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

Dame Tommelisa Thistlefur arrives, following Sparte.

Merek has come to visit with his cloak on in crimson-black tones like his attire. His hood is up while he offers a bow to those that are in the place, then he looks about as he relaxes.

The Hart's main hall is abuzz with activity. The stress and concerns of the day leaving more than a few with a deep desire to cut loose and have some fun. Valencia smiles and welcomes one and all, drinks flow freely and no one goes hungry while in the Hart. The games tables are ready with die and new decks of cards at the ready, and the arena, gardens and stone pools waiting for one and all to enjoy.

Berto ambles in with a wide smile, walking with a sort of bobbing, ambling gait through the doors of the Hart. He cranes his neck here and there to get a better look about the room. He starts toward the games tables in an awkward-looking shuffle, squeezing through a crowd that mostly towers over him.

Evaristo brought his lute that is slung on his back but it's a 'just in case' sort of thing - he's not here for a scheduled performance and is wandering around with a drink, chatting with people here and there. He watches some dice games for a bit, looks awfully tempted but resists it somehow.

Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery arrives, delivering a message to Merek before departing.

Sparte comes in with a glance around at the people present, taking his time getting a feel for the mood of the evening as he finds a place to sit. It soon becomes clear he brought a book as one is produced from his pack, apparently more here to be present than to be social. Not the first time he has done that.

Sparte has joined the plush, comfy sofas.

Evaristo is already a bit tipsy and he hasn't been here that long, so that suggests he started drinking even before coming here. Still, he's hardly drunk and is mellow, lazy, carefree and wanders around like the world is a really good place to be in, no matter everything seems to be coming to a sharp edge lately. He comes up on a game table as Berto does, nodding friendly enough, then does a double take noticing this man reading a book. At first the Iron Guard cloak doesn't register, nor does the Crest - but when it does, he looks even more interested. "Must be a very interesting book," he says to nobody in particular, half amused, half curious.

Valencia has joined the wildcard table.

Merek walks to a table that is set to play Queens Crossed, while he relaxes a bit.

Evaristo has joined the wildcard table.

Berto has joined the wildcard table.

"Oh, nothing wrong with books. Readers and such. Keen minds." Berto offers Everisto a bright, winning smile. He's aquired for himself a tall glass of something brown and possibly flammable, and he pulls himself up to the table to settle in. "A book is a whet-stone of the mind, don't you realize."

Valencia, dressed ins southern silks, her long dark waves swept up with simple silver pins, glides through the room and settles at the Queens Cross table. She smiles brightly to Sparte, Evaristo and Berto as each is spied, offering a warm incline of head, and then to Merek who seems more than ready to ty his luck. "Welcome to my Hart," the little vixen chimes. "I hope you are ready to play some excellent dice and cards today," she nods as she gracefully takes a seat and begins to shuffle the deck.

Sparte glances around the room, offering Merek, Evaristo, and Valencia nods of recognition before tucking himself into the book. It seems to have something to do with Gloria, judging from all the sword sigils in the scrollwork. A bit hard to tell more from a distance. Whatever it is, he is content to sit and read it.

How to play Queens Crossed Traditional

Aim of the game: A mix of poker and war. Highest score wins the hand.

Instructions:
1. All players place down bets.
2. Roll Wits, Charm or Luck at 15
3. Highest score wins. If tied, the pot is split.

Optional version: If agreed to before the hand begins, get dangerous and add a "Wits, Charm or Luck + manipulation" or a "Wits, Charm or Luck + perception" after your first roll. Add that to you score. Highest hand wins.

Note: RP during or after each roll as preferred by your table.

Evaristo throws himself down on a chair, because it's there and Berto draws him into it. He can't resist a game, though he has no idea what they're playing yet. "Whet-stone of the mind..." he muses, looking a little blank-faced. "I totally read books now and then. In fact, not many days ago, I read this book about the Queen of Endings, written by the Legate Aureth himself. Fascinating. I really liked the part about living life to the fullest and never be bored," he notes seriously. "Which is why we are here tonight. To not be bored, as our lovely hostess Princess Valencia is rescuing us from. Let's play!" He rubs his hands together. "What're we playing?" He nods politely to Merek too, and decides introductions might be in order. "Captain Evaristo Arterius. Good luck, all." He digs around for his money pouch and puts down the asked for bets.

