Benvolio, a beleaguered valet in search of a better job, 6 House Velenosa Guards arrive, following Berenice.

3 Tyde Houseguard arrives, following Lethe.

Fancy, the highly discerning Graypeak Mountain pup, Alena Sparks, unamused first mate arrive, following Evaristo.

Maple, a brown golden retriever arrives, following Mabelle.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, 2 Grayson House Guards, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

Sabella arrives, following Niklas.

Frost, a Maelstrom Forest Cat arrives, following Lore.

Root, a ferocious badger arrives, following Archeron.

5 Redoubt Buccaneers, Bengalo, the sneaky black cat, Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Francis arrive, following Carita.

Carita drops Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Olivia gets Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Kalivan gets Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Evaristo gets Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Niklas takes Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Kaia, the guard arrives, following Radhilde.

Lore takes Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Mabelle gets Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Niklas takes Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Evonleigh gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Ian gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Lore takes Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Skye takes Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Olivia gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Olivia gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Skye gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Evaristo gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Merek gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Berenice gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Lore takes Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Lore puts Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR in Large Oiled Leather Rucksack.

Lore puts Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka in Large Oiled Leather Rucksack.

Lore puts Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum in Large Oiled Leather Rucksack.

Evaristo gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Evonleigh gets Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Kalivan gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Arik gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Mabelle gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Arik puts Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum in a dual sword belt of rich black leather fastened with a wolf's head buckle.

Berenice gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Evonleigh gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Mabelle takes Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Evaristo gets a black leather coat with silver anchor buttons from a black leather satchel with a silver anchor buckle.

Kalivan gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Evaristo gets black leather boots with silver anchor buckles from a black leather satchel with a silver anchor buckle.

Azova gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

The Thrax Courtyard has been transformed into a magical wonderland, with lanterns strung all around the area, lighting it warm and welcoming. Servants from various Thrax Houses have been volunteered as they circulate a glorious amount of food; from rum flavored cakes if one likes to start with desserts, to rum meringues so light they almost dissolve as they hit the tongue to the exciting candied eel. The man meals being oysters, clams, a bounty of fish with the main show being that of the prized shark that's been prepared in several ways. For those that dislike seafood there's probably other things, but likely mostly just the desserts and a bounty of bread.


1 Grayson House Guards arrives, following Liara.

Merek has put on his black dress pants, as well as a shirt with slate hems upon it. The vest he has on is blue-black in tone with floral print, while he makes his way to check in on the alcohol, and seems to also consider a bit.

Arik wanders into the Thrax courtyard only a little lost but the smell of seafood and the whiff of rum seems to be a good trail to follow. He may have ended up at the Ebb and Flow first, but they definitely pointed him in the right direction after that. With the autumn season upon the city he's even managed to upgrade from an undertunic to a full blown normal shirt.

(OOC: Please only take ONE bottle of booze from each of the ships, or sharks will eat you alive. Also, please be patient, as not all the ships have been filled yet. Thank you! )

Merek is overheard praising Thrax: Doing great work.

Ian stands beside an elevated platform placed just away from foot traffic, talking to a couple of cheerful, burly looking men in Kennex livery, each of whom hold poles connected to said platform. In his off hand, he has a bottle of Darkwater rum. Yes, a whole bottle. You don't go to 'A Taste of Thrax' and use a glass. Or that seems to be Ian's take on things, anyway.

Merek gets Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Merek gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Lethe takes a quick look around. She nods to some of the people she knows. She gets a drink and goes to find a place to enjoy it.


**********************************************************************
Several different brushfire conflicts in the Compact have continued, fairly or unfairly blamed upon the Great Road's completion provoking conflict with hostile Abandoned groups and stirring up long simmering rivalries and disputes. At the same time, the Compact has been dealing with foreign emissaries attempting to make their pitch for how the Compact will ally itself, with the most recent Assembly of Peers declining to endorse a path forward with any of the foreign powers and instead the Highlord of the Mourning Isles declaring thralldom to be ended. As of yet, those foreign powers have not responded, but their ships remain, and it is assumed by many peers that some answer will be forthcoming. With much of the recent events happening in Arx, it would be easy for many of the peers to forget about the different minor regional conflicts of the past few months, and it does take time for news to return about them, but return it does.

First is the reply of Count Augustus Grayreeve to Marquessa Samantha Deepwood, who diplomatically and reasonably asked the rebellious count to reconsider his position, and travel to Arx and to meet under the auspices of House Bisland to reconsider his rash actions. A reply finally makes its way into Arx, delivered by his Voice, "It is beneath the dignity of a Peer of the Realm to respond to an inquiry from an upjumped commoner pretending to be a noble. Nor shall we countenance being lectured on the nature of nobility by a commoner who cannot possibly understand it, but perhaps you should you should turn your attention to the prodigals being made into nobility. For there seems to be a great many of them, and they are sorely lacking in instruction."

All indications are that the domain of Grayford, House Grayreeve's holding, and its surrounding baronies are preparing for war.
**********************************************************************


Evaristo is drawn here like moth to flame. For one thing, he's a sailor and second, there's free food and booze. Even so, he's looking quite stunned by the setup, eyes widening in delight as he saunters around, picking some food stuffs to munch on before finding the model ships. And the booze. The rum, well, he opens that right away to take a few gulps. The other bottles he stores in the bag on his bandolier while looking around to see if there's familiar faces. Or unfamiliar he can socialize with. But first? He searches for the hostess herself, moving about lazily while nibbling and drinking.

Lethe has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Archeron wonders into the courtyard - he is back in his more usual ranger gear, which means he gets to lurk at the corner of the courtyard with his cowl pooled around his neck and his large axe and bow slung over his shoulder. He isn't rushing forward to the drinks, but rather watching people. And then he sees Lethe and he pushes up off the wall and goes to intercept his twin.

Archeron has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Baroness Skye Blackshore has set up a booth with a series of ropes next to some cherry rum that's been made by her own orchard on Blackshore Isle. She stands there proudly, practically daring folks to step up for the contest that she's going to be running, "We'll be testing your sailor's knots at this booth if you please. I'll be noting those sailors with knots beyond compare and the night's winner shall be given a gift of knots to end all knots. So step up and come forward if you think you've got what it takes to be a proper sailor."

Mabelle stands there staring in awe at all the ships and the abundance of rum! Her gaze swivel across the yard intaking some of the foods and the inevitable smell of fish. Gathering a dessert to fit her sweet tooth, she wanders to one of the tables to partake.

Arik has joined the a large leafy potted plant.

Olivia enters and looks around standing on her tip toes. Then she spots them, and goes to intercept both Archeron and Lethe. A big smile on her face.

Mabelle has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Merek moves towards the knot tying booth!

Lore is surprisingly adept at maneuvering through the Thrax ward, picking up bottles here and there as they're made available, bee-lining for the candied eel to quickly snitch a few pieces before finally starting to trail her way through the crowds. She offers smiles, nods, then chuckles as she sees a familiar person moving around through the crowds. Weaving her way through the people with pauses here and there to chat at some of the servants and offer greetings to people she knows, the merchant winds up in front of Arik, dipping a quick bow. "My lord. I see the weather has finally relented to allow for full shirts again."

Niklas comes into the site of the Taste of Arx - Thrax Edition with Sabella on his arm. A Sabella that he is attempting, with dubious results, to placate. "...probably not all fish chowder and ink-boiled squid, my love. There are plenty of other things to eat in the Islands. For instance squid chowder and ink-boiled fish." Niklas lifts Sabella's hand for a kiss, then drags her off over to the free booze, pausing to clap Ian on the back. "Ian! Is it just you today? I know Ford is off in Stormward, but I figured this was just the sort of thing to bring Porter out of hiding!"

Lethe looks up at Olivia with a smile after saying something to her brother. "Hello Cousin. It's good to see you!"

Azova has arrived early to the event, dressed in a simple seasilk gown with slippers to match. Her hair is pinned up and out of her face, leaving her free to fill it with other things - such as the Darkwater rum, which she appears to be taking a sample of straight from the bottle. She's got her pinky out, taking a swig straight from the bottle with as much elegance as one could expect from someone.. doing that. Despite the light breeze brushing over her bare shoulders, she has a pleasantly warm blush in her face.

Aethan arrives together with Evonleigh, and they seem to be conversing as they go -- at least, he's talking. Whether Evonleigh is listening or not remains to be seen. "...running some kind of game," he says. "Something to do with fighting. I know that's surprising." And in fact, he catches sight of Ian a second later and lifts a hand, waving to his brother over the heads of the others around. He's not particularly tall, so the waving helps. And then Niklas and Sabella arrive! "Niklas, Sabella. Good to see you both."

Kalivan appears to have already been here when most of the guests arrived, putting the last few bottles of Platinum Blonde in their proper place inside of the Darkwater ship/puzzlebox booze hutch. Once that's done, he looks for a glass to pour his own drink in, but spotting all the Thraxians just drinking straight from the bottle he just shrugs and grabs himself a bottle of vodka from the Kennex's offerings.

Gunner, the Leary Military Adjutant, Emilie, a slender lady's assistant arrive, following Iliana.

Sabella laughs at Niklas, though she does give the food a dubious look, brightening when she sees the desserts, "Ian! Aethan! Isn't it glorious?!" She asks as she gestures around, "The Countess did a fantastic job! And I saw you brought vodka of course, excellent choice."

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Barf, the Bog Dog arrive, following Amari.

Ian pats the shoulder of the man he was talking to and looks toward Niklas. "I think Porter's in Stormward with the Marquis," he explains. "Wash said he'd try to make it back. He wants to serve drinks. Aethan is -- " Aethan is right here. "Aethan." He speaks his brother's name in a neutral tone, but but it's probably a greeting. To Sabella, he adds: "The distillers got it in just in time. The crates showed up yesterday. I was up most of the night seeing them unloaded."

Arik lingers near a potted plant, a bottle of rum pilfered from the Darkwater ship and already opened as he watches the parade of Islanders in the courtyard. As Lore approaches his coppery brow perks up and he offers a light nods, "Mistress Artiglio, yes the cooler breezes are appreciated. Will you be taking up Baroness' Blackshore on her knot challenge, you are a sailor aren't you?" he wonders in a low rumble a voice even as his frost grey eyes glance above the Lyceum woman's head to scan the crowd.

Carita gets Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

5 Redoubt Buccaneers, Bengalo, the sneaky black cat, Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Francis leave, following Carita.

Evaristo checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Evaristo checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Evaristo checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 26 higher.

Evaristo checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

Archeron reaches down as he talks with his sister at the benches to pick up the small wondering grey, black and white form of Root and settling him down between the two twins for the affection Root wants. As he does he spies Olivia and lifts his hand in a wave to beckon her over.

Evaristo checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 3 lower.

Evonleigh does look surprised, or perhaps she's just humoring the man as he talks, and when Aethan points out his brother as well as the Grayson royal power couple, she smiles and dips in a graceful little curtsy. "Good evening, your highnesses, Lord Ian. This looks lovely. Look at the little boats!" she says, no doubt killing Aethan's soul on some level. "I see some more of the pepper vodka. I already had a little and it was divine," she tells Aethan, before looking around at the rest of the gathering, steel-blue eyes curious and bright.

Mabelle checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Mabelle checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 0 higher.

Mabelle checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 13 lower.

Mabelle checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 30, rolling 13 lower.

Olivia has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Mabelle checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 13 lower.

"Against -actual- sailors? Oh no, no my lord, I am still more merchant than sailor. I'll leave the knots to those whose response to them isn't to reach for the nearest knife," Lore responds with a chuckle and a shake of her head. She does, however, turn to peer towards the Kennex area, "Might stop by the Kenex ship, though. Lord Ian is a good sort, and pepper vodka sounds interesting." Looking back, she smiles up at him, "Would you like a guide through the world of sea-based production and products?"

Showing up to the courtyard, Liara casts her gaze across the crowd - and the food - then steps lightly on through, strolling over to find herself a seat to the side. The knot stand draws most of her attention for the time being.

Merek checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Liara has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Indeed, Aethan does not seem to be looking at the boats //too// much. He probably prefers real boats. Or something like that. He does look over at the Blackshore knot booth, though, lifting a hand to Skye perhaps to indicate interest in participating. "One moment," he says to Evonleigh, before stating over that way.

Merek checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Merek checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 7 lower.

Merek checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Merek checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 3 lower.

Evaristo finds himself near the knot making contest and of course he has to give THAT a try. "Sign me up!" he says and mooches over, smilig widely at Skye. "Baroness, you look absolutely stunning," he tells her. "Very nice to meet you again and I have to say - this is an /amazing/ event." A chug of rum, to emphasise. "I'll give this knot thing a try," he says and gets started on it once the rules are made clear.

Aethan checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Aethan checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Aethan checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Aethan checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Aethan checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 28 higher.

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

Merek looks to some of the ropes, then he begins to work his own knots up, "Oh, fancy," he says, while he does that with them. He's ok, but not some kind of master, although he is an admiral and someone would possibly expect some skill.

"Why don't you stop by the Kennex's first, I like to let these sorts of gatherings... Develop a bit before plunging in besides I already got the Darkwater rum and that's the real reason I came by. The Countessa is the one helping Halfshav develop its docks." Arik explains to Lore in a conversational rumble his hard grey eyes lowering back to her as he offers a fleeting grin and hefts his platinum blonde rum to take a swig straight from it with a sigh. "I will be here after you've your pepper concoction."

