Strolling in with hands tucked into the pockets of her Archlector's longcoat is Giada. There's a faint scowl at all the snow, and the Lycene tugs the aforementioned coat tighter about herself. Finding a wall off to the side, she tucks her shoulder against it and bravely protects others from falling down. From this outpost, she quietly watches. There is, however, a sense of purpose to the way her eyes scan the room, almost as if she's watching for something in particular.

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

Azova is having a good gawk at all the heads on the wall, squinting here and there as she tries to figure out what animals they might be from. Curiosity brought her here, and no doubt her curiosity will wind up with her feeling nauseous when she leaves from what she sees. She might already look a little green when she studies the bearskin rug too long. But, with a deep breath she finds a place to sit and listen.

Grady has left the Ignorant Human Storage.

Sorrel has joined the A bloodmagic created opulent sofa.

With this faux Northern soul to the decorations, it's a matter of sound tactics for Ember Redreef to be escorting who she is. The Islander Countess has on her arm Countess Aella Ravenseye. Both women are in leathers -- well, Ember in shadowmeld, but that's still leather, just... you know, with a twist. Ember and Aella converse quietly as they enter, and the Crimson Countess offers nods -- but not smiles, never smiles -- to friends, associates, allies, all the rest. As she does so, she leads Aella toward a blood magic-created opulent sofa. "Look at all those things mounted on the walls," Ember says, looking at the baffling possible-beasts. "I'm a little envious, honestly."

Eirene arches her eyebrows as she enters the 'northern' adorned room. She wears a look of wtf on her face as she walks past the bear-like rug. Eyebrows raised, expression credulous. She sits on the edge of what looks like a silken draped couch but is only -mildly- surprise it's not plush underneath. She doffs her fine steelsilk and leather hat and tucks it under her shoulder.

Grady comes in with... strike that. He CAME in with Mortimer, but his assistant took one look at the decor inside the embassy, and noped right back out again. So now Grady's coming in alone. He doesn't seem especially troubled, however, either by the decor or by being suddenly deserted. "My, isn't this..." And then, having accidentally inhaled a bit of the fluff on the ground stirred into the air by all the people walking around, he sneezs.

Monique arrives, leaning heavily on the arm of the First Captain of the King's Own. Every step the Greenmarch takes is accompanied by a little wince, and a shading of her eyes as if the light in here is far too bright. She tilts sideways to whisper something to Corban that sounds like 'find the softest seats you possibly can'.

Raymesin arrives quietly and without fanfare, moving to one side of the doorway before stopping to take in his surroundings. The tall man is clad in black leathers with a spider-and-knife sigil, with the skull pin of a Harlequin gleaming at his throat, and he takes his time examining the place before moving further in.

What even is this? Aleksei doesn't know, but he lives nearby and has a Nox'alfar-appointed nickname -- and, well, ties to them -- and so he wanders on over. And then makes sure to arrange himself in a spot most appropriate to overall personage.

Aleksei has joined the Ignorant Human Storage.

Walking in with Stojan who manages to be stoic when Denica is not, the princess is moving with a subtle skip to her step, a bright smile on her face, seeming to be embracing spring, somewhat literally. There is wonder in her eyes, though not unfamiliar with the room, there are decorations to look at, and it's the kind of place that draws her curiosity outwards. Easily sauntering towards a place to sit, she wiggles her fingers at a few people, making silent greetings as she settles in. Her attention drifts, catching this or that, brows lift, eyes squint, all the indications of someone fully engaged by her surroundings.

Sylvie, very much Human but also very much a Liaison for the Nox'alfar, has been here for a while. Her focus has been making sure that there is provided food and wine that humans can drink. However, she can only vouch for what she has arranged: a number of bottles of Northern whiskey sitting on the two hundred-legged table, waiting to be poured into the glasses that are clean and sparkling there, and the trays of mushroom tarts and thyme-speared elk bites and wild fruit tarts, arranged on the two-legged table that must be taken carefully or risk toppling. The Zaffria lady sits on the opulent sofa, a pile of papers in her laps and a pen at the ready in case-- something is needed to be jotted down? Who knows.

Sitting on one of the couches experimentally, Sorrel glances around as people wander in, grinning. "Do you think they created some of these trophies just from descriptions of animals and wild imagination?" she wonders generally, then nods to Sylvie as she sits nearby.

Razija has a facial expression that reads as thoroughly confused when she spies all the Northlands 'theme' around her. She picks out a place to sit and continues to look befuddled. "I have never sat on a couch that made me wish I had rather taken a boot to the face, but here we are."

Medeia makes her way in quietly, steps faltering as she takes in the room's decor. A small shrug comes after, and she finds her way to a seat.

Hesitantly, Keely slips inside, plastering herself to the wall just beside the door for a time as her dark eyes slowly sweep the room. She lingers there for some time before finally spotting Denica and releasing a soft breath of relief, steps swiftly and quietly carrying her in the direction of the Thraxian princess. She looks somewhat uneasily at the hostile couch once she nears, mouth opening and closing in silence before she gingerly perches on the very edge, at the very end, and smiles aside to her friend. "Are these bricks?" she whispers, perhaps a little too loudly. After this, unlike her chosen companion, she does her best not to look at anything else too closely, lace-gloved hands smoothing over the pastels of her full skirt, ankles crossing primly.

Azova has joined the You Consent To Being Smelled By Standing Here.

Terese enters the embassy looking around and feeling quite out of place she offers Respectful Warm greeting to anyone she knows and does not know. Looks like she takes a while to find a place to settle in, waiting for things to start

Vitalis is taking advantage of welcome into a place he's never been and enters with attention on the space, the people, the accoutrements. How... many limbs does that 'bear' rug have...?

Ivy arrives with a glance about the room, lifting a hand towards a few familiar faces and heading over to join Eirene. Settling onto the... oddly firm sofa and murmuring a greeting.

Aella feels right at home here in the Nox'alobby because well, even despite the leathery appendage bear rug that isn't exactly your usual bear, it's furs and heads! She whispers something to Ember, before they both sit along the blood magic-created opulent sofa.

Ailys quietly takes in all the Nox'alobby has to offer with wide gray eyes, and it is...a lot. As the room begins to fill up, she drifts over and takes a seat next to Azova, murmuring, "I have so many questions."

Sir Corban seems surprised to have to escort his poor ex-wife wincing as she walks in, but he is a knight, and so he offers his arm to her to make sure that she can be guided on in. He chooses a seat at the two-hundred-legged table -- for there is the whiskey! -- and pauses to move over one of the soft furs, hoping it does not move, to drape over the Minx's chair. "Here. Let me pour you a drink."

"Right? But, I'm a little afraid to ask them." Azova murmurs back at Ailys.

Yes, Saccharin is late by human standards but by Nox standards... she is also late. It just doesn't matter. She arrives in the lobby in a bundle of furs as is the theme of the event and settles onto one of the couches. The brick one naturally. "Humans. Welcome." She gives a vibrant smile.

Razija has left the A very hostile blood-red couch made of bricks.

Vlad, a nippy juvenile lammergeier have been dismissed.

Chamberlain, a surly blood-stained lammergeier have been dismissed.

"Lady Saccharin," greets Sylvie, her honeyed Lycene-accented voice raised loud enough that it might be an introduction for anyone who doesn't know the Nox'alfar that just addressed them. She inclines her head respectfully, then asks, "Would you like a whiskey?"

Ember snorts at what Aella whispers, a blunt almost-laugh that has no smile to accompany it. "I suppose that should worry me greatly to hear," she replies quietly. "My Lady," Ember greets Sylvie, and then her gaze lingers on Sorrel for slightly longer. "Your Highness. May I announce to you both my companion tonight, Countess Aella Ravenseye. ...and I'm not sure /what/ these beasts are but I know I'd like to fight some of them."

Caspian slips into the lobby, a slight hitch step as he takes in the room. a smile spreads over his face and he laughs merrily, as he moves off to the side. he looks to Saccharin as she speaks, giving a respectful bow of his head

Corban says in Nox'alfar, "Hello, Ambassador Saccharin."

Ezra is very, very seldom spotted on the social scene, being a pathological introvert who is always out of place at a party! But THIS is no normal party, and he is not accompanied by any normal friends. Ezra has with him a number of Baby Spiders, though they are by most spider standards quite enormous. They're big. But not as big as they're gonna get in the future, maybe. A box slung on a strap is open enough to admit baby spiders to enter and leave said cozy box, though typically at least one creature is perched on his shoulder, often being pet. He is humming to them, he's not a great singer but it still counts, and talking to them. "Are you excited to be here? ...Try not to web anyone by accident. Or on purpose."
Ezra's path is moseying toward Eirene, whom he greets with a friendly, "Aunt E." And a nod to the others she's with, "Ivy. Friends." Just a totally normal greeting like he doesn't have, you know. Spiders.

