Fredrik has left the an intimate collection of crimson pillows.

4 Crimson Blades Private, 1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Prince Biscuit, the seadog puppy leave, following Fredrik.

4 Crimson Blades Private, 1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Prince Biscuit, the seadog puppy arrive, following Fredrik.

Fredrik has joined the an intimate collection of crimson pillows.

Andry has joined the an inviting mass of lavender pillows.

Miriam, a Gold Order Steward arrives, following Alexis.

Nisaa has joined the an intimate collection of crimson pillows.

5 Pravus Honor Guard arrives, following Belladonna.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes arrives, following Alessia.

Alessia has joined the an inviting mass of lavender pillows.

Belladonna has joined the an intimate display of golden pillows.

Jordan has joined the alcove by the archway.

Alexis has joined the alcove by the archway.

Vera has joined the shadowy corner of the gardens.

Derovai has joined the pathway benches.

Derovai has left the pathway benches.

Derovai has joined the shadowy corner of the gardens.

As the people enter, each are handed a blindfold which they are informed they should put on before hand. Once worn, they are brought over towards a private, intimate setting for two. Jaenelle's voice can be heard over the quiet as things are settled, "Welcome to the second feast of the senses. As you can tell, you were asked to wear a blindfold and you'll be lacking one of the senses you rely on, perhaps the one you use the most. Some of you have brought dates, others will be interacting with theirs for the first time tonight, so it should prove interesting if anything else. Please get to know your partners, you'll be in their mercy for the feast tonight, after all."

Derovai has dressed up somewhat for the occasion. As he's led over towards the most shadowy portion of the gardens, he says nothing, apparently waiting for Vera to make the first statement. He doesn't know who it is, after all. What she might be able to pick up: a confident stroll down the garden pathway, leather boots making little noise. He hasn't bothered to wear cologne, but he has at least done his dining partner the service of dressing up as he approaches wordlessly.

A burning cigarette hangs from his lips as Theo makes his way out into the grounds with Lys at his side, their arms looped together. He's wearing a fine umbra coat, tailored and form fitting, and lined with plush white fur to protect against the chill of winter. With blindfolds on, they're seen to their assigned place, and Theo leans in to whisper something to the woman on his arm.

Bliss and Elgana come in, arm in arm, the former wearing a lavender seasilk gown that seems to flow and shift with the air around her, extra layer upon extra layer seeming to always provide some further fabric as it billows and settles. She turns her head, murmuring something to the Redrain Princess as she does so, and only a thin cloak around her shoulders. She is quiet and smiling, though then when the blindfolds come, she lifts her head dutifully and allows it to be placed over her, getting led over to the sapphire pillows with the other woman.

Nisaa walks into the venue with graceful steps, swathed in umbra as if she were wrapped in shadow. She takes the blindfold in hand, carefully wrapping it over her eyes and tying it behind her head. She follows whomever guides her to the cushion she is to sit on. Getting comfortable, she smiles, though she cannot see and presumably neither can her companion for the evening, whom she begins to converse with, softly.

Lys's dressed in thigh high umbra boots, and a gauzy umbra and satin dress that looks like red smoke... except it probably won't be seen by most people once the blindfolds gon on. She settles into a seat next to Theo, lounging and settling her blindfold on. Something causes her to give a soft, velvety laugh before she murmurs quietly to Theo.

It's not the behemoth Bayweather brother that's seated amongst the lovely lavender pillows, but rather younger Bayweather brother, Sir Andry. He's dressed in fancier clothing than his norm and, hey, he even combed his hair. Might've shaved, too! Not that his partner for the evening will even be able to /see/ him all spiffed up. There's a blindfold over his eyes and... wait, was that movement next to him? No. Or was it? He'll just stay quiet until someone says something to him~

A waiter in Velenosa finery...not that anyone but Jaenelle can see them, comes to each table, a small bell ringing when they grow close enough so as to not startle the guests.

"Tonight's feast will begin with a delicate taster plate. Baked figs with tangy goat cheese topped with a honeyed almonds have been prepared for your consideration. They will be served in a single spoon serving. The idea is to not feed yourself, but to offer it as best you can to your escort. Be careful, help one another, communicate. Try not to get the almond up their nose."

With the feast started, Jaenelle walks along the grounds between the intimate spaces to make sure there is never need for anything.

Alexis arrives on her own, looking perhaps a little uncomfortable. She's decked out in, of all things, a wondrous gown with an indigo dragon motif, with high splits along the skirts. Adorning herself with varied dragon-themed jewelery, even going so far as to wear a hair pin, though it's worn with a decorative flower given her lack of hair to put in a bun. Clearing her throat, nervously, she puts on the blindfold and is escorted to her waiting partner. Stiffening slightly at the bell, and giving a small nod to the man at the table.

