Waldemai shows up for the...well, whatever it is. "The Hart's been good to me, so I'll help out any way I can, your highness," he explains to Valencia.

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

Tonight, the Hart's main hall is filled with a high spirited and happy buzz tonight as people gather to enjoy a drink with good company and perhaps share a prayer or two in support of Sparte’s Paper Fleet. The drinks flow freely and neat piles of parchment, ink, quills and such are made readily available for those who would like to add their prayers.

The little vixen smiles as Waldemai arrives and is so happy to see the master smith she nearly hugs him. "No, no. It is I who should thank you, Missere Waldemai. It would not be a proper Hart event without you," she smiles up at him as Lizette, a pretty little buxom brunette barmaid, arrives with a pitcher of ale and a playful for the man. "I hope that we will gather many prayers for Missere Sparte's cause. It is such a beautiful idea. I should like to see it such a success. Thank you for helping us. But first, please enjoy a drink, yes?"

Waldemai points out, "Prayers first, then ale when the throat gets dry." But he never turns down a pitcher on the house.

Valencia gives Waldemai another smile and laughs gently. "We shall endeavor to keep your throat from being so," she nods to Lizette who nods back and gives another little wink before she's off to see to the other guests. "If it pleases, I would be happy to show you how to fold a boat. I have not quite mastered it yet, but I suspect you're artists eye will see me right. Come, join me?" she invites him to sit at the table by the fire.

Valencia has joined the table by the fire.

An event to support his cause, and Sparte is nowhere to be seen. Oh, wait, there he is. Late. Sparte huffs a bit, straightening his outfit after what a person is left to assume was a jog to get here anywhere near on time. He gives a friendly smile to those already assembled before heading to find a place to sit down.

Theron strides into the Golden Hart, offering a faint bow of his head over to Valencia, along with a smile. He carries something in his hand, something folded, and most likely paper, of course.

Sparte has joined the table by the fire.

Thena makes her way in quietly as is her wont, and snags herself a drink before making her way over to the table equipped with paper boat supplies. She sets her drink down carefully and drops into a seat, then flattens her hands on the tabletop and announces, "I'm good at folding."

Waldemai takes a wad of paper, wets a finger, and peels one sheet off the top. He bends over the piece of paper and starts folding carefully, his large fingers remarkably deft.

Lethe gets a drink to enjoy and some paper to make a boat with. She looks around for a place to sit.

Esoka is here to support the effort. And for the free drinks. She gets herself a cider, before heading to the table. "Princess Valencia. I can also fold things!" It's declared boomingly. "I volunteered to help with Guardsman Sparte's Paper Fleet. It's a lovely effort, I think."

"Missere Sparte! Lord Theron! I am so happy to see you. Thank you so much for finding your way to my Hart," Valencia smiles up at them as they arrive, excusing herself for a moment to offer each a delicate hand in greeting. "Please sit and say on what pleases palate. You must both know Missere Waldemai?" she asks looking over and smiling to see how readily he takes to folding the paper boat with remarkable grace. The little fox laughs, "I did not know you were so adept, missere. I should have invited you earlier for lessons," she says with a little smile and turning to greet Thena. "Dame Thena, thank you so much for coming. Thank goodness for you. Perhaps between the both of you anything I fold will not sink before it is set on water," she grins a little more as Dame Esoka comes to the rescue as well. "Gods, I am so grateful, thank you for coming. And Lady Lethe! You are here! How wonderful!" she smiles brightly as the raven haired Lady of Tyde arrives. "I think at this rate the entire bay will be filled with these. I cannot wait to see what this will look like." Another smile is offered to Sparte, "However did you come up with such a wonderful idea?"

"Thank you for hosting this, Princess Valencia," Thena replies, and then glances up at Esoka and flashes her a smile as she sits down. "Esoka. Did you get a hat? I was promised a hat." This seems at least partly also directed at Sparte, stern but with a faint hint of impishness to it before she reaches for a prayer dropped off nearby and neatly turns it into a wee boat.

Lethe looks to Valencia and smiles. "I am very glad to be here." She gives a glance to Waldemai. "Hello have you made one of these before?"

Waldemai looks up at Lady Lethe. "When I was a boy, down in Southport. We would take them out to the beach and watch them sail off." That was a long time ago...back when he had hair, for instance. He wets his finger again, to peel off another sheet of paper.

Sparte doesn't seem to have expected the question from Valencia. "How did... Oh, uh..." He looks a bit embarassed. "I thought back to as a boy, the first time I really felt like water was something special. There was a stream we would play at some time. My sister is the one actually, who showed me how to fold a paper boat. She put it into the water and I followed it down the street with her. Fell further than we were supposed to go. We were scared of how far we'd gone, but at the same time scared the boat might sink and thrilled to see how far it would go. In the end it washed up on some pebbles in a shallow spot, making the voyage safely." He chuckles, rubbing at the back of his beck. "We immediately put the boat back in the water because, of course we would want it to keep going... But it fell apart when we tried. One voyage was all the little paper ship had in it." He glances around, pulling what might be a paper boat out and unfolding it. Only it is quickly revealed to be something far sillier. "For you, Admiral Valencia. The very first one made."

Sparte drops a clothe hat shaped like a paper sailboat.

Theron takes Valencia's hand, offering it a courtly kiss to her knuckles and smiling at her before he lets go of it, going to Sparte's table and offering him the folded paper. "I have no idea how to do it, and it's not a skill I'm particularly good at. Maybe you can help me, Messire."

