Saikland Greensis a beautiful place year-round, but in the summer it becomes a lush and gorgeous place full of blooming flowers and bountiful vineyards. Those same vineyards are host to a festival celebrating the variety of wines produced in Saikland going back generations. Medeia has worked hard with the people of the barony to arrange the competition for all interested parties. She is standing upon a platform, smiling brightly at all who have traveled from near and far. "Hello and welcome! Thank you for coming to join Saik in celebrating our bounty! Today, challenges will be set out for those who wish to attempt them. These challenges will test their skills in feats accomplished by winemakers - or at least similar feats. Should you wish to participate, there is no need to be the most athletic! Please xome to stand before the platofrm."

Ian is still (in theory anyway) ON VACATION, and as such, he doesn't seem to show any inclination towards actually participating in the games. He's sitting off to the side, in whatever location is reserved for people who totally don't intend to get drunk and heckle because that's TOTALLY not what's going to happen here. The wine's flowing and he's got a glass of it, but Ian is FAR too serious of a person to get drunk and heckle. He's wearing his Serious Face right now, even. Which looks exactly like all his other expressions, but just trust me on that.

Pasquale looks contemplative as Medeia calls for participants, mulling over the wisdom and the possibility of enjoyment that such an offer involved. Eventually he steps forward until he's stood before the platform.

Who really knows how Denica Thrax got to Saikland. Perhaps she convinced someone to take her or just stowed-away on someone's ship. There were plenty of options, practical ones too, but where is the fun in that? Either way, she is here amongst the vineyards and holding a parasol to shield herself, twirling it around playfully. Fair skin still untouched by the harsh rays, she wears a vibrant sundress dyed the brilliant shades of a late summer's sunset. There's an easy smile on her lips, seeming content to take a vacation, which is somewhat unusual or has been until recently. With matters settling in the Isles, she's welcoming a chance to do something just for the sake of doing it. There's joy in that, not having an agenda, a purpose, a plan. Long, loose locks bounce against her back as she moves, gaze cast on the people gathered there. Medeia is a familiar sight and she listens to their hostess talk about challenges of skill and that triggers the short princess's competitive spirit. Taking easy and confident strides towards the platform, she looks around to check out the competition. But really? It's just to say hello and be her cheerful self, full of wonder for the world around her.

Titania had decided to come out to the Saik land games, she needed away from the city and decided to take the chance to coming out. She was off in the stands some place when people are asked to step forward. So she shrugs off her half cape and moves down to stand next to Pasquale, she looks over to him giving the lord a smile in a greeting.

Noah arrived to the Seikland a different way every time he is asked. Right now though, he strolls through the area in pompous (we used thesaurus for arrogant today) sort of manner. It's clear that he thinks he owns everything. In some ways perhaps he does should one go by the structure of society. His blue eyes slide across the patrons surely not looking for a victim. When they fall to Denica, there is a slow curve of the left side of his mouth. If there was ever a look with some evil intent it is that one. His left hand strikes out and if successful willl grab Denica's right to lift it up and over her head. Advantages of height. "The princess volunteers for the grape stomping." Noah's deep voice rumbles out near the platform.

All around the vineyard, the people of Saikland - and other onlookers, have gathered to enjoy the spectacle. THere are families sprawled upon blankets, children running around, and some vendors offering delectable treats to accompany the free-flowing wine and spirits of the land.

Medeia looks at who steps forward and grins. "Princess, I am so glad to see you. And Lord Pasquale, welcome." She looks at Noah and Titania, giving them both a bow of her head. "I am so glad that you are all going to participate." She makes a gesture to the vineyard. "The first test is timed. You will each be given a bucket and a grapevine knife." A man to the side of the platform holds up one of each item. Others are available to equip all the participants. "WHen the horn blows, you will go and harvest grapes. When it blows again, you will come back to the platform. Whoever has collected the most clusters will win the challenge."

