Demura strides into the garden, for once not armored, in search of tea. She nods to those present, coming to a stop with her hands folded in front of her as she waits to see what kind of words might be spoken before the tea frenzy begins.

Chip, a small mouse have been dismissed.

Spring is here! The grass is starting to grow green and small flowers show their shy buds to the sun. The garden is ready for a picnic, even if today is just tea and sweets. A few blankets have been laid on the grass and there is a tea cart near the stall, with a ready teapot, mugs and cookies. Lots of cookies and even a pie! Oh, and a bottle of whiskey. Valery knows how it goes…
The small apothecary has left her basket of mice away for today. And she is just near the cart, waving and welcoming people as they arrive.

While perhaps hints of shadows beneath her eyes give away some tiredness on Gwenna's part, the bright smile she wears likely betrays how genuinely excited the princess is for tea. As she comes farther in, the aromas and sights of spring tug her attention here and there. Dressed in leathers typical of the northlands, she offers that smile along with polite dips of her head in greeting to those she passes. "Truly, these gardens are a wonder. It's nearly like stepping into another world."

Tabitha arrives, following Jeffeth.

Daemon's entrances and exits are far from quiet when the man is never seen in anything resembling casual clothes. Clanking and clanging his way into the peaceful serenity of the Redrain Gardens is his smiling mug, Greyhound trailing slowly behind. "Ah, I will so duly miss our snowfall." He comments aloud to no one in particular. "But, spring breeze. How I missed it. At last, an event of drinking without the tribulations of alcohol!" As his green eyes sweep the perimeter, he's quick to spy several familiar faces. Lord Theron of course. Marquessa Demura another. And the newly arriving Brother Jeffeth! It's an overload of those he considers friend, the poor man isn't quite sure who he should begin pestering first.

With Tabitha on his arm, the clanking and gleaming huge form of Jeffeth Bayweather lumbers into the gardens. The large man smiles brightly as he arrives in the wake of his Brother-In-Arms. One gauntlet flies up to greet the man. "Brother!" Jeffeth calls out, beckoning him over. "I would like to introduce you to my new friend." Glancing down to Tabitha he smiles brightly. "This is my Brother-in-Arms, a Knight Solace. Sir Daemon Dracone."

Valery is even smiling! She doesn't raise much her voice, though, but she greets those arriving. "Welcome... thank you so much for coming." She nods, politely. "I have some cookies and some pie from Mistress Lottie's and... well, I have the tea I am going to have for sale this season, a spring blend..." She fills a few cups. "Feel free to get some too..."
It is a floral tea. Hints of roses and jasmine. And the sweet aroma of orange blossoms.

As people continue to enter and then move into conversations, Gwenna makes her way over to the ever-present stall. "Ah, more firestarter kits have been stocked," she notes more to herself than anyone in particular, it appears. Looking over more of the wares, she smirks. "Hangovers. Mistress Valerie? You must go through half a dozen of these cures a week," is called over to the famed apocratherist. "I find myself a bit torn between your perfumes. I do love roses. Who does not? But the cinnamon makes me think of Farhaven and warm cider by the hearth." As the hostess remarks on the treats from Lottie's shop and the tea, Gwenna moves to take up a cup of the latter.

Demura steps foward to get a cup of tea, holding it up beneath her nose as she appreciates the floral bouquet. There is a smile on her face as she spots Daemon, and she raises her hand briefly in greeting before she moves quietly to take a seat with her tea.


No longer as flushed, Tabitha seems nearly at ease holding onto the big knight's arm as he leads her into the gardens. She even has a moment to take in everything before Jeffeth beckons someone over. The petite woman looks around for the source of Jeffeth's call, her lips curving into a gentle smile as she gives a little curtsey. "It is my pleasure to meet anyone who knows Sir Jeffeth," she says with just a hint of shyness.

"She does. And I am fair sure it is Lord Sigurd who buys most of them," Violet says as she walks up the gardens, commenting to Gwenna as she does. There is a smile on her face even though she is dressed in uniform. Her eyes seek out Valery and she makes her way over to the woman.

"Hello, Sir Daemon!" Theron smiles at the knight, bringing up his bottle of Ostrian brandy. He'll approach the host of the event, then, inclining his head to her before offering the bottle forward. So she has more options than just whiskey, of course. "Pleased to meet you, Lord Theron Mazetti, Sword of Ostria, at your service."

