While swarms of house servants work diligently to complete last minute preparations with the dutiful efficiency of House Laurent's worker bees, the doors of the dining room are opened to allow guests to begin filtering in at their leisure. Herald Steve and Herald-In-Training Timothy flank the entry way, announcing the titles, accolades, and positions in full of each guest for all to know. They're really long-winded, and oh so prideful in doing it. No matter how much people might be exasperated by it, they're going to do it. Katarina lingers near one of the dining tables, waiting to receive her family members and guests as they arrive.

Jerome, a bodyguard arrives, following Isabeau.

Arriving by way of the main entrance to the dining room are the March pair of Harthalls, Orvyn, dressed in a heavy robe of sable embroidered in golden thread, fur lined against the elements, and the more equisitely dressed Sunniva in her own attire. Though the colours are complimentary, it is clear that Sunniva is a far better dresser than Orvyn. The Marquis' right hand still showing signs of ink stains when he removes his gloves and tucks them into his belt. His other hand runs through his hair, mussing it a bit, but settling the snow out of it so that it does not grow too damp from the melt. After their presence is announced, Orvyn will lead Sunniva to greet the hose of the evening, a small bow for Princess Katarina from the pair as the Harthall pair offer up words of greeting and appreciationg for the evening, "Ah, your highness, thank you for having us this evening and I do hope that we can make time to take you up upon your offer sometime next week," Orvyn explains, before bowing once more and then making their way to their spot at a table so that Sunniva can be seated, and that they do not take up much more of Katarina's time as other guests are arriving.

Katarina has joined the Dining Table.

"Look, I know it's your job, but I'm telling ya, you ain't got to, and I'll give you ten silver not to." Thorley is arguing with Steve, while Ouida stands nearby.

"My lord, it is my duty..."

"Twenty-five silver."

"My lord."

"Fifty silver. And you can use my old title."

"You mean the one that you still carry along with your new accolades? What kind of example would that set to young Timothy, my lord?"

"What if I find out the name of that cute barmaid over at the Spirits.."

"No."

"Dammit. Fine." He glances aside to Ouida, and Thorley spares an apologetic glance. "Just ain't used to it yet. Plus, you know.. it's /your/ House, you're more important, right?"

1 House Lyonesse Adept Guards, Jean, 1 Lyonesse Trained Guards leave, following Anabelle.

Alexandre and Rosalie arrive together, the former clad in a simple but elegant aeterna outfit. A sword can be seen upon his belt, while ornamentations remain lacking save in the form of his wedding band and a locket around his neck. Though recently returned from the Lodge, the man looks calm and collected, aiding his pregnant wife along. Herald Steve doesn't miss a beat at their arrival, announcing the Lord and Lady as should be, and the pair move to greet Katarina first. "Your Highness, it's a pleasure to meet you." Alexandre says, the platinum haired Redtyde, once Wyrmguard, inclining his head politely as he does so. "Thank you for having us." And with that, Alexandre looks to the nearest spot to step out of the way of further guests.

Desiree steps inside and looks around with her usual air of confidence. Her hair is perfectly styled, and she wears green. She looks to Katarina with a smile. "Thank you for the invitation."

Trailing behind the tall beauty that is Princess Terese, a shorter, paler young woman tries to keep pace with the knight's stride and that of Lord Cullen who walks beside the raven-haired Terese. With her hands held before and the tails of the princess' cloak, the blonde looks around as voices start to fill the room. Guard after servant after guard pay no real attention to the cloak-bearer with such a radiant set of knights leading the way.

"Marquis and Marquessa Harthall, I'm so pleased you could make it," Katarina stretches her hands out to gently clasp upon Sunniva's own, then curtsies to Orvyn in warm reception. "I'm so glad that you could make it. Please, make yourselves comfortable. There is plenty of refreshments to go around." She turns her attention toward Desiree, Alexandre and Rosalie as they arrive and offers them a gentle, dimpled smile. "Ah, the Redtydes. I'm glad you were able to join us after all. I'm sure your relatives are going to be pleased to see you tonight. And Lady Wyrmguard, that gown? Absolutely divine. You'll have to tell me who your secret weapon is for such stylish wear."

Katarina checked perception + investigation at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

Appearing to have braved the journey from the Wyrmguard Estate to Valardin's dining room without an escort, Calarian arrives with only a light dusting of snow on the shoulders of his coat. He might have arrived unobtrusively, were it not for the Herald and Herald-in-Training positioned to ensure that no one does. As he overhears Thorley's ill-fated argument he comes up to wait behind the pair, rocking up onto the balls of his feet and then settling back down comfortably. His eyes flick aside while he does, taking in the other arrivals as they spread throughout the hall.

Ahh, more of the Harthall contingent, with a sprinkling of Farwatch. Ouida stands with patient grace at Thorley's side, not at all embarassed, nor much inclined to correct, though she does pat Thorley's hand comfortingly. "It's quite all right, my lord," is Ouida's calm and kind response, though her eyes sparkle just a bit impishly. "No, Baron Farwatch, not more important. But I think we are both very small fish here, swimming in the great sea. You'll get used to it. At least you're not having to wear anything with itchy lace on it." Yet. She winks at him. "Come, let's go and greet our hostess!" And thus, she'll gently guide them towards Katarina is waiting.

Alis arrives with Ellara clinging to her hand, a stubborn expression on the toddler princess face' as she completely usurped her father's perogative to escort his wife. Fiachra is relegated to carrying Eirlys with a bemused and esasperated look on his face. "Kat.." She blinks at all the gems on that dress, and clears her throat. "You make me look like one of the servants." she jokes. But with the ostentatious tiara she sports, that can hardly be true. "Thank you for arranging everything." With that, she leans over to give a kiss on the cheek to the other woman and then lets herself be led by her daughter to their seats. "It's so lovely to have all these guests. Thank you all for coming." With so many people to name, and Herald Steve doing the actual honors, she just smiles and nods at everyone as she lowers herself gingerly into her chair.

Rosalie is likewise gowned in aeterna, with a lovely shawl of the same material wrapped around her shoulders. Heavily pregnant, she nevertheless moves with a sort of grace, navigating the crowds as a ship in the waterways with her husband to help her along. She smiles warmly as they pass the heralds, pausing to whisper something to Steve before they enter the dining room itself. Drawn towards Katarina, the warm smile brightens and she dips her head into a bow in lieu of a curtsy, "Your Highness. Its always lovely to see you. We should sit down and speak after the baby has arrived. I would love to throw a large party to celebrate." Then she's stepping aside and offering a grin and wave to Alis and the children. Desiree gets the next warm smile, "Lady Desiree, its been too long! How have you been?"

Orvyn has joined the Dining Table.

"Lace. Ugh." Thorley at least stamped out his pipe outside, though the heaviness of the scented tobacco hangs on the common cloth of his outfit as he looks around. "Yeah. But I know many of these fish personally. You met Princess Alis or Katarina yet?" he asks the Sword at his side curiously. "Or would you rather greet your brother and his lady wife first? So you know, they know you're here. Or would you rather skip that part." A mischevious wink is offered to the lady at his side.

Lisebet enters, actually on her own. But the Farshaws are in attendance, with her here. The Voice is announced, and then she makes her way over to Katarina, sparing a smile or wave for all those she recognizes on the way. "Your Highness, it's good to see you again," she greets, with a nod of her head. "Everything looks wonderful, and I'm delighted to be able to attend."

Without armor but with his bearing held square as a proper Oathlands knight ought to be, Cullen slowly strides into the dining hall with Princess Terese and her cloak-bearer behind the both of them. Dressed no different than usual, the Greenmarch lord smiles wearily at Katarina. Walking over to her, he bows formally before offering a greeting. "Your Highness. Thank you for the invitation, Princess Katarina. I made sure your cousin arrived safe and sound. Not that she would need that, of course." Afterwards, he patiently waits for Princess Terese to make her own greeting before heading to the table.

There is a rather good reason that Dominique does not arrive with her husband, but rather has to catch up with him, and the wrapped bandages that are already spotting with blood around her knuckles likely have to do with it. She is out of breath when she arrives, gingerly stepping into the dining room of the grand Valardin estate. Her blue eyes sweep the room carefully, marking Calarian first, trying to slip by the Heralds without being announced.

Ansel and Isabeau arrive together at the doors, arm in arm as they pass by good old Steve, who dutifully announces the newlywed Telmar couple as they make their way on into the Valardin Manor's dining area. Both Telmars are in crimson clad, Ansel in polished armor, and Isabeau in a matching seasilk gown. The ancient-looking handle of the family longsword sticks up above Ansel's left shoulder.

"Princess Alis, -your highness-, I'm very glad to see you are not left unescorted this evening," greets Ansel, the Sword and his bride walking over first in the direction of the pint-sized Valardin Princess. Naturally, he'll pull out the two chairs beside the Valardin Princess at one of the tables, for him and the Valardin-turned-Telmar on his side. The Sword flashes Alis a grin, then directs his attention to the mini-Princess at Alis' side, giving her a wide smile. "Hello there, little one."

Crossing through the ward seemingly on his own, the Marquis of Greenmarch arrives a bit after everyone else, sauntering in with that casual sway in his step. Indeed, he wears much the same outfit as he usually does - a pleated plaid skirt in his house colors of green and black and a loose-fitting shirt of an unremarkable shade of beige. He gives a charming little smile to the fellow assembled guests as he enters into the hall, pausing only but briefly to let the heralds announce his presence - the act seeming to get an amused little chuckle out of the young man. With a brief rake of his fingers through his auburn hair, Marius enters on in further, looking around to see who has chosen to attend the dinner.

Orvyn's hands linger upon the back of the chair after ensuring Sunniva is properly seated, his eyes scanning the room for the various visitors and attendees whom continue to flow through as though the dam had just burst. A small, polite smile remains upon his lips as he notes those whom he knows with slight nods of his head in greeting. Unfortunately for the newly minted Baron, Orvyn catches sight of him along with his companion for the evening, and there's a broad smile for the both of them, just short of shouting to them, he can maintain his composure, mostly.

Terese makes her way to Katarina, her lady-in-waiting in tow, and Cullen nearby as well. "A pleasure to see you, and I'm truly happy I could make it this evening. I've been looking forward to the evening with family and friends, and hope you've had a good time of it all."

Desiree looks down at her gown. "I believe this gown was made by the lovely and talented Petal. She turns to Rosalie with a joyful smile. "It is so wonderful to see you Lady Rosalie and you as well Cousin Alexandre. I have been well and keeping myself busy with a few projects."She

Katarina continues to provide the warmest of reception to each and every one of her guests. A humored laugh is lost toward Alis' commentary upon her gown, fingers brushing the gem-encrusted skirts wryly. "Part of the duty of being a fashion advisor to the Crown and extolling upon the merits of Oathlands-born fashion trends to ensure our name remains on the lips of socialites everywhere," she calls back, snatching Eirlys and Ellara for plenty of kisses before her sister's gotten too far. "And I'd be delighted to sit down with you whenever you'd like, Lady Rosalie. Enjoy yourselves!" Golden eyes skim over the crowds, lifting her hand in gentle wave toward the newlywed Telmars when she spies them. "Lord Ansel! Lady Isabeau!" Then, she's just staring at Terese again. STARING. "Oh, you've a new lady in waiting? When did THAT happen, Terese."

