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

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly, 1 Bisland pride guards arrive, following Delilah.

Servants mingle here and there, tending to the plates and platters of food and holding trays of more finger foods, clearly expecting a crowd. Sabella is here, smile a little more subdued than usual, but still warm for those arriving. In her arms is a little bundle of a baby maybe two months old who is sleeping soundly wrapped in a blanket of silks and lace, "Please, come in and help yourselves to anything you'd like to eat or drink. If you see something we're missing just let me know!"

Gianna sweeps in, chin tilted up, shrugging out of her massive fur-adorned cloak. Winter is here, and staying warm is a priority. She's brushed most of the snow off outside, but there's still going to be little beads of water drying. "Princess Sabella," she greets the woman with the tiny baby. She eyes Relara and eases away, just in case someone expects her to hold the baby. His gown is new. No babies allowed near it.

Lailah arrives, following Michael.

Maddox steps over to bow to Sabella, "Good evening, Its good to see you. The Hall looks amazing." he compliments her briefly, but not wanting to hold up the entry's he moves on, with the brief greeting.

Over-sized men's boots carry a sound far heavier than Princess Macda's frame would in arriving otherwise. The snow melts from her continuously as she brushes a small dusting of snow from her hair that hadn't been finger-combed out before. Her well-practiced smile is at home with others as she greets Princess Sabella and Maddox among the first she passes entering.

Alaric is doing his usual bit of mingling and greeting as everyone files in, although there aren't a whole lot of specifics attached to the process due to his player still being mostly idle at work making lasagna. It's fair to say some time management mistakes were made.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense arrives, following Niklas.

Calarian arrives a scarce minute before the dinner is scheduled to begin, navigating the Grayson halls with familiar ease. He arrives alongside Dominique, a hand touching the small of her back, and navigates through the doors and into the dining room at Sabella's welcome. Inclining his head to the Grayson, he says, with a glance for the baby, "Your Highness, we are delighted to attend." As soon as the greeting has been given he sees fit to abandon the other Wyrmguard, taking a few steps away and offering a deferential bow to Alaric before descending upon a nearby servant, and their tray, with a long-legged stride.

The Bisland siblings, Lady Lailah Bisland and Lord Michael Bisland arrive together. Lailah's hand tucked around Michael's elbow. Who has decided to wear diamondplate armor? Perhaps to defend against anyone trying to get him to dance. Those boots will hurt to get stomped on with. Lailah is better dressed than he, in a silvery silk gown and many fine things.

They are late though. Who will be blamed for such a social faux pas?

Dominique does not have a baby, nor does she look pregnant, nor does she look particularly glowing or anything of the sort. Her fingertips rest lightly on Calarian's arm as they step into the Grayson's dining room together, a hint of unsurety in the lines of the Marquessa's features for attending another fealty's dinner for their family and vassals, perhaps. She does not have much practice to her smile that she offers to Sabella, greeting only after Calarian, "We just returned from Wyrmrest in time--." She pauses as Calarian abandons her, sliding a look to her husband, before looking to Sabella. She gestures to the baby, "May I? She looks precious."

Maddox moves off out of the direct greeting line, and when he spots Macda arriving he offers an arm to her "Princess Macda.. its a pleasure to see you here. I do hope that you are doing well?" he inquires. "Have your rooms been coming along?"

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly have been dismissed.

1 Bisland pride guards have been dismissed.

Tikva arrives at a leisurely stroll, shrugging out of her greatcoat and shaking off some last remnant of the snow from her trek here. She hands off the coat to a servant and blocks a yawn with her fist. She looks a little wan and pale but cheerful, and definitely no longer pregnant, so there's that.

Gianna greets the king in a not particularly noteworthy way, because lasagna. She hands her cloak off to a servant, who hurries off with it. Macda is a familiar face from the Bard's College, and she inclines her head to the Princess. "Princess Macda, hello." She accepts a glass of wine from some other passing servant. They are so attentive.

"Of course," Sabella says to Dominique with a smile, very carefully passing the baby over with the standard warning to watch her head, "And thank you. She is a bit less adorable when wailing in the middle of the night, but then there's moments like this when she is just too perfect! This is Princess Relara, for those that haven't met her," and even though her eyes are a bit red from a day of mourning, she beams with pride. "I'm glad you were able to make it." When Michael and Lailah arrive she gives their outfits an impressed look, "I would've been happy had you shown up in a sackcloth, Michael, and now look how fashionable you are. Your influence?" she asks Lailah with a smile.

Ophelia Velenosa makes her way into the dining hall dressed in her leathers, her blonde hair done up into a braided chignon. She is free of snow and her boots are clean, which means she's probably been inside the Estate a lot longer than expected. Dark eyes do a quick sweep for a certain Luca Brother and when there isn't a confirmed sighting, she makes her way over to the grand table to claim a seat. But, not before giving a respectful curtsy to the king with a wave of her hand.

Turning to Maddox with an instant nod, "Coming along." Then Macda continues idly, "Out at practice, as usual."

The arrival of Tikva distacts the princess and she waves at her hero. Always looking unaccustomed to court, she tries to fluidly move from one conversation to the next.

Gianna's voice causes the short princess to pivot and step to her. "Oh, oh. Good to see you. Have you tried anything yet? I'm so thirsty."

