Aureth has joined the a brick and wood wishing well.

Aleksei has joined the a brick and wood wishing well.

The appointed time has arrived and Marquis-Consort Hadrian Mazetti makes good his arrival. Accompanied by Cambria, the Marquessa of the same House. Trailing after the pair are their respective entourage, with Hadrian commenting aside to Master Luigi. The muttered comment is made and onward the group walks. Harlequin eyes seek out his own Champion, though Hadrian pauses to speak with a random passerby, "Have you seen Bliss of the Whisper House? Phenomenal taste in everything, in possession of a fan club, and generally altogether fabulous?"

Cristoph was going to walk with Zoey and Jael, but they were gone before he got to the stands! And then he weeped forever alone in that other big open field! No, no. In reality he left that one place and just came here instead and finds wherever they are and drops down into the stands next to them. "Thanks for waiting for me! You're the worst sister. Cassandra is my favorite now," he tells Jael.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon, Matilda - Shaggy Wolfhound arrive, following Victus.

Agostino arrives just slightly early for the duel that is to come, a curious look in his dark eyes as he glances around the green. Dressed in leather and linen in dark colors, he eventually makes his way to one of the long benches, where he takes a seat, ready to observe.

Zoey and Jael wander in, each holding a sliver cup and splitting a bottle of something that smells like almonds between them. The Kennex's eyes scan the area until they land on Luca. "LUCA GRAYSON," she calls over, gesturing at him with the bottle. "You had -better- win. You were born for this moment!" And then, encouragement gently given, she steers her cousin (or cousins, now that Cristoph tagged along) towards an acceptable vantage point.

Agostino has joined the long bench.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard arrives, following Lisebet.

Teonia Redreef, Marquessa Pudding, a pudgy puppy arrive, following Sorrel.

Zoey has joined the small circular table.

Jael has joined the small circular table.

Amanda Whisper makes her way into the Judgement Green - which is actually the place she meant to be, ahem - and takes a quick look around. She quickly spots her cousin, Aleksei, and heads that way.

Amanda has joined the a brick and wood wishing well.

Elgana arrives arm-in-arm with Lille as that pair of guards trail behind them. "This should be exciting," the Redrain is saying to her lady's maid as she drags the other woman over toward somewhere to sit with a good view.

From one duel to another, Katarina follows the Valardin train in shortly behind Alis. A little something extra is slipped into the basket before she makes her way over toward a nearby table to make herself comfortable. "Go Alis! We're cheering for you and your Champion!"

Katarina has joined the small circular table.

Sorrel arrives riding a sorrel mare and with a baby strapped to her chest who seems to be giggling at the rocking of the horse. She dismounts, hands her reins to a Thrax guard, and looks for somewhere to sit.

Elgana has joined the small circular table.

Luca has joined the small circular table.

Bliss has joined the small circular table.

2 House Mazetti Aspirants, Marius arrive, following Giulio.

Cristoph has joined the small circular table.

Cambria, walking along side Hadrian, slows to a stop when the former Duke hails a passerby. The Hydra Marquessa waits politely, her expression mild as she clasps her hands behind her back. Only once it is obvious that the citizen Hadrian has paused to chat with is indeed a fan of Bliss does she allow for a small smile. Leaning aside, Cambria murmurs something low to Hadrian.

Florian arrives, following Derovai.

Jael follows Zoey obligingly and takes a seat at the table with Zoey, setting a silver cup full of something that has a whiff of almonds and sugar in it. One must drink at a duel about drinking.


Yessica walks in just in time for the duel to start by the looks of it. She scans the area as if looking for someone specific but when she doesn't seem to find what she is looking for, she simply shrugs and with a smile makes her way towards a set of benches from where to view the actions once it starts, while still giving her a good view of the entrance to the park.

Aleksei arrives with Aureth and a toddler Fitz on his shoulders, looking a bit sore and dusty from the joust he literally just arrived from. He settles in near the well with Aureth and then his cousin Amanda once she joins them.

Alis peeks up and over past her shoulder to see Tyren right there near her. So she pauses long enough to wait until they can walk side by side. "Cousin. I'm glad we have a chance to catch up with one another. I suspect this one will take a bit longer to resolve, if only because it also involved poetry and taking shots between verses." she quips, with a bright smile that quirks upwards before she waves to Katarina and seeks out the Marquis and Marquessa. "Marquessa Mazetti! Marquis! Let us claim a table? I have a gift for you, as well as our chosen champions."

Lucky enough for Hadrian, Bliss Whisper does, in fact, happen to be here - dressed in a gown made of black leather patches held together with acid-etched steel staples, her hair has been pulled back and up (likely in preparation for any vomiting that might occur due to this wonderful event) and there is an easy, relaxed grin on her face as she takes her seat at the circular table nearby. When Hadrian comes in, she tips her head up toward the man with her chin, sending him a bright smile and a wave. "Right here, my lord! Ready to prove the superiority of the Lycene wine over that of the Oathlands any day!"

Yessica has joined the small circular table.

5 House Mazetti Guardians leaves, following Cambria.

Yessica has left the small circular table.

Yessica has joined the small circular table.

Yessica has left the small circular table.

Yessica has joined the large bench.

Lisebet might be the end of the Valardin train, but she's here, making her way along and looking for a spot to sit.


"I have to say, I'm looking forward to this one. If only because it is so unique," Tyren mentions to Alis, before he diverts over to the tables. He heads to thhe one where Katarina has settled along with Elgana, inclining his head to the both of them. "Mind if I join you ladies?" he asks in an even tone.

Yessica has left the large bench.

Yessica has joined the long bench.

The slender figure of Giulio Mazetti makes his way into the tournament grounds, his head bowed towards Cambria and Hadrian. His head tilts towards Bliss, a faint smile toying his lips. One row lofts in question and his lips quirk to one side. Casually, he nods to Marius, who provides his Lord with a healthy measure of a Lycene brandy. A smile of thanks is offered the man and he takes a small swallow.

Sorrel has joined the small circular table.

Giulio has joined the small circular table.

Isabeau follows along behind Alis, her expression already set into a slightly tilted smile given the context of the event. House Valardin's honor was renowned, but its sense of humor, ah... somewhat less so. She inclines her head to the 'opposing' Marquessa and Marquis before sharing a subtle sidelong look at her fellow Valardin Voice.

