"'Gallant'," Jasher utters, utterly deadpan. He accepts the vixen's offered hand in his own, though, the black-gloved embrace of cinnamon flesh. "I gave my word," he says simply. "I will be here. Others will be, as well."

Gunner, the Leary Military Adjutant, Emilie, a slender lady's assistant arrive, following Iliana.

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, following Zoey.

Aksel rises from his seat offering it to Jasher, "Prince Jasher, sit sit." He says to the man before turning to Valencia, "If you will excuse me Princess, I have some things to attend to back home."

Jyri doesn't own any silk wear, but he's still dressed up as much as he can for the occasion in well crafted wools in black and blue, and the cloak of the Iron Guard together with the crest. The leather boots are the Iron Guard issue as well. On his arm is Lady Elora Whitehawk who outshines him easily in that remarkable white aeterna dress. There's a curious squint from his one eye, this part of the Hart new to him. The small smile that follows suggests he likes this place and he glances at Elora at his side. "Nice place." There's quite a few familiar faces here, so he nods respectfully around to start with.

Lucita steps lightly into the garden, leaving her dogs way back near the entry to the Hart. Her amber gaze slides over the surroundings and the people gathered and with a curtsy toward the royals, she smiles and moves over toward the side, a little wave given those she knows.

Wulfwin, the Ambitious Squire arrives, following Thorley.

Zoey enters the gardens, white and gold draped around her form. Sandaled feet carry her towards the gathering, and she stops by Valencia's side. "I came, as promised," she says with a bit of humour. "How are you, your Highness?" Her attention shifts to Jasher. "Prince Grumpy Pants."

Aksel has left the table by the fire.

a huge spotted dog named Fury leaves, following Aksel.

Clad in slender Iron Guard leathers, Riagnon arrives with a goofy smile and eyes wide. "Prince Grumpy Pants?!" He echoes the nickname, delighted with the new discovery. /Delighted/.

Jasher looks at Aksel and inclines his head. "Thank you," he says formally, blue eyes steady. "I appreciate it." As Aksel walks away, he takes the formerly occupied seat, slipping into it, only sparing Zoey a /look/ at her favourite nickname for him.

Jasher has joined the table by the fire.

With dog and hawk left near the entrance, Elora seems safe enough with Jyri as her escort. Her hand rests gently against his arm as she strides in at his side, wide eyes taking in the entire place. "It's beautiful," she agrees. The woman is decked out for the evening in a corseted aeterna dress. It's white and delicately decorated. Blonde hair chimmers down her back, curls free, pinned only at the sides of her head to keep it from getting into her face. "There is a lot of people here."

There is a rustle of silks as Lisebet arrives, the Farshaw lady all in black, and maybe even so spirit-lifting enough. She glances around, and then she says, "You know, I'm not sure I've been to this part of the Hart before. Good day, Princess Valencia!" She offers a curtsey to the hostess as she wanders in closer and then pausing to blink as she hears someone called grumpy pants. Her gaze goes to Jasher, then to Zoey, and then back, and a brow arches.

Bashira figured she'd go have a drink before she was due to head out to do her part for the defense for the Lodge of Petrichor. She's not in either form of her armor today, but in all black linen clothing. The Shaman gives a look around at all the people inside and she makes her way towards a place to get a drink and quietly people watch for the moment and not stick out too much for the moment.

Rinel limps into the garden, cane firmly in hand, and looks around for a familiar face. Finding it in Sparte Fatchforth, she makes her way towards the man.

Sparte slipped in amidst the other guests, in his Iron Guard colors to... No effective attempt at stealth. That makes him easy for Rinel to pick out from the crowd, sitting off by himself.

Sparte has joined the table by the fountain.

Dressed down-ish for a noble, anyway, Iliana shows up looking a bit harried and windblown, and glances around for familiar faces as she strolls through the growing crowd. Since she and Bashira seem to have the same aim in mind, she smiles and salutes the woman with a raised hand as she joins her.

Zoey's eyes twinkle when Jasher gives her that /look/, and she arches an eyebrow innocently. Vexing Jasher accomplished, she turns around to find a server with a tray of drinks.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Guard arrive, following Mikani.

Jyri gives Elora's hand a comforting pat where it rests on his arm. "I know," he agrees grimly. "It happens on these events. I try not to talk too much and look for the best food," he grunts and he steers the two towards Lucita when seeing her, and upnods in Sparte in passing.

Karadoc shows up. Why? Chance of free food, good drinks, amazing chance to people-watch. All the above. He's dressed in contrasting aeterna and umbra, loose hair tied back into a messy half-up, half-down thing -- whatever. It keeps the hair from his eyes. He snatches a glass of something pretty and alcoholic and finds a place to lounge.

Karadoc has joined the table by the fire.

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise, Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, Roland, the worst bard in Arvum arrive, following Niklas.

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

Rinel has joined the table by the fountain.

Valencia smiles as guest begin to arrive, her heart nearly pounding out of her chest with such delight to see them all. She frowns a little, but seems to understand that he must go for now, offering the man a delicate hand. A smile is offered to Jasher, her expression sweet and grateful, "And so you did. And yes dashing," she smiles up at him. "If you will pardon. I should greet everyone," she smiles to Coraline, Alessia and the Prince of Thrax before slipping off to greet everyone as the arrive. Jyri and Elora area new faces to her Hart and she welcomes them whole heartedly, "Welcome to my Hart. I am so glad you are here. I am the Princess Valencia. Pleases, should you need anything, ask, yes?" she nods warmly, offering Jyri a delciate hand and another warm smile to Elora.

Lucita is offered a warm hug and light kiss upon the cheek, "I am so happy to see you my beautiful darling. Come sit and enjoy some wine. You are so welcome," she nods, turning to return Zoey's greeting with a light kiss upon her cheek as well.

Riagnon continues further into the party, finding a place nearby Jasher. He only Very Nearly knocks a bunch of things over.

Riagnon has joined the table by the fire.

"Thank you. As do you. But I'm sure you've been told many times." Alessia responds to the princess kindly. "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting them, I'm afraid." Turning to the Islanders, she dips her head. "Your highnesses, it's nice to meet you both."

Serenade, a lovely nightingale arrives, following Calandra.

There's no fanfare that comes with Tabitha's quiet entrace into the courtyard. She's just another face in the crowd. Dressed in floral-embroidered cream satin rather than silk and glittering jewels, she looks well enough, but there's not much flash or sparkle to her attire. She dips into a curtsy to Valencia, smiling gently despite the faint anxiety that ripples through her expression. Then it's little waves and curtsies and smiles to anyone she knows before she finds a place to sit. Sabella and Elora receive especially sweet smiles.

Lucita gives a beguiling smile and returns Valencia's hug. "As usual, you have a wonderful turnout, just look at all the people here." She gives a mischievious grin. "Look, you even got Lord Karadoc to attend." She winks at her voice and then asks him. "What's that your're drinking tonight?"

Sufficiently vexed, Zoey's triumph leaves Jasher silent in his seat, and he motions one of the staff for a drink as people start filing in. Despite the fact that the man has not an inch of skin to show beneath the neck, he doesn't seem too perturbed by the nearby heat from the fire.

Arriving alone in the Hart, Thorley is only planning a short visit. He gives a polite bow to well... everyone almost.. since he's a knight in the sea of different nobles as he asks for a cider, staying away from the alcohol. The House blade rests next to his own blade as he settles at one of the tables.

Elora takes a deep breath as Jyri pats her hand. She's going to need a lot of strength to get through this, might as well start sapping it from him now. "Food is good," she offers with a light chuckle. Her fingers lift to greet Sparte in passing before she pauses as Valencia steps towards them. She offers a dainty curtsy, head dipping. "Thank you for having us, your Highness. I am Lady Elora Whitehawk, vet and medic of the Iron Guard. This is Kennelmaster Jyri Tersk of the Iron Guard. It's a pleasure to meet you." She spots Tabitha as she arrives, offering her a quick grin.

Lucita has joined the table by the fire.

Sabella waddles into the room very slowly, leaning heavily on Niklas' arm and so pregnant maybe someone should go boil some water just in case, "I'm fine!" she's insisting to Niklas, offering bright smiles to those already here, "It's a great idea and cause and if I find a comfortable place to sit all will be well. Better than well! There is never a bad time to be surrounded by friends while you offer support. Lady Tabitha!" she starts heading her way, "I heard you have a new cousin in town! Well, she is probably not new to you, just to us."

Well, Ian's here, so he can say that much. He can't say much more than that. He brings with him the scent of salt and leather, and walks with careful steps, and his beat up clothing looks a little more beat up than usual, a light dusting of white showing in some places. Arriving in the garden, he stops walking so he can look around, and his face echoes his attire; he looks weary, his drawn features aged so that he could almost be his brother Aethan. Who is ten years older than he is. His eyes, however, are as startlingly blue and focused as they always are, and he scans the people in the garden with a sense of intentionality. When he looks at someone, he gives off the sense that he's really LOOKING at them. There are no casual glances here.

Mikani looks around as she enters she eyes up the room and gets a glass of rum before going to say hello to her cousin. "Bashira ... hello!" she grins at the other woman before nodding a hello to Coraline, Jasher, Sabella, Niklas ... everyone else.

Arriving in a wealth of aeterna, trimmed with stygian and exotic fur, is Calandra Whisper, an eager, dimpled smile on her lips. She pauses a moment to eye the decor worshipfully, before turning that gaze to wherever the hostess might be found. It is for Valencia that the Nightingale Whisper heads, slipping through the crowds to make her approach.

Jyri bows to Valencia and smiles at her. "Thank you," he says simply and looks more comfortable after the warm welcome. Even so, he's quite overwhelmed - it doesn't help he only has one eye. So, he suddenly turns about and swings Elora with him and marches to a table - the one Sparte and Rinel has taken up. "We can sit here for a few." He nods to his patron and bows to Rinel before sitting down.

Jyri has joined the table by the fountain.

Bashira hears her name and there's a wave given to Mikani, "Lady Redreef." she greets her with a nod of her head and a bit of a weary smile. She then finds her mug again and goes back to drinking. Apparently she didn't bring anyone with her.

Arriving into the garden is one of the warriors to leave to fight for the safety of those around him, Sir Enoch Grayson! Dressed in the traditional armor of the King's own with a cloak around his shoulders and a blade sheathed at his side, he appears to be more than happy to remain in the background, navigating through the crowd without trying to draw too much attention to himself.

Elora has joined the table by the fountain.

Lisebet is offered a sweet hug as well, Valencia smiling gently. "I am glad you finally have, please explore. My Hart is yours. The pools are beautiful tonight," the little southern princess encourages. Bashira is offered a respectful and affectionate smile, another welcome offered as a pretty little buxom barmaid bring her a drink. Rinel, is welcomed, though a worried look is offered at her limp, "You are alright?" Valencia ask with a frown, "May we bring you a pillow and a stool so you might rest more comfortably?" she nods gently, turning to smile to Sparte as he arrives. "My dearest sir, yours is a face I have not seen in some time. Welcome back to my Hart."

Fetching a drink from a convenient tray, Iliana looks about for somewhere nice and shady to sit, perhaps waiting for the bustle to settle before she starts circulating. She does see Mikani walk by and smiles over at her. ?Lady Redrief, good to see you. Drink??

Mikani looks at Bashira, "You can call me Mika ... we are cousins." She insists as she stands next to the other woman. "How are you? What have you been up to?" She grins at Iliana, "I have rum ... everything is better with rum ... How are you Marquessa?"

Elora is spun around and marched towards the table over by the fountain. Her eyes are still a little wide and uncertain, but her smile of offered a little more broadly towards Sparte and Rinel. "I hope you don't mind the intrusion." It takes her a minute to sit down properly, still learning the ways of the corset.

Sparte glances between Rinel and Jyri, nodding to them both before rising to bow to Valencia. "Princess Valencia, thank you for hosting this event. I wish to introduce you to Master Jyri, he is one of the guardsmen who will be out there in the thick of it. I believe he and people like him are who this night is for, more than us officers." He gestures to Jyri, giving him a small upnod beckoning him towards Valencia.

At the sound of slow steps and the clicking of a cane, Zoey goes stock still, eyes widening just a touch. She turns in place until she spots Ian. Instantly, her whole face lights up, a slow, sweet smile curling across her lips. Her drink is pressed into someone else's hands, she doesn't seem to care who, and she walks up to her husband. "You're back," she says warmly, voice soft and hand reaching out to touch his.

Bashira looks around and there's a bit of a hand wobble, "Most people don't know that and the last thing I need is someone thinking that I'm not being proper in my address when I'm working on things." she tells Mikani with a smile. "I'm just preparing for the lodge defense, practicing with Duke Dagon and working. Not much time left for other things. How are you doing?" she asks her.

Constantine stepped into the courtyard not long behind the gentle click-click that announced Ian's presence though his step wasn't so acoustically hearkened. He meandered at a casual pace, his gaze somewhat downcast though small smile rested on his lips as he 'hid' in Ian's shadow. Granted he was a tall man so it wasn't the best of hiding spots.

Wulfwin, the Ambitious Squire leaves, following Thorley.

"I am so very pleased to meet you, Master Jyri and Lady Elora. I'm so very pleased to meet you. Please, enjoy a drink. I hope this is the first of many times we will see you in my Hart," Valencia nods warmly, pausing ot offer a bright smile to Sabella and Niklas as they arrive. Calandra is offered an affectionate hug, "I'm so glad you are here. Please, let us make you comfortable, yes?" And Karadoc a bright smile, though she cannot reach him just yet.

Rinel stands with some mild effort and bows to Valencia, hand gripping her cane tightly. "Your Highness. An honour to be at such an esteemed gathering of the Compact's most courageous." With that, she sits back down quickly and rests her cane upon her lap. "It is a small thing. And I have a cane--so it is no trouble."

?Rum isa drink for once you?ve already had a drink,? Iliana opines, raising her own and studying it inquisitively. ?This .. whatever it is, for example.? She sips and smiles. ?It?s good to see you here. And your cousin,? she bows tto Bashira, ?I don?t think we?ve met. Marquessa Iliana Leary.?

Niklas makes the rounds once he's in with his wife. "Scholar Rinel! Baroness Lucita! Lady Lisebet! Lord Karadoc! Lady Tabitha! Marquessa Iliana!" He's just SO excited to see everyone! So many exclamation points! Then, "Zoey! Ian!" And, eyes going wide, "CONNIE!" Niklas looks between his brother and his wife, waits for her assent, kisses her cheek and then runs over to give Constantine a big hug. "Hey everyone! It's my brother, Constantine!"

Ian takes Zoey's hand when she approaches him, then slips an arm around her waist. It's not picking her up and swinging her around, but it's probably the best he can do. "Got in a few hours ago, but there was a mixup at the docks. I think Lord Constantine's com --" Then he hears Niklas shout Constantine's name and looks behind him. "Oh. You're here. Hey."

Lifts his free hand in greeting, shaking his head very mildly from side to side in Valencia's direction. Karadoc speaks up, "I promise, your Highness -- your excellent social skills will likely be wasted on me. Please, it's better to direct your attentions toward the worthy." With a wry, self-aware smirk.

Mikani grins at Bashira. "Preparing for defending flowers ... doing lots of reading ...." She motions from Iliana to Bashira. "Bashira Ru'Taul ... this is Marquessa Leary ..." She introduces them.

Enoch's attention is stolen by Niklas's exclamation. "Hello there." The King's Own knight gives a small bow of his head in greeting

Jyri is overheard praising Valencia.

Lisebet waves to everyone who greets her, amusement flickering aross her face. "There are many folks here tonight, it's lovely. This was a great idea, Princess Valencia, and are they? Perhaps I will go check out the pools at some point before I leave. I brought my towel, just in case."

Light music drifts across the courtyard and down to gardens below, mixing with the sound of happy voices and laughter. The air is warm and the night clear. The sky filled with stars. The little vixen nods warmly and excuses herself to formally begin the event. Quietly, she steps forward and the music slowly begins to fade. Waiting for the crowd to settle, she begins

Lisebet is overheard praising Valencia: great idea for a party!

"Good evening, my dearest friends, Lords and Ladies, Highnesses, Madames and Misseres," she smiles brightly. "Thank you so much for coming to our event tonight. Please be welcome," she invites warmly, her dark eyes glimmering happily to see everyone gathered.

