Dandy, the red fox, 1 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Etienne.

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guard, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants, Quartus, Fourth of Monique's Assistants, Etienne arrive, following Monique.

Most of the time events like this have an emcee, and/or someone conferring a sort of order to them. This one, so far at least, is lacking that. The red haired servant girl with the violin known of late to follow Willow around like a puppy is tuning a violin on the stage, and the would be hostess herself is barefoot under her namesake tree, fiddling with the last of the lanterns to get it to hang right.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask has been helping set up the party with Willow and the servant. Azolla is currently dressed up as a fawn

With the soft tinkling like rustling leaves, a young blonde woman enters fixing a mask of rose petals to her face. Her ruby red lips curl into a smile as she surveys the party. A nervous hand presses against her tummy as she practically tip toes into the room, scared she may fall flat on her face.

Beatrice makes up for her utilitarian attire with a basket of flowers tucked under one arm. Her gaze travels the atrium, soaking in the decorations and flowers - and then the distant violinist - with open delight. Her stride carries her smoothly over to Willow, still fiddling with that lantern. "Lady Willow, it looks lovely. Your work is done. Please, come celebrate... yourself." Her mouth twitches.

The jingling of bells fills the air as Athaur arrives to the party. He doesn't don a mask for the event. After all, what would be the point since he had the most recognizable fashion taste in the city. Today he was dressed in a mixture of leather and seasilk, the silk blowing lightly in the breeze and causing the bells to sing ever louder. A smile beams on his face as he looks around at the decorations.

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist arrives, following Rysen.

Monique arrives, unmasked and unadorned save for her usual finery and the handsome Telmar at her side. She carries a blue box with great care, ribbons spilling over the sides, pausing to take a moment and look around. "It looks wonderful, doesn't it, Eti?" She lowers her voice to murmur something with a decidedly wicked smile to the Archlector.

Reese arrives at the party while adorned in her normal pink and looking very much like Reese. She peeks over to Beatrice with a gentle smile of greeting. "Hi Lady Beatrice." She says and then smiles to Athaur as well. "And Feline Count." She adds a moment later.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals pauses a moment before stepping further into the garden, tinkling with every step. She grasps a drink from a nearby server before stepping to Willow, she murmurs a greeting and wishes Willow "Happy Birthday."

Flashing a grin at Beatrice, Willow comes in for a hug, setting the massive pair of stygian and seasilk wings on her back into motion. "Any excuse for a party, truly." And then she makes her way to Reese, seeking another hug. As each new person is spotted, there is a nod or a smile, or an approach and embrace in greeting, after Beatrice's words see her stop fussing with the decorations. She beams at the woman in the gilded mask and says, "Gold truly is your color. Thank you."

Etienne enters, accompanying the Minx and her careful gift. Dressed in black and red, he does take a moment to admire the surroundings, "Quite nice, yes." he says with a warm smile, listening closely.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask slips on a wooden monkey mask the very moment he arrives, pausing to admire the redone courtyard. He bobs his head in approval of the changes, before slinking along the natural ground beneath a ribbon strung with lanterns towards Willow Nightgold: Birthday Girl. He bows deeply to her and echoes, "Happy Birthday, Will!" He winke aside at the bearer of the Gilded mask of Rose Petals.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals smiles at the monkey man, a sip of drink and a smile is all the girl needs to relax some.

Reese returns Willow's hug, wrapping her arms around the woman and seemingly happy for the attention. "Happy Birthday." She says gently in her direction and attempts to kiss the woman's right cheek. She looks over the man in the wooden monkey mask and then to the rose, but Reese seems baffled and clearly doesn't know who they are.

Reese's hand receives a customary, courtly kiss as Beatrice's eyes narrow with warm greeting, quartz earrings sparkling in the lantern light. Then she is swarmed by Willow, the hug returned with easy affection and a murmur before passing her off to her guests. She turns a teasing look back to Reese. "I thought to already find you in the springs, Princess."

Athaur smiles warmly, offering Reese a flourishing Bow. "Princess of Ribbons. A pleasure to see you as always." He makes his way towards Willow and offers her a deep bow. "My Lady, wonderful to see you as always. Happy Birthday."

Reese looks upon Beatrice. "I might join the springs." She says toward her. "I am still wearing the ribbon from your house, if you don't mind?" She says even though the ribbon is all tangled up with her pink ones in her golden curls. She smiles at Athaur's bow and her cheeks warm with pink. "This is a great party, Lady Willow." She then adds.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask gets silver dew steel dagger with wildwoods leather from A rugged leather pouch.

Absolutely delighted at the monkey mask, Willow blurts laughter, smiling affectionately at the mysterious primate and saying, "Thank you, thank you for coming." She kisses Reese's left cheek, and beckons Rysen over, looking at his laurel wreath with a smile. Pushing up to her tiptoes, she raises both hands to her mouth to project her voice as she says, "Booze and haze are in the leaf chest. Everyone please, help yourself."

