It is a spring afternoon in the garden of The Grotto. Bees buzz lazily over the floral beds, and hummbirds hover to sip nectar from red and gold daylilies.

A number of blackwood tables have been arranged throughout the garden, some with high tops, and others with chairs surrounding them. Upon each rest beautiful bouquets of tulips, daffodils or roses of various hues, artfully arranged.

Servants dressed in the livery of House Crackneck pass here and there, offering the guests whiskey, mugs of ale, mead or glasses of wine. Musicians have set up on the western end of the garden, and play soft mood music, or lively jigs for dancing as the situation calls for them.

Lady Esther Crackneck, with her sandy blonde hair carefully braided and pinned up, dressed in a resplendent red and gold luxury brocade gown, stands inside the garden, greeting guests who are shown in by servants. Her daughter, Lady Hanna stands near by with a glass of white wine, speaking with her cousin, Lady Rose.

Merek makes his way into the place with his black attire on with crimson highlights, looking about. He finds a place to settle in while he watches the people.

Mikani takes a glass of whiskey before going to introduce herself to Lady Esther, Lady Hanna and Lady Rose. "Pleasure to meet you all. I am Lady Mikani Crovane. If you need anything ... please let me know. I am so glad you are able to come to Arx so we are able to get to know each other better." Mika says warmly to the trio. She even curtsies to them bowing her head.

"Welcome, Sir," says Lady Esther to Merek. If there is anything we can get you to drink, please say the word. "You have a reputation of being most devote," she continues. "Surely there is much we can learn from you."

When Mikani speaks and curtsies, Lady Esther returns it in kind. "My Lady, you are most welcome."

"You have been married twice, have you not?" says Lady Rose. "I heard you were once the Countess of Ceder Vale. Why did you give that up, if I may ask, My Lady?" inquires the young woman. A slight murmur spreads through the garden and several guests move closer to Mikani to hear how she will respond.

"Thank you, it's a pleasure," Merek offers then to Esther and looks to Rose in thought, while he listens to the conversation. He looks content to keep away from the conversation mostly.

Mr. Hops arrives, following Jules.

2 Keaton Huntsmen, River, a happy Oakhaven bloodhound, Barf, the Bog Dog arrive, following Amari.

Mikani laughs softly and wonders slightly if she should answer the question. "Well .... um .... It is a hard question to answer." She says to Lady Rose. "Many people know that Lord Rysen and I are a match of love. Which I won't deny. There is much passion, adoration, and compassion between the two of us. Though that being said, I am a good fit for his house. I know how to grow a house. I know how to do things he doesn't ... and he knows how to do things I don't. There are things I can do to help grow Crovane. Which makes it a good political match on the back end." Mika sips her whiskey. "Though I guess .... first and foremost it was love. A lot of love made me do it."

Amari arrives perhaps a touch on the late side, but she looks quite tired and it must have taken a lot of effort and time to make her hair look so perfect. Perhaps owing to the origins of this marriage to be, she's wearing a gown of storm hued seasilk. It seems suitable enough. She glides into the periphery to hear the tail end of the question, and Mikani's reply. A question is slipped in before Lady Rose can ask a followup, her tone silken and amused, "Angling to make a great house out of Crovane, Lady Mikani?"

At Mikani's words, Rose smiles, and a vein seems to throb in the forehead of Lady Esther. "At least," says Lady Esther, curtly, "it proved to be a beneficial political match in the end."

At Amari's arrival, the elder woman curtsies elegantly. "Lady Amari Keaton," she says, "It is most wonderful that you should join us."

"Welcome, My Lady," says Lady Rose. "Your gown is absolutely stunning." She pauses to sip her white wine and then says, tilting her head, "Do you have a strong opinion on love matches, Lady Amari? Have you ever been tempted by your heart?" Hannah's light blue eyes carefully watch Amari after her cousin's question.

Peaking through the flap of the turqoise backpack that Jules holds, Mr. Hops pokes his nose out. It's too small for him to slink through, very tight. He's clearly glancing at the game he needs to escape in order to be a part of. Jules has the backpack in hand and has a smile broadly cast on his face to all bypassers. He bows here and there and says, "Delighted!", "Charmed!" or some other pleasantry. He spots Mikani though and makes his way over towards her. Spotting Rose and Esther, he bows to the pair with a broad smile and says, "Pleased." But then grows silent.