5 House Mazetti Guardians arrives, following Cambria.

"Go Luca!" Aleksei yells just to yell it.

Luca wasn't here, but now he is. He wanders in almost at a stroll, with a slender silver flask in one hand, sort of taking in the gathering of people like he just stumbled over the place. "Just what's going on here? Are we having some sort of celebration?", he asks, a quick grin flashing across his lips, something a bit roguish for the crowd, to be sure. He presses on, moving through people, letting a nice and graceful sway bring him around them when he needs to, until he finds a table and grabs a seat at it. "I feel like there's something I was forgetting to do to--..", but then those dark eyes of his catch sight of Alis, "Princess Alis! That's right. I've got a duel.", and he tosses a hand up to wave at Alis, "Alis! Hey! Over here! It's me, Luca!", he calls out, like she might not recognize him.

"Not at all Your Highness, please," Katarina gestures grandly to her table, gracefully pushing aside her chair to make room for the new additions. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure?" Elgana is a face she knows quiet readily, jestingly welcoming her with, "Princess powers, activate!"

Tyren has joined the small circular table.

Tyren has left the small circular table.

Tyren has joined the small circular table.

Katarina welcomes Giulio, too. With a full group to watch the tournament with, she quietly settles in.

"Please," Elgana says with a gesture to Tyren. "Feel free." And then she smiles to Katarina as she adds, "It is so lovely to see you Princess Katarina. Have you been well?" The Redrain hands something off to Lille who then turns to run off, that glance affording Elgana a view of Bliss. She gives a wave toward the Champion Whisper before she turns back to the table.

"I have full confidence in both your ability and longevity in this matter. I also have no doubts that you'll represent me and the cause well!" Hadrian calls back to Bliss with a charcoal-whitened smile as he moves to join with Princess Alis, upon her invitation. Luigi hovers close and Hadrian settles himself into a seat, only after his table companions have done so. "Princess Alis, wonderful to see you. I wish you and your Champion luck in their efforts against my own."


"Thank you both," Tyren offers to Elgana and Katarina before he pulls out a seat and relaxes, his right hand laying comfortably prone on his lap. "Prince Tyren Valardin. You are Princess Katarina, yes? I've heard your name," he says to her in an even tone, before he nods over to Elgana. "It is a pleasure to meet the both of you."

Bliss returns the wave to Elgana with a bright smile, then her head turns as Aleksei's cheer catches her ear, and she just gives him a very, very pointed pout, hamming it up as she crosses her arms and tilts her head up. "See if I ever pay you company while you're sitting in your own midden again!" she calls to the man by the well, before she laughs softly and nods at Hadrian. "Ah, Marquis, I have been drinking wine for a very, very long time - let's hope that Gloria does not decide to turn my stomach against it now, hm? Otherwise, I don't know how I am going to live with myself in the future."

Hadrian answers promptly, "You could always be drunk. Drink to forget, Bliss. Drink to forget."

Acilius, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants arrive, following Valerio.

Alis links her arm with Isabeau when the other Valardin voice is near enough, and leans over to whisper something qyuetly to her. "Ah, Prince Luca! How pleased I am that you recognize me." she jokes back when he calls her name. "Please, allow me to provide you both with something new from our Westrock Duchy. You may use it today or save it for another occasion of course. But I hope it will please you both. For you, a bottle of Twilight Dragon. And for Champion Bliss - a bottle of Daylight dragon." It's her assistant that hands a bottle to each of them. "I know you will represent us both well!" And then steps back, with Isabeau, so they can join Hadrian and Cambria and take a seat to talk amongst themselves.

Zoey glances around for a while until she spots some passing servants. She slips them a bit of coin and sends them running off with a murmured request. It takes a few minutes, but they eventually return with a tray of glasses and set it down on the table Zoey shares with her companions. The bottle in Zoey's hand is then relinquished to the general party. "Help yourselves," she encourages those at her table.

Alis looks rather impish when she slides a bottle of something different to the Marquis and says a few quiet words to he and the others immediately nearby.

"Princess Alis," Cambria greets, herself taking a seat at the table chosen by the aforementioned Valardin. "The Marquis convinced me to relinquish something precious. He is very good at that." Her mouth quirks upward. "But I do believe we have struck a fair exchange. Twilight Dragon, you say?" She then leans in, listening to something Alis has to say. Thereafter, she offers Isabeau a bright smile. "Princess Isabeau, it feels as though it has been too long."

Lisebet drifts near enough to see the new coffee liqueurs getting gifted and that brings a big smile to her face. She watches quietly, not interrupting at all, but pleased.

Ian has joined the small circular table.

Prince Luca glances down as something is handed to him, looking it over. "Twilight Dragon, a coffee-infused liquor..", he reads aloud, dark gaze widening just a little bit. The Lycene turns his attention back up to Alis, "Okay, sure. I'll get drunk /and/ hyper. This is just what Arx is in need of. I'm sure this is a great idea.", he says, grin catching his lips again for another moment. He looks around at everyone, finding Zoey, waving at her, "I'll do my best!", and finding Aleksei too. He shouts back, "Go Aleksei! Best cheerist here!", and then he's settling in at his table a little more, greeting that chair like it were an old friend. "If I limp away from this, Bliss, keep me from making poor life decisions tonight. I'd offer to do the same for you, but I'm not sure I know what good life decisions look like, yet.", he suggests, smirk taking him momentarily.

"Already helped," Jael replies to Zoey with a flash of a grin, hands curled around her (borrowed) silver cup. "Cris, you should try this."

Aureth calls, "Go Luca! You can do it! Get drunk and duel, I believe in you!" totally helpfully from the wishing well.

Hadrian quietly accepts a bottle from Alis, with Master Luigi soon stepping forward with a small chest. A bottle is withdrawn and passed to Hadrian, who then passes it carefully across their table to Princess Alis.

Bliss smirks at Luca as she looks over the own bottle given to her, studying it and the dragon on it with a smile and turning to Alis to say, "Thank you, Princess Valardin, this is a wonderful and perfect gift that I am going to stare at and wonder if I'll be able to try later tonight once my stomach has started settling. I rather like the design of the bottle! I think I'll be keeping it in an honored place in my room even once it's emptied!" Then she sets it on the ground beside her as she sits up a little straighter, her back arching as it pops, the woman making a rather large show of stretching herself, preparing herself in a way that is definitely going to be helpful for alcohol. "Darling Prince Luca," she says to the man, "If you think I am the person to keep anyone from making poor life decisions, I suspect you have not met me or been paying much attention to me lately - both of which I know must not be true. I think you are simply looking for someone to blame, but make sure it's funny and unusual and I will be here cheering you on."

