A beautiful early spring evening and the Aviary has been taken over by half the Tournament of Thorns Committee. Princess Alarissa, Lord Sebastian, Archlector Etienne and Lady Monique are all there, not far from one another, setting up their own little slices of challenge, some with more ornate setting than others.

The Lady Monique Greenmarch seems to be a floating challenge, moving about to each of the others and taking challengers as they approach her. Now, she watches Princess Alarissa in eager anticipation. "You know a bird is going to loose its bowels at some point, Your Highness, and I for one will not miss it. I'm watching you for a little while!"

2 Redoubt Buccaneers arrives, following Delfina.

Alette, a discreet lady's maid, Isabel, a calm diplomatic aide, Elena, a solemn knight attache, Delfina arrive, following Zara.

Once more, Sebastian is camped out at the aviary. He has his temporary acquisition of the space down to a tea -- the easel holding the painting set up off to one side of a set of benches, so that he can see it; a tray of cheeses and fruits and a bottle of red wine with some glasses set up on a temporary table. Seated comfortably on the bench, he's already started into the wine -- about half a glass' worth, by the looks of things. He hasn't any cutlery with which to eat his food, though he is eyeing off Alarissa's set up thoughtfully as if considering acquiring a fork of some variety.

Lucita is distracted as she wanders into the Avary and when she glances up, a startled expression shows on seeing so many people gathered. She pauses, one hand holding a book so new the ink on the title is still damp and uses the other hand to smooth the flowing silk and umber skirt A glance is cast around to spot likely seating to use.

Etienne has indeed setup a little cone of chairs, around an open space in the middle, something sufficiently paralyzing for those with a fear of public speaking. He takes a chair at the far end of the cone, his small loose paged book open on his lap, absentmindedly doodling in it while the festivities are setup.

Quintin heard a rumour that there was going to be some thorns to acquire in here. The young Ashford lord slips into the aviary, munching on a big green apple likely from the Ashford Orangery. Orangeries: not just oranges. It's Sebastian's painting that draws his attention first, though he does not politely to Etienne and Monique as he passes.

"I have anticipated that." Alarissa sotto voce's to Monique, as smack dab in the middle of that bird of prey encolsure. The nets above them keep any birds from actually reaching them, but there is a table set up, for four, with all the trimmings no less. Spoons, plates, glasses of all sizes, aterna table cloth, covered chairs, even a floral centerpeice. It looks so out of place there in the aviary and like it would be more at home in some grayson dining room or the Queensrest. But there Alarissa stands with reliable Maxene at her bad, ready and waiting. Nary a bird dropping.

Entering with Delfina, Zara's speaking quietly to her. There's something rueful in her sidelong glance as they move toward the aviary. "As did I," she says, humor veiled by the lowering of her eyelashes. "But I remain optimistic. You've a good point about the usefulness of correspondence." She taps the book she's carrying in hand, which shows the edge of a letter poking out from the pages. "It provides the opportunity to work, and rework the words until they truly say what I want."

Having been late to the last event...and failed at that, Llyr arrives early this timewith bright eyes and a light smile, looking to see what challeneges might present themselves.

Nurie drifts in in a whisper of linen skirts, her expression wide eyed and curious as she enjoys both the atmosphere of the spring evening and the excitement and mystery in the air as well at the assembly of people in the aviary, and the various stations set up there. For the moment, she stays to the edges, perhaps out of deference, though her smile is cheerful and lights her dark eyes.

Sebastian's gaze tracks Quintin's approach and regard of the painting with a somewhat anticipatory air. "My lord," he greets, with ease, though he doesn't stand from his bench. "Here to claim a thorn from me? The answer is in the painting," he says with a gesture towards it. He watches for a moment more, but the crowds around swiftly distract him, too, the familiar figure of the Baroness earning a flicker of fingers by way of greeting.

