Sabella is here and has been for awhile, helping to set up tables and organizing things into neatly folded piles that never stay folded for long. She's beaming as she looks around as people start showing up to drop things off. "Oh, dresses go over there and there's a table for items over that way--" she stops to point this way and that.

Felicia doesn't have much that really counts as 'spare', in her life, but there's a cerulean swim dress, at least, that she can donate, and a white silver greatsword known as the 'Hand of Light' that she accrued and hasn't been able to bring herself to use, so these things are brought, and added to the appropriate places with an acknowledging nod for Sabella's words.

Rosalind heard of the clothing swap, and being new to the city, decided to come and see what is what. Alone is she, pausing to the side to take things in before finally stepping forwards. Oh, lots of things to see!

"Thank you so much, Dame Harrow!" Sabella tells the other woman with a bright smile. "Anything that isn't taken today will be donated to needy families in Arx, but please feel free to browse and pick up something that catches your eye. Or a couple of somethings!" She gives Rosalind a smile and a wave, "Welcome!"

Meanwhile Genevieve has wandered in at some point, carrying a green dress embroidered with tulips,. Given the hard look in the sellsword's gray eyes, it might be surmised that this is not the kind of garment she'd be inclined to wear on a frequent basis. Too pretty, too feminine. Nonetheless, she does give Sabella a polite nod and bow before placing the dress on a table in a neatly folded parcel. Military neat!

Felicia is not one for dresses, normally, and she's totally going to just retreat back, but Sabella's words cause her to nod with a brief smile and then there's a silver dress that apparently some part of her covets given the way she has to stop and linger at it, reaching to delicately fondle the material before deciding with a flush of her cheeks that, well, maybe she will, after all.

Felicia picks up seductive silvered silk gown with iced beadwork.

Oh, and then there's slippers to match? Oh goodness. Ahem. No-one pay attention to the knight who can't quite resist picking them up, even if perhaps she's a little embarressed by her own urge for the feminine in the way she scurries off afterwards with an impish, embarressed grin at Sabella.

Felicia picks up sterling silver pair of dainty silk slippers with iced beadwork.

Felicia is overheard praising Sabella for: Such pretty things!

"Ooooh, that's lovely," Sabella comments as Genevieve sets the dress down. "You know, the hardest part about hosting something like this is not grabbing things to set aside for myself!" She laughs and shakes her head, "But I'm trying to be good." As Felicia picks up the dress and slippers she comments, "That is a lovely set and I hope you have many occasions to wear it!"

With a nod to Sabella, Rosalind begins to look through a few of the items on the tables. While she doesn't have anything to swap, she'll make a donation once she figures out if anything catches her eyes. Soon, there's some leggings that are picked up to see if they might be the right size or not..

Rosalind picks up ivory woolen leggings with gray feathers.

Felicia does turn at the call out with a quiet laugh,"Well, I /do/ occasionally go to the palace!" she asserts with the gown clutched to her with a laugh,"Though I think I'd probably make a few people choke if they saw me in this."

Serrano, doughty Quartermaster of the Red Bargain arrives, following Ariella.

Rosalind is overheard praising Sabella for: A wonderful idea for the clothing swap!

Rosalind picks up an ivory white wool tunic.

Ariella is overheard praising Sabella for: A thoughtful princess!

Ariella picks up Citrine Silk Dress with Sunflowers.

Ariella picks up Flirty Citrine Silk Shoes.

Sabella is overheard praising Felicia for: Generous donations!

Sabella is overheard praising Genevieve for: Generous donations!

Sabella is overheard praising Rosalind for: Great taste!

Sabella is overheard praising Ariella for: Great taste!

Finding a tunic that seems to go well with the leggings, Rosalind seems happy enough for the moment. Still, there are so many things to look at, and when conversation is heard, she lifts her head up to peek at whom is talking. A hint of pink does touch her cheeks, the ranger studying the dresses nearby for a moment.

Felicia is not normally one to scurry, but scurry she does to go hide her treasure and probably spring it on some unsuspecting person later.

"I'm Princess Sabella Grayson, I don't think we've been properly introduced, though I did see you at the Spirits the other day," Sabella says with a warm smile to Rosalind. She looks then to Genevieve, "...and I'm rather sure we've met, but I've forgotten your name, my apologies!" She pauses and then says to Rosalind, "You know, with your coloring, that green dress would look lovely on you. Or the blue."

