Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants, Sirra, a very quiet maid arrive, following Alessia.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes arrives, following Thea.

Puff, a dainty yellow-green canary, 2 Leary House Guards, Sir Jesmond the Giant, Thea arrive, following Arcadia.

Disa, the white Bonespire mare, Eira, Arcadia arrive, following Volcica.

The ampitheater is currently lit up brightly to allow people to get to their seats and get settled. At the entrance of the theater, there are hawkers selling fire-roasted corn on the cob, cooked meats, and whiskey. A clearly Redrain meal. A display case set near the entrance has a sign set up reads 'Take One' and is filled with toy swords to be claimed by audience members.

A small group from the bard's college is currently playing some light music to keep the mood festive - mainly Redrain favorites and other dramatic music to allow everyone to get settled where the would like and make some idle chit-chat while the performance is prepared.

In the meantime, backstage, everyone is getting ready at the last moment for the performance, trying to make sure everything is ready - even with a few technical difficulties - the play is still scheduled to start shortly - hopefully everything will be ready in time!

1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant arrives, following Eilonwy.

Volcica takes A Wooden Sword from the 'Demise of Weohstan Redrain' from ashwood display case.

Arcadia takes A Wooden Sword from the 'Demise of Weohstan Redrain' from ashwood display case.

Thea takes A Wooden Sword from the 'Demise of Weohstan Redrain' from ashwood display case.

Denica gets A Wooden Sword from the 'Demise of Weohstan Redrain' from ashwood display case.

3 Fidante House Guards, Nevermore, the sulking raven arrive, following Narcissa.

Alessia gets A Wooden Sword from the 'Demise of Weohstan Redrain' from ashwood display case.

2 Grayson House Guards, Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

Deimos, an enigmatic barn-owl arrives, following Tescelina.

After the audience has begun to fill, in slips a woman dressed in silver and blacks with a raven upon her shoulder. Content to stay at the fringe, Narcissa finds her perch at the edge of an archaic bench wrapped in ivy. With a small smile she glances to the theme of those very vines, albeit thorned, embroidered on her gown. A polite nod is given to new faces, a small smile to those familiar.

Narcissa has joined the an ivy covered ancient bench.

Arcadia glances at her new wooden and then at Volcica and her sword. She grins increasingly, obviously a terrible plan forming.

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise arrives, following Niklas.

Denica rushes into the gardens, a hand holding the side of her skirt to prevent her from tripping and ending up in an even embarassing position. Sapphire eyes flicker at the stage, "Oh, good, I'm not late this time." She says, slowing down to catch the wooden sword and try a few movements before she can settle in one of the benches.

Denica has joined the an old wooden bench.

Ambling into the garden, Eilonwy looks like any northerner might-deeply done with the southern heat. Looking about for a cool place to sit, the Marquessa keeps a hand to her skirts, lifting the green dress a little so she doesn't trip over herself.

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise have been dismissed.

Slipping into one of the benches, beside Narcissa, Alessia already has a wooden sword in hand, retrieved as a souvenir. "Good to see you, my lady." She smiles, warmly.

Volcica arrives with Arcadia and Thea, smoothly pulling a wooden sword from the display! She looks to her companions with a small smile. "Where do you want to sit?"

Sabella hurries in soon after Denica, walking quickly along with Niklas, "Quick, quick, I don't want to miss our first play back in the city," she says in hushed tones as she heads for two empty seats.

Alessia has joined the an ivy covered ancient bench.

Thea glances at her wooden sword, a bit curious. The southern woman lowers her voice to Volcia,"Is Arcadia safe with these?"

Arcadia huffs at Thea. "Of course I am!" Just to prove her point, she thwaps Thea's shin with said sword. Glancing around she moves off towards the shadiest looking spot "Over here."

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist arrives, following Rysen.

Narcissa scoots over to make room for Alessia, smoothing out the skirts of her brocade gown once settled. "A rare sighting, to see me out in the broad daylight." She leans in and stage whispers with all seriousness, a hand held aloft as if to shield her from the sun. "Pray tell, can you hear my pale complexion sizzling in this unforgiving sun?" The jest is dropped with a soft smile and she sits back upright, the pristine image of perfect posture. "I trust the day finds you well, Lady Alessia?"

Tescelina is standing off to the side. Present. Slipping in among others, no doubt. Dressed in violets and dark leather. The hint of something glimmering beneath the sleeve of her jacket, as she moves her hand to brush aside a loose strand of starlight white hair. Attention is paid to the setting, the encampment laid out before them. She moves to the food and drinks, securing a cup of cider. It would be rather /silly/ to demand tea at such an event. The knight seems quite glad to stand aside, ever the wallflower, observing others about.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Aegis, a large red Oakhaven bloodhound, Rurik, a prodigal assistant arrive, following Mirk.

