2 Redrain Guards, Lucien, a bright-eyed pine marten arrive, following Helena.

Cirroch enters with sickly green snow clinging to his boots, he had tried to get most of it off of him, but a little bit still stubbornly clings to the leather. Obviously with such a strange occurance that just happened not long ago he is looking a bit disturbed as he steps into the great hall, lips turned into a deep frown.

Twitchy arrives, following Draven.

Draven arrives, following Rowenova.

Lightwells dimmed for ambiance, the white masonry and crystal of the Acheron manor takes on an ominous and foreboding energy this evening. As giant claw-marks against its ivory walls, shocks of thinning red tapestry cut the Great Hall's wintery tranquility. Members of house staff circulate with food and beverage. Their offerings lack the opulence often associated with high nobility but cannot be found wanting for quality, quantity, nor richness. One wonders if the Acherons are trying to fatten their guests up. This is fine.

Occupying the area closest to the main fireplace, Lord Riagnon runs the risk of looking very much the part of Lyceum-Northlands hybrid in lacy umbra and thick, red-wolf mantle. The shadowy-sheer fabric pools at his feet as he steps forward, bouncing playfully in response to their first of their guests being announced, and subsequently arriving via the lush crimson runner leading in from the central spire.

Ushered about by personal attendants dispersed randomly throughout the Grand Hall, the eccentric Northern family's wealth of various turtles are carried on plush velvet pillows. Creampuff, Commander, Sunshine, and Imperator each appear to have their own unique color-coordinated motif... with one lonesome attendant carrying an empty bed for their missing comrade, Responsibility. The turtle-bearers seem in fine spirits, answering various personal questions about their charges and turtles in general (none of which is true) upon request. They must be well compensated!

Right hand with Draven's left, Nova steps into the great hall of Acheron, scanning about the party of people collected here. She quietly smiles to the hosting noble, doing so with a bit of a bow to Riagnon there before the commoner couple progress further in.

Calaudrin is quite the social butterfly, having situated himself on one of the chairs in the corner. Someone comes up to him with a turtle and he makes a face at them, leaning away and then coughing. Cough. He's sick. Do you want to be sick? No? Well then. Carry on. However he'll willingly talk to any person that might have /food/. Fattening up? He could stand to gain a few pounds.

Confessor Imori, Confessor Warren arrive, following Tikva.

Esoka checked charm + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Esoka entered with Calaudrin, moving with a touch of awkwardness in her skirts. She's wearing a dress of rippling azure blue and green with long sleeves. It conceals a good portion of her shav tattoos, though hints of them are still visible on her wrists and chest. "Hello, Lord Riagnon!" she says, coming up to greet the Acheron lordling. She attempts to curtsy to him, but the motion gets tangled up in skirts and feet and she has to do some hasty stomping to keep from tripping. She frowns.

"No, no, there's no such thing as turtle milk." Eleanor Allenatore, Lord Commander of the King's Own, is trailing just behind one of the turtle-bearers in a last minute effort to correct some of the Turtle Facts being bandied about. She cuts her attention to the door as guests begin to arrive. "Fine, just --" She flaps her hands at the turtle-bearer fretfully. "Don't drop her." With a last look, she tears herself away and goes to make some (human) friends.

Nurie enters without companions, her coat similarly dusted with the odd-colored snow, or at least the bits she's missed in trying to shake it off before entering the Hall. She looks about with curiousity, though as the turtles are brought in, she smiles. And starts to make her way towards the host.

One of the ubiquitous Redrain princesses, Helena, comes into the Great Hall, one hand worrying a bit at the other, though it's gloved. She looks around, her first time in the Acheron edifice, it seems, and smiles when greeted or eyes cross path with her own, but it's clear she's a little distracted as well. She finds Cirroch looking a bit unhappy as well, and murmurs to him, "Were we supposed to bring turtles? I didn't get that note," she says, looking a little worried. Some of the black-green snow still rests on her cloak here and there, though she seems to have gotten the rest of it off her boots.

"Hello there," Riagnon smiles dumbly to Esoka and Calaudrin, clapping as the former curtseys /effortlessly and flawlessly/. "Welcome, have you tried some turtle milk?" He flaps his hands whimsically to the side, indicating beverage trays as they make appearances throughout the hall. Mostly various whiskeys and ciders from Farhaven and Stonehaven, but a few glasses look as though their contents might be... milky...?

"Your highness, I beg you, please do not bring anymore turtles here," a servant pleads in a whisper as they pass Helena by with one such drink tray.

"I didn't hear anything about turtles," Admits Caspian back to Helena, giving her a big shrug of his shoulders, reaching for a drink on the drink tray as it passes them and downs it all in a few gulps. "So, I doubt you know anything about green and black snow, right?" He wonders to her with a tilt of his head her way.

Riagnon has joined the by the bear claw hearth.

"Turtles don't give milk, Riagnon. What are you serving to people? Murder is on frowned on," Calaudrin reminds him as he daps at some leakage under his eyes. Gross. "Don't drink the milk," he says in an aside to Esoka.

