The Laurent Garden has embraced winter: the fire is burning by the deck, the pool is frozen, the snow has mounted. There are several sitting areas offering drinks and sweets as well as traveling servers. There are lanterns shaped like snowflakes hanging from various places, there is A WHOLE BAR FOR YOU TO MAKE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE, carrying sweet scent into the air. Are you ready? Do you want to build a snowman? Let one of the musicians know and maybe they will sing about it, otherwise, just let it go.

Snow forts welcome those who seek to engage in snowball fights, the snow mountain calls for those who wish to make snow angles, build snowman or race in sleighs down the mountain. Suspiciously, two dogs and two sleighs with huge candy canes are standing by the pool. Why? Oh why?

Mabelle is standing as close as she can to the hearth to still be able to welcome their guests, such is the case when one wears a very delicate gown in the winter without a coat. Her gown seems unearthly, a fusion of weave and metal, red and black accentuating her curves, revealing enough of her neckline for the metal snake slithering about. "Good evening, welcome, welcome", she flashes a smile to those who arrive, "Thank you for joining us this cold evening, make yourselves some hot chocolate", she directs them to the hot chocolate bar.

Mabelle drops DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

2 House Deepwood Guards, Mortimer Ridgewattle the Third arrive, following Grady.

Did someone say a 'make your own hot chocolate bar'? There's no way Alis would miss out on THAT. "Lady Mabelle, lovely as always. Duke Laurent." Her greetings are given so they can move the welcome line along quickly, and she can BEE-line to add the most ingredients possible to her hot drink, thank you.

They say four is a charm? Or was that three? Doesn't matter, Thesbe and Olivia arrive in there posse of four; including Master Caspian Wild and Master Dacian Krosse whom were tagging along with the two women that were giggling about this thing or another.

Thesbe is decked out in a blue Lady of the Lake themed gown with golden filigree accents and golden rope beading. Her hair is in an elegant braid adorned with snowflake hairpins. Olivia is adorned in a dangerously beautiful dusted violet gown with matching shoes and Silken petal hairpins cascading and nestled along hair.

Both look beautiful and each escorted by either man, whom were dressed casually and speaking amongst themselves. Mihai, Thesbe's Rivenshari guard was close behind her, out of the way but keeping an eye on her in Mattheu's absence.

"Lady Mabelle, Duke Laurent. Were so excited to be here! Ooo and a hot chocolate bar. You have my heart." Thesbe smiles and waves, introducing her entourage in a warm and friendly manner.

Wyla, a small wisp of an assistant arrives, following Keely.

Keely arrives, following Wash.

Terese enters the Laurent Gardens, offer Mabelle a warm but respectful greeting "Thank you Lady Mabelle for inviting me. I brought along Akamos so he could enjoy your event as well," she says, motioning towards where is stands probably somewhere nearby. Once introductions have been somewhat made she makes her way to grab some coco and secure a seat at the couch with a hearth nearby before the crowd settles in

Grady is in there somewhere, under the fur-lined cloak with its deep hood, and the scarf covering the lower half of his face, and the comically large mittens. He's in there somewhere! It's one of those things where having faith is necessary, though, because he's not really visible under all that winter clothing. "... worry too much. Really, Mortimer!" He's talking to his assistant, who is walking along beside him. "It isn't, is it, as though I don't drag you happily all over the city, yes? Look, they have all sorts of hearths and things. And..." He catches Mortimer eyeing the hot chocolate stand, and decides to just sorta slide away and let his impromptu nanny get distracted.

Wash puts a mini sculpture of Catalana in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Wash puts Sky Render, a dusky blue steel scimtar in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Wash puts a sea-swirling steel shortsword in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Wash puts handsome knife of the pale gold sands ornamented with ivory in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Wash puts Useful Knife in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Wash puts 2 books in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Wash puts Clear Night's Sky Reflected in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Wash puts Pie Crust Cookie in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Wash puts Compact Naval Lexicon in an oiled sealskin satchel with a shark tooth enclosure.

Thesbe takes a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Denica It's winter and the air is crisp, it encourages quick movements, and draws everyone towards any available warmth. The cold is written over Denica's face, with rosy cheeks and a dot of red at the end of her nose. A smile lingers, twisted and easy as she walks into the winter wonderland that is the Laurent Estate. The princess's features are currently animating a whispered story to Yuri as they walk in together, arm-in-arm. The way her eyes go wide, she's probably telling a tall tale, where the details are spun to her advantage. When they step into the surroundings, her eyes light up, so much to see and do! Denica is excited and she is trying to keep her attention focused, but there it goes again and she is pointing towards the sleigh and then the hot chocolate bar, the snow forts also get her consideration. The mountain of snow is met with some suspicion, but then she sees their hosts and waves to Mabelle and Cristoph, "it's stunning! Everything looks so charming, it's truly a lovely sight, Lady and Duke Laurent" she calls out a compliment sincerely in their direction.

Ryhalt enters the Laurent garden, smiling despite the endless snow this season. He takes a look about the garden turned wintery paradise for those who liked the snow and walks over to join the line greeting their hosts. "Duke Cristoph, Lady Mabelle, thank you for having us again."

Caspian takes a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Olivia smiles as she enters, arm looped in Thesbe's with the two guys following close behind. She looks back and smiles warmly at the both before her eyes gaze around at the wonder this place was. Of course she paused on the Hot Chocolate stand, it stole the entire show. "Oh my goodness... hot chocolate!" she tried to keep her calm composure but was just about to start pulling Thesbe to the table in a very unlady like fashion.

Cassandra checks dexterity and stealth at hard. Cassandra fails.

Olivia takes a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

3 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields arrive, following Patrizio.

Reedy, a King's Own aide arrives, following Corban.

Dressed in dark leathers and black silk, Cristoph has found a place to greet guests quietly and off to the side. He doesn't block up the main thoroughfare, but he's also not in hiding. He's just the right amount of visible! A mug of hot chocolate is in his hand and he's sipping occasionally as he mingles with the guests.

Can the Legate of Arts slip into the Laurent gala unnoticed by those at the door? Well, there are a lot of factors that go into such an answer, but here is that answer, in full: no. No, Cassandra Laurent cannot. She doesn't attend many Laurent family functions, perhaps out of propriety -- becoming Godsworn is meant to be a severance from one's previous family in favor of the Faith, after all. And yet: here Cassandra is, trying not to attract attention, and yet doing exactly that from house staff. "...ah, no, it's no bother, I don't require..."

Terese gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Keely gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Patrizio gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Kiera enters the party witg her usual air of quiet curiosity , though worry not completely hd as she goes to greet Mabelle " Is it that time again lady laurent. How quickly years do fly by us . I remember first such. You have outdone yourself as always"

Dacian spoke in hushed tones to Caspian of nothing specific as he entered the space, looking over the various outfits people wore as one might assess fine art. The man wore a soft smile, made softer by dark brown hues that made contact with any they looked over, should they be looking for it. The man stuck behind Thesbe and Olivia as one might a handler, though he body was relaxed as he was introduced and followed in behind the beautifully dressed women. He bowed to Mabelle as he passed, though said nothing himself as he let out a short chuckle at Olivia's want to raid the Hot Chocolate stand.

Ryhalt gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Mabelle grins at Alis as she heads toward the chocolate bar, "Good evening, High Princess, I assume that name will be more fitting in about a chime", she teases her, smiling as she greets those who enter, "Hello Lady Thesbe, Princess Terese, Akamos, please join us", they already did, Mabelle. Grady is getting some finger wiggles and Ryhalt earns a smile, "Good evening Duke Farshaw, Lord Deepwood. There are some mini games about, the main competition will come along, YOU SHOULD BE WORRIED". She eyes Denica, "Oh you made it, good, I need someone to stir trouble", she winks to her.

Griffin takes a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Dacian takes a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Constantine arrives, following Gianna.

Thesbe has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Avalanche, a fluffy mountain pup, Jasper, an unflappable scoundrel, 2 Redrain Guards, 1 Redrain Veteran Guards arrive, following Deva.

Not /quite/ late - there's no need constantly for an homage to his cousin, after all - Patrizio Pravus makes his way to where the festival is occurring... and looking entirely miserable in the doing of such a thing. No, it's clear indeed that winter does /not/ agree with the southern prince, but that he's here for a good time regardless speaks volumes to the matter of celebration in the wake of some things. A laugh slides from him easily as he draws over to where Cristoph is, the gentle press of his palm to the man's shoulder as he peeks at the mug. "I assume," he says with mock seriousness, "that /you/ would be the one to know how to fortify oneself against the elements in this abyssal season."

Denica gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

3 Black Fleet Reavers arrives, following Raven.

Akamos offers a polite little smile and a bow for Mabelle. "Thank you, Lady Mabelle." He says to her, before he moves along with Terese, looking about a bit and trying to act as casual as can be.

Sir Corban is here! He was no escort on his arm or otherwise. Just him. Here. Trying to figure out, it seems, where he ought to go or what he ought to do. Hmm. Hmm. Oh! Look. A make-your-own-hot-coco bar. He moves over that aways.

Corban has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Yuri had prepared rather haphazardly, but not unfashionably, as he sported warmth within his tweed cloak before arriving right in tandem with Denica; side by side and arm-in-arm as he offered out his ear and attention to the conversation that they were having before arriving on the way in. His eyes lit up as he glanced to the hot chocolate bar, nodding approvingly before he stopped short once Denica had shot him a smirk and a wink. His mouth went agape, looking over to where Denica had glanced, "...ah, did that not have a bad outcome the last time?" He bowed his greetings to Lady Mabelle and Duke Cristoph, shooting a cautionary glance between both ladies once Mabelle began to speak about 'starting trouble'.

Raven has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Keely wanders along with Wash, looking timid as ever as her dark eyes take in the crowd. She displays some visible hesitation to wade into it even with her trusty cousin at her side, and she soon leans in to murmur something to him softly before departing his company to linger somewhere off to the side in attempt to get her bearings, looking entirely overwhelmed.

Yuri takes a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Olivia has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Grady meets Mabelle's finger-waggle with a half-bow that would be a lot more jaunty if a walking stuffed cloak/knitear thing weren't doing it. Having used his assistant's sweet tooth to ditch him, the Deepwood lord goes in search of a warm place to sit. The point of the evening might be to enjoy the winter, but the cold cuts right through him.

Dacian has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Alis is putting everything conceivably edible into her hot chocolate. Well, most things. She skips the cinnamon and nutmeg type spices and opts for anything peppermint and whipping cream, and sprinkles, and chocolate chips - you know, turning a normal drink into a sugar filled nightmare that will no doubt have her wandering the entire district all night, no matter how cold it is. "Hello, hello!" Greetings are given out, and several familiar faces waved at. Keely, for one, who she waves over to show the abomination she's created in her cup.