Settling into a spot, Eilonwy fans herself with a hand and looks about. Spotting Arcadia swatting at someone with a wooden sword, the Marquessa gives a crooked, approving smile before leaning forward to look for other familiar faces.

Sabella has joined the an old wooden bench.

Niklas follows along with Sabella, looking from here to there as they enter the botanical gardens. "Interesting spot for a performance." He pats his sternum and says, "People'd best project." He waves his assistant over and leans in to speak quietly to him, gives a slight nod and then leads Sabella to the bench, where he steps aside until she sits.

Niklas has joined the an old wooden bench.

Rysen arrives with Lygeia. His eyes linger appreciatively on the artistry of the set and its represenation of the Northlands. Lygeia departs to acquire drinks, and he makes his way through the amphitheater to find a seat.

Arcadia spies Rysen. That terrible idea smile gets bigger. Sneaking as best a giant pregnant lady can, she slides up beside him and....whack! His shin gets a love tap too from her new toy sword.

Denica waves to the Grayson couple that has just joined her bench, "It's amazing, isn't it?" She asks, her voice betraying a bit of musicality, "I wonder what we'll have to do for the interactive part," The Princess holds her wooden sword tightly, trying a few more movements, "But I like my sword very much."

Rysen checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

With things seem to be running late, the quiet buzz backstage is in making sure that Selene Whisper is ready. Or maybe it's because Artur is nervous anout things. Either way, after a few moments, Daan - Artur's retainer is coming out onto the stage. He looks over the crowd and gulps slightly, feeling his nervousness. "The play should be starting shortly!" he announces, as he moves to stand on the stage, the curtains still pulled down to cover the stage. "In the meantime, I have come out to entertain you with the story of our subject tonight.

"Prince Weohstan Redrain is one of the largest figures in Redrain's rich history! He's known for his hunting, his skill - but most of all, his tales. Once, he became lost after the ship he was on sank in the Eventide Vast, and he was alone in a rowboat. As he thought he was at his end, he came across a small island. He climbed off his boat, went onto the island and made a camp!"

"When he went to sleep, he realized when he awoke the next day that the island had moved! He wasn't actually on an island, it turned out, but a turtle so anctient and large that it had developed it's own land! He hunted the creatures on the island, and in gratitude, the turtle brough Weohstan back to port! It was a sight to behold, this massive turtle that came into port, carrying the Redrain Prince upon it as he climbed down and sold the items he had found on the island to make his way back to Farhaven!"

Artur checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Rysen checked willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Thea squints at Arcadia,"Wait until you are not pregnant..."lifting her wooden sword to her as they walk to a shady spot. Thea shakes her head at the Countess and continues.

Sabella gets A Wooden Sword from the 'Demise of Weohstan Redrain' from ashwood display case.

4 Redoubt Buccaneers, Bengalo, the sneaky black cat, Luna, the sweet, studious assistant arrive, following Carita.

Robyn, an artful archeress, 2 House Velenosa Guards arrive, following Ophelia.

Chuckling as she studies Narcissa for signs of sizzling, Alessia shakes her head. "Not yet but there is time yet." She teases, placing the sword on her lap. "It does. I imagine it's about to get better. What drew you out in the daylight?" She asks, curiously, taking a glass of whiskey from her maid.

As Arcadia whacks Rysen in the shin with her toy sword, the Crovane lord grits his teeth, but manages to exhale in a controlled manner rather than shout a litany of curses. "I'd say it's good to see you, Cady, if only it were." He smiles at Thea and gratefully accepts a drink from Lygeia upon her return. He walks, with only the slightest limp, to the ivy covered benches with his retainer, and says to Narcissa and Alessia, "Mind if we join you?"

"Performance, easily. I abhor the stage myself, but that does not mean I will not rise to the occassion to watch a performance with rapt fascination." Narcissa divulges to Alessia, though lowering her voice as the lad appears on the stage. The Fidante bradishes a fan of stygian boning and star-scaped seasilk with a small 'thwink' of metal, using it to shield her mouth as she leans in close to remark something to Alessia quietly. Respect for the performance and performers, after all.

Listening to the story, Eilonwy smiles and leans back on her hands. Spotting Rysen, and Mirk she offers smiles to the two northerners before looking back to Artur and his story stalling.

Arcadia snickers at Rysen's reaction. "It's good to see you too." She probably fills him with dread, "I'm so excited for tomorrow night. Just wait until you see what I have planned for you." She pauses to listen and sits down in the shady spot with the hot and bothered northerners.

Arcadia has joined the an ivy covered ancient bench.

Tescelina has joined the an old wooden bench.

