Ramsay, the dynamic Direhorn arrives, following Swift.

Briar, a quiet young woman, 2 Pravus Honor Guard, Intruder, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound, Swift arrive, following Sebastian.

Monique has joined the Large Table.

Sebastian has joined the Shadowy Table.

Monique gets RULES and GAMES - Tournament of Thorns Pre-Games from Tournament of Thorns Supplies.

Monique drops RULES and GAMES - Tournament of Thorns Pre-Games.

No surprise here that Sebastian is late... and he's making Swift late too, it seems. The Pravosi Prince flickers off his cloak as they arrive, winking at Swift before he makes his way towards a shadowy table, Briar moving over to set up the painting next to it.

Sebastian drops The Deepest of Jungles, a painting.

It's a beautiful fall evening and the Tournament of Thorns is fast approaching. And so it is that one final pre-games night is being held, this time at the ever-accommodating Ambassador Salon. Monique has taken over a large table in the middle of the room, and she has both gold thorns and bronze thorns set in front of her, standing in for the Archlector of Gild this evening, in addition to her own game.

Swift has joined the Far rear couches.

Anisha has joined the Large Table.

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise arrives, following Niklas.

Cornelius strides into the Ambassador Salon with a ready smile, a hand tucked into the lapel of his longcoat. He moves to read the rules, and walks over first to Monique's table. "Greetings." A bow. "Lord Cornelius Blackshore, here to compete for thorns."

HUrrying in with Sebastian, Swift smiles and calls out, "Thank you for the safe escort, Your Highness!" Then she's hurrying towards her space, pausing, of course, to dip a curtsy to Monique and flash a smile towards her, "My lady. Shall we count fingers tonight?" Then she's heading for the couches far to the rear so that she can set up her challenge and await the Seekers! Three bowls are laid out, each filled with a clouded liquid and bearing a copper thorn in the bottom of the bowl. She orders a glass of wine from a passing waitstaff and settles in.

Waldemai dips horn of ale from his bucket.

Anisha has settled alongside Monique for tonight, the Softest Whisper wearing her artful umbra and her mirrorsilver mask, idly flicking her fan at herself as she regards the Ambassador. She has her Neodymium thorn before her, alongside a goblet of wine and a platter of spiced strips of lamb on a bed of roasted harvest vegetables. Idly engaged in casual conversation, she pauses to greet her fellow judges - and to offer a small smile of greeting to the varied others joining as well.

She glances to Monique, and offers a smile. "Do you want to do the honours of introduction, my lady, or shall I?"

Nina, the enthusiastic bard, has learned a lot and met some new friends so far from participating in the Tournament. She also has quite a few thorns to her name, but there are a few that she is missing. In particular, she has not solved Lord Sebastian's riddle, and when she sees the artwork, and its creator, within, she starts to slowly approach, wondering if a fresh day will bring her any new insight. As she walks in, she sees Swift and gives her a winning smile... but she's quite pleased that she already has Swift's thorn and does not have to risk coloring her hand an additional time. She also sees that Anisha is here, and, having not had the pleasure, looks over the rules to her game, thoughtfully.

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle, screech owl arrive, following Quenia.

Cornelius has joined the Large Table.

Quenia has joined the Far rear couches.

Merek makes a way into the place and looks about, nodding in thought.

Merek has joined the Far rear couches.

Nina has joined the Shadowy Table.

Quenia makes her way into the Ambassador, and immediately heads for her table toward Swift. Well, her table when she's usually here that is.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: Monique is standing in for Etienne, and Sebastian is standing in for Sabella. All games are playable this evening. Simply join the Place of the game you'd like to attempt.

Quenia has left the Far rear couches.

Quenia has joined the Far rear couches.

A welcoming smile from the Prince of Pravus meets Nina's approach, Sebastian's bright gaze tracking the woman as she approaches. Other, familiar figures at spotted too, earning fleeting smiles, but it the bard to whom he stretches an inviting hand, beckoning her closer and murmuring to her.

Theophania has made a previous attempt at the thorns, and felt, frankly, embarrassed about it; she actually fond herself not quite wanting to make an attempt again... but the faint undercurrent of a competitive streak has drawn her back here yet again. She gives a quick wave to Nina, then considers where to start...