A corpulent, tall gentleman with a tricornered hat, a light mustache and beard, and a fine blue and gold brocade coat approaches Jules. "Good afternoon," he says slowly in a thick Oathlands accent. "I am Lord Fulbert Fournier, it is a pleasure," he continues as he touches his mustache with his thick fingers, "to make your acquaintance. What manner of creature, sir, is in that pack?" he asks, resting some of his considerable weight on the silver topped oak staff upon which he leans a bit of his considerable weight.

Mikani nods softly, "Well if it wasn't somewhat a political benefit I wouldn't have pushed for it and Duchess Fianna wouldn't have agreed with it." Mika says diplomatically. "Sometimes you can find love in politics. This way Count Graham who should have been made Count is now where he needs to be and I am where I am where I am needed." Mika nibbles her lip and shoots a look at Lady Hanna that looks almost apologetic.

Turning then her attention to Amari. "Of course. I tried to make great all houses I am a part of. Otherwise what is the point. If we don't move forward we only move backwards."

"Anyone with a heart that's not a shriveled, blackened thing or a hard lump of ice in their chest has been tempted at least once in their life." Amari answers with a warm smile as she comes up on the cluster of ladies and gives a polite dip of her head to the lot. "If you have the good fortune to match love and duty in an agreeable way, that's wonderful. If the choice is between them, then duty to one's House must come first with hope that love or at least fondness may follow. Love fades, lust cools, but honor is a more enduring-" And she may have continued on, but Mikani's reply prompts a faint laugh. "I suppose that's one way to spin it." She looks to other ladies again, and arches a brow, "Be ever so selfless, like Lady Mikani."

Jules is quick to bow towards the tall gentleman and gives him a broad smile as well, "I love the bear but that mustache is absolutely gives a subtle magnification of elegance." His eyes broad as he takes a brief side to side look but then is quick to hold up the back and angle it. Mr Hops seems to stumble inside but quickly darts his nose back out and says, "I am Jules Fabron and this, my lord, is a stoat. This particular stoat is called Mr. Hops. Presently he is contained to keep the peace but allow an opportunity for conversation should people find me dull." He gives a laugh and then adds to him, "Are you a fan of garden parties my lord?"

"Well said, My Lady," says Lady Esther with a firm nod of her head to Amari. Turning to her daughter, she says, "You see, Hannah, you will not find a finer, more /virtuous/ young lady than Lady Amari Keaton."

Lady Rose smiles at Mikani, and nods to Amari. Hannah raises her chin indignantly at her mother. "Indeed," she says in reply to Amari, "sometimes that temptation proves to be the /right/ choice in the end, as with Lady Mikani." Haughtiness is clearly evident in her voice. "Of course I would never marry a commoner or suchlike," she says in agreement with Amari's words on duty. Lady Esther's eyes narrow, but when she hears Jules and Fulbert speaking, she claps her hands together and says, "Lord Fulbert! What a pleasure it is to see you! Please, please, come say hello to Lady Hannah! And this is Lady Amari Keaton, and Lady Mikani Crovane."

"You are too kind, sir. Elegance is exac -" Fulbert was saying to Jules before Lady Esther's excitement. He smiles, and says to Jules, "Please join me, Jules. This is Lady Esther Crackneck, and," he says slowly, wetting his lips a little before continuing to speak, "Lady Rose and Lady Hannah Crackneck." He doffs his tricornered hat, and bows deeply before the latter.

"Lord Fulbert," says Lady Esther, "is a very wealthy and /responsible/ lord. I believe he would make an excellent husband - and a match between the Oathlands and the Northlands would be most beneficial to both, isn't that so, Lady Amari, Lady Mikani?" The elder woman's blue eyes shift between the two women with a slight touch of desperation.

Rose looks at Fulbert with skepticism, but tries to conceal it with a sip of her wine, while Hannah, has a look that borders on outright disgust.

Jules allows his smile to remain ever present and slowly makes his way over towards Rose and whispers something into her ear with a smile and then bounces on his heels for a brief moment...