"Wise indeed, and five times wise. Let's see us the cards, eh?" Berto settles down with his drink, giving Evaristo a nod. "Berto Tiazza, a humble maker and seller of spirits, proprietor of Grenaldo and Tiazza's at Peddler's path. If you're in search of a good time, I might have a thing or two that might help." He gives an even wider smile toward Valencia. "Highness, I am delighted to pursue whatever you've arranged for us."

Valencia smiles brightly to Berto as the card begin to find a home before each of the players. "I'm so very glad to have a proper games night, my Missere Berto. It has been some time since we have hosted a purely games night," she nods, her dark eyes glittering as she lays her silver down. "I hope you are all prepared to lose. I have a charity to run after all," she teases playfully. "Gentlemen, would you place your bets?"

Atreke, a severe-looking scribe arrives, delivering a message to Merek before departing.

Merek lifts up his cards to look at them, while he nods to the others. He checks on the hand, so he can see which moves might be best to make.

Valencia gazes down at her cards and purses her lips. She glance to the others at the table and sets down two cards, then picks up two more. She frowns a little.

Valencia checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Berto checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Evaristo drops his coins down and then looks at his cards. He glances at Sparte and does an inviting wave his way. "Sure you don't want to join us?" he calls. Then he studies his cards, sticking his tongue out for a moment but otherwise trying to keep his emotions in check.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

The cards seem kind to the little princess and she sets down to queens. "Two queens crossed and a Jack in chambers. The Kings are no where to be seen though," she nods to her her cards and looks to see what the others have.

"Paired threes." Berto tosses his hand on the table with a pantomime of disgust, but still grinning as he goes for another sip of his drink. "So it is, so it goes."

Merek checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Evaristo discarded two as well, studies his own and then grimaces as he sets them down. "A pair of Guards," he says and lays his cards down, but gives Valencia a wink. He's got the worst hand here, but seem just as cheerful as he drinks some of that wine, something red. "You heard there's a wine shortage? Lenosian stuff, in particular."

Sparte looks up from his book, offering Evaristo a smile. "Oh, I don't really play cards." Sparte glances over the others at the table curiously. "I can come over if you're short a player, but I don't like to gamble."

Merek puts all his cards on the table, "Not sure I am good with this game," he says, he offers Sparte a nod as a reply to the one he was given before.

"Just come on over and chat with us then, if you don't want to play!" Evaristo offers generously. "This is all very laid back and not very serious at all."

Drinks arrive and the little princess slides the deck to Berto to shuffle the next hand so she might serve her guests herself. In Velenosan style, each glass is generously filled with the guest's choice of libation, delicately brought to lips and then graciously offered.

Looking up to Sparte as he concedes to play, "If it pleases, sir, I am happy to spot your wagers for you for our game. Please just do not wager my Hart," Valencia grins, nodding warmly as Sparte joins them. Another smile come to her lips. "My dearest Sir Merek, it is but the first hand, and I have been blessed by ladies luck. I'm sure you will improve."

"I heard!" Berto chimes in with a wide smile toward Evaristo, as he shuffles and deals out the next hand. "Damndest thing. The great brandy heist of thousand-and-ten." A shake of his head, and he smiles at Valencia, lifting his glass toward her as she hands it over.

"Brandy heist," the little vixen looks confused. "What is this, then?" she asks taking up her cards and looking Berto's way. "Not your wares I hope, Missere Berto."

"Well that too," Evaristo says and throws down the next bet of coins. "But that there's an actual problem down in the Lyceum, that they're not getting the wines up here to begin with? THAT is worrisome," he notes, eyeing his glass of wine and hugging it a bit closer to himself. Protectively.

"Oh, indeed, indeed." Berto finishes the shuffling and starts to deal, giving each laid card a little flourish of the wrist. "But no, not my wares. Finest brandy, on its way from the Lyceum to the Queensrest, and someone on the way swiped it out for Oathlands rubbish or something. Shocked as I am that most of them at the Queensrest can tell the difference..." A sad shake of his head. "But what could the world be coming to, I wonder, that this is the state of things."

