6 Grayson House Guards, Maureen, an unflappable nanny, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

Audgrim gets ranger's backpack with bedroll from armour and weapon pack.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, a nameless overwrought highstrung pygmy goat, Rocco, the rascally assistant, Strawberry Pupcake, the Graypeak Mountain Dog arrive, following Thea.


Spring has come to Arx, and the cherry blossom trees here in the grounds of the Valardin Manor have burst in full bloom. Like pink confetti, the ruffle-edged petals have painted branches in rosy hues, as well as the grass beneath where a lively breeze has blown through the gardens and whisked handfuls from the trees. Three long tables dressed in pink stand to one side, the first laden with a variety of teas and chilled drinks; pink lemonade, rose wine, cherry leaf tea and the like, and the second with pastries and cakes. All are themed pink and white as required for the party. The third holds carefully selected stems of cherry blossom blooms, along with a variety of greenery, ribbons and silks. Ribbons and floral garlands festoon anything not moving, and over on a raised dais beneath one of the trees, a string quartet plays a selection of music that begs to be danced to.

Celine stands as host to welcome the guests, elegant and cool in an outfit which could quite be blamed for being the inspiration for today's small soiree. Flying in the face of tradition, it's a cotton shirt and trousers that she's chosen to wear rather than a tea dress, and one glance by any of the city's fashion forward citizens would mark it as one of Caprice Artiglio's imaginings. It's been teamed with an endearing blush pink silk sash that's been twice wrapped around Celine's waist, and a pair of pink seasilk slippers. Her pale gold hair is worn immaculately drawn back from her face and wound into one shining braid that falls down her back to the small of her waist. Pink and white flowers adorn its length.

"Thank you for coming. It's a delight to meet you. Please do select a favor from the basket over there." Another guest is greeted and ushered into the party with a generous smile.

Keely wanders onto the Valardin grounds in pink and white like most everyone else, adorned in cherry blossoms enough to nearly blend into the decor. Her dark gaze flits to and fro, delicate hands wrapped in dainty cotton gloves and folded before herself, a light smile on her young face. Those eyes light up when she spies the pink lemonade, and she slips over toward the refreshment tables to select a beverage, fetching herself a party favor on the way.

She does pause as she nears the hostess, murmuring a warm, "You look lovely, your highness. Thank you for holding such a darling event," before getting herself out of the way.

Jingling bells sing through the ward, possibly from the few that have been tied to branches of the trees. More sing out as Mattheu Rivenshari wanders through the crowd in a set of silks and flaxen cloth dyed with pinks and whites a copy to the cherry blossoms in bloom. A long blending white jacket of dyed silk billows freely from his shoulders, barely held upon his frame when encountering the slightest breeze, revealing the sleeveless tunic underneath. A warm smile upon his lips as another small brass bell finds flight as he tosses a small flaxen ribbon and bell into a nearby tree.

With spring having now taken it's hold on the City, it's the perfect opportunity for little tea parties and Nazmir is intending to take full advantage of that. Making his way to the Valardin Grounds in an outfit done in shades of pink, the Redrain Prince is dipping his head in the direction of Celine, smile tugging to his lips, "Your Highness. Such a lovely day for such a lovely event." A little dip of his head is given and then he's moving further, getting out of the way of the others that are arriving.

There's a bit of a disturbance at the entrance as Grady, who is wearing just enough pink and white to pass inspection, is let through, and objections are raised to his assistant Mortimer and his guards, who are not. "Oh, don't trouble yourself, Mortimer." Grady smiles as he turns his attention to smoothing the whole thing over. "What trouble can I possibly get into in the middle of the gardens in the Valardin estate? Ah. If you're going to look at me like THAT, I'd rather you not answer." Mortimer, who was probably going to say something snarky, instead departs with the guards, probably to one of the nearby inns or taverns, and Grady turns on his heel to view the whole scene in the garden with a broad smile. "Goodness! How lovely this all looks."

Mabelle has promised to stop for a while and so she does, appearing in a very racy gown with representing tulips and showing off much more, she wanders onto the grounds, sparkling from every ray of light caught by her lavish jewelry. A peculiar headpiece is upon her head, showcasing goldenwood fashioned into feathers and a large honey onyx hanging upon her forehead. Mabelle greets the hosts, Celine and Katarina, "Princesses Good evening and thank you for the invitation, everything is so pink!", she collects a cherry lemonade and goes to find herself within the crowd.

Katarina is seated off to one side of Celine, wearing lace that clings to her body and seems like it /should/ be indecent -- and yet even the most dogged Inquisitor would have trouble finding an actionable fault with the dress. While Celine is greeting her guests, Katarina is listing to one side, nearly reclining, eating cake that she helped herself to before the party actually began. She lifts her fork to wave at people, sometimes accompanying it with a head nod or a closed-mouth (because mid-eating) smile. How much of a personable greeting they get seems to roughly correspond with their title and social station. Keely gets a pretty good one.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from scholar's leather satchel.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Mattheu takes a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Keely gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Celine puts a delicate cherry blossom pin in a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Mabelle takes a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Sabella takes a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Katarina takes a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Audgrim does not have a very long walk to here, coming straight from the Telmar Tower - though anyone who has met him before would probably be hard pressed to recognize him at first. Though he is wearing leather, it is all made from the thing and smooth peachskin, in a dark pink color, including the hat. A white lose shirt in aeterna and a white swordbelt adds the needed contrast. The knight stalks into the Valardin grounds as quietly as usual, even if his outfit screams of shocking color. He bows to the present nobility, and murmurs a 'thanks for hosting' to Celine, then heads straight for the drinks and cakes.

Lisebet gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Thea takes a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Gaspar gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Erik gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Katarina is also, while she sits and indolently eats her cake, modeling one of the pins commissioned by her cousin on her white lace dress. Does it look good on her?

Thea has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Nazmir gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Audgrim gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Lisebet has not been to the Valardin grounds in quite some time. It is a spur of the moment decision, and so she hasn't the time to have something superbly fashionable made. Instead, she pulls out something superbly fashionable from long ago that is easily fashionable once more. She comes in quietly, without any fuss from the guards, who may indeed still recognize her. Once there, she glances around with a bright smile. "What a lovely excuse for a party. Brilliant!"

Mattheu has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

What's better than being fashionably late? Absolutely nothing. Which is why Marquis-Regent Gaspar Tessere arrives just after the event starts with Princess Sabella at his arm. They're whispering a little thing here and there until arriving with the gathered. There's a charming smile as he looks across the room to see several familiar faces and all attached to beautiful people. Gaspar guides Sabella over to Celine and smiles, dipping his head. "Your Highness, you've managed to turn a purple-man pink, at least for a day." His smile grows gently as he spares a quick look to his companion. "It's gorgeous. Everything is truly gorgeous. Thank you for the invitation. Do you know Princess Sabella Grayson?"

