white-tailed eagle, other white-tailed eagle leave, following Mia.

white-tailed eagle, other white-tailed eagle arrive, following Mia.

IT'S A PARTY! An outdoor party. The weather has warmed up with summer about to begin so it's significantly more comfortable to be outdoors than it has been previously. Servers are mixing with the guests offering hor d'oeuvres, glasses of wine and shots of a whiskey. Cristoph is wandering around the lawn, checking on things as guests begin to arrive. The entire thing seems pretty casual otherwise, there's no massive swarm of formality here. However, off to the edges of the grounds it's clear some kind of construction is going on. So maybe that's the cause for the event being more low-key.

Alis picks a glass of wine and one of those toothpick-though-meat-and-whatever hor d'oeuvres as she's arriving. Literally, as she walks by the servers on her way to seek out Cristoph and marvel at how quickly he put this together. In her own unique way, of course. "So glad you decided to host before Arn could try. We'd all be doing pushups in The Gauntlet to welcome Duke Farshaw. And since I forgot to have lunch.. and dinner, I'm doubly grateful." She waves the snack food as part of her greeting. She is probably also glad this isn't too terribly formal.

There might be massive swarms of bees though. Just not formality.

Unlike Cristoph, Nicia has gone out of her way to try and not pester the staff during the set up, or get in the way. As such, she is quite literally almost late to the party she's helping to host. When she does make her way outside she snags a glass of wine, and begins to look around at who has made it there before her, and if Cristoph has driven the servers insane yet.

It's a welcome party! Of course Armand will show. Not in any special outfit, however. Just his usual loose shirt and dark trousers, completed with boots. The kind he wears for casual meetings. Or training. He's not big on flashy clothes. A notable addition, however, is the sword tied to his belt. Present as if it had always been there, as natural to the man as breath. "There's nothing wrong with pushups welcome, as far as I'm concerned." he remarks, hearing Alis' remark. "Lord Armand Farshaw. Brother to the aforementioned Duke." he introduces himself, as casual as his outfit.

Ryhalt is there, of course, because he is not a monster. He's in a simple coat of dark blue and a waistcoat and trousers, arriving at the appointed time and presumably with some of his family and retinue in tow - in this particular case, arriving with Armand and Jack. Looking around so that he can identify his hosts for the evening he smiles when he recognizes Cristoph. He is carrying a gift, wrapped up, nothing huge. "Good evening," he says in general greeting and looks about the grounds, and seeming to like the format. "Well, Duke Arn did kind of grumble vaguely at me the other day at the drill yard by the Gauntlet. It might count."

Max, an emperor tamarin, Rosalee, The Champion, 1 Grayson Guardsmen arrive, following Ailys.

Looking slightly lost, despite arriving with Ryhalt and Armand, is Dr. Jack Bathwater, the commoner with the wild hair, and the same old suit that everyone else has already seen him in. Which, actually, he does have several suits. They're just all black jackets, black trousers, a black cravat, and a white shirt. Tonight's shirt is whiter than most, so it must be his /fancy/ shirt. While Ryhalt and Armand go to make introductions, he sort of wanders away, looking at the sky, the trees, and finally the drink table. He'll have some whiskey, thanks.



Princess Ailys is one to be at any social event, and so of course she'll be one to greet anyone who is newly arrived in the city. Garbed in her golden, royal regalia, she passes through the manse, passing a kind smile and a merry laugh to all who will listen.



"You haven't endured Arn leading pushups." Alis quips back, turning slightly to greet Armand. "And here I was hoping perhas Westrock grew them a little shorter then everywhere else these days." Cause she has to look /up/. "Princess Alis Valardin. Welcome to Arx, Lord Armand." The tone is warm and friendly, and includes Ryhalt when he arrives too. "And Duke Ryhalt; congratulations on your betrothal, in addition to your welcome to the city. If there's anything I can do to help you settle in please let me know." Don't think she hasn't spotted Nicia though! She stands up on her tip toes to try and get another glances of the Duchess and waves cheerily.

"Doctor Bathwater, yes?" Colson appears near Jack, picking up a fairly weak ale for himself, something that he can sip on, but not otherwise meant to be intoxicating. "It is good to see you again. It is kind indeed of the Laurents to arrange this get-together. Something more informal ahead of the Duke's wedding, wouldn't you say?"

Reese arrives at the party while adorned in pink and toting along her weapons. She gives the area a quick study, trying to get a sense of who is gathered here.

Mia Riven arrived not as she so often did, which was with such a brisk walk that it tended to kick up the hems of her skirts in a flurry. Rather, she arrived as one might expect -- on the arm of her husband, Count Thesarin. She was wrapped in gauzy white and lacy blue, her House colors, but ones that -- at least in this particular case -- were designed to have the effect of a rippling, cresting wave rolling over the fabric each time she moved. A brief curtsy was given to the attendants at the entrance before dark eyes swept over the gathering, seeking out familiar faces. And in the case of the guest of honor, well, one that was decidedly not.

A dash of brightly colored silks haralds Athaur's arrival, the ravashari dressed, as usual, in the more traditional garb of his people. That being said, he doesnt make a big deal of his entrance- indeed, slipping in would be an accurate way to describe the way he'd entered.

Jack looks up, after knocking back his second shock, and there's a 'I didn't do it' expression crossing his features. But he spots Corban, and that all fades away. He's smiling now. "My lord," he says, and extends a hand. The hand not holding the shot. "A pleasure, truly. And yes, it's nice to see some of these faces before it's all stiff and formal. So I know who I'm supposed to bow extra deep for... and who to avoid entirely..." Jack murmurs out, as his eyes slowly scan the crowd, as if deciding who is who, right in the moment.

In a show of some form of Compact Unity, being a good neighbor, or something rather - Freja has appeared in her Northern armor, complete with " albino bear headdress. At least she didn't bring a Redrain gift basket as part of the welcome committee? Perish the thought of what that would contain. Appearing beside Alis, the scout intones, "At least there isn't a snowbank this time around, hmm?"