Draven is here. It's not his usual appearance, of bright and cheerful giggles, bouncing all around the room with boundless energy. In fact he almost seems to blend in with the crowd, strange as that may be.

After a quick conversation with Draven, Nova gives his cheek a kiss and then squeezes his hand before she lets go and then forks off on a different path through the party crowd which seeks out the Halfshavs and vassals if any here.

"Turtles actually DO have milk," a turtle-bearer can be heard explaining helpfully somewhere in the room. The acoustics are great in here! "That is, you purchase milk produced by another animal and gift it to the turtle."

Khanne enters Acheron Domain, wearing heavy boots and a body-encompassing cloak. She seems disgusted by the state of the snow outside, and sheds her things before entering the great hall, leaving the frown behind as well. Smiling as she joins the party, she first heads towards Riagnon, waiting to greet her friend. "Riagnon, Bestie... It is so good to see you."

"Ah, you look so very dashing tonight, Lord Riagnon," Nurie greets him with a graceful curtsy. Of course, the admiration is mostly for the gown, and her smile contains radiant approval for it. "Thank you for the invitation. My lady sends her deepest regrets, but Lord Karadoc or Lord Cosimo may be able to join in later." But then she is careful to move on, and not take up too much time from him. Her eyes light on Esoka, and the knight too is given a brilliant and warm smile. "Dame Esoka," she greets her. "How lovely to see you again!"

Just as Draven is about to step forward towards someone, he catches himself and seems to pause for a second. With a huff, he seems to stand mostly still, rocking on the balls of his feet.

"I promise I won't," whispers Helena back to the servant, before looking to Caspian and shaking her head. "Only that I don't like it," she says softly, rubbing her hand again, before catching herself and dropping the scratching hand, reaching for a glass of something -- quite clear, no milk to be seen. "I'll look into it. It seems very ominous," she murmurs back, in regards to the snow. "Thank you for inviting us," she tells Riagnon, moving to offer her hand. "I don't know if we've formally been introduced, Lord Riagnon, though of course I know who you are."

Esoka might blush when Riagnon claps for her efforts. She grunts something and smooths her dress, finding a place to be stationary. Her eyes narrow at the Acheron. "Turtle...milk?" She shakes her curly head. "No. Is it from the turtles? How do you...do that?" She gives the creatures a side look. For places to milk them of which she might have been previously unaware. She snorts at Calaudrin, picking up a cup of milk adn sniffing it. Curious. A large, toothy smile is shot to Nurie when she spots the woman. "It's Nurie, yes? Hello! It's good to see you, too. There are lots of things to drink. I'm not sure what this is yet."

"I don't think we've met ether," says Cirroch over to Riagnon after Helena with a friendly smile given his way. "Marquis Cirroch Sanna. It's a pleasure, my lord," he says, giving them a small dip of his head, setting his empty glass on a tray of a passing servant.

"Okay. But you wouldn't call it Turtle Milk. Because then it sounds like it came from the turtle's body. As opposed to the- You know what? I have a cold. I'm going to go stand over here now." Calaudrin makes a hand waving motions and stands by the drinks. Not by the turtle owned milk.

"Vala!" Riagnon chirps to Khanne, his voice not technically cracking. "I'm glad you came! Oh, and your flesh doesn't even look burnt off at all. Honestly," the knightling pouts, shaking his head in a few swift movements, "I don't think it'll stick." A reverent bow is offered to Helena, Riagnon's arm pressing across his midsection where he folds. "Your highness, I served as your sister Princess Agatha's squire for many years -and grew up underfoot in Farhaven before that, but trust me, I'm MUCH more memorable now." He smiles. And then, of course he's bowing to Cirroch. Nurie receives happily alarmed eye-contact. He'll get to her, too!

For a moment longer, Draven rocks on the balls of his feet, his wrists lightly drumming along on his thighs, and then he peeks in the direction of Nova. Then, he turns and leaves.

Twitchy leaves, following Draven.

"There's no turtle milk." Eleanor has drawn up beside Esoka and Calaudrin. "He really thinks there is for some reason, even though I've told him a hundred times." She leans toward Esoka in order to peer her milky drink. "It's probably just regular milk?" Comfortingly, it sounds like a question rather than a statement.

"Now, when a turtle grows," one of the attendants remarks, passing through the party. Is she drinking?! "They must find a new, larger shell to house their larger bodies."

"No, that's not how turtles work!" Calaudrin calls after the attendant that says turtles have to find new shells.

During her prowling moment, Nova momentarily pauses when a food server comes up with the offered tray of tiny foods. She smiles brightly to the fellow servant and quietly thanks them before picking off the meatiest morsel she can find. "Thank you." She slowly prowls the entire party, doing so in a perceptive way, figuring out who all is here and what all they are up to. Before she knows it, she actually spots Draven's leave. She lets out the quietest sigh, sits down before a dinner table, sets down the her lovely sandwich, opens up a map case, gets out writing supplies (crow quill, beige paper, red ink), and writes up a new missive with a contemplative look.