Bowing low, Griffin says honestly, "It was my honour, Princess Terese." And with that, he takes his leave.

Gianna arrives with Constantine on her arm. Or she's on his arm. Whatever, they're together. She's bundled up warmly with big black furs and he's got a cloak that's just a bit too broad at the shoulders and a touch too short for his height. Borrowed? Gianna murmurs something to Constantine, tilts her chin up to peer about, and then heads toward the sleigh.

Gianna has joined the a winter sleigh lined in warm furs.

Griffin laughs to himself as he takes a prize from the door and wanders on in.

Raven has of course moved to where it's warmest-the hot chocolate bar. She doesn't seem interested in the hot chocolate so much as the means to warm her hands,, her coat wrapped tight about her.

Constantine has joined the a winter sleigh lined in warm furs.

Deva seems to be in the brightest of spirits. Because snow! With so many spots to sit or things to look at or people to greet, she at first lingers by the door and waves broadly at e v eryone in general. "It's beautiful!" she proclaims loudly, somewhere in Mabelle's direction. She starts to wander by the hot chocolate bar and pokes Alis in the arm with a fingertip. "Hot chocolate," she beams, like it's some inside secret. But it's literally just stating what she has in her hand. Weird.

Thesbe looks to Dacian, Caspian and Olivia as Olivia tries to pull her along to the Hot Chocolate bar. Except Thesbe was heading there too. Both women seemed on a mission to make it there and drag the poor guys there that were escorting them. "Yesss.. Hot chocolate." Thesbe hisses through a chuckle.

"Should be worried, huh?" Ryhalt casts a doubtful look at Mabelle between glancing around the garden. "Going to line us all up on the pool and the one that breaks the ice and dunks us all loses?"

Wash is Keely's escort for the evening, and while he is not the dashing young man he was when he left Kennex, he at least made an effort to clean up for the evening, which means his patchy beard is of an even length and his hair tied it a knot at the back of his head. He wears a comfortable jacket and an ironwool cloak in Grayson colors, fittingly. He saunters through thr room to meet and make acquaintances. "Griffin! Young pup. Princess Terese. I had hoped to see you in Valardin fashions tonight, that armor is recalling unpleasant memories I had thought properly blocked out by a liberal application of alcohol."

Dacian simply settled in next to Olivia, though he made no move to retrieve any of the molten-chocolate himself. He continued to look about the space, taking in faces as he stood near Thesbe, Olivia, and Caspian.

Mabelle grins widely as people keep pouring in, "Oh hello, Dacian, Lady Kiera", she also smiles to Corban and then teases PAtrizio, "Him? At least you did not expect it to be me", she winks to him and welcomes Keely to her side, "Hello Princess Keely the social butterfly, your first Laurent event?" She looks amused as everyone is lining up to the chocolate bar, "I knew it was the right call!", she calls toward Deva and Yuri.

Caspian sauntered into the courtyard with a grin, chatting with Dacian about something or other. Unlike some of the attendant, she was still bundled up and the bits of armor poked out from under it. he offered his usual smile, bowing to the hosts. "its magnificent, what you have created here. maybe, for one night anyway, people will stop complaining about the cold for a change." he didn't linger, so as to allow other entry, moving farther into the room to find something to drink.

"Where did you get that? Woahwoahwoah, no, Barf stop!" Amari is talking to the massive, slightly smelly, brindled bog dog who is proudly carrying a tree branch in his mouth. Normally that wouldn't be a problem save that it's about five feet long and he doesn't seem cognizant of the fact that it could quite easily take people out at the knees. COMING THROUGH! She tries to alert folks to the danger as she tries to grab for an end of the limb of elm. "Pardon me. Excuse us. Mind the stick. Oh, hello Gianna! Apologies, Cristoph-"

Constantine walked with a steady stride, his arm carefully held aloft to accommodate Gianna yet the leading of the pair was clearly the Nightingale. He followed her to the sleighs, carefully helping the woman into the sleighs and looking to reply to her murmur only to give pause and a small smile at the passing of Amari before climbing into the sleigh as well.

"No time to get a gown on such short notice, I already warned Lord Griffin he can espect to see me mainly in armor should he dare acompany me to events," Terese replies to Wash paused on her way to her seat. "After you get some coco would you care to join me and Akamos," she offers Griffin warmly. She already has her coca and is about to sit and drink it

Grady gravitates towards the hearth where Terese and Akamos are sitting. "Hello! Good evening. Hello, Princess Terese." His pleasing tenor is good natured, but not much of him can be seen. There's just his voice, slightly muffled coming out of the good. "Ah. I don't suppose you mind if I join the two of you? I'm embarrassingly ill suited to the cold, and you seem to be at the warmest place in the garden."

"Not just any hot chocolate, Princess Deva. The BEST hot chocolate." Alis insists, lifting her cup to toast Patrizio in greeting as well having noticed his quiet gesture. "Look, I managed to put everything not cinnamon-y in it." Indeed, it looks like a nightmare.

Caspian has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Glancing up from fidgeting with the buttons on her gloves, Keely offers Alis a warm (if mildly tense) smile, her dark eyes growing in size as they take in the 'beverage' the Highlord is fashioning together. "Oathlanders are amazing," she murmurs aside to Mabelle, clearly marveling at their ability to take in vast quantities of sugar without qualm. Turning her smile up to the Laurent Lady, she then remarks, in between all the hostessing going on, "This is all... phenomenal, Lady Mabelle. You never cease to astonish and inspire." She makes a small gesture around, doing as she can to remain unobtrusive even as she hovers.

Cassandra may not have eluded the house staff, but she can still plot a clever course that keeps her well away from the hot chocolate, and thus out of further notice. Why is she working so hard not to be seen? Perhaps she's more interested in seeing, herself. To this end, she snakes her away toward the sofa nook, which she's grateful has not been turned into a snow-fa nook, to... take in the sights for a bit.

Cassandra has joined the a cozy sofa nook.

6 First Legion Centurions arrives, following Renata.

"Baroness!" Gianna greets Amari, though she gives the woman's dog and his giant stick a wary look. Not that she's anywhere near the creature, but... smelly. "Have you met Lord Constantine?" Gianna ensconces herself among the furs, tugging one up to cover her legs and twitching a corner of it onto Constantine's legs, too.

"Bad outcomes are just future opportunities for success!," Denica exclaims, as she tries to decide what direction to head first. It's probably going to be hot chocolate, catching the scent of chocolate in the air. Her smile twists into a wide grin when she catches Mabelle's comment and she winks back at her, "I'm on it," she assures the other woman. Her attention drifts back to Yuri and she says, "hot chocolate? Might as well warm up, so we can freeze later," she decides, as an energetic step weaves them through the crowd of people. Many people, there are plenty of waves and smiles each time Denica catches sight of someone familiar. Lots of expressions!

Kiera smiles upon seeing Keely and wash "Lord Wash. It has been far to long since i have seen you. You're in good health I should hope" and to Keely "Good evening your highness"

With a lift of brow, Griffin nods with a grin. "As you with, Princess Terese. Should I get you one as well?"

"I know you too well, my lady," Patrizio says, with a warm smile and the bob of his well-plucked brows, at Mabelle's teasing of him. "Whereas your duke tries to hide what it is that he's doing to keep himself warm, from the inside as much as from without." Those jade eyes twinkle mischievously, even as he's being more overt with the greetings to Alis, as he offers more of a bow. "Your Grace," he says, a genuine and easy smile finding him. And then a sigh. "See, /this/ is why I venture forth. So many that I know, and yet who don't wander by my office when I'm hidden away with my maps and plotting. Or hiding from the winter."

Yuri delivered a deadpan expression as he glanced from Denica, to Mabelle, and back to Denica. Though, a heading had been chosen and he proceeded to guide in the direction of the hot chocolate bar that already had become a popular fixture of the early evening. "No more freezing. I can say, definitively, I am tired of winter for this year. It's been much colder than last year." The lord followed well after the princess, finding themselves worked along to the queue settling over at the bar.

Raven remains near the hot chocolkate bar. remaining where it is warm but remaining out of the way so others may get their helping while she uses the hot chocolate cupped in her hand to keep it warm. Jade gaze sweeps across those gathered as the mingle and explore.

Mabelle murmurs amusedly to Keely, "Of course we can take in insane amounts of sugar, we produce honey", she winks to her and then looks puzzled at Patrizio, "If that was a compliment, it went way over my head", she laughs. A gesture from Gianna captures her attention, "Nightingale, Lord Kennex", she greets her and Constantine, "Welcome to the Laurent Winter Wonderland, get some hot chocolate, you will NEED to get warm!"

"The best?" Deva gives Alis a skeptical look, and she sniffs in the high lord's proximity. Her eyes go a bit wide. "You are the spiciest Oathlander I have ever met," she declares. Keely gets a fingerwiggle, and then she glances over her shoulder to start planning what she will put into her own drink. While doing so, she also spies Raven and dips her head with a friendly grin.

Wash is amused enough by the exchange, giving her a bow as she departs. "Lady Wyvernheart. You have managed twice to catch me at a flowing tide. You should not like to see me at my neap." Wash says suggestively, though if one is familiar with sailing jargon there is nothing suggestive at all about the words he used. "You are well too, and the family I hope. All the toes and fingers where they are supposed to be."

"I was lucky to beat the rush and secure myself a cup but thank you for the kind offer Lord Griffin," Terese replies, greeting anyone politely whom may greet her and eventually relaxing in her seat to sip her coco

"It's all in the training for several hours at least five days a week." Alis reveals, seeing Keely's eyes widen. "I promise I eat reasonably healthy the rest of the time." But, she does not of course admit how /much/ she eats. "Prince Patrizio. It's so nice that you could make it." is offered aloud now that he's joined the few of them mingling in a little group. "I fear we suffer the same affliction. Too many maps, and too much paperwork." Deva, of course, gets a hip bump for the spicy comment. "You know it."

"Me?" Cristoph replies belatedly to Patrizio with a short laugh. "In what fashion? Through warm clothes, drink, or something else? Please, enlighten." His tone is teasing to the Pravus man and he sweeps his eyes over the crowd. "I'm afraid I've forgotten how to function at social events with Marquessa Inverno." He exhales generally and then a lifts a hand to wave to Amari as she goes on by with her dog. He scans the crowd again, spotting one person in particular and lifting his hot chocolate mug hand.

Grady moves on, away from the hearth, drawn by the call of a hot drink. Although, bucking the trend, he winds up with cider rather than cocoa, and he sips from it carefully.