Brianna enters the aviary, her own garrulous hawk left firmly at /home/. She spots the Thorn committee and walks over. "This tournament truly is something special," she remarks. "The whole city is abuzz with talk of thorns."

Monique smiles to Quintin as he passes, nodding her crimson head, before her attention is directed to the arrival of Brianna. "Lady Halfshav, good to see you again. Thank you! Have you coming hunting thorns, my lady?" The Minx asks with a cheshire grin. "You seem to be perilous good at it."

Graham enters into the aviary. He looks about a moment spotting everyone gathered thus far. He moves further into the room as he looks about glad to see so many but also looking for some he may know as well. It's a good time to join back into the city life.

Delfina arrives at Zara's side, in quiet conversation with her. She gives the young woman a grin and an honestly look. "Don't let your words sound too reworked," she advises. "Part of the charm should be that it's just a few words from you, honest and off the cuff. But I suppose part of that is knowing what /you/ want, too." It's then that she looks up and looks around at the others gathered here. She gives a nod of greeting to Sebastian but doesn't recognize anyone else in the crowd.

Quintin nods to Sebastian, walking closer to the painting, leaning in, and taking another big bite of apple. He chews slowly, thoughtfully, his gaze roaming over the painting methodically. He takes his time examining it, finally glancing over at Sebastian. His gaze flicks back toward the entrance, and Quintin backs up and circles back over there, poking about.

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Vega.

Vega drops Medium Sized Table.

Vega drops Medium Silver Table.

Vega drops Medium Steel Table.

Alarissa has joined the Medium Sized Table.

Monique has joined the Medium Silver Table.

Lucita says, "Princess Alarissa" Lucita surtsies respectfully though there is a warm smile on her lips as she approaches her. "We are lucky the weather is being cooperative for this. Have you had a lot trying for the thorns from you? I've managed a few, but have not attempted yours or Blessed Etienne's as yet. And am missing one more of the set though have forgotten who to check for that one."

Lucita has joined the Medium Sized Table.

Etienne has joined the Medium Steel Table.

Sebastian continues to mostly regard Quintin, standing in front of his painting -- but is also taking the time to regard the other committee members and their tests with a visible sort of amusement. Quintin's abrupt departure has him chuckling under his breath, gaze following the man for a moment before Delfina's nod catches his attention. "Lady Delfina. Cheese?" he gestures towards his tray of fruits and cheeses, while he sips his wine.

Sebastian takes Tournament of Thorns steel thorn from a chest of thorns.

Monique is overheard praising Vega: My hero

"I don't know how good I am at it, Lady Greenmarch, but I do love a challenge," Brianna replies to Monique, looking over the tables. "So what are the challenges at hand for silver and steel?"

Zara has joined the Magpie Exhibit.

Llyr looks to each of the areas, "I have no idea where to begin." He pauses and smiles, "Yes..I do." He moves to the silver challenge area.

Llyr has joined the Medium Silver Table.

Lucita checked charm + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 29 higher.

Alarissa takes Tournament of Thorns brass thorn from a chest of thorns.

Delfina gives Quintin a little smile and a wave before turning her attention back to Sebastian. "Lord Sebastian, I may pass on the cheese, but if you could wave me in the direction of a glass of wine, I'll adore you," she says with a laugh, moving over to follow Zara.

Delfina has joined the Magpie Exhibit.

Quintin pokes about a tree for a bit, then straightens up with a quick little smile on his lips. He looks over at Sebastian and raises his arm to give the artist a salute. Then he's easing closer to Alarissa's table, watching Lucita for a few moments. A quick smile for Delfina when she catches his eye.

Quintin has left the a small green duck pond.

Quintin has joined the Medium Sized Table.

Monique smiles broadly to Brianna, waving around. "I believe you already have silver, Lady Halfshav, if memory serves me. You do need the good Archlector's gold thorn, though, and Lord Sebastian's steel, and Princess Alarissa's Brass. The challenges are a stirring sermon to the gods, finding a thorn amongst a painting, and testing your etiquette without letting a bird steel your salad fork." She turns her gaze to Llyr, a grin rising. "Lord Nightgold, we meet again. I'm still waiting for my whiskey," she chastises the man lightly.

