Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant, Oaken, an Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Alis.

Echo, an Oakhaven bloodhound arrives, following Cristoph.

Titus, a young wolfhound arrives, following Gaston.

Nadine arrives, following Jael.

Is there any surprise due to the recent events that the victory celebration at Keaton Hall is perhaps a bit more somber in tone than it typically might be? No grand games with goats, no raffles for hounds -- and indeed, even those Oakhaven hounds that are typically seen about are not in view. Despite this, perhaps because of it, there is a hustle and bustle from the staff in attendance. Marie, the Keaton cook, has ensured that the table is overflowing with no small amount of food. While it is a whiskey bar that is set up with a variety of fine liquor to be filled, the staff is actually rotating with other beverage choices. This includes tea (Oathlander event, of course), fruit-infused water, wine, and perhaps even a bit of rum for those of Thraxian persuasion. The Commander Fields has been transformed for the lovely spring evening to be enjoyed, relaxed in, and for heroic tales of deeds performed to be shared. Greeting the guests as they arrive are none other than the Marquis and Marquessa Keaton, though this likely is to be expected. "Please," murmurs Kael to an innocent bystander. "Welcome, make yourself comfortable, and do please enjoy the evening."

A special gift has been crafted for those joining the party, and Reigna has the trunk holding them set nearby. When people arrive and come to say hello, she is personally handing out the gifts: a small glass globe holding a bioluminescent mushroom, planted in moist soil, and a number of fireflies trapped within. She offers each guest one of these trinkets as they arrive. She is dressed in her umbra and Keaton green brocade, and while her exuberence is more dimmed than usual, her warmth is still genuine.

Natalia gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

Jael gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

And Amari is here too! She's not front and center greeting people though, she's been banished to the whiskey bar where she's quietly mixing a drink out of various things that probably weren't intended to be mixed with alcohol. Fruit-infused water? Sure, a splash of rum? Definitely should do. As she prepares this concoction, she also provides a second layer of greeting. Waving mostly, at people who she knows, or kinda knows, or doesn't really know at all.

Gaston gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

Spring is here, which means no more heavy coats and cloaks and long sleeves just sometimes. Gianna sails in, clad in teal and champagne silver with dioptase. She inclines her head to Reigna when she's greeted and accepts one of the bog lights. "Is this a mushroom? How interesting."

Gianna gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

Alis looks extremely wide-awake right now. Way too wide awake for the time of morning some of the very people in this room no doubt received messages from her! This is likely why she picks up a glass of fruit infused water from a passing server rather than going for the tea. And, there is likely no need for explanation as to why she refrains from whiskey right now. Despite the way she looks at it very longingly. "I've saved my appetite just for this. Don't tell our chefs. Please." she murmurs conspiratorily, while greeting the hosts.

Amari gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

Alis gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

Demura gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

Garibaldi, the Lycene swordbearer, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants arrive, following Theron.

She already has whiskey and one presumes she's already said her hellos, because Natalia has already gotten to the 'lounging about' portion of her day. She's found somewhere to lean and look on, decked out in a fairly elaborate aeterna and seasilk outfit. She's very sparkly. Right at the moment she seems to be relaxing, rather than sulking, which is an improvement for those who might have caught sight of her lately.

Without aide or elk, Cullen quietly trods into the field with a solemn look. Spying the Marquis and Marquessa, Cullen bows to the both of them, murmuring a greeting. "Marquis and Marquessa Keaton, an honor to see you both and invited here." Natalia, Amari, and Jael all get a bow as well, as does Alis - although with a pleased, if weary grin. "Princess Alis, the indomitable. My day has just been made a thousand times better."

Cullen picks up bog light filled chest - please take one.

Cullen drops bog light filled chest - please take one.

Cullen gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

Balancing feast with somber events is a skill Demura has refined through the years, her House taught her to prevail through calamity and so she will come to appreciate those moments of victory. The Marquessa is wearing her rare sight of a full dress tonight, stopping by to incline herself in a polite manner before the hosts before she reaches for the whiskey, times like these call for a stronger type of beverage than her usual tea. The gift is taken and examined with some interest, "This will certainly be useful back home. We could use them to explore the forest."

Jael has the look of someone who's had too many surprises lately, mildly shell-shocked but still right and proper and put together on the outside. She's here for the food; her steps take her immediately to the buffet table though she pauses to curtsy to Cullen and offer greetings to everyone else as she goes.

Reigna smiles to those arriving and when Demura mentions the usefulness of the gift, Reigna actually grins. "That is a bit of a theme of the evening. We of Keaton seem prone to offering useful objects as thanks." There is a sense of a tease in her words, as if foreshadowing what might be yet to come, even as she holds onto Kael's eyes. She offers a wave to Cullen, and another for Alis as they arrive, and spying Jael, she gives a wave, "Lady Jael!"

