Ravana the tawny eagle, Good Arn the Badger, 1 Trained Telmarine Armsmen arrive, following Ansel.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, Sirra, a very quiet maid, an indeterminate number of cats, 3 House Mazetti Guardians arrive, following Alessia.

The Velenosan prince made his way into the Inn with nothing but possibility in his gaze. He swept through those gathered and gave a charming grin and dip of the head to each gaze that he met. However, it seemed as though he strayed along the outside of the inn, content to observe and watch for the time being.

Appolonia has joined the Bar.

"Cou-" Alarissa stops herself. "Marquise Kael Keaton." Alarissa heads to where the man is leaning with his companion, a smile on her face and then a kiss to his cheek. No offense taken at that chin greeting. It would seem the Keatons are exempt from her strict sense of etiquette. "I would not have thought you would show up for an attempt at thorns." Alarissa looks to the the other present, a smile on her face.

Monique and Etienne arrive together, though not scandalously arm in arm, of course. Instead, the Minx walks beside the handsome Archlector, her crimson head tilted to his, a smile of devastating proportions on her lips. When she looks up, taking Alarissa and her retinue, that smile only grows. Kael's presence causes the Minx some surprise, but she includes the Keaton in her deep nod of greeting.

It's not long after the arrival of the Velenosan Prince that the door to the Inn opens again, allowing the Telmar Duke to make his way into the establishment. With just the hint of a smile upon his lips, Ansel's letting his gaze play about the room and those that have gathered, only to then slip further in through the crowd, so that he can begin to make his way over in the direction of the bar.

"Your highness, I am Appolonia of Seraceni, and I am here to compete," Appolonia says to Alarissa with a dip of a curtsey. "I thought I'd get here ahead of time and ensure I had adequate ballast for the competitions." (She then takes a moment to speak to the bartender, who issues her piratical escorts ales, quieting them for the moment. Or perhaps many more.)

Theophania hurries into the inn, very slightly late; she'd been in a bit of a fuss with a merchant about a very particular item, and in turn has had to pick up the pace. She looks a little worn out as she heads in, spotting Appolonia; she gives her acquaintance a brief nod and a pleasant, if slightly harried, smile.

She then immediately moves toward the bar and gets *herself* an ale, too.

Nina sees Appolonia is here, a person she knows, and so she walks up, but she has a hop-skip to her step as she does, skirts all flying a bit. "Oh! Hello! Yes, I'm Nina Autumndale, and I'd also like to try to compete! Oh, it's very exciting!" She seems to be about to bubble over. She's... like this a lot.

But then she gets just a little deflated, trying to calm herself. "Oh, but what are the rules?"

Then she waves with bright joy as she also sees Theophania is here. "Hello to you too!"


Having heard of the pre-games taking place in the venue, Alessia's ventured to the inn, smile brightening when she sees those gathered within. She makes her way to the bar, waggling her fingers in greeting to those familiar to her, before settling onto a stool.

Alessia has joined the Bar.

Nina has joined the Bar.

Kael's head bows with that kiss to his cheek, an easy thing, and that smile never actually leaves his face. "Poor and good timing," he confesses to Alarissa. Lifting up his mug to her to show off the ale, he remarks, "I just stopped to quench my thirst. I am, however, quite pleased to see you. It has been far too long - clearly we must catch up some time when you are not, in fact... hosting?" There is some sense of question there, something abandoned soon enough. He'll step back to allow Alarissa to do her thing without any sort of interference on his part. Spying another familiar face (that'd be Monique), she is greeted with an inclination of his head and an amiable smile.

Theophania has joined the Bar.

Etienne has joined the Banquet Table.

Monique has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Merek walks into the Queensrest, with his longcoat pulled about his dark attire, his scarf pulled upon his features while he looks about, then finds a place to settle in and wait as well.

Swift remains seated casually at the table near the fire, a small chest of thorns at her side while she watches the nobility with curiosity and interest. One of the bottle from the Templar's auction sits at her elbow, a glass half-full having been poured to sip from as she waits for Thornseekers to approach. A trio of bowls sit in front of her, each filled with a clouded liquid and holding a single copper thorn at the bottom of the bowl.