Lucita says, "Now that was tricky, it looks like a soup spoon, but it has a shallower rim, used for thinner broths in a shallow bowl, and oh, a pickle fork, fewer tines... lets see, wine goblet, yes..." One by one she names each item and indicates its traditional location in a place setting. "You arrange for a lovely table setting, Princess Alarissa, but then you always do. Thank you for letting me participate.""

Lucita has left the Medium Sized Table.

Brianna shakes her head at herself. "That's right. I'm getting all of these metals confused. Thank you!" When Monique mentions wanting whiskey, she quietly passes her a flask from her belt before taking a moment to decide which challenge to tackle first.

Brianna has joined the Medium Steel Table.

Nurie continues to observe quietly as people begin to make their way over to different tables and challenges. After a few heartbeats apparently she makes her way towards Alarissa's table first, being at least passing familiar with the settings of a fine table, her approach respectful and perhaps a little shy, though she straightens as she draws near, summoning her best and most confident smile as she curtsies lowly, her knee almost brushing the ground.

Alarissa smiles as Lucita goes through each piece getting them one by one right - and there's a lot of cutlery and place setting accoutrements upon the table. But when the Baroness Regent is done, Alarissa's standing there with a brass thorn in her hand even as Maxene is moving forward to start removing pieces and with the help of another two servants, changing up the setting. Even as a bird swoops in with sharp claws to land on top of a pole and -watch- with great intensity. "Congratulations. Success, but then, as if I would doubt you Baroness. Yours."

Nurie has joined the Medium Sized Table.

Llyr chuckles a little to Monique and ahhs softly, 'Now, good lady...you said you sought it, but no t that you would have me seek it for you. I will ask of Lady Willow where it might be found. I am still learning my way about, yes?"

Quintin looks over at Nurie and offers a smile. "Miss Nurie," he greets. He eyes the table settings and says, "I hope you're less confused than I am. I haven't seen some of these settings in years and years. Before I was expected to know exactly what they were, even."

Brianna checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 16 lower.

Monique gets a flask and a blissful expression, all at the same time. It's very possible the flask may never be seen again. Shiny things. "Thank /you/, Lady Halfshav. Best of luck!" And then she motions to Vega. "Princess Vega, holder of a pendant of Thorns, won't you be my lie-keeper tonight?"

Sebastian flashes a pleased look towards Quintin at that salute, blue eyes amused. He's busy pouring a glass of wine for Lady Delfina, talking quietly with her and Princess Zara.

Vega has totally been here the whole time! She didn't go anywhere at all! Nope, totally been right here. She spends her time moving between the tables set up and the Magpie exhibit, making sure neither thorn-holders nor seekers need for anything. A virtual army of servants are kept circulating with treats and drinks for anyone that might want them. Everything from Lottie's baked goods to more savory dishes are being born about. And the drinks vary from fruit juices to wine and hard ciders to harder drinks as requested. Vega pauses in her fluttering about to smile warmly towards Monique, dipping into a careful curtsy for the Greenmarch lady. "Of course, it would be my pleasure." Moving to Monique's table, she places herself between the seekers and the holder, ready to hold the lies while Monique guesses them.

Nurie offers Quintin a reassuring smile. "I suppose we'll see, my lord! It isn't very often that I've seen them from this vantage point," she tells him with a soft laugh. "Perhaps you'll find your memory returns," she says, with full confidence in him. But then she is studying the settings as well, her head tilted just so, biting her lip ever so slightly in concentration.

Vega has joined the Medium Silver Table.

Brianna has left the Medium Steel Table.

