Nightshade, a tiny black kitten, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards arrive, following Dafne.

2 Redoubt Buccaneers, Minnow the Ocelot arrive, following Ariel.

Juliet wanders along the main hall, enjoying the relative quiet as opposite to the sounds from the Arena. Her hair styled in an ornate, assymetrical set of braided buns, crossed rubicund swords laid diagonally across her scalp and helping to keep them in place, and thirteen black roses woven into the braids via their stems, stabilising and adorning her hair as the onyx locks cascade down one shoulder. Wearing the Last Myrinda Greyhope, with a rapier's sheath hung on the duskstone belt, Mirror's Edge peace-bound in it, and one hand idly resting on the hilt of the sword. Idly chatting with Fidelia as she moves, taing in the room with some admiration.

Ariel walks out of the arena with Minnow padding along side of her. A warm smile curling her lips as she seems quite happy about being able to watch the festivities. As she spots Juliet, she make her way towards her happily saying "Lady Juliet, it is wonderful to see you here, how does the day treat you?"

Dafne wanders through the hall, kitten in her arms, looking about her in curiosity. She flashes Juliet a quick smile, and moves toward her, although she hesitates for a moment as she sees the wild cat heading in that direction. She cradles her small kitten a little closer.

Diddanwch the Pine Marten arrives, following Asger.

Resplendent still in his announcer outfit from the last, widebrimmed hat and ankle-length brocade coat, sabres dangling at hips, Luca looks a little weary and more than a little thirsty, but also eager for less responsibility. He's coming across his cousin Valencia, kissing her on the cheek, and whispering something, then heading in a bee-line for liquor. Oh, if only he wasn't sworn to relative sobriety!!! Still, some liquor is better than none.

Valencia steps into the Main Hall looks rather exhilarated and excited. She smiles to see Cicero and moves to greet him with a warm hug and light kiss upon the cheek. "My sweetest Ciero. Are almost ready?"

Cicero stands in front of the bar conversing with the uniformed staff of the Hart in quiet tones to be sure that the last minute details for the event are all in place. He smiles and reaches over to pat one of the bar men on the shoulder before turning to face the rest of the room and beam a smile to those gathered, "Good Evening! Thank you so much for joining us... our tournament to decide the first Champion of the Golden Hart has just finished in the arena and people are filtering in.. we will give them a moment before starting our next competition... in the mean time, please sit and make yourselves comfortable." He turns to Valencia with a grin and a nod, "Nearly so."

Juliet gives Dafne a waggle of her fingers in greeting, as to beckon the Lady Zaffria closer. Looking to Ariel, then, with a brilliant smile. "Lady Ariel. A delight to see you again. My day goes quite well, thank you." She bows her head, spilling some of her hair to tease against the neckline of her gown. "You've enjoyed the matches then? I found myself unavoidably detained, sadly, but I hope to hear all kinds of interesting stories coming out of that room." She lets out a happy little sigh, and raises her hand again, this time to wave to Valencia, Cicero, and Luca.

Kodo and Podo - The Ferret Twins arrives, following Haati.

Alis is one of those filtering in from watching the tournament, and lifts a hand to wave at thise she knows and respects before looking for a likely table and chairs to settle herself into.

Khanne walks into the Hart, looking around for any faces she recognizes. She smiles, should anyone look her way, but lingers near the wall by the entry for now. Her lips twist to the side and she looks down, suddenly realizing that she should have perhaps changed. She shrugs and lifts her eyes back up to peruse the crowd forming, most of which filter in from the arena.

Ariel happily says "Oh yes, it was quite wonderful to watch. I am sorry that you were detained and unable to watch for yourself. Sadly story telling is not my strong suit. Though I do imagine others well be able to retell it much better than I."

Aurora is not quite sure what she is doing here, though she was asked to come and judge something, so here she is. She is a good sport like that. Sitting awkwardly off to the side on one of the stools, she watches people come from the other room.

Mathias enters the room, curious to see what more lies in store for the grand opening of the Golden Hart. But also to drink. All that fighting opens a man's thirst! And so that's the first thing he goes for, a good glass of whiskey!

Dafne moves toward Juliet. The black kitten in her arms, trusting to the safety of her lady's grip, flattens her ears and hisses in the general direction of the wild cat. Dafne tries to soothe her with a pet and greets Juliet with, "Good evening. I hear you've been busy making Duke Rubino angry. Not that it's difficult."