"Tonight we celebrate those who rise to defend our realm and to remind them that we care. That though we cannot be with them in the battle to come, we are still at their side and support them with all that we have. To remind them of our respect, our pride and our love, so that they may carry this with them in the hard times to come and home again.

It is a hard truth that these things are not easy or pretty. The dangers are very real. And so, it is even more important we show our trust, faith, love and support now. So tonight, let us not dwell on sadness, but rejoice in that we are blessed in having so many brave and willing souls to fight the darkness and keep us safe. Let us thank them for all that they do. For protecting those who cannot protect themselves. For being an inspiration to us all. Tonight, let us all remember what we are fighting for and raise spirit and hope. For it is your spirit and your hope that will see us through."

"To light, luck and love," the little vixen calls out raising her glass to the crowd. "To our fighters and those that support them! To hope! To victory! And many more sweet nights together in better times!"

A sip is taken and Valencia offers a bright smile, her expression affectionate and resolved, and so proud of those gathered. Once more, the music begins and the little southern princes falls back to let the festivities continue, slipping off into the crowd to welcome everyone.

When Sabella waddles over to her, Tabitha's smile is renewed, "Princess Sabella, Prince Niklas, hello!" She looks over her shoulder to the direction of Jyri and Elora, then turns back to regard the highnesses with some amusement her expression at Niklas' enthusiasm. "Yes, my cousin Elora! It's so lovely to have her here with us."

Zoey is smiling like a schoolgirl when Ian wraps his arm around her, and she reaches up to touch his cheek before kissing him on the lips. It's not a big kiss, just an affectionate gesture that lasts maybe a moment, if that. When she breaks it, her eyes turn to Constantine. "I cannot tell you how -glad- I am to see you," she tells the other man. Niklas' enthusiasm earns him a quick grin.

Cover blown. THANKS, NIK! Constantine was swept into his brother's bear hug though it wasn't like he was fighting it or anything. Instead the rare grin became his features and he returned the embrace with affection. "Hello, Nik. It's good to see you too." His hand lifted to offer a little wave to Ian and Zoey, "Ian just saw me back to Arx and I couldn't help but stalk him to a nice event." As Valencia spoke he turned to face the hostess, arm hooked about Nik's shoulders still.

"This place," Calandra replies to Valencia in her musical voice, "will never be anything but a great comfort. And what a beautiful night it is! And such a success already. Thank you, Your Highness, for hosting. It's incredible, and a bright light against the dark." The Whisper steps back to listen then, and sweep the throng with a searching gaze.

Gunner, the Leary Military Adjutant, Emilie, a slender lady's assistant leave, following Iliana.

"I do not think this is so, Lord Karadoc," Valencia calls out as she returns to her guests. "And I seem to recally you owe me dances. I hope I can collect one this evening," she smiles playfully as she slips over to welcome Lord Ian. "My dear Lord Ian, thank you for coming. I know how busy you are. I'm thrilled to see you both here," she offers happily.

Primus, First of Monique's Assistants arrives, delivering a message to Karadoc before departing.

Sparte retakes his seat, getting quiet after he successfully deflects focus onto others.

Cora is settled at the fire chillin, she sees familiar faces and waves to those she sees. But she more or less is chillin.

The kiss catches Ian off guard. It probably shouldn't, but it does. He puts his hand on Zoey's shoulder almost like he's catching himself, and the only reason it doesn't go on for a lot longer is because Zoey pulls away. "I told him I was trying to make it back for this," he explains, following Constantine's claim of stalking.

Bashira gives a smile to Mikani and nods, "Just make sure Caspian doens't get in over his head." she tells her. Then there's a look towards Iliana and a dip of her head, "Maquessa." she greets her. Though she grows quiet when Valencia speaks and her face is somber. The talk about love makes her face seem a bit...stoic. She then drinks when everyone else does before looking back to her cousin, "I'm hoping we all come back in one piece." she tells her.

"I shall have to meet her properly but oof, I need to sit down!" Sabella replies, having a seat beside Tabitha, "Everyone talks about eating for two, but yeesh, carrying and walking about is the hard part! I feel like I haven't seen my poor feet in months!" she glances after Niklas when he completely abandons her, but gives Ian, Zoey, and Constantine a brilliant smile, "Lord Constantine! You have been greatly missed! As has Lord Ian, obviously." she laughs.

Elora hears her name from somewhere in the crowd. Was that her name? It sounded like it. Her eyes trail until she spots Tabitha glancing in her direction. A hand lifts, waving towards her cousin in greeting before she looks back towards those at her table.

Calandra's words make the little dark haired princess blush and she smiles gratefully, "Your words may make me cry, my dearest Whisper. I thank you for them. The smile grows more joyful as Valencia notes Constantine hugging his brother back, her heart buoyant with seeing such brotherly affection. Mikani is happily given a little smile and the little princess is swept by the crowd. Passing by Tabitha, she smiles once more. "Welcome to my Hart. I hope you feel very welcome here."

Alessia takes a seat at one of the tables as the Velenosan princess makes her speech. Despite her noteably darkening expression, she pours herself a glass of rum and raises it as Valencia finishes. "To our fighters." She murmurs before taking a sip.

Lisebet moves over towards Niklas and company, but she doesn't interrupt the family reunion. She does smile a greeting, and offer a "You're looking lovely, Princess Sabella." But that is about all.

Mikani nods softly, "Aye I will look out for him ... I can't go loosing family just when I found you all." She sips her rum soberly before straightening and smiling at Bashira. "You have to come back too ..." She smiles at Valencia and waves a bit to say hello.

Zoey -does- listen to Valencia's speech, but her focus is distracted. She is all but stuck to Ian's side. When the speech ends, she applaud quietly as she has no drink in hand. And then, it's back to Ian. And Constantine. But mostly Ian.

Constantine bowed his head, remaining an extension of Nik for the time being and clearly pleased to be back amidst this portion of family. "I'm glad to see you as well, Zoey. I have to admit, after a few weeks in Stormward I felt as homesick for Arx as I had for our homelands." Sabella got a smile and a little wave, "Princess, you are absolutely radiant. How much longer until my newest niece or nephew arrives?" And then he FINALLY let go of Nik. Probs so he could get Sabella a chair.

A bell chimes and the first of the courses and libations begin to appear on beautiful platters and laden on long banquet tables for all to enjoy. Savoury soft and hard cheese sprinkled with spring onions and chives served with buttery light, crisp crackers and breads are followed by an assortment of cured meats and flavourful olives, sweet figs in honey and crisp fish cakes drizzled with lemon dill sauce start to arrive along with a rich red alcoholic punch laden with brandy soaked berries and all manner of libations to be indulged in.

Looking back to Sabella, Niklas says to his brother, "Connie, have you met Lady Tabitha Whitehawk? She is a truly excellent artist. I got into a bidding war over one of her paintings at a recent auction! She is also unmarried. Isn't that a surprise?" Niklas looks between Constantine and Tabitha, eyebrows raising. Though when Tabitha introduces Elora, Niklas offers her a quick bow. "Lady Elora, so good to meet you! Between yourself, Lady Kenna, Lady Delilah and Lady Tabitha the city is nearly overrun with Whitehawk ladies and I do believe better for it!"

Alessia has joined the table by the fire.

Sabella reaches up as if to take one of those cheese from the platter, but actually takes the whole platter from the surprised waiter and sets it on her stomach, commenting as if she didn't just do that, "Oh, this all looks delightful! And it would be pretty romantic if my two proteges got married, but let's not push anyone into anything they aren't ready for even though spring is on the way and it would be perfect timing!" she beams, waving Lisebet closer, "Look at these little cheeses! Make sure the waiter brings more over for everyone!" Because this one is HERS!

Zoey grins at Constantine. "I understand completly," she says quietly. "I felt much the same way when I returned to Pridehall for the festival. I was glad to be back, but it seems as if my life is here in Arx now." She lifts a slender shoulder in a slight shrug. Her gaze returns to her husband. "Should we get a drink and find a seat?" she asks. "I know you two must be tired from the journey."

Tabitha lifts a hand in a little wave to Elora, with a nod as if to say, 'nothing to worry about' before she turns her attention back to Sabella. "Oh, if you need any help with anything, please let me know." She nods politely to Ian, Constantine and Zoey with a murmur or greeting, looking torn between being touched at Niklas' compliments on her art and her family, and a little at loss as to his comment on her marital status. Nonetheless, she smiles cordially, "That's very kind of you to say, your highness. You know I'm a great fan of your art in all its forms. And yes, I do have wonderful family." Then Sabella speaks of romance, and she just lets out bewildered little laugh.

Constantine turned his attention as he was introduced. "I do not believe I have had the pleasure. Lady Tabitha, if my brother is willing to spend exorbitant amounts of silver on your paintings I have no doubt they are well worth his verbal praise." He just glazed right over Nik's OH SO SUBTLE singles commentary, bowing a touch at the waist. "I do not believe I've had the pleasure of your acquaintance either, Lady Elora." He added toward Elora. "Constantine Kennex." To Zoey he nodded, "I very much would appreciate both a seat & a drink, yes."

"I wouldn't mind sitting," Ian admits. And it really is an admission, something that he hesitates before acknowledging. He'll go with Zoey and/or Constantine to wherever they choose to sit.

"You guys will be fine. Caspian's more than a skilled fighter and I'm sure you aren't anything to be trifled with." Bashira tells Mikani after a few seconds of silence and a drink. "I'll come back. I have people to teach sailing and I need to help Baron Edward with Stormbreak." she tells him.

Lisebet does check out the little cheeses, as Sabella recommends. She's careful though, expecting they might bounce at any moment. A glance over to the waiter, and really does she have to say anything at all? Likely not, as Valencia has the best. That punch with alcohol and berries and ooh delicious, that Lisebet takes a glass of, quite nicely. "If you lose cheese to kicking, I will laugh, just so you know," she says wryly to Sabella.

Jyri studies those that adress Elora and looks half amused - she's given a nudge with his elbow, around that mouthful of food he is shoveling into his mouth, not shy to eat like he hasn't seen food in days. "Lady Tern," he says and adresses Rinel, "nice to meet you too."

Zoey glances around and finally gestures to the little arbor just barely glimpsed to the side. "More seats," she says, "and it might be nice to just relax in the quiet. The staff comes by there regularly, so we'd have drinks, too." She looks, however, at Ian. "But there's always one of the tables."

Gianna sweeps in, clad in emerald silks and shining with gold and emeralds. Her pace is a little on the quick side, her expression haughtier than usual. Which is pretty haughty.

Elora rises up from her seat again and offers a little curtsy towards Sabella, Niklas and Constantine as they are introduced. It's a little awkward since somewhere along the line she got her hands on some food, which is now smooshed into her palm carefully. "A pleasure to meet you all." She smirks at the mention of Tabitha being unmarried. Better her than Elora to be stuck under the weight of those comments. The smirk turns to a grin at Tabitha's reaction to all of it. She gets a little nudge from Jyri and glances back towards him, not-so-subtly pushing him back with the toe of her shoe.

The room hums with conversation and laughter set to the merry music that plays. Valencia smiles happily as she slips like a shadow, offering warm welcome and seeing that glasses are filled, finally coming to rest at Calandra's side once more. "It is good to see so many happy faces," she smile aside watching the guest welcome and speak, so many smiles and warm embraces ensuing. "This is what makes our realm great. The connections we have to each other. The love. Family. Friends, yes?" she offers, her smile blossoming as Gianna arrives.

"A pleasure to meet you too, Lord Constantine," Tabitha smiles, before she turns her attention towards Elora with an even fonder and more encouraging curve of her lips. When a server comes around, she takes a glass of white wine and starts to sip at it very delicately, apparently glad for something hold onto. Although she falls silent for a moment, probably at a loss as to what to say, she's still in good spirits.

Constantine murmured something to Tabitha before moving to follow along with Zoey and Ian. He turned, walking backwards a few paces as he called toward Sabella, "Another protege? I'll just have to up my game to remain within the warmth of your fondest affections!" Clearly he teased, a wink offered toward Tabitha before he returned to facing the right direction rather than bump into anything.

Calandra inclines her ebon head to Valencia, looking to the Princess with undeniable fondness. "It's a wonder, isn't it? That so much good can exist alongside so much darkness? Do you have further plans for the Hart, Your Highness?" the Nightingale Whisper asks with a warm smile.

Lucita finishes her drink and with a warm smile rises. "This is lovely but think will need to slip out of the gathering. Thank you for hosting this Princess Valencia." She gives the hostess a quick little hug and slowly makes her way out, speaking to others along the way.

Lucita has left the table by the fire.

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

At Constantine's word those both murmured and spoken aloud, Tabitha gets a bit of amusement in her eyes and shy smile, but then she lets him get to the business of socialising.

Ian seems pliable to Zoey's whim after what was no doubt a week or two of giving orders that he would have, as captain of a ship, expected to have obeyed without question. He just nods, and is willing to go where she indicates.

Gianna inclines her head in Valencia's direction, a very, very faint smile curving the corners of her lips. So faint. Spying Calandra next to the Princess, Gianna inclines her head to the other Nightingale. She makes her way over to the table of drinks, taking a few moments to eyeball the offerings. Is that whiskey? Whiskey will do fine.

Constantine is overheard praising Valencia: Splendid hostess!

Sabella laughs at Constantine's comment, "You are not in competition, I promise! I am perfectly able to sing the praises of you both! Speaking of, Nightingale, over here!" she waves towards Gianna, beaming, "Who don't you know here? I can introduce you so long as I do not need to stand."

The little princess offers Lucita a warm hug and kiss upon the cheek and then resettles next to Calandra. She miles and leans back, "It is, but it is no wonder when think of all the wonderful people we have in our midst. For that I am grateful. We only keep darkness at bay because of your hope and heart. It is this good that will save us all," Valenica smiles aside. "As for plans, yes. More events, more raising spirits and hope. Perhaps some more rooms for those to stay here and make a home. A full Hart is a happy one, yes?" she smiles a little more, taking a glass of punch from a tray and offering it to the Whisper.

Approaching Valencia, Enoch bows his head very softly. "Hello, your highness. Thank you for throwing such a thing to honor those going to fight. It speaks much of your character." he seems to be phenomenally appreciative of her actions and he bows his head once more to show appreciation.

Zoey has joined the secret arbor.

Constantine has joined the secret arbor.

Ian has joined the secret arbor.

Alessia has left the table by the fire.

Calandra gives Gianna a quizzical look, paired with a smile. It's an awkward expression which she is soon relieved of as Valencia offers her punch. "Thank you, Your Highness. Those are all admirable plans. Perhaps you and I might plan an event together? Or some sort of longer-term project? I enjoy your company so," she says, in earnest. "And admire what you have already accomplished." She turns to look to Enoch who has joined then, greeting him with a welcoming smile.

Gianna takes her glass of whiskey and strides toward Sabella, Niklas, and company. "Princess Sabella, thank you. Prince Niklas, good evening." She nods to Tabitha, and says, "I do know that's Lady Tabitha, though I'm afraid I don't think I've met you..." That's directed to Elora. "Why, is that Lord Constantine?" Up her eyebrows go.

Karadoc has left the table by the fire.

Constantine settled to a seat, swiping a glass of wine from a passing platter and seeming pleased by the array of food items. He didn't partake just yet, instead leaning back in his seat. When the haughty Gianna was spotted with her shifting expression his glass bearing hand rose in a faux cheer to the renowned songbird. His attention soon turned back to his table, though, speaking with Ian and Zoey.

"I should like that very much, my Whisper. Let us meet to discuss very soon," Valencia nods enthusiastically. As the Grayson knight approaches, the litte dark eyed vixen smiles and reaches out to offer him a delicate hand in greeting. "Thank you for finding your way to my Hart, sir. But to be true, it is not my character, it is simply the right thing to do, yes?" she nods softly. "But please, allow me to introduce to you the lovely Whispers Calandra. And I am the Princess Valencia. And this divine creature is Whisper Gianna," she introduces the lovely woman as she gets her whiskey. "Please be very welcome in my Hart."

Mikani finishes her drink and slips out after waving good bye to Bashira.

Again the bell chimes and yet more platters are brought to the crowd by pretty serving girls to all those who wish partake… platters roasted pheasant sliced and nestled in crisp lettuce drizzled in olive oil and balsamic, tasty morsels of finely seasoned braised beef, small bite-sized roasted potatoes drizzled with herb butter and kissed by soured cream, ripe fresh tomato and cheese herb tarts follow plump sweet and spicy prawns with crusty bread for dipping, and earthy mushroom wellington laced with truffle oil served with a light red Lycene out of Tor now arrive.