Thea is here, not at all having to walk far. Is she dressed in pink? PROBABLY not. That isn't even a color she KNOWS. But she's here anyway. Walking over to Celine with a slight smile on her face, she greets the princess,"This looks lovely. Thank you for hosting." Thea looks around, probably already searching for a drink, but exhales remembering she can't. Tea it is.

"Hello, your highness," Keely greets Katarina, doing her best to disguise the wariness in her gaze with a smile. The bruise on her shin has -almost- healed from their last encounter, and can barely be detected through the lace of her stockings. "Oh, Lord Grady, how wonderful to see you," she then calls over in soft tones upon hearing the Grady-centric kerfuffle at the entrance, retrieving two pink lemonades and bringing one over to offer him. "Look, they even made the drinks pink, isn't it just darling? Oh, hello Lord Mattheu!" The Rivenshari Lord is next to distract her, earning a brilliant and warm smile with the mere jingle of his bells. "Come. Do you know Lord Grady Deepwood? Lord Grady, this is mu protege..."

Erik makes his way onto the ground, wearing a rather unusual attire made from two rose colored bedsheets that have been knotted together at the shoulders, with a bit more fabric on the front, resembling a round neckline. The knots on the shoulders add even more width to his frame than his broad shoulders already have, giving him quite the impressive V-shape as the linens are brought together around his body at the waist where they are tied together with a rope that has been dyed rose. Closer inspection will reveal that the color distribution on the bedsheet is not uniform, the dye job was likely done by himself, using whatever he had available ... red wine.
He makes his way through lines and other guests until he finds a moment of Celine's time, smiling widely with a mischievous grin: "Princess Celine, I thank you for the invitation and, as you see, i took the task you set and went with an appropriately colored attire, just as we wagered."

When Gaspar and Sabella approach, Katarina has a brief '!!' reaction. She sets down her cake, sits up straight, then actually goes to the trouble of /getting up/. She smooths out her dress and approaches to stand beside Celine. "Princess Sabella, Marquis Gaspar, it is wonderful to see you both~." Suddenly, she seems to care a lot more about looking stately and Princessly and not like she's lazing around eating cake. "Please, Marquis, pass along my fondest wishes to the General~. A pity she seems unable to attend, but... she would not be /the General/ if she was not constantly on the move with her plans~."

Stepping off to the side, Nazmir's gaze plays about and when he catches sight of Keely and Mattheu, he's liftin ga hand to give a little wave in their direction. That's then followed by a smile given over in the direction of Mabelle, along with a wave given towards her and he begins making his way over in her direction.

"Thank you. Yes indeed it is," Celine says to Nazmir, a glance given around the Valardin gardens and th people that begin to arrive. "It was a sudden inspiration on finding this darling shirt and trousers in Messere Artiglio's shop that has resulted in this, and I do believe that the grounds here have never been prettier. They're quite militaristic in design, so it's nice." Her smile is sudden. "Princess Celine Valardin. I don't believe we've met before now?" Her voice lifts on the ending, awaiting an introduction in return, and she spots a few familiar faces as they start drifting through the gates. "Lady Mabelle, hello. Marquis-Regent Gaspar. No I have indeed met Princess Sabella, but it was only briefly. Lord Mattheu, Countess Thea..." She breaks off and squints at Erik, the tips of her fingers covering her lips to stifle a laugh. "Lord Erik. Welcome. You look to have gone to some trouble." She doesn't need to greet Katarina, she's been freeloading the cakes for a while.

Mattheu was close to sitting upon a table and is pulled off by Keely's call, another bells sings out as it flies through the air with a colorful slip of flaxen cloth then wrapping itself and bell to branch of a nearby tree. "AH! Lord Grady. It's good to see you didn't freeze."

Mabelle wiggles her fingers to some familiar faces such as Mattheu, Keely, Sabella, Gasper and Erik individually, turning in the direction of Nazmir as he approaches her, "Prince Redrain, you are looking very springy, I almost want to see how high you can jump", she teases him, "I think your adoration of honeysilk is what fills our coffers", she winks to him.

"Marquis Gaspar. You brought my student,"Thea tells him in a manner of greeting, a smile to Sabella as well. "Princess Sabella, good to see you again." She takes a sip of her tea, nodding to Keely and Mabelle as well. And likely everyone else she's missed.

There's a smile given in the direction of Celine, along with another little incline of Nazmir's head, "Finding such inspiration is always a grand thing, especially when it looks so very fetching." A quick grin and then, "No, we haven't had the pleasure, Your Highness. Prince Nazmir Redrain." His gaze then darts back over towards Mabelle, a low laugh coming to be offered, "I spend /far/ more on honeysilk then any reasonable person should, I'm afraid. And alas, there shall be no jumping. At least not this early in the day."

Audgrim drinks something pink and eats something even more pink, looking quite content where he finds a seat where he can overlook the festivities, amber eyes squinting as he takes in the guests and their attire. He waves his fork towards Keely in a greeting. Spotting the gift tokens, he leans over to pick one out, and looks surprised about it - in a good way. It's immediately attached to the lapel of his coat, and he makes a little content noise; it matches his outfit very well.

Sabella is on the arm of Gaspar, dressed in a beautiful pure white aeterna gown with a tantalizing slit that starts at upper thigh on one side and is open all the way to the floor. Embroidered cherry blossoms seem to pop out like they were going to be carried along on the wind with her. She's got a bright, warm smile for everyone around and a few waves for the people she knows. Poise and grace are with her every step of the way like she was born for the spotlight. "Princess Celine, this is absolutely darling. I love it, you've truly outdone yourself." A delicate hand gestures to all the decorations of pinks and whites. When Katarina stands up, she gets a little smile and knowing nod of approval from the Princess. "Princess Katarina, a pleasure once again. I hope you've been faring well." Mabelle also gets a friendly wave, "Oh dear Lady Mabelle, your looking stunning as always." With Thea coming around she smiles, "Countess, it's good to see you again. And yes, indeed he has. Don't you just love his outfit. I had it tailored specifically for him. I think pale pinks suits him." she gestures to Gaspar.

Grady manages to turn the proverbial volume of his good humor up further than it already was, cranking it straight to eleven, at the sight of Keely. He hits her with the full force of that amiable mood, and the smile that accompanies it. "Oh, hello, Princess Keely. You look wonderful. Everything is so wonderful and pink!" He bows to her, a bow that reflects so perfectly the difference in their ranks that practice had to have been involved, and then takes the offered drink. "Ah! Is this lemonade? One can always count upon House Valardin, yes, not to be always pushing liquor into one's hand. Hello, Lord Mattheu! I am, as you can see, well thawed, although I expect we all shall be melting soon enough, yes?" Bowing to Mattheu is a little trickier, because he's holding a full glass of pink lemonade now, but he more or less manages it. "Lord Mattheu and I have indeed met, but I am always happy to be introduced to anyone by you."

