Day Two of the Snow Sea Tournament! Ice Fishing Day! Everyone is being gathered on the beaches where benches and tables have been set up, interspersed with brazeris to ensure nobody get too cold while they watch the festivities. Servants of Thrax circulate with hot beverages and snacks, others tending the braziers with wood and coal. Vega Thrax once more seems to be at the forefront, moving about here and there, checking on the holes that have been cut out of the ice that covers the water, making sure no one person stays out on the ice for too long before being able to 'swap out' with another to keep the potential of frostbite down. There are thick blankets folded up on the ice near the fishing holes where the contestants can sit or kneel without being directly on the ice, along with buckets for holding catches and poles and nets available for all.

The weighers of the fish are set up somewhat away from the others, giving them ample space to conduct their business, their own braziers and beverages made available to them. Extra buckets and people to run them back and forth are stationed around a larger fire on the beach where the servants are keeping warm when not called into action.

Seeing people gathering and noting the time, Vega steps forward and lifts her hands into the air, a smile on her lips as she raises her voice to call out, "Welcome one and all to our second day of the Snowy Sea Tournament! Today is the ice fishing competition! Each contestant will have one hour to fish to their heart's content, using poles, nets, or even their bare hands! Each fish will be weighed by our crack team of fishermen to my right, the one with the largest haul of fish wins! The winner will receive a belt to showcase their prowess, and of course, at the end of the Tournament will be the grand ball to celebrate! So everyone cheer your favorites, enjoy our hospitality, and lets get started!" She motions for the fishers to step forward and find their hole, calling out, "Fishers, take your places! Also, don't forget, all fish caught today can be donated to the soup kitchens in the Lowers, to see families are fed!"

Rukhnis checked perception at difficulty 20, rolling 1 higher.

Dion checked perception at difficulty 20, rolling 6 lower.

Rukhnis has rolled a critical success!
Rukhnis checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 8 higher.

Rukhnis checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 3 lower.

Rukhnis checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 5 lower.

Rukhnis checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 1 higher.

Rukhnis checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 5 lower.

Merek has come with his black wool attire on, meant for the weather. He has come with his pole while he looks for some bait, then he settles at the line at the river where others are, taking his time to offer his cloak to Meeka to carry for him. He settles on te blanket. His Eurusi scarf is shifted about his lower face, and he's taking his time to wait for the call to fish also.

Rukhnis comes down the strand through the snow, cloak drawn loosely around her against the wind, feet crunching quietly on snow and sand alike. She pauses as she reaches the edge of the small group of people gathered at one end of the beach, glancing around with a look of intent curiosity. After a moment of serious consideration she makes her way over to a particularly solid looking patch of ice, which she eyes warily.

Dion strolls out onto the beach, following the tracks that have surely formed an easily follow-able path. He's brought his own pole with a cloth bag tied to one end, hobo style, which weighs enough to bend the wood into a curve and a three legged stool tucked under his other arm. He arrives just in time to hear the princess make her announcement and gives a respectful nod and smile as he filters out onot the ice with the rest of the prospective fishers.

Raimon steps out onto the ice, a small scowl on his face. Not that it is any different from the way his normal face looks. He selects a net for his fishing option and makes his way to a fishing hole. He takes a moment to stare down in it, as if threatening the fish based on his gaze along before crouching over the hole and slipping his net into the water.

Quintin has emerged from whatever tree fort the Ashfords have and ventured down to the beach. He lacks any kind of fishing equipment, and glances about in the hopes of spying some spare equipment. He nods to Dion, recalling the man from a chance meeting not long ago. Merek is also nodded at.

Monique's arms have somewhat recovered from the last event, at least enough that she's here for the next, ready to catch the fish. The dragonweep has been left at home for today's event, in favor of a pair of simple breeches and thick tunic, wrapped by a plain black cloak. Her hair has been pinned up and she flexes, ready to catch fish when Vega announces it, a bright smile on her face

With Sir Floppington beside her, Scout Rowenova shows up. She brings along a fishing pole of sanded cedar on her right shoulder and a horse blanket with Northern designs upon her left shoulder. Her wolf pelt is kept down over her concealed visage which seems to be what she does these days, and who knows whatever else she might have brought along via Messenger Bag, Map Case, and skirt pockets. After scanning out through the eye sockets of her wolf pelt, that Halfshav servant picks out a promising spot where she quietly prepares.

Quintin checked perception at difficulty 20, rolling 1 lower.

Quintin checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 1 lower.

Quintin checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 5 higher.

Quintin checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 2 lower.

Quintin checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 6 higher.