Willow gets a finger thick portion of haze wrapped in whole leaf tobacco from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Willow gets a curvy, rose glass bottle of liquer from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask spots Monique, and literally and fancily skips over before dropping into a deep bow for her, "Lady Greenmarch, so good to see you here! I do owe you a hug.." The monkey masked man says this with warm familiarity, spreading his arms as if about to embrace her.

?Happy Birthday Auntie,? Azolla say hugging Willow. ?Greetings all.?

Monique smiles aside to Etienne and then tugs the handsome blonde in the direction of Willow. "Lady Nightgold," she offers with a warm smile. "Thank you for the invitation to this wonderful event. Happy natality, my lady," the Greenmarch says, proffering up the festive blue box she carries.

Rysen arrives from the nearby Black Hall of Axes with Lygeia. He is wearing a laurel crown, and dressed in snow white aeterna in some, possibly slightly sacrilegious, semblance of a Seraph of Jayus. He picks up a glass of whiskey on his way to Willow. When he reaches her side, he smiles warmly, and says, "Happy birthday, My Lady. You look amazing, and every bit the force of nature you are." Glancing at someone wearing the fawn mask, he winks. When he notices Reese and Beatrice, he bows gracefully, and says, "Good to see you, Your Highness, and Lady Beatrice," managing to more or less pronounce the Malespero Lady's name in the lovely Velenosa style.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals travels over to the chest and reaches down to get herself a treat. Plucking the haze and booze from the trunk, the young lady moves under the tree to enjoy and watch the people arrive.

Monique squints next at the monkey-masked man, judging whether she wants to be hugged. "Promise there's nothing to be flung on your hands first?" she teases.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask gets a curvy, rose glass bottle of liquer from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask gets a finger thick portion of haze wrapped in whole leaf tobacco from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Reese smiles over to Rysen and her dimples appear. "Hi, Lord Rysen, very nice to see you again." Sh esay sosftly in his direction.

Reese gets a finger thick portion of haze wrapped in whole leaf tobacco from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Reese gets a curvy, rose glass bottle of liquer from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals gets a finger thick portion of haze wrapped in whole leaf tobacco from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Athaur gets a finger thick portion of haze wrapped in whole leaf tobacco from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals gets a curvy, rose glass bottle of liquer from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Athaur gets a curvy, rose glass bottle of liquer from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Someone wearing An Owl mask comes in a rather hurried pace, but it seems he hasn't missed much, at least. The tall man also seems to be using a most unusual outfit, with a fin shaped helmet juxtaposing an owl figure. The only other piece are, of course, some loinclothes and a pair of sabatons. Still, he stops by the host, "Thank you for the invitation, my lady." He greets, "And apologies for my delay. I found out I didn't have a mask at late notice."

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals helplessly glances at the man in an owl mask's loincloths. An almost blush steals her cheeks, but instead she grins and eases into smoking her gaze.

Peering into the box, Willow gives Monique a rather enthusiastic hug after returning that of the taller Nightgold in the fawn costume and telling her, "Thank you, sweetie." And to Monique, "Oh my.... thank you, Lady Monique. That dress is gorgeous and I recently got a pin that will look exquisite with it." And then there is someone in an owl mask. She smiles in greeting and says, "Better late than never. Help yourself to some party favors if you wish. Welcome, welcome."

"Challenge accepted," Beatrice answers Reese after a short laugh. "But first I need- Lord Rysen! How do you do?" She leans in to offer Rysen a warm kiss on the cheek. Then she looks back to Reese, eyes widening meaningfully. "Refreshment. I need refreshment." She gets two steps away before looking back to Reese more seriously, chin dipping. "I'm honored that you do." Then: refreshment. It's liquid. It should be fine. The Lycene quietly has a servant test it all the same before taking her own sip and wandering for the hot springs.

Beatrice has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask declares, "Oh my, let us hope not!" He twirls a hand through the air between them, displaying his clean and empty palm, then does so with the other, pinching a silver-ring, set with a large Gemecittan quartz cabochon.

Monkey man looks to it, then Monique, then back, as if alarmed. "This doesn't ring any bells. Here you go, Happy Unbirthday!" He tosses it to Monique, (obviously hoping she'll catch it) and turns to make a bee-line towards the cache of Haze and booze.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals asks the man in the monkey mask curiously "An unbirthday?"

Etienne stands slightly back from Monique, away from the impending Monkey hug, though he is still smiling. "What a colorful character."

"Lord Rysen and I made you a song if there is time later to preform it," Azolla says walking towards the warm baths

Reese looks over to Beatrice, giving her a happy and yet still serious smile that seems to reach her blue eyes. She seems almost cheered up for some reason or another. The girl then darts of to change and returns while wearing a while linen bathing smock that is adorned with pink ribbons. She heads over to the pools.