Nurie takes the time to peer at the drink that Esoka holds. "I don't think that Lord Riagnon or Lady Rhea would hurt any of their turtles," she murmurs. "So probably it's not /from/ them. Maybe it's just supposed to be a funny name? Are you going to try it?" She asks Esoka, eyes wide. And with just a little bounce to her heels, as if she's glad she's off food-tasting duty tonight, at least for now.


"Having spent a lot of time underfoot at Farhaven myself, I can understand that all too well. I've met quite a few people who've forgotten having met me. I apologize if I've done the same to you, but I won't forget next time, Lord Riagnon," says Helena, smile turning impish. She too catches Draven's quick retreat and glances over to Rowenova, offering the woman a sympathetic glance.

Finger food begins to enter the rotation of things served. Savory, in the form of finely diced lamb in dainty bite-sized cakes set atop thick slabs of toast. Sweet, in the form of thickened cream with ginger granola layers, and flakey pastry puffs of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

"Of course not," Khanne says to Riagnon, pushing up her sleeve to show pristine skin. "One of the guards told me people were being hurt by the snow... I have never heard of such a thing before, but I figured I would play it safe and came over all covered up. Did you feel its sting?"

Tikva snabbles up some food as she whirls cheerfully across the hall. She chews and swallows as she pops up more or less at Khanne's elbow. "It's weird," she volunteers. "And unpleasant. I don't have a better theory than that. These puffs are great."

"I was hoping you knew something, because you know everything," says Cirroch back to Khanne with a shake of his head her way, letting out a sigh, "But I guess for now this is a mystery."

Nova actually seems somewhat absorbed in the blank paper, almost inks up the crow quill, but then she just decides not to. She caps off and puts away the writing supplies, picks up her uneaten sandwich, and stands up. Helena's gaze does not go missed, and she smiles gratefully to the other woman before then prowling closer and leaning in.

Khanne seems slightly startles by Tikva, though, she laughs then leans over to hug the Princess. "It is weird and unpleasant and... ugly. Ooh..." She has eyed the puff Tikva ate. "I should get food...."

"Mistress Nurie, I'm so glad you could come," Riagnon tilts, balancing dangerously on one foot for a time. "Her tapestries are, well," he gestures upward to showcase one of the large art pieces in the room. -- As for the SNOW," his eyes nearly bug out of his head, "It's about time they came up with a new version."

"Dame Eleanor!" Esoka's greeting to the King's Own is loud and bright, and does not come with any attempt to curtsy. She sniffs some more at her milk, perhaps still skeptically, but she finally chances to sip it. An elbow is aimed in Calaudrin's direction. "It tastes fine! You should have some. It'll be good for you." To Nurie, "It's good! But also just regular milk. I do bet the turtles like it."

Is Rhea LATE to a party in her own house? No, of course not. It is a bit weird that she shows up to said party in a cloak dusted in the sickly snow falling outside, of course, but she looks happy and in good spirits, chatting pleasantly at (not with) an accompanying servant about it the weather. "So very interesting, isn't it? It would be wondrous if there was purple snow tomorrow," she tells the servant brightly, along with everyone else in the hall. "Just imagine dusk with purple snow." She sheds her cloak and passes it off to the servant who scrambles to collect it with his shirt sleeves, then claps her hands together and flows her way over to where Riagnon is greeting guests, beaming a smile at Khanne. "I recommend the moose! Fresh from home. You must be Lady Khanne? Riagnon tells me so much about you."

Rhea pauses, then corrects Esoka gently and with a smile, "Turtle milk, kindly accepted and redistributed by our magnanimous shelled friends. It's an important distinction Good evening, Dame Esoka, Sir Calaudrin."

Setting aside her drink, Helena tugs off her gloves, finally, revealing one hand that's red and irritated, more so from rubbing at it and scratching at it, then from the strange sting of the snow itself. But there are finger foods, and gloves don't do well with those, so she helps herself to some of the dainties, chuckling at Riagnon's comment about the new version. "As a northerner I think that is heresy -- Some things are perfect without tampering with," she says lightly, some of the worry lifting from her face with the levity. At Rhea's arrival, she nods for the Marquessa, not interrupting the introductions with Khanne.

"No, I'm not going to." Calaudrin grumps as he sniffles away by the drinks. "Evening, Marquessa." When people talking about the weather, he shifts uneasily and looks towards the entrance. His mouth sets into a line until Esoka elbows him and he makes an 'ugh' sound. "Fine. I'll drink the milk."

"I am, indeed, Vala Khanne," she says towards Rhea. "That must make you Rhea? A pleasure to finally meet you so.... very long after your arrival to Arx! I think I would not mind purple snow, it's the stinging effects and well, the green looks a bit putrid if you ask me, not a pleasant green... But if it were purple and pleasant, I could do for that."

