Behtuk bobs his head to Lucita. "Yes Baroness. I remember." He pats his pocket. "And I have your song as well." His voice is grateful, even if his expression is dull and flat.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery arrive, following Saoirse.

"More songs?" Quenia quips lightly, giving Lucita a teasing rib. "Your music sure does get around, dearest cousin." She nods in Behtuk's direction. "I am Marquessa Quenia Igniseri. Baroness Lucita's cousin."

Adriana makes her way slowly and curiously towards the grounds. Her hair is nearly plaited into twin braids and pinned at either side of her head in a spiral, with her blue dress freshly laundered and pressed. She's clearly trying her best to look prim and proper.

Orland arrives, following Duarte.

Saoirse sliiiiides on into the Grayson grounds and looks around. This way. That. She does not seem to spot whoever it is she's looking for and, with a slight little purse of her lips, the Velenosa princess makes her way off to one side. Protoges can come to HER.


Renato arrives wearing his finest linens, which are about as plain and drab as linens can get, which certainly displays his need for a patron! At least they are clean and well maintained and the man looks freshly washed himself. His hair is absolutely fabulous, for example, gleaming in the light provided by the event and the sword on his hip looks like it cost more than his whole life... even if it is plain steel. He moves with an easy grace as he enters the Fair though. A toss of his head sends that glorious mane sailing in loose curls before it settles with a bounce down his back and he offers his brightest beam of a smile. He may blind someone with that smile someday. "I do so hope this is the proper location," He says to nobody in particular, "Lest the House Grayson guards cast me out on my backside." And he laughs witha more subdued grin before he starts to walk around and people shop... er people watch.

Grayson Grounds are always meticulous, but this evening they are doubly so with tall poles set with lanterns lit around the area, with smaller, beautifully detailed lanterns left here and there to be lit when the sun goes down. A long table set holds rows of glasses and bottles of alcohol, manned by a sour looking Isabelle who is waiting to pour glasses of whatever anyone would like. Very begrudgingly, Elizabetta and Lily have been roped into carrying around little plates of finger food: bacon wrapped scallops, bacon wrapped asparagus, bacon wrapped bacon, etc. it's all very light fare.

When it seems like a majority of people have arrived, Sabella Grayson stops fussing with things and steps up with a brilliant smile for everyone, "Good evening and thank you for coming! I am delighted to see such a large turnout! Many of you know that I have been a patron for some time and I think patronage is extremely beneficial to both parties, so I wanted to have an evening where those who may not know each other might come together and make some great connections! I know we have several, well, I suppose I'd call them groupings?so I thought that people who might be looking for patrons or proteges with an Artistic bent might meet at the redwood picnic table (join #6), those who might be looking for more of a Knight-Square relationship or perhaps to be patron to a Champion might meet at the benches (join #8), and those who might want more of a scholarly bent could meet over by the fountain (join #1). Of course, you can also just walk around and mingle to meet as many people as you can! And if you have any questions, please let me know."

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, The Second arrive, following Margerie.

Behtuk inclines his head to Quenia. "Well met Marquessa. I am Behtuk, master weaponsmith." He adds after a moment. "From the North."

Polly, a steel grey kitten arrives, following Reyna.

Sparte makes his way into the Grayson grounds, glancing around with curiousity for the event. Gene and Wilhelm are with him, likewise looking interested in who they'll see.

Meandre, an albino python arrives, following Aurora.

Margret walks in from the direction of Ward of the Compact with Alessandro. They contrast rather sharply, she fair and dressed in white silk while he is darker complected and dressed in black. She holds onto his arm as they walk, and although at first place it seems like simple gallantry on his part on closer inspection one might note that she is using him for support and assistance with her limp. They stop when Sabella begins speaking, and she leans over to whisper softly to Alessandro.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, The Second leave, following Margerie.

Kaine has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, The Second arrive, following Margerie.

Carita has joined the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Kaine has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Kaine has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Renato has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Lucita gives a nod to Quenia and then says. "It helped to get past the grief some, writing some. So yes, I wrote a few songs but have not put them in a journal. I just sang them for the people they were intended for and gave them a copy to keep. At least for some." She goes quiet to listen to the instructions then says. "Hmm, I am not sure who already has patrons and who does not. Who may need one.

Lucita has left the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Niklas wanders a large circle around the area, looking over the tables and offering smiles and waves as appropriate. He stops in front of Saoirse and considers for a moment, then says, "So why should I take you on as my protege? Have you taken dance lessons?"

Adriana listens carefully to the instructions and ohs, her face falling. She looks down at her shoes and folds her hands over her waist, thinking as she studies the embroidered hem of her skirts.

"What?" Saoirse says to Niklas, looking at him very strangely. She chooses to step just slightly to the left and signal Duarte - a familiar face!

Carita has left the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen arrives, following Amari.

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

Quenia nods to Lucita, and also rises from her seat for the moment, before taking a bit of time to see who went where. She leans in to whisper to her cousin, before raising a brow lightly in Niklas's direction at his question to the princess.

Kaine walks over to the redwood picnic table to take a seat, though he spots Adriana and furrows his brow thoughtfully for a moment. Then he walks over to her. "Hey, Adriana. How's it going?"

Duarte glances over and raises an unconcerned brow. "Hmm?" He looks from Saoirse to Niklas. "Oh... She's already my protege. More trouble than worth, really. But no voice is so sweet to the ears, so..." he shrugs and heads off to walk around the grounds.

Merek has come to listen in on the talk and to see who all is about. He has on a damask suit that is made with some umbra and interlaced, while his cloak is shifted about him and hood is up. He walks to find a place to take a seat and relax a bit.

Merek has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Marius comes in with the Lady Simone in his arm, the Marquis stepping along to the outskirts of the gathering. He leans in and whispers something into her ear, before taking into the surroundings. He does spot Alessandro and Margret, however, and gives them a quick wave.

Alessandro looks as though he likes nothing more than to be walking as slow as Margret wishes -- he certainly doesn't seem impatient or anything of the sort. He leans in at whatever she says as he nods to a few people he sees that he knows, and a little chuckle escapes him as he says something low back to her. Then he straightens up, just in time to catch Marius' wave, which he returns with a little wider smile as well as a nod.

Adriana is crestfallen but tries to hide it from Kaine. "I'm no scholar, and no artist, and certainly no champion. I was hoping to find Someone who was more of a seneshal or ledger-balancer. But I suppose that's who nobles hire, that's not who nobles -be-."

Paige arrives on the scene soon after her sister, strolling up behind Adriana and slinging an arm around her shoulders. "Why so glum, sister mine?" She grins at Adriana and gives her a small squeeze before glancing up to Kaine and chuckling, "And I will just let you two talk now... enjoy yourself, sis!" Winking, she moves away from the pair and looks around again. Duarte gets a brief grin before she spots Renato at.. not the table she expected to find him at! Heading over, she offers up a smile towards him and calls out, "Not looking to be patroned for being a Champion?"

Oswyn makes his way onto the grounds accompanied by Aurora and her albino python. He seems more comfortable with the young woman than the snake, but that's probably fairly normal. "...That's a lot of people," Oswyn tells the red-haired woman at his side. "Have you thought about taking on a protege? I think the crafting sorts are by the picnic table."