Dark eyes sweep over Katarina at her sudden arrival, smiling warmly to her. There's a bit of knowingness in the way he watches her, a shared fondness of something perhaps. "Your highness, wonderful to see you as well. You look stunning. I'd passed along the invitation to the General, but I think I frightened her away at the mention of 'pink'. And besides, she has a great deal of work to do in the come days. She has something else on her mind as of late." There's a playful wink to the Oathlandically Eurusi beauty. "If you would be so inclined, Princess Katarina, I would love to host you for wine or tea some day soon, if you're of a mind to." His brow lofts as Thea addresses him and he smiles at the familiar face. "Countess--I still have trouble remembering that at times--Thea, I did indeed. She told me that you are going to be putting her through the paces soon enough."

Mabelle inclines her head to Thea, "It has been a while, Countess, I pray you are well". A smile is cast toward Audgrim, "Master Audgrim, I pray you have been well. I look forward to seeing what your brilliant mind conjures for the summer with rose leather", she winks to him. Her eyes return to her companion and she looks curious, "Can I not convince you to give starlight silk a chance? To be honest, I favor honeysilk to it as well, but its colder more.... dramatic".

Hearing Sabella's voice, Mabelle greets her, "Princess Grayson, you look lovely, truly we should get together soon".

"White would have been easier by far and I admit that rose and pink was quite the challenge, but I think that was your intention. We will surely talk later again, now I shall leave you to your other guests.", Erik replies easily to Celine and moves out of the way. He returns a nod to Mabelle's silent greeting, spinning once to show off the counterpoint to her elaborate dress maybe and continues to greet other familiar faces, one of which would be Sabella if she were to recognize him in his unusual clothing.

Katarina grins brightly at Gaspar. "I accept," she trills, in her thick Dune Kingdoms accent. Then she looks to Sabella: "Your Highness, may I borrow your companion for just a moment? I will return him quickly, but there are words that I have that require his ear." She then reaches to tug-tug Gaspar her way, so she can get up on her tip-toes and murmur to him.

Audgrim is seeing more people he knows; he nods amicably at Mabelle and upnods at Grady. "Lady Mabelle, good to see you again. Lord Grady, it's been awhile."

Katarina mutters, "... ... ... to know, my ... that ... is in ... contract about ... personal aid toward your House is ... a ... obligation -- ... ... ... ... by my ... ... I ... General Piccola, it will be scorned as a ... match, ... we cannot produce ... heir of ... bodies between us. So ... will ... whatever ... within my ... ... benefit House Tessere, to offset ... loss ... face that comes ... ... marriage of two ..."

At the mention of Starlight Silk, Nazmir flashes a grin in the direction of Mabelle, only to offer up, "I must admit, Lady Mabelle, that I have quite the stash of starlight silk back at the Manor, as well. It's my second favorite fabric, so you needn't worry about convincing me to try that."

"I think pale pink suits him admirably," Celine agrees with Sabella, casting a critical eye over the Marquis' ensemble. "It amused me the amount of messengers I received asking me if pink was truly to be worn. But as I said, there's so many shades of it, something will suit." A bright smile is given as the arrivals start to dwindle, and she winds her arms around her waist and nods to Erik. "I will speak to you later, I expect, and I am filled with awe, by the way, at how creative you've been!" She wanders off herself, checking on the state of the tables and the wiltability of the flowers, before spotting Audgrim. She makes her way towards him and offers an easy smile. "Hell. Thank you for coming. I'm Celine Valardin th host of the day." She swipes up a glass of pink lemonade and takes a small sip, eyeing the various knots of people that form and reform.

The bright blue eyes of the Grayson princess drift to Mabelle, "Absolutely, it's been far too long. I've so many teas collected in my room I need company to share them with. We'll have to speak afterwards of a time that's good for both of us." When Sabella is making her way around she's catching Erik, "Lord Erik, a pleasure. So sorry I had to run out the other day. My children were bouncing off the walls, and our poor nanny Maureen was just frantic about making sure I was there." a soft little chortle for the man before she lets go of Gaspar, "Of course, Princess Katarina, I'm sure he can make up his absence later." she winks to the Marquis before floating around to everyone else, noting her cousin, Keely. "Keely you look so beautiful, as always obviously."

Thea chuckles at Gaspar. "Same can be said about you,"before her gaze looks over to Sabella, a smile for her too. "I am. I have the conservatory all set up for her. I have no doubt she'll study hard." Thea's attention drifts to Mabelle, nodding in agreement. "It has, yes. I'm well--Busy. Always busy. I wanted to talk to you about something, but it can wait." Looking toward Katarina, she smiles to her as well. "I trust everything went well with the crumbs and the General the other day, yes?"

Mabelle chuckles at Nazmir, "Well then, I feel better already!", she winks to him, "We should definitely meet at some point to discuss our little wicked plan. I've collected five princes!". She then assures Sabella and Thea, "We shall meet, soon. Correspond and we shall set something yes?", she looks hopeful and then murmurs to Nazmir, "Forgive me a moment, I see a cookie I must have".

"It has indeed!" Grady is just as happy to see Audgrim as he was Keely and Mattheu, and smiles to him as he tips an imaginary hat. "Too long, really. How is business? I can't imagine that Arx could have lost its taste, can it, for your wonderful leatherwork in the time that I was seeing family back home?"

A soft laugh escapes Keely as her focus flits from Mattheu to Grady and back, the bell-throwing and the agreement to be re-introduced both seeming to tickle her. "I shall spare you, Lord Grady. You both look wonderful in such spring-y colors." She sips from her glass, perking up when she spies Mabelle and lifting a gloved hand to flutter a subtle wave in her direction. "Excuse me, my lords, there is a beautiful Lady over here who needs greeting. Lady Mabelle, you are a vision!" She turns to step lightly to where Mabelle and Nazmir speak, giving Sabella a glance and a bare, fleeting smile on her way past. She, of course, intercepts the Laurent Lady -before- she runs off to get a cookie, and then turns her focus up to the Redrain Prince, slipping into soft conversation for a moment.

Mattheu laughs as Grady points out it's hard to bow while holding his lemonade. "It's not that terrible? Just bow with your arm out like so." And with that Mattheu shows Grady a very flourished bow, bells singing out in his movement. His own lemonade held between two fingers in a balancing act as his had sweeps out.