Amari waves the talk that she's some paragon of virtue aside with a murmured 'please' and light smile. She gives Lady Hannah a look that's not unsympathetic, saying to her, "Sometimes the /right/ choice, is the only choice you're presented with." Then quietly, before Fulbert is in earshot, as if she'll happily interrogate the poor fellow as an objective third party, "Let's see what this Lord Fournier is all about before you're too set one way or the other. Sometimes appearances are deceiving."

Mikani smiles warmly at Lord Filbert and bows her head. "Pleasure to meet you Lord Filbert. Isn't it wonderful to be announced as responsible. Sounds so amazing." She grins. "I'm sure there is a much more interesting adjective for you. Please do tell."

When Mikani leans towards Hannah to share a private word, she says back in a low voice, that others possibly here as well: "Indeed, that it most wise. Right now, I'm certain of what I /don't/ want."

Lord Fulbert does not seem to have heard Hannah. "My Lady Esther," he says in his slow manner. "I was just speaking with Goodman Jules, here," he says, gesturing to him. "And I agree that a strong bond between the Northlands and the Oathlands would be most benefical. My estates are very generous," he says.

"And that's not all that's generous about Lord Fulbert," says Rose. Hanna raises a fan to her face, but the crinkling of her eyes is unmistakable.

"- as is the contract I would have in mind for my future wife," says Fulbert. "I have spoken with many authorities in the Faith, and I am assured that the contract and fidelity agreement would benefit both parties." Lady Esther's face twitches slightly, and a look of horror touches the faces of Rose and Hannah. "Our silver production is quite lucrative," continues Lord Fulbert, "and our farms are having record production this year." There is a gleam in the eyes of Lady Esther, and she glances towards Amari and Mikani.

Rose narrows her brown eyes when Jules approaches, but when he shares a private word with her, she smiles. "I'm afraid my ankle's been hurt of late; however, I'm sure my cousin would be delighted to dance," she says. "Lady Hannah, would you be so kind as to dance with our guest. I'm certain Lord Fulbert wouldn't mind."

Mikani smiles more, "Well, if Lord Fulbert wouldn't mind ... I would enjoy a dance. Lord Rysen isn't here and I don't have a soul to dance with." Mikani smiles warmly.

Fulbert smiles, and doffs his cap, bowing to Mikani. "If you don't mind, um, moving a little more slowly, I would be delighted." Hannah looks relieved. "Jules, was it?" she says to the man. "Let us dance then," she says, handing her drink and fan to her cousin Rose. Lady Esther does not look pleased, but when Mikani glances to her, she forces a bright smile. To Amari, she says, "My Lady, I /implore/ you to speak some sense to my daughter for the benefit of our Houses and the Compact."

Mikani checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 67 higher. Mikani rolled a critical!

Rysen GM Roll checked charm(1) + performance(5) at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Jules checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Rysen GM Roll checked charm(5) + performance(4) at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

"Lord Fulbert? Lady Amari Keaton." Amari introduces herself, "It's wonderful to hear that your House has made some strides to restore itself to wealth and good governship after those... unfortunate incidents with House Daveiga. Count Gael is doing well, I hope." With people sorting themselves out to dance, she doesn't volunteer herself, but stands back at Lady Esther's side. When she's implored, she gives a slight nod. "I'll see if I can't make a case. I have an exmaple of a successful marriage between the North and the Oathlands, one I'm quite familiar with. My mother, it may surprise you to discover, was Lady Sallah Crovane. As I was the result of that union, clearly it was a good one." By the end she's just joking as her tone is far too faux serious to be taken at face value.

Jules bows to Rose at her offer and says, "I would be delighted, thank you kindly for directing her attention to me. I pray your ankle heals swiftly." He gives her a smile then holds his hand out for Hanna and says, "Jules Fabron, you servant my lady. Delightful party your family is hosting. So thankful to be able to be here." He gives Hanna a bow quickly and says, "I do so enjoy a dance and hope you do not mind."

Jules sets his backpack down, almost forgot about that. Hope the Gordian knot holds and keeps that demon contained.

Esther smiles at Amari, and says, "It will be most appreciated, My Lady." Just then a couple walks into the garden: a tall lord with salt and pepper hair, dressed in a navy blue, military style coat, and a lady with wispy blonde hair and large brown eyes. Esther absolutely scowls.