Quintin checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 0 higher.

Like Quintin, Rukhnis hasn't brought either a net or a pole, which she seems to realize must have been the proper thing to do as she glances around at everyone else. One gets the feeling that fishing is not a thing that has figured extensively in her life experience up to this point. She frowns dubiously at the hole in the ice nearby, then down at her hands, then over at the hole again. Finally she just gives a small shrug and kneels down gingerly on the ice, eyes fixed intently on the patch of water cut open there.

Quintin paces out onto the ice, sparing a sidelong glance at Rukhnis. "Are you... are you using your hands?" he asks her, his brow furrowing. "I guess I'm doing that, too. This seems like a very bad idea." He shuffle-skates further out onto the ice, finding his own hole to peer into. A very bad idea indeed.

The very short three legged stool Dion brought along is plunked down on the ice and he settles in with his pole over his legs. He gives an amiable upnod across at Quintin as he notices him on the way out onto the ice, then has a look about at his competition. He smiles lazily at all and sundry during the survey, and the expression lingers as he unties his bag and sets it, open, on the ice next to him. It's piled high with random bits of... things. Food? Meat scraps? A dinner roll? A dead pigeon? Hopefully it's bait and not a snack. Hearing a snippet of conversation, he raises a brow, "Don't use your hands, your fingers will turn black and fall off. Fish might nibble on them though, but they'll be hard to catch then." With no fingers. He curls his up and demonstrates, pantomiming how flipping hard it would be to keep hold of a wriggly fish with no fingers.

Hosting duties done for the moment, Vega heads towards the spectators area to get herself a mug of hot cocoa to sip on while she watches the competitors fish. A smile for her husband, perhaps a silent chuckle over his grumbling about the cold and ice, then she's looking to the next down the line, and the ones after. Those braves souls using their hands get a cheer of encouragement fromt he Thraxian Princess.

Carita's wrapped in dark furs today, and sticking close to the Princesses of Thrax, her gloved hands held out to warm over the brazier nearby. Her dress occasionally makes it's golden appearance, but there's not much of that thanks to the weight of her jacket. There's a warm smile lighting her face as she watches those participating, accepting some warmed spiced wine to sip.

"I am," Rukhnis confirms placidly to Quintin, not really sounding overly troubled by the idea of this now that she's committed herself to the course. Even Dion's words don't seem to give her any pause. As Quintin shuffles off to his own hole, she watches the water for a time, headed canted slightly to one side, gaze penetrating. She extends one arm very slowly and carefully, hovering her hand just over the surface of the water. And then... that's it. She kneels there, perfectly still, and waits.

Arik arrives a smidge after the start and looks out over those just beginning their fishing enterprises, one of whom is Rowenova. The young scout gets a call from the Halfshav Lord, "Get first and I'll bump your stipend, Row." and then with a wolfish smirk he grabs a drink before approaching the trio of hosts with a pause to bow and a low rumble of a voice, "High Lady, Princess, Countessa." he greets in turn with a little lift of his mug of hot cider.

"I don't have fishing gear," Quintin tells Dion, a touch on the mournful side. He glances toward the beach, and the braziers, and the warmth that is there. Still... he's out here, so he crouches down on the ice and tugs on the straps of his leather gauntlets to tighten them.

Raimon appears to take some time as he puzzles out how best to use the net. The new Prince apparently hasn't spent much time fishing before. He eventually manages to puzzle it up after several more dark scowls and deep grumbling as he works. Though he does have to shed his gauntlets so that his fingers can work better. Which only causes him to grumble quietly more at the cold

Looking to the fiery-headed lord approaching, Vega offers a warm smile, "My lord. Thank you for joining us. Are you sure you don't want to test your mettle on the ice? There's a belt for first prize." She sips on her cocoa again, then calls out to those on the ice, "We have spare poles and nets for anyone that wishes to use them! Nobody is required to use their hands!" Just in case anyone might want to reconsider the use of hands for catching fish in freezing water.

Nova lays out her horse blanket upon the ice before the chosen opening in it, and then she turns away and respectfully bows Arik's way. She hops back up to her full height once more and calls back across the ice, "Thank you, My Lord. Aye, I will do my absolute best!" Then, she turns back and focuses completely upon the fishing task after settling down upon her knees atop the blanket. Bringing out a colorfully-painted lure with several hooks spaced around it, plus special Alchemy likely infused into it, Nova sets up her fishing pole before dunking the line, lure, and sinkers into the 'drink'. Sir Floppington pads forth toward Lord Arik after the stipend talk, happily wagging his tail.