Gaspar mutters, "Your ... I ... your ... I ... not ... ... traditional of ... ... ... ... on ... are in the sense that it serves ... ... a joining ... ... ... The ... is invaluable to ... Tessere, but ... ... is precious to me. And this is something ... ... and ... ... ... deny ... that. Let ... scorn ... if it will. ... know you will have a ... ally in me, ... ... I ... forward ... ... one in you. I learned long ago to ... Piccola's instincts and ... ... is what ... ... ... best for ... for her, for ... ... your 'future', what a fool I would be to deny any ... ..."

Look, a Thea! Audgrim waves at her too and looks her over a bit critically, as if fully expecting her to be hurt or burned or something. Then he gives her a tiny grin, before he stands up to greet Celine properly, bowing his head respectfully. "Princess Celine, it is an honor to meet you," he says, voice quiet and a bit raspy. "Nice party. Inspired even me to make an outfit. Finally used this peachskin I've kept for awhile, looks great in dark pink, don't it?" He hand-wobbles to Grady. "To be honest - just done some regular leather work lately, not done any much new. But, people need backpacks and boots too."

A laugh is given to Mabelle as Nazmir bobs his head, "Five, already? Yes. We must indeed meet about this." When she then takes her leave, he's giving a little wiggle of his fingers in her direction, only to then catch sight of Keely approaching and when she slips into that quiet conversation, he's canting his head a touch towards her, smile on his lips as he murmurs back.

Katarina checks willpower at daunting. Katarina marginally fails.

Katarina and Gaspar exchange their /extremely juicy/ murmurs. When Gaspar is finished, Katarina looks for a moment like she's so happy that she might cry. Instead, she takes a breath, and then leans up again to kiss Gaspar on the cheek. Her hands take both of his: "Thank you, Marquis." It's said with strong conviction. Then Katarina releases Gaspar to return to Sabella, and turns toward Thea, still looking a little dazed: "Oh, yes. The General takes excellent care of me~."

Gaspar grins at Thea, "And all this time, countess, I thought you were simply a stern without without compassion." He grins at her and after receiving the wink from Sabella he returns it and smiles at Celine's mention of letters. "I only hope you received less correspondence about this event from the others as you did me, your highness." But he looks to the Grayson princess as she leaves and follows Katarina just a few steps away to share a few words that are seemingly truthful and utterly heartfelt.

With a drink in hand, a lovely glass of rose wine, Lisebet makes her way around the garden, her expression serene as she finds the hostess and greets her. "Princess Celine, thank you for hosting." She raises her glass in a small salute, offering a nod to those she recognizes. Quite a few as it happens.

6 First Legion Centurions, Sparrow, an enthusiastic and bubbly assistant arrive, following Renata.

"Taking me to school as always." Grady grins to Mattheu and imitates the gesture. He's long limbed, and thin enough to make those long arms and legs a little bit spidery and potentially gangly, but he manages it with enough grace to pass muster. "I suppose leather's a bit hot for the coming season," he allows to Audgrim. "I really ought to have thought to have something made to bring back to my wife before I left, yes, but with one thing and another... Well! I won't be so remiss the next time I have the chance to visit home."

"Ah, Think nothing about it," Erik returns to Sabella, "I will just see it as another interruption of paperwork, but it serves well as a reason why you might have thought the tavern is a quieter place than home would be. I am sure we well find another moment of peace in the future." Clearly, this is not such a quiet place as each of them has to continue their rounds.

Audgrim remembers something important; "Uhm, sorry. I am Sir Audgrim Veilandir, Knight of Telmar." He looks a little sheepish, glancing at Celine.

A petite Pravus Princess is making her way into the Valardin grounds with a pep in her step. Her dark brown hair that ends in waves is in a state of disarray and she's mid talking to Sparrow as she goes along handing her a plethora of paperwork and ledgers that she was carrying. Delicate hands going to run through her hair to make her more presentable. Renata is wearing a high-waisted mauve skirt with rosy pink blouse, her cheeks are flushed from quickly running here, but alas she was still late. Eyes the color of the Summer seas spot Nazmir and she waves to him before closing the gap between them to offer him a kiss to the cheek.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Sir Audgrim. And how interesting. I haven't seen anything created of peachskin before," Celine says with a tilt of her head. "Is it /actual/ peachskin, or..." She leaves the rest of that question hanging there, and leans in close the better to inspect it. "Might I?" She holds up a hand and hovers her fingers an inch or so above his sleeve, asking persmission before actually touching. And it's still hovering there when Lisebet approaches, and her smile only deepens as Lisebet's meanderings carry her her way. "Duchess Ashford, isn't it? Thank you so much for coming. It's my first hosting of anything in the city, so I do hope you're enjoying it. Did you collect a favour yet?"

There's an amused look at Audgrim as she winks at him. She herself gives that look. "I'm perfectly fine. How are you,"she asks. Then she's off, going to mingle with people she knows. Because she be social damnit!

Thea claims!

Katarina returns to her spot standing right alongside Celine, being a supportive cousin and so on. She clutches one hand in the other in front of her lap, and her smile is so bright that it's like she's struggling to contain it. She exchanges a sidelong look with Celine, like she's checking up on the hostess -- and then her attention is briefly seized by Erik, as she stares at what he's wearing in utter bafflement.

Mattheu has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Violeta Emili, a Ravashari smuggler dressed as the wind, 2 Rivenshari Clan Guardsman leave, following Mattheu.

It was a subtle entry into the grounds, or at least as subtle as one could enter. Elysio extinguished the smoldering rolled cigarillo in hand by rolling its cherry out between his fingertips and slipping the nub into a pouch on his belt. After a brief pause and glance about those surrounding, he made his way to Gaspar's side and took his place as a quiet sentinel.

Sabella nods with a chuckle to Erik, "There are many places in the Grayson Manse to enjoy quiet, my lord. I just simply was enjoying a different bout of scenery is all. Nothing like a little mom glare that cannot quiet the children down." And with that away she goes to collect a drink, waving to others before she's catching glimpse of Grady, "Oh Lord Grady, fabulous seeing you here. How goes? Doing well?" Sabella is bringing the flute of lemonade to partake in a few sips.

Lisebet's smile is bright and genuine. "Yes indeed. Lisebet Ashford, formerly Farshaw." Yes, that Farshaw. Ryhalt's baby sister. "I am indeed enjoying this, you've a great venue and idea for an event. I love it." She holds her hand up, the one that doesn't have the rose wine in it, and shows the pin she's currently carrying. "I shall put it on, as soon as I have both hands free." Which may be a while, there's lovely pink food and drink here after all.