"Lord Henrick, Lady Petunia!" says Rose excitedly, "so glad you could make it." Henrick walks with easy confidence to stand beside Amari. He looks over her gown, his dark eyes slowly rising to meet those of the Lady of House Keaton. Turning to Rose, he says, "A pleasure to be here, Lady Rose. Lady Esther," he says, before bowing, with a hand on his heart in military fashion to Amari. He reaches out to take Amari's hand if she'll allow him. Petunia curtsies. "Well met, Lady Esther, Lady Rose."

"I don't mind at all, Master Jules," replies Hannah smiling. She is dancing with Jules by the time Henrick arrives, and seems to enjoying herself as the musicians play a Northlands jig. "You move very well," she says to him with a smile.

"Lady Amari Keaton." Amari politely provides as she allows her hand to be taken without a fuss. She dips her head to the wispy haired blonde with the imposing lord as well. "It seems you're all well acquainted. Did you both come to dance?" She asks with a glance to the floor where much rug is being cut.

Rysen GM Roll checked command(5) + seduction(5) at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

Mikani allows for a slow walk to the dance floor with Lord Fulbert. Mikani moves with an unearthly grace as if she flows to the dance floor. While Lord Fulbert dances - Lady Mikani glides and flows as if one with the music. The jig is familiar to Mikani having started to get used to living in the Northlands. She missed the two new people showing up.

Jules laughs as he's dancing and eyes her feet as she does her own movement and says, "Heavens but you are light on your feet! I doubt I should keep up with a day of dancing with you." He places his hands on his waist at one point where his legs kick up a bit higher and move a bit faster. His eyes remain ever perceptive and catches a half glance of the excited look from Rose and attempts to redirect her attention a bit further away from the new arrivals. The pace is brisk enough to make conversation difficult.

Henrick touches his lips gently to the back of Amari's hand. Petunia glances in the direction of Henrick and a flush touches her fair skin. The lord leans in and whispers something to Amari, before glancing in the direction of Hannah dancing with Jules. "I should say hello to Lady Hannah," he says to the assembly. "If you'll excuse me."

Fulbert is quite pleased to be dancing with Mikani, and when the song ends he bows to her. "My Lady," he says, moving to reacquire his staff, "You are a /most/ graceful dancer - and in a style I've not seen before." He glances towards Hannah and Jules, but then notices Henrik, and beads of perspiration rise to his forehead, and he grimaces.

Hannah laughs gleefully as she and Jules dance quickly to the jig. When the music stops, she beams at him. "You are most nimble, Master Jules."

Something Amari says to Henrick, causes the lord to glance over his shoulder. He stops, turns and holds out his hand. "If you're not otherwise engaged, Lady Keaton, might I claim this dance?"

Mikani smiles at Fulbert and curtsies at the end of the dance. "I appreciate it." Mikani follows the gaze at Henrik and back at Fulbert. "Is there anything I can help you with, my lord?"

Jules offers his arm to Hannah and laughs softly, "I thank you for the kind words." He leans in to whisper something to her and glances over to the backpack with stoat inside. Please hold dear bag of holding.

Given that she's supposed to be convincing Hannah of the benefits of marrying Fulbert, and they're both dancing anyway, Amari considers and turns her hands over to indicate that she is not otherwise engaged. She offers a quick smile to the side to Lady Esther than strolls out onto the floor to accept the offered hand of Henrick once again, this time to dance rather than conspire in whispers. "Let's see what you're capable of aside from being charming and handsome alone."

"I am," says Fulbert, gasping for breath a little, "trying to win the hand of Lady Hannah." He pulls a kerchief out of his pocket and daubs his forehead. "But that /scoundrel/ Lord Henrick Wolfhall has stolen all of her affection. Could you, perhaps, tell her that she means everything to me? And that I only wish to give her a respected position as a Lady of House Fournier?"

Hannah nods to Jules, taking his arm, "I would be deli-" she stops short when she sees Henrick, who takes the hand of Amari, dressed in her gorgeous seasilk gown.

Henrick takes Amari's hand in his and steps close to her, placing his hand gently on the small of her back. He smiles and says, "You have not begun to understand what I'm capable of, My Lady." The pair begin to move to the sound of the music. Meanwhile, Lady Esther, Rose and Petunia seem deep in conversation, shaking their heads.

