Ian has already been drinking. Because holy shit the Gala was huge and civilized and he clearly does not do huge and civilized very well. You can tell he's been at the gala because he's wearing his spiffy coat, the one made of boiled wool instead of beat up leather with the extra fancy, shiny buttons. You can tell he's been drinking because he is literally drinking as he walks in the door. Straight out of a bottle of whiskey. You can tell he doesn't do civilized well because he clearly felt it was okay to wander across Tor plaza while drinking straight out of a bottle of whiskey like a moderately well dressed sailor hobo.

You know who wasn't at the Gala? The Sword of Ostria. He's wearing... a bedsheet. Yes, a bedsheet. It is ugly, it is pink. It is floral. By god, this is an affront to eyesight everywhere and anywhere. It wraps about his body in an almost fitting way, but it is only loosely held by some really shabby, also garishly-colored hairpin. Thankfully, he's wearing boots. Losing toes to Donkey Knight is Not a good idea.

Caspian can be included amongst the rank of men who was not at the Gala. He's wearing the same clothes he usually wears, wandering into the courtyard leading something rather odd, a doney by the reigns, the man holding up a carrot to it's mouth to keep it compliant as he moves.

Neither at the gala, drinking...or actually even in a bedsheet is Enyo. In fact, she's pretty much stone-cold sober, and in her usual armor as she comes strolling into the courtyard. None of these things detracts from her good mood, however, nor the bounce to her step and the cheerful swing of her ponytail.

The courtyard of Mazetti Manor has been cleared and the playing field created using small square hay bales. Braziers burn around the playing field and the general seating, providing warmth in the chilly winter. The valiant donkey mounts of the Donkey Knights stand ready, garbed in their livery. One even featuring a mock horn upon its forehead, granting it the appearance of a fabled unicorn.

From the manor itself comes Marquis-Consort Hadrian Mazetti down the marble steps with Marquessa Cambria Mazetti on his arm. While he's garbed in silks, a heavy fur cloak rests draped around the Lycene nobleman. As the pair approach the playing field, Hadrian's gloved hand rises up in order to gesture to all observers, "Welcome to the second showcase of the Donkey Knights Championship, Public Edition. Toned down for the masses, not nearly as debauched or lewd as the original game, it is presented tonight for any and all to enjoy, no matter their sensibilities!"

Hadrian gestures to the donkeys first, then to the assembled riders, "These brave Knights have gathered here today not only for prestige and honor, or the personalized trophy that will be gifted to the winner, or the right to identify themselves as the Donkey Knights Champion of 1008 AR. They are here because they, deep down, wish to ride for charity. Because they recognize that they are an inspiration to some. That a homeless refugee may look to that very Donkey Knight Champion and wish, hope, even pray to someday walk in the steps of their loyal steeds. That said, I'll not delay... Donkey Knights! Mount up!"

The shouted instruction results in a screeching, rather angry sounding roar arriving from within Mazetti Manor itself. Garbed in silk and mediocre cloth, a small individual standing at nearly four feet in height staggers down the marble steps, growling out as the 'dragon' holds a bottle of Third Wall cherry brandy high and shouts: "Ahm'uh drergon!"

While Duarte typically looks like he might have just attended a gala - any gala - he is followed by his scowling orphan assistant, so he probably wasn't at the gala either.

Did Maddy get here in time to witness a drunk dwarf proclaiming he's a dragon? Awesome. The chubby woman in her white robes of office makes her way over towards the square to watch and cheer on the knights of the Donkey. "Oh my oh my," she breathes in amused delight. "I -am- at the more entertaining venue tonight!"

At the command to mount, Caspian does such, climbing upon his new, trusty steed with a bit of fumbling with the saddle, clearly the man has not done this before. He gives gives the little person a wide grin. "Alright Dragon Biter," he says, petting the donkey upon the neck. "Lets win this."

Alarie checked dexterity + sewing at difficulty 29, rolling 40 higher.

Time for action! Theron waits until what passes for a squire to blindfold him and then help him climb the donkey, in reverse. "This shuld be interesting."

Theron checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Caspian checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 1 higher.

Theron checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 3 higher.

Alarie has rolled a critical success!
Alarie checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 18 higher.

Enyo checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 1 lower.

Duarte checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Waldemai is amused at the sight of the donkeys, especially the model with optional horn. "Princess Reese would love that," he observes.

Ian is not riding tonight. Because Ian? Ian would really rather drink. And possibly, depending on how much he drinks, heckle. Heckling is a distinct possibility. He and his bottle of whiskey find a place to sit.

"What...already?" Enyo blinks as she scurries to find herself a nice, pleasegods, trustworthy donkey to ride. She finds one, donkey at least, and clambors on with all the grace and skill of someone usually keeping both feet firmly on the ground.

Duarte chooses the tiniest donkey. His shoes just barely hover above the ground.

Madeleine is happy to spectate. Besides, knights need a cheering section, and Madeleine is an excellent cheer-er. She also goes to find a seat and clap and enthuse all over people in her pleasant way.

Who's taking the unicorn? Alarie's taking the Unicorn. Everyone's already tended to with dresses for the gala and she's following the orders of her patron and relaxing. Well, if this is relaxing. Dressed in draped and folded silk Alarie's heading for that horned horse, calling out to Theron when she see's him. "YOU ARE GOING DOWN MAZETTI! TO THE FLOOR!" Both hands cupped around her mouth before hauling her... obscenely tiny self onto the horse.

Once mounted on Dragon Biter's back backwards, Caspian grabs a lasso and ties the blindfold around his eyes, grinning a bit. "No one choke me to death with their lasso, please, I rather not die on a donkey." He turns his blindfolded eye to the shouting, grinning loud. "You're all going down. Caspian Wild and his trusty steed, Dragon Biter, will be the one to capture the dragon!"

Duarte's tiny ass looks perturbed to receive the load on its back. It brays antagonistically over its shoulder and stomps a hoof.

After a moment, Caspian snaps his fingers, "Gods damn it! I should have named him Smart Ass...wait, I suppose it's not too late." He reaches down to pat the ass's ass. "You are now Smart Ass. It's a better name, trust me."

"I'll win this, just you wait!" Theron calls out from his perfectly regular, kind of slow donkey. It looks positively depressed about having to carry a grown, heavy man on its back. Lasso in hand, jaw set, and blindfolded, he presses his feet to the flanks of his loyal steed.

Madeleine calls out with her hands cupped around her mouth, "What a bunch of fine looking asses you have!" Oh yes, she's that kind of a holy person. "Go get that evil vile little- I mean, huge flaming dreadful dragon!" She dissolves into giggles unseemly for a woaman of her age and status.

Madeleine has joined the Heavy oak bench.

Ian has joined the Heavy oak bench.

Waldemai has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

At the side of the Marquis, Cambria Mazetti wears a most radiant smile. With her arm looped through Hadrian's own, she remains near to him as he makes his announcement. Her bright blue observe those gathered, whether as spectators or as riders. After a moment, she nods to herself, and one arm slips beneath the fold of the cloak she wares to ward of the worst of the evening's winter chill. Speaking in a high, clear voice, the Marquessa calls out to the riders. "It with great personal pleasure that I will bestow the favor given to me at the last Donkey Knights competition. It brought my great luck, and it is my dearest hope that it's miraculous powers still exist today..."