Dominique is certainly not practiced with holding babies (they do not have quite the plethera of them in Wyrmguard as there are in Grayson), but at least she does not drop it as she awkwardly attempts to watch how she is supporting the little princess's neck. "A very pretty name," she offers to Sabella. "I hope that Cal does not try to convince me to try to figure out some variation of Alarice to name our children that isn't already taken. But then, it won't be a Grayson child, so hopefully that will help." She stands very carefully with the baby, not moving, but with a bit of a smile down at the tiny thing.

"Oh, heck, should I have brought the littles?" Tikva lifts a hand to her chest, absently checking to see if her tunic has any embarrassing milk splotches (not yet). "Lara's sleeping at present but the boys were playing nicely and not at all hitting each other with blocks when I left the nursery." Raking her hand back through the bright fluff of her hair, she adds, "Well, whatever. I have children! They exist!"

The servant finds a substantial amount of their platter relieved of food by Calarian in rather quick form, though years of training shine through in the mannered fashion of his plunder. Holding a last pair of morsels in one hand, he steps back to begin winding over toward Dominique and Sabella but encounters Tikva along the way. He pauses, offering a bright smile. Whatever greeting he might have intended is halted by the mention of children and reaches up with his unoccupied hand to thumb at an ear. "Kind of you to write me about the dinner, and good to see you again. I trust none should begrudge your leaving them behind." His eyes flick to Dominique again, examining the child in her arms from afar.

Lailah arrives with her brother, she remains mostly quiet though she makes sure everyone sees that she's there. She doesn't look happy, and sticks near Michael for the time being. She shakes her head at Sabella's question. "My brother insisted I come and put on something that looked good."

Gianna raises her wine glass in Macda's direction. "Just the wine. I am eyeing some of that roast beef, however." The Nightingale tilts her head thataway and moves off to acquire a plate and some of said roast beast; she's not turning her back on Macda, and the option of conversation is still there. Gianna inclines her head to Tikva as some juicy meat is heaped onto her plate.

Late and harried, Prince Niklas Grayson finally arrives having the sort of bickering session with his sour faced assistant that one might expect from siblings. "...never want to hear about that damned bear or that damned carriage ever again. Until he can train the thing to ride a horse, I'm done." Niklas pauses, looks over the room and offers everyone a genial wave before he heads over to give his wife a kiss on the cheek, hand resting for a moment on her shoulder before he offers up more individual, "Good evening, Lady Delilah, Lady Lailah, Lord Michael. Princess Macda, Prince Calarian, Princess Tikva, your majesty, Nightingale." In order of importance, right?

Michael pulls Lailah along through the line to go see this lovely little baby. "All babies are cute, I'm told." Nobody heard that right? "Princess Sabella." Working up to most important, obviously Niklas. A dipped bow, shoulder forward to Sabella in clanking diamondplate. "I figured if Lailah came out I had to look decent, right?"

"That is why we have servants." Tikva chooses to assault Calarian by tackling him in a hug -- it's a quick one, and not anything that ought to bear him off his feet, but definitely one that brooks no dodge or delay. "I am so glad that you and the Marquesa decided to attend. I was afraid you would both turn into strangers." Dropping back onto her flat heels, she adds, "I think I just heard Niklas say something about a bear but I am going to choose to genteelly ignore it until there's a bear attack."

Maddox nods to the Princess Macda, he offers "quite a crowd" he commends. "I have met precious few of the nobles here, as yet." then his gaze returns to Princess Macda and offers "perhaps you can introduce me around?" he requests.

Dominique is more than happy to hand off the baby as soon as Michael comes to look at it. She doesn't even warn him to support the head. Hopefully he knows to do that, or Sabella gets to him.

Giuseppe Gallo of Lenosia arrives, following Luca.

Michael checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

For her part Relara plays the part of the best kind of baby, one who is sleeping soundly despite being jostled from person to person. Sabella might look a tiny bit nervous to have Dominique holding her, but Niklas' arrival is distracting enough that she gives a genuine smile, "I only brought her so that introductions could be made," she assures Tikva, "It's back to bed for her when everyone's had their fill. Or if she wakes up."

Eyeing Niklas, Princess Macda directs a smiling nod in reception of his greeting, her fondness of he and his wife evident.

Head nodding to Gianna, "Oh which is-" she starts and inspects the Nightingale's glass for which wine she should hunt down. With Maddox trailing behind her, she offers the young man, "Oh, and a Lord Maddox Deepwood, recent arrival." She shamefully trudges away in her boots for a servant to request wine. Princess Liara, Macda is not.

Michael is ready! Well. Not Ready, but capable enough to receive said Royal Baby and laid it over the length of a gauntlet. Perhaps the child's first introduction to armor. Wide eyes glance around, looking for someone, anyone to save this poor fellow. "Lailah, would you like to hold her?" Pretty please, please please.

Apt combatant that he is, Calarian's surprise is feigned and his reception of the hug purely voluntary. Uttering a soft grunt in surprise, he gives Tikva a light squeeze before she drops back down. "Me, turn into a stranger?" he asks. "You wound me. I'm glad for any opportunity to bridge families. I hope when Dominique has a fine Aloric or Alorice --" his voice lifts a hair to better carry the names "--they will have warm ties both within Grayson and elsewhere. Are you faring well? Congratulations, by the way."

Gianna raises her glass in Niklas' direction, inclining her head to him in greeting. "I'm afraid I don't know which kind it is," she tells Macda. "But that servant over there gave it to me." She surreptitiously points the woman out. Maddox is nodded to. "Lord Maddox, well met. I'm Nightingale Gianna Whisper, head of the Bard's College."