Reese has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Someone wearing An Owl mask nods to Willow, "Seems like this is a good opportunity to try some northern liquors too." He steps closer to the cart, studying it for a moment before he decides to go for a Nightgold drink, then moving close to the pool and dipping feet first.

Someone wearing An Owl mask gets Nightgold's Aureate Aspirations from a glass-topped wrought iron refreshment cart.

Someone wearing An Owl mask has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Athaur bows slightly to Monique when he see's her, a pleasant smile on his face. He reaches into the chest, pulling out a bottle and a cigarette, which he lights preasantly as he waits his turn with the guest of honor.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Grinning at Etienne before nodding as she looks back to Monkey Man, Willow smiles as she nods at Azolla. "That would be lovely. Poppy is a decent hand at the violin, but has a tendency to go for stuff that works best as background music."

Monique has very quick fingers and an eye for shiny. After smiling to Willow, she plucks the ring out of the air, the complete and utter confusion on her face something to boast of. "I..." lost for words, is what the Minx is. "Thank you. I think...." Her eyes track the monkey as he departs, looking for telltale signs. She catches Athaur's bow and curtsies in return, still completely thrown. It's an unusual sight.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask gets a curvy, rose glass bottle of liquer from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask gets a finger thick portion of haze wrapped in whole leaf tobacco from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Nearly as silent as night itself, a shadow crosses the threshold of the courtyard gate. As it moves across the courtyard, first joining the black pools cast by the lanterns, then separating out from them once again, the soft swish of silken skirts is now readily heard, and the shadow resolves itself into the shape of woman dressed in black gown, black veil, black slippers, and a black mask that gives nothing of its wearer's features away.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals remarks to Reese consideringly "The gray forest can be pretty ruthless in winter. But there is a spot, about halfway in, that I camp at. It's low enough and dense enough that the wind barely catches you." She then slips her shoes from her feet and dips her toes into the water. Carefully shifting her dress, it makes a soft musical sound as she tries really hard to not get it wet or break it.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask uncorks his bottle of liquer deftly, and saunters over to Athaur's side, sticking a finger-thick joint in his mask's mouth. "My goodman, you're a welcome sight. I was worried it'd just be me here!" He looks Athaur up and down, questioning seriously, "You're not nude under that, I hope?" He uses an alchemical match to strike his joint to life, lifeless mask staring at him with brown eyes within.

Fearless as the first Mirrormask on holiday, Willow approaches the shadow of a woman, gesturing to the leaf carved chest as she greets her, "There is haze and liqour available, should you wish." And then she is stealing the candle from one of the paper lanterns to light her own bit of haze. She wanders over to Athaur and the man in the monkey mask after, arching a curious, ivy-painted brow. The spectacular sculptured wings of seasilk and stygian subtly flap with each step, as wide as she is tall.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask smiles sofly as she sits at the edge of the pool, dipping her feet in the water. "Just let me know when you would like your song Auntie," she says

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals hearing Domonico's name and putting together it's the man in the loincloths, she privately gags. Horrorified that she was oogling him before.

Reese seems disorientated and confused by the all the masks! So she starts smoking haze.

Someone wearing An Owl mask checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Recognizing Monique's vivid red hair, he grins and makes his way over to her. He bows and says, "It's good to see you, Lady Monique." He takes a sip of whiskey, and asks, "Planning on visiting any of the pools?" he asks, gesturing toward the heated pool nearby. Overhearing someone wearing the fawn mask mention a song, he says, "I'd be happy to play the melody if Poppy doesn't mind." Rysen's gray eyes widen in gleeful surprise to see Reese start to smoke haze. He laughs softly.

Someone wearing a featureless black moretta mask trails Willow across the courtyard, adding to her entourage of natural shadows, and stops beside her as she comes up near Athaur and the monkey-masked man. She extends a small fragment of parchment to the other woman, seemingly in the manner of a gift, then sweeps her skirts out in a graceful curtsy before drifting off to observe the rest of the gathering with a dark and curious gaze.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask smiles softly at the person wearing the owl mask and says, ?I think he is Lord Erik if I am not mistaken.?

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals face immediately relaxes when it's not Domonico. She returns to studying the man, consideringly "I'm guessing a northerner if you don't mind the cold."

Monique eschews the haze in favor of slipping the ring upon one of her unadorned fingers, admiring it like one does with something spectacular and shiny. But when she looks up, it's to ask the masked monkey, "Will you tell me what I've done to deserve such bounty, mystery monkey?" the Minx asks, asiding her welcome to Rysen, "I hadn't planned on it but one never knows what might happen and tonight is a prime example of that. Lord Rysen, how are you? You've met the Archlector of Gild?" she gestures to Etienne at her side. "The birthday girl, Lady Willow and Count Athaur Rivenshari " she gestures to each in turn with a smile. "And a mystery." She looks to the monkey smoking haze.

