Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka arrive, following Merek.

The party has yet to really start in truth, though people are gathering for what was the super secret serpent party. Alarissa had informed Victus she was taking the Serpent to Maelstrom, even had informed Magpie that she was talking the Serpent and she had indeed taken the Serpent. To a berth at the end of the dock.

Darrow Darkwater had one job and one job only and that was to bring Victus down to the Docks, informing him that his wife was having an issue with the boat. Technically not a lie, and to his credit, the dour darkwater had done what was asked and brought Victus down to the docks where his very pregnant wife was waiting with a motley crew of individuals both noble, sailor, less than disireables and a with one intention. To celebrate another year of existing for the high lord. Music in play - don't listen to the lyrics too hard, food cooking or cooked, it's a downright hastily assembled dirty sailor party.

Sir Rodrick, a Valardin Knight arrives, following Sasha.

Sasha arrives, following Cirroch.

Merek has taken his time to come down and watch, in his black cloak lined in umbra with his Crafter Sigil on the back. The hood is up masking his features for the most part, while his beard is shown. He settles at the docks or whathave you and waits!

Ian had arrived a short time ago in a carriage (there was a little bit of fuss as he ggot out of it that almost ended with him starting his fun party night by faceplanting on the street).

It wasn't exactly hard to get things passed Victus as he wasn't known to be a man that looked especially deeply into trivial things. Especially not when it was just another to add to the pile of long-growing problems or world-threatening enemies. So when he's arriving at the docks with not so merry band of guards along with him, he is for all intents and purposes, caught off guard. It was a good kind, especially because this meant there wouldn't be an issue with his precious warship. What a ship it was as well, the huge red hull giving the Dromond its name of 'Red Serpent', and carved with various artforms depicting the creatures of the sea at battle with one another.

When the High Lord steps up to the gangplank, he has a look of curiosity on his face. Mulling over why oh why there would be so many people gathered here and for what reason. Then, it hits him. "Ah..." He grumbles, his eyes settling on his wife. "I forgot, it's my birthday."

Ian is clearly here in an act of pure will, because walking seems especially hard for him today, and his features are drawn and tense around the edges in a way that ages him by a good decade. That gaze of his is level and serene, however. As yet undimmed by how much he's had to drink. Because he may have just gotten here, but he's already started with the drinking.

Magpie checked dexterity + woodworking at difficulty 9, rolling 34 higher.

Cirroch is escorting Princess Sasha. They are on the ship already. He is wearing a crisp white silk shirt and coat, contrasting with his mahogany skin, and crimson red pants and her wearing white seasilk. "No," he tells her. "I don't know the Princess. She invited me when we exchanged some messages early today. She was looking for some rare liquor and I thought I might offer up some Stone Mountain Whiskey, but of course they have that already. It's the only whiskey worth drinking."

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper arrives, following Mae.

Cirroch has joined the The Red Serpent.

Sasha has joined the The Red Serpent.

"It is indeed your birthday. And while I will be taking it to Maelstrom with me soon enough, tonight, she is docked and we are having a..." Alarissa frowns and calls over to Ian. "Lord Kennex! Is there a term for a loud and bawdy likely brawl riddled parties had by sailors?" The question asked, she moves forward regardless, passing over a bottle she's been holding in one hand and up on toes to press a kiss to his cheek. "From the Duke and myself. Commissioned. The first bottle. He speaks, it is gifted, for a good omen."

Sasha giggles softly to Cirroch as she says "I will take your word for it my dear Marquis. I leave the sampling of liquors to you after all." She giggles more and then waves excitedly to Alarissa and to Victus.

Ian looks towards Alarissa when she calls his name, and fixes his level, electric gaze on her. He's currently with a couple of sailors from the grim fleet, although listening a lot more than he talks. "Putting in to port?" He suggests to her.

Magpie Grayhope and Mae Grayhope (Culler) both show up, the former wearing a blue bandana, blue shirt, and looking much the sailor he is. His wife? Well, she can describe how she looks. With them are a couple of burly men that are hauling a rather heavy-looking cloth-wrapped item.. a large, cloth-wrapped item. Very large. It's at least as large as a coffin or table.. or wardrobe. "Ah, there's the Red Serpent. Let's go!" He says brightly, heading for the Thrax flagship and beckoning the pair of thugs to follow. "Watch out, watching out, bringing in a gift for the High Lord. Step aside please." He rattles off to anyone in their way.

Alarissa has joined the The Unsullied.

Mae is dressed in a dark cloak, of course! Hood up, face shadowed, she's all but a walking shadow. A walking shadow at Magpie's arm. Well, a shadow that jingles. With each step, there's a faint jingle coming from somewhere within that cloak. Mae murmurs a, "You sure about this?" to her husband, but otherwise she stays quiet, and she follows.

Merek settles against a side of the boat with a hip and looks to the others, chuckling when it's called putting into port, "That has many meanings back in Velenosa," he offers, with a grin. He then looks towards Victus, and instead of words offers a respectful nod to him and his wife of congratulations on the occasion.

Chatting quietly to the lovely Lady Khanne Halfshav on his arm as they arrive, Valerio himself, as always is in his armor. Finely polished and clean, but still armor, with the unmistakeable shape of a spiked warhammer on his back. "Glad our schedules aligned for this. It's simply been too long. I'll take the blame for that. All these comings and goings lately." Once closer he pauses to consider. "Now. How likely is he liable to assume ambush upon being surprised? I'm all for the occasional brawl, but misunderstandings are another matter."