Taking the opportunity to visit the Thrax ward, Iliana comes in a bit late and in a hurry. The array of stands and tiny intricate ships catches her eye and she approaches to get a better look, passing from area to area and watching their occupants show off their skills.

Kaia, the guard leaves, following Radhilde.

Berenice has given all sorts of deference to Thraxian styles with an aeterna gown of a high, beaded neckline -- only to ruin it with that low back. Ah well, Lycenes gotta Lycene. She steps into the courtyard with her eyes bright with amusement and curiosity. There are several she recognizes she offers warm smiles to, but it's Aethan who seems to inspire the first audible reaction as she saunters right over to him and slips a hand through his arm. "Lord Aethan, I now see that your gift was /hardly/ so valuable if there are now /crates/ of it freely on offer to party guests," she tsks teasingly at him. She offers a conspiratorial sort of smile beyond to Evonleigh, despite not seeming at all familiar with her. "Princess Berenice Velenosa," she introduces herself. And then: "Ah! Princess Sabella, Prince Niklas, always a pleasure. Lord Ian, you're looking energetic as usual."

Mabelle winks toward Skye, "Its lovely to see you again, Baroness. It has been a long while, my friend". She approaches her booth and mumbles, "I'm no sailor, but nothing wrong with some fun competition! I can tie my corsets, how hard can this be?" she chuckles.


**********************************************************************
Prince Victus Thrax, Prince of Maelstrom and Highlord of the Mourning Isles, at the most recent Assembly of Peers has declared an impending end to thralldom throughout the Mourning Isles, declaring that one of the oldest institutions will be coming to an end. The lack of immediate response of outrage is almost suspicious, though some note that a great many Islander peers have departed Arx in recent days, traveling to their home domains. But now word starts to trickle back into Arx.

Marquis Ford Kennex was performing inspections at one of his coastal villages, a relatively new town called Breakshackle made up of freed thralls from the time he declared thralldom illegal at Stormward. While there, a large force of unknown attackers surrounded the village and put every man, woman and child to the sword, overwhelming Marquis Ford and his honor guard. Marquis Ford Kennex was then flayed living and crucified along the coast, along with his guardsmen.

Duke Ivan Helianthus makes a public statement of, "Unfortunate what happened to the Marquis of Stormward, but this is what happens when one carelessly frees violent criminals on their land. I, along with most of the Isles, urge the Prince of Maelstrom to reconsider before we have similar acts. That would be tragic."
**********************************************************************


Ian watches Aethan stroll over to the knot booth and his eyebrow twitches, but Berenice's entrance distracts him before he can make whatever dry comment probably just popped into his head. He nods to her. With features aged from lack of sleep and circles beginning to carve themselves under his eyes, he looks the opposite of that.

5 Redoubt Buccaneers, Bengalo, the sneaky black cat, Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Francis arrive, following Carita.

Kalivan There's a faint grimace as Kalivan takes a pull from his bottle of Vodka, followed by a few coughs into the crook of his arm. "Pfeh! Powerful stuff." He declares, immediately going in for another swig as he looks over the crowd. Finally, he catches sight of Azova and strides on up to her with a smile and a deferential bow. "Hi there, Lady Azova, great to see you. I love that gown of yours."

Carita drops Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Sabella is all wide eyes looking around at the offerings and games, "It's a shame they had to miss this, although I understand the importance of their travels," she replies to Ian with a smile that grows even larger as Berenice comes over, "Princess Berenice! I adore your dress! Isn't this just amazing?" she gestures to the crowd and the boats.

Amari strolls in, here plainly to satisfy her curiosity more than anything. There's a lot to see. Noting the crowd knotting ropes at Skye's booth, she drifts that way to watch, but no attempt is made. Instead, she sneaks a quick wiggle finger wave at Skye and considers her next destination from there. So many people! Sabella and Niklas both get a polite dip of her head, as does Berenice. Archeron and Lethe get more of a proper wave, and so does Root between them.

Sabella gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Ian gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Mabelle gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Merek gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Evaristo gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Baroness Skye Blackshore claps for Evaristo as he tries his hand at the series of intricate knots. She motions to him, "Here's the man to beat!" She points to her friend with a big smile on her face. She winks at Mabelle as she steps forward and tries her hands at the knots, "Awww, being a sailor is not an easy thing my friend." She does clap for her friend for giving it a good try. Merek gets a bright grin as he steps up to give it a try but alas he does not beat Evaristos' game. When Aethan steps up, Skye has to let out a very unladylike whistle through her teeth as he cleanly completes the knots perfectly, "Oh my goodness...look what we have here folks, a perfect set. That my friend will put you at the top of the heap and for the clean run earn you 50 economic writs!

Skye takes New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Amari gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Kaia, the guard arrives, following Radhilde.

Iliana applauds from where she stands a bit back from the booth. Clearly she doesn't intend to try the Baroness's game herself, she's more of a swordswoman than a sailor, but she appreciates skill all the same. "Impressively fast work My Lord."

Archeron gently lifts one of Root's paws to get him to wave at Amari, offering her a smile and gesturing that she is welcome to join them. He seems otherwise content to sit at the side and watch events - he isn't even drinking. No fun.

Niklas looks between Aethan and Ian as if just waiting for a big declaration of fraternal love that he just knows is about to break out any second now ... nope, not happening. But when Niklas sees Evonleigh arriving with his cousin he brightens considerably. "Aethan! It is good to see you, cousin! And Lady Evonleigh, so good to see you as well!" He looks between the two of them, all smiles. His eyes may as well be turning all heart shaped. Then he's being greeted by someone else and, "Princess Berenice! Here for the fish chowder, then?"

Radhilde steps into the courtyard, gaze sweeping around as a smile comes to her lips and she and her guard moves over to the longboat to get a better look.

"Lady Evonleigh Whitehawk," says Evonleigh to Berenice with a laugh. "It's a pleasure to meet you. We've been in the same crowds a few times, but the social whirl makes it hard to meet everyone, I'm afraid. Your dress *is* just divine. Beside Sabella, you two are sunshine and rainbow. Do we have rain in the house?" she quips. She turns to look at the knot tying game, watching Aethan make the knots look easy -- not quite easy enough for her to try *her* luck. "Well done, Lord Aethan," she says with a fond smile for the Kennex admiral.

Azova lifts up her bottle and gives it a shake in the place of awave for Kalivan, following it with a graceful twirl on the toe of her slipper. "And I'm glad you're here as well, Kalivan. How's the vodka?" she wonders, taking a little sip of her own drink as she approaches him. She's smiling with a warm contentedness, and lingers next to him for a moment before she wanders off once more - to the northern edge, a bit further out of the crowd.

Azova has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Evaristo finds himself beaten by one knot, quite literally. He turns a bow at Aethan and a bright rakish grin. "My Lord - I'm impressed." To the others who've tried the same game and to Aethan, he introduces himself. "Captain Evaristo Arterius, at your service." He bows towards Sabella and Niklas as well, the latter given a bit of a conspiratorial 'look' for some reason, before he leans up against something to eat some more and drink that rum.

Sabella checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Sabella checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 6 lower.

Sabella checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 9 lower.

Sabella checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 30, rolling 12 lower.

Sabella checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 33 lower.

Smiling towards Arik at his reasoning and suggestion, Lore dips another bow and offers, "As you wish, my lord. I'll make a circuit around the tables and come back to see how you're getting along with the rum." Chuckling, she straightens and slips off to go see what she can see and to say hello to the people she knows.

Radhilde checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Radhilde checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 2 lower.

Radhilde checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 4 lower.

Radhilde checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 30, rolling 20 lower.

Radhilde checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 28 lower.

Arriving with Garibaldi in tow is a late Theron. Aside from assessing the festivities and those in attendance, Theron is clearly on the hunt for something to drink. This quest is short lived at least, giving him a chance to observe the knot-tying contest with a shake of his head commenting idly "Even growing up in the walled city.. I havn't the faintest idea what half those knots actually are." While peering his head tilts to one side in consideration.

Kalivan cracks a small grin as Azova twirls and shows off her gown, then follows along on her heels as she heads to the benches. "It's pretty great. Burns as it's going down, so you know it's doing a good job. Think I taste a bit of cucumber, too. So it's at least a little merciful."

Kalivan has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Carita gets Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

5 Redoubt Buccaneers, Bengalo, the sneaky black cat, Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Francis leave, following Carita.

Aethan finishes tying the knots, looking over at Evaristo's to give a nod of approval to the other man's as well. "Good effort," he says, returning the introduction with, "Lord Aethan Kennex. Good to meet you." He doesn't precisely smile at Skye's praise of his knots, but he does look about as happy about it as he ever looks, which is not, in fact, very. "Thank you, Baroness," he says as he inclines his head to her, just in time for Berenice to arrive next to him. "Princess Berenice," he says. "You'll have to admit I didn't claim it was valuable. I just thought you'd like it." He looks to Evonleigh then, "Lady Evonleigh's help has been invaluable in the rebuilding of Kennex. And thank you. I've been practicing my whole life for this." If it's a joke, it's delivered in an admirable deadpan. Niklas' words draw his eyes to his cousin as well as he looks from him to Sabella, "How are my niece and nephew?"

Olivia gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Evaristo is overheard praising Thrax: That event? AMAZING

Lore takes New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Lore puts New Hope's Dark Currents Rum in Large Oiled Leather Rucksack.

A bottle of rum magically finds its way into Amari's hands, so she brings it with her to join the non-drinker. "Lady Lethe. Archeron. Root. Lovely to see you all." The bottle is given a slight shake, as though she's offering to share it. Yes or no, she settles in next to the sober Lord Tyde.

Amari has joined the seating along the southern wall.

As Lore goes off to make her rounds Arik looks back over the crowd and waves absently in Azova's direction as she shows off her dress before taking another swig of darkwater rum and returning his attention to the knot competition as people approach and try their hand.

Benvolio, a beleaguered valet in search of a better job have been dismissed.

6 House Velenosa Guards have been dismissed.

"Lady Evonleigh," Sabella greets and looks from her to Niklas and back, "Watch our, my husband is anxious to see his cousins and brother as happy as he is, so you're like to find yourself on a boat to Stormward if you let him get you alone. The man could talk a Redrain into denouncing whiskey." She notices the knot tying and wanders over, "I've always wanted to try this," she confided to Skye, making a pretty good first knot that perhaps makes her over confidant as she gets her fingers and arms more and more tangled in the rope, "I think if I just--there should be a little give--" She cheerfully keeps trying until somehow her right arm is bound to her waist and her left is across her chest. "...is this right?"

Benvolio, a beleaguered valet in search of a better job have been dismissed.

6 House Velenosa Guards have been dismissed.

Thea overwhelmes herself a bit with all the people before her, at the same time amazed at the event. She comfortably takes in surroundings first, before stepping further.

Having made her way over to the boat and seeing the others with the ropes, Radhilde squints quite perplexed at it all but gives it a go nonetheless, making a mess of herself and the ropes and grimaces faintly at her efforts.

The next three contestants find the knots of Blackshore booth not so forgiving. While Zeia only falters at the end, both Sabella and Radhilde find themselves neatly tied to their tangle of knots that they tried to put together. Skye gives a wide-eyed look, "Oh my...here...let me help you." She looks to Aethan and Evaristo to step in and help as well untangle the ladies.

Iliana steps forward, trying to hide clear amusement. "I /know/ I can't tie those knots," she says. "But I can at least help untangle them. Princess, Lady ..." She doesn't know Radhilde's name but steps up to help her get the ropes free, smiling at Sabella as well.

Azova seems a bit more at ease now that she's out of the crowd - spotting Arik sticking out from among the others as he waves. "Hello Lord Arik!" she calls to him, her voice carrying across the courtyard. She leans in to take a swig of her drink again, but seems to think twice about it, taking a sniff of it instead before setting the bottle down on her lap. "It's a bit of a shame Baltus isn't here. He could tie those knots in knots, I'd bet," she adds, aside to Kalivan.

5 Redoubt Buccaneers, Bengalo, the sneaky black cat, Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Francis arrive, following Carita.

Carita drops Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Berenice gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Olivia gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Mabelle takes Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Lore takes Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Skye takes Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Evaristo watches with fascination as Sabella and Radhilde joins the contest, his bottle poised midair and eyes wide. However, he shakes out of that and corks the bottle, tucking it away to go help. "Princess, My lady," he says and bows and offers help them, giving Skye a reassuring smile.

Ian shifts a little weight onto his cane and watches with hints of amusement flickering over his expression as Aethan is called upon to untangle Sabella and Radhilde.

Amari gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Evaristo gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Sidling up to the Kennex ship, Lore dips a small bow towards Ian and murmurs, "My lord. How has your hand to hand training been going? I understand you were able to secure Gunter for a few lessons? You couldn't have found better. I don't think I've ever had a match last so long as with him, can't even be mad at losing. He was just better." She looks to the black pepper vodka and smiles, "I'm glad to see everything made it on time and in good condition. I've been waiting for a new flavor to emerge."

Lore puts Grimhall Mead in Large Oiled Leather Rucksack.

Sabella gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Merek gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

"Lady Darkwater." Arik calls back with a dip of his head for Azova and then a cluck of his tongue as he still seems to be looking through the crowd from his spot off to the side.

