Gwyndolin, Champion of Valardin in Dragon Cloak arrives, following Zara.

Serenade, a lovely nightingale arrives, following Calandra.

Gwyndolin, Champion of Valardin in Dragon Cloak have been dismissed.

3 Thrax Guards, Freja the long suffering, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant, Behemo, a towering man with humble eyes arrive, following Coraline.

Merril, a scholarly adjunct, Warrior, a skittish pygmy goat kid, Axelle, a personal valet arrive, following Felicia.

4 Thrax Guards arrives, following Fatima.

Cora was here, really! She was just off dealing with making sure the food and drink were set up just so. Especially as this requirs the least amount of moving while remaining useful.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard arrives, following Lisebet.

Lisebet is overheard praising Coraline: cohost!

Lisebet is overheard praising Amari: cohost!

It's Skirt and Gown IV: The Skirtening. Amari is here, momentarily distracted from her supervisary role over the rum by Princess Sorrel, and Coraline totally is not late at all. See? There she is. As it is, despite being held in the rather imposing Thrax courtyard, the event is casual. There's a table of rum and treats, and many cushions set out for everyone to park themselves on for the evening's events.

As guests begin to arrive in a steady stream, she bows her head to Sorrel and speaks up, "Welcome, everyone! Please, if you've never attended before, just be warned this is a very not formal sort of thing. We're mostly here to catch up and meet new people. Help yourself to drinks and snacks, and pull up a cushion."

Zara is overheard praising Coraline: Wonderful CoHost of Skirts and Gowns!

Zara is overheard praising Amari: Wonderful CoHost of Skirts and Gowns!

Rosalie is running late! Ohnoes! She has a good excuse, though, really! She had to bathe and change after lessons so that she could get back into her pretty dress for the event! When she shows up, she goes up to her toes, peering around and over people until she spots Coraline, then beelining for her friend and smiling brightly. "Cora! Tell me how I can help." Amari gets a grin and wave as well, "Hello soon to be cousin Amari!! Lovely to see you again!"

Lethe gives a wave to Amari and looks around with a smile at the other women here. She then goes to choose a few snacks.

"Oh, and I'm Lady Amari Keaton if we've not met, and my esteemed co-host for this evening is the inestimable, Princess Coraline Thrax. Welcome everyone!" Amari calls out, because, introductions are slightly important. She waves to Lethe and Rosalie then.

Lisebet comes in, just a touch late. Fashionably late. She smiles and waves as she arrives, having been both to the Thrax holding and also to a Skirts and Gown night. "Hello everyone, how are things. I hope I'm not too late," she calls out. "Princess Coraline, Lady Amari, thanks for hosting! This looks marvellous."

Oh, look, an invader. By 'invader', of course, one might mean an unexpected attendance. And that's Jordan, clad in a gown, what can be seen of his somewhat hairy shins on display. And also, it barely fits him, what with all the rippling muscle underneath the fabric of a gown meant for someone of a more... slender persuasion. But it is still a very pretty gown.

Fatima lives here, so... well, when people throw parties on her front doorstep it seems mildly rude not to show up and say hello. Also mildly wasteful, what with all those beverages being on hand and needing people to drink them. "Hello, hello dears," she greets the gathering in general fashion, while strolling over to collect a cup of rum. A big cup. A goblet, you might even say. "Did I hear number four somewhere? Cora dear, is this some new tradition I missed being founded while I was at Maelstrom?"

Zara was not late, she arrived and was over.....there. But now she is moving with a slow grace into the crowd of lovely skirted.. people. She glances around and finds Coraline and the host and follows Lisebet into the line of greeting the hosts. "Thank you for holding this.." Her voice is soft and even but with a hint of a husky lyrical undertone that suits her well. She moves to the side to get snacks well everyone is speaking and goes then to find someone to talk with.. really.

Cora laughs as she waves to Sorrel, and Lethe, and anyone else arriving too! "I would say so many things but honestly everything looks ready. I am half tempted to find a chair that doesn't require getting up off the ground but is still part of the party." She gives Rosalie an approving look, "You change fast woman! Well done!" As Lisebet arrives, Cora's smile is very warm, "Ah Lady Lisebet! We can only dream of doing as well as yours. But we learned a lot from it!" Jordan's arrival is met with a warm smile from Cora as well, "Sir Ober, your gown is gorgeous! I think I have one similar in my wardrobe. It looks stunning on you." There is no teasing involved, it DOES look stunning. Fatima gets a grin and a wink, "I don't know about tradition but they are fun! Please join us cousin. You only ever light up a room." She angles for a quick greeting hug to Fatima then goes to look for that chair.

Quiet, a Valardin champion, Onuris, an Eurusian hand-maiden arrive, following Katarina.

Sorrel waves back to Coraline, though she's a little bemused by the whole thing. She's not wearing a gown, not that anyone seems to care, and she seems cheerful enough as it is, especially now that she's got a glass of rum in her hand.

"Alright, make sure you've armed yourselves with drinks and when we've settled in on a cushion there, we'll start with introductions." Amari suggests to the group. There's a bright smile for Lisebet, "Thank you for..." And then seeing Jordan finally, she slowly tilts her head at the man in the ill fitting gown and neatly moves to intercept. "I think there's been some confusion, Sir Ober."

"I hosted the third Skirt and Gown night, as I understand it, and we're hoping it will continue long enough to become a tradition," Lisebet says with a smile. "Oh, hello, Sir Jordan. You do look very stunning, I have to agree with Princess Coraline." She catches sight of Zara right there, and smiles. "Princess Zara, very nice to see you. I love these events, they are nice and casual." She gets herself a glass of something to drink.

"Thankfully this gown doesn't include a corset so it was easier to get back into! Then I just decided to let my hair down to dry instead of trying to do any sort of actual hairdo. It was just easier," Rosalie responds to Coraline with a giggle and shrug. She presses a kiss to Cora's cheek and moves to get herself a drink and find a cushion to settle on! Sorrel gets a bright grin and she heads over towards her, "Hello, Your Highness! Its lovely to see you again. How have you been?"

Katarina sneaks into the affair, a palm pressed over her mouth to shield her giggles at the sight of Jordan garbed in a prettily arranged gown. "That's one of the finest skirts I've seen today, I'd say," she chimes aloud, fingers fluttering in soft wave toward those comely familiar faces around her. "Ladies, it's good to see you all. I believe this is my first time attending one of these things. What do I do?"

Jordan leans in to murmur to Amari, which naturally means he's sort of half-bowing. There's a grin to the Keaton as they converse. It should be noted that his range of motions is very confined, in that gown of his. "Thank you, Your Highness, my Lady. You two look absolutely radiant, yourselves. But that goes without saying, as you are always so, regardless."

Stojan, the assistant, 3 Thrax Guards arrive, following Denica.

Fatima gives Coraline a squeeze as she approaches, and then with attention turned toward Jordan, eyes him up and down. Or at least the gown. "It is rather a fetching piece. I'm a little jealous." With cup in hand, then, she makes her way to find a place to settle or sprawl with the cushions, although her progress is interrupted as Katarina arrives. "Kat, oh there you are. You know I was just halfway through putting together a message for you." Once more, sitting is interrupted to hustle over and greet her. "It's my first, too. Other rules aside, I'm planning on sitting around and drinking heavily."

Amari has a murmured exchange with Jordan that ends with a soft laugh on her part, "A small round of applause for Sir Ober?" Amari ventures after as she turns to the group, "I've decided he deserves some Thrax rum for the effort he's put in, but he'll be on his way shortly after." She goes for Katarina after that, grinning, "Your Highness, follow me to the rum, then have a seat on any cushion you like."

Lisebet is overheard praising Jordan: for bravery unexpected and looking stunning in a gown

Zara is given a warm smile, "You are more than welcome, Princess Coraline Thrax, whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?" Cora asks Zara as she pauses in making her slow way to that chair. Rosalie's cheek kiss gets a grin as the other woman heads off, "Corsets are a nightmare to get into and out of." she agrees then lets Rosa go get a drink. As Katarina arrives Cora grins and waves, "Kat, find some food and drink, have a seat, there will be games and much gossip, that tends to be the way it goes I think." Jordan gets a wink, and a shake of her head in amusement. And then she is back to making her way to that damn chair.

"Wait, why are we kicking him out? I'm the one not wearing a gown. His gown seems much more gownlike than my armor does, anyway," Sorrel points out curiously. "I think he ought to be allowed to stay. I mean, I could go inside and put on a dress, but... that's hardly the point. I live here."

When Fatima graces her with her company, it is all Katarina can to do not to simply beam with pleasure. "It sounds as though you have at least half the rules right then," she surmises sunnily toward her, reaching to thread an arm through the Thraxian's own. "And look, -the- Lady Amari herself is coming over to lead us to the greatest treasure of all --," she stage-whispers, eyes bright with mirth as she watches Amari before bowing her head in assent and drags Fatima along after the lady. "Rum! Yes, please." An infectious smile of warmth is tipped toward Coraline, then her cousin, Zara.

Drink in hand, Lisebet finds herself a cushion and settles decorously upon it. She glances around, at all the faces both familiar and new, and smiles. Quietly, she has a couple sips of her drink, as she waits for everyone to get settled. However, she does clap for Sir Jordan, raising her voice a touch to say, "Congratulations, Sir Jordan!"

1 House Corvini Guard, Placeholder arrive, following Ilinca.

Teiddwen the Otter, A fiery headed prodigal named Gwddfgwyn arrive, following Asger.

Teiddwen the Otter, A fiery headed prodigal named Gwddfgwyn leave, following Asger.

Jordan offers bows, here and there, grinning at Fatima's quip, then straightening and bowing again to Zara, the wink returned with one of his own. Then, he'll go for that promised rum, rare treasure that it is. "You know your armor is just as fetching as a gown, Princess Sorrel, and besides, one ought not deprive a renowned Songblade of her armor, you living here notwithstanding. A pleasure to meet you, my Ladies, Your Highnesses that I do not know; Sir Jordan Ober, Knight of Ashford, Minister of Warfare for the same House. Of course, I am happy that we are well met again, Ladies, Your Highnesses that I've had the honor to meet during my time in Arx."

Gianna strides into the courtyard in a flutter of sage-green seasilk. "I hope I'm not too late," she announces.