Sparte closes his book and rises up, making his way over ot join the others at the table. "I would never wager something I could not afford to lose, though I do wager sitting in the chair gives the impression I'm not happy to see everyone and socialize." Sparte settles into a seat, looking around at the others. "If it is alright, I'll watch a few games to learn the rules before I touch any cards."

Sparte has left the plush, comfy sofas.

Sparte has joined the wildcard table.

"I wager one silver coin," Merek says.

A flicker of concern finds Valencia's face and she frowns and places her bet, giving her cards a harder look than before. "This, considering how much wine and other indulgences of Lycene is enjoyed in the city, is a rather unpleasant problem," she muses her nose wrinkling at the idea of substandard drinks being switched for good. Setting down three cards this time, she requests three new ones from the court, other wise know as the cards not yet dealt. "What is holding shipments back?" she asks turning to Evaristo. "Of course, Missere Sparte," she smiles as he settles in his seat.

Valencia checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Berto checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Welcome Mina!

Merek checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

"Whew. Glad to hear you had no stake in that shipment. I am most definitely going to drop in and see what you got," Evaristo tells Berto. "In fact," he says, not ashamed to try to do some business, "let me know if you need someone to take some of your wares to Arx if you buy something from somewhere. I got very reasonable rates. Shipping things - that's my trade," he explains, checks his cards, keeps his expression neutral enough. "Ah, the troubles that arose from the road build, I believe," he says distractedly, thumbing the cards a few before he discards two again, picking up two new ones. He turns a bright smile at Sparte as he joins and scoots his chair a bit to make sure there's enough room.

Merek looks at his hand while he seems to consider it, and he shakes his head a bit and doesn't manage a lot with it. He instead leans upon Val's shoulder if she allows, and looks up at her, "Can I persuade you to throw the game?" he asks, offering up most of his charming presence to her.

Merek checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Mina steps into The Golden Hart, the everpresent sound of her Staff hitting the ground and the cheery jangling of her charms precedes her as usual. Though, the happy face that usually proceeds it is not there, Mina looks tired and stressed like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. When was the last time she had a full night's sleep? She had heard of some event happening here, hopefully it was a chance to relax and get her mind off of things.

A game of cards is underway at the card table, and the rest of the Hart is buzzing with activities as well. There's still room at the table to join in, a lighthearted low-tension sort of game happening with very low stakes. He looks up hearing the tap-tap of the staff, studies Mina with obvious curiosity and then throws her a very charming, inviting smile. "Here comes someone that needs to have some fun. Here, come join us!" he calls out to her, perhaps seeing the stress and sensing someone that needs to unwind. He tosses his cards down - definitely not winning - but seem to not care at all. "We're being crushed by Princess Valencia here, and we love it."

The little vixen turns her gaze aside to Merek and smiles her most charming smile, "In cards? That depends, sir, what you are willing ot offer to turn my head?" Valencia smiles playfully. "If this is so, then I shall have to see that my stocks do not dwindle. The care of my guests is very important to me and my staff," she nods to Berto and Evaristo.

"Has the Iron Guard learned anything of this, Missere Sparte? I'm sure your finest will see that this mystery is solved?" Valencia nods to the man and lays down another hand. "Three queens crossed, and two Kinds in the chamber," she nods and turns to Evaristo. and smiles to Merek once more. "Perhaps next hand," she smiles as she turns to welcome Mina, "Good afternoon. Welcome to my Hart. Yes, please join us," she nods warmly.

Atreke, a severe-looking scribe arrives, following Rinel.

Rinel puts Woolen Surcoat of Vellichor in Small Cloth Pouch.

Sparte looks up from people playing to glance over to Mina's arrival, smiling and waving her over to a chair before returning his attention to the table. "It takes some time for investigations to be conducted. I know what I assume more people know, that somebody stole fancy alcohol and replaced it with swill." Sparte smiles to Valencia. "But it isn't a matter I'm involved in myself. I'm sure news will be shared if the culprits are brought to justice, which, I think, is... A fine?" Sparte looks thoughtful. "I'm not a legal expert on wine theft statutes."