Arriving late, Brogan stomps himself in. "See. This is what city living gets you people." Brogan is slapping at his dress leathers trying to clear them off. "Unnatural snow, bizarre winters!" Hairy head shaking first, then his eyes are looking about likely for the hostess, or booze. Both are likely. He pokes at his clothing, checking for damage from the green snow. "Never find this stuff in the mountains." Rumble. Grumble.

With that gentle encouragment from Esoka, and possibly because she's heard somewhere that it's unforgivably rude to refuse food and drink outside of the Lyceum, Nurie dutifully finally takes a glass, and takes a sip. Her brave smile doesn't waiver at least. "It didn't start too long ago, the snow," Nurie says quietly, and thoughtfully. "But I hadn't noticed any harm yet to the garden on the way out," There is a mote of fretfulness in her voice though.

"Oh, it's the city's fault? Good, then, I have something to blame," says Helena at Brogan's grumbly entrance, though she looks amused, her impish smile returning little by little. "I hope it's only local. I would hate to think of our beloved northlands touched by this unnatural stuff," she says, rubbing the reddened skin of her hand again -- it's like a bug bite, every time the snow's mentioned, she seems to worry at it again.

Esoka offers Rhea a bow. Not trying that curtsy thing again. She's learned her lesson. "It's good, in any case. I'm sure Responsibility will enjoy some, when he's found. Which we still vow to help do, by the by." She elbows Calaudrin again. To enforce this vow. And also, to remind herself, "Oh! Stand up and be sociable. I'll introduce you Nurie. Nurie, this is my husband, Calaudrin Estardes. He's Deputy Commander of the Iron Guard and terrible at parties even when he's not diseased, but I love him anyhow."

"Turtles," Imperator's turtle-bearer proclaims knowingly, "Are neither fond nor loathing of purple snow. They are ambivalent."

"There's no such thing as -" Eleanor cuts off abruptly. "Gods, nevermind," she says on a sigh. "I guess it doesn't matter too much if people go around knowing wrong things about turtles." At Rhea's approach, she scrunches up her nose and then flashes a sunny smile. "Marquessa." She drops into a polite bow, one hand holding the red seasilk of her gown.

"Actually, that fact sounds like it might be real," Calaudrin remarks to Esoka as she's insisting that he get up and stand around. "When I die of sickness this winter, it's going to be on you," he mutters. When introductions are made to Nurie, he attepts some kind of a smile. Some sort of friendly! He really does. Sadly it looks pained. "Hello. Nice to meet you." He practiced that.

"Welcome, uncle!" Riagnon prances forward a step, the amber contents of his drink sloshing around dangerously. "Careful of the turtles, they bite!" Why has no one else been warned about that? Turning back to those nearest to him, Riagnon's lopsided smile only falters a little. "Oh, no. ...I hope it doesn't do the wildlife too much harm."

Creampuff's turtle-bearer, downing his fourth or fifth whiskey, states in a slurred voice, "Turtles never catch winter illnesses. Too many ghosts in their blood!"

Rhea's attention latches on to Imperator's bearer from across the room, nodding approvingly even though her smile all but vanishes for that moment. Then it's back to Khanne, beaming brightly anew. "Perhaps you wouldn't mind the green so much if there was a bit of purple mixed in, not black," she suggests kindly. "Either way, I'm sure it won't last, though neither the gods nor spirits will spare any white walls when it melts," she laments cheerfully. "A pleasure to meet you."

Rhea turns Eleanor at her bow, fingers lacing together before her as she informally acknowledges her. "Lord Commander," she declares. "A delight to have you in the house, as always." She pauses, smile waxing thoughtful before she asks her curiously, "Have you tried any of the turtle milk yet?"

And with that question posited, she beams a smile towards Brogan but lets Riagnon hit him with the greeting, instead moving on to Helena, thoughtful and curious. "And who is this that we have the pleasure of hosting tonight?"

Nova shoulder clasps Helena and then lets go and wades forth amidst all the party people, slowly prowling toward Brogan before shoulder tapping him.

There is a grunt towards Helna. "Snow such as this wouldn't dare to occur in the north. This must be a city issue." Brogan gives one last bear-man shake of the shoulders to be sure the foul stuff is gone and then looks towards Eleanor, wading into that conversation with the subtleness of a siege-engine. "Well. I know turtles are good eating. Does that help?" A big hand waves madly towards Khanne in greeting. Then there is furrowed brow towards Riagnon, more for the drink sloshing really. Yet there's a large grin coming out from his beard. There is a hand clapped to the young mans shoulder heartily. He does wave towards Rhea and ends up holding a finger towards her to turn towards a shoulder tap. "Nova! What trouble are you causing?"