Cambria then steps forward, leaving Hadrian for the nonce as she removes the aforementioned 'favor.' Perhaps more preposterously, she approaches the very woman that had chosen the unidonkey. "Mistress Alarie," Cambria says, her smile now transformed into a most wicked grin as she offers the other woman an incredibly knotted kerchief. "Wear this with pride."

Cambria drops Gold-plated 1007 AR Donkey Knights Trophy.

Cambria's calling out and before Alarie can put that blindfold on, she's regarding the wife of her Patron. There's a goofy grin - seriously, she can smile, not just scowl - and takes it. And plants a kiss on Cambria's lips. "Fuck yes my lady!" And promptly tucks it down into the neckline of her tunic, the end of it hanging out. "I'll do you proud!"

"Lasso? I'll be lucky to not strangle myself let alone someone else!" Enyo calls with a laugh, getting her blindfold on, and her own lasso before she gives the rope a bit of a waggle, totally checking the whole feel of the rope. Then she starts to whistle softly to herself, which probably paints a great big target on her back for anyone wanting to find her and interupt her whatevering.

The tiniest donkey begins walking in circles, causing the toes of Duarte's boots to drag in the dirt of the arena. "I think mine is broke, my lord."

Ian is already grinning between drinks of whiskey, and the combination of Caspian's donkey name/re-name and Madeline beating him to the heckling punch is enough to make him laugh. Really laugh, without any hint of sarcasm or dry wit. It's brief. It's quiet. But it's honest mirth. It trails into a cough when Cambria brings up the favor, a detail he'd clearly forgotten.

Alarie is smooched. A big loud 'muah,' sound before Cambria departs from the field of imminent 'battle' in order to return to Hadrian's side.

Sabella stands off to the side, an amused grin on her face as she watches the gathering of the donkeys, and the Knights. She moves towards Cambria and offers her a smile. "Who are we putting money on to win, my Lady?" Then she spots something that causes her to laugh, and she covers her mouth with both hands to attempt to squelch the sound.

Hadrian's grin flashes out toward Enyo and her declaration, though Duarte's duress soon draws the attention of the Marquis. Hadrian considers him, then his donkey. Hadrian squints for a moment before he calls out, "Have you tried feeding it any Dus...", Hadrian pauses for a moment, clears his throat, and quietly remarks, "...family friendly. Family friend. Riders! Prepare yourselves!"

The 'dragon' begins to stagger its way into the play area, climbing over a square bale of hay as it roars out, "Lezz get dis over with awready!", as he hurls his bottle of cherry brandy toward the distant bonfire - which it doesn't strike or even really land near, as the bottle simply bounces along the chilled earth in the vague direction of the bonfire.

Waldemai looks the trophy over from the cheap seats. "That's something to have in your parlor, all right," he declares.

Sabella has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

Leta arrives to watch the proceedings, no doubt, stopping at the edge of the courtyard with her hands on her hips. She stares at the donkeys with a rather puzzled expression and a growing smile spreading across her face. "Well, that's something!" she says, and saunters over to the seats to enjoy the entertainment.

Le Donkey Petite and Duarte seem to have come to an understanding as the Count is now capable of guiding the sour mule to point its muzzle at the midget in dragon-wear.

Ian eyes the brandy that goes rolling slowly towards the bonfire. The perfectly good brandy in an unbroken bottle being gently chilled by the cold ground.

Theron checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Enyo checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Alarie checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Duarte checked intellect + war at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Caspian checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Leta has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

Alarie checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 6 higher.

Caspian checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 7 higher.

Madeleine says, "Ride! Oh valiant knights, ride!" She pauses and looks at Ian. "I'm sure it's an empty," she says consolingly. The Archlector offers her hand. "Hi, call me Maddy."

Waldemai waves his cap in the air. "Go! Go! Ride 'em!"

"WOOO!" Enyo shouts, swinging her lasso around her head before she starts to try and kick her donkey into motion. Rocky motion, and she can only hope that it is going in the right direction. "Come on stinky butt, go, go!"

"My favor went to mistress Alarie," Cambria says to Sabella. "It was given unto me at the previous Donkey Knights championship by..." She gestures to Ian. "Lord Ian Kennex, just there. It has always been my personal belief that it was what allowed me to win that evening. However," she thrusts a finger into the air. "I can tell that it is going to be a stiff competition tonight, given all those who are participating. Sure to be thrilling to watch. Now..." She looks over Sabella, smiling. "Is this the dress, and...Would you like something to drink? I have a wide selection at hand, for everyone's taste. I can have one of the maids fetch you something."

Shortly thereafter, Cambria is cheering the riders on, too.

Ian shakes his head to Madeleine. "I don't think he finished it." Although apparently he's not interested enough to walk over and get the bottle. He still has a bottle of whiskey, after all, that he has yet to finish. Also, the donkey riding has started.

Catalana arrives, following Wash.

Uni-donkey? Alarie's getting along well with Uni-donkey. Like the two have melded minds and one hand planted on the top of the ass's ass, the lasso in her hand, Alarie is swaying in time with the mythical(not) donkey around the laid out Arena. "You're going DOWN MAZETTI!" She calls out to Theron. "You're going to be be crying!" Her tone clearly one of jest.

Sabella joins the others in their cheering. She waves her hands in the air and laughs. Cambria speaks to her and she grins in her direction. "I would love some of that cherry brandy that just got tossed in the direction of the bonfire, if you don't mind Marquessa." A beat before she adds. "Oh yes, this is the dress."

Catalana gets a pink woolen gown with gray fleur de lis from a sea-swirling dainty backpack.

Catalana puts Beaded Aeterna Gown with Silver Thread in a sea-swirling dainty backpack.

Someone wearing A floppy donkey mask checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

It looks like Ian wound up here after fleeing the gala, after stopping off somewhere to get a bottle of whiskey, which he is drinking straight from, because he is classy.

Catalana had enough the to change out of her previous gown and into her current one to accompany her husband to this lovely.....event. Making her way to the spectator section she'd tap her chin as she looked around to see who she knew and could harass.

Once the riders have made themselves ready, Hadrian calls out loudly, "Vanquish that dragon!" He lifts a hand in the air to gesture toward the staggering and altogether unpleasant 'dragon' as the dwarf in the dragon costume shouts out, "Come an' get me, ya'taint hairs!"

Hadrian frowns toward the dragon, then looks aside to Cambria to quietly mutter, "Remind me to maybe not let him sample the brandy so much next time? I don't remember him being this... hostile... last year."

Caspian checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 35 higher.

Alarie checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 10 lower.

Duarte checked composure + legerdemain at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Theron checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher.

With the announcement to start Caspian spurs his donkey, "To Victory! To Glory! Go, Smart Ass!" He commands his re-named donkey. And Smart Ass moves in the general direction of the little dragon. He waits though, trying to estimate when he will pass the dragon. Once Smart Ass trots past the target he swings his lasso overhead and loops it successfully around the dragon and dismounts so that he may begin the process of tieing it up.