"Niklas! You really /are/ pulling off that blade in lovely style," Tikva calls approvingly, or maybe hoots. If one can hoot a whole sentence. Just loud and screechy enough to make Calarian embarrassed to be standing near her. She turns her crooked smile back to Calarian, and says, "I'm recovering well, if a bit sore yet. And I never want to see another apple tart. Lara's my first one to come out without hair, too, which I'm pretty sure-- well, I'm sure the hair will eventually turn up." Her nose scrunches a little at its bridge. "I'll introduce everyone to her at the next one, probably," she says. "Sabella's graciousness as a host is surprising to no one, of course!"

'Not going to happen,' is what Dominique mouths to Calarian as she passes by her husband and Princess Tikva now that she has divested of a baby, smiling briefly to the latter before she finds something passed in a tray with a request to the same server for water, rather than wine. She ends up near Gianna, Macda and Maddox, awkwardly introducing herself back to Maddox and Macda, "Marquessa Dominique Wyrmguard." Oh, you weren't talking to her? She realizes it belatedly already, and seems to flush a little.

Lailah suddenly finds herself distracted when Michael tries to pass of a baby onto her, and heads for Maddox, Macda and Dominique. "Hello, Lady Lailah Bisland. A pleasure."

Maddox bows his head politely to Gianna, "Well Met Lady Nightingale. It is a pleasure, to meet you. I have only just arrived, as The princess Macda has indicated. I have heard wonderful things about the Bards College." he then turns, bowing to Dominique "Marquessa Wyrmguard. An Honor " he smoothly, attempts to help her cover the mistake.

Giuseppe Gallo of Lenosia leaves, following Luca.

Gianna stares for a few long moments at Niklas, her eyes narrowed at glittering. She has a long sip of wine and turns her attention back to those nearby - Macda, Maddox, and now Dominique and Lailah. "Marquessa, good evening. And Lady Lailah, good evening." Nods to them both! "And I'm very glad to hear that, Lord Maddox." She is. She smiles and everything. Granted, it's a slight smile, but it's still a smile. "Also curious as to what you heard."

Lorna is late, but the saving grace of House Stonewood's steward might be that her tardiness will go unnoticed, as she's likely to blend in with the servants somewhat. All the same, she lingers for a moment near an empty seat at the great Grayson dining table, poised to either claim it or retreat.

Sabella rescues Michael by indicating that Elizabetta ought to take the baby so no one is burdened, "While you all introduce yourself, let me explain what we usually do at these little gatherings. We eat and drink and laugh, of course, but we also try to take the time to get to know what each of us have been up to and offer support for projects that might be upcoming. Tonight, considering the considerable losses we have suffered, I offer everyone the choice of sharing a recent accomplishment, or a story of someone that cannot be here with us tonight."

There was an attempt and it does not go unappreciated. Dominique murmurs a quiet, "Thank you," to Maddox as he rescues her by pretending that she was part of the introductions all along. She shoves something into her mouth in an attempt to make herself too busy to be awkward again, chewing it thoughtfully as she studies the group she has found herself with as the introductions conclude.

Macda immediately recognises the voice before her eyes meet the Lady Lailah once more. "Lady Lailah," a pause is punctuated by a sip of wine and she starts again after Sabella has spoken to the gathered.

"Good to see you once more. Have you been well?" By the end of the question to Lailah, her voice is a bit rushed to softly whistle a tune at a servant about to walk away with the wine.

Calarian endures Tikva's screech without so much as a flicker to his genial expression, though as she grows more detailed in referring to the birth he winces faintly, retreating a half-step. "Yes, well," he says, "I am happy to hear you are recovering. A growing House is a fine thing at any time, and that is only made more the case in times such as these, hm?" Now free of the hug he offers a cordial dip of his head toward Niklas, then glances over to the entrance to take in the next few to arrive. "I had better find my wife," he adds. "I would not have left, but Laric invited me over for lunch and we ended up doing quite a bit of talking and markedly little eating. I was famished." He pops another morsel into his mouth with the declaration, chewing carefully.

It may be missed if not looking in that direction. But there's a quick peek from behind the door, into the hall. Then the face disappears. If there's absolute quiet one might hear some deep, rapid breaths being taken before Ysabel Gilden rounds the corner, a soft smile imprinted on her features. The Baroness makes her way quietly to the closest chair available and the blonde baroness is quickly sitting down. Taking in a slightly nervous breath she glances down the table and listens quietly.

Niklas pats the diamondblade sword at his side. "Oh, this old thing?" He then very carefully removes it, hands it off to a servant to be put back where it actually belongs. Which is absolutely certainly not on Nik's hip. He moves back around to put an arm loosely around Sabella's waist. To Tikva he says, "Please sit in my throne. It's been a month and I still hate to see Sabella up and about."

Maddox retrieves a glass of wine for himself from a passing server, something dark red, "Its simply that the Bards college has a reputation for seeking to disseminate information, which is something I find welcome." he gives a hint of a smile that just barely shows his dimple to Dominique, including her in the conversation, even if not directly speaking to her.

"That sounds Laric. Sometimes he forgets to eat entirely. Sometimes I am tempted to chase him around his office with a sandwich," Tikva says, with a frown as she plots some future dire threat upon Laric's dignity. She gives him a tip-tilted nod, and then says, "Right, then. I'm not aware that you have a throne," to Niklas as she drifts towards the table, "but I will occupy this perfectly respectable chair." She pats its back, lovingly. "Do bards disseminate information?" she asks, pitching her voice to carry up the table -- not that it is ever hard for Tikvas to be LOUD -- "or do we merely spin tales?"