Valery blushes at Gwenna. She smiles slightly and murmurs. "Well... I used to sell a lot at the beginning, but I think almost everyone has a pouch home..." She covers her mouth at Violet's comment to hide a chuckle. "Oh... he doesn't buy -so- many..." She offers a cup to those who would get closer. She blinks, at the brandy offer. "Oh... thanks?"

Valencia, clad in enticing storm grey silks, enters the garden with a bight smile and a glimmer in her large dark almond shaped eyes. A brief look about finds many faces she if fond and familiar with and some she may have yet to get to know better. Smiling and nodding warm hellos as she goes, the little vixen slips through the crowd to wait for a polite moment to greet Valery. "Mistress Valery, thank you so much for hosting this event. I'm so excited to be here," she nods with a beautiful smile

Gwenna can't help but snicker at Violet's words. "No doubt," she says without hesitation. "Not that I do not need them myself on occasion. Even wine, when one partakes of a sixth, seventh, possibly even eighth glass?" A roll of her eyes and light laugh follow before she nods to Valery. "Well, I doubt many of us would get along so well without these pouches, Mistress Valery." She notices the bottle offered by Theron to Valery and one brow arches up a bit higher than the other. "That wouldn't be the near famed brandy from your very own Ostria, would it?"

Phantom, the Great Grey Owl arrives, delivering a message to Gwenna before departing.

Sparte has a limp when he shows up, his left leg decidedly stiff and with some padding around his thigh that presses against the fabric. Despite that he is in good spirits. A smile offered to the others there as he finds a spot to sit where he can stretch out his leg.

Steel-clad waves are given Theron and Demura's way, Daemon's gaze swiveling to recognize Sir Jeffeth and his approaching company's attention! "Brother Jeffeth! Wherever a party is, I am assured that I can always find you there as well. How quaint!" And then his eyes move onto Tabitha, the unfamiliar woman being given a warm smile in turn. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mistress Tabitha. I see you've found grand company with my Brother!"

Valery offers, to Theron. "I'm Valery..." She has a small, soft smile for Valencia. "I'm glad you came. Have some tea. And cookies..."

"This would, indeed, Your Highness," Theron grins brightly to Gwenna, pointing to the bottle. "Come, have a sip. With some tea, of course. This is a tea-drinking event." He pauses, though, before asking Valery, somewhat conspiratorily, "You happen to have any sweet teas, here? Not something excessively sweet. Just pleasant to the tongue, is all. I hate having to pour ample amounts of honey to mix it up."

Jericho arrives late to the event, as per the usual, but he arrives with a healthy and happy smile available for any who look upon him. "Hello, everyone." he Valardin Prince says in a more happy tune.

Leta walks quietly into the garden, her cloak worn loosely over one shoulder, sunny floral hues below. She looks around with a small smile warming her face, watching the others gathered here, before quietly approaching Valery. She's in no hurry, and allows the lords and ladies of the land to have their say, while she offers polite nods to any who look her way.

Violet glances at Theron as she arrives just behind him in greeting the hostess. She shoots him a smile and bobs of her head, but her focus is on greetings Valery. "Hello again, Mistress Valery. This is a lovely little thing you've put together," Her words are warm as are her eyes. Taking the cup she inclines her head, "Thank you," Before turning a smile on the Sword of Ostria. "It is good to see you again, Lord Theron. Seems we've been passing one another without much chance to say hello lately."

The little southern princess smiles graciously, "Tea would be lovely," she smiles and slips off to find herself a cup and a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the garden and the fine company that has gathered.

Valencia claims this

Valery looks at the tea she has served and murmurs to Theron. "Well... this one is sweet, I think... The autumn one was kinda sweet too. It has orange and cinnamon..." She tilts her head, thinking. "I was thinking on maybe mixing a few others..." She nods politely to Violet. "Thank you..." She smiles again, as she sees Leta, maybe a tiny bigger smile than before.

Captain Reedy, a Telmarine military aide arrives, delivering a message to Demura before departing.

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

"Mistress Marjawn. It's been a bit," Theron agrees with the Northlander mercenary, meeting her gaze before flashing her a bright smile. "We certainly ought to remedy that, and we've got an opportunity as it turns out. Come drink the brandy with me? I promise to partake in the whiskey as well." He looks over to Gwenna again, removing the lid off the brandy and pouring himself a dose into a cup before pouring himself some of the tea. Then another for Gwenna and a third for Violet, in case any of them feel like trying out some Ostrian drinks.

