Garibaldi, the Lycene swordbearer arrives, following Theron.

Welcome to the feast! House Laurent throws its doors wide open to vassal houses, neighbors and other friends throughout Arx. A buffet line has been set up down the center of the room with all variety of roasts, salads, side dishes, dipping sauces and other things. There's an open bar serving a full array of beverages. But this is an Oathlands house so there's a lot of 'are you sure you don't want tea?! how about milk?' to the guests until they finally relent and make the requested drink. Guests are already arriving and Cristoph is milling around greeting people as they get inside. He stops at one point and stares at the painting of the Aida Laurent. "Jael?! I thought you said this painting was in the kitchen??" Did she? Or was it the sitting room? Or the study? Or the hall? It's hard to keep track.

Kit, the grey fox, a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name, 1 Greenmarch Guard, Q, a very tall man with a very short name, a very average man arrive, following Monique.

Dandy, the red fox, 1 Templar Knight guards, Monique arrive, following Etienne.

Zoey appears at Cristoph's elbow and tilts her head at the painting. "It really does travel, doesn't it?" she comments after a moment. "Last I saw it, it was in the sitting room." She looks around. "Where -is- Jael?"

coming up next to Cristoph, Jael tilts her head at the painting and taps her chin. “This is where it was the last time I saw it,” she notes, mildly irked by her brother and his constant questions about the artwork, Here she is! “Zoey, Hello!”

Amari arrives, quietly, as she does, in a conservative black silk gown with an oak tree design. "But it's rather lovely, Duke Cristoph." She insists with a glance up at the green tinted lady. She nods to Zoey politely and wonders the same, "Yes, where is Lady Jael? Where is Baron Norwood?" Where is, well she stops there, and bows her head politely to Cristoph since Jael appears. "Hello." She greets, before pointing off to the buffet. She's going to get in line and come back, seems to be what she's intending.

Mal, a devious raccoon arrives, delivering a message to Amari before departing.

Miranda arrives, alone, to the Laurent Manse's main hall. She looks, for the moment, uncertain, but friendly enough. Her hands are lightly placed in front of her and she moves with a small limp on the left side. She pauses to admire the items in the display case and to regard the green tinted lady. The painting gives her pause and her honey-brown eyes roam over the painting several times, as if taking it all in.

Monique arrives alongside the stunning Archlector of Gild, wearing a gown of honeyed silk and a veritable army of sparkling jewels. "Now, before you get the buffet," the Greenmarch is telling Etienne, "we greet the hosts. No longing looks. I don't care what they have on display there."

Oaken, an Oakhaven bloodhound, 4 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Gigi, an apprentice physician's assistant, Marie, chef of Keaton Hall, Orin, a Felhound sergeant arrive, following Reigna.

Vern, Echo, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Devo, an extraordinary Oakhaven bloodhound, 2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Reigna arrive, following Kael.

Zoey grins when Jael shows up and circles Cristoph to give the woman a light hug and to kiss the air beside her cheek. "How are you, dear?" she asks, her aeterna and diamonds gleaming in the light. "I keep meaning to kidnap you for a bit of fun, but I've been absolutely buried under paperwork. It got so bad recently that -Ian- had to tell me to take a break."

"Was it after you hung it back up on the wall?" Cristoph demands, gesturing at the painting and then at Jael's hands. As if there might be some evidence there! He takes a drink from the glass of wine in his hand before he turns around to see more and more people entering. "Hello Zoey, hello Lady Amari. It's very good to see you. I hear that Baron Norwood is coming, but may be late."

Etienne has the bejewled Monique on his arm, warned to be gracious and attentive to the guests and hosts he dutifully complies, and ignores whatever food may be on display. "Of course." he says to her, while being brought along.

“Amari,” Jael exclaims, but then makes a little shooing gesture at her as she heads for the buffet and returns Zoeys air-kisses. “Oh, thats fine. I have been...rather busy myself lately. I could use a nice outing soon though. Really? /Ian?/“ She chuckles, then looks at Cris with exasperation. “I don’t remember!” There is nothing on her hands to indicate that she did something to an old painting some time in the past 2 weeks.