Reine knows exactly what she's doing here; some silks were advertising free drinks and thus, she is here. She may have ignored the 'fundraising' part of a fundraiser, though she certainly wouldn't turn down funds. The young woman slips into the Golden Hart quietly, clad in black leather, a dagger at her hip. She frowns, looking around, and certainly not fitting in.

Luca has joined the table by the fire.

Mischief The Monkey arrives, following Remi.

Silas arrives, back in his regular suit of darkened steel and still looking bright and lively in spite of just losing an intense spar. He sends a casual wave to those in the crowd he recognizes before sitting himself on top of a barstool. "Hmm. Alcohol," he mutters dreamily as he orders himself a tankard of ale.

Silas has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Luca has left the table by the fire.

Luca has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Mathias has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Haati has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Asger makes his way over to the bar to lean against it with a grin, telling the bartender "I'll take something light my friend." leaning there he he looks out over the other patrons

Cicero clears his throat and moves lifts a hand to garner everyone's attention. "Ladies and Gentlemen!" he calls out with a raised voice to cut over the din of conversation. He waits a moment for the noise to die down before continuing. "Please allow me to welcome you to the grand opening of the Golden Hart, the finest and first gaming house in the city of Arx. Here you will find entertainment, excitement and relaxation.. but the Hart is so much more than that. Before we begin our next competition let us hear a few words from the founder of the Golden Hart, the Northern Vixen, Princess Valencia Velenosa so that she might explain the true purpose of this building and what we are trying to accomplish."

There's a surprising mixture of common and noble born about, so some might fit in more than they would expect. But then again, maybe not. Either way, Luca certainly stands out on big hat alone, and as he's coming in, making that beeline for liquor, he's catching Mathias and Silas' looks and grinning to them. "Well fought, gentlemen! Well fought indeed! Drinks are on me!" Well, actually drinks are totally free tonight, but hey, that doesn't stop Luca claiming some credit.

Umay arrives, following Karadoc.

Haati comes in from the arena and looks around, yup the bar is for him and he walks over to join those there for drinks and to get more rum for himself at the moment.

Karadoc has joined the wildcard table.

Umay has joined the wildcard table.

Leta walks out of the arena with swaggers over towards the bar, though on her way there she sows nods and sunny smiles left and right to everyone she's even passingly acquainted with. But really, even people she's never seen before receive a polite tilt of her head. She leans an elbow on the countertop, crosses her legs, and raises a hand, "I'll have your finest red, good barkeep!"

Leta has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Princess Valencia steps onto the stage with a bright smile, gently smoothing red silk dress as she takes a little breath. Stepping forward to address the gathering crowd, her voice ringing with warm and gratitude, "Thank you, everyone. I am so happy to see you all here tonight as we mark the opening of The Golden Hart Gaming House and charitable society."

"Pardon me if I repeat myself. The Golden Hart was created to be a warm and welcoming place where everyone is invited to gather to enjoy good company, fine drink, games of skill and chance, and perhaps win a little extra silver. It is indented warm and safe place where all are welcome. A place where the people of Arx can raise spirits as well as silver support good causes."

"We all must do our part to build good will, strengthen our realm and help those in need."

With this in mind, I would very much like to say thank you to those who have helped us on our journey a we finally open our doors.... Prince Luca Velenosa, Mistress Joslyn Manicelli, Lord Asger Crovane, Prince Remi Thrax, Lord Dante Fidante, Lady Juliet Fidante, Prince Kieran Redrain and the esteemed Silver Consortium for their generosity and hard work"

"I would also like to say a thank you to Wavehowler Wear Arms and Armor for providing arms and armor so that all who step upon the sands of the Arena have equal opportunity to test their skills and hearts in the Ring of Valor," the little fox smiles graciously. "And special thank you to those fought for you here today. Thank you all. You generosity and contributions will always be in our hearts."

"Tonight is a new chapter for our Hart and we very much hope that you will continue support and join us on this journey with us as we work to make a difference to the people of our realm."

"Our hopes and prayers to all those fighting to protect our home. We look forward to adding our voice and strength to theirs so that all may benefit."

"With life, love and luck... and a warm, full heart, thank you for sharing this moment with us."

Arcelia has joined the wildcard table.

Ford has joined the table by the fire.

Umay follows Karadoc in, her hand resting on the man's elbow as she follows his lead. She smiles as she looks around and lifts her hand to eagerly wave at the people she recognizes over at the bar. By the time they arrived at the wildcard table, she has to inspect the game set up there. "Do you know how to play this one?" She asks of Karadoc. "I am not familiar with the rules..." She looks up and listens to Valencia attentively when she begins to address them.

