2 Armed Confessors, Angwyn the otter, Mordred, Abner arrive, following Ann.

2 Armed Confessors, Angwyn the otter, Mordred, Abner leave, following Ann.

2 Armed Confessors, Angwyn the otter, Mordred, Abner arrive, following Ann.

Violeta Emili, tall and shadowed rivenshari, 2 Rivenshari Clan Guardsman, Tregva Emili, a colorful ravashari performer, Ann arrive, following Mattheu.

Bear, a war mastiff, 6 Last Watch Sentries, Nils, an aging Northern steward arrive, following Darren.

Mattheu shouts from nearby, "so... where is everybody?"

Alberico, the Malespero aide, 1 Malespero Guard, Louis, a Malespero Armsman, Mar, the Magpie arrive, following Pasquale.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The Arena has been been been outfitted somewhat like a mini-faire. Along one side near the entrance are small booths with food and drink of the finger-friendly variety. The arena has been divided into sections and challenges and games. Some of the arena is sectioned off for melee contest.

Facing the wall has been cleared and there are targets which have painted features, like eyes and and circles for their heart for those exceptionally skilled archers and knife-throwers. The targets can even be made to move by pulleys that move them horizontally along the range by the staff manning the range.< Archery or small weapon challenges at your choice. At hard if you’re showing off>

There is a tall, smooth, pole with a flag flying at the top. Closer inspection will reveal the pole has been smeared in something extremely slippery making climbing the pole a daunting proposition. <Athletics at daunting>

There are cordoned off arenas for armed and unarmed combat as well as tables for arm wrestling.

Some of the stands have been taken over by clay vessels of various shapes and sizes. Some are just pots but some have been painted with cartoonish ‘creepy’ faces’ They stretch from the front rows all the way up to the top of the bleachers. At the benches at the front of this display are rocks and wooden clubs.

(OOC: Have fun! If you want to show off a skill or trick your char has feel free to invent a challenge or contest and assume that it is on offer. Feel free to challenge NPCs and if you find PCs agreeable to a friendly contest or spar please feel free to call them out!)

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, Rocco, the rascally assistant arrive, following Thea.

Jan is predictably by the food vendors, inspecting something that looks like meat on a stick before taking a bite and watching people trickle in. There are what seem to be games and contests and plenty of food, drink, and cozy seats to watch any mayhem safely from. Jan is near the entrance chatting with Darren and Thea.

Pasquale must have come along to be supportive or something because he doesn't look as if he has any intention of participating in the fun. He doesn't look particularly well either. That particular palour in his skin. Occasionally turning his head to muffle a cough. He drifts around for a little bit and then settles down at tables with a cup of probably tea.

Thea tells Jan with amusement,"Catalana is my patron. I know." Opposites attract here. Thea goes for a drink, going to mingle a bit.

Speaking of indulging in contests, Darren's guards have wasted absolutely no time getting drinks for themselves (on the highlord's tab, of course) and swarming the area set aside for arm wrestling. Darren doesn't follow suit, however, nor do any of them seem to expect him to. Instead, he takes himself and his giant dog out of the entryway, further into the space, where he can take a moment to appreciate the setup.

Bells echo through the hart to find two particularly colorful guards eye up the new... fresh Redrain Guards which have yet to have the pleasure to meeting the sisters. As Mattheu nods to them with a soft word in Ravashari he turns to Ann with a grin and soft word for her.

Mar, the Magpie arrives, delivering a message to Aksel before departing.

Ann is holding onto Matti's arm as she walks about. Looking behind her at the new Redrain guards and then she smiles telling Matti, "My cousin is here." She repeats delight in her tone, "He's here!" She knows why he may have returned and it isn't likely good news but she's always been particular about being with family and the welcoming she tries to show them. She will even tug Mattheu along to give a proper introduction as she attempts to make her way over to Darren and listen to Matti as he speaks to her. Everyone else gets waves and a look of concern flickers when she sees Pasquale and the state he's in. Questions will be asked later.

Jan's eyebrows shoot up nearly to her hairline "Limerence bend me over, seriously? Well isn't she lucky. Glad she has a protege who'll remind her to have a little fun now and again." Pasquale is spotted and flashed an adoring grin before the familiar jingle of bells catches her attention "Ahh, Lord Matheu, Princess Ann, a pleasure. Please partake of all the repast and potential mayhem on offer!"

