Petal arrives, following Tallius.

Tallius totally wasn't late, lies and slander!

Squee, the Flying Squirrel, Brigid arrive, following Darren.

Khanne has joined the Bear Table.

Darren has joined the Bear Table.

Morrighan gets a weighted bottle of Black Velvet white whisky from raven-themed leather satchel adorned with iridescent beads and black feathers.

Ulf arrives, following Fergus.

Valery arrives from inside the Villa, her anklets tinkling as always. She's wearing a new dress (Petal's design!) and walking barefoot. And her basket, of course she's carrying her basket of mice with her.

The Great Hall is outfitted for a celebration. Banners bearing the Redrain symbol are draped along the walls, but notably, the sigils of the other Duchal Houses are present as well, interspersed around all that red. Darren has already made himself comfortable at the head of the bear table, overlooking the hall. Beside him, several objects underneath a cloth are present, though given they are being hidden at the moment, it isn't clear what they are, except that they look impressively large. "Come in and take a seat," his deep voice is warm as it filters through the hall, greeting those who arrive. Servants are already coming about, offering bottles of whiskey. "We'll begin in just a moment."

Khanne walks in and quietly heads to a seat at the table, near to Darren if she can. She wears a silk gown for the summer, and looks presentable enough, even if her hair is messily swept up into hairpins. She smiles though, at Darren, then to the others as they arrive, one by one.

Petal arrives while in the company of Tallius. She is adorned in a simple linen summer dress and carries her sewing basket wit her.

Fergus saunters in, looking around for his sister or brother. "What? They couldn't be fucking assed to show up? Tan their damn hide later." he grunts, frowning. But, he'll still go to drop himself in his usual seat at the table. Made an indent on it just the way he likes it. A couple of nods are offered to those that he sees. "Afternoon. Look at the fancy spread Darren when an spoiled us on. An here I thought he didn't like us much."

Morrighan The sound of Brahm raspily croaking throughout the adjacent halls announces Morrighan's arrival before she's seen, not wearing a dress like many of the other female folk, but the closest thing the redhead will likely ever get - a short, plaid wrap skirt. For once her riotous curls are semi-tamed, weaved in a Northern-styled plait, kept out of the way, save a few pieces that frame her face. Her somnolent gaze drifts about the Great Hall, and her booted feet take her towards the Bear Table, snagging an empty seat for herself. She's got a bottle of Nightgold liquor already in hand, and given the seal is already broken, Morrighan has started celebrations early, apparently.

Anze steps in not long after Fergus and gives him a push to the back of the head. "Some of us have to walk more than tha fifty feet from their bedroom downstairs yah know shithead." He says before pulling a chair out next to his brother and plopping down in it.

Valery sits at the border of one of the chairs and puts the basket on her lap. Smiles and greetings are answered with a very light smile and a short wave, but she's mostly staying quiet, keeping her hands on the basket.

Tallius came in with Petal, dressed in his finest clothes. Which..are basically the same thing he always wears, and wore on the walls during the battle. He looks a bit uncomfortable and somewhat out of place, as he hangs back near to Petal, looking around and moving with the young seamstress.

Petal has joined the Small Table.

Valery has joined the Bear Table.

Tallius has joined the Small Table.

1 Nightgold Household Guards arrives, following Mydas.

"Really, because I figure it was because you were balls deep in your fiance and lost track of fucking time." Fergus gives Anze a brotherly shove in response before getting a couple of drinks of whiskey poured for the both of them, one being slid over to the man sitting next to him. "Dunno what Freja's excuse is then. Not sure she's ever had one to begin with."

500 As everyone begins to take their seats, the servants disperse to the edges. They refill bottles and provide appetizers on serving platters - everything is hearty Northern fare, just in smaller portions. Darren smirks over to Fergus, but he gives a nod to Anze as he ambles in. "All right, I'll save all of you from the pomp and circumstance, but there's a few things I need to say," he clears his throat, standing tall to overlook the others. "All of you here, served a role in the Siege of Arx. Either at the Siege itself, or leading up to it. And each one of you deserves more than an award, but I'm giving you what I have."