Nurie offers Cauldrin a bow of her head in respect, as he's introduced. "Well met, Sir Calaudrin," she returns, gently. Apparently not at all dismayed by pained smiles, her warmth remains. "I hope that you are feeling better, soon, then! From the disease. And that you're not too horribly afflicted by parties either!" She grins at Esoka. "You didn't mention that he had such beautiful eyes! You are so well suited for each other, Dame Esoka!" she says gently, her gaze resting on Esoka's own eyes admiringly, before the turn to a tray of passing small bites, and she claims one of the lamb-stuffed ones.

"The cakes really are delightful," Tikva says with a wide grin, "and I see Esoka over there, so I have to go and ambush her-- I'll see you again, I'm sure!" and then she's off, bounding across the party in a flare of bright fabric so that she can fetch up at near Esoka, Calaudrin and Nurie, where she basically swarms up to give Esoka a big hug. It's very dignified.


Helena smiles as Nova heads away, before looking to Rhea and stepping forward, offering both hands to clasp Rhea's. "Marquessa, so good to meet you in person," she says. "Helena Redrain. Thank you for the invitation," she says warmly. "Can you quench my curiosity and explain the turtles and their, mm, shall we say lore?" she asks, nodding to the turtle bearers and their alternative turtle fact-giving. "Ambivalent Turtle, however, does sound like it could be the next great drink at a tavern."

Nova wholeheartedly agrees with this 'city issue', quickly bobbing what is her wolf-framed noggin after Brogan says so. She puts on a bright smile for him, "Good seeing you, Lord Brogan. It has been a bit since we saw each during the Stuff and Things we were doing." She wolfishly grins then ultimately leaves whatever 'those Things' are a nebulous concept. "I have been doing okay on an overall scale."

Eleanor's eyes narrow at Rhea. "I'm going to take my turtles back," she mutters to herself - or whoever's nearby. "So they don't have to suffer these indignities again." She gives one last effort, looking around and offering loudly: "Turtles don't have milk! They lay eggs!" #Science. "Oh, Princess Tikva, hello!" The Lord Commander is suddenly all cheer as the Grayson approaches.

Riagnon lingers near the hearth, preferring its warmth over any of the other places in the room. He gives Brogan a bug-eyed look of warning, tipping his head to his uncle as if to indicate Rhea. It's as if to say: don't talk about eating turtles right now!

"Their lore?" The turtle-bearer repeats, at first terrified of the question but then nodding a few times in quick succession. "All turtle knowledge is passed down orally. They're terribly against writing anything down."

The sound of her name makes Esoka turn her head, and she just beams when she spots Tikva. "TIKVA!" It is bellowed, along with a hug. It's probably /not/ dignified, but such are the perks of being known as a person who can't curtsy. She gives Calaudrin a look that /might/ be sympathetic. Leaving him to what rest he can get during a party. "Oh! Nurie! This is Princess Tikva Grayson! She's a very old friend, and excellent at hugs."

Khanne waves towards Brogan with a smile. "Hello there, big man. Long time no see. You are doing well?" Turning back to Rhea, she gives a nod. "Perhaps so... with purple and not black... and also if a better less putrid shade of green. This shade reminds me of that time... well, no, I shouldn't mention that in polite company." She smiles then looks for food and a place to settle herself.

Tikva squeaks into a laugh as she squeezes Esoka in that return hug, and pulls back with a breathless grin as she says, "Whoof! It's been too long," to her old friend, and her face scrunches with the breadth of her smile as she turns lightly. "Hallo, Lord Commander!" she says to Eleanor. "You know Dame Esoka, don't you?" Where is everyone standing. I clearly decided not to care.

Nurie does curtsy at the introduction Esoka gives. "Lovely to meet you, your highness," Nurie replies warmly. "Nurie Baseborn, in service to Countess Sabine Tessere." And there is yet another curtsy of respect for the Lord Commander as well. "Hugs /are/ rather a wonderful thing to excel in!"

"Ah," Rhea's eyes widen in delight, and after giving Helena's hands a warm squeeze she exclaims, "I would be happy to. Actually," she admits woefully, speaking up loud enough to be heard by the many turtle bearers, "it is a tale of woe and tragedy. Much of it was lost in the chaos of the Silent War, when House Aviaron and many of its most dedicated servants, scholars and knights were slain by the Bringers of Silence. The original Lords and Ladies of the Peak each kept one as a dear companion," she explains, "supposedly harking back to something the ancient dwarves taught them. Though given their preference for oral traditions and the many deaths--" She gestures helplessly and reiterates sadly, "Lost. We have them out here today to honor that lost history, as well as their missing companion, the lost turtle Responsibility." She motions over to where Eleanor stands amidst other knights and Tikva. "Dame Eleanor's personal troop."

"I'd like to think I've been ok too. I have a beard rival now. I am not sure how to take that yet." Brogan's typical grin is back now at least. Then he's looking between Rhea and Riagnon at the latters gesture. "Think she wants one of my turtle field-recipes?" It's at least stated doubtfully, clearly not aware of what is at stake here. "Vala Halfshav! Yes. Very much so. Well, as well as one can in all this-" His hand waves about wildly. "-City!" He turns his attention back towards Rhea and makes his way over with a few steps. He inclines his head politely. "Rhea! Ah, right. Marquessa." He gestures to the food richness and quality. "You are doing things right!" There's a wink that comes after the gesture.