"So, why are we having it outside of my house this week?" Denica wonders, padding on outside and curiously looking around. Her eyes move to Sir Jordan and she places a hand on her hip, blinking a few moments with a tilt of her head. "Wait," Denica says. "Did he find a loophole?"

"Well then you better have some," Fatima advises Katarina, and as she's led by Amari over to the drinks, follows in close stride. She has one, but still! At some point, she leans to say something quietly, and then glances around. "Which is a good pillow? Those there look fluffy." Though Denica's arrival causes her to quickly look over and finger-wave at her other cousin. "It doesn't seem so much a loophole as... precisely the rules? Although we've all decided we like his gown, so maybe we need to conspire to relieve him of it and chase him off!"

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

Amari bows her head to Fatima, recognizing her from a prior event, no doubt, "Your Highness." She will indeed lead the pair of princesses to the table stocked with rum. Honestly that's all there really is. Just rum. Lots and lots of Thrax rum. Still the question of Jordan staying or going has her make a small announcement, "Next week I'll be hosting the Skirts Only Dance. Anyone may attend, lord or lady, master or mistress, provided they're wearing a skirt. It seems there's a high demand for an even wherein men can show off their finest gowns. I think King Alaric must have started a trend at the Gala." She tips her head to Jordan then, saying, "I hope to see you there."

"Princess Denica!" Amari will call out after that, bowing her head a moment to the Thrax princess. Gianna too is smiled over toward and beckoned over.

Chair achieved! Cora settles and sighs happily then waves to Denica, "I think he is being offered rum and then he has to show off his gown to the rest of Arx, it is gorgeous after all Den." The area is scattered with cusions, Cora had a chair set out cause she is not going to try to get up off the ground right now. There are tables with food and drink, predominantly rum of course.

Ilinca arrives escorted by one of the Corvini House guards -- and a fortunate thing, too, as her long, curious gaze at her surroundings is a fair indication that she's never been to the Thrax Estate before. Or even the Thrax Ward, really.

"I just don't think it's appropriate to discriminiate based on gender, especially considering that there are still some who do. Discriminate based on gender, I mean," Sorrel says quietly, to no one in particular, nursing her rum as if she is grateful to have it. "Maybe he feels like a woman today."

Calandra Whisper arrives and there's a look of deep curiosity about her dark mien as she looks around, spying some familiar faces and some even more familiar rum. It's to the rum the Whisper heads, easing smiles on either side as she goes.

"Lady Amari, hullo," Gianna greets, giving Jordan some side-eye when she spots him. Then she sighs and tells him, "You're nearly bursting the seams. Why would you do that to such a lovely gown?" That's it, though. She has rum to fetch, and so that's what she does. Next up: choose a pillow.

Katarina plucks up a glass of rum for herself, then turns outward from the refreshments table with Fatima on her arm. "They do all look fluffy. Don't they?" she muses in agreement toward the princess, her drink tipped high in salute to Amari. "Thank you, oh kind lady of the rum," she jests. "Without you, I would have never made it this far. Fare thee well, adventuress." A quick pause, then she's absconding away to some pillows after collecting Denica a glass of rum. Friends help friends.

Katarina has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Lethe says little as she decides on what she'd like to snack on. She then finds a good place to sit.

Laurene, a military adjutant arrives, delivering a message to Zara before departing.

Hugs are spread all around! First Denica makes her way to Fatima, chuckling a bit. "Well I mean women don't have to wear gowns if they don't wish, so I suppose the rule was that if a man wished to attend, he must wear a gown?" she grins thoughtfully, and than moves over to Amari, offering an embrace to her before she nods. "I missed the king in a gown? How did I not see? Must've been difficult to tell him apart in the crowd, she grins before making her way to Coraline, settling herself into a cushion beside her cousin with a little hug first. "Well it is a rather nice gown, I dare-say he and I have similar taste," she muses, taking the glass from Katarina as she settles herself down sne pats the cushion beside her. "What would I do without you, Kat?" she grins.

Coraline has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Lisebet tilts her head a bit, and then says, "I don't mind if Sir Jordan stays, after going to so much trouble." She smooths her own skirts, and watches all the comings and goings for a moment. "I am very pleased to see such attendance. It should be a lot of fun."

Merril, a scholarly adjunct, Warrior, a skittish pygmy goat kid, Axelle, a personal valet arrive, following Felicia.

Denica has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Sorrel has joined the seating along the southern wall.

"Oh, I agree," Fatima does declare after Sorrel. "We can discriminate on *fashion*, surely. But hardly on anything else!" And since she's hugged one cousin, of course Denica gets one too. "Well, right. It's not a ladies night so much as a gown night. Gowns are the order of business and the matter of concern! The only matter!" She laughs then, and turns to follow after Katarina toward the seating, continuing in some quiet conversation. "A game sounds fun, otherwise its just drinking. Not that I dislike drinking, but we usually don't need a special excuse for it."

Fatima has joined the seating along the southern wall.

"I'll make sure to attend, if the Lady who was graceful enough to help me pick an appropriate gown for this event attends it with me. She did say that this would ... compliment ... my form," Jordan glances down at his gown, before grinning at Gianna. "I'd say Skald would applaud my choice. Both of the gown and coming here! But I'll ask him if I ever see him again. At some point." He ponders that as he gracefully reaches for a double-dose glass of rum, drinking from it and nodding a greeting to Denica, also, and stealing a pastry. "We still haven't gotten that meeting, Princess Fatima! I'll look forward to it. It is a party, after all! And also, I'd like to say thank you to House Thrax, for making the most perfect alcoholic beverage of the world." Lisebet's vote earns another bow of his head, his expression merry. "I usually drink whiskey but rum really is the best."

Sorrel falls silent after a moment and goes to find herself somewhere to sit with her glass of rum to sip, looking mildly content and slightly out of place in her armor. She settles nearby the other Thrax princesses, of which there are several. "I'm supposed to sing later, but a few glasses of rum won't hurt, I'm sure," she says hopefully.

Gianna has joined the seating along the southern wall.

2 Grayson House Guards, Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

Amari returns Denica's embrace with a wide eyed nod. "He really was, ask Katarina about it." With that she finally claims herself a glass and after making sure everyone's settled, or almost, she chooses a cushion for herself and carefully sits next to her co-host. When Coraline leans in to murmur something to her, she tilts her ear up to listen, nod and shrug a little. There's some soft words in reply.

Lethe has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Gianna sits down amongst Thraxian princesses and assorted nobility, just as though she belongs there. She settles onto a cushion, arranging the seasilk skirt of her dress. A nod to Jordan; that's all the protest she's giving about his presence.

"Sir Jordan, you just won my heart, thank you. Yes, rum truly /is/ the best drink in all the world." Cora declares from her chair, then realized she didn't get any rum for herself. A sad sad world this is, so with effort she gets up and starts making her way to the rum table. Of course it doesn't take /too/ long to obtain the rum and get back, she got a bottle for future enjoyment. A laugh to Sorrel and Cora nods as she settles back in her seat, "Course it won't!"

Felicia is perhaps late for virtue of trying to find something that at least vaguely resembles a skirt. Though the two-panelled construction of purple is simply thrown over her leather armor. Fashionista fail.

"Apologies! I meant to be here earlier but then there was Voice business that needed to be handled right then or else and I'm pretty sure I just sold someone a pig? Sometimes it's really not clear. But I'm here now and--" Sabella doesn't quite stop to take a breath but there's the tiniest beat, "I love your gown, Sir Jordan! Anyway, are we talking about something in particular? Is there food? I should probably reverse the order of those questions."

Felicia gets a wave from Lisebet, and a grin for her skirt. "There's rum," she offers to Sabella helpfully from her spot on the cushions. The rest she'll leave for the hostesses.

"There's rum, Princess Sabella!" Sorrel volunteers, motioning to the refreshments table where there is presumably more than just rum. "Come, get a glass and get comfortable."

Katarina raises her glass in sunny toast toward Sabella. "You're never too late for the affairs. We're all just settling in, with rum." Her gaze drifts over toward Gianna, a face somewhat familiar to her. "Ah, Mistress Gianna. How wonderful of you to grace us with your presence. I trust you've been well? I hear the Bards College has been a lyrical success, accomplishing more and more things as of late. Congratulations."

Cora waves to Sabella, "There is food as well as rum Princess Sabella. And plenty of it, help yourself. If you prefer a chair to the cushions let us know and we will get you one. And welcome to the event, we haven't started the proper discussions yet."

Was it... well, it's hard to say, really, what's exactly has left the new Countess Corvini dumb-founded. There is, of course, the sea of unfamiliar faces to be lost among. And then there is also the sight of Sir Jordan not only in a dress, but a full ensemble, which has certainly caused her to lift both brows. And then there is Sabella's flurry of an entrance, which has drawn her stares. But. But. Ahhhh, there. The faintest little twitch at the corners of Ilinca's mouth hint at what might be a smiele. A familiar face at last. "Principessa, you've come. I have not seen Principessa Gwenna Redrain yet, nor the Baronessa de Lire."

"What are we meeting about again, Sir Jordan? Oh yes, putting together some ground units for the Isles Canines, and whatever other schemes." Despite feigning brief forgetfulness, it does sound as if Fatima has hardly forgotten. "Well, we should find a time. Or also, you can always meet with my sister Lady Juliana." She has a good drink and slouches out comfortably amongst the pillows.

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

Captain Teemo, a mountain lion cub, Flappinum, a human with many opinions arrive, following Leona.

Captain Teemo, a mountain lion cub, Flappinum, a human with many opinions leave, following Leona.

Gianna's lips curve in one of her faint smiles at Katarina's words; it's a very small smile, but it does convey that she is pleased. Because she is. "I've been well, thank you, and the College is also well. We might be able to open in the coming months, if we can charm enough people to lend their support for the final push." Glancing over at Sabella, she inclines her head to the Princess. Her brow furrows slightly at mention of the pig, but smoothes again. She just doesn't ask.

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly arrives, following Delilah.

Reigna is running late. She is running late, but she makes it! Her cheeks are a bit pink as she enters the Courtyard, looking around as if for one or two faces in particular.

Katarina releases a celebratory cheer when Reigna makes it!

Calandra, with her drink firmly in hand, approaches the gathering once more, smiling about, and asking of no one and everyone in particular. "What does one do at such a night, if I might ask without sounding too provincial?"

Felicia offers brief nods to those she recognizes, but, well, the rum (and other alcohol) table is where she definitely bee-lines, in search of a whiskey to nurse while she shamelessly eavesdrops.