Sabella grins at Radhilde as they get themselves in the same predicament, "Perhaps I should just stick to carriages. Thank you," She tells Evaristo and Iliana as they step forward to help, "You wouldn't know it, but I married a man from the Mourning Isles!"

Mabelle returns to the table after thoroughly embarrassing herself in the tie booth. She is too cheerful to mind, breaking a piece of bread and enjoying some of her freshly acquired rum.

Kalivan tilts his bottle up, a few bubbles rising in that perfectly clear liquor as it goes down his throat, "I feel a little bad about not having met your brother yet, living under the same roof and all. But, I suppose we're both busy men." He says to Azova, with something of a regretful shrug her way. "It's never a candlemaking competition though - but I guess that'd be really boring."

"I shall be sure to steer clear of him, then, for poor Lord Aethan's sake, if not my own," says Evonleigh blithely -- a little too blithely, perhaps, when Sabella teases her. She chuckles and looks at the tangled up lady and princess. "I think I'd just make it worse, or I would try to help," she says. "I couldn't have done better, though, so well done to both of you for trying," she tells Radhilde and Sabella. "And well done to you, too," she tells Evaristo, who she hasn't met in person. "You must be a captain -- you certainly dress like one. Or perhaps an actor whose played one? You are the Bard College's new Mockingbird, yes?"


**********************************************************************
After the Crackneck-Valdossa wedding party massacre that also resulted in the death of a Grayson marquessa of House Longwood, both the Northlands and Crownlands house declared war on the presumed culprits in the Isles, despite the lack of proof. Nor did they seem inclined to wait for proof, as word comes back of a major Longwood-Crackneck raid that attacked House Warwynd. The raid burned all the fields of the barony's island and sacked several villages, killing hundreds of non-combatants, but they declined to lay siege to the castle of Wyndhall, insteading opting to withdraw towards the Crownlands after the successful raid that might starve out Warwynd. During the return trip, the fleet is attacked by a much larger Islander force and smashed, with thousands dead, and no more than a fifth of the Crownlands-Northlands fleet surviving to withdraw.

Duke Asger Crovane, while on a trip to the county of Coastside to meet with Crackneck nobility, suddenly turns purple and chokes uncontrollably after being served wine. Though the Crackneck guardsmen immediately search, they aren't able to identify or apprehend the poisoner, despite the castle immediately being barred and no one being permitted to leave.

Senior Scholar of Vellichor, Jonathan Grimkin, opines in a white journal that, "Assassinations such as Asger Crovane's are a sign of moral decay in the Compact. When one loses respect for tradition, and seeks to destroy institutions such as thralldom, respect for our leaders is lost. With each ennoblement of a commoner, with each Abandoned that bends the knee to become a prodigal, the Compact is further eroded. Only by the rejection of neonobles, prodigals and those who would attack our traditions can the Compact remain safe." It is a widely distributed talking point in the Isles among traditionalists, and reviled by many more progressive peers.
**********************************************************************


"Relara and Gareth are excellent and in good spirits. Relara is as loud as Gareth isn't, so in that way they're both much like their namesakes. Well, like Renny, at least. She does all of Gareth's speaking for him, even if that speaking mostly means crying and shouting." Niklas pats himself on the chest. "I, of course, was a quiet, well-behaved child." Aethan was seven when Niklas was born. The crying could be heard on the other side of the island. It didn't stop for five years. He turns to watch as his wife just about climbs into her knots. "Well. That's... happening."

Radhilde looks absolutely grateful when assisted by Iliana and Evaristo, her cheeks darkening further as she looks over to Sabella and giggles, "Aren't we a right old mess, Princess! Oh and thank you.. thank you so much." She says then to Iliana and Evaristo, dipping her head gently, "I'm Lady Radhilde Acheron.. what might be your name?"

Thea eventually steps in, fascinated with the events.

Evonleigh is overheard praising Carita: Lovely hostess

"Huh. I blinked, and then suddenly that woman seemed to be buried under rope. What kind of competition is this exactly?" Theron's eyebrows have raised, and his face is one of amused confusion. Sipping at his drink in hand, Theron looks quite content to continue to simply observe the competition for the moment.

Ian bows his head to Lore. "Just watching him fight was an education. He really knows what he's doing." He looks towards the vodka. "I'm glad they got it here in time. The distillers did a really good job, this time around."

"Oh Princess," Iliana says with a laugh at Sabella, as she tries with at least some success to untangle the knots with the help of much more knowledgeable sailor folk. "I married a Leary, and somehow I'm still not made of ink myself. Anyway, you tied the first one well .. I don't think I could even manage that much." She smiles at Radhilde, yanking at a loop of rope. "Marquessa Iliana Leary. It's a pleasure, My Lady."

"It's as close to Thraxian fashion as I prefer to get," Berenice says with a warm laugh in reply to Sabella, gesturing towards the high neckline of her gown. Her smile turns a bit /smirkish/ for Niklas's question. "And ruin my breath? What would my many admirers /do/ with themselves?" Her smile warms once more for Evonleigh and Aethan. "A /pleasure/ to officially make your acquaintance, Lady Evonleigh. And I suppose that's true, Lord Aethan, although you really ought not to /admit/ as such." Drawn over by proximity to the various competitors, her smile turns next to Evaristo, grown particularly amused there. "Captain Evaristo. How /delightful/ to see you again."

Eina, the Pearl's Own, Soot, a frenetic ferret arrive, following Peri.

Zeia waits for a turn and then most innocuously but calmly demonstrates quite a bit of skill, though not with the flawless mastery others have shown.

The rescuers are able to untangle the princess and lady from their knotty mess. Skye gives a sweet smile over to Theron who inquires about the contest, "These are sailor's knots that are used every day on ships in the Mourning Isles. The contest is meant to test your sailor skills. All clean runs without mistakes gets 50 economic writs for a good try. And the top set of knots will get an extra special prize that Countess Carita is carrying with her."

"Knots. There's so many stories about knots from sailors. Don't trust half of them," Evaristo tells Sabella with a grin before bowing more at the nobles present, hand on his stomach and flourish and at ease about it. "I am indeed a captain of my own ship, and recently became the second Mockingbird. Prince Niklas is the first one," he notes, and gives the prince in question a respectful nod. "However, here? Today? I am definitely more Captain than Mockingbird." Still, he has that lute slung on his back even here. He sure has not missed Berenice's presence and she's given a slow charming smile now. "Your HIghness - I am once more blinded by your pure light. Today you can not possibly argue with me on that point, not with that dress," he tells her with an admiring look.

"He truly does. It was a pleasure just to be int he ring with him. I'll have to give it another shot after I've trained up some more, though I doubt I'll ever attain his level of skill. I'm too much into the merchant business these days to keep up with the sort of constant training it requires," Lore responds with a small nod as she watches the folks gathered around the rope-tying competition. Glancing towards Ian, she grins, "If you want to give it a go, I can watch the table for a moment. I'll bet your hands are quicker than your brother's."

Sabella laughs delightedly at Iliana's joke, "I don't know, Marquessa, was your hair always that dark?" she teases, flexing her hand to make sure it gets feeling back, then to Radhilde she says with maybe too much enthusiasm, "Oh, do you need introductions?! I love making introductions!!"

Zeia has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Ian shakes his head to Lore, a single back and forth. "No. Aethan was always more precise with his knots than I am. He's the one who drilled me until I could do them right." He looks around. "He's lucky Wash isn't here, though."

"Ha.. thank you.." Radhilde tells Evonleigh, "I was merely curious.. and still am a bit intrigued by the game." She grins brightly, sucking in a soft breath and then casting the grin to Iliana, "A pleasure to meet you, Marquessa Iliana." Now free of the ropes, she bites her lower lip and steps over to the benches.

"I'll make sure to remember for next time," Aethan promises Berenice, and again his tone is very flat, but maybe there's a tiny bit of humor lurking in there somewhere. Or maybe not. Who knows! Hard to say. He looks over to Sabella then as she begins to try the knots, and there's a slight wince, but it seems to be well in hand, and so he turns back just as Niklas claims to have been a perfect child. A snort escapes him, and he just shakes his head, but for now, keeps stories to the contrary to himself. He looks back to Evonleigh just as she replies to Sabella's comment, and what little smile there had been somewhere on his expression slips off again, but it's a subtle shift, as ever, and when he speaks his voice is normal enough. "I think I'd look well in that necklace, don't you?" he asks as he looks between Berenice and Evonleigh, and //that// is a joke.

Azova lets out a thoughtful hum, her eyebrows rising with it before she drowns whatever sarcastic remark she had with another swig of rum. "Very busy," she agrees with Kalivan. "That would be boring. Besides, you wouldn't want to introduce any competitors this early into the race, hm?" she teases.

Iliana tugs at one of her braids, an outburst of rather un-general-like laughter (it's not a giggle) overtaking her. "It will be lightening any day now," she says. "Grey hairs are coming, whether I want them or not." She smiles more softly and adds to Sabella, "Congratulations by the way. On the birth of your children. I wanted to say so in person, but events kept me away for a while."

Giving Skye a sidelong look as she explains what is going on, Theron exlaims. "Wait, you're actually serious? I mean, I grew up in Ostria I know one or two knots being used." His left hand gestures vaguely about. "But a, ah, competition for tying them?" While he is smiling he certainly looks incredulous, and then cheerfully suspicious. "Wait, is this one of those Thrax Culture practical jokes? Demonstrate the ability for tying folk?" He does at least take a look towards Carita's Knot Necklace. "I will admit though, that catches the eye somewhat." His head dips towards Skye in introduction. "It's been a month, and pardon me, but I am suddenly unsure if we have met. Lord Theron Mazetti, Sword of Ostria. Thank you for explaining what is going on." Theron's trademark smile is present, but he has the look of someone who thinks his leg is being pulled.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - The Claw of Arx arrive, following Victus.

Radhilde has joined the a large leafy potted plant.

Thea has joined the seating along the southern wall.

The small shift is noted by Evonleigh who looks down for a moment, her brows drawing together, before his quip brings her eyes back up. Her smile returns. "You jest, but yes, you would." There might be the smallest hint of rose creeping into her cheeks at the compliment, before she moves away to find a drink. She can blame any further blushing on the alcohol, that way. Clever girl.

Most definitely fashionably late, though not by intention, Prince Victus is making his appearance from the Estate's entrance. The man slowly moves down through the gathered crowd, a stony expression on his face. Retinue and all, he glides passed the rum table to grab himself a bottle of something alcoholic and keeps moving for somewhere more comfortable.

Victus has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Kalivan presses his tongue into his cheek at Azova's teasing, and he parts his lips to speak. Catching sight of all the nearby nobles in their finery, though, he simply stays silent and pours himself another glass. Directly into his mouth. "I suppose not, my lady. Still have to get back to Count Orrin on that, now that I got an estimate for him." He says, pale skin turning a deeper, more reddish hue what with about a quarter of his bottle having been emptied. "Tried the candied eel yet?" He asks, popping a strip of the strange treat into his maw.

It it easy to find the courtyard in the Thrax ward today. Peri only need follow the aromas of seafood and the sounds of people enjoying themselves. She mills in the crowd until she hears of soem contest involving knots! She doesn't even know what hte prize is, but she will play.

Niklas has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Sabella has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Iliana has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Peri checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Peri has rolled a critical success!
Peri checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 43 higher.

Peri checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 12 higher.

Peri checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 30, rolling 4 higher.

Peri checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 17 higher.

Olivia checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Olivia has rolled a critical success!
Olivia checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 20, rolling 2 higher.

Olivia checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 25, rolling 17 lower.

Chuckling, Lore gives a small nod, "Fair enough. I still bet your hands are faster, though. Swordsman and all." She looks up and can't help but grin at the sight of Victus, lifting a hand towards him, then quickly glancing around to see where Frost has run off to. This could be bad. Or hilarious. Or both! "Hmm.. The Claw's kitten is on the loose... I -should- be responsible and go find her. But I think this will be funnier."

Olivia checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 30, rolling 18 lower.

Olivia checked dexterity + sailing at difficulty 35, rolling 24 lower.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, Elegance, a Velenosian Greyhound, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat arrive, following Alarissa.

"I think it would look most /remarkable/ being gifted by your hand so that you might practice your gifting skills," Berenice replies to Aethan in a smirkish tease. "Do you want me to distract any future competitors who might challenge your lead?" She laughs delightedly at Evaristo's open admiration, fingers brushing light along the aeterna at her gown's neckline. "I suppose I can hardly argue over it when I go out in aeterna," she agrees. Her gaze catches on Victus's entrance to note him, tracking him across the crowd for a brief moment's curiosity.

Azova shakes her head at Kalivan's question, rising up from her seat on the bench. "I was saving it for the people who'd never tried it," she says softly, swishing her rum back and forth in the bottle rhythmically - though it's unclear if she notices herself doing it. "I've eaten adn drank everything on display here, mostly - except for some of this new liquor, which is delightful," she says. In a rather unladylike motion, she brushes off the dust on the butt of her gown. "I need to stop sitting on things when I'm wearing my good clothes.."

The corner of Ian's mouth twitches up. "Aethan also taught me to fight," he points out to Lore.

Not long in the Prince of Maelstroms wake comes the Princess consort, moving with gravid speed and soon takes up a spot beside him.