Elora glances up from the table as Gianna glaces in her direction. She offers a little wave of her fingers, voice lifting just enough to be heard over the crowd. "Pleasure to meet you. I am Lady Elora Whitehawk. Tabitha's cousin.

"Be safe, cousin." Bashira tells Mikani as she waves goodbye to her.

Lisebet smiles to Sabella, and steps back away, since there are many looking for the princess. She glances around, and spies Bashira, who she has met once, maybe. She smiles her way, eyes dancing briefly. And then to Valencia, "I think I will go spy out the pools, and see what they are like, if you will excuse me. Or feel free to come with me." The last bit is to the room at large.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Guard leave, following Mikani.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard, Bigsby leave, following Lisebet.

Enoch smiles to Valencia, extending an armored hand to shake hers very delicately. "and it only speaks more of you." his eyes shift to Calandra and Gianna, bowing his head to the whispers. "A pleasure to meet you both. I am Sir Enoch Grayson. and yes, good Princess, I believe I will try my best to be."

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard, Bigsby arrive, following Lisebet.

Tabitha looks incredibly relieved that Elora took care of her own introduction, almost breathing a sigh of relief. Shoulders relaxing, she dips her chin politely at Gianna, gentle but pleasant smile fixed in place. "Hello. It's very good to see you again. The concert was wonderful." And then, to Sabella, "And thank you for being the most marvellous patron." To Constatine, she nods, "We're really very blessed."

"Nightingale Gianna! So good to see you, as always." Niklas looks between Constantine and Gianna, expression only briefly disapproving!, then he says to his brother, "The Nightingale and I are finished with my latest play. A theatrical engagement unlike anything the city has ever seen! All music, all dancing. Sword fights, drama, comedy. And with music written by the Nightingale and I, people will be humming our songs for weeks."

Tabitha meant Constantine, of course, but her writer can't spell.

Gianna raises her glass to Constantine as well, favouring him with one of her flickers of a smile. To Elora, she says, "Well met, Lady Elora. That's a lovely dress - what interesting knotwork. And thank you, Lady Tabitha!" Gianna actually smiles now, brief but bright. Hearing her name, she tilts her chin in Valencia, Calandra, and Enoch's direction, then inclines her head and raises her hand in a little gesture of greeting.

Riagnon eats more than his general build might otherwise imply, as Riagnons tend to do. Given the speed and efficiency with which does this, it's unlikely that the young lord has a particularly refined palate. All the better. He enjoys everything!

Calandra tips her chin back to the other Nightingale Whisper, and then returns to Valenica and Enoch. "How wonderful to meet you, Sir Grayson. I hope you will excuse me a moment, and promise me a dance later?" she asks warmly, before nodding to Valencia. "I would love nothing more, Your Highness, and shall call upon you soon." The Nightingale Whisper sketches a deep curtsey, and then slips off on an errand.

Jyri has left the table by the fountain.

"I am so very pleased to meet you, Sir Enoch. Please be welcome. I am sorry we have not had pleasure before," Valencia blushes gently, returning Gianna's wave with one of her own, and offering Calandra a warm nod to seal their plan to meet to plan wonderful things. "I hope you take time to explore the gardens, yes? They are lovely this time of year. The stone pools are a favored place for guests to enjoy," she nod once more to Enoch.

Sabella makes quick work of her platter of delicious cheeses, especially as she has another waiter leave most of his crackers with her, "Prince Niklas has asked me to help advertise his new endeavor but I don't know why since he does such a lovely job all by himself."

Elora smooths a hand over the corset of the dress with a pleased smile. "Why thank you. It was a gift from a lovely young woman I met a couple of days ago. I rather adore it." A thankful mile is offered to Gianna at the compliment, amusement on her face when she spots Tabitha's relief.

Constantine lifted his attention to call back toward Niklas, "I look forward to its debut! Who will be playing the leads?" It seemed that given his heightened mood he had no qualms about calling out, another rarity, but something said at his table stole his gaze back to Zoey and Ian.

Something Zoey says at the arbor pulls Ian's attention away from his food and firmly on her, which is pretty impressive, given that he's been eating ship food for however long.

Bashira gives a look around from her spot off to the side and she takes a drink of her rum as she is left with just herself for the moment. She does give a smile as people pass her, but the woman with the shells and pearls in her hair is not really good at hiding.

Seeing Bashira, Cora waves with a smile from over by the fire sipping on rum.

Enoch seems to chuckle softly to Calandra. "I'd love a dance. Until we meet again, Calandra." his eyes drift to Valencia with a smile to her. "Absolutely. I've been meaning to visit these stone pools. I hear they are already quite popular."

Glancing up, Valencia notes Bashira and smiles. Gently beckoning the woman to join her and Enoch in conversation, but the wonderful Coraline calls first and the little princess smiles, happy to speak to the woman at a later time. A shy smile is offered Riagnon's way and if she is not preoccupied she is invited to join as well. Turning back to Enoch she nods once more, delighted to hear of his interest and that he dances. "I am glad to hear this. It is my greatest hope we see you enjoy both as often as it pleases."

Gianna very carefully does not look at Niklas, her jaw tightening for but a moment. Blink and you'll miss it. "It's going to be brilliant," she tells Constantine. She has a sip of whiskey and nods again to Elora. "A gift? People can be so very generous in Arx. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it. If someone's giving out aeterna gowns, I hope I run into them."

The music continues and the food and drink flow. Again bell sounds and the courses upon the vast wood tables slowly change to things more sweet and palate cleansing delights. Large platters of sweets of all kinds - fresh seasonal fruit, light and sweet honey cakes, lightly sweet cream scones with tart red currants, lavender and lemon fairy cakes kissed with raspberry icing, an glorious tower of whiskey laced pastries piled high dipped in a decadent caramel glaze, small sweet jellies, freshly minted melon, an assortment of light cheeses and the first of the mountain flower honey are presented along with a rich and satisfying sipping whiskey and juicy yet refreshing dessert wine to wash it all down.

Bashira gives Coraline a wave and then heads that way, "Princess Coraline." she dips her head to her with a smile. Then there's a dip of her head to Valencia, "Your highness and Sir Enoch." she greets them. "It's good to see everyone." she states as she gives a smile. "Thank you for holding this for all of us that are heading out. It is greatly appreciated." she admits.

"This will be more of an ensemble this time, though Radiant Lumen will be playing Aria Rubino and Mistress Yasmine Champagne will be Carina Zaffria. I am hoping to get Master Jaereth in as Duke Enzo Rubino and Master Alejandro as Duke Giacomo Zaffria as well. Princesses Tikva and Sorrel will also have roles, though Tikva has warned me that she can't act, so she'll be singing the big fight saltarella. I can't reveal too much more, but I can say without a doubt that it will be the single greatest spectacle in the history of the Compact /or/ the biggest disaster since the city burnt down. So either way it will be worth the ticket."

"Please join us if you like. How have you been?" Cora asks apparently not her most socially apt tonight but hey there is fire and rum, who could ask for more?

says Niklas.

Lisebet's exploration finishes up, and she returns to the main event, curiously. She quietly gets her second drink, and looks around to see where everyone is, and who is in what discussion. And if there is someone left alone, that's where she heads.

Riagnon has left the table by the fire.

Valencia smiles back to the raven haired sailor, happy to be able to speak with her and Enoch both. "Thank you for coming, my lady. It is a small thing when compared to what those who are going forward to defend us are doing. I just hope it raises moral and offers them a brighter fire and hope. I am so grateful to those who would protect us," she smiles sincerely. "I hope to have even a bigger party when everyone returns and we have banished this foe."

Eddard Clement is /late/. Late to the party of the season but at least he is dressed well enough. He was also late to auditions as well, so no mention of him by Niklas. A glass of something is hoisted from a passing tray and he curtails his movement about the room for a moment. To assess and peer about. Who would he not embarass himself around?

"The generosity I have witnessed here is unlike anything I've seen before. This was actually the second dress I was gifted within two days. It's remarkable, honestly." Elora offers Gianna a warm smile. "I imagine that getting used to the gift giving and such would take some time. But I kind of like the thrill. The surprise."

When a bard arrives such as Eddard, many take notice, and so it is when the man arrives gracefully late. Valencia turns to offer him a welcoming smile as she happily speaks to Bashira, Enoch and the newly arrived prince Jasher. "Welcome, my Lord," she calls out before turning back with a smile. "Would you all care to sit? Or if it pleases, the dancing is about to begin."

Bashira gives a smile to Coraline and gives a little bow to her and then finds a seat with the others. Valencia gets a smile, "I'm not a Lady, your Highness. Just a sailor and a member of Princess Coraline's Order of East Light." she tells her. "But thank you for being so welcoming to all of those in the city." she states. Then to Coraline, "I've been teaching a few of the Redrain fealty how to sail and working with Duke Tyde on honing my skills as his Squire." she admits. "I think it could be going worse. I could be dead." she grins.

"See," Sabella gestures to Niklas with a cheese crostini topped with green onions, "I could never top that sort of hype! Even if I did point out that it will be the first sort of musical play of its kind, not quite an opera, but something a bit more upbeat and easier to access for a common audience."

Sir Floppington, the soulful hound arrives, following Rowenova.

Ian continues a casual conversation with Zoey while eating dinner. A totally normal, appropriate conversation. Really.

Iliana has joined the table by the fire.

Relic arrives, following Harlan.

Harlan enters into the garden -- late, but hey, it's a party. Who knows? He could have been here, right? He looks to be in a good mood, however, mostly relaxed.

Lisebet sips her drink as she moves over towards Valencia and the conversation that is going on there. "We did say there would be dancing, right?" she asks, looking a bit hopeful. "You have surpassed yourself on the food and drink, Princess Valencia. This is very inspiring. Though it might be inspiring me to want a nap, it's all so good."

Nova and Flop show up, waving hello to all here before they swing by the food!

Jasher's brows furrow slightly at the mention of dancing. "Perhaps I will sit," he says cordially towards Valencia. "I do not dance."

Cora makes an amused sound at that, "Yes, well I would be very disappointed in you if you died." she says dryly, "How is the squiring going? If you have any questions any thoughts on knighthood my door is open. But Duke Tyde is a fantastic kngiht, and great leader and mentor. You are in good hands." she nods and drinks some rum.

Called away briefly by something or other, Iliana makes her way back in in her 'casual party' style. She is making for Coraline who she keeps meaning to see and talk to, but on her way by she spots a familiar face. Well, he he is her liege lord, she obviously recognises him, stops turns, and bows slightly. "Duke Ashford, hello!"

"Are you new to the city?" Gianna asks Elora, having another small sip of whiskey, and eyeing Sabella's crostini. She knows better than to try to take that one, however, so she instead charms one of her own. Three, actually - she offers the other two to Tabitha and Elora, respectively.

"That's what my husband said minutes before he swept me off my feet!" Sabella calls out to Jasher, then pauses, "Actually, no, he clocked me so hard in the head with his elbow while trying to spin me I saw stars. So. That's a good way to get yourself a wife!"

Eddard has joined the table by the fire.

Eddard lifts his glass towards Valencia, and was about to step off towards Niklas, Sabella, and Gianna. The Bard's College trio but Sabella's phrase gets stuck in his ears. 'Get yourself a wife!' So he instantly aborts and heads towards Valencia instead, sidling into her small group of a conversation. "So. This sounds like the safer conversation. Hello."

Rowenova picks up a small bite she soon consumes before nabbing onto what is an alcoholic beverage before prowling around the very fringes and doling out all these greeting hugs when she can sneak those in.

Sir Floppington also makes the rounds with those soulful eyes, checking out all those who might want to give him food and/or pets.

There is a warm wave of hello is offered to Rowenova and Duke Harlan as they arrive. Valencia smiling to see them both in her Hart once more. Eddard gets a bit of a grin as he arrives for a safer conversation. A slender arm wraps to Lisebet's waist and the lovely lady is given an affectionate squeeze. "Thank you my sweetest lady. And once gain you have read my mind." The little vixen winks to Coraline and Bashira and then offers Enoch a little smile. "As my lady requests..."

Food and drink continue to arrive, and, as if by magic, the music begins to change in keeping with the evening's joyous and merry mood. Soon the dance floor begins to fill with revellers keen to dance the night away.

With a sweet smile and a quiet murmured thank-you, Tabitha accepts offered crostini in the hand that's not holding her wine. Then it's nibble-nibble-nibble as she waits for her cousin to speak.

As promised, Jasher finds a seat to reside in, where he can have a reasonable view of the gardens and the musicians both. He's quiet, his black severity perhaps a little out of place in the gardens and the merriment as he seems content to bask and watch.

"Thank you," Elora offers to Gianna as she accepts the drink, holding it carefully in her hand. "I am quite new to the city, yes. It will be one week tomorrow evening. It has been quite interesting so far. Have you been here long?" She casts a glance towards the others at the tabe, offering a quiet murmur to Sparte and Rinel.

Lisebet has to laugh at Jasher's hiding out from the dancing idea. She shakes her head lightly, and then smiles his way. "Never fear, Prince Jasher, I am certain there will be enough dancers that we will not need to call on you to help us." Wait, did she hear someone say Duke Ashford?

The little vixen gives Jasher a playful pout. "Well, my Prince, if you shall leave me alone upon the dance floor I fear I shall take drastic action to find someone willing to take me into his arm," Valencia laughs, teasing just a little. "Surely a gallant gentleman could not resisted the charms of our delightful Lady Lisebet," she asks with a smile, knowing that her unparing will not last long, and then smiling a little more as Sir Floppington is served a healthy portion of meat from the carvers table by little Lizette who gives Rowenova a wink.

Harlan heads over towards Valencia (and Lisebet), and inclines his head, "Princess, Lisebet. I see everything is going quite well tonight?" He smiles warmly to each.

"Oh, no no no. That wouldn't happen, Princess Valencia. I have brought my dancing boots. You would not be left idle. Not a single dance." Eddard eases over and nudges Val's elbow with his own elbow. "I do like to dance. I don't usually get to, so its always a treat."

Zoey appears at the entrance to the arbor where she's been sort of hiding with some of her family. "Prince Jasher?" she calls over, lifting a hand slightly. "I wonder if you might join us?"

Valencia's unpairing gets a laugh. "Oh, your highness, I am certain that Prince Jasher would be better left to sit. Or else he will indeed become somewhat grouchy." She then turns that bright smile of hers on Harlan. "Good day, my Lord. I am glad you have made it to join us. Princess Valencia has outdone herself. I am not certain how she will ever top this."

Jasher looks up at Valencia, the snake trapped under the fox's paw, facing the dilemma of demonstrating his (lack of) dancing acumen or losing face by refusing--and a bluebird offers the way out. He stands, offering a polite nod before turning on his heel to virtually slip away, heading for Zoey and the arbor she and company accompanied.

Jasher has left the table by the fire.

Jasher has joined the secret arbor.

Valencia's cheeks flush and she smiles graciously, "I cannot think of a more apt partner for my first dance, my lord, but only if you promise to take my sweetest Lady Lisebet to dance next. She is a much better dancer I assure you," she invites warmly, slipping her delicate hand into the crook of Eddard's arm in preparation to be led to the dance floor. "If you will pardon me, ladies, gentlemen? On a night like tonight, there simply must be dancing," she offers playfully.

Rowenova has joined the table by the fountain.

"Welcome to Arx, then," Gianna tells Elora, nodding to Tabitha as well as she accepts the crostini. "I've been here... Hmn. A year. Yes, it was autumn when I arrived." Her eyebrows arch; she licks a bit of grease off her fingertip, follows that mouthful of crostini with some whiskey. What? It probably goes just fine. Just. Fine.

Sir Floppington thankfully wags and happily accepts that carved meat whilst the the wolf scout (Rowenova) quietly thanks the person serving and winks back toward Lizette. They soon wander over to the table by the fountain, and she lifts her glass to each person they see on the way there.

Iliana is on the point of joining in with the little conversation around Valencia, perhaps intend to congratulate and thank the host, then dancing comes up and she hesitates. Oops. Diversion. Sir Floppington is a perfect distraction! As he follows his mistress, Iliana reaches down to pet him on his way by and then alters course. "That, Mistress," she informs Rowenova as she draws level, "is a lovely hound."