There are commoners and then there are Commoners. Reine is certainly the latter, dragged up from the Lower Boroughs, still wearing scuffed and worn and dirty leathers. She laughs a little for Valencia's speech, her gaze sliding around the charitable society thoughtfully as she lingers at the door.

Juliet remains quiet while Cicero calls the attention to the center of the room, then smiles and sketches a curtsey to Valencia as she's mentioned. Applauding at the end of the speech, before she turns her attention back to her conversational partners. "Angry?" Juliet tsks. "And here I was hoping I was making him happy. Though I suppose that would be a little more challenging." Letting out a little sigh, looking to Ariel and giving her a nod. "I do look forward to quizzing people." She pauses, briefly, gesturing between the two noblewomen. "Lady Ariel Darkwater, may I introduce Lady Dafne Zaffria, Voice of House Zaffria. Lady Dafne, this is my friend Lady Ariel Darkwater, cousin to the Count of Darkwater Reach." A beat. "Maybe we should find a table or some such?"

Haati laughs softly at it all and notes around the place and he he would offer drinks all around, but seeing as it will be a drinking contest next he abstains form that. One though he hasn't seen he nods to Reine, "Good evening." he carries a bottle of rum and such, "Here for the contest?" Seems the woman is a little shy to enter, and the Thraxian smith aims to change that, "Rum perhaps or something else to drink to build your courage to stay for the festivities?"

Karadoc had led the way in, with Arc and Umay on either side of him, and took refuge at one of the card tables. "I do not! Not this one anyway... I've played a number of card games down south, but many of the names and rules are different."

Valencia takes her leave from the stage to allow Cicero to take over and lead the contest.

Arcelia follows Umay and Karadoc to take a seat, flashes of read and gold trailing through the room as she walks with them. Spotting Ford, Arcelia gives the man a quick curtsy. "It is nice to see you Lord Kennex." She offers him a smile and sits with Karadoc and Umay at the chosen card table.

Ford nods his head to Arcelia, "Lady Saik."


Frederik had missed the speech, it appears, but he approaches the Valencia Princess regardless once he enters and as she leaves the stage, though he remains just out of arm's reach as a courtesy to the woman, dipping his head towards her while his tremoring right hand grips the hilt of his sword and the other remains hidden within his cloak. "Your Highness," he greets her belatedly. "I'd like to make a donation before I leave. I'm afraid I'm not much for games. What would be considered an acceptable amount?"

Coming from the Arena Remi is quick to make his way over to the bar, The man stepping in behind the bar itself looking around before finding what he had been looking for. The man coming back up from behind the bar with a small bit of fruit that is tossed to Mischief before he is making his rounds. The man for the moment wandering through the main room looking over those in attendance.

Ariel kindly says to Dafne "It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Zaffria." Then her attention looks to Juliet as she says "I think a table is indeed quite a wonderful idea." Her gaze flitting about as she looks for a nearby table and begins to head towards the Lucky 7 Table

Ariel has joined the Lucky 7 table.

Juliet has joined the Lucky 7 table.

Leta's certainly one kind of commoner. Her accent's all too familiar to someone from the Lower Boroughs, as she orders her booze from the barkeep, but that's a lot of fancy silk and a little fancy leather she is wearing. She looks towards Valencia for the speech, and claps again! Then she looks to the others at the bar.

Valencia looks up at Count Frederik, "Well, my lord, in the face of charity one can never ask too much. it is for a good cause, of course." She looks thorughtful, and then whspers.

Umay lifts her head to look up at Ford when Arcelia addresses him, inclining her head towards him in a friendly and polite form of greeting. "My Lord." She adresses him softly with a smile, before she pouts some at Karadoc's admission, "That's a shame." She admits to Karadoc, "I do love games. Maybe we can try to figure it out, or someone will come by and explain it sometime. Still, looking forward to the contest coming up." She looks over at Cicero when Valencia seems to be getting ready to pass the reigns over to him for said contest.

"I believe we met once," says Dafne, still trying to soothe Nightshade. "Possibly in the baths. In any case, a pleasure." She inclines her head and moves toward the table.

A polite clap is given from Aurora after Valencia's speech, her eyes turning towards Cicero after as she waits for the contests to begin. As one of the waiters comes by, the tailor shakes her head, "oh no. I don't drink. Water?" Because she is clearly the life of any party.

