Alphonse, a long-suffering assistant, Maggie, an energetic Mistward Labrador arrive, following Adalyn.

Eddard is a-carry-ing a tankard of Mead and is a positive model for the FreeTheKnees look! He is wearing a linen doublet and an artshall tweed skirt that swooshes above his knees and above his high socks as he wanders about to hang out with family and visitors. "ADALYN!" A shout from across the garden for obvious reasons! Because its Adalyn.


Heading out of the house behind Eddard and carrying a few trays of food that mostly makes up baked goods fused with honey that he has been busy preparing in the kitchen, Breccan sets them down on a table out front. He is wearing a loose green colored v-neck short and a pair of trousers that has been turned into a pair of make-shift shorts. The fabric has been sliced off above the knee and sewn roughly back together so that it does not fray. He is wearing a pair of boots along with a pair of high socks of an obnoxious yellow color.

Dolente, a mourning dove, Dolce, a collared dove arrive, following Cesare.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, Rocco, the rascally assistant, Strawberry Pupcake, the Graypeak Mountain Dog arrive, following Thea.

It's almost like Amari still lives here sometimes, since she walks out of the house already armed with a cup of mead. Her bright smile suggests it's not her first, either. As is the point of this affair, she's wearing a short tunic dress and high socks that don't cover her knees. They're freeeeee, and bare. A furry kneed white goat follows her around, baahing cheekily. They both gravitate to the obstacle course to look over the mad extent of it. "I don't know Marigold. Are you sure you want to compete? Can you jump that high?"

Being from the south and from Southport, Thea is pretty used to her legs always bare. And they're definitely bare now. Dressed comfortably, she makes her way in and looks to see who is about. "Baroness Amari, hey,"she greets with a waves, grabbing a drink as she passing.

"BEST COUSIN!" Adalyn's exuberant response to Eddard's greeting carries across the garden, her shout accompanied by a beaming smile. Armor has been traded for more whimsical garb today: her short silk shift dress bares her knees as required by the event. The garb is accentuated by earrings which swing gently with each turn of her head and a bracelet which boasts dainty bee charms (because she's a Clement, after all). Dimples appear as she sends a fond grin toward Amari, fingers waggling in a wave of greeting.

Cesare sweeps in waring a twilight-colored starlight silk garment in a flowing Eurusi cut, which is just about ankle-length but unseamed on the sides in such a way that his very bare legs (and hence) his knees flash with every movement. "Hello, hello!" He calls to everyone in the garden. "It's been too long since I've been to Clement House. How are you all? What a beautiful evening."


It takes a while for Irisa to show up, owing not in small part to the fact that she doesn't quite know where she's going around these parts. She's been away for some time now, having only just returned, and is now, for some reason, here at this place. She is wearing something that would seem more suitable in some post-apocalyptic scenario, given the ragged edges and ill-tended seams of what can only be described as wasteland chic. Her knees are plainly on display, if asymmetrically exposed by the ragged hang of her skirting, a belt keeping it gathered at the waist and billowing the top. Honestly, it looked like something a fashionless knight might wear to train, and train hard.
There is a sigh heaved audibly as she looks over those gathered -- faces she doesn't recognise abundant, when all others seem to be familiar. Comfortable, even.
She squints, her lips pursing as she slinks her way on by, only to spot Breccan. One of her hands lifts upon seeing him, a subtle sort of wave before she makes her way that way. Those she passes are, of course, given a quick smile and a bob of her head, polite if fashionably tragic.

Good! Eddard prances across the yard carrying a /second/ tankard of mead that is bound to end up in his cousin's hand. Once there it is promptly struck into her palm and a kiss striking her cheek before turning to look towards all the fun people showing up. "Perfect. Are you going to squish grapes? I'm going to squish grapes." Being a Host of sorts, means he has to drag Adalyn towards new people. "Countess Thea! Welcome! Amari! We've got mead and pies and activities and fun."

2 Telmarine Guards, Cale, the Highhill War Hound pup, Atramentous, The Highhill War Hound arrive, following Tesha.

"I'm not trying to discourage you," Amari says to her tiny goat friend, when she seems to get especially stampy over the questions about her competence to run the obstacle course. Thankfully Thea arrives to prevent a fight between them. "Countess Thea!" She greets after she's leaned and tilted her head to do a knee check on the Wyvernheart. They're bare. They pass. "Are you ready for mead and pies and activities and fun?" She includes Adalyn with a bright, mischievous smile. "How about grape squishing? Isn't that a Lycene tradition?"


Once he ensures that his baked goods of fruit and honey are secured upon a table and covered properly in case of curious insects, Breccan runs his hands back through his red hair, tying some of it back with a leather band. He is all grins tonight as he watches the guests pour into their humble home. "Amari! It's great to see you again!" He calls out to his friend and once house-mate as he lifts a hand upwards. He takes note of the others that arrive. Countess Thea for example. He offers her a warm and dazzling smile. As he eases himself through the garden, he spies his 'plus one' that he invited to their little get together.