Enyo has rolled a critical success!
Enyo checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Someone wearing A floppy donkey mask checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

Sabella snorts quietly at the dragon's behaviour and leans forward in her seat to catch the start of the event. She spots Catalana looking around at the foot of the stands and she stands up slightly, waving to her. "Catalana, up here!' She calls out, before retaking her seat.

Someone wearing A floppy donkey mask rides in last on his donkey. Someone has strapped a mask of a human being on the front of the Donkey's face, so it collides accidentally with the donkeys in front of it. A light blue scarf has been wrapped around the donkey's neck to completely blind him. "Hey ho! Hee haw!", brays the rider.

"I was rather rough with him, as you will recall..." Cambria admits to Hadrian with something of an apologetic tone.

Ian flashes Catalana a quick grin. "Good to see you. I assume Wash is going to be making a grand entrance before too long." There's real mirth in his eyes, not the usual sarcastic 'I'm laughing because everything is fucked up' mirth.

Ian puts my pose RIGHT before the donkey mask pose.

Duarte swings his lasso wildly around and flings it, along with the rest of the rope, out of his hands entirely into the crowd, landing on Sabella.

Alarie, for all her bluster, aims with the lasso in the direction of the dragon and.... she fails. It goes far wide and nowhere near the dragon. "Fuck!" She calls out when she tugs and there's no resistance. "Where are you Mazetti?!" She calls out to Theron, tilting her head back to peek under the edge of hte blindfold and suss him out.

Theron swings the lasso overhead, listening to the foul language of the 'dragon' and using it to guide his lasso to land just as the donkey dashes past him. "I'm right behind you, ALARIE!" He calls out, riding around somehow as the lasso tightens. It's hard to concentrate when there's a blindfold bothering your eyes after all.

"Go, go...go go..." Enyo was shouting enthusiastically, and has now begun to sort of sing-song the encouragement to her Stinky Butt. When she gets closer to where she thinks that she heard the dragon she adjusts her hold on the rope, starting to swing it in a circle above her head before she throws it. There's that satisfying sense of success when the rope loops around the dragon, and she hoots again, "YOU ARE MINE!"

Madeleine does not seem to be phased by the language or the silliness, but she just laughs. A hearty, happy, earnest sound. The golden haired woman seems to be entirely amused by the situation. "Ride! Ride! Get that little snit!" Or did she say shit? hard to say. "Bravo," she calls to Enyo.

Catalana has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

The Donkey Knights set out to charge their quarry, atop their valiant donkey steeds. Lassos sail through the air, with many finding their mark. While the 'dragon' begins to thrash within the new bonds, shouting and cursing from within the costume.

Hadrian calls out, perhaps for the sake of the crowd, "Quite a few of the riders have quickly landed their bindings on the dragon this year! Now they have to bring it down and tie it up... but will their fellow Knights turn on them, preventing from completing their task!?"

Caspian checked dexterity + war at difficulty 20, rolling 4 higher.

Orland retrieves Duarte's rope from the tiers, apologizing on behalf of his master, and shuffles quickly into the arena and gives it back, before scurrying back out.

Theron has rolled a critical success!
Theron checked strength + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 22 higher.

Madeleine looks around for alcohol. Because what's the Archlector of Mangata without a drink in her hand?

It's like Ian has a sixth sense. He's not even LOOKING at Madeleine, and yet he knows -- JUST KNOWS! -- she's looking for alcohol. He hands over his bottle of whiskey.

There is PLENTY of alcohol to be had at this party! A server dutifully brings the Archlector a tray bearing an array of drinks for her to indulge in.

Catalana gets Oseyan - Kennex Brand Blackberry Vodka from a sea-swirling dainty backpack.

Alarie checked strength + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Madeleine's a happy Archlector! She makes a gesture of blessing over the tray before selecting her own delicious glass of cherry brandy. She lifts it to their host and hostess, spills a tiny bit on the ground for the offering, offers ANOTHER toast to her fellow spectators, and then drinks deeply of the glass. Ian's whiskey is met with a CLINK of her own glass in cheers. Who is she to deny a man his own home-brought beverage.

Dragon has been caught. But that's fine. Alarie has a secondary target and as she rolls that lasso again, she's turning it on Theron in an attempt to bring him down. "Mazetti! I'm coming for you!"

Duarte checked strength + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Theron checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 22, rolling 40 higher.

Someone wearing A floppy donkey mask checked dexterity + war at difficulty 20, rolling 50 higher.

Enyo checked strength + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 7 lower.

Cambria, from where she stands beside Hadrian, fans herself and mutters, "This is getting intense."

Not really clear what Duarte is up to at this point, as he inadvertantly ropes his own donkey and ends up doubling over in laughter.

It seems that Enyo was attempting to bring down the dragon, only to instead bring down herself. A particularly vicious pull and she's tumbling off the ass-end of the donkey with a surprised yelp.

Oh that lasso flying through the air to reach him. Theron hears the buzzing, because he can't quite see it heading towards him. So he just lays back, letting the rope sail smoothly past him before he taunts Alarie, "Too slow!" Then his heels dig into the flanks of the donkey and it sets off, towards the dragon. Slowly. It even stops to graze whatever weeds are on the ground that happen to be edible. "I'm too sober for this," he complains, to himself.

Someone wearing A floppy donkey mask checked dexterity at difficulty 20, rolling 7 higher.

The dragon is pulled down by Caspian amidst a great deal of shouting, though to the imaginative it is no doubt a series of curses. The riders break out into a flurry of activity. Lassos flying, dragons falling, acts of betrayal amongst riders abound!

Hadrian comments aloud for the crowds to hear, "Oh! The dragon is down and... is Sir Ham attempting to steal the kill?!"

"Whoop! I got something. I mean... hee haw!", repeats the man under the mask. "Hup!" The donkey idly kicks his mount's sides. "Follow me! I know the way!" And, not clear which way he is facing in the first place, he start his human masked mount toward the stands, trying to tow the dragon with him but Caspian's weight doesn't allow it. So he starts to pull himself toward the dragon and slides off the ass's ass, planting both feet on the ground. He looks left, and then right, the mask flopping belatedly after him staring no one in the eye.

Standing up she would then do something someone has never seen her actually do: yell. "COME ON!!!!!" Catalana's husky voice was more of a roar as she pumped her fist in the air. "GO FOR IT DONKEY MAN!!!"

"Apologies... Sir...Donk?", Hadrian corrects himself.

Madeleine just LAUGHS in her booming voice as shenanigans are had. "Go! Go!" Whomever she cheers isnt' quite clear but does it matter? The Archlector is havaing fun. Catalana's cheer is met with an equal "WOO!"

Cambria just looks proud after that correction by Hadrian.

Caspian checked strength + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Alarie checked strength + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Sabella gets to her feet, cheering loudly for Theron. "Don't let that ass in the mask steal the victory!" She calls out, though she can't quite match Catalana's volume.