Cirroch looks to Sasha as he holds her hand. "So I'm drinking for two, now?" he asks with a smile, his voice is deep and room-filling.. er.. boat-filling. He looks to Alarissa and Victus. "Ah, our guest of honor?" he asks Sasha.

"Of course I'm sure about this. I'm here as the ambassador of Princess Jaenelle Velenosa." Magpie answers Mae easily, a grin on his lips. When they reach the gangplank he steps aside, "Okay, get it up on the ship and I swear if you fucking drop it in the sea I will make you jump in after it..." He says to the two hired men of muscle. They manage to get the huge wrapped gift up onto the deck of the Red Serpent while Magpie peers around, "Do you see the High Lord? I have a message for him, and his gift of course..."

Victus was rolling his eyes. But, he didn't complain. After all if there was any kind of party he could be having, he'd want it to be this kind. Short, sweet, lots of alcohol. "Duke Harald thinks of me? How fucking sweet." He offers a small grin to her when she raises to meet his cheek, returning it with a rough peck of his own. He turns back to address the gathering crowd. Sasha and her stranger get a nod and light wave. Merek gets one too. Ian already looks like he's had his fun, which prompts the High Lord to just chuckle. Magpie and Mae with their entourage and sizable looking... thing, do get him a raise of his brow. "Oh, so since ya' can't borrow, you're coming to steal eh?" He calls to the man, patting the hull of his precious vessel. "Bringing your wife won't stop me from defending my ship, you know."

Lethe arrives and takes a seems eager to be here as she takes a look around. She gives Alarissa and Mae a cheerful wave before she makes her way closer to the group.

Khanne chats with Valerio as they walk down the path towards the beach. She is dressed in a simple silk summer gown, meaning there is little by way of coverage, tailored to help keep the northern woman as cool as possible. Slippers upon her feet come off as soon as they hit the sand, leaving her barefoot as they approach. "Yes, it is fortunate, and I am glad to actually be able to see you for once, though I do appreciate the missives... You should send more of them." She smiles and winks to her companion. Spotting Victus, she lifts a hand bearing a bottle of whiskey in it and shouts out, "Happy Birthday Victus!" then murmurs to Valerio, "he doesn't seem to think he is ambushed. he isn't bloody from swinging his sword..."

Ian doesn't remark on the multiple meanings or lack thereof of the answer that he gave to Alarissa, but a brief quirk of the corner of his mouth after Merek speaks, and as he turns his head back to his drinking companions, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it flash of humor, suggests that he knew there were multiple ways that what he said could be taken. Oh yes he did. Sip.

Sasha grins an amused smile to Cirroch as she says "Yes you are. And that is indeed the guest of honor. I assisted with training his cat to be a bit more friendly." She begins to look around to see if there may be any tea present.

"Master Magpie, Harlequin Mae. Lady Lethe!" Alarissa calls out to them then to Ian. "Thank you Lord Kennex. Putting into Port party." But Yes, Victus isn't swinging his axe and the party can begin in earnest. Music strikes up louder and somewhere, there's some sailors playing music and words to the effect of Legate... doing some...intruiging things with a lady all around the city as Alarissa descends off the ship to mingle with the rest of the guests

Alarissa has left the The Unsullied.

"Ambassador...?" Mae asks Magpie, cluelessly. She blinks a few times, then just shakes her head, and lets it go. She takes a look around, and then spots Lethe, who gets a return wave. Khanne, too, she knows, so that noblewoman gets a dreamy smile. But it's Victus she locks sights on. "There he is!" Mae says, loudly. And then, well, if Victus isn't feeling ambushed yet, this ought to do it. Mae leaves Magpie side to weave past whoever is between her and the highlord. She then jumps up, throws her arms around Victus, and pulls herself up to press a kiss on his cheek. Which, well, requires the little woman to jump up almost a foot and a half! So, hey, good hops, Mae. "Mwah! ... Happy birthday!"

Cirroch looks to Sasha as he begins to escort him toward Victus. "Well, that makes you practically family." He reaches Alarissa and Victus and bows to them. "Good evening and happy birthday. I'm Marquis Cirroch Sanna of Giant's Reach. You know Princess Sasha Valardin. I spoke to Princess Alarissa through messenger earlier offering up my Stone Mountain Whiskey, but, of course, you already have some. Good man. We brew whiskey better in the north," he says with a big smile.

Merek seems to have went somewhere eventually. After a bit of chatting with people.

Ian catches a few strains of the song about the Legate, even from across the dock. He straightens and looks in that direction, like he's about to stop the singer. Then, with a shrug, he decides not to, and finishes his drink, instead. "The verse about the gray hall is new," he tells the people he's with. One of them laughs, although probably less at what he said and more at said verse as it drifts across the dock.

"Ah." Magpie says with a wide grin when his wife points out the man at the same time he hears the voice of the birthday Thrax. He trots up the gangplank and stops at the top, peering down to the docks, his face growing serious as he clears his throat and calls out loudly -- bellows, even. "High Lord Victus Thrax!!" He pauses to let the words carry, eyes turning to seek out Victus again. He ignores the fact that his wife is kissing the man on the cheek, "I challenge you!!" Then the Grayhope pulls reaches to draw a knife.

Victus wields Eye of the Maelstorm, an Alaricite Axe.