"Stay." Those are somber words from one Kael Keaton, a glower cast in the direction of his hounds. It is not Echo that deserves such a thing however, for she is already settled and he inclines his head to her, but rather it is Devo that is not at all desiring to stay put. Nonetheless he eventually complies and thus, with Reigna on his arm, Kael is finally moving forward to the Main Hall. He spies the Laurents of course, but does not venture forth there just yet. He'll deliver a sweeping bow if eye contact is made with Cristoph, however.

Reigna moves at Kael's side, her stance shifted slightly away from Kael, her hand resting very lightly on his forearm. This adjustment is simply notable in the fact that she's not glommed to his side, as she normally is. Still her expression is a polite one, her smile coming out as she spies Jael and Cristoph, Monique and Amari. As for her canine companion, he too lingers back with the others, dropping into a horizontal flop next to Echo.

Monique drags Etienne over to Cristoph to make introductions and greetings, a wide smile on her face and a curtsey for the Duke. "Duke Laurent. This is a wonderful event. May I present to you Blessed Etienne, Archlector of Gild?" And then she spies Reigna and Kael and her smile grows even brighter.

Another arrives in his dark silks, leather with dual-Greatswords stapped to his back. Theron takes the briefest of moment on entrance to observe the crowd. Then starts circling the main body slowly, with a smile on his features, and curiosity in his eyes.

"I'll be right back." Amari mouths to Jael as she's shooed away and Zooey claims her for air-kisses and talk. Off she goes then, joining the line and yes, at the insistence of staff she does have a tea, and milk, both, really. Tea that's so milky it's nearly white. It seems a decent comprimise. She doesn't heap her plate, but takes a small selection of various dishes and so isn't long over there. She's almost done when she spies Kael and Reigna enter so she smiles brightly at the pair. If her hands weren't full she'd be waving too. The best she can do is lift her tea cup in greeting. River, the bloodhound, is happy to see her family and joins the lot of Keaton dogs, tail wagging, drool drooling.

Oaken, an Oakhaven bloodhound have been dismissed.

4 Novice Keaton Huntsmen have been dismissed.

Gigi, an apprentice physician's assistant have been dismissed.

Marie, chef of Keaton Hall have been dismissed.

Orin, a Felhound sergeant have been dismissed.

"Of course! Archlector Etienne, it's wonderful to meet you. Thank you for stopping by my home to enjoy the celebrations." Cristoph says to the man warmly, reaching out to shake his hand. "And Lady Monique, thank you for bringing him by and for joining us. I don't believe this will be quite as grand as some of your parties, but there is a lot of food." As the Keatons enter, he lifts his hand and waves to them in greeting from where he's stationed himself. "I hope that you'll join us in a little game."

"A pleasure to meet you as well." Etienne says politely, at the mention of food he smiles, and though he turns to look for it he stays in place for the time being. "I do think that a game would prove a lovely diversion." he eventually replies.

Zoey smiles at Jael. "Yes. Ian. Alright, dear. Go mingle. I'll be around... Likely sitting somewhere where I can admire this painting." She gestures to Aida and then grins sidelong at Cristoph, just a twinkle of mischief before she's stepping away to do battle with the servants. The Kennex lady is adamant, however, her crisp and genteel Crownlander diction put to good use as she repeats several times that no, she does in fact want cognac. Neat, thankyouverymuch.

?Do you like it? I rather like it,? Jael tells Zoey earnestly before letting her escape. She lifts a hand to wave to Kael and Reigna.

There's a soft lift of Kael's chin and a flash of a smile toward Monique in response before he is catching sight of Amari. Though her plate might be full, he is venturing over toward his cousin to settle there at her side. Perhaps he might even nudge her lightly with his shoulder as he eyes her food. Dare he filtch? Not at he moment, but his eyes are glimmering. "Lady Laurent," he greets with a nod of his head toward Jael before rather belatedly nodding toward Cristoph.

"Excellent!" Cristoph makes a quick and polite exit from Etienne and Monique, standing where he can grab everyone's attention. "Welcome to the Laurent Manse! Where you may eat and drink your fill in celebration of Silver Day. We welcome the beginning of summer and we enjoy the hospitality of our neighbors. So please, get comfortable." He raises his glass in a toast before continuing.