Ian arrives and, after taking in the scene, threads his way to where Zoey is sitting, and takes a seat next to her.

Aleksei, Best Cheerist, calls over, "I'll make sure you both get home and don't die!"

"I do not believe we've had much opportunity to socialize, Marquessa. It pleases me that we have the chance, despite the ah, circumstances." Alis looks nothing less then thoroughly amused though. "Nothing can possibly go wrong, Prince Luca. And I do rather hope you'll enjoy. Both of you." she agrees, famous last words. And when a bottle is passed to her that she takes the time to look over, her expression changes to one of someone who looks as if they have been honored with something quite precious.

Zoey grins faintly at Luca and then nudges the bottle of almond liqueur over towards Cristoph. There is, of course, that tray of glasses in the middle of the table. When Ian arrives, however, her grin softens into a genuine smile, and she leans over to kiss his cheek after he sits. "Hey," she greets quietly.

Derovai slips in, standing in the back, clad in black. He shoots Hadrian a pointed look, looking towards the Marquis' knees for some reason, as if making a point. A mock-disappointed sigh later, he finds somewhere to lean against, electing not to join any of the tables.

Katarina tt :lifts her brows briefly at the announcement of Giulio's pear-based spirits, intrigued. "I've never had spirits based off pears before," she admits. "Surely you'd be willing to share a sample?" she hopes, before turning her eyes onto Tyren and Elgana. "This really all should be very interesting. And Prince Tyren, of some relation, welcome to Arx. Have you settled into rooms at the mansion at least?"

Katarina whoops.

"I enjoy everything.", Luca tells Alis, matter-of-factly, "But I'll enjoy this one more because you gave it to me!", and there is a wink for her, quick and sly, before he's standing up from his chair to blow a few kisses to the gathered crowd, waving here and waving there. "I believe in you too!", he shouts to Aureth, before sitting back down again. The Lycene drinkist turns back to Bliss. "I asked you because I was afraid if I asked someone more responsible, they might succeed. Nobody ever sat down to a drinking duel with the intention of not getting into trouble after, did they?", he asks, showing some teeth with the grin that comes over him then.

"I did," Derovai volunteers wryly to Luca's question, though he doesn't particularly pitch his voice to carry. A half-smile from where he's lurking.

Aureth pulls out a bottle from an inner pocket so that he can share it with the people at the well with him. Except the toddler. He shows it around. It's about half empty but there's still enough to drink some.

"Never been in such a duel," Lisebet says. "And I'm sure I would lose." She glances around at everyone, trying to decide if she should find a seat or stay standing.

Hadrian offers a shallow bow of his head toward Princesses Alis and Isabeau, but after their quiet exchange Hadrian motions across to Alis and then toward their individual Champions, "With that delightful moment conducted, shall we see this through Princess Alis of House Valardin?" Hadrian shifts up to his feet at the table and then gestures toward Bliss and Luca, though his gesture lingers more on his own Champion, "Ladies, Lords, and more!" he announces suddenly. This evening Bliss Whisper acts as the Champion of myself, Marquis-Consort Hadrian Mazetti! Prince Luca Grayson represents Her Highness, Princess Alis Valardin! My comments regarding the potency of Oathland's wine has spurred this moment and our Champions will decide whether or not my opinions change. Princess Alis, I wish you and yours the best of luck. Bliss of the Whisper House? I still have every confidence in you! Our duelists will drink until they can drink no more. The loser is the first to submit or lose their... progress! In between their drinks, our Champions will spout their finest... or worst... poetry! Let's see this begin and be done with!"

As Hadrian gives his speech, Giulio brings his hands together to clap. Once. Twice. Threetimes, indeed. And then, he's looking back towards the table he is seated at.

"If anyone did, I suspect they were fools. I might already have trouble planned ahead for tonight, and we all know that the best kind of trouble is when you plan for things and they go even farther," Bliss counters Luca with a quick wink at him, before reaching her hand over to pat that of the man. "By the way, my condolences. I do hope your recent injuries don't work against you in this, though I do have to say the higher tone to your voice is quite pleasing. Have you thought about a career in song?" There's a flash of amusement in her eyes, some kind of knowing. She turns her head to look toward Hadrian as he begins the festivities, then gives a cheer of her own, yelling out to the crowd, "Who here is ready for a good time? If you think you can manage it, I give everyone who came here tonight an unofficial challenge to join us - match us drink for drink, and maybe you will even find Prince Luca's poetry to be tolerable!" she calls out, before taking a bottle of wine nearby and her glass, filling it and holding it up to Luca in a toast. "To trouble! And Lycene wine!"

Stepping into the park, armored as always is Valerio. There's a pause in his strde as his head turns to sweep his eye over those gathered. With a slight head tilt, a frown appears on his features. Then his gaze slowly shifts to center on Hadrian a few seconds before the speech. The frown vanishes and a faint twitch of his lips in a grin occurs. The stride returns with his aim towards Cambria to check in.

Cambria grins at something said by Isabeau. However, as Hadrian announces the start of the duel, the Marquessa remains silent, though her eyes do indeed find Giulio when the man claps. A look of amusement, and then she returns her attention to the two Champions, voicing her own best wishes to them. It is only after Valerio arrives that she can be overheard saying, "Yes, it is exactly as it looks, Marshal. A finer duel than I could not imagine."

Alis rises when Hadrian does so, so that they are both standing when he announces the beginning of the possibly messy festivities. "Best of luck to both our Champions. Prince Luca, I am sure you will prevail." Whether at poetry or puking; may the best champion win.

As he converses with Lady Yessica at the bench where they are sitting, Agostino lets out a laugh when Hardrian explains the terms of the duel. He then applauds as Bliss starts off the duel, cheering and repeating, "To Lycene wine!"