Duarte checked composure + legerdemain at difficulty 20, rolling 18 higher.

Leta scoots over to one edge of the seat and goes grab herself some booze. She'll need the booze, as she stares in complete confusion at the events, "Well done, whoever's - whatever's going on!" she calls out cheerfully, and cheers again once she has a drink and drops back into her seat with a sigh.

6 Thrax Guards, Chief Rin Redreef arrive, following Galen.

Not so far into his cups that he accidentally stumbles into the wrong party - has it happened? will it happen? Luca arrives, easy-going and careless in rumpled seasilk and bruise-dark leather. His thumbs are hooked into the swordbelt at his waist, and the Fang with it's newest and smallest counterpoint are in stays at his hips, peacebound for the evening. "All right, here. What's going on and can I have some?" He scans the grouping, "Flashy," Caspian. "Lee!" Leta. Annnd... "Uh, Ian. Yeah, gonna need a new name for you."

6 Thrax Guards, Chief Rin Redreef leave, following Galen.

Theron checked strength + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Caspian checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 48 higher.

6 Thrax Guards, Chief Rin Redreef arrive, following Galen.

Noticing two of the most successful opponents are right next to him, Theron decides to try and give Caspian a bit of a jostle with his forearm. It's kind of hard to see what any one person is doing, so that little push is given as the donkey starts dragging back across, motion cut short by the poor midget who will probably receive whatever passes for hazard pay in Arvum, considering the amount of lassos on him.

Twisting around, and Luca's eyes widen, "You look like breakfast, Sir Porks-a-lot. Son of the Squealer. Legendary."

Caspian Feeling that someone is trying to steal his prized new pet, Caspian spurs his donkey on forward and calls, "Pull, Smart Ass! Pull! Do not let our new pet be stolen!" He calls as he uses his and the donkey's power to try and pull the dragon away from the masked rider. As he pulls Theron tries to be a sneaky, sneaky Lycum and knock him off, but he easily ducks and weaves out of the way skillfully. "It's mines!"

Madeleine is standing in the... stands, drinking cherry brandy and cheering lustily for whomever happens to be riding regardless of their place in the game. The Archlector spies Luca and gives a pleasant wave of her glass over at him but does not commit the sin of spillage. She's too holy for that. She has a glass of the cherry brandy brought over to him.

Someone has the dragon, that's fine with Alarie. She has a promise to keep, spoken in the confines of her shop and she'll make that promise come true. "Mazetti!" She calls out, to guage where he is, knowing he's close - tilting her head again to steal a peek - and try again to knock theron onto the ground.

Ian grins at Luca and waves him over before taking a pull from his bottle of whiskey.

Duarte maneuvers The Tiniest Donkey(tm) through the warring of noted and more accomplished warriors, keeping his mind on the task at hand and maintaining a low profile. He slips his lasso around the already floor-bound Dragon.

"Lusty cherry brandy and a glass of cheering cherries." Glass raised high toward the Archlector that passed the glass over, "Blessed Mads. Thank you for your generosity." Luca tipples it back like water, and he saunters toward Ian. "I got the general idea of this shit, Ian, but when does it get interesting?" So lazily drawled out as he drops himself into a seat and proceeds to sprawl. After watching the participants, his expression relaxes and he laughs a little. The laughter only gets more regular with more drinking.

A chanting sound is no doubt heard even above all the shenanigans already underway, it only seems to grow louder, as if getting closer! But a moment later the source of such can be seen...Is that? What?!...

Six men clad in large brown robes which hide virtually all of their features are seen first, each of them with a hand and a shoulder on a wooden stave which is slid under a platform and hoisted to the shoulder, they chant, though nothing that would be understood by anyway.

On the platform, as if arriving from the pits of some vile place, or from some horridly glorious battle stands a creature, yes, it looks like a creature! A man pig! Broad shouldered and tall, armor made entirely of pork cuts, its face is that of an ever present smile, the smiling face of a pig who no doubt has come to bring home the bacon. In one hand the creature holds a large lance made of cold meat, its tip planted firmly against the platform on which he stands. His other hand was lifted into the sky in a fist, held there for an awkward length of time as the man was carried well into view. A seventh man also clad in a robe moved in front of the others, carrying a horn, which he immediately blew before making an announcement, "THOU MORTAL'S BE MADE AWARE, HIS HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF PORK, THE KING OF SWINE, PROTECTOR OF PORK LOIN AND MASTER OF HIS MEAT HATH ARRIVED!"

Someone wearing A floppy donkey mask checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 17 higher.

Sabella covers her face with her hands, and though there isn't any sound coming from her, her shoulders are shaking with laughter.

Madeleine almost chokes on her drink. That's how good the Pork Prince King of Swine is. "Master of his meat?" She can't breathe now, her laughter is that bad. "Gods... dear Gods.... AHAHAHAHA." Now she's crying tears of pure joy and doing her best NOT to drop her glass.

Caspian checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 37, rolling 10 higher.

"Dragon looks really comfortable, doesn't he? Might need one? The set -- not the Dragon himself -- and wear it to a duel. Slay the dragon." A pause, and his sleepy eyes widen a little. "Shit. That's a good idea." Luca looks up, sniffing the air, and he turns in the direction of the entering retinue. "That's a better idea. Evening, your Meatiness."

Catalana nearly falls out of her seat when she sees this. "Oh dear god!!!" Laughing she would just set her bottle down as she put her hand on her face now. This was just too much.

The donkey plants both feet as the dragon gets dragged away from him and then curls his lasso in a neat arc, a single loop of this winds itself around Caspian's body and then the Donkey knight heaves. "Sir Ham! The villains seek to take our prize! I mean... HEE HAW!" But the weight of the mount and the strength of the rider cause the donkey to stumble forward instead of haul him down. "Oof!"

Leta raises her brandy in Luca's direction, and sips occasionally at her drink at the events unfold. Then she cocks her head at the arrival of the prince of pork and stares, a slack grin in complete confusion plastered on her face. "Uh?" She might as well finish off the rest of her brandy, and does so in a single swig. "That's something."

Ian was RIGHT in the middle of taking a drink of whiskey, and probably should have known better than to do so when chanting started, but we'll call it a lapse in judgement. A lapse in judgement that leads to him inhaling whiskey, of all things, when he starts to cough out a startled laugh. And then he's just coughing. But it's good natured coughing. There's still mirth in his eyes. He swears under his breath in a soft, steady stream as the coughing subsides.

Calmly, Cambria looks to her husband, and says most flatly, "-Litters-." Then, done personally blaming Hadrian for that which the gods can only guess, the Marquessa lifts her arms in order to clap her heads up near her head. "Bravo, bravo!" In the end, she /does/ look genuinely pleased by the entrance of Sir Ham.

At some point during all this, Enyo has gotten herself turned around, her lasso tangled around her, and is off in some corner having a conversation with the flicking tail of her donkey. This, right here, is why she's not allowed to be an actual knight.

