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

Zoey watches the two of them with a laugh and shakes her head. "Well aren't you two just adorable," she says to Miranda and her cousin.

The weather is good for skating, and Peri has a dufflebag with her skates for a spin on the east garden pond. That's for later. For now she has a big apetite. She purses her lips in amusement at all the doting couples. Miranda and Dariel get an extra chuckle.

"You did, and for the better." Dariel smiles at his beloved and then moves to stand beside her to be social. He grins at Zoey's comment. "Well thank you!" He looks about. "No Kaia yet? Unlike her to be late for a party she's organising. Perhaps she's still attending to the turkey." He looks about. "Well, hello everyone. Welcome to Bisland Manor all of you who aren't Bislands!"

It's late and Lord Martino Malvici has not eaten yet. Although, based on the weather, it's unknown if his need to eat or that is what has caused a wrinkle across his brow as he and Lady Thea Malvici steps in together through the doorway. "Mm... oh I didn't do it!" Martino's sharp greens widen as he catches the last part of Lord Dariel's comment about Kaia. "But, well, I hope you are all ever-so-well. Is it ready?"

Miranda slips an arm around Dariel's waist and smiles at Zoey. "Too much?" She shrugs sheepishly, "I promise not to be too annoying with my doting on my Pookie here." She looks to Dariel and shakes her head lightly to him. Another little whisper to him, it seems serious so no one's missing some lovey dovey words or anything.

The guards bow respectfully to the arriving member of House Bisland.

Duchess Cottontail, a gorgeous fluffy white angora kitten with odd eyes and a pretty pink ribbon, 2 Bisland pride guards, Luella Sedna, an influent and renowned pearl trader, Colin Laurent, a quiet and serene companion arrive, following Kaia.


Ronja Sandreef is a common enough sight around Bisland Manor, most weeks. It'd be hard not to notice her, really, with her wild red hair and her motley gallery of tattoos that range from rude to the rudest. Mostly, she seems to keep the company of Lord Michael or dash about saying 'Lord Michael needs this' or 'Lord Michael said that' or 'can you believe the shit Lord Michael is pulling this time' -- typical protege talk.

Today, Ronja is here to feast. She's even wearing a blue bandana as a tall headband to keep her hair out of her face and thus away from her food. She's schmoozing, a cup of something alcoholic in hand, greeting guests when she remembers to do so. She drifts closer to Dariel, and asks, sotto voice, "I wasn't expected to wear a gown or anything, was I...?" A blouse and leather trousers will have to do.

Thea eyes that wrinkle in Martino's forehead. And the gray hair. "Your--age is showing..."her voice low. Seeing the others, Thea bows her head and smiles a bit,"Good evening." Thea is in a gown--out of force today. Hence Martino being called old.

"Lady Thea!" Zoey says as she approaches. "You look lovely this evening."

"Well I'm sure if Kaia were here she'd have some sort of plan." Dariel finds one of the servants to get them to organise drinks for people. "So perhaps drinks for everyone. I believe the pond is outside and suitable for skating on. I do remember her telling me Lady Peri would probably be quite interested in that." Dariel smiles to Ronja. "No, no gown needed as far as I'm aware. Since I'm apparently running it for now I say it's fine. Though it seems Lady Thea is in a gown. That is a surprise."

Exhaling with his cheeks puffed out, Martino simply rolls his eyes at Thea's comment about his age to reply. "And you, dear sister, are a brat." His sharp greens glance about the Bisland house to find something to distract his sister. A chew toy perhaps. "Oh, Lady Zoey!" Zoey came across to them, that'll be his defence, "Would you mind showing her Bisland House? She never got to see much as she fell out with Michael." Tisking his sister, Maritno steps away and instead crosses to Lord Dariel and Miranda, "A fine day to you both, my dear friends." Bowing his head to them, a flashed smile to Ronja and Peri also.