Dafne has joined the Lucky 7 table.

After some time watching people split off to various tables, or simply heading out, Khanne finally approaches the bar. She nods to herself and slips onto one of the barstools, unclasping her cloak from around her shoulders and draping it over her lap once she gets settled. She nods to those near her, then says to the barkeep, "Whiskey. Nothing fancy. Just whiskey."

Khanne has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Reine's gaze catches on Haati, before she is shaking her head softly. She lifts up a hand, making a gesture of sliding her fingers together back and forth. But in the meantime, she'll reach for Haati's bottle of rum, probably assuming he's offering it to her.

"Thank you, Princess." Cicero says and offers his hand to Valencia to help her down off of the stage before he moves up upon it. "The contest for this evening was to come up with a beverage that one feels best warms the body and soul during these cold winter months. A drink that when sipped helps one forget about the ice and snow and the troubles and think of warmer times and brighter days to come... Everyone in the room will be given a sample of the entries we have received, but myself, Master Mathias Coaldust, and Mistress Aurora Thornburn will be the judges to pick the winners." A hand gestures towards the bar where three leather pouches are placed on display behind the counter. "The winners will receive prices of silver to celebrate their victory and thank them for giving us the opportunity to taste their creations... Let us begin!" he says and gives a nod towards the bar.
A moment later servents emerge fom the side doors with trays holding small cups a steaming brew that are distributed to every in attendance.

Diddanwch the Pine Marten leaves, following Asger.


Whatever's whispered to Frederik has the man pressing his lips gravely, but he lowers his voice to speak to the woman as well.

Karadoc grinned, "Well, we could play Southport rules... But, as a priestess... It may not be appropriate. How about high card for drinks? If your card beats mine, I drink. If Mine beats yours, you drink. And if matching, we give each other a drink all at once." He smirked, seeing if she was game.

After slapping the first champion of the hart on the back, Luca's grinning and sliding away from bar, coming up behind the hostess with a grin for her, and a nod to Frederik. "Forgive me, sir. I just wanted to come whisper something for my beloved and beautiful cousin. Don't let me interrupt you." Luca truly is terrible at the whole etiquette thing, not introducing himself, or asking for an introduction, just jumping right in with them. He whispers something to the proprietress, but doesn't quite slip off away from her or Frederik just yet.

Juliet takes Dafne by the arm, and follows Ariel to the table, glancing over to Cicero again. "Ooh, I do hope people like the Hot Blush." She notes, idly, as she settles. "And - I do believe I owe Lady Ariel a trip to the baths. It is a good place to relax and be oneself, no?"

"What are Southport rules?" Umay asks Karadoc, not sounding familiar with that either. She then considers the offer, before she nods her head and smiles at him. "That sounds like a fine way to enjoy in the competition to me! But I might not be able to play for long if I end up losing a lot or matching a lot." She rubs the back of her neck, "If it's spirits, then I've not yet had any before so I don't know how well I will handle it." She looks up just in time to help the others at the table set down some drinks for her, Karadoc, and Arcelia to enjoy at their leisure.

Haati nods and hands the bottle of rum over to Reine, it was a good night and he wasn't going to be in the contest either, but it wasn't going to stop him from drinking, "Come on over to the bar and sit down. Enjoy the moment... I'm Haati Wavehowler. Smith mostly and patron of the Hart."

Reine has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Well, Aurora usually doesn't drink. She takes her newly given glass of water over towards where the rest of the judges will congregate and settles there. "I will accept bribes" she tells the room at large, features unreadable as her fingers clasp before her and rest on her lap.

"The first drink is a warm, spicy cinnamon tea and orange tea. This mixed tea is sweet at the taste and a bit spicy. It has a base of orange and cinnamon, and subtle tones of clove, ginger and thyme. It warms up the body and helps with sore throats." Cicero explains as the drinks are handed out and a servant hands him a cup as well to take a sip.

The first drink taste can be described as:



This mixed tea is sweet at the taste and a bit spicy. It has a base of orange and cinnamon, and subtle tones of clove, ginger and thyme. It warms up the body and helps with sore throats.

Juliet also orders a pitcher of water and glasses from a passing server, to ensure that the residents of the Lucky Seven table will have a chance to cleanse their palates between drinks. Accepting her cup of tea and taking a sip, fluttering her lashes. Murmuring quietly to her tablemates after taking a taste.

Ford has left the table by the fire.

