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 arrive, following Monique.

Johannes, A tall and red cloaked gentleman arrives, following Martino.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: Kismet Hall is alive with color and warmth as many lanterns have been lit the evening within the open aired hall. Recent snow has collected on the ground and offers more atmospheric quality to the winter themed event. Gauzy chiffon silk falls from the posts and wraps around to soften the structure further. Several tables and areas have been set up for the consumption of different cool weathered drinks. Mulled wine and warm cider scents the air and becomes prevalent. Mugs are offered for such drinks while brandy and rum are given glasses for those interested.

A string quartet plays in the far corner so the air is filled with their rich tones.It does not hamper conversation however for those that seek to mingle in smaller groups. At the lower risers a long impromptu bar has been set up which is currently serving but seems to have another purpose for later on.

A small chest is on a table near the door filled with a small sampling of masks if people wish to wear them.


Kismet Hall is alive with color and warmth as many lanterns have been lit the evening within the open aired hall. Recent snow has collected on the ground and offers more atmospheric quality to the winter themed event. Gauzy chiffon silk falls from the posts and wraps around to soften the structure further. Several tables and areas have been set up for the consumption of different cool weathered drinks. Mulled wine and warm cider scents the air and becomes prevalent. Mugs are offered for such drinks while brandy and rum are given glasses for those interested.

A string quartet plays in the far corner so the air is filled with their rich tones.It does not hamper conversation however for those that seek to mingle in smaller groups. At the lower risers a long impromptu bar has been set up which is currently serving but seems to have another purpose for later on.

A small chest is on a table near the door filled with a small sampling of masks if people wish to wear them. A small scripted sign says 'Please take one and return when you are done.' They are simple masks of silk but are themed for the event. Princess Marisol stands beside this, a small circle of opalescent snowflakes wreathing her dark curls. Her lavender brocade dress is accompanied by a white cloak and white leather gloves as she waits to greet the incoming guests. Beside her is the ever handsome Lord Erik Grimhal welcoming their guests as they flow into Kismet Hall.


Monique gets a chaotic wintry tempest mask from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

Azolla is already here busy setting up a place for her and Lord Rysen to perform their song together.

Azolla gets a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

Martino takes a shimmering mask of snow from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

Erik gets a snowy white owl with black beak from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

Monique arrives to the fray bundled up in a thick cloak of evergreen, shaking off the smattering of snow from her flame-bright head. "Ooh, this is lovely!" the Greenmarch beauty enthuses, fingering the selection of masks before taking one up and becoming... the Tempest.


"Lady Monique! Oh a lovely choice. I do love its colors." Marisol greets the Greenmarch before reaching out to offer her a hug. "I am so glad you could make it. Please feel free to mingle before our first of two contests. If you are a performer, do have something lined up to entertain us with." Is quickly suggested as she dusts a bit of snow off the other woman's shoulder.


Striding in with his assistant, Johannes, the Malvici Lord enters into Kismet Hall. Prior to undoing his coat, Martino tucks his right arm beneath his torso to bow low to the two hosts - Princess Marisol and Lord Erik. Awaiting his turn to enter, he creases the corners of his green eyes to Marisol as he says, "Princess. It is a pleasure to see you again... and my thanks to you, and the Lord Erik, for hosting such a lovely affair."

"The only performance I give," Monique the Tempest tells her beautiful host, "is one that makes the contents of your pockets mysteriously disappear. This is incredible, Marisol. And don't worry, I'm not judging you at all based on the success of this." Not /at/ all. She wanders within, seeking festivities through the eyes of the gorgeous mask.

Lizette, a pretty buxom barmaid arrives, following Valencia.

Erik holds a mask at his hand, wishing to greet the guests face to face as they begin to arrive inside the hall. "Please be welcome, make sure to try some of the drinks. Master Venturo was very kind to cede us his space." He smiles at Matino, waving at the man, "It's good to meet you again, Lord Martino. Is Lady Thea coming as well?"

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask is overheard praising Marisol: Not judging at all. Promise.

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask is overheard praising Erik: Co-host!

The little vixen arrives and steps inside, the new snow still clinging to hair and gown. She smiles in wonder at the room and the guests, her eyes widening with delight at the masks. "Oh, masks. I did not realize. Apologies," Valencia offers with a lowering of her eyes. "Everyone looks wonderful."

"I did invite Lady Thea and some others just before I cam to prepare things for the Song Lord Rysen and I will perform later together. He will be a little late but I think it will work out nicely," the person in an ice mask states gently as she finishes setting things up and turns to join Erik where he is


"Oh you have a way with words, no pressure," Marisol remarks to the tempest mask wearer with bright red hair. She smirks a bit but does seem to swallow a moment at the prospective of all eyes on the event. Her head turns to the voice of Lord Martino's arrival! "Welcome, my lord. So very good of you to come. I hope you know my co-host, Lord Erik Grimhall. Please do enjoy yourself." She offers her hands to greet him as she forgoes her own mask. Valencia gets a brilliant smile, "The Masks are completely optional, Princess! Thank you for coming! There are a few complimentary masks in the chest." A white gloved hand motionsto the chest beside her. "But they are disappearing fast!" Marisol looks rather pleased at this before offering a light hug to Valencia by holding her shoulders if allowed.


Valencia takes a silver regal winter wolf from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

Martino with a low bow of his head, after a fleeting smile to the Princess Marisol, he turns to Erik to say, "Ah and you my fellow Lord. Truly, I am thankful that you are here in the city still." He mulls a moment as he adds, "I am... not too sure truly. I did say to my sister, Thea, to be out and about today as I was a due a guest." With that, just leaving that to hang in the air a moment, he makes his way to the chest to slip out a mask.

Saro hurries in through an archway as if she were being pursued by a horde of furious shavs, but the sharp whirl of snow that follows her brisk passage suggests that it's only the frigid weather she's fleeing. She glances around curiously as she vigorously shakes flakes of snow from her cloak, creating a blizzard in miniature around herself, and offers up a courteous and amiable nod of the head to all those already assembled.

Marisol's smile is met with one of equal joy an brilliance. Valencia moves to greet her and to warmly return the hug. "This is a wonderful idea. I'm so very happy to be here, and thank you. Perhaps I shall try to play against type," she winks playfully as she pulls one out an puts it on.

Monique presents herself next to Erik, dipping a curtsey before the co-host, careful of the mask that she bears now. "What a stunning occasion, my lord. I'm not sure that we've had the pleasure of meeting yet. I'm Lady Monique Greenmarch. My gratitude for helping put together this event."

Quintin strolls on in, peering about like he's never been in here before. Which he hasn't. He also completely neglected to bring a mask, and while he glances at the table bearing the extras, he doesn't move to take one. Instead, he's peering about in search of the alcohol. Rum is fun.


"Oh, good choice, Princess," Marisol remarks to Valencia with an appreciativen nod of her head. She quickly glances aside to Azolla and smiles, "I am sure whoever you invited will be along soon. Many guests are usually fasionably late but in this case they may not have a mask." She muses over this an then sees Saro enter. "Mistress!" This face is also known to the Valardin and offers a white gloved hand to her. "Be welcome. I believe there is a mask just for you inside," she express and motions to the songbird inside the chest. As Quintin appears to be searching for something Marisol dips her chin to him. "A mask if you like, my lord or not. Welcome!"


Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys smiles gently at Marisol and says, "I am sure it will be a lovely event and lots of fun for those able to make it Princess." Azolla stands near Erik, wearing an icy looking mask

Michael gets a swirled winter white hare from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

Holding the mask in his left hand, Martino brings it to cover his face before binding it discreetly, "Oh, and Lady Thea might be walking her dog. Unfortunately he won in the end." A faint purse of his lips at that before he dips his chin to each new arrival and places himself near the other mask wearer, "Did you say... Lady Monique earlier? I do not recall us meeting before. Lord Martino Malvici."

Someone wearing a snowy white owl with black beak puts on the owl mask to cover a smirk as Monique approaches him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I'm Lord Erik Grimhall, though I think part of the fun in wearing masks is trying to figure out who is behind the mask." He says, dipping his head in greeting to the Greenmarch lady.

Reese arrives at the event while adorned in her rosy tunic and ivory leggings. She has pink ribbons tangled up in her golden locks. The girl peeks over the hall, trying get a feel for the things here. She seems just a bit weakened.

Quintin smiles over at Marisol and adjusts his course. "Are you Princess Marisol? Everything looks quite lovely. I must say, I'm intrigued. Lord Quintin Ashford, recently arrived to the city." He smiles at Erik as well. "You must be Lord Erik. Well met."

Saro waves to Quintin once she's stopped showering the room with cloak-borne snowflakes, and on hearing Marisol's greeting has a lopsided smile for the woman. "Your Highness," she says, making her way towards the princess and receiving her hand with a jaunty bow. "I'm afraid I can't stay too long, but I wanted to stop by for a bit and see what all the fuss was about." She glances towards the chest full of masks, laughing a little as she sees the songbird mask that Marisol has indicated. "I don't know if I can quite live up to the musicality of that mask, but the frozenness fits well enough."

Saro gets a frostbitten elegant songbird from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

"What do you think? Does it suit?" she grins appropriately wolfishly from beneath the mask, turning this way and that to show it off. "Though I hope I shall not be a particularly dire direwolf," she grins a little more. "The place is wondeful. I have never been here before," she smiles to the person in the gleaming icy mask. Another smile is offered to Martino and the lady in the stunning white owl mask and Quintin gets a curious look followed by another warm, yet wolfish grin. Turning as Reese arrives, she smiles a little more, "My dearest Princess Reese! You are here. I'm so glad," the winter wolf smiles.

Monique gives a spirited laugh at Erik's subtle reprimand. "Of course, my lord. I shall do my best to remain mysterious throughout the rest of the-" But then Martino is calling her by name and the Minx of the Marches can only laugh, helpless. "Guilty as charged. My lord Malvici, it's a pleasure. But I must swear you to secrecy on my identity now! Tempest shall I be, for the rest of the evening. Will you acquiesce?" she asks, full of good humor.

"Be welcome, Lord Quintin." Erik, under his snowy owl mask, greets the man with a well polished movement, "Not long ago I was new to the city, so I hope you'll come to enjoy it as much as I do now." The Grimhall seems content with something Monique says, chuckling softly from behind his mask.


"I am. Good to meet you, Lord Quintin and thank you. Lord Erik Grimhall, my cohost." She motions to Erik at her side as she dips her head to the Ashford. Saro gets a bright smile, "We are glad to have you for however long you intend to stay," she says and then watches her pull out the mask. "You inspire others to make music, I think that is muscality in and of itself, Mistress. This is Lord Erik Grimhall," she introduces Erik beside her. "Do enjoy yourself. We will speak more once I am able to get away." Looking up she spots Reese and smiles for the Princess. "Princess Reese, welcome. Is all well?" She notices the weakened state.


Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare is a rabbit today, a Hare. But the particulars escape this man, specifically the difference between bunny, rabbit and hare. The man is dark-skinned and has little hair himself. A drink is snagged near the front of the Hall and he takes his time to move further into the hall proper.

Quintin smiles at Saro. "Miss Uliveto, good to see you again! Glad you came for the fuss. Hopefully there's no bother to go with." The winter wolf's attention gains a slight bow from Quintin. To Erik, he says, "I certainly hope so." Hearing a familiar name, he turns about and bows to Reese. Then he's sidling off toward the rum.

Returns the smile, before the snowy masked Lord dips his chin to the wolf mask. Turning his chin to Monique, he rests his fingertips on his doublet and coat as he assures her firm in voice, "Of course, your Ladyship. You shall now merely be... the Masked Minx? Or you prefer another name for this evening?"

Reese smiles to the wolf and she waves to Marisol. "Princess Marisol, greetings and thanks for throwing this. It is wonderful. I am okay, just a bit under the weather." She says and the girl does seem short of breath. She then smiles over to Quintin. "Nice to see you agian, Lord Quintin."

Reese gets a shimmering pearly moon from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys smiles gently at the flow of people joining and talking but seems quiet, standing near Erik unsure what to say

Reese puts the moon mask on, but with all the pink ribbons in her golden locks, it is pretty clear who she is.

Someone wearing a frostbitten elegant songbird ties the mask at the back of her head, provoking a lock of unruly dark hair to come free from its fastenings and fall ticklingly across the back of her neck. She whistles a short warbling melody, then smiles again to Marisol from behind the mask. "Well, I do try to bring a little bit more music and beauty into the world with my work," she replies. She chortles quietly at Quintin's remark, agreeing, "Hopefully not. I'll try not to add the bother myself, at least, though I've been told in the past I have a gift for it."

"Oh, I think the Masked Minx would be a dead giveaway," Monique teases Martino mercilessly. "That said, I love it. You have leave to address me in whichever manner, my lord of the shimmering snow!" There's a wave to Quintin's arrival. "Long time no see, Lord Ashford!"

The winter wolf smiles a little more as Quintin bows and offers a graceful curtsy in return, with all the aplomb of a regal wolf of the wild. Reaching out she plucks a glass from a passing tray for herself and the shimmering pearly moon. "Here, tonight is a night for magic and fun. Drink up and let us embrace what comes, yes?" she winks playfully to the moon.

"I can't imagine who you might be, with such red hair!" Quintin calls out to the Tempest, sounding amused. He finally collects his glass of rum and nods his thanks to the server before having a curious sip. Up his eyebrows go. Another nod to the the songbird. He's in good humour.

:continues further into the party with the mask now in place. She smiles over to the song bird. She then takes the glass from the wolf. "Oh, thank you and yes embrace what is come to. Wolves do very much embrace each moment, I think."

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow releases an easy, light-hearted laugh to the wintry masked Lady as he undoes the final claw-shaped buttons on his jacket and hands it to his assistant, "Oh to give me the opportunity to pick anything? Well... that is quite the bold choice of yours my Lady Winter." As the Ashford Lord approaches, Martino inclines his head low, "Ah, a pleasure to meet you as well Lord Ashford. Truly, I am glad another from your good family has arrived here."


As their numbers fill out Marisol looks pleased and glances towards Erik. "Should we start the first contest?" She asks of her cohost before glancing up at the rest. "I hope you feel better, Princess Reese or shall I say Mistress Moon?" The Valardin forgoes a mask so she can be seen by the guests though Saro gets a soft laugh. "You look absolutely lovely. Perfect fit!" She admires the mask before she glances to the Hare. A nod of her head is given as she leans in to look at the chest. "Oh my, I may have to have Ektor run to get a few more quickly done up." A soft tsk sounds out.


Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf grin a little more. "We do and who knows what tonight might bring?" she wonders with a slight curl of lips. Looking to the crowd, the smile deepens. "Perhaps it is the mask, but I feel strangely liberated," she says with a light laugh. "Perhaps I should wear a mask more often," she grins at the simmering moon.