Seeing Reigna, Cora waves from her chair, there are tables of food, and drink, lots of rum, but Cora speaks softly to a server who brings a glass of weak mead to Reigna and asks if there is anything else she would like.

"Thank you," Jordan states to Sabella, then, true to his word to Amari, he makes preparations to depart; the knight finishes his rum, bows to those gathered and offers a nod to Fatima's words. "Soon, Your Highness. I've got some interesting plans to propose, at least." And then he's going back whence he came.

"Oh, pillows will be fine!" Sabella says and very carefully sets herself down on some near Fatima, one hand on her stomach. Her own stomach, not Fatima's. "If you don't mind, ladies and gentleman, I wonder if anyone is interested in helping me with a fundraiser I am trying to put together for the Lodge or Petrichor defense? I'm looking for people to put together baskets that can be raffled off. Fill them with treats from your favorite baker, items from your favorite crafter, or clothing from your favorite designer! If anyone's interested, please let me know. I'd like to really put something spectacular together since I can't exactly raise a sword myself. Well, I could, but it would go very badly for anyone near me."

"I am remiss to see you leave, Sir Ober," Katarina shouts from amidst a pile of prettily dressed ladies, her glass lifted in salute toward Jordan. "We should have a meeting soon!" Golden eyes are inevitably drawn toward Sabella when she settles near with talk of recruitment for fundraisers, mildly interested.

Since everyone is either very familiar, or not, or somewhere between, Amari stands after another murmured exchange with her co-host and lifts a hand, "Right, now that everyone is mostly settled in, or-" More arrivals. She bows her head to Sabella, Reigna and Leona, saying to them, "Please have a drink and treat, and join us on the cushions." There's a circle of them on the ground, and all look comfy. "That sounds lovely, Princess Sabella. Thank you, Sir Ober. Right! Let's start with introductions. We'll go around the circle. I'm Lady Amari Keaton, I'm a lawyer who tries to sing to limited success, I'm from Oakhaven. Exciting stuff."

On a swirl of midnight skirts, onwards comes Delilah into the Thraxian courtyard. Her unfortunate assistant, a man who dreams of a land where he can be Alfred and a hero against dirt and grime, is consigned to hunting down a corner where he can admire the pygmy goat and give Merril a long-suffering sigh. "You know these affairs go? Run _ragged_." The copper-haired girl doesn't take long to wave her way through, meandering into the thick of it all, hand raised in a greeting for all those she might not recognize, and a balmy, merry, "Hello!" for everyone that she does. Late is supposedly fashionable. Let's hope so.

Reigna accepts the glass with a grin of delight, and looks around for the source. Spying Coraline, Reigna beams and heads in the Princess' direction, "You are sitting down! This is incredible." After a brief pause there is a suspicious squint and Reigna asks, "Did someone put adhesive on your seat? Are you stuck like that?" It's clear she's teasing, even as she leans in and down to press a kiss to Coraline's cheek. "Minx. It is good to see you resting through." Reigna looks around the crowded courtyard and asks, "Have you seen Ama--" And there she is! Reigna turns as Amari starts speaking and laughs, shaking her head. She moves to join the circle, finding a cushion and a place to sit.

Zara is settled somewhere in the middle of the group, curled on one of the pillows with a glass in her hand, she turns her attention towards the speak of a fundraiser and listens curiously. She will take a better round of introduces soon, really.

Ilinca has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Amari has joined the seating along the southern wall.

"Of course, Princess Katarina! I'll look forward to your missive!" Jordan calls out to the Valardin with another bright smile, and a salute of his own. He's out as introductions are being made. Even if he's moving a bit stiffly given the confines of the gown.

"Oh is he going?" Fatima pouts, as Sir Jordan seems ready to depart. "And we've not yet had time to get him drunk and strip him." Let's be honest, folks, she just wants the gown! But no, it's all good fun, and she smiles after him. "I do hope you'll attend the skirts dance if there's to be one." And now, well, there's more people to greet as more arrive. Sabella beside her, belly touching, but not hers (yet?) "Princess Sabella, nice to see you again. Here to join the hopefully drunken festivities?" Reigna seems to be joining them too, and she lifts a hand to wave at her as well. However now there's a sudden frown at something said amongst the couches.

Gianna raises her hand and tries to catch Calandra's eye so she can gesture for the woman to join her, if she do desires. "Drink," she tells the other Whisper. "Talk. Sometimes play games. Do have a seat."

Fatima may have also just shouted 'orgy,' for whatever reason.

With a pursing of her lips, Ilinca finally pours herself a glass of rum and finds her way to the cushions. She settles down on the edge of the circle, intently watching the conversations going on around her.

Lethe is very quiet. She picks at some of her food but listens to anyone who introduces themselves.

Cora laughs at Reigna's teasing, "Yes well thank Victus, he gave orders. I have actually sat more the past day than I think I have since getting East Light off the ground, and then I could at least run across the city. I am glad you made it." she adds warmly. Delilah gets a wave and a warm smile, "Food and drink and cusions, come join."

Calandra joins Gianna gratefully, with a quickfire grin. "That sounds fabulous, all of it. Have you been to many of these events?" she asks the other Whisper. "What sorts of games?"

Denica eyes Coraline and nods. "You need to sit down, woman. I've been telling you that for months."

Lisebet flashes a grin, raises her drink in salute. "I'm Lady Lisebet Farshaw from Westrock Reach," she introduces herself as requested.

Gianna raises her glass of rum and announces, "I'm Gianna Whisper, Nightingale of the Bard's College. Singer and musician. Well met." Her voice carries easily; the woman knows how to project. She asides to Calandra, "There was a game involving telling two truths and a lie at the last such event I attended. You had to discern which was the lie. That was amusing. I won a bottle of coffee liquor!"

Felicia raises her glass towards Lilah with a wry sort of grin, electing to make her way around to the seating where it seems the bulk of people have chosen to take up residence,"Dame Felicia Harrow, of the King's Own." she elects to toss into the introductions.

Zara dips her chin towards each as they are introduced and she takes a soft breath before she offers, "Princess Zara Valardin, House Diplomat and Assist to Duchess Margot Tyde. I like dragons and flowers." She winks at the later, some joke maybe a few of her house would get but she she is relaxed and watchful as she finishes.

Felicia has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Reigna has joined the seating along the southern wall.

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Jasher.

3 Thrax Guards leaves, following Jasher.

"Princess Katarina Valardin," Katarina adds her voice to the chorus of feminine introductions, her glass lifting in toast toward Felicia. "Dame Harrow, of the King's Own. It's wonderful to finally place a face to the name."

Reigna looks to each lady as they are introduced and when it is her turn she offers a bright wave. "I am Marquessa Reigna Keaton of Oakhaven, formerly of Wyrmguard and current guildmaster of the Physicians Guild."

Driven in a lively pace to the thick of it all, Delilah has the corresponding requirement of a skirt. Really. She warmly smiles at Coraline and Sabella, waving at them. "I am delighted to see you enjoying yourself, and I might sit. First, though, I need to say hello to all these unfamiliar faces." With that, she goes floating off on the rounds, nodding to Gianna and Calandra, and circling in the direction of Zara. "A house diplomat, that's fascinating! What exactly does that entail? I'm Delilah Whitehawk, and I like far too many books and shiny things."

Sighing though good naturedly and Denica, Cora smirks, "Normally it isn't so big an issue hmm, and I do sit to do paperwork, so there." and sticks out her tongue. That done she clears her throat, "My name is Princess Coraline Thrax, co-host of the evening, although Amari is the one who made this all possible. I am a knight, and a physician with the Physicians Guild, and Knight Grandmaster of the Order of East Light. Beyond that I apparenlty am a Minx. Tis a pleasure to meet those of you I haven't met yet."

"Ahhhh," Ilinca says, when the circle reaches her. Her slender fingers curl around her glass, idly tracing the rim of it as she offers, "I am Ilinca Corvini, the Countess of Iasu, of the Lyceum." The latter was evidenced by her accent; it's unusually thick, and rather obscure beyond 'something decidedly Lycene' -- or would be, if she hadn't just made mention of her recently restored House.

"Oh, we're doing introductions?" Fatima wonders, as people start making them. "Pricness Fatima Thrax, of course, mistress of the Isles Canines, among various talents and attributes which I shall spare you listing at length." She smirks a little at this phrasing.

"I'm Princess Sabella Grayson, newest Voice of Grayson! So, sorry for all the proclamations you'll be reading from me, I get very excited about things," Sabella introduces herself with a laugh, "I like fundraising and the arts--I sing and dance and act. Mostly in the privacy of my own room. I love stories of all kinds. And friends! I count everyone here as a dear friend, even if I'm only meeting you just now."

Gianna engages in some nodding, and inclines her head to Delilah, murmuring a hello as she's greeted. Mostly, she's committing names to faces. Felicia. Ilinca. Zara. She asides to Sabella, "You ought to at least sing more in public. You were lovely on those tours."

Katarina knits her brows. "Were we supposed to include titles and positions in this introduction?" she asks aloud, turning her eyes from Denica and Fatima to Sabella when they go on to add minutae about themselves. Is that Reigna? She offers the Marquessa a quiet smile, raising her glass in salutations to Reigna before returning to following along as ladies are introduced.

Felicia advises Katarina solemnly,"Your highness, I assure that any tales told about me are most certainly an exaggeration. I am harmless as a lamb. Mostly." she insists with a brief flash of a smile.

"I'm Princess Sorrel Thrax, Bladesong. I sing and I swordfight, and I encourage other people to do the same. In fact, I love singing with other people quite a lot," Sorrel volunteers. "And I write songs. Sometimes for my friends, and sometimes historical odes."

"I'm Princess Denica Thrax, Voice of Maelstrom and yadda yadda, titles titles," Denica holds up her rum. "I'm also a squire, Coraline is my knight, and I'm in the Order of East Light. Perhaps my most proud achievement," Denica beams up at Coraline. "Nice to meet all of you that I am now meeting for the first time."

Fatima snorts at Katarina's apparent distress. "I don't know that we were supposed to do anything. But everyone knows I'm a bit of a braggart and a spoiled mess!"

Reigna eyes Felicia with a laugh, "You are not. You are a glorious terror." Reigna winks to Katarina and lifts her glass of mead as if in salute before she takes a sip. "I cannot imagine anyone does not know of you, your highness." She looks over to Fatima curiously, her gaze lingering there for a length of time before she moves her attention to Sabella, offering her a salute with her glass as well.