Constantine reached to give the corner of the furs a tug, but as he was introduced he took a moment to politely stand and incline a small bow with hand brought to rest gingerly over his heart, "A pleasure, Lady Amari." But given the chill in the air he was quick to return to Gianna's side on the bench of the sleigh and pull those furs right back over his long legs. When Mabelle called his soft smile turned her direction, "A beautiful gathering, Lady Mabelle. I will be sure to take advantage of the hot chocolate once I have thawed a moment here in the furs." He chuckled, murmuring a sidelong reply briefly to Gianna.

Caspian made a truly impressive cup of hot chocolate. Whether he was simply endeavoring to fit everything into a single cup or truly did have bizarre taste, he had certainly made something unique. not necessarily good, just.. unique. he stood the side, sipping and letting the warmth seep to his toes.

Keely offers Kiera a little smile and a dip of her chin, having departed from Wash's side in order to avoid facing the crowd just yet. She instead lingers not far from Mabelle, her dark eyes flitting to and fro apprehensively. Deva earns a smile as well, even as the young princess attempts to blend in and wallflower. Slowly, she sidles nearer to Cristoph, very careful not to interrupt any banter or mug waving in the process.

|"Sir Corban Telmar," the knight greets Thesbe when she introduces herself, offering a small smile. "I am quite fans of the Laurents from my time in the Oathlands, but, well, I always find big events without someone to come with a bit intimidating." A bit of a hesitant smile. "Oh. And Lady Olivia. Good to meet you as well."

Raven depart

Raven has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Raven has joined the an outdoor hearth with couch seating.

"Let's just-" Work on the murder branch problem. Amari catches hold of an end and the huge beast grudgingly comes to a stop near Gianna and Constantine in their sleigh. With some gentle pressure, a tiny glower and some words of encouragement, she wrests control of the branch, rights it and holds it like a staff. Sure it's got frozen dog drool on it, and the bark is loose, and it's not particularly straight but it looks sturdy enough. "This is mine now, thank you." She tells Barf before turning a more relaxed smile on Gianna and Constantine. "Lord Constantine. We may have met once in passing. Are you two...?"

"Very well." Griffin executes another half-bow, and with that prepares to face the hot-chocolate bar. Eventually, he manages to procure his coco! And wends his way around, back to the original spot looking for the Princess. "Aha! there you are!"

Griffin has joined the an outdoor hearth with couch seating.

Grady catches sight of Keely lingering all alone and, cider in hand, he circles around through the crowd, moving with a fair amount of deftness, only to appear at her side. He brushes back his hood, revealing... mostly that impressively messy hair, but his eyes are also above the scarf wrapped around the lower half of his face. "Hello, Princess Keely. Quite a crowd, yes, for such a, ah. Well. It IS quite cold, isn't it? But I suppose that must be the point, musn't it?"

There's a bob again of those eyebrows to Cristoph. "I shouldn't pick but one, my lord," he offers, teasing back, even as the jade eyes dance. There's a gesture, to Raven, as if to encourage her to come away from the bar with her hot chocolate, even if the cold /is/ that horrible, since he's clearly braving it himself. And Mabelle's getting a smile, with the shake of his head. "I perhaps got ahead of myself in teasing, but you know I only do it out of fondness."

It's Alis' words that get a sigh, and the shake of his head, the faint disappearance of that more jovial expression upon his features. "Just too many things to be getting us bogged down in the business of things," he agrees with the highlord, and he shakes his head ruefully, before there's a point to Deva. "Speaking of people who're so burdened with these duties. How fare you, your highness?"

Raven spots the most coveted prize-A HEARTH! She flicks a furtive glance about and then slips away from the bar and then makes a trotted bee line for the hearth. Gratefully she huddles near the hearth, "Thank the gods." she breaths, now seeming much more alert as she sizes up who all is in attendence.

Amari has joined the a winter sleigh lined in warm furs.

No sudden movements could best describe Princess Renata Pravus' quiet arrival. She's got a great deal of layers to keep her warm and hide her blushing cheeks but it does nothing for the uncertainty of her aquamarine eyes as she skirts the festivities, searching for familiar faces.

"You're a man of means, I suppose you can have all three," Cristoph drawls to Patrizio with an easy amusement drawing on the lines of his face. He catches Keely's presence nearby, caught from the corner of his eye. He cants his head her way and then steps back from Patrizio, easing closer to the Grayson. He drops his voice low to speak with her.

Wanders in the direction of the pool and calls, "Alright. So you know Duke Laurent is very fond of jousting. And you know I'm very fond of looking at you stumble over ice. So today's contest is very simple". SIMPLE. AH! She lifts two large sticks colored like candy canes with a pillow at the end of each stick. "One against the other, everyone gets in a sleigh, lead by my fateful dogs. You need to joust, but only .. tap each other closest to the torso as you can!"

Gianna raises her eyebrows at Amari, her expression mild. "Warm in furs? Yes. You should consider it. It's very cozy. I..." and Mabelle makes her announcement. Gianna frowns thoughtfully. "...Do you think there are prizes?"

Denica has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Kiera answers wash " all where the gods have placed them m'lord " as he off and goes to say hello to Patrizi o "Good eveng, your highness, Duke Laurent"

Terese is quietly sipping coco while the event is unfolding, curious to see what this jousting is

Caspian has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

After a while spent watching the festivities, Cassandra turns and heads for the exit. What was her purpose in coming? It was this: across the crowd, she seeks out Cristoph's eyes, and stares at her younger brother until she makes eye contact. At that point, bee-stung Laurent lips quirk into a tiny smile, and she dips her head in a nod. She's proud. It's a total 'you done good, kid' type look from a big sister. And then she's off, back into the snow.

Alis smiles at Cris when he's nearby. With a 'look, I'm trying my best to be social' expression, before a wry sound of agreement is given Patrizio's way. "That's the way of it." she admits freely. "Hello Lady Kiera." Since she happens to be standing right near both Cristoph and Patrizio when the young Wyvernheart makes her rounds.

5 Eswynd shieldbearers arrives, following Oskar.

Cassandra has left the a cozy sofa nook.

1 Templar Initiates, 5 Templar Knight guards leave, following Cassandra.

Wash has joined the line.

Akamos offers polite nods to those joining the hearth with couch seating. "I'm still getting used to all this." He says simply to Raven and Griffin.

Deva flashes a grin at Alis, clearly pleased. Cristoph gets a smile and wave too. As Patrizio inquires, she bobs her head and then wobbles it from side to side. "I think if I stacked all the paperwork I had to go through this week, I could make myself a little fortress. I should think about doing that. Perhaps it will keep them at bay," she laughs. "And you?" Something seems to snag her attention, and has her finger-wiggling across the room.

Wash has joined the line.

Ryhalt has joined the line.

Caspian has joined the line.

Amari has joined the line.

Mabelle takes FIRST PLACE CANDY CANE TROPHY from a fashionable hand bag.

Mabelle takes SECOND PLACE CANDY CANE TROPHY from a fashionable hand bag.

Raven bowsn her head to Akamos, "Laurent is legendary in their hosting so no surprise this had such a massive turnout. IT's all a bit overhwelming, I know, but good to see people come to see and be seen. And look, we get a show while we're at it."

Wash is currently drinkless, though that situation won't last. As a result, he is one of the first to reach for a candy cane. "Before anyone else says it, yes, this is larger than most of the blades I usually handle." Wash displays the candy cane with false bravado. "I shall endeavor to be worthy of a confectioner's burial. En garde!"

Denica has joined the line.

"See, I'd think of them as simply the makings of a fire," Patrizio's admitting to Deva with that broad smile that threatens to burst forth into a full grin as he's contemplating ways to keep warm as the winter endures. "But... I digress." That there's a game being described gets the turn of the prince's head and he's considering this, before there's a knowing - and almost rueful - shake of his head. Though his cousin's arrival goes not unnoticed, and he's beckoning Renata to come join with a playful wave.

Yuri has joined the line.

Terese has joined the line.

Mabelle grins entertainedly at Wash, "Same. I'm more of a knife person, or flammable jars". Gianna's concern is met with an amused huff, "Of course there is a prize. You might actually enjoy that prize", she winks to her as she makes her way toward the chocolate bar and notices Renata, "Hello there Princess. Welcome to the Laurent Garden, did you get some hot chocolate?", she gathers her on the way while the line is filling up, "Alis, goodness, what are you drinking?"

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle is successful.

Turn in line: Wash

Turn in line: Ryhalt

Patrizio has joined the line.

Only a sip deep into her hot chocolate and Denica's attention is caught by something else, Stojan steps in and bravely offers to watch her drink. The princess murmurs something quickly to Yuri and she is up and off, looking for the right spot to stand, so she can indulge in the game that will soon be afoot.

Denica has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.


*** Ryhalt has called for an opposing check with Wash. ***
Ryhalt checks strength and dodge at easy. Ryhalt is successful.
Wash checks strength and dodge at easy. Wash is successful.
*** Ryhalt is the winner. ***

Caspian swirled his concoction and smirked playfully, "Last time i participated in a Laurent joust, i broke an arm." he eyed the ice and the dogs and then laughed, "Well lets see if we cant make it a tradition!"

Yuri rushed along with a sip to his hot chocolate, wincing as he seemed to burn his top lip and maybe the roof of his mouth before he cursed. He then took the mug, placing it in front of Stojan, too, and pointed at him. Another cup to watch. And then he moved to promptly join the line.

Wash kneels in the sled behind the hounds and waves his arm over his head as if the candy cane were a flail. "Dogs! Go! On Sugar, on spice, on glazed donut and ..." His candy cane comes up short against Ryhalt's. His holds the broken remnants of his sugary lance between his knuckles. "I don't really like sweets anyway."

Renata's eyes light at the sight of Patrizio, a lifeline in the crowd of unknowns, and she turns sidelong to ease her way through the crowds to get to her cousin. "Pat. Have you ever been in a crowd of so many of the elite of a society? This is..." she trails off, awed, looking around. Her gaze falls on Mabelle in the search and she returns a sweet smile, paired with a soft pink blush. "Thank you, my lady. I am in /awe/ of what you've done here. Your mind must be a place of delight to live inside of."

Ryhalt chuckles at the premise of the challenge. "So, what we should be afraid of is the dogs mutinying and eating us. Understood, understood." He squints at the dog he gets and sets off with his candy-cane against Wash. Wasn't he banned from doing this from last night? Too late now! He chuckles at Wish. "Good go!"

Ryhalt has joined the line.

Kiera responds to Alis a she greets with a smile and bow of her head "Good evening highlord Alis " she says noting cocoa "I see we share a sweet tooth, which lady laurent never fails to entice" She turns to view the just

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle fails.

Alis beams a smile at Mabelle, tilting her mug of awesome towards the Laurent woman. "Hot chocolate, peppermint, whipping cream, chocolate chips, some kind of sprinkles..." she lists off, sounding far too proud of herself.