Iliana has left the table by the fire.

Iliana has joined the table by the fountain.

Zoey slips back into the half-hidden arbor as Jasher disappears inside it.

Valencia and Eddard step off towards the dance floor together. The band is in the know enough to spot their approach and begin playing and introduction to a well-known dance number in the Compact. "Oh, I've only seen this way. This one didn't come up so often." But he'll stop and turn to Valencia and offer a hand out to her to step into place for the beginning of the song.

Valencia has left the table by the fire.

Valencia has joined the dance floor.

Eddard has left the table by the fire.

Eddard has joined the dance floor.

Harlan chuckles towards Lisebet, "I'm sure that she will do quite well, of course. Are you enjoying yourself? You look quite lovely in your dress." He continues to smile -- good mood, remember?

Sir Floppington absolutely loves Iliana's pets and leans his floppy ears her way whilst the wolf scout (Rowenova) glances up, "Thank you so much!" says she. "Greetings to you. I hope the day finds you well?" She motions a toast to her.

Well then. Lisebet inclines her head, as Eddard and Valencia start dancing. That means her second dance is taken, but the first? Her eyes gleam with mischief and she turns to the duke. "That leaves you and me. What do you think, Harlan? Would you care to dance?" There's that hint of dare in her voice, misted over with amusement. She is also in a good mood.

Iliana scratches Floppington behind the ears and along his neck, one eye curiously on Harlan and Lisebet. She is, alas, drink free, but smiles and raises a hand in return. "It's been wonderful so far. I don't think we've met. Iliana Leary." She turns to seat herself at the table.

Eddard checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

Harlan merely responds towards Lisebet by offering her his hand, saying, "Shall we then, Lisebet?" He grins down at her, ready to escort her towards the dance floor.

Valencia checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Elora is trying very hard not to look terribly overwhelmed, or come off as rude, but as people continue to filter in and out it becomes easier and easier to see the deer in the headlights kind of expression in her eyes. "It was wonderful meeting all of you," she finally murmurs, glass still in hand. "I left my animals outside, so I am going to go check on them. Excuse me please." With that, the young blonde is dashing off for some air.

Elora has left the table by the fountain.

Bashira had zoned out for a moment. So many people and she wasn't used to big places. There's a smile to Coraline, "He's a good mentor, I think we have a lot in common as far as fighting techniques and things like that." she admits. "And he's patient, which is a nice thing." she states.

Lisebet reaches her hand for Harlan's offered one, and they too depart for the dance floor. Of course, the music has already started, so they are at a bit of a catchup moment.

Lisebet checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Harlan has joined the dance floor.

"Of course. Do take care," Gianna tells Elora. Having finished her crostini, she discreetly wipes her fingertips on a napkin. "You as well, Lady Tabitha. I look forward to seeing your work for the new musical play!"

Harlan checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Lisebet has joined the dance floor.

With her drink in her left, Rowenova offers out a handshake of her gloved right to Iliana and does so with a smile. "Good to meet you, Lady Iliana Leary! I am Scout Rowenova of the Ranging Wolves under the direct command of the great Lord Arik Halfshav, for whom I am also messenger, retainer, and scribe when in Arx. Halfshav Servant. Redrain Clerk, Sanna Protege, too." After her vocal fanfare, she wolfishly grins.

Harlan moves to rest his other arm on Lisebet's side, moving smoothly into the dance. He's apparently a bit rusty -- and while he's dancing quite well, it's not quite as polished as Lisebet's movements. So much for her comments about not being able to dance well!

With a look of concern writ across her features, eyebrows lifted as she watches Elora depart, Tabitha turns back to Gianna after a moment's consideration. Her smile, though initially distracted and uncertain, blooms into something warmer at the Nightingale's words. "Oh, thank you so much! I'm so excited to have a part in it." She adds, "The Playrights and the children's plays were so fun to work on, weren't they?" And then there's a smile to Sabella and Niklas, "I can't wait to get started with the artwork!"

The music halts a moment, dancers coming to the floor and settling in, ready. Valencia is drawn into an encircling of Eddard's arm and set to spin in place a moment, a foot pressing forward, then arm pulling her aside to guide her next step. A few pairs of dancers switch places in slow rotation, made grand by the turning, then outward launching of the women as if the petals of a floor before they are twirled to be placed towards the inside of the dance floor in unison.

Ian doesn't so much watch the dancing as look out to the dance floor for a minute or two, before returning his attention the conversation. (And the food.)

"Are you collecting titles for a hobby?" Iliana asks Rowenova with a twinkle in her eye. Occasionally her gaze strays off to the dance floor. She doesn't tend to jump into dancing right away when it's offered, but it's fun to watch. "And what do you call the fine hound? He stays with you so well, I'm impressed. I've been considering a puppy for my little girl when she's old enough to take care of one."

Constantine blotted his mouth with a napkin, having murmured his temporary farewell to the table, though he paused to remove his jacket and drape it over the back of his chair to reveal the fine silk of sleeves and fitted vest beneath it. Shortly thereafter he was on the move, his height lending itself to maneuvering through the crowd toward his target: Gianna. As he neared the woman, wordlessly he inclined a small bow before extending his hand to her in invitation.

Constantine has left the secret arbor.

Lisebet actually loves to dance and it shows in her movements. There's a definite charm to her style, the young Farshaw lady letting her sweet enjoyment show as she twirls and steps upon the dance floor. Her attention remains on her partner but she does spare enough to see those who else are there, admiring fine steps when they are visible.

"They were," Gianna tells Tabitha, with a hint of a smile that's a bit different from her usual ones. "Please excuse me," she says. She sets her glass aside and reaches out to take Constantine's hand. They step onto the dance floor, iron grey and emerald moving together.

Rowenova wolfishly grins, "More serious than hobby, but I have been collecting, for some time now." says she to Iliana. Pointing to the soulful hound, then the wolf scout merrily notes, "Sir Floppington! Yes, he is just glued to me, he is, and a very good boy indeed!" She draws out that ripe-watermelon sound via the gloved pats to the doggo's side.

Sir Floppington cannot get enough of the attention. This is clear.

Harlan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

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

Harlan picks things up a bit, twirling Lisebet and even lifting her up a bit in the dance, giving her the majority of his attention. After all, when you're dancing, your partner should be the most important thing, yes? His steps are quick as he simply glides across the floor with Lisebet.

Constantine checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Gianna checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 53 higher.

Valencia gives a little squeak of pleasure and a gently laugh as Eddard begins to move her across the floor with expert ease. He by far is the more skilled of the two, but like any good lead he makes the little princess look stunning as he spins her about the space with a soft rustle of scarlet southern silks. Breathless and having the time of her life, it is very clear dancing is one of the little vixen's most favorite things.

Constantine enwrapped the songbird with one arm while the other held her palm aloft. Nothing spectacularly fancy, but there was an elegance to his movements as he took the lead in gentle circles across the floor. A murmur was offered down to his companion in dance as they moved.

Reese arrives in the Hart while adorned in her pink and moving with her graceful steps. She peeks over the area, trying to get a feel for things here.

Jasher is squirrelled away into the arbor and most definitely not participating in any dance-related activities. Maybe.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon, Ursa arrive, following Marian.

Iliana tilts her head toward Rowenova and chuckles. "Then congratulations, yous eem to be doing quite well at it," she says. The dance floor gets a long look and a shake of her head. "Ever wished you could do that? Dance?" Then she frowns. "Maybe you can. I shouldln't presume, should I?"

Gianna cuts a fine figure on the dance floor, but then, that's a Whisper. Elegance and mystery all wrapped up in a pretty dress! Or something like that. She murmurs something in reply to Constantine.

Constantine has joined the dance floor.

Sabella checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Eddard is being outlandish, adding flair to the normal dance moves here and there, a dipped shoulder, a wave hand to invite Valencia in the direction he wishes her to walk as if his arm didn't pull her along gently in that direction in etither case.

Lisebet's laughter can be heard as Harlan lifts her right off her feet. She definitely seems to be enjoying dancing, her layered umbra skirts swirling and catching the light just so, even showing off her petite slippers.

Marian arrives at the party, a late arrival who's dressed more for war in her Everwinter white bear armor than socializing. She gives a polite nod to those as she enters and scans the room to find the hostess. When she spies Valencia on the dance floor, the warchief shakes her head, clearly not willing to venture there and she moves to find a bar and get a drink.

Niklas reaches out to take Sabella by the elbow and lifts her up to her feet, "My I have this dance, my dear?" Without awaiting a response he takes the waddling princess out to the dance floor where he leads her in a slower waltz, since she can't really keep up with the fast stuff.

Svetlana, the Sultry Secretary arrives, delivering a message to Rowenova before departing.

Niklas checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 52 higher.

Tatiana, the Tantalizing Tale-singer, Svetlana, the Sultry Secretary arrive, following Gregori.

Reese glances over to the dancing, watching such for a moment and having a smile. "Such good dancers!" She says, but doesn't join the dancing herself. She then waves over to Marian as she arrives. "Princess." She greets. She waves to Rowenova as well. "Scout." Reese then tries to blow the d dancing Valencia a kiss.

Rinel has left the table by the fountain.

Rowenova dips down her wolf-framed face to Iliana before looking back up with a bright smile then glancing back to the dance floor then back again, "It is easily done. All we gotta do is get out there and try, if you would like to." Then, she quickly handles the newest messenger (speedily stashing the new mail into her Messenger Bag), drinks down her white wine, leaves the empty glass on the table top, and then offers out her gloved right to Iliana. "I am not the greatest dancer, but it is a night at the Hart for fun." Her free hand waves toward the princesses (Marian and Reese).

Harlan asks Lisebet between twirls and other such moves, "How have you been faring, other than dancing out here?" He grins as the music continues.

Sabella laughs and places the now empty platter to the side as she takes Niklas' hand to be guided to the dance floor, "You realize two seconds of this is going to tire me out, right?" And even though she is as huge as a whale, she's surprisingly graceful on her feet! Or maybe that's just her partner making her look good.

Iliana has left the table by the fountain.

Valenica is delighted, but even so, Princess Reese and Princess Marian are spied as they arrive. Each is offered a truly bright and happy smile in greeting, Reese's air kiss being joyously returned as she is skillfully dipped and spun about the floor by Eddard.

Rowenova watches as Iliana is also assaulted with new mail and speeds away, then lets out a little sigh and defeatedly snaps her gloved fingers.

Gregori wanders in and looks around a bit. The young Volkov looks for any one he knows.

Rowenova waves toward the newest arrival, "Lord Gregori, hello there!" says she.

Marian gives a salute to Rowenova for her greeting. Hers being the first of many that get polite overtures from the warchief. She manages to find a her whiskey and then looks for a quiet place where she can observe the party. For now, she's alone in her observations. The antics on the dance floor are bringing a smile to her face.

Tabitha is quite happy not to dance, but she presses her hands over her heart and smiles in a happy, dreamy way as she watches others twirl and circle on the dancefloor. She sways from side to side in her seat to the rhythm of the music, seemingly content to just take in the mood of the courtyard, slowing breathing in the perfumed air.

Gianna and Constantine traverse the dance floor together, keeping to the beat and making it look easy even as they're engaged in quiet conversation. A swirl of skirt, a flash of silver and mother of pearl.

Ian takes note of the familiar faces that arrive. He nods to Marian when she looks like she's looking around.

Constantine was blessed by Gianna's expertise, taking advantage of the woman's grace to continue in sweeping arches across the dance floor (though careful not to bowl into anyone). The pair continued speaking quietly among one another as they moved, their discussion pausing from time to time as the young Kennex swept his arm outward to twirl the woman about in a breathtaking array of shifting black with green reflecting sheen of seasilk as it flared outward about her.

Rowenova salutes to Marian! She smiles brightly to her before heading to Gregori and offering out her gloved hand without much ado.

Gregori wanders over to Rowenova. "Scout Rowenova you are looking well this eve." He says softly to her. "So youve spoken to the scholars than? Or just researched Vellichor?" he asks smiling.

Niklas twirls Sabella and dances and dances and dances her right out the door, followed by a very perplexed retinue.

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

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise, Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, Roland, the worst bard in Arvum, Sabella leave, following Niklas.

Marian notices Ian's greeting and starts to make her way over to him since neither one of them is dancing. By the time she makes it over to him, the glass of whiskey are several sips in.

Marian has joined the secret arbor.

It's the Dour No Dance Club (plus Zoey) over at the arbor right now.

After Gregori gives his hand to her, Rowenova merrily chimes, "I did so much reading last night that it made me crazy this morn." What does that even mean? Then, she leads him right on over to Tabitha, and and tries to nab her hand, unless she is too slow, and then link Gregori and Tabitha up in a handshake.

Lisebet's feet are on the floor at the moment, a step to the left, and then a hop to the right. The song is generally a nice uptempo one, and the couples on the floor are enjoying their footwork, as well as the twirl of silk, and the laughter caused by the fancy steps. And it seems more people are joining the dance floor as time goes on.

So distracted by her dreamy swaying is Tabitha that she almost entirely fails to notice Rowenova's approach. Then there's a grabbing of hands, and perhaps a linking of her captured one into Gregori's, and she looks at it utterly bewildered. Smiling up at him, and then at Rowenova, and then back again, the artist smiles a polite smile notheless. "Oh, hello."

The music plays on and a different song began, partners are changed and the dancing continues. Valencia smiles all the more as more take to the floor, gracefully surrendering her current partner to the lovely Lady Lisebet and stepping off the floor shortly after Harlan. "Thank you, my Lord Eddard. It was beautiful to dance with you," she smiles and turns to greet Gregor and see that more wine and whiskey be brought up from the cellars.

The first song has ended and partners are playing round-robin a bit, to find new partners. A dipped bow to Valencia before he saunters over towards Lisebet and extends a stately hand towards her. "My lady. May I have this dance?"

Constantine didn't seem ready to forfeit his dancing partner, moving into the next song with fluid motion though he leaned from his daunting height to receive a whisper from the Whisper! A wry smirk edged his lips at whatever had been said before he murmured a reply in return.

Reese finds herself a mug of mead and then goes to search for a place to sit. She seems content to watch the dancing.

Gregori smiles startled as his hand is linked to Tabitha's. "Oh...Umm...I...Hi...Im...S...So...So...Sorry...I w..wasnt being fresh." He says smiling embarassedly to Tabitha. "Im...L...Lo...Lord G..Gr...gregori V...Volkov." He stutters out to Tabitha. "Rowe...W...Whats this?"

Harlan has left the dance floor.

Rowenova smiles brightly at them both, "An introduction of two of the finest." After saying so she slinks back and then dashes away to the food with Flop.

Sir Floppington is happily awaiting right by that food table and Nova helps him with the edible acquisitions. "Who's a good boy?!"

Lisebet stays on the dancefloor, apparently starting a dance card. She smiles and gives a slightly less flirtatious curtsey to Eddard. "Certainly, my lord," she says with a smile. "Let us see if we can both manage to avoid stepping one each other's toes. Or our own." She reaches her hand to his, pleased with the offer.

Marian motions to Reese from her perch with Ian, Zoey and Jasher. She manages to catch a server and quietly places an order for food. It's clear that Marian intends to join Ian in having a meal. She also motions to her drink, making another order before the server leaves.

Ian leans out of the arbor enough to signal to a server, probably he wants them to come over. With Marian doing the same thing, certainly one is going to notice and come over.

Gianna and Constantine are neglecting to switch partners. Hmmn. They continue to converse as they go through the steps, dancing.

With a wide-eyed and helpless look as Rowenova dashes away for foods, Tabitha turns back to Gregori with that same rabbit-in-headlights expression. His nervousness seems to set off her own, at which point she seems at a loss as to what to say. But then, after a few gaping attempts at words, she finally smiles a wince-like fashion, though not without a great deal of kindness. "Um, Lady Tabitha Whitehawk?" Why that came out as a question? Who knows. Then, "Um... so good to meet you. Would you like to sit?" Draining the last drops of her wine, she places it down on the table nearby. "Or I could stand?" Gods help these poor children.

Eddard checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Lisebet checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Zoey waits and watches as Ian waves a server over. When he returns, she leans in and, unless stopped, captures his lips in another kiss. This one lingers a little longer than the last. Her head finds Ian's shoulder, then, and rests there in silence as her hand seeks out Ian's. She seems content. Utterly, deeply content. "I used to dance a little. I'm not very good, but I did enjoy the physicality of it."