Dressed decidedly down, but nice, Elgana arrives with Bliss, murmuring back and forth with the Whisper as they move. She does pause and nod to anyone she recognizes while they are able to see--Derovai, Fredrick, even Lys and Theo. The blindfold isn't really a surprise, the sight of it getting a grin from the Redrain as Bliss gets blindfolded first and then Elgana before they are led over to those soft pillows. Pillows that get patted at wildly until she is certain she's satisfied how she's sitting. And then she listens when Jaenelle starts to speak about the event itself.

Staring at the blindfold in his hand, Jordan heads where instructed. Spotting Nisaa in the crowd of possible other participants in this, the knight flashes her a smile -- assuming she can get a glimpse of him before she's blindfolding herself, that is. He'll do likewise to himself, and then try to avoid stumbling into things. "Hello," he says to Alexis, reaching for a spoon, carefully. "I apologize beforehand for staining your clothes if I miss the mark."

Alessia is wearing a long icy blue dress of silk with sheer sleeves and a v-neckline. Sapphire rings bedeck her fingers and she wears an ornamental collar of iridescite, pearl, and amethyst, signifying membership in the Order of the White Lily. Her long dark hair flows down her back loosely. Black boots are worn for practicality, clashing with her elegant gown. Fastening her blindfold before she reaches her table, she turns to her partner - or at least whereever she believes her partner to be. "Good evening. Lady Alessia Mazetti." She greets her companion with a friendly yet curious tone.

Derovai laughs at the announcement, saying something quietly to the table where he's found himself, before he raises a hand. "I have a question, Your Highness," he calls out. "Are we eventually going to find out who our companions are at the end of this, or will it forever remain a mystery?" His voice carries, and to at least a few attendees, it's recognizable enough.

"Oh... Was I not supposed to introduce myself?" Alexis asks, from her spot, turning her head to stare blindly in the direction Derovai's voice came from.

"That is for you and your guest to decide. I would not wish to spoil the fun if you both decided you would rather be ships passing in the wind and never knowing for sure. That is half the fun, is it not. No, I certainly leave that up to all of you" Jaenelle tells the man as he asks his question while she passes by his table.

While he may recognize a few voices, the questions asked and some of the words spoken at other tables captures Seth's attention, especially with this being his first time at such an event. "This is definitely different." He murmurs to no one in particular, before returning to conversation with his partner.

From somewhere velvety laughter floats up, and a female voice saying, "Whoops." With a complete lack of sincerity.

Fredrik, for his part, has already fallen into conversation with his partner, blindly feeling for an appetizer and holding it aloft uncertainly, as if still a bit hesitant to just start jabbing and hope he hits the right part.

@emit Like a well oiled machine, there is a soft bell heard and then the servants are once more beside the diners. The spoon is exchanged for a small plate.

"As the taster plater is removed, I would like to introduce the amuse-bouche. I will not tell you what this is, perhaps you can figure it out on your own. It is a bit sticky so when you feed it to your partners, watch your fingers." Infact, there is no fork or spoon provided for the bite sized portion of savory water chestnuts wrapped in bacon with a spiced caramelized glaze.

Yeah, that was movement next to him and Sir Andry straightens a bit while relying more on his sense of hearing. "Sir Andry Bayweather." is his introduction to Alessia, though he makes no other move. Probably best to stay somewhat still and prevent some form of collision. "Have you attended a function like this before? Truthfully, I wasn't supposed to be here tonight. Funny story." When there's a sampling of food presented, he's certain he's going to make a mess of things. Dear Gild.

"He broke my heart, Sir Bayweather. He is the worst protege there ever was" Jaenelle tells Andry when she passes their table with a clicking of her tongue though there is no real anger to her words. "Thank you though, for stepping up when you did not have to. That was very brave and generous." As she continues to wander, "how is the food, everyone still have their fingers?"

Theo's voice rises up from the direction of the emerald tent. "More or less. For now."

"Not at all, sir. But it's a pleasure to join, my princess. And try new thing..." Alessia trails off as the food is served before her. She takes a whiff of the food and smiles. "Where were you supposed to be?" She reaches around for the plate and picks up the bacon wrapped water chestnuts as carefully as she is able. "Would you like to try first?" She attempts to keep the food item intact as she awaits Andry's response, smile unfading.

"Doing wonderfully!" Bliss calls from the pile of sapphire pillows, the sound of a giggle in her voice.