"Now it's time to play a game, to break the ice with those of us we might not be familiar with. I'm going to pick a person at random from the crowd and whisper something in their ear. I then challenge that person to go to another and whisper in their ear, but change one word! Or maybe two!" He flashes them a quick smile before continuing, "Until we've circulated through the party. When we reach the last person, they must stand and say the newly changed sentence. Is everyone ready?"

"Well, that was the last of my parties so now I get to enjoy the supreme and exciting efforts of others," Monique tells Cristoph with a sly grin. "And Minxes love games!" She moves back and turns to escort the Archlector to the buffet table mercifully while Cristoph explains the game.

Cristoph has joined the line.

"Marquis Cousin." Amari intones so very formally, "It's wonderful to see you and Reigna. I was afraid you'd never talk to me again after that little adventure to the wood." Maybe it wasn't a serious fear of hers, more a light teasing if her airy tone is to be believed. Seeing the glimmer in his eyes and guessing his nefarious intention, she plucks a baby carrot from her plate and menaces his face with it. He'll have to eat it, or be menaced. She pauses with that only to listen to Cristoph's welcome and explanation of the game. "Ready!" She calls.

Amari has joined the line.

Etienne has joined the line.

Monique has joined the line.

Zoey might be too cool for school. Once she finally succeeds in getting her cognac she wanders -over there-, eying the forming line with something akin to skepticism. She is, after all, a Bisland by birth and nurture. Formal sods that they are.

Jael’s usual energy seems a little dimmed this evening, and she moves to the edge of the crowd to nurse a glass of sparkling wine.

Escorted to a table containing various selections of food Etienne proceeds, as he does, to sample while he awaits the inevitable message delivered to him from the game. His sample is polite, but eager.

Menacing baby carrots are menacing. Menacing enough that Kael is snaring it with a glimmer of his eyes. Chomp. "It takes more than a little adventure in the wood to scare me away," Kael says, though there is a cast of something more serious there lurking in the end. He shakes his head, as though to dismiss it, and is tipping his head toward Cristoph when he indicates that the game is to begin. One Keaton Marquis at the ready.

Kael has joined the line.

Zoey looks at Jael for a moment, hesitating before heading her way. She murmurs quietly upon arrival, expression pleasant and mild.

Theron has joined the line.

After spending probably way too much time mentally debating the merits of joining in. Theron finally shrugs his shoulders and takes a step towards where the game is going to apparently start. "Sure. What could possibly go wrong? It's only words after all."

As the participants line up, Cristoph strolls over to where Amari has taken up occupancy. He makes a great show of leaning in and cupping his face so that no one can see his lips as they move. But maybe some faint sounds can be heard?

Zoey glances over at the sound of a familiar voice, and her face lights up with a rare full smile. "Lord Theron!" She gestures to him with her drink. "Come find me later; it's been far too long, my friend." Her attention then turns back to Jael. She murmurs again, pausing briefly before taking a sip.

Monique lingers at the buffet with Etienne, though she doesn't seem to take quite the amount of sheer joy the Archlector does in it. "I wonder what phrase the Duke is going to start with. Something related to Silver, I bet!"

Turn in line: Cristoph

Turn in line: Amari

Jael tips her head towards Zoey, in quiet conversation with her cousin.

Etienne shares a look with Monique as she speculates. "We'll find out soon enough" he says between small bites, trying to stay inconspicuous at the same time.

Amari saves her fingertips from the maw of Kael and smiles up at the man a moment before saying, as if it's a casual throwaway nothing, "Good, because we'll have to go back." And there might have been more, but the Duke arrives with secrets to impart. She turns her ear up and leans towards him, still and silent until she things she's heard it all. Her lips move as she commits it to memory then nods to Cristoph. She has it. Since she was in the buffet line, and Kael hasn't got anything yet, she just offers him her entire plate, and her tea. Meanwhile, her eyes narrow and she searches for a target. The game was find someone who you don't know well, so after considering her options, she hones in on Etienne and strolls his way. "Archlector? I'm Lady Amari, may I borrow your ear, a moment?" She dips her head politely to him as she draws closer, and to Monique as well, sneaking in a greeting to her, "Lady Monique! Hello."