The group of robe clad men now seem to also be snickering to themselves as they lower the platform to the ground, two of them then kneel and different heights to allow his most swinely to use them as stairs descending to the ground. The pork-god now stands, his hammy gaze flowing around the scene before him, though he seems to pay no particular attention to anyone...At least...Until... "You there, fetch me strong drink!" is barked toward Ian, those his piggy face smiling like the some famous jester no doubt, little scars cut outward just at the edges of his lip, go ahead...Ask him how he got them! "Where be my goat steed!" he shouts, his meaty lance lifted high into the air.

Alarie checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 30 higher.

"Donkey!" Cambria calls out to the porcine warrior. "DONKEY STEED."

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!" Calls the blind fold man towards the odd sight as he performs his own odd sight of dragging away a midget in a dragon costume. Caspian would have lifted his blindfold to look to see what it is, but a rope wraps around him. He struggles against it, but manages to stay on Smart Ass and continues to pull until he feels the attacker give. Once that's done he dismounts and hurries to the dragon, try to get it to it quickly so that he may begin his efforts at tieing up the dragon midget.

Duarte checked composure + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 8 lower.

"Mazetti!" Alarie calls out, trying to ping where Theron is, tilting her head again, peering just under that rim of the blindfold. Locating where he is, she's getting off the uni-ass (deftly so) "I'm coming for you!"

Madeleine's hand is over her heart, patting it as she laughs. Laughs long and hard. Cannot stop laughing. She leans on Luca momentarily for support. "Oh be still my heart, I can't breathe," she pants. Needing another drink, she motions to the servants for a refill and tries her best to let her amusement fade. Laughing so HARD it is hurting.

Hadrian's busy spectating, cheering on the various competitors. Though as the Smiling Pig Mask arrives and makes his proclamation, the Marquis of House Mazetti can be heard laughing good-naturedly before he nudges at Cambria, "Find out who that one is...because it's not Wash, I think? So I can make sure they're invited to the private match."

Caspian checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 10, rolling 11 higher.

Ian wipes his eyes, streaming due to the pain of inhaled whiskey, and signals a servant. He hands his bottle of whiskey over to be ferried to Sir Ham. It's possible he doesn't trust his legs to make the trip. Hopefully someone will bring him some brandy soon.

Duarte checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 7 lower.

Luca leans back in toward Madeleine, holding his glass out toward the servant's pour in order to get his own drink topped off. And then another. And then another. The third is passed off toward Ian. "Now, it's not boring.' The Lycene duelist grins with pleasure, sinking low into his seat. He stretches his legs out, crosses them at the calves, and continues to sip at the cherry brandy.

Duarte stealthily....falls sideways off his donkey, landing with his face in the dirt.

Hadrian is overheard praising Duarte for: Masterful dismount, Count!

Alarie is overheard praising Duarte for: Down he goes!

Theron has rolled a critical success!
Theron checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 29 higher.

Ian nods his thanks to Luca when the prince hands him a glass of brandy. "Not boring, no," he agrees with a grin. Alas! He misses Duarte's faceplant in the dirt, for it was stealthy.

"I shall certainly endeavor to do so," Cambria answers Hadrian, her attention largely given over to the event itself, while at times returning towards Sir Ham, and for others, roaming over their guests.

Theron just sort of... flawlessly slides off of the donkey. Unsurprisingly, it now starts to move. Very quickly. Away from him. He half-turns at the sound of hooves but he stops in his track when Alarie starts shouting for him. Maybe if he doesn't move for five seconds, the velociThraxiraptor won't see him. Then he's starting to move towards the source of the commotion. "THAT DRAGON IS MINE!"

His most meatiness nods his head deeply toward Ian as the servant provides the man, if it is a man, the bottle. A single finger would be lifted to halt the servant from wandering off, "Halt human, I shall bless you with my divine meaty lance, handle it with care! The length and girth of such is much for a mortal person." all of his words were exaggerated, his voice much louder than it should be, though something perhaps a bit familiar could be heard, the almost musical deepness to its tone! Regardless, with this spoken he handed off his lance to that same servant, and then he lifted the bottle brought to him, his head tilting back as he poured the bottle down onto that smiling face, liquor spilling all over him, though to be fair a large amount making its way into his mouth.
No doubt, one of his robed worshipers would retrieve his donkey, though the donkey was dressed in a goat costume, a carefully made and form fitting goat costume, a moment, an empty bottle tossed idly aside and the sovereign of swine would in fact mount his goat-ass, facing, its ass!

Sabella gets to her feet, waving around the bottle of vodka that Catalana has handed her to drink from. She gets some of the vodka on her, instead of in her, but she's cheering too loud to notice.

Throwing her hands up to keep the vodka from splashing on he she'd jump and cheer. Screaming out she'd laugh then as she snapped that vodka back and winked, taking a sip. Catalana then passed it back to Sabella. "Come on, Sir Ass!!"

Enyo checked strength + ride at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Caspian checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 25, rolling 29 higher.

"Your Meatiness, please, please do not mount your ass ass-first, er, loin-first. No. Face-first. Less you be kissing your goat-ass's ass." Luca offers the suggestion with a suggestive wiggle of dark eyebrows, smirking wickedly. One glass of brandy down, another to go.

Someone wearing A floppy donkey mask checked composure + athletics at difficulty 50, rolling 4 lower.

The conversation with her donkey's tail having ended, Enyo has gotten her mount once more moving again. It's a quick little clip this time as she manages to guide it in Caspian's direction, "Come on, Stinky Butt! LET'S GO ALREADY!" What she lacks in skill and focus she tries to make up for in volume as she manages to lead her donkey right into Caspian's.

Ian sets down his drink to applaud the return of Enyo! Then picks his drink back up again, because priorities.

The Donkey knight staggers after the dragon and plants a foot on the far side of the thrashing green figure. "Still yourself!" He says shiffting his weight to pin the rope and allow him to loop his own around the dragon's wrists. Though he pins Caspian's rope momentarily, there's too much to focus on and when his weight shifts, wrestling with the dragon, he is completely upended as the target lurches back into motion. He falls on his back and his nose folds sideways over his face.

Caspian checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 10, rolling 11 higher.

Caspian checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 10, rolling 33 higher.

Enyo charges Caspian, but Caspian moves himself to avoid much of the blow, staying on his mount. "Stinky Butt is no match for Smart Ass!" Feeling his opponent's grip loosening, he quickly dismounts in a haste and hurries over to the dragon to try and bind up the poor battered and abused midget.

Madeleine has drinks. Company. Hilarity. All in all, a happy Archlector.

Alarie checked composure + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

Luca is overheard praising Galen.

Luca is overheard praising Reese.

Luca is overheard praising Leta.

"Mazetti!" Alarie keeps calling out, barreling that direction before she suddenly darts away from Theron and makes for the dragon. That leg flailing, drunken, tiny man-dragon. The one that just upended the floppy faced donkey knight. Alarie barks out a laugh and the pint-sized seamstress throws herself on that dragon, her lasso in hand as she -steals- the dragon from Caspian. Let it never be said that her sewing skills and how to tie off a thread doesn't coming handy as once, twice, three times she's wrapped that rope around the dragon, hogtie him and lets out a whoop!