Darren pauses for a moment, before he continues on. "So with that, our first award will be the Strength of Rathlander," he moves the sheet beside him, revealing several giant glass whiskey jugs capped with a cork sealed by red wax. "Those of you who are receiving this honour, do so because you have made our enemies tremble before you through sheer might and effort. So.." he clears his throat one more time. "Prince Anze, Prince Fergus, Master Tallius and Morrighan, please rise and claim your reward." He looks to each of them in turn.

As everyone begins to take their seats, the servants disperse to the edges. They refill bottles and provide appetizers on serving platters - everything is hearty Northern fare, just in smaller portions. Darren smirks over to Fergus, but he gives a nod to Anze as he ambles in. "All right, I'll save all of you from the pomp and circumstance, but there's a few things I need to say," he clears his throat, standing tall to overlook the others. "All of you here, served a role in the Siege of Arx. Either at the Siege itself, or leading up to it. And each one of you deserves more than an award, but I'm giving you what I have."

Darren pauses for a moment, before he continues on. "So with that, our first award will be the Strength of Rathlander," he moves the sheet beside him, revealing several giant glass whiskey jugs capped with a cork sealed by red wax. "Those of you who are receiving this honour, do so because you have made our enemies tremble before you through sheer might and effort. So.." he clears his throat one more time. "Prince Anze, Prince Fergus, Master Tallius and Morrighan, please rise and claim your reward." He looks to each of them in turn. (repose for color)

Mydas arrives not alone, but accompanied by Fiora, arm in arm. Swiftly, as they seem to be a tad bit late, Mydas leads them both to the nearest seats, and listen to the award ceremony. And of course claps when Anze, Fergus, Tallius, and especially Morrighan are named. Yay Northern people being awesome!

Khanne pauses in her munching of food to clap her hands for the recipients of the award. Her mouth is full of really good food though, and she hasn't eaten much as of late, so there is quite the cheek-puffing, unladylike amount in there, keeping her from letting out a cheer or whistle. Her hands though, clap very loud.

Petal smiles as the award is announced and then she joins in with the clapping. She peeks up toward Tallius, having a happy smile just for him.

Fiora moves along at Mydas' side, hurrying to take her seat with him, offering a polite smattering of applause for the first names called. She knows two of them, at least a little!

The little raven-haired princess slips quietly into the great hall dressed in a elegant flowing gown of smoky layered silk cut daringly low in the back. Her long dark waves are swept up and held stylishly into place with jeweled pins that set off large, dark eyes. Nodding to a passing servant, she moves to the back of the room with a smooth and easy gait, pausing to applaud the recipients of the award before taking a quick scan of the crowd.

Valery was in the process of picking some food to share with her hungry basket, but she stops and claps her hands too. Her anklets tinkle as she crosses her ankles.

Anze was just settling in and getting ready to slug Fergus in the arm for that comment when Darren intrupts and says his piece. Anze blinks "well shit" he says as he eyes the bottles of whiskey "should just crack em open an get f'an smashed." But, he rises from his seat and heads towards the bottles as instructed to pick up his award.

Morrighan idly observes the people beginning to filter into the Great Hall before Darren rises to give the beginning portion of his speech, giving a brief wave to those she knows and a two fingered salute at her temple to Mydas whenever he strolls in, just in time. Her gaze drowsily slants back aside to the Ruling Prince, then down to the sheet he removes, appraising the several jugs of whiskey with intense approval. It's whiskey. When her name is called, the redhead settles the Black Velvet onto the table, rising from her seat to move across the small distance to acquire her reward. Eagerly. It's..well, it's whiskey. "I second gettin' fuckin' smashed. Brilliant idea."

Tallius looks a little surprised, but stands up, before making his way forward seeming a bit embarrassed at the summons. He follows Anze, offering a small bow when he approaches, seemingly unsure how he's supposed to act.

Fergus rises up out his chair when his name is called. Walking over to Darren at the head of the table he accepts the overly large whiskey jug. "Shit, you knew just what I wanted, cousin, you shouldn't of." Taking the jug, he looks it over. It's even big for him. "This is way better than a medal, Darren. Thanks, cousin. But shit, really, we're just doing our duty."

"I suppose I could have a few barrels out for the occasion." Mydas remarks loud enough to be heard after hearing both Anze and Morrighan talking about getting smashed. He grins and lifts his own, sadly average mug of whiskey before taking a drink while witnessing all those aforementioned get their reward.