Someone wearing a snowy white owl with black beak looks about the excited crowd that has gathered around the room before turning back to Marisol and giving her a nod, "Drinking contest, first?" He asks for some confirmation, "I'm really excited to see how people will behave after this is done. And maybe all this alcohol will help some of them to lose their shyness."

Reese has another smile for Marisol that touches her blue eyes. "I will be better soon." Sh says before taking another sip of her drink. She the waves over the man in the mask of snow.

Someone wearing a frostbitten elegant songbird nods courteously to both the snowy owl and the pink-ribboned moon, then proceeds to amble around the hall, inspecting the lighting and decor, and searching the tables in vain for a nice black mug of coffee. Finally she settles on getting a tankard of cider from the table and wrapping her hands around it, absorbing its warmth and inhaling its tangy aroma seeming to be all she asks from it at the moment.

"Why, thank you," Quintin tells Martino, raising his glass of rum to the man. "I'm glad you haven't gotten sick of us yet. Hopefully I'm charming enough not to change that."


"Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Hopefully loosen some of them up," the opalescent circlet of snowflakes shifts and glints in the light as her head turns to take in those present. Finally she tilts her head towards the left risers where the long bar has been set up for the event and heads that way. She clears her throat and as she gets close smiles to the others. She waits for most of them to finish making their introduction as the bartender starts to set out a line of glasses.


"MASKED MINX." The Hare shouts frmo across the room and moves towards whoever was talking to whoever to find this woman. Bump. Some poor lot gets nudged by the Hare moving through to find the wintry tempest mask. "Hello!" The hare is not talking to the person who is supposedly the Minx.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow's lips curl just beneath his mask to perhaps peek a moment in agreement to the Winter Wolf Mask, "Oh you are quite right... it does. And this drinking contest will liberate us more." Martino turns his snowy-mask covered face to Quintin as he assures firm of voice, doffing his hand off casually, "Oh I do not think I ever could Lord Quintin. Truly, your Lady Olivia visits our household sometimes and you - must - do the same."

Winter's wolf turns to the shimmering snow and another wolfish grin parts her lips. "Then let us drink and play. I am most eager to attempt my hand, lips and liver to this contest. How does one play?" she asks looking from teh shimmering snow to Princess Marisol and back with a glint of play in her eyes.

Quintin smiles a crooked grin at Martino, masked as the other man is in a shimmering mask. "I'd be happy to do so... if I knew what house that was. I'm afraid I cannot recognize you by your jawline alone. I might have to trail along after Olivia everywhere she goes for a while. That wouldn't be annoying at all."

Monique makes her reply to Martino with a green-eyed wink from behind the Tempest mask. "My lord, I am well and truly feeling bold tonight. You may name me as you-" But then someone else is naming her, and Monique would recognize that voice anywhere. She turns to the white hare's arrival. "Ah, now, a prodigious mask for someone who has not procreated at all," she offers up to the Bisland Lord, reaching arms out for a hug. "Lord Hare, how are you?"


(OOC)There are two rolls you can choose from! Either use Stamina+Survival or Composure+Etiquette. Each round will be increasing difficulties starting at 5 and increasing by five each round. Such as 10, 15, 20 and so forth. Once you fail a roll you are out - pose as you wish how that happens. I will be announcing the round in pose each turn and what difficulty. I will then add who is left. I will be waiting only so long for poses and then moving on.

The winner will be announced and a prize given to the victor! Good luck!

Please join the left low risers if you are participating!

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys has joined the Left Low Risers.

Quintin has joined the Left Low Risers.


Stepping up to the area set up for the drinking contest the ready bartender looks to Princess Marisol as she lifts her hand and flushing a bit with color at the call for attention she tries to project her voice. "Ladies and lords, lovely guests, we are about to begin one of our contests! Please come join me over here if you are going to test your will against our brandy for the evening!"

She looks about and then continues, "If you are interested please come join me here and we will begin. One drink per round per participant and the winner receives a special prize designed by myself. Never will you drink without style."

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow foppishly rolls his wrist and left hand to Monique as he replies, "Another time, if one is blessed, to hear the rest of that my Lady of Winter." With an accepting nod, a touch of fingertips on his doublet, Martino names himself to Quintin, "Lord Martino Malvici..." With that. He cuts himself off from chatting away and listens to the Princess' voice.

Not having anybody in particular to talk to but not seeming to mind it much either, the frostbitten songbird goes back to whistling out a lively tune, the notes rising, cascading away in a torrent, and then rising again in a suspenseful melody that seems to ask who, WHO, might wind up the winner of this amazing first contest. She perches herself at the edge of the table, looking on with tankard of cider still comfortably in hand.

"Ahh," says Quintin to Martino. "I've met Lady Thea, as well as Miss Danae Russo. A pleasure to make your acquaintance as well." He tries to say it quietly, so as not to interrupt Marisol. And he must hear enough of what she says, because he goes to join her.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon smiles to Marisol and steps up to join the drinking contest. "This should be fine, what could possibly go wrong, from drinking of lots of brandy." She gently teases and seems to be getting into the party.

The wolf leans aside to the shimmering moon and smiles. "Come on! Let's play," she invites with a grin and heads off to join Princess Marisol at the bar. "I would be so very glad to try, though I confess, I am not responsible for my actions tonight," she winks impishly.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys joins the competition and seems a bit nervous. Maybe the drinks will help her feel more at ease..

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf has joined the Left Low Risers.

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask has joined the Left Low Risers.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow inclines his head low to Quintin before pausing to turn his chin to Monique, "Surely, my Lady Winter, you will not be turning this down after such a bold claim earlier?" With that, Martino makes his way across to the Low Risers. A low laugh escapes from him as he just picks up the winter wolf's comments.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow has joined the Left Low Risers.

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare was looking somewhere else when someone comes to him. Oh. Thats the Masked Minx. "Lady Blizzard. /Hello/." Of course a hug commences, an arm wrapping around Lady Monique's waist to lift her bodily from the ground a moment before plopping her back into place. "Have I been spotted?" A low whisper as they move along towards seating.

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare has joined the Left Low Risers.


Marisol watches as everyone bellies up and she grins a bit more as the bar starts to fill. Then the bartender moves downt he line of glasses that are moved before each participant she leans abit to keep track of who is all here. As the small tumbler sized glasses are filled about a third full before each contest with the rich plum brandy, a heavy spiced scent can be taken in by those nearest to the bar. Marisol watches and when the bartender gives her a nod she smiles at those along the bar before speaking, "Contestants please drink your brandy for round one!"

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 10 or Composure+Etiquette at 10. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 25 higher.

Quintin checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 8 higher.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 10, rolling 15 higher.

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 16 higher.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 10, rolling 32 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 10, rolling 18 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

2 Ashford House Guard, 1 Ashford veteran guards, Bethany arrive, following Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song.

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist, Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song arrive, following Rysen.

The Tempest is happily escorted over to the drinking game area by the Hare, and quick to fetch them their first two drinks. "Now, my Lord Hare, I charge you with making sure I don't pass out in my own vomit," the Minx tells Michael officiously.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask has joined the Left Low Risers.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song has joined the Left Low Risers.

The glass is taken and the brandy admired and then taken in slowly. Winter's wolf smiles and nods with approval. "Excellent," she offers to her hosts.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 34 higher.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys takes her first drink quickly and seems to handle it well. Azolla awaits for the next drink

Reese is here with lots of pink ribbons in her golden locks. She seems short of breath and not quite at her normal energy levels. The girl still joined the drinking contest though. She seems to be handling things alright so far.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow lifts the first rich brandy to his chest, inhaling it as he sighs, "Oh... this is too fine to simply knock back." But, sighing before he does, the first drink is gone and upon the bar.