Lucita offers a parting thank you to Alarissa and then stands, moves to a different sector and watches some of the other activities before giving a little shake of the head. Strolling over toward the table at which Etienne sits she murmurs. "Oh, my. Now this one is going to be difficult, likely a downfall as I am but a layperson and not well versed in the nuances of theology, but... maybe, will try anyhow, nothing ventured, nothing gained." A wry grin is given as she takes an empty seat near Etienne and Brianna.

Quintin looks up at Alarissa, then back to Nurie. "Would you like to go first, or shall I?" he asks the seamstress.

Lucita has joined the Medium Steel Table.

Zara has left the Magpie Exhibit.

Zara has joined the Medium Steel Table.

Delfina has left the Magpie Exhibit.

Delfina has joined the Medium Steel Table.

After a moment spent speaking quietly with Sebastian and Delfina, Zara steps away from the exhibit empty-handed to move toward Etienne and that calculatedly intimidating set up. Her shoulders are squared. Determinedly!!

Whatever is said to Sebastian by Zara earns a low-throated chuckle and is sufficient to earn a toast a tip of the Pravus artist's glass and an easy drink as he watches them depart.

Brianna looks downright sheepish as she leaves Etienne's table, making her way over to Sebastian and his painting.

Brianna has joined the Magpie Exhibit.

Lucita checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 8 lower.

Landroval, the Eagle have been dismissed.

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

Lucita laughs softly. "The finer points do evade me. I manage some of the more simple concepts but stumble over some of the more complex parts. Still, managed better than expected. It was quite an interesting challenge, Blessed Etienne."

Brianna checked perception + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 22 lower.

Etienne gets a chest of thorns from a sturdy container labeled excellent quality.

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

Quintin has left the Medium Sized Table.

Quintin eases back from Alarissa's table without a new thorn to show for it. He has a glance about, offers a smile to Brianna, and then makes his way toward Etienne.

Quintin has joined the Medium Steel Table.

Brianna has left the Magpie Exhibit.

Brianna has joined the Medium Silver Table.

Only a little adjusting is done for Nurie, and soon enough the table is reset. Even as yet another corvid is landing to watch, cawing loudly as glassy dark eyes -watch- the ongoings at the table. Alarissa watces Quintin depart then turns to Nurie and gestures. "And now it's your turn Mistress Nurie. Name each piece." She looks up to the birds that watch. "No pressure."

Brianna looks at Quintin curiously, trying to figure out if she knows him from somewhere.

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

Brianna has left the Medium Silver Table.

Brianna has joined the Medium Sized Table.

As yet another potential contender walks away empty-handed, Sebastian looks quietly pleased. Or maybe he's just really enjoying that red wine: it pairs perfectly with the cheese. The cheese (and fruit) that has apparently attracted some avian interest, too, in the nearby branches.

Monique glances up to the avian presence and scowls back at them, while murmuring, "Perhaps I ought not to have worn so much dragonweep..."

Zara has left the Medium Steel Table.

Zara has joined the Medium Silver Table.

Nurie very slowly and deliberately starts her challenge, though as a few extra feathered friends begin to watch, and it gets harder, her cheeks start to redden. Finally she too admits defeat, and though she smiles at Alarissa as she curtsies once more, she does murmur something quiet and low before Alarissa touches her arm. The worry vanishes from her expression, and she curtsies again, beaming brightly. "Oh thank you so much, Your Grace. I'll take that to heart!" She straightens then, to take her leave, though she's unable to resist casting one last smile in the Thraxian princess' direction. "Thank you!"

Nurie has left the Medium Sized Table.

Quintin checked intellect + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 11 lower.

Zara is saying something quietly to Delfina as they depart Etienne's table to join Monique's. This time, Zara's hand is closed over a golden thorn.

Llyr accepts a thorn from Monique and smiles as he readies to step away. He winks, "And if I can pry some of the whiskey from the house, I will be happy to offer it. Also...if you have need of a lie-keeper in the future, I would be happy to oblige." He loks over to the painting, heading Sebastian's way next.

