Tesha gets a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria from A Chest Full of Prayer Books TAKE ONE.

Rowenova puts a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine in Messenger Bag.

Rowenova gets a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser from a chest in Laurent colors.

Octavian, a silken spaniel, an aid in Kennex livery, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Zoey.

Rowenova puts a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser in a chest in Laurent colors.

Sydney takes a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Thea takes a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Zoey gets a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Rowenova gets a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria from A Chest Full of Prayer Books TAKE ONE.

Rowenova puts a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria in a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Cassandra gets a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Rowenova gets a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Rowenova puts a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria in Messenger Bag.

Zoey gets a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser from a chest in Laurent colors.

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.

Thea takes a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Caelis is not sure about this Taste of Valardin business. She still hasn't forgiven the kitchen staff for their lack of fish. But still, she's trying to do her part so she has young Samuel and Sugan seated with her at a picnic table and bribes them with sweet rolls for the moment.

Alessia gets a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Hamish takes a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser from a chest in Laurent colors.

Rowenova gets a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser from a chest in Laurent colors.

Rowenova puts a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser in Messenger Bag.

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

Coming up onto the Valardin grounds is Tyren and Jael, the former with his arm about the latter who is wearing a lovely Artshall velvet gown. They are walking quite close, Tyren with a smile on his lips as he leans his head into his wife to murmur something to her, coming away with a soft laugh. There's no baby with them or nanny, so maybe this is a sort-of-still-new parents' night out thing, how exciting. "Here we are," Tyren announces to Cristoph when he comes up, as though this is some incredible feat.

Alis has both Ellara and Eirlys in tow, with the former wearing her chainmail tunic and wooden sword strapped on... and the latter surrounded by the family pets as they giggle and run their way to the same table with cousins Samuel and Sugan. "Slow dooooown!" Hahaha, yeah right.

Bayberry, an Oakhaven juvenile bloodhound, Steadfast, a dunskin stallion courser arrive, following Norwood.

Norwood has joined the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Zoey arrives at the celebration accompanied by her aide, leaving her guards outside of the events. She looks around for Mabelle, Cristoph, and the other members of House Laurent.

Stepping out into the Valardin Grounds with a small retinue is Prince Talwyn, his classic gold-blue woven doublet swishing, lightly sprinkled with the flakes of snow. He gazes around the compound to see who has arrived as he tries to spot his friends amongst the guests, a smile of welcome on his lips.

Drake has been to a few of these events, because he has a hard time turning down free booze and food. But in this case, he lives just across the way, so there really was no good reason not to come out and just eat of the food that's most familiar to him. The Thrax contingent had fish eyeballs and other assorted strangeness, but Oathlands food is Oathlands food - good and hearty. Drake immediately gets into the cider.

"I hadn't realized they now had goat along with the cows," Korka replies to something Hamish has said, flipping her thick braid of hair back over one shoulder, "Then again if I thought the cows and goats were interesting I probably wouldn't have left the Telmarch in the first place."

Mabelle makes her way onto the grounds clad in a beautiful Artshall Velvet and brocade overgown and whatever sparkles to match. She swoons when she sees Jael's gown and wiggles her fingers looking for people she knows. But its freezing. And there is coffee. Beckoning Zoey she heads in Ryhalt's direction

Done with overseeing the disposition of the Farshaw coffee cart, Ryhalt leaves his people to handing out coffee to those who want. After helping himself to one of the Westrock Jolts, he smiles cheerfully, an energetic bounce to his step as he starts circulating and greeting people.

"You look fine, stop tugging at it." Cassandra chides with a smile, glancing at the redhead with her. That redhead in question being Sydney, on her arm. "If you keep worrying about it, everyone else will know you're worrying." To her credit, the Legate of Arts is not donned in her trademark rubicund and steelsilk. She's traded that in for a dress, likely she hasn't worn one in a very long time. Even with that concession made, she still carries Chivalry's Point with her. Swords accessorize dresses, afterall. Even the larger shocker is the fact that Cass doesn't have her hair up. "You alright?"

Norwood enters! Norwood goes to a really awesome place, and he sits himself down, sitting up as still as a rail. Life is good over here.

Making his way into the Valardin Grounds, Ansel's got his hands clasped behind his back. He's sporting a new outfit, a high-collared waist coat done in midnight silk with silver accents and he seems more then just a touch uncomfortable. Perhaps it's the change of attire from what he's normally used to. There's a glance about the area and then he's seeking to move off towards whatever available seating he can find.

Adalyn meanders into the area, her usual armor having been traded for something rather rare for the Clement - a dress rather than trousers. Her gaze sweeps over the surroundings and the crowd gathered, lips curving into a cheery grin as she notes familiar faces.

Zoey gets a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Zoey gets a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser from a chest in Laurent colors.

Kritr has rolled up to the grounds in his warm furs. "Beer?" He asks, looking around for where the alcohol will be served.

Looking to see what her children are so excited about, Caelis grins at Alis. "This looks like an excuse to get very drunk. Sanctum would turn white....er. More white." She grins and gestures to herself. "Even wedged into a dress. Look, progress." She leans over to her babies. "Make room for your cousins, you little giants. They can fit too I bet."

Mabelle has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

It may very well be the first time in her life that a certain pugilist from the lower boroughs has been spied without her signature hodge-podge of mismatched leathers and similar protective jewelry. Sydney is garbed in the very definition of a little black dress, a mix of umbra and seasilk that's fit near to form with golden, spidery embellishments. It looks like it wasn't designed for her, but has been tailored to fit her, and... fit her it does. Quite well. Still, at Cassandra's arm, the young woman lacks her usual easy bravado.

"I can barely move. I think they pulled it in too tight. Is it supposed to be this tight? Agh." Much muttering and mumbling from Sydney as she sticks near to Cassandra's side.

Zoey has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Kiera comes across to greet her brother with a warm smile "Hi there" she looks about for those she knows as well as new faces

Jael looks relaxed and happy next to Tyren as he walks with her onto the grounds, leaning into his side as he speaks to her, but she snaps to attention once they reach the crowd. Mabelle's swoon gains a fans-self in return from her cousin before she announces, "I'm starving."

Tesha's watching things quietly from a corner of snow covered hedges and looking at entrants as they enter. Waiting for one in particular. But she hasn't seen him yet. Atramentous is seated at her side and seems to be sharing her cloak. Her spidersilk and brocade gloves are keeping her hands warm while she keeps a distance with a smile to those that might pass.

Scout Rowenova and Sword Cillian show up with their matching quivers which are pretty simple in all reality, but are well stocked, indeed. Meanwhile, their animal associates are following along: Akkar, Sir Floppington, and a new pup who is completely enamoured with his older counterpart and bumbling along.

Taking in the gathering crowds on the Valardin grounds with quiet pleasure, Adrienne walks behind Talwyn to link an arm with his and press a chaste kiss to his cheek. "Duke Cristoph is a worker of miracles."

"If you don't tell anyone there, I won't tell anyone there.." Alis decides, plunking herself down at the picnic table and trying to tackle her kids into sitting rather than racing around. "You'll have time to do that later. General Mom's orders." That prompts a drawn out sigh from the kids of course, but they dutifully obey. Sulkily. "You look fantastic, Cae. And just lookit everyone in their finery."

Entering the Valardin grounds a little later than the rest, Alessia keeps herself comfortably bundled up in her cloak while she glances around. She pauses on spotting Mabelle by the cart, a beaming smile on her face. "Coffee." She studies the chalkbard menu before unclasping her cloak to show her garb within, braving the cold. "Did I overdo it with the dresscode?" She asks wryly, gesturing to her sword themed earrings.

Alessia has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Sapphira approaches the coffee cart after wading through all the finely dressed attendees, the blonde stopping to happily fetch a cup of the warm brew offered her way on this cold night.

Cillian walks along with Rowenova his eyes looking about at everyone, "I do not think I have meet him." he tells his companion as they walk along speaking with a thick Nothern Shav accent.

Sapphira has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Thea ventures onto the grounds and smiles and nods to those she knows. Finding Caelis, she steps over,"Cousin. How are you?"

Her attention neatly captured by the delicious fragrance of coffee, Lady Kalani Seliki drifts in the direction of the cart with it's fabulous selection and claims a cup as they're being passed out to the attendees. The Seliki physician exhales a happy sigh as her hands curl around the mug, moving lightly through the assembled crowd.

Rowenova curiously inquires, "Who is he?" She, of course, is trying her best to aim their approach to the food items.

There's a chuckle to Mabelle as she swoons over Jael, Tyren beaming down at his wife. "She's quite beautiful, isn't she?" he says in an adoring sort of way as he rubs Jael's back. "I'll get you something to eat," he promises, parting briefly to go find food. It's in this trek that he notices Adrienne and Talwyn, his good hand raised in greeting to catch their attention. "Cousins! It's so good to see you back in the City."

"It's supposed to be that tight." Cassandra nods at Syd. "And there's an expectation that you're not going to go looking for barfights in it. As interesting as that would be, let's try to keep that down to the bare minimum, hm?" Directing the pair of them over the directions of, oh, let's say Jael first. "Did say you were going to meet the family, didn't I? You ready?" she asks, the Legate giving her younger sister a little wave and a smile, happy to see family.

And here we are at a Taste of Arx for House Valardin, where numerous foods from the various houses in the region are circulating, but in particular House Farshaw has a very nice coffee cart! Cristoph has absolutely been around this entire time, he swears it. Really. It's involved moving tables and talking to vendors and checking out the different bottles. He calls out to a few people as he sees them. "HELLO WELCOME."

Ramsay, the dynamic Direhorn arrives, following Swift.