Ariella walks in along with Serrano, her quartermaster. The two are amiably bickering about her terrible taste in men. "...don't need you telling me who and who I can't bring back to the Bargain, Serrano. You aren't my husband." She gives him a saucy smile, "Yet!" which is enough to make him shudder and split off from her. He goes to look thoughtfully at the greatsword, while Ariella starts picking through clothes. "Something warm. Something warm. Something w-" She stops and lifts up a flirty silk skirt. "Doesn't look warm, but it does look kind of hot." She holds it up against herself and does a little pose for nobody. "Hm." Looking over to Rosalind she says, "How's this look? I'm going for available, but not too available."

Genevieve shoots a polite smile Sabella's way, and dips into another faint bow. "I seem to recall that we might have met at some point, your highness," she says. "My apologies. Genevieve Fieldstone."


"Lady Rosalind Ravenseye, your highness." The name is offered in a voice that does more than just hint at the northerner accent. "Just recently returned to the city after being called back home to Stormheart." And with only the green dress she currently has on for anything 'dressy'. Attention drawn to Ariella, she considers the skirt, "The color suits you well.."

Sabella grins at Ariella, "Lady Igniseri! I think that looks lovely on you. I see you found the shoes as well! And ah, yes, congratulations! You married Master Jonathan, did you not?" She beams at Genevieve. "I am so glad to see more Fieldstones around, every single one I have met has just been so lovely." She nods then to Rosalind, "Well, this is a fortunate event for you then, as you will not have to go shopping for much after this!"

Ariella waves to Sabella. "Captain Ariella If you must. Lady Igniseri is my sister, my cousins, eventually my niece. Even Ennettia, occasionally." She holds the dress out and considers it, then goes head and folds it up and tucks it away into a pocket. "I came here hoping to make a winter outfit and I come away with something I can't really wear until spring. Unless I make a special occasion, I suppose."


Coming across the thigh highs, Rosalind may be seen to blush a little more as she touches them lightly. Soft wool with flowers. Very pretty. And tempting. She worries her bottom lip in thought, pondering whether or not to get them as well.

Rosalind picks up sleek thigh highs with pink irises.

Sabella laughs, "Captain it is, then. And there is that black wool outfit with the snowflakes--I think there's a bag that goes with that one somewhere in this mess." As if nothing Rosalind's hesitation she offers the other woman a smile, "I can always wrap something up if you like, Lady Ravenseye." She directs a couple more people to set things on certain tables with a wave.


She's going to go for them! Rosalind takes up the stockings, keepping them neatly folded. With Sabella's offer, she smiles, "I would like that, pleae." In fact, she's going to bring everything over that she's picked up, so that they might all be wrapped up to keep them clean - all that white! "While I didn't have anything to donate clothing wise, I would like to make a small donation to help out the families?"

Ariella continues picking at the different clothes. She nods at Sabella's suggestion, lifting up the gown and looking at it from one side and the other. "It's so... concealing." She sighs and lifts it higher, running a hand down it to see how soft it is. "Well. Maybe." She then keeps looking, eventually finding first the handle and then the rest of Hand of Light. "Holy shit. This will keep me warm, I think."

"Of course!" Sabella gestures and Elizabetta comes over with some plain cloth squares and twine to nicely wrap everything up for her. "And that would be quite lovely of you! If you ever wanted to do some charity work, might I recommend the Heart in Hand organization? I do a lot of work with many charities and so do they." She laughs at Ariella, "Dame Felicia donated that! It's quite spectacular! Did you see the detail work?"


Taking a moment to count out some coins, Rosalind hands them over to Sabella just before Elizabette hands over the newly wrapped clothing. "I will have to look into them. I am not sure what sort of things my sister has planned for us to do while here in the city." But helping out others is something she enjoys when able. A dip of her head is given, "Thank you, your highness.." She'll take her things, though the comment about the sword draws her attention, and she tilts her head, "Is that.. actually.. up to be taken?" Seems she's got an idea for it if it is,and no one is going to take it.

"Oh, its impressive no doubt. Not really my speed, though." Ariella pats the weapon at her hip, then moves on to look at other clothes. A set of mittens are dismissed as too itchy. A set of boots? Too not going with anything else. "Why didn't anyone want to throw away any nice flannel pants?"

Confessor Imori, 1 Grayson Guardsmen, 5 Armed Confessors, Confessor Warren arrive, following Tikva.

Confessor Imori, 1 Grayson Guardsmen, 5 Armed Confessors, Confessor Warren leave, following Tikva.

Confessor Imori, 1 Grayson Guardsmen, 5 Armed Confessors, Confessor Warren arrive, following Tikva.