Sasha knows very little of whiskey and just smiles and says to Victus "Indeed Happy Birthday. How is your cat doing? Still being better behaved?"

"Indeed Marquise. Quite a few bottles and one on my tea ca-" Whoah. Alarissa turns with a hand to the side of where the Thraxian heir grows when she hears something. It's not so much Mae jump up and planting a kiss on her husband. No, it's Magpie who's challenging the man to... a knife fight. The woman paes, uncertain if Magpie means it or whether this is a game.

Lethe smiles as she watches Mae and looks to Alarissa with a smile. "This is a really good place for a party." She looks at Khanne and what she's wearing. "I like your gown." She watches Victus and Magpie with interest.

Khanne beams a smile to Mae and wiggles her fingers in a wave to her. "Mae, it is good to see you. Thank you... for the other night." She smiles then and clarifies, "at the frog pond, keeping me out of trouble... uh. Yeah... Thank you." Overhearing Cirroch, she tilts her head. "Sanna! How the hell are you? When did you get to town?" She lifts the bottle she brought for Victus and says, "damn straight we brew it better in the north!" She smiles then approaches Victus, holding the bottle out for him. "It's not unique, but it is a gift. Strong shit, I think you will enjoy it, if you've never had it... but you probably have." She looks towards Magpie then and sticks her tongue out at him in greeting, winking after. Oh! But Magpie is trying to pull a knife, making Khanne step back. "Thank you," she says to Lethe.

Ian catches the flash of a drawn ax out of the corner of his eye, and just that is enough to grab his attention. He looks over towards the weapon, which means his gaze falls on Victus. Then Magpie.

Victus' eyes move aside to spot Khanne, the lady that had actually gotten to ride on his Red Serpent. "Thank you, Khanne. Don't get swallowed by anymore waves." Though it was doubtful that they'd be absconded with by any sea elves this day, one could never be too careful. Then he's turning to offer his thanks toward Cirroch and Sasha both. "Marquis? Yeah, guess you're pretty big to be rulin' a Giant. Princess Sasha, she's still a fucking terror but our rat population has never been smaller. Coincidentally, nor have we ever stopped cleaning up giblets around the courtyard." And here comes the jingling menace.

When Mae launches onto Victus, the man doesn't really budge. Nor does he have any strong reaction to her kissing his cheek. In fact he's just standing still, letting her hang off of him from his superior stature. He's sporting an elegant look of 'this is my life now' written into the very scars of his face. His eyes instead staring straight at Magpie. Without moving an inch, one strong arm slowly reaches behind himself to draw the behemoth of an axe off of his back. It's glittering alaricite reflecting Magpie back at him. "... What are you two doing?" He asks dryly.

Magpie wields Leeward, a high quality steel dagger.

Mae just clings to Victus, hanging off his neck like wet laundry. She sloooowly turns her head to look at her husband. Her eyes go wide, then she slowly looks back to Victus. "Please avoid the face and the... um. You know. The other part..." she murmurs to him. And then drops down to her feet. She finally glances over to see Alarissa, and offers a sheepish smile. "Hi..! ... Sorry...!"

"I'm challenging you to open my gift first. Just cut that piece of twine there." Magpie explains calmly with a gesture to the large wrapped thing of largeness with the knife. "But, I guess you could use the axe... that would.. work." He admits with a charming grin and a shrug. "Oh!! Princess Jaenelle sends her congratulations and apologies that she can't make it. She asked me to tell you that she would be here except that she's trying terribly hard to sneak into Laric Grayson's office at the Inquisition tonight and rearrange all of his drawers in there. Important business and all."

"We're mountain giants," Cirroch says with a smile to Victus. "Or so the legend goes," he adds looking toward Sasha and giving her a wink. He looks toward Khanne and gives her a big smile. "I'm well! I just got back this week. Lured back by this delicate flower," he says gesturing toward Sasha. "Lady Khanne Halfshav, this is Princess Sasha Valardin," he says to introduce them if they need it.

Eric, The Greater Stonewood Kestrel arrives, delivering a message to Cirroch before departing.

"Oh, right. Didn't notice him." Valerio bends down to murmur something to Khanne before straighting up to continue. "Well no blood is a good start." He continues along, and takes a deep bow first towards the Guest of Honor. "Prince Thrax. Enjoy your birthday, My Lord. Each one tends to be a rarity within itself." Ian and Alarissa both recieve deep inclines of his head. His eyes shift, looking out to those gathered, as if to see who else he recognizes.

Cirroch ohs and offers Victus the whiskey he holds. "For your birthday, Prince. It's lesser known but is from my march," he says giving him a smile.

When it looks like no violence is going to break out, Ian loses interest in the interaction on the ship. He nods to Valerio before taking a drink one of the men he's drinking with hands him and starting on that one.

Khanne turns to look at Sasha with a knowing grin. She nods and says, "hello again, Princess. It has been a long time since we spoke." Turning back to Cirroch she smiles. "Welcome back then. We should likely meet to speak soon and touch base on things, yeah?" With Victus busy with a clinging Mae, then a knife wielding Magpie, she heads to Alarissa, touching the woman's forearm in greeting. "Good evening, Alarissa. It is good to see you again so soon. Would you like to hold Victus' whiskey, or should I wait for him to be less busy?" She looks towards Valerio, listening to him murmur to her then.