Theophania has joined the Far rear couches.

Quenia checked composure + legerdemain at difficulty 35, rolling 22 lower.

Theophania decides to start with what she *hopes* will be a redemption, striding up to the bowls. She is... perhaps, not feeling terribly confident; *however*, hearing 'distract me and sneak a thorn,' she feels a little more conident. She fishes out a flask of... *something*, takes a drink, and gets ready to get started... though she takes a few moments to watch other people try, first.

Niklas pushes his way in, looks around the room and clucks his tongue before heading over to the couches where Swift awaits. "Mistress Swift. I believe it is time for my weekly humiliation. Honestly, I'm glad this whole thing is ending here shortly, else people are going to start assuming things about me." He plops down at the couch and sprawls.

Niklas has joined the Far rear couches.

Nina checked wits + artwork at difficulty 30, rolling 5 lower.

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

Theophania takes a deep breath, lets it out as a gusty little sigh -- and goes for it! it looks at first blush like she's going to make a guess at the bowls... but really, she's overacting being concerned about the bowls. Her *actual* plan... is a quick little reach, and...!

Theophania checked composure + legerdemain at difficulty 35, rolling 5 higher.

Quenia checked luck at difficulty 5, rolling 10 higher.

Swift takes Tournament of Thorns - a copper thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Swift takes Tournament of Thorns - a copper thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Swift takes Tournament of Thorns - a copper thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Snagging the thorn with a big smile on her face, Theophania says, "Thank you *very* much." She pockets the thorn with a wide smile on her face, and without too much further fuss, makes her way away. She has a big night ahead of her -- she's got a lot of attempts at the games to make!

Quenia has left the Far rear couches.

Theophania has left the Far rear couches.

Quenia has joined the Large Table.

Waldemai applauds. Someone got the thorn instead of the rose!

Quenia meanders over to the large table next where she finds Anisha; the only person she hasn't tried her hand with thus far.

Theophania has joined the Large Table.

Merek checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 6 higher.

Niklas is overheard praising Swift.

Niklas has left the Far rear couches.

Niklas puts Tournament of Thorns - a copper thorn in Cloth Pouch of Thorns.

Niklas pushes himself to his feet and jingles his little pouch, then heads over to where Monique and Anisha hold court.

Niklas has joined the Large Table.

Nina checked wits + performance at difficulty 50, rolling 11 lower.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, Pellinor, 3 Thrax Guards, 2 Thrax Elite Guards, a nameless overwrought highstrung pygmy goat arrive, following Alarissa.

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

Anisha takes Tournament of Thorns - a neodymium thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Alarissa has joined the Private booth.

Nina has left the Shadowy Table.

Quenia checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Nina has joined the Large Table.

Niklas seems to think of something and jumps to his feet. "I'll be right back!"

The princess consort of thrax is late, so late, arriving in a swirl of seasilk and brocade, a fall of copper and turquoise and heads for the private booth with the gaggle.

Niklas has left the Large Table.

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise leaves, following Niklas.

Cornelius has left the Large Table.

Cornelius has joined the Shadowy Table.

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise arrives, following Niklas.

Niklas has joined the Large Table.

Niklas comes running back in in a very unprincely manner. He takes a moment to catch his breath, straighten out his waistcoat and jackket and give a firm nod. When straightening out his waistcoat there is a brief flash of something in the palm of his hand. Are those ... theological notes?

Theophania checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 21 higher.

Sebastian gets Tournament of Thorns - a steel thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Cornelius has left the Shadowy Table.

Cornelius has joined the Private booth.

Anisha takes Tournament of Thorns - a neodymium thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Merek has left the Far rear couches.

Merek has joined the Large Table.

Quenia has left the Large Table.

Triumphant with Anisha's challenge, Quenia takes the last of the thorns she's able to win tonight and turns to take her leave. Before she does so she wiggles fingers in Alarissa's direction, ensuring that her patron at least gets a small bit of attention.

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

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle, screech owl leave, following Quenia.

Nina checked charm + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 62 higher. Nina rolled a critical!

Theophania checked charm + theology at difficulty 30, rolling 11 lower.

Niklas has left the Large Table.