Gregori watches almost horrified as Rowenova dashes off he looks down listening to her he smiles a bit. "Ummm...no please sit...Ill sit with you." Yea thats right ladies should sit right? "U...Ummm the pleasure is all m...mine. Ummm....What is it you like to do Lady Tabitha?"

For the second time tonight, Zoey's kiss catches Ian off guard, but it's not an unwelcome surprise. He pulls her close when she rests her head on his shoulder and returns his attention the conversation like that totally didn't just happen.

Marian gives a burst of laughter at something Ian says. It's clear she's enjoying the conversation. Zoey gets a smile as she adds her story.

Reese carries her mead over to Marian. She glances between Zoey, Ian and Jasher. "Greetings." She says in their direction in a tone that is both polite and somber.

Reese has joined the secret arbor.

emit The party continues on. With dancing begin and more guest arriving, again bell sounds signaling the arrival of more platters of savories and sweets - rose water pastries filled with honey crème, an assortment of rich and succulent vegetables kabobs drizzled in lemon olive oil, more cheese and cured meats appear along with buttery breads, and small jelly cakes, lightly kissed with powdered sugar and filled with sweet surprises. The wine, ale, rum and whiskey flow. Even those who have special cravings are seen to, including the few hounds and other pets that have come with their masters to enjoy.

Whatever was said between Gianna and Constantine had the nobleman chuckling in his soft sway. He extended his arm to allow the woman another elegant spin before drawing her back into his grasp.

Rowenova makes Flops a sammich. She feeds it to him. Then, she makes herself one, too.

Meanwhile the wincefest that is Tabitha and Gregori is still playing out while the dancers change partners. She's still holding his hand even as he sits down, giving it a little shake before she lets it go and places it (her own hand, minds out of the gutter, people) on her lap with its twin. To his question, she smiles kindly. "Oh, I'm an artist. I do painting and whatnot." Then after an excrutiating pause, "And yourself, Lord Gregori?"

Gianna actually does laugh at something Constantine says, suddenly and with a hand quickly coming up over her mouth. She waves that hand away, resting it once more on Constantine's shoulder and quietly replying, still looking amused.

Valencia comes to stand by Enoch and Harlan once more. Slender hands folding before her, her smile sweet as the dancing continues on and growing a little as Gianna and Constantine continue and Eddard takes Lisebet into his arms with styled finesse. She turns to scan the room, each guest checked on ot ensure that they are happy and included in conversations or enjoying the dancing. Another little smile is offered to Reese along with a warm incline of head. Pausing, she turns aside to murmur to Harlan and then smile once more.

Leta, the student scholar arrives, following Ingrid.

Enoch turns his head to look upon Valencia, a smile on his face. "Your Highness." he bows his head in greeting before he glances back to the dance floor. "A joyful display. I pray this will not be the last time we all enjoy such merriment."

Constantine smiled at that laugh, amused by her reaction and in good spirits. For the most part. One of the various revelers seeking to change partners and interject into their coupling did receive a momentary and brisk 'look' that shadowed the Kennex's features to ward away the interloper a moment before warmth returned and pale eyes fell anew to Gianna before he murmured again.

Ingrid steps into the garden and hesitates for a moment when she sees how many people are present. Instead of retreating, she'll move further into the garden, looking for a safe place to sit. She spots Reese and Sparte, faces she recognizes, and offers a friendly nod in greeting.

Rowenova usually does not ask, but it is the Hart, so she does address Valencia, "Do you mind if I take some to go?" She asks this whilst pulling out what is a wooden bowl and a top cover for it from her Messenger Bag. So prepared!

Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards, Marquessa Pudding, a pudgy puppy, 2 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Sorrel.

Gregori grins and looks around a moment as he shys. "I umm...well...Im sure youll laugh at me most do." He says softly. "But I ummm...I enjoy research and learning new things, all kinds of things, language type things and artsy things Im sure could be fun. I love history, and hope to one day create art through written word." He says as a flush floods his cheeks.

Gianna checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Reese peeks over to Ingrid, giving the lady a warm smile of greeting.

Gianna looks, for a moment, sly as Constantine wordlessly convinces the other reveler to back off. They continue to spin and step and twirl. And converse.

Valencia has left the dance floor.

1 Ulbran Thug have been dismissed.

The little Vixen smiles to Enoch and nods, "I hope there will be many more, my dear Sir. So many wonderful things begin at such events, do you not think? First meetings. First dances. First kisses and looks of love. Excellent company and conversations," Valencia smiles up at him. "I look forward to having all of Arx in my Hart eventually," she beams playfully, turning to offer Ingrid a bright and welcoming nod. "Of course, my sweetest friend. Take as much as you wish, yes?" the little raven haired princess nods to the Wolfscout. "If it pleases, I can have more sent to you. There is more than enough. If you please, yes?" she smiles.

Harlan chuckles towards Valencia, and says, "I shall ask, Princess." And...he walks over towards Reese, "Princess, would you care to dance?" He offers her a winning smile, too.

Marian gives a smile as her food arrives and she joins Ian in having a meal. Her drink is refilled, and the warchief looks settled enough. She continues to chat with the folks in her area, but with the noise of the dance floor, this conversation isn't easy to overhear.

Rowenova slides over and one-armed hugs the vixenous Valencia, "Thank you! It is for my Alchemist in the Basement." she cheekily notes, "No, no sending any... just gonna pack some in this here bowl." It is a decently sized takeaway bowl!

Ian looks away from his conversation when Ingrid and Sorrel come into the garden. He nods to Ingrid, and Sorrel actually gets a greeting: "Princess Sorrel."

Ingrid skirts the dance floor, nodding to Ian as she spots him on her way to the table by the fire. She settles in a seat there, murmuring a word of greeting to the Princess seated there.

Ingrid has joined the table by the fire.

Sorrel drifts in a bit late, making her way through without much fanfare, though she does take a moment to pirouette on the dancefloor on her way to the arbor where she's spotted some friends. Her skirts still twirling and twisting as she comes to a stop. "Hello, Lord Ian!" she greets, settling nearby.

Sorrel has joined the secret arbor.

"I know there will be. The Gods and the Spirits alike watch over us." Enoch gives a small nod before he looks to Valencia, extending his hand to her. "Would you like to dance, your highness?"

There's a lot of headshaking as Gregori speaks. Then Tabitha smiles gently. "There's nothing wrong with having an inquiring mind. It's admirable, actually. I know I'd like to learn to speak another language when I get the time." Then, with a conspirational scrunch of her nose, she admits, "I'm not very good at being.. in... um. Among big gatherings like this. I'm sorry if I seem rude, or as though I'm not interested in what you're saying."

Zoey is sitting in the arbor beside Ian, her head on his shoulder, when Harlan walks over to talk to Reese. For whatever reason, she's watching the man as if waiting to see something. Sorrel's arrival, however, does serve to draw her attention.

Tabitha hastily adds, "I'm very interested in what you're saying." A nod at Gregori.

Reese seems a bit surprised when Harlan when heads in her direction. "Oh, were just talking about my lack of dancing skill, Duke Harlan." She murmurs, but adds a moment later. "I would be honored, if you will forgive me if I step on your feet." She adds and rises from the table, leaving her half finished mug of mead behind.

Jasher seems to be having a rum in the arbor. He's dressed in a shirt that's more militaristic than formal, black and hungry, vaguely shaped with traces of blue and red embroidery and the glints of silver buttons. A gold band glitters off his left upper arm. He lifts his glass at the new arrivals to the arbor, seemingly more interested in basking than offering specific greetings, a serpent lurking in the brush.

It was Constantine's turn for laughter, low and mild in its rumbling chuckle to whatever had been said. Again he extended his arm to spin the nightingale only this time it was only in part. At halfway through the circle his elbow dropped to instead entrap the woman in the curl of his arm and bring her back to his chest though their cadence of step continued to the music in the new positioning.

Lisebet is currently dancing, doing well enough. Her charming smile is currently concentrated on Lord Eddard, her dance partner, as he whirls her about the floor, the two easily moving to the music, and enjoying it. "But it is often fun to speculate," she suggests lightly. About poor dancing and foot stomping, of course.

Ingrid watches the dancing from her slightly empty perch, a slightly day-dreamy look on her face. She moves about for a moment, snagging a drink and some food before she settles down to people watch by the fire.

Gregori chuckles and looks almost relieved. "Oh thank the Gods. Im terrible at the large social gathering thing. Id prefer much prefer to be in a private place with a book and one good person for company." He says with a laugh. "Im intrigued by why you have to say as well. My cousin says I need to get out and meet more people." He says softly.

Harlan smiles warmly towards Reese, and offers his hand towards her, "It would be my honor, Princess." He nods politely to everyone else at the area (yes, everyone), with a polite smile, before moving to lead Reese towards the dance floor. "After all, dealing with Princess-feet is easier than many other things, I'd wager."

Harlan has joined the dance floor.

Ian also nods to Harlan when he comes over to the arbor, because he wasn't raised in a barn. Close, but it's not that bad.

Zoey seems to relax for whatever reason. She lets out a quiet breath and goes back to relaxing under Ian's arm.

Reese reaches out for Harlan's hand with her own glove covered one. The more aware would realize the glove is silky armor rather than purely decorative. She makes her way to the dance floor moving with nimble grace, but with a warrior's grace rather than a dancer's. "I guess there are worse thins out there than princess feet." She says in his direction, a touch of pink upon her cheeks.

Reese has left the secret arbor.

Reese has joined the dance floor.

Marian looks surprised at the Harlan's arrival to their table and their friend moving to the dance floor. She offers a dour, "Good luck there." And then continues to eat her meal.

Harlan checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 12 higher.

Gregori looks almost relieved, but Tabitha looks entirely relieved. Placing one flattened hand over her chest, she breaths in quickly, exhales, and smiles in gratitude. "Oh, I love being around people, but I think I'm terrible at conversation sometimes. But reading and chatting and lovely." Then a less nervous smile to the lord before she ads, "My cousins never say so, but I think they'd feel a little less worried about me if I ventured out of the manor more often." She gives a nod, "We should meet to talk at some point, talk over tea."

Reese checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 5 higher.

Gregori smiles and nods vehemently. "Yes that sounds amazing. A meet for tea and conversation sounds delightful. I too need to get out of my family home more." He says softly. "You...ummm...Well you look great." He says smiling. "What sort of things do you like to paint?"

Harlan is apparently prepared to have Princessfeet (tm) stomping all over him....and it simply doesn't happen. He grins down towards Reese, "Many worse things. King feet, for example." He keeps the dance steps more simple, making it easier for Reese to keep up as he says, "I do not speak to you often, Princess. Everything has been well, I hope? Other than...preparations, of course." He smiles, but obviously isn't planning on talking about war tonight.

Having had something to eat, Ingrid gets to her feet and walks towards the table where Sparte is seated. She nods to him and Rowenova, getsturing to the table. "May I sit with you two?" She asks with a shy smile, glancing briefly towards the dance floor.

Eddard hangs onto his dance partner for the moment, grasping her wrist as this song ends before another begins. Only to hold her in place before the song starts once more. "Well, lets keep together for a more difficult song, and I'll let you scuff my boots if it comes to it?"

The two swayed and whispered amongst one another, but eventually Constantine released Gianna by way of spinning her outward before drawing her back with a gentle tug so that they faced each other once again amidst their dance.

Dorren the curious retailed squirrel arrives, following Klaus.

Zoey nods at Ian, seeming a touch relieved. "Oh, I don't know," she says to Sorrel. "Nor do I particularly care. I'm just glad he's behaving tonight." And that seems to be all she'll say on the subject. "How have you been, Sorrel?" she asks, changing subjects.

Lisebet is in the middle of a low voiced conversation with her dance partner, as the dance allows. She is at least still going, and enjoying the music, the dance, and the conversation. As the one song ends, and Eddard asks for the next dance, her head tilts a bit, eyes twinkling. "I would enjoy a more difficult one, even if I trip over my own toes," she says, seemingly willing to be held for a second dance by the lord.

Sir Floppington pads along behind the wolf scout (Nova) as she zooms around to chat up Sparte and Ingrid for a few moments.

Reese doesn't show signs of being skilled in the art of dancing, but what she lacks in performance, she seems to up for in natural athletic grace, at least in part. Harlan's feet are safe, for the moment anyways. "Oh, I don't know about that." She says toward him. "My feet might be more dangerous, than my cousin's, maybe.' She says in Duke's direction. She nods in response to his words. "Things are okay, Duke Harlan. We don't speak often. I used to be close to Lord Killian and Lady Aislin." She says, sucks in a soft breath, but tries to push back her somber thoughts and gives him a half-smile. "But things are well. I am in my tower often on seawatch gate lately."

Sparte nods to Ingrid, giving her a small smile. "Ah, sure. Of course." Sparte glances around the room a moment before looking to Ingrid again. "Have... Have you seen a squirrel, by chance?"

Ingrid has left the table by the fire.

Ingrid has joined the table by the fountain.

Ingrid squints at Sparte for a moment, thinking he might be joking. He looks fairly serious so she shakes her head, automatically glancing around the room to see if she sees a squirrel. "Did you...misplace one?" She asks, a curious lift to her brows.

Marian finishes her meal and tells the group, "Well there, thank you for the company. It was nice to have company for a meal." She gives them a salute and then makes her way out. If she manages to catch Valencia's eye on the way out, she'll give a silent goodbye to the hostess too.

Marian is overheard praising Valencia: Great party!

Marian has left the secret arbor.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon, Ursa leave, following Marian.

Ian nods to Marian when she rises to go. "See you soon." And then it's back to the conversation at the arbor. Not that it looks riveting or anything, with half the people there sitting like either limps or stiff and formal lumps.

Sparte shakes his head to Ingrid. "No... I mean, I didn't." He glances around again with a mildly concerned expression.


Klaus is late, so very very late. He straightens up his clothing as he enters the Golden Heart's hidden garden. He feels the stares and does his best to not to blush. Funny enough, there is a squirrel, and she is sitting on Klaus' shoulder, head swirling about and looking this way and that as if searching for someone.

Rowenova slides closer to Ingrid and Sparte, still carrying her 'takeaway bowl' in her gloved hands. "Good to see you, too, Guardsman Sparte!" She holds her bowl in one hand and motions out to the table at large, "Of course, feel free. Mayhaps you could get the guardsman to dance with you." She nudges gently at him. "This is Sir Floppington, by the way!" she points to the hound before then also noting, "He is a very good boy indeed!"

"Oh, thank you." Tabitha smiles politely at Gregori, pleased enough in her awkward way. Apparently she feels more comfortable now. "Ah, I like to paint all sorts of things. Landscapes and still life, and recently I've added set design and prop painting for plays, which is terribly fun."

Eddard checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 53 higher.

Lisebet checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Gregori smiles and nods to her. "Thats amazing Im sure youre talented. Id love to see some of your work sometime." He says honestly. "I think perhaps we need to thank our mutual friend for shanhaing us into this." He says with a laugh. "If she hadnt kidnapped our hands we both probably would have just people watched." He teases.

Harlan smiles quietly and says, "That would explain why we didn't talk quite so much. Aislin and Killian were always out and about, while I was left to run everything." He chuckles, not really upset by this. "I lived on her stories and what she brought back. They both are quite irreplacable, I know." He spins Reese around and continues the dancing, keeping those spirits high as much as he can.

"I hope so, my dear Sir Enoch," Valencia smiles, slipping her small hand into his. "For I hope this will be the first of many dances I enjoy with you, sir," she returns, allowing the Knight of Grayson to escort her back the the dance floor.

Gianna considers something Constantine says, falling silent for a short time as they dance. Then the song is ending, and she murmurs something to him, her hands lighting on his chest for a moment.

Reese continues to dance, still not stepping on Harlan's toes and yet still not showing a great amount of skill. She seems shyer about dancing than the princess does when fighting. "Probably." She says in response to Harlan's first words, sounding thoughtful. She seems to be trying to keep her own spirits lifted and bites gently upon the swell of her lower lip as if trying to keep from saying something, maybe going into her memories of Aislin and Killian. "I keep items that remember me of them in my tower in the library." she says failing badly at her attempt. "I am glad you are here to continue the house and carry on, Duke Harlan." She adds a moment later.