A faire in the Hart. In the arena itself. Aksel has decided to take a break from whatever it is that Aksel's tend to do, and enjoy the festivities. He pauses looking at the pole, slicked up and the people making the attempt at climbing it. His arms cross over his chest and for several long moments he just looks at it. He finally shrugs his shoulders and turns from it and makes his way through the crowd, passing people until he gets to his destination. Whiskey. There is whiskey, here, right? If not, you bet your ass he's going to the bar and buying several bottles of the delicious nectar.

Whether or not Darren's presence in Arx is a portent of bad news (and the size of the army that he brought with him is a pretty good 'yes portent' indicator) Darren himself remains as pleasant and restrained as ever. He turns towards the sound of Ann's voice, his features arranged in a warm, if understated smile. "Ann! It's good to see you again."

When Jan greets the both of them Ann smiles at the woman, "Lady Rivenshari now. But I will take Princess still." A small tease heard in her voice when she says that. Also who could miss Aksel and how he makes his entry. Yes, she's making soft words at Mattheu again they having hold a quiet conversation of their own. But there is a cousin to behold and introductions needing to be made. "Darren I am so happy to see you regardless of the reason. Please, let me introduce you to my husband, Lord Mattheu Rivenshari." It is hard to miss them with the bells the both of them wear.

Ann is overheard praising Jan.

Mattheu smiles to Ann as she drags him through the small crowd towards her cousin he laughs as she sets into the small waddling of steps where he's more along to make sure she's able to get through the crowd and is ready to be overly protective of her is anyone gets a step too close. Nearly thrown before the highlord as he slips into a flourished and jingling bow, grin upon his lips with a small glance towards Aksel before standing up and nodding to Darren. "Tis good to make your acquaintance your highness. There's been several that have pointed out who I'm related to by marriage now."

Commoners and nobles alike filter in and and begin to help themselves to the copious food and drink-all generously paid for by the good General Kennex. Others investigate the contests and games. A few begin to spar in the cordoned off areas and one or two look up at the poles at the flag ponderously.

"Congratulations Ann." Pasquale says after the former-Princess declares she's now Rivenshari. "I hope you will be very happy."

Jan ahhhs "I missed the wedding, I'm sorry to have missed it. Best wishes Lady Rivenshari. Please be welcome and enjoy yourself." Aksel is spotted and given a wave "Welcome!" She smiles at Darren as he inspects the set up "Always so kempt and measured, Your Grace. I suppose that means I shouldn't challenge you while you're here? I know I'd surely be humbled but I'd hate to wrinkle your clothes or muss your hair on my way to defeat."

Ever get the feeling you are being watched? Well Aksel does and after downing a shot of whiskey he turns and if it wasn't for the crowd suddenly at that moment swallowing up the High Lord and his cousin and her husband, he's know the source. But, he doesn't notice them so he simply snags a bottle and saunters towards that stupid pole again. "I'm totally going to break my ass," he says taking a drink. Then another. Whiskey will prevent pain, right? Or at least dull it.

Mattheu waves to those around. "The wedding was a private affair with family. We will be holding a proper party later. Everything seems to be rushing as of late."

His focus having been redirected to Mattheu, the smile Darren offers is welcoming, paired with an extending of one large hand to clasp the other man's forearm. "Lord Mattheu. Word had come to me that my cousin was married, and I'm glad now to meet her husband. Who treats her very well, of course." The very subtle stress on that last sentence might be a 'ha ha, I'm a high lord, don't mess with my cousin' joke, or it might be the same thing, except not a joke. His understated mannerisms make which side of that line the statement falls on difficult to pin down. Even more difficult due to the way that Jan's not-challenge gets a laugh from him, afterward. "You will find one of my warriors to be a more worthy opponent than I am, General Kennex."

Ah a familiar voice and Ann turns to face Pasquale. A smile for him. "Thank you, so much. I want to wish you the same to." Giving a look to him and Jan when she says that. She of course stays by Matti. Her gait is a little different for those with sharp eyes. She is probably using Matti as extra support when needed. Telling Jan, "We have not done our reception yet. We got married..." Laughing when Matti speaks of what she was thinking and trying to say out loud. Amused as Darren sizes up Matti. Assuring him, "Mattheu treats me well and does not leave me without want. I do not think you'd have a worry there, cousin."