Alarissa has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Skye gives a polite smile to Theron, "I'm Baroness Skye Blackshore." She shakes her head and admits to him, "I think we might have met a few times but not for any length of time." She stiffens a little at his joke about the Thrax cultural reference but manages to keep a smile on her face. She turns to Peri as she comes to the booth, "Please...please join the contest." She shows her how to get started with the knots. When she spies her high lord at the event, she gives a deep courtesy. Then turns to Olivia, getting her set up on the contest as well. She gives a whistle through her teeth at Peri's excellent run, "Oh that was very good." She shows off the knots and hands out the 50 economic writs for the clean run, "But Lord Aethan still holds the lead I am afraid." She then bites her bottom lip and tells Olivia, "Oh here...let me help you..." As the lady gets tangled in the more difficult knots.

Arik takes another swig of his rum and chuckles quietly at some of the knot antics. There is some rummaging about his swordbelt before he produces the cork for the bottle and secures it so he can let it dangle by his hip.

Iliana, now with something strong and alcoholic before her, applauds another clean run. "Well done!" she calls across to Peri.

Evaristo thumbs his nose and then points at Berenice, gives her a flirtatious rakish smile and then bows again. "Excuse me, your highnesses, my lords and ladies - I'll continue to mingle." He choses a random direction to do so, wandering over towards the southern wall for now, bowing towards the gathering there with the High Lord himself present.

Evaristo has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Lore glances towards Ian and nods, "Yes, but he hasn't been focusing on the same styles that you have, I would wager."

Evaristo gives Peri a big smile and a nod too, in passing.

Evonleigh's comment has Aethan letting out another little snort, seeming to take it as a continuation of the joke. Apparently he's missed the blush. He doesn't go to the alcohol, himself, but he does turn back to Berenice at her offer. "Please do," he says, and this is accompanied by a smile, if a very small one. "Then you can direct me on how to give a gift properly. I'm sure you are an expert at it." He does reach for something on the table then, but it's food rather than drink, just as he catches Ian's comment to Lore. "Originally," he concedes, "but he's surpassed me now."

Mabelle is overheard praising Thrax: Such a wonderful event, fun and games and all that rum!

Berenice is overheard praising Thrax.

Radhilde is overheard praising Thrax: I most certainly had a tangled amount of fun! What an outstanding event!

"He hasn't, it's true," Ian acknowledges to Lore. "He's taken to using an axe." A quick look in Aethan's direction. "You got pretty close to beating me, last time around." As Victus and Alarissa settle in, he pauses his conversation with Lore to incline his head respectfully to them.

Kalivan gives Azova and her gown gown another once-over before nodding, "It's lovely, to be sure, but I can only imagine it's a right pain in a-" There's a small glance at the assorted Thraxian banners, "The stern to clean. Hm. Maybe there's an idea to be had there, make life easier for whoever it is that does the laundry around here." He takes a much shallower, measured sip from his drink, the alcohol starting to take it's toll on the young alchemist. "It's all so goood."

Berenice is overheard praising Carita.

Aethan is overheard praising Carita.

Evonleigh is overheard praising Thrax.

Mabelle is overheard praising Carita.

Mabelle is overheard praising Skye.

Merek is overheard praising Skye.

Merek is overheard praising Carita.

Evonleigh is overheard praising Aethan: nice tying of knots. Maybe we should rephrase that.

Evonleigh is overheard praising Evaristo: great knots!

Evonleigh is overheard praising Peri: nice knots!

Mabelle makes herself scarce by slipping to the yard's exit. She flashes a smile and offers some curtsies and she's gone

Mabelle has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

"Thank you, Baronness. I am Lady Peri Seliki. This is a lovely idea." She joins the competition, and laughs with the joy of it. Her cleat hitch is nothing to message home about, but she considers saving the butterfly loop for posterity. She bows her respects to the Baroness Skye and departs to mingle in the festive crowd. She keeps up a servicable smile, as she mingles, but she can ofttimes be seen with a solemn expression.

Just as soon as Victus had sat down, so too did a feline sit atop his shoulders. Only it wasn't the Claw of Arx, it was a feline of a much different coat. Victus traces his eyes from that feline and then straight over to Lore, as if he could gaze straight through her in that moment. He plucks the cat by the scruff of its neck and deposits it back on the floor. He tilts his head toward those he recognizes after the fact, with Princess Berenice and Lord Ian both recieving a nod of greeting from afar. The Prince is otherwise quiet.

"I am most certainly an expert at receiving them," Berenice replies to Aethan with a teasing preen. Her gaze lingers after Evaristo with mirth glinting warm in her eyes, and then she's offering a sunnily warm smile to Evonleigh as she steps away. Berenice leans in a touch closer to Aethan, saying something to him in a lower voice.

Alarissa dips her head to Ian in greeting from afar, remaining seated, ankles crossed and watching for now.

Even though Radhilde didn't specifically say she needed introductions, Sabella takes a deep breath and starts pointing around, "That's Princess Alarissa and Prince Victus Thrax, everyone has heard of them due to Thursdays child and the latest proclamation of abolishing thralldom, Lady Peri Seliki she very much enjoys swimming, Lord Theron Mazetti he's a wonderful fighter, Lady Lethe Tyde maybe don't bring up thralldom with the Tydes, Countess Carita who is in charge of this whole party and is quite delightful, Mistress Lore somethingorother I believe she's a champion, Lord Arik Halfshav whom one can often find at the Spirits, Lady Evonleigh Whitehawk an amazing actress, Lady Olivia Ashford who can grow anything anywhere, Lord Ian Kennex one of the best swordsmen you'll ever meet in your life, Lady Azova Darkwater who I believe is a mercy of great skill, Baroness Skye Blackshore who has done an amazing job of rebuilding her homeland, Princess Berenice--don't even try to outdo her when it comes to fashion she's just amazing, Sir Merek Black I think he paints, Princess Liara one of my favorite cousins and a fantastic party planner, Prince Niklas of course he's better known as The Playwright and my husband, you've met Marquessa Iliana, that's Lady Amari Keaton she's a lawyer, Captain Evaristo who is clearly better at knots than us, Lord Aethan Kennex again, great with his fingers, and...I think that's everyone I know!" She finally takes a breath, smiling brightly and taking a drink.

Thea almost laughs at the kitten, not sure who to feel worse for, the stotic man or kitten. Thea barely keeps it to herself, chewing her lower lip instead, watching and listening to the conversation surrounding her.

Peri has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Seated over by the southern wall, chatting with people there, Liara peeks up at Sabella's sentence length record-setting attempt. She offers a brisk and cheery wave to Radhilde when her own turn in the list comes along.

Iliana can be seen holding her breath while Sabella gives the introductions, slowly going a bit read until the Princess finishes up. Then she breathes in very deeply having apparently been unaware she was waiting for Sabella to do the same thing. She blinks. One blink, two blinks. "Next time I go to a party, I am seeking you out immediately," she tells Sabella. "You're better than a written record."

Radhilde blinks over to Sabella as she points and speaks the names of everyone present, nodding aside to her in affirmation of Prince Victus before she continues to look to each as the finger shifts, almost giving a laugh when she finishes but taking a quick drink from her glass before calming herself, "Pleasure to meet you -all-!"

"Yes, I think you are quite right, Baroness." Theron dips his head again. "Well met again, then. Regardless, I really do appreciate the explanation. It really is interesting, just not within my realm of skills I am afraid. Enjoy your evening, I do not want to tie you up from, ah damn. That pun was unintentional! Uh, thank you." Theron retreats himself a bit so Skye can continue on with one less distraction at least. He is grinning as he seeks a new drink, though pauses in this venture to give a broad waves and bow of greeting towards Victus and Alarissa. Though he doesn't come to bother them... yet. For now he looks about for other familiar faces, though turning towarda faint sound of his name. Unsure, he simply sketches a salute in that vague direction.

Lore chuckles and gives a nod to Aethan, "I've had the pleasure of stepping into the ring against Lord Ian before. I've not against you, but I had a good idea that his focus on particular styles ould have given him the edge with his hands." She leans over and glances to Aethan's hip, "That's a fine-looking axe. Let me know if you ever want to double up on it, or if you need one of a lower-quality metal. I can get you a good deal on the materials." Straightening, she feels the dread gaze and turns slowly, offering a small shrug towards Victus, "Sorry, Your Grace! I house and feed her, but she has a mind of her own and I try not to interfere! Its less bloody!" Still, she pulls out a small treat of some sort and just sort of casually drops it into the ground at her feet. Frost will suss it out. Looking back towards Sabella and Radhilde, she lifts a hand and grins, "Artiglio! Merchant by trade!"

Evaristo has left the seating along the southern wall.

Evaristo has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Peri takes Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Thea gazes at just a couple familiar face, noting mostly unfamiliar ones. Straightening herself she eventually releases her voice,strong yet soft,"I'm sorry, forgive my rudeness. I'm Lady Thea Malvici...I just recently arrived."she trails her words a bit.

Azova clasps the neck of her bottle in both hands, remaining stood beside the northern benches as she chats with Kalivan. "I don't clean it myself," she admits, "but I don't want to ruin it. That's precisely why I don't clean it myself, as well.." She idles on the edge of the gathering - raising her bottle in the direction of Sabella as she overhears her name being said in that area of the party. A toast to fine introductions.

Skye smiles sweetly as Theron says his goodbyes, "Oh yes, have a good time at the Taste of Thrax." She overhears Sabella's intro of herself and turns in that direction to give a proper curtesy to the princess for her kind words. Then she settles behind her booth as folks start to wander to the other booths, keeping Aethan's knots on display so latecomers know who they have to beat at this game of sailor's knots.

Armed now with a drink and a little something to nibble on, Evonleigh listens to the introductions, dipping her head at the praise from the princess. "No one surpasses you, Princess Sabella, but thank you for the compliment." The arrival of the High Lord of Thrax and the Princess Consort draws her attention to them, giving them a graceful curtsy, before moving to a spot near the table some others are gathered at as well.

Evonleigh has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

"Coming close is about all I can hope for now," Aethan replies to Ian, but rather than sounding rueful, he sounds proud of his little brother. He glances down to his axe when Lore mentions it, continuing, "Thank you. Maybe I will." He turns back to Berenice then, leaning in a little bit when she murmurs something to him. Whatever it is makes him pause for a moment or two, before he murmurs something back.

"Princess Sabella Grayson," the talkative Princess says to Thea with a big smile, "I'll make sure to include you in all my introductions at the next party now! And Artiglio! I shall never remember that, but I will remember the merchant bit!" She tells Lore brightly. Iliana gets a grin, "And I shall always welcome your company, Marquessa."

Zeia has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

As Aethan comes to join them again, Ian nods towards Lore. "Mistress Artiglio taught me some new tricks to add to my arsenal. She's a hand to hand fighter." Are Things going on with Aethan and Berenice? If there are, it all seems to be going way over Ian's head. Which, given that Ian's Aethan's little brother, is probably lucky for Aethan.

Peri takes Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Peri takes Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Victus is overheard praising Carita: A fine event. And nobody has even set fire to our lawn yet.

Carita's wrapped in what looks to be the night sky, her pallid blonde hair done up to save her a bit from the summer heat, as she stands poised to begin the next contest. She clears her throat, glances toward the High Lord and Lady before she nods their way respectfully and turns towards those gathered. Sabella gets a curtsey for the sweet introduction, and her head is dipped Radhilde's way.

"While we wait for those lingering contestants for the knot tying contest to catch up, or begin? Whichever it is," the Countess says through laughter, cheeks reddening, "why don't we have the oyster shucking contest? There are pearls to win, and of course keep." Her blue-eyed gaze turns Victus' way, "Or would His Grace perfer the rum be brought out for the drinking contest?"

"Please do, I'm always happy to help out how I can," Lore responds with a broad smile towards Aethan before darting a quick glance between him and Berenice, waiting until the murmuring through to dip into a bow, "Your Highness. Stunning as always. I acquired the most cunning earrings and ring the other day, they may tickle your fancy." Then she's glancing back to Ian and giving a nod, "That I am." Frost appears to snap up the treat then, and Lore picks up the cat to settle her on her own shoulders.

Iliana raises her cup to her lips, sipping as she listens, eyebrows going up. Well that can't be as hard as tying sailors' knots, can it?

Peri takes New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Peri takes Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Carita gets Intricate model of a Tyde ship.

/Are/ Things going on with Aethan and Berenice? In truth, although there's a habitual sort of tease that lingers in Berenice's manner as she speaks quieter to Aethan, a certain familiarity, there is not a particular appearance of any flirtatious shenanigans. She's easily drawn to Lore with a brilliant smile. "Messere Lore! You are so remarkably gracious, as always. Did you now? Perhaps you'll wear them to the Lyceum's evening of the festival later in the week."

Ian gives Lore a puzzled look when she asks him something under her breath. "About what?" He asks. Perhaps surprisingly, he shows no particular interest in the prospect of a drinking contest. Even though he's literally standing there with a bottle of rum in his hand.

Thea smiles at Sabella lightly,"Well met your Highness. " Listening more, she wonders if drinking can really be a contest before wondering about shocking oysters.

Radhilde gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Aethan certainly doesn't look like //he's// flirting. Does he ever? The way in which he replies to whatever the princess says is similar to hers, friendly in his way. He murmurs something back to her, before he looks up again, between Lore and Ian. One eyebrow raises slightly, though he doesn't ask, and instead looks around for Evonleigh. "Try the Darkwater," he suggests to her when he sees her, his voice raising a little bit, just enough to be heard. "I remember it being very good." In the past. Sad.