Tikva drops ivory woolen leggings with violet satin ribbons.

Tikva drops silk velvet gown of indigo midnight threaded with silver starlight.

Tikva drops a feathery silk scarf of glimmering sunset.

Sabella nods to Rosalind, "Everything here is! It's much better for things that are laying around go to people that will actually use them. So, please, if you feel you will use it or know someone who will, feel free! I promise it's not a trick!" She turns to hand the silver to Elizabetta then grins at Ariella, "Sorry, I mostly just had dresses! There are some leggings laying around here..."

Tikva drops ethereal gown of white silk in filmy layers of shimmering fabric.

Tikva drops a copper framed flower crown with green ribbon.

Tikva drops a black cotton tabard with green griffin embroidery.

Tikva drops a black cotton tabard with crimson sea serpent embroidery.

Tikva drops a black cotton tabard with violet fox embroidery.

Tikva drops proposed treaty between Thrax and Grayson.

Tikva picks up proposed treaty between Thrax and Grayson.

Rosalind picks up Hand of Light, a massive white steel greatsword.

Ariella is shameless, looking through stuff as the new princess comes out to drop it off. The white woolen leggings get picked up and turned from side to side. "Hmm. These are cute." She picks through and finds a silk top and looks from one to the other. "Do these go? I can never fucking tell."

Confessor Imori, 1 Grayson Guardsmen, 5 Armed Confessors, Confessor Warren arrive, following Tikva.

Tikva drops Autumn leaf leather boots.

Tikva drops lightweight tunic of autumn leaves with a frothy lace neckline.

Tikva arrives, carrying bundled goods, and wearing a slightly abstracted expression. Her train of confessors looks, as frequently, mildly beleaguered, but at least this time she's not making them carry stuff.

Ariella picks up a fitted white silk blouse long flared sleeves.

Ariella picks up ivory woolen leggings with violet satin ribbons.

Sabella watches Ariella pick through the clothes, "They do, though I have to warn you that I think white might very easily get marred if you're on a ship all the time. You might want to try something darker..." She trails off and then beams at Tikva when she arrives, "Princess Tikva! Oh, you are a treasure! Elizabetta, Lily, go grab that from the princess and set them out on the tables." She glances around at all the piles and piles, musing, "Maybe we ought to just open a store! Just kidding. Everything's going to find a good home one way or the other tonight."

Rosalind is going to end up with an arm full of things, but she takes up the sword, "I know someone who could likely use this.." And it's pretty. As others arrive with more things, she ohs as she sees a few autumn colored things. She looks from the white she'd picked up to the autumn stuff, "I can switch it out, yes?

"If you'd like. Or if you think you'd use both, you can take both!" Sabella answers Rosalind with another smile. "Less for me to sort through and have my ladies carry later."

Tikva snorfles a little, and smiles as she scrubs her hand at the back of her neck. "Hi," she says. "Sure, of course. I don't know how I end up with so many clothes, honestly. I'm pretty sure I wore that silk velvet to like... one dinner party ever and then forgot about it in the back of the wardrobe."

"Oh, this is for when I'm off ship. I'm woefully unprepared for an Arx winter." It's kind of surprising Ariella's not shivering now, given that she's dressed a bit like a pirate themed stripper. Holding the white silk against the ivory wool she mutters, "Two different whites and two different materials. But, hell, I'll take 'em. If nothing else I can wear the leggings as breeches."

Rosalind picks up lightweight tunic of autumn leaves with a frothy lace neckline.

Rosalind picks up Autumn leaf leather boots.

Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat arrive, following Alarissa.


"I will certainly use them. Most of my clothing is for harsher winter weather than Arx gets." Rosalind admits as she takes up the tunic, then looks to the boots, making sure they might actually fit her. They do, and the redheaded ranger is smiling all the more. "I should go.. now.. before.. I pick up more!" With that, she is going to hurry on out with her arms full, lugging that greatsword as well.

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

Alarissa's making her way in to the plaza, looking this way and that at the items that have been laid out - and subsquently rustled through and messed up - by others. "Oh my." Eyes widen and smiles.

Sabella grins at Tikva, "You and me both. Dame Felicia took a dress that I'd only ever worn once and then completely forgot was there. And some of this...I honestly don't know how long it's been folded up at the bottom of my armoire." She glances around with amusement. "I mentioned earlier it's hard for me to not start picking out my favorites, but I really don't need any more clothing. At least, if I do get new clothing it will be new and probably heavier than all the light summer stuff I put out." She looks to Ariella at her comments and takes a breath so as not to laugh, "Woolen pants would definitely help." She offers instead of laughing. Barely. "Have a good rest of your evening and thank you so much for your donation!" She calls after Rosalind.