"I am only indomitable until the coffee wears off, Lord Cullen, I assure you. And then I will crash like a child who hasn't napped all day and finally been forced to sit still." Alis admits. "Ellara has taught me all about children refusing to nap." she adds, dryly, gesturing towards the tables full of food. "I am going to stuff my face. Marie makes excellent comfort food; care to join me? Hello Lady Jael!"

Kael is catching sight of that longing look from Alis, offering forth a conspiratorial, "Your Highness, Amari is having a drink for me. Natalia likely as well. I do believe that Amari could be convinced to have one for you as well." Which actually might explain that nefarious concoction that she is producing back there. Nonetheless, he bows toward Cullen, remarking, "A pleasure to see you Lord Greenmarch, thank you for coming. Ah, Marquessa Lyonnesse," and with that, Kael is shifting back toward Demura, bowing deeply to her. "As my wife says, useful, and reflective in nature of what was obtained and what might come. We simply did not know how apt it would be." He, too, is snaring that bog light at that point, holding it up in a fashion to indicate that there might, just might, be a speech forthcoming. All fear.

Cristoph is around, picking at the food, drinking some of the wine. He looks distracted tonight as he makes his through the crowd, politely speaking to people and making small talk. he's good for that much at least!

Kael's also, of course, sending a curious look toward Gianna. He inclines his head politely toward the Whisper by way of greeting.

Natalia lifts her glass when she and her drinking is mentioned. "Three, my lord," she calls over, her tone one of agreement. "This is still number one, though." She doesn't straighten out of her lean, but she does smile.

Gaston makes his way onto the field, Titus following at his heels and looking quite excited to be out of the Fasthold. The towering Blackram man is looking perhaps slightly more rested than the last time he encountered the Keatons, though he's still a bit hollow-eyed as he bows to them in greeting and smiles. "Marquis Kael, Marquessa Reigna. Good to see you again so soon. Field's beautiful this evening." He takes one of the miniature terrariums and holds it up to examine, fascinated by the faint glow, and moves aside to allow others to make their greetings, snagging a mug of ale from one of the servers and taking a deep swig.

"Oh, please. Whomever would like to drink on my behalf... make it a double!" Alis calls out, standing on her tip toes (dammit) to look for Amari and Natalia through the crowd.

"Reigna," Jael sings out as she heaps a plate of that reknowned comfort food. "I'm so glad you got rid of that awful man, I wish I could have come along." There's real wistfulness in her sharp features, but it fades when Alis speaks to her. "Princess Alis. I too am planning to stuff my face." Then the shorter woman adds something in an undertone and Jael clears her throat awkwardly. "Uhm...think nothing of it. Totally fine."

"It's my pleasure, Marquis Keaton." Demura flashes a brief smile to Kael, breaking from her stiff posture for a moment, "It feels good to bring a little bit of peace to the Compact and it's special when I'm helping a friend like you." She adds, tilting her head to look at the gift once more, seems like the thing got her mesmerised, "I find that quite the good taste, some might think we, Oathlanders, are way too pragmatical, but that should be expected from those who excel at martial pursuits."

Gianna inclines her head to Kael with a faint smile, making her way over toward Amari. She inclines her head to Jael, and to Natalia, and to Cristoph as well. And then she's helping herself to some of that whiskey. "Lady Amari, hello again. I thought I'd drop by."

"I would be more than pleased to have a drink or two and eat heartily with you, Princess Alis. I think I could use a whiskey or two, it's that kind of weather." With a wan smile, Cullen joins Alis for a gustatory celebration from Marie's culinary wizardry. Hearing Natalia in the crowd, his pale eyes look for her, then smiles. "Natalia, wonderful to see you." Glancing back over at Kael, "I will drink for you as well then, Marquis. I haven't been drinking much lately, but sometimes it feels quite nice to do so." Noticing Demura, he bows to her as well. "Marquessa, a pleasure to meet you."

A Sword is never late, a Sword arrives precisely when he means to. Except this time. This time Theron is running behind tonight. So he ducks off to one side to gain his bearings. Alcohol? Check. Food? Check. Revelry? Check. Host and Hostess? Check. Still he hesitates for the moment to observe and brood. Though if it is brooding, he does have a smile on his face, even if it is coupled with that stare of his.

Amari is the designated drinker, her mug filled to the brim with alcohol enough for at least three, maybe four and a princess. It's a very large ale mug. With Demura arriving for whiskey, she nods to her comment, "The Abandoned out there might think you all ghosts from the bog too." Added bonus, she seems to think. Jael is given a happy wave and Alis too when she's looked for. The mug is lifted to indicate she's made it a double, easily. Then Gianna is spotted and beckoned, despite her having mostly found her way to her and the whiskey already, "Gianna Whisper. You look marvelous as always."

