Serenity, Drysi, a young shaman apprentice arrive, following Khanne.

Serenity, Drysi, a young shaman apprentice leave, following Khanne.

Desiree arrives to the event with a smile to those that she knows. She finds a spot to enjoy the event.

Desiree has joined the a large purple pansy carpet.

Alis walks in right behind her brother; hard to see of course, since he's taller and just generally larger then she is. So when she neatly sidesteps to offer a greeting it's like a surprise extra person showed up! "I think he's taken lessons from Sir Arugula." she murmurs, having caught the staring contest between pygmy goat and Highlord. "Evening, Countess Reigna. Everything looks fantastic!"

Rohm the Blackguard, Karrigan's Watchful Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd puppy of ultimate fluffiness arrive, following Caelis.

Fridrik, a small White Fox arrives, following Charlaine.

Mal, a devious raccoon, Magnolia, a precocious pygmy goat, Daegmund, an Oakhaven Shepherd puppy arrive, following Shae.

Cambria arrives to the Keaton Hall, and with her is a servant to carry the gifts for the birthday boy with her! She makes her way towards the couple, in order to give them her greetings and well-wishes, though Cambria does not seek to dominate their time.

Katarina is not far behind her siblings, garbed in a comfortable spring dress of flowing white cottons. She takes in the festive atmosphere of the burgeoning party and raises her hand in gentle wave to Reigna, "Countess Reigna, you've done such a wonderful job here!" she calls, beelining to intercept the hostess and catch her into a soft hug.

Monique approaches not long after, a wide smile on her vivacious features, all for Countess Reigna. "Countess!" There's a curtsey, because these things must be observed. "You look stunning. The place looks *incredible*! I love your earrings," she touches her own, the matching pair, grinning. "But your ring is... I cannot find words. It suits you most charmingly. Anything I can do to help? Otherwise I'll take this small present over to add to the pile." She shifts a little box in her hands.

Alexis is wearing the same dress she did last night, the Knight apparently not too worried about a fashion faux pas. She moves in with Joslyn on her arm, talking idly to the other woman, and moves along, joining the queue to great the host and hostess. Shooting a grin to Alis, and sketching a curtsey to Desiree, then offering another curtsey to Edain and Kael and Reigna. "Your grace. My lord, my lady. Thank you for having us tonight." She exhales, nodding towards the outfit. "While I don't bring a gift with me, my lord. I was hoping that perhaps I could catch you and help make a piece of jewellery to match your arms and armour, something you can wear to remind you of your loving wife's devotion even when you're not going to battle?"

Maxene, Olenna, Pellinor, Horse arrive, following Alarissa.

Charlaine walks in with a small little box in her hands .. she looks over it and she licks her lips thoughtfully, wondering if the countess would even like her gift. She slowly moves in line to greet her.

Maxene have been dismissed.

Pellinor have been dismissed.

Cristoph strolls in, looking more pale than usual! He rubs at his face and gives the room an owlish look. He's carrying a small package tucked under his arm. As he passes familiar faces, he lifts a hand to give them a wave. There's a present pile? Where is this present pile...

Reigna beams when Prince Edain arrives and she follows the angle of his gaze until she spies Timmons, a faint frown thinning her lips, "That one is a bit of a troublemaker. Prince Edain! Welcome, thank you so much for coming!" She beams to Monique as she approaches and blushes, "Thank you! You look delightful as well! And the ring..." She looks over to Kael and shakes her head, "We are blessed, truly." She grins to Alexis as she and Joslyn arrive, the latter getting a look of concern, "I hope you are feeling better?"

Kael Keaton is actually manifesting from Keaton Hall, after he has been summoned from the Keaton cook. It took a lot to keep him sequestered while festivities were being set up, but nonetheless this occurred. Upon spying the setup, his eyes are widening and he is looking quite shocked. This is an amazed, bewildered, grand shock but shocked nonetheless. He lifts a hand toward the guests by way of greeting, offering forth a friendly smile to go along with it. Excuse him, he's a bit dazed. Nonetheless he finds his place at his wife's side soon enough and is curling an arm about her middle, squeezing with affection before bowing his head low to Cambria. "Thank you for coming," he murmurs before shifting his focus to Monique and offering her a grateful smile. Alexis' offer has his eyes widening and he is bowing his head in a most humble manner.

Rohm the Blackguard have been dismissed.

Edain turns and bows to the other well wishers that have come to greet The Keatons. A silent hello to all of them, but his sister get's a smirk, "Now lets not jump to conclusions I am sure he..." he notices that Timmons the goat is still staring at him out the corner of his eye, "Well.. yes.. maybe." He turns then to Cristoph and answers him, "I think the present pile is right over there." He points out the direction.

"I would not have missed it," Cambria says with a cheerful smile to the Count. "Is there a particular place you would like me to leave our gifts?" She spares a quick glance around. "They are on behalf of myself and my House, of course. We all wish you the best of birthdays."

Charlaine leans in to whisper to Reigna "this is a limited edition."

"Mmhmm." That's Alis remark, with a smile on her face. "And a happy birthday to you!" she greets the Count, making sure to step aside so that she can can put an envelope on the gift pile.

Cristoph has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Alexis has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Cambria has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Charlaine has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Valerio has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Timmons the goat is actually still making eyes at Edain, for what it is worth. This is going to be a continued thing, evidently, and the devilish little beastie is looking as though he wishes to escape his bindings. There's a chance that Timmons might be the one to catch an Edain!

Alis has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Quiet, a Valardin champion have been dismissed.

Aioni, a regal snowy white owl have been dismissed.

Gaston has joined the Bandit's Playground.

Gaston has left the Bandit's Playground.

Every party requires the dark cloud which looms about; a leather clad woman appears mysteriously behind Caelis, tapping the young woman on the shoulder. "Cousin," Fiora greets. "Seems I am not late. You promised a game." The crowd gathering by the goats earns a curious glance at Caelis and lastly Edain. "Your Grace," she says to him.

Gaston has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Alexis beams brightly, and sketches another curtsey to Kael, and Monique, and anyone else she might recognise. Joslyn, meanwhile, gives a downright demure nod to Reigna. "Some aches still, but I am improving." She assures the Countess. Alexis, meanwhile, has spotted the game, and gives Joslyn aa squeeze, ensuring that she has a nice seat, before sharing a whispered word, and grinning, moving over to the pen of goat kids. "...This looks interesting."

Alarissa is slipping in, dressed down a little and minus the man usually at her elbow that she drags out for these things. Gaze going to the goats with a brow raised and a smile. Gift under her arm, she's making her way in to go drop that off in the party pile.

Kit, the grey fox have been dismissed.

Brigid the Genet have been dismissed.

Fridrik, a small White Fox have been dismissed.

Caelis slips in after Edain. She snags Fiora at the tap, squeezing her hand nervously. "If I start acting like a sailor, kick my ankle. I want to make a good impression." She murmurs to her cousin and looks around. "I should have practiced more lady like habits. Shit, even Eirene is better at this. Let's go say hello."

Monique gets a small altar statue of Aion, the Sleeping God from a sturdy backpack dyed in crimson hues with gold trim.

Monique gives a final smile for the hostess and moves to the present pile, leaving her gift there to be opened later.

"Thank you, my liege." Cristoph tells Edain genuinely before placing his gift amongst all the others. He peers towards the goats and wanders over that way with some curiosity in his expression. However, Kael arrives and he turns back and veers in his direction to give the man a hearty hug, if he can. "Happy Birthday, friend!"

As people join the Kid Chase, Edain slowly backs away as he is speaking with Kael, "Happy Birthday Count Kael Keaton! May the gods ever smile on you but especially this day."

As Caelis slips in Edain turns to her and says, "See that goat over there." He cocks his head at Timmons the goat. And yes that goat is staring right at him, "Don't look!" he quickly says, "He's staring. Right. At. Me." he says his voice just above a rasp.

Once the party is underway and Reigna has had a chance to greet some people, she takes up a glass and taps the edge with a spoon. "Lords and Ladies, Princes and Princesses, thank you all for coming to Count Kael's Birthday party! To start the event off, I would like to invite you all to play a game." She points to the corral and the goats therein, including Timmons and his stink eye aimed at Edain. "Each of the goats has a locket on their necks, and whoever catches their goat will be able to keep them. One of the goats has a slip of paper in their locket, declaring the winner! So, anyone who would like to play, feel free to enter the corral!"

Desiree gives a curious look to the game with the goats, but she decides to just watch and not play.

3 Moore squires have been dismissed.

At Reigna's command, Alexis easily slips into the pen - shooting the seated Joslyn another grin, rolling her head and shaking her arms loose a bit. Yes, she's wearing the dress. Yes, she's still going to chase that kid.

Arriving almost fashionably late is Valerio and Khanne. The Marshal in freshly polished armor as always. The one eyed man however is all smiles. "One of my favorite couples they are. It's good to have friends." A pause and his eye stares. "What. Those are goats, right? Not just some funny looking dogs? Dogs I expected. My Lady you see this too, yes?" Then Reigna is explaining and Valerio exhales in relief, takes one look at Khanne to exclaim. "You want to join. Don't you. Yes. Yes you do." With a soft laugh he steers them both in the direction of The Goats, Goat Game, The Game of Goats... Goats of Gaming. Maybe there's a lever he can pull somewhere too.