Rysen GM Roll checked dexterity(5) + performance(2) at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Jules glances over as Hannah looks over and then, with her being escorted, allows her to get a better view. There's a level of defeat in his eyes but he pushes it out of his face quickly enough. He watches as the pair begin to dance and he forces his smile on his face but there's something adoring in his smile and he leans in over to Hannah and whispers something to her and stands back to watch the pair dancing, his own impression seems to be approving.

Mikani looks at Lord Fulbert, "I think that the Lady Hannah wants some passion in her life .... Are you a passionate person?" Mikani says softly to Lord Fulbert.

Jules checked charm + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 7 higher.

Amari is almost annoyingly graceful, slender and beautiful with amazing hair, and also a more than passable dancer. It must be so hard to be her. She looks up at her much taller dance partner with her gold flecked hazel eyes and lifts her brow, as though she's silently judged his dancing to be more than sufficient. "You're here in Arx only one week then? Such a shame, I rarely have such fine dance partners." She sighs.

A touch of color rises to the cheeks of Hannah, but Jules words seem to distract her in all the right ways. "You are a most charming man," she says to him sweetly. "Come, let us return to Lady Rose, Lady Petunia and my mother."

"I have passion for music and for Lady Hannah herself," replies Fulbert standing upright. "But I am no warrior, if that's what you mean. But there is more to life than hurting people, and I wish she could see that," he says sadly.

Jules gives a bow of his head to her and says, "You are too kind." He takes a moment to look at the Mikani and her partner and then leans over to whisper to her...

Henrick smiles at Amari, and says, "More's the pity, only a week before I return to my own estate. Much dancing can be done in a week though, My Lady." He moves a little closer to his partner, moving her hand so it rests on the thick muscles of his shoulder, while his own hand slides down to her hip, all without missing a step.

Mikani grins at Fulbert and puts her arm through his. "Oh, My Lord Fulbert .... you underestimate the power of music streaming from the heart of a musical man. I think we need to release your inner passion .... Do you know love songs? I think you need to up your game .... and I will help you. For the sake of such a good political match." Mika assures the man before ushering him to find him his preferred instrument.

Hannah smiles and nods to Jules, well distracted from the scene playing out just behind her between Amari and Henrick. "Perhaps that is for the best."

Fulbert nods to Mikani. "Indeed, My Lady. I am a rather talented lute player." He moves over to one of the musicians who is currently playing the jig to which the other guests are dancing. Fulbert glances at Mikani.

Mikani finds Fulbert a lute and gets the crowds attention. "I have just found out that Lord Fulbert ... while responsible ... also has a great love for music and is a talented musician. I am pleased to introduce Lord Fulbert playing and singing a song for us."

Mikani checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Jules nods to Hannah as he begins to make his way slowly over towards Hannah's mother and those around her but given that he is escorting, he is certain to move slowly and keep the pair in view and he raises his free hand up to his cheek and says, "Dear me but it is getting warm in here." He laughs as he leans over to whisper to Hannah on the way and whispers to her...

Was Amari told about Lady Hannah's affections for Lord Henrick, because it really seems like she wasn't informed. A virtuous lady would maybe rearrange his hands for him or draw away to a more modest distance, but she makes not even the smallest fuss about the wanderings and even moves closer. She's all innocence and charm, enjoying the company of a handsome man. "Very true." She smiles pleasantly, though there's more than a little hint of flirtation in it. A dare unsaid.

Rysen GM Roll checked charm(1) + performance(5) at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

"Hear, hear!" come a number of voices in the gardens. The music stops, and Henrick stands near Lady Amari. Hannah looks livid. Her fists ball up by her side, and she nods in definitive agreement with something Jules says quietly to her. And then Fulbert begins to sing in deep bass tones, while his thick fingers move over the strings of the lute. It is a rather good love song, made more pleasant by his deep voice and Oathlands accent. Henrick also seems to enjoy it greatly, and he leans over to whisper something to Amari.

"Gods and spirits!" shrieks Hannah. She stomps past Henrick with her nose in the air, and glances /daggers/ at Amari. She turns to Fulbert with her lip quivering and says, "That was beautiful Lord Fulbert." There may be tears in her eyes as she picks up her gown and runs out of the Grotto.