Aksel checks dexterity and athletics at daunting. Aksel marginally fails.

Jan tilts her head "Surely depends on the challenge I imagine. Not every challenge favors simple brutes such as us guards and soldiers. Though I am now curious how you test yourself when you are in the mood to, Your grace?" She ahhhs and nods to Ann "Congratulations, Lady Ann, truly."

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes have been dismissed.

Rocco, the rascally assistant have been dismissed.

Mattheu turns to give Pasquale a small wave, not leaving Ann's side but also looks ready to whistle at the sisters so he can go wander the games and Ann can stay with one she trusts. Darren's words get a small squint in return only to be laughed off as Ann assures the highlord that he's *trustworthy*, slow to turn to watch Aksel's attempts upon pole with a near want to follow suit with that game.

2 Blackwood trained guards arrives, following Cillian.

Pasquale inclines his head at Ann's well wishes. "Eventually." his eyes move to Darren and the challenge. "I think she's determined to see you in action Your Grace."

People gather to watch Aksel. At first there are snickers and a few lewd comments about things that are also slippery and then as if to show Aksel up a handful of spectators make the attempt themselves and are unceremoniously dropped on their ass and having nowhere near the promising start Aksel had. Should Aksel try a second time this time instead of jeers and crude comments he'll get encouraging shouts and there may even be a few bets made on the periphery.

"I'm sure that I won't," Darren agrees with Ann, with a wink, before smiling to Pasquale, and nodding his agreement. "She does seem to be determined." That statement, however, seems to be intended to put a cap on the entire line of discussion, based on the way that he turns away from both Jan and Pasquale to focus his attention on Aksel.

Crack. That's the sound Aksel's knuckles make as he stretches his arms out in front of him. He neck follows suit and he saunters towards the poll when it's turn. Totally focused upon the task, he knows with it being greased it'll be tough task. But, still Aksel gives it a good run. Up the pole he shimmies, but whatever momentum he has is lost just after the half way point and the large man comes sliding down at a rapid pace. It's wild and uncontrolled descent, but at the last possible moment he's able to sort of right himself and land on his feet with bent knees to absorb the fall.

Sadly, the momentum is too much and with arms flailing stumbles backwards until he eventually ends up slidding on his ass ultimately ending up sliding on his back right at Mattheu and Ann's feet. He does a little up nod to the pair. "Sup."

Jan is overheard praising Aksel.

Cillian comes walking into the area of the Arena, his guards wonder off as his hazel eyes look about to see who is there. He is dressed in leathers with a sword at his hip and bow on his back, he remains near the door for a bit to watch and see what is going on. The Northern Lord looks tired, but not as warn as before.

Ann was turned to go to the food vendors with Tregva but there is a Aksel at her feet and she's laughing. You know after making sure he's not hurt. A quick introduction made, "Lord Mattheu this is Master Aksel...." Hiding her laugh but she doesn't stay because her stomach is rumbling and she is in conversation with Tregva in Ravashari.

A little smile threatens to make its way onto Pasquale's mouth as Aksel finishes his attempt with that remark.

Aha! Introductions. Finally.
Mattheu has a silly grin upon his lips as Askel comes literally sliding to his feet. Holding out a colorfully gloved hand to the Northern man. "A pleasure. Need a hand?"

Jan is distracted from her nosiness towards the highlord by the commotion around Aksel's run at the pole and unceremonious delivery nearby "That was impressive. I tried this morning for shits and grins and broke my damn ass." She seems about to offer a hand up but it seems like Mattheu has it. A glance is cost towards Cillian as she spies him "Ah, Lord Cillian! Welcome!"

"No." Aksel says with a shake of his head looking up at Mattheu, "Pretty sure I have two already, any more would just be weird." He gives the Lord a wink but does reach up to take his hand to be helped up. "Pleasure to meet you, My Lord." He rubs his ass and nods to Jan, "Nope. My ass is not broken." He says to Jan flashing her a quick grin. He turns to Ann and offers a polite nod of his head to her. "Congratulations on your marriage, My Lady."