Introductions everywhere, and all the excitement to be had. Her hand covering her mouth in laughter, Delilah quickly circles landward to Felicia. "Dame Harrow is the very best of terrors. Amazing upon a field or off the field, too."

Cora beams at Denica, "You are a fantastic Squire, and soon enough you will see Knighthood I have no doubt of that." Felicia gets a grin, "I had the pleasure of getting to know your sister Dame Felicia, she is amazing, the Iron Guard is very lucky to have her. Without her we would not have done so well in the most recent crisis."

Lisebet listens curiously to the introductions, amused by what people say and don't say. She sips her rum, and nearly spits it out when Felicia says she's harmless as a lamb. Wait, what? Her eyes widen, and then she catches herself, recomposing her features. "I think we were just doing introductions, with whatever we all feel like sharing?"

"Right? Kat is known far and wide, so much so that her illustrious titles are barely necessary ahead of her grand arrival," Fatima agrees with Reigna, very seriously. OK not very seriously, but she's having a good time, and goofing on Katarina while they quietly chat seems part of the fun. "I think, by and large, most of us know each other. I daresay probably half of us are related to some degree! So it really is more a matter of sorting out the new people, hmm?"

"Oh! Ummmmm... I'm Lady Rosalie Redtyde. Minister of Income and Voice for House Redtyde, lady-in-waiting to Her Highness, the High Princess Alarissa Thrax, Senior Scholar Pro Tempore for the Scholars, and I'm just happy to be here and meeting all you wonderful ladies! I will probably be pestering many of you soon with aid for one of the many projects being undertaken!" Rosalie offers up with a bright grin and a cheerful tone, sitting up on her cushion. Also noticeably not drinking alcohol.

Felicia gives Reigna an owlish blink that's probably not likely to be believed by any but the blind, and fast ruined by the toothy smile even as she snorts at Delilah,"I am hardly a terror. Unless you mean a social terror, off the field. On the field... well, I hold my own." she offers Cora a small salute with her glass,"I'd ask which one, but obviously you mean Amantha. She's more skilled than she gives herself credit for quite often.. but service in the Guard is family tradition. She told me a little about the matter with those plagued animals and that brief bout of unusual... ah... aggressiveness.. that went through the city though."

"I'll discount at least fifty percent of what I heard, just for now," Katarina assures Felicia amidst a vibrant laugh. "But that's probably not enough to make you anything close to a near harmless lamb." She shifts, urning on her side and wrinkling her nose toward Fatima and Reigna. "Please stop singing my praises. It will all go to my head!" she laughs brightly, turning her eyes onto Rosalie with curiosity when she reveals herself to be Alarissa's lady in waiting. "Oh, hello, my lady. How good to make your acquaintance."

Like Gianna, Amari quietly watches and undoubtedly tries to memorize the names and various other little tidbits that are being offered with the introductions. To each offered, she smiles pleasantly and nods as each woman in the circle speaks up in turn."Thank you. Now we're a little better acquianted. There's quite a few singers? Perhaps later on we should try to shake the walls." She comments near the end, and since she's still standing, she says, "Oh, and the Truths and Lie game. There will be prizes. You'll want to think up two truths and a lie about yourself, if you're playing and you happen to be called upon. So have something in mind, just incase. Otherwise, does anyone have a topic you'd like to discuss? Princess Sabella's fundraiser, for instance, or whether or not we should open the next Skirt and Gown night to men - and further, who wishes to take up the mantle as host? Any volunteers?"

"I'm going to need a lot more whiskey if there's going to be singing involved." Felicia offers wryly, mostly as an aside to Delilah before grinning at Katarina,"Well, I'd be hardly the only one for whom that's the case. But I try not to be too much of a terror if there's no doors in my way?" she suggests with a grin, attention flitting back towards Amari..

Lethe puts down her plate after sampling the food and leaves quietly.

Lethe has left the seating along the southern wall.

3 Tyde Houseguard leaves, following Lethe.

Cora clears her throat to pipe up, "One of you does desperately wish to host the next event I am certain." She adds grinning. She does nod to Felicia, "Yep Amantha was cruicial and saved many lives. She definitely doesn't give herself enough credit. Not in the least."

"Well, what fun are they if they don't go to your head, a little?" Speaking of new people, Rosalie's introduction comes right in time, so Fatima likewise singles her out as Katarina does. "Oh, she's found a new one then? I believe she's had a variety of ladies and handmaids and the like in her service. I imagine we'll be seeing a fair bit more of you around here then, hmm?"

The sheer incantation of introductions forms an impressive volume, and Delilah takes in the details bit by bit. She shakes her head slightly, loose braids whipping around her shoulders with a touch momre momentum thanks for the hidden bits of metal wound into their lengths. "We did perfectly fine the last time you decided to be a terror," she notes in an aside to Felicia, and nods at the northerly wall. "I think I might take up a perch there and listen to all the excitement that beckons from there. Else I might never possibly escape from here."

Delilah has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Ilinca's eyes drift towards the exit, through which several people have already trailed, and interjects to ask, "....Is that why the gentleman was dressed as a woman? I thought perhaps he was an actor. Or this was some game in Arx that I do not know." How delightfully ignorant!

Gianna sighs faintly, then raises her free hand with a glitter of silver and beryl from the ring on it. "I'll host the next one at the Bard's College," she volunteers, looking toward Amari and Coraline.

"Oh, that would be a nice space in which to have it," Sorrel agrees to Gianna with a little nod, smiling hopefully as she sips her rum.

"Men can wear gowns, just as women can wear pants." Reigna points out with a smile to Ilinca, "Why at the Gala, King Alaric wore an absolutely stunning gown. I was quite jealous." She looks to Katarina and says, "Princess Katarina, you will have to tell me who designed that. It was remarkable." There is a grin then before she looks to Sabella, "Though I still find myself dreaming of Alarice's dress." She pauses and thinks, "Princess Sabella, perhaps you and I could host the next night? And we can bring gowns of all types and we can try on different styles?"

"Good." Felicia offers towards Cora with a proud kind of smile,"Though of course, if asked I will assuredly insist that she's hopeless, as any sister would." she suggests with a wink.

"Look, if nobody wants hosting duties, I'd be happy to take it over next months," Denica offers. "I'll slip this in between all the other things I'm juggling but this should be a nice departure from my normal duties," Denica smiles, and considers. "I may try to make Princess Katarina co-host with me," Denica adds, stealing a glance to her friend, though she eyes Reigna and Sabella and chuckles. "You'd probably do a better job than I, I need to learn to wait before I speak."

Cora laughs and nods to Felicia, "Oh yes, I have sisters of my own, I know the golden rules. Not to fear I shan't tell her you said anything but her hopelessness."

Gianna leans back on her cushion, glancing from Sabella to Reigna. "Me next, then, or you?" Her gaze shifts to Denica, and she inquires, "Or you?"

"That dress was amazing! Still is, though it's in my closet right now." Sabella smooths out the rainbows of her skirt, "I think Mistress Gianna offered to host for next month. But then you've now got Princess Denica offering for the month after! I suppose I could take the third in line. Assuming the baby doesn't decide to be early. Or it could just be a big baby introduction party!"

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting have been dismissed.

Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting have been dismissed.

2 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.

Clark, an exasperated guard have been dismissed.

"Its a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness!" Rosalie offers back to Katarina with a bright smile curving her lips. Looking back to Amari, she grins at the mention of the game, though Fatima quickly garners her attention as well. "Oh I'm sure that you'll see me here and there, Your Highness. I try to remain discrete so as not to disturb the household with Her Highness' requests." She looks back at mention of men being allowed and pipes up, 'I don't see why the menfolk should be barred. If we're not even going to be strict on the actual dress code there's really no reason to keep them out for geneder."

Katarina has left the seating along the southern wall.

Quiet, a Valardin champion have been dismissed.

Onuris, an Eurusian hand-maiden have been dismissed.

"He was having a laugh more than anything, Countess." Amari smiles to Ilinca, though she does nod to Reigna, "It is absolutely true that men can wear gowns. So, if the next host of the event wishes to open it to men in skirts, they're welcome to. I didn't wish to change the rules in the middle of the game, as it were, that was my objection to Sir Ober here tonight." She seems happy enough when people start volunteering as hosts, hands clapping together excitedly, "Oh lovely! Thank you all for volunteering, it'll be wonderful to keep this going. We have Gianna, Princess Denica, and Princess Sabella?"

Lethe has joined the a cleared portion of the courtyard for dancing.

Delilah has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

"I'll do it after the next in that case," she smiles to Gianna. "I hadn't even heard Gianna Whisper volunteer, and with all I am doing this month it's probably best that I hold off until the month afterwards anyway!" she grins towards Amari, sipping more of her rum, smoothing the skirts that lay in a halo around her.

Lisebet smiles to hear all the volunteers. "That is very nice," she observes. She's not drinking very fast, perhaps purposefully so. "I look forward to further fun evenings of chatting and getting to know you all. And an excuse to visit the Bard's college is always a good thing."

A tap of Scribble's hand to his scrollcase is somehow noticeable to Delilah. He waits until she makes eye contact, not a thing that can be utterly avoided, before she must answer to his comments. Then he ventures up to provide her a message. But a few seconds reading the contents leaves her shaking her head. "Alas, I have a second engagement. I hope you we can talk later, Felicia. And everyone else, have a lovely night!"

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly leaves, following Delilah.

"We've had men trying to sneak in since the first occassion, although not in so nice dresses as the one Sir Jordan was wearing," Sorrel points out with a little sigh. "I think there's certainly a desire among the male populace to experience this sort of thing with the ladies, for whatever reason, and I don't really have a lot of heart to stop them, since we'd be grumpy if they tried to run a men's only event, I think."

Lethe returns and finds another seat. "I don't mind if men come as long as it's not all about flirting or things of that nature. It's nice to have a break from all of that. I didn't really have any problem with Sir Jordan being here."

"There has been at least one male only event, and honestly I don't mind men here but truly why is it so alluring I wonder? Just women talking and sitting. Not too exciting."

Reigna fades into the background for the time being, watching the others and giggling as she finishes her wine.

"I suspect they want to know what we are saying about them," Lisebet tosses in.