"That shouldn't be too difficult as long as you keep providing me with drinks." Michael(In the Hare Mask, anonymity broken) lifts his glass upwards and downs it before lowering it and tapping it twice upon the table and leaving it in place. No need to deal with an empty glass now.

Quintin takes up the glass of brandy and gives it a thoughtful look. Glancing sidelong at Martino, he notes, "You make an excellent point, my lord." Still, he tosses back the brandy, eyes welling at the burn of the liquid.

Someone wearing a frostbitten elegant songbird whistles on, the tempo of her tune increasing as the contest progresses. It bounces along with a rolicking air that echoes the festivity and merriment of the gathering, and she taps her fingers against the table in a chaotic counterpoint to her warbling melody, watching with a wry look barely hidden by her mask.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask and someone wearing a meadow mask arrive, and make for the low risers in time for the drinking contest. The one in the skull mask picks up a drink, and says, "Looks like we made it just in time," and throws back his drink.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 10, rolling 54 higher.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song has no idea what is going on, but she sees people drinking so she runs up and just joins right in.

Reese smiles over to the Skull and the Meadow's Song. Her expression is partly covered by the moon mask she wears. She is waiting for the next round of brandy.


when everyone finishes their first drink, Marisol smiles and the bartender begins filling their glasses again. Once all are graced with a third of the plum brandy with its spicy scented notes Marisol remarks, "All paricipants have pass so now you are free to drink round two!"

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 15 or Composure+Etiquette at 15. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Quintin checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 38 higher.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

drink two goes down as easy as drink one and Azolla is starting to feel the effects but she seems to handle it well

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song downs another one grinning at the man in the skull mask.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow wraps his fingers, again, around the fine snifter of brandy to his lips. He pauses it, toasting it up and down the line at the bar as he comments, "Another, my friends. Good luck." With that, he polishes it off and sets it anew on the bar, "My Lord Ashford. You and I aught to then arrange for a keg of this to come to the city and host a party of some type."

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon is overheard praising Marisol: Wonderful Party!

The next glass is sampled and savored delicately, the winter wolf turning to smile playfully at the others at the bar. "It's been some time since I have done this. I'm glad it is in such good company," she chuckles and finishes the glass.

Monique raises the next glass to everyone around her. "You heard the Hare!" And so saying, she provides him with another glass to seal their bargain. "You're now charged with my safety, m'lord Bisland."

Reese finishes the second glass of brandy and she still seems to be in the mix. She peeks over the wolf, having a smile for her.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask winks at someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon, and holds up his drink in a toast. He throws it back, and laughs softly to someone wearing a Mask of Meadows Song, as the woman takes her second drink.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolfwinks back to the shimmering moon.

"I don't think it's been nearly long enough since the last time I did this," Quintin remarks, taking up his glass again. He downs this second glass of brandy, coughing when he surfaces again. He gives a sidelong look at the Meadows-masked woman and mouths something to her.

Monique and Michael, M-names are best names, are drinking together at the risers...along with everyone else. "To Marisol and Monique and Martino and...Me, of course. And..." Michael is glancing around the assembly looking for more and more M-names but doesn't find anything. A shrug and he dumps his drink down into his maw. Unfazed.

Ektor, Basil, Sweet Lamb of Delight and Bouncy Hops leave, following Marisol.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow begins to rest his right hand on the bar, steading a bit after two quick brandies. The strength of the drink fast as he chuckles low to himself, "Well... one normally ends on these. To start is a bold choice..." He glimpses to the mask he /thinks/ is Monique but really it could be someone else now, "Would you not agree, my Lady Winter?"

Ektor, Basil, Sweet Lamb of Delight and Bouncy Hops arrive, following Marisol.

Marisol puts a scarlet and white winter fox in a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .


As the small tumbler sized glasses are filled about a third full before each contest with the rich plum brandy, a heavy spiced scent can be taken in by those nearest to the bar. Erik steps closer and watches when the bartender gives him a nod, he smiles from behind the mask at those along the bar before speaking, "Contestants please drink your brandy for round three! Just do your best!"

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 20 or Composure+Etiquette at 20. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 8 higher.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 15 higher.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 20, rolling 31 higher.

Quintin checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 20, rolling 17 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 20, rolling 18 higher.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 8 higher.

the third drink goes down easier then the first two. Azolla is getting the hang of this but it is not helping her to talk more just yet

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask steps in just in time, heading over to the bar, she immediately joins in. "What's the drink? And how many to catch up? "

Reese takes her third shot of the brandy. The girl takes a seat and seems a bit out of breath, but is still doing okay. Her cheeks are flushed and her blue eyes are bright. She looks a little tipsy.

"I would absolutely agree, my Lord Snow," The Tempest replies to Martino with a firm nod of her shining crimson head, securing another drink for herself and the Hare. "And I would also agree that names beginning with M are the best names, and I am willing to argue that until I die!" Perhaps someone is getting a little drunk.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song grabs another drink and downs it with ease.

Quintin also rests his hand on the flat surface of the bar and raises his freshened glass again. His eyes narrow. "I should know better," he says, mostly to himself. Closing his eyes, he drains the glass for the third time. More coughing and blinking suddenly moist eyes.

Another drink and another smile, Winter's wolf lifts her glass to the other contestants and takes in another with a satisfied smile. Is it affecting her, hard to tell save for the glimmer in her eyes as she winks to the others down the bar.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow laughs to the wintry masked Lady as he tisks jovial to her, "Now... there are some - better - things to die defending. But..." He takes the brandy to finish the third one, before sliding it over the bar anew, "Who am I to decide such."

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 27 higher.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 11 higher.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 4 higher.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask takes another drink and holds it in the air. Turning to someone wearing a mask of Meadows Song, he says, "You have to carry me home." He grins, and throws back his third drink.

Ah. Yes. Wintry Tempest gets a firm hand upon her elbow as if to steady her. Of course, anyone that knows her knows that'll she argue anything. "To Arguing whatever you decide to argue." Because you have to toast something everytime. Then another glass empties.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask quickly slams down three shots, a quick shake of her head "Woo!" and she's ready to keep going. The alcohol barely touching her sides.

the fourth drink seems a bit much for Azolla and she seems a bit sick. "Oh, I think I best stop or I might not be able to sing at all," she says gently

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song laughs a bit at the Skull masked man. "Gods help us both my lord."


Round four is looking...still full," Marisol pauses to really consider that. "Very well!" She watches as the drinks are poured and then pushed towards their contestants. "Contestants please drink your brandy for round four!" The Princess is looking hopefull that not perhaps not everyone has a possibility of having liver damage.

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 25 or Composure+Etiquette at 25. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 25, rolling 9 higher.

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 14 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 6 higher.

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 25, rolling 8 higher.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 8 higher.

Quintin checked stamina + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 4 lower.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask grabs another shot, quickly downing it in one gulp. Inhaling. She's still standing.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song downs another drink and hip bumps the man in the skull mask.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow creases the corners of his green eyes, behind the mask, to the arriving masked Leery Lady, "Good to... to see you again. As youthful as ever, I see." With that, Martino gathers his glass and takes it to lips. Drinking it easy.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask bubbly greets the masked man "Hello. I am not sure who you are exactly, but I am sure glad to see you again too."