Cornelius backs away with a bow from Alarissa's section, and smiles at everyone else while making his way out at a confident stride.

Cornelius has left the Private booth.

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise leaves, following Niklas.

Nina has left the Large Table.

Sebastian stands up from his table, and leaving the painting behind with Briar to look after it, wanders over to join Monique and Anisha's table.

Sebastian has left the Shadowy Table.

Sebastian has joined the Large Table.

There's a large pillow being placed down by the table that Monique occupies and the Minx is signaling for a glass of wine. Then, she's gesturing a very lucky Sebastian to the pillow.

Sebastian flashes a brilliant smile at Anisha, a half-bow offered the Whisper with a grace that means he barely even pauses in his stride before he moves towards Monique. His brows go upwards at the Minx's words, regarding the pillow like he expects to find a snake under it, or something. With a brief shrug of shoulders, he walks over and lounges gracefully down onto his side, his elbow resting on the pillow, and hand propping up his head. He looks exceedingly comfortable.

Malesh is no stranger to the Ambassador Salon, though it's been some time since he wa sa regular. What is stranger, perhaps, is that despite his normal more practical attire in this or any other place, he's arrived dressed head to toe in armor. Not the sort of fight for your life armor, but rather the fancy polished up march and ride in a parade for the people kind of armor. All done up in his house colors and with his magestic spear doing duty as a walking staff, the man makes a bit of a show of talking to his clerk about something just inside the entryway. The marquis is no trained performer or model, however, and so his stance is not subte or natural, it's very clearly a pose. Because he is a poser.

Waldemai nods. "That's pretty nice armor." He should know.

Nina gets up from the big table and walks over to the salon bar, so that she may order a glass of wine. As she does so, she does pass through the center of the room such that her new gown and hat can be admired. She did want to look nice for this. But now she will need another, new outfit for the actual tournament... as the work of fashion is neverending.

Nina has joined the Bar.

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

Theophania checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 40, rolling 11 higher.

Anisha gives the two people showing off their new garb an appreciative look - certainly, the Softest Whisper can enjoy a look at fashion - and gives a nod of greeting to Malesh. But the bulk of her attention returns to the table - to Merek, and to Theophania and Sebastian's antics.

Malesh, having made his attempt at showing off his fancy armor, seems to not be entirely sure what the next move is. He's dreadfully late, or perhaps fashionably, but regardless he is late and so if there were directions he's missed them. He has the good sense to move out of the entryway at least, so as to not hinder the traffic now that he's 'presented' himself as it were. Another brief bit of conversation with his clerk and then, with a nod, the pair begin to walk around the room. No particular destination just walking in a big circular route as if every wall needed visiting.

Glancing up as people begin to murmur about the outfits being shown off, Swift looks around curiously before lighting on a familiar figure. Smiling brightly towards Malesh, she offers a small wave to the Marquis from her spot at the farthest couches.

Malesh begins to understand as he makes his tour of the room and things come into better clarity. The three bowls give him pause, hesitating there a moment to tilt his head at them a bit. "I'm not sure that would be one of my strong suits..." Drifting further then he carries on until he gets to Monique. "Well, Lady Greenmarch, I believe this is all your affair so I suppose I should begin with you, if that is acceptable?"

Theophania checked charm + empathy at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Monique leaves her assistant Primus to look unnerved by Sebastian's smile, and to listen to Theophania's pitch for the benefit of his height. The Greenmarch turns to Malesh with a radiant grin. "Welcome, my lord, happy to have you. I promise the affair is not all mine. In fact, the Committee has done more work than I ever could have possibly accomplished alone. Truly, tis all of our event. But I've a choice of three games. Did you know which one you wished to attempt for the bronze thorn?"

'She lies. She has done the most." Alarissa calls out from her corner.

Malesh smiles, though his helm obscures some of his face there's still enough to let the expression show through, "Well my appologies to them if I have under-represented their efforts. As for my choice, I believe given my experience in helping to bring up my siblings, that I will attempt your Castellan game. Thank you." He's not too stuffy, he hopes, just polite and a little more formal than normal.

"She -has- done the most. She's been astonishing," Anisha agrees with Alarissa, raising her glass to the Princess-Consort. "You should join us, your highness. I think the crowds are thinning out enough now, mm?" She offers. Looking back over to Monique and Malesh, happy to have her wine and dinner while the Marquis decides.