"It was only idle curiosity," Ilinca replies in her low alto, before taking a small sip of her rum. "Though I suppose that if the men of the city have been trying to slip into these evenings for months, then they could say much the same -- that idle curiosity has brought them to our door. Or gate, in this case." She nods towards the entrance to the courtyard, being what it is. "And curiosity often leads us to strange paths, ne?"

"If I recall... the last time they did a beards and brews night there was a whole contingent of ladies there to rate the beards." Felicia chimes in with a laugh,"But I also say that as someone who usually doesn't attend.. and who barely managed to wear a skirt." granted, she can't help but snort at Lisebet's words about them wanting to know what was being said about them.

"Honestly, if men wanted to run a men's only event, I wouldn't really mind or have any desire to sneak into it," Denica says, sipping her rum. "Honestly, I like having a women's only place just to have a bit of fun. If men showed up it would feel like just about any other gathering." Denica pipes in with her own thoughts.

Reigna has left the seating along the southern wall.

Fatima does nod toward Lethe's point. "Yes, I think that's really the only thing I'd stress. It's hard to say what otherwise classifies it AS a ladies night, or a gowns night, or whatever, outside of the manner of dress. But stressing that it's not a convenient gathering of people to oggle at hopefully favorable ratios is a good place to start."

Gianna has a long sip of rum. "Best to simply not speak of them at all," she announces. "The men, that is. I don't think I'd bar them entry, in any case, but I can be convinced otherwise."

"I don't think they've ever been as much of a topic as they are right now," Lisebet comments wryly. "But I am sure that doesn't stop their curiosity. "I'm not advocating we do speak of them, I mean, unless it comes up naturally. We have many things to speak of, as we have seen already. I will defer to the hostesses for each event."

Cora grins at Ilinca, "As I hardly ever wear a dress or gown, and am not on this occasion either, I truly couldn't say it was terribly important to me. The manner of dress I mean." She tips her glass of rum to Denica, "And yeah that is the good part, this is a little different than other get togethers."

"Strange paths." Amari agrees with the Corvini, before nodding to Felicia as well. "That's true." She listens to the opinions being voiced thoughtfully and nods, "I think I'd prefer women only for these. I can't think of one that we even discussed men at, in much detail - exactly. As I said earlier, I'll happily host an event that's skirts for everyone, if that's truly what the men of Arx wish to experience for an evening."

"If men want to wear skirts, there should be an event for them, I agree, I'd just like to keep this particular tradition intact," Denica smiles. "Or I'm not quite as likely to attend, truth be told," she considers and shrugs a moment. "Of course we're not talking about them, but I love that they think that. I'm not interested in shattering those illusions," her smile turns downright wicked for a moment there.

A soft little laugh comes from Ilinca at the Princess' comment, and she nods to Denica just the once. "Better to leave them wondering, and maintain the air of mystery around these evenings. And around ourselves. If only for the pleasure of the look of madness on Iulio's face when he asks what we've spoken of here, and I refuse to answer." If she looked anymore like a cat that had swallowed a canary, there'd still be bloody feathers stuck to her lip.

Felicia elects that more whiskey is needed, it seems, draining her glass and going to fetch another,"Which... perhaps, is all the brain power we should collectively spend on that particular matter... Princess Sabella was talking about a fundraiser? And there was something about games..? I'd offer to contribute to your baskets your highness, but in earnest I haven't had time for crafting particularly lately."

"I'm willing to help with a fundraiser, Princess Sabella," Lisebet offers, now that the idea is brought back to the forefront.

"We have some for and some against. I'll leave it to Gianna Whisper's hosting discretion, and Princess Denica's after that. Their Skirt and Gown night, their rules." Amari decides before jumping to the next topic, "And absolutely, if anyone is able we should try and support Princess Sabella's fundraiser. If we're not going to be out using our sword arms, filling a basket for a worthy cause is something, at least." That said, she smiles mysteriously, "That's the major topics covered. We have our next host, thank you, Gianna. So, who would like to play Truths and Lie?"

Fatima has left the seating along the southern wall.

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

Lethe nods. "Filling a basket does sound kind of interesting although I wouldn't know what to put in it." She looks to Amari with a smile. "I'd be willing to play it again."

"After the last time I played it could be intresting, certainly I will give it a try again dear co-host with the mostest."

Felicia gives a slow smile,"Sure, I'll play." she offers with regards to two truths and a lie.

Lisebet chuckles. "I'll give it a try, since I did not play last time."

Gianna tugs a second pillow closer to herself so she can drape her way partway over it. "I'll play," she tells Amari, eyes half-lidded.

"I'm playing," Denica adds, nodding a moment, drinking more of her rum once more. "I'll also add that Princess Sabella's fundraiser sounds like a perfect idea for people to get involved that otherwise can't."

Ilinca's lips part to offer her own revelations for the game, when the guard who escorted her to the ground returns, tapping a scroll he's carrying twice to indicate that the note is for her. She collects it and reads it with a small frown. "I am very sorry to be refusing, ladies, but it seems I have been specifically requested. Would you please excuse me?"

Laurene, a military adjutant arrives, delivering a message to Zara before departing.

Laurene, a military adjutant arrives, delivering a message to Zara before departing.

Since so many stepped forward Cora grins, "Then again, I think I will let the other ladies have this one. I did play last time after all."

Zara talks with a messenger that slipped in and she nods before waving him off and then turns her attention back to the lady's. "I have not seen this game before, but I might as well play if we all are.." She nods towards the lady's leaving.

"I'm going to slip off before the party games start, I think. I might be back later, to see who is winning when it comes to truth and lies, though," Sorrel says politely as she rises to her feet. "Thank you for hosting this. I think it's a wild success."

Lethe nods to Zara. "It's a fun game, but I'm not so good at coming up with truths. My life is so not exciting."

Ilinca has left the seating along the southern wall.

1 House Corvini Guard, Placeholder leave, following Ilinca.

Sorrel has left the seating along the southern wall.

3 Thrax Guards, Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, Marquessa Pudding, a pudgy puppy leave, following Sorrel.

"I won't be playing for the prize, so I'll go first. In subsequent rounds, we'll pick someone new from whoever's out." Amari grins, as the players volunteer themselves. "I'll tell two truths and one lie about myself. You have to guess which of the three things I say is a lie." She has a sip of her rum, then lifts a finger. One. "I once shot Baron Norwood with an arrow, right through his armor, somehow." Two fingers. "I live at Tyde Tower." Three fingers, "I have a white stallion I named Clopsy who is a living terror on hooves."

Amari checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 9 lower.

Lisebet checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 1 higher.

Gianna checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 8 lower.

Felicia has rolled a critical success!
Felicia checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 21 higher.

Zara checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 4 lower.

Denica checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 32 higher.

Lethe checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 55 higher.

Lisebet gets to her feet, moving to get more rum, and then she settles to listen to Amari. "Oh," she says, eyeing her friend for a long moment. "We're supposed to put our hands up with the finger count, yes?" She looks at her hand, holding one finger, two, and then three, and then she holds up three fingers aftre a moment." I think the third one is the lie. Though I'd love to hear about your shooting Baron Norwood sometime. There must be quite a story in that!"

Lethe listens to Amari and gives her a look of surprise at the last one. She raises three fingers. She nods to Lisebet. "That would be a story."

Gianna squints over at Amari. The sad thing is, she already knows one of the statements is a truth. She's got a bonus, and yet... "You live at Tyde Tower?" she ventures. Is she wrong? It seems like she's wrong. Gianna's eyes narrow.

Felicia chuckles wryly and can't help but agree with Lisebet and Lethe with regards to the Baron Norwood story, also managing, probably by pure coincidence, to guess correctly... at least to judge from how surprised she is.

"I'm marrying Lord Archeron Tyde, so I live at the Tower now." Amari smiles to Gianna, trying to look as innocent as possible. "I also did shoot Baron Norwood, but luckily it wasn't in too deep and I was able to pull it out after all the shavs were dealt with. It was slightly embarrassing." That leaves the horse, "My horse is named Clopsy, but it's a she and she's the most patient horse ever which is good, because I'm not a terribly good rider. That means, Gianna and Zara are out. One of you take my place." She beckons them up and leaves her spot at the top of the circle, grinning.

Gianna apparently doesn't like losing. Especially not in the first round. She's sulking now, and she shoots a look Zara's way, making no move to get up, herself.

Cora happily switched from the rum glass to the bottle now and has gotten more comfortable in the bloody chair. "Well done all of you!"

Zara makes her guess and really you'd think she should be able to guess a little better. Or maybe she was directed, either way Zara does in deed guess one of the truths and only narrows her eyes with a half smile as she is picked up be up next. The Princess sits up slowly, as she was comfortable and seems to ponder before she speaks in that soft and low voice. "I sailed the high seas in search of treasure so rare that it is only whispered of. I danced with a King who was trailing a gown of unspeakable beauty. I was trained as a child by the Radiant of House Whisper.." She gives the three possible truths and lies with another half smile.

Zara has rolled a critical success!
Zara checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 33 higher.

Lisebet checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Felicia checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 21 lower.

Lethe checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 19 higher.

Felicia listens to Zara, trying hard to weigh her words and motions but finally has to shake her head and subside with her whiskey, randomly taking a very incorrect guess.

Denica checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Lisebet listens carefully to Zara. "You are good, your highness," she says admiringly. "This is a very difficult one - I could believe any of them." She frowns, thinking, glancing at the others to see what they are working towards. And then she huffs out a breath and raises a hand showing 3 fingers, taking a guess. "Here goes nothing - I mean, I think we all have to guess something."

Lethe tilts her head. "Now see you live an exciting life. It's hard to decide." She considers and holds up three fingers.

Gianna drains the last of her rum and unfolds herself from her pillows. Not to worry, though - she's not leaving, she's just getting more rum and something to eat. Zara's given a thoughtful look, but she keeps silent. She's out!

Denica has a look in her eyes as if she's sure she knows what it is but... Shakes her head in the end. "I... don't really know you well enough to be sure," she confesses to Zara.

Zara watches as the guesses are put out and that slow rare smiles appear. "Most of you are correct. While I was taught by Amanda Whisper as a child, she was known under a different name them, and is not the current Radiant.." She pleased it seems and folds herself back into her pillow, getting comfortable once more.

