Lizette, a pretty buxom barmaid, 1 Ulbran Thug arrive, following Valencia.

3 Last Watch Sentries, 3 Redrain Guards arrive, following Donella.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette arrive, following Caspian.

The door to the Hart's arena opens and Valencia arrives, dressed in scarlet silks and a smile upon her full lips. She looks about the space and nods, the stands less filled with the two ships in the harbour and the fate of the city uncertain. But even so, the Hart rises as it always does, and the little vixen is there come hell or high water to raise the spirits of those she cares so deeply for.

Followed by six burly men again. How does this sort of thing keep happening to Donella? Murderwalking at eight months pregnant (huf huf huf) at her top speed doesn't lose them. So instead, she wades into the festivities at the Hart, while the eyes of the city are to the south and east, and the Bay beneath it. "Listen," she banters with her professional tails, "-yesterday there were three of you, and today there are six. You're like rabbits."

Waldemai is already seated in the rafters, a bucket of ale by his side, looking down and waiting for the fights to start.

Sir Floppington, the soulful hound arrives, following Rowenova.

Showing up a bit late but freshly groomed with lavender-and-rose fragrances following along in her wolfy wake, Scout Rowenova shows up in a merry mood! Meanwhile, Sir Floppington follows along behind her as she zooms all over!

The fun has arrived! And his name is Caspian! Though it seems that no one else let people know the fun is here, because when he arrives he notices that the crowd is greatly diminished compared to previous events. He looks around a moment, and spies Valencia, giving her a bright smile, then Donella, giving her an even brighter smile. "Princess Valencia! Princess Donella! Two of my favorite princesses!" He greets them with a smile, and gives a wave to Valdemai and Rowenova as well.

Waldemai hoists an ale in response. "Well met, guildmaster!" he calls.

Waldemai is met with a bright smile and a wave as Lizette, a pretty little buxom brunette barmaid, scampers down from the rafters with a little glance up and a flush of cheek. The little vixen gives her barmaid a little look and then smiles as she passes. "Such cheek," Valencia laughs amused as Donella arrives with even more guards. "My goodness," she smiles and laughs as she moves to greet the woman with a gentle kiss upon the cheek and a little hug. "You look radiant. I see you have acquired more help?" she nods to the men as her barmaids rush to serve them.

Rowenova and Sir Floppington are me with equal join, the wolf scout also being offered a warm hug and kiss upon the cheek.

"My dearest highness, I believe you know the very talented and generous Master Waldemai and the lovely and intrepid Mistress Wolf Scout Rowenova? Oh, and here is Missere Grandmaster Champion. Good evening, sir! Please be welcome to my Hart," Valencia calls out, offering the man a delicate hand in greeting. "Would you all care to join me in drinks?"

Donella splits her two fingers to point at her eyes and at the guardsmen, warning them, "Don't get up to anything lewd. I can't afford to feed you at this rate." Joining Valencia and Caspian most immediately, she raising her voices to call out, "And since you can't swing a cat without hitting one of those in this city, I fancy there are more than a few you say that to, your determined flirt, Grandmaster." To Valencia she says, "There is someone in the rafters. Always. Its enough to make my paranoid Maelstrom-born heart go pity pat. Who IS that?"

Waldemai hears the offer of a drink. "Whiskey!" he calls. A glass of whiskey + a mug of ale = one Southport Sledgehammer

"To be fair, I do have a lot of favorite princesses, but you two are in the top ten, promise," says Caspian back to Donella with a snicker given her way, joining the two princesses at a seat. He looks to Waldemai, chuckling his way, then turns to Rowenova, informing her, "If you want to fight, let me know, and I'll fight you."

The wolf scout must be in a great mood because she was speeding along at a record pace and even outdoing Sir Floppington by a couple strides until finally slowing and meeting up with Valencia in a super snug with back pats. "So good to see you!" says she. Then, after she has peeled herself off of the vixen princess, she waves enthusiastically to Caspian, Donella, and Waldemai. "And, you three, too!" She also greets the Hart staff, too, but then is merrily chiming as she turns back to Caspian, "I would normally accept, except I... Hmm. Hold on. While I whisper this: how has everyone been?"

Donella clasps her hands. "Do you hear that your highness?" to Valencia. "I just want to know what we have to do to crack the top five." Wary of how she will get back up, Nell takes a knee carefully, so she can freely offer her affection to Floppington. "Likewise, my dear. Where is your husband?"