Alis beams at Jael. "Face stuffing bff's." she declares, with a guileless glance towards Cullen to see if he is brave enough to shovel food in his mouth alongside the two women. Spying Demura within the crowd now as well, she lifts a hand to wave. And it looks like there are going to be a lot of people making full use of Marie's cooking ability. "Let's start with anything that has cheese in it."

"Three!" Yes, that is offered forth with some exuberance by Kael back toward Natalia. Gaston's arrival -- and how could he miss him? -- is responded to with a bow. "Marquis Blackram," he rumbles. "Thank you for joining us. Please do enjoy the evening." Cullen's commentary is not missed, for Kael flashes him a sharp smile before he is starting to move after glancing toward Reigna up toward a thoughtfully assembled (thanks Vern) dias. Before he can help his wife up upon it, however, he is catching sight of Theron. "Lord Mazetti," he calls forth, nodding to the man in a rather amiable fashion.

Greetings offered her way get a raise of her glass, at least until she's finished it off. At that point, Natalia does finally abandon her lean, meandering over in the direction of the whiskey bar to collect herself some more. "Of course," she calls for Alis, laughing. Cullen's words get a flashed grin his way. "And you, as well." Once whiskey has been collected, she starts back for her leaning spot. Kael gets a grin.

2 Grimhall House Guards, Ivan arrive, following Sanya.

Jael clearly is completely down with Alis' plans and palms a number of delicate but rich little cheese pastries. She waves to Amari, though with a closed cheese-puff-filled fist it's more like a salute, but she transfers them to her plate to give Gianna a somewhat more decorous greeting, and Demura.

Reigna waves to Natalia and calls over, "Natalia, I have not had a chance to tell you how lovely you look! Your dress is glorious. And the hair ribbons? You are a vision!" This is called across the distance, leaving little doubt that the Wyrmguard-born Marquessa has learned the ways of the Outdoors Keaton voice. At the mention of Theron, her attention shifts to the inbound Mazetti, offering him a glow-orb of his own. "Lord Theron, always a pleasure to see you."

Demura returns the bow with one of her own, examining Cullen for a few seconds before she addresses to him, "Lord Greenmarch, a pleasure to meet you too. How goes Marquis Marius? It's been a while since I last saw him." She says, her lips curling at the comment made by Amari, "Especially now that Winter probably made me look a little paler than usual, though... Depending on the Abandoned, it might be good that they think we are ghosts, that will make them fear us." Alis and Jael are also caught in sight by the Marquessa, who waves to both of the women.

Gianna raises her glass to Amari and says, "Why, thank you. Those little irises are in season now, even. I'm still a bit jealous she handed you those, you know. I hope you're well? No injuries or other complaints?" A polite nod to Demura, and to Gaston.

Amari has joined the a whiskey bar.

Gianna has joined the a whiskey bar.

Gaston raises his mug in salute to Alis' declaration that they all drink copiously, offering the princess a respectful bow and a grin as he passes by, and one for Amari as well. "Highness. I'll be glad to honor your request. Lady Amari, did Barf eat his masterpiece from earlier?" Gaston keeps moving, returning Gianna's nod and any other greetings that come his way; Titus is too well trained to jump up on anyone, necessarily...but the wolfhound pup is practically bouncing on his paws around all the people, and probably wouldn't refuse a slipped bit of snack. When he spots Cristoph in the crowd, he reaches out to clasp the man's arm with a smile. "Duke Cristoph. An honor to see you, been some time."

Making a swift detour to the bar, a tall glass of whiskey poured, Cullen shows his willingness to stuff his face with Alis and Jael by defiantly grabbing a fistful of cheesy pastries as well and cramming one into his maw, chewing with gusto and an approving smile Marie's way, should he catch sight of her. Once the food is down the hatch, a compliment is thrown Kael and Reigna's way. "Marie's talents are at the very top, as they always are. She's a treasure!" Answering Demura, "My cousin is well, I am sure he would enjoy speaking to you again sometime."

Sanya Grimahll drifts into the hall, a pleasant smile on her lips as she glances about the room. As she ventures farther into the room, she inclines her head toward Cullen in greeting, before approaching Reigna. "Marquessa Reigna." She offers the woman a curtsy before gesturing to the room. "What a lovely event you've put together, I'm grateful to be here."