It doesn't take long for the cold to start to overtake Grady. That, and possibly it was unwise for him to choose cider as a drink. Mortier finds him starting to shiver and, after a few quiet, firm words, Grady draws up his hood and meekly follows his assistant out.

Turn in line: Caspian

2 House Deepwood Guards, Mortimer Ridgewattle the Third leave, following Grady.

Turn in line: Amari

Mabelle laughs helplessly at the comment from Renata, "My mind is a happy place to live in. I've never heard that one before. Thank you", she laughs again and then looks at Alis amusedly, "I dare not think which cookies you paired it with, though I am shocked there is no alcohol in it". Viewing the pool's first joust, Mabelle claps her hands for Ryhalt and Wash, "Well done Lord Wash, Duke Farshaw! Caspian no injuries please!"

Cristoph drinks again, pausing in his conversation to Keely to do an upnod to Cassandra over there. Yes, he sees her too. So many people! His greetings are also sent in Deva's direction and then over nearby to Alis, offering the High Lord a grin as conversation swirls around. He doesn't jump onto the line for jousting, giving a short shake of his head when the Grayson princess points it out to him.

Raven abandons her hot chocolate once it cools and fishes out a flask, carefully unscrewing the cap with her teeth. This accomplished she watches the jousting from the warmth of the hearth, "A hundred silver says someone looses an eye doing this."

Caspian hops into the sleigh, hoisting his candy cane with pride. he locks eyes with the dog pulling it and nods, "its you and me. we are.. one! with me my fine furry friend and together we shall find sweet confectionary victory!" the dog seemed unimpressed. he looked to Mabelle and grinned, "What? nonsense!!" he motioned to the dog, "We are together in this!!" once more the dog seem unimpressed

Ryhalt has joined the a garden of red orchids.

Amari leans in to better hear what Gianna has to whisper, and her expression is largely neutral save for a lift of her brow and a small, brief smile. To whatever question the Nightingale poses she can only glance over at Mabelle and shrug mildly. "I'm not sure. I'll have to ask her." But first, apparently it's her turn to joust. She accepts a candy cane lance, eyes the sleigh skeptically, and Caspian doubly so. "We meet again, Wild."

"Me?" Patrizio's looking playfully incredulous to Renata, before he briefly draws her in closer to the group, even as he awaits his turn for the game. "Perish the thought. I'm but a pariah here within the society of the city. Because I so detest the cold." That last of it, perhaps, is on point, even as he's looking about at those closest, before he murmurs more seriously, "Let me know who you don't know, and I can make introductions to most, I think. And if not, someone here'll be kind enough to make introductions. Beyond our gracious host and hostess, naturally." The prince of Pravus pronounces this with a smile to Mabelle, and then a gesture towards Cristoph.

Amari has left the a winter sleigh lined in warm furs.

Caspian gave a smile to Amari and bowed, "Its an honor to cross lances Baroness on this esteemed field!


*** Caspian has called for an opposing check with Amari. ***
Caspian checks strength and dodge at easy. Caspian marginally fails.
Amari checks strength and dodge at easy. Amari is successful.
*** Amari is the winner. ***

Deva grins at it all and finds a quiet spot to watch while also hiding in the snow. She is a silent but very content Redrain, and is also stuffing her face with a small plate of cookies. Food, priority.

Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog, Alucard, 3 Grimhall House Guards arrive, following Lilia.

Oskar strides into the garden all cloaked and hooded up, though it's not hiding the slight smile on his face that's only exacerbated by the light pink the weather has imposed on his cheeks - he's clearly totally into the weather. The expression wavers ever so slightly as he starts to scan the area and its faces, however - maybe he's not a fan of crowds? - having to squint to take it all in, but only /slightly/. Spotting Mabelle, he inclines his head politely - Terese, he does the same - and finally, Ryhalt, to whom he starts moving towards.

1 Malespero Guard arrives, following Macario.

Oskar has joined the a garden of red orchids.

Wash strolls away from the ice, crunching on the remains of his candy cane. "Marquis Eswynd. I am glad to see you again. Our last encounter was brief. How is the home, and the wife? Did you ever find that knife I left on Eswynd Rock?" He has forgottent the 'joust' entirely.

"I know the wonderfully sweet Princess Keely," Renata replies softly, in her musical voice, to Patrizio, luminous eyes tracking to the Grayson Princess with a sense of kinship. "She has been so kind to me. And the Nightingale Gianna." There's a note of wonderment when the young Pravus says Gianna's name. "And..." she trails off, uncertain, but safe under the shadow of the Pravus Prince. "Who else should I know, Cousin?"

Caspian gripped the candy cane with a grim determination. the sleigh launched forward, as much as a very unenthusiastic dog make it launch. then a flutter of something caught the dog's eye, it veered off course and caspian scrabbled to try and convince it to go straight with desperate frenzy. "no no my friend! we were in this..." Amari's confectionary lance poked his chest. the surprise more then anything caused the the man to stumble off the sleigh and onto the ice. a moment later he was sitting on it, laughing. "Well struck! You have bested me and claimed great honor this day.." he hoisted his candy cane in defeat. and hey, no broken bones.

Keely lingers beside Cristoph, speaking with him quietly while watching the jousting. She looks more at ease, a fond little smile touching her young features as her gaze follows the dogs pulling the various sleds.

Raven remains huddled by the Hearth, verdant gaze sweeping over the crowd restlessly while she chatters with her fellow heat-seekers.

Lilia has joined the line.

Oskar has apparently taken his time walking, and so he's able to stop and look over to Wash, blinking for a beat scoffing. "Lord Kennex. You know Temira and her penchant for knives, if anybody found it, it is her and she has already claimed it.", he murmurs amusedly. "Surprised she isn't here. Probably fighting somewhere."

Caspian has joined the a daringly inviting, slippery slope snow mountain.

Raven pauses and cants her hear as Mabelle wanders close. She bows her head politely and murmurs back.

"It's an honor to face such a worthy opponent." Amari echoes as if this is super serious business, and not two grown adults on sleighs being pulled by dogs trying to hit each other with pillows on candy canes. With that, the dogs pull? There's a clash of pillows and she keeps getting pulled along even as Caspian is spilled and the match is over. She's soon off the ice and being taken away, waving her 'lance' and calling after gamely, "Bad luck! You nearly had me..."

Dacian having found a seat with Olivia seemed to be huddled close. He watched the events with clear amusement as he did so. His cloak wrapped around them both, they continued to speak softly to each other as the others about them spoke and enjoyed themselves.

Amari checks 'recovery check' at normal. Amari is successful.

Raven checks 'recovery check' at normal. Raven is spectacularly successful.

Gianna calls out, "Well done, Baroness!" to Amari. Her voice carries easily. The lady can PROJECT.

Oskar invites Wash to walk with him towards the garden with a hand gesture.

Kiera claps politly for caspian and amari "Well done Champion, baroness

Mabelle wiggles her fingers to Oskar as he arrives, "Marquis Eswynd, a pleasure to see you", she greets the man while watching the ice, "Ufff Amari, go easy on the man he was trying to redeem himself! Alright who's next?"

"I shall duel her for it. Part of a matched set you know." Wash grins. "Do you have a penchant for sweets my lord? You see, the Laurents, at least one in particular, have a well-known weakness for honey and all things sweetened. Their emblem being the bee. Sort of a chicken and the egg question if you ask me. Wash follows Oskar like that had been his entire plan, trailing inane prattle the whole way.

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle is successful.

While normally not in the mood to celebrate winter, Macario is in a fine mood to arrive with a goblet of wine in his hand and a cheerful grin. He's had a few drinks already, undoubtedly jumping from event to event, with a thieved wine in his hand. He quickly replaces the empty glass, mismatching it with the typical Laurent glassware so that he might have a fresh drink.

Turn in line: Denica

Turn in line: Yuri

Oskar has left the a garden of red orchids.

Oskar has joined the a garden of red orchids.

A bit flushed from the walk over in the cold, Lilia stands on tiptoe at the edge of the crowd, searching for familiar faces to be found. Spotting one such face, she delightfully scoops up a huge handful of snow and starts to stall the unsuspecting object of her attention, trying to blend in.

Wash has joined the a garden of red orchids.


*** Denica has called for an opposing check with Yuri. ***
Denica checks strength and dodge at easy. Denica is successful.
Yuri checks strength and dodge at easy. Yuri marginally fails.
*** Denica is the winner. ***

Lilia has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

"Indeed. Who, among such choices." Patrizio's considering Renata's question as he looks about, and there are gestures to a few. "Her Grace Alis, for example, the highlord of Valardin. Her Highness Deva, voice of Redrain. And doubtless you remember her Highness Terese, who had me at my wit's end during our recent spar in the arena at the Hart." There're respectful nods to each, before he muses, "And I'd be remiss if I'd ignored her highness Denica, the artist," he muses, as he gestures to Denica Thrax as well, pointing out each in turn to his cousin.

Caspian claps for the next contestants, giving a small whistle as they 'mount up'

Mabelle eyes Wash from afar, "I heard that!", as if he had said a bad thing, but she winks to him, greeting Macario and Lilia as they enter, "Lord Malesparo, Lady Grimhall. Welcome!"

Corban has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Reedy, a King's Own aide leaves, following Corban.

Lilia Skidding to a stop as the object of her snow attack just up and runs off on her, Lilia discreetly dusts the snow pile from her hands and does her best to not look guilty as her name is called! Nothing to see here.

"A pleasure to meet you." Alis inclines her head towards Renata when she hears herself being introduced. "You really should try the hot chocolate. It will help warm you up." is encouraged, as she sips from her own.

Thesbe seems to be conversing with Mihai, a Rivenshari guard, and then offers him some hot chocolate before going and taking a seat across from Dacian and Olivia. An idle sip of her own mug that Mihai carried for her, "I'm glad we decided to come." she says to both Dacian and Olivia. "Because I love some hot chocolate. Are you both not going to participate in the sleigh joust?" she grins.

"M'lady Belle," Macario greets with the deepest bow of his head and a dark gaze on her eyes. "I knew I'd know at least one person in my life that chooses to celebrate winter. Thank you for having me. Truly. Hope you are doing well. Ah! A hot chocolate bar!"

Terese is sitting with the others at the Couch near by the Hearth when she hears her name and offers a respectful greeting to Renata. Her focus is mainly on the Joust and the others sitting with her

Raven's expression having become somewhat more dour she nurses her flask and her gaze finds the jousting anew. shiftng to the other side of the hearth so the cold side gets to warm up now.