Ian offers Evonleigh the bottle of Darkwater rum that he's currently holding. It's the classic stuff, not one of the new ones. "We're not in talks with Velenosa, are we?" He asks Aethan.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm hoping that the dress and shoes can be completed in time that I can. Perhaps I can even coax my husband out to join the festivities for the evening," Lore offers a bright smile in return to Berenice. Her gaze jumps back to Ian, chuckling a touch at his question, "Trade agreements, of course. I was thinking that if the pepper vodka is going to become a staple, you'll want a steady supplier. And peppercorns grow best in the milder, warmer climates surrounding Lenosia. I'd love to get in on the ground floor of that suply chain." She smiles towards Aethan and shrugs, "Cat's out of the bag now, though, I suppose."

Peri talks animatedly with a friendly gruop. She puts some delicacy in her mouth and begins to chew.... and talk at the same time. it's a street festival! Curiosity and wonderment scroll over her face and then, a flambeau bursts into flames above her head at the bright idea she's had. How about /mixing/ the eel and the spiced vodka? She opens the Kennex vodka and takes a swig.

Having gathered himself a goodly amount of clams, bread and a little shark. Theron finds himself balancing two plates, and taking refuge at what must be the best table of all. The one lined with rum. As soon as he sets his plates down and slides upon in, he turns his smile upon others there. "Hope you all do not mind." A pause and his head tilts up to turn. "Wait did she say drinking contest?" He looks from plates to prospect of this contest, and the plates again indecisively.

Theron has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Arik meanders from the plants off to the side and murmur something to a servant before heading out of the thrax ward, rum bottle swinging at his side.

Arik has left the a large leafy potted plant.

"Oh, thank you," says Evonleigh, finishing the drink she has so she can politely poor a tasting portion of the rum Ian offers, giving him a nod before passing it back. She smiles at those she's seated with and slips out from that table again, after murmuring a quick farewell there, so she doesn't have to shout across the room to him. "Did you win? I lost track of the knots," she says, looking around for a moment. "I haven't a clue how to shuck an oyster. Do they teach you that in the islands?" she asks with a grin.

Merek makes his way on for the time being also.

As if a quiet answer was given, a line of attendants with buckets remain waiting to assist any who are ready to enter the contest. There's a curtsey at the seating along the southern wall, aimed at the High Lord and Lady, before Carita turns her attention back on the crowd. "Ok! So, who would like to participate in the Oyster shucking contest? Where the lucky get pearls." She smooths hand through her hair as she waits, eyes scanning for volunteers.

Peri's hand shoots up!

Olivia also raises a hand

"Be wary of swallowing pearls." Victus speaks up from his spot. "Be sure to choke loudly to draw attention to yourselves. Also, so we know where to look for comedy."

Evaristo raises a bottle up and waves it around.

"I'll join!" Lore calls out with a raise of her hand.

Zeia raises his glass to Evaristo, from near the rum, but doesn't raise it so high as to be considered to volunteer.

Sabella also raises her hand then a second later raises one of Niklas' too.

Amari is a bit hesitant but slowly lifts a hand all the same.

"Oh, all right," Iliana agrees, raising her hand as well. "I may as well make a ool of myself."

Evaristo toasts back towards Zeia and grins over at the man.

Niklas, in the middle of excitedly making some kind of sales pitch to Evonleigh, raises his hand when Sabella makes him. After a second he looks around. "What is this? What's happening?"

Radhilde looks up from where she sits and grins some, "I might as well join too."

Azova lets out a snorted laugh at Victus' comment, shaking her head slightly. "And get my attention if you cut yourself shucking. I'll make sure you don't leak too much."

Ian takes the bottle back and takes a drink. "I guess they teach some people," he comments to Evonleigh. "I learned how to dive for pearls, but shucking oysters is a different skill."

Whatever Berenice has said makes Aethan laugh -- a real laugh, though it's quiet, and he replies quietly, before looking back up to Ian and Lore. The question seems to draw him up short, and he looks from his brother to Lore, then back. "Not that I know of," he says. "I'm sure something like that could be arranged, though." As Evonleigh approaches, he turns to her, continuing, "So far, yes. And yes, I can shuck an oyster, but I don't think well enough to win, so I'll leave that to others."

Evonleigh has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Peri stands ready. The pearl will search for pearls.

"Lord Aethan, it seems, is afraid of competition," Berenice tells Evonleigh with a look of utter innocence.

"Oh, that sounds exciting. How deep do you dive?" Evonleigh asks Ian, smiling as she lifts the rum. "This is very delicious, thank you." She looks to Berenice and laughs. "Well, he is used to being without rival, so it is a new experience for him, I think," she says lightly. She looks at the pearl shucking volunteers a little skeptically. "I really think I'd probably cut myself. I have terrible luck. It's really quite historically terrible."

Thea has left the seating along the southern wall.

Simple enough, there will be 6 rolls of luck at 7. Roll all at once - remember what you've rolled!
We'll be posing in order, each roll will have it's own pose, so please join the line!
If you fail the roll, you've cut yourself and Azova will be pestering you.
The highest total of all the rolls wins.


Niklas has joined the line.

Sabella has joined the line.

Evaristo has joined the line.

Zeia looks at all the non-islanders and decides he better show for Maelstrom and all islanders, so he joins the queue as well, forgoing the glass he had in hand.

Lore has joined the line.

Evonleigh has joined the line.

Peri has joined the line.

Zeia has joined the line.

Lore checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 7 higher.

Lore checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 11 higher.

Lore checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 12 higher.

Lore checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 7 higher.

Lore checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 7 higher.

Lore checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 9 higher.

"Only way to get good at it is to do it a lot," Ian explains to Evonleigh. Was it just a polite question? Hopefully not, because she's going to get the complete answer, spoken in Ian's steady voice, with his thick Isles accent slowing his words way down. "It's like conditioning a muscle. It helps to breathe really fast a few times when you go down, and to move as little as possible once you're under. Usually you go down by just holding onto a heavy rock or something."

Olivia has joined the line.

Sabella checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 1 higher.

Sabella has rolled a critical success!
Sabella checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 5 higher.

Sabella checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 11 higher.

Sabella checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 3 higher.

Sabella checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 9 higher.

Niklas checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 30 higher.

Sabella checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 5 lower.

Niklas has rolled a critical success!
Niklas checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 24 higher.

Niklas checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 24 higher.

Niklas checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 12 higher.

Peri checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 21 higher.

Peri checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 16 higher.

Peri checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 1 higher.

Peri checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 11 higher.

Peri checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 2 lower.

Niklas checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 18 higher.

Niklas checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 10 higher.

Peri checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 8 higher.

Evonleigh checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 18 higher.

Evonleigh checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 2 higher.

Evonleigh has rolled a critical success!
Evonleigh checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 35 higher.

Evonleigh checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 10 higher.

Evonleigh checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 1 higher.

Evonleigh checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 4 lower.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 15 higher.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 17 higher.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 13 higher.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 22 higher.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 18 higher.

Evaristo checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 13 higher.

Olivia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 1 lower.

Olivia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 6 lower.

Olivia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 2 lower.

Olivia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 2 lower.

Olivia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 6 lower.

Olivia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 6 lower.

Zeia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 6 higher.

Amari rises as if she means to attempt an oyster shucking, but no, she's saved by one of her guards coming up to say a few murmured words. It's something bad. It's always something bad. She gives the Huntsman a nod and turns from the joy of slicing one of her hands off accidentally to depart instead, unscathed.

Zeia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 8 higher.

Zeia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 26 higher.

Zeia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 15 higher.

Zeia has rolled a critical success!
Zeia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 40 higher.

Amari has left the seating along the southern wall.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Barf, the Bog Dog leave, following Amari.

Zeia checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 20 higher.

"Shucking oy- Sabella, I just said I don't want to shuck oysters!" But then someone shoves a shucking knife and an oyster into Niklas's hands and he just sits there looking at them. "Ugh." Then he shucks some oysters.

Simple enough, there will be 6 rolls of luck at 7. Roll all at once - remember what you've rolled!
We'll be posing in order, each roll will have it's own pose, so please join the line!
If you fail the roll, you've cut yourself and Azova will be pestering you.
The highest total of all the rolls wins.


Sabella has never shucked an oyster before, so she looks a little pleased when she starts actually popping them open and tossing the shells after slurping them. She's getting so into it she's completely careless with that last one and the knife goes deep into the palm of her hand. She drops both the oyster and the knife immediately, grabbing her hand with the other, "Medic!" She squeaks.

Skye has joined the line.

Berenice's comment elicits raised eyebrows and another laugh, this one more incredulous. He shakes his head, looking from Berenice to Evonleigh with an expression that clearly indicates he's wondering how it's come to this, and whether he can extricate himself or not. Eventually, he just sighs and goes with it. "Maybe I'm trying to give someone else a chance to win," he retorts. "I've got my necklace, that's all the jewelry I need." He looks to Ian as his brother explains, before he looks away to hide another laugh. Three in as many minutes!

Evaristo IS a sailor. He's probably shucked an oyster or five in his life, though he's doing this with the laissez-faires attitude of someone who's simply enjoying himself, laughing and joking with those nearby as he gets them open. He's rather consistent with how long each one takes.

Radhilde has joined the line.

Radhilde checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 23 higher.

Radhilde checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 15 higher.

Radhilde checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 14 higher.

Radhilde checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 8 higher.

Radhilde checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 11 higher.

Radhilde checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 7 higher.

Ian watches from where he stands as the blood starts to flow. He looks to Aethan. "Did Aunt Victoria ever come give you the talking to she threatened after I showed up at her door with my hands all cut up after that first day diving? She was pretty mad."

Olivia fails with specatcular results, to shuck even one oyster. Sh even ends up cutting herself a few times in the process... Fabulous... like cut a lot of times, but the knife, maybe by tue damn oyster? Maybe the damn oyster had a knife. She winds up and chucks the oyster out of sight. Then she grumbles... "Medic" She holds up her nice bleeding hands. She is a physician, but it's hard to work without your hands.

Lore has an easy hand with the oysters, though she doesn't seem to be overly concerned with speed. Instead, she takes her time and carefully pries the shell open on the first oyster to avoid cutting herself, humming a small sea shanty as she goes. Just enjoying herself.

"You /think/ you have your necklace," Berenice replies to Aethan as she watches the oyster shucking efforts at hand; she makes no move to join in herself. "Ah, Lady Evonleigh, I rather doubt Lord Aethan is so flawless to have always been without rival. I can only imagine that the prospect of oyster shucking at a noble party smells a bit too much like /fun/ to him, which I have it on good authority he's /very/ allergic to." Her expression is, of course, very somber. It's a dangerous allergy. "/Or/ he's afraid of getting cut."

Azova has thankfully handed off her drink when she hears the cry of Sabella, rushing into action as fast as she can while still restrained by her high-necked gown. "What might be the matter, our lady of introductions?" she wonders, looking down at the girl's hand and seeing the blood coming from the score across the poor lady's palm. "Now, now. That's nothing.." she murmurs, scurrying beside the table to retrieve some cloth and a bottle of vodka - which she dabs onto the cloth, beginning to clean the wound. Don't want any oyster juice in there. She looks up from her work - seeing Olivia's massacred fingers. "KALIVAN!" she calls out, glancing back.

Finding pearls in oysters is something Peri has a lot of practice at, and she shows workwomanship ability until the end, where she nicks herself and a bead of blood dots her thumb.

Skye checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 14 higher.

Skye checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 25 higher.

Skye checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 16 higher.

Skye checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 27 higher.

Merek has joined the line.

Skye checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 19 higher.

Skye checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 12 higher.

"I may as well try. If I bleed to death, tell my family I'm sorry and tell Tabby she can have my gowns," says Evonleigh with a laugh. She watches the others, especially those like Evaristo who seem to know what they're doing, and she emulates it -- perhaps she's a natural, because she does very well... to a point. Quite literally, as the sharp shell slices a bit of tender flesh. She sucks in a sharp breath through gritted teeth. She'll blame it on Aethan laughing, because that throws just about anyone off their game. "I think this, like oyster *diving,* requires more practice as well," she tells Ian. Berenice's words just earn her a soft chuckle. "Ah, but some allergies are worth the risk." She gets in line to get her wounds tended to, holding her hand away from her gown -- it's brand new and doesn't need extra decoration.

Kalivan hops up from the bench where it seems he was double-fisting a bottle of rum and a bottle of vodka as he watched the proceedings. Despite that, he only seems modestly tipsy. "I'm on it, Lady Azova," He sighs, hurrying up to Olivia's side after snatching a pristine cloth napkin from one of the tables, "Must have been quite the fierce oyster, my lady - you look like you could use some help," He says, daubing gently at her hand-wounds with the vodka soaked napkin, "Lady Azova, do you have bandages or should I just improvise?"

Zeia goes last--he may know nothing about court, but he knows he goes last here, so he does.

Those who know him a little or a lot will know he is not a hater, but it's obvious he hates losing. First, there was zero nonchalance on the knots game, and he still looked angry about the Sliding Hitch an hour after it foiled him...and now oysters? Which were probably what he tried first when he moved into 'solid' foods? Oh, he knows oysters. And is not too urbane to not sit and do it right, with a virtuosity bordering on artistic.