"I can't bear to witness this." Dion says with genuine sounding concern, "Come here, and you too." He beckons Quintin and Rukhnis over to his hole, "We'll take turns. Come on." Then Vega is saying there's spare poles and he looks relieved, "Or there, go get a proper pole, I'll show you which end goes where if you're confused."

Quintin glances between Rukhnis and Dion, then over at Vega when she makes her announcement. "I'm a getting a pole," he announces. He asks Rukhnis, "Would you like me to grab one for you, too, since I'm heading over anyway?"

Merek takes up his pole to put it into the water, while he nods a bit also to the others that are there while he does as well. He smiles also a bit. A wave also to Rukh.

Rukhnis doesn't look Dion's way, or reply, or in fact do anything to show that she's heard his offer at all. She's too intent on the water. Quintin, being closer, does get a response: a fractional shake of the head. She is clearly fishing with her hands, and damn the consequences.

Quintin checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Quintin checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 5 higher.

Quintin checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 2 lower.

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

Quintin checked luck at difficulty 7, rolling 1 higher.

Dion lets out a breath when Rukhnis seems to want to persist with what she's doing there, as fatherly types do when kids be doing something wreckless. He's going to mind his business, and bait his hook with what looks to be a lumpy cheese curd. When it's on there good, he gives a satisfied little nod and bloop, into the water it goes. He huddles in and waits, glancing occasionally over at the woman sure to lose her fingers to frostbite eventually. Probably.

Quintin nods to Rukhnis - okay - and skate-slides over to the spare gear. He rummages around among the poles and realizes he has no idea what makes for a good one. So he just grabs one at random and heads back to his hole. If nothing else, boot-skating on the ice is kind of fun. Spying Dion actually baiting his hook, Quintin unslings his backpack and roots around. Out comes an apple, and a knife.

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist arrives, following Rysen.

Time drags on by. Rukhnis doesn't seem to care. She also doesn't seem to care that other people have actual fishing gear or bait, or that the wind is cold out on the ice, or that the ice itself must have a very penetrating chill even through her leggings. She waits. The way she does makes it look as if she could keep waiting all the way through the year and be found here in the exact same position next winter, if the ice weren't going to be a sissy and give up and melt first.

Eventually, Raimon has some success. He drags his net in and inside is a flailing fish. Of a decent size too. The man gives a simple nod, tossing the beast onto the ice next to him and casts his net back into the water.

Nova pulls one fish then another which are both hefty before giving them the quick tap which knocks them unconscious before they are put into the bucket. Then, the third fish she pulls actually causes her to let out a little groan due to the wiggling weight of it. It is not quite the 42 pounder which was fished up during the People's tournament, but it is 4 pounds shy of that much and definitely looks rather tasty! After punching its lights out, it will not really fit in the bucket with the others, so she lays it alongside her on the horse blanket for now. More fishing ensues with that cedar pole and its colorful lure!

Arriving late, and wrapped warmly in his black mantle trimmed with fox fur, Rysen comes out to the shore with Lygeia beside him, and grins to find Rukhnis waiting with her unnerving patience. His grey eyes scan those who are fishing with interest, curious as to who may end up with the greatest catches.

Merek keeps up with the fishing, seeming to pick up more fish than should be possible in certain time frames. It takes anywhere from three to five minutes sometimes even not that much for him to bring in his fish while he does so also.

Quintin sticks a slice of apple onto his hook and lowers it into the water. Then he stands there, trying to hold still and waiting. And waiting. And waiting. He catches a fish, and then another. Small fish, but still fish. His third attempt, he loses his bait. He takes a moment then to crouch by the hole and peer into the water with a furrowed brow.

As the contestants fish, servants will come around occasionally to check buckets and take fish back for weighing. Vega will make her way over to the fishermens table after a small hourglass tells her thirty minutes have passed, conferring with the men and women there before carrying a small slip of paper out to the middle of the beach. Lifting her hands up once more, she calls out, "Half of our allotted time has passed and the judges tell me that right now we have Sir Merek in first, with just a slight lead over Scout Rowenova, and Lord Quintin is nipping at both their heels in third! Contestants, don't give up, a lot can change in thirty minutes!" She drops her hands, applauding the contestants all before heading back to where Carita and Alarissa stand near one of the braziers.

Where Rukhnis is, nothing at all seems to be happening. She's still kneeling there with one hand poised over the hole in the ice, almost as still as if she were carved out of ice herself. Rysen gets not a glance. Other catches don't make her bat an eyelash. The water itself looks absolutely still and dark and uninteresting. But then Rukhnis's eyes narrow a little, and her gaze sharpens still more. Has she spotted something? Is something actually going to happen?? ...... No, it isn't. More time drags by, and she's still as unmoving as ever. Oh well.