"I shall take your advice under advisement!" The smiling pig replies to Luca, though suddenly, a look of...Well his look is exactly the same, it's a mask! He shouts out toward the servant, "You there with my gigantic meat lance! Come hither, I believe I shall wield it once more!" he exclaimed. The poor, poor servant dutifully obeyed, returning the lance to its owner with but a sigh before turning away, someone should give this servant a raise! "It seems I perhaps may have missed such opportunity to slay the foul dragon myself...Though I shall bestow my blessings to the winner," he said to on one, though he did lift a bacony hand in Luca's direction, "To whom do you think I shall lay the pork?"
The robed men gathered, forming a line not far from their liege, heads still downcast just enough to obscure their faces but allow them to see a tad, "Great sower of sows, bless them all, let not your glory be restrained to but one! Pork them all with the grace of your hogliness!" the middle robed man would call out, this elicited a laugh from the others, and from Hammy himself, a grin, one unseen but a grin still!

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

"Fuck, she's tiny - tighty - and mighty. THE MITE! GO MITE!" Luca crows out of his seat, smoothly, gracefully sloshing a few drops of cherry brandy that roll off like rain from his seasilk shirt. The beauty of hight fashion. He continues cheering for Alarie, pointing at her, "The Mite, your Meatiness! Touch her with your meaty rod -- lance -- appendage, thing."

The Donkey knight flails his way to his feet and pulls his mask up. It's Wash under there. "Alarie?!" He says, surprised. "You're barely larger than the dragon." Wash is butted from behind by his donkey, still wearing a human mask over it's long face.

Alarie dismounts and with her intent to be her continued targetting of Lord Theron, it comes as a surprise when she breaks away from that singular focus! She dashes toward the dragon and after a few quick motions has the thrashing, roaring dragon contained by the ropes!

The crowd goes wild! Or at least Hadrian does as he lifts a hand in the air, a goblet of wine nearly splashing with the gesture, "Our Donkey Knight Champion of 1008 AR, Mistress Alarie Harall! Knights, salute the champion with honor and be recognized yourselves for a fierce and intense competition!"

Waldemai applauds the champion.

"Look," Cambria says to Hadrian. "The favor carries the day again. We had best not inform Giulio, or he may want to begin investigating your best friend." Someone from the benches can be overheard to exclaim, "FAMILY FRIENDLY!" But it is anyone's guess as to why this prude feels the need to shout it out. Luca.

Hadrian is overheard praising Alarie for: All hail the Donkey Knight Champion of 1008 AR!

"Wait...it's over?" Enyo tugs her blindfold up to look around, then she wrinkles her nose a moment before she starts to applaud, "Damn...I need to take blindfold-riding lessons more seriously from now on."

Hadrian is overheard praising Caspian for: He can work a donkey like no other!

"Wait, what's going--" Theron pulls the blindfold and notices Alarie has, in fact, hog-tied the Dragon. He also notices she's wearing an outfit that suspiciously looks like his own. "I see," he nods to himself, chuckles, and joins in on the applause.

Enyo is overheard praising Alarie.

Theron is overheard praising Alarie.

Ian finishes off his brandy just in time to see Alarie... flying tackle... the dragon... He looks startled for a moment before he breaks out in another grin.

Sabella is overheard praising Alarie for: All hail Alarie, the champion of the Donkey Knights!

Caspian lifts his blindfold, completely shocked, blinking as he looks to Alarie and her captured prize. Then he laughs, calling out, "That was a clever ruse! Here I thought you didn't even care about winning." He pats at his donkey's ass, telling him, "You did good, Smart Ass, I'm proud of you."

Catalana is overheard praising Alarie for: Yay Alarie for winning the Donkey Knights challenge!

Cambria is overheard praising Duarte for: Stealth Knight.

Hadrian is overheard praising Theron for: Lord Theron, Sword of Ostria, Donkey Knight enthusiast!

Hadrian is overheard praising Enyo for: My dear cousin, getting down and dirty with some Donkey Knights!

Hadrian is overheard praising Wash for: Yet again, Best In Show!

Ian is overheard praising Alarie for: Did she really just flying tackle the dragon?

6 Thrax Guards arrives, following Caith.

4 Ashford House Guard arrives, following Harlan.

5 Thrax Guards, Bastian, the reformed rogue, Caith, Harlan arrive, following Cassima.

Cambria is overheard praising Galen for: Nonsense, Hadrian, this one was clearly best in show.

Hadrian is overheard praising Galen for: I know what I like, Cambria. Co-Best In Show!

Ian is overheard praising Galen for: Second most impressive entrance on a litter I've seen.

Leta is overheard praising Alarie.

Cambria is overheard praising Caspian for: Have a praise on me.

Duarte scrambles to his feet and dusts himself off. He looks dismayed, but none the less pats the tiniest donkey on the nose and thanks it for its service.

Cambria is overheard praising Alarie for: THE FAVOR MAINTAINS ITS POWER.

Harlan enters the Mazetti grounds with a Princess on each arm: Caith and Cassima. All are dressed as if they've come from a fancy event, and all are trailed by guards. How many people get to escort two Princesses at once without a fight ensuing? Well, probably more than one would think, but still!

Hadrian is overheard praising Cambria for: Such an enthusiastic and energetic co-host! Also, afraid, to compete against peak Donkey Knight performers.

Someone wearing Smiling Pig Mask gives a firm nod toward Luca, "It shall be so!" it cheers, raising the lance into the air and flipping position on its steed. "LET US GO BLESS THE WINNER!" the smiling pig beast calls out, his feet kicking against the donkey clad in a goat costume, and with that the beast, riding a best sprints...Ok lets be fair, it isn't really sprinting, but its at least trotting quickly! He lines his lance of meat girth up clearly, evenly, directed on Alarie, the tiny, tighty, mighty herself, "YOU THERE! BE BLESSED WITH THE GLORY OF MY MEATNESS!" and with this he would thrust the lance forward, though with only enough force to knock the champion down, not causing any real harm.

Alarie is up, hands in fists pumping in the air as she hops around, whooping, blindfold up around her forehead. "Long live the tiny tighty Mighty Alar-" Wait a second, that's a meaty pork lance coming toward her and Alarie turns inadvertantly into it as the porcine man and dnkey makes their way forward. It cuts off her words and knocks her over since she was mid-jump and flop she goes, onto the ground, blinking. "Alarie"


Cassima Thrax has let her wild black curls run free. She is wearing a black military inspired silk ballgown. They enter just in time to see someone in a pig mask shouting about meat and wacking people. Cassima smiles, fond but exasperated. She gives a little shake of her head. "I believe, based on the choice of steed, that would be our dear cousin Galen," she points out quietly to her compatriots, and then nods to the benches. "Let's have a seat, I think it's finally time I had a glass of rum this evening. I need to make an announcement once this is finished, so I will need to steel myself a bit."


Wash applauds, then the donkeyman behind him nudges his pockets again. "I don't have any more sugar cubes!" He tells the donkey.

Caspian barks out in laughter at the pig mask man as he thrusts his meat at Alarie, climbing off of Smart Ass as he grins. "Oh my god. This is the best fucking event ever. I love it." He turns to the host, Hadrian, calling out to him, "This is great. I'm coming every year!"