"I would love that," Willow tells Rysen as she wanders over to sit at the edge of the hot springs, sticking her legs in up to the knee, after smiling at the dark masked woman and saying "Thank you." She examines it carefully as she settles near Reese and Azolla.

Willow has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Reese has a gentle smile for Willow. She looks upon the woman in the dark mask with all this confusion. The girl takes another drag of her haze and her confusion only seems to increase. "It is like being in a dream." She muses softly to the host and birthday girl.

When Monique mentions Archlector, Rysen blushes furiously. He bows reverently, however, and says, "I don't believe we've met, Archlector. My name is Rysen Crovane. It's a pleasure." He smiles at Athaur and someone wearing the monkey mask, and says "it is very good to meet you as well." Taking another sip of whiskey, he turns to Monique and says, "Indeed, it seems amid haze, whiskey and good company, anything can happen."

Athaur looks curiously at the Masked Monkey. "Another one? I must admit that I am rather confused..." He shrugs his shoulders though, turning towards Rysen and offers the man a bow, sending the bells in his outfit to ringing. "A pleasure to meet you Lord Rysen."

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask abruptly tells Athaur, "Happy Unbirthday! Excuse me, for I am terribly unpatient." He blows a plume of smoke into the air and approaches the heated pool, to stand relatively near Willow. He gestures to Monique, replying, "I once attended a party with my fellow monkeys, Hairy Bob's birthday, and everyone recieved a gift! I thought it was so fashionable, I stole all the gifts just to repeat the tradition." He nods succinctly, then scans the rooms until he's focused on Azzola, "I wanna hear the poem! Who else agrees? Rysen is playing the melody, right?"

With that said, he clenches his bottle of liqueur between his thighs to shed his leather jacket and let it fall to the ground, before carefully putting it to his mask's mouth and managing a gulp.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals peeks between Reese and the man in the owlmask "Oh!" She does warn them both, "If you start discussing books and learning, I will toss something at you."

Reese looks over to Rysen and then to monkey. "I would love to hear the poem song, very much." She says, using poor wording and seemingly a bit high as she rests in the water. The girl then smiles over to the rose. "Really? I can talk about books and learning." She adds.

Etienne returns the greeting and bow to Rysen. "It is nice to meet you as well, the party certainly has the right ingredients for interesting outcomes." he locates a drink for himself and for Monique.

"Such was the hope," Willow admits, grinning at Reese. She starts to braid Reese's hair and grins as she looks up at the monkey masked man, "Surely not /all/," she challenges, eyes glittering with mirth. She nods and says, "Though I would like to hear such, yes."

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals smiles coyly at the man in the owl mask "Do you?"

Someone wearing a featureless black moretta mask pauses near a brazier to breathe in the heady fragrance rising from them, the set of her shadowy shoulders relaxing as she looks from one fancifully attired guest to another, and from them at the extravagantly mysterious world that the courtyard has been transformed into for the night. She makes no move to take anything from the chest filled with haze and liquor -- not surprisingly, given that her mask allows no opening for the mouth. But despite this she seems content enough to soak in the ambience and moonlight.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals chuckles, soft and low. Her appearance far from muddy. Her short blonde hair is gleaming and her dress immaculate "Mud? Are you sure?"

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask is overheard praising Willow: A wonderfully decorated gathering of interesting and colorful characters.

Monique is overheard praising Willow: Fabulous

Rysen chuckles softly, and takes another drink of whiskey. "Count Athaur, it is very difficult not to feel happy around the sound of those bells." He smiles warmly, and nods in agreement with Etienne. He makes his way over to the edge of the heated pool next to Willow, and says to someone wearing the fawn mask. "When you're ready to sing, My Lady, I'm happy to play."

"Clearly that's why I wear them." Athaur grins brightly, taking a deep drag from the haze in his mouth. Seeing people begining to congregate towards the pools, the count makes his way over, opening the bottle and sitting to listen to the song.

Rysen checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Rysen calls over Lygeia, who hands him a blackwood lyre. He sets down his whiskey, and closes his eyes for a moment, allowing his fingers to flow over the strings. The lyre produces a slow and wondrous melody. After a brief moment, Rysen opens his eyes. He glances some wearing a fawn mask with a slight smile, as the enchanting music flows through the area.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask still with her feet in the water, her haunting beautiful voice begins to fill the Atrium as she begins to sing,
"In radiant Elyssia
Bright Jayus council called
With the artists of the ages
And fair muses to his hall.
A girl is born this moment,
Spoke the god in raiments bright.
Her hair is deepest sable,
Her eyes shall see with second sight.
Her fingers will wield the paint and brush.
Her mind shall visions shape.
Her work shall last through centuries -
True art that never fades!
And a cheer rose from the council,
And merry was that band
Of artists and fair muses,
Who danced full happy, hand in hand!
And on that day the world was blessed
With the Lady of Nightgold,
Our Willow, whose birth we celebrate,
And Elysian joy echo!"
Azolla's voice fades back to silence as she finishes singing the words of the song that was prepared with Lord Rysen.