Niklas has joined the Throne of Pena Stormryder.

"Spin tales, sing songs," Gianna replies to Tikva and Maddox both. She pitches her voice to carry, too. Somewhere along the way, she's helped herself to some roast potatoes. So many carbs, Sabella. So many carbs.

"Perhaps a bit of both," is what Dominique considers far too seriously of the question, her smile softening her lips slightly as her husband finds his way back to her, though she doesn't move to touch him or anything like that in this public space. She does nod to a chair with a questioning look to Calarian.

Kaldur enters not far on Ysabel's heels and finds a seat for himself, murmuring greetings to those nearby, a bright smile for Ysabel, "Baronness, it is good to see you." He settles himself while servants furnish him with food and drink, "The flowers you planted have in Seliki's have taken root quite nicely. I hope you're well." He takes a moment to look up and down the table and see who has come to enjoy the fealty dinner.

Eating the last bit of finger food he secured earlier on his way across from Tikva to Dominique, Calarian offers a faint smile to the woman that broadens when it extends to the collection of others nearby. His head cants in a small nod at the look he receives, taking a few steps over to the nearby chair and helpfully tugging it back a short distance. "Spin tales," he opines.

Dominique nudges Calarian with her elbow, not quite gently.

"Is everyone familiar with everyone else?" Sabella asks, giving Ysabel a smile as she comes in, "I'll start since I am making you all play this game. I'm Princess Sabella Grayson and I have to say that it was difficult to get into the mindset to host a dinner party. Prince Gareth was the older brother I always wanted and I lived to make him smile. He once told me that he'd only give me three smiles a year, if I was lucky, and never a laugh." she pauses, looking up at the ceiling, "I had very much looked forward to winning that last smile before the year turned over. And now...well. I shall just have to win them all from you instead." she smiles though her eyes are a bit bright, "Oh, and whoever goes must pick the next person. So I choose...Princess Tikva!"

A book is slipped up by Ysabel and planted on the table. She starts to take out a pen, then pauses, with a blink over to someone addressing her. Ysabel quickly slides the pen back into the book and quickly pulls it back there is a gentle smile given to Kaldur and a bow of her head as she motions for him to sit nearby. Her smile growing broader as Kaldur approaches. Ysabel leans over slightly to murmur softly to Kaldur.

Lailah turns towards Macda and nods, "A pleasure to see you again, your highness. And to answer your question, his interactions with the ladies in his environment." She answers out loud, almost as though she wants to be sure 'he' hears it. She turns her gaze towards the others in her immediate environment. "I should look into the college, I am quite interested in knowledge."

Dominique murmurs to her husband as she takes the seat he pulled out for her, "This is a game? What is the game? I don't get it."

There is a hint of awkward panic to Dominique's quiet words.

"You got a laugh from him," says Niklas gently, offering his wife a sad smile. With the arm around her waist he leads her over to his throne. You know, the Throne of Pena Stormryder, which Tikva definitely gave him permission to have installed in the dining room. To Dominique he says, "Someone calls on you, you say what has happened to your recently, then you call on someone else. So Tikva will go next."

Calarian nudges the seat in a hair before he descends onto a vacant one adjacent, keeping his voice pitched quite low as the onus of introduction passes from Sabella to Tikva. "It isn't a game per se," he begins. "Just a manner of introducing onesel-" At Niklas' explanation he abates and nods along, relaxing in his seat. "Certainly nothing to worry over."

"I'll talk a little more about it when it's my turn," Gianna tells Lailah quietly as she claims a seat. Ysabel and her book are given a curious glance; she inclines her head to the young woman and to Kaldur, politely. Dominique and Calarian both are given the slightest hint of a smile by the Nightingale Whisper.

"Ha." Macda lets out in response to Lailah, and presses her lips together to suppress a laugh that might spill her wine over both women wearing pale colours. She had at least that much awareness and more balance than she might appear to be graced with. "And you should look into the college, I agree," the princess commits more quietly between listening to new voices speaking up.

Based on what Tikva is doing to her plate, it looks like she is in the mood for protein. Lots, and lots, and lots of protein. She has piled a slice of ham on top of a chicken thigh on top of a chunk of roast beef. Her breath huffs past her nose and she looks thoughtful for a moment. "A lot of my memories of Gareth are probably unshareable," she admits. "Not all of our cases even closed. He was always thorough. Unstoppable, that is a word I would use, and not a word many people with his infirmities get applied, I expect." She picks up her fork and twirls it around for a moment, her lips pursing faintly. "Not many people knew him well, maybe because he didn't make it easy to know him well, but he wasn't without love, or warmth, or intimacy. His marriage would have been duty but more than duty. It would have suited. It would have been warmth and wit in his life. I grieve that it was a gift I never got to give him." She sets the fork down beside her plate and says, very gravely, very solemnly, "Once, I saw him eat soup."

She says this with such drama that it must be the end of the story. Her head tilts, gaze cast downward for a moment, and then she inhales, holding her breath for a beat as she summons up some vestige of composure, and smiles. "Princess Macda, I don't think you had a chance to speak with Gareth much? Since you were a child? But perhaps you could share a little of what's been new and interesting in your life lately."