The roll wasn't bait, it was for Dion, he tears off the bottom crust and drops that into the hole in favor of chewing absently on what remains. He hasn't caught a thing, but doesn't look the least bit upset, more like he's prepared to make permanent camp and just be fishing there, sat on his little stool, until the ice breaks up and he floats to the Saffron Isles... still waiting for a nibble. In fact, he may actually have nodded off.

Quintin seems surprised he's in the top three. His stern eyebrows go up; he blinks, and slices off another bit of apple and jams his hook through it to lower it once again into the hole in the ice. His toes are cold, but he resists the urge to move.

Rysen turns from Rukhnis's unbelievably uninteresting and ascetic vigil to see Quintin finding some success, and Merek pulling up fish after fish. He smiles, and then makes his way over to the brightly burning brazier, offering a reverent bow to Alarissa, and coming to stand beside Carita.

Benny The Beaver arrives, delivering a message to Rysen before departing.

The water in the hole still looks as still as ever, but then-- suddenly Rukhnis bursts into motion, her hand swiftly thrusting downward into the water, and in the blink of an eye, there's a decent-sized fish scooped up and tossed out onto the ice. It flops with great vigour and alarm for several moments, mouth opening and closing, and another, smaller fish falls from its gape. Two fish in one! .. even if the second one is more like a minnow. Rukhnis snatches up the larger fish, dealing it a quick blow against the ice, and it ceases all movement. The little fish she sweeps back into the water, letting it go free.

There's a familiar hand lifted to Rysen at his arrival, similarly bundled in black, her attention is quick to shift back to her fellow party goers and hostesses. "Would it be rude as a hostess to cheer for Rowenova? I would, if I wasn't a hostess, but I am." She clears her throat, picking a speck of lint from her furs, "So I won't." As Rysen settles nearby she shines her smile his way. "Not fishing today, Lord Rysen?"

Merek seems content, then he catches a fish which is nice sized compared to most. He then works to find more fish, same amount, he keeps on with that. He's pulling more fish than anyone has a right to in this competition, to the point that one might think the fish come to him.

When she hears her name, Nova peeks up through the eye holes on the wolf pelt before getting back to her focused fishing, drawing up hefty catches, but not really enough to outdo Merek who comes up with more fish than she can catch!

Alarissa dips her head to Rysen when he bows, having conversed with Carita, keeping an eye on things as one of the hosts and otherwise buried under her furs, seasilk and messengers coming and going. There's a glance to Dion's way then a call out to Vega. "Have they fallen asleep?"

Quintin pulls in some more fish; he's plugging away, third place but nothing too special. He's concentrating on his own fishing hole and not paying much attention to the others. Then there's a jerk on his line, and he has to dig his heels into the ice. A battle commences between him and a big fish. He has very little idea what he's doing. Beginner's luck?

Rukhnis frowns a little at the fish she's snatched, a faint look of regret crossing her face even as she regards it with curious interest. Using a fold of her cloak she wipes the cold water from her hand, and after letting it warm up there in the woollen fabric for a time, she slides back up to the edge of the hole, extends her arm, and resumes her fish-vigil.

"Via proxy," replies Rysen to Carita, with a grin, "though it seems my poor retainer isn't having much luck." His gaze shifts to Rukhnis, and then back to Carita. "She may yet snatch some huge leviathan from the depths, though I fear it could drag her away, as she is far to stub... tenacious to ever let go of something she's after." A messenger arrives then, and hands Rysen a note. He reads it, and then says to Alarissa and Carita, "I'm sorry to leave so soon. I shall have to hear from Rukhnis how things turn out." He bows and begins to trudge back towards the gate.

Arik notes Sir Floppington approaching with the wagging tail and reaches out a hand to flop those floppy ears about as he nods to the trio he'd approach. With a low rumble for Vega, "Thank you Princess but I'll let my Scout participate for me." before nodding to Rysen in an aside.

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist leaves, following Rysen.

Vega blinks at Alarissa's question, looking out towards the ice and Dion's very comfortable looking self on his stool. "I.. am not sure. I will go check on him." She offers a nod to the departing Rysen before smiling towards Arik, "Of course, my lord. By all accounts she's doing quite well. Already won the first event and she was close behind Sir Merek at last counting. If you will excuse me for a moment." And Vega gathers up a mug of hot cider and carefully makes her way out onto the ice to go check on Dion and make sure the poor man hasn't fallen asleep at the fishing hole! She approaches and calls out, "Lord Navegeant? Here, a mug of hot cider to help chase away the chill."