Skye murmurs a soft thank you to one of her helpers who take over the sailor's knot contest so the petite baroness can join the oyster shucking contest. She makes her way to the table, takes a seat and then carefully picks up the knife provided. She bites her bottom lip and with a look of concentration starts shucking oysters with the skill of someone that has spent her life on the shore, doing this same activity.

Iliana has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Gunner, the Leary Military Adjutant have been dismissed.

Emilie, a slender lady's assistant have been dismissed.

Olivia holds out her medical satchel to Kalivan. "Use mine." She looks mighty grumpy.

Sabella winces like the wuss of a princess she is, "Ow, ow, ow, thank you, ow," she tells Azova, relaxing just a little, but looking away from the blood all the same, "I should've known better, I'm barely allowed a butter knife at dinner."

Lethe has left the seating along the southern wall.

3 Tyde Houseguard leaves, following Lethe.

Alarissa's watching, wincing at those who score themselves, a soft murmur to Victus before she's rising from the bench, a uniue shade of green.

Kalivan checked intellect + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

"Yes, she did, thank you very much. I told you not to get cut," Aethan replies to his brother. Not, 'I told you not to go diving,' clearly. Berenice's comment has him turning back to her, though, as he lets out another little sigh. "I have fun," he says. "I'm here, aren't I? This is fun." It's fun, okay?! He reaches up to rub his face when Evonleigh replies, though, shaking his head as he looks at the aftermath of the shucking contest .

Seeming to do well enough with the oysters, Radhilde looks quite pleased with herself when avoiding any knicks with the knife.

Evaristo checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 15, rolling 51 higher.

Azova secures the cloth in place on poor Sabella's victim hand, chukling at her comment and patting it down against her palm. "Don't worry. That will heal quickly, it's only a little score on the palm. Just take the bandage off when the bleeding stops," she instructs. "And avoid getting it dirty. And let someone else shuck your oysters." She smiles, giving the lady's arm a pat as she moves on to the next victim of the oysters. Evonleigh has her attention soon after, as Azova scans over the hands of the participants. "Are you quite alright, there?" The process begins again - wiping up the blood, and preparing the wound for wrapping. "There's plenty of cloth and alcohol around," she adds, toward Kalivan.

Azova checked intellect + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Niklas merrily cracks open oyster after oyster. It's like he missed his calling. Filling the world with beauty and art is nice and all, but imagine a world filled with oysters instead. So slimy and smelly! "This isn't nearly as bad as I remembered, Sabella. Thank you for v-" He looks over and sees his wife is in some distress. "Oh, shit!" Well, this will make for a less horrifying story at the next scar-share contest!

Ian looks from Berenice to Evonleigh, and gets, just for a moment, an odd, difficult to decypher expression on his face. His brow furrowed a little bit, but with a tiny lilt of amusement in his voice, he says something under his breath to Aethan.

Kalivan smiles thankfully at Olivia as she offers her satchel, rummaging through it's contents until he finds what he needs to perform a competent-enough job of bandaging up the Lady Ashford's hands. "There we are - Now make sure to--" He glances back down to the satchel and then back up to Olivia, smile turning apologetic, "Ah, right, you probably don't need me to tell you what to do. Might I borrow this? I think I have more to tend to." He looks back to Azova, "Do we have more injured?"

Evaristo winces seeing the custs Olivia gets, and gives her a cheerful encouraging smile. Just because he can and because he's a showman and an entertainer, he starts juggling with some of the oysters while the drama unfolds and the contest continue.

Whatever Victus murmurs to Alarissa as she stands, gets a faint roll of her eyes. "Better them, than you racing to wake up shopkeeps in want of Wrymguard chocolates for your fecund wife." She leans voer, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Bring choclates back in with you, or Sandreef citrus, if you want in the front door. Your child demands such."

Olivia nods to Kalivan, "Have at it. I would help... well... except..." She lifts her bandaged hands.

"Oh yes, you look like you're positively /delighted/," Berenice remarks brightly to Aethan. "Absolutely thrilled. /Almost/ as excited as Lord Ian here." She flashes a sunny smile to Ian next before wincing at the SPATE OF INJURIES that clearly just reassure her of having made the right choice in not participating.

While other people injure themselves, Iliana is pulled aside by her assistant, who talks to her in a low voice for a bit before disappearing. Iliana slips out quietly while the healers are doing their healing, shaking her head and glancing back ... just to make sure everyone is all right.

Gunner, the Leary Military Adjutant, Emilie, a slender lady's assistant leave, following Iliana.

"It's not a Thrax party unless someone bleeds -- I've heard it said. Now I believe it," Evonleigh says merrily, before catching the eyeful of Evaristo juggling oysters. "You make me miss the days with my old acting troupe, Captain," she says with a smile. "Thank you so much, Lady Azova," she tells the medic, a dip of head in thanks for her work, before she moves back to those watching. "Never second guess the power of bad luck. It'll get me every time." She finds her glass where she left it, taking a sip, her stormy eyes glancing from Ian to Aethan to Berenice to figure out what she's missed.

Lore offers a wince of sympathy for those that end up cut, but she seems neither bothered by the blood nor inclined to help it stop. Instead, she tips back an oyster and slurps down the meat before reaching into her rucksack for the black pepper vodka and taking a hard shot of it. Looking back towards the rest of the table, she grins towards Ian, "You should think about marinating some oysters in this vodka! Cook 'em up in a big round pan over a high flame, the alcohol will ignite and give them a good char to go with the peppery taste!"

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

Azova can't help but grin at Evoleigh's comment as she tends to her. "If we didn't have the knives and knots, nobody would come," she explains, in a quiet murmur as she dabs away the last of the blood and covers the poor lady's hand. "The oysters taste all the sweeter once you've bled for them. Victory without struggle is hollow," she says, waxing poetic regarding injuries sustained while cutting up molluscs. "Although - perhaps avoid the ones you've bled ONTO."

Alarissa has left the seating along the southern wall.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, Elegance, a Velenosian Greyhound, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat leave, following Alarissa.

Whatever Ian murmurs to Aethan has him letting out another huff of amusement, this one less close to a laugh. So much fun. He murmurs something back, before looking back to Berenice. "So it's not enough to be having fun, I have to look it now, too?" When Evonleigh returns form the fray, though, he continues, "See? You did well." No lacerations, anyway.

Zeia has joined the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, 3 Thrax Guards, Marquessa Pudding, a doughy dog, 2 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Sorrel.

Evaristo grins, throws in another oyster in the mix so he's juggling four for a few, then drops them all back in the bowl. "Juggling is a fun pastime, Lady Whitehawk." Lore's suggestion? It makes his eyes widen and glitter excitedly and he glances with hopefulness at Carita, to see if she'll condone this idea. "Sounds brilliant," he agrees. What could POSSIBLY go wrong with that?

Zeia, having returned the knife and cleaned his hands, moves near the one person he knows more than in passing, but stops approaching as said person begins a virtuoso performance of oyster juggling.

"There's actually a drink that uses oysters and vodka," Ian remarks to Lore, offhandedly. "I can --" Then Aethan's whisper stops him short. He turns around, his eyes widening. It's a facial expression. Real surprise. "Wait, they really are?"

Puff, a dainty yellow-green canary arrives, delivering a message to Merek before departing.

"I believe they're talking about us," Berenice adds to Evonleigh, airily unbothered. Until Ian's rather shocked response and /actual facial expression/. "Oh, well /now/ you're just being rude," she says with an indignant sniff to him.

Skye is quietly working on her oysters, shyly glancing at others to see how they're faring. She does wince here and there as others get cut. She looks down at her own efforts and looks quite satisfied.

Peri has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Eina, the Pearl's Own, Soot, a frenetic ferret leave, following Peri.

Kalivan stands on his tip-toes as he tries to see over the crowd and catch sight of whoever else seems to have had an oyster-related mishap. He rushes over to Azova's side, grabbing a proper roll of bandage and setting it on the table for her use before returning to Olivia's side. He hands her satchel back to her with a grateful smile, "Thank you, Lady Ashford - I really ought to have brought my own kit. Usually do when I'm at the Ebb and Flow."

Olivia smiles to Kalivan, "Worry not. It happens."

Azova continues her patrol for bloodied hands, her eyes narrowed and watchful - ready to pounce upon any who fail to shuck their oysters! "You're looking well," she adds, in a quiet murmur to Olivia as she passes. "Don't drink too much and upset your stomach. Or drink as much as you can, if it steadies it." Sound medical advice. "And Lady Skye Blackshore, doing the house proud with her shucking. Well done - and not a drop of blood on her hands, either." She offers a small applause for the achievement.

Evonleigh's brows lift at Ian's outburst, and she leans to Berenice to say in a well-cultivated stage whisper, "Lord Aethan doesn't understand the purpose of whispering, I think," she says, but it's with sparkling eyes and a smile for the Kennex lord that isn't mean spirited, just teasing. "Just a minor injury, but you and I have different definitions of well done, I suppose. Good thing we won't be cooking one another's steaks, mm?" she tells Aethan.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 6 higher.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 3 higher.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 5 higher.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 4 higher.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 7 higher.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 6 higher.

Sorrel slips out to mingle with the party, looking amused as people try a taste of the Isles and some of it tastes back. She makes her way through the crowds with a smile.

Merek had come back to work with some oysters, managing to shuck them though even though he manages he isn't the best at it like some are, but he also does not get hurt by it.

Evaristo upnods at Zeia now. "Good shucking there," he tells the man, the two obviously familiar with each other. "How's life been treating you since last we met?"

From his seat by the walls, Victus' stewardess has stolen the Prince's attention utterly. Some murmured words are shared between them which has Victus raising to his feet. If one listened closely, they would hear words like 'how many' followed by 'all' between the two of them. "Not here." Victus replied aloud before turning to the others gathered with him. "Apologies. Urgent matters have arised." And he's gliding away from the procession, guards and steward in tow, though he stops just aside Carita. "You've made a worthy gathering here, Lady Carita. Thank you for entertaining our guests so sufficiently. Do make sure their blood doesn't taint the rum, aye?" He passes her by after the fact, making a beeline for the Estate.

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

Theron gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

At about the same time, a woman in Kennex livery threads through the crowd, a little bit frantic but trying to hide it, looking for one of the Kennex lords. It's one of the Kennex lords who sees her first -- that would be Ian. He excuses himself and steps away to intercept her. The two of them go off to one side, out of the main press of the crowd. Her voice shakes as she whispers something to him that makes his jaw set. "It's going to be alright," he murmurs. "Take a breath." Just before leaving with the woman, Ian looks towards Aethan, having the Aethan version of fun, and then towards Niklas, happy and laughing with Sabella. There's a hesitation, and then a decision. Without another word, he fades into the crowd, following the servant back to the Kay.

Aetha's eyes close briefly at Ian's surprised question. If he were more religious, maybe he would be praying to the gods. As it is, maybe he's just asking for serenity now. "You're right," he says to Berenice with then open again, and he does sound contrite, if still flat as ever. "I apologize." He starts to say something else, but then Ian's saying goodbye, and he looks over at his brother in some surprise. "Ian," he says, but before he can finish, his brother is gone. He watches him go, any smile he had fading into a more thoughtful look, but he doesn't follow, turning back to Berenice and Evonleigh then. "I'd make it up by joining the contest, but I think it's over." How unfortunate!

Niklas just keeps shucking like the last person to know that his brother has been found flayed and crucified! "Maybe we should see if Alaric will let us add an oyster farm, Sabella. I'm kind of enjoying this. You just get into a place where it's just you and the oyster and the knife and pop! On to the next one! It's kind of calming." He pulls out another oyster and tosses it to the side. "I mean, for me. The oysters are probably pretty distressed by the whole thing. But that won't be a problem for long if you have some tomato juice and the pepper vodka Ian passed out. Mix the vodka and the juice, drop the oyster on top. Not nearly as revolting as it sounds!" He thinks, then adds, "If you drink it very, very quickly. If you don't drink it quickly enough then it is exactly as revolting as it sounds."

Kalivan watches as Merek shucks, obviously worried about the prospect of more bivalve-based hand injuries. There's a sigh of a relief as the man finishes without so much as a scratch, and he heads back to the bench, a semi-familiar smile and nod Sorrel's way before continuing on to plop back down at his previous seat, "Dinner and a show, I guess!"

Victus has left the seating along the southern wall.

Sabella is sitting back watching her husband go through oysters like he was born an Islander or something, grinning and laughing, "I think that might be hard considering how far away the beach is from Grayson Ward, but if it makes you happy I can propose it. Perhaps the next time we're in Stormward we can see about setting something like that up."

Theron has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

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

A messenger slips through the merrymakers and fun-havers, approaching Lore while she's laughing and enjoying slurping down oysters and taking shots of peppery vodka. She's handed a piece of paper, brows jumping up as she reads before nodding to the messenger, "Let them know I'm on my way." Hefting up her rucksack, Lore offers a quick bow towards Carita and flashes a smile, "I'm afraid I'm being called away to business. Thank you so much for letting me take part in your contest. This has been very fun!" Then the merchant is dashing off as well, though not towards any of the Thrax Houses. No, no, her path will lead elsewhere.

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

Frost, a Maelstrom Forest Cat leaves, following Lore.

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

Zeia clasps Evaristo's shoulder in his massive hand, "Well enough, Evaristo, well enough," he replies, then holds his hands up palms out, "and I had used the finger bowl--clean," he says, in case there was any question of Evaristo being disrespectfully being used as a serviette.

