It's a lovely spring afternoon and the doors of the Gilded Page are thrown open to the fresh breeze and the cool sunshine, sweeping the smell of old books outside and enticing people into the library. The library has a small crowd already, seated in the seats facing the small stage, milling about in anticipation of today's event. Lady Monique is there, mingling, offering challengers hints on how best to beat her game and gain a Silver Thorn. Attendants circulate with drinks, though they do so well away from the books.

Etienne makes his way to a chair near the stage, draped in umbra and gold the pale haired man plucks a small book from some fold or another, easily finding the page he is seeking and settles himself in. Reading from the page for a moment he begins to speak without looking up, "We're to start today with a contest of oratory prowess, along the theme of faith and its many ideals, those wishing to participate may espouse about any topic in those veins. The point of which will be to sway opinions, changing minds and hearts to your premise the prize being a golden thorn." he clears his throat. "Well, that was quite dry. Who is first?"

Rikako enters the library, her eyes going huge as she sees the book-filled rooms all around. Quietly she sits near the stage to watch.

Although she's been present, Zara has yet to sit: the library itself has caught her attention first, and she's returning now to take a drink from one of the attendants. She sets her path to cross Monique's, and as she dips her head in greeting, there's a tease in the way she says, "Lady Monique, a pleasure to see you again. It's been so long." It takes her a moment to realize that when Etienne speaks, he must be giving _instruction_. "Ah -- well, excuse me," she says, brushing a hand down her skirts to set them straight before moving forward.

Zara has joined the line.

Quintin finishes wiping his fingertips with a handkerchief as he steps inside the Gilded Page; he settles into a seat. Apparently he's not lining up for an attempt to give a sermon, but he's quite interested in seeing those who are.

Cahal makes himself a part of that small crowd of people, talking to anyone that looks like they might appreciate the company and generally being sociable. He grins when spotting Zara but heads for a drink and the safety of one of the couches rather than getting in line.

Turn in line: Zara

It might be the Tournament of Thorns qualifiers that brings her here, but Nisaa is dressed in an aeterna gown adorned with embroidered roses with shoes to match. If anyone were to get close enough to the Whisper, they would smell the soft floral scent as well. She walks in, looking around curiously before heading towards the stage, where people seem to be gathering. It seems the event will get right to things, so she does not waste time trying to mingle or browse. Standing, gazing towards the stage wide-eyed as Etienne speaks, her lips pursing in a small 'o' of surprise.

Zara checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 7 lower.

Monique laughs warmly at Zara's quip, and nods. "I've missed you terribly, Your Highness." And she steps aside to allow the Princess Valardin to make her way to the stage. Emerald eyes land upon Quintin, nodding in acknowledgment. "No apple?" she asks with a teasing grin. There are nods given both to Cahal and Nisaa at their entrance, paired with waves of greeting.

There are familiar faces -- familiar_ish_, anyway, and friendly! -- in those gathered, and yet, when Zara steps up....

Well, let's just say it's a sad day for the Valardin.

Whatever fluster might lead to her fumble, Zara's far from eloquent in her persuasion. Her points of theology are not nearly as eloquent as her words want them to be. She's too dignified to flee, but there's rue in the curve of her expression as she sits again. "I think I just felt my theology tutor gray," she murmurs to Cahal as she passes him.

"Already ate it," Quintin tells Monique amiably. He offers a nod to Nisaa and Cahal both and settles in to listen to Zara. Almost immediately, his brow furrows, but he schools his expression back to neutrality.

Cahal does what he can to follow along with Zara's arguments, a slight furrow marring his brow on occasion. But when she's done and she's talking about her tutor he just smiles at her. "I thought you did quite well. Im not even brave enough to try."

Etienne smiles warmly as Zara weaves her points, nodding with encouragement as each is illustrated. "It is no simple thing, requiring many attempts to get it just right. Even those well practiced often find themselves in circular arguments. A good attempt Princess." he makes a notes in his book before lifting his head again. "Are there to be others? I assure you there is no danger in trying, I've made sure that the trap door under the stage is lined with soft pillows."