"Thena!" Esoka scoots over to sit beside the Knight of Solace, to get to this folding work. "I did not get a hat." She snorts. "I got a clothe, though." She considers it. Then attempts to tie it into her hair. Her curls are thick things, so they at least support it. But it's no proper hat. She leaves it there, though, as she listens to Sparte's story with a little smile on her face.

Lethe nods as she looks at Waldemai. "That sounds like it was fun. I'm not quite as skilled at this as I am at rolling bandages, but I'll learn."

Waldemai nods a bit. "The trick is to make the folds very tight. 'That as is tight can be loosened, but that is is loose sinks,'" he says, quoting some unknown sage from his youth.

"It is my pleasure to do so. I am honoured that my Hart was invited to support such a thing," she nods to Thena and then offers a smile to Lethe as she speaks with Waldemain. Lord Theron receives a shy smile but a very warm incline of head as he greets her. "I think you will find no end of talent to teach you this here, my Lord. But I would humbly suggest you look to the others. I am fearfully untalented at this for now," she confides, "Though I aim to improve." The little fox smiles gratefully at the hat and offers Sparte a gracious nod, "I thank you, missere. I did not think I should ever be called such. Even of a paper fleet," she smiles a little more. "If it pleases, my dame and Miserre Sparte, you are welcome to my hat. I do not mind waiting. I am just happy to have you all here," she nods, giving Sparte a little look to see if that is alright by him.

Leta wanders in off the street, brought into the Hart by curiosity. She slows once she's inside and looks around with wide eyes to study the patrons present and try to understand what's going on, hands coming to a quiet rest on her waist. Eventually, after taking in the lay of the land, she strolls further in. "Your Highness," she says to Valencia after a few steps in that direction, inclining her head and offering her a broad friendly smile, eyebrows rising as she looks over the hat.

Thena tilts her head as Valencia receives the very first hat, then says musingly and half to herself, "That's fair," before sliding a few prayers awaiting folding to Esoka. She makes quick work of a few more, fingers flying and leaving behind a neat little row of boats. "I left my cloth at home. Hopefully Dog has not decided to appropriate it." She glances up and smiles at Valencia, shaking her head. "You deserve the first hat."

Lethe looks down at her own paper and tries to fold it like Waldemai instructs. "Like this?" She chews on her lower lip a little as she focuses on the task.

Sparte chuckles, gesturing towards the hat. "Any may wear it as you see fit, admiral. Handiwork of Petal Primrose I should say. She has a lovely touch." Sparte looks over to the paper from Theron, accepting it and carefully demonstrates the process. "There is extra paper here if I'm not mistaken, so feel free to practice. It took me quite a few tries before I folded my first."

"Indeed," Theron nods once to Sparte, watching as he demonstrates the process, and then looking around for a sheet of paper. Once he gets one, he'll slowly try to emulate Sparte's steps... and manage some misshapen abomination that probably - not likely - could float.

Esoka is SERIOUS about her folding. She's not particularly quick, but she's methodical and it appeals to a perfectionist streak she nurses. Her paper boats have all their corners squared off, even if they don't come together very fast. A grin, to Valencia. "It's a very fine hat!" Her eye might twitch at Theron's creation. It just might. But she says, to be supportive, "That will float, probably!"

Wynna wanders in after a short while, mostly keeping to the sidelines and likely trying to figure out what paper boat protocol is.

Waldemai cranes his neck to look over what Lady Lethe is doing. "Yah, that's it, my lady," he encourages. "If you need to make the seams tighter, you can use your fingernail, right?" His fingers are so calloused from the hammer that he basically has five giant fingernails himself.

"Thanks. I ... uh, hope so." Theron tries again, though, with yet another sheet of paper, and this time, this time it works! Kind of. It's more like a miniature paper hat for fingers and stuff like that. But he presents it to Esoka, all proud. "See? I did it!"

Valencia looks up from her folding her ship to eye Theron's work and then over to Esoka and Thena. Finally she looks at Waldemai's beautifully crafted boats and then back her own creation. She wrinkles her nose at what should look like a ship but more looks like a crumpled mountain as at Leta arrives and offers a big beautiful smile. "Dame Leta! Welcome! It has been so long. Please, join us, yes? I am folding...," she looks down and frowns and shakes her head wryly. "Trying to fold a paper ship. Here, please. Take my seat and Lizette will bring you a drink, yes?" she invites gracefully rising from her chair to offer the knight a seat with the others. As Wynna follows shortly after, the little vixen offers her a smile, "Welcome to my Hart. Would you care to have a drink and fold ships with us? It is for Sparte's paper fleet. You would be so very welcome," she invites with a warm smile.

Lethe nods she starts to get a little more confident in her folding. "Thank you Waldemai. I think I'm starting to get the hang of it."

Walking in, Wynna offers a returning smile Valencia's way, bowing her head after taking quick stock of her mode of dress and presumable status. "I was hoping to see what all the fuss was about, but I'd gladly take a drink whilst figuring that out, my lady."

Thena takes a breather to sip from her glass, propping her elbows on the table and cocking her head at Theron's little finger-boat-hat. "It is very...boaty." Firm nod. "Perhaps one more trial run?" The knight offers a sheet of blank paper and what is hopefully an encouraging smile.

"That one is marginally better-shaped!" Esoka says, loudly and encouragingly, to Theron's second effort. She continues her careful folding. Pinching the corners to get them /just/ so. Pausing to sip her cider. Then, more folding. There's a look of admiration at Waldemai's creations. "You're quite good at this, Master Smith. Though I suppose it's still crafting after a fashion."