"I'm a strange creature in that I enjoy pushups." Armand replies to Alis, grinning. "But no doubt Arn would crush that straight out of me." he adds, before nodding. "A pleasure." And then Armand wanders over to the table with the drinks, grabbing for himself whiskey, for surely there's some!

Corban takes the hand, shaking firmly. "You'll pick it up soon enough," says Corban, patting the doctor on the shower and then looking around the party. "Well. Let's see. I know the Duke, of course. Any other from your lot here that I should know?" he wonders.

Ravana the tawny eagle arrives, following Ansel.

Thesarin walks in with his Countess, taking long steps to keep up with her. He's dressed formally but simply, in blue and grey, with just a hint of copper ring tattoos showing at the base of his neck. He's even tried to tie his hair back, which doesn't so much take away the effect of a battle-worn shav'arvani as it enhanses it. He looks over the party with a rather dour expression, and the impression that it's less displeasure and more his resting expression.

Cristoph will neither confirm nor deny that he's carrying a hive of angry bees around with him. However he will comment to Alis, "I don't think Arn has tried host anything in the last two years and for that I'm extremely grateful." When Ryhalt arrives, he grins broadly at the man. "Hello! Thank you for coming. Is that...?" He squints at the gift in his arms and then at Nicia before quipping, "I don't think you're supposed to bring gifts to parties that are /for/ you."

"I did meet Duke Cristoph. Seemed most agreeable and easy to converse with. A good thing, for sure. I met his lovely wife, as well... Duchess Nicia," Jack says, as he spots both of them. "Mmmm... Over there, that's Duke Ryhalt Farshaw. Man of the hour," he says. And, of course, since Jack is by the drinks, he'll be right by Armand, as the lord approaches. "And this... brave knight is the good Duke's baby brother. Lord Armand. Believe he stowed away on the ship leaving Westrock, and that's how he go there...?" he asks, with a sweet smile.

"Your Highness." Nicia greets Alis when she spots her, making her way over with a bit of a smile before giving a nod to the others that are gathered around. She shakes her head very faintly at the gift thing, one corner of her mouth curling upwards in a smile, "Welcome to Arx, Duke Ryhalt.."

Not even Alis can quite contain her wide-eye at the albino bear headdress. "Princess Freja, you /do/ know how to make quite an entrance. I am thoroughly envious of your helm." she decides, sounding almost witful. "How did you kill the bear without damaging too much of the fur? Heart shot?" Sorry, she can't quite help the questions. Even though she then winces at Cristoph's Arn-partying skill commentary. "You'd be quite right about that. Have you met the Duke yet, Freja? Count Rivenshari, I think, just arrived. And he is also new to Arx."

"It's a trap!" calls out Corban to Cristoph when he expresses surprise at the gift for him. "All part of the Duke's plan to get you hooked on Westrock coffee." He then turns back to see Armand nearby. "Ah. Lord Armand. Well met. Lord Corban Telmar. Welcome to Arx." He dips his head.

Reese turns her attention to the Count and Countess, having a smile for them that touches her blue eyes. She then smiles over to Cristoph as well. She listens to Jack's words as introductions are given and then waves over to the Doctor. "Princess Freja, you look like a woman, I wouldn't want to run into randomly in the woods." She says, but Reese seems to mean her words a compliment.

"A pleasure." Armand answers Corban when introduced by Jack. "And yes, I did. Decided I would surprise the rest of the family one night, pretend it was pirates attacking. It was fun." He grins. Surely he's joking. That grin must mean he's joking. Right?

    Ansel arrives, white-and-crimson armor-clad, and with the tawny-golden form of Ravana perched atop his shoulder. As Oathlander custom would dictate, the young Telmar wear a more perfunctory-looking longsword at his hip, setting off the more ancient-looking one slung behind his right shoulder. At first, Ansel remains near the edge of the Manse grounds, looking around at those gathered, a few familiar faces here and there. Locating one or two in particular, he heads on over, making his way in Corban's direction. "Glad you could make it," he greets his cousin, politely. "Lily said she'd try to come by later on."

There are ever so many people, and Ryhalt picks his way along, greeting those he does know, and says to Alis "Thank you very much. It's been a full couple of weeks for us but hopefully we'll find that wagon track." A wide grin, and he then says "Nothing pressing, but at some point when you've the time, would you come by to visit Lady Clover and I? Oh, excuse me," he says, when Cristoph and Nicia greet him, and he laughs "Thank you for the reception, my lord, my lady. Well, my mother did tell me not to come visiting without something for my hosts. It's good to finally get a chance to meet you. The transition to the mainland has taken a bit."

"Well, when I am to be in fine company I do manage to dress up for the occasion." Freja remarks to Alis with a bright grin. Is that mud on her boots? "We'll have to tell that tale another time, or simply go hunting ourselves to get you a matching one? We can wait until the summer though and when the snows are thinner up North." She taps the one eye missing, the jagged scar. "A well timed stab? Enough of that though, how are you?!" she beams at the pocket sized warrior. Her eyes drift to the newcomers. "No, I can't say I have met the Duke nor the Count, though my curiosity lays with the man that is hogging the whiskey." Armand is given a playful narrowing of the eyes.

Freja adds to Reese with a ripple of laughter, "If you run into me in the woods, I'm doing my job wrong and vice versa!"

Willen arrives, following Aislin.

Jack sighs. That's what Armand's antics earn. A sigh. "Of course, my lord," he says, in his most putupon voice. It holds for a moment before he's smirking again. "Lord Corban challenged a bloke called Lord Rieker to a duel," Jack says, to Armand. "Hired a small mountain named Agnarr to do the actual fighting, as any smart man would. Won that duel, he did," he says. Then Jack catches sight of Reese, and dips his head in her direction, ever respectfully. Of course, when Freja looks thisaway, Jack holds up his hands defensively. He's not hogging the whiskey!