Ouida ponders Thorley's very important question, perhaps not quite realizing that she squints one eye slightly and chews at her bottom lip as she thinks hard. "Let us go at least say hello to Princess Katarina," she tells him. "I think that's the order of things. I met her rather pleasantly the other night, in fact! Though I don't believe I've yet met Princess Alis. Then let's go greet our Marquis and Marquessa." When they draw near to Katarina, Ouida will offer a deep bow. "Good evening, your highness, so lovely to see you again, and so soon."

Wincing, Dominique sneaks into a seat at the table, not bothering to do the sociable thing as others discuss their gowns and current ladies in waiting. She nods to her sister, Desiree, as she catches sight of her, leaving all of that to her as she stays where she is.

"Lady Ouida, Baron Farwatch," Katarina turns her eye toward Ouida and Thorley when they approach. "I'm so glad you both could make it. And, of course, congratulations to you, Lord Thorley. I can't think of another more deserving than ennoblement than yourself."

Isabeau approaches Alis with arms wide that she might greet her cousin with a warm hug at the first possible opportunity. She murmurs something near the Valardin general's ear before withdrawing to pay young Ellara an equally warm hello albeit crouched down a bit. At Katarina's call, the new Telmar noblewoman lifts a hand to offer a wave for the glittering hostess.

"Hello, Princess!" Ansel calls over, catching sight of Katarina's wave. He gives his friend a smile -- there's likely much more catching up to do, but the Valardin seems busy with the whole hosting-a-dinner thing, and so Ansel remains over by his his bride and Alis.

"Good. I'm glad to hear so." Alexandre tells his cousin Desiree. "Might I ask what these projects are? I'm curious, I'm afraid we've not had the best of luck keeping up to date, with everything that's happened." he smiles. And then, his dark eyes catch sight of Dominique, attempting to slip by the heralds. He waves her way, which may not help her attempts at all. But he's grinning, clearly happy to see his cousin. Surely she can forgive that! And then she's among their numbers, hooray! "And cousin Dominique. It's good to see you again." He tilts his head to the side, the long platinum hair left unbound for the occasion. "Now what did you do to yourself?"

Isabeau has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

"/Lord/ Ansel." Alis returns, because that's just how they roll when talking to each other. "I'm not little, I'm Ellara." the miniature version of the knight princess corrects, looking way up at the Telmar lord from her very proper seat on the table chair. Let us all give a moment of thanks that she isn't standing yet. Stifling a laugh, the older of the two white haired short people then clears her throat. "Very good sweetheart, you're Ellara." And a hug to Isabeau is returned.

The way Calarian shifts past the Herald and shares a few words just happens to help obscure Dominique's arrival, though no doubt merely a coincidence, and it might not be quite enough to distract from Alexandre's recognition of the woman. The man finds where his wife has taken a seat not long after, giving the bloodied bandage a thoughtful look before glancing up and arching a brow. "I forgot to get into an honorable duel on my way over here," he says, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Will they kick me out for that, do you think?" His head tilts over Katarina's way indicatively, adding, "I'm going to greet our host. Would you like a drink, or anything?"

Ansel has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

With her duty of receiving guests completed, Katarina gathers her skirts and advances into the middle of the dining room to address the gathered fealty at large. "If I could just have a few moments of everyone's time before the dinner gets underway?"

Nomius arrives, following Apollo.

As they approach the group of Princesses and such, Thorley gives a tight-lipped smile. First stop is Katarina. "Evening, Admiral." comes the offer from the rank and file with a tip of his head. "Seems like some fool decided to give me a land with a beach. We'll have to get together about finding a way to turn it to a friendly harbor for you." the old knight offers, before his attention is drifted to where Ansel is addressing Alis and the toddler.

"Evening, Princess Alis. This little flail yours?" he asks with a grin towards Ellara. "You look very much like your mother." he offers with a bow to the smaller Princess. "My name is Thorley Farwatch. I've had the pleasure of fighting alongside your mother. I should tell you stories of her deeds sometime." There's a wink at Alis, before his attention is rolled back to Ouida. "Have you met the Sword of Harthall yet, Your Highness?" he asks with a quip of a smile and a few muttered words to Ouida.

"It was nothing. A training accident," mumbles Dominique dismissively, her chin tipping in greeting to Alexandre. "Cousin." She stops as Calarian approaches, frowning sharply at his joke though she counters back wryly, "Yes. You can't be a proper Oathlander until you have at least one honor fight a day." She glances from Calarian to Alexandre, before asking of the latter, "Have you met my husband yet? Calarian Wyrmguard. Alexandre Redtyde, formerly Wyrmguard."

"Yes, indeed you are, Princess Ellara." Ansel replies to the seated little Valardin, a pleased grin on the Sword's features. He makes a show of pulling out the chair next to the toddler-Princess, glancing back to his wife with a fond smile. "I can't imagine where she gets that from..." muses the Telmar.

Cullen glances at Terese quickly and her new lady-in-waiting with as straight of a face as he can muster. "Well. Let us go and take a seat, then. I see some people I know, or at least appear familiar." Deftly removing his ebon coat and handing it to an attendant, the Greenmarch lord beelines for a table, cheeks flushed red and auburn hair speckled with snow. Waving at Alis, Lisebet, and Marius, he softly greets them. "Princess Alis, Lady Lisebet, cousin. Hello to you all."

Cullen has joined the Dining Table.

Terese smiles playfully to Katarina, "Oh, sometime this morning, she was about you see, and I was musing about how I could use a cloak for the evening and she offered to assist me in the endeavor, and it's rather just how it all turned out. We'll have to see if she continues to work out, but I hope she does."

Desiree smiles when she sees Dominique. "I'm so glad you came Sister. These dinners are so much more fun with you here." She looks to Alexandre. "I'm planning to do some research soon. I'll catch you up later, but it is nothing too interesting." She gives a nod to Calarian.

The short blond tries not to make much eye-contact with people. Instead, she seems to drift from glasses to foods and then to other glasses being handed out by servants. Her lips are pressed together as they approach Katarina, and she tries not to speak up in jest when Terese is pressed about her new lady-in-waiting.

After greeting Princess Katarina, Lisebet turns to smile Alis's way, inclining her head. Of course, then Katarina is asking for everyone's attention, so she pauses curiously, waiting to hear what the announcement is.

"I don't believe we've had the pleasure to meet since your wedding, no." Alexandre answers Dominique, and gives a smiling nod to Calarian. "And may I present in turn my wife Rosalie Redtyde?" he asks, motioning to her seated beside him. "Unless you two have already met, of course. I can't keep track of all the people she knows." he says with a chuckle. "Fair enough. It seems we're all to turn to research, with the Lodge apparently taken care of. Or soon to be, one hopes." he remarks to Desiree.

Dominique murmurs something quietly to Calarian, greeting Desiree with a quiet, "More so when you are. I feel more like people laugh at me than with me at these things. Ask Cal about the Grayson dinner--." But then the hostess calls for their attention, and she receives the serious weight of the Marquessa's gaze.

Catching sight of that infamous cousin of his, Marius smiles warmly, raising a hand in amicable salute, "Ah, coz!" He blinks then as he overhears Katarina try to call the guests to order, glancing her way as he listens attentively to see what is to be said.

Apollo had a long day at the shop, resulting in the leatherworker being fashionably late. The man is wearing a new suit of armour, and when he comes in he makes sure to do his part and draw attention to that fact. "My lords, my ladies. Your various highnesses" He greets, "I am glad to announce this set is henceforth available from the Leather Paean on rapid order, fine Oakhaven leathers." And he strikes a pose to show off the armor.

"Indeed she is, Baron Thorley. I'm afraid she has my personality as well." And we see it on full display as Alis makes a face at Ansel for his remarks. "Stories! Stories!" Ellara encourages, scrambling up to stand on her chair - hey, her mom does that too - so she can bow all knight-like. And then plop right back down on her butt happily. "You must be a good... fighter too, then." the little one quips, quieting only once her mom shoves a buttered roll at her so she can stuff her face. "Lady Ouida, I haven't had the pleasure yet to meet you formally. But I am happy to be able to do so now. Please, have a seat." she inclines her head politely, looking over to smile or wave at the others who have addressed her. Cullen, Lisebet. Other family - Marius, Terese. There are so many people, she is losing track! Saved by the Katarina though, who she turns to, to listen.

Unmollified, Calarian looks from Dominique to Alexandre to offer a polite smile. "Cousin, did I hear? It's my great pleasure to meet you," he replies, smiling past him to Desiree for a moment before acknowledging Rosalie. He opens his mouth to speak to her, but upon hearing Katarina merely opts for another polite smile. His eyes shifting back over to the hostess, he heeds her curiously even as he takes a few steps over to a nearby servant.

Terese has joined the Dining Table.

Rosalie looks back to their growing group with a broad smile, dark eyes moving from person to person and retruning nods and smiles so Katarina can speak.

Alis has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Ouida bows to Alis as well, and each of the young ones and Fiachra in turn, and then also Ansel and Isabeau who are nearby. "A pleasure to meet you, Princess Alis, and you as well Princess Ellara," she favors each younsters with a chivalrous smile as well." THough there's wave upon wave of guests, and it seems that the crowd carries them further in and on. She briefly lays a hand on Thorley's forearm, nodding towards Orvyn and Sunniva are waiting, if he's so inclined.

Macda has joined the Dining Table.

Feeling the gentle press on his arm, Thorley gives a grim nod of his head. "I'll tell ya sometime about the time that yer mom used a Gyre monster as a flail on the beaches another time, little one." he promices Ellara, a wink at Alis before he lets Ouida guide him to her brother and his liege.

"Now that everyone is settled, I'd like to say a few words," Katarina's lightly accented voice rings out clear across the din of conversation within the dining room, a soft smile widening the corners of her mouth just-so. "I wanted to personally thank everyone for making the time to come together and commune with our family this evening. I know many among us are only newly returned from the their missions in defense of the Lodge. To those, I say thank you. It's for your sacrifices, courage, and strength that we're all able to gather here tonight and be merry. Now, let's eat! I'm starved."

Orvyn has left the Dining Table.

Orvyn has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Ellara's eyes go wiiiiiide, and now she is no doubt going to tell all of the children that her mom turned a monster into a flail on a beach.

Lisebet chuckles at the words spoken by Katarina, amusement dancing in her blue eyes. She turns to look over the rest of the room, heading over towards the Harthalls and Farwatch, just to say hi, at least. That means Orvyn, Sunniva, Ouida and Thorley get a smile and a "so good to see you all." Of course, she is looking energetic once more, and not at all like she could sleep several hundred years. Any more.

Ouida has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Isabeau is all smiles for Ouida as well, greeting the other woman with a nod and asking, "Lady Ouida, won't you sit near us?" The 'us' in this case appearing to be Ansel along with Alis and her brood.

Thorley has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Lisebet has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Rohm the Blackguard, Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd arrive, following Caelis.

Thorley makes sure to pull a chair for Ouida first, and then seeing his newly announced cousin alone, gives a little whistle to get her attention and gestures to a chair for Lisebet as he pulls it out. You can take the Baron from the common...

Hovering beside Terese as the princess takes a desired seat, the lady-in-waiting tries to keep herself at angles best fit to avoid any familiar faces. Her attention becomes drawn to Katarina as she speaks, and the the young lady smiles brightly at uplifting sentiment everyone might well need. Her polite nod before turning to Terese offered a quiet appreciation for Katarina's opening to the evening.