Mina moved to join the book, bowing deeply with her rigid posture and rising back up. "Hello, everyone...thank you for the inclusion. I could use a distraction." A weary chuckle before she looks to those she hasn't met yet. "I am Mina Grayfallow, newly appointed to the Iron Guard." She glanced to Sparte, blinking. "Are we talking of the theft of the Lenosian wine? Has something else come to light?" She looked unsure, haven't hearing anything herself. "But what I do know...is that there are supposed to be games? What kind of games are we playing?"

"Cards! Which our fine Princess hostess is cleaning us out at." Berto doesn't seem too terribly upset at that, the short man looking up with a wide grin and a nod. "Have a seat, have a drink, and pick up a hand."

Rinel enters with an uncharacteristic smile on her face. "Good afternoon!" she trills out, tap-tapping her way towards the assembly. "I received an invitation for games?"

Gruffudd, a ridiculously fluffy large cat, Inka Bramblethorn arrive, following Ysbail.

"Perhaps they should be asked to drink their ill traded wares," Valencia offers back with a slight smile. "I am sure they will be caught, and perhaps their skills and talents used for better takes," she nods and takes a sip of her decent Lycene red. "Tscktch! I am having a little ladies luck is all," she laughs with a light little wave of her hand. Turning to Mina she smiles. "I am so happy to meet you, mistress Mina. We're currently playing Queens Crossed, would you care to join. Do you know Missere Berto, Misssere Evaristo?" Another bright smile is found as Rinel arrives. "Scholar Rinel! How wonderful! Welcome! You're just in time for another hand," she nods warmly. "Join us?"

Merek checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Evaristo stands up politely. "Captain Evaristo Arterius, at your service Guardswoman Grayfallow," he says, giving her a rascally smile. "I've had many amazing encounters with the Iron Guard over the years," he says. He's about to sit, but Rinel - a very familiar face - joins in so he shifts chairs again to make more room. "Absolutely. Low stakes, for fun, be ready to be crushed by Princess Valencia. But it is all for the good cause of us having fun." He smiles his most winning smile, then retakes his seat. He glances at Sparte, looking interested about it too. "A fine? That seems remarkably lenient for someone /stealing wine/," he says quite indignantly. He downs his glass, for emphasis. He likes wine.

Merek looks at his new hand, and frowns a bit. He sighs, while he nods to Val, "Well, it's a fair hand in any case," he says, while he settles back on his seat, and offers Rinel the one at the table which is next to him but not so much she can read his cards, or him hers.

Rinel sits down next to Merek with a smile. "A card game? Exciting! What are the rules?"

"If they did their theft in the Lyceum, then a fine would be the least of their worries." Berto nods, and looks up to the women who've came to the Hart with a wide grin as he deals out another hand. "Welcome, oh lovely ladies. Berto Tiazza, at your service, humble proprietor of Grenaldo and Tiazza's Spirits, Beers, Tonics, Fragrances, Hangovers, Cures, Elixers and Cure-Alls."

Berto checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

"Captain Evaristo? I think it is your deal next round, yes?" Valencia offers with a gentle smile as she takes a sip of wine and looks at her cards.

Mina sat down at an open chair, next to Sparte if she can manage, and then glanced to Evaristo and Berto. She gave them a nod, "It is a pleasure, of course. But please, just Mina is fine...I'm just a country girl from the farmlands, I hold no real titles" She smiles and looked down at the table, "Queens Crossed? I can't say I've played before, we tended to play Blackjack if we're feeling mischievous, otherwise Rummy is a favorite since my students could play as well...would someone be so kind as touch on the rules with me?"

Valencia checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

How to play Queens Crossed Traditional

Aim of the game: A mix of poker and war. Highest score wins the hand.

Instructions:
1. All players place down bets.
2. Roll Wits, Charm or Luck at 15
3. Highest score wins. If tied, the pot is split.
% Optional version: If agreed to before the hand begins, get dangerous and add a "Wits, Charm or Luck + Manipulation" vs. a "Wits, Perception or Luck + Investigation" after your first roll. Add that to you score. Highest hand wins.

Note: RP during or after each roll as preferred by your table.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Ysbail slips in, late but here! That is the important thing right? Right.

Sparte looks to Evaristo with some embarassment. "With a thing like that, the magistrates would handle assigning punishment." A shrug. "And I'm rarely the one there when they do, I find myself doing field work usually." Sparte looks over to Berto. "Oh, my apologies Master Berto. Sparte Fatchforth, a pleasure." As the game shifts to something he has heard played before, Sparte agrees to take a hand. Which he holds awkwardly. "Mina, Rinel, nice to see you both."