Rowenova has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Mabelle beams brightly to Alessia as she joins them, "Not unless you wear your collar up to your nose", she teases her. Spotting a few familiar places in the crowd, she calls toward Kritr, "Lord Clearlake!" beckoning him forward. She winks to Tyren, "She takes after me" and then waves to some more people she knows like Adrienne and... nope there are too many to list.

Norwood has left the a medium sized oakwood picnic table with two decks of cards and several pairs of dice atop it.

Norwood has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

Waldemai says, "I'll modestly attend to that scarf."

Releasing Talwyn's arm to extend both hands to Tyren, Adrienne murmurs softly, fondly, "You must be a ghost. Surely Tyren Laruent does not stop his travels for idle fun as this." She pushes onto her toes to offer her cousin a kiss and a few whispered words.

As he makes his way towards the seating area, Ansel is offering an incline of his head in the direction of Cristoph, no doubt in thanks for the preparation put in into things. Then, he's moving to the picnic table, having chosen Caelis as the unlucky individual to be graced with his presence, it would seem. He does, though, give her a nod and a smile before he's claiming a seat.

Kritr joins Mabelle, givin up the search for beer momentarily. "I am Krit." He says, joining Mabelle's side and nods to Alessia. "Lady Mazetti." He greets.

Norwood listens carefully to the directions, and then will just excuse himself for a moment. This is for the CHILDREN, right? He's getting a stick horse.

Sydney's typically messy hair has been shown a great deal of tender loving care recently. It's teased out and tied up into a loose pony's tail, with a golden dragon hairpin neatly holding it in place. She clicks her tongue slightly at Cassandra's insinuation. "...I could start a bar fight if I wanted. And I'd win it." An imperious little tilt of her chin up as she carries herself alongside Cassandra, taking a deep breath. "Yes. Let's have at it, then."

Adalyn lifts a hand, fingers waggling in a wave of greeting toward Jael and Mabelle should she happen to capture their attention. But her footsteps lead her toward a booth painted in yellow and forest green, colors of House Clement, where an assortment of baked goods are set out for the taking. She lingers to man the booth for a while, at least until her short attention span pulls here away to explore the other parts of the event.

Zoey has left the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Zoey has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Korka has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

Cillian has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Ansel has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Kalani has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.


It's not as if Drake dresses all that extravagantly compared to the ladies, but clothes just seem to fit him really well. He does a little bit of a double-take as he sees Sydney is here... in a dress. "That's a good look on you. Are you going to be joining the snow competition?"

Adalyn has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

Ryhalt has left the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Ryhalt has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Sapphira has left the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Sapphira has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

Tyren chuckles low to Adrienne, returning her peck to the cheek with a grin. "Ah, my adventuring days are long over, Adrienne. And I've a family now. You should come and see the baby soon. Little Nora," he smiles fondly before he chin-tilts over to Jael. "Come meet my wife. You too, Talwyn. I've got to bring her food, she's always starving." He coaches Adrienne and Talwyn over to Jael after he's found some kind of food, passing the plate to her as he makes introductions. "Have you met my cousins yet, Jael? Adrienne and Talwyn."

Drake has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

"A war of snow, fantastic," Kalani says as she finds her way to one of the forts and examines it with avid curiosity, waving to Nova and Zoey as she does so. "I've never seen one of these, but it looks like fun."

Zoey waves to Mabelle and the others at the coffee cart on her way to join the Snow Fort of Valor

Sapphira sets aside her coffee before tromping on over to join one of the snow forts, skirts lifted just enough to allow her to climb up into her frigid castle.

"Ah yes, with a silent r." Alessia smiles when Kritr joins them. "It's been a while, my lord. It's good to see you again. How's your training going?" She glances over as people rush to the snow forts. "Preparing for a battle?" She asks Mabelle with a curious smile. "Shall we?"

Mabelle grins entertainedly at Ryhalt, "I doubt anyone would mind you not brining in the whole shop." She waves to Adalyn and turns to Kritr, introducing him to those around her, "Have you met Lord Kritr Clearlake? He is my protege", she winks to him, "How have you been?" Meanwhile she is hungry and people are hiding in forts so she grabs a muffin and goes to do that, because hunger.

Seeing Thea, Caelis smiles. "Oh hello Cousin! Come sit. You too." She nods to Ansel. "Thea, these are my babies. Prince Samuel, and Princess Sugan." She gestures to the two dark haired children. Giving Samuel a knife she looks at the six year old. "You and Sissy go play. If anyone touches the two of you, you cut them like I showed you and call for Mama, hmm?" She asks and shoos the little ones off to have fun.

Sydney takes an uncomfortable step back as Drake notices her. She skirts her attention slightly to the side, then huffs, "...Yes, yes. Get it all out of your system."

Mabelle has left the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Mabelle has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Hamish walks in with Korka, snorting at her comment. "If you don't care for the company at the palace you needn't go there." After looking around the grounds he tilts his head toward her and says, "Perhaps if Duke Ansel is here this evening we can stop by and say hello." Then, when he sees legate of arts, "I should probably say hello to Mother Casandra at some point as well."

Alessia has left the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Alessia has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

Kritr imitates Mabelle, but with a handful of pastries. Restraint is something that he met in a dark alley of his mind and beat to death long ago.

Tesha gives a smile at the things that are going on and there's a look to the snowforts, but, the woman doesn't make her way to either of them. She wasn't dressed for it and she was still eyeing the crowd to see if someone was going to appear. Maybe he passed out in a snow pile and he was camoflauged?

Talwyn follows behind Adrienne, and smiles warmly at Tyren's words, "Wow - congratulations on the baby!" he offers as he peers at Jael and the children, "I'm Talwyn." he says in the way of introduction

Mabelle is happy Kritr is stocking because one will not be enough.

"I'm sure you could. But," the Legate pauses, glancing about at the places indicated by her brother. "It looks like you'll be able to get the fighting you're looking for, so long as you keep to snow." Sydney takes a step back, but Cassandra holds fast, glancing to Drake. "She looks rather gorgeous, doesn't she? I'd have to agree." she smiles, looking at Syd. "I should tell you to get used to that whole aspect. Getting compliments."

Ryhalt gives Mabelle a pained look. "*I* am pained!!!" He chuckles, knowing that that doesn't matter for today. It's supposed to be a *Taste* not a *Filling* of Arx. He walks along with his coffee over to one of the forts. Sipping his coffee, he watches who goes where.

Content to be guided and introduced, Adrienne follows in Tyren's not insignificant shadow to greet Jael with a respectful tilt of her head. "Lady Laurent. Thank you for taking such care with my cousin, and congratulations on your Nora."

Thea waves over to Caelis with a grin,"Going to throw balls at the moment, but I'll happily join you when I'm done." She looks at her smaller cousins and smiles a bit and smirks at the cutting remark,"Auntie Eirene will likely teach you about poisons soon too."

Mabelle blinks at Ryhalt, "What what what did I do?" There are so many people here. How can you keep up. Here's Cassandra. "Hello Cassandra!!", she waves from a fort.

Swift arrives... well... late. She hurries through and slips between the crowds to find her way to the table her employer is at. Arriving at Ansel's side, she flashes a grin up at him before offering a bobbed curtsy towards Caelis, "Your Highness. THe gown looks as stunning on you as it never would have on me. I am glad that it fits well."

Kiera squeezes a hand lightly round drake's waist as he heads to the snow fort "I think I shall watch " she heads to duke ansel to say hello

She's left by her husband at about the same time that Cassandra walks up, but seems perfectly content with that; he's bringing her food. So Jael is smiling brightly when her sister and date move closer, reaching to hug the Legate when she's close enough and offer air-kisses to both her cheeks. "Cassie." To Sydney she offers a little headtilt of invitation. For an introduction, not a hug. Unless she really seems to want a hug. On Tyren's return she offers an incline of her head to Adrienne and Talwyn. "Prince Talwyn, I think we've crossed paths before though I don't think we've ever been properly introduced. Thank you Princess Adrienne. She takes after her father, thank the gods. I'm so sorry, I just need one second..." The apology is directed to Tyren, Talwyn and Adrienn and she turns her focus back to Sydney because her SISTER brought a DATE.

Alis doesn't bat an eye at the 'cut anyone who touches you', since she tells her own to kick in the shins and then go get mama so /she/ can beat them with a flail. There is, of course, a whistle and a look around at the mention of poisons though.

"Thank you," is what Ansel is offering to Caelis, only to turn his gaze to Thea, to give her a nod, "Lady Thea. A pleasure." Then, when Caelis advises her children to cut people, there's a chuckle in the back of his throat, "well, that's advice not normally heard when given to children." A grin though and then when Swift makes her appearance, he's turning his attention to her, offering a smile and a incline of hsi head.

Kritr has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Sydney is prevented from her attempt to flee backward even a step from Drake by Cassandra's steadying arm. She clicks her tongue quietly and murmurs, "...A compliment from Drake is like finding a raindrop in a torrential downpour. Or a snowflake in a blizzard. Or a horse in a joust." Jael's commentary has her pausing to look back to Cassandra, mouthing, 'Cassie?' before turning to look back to Jael, offering a small smile. "Pleasure to meet you. Sydney Waterfall."

Mabelle eyes Alessia on the opposite fort and calls for her, "Traitor!!"

Kritr follows Mabelle over to the snow fort, carelessly munching on fruited pastries. "So this is a mock battle?"

Waldemai has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Norwood shouts from nearby, "Mabelle! Mind your tongue young lady!"

Mabelle ducks behind the fort.

"I was trying to even out the teams!" Alessia defends herself with a coy smile.

Talwyn has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

"I'm complimenting you!" Drake says to Sydney. "Don't tell me you aren't used to that." And then he looks immediately at her... well, she might be a date, or maybe just a companion. "I agree. You have good taste. I'm Drake, by the way. Going to take part in the contest, but... we'll see each other later, I'm sure."