**********************************************************************
There are tales of odd things happening around the city this evening. A ship went astray in the harbor, the captain and crew seemingly simply forgetting how to sail. Some veteran messengers who know all the shortcuts simply forgot entirely where they were going, and messages were delayed or lost. Merchants in some stores briefly forgot their own prices, selling things for far more -- or far less -- than they were worth. There are even rumors of a huge crowd of people /singing/ at the Shrine of Vellichor!

But now the fog that seemed to seize people's minds has passed; that odd forgetfulness, that strange absent-mindedness, has lifted. Those who were having trouble focusing find their thoughts clear once again, and life goes on about the city once more.

And yet... the snow that falls across Arx still remains a strange, sickly green.
**********************************************************************


Helena's expression is both curious and a bit mystified. "How interesting. I'm not sure how I haven't heard of it before, but it's a gap in my learning I'll have to remedy, for certain, Marquessa." She steps away to let others greet the Marquessa, looking up at Brogan with almost as much mystification for the giant man as she has for the turtles. "Thank you again for having me," she tells Rhea and includes Riagnon in the sentiment, with a nod.

Riagnon looks down guiltily into his whiskey at his sister's mention of Responsibility, the MIA turtle. His Adam's apple bobs up and down in an audible gulp.

Tikva sketches an elaborate bow as she is identified as a part of the troop in question. Hero of Legend, Turtle Rescuer, etc.

Eleanor, (who is standing somewhere near where Esoka is standing), nods at Tikva. "Oh, yes," she answers with a bright smile bounced between Tikva and Esoka. "She taught me to carry barrels of water." This makes sense, honest. "Hello Nurie," she says warmly, turning toward the unknown woman. "Lovely to meet you." She slides a sideways look toward the knot of coversation around the Acheron siblings. "If you," the comment seems directed to all three women near her, "see anyone trying to remove a turtle from their pillow, do try and tackle them, would you?"

Esoka watches Nurie curtsy. Intently and studyingly. She attempts to copy it a beat later. It's stiff but she doesn't trip over anything, so it's a mild sort of win. "I hope we find Responsibility," she says gravely to Eleanor. To explain to the others she adds, "Lord Riagnon's missing turtle. He's been gone a long time. In any case, I'll watch them tonight to make sure no one takes one. They seem such docile creatures, hardened as they are."

"Something we only learned of in recent months," Rhea admits to Helena easily, reaching a steadying hand to Riagnon's shoulder and another to his opposite side. "Perhaps in time we'll find out more specifics, but considering the scale of destruction left in Tolamar Brand's wake..." She trails off and shakes her head, squeezing Riagnon's shoulder supportively before letting him go. Then she smiles over at Brogan and admits happily, "All Riagnon, actually! Best to leave some things - like picking out a menu - to the professionals, don't you agree?"

"Oh, we're armed," one of the attendants assures Eleanor comfortingly, holding their turtle pillow under one arm whilst reaching for an hors d'oeuvre with their free hand.

"Thank you for coming, your Highness," Riagnon nods respectfully to Helena, his smile returning goofily. "Dame Esoka, you'd be surprised how swiftly these animals move once they catch wind of some on spilled liquor across the room. Docile, indeed."

Nurie touches her fingertips of one hand to her heart, nodding at Eleanor most solemnly. "Of course, Lord Commander," she says in her most faithful and valorous voice. "It will be my honor." Her expression softens a bit. "Oh, it's Lord Riagnon's turtle that is missing? This doesn't seem like a good time to have one missing--perhaps he's found someplace safe to sleep away the winter!"

"Do you mean Vercyn?" Khanne asks to Brogan. "I mean, as his favorite niece, I might be biased, but, he does have a good one..." She pauses then reaches up to stroke the skin on her chin as if she has a beard. "Or do you mean Carita's?"

"Ah, Princess Redrain. Apologies. I did not recognize you with all my grumbling over the snow." Brogan's bushy beard grin becomes wider, and the man inclines his head and shoulders respectfully. Turning briefly he plucks up a glass of whiskey from a passing server. Downed in one go, the empty is set on another passing servers tray. When Rhea addresses him, he looks back towards Riagnon and back. There is a sharp nod of agreement. "Yes. Some folks just know good food. Have you been well? Aside from this insane snow? Not to mention being trapped in this city!" For Khanne there is a chuckle and a nod. "Oh, yes. That one. I will admit it -is- a good beard. Yet it cannot compare to mine, or my whole package!" There is a thump to his chest at that.

Khanne opens her mouth to speak as Brogan speaks about his whole package and thumps his chest. She chooses to just close her mouth, pressing her lips together in a grin.