Not long after, the lady Kaia makes her entrance from the kitchen area with a huge smile. "Ah, pardon the lateness, friends. Welcome to Bisland - please do make yourselves comfortable." She says gesturing towards the tables. "The servants will begin to bring the food out shortly." She announces and gives two claps. That's when a finely dressed group of servants begin their parade out of the kitchen, bringing plenty of mouthwatering dishes - but the star of the show being the massive turkey with a rich side of potatoes. Other servants move about to offer the guests a glass or two from the diverse assortment of drinks the Bisland's have to offer. "Please enjoy! ~" she says, before moving about to greet all of her guests more individually.

Miranda gives a wave to Thea, her own expression is somewhat distracted. There's warmth there, but she seems quiet, especially midst the guests arriving. More and more of them. Oh but she knows some. She does disengage from Dariel to hug Martino and give his cheek a kiss, then a wave to Thea. A look to Ronja who is there and she offers, "I'm Lady Miranda Rubino, I don't think we've met."

Martino has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

Eina, Soot, a ferret leave, following Peri.

"I think that will have to wait," Zoey apologizes to the Malvici siblings before finding herself a seat at the table.

Eina, Soot, a ferret arrive, following Peri.


Ronja gives Dariel a faint smile and a nod. "Good, because I'd have to borrow one, and you don't look like my size, my Lord," she says to the Bisland man. Ronja pats Dariel's elbow as if to punctuate her joke, and then turns to greet Miranda with an attempt at a curtsy. 'An attempt,' because she's no good at it. "Ronja Sandreef, my Lady, at your service. Is there anything you need I can attend to-- ah, there's Lady Kaia now--!"

Eina, Soot, a ferret leave, following Peri.

Zoey has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

Thea smirks at Martino, her gold-flecked green eyes shifting colors,"There was no falling out, but if you want to go into details about things--,"her eyes turning to Finn. She gives a smile to Miranda and Zoey,"Thank you. I may be tying this dress somehow though." Seeing Kaia, she nods,"Oh good--there you are"

Thea has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

Martino chuckles at the tone from Ronja's words to Dariel, only after pecking the opposite cheek of Miranda's, "Oh a fine joke Messere Ronja. Miranda a delight to see you again." And then Kaia enters, Martino turns his chin and curls his lips effortlessly at his Bisland bride-to-be in that gown which drops deep between her breasts. "Mm... oh a good choice." Martino murmurs to himself as he steps around the table, trying to pick out the seat opposite Kaia, "Kaia, where might you be sitting?"

Dariel dips his head to Martino. "Good day to you, Lord Martino. I trust you are well?" Before he can even get the opportunity to ask him about Kaia she appears. From the kitchens. "Ah ha.. I was right. There you are, cousin. I was beginning to think you were going to make me run this show for you." At Ronja's introduction he dips his head. "Lord Dariel Bisland. pleased to meet you. Probably lucky about the gowns then. I doubt they'd be your style either."

Miranda nods to Ronja and shakes her head, "I have Pookie here," She links an arm through Dariel's arm. ".. to provide all I need. But thank you." She fidgets a bit and as folks start to sit, she says to Dariel, "Though.. I really do need to get going. I am sorry I can't stay." A glance to Kaia and she smiles warmly.


Ronja nods to Miranda, and lifts her cup as if to bid the woman a fond (though silent) farewell. She glances to Dariel: "You look like a man who can appreciate western styles, my Lord, so I'm sure I'd find something I wouldn't look too out of place in." She grins brightly, and moves to take a seat at the table -- skipping over the choicest and prime seats, leaving those for actual noblefolk.

Ronja has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

2 Rubino and Zaffria guards, Jewel, a Maelstrom Forest Cat, Juana, a harried Lady's Maid leave, following Miranda.

"Better you running it than me," says Zoey to Dariel. "I'm lucky I can even still navigate this place as well as I can."