Having travelled all the way from Arx to Saikland, princess Denica Thrax finds herself standing next to Noah Grayson. What odds? The man takes her hand and holds it up before she realizes and her eyes go wide. It's not that Noah has made a new enemy, on no, that relationship was well entrenched, but the look on her face was one that promised revenge. That sparkle of mischief. That wicked grin. Noah had triggered the Little Devil of Thrax, and anyone that new her well, could see that in those split seconds she was plotting. "Prince Noah and myself, will be taking part in every event today," she glances over at the prince and flashes him a fake smile. "Oh look Noah, they are going to give me a knife first, any suggestions on where I stick it?," such a friendly voice, eyes shooting daggers. "This is going to be so much fun! I'm glad you came all this way, just so we could play together!," ever cheerful, she does subtly elbow the man in the side the moment her hand comes down.

Pasquale looks at the princess before gravely accepting the bucket and grapevine knife. "Well this is something I have not done for quite some time." he nods to show he understands the rules.

Titania nods her head moving to take the bucket and the knife, she hmmms looking over to Denica and Noah. She watches them then her eyes dart over to Ian then back to looks at the grape vines. She nods her head, "Alright."

Ian is definitely keeping an eye on the Denica/Noah situation, but not with the attitude of someone who seems to feel a need to intervene. In a totally unrelated note, the table he's sitting at has had delivered a small stack of rolls of some kind that may or may not be stuffed with grape jam. He tosses one in the air, catches it, and sets it back on the plate.

Denica checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Denica is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and legerdemain at normal. Botch! Pasquale fails completely.

Titania checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Titania is successful.

Noah tips his head to the side as he looks /down/ on--at Denica. "Are you even allowed to touch a knife?" Yeah, he went there. "Shouldn't you be reading a book or something that is good for a Thrax princess?" He says this as if actually mystified. Then he offers. "The pointy end goes away from you." He hmms a bit. "Really, a good bladesmith doesn't ask where to put it. I'm already doubting your abilities." He does nod towards the others though as he considers his attack.

Noah checks dexterity and legerdemain at normal. Noah is successful.

Denica checks luck at hard. Denica fails.

Titania checks luck at hard. Titania fails.

Noah checks luck at hard. Noah is successful.

Once everyone is equipped, the horn blows!

When the horn blows Pasquale hurries off to the vineyard with the other contestants to start gathering grapes. Sawing away with the knife in ways that would make a health and safety executive wince in terror. Justified terror. His knife slips violently enough that he might well have lost part of a finger if not for his fancy steelsilk gloves before stabbing at the hide of his pants and then slowly toppling down to the floor. For several long moments Pasquale just stares at the offending tool but such surprise fades quickly and he soon crouches to reclaim the knife and the scrappy remains of the grapevine he just mauled. Raising back to his feet he brushes at the new knick in his pants and looks about. Nobody saw that right? Needless to say, he doesn't get to many grapes.

When Noah looks down, Denica holds her head high, she meets his gaze head on. The man's taunts don't bother her, she doesn't waiver or get upset, it's like his opinion doesn't matter to her. Shell pink lips twist into an amused smirk. "I would have thought, you of all people, would know better than to underestimate Thrax women.," Denica says easily to Noah. Oh so cheerful, she takes in a breath and sighs dramatically, "I've lost track, have you outlived the others yet?." The short woman shrugs her shoulders and she pulls out her knife, twisting so the metal glints in the sun as she eyes up a grapevine after Medeia has given them go ahead. A bright smile beams at their host, taking a chance to look around and she waves at Titania and Pasquale and Ian, too! The later also gets a toast, except with a bucket, because she doesn't have a drink yet! This will change in short order, a sip of wine and the princess is having a little fun showing off her knife skills as they make a game of it.

Titania is off once the horn is blown, she is not worried about the others. She gets to the grapevines and seems to be doing well, eaily cutting them off the vine, how oes she even know how to do that! She whistles as she does, trying to get as many as she can before the horn blows again.

It is with a sense of slight bemusement that Ian finds himself, from the stands, waving back at Denica.

"I have fulfilled my obligation to the Archduchess. She may end my life at any time now. I have been her longest living husband and supplied her spare heirs. Also, made sure she got that throne in her own name and not just a regent." There is a pause as his eyes move away to Denica and his voice raises on that last part. Perhaps reminding the people where Jaenelle sits and to whom they have given their oaths. Then he takes out the blade. Did anyone see the blade? There are cut grapes. He also has height (which means longer legs) to his chances of winning.

