Onida, a boglands wolf-hound, Tero the Iron Hound, Outi the Iron Hound, Gene Erique, Guardsman arrive, following Jyri.

Kaia, followed by her two Bisland escorts, would gracefuly make her way over into her favorite art shop in all Arx, Jyri's Arts. Fully aware -thanks to a previous conversation she had with the host a few days ago in the flesh- that, soon enough, the artist meet-up would take place. "Good day, ladies~" then she'd take a glance towards Lars, the shop keeper, "Lars, I hope you are well?" she said, having a nod in response from the man, before she took a seat by a comfortable chair.

Within a shady corner are Scout Rowenova and Sir Floppington, the first one ruffling around the latter one's long ears with her ringed, right hand.

The shop is cleaned and smells good of some incense that smokes somewhere in the back, and there's a table set out with bottles of wine and glasses, and some light snacks to munch on. Additionally, about ten or so canvases are set out on small easels Jyri has borrowed here and there, or quickly put together himself - they're not of the best quality but will do for this. Brushes and paints on small trays sit at each easel. Jyri himself is out of the wools and for the occasion dressed in, believe it or not, umbra pants and a seasilk shirt, which contrast well with those tattoos and his Shav'arvani appearance. "Welcome!" he greets the guests, looking quite happy to see anyone entering. Still, this is a relaxed affair. "Just grab a drink, snacks, set yourself up at a canvas if you want. I've got some... well, premade designs if people wanna use them," he says and gestures at a stack of sheets of paper on the counter.

Onida, a boglands wolf-hound, Tero the Iron Hound, Outi the Iron Hound, Gene Erique, Guardsman leave, following Jyri.

Onida, a boglands wolf-hound, Tero the Iron Hound, Outi the Iron Hound, Gene Erique, Guardsman arrive, following Jyri.

Jyri drops Painting and Wine!.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, River, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound, Barf, the Bog Dog arrive, following Amari.

Kenna swishes her skirts as she enters, knocking off some bits of pollen from her skirts. "I love spring so much." Kenna says with a bright smile. "Even if everything is... wonky in the city right now." She's got Sally with her, which is... probably a bad idea because the squirrel abruptly tries to hop off her shoulder and towards the paints when she sees them. "No, Sally, you can't." So many grabby hands to cuddle the squirrel against her chest.

Evonleigh enters just in time to hear Jyri welcome everyone and she smiles, leaning against a wall and out of the way, glancing at each of the things he gestures to -- snacks, drinks, canvas, paints. "Please go slow in your teaching, Master Jyri. Some of us are literally stalled forever at the painting ability we had in diapers when we used our fingers," she says lightly, a smirk curving her lips upward. "And by some people I mean..." she glances around, as if to pick on someone, before saying, "Myself."

The scarred Marquis makes his way into the shop with a slightly less-scowly expression than standard Gaston fair; in fact, he's positively beaming at the state of things, despite the bruised crescents under his eyes and the untamed growth on his jaw. "Master Jyri! Afraid I may do more drinking than actual painting, but I thought it high time I learned something from you." His raspy chuckle follows him across the room as he fetches a bit of canvas and supplies, taking a seat nearby and running a hand through his short-cropped hair as he contemplates.

Amari may have caught some of Jyri's welcome, the tail end at least, as she enters a bit late. She's brought two dogs, and two Huntsment, and when the entourage tries to follow her in, she shoos them right back out with a soft laugh, and suggestion, "I think I'll be fine, go. Have something to eat across the way." Shoo shoo. The only one who absolutely refuses is the giant bog dog, Barf. He just stares at her like he doesn't understand the whole shoo thing at all until she finally just takes his leash in hand and brings him in with her. That mostly dealt with, she has a look around and upon seeing Rowenova and Kenna she gives both a smile. "Well, let's go say hello. If you eat anyone you'll have to stay at home. Understood?"

"Oh hello all," Jyri beams, perhaps more guests coming here than he thought there would be. He looks quite chuffed. WIth Gaston entering too, he gives a chuckle and waves the man inside invitingly. "My Ladies, this is Marquis Gaston Blackram, also my patron. I am Jyri Tersk - welcome again, and just get comfortable. Ain't no big formal thing this, but hope you'll enjoy yourselves." He bows to everyone now, and eyes Amari's dog quite curiously. He does not protest it being here, either - he loves dogs. He turns to the table with wine and starts pouring up for those that want a drink. "Helps to drink," he suggests jokingly. "For painting. Least a few glasses, after the fourth or so it gets a bit more shaky..."