Waldemai signals for a coffee, sniffs it contentedly, and then pours some whiskey into it. "That's what I need to keep my Southport bones warm."

Hamish has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

At Fort Valor, Zoey appears to have taken command, directing her teammates and assigning roles.

Alis sends Ellara over to keep Norwood busy. She (Ellara, obviously) runs over, chainmail and all. "Norwoooooooooooooooood! Rides, rides!" And holds up her arms.

Looking at Swift, Caelis inclines her head. "It's a lovely gift. Thank you, again." She looks at Alis and gives a little sheepish smile. "We all learn to identify poison. Your meal tester might not notice in time. I even worked on trying to build some immunities for a while. I should have kept up with it." She shrugs and looks to Ansel. "My babies will know how to protect themselves long enough to give rescuers a chance. It may not be common, but my husband married a Lycene woman. We take assassination seriously." She nods somberly.

Norwood checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Kastelon walks over and pauses, assessing the area. "Hmm," he says, and helps himself to a book before joining a fort. Maybe it'll make a good shield if he doesn't plan to read it.

"Would you like to help them with the snow forts, Atramentous?" Tesha asks the large black hound that is always with her. The dog huffs at her and there's a chuckle, "Didn't think so." she murmurs to herself.

Talwyn returns a quick smile to Jael, "Please, don't let us disrupt what you are doing." he offers Adrienne, "Shall we join the Honor fort?"

Cassandra is all smiles for her sister, embracing Jael with a fondness that underlies just how much she has been missed, exchanging the air-kisses with the same air and habits of the woman would've been Duchess. "Jay." she replies. "I have missed you." And to the woman with her, she steps back. "Sister, this is Sydney Waterfall, my date." And to the brawler, she gestures at Jael. "Syd, this is Lady Jael Laurent. My sister, Voice and General of Laurent." Only then turning to blink at Mabelle. "Oh, hello Mabelle, very good to see you. Feels like it has been a time, hasn't it?"

"Hello Duke Ansel,"Thea greets the man with a slight smile. "How are you?" Over at Fort Valor, Thea is all prepared, getting ready to throw some snowballs. Or whatever she's suppoded to do.

Belatedly, attention divided, Adrienne lifts a hand in greeting to Mabelle and the others greeting her in the joyful chaos. She turns to admire the snow forts with a speculative eye, amusement showing as Talwyn takes a side. "The constructions are so well done, it is a shame to ruin them. Almost." Looking back to Jael - and then beyond to Sydney and Cassandra - Adrienne gives an untroubled shake of her head. "I have been conscripted. Please pardon me."

Kastelon gets a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria from A Chest Full of Prayer Books TAKE ONE.

Adrienne has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

Tyren chuckles a bit at Jael. "Just in personality. She's a spitting image of Jael," he tells Adrienne and Talwyn of Nora with a grin. "Are you going to play the snowball game? I think I'll watch from over here," while he's trying to steal a bit of food off Jael's plate. But only the stuff she probably wouldn't like. His attention swings towards Cassandra and Sydney, his smile broadening. "Legate," he inclines his head to Cassandra. "And it's nice to meet you, Sydney."

Norwood picks up Ellara and settles the child upon his shoulders. "Shall we ride together into our fate young princess?" Yep. Now Norwood has a child on his shoulders as he rides a stick horse. Thanks Alis!

Finn is in all his doggy glory! Northern dog? Snow? He starts bouncing around in the snow, barking with sheer joy!

Kastelon has joined the Snow Fort of Honor.

Alis inclines her head. "I know he chose well. The more protection the better, yes?" Nope, she isn't complaining. "Never know what some scumbag is going to try." ... and, she waves cheerfully at the Norwood/Ellara duo. Gods help them all.

Mabelle rises and straightens dignifiedly when Cassandra speaks to her, "Hello there cousin, yes it has been some years I think. I am happy to see you though, you look lovely". She then narrows her eyes at that very filled honor fort an Norwood who yelled at her, planning revenge.

Swift smiles towards Caelis and nods, then looks to Ansel, "Hello, my lord. Not going to roll in the snow with everyone else? I would have thought this challenge right up your alley!" She offers a teasing grin then looks back to Caelis, "If you ever wish to resume, Your HIghness, I would be happy to be on standby. Gods know its delicate enough work creating a poison let alone building immunitiy to it, and then there are -so- many that keep being made, trying to keep up with the antidotes is a life's work in and of itself!"

"I'm so glad you decided to join us, Mistress Waterfall," Jael says with genuine warmth. "Cassie-" Yes she keeps using the nickname right here in front of everyone, "-told me she was bringing someone who meant a lot to her." Surely that look she slings at Cassandra isn't the least bit mischievous. When Tyren steals from her plate she leans over to kiss his cheek. "No she's not, she's got red in her hair like you do."

Booth having been hastily abandoned in favor of a snow fort - which looks /much/ more fun - Adalyn turns to cast her fellow competitors a cheery grin. She shifts her weight from foot to foot as if eager to launch into action. She flashes a warm smile to the joining Valardins. "Ah, you've chosen the right side, you'll see."

"I can not complain, Lady Thea," is what Ansel offers before his gaze plays back over towards Caelis, another soft chuckle coming to be offered, "Oh, I don't doubt it in the least, Your Highness. It is sage advice to be given." Looking back to Swift, he's considering a moment and then giving a little grunt, "I may as well join in, I suppose." Rising, an incline of his head is given to Caelis and then he's moving to make his way towards Valor's snow fort.

Swift has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Ansel has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Ansel has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 35 higher.

Rowenova checked luck + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 44 higher.

Mabelle checked charm + intimidation at difficulty 20, rolling 88 higher. Mabelle rolled a critical!

Sydney smooths her hands quietly down the sides of her dress, a touch awkwardly in spite of herself. One hand neatly crosses to settle against the opposing arm, but she manages a rather wide, easy smile as the introduction is made. "That's a great many things, Jael. I swear, you Laurents have a habit of overachieving." She swings her focus to regard Tyren, "Good to meet you, naturally. I... think we're late for the whole 'snow' thing. Just as well. I can hardly move, after all." She smiles back to Jael, and offers, "...If I didn't mean a great deal to her, I believe I'd be a poor date indeed."

Thea has joined the Snow Fort of Valor.

Swift checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 20, rolling 24 higher.

Kalani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 16 higher.

Ansel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 16 higher.

Drake checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 37 higher.

Ryhalt checked dexterity + huge wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 7 higher.

Kritr leaves the fort long enough to collect a wooden stool intended for picnicking. He shoves a beefy armt through the rungs and wears it like a buckler.

Thea checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 39 higher.

Mabelle is doing her part as the team morale as instructed by Zoey, calling catch phrases and totally scaring her other team with her delicate looks and biting muffins in between.

"Oh? Are you something of an apothecary?" Caelis asks Swift clearly intrigued. "I may take you up on that. I'm at least a few years behind the more popular poisons of the Lyceum." Nodding to Ansel, Caelis looks to Alis and nods. "Indeed. You and my cousins had a hand in his choice I believe Alis, but thank you. I'm determined to see all our babies grow old."

Cassandra inclines her head politely to Tyren. "Brother." she returns. "Treating my sister well, I hope?" she asks before her expression brightens in somethong that might border on humor. "And I won't deny writing to Jay," yes, she does the same, "about what in the blazes I should do. Though you're not wrong. I did wish to bring someone who meant a great deal to me. The rare times me and mother do speak, she does make mention that she wonders if I'll die an old woman who keeps far too many cats."

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

Cillian checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Sydney asides with a roll of a shoulder, "...Better than a young woman with many cats, anyroad."

Swift flashes a grin towards Caelis, "I am indeed! Apothecary, medic, merchant, and more! TElmar made the very wise decision to pluck me out of the Lowers and add me to the Valardin fealty through their House. I am quite certain Duke Ansel would be happy to loan me out to the wife of his liege!" Then she's doing... something something something... and things happen at Fort Valor!

Waldemai raises his spiked coffee! "Have at it, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Have at it!"

Zoey gets on top of the fort and throws snowballs at the opposing team.

"I'm trying," Tyren replies to Cassandra with a chuckle, giving Jael a peck to her temple. "I've learned to keep her fed and outside as much as possible. More difficult in the winter, but I do love a challenge." He considers what Cassandra says for a moment before he asks: "What is wrong with keeping cats?"

Norwood checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 36 higher.

Tesha is still off to the side, dressed in all black and watching the calamity that is the snowfort fight. She gives a chuckle to things that she hears, but, she's still keeping herself off to the side and watching the crowd.

Alessia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 37 higher.

Adrienne checked perception + investigation at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Sapphira checked charm + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 54 higher.

Korka checked perception + investigation at difficulty 20, rolling 34 higher.

Kastelon checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 24 higher.

Talwyn checked charm + performance at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Adalyn checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 18 higher.

"FOR HONOR!" Norwood roars, a hand raised upward into the side as he charges forward with Ellra on his shoulders and his legs about the stick horse. They're just going to run straight at that fort and plow into it while also attempting to like, not drop the child or the stick horse.

Jael burbles a laugh. "I pestered Cris until he gave me titles and something to do just to shut me up," she replies to Sydney though it's probably only partially true. She crinkles the bridge of her nose cheerfully when her sister hits back with her own nickname. She seems to be finished teasing her sister though, and instead asks Tyren, "Do you like cats?" You'd think after more than a year of marriage she'd know these things.

Mabelle packs a snowball, really trying to aim at Norwood's snazzy beret, but who is she kidding? The ball didnt get past half the distance.

Drake pops out and throws. Maybe a little too fast... but it was definite a solid enough throw. Then he ducks back down again, and sits in the fort.