Marian arrives at the Great Hall, just in time to see Fergus receive a large whiskey jug from Darren. Her lips quirk in a smile as she surveys the room. She steps into the hall wearing not armor, but a ball grown of dragons in flight. The dress moves with the warrior as she makes her way quietly in the direction of where Fergus is standing. Those of you that have a chance to view Marian's back will see the Sword of Sanctum did not leave Oathbinder at home. It adorns her back almost like a decoration and of course is peace tied for the event.

"The Strength of Rathlander will also be bestowed upon Agnarr, Lord Aodhan and my sister, Princess Deva. Let's hope their bottles make it through tonight for them to get it," Darren adds with a smirk, before he inclines his head to those who were called. "I saw with my own two eyes what each of you did out on the battlefield. Redrain is made stronger by each of you. I couldn't be more proud." He beams a smile, laughing warmly over to Fergus. "Well I'm glad you like it," he notes with a wink to his cousin.
%After Fergus, Anze, Tallius and Morrighan have claimed their jugs and retaken their seats, Darren will move the sheet over a little more. More jugs, though these have golden wax around the corks. "The next award is the Honor of Valeria," his voice booms over the Great Hall. "Those who receive this award, do so because they've proven themselves to be a great leader either on the battlefield or off of it. Much like the founder of our Great House, they have shown their ability to be a leader that others can rely upon." He pauses for just a moment, before calling out their names, "Lord Mydas and Lady Khanne, I bestow this honour upon the both of you."

Fiora leans in to murmur to Mydas as a messenger arrives for her, pressing a quick congratulatory kiss to the corner of his mouth before slipping off to go deal with, presumably, Lycene issues.

"If'n you do tha', you're likely tae get one thefted an' rolled back tae th'servant's quarters," Morrighan quips back towards Mydas, hefting up the overly large jug of whiskey with notable glee and an elated spark in her eyes. Before the servant turns on her heel to return to her seat, she glances back over her shoulder to Darren, dipping her head down into a thankful nod. She moves with a skip in her step back to her seat, marveling at yet another bit of liquor to add to the amount she's hoarded already. Once Morrighan deposits herself into her chair, she falls silent, listening to the next round of awards given. When Mydas' name is called, the servant looks downright proud of the nobleman, smiling broadly.

Anze settles back down in his seat and watching the rest of the ceremony, giving Morrighan a smirk at the way shes eyeing the whiskey. "Yah know Morri, one of these days we're gonna back charge yah for all tha whiskey you've been storin away in your room."

Khanne blinks over to Darren as her name is called. She lifts a napkin, wiping at the corners of her mouth as she swallows. Setting the napkin on the table 9and chugging a quick gulp of whiskey) she rises up to accept her bottle from Darren. "I mean.. uh.. thank you. I don't really know what to say... but thank you." She seems a bit touched and takes a deep breath. A smile curls the corners of her lips and before she fumbles anymore with words, she moves to take her seat.

Color Fergus surprised. The eternally surly one actually brightens a touch when Marian appears. Tilting his head at Darren, he goes back to reclaim his seat, the large jug is set upon the table with quite audible thunk. But his eyes move to Marian, pulling out a chair for her on his other side, one side already occupied by Anze. "What do you think, Mari? Bit better than a medal, eh?"

Ysbail is late, she's late! For a very important date! Okay, White Rabbit jokes aside, the young shaman comes dashing into the Hall at a full sprint. Wild-eyed and out of breath, she skids to a stop and bends over to pant for breath. "Sorry... whaling.. went south... trapped on ice floe... rescued... ran from the boat..." Holding up a hand, she draws in a deep breath and lets it out slowly, straightening up to beam a bright smile, "Congratulations recipients!"

Petal cheers when the next award is announced.

With Mydas' name being called, the golden-eyed nobleman stands, smirking in amusement. "I guess I really have no excuse not roll said barrels out now, do I?" He nods to Fiora as she departs, before heading towards the mugs. He nods to Khanne on the way. "You've earned it." And to Darren, a deep inclination of his head. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Morrighan peers over the top of the jug in her lap, tempestuous sea-blue eyes squinting across the table to Anze, giving the Prince a narrowed look. "Y'lookin' tae start a fight with me? I got it all fair an' square, you ain't goin' tae charge me nothin'. I ain't sharin' neither..'cept maybe with Freja."