"Harlequin Mae. No sorries are needed. It is a lovely beard and I heard before me, there were many who pursued it." Alarissa seems far less worried now that Magpie's not actually challenging her husband to a fight. "Come join me. I am starving and thirsty. I have been on this boat most of the day getting things ready. Lord Kennex. What smells good over there to eat?" But there's Khanne and She's greeting the other woman in a different language very briefly, and looking to the whiskey. "I can hold such. He is likely to be busy with Master Magpie. I wouldn't be surprised if the Serpent magically sails tonight with just the two of them on board."

Victus checked dexterity + huge wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Sasha smiles as Cirroch present the whiskey to Victus and giggles as she says "Well I am glad the rat population is smaller. At least that part stuck. If she needs more training just let me know. I am more than willing to assist." She looks to Khanne with a warm smile as she says "It has indeed been a long time. Have you been well Lady Khanne? If you need a refill on the perfume I made you please do let me know. I have the recipe memerized."

"Oh." Victus deadpans right back at the Grayhope fellow while his wife is in the midst of sliding away. Jingling away? One of the two, probably both. That's about when he notices that Khanne is also propping a bottle right next to him, which he takes immediately after their little showdown had ended. Then Cirroch has one as well. "Hope nobody minds if these are all probably gone in the morning." He remarks as he holds the trio of bottles he's received thus far under one arm, now steadily making his way toward the same gift Magpie had loaded onto his ship. He looked down at his axe and simply shrugged.

"RRRAAGGGHHHH!" With a feral howl, he swung upward, neatly slicing the piece of twine in two without shredding any of the other cloth. Or gods forbid, damaging the floorboards of his boat!

Magpie just grins and watches, then steps back a couple of paces when Victus swings that axe with such ferocity, blue eyes growing wide. "Damn..." He mutters, tucking his knife back into it's sheath. He goes over to grab the cloth, tugging it away to show a large piece of furniture beneath. "Happy birthday, your highness." He offers cheerfully.

Magpie drops drink cabinet of the red serpent.

"Yes, let us get together soon, my lady. I have much business to discuss," Cirroch says toward Khanne. "Sound like my kind of party if you're going to finish three bottles of whiskey," Cirroch says toward Victus before he swings his axe to open the twine. He lets out a loud howl of a belly laugh with delight. "This man is my sort of man!"

Mae smiles sweetly to Victus, and then steps back. When the axe goes up, she cringes. It's not going to hit Magpie, is it?! And then, no, he's hacking the twine. She blows out a sigh of relief. Then she looks back to Alarissa. "... Um... Me, your highness?" she asks. "Was that... you want me to drink...?" she asks, obviously confused by this concept.

Ian turns his attention towards Alarissa when she addresses him, that calm gaze framed by a drawn tension in his prematurely worn features. "I haven't had anything to eat yet, Your Highness. I'm not sure what they're serving."

The greeting in a foreign tongue makes Khanne beam a smile, slowly repeating the greeting to Alarissa in return. Valerio's words to her, whatever they might have been, only brighten that smile more. She gives him a slightly blushing grin, then turns to offer the bottle to Alarissa, though Victus snatches it out of her hand, making her laugh. "Here you go then, Victus. It's not a Halfshav blend, but, short notice..." A glance aside to Sasha is given and she nods. "I have been well enough. I am still breathing at least." Ah, small blessings.

Sasha continues to smile as she says to Khanne "Well still breathing is always a wonderful thing indeed." She looks pleased as Cirroch and Victus seem to be getting along well.

"Yes Harlequin. You. There are drinks that are not alcoholic here, if you do not drink drink." She points out, an approving nod for Khanne's reply and no need to correct the pronunciation. "That and I need to sit. It's so damned heavy." She points out, heading for one of the many benches and chairs set up on the docks just below the serpent's berth. Though there's a stolen glance to the new home for alcohol. "Oh, it's far lovelier than what I had made for him." She looks a little disappointed. "Your husbands work?

Victus' eyes are going a touch wider when he spots the large, lovely looking drinking cabinet. Incredible, even. "Good gods." He turns to the rest of the crowd, pointing toward the luxurious piece of furniture. "You guys see this shit? Look at this shit!" He's already looking at it from top to bottom, and stacking the bottles he'd received on some of its many shelves. "Magpie. You fucker." He claps the man on the back. Not a normal clap, mind. Full on nearly punches the wind out of him from the sheer excitement that he felt. "What a good day for this with all this nice booze you lot have been generous enough to provide! I'm gonna carry it home myself. ALARISSA. WE CAN HAVE DOUBLE THE ALCOHOL." He shouts to his wife. "FUCKING. DOUBLE!"

Victus puts a wax sealed black whiskey bottle labeled 'Bloodrage' in drink cabinet of the red serpent.

Victus puts a heavy bottle of Giant's Reach white whiskey in drink cabinet of the red serpent.

Magpie checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

After a brief murmured "Excuse me.", Valerio steps on over towards the alcohol part of the feast, and plucks up two mugs. With a furrowed brow he considers the bottles available there, and plucks up something to pour into both mugs. Once done, he is back to Khanne's side, and offering her a mug coupled with another whisper, which breaks into a grin. Then there is Victus and the drinking cabinet. A hard barked laugh and he raises his mug towards the Thraxian Prince. "To Prince Victus Thrax! May his bottle, mug, horn, jar, seashell... whatever he'll use to hold his drink never run dry!"