"Irisa! You made it. You look great." He says with a laugh. "I could not find a skirt on time to wear, so I turned a pair of my work pants into shorts. Come here, I want to introduce you to my friends." As he reaches out to take her by the arm gently, he gives a motion. "Eddard, Adalyn, Amari. This is Irisa Wainryte of Lyceum. She is a Knight of Swords. A Peacemaker." He introduces as he looks to guide her towards the Clementines.

Thea is already eyeing the goat with a lifted brow. "So--is the goat eating whatever clothes that aren't long enough?" She smiles at Eddard and Adalyn and chuckles. "I feel like I haven't seen you both in well--it's been a long time,"her large gold-flecked green eyes taking in Irisa as well. "And Dame Irisa. You too. How are you?" Thea goes to talk, seeing Cesare and Breccan. "Good to see you both too. I run into you everywhere..."

"That's an idea." Amari decides aloud. She doesn't specify whether it's good or bad, but it's definitely an idea Thea has come up with. Marigold the goat is eyed in a measuring fashion, but she is tiny. "I don't think you could eat that much fabric in one sitting." They both seem to sigh with disappointment then. It's sad. When her name is called, Amari looks about anew and takes a moment to give a polite nod to Irisa, "Pleased to meet you." And spying others arriving, she lifts a hand, "Hello, Cesare!"

"Grape squishing? But /of course/. Although poor Venturo would be horrified by the idea." Adalyn rises on tiptoes, craning her neck to peer around the garden as though on the search for her protege. Not finding him among the crowd, she returns full attention to Eddard, returning his cheek kiss and clasping the proffered tankard of mead with eager gratitude. Her mouth happens to be full of mead when her eyes settle upon Cesare, but the gleam in her eyes betrays her delight at spotting him. "And Clement House is better for your presence," she calls fondly to the Whisper once she has managed to swallow the mouthful. Linking her free arm through Eddard's, she follows him toward the other guests. "Far too late, Countess Thea. It's good to see you. And it's a pleasure to meet you, Dame Irisa. Welcome to Clement garden."

Eddard nods at Irisa, at her introduction. "Hello Dame Irisa. Welcome to the Clement House. I'd say Manor..but its just an overly large cottage really." He'll turn to clink metal tankard against metal tankard in Adalyn's hand before drinking long from it. "Is it? We did it on the farm to make wine for the house to cook with. I suppose we weren't looking for excellent in the matter. The Countess is going to be in the first heat of our obstacle course, isn't she? Aren't you?" Because he WOULD just volunteer Thea for that.


Her attentions shift toward Amari as Breccan calls to her, Irisa's brow lifting in a quick arch as she nears the farmer fellow she's only just met. Her attentions only return to Breccan when he mentions her looking great, her hands moving to pluck at the travesty she has draped about her firm frame. There's a crooked smile spied on her lips, "I'm sure all the notable ladies will be wearing exactly this soon enough." She begins, "What can I say? I'm a trendsetter." Nothing could be further from the truth, and it's clear that she's all too aware of it.
She's dragged easily enough away by her arm, seeming just a little out of place, but pleased as punch all the same. She provides a shallow dip of her head to each as they're introduced, "A pleasure," She intones evenly, her head tilting slightly to one side, eyes squinting just a touch. "I'm not sure I would describe myself as 'of' the Lyceum, though I do lend my blade to Malvici." She provides, glancing toward Thea with a broader smile.
"A familiar face, and a welcome one at that. I'm doing well, I'm kept busy, trying to catch up with the comings and goings of this place to no avail, I'm afraid, but happy to be back. It's been too long." Her chin lifts just a touch, "And you?"
And then there's Adalyn, "My thanks. You have a beautiful garden, and everything smells incredible." It's clear that her ability for smalltalk has been hampered by the lonely roads most recently travelled, but she sure is trying.

"Foot juice," Cesare acknowledges wryly to Adalyn, gliding over to wrap her in a hug. "Lady Adalyn. Baroness Amari. How wonderful to see you both. Baroness, we were just briefly speaking about House Redire last night, amusingly enough - its history, I mean." He taps the tankard Adalyn holds with one finger. "I'm going to get one of those."

Giving a sweep of a small half-bow to Breccan and Irish, he greets the knight as well. "Welcome back to the city, Dame Irisa. Please let me know if Whisper House can be of any assistance as you reacclimatize to the bustling pace."


"Hello Countess Thea. It's a pleasure to see you again." Breccan says with a smile towards the woman, then side-glacnes over to Cesare. He winks at the Whisper, pointing towards his red hair. "Promise me you won't pull on this tonight? Truce?" He says with a jovial tone in his voice. At the talk of squishing grapes, he looks quite eager. "I can't wait to get my feet wet." He admits as he passes a smile towards his friends. He reaches for a baked cookie on the table, passing it over to Irisa. There is pieces of strawberry baked into it with ringlets of glazed honey drizzled about the top.