Enoch happily leads Valencia to the dance floor. "That is also an earnest wish of mine." He smiles to the Princess, bowing to her like a gentleman before the dance begins. "I apologize if I accidentally step on your feet." he gives her a somewhat shy look.

Constantine smiled in a lopsided way, lingering close a beat to the Whisper before drawing back to take Gianna's hand in his. He dipped a bow, "Thank you for the dance. Lady Zoey urged me to bait you over to arbor if I could... would you care to join us for a few minutes?"

Lisebet and Eddard continue to dance, the steps coming fairly naturally to Lisebet, as she lets herself be led to and fro as the rules of the dance dictate. Some of the swirling skirt moves bring laughter still, her partner's attention making Lisebet's dancing look wonderful. Good thing she's had two good dance partners this evening.

Gianna's brows arch; she glances over at the arbour, then back at Constantine. "...Yes," she tells him. "For a few minutes, at least. Thank you." She takes his arm with a Whisper's ease and heads over that way with him.

Gianna has joined the secret arbor.

Valencialooks utterly delighted to be invited to dance by Enoch. She steps gracefully at his side, silk skirts swirling like fire around her and her large dark eyes glimming playfully. She returns his bow with a curtsy, the picture of practiced grace and hours of dance lessons with her cousins, and beams brightly as he sweeps her into his strong arms begin to move across smooth marble surface of the Hart's dance floor.

Constantine has left the dance floor.

Constantine has joined the secret arbor.

Enoch has joined the dance floor.

Valencia has joined the dance floor.

Harlan smiles towards Reese, and says, "Remembering them is a wonderful thing. I don't expect people shall forget them, but instead remember them fondly, and the things that they did for us." He shifts his hand to briefly tip Reese's chin up so he can smile down at her, "And we shouldn't be sad. We should celebrate the good that they did." He continues to dance with her, and laughs, "Well, it was rather my duty always to continue the house. I've just been....selective." Maybe too selective, but who knows!

Reese peeks over to Valencia as she joins the dance floor, giving her a gentle smile. She then turns her focus to Harlan, nodding in response to his words. "That is a point, remembering them is good. Sometimes I maybe remember them too much, but I guess one cannot help that." She adds in his direction. She continues to dance. She still hasn't stepped on his toes. "I think you are doing well. Ashford seems to be doing well." She adds.

Believe it or not, Enoch is not a bad dancer! He eventually even gives Valencia a light twirl! He seems to be remembering his lessons he had as a prince... "You are a wonderful dancer, Princess."


There is an exciteable twittering and then a streak of crimson which flashes from Klaus like a bow shot to then circle about Coraline's ankles, looking up at her and looks to be very animated, much like a "please save me" as Klaus goes almost stomping after her. "Not again you little shite! I swear I will cook you this time!"

A dark-eyed face peers around the edge of the arbor when she hears Klaus yelling obsenities. Curiosity, thy name is Zoey.

Zoey seems to settle back in just that little bit more at Ian's nod, though she -does- peek outside when there's shouting.

The little vixen looks more than pleasantly surprised and a little light laugh of joy bubbles from her lips as he spins her about. Cheeks flush as she catches Reese's smile and offers one in return before turning her attention back to her partner. "My dearest sir," she says with a little breath. "To be true, I think this is all you. I have not danced in...," she pauses to consider. "In forever, sir. Thank you," she smiles.

The rather boisterous yell of Klaus has the Hart's staff as well as the little southern princess turning to see what might be wrong and she offers a look of concern, "My lord? Are you alright?" Valencia asks, pausing in her dance in case aid might be needed.

Harlan chuckles towards Reese and says, "You cannot, and possibly shouldn't." He smiles and then says, "As far as the other, I thank you. My father taught me much, and I strive to learn from his examples, and remember that the people of Ashford are essential to everything we do. They are my foremost duty. I hold to my oaths, Limerace and Petrichor." He spins Reese once, and even adds a bit of a jump for her, should she be willing.

Cora had apparenlty been distracted but the small squirrel at her feet elicits a smile, which morphs into a grin at Klaus yelling, she offers a hand up to the little red critter, hand already going to her stash of squirrel treats. "Its ok Valencia, this is a friend, and her person yelling after. Don't mind him, he is all bark." she smiles sweetly to Klaus then warmly to Valencia.


Klaus pulls up as sees Valencia stop him. "I am late because that one..." He points towards Dorren who is standing behind Coraline as a shield. "Decided to chase some male squirrel all about Arx." Klaus looks at Dorren before smiling to Coraline. "Greetings Princess, I'm late, its your fault too, you encourage Dorren, admit it."

Enoch seems to just be //happy// as he dances with Valencia. But alas, all amazing things must come to an end eventually. With a smile on his face, he grins at her. "Neither have I...Thank you for that, Princess." he bows his head softly. "Perhaps we shall do it again sometime?"

This might just even be an Oathlanders dance, stately and simple and known to both them to settle into with ease. "What lord am I angering for keeping ahold of you on the dance floor tonight?" Eddard makes a grand show of gazing around the entirety of the event to find someone who might be glaring at him.

Reese has rolled a critical success!
Reese checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 115 higher.

Valencia draws back and curtsies low to the Knight. "When you return from battle, my Sir. I will expect you to invite me to dance again, and I shall be most happy to accept," she smiles up at him, her expression earnest and sweet. "Return safe to us, sir. You and all the go with you."

Lisebet also glances around the dance floor as Eddard does, a slight shrug. "I think for now, none," she says simply. "Though my lord, I do think two dances is perhaps enough. I am certain I could use something to drink." The last added as the song comes to an end.

Reese peeks over to Coraline and Klaus, but she doesn't seem worried after Cora explains. She turns her focus to Harlan, nodding in response to his words. "For all that I can see Ashford if thriving and such is very very nice to see." She says even as Harlan leads in a jump. Reese sure can jump and spin. She looks amazing athletic and nimble right now as she leaps on the dance floor.

"I wouldn't seek to keep you from such a thing." Lisebet and Eddard exit the dance floor and split apart, a bow sent her way before he needs a new target. Sparte? Rowenova? Ingrid? Ingrid. "Hello, you table sitters and non dancers. I'm here to steal one of you for a dance or three."

With a last smile to Gregori, Tabitha says, "Tea soon, then." Then there are more smiles and curtsies to everyone else, and a little wave. And then Tabitha is off!

Laudine, a stern middle-aged maidservant leaves, following Tabitha.

Touched by her words, Enoch nods softly to Valencia. "On my word and honor, I'll return to you, Princess. I owe you a dance after all...should I return without a scratch, and even if I return wounded, I will still like to dance the night away with you, Princess." his own features earnest and eager.


Coraline gets a little biit of a scowl at being called all bark. "For that, I shall replace all of your rum with brown nut ale." Then Klaus spies one of the many people spying upon them and his face breaks out into a smile. "Cousin Zoey! Is it you?"

Ingrid watches Eddard approach, as Rowenova says something quietly at the table. It makes her laugh and she gives Floppington one last ear scratch before she scoots off of her chair. She holds out a hand to Eddard and nods. "You can steal me for a tiny bit, it will keep Rowenova from pushing Sparte onto the dance floor by the edge of a weapon."

Zoey startles upright as she hears her name being yelled. Warm brown eyes land on Klaus, and she laughs, still tucked under Ian's arm. "Yes, Klaus, it's me," she calls. "If your friend can avoid climbing in my hair, you should come over and say hello."

Valencianods gracefully to the knight, accepting his vow with sweet grace. "I shall see you hold to promise, sir. I look forward to it," she smiles a little more and steps back to allow him to take his leave and see to business.

Reese is overheard praising Valencia: great event!

Reese is overheard praising Harlan: Running Ashford

Rowenova waves goodbye to Eddard and Ingrid with a grin before sitting down, rather than standing up.

Temporarily on her own, Lisebet makes her way to the bar, and gets herself something to drink. She sips her fruit punch of fun and watches the group of dancers now, quietly for a moment.

Harlan chuckles towards Reese as the music begins to end, "Well, I would think it is good." He grins at Reese and says, "You have been a quite lovely dance partner, Princess. It was my privlege to have you out here." He smiles and guides her towards the edge of the floor, should she wish.


Dorren is ignoring Klaus, having both nuts and berries to distract her as Coraline carries her away from the mean cruel solider. Klaus shakes his head and moves to join Zoey. "I think you are safe, unless you are hiding nuts or fruit in your hair. I would love to join you, cousin."

A hand to be taken! Ingrid's hand is taken up by Eddard's and she is pulled bodily from her chair, with his free hand settling between her shoulders. "I'll be back for you two. One at a time. I hope the man knows the Kennex Shuffle." Its not a thing. Eddard just made it up. And might actually have to make up the dance move later as well. "I'm Eddard Clement, Lord Eddard. You should know the man you dance with." Spoken to Ingrid, en route to the dance floor.

Klaus has joined the secret arbor.

With the bow of his head, Enoch takes his leave of the dancing area, instead looking to claim a seat at any random table. But mainly to enjoy a thing of whiskey.

Ingrid has left the table by the fountain.

Ingrid has joined the dance floor.

Valencia has left the dance floor.

Reese allows Harlan to guide her from the dance floor. Her cheeks are flushed and she seems to have enjoyed herself. "Thank you for asking me, Duke Harlan. That was more fun than I thought it would be." She says toward him.

"Good evening, Lord Eddard Clement, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Lady Ingrid Grimhall." Ingrid squares her shoulders, raising her chin as she moves with Eddard. "Just don't step on my toes and we'll be okay, yes?" She tilts her head towards Eddard, murmuring under her breath.

Constantine's gaze lifted from the table, something said caught his attention. Whether it was a real thing or not he lifted his glass to Eddard in cheers though soon was looking back to his tablemates as he was introduced.

Lisebet has left the dance floor.

At the arbor, Jasher rises to his feet, but instead of heading for the dance floor, he heads...the other way, deeper into the gardens, and away.

Jasher has left the secret arbor.

Eddard checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 57 higher.

Ingrid checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Valenciasmiles and drifts back to let her guests continue with their revelry. The drinks continue to flow and the table never seems to empty. Quietly, to observant eyes, baskets warm think towels and chests of food and drink follow Prince Jasher into the garden and beyond. The little vixen nods with approval. Guest in her Hart are always to receive the best of care. Turning back, she watches the dancers continue, quietly making her way to Coraline, Klaus and the lively redhead they are sitting with.

Cora smiles at Valencia as she settles nearby, "Zoey! Oh I am so sorry I have been kind of out of it today. How are you?" Klaus just gets a little grin.

Harlan smiles towards Reese and says, "Again, it was my pleasure. You can also thank Princess Valencia. It was her idea, although I most certainly did not mind." He escorts her back, before moving to get a drink himself.

Ingrid and Eddard slip onto the dance floor and Ingrid is pulled along into their midst with just the bit of zing that the young lord has in spades. "What'll it take to get the man at your table to dance? He seems like he needs it more."

Zoey peeks out of the arbor again as she hears her name. Again. "Oh. Hello, Princess Coraline. I'm quite well, and think nothing of it." She offers the other woman a smile, but doesn't keep projecting her voice. That would be impolite. And really loud for the people she's sitting with.

Ingrid moves with Eddard, laughing as the question is asked. She glances towards the fountain table, and Sparte, before she turns to answer the Clement Lord. "You might have to work hard to get him to dance with you, my Lord. He mentioned that he was trying to stay safe, and apparently that means he can't dance. He's dangerous in enclosed spaces or something."

Lisebet smiles as Harlan ends up near the bar, getting a drink as well. She raises her glass in a bit of a salute. A glance over to Valencia, and she says, "Is it time to consider that swim? I think perhaps I should make my way there, and see about eating something."


Klause looks out of the arbor again. "You have spoiled Dorren, you know this yes? Come join us Princess, I will say we are in agreement of one thing in the fact you have been missed."

Reese ohs softly and peeks over to Valencia, giving her another smile. She then goes to find her mead.

Sparte scratches at his left ear, glancing around for a moment as if he'd heard something. It gets shrugged off and he resumes his state of not-dancing.

"Dorren? That is her name," Valencia asks curiously looking down at the red squirrel, her brows lifting lightly. "Where ever did you find her?" she asks gently, looking up to return Reese's smile once more.

2 Nightgold guards arrives, following Lydia.

2 Nightgold guards have been dismissed.

Lisebet flashes a grin at Harlan, raises a hand and waves, and then makes her way further into the gardens.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard, Bigsby leave, following Lisebet.


Klaus smiles up to Valencia. "Yes, I started out with a list of namess and she settled on Dorren of all things. She saved me from a stray arrow when I was hunting, and has been with me every since.

"I don't think I could manage to pull that lovely specimen. He has good hews." Eddard speaks of Sparte as the two of them sojourn amidst the dancers. "It is a thorough pleasure to meet you though."

Lydia arrives a little late, and starts a meander through the hidden courtyard.

Sorrel has left the secret arbor.

Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards, Marquessa Pudding, a pudgy puppy, 2 Thrax Elite Guards leave, following Sorrel.

Ingrid sneaks a look at Sparte before she raises both eyebrows at Eddard. "I'm sure he would step all over your feet, and then you'd be crippled and without your wit. Where would you be then?" She inclines her head and smiles. "Likewise, my Lord. Very much so."

Rolling her eyes she says to Dorren, "You are adorable and don't listen to the grumpy grump pants." she grins at Valencia, "She and Glory, his horse, have extremely good taste." Nodding she begins to head towards where Klaus is sitting.

Coraline has left the table by the fire.

Coraline has joined the secret arbor.

Constantine quietly excuses himself not long behind Sorrel!

Constantine has left the secret arbor.

Gianna has left the secret arbor.

Reese takes a few sips of her mead. She has a warm smile for Valencia, Coraline, Sparte, Rowenova and Harlan. She then slips off, still all graceful in her movements.

Reese has left the dance floor.

As everyone starts to depart, Ian finishes his drink. "It's getting late." He nods to Zoey, then braces himself on the table and pushes to his feet with what looks like a little bit of effort.

"I should say they do. How do you do, sir. I'm the Princess Valencia. Welcome to my Hart," the little vixen offers to Klaus with a smile to Coraline. Another smile blossoms as Lydia arrives and she waves her over with a delicate hand. "My wonderful darling!" Valencia beams. "You must meet Lady Doreen. I believe you know the Princess Coraline And this... oh, your pardon, sir. I have yet to learn your name."

Zoey rises when Ian does, the mirror opposite of him. Where he is laboured in his movements, Zoey is fluid grace. She gives Coraline and Klaus a smile. "I'm sorry," she murmurs, "to slip out so soon after you've joined us. Lord Ian has just returned from a long journey, and I think we're going to go relax for a while. We'll have to meet up again later."


Klaus stands and inclines his head so in a polite and respectful in his baring and manner. "My apologies, my lady. I am Klaus Laruent."

Lydia approaches at Valencia's beckoning. "Of course, Princess." She curtsies adorably. "And Lady Doreen," she offers her hand and a charming smile. And she turns to the gentleman, "Lord Laurent, a pleasure to meet you."

Ian nods to various people and then heads out.

Cora nods to Zoey and Ian, "Of course, and no trouble at all but I will hold you to meeting up for drinks."

Zoey waves and departs with Ian.

Ian has left the secret arbor.

Zoey has left the secret arbor.

Octavian, a silken spaniel leaves, following Zoey.

Zoey leaves, following Ian.

Lydia watches Zoey and Ian go.

Looking over to Lydia, Cora sends a warm smile that direction, "I think we have met yes, but it has been a while I think. Please come join us." she grins at Valencia, "Lady Darren, good name."

Harlan has left the dance floor.

Relic leaves, following Harlan.

Relic arrives, following Harlan.

Due, a large hunting dog, Sir Peckingston the Third, a chestnut colored hawk arrive, following Elora.

Relic leaves, following Harlan.


Dorren preens and chitters at Coraline's shoulder and Klaus barely avoids rolling his eyes. "You are only feeding her ego more, you know this?" He says to Coraline, but his voice is mirthful and teasing. He turns next and bows towards Lydia next. "A pleasure to meet you as well, my Lady."

Valencia smile to Lydia and nudges her gently and tosses her head to indicate that the chittering squirrel is the Lady in questions. She smiles gently and turn to offer nod to Klaus, "I am very please to meet you, sir. I hope we will see more of in our Hart now that you have visited, yes?" she invites warmly.