Fiora shoves a flask into Caelis' hands in order to gradually free herself. "Aunt Eirene learned from Aunt Roxana. What the fuck did she say?" She grunts, lips thinned, then says quietly, "Kill them with a smile and drink plenty of their twigs and leaves. You smile. I'll stay your shadow." When Edain points out the goat, the Malvici stares at the target, frosted blues squinting. "Arty could take him."

Alarissa has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

"Marshal," Cambria calls out to Valerio and Khanne. "Help me catch one!" The Mazetti Marquessa is currently within the corral, looking...well, extremely out of place.

Fiora has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Valencia arrives alone, slipping into the room quietly like a litte shadow. A little nod is offered Reigna's way if she catches her eyes as she pauses at the side of the door looking to the crowd with a small, sweet smile. Dark eyes follow the Countess' gesture to the corral and the smile grows a little more and she edges towards the goats pen tentatively.

Valencia has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

In for a penny, in for a pound, Alarissa's slipping in after Alexis does, looking over at Valencia when she spots the woman, and snags the other Princesses hand and brings her in. "Come. You can help." Alarissa urges Valencia. "Alexis, which are you going for?"

"Of course I do!" Khanne laughs to Valerio. "They are cutie pie goats!" Perhaps she has a soft spot for the animal as she walks in with Valerio. "And yes, The Keaton's are some of my very favorite people, whom I do not see nearly often enough. Well, I see them often, but never in places I can actually cisit a lot." She is already heading to the corral to join Cambria and the others. "I will help, but if the prize is the goat, I get to keep it for the courtyard!"

If he can!? Of course he can! Kael is spreading his arms and drawing in his proclaimed BFF for an exceptionally fine display of hug. There's a chuckle from Kael, an embarrassed sort of thing, and it is clear that he is refraining from the moment to actually spin Cristoph. That's a good thing, however. So, with that hearty hug finished, he murmurs, "Thank you very much, my liege." Toward Edain, Kael is bowing low, murmuring a humble, "My gratitude, your Grace. Thank you and your wife so very much for attending." Caelis too, is offered a smile. He lifts his head thereafter, looking across the gathering and a smile of utmost gratitude is delivered this way and that. Kael? He is overwhelmed.

Reigna waves to Valencia, her smile huge and expression happy. She seems gleeful as she watches her fellows step into the corral. She beams up at Cristoph and laughs, seeing him hug Kael.

Looking at the goat mad dogging Edain, Caelis' smile twists a little. "Want that I should catch him for you?" She asks and makes a 'watching you' gesture back at the goat before taking Fiora's flask and leaving it to her. She blows out a breath and looks to Fiora. "Arty could take anyone. He's a beast." She murmurs wryly and smiles to Kael, bowing. "Happy birthday Count Kael."

"That one, your highness." Alexis nods at Rainbow. "Seems the sprightier one. Figure I might as well challenge myself." She declares. And she sketches a curtsey to Valencia too. "Your highness. Good to see you as well."

Charlaine smiles as she enters the game with a large smile to her lips "I wonder if I can actually catch one." she says as she steps into the corral, "hows this work then?" she asks as she looks to the tiny goats

After being released by Kael, he tips his head towards the goat. "I'm going to go try that. See if I need to start working out again." He flashes the man a grin before loping towards the corral and doing some quick jumping jacks, more for fun than actual warm ups. "I'm going to try and catch the craziest goat in that corral."

    Percephon enters the grounds of Keaton Hall to the sight of -- many people. Expected at a birthday celebration, truly, so his expression does not register any surprise beyond that of a slightly amused smile. But. But -- there are goats that are also in attendance. Many pygmy goats. And this, oh yes, is what causes those eyebrows to lift and he laughs. "Good evening, Count and Countess Keaton. Are we consider new and innovative ways to, er, landscape the grounds? They're adorable. I think the Duke needs --" Percephon slouches slightly, allowing that idea to go unspoken. He needs time to plot. "Wait, it's a game? What's the purpose of the game? More importantly, how?" He finds a place to observe, as though he is going to crack the Chase-a-Kid code here.

6 Pravus Honor Guard, Aida arrive, following Belladonna.

Khanne looks at Olaf the goat. "He's cute, but... I am worried I might not catch him. I am not so good at things like this.."

Valencia smiles and nods warmly to Dame Alexis as she greets her. "Good evening, my dearest Dame. It is good to see you. You look well. Thank you again for the lovely gift, it was so very kind," she offers with warm nod, glancing to the kids bouncing about the pen. "How does one do this?" she asks, looking a little at a loss.

Shae is dressed in an ivy green summer dress with tulips embroidered along it, her own pygmy coat following along next to her and her Oakhaven Shepherd hound, Daegmuned as well. Golden blonde hair is braided and pinned up with a pretty opalescent rose bud decorating, and shoes... who needs those it is almost summer! Bare feet of course. Walking next to her is Gaston, whos arm she grabs lightly and points towards the goats. And a huge smile delighted smile crosses her face. "Oohh look!" Exclaiming rather excitedly over the pygmy goats.

Alexis beams bright as Percephon joins the party. "They've got necklaces, see! And one of them has a prize. So we'll catch the kids and check the lockets." Grinning. And sketching a curtsey to Valencia. "I still carry yours with me, your highness." She presses a hand to her chest, where the chain disappears down into her dress. "It's brought me luck so far."

Shae has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

"Apparently, we try to grab them" Alarissa offers to Valencia with a smile, offering a cheek kiss to Alexis. "I'm glad to see you recovered. A fine choice. I think, I'm going to go for the ... well, one easier to catch by the looks of it."

Khanne has joined the Keaton Kid Chase.

Charlaine checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 13 lower.

Fiora passes her flask to Caelis: hold the whiskey. Her hooded head nods at Edain in response to the brief trio huddle. Now it's time to corral a goat, Timmons. In squinting, she sharply regards the goat in analyzing its movements and patterns, then starts cracking her knuckles and rolling her shoulders to loosen and prepare. "Princess," she calls, head angled to view Valencia, "Ready?"

Valencia gives a little laugh and a bright smile to Alarissa. "I hope it brings you much luck in this endevor, too then," Valencia wishes Alexis. "I fear I am not so fast." With that, the little princess eyes a goat and goes for it.

Desiree has left the a large purple pansy carpet.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards leaves, following Desiree.

Khanne climbs into the corral, carefully, trying not to ruin her very pretty and very new dress she's only heard once. She looks up when she hears percephon's voice and gives him a smile and a wave before turning to Cambria and Valerio. "Which one are we going for?" She looks at the one they were talking about. "Are we sure we don't want to go for a cuter... slower one?"

"Oh, well... That looks rather interesting," Gaston remarks to his escort for the evening. He heads in with her to the Pygmy Goat pen, eyeing the goats curiously, as he scratches his scarred visage.

Alarissa checked dexterity + animal ken at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Charlaine laughs as she takes a dive at champ.. who leaps over her and manages to climb over the scholar as she tumbles over and misses as she tries to catch one but lands on the ground.

"Champ *is* cute," Cambria informs Khanne brightly. "And we must give the Marshal the opportunity to stretch his legs, hm?" She giggles merrily, looking around to her competitors.

Alexis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Cristoph checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

Valencia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Cambria checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 24 higher.

Khanne has rolled a critical success!
Khanne checked dexterity + animal ken at difficulty 25, rolling 35 higher.

Gaston strode forward then, moving after a pygmy goat of his own. He perhaps has an unfair advantage, what with experience in wrangling Shae's own Magnolia.

"See, I serve at the pleasure of my Marquessa and you both today." Valerio comments to Khanne as he clambers in with the goats. "I don't. Define cute? I just see potential food. Not that goat is great. Kind of stringy, but with a good marinade..." Valerio trails off realizing again there are other people around. He attempts an innocent look. He of course points to Champ. "That one caught my eye, honestly and... wait what? Oh -I- have to chase the goat?" He laughs softly. "How dignified for a Warmaster. Ok, as you wish!"

Trailed at a distance by her guards that means she can almost forget about them, Belladonna arrivesafter things are well swinging. The little blonde spends a bit of time wandering the edges of the gathering to take in the decorations, the spring in the gardens, watching people for just a bit before she finally starts to drift in the way of the little goats and the people who are trying to chase them. It is not long at all before she has a hand pressed to her lips to keep the laugh from escaping.

Valerio checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 2 lower.

Alexis chases after Rainbow, and she probably would've gotten it too - if there wasn't a Cristoph ready to snatch it up just a little faster than her. She pouts, and then skids to a halt, sketching a curtsey. "My lord!" She offers in greeting. "Well caught."

"I'll be chasing, too," Cambria informs Valerio, hiking up her skirts in preparation of the game.

Caelis sips from the flask passed to her and waves to her cousin. "Good luck Fi! If you catch it we can chase Prince Edain around with him later." Caelis calls and looks to Edain with a much brighter smile.

Edain looks at Caelis, "But... why... It looks evil!"

It's slow, it's filled with ennui and Alarissa is apparently going for it, knowing her limits. She darts forward, skrits swishing to reach out and close her fingers around that despondent goats collar and laughing as her fingers close around the goat with no tumbling or falling down.

Cristoph has no shame in climbing into the pen with the animals. Duke or not! He looks at Rainbow, the spastic one and cracks his knuckles. "C'mere you!" He calls out and somehow manages to catch it, without nearly falling on his face. "Ah ha!"