Waldemai has to think about that one. "I was just a boy..." he muses aloud. "Maybe I decided I liked working with metal because I liked working with paper..." He puts a little boat aside. "It's all the same in the end, though."

Taking that sheet of paper, Theron looks at Thena for some time and nods, resolutely, folding the paper carefully and thoroughly, thumbing over the seams until it becomes... well, it's an adequate paper boat. That one won't sink. "There!" Finally.

Sparte watches on with a big smile as people work through their boats. Ones with prayers, ones just for practice or for fun. He grins ear to ear just seeming happy that people are taking part.

Leta nods at Valencia, but the look of slight confusion remains on her face, accompanied by a broad smile as she is guided to a seat, "Oh, I wouldn't want to -" she starts to say as Valencia rises, but acquiesces after a moment's hesitation and takes a seat. "Been a while since I've made one of these - I liked to make little rafts with cork and bits of scrap wood, you can reuse those if you don't lose 'em," she comments with a grin, then stares down at a piece of paper and furrows her brow. "Any rules on this, Master Sparte? I mean - any kind of paper boat that's - well, any kind the goddess likes more than others?"

"I was hoping you might say this, my lady," Valencia smiles to Wynna. "I'm sure you will pick this up well. It appears we have some rather astute paper shipwrights here," she nods to the other with a glimmer in her eye. "May I ask name so I might introduce you?" she invites gently. "I do not think I have had pleasure of meeting you before."

"Very seaworthy," Thena tells Theron, flickering a smile before she says, "I remember you from the Murder...but I'm not sure I got your name." She takes a moment to wave at Wynna.

"Lord Theron Mazetti, Sword of Ostria," Theron angles his head to Thena. "You played against me and won. It was quite humiliating, actually. Something like a fifty point difference because I could barely hit the target?"

Sparte chuckles at what Leta asks. "If she has a preference I don't know it. I'm teaching people to do ones the way I know how, but if you're feeling the touch of Jayus please feel free to answer. We'll be sailing them off into the bay of Arx all at once when we're ready."

Wynna seems fairly well-pleased by the reception from Valencia, all smiles. She bows her head. "Wynna Blackwing, a pleasure. I do research at the Academy, though I do know a few of the people here, I think." For emphasis, she waves lightly to Sparte and Thena.

"Did you win the Murder's last dart contest?" Esoka asks Thena. "I was sorry to miss it. Though not so much sorry to miss the drinking. I lost to Master Magpie next time." She frowns. Still disgruntled about this. "The pink stuff very wrecked the whole room, from the tales I've heard." She raises a hand, to wave to Leta. "Dame Leta! There are boats to fold! For Mangata."

Waldemai finds folding paper to be such heavy labor that he is forced to pour himself a mug of ale to fortify himself. "Anyone else?" he asks, holding up the pitcher he was brought when he arrived.

Thena's smile goes a little bit toothy, though in a cheerful way. "I did remember that part, Lord Theron Mazetti. For what it's worth, I'm very good at darts because I had a terrible upbringing. Nice to meet you properly." She turns and nods to Esoka. "I did! Though I left before the drinking. Mae was...kind enough to send a bottle of the stuff to me the next day, though." Another wave, to Leta this time.

The Hart hums with happy voices as more gather to try their hand at paper ship building. Even the Hart's staff take a turn at it with Maggnus, the Hart's Master Barkeep showing a rare talent, though he waves off any compliment with a gruff snort and flush of cheek. A few of the Hart's other guests begin to take notice, and at the request of Lizette a few of the more musically inclined regulars are enticed to not only join, but bring a bit of music to the night, breaking out into a sea shanty or two in honour of the occasion.

"Please be welcome then, Mistress Blackwing. I am so delighted to meet you. I am the Princess Valencia," she nods warmly, smiling even more as Sparte and Thena are recognized by the emerald-eyed scholar. "If it pleases, I would introduce you to Lord Theron, Lady Lethe, Dame Esoka, Missere Waldemai and Dame Leta. My sweetest friends, this is Mistress Wynna Blackwing. Please sit and let us know what drinks you prefer. We cannot allow for parched throats when folding parchment. It will not do."

"Small comfort, at least: I lost to the winner," Theron grins at Thena, holding up his latest 'handiwork' to Esoka with a triumphant smile. "How did the training go?" He asks of the Dame, before nodding once to Wynna as he's introduced. "Hello, Mistress Blackwing. We meet again."

Lethe finishes her boat and gives it looks it over. "This one will do." She looks to Wynna and smiles. "Hello, it is nice to meet you."

Waldemai touches his cap. "Mistress Wynna," he says. "Pleased to meet you."

Wynna nods to Theron. "Apologies, our meeting was admittedly brief, it's good to see you again regardless." She makes the rounds of nodding and polite introduction to the others she doesn't know, after shrugging towards Valencia. "I've not expensive tastes, your highness, but I'll let you surprise me. Sparte, how does this work, now?"

Leta grins in Sparte's direction with a shrug, "You just never know with gods, do you?" and focuses for a moment on the paper on the table, carefully starting to fold it. Her eyes flick over to Esoka, "Dame Esoka. Right, I'd heard, that's why I came. I must admit I was curious, and I haven't done much paper boatin' in a good while," she says with a raised hand, then extends her wave to Thena as well. "Dame Thena, how are you?" she wonders cheerfully, then turns as the topic of drinks is brought up, "Oh, can I have some red wine? Not the fancy stuff, 'cause I might want to use it for paint."