Saoirse affects a very RIDICULOUS accent that is not at ALL pleasing to the ears. "Oi, 'u know ain' true an' righ'." Ugh. Make her stop. To .. whoever is listening at this point, the princess clarifies, "I'm a Velenosan princess. I don't know what ...whoever that man is is playing at, but he cannot be my patron. I can be yours," she makes eye contact with YOU. (Or not you. You decide.)

Lucita has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Reyna has come for the free food, really, the dark haired pale woman stepping into the area, having taken the time to listen to Sabella. Politely. Nodding her head in agreement, finding the layout perfectly reasonable and sensicle. Once the areas have been announced to step into, Rey will step her way to the booze table, toothy smile given as she points to ...that bottle. With a calloused finger pointing at a whiskey. Looking quite pleased when she gets the glass she will then begin stalking the bacon wrapped bacon plate, darting in to snag a few morsels, popping them into her mouth. Chew. Chew. Blue eyes dance, nods given here and there, as the woman stalks bacon wrapped bacon, content to drink and eat as she merely takes in snippets of convo here and there.

Sabella pauses by Adriana with a smile, "That'd be around the scholarly area. People who like books or ledgers or number and the like!" She tells her cheerfully. "Though you are welcome to mill about generally and see who and what you come across."

Kaine casts a curious look toward Paige then looks back to Adriana. "I think the categories are purposefully vague and people will probably get sorted more, ah, specifically later! I'd say running a business takes a lot of smarts, so you should sit with the scholars."


Renato finds himself over by the fountain after his wanderings and so there he takes up a comfortable place to recline... fortunately the stone bowl of the fountain is fixed enough that someone as slender as Renato is doesn't knock it over with just his body weight. He smiles and watches the crowd build as more and more people come in and then looks thoughtful for half a second, while still smiling but then returns to just smiling. When Paige comes over he smiles at her, "Oh I am, but all of the /common/ Champions who seek a patron will go over there and clamor and the like. I will wait here, and then when it comes time, I will approach the very discerning eye whom might have noticed my diamond in the rough so to speak."

Sparte has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Lucita nods to Quenia and simply moves over to the fountain area to sit with the one who is to be a champion. As far along pregnant as she is, she decides sitting is the better option.

Arion arrives a bit late carrying a basket filled with various colorful bottles of what appears to be perfumes. Taking stock of his surroundings he moving towards the table where those of an artistic bent are gathered, though he does spare a curious glace towards where the more scholarly ones are as well.

Simone enters with her hand tucked neatly in the crook of Marius' elbow, moving gracefully next to him. Following his gaze as he waves, she spots Margret and Alessandro and her face lights up with a warm smile as she waves to them as well. Overhearing Niklas' comment to Saoirse, she quickly tries to hide a smile of amusement.

Arion has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

"I have trouble keeping a patron, what would I do with a protege?" Aurora asks Oswyn, the snake in question wrapped around her small frame. "Though I suppose if any are interested in learning to sew, id be happy to help them anyway I could. So, I guess maybe? It depends." She looks towards where the crafty people are gathered after he points them out. "What about you?"

"Or you could approach someone regularly, that is how I gained mine," Merek adds to Renato's words. "It's not difficult to ask, at least in my view."

Margret whatever Alessandro says to Margret causes her to laugh. "Is that even allowed? I think he'll technically outrank you when we get married." She says in response to whatever it is he's said. She spots Marius and Simone and waves in that direction as she smiles warmly at them.


Renato laughs and grins slyly at Merek, "Patience is a virtue oh Cousin mine." And then he is striking up a conversation with Sparte and Lucita at the fountain.


Behtuk has collected some refreshments, which, as it turns out, might be his real reason for coming here.

Quenia has left the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Elizabetta looks disapprovingly at Behtuk. As if collecting some refreshments might be his real reason for coming here.

Niklas gives Duarte a mild smile and nods. "So I see. You have found a treasure." He raises his eyebrows at the count, nods his head and wanders off toward the artsy tables. When he sees Oswyn he sends a wave the scholar's way. "You looking to sign talent or have your talent signed, scholar? If you can play the banjo, I might have a place for you in my band. It's me and my cousin Wash. We both play banjos. It's not a good band. I'm hopeful that if we keep adding banjos eventually it will get good."

Don't worry, Behtuk, Reyna is here for apparently similar reasons. See, she's stalking whomever is carrying the bacon wrapped bacon. Darting in with a hand here, then around that way, a sip of her whiskey taken here and there, keeping a keen ear out /just/ in case something tickles her fancy.

Chuckling at Renato's response, Paige helpfully points out, "You realize you're sitting at the space reserved for the scholarly types, right? I'm not sure how many eyes you'll catch here." When he turns to start a conversation with others, she shrugs and moves along, drifting around the area without really settling anywhere. More just, trying to catch bits and pieces of conversations as they flow around her.

Margerie lets her attention roam over the various parties at the various seating. The Oathlander offers Sabella a casual smile as she approaches. "And what of the socialites of a less artistic bent? This really was a very clever idea. You know, I never have tried it out. Perhaps you might tell us some of your own experiences - what connections have been most beneficial to you and your proteges? What mistakes might we avoid?"

5 House Deepwood Guards arrives, following Samantha.

Oswyn nods to Aurora. "Right. You could teach someone how to design and sew," he confirms. He glances over toward the fountain, and the scholarly types there. "I... don't think I would be a good patron. I'm not sure what someone would take me on as a protege for, either." He squints at Niklas when he's waved at, but he recognizes the Kennex noble. "Oh, I don't know how to play the banjo. My apologies! Have you met Lady Aurora Thornburn, Lord Niklas? You are both involved with the theatre."

"Allowed? Why not? Money is money." However, whatever it was, Alessandro doesn't pursue that, and instead waves to Simone as well, before he turns back to Margret. "Let's take a turn around," he says, "and see what we see." And then he starts to do just that, still moving at the same leisurely pace.

Reyna has joined the a cozy campfire surrounded by boulders and wooden perches.

Amari strolls onto the grounds, pausing behind the crowd to lift herself up on her toes to look about for someone in particular. Not seeing them, apparently, she moves further along so as to not hold anyone up and sorts herself into the line for refreshments. She'll take a cup of something cool. Two actually, one for each hand. It turns out she's not going to drink both, but offers one to Margerie who she finds quite quickly afterwards and moves to stand quietly at her elbow. Sabella is smiled toward, after a respectul bow of her head.

Adriana nods back as both Sabella and Kaine point her in the right direction. "Good luck finding a patron, then," she says brightly to Kaine. There's a slightly embarrassed tint to her cheeks as she heads to the fountain. Paige is shot a look of sisterly doooom

Sabella gives Margerie a bright smile, "Lady Margerie, I'm so glad to see you! And I was a little afraid of making too narrow of groupings to leave someone out and it seems my broad ones were still too small. I was thinking people of a more general social category might go with, hm, the Scholars group? Though if you're that social I think you'll just wander and talk to everyone! As to my experience, I have been very lucky. Lord Niklas has developed several plays while being my protege and I'd like to think the encouragement I give him helped with that. Along with the stipend. And Lady Tabitha Mercier is an amazing artist who does such wonderful, detailed work with glasswares the like of which I have never seen! I am happy to point anyone looking for a beautiful gift or addition to their home towards her as she is also an established painter. They have both proven to be lovely people as well, which makes them easy to work with."