Reese is overheard praising Azolla: Wonderful singing!

Reese is overheard praising Rysen: Wonderful song!

Reese is overheard praising Willow: Happy birthday and a great party!

Athaur is overheard praising Willow.

Athaur is overheard praising Azolla.

Athaur is overheard praising Rysen.

Monique is overheard praising Azolla.

Monique is overheard praising Rysen.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask is overheard praising Azolla: Whoa. Beautiful song! What a gift.

Someone wearing a featureless black moretta mask turns her gaze towards player and singer both, attending the song just as closely it's possible for a shadow to do. Which, given that shadows are by nature in attendance on someone or something all the time, may be very closely indeed. At the end of the melody she brings her hands in silent applause, seeming quite pleased to have heard it.

Rysen's fingers cease and the melody fades away. "You truly have an amazing voice, Lady... er, Masked Singer," he says with a grin to someone wearing a fawn mask.

With just the right amount of haze in her to enhance the performance's every nuance, word and note, Willow listens with rapt attention, first to the melodious sounds of Rysen's playing, and then to Azolla's song. Lucky that the makeup is grease paint rather than powdered pigment or else it would be running a bit, as she tears up at the song.

Willow starts clapping loudly.

Rysen is overheard praising Azolla: Your voice is unforgettable.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask gets a black glass bottle from a leather backpack.

Reese listens to the song and seems all enchanted by such. Her blue eyes are bright and her cheeks are pink. The girl then cheers. "Wonderful. Will you ake that into a book for us, Lord Rysen?" She asks, sounding almost pleading.

Reclining against a bank of the heated pools, Beatrice - wearing a soaked robe and who knows why - tilts her head back without looking at the decor overhead, quietly enraptured by the song until it's conclusion, when she tilts back further to smile to Azolla and Rysen. "Simply lovely."

Athaur clutches the tube of haze between his lips, clapping enthusiastically for the song. He smiles brightly, inclining his head to both Rysen and the woman in the fawn mask. "Splendidly done. Truly."

Someone wearing An Owl mask claps from his place inside the pool, standing confidently despite his scant clothing, "Such a beautiful voice." He says, settling back into his place and humming along the melody, trying to memorize it.

Someone wearing An Owl mask is overheard praising Willow: Happy Birthday!

Someone wearing An Owl mask is overheard praising Azolla: Such a beautiful voice

Rysen cheeks flush with color, and he nods to Reese, smiling happily. "Thank you," he says softly to Beatrice and Athaur.

"Your niece has a magnificent voice, My Lady," says Rysen to Willow. "I am very glad she's decided to join the Bard's College."

Someone wearing An Owl mask is overheard praising Rysen: Wonderfully arranged and performed!

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask claps his hands together, "Beautiful, that was lovely, little Fawn. And kudos to your musician as well." The monkey man dips his head respectfully towards both Fawn-masked woman and Rysen, before pantomiming picking a nit from his chest and poppin it into his mouth, animal behavior at odds with his genteel tone.

He moves to squat down beside the fawn-masked woman, muttering something softly.

Monique applauds the song with deep appreciation, the smile that claims her lips replacing the dire confusion that had settled there. "Incredible ode!" she chimes in happily, looking around and spotting a messenger headed straight for her. A message relayed, and the Minx frowns, murmuring something to Etienne. She approaches Willow, offering quietly, "I'm afraid duty calls, Lady Nightgold. Thank you for this beautiful evening. Happy birthday, and I hope I'll see you again soon."

"I could not be prouder of her if I tried," Willow gushes of her faun masked neice, to Rysen. "Thank you so much for playing, as well." She continues merrily puffing away on her haze and smiles at Monique as she tries to steal a hug from said neice. "Understood, my Lady. Thank you for coming. Help yourself to an extra bottle if you like."

Willow laughs as she looks between Reese and the Gilded masked woman, and starts splashing both, one with each hand as she bites down on the end of her haze.

The shadow-woman drifts her way further apart from the other guests to stand beneath the pergola with its luxuriant adornment of moonflowers, where she melds with the other dappled shadows there. She cups one of the pure white blossoms in one hand, breathing in its aroma with as much evident enjoyment as she had that from the brazier. Trailing her fingers lightly along one of the viny tendrils looping the pergola, she almost seems struck by some sense of nostalgia, if shadows were susceptible to that sort of thing.