Rikako isn't educated in the topic being discussed, so isn't sure if it's the topic or Zara's delivery that was confusing. She giggles at the host promising the trap door was lined with pillows.

Monique laughs at Etienne's quip, and offers her own, "Yes, well, we don't know for certain you haven't placed daggers in the pillows, do we?" She looks around, to see if there are any others brave enough to test their skill. "There's plenty of whiskey, by the way," she adds, lips twitching. "In case you need inspiration."

"You are both very kind," Zara says to Cahal and Etienne both, "but I feel certain I both could and _should_ marshal a better argument." There's a touch of humor in the way she says, "Given that I _was_ just at the Vellichor event to repair one of my old prayerbooks, it's clear I should revisit it."

"I wish I knew where to start." Cahal says apologetically to Etienne. "If I had then I would be up there."

Quintin shakes his head, remarking, "I'm not brave enough to even try. It's not my niche at all, I'm afraid."

Rikako shifts back and forth in her seat, biting on the inside of her lip.

Nisaa has joined the line.

Turn in line: Nisaa

Nisaa checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

The dancer approaches the stage and looks out. Theology is not her usual focus, nor is public speaking. She speaks Arvani well, but there are still nuances to her speech patterns and a heavy Eurusi accent to deal with. Still, she manages to put forth an small monologue on faith; primarily on the concept of the Thirteenth. "So, you are seeing, I hope, that it is important to have the shadows and the light. For without sadness, we would not know the greatest joys. Thank you." She nods then and looks to Etienne.

Etienne claps softly. "Well said, it is clear that you've given this topic some thought, there are many avenues on which to travel with such perspectives. Well done." and with that he reaches into a small chest near his feet and withdraws a golden thorn, presenting it over to Nisaa.

Etienne gets Tournament of Thorns gold thorn from a chest of thorns.

Nisaa smiles brightly to etienne, her verdigris eyes shining with delight. Accepting the thorn, she dips her head. "Thank you. I am looking forward to the competition."

Cahal has joined the line.

"You were very well spoken," Zara says to Nisaa with a dip of her head. She might not have much to compliment in _what_ Nisaa said, but she can compliment _how_ she said it easily. "And, it seems, brave for trying."

Turn in line: Cahal

Cahal moves to his feet. "Actually. I will give it a try. Why not. Whats the worst.." He looks amused. "Dont answer that one."

Nisaa smiles to Zara as well. "I am thanking you. You were bravest, of course, for going first."

Quintin inclines his head to Nisaa, noting, "That was well spoken." He leans back in his seat, watching Cahal with curiosity.

Cahal checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 9 lower.

"Careful, Archlector, or this lovely Whisper might put you out of a job," Monique teases Etienne, applauding for Nisaaa's oration.

"The right of sanctuary has long been a tradition sacred to Petrichor." Cahal starts "And its an important but frustrating tradition for a Lord to keep in mind when dealing with his people. Because, erm, theres a very good example of how it was once broken and the wrath of Petrichor fell upon the offenders." He seems somewhat lost for words and wraps up with a smile and an "And um thats it! Thanks."

"Good luck," Zara says to Cahal as he stands, and in saying so, CLEARLY dooms him. She looks supportive anyway, points for effort!!, as she listens to his ... short presentation.

"As a child in the Greenwood," Monique offers helpfully, "we used to call it the wrath of Petrichor when a bird defecated upon your head. Somehow, I think it's not the same thing."

Etienne continues to smile, it's unflappable, listening to Cahal. "There are a number of ideals that often come into conflict when dealing with such grand matters, their interpretations sometimes bent to satisfy a particular need, it's important to remember their true meaning however inconvenient. Thank you for your speech." he offers.

Cahal chuckles at Monique's response. "Its certainly considered a key factor in King Darius' eventual downfall." He smiles to Etienne. "Thank you for hosting such an interesting contest Archlector."