Adriana has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

"I'd quite have it that the would-be patrons sit and the potential proteges check our teeth and behind our ears." Duarte comments while strolling about. "I feel awfully patronizing being the one to prowl - and not in the way twas sposed to be meant I'm sure."

Kaine grins at Adriana. "You too." He gives a little wave with fluttering fingers and goes back to join those at the redwood picnic table, satchel swaying at his side.

Aurora eyes Oswyn, before turning her attention towards Niklas, "not Lady. Just common. Aurora. Hello. It is nice to meet you." She offers him a curtsey that is awkward with the snake but its the thought that counts, right? "Are you?" is then asks the Lord. "I am one of the assistant directors of the Mummers and its costume designer."

Arion settles at his chosen table and sits his basket of perfumes beside him. Curious green eyes sweet over those present watching the various people here with a thoughtful look. He seems to be searching for a familiar face in the crowd or at least someone interesting to talk to.

Sparte laughs at something said or done over near the fountain, grinning between Lucita and Renato. When Adriana approaches, Sparte turns that grin at her with a pleasant wave.

Florian arrives, following Derovai.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice, Quiet, a Valardin champion, Aioni, a regal snowy white owl arrive, following Katarina.

Reyna eventually settles in the area where ..no one else is. But she's happy, content, food is making the rounds, and she'll standby the campfire, sipping on her whiskey, holding a few nibblies in her right palm, palm raised to mouth here and there as she eats. Nom.

Renato flashes a wink at Paige, as he is apparently in conversation with Sparte and Lucita already. He makes grand gestures as if to emphasize... everything...

Margerie's eyes may glint just a little when Sabella mentions the likelihood of the most social mingling. "An excellent hostess with a clever idea and now showing herself a woman with a gift for intuition. Thank for sharing your experiences. May I present my cousin, Lady Amari Keaton? I think I may be bringing her over to the land of academics to begin." She accepts the drink with a grateful nod to the Lady Lawyer

Princess Sally Acorn, an acorn toting red squirrel arrives, following Kenna.

Princess Sally Acorn, an acorn toting red squirrel leaves, following Kenna.

Margerie has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Katarina has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

"Aren't you the one that is supposed to turn your nose up at the idea that money can buy class?" Margret asks Alessandro amusedly as they do a turn around the grounds. As they pass Sabella and she overhears her speaking to Margerie she smiles brightly at the Grayson Princess before she says to Alessandro, "Too late he already has one."

Behtuk eats some of the refreshments, but keeps a sharp eye out on those that arrive and leave. He might be expecting someone, or just uncertain if he should remain.

Niklas looks just a little surprised at Aurora's introduction and glances toward Oswyn like did you do this on purpose you cheeky bastard? He looks back to Aurora, "I'm Lord Niklas Kennex. I will likely be producing a play at the Blackrose here sooner rather than later, as soon as the final details are worked out with Mistress Culler. It is good to meet you."

Quenia leaves Lucita to talk to the scholarly types. She turns her attention a moment to the picnic table, to consider the redwood people there, and then goes to join them. She smiles warmly in Katarina's direction as she notices the Valardin Princess who is soon to be family joining as well. "Princess Katarina. I hope your stay at Domus Igniseri was well." Katarina had stayed with the Igniseri family just after her annulment for a time.

Quenia has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Simone looks around with a curious expression on her face, seeing Aurora she gives her a wave and a warm smile.

Amari has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Oswyn glances between Aurora and Niklas and says, "No, I really thought you two would know each other. Aurora is a very talented costumer. Look at this satchel she made!" Oswyn turns to present his hip to Niklas, his old satchel now replaced by a resplendent one. "I think it's going to be around long after I'm gone."

A shade later than perhaps the majority of the arrivals to the patron-protege fair, Katarina quietly migrates through the crowd to settle in amongst the artistically inclined at the picnic tables. The sound of her name, however, draws her to a brief pause and turns, lips spreading into an amenable smile when she sees Quenia, "Marquessa Igniseri, it's so good to see you. I want to thank you again for so graciously opening your home to me. My stay was most enjoyable."

Derovai strolls into Grayson Grounds, having caught Sabella's announcement. He doesn't seem in any hurry to join a place, gait casual as he finds somewhere to be. That place, as it happens, is the pair of slatted benches, not a designated meeting point for any particular interest, where he sprawls out, having acquired a drink from Isabelle with a bow just a touch too deep for propriety's sake.

Merek has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Merek has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Merek also notices that Lucita is around, and he offers an incline in her direction, as he waves his hand a bit and then turns his attention towards the others, moving his seat.

Derovai has joined the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Lucita is not particularly with the scholarly folks, it just seems to have been a good spot to sit and closeby. She seems delighted to know and be meeting some of the people there.

Duarte has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

"Oh, am I? I forgot. Thank you." And Alessandro nods to Margret as though she's reminded him of something very important. He does look over at Margret's last comment, though, and makes a face as though he's disappointed, though there's too much humor there to be totally serious. "Alas," he laments. "I suppose we'll have to find someone else."

Sabella laughs, but beams at Margerie, "Thank you for saying so, you are too kind, Lady Margerie. And it is lovely to meet you, Lady Amari. Are you looking for a protege or hoping to be one yourself? And you, Lady Margerie? I have to say I find it very fulfilling! I simply love promoting my proteges to...well, everyone I meet! To the point where I wonder if they tired of hearing me describe them as brilliant and-or amazing."

Behtuk has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Saoirse has joined the a sky blue hammock stretched between two trees.

Saoirse has left the a sky blue hammock stretched between two trees.

Saoirse has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Sabella also waves to Alessandro, Margret, and everyone she hasn't had a chance to speak with yet!

Paige continues her stroll around the grounds, offering smiles and waves to all and sundry that she knows. Niklas and Mari. Duarte and Sabella. Adriana gets a wink and grin. Kaine gets a pleasant smile and nod. She takes up a (non-alcoholic) beverage that she can sip on while she's moving around, nearly nearly bumping into poor Quenia on one of her rounds and offering apologies with a smile. "Oh! I'm sorry, entirely my fault. I took my eyes off of where I was walking..."

Quenia seems relieved. "I am very glad to hear that." It might have been weighing on her mind! "I will relay that also to Prince Aurelian," her intended husband, soon to be married in a couple of weeks! She then starts to turn her attention to those at the redwood tables. Or, almost! As Paige very nearly bumps into her. She looks up and smiles at the women. "It's quite alright. Happens in crowded settings. I'm Marquessa Quenia Igniseri," she introduces herself. "Are you looking for a patron?" she asks.

As Aurora's eyes drop to the satchel, there is a slight grin to Aurora's features. "I am sure. Leather usually decomposes after 50 years or so. Unless you plan on living well after that, you'll probably be gone long before it is. Not that I would want you to go?" There is a shrug as if she might not sure. Then back to Niklas, and a nod given, "I am sure things will work out quickly then. I cant see why it wouldnt. It isnt that difficult to get a few nights scheduled for the use of the theater."