Kael flashes a mighty grin toward Cristoph and thereafter is on the move toward his cousin, Shae. He's honed in on her quite easily when there is that squeal of excitement regarding the pygmy goats, and he's laughing soon enough. Tipping his head toward Gaston by way of greeting, he catches sight of the Marquessa Mazetti, and he looks absolutely delighted. "Good luck, Marquessa Mazetti!" he calls forth.

    "The one that looks like its ready to take a bite out of someone --" Percephon gestures vaguely toward Timmons, as he crosses his arms over his chest, idly stroking his chin as he voices his observations. "Is clearly Duke Arn. That one," with a tilt of his head to the side toward Champ, "Obviously Ansel. That golden little achiever. That spirited one is definitely Corban." Olaf, obviously. Dark eyes narrow with a squint to watch Rainbow - and he shrugs hopelessly, "At least the one that reminds me of me has /character/."

Fiora nimbly darts out of the way of Timmons' charge, then pivots her body to wrap her arms around the feisty furry horned creature. "You," she says into its ear, "calm down. We'll attach a bell on you so His Grace can hear his impending doom. You'd like that won't you?" She hoists the creature into her arms, carrying it delicately over to Caelis, and sets it down. "Your prize, cousin." And with a flourish of a bow, she responds under her breath to Edain.

"I'll need it, Duke Laurent," Cambria calls out to Cristoph. "And may the gods favor you as well!" She manages to say, rather solemn-faced. Clearly, however, she was speaking with great mirth.

Valencia grins and winks to Alarissa and Alexis and then she narrow's her eyes. It appears Little Olaf catches the vixen's eye ans she sets off to chase the spirited kid, a little snort of laughter escaping as the fun of it seems to quickly disolve what little decorum she had in place tonight. With a pounce she manages to not trip, though she does nearly fall over Fiora and Timmon, somehow getting her small hands on Olaf, who makes a great big fuss about being caught.

"It's a goat my dear. There's nothing evil about it." Caelis smiles. "You can't possibly ride that big, bully of a warhorse and be spooked by a goat." She murmurs and looks an arm in Edain's. Karri the great fluffers, first of the fluff pups is eying the goats with interest. He noses the captured Timmons and Caelis claps for Fiora and the goat snarers before handing the flask to Fiora. "Well done!"

Charlaine nods

Alis has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Charlaine has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Now that all the goats have been caught, Reigna, trying and failing to keep from giggling, collects herself and sips from her glass, a hand held on her rounded belly. After a moment, she looks around and nods, "If you will all check the lockets on your goats? We can find out who has won our prize!" She pulls the cloth from off the table, revealing a gorgeous Rubicund dagger, set with gold.

When the game begins and people start running after goats, Cambria manages to catch him, but Khanne kneels down and reaches out her hand towards the goat, practically cooing to it until it calms, not even trying to get away, while trying to bite at the sparkly gold bits on her dress. She manages to keep her gown out of reach and says over to Cambria, "I think we got it." She looks around for Valerio and winces as his armor goes clank clank clank and.. well, that's about it.

Fiora has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

"Happy Birthday, Duke Laurent! May my suffering amuse you!" Valerio does not look like he is suffering when he calls out to Kael. He's clearly amused by all this. The event kicks off. "What could possibly go wrong?" He asks his two partners in Goat Catching wryly. Valerio is seeking the mentioned Champ, trying to keep up his his younger and more Nimble Niece. "Most likely Lady Halfshav is just going to charm the little thing." Shift shift, footing is key. Then he lunges for the goat! For his pains Valerio crashes -through- the corral fencing to land face down. There is a muffled sigh followed by a muffled. "I'm okay! If someone could just... relocate my pride for me?"

Reigna drops Hound's Tooth, a Rubicund dagger.

    "Get that goat, your Highness --" Percephon cheers Valencia on, moving on to Alexis, "You can run the Gauntlet in good time, but you can't catch a goat, Dame Alexis? I am ever so slightly disappointed. Keep at it. Even, her Highness Alarissa was able to catch that poor, sad little baby goat that she has in her arms." Next, to clap approving, "Team work, Lady Khanne, makes the dream work -- nice organization and use of skill with a dash of distraction."

Edain looks down at the goat, and then back up to Caelis, and then to Fiora, and then back to the goat, "It's still staring at me...." Edain says slightly concerned. "We are going to run out of room...." Edain says. He turns then to look at the other goat chasers and makes certain to give some hearty cheers for everyone that capture a goat. Every so often his eyes slowly crane down at Timmons.

Reigna has rolled 1 6-sided dice: 4

Apparently Cristoph... has some goat! He's not even sure. He deals in bees and one goat looks much the same as any other. So he just tries not to lose the one that he has caught. Which is wiggling.

"Almost had it," Alexis mutters, glancing to Cristoph with only a slight pout at Percephon's chiding. "Guess I'll have to train harder. I have been neglecting the Gauntlet lately." Because she's been laid out wounded or found other means of excercise.

Belladonna watches the game of goat chasing as it is played out, and then the little blonde is heading back the way she came just as quietly as she arrived.

6 Pravus Honor Guard, Aida leave, following Belladonna.

Alexis has rolled 2 6-sided dice: 2, 5

%"Your Grace," Percephon is now commenting sidelong toward the High Lord and the Princess Consort, "I think that your new friend likes you. Consider having his portrait done."

Valencia blinks looking a little confused at the game, but manages to offer Percephon a big bright and beautiful smile. "Hush now, little love," she smiles now holding a now settling but rather vocal kid in her arms and nuzzling it's ear. Turning she looks to Reinga for direction now that she has got her goat.

"I got it!" Cambria squeals, only to nearly loose the creature when she sees Valerio go crashing past. Thankfully, Khanne was there to charm the goat with her more down to earth skills than whatever...the Marquessa was actually good at. "Check the locket?" She asks Khanne. Then, "Nothing some brandy won't fix, uncle."

"Even I was able, to catch that poor little goat." Alarissa isn't daring to pick it up and for good enough reason, taking a sash from her dress to use it as a lead instead. Alexis is regarded with a smile as she leans over to check and see if there's something in the locket. She is however, disappointed - not really - at the lack of any indicators and sidles up to Alexis. "Darling Dame Wyrmfang. I've a cat at home that would shred it. Would you care for this lovely creature?"

Fiora brings her gloved hand atop the malicious pygmy goat, scratch-scritch. It appears to contain the fierce evilness but it may be continuing to eye Edain suspiciously. "He smells your fear. Eats it for breakfast." Her teeth appear from behind the hood, was that a smile shown. She peers at Caelis and holds out her hand expectantly for the flask. "He could be a playmate for your future kid. Toughen him up." If there was a tease in her tone, it's difficult considering her stoic tone. When Percephon approaches, she nods to the man. "You're offering?"

"...What?" Alexis blinks. "Uh. Sure. I'll look after it until it finds a good home." Alexis decides, biting her lip, accepting the animal. Quirking a brow over at Fiora and Percephon, and shooting a smile to Valencia, before she looks back to Alarissa, lowering her voice in a whisper.

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

Khanne reaches for some grass to offer the goat in the palm of her hand while looking into the locket it wears. She shakes her head and says to Cambria, "nothing but the locket." She smiles over to Percephon and says, "you know me all too well." She winks at him then looks to Valerio and the casualty of the corral. "Brandy will fix you right up, but what about the corral?" She laughs good naturedly.

Edain is trying to avoid making direct eye contact with Timmons by this point. He bows to Percephone and says. "Good to see you Lord Percephon. And perhaps you are right... hopefully he would sit still for such a thing."

The litte fox nods and smiles, kissing the kid between the ears as she tries to open the locket around Olaf's neck. A piece of paper is liberated from the locket and she reads it, cheeks flushing. A little glance around and Valencia shyly moves silently to Reigna's side, handing her the slip, little goat still cradled in her arms.

Shae tugs at Gaston a little and then turns to look at her dog, rising her hand for him sit. And then a motion to Titus too, to keep both hounds outside the goat's pen. Limping a little as she makes her way into the pen, with her own Magnolia following after her. Shae watches as most of the people seem to be chasing after all the goats, and instead goes down to her knees, making some soft clicking noses and her hand held out towards Rainbow, and then the little goat is jumping her way. Bleating excitedly at her as it does so. Magnolia and the little goat hopping around each other, Shae giggles and picks them both up. The younger Keaton making goat catching look very easy. "Look! Gaston!" She calls out, and then she is smiling as she watches others. Turning to catch Kael she beams brightly at her cousin, almost running over to him with both goats. "KAEL!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!"

"I am...sure it won't take much to fix?" Cambria asks around, hopefully. She had released the goat itself, and nods to Khanne. "Ah well, it was an enjoyable means of stretching my legs." Which, by the way, are once again largely covered as she had released her skirts. "Thank you for teaming up with the Marshal and I."

When Valencia approaches, Reigna beams brightly and claps her hands, "Oh how fabulous! Let me find the sheath!" Reigna holds up the Rubicund and gold dagger for all to see and says, "Congratulations to Princess Valencia Velenosa for winning Hound's Tooth!" After everyone has had a chance to take a look, the weapon is sheathed and handed to the princess.

Whatever Alarissa whispers to Alexis has the Princess smiling and shaking her head to Alexis. "No, no, in fact, I will send it to him. I think he'll be in adoration of it." Whomever it is, they're getting a goat it would seem. "How are you? I will have need to visit you soon. Princess Denica is in need of armor and I coud use your help."