"lady Appollonia, a pleasure to meet you." She glances to Kael and nods. "Dinner I think. Arrange with Reigna? For once, it won't be her coming to make adjustments to things." Things. "And yes, hosting." She glances over her shoulder and spots Monique. And Etienne. And Ansel and Swift. "It's a fairly full house this night. Stick around, perhaps you'll get one to bring home to Reigna? If you'll pardon me Lady Appolonia?" THough she doesn't wait and turns to appreciate the room. "Lady Monique! I am ready if you are. Mistress Swift, Duke Telmar."

Appolonia gives Nina a beaming smile, waving her over. "Promise me you won't parody me too badly if I eat the dirt," she murmurs to Nina, before beaming in turn towards Theophania with exactly 70% of the intensity. *exactly*. "Absolutely," she says to Alarissa before the latter moves along.

Etienne takes his place at a large Banquet table, he arranges some papers and sits rather up right looking rather serious at his task, though while he does his best to remain serious an easy smile peeks through on a regular basis.

Monique gets Maelstrom White Rum, Seven Fathoms Limited - Navegant Dark Rum, A cut-glass tumbler, Snowplum, an ice wine from Clearlake Hold, Saikland's Finest Plum-Cherry Wine, a full bodied bottle of Cardian red, Rose-Gold Champagne from Tor, a tapered, crystal decanter of Dreamwine, Roseward Tears of the Volkov - 1012, Cloudspine Mint Liqueur , a small bottle of Heaven's Embrace and A bottle of New Hope 'Pink Harvest' wine, 1012 AR from A wine rack with a variety of bottles.

Gaze drifting around the room as she waits for her glass of whiskey, Alessia's attention settles on the Grayhope sat by the fire. Once her drink is served, she makes her way to Swift, joining her at the table.

Alessia has left the Bar.

Alessia has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Offering a smile towards Alarissa, Swift stands long enough to dip a quick curtsy, "High Princess, a pleasure, as always." She flashes a grin towards Monique and offers a wink before settling back in.

Nina has left the Bar.

Nina has joined the Banquet Table.

As a greeting comes to be offered his way, Ansel is turning his attention over in the direction of Alarissa, only to offer a smile and an incline of his head, "Your Highness." He's then moving off to one side of the bar, only to lean against it enough so that he can simply watch the going ons for the moment. That is, of course, after murmur a quiet order for a drink.

Appolonia has left the Bar.

Alarissa has joined the Bar.

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle arrives, following Quenia.

From her position at the dark corner table, Monique spies Ansel and gives the Telmar Duke a deep incline of her crimson head.

"Five thorn bearers are present! Lady Monique, Blessed Etienne, Duek Ansel, Mistress Swift and myself. So for your chance at a thorn that will garner you additional points and to chance collecting all the thorns for a chance at a further prize and challenge, step up to each and try your best. -I- shall be at the bar!" Alarissa states and turns to those present there arleady.

Giving a pleasant wave to Nina as she passes the bard, Theophania calls, "Ah -- if this doesn't go overlong, please check in with me later!" with a big smile. "I have something I'd like to discuss with you!" She then asks Appolonia pleasantly, "How have you been?"

She then takes a long drink.

Swift puts Roseward Tears of the Volkov - 1012 in a velvet gift bag embroided with the leaning coins of Gild.

Swift puts Saikland's Finest Plum-Cherry Wine in a velvet gift bag embroided with the leaning coins of Gild.

Swift puts Snowplum, an ice wine from Clearlake Hold in a velvet gift bag embroided with the leaning coins of Gild.

Kael nods his head in response to Alarissa's earlier statement. "Dinner, absolutely." That seems far more sincere than social pleasantries, for what it is worth. For his part, however, the Marquis Keaton is content to sip at his ale and simply watch the proceedings with no small amount of interest.

Swift puts a small bottle of Heaven's Embrace in a velvet gift bag embroided with the leaning coins of Gild.

Swift puts A cut-glass tumbler in a velvet gift bag embroided with the leaning coins of Gild.

"I have been occupied but wonderfully so," Appolonia tells Theophania, beaming. Then she says, "Oh! That dress is tremendous. It's like you're wearing a cloud, all gloss and shine and curves."

Quenia steps into the Queensrest for a change of venue for the evening. She seems somewhat surprised to see so many people, though that doesn't stop her from heading over to the bar to get something to drink, particularly noticing there might be one table free. She does eye everyone curiously, however.

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

Zorianna enters silently, taking quiet measure of the goings-on. After a moment's consideration, she moves toward the bar.

Zorianna has joined the Bar.