Dariel watches his beloved head off after a kiss to her cheek and once she's gone he makes his way over to the table to join those sitting there. He nods to Ronja and there's a little smile as he sits. "Well yes. As long as it's showy, then I probably will like it." He chuckles at Zoey. "Well it's lucky I didn't just get out the whiskey for everyone and nothing else. Without knowing what was in Kaia's mind!"

Dariel has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

"Dear sister..." she says as she moves about to touch her sister's shoulder and place a kiss on her cheek. "I'm glad you could make it." Then, she moves to greet her cousin. "Ah, cousin! Thank you for greeting our guests until my arrival, there was an unexpected dilemma with one of the dishes..." she comments, before setting her eyes on Miranda. "Lady Rubino! I'm so glad you could join us, Dariel here speaks so fondly of you - it's always a delight to have you around." Her gaze then moves to Ronja. "Ah, Miss Sandreef, so good to see you once more." She says, with a kind smile before moving on to greet Thea. "Thea darling you look wonderful!" Then, finally her eyes set on Martino. A light blush on her face as he compliments her. "Thank you, beloved; you look quite dashing yourself. I shall be seating next to my sister." She tells him, as she begins to move towards her seat.

Kaia has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.


Ronja gives Kaia another one of her awful curtsies as she's pulling her chair out, and then sits herself down. She looks over to Dariel: "Wait," she says, and then looks down at her cup. "Was I not meant to get out the whiskey--? I mean, I did for MYSELF..."

"Oh well said there Messere Ronja." Martino's sharp green eyes crease to Ronja before he pulls back his chair to settle himself opposite Kaia, glancing across to Thea as he gestures the seat on his right, [Sorry, Thea. Holding this seat for someone.] He doesn't state who. Just not Thea. [Oh have you practiced the bow since that adventure Kaia?" Martino smiles to Kaia before checking on Zoey, "How are you now, good Zoey?"

"Oh well said there Messere Ronja." Martino's sharp green eyes crease to Ronja before he pulls back his chair to settle himself opposite Kaia, glancing across to Thea as he gestures the seat on his right, "Sorry, Thea. Holding this seat for someone." He doesn't state who. Just not Thea. "Oh have you practiced the bow since that adventure Kaia?" Martino smiles to Kaia before checking on Zoey, "How are you now, good Zoey?"

"Oh, I'm doing well," Zoey answers. "Though I am curious about where Michael may be. He promised me I would get to meet this princess of his."

Dariel smiles to Kaia and shrugs. "I was merely warming them up for you." He chuckles at Ronja and Martin's comment. "You two are missing the point. You would have had whiskey, with no choice, and probably nothing else. I'd have forgotten all the food!" Dariel suddenly stops and his head turns suddenly. "Did you say something about Michael and a princess?"

Thea simply tells Martino,"There are siblings that appreciate eachother you know,"hearing Kaia. "You'll be the like the sister I never had. Save Martino obviously,"crossing her long legs. She turns to Ronja, a small smile,"How have you been? We met briefly I remember.."


"I'd hardly call myself a princess," Ronja says to Zoey, after she lifts her cup to Martino to acknowledge his compliment. Then, after holding a serious face for a moment, she breaks into a wide grin. "I jest, my Lady, I jest." She seems like she's about to say something else, but when Dariel asks into it further, she pauses. Unable to hide what she's feeling in the slightest, she seems to be unsure of what to say.


Though Ronja is then distracted from not knowing what to say by Thea, and her warm grin returns: "I'm well, my Lady, I'm very well. I've just moved out of the Sleepless Knights -- that bar in the Valardin Ward, the very Oathlands-y place where everyone sits around drinking room-temperature milk? Though I wish I could say I was moving somewhere altogether WARMER -- weather that requires a heavy cloak has never suited me at all..."

2 Ashford Archer, Bethany, 1 Ashford Ranger, Faustus, the feisty, fluffy, three legged kitten arrive, following Olivia.

Eina, Soot, a ferret arrive, following Peri.