"Ah, well. By hook or by cook, we are glad to have you in Arx nonetheless, Lord Armand. As we are all of your family. It is good to meet you." Corban then turns towards the arriving other Telmar voice and gestures. "Lord Armand. Dr. Bathwater. Might I introduce Lord Ansel Telmar? He is the better looking, more-studious Telmar Voice."

Alis inclines her head toward the Duke. "I would love to visit with you and Lady Clover. You need not even bribe me with coffee. But I definitely won't turn it down." She's inviting the inevitable caffeine addiction. Or more likely is already addicted and is eager to latch on to a home-fealty brew. "One of my /own/? We should bring Calypso too! I bet she would also love to have one. I mean, albino would be best. But..." Right, another time. Maybe not a welcome party. Her grin is at least mildly mischeivous. "Ah, well that would be Lord Armand, the Duke's brother. And.. Count Athaur, please. Come over and meet Princess Freja Redrain." she invites.

"There's coffee in there? The famous Westrock coffee?" Cristoph asks when Corban starts yelling about things being a trap. Also, "Hello Lord Corban!" He calls loudly across the heads of several people. In a more conversational voice he tips his head towards his wife, "This is my wife, Nicia. Duke Ryhalt and myself exchange letters sometimes as part of the trade we manage. So it really is excellent to see him in person and in more than passing. I believe he was there when Princess Marian was beating on me the other day at the gauntlet."

Armand arches a brow at Freja, bringing his cup of whiskey to his lips, more than happy to indulge in a staring contest. With her AND the bear. That one eye of his. Jack's retelling makes him arch a brow. "Then the Gods favoured you, Lord Corban!" he says with a smile of approval. "A pleasure, Lord Ansel." he says when he is introduced.

    Ansel offers a polite smile as he's introduced, dipping his head in a respectful greeting to the Farshaw lord as he's introduced. "Lord Armand, well met," greets the Telmar Sword. It's possible that the Telmar may have been over in Farshaw lands as a younger man, but it seems as though it's the first time he's meeting the man. "Glad to have you here with us in Arx."

"You make a good point." Reese says toward Freja. She notices Alis and gives her a smile of greeting as well. "Oh, wow, what a lovely dress." The says in her direction. Reese then peeks over to Corban upon hearing him speak of Ansel. She looks between the two Telmar lords as if comparing them for a moment. Finally she smiles over to Armand, seemng to know him at last a little bit.

"Would you like me to introduce you to Duke Laurent, the host?," Mia asked her husband, tilting her head up -- ever so slightly -- to look up at the man. "As I recall, the last time you saw one another, you were bleeding profusely and had at least one broken bone and he was unconscious, so I can't expect that either one of you remembers the other particularly well." Her lips pursed. It was quite possible that she was teasing Thesarin, but it was also entirely possible that she was trying not to scowl at him. She had a tendency to do that when he bled on things.

Aislin Ashford makes her way into the party, dressed -- as ever -- as though she's prepared to set off on an expedition for uncharted lands. (It may be a matter of some doubt whether or not the scarred noblewoman actually owns any silk outfits, at this point.) "Duke Laurent," she offers in polite greeting to the host, before turning to offer other familiar faces -- Freja, Corban, Alis, Mia, and such -- nods or waves of their own.

Alis flashes a bright smile at Reese. "Thank you, Your Highness. I thought maybe I would surprise people by not showing up in my armor today." is admitted.

Thesarin claps a hand to his chest, giving Reese a low nod. The big man looks over the crowds, taking a few extra moments to look over the woman standing in a polar bear headdress. His attentions drift toward the drinks table, for a moment, but he stands solidly next to Mia. "Yes. Thank you."

Athaur sticks mostly to the edge of the gathering and.. well, he observes, a somewhat mischevious expression on his face. Nothing like peopel watching.

"My lord," says Jack, to Ansel, with a dip of his head. He then gives a critical eye to Ansel, then Corban, then back to Ansel. He nods, and finally puts eyes back on Corban. "You're right. He's more handsome," Jack concludes, and offers a smile with it.

"I couldn't manage to stay away, not with how often the place seems to be under attack from... everything." Armand says with a grin to Ansel. "Sword... I've heard of you. Aren't you linked to Princess Sophie?" he asks, tilting his head. Reese gets a smile of greeting. "Princess General." he grins.

"Pleased to meet you, Duke Ryhalt." Nicia offers another smile when she's more properly introduced, inclining her head to the man before she gives Cristoph a curious look, "Coffee?" She shakes her head just a moment, taking a sip from the wine in her hand, "I don't think that I've experienced this famous coffee, to my knowledge."

"Calypso is already on the short list." Freja promises Alis with a laugh. "We'll get the group together and soon? I'll lead it." She looks to each man as Alis points them out, the Redrain raising her rubicund clawed armored fingers in a wave to each one - Armand, Arthaur, Ryhalt. etc. Armand continues to get the stare until she calls over the crowd, "You and me are going to have words if I don't get a lick of whiskey, -darling-." Aislin is given a blown kiss of greeting.

    Jack, likewise, is given the same respectful nod from the quiet Telmar Sword, and a polite smile. "Doctor," he greets. At the mention of the Valardin Mother Mercy, Ansel's smile shifts from the more politely formed expression he's currently wearing to something much more genuine, for a moment. "Yes, the Princess and I have been courting," replies Ansel, a youthish touch of color rising to his ears briefly.

Reese has a gentle smile of greeting for Aislin. She then turns back to Alis. "Yeah, I don't know if I have seen you dressed like this, but you look as lovely in seasilk as you do in steel." She says. She waves to Armand once again at words. "He does move pretty good." She says gesturing toward Armand and apparently speaking about him. "Sounds like a reason to duel to me, stolen whiskey." She then adds as if encouraging a whiskey conflict. Ryhalt is given a smile. "Duke Ryhalt, welcome to compact and congrats on your engagement. You are a lucky man, but you know that, I am sure. Lady Clover is certainly something." She says, her words are gentle, seemingly positively and sincerely intended.