Etienne quickly stashes his nibblets, "A pleasure to meet you Lady Amari" his smile warm and friendly. "I'd be delighted, though I will need it back." his very small joke not even making him laugh.

"I can do that!" Theron nods in agreement and waves in return to Zoey, or her drink, whichever. "It has been some time. Soon as I get settled in a bit more, I promise." He looks over to the whispering Cristoph, grinning and arching eyebrows at the secrecy.

Reigna has joined the line.

Having started off the game, Cristoph wanders by the bar to get another refill on his wine. There's a bit of an exchange between himself and the bartender before he's able to convince them that yes, it's okay that he have another glass. And isn't he the duke? This is his house! A great dramatic sigh, but it seems good natured and born from a degree of comfortable joking with the staff. Accepting his glass, he wanders over to the statue of the whimsical pony. He squints at before using it as a place to lean.

Cristoph has joined the a whimsical wooden pony.

Monique ducks her head to Amari with a grin. "But of course, Lady Amari." She relinquishes her escort to turn aside to the food with greater interest.

Amari cups her hand and whispers the line to Etienne. She's polite enough to return his borrowed ear afterwards. When she straightens, she lifts her eyebrows asking without saying it aloud, if he's got it.

As Kael moves away to go speak to Amari, Reigna drifts in a different direction, heading towards Jael and posting up next to her. Reigna looks at her friend for some time before murmursing to her quietly. She looks around the party for another moment before gently nudging Jael's shoulder.

Octavian, a silken spaniel have been dismissed.

Etienne nods and listens to game phrase, he is mumbling, perhaps repeating it to himself to keep it fresh in his head. He finds the next person in line, though he doesn't have to go far. "Lady Monique, might I have a moment of your time?"

To the revelation from Amari, Kael is inclining his head in response to her. Inclining his head and exhaling a little sigh of a breath along with it, for good measure. With the game initiated however, he is eyeing his cousin and the Duke rather curiously, a brow spiking to quite the height. Maybe he leans in just slightly but alas, he cannot hear the whisper and thus he moves to acquire some refreshment from a staff member. Ah, whiskey.

Jael looks over at Reigna and smiles as she approaches, nudging her back with some impishness before replying to her quietly.

Monique glances up from the buffet to Etienne's approach and a sly grin slides over her lips. "I don't know, Archlector. What are you offering in return?" she says with a saucy tilt of her chin.

Reigna nods to Jael, and her expression turns briefly somber. There is a touch of understanding there and she replies in an equally low volume. She does snag a glass of Laurent Mead from a passing server, taking a fairly healthy drink as she stands there next to Jael.

"I offer a secret you might not know." Etienne quips back to the silk draped Greenmarch. The words follow a smile, and message delivered he retrieves his hidden plate, resuming his previous snack and looking to mingle a bit.

Amari waves a little at Etienne and Monique as they do their part to mangle and pass the line along. She leaves them to it and goes back to reclaim her plate, which Kael didn't steal after all. Her teacup as well, then she's out of the buffet line and looking for Jael, who is not where she left her. As she's looking, she notices Theron and offers a polite smile, but after that, she spots the Laurent she was looking for, and better she's standing next to Reigna. She beckons Kael along, but otherwise goes right for them, grinning. "Marqueeessaaaa."

Monique listens to Etienne's whispered words, and a smile drifts across her lips. Until she sees who she must tell her phrase to. It's then that she approaches Kael, looking apologetic. "Marquis Keaton. If I might have a word? And forgive me, please."

Turn in line: Etienne

Turn in line: Monique

Turn in line: Kael

Kael is being summoned! He starts to mov along after Amari, yet when Monique is indicating that she might like a word his head is tilting to the side and he regards her for a moment with quiet amusement. "Of course, Lady Greenmarch," he murmurs, inclining his head so that she might more easily whisper to him.

The pony is a very fascinating place to people watch! And to drink your wine. Cristoph loops his arm around the pole and is suppressing a smile as whatever altered version of the original phrase makes it to Kael.

Monique whispers the new phrase to Kael and then steps back, like she might flee before anyone can pin that on her.