Mikani pushes Fulbert slightly. "This is when you run after her." She prompts the Lord.

"Ye - yes!" says Fulbert at Mikani's encouragement. "My Lady Hannah!" he calls, and moves as quickly as his considerable body will allow. Rose stands gaping. A grin passes over Lady Ether's lips, and Petunia looks dead inside, and takes a long drink of whiskey.

Jules has a fluid moment that almost seems as though his arm does not even exist as Hannah leaves and says, "Dear me, was it something I said? His mouth looks concerned but his eyes have something of a twinkle in them for only the briefest of moments. He glances as Hannah runs up to Fulbert and he holds his hand up to his mouth, "Aww, they're so cute." Cute? Where's Mr. Hops!? Jules has a look of panic and runs over to find his stoat.

Mikani gets another whiskey as she goes to stand by Lady Esther to make sure she is well taken care of. "Lady Esther .... I am sorry for the chaos of the evening ... a Love Song does that it seems."

"Oh, that was truly lovely, Lord Fulbert. You have a gift." Amari compliments in a genuine way, even if she's then Hannah is having her outburst. More outwardly confused than possibly ashamed of herself, the Keaton lawyer opens her mouth as if to say something, then closes it and presses her lips into a straight line. It's almost as though she's trying to hold back a smile, but no, surely not. A murmur from Henrick distracts her from Hannah's tearful flight from the Grotto, so she turns her gaze up to meet his. She gives his chest a fond seeming pat and answers quietly, "We'll see. Court magistrates have busy schedules. Thank you for the dance, Lord Henrick. It was delightful."

Vagari The Cinder Cat arrives, delivering a message to Amari before departing.

Jules makes a step up with Amari and Hendrick's dance over and he bows, "Dear me but that did look like delightful dancing! I am certain I will not be so elegant or delightful but I wonder if I might have a dance as well?" He smiles and looks between the pair before actually making the assumption.

"Think nothing of it, Lady Crovane," says Esther, trying to look upset on account of her daughter. "It was a most powerful love song, and /very/ well sung. I'm sure Lady Hannah's soul was deeply moved to hear it, and I dare say it brought some sense to the young lady."

Henrick grins at Amari's reaction and bows gracefully to her. "The pleasure was mine, My Lady." he says. Rose is already gossiping feverishly with several other guests about the event, and Lady Petunia continues to drink. "This is very good whiskey, Lady Esther," she says in her soft voice.

Mikani leans to murmur to Lady Esther before going to circulate with the other guests.

Amari bows her head to Henrick in a formal way that's very much at odds with her smile, then she turns to Jules with her brow lifting. "If you promise not to tread on my toes, Jules." When she's stepped away from the handsome Wolfhall, she has a followup, asked with curiosity not trepidation, "Did I see you with a baby stoat earlier?" That asked, she takes a moment, to have a glance about, just to see how things have settled. She seems satisfied with what she sees in the faces of the assembled party guests.

Henrick smiles at Jules and says, "Careful with My Lady Amari," he says. "She is a wolf in a breathtaking gown." He winks at Jules, and then turns to get a drink, and begins to make his way towards Lady Rose. "Oh Gods!!" comes the voice of a handsome young servant. "Look at that cute little thing!" he shouts, pointing to a baby stoat.

Jules bows to the pair but before Hendrick can get too far away he says, "My lord, but you were who I hoped to dance with. I have a particular lady to meet tonight and I must learn what tricks of your you may share!" He speaks with enthusiasm and not volume. The smile still very broad and friendly.

Amari softly laughs her way off the dance floor, as Jules sidesteps her to go after Henrick. She probably understands. He is super handsome. She'll join Lady Esther and Petunia for drinks.

Jules turns briefly to Amari and says, "Yes my lady, Mr. Hops should be fine but of course if you want to see him, he should be delighted ... just don't let him out, he can be a terror if you're not prepared." His smile broad to her as well.

Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat arrives, delivering a message to Mikani before departing.

Henrick glances over his shoulder, and chuckles. "Very well," he says to Jules, coming to stand before the man, and offering him a strong, calloused hand. "But I believe my technique's growing a bit dull," he says, as his dark eyes flick to Amari to watch her as she walks towards Esther and Petunia.