Delfina has left the Medium Steel Table.

Llyr has left the Medium Silver Table.

Delfina has joined the Medium Silver Table.

Llyr has joined the Magpie Exhibit.

Brianna checked charm + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 3 lower.

Quintin has left the Medium Steel Table.

Lucita has left the Medium Steel Table.

Llyr checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 57 higher.

Alarissa's words seem to have considerably buoyed Nurie's spirits, and so once more there's a happy bounce to her steps as she glides around the aviary, making her way towards where Sebastian and his painting are. She slows her approach once she draws near, curtsying to both Sebastian and Llyr, before taking a spot nearby to wait for direction.

Nurie has joined the Magpie Exhibit.

Quintin speaks quietly with Lucita, their voices low. He still has a half-eaten apple in his hand, and there are some birds who want it. Bad.

After studying Sebastian's painting for a long moment, a slow smile crosses Llyr's face, "Very nicely done, Lord Pravus....very nicely done." He nods to the man and steps away to give others an opportunity. He looks at a few of the other challenges, but seems to take a break to walk about the Aviary and collect his throughts. A few times he looks up at some of the birds or crouches down at different plants. After coming back full circle, he nods to Sebastian, holding up a thorn.

Llyr has left the Magpie Exhibit.

Sebastian takes Tournament of Thorns steel thorn from a chest of thorns.

There's a lift of Sebastian's glass of wine in silent toast to Llyr as his gaze alights on the man's steel thorn, an approving nod given to the other Lord. He turns, now, to regard Nurie as she studies the painting with the slightest of smiles.

"I will send word, or you can send word and we can try again till you get it. there's time before the tournament. Plenty of time, I'm sure." She sounds so confidant that Princess of Thrax. And then there's a splat.

Right on her shoulder and her face drops and the Princess looks stunned.

Stojan, the assistant, 3 Thrax Guards, Damaia, the assistant, Lady Snow arrive, following Denica.

Llyr has joined the Medium Sized Table.

Llyr checked intellect + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher. Llyr rolled a critical!

Alarissa takes Tournament of Thorns brass thorn from a chest of thorns.

Brianna has left the Medium Sized Table.

Monique checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Monique sees the bird loose its bowels on Alarissa. And she doesn't lose it. Not totally.

Denica makes her way in to the Aviary, dressed head to toe in white. Also head to toe in paint. Her blue eyes wandering about to observe the festivities.

Alarissa checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Llyr does offer Alarissa a handkerchiefas he sees her predicament, "Your Highness?" If nothing else, a show of etiquette up front, even before the challenge.

Alarissa has a very -calm- look on her face. One that might not last for too long by the looks of it. Blink, blink, she rises from her seat, keeping her head very straight, looking ahead. "Maxene, if you'd please. Carry on with the tests. I have a perosnal matter I need to tend to." Oh but here's llyr with a handkerchief and she takes it with a pained smile. "Thank you. How kind. Maxene will see to you. Terribly sorry about this. But I suppose it is just desserts is it not?" She murmurs as she walks away, through the crowd with her chin held high and the hanky covering the bird poop. If you can't see it, it's not there right? Right? Right!

Monique is overheard praising Alarissa: So calm in the face of danger

Quintin pauses, peering over in Alarissa's direction. He opens his mouth, like maybe he's going to comment, but thankfully he has enough manners to shut his mouth. Even if he can't set a table.

It's no surprise, perhaps, that Sebastian's gaze -- whenever it wanders over the crowd -- finds and lingers on Denica, given she's covered in paint. An intrigued lift of brows follows as his gaze tracks her for a moment, before moving onto Alarissa, also covered in... /something/. He lifts his glass to cover his reaction.

Monique is overheard praising Sebastian: So subtle.

Monique is overheard praising Etienne: Existential torment, I fully approve.