Volcica has joined the an ivy covered ancient bench.

Thea has joined the an ivy covered ancient bench.

Rysen has joined the an ivy covered ancient bench.

Volcica settles down with Cady, Thea and Rysen, a glass of whiskey already in her hand. When did she get that?! Probably while Arcadia was 'love tapping' folks with her sword.

Carita's expression as she enters her gardens is one of surprise as it's transformation, a smile grows as she walks the grounds to take in all that has been changed with approval. She dips her head politely to those she recognizes, making her way to the familiar faces of Prince Niklas and Princess Sabella, dipping a curtsy for the pair. "Do you mind if I join you?" There's a smile for Tescelina, who seems unfamiliar to her.

Thea eyes Rysen and Volcia's whiskey and then glances at Arcadia's sword. A silent twitch happens. as she realizes she forgot to grab a drink of her own.

Mirk returns Eilonwy's smile with a nod of his head in her direction. "Good to see you about, Marquessa," he comments, quietly out of deference to the ongoing performance. He keeps his eyes forward, as he speaks, attention on Artur.

"Of course." Alessia offers Rysen with a warm smile, shuffling to allow him space before her attention returns to Narcissa.

Ophelia Velenosa arrives quietly and a teensie bit late, which means she finds a seat somewhere off to the side where she doesn't disturb anyone's view. After taking a seat, she crosses one leg over the other and settles to listen along with those already gathered.

Rysen smiles at Alessia. "Thank you, My Lady." He raises a glass of whiskey in greeting to Eilonwy and Mirk, though his eyes narrow as Arcadia sits near him, and he takes a long sip of his drink. He smiles, however, to see Volcica settle in, and says, "I haven't seen a play in ages. Looking forward to this one." Lygeia glances over at Thea and says softly in her Northlands Shav accented Arvani, "May I get you a drink, My Lady?"

Carita has joined the an old wooden bench.

Arcadia notices then that she is drinkless! Naturally she plucks at Rysen's. It's always a better drink if stolen. She does however put her sword down for now.

"Lord Mirk, always nice to see one of your family out and about." Eilonwy returns in a soft tone. She has no drink to return the raise of Rysen's glass so she merely nods instead. Looking to the stage she resumes trying to cool herself with a hand. "Perhaps I'll stall further outdoor engagements till the weather cools a bit."

Thea tells Rysen,"This is only my second play." She turns to Lygeia, sincere in her words,"A glass of whiskey please. Thank you.." Thea settles more, crossing her legs and listens to those around her.

There's a small commotion backstage, and a page comes to where Sabella and Niklas are sitting, handing a small note to the Princess, before bowing to her quickly, apology in his eyes for everything he's about to ask the woman to do.

Rysen's gaze is held by the rose in Narcissa's hair, before Arcadia snatches his drink. The Crovane lord runs a hand through his hair muttering "Gods and spirits, where's Jesmond when we need him" under his breathe. "Will you please get me another glass, as well Lygeia." The dark-eyed retain answers in the affirmative and rises swiftly from the bench to acquire a few more glasses of whiskey. Turning to Thea, Rysen asks, "Did you get a chance to hear Gianna's concert a while back? The experience outstrips even her legendary reputation, if you can believe that."

Sabella has left the an old wooden bench.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Warden, Vagari The Cinder Cat, 1 Order of the Firebird, 4 Byrne Mountain Men arrive, following Mikani.

Arcadia sniggers into her drink with Rysen's frustrations become apparent. She sips her ill aquired whiskey and mutters to Rysen "Jesmond trusts that you won't kill me no matter what I do." She creases her eyes at Rysen with endless mischief "Wish to hear my newest masterpiece?"

Narcissa is not exactly blind, nor daft, to the man staring at her from just a few feet away. "Lord Rysen, are you well?" she asks with a smile.

Sabella rises suddenly from her seat, murmuring something to the bench before she heads off backstage, trying not to look too pleased with the turn of events. But still looking pretty pleased! She gives little waves to those she knows as she passes, before disappearing behind the stage.

Mikani takes A Wooden Sword from the 'Demise of Weohstan Redrain' from ashwood display case.

"Sadly for Arvum, he's right," replys Rysen wryly. Turning to Narcissa, he smile and says, "I was, My Lady, until my drink was stolen. The flower you're wearing is very beautiful. I have never seen another like it." When Lygeia returns with drinks, Rysen says softly, "Thank the gods," and quickly takes a sip, raising an eyebrow as Sabella heads backstage. Lygeia then offers a glass to Thea, and takes a seat between Rysen and Arcadia.

Thea eyes Arcadia and her whiskey and snatches it,"Jesmond trusts me just enough---"not feeling bad at all. "And no, I did not hear it. I just now starting doing plays...."