Calaudrin filters into the establishment, accepting one of the taster drinks as it's offered to him by a servant. "Thank you." He mutters before drifting through the crowd, taking an experimental sip. He finds a spot by the bar and leans his back into it, settling into the quiet habit of people watching.

Ariel offers a nod to Dafne as she says "It was indeed in the baths, my apologies." Her attention then looks to Juliet as she says "It is indeed a wonderful place to relax." After a moment she then asks "Lady Juliet, Lady Zaffria, do either of you play cards?" Her hands then grabbing the cup of tea with a warm smile. She begins to softly talk at the table as well then sips upon her tea.

Valencia has joined the shadowy alcove.

Luca has left the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Luca has joined the shadowy alcove.


Luca's interruption and whispered words does cause Frederik to give the Prince a rather sharp glance, but he bows his head and takes a brief step back after listening to what Valencia says quietly to him next. "Your Highness," he greets the man, before his hand lifts up towards the woman. "We'll have to make due. I'm going to the bank to get the amount agreed on now, if I can be excused."

Frederik has joined the shadowy alcove.

Mathias tastes the tea and gives a nod, murmuring something at the bar but otherwise doesn't comment too loudly. He's apparently a judge, can't show too much preference!

Reine has left the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Ford has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Umay checked luck against difficulty 15, resulting in 18, 3 higher than the difficulty.

Haati raises his glass and is speechless himself now, "That was unusual..."

Aurora has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

"Lucky it's just the bottle she took." Leta says as an aside to Haati, looking just a little too amused.

Calaudrin has joined the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Cicero takes a sip from his tea, purses his lips in considering and then takes another before passing it off to a servant that moves about the room to collect the uses cups and carry them off to the back room. "The next drink is a hot buttered whiskey" Cicero announces and soon more of the uniformed servant return with fresh trays full of a new steaming beverage for them all to try. On this new tray steam rises up from a copper mug, fragrant with the scents of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg combined with a sweetness and the strong earthiness of whiskey. The drink is not as opaque as most might be, but bears a slightly creamy looking appearance to its rich reddish tan color. A garnish of a couple floating whortleberries and a cinnamon stick tops it off.

The drinks taste is:
Just the thing after a long day out in the snowy mountains, this hot drink not only warms the belly but has a comforting silkiness that lingers and leaves one feeling warm. Strong whiskey and the spices of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg give the drink a hearty edge, proving it to not be a weak spirit. However, it has been softened with butter and honey, offering a unique smooth quality, and left to simmer for a long time to fully marry the flavors together in order to truly tantalize the tongue.

Mischief The Monkey have been dismissed.

Aurora takes a sip of the tea, brows drawn though it isnt a bad look or anything. She is being all judgy and stuff. A sip of water is taken afterwards, and the relitively untouched tea is placed before her. As the second one is poured and brought over, she peers into the mug before a small sip of this is taken. She coughs, brows furrowing again as the steps are repeated, water and the mug placed beside the last.

Haati nods a bit more as Aurora sniffs him, "Well that is fine. That is as it should be with all the time I spend around one. Though perhaps I should visit the Grotto after these fine times here at the Hart."

"It isn't /bad/" Aurora tells Haati after she sips and sniffs. "My father and sister make armor for a living. The forge is a good, honest smell. It just might not be everyone's idea of good." She offers a shrug as if that is her very best attempt at making him feel better.

Cicero holds the copper cup in two hands a moment to feel the warmth of the liquid within with a smile before lifting it to his lips for a couple of drinks so he can garner his opinion. Once again the cup is handed off as servants move through to clear the uses dishes away and soon another batch of trays are brought forth. "This," Cicero says, "is a mulled caramel apple cider."

on the tray is a glass mug filled three quarters of the way with golden liquid, topped with frothy cream and garnished with a cinnamon stick.

The cider's taste:
This luscious, alcoholic cider snaps against the tongue, the top layer of whipped cream providing a contrast to the heady sharpness of the spices (cinnamon, allspice, and clove) used to mull it. The cinnamon stick used for garnish can be swirled in the drink, or nibbled on for a more mild heat.

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

Aurora looks towards Cicero, asking "do any of these drinks not have cinnamon or cloves? Because right now we are three for three." Still though, she takes a sip of the next glass offered, then eyes the liquid within the glass suspiciously.

Mathias takes a sip of the new drink, and though he doesn't speak up, he does listen in for Cicero's response, should there be any.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Alejandra, a snowy white hound, Justice, an elegant hunting falcon arrive, following Reese.