At the call of his name, Theron's inaction turns to action. Plucking up a glass along the way, he closes to the Keatons with a smile broadening. "Marquessa and Marquis Keaton. It was my duty to stop in, however, more than that? Always a pleasure. Oh. What's this?" His left hand accepts the glow-orb as gracefully as one surprised can do. "Thank you, oh before I forget to ask. How are your little ones?" After asking he tries balancing the glow-orb on his fingertips to peer into it.

Alis puts several cheese-filled or wrapped or infused or -whatever- on her plate, and dutifully begins the face stuffing portion of the evening. "Hello Marquis Gaston! You, I think, can drink a triple for me!" she calls back, after a brief pause because she is definitely not gauche enough to shout with her mouth full of pastry. "These are so good."

Reigna looks to Sanya and offers a warm smile, "Greeting and welcome to Keaton Hall, my Lady. Here, take one of these to remember your evening." Reigna offers her one of the luminous globes, the fungi within glowing in the growing dusk, the fireflies within beginning to blink. "It is wonderful to have you here. Please, do make yourself as at home."

Cristoph is sipping on something to drink when Gaston comes along and clasps his arm, he looks a little surprised at the contact until he turns to face the man. "Ah! Marquis Gaston. It's good to see you, I'm sorry I didn't reply to your last missive. Things got suddenly chaotic the last day or two. Did you want to sit down and speak?" He takes another quick sip (looks like whiskey, probably) and rocks back on his heels.

"Hair ribbons..." Amari says as Natalia comes and goes, there was probably meant to be a compliment at the end of that but instead she trails off and is distracted by the conversation at hand. "Put it up under your chin and we'll see." She grins, reaching for her own shroom globe that she's set on the bar. She's got it under her chin to look all pallid and spooky when Gaston calls over. In silence, eyes wide because she's a ghost, she simply shakes her head in the negative. Then cracking up a little, she lowers the globe and more properly replies, "I hope you've hung your painting up at home, Marquis Gaston! It was brilliant." After that she turns to Gianna, laughing softly.

Sanya gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

"Thank you," Natalia calls back for Reigna, lifting her glass that way and beaming a smile. Clearly, the Whisper is pleased with herself. She finds her leaning spot and reclaims it, settling in with her fresh whiskey and an attentive air as she watches people.

That question concerning how his little ones are, that has Kael pause for a moment before offering Theron a small smile. "Hale and hearty when last I checked on them, my lord," he answers to the Mazetti with a flash of a smile. "Please excuse me?" It is at this point, glancing across the area once more, that Kael does indeed step up onto the dais after helping his wife up. There is that orb in hand, the 'party favor' of the evening, and it is lifted so that all can view it. "We thank you all for joining us in celebration of the defeat of Braeock Shadowood. For those that do not know, he was a man -- just a man -- but he claimed that he tread with forces of higher power. He used whatever foul tactics he could to inspire hatred, to inspire fear, to gain forces from those around him by whatever means necessary and to crush hope when he could. I think," and he grimaces, "given what we are currently dealing with, there is a lesson to be learned here."

Theron gets Light in the Bog from bog light filled chest - please take one.

Gianna raises her free hand in a greeting to Sanya, offering the noble one of her faint almost-smiles. She then turns her attention to Kael as he speaks, tilting her chin up as she listens.

"Thank you." Sanya beams as she is offered the party favor. Holding it up with wonder, smile brightening the longer she appraises it. "It's enchanting." She comments. As Kael steps up to the dais, she turns in the room, offering Gianna a wave before listening to the Marquis' words.

"That is good to hear." Demura lowers her head in a firm nod to Cullen, "I believe both of our families have lot to gain from working together, I look forward to sharing some tea with the Marquis and Marquessa again." She adds, turning back at the table and checking for some snack. Once the Lyonesse Marquessa is finally enchanted by one of Marie's snacks, she can sip from the whiskey, eyes following Kael as he speaks.

"Why are we drinking triples?" Jael asks of Alis, in a manner that suggests she just wants to know the reason before having something poured for herself. And since she doesn't have a glass to raise quite yet, she raises her plate instead...though not terribly high...on the heels of Kael's words.

Alis lifts her glass of fruit-water in a semi-toast to Kael's words. "Here, here." she agrees, leaning over to murmur quietly with Jael a moment and answer the question asked.

Seryna, a charming Lycene handmaiden, 6 Grimhall House Guards arrive, following Vanora.

"He tried to paint himself a force of darkness, but by banding together, by remembering that we are not alone in this fight, and by relying on our allies, trusting in our fellows, we were easily able to show him, that the Compact is now to easily bowed by lies, deceit and treachery." Reigna's voice, as she stands next to her husband on that dais, carries easily, the belief in her words so very clear as she looks out to those assembled. "This victory is a shared one. And by this victory, the Oathlands as a whole was made stronger."