"That, my darling Princess, is none other than the our most dear and enduring of patrons, and a man I respect and like very much, Master Waldemai Isenhu. Master Waldemai, may I introduce to you to Princess Donella of Redrain. I believe you know Mistress Wolf Scout Rowenova and Missere Grandmaster Champion Caspian, yes?" she calls up as she introduces everyone (and a bottle and another pitcher of ale finds it's way up to the favored smith.) A little laugh bubbles free to Caspian's comment on favored princesses and she offers a little look to Donella. "I woud think you would rank top three, my dearest Princess," she offers warmly. "And it is wonderful to see you, too, my sweetest friend. Join us, yes? We are trying a new drink. I am a little nervous of it to be true," she looks at the dangerous mix of ale and whiskey.

Waldemai, from the rafters, bows to Princess Donella. He carefully does not spill one drop of spiked ale, since, after all, he has not yet drunk it. "Pleased to meet you, your highness."

Caspian lets out an 'aaaaah' to Rowenova and gives her a small nod, then a snicker, saying to her, "I understand, I understand. Rather not get rid of the good vibes." He looks to Valencia, noting, "There doesn't seem to be many people here. How about you get one of the servants around here to bring a deck of cards and we'll play some poker as we talk?" He looks up to Waldemai, calling out, "What do you think, poker, drinking, and chit chatting?"

Caspian also gives Donella a laugh, telling her, "There are a lot of princesses in Arx! It's tough competition out there for this Champion's heart."

Waldemai hears a magic word. "Poker?" Drinking and chit-chatting are taken for granted.

Valencia looks at Caspian a moment, perhaps hurt, and then smiles. "Yes, of course, missere. We can most definitely play some Poker or Queens Crossed if it pleases. Would you care to join us, Master Waldemai? Princess? Wolf Scout?" she smiles as she waves and calls for a small elegantly carved wooden chest to be brought.

Sir Floppington merrily joins Nell and Donella for all their lovely pets. Meanwhile, Scout Rowenova giddily grins. "Exactly that!" says she to Caspian before she pipes up, "We should do the cards and the drinking, even if I am completely clueless on how to do the cards. Someone will have to teach me! Professor Draven is probably asleep! Thank you for asking, Princess Donella!" Then, Nova zooms over to be somewhere near where Valencia is and peeks down into that ale-and-whiskey combo before sitting down directly adjacent to her.

Valencia has joined the Champions' table.

Caspian has joined the Champions' table.

One hand on her swollen belly, Donella hoiks herself up"I believe Master Isenhu and I met once before in the company of the Duchess Calypso... before the untimely passing of my husband's cousin. In their training area." Donrai Thrax's granddaughter puts her hands on her hips to look up and espy him with a wave of greeting. "Do you play, Sir?" To Caspian she comments, "Well, I can live with merely a place in your regard, and cede the top places to better women. And I'll carry 1:3 odds on Princess Valencia." She settles into a chair.

Caspian checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Waldemai has to climb down out of the rafters carrying a bucket of ale in one hand and a mug in the other. Of course, he's had a lot of practice at doing exactly that. He bows to his social betters and checks his pouch to be sure he has some silver. "Training, your highness? With the Duchess?" he answers Donella. "I recall that...it was not long after I arrived in the city."

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Waldemai has joined the Champions' table.

Donella has joined the Champions' table.

Valencia smiles to Donella, "My darling, I would not have you waste your coin on me. I'd go with Master Waldemai, Grandmaster Caspian or Wolf Scout Rowenova. Anyone but me," the little vixen laughs playful as she take out the cards and beings to shuffle them lightly in her hand before passing them to Caspian to continue to mix the deck. "So what is our game and what shall our stakes be?" she asks looking to each with an impish smile.

Rowenova has joined the Champions' table.

"Alright, looks like we're gonna play," says Caspian, waving down a servant to get some ale for him and cards for the rest of them. Both are delivered and the man shuffles the cards with skill makes them jump from one hand to the other. "Alright your highnesses and men and women of note, are we betting money or just playing for fun? We could do a 100 silver a round or a 1,000 silver a round."

"I would humble suggest that as this is a friendly game, we go with a 100 silver a round? Would that satisfy?" Valencia offers with a little incline of her head. "How many rounds shall we start with?"

Princess Nell nods once. "Happier times," she opines with a touch of sobriety. And with a fumble with her dainty pocket, she antes in for 100 weight silver pieces.

Rowenova gets herself seatuated in her chair toward the table itself before peeking around with those cobalt-blue, khol-lined eyes, "I will do my best!" Then, she brings out 100 silver.