Someone wearing a featureless black moretta mask has joined the a wrought iron pergola overgrown with moonflowers and hung with silk curtains around an amethyst waterfall.

Rysen rises to his feet and returns his blackwood lyre to Lygeia. He makes his way to the chest and gets some rolled haze before returning to the pool. Accepting a light from someone nearby, he puffs happily and takes a silver bracelet from the folds of his aeterna wrap. He offers it to Willow smiling, and says "Happy birthday, Lady Willow." He then pulls off his mantle and sinks into the headed pool up to the waist.

Reese seems amused even as she is splashed. "I will make sure to do that then sometimes. I am throwing a book party soon and you must come. It will go on for hours. A book slumber party." She threatens with. She then nods in agreement with the Owl.

Rysen has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Athaur rises to his feet, offering a farewell bow to Monique as she makes her way out. Then he slips off his boots and lets his feet dangle in the water of the pool. "Lady Willow, I have a gift for you when you have a moment."

Athaur has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Dandy, the red fox, 1 Templar Knight guards leave, following Etienne.

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guard, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants, Quartus, Fourth of Monique's Assistants, Etienne leave, following Monique.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask has joined the a wrought iron pergola overgrown with moonflowers and hung with silk curtains around an amethyst waterfall.

Arriving late to the party comes a woman wearing a mask that absolutely does not match the rest of her outfit, and a very distinctive blade is worn at her hip, the Blackheart. She's not very good at this, is she? Spotting the woman of the hour, the Blackheart moves her way through the crowd and to Willow, waving enthusiastically and leaning in to speak quietly, handing off a small bag to Willow, grinning beneath her mask.

Reese peeks over to Raven, having a smile of greeting for her.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask stubs out his joint of Haze, and withdraws a small black, glass pipe as he wanders over to the wrought iron pergola.

Beaming at the Blackheart of Pravus with her lacy mask, Willow waves from the edge of the mossy hot springs in greeting, setting her stygian and seasilk wings into motion, flapping lazily on their spring mounting. "Wonderful to see you, so glad you came!"

1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant arrives, following Eilonwy.

Someone wearing a featureless black moretta mask inclines her head in courteous greeting to the man in the monkey mask, gesturing to the pergola with a graceful sweep of one hand as if welcoming him to it. She observes him and his disguise with might be a mixture of interest and amusement in her shadowed eyes.

Willow notices a bracelet dh

Willow notices a bracelet she's holding belatedly, and just stares at it for the longest time. She tells Athaur, "Thank you, so so much. It is absolutely beautiful."

Athaur lifts a brow slightly. "That was not the gift actually." He reaches into the sash on his waist and procures a hair clip that he hands over towards the Lady Willow.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask has fallen silent seeming a bit overwhelmed by the crowd she did say thank you for the compliments

Grinning and shaking her head a bit, Willow says to Athaur, "It is beautiful, though I confess I like the bracelet better, I will think of you when wearing either."

Raven wiggles her fingers towards Reese as she looks around, hand resting on her hip. "A nice little crowd you have here. Sorry I was late, but I haven't been to this part of the city before," she admits. "It's good to see you again though, truly. Thank you for inviting me!"

Willow smiles up at Raven and nods softly, her fingers lifting to tuck her hair behind her ear. She takes a sip of her bottle and a drag of her haze and says, "I'm just plain glad you came. Did you get a smoke or a drink on your way in? Party favors are in the chest, help yourself.

Athaur laughs softly. "Then whoever has given you the bracelet will be sorely put out that you think of me with their gift." He leans back slightly, taking a drag from his haze.

Raven gets a finger thick portion of haze wrapped in whole leaf tobacco from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Raven gets a curvy, rose glass bottle of liquer from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Laughing brightly as she nods at Athaur, Willow then says, "Well,thank you for letting me know so as not to thank the wrong person for it, my Lord."

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals laughs at Rysen's words, merrily daring him "I bet you can't." She then turns her attention back to the man in the owl mask "Could you show me how to throw a spear? I'm alright with a bow if you want to learn that."

Giving a reluctant noise, Beatrice pulls herself out of the water - and instantly shivers, sitting on the bank of the pool. She lifts a hand to Raven in greeting, smile quaking, before hunting down a servant and a dry robe. She casts Willow a mournful look, water trailing after her. "Would that you were born in summer, my Lady."

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask has left the a wrought iron pergola overgrown with moonflowers and hung with silk curtains around an amethyst waterfall.

Rysen checked strength + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant leaves, following Eilonwy.

Rysen grins at someone wearing a gilded mask of rose petals. He's been drinking and smoking quit a bit at this point and he hands his haze to someone wearing an owl mask, and says "Do you mind holding that for me?" He pulls himself out of the pool and pulls his arm back, and launches the glass to the east, out of the Nightgold Estate. A moment later, there's a sound of shattering glass.