"Intriguing. I go that way soon, I think. I'll have to see if I can pick up any stories of lore for you," says Helena to Rhea. She smiles and shakes her head at Brogan's apologies. "I'm easily forgotten, Lord Brogan. Not all can be as memorable as you," she says, before snorting a little at the mention of his 'whole package,' and she quickly turns that into a polite cough.

The armed attendant is gifted one of Eleanor's most delighted smiles. It jumps promptly to Nurie. "Thank you. I appreciate it." She bobs her head. "That's what I said; they do like to hibernate in the winter. Maybe he's just cuddled up under some towels somewhere. Anyway, we don't have to talk about my turtles all night." Though she could. "Have you all been well?" she asks politely.

After finally finishing this meaty sandwich she had picked up earlier on, then Nova finally focuses on something else other than the delicious food which apparently stole her. She looks up from the framing outline of her wolf pelt, then shuffles over to the food servers and -- from her Messenger Bag -- the wolfy scout pulls out a wooden box which she opens up and then flags down a food server and motions down to the open box before looking up with those hopeful eyes.

It's hard to not hear Brogan's proclaimation. "It is very adorable," Nurie says, somewhat quietly, to Esoka and Eleanor and Tivka. "Especially when he wiggles it a bit. I still think Dame Felicia is much more inspirational though." She says this with the solemnity of professional judgement, though her tone is quite pleasant. But then. "Very well, thank you. The city is so lovely, and I've greatly enjoyed getting to meet so many fascinating people. And to see the gardens are just as beautiful in the snow as they are in the summertime. And the snow! I don't think I shall tire of it. The regular kind, not the scary kind."

Esoka shares a quick grin with Nurie over something or other, idly straightening her skirts. "I hope he's found somewhere to wait out the winter. Do turtles hibernate like bears?" She mostly asks Riagnon, but then averts her gaze to Eleanor to awkwardly include the King's Own in the question. She clears her throat and drinks her milk.

Brogan history

"I think they're cold-blooded," Tikva says with a slight cinch to her brow. "So they'd probably /need/ to sleep a lot, because it'd be cold and they wouldn't have a ... lot of energy otherwise."

"Going what way, your highness?" Riagnon asks Helena, thick black eyebrows tilting this way and that expectantly. He extends his hand, setting his finished drink on a passing tray only to retrieve a new one. "Surely, you don't mean the peak. It's so..." Ugh. "Up." Esoka's mention of hibernation causes the petite lord to pout her way, lifting up the back of his wrist to yawn into it as if prompted by the subject having been brought up at all.

"It's actually called brumation," Commander's attendant tells Tikva and Esoka before following after a tray of pastry puffs.

Tikva looks skeptical.

"Yes, in a few weeks, yet," says Helena to Riagnon. "I haven't been in years, that far north. If you have anything you need delivered that way, I can perhaps serve as courier." She sighs a little, glancing to the door. "I need to leave again, but I don't want to see that lurid snow," she murmurs, teeth worrying at her lower lip a moment.

It is hard being the Personification of Innocence. So Brogan must pluck up another drink to fuel such work. A wink at Khanne, and then a head shake at Helena. "Forgotten easily? Nonsense! You are memorable quite easily. I will concede I tend to be, uh, memorable. Not always in the best of light though, honestly. I shall endeavor to remain appropriately clothed tonight though!" Noticing Nurie visually, Brogan gives one of those big beefy waves of his. Eyes turn back towards Helena. "Be sure to keep your head covered if you insist on venturing out. Something that color during this time of year has to be sinister and unhealthy."

Eleanor's wide brown eyes slide back and forth between Esoka and Riagnon. "Yeeesssss," she says, stretching out the word. She licks her lips. "They do hibernate. It's not called brumation," she adds without pause, though with a sort of quietly resigned tone.

"I mean, they don't have thumbs, I don't know where the brooms would come in," opines Tikva, survivalist expert.

Khanne gives a wink back to Brogan then turns towards the Acherons present. "Pardon me," Khanne says as she rises from her seat. "I am afraid I must be going, but, I did want to make an appearance. May you all enjoy the evening, and, of course... you have a lovely home. And turtles." She smiles more specifically at Riagnon then gives a wave towards the party before going to collect her winter coverings, donning them to depart.

Serenity, Drysi, a young shaman apprentice, 2 Redrain Guards leave, following Khanne.

"What is brumation?" Nurie whispers to Esoka. Surely the warrior knows! Her delicate features are deeply confused. "Does it have something to do with making beer? Maybe that is what the drink is." At Brogan's wave, she cheerfully waves back.


"Oh, I am easily forgotten, unless I choose not to be, trust me," says Helena with a smirk. "But thank you for your kind words, Lord Brogan. I think you stand out for good reasons, truly, though we all have our moments. I'm sure there wouldn't be complaints if you disrobed, so long as you checked with your hosts," she says, cheeks coloring just a little, before she touches her hood to indicate she has a covering for her head. Her hands tug on her gloves, and she nods to those nearby. "Be safe. I do fear that snow is some sort of omen, and not the worst in itself." She frowns again, before stepping toward the door.