Glancing up, Ysabel smiles at those who look her way. Giving a soft nod to Gianna. She sort of slowly, half-leans towards Kaldur. They totally came together, she didn't just walk in here for no reason. The Baroness is then looking down the table to Sabella before quietly piping up. "That was a lovely story, Your Highness." The book she had slid out is held protectively to her stomach, just below sight and the table. Then Tikva is speaking and Ysabel listens intently, her lips turning to a delicate frown at the end of the story.

Lorna quietly spies a at least two vaguely familiar faces in the room, and so she steps aside the table in order to make an approach toward Michael and Lailah. "My lord, my lady..." Even if there are no seats available by the Bisland nobles, the Stonewood steward may simply stand somewhere nearby the pair, seeking some sort of filter from the otherwise unfamiliar high nobles all about.

"We did not play that game in Wyrmguard. Or any games, really," murmurs Dominique in explanation to her husband and Niklas both as they explain, though she nods firmly for the instructions. Steeling herself for later.

Michael is free and /clear/ of the young Grayson and grins broadly towards Elizabetta. "Why thank you." Then he begins circulating, probably a few steps behind Lailah here and there. Except Lailah is chatting up Macda for the moment. So he turns to smile at Lorna instead, because someone My Lorded him. But his mind blanks. Nope. Don't remember her. "Have you met my sister, Lady Lailah Bisland?" He tugs upon Lorna's elbow to draw her towards Macda and Lailah.

Kaldur listens with face fallen into somber tones, catching Lady Lailah's eye at some point and nodding. He returns Gianna's smile and likewise sends a nod to Lord Michael. Turning to Ysabel, he opines, "If you haven't been here for dinner before, their cook does amazing things with poultry." He straightens, looking to see if any of the servers circulating have said poultry. He can wait. He is curious about one thing, "What kind of soup?" And with that question offered, he turns attention to Macda.

"He was a lot more than people thought," Sabella says softly after Tikva's story, nodding towards her. "Thank you for sharing that."

"Yes, I daresay I am impressed the mere prospect has not offended," Calarian murmurs, low and dry and amused. A hint of melancholy infects his gaze as Sabella and Tikva speak, though it doesn't reach his voice. He stirs on the chair, an arm straying aside beneath the table before he settles comfortably and turns his attention toward Macda.

Blinking over the rim of the glass she had been drinking, Macda straightens to the eyes of Tikva. "You are right, what I know of Gareth was of presence and in passing." There is a blessed pause from the idle joking going on around her just a moment before. Blessed perhaps for the diamondplated Michael. Her eyes roam about the room looking for a face she swore she'd seen present.

"I was reminded I could speak about our Luca, but he's fled. As everyone knows, Luca is a brilliant swordsman and he would /love/ to teach each and. every. single. one. of us as extention of his greatness. I- as many of you know, don't prescribe to the sword- normally. Vehemently in some cases, such as his Greatness With a Sword." She takes a breath to stop ribbing the absent prince. "So when I was sounded reminded that my muscle mass is not of Sir Jeffeth's, I called upon our Luca for training."

Now, Macda is gesturing with her glass. "And he smoothers it in my face how awful sure I was that I'd never /need/ to learn the sword. That I would /never/ need his help. This is the love we share- eating crow." Her smile of amusement falls on Michael.

"And you Lord Bisland? What of your adventures?"

Sis, a redheaded morning person, Podraig, a young grumpy old man arrive, following Natalia.

Gianna tucks into dinner with the finesse and lack of mess one would expect of a Whisper. Every stroke of the knife is surgical. She listens to each person as they speak, an attentive guest.

Michael doesn't know whats going on. His eyes peer out towards the assembled people who are surprisingly quiet for a group of people having drinks. And his mind backtracks now. slowly. Slowly. SLOWLY....until Tikva's comment comes up and his shoulders straighten out.

"Very few /adventures/. I visited Pridehall again. I offered every single nonviolent prisoner in jail amnesty. If they joined the Bisland Army and went to guard the Lodge of Petrichor." Some sort of adventure at least. A gaze about now, it lands directly upon Lailah and the man smiles the smile of a big brother who is about to embarass his younger sibling. "Lord Kaldur Seliki! Tell us of your adventures!"

Niklas keeps a hand on Sabella's arm through Tikva's story, but once the princess is done he turns and starts filling a plate for Sabella, then one for himself. Piled high with potatoes and buttered turnips and scalloped kohlrabi, along with slices of three different animals and a big bowl of that godawful squid boiled in ink and whitefish winter chowder he insists they make for these to remind him of home.

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

"What- oh, I- " The first few syllables that Lorna can produce sound stuttered as she's gently tugged along at Michael's insistence. "...perhaps once or twice in passing, my lord," comes her eventual reply. Both Macda and Lailah are given their due from Stonewood's steward as she dips into a gesture of polite deference before asking, "How fares House Bisland now that the first snows have come?"

"No, I haven't had dinner here." Ysabel answers Kaldur with a touch of embarrassment before his question for Tikva has the young baroness looking that way. She cants her head, looking to Tikva for an answer. And then, Macda is speaking. Ysabel watches with rapt interest who then calls on Michael. Who then calls on Kaldur. There is a slow grimace that forms on Ysabel's lips as she slowly looks over to Kaldur, bracing for inevitable.

"Don't be silly. You're much more likely to get offended than me, after all," counters Dominique in quiet tones to her husband, arching a challenging brow.

Wearing thoroughly impressive white leather with the symbol of the Academy of War across the chest, Natalia Whisper has been here. No, really -- and she has been doing the same thing she's doing right now, listening to people speak and sipping whiskey (if she could find whiskey). She has at least collected a few bits of food on a plate, though she's more picking at it than she is actually eating. For some _strange_ reason, the young woman seems to be uneasy and uncertain, and there's probably been a surprised look or two sent her way by a staff member that probably didn't expect to see this particular face.