"Glad to know I'm not the only one in the dark," Zoey says to Dariel. "Kaia, would you enlighten us, please?"

Martino sighs once more as Thea speaks across to him, and leans across the table to murmur hushed to Dariel. "Did Arcadia give her something this morning to make her more... Thea-like than usual?" Reaching across the table, Martino gathers a napkin and flushes it once to lie it across his lap and leans back to allow a slice of turkey, some potatos and some greens to all get served on his plate before Bisland wine is poured before him. "Oh where have you moved to Messere Ronja?" Martino's voice directs across to her as he keeps a seat beside him free, away from Thea. "Wait. Do you both not know?" Martino's head tilts as he hears both Zoey and Dariel speak of 'Princess'.

"Oh, sadly I have not had the time, no." she tells her beloved Martino. A chuckle given after Thea's statement. "I'm glad?" Then a smile is offered to Dariel. "Well that was most gracious of you cousin." She says, as she begins to fill her plate with this and that. Her gaze moving over to Zoey and Dariel as they mention Michael and /his princess/. "Ah, sister dear...I did warn you not to get your hopes up." She comments with a chuckle. "Though, I was told I could share the news if he did fail to make it." She announces. A small laugh given at Ronja's jest.


"I finally took my stepmother up on her offer of a room at Farwatch Manor," Ronja says to Martino, though casting a glance at Thea as well to make sure she's included in the answer. "All the folk tales about stepmothers and the like cast them as such awful women, but Baroness Farwatch is as kind to me as if I was her own -- possibly even kinder, because she didn't have to deal with all the bother of raising me into adulthood..." She goes quiet, glancing to Kaia.

Olivia wanders her way in to the Bisland manner like she belongs. She pokes her head in first, "I heard there was food here!" The cheery Ashford says with her usual bright beaming smile.

Peri is called away by a panicking messenger, "He really really needs you. He can't find anyone else to sign please please." The messenger boy wrings his hands. She takes pity on the child. Some time later she is back. She bows to Kaia, "Lady Kaia, I beg your pardon. There was a merchant from Pearlspire missing some records." She rejoins everyone at the dinner table.

Dariel turns his head to Kaia. Then to Martino when he seems to imply he knows. Dariel just shakes his head. "I don't believe it. Even Lord Martino knows!" He looks to Ronja. "You're Michael's protege I think you said.. Do you know who she is?"

Quint the salty looking puffin arrives, delivering a message to Thea before departing.

"Are you as hurt as I am?" Zoey asks Dariel.

Ronja checked composure at difficulty 50, rolling 22 lower.

Peri turns a puzzled look on everyone. She is having trouble catching up. She leans over to Kaia, "What is everyone talking about?"

Martino twitches his lips with such a devious look as nobody else knows but a few, enjoying this power. He nods to Kaia to keep it hush, drawing fingertips across his lips before tucking into his food. A mouthful taken before Olivia enters and across, the seat beside, Martino gestures. "Oh Lady Olivia I saved this seat for you." His eyes gaze across to Thea, warning, before he smiles at Peri's re-entry. "A pleasure see you again Peri." Back to food, Martino was starved.

Dariel nods to Zoey and he over dramatically cluches at his heart with his hands. "Their wielding of knowledge are like razors to my heart."

"Ah, all in good time dear sister!" she tells her with a chuckle. "You haven't had a proper bite of the turkey yet and are so eager. ~" she teases a little. Then her eyes move to Olivia at her arrival. "Livie! Welcome. ~ You are just in time - there's plenty of food! Come have some." She insists, before her attention shifts back to Peri. "Ah, that's quite alright, Lady Peri -I'm just glad you were able to return so hastily. Do join us, have some turkey! We were talking about Michael's mystery princess.~ Which really...isn't much of a secret." she says, with a smile.