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask takes a fourth drink, and almost spits it out when he's hip bumped by someone wearing a Meadows Song mask. The eyes behind the skull mask narrow, but he grins happily. The drinks seem to be taking effect.

The wolf takes another sip, though this one seems to have at least have a slight affect. A curl of a smile paints her lips and she stage whispers to the shimmering moon, "I may not last much longer after this, but the journey has been interesting," she giggles. "This is so much fun!"

Quintin gets his fourth refill and takes a deep breath. He eyes his glass like a warrior sizing up an appointment. Quintin takes several more deep breaths, then raises the brandy to his lips. He gets a single gulp down before he hastily brings his hand up to clamp over his mouth. Gurrk. Quintin puts the glass down and backs away from the impromptu bar.

the fourth drink seems a bit much for Azolla and she seems a bit sick. "Oh, I think I best stop or I might not be able to sing at all," she says gently

Monique lifts her glass again, and her mask is a little skewed by this point, the bleachers a little unsteady beneath her backside. "Damn it, Michael. Stop shaking the seats!"

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys has left the Left Low Risers.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys has joined the Middle Low Risers.

Quintin has left the Left Low Risers.

Reese takes yet another shot of the brandy. She peeks over to Azolla. "Oh, stop, stop, Night Songbird, not being able to hear you voice would be awful." She says, sounding pretty tipsy and yet not so tipsy that she leaves the contest. She then looks over to Quintin, giving him a sheepish green.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask immediately sniggers at Quintin as he reches "Eww."

Quintin turns away and has a hasty glance about, his hand still over his mouth. He looks... sweaty. Then he's teetering off toward the privy as fast as his tipsy self can carry him. The poor Ashford lord ducks out of sight, and that's really all that should be said about that.

"Pardon me." Michael retorts quick to Monique's snark. "Oh no. Its over now. Once someone sees some vomit, everyone else will." Michael's arm hangs heavy around Monique's shoulders. "Stay strong. You have to last until I'm finished." Oh boy. Michael upends another drink and looks none the worse for it.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow lowers himself slightly, bringing himself down to Arcadia's level as he slips up his mask just a bit for her, "You can keep this a secret for the evening. It is I, Lord Martino." After, the mask slips back on and he stands anew behind the bar for the next round.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask gasps at the man "Oh my. Seems I am surrounded by your family tonight. I just left your sister in my brother's company." She scrunches her nose recallingly. "They were being gross."


Finally we meet the first to fall, the number of contestants funnels into a smaller but skilled group. "That's exactly the kind of enthusiasm I was hoping for." Erik states, chuckling as some just can't keep with the drinking, "Now, let's see who is worthy of being considered as good drinker as a sailor." He gives a quick nod to the barman, who turns to pour down some rum for the contestants.

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 30 or Composure+Etiquette at 30. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 1 higher.

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 7 higher.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 24 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 1 lower.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 44 higher.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song picks up another drink and downs it! She is looking /pretty/ tipsy at this point.

Marisol takes a scarlet and white winter fox from a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask gathers another shot and gives a toast to her friend before downing it." She gives a quick giggle after. The alcohol surely starting to take effect.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask picks up a fifth drink and quickly throws it back. He sways slightly as he sets the empty glass on the table. "Hope I can still lay my plyre," he says with a grin.

The wolf eyes the tempest, the Meadow's Song, the shimmering moon, the North Wind and then the White Hare as they seem to practically glow with sobriety at their next drink. "I see we have our competition cut out for us," she grins playfully. "Lord Hare seems to be the man to beat tonight," she teases.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow feels the quick effects of quite a few strong brandy already, Martino's fingertips brush over his throat before he pulls up that fourth drink to his mouth. He takes it anew to his mouth and pours it halfway before suddenly stopping. Needfully, Martino puts it back down onto the bar and steps from it. Considering... "Mmm no... no. I'm out." A sharp breath from him as he pivots clumbsily from the bar and steps down. Just about.

The pink moon still seems to be in the contest, but she is pretty tipsy now! She nods in response to Hare's words. "Seems to the case." She says. She then looks over the man in the mask of snow, looking a bit amused and a bit concerned. She ends up just giving him a goofy and slightly drunken smile.

Monique leans dangerously towards Michael, almost toppling over his lap before righting herself with his aid. "No, No. I'm fine. I can /do/ this. A MINX NEVER FALTERS! NONE GREATER THAN GREENMARCH!" Punctuated by a loud hiccup.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow has left the Left Low Risers.

"Oh no. Its okay. You stop when you need to stop." Michael sneers sideways Monique and her swaying. His hand catching her shoulder and righting her promptly. Because if she is going to upchuck, its going to be /away/ from him and his clothes. Michael is the last to drink this newest drink, the grimaces around him not reflected in his face. "Oh. Thats actually tasty."

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song leans heavily on the man in the Skull mask.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask glances at the man in the skull mad, and narrows her eyes hoping she remembers correctly, she saunters to him, cocky from her drinks "Hi."

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask glances back at someone wearing a northern winters wind mask, and his whole body sways slightly in that direction. "Hi," he says with a smile, and takes a slight step to steady himself.

Quintin reappears; someone has thankfully given him a glass of water, which he is sipping. He just manages to come back in to catch Tempest's hollering, and it makes him laugh. A little breathlessly. He eases himself into a seat at the middle low risers. "Uff."

Quintin has joined the Middle Low Risers.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask immediately sniggers and reaches a hand to steady him. "You okay there? "

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow has joined the Middle Low Risers.


They are two lighter after round three as Erik announces round five Marisol can not help but wince a little for all that brandy being consumed. She might be rubbing her stomach as the drinks for round six are being poured. She blinks at Tempest and then lets out a rather amused chortle before watching Snow fall prey to round five! "Oh no! Lovely snow has fallen! Good try, my Lord!" She claps for Martino before she ticks her chin and motions with her fingers to the air. "Contestants, please drink your glasses for the sixth round. Well done!"

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 35 or Composure+Etiquette at 35. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 22 higher.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask has rolled a critical success!
Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 92 higher.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 0 higher.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 35, rolling 12 lower.

Someone wearing a chaotic wintry tempest mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 6 lower.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 35, rolling 4 lower.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 40 higher.

And so it goes, that sometimes one's liver gives out at the worst of times. The drink is taken. Winter's wolf holds for a moment, then weaves, and then slips to the floor unconscious for the moment.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf has left the Left Low Risers.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf has joined the Right Low Risers.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song downs the next drink, but yup, that's it. She stumbles right in to the man wearing the skull mask, tries to side step and fails, stumbling right back in to him, sliding downwards, "Ok nap time."

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask slams down another drink while steadying the young man. She gives him an impish grin "You ready to give in? "

Monique looks at the next glass and something in her lurches. It's a terrible feeling and the Minx just sort of tumbles forward at Michael, entirely passed out cold.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow breathes deep within his chest as he bleary eyed makes his way to the middle low risers... wandering across before sitting himself beside the icy masked and Quintin, "My... brandy! Tha... quick?!"

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 16 higher.

Michael lifts up his drink and swallows it down with a brisk mmpfh. Then....Something lurches sideways into him and he glances off towards Monique. "Oh. If you're not gonna." Then her drink goes down his hatch too.

"No, no. I'm fine," claims the man in the skull mask, as he takes his sixth drink, gazing at the person wearing the winters wind mask take hers. As someone wearing a Meadows Song mask slides downwards he catches her, and helps her back to her feet. "Let's find a place for you to rest, My Lady," he slurs, and finds a seat nearby.