Mina checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Rinel checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Mina was kind of hard to read, seeming to switch between looking tired and stress to giggling and jabbing Sparte playfully with her elbow. She seemed to take to the game fairly well.

Evaristo glances at his cards, throws three away and looks much happier at the new ones. "Oh, yes, I can deal," he agrees and perks up. He waits to see how the others are doing - his cards are put down, but as it turns out, even if they are good? Not good enough... He nods seriously at Sparte, snorts amusedly at what Berto is saying.

Rinel stares carefully at her cards, rearranges them, and then, carefully, takes one card in her hand and turns it upside down.

She squints at it with an accusing gaze.

"Mistress Tern, that does not affect the value of the card," Atreke informs her. "Also, you are losing."

Valencia laughs at her cards after setting two down and taking two new from the "court." She sighs a little deeper. "I fear my reign as victor is at an end. My queens have quit me. Three of all houses and a pair of fours," she grins, turning to Merek. "I hope that satisfies, sir," she teases playfully as she looks to see what other hands are found. "I'm sure you are as always, Missere Sparte, one who will be perfectly wonderful at the work you are doing. I have never ever questioned your honor or skill. I am glad to call you friend," she nods gently.

Sparte checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Sparte sets down his cards almost like an afterthought, glancing around at the other cards at the table before squinting at his own. "The cards with letters are better in this game, right?" Sparte looks up to Valencia with a smile. "Thank you, as I am glad to call you in turn." Sparte looks over to Merek. "When was the last time we had a big wine theft? Oh eight? Oh seven?"

Mina lays her cards down, looking a little unhappily as Sparte shows up her decent hand with an even more impressive one. "Hmmm...wow, impressive Sparte!" She pauses and turns away from the table, when a messenger comes for her. "Excuse me for one moment...I'm expecting a message. My apologies."

Salvadore, a fire salamander arrives, delivering a message to Mina before departing.

Rinel's eyes flick to the salamander. "...whom does he serve now, I wonder?" she wonders out loud. She glances at Sparte. "I have questions for you, later."

Evaristo stares at his cards, looks at the others, then laughs amusedly. His hand is good, but this is a game where the cards do not favor him. He reaches for the deck now, and begins to shuffle with habitual ease, the cards dancing between his fingers, flipped over, moved from hand to hand like they're flowing water. He only fumbles with a few of them, sends them flying across the table to hit Rinel in the chest. "Woops. Sorry, I'm a bit out of practice," he says and grins wildly, reaching for the cards that fell. He clears his voice, and stops being showy, just shuffling as normal. He looks at the messenger curiously even as he's handing out cards, barely even looking as the cards fly over the table.

Merek puts cards on the table, and shakes his head a bit. He leans then to whisper to Rinel, "Good hand," as well as something else he speaks as well.

Evaristo checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

"Three queens crossed and a Jack in the pulpit? Really, Missere Sparte, you do not need to show off," Valencia teases aside, her large dark eyes moving to Mina's "A but the Lady had three Kings in the chamber and a queen. Impressive hand, my lady," the little vixen nods with approval. "Be kind, Captain, I need to retain some dignity," she laughs as Evaristo begins to deal the next hand.

Rinel laughs lightly at Merek's comment. "Not good enough, I fear," she murmurs, along with a quiet response.

Mina turned back around, staring at the paper in awe, she seemed to be almost moved to tears. "Oh my..." She muttered to herself, looking up to the others when Valencia addressed her, switching to a smile in an instant and picking up her hand again. "Thank you, it was a nice hand." She picked up her cards and frowned, "Not as good as what I have now..." She tossed all of her hand but a single card with a sigh.

Mina checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Valencia checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Sparte looks at Valencia like she spoke another language. He forces a bit of a smile, looking down at his cards and sliding the funds Valencia had spotted back towards her. "I think, uh, one hand is enough. You've new players, I'll just, um, deal? Yes, I can do that, perhaps. Just hand out cards. You'll tell me how many to hand out, right?"

Rinel checked perception + investigation at difficulty 35, rolling 14 higher.