"A bit better..." Marian smiles at Fergus and then joins him, sitting in the chair that he pulled out for her after a few adjustments with the sword on her back. She leans in and murmurs something in Fergus' ear after she's settled.

Valencia offers a smile and another round of applause as the next winners rise to receive their prizes. Settling back in her chair, she looks on with quiet interest.

"The Honor of Valeria will also be bestowed upon Duke Asger, Duchess Lydia, and Lord Sigurd. Lord Mydas, I take it you can bring these extra bottles to your kin?" Darren smirks over to Mydas, before he levels his focus on both recipents of the award. "Wars require a lot more than just people capable of brute strength. Although, Lady Khanne, you not only led the men of Halfshav, you stood by them and fought just as viciously," he grins at Khanne, before he looks to Mydas, "And of course, I don't think we would have survived if it not for your efforts, Lord Mydas. So I thank the both of you, for your wisdom and your leadership."

And once Khanne and Mydas have retaken their seats, Darren will pull back the rest of the sheet. More bottles, but these have dark blue wax around the corks. "And finally, our last award. The Spirit of Alderman," his voice raises up above the Hall once more. "This award is given to those of you who showed dedication to the spirit. Either the actual Spirits," he smirks a little, "Or the human spirit. Some of us wouldn't be alive right now, if it weren't for you. And of course, I don't think the battle at the Gates would have gone our way, had our Shamans not helped call upon the Spirits to fight for us." He pauses for just a moment. "So Lady Ysbail, Mistress Valery, and Mistress Petal. Please step forth, so I can bestow this honor upon each of you."

Petal seems very shy and her cheeks warm with a pink hue as her name is announced. She rises to her small slippered feet, gives Tallius a lingering look and then makes her her way up front.

More clapping hands. Valery looks around, though, at the gathered people. Those she doesn't know her a longest glance. And then Darren says her name and she blinks I'm surprised. She stands, but she murmurs. "I didn't to much..."

"I'll be sure to find a way somehow." Mydas responds with a grin before taking back his seat, looking very pleased. And then he's right back to cheering and clapping for the subsequent winners.

Anze smirks at Morrighan "you're just so fun to tease Morri, thats all" Anze says, and tries to find something soft to throw at Morrighan. He gets momentarily distracted when Marian sits next to Fergus and he eyes her and then his brother and then her again, eyes narrowing slightly. He looks back to Darren though once the next round of awards are announced and he nods a little in support of this round as well.

Marian recognizes the trio calls for the Spirit of Alderman award, and smiles as she enthusiastically claps. She murmurs to Fergus, "I'm so pleased those three are being recognized." She looks comfortable there, sitting at Fergus side.

"Oh! Yay us too then!" Ysbail laughs delightedly at being called up for a giant jug of whiskey, traipsing up to collect her own. She beams at Darren as she accepts her jug and offers, "I can make sure Asger gets his, unless you want to present it to him personally?"

"You didn't do much, eh?" Darren looks directly to Valery, brows lofted. "For those of you who don't know, Valery's smoke bombs were instrumental in holding the ramparts. They provided ample distraction so that our warriors could do their work, and so that our ward did not fall." He smiles just for the little Mouse, before he looks to Petal and Ysbail as well. "And if it weren't for Ysbail and Petal, we'd be dead, so.." he chuckles a little. "Petal took serious wounds while trying to keep others safe. And Ysbail saved Lady Khanne's life, for which I am personally thankful for," he inclines his head to them both. "This award will also be bestowed upon my cousins, Princess Freja and Princess Ann," he notes. There is a nod to Ysbail as he hands her Asger's jug.

Khanne smiles at Mydas and says, "you even more so, Lord Mydas. He is right. Your efforts gave us what we needed to survive it all." She lifts up her bottle towards him in salute, then is cheering the next group of recipients. "Thank you, Ysbail, for saving my life!" She smiles and applauds her friend.

Morrighan puffs her cheeks out in mock indignation at Anze, giving a playful, surly scowl over in his direction before ducking down to avoid whatever he's found to throw over at her. She reaches around the jug to give appropriate applause when the remainder of the awards are handed out, her eyes gradually drifting over the recipients, some familiar, some not.