To whatever it is that Monique whispered to him, Kael is making a slightly choked sound and eyeing her with his brow moving up slightly higher. He takes a slow and deep breath and looks around the chamber before eyeing his wife. Will he do it? Nay! He thinks the better of it and is instead moving to approach Lord Theron! His throat clears and he says, "My Lord Mazetti," in a quiet rumble. "I have something that you perhaps might enjoy hearing." Are the tips of his ears red? Yes.

Reigna lifts an eyebrow at that look from Kael, it's a strangely detatched expression, much of Reigna's typical warmth absent. Perhaps she is just tired. One arm is crossed over her torso, her other hand lifted, supporting the rounded bell of her mead. She sips her wine and returns her attention to Jael, speaking softly once more.

Mal, a devious raccoon arrives, delivering a message to Amari before departing.

A quick polite smile and nod towards Amari. The game continues along, and he's watching an embarressed Monique apparently flee from Kael. His brows furrow, and then change to curiosity. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for himself. Kael starts to approach him. "Are you certain about that, Marquis Keaton? I do not think that word means what you think it means." However, he does not attempt to run and hide before Kael reaches him. The confused look on his face may educate several and he mutters a little loudly. "You lot need Jayus." There is a better pause. "For better storytime." He starts roaming his eyes seeking his own victim.

Cristoph has joined the line.

Turn in line: Theron

Jael nods to Reigna as Amari returns and she offers her a warm smile. “How’s the buffet look? I did not have a chance to check it over properly.” ie. pregame it.

So once Kael has finished cupping his hands and murmuring to Theron, there is a shrug of his shoulders and an easy enough commentary of, "Oathlander," in turn. His eyes flick to Reigna and catching her detached expression, he frowns slightly and takes a drink from his whiskey. He shifts his weight from one side to the other and then is moving to settle in near the refreshments.

There is a mnoment of consideration as well, clearly trying to figure out which of these wonderful words to replace with another word. Theron snaps his fingers and looks about yet again for which players remain. "Aha!" Theron has pointed towards Reigna. "Marquessa Keaton! I have this wonderful story to share!" The Lycene grins broadly towards the woman even as he approaches. What can possibly go wrong?

"Quite good. Look at these cute little potatoes. They're adorable." Amari enthuses, presenting her plate to Jael so that she might look upon the glory of the buffet with her own eyes. She has a little of most things, all carefully sectioned to their own spaces, touching, but not mixed up. She smiles again to Reigna as she joins the pair, parking herself nearby with an eye on the game, and Kael passing on the line to Theron with a disclaimer of sorts. Then he's headed for Reigna, so she grins and gets clear, stepping closer to Jael.

Reigna looks over to the handsome Lycene lord and offers him a wide smile, "Why hello there, Lord Theron! It has been quite a while since last we spoke. You have something to tell me, mmm?" Reigna turns her head, tilts the angle up, as if offering her cheek for a kiss or in this case her ear for his whisper.

When he spots Theron moving towards Reigna, Cristoph clears his throat to catch Kael's attention. It looks like he's mouthing, "I'm sorry" to the man.

Turn in line: Reigna

Monique glides back over to her escort for the evening, sending Etienne an angelic smile as she joins him, leaning in to murmur something low.

Mal, a devious raccoon arrives, delivering a message to Amari before departing.

"I'm quite looking forward to how this turns out." Etienne says as Monique returns. "Some of these people look as though they're shocked and appalled."

Reaching out an index finger to point but very politely not touch the tiny potatoes, “They /are/ adorable,” Jael agrees. “I should get myself a plate.” But she doesn’t, not just now. She watches the verbal note passing instead.

Reigna's lashes flutter as she peers up at Theron as if certain she did not hear that correctly. Her expression bounces between amusement and bafflement. "I cannot even imagine what this started as. However..." She clears her throat and raises her voice to be heard throughout the room, "The ..." She pauses and squints, "I really do not think it is appropriate to say this..." She looks around the room, her own cheeks turning a little pink before she finishes, "The Queen bathes on her King by the river, sipping rotten cider with her spiders?"