Umay lifts her hand to wave at Reese from where she sits at the wildcard table with Karadoc and Arcelia, "Hello, your highness!" She calls over to greet her in a friendly tone.

"At least one" Cicero says to Aurora with a smile and a shrug, "Cinnamon is a spice that makes people think of warmth in the winter." His own drink is sampled and handed away before the next round of trays emerge. "This drink is Hot Blush. We shall see if it lives up to its title."

Served in a small glass up the next drink is a pale pink rose wine with spices and hints of carbonation, heated over low flame

The taste of it reveals:
Originally a sweet and fruity wine, the light and refreshing body has an added bite with hot pepper and a savouriness from a spice mix that blends with the body, offering sharper notes. It is still, overall, an easily consumed drink that has heat both in taste and temperature.

Rising from the alcove table with a half-bow and respectful sort of look (with mildly surprised sort of eyes) for Frederik, Luca's slipping away from there, just in time to see Reese arriving, and the elaborately dressed duelist prince (and apparently now fight commentator and arena master), is grinnning brightly. With brocade longcoat floaing about his ankles and his jaunty widebrimmed hat at angle, he's swaying his way towards her to greet quietly.

Karadoc waved to Reese, seeing her enter as well!

"Your Highness," raises Frederik's voice in farewell to Luca, with a bow of his head to the man.

Reese arrives while adorned in her silvery steel plate. She has a pink sword at her right hip, a steel mace at her left hip and a spear strapped to her back. A hound follows close at her heels and a falcon is perched upon her right shoulder. She has a gentle smile of greeting for Umay and Karadoc. She then turns her focus to Luca. "Prince Nimble." She murmurs in to him.

Luca has left the shadowy alcove.

Reese murmurs softly with Luca. In the middle of their conversation she peeks over to Mathias, having a warm smile for the champion. She then leans into the booted Velenosa prince, giving his cheek a gentle kiss.

Mathias waves at Reese, grinning, raising the glass in which lies the drink they're currently drinking in salutation, before taking another drink.

Cicero takes a drink from his Hot Blush, blinks a moment and takes another before handing it off. "There is one final drink in the competition this evening... also featuring cinnamon... this is a spiked honey apple cider"
On this final tray is a generous splash of white whiskey served in a mug of piping hot apple cider and mixed with a drizzle of clover honey.

The drinks tastes of:
A burst of sweetened cinnamon-apple assaults the senses on first taste, followed by a smooth hint of whiskey. The whiskey is made all the smoother by a delicate golden honeyed taste.

Aurora lifts her wine glass up, as if toasting Silas with the next offering for the contest before she sips it. "It might have cinnamon in this, there are spices" she accuses Cicero before she sets it with the rest of the glasses to take the last.

Luca's approach of the armor-clad and falcon-perched princess is an easy, effusive one that turns a touch awkward when he's pausing in proximity as if not quite clear whether to give her a quick kiss on the cheek or something in greeting. She's then helping him out doing so. Of course, this brings the man into proximity of the falcon in turn, and...well, it really _is_ a rather large brimmed hat. It's not the birds fault really that it gets bumped by it and irritated! There's a lot of flapping wings and probably a chunk taken out of hat, some laughter and then Luca's drawn clear to jokingly comment loud enough to carry a bit embarrassingly. "Grayson women. Virtue protected by even the beasts of air and land!" He's moving to gesture the princess and Guardswoman in though with a laugh. "Come, drinks are free and their in process of a contest that's not looking _nearly_ as alcoholic as I expected it to be." He shoots Silas and Mathias an apologetic sort of glance at that, then, seeing the bar pretty crowded, starts towards the table with Sister Umm and Doc.

Luca has joined the wildcard table.

Umay looks over when she notices Luca on his way over and she smiles warmly as she waves him over. "Come on in, we were just about to draw another round to see who's going to drink next! Karadoc's been losing an awful lot."


Dressed nicely, her hair pulled back loosly. A valid attempt to look a little nicer than her normal expectations. Moira enters the room and looks around at the festivities. There was a large number of those present today, a good turn out. She side steps those that are standing in the doorway politely giving them a nod, and with a steady enough grace not to startly the bird that had been flapping any further. Then when she was further into the room she looks around curiously at those gathered, determining which group she should consider joining.

Silas shoots a look of utter sadness and betrayal Luca's way... for about two seconds, before he's happily consuming wine and chatting with the patrons at the bar.