"Quite well. Dame Eleanor lifted one of my barrels near over her head!" Esoka says, sounding quite proud. "Some of the King's Own helped me get in proper shape when I first came to the city. So, felt good to give back some." To Wynna she bellows a, "Hello!" Before tending to the corner of her latest boat. She's nursing a cider, albeit slowly. Trying to keep herself straight, for folding.

"Is there a drink that you prefer? Wine? Whiskey? We have a lovely spiced rum if that pleases," Valencia offers with a little nod, glancing to the very well stocked back and back. A nod is offered to Leta, "Yes, of course, but if this is to be for Mangata, we should honour her with good wine. Especially if we must finish the bottle in her honour, yes?" she smiles playfully. Esoka's story makes her blink and smile, "Over her head? She must be so very powerful. There are not many that can boast of this. Certainly not I," she nods and smiles. "Lady Lethe? Do you require more to drink?"

Sparte grins and slides pieces of paper to the newcomers. "More the merrier. It isn't terribly hard with a bit of practice, though it might feel that way at first. We're just folding paper into the shape of boats." He glances to Leta. "Some simpler than others." He starts folding another example boat. "The ones we'll send off to the bay will be filled with prayers to Mangata from those who wish to share them. We already have prayers from all five houses, leaders and servants, wise and child alike. So if someone can't write a prayer or fold a boat, rest assured someone will be there to help so they can join the fleet." He pats his pockets. "Oh right, and there are supposed to be tokens for those who give prayers. Ah..." He glances to Valencia. "Could we have someone write down who participates? I will have to send out tokens later, I've not any with me tonight."

Madeleine is here! Why wouldn't she be, the paper fleet is for Mangata after all. The cheerful Archlector wears a winter rose behind her ear as she steps in to bless the little boats.

Lethe shakes her head as she looks to Valencia. "No but thank you. I actually need to be going. I'm sorry I can't stay longer."

"Anything you'd care to bring me, your highness," she tells Valencia, smiling warmly to the woman before turning to Sparte at his explanation. "Easy enough." She goes to collect some paper to scribble on.

"Good," Theron approves of overhead barrel lifting, patting the two sheathed greatswords on his back. "Took a lot of strength training to be able to carry these. Regardless." He sobers a little, considering something before angling his head to both Esoka and Thena, though he also addresses Wynna with, "I'd be interested in knowing if your research made any progress since I left the bar, out of curiosity. Either way," he smiles, "I should probably take my leave." To Valencia, he inclines his head. "Your Highness, thank you very much for hosting this."

Thena sets her glass aside to reach for another prayer. "Dame Leta, it's been awhile. Doing well, thank you, and I hope you are." The paper takes shape in her hands and she tilts her head. "Paint?"

Esoka offers an inclination of her head to Theron. "Be well, Sword of Ostria. Your boats were not bad!" She gives a bow of her shoulders to Madeleine as the Archlector enters. "Blessed. Many prayers have been collected to put to the water. Also, there are free drinks."

"Yes, of course, Missere Sparte," Valencia replies and nods to a pretty blonde barmaid to take down names. "Would you please bring Mistress Wynna some of the top shelf spiced whiskey, yes? Bring to bottle, if you please," she asks another one of the Hart's serving girls. As door opens the little vixen looks up and beams brightly as Archlector Madeleine of Mangata arrives. "My sweetest Blessed! How wonderful of you to come. I... what a wonderful surprise," Valencia offers moving to greet the stunning blonde woman with the sun kissed hair. "Please, join us, yes?" she invites moving back to allow the Archlector to speak with Sparte, the keeper of the Paper Fleet. A sweet smile is offered to Lethe as she declares her departure and then to Lord Theron. "Thank you so much both, for attending. I am so grateful to you. Perhaps you might return another time and we can continue conversation," she invites them both, Lethe being offered a gentle hug if wished for and Lord Theron an offer of a small slender hand in farewell.

"If you like, your Highness, sure!" Leta says with a nod to Valencia, then looks down at the paper in her hands, stealing a glance aside to watch how everyone else is folding their boats. She does another fold, carefully, then another, brow knitting in concentration, tongue peeking out the corner of her mouth. "Uh," she makes an uncertain noise and scowls at her arts and crafts, then glances to Thena, "Well - to make it prettier? You know. Red? I like red, anyhow, and - well, Mangata's in charge of drinks and all that, right?"

Derovai has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Wynna seems quite taken with the hospitality, all smiles and quiet hums of contentment. She eyes Thena and Sparte as they go about their business, them being the ones she knows best in the crowd.

Esoka's comment on Theron's boats prompt the man to grin at her, shaking his head. "Adequate, at best." And then, when the Sword of Twainfort refers to Madeleine as Blessed, Theron inclines his head deeply to the Archlector. "Blessed Madeleine. Thank you, for your blessings upon the newly-complete wall of Ostria." To Valencia he smiles, inclining his head. "Of course. Thank you again, Your Highness." He exits quietly, afterwards.

Madeleine beams in delight as she sees the little boats all set up, clapping her hands in delight. "Oh Sparte, my dear, these are delightful! What a blessed thing you've done. " She nods to Esoka and it's a wide smile she gives. "Drinks shared with a Glad heart are prayers unto themselves," she tells Leta. Valencia's warm greeting is met with the offer of a hug. "Thank -you- for your part in this!"