Bower, a barb-bothering butcher bird arrives, delivering a message to Mattheu before departing.

Darren clasps his arms behind his back and smiles down at Aksel as he sliiides to a stop near Mattheu. He opens his mouth as though to say something to one or both men, but what he says instead, not to him but to his dog, is a sudden: "Bear! DOWN!" Only at the VERY last minute is he able to get a hand into Bear's fluff and grab his collar, restraining his dog mere seconds before the giant animal bowls into Aksel and his tasty coating of lard.

Cillian looks over as Jan calls his name out, "Lady Jan, hello." he speaks in a thick Northern accent, his eyes look over in the direction of Darren as he yells at his dog. Then past to spot Aksel, Ann and Mattheu, there is a swallow and his feet are taking him in further. "Lord Pasquale, Your Grace." he greets Darren.

Jan looks to Darren and his hounds "Would a cowbone appease your fluffy minion, Your grace?" She makes her way towards Pasquale, settling beside him and looking him over with a warm smile. One of the vendors looks up "I have the bones from some of the roast if you would like, Your grace."

2 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Angwyn the otter have been dismissed.

Mordred have been dismissed.

Abner have been dismissed.

"BEAR!" Aksel says when the dog about mauls him. His grin broadens so much upon seeing that large mastiff. He drops to his knees suddenly. "You big lug, it's been ages!" He looks up at the High Lord, "He's not going to eat me, Your Highness. Just likely wants to lick me to death." He grins at the Mastiff, "Or try to you big lug!"

Speaking of contests. Darren has his dog pretty well restrained, but the dog is large and fueled by doggie enthusiasm and is, in short, not making it easy. Aksel's dropping to his knees to greet the dog generates a last burst of it, enough to force Darren to either let go or be jerked off his feet. He chooses the former, and Bear, having now become a fluffy, slobbery missile, bowls into Aksel like he's been released from a slingshot. Which he basically was. Darren is left laughing while he watches, and shakes his head to Jan. "I don't think that will be necessary. The Sword of Stonedeep is more than a match for any beast I can loose on him."

"I'm alright." Pasquale says when Jan sits down besides him. He touches her wrist with fingertips and then moves on up to his feet. "Enjoy the party."

Jan rises and kisses his cheek, "Thank you for stopping by. I'll see you much later if you're awake when I get home." her gaze tracks his exit fondly, briefly neglecting hostessing.

Mattheu checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mattheu fails.

Mattheu checks luck at daunting. Mattheu marginally fails.

Darren abandons Aksel to wrestling with Bear like the attentive dog owner that he is when Nils approaches him and touches his arm. He enters into a soft conversation with his steward, his otherwise smiling aspect turning more somber for the duration.

With Askel having a handle on the large evil land beast, and Mattheu waving to Ann to leave her with Tregva while he offers his hand to the man to help him up from the ground only to be let go so that... 'bear' can be handled, Mattheu lets out a soft sigh and heads for a game of skill. A few words with the runner of the game, slipping into Ravashari as they both reminisce about the travelling fairs of such. Mattheu is handed a few darts to throw towards the dishes at end of a narrow run upon shelves. In a laugh he throws the darts quickly, each one flying in a random direction that is not the direction which the shelfing is in. Watching the first two fly in the opposite direction, he's left to call out loudly "DUCK!" only to watch the second small dart bounce from a shield upon wall to land with sharp and soft thud upon Aksel

Bower, a barb-bothering butcher bird arrives, delivering a message to Mattheu before departing.

Jan turns at the should of duck, her eyebrows lifting while her slate gaze goes darting for the potential hazard and a handful of revelers duck across the room since when you hear 'Duck!' you don't stop to see who's being told to duck-you just duck!

Aksel becomes a slobbered mess. It starts out as licks and turns out to a full blown wrestling match between man and dog. Growls from both side! In a battle like this there is no winners, only good clean man vs dog fun. It doesn't last long before both are panting at there with the exertion of there play. Laughing to Aksel rises to his feet.