Once the contestants return to the platform, vineyard volunteers take the buckets and carefully count the contents. Medeia awaits the result, which is whispered to her, and she looks at each of the contestants in turn. To Pasquale, she quietly asks if he is alrght before turning to announce the winner to the crowd. "I am pleased to announce that Archduke Noah Velenosa is the winner of the first challenge! Congratulations, Your Highness."

Pasquale nods briefly when Medeia asks if he's alright. "Theres no blood." He hands back the knife. "So everything will be fine Medeia."

Even if she doesn't identify as short, Denica Thrax is barely over five feet. It puts her at a disadvantage and her thick Islander eyebrows scrunch together. It causes her nose to wrinkle a little as she strains. Then she beams a smile at Noah, "bravo! You must tell me the name of your performance coach.," she says in response to his claims. Then Denica is looking around to see how everyone else faired. When Noah wins, the princess is quick to clap for him, "well done!," she tells him graciously and her enthusiasm for the event is evident. There's an amused look on her face, she seems invigorated by everything. "That was a lot of fun!," she adds and takes a sip of her wine, enjoying it as she tries to keep out of the sun.

Titania nods her head to Noah, she watches him for a long moment as if thinking on something. Her eyes look him over, she opens her mouth then closes it shaking her head as if better not a thing she should do. Her eyes dart of to Denica smiling to the princess and then at Pasquale.

Noah shoots a wink towards Titania. Fear if he starts with pickup lines. He also upnods to Ian and Medeia before walking over to Pasquale. A dagger is pulled out of his --- did that come from his wrist? "Sharp end. Away." He points to the blade. "You cut things with this." Then he upnods before facing off with his foe--friend, Denica. He looks like he's about to say something and chooses to say it low and near her ear. PRobably something he shouldn't be saying. He looks like always. Bored.

Pasquale's eyes settle on Noah's blade before he reaches out to take the blade right out of Noah's hand. "This end Noah?"

Denica checks composure at normal. Denica is successful.

Once the cheering from the watching crowd dies down, Medeia prepares to announce the next challenge. "This next challenge is a taste test. The contestants must match the wine to the type of grape used to make it." She steps aside to allow the volunteers to set up three glasses of wine for each contestant, and five bunches of grapes are set out. "The idea is that they must try the wines and the grapes and determine which go together."

Denica checks intellect and agriculture at hard. Denica fails.

Noah checks intellect and investigation at hard. Noah marginally fails.

Pasquale checks perception and investigation at hard. Pasquale is successful.

Titania checks perception and investigation at hard. Titania fails.

Emotions were something that princess Denica expressed openly, quick to laugh and cry. It wasn't because she couldn't control them, but because she chose to show them as an act of rebellion. But, when Noah approaches her and leans in to whisper, there is no reaction on her face. Everything tight, like strong wall that keeps everyone out. The young woman's head tilts and the look and words she has for Noah, are shared with him only. Then she walks away, headed towards the tasting table, there's a self-satisfied smile but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. Taking a seat, sweeping her skirt so she might settle down on it, gracefully. Denica is comfortable with herself, even if she cannot tell a grape from a grapefruit. That said, she drinks a whole glass of wine in one shot.

Sitting and drinking is much closer to Pasquale's typical skillset. He lifts each glass in turn, swirling and gently scenting the wine before taking a single careful sip. Then another. Taking water inbetween if possible. And after that he takes some time to examine the grapes. Tasting each in turn as well. Eventually he settles on a combination of grapes to wine that matches nobody elses combinations before turning curious eyes onto the things everyone else has picked.

Noah stares at Pasquale and growls. There is a straight up growl from Noah's chest when the hand moves for his blade. It is then hidden back away, somewhere in the black leathers. "We do not touch another's daggers without consent. They are for looking, not touching." He hmms at Pasquale a bit. Then watches the others move. He looks about ready to sigh as the others (not them) around start talking about the oaken casket taste. The season of the grapes. The sugar content. How they swirl the glass to check the legs of the wine. The depth of the blends. Noah? He reaches out downs it and pauses. "Not poisoned." He does nod his head towards Denica's comment but makes another one right before sitting down.

Ian watches the wine tasting currently underway with the faint, bewildered interest of someone observing an activity that he can't even begin to wrap his mind around.

Titania sits and starts to taste the wine's she is not a wine drinking, she really never has been. As she sips them, her nose wrinkles she tries to hide it not wanting to be rude but its just not her drink. She does not do well and she takes a breath in and out nodding to Pasquale, "I was never good with wine." she says to the man softly.