Duarte had wandered over to initiate dialogue with Behtuk at the barrel table, but was too late! And he instead finds Saoirse. "Sorry. I am taken." he informs the princess.

"A pity," Saoirse says, sliding into a seat. "I'm here for the seat." She leans in to murmur something to Duarte.

Behtuk has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Adriana glances over, mortified, as Paige nearly runs Quenia over.

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

A second, different tray of finger food is carried out by Lily! Looks like some kind of little cucumber sandwiches? Very light, for those Champions that might be worried about fitting in their armor later.

Amari bends her knee to suggest a curtsey when she's introduced to Sabella, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. I believe I might look for a patron, unless there's an aspiring lawyer about. Thank you for organizing and hosting this event, Princess Sabella." Another smile is offered, and not wanting to monopolize the hostess, she bows her head again and begins to move to rejoin her cousin, saying, "If you'd care to join Lady Margerie and I when you've a free moment, please do."

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman arrive, following Caspian.

Duarte snickers at Saoirse's whisper and ultimately just shrugs. He glances about for anyone who might hear his question. "How are the grounds arranged, again? I quite lost track."

"What sort of play would you even commission?" Margret asks Alessandro with idle curiosity as they slowly meander their way towards the picnic table.

Margret has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Margerie settles lightly at the edge of the fountain as she listens to the conversations there for the moment. She sets her legs at a just so angle, hands set primly atop them. "Perhaps a bit of both, Your Highness. It might be a bit late in the game to take up a new pursuit, but by the same token it means I've years of experience and contacts to bring to those that might benefit from it, and I should like to do so." There is an occasional sideways glance in Renato's direction as he chats at the fountain, the sort that come accompanied by raised eyebrows. But Amari's smooth comment about the free moment sees her inclining her head. "A good idea."

Deliverance, an albino falcon, Rosalie, a lady in waiting, 1 Grayson Guardsmen, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rascal, a hyper terrier arrive, following Reese.

Caspian has joined the a cozy campfire surrounded by boulders and wooden perches.

Merek lifts up his hands to wave Reese over.

"Paige Fieldstone, my lady. And I'm not sure! I haven't quite figured out what being patronized will require of me," Paige flashes a grin that invites Quenia to join in the joke on her play on words. She glances around and looks back to Quenia, "There doesn't seem to be anywhere that I really.. fit. I'm not quite a scholar, not really a Champion... and I certainly have no artistic talent. So I'm just sort of wandering around!"

Reese arrives at the Grayson grounds while adorned for ease of movement and for battle. She looks over in Merek's direction, starting in his direction. "Master Merek" She says gently. "How are you?"

Alessandro has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Reyna will dart away from one of the boulders she's sat upon to reach out and grab another morsel of free food, returning to her place only after a handful of bacon wrapped bacon has been secured, hopping back up to her boulder. And there one knee will draw up to her chest, free arm with the whiskey glass wrapping in around said leg, the other foot on the ground, a happy hum sounding in her throat as she watches the other much more crowded groups gather.

Saoirse suddenly ... jumps? For no reason? And then sits back down.

Having just overheard Sabella's explanation as he walks in, Caspian immedately goes for the campfire, moving to the seating by Reyna and sits himself down near her. He offers the woman a smile, taking a random stick to toss within the flames.

Niklas claps Oswyn on the shoulder and nods at the scholar. "It is a good bag. When I die I'll come to the part of the wheel for those who were eaten by alligators and tell you how nice it still is." Niklas looks around at all the people showing up, then adds, "I don't know anything, mind. The alligator thing just seems like a safe bet." He nods toward Aurora and says, "Yeah, heh, you'd think."

"What was wrong with the one Lord Niklas suggested the other night?" Alessandro asks. "It sounded quite intriguing. I shall speak with him about it eventually." He sits down with Margret then, settling back and crossing one ankle over the other knee as he nods to those at the table.

Adriana chats quietly with the Fountain crowd. She motions to Caspian for Renato and then motions over towards Paige as she speaks with Sparte, giving him an amused smile.

"/Another/ Fieldstone?" comes a voice from the pair of benches. Derovai laughs. "Did you bring your shepherd's crook with you t -- " The jump makes him raise a brow, though, gaze going towards the barrel table assessingly.

"Artist people at the picnic table (#4), Champions, knights and the like at the benches (#8), and scholarly, ledger types or anyone who feels they don't fit into a category over at the fountain (#1)," Sabella calls out to Duarte, before giving Reese a wave and turning back to Margerie with a nod, "I've often wondered if I should seek out a patron myself, but I am so busy telling everyone about my proteges I wonder if that would be helpful to anyone. Someday I shall sit and write a book about the whole experience and then perhaps someone will want a Princess for a protege, but until then, I shall just have to be content making patronage matches. Not as fulfilling as marriage matches, I'm sure, but as close as I can get for now while you hold the reigns of the other." She grins.

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

Quenia glances up at Paige after she asks a question at her table, giving her a considering look. "Mind telling me about about what it is you know how to do then?" she asks. "Not everyone fits into neat categories. For instance, I'm not a scholar, but I can do research. I'm not a fighter, but I can fight if needed. And, well.... my vintners do my wine making for me," she grins a bit at Paige when she says these things. "Typically, I hire people to do the other stuff, if I've a need."

Reese puts Dazzler, a leaf-bladed short sword in a willow woven basket lined with petal pink wool.

Reese puts Destiny, a high quality mace in a willow woven basket lined with petal pink wool.

Reyna looks over to Caspian as he joins her at the campfire, her whiskey glass lofted up in a quiet salute.

"I suppose fifty years more might be a bit much, considering," Oswyn tells Aurora. He starts as he's clapped on the shoulder, but he nods along with Niklas. Then pauses. "...Are you having difficulties, Lord Niklas?" He blinks a few times.

Margerie reaches up a hand to absently tap her chin thoughtfully. "How would that work for you, Princess Sabella? My vague understanding is that one may take proteges of lower birth, but that one seeks patrons of higher birth. That would seem to considerably limit your options. I'd wondered about that, actually."

Looking in the direction of the voice, Paige grins towards Derovai and calls back, "Sorry, but you're barking up the wrong tree! I'm the black sheep of the family, ran away from home to join the Huntsmen!" She dats a glance towards Adriana, just checking on her sister before her attention returns to Quenia with a smile. "As I just mentioned, I'm a Huntsman for the Keaton family. I track down criminals and drag them back to stand trial. So I suppose you could say I'm a curious blend of scholar and fighter with a dash of woodsman thrown in for good measure."

Aurora finds herself giving Niklas a look. It could be the sudden physical contact he does to Oswyn, it could be the talk of alligators. It might even be the not all that convincing laugh he does between words. "Are you going to get eaten? If you already assume you'll be eaten, wouldnt you stay away from the thing that wants to eat you? I have so many questions, My Lord."