"Are you asking me out for a drink, Lord Drake?" Korka asks, looking over at the other fort to see who is throwing what and shouting to those on Honor's team who they ought to be targeting before ducking down behind the snow wall, "Because I ought to warn you what you've mentioned is going to require drinks plural for I want to know every tiny detail."

Ansel is very liable to hit his own team if he tried to throw snowballs, so instead he finds a stick. A big stick and comments, "This is my stick. There are no others like it." Which isn't exactly true. It is just a stick, after all. And unlike those behind the safety of Valor's wall of snow, he's making a beeline from out behind it, charging towards Valor's own wall in an attempt to batter it down.

Over at the Honor Fort, clearly someone is having fun, Prince Talwyn has taken out his lute and is joining Sapphira in a tilting performance of a war anthem, "Let fly the snowballs at the drum beats!" he calls out, "and follow Princess Adrienne's call of direction!"

Hamish checked strength + stewardship at difficulty 20, rolling 50 higher.

After sizing up the deadly aim of the enemy Hamish consider the skills he brings to bear and decides that hitting people from a long distance isn't one of them. So instead he uses his large size and considerable carrying capacity to grab enormous piles of snow, plop it down on the walls of the fort and starts building them up into big snow merlons to provide extra cover.

Kastelon listens with his head bowed for a prayer to Gloria, worded by the Honor Fort's own Valardin princess, and then he tosses a snowball towards the other fort with great unsmiling gravity. Is he having fun? Probably.

When the battle commences, Alessia drops her stick and decides to depend on pure athleticism. Unencumbered after removing her cloak, she speedily throws a snowball at the other team's fort, running closer to get into striking distance, before bounding back to her team's fort.

Packing snowballs with the ease of recent experience, Kalani hands them over to the gallant defenders of their snow fort. The Seliki healer hands them out as quickly as she can make them, even compacting up spares to pile up as reserve ammunition.

Picking up four snowballs, two in each hand, Rowenova launches the first pair then the second pair toward the enemy side, doing so with a battle cry from those Northern lungs she audibly possesses!

"TO ARMS!" cries Adrienne Valardin, a smile cutting across her features. Pale eyes pick apart her hapless opponent. She points at weaker parts of the construct. "There. And there. Covering fire for our cavalry if you please, my Lords and Ladies."

Ryhalt grins like mad, or someone hyped on coffee, as he starts rolling snow into a ball, then a bigger ball, and a yet even bigger ball as he moves it towards the honor fort. Hard to say if he intends to roll someone over with it, make a barricade, or block them into their fort...

Sapphira has an empty tray in her lap as she crouches behind the fort, starting to beat a steady, makeshift drum of war as she cheers on those actually tossing their snowballs. It might not be fine music, but it certainly is loud and rousing as the snow flies.

Swiftly packing snow into a small pile of ammunition, Adalyn pops up to launch a snowball at the other team. "For honor!" she yells, adopting Norwood's battle cry because Oathlanders, y'know?

Cassandra is distracted by Norwood's shout. "I see the Baron is in prime form this evening." is the observation she gives, eyes going back to Tyren. "Oh nothing, I've often thought about having a cat myself. But I believe I had a friend, some years ago. His aunt had a great many cats. He said he was very careful where he stepped. Not a rocking chair to be found in the house." She drifts off a moment, watching the snowball fight, then to Cristoph who seems to be organizing the whole affair. She lowers her voice, leaving only the four of them to really hear her.

"Honor to the dead! VALOR TO THE VICTORS!" Kritr calls out, leaping in front so that he can bat away snowballs with the stool on his arm.

As the battle for snow dominance rages on in the ward, people are enjoying the coffee, mead and some have broken into the sparkling wine. Quite a few are thumbing through the rather dense prayer book that made its way into this festival. Currently, FORT HONOR seems to have the lead with Mabelle and Hamish doing particularly well for their respective teams.

Grabbing snowballs by handfulls, Thea starts throwing one after another. She is actually smiling as she may be getting pelted by snowballs from--someone. Damnit! So instead, she grabs goes over to one of her little cousins and murmurs to him quietly. Is she--bribing? Passing off the candy, she sneaks off. Next thing you know, she has a wooden sword and she's off to the Fort of Honor, going to attack it with. With a child's sword!

Merek makes a way into the place while he looks about, and decides to settle in for a little while.

"I don't *mind* them," Tyren tells Jael of cats with a small shrug. "But they make terrible adventuring partners. I prefer dogs. They come when you call them and they walk over your journals when you're trying to write," says the scholar. It's obviously a sticking point to him. To Cassandra, he thinks on that for a moment and then nods. "I can see how that would be a problem, certainly."

Rowenova checked willpower + leadership at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Mabelle checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 72 higher. Mabelle rolled a critical!

Kalani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Ryhalt checked dexterity + huge wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 11 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

Cillian grabs snow and packs them into balls when Nova lets out a cry he join in with her, his eyes glinting in the light as he lets the snow balls fly through the air aiming for any who might be seen.

Norwood gets a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser from a chest in Laurent colors.

Does Cristoph ever stop moving at things like this? The answer is no. The man is a flurry of movement, but he does sloooow down to listen to Cassandra when she speaks to him.

Norwood gets a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine from a simple velvet bag - TAKE A WINE BOTTLE.

Thea checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 28 higher.

Ansel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 51 higher.

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 72 higher. Kritr rolled a critical!

Still throwing snowballs with determination, Rowenova shouts out to her team, "Ice them!" She grins back to Cillian before focusing fully on the assault!

Occupied with the task of compacting snow into rudimentary spheres, and passing them out as quickly as she can, Kalani holds one aloft and playfully threatens to toss it as a non-combatant (Merek!) but passes it instead back up the firing line. Well behaved, she is.

Sydney turns, distractedly, in order to watch the snowball fight unfurl. It's difficult to miss that the woman looks as though she wants to throw herself into it, a hungry glint in those bright bottle-green eyes. "...Damn it. Looks more fun than I'd thought it would be."

It is not entirely beyond Mabelle to try to pay some kids to go stick snowballs onto the other fort to make it look like hits

Cillian checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

Zoey pops out from behind Kritr just long enough to throw a second snowball before disappearing behind him again with a laugh.

The pitch and strength of the lute raises at Adrienne's call as Talwyn too takes up the call of the princess, "Let the snow balls fly! Away! Away! Away!/Let the wall fall! Away! Away" he sings aloud

Swift checked charm + streetwise at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

This sword is paying off! Rather than using it destroy things, she's now using it to bat off snowballs. You know, like baseball bat. If there were bats. She grins at this as the snow splatters and Finn jumps up, trying to catch all flying balls.

It's hard not to notice the mighty snow battle going on just beyond their party, and Jael's own gaze turns that way as Sydney's does, that same glint for a fight. "Perhaps I can just rub some snow in Cris' hair later," she muses aloud and yet to herself, and nods at Tyren's reply. "That makes sense. I can't really imagine a cat that goes adventuring."

Norwood checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 19 higher.

Alessia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 28 higher.

Sapphira checked charm + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 19 higher.

Drake checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 16 higher.

Korka checked wits + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

Kastelon checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 72 higher. Kastelon rolled a critical!

Adrienne checked charm + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 48 higher.

Hamish checked dexterity + economics at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

The Duke of Telmar isn't cowed by the snowballs flying past him at his fort and when Thea joins the fray up front, there's a quick grin given to her. He continues to batter at the walls of Honor's fort with his stick-turned-sword.

Adalyn checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 6 lower.

Talwyn checked charm + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

"For Honor!" roars Kastelon in agreement with Adalyn and her father. He throws another snowball, and another - taking from Kalani's handily produced pile and hurling them to the drumbeats of Talwyn and Sapphira. Fort Honor has a war bard team and might be secretly smug about it. At any rate, the Keaton huntsman is clearly getting into the spirit of the affair, aiming for the weak targets indicated.

His merlon built, Hamish sizes up his teammates and starts parceling out the snowballs using complicated statistical formulae to determine where to pass the snowballs. Though to be fair the statistical formula is 'give all to x' and 'let x equal Kastelon', which isn't as hard as it may initially seem.

Kiera wanders over to the coffee cart as she watches the goings on looking at the various tactics employed bofe looking to the wares on the cart

It's hard to tell who is rawring more, Norwood or Ellara on his shoulders as they sprint forward again for a second wave of ATTACK. Norwood does stall their momentum just a tad to make sure the child is FIRMLY SETTLED. Rule one of child care, if they get hurt while you're carrying them, IT IS YOUR FAULT.

Keeping herself moving, and warm, Alessia continues to throw snowballs with her gloved hands the other team's way. Noting a few particularly powerful attacks against them, she attempts to jump in the way of projectiles in the process.

Swift has a plan.. she really does. And that plan involves having subtly planted certain small items around the Honor Fort... and then letting out a shrill whistle as she dives back behind her own.

NYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

A very indignant BLEAT sounds the air, and sharp hooves thud heavily against the ground, people yelping and moving this way and that to get out of the path of... oh Gods... its a DIREHORN. Direhorn on the field!!! Ramsay lets out a rough snort and bulls his way towards Fort Honor, head lowered and those massive horns tearing away at snow walls.

"I'm a little busy at the moment," Korka says, ducking out of the way of a snowball and shrugging off her cloak. She uses it to prop up just so against the snow so as to look like a participant is hiding there, perhaps drawing fire from the other team so a real person can get a few snowballs out. She settles back down, bare arms against the snow and looks over to Drake, "But should we both survive, shall we make a pact to meet at the Sleepless Knights later this evening?"

Tyren clears his throat when Cristoph is nearby, situating his false hand against his stomach as he steps away from the women. "Cristoph. This is going well," he says to the man, considering him for a moment before he adds, "I quite like your jacket."

Waldemai sluuuurp. Mmmm....Good coffee.