Sabella grimaces very briefly as Niklas sets down a plate full of deliciousness for her, looking at it all like a dying man might a glass of water. Luckily Lily is there to quickly sweep it away and replace it with a plate of lettuce with some carrots for color. She laughs at Macda's story, "Sounds like Luca!" then gives Michael an encouraging smile, "That was very kind and creative of you. Your father must have been proud."

Maddox seems content now to sip his wine and listen, seeming more comfortable not being in the spotlight.

Tikva slices off a cut of ham and puts it into her mouth only to find herself addressed. She mimes a bit in the midst of chewing in a very open-handed gesture of oh you can see that I'm chewing here and isn't this hilariously awkward? and then says, after she swallows, "I think it was carrot ginger soup. With some shredded lamb in it. I might be misremembering."

Kaldur lifts brows at the terms of Michael's recruitment effort and looks momentarily thoughtful, pausing before he gives himself a shake now that it's his turn to hold forth. "Well, it might surprise you to know that Prince Gareth set me quite at ease when I first met him." The young knight, "It was here at Grayson Manor and a debriefing about trouble in the Gray. The leading edge of-" he gestures around, encompassing everything. "I was unsettled and uncertain and found his bluff and forthright manner reassuring." He smiles, nodding to the Graysons, who counted the man family, "Seliki mourns his loss."

"Else, long preparations to protect the spirits in the Grove met their test. We held, though Shaman Bashira fell." He takes a deep breath, "Work on gathering support for the road project continues." His eyes search the rafters, "We're close to laying a hull for a caravel." His eyes drop down and alight on Ysabel, "And I've run into a friend, returned to Arx recently." He lifts a glass and tips it at the Baronness. His attention slides down the table, a thoughtful hum sounding and he stops on... Niklas. "Prince Niklas?"

Ysabel slowly looks over to Kaldur, frowning gently. She bows her head down as she listens before she goes to take the book she had been hugging protectively to her stomach up and slide it over onto the table. The book is slowly opening, and there is a relieved sigh let out when the person selected is Niklas and not herself.

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

As if he spends every waking moment of his blessed life waiting for people to start paying attention to him, Niklas brightens considerably when Kaldur calls on him. "Well! First," a dimming of the wattage of his smile, "Prince Gareth was... well, I knew how much Sabella thought of him, so I really did want to be friends. He wasn't exactly easy for that sort of thing, but I thought of him as such. When I first joined the family one of my first interactions was with a new cousin who wanted to make it very clear that he hated my brother and one of my cousins, who was also his cousin but there you go, and I was expecting the worst. Gareth was ... well, he called me cousin. He came to my last play, sat through it and told me I did a good job. And I'm told he still had a copy of my collected works. Some of the highest compliments I can imagine." He pauses, then smiles again, "As for what is new with me, my next work will start going into rehearsals next week, so performances will not be far behind. I'm ridiculously excited about it. I promise a spectacle unlike anything seen since the city burnt down. It will be the first theatrical engagement at the Bard's College, which also thrills me. The Nightingale co-wrote the score with me. And several people in this room have featured roles!" Positively beaming. He then points at Gianna, "And speaking of the Nightingale, let us hear from her now. The Nightingale herself!" He pauses, then adds, "That's Gianna Whisper."

Gianna sets her glass aside when Niklas calls on her. "Thank you," she tells him. Her voice carries easily, as one might expect of a singer. "I can't say I ever spoke to Prince Gareth; as I recall, he only ever said one word to me: 'lovely'. He was speaking of a song I'd just sung, and he very casually tossed me a coin purse that held more money than I had ever seen in one place before. I used the money to buy finer clothes, so that I might play in the sorts of establishments the nobility are more prone to frequent. That generous gift helped me a great deal. He never wanted anything for it - he simply gave because he saw talent." The tale is recounted without much sign of emotion; they weren't close. She's very composed. "As for what occupies my time now, it is as my patron, Prince Niklas, says - preparations for the first theatrical engagement at the College. We also continue to gather songs, stories, and poems from various generous sources. If you've any song lore to share, we'd very much like to add it to our collection. Now... Marquis Calarian, if you'd care to speak?"

Zelda, the royal messenger have been dismissed.

13 King's Own Guardsmen have been dismissed.

"What... kind of song lore are you looking for, anyway," Tikva asks, her chicken thigh poised in midair on the way to her mouth.

"The losses we have sustained are terrible, but I have heard such stories of bravery from those who fell. Thank you for sharing," Sabella tells Kaldur before turning her attention to her husband with a fond smile, "He did like you. And everyone should come see the new play because it is going to be amazing!" As Gianna speaks she gets a little misty eyed again and looks down to her plate to pick up a particularly delicious looking carrot.

Calarian leans aside to murmur something to Dominique, but pauses upon hearing his name. Straightening comfortably in his chair once more, he says, "Marquis-Consort Calarian Wyrmguard, for those I have not met personally of yet, and I fear that I always care to speak. I knew Prince Gareth, of course. Both princes of Grayson, growing up near enough. I recall when he was young, and... Later, as well. He was dedicated, intense, and good." He gives the account evenly, still displaying only a hint of melancholy in otherwise-composed features.