    "Was I offering --" what Percephon does offer is a formal bow of sorts, one hand resting over his heart as he shows how absolutely /earnest/ he is. "-- the answer is always yes, Lady Fiora. Perhaps, a portrait in miniature that is set into a wooden locket so that Prince Edain might always keep his close. His first kid with Princess Consort Caelis. It is good to see you as well, Your Grace." With a brief grin, he slips off to offer the same cheery expression at Valencia and Alexis.

"Congratulations, Princess Valencia," Cambria calls out to the Velenosian princess.

The muffled speaking continues from Valerio. "In my defense, my depth perception is a little off sometimes." A hand smacks the floor, then his other hand follows suit and he pushes himself up slowly. "Brandy. Brandy would be good." Up to one knee, and then pushing to rise to properly stand. "You did not see that corral threatening us? I, erm, gave it a pre-emptive strike. Thus is my tale, and I am sticking to it." His eye shifts between Cambria and Khanne.

That little space that was left between his cousin and he, well, that has been diminished greatly by Shae. So it is that Kael is catching her in his arms, spinning her about, and laughing grandly. "Hello, Shae. I am glad that you and Marquis Gaston," and he peers back toward Gaston, "...could make it." Once she's lowered back to the ground, and his arms are free, Kael is applauding. "Well done, Princess Valencia!"

Caelis laughs happily. "I think Timmons is the perfect thing to toughen up our children." She laughs and looks up at Edain. "Weren't you and your siblings raised outwitting wicked animals? It's a Malvici tradition. My father had this wicked chicken growing up. It chased me all over the house. Lady Fiora would climb furniture and hurl things at it." She laughs at Percephon's joke and adds somberly. "Our first born shall be named Timmons in his honor."

"Do I really get to keep the goat?" Khanne asks to Reigna, then looks to Cambria with a hopeful smile. Seems she wasn't even hoping for the dagger. When Valencia is announced the winner though, she smiles to her and calmly calls out (so as not to startle any of the pygmy goats), "congratulations, Princess."

"I have no qualms with you keeping the goat," Cambria says to Khanne.

Fiora releases her hold of the goat in order to applaud Valencia. "Keenly won, Your Highness." But with her hands freed so is the goat; Timmons can be up to his old tricks, namely evil stares. A rare slant of her mouth uplifts in hearing Percephon, another smile shown. "Make it heart shaped to capture the memory wholly. What book are you reading these days? I assume you've moved from poetry."

Gaston gave a nod to Kael, smiling that sharp, off putting grin of his. "Count Kael. So, how old are we today, anyhow?" he asks, reaching down to give each of the hounds an ear rub as Shae is occupied with the goats.

Edain is overheard praising Valencia for: She catches goats with aplomb!

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

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

Valencia blushes all the more, her expression more than shocked. She smiles to Reigna and promtly kisses her cheek looking a little overwhelmed and more than suprised. "Thank you so much," she replies, her smile beginning to blossom. "I am... well, so very honoured. And thank you little Olaf," she smiles to the little kid who promptly bleats at her. Goats apparently are not as excited by daggers as princesses are. Turning she nods a gracious thank you and more than bright smile to Kael, Cambria, Khanne and Fiora, "Thank you so much. I'm so surprised. I kid you not," she nods, giving Olaf another little nuzzle of thanks before setting him down to go back and play with the others.

"I've been well, your highness," Alexis offers to Alarissa. "Finding love and planning for the future. And trying to make Gloria notice me and give me favour in battle." She ofers cheerfully. "Mostly the former, though." As Valencia gets the dagger, Alexis lets out a little hoot, pumping her fist in the air. Grinning brightly, And then giving Alarissa another nod.

    "I have moved on from poetry. It seems that the stacks have called me toward languages now, Lady Fiora. I have a yen to learn a few --" Percephon's dark eyes flick toward the glaring pymgy goat, nodding. "-- as it will help me greatly if I am ever needed to research texts not typically translated in Arvani." A beat, "Heart-shaped, yes. Of course."

Shae laughs happily as she is spun around by her cousin, jumping up to kiss his cheek once she is set down. A glance towards Gaston, and she is smiling brightlygoes to try and clap for Valencia, and then just cheers for her instead. "Congratulations Princess Velencia!"

Fiora comments to her cousin. "That was Iny and Arty throwing dishes and silverware to distract the chicken while I snuck up from behind. Vicious chicken. Whose eye got poked out." The Malvici rubs a finger at her chin, thinking. "One of them did. Survival of the fittest." And to the end, she whispers, "Breath," to Caelis and Edain. Her attention changes to Percephon, all manner of stoicism faintly lessened. "Which ones top your list? I've left translations to others but it is worth learning to test the translators."

Valencia gives a little laugh and smiles at Alexis, gently touching the charm about her neck and another smile Shae, "Thank you so much. I am.. well, very suprised. I feel so blessed." Another smile is offered to Fiora and she happily starts off towards her, a dainty hand smoothing her dress.

Edain smiles to Fiora and Percephon, "Lady Fiora, thank you for catching the goat. And Lord Percephon, thank you for as always keeping things lively." he looks down at Timmons, "I think you are right that this might be Duke Arn in goat form." He leans over to his wife and kisses her cheek, "I will go grab us drinks. Oh and bacon! I'll bet there is Bacon here somewhere..." And that said, Edain fades back to find the refreshment table.

"Ahh Love. Elusive for some. I hope that it shows itself to you Dame Alexis." She cheers as well for Valencia winning the dagger. "I should, give my felicitations. You should come join me for a drink, or dinner soon. I would enjoy that."

Shae has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Gaston has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Gaston has joined the Bandit's Playground.

Kael delivers in his most sober sort of voice, "A day older than the last," before he grins toward Gaston. Overhearing mention of 'the stacks' there is a curious look cast toward Percephon, but Kael does not interrupt this conversation. Instead he is easing back toward his wife so that he can take his proper place by her side.

Shae has joined the Bandit's Playground.

Alarissa has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Fiora has joined the Bandit's Playground.

Fiora has left the Bandit's Playground.

"Lady Neve has shown me a world I did not know existed, your Grace," Alexis offers quietly to Alarissa, glancing over at Joslyn. "The three of us are very happy together," She adds, with a hint of colour to her cheeks.

Alexis has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Fiora has joined the Bandit's Playground.

Reigna laughs as her cheeks are kissed and she beams to Valencia, lifting a hand to tousel the curling fur between Olaf's ears. "I am so glad you won, your highness, and thank you so much for coming!" Reigna is all smiles, and that expression only grows watching Kael spin Shae around affectionately. Servants continue to move through the crowd, offering treats and drinks to those present.

    With a much more subtle laugh -- a chuckle, Percephon glances over his shoulder at Fiora -- "Why should anyone feel limited by choices, Lady Fiora? If I answer, all of them, you would uncerstand the draw of constant learning. So. All of them. I believe that I shall start with every iteration of Shav'Arvani and work on from there."

Fiora nudges Timmons around for the goat appears to rear its hind legs in a maneuver to butt at Edain's legs. The motion grants Valencia space to join the group. Fiora responds bowing to the arriving Princess. "Your Highness. We were discussing languages, vicious animals as part of child rearing, and bacon. The last seems to be a Valadrin thing." She shrugs before noticing the games for hide and sneak are beginning. "There must be a beginning, Lord Percephon. You going to try at being a bandit?" She moves close to Valencia to whisper, then begins to tug on Caelis hand. "You should."

Joslyn looks over at Alexis, stirring from what seems to have been quiet contemplation, though she does seem to stir enough to also super belatedly answer a question to Reigna, calling over to her. "I'm doing much better," Joslyn says. "Ribs still hurt, but I don't need the sling for my arm anymore."

"Bandits? I might jump in." Caelis looks down at Karrigan and points to the goat. "Karri, guard." she instructs and smiles to Edain as he moves off to get drinks and hide from the goat. She follows after Fiora, tugged along easily. "I seem to recall a girlish shriek. Must have been Ini...we ought to buy him a chicken."

Khanne spends a bit of time petting Champ and taking care to not let him at her dress, bonding with her new goat before slipping out of the corral. "I'll come collect you later." Carefully, she makes her exit and checks herself for cleanliness, brushing off some grass from the hem of her gown. "I always said I was going to get a goat for the courtyard. Now, My promises can come true!" She beams with pride and looks to the servants offering treats. Overhearing Percephon and Fiora, she says, "I like to mix things up, a little poetry with a lot of research. I'd like to learn more languages, but, so much else I have to do... But, if you need help with Northlands Shav... I assume you already speak Oathlands?" she asks to Percephon.

Cristoph is wandering around with this goat, seemingly for awhile. And then he's gone? Elusive duke!

"Oh the Princess won the, outstanding, excellent luck Princess!" Valerio calls out at last. He looks back to Nice and Close Friend. "Well, at least you two have done so well. The goat has a great name. At least I think so. It's not, erm, girlish at least." A quick grin as Khanne feeds the little itty bitty goat. "Spoiling the thing already?" He takes a quick moment to scan the crowd with a look of his eye.

Cristoph has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

"Three?" Alarissa inquiring, raising her brows. "She came to me in want of... some change, to look her best for you. I hope that I have managed to do so, but still keep her in line with her roots." Alarissa offers. There's a dip of her head to Joslyn when she talks to Alexis and Alarissa only smiles back to Alexis. "I'll leave you be dear and see you soon enough." And with ennui goat in tow, Alarissa makes her way to Kael.

Caelis has joined the Bandit's Playground.