Sabella is overheard praising Tikva for: Amazingly generous donations!

Tikva is overheard praising Sabella for: What a lovely idea!

Ariella picks up the tabard with the violet foxes, lips pursed. "Where in the world did you come from?" She turns it one way and then the other. "Maybe if I wear this I can convince Luca to spar with me." She starts folding it up and adds, "This and not much more." But she tosses it back down, heading over to look at the snowflake themed robe. "Okay, I'm warming to this one."

Tikva laughs out loud, and rakes her hand back through the bright fluff of her hair as she asks, "Oh gods, was that a pun? A snow pun? I'm shuddering, probably. Or shivering. Sorry, I haven't the knack."

"Just bring some salmon for his cats and he'll spar with you in thanks." Alarisa comments to Ariella, smiling. "That is a lovely piece you are holding." The voilet fox tabard. "Sabella. I take it that it's gone well?" A dip of her head to Tikva as well.

Sabella gives Alarissa a bright smile, "It has! Several people have been in and out, some dropping off donations and taking something else. Anything that remains will be donated to needy families once the sun goes down." She turns to squint at it, as if judging how much longer that might be. "Oh, Princess Tikva, have you met Captain Ariella Igniseri yet? And this is Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax," she gestures to each woman in turn. "Please, take whatever catches your eye so I don't have to sort through it later!"

So many your highnesses! But Ariella is all out, looking between the gown and the tabard. "I honestly have no idea what I'd do with a tabard. One with a phoenix might look nice on the wall of my cabin." She folds up the gown and tucks it into a bag, along with the silk dress. Then she's looking over to Tikva and Alarissa, offering each the barest hint of a curtsey, though she doen't wear a dress. "As Princess Sabella says, Ariella Igniseri, captain of the Red Bargain." To Tikva she adds, "I believe you've done some singing with my sister."

Tikva drops a pair of slate grey cotton pants with a gold thread design up one leg.

Alarissa gets a glittering pewter and pearl bracelet from a elegant wooden jewelry box.

Alarissa drops a glittering pewter and pearl bracelet.

"Of course. Captain Igniseri, yes; I've sung a lot with Lucita and I consider her a great friend. I'm happy to make your acquaintance; I believe you've most often been sailing when I've been about the Domus Igniseri." Tikva's smile is easy, and sunny; she gestures her slightly befuddled confessor out of her way as she strides forward to proffer her hand, tilting a nod towards Alarissa as she adds a light-voiced, "Princess Alarissa, good to see you again."

Sabella is overheard praising Alarissa for: Very generous donations!

Alarissa gets An ornate case for hairpins from a elegant wooden jewelry box.

Tikva drops gray warm woolen stockings with forest green accents.

Tikva drops a pair of simple soft soled cotton shoes.

Alarissa gets elegant silver pearl-encrusted hair combs from An ornate case for hairpins.

Alarissa drops elegant silver pearl-encrusted hair combs.

Alarissa puts An ornate case for hairpins in a elegant wooden jewelry box.

"Princess Tikva." Alarissa smiles, even as she's turning to Ovelia to gesture to the woman to put some things down. "It's not much, but it's something Sabella. Lady Igniseri. A delight to meet you. You are the spitting image of the Baroness Lucita!" There's a small bag of coin given over next. "I can't stay long, but I wanted to come and see how well it was going."

"Their hair is the only way I tell them apart," Sabella confesses to Alarissa with a grin, "And the clothes." She accepts the items and bag, handing them off to Alarissa, "Thank you so, so much! Your generosity is astounding. Really, I am quite floored by the generosity of everyone in general, but definitely today!" She's beaming again, radiating cheerfulness. "Every little bit helps, but I feel like everyone in this city puts in so much effort there's nothing we can't accomplish! Even if it takes time."

Handing them off to ELIZABETTA.

Ariella has absolutely no shame, following princesses as they drop treasures. Cotton grey pants! It's like Tikva went and got some stuff just for her. "Ah, yes. Well. After Setarco I decided I'd had enough of completely weird shit for a while and put to sea for a few months. Some nice boring trade is a good way to clear the mind." When she sees that the good thread forms a gryphon she grimaces. "Maybe if I had Lucita add some orange thread and set it on fire it'd look like a phoenix. A half lion phoenix." She barely even looks up when she snaps up the hair combs. Tum tee tum. Lady Igniseri will never not get a toothy frown, but she manages a smile for Alarissa. "She wants me to grow out my hair so we can be identical again. I think she's failed to notice that having had kids means she's got a little more happening up top than I'm ever apt to." She picks up the warm woolen stockings. "Okay, these are just gorgeous."