Tesha gives a look around and then there's a moment taken to finish her drink and then she's turning to head for an exit after receiving a messenger. She gives a nod to those she knows, but heads out as quietly as she entered.

Sapphira continues her vigorious drumming, using it to spur on her teammates to (hopefully) better snow warefare. The beat mingles with Talwyn's tune, forming their glorious war bard team.

Arms folded, Adrienne cuts a commanding figure from the rear of the fort while her war bards make for a compelling concert. A snowball sails past her head. She narrows her eyes at one of Mabelle's minions. "Let not cuteness soften your hearts. FORWARD."

The first volley of snowball seems to go well, invigorating Adalyn. She pops up from behind the Honor fort, swinging her arm back to launch another snowball toward the opposing team, but she's momentarily distracted by cute little Ellara on Norwood's shoulders. Glancing sidelong toward them, she releases her snowball too late, watching as it hit the wall in front of her and leaves her blinking snow out of her eyes. "That... didn't go as planned."

Is the tide turning? Fort Valor seems to be gaining on Fort Honor, with Mabelle continuing to stick out along with Kritr and Ansel. Meanwhile Kastalon and Adrienne hold down for Fort Honor!

Pausing as she watches the Direhorn snorting, bleating and charging his way toward the other fort, Kalani lets out a distinctive whoop of delightfully and quickly passes the snow ball she forgot she was holding to one of the the power-arms of their snow fort defense line.

Zoey checked intellect + economics at difficulty 40, rolling 5 higher.

Mabelle checked charm + performance at difficulty 40, rolling 6 lower.

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 8 higher.

Kalani checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 7 lower.

Cillian looks to Nova, "Get them!" he continues to pack snow balls for him and Nova as he chucks them across at the oother team.

Ansel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 19 higher.

Ryhalt checked dexterity + huge wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 3 lower.

Thea checked intellect + manipulation at difficulty 40, rolling 24 higher.

Swift checked perception + alchemy at difficulty 40, rolling 48 higher.

Cillian checked luck + archery at difficulty 40, rolling 7 lower.

From the side lines, Caelis opens a bottle of wine and takes a swig from it. Her youngest dashes back over filled with giggles and clambers into her lap. Kissing the side of her head she points out Thea. "You watch cousin Thea. Some day you'll live with your cousins for a while." Samuel meanwhile is on the sidelines calling out his questionable battle advice and doing air sword strikes. He likes this game clearly.

Rowenova checked luck + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 50 higher.

Sydney makes her way over alongside Cristoph with Tyren at her side, "...I don't know that we've met properly. I'm Sydney Waterfall. Wonderful, snow-covered event thus far, wouldn't you say?"

Mabelle with all that catcalling, Mabelle has totally lost her voice, but she takes Ansel's advice and sings really really LOUD AND UNPLEASANT war songs, likely making her own team suffer, instead of the opposite one.

Jael checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Giving Sydney a kiss on the cheek, Cassandra breaks away from the little four that she had been standing with. She starts to take a slow walk around the area, as if she was some kind of General and watching a war game. She is rather good at that kind of stuff, but not at this particular moment. There's a glance at Tyren and Sydney talking with Critoph. Just watching really. Between that and war game. Like she's waiting for something in particular but not yet seeing it.

Zoey climbs down from the wall, to whisper something to a nearby server. She whispers something in their ear before returning to her fort.

Ansel continues to batter away at the walls of Honor's Fort, thought he arrival of a Direhorn to the field does cause the Duke to pause a moment. Or maybe it was the sudden singing that Mabelle attempts.

Rowenova picks up one of the snowballs that Cillian made for her with thanks, she throws it across the enemy lines!

Ryhalt glances at Mabelle, grimacing and muttering about her needing more coffee, but seems to have run out of snow for his giant snowball 'plan', so ends up rolling up smaller ones that just don't work so well.

Thea pauses and lifts her head long enough to hear Caelis. Looking over, she winks at Samuel,"You'll love it. I promise." Pausing though she beckons Samuel over,"Hey. Can I borrow you for a moment. You and Finn are needed for great importance." A smile appearing on her lips. That said, Thea begins filling a bag for Samuel fill with snowballs. Borrowing Samuel, she sets him innocently over with Finn. Giving him instructions and watching to see if he'll start hurling the snowballs at the unsuspecting Fort of Honor.

Norwood checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 40, rolling 14 higher.

Adrienne checked charm + performance at difficulty 40, rolling 13 higher.

Kastelon checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 40, rolling 8 higher.

Mabelle mumbles aside to Cupcake, "Can you go get me some tea with honey? My throat is killing me".

Hamish checked charm + agriculture at difficulty 40, rolling 0 higher.

Adalyn checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 1 lower.

Sapphira checked charm + performance at difficulty 40, rolling 1 lower.

Korka checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 40, rolling 20 higher.

Drake checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 2 higher.

Talwyn checked charm + performance at difficulty 40, rolling 9 higher.

Kalani scoops up some of the spare ammunition she's built and passes them in Ryhalt's direction. "Going for density over frequency?" she wonders.

Snowballs are flying everywhere and it seems like it could be anyone's game! Korka pokes her head up over the wall to eye the other team, then looks over at the crowd calling out, "Hey, Sydney! I'll give you five hundred silver if you go tackle the one with the wolf hat!"

During the onslaught from Fort Honor, a small handful of servants gathers at the base of their fort and starts kicking the snow away from the base, destabilizing it.

Cillian snow ball did not go so far so he continues to make the snow balls for the others to continue throwing across.

Kastelon throws another snowball, but is momentarily distracted by the sight of Ansel. He aims the next toss directly towards the Duke of Telmar.

"Just going to get something to drink," Jael sings out, breaking away from her little huddle and swanning past her brother as the others close in on him. She reaches down for a handful of snow, locking eyes with Cassandra over the Duke's shoulder.

Ryhalt chuckles at Kalani and shrugs, "I'm so full of coffee, I have no idea what I'm going for other than *very big snowballs*!" It's working, somewhat.

Swift brings out the next trick in her bag, a concoction contained in leaded glass flasks that, when packed into snow and lobbed at the walls, creates the most INTERESTING holes in the fort walls! She makes sure everyone has plenty of them for those that are throwing, and even plants a few herslef there at the end!

Alessia checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 0 higher.

"Try it Waterfall!" Kritr responds. "You'll be eating SNOW!" Kritr ahsn't thrown a single snowball, just parried, blocked and fended off any attacks that came the way of himself, or the throwers behind him.

Alix, a young Oakhaven Shepherd arrives, following Kedehern.

Say whatever you want, that awful singing threw everyone off. Mabelle pats herself on the back if no one else will.

Sydney calls over to Korka after an expansive roll of her eyes, "...'less you learn to multiply that by a hundred, Korks, ain't taking contracts right about now." She pauses at the Lowers that slips into her voice, and colors a touch, muttering, "Fucking hell." A clear of her throat. Then /Kritr/ is egging her on, and she calls, "No. Contracts. At this time."

Drake isn't using any tricks or treachery to throw snowballs... but he's got a good arm, and good aim, and that enough is going to be how he handles it, personally. The show seems to fly well enough... but it may not be QUITE enough.

"Valor bends..." Adrienne cups her hands to her mouth to be heard over the laughter, whooping, and hollaring. "... and HONOR holds!" She takes a direct hit to her chest and chirps, squealing faintly. "Do we have any Mercies?"

After Sydney's response to Korka, Rowenova flashes her a smile before then taking another of Cillian's snowballs. Now targetting inquisitors over yonder!

For such an athletic person, Adalyn certainly seems to have terrible aim. She throws another snowball, launching with as much force as she can muster but it flies wide toward the spectators who happen to be innocently mingling. Oops. "HEADS UP OVER THERE!"

Norwood raises a hand with a snowball in it to hand it to Ellara, then winks at Adalyn. He's never quite as happy as when he's corrupting the youngest generation. "For honor, there is no end!" And then they're ALL!

Mabelle calls to Adrienne, "No rum for you! Bad Princess!

"What in the-" Hamish stares at the megagoat as it charges through his carefully construted battlements. "No!" Jumping down from his position feeding snowballs to the team's heavy hitters, he lands next to the direhorn and reaching into his pocket pulls out his secret weapon. A handful of seed, which all old people carry around with them just in case their friends all died of dropsy or whatever and they have to feed birds as a last ditch attempt at fighting off loneliness. Offering the seed to the direhorn he gives it a nice pat on the head, then points at Swift and says, "I think your mama is calling. Just charge through everything to get back to her."

Sapphira gets pelted by a flying snowball, causing her to sputter and the makeshift music she makes to lull. Brushing some snow from her face with a hand, she is soon resuming the beat, though it's now a little off pace, even as she calls loudly with her bard's lungs, "FOR HONOR!"

The tide's turned with the last round, so Alessia does what she can to increase the speed of her throws. "Fight to the last breath!" She dramatically shouts, in response to Adalyn.

This whole snowball business is really quite a lot of chaos, but at a certain point when it seems that Fort Honor has taken another round of beatings and the entire team is rather exhausted, a whistle is blown and the competition is drawn to a close. "THE JUDGES DECLARE TEAM VALOR THE WINNERS." Cristoph is minding his own business, watching as this entire thing transpires. He seems rather oblivious to his sister sneaking up behind hi or that people are talking to him. He's clearly tired! "Prizes for the top two performers on the winning team will be handed out shortly!"

Waiting just the right moment, Cassandra makes a dash forward from the side after a non-verbal motion to Jael. She had been waiting for just the second where Cristoph would've been the most distracted with his directing traffic. The Legate's plan had been expertly calculated. The intention is simple, something that boils to something simple. Sister ganging up on the brother. The Legate to going to try her best to tackle her younger brother and shove him into a nearby snowdrift.