Currently clad in her Northern attire -- furs and leathers -- with a wolf pelt ultimately framing the whole image of her, Scout Nova is lured out by the fooding prospects and prowls out to the wine table, picking up a full duo of those stemmed glasses which she pairs up into her left hand. Her ringed right loads up a fresh plate, and then she and Sir Floppington slink back toward a rear easel but not before momentarily noting Sally Acorn. "Hey, cutie." Then, those cobalt-blue, khol-lined eyes of the Northlands woman flick up to Kenna after the Whitehawk woman has gathered up the fiesty squirrel. A wolfish grin, then Nova turns away to head back to her chosen easel, but she soon spots Evon and dips forth a greeting nod her way. Amari is next. She reassuringly notes. "Anyone messes with her, I will break their ass bones." She sounds serious! Then, she moves further and finally stops before her own canvas. "Master Jyri thank you for the nice time." She peeks back toward Jyri-patron Gaston. "Greetings, Marquis Blackram." She actually sounds to be rather familiar but turns back and ear ruffles Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound. "Are you gonna paint with me, Sir Floppington?"

So. Usually Sally's pretty good with dogs. But there's just something about Amari's dog that makes Sally chatter her head off and dives into Sally's blouse to curl up there still chattering. The Whitehawk lass grins at Rowenova, "She apparently is being a little high class today. I think it's because I spoil her..." Sheepishness as she winks at Amari. "She's use to more fluffy companions, but Muffin is staying with Tabitha now so......"

"Drinking will definitely make mine look better once I make it, at least temporarily," Evonleigh says, moving to help herself to wine and supplies. "Well met, then, patron of our Jyri," says one of the Ladies Whitehawk to Gaston, offering her hand. "He is so talented, isn't he?" She reaches for Kenna to catch her sister in a quick hug, before she turns to look at the others, greeting those she knows by name, "Good to see you, Lady Kaia, Scout Rowenova," and nodding to those she hasn't. "The butterfly looks like... if I mess it up, it might be deliberately artistic, maybe?" she asks her sister, tipping her head to look at the template with a squint.

After having taken a sit, Kaia swiftly dismissing her escorts, who were frankly not needed now, she'd be safe here. Not long after, she cheerfully directs a rapid yet elegant wave in greeting to Master Jyri, before shifting her gaze towards the entrance and directing a sweet smile towards the Lady Evonleigh who had just arrived making one of her famously humorous retorts -she was a most pleasantly familiar face to see. "Ah, Lady Evonleigh, lovely to see you once more~" she chimes, motioning for the other to get closer, "do you feel you will be turning out with a masterpiece in the end or has the sight of it all intimidated you?" she inquires with a bit of amusement.

"Marquis, nice to see you again. Master Jyri, pleased to meet you." Amari offers politely as her dog tries to double the length of her arm by straining hard on his leash. Luckily, she knows enough now to wrap it around her hand, otherwise he would have tried to jump down Kenna's blouse after Sally Acorn. She stays almost hilariously composed until the greeting is over, then she gives a terse growl which seems to confuse Barf enough that he lays off and looks back at her with his head at an aroo angle. Seeing some other unfamiliar faces she lifts her free hand and makes a blanket introduction, "Hello, I'm Lady Amari Keaton and this is Barf. Please keep your hands and feet away from his mouth." There's a quick grin at Nova after that, and a nod to Kenna, "He's definitely not fluffy. Not sure about his artistic aptitude either, really. But if Sir Flop can do it, maybe Barf can too."

Jyri gives Kaia a one-eyed wink in greeting, but he tries to keep his attention on everyone. "Lady Keaton, a pleasure. Nice dog," he says admiringly. "I've been over at your kennels a few times, impressive." He considers something, and suddenly digs around amongst the paint jars. "Well, I got this paint that washes off real easy, can always do their paw prints?" he suggests with a grin, perking up at the idea.

"Thought I'd actually live up to some of my commitment as your patron," Gaston murmurs with a grin in response to Jyri's introduction, lop-sided and a bit toothy, the scars over his eye stretching tight. He bows his head in greeting to Rowenova, and extends a hand to her hound for inspection and sniffs. "Glad to see you both again, it's been some time. Sir Floppington looks healthy and happy...suppose I should have brought Titus along, he's been needing some socializing," He adds with a chuckle. Evonleigh's hand is taken with another smile and slight bow. "Ahhh, he is indeed. I met him through his work; we display it quite proudly in our hall and library at the Fasthold." At Amari's greeting, there's a flicker of shadow across his expression, though he's quick to bring the smile back again-- no fault of hers, after all. "Lady Amari. Well met again, and so soon." The size of Barf gets an approving glance and nod. "House Keaton's hounds deserve their fame."