"Thank you so much," Valenica smiles to Alarissa . "Nothing would please me more, my sweetest Princess Alarissa. Send word and I am yours." Another little impish smile finds her face as Timmon's decides to wage war with Edain's legs, and she nods to Fiora and joins the group, returning her welcome with a gracious and warm incline of head, "All topics I would very much enjoy," she smiles to Fiora and then the group, taking a moment to listen to the quiet question and then offering an answer. Dark eyes turn to the next game and she laughs, "Perhaps, but I am not sure I shall be so lucky," she laughs "Thank you os much, my Lord Valerio. You are most kind. It was fox's luck, truly."

    With a shake of his head, Percephon can now admit his shameful secret, and so he does -- confessing to Khanne in a low voice, "No. Not a word of it. Don't breath a sigh of this terrible lapse in my personal education to anyone." Although, he does say it in full view of /everyone/ so it's moot.

Valencia has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Valencia has joined the Bandit's Playground.

"She looked beautiful, your grace. Thank you for aiding her." Alexis offers with a bright smile. "And yes, three." Nodding towards Joslyn. "It works for us." Sketching another curtsey as Alarissa moves to leave. "Be well, your grace." Moving along, then, to settle back with Joslyn. "How're you feeling, love?"

Valerio has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Cambria slowly extricates herself from the corral, giving Khanne and Valerio a chance to greet the newest member of the Halfshav Household while the Marquessa herself goes to Kael and Reigna. "Count, Countess," she greets. "It's been a wonderful party," she says with a laugh. "I hope you'll gain lasting enjoyment from our gifts, and..." She takes a quick peek at Reigna's hand bearing the new ring. "Congratulations on your win of this fantastic ring. It's quite lovely, though I suspect your natural glow has more to do with that than anything, Countess Reigna."

Valerio has joined the Bandit's Playground.

Gaston glances towards Kael, and then "Well, I'll let you get to your other guests, Count. Happy birthday, yes? I'm sure we'll speak again, and soon," giving a razor's edged grin to the man. A look to Shae, and "Care to try the.... Bandit... Thing?" he asks, then, offering her an arm before heading that way.

Cambria has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Fiora settles Caelis with a look, that one look, and a laugh happens. "Ini." Another laugh. "I know the perfect delivery for that chicken." The plans get whispered. "Princess Valencia, a fox's luck is fitting of this game."

Percephon has joined the Bandit's Playground.

Joslyn wraps her arms around Alexis, smiling broadly with a tight squeeze. "I'm doing well," Joslyn says. "Just enjoying being around people, the sights. I'm just happy that I get to be here with you again," Joslyn smiles.

"Okay." Alexis decides, with a happy little sigh. Murmuring quietly to Joslyn,

1 Trained Telmar Armsmen, Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog arrive, following Arn.

Shae waves over at Reigna as she is seen taking Gaston's offerred arm and heading towards the Bandit's playground. Glancing around to see how else was looking to play the game, too. Noting Caelis, Fiora, Valenica and of course Gaston who and was with her. "Hello! Are you all wanting to play the game, too?" The Keaton lady, asks with a bright smile to them all.

Valencia grins playfully, "I am as stealthy as a party in the Spirits, to be true," she laughs. "But it looks like such fun, how can I resist temptation, yes?"

"Put your education to the test, Lord Percephon. Track or Hide?" Fiora glances at the man, then to Caelis and Valencia. "I assume you both are being bandits. Caelis, definitely. Tradition is at stake. Should we bet how long we'll last in hiding?" She nods at Shae. "Bandit."

Spying Alarissa coming his way, Kael is moving to meet her midway. He offers her a grand smile and, with an easy bow at his waist, he is murmuring a low, "I am pleased to see you in attendance tonight, Your Highness." Yes, he might be overly formal at the moment, but so too are his eyes sparkling with a great deal of warm mirth. When his chin lifts, he is pausing a moment before turning toward Cambria and offering her a smile. "Thank you very much for attending, Marquessa Mazetti. It is always a pleasure to see you and yours," with that indication he tips his head toward Valerio, gesturing to the other man. "The true gift is, I believe someone wise once said," and yes his eyes are still sparkling as he echoes the Marquessa's words from a previous event, "in your company."

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

    Percephon glances over, and over, and over toward Alexis and Joslyn for a moment -- blinking at the pair. Something about their moment prompts him to smile. And then the expression slips away completely, eyebrows furrowing together, "Track, Lady Fiora. Putting it to the test," with another slight bow forward, "and we'll see if I pass or fail at it."

Cambria smiles warmly to both Kael and Reigna. "I look forward to when we next spend time together. Perhaps a little jaunt into the fields, to see how Blazing Stalker gets on with his brothers." She then glances to Valerio, and says in a faux-whisper to Kael, "Do let me know if the Marshal gets into any trouble this evening, hm?" With that, the Marquessa takes her leave.

Despite his better judgment, Arn makes an appearance at the celebratory event. He is going to refuse to have any fun at all. Expression rather grim for a birthday party, his craggy and lined face is pulled downwards into a full frown only barely hidden by his mostly gray beard. Eyes narrowing slightly, he does the bare minimum in regards to social niceties and stalks on over toward Kael. Fists clenched, jaw tight, the troll of Telmar advances at a brisk and aggressive pace.


"Given that apparently there's only one tracker... It seems perhaps the idea is to take turns," Gaston notes idly, shrugging to the others.

"Of course I am," Khanne offers to Valerio. "I've waited forever for a goat! Now I will have to get him little goat friends..." She smiles then turns to Percephon as he slips off to play the other game. "I would be happy to help you fill that void in your lapsed education... just let me know."

There is a wave to Shae and Gaston as they move to the bandit's playground and the Keaton Countess looks aroun, seemingly pleased with how the party is going. She spies Alarissa and Kael near and hurries in their direction before something else snags her attention. "Your Grace! Thank you so much for coming! Oh, I see you got the cute little black one with the... eyes that are so... mmmm." Reigna tilts her head and grins, "If anyone can cheer her you can, Your Grace." Reigna slides an arm around Kael and grins, looking back to her friend. "How are you feeling? You look ravishing."

Khanne has left the Keaton Kid Chase.

Laughing, Caelis taps the back of her hand to Fiora's. "Bandits it is. I haven't been practicing with sneaking much of late-outside terrorizing his Grace." She looks to Regina. "I would love to play, if I may." She murmurs and props her hands on her hips lightly. "I could track if we need trackers. I know how Lady Fiora hides."

Reigna picks up Hound's Tooth, a Rubicund dagger.

    Percephon points at Timmons - and gestures immediately at Duke Arn as he stalks onto the scene. There's a quiet look of -- yes, see, told you so -- that's emphasized with a nod. Arn has a twin in a teeny, tiny little goat named Timmons. Now, with a quick smile over at Khanne he nods again, once, and slips off to join the second game. "No comments on filling the voids, Lady Khanne. It's low-hanging fruit."

"Count Keaton." Alarissa smiles, dipping her head. "How could I not, after our exchange. I am sorry that Victus was waylaid by things that claims a mans time far more, as he would say, free food and drink. But I offer you a heartfelt congratulations on this, your birthday and that you and the Countess will have a great many more." Alarissa reaches out, take Kael's hand and squeezing it. But there's Reigna and Alarissa turning to offer her a hug. "Starting to feel pregnant, I can assure you of that Countess. "I know just who can cheer her. I will ensure she has a lovely home, away from Lilybelle. And you?'

Khanne turns back to look at Percephon with a blink and momentarily seems about to say something. She instead takes a breath and turns away. "I need to find Reigna and Kael...Oh, they are still busy." Turning again she looks to Valerio. "Drinks... yeah? A drink sounds really good."

"I would love to be a tracker, I'm not the greatest at being a bandit." Shae beams brightly, "But I am happy to be a bandit too! Either way it will be fun." She declares cheerfully.

"Of course, your Grace," murmurs Kael in turn toward Alarissa, his head bowing low and deep by way of respect even as the edges of his lips are curved just so. There's a twitch of them to Cambria's parting words, mind you -- and then, well, there's no smile at all. No, this would be due to the fact that there is an approaching Duke Arn Telmar headed his way. His squares up his shoulders, lifts his chin, and adopts the best soldier's look of neutrality that he can muster -- and it's actually a pretty good one! Thereafter, his head inclines in silent greeting.

"You certainly don't look it yet, and here I am big as a barn." Reigna laughs as she looks to Alarissa. "And I'm thrilled you will give her a good home. I am, however, sad to hear that Lilybelle is still giving you a hard time." Reigna leans in against Kael, looking for support from her husband, given she's been on her feet now for a while. "Have you had a chance to see the work Dame Alexis did on Kael's armor? It's glorious! And Dame Ida made him the most marvelous sword. They were able to exactly create what I saw in my mind." She spies Khanne and sends the Halfshav lady a friendly wave.

Alexis clears her throat, leaning into Joslyn, then nods. "Of course, my love. You need but ask. I promise." She murmurs to the woman beside her. Shooting her a smile - and grinning over at Reigna upon hearing her name mentioned.

The Duke arrives and crosses his arms over his chest, looking between Alarissa, Kael, and Reigna. Sizing them up for a moment. Waiting for a time before speaking. "Look at you. Married into another great house. Doing what you do best. Think you'll hit up Redrain or Velenosa next?" Arn delays his birthday wishes to glare at Alarissa. Reigna gets a nod, curt and stiff. "Only get one birthday. This should be an anniversary party." he says to Kael through a tight jaw and slightly clenched teeth. "But people don't often make much sense. Anyhow, everyone gets one every year so good for you. Unless you're dead. Then what's the damned point." he awkwardly slaps Kael on the shoulder and then turns away to go find a family member to give him indigestion. There's Percephon and his goat. Perfect. Quick and short steps carry him toward his nephew.