Quintin hauls in a big fish, rather inexpertly. So inexpertly, in fact, that he winds up splashed with cold, cold, COLD water and hugging the fish to his body, blinking, like the smelliest teddy bear.

Rukhnis's watch doesn't last as long this time, as in hardly any time at all she's darted out her hand and flipped up another fish. Unfotunately, it's very small. And suspiciously familiar looking. In fact, it looks like /the exact same fish/ she just put back in the water a few minutes ago. Giving it a flat look, she dumps it back into the ice hole once again and makes a shooing motion at the surface of the water. Luckily she's too far away from Rysen, and too intent on her fishing, to have heard anything he just said.

Dion is pacing himself, that's all. He needs his eyes rested. He doesn't much stir until Vega addresses him, which illicits a gentle laugh, "Lord Navegant? I thought you were calling to my father, which would be spooky, I suppose. Dion will suffice, Your Highness." Being something of a gentleman he rises politely to stand there next to his comfy little stool and give a creaky bow. "Thank you." He'll say at the offer of hot cider, before patting at something that sounds tinny beneath his cloak, "You're welcome to my rum. If you're feeling a bit chilled yourself."

Arik takes another long drink from his hot cider while flopping the soulful hounds ears about and watching the fishing on going. There is a puff of fogged breath from his lips before he looks aside at Carita near the brazier and wonders, "How has your sister been doing, Lady Azova, I have not seen her in quite some time and your the newer whisper you took under your wing... Her name was Maja, yes?"

Quintin lays the big fish down on the ice by the hole - not too close, because it's a slippery thing and he doesn't want it falling back in - and slices off another piece of apple for bait. Is it working? Maybe. He makes a couple more catches, though nothing as impressive as the last.

Maybe there's a school of fish passing by below the surface of the ice; maybe they're part of the mob that seems intent on reaching either Merek or Rowenova and flinging themselves onto the hooks of those two. Whatever it is, Rukhnis's initial round of waiting seems to have paid off, and she manages to spy and scoop up two more fish with only brief watchful pauses in between. Neither of them is particularly large, and however skillful her technique, the scooping motion also results in a fair amount of splashing which has left her a bit wet. Despite these things, Rukhnis looks subtly pleased with her success, though as she brings up the fifth fish she seems quite content to leave it at that. She drops her three remaining fish in a bucket and brings them back over to dry land, not appearing to care whether they get weighed or not -- it's obvious already that her catch has nothing on that of everyone else.

"Dion, then. You are quite welcome. How are the fish biting for you, my lord?" Vega can't seem to bring herself out of the etiquette she was raised with, though she tries to at least use his name, smiling. The offer of rum has her smile widening though she ultimately shakes her head, "Thank you, no. Rum has not been being kind to me lately. And I left a mug of hot cocoa back on the beach." She gives him a careful half-curtsy before murmuring, "I only wished to see how you fared and offer you something to help warm you in the cold. Otherwise I shall leave you to your fish and I will see you on the beach soon enough, yes?"

Merek keeps reeling in fish, while he takes a drink of some whiskey also, it's a party with these fish.

"Mistress Ruhknis." Alarissa speaks up as the woman passes with the bucket. "I admire your fortitude. How has your arm not fallen off. I dare let one arm emerge from my cloak and it would fall off and yet you were arm deep in the water."

Quintin tugs his scarf up over the lower half of his face in an attempt to keep it better protected from the cold. No more twitches from his line, however. He shifts his weight from foot to foot.

Carita looks distracted a moment, then smiles Arik's way, "Oh, she's doing well. Busy-busy as ever. She's doing wonderfully though. You really should reach out to her, she was a real fan of yours and Lord Mirk's." She pulls her coat around herself tighter. "Or have you already and I didn't hear about it?"

"I fare well thank you, I'm just biding my time." Dion assures the princess though there's a hint of a smile there to suggest he knows he's having a no luck day when it comes to the fishing. He doesn't even seem to care. "You get back to your hot chocolate then, and I'll surely see you on the beach. I'm sure I heard Princess Alarissa's voice. I do have to pay my respects yet." A bob of his head is offered politely and he'll wait until Vega's well on her way before he even thinks of sitting down to his fishing again.

Rukhnis pauses to bow to Alarissa, saying politely, "Your Highness. It is not such a great feat, I am sure. Anyone might do the same, if they were patient enough. And possibly foolish. I thank you for your efforts in staging this affair." With a very courteous inclination of her head, she continues on her way to the fish weighers, where she drops off her bucket and then makes her way over to the braziers and a nice steaming mug of hot chocolate.