"That's no small journey," Riagnon looks a bit concerned, and skeptical, "Odd that we might not have heard of it." One eye narrows, the other widens before his attention is called elsewhere. "Spirits keep, Vala. Mind the snow, whatever color it has turned this time!"

Helena is overheard praising Acheron.

Brogan is overheard praising Acheron: A Mighty Fine Shindig

Tikva is overheard praising Rhea: What a lovely party!

Tikva is overheard praising Riagnon: With such fine refreshments!

One of the servers leans in, tilts a tray in a graceful swoop to fill Rowenova's waiting sac with a variety savory pastry puffs. They return to the kitchens, triumphant having fed so many guests so quickly.

2 Redrain Guards, Lucien, a bright-eyed pine marten leave, following Helena.

Eleanor is overheard praising Acheron.

Tikva is overheard praising Acheron: Yay, party!

Esoka looks a touch apologetic when Riagnon yawns, and speaks no more of hibernation. She just mouths the word 'brumation' to herself, shrugging at Nurie and Tikva. /She/ doesn't know. "Well, then, hopefully he is doing that and is safe and sound and waiting for us to find him." She finishes her milk. Turtle or no, it seems to have been to her liking. "I should find my husband and make sure he is not dead. There's something nasty going around our neighborhood, I think. It was very good to see all of you. I thank you for the party, Lord Riagnon, and your Marquessa as well!"

Nova thankfully smiles, "I will remember you." says she to the fellow servant before closing up the food holder and then stuffing it away in her big bag. Then, she turns back. She steps over toward Lord Riagnon, "Wonderful party. Thank you so much!"

"Thank you for coming, Dame Esoka," Riagnon coos, "And thank you so much for making sure Sir Calaudrin wore pants. I know that was up in the air for a bit! Do tell him to feel better."

"Goodnight, Dame Esoka. Be well!" Nurie offers the knight, and then another small curtsy of respect for her. "I hope to see you again soon!"

"Pants /are/ good," Tikva says agreeable, hoisting her trousers just a little higher on her hips as she says so. "It was good getting to see you again for a moment, Esoka. We should really make time sometime."

"Goodnight, Dame Esoka!" Eleanor steps away as Esoka does, heading off to check in with each of the turtle-bearers. Apparently everything is fine, because she approaches Riagnon and says, "Thank you Lord Riagnon, for a lovely party. I should probably go figure out what the green snow is about." You know. Will it kill the King, etc etc. There are polite farewells all around before she takes herself off.

6 King's Own Guardsmen, Narses leave, following Eleanor.

Rowenova waves goodbye. "I better go. Thank you so much! Take care everyone, and I will write you, Lord Brogan!"

3 Iron Guardsmen leaves, following Calaudrin.

Calaudrin leaves, following Esoka.

"Bah! Pants, and clothes in general are overrated!" Brogan exclaims, butting into the conversation at random. He ends up having to pause as a messenger taps at his shoulder. He mumbles excuses to step off to the sid and read it.

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

"The. Worst," Riagnon agrees with Brogan whole heartily, offering a few childish nods just to get the point across. He swirls his beverage, jumping a little as one of the turtles is held uncomfortably close to him. Hopefully it didn't get too much whiskey on it! "Do be careful everybody, in case the horrible evil snow has not let up. Hopefully nobody has too far to go."

"We happen to be a very gown-friendly household," Rhea declares magnanimously. "Pants are alright." She interlaces her fingers over her stomach, looking thoughtfully towards the hall's entrance. "I really don't see why everyone is so worried about green snow. It's just snow," she says CONTRADICTORY to Riagnon's concerns. "It won't kill anyone."

"It hurts when it touches your skin," Tikva shares, "so just make sure you're bundled up and try not to let any of it get in your mouth. Never eat oddly colored snow!"

Upon receiving a quiet message passed to her, Nurie looks apologetically at Riagnon, and then Rhea. "I must return home. But thank you so very much for the invite, my lord, my lady. I had a lovely evening. Be well and may the gods light your path."

Valor, a beautiful fan-tailed pigeon leaves, following Nurie.

Rhea confers quietly with Riagnon, smiling approvingly at something he says before turning towards the guests. "Of course," she tells Nurie warmly. "Give Karadoc and dear Sabine our thoughts and prayers," she says and claps her hands together, then looks over everyone else warmly. "Which you may all take to your homes as well. While you are all welcome to stay longer, if there really is something foul afoot with the snow, it may behoove us to see our guests home before they end up snowed in here with us."

"This is a horrible place to fall asleep," Riagnon punctuates his sister's statement with a helpful smile, clasping his hands on his drink and tilting his head with a flirty bop.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Tikva says with a sunny smile for the Acherons, "and I'll thank you also for suggesting we not all camp out on your floor." She winks, finishes off another cake, and then says, "Good night to you all!"

Confessor Imori, Confessor Warren leave, following Tikva.