Berto checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Rinel has her eyes on Evaristo's hands like a hawk. It's actually rather creepy.

Rinel checked wits at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Merek checked charm at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Merek seems mostly to have a lot of normal hands, so he contents with nodding to Rinel a bit, "Well, keep that to mind, I'll work on it a bit," he says, then he looks to Val, "I always like to come to this place, you're an amazing person and host," he adds, with a smile also.

"So," Berto says as he starts to drink another glass, still giving his usual wide grin. "Anyone got the inside word on how the High Lords are going to be choosing? Not to bring down the tone of the day, but a businessman's got to have word on how the winds are set to be heading."

Evaristo gets two new cards, thumbs them, glances around at everyone to see if he can read any faces - he gives Rinel a bright innocent smile and throws his cards down. Not a win, by far. "That," he agrees with Berto, is the question of the day. Year. Century..."

"Of course, Missere Sparte, a designated dealer would be lovely, if it pleases," Valencia nods warm and looks over to see the hand that Merek is speaking. She nods in agreement. Turning back, she smiles, "Your words are very kind, Sir Merek. I am so very happy you think so. I think you are very sweet to say such lovely things," she returns with a flush of her cheeks.

Lifting her cards once more, Valencia studies her hand and glances to Berto, "I have heard many opinions, but nothing from the High Lords themselves. Though I would assume they would play what they wish close to their chest, yes?" she asks looking to others at the table for their opinions.

Rinel's smile fades abruptly. She shivers. "I can't imagine /any/ of them choosing either foreign power. I mean, imagine what would happen if the Faith become subordinate to some Cardian plenipotentary? The Oathlands would revolt." She looks at her cards. Frowns. "And rightly so," she adds.

Mina places down her cards, her face inscrutable as she yawns and rubs her eyes, once she revealed her her it would be quite impressive; however, she seemed distracted, looking back to the piece of paper she received. When the topic of conversation comes to the decision from the High Lords she flinches and frowns, leaning back in her chair.

Ysbail watches thoughtfully, moving over to study Valencia's cards and the game. "So have you cleaned them out for all they are worth yet?"

Rinel gives Mina a gentle smile. "Goodwoman, if you had /that/ much cause for discomfort from His Highness Grayson, the Inquisitors would be here already. The Lord Inquisitor is stern, but fair."

"So and still," Berto muses, "I wouldn't weep buckets for a closer chance at Cardian markets." He gave a short shake of his head and a broad grin.

Valencia smiles bright as Ysbail speaks and she leans over to offer her a light kiss upon the cheek as she greets her. "Lady Ysbail, sadly, my queens seem to have quit me, but the company is fine, so I am consoled," the little vixen laughs. "Join us?"

Evaristo waves a hand and slides the deck over, happy to concentrate on the game itself. He hasn't done so well so far, but the stakes are rather low so he's not sweating over it. He listens with rather rapt attention to the discussion, watching everyone from behind that wine glass while waiting for the new deal. The copper scarf and the copper brooch? Weelll, his stance is pretty obvious.

Sparte glances over to Rinel. "There are other options. More difficult ones than letting them give us sweet gifts and binding us in only the finest of chains, but..." Sparte frowns and furrows his brow. "They have the king's son, and the final decision rests with him." A small shake of his head. "It is all so sudden." Sparte accepts the deck from Evaristo with a small smile, focusing on shuffling and dealing.

Mina slipped the paper into a back that was hanging at her side, leaning forward on the table and staring blankly at the cards as she tried to ignore the talk of the current political issues.

Merek sighs when the topic changes, then he shakes his head a bit, "I'm uh... Right," he says, as he takes a drink and looks to the others a moment. "I think... We should take up Brass' offer, even though it will require a fair bit of work from people."

Evaristo has left the wildcard table.

Rinel glances at Mina, then frowns concernedly. "I am in agreement, Sir Black. But let us put aside these matters. I, for one, have had enough of talking above my station."

Ysbail nods, "I see." Rinel's words earn a curious look from the Blackwood. "And that will last?"

The topic turns and the little southern princess nods as she studies her hand. Large dark eyes lift to Mina who seems to have withdrawn from the conversation. "It is a difficult topic and very had to decide, yes?" she smile to the Mina and sets down her card. "Though I do not think it is above your station to speak of this. This is a question for all of Avrum, yes?" Valencia nods. "But just so, I am very happy to speak of other things, if it pleases our party, for I am sure we have had and will have much discussion to come," she offers with hopeful diplomacy.