Mikani enters looking excited to see the show. She plops herself next to Rysen. "Did I miss it?"

Mikani has joined the an ivy covered ancient bench.

Arcadia grumps at Thea and gives her shins a love tap again. "That was mine." She shuffles down the bench, but immediately tattles to Mika, "Rysen is being mean. So is Thea."

"And you never have, and may never again unless you visit Tor or the Fidante Villa." Narcissa confirms for Rysen with a soft ripple of laughter. "It is our newest, the Torean Dawn. Duchess Calista and the others' efforts are truly remarkable. Ah, that reminds me, I owe you a poem do I not?" She glances up towards the stage, the departing Sabella. "...I do hope everything is alright backstage."

As the torches that were lit to guide those to their seats in the ampitheater are extinguished, a few torches remain lit to cast light onto the stage as it is brought up to a new brightness. Stepping onto the stage, Artur, dressed in the leathers of several and furs of several animals, a near perfect copy of Weohstan's own armor and clothing, the Redrain Prince uses this moment to greet the crowd that has gathered.

"My name is Weohstan Redrain, in my day - the greatest of beasts roam the land, and I was glad to hunt them all!" he declares proudly, as he grips the lance hilt in his hand. "When the Maw of the Blizzard came to Farhaven, I was able to destroy it with a gift from the Amber Smith, the Amber Amulet!"

He holds up the replica of Dawnstone and Star Iron he had made in his right hand. "And of course, I had my trusty vamplate!" That is in his left hand, the lance standing tall and proud, flying a small red banner - a favor perhaps?

"But there were more monsters and creatures that threatened Farhaven, and I knew I would need every edge to find a way to keep them, and Redrain safe from all threats!" he calls out in a clear voice, trying to hide his own jumble of butterflies in his gut as he slips into his character. "It was with that in mind that I sought out knowledge, information that would help me learn on these great threats - and it was this quest that brought me deep into the lands of the Lycene, and to what will eventually.."

And as the lights lower, the curtains open, to a merchant's encampment on the stage. It is bright and colorful, carrying a very Lycene vibe to it, as a Merchant is preparing her wares as Weohstan approaches. "Good evening, good lady!" comes the announcement from the Redrain Prince as he approaches the wagon. "I was told that you have many secrets of the creatures that roam Avurm, and I seek that knowledge! What price would you ask?"

Artur may need to work a little on his acting skils.

Artur checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

As Weohstan Redrain makes his initial speech, a woman dressed rather like Princess Saoirse Velenosa but with a couple more colorful scarfs walks behind him and when he flashes that amulet her eyes go wide and she scurries back behind the curtain.

And so it is when the curtain rises that very same woman is the merchant that Weohstan approaches. She feigns not hearing him at first then looks over, rather disinterested, "I'm not sure that someone like you could pay the price that I ask," the merchant woman says, "For the secrets I could offer would make you the most talked about hero in all of the land! They are worth more than gold, more than favors. What could you possibly have that would be a proper price? Perhaps if you had something that a master smith had created...but no, no! Surely you couldn't have something like that."

Sabella checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 58 higher.

Alessia checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 25, rolling 13 higher.

Rysen checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 25, rolling 39 higher.

Niklas checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Denica checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 68, rolling 11 lower.

Volcica checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 68, rolling 53 lower.

Tescelina checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 68, rolling 55 lower.

Mirk checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 68, rolling 4 higher.

Arcadia checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 68, rolling 39 lower.

Eilonwy checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 68, rolling 53 lower.

Thea checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 25, rolling 8 lower.

Narcissa checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 68, rolling 46 lower.

Carita checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 25, rolling 54 higher.

Leaning forward to call out, Eilonwy starts to cheer on Weohstan and can't seem to figure out what language she means to call out in. Tripping over her own tongue what comes out is a garbled mess of Northern Shav and Common that leaves her slinking back in her seat trying to look subtle.

As the crowds begin voicing their involvement in the production, loudly at that, Narcissa shrinks in her seat to evade notice as her only attempt to chime in comes out as a hiccuping squeak.. Pale cheeks flush and she suddenly finds some invisible dirt under her nails captivating.

Arcadia cheers half heartedly, more involved in a sudden conversation with her family.

Tescelina looks like she wishes to speak up, but her voice stifles and she wrinkles her nose. Flushed. Tucking her chin afterward and hiding her face behind her hair for a moment. SOCIAL ANXIETY.

Denica stands at the bench, sword in hand and ready to pledge her support for Weohstan. Allowing herself to fit fully into the character, "For the Redrain, I will--" She calls out, but then flushes into bright red at something that was said at her bench and opts for sitting back and staying quiet for once.