Keely cuts off her quiet conversation with Nazmir as Renata approaches and kisses him, clearing her throat quietly and offering a small smile and a dip of her chin before turning to continue her circuit of the party, heading for Audgrim this time. "Sir Audgrim, you look absolutely dashing," she voices as she draws nearer, a warm smile on her young face. "What an excellent color for you. You are well, I hope? Is your new companion settling in nicely?"

At the moment, Nazmir is standing with Keely, engaging in quiet conversation with a smile on his lips. There's a little dip of his head and a quick murmur before he suddenly realizes that Renata has appeared. There's an arch of a brow and a little laugh, cheek tilting into the kiss as he offers to her, "I thought you were back at the Pravus Manor, working away." He's then looking back to Keely as she moves on and about her rounds, only to turn his attention back over towards Renata, "Decided to make an appearance, after all?"

Grady beams a smile to Sabella that's only briefly cut off by his practiced, elegant bow to her. He's still beaming when he straightens up again and takes a few steps to close the distance between them. "Princess Sabella! So good to see you again. And looking so well! I daresay, the spring weather suits you. Ah, I see you've found the lemonade, as well.

"Most of it. I had to use some other leather for the parts that break easily," Audgrim explains and lifts his arms and allows Celine to inspect his new clothes. "For leather, it's not that hot actually. But I wouldn't wear this middle of summer," he adds with a wry tone. There's a nod to Grady. "Stop by the shop, I restock regularly enough." He straightens up as Keely approaches and looks pretty chuffed to hear her praise. "Thanks. I made it myself." Almost like a kid showing off their latest art project. "Barney the Badger is settling in very well, aye. Dodgy, my rat, was a bit suspicious at first but I caught him snuggling right up to him, the other evening, so he got over it."

The sweet kiss from Katarina is returned with a smile and a bow of his head before she moves to return to Celine. He spares a look around and seems perfectly content, even when his gaze spots Keely in the not-far-away-distance. Should she look his way, he dips his head before a figure manifests at his side. Gaspar jumps. Perhaps there's a reason he's so jump when things appear out of nowhere these days, but when it's recognized at Elysio, he recovers and runs a hand down his new tunic. "I bet you're quite proud of yourself." Lips tug at the corner of his mouth into a playful grin.

Erik's eyes still show the rest of a wry smile after he finished speaking with Sabelle, like the thought of children is unsettling for the man. This gives him a chance to spot Katarina staring at him, bringing the mischief right back into his eyes. He saw her earlier next to Celine so she must have gotten his words to her, but when they are close enough to exchange words without shouting, he says to her: "Princess Celine and i had a little wager, that i would decline to come to her soiree dressed in pink." he shrugs, "What can I say, i have a hard time resisting a dare and love to raise to a challenge. And not having any clothing of such color... I had to improvise."

Aqua eyes glance to Keely in which fingers flutter in her direction in a friendly wave before she takes off. Those same fingers slip to brush hair behind her ear, Renata looking up to Nazmir with a little shrug "I was.. yes. But, being Minister of Agriculture means I'm also allowed to take breaks whenever I please." a sly smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, "And so here I am." The Pravus Princess turns to take a relaxed position next to his side as she looks out to the crowd, leaning in to murmur something to him.

Audgrim pauses, squints, looks at the ones he's conversing with. "You all look amazing," he says. He scratches the back of his neck. "I never gonna get used to this complimenting of outfits, either getting it or giving it, so please forgive me."

A little smirk manifested on Elysio's lips as gaze drifted over Gaspar from head to toe and back again. Clearly he was amused by the startle he caused. "'Proud' might be a bit beyond my intention, but satisfied is apt." Hazel gaze shifted away in a drift out over those attending the gathering though when they fell upon the nearby Sabella the dark and dusky Lycene inclined a small bow of his head in acknowledgment.

Thea has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

"I am not in the least surprised, as finely-crafted as it is," Keely replies to Audgrim with an earnest warmth, her smile for him broad and bright. "But I -am-, as ever, impressed. Oh, I did not know you had a rat friend, Sir Audgrim, how... well it is always nice to have animal friends, isn't it? I am glad Barney is settling in well. Did you see the lemonade? They have made it pink!"

A quick laugh is given to Renata as Nazmir gives a nod of his head, "I suppose that is one of the perks of the job. Being able to break when one desires." A quick smile and then, "You just missed Lady Mabelle, as well. She stopped in for a moment before having to head back out. She and I still need to get together and discuss our little planned charity event."

Katarina looks Erik over thoroughly. "I see. You know, my Lord, there are much more efficient ways to win a wager than to ruin perfectly good bedsheets." She purses her lips, furrows her brow a little bit. "Or was that also part of the bet?"

Another smile melts on Celine's lips, and the tip of her nose crinkles with thought when Ryhalt is mentioned. "I don't believe that I've made the acquaintance of your brother, not yet. I'm still so new to the city however, that I expect I'll run into him at some function or other." Careful fingers lightly touch to Audgrim's sleeve, and that smile deepens to something more akin to a grin. "Oh it's very soft. I like it very much. I'll have to think about getting somthing made in this myself. It'd be perfect for a dress coat, I've an idea for one that's been bouncing around in my head for forever." She might have said more, but she hears her name on Erik's lips and twists her head to search him out. She frowns. "What is that you're saying of me?"

A dainty wave, and blush sets along Sabella's cheeks at Grady's compliment, "Thank you my lord, your looking quite handsome yourself. And the spring seems to suit many people. At least we've no need to huddle up in knits." she laughs, "This lemonade is absolutely delicious." A few sips were taken before her gaze is regarding the room once again, a glance to Gaspar with a loft of brow playfully and then to Elysio, a lingering moment and she too is dipping her head in a distant greeting. She leaves Grady to his wandering around as she makes her way back to her date for this party. "Marquis, it seems your getting many compliments of your tunic. Should I have a whole wardrobe of pinks made for you?" she grins.

Audgrim has joined the a sturdy oakwood picnic table.

A faint furrow of brow was seen along Renata's features as she listens to Nazmir's murmur, giving a quiet nod of understanding. It was then that Renata was going to quickly grab a lemonade from staff passing by, one for her and Nazmir, perhaps to have something in her hands to settle her nerves. Passing his off first she'd take a gentle sip of hers. "Hmm, Oh? Yes Lady Mabelle, oh is that the one where she's gathering Princes?" a giggle is bubbling forth before she cants her head to the side. "Do let me know if you need help with the Charity event." She then leans in to murmur something else to the northern prince.

"I'm sure you will meet Ryhalt one of these days," Lisebet says softly. She nods herh ead, and then she steps back to let Celine continuei the conversation with the others. She sips her drink as she makes her way to find a small pink cake, scooping it from a tray. Finger cake, lovely. She moves over near to Keely and the group there.