Desiree nods in agreement with Alexandre. "I do hope so." She looks to Dominique and grins. "I can't believe anyone would laugh at you. You're such good company." She listens to Katsrina and looks to her family. "It seems it's time to eat!"

Orvyn notes the arrival of Lisebet with a brief nod when he catches eyes with her and then turns his attentions to Katarina ans she speaks. When she completes the toast and welcome, he makes a sound of approval and then turns his attentions to the arriving Thorley and Ouida, "A good evening to you both, sister, Baron, it is a pleasure to see you both out and about," he offers, adn then chuckles as more offers come, "It would appear that my sister is rather desired," he notes with a look between Isabeau and the others around the table. "We can adjust to accommodate," he admits, curious to see where this goes as he moves over a seat and settles in to watch the others.

Slipping into dinner late, Caelis walks in and keeps her head down. The Princess-Consort wearing a dress with a fuller skirt to play down her belly as she heads for a seat.

Without a glass to toast with, yet, Dominique merely tips her chin to Katarina's words in agreement, before she slides her gaze to Rosalie as talk commences again. She tells the other lady, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Rosalie. I hope you do not feel out of place here. You are now family, after all." As she says it, her gaze flicks to Calarian, a frown catching her lips slightly, thoughtfully. When Desiree offers her reassurance, however, her gaze draws back and she in turn offers her sister a gentle smile. She reaches for a bowl of potatoes as soon as Desiree has declared it is time to eat.

Sunniva has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Ah, the arrival of the High Lord's wife garners Isabeau's attention as such that she is temporarily drawn out of the conversation so that she might be able to pay Caelis her due, even if all that means is she's waiting to catch the woman's eye that she might be able to nod in her direction.

Katarina settles into a seat after her spoken words, reaching to procure a glass of wine for herself with a smile turned toward her cousin and Cullen. "Now, what should we dig into first?" she queries of her companions, looking slowly over the food in indecision. A glance is stolen past her family to look curiously upon the lady-in-waiting that keeps the knight's company. "And you, my lady, what am I to call you?"

A brief conversation, and Calarian steps away from the servant newly burdened by a pair of glasses, one filled with a clear liquid and the other with wine. He winds his way back to the table and deposits the former in front of Dominique, stooping to murmur something before he continues along the table. Reaching Katarina, he says, "I won't keep you long, Your Highness, but I had hoped to thank you for the letter. Without it I may have overlooked the dinner entirely, and it's a pleasure to be here." He hardly leaves much time for a response before skirting around the table for a seat of his own, examining the nearby food with a hint of a ravenous look to his eyes.

Ansel focuses his attention on Katarina as the Princess addresses the room. That complete, he goes about settling himself and Isabeau in their seats alongside Alis, Alis' daughter, and the others joining at their table. As his wife goes about inviting Ouida to join, Ansel does the same with his brother-in-law, catching sight of Marius across the room. The man is given a friendly smile, and a gesture to the open chairs at their table.

Rosalie smiles at Katarina's words before looking back to the group, "Marquessa, Marquis, it is a true pleasure to meet you both. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate the ties between Redtyde and Wyrmguard." Glancing towards Desiree and Alex, she giggles, "Some of us never stop researching... or, well, trying to keep the Vellichor Library in its proper order seems a neverending task that occasionally leads to learning interesting new things, anyways." Turning towards Dominique, she shakes her head and grins, "Not at all. The High Lord and Princess Alis are family, after all. They've been very good to Redtyde and accomodating to my occasional requests for tea or meetings to catch up and share information."

Lisebet is already headed that way when Thorley whistles, and that gets a laugh from the Farshaw Lady. She moves to accept the seat that Thorley has found for her, though she does pause to offer a curtsey in Caelis' direction. And then settles in, smoothing her skirts and offering a "Thank you, Baron Thorley," with just a hint of mischief. She turns now to greet those at the table with her, with a calm and friendly demeanour.

Ouida takes the offered seat near Isabeau graciously, even though she's far more used to being the one pulling and pushing, she handles it with quiet dignity. "Thank you, my lord," she offers to Thorley. "Princess Isabeau, how lovely to see you. Have you been well, I hope?" she inquires softly. "I don't believe I've seen this much snow in a very long time, it gives the city an almost storybook quality, I think. My page has been quite enjoying himself with the others." Lisebet too is given a lifted hand in warm greeting. Orvyn and Sunniva are both given warm smiles as well, though there is an element of unmistakable tenderness to it. "Do not look so terribly surprised, beloved Marquis," she tells Orvyn teasingly. "You know I'm loathe to pass up a good meal and such fine company!"

"Thank you, Princess Katarina." Flashing a bright smile, Alis lifts her glass of wine in toast. And, having never been afraid of food, she definitely turns towards the feast in front of them to dig right in. "AUNT CAE!" Toddlers dgaf about anyone trying to make a quiet entrance. So Ellara squiggles right off her chair to run and hug the woman's leg and try to tug her towards a table. Hahahaha. Sorry. "Marquis Harthall. A pleasure to see you." Hearing her name somewhere, she looks around and spots Rosalie finally. And waves happily. Alexandre as well. Whom she gives a nod of acknowledgement.

Thorley considers for a moment, and looks to Katarina, tilting his head, before he makes a simple request. "Your Highness. May I say something?" he asks quietly.

The Marquessa Consort of Harthall is ever eager to join those she has yet to know and now as Orvyn moves them both again to join Ouida and Thorley she settles into her seat with a spread of her heavier silk dress in russet with its gold coins trimming the edge. There is a looks o Ouida, "Sister, Baron Farwatch," she greets Thorley warmly before looking to Lisebet. "My lady, it is always a pleasure to see you." She then glances to Orvyn and brushes a hand to his arm before her hand rests there upon his sable surcoat. "This is quite the show of faces for the Valardin. Quite impressive," she says as her honey colored eyes scan the crowd with growing interest. The controlled Oathlander chaos is something to behold.

Having finished his attempts at advertisement, the leatherworker heads for a handful of familiar faces. In particular, his patron and her husband. "My lady, Lord Orvyn, various others. Is there room for a simple leatherworker at uyour table?"

Katarina raises her eyes toward Calarian at his approach, setting aside her wine glass. "Ah, Lord Calarian, I'm so glad you received it. I feared it would not reach you in time," she confesses upon a vibrant laugh. "Save me a seat? I'll be over in a moment to speak as soon as I can. I've been dying to speak with your beautiful wife," she promises, looking past him to Thorley with curiosity. "Yes, my lord. Go right ahead." When Ellara goes running toward Caelis, Katarina's eyes brighten to see her sister-in-law. "Caelis! Come sit with us? I saved you your favorite!"

Alis definitely did not forget to include Sunniva in her other greetings, nope. Not at all. She can totally keep track of everything. Aaaahhhhhhhhh.

As Katarina's announcement is drawn to a swift close, Marius then looks back to Cullen, gauging the company he is with... and he spies Ansel waving him on over. With a mirthful little laugh, the Marquis of Greenmarch does not decline the gesture, quite willingly moving to join his brother-in-law and his cousin, giving a friendly dip of his head to everyone else at the table as he takes his seat. With a warm smile, he looks to Cullen and to Ansel, asking, "Coz, brother, tell me, how have you both been?"

"That's good-- I mean, I'm glad," Dominique offers awkward to Rosalie, her shoulder lifting up in a light shrug that only has her wincing again. She falls silent after that, focusing on filling her plate carefully as she lets the more social presences around her; her sister, her cousin, others; chat around her.

Caelis catches Isabeau's look and slows to smile at her with a small wave. Lisebet gets a nod too as she looks for Alis and hears Ellara. She gets scooped up carefully to accommodate her belly. "Hello Trouble. Your cousin is with Uncle Edain having a fit." She smiles and boops the toddler's nose before carrying her over to her mother. Glancing at Katarina, Caelis nods. "Let me return the girling."

The various members of the Wyrmguard contingent are eventually graced with one of Isabeau's brighter smiles and a series of subtle waves. "Marquessa Wyrmguard! I'm so pleased to see you again. Have you missed us?" So, too, are Rosalie and Alexandre acknowledged with the same warmth shown for the relatively newlywed pair. "It is so good to have House Redtyde returned to our halls. I think my grandfather would be very proud of all the hard work that you have done to lift your House's name, my lady..."

Alexandre nods back in response to Alis, even smiling, but otherwise maintains his attention in his more immediate vicinity. "The world moves on, as it does after every large-scale conflict. Preparing for the next, and learning from the failures and victories made." he remarks. He is otherwise a quiet presence, sometimes smiling, sometimes not, apparently having some trouble maintaining the former for a long length of time. When Isabeau approaches, he likewise greets her with a smiling nod.

Orvyn reaches over to clasp Sunniva's hand in the midst of the Oathandish reserved chaos, squeezing it warmly while his eyes dance across the various other guests at the table. Lisebet's greeting draws his baritone from his lips, "And a good evening my Lady Lisebet, how are you tonight?" he asks of her, though once this is said, it is Thorley's call for a moment to speak that has him drawing to a pause, quietly waiting as his attention affixes upon Thorley for the moment.

At the familiar voice, Ouida's gaze moves towards Apollo. "But of course, Master Apollo. Are you here with the other Keatons this evening?" she inquires with a brilliant smile, indicating the next empty seat next to her. "How did you find the gathering at Whisper House, the other night?"

Desiree nods with a laugh to Rosalie. "I can see how easy it would be to get lost in research at times. There are so many interesting things to learn." She turns her attention to the feast for the moment as she eats some of favorite foods.

Hands come to cover the short blond's mouth as Katarina addresses her. They slide down enough to reveal her moving lips as she says, "Oh, Princess. You do me far too much service for my station." She begins in a low voice that attempts at least to skillfully bleed into a rambling monotone.

"I am only honoured by Her Highness for the evening. I would not go into far formalities when you much be-" Voices call for Katarina from all sides as seats are taken and rounds made. "You are so busy, Your Highness. Enjoy your meal." One might have called after her targeted audience, but the golden-haired woman refrains. Her attention is immediately directed to wine.

"No," answers Dominique simply to Isabeau's question. She pauses, before remembering to add in thoughtful explanation, "I mean, Cal and I have been rather busy. We didn't really have any time to miss anyone. I worried, of course, at news from Arx and worried for you, but that isn't the same as missing someone." A beat, before she adds again, awkwardly, "It's a pleasure to see you again, Princess Isabeau."

%Ansel settles into his seat before looking sidelong in Ouida's direction. Lady Harthall, I don't believe we've been formally introduced," Ansel says, offering a polite smile of greeting as Ouida accepts his wife's invitation and takes a seat at the table. "Ansel Telmar," he offers, in greeting, before looking back to Isabeau with a sort of wide-eyed-innocent expression as his wife gives him a Look.

"Marius, it's really been too long. How are you? Simone's been writing a bit, but I know she's been busy. I need to get by and visit again.."

Ellara giggles brightly at being called trouble, but she is observant enough at least not to wriggle around like the worm she usually is until Alis grabs her back up again and settles her back into her chair. "Thank you, Cae." She winks, and turns back to the rest of the table to see if she can't catch up on conversation.