When Dariel asks Ronja directly, Ronja can't stop the blush from creeping into her cheeks. It's even more noticeable on the normally quite tanned westerner because the weather has deprived her of the opportunity to bake herself in the sun. "I-- well, er, yes, my Lord, I do, actually, that is, I believe I do, unless there's been a change in plans, or a change in Princesses, or -- that is to say, I don't think that it would be, but, er, what I'm not sure of, actually, my Lord, is if it's MY place to, er, say, that is, without Lord Michael's permission to do so, because he and I, we, er, we haven't, ah, discussed it, not per se, and it's the sort of matter where, you understand, it might be called delicate, by some, not by all, but by some, and--" Finally, Ronja just cuts herself off by drinking her entire cup of whiskey without stopping for breath.

Thea begins putting food on her plate, glad there is -no- salad,"What do you mean,'Thea like'", her eyes on Martino. She simply shakes her head and begins plotting, her eyes appearing goldish. If that doesn't say something--She hears Olivia then and she bows her head,"Hello Lady Olivia. How are you!"

Peri listens to Kaia. "Ooooh, I see." She nods knowingly.

Zoey leans over to Thea for a brief exchange of whispers, then sits up straight again and starts to fill her plate. "Someone call a Mercy before Dariel dies a of a broken heart."

Dariel fixes Ronja with a look as she stumbles her way through one incredibly, rambling long sentance. There's even an eyebrow raise. "You have quite the way with words. Have you considered becoming a playwright?"

"Dariel! You have scared our dear Messere Ronja here." Martino tisks across to Dariel as he dips his chin to Ronja and instead changes the conversation away from Michael and which Princess is... with him. "Oh, Thea. I mean... quick and sharp with your tongue. That is what." An easy smile brushes across Martino's smiles before he takes back to his food and informs Kaia. "Then, I am going to build you an archery range." Nodding, he has decided.

Thea lifts her eyebrow at Martino as she responds,"Right." Sleep with one eye open. She watches the exchange between Ranja and Dariel,"I think Ranja can drink a northerner under the table." But now curious,"I didn't know princesses belonged to people..."taking a bite of her turkey.

Olivia slips further in and takes the offered seat. Waving hello to everyone. "Oh how nice of you Lord Martino." She looks to Thea, "I am well Lady Thea. Escaping the twins for the day." She grins.

Domonico enters the room, dressed as always in his armour, polished to a shine and the younger Malvici brother looks around the gathered people before offering Kaia and Dariel a smart bow. Lady Kaia. Lord Dariel. I trust you are both well?"

"Oh, how thoughtful my love!" she says. "I would love that. ~" She seems genuinely touched by that. Then her own small pink bubble breaks at Zoey's words on Dariel's poor heart, and she lets out a chuckle. "Cousin! Sister! Truly, I am surprised you really do not know!" she states. "Very well, I shall tell you all who she is." She says. Her mouth opened, and she was about to say when -Oh hey! Domonico arrived! "Ah, Lord Domonico! I'm so glad you could make it! Welcome! Do have a seat - and join us. There's plenty of food and drink. ~"

Dariel looks to Zoey. "I believe they are using the knowledge to taunt us!" Then he sees Olivia and dips his head. "Lady Olivia. Good to see you. Oh and a Lord Domonico also. Good to see you, my friend. It seems like we have the hat-trick of Malvici tody."

Martino leans to the right side for a moment to murmur with Olivia, "Quite alright. Have you met everyone here before your return to Ashford Keep?" He straightens himself and gathering the glass of Bisland wine before him, swirling it. Sniffing it. Testing it. "Mm... oh this is better than the Oathland Wine Princess Zara had us try." He takes a mouthful of it afterwards and lifts it to welcome Peri back, "Oh Lady Peri. Do join and sit with us. Have you descided what you shall be wearing for the two weddings coming up?"

Zoey takes a few bites, but mostly pushes food around on her plate. She does look up though when Kaia speaks to her. "I asked Michael point blank who it was, and all I can gather is that she is an Oathlander," says Zoey. She turns to Dariel with a smile. "One more and the Malvicis will outnumber us."