Derovai calls out, "How much are you asking for your services, Princess Sabella?" And then he looks back towards Paige. "Ah. Good luck with that, then. Pity I'm not looking for a woodswoman, or you would be my first choice." Beat. "I mean, seeing as you're the only one here," he concludes easily, though more jokingly than unkindly.

Merek looks to the Princess a moment and nods to Reese, "I'm doing well, I suppose, how are you?" he asks, while he seems to shift his attention aout and listens to others. He waves towards the Katarina.

Adriana has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Merek checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice arrives, delivering a message to Aurora before departing.

Katarina checked perception at difficulty 8, rolling 3 higher.

Reese looks over to Paige. "A huntsman." She echoes, sounding interested in that. She also seems to be grumpy and somber sort of modo that isn't directed at Paige or anyone per-say. It just seems that is her way at the moment. "I'm good, Sir Merek." She says in his direction. She waves over to her sister and then has a nod for Derovai.

The distant motion of Merek's waving barely catches Katarina's attention. Her gaze pulls away from the table of artisans and nobility to look towards him. "Master Black," she acknowledges amicably, her smile bright before managing to send her assistant off in the crowd.

Amari sits on the edge of the fountain next to Margerie, mirroring her posture closely until twisting a bit to regard everyone else nearby with curiosity. There's a polite smile for the lot before she hears mention of the Keaton family. The speaker she quickly recognizes and so a hand is raised at Paige and fingers wiggled, as she calls over, "Goodwoman Fieldstone!"

"I suppose the King might be in need of my services someday," Sabella says thoughtfully to Margerie, then shakes her head, "Or maybe not. I'm sure he has people sending him books or party ideas unasked for all the time." When Derovai calls out she casts a grin his way, "I'm afraid you would not be able to afford me, Master Voss! Although I appreciate the interest. And I'd take you on as a protege, but I'm afraid I'm going to be accused of hoarding all the good ones so I shall have to let you go with someone else, alas."


Renato is very animatedly speaking with Sparte, Adrianne, and Lucita! Lots of bows, and flourishes, and otherwise being overly dramatic and larger than life. Typical Renato. When Merek tags his shoulder though he looks up and over, "Yes Cousin?" He asks curiously before he catches sight of Katarina and Reese, "Ah!" He beams a smile towards them each in turn, "Princess Reese, Princess Katarina! It is so good to see you both again so soon!" And he offers a deep bow to the pair of them in greetings. So deep he practically bends in have and his hair is almost touching the ground, "It is as always the brightest of days, the clearest of nights, and the most pleasant of times to see you both again."

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

"Are you saying I can't afford twenty silver a week?" Derovai calls back crisply to Sabella. "Seriously -- how much?"

Oswyn glances at Aurora, and notes, "I don't think alligators are local, even."

Duarte stands from the barrel table and meanders over to begin his mingling. There was a parting gesture offered to Saoirse.

"That's quite alright, sir! I don't know that anyone is, really!" Paige calls back with a grin and a shrug, taking it all in good-ntured stride. Nodding to Reese, she echoes, "Yes, I'm a Huntsman. For the Keatons!" Amari is given a return smile and wave, calling back, "Hello, Lady Amari! Its nice to see you again!"

Quenia smiles in Paige's direction. "A worthy trade, I expect. And yes, I can see how that doesn't quite fit any particular category."

Duarte has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Duarte has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Merek smiles over towards Katarina as she goes on her way after the greeting. The Knight looks from beneath his hood at all the other folk at the fair, and picks up a drink and sips from it.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice arrives, delivering a message to Aurora before departing.

Reese looks over to Renato, giving the swordsman a nod of greeting. "Master Renato. How are you?" She says in his direction. She then turns her attention back to Paige nodding. "I am the Guardian of the Grayson claimed part of the Gray Forest. Princess Reese." She says in her direction. She then looks over to Derovai. "My sister is not for sale, Master Derovai."

Caspian has left the a cozy campfire surrounded by boulders and wooden perches.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman leave, following Caspian.

Lucita:lists one hand in greeting to Reese on spotting her though she is deep in conversation at the moment.

Paige chuckles and gives a nod to Quenia, "Yes, my lady. Which is why I mingle and chatter. I might find someone that can use my particular skillset, I might not. But I will enjoy myself regardless!" Her gaze shifts to Reese and she offers a bow and smiles upon straightening, "Paige Fieldstone, Your Highness. I'm no Guardian, just a Huntsman, but well met regardless!"

"Hm?" Niklas looks back at Oswyn and Aurora. "Oh. Sorry. Joke. Didn't land." He shrugs and looks over as Derovai speaks with Sabella. "A friend disappeared. Been distracted most of the day. I promise I'll only have jokes that land next time."

Amari pats the edge of the fountain next to her offering the seat to Paige before turning to Duarte who she nods to, "The scholarly and miscellaneous other area, yes. Please join us, Count Duarte. Have you met my cousin, Lady Margerie Keaton?"

Sabella glances Renato's way, overhearing that greeting to the other two Princesses and smiles, "Are you sure you're sitting in the right place?" She teases, that sounded like poetry." And then she's laughing to show she has taken no offense and looking back to Derovai with amusement, "Twenty silver and a kingdom of your own, I'm pretty sure. Lady Margerie is correct, it is not proper for me to have a patron that is not higher than my own social standing. I should look like I were taking advantage of you, Master Voss. People would talk! And you know what happens with rumors. They all come true."

Aurora follows Pawn's direction, stepping on a chair to do so as he travels throughout the grounds back towards his companion. A hand lifted to wave towards Katarina in response before she steps off the chair and turns back to the two men. "I didnt think they were local either, though there could always be a shipment of alligators that broke out of their cages roaming around the docks. Then they move in, have children, and dont leave for decades. Then he gets eaten." This is all said as if it logically could happen. No joke Niklas says would ever land with these two it seems.

"Not in my case, I assure you," Derovai tosses back towards Sabella, before he looks back towards Reese, raising his hands. "She offered," he notes plaintively, still not bothering to un-sprawl himself. "Let's pretend, Your Highness," he suggests to Sabella, "if you /were/ taken as a protege, what sort of services would you offer?" And he nods her to what little of the bench he hasn't occupied.

Arion has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Reese looks over to Lucita, having a smile for her that seems to touch her blue eyes and her expression and mood seem to gentle for a moment. "Baroness Lucita." She says, before looking over to Paige. "Hunting is part of guarding, well where the woods are concerned." She says over toward her. She then turns to Derovai, giving him a nod. She seems to let that go.


Renato smiles at Sabella, "Ahh Princess, I am a man of many talents, as one must be to excel in life. We can seek but perfection, but it is the ever impossible goal always unreachable, such as trying to determine which Princess, Lady, or even Good Woman or Mistress in this city is the most beautiful. I find myself overwhelmed constantly." He lifts his hand to cover his heart, "Fortunately, I am made of stern enough stuff to endure." Then he bows to Sabella and turns his attention back to Lucita and the others nearby.

Oswyn looks up at Aurora as she climbs onto a chair, though his attention's back to Niklas, brow furrowing with some concern. "I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Lord Darkwater?" he ventures.

Sparte gives Reese a friendly smile and a wave on seeing her. "Another invaluable patron to a lucky soul, the Princess is known both for her valor and generosity."