"Free drinks? Excellent." Derovai slips in, but without his usual energy. Something's a little muted about him. He offers the paper boats a skeptical little look, but makes his way towards the bar, running a hand over his face. "Before you ask why I'm here, Sparte, I'll make one before the fleet sets off. Promise," he calls over his shoulder to the Guardsman. "But first, I could really use a drink. As strong as you can give me for free," he tells the bartender.

Thena looks down at the boat in her hands, then at Leta, boat, Leta...there's a little furrow between her brows and then she says, completely genuinely, "Well that's fucking brilliant."

Sparte stands when he realizes Madeleine is there, bowing his head to her in a gesture of respect. "Archlector Madeleine, thank you for coming tonight." His ears redden a bit at her words. He gives a bit of a nervous smile, rubbing at the back of his neck before taking a seat. Derovai's comment draws his attention and a confused look. "Oh, uh... Thanks?"

Waldemai is attracted by the concept of 'strong drink.' "I had something that hit like a cart the other day..." He has to think back, as the memory is hazy. "Oh, yeah, we were rolling bandages and I had some...vodka, it was called...in my tea."

"Something wrong?" Esoka asks Devorai, with a furrowed-brow look at the man. She snorts. And then unfolds her half-done boat. It was not /perfect/. So she starts all over again. To Leta, "Painted boats sound pretty. I've never been good at artsy things, but I'm all rigtht at this if I concentrate on making them symmetrical and able to float. Some pretty ones would be good, though."

Valencia warmly returns Madeliene's hug and allows her to take her place at the table by the fire with the others. There is a nod to Lizette and request that an excellent bottle deep and rich Lycene red be brought to Leta as well as a bottle of the last of the blueberry-bramble wine, the little southern princess seeming to wish to offer a at least two shades of for Leta to select from. Glancing up, she gives Derovai a little smiles, "Welcome to my Hart, missere. Missere Maggnus will be happy to assist. What is your pleasure? What would please pallet, sir?" she asks as the broad and burly barkeep arrives with a bottle of the Hart's strongest whiskey's, apparently anticipating Derovai's desire for good strong drink.

Madeleine has joined the table by the fire.

Wynna drifts over towards Thena first, absently folding up her paper with lazy motions, sipping whatever drink she ended up getting. As usual, she's in little rush to interject into any ongoing discussions.

Leta finishes a - boat? The Knight of the Lyceum may be inspired by the new Velenosa caravel, of course, or some other seafaring inovation, but she doesn't look particularly satisfied with her work. "Uh," she mumbles, then raises her eyes to Madeleine and blinks, before inclining her head in a most respectful manner, "Right, Blessed Archlector-uh - right! Well, I was thinking of sharing the - I mean, I'd just be putting the - it's for painting, but it's for Mangata. I'd drink the rest, though," she is quick to reassure the Archlector that none of it will go to waste. Then she flashes Thena a broad grin, apparently quite pleased with being brilliant.

Derovai tilts the bottle back with a vaguely thankful nod at Valencia. Chug, chug. He's not a born alcoholic, though, and he splutters a little on the whiskey as he sets it down. "You," he tells Waldemai, blatantly ignoring most everything else at first, "were at the Murder. You won the drinking round. Don't know how you got it down." A gloved hand runs over his face, and he sucks in a breath. "Do me a favor and fold my boat for me, whoever you are?" he asks Esoka. "It'll have my intentions on it, but I'm not much for handicrafts right now, and I'll probably tear it. Gods know what Mangata would say about that."

Derovai puts a small tin pot, labeled 'Wounds', filled with some green-ish paste in Black Backpack.

Derovai puts a small round tin pot, labeled 'Burns and sunburns', filled with a light green paste in Black Backpack.

"Blessed Madeleine," Thena greets the archlector, and then with the attention going to Derovai, lifts a hand in a wave to him before taking the next prayer off the stack before cutting a wry look over to Esoka.

Madeleine wiggles her feet out of her boots to warm them by the fire as she sits. "Such a wonderful affair," she gushes, to everyone in general. "As long as it's not spilled and forgotten," she reassured Leta. She answers Derovai. "She would know your heart was in the right place." Thena is greeted with her summer smile. "My dear. So kind of you to help. What can I do to help prepare the little boats?"

Esoka blinks at Devorai, but his request is met with a firm nod. "Of course. I agreed to help take prayers for the Fleet, and this is part of that mission." She cracks her knuckles. To prepare them for more work.

Waldemai looks up to Derovai. "Aye...Awful stuff, wasn't it? Some kind of liquer...Tasted like a acid cupcake."

"Seemed proper, in light of my admiralty," Thena tells Madeleine with a lopsided grin. "We're mostly folding." She pushes a few sheets of paper over. "And drinking." A fingertip lightly tops the rim of her ale glass.

Derovai laughs sharply at Waldemai. "I still have my bottle, if you want it for a dare." He offers Madeleine a wan little smile at her statement, and then waves a hand at Esoka. "Then put my prayer on one, hm?" He doesn't move from the bar, though.

Wynna thoroughly enjoys her spiced wine, humming to herself pleasantly as she drinks and folds, pacing about, listening in on discussion.

The little vixen does not seem to quiet know what to say to Derovai, but Esoka seems game. A little wrinkle of nose if offered to Waldemai, "An acid cupcake? What was this drink you are speaking of, missere?" she asks with a little wince. Another look offered Devorai's way and tThe little southern princess smiles warmly to the man and gently an offers a delicate hand in greeting, "Thank you again for join us in this. I hope you will forgive me, but I do not think I have had the pleasure of meeting you before. May I ask your name?"