Magpie's grin widens at Victus's reaction. "Eh, what can I say, I was inspired, and-" There's nothing more heard from the leaner sailor because the High Lord claps him on the back and the Grayhope was *not* expecting the power that's behind it. He stumbles a few steps and catches himself on the rail of the ship, but is left briefly stunned to silence.

Confused, Mae starts towards Alarissa all the same. "I... I drink," Mae says, her voice quiet. She moves to go side down next to Alarissa. "It's Magpie's work, yeah," she says. "I mean, I help him with drawings sometimes. And I paint sometimes. But that one was all him," she explains, as she gets settled. Then a look aside, down at Alarissa's belly, then back up. "Dooooo... you have a midwife?" she asks, curiously.

Cirroch looks to Sasha and says, "I believe I heard the Princess say they have non-alcoholic drinks. Would you like me to get you something, love?" He looks over toward the new cabinet and watches as Victus loads the whiskey he gave him and smiles warmly.

"I have two, then the Lady Lethe who is my Lady in Waiting." Alarissa looks to Mae. "Are you needing practice? We will be journeying to Maelstrom soon to ensure his son or daughter is born in the mourning is-" Victus is yelling and she stops, turning to look at him and sighs. "I can see Victus. Can we not kill the Grayhopes please? I'd sincerely like to not pay a bloodprice for master Magpie. He is quite irreplaceable and precious to the Harlequin. She mght demand your ship." But then her attention draws back to those around them and Mae. "Yes Marquise, that table." She getures nearby. "Tea and coffee, Wyrmguard hot chocolate and all manner of fruited water."

Sasha smiles to Cirroch and nods as she says "Please Marquis Cirroch, that would indeed be lovely thank you. Some of the hot chocolate." She will release hold of his arm when he begins to draw away, remaining within the group.

Khanne looks on at the cabinet at Victus' enthusiastic exclamation over its magnificence. She is handed a mug of whiskey just in time and lifts it in the air. "That's my protege! I hope my cabinet is at least half as awesome as that Mags, when you make it." Her smile is bright for the Grayhope before she lifts her mug again. "To Victus! May the rivers of good booze forever flow!" She takes a good drink from the mug, then grins to Valerio. Lifting a hand she seems to be about to caress his cheek, but instead, knock at the armored shoulder before whispering back to him. She then turns to look at Alarissa, saying to Victus, "yes please! Please do now kill the Grayhopes, I am fond of them!"

Mae has ignored Victus' yelling. Because yelling is just commonplace, where she comes from. "Practice? No. Just asking," Mae says, with a smile. "It's what I do. You know, as a Harlequin. As Lady Lethe does. Just... some of the nobility don't have Harlequins... or... haven't contacted them?" she offers, then gives a shrug. "I've delivered a lot of babies. Like, even before I was a disciple of Death," she explains. Then she blinks, and turns to gaze at Magpie, then Victus. "Wait, I get a boat if he dies...?"

"Wasn't gonna 'kill' him..." Victus muses back as he looks to Magpie. Maybe a bit rougher than usual, but surely it was all in good fun and gratitude. Even if he may have broken something along the way. It always happens anyhow. "You're a good sort, Mags. Thanks for bringing some good shit to go along with good shit." And here come the toasts. He seems to take these in stride, raising up the same axe he'd just use to decimate that piece of string like he was being hailed for a hero's welcome. "Nobody gets this boat when I die!" He'd also exclaim. "It sinks with me to my grave! Where I will ride it in DEATH! TO FERRY SOULS TO DRINKING CONTESTS!"

Magpie straightens, coughing a couple of times as he grins. He looks around for the nearest cup of booze, snagging it up and raising it to join the toast before having a long drink. Then wanders over to Khanne to drape an arm over her shoulders, "Ooooh, come on now, I just put out a figurine of you." He teases, giving her a squeezing hug with that one arm. "Who's your friend here?" He asks, peering at Valerio.

Khanne hugs Magpie with her free arm and tightly so. "I know! I said do NOT kill him!" She turns to bring Valerio into the conversation. "Lord Valerio Mazetti, meet Magpie Grayhope. Magpie is my protege, and one of my closest friends in the entire world." She nods at that, giving him another squeeze before letting him go. "Valerio is a very dear and close friend of mine as well, though he leaves the city far too often." She gives the Lycene a staring, admonishing look then. "But, he's charming enough I forgive him."

"Would you care to join us then. I can promise an interesting castle, fantastically... interesting sculptures and the opportunity to say that you helped birth the heir of Malestrom." Here comes magpie draping an arm over Khanne and Alarissa only smiles. "Drinks a plenty. What can I get for you Mae?" Dropping the title.

"/That/," Mae calls out, as Victus roars about being a ghost. "Is exactly the kind of thing Death would do! ... But only if you drink yourself to death," Mae says, and flashes Victus an oh-so-sweet smile. Then her attention swings back to Alarissa. "Wait, you mean... go with you to Maelstrom?" she asks, her eyes flashing wide. "I-... Wait do you think your child will be the heir of Maelstrom?" she asks, blinking a few times. She looks just a /touch/ baffled. "I, uh-... yeah, uh, what... is there to drink..."

Cirroch smiles to Sasha and leans down and plants a kiss on her cheek. He then leaves her to fetch some hot chocolate. He returns with her cocoa and his whiskey, naturally. "Here you go, love," he says handing over her mug. "I only have time for this one drink. Maybe I can escort you home after. Is that OK?"