Margret stands up from the picnic table, and waits for Alessandro to stand as well before she starts towards Marius and Simone.

Margret has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Alessandro follows Margret with a nod of farewell to those at the bench, before he murmurs something else to her as they start toward Simone and Marius.

Margerie's smile brightens when Amari says the name Fieldstone. And of course there was a bemused nod towards Sabella's idea of all those party planning tips the King must be getting all the time. "Well, were the option available, your Highness, we might build an empire of matching marriages and patrons. Alas!" She bows her head before letting her focus be pulled more fully to the people at the fountain.

"Well," Sabella says with a moment's pause to think, "I have a vast array of skills I should think would come in handy, Master Voss. I am an accomplished dancer as you have seen. I'm better at performing on the stage, not that I've ever had the chance to do that since I came to Arx. I can sing, host lovely parties," she gestures around as if to say, see? "Speak of complete nonsense or diffuse a tense situation with a smile. I've also tried my hand at playwrighting, but Master Bastien and Lord Niklas have me beat there, so I don't even want to compete. Ah, and I make friends wherever I go. No small feat in a city like this."

Alessandro has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Marius is still where he's been, quietly conversing with his wife, when he catches Margret's approach and pauses to flash a quick smile at the approaching cousin and Alessandro.

Simone turns away from Marius and smiles warmly as Margret and Alessandro approach, "Hello you two, have you found any proteges yet?"

Shrugging, Paige smiles to Quenia, "Excuse me please, my lady. It would seem I'm being requested." Offering a small bow, she slips over to and away to go join Amari, settling down next to her with a smile, "Count, how nice to see you again." Chuckling, she turns a smile towards Duarte before looking to Amari, "Have you recieved any more yet? I'm interested to keep count, I still think its a record."

Niklas nods toward Oswyn. "One and the same. He was close to my sister and a vassal of ours in any case." He glances back to Derovai, then shakes his head and says to Oswyn, "You know, I have a patron and am far too Kennex to actually afford a protege. But it's nice to see people willing to support artists, scholars and more."

Paige has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

"Rather my opposite, then," Derovai remarks to Sabella. "I can't dance, I don't give a Gods' damn about the stage, I can't sing, I don't care a whit for parties. I /thrive/ on tense situations. Oh, and I'm a terrible playwright. No imagination. As for friends, well, I suppose my reputation precedes me. Let's call it even. Give me your services; I'll give you mine. Neither of us will pay each other a thing." He grins a bit sharply.

Rather belatedly, Katarina raises her hand in returned wave toward Aurora when she manages to spot the famed seamstress through a part within the millings crowds. She shifts in her seat, then pulls away with fingers tapped pensively to her jaw as she surveys the grounds

Elizabetta starts circulating with tiny little pie crusts full of chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream. She gives everyone who takes one a disapproving look. Do you really need that? Mmhmm.

Duarte smiles to Paige and offers her a small wave. "Hello again."

Katarina has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Orland strolls by and takes two such pie crusts. He scowls at Elizabetta in both thanks, and in 'yeah I need 'em'.

"Sorry to hear it. Perhaps he'll turn up," Oswyn tells Niklas, gingerly reaching over to pat the other man's shoulder. Twice. No, go for a third pat. Alright, three times.

Merek is drinking and listening to others at the fountains, for the most part seeming to be taking in what he can of things as he does so. He leans back and lets out a relaxed sigh.

Reyna hops off her boulder once more, since she's been left alone, none seeming to want those with skills slanted towards weapons, but there is Elizabetta. And her dessert. Stride, stride, "You are looking /lovely/ today." Reyna says as she leans in with a smile, yes, she need dis.

Reyna has left the a cozy campfire surrounded by boulders and wooden perches.

Quenia has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

"And just what truly are your services then, Master Voss," Katarina chimes in toward Derovai and Sabella when she draws near, faintly amused. "I feel as though you're selling your talents rather short, on purpose or otherwise."

Saoirse has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Quenia rises from her seat and makes her way from the Grayson grounds, her expression pensive.

Lucita has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Lucita.

Lucita leaves, following Quenia.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Lucita.

Lucita arrives, following Quenia.

Whatever Alessandro whispers to Margret causes her to snort outright. "Afraid not." She says to Simone as she approaches them. "Perhaps Marius should try hooking one?" She grins a touch at her cousin.

Reyna will, once in possession of small tarts, two in all, and head towards Sabella, "Princess Sabella." Reyna will greet, one tart popped into her mouth, "Howsthit." Chew.

Behtuk finishes what he is carving, puts the stick away into his pocket and stands up to leave. The refreshments were emptied completely.

Behtuk has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

"I am sorry for your lost friend" Aurora says to Niklas. "How long has he been missing?" Because this seems like a good question. There is a look for Oswyn then, as if impressed with his level of comfort.

"Not yet," Alessandro admits as they reach Simone and Marius. "But I'm sure we shall prevail." His tone is a little exaggeratedly despondent, but he isn't quite able to keep a straight face. He nods at what Margret says, though, gesturing to Marius. "There are many worthy proteges here. I'm sure you'd be able to find one."

Sabella grins far more warmly at Derovai than he is at her, "If you were my protege, Master Voss, I would surely give you a stipend for the time you'd spend cultivating your talents to better them. But, I already have two people and would not want to take you away from someone who would benefit from your particular skills." She glances around, "I don't know everyone that well, but I can tell you that Master Kaine is a man of many talents in anything you can think of--wood, cloth, you name it I bet he could make something beautiful out of it. Master Oswyn is a learned scholar who would be a helpful research assistant to anyone that needed it. And I see several people that would make wonderful patrons, such as my sister Reese, who would surely cultivate anyone's talents with a gentle hand, and Lady Margerie who basically knows everyone in the city. Prince Alessandro, who I have only just met recently, but find to be of fair mind with a wonderful sense of humor who would be supportive of anyone that needed it. And if I don't know you, please introduce yourself and I will be glad to try to direct you to someone that you might work well with!"

Simone smiles mischievously, her eyes twinkling, "If he does then they will have to hate drinking whiskey or it will never work. Marius does not like to share his whiskey." She looks askance at Marius with a teasing expression.

Niklas gives Oswyn a rueful grin. "That was a perfectly calculated amount of comforting, Oswyn. I feel better, but I don't feel weird about it." Overhearing Derovai listing his lack of skills he calls over to the man, "Master Voss! You told me that you didn't try at the dance contest! I took that to mean you were actually quite good on your feet and just let Master Culler win out of pity!"

Marius gives a wry little wrinkle of his nose at Margret, "You know me, dear cousin. I have little to offer except helping somebody better their alcohol tolerance." The Marquis flashes a warm smile to cap of the statement, "And, from experience, it's really not something anybody needs help with." He glances sideways at Simone, giving a soft huff, "I share at times."

"Mistress Reyna! How are you?" Sabella asks with a bright smile, "And how are those little dessert cups? I have to say I was tempted to try about a dozen of them when I saw them being made!"

Kaine perks up at Sabella's mention of his name, and looks around from his seat at the redwood picnic table, waiting around by himself there.