"If I scheduled my trouble, I wouldn't even have time for this duel, dear Bliss. Let's not get crazy, now.", Luca says, picking up his first drink and toasting to his opponent. "As for the injury. Fear not. It almost brought me down to just an above average level, but I'm feeling better already. You can stop writing me worried missives. Not that I don't like them. You have a way with words, it's certain.", he says, grinning at her. "Alright, then! To trouble! And good opponents. And great wine! I'm sure this wine is great. I'm fighting for it, after all.", he offers, tipping back his drink and going for it.

There is a sharp snort of amusement from Valerio at Cambria's comment. "My Marquessa. This whole spectacle is pointless!!" Then a solemn addition. "And way too sober. There is simply no comparison between our wines and the -grape juice- Oathlanders call wine!" Valerio was not exactly quiet in his commentary either. "There's a reason our brandy is superior, better grapes make the best wine, and we turn that wine into brandy." A brief pause and he adds. "Speaking of which, I should find some. WIne is going to be a little, ah, weak for me given my upcoming future endeavor."

Luca checked stamina + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 52 higher.

Bliss checked stamina + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 30 higher.

Very casually, Marius strides over in Valerio's direction, extending a half-full bottle of brandy in the man's direction. "And there is a cup if you need it, m'lord." Giulio's eyelids raise slightly as he look towards Valerio, a dry smile on his lips.

Alis simply looks up and over at Valerio, expression droll, and ignores his commentary in favor of picking up a glass of wine to sip at. It may or may not mask the sudden flare of panic as there is fashion discussion at the table.

"I do not believe I have ever sent you a worried missive, dear Prince Luca. Such things would imply that I care entirely too much to keep up my vaunted Whisper neutrality," Bliss quips back to Luca, and then down goes her drink as well, easily draining the glass before she turns to the crowd, yelling to them, "First drink - go! Those of you who have already started already - tough luck!" Then she is pushing back her chair, clearing her throat as she stands. "Our first poem tonight will be one that was written for me by one of my fan club. It goes as follows:

In the Gray Forest went the duelist named Bliss;
Trapped in a folly no clue did she miss;
With her blade and her smile,
And devious guile,
By lips or by blade many Nox wished to be kissed."

With a slight bow, Bliss takes her seat again, motioning for Luca to recite his as she refills her glass.

Bliss checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

After a bit, Lisebet heads towards a long bench, intending to find a seat for this. It promises to be amusing. She even snags a drink on the way.

Lisebet has joined the long bench.

Cambria snickers, regarding Valerio with clear amusement. "Well, we shall soon know the truth of it all, Marshal. Ah, here comes Marius now. Cousin Giulio provides." There is a finger waggle of a wave towards said cousin. However, as the first round is properly assumed, Cambria focuses her attention upon Bliss. The Whisper's poem finished, and Cambria is quick to show her approval by applause.

Waldemai cheers. "Well said!"

Hadrian chuckles quietly in answer to Bliss and her poem. He begins to clap for it, though the sound goes somewhat muted by the gloves that he wears. A grin seems to persist on his features and he looks ever attentive to the unfolding duel, though Hadrian seems at ease. With a slight slouch in his chair, one arm thrown over the back of it while he sits with one leg thrust out before himself. Onward his attention travels to Luca, harlequin eyes glittering with amusement and anticipation of the duel's continuation.

Luca rises up from his chair, having tipped back his glass of wine and killed it with ease. He applaus for Bliss' poetry, before looking around, "Ha! Not bad. She's not bad, eh? My poem wasn't written for me by anyone. I'm just making this up on the spot, like I always do." While his glass is being refilled, he recites, "That wine was dry and delicious! The taste was really quite auspicious! Oathland's wine is quite ambitious. Unlike Lycene wine. Which is always.. er.. suspicious." He laughs, because he's terrible and he knows he's terrible. "You know, because of the uh..", but he gestures it away, clearing his throat and picking up his next glass and kicking it back.

Luca checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Luca checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 49 higher.

Bliss checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 24 higher.

Bliss checked charm + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 47 higher.

"That poem was pretty meretricious," Derovai remarks, his eyes on the conversants rather than the duel. A few moments later, he's making his way towards one of the low benches. "Lady Farshaw -- may I?" A nod to an empty space that remains.

Sorrel looks vaguely pained at Luca's poem, but she claps encouragingly anyway.

Alis claps enthusiastically for the poem recited by Bliss, lips quirked upward slightly as she considers it. Of course, Luca's prompts a chuckle out of her. "This is going to be absolutely amazing when one of them starts to slur." she asides. "Well done, well done!" she lifts her glass to toast them both.

Lisebet glances at Derovai, as he arrives. "Master Voss, by all means," she says. "Have you met Lady Yessica and Sir Agostino?" Never mind she was just introduced, the diplomat in her makes it seem they might be old friends. Of course the poetry gets sidelong glances up there, and a glance at her glass, which will very soon need refilling.

Well, as Bliss easily swallows her own second glass of wine, motioning out to the crowd to join her in doing so, she swallows and says, "Did you hear that, everyone? Poor Prince Luca has no one to write poetry for him. A shame, a loss for us all, and really - who can blame them when that is the extent of what he can do on his own?" She turns her head, giving Luca a quick wink. She considers him a moment, then seems to come up with her the limerick on the fly, herself.

"Never this man's praises should we utter, for when it comes time to perform - he always seems to stutter. Whether he's askance or it's by chance, there's never quite enough panache to his stance, and his poems? We would be better off were they muttered."

Derovai has joined the long bench.

Zoey gives Luca a blandly amused look, eyebrow lofting slightly at his poem. A little shake of her head and she lifts her cup, taking a small sip.

Hadrian nods aside at the comment made about the Champion's potential slurring, "I certainly agree with that." The words are spoken while Hadrian's busy clapping for Luca's turn in the poetry sub-battle.

Lyric, an aspiring vocalist arrives, following Melody.

"Ah. Marius, outstanding. Third Cask?" Regardless of which brandy, Valerio takes the half-full bottle as his glass. He raises it first towards Giulio, turns on one heel to raise it towards Hadrian. Then tilts back to start downing the bottle. Once he comes up for air, he's able to look towards the poem from Bliss. "Well done, lass!" Then there is Luca's rhyme, for which he stays relatively straight-faced... right up until suspicious. "Ha! Ok, that last bit was good, making a nice little double jab there." He pauses to make a bit of a face. "Oh dear Gods no. Hadrian is rubbing off on me. I'm enjoying people using words!!" Down the hatch goes the rest of the bottle.