Cassandra checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Kritr tears the stool in half in his excitement holding up the remains in the air. "TRIUMPH!" He shouts in his loudest bass rumble.

After sending off the last snowball, Nova cheers loudly before she runs down the fort line and high fives whoever might want to on Team Valor!

Talwyn raises his pitch and fervor as he sings and plays his lute along with the drum beat, "So- let the Snow falls/Let the fort --" as the fort collapses around him, "Hey - " he spots Adrienne's position getting attacked, and moved forth to protect her from any stray snowballs, "How do you feel?"

Cillian gives Nova a high five and laughs, its been a while since he's laughed he needs this a lot. He nods to the others, "Good job." he says to them all.

Mabelle raises from behind the fort and does a little dance. Oathlander dance, not Lyceum dance. Calm please. She walks over to Norwood and tells him, "That's for yelling at me" and places a snowball on his cute beret. Consequences be damned. But she's gonna run. Bye.

Kastelon emerges from Fort Honor, adjusting the book under his arm and clapping for the other team in a show of gracious sportsmanship.

Ansel was just preparing to swing his sword once more when he winds up eating a snowball from Kastelon, which leaves the Duke sputtering and laughing. And before he has a chance to retaliate, the competition gets called to a close, only for him to give a whooping cheer! "Well played, Honor!"

"Wet," Adrienne answers to Talwyn, brushing snow away from her shoulders with a disappointed click of her tongue. "I could not do your talents justice, cousin." She catches Sapphira's eye to bow her head in deep respect. "If you'll forgive me, I believe I must now fall on my sword, as per tradition."

Korka shivers as she stands to brush off the snow that's accumulated while her poor cloak got more pummeled over there. She retrieves it and gives it a few good shakes before slinging it around her shoulders again, "I fear we've both been mercilessly slaughtered, Lord Drake. If only the common people took to bribery like they do in all the old stories."

Ryhalt grins as the win is declared and he sighs with relief climbs onto his latest snowball monstrosity and sits. Coffee time! To Kalani, he says, "I'll have *Mabelle*'s tiny dogs pull them over next time. They won't be able to stop the cuteness."

Cristoph checked dexterity + brawl at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Thea shouts over to Caelis,"Thank you for letting me borrow your son!" She smiles down at Samuel as Finn trots him back over, licking his face. Thea meanwhile is cold and wet, but she's laughing and also in need of a drink.

Mabelle huffs at Ryhalt, "They are not all tiny!", she points at Truffle, a huge mountain dog.

Jael checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Samuel walks over with all the importance of a six year old. He nods to his older cousin Thea and takes the bag. But he truly is Edain's son. As he follows Thea's instructions he says first "Plees ecsuze me." Caelis how ever bats a hand. "He'll need to learn to fight eventually!" She calls back.

"What the fuck--" Cristoph gets out before he finds Cassandra trying to jump on him. It's a proper distraction, because he's now manhandling her in some kind of weird sibling stand-off as they battle for dominance.

Kalani laughs as she dusts snow off of her hands and grins at Ryhalt, "You had a good plan. We merely needed, well, some building materials and math to work the trajectory. But it would've worked. Next time!" she scoops up the smaller ones still remaining and just tosses them out of the fort, for the fun of it. No genuine aim, after all, it's not like she has a good arm!

Tyren's job here is done. He has clearly thoroughly distracted Cristoph and now he's going to walk OVER HERE where he cannot get any snow on his nice gloves."

"FOR VALOR!!" Swift punches a hand up into the air vicoriously and runs out onto the field to meet her Direhorn joyously, bowled over completely as Ramsay scents the oats in her bag and goes hunting for his treat! NYAAAAAAAAAAH He insists on his favored treat for a job well done. Flopped back into the snow, Swift laughs and grins, "Yes yes, you get your oats, Ramsay.. you did a very good job." Struggling up carefully, as the Direhorn seems intent on getting into her satchel, she leads him over towards a snow-covered tree and fills the bowl with oats so the Direhorn can feast while she pats his neck companionably.

Zoey has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

With her accustomed dignity, despite being half-soaked and having led her valiant army to defeat, Adrienne crosses the field to rap at the side of the crumbling Fort Valor. "Lady Mabelle Laurent. I come to present my sword."

"Noooo," Norwood says quite dramaticcaly and crumbles down from his "mount" onto the ground. Ellara is caught up in his arms and set upon her feet. He points at Mabelle even as he lays down into the snow. "Ellara - avenge me!" There's a wik directed Alis as Norwood sics the child on his killer.

Talwyn manages a quick chuckle at Adrienne, "That can be fixed shortly." he offers to her and mock-sighs, "I do hope that final sacrifice can be avoided..." Oh the theatrics - he watches the princess head over to Mebelle

Jael can't help the look of surprise as Cassandra doesn't actually manage to wipe the floor with their brother, but when the two end up in a girdlock she's quick to dart forward and mash a big handful of snow in My Lord the Duke of Laurent's hair. She gets it in there really good.

Alis may or may not be cackling at Cristoph being picked on by his family. Alright, she toooootally is.

Mabelle touches her chest dramatically, gazing at Adrienne, "I'm touched. And I'll take it. Does it come in the shape of a cookie?", she hopes, still hungry, even hungrier now. But there is a tiny person chasing her now doing Norwood's bidding. A swift whistle and the tiny person is now engaged with a pink Toffee. Mabelle cackles at Norwood.

Cillian has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

Rowenova has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

Hamish has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

Kastelon has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

Thea blinks over at Cassandra and Cristoph. She actually grins and decides later,"Should tell her what I did to my brothers,"going over to sit by her cousin now

Thea has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

Thea has joined the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Kalani has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

Ansel has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

Sapphira has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

Sapphira has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Ellara will just run back to her mother with a Toffee in hand. NOT HIS FAULT. Norwood picks himself up out of the snow and begins to brush himself off, dignity itself. "Gloria would be pleased by this.

Sydney looks bemused at the physical prowess being displayed on all sides. She looks down at her form-fitting dress, and visibly sighs, fingers twitching a touch as she murmurs, "Restraint. Restraint."

Norwood has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

Kritr struts over to Sydney. "Miss Waterfall." He says. "To the victor?" He asks.

Alessia has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

"Not as such." Adrienne begins to curtsey, but the moment Mabelle passes close enough for her to reach, Adrienne hooks a slender arm around her waist and drags both of them into a heavy snowbank. Now fully covered in snow, Adrienne sits back on her heels to look brightly to Mabelle. "My sword is my snow. And onto it I have fallen."

That done, Hamish steps out from behind his expertly made battlement (except for the goat-shaped hole) and brushes off his heavy bearskin jacket. When the Duke of Artshall says that f-word he clucks his tongue, "And here Lady Colette assured me that Duke Cristoph never cursed." At least he's pretty sure that's what she said. Kind of hard to tell at times. To Korka he says, "You did an excellent job of target spotting. I feel I let the team down by not doing some kind of death curse. Unfortunately those are frowned on by most party hosts."

Sapphira heads back over to the coffee cart, ordering a new, piping hot beverage to warm herself with now that she's covered in snow and fairly frozen.


"Being from the Fort of Honor we should accept defeat with honor as well," says Drake. He rises up from the fort, and takes a little bow... even though he's got snow on his shoulder which slides off to the ground as he does so.


Adalyn watches with amusement as the Laurent siblings wrestle as siblings tend to do. "Get 'em!" she calls, hands cupped to her mouth to bellow encouragement in their direction. It's unclear exactly /which/ one is receiving her cheers. Having been raised at Artshall, her loyalties are split so perhaps the vagueness is purposeful.

Kastelon strolls about the grounds for a while, looking at various things with interest. After a while he drifts away, probably to look at his new book in front of a nice fire.

Mabelle releases a mighty squeal as she lands into a snowbank. "MY GOWN!", she calls as velvet and snow are a no go. She narrows her eyes at Adrienne and grumbles, "I'll show you bad", cupping snow in both arms and mushing it into the princess's hair.

"Seriously what the fu--" Bleepity, bleeping bleepers. Cristoph ends up with snow all in his hair, all of the /Beeara/. Darting down, he grabs a handful of snow and hurls it in Jael's direction. It's a good thing someone else is in charge of figuring out the prizes.

Cristoph checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 30 higher.

Jael checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

"Get him, Jay!" Cass calls out, perhaps a touched surprised that the young man she used to push around the training ring is holding his own. Or maybe it's the fact that she's wearing nice shoes and can't get a grip on the ground. "You've gotten stronger." But she's unable to hold him back any longer when Jael gets him with the snow. Backing off, she grabs her own handful of snow, pelting at the bearded Laurent.

Cassandra checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Exhaling another laugh, Kalani carefully skirts her way around the ensuing snow battle and helps herself to another cup of coffee to carry about. THIS Time her hands really are cold enough to enjoy being thawed by the mug. She doubles back a moment later, retrieves a second cup, and carries it over to Merek. "I do hope you like coffee," she says as she arrives. "If not, I'll just have to drink that one too."

Sydney seems to lose her sense of etiquette rather rapidly. A hand props on her hip as she regards Kritr, brows lifting, "...To the victor?" And then there's an impromptu snowball fight right in her vicinity.

Adalyn has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

Adrienne makes little attempt to deflect Mabelle's assault. She is, for one, already snow-covered and, for two, clearly deserves it. The snow princess - or perhaps snow beast depending on your point of view - gives a high pitched whimper as snow slips down the neck of her gown. She tries to capture Mabelle's wrists to slow her. "Well fought, my Lady. The rum will be on me."

Norwood was too busy with Alis-Child to realize what is happening with the olest Laurent not-children. He comes up close just in time to see Cris land in the snow. So eh's just going to come up on Cassandra's side and blink. "I don't think I've seen them hit one another this hard in a while."