Olivia looks about the room, "All of these people look familiar to me." She responds to Martino. Then a big smile for Dariel, "Lord Dariel, congratulations. I do believe it has been quite some time since I last saw you?" Domonico gets a wiggle of the fingers in greeting.

Domonico has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

Domonico has left the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

Domonico has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

Olivia has joined the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

Peri is dressed in a simple shirt and trousers embroidered here and there with patterns of waves and the sea. She looks down at her sleeve and frowns thoughtfully. "I have not, Lord Martino. Do you have any suggestions? I do not keep up with the fashionable set. I'd like something that with ease of motion for those times when one needs to swing from the rigging."

Thea exhales,"Are we going back to clothes again,"reaching for her wine glass. She nods to Domonico,"Brother, glad you could make it." Thea exhales and tells the table,"I have been threatened to look like a fluffy berry."

Martino's head dips pleased to Olivia as she announces knowing them all, "Ah excellent. I was not too sure out of the... social circle one might have gone." A slight laugh at Thea's comment about being threatened has Martino waving his left hand, holding a silver fork, across to Peri, "Now - I - was not the one who did threaten." Martino's chin indicates just who that person was - Kaia - as he suggests, "Go with... mmm. Lots of lace, floor-length. Perhaps even a high-necked collar. Oh! Who are you attending with? Which incredibly fortunate Lord?"

"Unless one of the weddings is on a boat, I doubt you'll have to worry about rigging," Zoey tells Peri.

Domonico smiles and nods to everyone before taking a seat, "Ah Lady Zoey. You are already outnumbered by Malvici. After all I believe it was the commander Lord Geraldo Malvici who stated that troops of Southport are worth three of any other." He smiles before he looks over to Martino, "I swear you talk about clothes thrice as much as I converse about sailing and warfare combined brother." He nods to Thea respectful at her greeting, "I realised you would need reinforcement."

Dariel nods to Olivia. "Thank you! Yes, it has been I believe. It's good to see you about Arx once again." He hears Thea mention the fluffy berry and he can't help but laugh rather loudly about it.

Thea straightens as Dariel laughs. Oh does she have plans for him too. She turns to Domonico and thanks him,"I appreciate that,"sipping her wine. A bite of turkey follows,"Hey Lady Peri, do you think I could go pearl diving one day with you?" Change of subject.


Ronja had disappeared after her disastrous attempt to keep Michael's secret -- not so much a disaster for its end result, as just the way its sucess was executed. 'I think I'll just get another drink,' that sort of thing. When she returns, she looks from face to face to try and gauge where the conversation's landed, and relaxes into her seat easily enough.

"Pearl diving sounds like fun!" says Zoey.

Zoey is overheard praising Kaia.


Peri turns a consternated gaze on Kaia and meets her eyes. She mouths "Is he kidding?" While she points with her head at Martino. She turns to Martino, "Oh... yes." Peri nods seriously. "I will tell my tailor to get right on that." She takes a sip of her drink. "I had not thought of attending with anyone. Perhaps ...my brother?"
Pearl diving! That gets Peri's attention. She turns to Domonico, "Oh most certainly! When is your trip? We must go cliff diving as well, yes? Around here we have the bridge, and, well, that's not safe to jump from."

Peri gestures a long dive with her hand, down to a plate and voices a splat sound effect.

"Oh, Domonico. While I may talk clothes so much, you can recite our history with effortless ease." Martino's lips curl slightly to his brother Domonico as he suggests easy to him, "I want to hear you tell a story of our history some time soon Domonico. I suspect it might interest... some people." Hearing Peri and her glance across to Kaia, Martino purses his lips and just murmurs to those around, "Am I dressing everyone for this event?! Well everyone but Kaia." Lifting his glass of white wine, while talking to himself, Martino toasts it at Zoey.