Calarian strips off his coat as he settles down beside Dominique, half-draping it over a nearby, vacant chair. He takes a sip of wine and claims some food, then lifts his attention to Isabeau for her approach. His smile flickers with warmer, chagrined amusement at hearing the Marquessa's answer, and he helpfully adds, "It was a whirlwind of a trip. I heard on a number of occasions, however, how much I would learn from House Valardin and the like when we finally made it back."

Rising to his feet for a moment, Thorley takes up his tankard of a cider and taps his fork against it. "My lords, my ladies, your Highnesses. May I have a moment of your attention?" he asks. "Not to interrupt your dinner, mind you." he offers quietly, and then clears his throat.

"Many of us here have served in one way or another in the war against the Gyre, the Silent war, the defense of the Lodge. And there are those that cannot be here tonight because of it. I always said if I had a chance that I'd do something to honor them in my own home. Now, my home ain't that much."

"But in my house, there is always a chair that will be empty. Even if it won't be - it's for the ones that won't be coming back to us. From the commoner to the Highnesses that have fallen in the defense of our home and what we hold most dear. From my first wife to the highest rank." He reaches up and wipes at his eyes with a sleeve. "Tonight, I propose that we leave a chair empty. In each of our homes. One for those that will not return. To let them know that they are appreciated. They are respected. That they will not -ever- be forgotten."

"I know I'm just a fecking upstart, but the recent whites have me wanting to make sure we respect those that gave up all they had to give us this. Anyway. It's just a thought from an old knight that's seen too much shit in his life. And knows I can never pay back all that I've been given in this life, and I'm gonna sit before I get into rambling, because there's folks here - your Highnesses, my lords and ladies, forgive my interruption." And with that, he sits back down next to Ouida.

Apollo has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

"This is quite the task," Sunniva remarks to Orvyn as her keen eyes slip from figure to figure, giving her warm not to Alis as she is greeted. "Princess," she says with a deep inclination of her head. Eyes follow the focus given to Ouida and the Marquessa can not help but smile remaining quiet as Thorley calls to say something, a brow arching as the ginger haired noblewoman holds still to the hand in her own. Her chin lifts, focused on the rise of the Baron and his words. When he finally sits the Harthall Marquessa dips her head to him once more, "Lovely words, Baron. And a good sentiment to keep." She glances to Orvyn. A greeting is also given to Apollo.

Appearing overwhelmed by the crowd and who he knows or does not, Cullen gives Marius a confused smile. "Hello, cousin. I'm doing alright, and yourself? Oh, and this is Princess Terese Valardin, an old friend of mine, and her lady-in-waiting, whose name I did not catch." Gesturing to Terese, then the blonde behind her, he twists fingers through his red beard anxiously, then smiles at Lisebet. "Lady Lisebet...I hope we get the chance to talk again soon?" With the chaos, it comes off like a question.

Rosalie smiles back at Alis and waaaaaaaaaaves with one upstretched hand that may or may not get lost in the crowd. Turning back around, she's just in time to smile warmly in response to Dominique, nodding, "Reconnecting with family has been very important for Redtyde. Its helped us through the initial bumps and rough patches for reviving our House. And Alex has been nothing short of amazing in his aid." She smiles up at Alexandre before turning at the sound of her name. Her face lights up and she leans forward as if to hug Isabeau before realizing her belly makes that unlikely at the moment. Giggling, she settles for a warm smile, "Thank you, my lady. It warms my heart to hear that. I have more projects that had been sidelined in order for Redtyde to focus on aiding the Lodge, but with that wrapping up, we are ready to hit the ground running... so to speak. And within the month we should have the newest Redtyde joining us to add to the merriment!" Desiree's response gets a giggle as she nods, "It -is-... we should compare notes! I've been focusing on the elven nations and their religions... its truly fascinating."

Ouida's attention moves with respect to Thorley as he speaks, giving him her full and most solemn attention. "Well said, my lord," she stats firmly, her glass raised.

Katarina casts a lingering glance upon the short blonde, lips tightening with the effort to subdue a smile threatening to bloom. "You flatter me, my lady. All the while, I'm pleased to see you've managed to pry Terese out of her armors for the evening." A playful look is shot toward her cousin, then she is looking across to Thorley when he speaks. Her head bows slightly in a moment of silent reflection for the dearly departed. "May their deeds never be forgotten in the eyes of the Sentinel. May their return to the Wheel be restful, and the Queen of Ending and Beginnings bless them in the next life," she murmurs under her breath, raising her glass in soft toast. "Well said, Baron Farwatch."

Then, she's sliiiiiiiding a bowl down the table toward Alis all sneaky-like. "Oh, dear sister, try this? It's my favorite, I think."

Leaning over to kiss Alis on the cheek, Caelis holds a hand over her belly and smiles. "Any time. I believe Kat's holding a seat for me." She murmurs to her sister in law and walks over to Katarina to sit near her with a quiet ommph.

Caelis has joined the Dining Table.

Alexandre smiles back to Rosalie. "It's my honour and pleasure to be of aid. It is as much my family now as Wyrmguard has been." he tells his wife. He otherwise does not try to keep up with every conversation being held around the table, the sound far too overwhelming for the lord to even attempt it.

"Oh has she?" answers Marius to his brother-in-law, then adding with a wry little smile, "Not that I'm surprised - you and my dear have always been close." With a brief nod, he then answers the mirrored question posed to him by Ansel and Cullen both, responding, "Fair and well, my kin, fair and well." He pauses a beat, eying the table before he jests, "Though short on drink..." There's a flash of a smile at that, and with a laugh, adds, "Though easily righted, am I right?" And then he's being introduced! Marius arches a brow, looking over towards the princess, dipping his head in polite deference to one of greater rank than he. "Princess Terese, a pleasure."

Thorley takes the blond's attention as he speaks and she speaks up to offers similar remarks to the new Baron, "Well said, Baron Farwatch."

Leaning towards Terese as Terese's lady says to Katarina, "I am trying to ensure my Princess is keeping fit with court functions and social activities. She might lose herself in her combat practices if she was not pushed."

"Indeed, well said my Lord," Orvyn adds to Ouida's words for Thorley, and there's something in the man's gaze that he offers to Sunniva and the rest of the table, as though such actions that Thorley had presented were exactly why the man deserved to be ennobled. He can't escape it now! A reach for a drink after it is poured and he will share with Sunniva while the conversations continue so deftly around him.

"A pleasure to meet you, my lord!" Ouida replies to Ansel, with a smile. "I do believe when the weather becomes a little more hospitable, I owe you and your lovely bride a sail!" There's a gentler smile given to the former princess. "When the waves are a mite bit calmer and smooth, I promise."

Desiree takes a sip of her drink. She turns to Rosalie. "That does sound fascinating. I don't know that much that elves, but I would like to know more."

Katarina turns her eyes upon Caelis, her smile warm for her sister-in-law. "Do you think it will be another nephew that you give me?" she asks in soft jesting, shifting to pull her into a loose hug with a kiss pressed upon the Princess-Consort's cheek. "I certainly hope so. Between Eirlys and Ellara, another boy would be nice so they stop ganging up on poor Samuel." When Terese's lady-in-waiting speaks, the Valardin looks upon the short blonde again. "I am forever grateful that she's found such a gem such as yourself, my lady. But, pardon me, what did you say your name was again?"

Lisebet smiles at Cullen, offering him a nod. "WE definitely should catch up, perhaps we will find time in the next few days." She listens to Thorley thoughtfully, and then inclines her head. "Well said, Baron Farwatch," she agrees. Her attention goes to those at her table now, and she smiles at something said, before adding her own voice there.

"Well said, Baron Farwatch" Alis decides, giving his words the proper moments to sink in before she comments. "All of those who died in those battles deserve to have their sacrifice ascknowledged. Their names recorded, their deeds not forgotten." She lifts her glass first towards him and then towards Katarina as she makes the toast. And then... then a dish of food is slid over to her and it's... she sniffs at it. "/Curry/!" That may be horror in her expression. She saw what this stuff to Edain! The whole manor smelled it for days. Fortunately, before Caelis married in.

Dominique stares at Calarian for a moment as he address Isabeau, her lips pressing into a slightly line, though she eventually only exhales a quiet breath. She takes a sip of her water, glancing towards her sister as she speaks of elves.

1 Trained Telmar Armsmen, Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog arrive, following Arn.

Macda tries to elbow Cullen subtly for a distraction to save her but nearly falls into him as he speaks with the Marquis.

It's all Katarina can do to not burst into laughter at Alis's horrified reaction, struggling to keep a straight face. "Oh, come now, Alis. Don't tell me you won't indulge your baby sister a little. Come on, Elly, tell mommy to be brave," she goads Ellara into turning against her. Evil.

Terese smiles to her lady-in-waiting and then to Katarina, in an attempt to save the poor dear from too much attention, "The poor dear is so shy, Katarina. I'd hate to overwhelm her too much on such an occasion. She gives her lady-in-waiting a slight nod, "Would you fetch me a drink my dear?"

"I can still hold my own in the ring." Caelis protests to Katarina. "I just can't get armor over my belly." Though word of news doesn't distract her from the food on the plate. "Please tell me there's seafood." She sighs and helps herself to curry with a look to Alis with a quirk of her brows. She's eating it.

Alis can survive undead pirates, bringers of silence, abyssally rotten bears, and an evil unicorn... but curry? That strikes fear right in the hear. /Right in the heart, Katarina/. "Fine, but if I die eating this then you get none of my weapons." she mutters, spearing a piece of meat on her fork and bravely trying to eat it.

Calarian might as well be impervious to the thin-lipped looks Dominique lends him, judging by this last one. He glances from Isabeau to the Marquessa, lightly tipping his wineglass against her water-glass before taking a small drink. Swallowing and glancing aside, attention fixing on Alexandre. "Do you have any notable memories from Blancbier?" he asks. "I enjoyed seeing the breadth of the territory, but I'm still picking up quite a bit as far as its customs and history go."

Cullen nods in agreement with Marius, "Indeed, cousin. I think I could use a drink...." But then Macda's elbow turns into a full press as he coughs and glances over. "Pardon me, perhaps you had a bit much beforehand, Goodwoman, but the Marquis and I would love a glass of whiskey, and Princess Terese undoubtedly something more in line with her own tastes." The knight's gaunt condition is probably well-explained now by his pathetic meal he's chosen of a piece of bread with some butter, and a handful of fruit. "That sounds excellent, Lady Lisebet. I would rather like to do just that."

As she comes to her balance, the young lady nods several times to Terese. "Of course, Your Highness. Right away, right away." She hardly needs another cue to go find something strong for the both of them. She's has only saved herself a couple minutes at best before the battle of composure continues.

Katarina flits a dubious glance between her tablemates and the fleeing lady-in-waiting, a faintly humored smile touching her lips briefly. "Oh, don't be so dramatic, Alis! You've faced down the very worst of nightmarish fiends! What's a -whole- bowl of curry going to do to you?" she laughs, leaning over to kiss her sister's cheek. She looks around her fellow pint-sized knight to Ansel, smiling brightly, "Think of it as revenge for all the griefing Alis gave you, Lord Ansel!"

Calarian has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Ansel looks back to Alis, finishing his mouthful before giving a very innocent look. "I wouldn't know anything about that, your highness. How's your meal?" replies the Telmar, tone not -quite- entirely serious. For his part, the Sword seems to be enjoying the curry just fine. At the woman's latter words, he sits back a bit, expression quickly shifting. The Telmar quickly looks over his shoulder, and, not spotting Arn through the crowd, looks back to the little Valardin. "Very funny, Princess..." says Ansel, believing entirely that the Valardin was only kidding about the Duke's arrival.