Sasha takes the cup of hot chocolate and says to Cirroch "That is fine. I still have research to finish after all." Smiling before she sips on her hot chocolate, holding the cup with both hands. Her eyes sweeping around the party and then looking over the cabinet with appreciation of the craftmanship.

Victus drifts over to his wife and Mae steadily, pulling his fur cloak just a bit higher up his shoulders as he stands next to the two ladies. "Drinkin' myself to death would be the greatest challenge I've had yet. Ya' know how much fucking tolerance I have to this stuff after so many years? Pretty high." He seems to have mostly missed out on whatever conversation there was about Midwives and birthing, but he does catch on to the end. "Yeah? It, er... They are gonna be the heir to the Maelstrom and Thrax when I'm dead. They're my chosen heir. Unless somebody is gonna try to fight a fucking baby over a title, but stranger things have happened." He chuckles gruffly. "We're aiming for a clean transition."

"Mae. Victus is the High Lord of Maelstrom. I am his wife. This is his child. This child, male or female, will be the heir to Malestrom. What else would it be?" She inquires, a little confused. "But yes. A promise made when I married him. I would bear all our children in Maelstrom provided it would not endanger my health to get sail there. We aim to sail two weeks before it is due, though I am told first children are notoriously late, Sasha, have you had luck in convincing his grace to send a team to find your herb?" Alarissa switches between conversations easily enough, while gesturing to the drinks available. From stuff commonly found in the lower boroughs, to nicer locales. There's a roll of her eyes for Victus.

There's another solid laugh from Valerio, and for once, his expression remains amused instead of neutral or preparing for war as normal. There is a hushed reply, and then he's raising his mug again to support Victus and his idea of ferrying souls to drinking contests. His left eyebrow arches over the eyepatch as Magpie arrives. Valerio curtly nods to the other man. "Master Magpie, greetings. You're a craftsman of sorts, yes? Or am I understanding incorrectly?" At the mention of being out of the city, his eye rolls. "Alas, my personal life is subject to the requirements of the service." There's a quick grin. "At least I am here for another few days for a change of pace, and far more pleasant company. Such as Lady Halfshav's here."

"Well-..." Mae blinks a few times, as she looks from Alarissa, then up to Victus. Could be without a drink this conversation is not exactly as fun as it was a moment ago. "I mean... uh. I mean, the boat ride should be fine... for the baby..." she murmurs. Then swallows. "It's just... Dagon was the heir... er. Prince Dagon. And that didn't exactly work out for him. Did it...? So-..." the awkwardness is creeping in heavy, and she's starting to get that prey animal look in her big eyes.

Sasha looks to Alarissa with a smile and says "Actually Marquis Cirroch has offered to him as have many others when I mentioned for when I find the location of the herb. I will be staying here as they go off to procure it. I will just busy myself with research while they are gone to busy myself." She then looks at Mae as speaks and fails slient, looking between Alarissa, Victus and Mae.

"In the entire world? Wow. I feel like you're just saying that because you're my patron." Magpie teases of Khanne, then lets his arm slip from Khanne's shoulders so he can extend a hand to Valerio, "Nice to meet you, my lord." He greets cheerfully, then has to call out to Victus, "You have great stamina with alcohol, your highness!" Because he heard that part. Then he's looking at them curiously as he picks up on the conversation. Still, Valerio is talking and Magpie looks back to him, "Yeah. I mean, I'm a sailor. I transport cargo on my boat. But this last year I've been cooped up in the city a lot so I took up woodworking. My cousin's apprentices work with me a lot. And... " He trails off, peering over at Victus, Alarissa, and Mae again. Excuse me." He slips away, moving over to try and catch Mae's arm, "Maaaae, let's sneak around and get a tour of the Red Serpent while we have the chance, yeah? It's the high lord's birthday."

"And so we speak of other things." Someone is passing by with a drink and Alarissa grabs it, an apologetic look and whatever alcoholic that it was in hand, Alarissa's now placing it in Mae's. 'Drink" She instructs. "so you heed my advice Sasha, good." Alarissa smiles at that. Magpie's there suddenly and Alarissa nods at his suggestion. "Yes, take a tour, it's lovely. You'll see why it's his pride and joy, just below his cat."

Cirroch looks to Alarissa as her mention of Sasha's herb and then Sasha. "We're working on that. Aren't we, love?" He then looks toward Mae and sees she might need something to interrupt that thought with. "Good evening. I'm Marquis Cirroch Sanna of Giant's Reach," he says to change the subject.

Ian, not far from Alarissa and Mae, has apparently overheard at least some of the conversation. He looks away from the conversation he's having, long enough to explain to her: "That child will be under Duke Grimhall's protection, if it comes to that."

Khanne bites her lip as she hears Mae's conversation with Alarissa and Victus. She nods to Magpie and says, "you were my friend before I was your patron, Mags. You know that is not true." Eyes darting back towards the others, distractedly, nodding when Magpie excuses himself. She turns towards Valerio to speak a little more quietly with him then.

Sasha nods to Alarissa and says "I did yes. I realized I was being foolish by wishing to accompany them." She smiles to Cirroch and says "Yes indeed we are. Soon. I just need the location is all and then... the expedition can be held. And I will find things to busy myself with and not fret."