Reese is still in the contest and she downs yet another glass of the brandy. She is still standing, but seems more and more tipsy by the moment.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song shakes her head drunkenly, "No...have to finishes contests...." She is kinda like a rag doll though.


Now Erik looks impressed that people are still up, one of his hands move to scratch his head as he might not have anticipated that, "Okay, you guys are awesome, we're going to improvise now." He says, moving closer to the Raconteur staff and exchanging some words in a low tone with the people there. Shortly after, they bring the contestants a few shots of the famous Setarco Fire, maybe this owl masked lord is a bit of sadist."

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 40 or Composure+Etiquette at 40. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

The Winter Wolf is not left unattended. A slight sweet faced, brown haired girl approaches and gently helps her up, guiding her gently to a seat. The wolf smiles and nods as she slightly comes to, her words tinged with drink. "Perhaps tonight is not my night, my dear Mistress Lizette. I think maybe I shall consider a swim later tonight. It is so beautiful to swim in the snow."

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 0 higher.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked stamina + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 18 higher.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask has rolled a critical success!
Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 38 higher.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 0 higher.

Reese peeks over to the wolf, having a smile for her. "You did great...we are just such lushes.." The girl slurs a bit.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask gives a snort of a giggle, and takes yet another drink. She winces and now leans on the man in the skull mask "Oh. That's a lot of shots really fast."

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare hmms happily at the arrival of another drink, his fingers waving rapidly in the air with delight. Then up....then down. He presses his glasses together and counts...then counts others. "Hey. Everyone is one behind me, what happened?"

Quintin mumbles, "Oh, gods, is that Setarco Fire? No. Nope. Can't even think about it. Nope. This one time," he starts. "This one time... I met... there was a man in a tavern, and he drank so much... he drank so much he passed out. And he didn't wake up. For at least a week."

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask comes back to the table and takes another drink and effortlessly throws it back. "I don't know if I should feel proud if I win thish," he says, grinning.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow resting hands over the doublet, Martino glances as the winter wolf masked Princess walks passed, "Pri... here we are!" Martino waves, well flutters fingertips, to her as he leans into the chair anew as he glances to Quintin, "Like! I know a story of a man who rowed a boat and came back - yeaaars - later."

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song takes the empty glass from the Skull masked man and tries to drink it as if she is still playing

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask sniggers up at the man, "See. I outdrank a whole bunch of northerners at the beards and brew. Proudest drinking moment so far." She does give another giggle "Though, I did try to jump on a giant man's back. That did not end so well."

Quintin squints at Martino. "Was he drunk or did he just... row a boat somewheres else?" he asks blearily. "I can row a boat." He eyes his glass of water and has another tentative little sip, as though his body might betray him again.

Quintin adds, "Well, not right now."


The eighth round takes its toll and really separates the pack. Wincing Marisol glances towards her cohost at his choice of drink. "Oh that was rough.." she admits as the heavy cinnamon type alcohol is taken down and a few start to look a little green. She looks pale enough for all of them without even having had a drink. "That was evil but let us continue. Another round of brandy because I can not imagine drinking another glass of what Lord Erik gave you." The bartender lines up the brandy again for the four that remain and pours. Marisol regrets her next words. "Drink."

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 45 or Composure+Etiquette at 45. 50 for Reese and Michael. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 1 higher.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask laughs happily, watching someone wearing a mask of Meadows Song. He steadies her as best he can.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 9 lower.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 18 higher.

"No, I have dishonored my family and self," the wolf says with a slight sigh and quiet laugh. "And yes, my lord, we are indeed here," she offers with an inebriated smile. "You did well. Congratulations," she nods to Martino. "It is strange. I do not drink so as much as one would think. It shows so very clearly in this light. What is your name, Lord Shimmering Snow? Have we met before?"

"Weak." Michael murmurs as this brandy is sent downwards. At this point...is the man even tasting it? Feeling it? A bleary blink, then several more as the Bisland Lord of the Hare steadies himself at the table. Then turns to Marisol. "You've made me get drunk again. How could you."

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 21 lower.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask takes another drink, eyes scrunching close. "Ugh. OK. It's down."

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked charm + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.


Marisol is still wincing as her gloved hand rubs at her neck. Michael's words catch her and she looks at the winter hare and smiles, "I am sure yous hall recover, my lord. Certainly you will." She promises him and pats his arm lightly as she leans over the bar. "You can do it." She sounds convincing enough right?

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow nods, heavy and hard, to Johannes as the assistant to Martino brings him a glass of water as well. "No. I think it was war my Lord Ashford." Martino's takes a mouthful, a careful sip afterwards, of the water before replying to the Winter Wolf, "And you better, Princess. We have, twice? Lord Martino Malvici. But Lord Shimmering Snow does suit well."

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask throws back another drink and almost falls down. Steadying himself, he laughs, and says, "I'm out I think, or I'll be shleeping through the rest." He finds a nearby servant and says, "Water and bread, please."

Monique has left the Left Low Risers.

"Princess Marisol." Michael smiles at her. With danger in his eyes. A song bursts from him moderately well. "These days grow long, the winter comes, sweet love, sweet love, warm my bones. I delight in the night, with youuuuuu attt mmyyyy sidddeeeeeeee. Call me, call me, we shall walk in moonlight."

Reese goes to take another drip from the brand before setting the unfinished glass down. "Oh..I can't..." She says and takes a stumbling and very step back from bar. She looks close to falling or passing out and her breathing is still elevated.

Quintin nods to Martino and, hearing the blackwood masked man, calls out, "BREAD! Bread is a good idea. I NEED BREAD, TOO! I NEED SO MUCH BREAD!"

"Oh, Lord Martino. I like you," the wolf nods warmly. "You are very charming, and you are Lycene, which is lovely as well. I'm glad we have met before, I hope I have not embarrassed myself to you, sir," she blushes softly. "I fear I have hand one more drink that is wise."

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask hears Michael and heads his way now "Ugh. Why are you caterwauling again? My ears." She flops into a seat beside him, likely unable to stand anymore.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow laughing a moment, Martino lifts his hand to wave it side-to-side, more flamboyant than foppish, "Ah I am remembered! Truly, Princess. One is blessed. Truly blessed. To be but one of your refinement." His green eyes crease, reassuring, beneath the mask worn, "You - and - I my Princess. This is a joint effort now."

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys is busy putting final touches to get ready for her up coming performance. Azolla seems a bit tipsy but mostly recovered from the drinking contest

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf is overheard praising Marisol: Beautiful and talented hostess. What a lovely party! <3

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon checked charm + performance at difficulty 60, rolling 1 lower.

Reese starts off-key drunken singing. The song ends with some coughing!

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare stares down at Winter's Wind's ring. "Is that a pigeon?"

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song looks up to the man in the skull mask, "Did I win?"


The final contestants are still disputing in a fierce contest that will be marked down for generations to come. "I'll ask for some lessons on that technique." Erik points out to the hare masked contestant, shrugging at the staff and having them bring some more of the common type of brandy, "I'll be kinder to you this time, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't take this seriously. Once again, do your best!"

((OOC: Roll either Stamina+Survival at 50 or Composure+Etiquette at 50. If you fail please pose out. Please pose quickly.))

When the one in the pearly mask starts singing, someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask smiles. At the question from someone in a mask of Meadows Song, he laughs drunkenly and says, "No, they're still drinking." He points to those few who against all odds are still standing and ready to drink more brandy.

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 4 lower.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked stamina + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 15 lower.