Corban says something respectfully in Nox'alfar when the Ambassador arrives, getting to try out his likely horrendous human accent on someone other than the Queen for once. He then resumes pouring a drink for Monique. All the drinks.

Ailys quirks a little smile at Azova. "I'm a lot afraid!" But now the hosts are present, so she clasps her hands in her lap and turns her attention to Saccharin.

Monique is just settling down gratefully into the fur-covered chair provided by Corban when Saccharin arrives. There's a long-suffering glower as the Minx moves to rise again, wincing prodigiously, only to bow to the Ambassador. And then she accepts all the drinks with a hero-worshipping glance to the King's Own supplying them.

Pasquale has joined the A bloodmagic created opulent sofa.

Grady says in Nox'alfar, "Hello, Ambassador. These things in this place are all... much... nice."

"Mhmmm. Mixed with blackberry, if that's alright." Saccharin says to Sylvie with an affectionate smile, as she makes her offer. A weird combination but she seems ecstatic. "Your Nox is coming along VERY well, Grady." She says with a sage nod to the man. To Corban she offers a finger waggle.

Caspian spies Aella and Pasquale, and moves over to sofa with a smile, though his eyes keep darting back to the ambassador

Caspian has joined the A bloodmagic created opulent sofa.

Ember is like, right next to Sylvie, or close enough, so she does the proper thong and curtsies to Saccharin. "My Lady."

"Good day, Lady Saccharin." Returning the greeting, Giada watches the elf while she settles, but Grady speaking Nox'alfar catches her attention. There's a bit of a smile.

Sorrel says in Nox'alfar, "Magnificent salutations, you delightful widget! All tiny wonders accounted for, plus magical hats. Oh, hats! How I love hats! Dreaming of charm and red. Oh, red!"

Grady repeats at least part of what Corban said to Saccharin, in the chipper tone of a student. And he most certainly is a student, muddling his way through the last bit of whatever he said. The compliment from Saccharin gets a big smile out of him.

Vitalis makes a circuit of the room, turning to Saccharin when 'humans' are addressed. He bows and folks address their host in her tongue. He continues his circuit of the room, a wheeling bird in search of a roost.

Aella only grins towards Countess Ember at the mention to her reply of her whisper. "A pleasure my lady and your highness." The fiery red head would say to Sylvie and Sorrel within their little bloodmagic sofa party. When Aella sees Caspian coming along she waves, patting the seat next to her on the couch with her and Countess Ember.

Preston steps into the embassy, pulling at his robes to straighten them as he moves through the area and to the edge of the crowd. For now Preston doesn't seem too eager to get into the fray, but he does chuckle as he studies the rug. As he moves around the edge, his eyes catch Saccharin and the Templar offers a warm smile to the Nox and a little finger-wiggling wave.

Eirene waves her hat cheerfully at the Ambassador Saccarin. "Indeed, we are humans. I hope. I like what you've done." She stood to greet Ezra and then pauses to ask her bricks couch if anyone wants a whiskey. "And Redrain liquor is -always good-"

Raymesin offers Saccharin what probably passes for a polite bow where he comes from. To the assorted nobility in the room, it's a clumsy gesture that absolutely reeks of a total lack of education. He offers Eirene a nod when he spots her, but for the most part he stays near the wall, looking blank when people start saying things that aren't in Common.

Medeia's gaze shifts to focus on Corban when he speaks in Nox'alfar before directing her attention to Lady Saccharin. Her own greeting is given in the foreign (to her) tongue. Ember is given a nod of acknowledgment shortly after.

Aleksei huffs a bit of a laugh as multiple folks start speaking in Nox'alfar. "Are you guys, like...trying to show off? For her? Is that what's happening here?"

Every. Single. Nox. In the room looks horrified as Preston enters the room. Glaring at him as if they've seen a beast made of ten centipedes in a trenchcoat.

Saccharin says in Nox'alfar, "IT'S FINE, HE IS HUMAN NOW.""

Sylvie pauses, the tiniest hint of it before she nods. She recovers well because, after all, it's not like she's going to do anything herself. She gestures to a servant, murmuring instructions to get unused blackberries from the kitchen, muddle them, pour whiskey, etc, all the things that are needed to get Saccharin a blackberried whiskey. Once done, she smiles to Aella and Sorrel, and Ember as well, as she responds to them quietly.

Those words seem to calm the Nox a fair amount but they still GLARE at the Carnifex.

Giada can't help it. The hostess' yell causes her to laugh.

Medeia says in Nox'alfar, "Ambassador, thank you for welcoming us. I am still quite human, myself."

Aleksei offers a welcoming upnod to poor, rejected Preston. You can stand by ALEKSEI, Preston.

Lisebet enters a bit later than late, just in time to hear Saccharin's words, and she blinks.

Ember gives Medeia a nod in return, one blissfully flee of gaffes.

Grady swallows as the glaring starts and Saccharin yells, and shrinks back towards the wall, his color turning a bit off as he does so.

Philippe arrives, following Orland.

Terese has found her place and is watching curiously at the people arriving and the greeting exchange but unless spoken to she offers quiet repectful greetings still in a warm nature

Pasquale gives Medeia a small smile when he notices her.

Orland has joined the Ignorant Human Storage.

2 Nightgold guards, Chance, a clever pine marten arrive, following Lydia.

Saccharin says in Nox'alfar, "Gwendy. Wait no, gods why do I always forget your old name? SORREL. YOUR NOW NAME. How are you?""

Orland has left the Ignorant Human Storage.

Orland has joined the Ignorant Human Storage.

"Everyone is greeting each other," Giada translates for anyone that can't understand.

Aella says in Northlands shav, "Oh looky me!""

Vitalis gives Giada a grateful nod as he continues his gyre.

Ailys has joined the You Consent To Being Smelled By Standing Here.

Monique says in Northlands shav, "I'm looking at you."

Medeia gives Preston a concerned look at the way the Nox react to his presence, shifting uneasily where she sits. Ultimately, she ends up moving to sit next to Ember - which is somehow considered a safer choice?

Grady swallows again. Maybe the guy who physically can't seem to handle conflict shouldn't have come to the nox'alfar embassy, but he's here now, and he's trying to make the best of it! Scanning the crowd, he notices Raymesin, because it's not like Raymesin's hard to miss, and seeks him out. "Raymesin Ulbran, yes? It's terribly good to see you. I'm afraid I haven't been to the Shrine of the Queen of Endings for some time. Ah. Although I suppose you must know that."

Aella says something in Northlands Shav to prove her point, however she does look around to see if anyone looks her way and then catches Monique's attention.

Vitalis has joined the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

Turning to the audience once she's settled into her seat and finished yelling her pleasantries in Nox'alfar, Saccharin has a vibrant smile for the humans gathered. "SO. I know the dragon people did this the other day. And I thought okay so it might not be an entirely human thing. Anyway... questions?" She asks tilting her head.

Sorrel says in Nox'alfar, "Yes! My NOW name! Thank you! I do well. Many old name gone."

Monique glances over as Aella calls out, lips curving. She replies in the same language, lifting a hand.

Aella says in Northlands shav, "Oh I just wanted to prove my point and feel special as well since I don't know Nox'alfar. Good to know you know my language.""

Aella is conversing with Monique a little ways away. Not shouting but Aella's voice carries she grins towards the Minx.

Sylvie perks up at something said across the room, her gaze seeking out and landing on Grady. She calls across the room, "That is a shame. Did you know I designed that Shrine? Well, with some tweaks by Aureth, of course, by the necessity of actually implementing it. I would go there every day, if I could."

Lisebet offers a polite nod of her head to folks. "It's been a while since I was here. It's completely changed," she says with a bit of a smile. "Lady Saccharin, how nice to see you again."

Lydia tries to not look horrified when she walks in, masking her expression with a smile. Oh thank the gods, a friendly face. She joins Corban and Monique over there.

Lydia has joined the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

Corban has joined the line.

Ezra has joined the line.

Vitalis alights at the 200-legged table.

Orland wanders in, looking around for a familiar Nox'alfar in the crowd, which at present of course he doesn't see but he does acknowledge Saccharin, pausing and bowing with a flourish of his hat. He spots his Patron translating and smiles at her. He makes his way to the ignorant corner. "I wonder where that overly friendly couch is... and Kathivor..." He then folds his arms across his chest, side eyeing the person he ends up by, giving a flick of his fancy hat to Aleksei by way of acknowledgement before he settles in the show. It's a show right?