Lydia seems pretty confused, yet plays right along. A curtsy too, then, for the Lady of the Acorns. "I don't see where it is in my job description to avoid spoiling all the creatures."

"Yep, what Lady Lydia said. Besides she is probably Lady Dorren and you just haven't afforded her her due." Cora notes to Klaus with a smirk.

Having taken a little time to refresh herself and get some air, Elora seems re-energized while she steps back out into the gardens. Most of the familiar faces have left by this time, her eyes scanning the crowd silently.


Klaus laughs and shakes his head. "I find myself with many females and just me, so Lady Dorren it shall be." Are there drinks about, he feels the sudden urge to drink.

Ingrid finishes her dance with Eddard, stepping away from him with a brief curtsy in his direction. "Thank you for the dance, it was illuminating." She starts to withdraw from the garden, stopping briefly to have a quiet word with the Princess Valencia before she does.

"Lady Ingrid." Cora calls out before waving her over and speaking softly to her. She then laughs at Klaus' words, "Good man."

Eddard bows deeply towards Ingrid as she 'abandons' him upon the dance floor. A glance about the assemblage before moving towards refreshment, and acquiring a cider to sip upon before heading to Valencia as well. "Invigorating. I had assumed nobles would sound all sedately."

white-tailed eagle, 2 House Riven Soldiers arrive, following Thesarin.

Ingrid has left the dance floor.

Leta, the student scholar leaves, following Ingrid.

Nova hugs Sparte and Flop noses him. They then steal away with food in the bowl.

Rowenova has left the table by the fountain.

Sir Floppington, the soulful hound leaves, following Rowenova.

"Only on Monday mornings at breakfast, my Lord Eddard," Valencia winks playfully up at him. "The rest of the time it depends on which part of my Hart you are visiting," she laughs softly. "I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. May I entice you to explore the rest of our gardens? I believe the Lady Lisebet and the others have found their way down to the pools. They are well worth seeing at night, sir."

Thesarin makes his way into the Hart, looking precisely like a shav out of the woods dresed up in a nobleman's clothing. He wears a sword at his hip, capped at the pommel with either an elaborate forgery or the tooth of an impossibly large wolf or bear; the skin at his wrists and neck are scarred and tattooed in a way that suggests more of both under the cloth. He scouts out for Valencia in the crowds, and gives her a low nod as he starts to approach.

Large dark eyes light up as the Count of Riven is spied and a beautiful smile blossoms. Valencia pardons herself to go and greet Thesarin with a warm incline of head and the offer of a delicate hand. "My dearest Count, welcome to my Hart. Please join us, yes?" she invites with a happy smile, a drink finding it's way to Thesarin's hand by way of a pretty green-eyed blonde serving girl. "I'm very glad you could join us," Valencia nods. "Do you know one and all here tonight?"

There's a little shift from Elora, moving out of the way as Thesarin enters and makes his way towards the Princess. "My Lord," she offers in greeting with a little curtsey before she starts to angle herself more towards the nearby pools. If nothing else, she can enjoy the beauty of the place. There's a sharp screech from above, a hawk circling above the woman. She looks up and holds her arm up. The chestnut, white-breasted bird swoops down, delicately settling its claws around her slender wrist. "I told you to wait outside," she murmurs, stroking his head as he squacks in protest to her words. She watches Valencia and Thesarin for now, otherwise quiet.

"I would certainly not be opposed to taking a quick swim. Dancing had worked up a bit of a sweat." Eddard turns at the thought voiced by that Princess, ready to make do on her offer soon.

"Ain't can say I do," Thesarin rumbles out with another nod toward Valencia. He takes a slow drink with a grunt toward the serving girl, and looks over the assembled. "But reckoned... could at least come by, show thanks. How now, Highness?" He offers another nod and a lift of his glass toward the rest of the guests.

Enoch has left the dance floor.

Demetria Arcuri arrives, delivering a message to Klaus before departing.

white-tailed eagle, 2 House Riven Soldiers leave, following Thesarin.

white-tailed eagle, 2 House Riven Soldiers arrive, following Thesarin.

Aubergine, the delectable pygmy goat kid, Arienne, the snarky d'Lire Steward arrive, following Lys.

Valencia smile and nods. "I think a swim might just the thing. Please, follow me," the little vixen invites, happy to take Eddard's arm and lead him to the stone pools.

Aubergine, the delectable pygmy goat kid have been dismissed.

Due, a large hunting dog, Sir Peckingston the Third, a chestnut colored hawk leave, following Elora.

Due, a large hunting dog, Sir Peckingston the Third, a chestnut colored hawk arrive, following Elora.

Eddard has left the dance floor.

Coraline has left the secret arbor.

Klaus has left the secret arbor.

Dorren the curious retailed squirrel leaves, following Klaus.

3 Thrax Guards, Freja the long suffering, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant, Behemo, a towering man with humble eyes, 2 Thrax Elite Guards, Klaus leave, following Coraline.

white-tailed eagle, 2 House Riven Soldiers leave, following Thesarin.

Arienne, the snarky d'Lire Steward leaves, following Lys.

1 Ulbran Thug, Eddard, Coraline, Thesarin, Lys leave, following Valencia.

Arienne, the snarky d'Lire Steward arrives, following Lys.

Due, a large hunting dog, Sir Peckingston the Third, a chestnut colored hawk arrive, following Elora.

Arienne, the snarky d'Lire Steward, Elora arrive, following Lys.


Klaus arrives with the Princess Coraline by his side. He smiles and looks towards her and leans in to whisper something into her ear before he looks about.

Jasher is sitting on one of the boulders around the large stone pool, half-turned to facilitate some form of communication between Lisebet and Harlan. The prince inclines his head briefly towards the Farshaw lady, a suit-yourself sort of gesture. He seems more interested in sitting and basking in the warmth of the boulder, seeped from the pool itself.

A red headed woman in ... very little clothing has just entered the Hidden Courtyard, and just followed along behind the procession as if she'd always been there. The aeterna she's wearing is definitely of a Lycene fashion. A belly shirt that's barely there, and a pair of flared dancer's pants. Tight around the hips, low slung, flared at the calves, gathered at the ankles. She makes little chiming and tinkling noises as she moves-- her pants strung with hundreds of tiny dragonfly shaped beads.

The party makes its way down the long stone steps from the courtyard to the gardens below. Down a network of lantern lit paths to the wilder part of the Heart of th Hart, picking their way toward the Hart's stone pools.

Thesarin makes his way down with the band into the pools of the Hart, following behind Valencia. Harlan gets a nod and a low grunt from the big Prodigal, before he steps back to take in the look of the pools.

Lisebet has a towel out, she's sitting on it, sharing with Harlan. Her slippers are to one side, and she's soaking her feet, but she hasn't changed to bathing attire. Yet. "I - " Her words stop at the sound of chiming and tinkling and the rest of the party coming along to the pools. That brings a rueful smile and then she shrugs a bit. "Seems we have started a trend."

Cora beside Klaus, follows the party to the pool ans smiles at Lisebet and Harlan, "Good evening."

Jasher lifts his head up and glances towards the approaching procession. He offers a polite nod, shifting slightly like a serpent disturbed.

Whoops, Cora waves to Jasher as well, way to be oblivious Cora.

Valencia smiles to those who have already found there way, chests of drinks and platters of food put out for those in need of sustenance. A wave of her hand marks the baskets of towels and another wave to a trunk of various new bathing shifts and a leave covered arbor who are feeling modest. "Please, be welcome," Valencia nods, offering a bright smile to Lys who appears from the darkness as if by magic. "Good evening," she beams. "Would you care to join us?" she invites.

Oh, look, there's Thesarin. Lys' steps change direction and she pads over in his direction. Her steps light and quick as she clearly attempts to sneak up on him. Only then Valencia is speaking to her before Lys can get all the way to her target. Still she's probably _far closer_ than the big warlord would want someone to be. Whoops. The mischievous redhead shoots Valencia a sheepish smile, "Hello!" And then Thesarin gets a bright, innocent smile. "Heeelloo there again, my lord."


Klaus inclines his head and gives a smile of greeting to Jasher, and the others present. He then moves off to the side with Coraline, as if he wanted to speak to ehr about something as they make their way towards the changing screens.

Thesarin turns toward Lys, lowering his head in her direction as she approaches. Possibly a good bit before she thought she'd be noticed. He gives a low grunt and a short nod toward the woman. "Lies." A look over at Valencia, and a short shake of his head. "How now?"

"Well, very well, my Lord, and thoroughly delighted that you are here. Thank you so much for coming," Valencia offers the large Prodigal noble. "It always makes me smile to see you in my Hart. And I know how busy you are, sir. But tell me true, how is it with you?"

Elora follows along after the small group that arrives at the stones. The woman walks slowly, a hawk perched on her arm. "Oh, it's still pretty crowded here, as well. My goodness." She gazes around, offering a lifted hand in greeting to those already here. "Yoru Highness, you really did choose an amazing place for the party. It's beautiful here," she murmurs to Valencia with a smile.

It's alright, he might know she's there, but that just makes the sneaky more fun. When he's looking at Valencia she takes another step toward him. Any time Thesarin looks away from her, Lys slips just a little bit closer. Her lips quirk upward at him, though she glances over toward the others. "Good evening." Her gaze flickers over Lisebet and Harlan, and briefly over Jasher. Her lips quirked up in amusement.

Thesarin is overheard praising Golden hart.

Eddard is overheard praising Golden hart: A wondrous event full of dancing and beauty and sadness

And being the modest sort, Cora does indeed use the screens and the shifts presented before waiting for Klaus to enter the pools together.

Lisebet rises to her feet, intending to actually get changed. She follows Coraline, since she is an Oathlander girl even if she does occasionally wear some Lycene fashions.

"The Princess' work, this place, Lady Elora. And a fine work it is." Thesarin gives a nod. He glances over at Lys, as the woman edges closer. He turns toward Valencia with a nod. "...told true? Sick to my heart of waiting. It's a foolish thing to wish for, a fight, and I know that well. But there it is." Another short shake of his head. "That besides... I'm well. The children are healthy. And coming to know it's near fifteen years since I came to the Compact."

Jasher watches Lisebet as she rises to leave, then his blue gaze quietly studies the procession that's greeted him. Whatever his thoughts were, he keeps them to himself as he observes.


Klaus is not so modest and leaves the screen nude. There is a very old yet stark, lengthy score upon his body. It starts at his right shoulder and goes the length of his torso towards his left hip. There are some other scars about his arm and legs but none like the one which seems to draw the eye as joins Coraline by her side once more.

Lys continues her slow inching into Thesarin's personal space. What is her goal? Who can say. Though she does shift a moment to smile in the direction of Elora, "Hello there. Did I hear your name is Elora? I'm Lys." A dip of her chin, "Lady Lies de Leer, voice of Afflua."

Valencia smiles to Elora, taking a moment to admire the beautiful bird of prey on her arm. A bright smile of sweet pride and a flush of cheek find her face at Thesarin's words. "I'm so very glad you find this so. But please, feel free to visit at anytime. My gardens, courtyard, arena... they are all here for you to enjoy. All in Arx are so very welcome. I hope you will join us more often," the little fox nods, happy to see so many getting into the spirit of things and changing (or not) into swimming attire.

An empathetic smile is given to Thesarin and she nods again, "The waiting is often the hardest part. The doing there is no time to think. Waiting means one's mind makes it's own mischief," Valencia muses and then smiles. "Has it really been so long, my Count? Time does fly, yes?"

A grin goes to Lys, "You probably don't remember me Lady Lys, do you?" Cora asks laughing. "We had the most memorable, to me anyway, spar." She smiles to Klaus, although there is a faint blush at the nudity she moves with him to the pools shoulder bumping him gently.

"I don't think anyone can blame you, my Lord," Elora offers in Thesarin's direction. "The anticipation of battle is no doubt a tax on your sanity. All of the soldiers have a certain edge to them now. A fear that blankets in the time of preparation. Like a bubble with no relief until the bubble pops." Or that's her thought on the matter. Elora offers her arm out towards Valencia with a smile. "This is Sir Peckingston the Third. He's very well behaved if you wish to stroke his head. Thank you for the offer. It's quite lovely here." A little curtsey of greeting is offered to Lys. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Lied de Leer. I am Lady Elora Whitehawk, Veterinarian and medic for the Iron Guard."

"That it does." Thesarin gives another shake of his head, and looks oer toward Klaus as he makes his way toward the pool. He seems to be looking at the scar, and gives the man a short nod. "Princess Coraline," he offers in his low rumble. (It's possible that this distraction has left Lys very free indeed for whatever mischief she's up to.)

Once changed, Lisebet returns, and makes her way into the water, though she leaves Coraline and Klaus some space. "Welcome to the pool party, everyone," she says merrily. Her gaze goes to the folks she doesn't know, and she smiles briefly. "The water is beautifully warm, I am discovering." A pause. "Oh. I am Lady Lisebet Farshaw. A pleasure to meet you all." She even manages to say that with aplomb, despite being in a swimming suit, and half in the water.

The little vixen nods and gently reaches out to stroke the feathers of the beautiful bird. "Good evening, Sir Peckinston. I am please to meet you. May I say you are a very handsome gentleman," Valencia smiles, glance happily to Elora and back. "Remarkable," she says breathlessly.

Lys is briefly distracted by two things 1) Klaus scar, her eyes shifting over it. She lifts a hand to call toward him, "Where did you get that, my lord?" But then also 2) Coraline. She shifts to the princess and studies her face a moment and then it dawns on her, "Oh!" She laughs a touch and says, "Didn't I lick you?" And then a grin is given toward Elora and she says, "Whitehawk! One of my favorite people is a Whitehawk." And then she's taking yet another step closer to poor Thesarin, only momentarily distracted from getting ALL the way into his personal space. Her goal seeming to be to get right up on him and lean against him.

"Yes, yes you did." Cora nods laughing, "You almost won that spar for that alone. Learned never to trust my opponent won't turn the tables on me from you, how ya been?" She settles into the water with a sigh and Thesarin gets a smile, "Thesarin, wonderful to see you! It has been a while for you as well.!"


Klaus puts a hand down to his scar as he holds his hand out towards Coraline to let her take if she wishes to get into the water. He turns towards Lys. "I was foolish during an engagement with a Shav who was far more skilled at mounted combat than myself. It was a harsh lesson to learn, but at least I survived the lesson. Not many did." At the introduction of Thesarin, Klaus inclines his head respectfully towards him in greeting.

Cora does take that offered hand indeed.

"Most of my favorite people are Whitehawks," Elora offers with a little chuckle and a playful wink in Lys' direction. "My family is the best. But I am, of course, quite biased about such things." As Valencia pets Sit Peckingston's head, the hawk presses his feathers into her hand, a glutton for attention. "Very good," she murmurs to the bird in praise. His eyes shift to her for a moment, seeming to understand the praise, feathers puffing up proudly. "He is quite remarkable," she agrees.

Thesarin grunts and nods toward Klaus, and looks back toward Valencia. "Even so. Today I'm with fine company, and when I'm done, I'll be back in my rich home and stone walls. Wishing to be fighting in whatever weathers is damned foolish. Better to take this while it lasts." He gives another nod, standing still and straight, and letting Lys... get to her business.

Jasher remains sitting on the boulder, watching. His eyes pause upon Klaus for a moment, but they pass by quickly enough. He gives the people in the pool that same amount of attention, as distant and still as the rock he's perched on, a black thing against the waning greenery.

Valencia looks a little confused by Lys' game and she cants her head to consider it before turning to nod to Thesarin. "The time to fight will come soon enough. Tonight, let's fill with beautiful memories and fullness of heart," she offers with a little smile. Large dark eye turn to the Prince Of Thrax and she offers him a gentle smile. "Would you care for more to drink, my Prince? Anything you need, please ask, yes?" she offers earnestly.

Lys gives a small laugh and she says, "Kenna is such an amazing person. I adore her. She's such a ray of sunshine, though I haven't spoken to her for a while." A soft sigh is given. "I'll need to invite her for tea sometime! Perhaps you'd like to join us?" But she's still scooting closer to Thesarin, until she's leaning up against him. Like an affectionate cat that has picked out the dog-lover in the room. Her eyes flicker back to Klaus and she asks, "Aah, did it hurt much, my lord?" Her eyebrows lift upward.