The head vintner (the one who isn't Medeia, because she's technically the head vintner of Saikland), steps up to judge the final choices made by the contestants. He walks along the table that's been set up and nods, nods, looks at Denica's choices in confusion, and nods some more. "The winner, my lady," He says, as he leans in to tell Medeia. "Ah, thank you. Lord Malespero takes this round!"

"Then perhaps" Pasquale's hand drops away but not in response to that threat but moreso a lack of desire for the object. His tone even if perhaps a little dark. "You shouldn't brandish it at me. Prince Noah." His eyes shift away from the prince who growled as Medeia declares him the winner. "It seems a youth spent amongst the grapes served me afterall."

Reaching for another glass of wine with paint stained fingers, Denica drinks this not nearly as quick as the other, but it's goon soon enough. If the task was to taste as much of the wine as she could, that might be more up her ally. When Pasquale is announced the winner of this round, she puts the empty glass down and begins to clap for him. "You've a refined palate, Lord Pasquale," she comments cheerfully. Her expression is guarded though, like the mask on a performer, a pleasant smile, despite the somewhat cold look in her eyes. Noah's comment is received with ambivalence, Denica doesn't say anything, her gaze goes cold and controlled, but something makes her cheeks flare red. It's probably just the wine.

Noah glances towards Denica and then the others. He waits to see what is next as he drinks the free wine.

Titania sits, there is one wine that she seems to sip again as if maybe she might like, her head nods looking to Noah as he and Pasquale have their moment, her brow raises as she watches him.

"It's just a matter of practice Countess." Pasquale says to Titania before nodding at Denica's comment. "Once you can seperate the flavors it is much easier." to Noah, just the way he always is, he adds "An important skill when it comes to detecting poison as well."

The crowd again erupts in cheers, equally as loud for this feat as the more physical one. Saiklanders take their wine and harvest seriously. Medeia applauds Pasquale's tastebuds before announcing the next challenge. "Now that our contestants have had a chance to relax and drink, we will set them to another physical challenge: the barrel roll!" Behind her, in the raws between vines, volunteers are setting up (empty) barrels, which are still fairly heavy. "Each will need to push the barrel to the end of the vineyard - and back! The first to return, wins!"

Denica checks stamina at hard. Denica fails.

Pasquale checks stamina at hard. Pasquale is successful.

Titania checks stamina at hard. Titania fails.

Noah checks stamina at hard. Noah is successful.

Pasquale checks luck at hard. Pasquale fails.

Noah checks luck at hard. Noah fails.

Medeia flips a coin and it lands on heads.

Four glasses in, is the perfect time to start rolling barrels that are probably as big as Denica is. The woman stands up, mindful of the hem of her skirt as she makes her way over, reaching for another glass along the way, sauntering towards the rolling area. Lifting a hand up she waves at Titania, "Lady Kennex, let's show them how this is done!," famous last words, Denica. It doesn't take much before the barrel is going faster than she is, and it's more a matter of chasing the barrel. Then as it rolls away, she shrugs her shoulders and holds up her parasol and takes another sip of this delightful wine. "Bravo! Excellent! Good job!," she shouts words of encouragement to those that manage the task better than she. The princess loves a challenge, but she is comfortable with her losses just the same, enjoying the fun of it, most of all.

Noah checks dexterity and legerdemain at hard. Noah marginally fails.

Noah checks dexterity and legerdemain at hard. Noah fails.

Titania nods her head, "Yes, lets." she grins, maybe the wine is getting to her. Surely it can't be she had harder then that before, she starts off with her barrel doing okay at first but then her barrel gets away from her and there is a Denica and a barrel and she tries to steer it clear of the princess only to trip over the princess and go tumbling down with the barrel.

Noah pushes the barrel. However, pushing barrels is for the weak (not really), so he attempts to hop ONTO the rolling barrel. As the God's honest truth, he's on it for a few moments. Everything looks great. Just a man on top of his rolling barrel. This is tray surfing down the stairs all over again. However, he turns to smirk at Denica's 'success'. This was his karma undoing, for his foot slides and he's now IN FRONT of the rolling barrel. This allows him to jog in front of it a few paces like an athlete. The barrel however, is still rolling and objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Why is this pivotal? Because Noah pauses when someone says his name in the crowd. Which means one moment he's up and one moment he's uttering some words that are not polite and jumping to the side. Our brave sir rob---Archduke then gets back behind the barrel to secure his victory. Although, he's not yet aware of this victory just aware that he was almost this year's wine additive.