Etienne puts his little book away, casting a glance to Monique. "I think perhaps the more entertaining of the contests has come. Lady Monique?" he rises from the little chair, making his way toward some refreshment.

Monique's gaze sweeps the room and then she glances to Etienne, grinning. "You got off lucky this time, Blessed Etienne. All right, is there anyone who would like to try their hand at my game? It's two truths and a lie. You'll come up with three statements about yourself, two of which must be true and one which must be false. You'll whisper your lie to Blessed Etienne, my lie-keeper, and then you'll speak all three to me. If I guess wrong, you'll win the silver thorn."

Giggling lightly, Nisaa says to Monique, "oh. I am not thinking he will need to be worrying about that. Unless I can give sermons through dance."

Quintin has joined the line.

This, Quintin gets up for. He's game to try at least. He adjusts the hang of his swordbelt, waits a moment, and, seeing he is the first person, ambles over to Etienne to whisper something.

Turn in line: Quintin

Nisaa has joined the line.

Cahal has joined the line.

Zara has joined the line.

Quintin tells his lie to Etienne, it would seem, and then offers Monique a crooked smile and addresses her. "My three statements are thus." He holds up one finger. "The first: I can hold my breath underwater for a count and one hundred and fifty." He uncurls a second finger to join the first. "The second: I can't whistle." Up pops another finger. "And the third: I once broke my leg." He waggles his fingers with a flourish and crosses his arms across his chest, waiting.

Rikako grins at the two truths and a lie game, studying Monique as she speaks.

Monique waits while Quintin whispers his lie to Etienne, grinning all the while. There's some subtle adjustments of the dragonweep she wears, a smoothing of her hair, and then all her focus, perhaps unnervingly so, is on Quintin. She looks for the telltales of a lie, looks to his teeth, to his leg, to his chest, as if judging the possibility of each statement. "Hm. One hundred and fifty seconds is a long time, but you look capable. And your teeth seem properly spaced. My lord, you seemed to walk just fine when you came in, so I think you did not, in fact, break your leg!"

Quintin smiles brightly. He stamps his right foot on the floor twice, gently. "This boot's made special to make up for how this leg is just a bit shorter."

Defeated, Monique bows her flame-bright head to Quintin. "Very tricky, my lord, I approve." And so saying, the Minx of the Marches fishes out a Silver Thorn, offering it to Quintin. "Congratulations, and welcome to the Tournament of Thorns."

Monique gets Tournament of Thorns silver thorn from a chest of thorns.

Quintin takes the thorn with a quick bow to Monique. "Thank you." With that, he returns to his seat.

Turn in line: Nisaa

Monique gestures to Nisaa next, a smile blossoming on her lips. "Shall we see if you can make it two thorns in a single day, Nisaa Whisper?" she invites, waving the Whisper to Etienne. "Tell the good Archlector your lie, and then I shall make the attempt."

Turn in line: Cahal

Nisaa first approaches Etienne to whisper in his ear before she turns to Monique. Her hands move to her back where she clasps them together behind her and she sets her feet in what might be a dancer's stance, posture straight. "I shall have hope. My statements are being thus: I was once told to dance continuously at a week long festival, but I passed out on the third day. An artist was using my entire body as his personal canvas. And one time, I swallowed a fish whole, on accident." She tries her best to keep her expression even, though at the end her nose does wrinkle slightly.

Monique watches, speculatively, as Nisaa speaks. She catches the little alteration in expression and hrms thoughtfully. There's a moment of silence where the Greenmarch puzzles this out, and then she offers, "I have heard rumors of your prowess in dancing, Nisaa Whisper, and I think your endurance is praise-worthy, but no one could possibly dance for three days straight without rest! I think, Most Graceful Whisper, that that must be the lie."

There is a blush that crosses her cheeks like a blossoming rose as Nisaa finally smiles. "It is true. I only made it two and a half days. I was allowed drink, and food, as long as I danced while eating and drinking. Unfortunate. I am liking silver." She dips her head towards Monique and steps back.