Kenna returns the hug for her sister a bit awkwardly to avoid the squishing of the still muttering squirrel from under her blouse. "A butterfly would be perfect for you Evon." Then, because eh likes to tempt fate, Kenna moves closer to Barf. "Amari. That is an... interesting dog."

"Oh, I'm intimidated," Evonleigh says to Kaia. "Look at those walls!" she says, waving a hand to Jyri's originals that are on display. "And my cousins and everyone is a hundred times more talented than I am when it comes to artwork. And in fact, I am willing to bet," she says, "these dogs and squirrel will turn out something more worthy of wall hanging than I ever could." She dips a graceful curtsy to Gaston, before turning to smile at Amari. "Of course. I recognized you but couldn't place the name. It's nice to meet you in person, Lady Amari. And I've heard about the dog as well -- his reputation precedes him." She does, in fact, stay clear of the dog. Finally she begins to set up the paint and canvas, looking at it skeptically, before taking a healthy swallow of wine. It can't hurt. Really.

Leaning sideways, Rowenova peeks past her easel toward Kenna, "Well, she is a sweet squirrel. She probably deserves a good spoiling! My dear husband currently seeks a squirrel friend." She points out a hilarious combination before she sits back yet still chats, "If ever he needs pro squirrel advice, may I send him your way? Greetings, Lady Kaia." Sir Floppington tail wags after Amari and Gaston both speak his name, and that good boy sits down then lifts up a 'handshake paw' toward Gaston. "Aye, good to see you again, too, Marquis Blackram. Lady Amari, I bet you that Barf can paw print real good!" Will Jyri stand for painted paws all over this place? She curiously contemplates this whilst chowing down on the provided food which she chases back with wine swigs which would not really fly at a formal gathering.

"Thank you. He's a sweetheart, but not from a Keaton line, though he may found one eventually. I rescued him at the battle in Reaver's Bog from the Abandoned." Amari explains, "I think Lord Gaspard took another from those kennels we found." She also remembers. Evonleigh's remark prompts a bright laugh, "He was very popular at Eddard's dog show, even if he didn't respond to commands. I think the shav only taught them the one." Which she does not say aloud, to spare everyone the bloodshed and herself a lot of tearful apologies to the maimed party. Jyri's suggestion and Nova's bet has her consider the dog's huge feet, "I think he would. I bet he'd do a better job of painting than me, even. If he doesn't eat all the paint first."

Jyri is all into this paw-print idea now and waves away any concerns about paint. "It washes off, besides, I drop paint all over the place all the time," he says, with some near childish joy. Not often that side comes out on the mostly taciturn Iron Guard. He puts down several large sheathes of canvas paper on the floor, and pours some of that paint into a low tray that he sets down. "Can even let Sally give it a go, eh? Probably, err, over there. On the counter," he suggests. "Promise, this paint is not dangerous at all, washes right off." The paint in question is a dark pink in color.

Evonleigh is overheard praising Jyri: Lovely event

Kenna eyyyeesss Jyri and then shrugs. "Alright. Last time Sally got around paint though - she kinda messed up everyone else's paintings also." She fishes Sally out from her blouse though, and turns to block the dog from the squirrel's sight. "....Purple. I think." She'll get some dabs ready to release Sally into.

Evonleigh begins to work on a butterfly -- it's not a good effort, not by a long shot, but she's nothing if not determined. No, she's not that either, as she sips wine and glances over to see what others are doing. But she's saved by a messenger when one enters the shop, glancing around a little wide-eyed at the dogs and paint combination, before finding Evonleigh and giving her a message. She holds up her finger to have him wait, before writing out a quick reply, smudged with the periwnkle blue of the paint she happens to be using at the time. Once the messenger's departed, she too stands. "I need to go... Master Jyri, feel free to paint over this wreck and make it something divine. I feel that would be a better use for the canvas, and I can pretend that I collaborated on some masterpiece of yours so my frail ego is not bruised utterly." Her grin says otherwise. "Thank you for the wine, though," she adds, taking another swallow to finish the glass, before packing up the few supplies she'd used and darting out of the shop again.