Reese guides her falcon to hope down her arm, the hunting avian have a beakfull of feathers taken from Luca's hat. "I know.." She says picking at the bird's gray coat like she is trying to give some comforting grooming. "Don't worry you are the loveliest feathered noble here." She coos toward the animal, but her gaze flickers playfully over to Luca at that. She follows along with Luca, heading toward the table with the priestest and Arcelia. This also means the Falcon and the hound are joining as well. The canine woofs and pads along. She tries to sniff Umay upon reaching the table. "Free drinks..seems I arrived at just the right time." She murmurs, despite looking very martial at the moment.

Luca's dire betrayal gets Mathias's head shaking and his face smirking. Apparently he's highly amused by all this.

Reese has joined the wildcard table.

"It is a proprietary spice blend, Mistress Aurora. Cinnamon may have been involved, but I was not told." Cicero explains with a grin before sampling the final beverage. "We judges will need to confer for a moment to decide on the winner... but please, finish your drinks. Order more from the bar. We will announce the winner and the prizes shortly!" he calls before moving off the stage towards Mathias and Aurora.

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

Reese checked luck against difficulty 15, resulting in 28, 13 higher than the difficulty.

Mathias stands from his seat for the upcoming discussion with his fellow judges. Duty calls, and he seems to have made up his mind about his choice!

Aurora is busy getting her hand kissed by Haati. And then the other is offered for the smith as well, no need for lopsided hand kissing, after all. Once that is finished, she slides from her stool and does her very best to walk a straight line towards Cicero with Mathias.

With a bow of his head towards Valencia, Frederik gives the gaming house one last sweep of his critical gaze before briskly making his way out.

Frederik has left the shadowy alcove.

Frederik has joined the shadowy alcove.

Returning from the nearby bank with a rather thick stack of documents, Frederik places them all onto the table in the shadowy alcove and exhales, giving Valencia yet another bow of his head before turning to walk out again.

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

"Thank you again, my lord. From my Hart to yours. I shall send missive," Valencia smiles graciously at Frederik, offering him a warm incline of head as he takes takes his leave again, dark eyes glimmering. Tucking the papers away, the little raven-haired vixen turns to join a table to continue to watch the judging of the seasons' winter drink competition.

Ford has left the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Cicero gives a nod to to Aurora and Mathias and steps away from them to address the room once again, "We have come to a decision... the first place, with a price of 500 silver and free drinks in the Hart of a week is Mistress Valery Frost with her cinnamon and orange tea. Second place for 300 silver is the Marquessa Samantha Deepwood's mulled caramel apple cider and third is Lady Juliet Fidante's Hot Blush receiving 100 silver... Thank you all very much for trying our contestants entries and I hope you stay to try your hand at the games of chance we have available for you this evening."

Karadoc gave a big round of applause to the winners.

Valencia has left the shadowy alcove.

Umay looks up to listen to the announcement, breaking her attention away from the chatter at the wildcard table. She smiles and lifts her hand to clap happily for the winners mentioned, "Congratulations!" She calls out, just in case any of the participants were in the room.

Silas claps drunkenly from where he sits. "Thank you all for that wonderful taste adventure."

Arcelia rises from her seat and heads out of the building, waving a goodbye to Ford on her way out.

Arcelia has left the wildcard table.

Khanne looks up at Cicero's announcement and wolf whistles her congratulations to the winners.

Luca joins in the easy applause, calling out with a lopsided grin Juliet's way. "I think Hot Blush should have won on name alone! Good thing I wasn't judging."

"Aye, congratulations indeed, they were all excellent entries!" Mathias remarks, before heading back to the bar, long enough to finish all the drinks that were brought to him.

Karadoc nodded, and called out cheers as well, "Hot Blush for a certain! Robbed you were Juliet!" He grinned, and chuckled, VERY much into his cups, from the small game his table had been playing.

Haati claps to those that won, "To all a good taste... But still like Rum far more." He raises his glass to toast, but toasts with rum and then he drinks it down.

Barbara, the stalwart Stormward secretary arrives, delivering a message to Khanne before departing.

Valencia applauds with great delight at the choices, her smile is radiant and she couldn't look more happy. "Thank you, everyone for entering," she calls as she makes her way to to Cicero, "Let the dancing and games begin!"

Frederik has left the shadowy alcove.