"I"m sorry---what course,"Thea asks Eddard with a squint. But she's not saying NO. "And of course smashing grapes is a lycene thing, it's fun. Have you tried it,"Thea asks with an amused smirk. She looks down at the goat and then back to Amari. "Maybe a bigger goat? Not that this one couldn't do at least above the ankles.." Thea winks at Irisha, telling her with a sincere smile,"House Malvici is forever grateful for you."

Sira finds herself walking through the gate of the Clement grounds, a tumble of curls loose down her back and at least one knee freed by the daring slit up the side of her skirt. There is only one immediately familiar face: Thea. "Countess." She gives a nod and looks around for a drink.

Thea greets Sira with a smile. "Messere Sira, it's good to see you again. The gown from you has gotten many compliments, than you again." She goes to have another sip. "Wait--what are we doing?"


"You are most kind." Irisa begins in response first to Cesare. "I'm certain you'll hear from me soon enough. Things seem to move so quickly here, quicker than I ever realised before."
She glances down as she's offered that cookie, one gloved hand lifting to pluck it free from Breccan's grasp. There's a brief pause and then it's brought to her lips so that she can take a quick bite of it, thoughtfully chewing, brows casually lifting as she casts a sidelong glance toward Breccan. Once she's finished chewing, and it is swallowed, she begins. "If I had known these existed, I might well have come sooner. Of course, now that you've fed me, it'll be all the harder to be rid of me... I'm a bit like a raccoon that way."
She dusts off her hands once the cookie is completely consumed, glancing about over the obstacle course. "This looks like a bit of good fun." She admits, offhandedly.

Thea checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 22 higher.

Thea checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 51 higher. Thea rolled a critical!

Thea checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 32 higher.

Grandt, scarred and stoically-exasperated Captain of the Leary House Guard, 4 Leary House Guards arrive, following Fairen.

Eddard checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 10 lower.

Eddard checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Eddard checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 3 lower.

Sira checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 3 lower.

Sira checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Sira checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Jeeves, a sophisticated valet , 7 Silvershields arrive, following Rook.

Tesha has probably been here and off to the side, as Tesha's are want to do. The pale Telmarcher is also looking like she's not here for the wine stomping given healing processes do not allow for her to be horsing around. The guards that usually trail her guide her to a spot to settle into and then make themselves scarce. That's what she's got the dogs for, to keep her company and bite anyone that tries to do something untoward.

"Maybe," Cesare acknowledges, squinting at Breccan. He curls his fingers like claws, giving a half-smirk to Breccan. "Maybe not." He looks at the cookies and gives a sigh. "Maybe I'll have to try one of these; I don't like sweets overmuch, but they look very good. I /do/ like berries, and honey. I should have had you make something for the talk last night. So many people, my cheese platter was picked clean by the end."

He pours himself a tankard of mead and looks in the direction of the obstacle course, as people start to move in that direction. "I can't wait to fall on my face."

6 Grayson House Guards, Thistleton, an elderly and devoted manservant arrive, following Macda.

Eddard is certainly the worst one to even think about running this obstacle course. With nobody around and taking his time? It was easy enough to handle business. Except...with people watching. Its more difficult! When Thea, Eddard and Sira line up, its off to the races and Eddard is the last to arrive at the hurdle and he basically tumbles over each pole instead of jumping. Landing. Standing up again, leaping again. Then to near faceplant off the last keg of the middle obstacle before panting his way across the finish line after everyone else finishes. A dreadful performance. "Adalyn! I need Mead...."

Someone told Rook recently that he should expand his horizons and try out some new things. I doubt that they had this in mind, specifically. He makes his way along towards the periphery of the festivities, not exactly looking as if he is prepared to be a competitor. But if one can drink, laugh, and watch others engage in follies - that is a good enough time, at least.

Drawn by the promise of mead and knees, Fairen arrives a bit late on the scene - as usual. A wooden folio is in his hands with a blank piece of paper upon it, pen at the ready. Grandt ushers him to a safer spot, given the many opportunities for the Scholar to trip over someone while not paying attention to his surroundings. Peering over his spectacles, he gives a friendly smile to Thea. "Countess, let me congratulate you. I am sorry I've not written." Afterwards, he nods a greeting, unsure of who else he may know and not remember. Trousers have been rolled up mid-thigh to show off his knees and a Leary guard fetches him a tankard of mead. "So, what's all this? It looks dreadfully exciting."


As he watches the first three start through the obstacle course, Breccan leans in and bumps his shoulder to Irisa's. "You going to join me on an embarrassing journey of obstacle coursing?" He asks her with a smile, looking delighted as she appears to enjoy the treat. "I'll send you home with some later after the gathering. I baked plenty for everyone and more. I got a bit into the zone I'll admit." He winces at Eddard's performance, clearing his throat. "You did great!" He calls out, then glances to Irisa with a smile.

To Cesare, he lets out a laugh, curling his fingers back at him. "Rowl." He teases him. "I want a rematch! This time with gloves." He says, giving a tip of his head towards the plate of cookies. "I made these. I'd love your opinion on them afterwards."