Alessia takes a drink from her glass before cheering for the merchant, her voice full of enthusiasm. "You tell him!"

Mikani checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 68, rolling 38 lower.

Thea drinks from her glass, amusedly glancing in Denica's direction.

Mikani laughs as her voice raised for Redrain entertained by the participation.

Niklas calls out to the humble merchant, "Take him for everything you can! I don't like his ready laugh and boundless enthusiasm for his task! He may be a good-natured, jovial prince with a thirst for life and a love of hunting, who has the loyalty of his men, but that just means he's probably got lots of stuff to give you!"

Weohstan listens to the Princess Merchant as she makes her pitch. "I would like to have that knowledge! But.. the only thing I have of that type of value.. is my amulet." he pauses for a moment, looking out towards Niklas, and calls back. "I use most of my funds from my deeds to fund my expeditions to help others!" he laughs, totally breaking character for a moment when Niklas' totally un-biased call rings out.

His hand reaches to clutch the amulet at his neck, as he considers and weighs the infromation, and the book that the Princess offers him. "It is for the best of Redrain." he finally decides.

"And I will always put Redrain first!" Taking off the necklace, he offers it to the Merchant in return for the book. "You have struck yourself a bargain!" the amulet glitters in the sunlight, so pretty and warm as it is traded away. To supposedly never be seen again!

Artur checked charm + performance at difficulty 25, rolling 21 higher.

As Weohstan takes out that amulet, the humble and definitely not evil princess merchant reaches back as an extra passes by and pulls a book out of their hands, which she then holds behind her back, all of this very clear to the audience but not clear to poor Weohstan. She studies him for a long moment before letting out a sigh, "I normally wouldn't do this, but you seem to be a genuine young gentleman who wants to make a name for himself, so while I should not offer this amazing tome to you I find myself moved by your plight," and with that she brings the book to the front with a flourish, "This book will tell you how to defeat even the most dastardly, fantastical foes you might come across in all the world! Their temperaments and weaknesses are all recorded here by very honest folk and are definitely all entirely true probably. Certainly someone brave and stalwart like you could make more use of this than you could of that trinket." She reaches out to snatch the amulet and then tosses the book at him as if it were nothing, "I promise you that book will make you a legend!" She tells him, already backing away to run off stage! But she pauses by the edge to say directly to the audience, holding that sparkling gem up, "If only in his own mind!" And then she's gone!

Sabella checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Carita's attention is divided by the stage and those she's seated with equally, her expression leaning heavily on amusement with the occasional shift, now and again, taking a piece of paper from Denica to admire and holding it up to see it better in the light. "Amazing," is said less softly before she shows it to the others at her bench and hands it back.

Niklas calls out to 'Weohstan', "Way to lose the Amber Amulet! Hah hah!" He sighs and sits back on the bench. "Now he's going to get eaten by a dragon."

With Act One coming to a close with the exchange of amulet for book, the crew is quickly working on changing the stage for act two. Cables are pulled, curtains are drawn, as the world is changed from the Merchant Camp to the mountains of Redrain. Above the amphitheater there is a mighty /roar/ - someone roaring into a megaphone - as a dragon is revealed beneath the tarps, a great black wyrm that looms over the battlefield.

Backstage, the sounds of battle ring out as pages smack swords together and the sounds of battle cries sound out. Weohstan, standing at the middle of stage holds the vamplate lance. "According to the Merchant's book, the dragon's weak spot is just below it's breast bone after it billows!

Turning to the crowd, he raises his lance and calls out to the audience. "With me, my friends, we shall take down this beast together!" With that, he turns to charge towards the great dragon.

On the edge of the stage, stagehands move the ropes to pull the wings up and down on dragon, before they start waving to thr crowd to call encouragement and use their own 'swords' to help in the battle!

Arcadia smirks at Niklas "Nah. Dragons don't like the taste of Princes. Too bony."

Artur checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Narcissa checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Thea checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 47 higher.

Tescelina checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Mirk checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Alessia checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Mikani checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Ophelia checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Rysen checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 44 higher.

Denica checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Niklas checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Arcadia checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Carita checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Arcadia joins in with the crowd, waving her sword about with maybe a slightly specific aim on her whiskey stealing friends.

Laughing at Niklas' words, applauding as the first act comes to a close, Alessia motions to her maid for a refill of her glass. When it comes time to fight the dragon, she raises the wooden sword, though not entirely comfortable with a single handed weapon of the size. She rises, making a slashing movement with the others.

Tescelina takes one of the wooden swords as the dragon passes by and with an overhead strike she /probably/ over does it, but its a solid hit!