Fergus nods at Marian. "Yeah. They did fucking good." he agrees, eyeing the bottle he has against the one that Anze had gotten. "Think mine is a little bigger, brother." There's probably a joke or innuendo laced in there somewhere. And yet, he does clap for the ones that get their award next. "Good job. And don't fucking sell yourself short, Valery."

Petal lifts up her blue jug of whiskey showing it off. She smiles at Darren's words. "Oh, I am all better now. Lady Khanne saved me after the wounds and Lady Ysbail healed me." She murmurs softly. She holds the whiskey close and then starts back to her table, coming to sit close to Tallius.

Khanne smiles over at Petal and says, "I jsut tried to pull you out of the way. I couldn't have you going down like that. You helped a lot of people."

Valery blushes and nods, as she gets her jug. "Thank you..." She rushes back to her place at the table (and her basket). She keeps both, award and mice in her lap again.

Tallius smiles at Petal as she returns, grinning as he pulls the chair out for her to sit back down, mumbling something as she does.

Anze snorts and rolls his eyes at Fergus "well, Darren probably knows you need to compensate for shit, so he gave yah a bigger one to feel better."

"You're welcome Khanne!! No more stitches, you hear!" Grinning broadly, Ysbail accepts both jugs from Darren and chuckles, "Thank you for my huge jugs, Your Highness. I'm sure Asger will greatly appreciate them." Yep, raunchy humor! She flashes a bright smile to Petal and calls out, "Can't have you dying when you're one of the healers!" Moving back to her seat, she leans in and nudges Khanne with her shoulder.

Valencia applauds again, offering a smile and nod to Petal as she receives the award.

Petal's cheeks are very pink, but she seems flattered.

Darren flashes a warm smile to Valery, but he shakes his head at her thanks. "I don't need to be thanked. I have thanks to give all of you, because you kept the Compact safe," he looks out over the group again. "There is, of course, one more thing. While you were all in here, a statue has been set up on the Redrain grounds. And there it will stand, for the rest of our years, to the last." Those last three words echo loud over the hall. "This statue serves as a remembrance to all of you who fought. All of you who led. All of you who helped, in one way or the other. And every time you pass by it, I want to remember what you did. Not just for Redrain, not just for your own House. But for the Compact as a whole." He lets those words sink in, before he adds with a somber tone, "And I want you to remember those who gave their lives, as well. We will never forget this point in our history, and no one will ever forget the impact all of you had. So with that said.." he trails off for just a moment, before he laughs. "Let's get piss drunk."

Valery blushes a bit more, at Fergus' words. She raises a shoulder and then she looks down for a while. She glances to the others from time to time.

Having overslept on a break day, Agnarr does come around blinking sleepy eyes with not a scrap of armor, only a blue tunic and some hose and old shoes.

Marian stifles a laugh at the exchange between Fergus and Anze. She is amused by their banter. She gives a silent nod to Valery that she agrees with Fergus' sentiment. Then Darren announces the statue he's had erected to memorialize the sacrifices Redrain fallen soldiers who gave their lives in the siege. She gets a deeper look of appreciation and claps to celebrate the new statue.

Mydas arches a brow at the sight of the statue, and nods. "A more than suitable commemoration of those that died, and those that lived." he notes.

Valencia gently folds her hands on her lap, her expression solemn and stayed as the statue is revealed, a soft whisper, like a prayer slips from her lips.

"Agnarr!" Darren's deep and booming voice is heard loud and clear as Agnarr comes ambling into the Hall, but Darren wears a grin. "You missed your name being called, Agnarr. But you can come up and claim your reward." He motions to one of the jugs on the table, grabbing it in order to present it to Agnarr.

"Probably, that ass." Fergus chuffs a low grunt of a chuckle at Anze. A hand reaches over to take a hold of Marian's while the statue is described. "That's a damn good gesture, cousin." Though it's hard to say which part. Could be the part about getting piss drunk. A glance is given to Anze. "Well, I'm fucking opening mine." Then over to Marian. "You doing anything tonight? How's getting pissed with the Red sound to you?"

"Aye, lets drink" Anze says in agreement "Ferg says he's openin his, first rounds on him" Anze declares to the whole room "faster we can drink it, tha faster we can open tha next one."