"Yours is lovely too! The gown and the rest of your outfit provide a lovely contrast," Theophania replies, before taking a moment to steel herself for the task ahead. She needs a moment to get herself in the right headspace (or else, let the alcohol work).

Quenia has joined the Bar.

Nina has left the Banquet Table.

Nina has joined the Bar.

Merek has joined the Banquet Table.

Merek looks up while he considers, then he walks to the banquet table, while he shifts his longcoat to incline, "I would like to give a try for your thorn if that's alright," he says.

To Etienne, even.

Merek checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

Etienne gets Tournament of Thorns - a golden thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Alessia has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Alessia has joined the Banquet Table.

2 Kennex corsairs, Jane arrive, following Catalana.

After a few moments of companionable company, Appolonia tells Theophania, "I'm off to try my skill and luck. Do wish me well, I hope; remember, it's not whether you win or lose." She doesn't finish the thought before heading towards the Princess's turf anew.

And by the princess, dear reader, we meant Swift's!

Appolonia has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Merek nods a bit in thanks to Etienne, accepting the thorn, "Thank you!" he says, then he seems to think about it while he looks between people, then smiles. Then he's making a way to Swift, "I would like to try you next!"

Nina checked command + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 28 higher.

Merek has left the Banquet Table.

Merek has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Alarissa takes Tournament of Thorns - a praseodymium thorn from a chest of thorns.

The staff of the Queensrest drop their cool detachment and brighten considerably as they give cloying service to their newest guest.

Roland, the worst bard in Arvum arrives, following Niklas.

Catalana steps into the room hardly surprised to see the people gathered. She considers the tables for a few good long minutes, trying to decide if she could win one of those pins.

Appolonia checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 25 lower.

Appolonia shouts from nearby, "CURSES!"

Merek checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 14 lower.

Etienne gets Tournament of Thorns - a golden thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Catalana has joined the Banquet Table.

Theophania checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Spontaneous applause erupts in the Queensrest Inn for the wildly famous visitor.

Marie, chef of Keaton Hall, Oaken, an Oakhaven bloodhound, 1 Healer Guardian arrive, following Reigna.

Alessia has left the Banquet Table.

Alessia has joined the Bar.

Nina has left the Bar.

Nina has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Quenia checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 27 higher.

"...running late already thanks to your nonsense, Roland, so just get in there and be quiet." Niklas walks in along with the brightly dressed legendary bard, Roland Appleblossom, who has a hopeful look for a moment and is just about to ask something when Niklas says, "Don't you even think of singing." He shoos the estwhile bard away, then turns to survey the room before bustling his way over to where the Princess-Consort of Maelstrom sits, along with a small coterie of admirers. Slapping his hands together he says, "My boon begins here," and leans into the bar.

Niklas has joined the Bar.

Nina has left the Dark Corner Table.

Nina has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Appolonia has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Appolonia has joined the Banquet Table.

Merek stands up, while he makes his way to the table that Monique is at!

Catalana checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 1 higher.

Merek has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Merek has joined the Dark Corner Table.

The door to the Queensrest opens and Reigna slips in, a blush for the greeting offered to her. She is craning her head around, eyes searching the room. She smiles as she sees Monique, but her attention keeps moving until she spies Kael at the bar. Her smile widens as she makes her way to the bar, slipping up behind Kael and placing an arm around his waist, a kiss pressed to his cheek.

Monique spies Reigna's entrance and the Greenmarch lifts a hand to wave to the Marquessa, all smiles, before turning to watch Merek's approach and greet him more quietly at the table.

Nina checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 31 lower.

Alarissa takes Tournament of Thorns - a praseodymium thorn from a chest of thorns.

Etienne gets Tournament of Thorns - a golden thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Alarissa takes Tournament of Thorns - a praseodymium thorn from a chest of thorns.

Nina has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Theophania has left the Bar.

Kael finishes that ale in hand and leans back against Reigna just slightly. "That," he remarks, his voice pitched low and a hint of amusement audible in his tone, "had best be my wife." He knows it is, of course, having caught her in the corner of his eye. Lowering his voice a notch, he murmurs, "Hello," before stepping off to the side to allow for her to come near. A few more words are spoken quietly at the bar, this to Zorianna, before he offers another quiet murmur to Reigna.

Catalana has left the Banquet Table.

Quenia has left the Bar.