His laughter turns into a sharp hiss of pain as the dart suddenly digs into his ass. His whole body stiffens and he's hopping about, "Skalds bushy brows!" He curses his hand going to the place he feels the sharp pain. He finds the instrument and yanks it out. Blood doesn't come spilling but it does stain his paints. "Spirits fuck me. That stings!" He glances towards Mattheu, "If you wanted to kill me, you gotta aim for my heart not my ass!" He rubs at his ass a bit, "Fuck. I'll be back, got to get this looked at."

Cillian watches and there is just slightest of smirks that come to his lips, he is standing watching arms crossed over his chest. He shakes his head, his eyes look from his fellow sword to Mattheu. "Wrong target?" he says with a amused look on his face for some reason. He looks for a drink, he needs a drink thats what he needs.

Mattheu stares at Aksel with a wide eyed stare shaking his head, "I would not..." Only to be interrupted by a messenger who dashes between both Tregva and Violeta to hand him a missive directly. His eyes drop when reading over the missive to look towards the others. A small snap of his fingers not the whistle he usually uses. Heading over to Ann to whisper something to her and a look to Cillian before he nods to Darren and Jan. "Thank you. There's been something brought up within the family. I must go."

Jan looks up and straitens "Whoops?" She grins at Mattheu "Need a different bow, Lord Mattheu?" She looks to Cillian, "You should try some of that smoked meet on a stick from one of the food vendors. Don't know why it's sticky but gods, It's divine." She nods her head to Mattheu "thank you for visiting, until next time. Congratulations on your marriage."

Violeta Emili, tall and shadowed rivenshari, 2 Rivenshari Clan Guardsman, Tregva Emili, a colorful ravashari performer leave, following Mattheu.

Cillian watches Mattheu as he leaves something he says causes a frown to form on Cillian's lips, he sighs and nods his head, "Perhaps in a bit, I need a drink." he states as he moves to get one then moves to sit down and sip it.

Jan studies Cillian "How are you holding up?"

Cillian looks to her, "Tired, but keeping myself busy as I can." he looks to Darren then back to Jan. "And you?"

Jan draws in a deep breath "I'm alright. Trying to stay focused. Trying to be prepared." She lifts a bottle to her lips and drinks deep "You seen Lord Ian around anywhere?"

The solemn turn of Darren's expression while he talks with Nils would seem to indicate that the subject being discussed is a serious one, maybe even a piece of bad news delivered and dealt with. But the ease with which Darren is smiling after the conversation is over might leave that supposition in doubt. Still, rather than rejoin the festivities, he whistles for his lard-covered dog and lets his warriors rush to finish their drinks. "Thank you for a wonderful time, General Kennex. I'm afraid I'm being called back to the Villa, but please have a round for everyone put on my tab, and I'll celebrate with you in spirit."

Cillian shakes his head, "No, not since the last time we talked in the Tavern a few nights back." he watches her, "Is something wrong? I know he and I were both having issues." he looks to Darren, "Your Grace."

Jan bows her head "Thank you for visiting, Your Grace. It's always a pleasure. Until next time."

Jan is overheard praising Darren.

Darren nods to Jan, and then to Cillian, and leads his filthy dog and tipsy soliders out onto the streets of Arx.

Jan looks to Cillian "It's nothing. I made a series of poor choices and it had a the usual fall out that is known to happen when a General fucks up."

Cillian nods his head, "So you had a learning experience then?" he sips his drink as he watches Darren leave shaking his head.

Jan mutters, staring strait ahead "I nearly got Ian killed." She tilts her head back, tilting the bottle up towards the sky.

Cillian nods, "But he is not dead and so learn from what happened." he nods his head, "Your cousin is one tuff fucker, I am sure he will be alright."

Jan mutters "That moment. When he took a hit and dropped like a sack of potatoes. I thought he was dead." She exhales "He survived the ship ride back so he will be fine. Pasquale changed his mind about marrying into Kennex and I told him it might be a long time before I felt that Kennex didn't need me. If this shit is my best then maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Kennex would be better off with someone else commanding."

Cillian shakes his head, "How about keep your chin up and not worry about marriage right now, keep your eyes on the now and being ready for whats coming." he downs the rest of his drink.

Jan nods once "I'm not worried about it. I'm worried about duty. About NOT getting my family killed."

2 Blackwood trained guards have been dismissed.

2 Armed Confessors, Angwyn the otter, Mordred, Abner leave, following Ann.