Valencia smiles sweetly and gracefullly rises. The little vixen offers Darren a little nod before before leaving the Redrains to their drinking and celebrating.

A little surprised, Agnarr shuffles forwards and takes the jug, hugging it close and nodding his thanks. "Damn near overslept," he murmurs. And then he backs off to sit down somewhere.

Valery checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Tallius eyes the statue, looking in awe at the statue as it is unveiled, before his gaze is back to Petal. He talks quietly again at the table with Petal, though he doesn't make any move to go get some of the booze and participate in the drunkennessing.

Marian glances over at Fergus when he takes her hand on top of the table and turns it so she can lace her fingers with his. She gives a laugh when Fergus invites her to stay for the after party, "I can stay for a few drinks." She gives his hand a squeeze, "As long as your friends and family do not mind." She nods to her glass that she hasn't had a chance to fill anything with yet, "Go ahead and pour me a drink."

Darren chuckles to Agnarr, patting him warmly on the shoulder. "Well, you deserve this, Agnarr. Thank you," he notes to the man, before he finally takes his seat at the table with a sigh. He does spot Marian and offers her a warm smile. "Princess Marian, I'm pleased to see you joining us." Then, to Mydas, he squints. "Did I see you here with a girl, too, or was I daydreaming?"

Khanne looks at her bottle, then hugs it to her chest. "I don't want to open mine... I'll drink the regular stuff for now." She leans against Ysbail, who, maybe, might be, sitting next to her. She reaches out for her bottle of Nightgold and takes a swig. After a moment, she stands up and looks around the table. "Darren's far better at speeches than me... but... I want to thank all of you for all the hard work you did. Every single one of you that contributed, whether you think it small, or heroic, every effort was needed, and helped us to victory." She raises her bottle and adds, "you all make me fucking proud to be part of this fealty. To the last!" She drinks, then sits back down again.

"Peddling that damn vodka of his," mutters Agnarr. He watches, attempting to look attentive, but looks a little weary nonetheless, some little purple stains that may or may not be suspicious bruises on his thick neck.

People seems quite busy with themselves and the prospect of drinks. Valery keeps her eyes on them still for a while, before standing up. She moves slightly different. Just enough to keep her anklets quiet, as she moves away, and to the door.

Ysbail can't help but to blink to see herself featured in the truly impressively massive statue. Chuckling, she shakes her head and calls out to Darren, "You do me great honor, Your Highness! Thank you! Remind me to tell you about my latest adventure soon!" Setting her jugs on the floor between her feet, she pulls Khanne into a brief hug as she is indeed sitting next to her friend. Leaning in, she murmurs something just for Khanne and grins at her.

Mydas looks innocently to Darren as he takes another drink of whiskey. "Girl? I was with no girl." A pause, letting the words hang, letting silence build some tension. "I was, however, with a lady, yes." he smiles. "I've begun courting Lady Fiora Malvici, at the conclusion of which we intend for her to marry into Nightgold, with the blessing of all that need to give their permission, of course." He smirks in amusement. "Someone to add to the fealty."

Anze raises his glass in salute of Khanne when she gives her own toast and takes a strong drink of it. "You fuckers are alright" he says in agreement. There is another cocked brow at his brother and Marian before Anze gets up from the table to go slap Darren on the shoulder "an congrats to you as well little cousin, yah didn't lead us all to our deaths."

Morrighan eventually settles the jug of Rathlander onto the table in front of her, freeing up her hands, though she keeps it well within reach. Plucking up her bottle of Black Velvet, she exhales a soft yawn, leaning back in her chair until the front legs left from the floor, idly rocking in the seat. She cuts her gaze across to Mydas upon hearing of the nobleman's courting, and her brows arch up with visible surprise. "Well ain't tha' somethin'. I look forward tae seein' lil' Mydas spawns about th'Ward."

Valery has left the Bear Table.

Chip, a small mouse, Boots leave, following Valery.

Mydas has joined the Bear Table.

Marian gives a respectful nod to Darren when he greets her, "Thank you for letting me attend Prince Darren. I've never had an opportunity to see a Redrain awards ceremony before." She gives Fergus a smile, "I managed to even get here in time to see the award presented to you." When she hears from Mydas that he's engaged, she offers her congratulations, "Lord Mydas, please accept my well wishes. I was not aware of the match." She is happy for the pair, "I hope to hear the bans called soon."