Grady's amble through the garden has now taken him towards the person who was probably his intended targ... destination from the beginning: Celine. He smiles to her as he gets closer, and bows once he's close enough for that gesture to make sense. He's finished and/or handed off his lemonade by now, so the awkwardness of executing a bow to a princess without spilling his drink is precluded. "Such a lovely way to celebrate the return of spring! And celebrate that outfit, yes? Which is, isn't it, equally deserving of such. You are radiant as the spring itself." He wields the compliments with an unabashed air of good humor.

"No, of course not.", Erik replies to both Celine and Katarina at the same time, adding to the former, "I was just explaining the lack of choice in my wardrobe." the danger bell starting to ring somewhere. then adding to the later "And I would not say ruined. I have been careful not to cut them so that they can be used for their regular use once more. But if you say there would have been an easier way to procure rose clothing, please, tell me, for I was stumped for alternatives."

"Pink lemonade? I got to try that," Audgrim says and takes a few steps over to that table to get some poured up. He lifts the glass up and looks absolutely amazed by the color, like someone still getting used to the wonders one can find in Arx - which includes pink lemonade. "I'm proud of peachskin, I helped develop it," he notes, raising the glass to Celine. "But we're still working out in what ways it's best used. Definitely not as armour," he jokes wryly. "I'll introduce you to Dodgy one day," he promises Keely. "I don't bring him with me, he lives in the shop or my room at Telmar Tower."

Accepting the drink, Nazmir gives a murmured thanks to Renata, only to then nod his head, "Indeed! She's managed to get five Princes, already, with plans to snag a few more. It certainly has the potential to be quite .. humorous." A quick grin tugs to his lips, only for the glass to be lifted so that he can take a small sip before lower it back down, "Will do. We haven't worked out the details of it yet, so ... not much to tell."

"Duchess Ashford!" Keely enthuses softly as Lisebet approaches, smiling broadly and lifting a delicate hand to wiggle her fingers in a friendly, somewhat informal greeting. "Do you know Sir Audgrim? He made his own outfit, isn't it spectacular? I have all of my leather things ordered from him." To Audgrim, she smiles warmly and gestures to the Duchess, asking, "Sir Audgrim, this is Duchess Lisebet Ashford, if you have not yet met. Oh, uhm... yes, I would be delighted to meet a-any of your friends." Her smile tenses just a little at the notion of meeting his sweet pet rat.

"/I/ would say ruined," Katarina replies to Erik, sounding quite confident in her judgment. She gestures around at the party. "There seems to have been no shortage of men who found no trouble in locating a pink blouse, or trousers -- or you could have had a gown altered to your proportions, if you truly wished to feel the breeze on your legs." The Oathlander in Katarina is coming out a bit. She seems fairly offended on Celine's behalf. No, she didn't ask Celine first. "Your... /attire/ smells of wine, my Lord."

Lisebt smiles to Keely, moving to conversational range with her greeting. She glances at Audgrim as he's introduced. "Good day, Princess Keely. Sir Audgrim, how lovely to see you again." She pauses there, and then adds, "We've met. I completely agree that Sir Audgrim's leather work is beyond compare. I've a few outfits he's made that are absolutely adorable, and I do hope to purchase a few more. But - he's also wonderful company, even when I'm wearing something other than leather." She's not - today, instead wearing silks in a saucy off the shoulder outfit.

"Oh? Well colour me impressed," Celine laughs with a shake of her head. to Audgrim. "I don't believe I would know where to even start in the creating of a new material, though funnily enough I was speaking the other day with Lady Mabelle, and she seems very invested in much the same thing." She dips the tip of one finger into her glass of lemonade, trapping a slice of fruit to the side and holding it there for a minute, which is how Grady will find her when he wanders her way. "Hello," she greets, a grin at the bow. "Another new face for me to meet. I'm Celine Valardin. Thank you for coming today. Do you think you might be enticed into making a garland today?" A flutter of one hand indicates the garland-making table.

Gaspar just shakes his head at Elysio. "Good to see you, Sir Elysio. What do you think of the gathering?" He smiles and watches the milling about, listening to laughter and the general din of conversation. Sabella arrives again at his side and he spares a look for her and lifts a shoulder in a shrug. "I'm not sure pink is my 'everyday' color, your highness. Admittedly, this does look wonderful, and my compliments to your tailor." He looks back to the man next to him. "Princess Sabella Grayson, may I introduce Sir Elysio Forza, Sword of House Tessere."

Something Nazmir said caused Renata to slowly nod her head, a soft little swallow before she's throwing back her lemonade to only drift off to gather something sweet. She didn't wander /too/ far though, just enough to take a peek at the pink and white color scheme of the party before snatching up a cake.

Fiore, the elegantly long-limbed androgyne arrives, following Caprice.

Elysio's smirk only settled in further at the idea of Gaspar's wardrobe taking on a pink theme and a small smile was offered Sabella's way alongside the introduction Gaspar had offered on his behalf. "A pleasure, Princess." He adjusted his stance to something a bit more casual, thumb hooking in his belt as he replied to the Marquis initial question. "It is very pink." His tone wasn't negative, simply matter-o-fact.

"You all stop, my head might explode from all this praise," Audgrim says and waves it off, looking darkly amused. "I'm not even a leatherworker as a main trade." He sips that pink lemonade and makes that sound again, of delighted surprise. "This is amazing," he murmurs and gulps down half the glass in one go; the taste probably disguises alcohol quite well, so if he's not careful, he might be wobblingly walking back home later. Least it's crawling distance there. "I didn't know where to start either - I was assisting Lady Medeia with the project, I just brought along some knowledge about leather," he explains, about peachskin. He bows his head respectfully at Lisebet. "Duchess, it is good to see you again."

"I'm Lord Grady Deepwood, Voice of my House." Grady introduces himself to Celine with a smile. "I believe we met last winter sometime, but it really has been a while, and I've been under the weather and out of town." He looks to the garland table when she gestures towards it, and laughs. "Not with anything like skill, I'm sure. Or the ingenuity of our friend here!" A quick grin tossed Erik's way. "I pilfered a pink scarf from my daughter, but I daresay the color's rather harder to find, yes, in the Thrax ward."

As Renata goes off to find herself some food, Nazmir is glancing about before meandering over to one of the tables so that he can settle down into one of the seats.

Nazmir has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Sabella lifts up her flute with the pink lemonade in it, in salute to the Sword of House Tessere, "A pleasure Sir Elysio." When she's noting his smirk of the mention of pink she replies, "If your feeling jealous Sir Elysio, I can always get a matching tunic to Marquis Gaspar's made in pink for you, too." A playful jest with the man, blue eyes watching his reaction on the matter.