Hadrian approaches Alarie, only long enough to inform her, "I'll deliver your trophy soon, Champion. They're made personalized to the winner, so they just need to customize it for you specifically". Hadrian offers a simple nod of his head before he steps away so that Alarie may bask in the glow of victory. Onward he steps toward Cambria in order to advise her, "I think here in a few weeks... this family friendly stuff is just killing me. I need an *actual* match of Donkey Knights. There hasn't been nearly enough nudity or high enough alcohol consumption or... other things."

Hadrian abruptly turns to Caspian, fires off a bright green and waves toward the Donkey Knight, "You're welcome back, year after year! Thank you for coming and putting on such a great show! Next year is your year!"

"Well, I suppose I should change. Or I could walk down the Ward of the Compact like this, it works, too. Get people talking." Theron then shouts, "ALL HAIL ALARIE HARALL, THE DONKEY KNIGHT!" And he's off to bow towards Sabella, right before approaching her. "Well, I see you've attended," he quips, grinning as he looks down. "I am fairly sure there's some maid inside the Manor shouting my name right before a string of profanities."

Ian sits in the stands, finishing off another glass of brandy, grinning, really grinning, at the tail end of the spectacle as it unfolds.

Cambria watches the exchange between Sir Ham II and current year champion Alarie, and dissolves into a fit of giggles. At least until she overhears Hadrian, at which point...her hand slips from within her cloak, and strikes quick as a viper for the vulnerable Marquis. All the while she stares forward and wears an innocent smile. "What was that? Not enough nudity? You are only too right, Marquis."

Luca's -- about to make some not-so-useful commentary about the state of cold, pressed meats being used for lances -- no, no sir. He drinks more brandy, grinning. He looks aside toward the left, the right and he nods slowly to himself. "To first blood, my lord, and I'll dig into that shiiii --" he shuts up. Again.

Enyo throws her leg over the ass-end of her donkey, and slides down to her feet, tugging the blindfold off entirely before she slides a hand through her hair, giving it a shake so that it works out any pesky blind-fold head that might be going on. She then coils the lasso, and tucks it beneath an arm before moving towards the hosts, "Marquis, Marquessa...I wished to say that this was a wonderful event, and I wanted to say thank you both. Do you mind if I keep this rope?"

The minister of meat slides off of his mount with ease, extending down bacon wrapped fingers toward the fallen Alarie, "Thou tiniest and mightiest, congratulations!"

"Probably, but I imagine the maid will also be laughing as she tries to yell at you." Sabella returns, grinning up at Theron. "You look...nice." She tries to say the words without laughing, but can't quite manage it.

Hadrian offers a polite bow of his head toward Enyo before he answers, "Of course, of course! Keep the rope, absolutely. Every Donkey Knight needs a token, not only of their successes, but sometimes of their failures. A reminder to train and compete with all their heart!"

Caspian strolls over to the seating area, grinning up to Sabella as he calls to her, "I didn't hear you cheering for me, Princess Sabella!" He calls to her. "Here I thought we were friends! You broke my heart," He says, putting his hands to his chest.,

"Thank you, oh porcine of kings!" Alarie takes his hand and hops up, a smile beamed at Hadrian. "This is what happens when they let me out of my shop. Beware!" And she does stand there, hands on her hips and beaming and basking in the glory that is being the Donkey Knight. But she seeks out Cambria's attention and waves the favour at her.

"Aw, glorious, is the King of All Porcine a Lycene -- " Luca smacks his rump smartly back into his chair, slapping his knee. "One can hope. Excellent to know."

"Ow," Theron complains as the hairpin pokes into his ribcage, but he flashes Sabella a wry smile. "I am fairly sure I will need bandages since the hairpin has been stabbing at my side repeatedly ever since I decided to take my cousin's idea and run with it. Hope you enjoyed the show." With a wink, he looks towards Enyo and points at her, "Next time, we're trading donkeys. At least yours doesn't stop to eat!"

Wash lumbers over to the drinks, where he quickly empties the contents of one goblet so that he can start on a third. The donkey pursues him along the way. "This is mine. Get your own."

Hadrian is overheard praising Wash for: That's right, don't let that donkey push you around.

Standing up, she would give a wave to Wash as she laughed. "Good job!!!" Catalana would take back that bottle of vodka and held it up towards him. "Next time you need to win though!" A wink as she took a drink from the bottle.

"Right, practice...that too." Enyo agrees with a laugh, giving a bit of a bow to the pair before she glances at Theron, "No! You can not have Stinky-Butt! We have come to an agreement. He does what I need, and then I try and lasso things...and promise to not eat him later." She moves towards the man, throwing her arm around his shoulder, patting him lightly, "You should try that tactic. Threaten to eat it."

Of the newly arrived trio, Caith is probably the least fancy-dressed. I mean, her garment is well-made and all that but it lacks the formal razzle-dazzle that Harlan and Cassima no doubt have going on. But don't worry. What the blonde lacks in fashion, she makes up for in pure charm. She's one of those woman who manage to radiate sparkle from within -- from her bright green eyes to her merry smile to the carelessly elegant way she walks.

"Did you mention rum?" she echoes after her sister and then watches the .. whatever this IS .. with wide eyes. This. Is. Amazing. I mean .. there is the woman with the filthy mouth from the shop! Alarie! Caith grabs Cassima's sleeve, tugs it and points.

Leta claps her hands rather vigorously after she's imbibed considerable amounts of free brandy, and even brings her fingers to her mouth for a whistle. She looks utterly lost, likely not sure whether the pork-like figure is part of the day's events, but she seems quite content in her tipsy ignorance. "That was properly absurd, wasn't it? Good show!"

Deliverance, an albino falcon arrives, delivering a message to Luca before departing.

Harlan mmms, and looks around a bit, and nods towards the pine benches that people are at, "Over there, then?" And he moves to escort the sisters. Alcohol is always good, yes! Well, okay, almost always.


And lo, a servant doeth hear the cries and wails of the sober nobles, and delivers unto them a tray of three glasses of rum. Cassima takes hers and smiles graciously, nodding to Harlan and moving with him toward the benches. Caith's excitement makes her grin. "Aren't you glad you agreed to come? I rather imagined this might appeal to you." She says affectionately. "It looks like we just caught the end though, I'm rather sorry for that." Her fine silk dress ruffles as she moves to settle into teh bench.

Cassima has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

Harlan has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

Caith has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

Catching a third and fourth goblet, Wash crosses the room to Catalana and offers her a goblet. "And that... I am told, is the /tame/ version of Donkey Knights."

Wash has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

Sabella gets herself another glass of cherry brandy and settles back on the benches, letting the conversation flow around her for the moment. Her eyes go to the hairpin in question when Theron brings it up, but she wisely holds her council on his outfit. After she has nearly drained her glass she steps down the benches to make her way to Hadrian and Cambria. She dips a curtsy at Hadrian and smiles. "I'm told you're the person to talk to if one wants to get involved in charity events."