2 Whitehawk Guards leaves, following Evonleigh.

Kaia, chuckles at Evonleigh's response while sketching in a small journal with some oily-chalk colors in hand, and then directs her gaze towards Rowenova with a bright smile and a wave -some pastels in hand, "Rowenova, lovely to see you~" she says sweetly, "I've been meaning to ask you if you'd be a dear and allow me some of your precious time some other moment to help me better train on my archery." Her tone seems hopeful, though she tries to keep the comment simple not wanting it to take much attention from what was truly the main topic, creating art.

Gaston is overheard praising Jyri: Not sure even a master could teach these hands to make something worthwhile, but...this was a fantastic idea!

With all the solemnity the offer demands, Gaston takes up Floppington's paw and gives it a proper shake, twice, before releasing it and running a fang-marred hand through the brown fur with a fond grin. He's managed to retrieve a glass of dark red, and he gulps from it shamelessly, downing near the entire thing in one go and refilling it without hesitation -- he's taking Jyri's advice to heart. "Gonna need all the help I can get..." He mutters under his breath as he peers at his blank canvas. When Amari explains Barf's history, he nods with interest and leans forward to peer at the beast with a knowledgeable eye, extending a hand for inspection. "Don't believe I've met Gaspard's pup yet...I'll have to catch up and offer some training, at least."

Kaia is overheard praising Jyri: A most lovely and highly creative gathering with an unusual yet pleasant surprise -so many pets! Adorable!

"I'll finish it!" Jyri promises to Evonleigh and sees her out the door, not worried about leaving dogs and animals painting the place. Literally. His own dogs are not here this evening - probably just as well, three more dogs and it'd be a proper kennel in here. "Anyone want any help?" he asks and goes to browse to see how people are doing and lend a hand if they want it. "Just go wild. Paint big strokes, bright colors. Hope you're not wearing your best clothes," he jokes. He sure is, in a manner. Not many has seen Jyri in silks, before. "Aye, if you all need any dog training, I can help with that too. Between all of us here," he says with wry humor, "we can probably train every dog in Arx."

"I finally gave up on trying to train Muffin - I spoiled her too early." Kenna says wryly, watching Sally pick her way through the paint. So much tiny squirrel footprints everywhere - on, and look! Some nice bold purple brushes when it gets on her tail.

Nova awws to Amari, "I bet you will do plenty fine, too." She smiles at Jyri then finishes stuffing her face with food and wine (which sometimes causes her cheeks to puff out like Sally Acorn over there with Kenna would probably look whenever chowing down). Very carefully, Nova picks up her painting effects. "Certainly, Lady Kaia. There are better teachers in the archery arts, though, like Baroness Violet, Duke Aiden, and Inquisitor Faye. If you still want me, then I can help, but I am not the best teacher out there." Sir Floppington happily shakes with Gaston then stands up and tail whaps his booted shins when turning around and bounding back to Nova, making sure not to knock down any painting structures on the way over. "Who is a good boy?" the wolfy scout asks (which probably earns the ear perks of almost all the dogs hanging out here). After Jyri's words, Nova hmms quietly then slowly begins a rabbit outline on the provided canvas.

"They were a bit of a mix, like they still hadn't perfected the breed. I almost picked a puppy too, but one of the Huntsmen pointed out this guy had a white heart so it was a done deal." Amari further explains as she reaches down to give the lone heart shaped blaze of white fur on Barf's chest a pat. "Let's see if he can paint." She grins, as Jyri puts down the canvas and paints. She parks Barf at one and drags a paint tray over to try and coax him to dip a paw. He doesn't understand at all. She lifts his paw. He carefully sets it back on the floor rather than in the paint. They repeat that a few times.

Kaia smiles, "I'm well aware, but being so high in demand it's quite rare to find most of them for casual training, so I'd still very much appreciate your teachings as you are surely more experienced than I." she says politely before peacefully resuming to her sketching.

"A fantastic choice, Lady Amari. I'm thrilled to see what he produces." And Gaston, what masterpiece work will he commit to canvas? The Marquis seems undecided still, much more focused on the doggos and almost chugging his wine, care-free in the company of friends and chuckling at Jyri's comment. "Perhaps we can begin an academy, strictly for hounds," He suggests to the group, his tone implying it's only mostly in jest. Finally though, he picks up a brush and starts making a few experimental broad strokes, squinting and shaking his head hopelessly. "...May be that I will have to content myself with being a patron of the arts, rather than their source," He chuckles.