Monique returns from wherever she drifted off to, drink in hand and lopsided grin on her face. "Percy!" she cries out, spotting the oft-absent Telmar and beelining that way with a fierce determination.

"I saw, it is lovely and you, are not as big as a barn. You are nurturing life Countess and your waist is just merely being borrowed is all." She offers as alternative but Kael's stiffness is noted and she spots Arn. "I was thinking perhaps I'l give Thrax a year, possiby two, then I'l shuffle the Princess Eleyna off, and marry Prince Talen. Your thoughts on such? I couldn't bear to orchestrate the disappearance of the Princess COnsort Donella, I actually like her. Will you join me as my chief plotter Duke Telmar?" Alarissa inquires. "And will I see you at my wedding in Maelstrom when it happens or will we have to pry you from the towers and tie you to the mast and drag you there?"

Alexis nods to Joslyn, rising and offering the woman her arm and aid in rising. Because yes, wounded warriors get fussed over. "Okay. Why am I a little scared?" Alexis murmurs, to Joslyn, but letting the Lycene take the lead.

That might be why.

"Little.. goat...friends. Interesting. Phrases I never imagined I'd ever hear!" Valerio falshes a full smile at Khanne. His face goes serious briefly. "Actually not that you mention it. Maybe I should take language lessons from you as well." Then he is nodding. "yes let's find them, -then- a stiff drink." He does slow up his pace as there was the little discussion between Dukes and Duchess'. "Maybe we should wait a moment?" Is murmured low to Khanne. "Though if Kael needs a hand..."

    Percephon draws himself up to his full height, folding both of his hands behind his back. Right wrist clasped within his left hand. Looking very sharp, very put-together, very composed when his uncle, Duke Arn, starts over his way. Then, he hears his shortened name being exclaimed in Monique's voice and he tenses, bracing for the on-coming collision.

Valencia lifts a little brow to Arn's comments, dark eyes curiously following the man as he rolls through the party. A little glance to Alarissa is offered, but the princess can hold her own, she's married to Victus afterall.

Reigna blinks at the arrival of Arn Telmar and her smile is there, her lower lip bitten into at his words, "And a good day to you too, my lord. Thank you very much for coming, your presence is a delight." Of course, Arn is then off heading towards Percephon, and Reigna waves as he walks.

Joslyn rises and takes Alexis by the hand, she has a big smile on her face that just reeks of Mischeif, and she moves over to make her way towards Percephon. "Percy!" she beams towards him, a lopsided smile on her face. "I've missed you so much!" she says. She doesn't even really seem to notice the approaching Monique as she beelines right for him, intent on wrapping her arms around him, squeezing tight as she very publically and openly gives him a very passionate and yearning kiss.

Gaston glances over at the Troll of Telmar's arrival, giving his liege lord a bow of greeting, but not interrupting the man as he speaks with the host, and then moves to Percephon. A look around, and "You know, in hind sight, I should have brought some of that cider with me," the giant of a Blackram notes to Shae.

Monique's sudden dash is not cut short by Joslyn's attack, but rather spotting the Duke Telmar. Suddenly, that headlong rush to her scholarly friend is halted, and her brows pinch together, the frown a rival, at least, for the Duke's own.

Kael uses his 'typical' tactic with Duke Arn, he grunts once by way of agreement concerning the issue of birthday parties and anniversaries. He bows his head low once more, in response to that awkward slap on the shoulder. "Thank you, my lord," he says, and there is no lack of respect in his tone for the other man. He looks to Alarissa with that little exchange and thereafter, well, he snorts softly. So too note that he might have exhaled just so. No more chest puffery from Kael.

    When, yes, from out of nowhere -- Joslyn and Alexis arrive -- there would be a baseball anaology made here if Arx had a sport. Something-something-left field-something-something. "Jos -" Percephon mutters, and he forgets the next syllable that follows. This causes a little bit of a flail. A little bit of stammering. A little bit of sheepish (goatish, perhaps) blushing.

Alexis is merrily dragged along, until Joslyn lets go and... Snogs Percephon. Then the tiny knight turns very bright red. and she lets out a little sigh. "...I don't know why I..." She murmurs, with a rueful smile - giving Joslyn a squeeze from behind. "I'll get you for this." She murmurs. Then, lets the Lycene go, and takes a step forward, sketching a curtsey to Arn, and, ignoring her own beet red cheeks and any flush and stammering from Percephon, she clears her throat.

"Lord Percephon, you'll agree that keeping a promise is of the utmost import, yes?"

"No amount of straightening up is going to make you look like a soldier, boy. All the armor and swords in the world aren't going to impress me. So you may as well slump and read your books and play with your...goat. Doesn't matter." Arn comes to a stop before Percephon, looking him over quietly for a moment or two. Then he nods once and gives a grunt. Maybe the straightening up was a good thing? "Some Blanchard girl was looking for help with...I don't know, investigating something? Something for Edain." he keeps his voice at a low growl, "Did she contact you? I told her to. I don't think she liked me." this elicits a twisted and toothy smile. "You've been busy, I assume?" others might be coming over to talk to Percephon, but Arn just starts talking over them, voice eventually getting louder and louder.


Valencia recovers from the little wave of confusion and shock and just smiles. "Ehem, right. What is this robbers game," she asks Fiora with a little glance the Percephoh, Joslyn, Alexis and Arn's way and then back.

Shae glances Arn's way as Gaston makes note of his leige lord, her bubbliness fading a little. As she watches the grumpus. Lips lightly pressing together as it seemed Arn was making is way towards their area, in particular toward Perchephon. A soft look towards Percephon, perhaps one of apology that it was him that Arn had singled out. And then she looks tothe others gathered around for the Bandit's game.

With a lean in against Kael, Reigna looks around and shakes her head, "I wasn't expecting Duke Telmar to come. I'm honored that he did." She glances up to the birthday boy and smiles a bit fatuously. "You should be glad that I know you so well. Half the games I came up with, I am fairly certain you would have hated. One, in particular was a contest to see who could get you to laugh..."

Alarissa catches that snort from Kael. "Snark him back, you'll be fine. I should bid you both a good eveing and let others come and speak. You will have to join me soon, before I lose you to the impending arrival. Count. Countess." Alarissa dips her head to either Keaton before starting to wander off.

    Strangely enough, Percephon does catch every word from Arn's mouth - even with the increasing volume of the Duke's voice. "Lady Charlaine. Yes, she did. We spoke. Thank you." He nods, wordlessly, at his uncle while brushing down his waistcoat. Wait, he takes a mental step back and directs his attention toward Alexis, "Yes, Dame Wyrmfang. Keeping a promise - your word -" he winces internally, even as he smiles, "- is very important." He cuts a look aside at Joslyn and slowly shakes his head. "Mischief."

Valerio has left the Bandit's Playground.

Summarily dismissing Arn, and sadly, in consequence, Percephon, Monique turns back to the hostess and birthday boy. "This has been really, truly lovely. I can see why you two are famed for your dinner parties," she says conversationally.

Fiora calls out, "Lord Percephon is the Tracker. If he finds four bandits, I think that grants him the rest of the night to kiss whoever he pleases."

"Good. Then I hope you'll forgive me." Alexis replies to Percephon. Then she steps forward, and tip-toes, wrapping her arms around Percephon's shoulders and doing her best to mimic the kiss Joslyn gave him. She's flushing an awful lot more, though. But there's certainly passion involved.

Percephon has left the Bandit's Playground.

Arn snaps his fingers up between himself and his taller nephew. "Hey. I'm talking to you here, boy. Pay attention." then he'

Percephon checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Valencia blinks and glances to Fiora and then blushes lightly. She opens her mouth to speak and thinks better of it.

Khanne looks at the ... display... nearby and turns away from it nodding to Valerio. "Well, yes, little goat friends for my little pygmy goat to be champ of. Makes sense.... right?" She nods quite a few times. "Stiff. Drink. Yes... " She looks towards Kael, then back to Valerio with a small shrug. "I'm getting a drink. If help is needed, I will only be strengthened by the strongest... mightiest drink that is available..."

Fiora shrugs her shoulders, head shaking, and turns to peer at Caelis and Valencia, whispering to them both stoically.

    "Wha --" Oh, shard it. Percephon barely had time to catch his breath, Alexis. Although his cheeks are somewhere between crimson and scarlet. It clashes terribly with his hair.

Kael grins towards Alarissa and murmurs, "Soon, your Grace. Thank you for coming." He grimaces when his wife informs him that one of the potential games was the contest regarding his laughter. Nonetheless, he is pressing his lips to her temple, a light thing. Toward Monique, he is saying, "That praise is quite high coming from you, Lady Greenmarch. Your event the other eve, and then the White Ball?" He shakes his head, most definitely impressed. There is a glance over toward Valerio and Khanne, a brief thing, but one marked with a smile.

Joslyn grins, pure mischief on her face, as she murmurs something to Percephon, she smiles to Alexis. "I thought we'd come say hi!" Joslyn says, cheerfully.