Standing quietly in line, waiting her turn, Denica looks a little perplexed for a moment. Then hearing her name she steps up and picks one of the sleds. The young woman tightens her grip on it, facing her opponent, which appears to be Yuri. The compact little princess eyes up her joust, trying to get a good sense of what to do, and how to manage this feat. But, Denica doesn't overthink it, rather she just acts and then she is moving forward and using the make-shift lance to knock down her opponent. When it works, she blinks, and then lets out a little breath. "Can't say I've done that before," she exclaims.

Yuri worked into his sled a little haphazardly, having to contend with a dog that looked to only want to lounge about until he was pulled along by his brothers and sisters to charge forward. The sudden start, and stop, of the sled caused Yuri to jostle around with lack of control of his own reins. Contact was made as the two sleds began to veer into one another and a misplaced hand at his sled caused Yuri to bowl over with a grunt. As soon as the sled came to a stop, the dogs were in another world and left their 'unhorsed' rider to fend for himself.

Mabelle braves a chance when Alis is not looking and pours a shot of rum in her drink. What. ITs sweet. She wont notice. Macario's comment is met with amusement, "Certainly we are not the only ones, but it is my favorite event of the year after the honey festival. And my birthday", she winks to him. The ongoing event on the ice where Denica just pillows Yuri out of her way makes her explode into delighted giggles, she did not see it coming, Maybe. "Way to goo Denica!".

Anything to be warm, especially on the advice of a High Lady. Renata smiles softly, shyly towards Alis. "I will, Your Grace. Did you mix yours with anything in particular?" she asks of Alis, a flash of curiosity emboldening the young Princess. Mittened fingers try to wave in return to Terese but they can only open and close in a semblance that surely must be. "Princess Terese. Will you be jousting this evening?" Her smile for Deva and Denica are the same sort of shy given to Alis, with a deep nod of her delicate chin into the pile of scarves she wears.

Oskar walks slowly with Wash towards the garden, hands behind his back, grinning. He doesn't seem to mind the company. "As long as you two do it yourself. I highly doubt think she will accept a duel of Champions over it. And only if I am invited to spectate.", he quips over at his partner, his gaze resting on the Statue of the Duke Jonathan Laurent for a bit before he stops just before Ryhalt, looking to him and smirking. "Enjoying the festivities, My Lord?"

Turn in line: Terese

Turn in line: Patrizio

Caspian gives a cheer as Denica wins, laughing at her remark, "Clearly i should be taking lessons from you"

Dacian snorted softly as he looked across to Thesbe as she took a seat, though something said by Olivia in his ear caused him to shift a bit and let out a sigh. He smiled across, shaking his head as he glanced to the display. "I am much better with a bow than the lance, though I will admit I have never tried. I think I am happy where I am with current company." He said with an honest smile, dipping his head to Thesbe and Olivia.

"Ahhhh, just about everything except the cinnamon." Alis admits, her smile impish with the revelation to Renata. Not that everyone hasn't already heard of her exploitation of the hot chocolate bar already. But. "Hot chocolate is one of my weaknesses." is added, in an aside to the Pravus Princess.

As Jasper hands her a note, Deva winces and makes a sad, whining noise. "Really?" Pouting dramatically, she holds her hand out to take it and then stares at it with a wide-eyed, horrified look. "Oh fu-- ahh." Startled, she rises and dusts off snow but claims a handful of cookies to go. One is pinched between teeth as she makes a departure with an apologetic smile for Renata and a "next time, I hope!" mouthed.

Kiera smiles to Patrizio "and here we are again. How many years has it been since we skated on that pond" she curtsies to Renata. Lady Kiera Wyvernheart"

Lilia gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Macario manages to capture the hostesses attention for a few more moments with an arm around her waist and a whisper in her ear, before he turns to Lilia. "Ah. Lady Lilia, was it? Welcome. Would you care to join the line with me. It uh, looks fun." He thinks. He's not really sure about it, but maybe, just maybe it'll be fun.

Yuri has joined the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Patrizio chuckles warmly and dips his head to Kiera. "It has been a while, my lady," he says as there's a gesture between she and Renata. "Lady Wyvernheart, my cousin Renata. But if you'll both excuse me...I have a joust to perform, it would seem." There's a grin to both and a half-bow, before he's taking up the implement and heading towards the sleighs upon the ice to face his fate against Terese.

Macario has joined the line.

Still dusting off her hands of the failed snow attack upon her favorite cousin, Lilia glances at the dwindling line and then over at Macario. "So long as you do enjoy losing, my lord." she teases with a graceful bow, a light of challenge sweeping her face into a dazzling smile. "I am sorry to have missed your introduction in the noise of the crowd, you have me at a disadvantage."

Raven lifts her chin and crows, "Knock them flat, Prince-General!" cheering on Patrizio as he goes to take his turn at the joust.

Avalanche, a fluffy mountain pup, Jasper, an unflappable scoundrel, 2 Redrain Guards, 1 Redrain Veteran Guards leave, following Deva.

Alis takes another nice long drink from her cup, and suddenly starts coughing. "Okay, maybe I put something else in there too?" She stares into the cup like it's grown an eyeball.

Macario shares a few more whispers with Mabelle, though it's one of those whispered conversations that happens as two people pass each other. Mabelle has the last laugh, because Macario laughs at whatever she says. "You are right, I think, sadly," he sighs before turning his attention to Lilia. "Lord Macario of the Malespero household. Lawyer. Utterly without athletic abilities."

Yuri retreated after taking stock of his 'wounds', shaking his head and letting out a chuckle as he was quick to clamor back up over to the hot chocolate bar, claiming the two mugs the pair had left behind as he settled a hand around his own for a hearty sip as he waited along for Denica to claim hers.

Griffin looks up to see Patrizio. "Aye, knock them de.. uh.. flat."

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle fails.

"I promise not to tell your enemies, High Lady," Renata says to Alis, sotto voce, her smile growing warm, more at ease. "You don't like cinnamon?" It's an innocent query, distracted by Kiera's arrival. "Lady Wyvernheart, those bangles are beautiful in a style I've not seen before." Breathless, she admires them for a moment before returning Deva's smile with a deeply reassuring nod and smile of her own. But then Terese and her cousin are gearing up to knock each flat and the young Princess lifts her hands to her eyes, peeking out between them. "Will you warn me if there's blood?" she asks softly of Alis.

Terese has no time to reply to Renata for her name is called and she takes her place to face Patrizio. "Ah, we met again Prince Patrizio," she states. "Best of luck to you" she says

Caspian looked to Macario with a broad smile at the man's words, "oh come now My lord you have been making such progress!" he laughs, "And i didn't think i was THAT bad a trainer" he looks to Lilia, "Don't let him fool you, his far more spry then he wants you to think" he offered a playful smile to the pair

Mabelle passes by Alis and cackles quietly in her ear before returning to the chocolate bar, she never gets to have one!!!

Patrizio offers up the slightest of bows as he's preparing himself against Terese. "When you're ready, your highness," he says with a chuckle, and a glance about at those calls for his victory, with the /faintest/ look that might speak to his not knowing what he's doing on this. "I'm ready when you are."


*** Terese has called for an opposing check with Patrizio. ***
Terese checks strength and dodge at easy. Terese is successful.
Patrizio checks strength and dodge at easy. Patrizio is successful.
*** Terese is the winner. ***

"I am a bit rusty. But if I eat snow at least Corban isn't here to see it." Lilia laughs, buttoning up her coat and setting Bad Ansel down to go scampering around at heels and hide under skirts for warmth. "We shall see who the better sled master is then, Lord Malesporo." she grins, winking at Caspian.

"Oh, I like it just fine. I just don't like it mixed with my peppermint." Alis rasps, clapping a hand against her chest as she coughs. "Hoo boy. Remind me not to take that big a gulp next time, yes?" she asks, in return for her easy agreement with a nod. "I will warn you, but you needn't worry over this joust. It's the ones on horses that can be a bit messy."

"It is true," Macario says in response to Caspian. "We have been uh, improving my skills. Any failures are my own, I'm sure of it." He side-glances at Caspian, playfully so, before offering Lilia the crook of his elbow. "I avoid the winter as much as possible but with a drink in me, it's not so bad. Who is Corban and what do you do for fun, Lady Lilia?"

Mabelle concurs with Alis, "This is a pillow fight with speed, really", she grins at the High Princess, "Something wrong with your drink? I can get you another", she certainly does not want Mabelle to get her another. "Princess Keely, you are exceptionally quiet", she moves back to her side, offering her a cookie while still watching the ice.

the dogs take charging of after a squirell and Terese is cataputled towards Patrizo at full speed, her strike is powerful as she passes the Prince. The dogs halt her slead by the tree and are barking at the squirel still. Terese is going to see if Patrizo is alright and to shake his hand if she can. "Valent effort your Highness," she says

Kiera smiles to Renata "Thank you your highness. They are a gift from my brother Drake. He has a good eye for unique wares"

Patrizio is not fairing so much better himself, truth be told - that he has little experience at /all/ with animals shows, as the sled is hard enough to steer normally and more so with those dogs pulling it. That he's taking a bow to the chest is only...well, it's not /that/ much insult to injury, and he's laughing warmly when Terese is coming over, and he's righting himself to be sure he's alright. His hand clasps hers, before he shakes his head. "A delight to be up against you, your highness," he offers in return. "Best of luck in the next round."

"Nope, I'm good thanks." Alis takes another sip, eyes narrowed at Mabelle, just to prove it.

Turn in line: Lilia

Turn in line: Macario

Glancing up from her soft chat with Cristoph, Keely offers Mabelle a little smile, extending a gloved hand to gratefully accept the offered cookie cookie. "I worried if I shouted at the Duke, he would be too startled to reply," she jests on the matter of being quiet. "So I thought to whisper instead."

Ryhalt has joined the line.

Denica has joined the line.

Renata turns to Alis, her hand lowering, a look of concern deepening her blue eyes. "Are you all right, High Lady? Shall I look for a physician?" Her mittened hand flutters nervously, and she turns, catching sight of Patrizio's defeat in that moment. "Oh, he tried so well," the ever-kind young Princess murmurs warmly.

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle fails.

Mabelle intervenes on behalf of Alis to Renata, "I am a physician, her drink is fine!". Her smile suggests impishness. She chuckles at Keely's words and looks fondly at Cristoph, "Yes, shouting at my cousin will do that, unless there's a horse". What? Nevermind. What's in -her- chocolate? She flutters off back to the ice rink, "You are being very bad dogs", she pets Peppermint and Truffle. Her tone matches her words none and she is probably proud of them for the chaos.

Alis has a warm smile for Renata's concern, but shakes her head nonetheless. "No, no. It's quite alright. Just a little unexpected rum in my drink. You know how you take a large drink of something refreshing, and it's... lemonade instead of something sweet? It catches you quite by surprise. It was just like that." she assures, that cup of hers lifted in salute to the jousters for a job well done.