Jyri does go down on his knees to aid with the paw-print art, after admiring Sally's dainty footprints on the canvas. It turns out quite... artsy. Really. "Bet you could sell that for a small fortune," he tells Kenna with a chuckle. He gets some rags out to wipe paws off, wetting them in some warm water first. He doesn't mind if there's some paint on the floor, but still. "That's a mighty big paw, that," he says, looking down at Barf's pawprint. The idea of an academy for hounds actually has him looking thoughtfully at Gaston and then at the others. "Well, it wouldn't hurt if we worked together, us dog trainers and dog breeders, at any rate," he agrees.

"Then, I shall do my best, my Lady." quietly notes Nova with a slight dip of her wolfy-framed face to Kaia before straightening up and painting further, doing so without much skill but definite care. Sir Flop curiously watches her. After Gaston's words, Nova briefly pauses and glances up with a wolfish grin before peeking over toward Sally's work. "Good job, Squirrel Girl!" then, the wolfy scout goes back to her own alleged artwork which somewhat shapes into a rabbitesque form. Sorta kinda.

Sally is NOT AMUSED by this whole Jyri-trying to help her thing, and chatters at him before leaping back onto Kenna's shoulder. "Looks like my shirt is about to be the real artwork." A half smile as Kenna reaches out to take up the cloth from Jyri and continue working at Sally's tail and paws.

Serenade, a lovely nightingale arrives, following Calandra.

"I think we need more colors." Amari decides, as if she knows what she's doing. With Jyri's help she manages to get Barf to set down a honking big paw print, and then another. It's only the one paw though. He'll permit that, but no others. After a while he seems to think it a game of some sort, so he steps in the paint, on the canvas and goes again. She merely has to move the canvas around between each stamp to produce something approaching an image. Sort of. If one squints there could be something there. Maybe a single huge rainbow paw print composed of smaller prints. Maybe. It keeps them both quite busy and entertained at the very least. Hearing kudos for Squirrel Girl, she looks up to see how everyone else is getting along. "Success! When do we open the animal art academy?"

Paiting and wine has turned into Painting and Wine and Dogs and Squirrels event, it appears, as there's being dog-paw prints made on the floor with safe paint, and squirrel paw prints as well at the moment. Easels and canvases are set out and small kits with brushes and paints, as well as wine and snacks on a table to grab for those that want. It's a low key silly affair in a manner, and turned into a bit of a kennel event as well, with all those dog lovers here.

"Sorry, Sally," the prodigal artist tells the squirrel and raises his hands defensively. He'll leave her be! Jyri is highly amused by Barf's artistic talent and stands aside, guffawing at it all. "We can do this every month, people can bring their pets. Horses, raccoons, what have you," he suggests with amusement clear in his voice. "

Maybe art with squirrels and dogs and birds and Whispers? Calandra Whisper and her nightingale flutter into the shop, the former at a relatively swift clip. "I'm late, aren't I?" the ebon-haired beauty asks aloud, sable eyes sweeping the room with visible dismay. "Have I missed it all? I do apologize." The latter, directed to Jyri as the musical Whisper dips the proprietor a curtsey.

"A department in the hound training academy, or a separate institution?" Gaston muses, grinning at the antics of the squirrel as she darts over and around her owner-- though when he looks back down at his canvas he winces at the discovery that he's managed to leave a smear across whatever it was he was trying to accomplish, and pours himself more wine to soothe the pain (he's not a drunk YOU'RE A DRUNK). At Jyri's suggestion, his head falls back in a rich belly laugh, and he reaches out to clap a hand to the man's shoulder with a lot of fondness. "Maybe not what you imagined this would be, but what a marvelous thing to come of it, eh?" Calandra's entrance earns a welcoming smile and nod.

"Whisper Calandra! Nah, welcome, still plenty of wine, paint and canvases to go wild on," Jyri says, waving the whisper inside insistantly. "If we're all not properly tipsy and covered in paint when we leave, it ain't done proper," he says dead pan. "We're not even half way there yet."

With a grin, Nova peeks to Amari but then finishes up her 'rabbit outline' with enough room down below it for paw prints. Sir Floppington looks up with his soulful eyes as Nova brings down the whole shebang to floor level for his artistic additions. "What? You can do this. Just put your paw on there then smush it on here." She points out first paints then the unfinished canvas. Then, the greying hound tentatively attempts this with a right paw.