Amari looks glad she isn't guessing, because that was some quality lying from Zara. She rubs her chin absently and looks to the remaining guessers as they do their best. "That was marvelous. I would have been out this round for sure." A bow is offered the master, then a smile for everyone, "Next liar, Gianna or Felicia?"

Felicia dips her head towards Gianna,"After you, oh Nightingale." the Dame offers, cheeks faintly pink at being taken in by the fib and smile slightly embarressed.

Gianna has herself some more rum now, and she struts over to the liar's place. "What was she known as then?" Gianna asks Zara, arching an eyebrow. "Not Amanda, or just Amanda with some regular last name?" Seems like she wants to go next, but she wants answers first.

Zara glances over to Gianna and nods gently, "She was simply known as her family name. But I thought of her as a friend. She taught me etiquette as well as other interesting things..."

Late to the party, Kalani arrives in time to hear the last of the guesses as she acquires a drink and takes a seat on one of the unoccupied cushions, smoothing her skirt with one hand as she settles.

Gianna nods to Zara, her curiosity sated. For now. The dark-haired singer says, "Alright. Since arriving in Arx, I have only taken one lover. I own exactly eleven rings. I could have been a Marquessa, but I turned down a proposal from a Marquis."

Gianna checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

Denica checked perception + empathy at difficulty 42, rolling 17 higher.

Lisebet checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 14 lower.

Lethe checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 28 higher.

Kalani checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Amari has been sadly neglecting her glass of rum so has a generous little sip and finally finds a cushion to settle on so she can watch Gianna. Also, as it happens, she's next to Kalani who she offers a bright smile, "I'm glad you made it, Lady Kalani. We're playing Truths and Lie. Someone states three things about themselves, and we have to guess which is the lie. You've missed the start though, so you're out of the running." She oohs at Gianna's.

Kalani beams a smile at Amari and nods, settling in with her hands curled around a cup of what she hopes is rum punch. Hopefully not to strong of a rum punch, as singing has happened, much to the horror of anyone in close proximity. "I love this game. I never know what's what, but it's fun."

Lethe holds up three fingers. "Although a proposal from a marquis sounds exciting" She looks to Kalani with a nod. "It really is fun."

Watching carefully, she considers Gianna carefully and tilts her head, but than after a moment she decides to venture her guess. "You never turned down a proposal from a marquis," Denica says. "Though I'll add I do find it equally unbelievable that you've only taken one lover since your arrival here. I imagine you must have offers!"

Lisebet listens carefully, as is her usual, and smiles at Giana's three items. She shrugs delicately, taking a guess and raising fingers. But her guess is flat out wrong, and she laughs. "There, I guess I get to drink more rum."

Felicia checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 27 lower.

"No Marquis has ever proposed to me," Gianna admits. She has another sip of rum, her lips curving into an impish expression. "And no, I don't really get offers. I'm very busy and I suppose I'm intimidating. Dame Felicia, will you lie to us all next?"

Felicia elects to get up, draining her whiskey and setting the glass aside like it's going to make it easier to lie,"Sure. Okay then. So." she starts, pondering thoughtfully,"I've seen Death's palace in the Necropolis." she goes with, and it would take a blind man not to tell that's the gods honest truth,"I once kissed Prince Tyrval." is the second claim, but the multiple shades of crimson red and the fact that her eyes can't manage to settle on anyone suggests that's a big fat lie. Especially given the fact that she ends up umming and ahhing floundering for a thing to add before going with,"And I can claim royal blood." in a blurt that again would take probably the most oblivious to miss perhaps has more truth to it than she was intending to reveal.

Amari lifts her glass to Lisebet in a playful toast, then grins briefly at Gianna, "Well played. I'm sure in time, some Marquis will propose or make an offer." She looks to Felicia next, "Dame Harrow, if you would do the honors." She intones ever so formally with a sweeping gesture up to the spot Gianna has vacated.

Denica checked perception + empathy at difficulty 3, rolling 63 higher.

Gianna checked perception + empathy at difficulty 3, rolling 10 higher.

Lethe checked perception + empathy at difficulty 3, rolling 51 higher.

Zara checked perception + empathy at difficulty 3, rolling 15 higher.

Amari checked perception + empathy at difficulty 3, rolling 38 higher.

Kalani voices a quiet, "Really?" at the first claim then just grins at the second before the third possible truth is blurted out. She grins into her glass of rum punch and waits out the guesses.

"I know people that kissed Prince Tyrval," Denica says, sipping her rum. "And you, Dame Farrow, have not," she chuckles, before she looks over to Gianna, tilting her head curiously towards her. "Intimidating? Isn't that part of the appeal?" she wonders, looking rather confused.

Lisebet blinks, coughs a bit on the rum she's trying to drink as she laughs at the same time. Her eyes water a bit, and she shakes her head, then she looks horrified. "oh, no, am I next?" She may not have prepared for such an event.

Lethe gives Felicia a look of curiosity. "You saw Death's palace? That's a story I'd want to hear more about. I'm very jealous." She holds up two fingers.

Gianna just makes a bit of a face and shrugs in Denica's direction, a fluid roll of her shoulders. She has no idea. She doesn't seem bothered, though. She does, however, agree with Lethe: "I'd like to hear that story, too."

Amari is in gracious hostess mode, so she is desperate in her attempt not to laugh aloud at Felicia's red faced lie. She shakes in place, silently, lip of her glass to her mouth as if that'll somehow keep the giggles back. And it does, somehow. She has to focus on anything else, so goes with hosting again, and Lisebet, "You're next if you'd like, or we can send Lady Kalani up. You two decide." She also adds her desire to the pile, "That has to be a crazy story. You saw Death's palace?"

3 Last Watch Sentries arrives, following Donella.

"I've walked it's halls." Felicia elects to admit, only to turn a few more shades of crimson as she's called out on not having kissed Prince Tyrval,"You got me. I've never kissed him." she confesses, electing to slink over to the table and snag herself a fresh whiskey.

Zara is not laughing really, she is not, but she does lean over and gives Felicia a quick one arm hug and offers her another glass once she is settled down once more.

Lisebet shrugs, glancing at Kalani. "I can go next, if nobody objects," she says, with a bit of mischief sparking on her face.

Grinning at Lisebet, Kalani lifts her cup in a toast, "Go for it. I'm enjoying being part of the guessing audience."

Lisebet checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Denica checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 38 higher.

"Well he's very old," Gianna murmurs, having returned to her pillows and procured something to nibble on along the way. She turns her attention to Lisebet, curious as to what's going to issue forth this time.

Lethe checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 57 higher.

"Neither have I!" exclaims Donella, with a finger pressed below her lips, in a moue of amazement, having rolled up on the gathering. "What a coincidence! Ladies," she says, and settles herself at their fringes to observe the game in progress.

Lisebet gets to her feet, setting down her now empty glass, and she makes her way to the Liar' spot in the circle. She doesn't rush, and in fact, she plucks another glass of rum on the way. "Oh dear, let's see. I definitely did not kiss Prince Tyrval but I did have tea with him, I have never been Voice for House Farshaw, and I once nearly fell into a deep crevasse in an attempt to get to a lantern." She flashes a grin and a wave at the new arrival.

"Not half as old as his father." Felicia asides to Gianna, awkward as she's hugged one armed by Zara given the owlish blink given her way. It doesn't stop her from staying faintly pink, but she at least is entirely happy to move on to Lisebet's 'truths' instead with perhaps entirely too absorbant focus.

Gianna inclines her head to Donella as the woman joins the group. Her look is calculating, taking in the various items of jewelry and the lovely seasilk. "Hullo, and welcome." She has a very slow sip of rum. There's an absent nod for Felicia, too. Look. That's dragonweep right there.

"I'm beginning to think I need to lay eyes upon this Prince Tyrval," Kalani notes from where she's seated on one of the cushions, waving to the new arrival as well. "The number of kisses but not kissed, tea but not smooch stories is adding up."

Amari hrms softly to herself and chews her lip, thinking, and trying to discern which of Lisebet's statements are true or not. "Ooh, very well done." She compliments before turning slowly towards the new voice and the speaker she doesn't seem entirely familiar with. She smiles all the same, and since it's not a man in a skirt, but a Donella, it's a genuine expression, "Hello, join us, please - have a drink, I think almost all the rum was brought out. We're playing Truths and Lie. Lady Lisebet has just said three statements, two are truth and one is a lie we have to discern."

Lethe gives Donella a wave and a smile. She listens to Lisebet. "That is a tough one."

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici arrive, following Calypso.

"Just don't confuse Prince Niklas for him," Gianna tells Kalani with a hint of a smirk. She's lounging on some cushions; the game at hand is two truths and a lie.

"Donella!" Denica is momentarily distracted from the game, rising from her cushion to give her sister a warm and affectionate hug. "Oh gods, how long has it been? I've missed you," she smiles. "Would you like to join us? We were just playing a game of liars," she smiles. "That one is easy, I've had to keep track of all the voices, and unless I missed something, you've never been a voice before!" she grins over at Lisabet.

"Mercifully," and here Kalani exhales a laugh, "I've been properly introduced to Prince Niklas and his lady wife," she replies with a grin to Gianna.

Calandra has been listening this whole time. Really. And drinking. And now the Whisper is humming a quiet tune under her breath, perhaps a song about Prince Tyrval and his conjugal habits.

"Correct," Lisebet admits. "I've never been a Voice for House Farshaw - until today. It hasn't even been announced yet."

"At least not before today," Denica winks towards Lisabet

Donella mouths a thank you to Gianna for her welcome, and since she's 'parked' now in a matter of speaking, she nods to Amari's direction, reaching for a cup. She holds it more than drinks from it, but its a very NICE cup. With a smooch for her sister's cheek, she says, "Well, now that we're together, how could I possibly run out on you again? -- Ooooh, so it was a trick question?"

Lethe looks to Lisebet. "Congratulations it sounds difficult being a voice, but I'm sure you're up for it."

Lisebet returns to her seat, and says, "whoever is the liar gets to tell us two truths and one lie," she says. "The goal is to discern the falsehood." A smile for Lethe, bright and friendly. "Thank you."

Amari is the host, well, co-host, but Coraline's parked in a chair and a little stiff. At Lisebet's clarification, she offers a little applause, "Oh, congratulations, Lady Lisebet, Voice of House Farshaw. Drink!" The last is a command. She tips her own glass back and when she's done, picks up the game again, "We need another liar. These two guessers are very difficult to trip up. We'll need someone exceptionally good."