Aurora makes her way back to her seat at the bar, looking at the mostly unfinished drinks with a frown. "Someone should finish these for me, it would be a shame to waste them" she tells the people still sitting around her chair. She notes Ford gone, brows arching, "he should have gotten his hand kissed, that is sad."

"Too late. We've already been gaming and Doc's well into losing his pants at his point!" Luca calls to Valencia with a bright grin before turning back to his table's conversation.

"Congratulations, Lady Juliet. Your drink was excellent. All of them where," Valencia smile brightly. "I am glad it was not I who had to judge. I would have been hopeless at it." She turns to Luca and gives a little grin, "Has he donated all his coin to good cause already? This must be a record."

Karadoc laughed at what Luca said, "I think I still have them, but am certainly taking bids should they be offered!" He held up his cup, and continued to drink happily.


Moira seems to ponder a bit and looks around the room curiously a few laps, attempting to decide which group gathered would be the best to mingle with for a bit. Pausing a bit near the gaming tables watching the games for a moment and then at the bar, where there was a hardy group gathered as they drink. She gives those she passes a smile, and taps a finger to her chin in thought a moment before she decided where she wanted to settle for a bit. That decision hindered at the announcement of the winners of a contest Moira realized she had missed. She claps for the winners and headed towards the wildcard table. "Is it alright if I join you?" she asks those gathered waiting for approval before she sits

Haati nods a bit more, "He was a bit brash... Perhaps life hasn't gone well when it comes to such things lately." He offers his hand to Aurora, "PErhaps you would care to dance... Allow some of the drink to burn away? Might be simpler than a walk home and I would be honored."

Silas chuckles at Aurora. "Perhaps it'd be too intense for him." He hops off his stool and bows to the patrons at the bar. "I'm afraid I have to go sleep this off before my next shift. I'm gonna have a busy week. It was fun drinking with you all... lets do it again!" The Lord Commander begins to saunter towards the exit, waving as he does.

Juliet lets out a delighted laugh, rising from the table with a few more words for Dafne and Ariel, then turns, waving. "Thank you. Thank you, it -is- a great honour. Please, give the prize money to the charity cups. And I'll make sure to contribute some more to them before I leave." She offers, with a bright smile. Giving a grateful curtsey in Karadoc's direction. Giving a bright smile to Valencia as well. "I'm glad you enjoyed, darling. And I agree, quite hopeless to judge. I'm glad we had such a skilled and discretionary team involved."

Calaudrin has left the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Umay lifts her head to look at Moira, smiling at her warmly when she asks for permission. "Of course! Go on ahead." She gestures to one of the empty seats nearby. "My name is Umay, I do not think that we have met yet."

"Eh, discretionary... I mean, yes, absolutely. Only the best." Mathias remarks, with one smooooth recovery. He takes another drink, the whiskey he had first started before the contest.

Turning, Valencia pauses to thank the judges panel. "Thank you so very much for your help. I do appreciate it," Valencia beams. "Truly, I could not be happier tonight, thanks to you all." The little princess begins to look a little misty eyes and swallows. "I feel so very blessed."

Silas has left the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Khanne rises up from her seat, smiling at those near her. "Pardon me, I believe it is time for me to address some other things." She starts to walk away, stopping briefly near Valencia to say, "it was a lovely opening. Congratulations, Princess." And then she slips out and goes on her way.

Khanne has left the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Leta starts working on finishing her unfinished drinks, preparing herself to brave the cold outdoors, but enough is enough. She rises to her feet, makes sure she's steady on them, and with one final smile and adeep nod to Valencia, the sellsword starts walking out.

Leta has left the a handsome wooden bar with steel footrest and swivel barstools.

Reese listens to Luca's whispered words after she is done daydreaming like she has been. "There is dancing?" She says and thens starts to strip out of her armor. She puts the falcon on the table. "You stay here and be good. Be nice. We want no more duels between the Graysons and Lyceum." The bird looks at her with annoyance. Beneath her armor Reese looks rather like a normal girl, 5'6 and slender. She has on stained linens a blouse and pants. Unfortunately she smells like who has been running around in steel patrolling all day. She then smiles over to Umay. "Just say the word, I will fight any all ticklers of the lovely priest!" She announces, just asking for trouble, almost. " She takes her spear from her back, but devotion? That sword stays at her right hip, ever close.

There is another look of complete confusion as a dance is offered. Aurora clearly has no idea what do to, looking around as if trying to find an answer. "Ok" is finally said with a small shrug of her shoulders, weight shifting from foot to foot awkwardly. "I dont know how."