"Clopsy would love this. She's such a huffy stamper." Amari enthuses at the mention of horses from Jyri. While changing out paint colors she turns to watch Sir Flop have a go at painting with a grin. From there, a look up and smile for Calandra Whisper. "I think it would have to be its own full institution." She decides after mulling the proposition. "I think the Cardians and the Undying Empire would just turn their boats around and go home if they saw such a thing. Well, they have painting animals, we've lost. We've got nothing better on offer."

Kenna looks downwards when the conversation turns towards recent events, and even Sally Acorn seems more subdued than her norm. Standing Kenna moves away from the main action with a brief, "Pardon," to go find herself some //wine// that was promised.

"I'll need plenty of help," Calandra warns Jyri, her worry melting away into a smile that has dimples for days. "I've not painted much beyond a fruit bowl in the Whisper House, and Serenade," she tips her chin to the nightingale perched on her shoulder so serenely, "has never painted at all." She moves towards an empty canvas and some supplies, and some booze. Most certainly some booze. "What wine do you recommend?" she asks any and all, which might prove to be her undoing.

The wines, well. They're not BAD wines, Jyri didn't skimp on what he bought. But he really has no idea what to buy, or what he did buy. "Uh..." He eyes the bottles. "That one, I liked the taste of that one," he says and points helpfully at one of the bottles. You can't expect high society off a prodigal, but he did say this was a simple event. "Hey," he suggests, "I got some designs of a bird here, you can use that as your base," he says and digs out a sheet of canvas hwich already has a simple sketch of a bird on it. "If you wanna get a bit of help? Otherwise, go wild. I'll come help you out."

Sir Floppington carefully applies his houndly paw to one lower corner on the unfinished painting that he and Scout Rowenova are putting together, and the human being of the daring duo gently pats his tawny side after he lifts up. "Good boy!" says she. He holds up the paint-covered paw, though, looking up toward Jyri with an expectant, soulful look. On the canvas below is the pawprinted spot in grassy green below the rabbit outline. Nova looks up and smiles brightly to Calandra, "Greetings. I am Scout Rowenova. I wrote you. Thank you for what you are doing for my lovely husband."

Jyri checked dexterity + artwork at difficulty 19, rolling 21 higher.

Kenna is overheard praising Jyri: He was fine with Sally Painting.

Amari is overheard praising Jyri.

Calandra is overheard praising Jyri: A fine proprietor and excellent artist

Calandra tries to hide her smile at Jyri's wine guesswork as she accepts a glass of his choosing. "I'm sure it's lovely, thank you. And a bird sounds highly complicated, but if you're sure you don't mind helping me, I'd be grateful." Her attention snared by Rowenova, the Nightingale's dark eyes turn that way, and she lifts her glass in warm salute. "A pleasure to place the face to the name, Scout Rowenova. Might I commend you for your love and loyalty. The world could use a great deal more of it."

Calandra is overheard praising Rowenova: For love and loyalty.

Gaston has rolled a critical success!
Gaston checked dexterity + artwork at difficulty 19, rolling 35 higher.

Gaston drops A smeared painting of what appears to be a dog on unframed canvas.

Making sure everyone else who needs help gets it, Jyri sets the canvas up for Calandra first before sauntering around, gulping some wine. He admires Rowenova's painting and gives her a warm smile. The pawprint of Barf? He loves that. "I gotta do that with my dogs!" he says as he really liked how it turned out. "I'll be with ya in a second," he promises Calandra.

Gaston picks up A smeared painting of what appears to be a dog on unframed canvas.

Amari and Barf have made one canvas sized pawprint out of smaller pawprints, all in different rainbow colors. It's not good, by any means, but it's a thing that they did. She gives him some patpats and encouraging words, not wanting to crush his artistic aspirations if he has any budding then makes sure his paw is cleaned off so he doesn't track the rainbow everywhere. "You should!" She grins at Jyri, pleased with how it's turned out and then how well everyone else is doing as she peruses the work so far. "Impressive."

Dash the Guard Corgi arrives, delivering a message to Jyri before departing.

A few more awkward swipes with the brush, and then Gaston sets it down and sighs ruefully, shaking his head. "Err...well, I suppose I accomplished...something, today." He grins at the others in the shop, runs a paint-smeared hand under his nose, and then stands -- surprisingly steady for how much wine he's managed to consume, though given his height perhaps not so much. He makes a round of the room as well, peering at the different works and making sure to ruffle Sir Floppington and Barf's fur before bowing to them all and scooping up his canvas from the table. "Master Jyri, I must take my leave and return to the Fasthold. An excellent evening, as always. All of you, a pleasure...I'll be sure to bring Titus with me next month." He waves and grins, and then he's striding out onto the streets.