Vanora slips in on the late side and thus as unobtrusively as possible, seeking Sanya out in the crowd and making her way to the other woman's side.

"I'll need a bucket to accomodate all that ale, Highness. You're more than welcome to fill another and join us," Gaston calls back, good humor fitting well on his scarred face and chasing away some of the gloom there. He tilts his head back and laughs when Amari mentions his own work, and shakes his head. "Teagan wouldn't hear of it. Afraid it's been condemned to a chest, for now...at least until she marries and moves out." At Cristoph's apology, he waves a fang-marred hand dismissively. "No need for apologies, m'lord, I assumed as much. This has been an...intense few weeks. And of course!" He gestures towards the seats and begins to stride that way himself, though he does pause to call out, "May the Gods smile on House Keaton! Honor to a victory well-earned!" when Kael and Reigna take the dias and make their announcements.

Bayberry, an Oakhaven juvenile bloodhound, Steadfast, a dunskin stallion courser arrive, following Norwood.

Gaston has joined the perfectly serviceable seating.

Cullen bows to Sanya when she greets him, a smile for her in return. Kael and Reigna's words get a lift of his glass, "Well-said, Marquis and Marquessa. We stand united." This is said before he starts to gnaw upon another cheese pastry and nods to Demura in the affirmative.

Sanya nods at the hosts' words, listening intently. Her expression seems to relax as Vanora joins her, brightening even as she offers her cousin a hug, should she choose to accept it. "I'm so glad you could make it."

Jael gigglesnorts at something Alis says in an undertone, then makes her way to where the booze is being dispensed. "A triple, please," she tells the server, and it is delivered unto her, if a trifle hesitantly.

That orb in hand, it is lifted higher, shown off by Kael. "Braeock chose the darkest place to set his camp, to take the rubble of what was once forgotten and abandoned, and to build it into a foul mockery of Keaton Keep. There were even dogs found there, trained to be used against us," and he gestures at this point vaguely toward Amari -- where likely, somewhere, there is a Barf the Bog Dog present. "His stronghold, it was said, to take out we of Oakhaven, those of House Keaton, and to strike at the very heart of the Compact. As my wife says, it was through our combined strength that we struck back. Braeock Shadowood was felled by the blade of Duke Cristoph Laurent, but he was truly defeated by each and every one of you that rallied to the aid of we in our time of need. The defeat was a success entirely due to the skill, strategy, and heart of those that aided us. In that darkest place known as Reaver's Bog, you served as the light. House Keaton remembers and will not forget. We will take this gift and we will cherish it, the dogs," and he is chinning toward that Barfy Dog Bog, "will be worked with. The area, too, will not be forgotten." Gaston and Cullen's call have Kael raising his hand back. "To our allies, our friends of the Compact!" There, that seems to be the end of his speech, for Kael is stepping back though he looks on as though in search of something.

Vanora accepts the hug warmly, hugging Sanya back and murmuring, "So am I. I'm not sure for how long I'll last, but I did want to try. A celebration is just what a day like this one needs." She then grows quiet, giving her attention to Reigna and Kael on the dais.

Cristoph has joined the perfectly serviceable seating.

Fashionably late Norwood slips in just before KAel's speech and stands silently to one side during the speaking. He is dressed in blacks and grays and doesn't have a single bit of celibration posture about him. His expression is serious and humorless as he crosses his arms and stands to one side.

Natalia lifts her glass to Kael when he finishes his speech, letting out a cheering sort of noise that even involves lifting her voice. A little bit. Enough for it to carry, at least. She's not much for hollering.

Gianna raises her glass of whiskey and calls out in her clarion-true voice, "To House Keaton!"

"Excellent!" This response in regards to children's well-being. Of course assent was nodded towards Kael at request for pardon. This leaves Theron studing the little microcosm of life that is the orb. "Fascinating." he tone is soft, and if anything earnest. Then he blinks away from it and looks towards Kael as he speechifies. During this he looks from Kael to Orb. Kael. Orb. Kael. Drink. Orb. Kael. With the speech ending Theron tucks away the orb to start clapping with a nod for a well-spoken speech.

Theron is overheard praising Keaton.

Cullen has joined the an overflowing refreshment table.

Gaston is overheard praising Keaton.

"Lead the way, my lord." Cristoph replies to Gaston, following the taller man through the crowd to a table and taking the seat across from him. His cup his placed down long enough that he can clap when Kael begins to give a speech about the victory over Braeock Shadowood. He looks a little dubiously at the bog dogs, but what does he know? He's not a canine expert.