"See? Told you?" Corban smiles when there is a confirmation that Ansel is the more-handsome of the Telmar Voices. "And the man is a medical professional, so it must be true." He takes a sip of his ale, then noticing Aislin and waggling fingers at his explorer acquaintance.

Ryhalt laughs and says "There is indeed. A few other odds and ends as well, I hope you enjoy them. A pleasure to meet you, Duchess. And, well, I took a pretty sound drubbing in that quarter after you left as well," he admits with a grin to Cristoph. To Nicia again, he says "Your husband is one of the few noblemen I know that I can write to about supply and shipping logistics and recieve aught but bafflement, so please be assured that House Farshaw holds Laurent amongst our greatest friends even if it were just for that." His expression is open and there's laughter in his eyes even when he's not chuckling, though he does look around at the crowd, hoping he hasn't missed anything.

Jack refills his whiskey, then gives a careful look around. Anyone looking his way? No? He starts to back away from the drinks, and the Telmar lords, driftly slowly away from any place where people might actually want to have a conversation with him.

"Better hurry up then, I fear the rest is all mead." Armand calls back with a taunting grin. He didn't check to see if it was true or not. Probably isn't. "Quite the formidable woman! Good man, good man." he tells Ansel. "We met at the rowing event. It was... colourful." he smirks with good humour. He may have heard the compliment from Reese. Then again, maybe not! Either way, he does not react, merely takes another drink of whiskey. Why not antagonize the lady dressed up in a bear?

Alis looks between Freja and Armand once, and then twice. "There's a story there already?" She has never shied away from her own curiousity. But, she also sticks with her glass of wine. "You're too kind, Princess Reese." Some of her attention is on the Telmar family ribbing, eyebrow raised at what she hears from this distance. As if now she must contemplate how to troll the two men given their discussion. "Lady Aislin, hello." Her glass is raised in the woman's direction.

The guests all seem to have arrived and the finger foods continue to be passed around on trays, along with different drinks. Some of the Laurent mead is out in circulation now. From across the party, Cristoph is able to spot a few more familar faces and waves to Countess Mia and... is that her husband? As well as Athaur standing there. "Oh, you know who we met the other day? That doctor of yours! The one with the crazy hair. What was his name, Nicia? Jack?" He wonders and then is gesturing to the fellow as he snags a glass of wine off of a tray. When Lady Aislin's voice reaches his ears he blinks and then makes a faint 'ah ha' noise. "Lady Ashford. Thank you for coming!"

Caught! Jack lifts his brows as his name is called, and he looks across the way. Who's that? Oh, a duke! So Jack gives a polite bow, then straightens up and raises his glass to Cristoph. "Lovely party, my lord. Lovely whiskey. Just brilliant," he says, with a smile, and a swig.

Freja looks down at her armor and asks aloud, "...should I go home and actually change into a dress? I have some seasilk." The question hangs in the air, capable of being picked up by any others at will before her mercurial attention flits again. "Are we dueling over whiskey?" Reese's question has piqued her curiosity. "I'll raise a sword to that." her quarter for potential duel laid out, she makes good on that promise and moves to claim a whiskey for herself. "There's a story everywhere, Princess Alis."

    "Ah, she had nearly managed to rope me into participating in that," replies Ansel, to Armand's comment on the rowing event. As the conversation shifts, Ansel's attention slides over towards a remarkably un-armored Alis, towards hom he shoots a proper bow, even at this distance. It's impossible to tell whether it's done in jest, or as an overzealous commitment to social propriety. "Princess Alis!" he calls over. "You seem to have misplaced a few pieces of your armor, your highness." This last bit is tacked on juuust a half-second later, as though to make the point.

Aislin makes her way over to the drinks with the air of someone who has been Working and could use a break -- she arrives just in time for Jack to nearly back into her, stepping to one side to avoid bumping into the doctor. "Apologies." Cristoph receives a warm nod, if not a smile -- the scarred Ashford isn't one for smiles, perhaps. "Thank you for holding it. I don't know how long I can stay, but I thought I should at least dig myself out of things long enough to put in an appearance." Selecting a drink, she raises it in silent toast.

At Aislin's wave, Mia actually -- well! Ohh, my. The Countess actually smiled for once, however faintly and fleetingly that might have been. "That," she inclined her head towards the woman, though she spoke for Thesarin's benefit, "is Lady Ashford. She is more than worth taking the time to know." And yet even so, it was Cristoph that she steered her husband towards, offering him a small curtsy. "Your Grace. It's good to see you again, and so soon. Have you met my husband while both of you were conscious and whole?"

"Well, I'm very glad to hear that, Duke Ryhalt." Nicia replies, that smile widening just a little before she glances at Cristoph at his question, nodding, "Indeed, Jake. I didn't get much chance to speak with him long after you left, but he seems very nice." She then adds for Ryhalt's benefit, "Your doctor, he's very nice."

Sir Dalan, Longsuffering Valardin Knight arrives, following Clover.

Reese ohhs softly to Freja. "I would love to see you in seasilk." Reese says, looking over Freja. "I mean with the length of your legs..." She then trails off and seems to realize she said out loud. Her cheeks warm pink. Reese's own clothing is designed for movement, a cambric shirt and leggings with ribbons, all made from common cloth. Reese then starts over to Athaur. "I admit to be quite curious about you, Count Athaur. Have you recently became a count?"

Ryhalt laughs, saying "Don't let him fool you too much," a wry look on his face, but then adds "But Doctor Bathwater is indeed quite the physician. I think he's over there somewhere? Probably wherever the princesses and the drinks are. Ah, yes. The hair, you see. Of course, so is my brother. Pretty much anyone of House Farshaw except me, really?" He turns his attention to Aislin, saying "Lady Aislin, good to see you again," and then manages to snag a glass of wine off of a passing tray.

"It was fun enough." he remarks to Ansel, till the conversation shifts. "Raise a sword, raise a cup. Either way, the whiskey flows." Armand remarks in answer to Freja. "Never met the bear before in my life. Or the princess. Pleasure to meet you." he raises his cup in salute. And drinks some more.