Ariella picks up gray warm woolen stockings with forest green accents.

Ariella picks up a pair of slate grey cotton pants with a gold thread design up one leg.

Ariella picks up elegant silver pearl-encrusted hair combs.

"Ah yeah, sorry. Griffins everywhere. Hazards of Grayson-ing." Chuckle low in her throat, Tikva's glance sweeps the materials and she looks thoughtfully towards the sword that has been set out, and she glances towards Sabella. "You know, before Ainsley bought me the alaricite, I had a very nice bow ... I could send someone to get it. I had thought that perhaps I'd gift it to a gifted archer in /particular/ sometime, but... I mean, do you know where you'll take the stuff that ladies don't take while we're here?"

Alarissa picks up an ivory wool gown with silvery butterflies.

Alarissa picks up a sleeveless sapphire blue wool gown that drapes from a cincture fashioned from interlocking gold rings.

Ariella picks up a soft black wool bag beaded with crystalline snowflakes.

Ariella picks up a long-sleeved soft black wool gown adorned at the shoulders with tiny crystalline snowflakes.

Ariella picks up a black cotton tabard with violet fox embroidery.

"I think I only managed to get rid of griffen things in the past two years. I still have white dragons everywhere. Even jewelry. Give it time, that too will filter off to be replaced with sea serpents." Alarissa has that problem too. "Hmmm, then it will be harder to discern the both of you. But I can see why she might." There's two dresses that catch her eyes. "Oh, the Baroness Skye might like those..." There's a gesture to Ovelia for her to take up the dresses.

Alarissa picks up a small sapphire carryall beaded with silver and onyx.

Alarissa picks up Limited edition Keaton goat kid stuffy.

Sir Dalan, Longsuffering Valardin Knight, Sir Danan, Studious Valardin Scribe arrive, following Clover.

Alarissa puts an ivory wool gown with silvery butterflies in a small sapphire carryall beaded with silver and onyx.

Alarissa puts a sleeveless sapphire blue wool gown that drapes from a cincture fashioned from interlocking gold rings in a small sapphire carryall beaded with silver and onyx.

"Well," Sabella says thoughtfully of Tikva's question, "I was mostly going to donate the silver to organizations like Heart in Hand and the orphanage. And bring the clothing down to be distributed among the poorer families in the Lowers. I'm trying to think if I know of anyone that needs a bow but perhaps can't afford it. That woman that was just here, Lady Rosalind, I can't recall if she had one. I believe she picked up a sword for a friend while she was here, which was very thoughtful of her. And yes, gryphons are very hard to get away from, especially at Grayson events. Sorry!"

Alarissa picks up ethereal gown of white silk in filmy layers of shimmering fabric.

Alarissa puts ethereal gown of white silk in filmy layers of shimmering fabric in a small sapphire carryall beaded with silver and onyx.


Clover arrives, fashionably late, perhaps. Managing to get away from her daughter for a short time, the young duchess hit the door at a near run. And here she is, not a bit out of breath! The clothing laid out gains her attention and she starts going through things, though she does pause to nod to those she recognizes, offering smiles aplenty.

Ariella just keeps finding more and more stuff. Her arms are getting pretty overloaded. If only she had someone here who could help her to lighten her l- oh, wait! "Oi! Serrano! C'mere! I need my quartermaster!" The big, ugly, bald man flips his captain the bird. "Not my fucking job!" She turns and gives him such a look. "You're saying that a lot lately. You said that when I asked you to order a banquet for my paramour." Serrano snorts in a way one generally shouldn't when surrounded by princesses. "Your one night isn't a paramour!" Ariella shrugs and looks back to her pile of clothes. "Is it really a one night stand if I kick him out afterward?" Serrano looks at a loss for words at that. "Y- yes? That's what makes it a one night stand!" Ariella walks over and shoves the at him. "It's your job now, quartermaster. Carry my shit." Serrano sighs, but quiets up. Doesn't mean he has to like it!

Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards arrive, following Sorrel.

Clover picks up silk velvet gown of indigo midnight threaded with silver starlight.

Clover picks up a glittering pewter and pearl bracelet.

"I think when you start ordering banquets for them, you elevate them to paramour, even if it's only temporary," Tikva says reflectively, as though she's giving the matter a lot of thought. Her confessors slant potentially commiserating looks toward the sailors, but none of them actually comment because what if those guys turn out to be criminals later? Awkward. "Duchess Clover, long time no see!" she calls.