Seemingly at random, Saccharin does a swish of her hands with her eyes closed and her fingers land hoveringly near Corban. "Oh, yes you! Go first buddy." She adds to Orland as an aside. "Kathivor is back in the Twilight Court with his wife." She says before randomly opening her eyes. "OH." She smiles at Corban with recognition.

Keely leans down as the chatter at the brick couch continues, giving a gentle, experimental prod at the 'snow' fluff on the ground with her fingertips. She plucks up a piece after a moment, straightening and examining it with a turn of her wrist before placing it among the garden depicted on her skirt. She then folds her hands together again and turns her attention to Saccharin and those preparing their questions.

Eirene has joined the line.

Giada flashes Orland a raffish grin in return, but she seems to be showing quietly by her wall.

Giada flashes Orland a raffish grin in return, but she seems to be speaking quietly by her wall.

Sorrel has joined the line.

Raymesin looks round at his name, and offers Grady a nod. "Didn't know, but it ain't like I live there," he replies to the man, the corners of his lips twitching upwards. He looks towards Sylvie, then, with a flicker of curiosity, before looking towards Saccharin and the questions.

Orland ohs softly as he's answered, not quite expecting that, "I see, my Lady.." Is she called my lady?! Oh gods. "Thank you. I only wished to send him my fondest of hellos, maybe a feathered hat too." He's not blushing, no really, he's not, and resumes the great watching of 1017. Maybe just a little.

Sir Corban seems surprised to be called upon first, but he does have a question. And while he is proud of his knowledge of the Nox'alfar language, he speaks in Arvani. "Thank you, Ambassador Saccharin. My question is that some believe that Orichalcum wishes to drive away our allies from standing with us. Well, that's a statement, not a question." Focus, Corban. "My //question// is: Given the recent events, do the Nox'alfar plan on going anywhere?"

Preston moves over to Aleksei and seems rather amused at the Nox response, shaking his head "Ah. It is wonderful to at least be thought of." Preston observes ho himself and peers to look at the events and listen to the questions being asked of the uniquely earred hosts.

"Did you!" Grady DOES seem to be a little bit better now that he has people to smile at, even if his color's still off. "It really is lovely. All those skulls! Now that winter has passed, I do plan to go back. One wouldn't expect, would one, for a place with so many skulls, yes, to be as peaceful as it is, yes? Or at least I wouldn't have expected it." He bows to Sylvie, elegant and so well executed that practice almost certainly must have been involved somewhere. "I'm Lord Grady Deepwood, Voice of my House... and fan of your architecture. Have you met Raymesin Ulbran?" He gestures to Raymesin, beside him.

Preston has joined the Ignorant Human Storage.

"It can be found in many places in the city; I did it quite often before I retired to the Twilight Court," Sylvie answers, flattery getting far with the woman as she smiles warmly up at the man. She inclines her chin to both Grady and Raymesin, introducing herself: "Lady Sylvie Zaffria." But then Corban asks his question, and her smoky gaze draws to Saccharin thoughtfully.

"Excellent point, Corban." Saccharin says with that same perky voice as she stares at him. The silence goes on for way too long before an attendant grits their teeth at her. "Oh, right. You want an answer. Ooookay. So. We don't really -go- anywhere. I mean we've been wanting to go back to Caer'alfar, now Pyre, since you know. The Dance of Skulls. It would be -nice- to go back. Of course, it'd also be nice to see the sun again but that's a whole thing. No, we don't plan to -go anywhere-. We're kind of limited to the court. Of course if things go really badly, His Majesty will have to call the forces to deal with Abyssal twig-man."

"Does that answer the question?" Saccharin asks Corban though her cadence makes it sound like following a script.

Corban murmurs something to those at his tables and seems to rattle it around in his head to decide whether that //does// answer the question. "In light of the Traitor's efforts to specifically threaten the Nox'alfar, I am so very pleased to hear that you remain our allies. Thank you, Ambassador, that does answer my question."

Grady looks like he's about to start asking Sylvie more questions, but with the question and answer session having begun, and that question and answer session having nothing to do with Arx's architecture, he shelves them for now and turns alert hazel eyes towards Saccharin.

Turn in line: Corban

Turn in line: Ezra

As question and answer begins, Lisebet quiets and moves towards where she first spies room to sit, ending up over by the knights in the human storage section. There's a wave to a few others as she passes, but she doesn't interrupt the discussion.

Monique has joined the line.

Lisebet has joined the Ignorant Human Storage.

Raymesin looks startled for a moment when Grady starts introducing him; he inclines his head politely to Sylvie a moment or two later. Given his attempt at bowing earlier, it's probably for the best. "'Arlequin Raymesin," he offers, during a break in the question-and-answer session. "Queen's Blade."

Ezra murmurs an "If you'll excuse me for a moment?" to his seating companions and makes his way toward Saccharin, box of Friends along with him, though he seems inclined to speak to her quietly rather than as openly as Corban did.

a tall and silent woman with only one hand arrives, delivering a message to Saccharin before departing.

Saccharin is ABSOLUTELY ecstatic to be reunited with her BABIES. She looks so overjoyed it seems she's answering Ezra's question a little offhandedly. But oooo look at their little pincers and multiple eyes. So cute.

Giada has left the You Consent To Being Smelled By Standing Here.

"Harlequin Raymesin doesn't live at the shrine," Grady obligingly parrots what Raymesin just told him, "but that was where I met him, and I rather think he must, mustn't he, spend a good amount of time there. I expect, yes, that he's interested in meeting its designer, as well?" He seems to have decided that with Ezra's part of the conversation having turned quiet, he's free to start talking again. And now he's urging Raymesin closer to where Sylvie is sitting.

Turn in line: Eirene

Ezra has some difficulty extricating all five spiderlings from their enchantment with Saccharin, but other people need a turn to speak to her, so he manages it. Eventually. They're wily.

Eirene stands and offers a half-bow to Saccherine before asking in her harsh Lycene alto tones, "How could I get one of those not-quite-a-bear bearskin rug things for my bedroom? My children will love it, my husband will eye it with with suspicion of it coming to life, and I will be vastly entertained by both."

Ember has joined the line.

Ezra's charges are all sorts of over-eager now that they've seen A Nox, and there are More Nox, and... well, they're a handful. A legful. An 8-legsful. Wrangling them is a whole THING, and one that takes his time away from greeting others, but it's probably entertaining to watch from afar.

Ezra has left the A very hostile blood-red couch made of bricks.

Terese is watching curiously while listening to the questions and answers spoken so far

Sylvie exhales a soft laugh, offering a quiet murmur of: "Living at a shrine would be rather rough, I would think. Harlequin. That is what the new disciples of the Queen call themselves, isn't it?" She tips her head softly, her gaze sliding to Grady and then back to Raymesin with a slow study of both. "Tell me, do you enjoy being her disciple, Harlequin Raymesin?"

A soft, snorted giggle sounds from the direction of the hostile brick couch, followed quickly by Keely covering her mouth with her fingertips and ducking her flushing face a little toward Denica.

"Well my advice would be to go out in the woods and find the not-quite-a-bear we found. And you know... kill him or her." Saccharin says chirpily as if it's a very straight forward thing. "I mean it was more a bizarre pet my brother made than an actual bear. And like my brother died trying to talk it down. But honestly, it's the fifth time he died so I have to assume he's learned his lesson by now."

Turn in line: Sorrel

Preston has joined the line.

1 Bisland pride guards, Rizoel arrive, following Gabriel.

Denica cannot help but watch the ordeal that is Ezra guiding the baby-but-not-tiny spiders out of the Embassy with avid curiosity. Then she is distracted by Keely's snort-giggle and she waggles her eyebrows at the other princess with obvious mischief, before she whispers something excitedly to her and then returns her curiosity to hearing the question and answer period.

Eirene tips her finger to her temple in a salute and goes back to her couch, only to be interrupted by her clerk muttering something. She nods a farewell to the room and leaves with a faint frown.

Eirene has left the A very hostile blood-red couch made of bricks.

Caspian nods, then pauses, then nods. "As much as one is ever truly finished with learning." he grins, "i think i have dug up all the litle bits and fact that i can find, and i think it will be a serious endeavor to discover more. so... for now.. yes i think so. Lots of good stories, and, sadly.. not enough leads."

Raymesin inclines his head to Sylvie again. "'Arlequins, yeah," the Lowers man with the broad Lowers accent replies. "I do enjoy bein' an 'Arlequin, yup. It's th'right choice fer me."