"Well, if you're paying, my Lord, I won't say no..." Ronja notes.

"I'll be taking care of myself as well." Zoey returns the toast.

Peri gives Ronja an admiring look. "You are one of the best dressed here."

Domonico taps the table in thought before he answers both Peri and Thea, "I have talked with Count Orrin regarding the voyage and he is most willing to have Pearlspire as a stop at on the journey and has offered local guides and support for cliff and pearldiving so... yes Thea... we are planning that and hopefully Lady Peri can join us." To Martino, "Well most of our interesting history is that of battles and war."

Instantly there is a laugh from Martino's chest as Ronja asks. "Oh, Messere Ronja, you are not the first lady to have asked me for a gown. Nor the first in this very room." Martino turns his sharp green eyes across to Olivia, giving away just /who/ it might have been before speaking further to Ronja, "Promise to be there? I shall even see if I can find a nice... male? Female? What's your sin?"

There's a laugh from Kaia in regards to Thea's comment. She continued to eat this and that, while listening to the converstaion going around. A glance given to Peri. "Who? Hmm...what?" she asks, before popping a bit of fruit in her mouth. She got lost for a moment, or pretended to. Who knows?! Just then, Colin comes closer and leans in to whisper something to her before handing Kaia a sealed note. She looks at the seal for a moment and, after dabbing the corners of her mouth with a napkin, she excuses herself. "Please do excuse me a moment." she says, before getting to her feet. A moment after, she's walking away from the table along with Colin - pausing at a far enough distance that the others could see her but not quite hear whatever it was she was saying. She seemed to be reading the note - her face going slightly pale and then red. She seemed to be telling something to Colin - and she did not look pleased.


Ronja looks down at herself. If one was to inspect closely, they'd likely realize that her blouse is actually a man's shirt that she's tucked tightly into her leather trousers. "Really?" she asks Peri. "I just grabbed the first shirt didn't have any OBVIOUS torn stitches... but if you say so, then I will happily agree." She lifts her cup, and then grins toward Martino. "Well, if I'm to wear a gown, I hope it'd just be me within it -- otherwise it gets a bit awkward coordinating walking about," she says. "I promise I'll be there. And I promise that I'll leave my sins at the door, so as not to cause a ruckus."

Thea turns to Ronja, the youngest Malvici assuring her,"By all mean, let me know your sin. Within reason, I'll make sure you have it,"her lips twitching. Thea finishes her drink. Still clothes. Why. "Cliff diving certainly sounds--interesting. I certainly would try that too, yes." She peers at Kaia briefly, lifting her eyebrow.

"Oh... for shame! What is a wedding if not with a touch of... danger about it. Mm? That an aunt might start a war. That a cousin might wake up drunk." Martino laughs to Ronja before taking a mouthful of his food. "I didn't do it... I think." Martino's sharp green eyes lift from his plate of to Kaia as she's looking upset. Sipping his wine, Martino daps the corners of his lips and sets the napkin beside his plate to make excuses to those around, "A moment." With that, Martino pushes himself back and crosses to make his way to Kaia, resting his left hand upon her lower back to murmur hushed with her.

Olivia flutters her eye lashes innocently at Martino, "I do believe Lord Martino owes me six or seven gowns at this point."

Dariel has left the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

Some time would go on, and Kaia would still not return to the table. Whatever it was that she was speaking about with Colin seemed to be angering her - which was VERY unusual. Kaia angry? WHEN?! She'd let out a sigh and gesture with her hands in an attempt to calm down, before reaching out for a piece of paper and some ink. She seemed to be writing a note. She handed it over to Colin at last, the poor lad seemed embarrased, and then waved him off to leave. Colin of course rushed out quite quickly; Kaia on the other hand remained there for a moment. Still. Quiet. Lifting a hand up to cover her mouth before letting out another sigh.

When Martino approaches, she turns around looking a bit startled and she shakes her head, before hushedly muttering something to him.