Sira is easily drawn in to the whole obstacle course mess, but she takes her sweet time with the first two parts. It is neither a good nor elegant execution, but really, look how she is dressed! There is danger - or at least scandal - in freeing one's knees. "Alright, now I definitely need a drink. And Countess?" She glances at Thea, "I'm glad to hear that." As she makes her way toward collecting a beverage, she spots Rook and slinks over to his side once gathering a drink for the both of them.

If her gown wasn't already short enough, it's going to be even shorter. Because Thea is hiking it up and getting ready to jump hurdles. "That's quite alright. Thank you,"she tells Fairen, a brief smile appearing. Then she's darting off, long legs effortlessly crossing every hurdle.

Macda's knees are visible from the front! The backs disappear behind the longer train of the skirt, with the chiffon's violet colors showing softer than the dot or two of bruising along her shins. For no other reason than they seem to have arrived nearly at the same time, the Princess angles her way after Rook. "Hello! Did you win anything yet?"

Perhaps he had designs on sneaking in amongst the crowd and simply watching, but upon being spotted Rook offers a warm smile, and a grateful nod as a cup finds its way to his hands. "An excellent performance, master tailor. A clever way to showcase the utility of your fashions." He inclines his head towards Sira, taking her arm gently and favoring her with a warm smile. As Macda heads his way, he laughs softly and nods, raising his cup. "Indeed, I have won a fine drink and the retention of my dignity!"

Macda's arrival does get noticed, Fairen stops his scribbling long enough to give her a perfunctory bow before straightening up again. "Your Highness. Marquis Fairen Leary, do you intend on taking to the course and showing all your physical grace?" It's no secret in the fealty after all. Clapping for Thea, he grins and whistles. "Are any of the Laurents here?" He scans the crowd, brows furrowing a bit.

Cesare takes a cookie and bites into it, considering it with great seriousness. "I think," he says, "A bit of cardamom, perhaps? But they're very good. You must use an incredible amount of butter in these." He finishes in two small bites, and then takes a swallow of mead. "I'll have another after I fall on my ass trying to jump over that hurdle." Beckoning the farmer and the knight, he ties his caftan up out of the way and heads in the direction of the obstacle course, pausing to introduce himself to Fairen on the way. "I haven't seen you before, my lord. Cesare, Softest Whisper. I'll return for a proper conversation after I've injured myself."

Violeta Emili, a Ravashari smuggler dressed as the wind arrives, following Mattheu.

"Pish," Macda scoffs at Rook, dimples flashing around her grin. "Dignity grows back, usually!" Bouncing a look over Sira and then Fairen when she's addressed, she turns away from her initial target (lucky Champagne!) and laughs as she heads closer to the scholarly marquis instead. "I do! Is that what we're doing? Where is... oh, over there. You'll be there at my side too I'm sure, Marquis?"

Cesare checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

Cesare checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Cesare checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 11 higher.

Eddard pushes himself up from the ground to dust himself off. Mead is acquired after he gets grass from his bared knees and he'll heave a sigh. That was rough. But others are lining up to run and he gets way way out of the way! The patter sideways gets him free of the obstacle course and back towards food and drink and merriment. "Master Rook!" A call for the man as he carries a tankard of mead directly to him.

"Always does for me," replies Rook, raising his glass again in salute to Macda, laughing softly. He takes a long sip as she seeks out far more interesting targets to taunt, content to settle back and watch the ongoing match. He murmurs something to Sira at his side.

Rook mutters, "10 ... says ... runs circles around them."

Violeta Emili, a Ravashari smuggler dressed as the wind leaves, following Mattheu.

Thea nudges Macda on the way out. "Mac,"she greets on her way out. "And Eddard, drink a lot of mead,"she says with a grin. "Messere Rook, hello,"she greets with a smile. With a bow of her head, Thea excuses herself, getting back to work.

Irisa checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 51 higher.

Irisa checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Irisa checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 20 higher.

Breccan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 6 higher.

Breccan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Breccan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 4 higher.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, Rocco, the rascally assistant, Strawberry Pupcake, the Graypeak Mountain Dog leave, following Thea.

"Dignity /does/ grow back," Sira finds herself agreeing with Macda. However, her arm is taken and she adopts the faintest of smiles. "It doesn't need to grow back if one never loses it, though."

Rook raises his glass in salute to Eddard as he is so spotted. Well, in salute as well as displaying that he in fact already has a drink. Although he suspects that will not change anything. As Eddard draws closer Rook rapidly finishes the contents of his cup, knowing what fate lies before him. "Lord Eddard!" he calls back, manifesting his most boisterous shout, paling in comparison to Eddard's. But at least he tried.

It turns out that hurdles are not easy when one is wearing an ankle-length caftan, even when it's been tied out of the way. Cesare manages to make it over them, but it's not terribly graceful. The second section - climbing the barrel ladder, then leaping across the tops of barrels, he's better at, managing it with relative ease. Similar motions to dancing, perhaps. The sprint, particularly in sandals, is not a very fast sprint, but at least he does not fall on his ass like he said he would. Despite the fact that Irisa well outdoes him, finishing significantly faster, he spins in a circle and cheers for himself at the end, before walking back with great dignity to reclaim his tankard of mead.