Lisebet shakes her head, as she wades into the water, glancing at that scar as well, but only briefly. Her gaze goes to Valencia and Thesarin, with a bit of curiosity. "I wonder if it is worse for those who have done this before, or for those who find themselves helping - fighting - for the first time," she offers softly.

"I don't think it gets easier, be it your first time or you hundredth. But you cope better the longer you do it." Cora answers Lisebet. "Besides a party like this is a huge morale boost."


Klaus settles in the water, close to Coraline but not quite invading her personal space. He put a hand up to the scar for a moment. "Oh it was pain like I cannot describe. It was only due to the skill and abilities of the healers we have in the Compact I am alive. As of now, it does not hurt at all."

Jasher looks towards Valencia. He offers an incline of his head the vixen's way. "No drinks for me, for now," he replies. "I will keep your offer in mind."

The little vixen smiles to Coraline. "I'm glad you feel so, highness. I should wish all those who go to the front to be lifted so. It is a brave and noble thing they do," Valencia smiles gently as she takes up a pair of bottles and sees that everyone's glasses are full once more. "But I agree. I think only a fool walks easy into such battles. And our finest are not fools, to be true," she says quietly. "But they are among the bravest of the brave. Both those that fight and those that aid them," she says, pausing to nod her reply to Jasher

"Reckon it gets easier..." Thesarin trails off as Lys curls up against him. He's silent a moment, gives her a slightly confused sort of look. But he doesn't pull away or push her off. He looks over toward Lisebet, and gives another low grunt. "...the first time I saw a battle, I froze. Ain't could do more than stare. These days... things are otherwise." Quiet again, and the Prodigal looks back over toward Lys.

Lisebet nods to Coraline. "That makes sense," she says slowly. "Thanks for that thought. It's helpful." She shrugs a bit, and says, "I've only seen sparring matches, and I am quite certain those are not the same." And she didn't say she took part in them either, just that she saw them.

If she could purr Lys would be purring. She's quite happy where she is, curled up against Thesarin's side. She is, in fact, humming just a touch. Her gaze flicking between people as they talk though she lapses into silence.

Lisebet has joined the large stone pool.

Jasher is sitting on one of the boulders near the pool, evidently basking in the heat it brings as he watches the others speak. The man's dressed in a simple formal throat-high tunic, black with contours of blue embroidery, highlighted with silver buttons. The similar darkness of the rest of his attire ensures there isn't an inch of exposed skin below throat level. He lifts his chin as another person enters, and offers a nod towards Domonico.

"In a way it gets easier, different things do. Don't worry Lisebet, just keep your head down you will be fine. And no, it isn't the same." Cora notes dryly, she nods to Thesarin and Valencia's words.

Domonico enters the area and pauses for a moment as he sweeps his gaze around, as if he was search the horizon, noting people that he recognises. Then he spies the Thraxian Prince's nod and there is beat before the Malvici nods back once.

Jasher's lips pull straight in the shadow of a smile, something that lights those blue eyes a little. "Good talk," he utters towards the Malvici commodore.

There is another slight pause before Domonico's lip curls slightly up and he responds with a simple. "Indeed."

Thesarin edges slightly away from Lys, and starts to pull off his tunic, with no shame in any way evident. For all he's on the far side of forty, his exposed torso is all ropy muscle, every square inch covered with coppery-brown tattoos etched in curves and circles and points, and in scar tissue over most of his frame. He pulls off his belt and sword, sets it down on top of his tunic, and starts in toward the water.

Lys checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

There's a smile and a nod of her head. "Thanks," she says, leaving the topic there. She is now mostly wet, and enjoying the swim.

Lisebet that is

Jasher seems satisfied at that before resuming his quiet vigil of the people around him, within or without the pool.

Lys does _not_ fall over when Thesarin edges away, but she does look exactly like a displeased cat at having her warm resting place taken away. She flashes Thesarin an indignant look, though it transforms into a lascivious leer when the older count starts to undress (rude Lys!). A small yawn is given and she asks of no one in particular, "Are we going into the pool?"

"Good evening, my lord. Welcome to my Hart," the little vixen offers to Domonico as he arrives. "Won't you join us?" Valencia invites, pausing to see that the Hart's latest arrival has a proper drink and is show where the food is, and any towels or swimming wear if he need such. She excuses herself with a shy smile. Now that her guests well cared for, she drifts towards the arbor to change into a light silk shift that falls gracefully to mid-thigh. Padding on small bare feet she takes the lead of the others and slips into the warm soothing waters with a happy sigh, settling down on a comfortable rock ledge. A little smile kisses her lips and she takes a sip of wine.


Klaus leans in towards Coraline and whispers to her before leaning back a bit, relaxing as if he needed the hot water. Judging by the fresh bruising about him, it looks like the man had been training hard. "I see Dorren is hidiing away rather than joining us."

Cora has been leaaaning against Klaus for a few minutes now and shakes herself suddenly, "Ok I am about to be undignified and fall asleep in the bath. She chuckles, "I don't think her fond of water." she hugs the man then gets out of the water and goes to change. It is a quick affair and Cora smiles at everyone. "I am afraid I must go sleep. Thank you so much for this party Valencia."

"Can if you like, Lies." Thesarin finishes disrobing, and the tattooed, scarred-up man slides into the water. He takes a deep, long breath of air, giving a nod toward Coraline as the Princess starts to make her exit.

Somewhere along the line, while everyone is focused on the water, Elora somehow manages to sneak out of the area with her hawk in tow. Chances are that the woman probably needed to recharge again.

"Thank you so much for joining us, my sweetest Princess Coraline. It was so wonderful to have you join us," Valencia smiles to the Princess of Thrax. "You will visit again soon. As will your charming company," she says smiling to Klaus

Lys pads her way over to the edge of the pool, slipping off her slippers. "Alas." She says blandly, "I have no swimwear to change into it." Though she's quite happily eyeing over Thesarin until he gets into the pool, and she glances over her shoulder looking, "Huh, where's that Whitehawk go?"

Lisebet raises a hand to wave to the departing folks. "Nice to meet you, Lady Elora," she calls out. "And see you next time, Princess." That to Coraline, of course. Lisebet, already in the water, is quite enjoying padding around a little bit, mostly quietly.

Domonico thanks Valencia for the invite, before he begins removing his sculpted leather armour, revealing his firm, well muscled body, obviously due to constant training. Soon the Malvici commodore is completely and shamelessly naked before he wades into the warm water, sighing happily as he does so.

It must be all the muscles that chase Lisebet out of the pool. Yes, that must be it. She heads to grab her towel, and then to get back into her dress, before she comes back out. "Princess Valencia, thank you for hosting this. It was really a wonderful idea."

Domonico has joined the large stone pool.

Valencia smiles to Domonico as he accepts the offer, but gently averts her eyes as be begins ot change. Lisebet is offered a warm smile "Thank you for helping me decide to this, my darling Lady. I think you and I should plan something for when this horrible business is doen, yes? Let us talk. But for now, sweetest of dreams."

Thesarin relaxes in the pool, face up, eyes closed, soaking in the warm water, a big mass of ink and muscle and scar tissue. Contented. He opens one eye and looks toward Lisebet with a nod. "...when it comes to. Stick to your crew. Stick to your chief. Aught more, leave to the singers. They mostly make it all up."

Lisebet gives Thesarin a glance, looks wry for a moment, and then inclines her head. "Thank you," she says. "That's good advice." To Valencia, she says, "We should, and we will, I am certain. To you all as well. Sleep well, when you get there. Sweet dreams, and I look forward to speaking with you all again soon." With that, she slips out.

Lisebet picks up an aeterna bath towel with a black and yellow patterned trim.

Lys makes her way along the edge of the pool, edging over to where Thesarin is and settles down on the edge of the pool. She leans down and undoes the buttons at the ankles of her pants, and rolls them up to her knees so she can tip her feet into the water. Mmm. She flickers her eyes over the others, briefly leering in Domonico's direction. No demure, shy glances away. No averting her eyes for the daring redhead.

Valencia smile to Lys as she joins them at poolside. She watches Lisebet begin to retreat down the lantern lit pathway to the main path. Dark eyes move to Thesarin once more, the black ink upon his skin given closer study. "If it pleases, my Count, the marks. Do they have meaning? They are beautiful," she offers earnestly.

Lisebet has left the large stone pool.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard, Bigsby leave, following Lisebet.

Domonico briefly nods to the departing people before he scoops some water and pours it over his head, eyes closed as he relishes the warm water over him. He gives Thesarin a quick, appraising glance before his eyes sweep around focusing on Lys as she boldly looks it him. There is a moment as he just stands there, looking back before he nods, "Lady Truth."

Thesarin has joined the large stone pool.

Valencia has joined the large stone pool.

Lys has joined the large stone pool.

Thesarin dips his head unde the water for a moment, coming back up, hair soaked, to look at Valencia. He's quiet, and when he speaks, it's barely more than a whisper. "...my whole life, more or less, writ out in Marks. To those can read 'em. Might be there's fewer each winter." Quiet again, and a vague, half-smile toward the Princess. "...thak you, Highness."

Jasher slips off the boulder and offers one last nod before heading towards the greenery, probably to remove himself before someone gets ideas involving water and himself. He does wave down a member of staff to offer him something to drink, though, as he lounges by one of the larger trees.

Jasher has left the large stone pool.

Jasher has joined the shady tree.

"Lord Malvici." says Lys to Domonico when he speaks to her, though her attention shifts back toward Thesarin. Only to be snagged away when a messenger arrives for her-- her attendant slipping forward to hold it out to her. Her eyes roll at it and she waves her hand, getting a quill and paper to respond to the messenger. A glance is given toward Thesarin and she wonders, "Would you be willing to teach the language the marks are in?"

A little nod is given to Jasher as he gives him a little more space between himself and the waters. The little vixen smiles at that and turns her gaze to Thesarin's marks as if to read him like a glorious tapestry. "How does one read them? Can you teach me?" she asks glancing up once more. "We do not have such things in Lycene," she muses with a little look to Domonico and Lys then back.

Domonico shifts his gaze from Lys to his retreating friend, making sure the Thraxian is okay before his attention focuses on Thesarin's markings, "What is considered noteworthy to place on your skin?"

"...I could give it a go," Thesarin rumbles out toward Lys and Valencia with a short nod. He looks toward Dominico, and he's quiet, a moment, glancing down at his chest. "...got my first Marks at fourteen winters, marking me into the tribe. Not long after that, my first battle. Stood the line against the White Howlers." Quiet again, and he starts to pull himself up, giving another low grunt. "...writ in famines and chaos took through. The breaking of my people and my coming to the Compact. My children." At that he reaches one finger to touch a set of circles, just at his chest. "...and battles. Dead foes, known names, in another world and another time. Too many fucking battles."

Jasher nods as a glass is offered, and he simply holds it as he watches the sky through the fronds. Or he listens. Or both.

Lys picks her feet up out of the pool when another missive comes for her. She unrolls her pants, and fastens the ankles once more. She slips into her slippers and she says, "I'd like that, sometime, my lord. But for now I must be off." She heads for the doors.

Valencia smiles to Lys as the woman seems to have also have an interest in learning more. Domoninco's question seeming to catch her attention. She turns back to Thesarin and listens quietly, her dark eyes tracing the marks as they are explained. "Are all the marks the same among your people. Your children, and marking you into the tribe? The battles and the enemies you have faced and foes long gone?" she asks leaning forward a little her head canted gently.

Domonico hmms as he muses the answers given, his serious face absorbing the information. "Interesting. What happens when you are gone? What happens to your... story and deeds?" Lys announcement of her leaving causes him to straighten up and give a half bow, "Lady Truth. It was a pleasure."

"...they were,

"...they were, Princess. We carried... the lessons. And our deeds. Added winter by winter." Thesarin looks toward Lys as she starts to stand and step away, and gives her a low grunt. "Have a care, girl." And he looks toward Dominico, giving a slow shrug of his shoulders. "...them who knew carry it on, and take it with 'em to the mud. Folk sing songs, if it's worth singing of, 'til there's another hero to sing and give their name my deeds. Same as here, for the most."

Lys has left the large stone pool.

Arienne, the snarky d'Lire Steward leaves, following Lys.

"And so you will never forget your deeds, they travel with you," Valencia says softly, intrigued. Turning to silently thank and bid Lys farewell before returning to the conversation. "And do you add to them still?" she asks softly.

"Your children I can see, but the other marks? Battles to come," she adds.

Domonico strokes his chin as he watches Lys leave before his attention comes back to Thesarin, "Hmmm what if one is defaced by injury? Do you re mark it?"

"Got the Siege of Arx here. The fight at Stormwall, clashes in the Forests, the beast of the Lowers. And I live, I'll have the Lodge marked as well. There's a few of the Peerage who'll grumble, but I'll let 'em at it." Thesarin nods again, and looks toward Dominico with a slightly amused grunt. "...nah. Might be I should, but being honest, a Mark hurts enough to place once. Don't need to keep at it." He's quiet again, sinks back under the water, and bobs back up to the top. "

Valenica looks impressed and seems to have lost her manners actively studying Thesarin now, thoroughly intrigued. "I... it is. I wish my peoples did such things. They feel magical in a way. Will your children wear such marks, too?" she asks blinking as Thesarin dips below the surface of the water. Suddenly manners are remembered and her cheeks flush once more, her large dark eyes now kept more gently to the features of the Count of Riven's face.

Domonico has been actively studying Thesarin's body as well, eyes flicking over the marks covering the muscled man. "Hmmm," is all he says to the response to his question before he thinks, "Forgive ny rudeness at not introducing myself, "Lord Domonico Malvici, Commodore."

As the others talk, Jasher savours his round of rum, silent as he listens.

"Count Thesarin Riven," he rumbles out with a low nod. "War Chief to the Twainfort. Well met." He looks to Valencia, then, with a hint of a smile. "...and that'll be their choice, I reckon. Same with all of 'em I brought to this place." He's quiet again, a moment, and he begins to pull himself from the water and out of the edge of the pool.

She considers that and smiles back, dark eyes politely lowering as Thesarin rises and settles on the side of the pool. "I think if my heritage were of such, I would wear such marks proudly," she decides with a little smile. "If women are permitted such things," she offers with a little look to Thesarin for guidance on the matter. The little vixen settles back in the warm water, the silk of her swimming shift drifting. What skin that does show is very much without mark or blemish. "What about you, Lord Domonico? Prince Jasher? Do you have such marks that hold such history as men of action and the sea?"

Jasher looks up as his attention's called to. He regards the pool where the others are--and Thesarin, climbing out. "In the library," he replies, and takes a sip of rum.

Domonico's follow Thesarin out of the water before his eyes flick back to Valencia, his gaze sweeps over her form carefully before Jasher comments and he nods in agreement, "Yes. In the library. Books hold the tales of the past for a long time." He looks down as own body and hmmms, "I remember what I can and note down the rest. I'm not sure the markd are for me." His eyes flick to Valencia again, "It would be a shame covering your skin up My Lady."

"And how many books you reckon the Archives hold, that ain't been opened in a hundred years and more?"

"And how many books you reckon the Archives hold, that ain't been opened in a hundred years and more?" Thesarin steps toward one of the offered towels, and starts to dry himself off. "How many statues in Triumph Plaza, and the Hall, that no one living can give a name? The world moves, and the past gets left behind." The Prodigal offers Valencia a faint smile. "Kind of you to say, Highness. And my thanks for hosting tonight."

Valencia looks thoughtful at the opinions being shares, breaking from her thoughts as Thesarin makes his farewells. "And my thanks for attending and for all that you do, my lord," Valencia returns with a smile. "Come find me again if you can before you leave, yes? I would learn more if you would share it, yes?" she invites, offering him a delicate hand in farewell.

"The past finds its way back," Jasher says, looking at his glass. "As long as it is there, it will be found."

Domonico doesn't answer Thesarin's response as Prince Jasher's has done it for him. "I concur with Prince Jasher," he says quietly before offering Thesarin a nod of farewell. "Lord Thesarin. It has been educational." He rests back against the edge of the pool, strong arms resting out of the water.

Thesarin has left the large stone pool.

Valencia sits quietly a moment and considers all that was shared tonight, a small kiss of a smile upon her lips. "I am so very grateful for tonight. To everyone who came. To those we honoured tonight and those who came to support. I feel so very lucky to know you all," the little dark eyed vixen affirms. "I cannot wait till this is over and everyone is home safe. I cannot wait to have a celebration of homecoming."

~O~