Whilst Noah and Titania and Denica all attempt to do something dramatic and complicated Pasquale settles for the steady, simple, process of rolling a barrel from one side of the vineyard to the other. He doesn't hurry when they go zooming past after free-rolling barrels and he doesn't hurry when it becomes clear that he's overtaken the ladies. Nor does he hurry when it seems Noah is going to win. Steady to the finish line.

Some of the crowd has gotten to its feet to see who wins the barrel race, roaring as the close competition is decided by just a few steps between Noah and Pasquale. Even Medeia can clearly see the winner, however, and as Noah passes the finish line, she calls out loudly, "And the winner is Archduke Noah!" She applauds and waits for everyone to return before announcing one more challenge.

Barrels might rolls, but princess Denica is standing content under the shade of her parasol with a drink. The benefits of being knocked out of the race shortly after it started. That said, she probably offered a hand to Titania to help her after she is the cause of the woman's fall. Then sets up shop as a vocal spectator. And it's a sight, the young woman is laughing, expressing her delight for the antics both planned, but mostly not. There's a few moments she isn't quite sure how things are going to go. Then Noah wins and the princess has both hands full, but she does whistle loudly at the announcement of Noah's victory. To whoever stands closest she says not at all subtle, because so much wine, "I am sure that man has a lot of practice running away."

Noah is VICTORIOUS! Noah even poses as such. Everyone may now notice him. The hair. The bod. It's hard when dealing with a --. He waves to the claps. Yes, yes. He has won again. Did Denica talk? He didn't notice. He's here for his /fans/. The legions of -- hmm probably not a good comment. The many, many fans. He waits for the next event to CONQUER. That's 2 for Noah, who cares about the rest.

Pasquale seems rather content with his second place, straightening up and brushing dust off his hands before applauding softly for Noah's victory.

Titania takes the princess hand and laughs, she brushes her leathers off. "Thank you, your highness." she looks to see who wins and shakes her head, "Well that was fun." she grins, look she knows how to smile! Her blue eyes fall on Pasquale with a clap of her hands to cheer him on.

At the platform, four teams are assembling, composed of Saikland's winemakers. Each is carrying at least two crates of wine bottles - they're strong fellows. Medeia lifts her voice to explain the next challenge. "For their final task, our contestants much instruct the winemakers to stack their bottles into a tower. The shape of the tower may be decided by the contestant. The trick, however, is that it must be taller than it is wide. Whoever breaks the fewest bottles in the building will win!"

Pasquale checks composure and leadership at hard. Botch! Pasquale fails completely.

Denica checks charm and leadership at hard. Denica is successful.

Noah checks command and leadership at hard. Noah is successful.

Titania checks command and leadership at hard. Titania is successful.

Denica checks luck at hard. Denica is successful.

Noah checks luck at hard. Noah marginally fails.

Titania checks luck at hard. Titania fails.

Noah perks. Did they say boss someone around? Noah goes immediately to work. He's talking to them as they lay out some bottles as the base of the structure. Then in the middle of it he starts running it straight up the middle. Sure the base sort of kind of resembles an almost 'ball' like circle on each side of that long, tall, tower. It's when it gets to the 'tip'py top that Noah tries to make a helmet sort of appearance and at the last moment --- it falls to half of what it was.

The initial way Pasquale looks at those bottles suggests that he thinks this task is mildly insane. "A pyramid I suppose." he says to the winemakers. "Although I have no real idea how we are going to stop the bottles from merely rolling around." He spends the next ten minutes or so trying to work out how to use round bottles to prevent round bottles from moving around. His focus totally absorbed in this one task. He does seem to find a way that isn't terrible but by the time he's done it, and spent fifteen minutes trying to patiently explain the exact angles involved, everyone else has already built their towers. He doesn't break any bottles, thats true. But only because he doesn't actually build a tower at all.