Demura reads her message and gets to her feet, sipping at her tea as she steps up to gaze at the pastries offered. She gets more tea and selects a cookie before she starts to circulate, offering a smile and a nod to a few people as she meets them.

One metal hand goes to set on Daemon's metal shoulder. A little pat pat there. The big man looks back down to Tabitha with a gentle smile as the large knight looks around. "Perhaps we should go take a seat." Jeffeth gives his Brother in Arms a bright smile as he leads the petite woman over to take a seat.

Jeffeth has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Daemon has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Valencia has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Jericho moves about the place with a more curious look on his face...seeing what tea is available and taking the time to see who all was there and all that jazz...before he moves to that willow tree, greeting all present. "Hello there. Might I join you?"

Jericho has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Tabitha has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Violet smiles in return to Theron and bobs her head, "I would like that," She says in an upbeat manner. Happily accepting some brandy in her tea, the northern heathen that she is. "Thank you," Her blow brows dance in excitement as she blows across her cup's contents. "Where should we sit?" She glances about. "The Willow tree perhaps?" She takes a step over to the cart and takes three, maybe four, cookies. So when the messenger arrives her hands are a bit full. "Ahhhh...moment," She juggles things about to take the note. Opening it and reading with one hand. It makes her smile. A quick reply is written with the messenger's back being her surface. It's a bit amusing. "Thank you," She tells them as they hurry off.

Taking a few sips from her cup, a smile quickly curls the corners of Gwenna's mouth again. "Mistress Valery, this spring tea is divine. It's like..." She pauses, lips pursing a moment as she attempts to find the right words. "Like flowers, sweet, but not cloyingly so. The combination is quite lovely." The princess does not hesitate when the Sword of Ostria offers some of the brandy. She holds out her cup toward Theron and the bottle. "Just a touch, if I may. I've heard such wonderful things about the brandy, my lord, and kept meaning to inquire after it," is admitted. Taking another sip once the liquids mix, she grins. "Divine, nearly. Thank you, Lord Theron." That said, she moves to take a seat on the swing and notices the padding of Sparte's leg. "Shall I have a stool brought so that you might elevate that? Would it be helpful?"

Gwenna has joined the a walnut wooden swing with a steel chain.

Valery checks if everybody has all they need. She blushes at Gwenna's words. "I'm glad you like it..." And frowns, as her attention is driven to Sparte. "Are you okay? Is there anything you need?"

Violet gets Lotties Chocolate Chip Cookie from a lovely walnut tea cart.

Sparte gives Gwenna a smile as she passes, waving off the offer from Valery as well. "Not that sort of injury, but thank you. Routine training accident, I'll be right in a few days. There is tea and good conversation to be had."

Sparte has joined the a nice patch of grass, perfect for a picnic.

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

Valery has joined the a nice patch of grass, perfect for a picnic.

4 Kennex corsairs, Serena, the charming Stormward lady-in-waiting arrive, following Vanora.

"Hm," Theron nods in agreement to Violet's suggestion of the willow tree, flashing her an easy grin as he leaves the bottle of brandy exactly as it is. He sips from his tea after blowing on the surface, enjoying the brandy-infused brew for a moment. "I'm going to name this like a drink."

Leta offers Valery as nod as she comes near, and lifts her feathered hat briefly in greeting, waiting for a lull in the conversation to offer a friendly smile, "Good day, Mistress Valery. Just came by to see the gardens and have a look at that fancy tea of yours and wish you well and all that," the knight says in her quiet Boroughs accent. "How are you?"

Theron has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Gwenna bobs her head a few times to Sparte. "Mistress Valery carries several herb pouches in the stall that might aid as well," she notes in his direction and then takes to sipping her tea quietly for a bit, handling a messenger or two.

A small cluster of corsairs in Kennex colors escort their pale Marquessa into the Gardens. Vanora looks around with a combination of curiosity and appreciation for all of the spring blooms before turning her attention to the crowd, likely in hopes of determining which is the hostess.

Demura finishes her tea and she steps towards Valery, offering her a bow. "Your tea is most excellent, Mistress, I shall be back to purchase some at a later time." Not seeing anyone else she knows well enough to socialize with, she moves to step away. After a brief wave farewell she exits the garden.

Violet has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Valery smiles again to Leta. "I'm fine... I'm glad you could come. There are so many people..." She looks around and she eventually picks a cup of tea for herself. There is more cups and more tea in the cart for those who don't have some yet! (And cookies, don't forget the cookies!) And she moves to sit down on the grass, crossing her legs under her skirt.