Merek looks to the coffee, while he picks it up, then blinks a bit. He nods to Kalani, "Thank you," he says, then he takes a slurp from the drink. He has on silver-black attire which seems to mirror the snow in a way, Starsong upon the hip while its silver-black hilt sparkles, the blade kept away from view, it looks like a fancy piece.

Jael tries to grab another handful of snow, but Cristoph clearly starts to gain the upper hand and, with discretion the better part of valor, she tries to make a run for it in a swirl of Artshall (tm) velvet skirts.

Thea looks over at Drake and grins,"You should have known better Lord Drake. I'm pretty quick on my feet. Even in a gown,"as she lowers her voice to Caelis, she asks,"Think the the Laurents would survive the Malvici sibling love?"

Catching sight of what's happening to Cristoph, there's a laugh from Ansel and an approving nod of his head, which is followed by, "That's it, get the Duke! I'm certain he deserves it." And then he's moving back off to one side of the grounds, to find himself a drink.

Ryhalt has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

Ryhalt has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Kritr will accept a snowball fight in leiu of nookie as well. He just flings handfuls of snow instead. "I like your DRESS!" He shouts eating a flurry of snow face first.

Zoey has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Mabelle sticks her tongue at Adrienne and attempts to rise to her feet, shivering entirely, "Coffee, coffee... where's the cake?", she looks around.

Zoey puts a small round stained glass ornament of a green gryphon, a beautiful yellow cake with white icing, the crumb speckled with pink berries, a scarlet silk satchel embroidered with a roaring bear, a hand carved hardwood drinking tankard, a perfumed red rose made of silk, a Taste of Arx - sparkling Oathlands wine, and a blue cut glass bottle of Artshall's apple pie cyser in a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

Adalyn's gaze shifts attentively between the snow-fights that are unfolding in close proximity - the one between the Laurent siblings and the one unfolding between Mabelle and Adrienne in the nearby snowbank. Inspired by the merriment all around, she slips up beside Norwood with an impish grin and reaches out with the intent of startling him by pressing her icy cold fingers to the back of his neck.

Adalyn checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Cillian stays near NOva as they get done looking around, he looks around at all that have gathered.

Sydney flails her arms, "...I was told this was an incredibly high-class affair, and everyone is covered in /snow/ and I feel /lied to/." She turns her focus to Cassandra, and gestures in her direction with a pointed finger. J'accuse! Kritr's compliment gets her stamping a foot and shouting back, "And /thank you/. It's /amazing/."

With a fond look of genuine concern. Adrienne stands and helps Mabelle to her feet, "While I defer to Cristoph on tonight's refreshments..." Adrienne looks over the grounds and raises a hand. A perspicacious servant darts agilely over, blankets in hand. It is good to be royalty. "... please accept this, with my thanks for an enjoyable engagement." Adrienne drapes a blanket around Mabelle before taking one for herself.

Nova moves to the food and fills up a plate because it is the Taste of Arx, yes? She looks back to Cillian with a little smile. "Free food."

Mabelle gathers the blanket. Which will ruin her outfit, but ties it temporarily over her neck, "Come lets have coffee", she draws Adrienne toward the coffee place and asks those present, "Do you all know Princess Adrienne? She's new and bad"

Mabelle has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

Mabelle has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Adrienne has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

Adrienne has joined the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Kalani moves one shoulder lightly in a shrug, "You're welcome," she replies to Merek. "You look quite dashing this evening. It's a good contrast, against all the snow, I mean," referring to his choice of color for his over-all attire.

Zoey gets a beautiful yellow cake with white icing, the crumb speckled with pink berries from a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

Caelis' eyes crinkle at Thea's question. "Nooo. I had a time of it with Artie." She admits and then clasps an arm around Sugan and shakes her. "And that's why we became sailors isn't it, my love?" Looking back at Thea she puts a hand on Sugan's head lightly. "She'll foster in Southport when she's older. It breaks my heart but she's so fond of the water already." After a moment she looks for their nursemaid. Knives and poisons might be one thing, but Caelis is careful of how much snow time they get. Getting up, she herds Samuel over and hands off Sugan before ambling back to Thea.

"I think that's frowned upon by more than just the hosts," Korka replies with some amusement to Hamish, brushing more snow off of her and helpfully brushing some off of Drake's arm as well. "Lord Drake do you know Archlector Hamish Farmer? If not should I leave you two alone so you can tell him all your secrets? I'm pretty sure that's how it works."

Sapphira sips from the flavored cappuccino prepared by the attendant, her fingers warming themselves on the mug as she ways on cold, sodden feet in a pleased little dance.

Talwyn steps away from the fort and moves towards the coffee area too. He waves to Sapphira as he joins her, "I must compliment you on the excellent music today." his enthusiasm does not seem diminished at all with the collapse of his fort

After that little bout with the snow, Cassandra quickly realizes she has far too much snow on her than might be wanted, brushing it off. "I am sorry, brother. But it has been far too long since I was able to really act like, well, this. So, thank you." An apologetic look is tossed to Sydney. "Had I known, I would've told you. You can toss me in a drift on the way home if it'll make you feel better?"

Kritr looks down at his clothing then back at Sydney. "Do you want a cloak?" He offers. "I don't mind if you wear nothing under it. Then you'd be underdressed at least."

"Alright, alright, you win," Cristoph announces to both of his sisters, whereever they are. He has the lock of a man that expects to be pelted again at any moment. But then it doesn't come. He brushes the snow off of his new jacket (thanks Mabelle) and fixes the beeara back onto his head. At Cassandra's words, he laughs and ducks his head. "No, it's fine. Thank you, it was fun."

"Lady Thea, I'd hate to face you down no matter what you were wearing." Drake gives Thea another small bow, and then... he removes himself from behind the fort. Really, it's time for another cider, clearly. He looks at Korka brushing his arm, and then to Hamish. "I believe I know you at least by reputation," he says, with a nod. "Drake Wyrmguard, if we aren't properly acquainted."

Norwood looks between Cassandra, Cristoph, and Jael, a smile playing on his lips. "I can only imagine the letters each of you will get from Lorraine the moment she hears of this."

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

Merek blinks a bit to Kalani, then nods, "Thank you," he says to the compliment. With that he thinks about it, looking to the place, "It's nice."

Sydney crosses her arms, her fingers tapping against her arms, regarding Cassandra with amusement, "...Hmph. This was all a plot to stuff me into a dress, and I won't soon forget that, Cass. A few snowdrifts." She pauses to regard Kritr again, this time her head tilting slowly, lips turning upward in spite of herself. "...No. I... no. As amusing as it would be to be skimpily dressed in the snow, I've resolved to only do that once, this year. Southport Bowl was enough for me." She jabs her thumb against her collarbone, in a /very/ ladylike and /absolutely/ refined manner.

Thea smirks at her message, but looks up to Drake,"That's just silly.." Though she does grin at that as she goes to respond back at the ridiculousness of her message. "Men are stupid.." No offense guys!

Jael has gotten a not insignificant ways off when it becomes clear that Cristoph isn't going to lob a snowball at her and she slogs back to her husband's side, all flushed. "Well! That was fun."

"Oh, there you are. I figured you ran back home trying to get away," Tyren says as Jael slogs back to his side, gently brushing a few flakes of snow out of her hair.

Cillian chuckles and moves over to follow Nova and sit with her, "Yes free food." he winks when he snags a small bite off her plate with a grin.

Kalani settles her cloak around her shoulders just a little more as it begins to snow. Again. "It is," she agrees. "Very militaristic, with it's formal lines and so on. Sort of rather like a very nicely designed barracks, I suppose, and a sameness in design." She gestures with her free hand from one building to the next, "I'll wager they were swift to build, with the uniformity of design, I mean."

"People tell me their secrets, Inquisitor, but that does not mean I tell them to you," drawls Hamish before turning to offer Drake a nod. "My lord. I heard of your triumph on the sleds at the Thrax evening. It is good to meet you. Are you closely related to Mother Bianca, then?"

"Alright." Kritr says with a shrug. Then he grins. "Southport was fun. Clara kicked my ass good with that axe of hers. Well, if you need help taking that dress off later. You let me know." Kritr's idea of flirting is similar to his concept of fighting. "Clearlake Manor has the best hotsprings in ALL the North Ward!"

After they have sat, Nova balances her plate on one leg as she lets Cillian steal food from her, only smirking about it. She flicks her free hand down, and then a fork pops out of her bracer which she catches before twirling it. "What have you been doing?"

Mabelle turns her gaze curiously to Kalani, "I do not believe we have been formally introduced. I was quite impressed with your skills at the fort though. Mabelle". She turns her gaze back to Ryhalt then, curious, "Chocolate coffee? I'd like Chocolate coffee, Adrienne?"

As the festivities continue on, one of the people helping run the event that is not Cristoph seek out Kritr and later on Mabelle, handing them off tightly wrapped parcels and thanking them for their participation in this year's Taste of Arx.

Drake has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

Coming up to Sydney, Cassandra ducks her head, slightly abashed. "Had I known this is what the affair was going to be like, I would've said dress differently. That said, I can't say I really regret the result I've gotten. And I've gotten in some sibling bonding. So I'd say it was worth the effort." She chuckles slightly to Norwood's observation. "I'm sure mother will continue to disapprove of me, Sir Clement. In a very polite way, to be sure. I have no doubt that this will help it any. But I would also say it's worth that. By far."

"Hello Mabelle, I'm Kalani Seliki," Kalani replies with a smile, resting on informality, as she is prone to do, "and it's really nice to meet you. Excellent job, leading all of us in defense of the snow fort." She gives a small shiver then laughs, "At least no one needed to ice skate to make any of this possible. I'd have broken an ankle or worse."