Mirk eyes the wooden swords skeptically, takes one in his hand, and coughs. He elects to instead call out encouragement. He's better at that part, as his record shows, and this way no one loses an eye on accident, but he does gamely gesture towards the sky with the wooden sword as he does.

Thea begins swinging her sword in true Malvici fashion and yep---she strikes true and manages to avoid Arcadia as well. SUCCESS!

Denica stands up once more, kicking the air in front of her as she watches Tescelina strike the invisible creature. She stumbles, barely maintaining her balance to finish the whole endeavour with a strike of her own that seems to be just enough to cause some damage.

Narcissa glances up at the dragon as it passes over, stirring not a centimeter as a bit of dragon no bigger than one's finger is cut off and flutters down in a slow descent, settling right on her hair with that strip of black cloth now dissecting her face in two. She turns to Alessia and asks, dead pan, "Is this a good look for me?"

Niklas draws his mighty (wooden) blade (toy) and swings it around a few times. He doesn't hit anyone, but Carita, Denica and Tescelina would not be blamed for taking a moment to count their eyes when he's done.

Rysen rises from from his seat and with a Harlex-inspired maneuver, steals Arcadia's wooden sword and fluidly slashes at the dragon, landing a solid strike.

Eilonwy watches the others have at the dragon and cheers for the mighty warriors. For herself, the short northerner sticks to the benches where she's less likely to trip anyone or fall over her own blade.

Ophelia cheers for Prince Weohstan as he takes on the dragon with the rest of the gathered crowd. She, too, wields her wooden sword and waves it skyward at the dragon -- it's probably a good thing this weapon is fake. Someone might get accidentally wacked in the shoulder mid flail.

Carita does indeed duck and shift as her benchmates take swings, her attempt is mostly just throwing her sword in the general direction of the passing dragon, laughter making even that attempt a whimpy one.

Tescelina does a little hop and puts her sword in the air at her success. "Yes," she says in the quietest triumph ever declare. Its honestly pretty cute.

The dragon is struck and slashed, as Weohstan stands proud. "Thank you, my friends!" he calls out to the audience, "Now let us finish this beast!" With that, he charges in on the dragon and strikes true as the lance pierces the 'dragon's' hide, and then suddenly, it lets out a might roar of death, as it flumps over on the stage - and from hidden spots around the amphitheater, several pages and stage hands throw out red, white and yellow ribbons that descend on the crowd, as the dragon 'falls' on Weohstan, and the curtains come down.

End Act Two.

The scenery changes again, and this time, the crowd is taken inside of a hallowed hall. Weohstan's body lies upon a pedestal, as Daan tells the crowd. "Prince Weohstan has perished." he announces somberly. "In his last defiant act, the dragon's breath covered the field (the ribbons) and his body crushed the Prince and those near him.

The scene moves from Weohstan to the dirge singer and funeral party - again the audience, to pay their final respects in any way they see fit - as small shots of whiskey are handed to the crowd, so that they may toast the fallen.

Arcadia gapes at Rysen "My sword!" She scurries after him and tries to steal her sword back "Gimme you dastardly whiskey stealer and hater of poetry! "

Settling back into the seat, Alessia places the sword on her lap, laughing at Narcissa's question. "Why yes. You ought to model it around the city, you have my fool support." She claps as the scene ends, taking her newly filled glass from Sirra.

'Weohstan' cracks open one eye and glares out at Arcadia. "Prince trying to die here!" he yells out. "Stop being a brat!" And he quickly closes his eyes again and goes back to looking dead.

Arcadia quickly resettles on her bench. She still gives Rysen a kick under the bench.

And thus more ribbons land on Narcissa to join the black one draped over her pale face. Nevermore is not impressed in the slightest, and with a croaking caw, the raven says 'fuck that' and flies off towards the south, a bit of red ribbon stuck on his left wing. Brushing off her shoulders, the poet remarks, "He has always been a cranky corvid.."

Rysen laughs softly at Tescelina's celebration, before he gets his wooden sword recaptured by its original owner. "Lies!" says Rysen loudly in response to Arcadia's accusation. He glances towards the new scene and blushes, sitting down again and taking his seat. "Lies," he repeats more softly to Arcadia, but with no less conviction.

Mikani winces as Cady misses Rysen and gets her shin. "Owwweesw"

Thea takes a bigger drink of her whiskey and tells Arcadia,"When I die, try to behave,"a slight tease to her voice.

Niklas holds his shot aloft. "To Weohstan, the second, no, third greatest of the Redrain heroes!" He considers his fingers, then nods, seemingly satisfied with third, then knocks back his drink.

"He spoke! Spirits, and Gods! He's undead!" Eilonwy gasps to herself in what she supposes is a quiet voice. At the toast, Eilonwy lifts her whiskey and adds a "Stay down, dead man." in a mutter before knocking back.