Sorrel bounces suddenly to her feet as if she's been absolutely seized by a wonderful idea, and she pauses to twirl a pirouette before slipping over to whisper something curiously in Saccharin's ear, grinning a bit impishly.

Gabriel peeks into the embassy's lobby, surprised by the gathering and all of the displays inside. He enters with two of his companions, a Bisland guard and another soldier known as Rizoel, and looks around, catching a Corban with his gaze and approaching the fellow king's guard.

A greater contrast between Grady's bright, open demeanor and warm smile (only slightly ruined by a subtle sense of green around the gills about him) and Raymesin's eternal skulk probably couldn't be asked for. "Is 'Harlequin' not the tradtional name for a disciple of the Queen of Endings?" Grady asks Sylvie.

"GLORIANA." Saccharin shouts suddenly after Sorrel murmurs in her ear before continuing on with a quite voice.

Ivy has left the A very hostile blood-red couch made of bricks.

Treb, a restless direhorn, Dash, a Kite of the Cloudspine, a feral Bastion kitten leave, following Ivy.

"It's not fun when people go up and whisper," says Corban, mostly to those at his table, but just loud enough to be heard by the room. "Share with the rest of us."

"Anywaaaay. My name does sort of change. Saccharin used to be short for Saccharin'orangella like 200 years ago. I did not like it anymore."

Gabriel has joined the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

"By whose tradition? Which tradition? They certainly were not a tradition twelve years ago, not in our Compact," Sylvie answers to Grady, her brow curving upwards in a question as she studies Grady with her mirrored grey gaze.

Turn in line: Monique

"Okay, fine!" Sorrel says, putting her hands on her hips. "It was only vaguely private. I asked if Nox'alfar kept their names each incarnation or if they got new ones when their souls were reborn. And I believe the answer is that they change them when they feel appropriate to do so. And the rest of it is nonsense, but good nonsense, and I asked if Saccharin might like a song." She glances back to the Ambassador with a warm smile. "Thank you. This is fun!"

Vitalis has joined the line.

Monique looks up from her chatter at the table when Sorrel finishes her quieter conversation. Maybe inspired by Corban's very-subtle prompting, she stays at her table and pitches her voice towards Saccharin. "Ambassador, I was hoping you might be able to elaborate more on the curse on the sun from the Queen of Jewels, or pass along an introduction to someone who could? And might I say, you hat is *stunning*." Her emerald eyes linger on that hat with deep envy.

Saccharin checks composure at hard. Saccharin fails.

Aella checks perception at normal. Aella is successful.

The mention of the Queen of Jewels prompts a sudden glowering in Saccharin as she studies Monique. It's a very long an intense study as she grips the edge of the chair she's sat in but eventually closes her eyes as she offers the response. "That's a super fun question. Super fun." She purses her lips and looks ahead. "It's Primeria. Her and her brother thought it'd be fun to curse us because of a DISAGREEMENT. And they did it through oblivion magic. They obliterated many many many many. Times a hundred thousand souls. To get that kind of power."

"Then again, Rex'alfar have no actual concept of fun. They are boooorriiiiing."

The combination of 'twelve hundred years ago' and 'our compact' gets moment of confused hesitation from Grady, but he plows right on through, banishing it with another smile. Or at least he started to plow right on through it, but somewhere around Monique asking her question, his smile flickers and falters. He's starting to look actively queasy.

Raymesin checks composure at hard. Raymesin is successful.

Sylvie checks charm and diplomacy at hard. Sylvie is successful.

Raymesin opens his mouth to say something to Sylvie, but then Monique asks her question and his jaw drops as he looks at her, and then to Saccharin. Slowly his jaw closes again, but the lines of tension in his neck don't fade.

Sylvie's gaze slides to Saccharin, a softer thing as she watches the Nox'alfar ambassador, before she smiles and says: "Perhaps we might move the questions along?"

Turn in line: Ember

Sylvie's suggestion seems to prompt the Nox'alfar to wave the questions along. As though she respects the human enough to move onward.

Monique hasn't lived as long as she's lived without reading the room. She takes in Saccharin's reaction, from the tight grip to the closing of eyes, and she offers, earnest, "It really is a truly amazing hat."

2 Laurent trained guards, Cupcake, a cookie girl, 1 Laurent veteran guards arrive, following Mabelle.

Monique's comment does get a beam as Saccharin strokes the fur of her hat. "Thaaaaank yooou."

Clearly late to the party and not fashionably so, Mabelle arrives into the Embassy and gazes curiously about, trying to find a familiar face to assess what she missed so far.

Ember lifts up from the bloodmagic created opulent sofa, and actually goes to the trouble of walking toward Saccharin, crossing the distance so that the pair stand roughly at arm's length from one another -- or at least, as close to that as Ember can achieve. She dips herself into another curtsy, to show due deference to the hostess. "Lady Monique is correct: your hat is remarkable." Ember says this like she would rather be strangled than wear the hat. Her face is a stern and uncompromising glare. But then, it always is! "My lady, among Arvani of all walks of life, from Princes to thralls, from soldiers to scholars, the fastest way to find a common ground with one's fellows is humor." Ember speaks as though jokes are literally poison to her. She sounds like she's heard of humor in a book once, or maybe someone describing a book to her, and she was sort of half paying attention. "To that end, my Lady, I wonder if we might all find that common ground if you would honor us with..."

Ember pauses half a beat for no readily apparent reason. "...a joke."

"Whooo are you?" Saccharin asks as she studies the woman before her and leans forward. "What is your name?"

Ember lifts a brow, like she's wondering for a half-second if this is the joke. "I am Countess Ember Redreef, ruler of Redreef Shores, my Lady."

Sylvie's eyes widen, her gaze turning to Caspian as she shakes her head sharply. "No, Caspian Wild. No, it is /not/ the same."

Orland has joined the line.

Mabelle slips toward the blood red couch to Keely and Denica, chancing blending in with her gown.

Mabelle has joined the A very hostile blood-red couch made of bricks.

"Your name is /EMBER/ and you run a land surrounded my shores. UGH. Ughhhh." Saccharin seems truly affronted by this as she sits back in her seat and throws her hands in the air. "You'd think with the name there'd be more red reeving." She shakes her head at the fellow Nox. Only they would get it.

Turn in line: Preston

Monique's eyes track Ember as the Crimson Countess approaches the elven Ambassador. There's a note of humor there at Saccharin's response, even as the Minx winces and shifts in her chair, reaching again for the whiskey bottle so thoughtfully provided by Corban.

Ember checks composure at normal. Ember is successful.

Ember is silent for a moment. Her brows are slightly lifted, and she gently forces her lips to curl upward into a smile. Smiles don't look right on Ember. Somehow, they just make her look even angrier. "Thank you, my Lady," she says, like she's just been offered the choice of whether or not she'd like to let a beaver gnaw off her foot. Then there's another curtsy, and she returns back to her place on the sofa.

Sylvie relaxes quietly, tipping her chin only briefly towards whatever Caspian says, before her gaze slides back to Saccharin and Ember. She watches Ember for a moment, as she gets her answer.

Preston straightens and brings up his hand as he clears his throat to address the Nox, his own saccharin sweet smile flashed at the host "M'lady. I had a question that is both simple and complex, I suspect, depending on the aspect. How do Elven successions work? When you die and your soul returns, do you simply pick up all you had, all you were? And is this true for the other splinters of your people? And if that is so, how does a new king ever arise? Surely the old will always be alive."

Josse, a sharp-eyed Whitehawk falcon arrives, delivering a message to Aella before departing.

Gabriel narrows his gaze at Ember, turning away, disappointed at her reply. He shifts back to those around him at the table, particularly a bottle that was being passed around.

Grady looks at Ember. And then he looks at Saccharin. And then, for some reason, he looks at Raymesin. And then, THEN, there is a widening of his eyes and a rather embarrasingly delayed: "Oh!" And he smiles.

Aella was busily listening to the conversation at her section of the couch when a missive arrived. But no ordinary missive it was one that made the Countess of Ravenseye gasp, squinting her eyes. She looked to her fellow peers at the couches and bowed politely, "If you will excuse me I have a brother to strangle." she grins, winking. She'd give Ember a wave before disappearing from the lobby.

Aella has left the A bloodmagic created opulent sofa.

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

Every. Single. Nox. Head. Turns to Preston as he asks this question. Saccharin stands up and stares a him intently though keeps her smile. "Well, there've been only a few royal Nox families. Primeria was our queen until we defected and then Calithex became our king. The Rex'alfar were lead by Diamond." That seems to shift her mood to something darker before she shakes it off and restores her smile. "A'kioh had the Sylv'alfar." She walks closer to him, hugging her furs. "His twig-son got them when he /died/. I suppose if he was stilla live SOMEWHERE he could swipe them back. But that would require him to like -be- A'kioh. You know?" The smile remains.