Alarissa is overheard praising Reigna for: For keeping the social up in Valardin

Alarissa is overheard praising Kael for: For getting old

"Are we all kissing him now?" Caelis wonders. "I should find Edain, his Grace would hate to miss his turn." She considers and places a hand on her hip, looking around. "I think he left me here." She realizes and looks at Fiora with a pained sigh. "I'm putting the goat in his bed."

Arn snaps his fingers up between himself and his taller nephew. "Hey. I'm talking to you here, boy. Pay attention." then Percephon getting grabbed and kissed. With a roll of his eyes, the duke turns away and looks for someone else to talk to. It's Gaston and Shae he approaches, though he hardly looks at the latter. "Blackram." he greets with the usual taciturn style he uses for people he's not currently angry at. "Did you bring that girl you're going to marry? Where's she from again? I forget. When's the wedding? I'm expecting to have a fine time. I have a soft spot for weddings." he claims, straight-faced and serious. "That idiot can't even pay attention for five minutes when his uncle and family head is trying to talk about important things with him." this he basically shouts so people can hear it. "Probably the first girl that fop has kissed. Maybe not, though. Women seem to like the vulnerable, moody, bookworm type I guess. I wouldn't know. Probably for the best your bride to be isn't here to distract you."


Alexis draws back, swallowing. Murmuring an apology or something and leaning into Joslyn, competing with Percephon for who can blush the brightest. And, as an addenda to Joslyn's statement, she adds, very quietly. "Hi." Then she buries her face against Joslyn's neck, stifling either tears or laughter at Arn's diatribe.

"I can't even come close to taking sole credit for either of those," Monique replies to Kael with a shake of her head and a laugh. "Yon Princess Alarissa co-hosted the White Ball and Lord Corban was an absolutely essential co-host of the Soiree. But this was delightful. Were you very surprised? I can't imagine keeping something of this scale a secret. Your wife has considerable talent. Where does yours lay, I wonder?" the Greenmarch asks, curiously.

Turning from one display... right to another Valerio pauses. "That. Is one lucky man." Clearing his throat he heads after Khanne in search of drink. "I think we'll be fine. Besides. You've got the best armor possible, you know." He slaps his chest twice, and speaks again with a grin. "Full plate. You smack it on a fighter and stick him in front of you. As much as I -love- walking behind you, for reasons, I would willingly be your walking shield you know."

"Yeah..." Khanne says in a barely there voice. "Lucky man." Valerio slapping his chest, that armored chest, metal sound ringing loud makes her jump a bit and gasp, bringing her out of her thoughts. She smiles at him then and says, "can we please get drinks? Please? Then, if I need a shield, I will know who to stand behind."

    Percephon's hands settle on Alexis' shoulders and he takes one sharp step backward from the little knight and her companion in mayhem and mischief. He blinks behind his eyeglasses, dark eyes owlish, and he directs a forefinger at them -- wagging it the pair. "You both have poor senses of humor and even poor timing," he scolds, scrubbing the heel of his palm against his burning cheek. "Beg pardon, Uncle. Ah, ah, Mistress Manicelli has been teaching Dame Alexis ... traditional Lycene greetings ..." the last part is muttered beneath his breath as he glares at Joslyn.

Turning to look down at the far shorter Duke, "Duke Arn," giving a bow. Gaston's brow rises a bit as he looks from Arn to Shae and back. "Oakhaven, my lord." He gestures to Shae, eyes narrowing just a touch, as he suspects Arn knows exactly what he's doing. "Lady Shae Keaton, Count Kael's cousin, in fact. Though nothing official has been announced, as yet. The date will be set once we have the contracts finalized, and Count Kael's had his input and so forth, of course." He glances to Percephon and back, and then "I couldn't say, myself. I always preferred the fiery type, myself, but it takes all kinds, certainly." Another look to Shae then, as his bride-to-be is in fact there, of course.

Oh look, the Keaton Countess is coming up from air, talking to one of the servants and motioning towards the Hall as if explaining where extra wine can be found. She looks around and spies Khanne over near Valerio and makes her way in their direction. "Lady Khanne! Lord Valerio, thank you, both of you for coming! It is wonderful to see the both of you."

Joslyn is absolutely shameless, she grins at Percephon, giving him a sultry wink as she wraps her arms once again around Alexis. "Once a Lycene, always a Lycene! It's important to remember those all important traditional greetings!"

"While it is true that you cannot take sole responsibility for these, nonetheless I believe you quite instrumental," murmurs Kael, tipping his head toward Monique once more. "I -- well, my wife informed me that there was a birthday party. The details however, they were quite unknown." He lowers his voice before mock whispering, "In fact, she may have forbid me from leaving our chambers this morn." His expression becomes more humble with the question posed, and he is remarking, "While some adventures may not have seen me at my highlight, I remain standing still. My own expertise is growing to a martial role."

/That/ girl. Oh no, she was not just some person. And her eyes narrow a little, at Arn. "You're not invited to it." Shae replies with a smile, oh so bright and cheerful to Arn, and then walks off. Heading toward her family.

Shae has left the Bandit's Playground.


Once the color in his cheeks properly fades, Percephon decides that it might be prudent to also fade out of this party. He offers a tense bow to the rest of the party-goers, blinks bemusedly, and starts off --

Taking a moment to bend down closer to Khanne, Valerio murmurs something. Then straightening himself upright. He reaches out for drinks and secures one for Khanne first, and offers it up to her with his left hand. His right plucks one for himself, turning to see Reigna approaching. Another smile appears on his face. "Duchess, always a pleasure to spend time with you. Well done with the goats, that must have been quite a sight. Erm, sorry about the fence." He clears his throat and his face looks like it is striving to appear innocent.

"Not the worst thing to hear from your wife," Monique jokes with Kael, "unless of course she doesn't plan on staying there with you. A martial role, hm? I feel as if I should know this, having adventured with you before but I cannot recall, what weapon do you favor, my lord?"

Khanne is further distracted by Reigna as she approaches. She smiles to her friend and when she comes near enough, wraps her arms around her in a hug, brief but friendly, not just polite. "Reigna! It is always... always wonderful to see you. You look amazing, and seeing you always puts a smile on my face. This is a wonderful party for Kael. Thank you for inviting me, and I am so very glad I came." She smiles some more. "I got a goat! It's like it is my own birthday! Which.. spirits willing, will hopefully NOT fucking suck this year... Um, I mean.. yeah." She takes a breath and shoves that smile on her face again. "Hi!"

Alexis exhales a sigh, her own cheeks returning to normal, and she leans on Joslyn. "Well. That was not how I expected the night to go, mistress Joslyn Manicelli." Grimacing slightly, though she can't quite keep the edges of her lips from twitching upward. "...So do we sneak off now, or what?"

With a laugh, Reigna is hugging Khanne and she says, "It is wonderful to see you too, thank you, so much for coming. I'm so glad you got a goat! That little one is a winner, I can tell." There is a bright smile and she nods to Valerio, "You too, my lord." She looks back to Khanne and says, "I will pray that your birthday is amazing, as amazing as you are, dear friend. I really hope we can find the time to speak soon. I have so much to catch up with you about."

"Back when I was a younger man, when my father was still alive and when I wasn't as afflicted by age like I am now, the other lords and knights of the land would look down on me. Figuratively and literally. They'd insult me, they'd talk down to me, they'd say terrible things. What do you think I did, boy? Take it all with stoic grace and poise? Hell no. I clocked them in the jaw then stomped 'em in the balls until they cried and crawled their way back home. They didn't like me, but so what? They knew I was formiddable and that I wasn't going to take their shit. Now, though, no matter what I do I can't get a fight out of anyone. I call you an idiot to your face and you just nod. I go to councils and badmouth the elves, insult the whole room, call the damned regent 'Gabby' and no one takes a swing." Arn shakes his head and crosses his arms over his chest, "I miss getting in fights, boy." the duke heaves a sigh of longing and remembrance. When Shae retorts with her smile and words, he waits until her back is turned to flash a toothy grin at Gaston, "Fiery, huh? Ha! I like her. Think that's enough party for me." he gives Gaston a clap on his shoulder and turns to address the gathering in a growling boom of a voice,

"Life is pain!" this seems like a good start, "It's misery and fear and apprehension speckled with moments of happiness and joy if you're lucky. It's the best and the worst thing we got. At least we're alive to experience it all. Another year for Count Kael Keaton is another year to remember as a good one. A steady lad and true. Happy birthday, boy. Now have your fun without an old bastard around trying to pick fights." speech given, Arn starts walking furiously toward the exit from the grounds.


"If I thought you meant it, and I wasn't sworn to your service, I

Valencia cants her head and listens to Arn's roar and gives a little smile. "Interesting man," she notes as he sets off. "I look forward to meeting him sometime." There is a little breath and she turns back to the the others, "I suppose we best get on enjoying our moment of happiness, yes?"

Joslyn leans against Alexis, breathing deep as she looks to those gathered. "I think we embarrassed him," Joslyn says with a smirk. "I suppose we can start making our way to the exits, I want to wish the birthday boy a happy birthday on our way out though," she says, beginning to lead the way towards Kael, she waves to Monique. "The soiree was beautiful! I had such a lovely time!"

"It's in a few months just.. and well, the last two...." She practically looks like she may cry, but that expression is fleeting before her lips twist to the side and she shrugs. "Not good. So, this year just has to be better, right? Low of.. odds, or.. I forget the phrase..." She nods and says, "I hope so too. No. No... I do not hope. I am mandating this, that this week, we will make it work to sit with one another." She gives a firm nod of her head. "How are you feeling? You truly look the picture of the glowing mother to be."