Six glasses of wine is the best time for a passionate speech, an undertaking that was a favourite of the raven-haired princess. Denica waves for one of her guards to help her, because she's short and has decided it's a good idea to stand on a chair. This will give her a good vantage point, but she's had enough wine that she's going to need a bit of assistance with the bold move. Though she is little, she is loud and she calls out to the winemakers. "Every bottle brings us closer to victory. They can spill the wine, but then will never spill our soul!," she is very enthusiastic and even more so, the princess has a flare for dramatics. There's a joyful twinkle in her eyes as she encourages her team and sips some wine. "Some days we feel like the bottle, but today we are the cork!" Did that even make sense?

Noah mutters, "You say that to ... ... if you have ... ..."

Titania looks over at Denica as she works on her tower then Noah and Pasquale, she hmms looking to the bottles and the winemakers. "Here, lets try this shall we." and she starts to speak to them explaining what to do. She starts to have them stack them in such a shape as if it looked like it was a water drop, of course Titania would pick that, "Yes, that's it." she tells them as she moves around it watching, but then a bottle comes lose and her water drop falls apart and she wrinkle her nose in frustration.


*** Noah has called for an opposing check with Denica. ***
Noah checks dexterity and legerdemain at normal. Noah is successful.
Denica checks dexterity and dodge at normal. Botch! Denica fails badly.
*** Noah is the winner. ***

The short Thrax princess is perched on the chair, holding a glass of delicious Saik wine as she catches prince Noah's comment. The next part is a little daring on her part, she's had a fair bit to drink, but the Islander is confident in her ability to handle her drink. A hand reaches for the back of the chair and she leans down to whisper something to Noah in response. Perhaps in other circumstances, she might have ignored him, but she decides to engage. Whatever she says is met with a small shrug, trying to be dismissive and cool and collected. But, that's for other people, really, the princess is an expressive artist and she paints her expressions boldly. Princess Denica does the very mature thing of sticking her tongue out at Noah in a taunting and probably childish manner, as she balances on the chair.j

There are regretful moments in everyone's lives. Losing a loved one. Saying something in the heat of the moment. For Denica? It's probably going to be meeting Noah followed second by this moment. Noah doesn't even hesitate. That's probably the most unbalancing thing. His arm reaches out like a snake to wrap around Denica's waist. He has height and soberness to help him out. That arm goes around her the exact same second that he KICKS THE CHAIR from under her. The wine is probably already a lost cause, but he's in all black so wine and blood don't show. His arm slides upwards to deposit the princess over his shoulder. "You realize I spank my children for that right?" It's a low growl of a threat. However, he has yet to follow that through. He does though, walk over to just get her away from an escape route as he looks up at Medeia. He has his Grayson Resting Face (TM) on his features as he calmly waits. As if everyday you just drape someone over your shoulder.

It was all fun and games with Ian right up until Noah grabs Denica and kicks the chair out from under his feet. That's the point where he turns from disinterested and drinking to standing up. His voice is normally pretty quiet, but it's still the voice of someone who can shout orders across a 60' ship in the middle of a pitched battle in a storm. And that's the voice he breaks out now, low and resonant. "THAT'S ENOUGH. Put her down."

Denica's tower is declared the winning tower, and her team of winemakers go to hoist the princess up in victory. But the princess is suddenly not... On her chair. Medeia stands back, applauding the princess' win and then suddenly just stopping mid clap with her brows furrowed. The crowd quiets again, and the majority turn to look at Ian.

Pasquale eyes Denica and Noah as they engage in this display of, whatever this is. His fingertips go to the hilt of his sword briefly but soon shift to rest on his sash not far from the blades hilt instead. A questioning look cast in Denica's direction.

Titania looks up to Ian as he stands and calls out, she is standing to her feet quickly her hand moving to rest on her sword hilt. Her eyes look over to Noah who has Denica over his shoulder and the corner of her lips twitch in a frown.