Dominique has joined the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Lisebet's distracted by something at the table, but she does catch Cullen's words. "Excellent. I look forward to it, Lord Cullen." That said, she turns her attention to the rest of the room briefly, gaze going to the mini-me's that might be present, and then back over to Ansel, at his comment. She then turns her attention to the curry she's now got, digging in with a decent appetite, despite her petite stature.

"Yes. For quite some time I expected I would spend my whole life in its service. That, or eventually take the vows to the Gods." Alexandre answers Calarian. "But in terms of specific memories... You've seen its territory, and thus perhaps you've noticed the cleanliness of its streets, even among the poorer quarters? The Mercies hold a strong presence in Blancbier, and for quite some time, it was among them that I spent much of my free time when I was a boy. Had it not been for a fortunate encounter with a Knight of Solace, I may have joined their discipleship instead. Blancbier is undoubtedly a fortress city. But it is also known as the City of Mercy for a reason. Hence why most of the exports are tied with medicine." he explains.

Rather than enter calmly or politely, he storms into the dining room with a ferocious snarl and violence in his beady eyes. Hair standing on end, ire raised, he is in no mood for socializing. Arn isn't much better, though he's slightly less snarly than the fluffy little dog that just barely precedes him. The man gives the dog a grunt, which serves to calm Good Ansel enough for company. It's too bad there's no one to grunt at Arn. Aggressive, annoyed, and showing all the discomfort he feels when it comes to these situations. The Duke, despite hating all this chit chatting and catching up and normal person stuff, nonetheless immediately draws attention to himself by unleashing an unholy hack of a cough. Less subtle throat clearing, more like the rattling death throes of a mangled beast that doesn't yet know it's doom is upon it, this doesn't slow him down at all. Short little legs carry his inappropriately armorclad self into the thick of it. "I'm here." he growls, beady gray eyes shifting about and finally resting on Ansel for a while.


Striding around with her eyes casting from servant tray to prep table, the lady looks for someone who might have a clue about getting hard spirits and something with lemon. She can't help but end up sharing a glance with people who might have seen her a couple days ago with Apollo and Ouida being two she remembers herself. More to the point, she finally finds a servant who pratically runs to fetch her list of desires, and perhaps has seen her ring by the hushed conversation they exchange as he comes back. She seems to insist on walking back with a silver tray set with glasses and two bottles of whiskey. Not to be without her proper form, she drains a glass she fills for herself before returning to walk across the room.

Georgette, 1 Greenmarch Guard arrive, following Simone.

Glancing up as Arn arrives, Thorley grunts. "Shit! I didn't know this was armor acceptable." he mutters, before returning his attention his curry.

Alis is here and will grunt at Arn!!! In fact, she turns to look right at him and grunt a greeting. And then waves with a smile. Also, holding up the bowl and deliberately spearing more curry sauce covered food and eating it while staring at Katarina. Sullenly. Ellara is too busy beaming at Thorley to pay attention to anything else, the little charmer.

"There's no doubt about that," Katarina assures to Caelis quickly. "Anywho! I returned from Safecove to check in on our project. It's nearing completion. I think one more good push to secure the last of assets will see us with a new acquisition by the time you've recovered from birth," she reveals, popping a piece of meet into her mouth. And then, Tehom himself walked in -- Oh, no, it's just Arn. The Duke of Telmar Reach is given a warm smile. "Duke Telmar, I'm so pleased to see that you could make it to dinner after all," she welcomes him courteously, looking toward Ansel. "Oh, of course it's armor acceptable. Except for Alis. She was BANNED from marching in here in plates."

Dominique's iced gaze lifts to her liege lord as he steps into the dining hall, her hand curling for a moment over her chest and her chin tipping. Then she moves to rise from the table without a word, a wince tugging her features and pain rippling through as she moves. Nevertheless, she walks to Arn and greets, "My lord, I was just leaving. We should speak soon, now that I am back in the city." Since she is bleeding through the bandages on her knuckles, it is likely not a surprise that she is abandoning dinner and her family for the evening.

"Is there ever a time for armor to be unacceptable?" Ouida teases Thorley. "Except for in the baths, perhaps. No one wants to be known to be the knight who drowned amongst his bubbles."

Dominique has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

"Marquessa Wyrmguard," Katarina pitches a soft call toward Dominique, rising from her chair gracefully in hopes of intercepting the Marquessa of Blancbier before she departs. On the way, she SNICKERS at Alis' misery. SNICKERS.

Lisebet tilts her head, as she listens to the back and forth, amused, but not adding to it. She glances at Ouida and just laughs outright at that teasing. "Perhaps next time, I shall wear armour?" she offers. "Though - you know, I actually think I might be willing to put it on again." Which is a lot at this point for Lisebet to admit to.

"Yes," Calarian says, head tilting briefly as he listens to Alexandra. "I had heard that the Mercies had a strong presence, but I had not realized to what extent until seeing it in person." Sensing the motion on his other side, he watches Dominique's silent departure long enough for his end of the conversation to lapse, then flicks his attention back with an apologetic smile. "Where- The Mercies, yes. I imagine seeing other cities and such might have been a bit of a shock, if that degree of order is what you were first acquainted with."

It is difficult for Isabeau to ignore Arn's arrival, given the phlegmy fanfare that comes with it. Gracefully, the new Telmar noblewoman rises from her seat and makes her way over to meet the duke along the way to... wherever it is that he might want to go to bark-- er, say hello to whomever. "Duke Telmar," she says in a soft tone. "What would you care to drink? I'll have someone fetch it for you."

Ansel goes back to eating his curry and enjoying the company around him at the table. He does this for perhaps another thirty seconds or so, until the Sword's head titls slightly, as though catching Herald Steve's words, or perhaps the noise of that death-rattle cough, or even the telltale stomping bootfalls that precede the Duke's arrival. "Oh..." Ansel says, gaze slooowly sliding back to Alis, as though this is all somehow her fault.

When the looming figure of the Telmar Duke, well, looms closer, the Sword stands alongside Isabeau to receive him. "Good evening, Duke," he greets, with a quick nod.

Thorley suddenly grins at Lisebet, and his look takes on a sharper edge. "Good, excellent /cousin/," the knight starts, picking up an old conversation. "And since you have options - would you rather learn the sword from me, or the bow from my wife?" he asks her with a glint in his eyes. Gotcha!

Giving Alexandre an adoring smile, she squeezes his hand and murmurs something to him, then smiles at their Wyrmguard family, "If you'll excuse me for just a moment.." And thus the pregnant woman scoots away fromt he small cluster to try and navigate towards Alis. Pausing in her tracks, however, she offers a bright and cheerful smile towards the self-announced Arn and greets, "Good evening Duke Telmar! You might enjoy the venison tonight, I'm told its -very- tasty." And then she's off again, belly preceeding her as she tries to bend over to whisper something to Alis without her belly getting in the way. Unfortunately, that belly is just a bit too big to be avoided and she manages to jostle Alis' arm JUST as she was going to get another forkful, causing the dinnerware to upset and spill its contents onto the tabletop. "Oh my! I'm so -terribly- sorry, Your Highness! I'm so terribly clumsy these days, please, allow me to have this cleaned up for you!"

Seemingly perhaps ignored by the Valardin princess, Marius gives a faint nod and then looks back to Cullen, saying, "Thanks, coz, I appreciate it." With that, he then looks back to Ansel, deciding to engage with his brother-in-law again, saying to him, "By the way, Ansel, you do know you are ever welcome at our home, yeah? Don't even have to write." He flashes a warm smile... and then he sees his father-in-law. His eyes go a little wide before he, not unlike Ansel, clears his throat a little and composes himself more, dipping his head towards Arn as he says, "My Duke, how nice to see you here."

The young blond returns to the grouping of seats where conversation still seems to be thick and addresses Marius first, "Marquis Greenmarch, may I offer you whiskey?" Her tray isn't held with as much practice as a servant but her balance is exquisite. Lifting a bottle, she pours and inquires of Cullen and then Terese. Each time another glass is filled, the bottle set down on the tray, and the glass handed with a dip her head.

To the couple of others in the vicinity, incuding Katarina, she asks, "Anyone else for whiskey?"

Alexandre too watches Dominique's departure, and Arn's noticeable arrival, but returns his attention to Calarian soon after. "Yes. Thankfully I was exposed rather early on as a squire to other cities as I traveled with Dame Anna, the Knight of Solace to whom I was squiring to." he explains. "But yes, at the time, it was rather... surprising. But one grows used to different sights and ideas, and learns to accept them and see their good sides as well as their bad. In turn, it allows a less partial perspective regarding where one has come from, and the different sides of their own home." he adds. To Rosalie, he nods, listening when she murmurs to him but not looking too alarmed.

"I am so allowed to wear armor in here!" Alis protests. "Just... not during dinner." she concedes, glancing back over at Ansel with a 'I /tried/ to warn you' look, completely unrepentant. Not even she can make the man magically appear. The subtle glaring contest before he stands up to greet dear old dad alongside his wife may be why her attention slips and her guard lowers as Rosalie leans over to whisper and the jostle of her arm makes her flinch as it hits her side and... whups. "Oh dear. This is such a shame. Such a shame. It's quite alright Lady Rosalie, really. A servant will... see, there she is now. It will be cleaned up shortly. You didn't get any of it on you did you?"

Lisebet is totally not ignoring anyone, but if she did miss something said to her, it was accidental and only cause her darn player is dense. She turns to give Thorley a blink, and then she chuckls softly. "There is no third choice there, my lord Baron?" She doesn't actually seem entirely surprised by the offer, adding, "That is a most generous offer you make, truthfully."

"Uh huh." he mutters dismissively of the greetings. Arn has his arms crossed over his chest, stance sullen and standoffish. He doesn't have anything to say to Dominique, instead just offering her a fairly neutral nod of his head. "No drink, no. If I want one, I can get it. I have legs last I checked. You're about to leave anyhow, probably. Ansel doesn't stay in the same room as me for very long if he can help it." a pause to give the boy another look before he socializes, such as it is. "Hello, hi, greetings. Whatever. Go back to your conversations, you don't need to stop them on my account. Except you." he turns and stalks over toward Calarian, retracing Dominique's route and moving toward the apparently unfamiliar man. "Who are you?"


Ellara sees another person she just looooves to greet every time she gets the chance. Hearing Arn's cough of doom the little princess squees happily and jumps off her chair again to run over with open arms and try to attach herself to his leg. Ah, Alis has taught her well.

"You'll have to remind me Kat, when there aren't so many voices pulling my poor pregnant brain twenty ways." Caelis says with a gesture to the crowd. She picks at bits of food with a wane look. "I've been working on raising funds so we can buy more boats of course."

Cullen begins to say something to Marius when the rattle and thunder that accompanies Duke Telmar heralds his arrival, the Greenmarch lord's jaw frozen in place. A hand extended to the blonde lady-in-waiting, he finally remembers to speak. "If you please, thank you, humble servant Goodwoman whose name I cannot recall." Between Arn's arrival and the serving girl, it appears the knight is about to either burst into laughter, dive under the table, or perhaps both. Instead, he bolts to a stand and bows deeply to the plate clad Duke. "Duke Telmar. A...pleasure. Truly." That requires a huge drink of whiskey after he's reseated.