A smile finds Keely's face as Lisebet joins in the conversation with Audgrim, and she begins subtly withdrawing, never lingering in any one conversation too long today it seems. She now makes her way back to Katarina, offering a smile aside to Erik and assuring him, "I think you have shown great ingenuity, my lord, in your outfit and the materials used." Her tones are naturally gentle, and match the expression on her young features. "Would you please excuse us a moment? I need to borrow her highness for just a moment, please forgive the interruption." Her arm is already reaching to loop through Kat's in attempt to lightly coax her off to one side.

Caprice arrives late - but with all the pink, perhaps she can make it into the crowd before it's noticed! Success would also be more likely, of course, if the coral-adorned woman didn't stop to survey the decor, the people, the many rosy details... Smile lighting her features, Caprice redirects her focus into a search for the hostess.

Nazmir has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Jenkins, an armed champion have been dismissed.

Talidan, a crotchety old man who shakes his cane have been dismissed.

"That's quite alright, your highness." Elysio was quick to reply to the princess. "In my line of work these days it's best to stick with darker color schemes, jealous or not of the Marquis' superb fashion sense."

Nazmir has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Erik's danger bells have a right to be ringing. Still, he is here in good humor and certainly does not want to ruin Celine's day, especially if they remain close to Katarina, amply versed in saying nothing with many words, he nods to her, "That is certainly your prerogative", but he listens to her words like they were all new revelations to him that he would genuinely have had trouble following up on her suggestions. "That is true. I will distance myself then from your olfactory circle of perception." speaks, and moves. Grady however gets a tiny thumbs up of male brotherhood, but he does not want to draw any ire to the man. He is especially glad for Keely drawing Katarina away, offering a tiny nod to her too, forming an unspoken 'owe you' to her.

Celine frowns, her brow furrowing lightly. "Then I must apologise to you, Lord Grady. How horrible of me to forget a prior meeting, no matter how long ago it might have been." She forces that frown from her face and supplants it with a smile, one slim hand reaching out to just 'tweak' the scarf that hangs around his neck. "I'm quite certain that your daughter would be proud of how well her papa wears her scarf. I shall claim the victory of having shoehorned you into something pink, no matter how small that victory is." She nods to Audgrim when he explains about Medeia, and lifts her glass for another small sip. It's over that rim of her glass that she spots Caprice's arrival, and she offers the woman a small flutter of her fingers from the height of her hip.

Audgrim's reaction brings a big smile to Lisebet's face. She nods as Keely withdraws, her attention going to Audgrim more seriously. "you do realize that merely makes your talent and artistry more remarkable, yes?" she half teases the man. "It is nice to see you again as well. It seems it's been some time. But what a lovely day and occasion to meet up again."

Katarina went from looking overjoyed after speaking with Gaspar, to downright sour after speaking with Erik. She's led away easily by Keely, but she still says as she's being led: "Princess Keely, are you aware of any Champions present at today's soiree?" It doesn't sound like a playful question!

Audgrim's drink is raised over at Caprice when he spots her. "Caprice, looking good there," he greets her - in that way you greet someone you know fairly well. Lisebet's words has him just hand-wobbling again and he choses to just drop the topic, giving her a wry look. "Very lovely," he agrees. "What's keeping you busy lately, Duchess?"

Katarina checks composure at daunting. Katarina is successful.

Keely puts on a show of laughing, a little too brightly, giving Katarina's arm a pat as she draws her away from the crowd. "Oh, your highness, how hilarious," she calls, loudly enough that it is likely for the benefit of everyone -but- Katarina, just before the pair partially disappear behind a cherry tree that is hopefully out of earshot of the larger party.

A messenger made her way through the gathering until reaching Elysio. Coin was exchanged for the missive and after a brief glance at the parchment Elysio dipped a more proper bow to both Sabella and Gaspar. "If you will both please excuse me." It seemed urgent as the darkly clad man was quick to depart.

Lisebet chuckles softly at Audgrim's non comment. Her eyes gleam with a touch of mischief, but she politely lets that topic drop as well.She looks over to Caprice. "Mistress Caprice, it's been some time," she greets warmly. "How are you keeping?" She then half shrugs delicately to Audgrim, before she says, "Keeping me busy? Children, husband, duchy, research - the usual. And you?"

"Rather my own fault, yes, going off into the gray forest and staying away for so long," Grady chuckles to Celine. "It's rather like dog years here in Arx, yes? Time seems to move so quickly. I daresay some of my closest friends may have forgotten me by now." He submits himself cheerfully to having his clothing tweaked a bit, like someone who is used to being handled in such a way, to the point of taking it for granted. "Livia's too good natured to be outraged by my making off with her things, bless her. She had quite the laugh when she saw me." He winks in response to Erik's thumbs up, a gesture that might have been conspiratorial, except for the fact that he did nothing whatsoever to hide or disguise doing it.

Audgrim squints at Lisebet. He literally does nothing of what she listed. "Yeah, I get you," he replies anyway, cause the sentiment is still the same, once he thinks on it: routine work. "Also keeping myself busy." He finishes the pink lemonade, glass set down on a table nearby. "Excuse me, Duchess - I think I'll take a walk around the place and look at the trees and mingle about for a bit." He bows deeply, and saunters onwards.

Audgrim has left the a sturdy oakwood picnic table.

"It does. Yes." Celine laughs to Grady. "I'm hoping however that now that I'm proposing to stay a little more permanently in the city, that time might actually slow. But we shall see, I suppose. In fact, you might say, time will tell!" Laughter chimes easily from the blonde Valaradin princess, and she swaps out her now empty glass of lemonade for another. Her eyes track the progress of Katarina and Keely, and narrow for the briefest moment. A small hm escapes her lips and she plonks herself down at one of the tables, happy that people seem to be entertaining themselves.

There is a quiet conversation happening behind the cherry tree that partially obscures Keely and Katarina from view. No one seems to be getting stabbed.

Erik mingles, still shaking his head a little but easily goes for drink and refreshments to put the edge off things.

Grady joins Celine's laughter; his well-modulated, pleasing voice lends music to that mirth. "It will, indeed! How have you found Arx so far, aside from frenetic?"

Caprice has nothing to raise to friends yet but Audgrim earns a quick grin and a lifted hand in acknowledgement of his compliment - though he might have missed it as he moves to depart. The expression warms for Lisebet's greeting; she pauses on her way closer to Celine with her wiggled wave returned, then replaces the leatherworker with herself for a minute or two beside the duchess.

"It -has- been!" Caprice laments. "You're as lovely as ever though, of course. And you never feel too far away, thanks to the whites." Her voice lowers just a little, "I should thank you while I have the chance; your notes on teas has been helping me immensely. I was -certain- they all tasted like grass, but they do - sometimes - have notes of something more appealing, don't they?"