"To the last," Darren echoes Khanne's words, finding a bottle of whiskey to raise up and take a gulp from. Then, to Mydas, he grins, leaning forward with interest. "Lady Fiora Malvici, eh? Congratulations, Lord Mydas. We might be losing one to the South, but it looks like we'll bring at least one of the South to here," he looks to Anze for a moment, lingering there before he smirks. "Who knows. I suspect big changes for our House. I have many hopes, but I won't be able to do it without all of you."

Khanne leans in to listen to Ysbail, then chuckles, whispering back in return, then looking to Anze and lifting her bottle again. "Yes! Darren! Congrats to you too! You need an award!" She smiles then to Mydas and says, "that brief visit hardly counts as the introduction we discussed." She winks at him and smirks, leaning back to relax.

"Even me?" Fergus tries his best to feign a somewhat shocked look. "Shit, I'm going to have the write this down in my journal. 'Today, Anze said I was alright. My heart was a-fucking flutter.'." Opening the jug, he grabs a pair of empty glasses, having to use both hands to pour for him and for Marian. "See, you're welcome. An here I thought you didn't like me enough to show up. See, now you're going to have to show if you Valardins can keep up with your drink. Better make a good showing, eh?" And Anze gets a shrug to his looks. "What? It's *her* fault." As if he had nothing at all to do with it.

Anze just shakes his head at his brothers response and mutters something to Darren before giving the man another slap on the shoulder "whiskey is better than whatever bullshit tha other houses are doin. Probably sashes an ribbons an shit."

"I promise more in-depth introductions will be had." Mydas answers Khanne, smiling. "And thank you, Your Highness. I'm hoping I'll soon be able to speak with Duke Hadrian Malvici on the matter, though he's given his blessing for the courtship itself." he tells Marian. "I hadn't considered the balance of it all at the time, but it does work out that way, doesn't it?" he tells Darren, chuckling. "I'm not going anywhere, you can count on Nightgold for whatever comes." he says more seriously.

Marian puts her hand back int her lap after Fergus lets her go to pour the drinks. She rolls her eyes at Fergus, shaking her head, "Oh please...you know what I think of you." She's not going to discuss it here is quietly, but firmly given to the man next to her, "And as I said before, I'll have a /few/ drinks but I am not going to engage in any drinking contests." Then she picks up the glass that Fergus gave her and has a sip.

"He ain't a Malvici's bottom," Agnarr mumbles in a low voice when he sees Anze tormenting Darren with shoulder slaps. With a grunt he snatches up a cup, fills it, and lugs his jug away to his room one-handed.

Darren barely flinches at the slap to his shoulder, chuckling a little. "Well I wanted to give everyone something that would be commemorative, and useful," he shrugs his shoulders. "So you can drink the whiskey and keep the bottle. You can't drink a medal." A pause. "I don't think."

Ysbail laughs lightly and murmurs back to Khanne, then gives her another hug and says, "You're still my best friend, though." She nudges Khanne lightly, then sighs, "Alright, well, I better go hunt down Asger and let him know that I survived before he starts trying to storm the NOrth in search of me himself." Chuckling, she hefts up both jugs and throws Mydas a grin, "Congratulations on your impending nuptials, my lord!" To Darren, she calls, "Thank you again, Your Highness! I'm going to go hunt down Asger to make him embarassed that he wasn't here!"

Petal seems to be in a happy mood, but she remains a little shy and overwhelmed. She sits close to Tallius.

Khanne pouts at Ysbail. "Going so soon?" She hugs her friend though, adding, "give Asger a pinch... I mean tell him i said hello for me."

"Ah, let him worry. Shit, he wants to come runnin in here lookin for yah we can tie him up an throw him in tha river or somethin." Anze says to Ysbail

"One day, gonna sit you down with Freja and see how exactly you swing when it comes to drinks. Really, that's the way everyone bonds around here. Drink, then fight, then drink some more. Speaking of that shit. Darren." he goes from Marian to his cousin. "What did you think about that fighting pavilion idea, eh? On the grounds, have it double for a bonfire pit? Be good shit. And I'd say we damn well need one."