Terese thanks the young blond, taking a poured glass of whiskey and taking a sip, "This is rather nice." She listens to the other conversations going on, though she seems to miss as much as she catches in the large gathering.

At hearing her name called, Dominique's attention draws to Katarina, a question in her features even as she says, "Yes?" She draws discreetly away from Arn, already preparing to escape, though just far enough for a private word with the Valardin princess. Her chin tips as she murmurs something, before she starts for the door.

Ansel, relaxing visibly at first once Isabeau goes to divert the Duke towards some drinks, slowly settles back into his seat once Arn goes off to loom over someone else. "Two please," the Telmar replies to the offer of whiskey, quickly returning his attention to those at the table around him, and the remains of his meal.

"Oh no, Your Highness. I was given the excellent advice to wear aeterna for these last months of pregnancy for just this reason! Otherwise all of my lovely clothes would be irreparably stained." Rosalie hurries to assure Alis with a smile before finally leaning in to murmur something quietly to the Princess.

Simone slips in the front, smiling a greeting to the attendant at the door as her cloak is whisked away. She turns and pauses to survey the room, giving polite nods and waves to various people. Spotting her husband near her brother, she starts to head their way. As her eyes fall on her father, a barely visible frown flits across her face for a moment before being replaced with a carefully chosen smile. Approaching them, she says in gentle tones, "Good evening." Looking to Marius, she gives him a kiss on the cheek, saying quietly, "I am sorry for being late. I simply lost track of time." Green eyes watch Isabeau and her father depart without a word, before she turns back to Ansel, giving him a slightly curt nod, "Hello, little brother." She moves to Cullen and offers him a quick kiss on his cheek in greeting, then moves to stand next to Marius, lacing her arm through his.

"Dame Anna?" Calarian echoes, offering no sign of recognition but nevertheless giving a small nod to Alexandre. "I agree, by and large. Growing up I had the opportunity to visit a few different Grayson holdings and learn from..." The rest of his reply falls into quiet as Arn's question falls. He glances up to consider the armor-clad man for a scant second or two before setting his glass aside and smoothly rising from the table. "Marquis-Consort Calarian Wyrmguard," he greets, tone a bit more even and less genial, the words paired with a small bow. "It is my honor to meet you, my lord."

"My thanks," utters Marius as Macda extends the offer of some whiskey, nodding his agreement to the offer. As if that was ever in question for the Marquis, perhaps notorious for his fondness for the drink. He gives a pleasant little nod as the tumbler is extended out to him, and is all the more pleasantly surprised when his wife catches him off-guard with a little greeting by way of kiss. With a laugh, Marius replies, "Why, better late than never, love." With a fond sigh, he links his arm with Simone's own... and then realizes something. With a little startle, he then reaches out for a chair, pulling it out for his wife.

With her brief exchange with Dominique concluded, Katarina draws away from the Marquessa to allow her leave uinterrupted from the dining room, seemingly mollified. "I hope to catch up with you soon," are her words of parting before her attention is stolen by those around her. "Lady Simone," she zooms in on the Greenmarcher, nee Telmar with a joyous laugh. "I'm so pleased to see you could make it. I was afraid I'd have to hound your poor husband until he told me where you were." Her words are delivered with a jesting glance flung to Marius, reaching to hug the other woman before looking over at Caelis. "Yes, it has very much to do with that."

"I do the same thing." Alis admits. "Wear aeterna the last few months. It helps enormously." Her eyes all all for her daughter running towards Arn. And maybe, she tries to get Ansel and Isabeau's attention to intercept the little monster early if they have the chance. Because whatever it is Rosalie is whispering she appears intent on staying put to respond to.

Turning to curtsy at the mention of Duke Telmar, the young blond meets the visage of the man and gives him due respect. She even manages not to lose balance with the silver tray, not significantly more light. As she rises, her eyes try to avoid contact with the Duke any longer than a moment to avoid more attention. In the closer vicinity, she bows her head respectfully to Simone. "Good evening, Marquessa." But she does not try to speak over any conversation she carries with her husband.

Ansel looks up from the table, looking far more pleased about the arrival of this Telmar than the former, catching sight of Simone as she comes over to join the little Telmar/Valardin group at the table. Because it looks like the Sword is doing his best to avoid even looking over in the Duke's directoin, he doesn't see the child teetering over towards his father.

"Good evening, Simone," Ansel greets, cheerily at first, but warm smile fading slightly as his sister settles. There's a curious look to the Telmar's features, and he glances over to check on his wife.

Desiree finishes her plate and looks to those nearby. "As much as I have enjoyed myself. I really should be going. I'm so glad I coukd make it."

Even as the Telmar duke declines his new daughter-in-law's offer of a beverage, perhaps Isabeau has run some sufficient interference as such that her husband might be a bit more prepared to handle being in the same (great big) room as his own father. At least for a little while longer. Isabeau gives Arn an awfully stoic sort of look while she replies, "As you wish, my lord. I'll return to my meal and let you... make the rounds on your own." It's almost a threat. A potential buffer between Arn and whoever's head might be found in his jaws next is going back to her table.

Arn tilts his head to the side, perplexed, "Eh? Who?" at about this point, Alis' kid attaches herself to his leg and he gives a grunt, looking down helplessly at the girl. "Hi. Ugh..." then he's turning his attention back to Calarian, "Oh, right. That Grayson that came over a while back. Right. Good for you. Marrying a marquessa is a more honest and useful life than being a useless prince. One of...hell, ten thousand parasites sucking on the teat of a great house. Not much else to do but breed, I guess, hence the whole lot of you all over the damned place. And I don't just mean Grayson." with a grunt and without a farewell he turns abruptly, dislodges himself from the kid and gives her a light kick in the ass back toward her mother. That probably just makes him even cooler or something. His next target is Simone and Marius, whom he approaches and then just sort of stands there silently beside them.


Ellara thinks Arn is /hilarious/! When he ughs at her, she dissolves into a fit of giggles before running back to her chair to climb back up like the conquering hero. She hugged the Arn monster and he didn't growl at her. She wins!

Simone turns at hearing Katarina's voice and offers her a genuinely fond smile, "Hello, Princess Katarina! It has been far, far too long." She leans in to return Kat's hug with a soft laugh, "Marius would not have been much help today, I am afraid. But, though I got confused on times, I did indeed make it." She gives Macda a smile, saying softly, "Good evening, Your Highness." She turns her gaze to her brother, then moves to sit gracefully in the chair offered by Marius before saying coolly, "How are you, Ansel?" But her attention is drawn away by her father looming next to them. Rising once more, she greets him with a very proper and polite curtsy, saying simply, "Father."

Cullen is the very picture of confusion, anxiety and barely restrained laughter all in one sickly looking package. One hand gripping a glass of whiskey tighly, half drained by this point, and casting looks between Arn and the blonde serving girl that looks suspiciously not so well trained in serving. When she whispers to him, he snorts loudly and replies quietly in return before Simone gives him a kiss on the cheek in greeting. "Simone, hello! I am glad to see you, as Marius and I were having to be the entirety of the whiskey contingent." Ah, but then there's Arn, towering in a short person in plate kind of way. Smiling over at Katarina, he chuckles nervously. "Thank you for the very entertaining dinner, Princess."

"A godsworn Knight of Solace. She died in the Silent War, I fear." As many people did, unfortunately. Alexandre does not say much more, however, as Arn joins them, or heads straight to Calarian. But he does not have to wait long, as it would seem that once the Duke's curiosity is satisfied, he's off again. "Your first experience with the Duke, then?" he asks Calarian, once the former is a safe distance away. Well, safer. No one's ever really safe from Arn.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards leaves, following Desiree.

Macda presses her lips together as the sound of the Duke's voice fill the room. She bursts into laughter, desperate to put the tray on the table before she wears a bottle of whiskey on a white overcoat. She barely recognises that Simone had addressed her properly, but it might have been drowned out in her laughter.

Ansel glances up across the table towards Simone, giving a small, warm smile to his sister. "Well enough. It's good to see you and Marius out again," the Sword starts to say, before Hurricane Arn is blowing back over in their direction. Ansel reaches over to slide his arm through his bride's, once she's returned to her seat next to him, resting a hand on her knee. He gives a glance over in the direction of Calarian's table, as though checking on the aftermath.

Alis already grunted her greeting, and her temper is probably already more than tuned high enough after the last evening's battle that she has no intention of putting herself in the line of fire any more than she already has. Instead, she chuckles at her daughter's antics and pulls her into her lap so she can't escape again. "Marquessa Simone, I'm sorry I didn't see you come in. It's good to have you here."

Having greeted Arn earlier, Marius perhaps had hoped that he had managed to dodge the bullet that was his liege and father-in-law... But when he glances overshoulder at the unsettling presence, he finds the imposing figure of Arn looming over him. The Marquis of Greenmarch startles at first, trying to disguise his brief fright with a little laugh, "A-ah... my Duke of Telmar..." He rises up soon after Simone, not only dipping his head, but indeed bending into a full bow for his liege, waiting to see if Arn might explain his cause for approach, or if it was merely to remind the couple that he still exists.

"Yes," Calarian agrees quite simply, expression not losing its calm, or even suggesting a fight to retain it. "I was of a similar mind on that particular note." As Arn turns to depart he settles back easily on his seat, attention flicking to Alexandre once more. "Yes," he acknowledges, reclaiming his glass and letting both eyebrows climb a fraction. "Always so direct?"

"It's like watching a horrific play unfold, and you cannot help but watch with bated breath to see just what he'll do next," Katarina comments aloud, golden eyes briefly trailing after the path of Arn as he moves from looming over one his adult spawn to another. With a gentle squeeze pressed upon Simone's arm, the Valardin defects from her friend's side to flee away to her chair beside Caelis. Some of her seafood is stolen, flitting a brief glance toward Cullen with a warm smile. "I'm pleased you're enjoying yourself, my lord. I was fretting over how it would all turn out, but it seems everyone is doing well so far." Her eyes sliiiiiiiiiide back to Arn, Calarian, and Simone. Trainwreck happening?

"The seafood." Caelis pouts and turns her focus to what's left over and pokes about the plate. She follows after Katarina with her eyes but she's not about to move if she doesn't have to.

"Yes." Alexandre confirms, drinking a nice glass of... milk. "Duke Arn simply is. I don't recall a time he wasn't, and I've not heard him changing ever since I left the Valardin fealty to marry Rosalie." he adds. "But you did well enough. I think. I'm not quite fluent in his particular manner of speech." he shrugs helplessly.

Simone keeps her eyes locked on Arn, but says aside to Alis in a warm tone that definitely does not match the expression on her face currently, "Thank you, Princess Alis. It is lovely to be visiting when it is not something of a dire nature for once." A faint smile is tossed after Katarina, then her attention returns full force to her father, as she adds, "You seem in good health... and certainly as obstinate and cantankerous as ever. I am surprised to see you here." Smiles might be given freely to others, but with Arn her face is a carefully composed mask of politeness.

Lisebet glances as the Duke comes by, rising gracefully to offer a curtsey. "My lord Duke," she says simply, acknowledging him. She doesn't interrupt whatever he is up to, simply watching and waiting. Politely.