Evonleigh's gray-eyed gaze follows Ian when he retreats, brows drawing together in a little worry; she glances at Aethan as if expecting him to follow. Her lips turn up into another half smile at his words. "Fair enough. You played the first one, anyway. We don't need you winning every thing, after all," she says.

"Thanks for reminding me," Evaristo notes and goes to wash his own hands off in a nearby washing bowl. "Ah, that reminds me - I have NOT forgotten what I promised," he tells Zeia, giving him a grin. "Expect an invite in the next week, though I'm still sort of working it all... through. Complicated matter."

"I think you may be correct, Lady Evonleigh," Berenice replies, clearly taking sides with her new /ally/ against whispering. (What was Berenice doing a few minutes ago? Nevermind! That's not important.) She watches Ian's sudden disappearance with a hint of curiosity, then looks back to Aethan and Evonleigh. "Well. I think I'm going to explore the party a bit more," she decides brightly. "Lady Evonleigh, it was so very lovely to meet you. Lord Aethan, you are an inspiration of optimism." The tease is notably fond, and she steps in closer to Aethan to murmur something more private before slipping away with a final smile to Evonleigh.

Azova spectates as Niklas works his way through the oysters, making short work of them. She nods her head, clearly impressed. "Good work," she says, offering him a tiny bout of clapping in celebration. "Did you try the candied eel? I'm interested in seeing the look on everybody's face when they eat it. It's like seeing into their soul.." she murmurs, wiggling her eyebrows to go with the ominous comment.



"It is very good of you, Evaristo," says Zeia, nodding as he crosses his arms, a small half-smile lingering on his face as he thinks on the comment about matters being complicated.

As Carita watches the shucking there are a few distinct winces as fingers and hands are cut, a hand lifted to the side of her neck as she watches Lady Azova do what she does so skillfully. As the shucking begins to wind down, and the oyster buckets are left empty while the attendants clean up the huge mess that's been made, the shucked oysters are hauled off to be cooked up to add to the feast.

Carita clasps her hands together in front of herself as she leans to listen to one of the attendants, brows lifting in surprise. "How delightful!" There's a pause as she lifts her voice for everyone, "Prince Niklas is our winner with the most oysters shucked, and -3- pearls found." She pauses here for everyone to clap for the winner before proceeding. "Princess Sabella /also/ found a pearl, as well as Zeia, our second place oyster shucker. Congratulations to the pair of you as well."

Niklas cluckes his tongue at Azova's comment. "I'm from Stormward. Of course I've tried candied eel. It's dreadful, as is most Islander food!" He sniffs, adding a little quietly, "Though I am partial to the fish chowder." When Carita calls out his victory he holds his hands up. "Another thing at which Niklas Grayson is a champion! Let the people know, my friends, so they may celebrate in the streets." He grabs an oyster, pops it in his mouth and knocks it back with a swig from his bottle of pepper vodka. "Woof."

Skye is a bit disappointed that she didn't find a pearl but claps happily to celebarate Niklas win. Sabella and Zeia also get a round of applause for coming in second place. She glances over at the folks attending her booth and then nods when it's clear that no one has been able to beat Lord Aethan's knots. She then makes a motion to Carita and lets her know it's fine to present the prize for that booth.

Evaristo lets out a cheer and applauds vigorously for the winners, taking some steps back so to not be in the way of them. He laughs at Niklas's proclamation. "I will sing your praises on the streets, Your Highness. Prince Niklas Oyster Shucker."

Kalivan rises up from the bench as he applauds the victorious Prince, though he stops rather abruptly when he voices his opinion on the candied eel, settling back in at the bench with his arms crossed.

Azova takes in a sharp breath of mock offense, her hand going to her breast to clutch her pearls. Though she finds only gown to pinch. "Well done on your shucking. Your prize is eating every last one of them before you leave," she says flatly, shooting a cold glare at Niklas.. though it's betrayed by her amused smile. "From Stormward? I apologize, I hadn't known. Of course you've had candied eel." She murmurs something else under her breath regarding 'no fun,' but it's quickly passed by. "Well done, prince Niklas of Shuckward."

"It would hardly be fair," Aethan replies to Evonleigh, though while his voice is still pretty much the same, he doesn't seem to be having //quite// as much of his version of fun as he was a second ago. However, he doesn't leave, and shakes his head just a little bit as though to clear it. Whatever Berenice whispers to him -- whispers! Again! -- does seem to bring back a little bit of whatever good humor he'd had, though, and he watches her for a second or two before looking toward Carita as she announces the winners. He does smile then, raising his hands toward Niklas and Sabella to clap a few times, not quite applause but heartfelt.

1 Redoubt Buccaneers, Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Warden, 1 Thrax Guards arrive, following Mikani.

Mikani takes New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

"So pleased to see you as well," Evonleigh tells Berenice as the woman drifts away. As the winners are announced, she claps, gingerly, given her bandaged hand. "Well done," calls Evonleigh for the winners. She turns to look at Aethan, smiling for his jest. "If you need to go see what that business was about," she says, more seriously, "I promise I won't cry." The corner of her mouth tips into that ironic smile she often wears.

Mikani takes Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Kalivan gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Berenice gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Sabella beams when her name is announced, "While I do love winning, I have to say I don't think I'm going to try that again. I'm sticking strictly to singing competitions." She looks down at her hand and grimaces, "But it was still rather fun!"

Radhilde has left the a large leafy potted plant.

Mikani takes Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Mikani takes Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Evaristo bows to the hostess, thanks her for the amazingly well done event, and bids a farewell to the rest before he lazily saunters out.

Evaristo has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Olivia has left the seating along the southern wall.

Kalivan gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Sorrel gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Sorrel gets Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Not to be out done by the shucking of oysters, a runner for Skye whispers something to her, causing delight to sparkle in her eyes as she dips her head in gratitude. Though, for the moment she's clapping for the winners of the oyster shucking contest. She laughs at Sabella's words, her chin dipping as she tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. "It's not for everyone. I'm sure if you decided that it /was/ for you, you'd be like your husband is: the best." There's a wink at the pair before she turns her attention back on the crowd.

"Who would like to see Lord Aethan Kennex get his necklace? I'm openly contemplating wearing it and running and seeing if I can keep it. Baroness Skye went through a great deal of trouble to have it made and it's gorgeous and star iron!"

Mikani comes to the party late. She seems to be late to all of these things. She looks around and gets a glass of rum to sip as she relaxes.'

Sorrel gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Aethan shakes his head, though there's a little wry smile of his own that appears at Evonleigh's words. "No," he replies. "If he had wanted me to know, he would have told me. I'm sure I'll hear about it later." Foreshadow'd. He starts to say something else, but then Carita is trying to keep his necklace, that HE WON. "If you can beat my knots, you can have it," he says as he turns to her, his smile widening a little bit then. So almost like a real smile! "Otherwise, I'll take it now, Countess."

Niklas looks down at the pearls in his hand and then over at the star iron necklace. Well! Still, "Go ahead, Aethan! Put on the necklace so everyone can see how pretty you are!"

Sorrel gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Sorrel gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, Elegance, a Velenosian Greyhound, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat arrive, following Alarissa.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, Elegance, a Velenosian Greyhound, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat leave, following Alarissa.

Evonleigh looks like she might argue -- but then Carita's announces that Aethan won the knot challenge, and she smiles, a very bright and real thing. "He is pretty," she tells Niklas over her shoulder. "Don't you make him feel bad about it, either!" She watches Aethan go to collect his prize. "If I knew paying attention to knot class could win me some jewelry, I might have paid more attention," she asides. Like a few classes might be able to compete with Aethan's years of naval knoweldge, sure!

Skye grins at Carita as she announces the winner of the sailor's knot contest. When Aethan comes up to get his prize, she makes sure to celebrate with a round of applause. She gives an admiring look at the jewelry that she had specially made for the event and lets the winner know, "This necklace is an original, there is no other like it."

Mikani applauds as the winner is named.

Azova offers her own contribution to the round of applause, smiling brightly as Skye speaks to the victorious knot-tyer. Tie-er? Tire. "Well done, Baroness," she adds, complimenting the craftsmanship. "And well done lord Aethan, of course."

"Oh, I'm going to put it on," Aethan replies to Niklas, before he turns to accept the necklace, turning it over in his hands to look at it before he looks up to Skye again and pronounces, "Very nice." It's not the most eloquent compliment, sure, but then he actually //does// put it on, fastening it around his neck relatively easily. He doesn't have the thickest neck, so it fits fine. "Thank you, Baroness." He turns back to Evonleigh then, continuing, "You'll know for next time, won't you?"

Sabella looks a little wistfully at Aethan and his necklace, "That is a very nice necklace," She says in a way that should make Niklas very nervous.

"Congratulations, Lord Aethan!" Kalivan adds his voice to those praising the man, gaze lingering on the necklace he just put on, "Wow, but is that thing ever lovely." He notes quietly, mostly to himself.

Niklas reaches over and pokes his wife in the shoulder, as if he himself hadn't been ardently coveting it moments earlier.

Zeia has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Carita smiles between Aethan and Skye as the necklace is presented, and at Sabella's wistful sigh she tilts her head and glances between the Prince and his Princess. "There's one last peice of jewelry, if anyone is interested in the drinking contest?" She squints her eyes as if worried it was too late for such a thing.

Mikani raises her hand. "I could drink." Mikani says with a laugh. As she waits to be told where to go.

Benvolio, a beleaguered valet in search of a better job, 6 House Velenosa Guards leave, following Berenice.

Kalivan looks from his half empty bottle, to Carita, then back to the bottle again. "Mhm. Why not?" He declares, rising up from the bench and walking on up to Carita, "Count me in, Lady Carita."

"It's never too late for drinking," Sabella laughs, "It'

"It's never too late for drinking," Sabella laughs, "It's rarely too early to start either!"

Skye has to decline, and quietly murmurs to Carita her thanks for letting her run the sailor's knot contest. She makes a point of saying goodbye to all the participants after she leaves the hostess side. For tonight, the excitement of the two contests is enough for her. Then the baroness quietly slips out of the festival.

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Jasher.

Azova is overheard praising Carita: An excellent hostess, if I do say so myself..

"Now I know," agrees Evonleigh with a laugh, looking at the jewelry with a smile, and then back up at Aethan. When Carita asks about a drinking contest, she looks that way. "I should be heading home. I have some appointments in the morning I need a clear head for," she says. "Thank you so much," she tells Carita, with a dip of her head. "It was a lovely event." She looks up at Aethan and says something quiet, under her breath, before she turns to go.

Azova is overheard praising Thrax: This Taste is the tastiest taste of all.

Evonleigh is overheard praising Skye.

Liara is overheard praising Carita: A splendid set of ideas for a party.

Kalivan is overheard praising Skye: Excellent necklace!

Kalivan is overheard praising Thrax: Tastes fishy, but in a good way.

"You can borrow it if you want," Aethan says, and since he says it in the direction of Niklas and Sabella, and does not specify which one but includes them both, perhaps he means either! "Not yet, though." The drinking contest announced, he looks back that way, though he doesn't seem to be about to engage in it, obviously. Instead, he leans in to whatever Evonleigh has said, and nods once, replying, "Of course." He turns back to carina then, "Countess, a very lovely event. Baroness, I enjoyed your contest." He turns back to Niklas and Sabella then, and suddenly moves to give them each a hug. It's a little awkward, and Niklas' is more a pat on the back than an actual hug, but it's the sentiment that counts, right? "I hope to see you both soon," he says, before starting back to Evonleigh and offering his arm.

Jasher walks through the ward with long strides, his gaze distant in the way of someone deep in consideration. That distant gaze snaps back to a brief moment of confusion as he sees the crowded courtyard, quickly followed by dawning. He shakes his head once and begins to continue on, weaving around the people and the props to head in unless stopped.

Dahlia, a confident red and white corgi puppy, Winter, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Skye.

Azova steps back at the announcement of the drinking contest, having no interest in participating. Judging by the red at her ears, the rum hasn't yet worn off from earlier, anyway. She doesn't stop Jasher, but does give him a bright smile as he passes through. "Prince Jasher," she says, watching him pass and bowing her head.

When Aethan goes to hug Niklas and Sabella, Evonleigh looks on with that 'd'aww' sort of look young women get when a man does something sweet or nice or otherwise 'cute.' She takes his proffered arm and they head out of the gate to the streets beyond.

2 Whitehawk Guards leaves, following Evonleigh.

Niklas couldn't look more surprised had Aethan grown an extra head that only spoke Weijin. His eyes go wide and it takes him a second to respond, then he gives Aethan a hug in return, and it's not a half hug because Niklas is just a big bag filled with feelings and love! And yes, love is a feeling, which just goes to show how much more of it that he has than other things! Once Aethan has gone Niklas looks to Sabella. "Well, it's quite a day!"

OOC: TO DISCERN A LIQUOR/WINE FROM ANOTHER perception or intellect or wits and etiquette, streetwise, investigation, or alchemy. The idea being that a combination of a mental stat with etiquette which might include knowing vintages and labels of drinks, streetwise someone who would recognize a fake, investigation someone using the knowledge in their brainz, and alchemy something a lot of brewers seem to take would all be viable means of discerning whitehold whiskey from nightgold whiskey from moonshine whiskey or Maelstrom rum.