Despite looking to be a man built of fitness and long manual hours of work toiling fields, it appears that plowing the land does not carry over into jumping hurdles. As Cesare and Irisa take off like a flash, he himself is slower to the catch up and barely scales a couple of the hurdles. He makes it though. He does not fall! But he looked like an awkward bird learning to fly. He's ungraceful. Once he makes it to the end, he lets out a loud laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, then heads to the table to find himself some drink as well. "Great job you two. You made it look easy."

Mug of mead lifted to Cesare and Macda, Fairen takes a long swig from it with a contented sigh. "Excellent. Really, just the best," he compliments, waving at the Whisper. "Of course, that sounds good. Best fortunes out there!" Macda's question draws a look of frozen hesitance from him, though. "Oh. You know, your Highness. I'm really not very good at running. Or jumping. Or leaping. Mental gymnastics are more my forte, and while my dignity could survive the battering, I'm not sure if my body could." A friendly wave is given to Sira and Rook, but his jaw drops at Irisa's performance. "Gods! What was that? Who ARE you?"

Some days duty calls at the most inopportune times. Adalyn has been thoroughly distracted from the festivities, her attention stolen by a missive delivered by her assistant. She wrinkles her nose, sighs in a most theatrical fashion, and turns to sends an apologetic look toward Eddard. "I need to go deal with this before it becomes a bigger issue. I'll sneak back soon if I'm able." She slings an arm around her cousin's shoulders for a quick hug and then strides off toward the Clement house, tankard of mead in hand. If she must miss out on the fun, she's at least taking the drink with her.

Likewise, Rook watches Irisa's impressive performance with popping eyes. He chuckles softly, and wordlessly withdraws a small bit of change and passes it over to Sira.

Tesha observes those running the obstacle course from the sidelines as she leans back in her seat. She watches Eddard's rough run, followed by others and there's a bit of a wince at things. "I'd kill myself out there." she muses to herself.

Macda barely has time to give Thea's arm a squeeze! But she grins after her anyway, and slowly pulls her eyes forward again when the Countess is out of sight. A chuckle for Sira's pearl of wisdom. "Alright, Leary," they're all let off the hook easily, though she calls back to Fairen, "You and me on the bookish hurdles sometime." She applauds for the recent trio as she heads ever closer to the course. "Who's got next?"

Sira gives a respectful bow of her head to Fairen and starts to whisper something to Rook before he hands her the silver. A grin brightens her features. "Dignity /and/ integrity? Minister, you're going to put us all to shame."


"You know, I might just give this a shot. It looks like good fun, and the worst that can happen is ..." Irisa watches as Eddard runs those hurdles, and her lips purse in some suave silencing of what laughter dearly wanted to break free. All that remains is the twitching at the corners of her mouth, and a quick flare of her nostrils to suck in a quick breath and huff it out again. Her shoulders roll, her gaze sliding off toward Breccan. "Well, that, really."
When it comes time for her to take up position with Cesare and Breccan, she lifts a hand to give a gesture that's reminiscent of a salute, a grin cracking wide before she looks out over the hurdles and prepares herself, another breath taken in and let out slowly in her readying. Then she's off like a shot, with all the grace of someone that has run free through the forests and needed to clear her fair share of downed logs and other obstacles along the way, before she reaches the finish and bounds to a stop, fists lifting in the air for a pump of victory as she turns to watch Cesare, and then Breccan finish just behind her. "I'm impressed!" She announces without a hint of sarcasm, "Softest Whisper, your grace is something to be appreciated, and Breccan..." There's mirth then that lightens the darkness of her keen and watchful gaze.
"Well... you did it."
She then looks toward the Marquis, blinking a few times. "Oh, Dame Irisa Wainryte." She introduces with a lift of her hand and a bob of her head in his direction, "Do you plan on running?" She hasn't caught Rook's expression, unfortunately.

The lively competition provides an opportunity for Cufre to join those gathered at the garden without calling too much attention to herself. She draws her scarf around her shoulders, securing between crossed arms. If she weren't in yellow, she might almost successfully shrink from sight. She settles, instead, for standing at the edge of the gathering, far from the obstacle course.

"On the bookish hurdles I shall gladly accompany you, Your Highness. Less chance of me breaking my neck," Fairen chuckles, relieved at being let off by Macda so easily. Still staring at Irisa afterwards, he suddenly bursts into laughter. "Dame Irisa Wainryte, a name to remember. Oh no. I would injure myself dreadfully if I tried. It is too bad Iliana is in the Leaholdt, I'd love to see how she fared." Tapping his pen on the folio, he notices a flash of yellow and gives Cufre a swift wave.