Rysen frowns. Then he turns to someone wearing a gilded mask of rose petals and laughs. "You're right it seems," and begins to make his way to get another glass of whiskey.

Athaur laughs softly and shrugs at Willow. "It is not usually in my nature to take credit for things that I did not do. It is unfortunate my own gift did not meassure up, that is all." He takes a drag from his Haze, pulling his boots back on. "But unfortunately I have some business to attend too."

Flashing a grin at Beatrice, Willow says, "I bet my mother thought much the same my Lady. Stonedeep is a cold place this time of year." Substantially colder than here, as the Lady has yet to stop wearing sleeveless summer dresses or shiver. She beams at Athaur and says, "Your gift is lovely. The bracelet is just an especially high bar."

Raven takes the offered favor and grins over at Willow. "Looks like we gave each other the same thing. Not that I'm complaning," she winks and lights her own haze up, taking a deep drag before she wiggles her fingers to Beatrice, slinking on over to the hot spring and working on shedding her clothes, before slipping into the water, letting out a low sigh. "Just glad to be warm again. I don't know how you northerners can handle this," she says, even though it's only autumn

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask steps towards thr heated pool, stripping off his silk tunic to reveal a well-tanned, muscular torso, asking, "Are we still giving Willow gifts?! I only have one birthday gift, and a few unbirthday gifts left." He sqauts down at the edge of the pool, beside Willow.

"Lady Nightgold, you amazing and inspiring woman, it scares me sometimes to see you without guards, without arms at your hips." He withdraws a rubicund athame from his belt-pouch, "But honesty has been the only weapon and shield you've ever donned, and it impresses me. If you ever have need, I have brought you this double-sided dagger, aptly named Honesty. Here's to never needing it. Happy Birthday."

From her spot half-hidden underneath the pergola, the shadow-woman watches a glass suddenly being hurtled into the air in the direction of... gods know where, really. Losing track of the glass as it vanishes into the night, her gaze falls on Rysen and tracks him instead, having marked him out as the human ballista responsible for this deed. She gives the smallest shake of her black-veiled head.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask gets Honesty, a rubicund athame from a leather backpack.

Rysen grins at someone wearing a gilded mask of rose petals as he returns with more whiskey. He gratefully accepts his haze and returns back to the pool. Smiling warmly to see Willow wearing the silver bracelet, he gapes to see someone wearing a monkey mask give willow a rubicund dagger. "That is a very fine gift," he says softly, and takes a long drag of haze.

Looking at the athame passed over for a long moment, Willow finally smiles up at the monkey masked man from it. "Thank you... thank you so very much," she says softly, eyes warm. She tries to pull him in for a hug. Chuckling at Raven she says in an aside, "Pure stubbornness. You outcold the cold, and it will stop touching you." In fairness, she is a little tipsy, and so she may well be serious.

There's a changing of the guard amongst the musicians as one can only play the violin for so long before needing a break out of, at the very least, biological necessity.

The young blond woman, Haptenna, takes her place with her lute. A deep breath and soon enough a soothing, relaxing melody is being played from simple, eight stringed lute. She's certainly capable enough to provide the accompaniment, it would appear, and her musical work appears to be the totality of her focus for the time being.

Whiskey helps with the cold or so Beatrice has been promised. She steals a shot, tosses it back - and then follows the sound of shattering glass and backtracks it to Rysen. She gives an impressed noise. "I begin to wonder if his pen is mightier than his sword." But she's not the only one to have noticed the noise. Beatrice, feet bare, pads toward the woman in black.

Beatrice has left the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Beatrice has joined the a wrought iron pergola overgrown with moonflowers and hung with silk curtains around an amethyst waterfall.

Athaur stands to his feet and bows. "I hope you have a wonderful Birthday Lady Willow. And I hope the rest of you assist her in joinint it." He takes a few puffs from his haze and smiles brightly before turning and strolling away happily.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song gets a curvy, rose glass bottle of liquer from a lovely wooden leaf chest.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song makes her way in to the part, "Sorry I am late! Had to get cleaned up!"

Rysen holds his whiskey up to Athaur in toast. "It was good to meet you, Count Athaur!"

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Raven has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song waves at everyone. She gives Willow a kiss on the cheek. "Cousin, Happy birthday!"

Someone wearing Fawn Mask sips some drink, trying to relax, her feet still in the water

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask hugs Willow tightly, then rises to his feet to strip off his cuisses and the rest of his clothes (save a pair of black silk briefs). "Let's see, who hasn't gotten a goodie yet?" He rifles through his backpack and starts tossing trinkets at people haphazardly.

Someone wearing An Owl mask has left the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask gets delicate glass and carved wooden beads strung into a dainty, feminine necklace from A rugged leather pouch.