Carita says, "Mistress Ruhknis, was it?" Carita asks, offering a hand toward the other woman, warmly. "I'm Countess Carita Darkwater, I don't think I've had the pleasure before today. Thank you for coming to the event, did you enjoy yourself?""

Vega smiles at Dion and bobs her head into a nod, departing for the beach so as not to waste anymore of the lord's time to fish. When she rejoins Alarissa nd Carita, there's a smile on her lips and she murmurs, "Were I not already wed to a good man, I might get my head turned by that Lord Navegant. He is charming and polite and that silver hair is quite fetching on him." Retaking her cocoa, she sips gratefully from the mug and smiles towards Rukhnis, "You are a wonder, Mistress Rukhnis. Nearly a full hour of bare-handed ice fishing. I do not believe I've seen the like before."

"I haven't, reached out to her. Then again I haven't been out and about the city to much so this is the first I've looked into how she was doing or if she was still even in Arx or mayhap off on some Mercy trip." Arik explains to Carita before noting Ruhknis approaching the brazier and taking a big gulp of cider. "I've always believed in cold hearts, but iceblood isn't something I ever thought possibole." he remarks to Ruhknis before nodding politely to Alarissa and Vega again.

Quintin feels a tug on his line and starts to trying to pull the fish up. He staggers back a step as the line abruptly snaps. That seems like a good time to stop, and so he slings his bag back over his shoulder and takes his latest few catches over to be weighed.

Rukhnis bows and extends her hand to Carita in return, after a brief hesitation -- perhaps she's not accustomed to this style of greeting, or maybe she's only reluctant to inflict the touch of her cold and clammy hand on someone else. Having completed this courtesy, she replies formally, "Lady Carita Darkwater, I greet you. It honours me to make your acquaintance." Looking thoughtful for a moment, she answers, "It was quite interesting. I have never fished before, and I enjoyed the experience, and seeing the fish themselves." She shrugs a little at the remarks of Vega and Arik, looking unused to being remarked upon in any way at all, and says again, "It was only patience, and nothing more."

"Lord Halfshav, I thoroughly believe there are some ice blooded individuals out in the compact and outside of it." Alarissa shakes her head, taking up a mug of hot chocolate that's brought to her by MAxene. "Navegants, there's very few I don't like. I confess I do not think I have met Lord Dion though."

Dion settles in again, much as before, nearly motionless and huddled under his cloak. The difference now really is that he has a mug of cider balanced on his knee which he lifts periodically for a drink. A few minutes in, he brings in his line and baits the hook again with something new from his bag of curious scraps. This looks more of ham than anything. Down it goes into the frigid water, and he returns to his silent, unworried vigil. Shortly after there's a tug, and he's at least caught something. The now empty mug is set behind him so it won't be lost or broken, and begins to pull in his catch. When it's up and out on the ice, he grabs it firmly and frees it from the hook. "Not today, little one. Maybe when you're all grown." He says to the gasping, wriggling thing before letting it slip back into the hole. He repeats the process several times after that, releasing each and ever fish he catches, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of the tournament, but they weren't very large.

Sir Floppington absolutely adores the ear attention from Lord Arik, and thus the soulful hound looks up with those expressive eyes whilst leaning heavily against the Halfshav lord. Meanwhile, the Halfshav Scout fishes away, doing rather well, indeed, but maybe not well enough to actually win this one. However, Nova does not give up, still doing her very best. Even though the wintery breeze blows past, ruffling up wolf fur around her, she sits still, never shivering which helps because... less motion equates to scaring fish less, right?

Quintin collects a mug of hot chocolate and heads over toward the spectators with it, taking a grateful sip. He smells like fish. It's not pleasant.

As the hour winds down to an end, Vega steps away from the brazier and the small group of observers to head over to the weighing table. After conferring with the judges for a few moments, she steps away with a smile. Heading out to the middle of the beach, the Thrax Princess lifts her hands to gain everyone's attention and calls out, "Time is up! Contestants, please come in off the ice and we will find out our winners in a few short moments!"

"Well your patience should be commended." Arik conveys to Rukhnis in a matter-of-fact tone before finishing the last of his warmed cider and handing off the mug to some passing servant. "Princess-Consort, it's been quite awhile since we last spoke. I heard about your pilgrimage on the mainland. If you did not stop by Cascade Springs you may wish to consider it should you take another. The Great Northern Shrine to Mangata is there and quite a sight now that there's a proper town around it too."

Merek stands up, while he packs his fish to bring it to the front for check-in, while he takes his cloak to pull it back about him also.