Drake barks a small laugh, being included as it is in Thea's blanket disdain for all men, at once. But he can't really fault her for it, so... he lets it go, and looks back at Hamish, as he's leaving the fort with a little step-over. "We are cousins. Do you work with her often?" Then he laughs a bit. "Fortunately for me I have so few secrets to tell."

Sydney offers Kritr a smile, and when Cassandra makes her way back, the brawler wraps her arms around the Legate and plants a kiss on her cheek, "...Sorry, Krit. I've got someone to help me undress." Strictly necessary to make her point? No. But at least she can smooch her date in the process.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant leave, following Alis.

Mabelle hugs her parcel and then moves it to one of her guards, "Thank you Cousin.", she beams at Cristoph, "More clothes to come!", as if that would ever stuff. She chuckles at Kalani, "If I needed to do anything physicial, like throwing the actual balls, we'd be in a problem".

Merek looks over to Kalani, and nods a bit, then back to the snow, while he finds a cloak to pull about him, the fur lining keeping him nice in the weather. He seems to distantly watch while the wind whips the white blanket, essence of winter, onto the place.

"That would imply I couldn't find them out myself, Archlector," Korka drawls in return, shivering again and pulling her cloak tighter around her, "I find that people in general tend to be stupid," she asides to Thea as she heads towards the closest place to get a warm drink.

"I can handle Mama," Jael tells Cassandra airily, overhearing her remark to Norwood. "Ty and I were just talking about taking a trip to Artshall in the next few weeks or so. I'll take Nora." Nora who can charm a giant herd of ducks and Duchess-Dowager Lorraine Laurent.

Merek gets a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria from A Chest Full of Prayer Books TAKE ONE.

Merek puts a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria in A Chest Full of Prayer Books TAKE ONE.

Merek gets a dense illustrated prayer book dedicated to Gloria from A Chest Full of Prayer Books TAKE ONE.

"I'm not particularly good at throwing things, to be fair, well alright," Kalani grins faintly, "we can all throw things. But there's throwing, and then aiming and then actually hitting. I'm not particularly good at the combination," she sips from the cup she's holding and then gestures with it to Merek. "Mabell, this is Sir Merek Black, he's a knight of the Lyceum and a friend of my cousin, Peri."

Kritr looks the Legate over appraisingly, as if considering extending the offer to her as well. Then he reconsiders and snaps his fingers. "Good for you then." He laughs. "BEER!" He suddenly shouts, turning on his heel. "Don't tell me the ONLY thing available here is MEAD! I'll fall over dead. I will!"

Cillian smiles, "The normal things, I been training two more of the carbiou for Marquessa Eilonwy and Marquis Cadern. I just need to pick names for them and they will be ready to hand over."

A breathless messenger comes through the gate and finds Zoey, handing off a missive. Zoey reads it, her eyes widening and her smile falling. "I'm sorry, but I need to deal with something at home." She kisses Mabelle on the cheek, drops into a curtsy to those nearby, and departs.

"I have wine!" Swift calls out towards Krtir from her spot near the fallen Fort Valor where she keeps her Direhorn corralled for the moment.

Zoey is overheard praising Cristoph.

Mabelle smiles easily to Kalani, "Oh I know Sir Merek for a few years now, dont I? We work at the Saving Grace together and have been on some adventures", she winks to Merek and adds, "I also know your cousin Peri, we talked some adventures back when"

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

Zoey has left the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Octavian, a silken spaniel, an aid in Kennex livery, 2 Kennex corsairs leave, following Zoey.

Realizing she spoke out loud, Thea looks up,"Sorry. Was more about the message I received." She clears her throat and goes to grab a warm drink. She actually looks a bit sheepish and smiles at Korka,"BUt you're right. I've met a few..."

"People aren't stupid," says Hamish, giving Korka a not entirely disapproving look, "but they can be prone to contentment. Which can be worse." To Drake he says, "Mother Bianca and I recently did an audit of the Faith's finances. Honestly, it was tremendously invigorating. I haven't gotten to do some proper account accountancy," he says the word with the relish some may save for 'chocolate' or 'adventure!' with the exclamation point intact, "in some years."

Mabelle is overheard praising Cristoph: Great event!

Tyren is overheard praising Cristoph.

Jael is overheard praising Cristoph.

Having reclaimed a spot off to the side, near to the picnic table, the Duke seems intent for the moment to simply drink from a flask that is procured from his pocket. After a couple of sips, he's capping the flask and then beginning to make his way towards the gate.

Hamish is overheard praising Cristoph.

Ansel is overheard praising Cristoph.

Korka is overheard praising Cristoph.

Mabelle beams at Kritr, "You won! Now we can make you all fancy", she winks to him.

"Ahh! Then I'm the odd one out, of the group," Kalani sounds sheepish and amused at the same time. "It's good to get to finally put faces to names, then."

Drake checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Kritr snorts around a mug of whatever has been shoved his way. "Fancy on me is like tits on a bull! Useless. Tasteless. And a little disturbing for everyone who learns about it."

Kiera is overheard praising Cristoph: what a grand event. something for everyone

Mabelle winks to Kalani, "Never too late". She then stares at Kritr and releases a happy laugh, "Now I want to see it even more".

Cassandra doesn't quite choke at Sydney's words, but she does maybe fluster for just a quick moment. "You're terrible." she quirps, but clearly there was nothing negative in the words. "Thank you, Jay." she nods back at her sister. "Regardless, give mother my love, even if she takes grudgingly." Then she looks back at the exchange between Syd and Kritr, focusing on the former. "Friend of yours?"

Nova forks up a few bites as she listens to Cillian but after swallowing the food she consumes, she tells him, "Are they girls or boys?"

Adalyn glances down at her wet, snow-covered dress. "This decides it. Trousers are always the way to go," she mutters to herself, waving to a few familiar faces nearby and then striding off, presumably to change into something a little more within her comfort zone.

Cassandra is overheard praising Cristoph.

A blanket wrapped around her upper body and her soaked hair pulled back into a simple, functional braid, Princess Adrienne Valardin leaves her group by the coffee cart to seek out Cristoph, where she exchanges a few hushed words.

Drake manages, through effort, to look convincingly impressed at Hamish discussing his work in the finances. But it does take some effort. Getting a mug of cider, as he intended, he raises a glass to it. "It seems like the work you enjoy, and every man should be glad in what they have to do in this world." A pause. "Ah, every man, woman, and those who are neither, I do suppose."

Kiera looks over at the various pastries as if choosing one was a matter of great import

Adrienne has left the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

Merek nods a bit between Kalani and Mabelle, "I know a lot of people."

Sydney offers a small smile to Cassandra, "...We catch one another in the training center every so often. Or in grand melees, and the like." Her hands are garbed in simple white gloves of no particularly exotic fabric today, so it's not very threatening when she wags a fist. Very. "Or when he's throwing snowballs at me."

Cillian is dressed in his leathers the cold not seeming to bother him much, "A boy and a girl." he smiles, "I do not think Maruessa Eilonwy would do well with a boy, they are much bigger then females."

Sapphira has left the a cart laden with fabulous Farshaw coffee blends.

2 Whitehawk Guards leaves, following Sapphira.

"Ah, well, the work I do is generally archlectoring for Death. Which I also enjoy. Accountancy is more of a hobby." Hamish gets a far off look and says, "Or perhaps a passion."

Caelis has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Rohm the Blackguard, Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd leave, following Caelis.

"I didn't meet Merek until this past summer, after he and the others were safely returned from a expedition dealing with pirates," Kalani explains as she glances down into her mug, finds it mostly empty. "I should refill this. I wonder if they have hot chocolate, and maybe a splash of something stronger," she sounds optimistic about this and turns toward Merek. "Want me to bring you a refill?"

Jael slips an arm around Tyren's waist and leans against him as the crowd scatters to partake of the warm beverages. "We should probably get back. Nora needs her supper. Mistress Waterfall, it was a pleasure to finally meet you." She flashes a smile at Sydney, then whispers something in Cassandra's ear before leading her husband away.

Swift has left the Snow Fort of Valor.

"Well it's been fun, but I should go dry off before I meet with my Duchess." Thea tries to dry her coat off, but that's a bit pointless isn't it. With a wave a small smile, she beckons Finn and bows her head,"It was nice to see you all. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Drake gives Thea a little wave, with the hand that is not holding a mug of cider, of course.

Gavin, an enthusiastic scribe, Bumble, an adorable bearded puppy leave, following Tyren.

Nadine, Tyren leave, following Jael.

Gavin, an enthusiastic scribe, Bumble, an adorable bearded puppy arrive, following Tyren.

Nadine, Tyren arrive, following Jael.

Gavin, an enthusiastic scribe, Bumble, an adorable bearded puppy leave, following Tyren.

Nadine, Tyren leave, following Jael.

Thea has left the a small cherrywood picnic table.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, Scratchers the red-tailed hawk leave, following Thea.

Sydney offers a warm nod of her head in Jael's direction, and offers, "...Perhaps next time will be less eventful."

Gavin, an enthusiastic scribe, Bumble, an adorable bearded puppy arrive, following Tyren.

Nadine, Tyren arrive, following Jael.

Sydney offers a warm nod of her head in Jael's direction, and offers, "...Perhaps next time will be less eventful."

Gavin, an enthusiastic scribe, Bumble, an adorable bearded puppy leave, following Tyren.

Nadine, Tyren leave, following Jael.

Talwyn has left the Snow Fort of Honor.

Zephirine leaves, following Talwyn.

Nova momentarily spins her fancy fork. "I will give the names some thought. These things cannot be decided casually, you know. Shall we head out?"

Cassandra gives Jael a quick hug when she moves to leave, saying something quietly back to her sister before she departs. Whatever the Laurent told her older sister, it leaves Cass with a light smile. "We can stay, if you like. Or we can make an exit of our own." she offers to the brawler.