Caspian deals out the cards to the group as he lays out 100 silver upon the table for the first round, creating the pot. He puts back a few cards as he gives a smile to the group, "Good thing we aren't betting a lot, I'm not very good at this."

Caspian drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Valencia drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Caspian checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Rowenova drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Waldemai checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Donella drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Donella checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Valencia checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Caspian lays out his hand. Seems he was not bluffing this time, if this one round is any measure of things, he isn't that great. His hand is okay, but it's no winning hand. "Well, that's what I got, what do you got, friends?"

Waldemai takes one look at his cards and pushes his money away.

Donella taps her knuckles against the table gently, folding on the hand.

After laying out her hand, Nova has a decent one but not a winning one either.

The vixen looks to her cards now, her eyes narrowing slightly as she goes through the hand, her face sweet and very unreadable. Valencia lays down two cards and asks for another to be dealt by Caspian. She waits till the others place down their bets, and offers a gentle nod. "This shall go to fund a good cause, I promise," she offers with a gracious incline of head.

Valencia picks up 500.0 silver.

Rowenova drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Caspian drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Donella drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Valencia drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Caspian collects everyone's cards and puts out his next 100 silver for the pot, dealing out the cards once again. As he looks over his hand he wonders to Donella, "Have you thought of a name for your little one when they come out to brave this wild world of ours?"

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Caspian checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Waldemai drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Donella checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Valencia checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Donella hrms as she arranges her cards as they are dealt her, peeling the corners up and then leaving them to lay flat. "I suggested to His Grace that if the midwife brings her oils, I could simply launch the new heir over the ward, and let whoever catches it name it."

Nova smiles gratefully to Valencia for her kind words concerning good causes before she carefully mimicks all those who are currently playing with how they push forth and set down the silver coins and pick up the playing cards, too.

Nova laughs aloud after Donella's joke! "Wow!"

Valencia smiles and lifts her cards to stifle her laugh. Large dark eyes dance though and she cannot be kept quiet for long as her hand is surrendered on the table. "I should think that would be a sight, though I would suggest it would be a very happy catch to have such a blessing thrown one's way," she nods playfully. "What did His Grace say to this?"

Waldemai looks a bit shocked at the proposed treatment of a prince

Caspian puts two cards back and draws two, laughing to Donella as he gives her a wide grin, "I'll make sure to be there to catch it then! Then I'll name it Krifcrumpumkrif or something like that," he says with a wide grin. When it's time to reveal, he's got a hell of a hand. He looks sympathetically to Waldemai, who apparently is not very lucky. Once everyone shows their hand he collects his winnings!

Caspian picks up 500.0 silver.

Valencia drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Rowenova drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Caspian drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

"Well," Donella says with a playful smile, "-the last one took two days about joining us. I confess that I am short that sort of patience. And Darren didn't seem enthusiastic. He is hoping for a child he can name to honor his late father. But I am sure Baby Mcdroolyface would also be smashing, to honor my side of the family."

Donella drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Nova notices Waldemai's response and cracks up even more as she sets down cards and pushes away money before setting down another 100 silver. The follow up from Donella has her nearly in tears of the laughing kind.

Waldemai drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Donella checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

Caspian checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

There is a blink and a snort. "You shall do no such thing," Valencia laughs to Caspian as the deck is suffled again. "I should think it is a wonderful thing to have a little one. You are so very beautifully blessed," she nods as she antes up her silver once more and then gives Donella a little look before laughing again. A smile is leveled to Waldemai as he picks up his cards and she turns to her own hand and studies it.

Valencia checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Waldemai actually has some cards for a change and starts to put them down. Then he sees Caspian's hand. Oops. "I'll make it all back betting on Princess Reese in the fights," he assures the others.

"You do have the most incredible luck in wagering on the matches, Master Waldemai. Is it that you have a great eye for a champion or is it that you have so much good luck earned by all the charitable donations you let me ask you about?" Valencia smiles Waldemai's way, her eyes finding Rowenova's and winking as Caspian wins again.

Again another hot hand by Caspian! He is on a roll tonight. He just leans back and laughs, looking to Valenica with a challenging grin. "I'll do it! Bashira if it's a girl and Krifcrumpumkrif if it's a boy." He gives a wink over to Valenica as he turns to Donella, "I hope you have an easy birth. And I hope to have a child of my own some day, so we can have play dates. That'll be fun!"