Oh. Good. Rook knows this game. Bring a man with a drink another drink, and that makes him have to finish his drink. Its a fun game as long as you have bushes to puke into later. "Master Rook, thank you for coming. I wasn't sure you'd manage with your schedule." Cufre's arrival though, is spotted and she gleans a big smile and a wave of his hand at her. "I had meant to inquire about the inclusion of representatives from families. Are particularly prominent commoners welcome amid the Consortium as well? Please stop me if you aren't up for business talk."


Laughing, Breccan's cheeks flush a bit. "Yeah.. yeah.. wow, you got yourself quite a cheering section." He says with a smile, bumping his shoulder to hers as he raises his cup of mead up for a sip. To the Marquis, he says, "She is a Sword Knight, sir." He says with a smile on his face to Fairen. "She is just being humble, but she is quite the warrior, rumor has it." He says with a smile of pride to his friend, then gives a glance towards Rook and Siri, new faces he does not recognize yet. He lifts his cup up in a way of introduction towards them. "Breccan Malere. Clement House. Farmer."

Yellow? Sira's eyes catch the vibrant color and the unmistakable details of her work. "You! The gorgeous redhead! Not you," She clarifies in Eddard's direction, turning her attention to Cufre. "You look stunning in my design. My shop assistants told me it sold while I was in the market recently." Did Cufre want to go unnoticed? Oops. "Rook, see? I've spotted one of my dresses in the wild."

Cesare /is/ eating another cookie. Nibbling. He flourishes an over-dramatic bow to Irisa at the compliment, refilling his tankard of mead and heading over to rejoin the conversations. "I've written to the Ambassador on your behalf," he notes offhandedly to Rook, untying his garment and sitting down amidst the group. "Marquis Faire, what are these scholarly pursuits which draw your interest? Purely research-based, or have you any creative yearnings?"

Oh, Rook knows this game all too well. He inclines his head towards Eddard with a smile and acccepts the mead, taking a long swallow from it. "But of course - how I could miss such a festivity?" He flashes a grin towards Eddard, waving his free hand around, sloshing the mead just a little bit. "You know that I am /always/ up for business talk, and yes. The Silver Consortium endeavors to be as inclusive as possible - our only requirement is that you maintain your interests in our common goals." Glancing to the side as Breccan offers introduction, he raises his flagon to him as well. "Rook Champagne. Counter of coins." He smiles at Sira's excitement at spotting one of her fashions on display.

Rook offers a nod as well to Cesare, saying a quick "thank you" to him in response, before turning his gaze back to Eddard.

Tesha's a redhead, but she's not categorized in the gorgeous area so she gives a look between the other ones in attendance to see who Sira was speaking about. The color is a striking one and she gives a smile at the designer finding her creation out in the wild.

Cufre undoes all her hard work of scarf pinning by waving back to Eddard, which also has the effect of showing off more of Sira's design. Not that Cufre seems to know it as such. When the clothier calls out to the 'gorgeous redhead,' this particular redhead doesn't react. She doesn't even look to Sira.

"Oh? Oh." Eddard smiles at Sira, then frowns a bit. Then smiles again. "Oh, yes. I'm used to being the second gorgeous redhead around that one." Eddard reaches for, snags Cufre's elbow and pulls her into the small circle there. Business talk. "This is Rook Champagne, Counter of Coins. Head of the Silver Consortium. Which is open for burgeoning family interests like longstanding but revitalizing families. Like the Harrows." He doesn't have an agenda.


With a smile-kissed squinting of her eyes, Irisa once again dips a nod toward Fairen, "Another time, another game, perhaps? Balancing books ... a hurdle that could be mental -or- physical. Only time will tell which it will be." She turns to look toward Breccan, "I am honoured by their attentions all." She mentions, a sheepish smirk coming to her features as he further explains her position.
"Rumours are nothing anyone need put any faith into." She provides, giving him a quick wink before turning her attentions back to the party at large.

"Your design?" Fairen asks Sira curiously after looking again at Cufre's outfit, taking a step closer to the former to examine her over his spectacles. "Are you a seamstress then? Do you take commissions?" Interest piqued, he chuckles at Rook with the talk of the Silver Consortium. "A worthy organization to be sure." After another deep swallow of mead, he dips his head at Breccan. "Good to meet you, Mister Breccan. A Sword Knight you say?" He addresses Cesare with a vague smile, tapping on his folio. "Research mostly, but I do apply said research." He approaches Tesha afterwards and beams a smile at the redhead, "Lady Telmar if I'm not mistaken? How are you? I understand there's a birth in the family recently? Congratulations!" Grinning at Irisa, he laughs again and nods agreeably, "I would be up for any such game that won't leave me broken, truth be told."

Sira releases her arm from Rook's hold, stepping over toward Cufre. She does catch Tesha's look in her direction, and gives a reassuring smile. "My lady, I wasn't referring to you, either, but you'd look stunning in my designs, also. Stop by Gilded Dreams sometime." Her uniquely colored eyes give the Telmar a once-over - as if taking a mental calculation of her measurements. When Eddard snags Cufre's elbow and pulls her closer, the seamstress stops and places her arm back in Rook's grasp. "Oh! I've just joined the Consortium, myself." To Fairen, a nod. "Yes, yes I am. And yes I do." There's even a nod to Breccan and Irisa in all of this.