Tossing back the last of the rum punch she's been enjoying since joining, late, Kalani lifts one hand to volunteer. "I'll take a turn," she offers with a quick gleam of a grin.

Felicia drawls,"Well that counts me out." not that she seemed set to volunteer to go up again anyways, content to stay where she is and drink her whiskey.

"Lady Kalani!" Amari announces in that case, with a sweep of her arm towards the top of the circle.

Calypso looks more the Duchess than General when she steps onto the grounds. She's in a long red skirt with heavy black stitching and a black blouse with long sleeves that drape low at her wrists, draped down over the back of her skirt. She's followed by her guards, but they're dismissed to the edges as she steps closer. Oh. There's rum. Lots of rum. She heads that direction, requesting a glass of a white.. rum, not wine.

Kalani has rolled a critical success!
Kalani checked intellect + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Denica checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Lethe checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 37 higher.

The former Voice of Thrax sighs, and says, "Lady General, they are looking for liars, and seem to have exhausted their options, just about. Or so the minxes claim."

Calandra lifts her glass in toast to Lisebet's announcement, calling out her own congratulations for the new House Voice.

With Amari's encouragement, Lisebet raises her glass and then drinks, which means she needs another glass of course. "Good thing Ramona is here to roll me home," she murmurs.

Vashti, a flawless feline arrives, delivering a message to Calandra before departing.

Zara is overheard praising Lisebet: A new Voice for her House!

Apparently Cora had fallen asleep in her happy chair, but she wakes soon enough and leans over to quietly speak to Amari.

"Oh I am always looking for liars," Calypso replies with a sly smile. There is mirth to it. She gets a rather full glass and sips it before venturing over. "And no General tonight, just the Duchess. If I could take a night away from that, however, my family might have a fit." She laughs lightly with the remark. "How is everyone? I hear there are congratulations in order for some here!"

Dusting her hands off, Kalani rises to her feet, aims a cheerful wave to the new arrival before she steps into the place so recently held by Lisebet. "So hi, I'm Kalani Seliki, some of you know me but not everyone. Lets see," and she tucks her hands behind her back, head tipping to the side ever so slightly. "Alright. I can't sing, not at all, I can't even hum on pitch, it's quite painful in fact - for everyone else, that is. I once, accidentally, sort of set my house on fire as a child. In my defense, Kaldur helped." She pauses for a moment then sighs, "And I have a terrible fear of heights. No matter how many things I climb, I'm always afraid I'm going to go splat and make a crater."

"Contratulations, by the way," Denica grins towards Lisabet. "Yes, we need some liars, it's just down to I and Lady Lethe," she says towards Calypso and Donella. She looks to Kalani and she than holds up some fingers, indicating her guess with a little squint as she considers her.

Gianna inclines her head to Calypso, murmuring a word of welcome. She's started toying with one of her rings. "This has gone on quite long. There ought to be a tie-breaker of some sort."

Lethe holds up three fingers. "That second one is pretty funny. I can just imagine it."

"Princess Denica and Lady Lethe, you are both just too good at this. How about to break the tie, you both take a round as the liar and everyone here guesses each time. The one that fools the most of us, is the winner. Does that sound fair?" Amari asks, looking to each of the remaining players and the rest of the assembled ladies to see if that's alright. She bows her head to Calypso after that, having been a bit caught up in the game she'd reddens a bit for being so ill mannered, "Welcome, Duchess Malvici. Please join us."

Calandra receives a messenger and then grimaces. "Ah, I'm afraid I'd better go. It was lovely to meet you all. You've got some very interesting lives I'd love to hear more about, and soon!" And the Whisper rises to depart.

3 Thrax Guards, Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, Marquessa Pudding, a pudgy puppy arrive, following Sorrel.

Lethe nods to Amari. "I suppose I'll give it a try, but I'll have to think of what to say."

Serenade, a lovely nightingale leaves, following Calandra.

"I think I have an idea of what to say," Denica nods to Amari, after exchanging some quiet words with her sister. "Shall I go first then?" she decides.

Calypso dips her head to Lady Lethe. "My congratulations to you, Lady Lethe." The smile is warm. To Gianna she grins as she sits, tucking her skirt with one hand. The drink gets another sip, suspecting that she will need more of this before the night is out. To Amari, she nods back. "Thank you." She doesn't speak to the lies or truthes yet, though, doing her best to get a feel for it.

With a laugh, Kalani grins at Lethe as she gives a slight shrug that isn't terribly repentant after all these years. "We were camping in the back yard and attempted to start a campfire, and sort of caught the entire side of the house on fire. I still blame Kaldur, and for those of you who know him, don't believe the innocent mien of his. But yes, I'm not afraid of heights at all. I imagine that one of these days I will fall, and all the way down I'll be attempting to evolve wings," she adds with a brief flap of her arms before moving out of the way to fetch a refill. "Welcome to the party," she says in a quieter voice to Calypso as she takes a seat on a cushion next to the one the Duchess is at.

Sorrel looks dramatically upset as she heads towards the Thrax Estate. "Can you imagine?!" she asks generally, sounding shocked. "A divorcee who did no pennance?! Vanora Grimhall nee Pravus nee Kennex has done not the first thing to repair her tarnished reputation as a divorcee! I am disgusted. I have letters to write."

Lisebet is settled on her cushion, now just watching curiously. "This should be interesting," she says. "Lady Amari, you are very good at these. I am impressed." She nods to Calypso as well, a friendly smile for the new arrival. Sorrel's arrival, or pass-through, gets a blink and a look her way, as Lisebet opens her mouth, closes it, and then resolutely drinks more rum.

Kalani's burning down the house, or almost, story is laughed at, but the Keaton lawyer doesn't get sidetracked too long. She keeps the game going, deciding, "Princess Denica shall go first, then." Amari intones, but then she smiles and sort of ruins the gravitas of it. "Lady Lethe needs a bit more time to construct her fiction. Alright, everyone gets to guess which is the lie in these last two rounds. The one who fools the most of us, is the winner. Although both will earn a prize." Sorrel's return earns a glance back, and a lift of a brow as she catches a bit of it. "Letters right now, Princess Sorrel or will you help us decide a winner first?"

Calypso gets a wave "Welcome Duchess," Sorrel begins to get one but Cora blinks at the words, she two opens and closes her mouth looking lost for words.

Caly looks over to Kalani and pops her brow. "Burning a house? See, there are certain things I cannot tolerate from children. Any sort of fun for one. How dare you find mischief! I am -appalled-!" She laughs with it. "I would -never- have done such a thing." Ahem. Coughcough. Another big sip of her drink and she lifts the glass to Sorrel. "Good evening."

Gianna raises her eyebrows for but a moment, but doesn't say anything and schools her expression back to neutrality in a mere moment. Whisper training has to be good for something.

"Okay," Denica muses a moment and considers a few things. "When I was a child, my family would occasionally try to hide the sheets from me, lest I paint all over them," she says first, pausing for a moment. "I've travelled all over Arvum, and it's one of my favorite pasttimes, to explore as deep and far as I can," she says next. "I am utterly and absolutely addicted to umbra clothes, and I cannot seem to get enough. Don't let the seasilk fool you!"

Denica checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

Donella comments wryly, aside, "Arson! But have you considered a profitable career in the navy?"

Calypso almost sorts into her glass at Donella's suggestion.

Gianna checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 1 lower.

Amari checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 0 higher.

Lisebet checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 12 lower.

Felicia can't help but glance sidelong at the mention of arson, though a profitable career in the navy merits a smile as she ponders the options presented and makes her guess.

Felicia checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 7 lower.

Zara checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 18 lower.

Coraline has left the seating along the southern wall.

3 Thrax Guards, Freja the long suffering, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant, Behemo, a towering man with humble eyes arrive, following Coraline.

Sorrel pauses when Amari addresses her, looking somewhat flustered. "I don't even know what's going on," she admits quietly. "How could the Faith permit such an egregious dishonor like this to occur? And I only found out about it because the Duke asked me why I had a 'change of heart' regarding his family. I explained that I could be friends with Oathbreakers, presuming that they'd done their pennance and worked to retain their honor, only to find out that his daughter-in-law did no such thing. He didn't even like her referred to as divorcee! Which she is, there's no denying it. By the gods, what sins have they all committed?" She puts her hands to her head, distressed. "I said I'd pray for them."

Coraline checked perception + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 17 lower.

Gianna's lower lip curls under for a moment to be seized by her teeth. She releases it, shaking her head slowly. Hard to tell. "I know I've seen you in a lovely umbra dress," she remarks.

Felicia turns her attention towards Sorrel with a small tilt of her head,"Perhaps a question for the Faith? After some time for reflection? Like a night... and some drinks?" she ventures.

Cora had had to head inside the Hall for a bit, moving faster than recent times but clearly not relishing the speed, however soon she returns and hands something to Amari as she plops back in the chair. "What is this Sorrel? What happened?"

It's clear Amari is really struggling to discern the lie, there's some very narrowed eyeing and a bit lip, she lifts her hand to indicate maybe three but second guesses and is soon only holding two fingers up. "I know I've seen you in an amazing umbra gown, and you would surely have painted on all your sheets when you were little. Two, definitely two. Probably. Hopefully." She looks back to Sorrel after her guess, leaving her fingers up, "She did no penance at all?" The Oathlander is aghast. She can't help it.

Lethe looks to Sorrel. "They are Grimhalls. It's really to be expected." She shskes her head and looks to Amari. "Let me know when it's my turn."

Lisebet keeps silent on the entire thing, though she does look thoughtful. She raises a finger to guess the umbra, alas, giving an incorrect guess, which brings a smile to her face.

Sorrel has seen Zara narrow her eyes in such a way before and it never turned out well. But instead of saying anything fight now, she looks back to the game and smooths her features, not like a narrowing of eyes means much. A finger is raised and she picks the most clear of truths.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense arrives, delivering a message to Gianna before departing.

Donella says, "I am sure they bore that as well as they could, under the circumstances, highness."

Zara would blame Sorrel for the distraction but she has sucked at the game all night.

"When Princess Denica reveals which was a lie, you're up, Lady Lethe." Amari tells her as she's hiding whatever it was that Coraline ran and got behind her back. That run, actually, earns her a lightly arched brow, "No more running tonight."