Quenia has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Catalana grins at her first thorn. Spotting Niklas she mildly squints. Clearly a touch competitive and instead moves to Monique's table.

There is a laugh from Reigna at Kael's words and she nuzzles her cheek against his bearded one before she speaks to him in return. Her head cants towards the door, though there is a happy glance around the room as well.

Merek checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Niklas checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Theophania has joined the Banquet Table.

Appolonia checked intellect + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

Alarissa spots Reigna and smiles, lifting her hand to wave to the other Keaton, a smile on her face.

Kael's offering a few more words toward those at the bar, his voice a quiet thing, but whatever Reigna spoke to him has him offering her his arm and it seems the pair are off.

Standing from her table, Swift lifts a hand overhead and waves towards Monique to catch the Minx's attention. Offering a sheepish grin she calls out, "My lady, I believe I will call an end to my own challenge early. I am finding that I may have made this a touch too challenging and I need to rethink to find something more appropriate for the tournament. If its alright, I will pack mine up for now and I will put myself back out there later in the week and offer those that have been game to test themselves tonight an opportunity to re-try their skills since I believe the fault lies with my challenge and not their ability."

Reigna spies Alarissa and gawps at the woman's arm, "Your highness! That is unspeakably lovely!" This comment simply *must* be made as she grins to her friend.

Despite her comment to Alarissa, it seems Reigna is not intending to stay. Kael's arm in her own, she tosses a wave to her friends and then escapes the crush of the Inn with her husband in hand.

Monique glances up from her table as she converses quietly with Quenia and Merek, her gaze arrowing in on Swift. "What! Too challenging for Arvum? Hah! If I don't see at least ten stained hands, Swift, I'll be /very/ disappointed by my evening." Gleeful, is that pronouncement.

Kael has left the Bar.

Vern, 3 Keaton Huntsmen, Devo, an extraordinary Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Kael.

Marie, chef of Keaton Hall, Oaken, an Oakhaven bloodhound, 1 Healer Guardian, Kael leave, following Reigna.

Etienne gets Tournament of Thorns - a golden thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Ravana the tawny eagle, Good Arn the Badger, 1 Trained Telmarine Armsmen leave, following Ansel.

Letting out a laugh, Swift offers a bow and flashes a grin towards Monique, "As you wish, my lady! We are halfway there." Looking towards the gathered folks, she flashes a grin, "Well then! Who wishes to try their luck and see if they can be the one to crack the challenge?"

Ravana the tawny eagle, Good Arn the Badger, 1 Trained Telmarine Armsmen arrive, following Ansel.

Catalana warily regards Swift's table. "Perhaps I should try. Just to make sure." She saunters over to the table near the fire. "I mean, nothing can be as dreadful at that drink Princess Sabella made. It practically clung to the glass."

Catalana has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Monique gets Tournament of Thorns - a bronze thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

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

Merek has left the Dark Corner Table.

Nina has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Merek stands up with his next thorn, looking at the two, then he makes a way to Alarissa's place.

Merek has joined the Bar.

Quenia checked charm + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Catalana checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 25 lower.

Appolonia has left the Banquet Table.

Theophania has left the Banquet Table.

Appolonia has joined the Bar.

Zorianna checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 9 lower.

Catalana lifts her now dyed fingers to her eyesight and laughs, "Oh Dear. I should... stick to what I know." She smiles to swift and laughs again, "It's a great challenge." She lifts herself from the table in case anyone else is foolish enough to try.

Catalana has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Theophania has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Zorianna has left the Bar.

Catalana has joined the Bar.

Zorianna has joined the Banquet Table.

Monique gets Tournament of Thorns - a bronze thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Quenia has left the Dark Corner Table.

Quenia has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Theophania checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 31 lower.

Alessia has left the Bar.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, Sirra, a very quiet maid, an indeterminate number of cats, 3 House Mazetti Guardians leave, following Alessia.

Niklas has left the Bar.

Niklas has joined the Banquet Table.

Quenia seems to now have two thorns in her possession. She steps away from Monique's table, takes a breath, then heads over to the table with Swift. She gives the woman an uncertain look, as alchemy really isn't her thing, but she settles down all the same, offering a light smile to the woman.

Catalana wiggles her blue stained fingers at Niklas as she slides into his seat. Her breath held for whatever horror awaits her next.