Valencia quickly adds: "Who's up for a game of dice? Traditional or Baron's Bones?" the little vixen asks with a smile.

Sparte grins over at Ysbail, shaking his head. "Well she'll just have to find a higher station, like every other commoner with a strong opinion."

Mina raises her gaze to meet Valencia's when she was addressed, "Huh? Oh...I just don't think there's anything I have to add to the discussion, especially since I don't have a say in the matter." She sighed, "Dice is fine...I'm up to play whatever everyone is interested in."

Merek rubs at his beard in thought, "I am up for some traditional," he says, while he relaxes back at his seat and takes a drink, while he looks to some of the others, "I don't recommend a higher station, it is a lot of work, and people expect you to /do/ stuff."

"I'll give my try at the dice, Highness. See if my luck improves." Another wide grin, and he winks toward Merek. "Selling liquors, that's the trick. Or my simple work managing some of the Count Corvini's estates. Make yourself useful, is the trick of it."

Ysbail laughs, "Maybe. I'm going to go soak Val, but thank you for hosting this."

Valencia nods and the cards are collected and set back in a finely carved black box. Another box is opened and a set of ivory dice appear, looking well worse for wear yet well loved. "These were a gift of a friend. He was a mercenary and saw many places. He said the dice were his choice, easy to carry and easy to play. He gave me these to keep for him until he returns. I miss him terribly, but I have these to remind me of him," she nods gently and sets them down on the table. "A call for traditional dice. Please lay your bets. Who shall be first to cast the bones?" she invites with a wave of her hand.

How to play Rolling Bones (Traditional)

Aim of the game: A simple dice game.

Instructions:

1. All players place down bets.
2. roll 2 = 6
Highest roll wins save these three rolls: 3, 7, 11 (this means an automatic loss)

Note: RP during or after each roll as preferred by your table.

Rinel flushes deeply when addressed by Ysbail, and lowers her gaze to her lap mutely.

Berto has rolled 2 6-sided dice: 1, 2

Valencia has rolled 2 6-sided dice: 4, 5

Mina has rolled 2 6-sided dice: 4, 6

Berto is the first to go for the bones, tossing them on the table with a clatter... and coming up three. He sighs, leans back, and finishes his drink. "Well. Lucky at love, unlucky at dice."

Mina blinks, staring at the dice with a bit of a smile, "That seems a decent roll." She giggled and shifted in her seat, leaning forward with her elbows on the table.

Sparte reaches over to pat Rinel on the shoulder. "Having strong opinions is not a character flaw." Sparte smiles at Rinel. "Figuring out when to share them is a lifelong challenge I'm still working on. So far as I can tell, the trick is to share them when you're the most important person in the room. Sadly I've never been that person so I can't confirm."

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

Merek has rolled 2 6-sided dice: 1, 2

Rinel has rolled 2 6-sided dice: 1, 3

Rinel smiles weakly at Sparte. "Thank you," she says quietly. She gives her bones a half-hearted roll. They return a half-hearted result. The ex-scholar sighs.

A gentle smile is offered to Rinel. "I agree, a strong educated opinion is a worthy thing," Valencia agrees with Sparte. "And that you have such high esteem for those you work with is a credit to you and them. But, if I may, I think wisdom is not about title, but is about experience and intelligence, both of which those here have in abundance I suspect," Valencia says softly as she rolls the die. She nods to Mina's roll and smile. "Well done."

Merek nods a bit to Sparte and seems to think, "Be like me, and decide at a Grayson's meeting to challenge them on how the Shavs are handled. You'll get looks." That sounds like a quite bold action, as he rolls a three which makes him sigh, "I suck at these games."

Mina nodded, "Thank you, it seems I did well this time." She giggled, turning to receive yet another messenger...she was quite popular today. She read the message quickly and quickly tucked it away. "How much is normally bet in these kinds of games? Does it take a lot of money?"

"The stakes are an agreement of those at the table. I've seen many things wagered here. From silver and jewelry to fur cloaks and expensive hair pins. One man wagered his horse, another tried to wager his wife. His wife was not that pleased as you can imagine," Valencia smiles and leans back to watch the game continue.