Scout Rowenova pulls out the fishing line and cuts off the colorful lure before packing away the smaller items. She carefully arranges the unconscious fish from the nearby buckets onto the horse blanket before using it as a temp sled which she drags forth across the snowy ice, doing so with more weight than the wiry lass actually weighs being hauled behind her. She finally arrives for the judge party to weigh up the fine catches, all but one over 20 pounds.

Rukhnis gives Arik an acknowledging bow of thanks for the brisk compliment, and then turns her attention over to Vega and the weighing of the fish that's about to begin. Wrapping both hands tightly around her mug as she takes a long sip of the hot drink, she huddles into her cloak a bit, looking a little chilled now that she's not focused on fishing any longer. Her eyebrows do lift at the sigh of Rowenova's and Merek's fish, regular leviathans compared to her runty catch.

"Alas, the north was not on the agenda, save to journey to Three rivers to bring the bodies of the fallen faithful to Sanctum for proper burial. But I am sure that the next time I should find myself in need of making pilgrimage or feel moved to do so, perhaps I will journey through the north. I would suggest pilgrimage to anyone in truth. It is humbling, eye opening and the kindness shown was exemplary. I learne dto braid my own hair and I assure you that I make excellent bricks from the ingredients for bread." Alarissa smiles to Arik,

With Vega calling time's up, Dion finds himself just as fishless as when he began, but he's still smiling as he gathers up all his things. The bait bag is knotted and hung from the end of his pole again, the stool tucked under his arm and the mug hung by the handle on a hooked finger. Laiden, he sets off across the ice and back onto the beach to hang back to the side to watch the other fishers present their catches and earn their accolades.

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Raimon.

Quintin sips his hot chocolate, offering quick smiles to Alarissa, Arik, and Carita. He also seems to realize he smells kind of fishy, and so sidles away several steps.

Looking around to make sure all the fishers have come in off the ice, Vega gives a nod and waits for a few moments while the weighers tally up the hauls of fish! In the end, a woman brings her a piece of paper that has the princess chuckling lightly. Nodding, she tucks the paper away and smiles towards the group, "First, I would like to thank all of our fishers! You all did an amazing job, and we greatly appreciate your coming out to join us today! And thanks to the observers for cheering on our fishermen! Thank you to our professionals for weighing and tallying all the fish! And finally, thanks to Thrax and Darkwater for providing the refreshments, the braziers, and the prize!" Now on to the good part.

Vega smiles broadly and calls out, "In third place, with 99 pounds worth of fish... Lord Quintin Ashford! Congratulations my lord, it would seem hugging a fish was good luck for you!" She pauses for a breath before lifting her voice once more, "In second place, with an amazing 197 pounds of fish... Scout Rowenova! That lure of yours certainly seemed to draw in some monsters of the deep today!" Another brief pause and Vega smiles broadly, "And finally, our winner for today, with an amazing 16 fish and a total of 231 pounds... Sir Merek Black! Sir, your fish-calling abilities are to be envied by fishermen throughout Arvum! Congratulations to our winners and we hope to see you all at the next event, two days hence! An obstacle course for those sailors that want to test their prowess in the snow!"

A burly Thrax servant steps forward to hand Vega a well-crafted belt proclaiming Merek a Snowy Seas Champion, which she in turn hands over to Merek with a smile, "My congratulations, Sir Merek."

Dion is overheard praising Vega.

Dion is overheard praising Alarissa.

Dion is overheard praising Carita.

Merek claps for all the winners, then he makes to take the belt, which he holds up. "Thank you!" he offers to the people running it all, and to others also. He then speaks to Vega, "I'll be donating all the fish save for one for tonight's meal to the poor," he adds, while he offers a bow to all also.

Quintin would have to set his hot chocolate aside to applaud the others. He does so, clapping for Rowenova and Merek and calling, "Well done! Congratulations!" Then he scoops up his hot chocolate again, desperate for more of its warmth.

Merek is overheard praising Rowenova: Good fishing!

Merek is overheard praising Quintin: Good fishing!

Merek is overheard praising Rukhnis: Good fishing!

Merek is overheard praising Vega: Wonderful host!

Merek is overheard praising Alarissa: Wonderful host!

Arik applauds the finalists even while remarking to Alarissa, "I'll keep that in mind, though I did escort Legate Bianca and a tour of all the libraries to Vellichor in the northlands some two years ago. Not quite a prilgrimage, but mayhap enough to tide me over for another eight years."