Derovai shoots Katarina a sharp look. "I'm not for sale," he remarks flatly. "I just came for the free drinks." He raises his drink in indication. "And the chance to talk to such a scintillating personality as Princess Sabella." As for Sabella, he grins, waving a go-ahead hand as she details others' skills, listening in, but saying nothing at first in response. Niklas' comment earns a laugh. "I'm quick on my feet, but not when it comes to dancing. Sorry to disappoint you."

Oswyn actually looks kind of pleased when Niklas tells him this. He glances over at Aurora and raises his eyebrows, like, did you see that?

Sparte glances over to the interaction between Derovai and Katarina, one eyebrow lifting a bit as he catches the end of the exchange.

Behtuk makes his way to the exit, careful not to tread on anything important.

Alessandro looks over and gives a wave to Sabella when she says this, calling, "Thank you, Your Highness. Your kind words are much appreciated." He turns back to his future family then, and says, "Lady Margret, if you find anyone, let me know. I shall trust your judgement on the subject completely." His gaze moves to Simone and Marius then, and he nods in farewell. "Good evening, and good luck."

2 House Velenosa Guards leaves, following Alessandro.

2 House Velenosa Guards arrives, following Alessandro.

2 House Velenosa Guards leaves, following Alessandro.

Lucita concludes her talk, extends a hand to Renato and says. "I expect this will work out nicely. I will need to set up things at the bank and visit a few merchants.

"He shares when we make him." Margret says to Simone with a little laugh. When Alessandro leaves she waves goodbye to him before she says, "I suppose I shall make another go at it now that some of the better choices have left." She starts towards the table where Kaine is sitting again.

Aurora repeats the same gesture, the raised eyebrows and nod conveying she did infact see that. The tailor is such an awesome and supportive friend!

Margret has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Katarina lifts her brows at Derovai's reaction, lips thinning into a soft line. "Mm," she exhales slowly, her gaze lowering briefly before she merely shies away from him and his gathering.


Renato reaches to take Lucita's hand and bows over it to press his forehead to her knuckles politely, "I am honored, Baroness, to be considered for your patronage, let alone to be accepted. I am grateful to be extended the offer, and humbled to accept it." Then he straightens up and smiles at Lucita, "Thank you again, Baroness Saik."

Tabitha arrives, following Graham.

Katarina has joined the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Tabitha leaves, following Graham.

Marius says his goodbyes and inclines his head towards Alessandro as the Prince departs. "Why, you are always the best choice, of course Margret. Find you a fighter and you can have quality time at the clinic... Them bleeding and you stopping it." The Marquis remarks after Margret as she gets back to it.

"I wouldn't say that entering into a patronage was putting oneself up for sale," Sabella remarks to Deorvai, more thoughtfully than anything, "But should a person want to expand their talents or their client base, it only makes sense to find...well, a mentor or a sponsor, if you like. Because it is a job, really. It's an employer-employee relationship. Oh, Mistress Aurora! Mistress Aurora, of course, is an amazing seamstress who does most if not all of the costumes for performances at the Black Rose. I believe one of her creations went for an astounding amount of silver at the masq after the opera."

3 Armed Confessors, Confessor Dunn, 1 Grayson Guardsmen, Confessor Wick arrive, following Gareth.

Marius, with that, decides to depart and offers Simone his arm to leave.

Simone leaves, following Marius.

Oswyn looks down at his feet and makes a quiet, mournful little noise. Probably only Aurora and Niklas hear it. "I think I stepped in something," he remarks. "Why are there always so many animals milling about at these gatherings?"

Derovai shrugs at Sabella from where he's sprawled on the bench, tilting his drink back to finish it haphazardly. "So you're saying I couldn't mentor you in anything, Your Highness? You are underestimating me, I think," he remarks, before he follows Katarina's stepping away with his gaze, brows drawing together and a little laugh following in her wake. Other than that, though, he's content to fall silent, listening to the conversations around the grounds.

"Meandre did not do it. She hasn't eaten this week" Aurora tells Oswyn as if a shocked parent and it could never be her child. Er. Snake. "Well. This has been nice. Thank you Lord Niklas." She doesnt even try to hide her discomfort at the large amount of people any more. "I need to go..." she doesnt even have a good excuse like Oswyn.

"Master Voss. One day I will hear your voice without you giving yourself praises, or whining that someone doesn't appreciate you enough. Even if it takes sewing your mouth shut for a day."

Guess what. Gareth's here.

Leaning heavily against his griffin headed cane, the horribly scarred red coated Inquisitor makes his way out of the Grayson Manor, clacking his cane along the pathway as he comes across the crowd of people in his front yard. Ugh. The Inquisitor slowly looks around with his sharp gaze, eyes flicking to Derovai then to others.

A pair of messages sees Margerie rising to her feet, albeit with an apologetic expression for those at the fountains. "Goodwoman Fieldstone, Paige, I do look forward to speaking with you and your family shortly. Amari, I hope you meet a good many interesting folks that might benefit from connections to the Keatons. I fear that I should be off to deal with this, though."

"How might you hear his voice whilst his mouth were sewn shut?" Duarte asks after Gareth. "It is hypothetical, of course, as I do believe his tongue would cut through the sutures with little enough effort."

"I'm going to go... clean this," Oswyn says, lifting one foot off the ground and peering down at it. "These boots have been through the Northlands. They've actually been through worse. Take care, Lord Kennex."

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

Margerie has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Rising up with Margerie and Amari, Paige smiles, "Allow me to escort you, my ladies. The Keatons would have my head if I let anything happen to either of you."

Paige has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Reese is still here, but she has been really really quiet. She goes to find a place to sit.

Reese has joined the a pink pansy blanket.

Derovai beams brightly at Gareth's approach. "Ah, Prince-Inquisitor. I did think the event was rather too cheerful," he rejoins. "Thank you for setting the balance. If only we had the Archlector of the Thirteenth here, he might even give you a commendation." And he waves a hand towards Duarte, as if the other man's asked the very question he was about to. Instead, he adds, "Don't /tell/ me you're here because you've an interest in acquiring a boon companion. What for, one wonders?"

Katarina curves herself into a seat beneath the rose-adorned arbor, smiling graciously to an attendant that places a glass of water within her hands. A brief glimpse of Gareth is stolen, brows lifted marginally while she sips from her drink.

Margerie is overheard praising Sabella.

"Cousin!" Sabella greets brightly when Gareth joins them, "Are you in the market for a protege? Perhaps someone exceedingly cheerful that might help you plan some parties?" She glances around like she might pull someone like that out of the shadows. "Or perhaps a champion? Not that you'd ever need one, being so friendly and agreeable person!" And then she looks back to Derovai, "I'm sure you could, Master Voss. But it would have to be a friendly arrangement rather than an official one, I think. Though I imagine you don't hold much for the rules of society, I do have to abide my them. Most of them. The big ones that people pay attention to." A quick look to Gareth, "...and also the small ones, certainly I adhere to all of them!"

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, The Second leave, following Margerie.

Amari is overheard praising Sabella.

Renato has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Lucita.

Lucita leaves, following Renato.

Katarina has left the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice, Quiet, a Valardin champion, Aioni, a regal snowy white owl leave, following Katarina.