Victus didn't seem any more disturbed about the topic of conversation, in fact the tiny spots of joy that have broken through his usual doom and gloom are there still all the while. He sets the head of his axe against the deck to use it as a counterweight. "No, that is true. It worked out mighty shitty for him, in fact. But, duels for thrones in Thrax? Rare. Very rare, in fact. You probably won't see another one for a long time yet and one that wouldn't end in a total fucking collapse all at once." He raises one finger then. "Dagon had the choice to say 'No'. He chose to deal with it through strength, and when he lost he honored the agreement. It's not likely to repeat. And if any of the family /do/ get it in their heads?" His grin spreads a little wider. "I'll deal with 'em first."

"But such seriousness ain't why we're here." He calls out over the crowd. "We're here to drink and fucking party!"

"Ah, a Sailor. Excellent. Always need more of them in the world." Valerio shakes the hand offered him by Magpie firmly. Then nods to the other man briefly. "A man should have a hobby, or backup profession. Myself, I aim to distill a little. Though I suppose thecnically my secondary skillset is now simply 'he who signs many documents'." A long sigh at such a fate. Then another nod as the man moves off, besides Khanne has turned towards him. He seems to be leaning in further... a little further.... further... then arching back to boom out a laugh. "Well played, My Lady!" Then clearing his throat to be a little more quiet in his response. "Yes. Yes indeed. The very thought."

"Yes, your highness," Mae says, quickly. She takes the glass, and then, soon as Alarissa is looking away, she adds a very quick, "Sorry, your highness." Before she can get away, Victus is giving his explanation. She stares at the man, wide-eyed, a rather troubled expression on her features. "Of course, your grace," she whispers out. And then Mae's sliiiiiding along the stool, away from Alarissa, away from Victus, to make her escape. Or attempt to. Soon as she's up, there's Magpie. She blinks. Then there's another man speaking to her. "Uh-... Uh, hi... my lord," she says, to Cirroch. "M-Mae. Grayhope. Is my name. Mae Grayhope. Harlequin and innkeeper and... no one that needs remembering," she says, and gives him an awkward smile.

Magpie throws Victus and Alarissa both a quick grin before he starts to try and tug Mae away. Oh, but there's Cirroch and the Grayhope gives him a look over, "Nice to meet you, my lord. I hope you don't mind if I steal my wife away for that tour of this incredible ship? I've always wanted to get a look around."

Khanne positively beams with pride at making the Lycene man laugh so loudly. She had still been keeping an eye on the others though, and overhears Mae. "And soup kitchen operator, making sure anyone who is in need of a meal, gets one. Someone quite wonderful to remember," she disagrees with Mae.

Cirroch looks to Magpie and bows his head. "Certainly. It's a pleasure to meet you both, Grayhopes," he says before drinking the rest of his whiskey. He looks to Sasha and smiles. "How are you doing? Are you ready to leave?"

Sasha finishes her hot chocolate and says to Mapgie and Mae "Sorry the meeting was so brief." Her attention returning to Cirroch as she says "I am yes." The now empty cup placed in the proper place before she take Cirroch's arm once more.

Alarissa's not moving, just regarding mae with a puzzled look and then magpie. Victus offers that explanation and her hand settles on the somewhat topic of conversation as a handful of people contribute. "Good evening Harlequin, if I do not cross your path again." she murmurs, a glance to Victus. But he's declaring there needs to be more partying and Alarissa plants a wide smile on her face and nods.

"Good bye," Mae says, to Cirroch and Sasha. Still looking awkward and distracted, Mae's attention swings up to Magpie. "So... um... yeah, we can go look... at the boat or whatever?" she asks, as she grabs one of his hands.

Magpie gazes at Mae for a long, quiet moment, then wraps his fingers around hers and draws her off to the bow of the ship, away from the congestion of the celebration. He leans in to speak softly with her once they get there.

Watching the others with an amused expression on his face, Valerio looks once again to the alcohol laid out for the guests. He plucks up a bottle here and there, and begins mixing them into his mug. "The prince gave a command, we really should obey." He takes a sip of the mug.. coughs hard. His eye getting a little teary. "Almost there." More bottles. Pour. Dip. Sprinkle. Stir. The next time he tastes he has to shake his head. "Oh that did it, woof. That hits the spot... and hopefully doesn't burn through."

Cirroch waves to the party. He passes by Alarissa and leans close to her. "Thank you for the generous invite. It was a pleasure to meet you all. Sorry we have to leave so soon. Have a good night," he says before escorting Sasha off the boat and into the city.

Alarissa is overheard praising Victus for: Happy Birthday!

Sasha offers a wave goodbye as Cirroch begins to escort her away and starts to softly speak with him as they depart.

Sasha is overheard praising Victus for: Happy Birthday

Cirroch has left the The Red Serpent.

Sasha has left the The Red Serpent.

Sir Rodrick, a Valardin Knight leaves, following Sasha.

Sasha leaves, following Cirroch.

Magpie is overheard praising Victus for: Thraxy Birthday, Victus!

Victus is overheard praising Magpie for: For his cabinet

Victus is overheard praising Cirroch for: For their generous whiskey

Victus is overheard praising Khanne for: For the good shit too

Alarissa is overheard praising Magpie for: For making a better cabinet than me.

Victus is overheard praising Alarissa for: For putting together this hullabaloo

Khanne watches Valerio with her left brow arched. "What are you doing?" she laughs and sips from her own mug, which contains only one type of whiskey, which is plenty in one cup, for her.