Rowenova picks up a wash cloth and cleans up Sir Floppington's paw while he is wagging goodbye to Gaston. Nova motions down to his opposite paw, "Next one!" After another print from Sir Floppington's opposing side, Nova washes up the greying doggo once more. "Good boy!" Their cooperative painting seems to be a rabbit outline with a couple prints from Flop's paws down below it. Then, the whole thing is set up on the easel stand once more. Nova works hard to try fleshing out the rabbit picture now, going slowly.

Calandra dips a curtsey to the departing Gaston and then turns to her canvas, examining it from this angle and that before she finally takes up a brush. "I'm not sure this canvas looks like it should be a bird," the Whisper speculates in her melodic soprano. "It looks more like it would suit a squiggly-lined mess from a drunken Whisper." Because she's rapidly finishing that glass of wine. "What inspired you to art, Guardsman Jyri?"

Jyri did get a quick sneak peek on Gaston's canvas and gives his patron a very bright amused smile. "Love it," he says and looks a bit proud that Gaston /did/ paint something and did show up to this light hearted event. "Thank you, my lord," he calls after the departing man and then sets about helping Calandra, explaining in his simple and efficient manner how she can shade the sketch, pointing out some simple techniques to give the bird a bit of 'life' and not just color. He'll do the same for anyone else who wants to try their hand at it. He'll step next to Rowenova, giving her some advice, pointing to where she can paint lines or darker colors. He is clearly passionate about this, even if his style of teaching is a bit on the gruff side. Military man, after all. But his eye shines with warmth at everyone. "You're doing fine, Whisper Calandra," he reassures the woman. The question? Well, he nods at it and explains; "It's a funny story in a way. Back at the tribe, I was a warrior. Didn't paint a thing, never wrote anything, didn't draw. I didn't know I could. But then after a few years here in Arx, I got this whimsical idea one day and sat down and wrote some stories inspired from the tribe... and I drew some doodles in the book. And they didn't turn out bad at all - apparently I had some talent. And then I started doing more books, and drew more. Lady Tabitha Whitehawk, she saw it and she taught me some real techniques... and they set me up with the shop, the Whitehawks."

Amari straightens and idly examines her palms, which aren't too badly painted considering. She still rubs at a spot with her thumb all the same after she's given a respectful dip of the head to the departing Marquis. There's a grin at Calandra's proposed artwork, but with her question she looks to Jyri, also curious. The story told prompts a soft 'ah' from the Keaton and a warm smile as if she approves. Barf starts to lick his paw. "Did you make any copies of your book?"

Calandra very carefully is guided by the proprietor though she looks doubtful at his assurances of her prowess. Still, the story proves a good distraction and the Nightingale Whisper listens attentively. "I half thought it might have been you who did your own tattoos," she adds with a twist of a smile and a salute of her brush, gently splattering paint across her own brow. "That was very kind of the Whitehawks, though."

A Northern woman, the young scout does not seem too bothered by 'gruff help', actually appreciative and curtly nodding before following along with all the advice given. "Thank you." says she to Jyri who also gets a tail wag from the soulful hound Sir Floppington. She briefly breaks from the painting task to smile brightly to Calandra, "Thank you so much for your kind words. Please, forgive me for the momentary lapse there." She must have been so focused that her delayed response is a bit late. She peeks over toward Amari and Barf with that giddy grin before she goes back to the painting work!

"Hehe, I sure did, and shamelessly sell them now," Jyri admits and digs around under the counter where he's got a ready stack of copies, least one of each. He picks through them and then hands out one book for the ladies remaining in here, except Rowenova, giving her a wink. "You got them all already, dontcha?" he asks her. "Promise, if I make another, I'll send you a copy for free, Scout Rowenova." Calandra gets the story about the crows, the fox one goes to Kaia and Amari gets the original one - the Winter story. "Winter was the one I wrote first, it doesn't have the best art in it, but well, that's how it all started." He gives Calandra a firm nod. "Whitehawks are the best. I owe the Baron my life - he offered me a job when I came to Arx as a refugee with a three month old baby. Hole tribe was dead, including my son's mother. But he gave me the Iron Guard crest and my pride back. I owe him everything."