Isabeau is significantly more subdued than her cousin and cohort, but there is a certainly more amusement rather than maliciousness to be measured in her slightly lopsided smile. Watching a pair of Champions try to recite coherent poetry while drinking themselves under a table was far more entertaining than she'd imagined. From time to time, she might murmur to Alis or else Hadrian and Cambria, but Isabeau isn't inclined to outright cheer. That's someone else's job.

Amanda is overheard praising Bliss.

Amanda is overheard praising Luca.

Luca snorts, and laughs, and waits for his wine to be filled again, so he can brandish it at Bliss while he says, "I've got to do it on my own. If I didn't keep myself down, nobody else would have a chance. You're welcome.", and he offers his opponent a handsome smile. He looks around, like he really is just making this stuff up as he goes, a thoughtful expression crawling across his face briefly, before he clears his throat again and recites, "Listen, Bliss. You're being sort of vicious. You're really going overboard, just because I've got no sword. I admit, you've probably got me at this poetry bit. But this is a drinking contest, don't forget.", and he flashes another smile, reveling in his trash poetry and offering a hand out like people /should/ think it's fantastic. Of course it's fantastic.

Luca checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Luca checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Bliss checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Bliss checked charm + performance at difficulty 25, rolling 21 higher.

Luca drinks too, because that's a thing.

Cambria, meanwhile, merely looks amused. No doubt the company as well as the entertainment is the cause behind it. Even so, she leans towards Isabeau, and murmurs something low.

Alis seems rather entranced by the dueling poetic trash talking going on. And for today at least, she isn't consumed with the need to keep her expression stoic. Instead, she might smile or widen her eyes or give a low whistle as the shade flies. Each round, of course, prompts applause.

After giving the place a quick lookover, Melody stepped on over to a particular table and claimed a seat for her own. "Hey Princess Elgana." The prodigal snaked an arm around Elgana's shoulders to steal a half-hug from the princess before flashing a warm smile at the others around. "Afternoon, everyone. Hope I didn't miss too much?" Naturally, when she asked that question she did peer over at Luca and Bliss, trying to get caught up in the poetry.

Melody has joined the small circular table.

After a few polite farewells, Amanda slips off, looking just a touch hurried.

Amanda has left the a brick and wood wishing well.

Zoey puts an elegant bottle of Lady Zoey's almond liqueur in a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

"Dearest Melody," Elgana says as she looks to the Prodigal, her smile warm as she returns that half-hug before Melody can sit. "Join us, joins us!" And then she returns to quiet table chatter.

Another glass of wine, another poem, and Bliss still isn't really showing the signs of the drink she's been consuming, though it might have been drunk just a touch slower than Luca's. Just a touch. But she's smaller, so that has to be worth something, right? No slurring to her voice yet! "Prince Luca, you don't seem to understand that all of this is going quite exactly as planned." She seems to be morphing away from limericks now, and into something with a more rapid beat, a fire coming into her eyes as she does so. "A drinking contest was of course something that was on my list, but the battle of poetry originated with me. When we end this fight tonight and our audience takes flight, it won't be how quick we drank the wine that will stick, but which one of us has the more creative mind." It's probably still a bit rough, but she seems to be warming up.

Hadrian offers a happy little nod of his head toward Valerio, but for the most part the Marquis seems focused on watching the duelists and their progress. A chuckle of amusement escapes Hadrian as the poetic banter is thrown between both Bliss and Luca, but otherwise Hadrian remains quiet. Though he does appear to be ever so slowly working his way toward the edge of his seat.

"Oh. I knew this was part of your plan, fearsome opponent. Somehow I knew.", Luca says, holding out his wine glass for someone to fill it up. "See, I knew you called for the poetry. I just didn't want to say it openly. I did look askance at it, a bit knowingly. I remember well how you can talk so flowingly.", and when his glass is filled, he reaches over, plucks a second glass from someone in the audience that's gathered around them, double-fisting them and giving the Whisper a charming smile. "But notably, you're going to need more than verbal potency. Or I promise, this will end woefully.", and he tips back one glass of wine, killing it, then the second, letting it roll right down his throat, smooth and easy. With a satisfied sound, he adds, "..something something heroically."

Luca checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Luca checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 42 higher.

Bliss checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Bliss checked charm + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

All of a sudden, Zoey cracks up laughing at her table, the warm and earthy sound carrying across the Judgement Green. Unfortunately, it's timed -perfectly- with the last line of Luca's 'poem'. Almost immediately, she looks chastened, flushing a little and coughing as she applauds the man. Probably a touch louder than she would have normally.

Alis has very little ability to hold her liquor, or her wine, or cider, or ale. Really, anything alcoholic. So despite only being on her second glass and not even halfway through, she thinks 'something something heroically' is /hysterical/. Sorry Isabeau. You may need to call in her husband to carry her home potato sack style at this rate.

Ian pinches the bridge of his nose and takes a long drink from his flask. This may or may not have to do with Zoey's sudden laughing fit. (Let's be honest, it totally does.)

Zoey lowers her hands and primly takes a drink. Crownlander Prim is no small matter. (Though Oathlander Prim probably beats it.)

Remaining standing briefly, Valerios gotten another source of alcohol as Acilius comes up with a bottle of Third Cask. He's nipping away at this as the verbal knife fight continues. "Ha! Excellent duality for this challenge. Endurance meets Brains." Then theres the faster rhyming, and Valerio just starts laughing, and calls out. "Oh you botched it on the last line, Prince! Or, that was a ballsy intentional line!" A brief pause. "Nah, we know ya flubbed that one. Take a bow anyways for it." With his brandy-free hand he plucks up a glass of passing Oathlander wine and tries a sampling. A face is made, and while his good eye scrunches up, he doesn't say anything else at the moment.

"'Something something'?" Bliss repeats as she refills her wine, drinking it in between words, never quite losing the flow of the rhythm that she's built up even as she works to make it more complex, her voice moving faster, her tone comfortable. "That wasn't even a gaffe - look, you're making your audience laugh. It isn't really quite with you, so let's talk through what it is that you need to do in order to come out of this not looking like trash." She taps her fingers against the table, then says, "First of all, you're relying on a simple rhyme scheme which might seem to make your words gleam, but it's utterly predictable, it's slow, it's boring, it's going to send them snoring, and this, my friend, is a duel for glory." She tilts her empty glass at Luca. Your turn, your highness, are the unspoken words in her eyes.