Alis is definitely not a terrible influence, even as she smiles at the sight of Jael ordering a triple. "Thank you, Marquis. But I must refrain for the evening. Much as I would love to join the alcohol consumption brigade." she adds woefully. "To the Oathlands and House Keaton!" her voice then rises. "And Duke Laurent's excellent sword aiming abilities." She would clap, but her hands are full. And the consumption of comfort food is very important right now.

Norwood is overheard praising Keaton.

Vanora is overheard praising Keaton.

Alis is overheard praising Keaton.

Jael is overheard praising Keaton.

Cristoph is overheard praising Kael.

Cristoph is overheard praising Reigna.

"To House Keaton." Sanya raises her voice to join the call before turning to Vanora. "Indeed. It's a comfort, being here." Although, if she is perturbed by recent events, she seems to be putting up an effort to conceal it. "We need drinks." She nods toward the whiskey bar.

Cristoph is overheard praising Keaton.

Amari lifts her mug high with both hands, to keep from spilling it everywhere. There's a quick sadface for Gaston's painting having to be squirrelled away rather than displayed proudly. That's a terrible shame. Barf, as if on cue, wanders out from behind the whiskey bar. In addition to the collar he won for being Most Determined at the dog show, he's also been supplied with a Keaton green ribbon bow. It makes him look very fetching indeed. Sort of. Kinda.

"We have gifts for those who came to the call for aid. Something that we hope will be there for you should you ever have need of it, as Keaton itself will be there when or if you call." Reigna moves towards a table draped in a cloth and pulls the cloth away, to reveal a series of knives that can easily be sheathed in a boot. Each bearing a hilt of the same green and umbra brocade that she is currently wearing. "For Princess Alis Valardin, who bravely served as general of the forward forces, who took the main gate and saw to the capture and arrest of Braes Shadowood and his accomplices. You remind us that honor is an uncompromising thing, and that even in the face of evil, we uphold our highest ideals."

Natalia is overheard praising Keaton.

Reigna drops Keaton victory boot blade.

"To House Keaton!" Vanora echoes. "Oh, I probably don't need a drink." She jokes to Sanya, patting her belly beneath the empire-waist gown. "You fetch one though, and then introduce me to anyone you know that I may not. Once the Keatons are finished presenting their gifts of course."

Reigna picks up Keaton victory boot blade.

Cullen is overheard praising Keaton: For bringing together the Compact in a show of amazing unity

Alis looks startled to hear her name spoken up there, by Reigna - eyes suddenly upward and slightly widened. "Thank you, Marquessa. Marquis." The items in her hands are set down as she bows towards their hosts politely. "It was my duty and privilege to assist you in defeating the evil on your lands. Your words mean everything to me." The blade is certainly one to be admired as well, which she does so. "I will keep this blade close."

What is Kael looking for? That would be the crate, it seems, revealed by Reigna's hand. There is a flicker of relief at its location, for clearly said crate is not actually at the location that he was expecting for it to be. He is on the move, traveling there to the crate and starting to move to supply the blades as they need be. "For Duke Cristoph Laurent, for leading the flanking forces," he calls forth, "Whose exceptional skill led to the defeat of Braeock Shadowood himself, downing an enemy that has plagued us so." With that, he takes another boot blade, delivering it to his Liege Lord.

Nodding as she glances down, Sanya smiles before heading to the whiskey bar and requesting a glass. Returning with the cup, she gestures to Gianna. "I doubt I know more people than you do but you know Whisper Gianna, I believe? Either way, we should say hello." She links her arm through the duchess'.

Sanya hands her light to Ivan, standing nearby.

Jael cheered and clapped for Alis, carefully around the whiskey and cheese plate, but for Cristoph she sets her glass down to stick her fingers in her mouth and whistle shrilly.

Natalia is smiling brightly, right at the moment. She's not particularly talkative, but she seems quite relaxed, and the sipping she's doing of her drink is at a reasonable pace (especially considering she's drinking for other people! she should probably hurry up!).

"Oh you might. I do know Whisper Gianna from the Bard's College however, I like her very much. Lets indeed go say hello." Vanora agrees with Sanya, letting the woman take her arm and lead her into the party.

Norwood continues stone-faced, even as Alis and then Cristoph are given their blades. He does applaud, but makes no other move, even when he is offered a drink. He shakes his head briefly to refuse before making his way to the idol of Limerance to stand.

Norwood has joined the vow engraved Idol of Limerance.

Gianna applauds carefully as each name is called; spying Sanya and Vanora, she inclines her head to the both of them. She continues speaking quietly with Amari, too.

Once Cristoph has claimed his blade, Reigna is looking over the gathered people until she spies Amari. A wide smile curves her generous mouth as she takes up the next blade. "For the White Heart of Keaton. A new symbol in the fight against the dark, for your courage, your passion and your incredible skill with a bow, Lady Amari Keaton, you make us so very proud."