Raimon nods his head slightly as the winners are listed off. It would seem that fishing is not in the Soldier's future. He shakes his hands clean before slipping his gauntlets back on as he makes his way over towards Vega

Rukhnis gives a nod of congratulations and recognition to the three, frowning thoughtfully as she looks over the spread of fish. Finally she nods again, more to herself this time, and looking faintly approving of fish, fisherpersons, and the event in general.

After hearing out how she ultimately placed, the Halfshav scout quickly bows, nabs back her horse blanket, then pops up to her full height as she rolls up the aforementioned blanket. "Good fishing. Well done." says she to all those who recently participated. "Thank you!" says she to Quintin. To Merek there, "You are gonna wear your belt yeah?" She trots off toward where Sir Flop and Lord Arik are. "Not good enough for a stipend raise but still pretty good!" Upon arrival, she back pats Sir Floppers a few times.

Carita listens to Rowenova, smoothing her hands over the fur of her coat as she leans to speak low to Arik. Her brows furrow at his quiet reply as she nods, her smile curling. "Thank you, Lord Arik."

With Raimon's approach, Vega gladly huddles up in front of her husband, leaning back against him and walking him towards one of the braziers to help him get warmed. A servant is called over and quickly enough, hot mulled wine is brought for the Prince to drink. She turns a smile up towards him and murmurs, "You did well for a man who's professed to never have fished before."

"Good man." Dion congratulates Merek, offering the bescarfed fellow a subdued smile as the results are given and he's given the belt. He turns from there to stride up to the brazier and the folks gathered there. It's more Alarissa that he singles out for a proper bow, "Pardon the intrusion, but I couldn't think of leaving without wishing you well first, Your Highness." To the rest, he adds a congenial; "My lords, my ladies."

Arik gets Spirit Wolf Mask from a dual sword belt of rich black leather fastened with a wolf's head buckle.

"What place did you come in, Prince Raimon?" Carita asks softly, her head tilted as she watches the sweetness between husband and wife. She spays her hands out as she hovers them over the heat of the brazier.

"Lord Dion. I heard you came in with nearly no fish at all." Alarissa dips her head in turn to him. "They seemed to slip right through your fingers." She smiles brightly to the Navegant. "How are the springs? I'll have to stop by soon enough."

Arik dips his head to Carita before remarking to Rowenova in a familiar tone, "Still you did win that rowing challenge didn't you?" He sniffs quietly and uses his free hand to stroke a formidable beard before pulling a red and white molded mask from his beltpouch and offering it out to the young woman as a reward, "Something to wear when a headress isn't appropriate, congratulations on two excellent showings."

Allowing his wife to lead him along, Raimon leans slightly against Vega, gratefully taking the cup of mulled wine and drinking it down. Looking towards Carita. "I came in sixth I'm afraid. Not the best showing for myself. But as My Lady Wife says, I have not fished before."

Rowenova slides up to the brazier, hanging out next to Carita and doing the silent scout watching thing until Arik addresses her, then Nova turns his way and perks up as far as her visible body language goes. "Yes, My Lord, I did." Dropping the rolled blanket, she reaches out her ringed hands and takes up the offered mask she preciously regards. "Thank you, My Lord. This means a lot to me." The tone of her quieted, well-enunciated voice might suggest the young Northerner is actually smiling.

"Not a one, unfortunately. I hope the orphans will accept a gift of silver instead." Dion says with not entirely genuine disappointment over his poor catch and defective fingers. A quick smile is offered, "It's lovely to see you hearty and hale, Your Highness and any excuse to fish, really. Give my best to the family." He gives a bow and dismisses himself so as to not intrude more than he already has, he off then like a herd of turtles. Fitting really, for a Navegant.

Gulping down the last of her chocolate, Rukhnis sets the empty mug aside and draws her cloak more tightly around herself. Her gaze passes aimlessly across the crowd as she listens to the drift of conversation for a time, a faintly pensive look on her face. Before long she winds up at the edge of the crowd by subtle edgewise movements, almost as if by chance, and from there slips unobtrusively off down the beach.

Quintin finishes his hot chocolate, bows to Vega and Alarissa, and then takes his smelly self somewhere nice for a bath. Hopefully. A warm bath.

Vega smiles after the exiting folk, then tipping her head back to murmur something to her husband, a small smile playing around her lips. In the end, she kisses his cheek then nods to Carita, "I am quite proud of how well my husband has been doing in our events despite not being trained in any of these particular activities." Her smile warms as she sips on her hot cocoa.

"I have faith he'll shine like a diamond in the night sky come the ship battle." Alarissa murmurs into her drink, a dip of her head to quintin. "I should go see to the fish being migrated to the lowers, the soup kitchen will enjoy the donations I am sure."