Derovai and Vera haven't at least drawn any blood yet. Yet. At the warning that the amuse-bouche is sticky, though, Derovai removes a glove from one hand with a minimum of fuss, fumbling around on the plate for one of the bacon wrapped treats before angling it vaguely towards Vera with a bare hand. There's some warning about 'taking off a finger' from the fellow, but he seems more dry than serious.

"...Learning." Alexis offers, with a mirthful noise, and a mouthful of food.

"Quite," Elgana giggles from that pillow pile of sapphire blue.

Fredrik has manages to spear his partner gently, from the bit on her cheek, but his small bit of laughter and eager-sounding, questioning tone show he doesn't seem at all to be suffering, even chewing from nisaa's much-more-successful attempt.

Ding goes the next set of bells as the same servants quietly go about their businesses!

"This is soup. Please be careful. I thought it best to warn you, as I would rather the dinner not end in someone burning someone else with cauliflower."

The creamy roasted cauliflower soup with a pumpkin truffle oil swirl comes in small shooters wrapped in cloth for easy handling as well as sipping.

"The challenge just keeps ramping up." Seth has to comment regarding the announcement of soup.

"Blindfolded target practice," Jordan calls out after chewing on the bacon treat. But the announcement of the soup definitely makes him freeze up.

Nisaa is smiling in conversation with her companion as he seems to be trying to dab at her lips, though the smudge is upon her cheek. She appears to be enjoying herself, even if slightly nervous giggles can be heard coming from her direction at times.

"I am sure you have all been to boring dinners in which you counted down the courses in hopes you could return home after. How many can say that the dinner was an actual challenge beyond that though? I have given you something to judge all other dinner parties to. You are all welcome" Jaenelle says with amusement to her tone. The hostess continues her walk around, "it is only soup though. Are you saying you've not been trained in eating soup?"

Nisaa is overheard praising Jaenelle: A hostess of unique style and flair!

a lithe, dark-cloaked Lycene woman, Shadow, a tiny black feline arrive, following Mirari.

a lithe, dark-cloaked Lycene woman, Shadow, a tiny black feline leave, following Mirari.

Belladonna has left the an intimate display of golden pillows.

Sometimes one of the guests must leave for a moment, and then the hostress must take over till they return. As Belladonna deals with something, Jaenelle moves towards Seth and settles down for a moment just as the next course is being brought out. She says something quietly to the man blindfolded, it is a little unfair.

Jaenelle has joined the an intimate display of golden pillows.

"You're proving to be good company already. I can't complain." Alessia chuckles as she attempts to feed him, despite her sticky fingers. She watches as the soup is served and sucks in her teeth. "The soup /might/ be more trouble." Once he finishes the chestnut she awaits her turn until they move onto the soup.

Jordan has a veritable look of terror on his face as the soup-laden spoon approaches. He obviously does not want to risk accidents involving hot soup and trousers.

Fredrik checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Jordan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 54 higher.

It's entirely Fredrik's fault. /something/ Nisaa said perked his curiosity, and he shifts closer at the wrong bloody moment, prompting a nudge of the shooter..Right into his lap. To his credit, the response is only a small, instinctual yelp, and then a low hiss followed by a polite "My fault!" as he tries to dab his trousders, Jordan's nightmare come to life, just at another table.

As the bell dings, the main course arrives and is placed before the pair.

"Blunted brochettes of lamb bathed in lemon-thyme beurre blanc. This will be something you both must work at, and you've been given a fork and knife for this particular dish. Or use your hands if you'd prefer that way. Whatever is easiest for you and your guest."


"I am so sorry!" Came the accent laden exclamation from the same area what Fredrik's announcement that it was his fault. Nisaa is feeling about for a napkin, trying to help him and fussing over his well being.

Derovai and Vera are progressing through their dinner well enough. No major mishaps. Derovai laughs at something Vera says, talking at length in crisp tones -- but he's still, when she feeds him some soup, focused and concentrating to make sure there's no spillage at hand.

Fredrik is torn between murmuring how alright it is and trying to clean himself up, as Nisaa pats him down on the chest, quite far from the sight of his spill, even as he laughs it off before murmuring quietly to her.

The soup course seems to go off without a hitch between Bliss and Elgana, the pair of women murmuring as they sit in very close proximity, soft laughter leaving them from time to time. The mention of a knife for the next course gets a pause in the Redrain but then she's murmuring to the Whisper once more.

There is a deep blush that blooms upon Nissa's cheeks. Few can see it, Fredrik not one of them. She hands the napkin to him and they continue on with their apology filled conversation.