"I believe they call it 'artistic license,' Marshal," Cambria says casually to Valerio, holding her hand upon her chin that her fingers might mask the grin she sports.

Waldemai has left the large bench.

As Alis take her abrupt tumble into hysterical laughter, Isabeau's calm facade finally cracks. A subtle bubbling chuckle makes her chest and shoulders tremble while she tries to keep from following her cousin over the brink. She tugs Alis in a little closer, if only to keep the woman from falling over.

Alis carefully sets her glass down, and leans over to whisper to her cousin as they both teeter on gigglefits. She folds her hands in her lap and does her level best to look as prim and proper as an Oathlands princess ought to. But it -is- a struggle. "Ouch. Ouch, I felt that one all the way from here." her voice rises slightly. "I know you've got some lyrical excellence in there, Luca! You can do this!"

Hadrian's attention slips away from the unfolding duel, to both Alis and Isabeau. As the two Oathlanders begin to laugh, albeit with differing intensity, Hadrian's left watching them with slightly widened eyes which shift from left to right, right to left, back and forth. He opens his mouth to present a question no doubt, but after a breath seems to think better of it as he simply offers up a fleeting smile and turns his focus back to both Champions.

Cambria leans in to share a quick word with Hadrian after she observes his apparent bafflement as he watches the two Oathlander princesses.

Lisebet definitely is smiling though whether it has to do with the discussion at the long bench or the poetry being offered is questionable.

Tyren has left the small circular table.


Yessica, who has until now been mainly occupied with small-talk and introductions seems to suddenly remember that there is a duel going on as she stands up and yells in a loud voice "Go Luca!!! Woooo! Valardin, Valardin!!!" before turning to the 3 people sitting with her on the benches with a slightly confused and fluttered look on her face, talking in a far more hushed voice. "So, who's winning?" Then she sits back down slowly.

Luca laughs, not just because he's getting drunk, but also because he's just a laughing sort. The Whisper's words put a gleam in his eye. Not a real gleam. That would be strange and unnatural. Just a metaphorical one. It takes him a moment to recover himself, while he's having his wine glass filled again. He gestures around, "More wine! More wine! I'm going to need more to drink! For Bliss' sake!", and then he turns his dark gaze back to his opponent, "If you insist on taking shots, keep it to the wine. I'm like three glasses ahead at this point and I'm doing just fine.", but he pauses, deliberate in doing so, remeasures himself just a little bit, and goes on, "Here's some advice: You'll have to do better. I already know I'm trash. I was born at the top, but I live at the bottom and I do it with fucking panache." He leans in a little bit, stage-whispering to Bliss, "I know you used panache, but you're like my favorite poet, so forgive me.", and then he straightens up a little, "Anyway. What else do you got? Yes. The rumors are true. I /am/ a drunk. I've taken some blows to the junk. I couldn't keep a wife. That's just my life. I get kicked down, and that's fine and well. But each time I get back up after I've fell. What's next? I never cut my hair. How I really don't care? I've got faults to spare. Take your pick, but why don't you sit on the ground before you wobble out of that chair?" He looks around, questionably for a moment, "Hey! What rhymes with chair?!"

Luca checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Luca checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 32 higher.

Aureth calls, "Hair." Of course he does.

"Bear!" Katarina chimes helpfully!

Bliss checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 24 higher.

"Oh, I swear, Luca," Sorrel sighs.

Ian takes a drink. "Underwear."

Aureth says, "Okay but Luca has great hair."

Bliss checked charm + performance at difficulty 35, rolling 17 higher.

"flair? pear?" Lisebet offers not so helpfully.

Luca says, "I might also have a great bear! You never know.."

Katarina cheers!


"Bear, flair, care" Yessica shouts, shortly rising from her seat again.

"Pair," suggests Isabeau, almost flatly.

Aureth is overheard praising Luca: Three cheers for Luca's bear. Or his hair. But probably not his pair.

"Are we allowing for audience assists," Cambria asks drolly.

Katarina erupts into a soft fit of giggles at Aureth and Isabeau, politely hiding it behind her glass of wine.

"Snare, scare, pare, share, flair, hare... But--" Zoey trails off and stares (there's another rhyme) at Aureth before snorting in amusement and burying her face behind her drink.

"Are you certain we can call most of these assists?" Alis wonders, quirking an eyebrow at some of the responses and then biting her lip to hold back some laughter.

"Bees," Jael calls out helpfully.

Having a lack of diplomacy, Valerio of course will comment where The Voice was unable to. "Wait. Oathlanders can laugh? I mean, outright humor?" His eye goes a little wide. "Is... is this another sign of impending doom?" He turns that eye to the sky, blatantly making an exagerrated search for thunderclouds and lightning. Then he sweeps it back as the words reappear, and Luca starts flailing a bit more verbally. Looking to Bliss Valerio bellows. "Come on! Don't toy with your food, Madam! -Finish Him!- Go for his jugular, he's got it exposed!" Apparently only Valerio could try to make a blood sport out of poety and wine.

Alis gasps dramatically. "We /can/? We can /laugh/? Quick, someone call the healers I'm obviously actually dead." she quips, with just a degree of tart dismay in her voice, but mostly amusement. No doubt the wine has helped make it mostly humor.

Hadrian's attention drifts around to Cambria, whom he comments back at, "No great harm in it. If it amuses the people? Let them be amused". Hadrian's smile flashes to life again before his attention drifts around to regard Valerio. An eyebrow ticks upward, but soon enough the Marquis chuckles with a glance back to Alis, "I'm just pleased that you're enjoying yourself, your highness. Laugh the night away - it's an enjoyable pasttime." Hadrian remarks with a chuckle before his focus turns abruptly back to Bliss and Luca.

"Well, he did need to tip his glass back in order that he might drink," Cambria says to Valerio. "And if you believe the words of Scholar Abbadon, we have been in the End Times for the last...thousand years?" She smiles, watching both Alis and Isabeau before again sharing a private word with Hadrian.