"Up to recently... Mm." He glances upward to study the higher regions of the dining hall, then brings his gaze back down to Gianna before continuing, "Well, there isn't as much to tell as some others might have. I was recently wed the Marquessa Dominique Wyrmguard, who ought to be lurking around here somewhere. We've only just gotten back from a tour of Blancbier intended to familiarize me with the lands I now owe responsibility to. Valuable, but not the most stirring to converse over."

His eyes scan the table after the exposition, coming to rest on Maddox. "Lord Maddox?" he prompts.

Maddox sets his now empty glass of wine down on a passing servers tray, and straightens to his full height, "I have only just arrived to the city. I am mostly focused on getting my footing and getting to know the people here. I have been most impressed since arriving. " he flashes a genuine smile that shows his dimple to the room , his eyes bright with interest, "I find it a great honor to be in this august gathering and look forward to getting to know each of you better."

Settling in near to Gianna, Natalia sends a little smile that way. She's still quiet, her attention shifting from person to person, attentive. The further stories go on though, the harder it is for her to keep that smile. The Whisper is doing a fair job concealing it, but she's wilting.

Maddox considers a moment then lifts a fresh glass to Ysabel "My Lady, perhaps you would share?"

Calarian takes a wineglass as he finishes speaking, listening to Maddox's introduction over a long, measured drink. His eyes flick to Ysabel as she is forced into the center of attention, but he lowers his glass a fraction and tilts his head toward Dominique and, just past her, Kaldur.

Ysabel has been quietly going to work on the small little book in front of her. When she's called she looks up, almost in alarm. Looking over to Maddox with wide eyes, she looks down the table, to Sabella, then to Niklas. She swallows hard. "Unfortunately I don't know many in the city yet. I didn't know any of the people you all are speaking of. But they are lovely stories. I haven't been here long..." Her eyes slowly flicker down. "I do miss my Brother. The Baron Stefano Gilden." There's a quiet breath from Ysabel, staring down. Then, "Since I've been here, I have met a couple. The man was unfortunately injured, due to an accident in the laboratory. But the woman, despite the damage refused to leave his side. It was a very inspiring and encouraging love story to me."

She glances around, frowning gently. "I'm sorry, I don't know anyone to pass it off to. Would anyone be so kind to volunteer?"

Niklas points at Lailah. "That's Lady Lailah Bisland. She is very serious and likes knowledge. Go ahead, Lady Lailah!"

Sabella moves some lettuce around on her plate and smiles to Calarian and Maddox, "Well, we are glad to have you here. Or back, in Calarian's case." When Ysabel shares her story she presses a hand to her chest, "Oh, what a romantic story! How wonderful to know there is such good in people." When Ysabel asks for volunteers, she casts a glance Natalia's way encouragingly.

Metzger, a great grey shrike have been dismissed.

Natalia answers Sabella's encouraging smile with a look that is a mixture of skeptical and horrified. She's quick to give a small shake of her head, and then knocks back what's in her tumbler. Clearing her throat she sets the glass down, considering her plate for a moment before her eyes sweep over those still present. That's followed by a glance to the door and she shifts in her seat just a bit...but for now, ultimately ends up reaching for another bite of food instead of fleeing. She does at least manage to regain her smile.

Gianna quietly confers with Tikva; then she's leaning Natalia's way to murmur something.

Kaldur straightens from murmuing at Calarian to attend to Ysabel, "Goodness, an accident in the laboratory? That's sounds alarming." He blinks, "Ehm, and romantic." He bows his head, "Oh, aye, I didn't get to meet your brother." He pauses, a moment of silence before looking down the table to his patron - a buried lead!

Kaldur leans to murmur to Ysabel.

Lorna seems content to serve as Michael's shadow, or else remain part of the unassuming background while the nobles and their fine guests tell tales of adventure and remembrance. The blessing of being the taciturn sort is that she typically manages to be an above-average listener.

Natalia goes very still in response to whatever it is Gianna says, then offers over a portrait perfect smile and bows her head. She says a few quiet words in response, and then she's back to watching the others as they speak.

Blinking over at Kaldur, Ysabel slowly looks at the rest of the table then back to Kaldur. She murmurs quietly in response.

Dominique looks towards Kaldur, tipping her chin, her fingers drumming antsily for a moment against the table as she glances down the length and then up the length and then back to her husband and then Kaldur. She finally decides to look at her plate, not eating much.

Niklas looks between all the whispering people, shrugs and leans over to whisper something to his wife. He then nods to Dominique, "I think you might be the last one, given all the passes."

Michael and Lailah ease away from the center circle all doing their fun discussions now. Until Lailah gets called upon and Michael stops to ensure she isn't left just standing there by herself.

"Oh? Did people pass?" Dominique asks, confused. She just stopped glancing around, Niklas! Now there is another glance up the table, another glance down, a glance to Niklas, a glance to Sabella. Finally she stands, clearing her throat. She introduces herself, "Marquessa Dominique Wyrmguard." A pause, before she summarizes succinctly, "The same as my husband." Then she sits back down.

Tikva checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Tikva snorfles and almost snorts a little wine out of her nose.

Niklas stares at Dominique for a long moment, then shrugs and looks at Lorna. "I think you're it!"

Kaldur pushes back from his place at the table, bowing as he stands, "Highnesses. I'm most grateful for the invitation today," moving to pull out Ysabel's chair and offer her a hand up. "Regretfully, I will miss desert and the remainder of your updates. My condolences for your loss, Prince Gareth was a great man." He will slip away as unobtrusively as a man in plate mail may, and given his aptitude for stealth, everyone can be grateful he doesn't knock anything over.