Terese returns a smile to Patrizio. "Honor was all mine, till we challege each other again," she says, and takes her leave to her seat

Raven watchs Mabelle scot the dogs with an air of bemusement, nursing her flask and staying firmly rooted right next to the hearth where it warm. Terese is given a salute with Raven's flask when the princess returns.

Constantine helped Gianna down from the sleigh they had inhabited, carefully leading the famed voice through the crowds in a nondescript stride to quietly depart from the boisterous thrall of the evening's festivities.


*** Macario has called for an opposing check with Lilia. ***
Macario checks strength and dodge at easy. Macario is successful.
Lilia checks strength and dodge at easy. Lilia is successful.
*** The rolls are tied. ***

Wash plucks a few stones from the garden beds and juggles entertainingly. He can handle basic tricks and up to five irregular stones at once.

Constantine has left the a winter sleigh lined in warm furs.

Gianna has left the a winter sleigh lined in warm furs.

Gianna leaves, following Constantine.

Terese has joined the line.

Terese checks composure at normal. Terese fails.

Jerking forward before she even gets her footing with the sled, Lilia gives a squeal of laughter and does her best to just hang on, her hand slipping over to give Macario a high five of all things when she loses her jousting target on a crazy turn from maniac dogs.

Raven calls to Wash, "Good gods, my lord, how do you do that with your fingers half frozen?"

Lilia has joined the line.

Macario has honestly no idea what he's doing. He understands the footing on the sled part, and somehow he manages to make his way through without hurting himself. Impressive! He's tall, graceful and tall, but maybe not so comfortable with the long limbs. Still, there appears to be a tie with Lilia and so he returns her high-five and stares at the dogs.

"The better question is how do I do that in a crow's nest on a heavy sea?" Wash calls back. "The answer is like this." Wash leans waaaaay over to one side while juggling, then switches feet and leans waaaay over to the other side.

Turn in line: Ryhalt

Turn in line: Denica

Macario has joined the line.

Renata is now looking to the hot chocolate station like she's not entirely sure it's the safest avenue for her to warm up at. She looks back to Alis. To Mabelle. To the hot chocolate station. Her bright eyes narrow for a moment, working things out. And then widen. And she laughs softly, cheeks bright pink. "Oh. Oh, I see."

Mabelle laughs helplessly as Lilia and Macario high five each other, "That is not.. that is.. ", she looks baffled and amused, "That is not how you joust! You are lucky Duke Cristoph is too busy to notice!", is he though? "Alright round two. Who will take home the trophy?!"

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle is successful.

Patrizio is still shaking his head as he rejoins everyone away from the ice, after a diversion to get himself a fresh hot chocolate, and he's grinning briefly when he draws back up. "I think that this definitely is not my sport," he admits with no sense of shame about it, and the grin spreads before he muses to Mabelle, "I think next time, the wild ideas stay at the table, and nothing to be having me perhaps engage in them."

Mabelle narrows her eyes amusedly at Patrizio, "Oh yes, this is his idea. Punch him if you must punch someone. Not in the hair though".


*** Denica has called for an opposing check with Ryhalt. ***
Denica checks strength and dodge at easy. Denica is successful.
Ryhalt checks strength and dodge at easy. Botch! Ryhalt fails badly.
*** Denica is the winner. ***

"On the bright side, Your Highness, you didn't break your arm." Alis quips, displaying surprising good humor about her last injury. "Oh goodness no. Don't punch Cristoph in the hair. We can't have his pretty hair all messed up." she agrees with Mabelle, sounding entirely too innocent.

Mabelle wonders just how drunk is Alis. "I was talking about his hair", she points at Patrizio.

There is always a moment to sneak another sip of hot chocolate, and Denica manages to do that before she is back into it. There are snow sports to contend with, and she seems keen to participate. A grin flashes towards Mabelle as she officiates the event, before Denica is up to face Ryhalt. There are dogs, sleds and pillows and snow. Lots to contend with, and Denica is really a cat person, but she loves winter and excitement and just being part of what is going on. In the middle, and the little princess is diving head first into battle, waiving her 'lance' around and going for her target. "I joust wanted to say hello!," she attacks with the pun first and her 'weapon' after. Double attack.

Raven watches Wash and laughs, "Or how many crewmates you brained dropping that shit with you going one way and the Horizon moving the other way?"

"I think I'd rather break my arm than do something to my hair." Patrizio has little at all look that this is a state of affairs that bothers him, even with the devilish grin given to Alis and Mabelle in turn about the matter. Though he does briefly turn his head so those jade eyes can fasten upon Cristoph, as if to appraise the duke's hair in comparison to his own...

There is another pause as Keely looks away from Cristoph in time to see Denica win this bout, and she cups a hand at her mouth to cheer out a soft, "Hooo!" in the most lively display she has shown all evening. This is followed by a faint, delighted giggle at the pun, after which she looks up to the Duke with bright, mirthful eyes to check if he heard.

Ryhalt takes a break from his conversation with Wash and Oskar a moment to go up for the next round of sleigh jousting. He seems to start to salute or something with his candycane and gets bonked on the head with the end of it. Staggering and laughing at knocking himself, he gets near licked to death by Mabelle's dog and when Denica comes on with puns and canes he groans in mock pain and flops over, playing dead.

Amari has joined the line.

Yuri almost ejected his sip of hot chocolate as he watched the current jousting heat, raising his mug just a little high to cause a few drips and drops to spill out over the snow-covered ground. He was his own cheer-leading section as he watched Denica take the win before he turned away from the mauling that Ryhalt flopped in upon.

Mabelle snickers as she notices what goes on the ice, "Goodness Denica, I knew you were the right person for this", she shakes her head, "Are you quite alright, Duke Farshaw?", she checks on Ryhalt before informing Patrizio with a huff, "All Laurents have great hair. Its all the honey and the milk".

Turn in line: Terese

Turn in line: Lilia

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle is successful.

"Just grow it until you can put it up in a bun, Your Highness. That's what I do." Apparently Mabelle poured a magic bottle's worth of rum into her drink. So what? Alis pretends she made no mistake at all.

Raven says, "Good luck, princess Terese!"

A surprised little giggle slips out of Renata's mouth, musical and bright, for Denica's quip, followed by a hand over her mouth and a blush. Instead of acknowledge the outburst, the young Pravus turns to Patrizio, reaching up a hand to muss his hair. So casually.

Terese rises once more to take her place for the Joust, holding her candy cane steady. "Okay this time no funny buisness," she tells the dogs expectantly


*** Terese has called for an opposing check with Lilia. ***
Terese checks strength and dodge at easy. Critical Success! Terese is inhumanly successful in a way that defies expectations.
Lilia checks strength and dodge at easy. Lilia is successful.
*** Terese is the winner. ***

Mabelle murmurs aside to Renata, "Oh no, I created an Alis", she indicates the slightly intoxicated princess. "Princess Terese and Lady Lilia for the second round", she announces as the two rise to meet the challenge.

This it Griffin cheers for Terese!

"Be well.

Clearly since no one was cheering for her to win, poor Lilia was only able to stay on her sled after losing her jousting weapon to the spectacular efforts of Terese. "Well done, Your Highness." she bows, stepping off her sled to go find Bad Ansel and head back to the hot chocolate.

Raven puts the cap back on her flask and stows it. Griffin and Akamos get a bow and Raven withdraws from her place by the hearth.

Raven has left the an outdoor hearth with couch seating.

3 Black Fleet Reavers leaves, following Raven.

Thesbe has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Linx, a beautiful Persian cat with a green collared bow, 2 Seryn veteran guards, Mihai, a Rivenshari guard trying to be unobtrusive leave, following Thesbe.

Terese candy cane lands a striking blow but even though she is victorious she offers Lilia a bow. "It was an honor to battle with you," she says warmly then returns to her seat for now

Turn in line: Macario

Turn in line: Amari

Terese has joined the line.

Macario gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Amari gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle fails.

Denica has joined the line.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant, 10 Valardin Knights leave, following Alis.

Lilia has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog, Alucard, 3 Grimhall House Guards leave, following Lilia.

Wash gets a frosty tabletop beehive-shaped wine rack from DOOR TOKEN CHEST.

Macario is still, for the record, quite unsure what's going on. He waited in line with the goblet of wine, and only manages to put down the wine before it's his turn again. "So yes, jousting, on sleds. This is going to happen again?" he asks the room. "Baroness Amari, is it? Best of luck. I hope you win. I just came here for a drink." It's all in good teasing, but for now, he tries to ready to go.


*** Macario has called for an opposing check with Amari. ***
Macario checks strength and dodge at easy. Macario is successful.
Amari checks strength and dodge at easy. Amari is successful.
*** Amari is the winner. ***

Quinten, the Quintessential Coadjutant arrives, following Erik.

Patrizio does seem to smirk faintly at the attention his hair's getting, the playful press of his hand to Renata's shoulder... but a sigh. "I should, speaking of my paperwork, go attend to it. I hope you have fun here, cousin, with friends," he admits with a sigh. And a dip of his head and smile for Mabelle, before he muses, "Thank you for having me, my lady. We'll speak again soon, perhaps with more ideas for what to top the jousting." He lifts his mug to Cristoph as well, even as he's moving to go collect his guards, and make his way back to his ward.

3 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields leave, following Patrizio.

Caspian has left the a daringly inviting, slippery slope snow mountain.

Ryhalt shoves the dog away from himself after a while and rises laughing. "Nice try, not going to eat me today." He returns to the conversation with Wash and Oskar.

Olivia has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Dacian has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Teeter the Black-footed Ferret leaves, following Dacian.

2 Ashford Archer, Bethany, 1 Ashford Ranger, Dacian leave, following Olivia.

Wash welcomes Ryhalt back with arms wide. "You return uneaten! But presumably licked half to death."

Ryhalt laughs at Wash. "Yes, it was close. Those dogs have it in for me, I swear. But they're too tiny!" One isn't, but ignores that one!

Oskar inclines his head as Ryhalt returns, though his hands are on his hips, squinting then at Wash. "How did I choose myself /before/ I was born into the world."

Mabelle bids Patrizio good night as he leaves and shakes her head amusedly at the exchange between Wash and Ryhalt. "Princess Renata, are you newlie returned to the city then? Have you been home?", she asks her, looking at the ice before announcing, "Final round approaching right after this one".

Winter, A Highhill Puppy, Angeline leave, following Kiera.

Amari has been watching quietly from the sidelines, with her dog who is still smelly and safely disarmed. Much polite applause is offered the brave jousters as she waits for her turn again. When she draws Macario, she dips her head politely - all serious, "Are you ready?" Well, too bad, because the dogs are off. She barely has time to settle in before they're pulling her towards the Malespero. There's not much technique or strategy involve, as she's most just laughing and trying not to fall off when they collide and their candy canes clash. As they do, she nearly leans back off the sleigh and manages to tag Macario on the pass. That's when she rolls off and picks herself up out of the snow. "These dogs of yours are dangerously unpredictable, Lady Mabelle!"