"Hello!" Sorrel calls as she comes to have a peek at what's going on, curious and in good spirits, if ridiculously pregnant. She's got that waddle down pact, and she moves as gracefully as possible for someone who is on the verge of having a baby. "Tikva! Clover!"


There comes a soft sound of pleasure from Clover as she spies the midnight gown with it's stars, "Oh, this is just lovely.." It's taken up and held up to her, making sure that it will fit even if it might need minor adjustments. At the same time, she spies a bracelet that might go well with it, a hand reaching out towards it when she hears her name called. Looking up and around, there comes a smile to her lips when Tikva is seen, "A good day to you as well, Princess Tikva. I hope the day finds you well?" Holding the dress in her arms, she chuckles, "This is a wonderful idea that my husband likely wishes I had come up with myself.." Again, her name is called, this time by someone quite familiar, "Sorrel! Whatever are you doing out here??" Ready to tsk her sister she is!

Clover picks up an adorable corgi plushie.

Sabella gives Clover a bright smile as she comes over, "Welcome! Feel free to pick out anything you might like to take with you. If you need us to--" she starts to say to Ariella, but then she has things pretty handled, "Ah, I see you don't need any help at all! I'm Princess Sabella Grayson--oh, I see you already know Princess Tikva! And that's Captain Ariella Igniseri, Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax and--hello, Princess Sorrel, who it looks like you also already know!" At the talk of paramours she laughs, "Is this about Lord Redtyde? I can't imagine anyone kicking him out of anywhere, he's so delightful!"

"Sorrel!" Tikva throws her arms in the air and swarms close to the pregnant woman to bear down on her for a hug in the kind of glomp attack that leaves little doubt, at least, as to their acquaintance. "Hi!"

From behind an ever growing pile of clothes, Serrano complains, "It wasn't even a banquet! It was a slab of roast beef, some potatoes and a bag of haze!" Ariella flares at the pile of clothes behind which is her man. "It did! The trick! Now stop giving away my trade secrets!" Ariella looks back to Sabella and shakes her head. "Oh, no, I'm still trying to catch up with Fred. This was, uh, someone else. He was a very pretty boy and well worth some roast beef. Good effort. Surprise of the week." She grabs a pair of fox fur boots and considers them for a moment before setting them to the side. Nothing to match them!

glares, not flares, not a literal phoenix

Ariella is overheard praising Sabella for: Such a good idea!

"Oh, I am well acquainted with Duchess Clover. Wexve run the gauntlet on more than one occaison" Alarissa confides, watching the glomping.

"I'm looking at things and stuff!" Sorrel replies to Clover as if this is obvious. "And I'm hugging Tikva!" Who has glomped onto her, and they are engaged in a silly happy hug that one often sees between two dear friends who haven't seen one another in awhile. "Hello, Alarissa! Have you found anything good?"

Sabella starts to say something then stares open mouthed at Ariella, "Wait. Bastien!? I thought--I didn't even realize he was interested in--" she seems to realize that this is probably not polite conversation to have in front of a bunch of other people though and clears her throat, cheeks a little red. Her second look of surprise for the moment goes to Alarissa then to Clover, "You run the gauntlet? Like the obstacle course? I think I'm the only princess that'd fall over if she had to run from here to there. Actually, I tried and I did. The King was there as witness."


"Just be careful, please! I don't want to have to send the scribe after your husband to let him know you're starting to go into labor.." Clover states, grinning a little as her sister is glomphed by her friend. Laughing, she blinks, then ohs as she spies the corgi plushie, plucking it from beneath a shimmering scarf, "Isn't this adorable? Ivy will love it!" As conversation is bantered, a brow is lifted, but she chuckles softly before nodding, "A few times." The Guantlet, that is.

"Wait, Bastien what?" Tikva's arms are looped loosely around Sorrel's neck as she turns squinty eyes between the other ladies. "Is there gossip? What is happening?"

"I've found a few things for the Baroness blackshore. And unashamedly I have plucked up the keaton plush goat for Astrid." Yup. she has. "As for the gauntlet. running it might be a misnomer. more like we fell when we weren't supposed to and tripped often. we are not built for such things."