Valencia claims this

Waldemai shakes his head at Derovai. "I tried to slip off without mine, and poor Mae had it delivered. She must have a chest full of bottle of the stuff." He turns immediately to address Princess Valencia properly. "It was something very strong and very sweet, not like brandy, more like a cherry liquer but deadly. I was the only one that could keep it down." And he shudders at the memory. "Nasty hangover...Good think I had plenty of hard work over the forge to sweat it out."

"Of course," Esoka says to Derovai, hunting around for a writing implement. Surely there are some, on a table filled with papers. She locates a quill, without too much trouble. "What prayer would you give to Mangata, Master...oh! I should also get your name. What is your name?" She adds, "I'm Dame Esoka Greenblood. Sword of the Twainfort. And maker of little boats, tonight."

Madeleine takes the paper and a glass of wine. "Goddess dearest, join us in warmth and cheer. We offer these libations in love and these prayers in sacrifice," she says formally. "Grant our joy be yours, our love strengthen you with our heartfelt sincerity. So I ask, So may it be." She then drinks the wine in a long sip. Then she starts to fold, skimming the prayers.

Derovai lets out a dry little laugh as he's asked his name not once but twice. He makes a little motion towards Thena. "Ask her. Sorry. Fresh out of introductions today." His tone isn't even sarcastic, but he is even more reluctant to give his name than usual for some reason. He grins at Waldemai vaguely, adding, "Strong will or strong constitution?"

Sparte is leaning back and relaxing for a bit, enjoying the company and the work being done by others. He glances over at Thena with a grin. "It is a bit unfair if you get to be an admiral and a boat, you know."

Leta sets the first attempt at a paper boat aside, and starts over, this time more slowly, in more careful imitation of other more adept boat folders. Fold by fold, slow and methodically, she manages to eventually produce something that might actually float, however briefly. "There I go," she murmurs, then reaches for the wine and takes a hearty swig to reward herself with, before reaching into a pouch at her side. After some fishing around, she produces a bit of cloth, and dips this in the wine to use as a brush of sorts. Sure, the boat is barely functional, but it will be pretty.

Valencia offers another smile Wynna's way as the woman quietly makes her boats, "You are much better at this than I am," she whispers and grins. "I fear the paper arts are lost on me." The little raven-haired princess then lowers he head as Madeleine offers her prayer and then lifts it again to peer Dame Thena's way in hopes she might offer introduction to Derorai.

Thena stills in her work as Madeleine speaks, then copies her in taking a long drink from her glass and perhaps handling the current boat in her hands with extra care. She sets it gently down at the end of a little fleet forming in front of her and smiles at Sparte. "First, when I took this job I didn't realize it came with a naval command. Second...yeah, it's really weird to be a boat. Not my idea, believe me." Seeing Valencia glance her way, it takes her a moment to catch up, at which point she says, "That is Master Voss."

Esoka nods to Thena, as she gives some part of Derovai's name. She doesn't inquire for anymore of it. "I suppose it doesn't matter for the prayer. Mangata will know who it's from. Just tell me what words you'd like to commit to the waves."

"Plenty of practice with paper, I'm afraid," Wynna deadpans back to Valencia, smiling ruefully. "Though I usually don't fold /and/ drink at the same time, so I'm picking this up as I go."

Madeleine laughs in her warm smoky way. "We still need to dedicate the Thena don't we?" She awwws at something she reads before she folds it into the little boat shape.

Derovai responds, as if it's only just occurred to him, "Dame Greenblood," with a slightly uncertain little nod, still a bit out of sorts. He considers, and for a second it looks like he might say something quite curt towards the waves. He thinks better of it though. "If Mangata can bless those of us who are staying here in the City as well, please don't let her forget us in all the prayers for the ships. May life," this audibly isn't his area, and he's a bit slow to get the words out, "may life be maintained here as well as aboard and abroad, and may we be able to sustain those whom we must. Acceptable?"

"Mangata will know who it's from," Thena tells Esoka without a shred of doubt, then blinks at Madeleine and grins sheepishly. "Yes...it took longer than expected to build, and then we got into the cold season and...well, everything else. Dame Leona is very busy at the moment. I'm hoping have the ceremony in the spring now, though I'll sail the ship out without a name if she's needed before that." Then hearing Derovai's remarks, she looks over at the man and sort of marginally shakes her head.

"I think you have an eye for it, this is so," Valencia nods to Wynna and returns her gaze to Devoria. There is a little nod to his requested prayer and a small smile. "I think that is a lovely thing to pray for, Master Voss. Thank you," she nods graciously. "If it pleases, I am the Princess Valencia, you seem to be well acquainted with Misere Waldemai and Dame Thena, but may I introduce Archlector Madeleine of Mangata, Mistress Wynna and Dame Leta as well."

"Bad luck, that," Madeleine replies to Thena. "Even if it's just you and I, we should bless and name her before she sails." She lifts her glass in Hello at Devorai as she's introduced. "Maddy- please."

Esoka listens close as Derovai speaks his prayer, blue eyes as intense as they'd be when studying an opponent. Only in a less violent arena. At the end of it, she smiles. Eyes softening. "I think it's lovely!" she declares. "And there's a rhythm to it, too, with the 'aboard and abroad' part. I am honored to scribe it." Which she does, penmanship neat, if big and blocky. She shows it to Derovai when it's done, for his approval. The words and spelling are correct. To Thena, "I would like to see your boat. I'm sure it'll sail well for the Knights of Solace, lounge or no."