Then for resisting being drunk I have always thought it a little odd that socialite drinking characters always lose so handily to warrior PCs because of stamina + survival being the standard check. SO, if you'd like to use composure + etiquette, performance, manipulation might be an appropriate check not to resist being drunk but to hide being drunk.


Sabella also is a bit surprised, but absolutely delighted by the hug, hugging him back then leaning over to say to Niklas, "I think that girl is having a very good effect on him, don't you? I should not be surprised to hear a happy announcement shortly!" She beams.

Carita motions a few attendants in, smiling a little smugly as 5 bottles are placed on the main table and her hands are clasped in front of herself.

"There are 5 bottles of alcohol and the Maelstrom Darkspot Rum is the one you're trying to guess." She explains, holding up each bottle as she shows those present. "One will be the Darkwater Reserve Rum," of course she holds hers up next. "100 year old Kennex Whiskey," and the coveted bottle from Kennex is shown next. "Grimhall Mead is next." That squat bottle is held up and put back down. "Then, last but not least, some Redreef Toska Premium Aged Rum." There's a grin, "It shouldn't be very hard, but given at least three of the bottles are being given away, the choices might be narrows a smidge."



Sabella uses her good hand to shake Niklas' arm, "We have to do this and you have to carry me home when I go overboard," she tells him seriously, with a huge grin, "I want to win something other than a single pearl tonight!"

3 Thrax Guards leaves, following Jasher.

Sabella has joined the line.

Archeron gets up from his conversation on the southern wall seating and slips along the edge of the crown with Root, before heading south towards Tyde Tower, his cowl flicked up over his head.

Archeron has left the seating along the southern wall.

Root, a ferocious badger leaves, following Archeron.

Niklas has joined the line.

Kalivan has joined the line.

Merek has joined the line.

Liara offers Archeron a cheery wave in parting, along with a grin at the sight of the badger that the Tyde carries off. Then she stretches her legs a little, gaze turning back to those about to engage in presumably substantial amounts of drinking.

Mikani has joined the line.

Sabella checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Sabella checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Niklas checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Niklas checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Kalivan checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 53 higher.

Kalivan checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Merek checked wits + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Merek checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Mikani checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Gathering herself to her feet, Liara makes to depart, with a cheery wave for a few familiar faces yet about.

Liara has left the seating along the southern wall.

Each of the contestants is blindfolded only with the best of silken umbra and given a small glass of alcohol. The first one is the 100 year old Kennex Whiskey, which not many have likely tasted as the ingredients have longs since dried up and no one remembers where they came from.

Sabella's had fine things before, this was cake for her. She guesses it easily, and she realizes it's super strong.

AS IF Niklas wouldn't know a good Kennex made product. Nice try! He gets it too. He's also like whoa about the strength.

Kalivan easily guesses it as if he were a brewer as well -- it must be that he's dabbling in so much he can taste the components! -- It hits him hard enough that he might face plant for a little, but he can again next year!

Merek gets it, but it takes him a little. Then he aces the booze strength like it's nothing!

Mikani knows this drink, this is her Sunday afternoon tea booze. She gets it right away. Then barely feels the effects.

Merek moves up to check his wines, then he nods a bit as he offers up his answer with writing it while the blindfold's on him. He isn't drunk from it also.

Arcadia steps in, quiet and curious to what all these blindfolded people are up too

Sabella takes pretty good slugs of each bottle, swishing the contents in her mouth, sniffing the top, and trying to peer into the bottle itself to get a hint of what is what. It only takes her a second sip of one of them--a very small sip--to point at the bottle and beam a smile at Carita, or where she thinks Carita is, "It's this one!"

Mikani smiles as she takes a sip. She had somehow managed squirel away a crate of the stuff in the cellar of Redreef. That no one will ever know about. She enjoyed a glass on Sunday afternoons.

Niklas gulps down some alcohol. Hey, why not? It's been a good night so far! "Oofa doofa, this is the good stuff." He holds up his glass and looks around. "Kennex!"

Kalivan Kalivan knows his booze, it seems, pretty much instantly calling out each correct poison with a slightly cocky, but definitely inebriated smirk. Once the last one is down the hatch he's slowly starting to slump over in his seat, "Did you know that, that the rumour, that the barrel staves of, for the Darkspot Rum arrrren't actually made from old ships?" He slurs to the others partaking in the contest, "S'not true... it'd *urp* it'd taste awful otherrrrrwise." He babbles on, rolling his Rs with a proficiency that'd make a Lycean blush.

Mikani laughs as she looks at Kalivan. "Yes this is the Kennex." Her eyes watching to make sure that the man isn't about to fall over.

Arcadia helplessly laughs at Kalivan, she steps further in and gathers a glass of rum for herself.

Turn in line: Sabella

Sabella has rolled a critical success!
Sabella checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 78 higher.

Sabella checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 25, rolling 29 higher.

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Jasher.

3 Thrax Guards leaves, following Jasher.

Niklas checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 62 higher.

Niklas checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 25, rolling 2 higher.

Turn in line: Niklas

Kalivan checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 62 higher.

Turn in line: Kalivan

Turn in line: Merek

Kalivan checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 7 higher.

Merek checked wits + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Merek checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 22 higher.

Sabella drinks again and again and again and while other competitors might feel tipsy, she keeps one hand firmly on the table and a smile on her blindfolded face. "THIS ONE!" She calls out even faster than the first time, surprising a hiccup.

Azova has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Merek does his best to guess, though even while he does, he doesn't seem to be managing to get drunk it looks like, while he does.

Arcadia watches eagerly, waiting to see who passes out first.

Niklas sets down his glass and pats his stomach. Boy, it sure is warm in his stomach! "Well. That was definitely-" Then he burps in a very unprincely manner. "Ah. Good stuff!"

Kalivan That which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Perhaps he's managed to build up more of a tolerance miraculously between this shot and the last one. In any case, this round goes down a bit smoother than the last one, without any shuddering or coughing. "I think the pepperrrr in the Klen-- the Kene- The Kennex vodka, I think it was grrrrown... just north of Lenosia, s'got telltail signs of, how the soils a bit more acccidic..."

Sabella checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 30 higher.

Sabella checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 35, rolling 11 higher.

Niklas checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 47 higher.

Niklas checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 35, rolling 16 higher.

Kalivan checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Kalivan checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 20 lower.

Merek has rolled a critical success!
Merek checked wits + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 55 higher.

Merek checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 13 lower.

Merek lifts up the bottle to smell it, "It's this one," he says, deciding not to manage the drink itself until after he's answered. He then decides to drink the whole bottle, obviously drunk from it.

After the Kennex whiskey, there's a glass of water to cleanse the palate so that the next drink doesn't mingle with the last one and make it indistinguishable. Clearly, the Countess is nice. So nice she puts her booze up for the contestants next. The Countess' rum is sweeter than some, (duh) but is surprisingly strong! For some, anyway.

This time, it's too much for Merek, he asks for a little more then a little more and then is happy for the blindfold because the way the room is spinning would send him to vomtown fast! Who knows?

... Maybe it still will.

Was that a sway? Surely not! Sabella holds her blindfolded head high as she has smaller sips than she did before, but she's still able to lift the correct bottle relatively quickly, "S'this one!" She clears her throat and then says again, "This one!"

Nope! Kalivan is not any more resistant to poison than he was when he woke up this morning, but even drunk, his keen alchemist senses aren't dulled enough that he answers wrong. "Iz rum." He grunts, looking more than a little green around the gills as he slumps further down in his seat, more or less a ragdoll at this point. "Darrrrkwaterr rum. dissinctive molasses'"

Niklas checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Niklas checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 45, rolling 4 higher.

Sabella checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 46 higher.

Sabella checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 45, rolling 5 higher.

Kalivan checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Kalivan checked stamina + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 14 lower.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant have been dismissed.

1 Redreef Warden have been dismissed.

1 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

1 Redoubt Buccaneers have been dismissed.

Sabella is a bit slower at picking up the bottles, but it doesn't matter because after her second sip she doesn't even bother picking up any of the others, "It'sthis s'won!" She states eloquently, pausing to consider if she said that right the nodding because she totally nailed it.

Mikani checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Niklas just keeps it up! Of course, he used to be a serious alcoholic so a lot of this seems like a very bad idea, but hey, he's a prince, so he probably knows what he's doing. After identifying the alcohol he guzzles down he announces, as princely as possible, "I might throw up."

Mikani checked stamina + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 13 lower.

Sabella checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 41 higher.

Sabella checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 55, rolling 5 higher.

Kalivan checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 15, rolling 60 higher.

Kalivan checked stamina + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 27 lower.

Niklas checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 55, rolling 6 higher.

Niklas checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Sabella nearly knocks a bottle over and mostly swallows a burp as she declares, "This is the best party I've ever thrown up at! Wait. I haven't done that yet."

"You're doing very well, Princess Sabella," Sorrel agrees as she watches the drinking with great amusement. "You're holding out very well, I must say." She eyes Niklas. "Going to give her a challenge, are you?"

Kalivan quickly barks out his correct answer as his face loses what little colour it has. He tears off his blindfold and shoots straight to his feet, but stumbles like a newborn horse and goes crashing to the ground, gagging loudly. He scrambles on all fours towards the closest bucket-like object he can find: the large leafy potted plant. However, in his haste, he cracks his noggin against the side of the planter and collapses. "Nnnever dringink agaaaain."

After the Darkwater rum, there's a glass of water to cleanse the palate so that the next drink doesn't mingle with the last one and make it indistinguishable. The Prince and Princess are decidedly good at telling which bottle is which thus far but with Niklas' declaration Carita's brows furrow worriedly, "I'm not sure if I should be proud of the strength, or horrified that it's making you want to throw up."

The next booze is, the Redreef one and even drunkyface Kalivan guesses that one. Someone pays attention to the vassel houses!

The last one is, predictably, the Maelstrom Darkspot. Niklas guessed it before his beautiful wife could, but perhaps it's because she's contemplating that burp she just swallowed and what it might bring up.

Niklas. just. keeps. drinking! Though after this last round he sets his empty glass on his head and turns to look at Sorrel. With perhaps a bit too much giddy cheer he says, "We're parents!" Then looks back to Carita, waiting for another.

Mikani lays her head in her arms. "I knows the drink. It is a good drink." Mika just says as she just closes her eyes. "It's a drink from here."

Sabella nods to Sorrel who she can't see because of the blindfold, "Don't worry. I know where he shleeps. And I will murder him." She whispers. Only it's a drunk whisper so it's very loud.

Sabella checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 41 higher.

Sabella checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 65, rolling 11 lower.

Niklas checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 65, rolling 29 lower.

Niklas checked wits + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

"This," announces Niklas, pointing at the latest drink, "is an excellent example of-" and then he falls over, unconscious before he hits the floor.

Sabella picks up two bottles at once and raises them to her lips, chugging like a sorority girl at a kegger, "S'thisshown" she says, raising up one bottle and just dropping the other to the side. "Defernatly this. It's good," she says and raises it to her lips again, except she misjudges where that is, pours it on her shoulder and instead of being a regular person and moving the bottle over, she throws her whole body to the side to try to get it and ends up falling over to the side on the ground.

A grim-faced servant is marching away from Kalivan, carrying away a bucket of everything the young man has ingested today, and leaving the poor soul to lie on the cold earth and question the decisions that lead him there. "Hurk."

Darkwater attendants very sweetly alert the Grayson ones that their people need to be carted off. Meanwhile, Carita crouches down to slip the ring she had made on Sabella's finger, whispering, "Congratulations, Your Highness," through soft laughter.

Niklas eventually gets up, looks around, says, "I won!" and then passes out. Between Sam, Clark and Elizabetta the two Graysons are carried off on home.

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

Mikani is sleeping with her head in her arms. She just keeps murmuring in her sleep that she knows what the drink is.

Mikani is overheard praising Thrax.

Mikani is overheard praising Thrax.

Elise slinks in quietly to what looks to be the aftermath of quite the party. Still some party goers left though! Her eyes scan around and she spots a rather toasted looking Mikani. She makes her way over quietly.

Mikani is overheard praising Carita: Amazing event. You did such an amazing job.

Kalivan is overheard praising Carita: Wonderful hosting!

Niklas is overheard praising Carita: Good job on freeing all those thralls!

Niklas has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Sabella has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, 2 Grayson House Guards, Clark, an exasperated guard leave, following Sabella.

Sabella leaves, following Niklas.

Elise gets Filopi Black - Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka from Intricate model of a Kennex ship.

Elise gets New Hope's Dark Currents Rum from Intricate model of a New Hope ship.

Elise gets Toska Premium Aged Rum - 989 AR from Intricate model of a Redreef ship.

Elise gets Countess' Platinum Blonde Spiced Rum from Intricate model of a Darkwater ship.

Elise gets Grimhall Mead from Intricate model of a Grimhall ship.

5 Redoubt Buccaneers, Bengalo, the sneaky black cat, Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Francis, Luca II, the laziest of the feline lot arrive, following Carita.

Mikani opens her eyes slowly. "Hey ... Whisper!" She grins at Elise. "Yous here. Whaz a Whisper like you doing in a boat like that?"

Carita has joined the a large leafy potted plant.

Carita wandes home for a small bit and then returns with another cat in tow, this one new to her bit clearly not a kitten. She settles in a leafy potted plant and watches, happily, as the mess that was made is cleaned up.