Gianna demurely takes a sip of wine. She's eaten her meal, and now she's on the lookout for dessert. This is Grayson Mansion. There better be some dessert. Kaldur mentioned dessert just now.

Gripping the book back to her stomach, Ysabel slowly takes Kaldur's arm, doing a terrible job of concealing any confusion on her face. Because it's definitely there. She looks down the table and bows her head. "Thank you all so much."

Sabella actually laughs, giving Dominique an amused look. "Well, if that is everyone that wants to share, I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable." When Kaldur announces his departure she gives him a nod, "Thank you for coming and your kind words."

Dominique rises on the heels of Kaldur excusing himself, jabbing her elbow into her husband as she does. She smiles, a tight, not-often-used thing, towards the Grayson princesses and prince. "Yes, thank you. I am glad we came, but Cal and I must be off as well."

When Dominique stands to deliver that scant reply, Calarian suppresses a cough and takes a small sip from his wine, mouth preoccupied but eyes flaring with humor. He releases the glass and eases up from his chair, tucking it in gently. "Yes, certainly," he agrees, though he makes no move to leave any further just yet, eyes fixing on Lorna with mild curiosity.

Well, then, Calarian. Your wife is gonna abandon you. Dominique doesn't wait around for his curiosity to be satisfied, slipping off into the hall after Kaldur. Probably not to have a hot, steamy affair, but who knows.

Ysabel leaves, following Kaldur.

Metzger, a great grey shrike leaves, following Dominique.

Sabella has another carrot and then glances over to Natalia, "Do you want to walk around while you're here? Not much has changed, but the gardens are particularly lovely in the snow and Gareth always loved the library."

Niklas serves himself up some dessert and settles back in his seat, cutting up sponge cake with the side of his fork like some Islander savage. There are enthusiastic waves for those who leave, then looks back to Lorna expectantly.

There is absolutely dessert. It is over there on its own table, which Gianna is now by, armed with a little plate and helping herself. Like a shadow, she appeared there. She takes her sweets back to her seat and settles in again, crossing one leg over the other and biting into a cupcake.

Natalia's lashes drift down for a moment after Sabella has asked her question, as if perhaps she didn't hear it. Still, a few heartbeats later they lift again and she looks over, offering up a little smile. "I don't know," she says, and for all that she does her best to disguise it, there's a waver there. "I don't--I think this is doing more --" She catches herself, clears her throat and moves to rise. "Thank you for the invitation," she says, voice tight.

Tikva watches Natalia with a look of thoughtful quiet on her face for a long moment, and then lets her gaze drop, her hands lacing together in her lap.

Macda does eat dessert and finishes the drink she's nursed. She looks about to see the Bislands slip away and leans to Lorna. "Would you an escort?" I suppose everyone figured she might have been left behind.

Maddox continues to sip at his wine now, quietly , just watching the room, eyes moving from person to person curiously.

While waiting, Calarian reaches out to nudge his abandoned wineglass, studying it for a moment. When he looks back up he finds Sabella and offers a bright smile in her direction, proclaiming, "I suppose I had best be along as well. it is getting somewhat late, and there is still unpacking to be done. Thank you for hosting this affair. It was a pleasure to see other members of the family so soon after returning to the city." He takes a step back and dips his head in a more general fashion to the room, then steps off for the dining hall's entrance.

Philip, an overworked assistant, 2 House Wyrmguard Guards leave, following Calarian.

The expression on Sabella's face is one of utmost sympathy, which may or may not be helpful or welcome, "Of course. I am so very glad you came, Natalia. And I am so sorry for his loss."

"So am I," Natalia answers, bowing her head to Sabella. "Thank you." There's a follow-up nod to the room in general, and she's turning to stride for the exit. She has ceased to try and smile, and while flat no expression is the best she can manage, she is at least managing that.

As the Bislands depart, it looks as though Lorna is left alone albeit within relatively close proximity to Macda. When eyes begin to turn toward her, the Stonewood steward simultaneously squares her shoulders and attempts to shrink back into obscurity. But, failing that, the prodigal quietly clears her throat and says, "I did not know Prince Gareth, but I hope that his memory may be a blessing to those who did. I also do not go on many adventures, though I did return to the Gray Forest with Lord Grady's expedition to gather names of the people there, and learn some of their stories." After an awkward pause, Lorna then amends, "I will also miss Cybele."

Sis, a redheaded morning person, Podraig, a young grumpy old man leave, following Natalia.

Sabella watches Natalia go with a little bit of a frown and some concern before turning to listen to Lorna, "That was a very noble effort," she says encouragingly, "That trip was long but very worthwhile!" she pauses as she receives a message, "...black library?" she murmurs, sounding confused. Then she shakes her head and smiles, "If you haven't yet tried dessert, please do! The cupcakes were made by Mistress Candace and they are amazing! And thank you all for coming to share your stories over dinner. I greatly value and appreciate all of you."

Standing then with a fresh drink in hand, Macda collects her cloak and walks around to pay greeting to her hostess and husband. "I wish you both a good night, and a quiet Relara." No one can resist the cherub face of the babe, the brawler included.

"Safe Eventide to all." Princess Macda leaves after a pull at the men's boots she's wearing out.

Niklas leans over to loooook at the note Sabella received, his eyebrows climbing higher and higher. "I... think he's being helpful. Or making fun of you. Or giving you a research project." He offers a wave to those leaving. "Good evening, all!"