Arcadia snorts at Thea, seeming to have somehow lost the plot of the play "Thea. When you die, I will be leading the dancing, carousing and drinking."

"To the third greatest." Alessia nods, raising her glass in turn. "Fourth?" She ponders this before draining the contents.

As the shots are handed out and the toasts raise, Sabella appears once more on stage this time dressed all in black as is befitting a funeral dirge, which she begins to sing after letting the crowd settle a bit. Her voice is clear and sad as she sings of the bravery that comes with youth and those that do not live long enough to couple it with wisdom. There are two verses recounting the tale that was just played out and how even with the bad trade that was made at the hands of the shady merchant, Weohstan became the hero he longed to be, now in the Hall of Heroes for generations to come to see and learn from. A final verse focuses on the hope that he represents in facing down obstacles that seem insurmountable and how he gave the greatest of sacrifices to keep his people safe from the great serpent of the Red Mountain and will always be remembered for it.

Sabella checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 99 higher. Sabella rolled a critical!

Tescelina checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 9 lower.

Niklas checked composure + empathy at difficulty 99, rolling 50 lower.

Mikani checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 4 lower.

Thea checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 9 lower.

Arcadia checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 23 lower.

Narcissa checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 3 lower.

At some point in the chaos and commotion, Volcica's left her group-- likely stating a need for whiskey! She's standing at the back of the Ampitheatre, wrapped in a black cloak as she sings along with Sabella. She adds depth, support to the Princess' song.

Alessia checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 12 lower.

Volcica checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Its a /very emotional/ production. Tescelina has her moment of victory before her wooden sword clatters down as Sabella begins to sing, she falls onto her seat. She covers her mouth, but that doesn't stop her eyes from leaking. She's a crier. They pour from her eyes even as her expression doesn't much change aside the widen of those cyan hues.

Carita checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Niklas nods to Alessia. "Third. Sir Eric Redhill and Princess Val are first in second. Oh, wait, there's the guy who beat a man to death with his own arm. Yeah, fourth. Good call!" But then Sabella's coming out and he stops to give his wife his full attention, pressing his hands together and definitely doesn't cry, but he does give a sort of faraway look while he considers the epic she brings to life.

Thea checked composure + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Arcadia is completely distracted by the singing (lucky for Rysen). Being the /highly/ emotional pregnant woman in the crowd, she actually begins to blubber. A wet, loud noisy sob.

"Gods and spirits," says Rysen softly as he listens to Sabella, "what a performance." His eyes glimmer with deep feeling, but there is a slight smile on his face.

"Ah. Rathlander." Alessia nods with a grin, her tone somewhat wistful. Sabella's song seems to enrapture her, her attention fixed to the stage, wordless.

Mikani dabs her cheek softly at the song. Enjoying the haunting beauty of it.

Thea looks like she enjoyed Sabella's song, her gold-flecked green eyes a bit damp,"It wasnt terrible. "

Her golden eyes narrow at the shot of whiskey given to her, and Narcissa tosses it back with one fell swoop. Surely it is the burn of the liquor that causes her eyes to water, or in the passing moment that she blinks rapidly to quell any hint of it (it fails). The performance is well given and thus the poet stands to give verbose accolades, "Snow falls, winter waxes and wanes,/ Still the memory of brave soul reigns./ A soul sacrificed, the warrior bold and brave,/ Deed and name to outlive the grave." The cupid's bow of her lips curls into a wide, appreciate smile as she applauds enthusiastically for the performers.

Arcadia sniffles and sobs and being probably the least ladylike lady in all of Arx, she does not have a handkerchief on her. Trying to compose herself in a respectable state again, she sneakily grabs at Rysen's cloak and dabs her eyes. She may of even wiped her nose on it.

Narcissa checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 30 higher.

Mirk is overheard praising Artur.

Mirk is overheard praising Sabella.

Alessia is overheard praising Artur.

Artur is overheard praising Sabella.

Alessia is overheard praising Sabella.

Tescelina is overheard praising Sabella: A truly moving performance.

Sabella is overheard praising Artur: What a creative way to perform a play! Also, great choice in sudden cast members!

Tescelina is overheard praising Artur: A very well done performance!

Carita is overheard praising Artur: For a lovely performance and a beautifully thought out play.

Volcica is overheard praising Artur: An amazing performance of a Redrain legend!

Carita is overheard praising Sabella: For a lovely performance and sharing your beautiful voice!

Volcica is overheard praising Sabella: Absolutely heartwrenching singing! an amazing performance!

Eilonwy is overheard praising Artur.

Eilonwy is overheard praising Sabella.

Mikani is overheard praising Sabella.

Mikani is overheard praising Artur.