*elf families

Mabelle turns her eyes instantly to Saccharin as she mentions Primeria and Diamond, her attention to our partners in the couch seems to have halted a moment.

Lydia politely excuses herself.

Lydia has left the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

2 Nightgold guards have been dismissed.

Chance, a clever pine marten have been dismissed.

Monique looks up, suddenly. She might be stabbed for interjecting, but she *does* anyway, maybe bracing for a stabbing. "If Taldyr were reincarnated and would claim them, could he?" she asks of Saccharin, eyes flitting to Preston with deep interest.

Terese seems increasingly curious as well now her full attention on the incressingly chaotic meeting

Lisebet looks up at the interesting turn the conversation has taken, also following along.

"Ughhh gods no. That guy? He was a total... is there a word for a super attractive man with nothing really going on in his head... in Arvani?" Saccharin looks around for information on this before laughing aloud, "Anyway no, he stayed Rex so it doesn't count. Like I have a Rex mother and a Sylv sister. We're not family anymore."

"Yes, the story of Diamond rings often in my ear." Preston answers back with his smile remaining fixed as Saccharin moves closer, his eyes meeting hers "It sounds like quite a connundrum for the Sylv'alfar then. To be trapped between fealty and writ. Though, I suppose, that is all rather academic. But it is most interesting, thank you. Then we must assume that A'kioh's son had some part in his father's removal, if he claims now to be king - along with his many others title." Saccharin's family news does bring some mirth to Preston's eyes "Next time, perhaps, I will ask what Crusader did when in your people's hands. Or even why it was there. I have never I think heard your people speak much of Gloria." But he bows and takes a step back

Himbo is not an Arvani word, so Sylvie does not volunteer it. Instead, she offers: "Coxcomb, perhaps?" She hmms thoughtfully, not quite sure.

Grady clears his throat and raises his voice enough to be heard: "Ah, 'popinjay' might suit? Although that implies a certain amount of vanity as well."

"No. Alarice killed A'kioh. I imagine his son was /devastated/. You know how hive minds are? One person is sad, everyone is equally sad. It sounds like a /nightmare./" Saccharin looks horrified by this image, pressing her fingers against her head. "We cannot stand this about them. The hive mindy of it all."

Turn in line: Vitalis

"Beautiful fool," Monique says, a laugh startle dout of her. "It doesn't have to be a single word, does it?" But she listens intently then to Preston, too, her eyes resting on the Carnifex for a long time.

Mabelle calls out from one of the couches, "An empty vase".

A random Nox calls out to Preston. "OOOOH you are the one with Crusader?!"

More snort-giggling comes from the hostile couch, and Keely has now turned to hide her face against Denica's shoulder momentarily.

Pasquale offers "Peacock." to the suggestions.

Vitalis lets the byplay flicker back and forth and senses a shift into which he rises from his perch, expression thoughtful and lifts his voice, "What is a question you wish someone would ask?"

Gabriel looks up from his conversation, focusing his glare on Saccharin like a sun ray through a glass, when the King is mentioned. He then shifts to Corban, as if checking with the man.

"I am the one Crusader is kind enough to rest with, for a time." Preston answers to the Nox, turning his head back as he pats the pommel of the plain blade at his side "Gloria cares not if we are bastard or king, only that we do good, that we follow the honourable path to protect the innocent."

Terese has left the You Consent To Being Smelled By Standing Here.

Hermeline, a russet vixen have been dismissed.

2 Valardin Knights have been dismissed.

Terese has joined the You Consent To Being Smelled By Standing Here.

"I remember what is says. It's so... you." Saccharin gives a wry smile before turning around to study Vitalis. "Is that meant to be a joke? There's no PUNCHLINE. What is the point?!" She sounds truly enraged by this before an attendeee comes along and says, "It might be one of those 'anti-jokes' I've heard about." Saccharin turns back to Vitalis with a scrutinizing gaze.

Orland leaves the area of the ignorant, which may in fact only apply to him in this case, looking rather impressed by what the others had been saying. His eyes regard Preston and the Crusader which is evident by the pat to the blade, to mean the blade. He mutters quietly to himself, "Yet I've learned everything has a balance. If there were only good, we would never understand good, as we would shed the bad and lose an idea of what is bad is, thereby losing any notion of good." He approaches to ask the Ambassador a question but in a way that is private for the moment, between them, his voice not carrying further.

"'Is that meant to be a joke?'" Vitalis ponders that, nods, having gotten his answer and settles again.

Gabriel has left the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

1 Bisland pride guards have been dismissed.

Rizoel have been dismissed.

Turn in line: Orland

"I believe I know the question that Lady Saccharin might wish to be asked, but you never asked who she might wish the question /from/, my lord," Sylvie offers to Vitalis, her brows lifting slightly, before she smiles to Saccharin.

"If the question is would she like to go for dinner some time, I'd ask it of her," Monique says to Sylvie with a deep, unapologetic smile.

Gabriel has joined the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

"I /expected/ more questions about twig-man given he's about to enslave the world and all of that." Saccharin says with a raised brow, on the tail end of Sylvie's comment.

Sylvie has joined the line.

Mabelle has joined the line.

Sylvie tips her chin towards Saccharin, thoughtful but quiet.

Lisebet has joined the line.

"Well, let's ask questions about Big Twig," Sorrel suggests with a serious nod, pursing her lips. "What are good ways to hurt him? I'm a little sad that he doesn't like my music."

Turn in line: Sylvie

Jayne, Burly Sailor arrives, following Wash.

Jayne, Burly Sailor have been dismissed.

Orland bows to Saccharin then trundles back to Aleksei, Preston, and Lisebet, noting oddly chipper, "She thinks I'm very much new."

"My question isn't of him, but rather-- Have you heard of instances before of the dead returning to the world, still dead, to interfere within it? Have you ever heard of such a thing as a Choir of the Dead?" Sylvie questions, rising from the sofa to stand for her question as she watches Saccharin.

"A good way to hurt him? Hmmm okay so he was super in love with the green fractal. Like in a way only a twig-elf would be. Very human. And clingy. It's super gross." Saccharin seems largely horrified by this. "It's super creepy with him. Because he had this elf who was suuuuppper into him. And she joined his hive mind and all of that, whatever. And I swear, one time I saw her in battle when she was mind controlled. She was dressed EXACTLY like the green fractal." To Sylvie, she tilts her head. "Do you mean ghosts?"

"In my experience he gets rather sensitive and hurt if you question how powerful he is. But then you have to be willing to wade into the Swan Wars." Preston answers to Sorrel from his little spot, his lips curling into a grin "He is a child. He will always be a child. Frozen as such, it seems." But Sylvie's question does raise an eyebrow and Preston's hand touches his chest for a moment.

3 Black Fleet Reavers arrives, following Varosh.

Monique blinks aside to Corban at Saccharin's words. "Do you think she means the Thornweave woman?"

"I am not sure what I would call them. Perhaps ghosts," Sylvie answers, tipping her head slightly.

Mabelle has joined the line.

Sylvie hmms, and then decides: "Yes, let's say ghosts."

With the turn of the conversation, a concerned-looking Grady seems to have decided that it's time to go look for something to settle his stomach. He slips out.

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

Wash comes along, poking his head in first to see if the event is in full swing, finding it so, he ambles in and stands somewhere conspicuous enough to get the host's attention.

Wash has joined the line.

Medeia had fallen into a quiet, observational state. Soaking up the various bits of information that came her way. Mention of the green fractal stirs her back to active listening.

"You should know." Saccharin says to Preston with a raised brow. "She was soooo loyal. To a sickening degree."

Keely's face goes white as a sheet as the topic of ghosts comes up, and she shifts a little nearer to Denica's side, her gentle grip on the woman's arm tightening.

On the subject of ghosts, Sacc looks contemplative. "Hmmm. So they are echoes of dead people if that makes sense? They aren't -here- the way you want them to be. Though with humans they never are. You never /come/ back to your family. You just return with disappearing memories. You don't even /try/ to get the memories back!"

Pasquale has left the A bloodmagic created opulent sofa.

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

Terese is listening with increased curiousity as the topic moves on to discuss ghosts

Turn in line: Lisebet

"When have I not been willing to remind the fellow that he has not achieved what he calls himself already? Annoyingly aspirational, and not at all true," Sorrel interjects.