"Sit the hell down. Gods. Stop bowing. Stop being so afraid." the best way to get people to be less afraid is to snap at them to be less afraid. Right? Maybe it will work on Marius. Arn isn't shouting, though, instead keeping his tone down however sharp it might be. "How are you?" he asks Simone, simply and directly. Arn even lifts a hand to rest on her shoulder. Knobby and knotted as it is, his touch is light. Almost affectionate. Weird. "You doing all right? How's the kid? You should send h...them over." oops. Talking to his children is never a comfortable experience. "Maybe he'd like the gauntlet. And I'm not obstinate. I change my mind. No one gives me reason to most of the time. Can't see as how that's my fault, huh?" he focuses his attention on Simone almost exclusively once he has her in his sights, staying close to his taller daughter.


Orvyn rises to shift Sunniva's chair at something that she shares with him, his robe open and revealing the rather lovely leathers marked in Harthall fashion that has become a staple for many of the house. He gives a small adjustment to Sunniva's chair, pulling it out a way to regard her for a moment, leaning in to whisper something before sitting back down once more and attending to his food.

"I'm quite content with blunt conversations so long as they're well grounded," Calarian tells Alexandre, giving an idle nod and draining the remnants of his wine. "And I'd be hard pressed to disagree. My wife and I visited a family dinner the other day and I was at risk of stepping on newborn princes and princesses every time I tried to move. Not to mention--" He sets the glass down and pushes it away, gaze raking the dining room briefly. Attention returning, he asks, "When were you married?"

Katarina smiles apologetically at Caelis, a servant motioned to that replenishes the seafood. "See? All better," she quips with a light-hearted laugh. She turns in her seat to look toward Isabeau and Ansel, her smile soft for her newlywed cousin and friend. "Isabeau, have I told you of an idea I have been toying with to aid our merchants with textile trades? It is something like a fashion show -- only, we get -Alis- to be our guinea pig and we stick her in a dress."

Thorley snorts. "You know, you could have bought me a set of those for my ascencion." the knight points out about the fine ass leathers that Orvyn's in.

Perhaps the most surprising thing is... it -does- work on the Greenmarch Marquis. With a clearing of his throat, Marius smiles a little more at ease, raising a hand to rake fingers through his hair again as he explains, "Ah, my apologies. I..." he trails off, seeming to think better than to explain himself any further. He watches with rapt attention at this... rather unfamiliar sight, brow furrowing ever so slightly as the Duke of Telmar shows some affection for his daughter. Why, even despite the concern, it brings a smile to Marius' face, and waiting to see how it fares, he recovers his tumbler and takes a small sip of his whiskey...

Alis gives Simone a return nod, her attention suddenly on the byplay between her and her father, as it plays out in front of everyone. There's a moment when she almost gawks, too. He's being so nice. She'll just be silent and as stealthy as she's able... until Katarina talks about making her wear a dress. "Wait, what? Why? Is it time for me to flee?"

"I could of, but I had imagined that you had your own leathers that you preferred. Though do remind me again, and I shall see about having a set made for you," Orvyn replies to Thorley, looking from the man to the others at the table, "I apologize, I have been rather caught up in my own thoughts this evening, whom have I yet to properly meet?" he asks, curious, but not demanding.

Simone arches an eyebrow slightly at Arn, retorting, "I have never feared you in my life. I have no intent of starting now." She looks down at the hand on her shoulder, then looks back at Arn with very slightly narrowed eyes, "You are not ill are you?" The faintest of smiles flickers across her mouth though, as she relaxes her guard ever so slightly and nods to him, "Myrddin is well. Corban has been spending time with him when he has time away from his duties, teaching him how to properly hold a sword. He has even threatened to let him ride his horse, but I have forbidden that for the moment." Tilting her head slightly, she adds simply, "Perhaps our next child will be a girl."

Isabeau leans back in her chair only a bit so that she isn't speaking very loudly directly into Ansel or Ouida's ears in order to render her reply to Katarina. "I think the first part sounds wonderful, but the second bit is a dreadful idea, your highness." Beat. "We should use Princess Ellara as our star, so she can wear alllll the pretty dresses."

Cullen gets into a whispering exchange with the blonde lady-in-waiting, draining his whiskey glass and holding it out for her to refill. "If you would, please." Intrigued, he watches the exchange between Arn and Simone with an air of shocked disbelief, casting a look Marius' way, but not interrupting otherwise. A fleeting smile is returned to Katarina though, a hint of amusement on his lips.

"I wouldn't let your boy within twenty feet of Corban. I'd worry some of his disloyalty and insubordination would rub off on him. If you don't want your son stabbing your husband in the back down the road, I'd keep him far out of your cousin's path. There's nothing for it. Just keep him away from him. You may as well have him come to the Tower. My track record for raising boys is shit," Arn cannot help but glance over at Ansel, "but Sir Gerard is no slouch. Anyone would be better than that son of a bitch nephew." he pauses, glancing around with a scowl and then nods at Simone, "I am. The cough's part of it. It's not good. I can feel it coming. Not age. I can deal with that. But in my bones. Yeah." his voice is kept even lower, a gravelly mutter as she acknowledges Simone's joking suggestion, "Always thought I'd die in battle or that Ansel would finally get the balls to stab me in my bed. Somehow doesn't feel right for it to be sickness."


Macda turns to find solace in whiskey as she watches the exchange of Arn and his daughter. She drank, and she offered drinks with a casual ease of being in private- not at a fealty event. Her head turns to Cullen as she passes back a glass and says more loudly than perhaps she'd like. "He does have a list."

"I do not recall who it was that encouraged it. Leaving the royal house to create cadet branches in lands that remain yet uninhabited or beyond the reach of the Compact's laws. That would assuredly clear some of the Houses." Alexandre remarks to Calarian. "Or marry out, as we both have done, milord." he adds with a smile. As to when he was married... "Less than a year." he says, watching Rosalie from afar as he answers. "We married in August of last year."

The sheer numbers in discourse at current have the Marquessa-Consort of Harthall attempting to volley between them while listening. When Thorley remarks to Orvyn's leathers there is a faint grin that pulls at her lips. Eyes turn to behold her husband and then once more to the Baron. "I think he does need new leathers husband. The baron should have some that carry the sigils of his new station."

Alis frowns, troubled at what she can hear Arn saying. Ellara clapping her hands at the suggestion she be a star is used as a cover for her as she scribles out a note and shoves it at a servant to carry away.

It's with great effort that Katarina arrests her gaze from the byplay of a father and daughter's interactions to look toward Isabeau and Alis. "That is actually a wonderful idea," she speaks positively at her cousin's suggestion. "Ellara and Eirlys, and perhaps even Samuel too?" A glance is exchanged between her sisters, brows lifted. "I admit, personally, that I would be hard-pressed not to find my little nieces and nephew dressed. But I think we should put Alis in at least a dress, just once. In front of a crowd. A big crowd." She's not letting torturing her sister go.

Ansel, seated alongside his wife, is rather obviously watching and listening the interaction between his sister and his father. He leans lightly against Isabeau as he watches, meal forgotten for the moment.

Alis makes a face at Katarina again. Forget discretion.

Kyan, a long-legged silver tabby-cat arrives, delivering a message to Caelis before departing.

There's something of a discomfort at the family exchange between the Telmars, though nothing super untoward. Ouida's cheerfully playful expression fades into something more serene and distant, though the smile remains steady and calm. She takes a sip of her wine, just as a gangly lad in Harthall livery steps up to the table, to whisper something into her ear. She nods once to him. "Of course. Just one. Tell her that we'll return soon."

Calarian lightly taps the table, saying, "Ah, well, good. That means I was in Blancbier for the occasion. I'd be doing a poor job of familiarizing myself with Wyrmguard were I keeping such abysmal track of family. As for the recommendation-- not a terrible idea. Though I suspect things might be a touch too unstable to consider any such thing for a short while yet, at the least." He quiets for a moment, listening to the conversation going on elsewhere in the dining room, then fluidly rises once again. Shaking out his coat and sliding it over his shoulders, he says, "I had best take my leave, I think. There are a few more things to oversee before the night is over. It's been a pleasure."

Things seem to go from bad to worse as Arn speaks, Marius grimacing as first Corban, then Ansel are insulted in turn. The fact that Arn insinuates that Myrrdin might kill him to become the new Marquis of Greenmarch doesn't help either. All the same, Marius opts not to interrupt this conversation - no, just grimaces and more drinks from his tumbler of whiskey for the time being. That look from Cullen gets a sidelong frown in response, any optimism over the interaction the young Marquis might have held mere moments ago quickly fading away...

Lisebet resettles in her seat, relaxed and secure that she's done her duty, and been soundly ignored. Which does not exactly disturb her. She grins at something said by her family, and shrugs a bit. "I suppose we shall see how it goes, right?" By now she's just about done eating as well.

"Likewise, milord." Alexandre nods to Calarian. "Till we meet again." And, inclining his head to the man, gives him his farewells. Afterwards Alexandre glances Rosalie's way, tilting his head to the side in curiosity as to what the woman is up to.

Having finished her conversation with Alis, Rosalie has been somewhat caught up in the drama occuring between the Telmars and Greenmarches. But she manages to tear herself away from it to hurry towards her husband to escape any potential fallout radius of the Very Serious (TM) conversation occurring.

Simone studies her father as if trying to judge his sincerity, though a sincere expression of concern flits across her face as she considers that he might be serious. A faint frown of worry settles between her brows, revealing a slight wrinkle that seems to be born of worrying too much on too many things. Her words, when she speaks, are unrelated, as she says, "Corban serves our King. That is something of which to be proud, not critical." She lets a slightly berating tone creep into her voice. Motioning to the chair next to where she was sitting for a few brief moments, she says, "Would you care to sit?" Before hearing his answer, she leans forward and presses the faintest of kisses on her father's cheek, as she says, "I would certainly be glad of Sir Gerard's training with Myrddin as well, however. I have always respected his ability and loyalty to our family."

"Before long, I hope," Calarian says to Alaxandre before stepping off. His eyes flick over to study Marius' reception of the conversation as he crosses over to the entrance. Pausing by the doors, he offers a slight dip of his head and shoulders before slipping out into the room beyond, tightening his coat along the way.

Calarian has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Although there does not appear to me much in the way of obvious affection that transpires between Ansel and Isabeau, the latter does lean in just a bit closer toward her new husband as Arn makes his sharp attempts at small talk. She watches while Simone handle her retort with rather remarkable grace, and then turns her attention back to Ouida.

"Lady Ouida, likewise," Ansel replies, offering a quick, but sincere, smile over to the woman as she makes her farewells. "Safe journeys," offers the Telmar Sword. He gives a glance across the table to Marius, then sidelong to Isabeau, then back to the conversation between Simone and Arn. After the Telmar-nee-Valardin offers her own farewell, Ansel turns aside to mrumur quietly to his bride.

"Well, that was disappointing. At least Marius looks like he wants to be anywhere but here and Ansel is about to cry tears of joy. I'm not dying. I expected something more, Simone." he looks all the more frustrated that no one cheered or let out a sigh of relief so he could laugh at them. Arn might even cry. "But I mean it about Corban. He's an asshole. Say what you will about Ansel, he knows what loyalty and obedience to family is. His heart's in the right place even if his head isn't always. That's OK. You can be a good man if your heart is in the right place." Arn doesn't look at Ansel, but he's basically talking to the boy. He gives Simone's shoulder a light squeeze, "And I mean it about sending the boy over. He won't be stabbing anyone in the back once he's properly trained. Anyhow, I've had enough of this. Come over with the kid. It'll be fine." he turns around with a shake of his head then starts coughing obnoxiously and falsely. That at least lets him bust out with a wheezing laugh, "You people are no fun!" and he's ready to stalk right out of the dining room.