Wash shrugs. "Is such a thing even possible? A question best asked of the Queen herself. Good luck with that."

Akamos leans back and he cheers Terese when she competes but otherwise, he's just hanging out and watching his surroundings, taking in the atmosphere..

Mabelle quirks her lips in the direction of Amari, "Yea, these two are not my favorite", she jokes, they are all her favorites.

Turn in line: Terese

Turn in line: Denica

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Critical Success! Mabelle is spectacularly successful.


*** Terese has called for an opposing check with Denica. ***
Terese checks strength and dodge at easy. Terese marginally fails.
Denica checks strength and dodge at easy. Denica is successful.
*** Denica is the winner. ***

Macario has just about died. Surely! If anyone would look into the man's eyes, he'd see a near-death experience. Well enough, though, he manages to be tagged after being utterly surprised by the speed of the dogs. "Uh, congratulations! Is this event even sanctioned?" He manages the short tease before stepping away from the event and letting the next round go. Macario safely heads toward the bar. Safely!

Back at it, candy cane in hand, Denica is probably thinking what is might be like to have a dog. They are excited to see you, they are sad when you leave, they follow you around, with so much joy and wonder. Such a strange concept for a cat owner. The sledding part is fun too, and this time Denica is looking down the way at Terese, who she doesn't know. So Denica waves and smiles, and then jabs her with the lance.

Terese is rising once more looking quite baffled and a bit out of breathe perhaps to once again attempt to do the Joust. Her Cany Cane lance readied as the dog take off perfectly well behaved but something seems to be bothering Terese and she is struck before she can react. "Well done," she says offering a bow and awkwardly taking her seat again

Mabelle checks command and animal ken at hard. Mabelle is successful.

Renata watches Patrizio go with a sudden case of nerves but they soften when Mabelle questions her. That shy smile surfaces. "Only a fortnight ago, Lady Laurent. Barely any time at all. My sister thought it might do me some good to spend time in Arx, to see how I might help. I confess," she says, tilting her chin, lowering her eyes, "it's a bit overwhelming, but in the best of ways."

Mabelle applauds the Ice as Denica takes up Terese, after Macario is being easily beaten by Amari, "Well isnt that a sight", she claps her hands enthusiastically, "Lets finish this!", she probably begins to feel a bit sorry for her dogs. "The city can be very overwhelming indeed. I would love to say you get used to it", she tells Renata, "But you never do. But it is better tha routine, is it not?"


*** Denica has called for an opposing check with Amari. ***
Denica checks strength and dodge at easy. Denica is successful.
Amari checks strength and dodge at easy. Amari is successful.
*** Amari is the winner. ***

Erik arrives late but in fashion wearing a new suit of clothes, he circulates, about the party. He takes the time to watch the culmination of the joust

Oskar has left the a garden of red orchids.

5 Eswynd shieldbearers have been dismissed.

"Sanctioned? It may be against some law or another." Amari replies before Macario can flee the frozen field for his drink. Still in the game, she lingers after passing the candy cane to the next competitor. It's soon back in her hands after Denica and Terese tilt at each other, and she's up against the Thraxian winner of the contest. "Your Highness. I wish you the best of luck." She greets before giving the dogs a few quiet words of warning about staying put until they're both ready. This time she's able to settle in and when Denica is ready-set, they're off. They're seasoned dog sled jousters now, so it's a very close thing but the Baroness Redire leans just enough to escape defeat while scoring a quick tap on the princess.

Mabelle drops FIRST PLACE CANDY CANE TROPHY.

Renata colors further to Mabelle's question and the Princess admits, "I think I have fallen into the same routine in a different city, my lady. I wake up and find something edifying to read and then I make my way to the Lowers to see what help I might be for the day, and return home to see if Belladonna or any of my other siblings has written. It is events like yours that shake me out of the routine," the quiet Pravus says, her smile surfacing, "and make me want to accomplish more."

Oskar has joined the a garden of red orchids.

"Baroness Amari and best of luck to you too!," she exclaims as she readies her dogsled and candy cane for another exciting bout. This one is really close, and Denica isn't quite sure how it will go, but in the end, she weaves a little more to the left, than she should, and is tapped by the opposing candy cane. Left with rosy cheeks from the effort, Denica applauds, "well done Baroness!," she says, a little breathless after the endeavour. "I don't think I've ever seen dog-sled jousting, that was great fun, thank you Lady Mabelle!," she says to Mabelle with a grin as the game comes to its end.

Yuri was on the edge of his proverbial seat, while standing, as he nursed the rest of his hot chocolate with seemingly bated breath. In the final heat of the joust, his eyes kept sweeping from Amari to Denica; quickly losing sense as he began chewing on his lip. Waiting and watching. Until the round was determined with Denica's veer from the tap. He let loose a breath, but still whistled loudly all the same, bringing his fingers to his lips to let the cheer echo out.

Mabelle smiles and looks relieved for the dogs, really, the kennelmaster comes quickly to release and take them away for rest, hearing from her, "Give them extra treats". Mabelle then claps her hands at the winners, "Lovely effort!! At first place we have Baroness Amari! Second is Princess Denica and Third is Princess Terese!", servers with trophies and small velvet bags move toward the tree women with gifts. "Thank you for participating". Mabelle murmurs to Renata, "I do hope you will find more excitment in the city. Lord Yuri!", she peeks at him, "Are you so proud?"

Mabelle takes FIRST PLACE CANDY CANE TROPHY.

Oskar claps aside at the winners, smiling particularly towards Terese.

Terese accepts her gift with a soft smile on her lips. "Thank you, good job all, quite an challenge to learn how to joust on a sled pulled by dog," she says. Returning to her seat after collecting her prize with the others

"I am going to easily have to serve up a winner's feast, I think. Less I be 'hounded' for it by my better half." The lord's own attempt at a pun as he chuckled along to Mabelle whilst glancing along to Denica with a big smile. "Your dogs must be utterly tuckered out, though." His eyes fell along toward the two noble 'steeds', nodding along to the entrance of the kennelmaster, "Treats? Big meals, surely."

Ryhalt grins and claps for the winners. "Huzzah to the survivors of Lady Mabelle's vicious dogs!" He's just asking to be mauled.

Erik smiles and claps for the winners, "Excellent showing! Thrilling all around." He take a candy cane and stirs his hot chocolate.

Wash applauds. "And in full armor no less Princess. Those dogs are stronger than they look."

Mabelle chuckles at Terese, "I think Baron Norwood will find people calling this a joust quite distrubing", she winks to her. "Meals indeed but then some treats, maybe some cuddles", she assures Yuri her dogs are well cared for. She might have put some oil on the ice to make it easier for them. Maybe. Her eyes roll at Ryhalt's comments, "One day Toffee will eat you!". Noticing Erik, Mabelle inclines her head to him, "I did not see you get here, hello".

Renata brings her mittened hands together for the winners, eyes sparkling for their good fortune. Aside to Mabelle, she murmurs, "I cannot tell if that is a well wishing or not, Lady Laurent." There's a low laugh, a musical trickle of sound as Renata becomes comfortable enough to joke. "It sounds like a version of 'may you live in interesting times' which Duke Piero used to say to people he was not fond of."

Mabelle is overheard praising Terese: Valiant Effort!

Denica cannot help but be endeared by the candy-cane trophy, the design of it makes her smile and she bobs her head to Mabelle with appreciation. Looking a little winded, Denica makes her way towards the hot chocolate bar and slips onto a seat next to Yuri. Stojan has a fresh hot chocolate ready, as the first one would no doubt be cold, he seems to be enjoying the options available for the drinks. Taking a sip she seems to appreciate the flavour and the festivities, then she gives a look at the dogs and she grins, "I am quite sure that the dogs did the bulk of the work for us," she says, taking another indulgent sip.

Akamos lifts his big hands and claps them together for the contestants, especially for princess Terese. He smiles just softly all the while but otherwise remains comfortably seated.

Mabelle is overheard praising Denica: Excellent Candy Cane Wielding!

Ryhalt squints in challenge at Toffee. "I'm not afraid of your little dogs, Lady Mabelle."

Mabelle grins entertainedly at Renata, "Oh no. I do not appreciate boredom, so its a good thing, I promise", she squeezes the princess's forearm. She concurs with Denica and then huffs at Ryhalt, "You only say it because she's not here".

Amari lifts her trophy overhead victoriously for just a shake or two, then hugs it to her chest to accept the prize from Mabelle. She leans in to whisper something to her while she's there, then turns to applaud Denica and Terese as they're given their accolades as well. "And not a single gruesome injury. Well done, everyone. Thank you, Lady Mabelle - another wonderfully fun Laurent winterfest."

"Famous last words," Denica murmurs as she overhears Ryhalt.

Mabelle is overheard praising Amari: Jouster of the Oathlands!

Keely is overheard praising Mabelle: A fantastic party full of wonders, as only Mabelle can throw.

Oskar is overheard praising Amari.

Griffin has left the an outdoor hearth with couch seating.

Oskar is overheard praising Denica.

Wash says, "Can't be that famous. I've never heard them before."

Oskar is overheard praising Terese: Still my dog in the race.

Mabelle chuckles at Amari, "After all the stabbing in the honey festival, I took extra precaution", she looks amused at the exchanges between Ryhalt, Denica and Wash.

Oskar is overheard praising Mabelle: Most excellent party and especially excellent mead. /Chilled/! I am spoiled.

Ryhalt chuckles at Denica and shrugs. "They love me. They're the candies, they couldn't harm anyone, right? Other than some licking to death."

Amari is overheard praising Denica.

Wash says, "A dog stabbed someone at the honey festival? I miss all the fun."

Denica is overheard praising Amari: Candy Cane Champion!

Denica is overheard praising Mabelle: Winter Wonderland!

Yuri turned along to view the candy cane trophy with a discerning eye, nodding his head very slowly and almost approvingly with a smirk as he caught a glance from Denica and then looked over to start making himself another cup of hot cocoa. Whilst all forgetting about the biting chill that was starting to meet in his cheeks.

"Wait, what? Mabelle's dogs are *stabbing* people now?" Ryhalt squints at Mabelle. "Is this why you told is to be afraid??? Look, I'm going to die of an invisible horse stabbing me with a dagger. If you are lumping your *pony* in with your dogs, that's cheating!"

Mabelle quirks her lips at Ryhalt a moment, "Next time we meet, I'll spill meat sauce on you, lets see how you handle that. I'll release the WHOLE PACK. No daggers required", she shakes her fist. "We played pin the sting on the bee. Probably shouldnt have blindfolded people and hand them daggers", she explains to Wash.