Morrighan hefts up her bottle of Black Velvet in a 'here here' kind of manner, showing obvious support for Fergus' suggestion on a fighting pavilion that doubles as a bonfire pit. "I second this idea o' Ferg's. A place for fightin', drinkin' an' fire? All at once? Tha's bloody brilliant."

"I will be happy to have a few drinks with your sister, in the private of course," Marian tells Fergus with a twinkle in her eye. She falls quiet as Fergus brings up the pavilion, curious to see if Fergus' idea will be approved. There's a careful look given to Fergus when 'drinking and fire' comes up. No...nothing can possibly go wrong with that.

"Weeeeeeeeeeeeell... I mean.. I guess I could stay. I'll just... send a messenger and let him know where to find me." Ysbail lifts a shrug and sets the jugs back down with a smile to Khanne. Anze's comment draws a laugh from the shaman though she shakes her head at him, "Thank you for the thought, but I rather like him alive and intact, Your Highness!"

Darren looks back to Fergus, nodding his head a lttle. "You sent me a letter about it, and I said it was a good idea," he grins to Fergus. "I'll even help you build it. I'm also trying to build a library in the Villa, so your sister has some place to crash when I'm using the study."

Khanne smiles bright and grabs Ysbail in a firm hug then. "Good! I need you more anyway." She laughs, kissing her friend's cheek before looking over to Fergus. "That is an excellent idea, Ferg! Not that I wrestle worth shit... but I think that is a fabulous idea. Halfshav will help if needed."

Marian is overheard praising Darren for: For giving out alcohol at his award ceremony. Most unconventional but well done.

Khanne is overheard praising Darren for: What an impressively large... statue! Thanks for the party!

Marian is overheard praising Fergus for: For making plans to build a pavilion. Finally, I have a place at the villa to spar with him.

Fergus is overheard praising Darren for: Think that statue was compensating for something, but he did alright. Thanks for this bigass jug.

"Think we need our own trainin grounds outside tha one in tha main city?" Anze asks curiously to anyone who wants to answer.

"Wait... library? There's going to be a library?! I want to help with that! I volunteer as tribute!!" Ysbail jumps up, one hand stuck high into the air, a bright grin on her face.

Darren is overheard praising Ysbail for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Darren is overheard praising Fergus for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Darren is overheard praising Morrighan for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Darren is overheard praising Mydas for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Darren is overheard praising Khanne for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Darren is overheard praising Anze for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Darren is overheard praising Petal for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Darren is overheard praising Tallius for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Darren is overheard praising Valery for: For your dedication to the House and Compact

Petal is overheard praising Darren for: He credited everyone, even us abandoned.

Ysbail is overheard praising Darren for: He's got HUGE... jugs of whiskey!

Mydas is overheard praising Darren for: Honored the living and the dead. To the last.

"Sometimes it gets too fucking cramped in that one." Fergus shrugs at Anze. "Velenosa has one of their own, Valardian has the Gauntlet. I don't see why we can't have one of our own. Besides, I wouldn't mind having an area to fight and train that was exposed to the elements. Rain, snow, bears, whatever. Feel more like an actual fight being indoors." The mention of a library gets him to blink. "Since when could Freja read?" He's in good form today. Not often he's in a good mood. Or *looks* like he's in a good mood.

Morrighan is overheard praising Darren for: A fine leader that takes care of his own, leaving none forgotten. He also rewards with whiskey. Good man.

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

Tallius is overheard praising Darren for: A leader one can believe in!

Marian gives Fergus a teasing look, "You'll have to invite me over once you get it built. It's been ages since I've trained outdoors." In her youth, it was her only venue but a lot changed for Marian after joining House Valardin. The library gets a raised glass and sip of her drink. Marian enjoys a good book here and there.

Ysbail plops herself back down next to Khanne and smiles, "So! Want to get completely blind ddrunk and draw mustaches on our likenesses on the statue?"

Darren shrugs over to Anze. "If he wants to build it, I won't stop him," he laughs a little, before looking over to them. "Let's do a cheer, eh?" He hoists up his bottle to them all. "Thank you, all of you. Our House wouldn't be whole without each and every one of you. TO THE LAST!" And then he drinks.