Jack almost runs into Aislin, as he turns, doing his best to navigate this noble social function by navigating himself away from said noble social function. Of course, he stops, once he puts eyes on the Ashford woman. "Oh, uh-... Sorry, uh. My lady...?" he seems to be staring now, maybe a touch transfixed?

He waves to Jack as the man waves to him back from over there. "Yes we enjoyed your doctor quite a bit. Perhaps we'll borrow him sometime." Cristoph teases, laughing a little at their mutual fascination with Jack. He brushes his hair away from his eyes and drifts a little closer in Aislin's direction. "It's quite a bit more populated than I thought it would be." He says of the party before drinking from his glass of wine and lifting it to mirror the silent toast.

Thesarin lowers his head respecrfully toward Cristoph, as he and Mia move toward him. "We haven't." He extends a hand toward the Duke, calloused and weather-beaten. "But I'll gladly drink a man's wine if he's taken a wound fighting on my side."

"Yes, I'm rather under-dressed aren't I Lord Ansel? I half expect poor Fiachra to receive a missive stating such." Alis' dimpled smile appears at that, because she can't quite help but play along a little. "You shouldn't change a thing, Princess Freja. And you're quite right that there's a story everywhere." is agreed, as she trades the now empty wine glass, for one filled with mead. Which means she's going to wind up slurring the party stories by the time she gets home. It's not easy being a lightweight.

One flew over the Redrain's head; Freja squints at Reese, "Yeah, long legs? I run fast?" she seems genuinely lost and then nods, "I think the severity of impact of me in seasilk was negated the last time I wore it; I threw an axe at Victus' head." A beat before she quickly defends, "It's still intact as you can very well see!!!" Alis is given a once over on her attire. "You're dressed perfectly. We all have to ditch the armor at some point, hmm?"

"No, I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting out of armor." Cristoph beams at both Mia and Thesarin. "Well met, Count. Your wife and I were discussing the finer points of apples and pears the other other evening. Have either of you met my wife, Nicia, yet?" He asks even as he reaches out to hold her hand.

Corban makes his way up alongside Lady Aislin, noting that Jack seems transfixed, although he seems unclear why. "Doctor Bathwater," says the Lord Corban. "Might I introduce Lady Aislin Ashwood? Head of the Society of Explorers. This is Doctor Bathwater, house physician to Farshaw."

When Clover drifts in looking utterly nervous; a heavy cloak wrapped around her shoulders and obscuring most of her frame. Her blonde hair loose and slightly curled. She pauses just in the entrance and then makes her way toward Ryhalt when she spots him. "My lord." A sunny smile, though quick glance is given to those near him, "My lords, my ladies, Doctor Bathwater."

Aislin pauses to offer Jack a curious look; she is perhaps not used to being the subject of such studious examination. "Ashford," she introduces herself to the man. "Aislin Ashford." A nod towards Corban. "As Lord Corban says." To the approaching Cristoph, she offers a warm laugh. "I think the surest way to conjure a large gathering is to plan for a small one. Just like the quickest way to make messengers appear is to go try to do something away from your study."

    Ansel chuckles, a brief glint to those pale eyes of his indicating that he may be planning to do exactly that. The Telmar Sword detaches himself from his immediate company, before making his way over to select a small drink. He moves back around as Corban goes over to help the transfixed Farshal doctor, and shortly, meanders his way back in the direction of the Telmar Tower, visible faintly in the distance, after a messenger tugs at his elbow.

Ravana the tawny eagle leaves, following Ansel.

Freja asides to Armand, "You aren't nearly as large a threat to my whiskey as I thought you'd be."

"I could trip so unfortunately and have us both crash into the table. Would your whiskey be safe then, Highness?" Armand replies to Freja, arching a brow. Even odds that he'd actually do it.

"I have not." Thesarin respectfully lowers his head toward Nicia. "Dutchess. Thank you for having us tonight."

And without really making his presence known, Athaur slips out.

Jack's eyes flick aside, to Corban, then back to Aislin. "Ashford," he echoes. "Aislin Ashford," he says. Yes, he's still staring, and if one is close enough (or if one is Aislin), it might be obvious he's staring at that scar on her face. "Pleasure. I'm... a doctor. If you ever need any... doctorly things. Ah... you know. The things a doctor would do..."

"Thank you." Alis relies gravely, bowing her head towards Freja before turning deliberately to make a face at Ansel. See? The Redrain Princess approves of her outfit. But he is already gone! Hnph. She is then going to neatly step to the side so she doesn't get caught up in tripping. "I can go get my flail, if you like." she asides to the Shaman. Women gotta stick together and all.

"No," Mia said, shaking her head gently. Even so, it made her long braid -- quite intricate tonight -- sway. "We've not had the pleasure. Or at least I've not, and I'm assuming much the same of my husband, to--." She cut off there, nodding once. She'd been correct. Her eyes went to Nicia, then, to whom she offered another curtsy. "Perhaps we could correct that in a somewhat less crowded setting? I think I'd mentioned to the Duke something about a tasting in Heron Hall when we were discussing a joint venture last night, and we'd be delighted to have you both join us at our table."

"How unfortunate. That means you're wagering you're better at taking a tumble than me?" Freja arches her scared brow at Armand's comment, but otherwise keeps her eyes forward as she imbibes her whiskey. Clover is giving a nod as she appears and makes her greetings. "I have my swords! Axes at home, but swords all the same. We can match?" she waggles her brows at Alis.

Corban looks from Jack to Aislin and then back to Jack, noticing where the stare is, but perhaps confused why it would fascinate him show. There is a shake of his head. "Lady Aislin is always getting herself into this or that scrape, so it is a dangerous life she leads. But she is a fantastic person to talk to about adventure."

Reese smiles over to Clover as she notices her arrival.