Amari rubs her hands together vigorously a moment, to chafe off the dried paint so she doesn't hopefully transfer any over to the book she accepts, surprised and delighted. "Thank you, Jyri." She flips it open right away, unable to conceal her curiosity. Even a brief skim is enough for her to decide it's much to her liking, "It's marvelous. This is a traditional story of your people? It's a good idea to write it out. Sometimes they aren't passed down and get lost."

Kaia raises her gaze from her sketching to take the lovely and quite artsy book with an excited glimmer on her eyes. "Oh~Thank you so much, Master Jyri!" she says politely, before opening it to take a peak.

Nova up nods, "We added on a few rooms, and the whole set is on the shelves in my special library. You are so good to us, Guardsman Jyri. Thank you." It is quietly spake, especially after the unfortunate events recently spake by the kind man to whom she appreciatively smiles. "Baron Silas is a good man, aye."

Calandra accepts the copy with a gracious nod of her ebon head to Jyri. "Thank you, Guardsman. I shall cherish it, and I shall sing your praises as eloquently as I can," she offers with a dimpled smile, looking at her half-filled canvas. "Hm. I think this looks more like a snake than a bird."

"The Whitehawks all got copies too, of course, and Marquis Gaston. In fact, he bought the books from the shop, read them, sent me a messenger... but I had not the winter book in stock at the time, and didn't feel right so I sent him that one too. And it proved he had some paintings of mine that he got as gifts, and that's how we met and now he's my patron." Jyri says this all matter of factly, but the gleam in his eye suggests he realises how lucky he's been. "Ah, the stories... they're partly stories from the tribe, part stories I've made up in the storytelling style we had back at the tribe," he says, a bit vague about it. Maybe he doesn't want to write down the stories either, as his tribe is now long gone. Not dwelling on the past too much. He looks a bit grim for a moment, but then chuckles and walks over to check Calandra's painting. "Make it a bit lighter color there," he says and points to the center front of the bird, "and define the beak more with some charcoal.. that's what I do. Sharp lines. Gotta smack you in the face when you watch it, if you ask me. But, that's my style, ain't nothing wrong with how others paint, not what I mean," he says, near twisting himself into the babbling here, giving Calandra a sheepish smile.

"Add lots of plumage!" Amari suggests, as if everything can be improved with feathers and bright colors. She has no pointers as far as technique goes. Plumage was the extent of it. She pats the cover of the book after Jyri's explained and nods. "It's well written. I'll add it to my library. I know some people who really ought to hunt the Small Things. They should read this." She slowly drifts until she's gone by Kaia to see how she's getting on, and then to Rowenova so she can peer over her shoulder at the rabbit in progress. "More plumage."

Nova contemplatively reards Jyri for a good while, not really painting until the encouraged plummage, after which Nova gets back to the painting task with longer ears for the bunny rabbit which probably equates to extra plummage? Mayhaps?!

Jyri helps Calandra to get her canvas along with her as she leaves, and then goes back to the other remaining, the party slowing down a bit. He's a bit tipsy himself and in a splendid mood, despite the somewaht somber topic they touched upon. "Looks great," he tells Rowenova. "I like plumage. Rabbit-bird, eh?" He gives Amari an approving look. "I like them odd animals. The other day I painted a cat-snake."

"Cat-snake!? I love mythical monster animals that make no sense at all." Amari enthuses, she might even love them more than plumage. "I've never seen any for real, but if I ever did..." She'd probably try to hug it, even if it was something terrifying like a snail-pony or an eel-wolf. She nods approvingly to Rowenova's wispy ear feather addition and lets out a contented sounding breath. At the door however, one of her green cloaked Huntsmen appear who mouths a short message her way. Her nose is wrinkled in mild dismay before she goes to fetch Barf, who's just sitting there, panting happily to himself. "I'm being called away. This has been fun! It was a pleasure to meet you also, Jyri. Good bye everyone, good luck with your paintings!" She gives abig wave to Nova and Sir Flop before she's heading out.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, River, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound, Barf, the Bog Dog leave, following Amari.

Party is winding down - Jyri sees Amari to the door and welcomes her back at any time. He'll help Rowenova finish that painting up, chatting amicably about her dog and asking her about her husband, and he says he'll come see the additional room at their house some day... He checks on Kaia's progress and admires her work. In the end, when they leave, he sees them out too and sends some wine along since he won't keep it, if they want it.

Now it's just the cleaning up, looking on the floor. Paw prints. He chuckles... A good evening!