Meandre, an albino python leaves, following Aurora.

Sparte opts to take the wave of people exiting as a sign to slip away as well. He grins at Merek in passing, lifting a hand to Derovai, and then is striding away.

There's a soft tsk from Amari for what Duarte's said to her, but she smiles all the same. "Perhaps they will, or they can be nudged." She gestures how that might be done with a slight jab of her elbow into the invisible fate stood next to her. "Good day, Count." And with that, she turns to catch up to Margerie and Paige.

Rees looks over to Sparte, giving him a wave as she starts to leave.

Amari has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen leaves, following Amari.

"It might slow him down, at least." Gareth grates in response to Duarte. Before his gaze sets upon Derovai. A sigh passing through his teeth. "Don't you fancy yourself an investigative mind, Voss?" The inquisitor slowly pivots to look at the Grayson manor, making a show of doing it in front of Derovai, he makes a gesture of how the front entrance of the manor connects to where they stand. Then he looks to Derovai. "I live here."

The Inquisitor leans against his cane as he looks over to Sabella. He listens to her talk and finally just bobs his head subtly to his cousin.

Sparte has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger, Gene Erique, Guardsman leave, following Sparte.

"Yes, but you came to this, ah, gathering, didn't you? Surely there was a reason, and it wasn't to trade barbs with me," Derovai points out, not seeming to take any offense at all at the obviousness of Gareth's gestures. "So what sort of protege are you looking for? Artistic, intellectual, or martial? Those were the divisions Her Highness Sabella told me about, although their numbers seem to be dwindling a bit now."

Reese rises to her feet and quietly slips out.

Reese has left the a pink pansy blanket.

Deliverance, an albino falcon, Rosalie, a lady in waiting, 1 Grayson Guardsmen, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rascal, a hyper terrier leave, following Reese.

"If I did come to trade barbs. You are definitely losing." Gareth points out flatly. The Inquisitor slowly looks sidelong at Derovai. "Did you affix yourself to someone of good standing, Master Voss?"

"He tried to take me on as a protege, but I had to decline," Sabella points out with a smile to Gareth. "Mores the pity for me, I think. I should like a patron. One that's as good as I am. I should quite like someone talking me up to other people."

"Affix myself? I'm not a leech," Derovai replies to Gareth crisply. "And no, for an answer to your question. I didn't come here to do that anyway." He glances over towards Sabella, smiling broadly. "I'd say the /nicest/ things about you, Your Highness. People would be downright shocked. Of course, like I said, I'd have to do so without paying you for the privilege. I rather think you'd have to pay me."

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Sir Frances Flappington IV, an albino crow arrive, following Aiden.

Sabella laughs, "If I were paying you people would think you were not being genuine, Master Voss. And if people think you are not genuine, where will you be?"

Aiden slips out the gates, looking once toward the crowd but with a certain rigidness about him, an aversion of his gaze, and his head tucked down, which that suggests he wasn't really in the mood to deal with people... He carries on out of the ward, guard faithfully following.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Sir Frances Flappington IV, an albino crow leave, following Aiden.

Elizabetta and Lily start making the last couple of sweeps to see who would like a bacon-wrapped something or a chocolate mousse tart. Isabelle glowers at anyone that looks like they might come over for a last minute drink.

Margret has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

"Ah. Master Voss. There you are." Gareth responds flatly. As things really seem to wind down, the Inquisitor starts to clack clack his way out of the Grayson Grounds.

Margret finishes speaking to Kaine, and stands up from the picnic table. She lets out a wince, and stretches her limping leg before she starts towards Sabella. "What a lovely event, Princess Sabella. How thoughtful of you to arrange something like this."

Derovai raises a brow at Gareth, but he answers Sabella instead: "People /never/ think I'm genuine. Haven't you noticed?" And he raises a gloved hand lazily from where he's sprawled on the bench to wave at the departing Inquisitor. "Mind the pavers. They're uneven."

Merek stands up and shifts his cloak about him, then he inclines to those still about. Afterwards he takes his time to look at things from beneath his hood, and makes his way towards the exit, stretching.

Merek has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

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

"I think you are very genuine in your insincerity, Master Voss," Sabella replies sweetly, before turning a brilliant smile Margret's way, "It was my pleasure! I know there are so many talented people in this city that would make wonderful partners and I just thought there ought to be more opportunities to bring them together. There are only so many chance meetings in a bar that can happen in one city, right?"

Duarte stands and strolls along, "My appreciations, Princess Sabella, it was a lovely affair."

Sabella waves to those who are departing and gives the three ladies an indication that they can start bringing things inside. Slowly, so as not to upset anyone that still might be lingering. "Thank you for attending, Count Amadeo!"

Kaine has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Kaine is overheard praising Sabella for: For running an event for patrons and proteges where I got to learn about how all of it works.

Kaine rises from his seat at the redwood picnic table, rolls a shoulder out in a stretch and takes a look over the dwindling crowd, humming thoughtfully to himself.

"That is very true." Margret says with a small nod of agreement Sabella's way. "And patrons will make it easier for less well-known artisans to get work." She smiles before she says, "But you're trying to wrap up so I'll get out of your hair. Thank you again for this."

Margret is overheard praising Sabella.

Sabella nods to Margret, "That's the hope at least! I'm not sure if we made any true connections here tonight, but I suppose I'll hear tomorrow. If nothing else, I think people's names were passed around and even I was surprised by how many were looking to enter into a patronage. I'm very thankful to you for coming. And you, Master Algair! Did you make any good connections?"

"Master Algair." Gareth says rather icily as he hobbles towards the exit, turning to face the man. "Has something slipped my mind, or am I still waiting on an order from you?" It's hard to tell if he's upset about it or not, the man is rather impassive and cold.

"Interesting," Derovai replies to Sabella. "And probably right. Let's talk about it sometime, hm? I'll buy you a drink." But he doesn't move.

Kaine smiles toward Sabella and offers a nod her way, gesturing politely toward Margret. "I met Lady Margret, who has been quite nice, and Marquessa Quenia who... left. I think." He looks about. "Yes." Then he spots Gareth and blinks. "Hello... Your Highness... er... actually, I sent you a letter and quoted you a price and a down payment, and, well... I figured you got busy with work or something..." He rubs the back of his neck. "Would you like me to go over the details again? I could do that."

Duarte has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Arching the scarred flesh where his brow should be, the Inquisitor gives a light nod to Kaine. "Remind me." Gareth states flatly, fishing for his coin purse.

Derovai has left the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

"Well, if nothing else I think I just ordered a gown from Master Kaine!" Margret says with a laugh before she says, "Have a lovely evening." She turns to start limping towards the center of the city, and overtakes Gareth when he gets tripped up by remembering he ordered something. And this folks is how races for people who don't walk so good are won!

Sabella gives Gareth a look, like maybe he shouldn't be implying people might be late with things at an event to find them patrons! And then Kaine handles it beautifully and she laughs, shaking her head, "I shall take you up on that, Master Voss, but not tonight. I'm going to help everyone with putting things away. Good night, Lady Margret, Master Algair! Get home safely!" And then she's turning to help clean up.