Noticing the Whisper is going in for a second cookie, Breccan can't help but feel a bit of pride well up within him. "Aye. She is a Sword Knight. I never stood a chance against her." At the call of the gorgeous redhead, his eyes lift upwards some and he tilts his head in that direction, though it's clear it wasn't directed towards his own flaming mop of hair. He was just simply curious to who is the most gorgeous red head of them all. He takes note of Rook's title as coin counter, tucking that name in his pocket for later. "Well met, Messere Champagne. Perhaps we can speak later about potential business my future as well. I could use the advice." He smiles over towards Sira again, then glances to Irisa with a wink in return. "I'm really glad you came." He admits, then goes to refill his cup.

"It's lovely to see so many seamstresses back in the city!" Cesare acknowledges. "Selene Whisper has recently returned from her travels as well. Her work is - hm. Perhaps a bit less practical than Mistress Sira's beautiful designs, but exquisite nonetheless. I support /anything/ which leads to a more fashionable populace, naturally." Poking a bare leg out, he nods in Fairen's direction. "You apply your research? Not knowing anything about your area of interest, I can only imagine you make some sort of strange bubbling potions in a dungeon somewhere."

At the introduction and exposition, Rook turns his gaze towards Cufre, favoring her with his warm smile, nodding in agreement with Eddard's remarks. "All true, yes." He inclines his head towards her, and then as Sira makes an introduction, nods her way. "It is always my intention to shine a light on the brightest of our artisans here in the city - Sira's designs are some of the best I have seen, and you clearly seem to be in agreement." He seems to take a slight half-step back, allowing Sira to move closer to Cufre as she was a moment ago. He turns to regard Breccan and nods to him. "Absolutely - I would be happy to discuss. My role has always been to supply advice."

Macda's running that course, with or without others! Because it's only a matter of time before something less fun comes to kill the buzz.

Macda checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 22 higher.

Macda checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Macda checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 26 higher.

Less fun...like business talk?

Tesha looks up to Fairen when he approaches and there is a dip of her head to him, "Marquis Leary." she greets him in turn with a smile. "Thank you, yes, the Duke and Duchess have had another daughter." she states. "I'm guessing we won't have any more births to celebrate for a while though after this one so we're all happy that another girl has arrived safely to the family." she states. Atramentous and Cale give the Marquis a look over but decide that he's alright.

There's a moment of resistance against the tug into conversation, feet slow in stepping, a 'why?' in the draw of Cufre's brows. Within a step, traces of it are gone, and she smiles through the introduction. To Rook, she says "We met in the Trader's some days back, Minister. You said there might be some work for a jeweler coming up." She speaks slowly, but the cadence is uneven. Someone with an ear for such things might hear that she's slowing her speech for some reason. At last, Cufre seems to catch that some of the talk is about her dress, and its connection to Sira. She nods in greeting to her fellow artisan.

Solid like a rock. But springier! Macda has a decent start and keeps the pace throughout, hup hup hupping over hurdles, bouncing like a skunk in love across kegs, and darting for the finish line with chiffon stream out behind her. And wouldn't you know it? There's Thistleton at her elbow, quietly informing the princess of things that need doing (but probably not business talk, she's not that kind of negotiator). "Bah," she tells the old man, but starts away with a drink in tow. "You'd better have a really /nice/ letter of thanks done up," Mac can be heard grumbling. "On the pretty paper. You know I didn't even get to the hosts, right? Are /you/ going to explain that at the next family dinner?"

"How could I forget?" offers Rook with a smile towards Cufre. "Can you imagine the works that could occur if the two of you were to collaborate?" His smile broadens at the notion. "You clearly already share similar tastes..."

Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat have been dismissed.

Barf, the Bog Dog have been dismissed.

Clerk Kant, a mild mannered assistant have been dismissed.

"Oh? I will drop by your shop then and see about having some new clothes made. It's been quite awhile since I last indulged in something of the sort," Fairen enthuses with a bright smile at Sira, but he gives a more cryptic one to Cesare. "No, no. Bubbling potions in a dungeon somewhere is more of the expertise of my cousin, Elloise. She blew up a room once..." Macda's athletic prowess is watched with Grayson pride, his hands clapping vigorously and whistling along with it. "Your Highness! Excellent job, you did as awesomely as one would expect!" Grinning to Tesha with a friendly nod of the head, "I see, that is certainly something to celebrate. Even if it is the only one again for awhile. How have you been?"

6 Grayson House Guards, Thistleton, an elderly and devoted manservant leave, following Macda.

Cesare gives a short laugh, finishing off his tankard of ale. "I see, I see. Keep your mysterious, secret research to yourself, then!" He rises to his feet again, bowing to all attendees. "I'm afraid I've got to be off for another meeting, but it was wonderful to see you all, and Lord Eddard, thank you for a splendid time." With a whisk of twilight-colored silk, the Softest is off to (as usual) attend to business.

