove they are more original. And some will try to pad the number toward their bet."

Amanita stands up and meets Thea for a hug, squeezing her tight -- but not too tightly. She kisses the top of Thea's head and squeezes her once more. "Countess, how pleasant to see you. I hear congratulations are in order, am I understanding right? I would love to be drunk on your behalf." She bats her eyelashes and grins briefly over at Drake. "Count Drake. Looking handsome as ever. You are too kind, and I am too hungry to pass up the offer." She sits herself back down and starts fixing a plate. "Sweetest Whisper Amanita, formerly Lady Amanita Malvici - how do you all do tonight?"

Isabeau offers her head in a slight dip towards Amanita, paired with a seraphically sweet smile, "I am Duchess Isabeau Telmar," she offers as her own introduction, her voice a rich contralto that is quite warm. She smiles to Aella, and nods, "I'll make that my bet. I won't be a dragon, I've been pondering my costume though and wondering if it will already be used."

Thea seems to murmur something to Isabeau before hearing Kiera. "He's probably stuffing his face when we're sleeping,"eyeing her husband. As the masked ball is discussed, Thea exhales. "The place will likely be crawling with dragons. I hope there a couple fresh idea." Let's be clear here. Amanita is one of few that is able to actually display THAT much affection in public. So Thea smiles at her and nods. "Yes. Most in our family know, sans a couple. I didn't want to just write it in a message, you know--so weird." Sitting down again, Thea begins piling on chocolate covered fruit on her plate. Was there a main course? OOPS!

Denica takes a sip of her drink, nearly done number two, and she leans into whisper something to Thea before turning her attention to the rest of the group.

"Oo." Drake almost feels challenged to a guessing game, rubbing his fingers off on a bit of cloth napkin and then grabbing his wine. To Isabeau, "So, a specific figure, rather than a general one. That could be a challenge." He smiles at Amanita. "Thank you, you are also too kind but actually that is true, isn't it." He smiles slightly at Thea going right for the chocolate and fruit. But she's allowed.

With some of the hen in his mouth, Cirroch turns to Amanita, placing his right hand over his heart, "Marquis Cirroch Sanna of Giant's Reach, a pleasure to meet you." He puts the hen down upon the plate before nodding to her, then sitting back to the conversation of the masked party. "It would be interesting, to get a different creature of each story. Much like a full house when playing cards. Making the entire event into one large pool to play with."

The Whisper lets out a quiet snort at Drake's confirmation that he is in fact handsome, but she turns her attention to Isabeau and smiles briefly. "Duchess Isabeau, a pleasure to meet you." She bows her head next to Cirroch. "Marquis Cirroch, aye. I have heard your names a few times since I came here. I'm charmed." She sits up straight as she begins to eat from her plate, eyeballing Thea's chocolate-covered fruit already. A large glass of wine is poured and sat in front of her and she bites her lip. "You're giving me too much leeway to indulge tonight, cousin."

Denica has left the Heavy Ironwood Table.

3 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

an ostentatious curator named Sivas have been dismissed.

1 Thrax Elite Guards have been dismissed.

a reserved assistant named Stojan have been dismissed.

Isabeau smiles at Drake sweetly and confirms in her soft, rich voice, "Indeed. A specific person from a specific story. But it might take some doing to pull it off and interpretation." She smiles aside as she and Thea seem to exchange some quiet words before straightening up and finishing her plate, before selecting up some sweets.

Aella looks around, dips her chin at Amanita. "Countess Aella Ravenseye," She says in introduction. Her attention moves back to Isabeau. "I wouldn't know who to go as."

Kiera turns to aminita "I don't think we've met properly, either. Kiera Wyvernheart. A pleasure to meet you whisper" After this greeting she finally fills a plate a find a seat

Thea is murmuring something to Isabeau, leaning back when she hears Amanita. "What else is family for,"she asks with a not so innocent smile, plopping a strawberry in her mouth. She smiles to Drake too, shrugging her shoulders. Cirroch gets a look as well. "D you have an ideas or are you going as a dragon too? What sort of--myths do you have in your home?"

"The fruit and chocolate is great,"Thea murmurs to Kiera.

"Thea, you have never been to Blancbier, have you," Drake says, looking at his wife as if with a sudden realization. "We should make that trip some time. Maybe even in the winter. You can experience their hospitality and the richer winter desserts." He gestures for a server to come over and hand him a small plate of the fruit, now that the line has been breached, but now he's getting used to having everything handed to him it seems.

Denica seems a bit more relaxed after a couple drinks, but she doesn't stop, rather she keeps herself alert, by taking another sip of something. There is someone new, and she raises her glass to Amanita. There is no recognition in her eyes, but her smile is friendly enough. She turns her head as she leans into a muffled word from Cirroch, turning her head to murmur something in response.

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

"A pleasure to meet you both, Countess Aella and Kiera Wyvernheart -- you are the Count's little sister, no?" Amanita asks Kiera before smiling faintly, sipping her wine and raising the glass to Denica. She mulls over her food for a moment before a messenger waves her down. "Excuse me, I think that means that the Titan of Tremorus is home, and I must help her with her armor after a day's skirmish practice." She moves back over to Thea to give her a hug before departing. "It was very lovely to meet you all!"