Wynna hums quietly in Derovai's direction. "We've met, briefly."

Thena ponders Madeleine's suggestion, but not for very long at all before replying. "I'd like that very much, Blessed." Then she slides a look over at Esoka and grins ruefully. "Thank the gods, it is /not/ a lounge. It was a very near thing though. Mags spent a /lot/ of coin trying to make that happen. And of course you can see it. It's very plain, but-" But the acting commander's pride is still very clear in her words.

Derovai offers the others a slightly ragged little smile. "Best I can do under the circumstances," he notes, apologetic. "Your Highness, Archlector, Wynna, Dame Leta. I've met the last three before," he notes sidelong to Valencia, "but I'm pleased to meet you as well." He leans in to inspect his boat, nodding approvingly after a few seconds' inspection. "I'm glad you like it," he tells Esoka, surprisingly genuine again, before turning his attention to the Archlector: "Maddy, then. We met at the painter's a week or two ago, if you'll recall."

"Aye, we've met," Leta says with a nod and a friendly smile towards Derovai, looking up from the paper boat she's worked on, currently decorated with a few small round red stains along the hull and some stripes across the 'sail' area. She looks it over, then sets it aside and begins folding the next. "Just can't put too much wine or it goes right through the paper, see? I'm not too sure about my prayers. Could wish for something for the garden - well, I don't know much about weather."

Sparte resumes folding boats. He has a bit of a smile on his face as he listens to the others in the room socialize, but is mostly keeping to himself tonight. Making paper boats with help seems to be enough to have made him happy.

"Oh Yes," Maddy says brightly, a touch sheepish. "When She was rolling around in the blue paint and I had to leave before it got on my

Who should come ambling through the doors of the Golden Hart, sleepy-eyed and ruffle-haired but Luca, with his thumbs hooked into his swordbelt. His weapons are peacebound for the occassion, each resting in its scabbard on the duelist stays low on either hip. He casts a mellow look around, brightens with a languid smile, "Val. How is my gloriously social and amazingly warm-hearted cousin?" He quickens his step, offering his arms out wide to embrace his cousin and deliver a kiss to either of her cheeks.

"Oh Yes," Maddy says brightly, a touch sheepish. "When She was rolling around in the blue paint and I had to leave before it got on my robes!"

Wynna seems to be in the same 'boat' as Sparte, quietly fussing over her paper and drinking.

Esoka just beams at Derovai, smile big and toothy. Then, directs /all/ her attention to folding. Taking extra care with this one. She might even attempt some artistry. Then decide it's terrible and unfold it to do it over again. It'll take awhile, but it'll be a very sturdy little boat when she's done. That grin is briefly turned up to Thena. "Plain doesn't matter, so long as it gets troops where they need to go. If it's even half worthy of your name, it'll serve the Knights of Solace very well."

Wynna doesn't seem opposed to talking, though, should anyone approach her.

"The prayer is excellent, Master Voss," Thena chimes in, and that's also genuine because that wasn't what she was shaking her head at. She props her chin in her hand to look over Leta's handiwork, then crinkles the bridge of her nose a little at Esoka, a self-deprecating gesture. "It's kind of you to say so." She reaches for her glass, finishes it off, and pushes back from the table. "Should be getting home, really."

Derovai grimaces a little from the bar, as Luca heads in. More booze. At least he doesn't cough this time. He laughs dryly at Madeleine, admitting to her, "To tell the truth -- Maddy -- I was worried about this," with a gesture to his dark garb. "All that blue paint on black doesn't make for a very dour spectacle, does it?" But he lances a little smile at Leta and then at Thena, even if it's a bit muted.

Madeleine has Wine, paper boats to fold, good conversation... the plump woman looks positively happy in her surroundings as she chatters away. "Oh here's a little poem someone wrote. "If I was a fish, and lived in the sea, I could be a minnow or a golden guppy. As long as I don't end up on a dish, to swim in the sea would be my best wish. Awww."

The little vixen gives Devorai a slightly worried look, his ragged smile seeming to cause pause, but she does not press. She does offer him another warm smile and slips off to inspect Leta's work. "Oh, Dame Leta, I adore it. I truly do. It is beautiful," she breaths softly. "If you wish, I can see if chef can recommend other colors? Would this please?" she offers as Luca arrives. "LUCA!" she cries as she looks up, her warm honey smooth voice filled with fond affection. No sooner than the words leave her lips than the little vixen closes the distance between them, nearly knocking them both over as she jumps up into his arms and hugs him with utter delight and placing an affectionate kiss upon his cheek."You are here!" she beams brightly and hugs him again. "I'm so glad you are here! I have missed you so. Come see what we are doing? You will adore it!"

Leta doesn't work quickly. There's the folding, which she's getting the hang of, but there's also the painting, which requires some time for artistic reflexion before she goes at it. The next paper boat has wine-stain eyes on the sail, one big eye on either side, and some spiraling curls along the hull to suggest waves. She's happier with this one, and sets it next to the other with a grin. "Well I'm painting and drinking, see? So it doesn't go to waste," she replies to Valencia and raises her wine before taking a long sip from it.

"I am here! You're here too, Val! You look so happy and full of cheer and is that a new bracelet -- maybe it's the earrings -- " Luca shakes his head, tousling a hand through his hair. "I will probably be here so often that you'll want to have me kicked out by your staff, but, that's a conversation for another time." Luca grins, flashing teeth for a quicksilver second or so. "This is for the, the -- ah -- paper thing that Beanpole's been planning, isn't it? Paper Prayer Fleet. Thought the idea wasn't too bad, so, I thought I'd come out and take a look since, you know, nothing much else to do." With Valencia leading, presumably, Luca walks up to the table. "Evening all." Taking a seat, he quickly makes himself comfortable and reaches for a few pieces of paper.