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

Violet makes her way to the willow tree with Theron. Just as she unjuggles cookies and tea the same messenger returns. She heaves an amused sigh and is grinning fit to make dimples in her cheeks. Cookies once more get transferred and she goes through the process of writing a reply. Then she takes a seat, setting cookies in her lap and the cup next to her. Free handed just in time for -another- messenger. The lieutenant rolls her eyes. "You'd think I had an admirer or something," She mutters with amusement even as she blushes a bit.

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

a black robed Silent Reflection arrives, delivering a message to Vanora before departing.

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

Before she can make her introductions, Vanora is distracted by a messenger. After opening the paper and scanning it she folds it up again, departing the way she came.

4 Kennex corsairs, Serena, the charming Stormward lady-in-waiting leave, following Vanora.

"It sounds like you do. A very zealous one, even, going by your journals," Theron comments to Violet with a lopsided smile as he settles down at the willow tree. "So, how have you been? Training hard? I had Lady Zoey shoot me with arrows last night while Princess Agatha charged me. I defeated both, but I should probably ask two seasoned fighters to do the same to me and see how well I'd fare right then." With a grin to the blonde, he listens in on the conversation in their environs.

Leta nods to Valery with a smile, "Of course. There are, see, your tea's popular." There's a wink, and then Leta wanders a short distance away to fetch herself some tea as well, and to look around at the new spring growth in thought.

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

Valery nods, looking around. "It is nice..." She sips her tea and suddenly a head appears from one of her pockets. A mouse head, of course. Boots (because the head belongs to Boots) shakes his whiskers and looks around.

As seems to be the case for at least one other, it appears other business is tugging Gwenna aware before she's has much chance to relax with Valery's newest tea. Pushing up from the swing she only just occupied, the princess moves to set her cup down and then offer apology. "Mistress Valery, please do excuse me. The tea is lovely, but something needs my attention. Thank you so much." That said, she moves to depart.

Gwenna has left the a walnut wooden swing with a steel chain.

2 Redrain novice guards leaves, following Gwenna.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon arrives, delivering a message to Violet before departing.

Violet stands and gulps the rest of her tea. Turning to those at the benches she bows before turning and heading to put her cup with the rest of the dirties. Then off to another part of the Redrain area it seems.

Violet has left the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

A bright smile is given to Leta as the large knight goes about collecting tea and cookies. But mainly cookies. The huge knight gives her a little wave as he stacks cookies on a plate. "Leta." Jeffeth bellows with a bright smile. "Good to see you again, haven't seen you in some time." Balancing the small plate of cookies on one arm, which he continues to stack cookies on, he begins to set a few cups of tea on another dish.

Valery looks at the people leave and waves to them. And she seems to realize something and frowns for a moment. She stands up again, and rocks a bit on her feet, blushing as she addresses them all. "I... Well, also..." She raises a shoulder as to encourage herself. "If you could support the garden and the school... Part of what I'll get will go to support the House in the battle and... well, to buy materials and medicines to send with them..."

Valencia smiles to Valery and nods, "Of course, Mistress Valery, I and the Hart would be happy to help as always. Please send paperwork and we shall offer support."

After an exchange with Violet and Daemon, Theron heads on over to Valery's table and, covertly, takes up the kettle from the tea that he poured for himself. He looks at it for a moment, and then heads back to the willow tree benches. Along with the brandy on the other hand. "Excuse me," at least he has the gall to apologize. "It just so happens to be very good. I'm instructed to buy ten barrels of it, if you have it."

Valery blinks, looking at Theron. "Barrels? Of tea, you mean?" She shakes her head. "I... I sell the plants, mixed... They need to be mixed with boiling water... Not... not barrels."

"Right, right," Theron grins at Valery. He knows nothing on tea. "Bags, then. Big ones."

Eventually, Jeffeth has gathered a sufficient pile of cookies and a small dish with tea cups. Ever so careful as not to spill the behemoth of a knight makes his ever so slow path back to his bench. Caaarefully sitting down next to Tabitha he gives a bright smile to Valencia and Tabitha. The dishes are slowly lowered in front of Tabitha so that she may take a cup and as many cookies should she choose to. The large knight was able to build a comical pile of cookies.