"Memories are, at best, subjective. We cannot always keep them the same way that you do, Lady Saccharin, even when we are alive," Sylvie answers with a soft smile, nodding slightly. But her grey eyes are still a storm of thoughts as she takes her seat back, smoothing her silk skirts.

"That's such a shame. Believe me. If I can improve human brains in your lifetime, I will." Saccharin says with an affectionate smile Sylvie's way.

Raymesin clears his throat. "Th'Queen's got reasons - some of 'em real good - for not sendin' our memories with us when we come back," he says.

Lisebet gets to her feet, with a murmured comment to her table, she steps forward, being as she's petite. Mind you she does project her voice, probably due to those singing lessons from Sorrel. "A sort of related question, Ambassador Saccharin. We know that many of us end up cursed, for lack of a better word, if we accidentally - or on purpose - cross some of the mages that this twig-man has enslaved. While we do know of at least one way that resolves this issue, I wonder if you know of ways we can learn to protect ourselves a little better?" hey, it's worth a shot. Could entirely beat being turned into a tree, after all.

Monique has left the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guards, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants leave, following Monique.

Raymesin has joined the line.

Despite coming in well after Wash, Ian enters with a vague, ineffable sense of following his cousin. And stops. Right in the doorway. He blinks as he looks around, for all the world like somehow he didn't expect to see so many people, and looks, for a moment, like he very well might back out quietly the way he came.

Wash glances at Raymesin. "You make it sound like you know what those reasons are, at least for you. Do you? Know I mean. Or do you just want to sound like you know?"

Preston looks over to Saccharin with the warm smile as he is addressed "Oh, I am quite aware of how devoted the Lady is to her King. Tragic tales of love unrequired or misused, however, do not redeem either from the end they have written for themselves, m'lady."

"Given that none of you are capable of blood magic. Or any magic. I would say, that no, you are not capable of magicking your way out of trouble." Saccharin says with furrowed brows as she looks upon them. "I mean you -could- still try. I won't stop you. It's just you now, high failure count. I cannot be responsible for that." Preston's comment has her laughing a little. "She's in a hive mind. She's not -devoted-. She's basically a sludge. All of them are. It's super depressing but that's what happens when you pledge yourself to twigs and twig men I guess."

Raymesin looks to Wash at the question. "No, I ain't sure what th'reasons are for me," he says, "But I know what they've been for a few other folks. There's reasons the 'Arlequins ask if folks're sure - *real* sure - they want ter know afore they start lookin'." And then he's looking to Saccharin again, to the answers to the questions.

"Thank you for confirming," Lisebet says softly. "Seems we go with the tried and true method. Trickery, traps and death." She leaves it at that, and returns to her seat.

Wash says, "So how does a Harlequin find out? Do they just ask the Queen and get a vision?" Wash persists."

Corban has left the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

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

Nervous laughter passes Medeia's lips, unclear whether it comes after high failure rates being noted or pledging to twigs.

Ian catches sight of Wash and Ray in close proximity to each other and talking, and decides against the previous choice of 'nope right back out'. He angles towards the two of them, alternately watching his feet and the crowd as he threads his way through it.

Ember has left the A bloodmagic created opulent sofa.

A pack of giggling and gossiping Redreef handmaidens, A pit bull that Ember never bothered to name leave, following Ember.

Gabriel excuses himself, standing from the table to leave.

Gabriel has left the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

1 Bisland pride guards, Rizoel leave, following Gabriel.

Turn in line: Mabelle

Mabelle rises from the couch and steps forth. She is not much in size, but certainly makes up for it in luxury, glittering from head to toe. She stands before Saccharin and voices, "I apologize for going back on the discussion a bit. If he was inlove with the Green Fractal, did it end poorly and so now him stealing the black diamond and binding her to him is a revenge against her or is it a tool against us and gets him another bonus on the way?"

Raymesin looks to Wash again, his pale eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "It ain't for me ter ask fer that fer other folks," he says. "It's for me to 'elp those folks ask for themselves. But 'Arlequins listen ter folks, more'n anythin' else. About their 'opes, their dreams, th'folks as they knew an' the ones they wish they'd known. We listen ter th'livin' an' the dead, an' the ones as never really got a chance. Some folks aren't after an ear an' that's eprfectly fine, but others need someone ter talk to as gets it." And then there's a nod for Ian.

Saccharin and multiple Nox in the room also -stare- at Mabelle. Not quite in the hostile way they stares at Preston but this is a stare of a mix of awe and curiosity. "Hello. Cr--- ummm. What do you call yourself now?" Saccharin asks with a smile.

6 Ivory Shields, Oubi the Owl arrive, following Graziella.

Mabelle's eyes widen just a littttttle bit at Saccharin but her lips purse and she smiles to her, "Lady Mabelle Laurent of Artshall, My Lady, A pleasure", she presents a little curtsy.

Terese has left the You Consent To Being Smelled By Standing Here.

Hermeline, a russet vixen, 2 Valardin Knights leave, following Terese.

Ian nods to Wash, and then Raymesin, solemn. He doesn't break into the discussion between the two of them, but gives a definite sense that he's keeping an eye on it.

Hermeline, a russet vixen, 2 Valardin Knights arrive, following Terese.

Wash sticks a finger in his ear and wiggles it around. "See I thought I was listening, but that accent's a doozy. You're saying that Harlequins can hear the dead and the stillborn?"

Saccharin gives her response as soon as the name is given, "She dumped him. She only needed him to break her friends out of evil-jail. And then it was bye bye, no one cares about A'kioh's magically inept son with two left feet." She gives a shrug. "I mean it's probably why he made that Vinekeep dress up like the green fractal."

Denica has left the A very hostile blood-red couch made of bricks.

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

Terese has joined the line.

Mabelle tilts her head interestedly at Saccharin's words, "And him stealing the diamond reveresed just that. Ah. Thank you, My Lady", she meets her eyes for a brazen moment, not stepping away quite yet, but not imposing either".

Turn in line: Wash

Orland has left the Ignorant Human Storage.

Philippe leaves, following Orland.

Raymesin gives Wash an odd look. "Um. We're just people tryin' ter do our best," he says. "Ordinary folks, for th'most part, not even Godsworn, same as all th'other Disciples of th'other gods, right? But a lot'a us're midwives, an' a lot'a us lay out th'dead an' 'elp the relatives come ter terms. An' all of it is about listenin'."


Princess Graziella Pravus slips through the door and scans the room from behind a veil, the openings in the lace are quite large and do nothing to hide her indentity... she isn't being sneaky, simply subtle. As if trying not to draw attention, her movements are demure but her fashion choices are bold, and the Princess slinks along on steelsilk boots that look like squids straight from the sea. Her nose is turned up and her gaze looks down on many of the decorations with a studious silence. Graziella isn't looking for a seat... or a person... she is just /looking/ at everything with the same slow consideration. The lace of her veil is fashioned to look like spiders spinning webs and occasionally the light catches just the right angle and the shadowy insect dance across her features, flickering shadowspiders cast by the lace.

"Right. So..." Wash does his best, not very good mimicry of Raymesin's accent as he recounts: "...We listen ter th'livin' an' the dead, an' the ones as never really got a chance.' That was just a figure of speech. Helps to make you sound all 'meeesteereeeooos.'" Wash wiggles his fingers in the air. "I'm going to ask someone who has the chance of actually having an answer and not just pablum. Excuse me." He heads over to offer Saccharin a bow. "Lady Maudlin. If I may, a question that only a Nox'alfar could answer. It is said that you remember all the lives you have ever had. If true, I am envious and yet a little sad for you. But my question is this. Do you remember the time between lives? Or is it as a blink of an eye to the Nox'alfar, just as it is for humans?"

"Sorry, are you -- going around mocking the work of a discipleship of the Faith?" Aleksei looks to Wash to ask, sounding faintly baffled.

Medeia stares at Wash, a flash of anger in her eyes. "Lord Wash, would you care to explain your distaste for the Harlequins?"

Sylvie tilts her head as Aleksei voices his question loud enough for her to hear, her smoky grey gaze sliding from the man to Wash as the latter approaches to ask Saccharin a question.

Ian leans his head towards Ray and says a few words with a sigh.

"There is no life between lives to remember." Saccharin responds quickly before her fingers gesture between Raymesin and Aleksei and she shakes her head. "I'm sorry... why have you collectively offended The Shepherd and the Baby Daddy both?"

Ailys, serenely, steps out of the space she's been occupying. "As a Mercy of Lagoma, I am curious as well."

"Oh! Are you Aleksei, father of Fitz?" Sylvie asks, her brows lifting as Saccharin labels Aleksei. She tips her chin towards Aleksei, offering in a complimentary murmur: "Your son is absolutely a delight."