Ariella looks over when the gauntlet gets mentioned. "I've wanted to run the gauntlet for a while. I'll have to find my w-" Ariella stops when Sabella makes what is certainly a wild and inaccurate guess, turning to narrow her eyes at the princess. "I said he was a very pretty boy, and that's good enough." She waves to Serrano who staggers to his feet and loudly complains that he can't actually see. "You're fine, you big baby. We're in the Crown Ward. That means we're practically in the Lowers. It's a short walk." She offers Sabella a wave. "Thank you for organizing this event, your highness!" And another wave to Tikva and Alarissa, "And to you two for half the stuff I took." Tikva's question just gets a smile. "Bastien is a very sweet man. That's all!"

"That's delightful!" Sorrel says to Alarissa with a beaming smile, her arm wrapped around Tikva's waist. "I bet she'd like to play with the pygmy goat sometime. You should ask Galen to bring it by. She's very sprightly." She giggles at her sister. "I'm not going into labor yet. I'll let you know! And what is this gossip about Bastien?! Who in Arvum thinks he's very sweet? I thought he was a curmudgeon. He writes the most angry plays! Is it all an act?"

"Thank you for coming by, Captain Ariella!" Sabella says after clearing her throat and saying smoothly to Tikva and those inquiring, "Oh. Just that I didn't know he was interested in comedies. Which Lord Niklas' latest play is! And I've heard he actually likes it, though he's loathe to admit it. So, I'm not sure if it's an act," she addresses Sorrel with a grin, "So much as a chosen lifestyle. Like someone becoming godsworn. Bastien's curmudgeon sworn. As for the Gauntlet, no thank you. I shall applaud anyone that tries from the sidelines, for they are far braver than I ever will be."

"I fear for the goat with her. I'll leave that to Galen and your child. She's going through a tumbe, walking, swigning that wooden sword and growling. Far too much time with Donato." She'll have to curb that. "Learning bad habits." Alarissa chides the baby not here. There's a wave of fingers to Ariella and then a glance about. "I should bring these to Skye, see what she likes. Thank you Sabella for this. It was lovely. I can only imagine what I missed not coming sooner. Clover, we should speak soon!"

Ariella calls back as she walks off, "He's a very giving lover!"

Serrano groans, "I need a new fucking job."

Serrano, doughty Quartermaster of the Red Bargain leaves, following Ariella.

Tikva receives a message. She looks down at it. She tilts it slightly so that Sorrel can see it. "I think it's code," she says.


Clover listens, curious about the gossip, eyes sparkling with amusement as it seems it's all a misunderstanding. Darnit! A wave is given to Ariella as she heads off, unable to stop a soft chuckle escaping at the mutterings of her quartermaster. "Most certainly, your highness. You know the Guantlet is calling our names again.." She's in terrific shape for it too!

Oh, gods! Sabella visibly recoils when Ariella calls that out and closes her eyes, holding up a hand against the images that conjures! No, wait! Closing her eyes only makes it worse! She looks up and around and finally at the fountain statue of Queen Alarice brutally slaughtering some elf in a number of horrible ways. Whew, that's better. "Thank you for comin--VISITING!" Sabella rubs a hand over her face. "Ugh. If that is the new thing I learn today I swear to never learn another thing my whole life over."

Sorrel bursts into laugher at the message that Tikva shows her. "It's definitely code," she agrees, grinning broadly from ear to ear. "You know, I've been reading a lot on glyphs lately, and this might have some power behind it..." She glances up at Sabella curiously. "What? It sounds like a very nice factoid. Curmudgeonly playwright is an able and giving lover. Maybe you should give him a go!"

Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat leave, following Alarissa.

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, following Zoey.

Tikva snorfles noisily and smears her hand over her face. "I think he has a standing rivalry with Lord Niklas, of some kind, doesn't he? Not that that should dissuade you necessarily," she says, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I already have a playwright!" Sabella says quickly to Sorrel, waving her hands between them like the thought is some kind of bug she might knock away. "While I recommend them, I think I'll stick with just Niklas, thank you." She's standing with the others by a bunch of tables that have things stacked on them. Not so nicely, at this point, as everything has been rummaged through. "They're friends with a professional rivalry," she confirms for Tikva and then makes a face, "I'm dissuaded! Trust me. I've had several conversations with Master Bastien. I am good!"


Clover currently stands near her sister and Tikva, holding a dress and a corgi plushie, listening to the conversation. Amusement gathers on her face as she listens to Sabella, glancing between the various ladies, "I do not think I have met this Bastien fellow yet..."

Sorrel leans against Tikva in a fond, good-natured way. "Oh you should," she tells her sister with an impish grin. "I hear he's excellent in bed. Of course, only Sabella could tell us if he's the best playwright in the city in the sack, but only because I think she's got a lock on Lord Niklas's dick. I'm pretty sure Bastien would put out for a princess, though. I mean, who wouldn't, right?"