Denica is overheard praising Artur.

Denica is overheard praising Sabella.

As the curtains close, there's quiet sobbing in the crowd as the play comes to a close. After several minutes, Artur comes out onto the stage, bringing Sabella with him. "Thank you all for attending tonight. If you do not know - after the battle against the wyrm, Weohstan's vamplate disappeared. I believe I have discovered where it is located, and will be heading an expedition to find it and recover it. If you want to give to it, please do! Thank you for attending the performance, and a special thank you to Princess Sabella Grayson for filling in at the last moment. The auction for the items will be up for the rest of the evening. If you would like to stay and mingle, please feel free!"

Rysen rises from his seat, applauding loudly. "Well done!" he shouts to Artur and Sabella.

Arcadia applauds too, letting Rysen's now wet and possibly slimey cloak drop out of her hands. Something fun for him to discover later. She leans over and murmurs to Mika for a moment.

Sabella beams when Artur brings her out on stage with him, but gestures to him and applauds, "This wonderful interactive theater experience--which I believe is the first of its kind in Arx--was all the work of Prince Artur! So please do give generously to his cause as I am quite sure after seeing this production tonight that he will accomplish anything and everything he puts his mind to!"

Ophelia claps for both Artur and Sabella's performaces and is even smiling when a page draws near to give her a note. However, her smile fades as she reads it and soon she is sighing before standing up. Slipping out of the gardens, the archeress is quiet as she departs.

Robyn, an artful archeress, 2 House Velenosa Guards leave, following Ophelia.

Applauding, Eilonwy rises from her seat and starts making her way out of the gardens quietly.

1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant leaves, following Eilonwy.

Thea applaudes both Artur and Sabella, a brief smile on her lips. She discreetly jabs Arcadia's side with her wooden sword after.

Artur blushes at Sabella. "I'm not sure I'll ever do this again, but it was very interesting!" he admits with a little laugh, gesturing out into the crowd. "And thank you, Lady Volcica for your assistance with Sabella's song!"

Thea is overheard praising Sabella.

Thea is overheard praising Artur.

"For my part I'd like to find that amulet," says Niklas, musing on the expedition. Then he shrugs and walks over to await his wife.

Arcadia is overheard praising Artur.

Rysen glances back toward Volcica and raises his glass of whiskey in a toast to the beautiful voice of the Lady of House Stahlben.

Arcadia is overheard praising Sabella.

Arcadia is overheard praising Volcica.

Narcissa stands from the bench as the performance draws to a close, praises given and awarded. For a fleeting second she eyes the wooden swords before snapping her attention back to Alessia. "We will have to meet at a later date to discuss the discipleship. Gods know what I may have gotten myself into." A beat and then her gaze flits over to Rysen. "Ideas for your verse are already percolating, but I hardly think it can touch this production."

Narcissa is overheard praising Artur.

Narcissa is overheard praising Sabella.

Niklas is overheard praising Sabella: Songs to make a heart of stone weep, even if her accent is weird.

Niklas is overheard praising Artur.

Volcica smiles to Artur, and then Rysen and Arcadia. She lifts her whiskey to the stage and the crowd before slipping back to rejoin her friends at their bench.

Thea is overheard praising Volcica.

Sabella waits the appropriate amount of time before rushing off the stage to throw her arms around Niklas, "How was that? I was learning that song during the last act back stage can you believe it?! It just truly spoke to me and the music was so amazing! Lady Volcica set just the perfect tone and mood and it all came together so beautifully!"

Applauding when the play comes to an end, Alessia's eyes seem to have finally dried and she takes a seat once again. "Undoubtedly, my lady. Although if you must know, I encourage it." She gives a warm smile.

Rysen laughs happily, and smiles at Narcissa. "Given what you came up with right here on the spot, I am very much looking forward to whatever you compose." Rysen throws back the rest of his whiskey and kisses Mikani's forehead. He makes his way towards the stage and says to Sabella, "A magnificent performance, Your Highness," and turning to Artur, he says, "Thank you very much for putting this together, Prince Artur. I wish you the best with your search." He waves farewell to those whom he's met, and makes his way to the northeast.

Rysen has left the an ivy covered ancient bench.

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist leaves, following Rysen.

"A beautiful performance. You have my compliments, and my donation," Mirk says with a dip of his head towards the performers for the evening. Those pleasantries offered, he makes his way towards the exit himself.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Aegis, a large red Oakhaven bloodhound, Rurik, a prodigal assistant leave, following Mirk.

Arcadia heads over to the stage too. She beams at Sabella, "That song was beautiful. The highlight of the show." Then turning to Artur she tells him, "It was well down, even if a certain whiskey stealing Lord stole my sword." She then leans forward and murmurs something to Artur before departing.