Alessia hesitates before leaning in, and attempts to maneouvre in a way that avoids staining her dress. Thankfully she manages to take a spoonful without drops falling although she dabs at her lips, to ensure none runs down her chin. She sighs with relief. As she attempts to feed him the soup. "I have been complimented on my slieght of hand... if that eases your concern, sir. Do you cover for your brother often?" Her hands hover as the spoon inches near Andrey's lips.

Lys has left the a sinful gathering of emerald pillows.

Aubergine, the delectable pygmy goat kid have been dismissed.

Arienne, the snarky d'Lire Steward have been dismissed.

The glaivedancer feels around for the cutlery before she lifts it. She struggles for a few moments to stab at the lamb with the knife and fork but manages to lift a tiny piece (less than ideal) and cautiously moves it towards her partner. "If you fear stabbing me, feel free to use your hands." She smiles wryly.

"Dessert tonight will be a saffron creme panna cotta dressed with apricot puree and praline macarons" Jaenelle announces from the table she has taken over to keep Seth company at for the time being. "Enjoy, linger, retaste any dish you would like by simply asking the servers."


Alexis is apparently having a good time. Laughing here and there, and when the dessert is announced, she turns her head towards where Jaenelle's voice is coming from. "Can we get the recipes for the dishes tonight if we ask very nicely?"

Jordan is apparently having a good time as well, idly playing with the fork before dessert is announced. "That one is all yours, Dame Wyrmfang. I don't eat sweets." There's an almost apologetic twist to his lips, not that they can be seen. "Part of my training regimen."

"That means you're going to have to feed me all of it, though," Alexis protests. "And you need to adjust your regimen if it means giving up all sweets forever."

Alessia struggles to hide her grin before inching closer to the fork, finally reaching it after a few failed attempts. She takes a bite of the lamb and settles back in her seat. "I am not ashamed of fear. It makes me look all the more courageous when I triumph." She nods in approval of the meal. "Certainly my favoured course. But that ought to change. Your brother is surely missing out." She muses she feels for the bowl of dessert.

Looking, because Jaenelle is able to look, at Alexis, "Of course! Any recipe you wish is yours. I will see that the chef provides or sends along the entire menu with you or to your house chefs to recreate the dishes you have all tasted here tonight. I do hope you all have learned something about yourself and the person you have been sitting across all evening. I hope you enjoyed the food, as well as the idea of the feast, and I also hope that you will not take it out on me too harshly if you did not or accrued any burnt flesh, bitting fingers, or stabbed faces."

Another little laugh escapes Alexis at Jaenelle's apologies. "I work in a forge all day, your highness. I can handle some heat."

Seth continues with his quiet conversation with the event hostess, dipping the spoon into the treat and working on feeding it to the Princess, very careful-like. "I think, I'd like the recipes as well, but until the kitchen is completely renovated, any cooking will be put on hold at the manor."

It appears that Sir Andry did /not/ make a huge mess or stain things or draw blood or burn fingers. He was half expecting to cause a disaster, let's be honest! A glance is shared with Jaenelle and then back to Alessia as if they merit a shared response, "Never fear. I'll make sure he knows." A beat, "I, however, had a good time." Probably because he didn't accidentally stab anyone with a fork.

Derovai laughs outright all of a sudden at something said at the shadowy table. It's bright, unforced, genuine laughter; he seems quite pleased at something Vera has said. But he draws in a breath, shaking his head, adding something to her with a little regret. The two of them are moving towards dessert, slowly but steadily. They seem to have struck up a pretty genial conversation.

Jaenelle informs Seth, "you are free to use the Velenosa kitchen if you decide you wish to take up cooking. I am sure the chefs will not find issue with you making a mess and scratching their pans." Pausing to take over as hostess she asks, "and this concludes the feast of senses two. Please stay, enjoy the grounds for as long as you wish, take off your blindfolds and greet your partners or leave them on and continue the mystery."

Aubergine, the delectable pygmy goat kid have been dismissed.

Arienne, the snarky d'Lire Steward have been dismissed.

Alessia lifts the cutlery once more to feed her partner the saffron creme panna cotta. "It sounds delicious. I envy you for getting the first taste." She inches the dessert closer to him, by this time familiar with his position. "So what is your vocation, sir?" She asks, inquisitively.

Elgana is overheard praising Jaenelle: For hosting such a wonderful dinner!

Alexis is overheard praising Jaenelle: A truly unique experience

Derovai is overheard praising Vera: Good guess!

Nisaa is overheard praising Fredrik: For being an excellent dining companion!