Niklas looks like he might be about to offer his favorite cousin a wave in return, but instead he points at her, raises his eyebrows and draws his thumb along his throat, followed by a thumbs down. He all but makes a thlblp sound at her before plopping down at the banquet table.

Quenia checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 41 lower.

Arvie arrives, following Gaspar.

Catalana narrows her eyes at Niklas and puffs her cheeks before poking her tongue out in retaliation. This is war clearly.

Catalana checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Zorianna checked command + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 17 lower.

Theophania has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Nina checked charm + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 1 lower.

Theophania has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Niklas checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 6 lower.

Appolonia checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 32 higher.

Gaspar has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Merek checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 19 higher.

Trini Albricci, an attractive young Lycene woman arrives, following Dianna.

Zorianna has left the Banquet Table.

Zorianna has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Niklas has left the Banquet Table.

Gaspar has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Gaspar has joined the Banquet Table.

From the bar one hears a gaggle of nobles yell out loud "FOR SERACENI!"

Gaspar checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 15 lower.

Curious as to the event she heard of, Sister Dianna makes her way - rather belatedly - to the Queensrest Inn. "Gods... but one could hear a pin drop..." she murmurs to her companion, Trini." She notices more than a few people she knows, smirking with amusement as someone calls out from the bar - and it looks like that may just be the place to go. EXCEPT... that there is Prince Velenosa, doing... something at the Banquet Table. With a general curtsy to the room, Dianna heads there.

Dianna has joined the Banquet Table.

"GIVE HER A THORN! OH GODS GIVE HER A THORN!" The one in head to toe Brocade nearly leaps to Pellinor to take the chest and thrust the whole thing at catalana. "You get a thorn"

Alarissa just smiles and then they look to Appolonia and her words. Oh they listen. They puff up, they gird themselves and by the time the Seraceni noble is done, the pearl clutcher stands tall and yell out "FOR SERACENI!" And Alarissa nods to Pellinor and he gets out a thorn, passing it over.

Nina has left the Dark Corner Table.

Catalana grins triumphantly at her second thorn. As she saunters away from the bar she passes Niklas and clearly teases him. "How many Thorns have you gotten dearest cousin?" She continues to move over to wait for her turn with the minx.

Catalana has left the Bar.

Zorianna checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 6 lower.

Catalana has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Dianna checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 16 higher.

Appolonia has left the Bar.

"One," says Niklas idly, "but I've only been here a minute or two. I'm considering it would be fair to anyone else for me to keep trying."

Quenia has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Quenia has joined the Banquet Table.

Catalana checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 40 higher.

Catalana calls out to her cousin, "You walked in just as I did." She smiles sweetly. Too sweetly. "I am sure you'll catch up eventually."

Appolonia drifts towards the dark and shadowed corner, but retains a respectful distance. She also takes the opportunity to obtain, and sip from, a glass of hard liquor.

Theophania checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 7 lower.

Etienne gets Tournament of Thorns - a golden thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

"Mm. You can have all the thorns in Tor, o Rose of Stormward, but I'll always have something you'll forever lack." Niklas gives his cousin a faint smile, leaning against the wall near the dark table. "Which is a chance of winning this damned thing."

Gaspar has left the Banquet Table.

Gaspar has joined the Bar.

Catalana whips her head about to Niklas, "Oh dear sweet playwrite. I fear your fanciful stories are trying to leap off the page. I shall send a dozen handkerchiefs to your wife for when your pillow gets too wet to sob into."

Dianna has left the Banquet Table.

Dianna has joined the Bar.

"Pursue your dream guardsman!" The gaggle seems appeased and nods to Alarissa who gestures to Pellinor who in turn, produces a thorn for Merek. "Onward Master Merek!"

Quenia checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 7 lower.

Monique gets Tournament of Thorns - a bronze thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Theophania has left the Dark Corner Table.

Niklas has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Gaspar checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 15 higher.

Dianna checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

Catalana has left the Dark Corner Table.

Zorianna has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Zorianna has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Quenia finishes all of the games, and clutches only two of the precious thorns. What started off as a hopeful evening as diminished somewhat for her in an all too serious way. She nods her head to each of the game masters, stating, "Thank you again for this evening." She then solemnly turns toward the door and makes her way toward the exit, her expression ever thoughtful even as she continues biting on her lip.

Quenia has left the Banquet Table.

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle leaves, following Quenia.

Niklas checked wits + teaching at difficulty 30, rolling 45 higher.