Victus settles back into things now that others are starting to get back into the swing as well. He takes a seat beside his wife, his axe leaned against his side as he just enjoys the night-time air that drifts over the deck. "For future reference, the snap parties are great. Nobody has to put on their good faces to fuck about. Just pure booze and song. Which speakin' of," he can't help but snort. "Would love to see the Legate's face at that shanty. Boys! Sing it again!" He calls to the sailors as they pick up their merriment again.

"What? The man said to make merry." Valerio shoots back to Khanne with a chuckle and drinks again from his little alcohol experiment. "At least it's smooth now." Or it's removed all his tastebuds, whichever. He gestures with the cup towards the steamed shellfish. "We should probably eat something though."

Oh they'll sing it again, starting back up in the middle of stopping the previous song - something about a bastard king of arx, usurped by a Thraxian with... well, the supposed Thraxian was well endowed. But they transition easily enough to repeating the song about the Legate and Alarissa looks over to victus when he settles beside her. "Good. You needed to smile. Happy birthday. I had Darrow bring you because I was sure that you would never suspect him of leading you to a party." She leans over, pressing a kiss to his cheek before gesturing to a braid, tiny and tucked away in her hair. The bead within it, somewhat like those in his hair and beard, only far more femmine. "I even decorated my hair." There's a look to Valerio and his drink mixing. "Kennex, you're not drunk enough" She calls out to Ian. "You're still upright"

One of the men Ian's spent his evening with has, rather unwisely, tried to keep up with Ian. The result is that while Ian looks pretty much like he always does -- some of that tension that was around his jaw is gone, but that's about it -- the man he's with has plunged right into the 'loud, bawdy singing' stage of the night. After making sure the poor man's friends aren't going to wander off and leave him, he steps away, takes a couple of very small, very careful steps Alarissa-ward. "I try not to drink to the point where I can't walk." Falling down drunk is probably a lot more fun for other people.

Magpie is still talking quietly with Mae, but now reaches forward to wrap the woman into a tight hug, still in quiet conversation with her off at the bow of the ship.

"Hopefully my party tomorrow evening will be fun as well. I hear Reigna has planned some amusing games. And I hope to see everyone here... there!" She grins then adds to Victus. "We're like birthday buddies...." She laughs, whatever whiskey is in her mug seems to have hit her at least a little. To Valerio she grins. "Is that what you are calling the drink? Merry?" Regarding the food, she nods and says, "probably should... though, I am afraid I might need to find sleep fairly soon... I did have food earlier at least..."

Khanne is of course the one talking.

"I call it... Throat Lube." Valerio pauses in consideration as he answeres Khanne. "No, that sounds more terrible than Throat Scalder." Valerio pauses to consider what's in the mug, and shrugs taking another gulp. "Oooh. Uhm. Brain Basher?" Alarissa gets a bright, if drunken, grin. Then it's back to hard thinking for a name for whatever he dumped in this mug. Then a sudden pointing at Khanne. "I got suprises for you! No. You can't know now. But, I shall be there. Unless war breaks out, even then, I likely would pop in."

After a walk across the deck of the ship, and some quiet talk, and a hug, Mae turns away from Magpie and starts back down the gang plank. She's not making to head back to the tables of booze, but rather just heading down the dock.

As Mae breaks away from him, Magpie stares after his wife in baffled confusion. He starts after her a moment later, but calls out on his way, "Happy birthday, High Lord!" Seems they're making an early exit because he's trotting to catch up to Mae, following after her.

Khanne blinks a few times, looking at Valerio. "Throat.... lube..." She shakes her head and keeps shaking it, her eyes closing as if wincing as they seem to get worse. Ah, he changes tactics though! "Surprises? What... oh, well, then you shouldn't have mentioned them! Meanie. I'd pinch you if you weren't covered in metal..." She notices Mae leaving then and frowns, looking concerned after she and Magpie.

Zavi leaves, following Magpie.

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper, Magpie leave, following Mae.

"And guardian of the inebrieted Vlaardin-Grayson Princesses, before shuffling them off to meet their future husbands, so they may be proposed to." Alarissa offers a smile to Ian. "Enjoy yourself Lord Kennex. Tonight..." Alarissa looks to Victus. "Tonight we are Victus and Alarissa, ian, Khanne-" She looks to Khanne. "Who gets a boat named after her tomorrow. Tonight no titles." Though she does glance toward the M&M, a small smile for the two in their inimate conversation and no small amount of concern when both start to take thier leave. But then back to Victus. "I will retire soon. But I insist on a long night of revelry, at least two fistfights, and a black eye for you, a night of ribald fun, Victus the sailor, so I may have my husband back for Khanne's festivities tomorrow"

Victus almost has a smile for his wife. Almost... Almost. But of course never all the way. Instead he's staring back toward the revelry, with a quick glance toward Magpie and Mae. "You have a good one, Mags." He calls, as Mae has already departed from ear-shot. "I'm sure it'll be a good one if it's anything like this. Shit, I'll drink for two in fact."

Khanne rarely uses titles as it is, and so, when Alarissa mentions her name, and the boat, she looks baffled to her. "I still... mmm.. tomorrow. You all are trying to torture me with all these promises and hints of surprises..." She looks to Valerio then and says, "I think I need to sleep, or I will be a stowaway on the ship here and get swallowed up by a wave..."