Brianna is overheard praising Monique.

Alarissa has left the Medium Sized Table.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, Elegance, a Velenosian Greyhound, Pellinor, 3 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat, 2 Thrax Elite Guards leave, following Alarissa.

Sebastian takes Tournament of Thorns steel thorn from a chest of thorns.

Llyr has left the Medium Sized Table.

Nurie cursies to Sebastian before she departs, respectfully. And then she's turning towards the next challenge--just in time to see Alarissa rise. Her eyes widen, as she sees the princess put the hanky on her shoulder. At least she doesn't gasp! But as Alarissa departs, she curtsies low again, offering a quiet. "Have a good evening, your grace," Because totally. Bird poop? What bird poop?

Nurie has left the Magpie Exhibit.

Llyr steps away from the Brass thorn challenge, having aquired one. THough he does not speak of cutlery, the chivalrous effort for Alarissa's sake may have helped. He then turns to Etienne and appraoches slowly, offering the man a deffereantial half bow, "Archlector."

Llyr has joined the Medium Steel Table.

Denica wiggles her fingers daintily at Sebastian's stare, as she makes her way over to Vega. "Cousin." She says offering a hug, just absolutely /covered/ in paint. Dry paint. Promise it is dry....

Nurie moves lastly towards where the Archlector is hosting his small corner of the aviary, smoothing her skirts and hair on the way over, as if trying to be as presentable as possible. She arrives just a little after Llyr, dropping a deep curtsy of her own, her knee almost touching the ground before she rises. But she keeps a respectful distance behind the Nightgold lord, remaining quiet for the time being.

Nurie has joined the Medium Steel Table.

Denica has joined the Medium Silver Table.

Vega reaches in without hesitation to accept and return the hug from Denica, smiling warmly, "Denica, you look stunning as ever. No amount of paint can cover your beauty. How are you? Would you like to try your hand at the games? Its rather fun, if I do say so myself."

Seemingly very deliberately, Sebastian pulls a flask from his pocket and sets it on the bench beside him, smiling to himself.

Denica tilts her head and raises an eyebrow at Vega, "Oh I do love games. How must I win this one?" She says with that stoic, monotone delivery, looking around at her 'competition'

Llyr checked intellect + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 13 lower.

Spying the paint-adorned Denica, Quintin raises his hand to wave at the Thraxian princess.

Monique greets Denica as they join them, with an easy smile. "Princess Denica, welcome. It's good to see you again! Have you come to challenge us? My game is two truths and a lie. Lord Sebastian's, you must spot the thorn from his painting. Archlector Etienne's is a rousing impromptu sermon."

Nurie checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Llyr blinks and comes to a hard pause as he is presented with the challenge offered by the Archlector. There are multiple attempts by the Nightgold lord to start, but he only seems to stumble over his own tongue. Perhaps mild frustration sets in and Llyr politely concedes, "I think, Archlector...that I might need to seek out Mangata's shrine for better inspiration before making another attempt."

Denica nods once, "I shall play this game."

Etienne smiles at Llyr, "It takes practice, without a doubt. Inspiration comes from many sources, seeking them out has benefits far beyond a contest such as this.'

Denica nods and thinks a moment, "I am a decent archer, I am a great sailor, I am also a painter." She tilts her chin up in confidence.

After a time, Sebastian sets his glass down on the bench beside him, and then starts unscrewing the flask that was there. He seems to consider it for a moment, then starts to deliberately spill the contents -- a malt whiskey, judging by the color and smell -- out onto the ground.

Lucita finishes her low spoken conversation and turns toward the others gathered, her gaze sweeping over those still present. "Such a good turnout here, but seems it is time I go. Thank you for a fun and interesting evening."

Quintin offers a quick smile to Lucita, noting, "I find that likely. Until next time." He turns and starts to head toward the exit, recalling the apple in his hand and taking another bite from it.

Llyr has left the Medium Steel Table.