"Little Cousin!" That is most definitely his cheer toward Amari, eyes bright and his grin a bold thing. He is on the move back to the crate however, acquiring the next blade and then raising it on high so that everyone can see. "Marquessa Demura Lyonesse. Once Keaton served you, followed you, and we were honored to do so. Now we are honored to stand at your side. To your skill, your ferocity, your steadfastness. May our hands always remain clasped, for you are fierce a foe!"

At the mention of blades, of -course- the Ostrian Sword looks even more interested. He is, though, applauding recipients as they are acknowledged and gifted. The clapping is prefiodically interrupted by consuming his whiskey, but always resumes as he observes with a grin.

"Oh, thank you for this!" Cristoph calls over when he receives the blade, looking it over quickly before he's distracted by talking speaking in quieter tones to Gaston. He dips his head down and looks serious as the conversation carries on.

Sanya approaches Gianna arm in arm with Vanora. "Mistress Gianna, I apologise for the interruption." She gives the Nightingale a warm smile, turning to Amari. "My lady." She greets the woman with her. "We wanted to give you a proper greeting but we won't hold you too long."

Reigna takes up the next blade and smiles when she sees the initials carved into the hilt. "To the incredible Baron Norwood Clement. You have long been an ally of Keaton, going so far as to marry one of us. You are family now and forever, and your contributions to the safety and prosperity of Oakhaven will never be forgotten. Please take this blade in memory of all you have accomplished."

Demura dips her head when her name is called. It doesn't take long before she is stepping forward to take the blade from Kael and fixing it over her belt, besides the other dagger she already carries everywhere, "I'm honoured to say I saw your family grow." She says, smiling once more to Kael, "And I'm proud to see the way you're leading the family, Marquis."

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

Natalia clears her throat when Reigna calls for Norwood to come take the dagger, ducking her head and hiding her face behind taking another drink of her whiskey. It isn't too long before she lowers the glass and goes back to her people watching.

Amari adds to the applause from the bar as she's able to without spilling her drink. To hear over the din she tilts her head to angle an ear closer to Gianna and following the Whisper's look, she notes the approaching Grimhalls and gives both a polite dip of her head in greeting, "Duchess Vanora, Lady Sanya. Hello again! There's plenty to drink." Barf sits down as gracefully as a boulder dropping off a cliff's edge just as she says that, staring at the Grimhalls. Thump. She's patting him on the head when it's her turn, which she seems a bit surprised by. There's a bit of a blush and she hurries over to accept the knife with a smile, "Thank you, Reigna, Big Cousin." After a curtsey she'll retreat again.

Cullen applauds with solemn approval for Alis, Cristoph, Amari, Demura and Norwood, pausing only to take a drink between each name and glance over at the Marquis and Marquessa with a smile.

Norwood turns when his name is called, he'd gotten lost in his own internal musings. As Reigna approaches Norwood reaches out to take the blade and bows a single time. "It is good that Keaton is safe again." He is taking exactly zero pride in his part of this celebration.

Reigna checked charm + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 1 lower.

"Lady Amari, it is lovely to see you again as well." Vanora addresses her once she's come back with her award. "Congratulations, it seems you served your family and the Compact very well in this. It is admirable." Her voice is warm and polite, and she pays attention to each of those awarded by the Keatons.

"Good to see you again, Duchess," Gianna tells Vanora with one of her flickers of a smile. "It's no interruption, Lady Sanya. I hope you're both doing well." She keeps her voice low so as to not interrupt the proceedings.

"And you, Nightingale." Vanora responds softly to Gianna with a soft smile of her own.

Kael clasps a hand upon Demura's forearm, fingers squeezing, bowing his head to her before departing. He is on the move back toward the crate, glancing toward in a brief manner before staring at the leftover blades left. One is taken hold of, twirled in hand to test the weight of it, and then he is honing in on none other than Natalia Whisper. "To Natalia," he says, voice quite grandiose despite the fact that he is not honoring her with a last name. "For your continued support of our family, your quick thinking, and the fact that you *turned* Abandoned to our side during the heat of battle." He eyes her a bit, skeptically, as though trying to see what magic she was composed of. "Never have I seen the like of your diplomacy."

The last dagger is picked up, and though Reigna does a bit of a double take at Norwood's reaction, a hint of a shadow in her eyes before she looks away, clearing her throat slightly. She applauds happily when Natalia is brought up to the stage and the praise offered to her. Then she looks back down to the knife in her hand and in a voice that is slightly over-loud and just a liiiiittle *too* forcefully cheery she calls, "To Lord Cullen Greenmarch! You really showed the armies just how to, uh, I mean, your skill in forset combat was exceptional by all accounts and you really showed them how it was done!" How what was done? It's a little confusing, but man does Reigna try to make that work. But she does take another little look to Norwood once more.