Nicia glances at Thesarin and Mia, offering them both a smile and a nod, "You are both welcome, please...enjoy the wine. It's quite good. Have you had a chance to meet Duke Ryhalt yet?" She wonders, gesturing towards the new duke before settling that same hand into the one Cristoph holds out to her.

Ryhalt looks down toward Clover as she draws nearer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders in greeting and saying "My lady," with a smile, before turning his attention toward those that Nicia is introducing his way "Oh, surely not. A pleasure to meet you."

"And how would we solve that wager? Tumble till the best one wins? You know... this party is turning out to be pretty great." Armand replies to Freja. Alis' comment about a flail gets the man laughing. "Well, I suppose my head is safe." Why yes. He just made a short joke. And he grins teasingly, no less!

The party has been underway for awhile and now the passing plates switch from savory dishes to items that are closer to dessert. Little cakes, cookies and other treats. Some candies! It's enough to make anyone's sweet tooth ache. And the wines and liquors transition to matching items as well.

Clover drifts in close to Ryhalt's side, her fingers holding her cloak closed. Her free hand briefly reaches out so her fingers brush with Ryhalt's, before she turns to smile at Nicia, "My lady." And then to Mia and Thesarin.

"I'm afraid my life choices sometimes come with an injury or two," Aislin admits to Jack. She doesn't reach up to touch the scar that mars the left side of her face, but she clearly knows what exactly it is that he's staring at. "So I appreciate the offer, if they do happen while I'm near enough to Arx. Knowing another healer or three is always useful." Clover earns a cheerful little wave in greeting as Aislin spots the Wyrmguard noblewoman making her way in.

Sweet tooth? Little known fact, Freja is a lush for it. She takes a generous helping of the treats and indulges between sips of her whiskey. At least she doesn't talk with her mouth open. "That sounds about right, Lord Armand. May the best Freja win." She stage whispers behind her hand to Alis, having to actually bend a little for being OVER A FOOT TALLER and say, "We may not have snowballs this time, but I'm certain we can make due, eh?"

Cristoph laughs at Aislin's remark, "You're right. I should know to always pray for the opposite of what I want, hm?" As Jack has drawn closer and begins to stare intently at the Lady Ashford, his eyebrows lifts briefly. "I'm afraid the good doctor is still getting his land legs back under him after such a long trip from Westrock." As the conversation with Thesarin and Mia continues, "I look froward to joining you both at Heron Hall. I don't think I've had the pleasure of spending an evening there yet."

"Small, but mighty, my lord. And don't you forget it!" Alis attempts to be stern there, but it fails a bit miserably due to both alcohol content and the fact that she is often on the receiving end of short jokes. "You'll see." Armand is given a firm nod at that and Freja's mock whisper makes her laugh. "I'm certain we can. They never know what hits 'em till it's too late."

"Oh, yes, adventures..." Jack says, slightly distracted. He's still staring at Lady Aislin. "That's... ah. Actually my favorite way to experience adventures, you know? Hearing about them...?" he says, and tries for a smile. It seems just as awkward as the staring. "And I'd be happy to tend to you, should... you ever need... tending to," he adds. But then, was that Clover talking to him? And now Cristoph? Jack clears his throat. "Ahem. I, uh... Good party," he tells Aislin, then looks aside, to Corban, and raises his glass. "Good party. Believe, ah... I should have a walk..."

Thesarin lowers his head toward Ryhalt. "Duke. I am Thesarin, Warchief of Riven. He indicates Mia with his free hand. "My wife, Countess Mia Riven, of the Twainfort." He looks up, meeting the other man's eyes. "Welcome to the city. It can be a bit much,"

"Lady Wyrmguard." Nicia replies to Clover, offering her a quick smile before she nods to Mia and Thesarin, "We would love to come visit Heron Hall sometime. However..." She then indicates Ryhalt, then back and forth, making introductions all the way around.

"That was strange," says Lord Corban as Jack wanders away to other things, half to Aislin and half to no one in particular. He shakes his head and takes a sip from his ale. "You are well, I hope, Lady Aislin? I'm glad you were able to come and meet the Farshaws. The Duke is over there." He gestures to where Ryhalt is.

"Very sporting, Highness. Well played." Armand salutes the reply by raising a new cup of whiskey. "Though you should win by default. I've never seen someone wear their house sigil so well as you do." he adds, before turning to Alis. "Why of course, Your Highness. Tiny, but still a dragon!" His tone, at first teasing, suddenly shifts. The intensity in voice and eyes rising, as abruptly as changing winds upon the sea. "I've fought alongside such before. It's not something one forgets, no matter how hard the blow to the head." And then it shifts again, back to its more jovial nature. "Ambush via snowballs? Interesting."

"It's been kept well in our long absence, mostly due to the efforts of Princess Tikva before she married her dear Prince. So I hope you will enjoy it," Mia said to Cristoph. But then both Nica and Thesarin were making introductions, and so she offered one slender hand -- the one not tucked into the crook of her husband's arm -- to Ryhalt. "A pleasure, Duke Farshaw. I hope the journey was an exceedingly uneventful one, long though it must've been from the Reach. I've heard //wonderful// things about your native spices."

"I already met Duke Ryhalt the other evening, albeit just briefly," Aislin admits to Corban, as she watches Jack depart with a somewhat bemused expression. This is interrupted only when her assistant approaches with a folded missive, which Aislin takes. "Well, Duke Laurent, it seems we should /both/ keep that in mind," she remarks wryly, waving the paper in demonstration. "I'm afraid I'll have to go shortly after all. But I hope you'll come visit Ashford House or the Society sometime soon?"

"Very sporting indeed. I am nothing but a woman for good sport and wagers." Freja lifts her glass to Armand in response. "Is that tact, compliment, or fighting words?" she asks before her eyes shift back to Alis along with the explanation. "My brother thought himself hilarious. Princess Alis and I had to teach him better. How much snow would you say we hit him with before he broke free?"

Without another word, Jack just starts a meander off, at a slow, distracted sort of pace. At least he has his whiskey?