Wash shrugs. "The Queen is easily my third favorite of the Pantheon. I just have a hard time with half-truths. Thank you for your plainspeaking my Lady." Wash says. "And no... I don't have any distaste for Harlequins. Or any other disciples."

Wash is done here and heads for the door.

"Yes, that is he," Sorrel agrees with a little nod to Sylvie. "Aleksei is also a delight. You should endeavor to spend some time with him."

Preston lifts his head up at the comments "Mm. I was wondering which of the Isles houses to start with in pursuit of those who have been harbouring Waldo, I cannot say 'Kennex' was a name I thought would be rising on the lists." Preston comments drily from his seat "Given I remember the cost in treasure and blood paid to help when Kennex in the past." But then more people are in at Aleksei about Fitz and Preston rolls his eyes as a grin spreads "Mmf. You always remain more famous than I am, Aleksei. And /for having a child/. Damned easiest thing to do, by all accounts."

Ian has joined the line.

Raymesin shrugs in response to Ian's words, then starts looking around the room as various others speak up. The corners of his lips twitch upwards, and then he looks to Wash again. "If yer need ter talk to an 'Arlequin - or th'Archlector - about stuff, just drop by th'Shrine," he says mildly.

Did a Nox just say "you can fucking talk" under his breath at Preston's words on having children?

"Rather distasteful to claim favorites amoung the Gods." Graziella muses in her usual lilting deadpan, words that drift along in a singsong devoid of any real emotion, "We all have our callings... but to claim one over another, or hold certain gods in higher esteem. Quite frowned upon." She clears her throat though and meanders onward through the gathering.

Aleksei peers at Wash as he makes his exit, still baffled, before his attention is pulled back by the /questions/. "Oh! Yes, Fitz is my son," he says, /immediately/ straightening with paternal pride. "Aleksei Morgan, my lady." He shoots a smirk over at Preston. "If it's so easy, /you/ could have done it. Anyways, he's the best kid in the world, so obviously everyone likes him." He is very unbiased.

Ailys shrugs silk-clad shoulders as Wash makes a run for it. "How strange. He seemed to have so much to say, and yet there he goes."

"Not for the mother," Medeia replies to Preston. She watches Wash coolly as he leaves. There's a glance around to the other before she sighs, stands, and says her goodbyes.

Ian starts to say something to Raymesin, but then Preston starts speaking and he just... stops.

Medeia says in Nox'alfar, "Lady Saccharin, my thanks again for welcoming us. And it occurs to me I did not thank you for your advice for my impending travel with Sonnet. I may be in your debt should I survive.""

Terese has been her a little shocked by the meeting so far how things are going, seeming to debate if she should ask her question.

"I appreciated him more when he was old enough to return to the Court with tidbits of news of his time with you, sir," Sylvie offers Aleksei with a tilt of her head, before she shakes it softly. She introduces herself in a murmur, "Lady Sylvie Zaffria," before nodding and looking towards Medeia as she speaks.

Lisebet simply looks from one to the other, to the other. Quietly at this point. There's a bit of a grin at the by play between Aleksei and Preston, as she sits by them. "I have to agree with Lady Medeia on that one, since I have three children of my own."

Saccharin lets her gaze drift around the room and land on Lisebet. "Oh my gods. I didn't think I'd see you again other green ge--- wait what's your name this time?" She asks with a tilts of her head, eyes widened.

"That's Duchess Lisebet Ashford," Sorrel volunteers for Saccharin with a cheerful smile, as it seems introductions are going around. "She is also a delight in a much different way than Aleksei Morgan is a delight."

Mabelle's eyes cut to Lisebet for a moment and it looks like something just clicked in her head.

That gets a blink and a laugh from Lisebet. "I'm Duchess Lisebet Ashford," she replies with a delicate bow of her head, probably nearly at the same time as Sorrel. "And thank you, Princess Sorrel. You are also a delight."

Keely watches Saccharin, looking to Mabelle, and then aside to Preston, and now to Lisebet. She shifts, like she might want to join in on the question asking, and then sits back again, fidgeting with the button on her glove.

Klavdiya, who is definitely a handmaiden and not a reaver, 2 Eswynd shieldbearers, Loryk, a cocky but amiable reaver leave, following Medeia.

Vitalis has joined the line.

"We are very much super into Death." A Nox informs Graziella. "Like Death rules, oh my gods, no one else is better. Fuck yes."

Azova just looks Very Disappointed (tm) at Wash, when he makes his exit, and emits a quiet sigh. "For a moment, I thought our services were going to be needed." is murmured towards Ailys, wry.

"Ah, but there in lies the sacrifice. Anyway, this would require me to be far more pleasant, and to cease stepping on the toes of my dance partners when it comes to parties." Preston teases back at Aleksei, though there is a warm smile of friendship there - a relaxed mirth. Though he does helpfully add "I have heard Gloria is quite good...." at the Nox outburst before adding "As are all the Gods, of course."

"He /does/ get better every year, doesn't he?" Aleksei is beaming now at Sylvie. "I mean, he was an odd kid from when he was /real/ little, so I could say he's always been real /Fitz/. It's always crazy to think he's going back to the Twilight Court telling stories about /me/; I always assume his time there is way more exciting." But clearly he's happy to be featured in his son's stories. He waves a hand at one of the other topics, though. "Having a personal favorite that speaks to a person with particular strength isn't the same as setting one god above the others. We all have favorites."

Ailys eases back into her spot next to Azova. "They might still be." The corners of her mouth tick upwards wryly. "The things we go through to learn."

"I like all the gods, but I am super into Jayus, gotta admit," Sorrel agrees with a little nod. "Though the whole Arts and Sciences thing appeals to me." She motions expressively with her hands as if to try to gesture her opinions of the gods enthusiastically.

Keely has joined the line.

"It's so interesting to watch the two of you together and think... oh my gods, how did Aleksei turn out so normal? How did it happen?" Saccharin says, resting a chin against palm as she settles down, staring at the Baby Saddy. "Oh Ak... I mean wait oh my gods, what is your now name? Why do -you- have Crusader?" She asks Preston with a furrowed brw.

Caspian looks to Aleksei and gives a 'here here' with a smile. He laughed with a broad smile "I will admit Skald holds a special place for me.. but thats not hard to imagine and i suspect many would feel the same." he grinned to Sorrel, "besides, im not any where near talented enough in crafting to be much of s student of Jayus"

Graziella lofts both brows and gives a gentle waft of her spidersilk veil, "Well, of course you are-" She inhales with a jaded sigh and offers a gentle shake of her head, "I meant, in our society, it is frowned upon to hold one god over another or claim that any are more powerful. What you Nox believe? That falls well out of the purview of our society's... expectations. It serves us well, to remember that..." The Princess offers a tight lipped smile and a slight curtsy with her following introduction, "Princess Graziella Pravus."

Vitalis eventually gathers himself, makes his courtesies and departs.

"He does," Sylvie assures Aleksei, though whether it is on the subject of sharing stories or getting better, well, she doesn't expand. She smiles to the man, softly, in turn and then looks towards Saccharin as she begins questioning Aleksei and Preston.

Lisebet just looks from one to the next, as the entertainment continues. "I'm quite glad I decided to come here today," she says softly. "It's been quite educational and super fun."

Turn in line: Raymesin

Ian stares at Preston for a good several seconds and then, abruptly, picks up whatever quiet conversation he was having with Ray as though there was never a pause.

Raymesin nods to Ian, then looks around at everyone else and steps in to murmur his question to Saccharin.

Graziella has joined the line.

"Well, I dunno, ask my parents if they think I'm normal," Aleksei says with a rueful laugh to Saccharin. "But in terms of, like -- human versus Nox'alfar, I guess I'm definitely very human." He looks a bit struck by something, one of the many conversations going about, and then he leans in a bit to murmur something to Preston.

Vitalis has left the an intentionally two hundred-legged table.

Mabelle rises quietly from the couch and offers a curtsy to Saccharin and the other Nox, "Thank you for your hospitality this afternoon, it was very interesting", she bows her head and bids some farewells.

"Preston, M'lady" The Templar offers to the Nox "And I have it because I proved to Gloria that I would commit to her path, wherever it took me. To defend the innocent, and stand against the dark. To understand that victory is not as important as honour, that a life ended is not worse than a life misused." He explains, touching the blade's pommel "It has long been in the care of the Templars, we just...ah....placed it in safe keeping for a time, where it found its own use. It's own way to help. And well, a little betrayal delayed its recovery a few hundred years." But he ducks his head with a little grin to murmer back to Aleksei

Graziella makes her way over to join the cue of people waiting to ask questions and she fluffs the bag hanging from her arm, glancing down at it as if to momentarily assure herself that it was still hanging from her arm as she waits.