Everyone is watching in the moment that Medeia announces the winner, which means there's a lot of eyes on the scene that unfolds. It's hard to be subtle about grabbing a princess of a chair, even less so when her name has just been called out. In that moment that Noah kicks out the chair, what might usually be an agile woman, flounders. It's the prince's arm that keeps her from falling and there's a look of shock on her face. The princess hadn't called it, and was surprised as the man throws her over his shoulder. It's not especially difficult, she's small and light, though when she's up there, she smacks the man's back out of frustration. The small woman is not passive and for a moment she doesn't even notice Ian yelling at Noah. Then Noah whispers something to her and she looks furious at him. Then she waves her hand at Ian quickly, "It's okay Ian," she tells him with a hint of worry in her tone, and then she smacks her hand at Noah back again because she's got a good vantage point for it. "Prince Noah was just about to put me down and -apologize- before ...What the fuck Noah!." Denica looses her ability to be diplomatic as she is held over Noah's shoulder in the middle of the Saikland Vineyard Games.

Noah doesn't react. He doesn't react to Ian calling out. He does note hands near blades on the others, but doesn't react. He just listens to Medeia all calm, cool, and arrogant. Oh so very arrogant. Although, there is a soft word given to Denica. He hmms lightly to that loss of composure to him. "Was I?" The words leave his lips in a sound of consideration. "You might be half right. Maybe." He hmmms again. His attention on Denica as he drops her to her feet. If she gets her feet under her. If there was an apology it was probably the comment before releasing her. To be fair, he doesn't DROP her. It's a nice enough set down. Kinda.

Ian is putting off some pretty strong 'don't make me come down there, young man' vibes right now, but none of the real 'or else' that would make his behavior threatening. Although depending who you are and what rumors about Ian you've heard (and believe), 'or else' may or may not be necessary. Either way, he waits patiently (or, again, maybe with deadly malice if you believe THOSE rumors) for Noah to put Denica down, and then sits back down once this has been done.

Titania watches as the moment seems to be handled, her eyes flick to Pasquale then to Ian her head tilting watching her cousin for a long moment. Her hand moves from her sword and she looks to Denica, "Your highness." she says to the other woman as if in a round about way asking if she is ok.

Pasquale eyes Noah for several long moments before giving a dissapointed shake of his head and relaxing just a smidge. His eyes linger more on Ian than anyone else now.

With a frown, Medeia watches as Denica is set down, then she does what she is meant to do as hostess: keep the event moving along. "On behalf of the Saik family, I would like to congratulate Princess Denica Thrax and Lord Pasquale Malespero for each winning a challenge!" The crowd easily moves back into celebration mode, offering rauscaous cheers. Then, when able, Medeia adds, "And further congratulations to our overall winner, Archduke Noah Velenosa!" Then closing remarks are made. "I invite everyone to remain for the wine, food, and various activities throughout the rest of the day! There will be music, dancing, and other performances to delight and entertain."

Medeia is overheard praising Pasquale.

Medeia is overheard praising Denica.

Medeia is overheard praising Titania.

Medeia is overheard praising Noah.

A cat lands on its feet and so does princess Denica. Even drunk, she's agile and well, she's small so she doesn't topple over easily. Well, it takes a little foot work and her guards are rushing to help her, looking aghast. It was only a couple minutes, but it was certainly more of an experience she expected at the event. The young woman's eyes are wide and there's a mixture of shock and rage that flares in those vivid blues. Cheeks are red, nostrils are flared and when Noah does put her down, she isn't quite either. Though whatever words she is exchanging with the Archduke are whispered so they don't carry. It's impossible to ignore this, but the princess is still a daughter of Maelstrom. And so, paint-stained fingers smooth down her fluttery skirt, she pushes a rogue inky lock from her face as she walks over to where Medeia is, so she can flash a smile at the other patrons. "This isn't pick your own prize," she snaps at Noah and then walks over to tell Medeia what a lovely event it is, trying to act like nothing happened. "Lady Medeia, you've out done yourself, yet again. A lovely event, such wild entertainment." Then there's a smirk, because the princess is ever amused at the world around her.

The Lyceum is not Thrax. A woman over a shoulder after sticking her tongue out and public taunting, that's boring in their politics. Poison is contrite. Now some really good scandal (like the rumors they are going to circulate) that's when they are interested. Noah might be adapting well to that area. As Denica and him continue their private discussions as well throughout all of this. Noah doesn't react to the disappointment. Perhaps he's use to it. Or perhaps he knows the full story. Or perhaps he's just an arrogant jerk. It's maybe all of those. Noah /almost/ smiles at Denica's retort. Almost. "Oh. I must have misunderstood the rules." He does continue that lower conversation though.