Despite the claim by Luca, Bliss seems to be matching him drink for drink with ease, and when her own is done, the woman - her cheeks definitely starting to show color five glasses in - just grins brighter and brighter. Despite some of the harshness of her words, this is all delivered with the tones of the comfortable banter between friends. When he even compliments her in the middle, she places her hands over her chest, mouthing, 'Who, me?' and pretending to be overtaken by it. "Born at the top, but now you're living at the bottom, and here you are in the autumn of your achievements, your life beginning to careen away from you fast. You may have once been the talk of the town, but your fame's slipping into the past, the new star of the people's eyes coming into her own at last. I've climbed from the bottom, and I'm getting near the top, and I'm not going to stop - especially not to a fop who wears nothing but bedsheets when he entreats Gloria to help him beat his opponents - don't worry, your highness, I'm really quite comfortable in my seat. When's it going to occur to you that all of this work I do is very soon going to lead to me eclipsing you - if I haven't already?"

Katarina has left the small circular table.

Giulio has left the small circular table.

Derovai has left the long bench.

Luca clutches himself, right over his heart, dramatically, "Gods!", like he's been wounded. His acting is probably as poor as his poetry, but the grin that comes after, slowly, isn't an act. "Bliss. A fire, and a near miss. I could hear those insults hiss! As they went by. Not a bad diss, I guess, for words that hit like a kiss, I confess. But try this, I suggest. Think about what I did to your dress. I left it a mess. Just like my rhymes, I know. But even poor rhymes make for a great show.", and there he picks up a drink, knocks it back, takes up a second, knocks that back to. Allows his words to settle before he adds, "..when you're me, that is."

Luca checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Luca checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 32 higher.

Lisebet gets to her feet, with a smile and a nod to her companions. "Thank you for the company. I look forward to speaking with you again soon." And she starts on her way out. She waves to those she recognizes on the way.

Bliss checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 22 higher.

Bliss checked charm + performance at difficulty 40, rolling 11 higher.

Derovai responds to someone at the bench, "Master Voss," as he pushes himself to stand, smoothing down his black leathers. He retreats to the back to watch again.

Lisebet has left the long bench.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard leaves, following Lisebet.

"If you remember, we started this with a poem about me and my different types of kiss," Bliss says to Luca with a laugh, pouring herself not one glass of wine, but two, her cheeks quite rosy now and the woman swaying somewhat in her seat, but she still keeps focused - and somehow, her words have not yet slipped into a slur. "If you wish to see me without clothes, then I suppose that coming at me with a piece of sharp steel is not a bad way to go. There are things that inspire and things which light a fire in a woman like me, and seeing as I've been so cruel in the course of this duel I will say to you, you're on the right track. Just pick up the slack, get some wits behind your attacks, and perhaps you can leave more of a mark in my life than the one on my thigh." It's getting shorter, right? Perhaps she's getting drunker. Thinking is hard.


Yessica once again stands up to cheer as Luca prepares to recite his next poem, or what passes for one anyway, but her cheers quickly turn into a hearthy laugh as he he starts reciting, almost making her loose her footing as she stumbles against the bench.

Cristoph has left the small circular table.

Luca gives Bliss a look for a moment, then he looks around at the gathered crowd and fans himself like it's getting a little hot in here. But he's not taking off his clothes, so there's that. Whoa Nelly. That dark gaze, a bit wine'd up, turns back to his opponent. "You think I'm good with spears? You should see me with knives. Compact, hide your wives! You've been pretty cruel in this duel with your rhymes, kicking me around like I'm just another good time. That's fine. What can I say? I like to get hit. Keep it rough. Don't let up. Call my bluff if you must, win or lose I'll be chuffed.", he picks up his wine again, toasts Bliss, "But now you talk about fire, like I don't know how to stoke it higher. Let me tell you, it's not to do with wood. Like some men think it should. Let me tell you what I know about seduction, and this might make some men angry..", and he leans in a little across the table, eyes the Whisper, lowers his voice just a little, "..there's more to it than just showing up hungry."

Luca checked stamina + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 37 higher.

Bliss checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 11 lower.

Luca checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 21 higher.

Bliss checked charm + performance at difficulty 50, rolling 14 lower.

Bliss checked dexterity + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

With a look of victory in her eyes - she's totally got this, guys. Totally. Totally - Bliss picks up her next glass of wine, managing to swallow it down and looking utterly confident. She opens her mouth to speak, then has to pause, bringing her hand up to her lips as she tries to contain a - belch? A hiccup? Whatever it is, it must have passed, because off she goes on another response! "Prince Luca, you're talking to a girl with fire in her soul, who's never told no, who's -" she pauses, bringing her hand up to her mouth again. Damn it, she's going to finish this. "Who - is never turned from bed, even by those who are wed, and -"

In any other context, perhaps, the glorious fountain of red wine that emerges from Bliss next might be a thing of beauty - the color, so rich, the stream so majestic. However, Bliss is Lycene drunk after ten glasses of wine in a row, and Lycene drunk is a terrible, terrible thing, with the liquid splashing right onto the table in front of her.

At least none of it hits anyone else.

Synder The Wolfhound arrives, following Barric.

Zoey watches Bliss' defeat much like one watches a slow motion train wreck. It's horrifying, and yet you simply cannot look away. In the end, she purses her lips a bit and nods idly. "Well. Luca wins then, I guess."

Alis leans forward a little as this starts to get, well, heated. Her gaze darts back and forth between the verbose duelers.... and a hand lifts to press lightly against her own mouth when Bliss blurts out more than just eloquent words. "Oh dear. I've never seen it be quite that color before. Is she okay? Do we need a healer here? Maybe we should call a healer."

"Gods almighty," Jael exclaims, recoiling at the spectacle that is Bliss doing the technicolor yawn.

"She's probably lucky she threw it up," Sorrel observes to those nearby. "I mean, otherwise she'd have to digest it, and ...ugh."

Luca watches on, in horror, maybe even a slow-motion horror. The sort of horror that happens when you're beginning to develop a crush on someone, maybe, then they become a spewing fountain of recent red wine. That's going to take some time. He takes a step back from the table, just a bit! Not to be rude, mind you. Just, his boots are very nice. "Uh. Physician! Is there a physician?!" He's quite drunk himself, so it takes him a moment to realize, "..Oh, er.. that's just wine. Nevermind! Nevermind!", he dances around the table, because no amount of drunkeness has ever stopped him from being light on his feet, and drapes a hand on the Whisper's back to sort of rub at it, "There there, now. Let it out. Let all your loathing out. It's healthy. I know. I'm terrible." He sounds consoling, almost.