Calypso's high mood dwindles with the turn of conversation. Hearing what Lethe says, she turns her gaze slowly over to her and holds there for a moment. She says nothing, but does look, then turns her eyes back towards the gate.

"They are unrepentant!" Sorrel declares, sitting down to catch her breath and have a glass of rum. She also sounds aghast and nods to Amari. "No pennance!" She takes a deep breath. "But I am interrupting the game. I will be quiet now, and let you all play."

"I've never been outside of the isles or the Crownslands," Denica says then. "I would love to travel, but I've just hardly had the time outside of my responsibilities to Thrax," Denica smiles a bit towards the others. "I used to paint on sheets for guests when I was a child, I thought they'd enjoy them!" she grins. "And yes, I really -do- love my umbra."

Donella confesses behind her hand to the others, "It was AWFUL. You never knew what image you were bound to wake up rolling on. Once or twice, the tempera wasn't even dry."

Gianna remains silent on the topic of divorce and pennance; she just sips her rum and shifts her attention to Lethe.

Cora mutters something under her breath at the order but her heart clearly isn't in the disagreement and she nods, "Fine fine, I will keep to glacial for the rest of the night." Rum is picked up again and she leans into the seat looking very glad to be there again. Motion apparently sucks right now. However Amari gets a teasingly stuck out tongue, because come on, she has to rebel /somehow/.

"Okay, some of them were scary. Who am I to deny the inspiration of Jayus?" Denica asks.

Amari laughs and promptly forgets to be aghast, especially when Donella complains about the freshly painted sheets. "That's too cute. Well, it looks like you fooled a great number of us, so excellent work. Good luck, Lethe." She gives her future sister-in-law a smile, and wrinkles her nose at Cora as if she's going to swat her, but doesn't. She grins instead at Sorrel, "It's alright, come sit with us and drink. That other business will still be a thing afterwards."

Cora laughs softly, "I don't recall if I ever got to wake up to one of your sheet art. I kind of want to now." Cora tells Denica and grins at Calypso, "So were there any that were pleasant in image if not dryness?" To Denica she adds, "Oh we will visit places I think."

Donella teases in rejoinder, "I wish He had inspired you, darling, to paint some darling fuzzy bunnies, or kitties, and maybe a couple happy sailing ships... To be honest, I worried what would happen if you got your little chubby mitts on some of the black Maelstrom clay. What fearsome little pinchpots you would have made."

Donella grins and leans across to whisper to Cora behind her cupped hand, a wink in one eye.

Lethe ponders what she wants to say. "I wanted to be a Harlequin because I've had visions of a past life. If I wouldn't be terrible at it I'd want to be a scout. I'd like to have five children."

Lethe checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 9 lower.

"Sometimes I paint songbirds?" Denica says to Coraline, chuckling a moment later. "But even those turn out to be scary more often than not...." Denica quirks her lips. "Honestly, I kind of want to get my hands on some clay... but my mediums have changed. Now I offer to paint beautiful women, which is it's own problem," she grins.

Felicia checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 5 higher.

Zara checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 2 higher.

Amari checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 19 higher.

Lisebet checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 10 higher.

Gianna checked perception + empathy at difficulty 21, rolling 3 higher.

"Oh, and I never did get my face painted," Lisebet says, suddenly remembering. "Since I went home to Westrock Reach instead of to the masquerade." She holds up a hand, with her guess, quietly on that front, her gaze on Lethe as she tells her truths and lie. "I wonder if this game would be too frivolous if it were two lies and a truth and we had to guess the truth? Maybe next time?"

Amari regards Lethe carefully, tilting her head to one side and then back the other way, considering. She slowly raises her hand and lifts only one finger, "Five children?"

"The first one," Gianna says, confidently. She glances over at Amari, then back to Lethe. "Five? Ouch."

Lethe looks so hopeful, but she isn't good at fooling anyone. "I did say my life was rather boring. I have no idea if I've lived a past life or not." She nods. "I know. I've been there when people give birth, but I'd like to have a big family. Five new beginnings sound good, but we'll see."

Victus shouts from the Gate to Thrax Estate <TE>, "NICE LEGS!"

Amari shouts from nearby, "Thank you!"

Donella laaaaughs a into her still undrunk from cup, and says, "After you've been in labor once, yourself, my lady, do come and let us know whether you'd like to alter the number."

Denica shouts from nearby, "About time somebody noticed!"

Donella shouts from nearby, "Ewwww, coz, that's gross!"

Coraline shouts from nearby, "te=The chair thanks you for your compliments"

"Sometimes it's best we don't remember our past lives. Makes it easier to get on with our current ones." Felicia opines for Lethe,"But I reckon more people have been on the Wheel before than realize it." there's a glance from the knight towards Donella for her words, perhaps suddenly grateful it's not something she'll need to worry about.

"Duchess Margot will be overjoyed with five." Amari makes sure to add with a flash of a grin, it's just, five children. As Gianna said; Five? Ouch. Lisebet's suggestion is thought over and given a gentle shrug, "I suppose that works as well if you flipped them around. I just like to learn fun things about others I wouldn't otherwise be told. I'm curious like that." 'Curious'. A sly smile, and she starts tallying the guesses and comparing them. "And, it would seem Princess Denica is our winner. Don't despair Lethe, you get this, a bottle of Grayson apple wine!" She takes that out from behind her back as she rises to her feet to present it with a dramatic flourish. "Congratulations." Then she pauses to yell back to Victus without missing a beat, and finally produces a pair of nautical themed hairpins. "And for you. Congratulations."

"Do you think he's jealous of the party?" Sorrel wonders with a laugh at Victus's shouting.

Donella shakes her head. "He just wants your rum."

Lisebet laughs into her rum, but does not yell back anything to Victus, the others taking care of that quite well. She does nod to Donella though. "Likely."

Denica beams as she realizes she has indeed won the day. "Oh! I actually fooled the most?" Denica grins and takes the pins, admiring them with a beaming smile. "Lovely, thank you! And this was a lot of fun," she grins, flopping back into the cushion nearest to Donella, more quiet words shared with her sister.

Cora winces at the idea of five children, "How would you even..." she stops and shakes her head, "Nope." She says and just nopes right on out of that idea.

Gianna arches an eyebrow, glancing in the direction of Victus' shoutings. She blinks, but doesn't yell anything back. "Congratulations," she tells Denica, raising her glass to the Princesss.

Lethe takes the wine with a smile. "I'm sure she would be, but I've never told the Duchess. Thank you for the wine and the fun. I should probably be heading back home." She looks to Coraline and Amari. "Thank you for hosting."

Lethe is overheard praising Amari.

Lethe is overheard praising Coraline.

Amari is overheard praising Denica.

Amari is overheard praising Lethe.

"Have a wonderful evening and congratulations Lethe, it is always a pleasure to have your company. Congrats Denica, those look lovely." Cora says grinning.

Donella is overheard praising Amari: I admire a woman who trains the impressionable to tell scathing untruths to her friends for fun and profit. Well done!

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici leave, following Calypso.

Zara listens to the shouting and finally gives a half chuckle as she glances between Sorrel and Coraline but before she can say something she decides on something else, and that means to be the winner of the games and her sister. She stands gracefully from her pillow and moves over towards the pair, but on her way she pauses and leans over to speak with Sorrel, even wrapping her arm around her in doing so.

Donella is overheard praising Lethe: Who knew you were so cunning, with your mainland upbringing!

Felicia applauds the winner with a grin,"This was fun. Pity I don't make it to such things often." she laughs, electing that she's going to make another stop by the alcohol table to help polish off some of the left overs. Waste not, want not after all.

Lisebet is overheard praising Lethe: well done!

Lisebet is overheard praising Denica: fabulous!

Donella is overheard praising Denica: Atta girl.

Lethe is overheard praising Denica.

Zara is overheard praising Denica: A true give for lying and seeing the truth. Wonderful!

Gianna peers curiously at the awarded prizes, nods, and then begins to unfold herself from her seat and rise up again. The bardic Whisper stretches her arms above her head. "Mmmph. Well played. I do believe I ought to be heading back to Whisper House, however. We'll do this again in a month's time? It's a month, yes?"

Lethe has left the a cleared portion of the courtyard for dancing.

Zara is overheard praising Lethe: Can see the truth within the lie. Wondereful.

Sorrel pats Zara fondly on the hand and nods to something she whispers with a small smile.

Amari offers a little round of applause for the winner and runner-up, waves after Lethe who seems to be leaving and nods to Gianna as well, "That does conclude all things I had planned. Next month, Gianna Whisper is our host. It is a month, roughly. We were a little late with this one, owing to scheduling. Princess Coraline had to do some heroics, I think." She's teasing a bit there.

"Thank you!" Denica beams to Coraline and she's twirling the pins around her fingers, tugging the pair she currently wears out and replacing them with a bit of fussing with her hair once more. More quiet words exchanged with Donella, though she does eye Zara curiously as she seems to be making her way a little closer. Gianna gets a grin as well, raising her mostly empty glass in return. "Thank you, Gianna. I look forward to attending your event," she adds with a wink.

Donella sees Zara angle their way, and stands herself up comfortably, finally relinquishing her full cup to the cleaners-up. "I hope so," she says toward Gianna. "Always a pleasure to attend on the Whisper House... that upper floor is stunning."

Cora laughs and nods to Amari's words, "All in a days work or several weeks as the case may be. I look forward to yours Gianna, and thank you for taking it up." She winks to Denica, "Lovely."

"Ah, it will be in the Bard's College, but I assure you, that building is splendid in its own way. Mostly due to acoustics," Gianna tells Donella. "Thank you for the lovely evening, Lady Amari, Prince Coraline. Everyone." That said, she drains the last of her rum and sets her glass down on the table so she can depart.

Lisebet claps for the winners, cheerfully. Then she gets to her feet, wobbling only a wee bit. "That was a lot of fun, thank you all. I should probably head back home, before I make a fool of myself on my first day as voice. That would perhaps not be such a good thing." She does pause to give Sorrel a glance. "Princess Sorrel, at your convenience, I would like to meet up with you." Then she nods once. "Lady Amari, Princess Coraline, very well done. Gianna Whisper, I look forward to next month's event." And on that note, she heads towards the door, meeting poor Ramona, the beleagured Farshaw Guard tasked with keeping an eye on Lisebet. "Good night all."

Gianna has left the seating along the southern wall.

Donella is overheard praising Coraline: More heroics!