"Well then, Lord Shimmering Snow, perhaps we are now allies in purpose," the wolf smiles a little more, her large dark eyes glimmering behind the mask. "Here is to our glorious victory, though I do not know what we are garnering victory over. I suppose we shall find out," she puzzles with a glance to Martino.

The wolf smiles back at the others then, those who have fallen and then to those who still stand. To Reese she calls out with a happy smile. "My shimmering moon! You cannot set yet. The night has just begun," she chimes out as she turns back and offers a look Shimmering Snow's way. "I'm glad that we have found our circles to be crossing tonight. Perhaps we shall remember this night with much joy. Have you met our beautiful moon yet? I'm sure you have. She is a delight."

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask checked luck at difficulty 15, rolling 11 lower.

s Someone gives Quintin some bread. He takes a bite out of it and chews mechanically. Peering at the woman in the wolf mask Martino just deemed 'princess', he says, "Your Highness." No reason not to be polite.

Marisol takes a ceramic winter mug with opal dragon handle from Winter's Escapades Display Case.

Reese is still here, but looking pretty tipsy. She gives the wolf a smile and goes to find as seat.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow sipping the water again, Martino laughs a touch louder than usual. Brandy. "Oh, Princess Wolf. A good toast..." He lifts the water to Valencia before sipping it again as he dips his chin, "Oh I have. Our Beautiful Moon was the third I ever met upon returning to the City. Third! Fortunate I was."

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask lifts her shot, her eyes definitely glazed over. Sitting was definitely her worst idea. It seems to press all that alcohol into an even smaller space. She lifts the shot, stubbornly and stupidly and brings it to her lips. Before it's even tipped, she suddenly shakes her head and lurches forward. A hand to her mouth as she stumbles away in search of a toilet. Or pot. or even a hat at this point.


Why does her chest hurt? Marisol is not sure why but her stomach is also doing flips in sympathy for the group at large. "Goodness, Lord Michael? Lady Arcadia?" she questions them out of worry. The Valardin Princess is definitely not drinking anything tonight. But she can feel for those participating. Glancing up towards her cohost she moves over to the display case and then pulls out a dragon handled blue and pearly ceramic mug. "My Lords and Ladies! We have a winner! Our Winter Hare is our winner! Congratulations!" She then offers the mug to him and hesitates. "I can ..hold onto this for you. Just in case." she says sweetly...helpfully - with some small amount of concern! She does watch as Arcadia stumbles away. "Oh dear! Everyone eat and be merry soon we will have a performance contest!" If they can stand at all!

The wolf turns to Quintin and she offers a graceful dip of head before leaning gently forward to whisper perhaps a little more loudly than anticipated, "I am a wolf this night," she smiles sweetly, the excessive drink easing her usual shy demeanor. "But I am so very pleased to meet you, sir. I hope we will be come very good friends." Turning back to Martino, the smile blossoms again, "Lord Shimmering Snow, you make me smile so very much. I hope we will become very good friends as well. Such charm is hard to resist, yes?"

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask eats some bread and hands some to someone wearing a mask of Meadows Song. "Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to arrive /just/ in time for the drinking contest," he says with a grin. He takes a long drink of water, and glances towards someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys.

Michael stands, lifting his mask up and over on top of his head. To reach for the mug...then stops. "Oh. Maybe. You should hold it. I am sure you will bring it by shortly." Michael eases down the rises, glancing towards...Oh. Thats Arcadia. "Careful, Cady."

"Princess Wolf," Quintin says agreeably, though around a mouthful of bread, which is not his best look. The thing where he's completely sauced isn't him living his best life, either.

"I am ready if Lord Rysen is to present the song we worked together to prepare for this event," Azolla says gently, awaiting directions to start and Lord Rysen to join her

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow's lips curl in a brief smirk, as he comments back with a wry tone, "Yours or mine? My Wolf Friend." He takes a mouthful of the water anew before slicking his right hand through his hair to fold it back, "Truly, that would be a delight. Your establishment is... is so refined and adored by me."

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon is overheard praising Michael: Best Winter Lush!


(OOC)For those participating in our performance contest tonight there will be a custom prize at stake. You are able to perform ANYTHING. Whether it is song, poem, story or otherwise.. Please at this time GETINLINE by typing +line/getinline. Everyone will be rolling Charisma + Performance and then posing on their turn. Please be quick, if you can have your pose ready. At the end please page me who you vote for. I will hold voting for about ten minutes and then I will tally votes + rolls to see who is ranked highest. As sort of a skill+audience appeal.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon is overheard praising Valencia: Best Winter Wolf!

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon has joined the line.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys has joined the line.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask nods to someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys. "I'm ready, My Lady," he says, rising unsteadily to his feet. He walks over to Lygeia, who hands him a blackwood lyre. He steps to the side of someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys, and says softly, "Say the word when you're ready."

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask returns from somewhere. Likely a few pounds lighter and with less chance of pickling her liver. She slumps back in the chair across from Michael, "Did I win? "

The wolf gives Quintin a smile and allows the poor man to finish his bread, hoping that it will help settle the reeling he must feel. Turning back to Lord Shimmering Snow, she smiles once more, "Must we choose, sir," she asks playfully. "And I'm glad you enjoy it so. Have you had a chance to explore the full venue yet? If not, I should be glad to share it with you at your pleasure."


Erik steps forward then, removing his mask to reveal his face to the contestants and lifting his hands to those attending in hopes of drawing their attention. "Tonight we will have a rather impromptu performance contest! Anyone can participate! You may sing, dance, tell a story or really anything that would entertain those here. Within reason," He quickly adds the last before his smile crooks a bit to show a dimpled cheek and then dips her head, "Please get in line to the side and perform for us. Who wins will be based not just on skill but audience appeal so remember to cheer for your favorite so we can hear!"

Looking to those who have lined up she looks to the moon masked participant and motions them forward.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys has joined the line.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song waits and listens for Rysen and Azolla to sing.

"Which establishment?" Quintin asks Martino and the Wolf Princess, kind of loudly, still chewing on bread.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon is overheard praising Erik: Great Host!

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow applauds the comment from the Winter Wolf, "Ah we must - not - choose. Not yet, anyway. I have been to your pools, the arena. Are there still secrets beyond that?" Martino turns his head to Erik, considering his own posibility before sighing, "I - really - must bring up my violin."

A slightly sly look is offered to him. "Oh, my sweetest Lord Shimmering Snow, there are /always/ secrets beyond that, sir. Inevitably," the winter wolf smiles slowly, a delicate hand reaching out to catch his chin with a playful caress. Drawing back she smiles a little more. "You play?" she asks with spark of interest in her eyes.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask glances down at her dress. Suddenly concerned that the specks on her dress are no longer just gemstones. Before she hopes anyone notices, Cady sneaks away, giving a wave here and there as she scurries away in shame.

Someone wearing a northern winters wind mask is overheard praising Erik: Best drinking contest host ever.

Someone wearing a silver regal winter wolf is overheard praising Reese: To the beautiful and most gracious moon!

At a nod from someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys, someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask begins to pluck the strings of a blackwood lyre, filling the hall with a flowing melody.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys moves slowly to a place everyone can see and hear here and waits on Lord Rysen to join her where she stands. Once they are standing together and he seem ready Azolla's hauntingly beautiful voice begins filling the Hall and the words of the song form,
"We've bid farewell to Summer,
Enwreathed with buoyant light
And now farewell, good Autumn,
Like leaves you've taken flight,

And now our world grows cold and dark,
But we are not afraid,
'Tis time to find a lover warm,
And at Lagoma's fire pray.