Zorianna checked intellect + stewardship at difficulty 30, rolling 29 higher.

Etienne gathers his papers and a small chest, what was previously a considerable noise of metal clanking is now sound rather empty. "A fine showing from all the players!" he comments before standing and giving warm nods to the rest of the hosts. "If you'll excuse me." and he makes his way to through the door.

Etienne has left the Banquet Table.

Dandy, the red fox, 1 Templar Knight guards leave, following Etienne.

Monique gets Tournament of Thorns - a bronze thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Monique gets Tournament of Thorns - a bronze thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Monique's eyes are pulled from the table and her games to watch the Archlector leave with a pining smile.

Niklas has left the Dark Corner Table.

Zorianna has left the Dark Corner Table.

Appolonia has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Niklas holds up his thorns and examines each, then heads over to set himself down at the Orazio table.

Niklas has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Zorianna has come away from the contests with but one Thorn, but it is clear that she prizes it. She takes a moment to admire the gleaming bronze in some nearby lamplight, before taking her leave. She murmurs her thanks to those Committee members who remain on her way out.

Catalana slinks over to the bar and grabs a wine, she flashes and counts her thorns particularly loud for Niklas. "One. Two. Three." She does eye Niklas and Swift and holds her breath in anticipation.

Merek puts Tournament of Thorns - a bronze thorn in a backpack, made of black leather.

Merek puts Tournament of Thorns - a golden thorn in a backpack, made of black leather.

Merek makes a way to the streets while he offers his longcoat to Meeka!

Merek has left the Bar.

"How nice," says Niklas, "we're tied."

Dianna is overheard praising Alarissa: Beauty and bravery is a wondrous thing to behold.

Catalana doubts Niklas, "You had one last count. How can you be at three?"

Dianna has left the Bar.

Dianna has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Gaspar has left the Bar.

Gaspar has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Appolonia checked intellect + teaching at difficulty 30, rolling 37 higher.

Dianna has left the Dark Corner Table.

Dianna has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

"At last count I'd won one here today. What I came in with, though?" Niklas shrugs and looks back to Swift.

Catalana hums with surprise, "Oh. I didn't realize I'd missed one pre-games." It's almost like you can see the cogs turning in her head.

Gaspar checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 32 lower.

Dianna checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 28 lower.

Niklas checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 28 lower.

Dianna has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Dianna has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Gaspar has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Dianna has left the Dark Corner Table.

Trini Albricci, an attractive young Lycene woman leaves, following Dianna.

Arvie, Dianna leave, following Gaspar.

Spontaneous applause erupts in the Queensrest Inn for the wildly famous visitor.

Trini Albricci, an attractive young Lycene woman arrives, following Dianna.

Arvie, Dianna arrive, following Gaspar.

Dianna has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Niklas has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

2 Kennex corsairs, Jane leave, following Catalana.

Gaspar has joined the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Appolonia has left the Dark Corner Table.

Gaspar has left the Orazio's Table Nearest the Fire.

Gaspar has joined the Dark Corner Table.

Gaspar checked charm + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 76 higher. Gaspar rolled a critical!

Dianna checked charm + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 56 higher.

Roland, the worst bard in Arvum leaves, following Niklas.

With the last contestants leaving her table, Swift carefully begins packing up her challenge, using a funnel to carefully pour the liquids back into their respective flasks and stoppering them up again. The bowls are dried with a mutli-colored cloth and tucked away into the bag with the flasks. Giving a long stretch, she grins, "This has been fun. I'm looking forward to doing more of these!" Carrying her glas and bottle over towards Monique's table, she lingers to see how Dianna and Gaspar do, smiling when they seem to be excelling at the challenge and moving along towards the bar to pause near Alarissa. "Thank you again for the auction, Your Highness. These wines are exquisite and I'm already looking forward to what I can do with the spidersilk."

Ravana the tawny eagle, Good Arn the Badger, 1 Trained Telmarine Armsmen leave, following Ansel.

Proudly carrying three thorns, Dianna leans on Gaspar's shoulder, "Thank you all for hosting such a lovely, lively event! Be well - and Primus, please do not forget to write to me, mmn? And... take a hot bath, dear."

Gaspar has left the Dark Corner Table.

Dianna has left the Dark Corner Table.

Trini Albricci, an attractive young Lycene woman leaves, following Dianna.

Arvie, Dianna leave, following Gaspar.