"If it wanted a good name, it shouldn't have been so tardy about being born. Once gets tired, you know, and with the parenting, you really have to begin as you mean to go on. I got named after a leprous old man. And just look at my father. Nana Dulcina must have been feeling very stern after the birth." Donella reasons, half serious and nods to Valencia. "I do love my son very much. If only I could keep him in pants. "

Waldemai taps his pouch. Still plenty there. "It's not so much the luck, your highness," he explains. "It's good business for me to be seen making lots of donations, and it sets an example for the other merchants as well." He taps the pouch again. He is a MASTER smith, after all. "Does anyone have a favorite charity that could use a thousand?"

Caspian picks up 500.0 silver.

Caspian drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Donella says, "The commons council, I should think, is about to be in dire need of writing supplies. Or some stiff liquor."

Donella drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Donella checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Waldemai checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

"Allow me to see your donations well destined to good things then, my dearest Master Waldemai. "I have a new venture to see the families in the Lowers with cloaks and shoes, if you might indulge me," Valencia nods playfully.

Valencia checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Caspian checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Rowenova drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Nova sets down the new hand which is a decent deal but a no go. Then, the Halfshav servant looks up with a quick nod after Caspian's words. "Aye, I, too, hope you have a stress-free birthing." She sets up another silver stack before piping up in a serious voice, "I wish there was some way to help out all those who have been forgetting that they love one another over all the white journals."

Waldemai doesn't look very impressed with the Commons Council needing writing implements, but money for the less well off tweaks him where he used to live. "Yes, of course, your highness," he tells Valencia. "To whom shall I send the money? And if there is a likely lad or lass who'd like to learn a trade, my self or Master Arthur in Bootstraps and Bracers might be able to put them to work."

What is even going on here? Third time in a row, same hand. Caspian is on a roll tonight! He grabs the pot with a sheepish grin on his lips, "I swear I'm not cheating," he says their way. "Commoner's concuil. For a moment I considered running for it, but I decided against it. Sounded like work, I wasn't about to do more work."

Caspian picks up 400.0 silver.

Caspian has left the Champions' table.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette leave, following Caspian.

Valencia frowns at that and nods quietly. "It is a sad truth that many who are noble respect and care for their mates, but love is often not as easily found. Though when it is, it is a beautiful thing," the little vixen smiles softly, her fingers curling about her glass. "Perhaps offerings to Limerance might be in order? Or words from Archlector Vayne, a reflection of value ahd heart, may find things set right perhaps?" Waldemai always amazes Valencia and she looks at him a long moment. "Sir, you are.... I will never be able to thank you enough. You... humble me, sir. Humble me so very greatly."

Nova yeahs quietly, "I have way too much going on right now. I really like to stay laser focused on my current titleships."

Valencia is overheard praising Waldemai: A man whose kindness is beyond par. I am grateful to know him.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette arrive, following Caspian.

Valencia is overheard praising Rowenova: Her care for others is something I like best about her.

Donella is overheard praising Waldemai: He's right.

Valencia is overheard praising Donella: Humour, charm and a delight. I'm grateful for her friendship.

Rowenova drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai sends the pouch around to the appropriate bookkeeper. "I did run for the Common Council, but alas, not enough votes down in Southport Square."

"I'm starting to feel tired," says Caspian, setting the deck of cards down upon the table, then sets a pile of a thousand silver down. "Here, next pot is all my winnings. Good luck to anyone who wins it. I'm gonna turn in for the evening.

Caspian drops coins worth 1000.0 silver.

Valencia is overheard praising Caspian: A charming card shark that I might forgive. ;)

Valencia is overheard praising Theodoric: Quietly there for me. Gratitude.

Donella says, "Thank you for your well wishes, but I suspect that since this babe has been put in me, I have run headlong into battle with a Gargantuan of the abyss, unwisely, seen the snow turn green, the clock tower fall, and emissaries of two foreign powers pull up to the docks. I only have some few weeks left. What are the chances of being free of stress, given ... the state of things." She simply pushes back a bit to ease her back. "Why don't I just make this easy. I'll put 10,000 silver to support the cause of seeing hungry children fed, shod, and clothed. You inspire me. And I'll likely just blow it otherwise on some ill-fated shipping venture."

Donella is overheard praising Valencia: I have never heard you say an unkind word to a guest. You are the soul of hospitality.

Donella is overheard praising Caspian: If you are cheating at cards, I cannot catch you-- which is to be lauded. If you are simply lucky, well, that is part of a streak that seems par for the course.