Snow birds in the drifts we'll make,
And gaze at gleaming stars!
Then rush to fires in the halls,
And sing merry till the morn!

We'll drink and dance and play our games
While the winds outside full howl,
While blankets of cold snow and frost,
Make all of nature bow,
And with coffee, tea or potent mead,
We'll the season full enjoy,
Till Lagoma's cycle turn again,
And then look to Spring with joy!"

Reese listens to the song while swaying a bit drunkenly. When it comes to an end, she smiles all warmly. "So wonderful and lovely!" She says, clearly cheering him on.

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon is overheard praising Rysen: Wonderful Song!

Quintin bites his bread and holds it with his teeth to free up his hands for applauding Rysen and Azolla's song. "THAT WAS REALLY GOOD!" he says, again too loudly.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow gives the Winter Wolf a crease of his eyes behind the Shimmering Snow mask. Martino chuckles low in his voice, "Oh there - always - are secrets doors if one knows how to knock..." Martino leans back as well in the chair as he nods, "Mm, I do. In my formative years it was insisted upon to ensure that it was not - always - sword lessons."

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask is overheard praising Azolla: Truly a haunting and beautiful voice unlike any other.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song claps loudly and drunkenly for the performers

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask smiles warmly at Quintin, as his fingers slow, and the music of his lyre fades away. He bows to someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys. "Your voice is amazing, My Lady."

Erik claps at the first song, smiling proudly at the lyrics of the song and watching as Azolla takes control of the song, followed by Lord Rysen. "At the risk of being called a biased host. I have to say that was excellent." He turns back to the crowd, looking over for someone who might want to join them as well, "Don't be shy, just come here and show us your talents."

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon is overheard praising Azolla: Lovely voice!

Someone wearing a swirled winter white hare gets a lovely walnut wooden chest decorated with lilies .

The silvered wolf pauses to listen, the smile curling her lips as the songs is song bythe man in the blackwood skull mask. Leaning back in her chair, she cants her head, giving her an even more wolfish cast to her demeanor and she smiles. "There is something soulful when a man sings of such things," she muses. Another smile is offered to Martino, "A well rounded upbringing then. I approve. I should hear you play sometime, I think. If not tonight," she says with another small smile Lord Shimmering Snow's way as she turns to applaud the singing skull.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys smiles gently and says, "Why thank you all." Azolla parts with Rysen to make room for the next performance

Reese looks over to Azolla. "Very lovely, Night Songbird." She softly says. She is now sitting, which is probably a good thing.

Quintin's eyelids droop halfway shut; he's gotten pretty sleepy. He keeps shoving bread into his mouth, pausing to swig water every once in a while. At some point not too long from now, he will start to doze. Tomorrow he will surely regret this.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask gives his lyre back to Lygeia and comes to stand beside someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song.

Quintin has left the Middle Low Risers.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song smiles at the skull masked man. "You had yet to play in front of me before. You are quite good."

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow brings himself to feet, standing beside the Winter Wolf. Martino firmly applaud both singer and player as he calls afar to them, "Beautiful... well sung." Unsure, really, how to praise one singing he glances to the left to the Winter Wolf's masked face, "It is beautiful to hear, and I did receive such. First born so, therefore, the... protected one." Martino creases the corners of his sharp green eyes as he adds, "You would be welcome to and I would be - honoured - to play at your establishment if you would have me."

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys moves over next to Erik and wraps an arm around him still smiling she whispers something to him but otherwise tries not to disrupt the event

"Then consider this an invitation to do so, my lord. For I should like that very much. If your skills upon instrument are as charming as you are, I may have to insist on frequent performances," the winter wolf smiles back, her large dark eyes glimmering playfully as she meets his. "I hope you will not mind," she laughs.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask beams at Martino, and from where he's standing offers him a respectful bow. To someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song, he replies, "I'm glad I did not disappoint. I was a little worried after the seventh shot that I'd ruin my part, and that Lady Azolla would never forgive me." He grins.

Someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song laughs at that! "Yes... We arrived just in time to create a challenge for the rest of the evening."

Reese peeks over to the skull, giving him a smile. "Oh, you didn't disapoint at all." She says softly. "I sould probably drop out. I think I am too drunk...but..." She say and it doesn't sound like she plans to quit the contest. "I just need to think of what to sing." She adds, sounding like has no idea on that either. "I will just make up the song as I go."

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys chuckles at Rysen and says, "Nah, Lord Rysen, it would have been fun either way, thank you so much for working with me on it. It truly is a delight whenever we perform together."

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow touches his doublet anew before waving Johannes across to bring forth a coat, "Then I will ensure to - not - disappoint at all my Winter Wolf." Martino slides his arms into his coat, but leaves it casually undone before touching the wrist of the Winter Wolf, "If I impress, surely, I could not deny one of your esteem such. Could I?" Martino's head tilts, cocks, as he asks.

"At least you'll have an excuse when I ask you to dance and you step on my toes," laughs someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask as he winks at someone wearing A Mask of Meadows Song.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask grins at Reese. "I think we will enjoy any song in your Oathlands accent, Your Highness- espcially one you make up."

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask smiles warmly at someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys, and says, "You are too kind, Lady Azolla. I feel the same way."

Someone wearing a shimmering pearly moon has joined the line.

Reese peeks over to Rysen, giving the man a briefly playful smile. She then looks real serious for a moment like she is trying to focus on what to sing.

The wolf's gaze drifts down and then up once more to meet the shimmering snow's eyes. She smiles and shakes her head, musing, "We wolves are rather prone to enjoying such courtesies," she notes with a playful grin. "I do think it might be unwise to deny such a thing. But, I would hope no such thoughts of denial would ever drift in to mind," she teases a little, though the smile grows more warm. "I look forward to your performance then. I shall look forward to being swept away by such charming talents."

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys is overheard praising Erik.

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys is overheard praising Rysen.

Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow brings his fingertips back to unlace the mask upon his face before lowering it to chest. Now freed, Martino creases his eyes pleased to the Winter Wolf, "Wolves are? I... did not know that. I spend too much time with Hawks it seems. Or Lions." He chuckles a moment to that, to himself, as he adds, "But I shall have Johannes let you know when I have had the violin brought up from Southport as I did not bring it with me this time." With that, Martino bows his head low to the Wolf and Erik hosting, "With your pardons, do enjoy." And, with a slight stagger from four brandy... he makes his way off.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Someone wearing a shimmering mask of snow before departing.

Martino puts a shimmering mask of snow in Winter's Escapades Display Case.

Martino has left the Middle Low Risers.

Johannes, A tall and red cloaked gentleman leaves, following Martino.

Someone wearing a carved blackwood skull mask has left the Left Low Risers.


"First I would like to say thank you for giving us all a wonderful show." Erik says, taking the center of the stage one last time and smirking at the crowd, "And I'm talking both about drinking and singing." He says, gesturing for Azolla and Rysen to join him there, "As our sole competitor tonight, I think it's more than expected that we congratulate Lady Azolla and Lord Rysen for their contribution to this event. Let's give them one last round of applause!"

Erik is overheard praising Azolla: Wonderful singer!

Erik is overheard praising Rysen: Best back up a bard could ask for!

Someone wearing a gleaming icy mask of blues and greys is already standing next to Erik with her arm around him. Azolla giggles musically. "I am right here silly," she says gently, taking off her mask so he can see her face