"If you had the pleasure of fighting alongside one or more of my family, I would love to hear stories of it, Lord Armand." All teasing aside, Alis sounds quite genuine at that. "I try to collect them now, when I can, so my daughter will know of all her family. Even the ones who can't be here to spoil her rotten as everyone else is." No dwelling on the maudlin there, as she smiles a bit mischeivously. "Well, I know for certain we got snow down the front and back of his shirt. And smothered his face with it. So, I'd say that's at least 2 or 3 each." Confidently, to Freja.

Reese has fallen silent, but it seems to be a cheerful sort of silence at least. She does find herself some sweet pink wine though and takes a testing sip of such. Finally she heads over to Duke Christoph and Duke Ryhalt. "Wonderful party and once again welcome." She murmurs.

Ryhalt's hand quietly finds Clover's and squeezes it, then says "Countess, Warchief," with a warm smle of greeting, and says "Yes, it's rather brisk. Which is not bad, just takes a period of adjustment." Turning his attention to Reese's greeting, he says "Thank you, Princess!"

With Aislin preparing leave, Cristoph nods quickly. "Yes, I'm going to be making plans to catch you as soon as possible. Thank you for extending an invitation." He smiles and waves at the woman as she makes her moves to exit. As she goes, Reese arrives in the vicinity. "Princess Reese, thank you for coming. Where is your husband? I'm surprised he's not here to join the drinks at least. And snacks."

"Indeed. I rather enjoy the Society," says Corban. "Something about the dark woods and leathers just make it rather inviting. Anyway." He shakes his head. "Until then, Lady Aislin."

"A moment." Thesarin nods toward the Dukes and his wife, and turns toward Jack as the smaller man starts to leave, fixing the physician in his gaze and taking a few steps in his direction. "They say you're a doctor?"

Clover briefly settles her green gaze on Aislin and sstttttarrrees at her. The kind of stare that little sisters give to older siblings that May Be In Trouble. She shifts to grab a passed off glass of wine, and her hand leaves her cloak ... and a pop of purple can be seen underneath it, and also a great deal of skin. Oh my.

"Ashford House has a treehouse in the courtyard, though," Aislin points out to Corban. Because, you know... /treehouse/. This puts it somewhat above the Society in her mind apparently. But then she glances over at Clover with one eyebrow arched, clearly unconcerned by whatever's going on between the two noblewomen. And then, with a nod to Corban and Cristoph, and a wave for Reese, Freja, Alis, Mia, and all the other familiar faces, she turns to leave.

Willen leaves, following Aislin.

"Men and women sworn to your House, rather than family members, I believe. Still, fought like dragons." Armand answers Alis, a complicated mix of emotions coming to the fore. Respect, admiration even. And mourning. "Till they all died." Final, wiped away by a fire that now burns within the dark eyes of the man. "I do not tell good stories, nor can I sing them as well as the bards they deserve. Either way, it would be a lament, and I do not think we wish to bring such to this party." The fire's not gone when he looks at Freja, and grins. "What is it with people giving me choices, when there are none at all? All three, of course." he answers. As to the snowballing him... "Are you speaking in terms of balls or will you count the snowflakes?"

Jack stops, as a man approaches him. He blinks a few time, as he refocuses on Thesarin. "That's right... Doctor Jack Bathwater," he says. "House Physician, for, ah..." He gestures at nothing at all. "House Farshaw." He flashes a smile.

Reese smiles once again toward both Ryhalt and Clover. She then turns her attention to Cristoph. "He wanted to come, but something came up." She says, but is being a bit vague about what that something is. The more empathic might believe that Luca is at home snoring. "He sends his regards though." She adds a moment later. She then smiles over toward Aislin as she takes off.

Clover belatedly lifts a hand toward Reese, waving to her. The cloak parts a bit more and a hint of gold can be seen. Clover's player has very few spoons, doesn't mean to miss people.

One mild brow arched at Thesarin as he excused himself. Of course, Mia had, after all, come to expect the unexpected from the Count long ago. So she simply shook her head in reply. Instead, she offered a gentle nod to Reese as she joined the cluster of conversation. "Princess. Although we're practically neighbors, I don't think I've ever had the good fortune to see you twice in a single day. By the end of our upcoming meeting, you'll be shooing me away like a stray cat."

Thesarin smiles at Jack. Or, well, he shows his teeth, certainly. The well-dressed Shav reaches a hand to clasp the other man by the shoulder, and give it a single hearty shake. "If you like good drinks, I'll have some sent to you. Riven's known for it."

6 Malvici Guards arrives, following Calypso.

"Tell him that he should get off of his backend and come here to hang out with me." Cristoph tells Reese, his tone teasing. People are kind of swirling around in that, he ends up tugging Nicia closer again and whispers something in her hear. An anchor among all the /people/. "Have you meet Princess Reese Grayson? This is my wife, Nicia Laurent." In case anyone was wondering whether or not they had the same last night. He grins to Corban then and lifts his chin, "When will we be sparring again? We were so well matched last time, I'm looking forward to trying it again."

"Ah, soon, Duke Laurent, soon. Maybe I will even add another piece of armor and we can try out seeing if my muscles will give out," laughs Lord Corban when Cristoph asks about sparring once more. "But I shall look forward to it. And our full-plate runs around the District."

Reese has another gentle smile for Clover. She then lifts her gaze to Mia. "Oh, never Countess Mia, not you." She then turns toward Nicia, giving her a smile as well. "We have had the chance to meet, but often briefly. It is a pleasure to see you again, Duchess Nicia."

Calypso steps in to the Laurent Estate grounds, keeping her security detail near the door as she ventures in further to see about these rumored festivities!

Alis lowers her head briefly in respect for the fallen. "I understand." And it seems she does, as she lets that subject drop. Another time would certainly be best. She just laughs at his response to the snow-washing they gave Fergus. And, lifts her glass up to both Armand and Freja. "Pardon me a moment. I'll have to be carried home if I don't cut this with a bit more food." She xcuses herself for a brief moment. Because the player's daughter thinks her mom is really a waitress.