"Or one truly exquisite one," Zoey tells Olivia.

Domonico is silent in his seat as he listens to the conversations going on and warily keeps a track of Kaia and Martino, his body just a little tense.


Ronja seems relaxed -- far moreso than she was earlier. Maybe the extra whiskey has helped, or the turkey. In any event, she looks over at Thea: "You know, if you spend much time at all on the water, with the right crew, or the wrong crew, which is actually the right crew for these purposes, you eventually try out every sin you can just to pass the time. I'm easy, as sins go. And men, women, that's all fine too. I don't judge by what's under their clothes. Well, I do, a bit, but you know what I mean, my Lady."

Kaia mutters, "Oh, ... too ... ... have just been told ... ... so ... ... Seems I ... be ... my ... ... quite a while. It ... there ... been a complication ... some diplomatic matters."

"Here, here!" Peri toasts Ronja and Thea.

"Mm... well.. mm." Martino's forehead creases a moment more as he exhales deep, "Which cousin? There are..." Martino pauses and considers, thinking back on an earlier conversation to rest his right arm across Kaia's shoulders to squeeze her into his side, "My darling. Well, did you wish to rest upstairs after you are done here. I shall clear away the dishes with Dariel." Enlistement into duty. Malvici style.

Olivia nods at Zoey, "I could accept one Steelsilk in exchange for the ten he owes me." Seems that number is rising by the minute.

Martino is overheard praising Kaia: Such wonderful hosting!

Peri is overheard praising Kaia.

Martino is overheard praising Dariel: He covered for Kaia so well at the start

Thea rises from the table,"I should get going, but it was nice seeing you all,"her eyes momentarily glancing at Kaia. "See Martino, no salad!" Slight dig there.


Ronja raises her drink towards Peri, returning the toast, and as Thea stands to depart, Ronja lifts her drink at her as well. "Safe travels, my Lady," she says, and then glances to Kaia -- just in time to catch some of the Bisland woman's big mood. She gets up out of her chair (drink still in hand) to slink over and stage-whisper: "Is everything all right, my Lady? Is there anything I can, er, assist with--?"

Domonico stands to near attention as everyone seems to be preparing to leave, "I can assist as well brother," he says with a nod of the head.

Peri lingers to see if she can offer help to Kaia or to Martino and the others.

Thea =:pauses and looks to Zoey,"Something the matter?"

Olivia smiles at Domonico, "Oh you wanted to help with my steelsilk as well? How nice."

Thea remembers then and takes a turkey a turkey leg. A decent sized one no less. She also takes a few pieces and sneaks them over to Finn, who gobbles them up happily. She bows her head excusingly,"Pardon me."

After giving Martino a knowing glance - yes, he would certainly understand which cousin she was talking about /now/. "Yes, I think it's best I do. But first, I must be courteous and share my farewells..." she says, and then adds. "That would be most helpful." She says in regard to his offer. "Miss McGuilles, please help Lord Martino and Lord Dariel with whatever it is they may need." She tells the servant, before saying something else to Martino. "I do need to have a word with my sister as well before I retire. I shall see you soon, yes?" Then, she places a modest kiss on his cheek and proceeds to make her way over to Zoey. "Sister..." Leaning in to whisper something to her. When she straightens, she offers a sweet smile to her guest. "Dear friends, I must apologize...I fear I must cut the gathering short as there are some unexpected family matters, I must tend to. Still, I thank you for coming; do, please, feel free to finish your meal and depart at your leisure. I leave you all in the capable hands of our esteemed staff. Now if you please excuse us..." she says and then glances back at Zoey. "Sister, I require your attention for a brief moment." She says, before proceeding to depart in the direction of the stairs. (UL)

Thea has left the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.

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

Kaia offers Ronja a smile in passing and shakes her head.

"Of course," says Zoey. She dabs her mouth with a napkin and retreats to wait for Kaia.

Zoey has left the a large banquet table dressed in gold linens.