Nova ayes quietly to Valencia, "That is true. I am not sure what to do. Even the common folk were falling apart: on our street where we live, we could see people breaking up through our front windows. It was really sad. Anyway!" Nodding to Donnella, she pipes up. "I hear you. Yeah, so much has happened, but I hope for the best which is possible for you. Thank you for donating!"

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Waldemai drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Valencia blinks to Donella and shakes her head utterly awstruck. "My dearest Princess, that is... I don't know what to say... I.. .I thank you so very much," she offers with blush and a breath. "I... thank you. This will help so much. Thank you," she nods with a sweet smile. Another smile is offered to Caspian. "And thank you as well. Are you sure you must go?"

Valencia checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Waldemai doesn't throw his cards away in front of his audience of betters, but it does look like it's time for another swig of ale. "Fold," he says. "That should be a game. Whenever I fold, everyone drinks."

Rowenova picks up 1200.0 silver.

Donella says, "My babe would be born with a roaring hangover...

Rowenova says, "A drinking game... I would love it!"

Rowenova says, "But no scorpions!"

Rowenova drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Valencia can't help but laugh again, her dark eyes crinkling with mirth. "Oh gods, if you get me drunk I will be incorrigible," she teases playfully. "And what? You would me with your lack of adventure, my dear Mistress Wolf Scout," the vixen teases the wolf. "I suppose we shall have to play it straight then," she grins and lifts her glass to the table. "To life, light, luck and love," she nods and shoots her drink.

Valencia drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

Donella salutes them, since she is without a drink, save something very dilute to wet her lips. "Picklebaby. There's a good name."

Nova orders up a rum which she shoots back before going through the process with the cards and the coins. She nudges the cards over to Valencia to deal. "Haha, Princess Donella!" says she as she peeks over toward Waldemai.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Valencia checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Waldemai pushes his cards away again. Everyone drink! "Don't mind if I do," he says, draining half his mug.

Donella excuses herself from the table with apologies and a brief scritch for Floppington, to take a message in the outer chambers.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Valencia takes a sip and seems to hold, her smile blossoming now in full force for the company she is keeping.

Donella has left the Champions' table.

3 Last Watch Sentries, 3 Redrain Guards leave, following Donella.

Nova sets down a good hand but not good enough! She smiles over to Valencia then raises up a new drink to toast her win before she swigs back said drink and actually looks to be a bit struck by it. "Whoa. I barely started here." says she as she feels the effects of it rush on. "Hah!" She looks to Waldemai then pipes up, "Farewell Princess Donella." Sir Floppers certainly enjoys the pets given and even follows her for a little bit before he comes back here. Nova speaks up once more, "I liked that toast: to life, light, and luck. Mayhaps, if you wanted to, you could repeat it at the wedding reception?"

Waldemai checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Donella is bid a fond adieu and the little vixen sits back with a happy sigh. She blinks at Rowenova's invitation and her cheeks flush. "I am so glad you do and I would be so happy to do so, if you would wish it," the little vixen nods warmly, a delicate hand touching her heart. Another smile is offered to Waldemai. "I suspect this is where you and I fall under Master Waldmai's other talents," she smiles playfully.

Waldemai is unquestionably the worst card player in the room. Fortunately, he is an excellent drinker, as his empty bucket of ale may attest. "More ale!" he signals. "And a round for the table, if I may be permitted to treat your highness in your own club just this once."

The little vixen looks charmed and she laughs softly. "I would be honoured to be treated, my missere. It is not often that I am to be true. I thank you you, sir," Valencia offers back warmly "Thank you so much," she smiles gratefully. "Shall we have another round at cards or shall we set to focusing on a drinking contest?" she smiles playfully between Waldemai and Rowenova.

Waldemai reminds the table, "Every card game is also part drinking contest."

Nova wolfishly grins to Valencia after her words about how they will fal, but then she looks over to Waldemai and heartily cheers in Northlands style after the ale order for the whole table. "Thank you, Master Smith!" says she before piping up, "We can stop with the cards if you want to just drink!"

Waldemai looks at his fresh ale. "Cards. I can drink and play. And gamble as well!" He antes up.

Waldemai drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Rowenova drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Rowenova checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

The little vixen smiles and nods. If the wagering is to continue, she is more than game. Another ante is made and her glass is readied.

Valencia drops coins worth 100.0 silver.

Waldemai checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

Valencia checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Valencia checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Twitchy arrives, following Draven.