Jack is easily shaken. Literally. He wobbles, and blinks, and then gives a laugh. "All right..." he says to the Count. "Were you in need of a... doctor... my lord?" he asks Thesarin.

Nicia tilts her head at Cristoph when he pulls her closer to whisper to her, smiling at him before she nods to Reese, "A pleasure to see you once again, Your Highness. How is the evening finding you?"

Mia looked between Corban and Cristoph, then, and both of her brows arched upwards. She almost, almost laughed then, and it was hard to say which of the two she was teasing. "I'd take care when sparring with Lord Telmar, Your Grace. The first time I saw him wielding a weapon, he struck down to two tainted bears, each with one stroke. If I didn't know better, I might suspect he was in fact a bear dressed up as a man in disguise."

Thesarin shakes his head briefly. "Count. Thesarin of Riven." He shakes his head once, solidly. "And I'm not, at the moment, but in my experience..." his solid shoulders rise and fall. "I try to make a point of knowing as many healers as I can."

"You're so full of mirth." Freja compliments Armand sardonically, but with no lack of amusement to her tone. "Not that I am complaining? My tales are far from happy when I find the courage to tel them. More a dirge than a ballad, so I've been told. And if you are to take all three then let us say you had such tact in your compliment and turn of phrase, we'll take it as fighting words and reward you either a test of blade or test of liver? Choose your weapon, or poison?" She offers Armand with an impish smile. The aside to Alis is, "Fergus was complaining about that all evening...it was like being a young lass again. You need to come around more often to the Redrain Ward, Princess."

Reese looks over toward Nicia. "I am quite well, thank you, Your Grace." She says gently in her direction. "It is a lovely party you have thrown." She adds, before looking over to Corban and seemingly thoughtful. "Maybe, he really is a bear." She say.

Cristoph lifts his eyebrows at Mia's remark and looks at Corban rather seriously. "Lord Corban. Answer. Are you in fact... a bear? A dire tainted bear?" As an aside to the Countess, "He doesn't seem /nearly/ hairy enough to be one. Are you sure?" This is serious, very serious.

"Count Thesarin," Jack echoes, with a dip of his head. "I agree with your sentiments," he says, with a smile. "And I'll assure, I'd never lead a noble of the Compact parish, if I could do anything at all to prevent it," he says. "Duke Ryhalt would be livid."

Clover lets go of Ryhalt's hand so she can tug her cloak tight once more. Sipping at her wine. A tilt of her head is given and for some reason her eyes widen and she glances toward Ryhalt.

Calypso finds herself a drink on her way over to greet the host and hostess. Surely the drinks here have alcohol in them. "Duke Cristoph, Duchess Nicia. What a splendid idea to throw a welcome party. We should do this more often for those new to the city."

"Good man." Thesarin gives a single nod. "Won't keep you." He takes a single step back. "Hope not to need your attentions, but. How it goes with hopes."

"Have a good night, count," Jack says, with a nod. Then he's heading on off.

"Of course, Princess." Armand nods to Alis as she excuses herself, before turning his full attention back to Freja. "Would you rather I exclaim at all moments at how /lovely/ and /wonderful/ all the time? No, you already know that, don't you?" he grins, an odd mix of grim ferocity in the expression. Devil may care. "Since we've already started, why not continue with the liver? To your health, Princess. And liver." He raises his cup... and drinks.

Reese smiles warmly over to Calypso. "General Duchess. "I should get going." She adds a moment later. "Thank you for the invite and it was lovely and once again welcome." She says and then slips out.

Thesarin makes his way back to Mia and the... Dutchery? He gives another low nod to Reese as the Princess leaves, and moves back to give the Countess his arm. "Sorry. Wanted to make that introduction."

Calypso raises her glass towards Reese and blinks a little as she rushes out. "Well, I seem to have poor timing."

While the party has been going on for awhile, it seems that things do need to eventually wind down. The drinks and sweet treats stop coming! Which is probably criminal, but alas. However no one is directly encouraged to leave, it's all sort of passive hinting. The Laurents are very polite.

"Given how often you have need of a physician, my lord," Mia said, looking to Thesarin with a faint purse of her lips. That expression spoke -- quite decidedly -- of disapproval. Apparently, she disliked that tendency towards getting himself smashed or slashed. "I don't think an apology is necessary. If anything, we ought to seek out that lady of Redrain where I've been buying poultices and ointment lately, and thank her for them profusely. They've been a great help in healing the gash I took from that massive axe, even if I doubt they'll do much to help with the scar."

Calypso makes a sort of 'huh' sound, sets her drink down, and heads out!

6 Malvici Guards leaves, following Calypso.

"Fact is," Thesarin says as he swirls his drink in the cup, "I've tried to avoid sharp metal. Win without fighting." He takes a swig and shrigs. "Never got the tric@emit "Fact is," Thesarin says as he swirls his drink in the cup, "I've tried to avoid sharp metal. Win without fighting." He takes a swig and shrigs. "Never got the trick of it."

Cristoph clears his throat and regains some kind of composure after a brief exchange with Nicia. "I'm going to go check on the servants. Thank you for coming everyone, if you need me? I'm going to be just over there." And he makes waving motions to some point in the distance.

Clover shifts to press a kiss to Ryhalt's cheek and murmur quietly to him, before turning toward Cristoph, "My lord-- i did get you message, I have one or two things that might be pending and I'll get in touch with you as soon as I can." Then she's starting to head out.

A glance passed between Cristoph and Nicia, then. That Mia was wondering what required the recollection of composure was obvious, but she wasn't about to pry. "Of course, Your Grace. Thank you for having us." And to Nicia, she added with a inclination of her head, "I hope that I'll soon see you at our table with your husband, Duchess."

Something seems to cause her to laugh, and Nicia nearly drops her wine before she regains her composure, coughing with the briefest of flushes, "Sorry..I should go check the bees." And then she hurries off to get more wine, no bees in sight.