Kael's eyes flick back to Theron, watching him as the game progresses and then there is that mouthing from Cristoph. The Keaton is shaking his head in response, a light motion, before he lifts his tumbler toward Duke Laurent in silent toast. He drinks the remaining contents as though it was but water, if only his hiss at the end was less.

Cristoph checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Amari doesn't snicker, but since she got the line in its original form, or close to it, she laughs softly at what Reigna recites next to her. It's cuter than adorable little potatoes. "Nobody changed the spiders, but I'm guessing there was some verb substitution there."

Mal, a devious raccoon arrives, delivering a message to Amari before departing.

Thankfully, years of 'dukes do it this way' lessons, have composed Cristoph to the point that he doesn't spit his wine out onto the floor. He does seem like he's on the verge of laughing, "Alright, well. That took a far different turn than I expected. Someone in here as a vivid imagination. Someones." He waves the entire, moderately inappropriate saying away. Some of the good Oathlands servants are staring with wide eyes and muttering 'the queen ON the king?!' Gasp. "Thank you so much for playing this ice breaker with us, I hope that uh, it gave you the opportunity to meet your fellow party goers."

Moniqur affects her best impression of innocence, but calls out, "What was the original line, Duke Laurent? Inquiring, pure minds would like to know!"

Doing his best to look the personification of innocence is Theron. Likely he is only able to achieve Lycene Innocence. "Oh it is not so bad, considering." Lycene Innocence is is! "Spiders could have become harem, or sits to rides, or-" Theron trails off and clars his throat. "I should find something alcoholic! yet I too, am curious as to the original message."

“I am absolutely shocked that it came out about sex,” Jael murmurs into her wineglass.

"But it was about the *Queen*!" Reigna says, sounding a little scandalized as she looks around, sipping her wine. "Sex is well and good for a topic of titillation but the Queen... I mean, well." Reigna concentrates on drinking her wine and most definitely not looking at her husband. She turns instead to focus on Theron and says, "And you managed to say that to me without a blink or a blush. I do not know whether to be impressed or disappointed."

Mal, a devious raccoon arrives, delivering a message to Amari before departing.

"Oh, I just tried to come up with something a little strange... that also rhymed a bit." Cristoph informs Monique as he sips the wine glass and attempts to look innocent. But as there's a call for him to come out with it, he glances onces to Amari before he states the original sentence: "The Queen sits on her throne by the divider, drinking cider with her spiders. I belive that's how it went." The cider wasn't rotten when he started it off! He glances between Reigna and Theron with no small amount of amusement, "Well, he is a Mazetti."

Amari smiles at the goings on and looks innocently to Cristoph, as if she had no part in it the sentence getting a bit risque. Other than that and a brief laugh at Jael's murmured comment, she just settles in to sip her tea and idly eat. "I added the rotten." She admits, but that is all.

"Erm. -Lycene-." Theron comments towards Reigna with a rogue's grin. "That was so very tame, my dear Marquessa!! All in good fun, really." Theron looks over towards Cristoph and simply laughs as the family name is mentioned. He does not look truly offended. Clearly for everyones (and Reigna's) benefit Theron holds up some fingers and looks like he is prepared to use them to count off. "Let's see. We also could have changed-"

Monique is overheard praising Cristoph: Wonderful party, wonderful hospitality!

Reigna is overheard praising Cristoph: Great fun, even if you made me say things about the Queen!

Kael is overheard praising Cristoph: All cheer for Duke Laurent and his party!

Theron is overheard praising Cristoph: Great Party, I love the scandalization!

Reigna looks up at the Mazetti, even as he pauses, "No, no! If you're going to say something horrifically salacious, I beg you, whisper it in my ear. It would not do to give the whole room spasms if your Lycene tongue should overwhelm our Oathlands sensibilities!"

Amari is overheard praising Cristoph: adorable tiny potatoes! Lovely feast.

Etienne is overheard praising Cristoph: Food, fun, that's a party.

Jael is overheard praising Cristoph: Small potatoes.

Jael is overheard praising Laurent: I LOVE MY FAMBLY

Cristoph is overheard praising Laurent: Thank you servants for not rebelling over that Queen thing!

Reigna is overheard praising Laurent: Best. Lieges. Ever.