Amari nods and narrows her eyes over a quick, murmured exchange with Mabelle. There's some lingering curiosity there, but she leaves it at that. The conversation swirling is laughed softly over. Dogs stabbing people? With a final little shake of her head she slips away, perhaps to make sure Barf hasn't found a dagger lying around.

Amari is overheard praising Mabelle.

Oskar nods reverently at Wash's declaration towards Ryhalt, telling the latter, "Indeed. The fate of the Compact and indeed of Arx is in your hands, and with the way you handled those dogs, I will have to be deeply concerned.", he murmurs seriously, before breaking into a grin and stifling a hiccup.

Ryhalt nods to Mabelle's warning. "Well, gee, I'm completely booked... trips for the rest of the year. It was nice knowing you!"

"I am very ready for winter to be over, did I mention that?" Yuri spoke aloud, shaking his head as he grumbled lightly before taking a hearty sip of the piled whipped cream and marshmellows he had stuffed into the top of the mug. Though, he seemed to be having a hard time getting anything good from the sip, either way.

Mabelle squints at Ryhalt, "What happened? Toffee scared you?". She then shares with Renata, "See, the next one will be baking with the Laurents. Lord Wash and Duke Ryhalt, apparently, are very good bakers", she is out to ruin their reputation. But is she? Mabelle then chuckles at Yuri, "Spring is coming soon! I promise!".

Oskar raises his finger and retorts, "I, am not.", at Yuri, outright removing his cloak and tossing it at his nearest retainer, wholly comfortable in the weather in his silks

Oskar has left the a garden of red orchids.

Oskar has joined the a garden of red orchids.

Ryhalt laughs loudly to Oskar and grins widely. "You should be concerned, in that case. If she switches out meat sauce for candy I'm doomed." He shrugs to Mabelle. "I'm a busy, busy man it can't be helped!"

There's Renata's giggle again, lighter, still musical. "I can bake," she relates to the Lady Laurent with a deep, blossoming smile. "It sounds like the perfect event. I hope you'll hold it soon, my lady. I learned a technique from this wonderful baker in the Lowers in Setarco. He filled the softest flakiest pastry with a thick cream /and/ a melted chocolate, along with a sharpened raspberry preserve." And when she speaks of the people of the Lowers, the young Pravus Princess comes alive, her eyes shining.

Macario has a few more drinks at the bar, but soon enough he sneaks on out through the doorway with some unhurried goodbyes.

1 Malespero Guard leaves, following Macario.

Wash says, "I am the worst." Wash corrects. "I mixed up sugar and salt I was in such a hurry. And I think I made Lady Zoey eat the cookies I made."

Mabelle murmurs aside to Renata, "Its actually a rouse. The first part of spring is my birthday, so I make everyone compete in baking, but they are actually making me birthday desserts". Mabelle then eyes Ryhalt and teases him, "I shall condut our house affairs with your cousin, then". She then stares at Wash, "You came at first place!"

Erik starts to make a snowman now that the joust seems to be over. He listens to the swirl of conversation.

All that sugar will no doubt keep Denica painting all night, but the cold is starting to set in by the expression on her face. "Spring is coming, I love the first signs of spring! Then there will be flowers and birds and all sorts of nature things," she says and then looks around and then back at Yuri. "I think I am going to go get warm, I am pretty sure my toes are a little numb," she confesses and murmurs something to the man next to her. "Though I fear Lady Snow will know that I have been having fun with dogs around," she muses and then smiles. "Lady Mabelle, you should very much release the dogs on Duke Farshaw," she quirks up, "but thank you, for putting on such a lovely event. It was wonderful start to finish," she shares as she prepares herself for the journey.

Oskar squints at the mention of sugar and salt, murmuring to Wash, "That sounds like an interesting combination, actually. Mangata knows I can't tolerate sweets, a little salt could dampen it."

Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, Barf, the Bog Dog, 2 Redire Veilleurs leave, following Amari.

Mabelle pecks Denica's cheek as she offs to leave, "I should put on a coat myself, I think, the excitment kept me warm"

Yuri glanced off to Denica with a raised brow, nodding his head before he looked to stir a bit more of the marshmellows in his mug and rose up shortly afterward, leaning off to the princess as she rose off.

"Oh..." Ryhalt scratches his sidewhisker, looking bemused at Mabelle. "I'm sure Alban will love that. I can't wait to hear what you two plot up against me!" Hearing Denica saying the dogs should be unleashed against him, he gawks at her in mock horror. "What, I'm innocent! I didn't hit anyone with my candy cane this time except myself!"

Wash says, "I was teamed up with Zoey if I recall correctly. She knew the difference at least."

Terese is sitting on the couch near the Hearth with Akamos, sipping coco and listening to the conversation while she watches what is going on

Oskar scoffs at Ryhalt. "If I had joined I would have done that and likely pierced through skin to impale myself with the candy cane so I wouldn't be so worried.", he murmurs.

Mabelle hikes her eyebrow at Ryhalt, "Fine, I'll do that", she coats herself with a malefic smile. That cannot be good. "I do not remember teams", she tilts her head at Wash, "But if you say so!". Her eyes drift toward Terese, "Too much excitment? Now I really want a candy cane", she slips over to the chocolate bar to find one.

Yuri slipped off the cloak about himself, offering it along to whisk behind Denica to cover her before approaching along at her side. He glanced to Mabelle with a warm smile, bowing his head, "As always, Lady Mabelle, a fine pleasure and another sensation. I have a trophy to whisk back, I think." He glanced to Denica at the aside, nodding closely with a smile.

Mabelle smiles warmly to Yuri, "Thank you for coming. You can take my carriage if its too far!"

Ryhalt eyes Oskar. "Now... I'm almost wishing you had just to see how that is even possible." He nods to Mabelle, not seeming worried about that malefic smile at all.

Akamos has left the an outdoor hearth with couch seating.

"Quite, but it seems your event turned out well Lady Mabelle," Terese says, her face remaining hidden behind her cup of coco.

A reserved assistant named Stojan, 3 Thrax Guards, An ostentatious curator named Sivas, 1 Thrax Elite Guards, A nondescript man named Cato leave, following Denica.

Terese has left the an outdoor hearth with couch seating.

Terese has joined the a garden of red orchids.

Yuri has left the CREATE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR.

Bartolomeo, protege of Signora Lauretta Tessere leaves, following Yuri.

Oskar pantomimes it for Ryhalt's pleasure. He pretends to hitch up on a sled, both hands curled, twitches forward to simulate himself slipping, and then buries both hands into his chest as a result. "Like so.", he affirms, before straightening out immediately and handing his empty mug to the nearest retainer for a refill.

"I'll check with Zoey." Wash says with a shrug. "I know I made at least one sortie into your kitchens. If I venture into those depths again I shall not be afraid to go alone.

Ryhalt watches Oskar in fascination. "I see, I see. Candy-canes are a more vicious weapon than one would expect. They should be banned."

Oskar nods firmly at Ryhalt. "Agreed. Along with dogs and meat sauce.", he says with all seriousness, eyeing Mabelle with a glimmer in his eyes.

Mabelle opines aloud, "AND COFFEE".

Oskar gasps as if scandal has occured.

6 First Legion Centurions leaves, following Renata.

Oskar grabs the mug offered by his retainer and downs it instead.

Wash says, "You can get a really sharp point on a candy cane actually."

"Oh, now." Ryhalt squints at Mabelle. He walks over to take up a candy-cane and points it at Mabelle. "You and me sleigh jousting now! You're not taking my coffee from me without killing me!"

Terese checks composure at normal. Critical Success! Terese is spectacularly successful.

Mabelle rises slowly, in her heels, "The dogs are gone. Who will lead the sleighs?", she asks, moving to carry the other cane.

"We'll just run at each other on the ice with candy canes, then." Ryhalt proposes. What could go wrong?? "Or are you too scared?" He mocks her earlier words and walks out onto the frozen pool. Coffee is serious business!

Mabelle hefts the cane and steps right to the pool. She's tipsy, in heels, likely suffering from severe hypothermia but she will never back out from a challenge. Onto the edge of the pool she goes, cane lifted, "Bring it, Farshaw".

Ryhalt laughs as Mabelle accepts his challenge. Grinning widely he jogs towards her, swinging his candy-cane all around like it's his spear. Wait, what sort of jousting is this??


*** Ryhalt has called for an opposing check with Mabelle. ***
Ryhalt checks strength and dodge at easy. Ryhalt is successful.
Mabelle checks strength and dodge at easy. Mabelle marginally fails.
*** Ryhalt is the winner. ***

Ryhalt checks luck at hard. Ryhalt fails.

Runs in Ryhalt's direction, but considering her boots have metallic heels, she is basically skating and approaches him in a wobbly yet alarming speed. When he swings at her she dodges, but fails, so he hits her back and as a result, when trying to duck she slips past him and into his feet, knocking him over like a bowling pin. Ouch. Good things there are pillows in the area.

Oskar hisses out loud at Mabelle, clearly rooting for Ryhalt. "Ssss! Get back at her with a candy cane toss!"

Ryhalt crows with victory, but this turns into a yelp of surprise when she crashes into him and knocks him down onto the ice. At least the dogs are gone so he won't be licked to death... Catching his breath, he laughs. "Ha! See, coffee will remain!"

Mabelle narrows her eyes at Oskar, "Really? You will regret this". She then turns her gaze to Ryhalt, "I dont know, I'm crouching, you're lying. I think I'm the winner". Such a cheater.

Oskar raises a defiant fist at Mabelle and shakes it, before he gets distracted by another offered mug by a retainer. Wow, they learned quick.

Ryhalt laughs at Mabelle and swings his cane over to try to hook her leg and yank it out to try to make her topple. "Yeah?"


*** Ryhalt has called for an opposing check with Mabelle. ***
Ryhalt checks strength and dodge at easy. Ryhalt is successful.
Mabelle checks strength and dodge at easy. Mabelle is successful.
*** Ryhalt is the winner. ***

Mabelle falls directly on Ryhalt, crisis averted. "Duke Farshaw. For shame. What kind of Oathlander topples a lady?", she huffs.

"Uff." Ryhalt grunts as Mabelle falls on him. He wiggles about to get up and pull her up after. "Coffee is too vital to life to ban."

Erik looks up from his efforts at snowsculpting. The creature he has created recognizable as the ever present Toffee, recreated at terrifying scale.

Mabelle rises with Ryhalt's help and looks at Erik's creation, "Oh look. She came for you", she winks to Erik.

Keely murmurs a soft farewell to Cristoph before wandering over to Wash, to whom she speaks quietly for a few moments.