Athaur has left the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask gets wooden combs tucked into her hair, bedecked in colorful paint and floral carving from A rugged leather pouch.

Raven takes another drag of her Haze, relaxing back in the pool and closing her eyes. "I was late too, but now I'm not worried about anything. How is everybody?" she smiles back to Reese as she asks the question.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Someone wearing Fawn Mask before departing.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song looks at Rysen for a moment and grins... wickedly. She turns back to Willow, "The rule was we have to be naked to swim right?"

Reese smiles over to Raven. "Oh, I am doing very well." The girl says softly while looking a little high. She is still relaxing in the water. The girl smiles over to the woman in the Meadows mask and to Haptenna as well.

Seeing others shedding their clothing, Willow would normally do the same to slip into the water and join them, but she is enjoying the merry flap of the wings she's made too much for that. She smiles at Rysen and says, "One day perhaps you would be willing to give me a tour of your place, my Lord? I am always curious in passing it but have never been inside. She nods at the Meadow masked woman as she listens to Haptenna playing.

a messenger delivers a message to Azolla she smiles softly and a slight blush colors her cheeks as she gently moves her feet in the water

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask immediately tells whoever is in the colorful, seasilk and satin-flowered mask, "Yes. Naturally," before cackling and tossing a black glass bottle to Beatrice.

In time, song number one wraps up to continue into song number two. This one is a bit more... joyful, perhaps? A bit faster played by the talented musician. While she's already worked up a bit of a sweat, as of course she would, Haptenna seems to be showing no signs of flagging in her playing for the time being. AFter all, the violonist was up here far longer than she was.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask has joined the a heated pool of steaming mineral water with mossy banks.

Beatrice checked dexterity at difficulty 10, rolling 3 lower.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song slips her coat off first then tosses her slippers over with it. Finally she lifts her sundress up and over her head and tosses it at Rysen with a /huge/ grin.

Willow claps at the end of song one.

Receiving a ring from someone wearing a monkey mask, Rysen smiles. "Thank you very much," he says turning the bronze ring in his hands, and sliding it on his finger. Hearing something about being naked to swim, Rysen glances at someone wear a mask of meadows song with a look of momentary awe. When he hears Willow's question, he smiles and says, "Anytime, My Lady, though I'll admit, it's not exceedingly well furnished, though one day, I hope to furnish it with the work of Arvum's greatest artist, whose birthday I happen -"

Rysen barely caches the sundress with his left hand, leaving the haze dangling in his mouth. He can't help but follow every move of someone wearing a mask of meadows song as she steps into the water.

CRACK!

Engaged quietly in conversation with the shadowy guest, Beatrice hears the intent for a gift to be given. She even turns in time to see it. She might blame the water for making her hands slick or the alcohol and haze for making her clumsy. But, truthfully, she does not often have to catch things and it just... slips. The small bottle of perfume shatters onto the stone, the faint aroma of vanilla wafting up from the glass remains. Beatrice presses her mouth into a line and casts the monkey-masked man a /look/. "Lord Rysen's went further," she quips back to him, slender shoulders rising and falling beneath her robe helplessly before she turns back to her companion.

Beatrice checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Seeing the meadow masked woman slip into the water, and then the monkey masked man, Willow pulls off her wings and the rest of her silks and finally settles onto one of the sunken seats beneath the water's surface.

Willow bursts out laughing at Beatrice's comment.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask looks towards Beatrice at the crack, then the quip.

A beat passes.

Then he just laughs, delighted.

Someone wearing wooden monkey mask is overheard praising Beatrice: Always a delight.

Reese blinks upon hearing the crack and she lifts her gaze, looking upon Beatrice. Her blue eyes are wide, but after a moment the Princess smiles.

Someone wearing Gilded Mask of Rose Petals lifts her head from the water at the crack. confused for a moment, she knits her brow, then laughs when realizing what happened and the joke.

Someone wearing a featureless black moretta mask watches the second glass object of the night fly through the air in a glorious arc, only to be smashed very ingloriously as Beatrice misses the catch, its fragrance lavished only upon the ground and the night air. She gives another small shake of her head, more regretful this time, as he gaze slides back to her companion.

Someone wearing Fawn Mask laughs and claps for Beatrice?s performance. She still seems a bit overwhelmed

Rysen laughs to hear Beatrice's wit. He tosses the sundress on the side of the pool, and takes a drink of whiskey. Leaving the haze in his lips, and squinting a little as the smoke rises, he makes his way next to someone wearing a mask of meadows song, and his narrow eyes catch a glimpse of her Elven Luck Charm. He smiles, and takes the haze with his left hand, and slides through the water, circling her slightly, gazing into the eyes behind the mask. "The charm gave you away, My Lady - though I did not know you are Lady Willow's cousin."