"I mean the best way to compare is clearly to take them both on at once, but let's not be too awful to dear Sabella while she's putting on a lovely event, if she explodes in horror we'll be the ones who have to clear up the mess." Tikva chortles to herself as she goes 'mwah' at Sorrel's temple, her nose scrunching very slightly as she straightens away again. "It's all right, Sabella, just a bit of fun. Ariella is _much_ sassier than her sister, isn't she?"

Zoey wanders around, looking kind of at a loss with the clothing on display. She has a wool dress in her hands and eventually picks up a silk one. Are people talking about peniseses? She doesn't seem to be paying any mind.

Zoey picks up Pink Hue Gown.

Sabella's face flushes a deep crimson and holds up both hands, "I respect Master Bastien too much as an esteemed playwright and a fellow Mummer to want anything more than his dear friendship!" Any further protests are dismissed when Tikva speaks and she gives her a look of relief. Her cheeks are still pretty red, though. "Much," she agrees with the sister assessment, giving Zoey a wave and a little bit of a smile. "Please take as much as you like, I do not want to carry all this to the Lowers!"

"Gods, Tikva. She's probably not going to explode. Probably," Sorrel points out with a measure of amusement, still grinning from ear to ear. "But honestly, no one lets me have fun anymore. No sparring. No running the gauntlet. I got yelled at for climbing in rigging... I'm not allowed to make dick jokes. I can't even get drunk with my husband. It's not fair! This baby better come quick. I'm ready to have a waist again."

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, following Zoey.


Clover is trying her best to not fall over laughing as Tikva and all continue to tease Sabella so. It wouldn't be nice to laugh at the princess, would it? Covering it all with a cough, she looks to her sister as she starts to complain, "It'll be over with.. soon?" She was recently there, knows the feeling.

Zoey smiles a little at Sabella. "I'll help you carry it down," she says with a laugh. "I hate that most of the clothes available are thin materials..." She glances at a ruby red woolen gown she carries and she carefully adds it to the pile. It's of stunning make and looks quite warm. "Anyway... My small contribution to the cause." She glances at Sorrel, however, and chuckles. "It'll be -fine-, Sorrel," she says with an easy grin. "Do a few jumping jacks. Eat spicy food. Tell the twins daily that they need to get their little hineys out of your body and start paying their own way."

Zoey drops a ruby red woolen gown with crimson and scarlet embroidery.

"All the winter stuff went early!" Sabella is so, so happy to have Zoey here to change the subject, rubbing at the side of her neck to try to get the blush to go away a little faster, "But thank you so much for the donation, Zoey! And for coming out at all. All of you, actually." She beams a smile around at those still lingering, clasping her hands together, "This was far more successful than I thought it might be!"

Zoey puts Pink Hue Gown in a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

"I'm delighted you thought of it at all, and I was happy to contribute. Honestly, even if it weren't an excuse to order new clothes--" Tikva rests her hand over her chest. "Gild smiles on this kind of charity, and several of the gowns I brought I've already seen go to good homes -- even if they weren't necessarily the kinds of homes I thought." She laughs.


Clover ohs at the red dress, "That is beautiful.." Her hand itches, but it's not quite the color she would like to wear. If it was blue... the thing would be GONE!

"I wish I'd brought something, but I don't really have anything to donate," Sorrel admits a bit sheepishly. "I've kept my wardrobe very sparse. And I've loaned out two sets of armor already."

"We are taking silver donations, which are going to go to either the Heart in Hands or the orphanage!" Sabella points out cheerfully, though she adds, "But donations of any kind are not necessary at all! It's just nice to see the people of Arx turn out to help their own." She starts motioning for the helpers to start packing things up. "I really do appreciate you all for the support!"


"I left so much of mine back home... " Clover begins, her hand to touch her belly that isn't quite as flat as it was, "I had to get a few things made after having Ivy." Mention of donation of silver has her touching her belt so she might pull some coins out to hand over to Sabella.

Clover is overheard praising Sabella for: Such a lovely idea for the clothing swap!

Sabella picks up simple wool mittens.

Sabella picks up a pair of warm sapphire blue wool booties lined with white fox fur.

Tikva checks her pouch and goes, "Oh. I have like... thirty silver on me. That's dumb," she says. "Can I write you a bank draft, Sabella?"

Sabella laughs, "Sure. I know where you live, Tikva, and I know you're good for it. And thank you, Duchess!"