Khanne says.

"Fuck. If he wanted to knock someone's lights out, I'd have brought Arty and Iny." Fiora almost sounds disappointed, shrugs, and turns to Caelis and Valencia. She offers her flask to them. "Drink?"

"If I thought you meant it, and I wasn't sworn to your service, I might think about a swing myself, my lord, but..." A shrug, and "I lost myself for years in the wilderness to keep that same instinct from making me a murderer one day, so I find the habit hard to break now," Gaston murmurs. "A pleasant night, Duke Arn, though if you insult her in truth, I might rethink my words at some point," smiling at the Duke, but whereas normally it looks feral by happenstance, now it looks feral perhaps with intent. Perhaps the Blackram cares more about people insulting those close to him, than himself. He then looks to the others in the playground, and states "I think I should beg off. It seems I have something to attend to." And with that, he heads off to where Shae is with the other Keatons.

"She did not, of course, stay with me," Kael offers with a heavy sort of breath that might serve as a resigned sigh. When the query comes regarding the weaponry that he favors, he is saying with absolute ease, "The long sword, my lady. I am decent with hand-to-hand combat but far more skilled with a blade." He turns towards Arn's speech and calls, fair and true, "Thank you for joining us, Lord Telmar!" When Joslyn approaches, he is offering her a grand smile, and, looking sidelong to Monique adds in a most satisfied way, "See?" regarding the soiree.

"Of course." Alexis agrees, moving with Joslyn towards the Keatons. "And yes, we embarrassed him. We embarrassed me, too." She admits to the Lycene. Sketching another curtsey to Monique when Joslyn wanves.

Gaston has left the Bandit's Playground.

Reigna's expression turns concerned and compassionate and she moves to hug Khanne, a log, tight squeeze. "You will have a birthday here, unless you wish it elsewhere, but if you let me, I will throw a party for you that shall make you smile. You are beloved, Khanne Halfshav and you have friends and people who would move the world for you." There is a look from Reigna to the other woman, a hopeful curl to her lips. "Now, Squall is due at the end of the seventh month, so quite soon. I was going to ask if I could meet with you in the days before he comes. There are questions and well... As I pray to the gods, I think they would not mind if I asked to commune with the spirits as well."

"Arty would love these people. He lived in the Oathlands for a bit." Caelis points out to Fiora. "We really need a Hawk fight night, I have this shiny new blade and I haven't hit Arty with it yet." Caelis pouts at that.

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

"I'd clock him," Monique replies blithely. "He deserves it. And then some." And then she turns back to Kael. "Long sword? Same. Mayhap we can spar some time? I'm always looking for pointers and different styles of attack."

"That's dinner if Calypso permits," Fiora says. "We could coerce Mirari to organize using our training center."

Unable to help himself, Valerio detaches himself from Khanne's side with a murmured. "I'll be right back... I think." Valerio is stalking in a beeline for Arn, who is stalking to the exit. "Pardon, Duke Telmar!" Valerio does take the time to bow politely to the older and shorter man. "I believe we have only met in passing. I am Lord Valerio Mazetti, Marshal of Ostria." Upon rising, his head cocks to the left so his good eye can observe Arn. "I could not help but overhear some of your conversation. Apologies. Yet you made a point, I agree with. Not to mention. I belive we share the same taste in weaponry. I find with the duties I have. Well, simply put." There's a bit of a grin. "I too, miss getting in fights."

"I think we should host another tournament at the Hart. I have been enjoying the matches so far, but I think a prize tournament or two may be in order," Valencia nods thoughtfully, graciously taking a hit from the Fiora's flask, "Thank you, my lady. Much needed tonight."

Fiora remarks to Valencia, "Aunt Eirene taught me, never go anywhere without a flask. You could end in dry country."

Khanne reaches for the drink Valerio had brought before, now that she has released the Countess from the embrace. She leans in to murmur to him softly before turning back to Reigna. "I know, I am, I do. I am blessed in that. Hopefully they are also willing to save the world with me." She smiles, then nods to Valerio as he departs her side. "Oh! No! I do not think they would mind at all!" she exclaims excitedly to Reigna. "I have been praising Mangata a lot lately, myself. The Spirits have encouraged me to do even more work with uniting the faith and shaman aspects. I would be thrilled and honored to answer any of your questions, or offer whatever I can. And, I cannot wait to meet your little Squall!"

Joslyn dips into a curtsey for Kael, smiling towards him. "I just wanted to thank you for hosting the party, and to wish you a happy birthday," she casts a smile to Reigna. "We should spend some more time together soon, I can embarass more party guests in the future!" Joslyn offers with a wink, nuzzling Alexis. "And yes, seeing you in that moment is worth all the reprisal."

"That sounds like a fine idea, Lady Greenmarch," Kael says with a nod of his head and a light grin. "I am decent with a blade, and can show you what I know. Myself? I need to learn to move around in that without looking like a fool," and he chins toward the suit of armor. "So it's best served well. As an instructor I might not be so good, but... I do know the sword." Turning toward Joslyn, he inclines his head and offers forth a smile. "It was our pleasure." He glances to Reigna, to indicate her as the other part of 'our' of course. "Thank you so much for coming, and my gratitude for your well wishes. I hope that you enjoyed yourselves."

Alexis shoots a few more rueful smiles. "Yes," She adds to Joslyn's words. "Thank you very much for having us. Count Kael, I look forward to figuring out your gift properly with you. Countess Reigna, thank you for letting me take part in both the gift and the party. Lady Khanne, well met." She exhales. and then all but buries herself against Joslyn again, murmuring quietly.

Mal, a devious raccoon, Magnolia, a precocious pygmy goat, Daegmund, an Oakhaven Shepherd puppy leave, following Shae.

Arn does not seem to be pleased by Valerio's interruption. The duke enjoys making abrupt and quick departures with no entanglements. This interferes with his plans, but he stops anyhow. The displeasure is written on his face and his posture and the way he half grunts and half sighs at the Lycene nobleman. "All right." he responds when offered the man's name. "I've been to Ostria. Well, not inside of course. Back around the time we were leaving Malvici corpses up and down the coast. Funny that their duke debases himself to go and be his enemy's lapdog." funny, maybe, but Arn doesn't smile. "My brother did more work than me, but it was a good and proper war, that one. Gods, if only we could get back to that rather than all this magic, religious nonsense." he doesn't really listen to anything Valerio has to say and so asks once the man is done talking, "What do you want?" the words eventually catch up, "So we use hammers and like fighting. That make us friends now or something? I don't think so. I'm full up on friends. It's a very low limit." eyes narrow slightly and he turns, "I'm leaving. Don't follow me or I'll have my dog bite you." the dog is tiny and white and fluffy. But it seems mean.


"We did," Joslyn says to Kael, dipping her head towards him, she smiles a bit more, giving a wave to the room and she than gives a nod to Alexis. "Thank you again, I'll see you all another time!"

Valencia nods and smiles to Fiora, "I have always been rather fond of your auntie. Wise woman. I should heed advice."

Caelis eyes Arn cooly when he talks about leaving Malvici bodies on the Coast. Wordlessly, she straightens her back and exits.

Caelis has left the Bandit's Playground.

Karrigan's Watchful Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd puppy of ultimate fluffiness leaves, following Caelis.

Khanne glances at Alexis as she hears her name and gives her a nod and lifts her hand in a wave.

Joslyn leaves, following Alexis.

"I'll send a messenger around, my lord," Monique dips a curtsey to Kael, grinning eagerly. "We'll pick a date and time. I ought to be going, though. It was a wonderful event and my highest compliments to your wife, and a happy natality to you."

"Why you..." Valerio looks irritated, but not until being threatened to be bit. "Why would you torment a dog such? I'm old and stringy. Killing Malvici's unfortunately did become a pasttime. So there, we had more in common than I thought. Not thrilled my Niece married him. It was her call. I wasn't looking for a friend, My Lord. I'm looking for someone to hit, and hit back." Valerio comments back sharply. "But I did not expect you to want to use a -dog- as a weapon. Guess you got more rust on you, than I do."

"I look forward to it," murmurs Kael, his head bowing toward Lady Greenmarch and then inclining thereafter to those others departing. He takes a deep breath and is weaving forward then to find his place next to his wife once more. Of course this time it is just not to support her, but rather he is reaching forth to clasp Khanne on his arm. "Good evening!" he offers forth, delighted to see the Halfshav. He looks toward Valerio and -- is he aware of anything other than body language? His head tilts a moment, and it is clear that something is on his mind. He observes the pair there and thereafter is turning to Khanne and asking, voice lowered, "Did the two of you arrive together, or no? There was a grand amount of people and I could not tell."

"Funny. Heard the story different but war stories change based on the teller." Fiora does not smile either, making the remark to Caelis while her eyes fixate on Arn briefly. Shrugging, she drinks from her flask and departs.

Fiora has left the Bandit's Playground.

"I go by the training center. My rust has rust but it's good to move around. I don't hurt that much more after a fight than I do after waking up." Arn seems reluctant to even give Valerio that much, but it's a roundabout way of inviting the man to spar some time. "I'm leaving." he says again, this time trying to put some more finality into his tone. To really get the point across. Walking at a quicker pace and veering away from Valerio help to serve as a pretty good indication that he wants to leave too. So he does.


1 Trained Telmar Armsmen, Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog leave, following Arn.