Monique starts to glare daggers at Sebastian, bunching her fists up and releasing them with unveiled threat. Wait, is that a dagger in her hands all of a sudden? Where did that come from?

1 Saik Guard, Micana leave, following Lucita.

Nurie has left the Medium Steel Table.

Hm. How fascinating! Sebastian's judicious wasting of perfectly good -- presumably /excellent/ -- whiskey ceases as he turns the flask back upwards, sloshing the contents around briefly. Still some left. But definitely less than before. He sets it beside him again with a twitch of lips.

Nurie offers a curtsy once more to the Archlector before she departs the area where he's been entertaining challengers. "Thank you, Archlector, for the encouragement. It's not very often that I stand in such a place--but I'm sure that's true of many people as well!" Her smile is strengthening though, as she looks at him, some of the color in her cheeks starting to fade. But the challenges met, she begins to move away, her expression thoughtful.

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

Monique checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 50, rolling 10 higher.

Even as Monique is pulling a silver thorn out to hand to Delfina, she's flipping the dagger up, catching it my the point and then sending it flying in Sebastian's direction. It buries itself deep in the tree just inches from his head. The Minx turns back to her games, smiling politely as if that warning shot hadn't happened at all.

Sebastian checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Somehow, Sebastian manages both not to soil himself and not to spill wine everywhere: both equally important outcomes when a knife is buried into the tree right next to your head. Some of his wine does slosh perilously close to spilling, though, and he sorts that by draining the rest of his glass. And then pouring another.

Delfina is rather surprised when she finds herself in possession of a silver thorn, turning it over in her hand for a moment. She only just spies the thrown dagger, hearing the thunk it makes when it hits the tree. "Oh dear... I wonder what that was about?" She arches a brow over at Sebastian, truly puzzled at what happened there.

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

Llyr blinks a little at the thrown knife, 'Rather serious about your whiskey, Lady Greenmarch?"

Denica glances at Sebastian, "My lord. What is your game?"

Monique casts a glance over to llyr, a wry grin tilting her lovely lips. "I've half a mind, as Princess Zara has just suggested, to challenge my lord Pravus for such flagrant disregard to the best of drinks!"

After some imbibing of his current glass of wine, Sebastian turns to regard the dagger buried into the tree trunk. A bit of levering later, he pulls it free, taking the time to admire it, before he tucks it into his belt. Denica's question has him lifting his head, regarding her with an easy smile. "My test is one of perception, dear cousin. As a fellow artist, I'm sure you'd appreciate it," he gestures to the forest painting. "The best, my lady?" Sebastian counters to Monique, clucking his tongue. "Oh, no. The lady wounds me with her misunderstanding alcoholic beverages."

Nurie nearly jumps as the dagger is thrown, biting back a cry of alarm. It certainly jolts her from her disappointment over her theological failure! There's something in the gesture though, that makes her face drain of color. Hopefully unnoticed, the commoner quickly gathers herself together and begins to make her way towards the exit.

Zara, who has been speaking quietly with those near Monique, changes the pitch of her voice so that it carries, even if she hardly seems to be speaking louder: "My lord, there is truly no need to insult such fine spirits," she says to Sebastian.

Denica checked perception + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

"How can you know if they are, indeed, fine, if you haven't tasted them, Princess Zara?" Sebastian counters easily. "It could be the worst whiskey in all of Arvum -- what a terrible waste to defend the honor of a terrible whiskey, were that the case," the Pravus Lord's lips twitch upwards, as if in challenge.

Vega is overheard praising Raimon: Best husband

Vega is overheard praising Monique: Hostess with the most!

Monique glares daggers at Sebastian. Literal daggers. "I would pit the worst whiskey against the best of anything else, any day, and know it would still be better, Lord Pravus. Hmph." Turning, her smile is for /everyone else/. "Thank you, all, for coming this evening! And for making this Tournament something to remember."