Wynna mugs a sheepish grin Thena's way. "Already? Ah, well. We'll catch up another time."

Esoka offers a little bow of her shoulders to Luca as he enters. "Your highness. There are free drinks, as well!" For her part, she falls quieter as the evening goes on. Drinking little. It threatens to make her folding lines crooked! She fades into the background some, but will continue to work the paper a bit longer.

Derovai looks towards Thena as she gets up, and he seems to take that as an invitation to accompany her, sliding off his barstool. "Do you need an -- accompaniment, Dame Thena?" He casts a long look towards Luca, but shakes his head, his eyes drifting off the other man, his expression wavering for a moment. "I'd be, ah, happy to if... if you do." The 'please' isn't spoken, but it's audibly there.

Waldemai reaches the bottom of his stack of paper. He finishes his ale, and says, "I think I'll call this a night, your highness, lords and ladies, friends and all. I hope I'll see you for the launch."

Madeleine extends a hand to Luca. Her voice is rich and warm and her smile sincere. "Archlector Madeleine. Hello your highness! Boat away with us."

Sparte perks up at the arrival of Luca, shooting a grin at the prince. "Well look who it is. I hope you've had some swimming lessons while you were taking your little break, seems a lot of the action this time will involve boats." He lifts one of the blank pieces of paper on his table up, waving it at Luca. "Do more than look, join in. Brave the dangers of the Paper Fleet, that being paper cuts."

Valencia smiles as Luca happily joins the group and she sees that he has wine. Turning, a gentle smile is offered to Waldemai as he departs and another to Dame Thena as she prepares to leave as well. "Thank you for coming," Valencia says earnestly with a warm incline of her head. "I hope you will return to my Hart soon. You as well, Master Voss. I should like to get to know you much better, if it pleases you. Dame Thena, again, thank you so much."

"Already," Thena confirms to Wynna with a shade of a smile. And to Valencia, "Thank you, Princess." She pokes one last boat into line on the table and slips into the crowd, heading toward the bar with the seeming intention of saying something to Derovai on her way out, but she's thrown off her game when he slides off the barstool. "I...uhm..." She's not exactly helpless. But after a narrowed speculative look she seems to catch on, more or less, and says, "If you like, Master Voss."

Wynna glances between Thena and Derovai warily, brow raised.

Derovai nods at Thena, with a vaguely relieved little laugh, one that turns a bit sharp at Valencia's words for some reason. "Not the first time I've heard that today," he remarks, before he bites down on whatever else he might have said. "I -- ah -- I'll stop by in a few days. Teach people how to gamble properly." He squares his shoulders a little before he offers an arm gallantly, if highly unnecessarily, to Thena as he turns for the door.

Leta sets aside her wine-painted boats and glances across past the table to offer Luca a nod of acknowledgment and a brief grin. "Your - 'lo there," she swerves away from a princely mode of address with a slight crook to her smile, then raises her wine. And since it's up there, she takes a sip, then picks out another piece of paper, eyes following Thena over to Derovai in mild curiosity for a fleeting moment.

"Mads, a pleasure to meet you, and you must be the one that is Mangata's - right? You look as those you've never had a bad day in your life, with the way you smile, Blessed Mads. That's important --" Luca shares his two copper opinion while folding a paper boat. "Too many people take to living so seriously that they don't have any time left to enjoy it when their number's up." The Lycene prince dips a fingertip into a wineglass, in order to paint a wings on the boat in fading purples. "Luca Grayson. I usually leave the title at home." He looks over at Sparte, "Boats? Huh. Keen, Beanpole. Though I still can't swim for shit." For some reason, yes, Luca looks at Derovai - sure - but he hasn't said anything to the guy yet. Just a casual look, a cat-ate-canary grin. "You be careful, Broody Guy."

Madeleine says, "Goddess Walk with you all, and smile on your prayers." She lifts her wineglass to them leaving before she refills, offering to pour for everyone. "I'm excited to see this lovely little fleet sail someday. It's so charming and full of love."

Madeleine puts Certificate of Stoatenticity in A loose fitting sash in ocean colors.

Madeleine puts Copy of A Practical Knights Guide to Combating the Forces of Evil 2nd Ed in A loose fitting sash in ocean colors.

"Lee, how's it going? I'd ask for a glass of that, see, but I would then be of a mind to nick the whole bo--" Luca sweeps up a glass (whose glass? does it matter?) and offers it toward Madeleine as she offers to refill.

Madeleine is about to offer a toast/prayer but one of her aides tugs on her sleeve. "Oh excuse me... sailor's wife just had a baby and they want me to offer the first bath. Isn't that sweet," she gushed as she stands.

Thena arcs an eyebrow at Derovai but after a few seconds of silence tucks her hand lightly in the crook of his elbow and jerks her head towards the exit. And then goes for it, not waiting for her escort to set the pace.

Wynna frowns faintly as they head off, rubbing the back of her head.

Valencia settles down again and attempts to fold another boat, though the painting of it seems to be more to her taste. If there is a glance at Thena and Derovai it is a little one, nothing to be noted as they depart. "Thank you so much for coming, Blessed Madeleine. I am so delighted you would join us. Please come again. I will offer you a tour of our Hart, yes?"

Derovai has left the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.