Kyan, a long-legged silver tabby-cat arrives, delivering a message to Caelis before departing.

Ouida rises from her seat, offering a bow and some quiet words to those assembled at the table she's been seated at, as her page returns bearing her sword. She appears to be making preparations to go, along with Thorley who's also making to rise, along with Lisebet as well. It's slow enough that others may join in as they wish.

"I suppose that ended far better than I thought it would," Katarina murmurs toward Caelis, her gaze working its way from the awkward exchange between Simone and Arn to the tabby-cat frequenting her sister-in-law's side. "We're just not ready to believe you won't be around for anything less than at least another century, Duke Telmar," she calls after the petulantly retreating back of Arn, a vibrant laugh poorly smothered behind her glass of wine.

Ouida is overheard praising Katarina: Dinner with Dragons never disappoints, especially with such a wonderful organizer and host!

Ansel's expression registers at first surprise, perhaps at the indirect compliment from Arn, then confusion, as he seems to register that Arn's been feining the illness. Naturally, it's rounded out by a sliiiiight look of disappointment at this realization. The Sword leans back a bit in his chair, taking a drink from the glass of whiskey he's been neglecting. "That was...something," he comments, focus returning to Marius.

"Oh, -Baron- Farwatch," Katarina calls upon Thorley, her head turning to look toward the newly ennobled lord. "Have you decided upon the sigil or coat of arms for your barony? I suppose we need to find a place for it up on the wall, somewhere..." Her voice trails, flitting an exasperated glance toward the litany of vassal house sigils, banners, and... arms.. and... eyesore.

No fun, he says. Lisebet's reaction is also to laugh, though she is in the midst of rising, so perhaps Arn on his way out will entirely miss it. "It's been lovely, everyone, thank you. I look forward to future evenings of such fun." She is on her feet, but pauses to look over at Katarina and the to the wall. And then over to Thorley.

Ouida has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

2 Harthall house guards, Niall RedTree, adorably awkward page leave, following Ouida.

seems to hear Simone talk briefly of Corban, and she adds, "I had seen the first captain only a night or so again. I'd account him as a fine man by all I've seen and had the pleasure of talking to him."

Lisebet is overheard praising Katarina.

"Not yet, Your Highness." Thorley winces at being called on one last time for the evening. "I will let Violet let you know when we do, Your Highness!" Flee, Thorley, fleeee.

"That's not-" begins Marius to interject, but he has a moment of doubt, "Well, not completely true..." He offers a languid shrug of a shoulder as he explains, "It merely pains me to hear such slander of my friends, my Duke." He pauses a beat, and then with a gesture of his tumbler, he adds, "All the same, you speak true on at least one thing - 'tis a man's heart that makes him good or ill. We shall see about perhaps sending Myrddin to meet with you, his grandfather." With that, Marius gives a brief dip of his head to Arn again, only then noticing a few looks being still directed his way. Though normally quite confident with the attention upon him, this feels... different. The Marquis again runs a hand through his hair with uneasy agitation. With a sigh, Marius then settles himself back down in his chair, taking a long drink of his whiskey.

Caelis looks up from her pondering and smiles at Katarina. "I'm lucky I get along with my kin, married, or by blood." She murmurs and tucks the notes away to pick at seafood snacks.

Simone gives Arn a slight quirk of her lips and says wryly, "Sorry to disappoint in my reaction. Next time I will remember to cheer when you allude to your impending death, so as to more fully meet your expectations." Shaking her head slightly, she adds, "I will bring Myrddin by soon. We are due a visit anyway. Though it might help if you answered my messages from time to time if you truly wish me not to give up on you entirely." Her eyes sparkle slightly as she speaks to Arn, whether with mischief or anger is slightly uncertain, but either way, she gives him a brief hug, saying very softly so only those close by can likely hear, "Take care, old goat. I love you, regardless."

Alis throws a wadded up napkin at Arn's back.

A very old man hobbles over to the young blonde still serving whiskey and chatting quietly. Thistleton whispers to the princess and Macda starts to gather herself, and a drink to go. Her hushed exit greetings are shared about and especially to Katarina. "Princess, your family and vassals are exemplary as one would expect. Thank you for hosting me." The Grayson princess turns and leaves the poor old man in her wake, striding out with purpose.

Alexandre rises from his seat, helping Rosalie to her feet, his arm offered to his lady wife as they move from their table. "Princess Katarina, thank you again for hosting such a gathering." He then turns to Alis, and inclines his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Highness, for entertaining my wife." he smiles. "Till next time, it has been a pleasure." And with that, the two Redtydes are going home!

Macda has left the Dining Table.

1 Grayson House Guards, Thistleton, an elderly and devoted manservant leave, following Macda.

Phina, the valkerie pygmy goat kid leaves, following Alexandre.

"We are fortunate to have such an amazing woman to keep my brother happy and grounded," Katarina returns to Caelis with genuine affection for her best friend turned sister-in-spirit, and now law. "You're neck to neck with Alis now, I think. Fingers crossed that the little one will be a boy so Ellara will be more exasperated," she hums, finishing off her glass of wine. As people begin to leave, she raises her empty cup in parting toast to the guests. "Good night. Thank you again for coming."

Orvyn rises as well and aids Sunniva in her ascent, casually closing his robe with his other hand, "Well my dear, I do believe that we should be off with everyone else and perhaps we shall send missive to several to meet in a less... busy time, as it were," he adds, and then will bow to Katarina, "Thank you, your highness for a lovely meal and evening," he shares with her, but then he will lead Sunniva away, joining up with the other Harthall on the way out.

Orvyn will offer an arm to Lisebet should she be wishing to go as well.

Lisebet is ready to go, and she promptly takes the offered arm.

1 Trained Telmar Armsmen, Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog leave, following Arn.

Orvyn has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Heimlin, the Scholar, 5 Harthall house guards, Kestrel, the Scholar leave, following Orvyn.

Thorley has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Sunniva has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

2 Harthall house guards, Eloise, a consummate professional leave, following Sunniva.

Lisebet has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

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

Cullen is overheard praising Katarina: A wonderful host!

"Too soon to tell I think." Caelis tells Katarina and shrugs. "I'm rather hoping for a girl. Have one of each to start would be nice." Caelis' hand rests on her belly lightly. "I think Edain'd like a baby girl too. As much as we love little Sammy, a daughter would be a treasure."

Cullen is overheard praising Alis: Who dare throw things at Arn? Alis, that's who.

Alis would answer people. But, Ellara has decided that, like most three years old would at this point, that she has had more than enough of even semi formal dinner. She's /done/. "Mom. MOOOOOOM. Sled time! This is boring!" Which makes the elder version pinch the bridge of her nose. "Etiquette, baby. We really need to work on it." But, giving her apologies to everyone for having to leave, even KAT who has tried to fill her with curry and make her wear a dress - the princess and her flail-daughter find their way out.

Alis is overheard praising Katarina: For hosting a lovely dinner; even if curry was served.

Alis has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant leave, following Alis.

Simone moves to take the seat next to Marius once more, looking over to Isabeau and Ansel with an apologetic expression, "I am sorry that you both had to be subjected to that. Father and I tend to end up in these verbal sparring matches whenever we see one another." She shrugs her shoulders slightly, then looks directly to Isabeau with a genuinely warm smile, "Welcome to our family, sister. I am sorry that I have not made it by to greet you properly. I would have attended the wedding, but it came as a bit of a surprise to me and I was unfortunately not in town." Glancing to Ansel briefly, the expression on her face makes it perfectly clear that her little brother has some explaining to do. As a tray of food passes by though, and the smell wafts to her nose, she turns slightly pale and stands back up quickly, with a softly spoken, "I am sorry, please excuse me." Giving the others an apologetic smile, she departs in a hurry.

Georgette, 1 Greenmarch Guard leave, following Simone.

Katarina glances down at Caelis' belly, gently touching her fingers over her sister's hand. "Whether it is a girl or boy, promise me you will not suddenly go into labor when it is just you and I -- and hopefully not at the same time of any of our friends or relatives, yes? Marian and Alis did that to me, and -- Gods -- Not you, Cae-Cae. Not -you-," she murmurs, horrified at the memory, turning her eyes toward Simone. "Have a good evening, Lady Simone!" A soft sigh passes her lips, fingers curling beneath her chin as she looks upon Isabeau and Ansel, then Marius and Cullen. "Tonight has been rather entertaining. Successful, I think, all in all?"

Without the blonde whispering at him and Arn endorsing patricide, Cullen relaxes a bit, drinking his whiskey. "Well. That was indeed interesting and successful, Princess Katarina. Wouldn't you say, cousin?"

Ansel looks back to his sister as she makes a hasty farewell, giving a quick smile as she makes her way off. "I've really been meaning to speak to her sooner," he says, directing the remark to Marius in his sister's absence. "It's been good to see you both again. I'll come by soon," says the Sword, nodding to his brother-in-law.

Farewells offered, he pushes his chair back, turning to assist Isabeau in doing the same. "Princess Katarina, thank you for hosting a lovely evening," Ansel calls over, as the couple prepares to make their exit.

Terese seems to relax a bit more, finding the pace of the later evening more to her speed, but not wishing to intrude sips at her drink and enjoys the familial atmosphere.

"Just so," agrees Marius with a grin towards the host. He gives a little mock-toast towards Katarina with his tumbler, then downing the rest of his whiskey in one go. With a contented sigh, the Marquis soon adds, "I'll have to be sure to come to the next one." He pauses a beat, then looks to Katarina, confirming, "There will be a next one, yes?" He flashes a charming smile her way, as if that might help ensure this to be made truth. Hearing Ansel's remark then, Marius looks over towards his brother-in-law, nodding with another warm smile. "Good, you've been missed," Marius replies, soon adding, "I look forward to seeing you at the lodge - as too does Simone, I'm sure."

Katarina rises to see Ansel and Isabeau off, moving to draw her beautiful blonde cousin into a tight embrace. "I hope that you and I can have more time together soon, my lady." The Telmar heir is given an affable smile. "And you and I have so much to catch up on, Lord Ansel."

"I have a midwife chosen already." Caelis snorts with amusement and looks at Katarina. "Besides, if anything, I'd send you for Edain. He's an absolute dream to have on hand when it comes to giving birth." She smiles a bit and watches people filter out. "I love family dinner. We should have them more often."

Cullen nods in agreement with Caelis. "I agree, Princess, even if I get terribly anxious and do not know quite a few. "

Ansel has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Isabeau has left the a round table draped in embroidered lace.

Jerome, a bodyguard leaves, following Isabeau.

Ravana the tawny eagle, Isabeau leave, following Ansel.

"There will certainly be a next one in a month's time, provided nothing pressing arises before then," Katarina assures to Marius and Caelis, a lopsided smile affected upon her return to her chair. "Now, shall we break out the good libations now that everyone's gone?" Hers is a jovial glance cast to Cullen, reaching aside to lay claim to a bottle of spiced rum.