Dolente, a mourning dove, Dolce, a collared dove leave, following Cesare.

Sira spares a glance at Cesare, her expression the usual unsmiling one she has. "My designs," She sticks her leg out of the waistband high slit in her skirt, "Are only ever what I wish them be. Practical or no." Then, her attention is settling on Cufre. "A collaboration would be amazing. I do still need to get my shop fully settled, though."

"I bought your dress at Gilded Dreams, Mistress Cufre." Eddard remarks sideways to Cufre to give her more context about why Sira is so happy to see her. He'll slip away a few steps towards the tailor to leave Cufre with Rook. But it seems that he is just standing amid the conversation again. "I've been in and out of your shop a few times, Mistress Sira. At the very least, it bustles like an exemplar shop."

"It is a lovely color." Tesha tells Sira in her usual quiet tone. She then gives a soft round of applause for those who have finished...or semi-finished the obstacle course. Then her stormy gaze settles on Fairen again and she gives a smile, "I'm sure they might have another child at some point, but the world is uncertain sadly." she admits. "And I have been alright. Just keeping to the books and not going out and picking fights with large insects like I made the mistake of a few months ago." she chuckles. "How have you and House Leary been?" she asks him.

Breccan is overheard praising Eddard.

An interesting dance emerges as Rook tries to step back to let Sira talk to Cufre while Eddard tries to step to Sira to free up Rook to talk to Cufre. Rook chuckles slightly at that, and takes a pre-emptive measure, moving back and behind Sira, trailing past her to emerge on the other side towards Eddard, raising the flagon of mead in salute. "You do have rather fine taste, milord."


Giving Rook an appreciative smile, Breccan disengages from the conversation now that he is busy with the others, giving another smile towards Irisa. He leans over to nudge her shoulder gently. "Hey, I'm thinking of taking a walk through the garden just to catch some fresh air, as well as see the fireflies that will come out. Would you care to join me?" He asks as he leans down to take off his shoes and pulls off his socks, tucking them under a table so that he can feel the earth beneath his feet. "I would not mind the company."

Sipping his mead, Fairen compliments Tesha with a smile of appreciation, "That's a very beautiful gown, Lady Tesha! You wear it extremely well. Good eye!" After a slight pause, he shrugs a little. "Things at House Leary are slow. Quiet. I am the only one currently in Arx so it is rather odd at the moment. Otherwise, it is fine, really. Keeping to the books is good, picking fights with large insects? Less so. I got rather bit up a couple years ago by some insects. Dreadful."

Rook's forgetting is easy. They met in a tavern, after all. That Cufre pointed out their forgotten meeting is a sign that she might be in need of some lessons in the social graces. She glances to Sira at Rook's suggestion of a collaboration, but when the designer responds positively, Cufre smiles at her fully. "Me, too. On setting up my shop, I mean. A new one. It's been taking my days and nights. There were a few days there when it was hard to tell days from nights, with the moon..." She gives a little shake her head. "Kind of still feels that way. Trying to get the new place pulled together in a way that's going to make sure things sell." She looks down at her dress, runs her hand along the top of the skirt. "This is sturdy work, Mistress. I bet it will see a lot of summers." And there it is. A clip in her speech that gives away either a Lowers upbringing, or a whole lot of time spent there.


"Mm?" Irisa has been simply observing the interactions between the others when Breccan asks his question, "Oh! Certainly ... I suppose I'm quite curious about the rest of this place." She offers one final smile to those gathered here, "It's been a rare pleasure meeting all of you. I hope we have a chance to do this again soon." With that, she turns, and prepares to follow Breccan to see the fireflies.

Sira gives Fairen a nod, inviting him to her shop whenever he wishes. As the dance of Rook and Eddard around her and Cufre has her head spinning, curls bouncing. With a smile, she reaches out a hand to Cufre and pats the woman's forearm lightly. "Best of luck with your new shop. I'll have to come poking around." Then, there's a nod of appreciation to Eddard. "I appreciate your business, my lord. Come by when I'm in and we can set you up with something, too." She finishes her drink, deposits the cup, says something quietly to Rook, and heads off with an apology about things needing to be done.

Rook favors Sira with a warm smile as she departs, and then turns his gaze back towards Cufre. "As I believe I said the other day at the Tavern, one of the principle purposes of the Consortium is to help out merchants and artisans as they get started. I would be happy to provide you with assistance from some of our staff if you require some labor in construction or arrangement of the shop."

Tesha gives a smile to Fairen, "Thank you, Marquis." she dips her head to him. "And quiet can be good. Especially if Lady Elloise isn't setting things on fire with her expirements." she admits. It wasn't a bad thing. "Yes, I think a few of us that were at Grayhold when it got attacked wish that we didn't have to fight with insects either. They are dreadful." she frowns to that. "Though I won't put a damper on the festivities with that talk." she adds quickly.

Matteo, an eager knight's apprentice leaves, following Irisa.