"I am meaning that it was true that that was the lie," Nisaa tries to quickly clarify.

"You swallowed a fish by accident?" Quintin asks of Nisaa. "Yeah, that's kind of gross. Sorry to hear it."

Nisaa wrinkles her nose and nods to Quintin. "It was being a small gold fish, but it was being not pleasant indeed."

Monique can't help but grin as she manages to uncover one lie. "I hope you will come to try again next week, Nisaa Whisper," she says in earnest. "There is still a chance to get the silver." She dips her head to the Whisper and then looks to Cahal, next in line. "My lord, will you offer me challenge and your name? I don't believe we've met."

Cahal takes a moment to tell Etienne his own falsehood whilst waiting for his turn to come. "Of course my Lady. I am lord Cahal Blackram." He smiles to Monique "and here is my challenge. Since my arrival in Arx I have shared the company of two particularly memorable people who share the names of other things. I am going to tell you three - First there was a graceful tree with a love of the water, then a lioness with a love of fire and finally a colourful flower that shares her love equally between the earth and the sky. Which is false?"

"A pleasure, Lord Blackram, and so glad you've decided to play," Monique offers, after carefully watching him speak his statements. "Hm. Hmmm. What tree doesn't love water? And what flower doesn't love earth and sky? But I have never heard of a lioness with anything but fear for fire, and so, my lord, I think that you must not have met any such Lioness."

"I'm afraid it was the flower my Lady." Cahal replies. "Marquessa Lyonesse is the lioness."

"Then she is a brave woman, as you are a clever man," Monique replies with a smile for Cahal, twisted wryly for her lack of insight. "Congratulations, Lord Blackram, and welcome to the Tournament of Thorns." That, at least, she seems to mean in earnest.

Monique gets Tournament of Thorns silver thorn from a chest of thorns.

Turn in line: Zara

Nisaa smiles to Cahal and dips her head. "That was a lovely way to describe people you have enjoyed time with. Tell me, Lord Cahal of the Blackrams, might you be a writer?"

"That was cleverly put, my lord," Zara says to Cahal as she passes him to take her turn. She quietly whispers her lie to Etienne and then folds her hands together to regard Monique with a level, serious expression -- although her examples are perhaps not so solemn. "Once, I made a donation of goods, old clothing and jewelry, sufficiently large enough to allow the Faith to fully staff a shrine." She ticks one point off on her fingers. "I made my first challenge for an honor duel at the age of eight, because my sister took one of my favorite dresses. It was very well-attended." Two! For her third she says, "My first lessons in diplomacy were given after giving a visitor grave offense with an indelicate inquiry on a matter that touched on a blood feud."

Llyr has joined the line.

Llyr comes into the Gilded Page, looking about to see if he is late, but seeing there is still at least one line, he steps up to take a spot, looking at others there.

"Thank you." Cahal tells Monique sincerely before retreating with his thorn and coming to stand close to Nisaa. Another "Thank you" and a smile is given to Zara. As Zara prepares he turns to Nisaa and tackles her question. "Not really. My ability to be poetic comes and goes. As you saw before." He pauses for a moment "But I do rather like old stories. Perhaps that is where it came from."

Monique is standing before Zara, studying her intently, looking for the telltales of a lie. "Hm." There's a pause. "I believe the first, since I know your dedicated to Gild is rivaled perhaps only by the handsome Archlector here. The second... well, you're from the Oathlands. I could believe it. Which makes the third, /because/ you're from the Oathlands, unbelievable. So I think, Princess, that you did not give a visitor grave offense with indelicate inquiry."

Nisaa smiles coyly to the Lord and says, "perhaps you should be spending more time with people who remind you of things like trees and water, lionesses and fire, and things you have not yet discovered, if they are the ones to inspire you. I am being a fan of poetry and prose written well."

Zara lifts her hands and turns them out, palms lifted: "My lady, you've caught me out." She bows her head to Monique, rueful, but with a hint of a smile as she inclines her head. "And you were _very_ well-reasoned in it, too. Skillfully done."