The scarred Blackram man cheers and claps with the rest of the crowd as the blades are presented; he eyes the one Cristoph receives appraisingly and gives a small appreciative nod at the workmanship. "Fine work, all of you! It makes House Blackram's work on the border worth it, to know the Oathlands have such valiant defenders." He returns to the conversation with Cristoph with a blink of surprise and a chuckle at a comment made, his murmured response musing and slow.

"I just happened to know a few people," is Natalia's initial response, called from where she's leaning, her tone playful. She's smiling warmly a beat later and straightening, padding over to where Kael and Reigna are so she can accept the knife from her patron. There are a few quiet words offered to both of them before she is retreating with her knife back to her leaning spot and her whiskey sipping.

Sanya raises her glass once again as Reigna speaks, before taking a sip. Turning to Gianna, she nods with a bright smile. "Certainly, since I entered the room. Celebrating the achievements of our allies does a lot to improve the mood. And you?"

A large figure moves through the crowd. Jeffeth Bayweather keeps to the outskirts, moving quietly, eyes searching those assembled as he mostly keeps to himself.

Gianna murmurs to Sanya and Vanora, "Quite well. Prince Niklas' musical is going splendidly, as expected. I do hope you'll both head to the College to attend one of the performances." Gianna peers curiously over at Jeffeth. It's like watching a tree skulk.

"Thank you, my Lady." Amari dips her head at the compliment and congratulations from the Duchess. She adds a quick invitation as she stations herself again at the bar, "Join us, please. Unless you're both already being lured away by the smell of Marie's cooking." Her mug is found again, the lip brushed off and a goodly swig had.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant, Oaken, an Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Alis.

Norwood dips his head again to Regina as she moves on to others and then steps away. He seems content in his silence at the moment, though he does take that blade and lays it at the idol's foot rather than place it on his belt for now.

"It sounds like she knows useful people." Vanora comments to Sanya in regards to Natalia, the Whisper praised for diplomacy that she pays particular attention to. "I'd absolutely love to see one of the performances." She states to Gianna. "Prince Niklas is so gifted."

Cullen stands to receive the dagger, walking up to the Marquessa with a humbled look. "Thank you, Marquessa Reigna, I am quite honored." Taking the blade in hand with a warm smile, he tucks it into one of his riding boots. "I shall always carry it with honor, as always a friend and ally to House Keaton." Bowing to her and the Marquis, he chuckles a little afterwards. "Yes, forest combat can really be difficult to describe, we'll leave it at that. But the actions of everyone were no less vital, I am thankful to have been with such an outstanding group." Back to sitting, he pulls the knife out to drink and admire it's beauty.

The skulking tree skulks his way through the crowd. Jeffeth moves through slowly as his eyes have locked on Vanora. Approaching with a bow, Jeffeth presses his fist to his chest. Then bows to Gianna as well. "Nightingale, My lady. A pleasure to see you both." Straightening Jeffeth steps forward to murmur to Vanora quietly.

"Oh, without a doubt. I had wished to partake but I got caught up with other matters." Sanya comments with an apologetic smile. "But I'm excited to see what Princess Niklas has produced. I don't believe I've seen a play of his before." On spotting Jeffeth, the Grimhall gently removes her arm from the duchess' to provide the two some space to talk.

To whatever it was that Natalia murmured to Kael, he is shaking his head in turn and moving a hand up, an arm going toward the woman so that he can give her a half-hug. It is a brief thing, rare, but certainly heartfelt. With that he is drawing back to focus on handing out a few other blades, offering praises. The next words that come forth are, "Some of those that aided us on the field were unable to be in attendance. Nonetheless, we shall ensure that they will receive their blades and never shall Keaton forget. Thank you all for joining us, and I hope that you enjoy the food, the drink, and most importantly all, the company." His peace spoken, Kael is drawing back. He catches sight of Jeffeth from the corner of his eye, nodding amiably to him.

Vanora steps closer to Jeffeth and murmurs quietly.

Reigna catching sight of Eddard, Reigna points to the man and looks to Kael before she picks up the correct blade and says, "Ah, there is Lord Eddard Clement, another of our fine Clement allies who fought bravely with the rear forces!"

Having completed their quiet exchange, Vanora steps away from Jeffeth and seeks Sanya out in the crowd again.

Demura claps to the final receivers of the blades and notices it's about time to refill her glass again, which is also a good reason for her to finally settle for a seat and so she does!

Demura has joined the an overflowing refreshment table.