Cirroch shrugs to Thea, "Wearing a costume to hide my identity isn't really something that I would feel comfortable with. We have several titans that could be dressed as, not much for creatures though I have walked with some of the creatures that many might dress as, not dragons, the other types." He takes another bite of the hen, then looks to Denica in her response with a nod and a shared quiet word.

Thea glances to Denica, then to Amanita. "Princess Denica, this is my cousin Whisper Amanita, once Malvici. She broke the mold and went Whisper,"though her tone suggests a small hint of pride as she introduces the two. "nd no, I haven't,"Thea admits to Drake. "I suppose I haven't....,"but then Mushroom is leaving already and she chuckles. "Be good. See you soon!"

Caelan, a seductive and haughty apprentice Whisper leaves, following Amanita.

Denica doesn't have much of a chance to greet Amanita, but she offers her a warm smile and nods as she announces the need to go home and help with armour. "Lovely to meet you," she muses taking another sip of her drink, before she turns her attention back to Cirroch, it's hard to hide the devious look on Denica's face, but she does her best.

Isabeau looks at Cirroch quizzically for a time, then just shrugs, she smiles and waves to the departing woman then reclaims her teacup for a few sips.

"Oh, wonderful," Drake says to Amanita, and then smiles as she's on her way out already. "Just very happy you stopped by. Now, for those having dessert," he says, "The dessert liquor is from Southport so we must do Thea the favor of trying it for her sake. And I'd like to say, before anyone else must take leave, that it was really incredible having everyone." He puts both his hands on the table. "A couple of years ago, Highhill was in ruins." He looks at Tesha, who of course knows, and at Isabeau as well, and then, with good timing, the dog Calluna, no longer a pup, comes sniffing about. "And now we are a house of our own right, united, and with an heir on the way. The gods have blessed us and I hope you can partake of our growing fortune all in the future years to come."

Denica lifts her glass at the words that Drake says, her smile is a genuine as she appreciates what he has to say, even if she isn't familiar with all the details. "To your continued success and the health of your family," she says in response.

Kiera notes to denica "i think you are right about children knowing more than we give them credit for. The Marquis children are quite astute

Cirroch leans back in thought, "Send a missive Princess Denica, we will set a meeting to discuss this further. I have a few ideas that might help." He finishes off the horn and looks at the bottle of vodka with an additional shrug and pours more of it into the horn to refresh the drink. The renewed drink is raised to the toast from Denica, "Here here. May the spirits smile brightly upon your house and give you equally spirited children."

A servant comes to deliver a note to Aella, which she frowns at. "What now?" She reads it with a frown. "Sorry. I need to go deal with... Countess things." She waves the note in annoyance, drains her drink, and stands. "Thank you, Wyvernhearts."

Looking up at Drake as he talks, she smiles a moment. "Please yes, try it. It's great. I prefer my vodka and whiskeys. Wine here and there, but this is very good." But as his speech goes on, her face unsually softens and her her drifts to her stomach. Lifting her free hand up, with water of course, she too cheers the toast.

ahem..Thea pose

Isabeau smiles warmly to Drake, raising her tea cup to say, "And to you, Count Drake and your Countess and your growing family." She answers, her voice warm as she smiles to both and then Kiera as well, "You will have my support and that of Telmar for as long as I am a Voice, my friends."

Isabeau is overheard praising Drake.

Isabeau is overheard praising Thea.

Havard, a battle-scarred gentle giant, Runa the clever, seafaring raven, Bryndis, another redheaded northern Prodigal leave, following Aella.

Denica's smile grows into a grin when Cirroch suggests a meeting to discuss things further. "I will do just that," she tells him. The woman notes the man's ability to drink large quantities, something not lost on her, and there is silent appreciation. As others make their preparations to leave, the young princess follows suit. "I am afraid I should take my leave also," she says preparing to stand. A warm smile is given to Thea and Drake, "I am so happy to hear of your news," to Thea she says. "We will talk soon," she winks at her, whatever that could imply, is anyone's guess.

Cirroch is overheard praising Drake: an amazing host

Isabeau is overheard praising Kiera.

Denica is overheard praising Thea: A brilliant woman and a good friend. I cannot wait to meet what you've made.

Denica is overheard praising Drake: A lovely dinner, good food and better drink.

Thea stands, looking at those around her. "Thank you all for coming. And for your support,"the Countess says. "It means more I think than you realize." Thea the woman of few words and speeches. "Please, continue to eat and drink what's here,"looking to Denica and as they go to leave. "See you soon." Though there's a curiosity at Denica. "You know you will....,"a look of sincere warmth on her face.

a reserved assistant named Stojan, 3 Thrax Guards, an ostentatious curator named Sivas, 1 Thrax Elite Guards leave, following Denica.

Kiera ecoes the sentiments "Thank you for making our first dinner party so lovely

"After this," Drake says, getting another berry with chocolate from his plate, "I'm going to have to get a good look at that mural you've put together. I'm really flattered that so much work has gone in to making a good home for our first. And I'm happy to get the home in a better way than we found it." He nods. "Thank you all so very much."

Cirroch is slow to finish his meal, still picking at the hen and now reaching for a strawberry. "If you wish me to leave, please let me know. Though this food is amazing, and I will be letting Oscar know about how you've prepared the hen. It's very good."

"Oh, not at all," Drake says, "I'm not kicking anyone out until everyone is well and sauced. Actually, though, while the night is warm, I think I'll open the back gardens. We have a good gazebo for seating now but we still need to do something with the pond." He claps his hands once.