"I've also seen secrets wagered, and answers to intimate questions, and many, many fascinating dares. Though non as torrid as I say when I was younger and at home in Lycene. There there are many things that would make even my cousins blush, and did," the little vixen laughs, her own cheeks colouring at the memory.

Rinel stays mute, twiddling her thumbs.

"You, Highness?" Berto gives the woman a grin and a wink, sighing loudly and dramatically at his hand. "Well. If we're wagering secrets or dares, I'm game and all--but I'm sorry to say I've little enough shame to wager."

Sparte continues to shuffle the cards that are no longer being used since the game changed to dice.

. "My dearest Master Berto, you make this sound as if it is a challenge to find just what might make you lower eyes," the little southern princess laughs. "Careful else we all may become curious and wish to suss this out. Do you play such games as truth or dare where you are all from? What games did you play when you were young?"

Rinel laughs slightly, a mischievous look returning to her eyes. "Oh, we played plenty of truth or dare."

Mina looked thoughtful, "Oh, my students were often playing such games as truth or dare." She shrugged and stared in the direction of the dice, "Secrets wagered? I'm not sure I know anything worth telling. And the most interesting thing I own is my walking stick, here. I'd be loathe to let it go over a game. I'm afraid I have nothing to offer up except what little silver I have holed away."

"I'm not one to do a lot like that, though I've played such truth games before," Merek admits, while he nods a bit to the others.

"Problem is, playing truth-games in the Lyceum," Berto muses with a wide grin toward Valencia, "it's hard to trust a pack of liars to be truthful."

"Oh! The hours of truth and dare and the mischief we got into. I'm surprised half my cousins are not in dire fear of their torrid tales coming out, though they'd probably laugh," Valencia grins happily. A little lift of eyebrow is offered to Berto. "Tschtk! Such words. You doubt my word, sir?" she smiles gentle and leans back in her chair to smile to Mina. "To be true, I have watch a very wonderful but modest woman win a very large pot of silver in my Hart not so long ago. She came in with no silver and so I anted her wager for her so she might play. One thousand silver," Valencia recalls with a smile. "She left with 1500 silver, I believe, after returning my ante to her," she grins a little more. "That was wonderful to watch. I almost enjoyed lose my hands to her. "

Mina raised her eyebrows, "Loaning someone money to bet? That seems like so much money...isn't it dangerous to do that? What if they can't pay it back if they have bad luck?" Her hand gripped her walking stick again, holding it tightly and jingling the charms. The action seemed to calm her down slightly. "It's rather difficult to get a handle on how much money is considered 'a lot' around such important people."

Rinel looks up and gives Mina a sympathetic glance. "It can take some getting used to," she says softly.

"I never would, Highness, and I resent the implication that I would. I'm calling the whole of the Lyceum liars, and since I'm Lycine myself, I can be permitted and encouraged to do so." Berto gives another one of his wide grins, and he glances over toward Mina with a nod. "So who cares to start off?"

"The money was freely given. I would not give more than I could afford, and the stakes were high. If she had lost in the wager, she would have felt welcome in being part of the festivities. That would have been a good thing," Valencia explains with a little shrug. "Each year I work very hard to give silver and writs to support good causes. To make lives better. To give hope. To raise spirits. To see her smile, and to see her succeed was worth the risk for me."

Mina looked a little surprised that they seemed to be starting a game of truth and dare, she wasn't really sure how well this would go. "I see, my apologies. That's very kind of you to freely offer your silver like that." She offered her a smile, then turned to Berto. "We're...actually playing Truth or Dare? N-not that I mind, I mean..." She looked around the table, "I just shouldn't start, I wouldn't know what to suggest."

Atreke walks up to Rinel and taps her on the shoulder. "They're ready." Rinel jumps up in excitement. "They're ready!" she repeats excitedly. Then she rushes out the door as fast as her lame leg will allow her.

Now what was that all about?

Atreke, a severe-looking scribe leaves, following Rinel.

"This was lovely, Highness." Berto gives a low bow toward Valencia, and a wide grin, as he starts to shuffle off his chair. "I should see to my business, and to... some business, but my heart will beat ever for yours."