Varosh stays in the backgroond but considers the princess Pravus.

"Goooddsss that sounds like such a Silver thing to do." Saccharin doesn't seem in any way inspired or awed by the talk of Gloria and honor. "That's very nice though. I'm very happy for you. It's a better life for you than you know... other potential lives that you could have. Those lives might seem more appealing but ultimately you'll find this one more satisfying. There will be moments where you go, "ugh they were much more malleable in my past life but now, they become so much more resistant. What do I do?" But it's important to not lose sight of your goals. "Do not be afraid to dive first without their being water in the pool, okay?"

Mabelle has left the A very hostile blood-red couch made of bricks.

Aleksei has joined the line.

Raymesin steps back to offer another of those clumsy untaught bows to Saccharin, then steps back to his previous position at the edges of the crowd near Ian.

Terese seems to be debating something as she waits to talk to the Ambasador.

Turn in line: Terese

"I was curious to know something but it might be best I ask you privately," Terese says as she takes a step forward to offer Saccharin a respecful bow of greeting before she speaks, then waits to be told she can approach

Turn in line: Ian

"It is the life I was raised to lead - perhaps I am ever being what others make of me? And I simply improve over time in its doing. Though, I cannot say I ever much like water either way. Fall off the boat in armour and you drown, whoever you are." Preston answers, perhaps taking the advice a little literally. Or just being obtuse. Or both. Both is possible.

"I like you soooo much better now. You used to be sooo obtuse." Saccharin says sincerely, yes it truly seems genuine, in response to Preston's words.

Ailys murmurs a farewell to Azova and quietly makes her way out of the Embassy.

Ailys has left the You Consent To Being Smelled By Standing Here.

Terese after a brief quiet conversation with the Ambassador Terese is seen offering a final bow and returning to her spot

Ian also doesn't seem to have an 'asking out loud' sort of question for Saccharin, continuing the tradition of whispers with little entertainment value. He approaches, inclines his body over his cane in an approximation of a bow, and speaks quietly, hints of his thick Isles accent carrying, but nothing else.

Caspian stands and offers a bow to the room, "This was marvelous, thank you Ambassador. Next time i'll have a question for sure" he offered a smile to the room, "i wish everyone the best and to stay safe!"

Caspian has left the A bloodmagic created opulent sofa.

Ian nods at whatever reply he gets. "I understand. Thank you." And then he withdraws.

Turn in line: Keely

When it is her turn, Keely sits up on the edge of the brick couch. She flicks her dark eyes over the room apprehensively, then abruptly rises to move and settle close to where Saccharin sits, drawing a breath and then releasing it without managing to ask anything at all. Then she clears her throat softly and tries again, leaning in to whisper Quite Faintly to the elf. It seems she's following the trend of whispering at ambassadors today, and is possibly even asking the exact same thing as some of the people before her.

Turn in line: Graziella

When it is her turn Graziella steps forward and she offers a formal curtsy, speaking softly as she approaches but certainly above a whisper, "I find it rather rude, to ask for anything without first offering something... so I've brought a gift, a piece I designed last year...when I was dreaming of follies..." The Pravus trails off into those introspective words and she takes her time removing the honeysilk top from the cloth bag on her forearm. The top is fashioned in dark hues with sheer sleeves and a neckline that offers the vague suggestion of a bird? Is that a bird? It must be... what else could it be. "If you'll accept my gift? I'll ask my question." Waiting patiently, the Princess steps forward and offers the garment to Saccharin with a sharp subtle grin showing in the spidery shadows of her veil.

Keely musters a little smile, dipping her chin lightly at Saccharin and mirmiring a soft, "Thank you, my lady," before she rises and makes her way out of the room without looking at anyone at all.

Graziella drops Creature of the Dark, a tribute to the night.

Keely has left the A very hostile blood-red couch made of bricks.

Of course Saccharin loves a pretty dress. And so she's ecstatic as she runs a hand over the soft silk. "That is so kind of you. It even -smells- like honey. Gods we have to hide this from Sonnet." And then to Graziella. "What do you wish to ask?"

Saccharin gets Creature of the Dark, a tribute to the night.

Conall, a huge, friendly sable Wolfhound with bright platinum eyes, Ylva, an impressively-large, silvery Wolfhound with bright gold eyes, Parker, a quietly assertive servant arrive, following Sunaia.

"For a future kindness, a favor... to be traded when I am in need of it and not until that time." Graziella is clearly here to play the game and she inclines her head politely as she follows up her request with a loaded humility, "I am so glad you adore it, and chose to keep it. Fair trade, fair-er friends."

A loooong thoughtful look from Saccharin before she goes, "I'll allow it." Then her attention shifts to Aleksei. "Baby Daddy. Not /my/ baby daddy. I do not want children not now or ever." She shudders at the thought.

Sylvie frowns, her lips tightening into a line as a storm brews in her eyes. She looks towards Saccharin and back towards Graziella, curving a sharp brow at the latter. But, she holds her tongue.

Turn in line: Aleksei

Always running on her own sense of time, or no sense of timing, Sunaia slips in as unnoticed as a platinum-haired, pale-eyed lady could in this crowd. Her dark-featured servant walked along beside her, attempting not to wander off looking at the lingering attendees. The lady turns her head to Saccharin as she speaks about a Baby Daddy and cannot help but look amused.

Graziella inclines her head politely without another word to taint the deal, she then slips back silently into the crowd and maintains an aura of unspoken success.

"I don't think that's really what a /question/ line is for," Aleksei says in an audible undertone. "Or how gifts work." But it doesn't matter what he thinks! Because Saccharin has allowed it. He looks back to Saccharin with a widening smile. "What? Kids are great!" But that's not his question. "Anyways. I'm curious what souls /look/ like. I mean -- obviously every soul is unique, the way everyone's face is unique -- enough to be recognizable, anyways. I assume. Since you all can recognize and differentiate them. And I know you can tell old souls from new souls. So I guess I just wonder -- what do souls look like in /general/? Or -- specifics. Whatever you'd want to say about it!"

Sunaia has joined the Ignorant Human Storage.

"Shows what you know.." Grazi muses on her way past Aleksei, in apparent quip to his own comments on her choice of question.

"It was certainly not appropriate," Sylvie intones in agreement with Aleksei with a sharp, soft edge as Graziella quips, her stormy eyes tracing the woman's path. She makes a note, the first note of the meeting, in the parchment in her lap.

"I mean /I'm/ not the one who has to fulfil the request." Saccharin says with an innocent look before gesturing vaguely down the hall. "Prince Tyrval is the favor guy. The one who handles traded kindness and all that. He likes humans a bunch so we leave it to him."

As to Aleksei's quesion. "I mean it looks different depending on who is looking, you know? Like to me it looks like a bunch of blood sacs in the shame of humans hammering at a pile of chains. But you know to someone else you could look like a pile of sludge ruining a party. so."

3 Black Fleet Reavers have been dismissed.

Graziella hesitates a moment when Sylvie has her say and glances around the room, nodding even when Saccharin clarifies, "Not appropriate? We were told we could ask anything, I decided to ask /for/ something... still an ask. If wise Prince Tyvral decides I didn't play by the rules? I welcome a letter from him or his people, informing me that my gamble is forfeit. Last I heard though?" She sighs and gives a gentle toss of her head that shows she was just having fun, "The Nox'alfar enjoy a good gamble from time to time? Afterall, I very well could be putting my life on the line. What is more amusing than that?" Dark humor evident in every Pravus grin.

"Really?" It's hard to tell if Aleksei is more excited at the idea of his soul looking like blood sacs, people hammering at chains, or a pile of sludge ruining a party. "I didn't know they looked different to different Nox'alfar! That's so cool." He sighs a bit wistfully, clearly a bit jealous of the ability at large.

Is the meeting adjourned? It's hard to tell as the host disappears in a cloud of red mist.

Sylvie doesn't respond to Graziella, merely curving one brow upwards. Instead, she rises as Saccharin disappears, offering to the crowd: "You may stay and socialize, at your own risk, as long as there are drinks and food."

Azova has left the You Consent To Being Smelled By Standing Here.

4 Redoubt Buccaneers, Orion, a healer's surly Assistant, Fernando, the pygmy bear leave, following Azova.

Aleksei has left the Ignorant Human Storage.

EVERY. SINGLE. NOX. STARES AT PRESTON AS HE LEAVES.