"Oh.... oh... oh..." Hadrian's head begins to slowly draw farther and farther back as Bliss continues going on. As she begins to spew out red wine, Hadrian calls out, "Luca! Hold her hair up!!!"

Luca holds her hair, too. Good call, Hadrian! Luca is a scrunchie.

And this is probably why Bliss had her hair pinned up! She is /experienced/ at this, apparently, and when she finishes, she just stares at it and bursts out laughing, Luca only really getting a lock of it before she turns at him and gives him an amused, swaying smile. "I yield," she says, the slur full in her voice now that she's off of performance mode, not really seeming embarrassed. I mean, after all, this was the point of the duel, wasn't it?


As Bliss gets ready to win this, like REALLY win this, but instead offers her best fountain impression, Yessica's laughing seizes for a short moment, her face becoming slightly blank, before the laughter starts again even more vividly. This time, she can't even remain standing and has to sit down, one hand reaching out to brace herself against the shoulder of Agostino besides her. It takes amoment, but she eventuallt gets control of herself back and tunrs to him to to answer a question posed.

Alis is overheard praising Bliss: Elouquence, even in explusion.

Hadrian is overheard praising Bliss: She brings the fire (and vomit). Heat contained within her words that scorches her opponent but also singes the crowd. Win, lose, it's irrelevant - winning and losing is all a matter of perspective. Providing entertainment for the people? Giving a fight, no matter the form it takes, her all? Those are the hallmarks of a Champion that will have a repeat customer and fan for the future.

Hadrian is overheard praising Alis: A fine opponent that I would happily duel again! She recognized humor for what it was, then played with and built upon it. She had excellent ideas, superb suggestions, and made the whole affair a pleasure to conduct. She has my sincere appreciation and I'm very glad that she taught me that the folk hailing from the Oathlands and Sanctum DO have senses of humor - their wine isn't water, either. The more you know! And knowing is at *least* one-fifth of the battle!

Hadrian is overheard praising Luca: The Champion of my opponent. He drank well. A professional, by the words of many. He taught me a valuable lesson - it's frequently wise to go with your first instinct.

Alis is overheard praising Luca: Let it never be said you don't have excellent stamina.

There is a solid groan from Valerio as up comes the wine. "Ah. What a waste. But proof that Lycene wine is far superior. Clearly. She -is- drunk after all. Luca may as well have been drinking red colored water!" Valerio nods after making his argument, and then partakes of more brandy.

Yessica is overheard praising Bliss.

Yessica is overheard praising Luca.

Jael is overheard praising Bliss: It all came out well in the end, I guess.

Bliss is overheard praising Luca.

Bliss is overheard praising Alis.

Bliss is overheard praising Hadrian.

Ian looks entirely unsurprised by this outcome. As well he should -- he's spent nights out drinking with Luca before.

Jael is overheard praising Luca: Excellent hair-tie.

Aleksei is overheard praising Bliss: I've never seen it quite that color before.

Aleksei is overheard praising Luca: I mean, was it really surprising? I've drunk a whole lot with him.

"You sure do.", Luca agrees, with a laugh. "I think your words are running together a little bit, Bliss.", he says, but of course, his words have likely started to bleed together a little. "Are there two of me? Don't get any ideas.", he warns, seriously. Faux-seriously. He offers a hand, because that's polite. And lifts a booted foot to sort of kick the table over, in case any second-hand wine wanted to leak onto his opponent.

Alis is overheard praising Hadrian: While I was of course bound to stand up for the honor and ability of our brewers and vintners, I was quite pleased that the Marquis recognized the humor in my challenge and helped run with it. And a fine, fitting duel it was.

"The matter is decided, Marshal. Princess Alis' champion has won and the matter is put to rest," Hadrian says as he rises promptly up to his feet. He prepares to approach the Champions, but pauses in order to turn to face Alis. He loudly proclaims, "I stand correct, your highness. Oathland's wine isn't water and I'll indulge in a glass soon, just to properly appreciate it." A polite bow of the head is provided to Princess Alis and then onward Hadrian goes to approach the pair of Champions to share a quiet word with the duo.

"Do you guys need a place to crash?" Aleksei calls over worriedly.

Bliss has rolled a critical success!
Bliss checked stamina + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 134 higher.

"It seems I've missed the challenging parts of this, and arrived only in time for the - mess," Barric murmurs as he strides into the judgment green, hands behind his back, clink of steel heralding his approach as he meanders through those gathered to observe.

Agostino is overheard praising Bliss.

"Perhaps a future event where we can celebrate the best of both Lycene and Oathlands vintages, Marquis." Alis murmurs, bowing her head in return and also walking over to the Champions so she can offer both her profuse thanks and gratitude to them both.

Agostino is overheard praising Luca.

Isabeau finds her feet in some haste as Bliss rapidly returns all of the alcohol that she's imbibed in the last hour or so. The princess turns her head, however, both as a courtesy to Bliss, but also for the sake of her own self-preservation. "This has been... something... let's never do it again," she notes, most likely to Alis, but maybe also to Cambria and Hadrian and, like, literally anyone else within earshot.

Bliss giggles a little as Luca knocks the table over, turning to reach out and kick at it as well, sticking her tongue (also stained red) out at the piece of furniture as she takes Luca's hand and pulls herself to her feet. And then, suddenly, she puts on a serious face, and she is very, very, very sober looking as Hadrian approaches, the Whisper shining full on in all of her glory. There is no way she isn't still /just as drunk/ as she was just a moment ago, but no one would be able to tell, and she would absolutely be able to pass every sobriety test in the book. How utterly boring. How utterly, utterly boring. "While I thank you for all of your concern, Marquis Mazetti, it will take more than a few glasses of wine to put me down. I assure all of you that I am just fine, and will be just fine. I'm fine. I doubt I will even feel it in the morning. In fact, does anyone have another glass for me?" She's fine, guys. This Is Fine.

Zoey snags her bottle of booze, tucking it out of sight within the confines of her satchel. She glances at Ian and lifts her eyebrow. "Would you like to go to the Ebb and Flow after this?" she asks softly. "I was thinking that it might still be a little early."