Leta just has a cup of tea, no cookies. The knight is heavily armed, but unarmored, light and breezy as she contemplates the grass and the budding flowers peeking here and there, raising the cup to her lips for a small sip. Looking over, she blinks at Jeffeth and smiles, "Sir Jeffeth, wasn't it? It's a big city, and I've been - ah, minding my own business for the most part, I'd say. How are you? Besides hungry." The last goes with a nod towards the stack of cookies.

Valery covers her mouth with a hand to hide a chuckle and nods to Theron. "I have some in the stall. I can give you one... or a few, now. I'll get more on the next days."

Whistling a bit of a melancholy Northern tune, Brogan comes strolling into the Gardens, and his smile brightens when he sees the group that's gathered here. "Well, I heard there was a party that wasn't involving alcoholo on Redrain Grounds, and I couldn't believe it..." The Northman calls out, "and so I had to come here to see it for myself!" His smile finds Valery, "It's also been far too long since I've had a chance to say hello to you, Valery..." Looking at the gathered crowd, he asks, "Mind if I join in the festivities?" He smiles at everyone in turn, and then gives Valencia a grin as well as a wink as he makes his way towards the party.

Valery blushes at Brogan's words. She murmurs, quietly. "I have some whiskey too... And... and someone brought brandy, also..." She bites her lower lip and raises a shoulder, but then she smiles lightly and nods. "Oh, of course, feel free to join... There is tea in the cart, and the bottle, and cookies..." Cookies!

Jericho chuckles softly to Brogan as the boisterous northerner arrives. Offering a small smile to the man and a little wave, Prince Jericho stands to greet him. "To my knowledge, all are welcome here. Please, enjoy."

Smiling at Leta, Jeffeth tils his head over to the bench he goes to join. "Come join us, wont' you? Yes. Sir Jeffeth Bayweather." He answers with a bright smile. The big man remains still next to Tabitha, holding his little plate of cookies and the teac dish out in front of her while she works.

The little vixen smiles as Tabitha sets to work while delicately nibbling her cookie and looks up as the deep rumble of Brogan's voice rolls through the garden. A beautiful smile kisses her lips and she offers him a warm nod as he greets Valery and the other guests. The smile blossoms even more and Valery attentively ensures he is comfortable, displaying her well honed skills as a hostess. Dark eye turn to Jericho as he quietly observes the part and enjoys his tea, "And so how have you been keeping, my prince? It has been some time. What has kept you from my Hart?" she asks with a little glimmer of an impish look.

Valencia claims this

Theron rises to his feet, offering all a nod and a bow before saying something at the benches, likely meant for Daemon.

"Ahh, so a bit of drink, but we'll make sure to not get too rowdy." The Northman grins as he responds to Valery. He moves over to the bench beneath the willow tree, and greets Jericho in return "Your Highness. Thank you for the warm welcome!." He gathers up some tea, and wraps an arm around Valencia in a hug as he adds "Are you staying out of trouble, my Princess? I can only imagine the ruckus you cause with your kind words, and warm smile." and takes a seat next to her to converse with the others.

Brogan has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Leta drinks her tea quietly, and plucks a pair of cookies, no more, nibbling away as she studies the flowers. She raises the cup in Jeffeth's direction, and after a little more wandering and studying the garden, she lets her footsteps carry her over there. "Don't mind if I do," she says, before bowing her head respectfully to others nearby.

Leta has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

After his goodbyes, Theron wanders away.

Theron has left the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Valery nods to Brogan and sits down again on the grass with a light blush. She lets the mouse walk out of her pocket and on her skirt, where she crumbles one of the cookies. Cookie!! Boots seems suddenly in ecstasy and he starts engulfing piece after piece of the sweet.

Valenica smiles, her cheeks flushing happily as Brogan greets her with a little hug which she returns gladly. "I am rarely trouble except when I am," she returns with a playful smile. "Join us, yes?" she nods warmly, turning to greet Leta as well. "My most lovely Leta! I didn't see you here. Come, yes! Please join us. Perhaps Mistress Valery might as well when she is free."

Valery blushes and nods, standing up again (gathering the mouse and cookies first. Both on the same hand, to avoid the rage of the small critter) to join them at the bench, sitting down on the grass near it. She would stay there, drinking, feeding the mouse and listening to the group until it's time to leave and tidy up.

Valery has left the a nice patch of grass, perfect for a picnic.

Valery has joined the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.

Jericho has left the a wooden bench beneath the willow tree.