Lifting the glass of lemonade to his lips, Nazmir is draining the glass before setting the empty on the top of the picnic table. It's at that time that a messenger arrives and after he reads over the message, there's a little grump and he's moving to slip out of the grounds for the time being.

Lisebet's laughter is warm and musical, her eyes agleam with the comment on teas. "They do indeed occasionally taste of more than grass," she agrees. "I had not anticipated that my comments might inspire someone, you've quite made my day." Her glass of wine is mostly empty by now, so she starts to look for a place to put the glass, as well as a refill. She inclines her head at the compliment, a quiet acknowledgement that is followed by, "You look wonderful, and such colours suit you. I am quite inspired just looking at you."

Nazmir has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Jenkins, an armed champion, Talidan, a crotchety old man who shakes his cane leave, following Nazmir.

After some wondering around and with Nazmir coming to murmur to her that he needed a moment to attend to something, Renata was making her way around the place. Catching Celine before offering a friendly and polite curtsy. "A pleasure Princess Celine. Your party is quite wonderful."

Celine pauses for a moment before answering Grady. "On the whole," she muses, "It has been interesting. The city has changed since I was last here, as have the faces, and I've half walked my feet off exploring some of the lesser trod parts." She upticks her chin in Caprice's direction. "Such a wandering was the happy accident that brought me to Messere Caprice Artiglio's door, and I couldn't be mor delighted with that." She twists her glass of lemonade in her hands, condensation gathering on her fingers. "The other day I invited to a life of piracy , though it's not one that I think would suit me at all as I turn as green as a turtle the very minute a ship pass the walls of a harbour." She pulls a face and lifts her shoulders up to her ears in a gesture of helplessness. "Your highness. Thank you." This to Renata. "I do hope you're enjoying yourself. So many new faces here for me today, it's quite overwhelming. Overwhelming, but lovely too."

6 First Legion Centurions have been dismissed.

Sparrow, an enthusiastic and bubbly assistant have been dismissed.

6 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.

Maureen, an unflappable nanny have been dismissed.

Clark, an exasperated guard have been dismissed.

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

Renata says, "I'm having a lovely time yes, can't say I'm /too/ outgoing as yourself. I tend to be a bit shyer, especially around so many people." With that Renata takes a soft exhale before looking around. "I would love to invite you to my gardens at some point. Perhaps take back a clipping or two for the Valardin grounds. I'm sure they would do well under the care here as the Cherry Blossoms have." The Pravus Princess states to Celine."

"There is, isn't there, rather a lot to see," Grady agrees with Celine. "For the better part of a year after getting here, I made a point of never dining in the same place twice, or at least as much as could be helped with Mortimer nattering at me all the time, and I'm still finding places I didn't know about. But of course Mistress Artiglio's shop is far from the beaten path, yes? Is your gown her work?" He turns towards Renata when she approaches and smiles to her. Grady has one of those slow-growing smiles that spreads by degrees from his lips to his eyes to his whole face; even the air seems as though it could be smiling around him.

Katarina is still behind the cherry tree with Keely, whispering.

There are likely few better compiments than that, for a Disciple of Jayus, and Lisebet's words fold delight into the widening curve of Caprice's smile. "Ah! And you've just made mine. We're even," she chuckles quietly. Turning her head, bright eyes surveying the crowd once more, she asks aside to Lisebet, "Do we know everybody? Are we avoiding anybody? Did I miss -scandal-? Of all the possible parties for it, I'm not seeing many wallflowers."

There's a blink from Lisebet at that. "I haven't been tracking the scandal of late, alas. That does mean I'm not so far as I know involved in any." She pauses, looking around. "We know most everyone, I think? Though the fellow in the pink dyed outfit with the rope belt - I don't recall if I've met him before." She looks curiously over at Caprice. "Do you know him?" Her gaze continues to search the area, seeing who else is there who she might not have met. "I think we should go introduce ourselves to any and everyone who might not know who we are. What do you think?"

Zafira Malefleur, a terrifying young Zoya-in-training arrives, delivering a message to Renata before departing.

"Gown?" Celine's laugh chimes brightly even as her chin is dipping as she very pointedly looks down at her outfit. "Now I know what my mother meant when she said men were such indifferent critics." She swishes her hips to the left and the right, showcasing the fit of the trousers she wears, then squints in Erik's direction, beckoning him across, should she manage to catch his eye.

Keely smiles gently at Katarina, reaching to give the woman's hand a gentle squeeze before she draws away from the tree and moves over to speak with her assistant. Wyla then bustles to the snack table to work with the resident staff on packing up a charming little basket. "Thank you for such a lovely event," Keely murmurs to Celine with a little smile on her way out, offering farewells to most of the familiar faces before wandering back for the Grayson ward.

Keely is overheard praising Celine.

Keely is overheard praising Katarina.

As Grady looks to Renata and offering her a smile, she does the same in return. As not to be rude she introduces herself to all those around that she hadn't yet met, "Princess Renata Pravus." she says softly.

Zafira Malefleur, a terrifying young Zoya-in-training arrives, delivering a message to Renata before departing.

"Oh, dear." Grady's forehead wrinkles a bit, a mix of apology and shame, although nothing strong enough to really overpower his amiable aura. "I'm afraid we are. And then I'm a bit of a rube from the middle of nowhere. I'd likely disgrace myself on a daily basis, wouldn't I, if I didn't have Mortimer keeping me from wandering out wearing something grubby with worn-out elbows." Which explains pretty well why he took having his scarf fixed and arranged with such mildness. His contrite disposition melts back into a broad smile when he shifts his attention to bow to Renata, elegant and practiced, perfectly reflecting their differences in rank. It's a diplomat's bow. "I am Lord Grady Deepwood, Voice of my House, and absolutely charmed to meet you. You'll forgive me, I hope, taking a moment to take in your outfit? I don't wish to be caught out mistaking pants for a skirt again."

"Oh, it'll be there if you ever care to pick up its trail again," Caprice slants an amused smile to Lisebet; she's content to drop the matter of potential gossip though, and touches her nose with a wink to the duchess at her suggestion, "That was precisely my thought, my Lady. Let's have ourselves a little walkabout, mm?"

Zafira Malefleur, a terrifying young Zoya-in-training arrives, delivering a message to Renata before departing.

Renata takes a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Grady gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Caprice gets a delicate cherry blossom pin from a small wicker basket, filled with party favors.

Katarina emerges from behind the tree with Keely, and has some brief farewell with the Grayson Princess. She then sets herself to milling around the party, taking care of all the guest-schmoozing that Celine can't personally handle.

Katarina checks charm and etiquette at normal. Katarina is successful.