Caspian has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

Ian stands up very carefully, testing his balance before moving away from the place where he was sitting. He doesn't look all that drunk -- flushed, yes, but not vacantly staring or weaving in place -- but he nevertheless is very careful about the short trip to the tiered benches.

Ian has left the Heavy oak bench.

"Blessings to all!" The ever smiling pig creature declared, once more thrusting his cold cut lance into the air along side his fist. He then made way with this goat-donkey, back toward his robed worshipers, a hand lifted in a wave here, a nod given there, a wink yonder. "You will all be remembered when I return to my Kingdom, I shall write thine names upon the halls of ham, with special care for the Tiny, Tighty and Mighty!" he announced, his voice still loud and exaggerated, though probably somewhat familiar to Cassima, at least in tone.

%His royal meatness robed men once more assumed their position, two of them becoming stairs as the others began to hoist his platform back into the air, he stepped up them with grace and care, like one would expect from a pig-god! "I bid you all porkly tidings! DRINK AND BE MERRY!" he shouted with command in his voice, finally ascending back to his platform which was lifted to its full height once more.

The earlier somewhat eerie chanting erupted once more from each man carrying the Hammiest, they backed slowly away so that he still faced the crowd as he departed.

"My friends, my family, my future friends and companions in debauchery!" The Prince of Pig shouted, bowing deeply, though while bowing one bacon wrapped hand would slide his mask from his face, and as he rose the visage of Prince Galen Thrax grinning ear to ear was brightly visible, "It has been my divine pleasure to entertain the lot of you, and I thank you for the opportunity to do such!"

Ian has joined the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

"Well," Theron listens to Enyo's advice, glancing over at the rebellious donkey. "I will take that in mind." He promises, still staring at the poor creature like he's just come up with a new game plan. If the Malvici's not disentangling from him, he's dragging her towards Alarie, as he nods upward once. "That is a nice outfit." His lips curve into a bright grin, before he applauds Galen. "I know a Lady who'll be very cross with you come tomorrow, Your Highness! Well done!"

"That is truly some magnificent pig," Luca murmurs, relaxing, and nearly as liquid as a cat's shadow. Indolent grace, smoothly accented. It's a questionable level of inebriation.

Cambria's hands are once again hidden within her cloak, no doubt to protect them from the cold. She offers Sabella a warm smile, but does not otherwise interrupt her as she approaches Hadrian. Instead, she offers her applause to Galen, saying, "It was our pleasure and great joy to have you attend!"

Hadrian's attention drifts to Cambria, then to Sabella. He fixes the latter with a bright smile and offers a polite bow before his posture corrects itself. One hand moves to drape across his abdomen, while the other slips behind his back beneath his heavy fur cloak, "While I wouldn't say that I'm the only charitable face in the city, I do strive to conduct charitable affairs as regularly as I'm able. If you mean the charity that I myself run? I'd be more than happy to meet with you, perhaps tomorrow? To discuss that at length with you."

Ian sits down in time to be able to applaud Galen's grand reveal.

After a moment, Luca exhales cherry-flavored brandy breath and rolls to his feet, nodding all sleepy-eyed at the Pork Prink, revealed. "Meatstache."

She's done basking, a raise of brows as Galen reveals himself as the prince of pigs. But Theron, she catches tha horrific concoction of bedsheets and as Theron comes over, there's a sweep of one foot as she knocks Theron off his feet, careful to not be -too- forceful. Stomp stomp, either foot down to either side of his knee's and those hands still on her hips Alaries giving Theron a pointed look. "You're down Mazetti!" A big grin on her face.

Sabella grins at Caspian and she fans herself a bit, her bottom lip poking out in a pout. "What happened, you were winning for a while." She says, before she turns back to Hadrian. "I would like that, send me a messenger and perhaps we can both help each other in the future, yes?"

"You really should take it into consideration." Enyo agrees, following along where she's drug, offering Alarie a quick smile, "Congratulations on your epic win." She then lifts a hand, wiggling her fingers at Galen, "Your Highness, wonderful to see you, great mask..."

Waldemai has left the A Set of Tiered Pine Benches.

She's ten inches shorter than him and yet she manages to make him fall on his ass in less time than one can say 'Hello'. Just then the hairpin clatters to the ground and Theron looks decidedly like he knows there's trouble incoming. Trying to pull the folds of the bedsheet together so as to not make the whole thing collapse on itself, he probably flashes someone in the process if there's ever a stray wind or something of the sort. He grins back up at Alarie, though, moving to stand. Ever so carefully.

With a point of a couple of fingers at Ian, the Lycene duellist's head lolls, bobs -- thoughts were thought, decisions were decided -- Luca points again, with greater emphasis toward Ian. "Tri. Tri-leg. Third-leg. No, no. Tripod. You've gotta have a hollow leg. It's the only thing that explains how you put so much drink away. It's done. Evening, Tripod. Good invite. Good Marquis and Marquessa. Hadri-Cambri. Niiiight." Luca prowls out.

"I'll see you home." Wash assures Catalana. "Let the afterparty begin without us."

As his men continue to slowly cart him away, all chanting has stopped, instead they have finally released the depth of their restrained laughter, they probably sound something similar to a chorus of howler monkeys! Galen simply grins, his face brightening, somehow his dark locks still hanging perfectly by his face, that moustache perfectly pristine! The Prince bows once more, "My bestest friend, it was a pleasure!" he announces to Enyo before blowing kisses to everyone present as if he had just finished a legendary stage performance. "Be well!"

Cambria waves farewell to Luca as he departs!

'Hello Enyo! No, your stuff isn't ready yet. I've been busy with gala outfits.. But I promise after I have drunk a great deal, fetched my child from his father, I'll get right on it!" Then Theron's getting a gentle pinch to the cheek when he stands up. "Next time, maybe you'll win Mazetti. Nice bedsheets." And she's turning then. "I'm off to the crow! To celebrate my win!

Cambria picks up Gold-plated 1007 AR Donkey Knights Trophy.

Hadrian offers a dip of the chin in acceptance of that agreement, then casts a smile, "Absolutely! I'd offer right now, but I suspect that you and others would like to mingle. I, however, must see to a few matters more."

Hadrian turns to face the gathering before he calls out, "I want to thank you all for coming. Those who participated? I salute you. Those who were present to cheer on our Knights? You have my thanks. They work very hard to provide us all with entertainment, while themselves being entertained. To Marquessa Cambria," Hadrian looks aside to his wife. Very briefly he seems to grimace before he clears his throat and continues, "was a most excellent co-host. She is last year's Champion, but refused to compete this year. No doubt wishing to maintain her perfect record. Thank you again, all of you. I appreciate your time, your energy, and most of all your enthusiasm to support those in need. Good night and those who wish to attend the private game? Don't hesitate to ask me about it later, so that I can begin compiling my guest list."

The thanks shared, Hadrian offers a bow to the assembled Knights and spectators. Along with a farewell bow toward Luca.

"Prince Galen! You fucking animal! I loved it! Fucking meaty spear!" Caspian calls over to Galen with a wide grin his way, making the same howling noise as his men, laughing his ass off before he sits himself back down.