Monique gives a quicksilver grin to Zara. "Well, I am from the Oathlands, too, after all, and spent my formative years mimicking the ways of the Valardin nobles, the better to infiltrate their secrets to keep my family safe. It's a certain mindset. I do hope you'll play again next week, Your Highness." And she looks to the next challenger, beckoning Llyr forward. "Welcome. I don't believe we've met. Lady Monique Greenmarch," she introduces herself. "Will you be challenging me, my lord?"

When called, Llyr steps forward, "Lord Llyr Nightgold, Lady Greenmarch. I do not believe we have met. Only returned to Arx recently." He offers a smile and a small half bow, "If youa re one to be challenged, then I would be happy to do so? What are the rules of the challenge?"

Monique perks up measurably. "Nightgold, did you say?" Her entire countenance becomes bright. "Oh, goodness. Quite possibly my favourite family in the whole of the Compact." She has a drinking problem. "There is /nothing/ finer than Nightgold's Finest. It's a true pleasure to meet you, Lord Llyr. You and I are going to be excellent friends, and I'm going to shower you in silver to part with your family's whiskey." There's a deviant smile, and then she adds, "The challenge is two truths and a lie. You'll whisper your lie to Archlector Etienne, that handsome Telmar over there, and then speak your truths and a lie to me. I'll try to pick out the lie. If I cannot? You win a silver thorn."

Turn in line: Llyr

Cahal smiles at Nisaa. "A great many things inspire me my Lady. Have you been to the Lodge of Petrichor since the spring broke? Petal is planning a grand opening for the Lilly garden there and it really is rather lovely."

Llyr nods and smiles, rubbing his chin for the moment, then nods. He considers Etienne for a moment and then labck to Monique, "Well...I am sure Willow would be happy to accomodate your request for our wares....she has quite the eyes on business." He nods to Etienne, "Archlector...now let me think." He steps over to the man and leans to speak to him softle before returning his gaze to Monique, "Lady Greenmarch...three statements. For the first, none of my white journal contributions have exceeded three words. For the second, the sea is my first love, followed by cartography and then riddles and mysteries. For the third, since I have returned to Arx, I have been offered marriage twice...and in both cases, the interested lady has left the city before these came to fruition."

Nisaa shakes her head gently towards Cahal, setting loose a tendril of dark hair. "I have not been to this grove of the Petrioch. Sorry, I am meaning Petrichor. It is so close to the name of my place of birth. I have a garden at my home, and love lillies. When is this grand opening?"

Monique studies Llyr very carefully, her emerald eyes focused on the Nightgold. "I have, as it happens, seen your Whites, and I know that to be true that you favor brevity. As for the third, I can well imagine it to be true, what with all the weddings that seem to be arranged these days. And since Stonedeep is firmly landlocked, my lord, I think it must be a lie that you favor the sea."

Llyr bows his head, "And here I thought I was known as the lone sailor from Stonedeep." He chuckles softly, "But you have guessed correctly, though I do prefer the sea to Stonedeep, it is not, in fact, my first love."

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Warden, Vagari - Cinder Kitten, 1 Obsidian Order, 4 Byrne Mountain Men arrive, following Mikani.

Cahal tells Nisaa "The opening is on the (25th June #3201)" Cahal replies before giving an apologetic look. "Sorry. I didn't catch your name." a pause and he adds. "But the Lodge itself is available at any time. It is a bit of a walk since it is out in the Gray Forest outskirts but well worth the journey." He gives Llyr a contemplative look. "A good mixture of truths and untruths."

Monique looks horrified when she guesses right. "I do hope this doesn't impact my ability to get whiskey," the Greenmarch worries to Llyr, plaiting her fingers together fretfully. "You can always attempt it again next week, my lord Nightgold. I do hope that you will!" She glances around, summoning a smile. "I think we have come to the end? I see no more challengers. Thank you, everyone, for your participation, and congratulations to those who won thorns."