Primus is swayed. It's the most at-ease the assistant has looked throughout the entire Tournament. And when he hears that Malesh is choosing a different game? He doesn't smile, but he also doesn't look so dour. And he stretches his tall frame, up, up, up, to retrieve the book from the shelf for Theophania. Within, a small bronze thorn gleams, her well-deserved prize.

Monique herself smiles broadly for Theophania's win, but dips her head to Malesh. "Most certainly. That will require my other assistant, Tertius, who is in training as we speak." She signals and Tertius, a shorter man with a sunny disposition approaches, waiting to be guided by Malesh.

Sebastian looks distinctly amused as he watches Theophania talk with -- and steer -- Primus subtly away from him. He regards Malesh for a moment longer as the man talks with Monique, before he tilts his head, as if remembering -- trying to remember -- something.

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

Malesh checked intellect + teaching at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher.

"Perhaps I shall" Alarissa notes, emerging from the booth and heading over toward them.

Alarissa has left the Private booth.

Alarissa has joined the Large Table.

Malesh grins a bit and holds up his left hand, "You see, we often have to count larger numbers of things to keep track of them, and while a ledger can do wonders there, it is not always practical." He touches his his thumb to eac of his finger tips, and then the next area between joints and then the next, "I can count to twelve this way on one hand, and on the other count each count of tweleve in turn, allowing me to count to a hundred and forty four without a ledger, hands free, and as duties may sometimes require, without drawing too much attention."

Tertius listens with rapt attention to Malesh's explanations and the shorter stature man blinks big wide blue eyes up at him. "Aah, never thought of it like that. That's brilliant, you know." He turns his passive glance on Monique like 'how come you never taught me that' which earns him a dirty look from the Minx, but he ignores it blithely, producing a thorn instead and handing it to Malesh with a bow. "Wise, you are. Thank you."

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

Merek checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 40, rolling 6 higher.

Merek checked wits + performance at difficulty 50, rolling 15 lower.

Malesh checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 30, rolling 56 higher.

Waldemai has left the Bar.

Alarissa has left the Large Table.

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, Pellinor, 3 Thrax Guards, 2 Thrax Elite Guards, a nameless overwrought highstrung pygmy goat leave, following Alarissa.

Malesh chuckles a bit and dips his head in a bit of a bow towards Tertius and then Monique, "We all have our own little wisdoms don't we. Thank you both for allowing me to play, but I'm afraid I wasn't quite punctual and must hurry if I'm to catch up with the other games. If you'll excuse me?" He is of course, already sort of drifting away, and just being polite.

Nina has left the Bar.

Anisha gives a little wiggle of her fingers after Nina and Waldemai, finishing her meal as Malesh proves himself for a few(?) thorns!

Malesh leaves Monique and Tertius behind as he makes his round, stopping in and doing well at Alarissa's game before finding himself at the popular table of Prince Sebastian Pravus so that he might get his turn at what the prince has to offer.

Malesh has joined the Large Table.

Nina turns away from the bar just a bit, and now is watching Malesh, an unfamiliar man who is in an interesting set of armor. It's always interesting to see someone different collecting thorns. One glass in now, and getting another, she's certain she's done as well as she can possibly do and tried her best, so there is no more for her to say.

Malesh checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 30, rolling 1 higher.

Malesh checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 30, rolling 7 higher.

Malesh checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 40, rolling 1 lower.

Malesh shuffles about in his armor to observe the painting upclose and to hear the riddle. His walk back is slow as he contemplates it, and whispers his answer to Sebastian and gets through all that before starting on a small speech about diplomacy. "My wife is the diplomat between us, but I recall in my youth hearing a philosophy from my late father about long-spear diplomacy." he takes his spear, which is not long really in terms of spears but is at least a spear and long enough for this example. He holds it horizontally and says, "If one wants to gain movement from the opposition, there are two ends of the spear by which it may be achieved. You may offer them the blunt end, so that they might grip it and you assist them in their efforts and help pull them along. If refused, one may sturn turn to the other end of the spear to get what they want." He offers the blunt end to Sebastian then and asks, "Just how comfortable is your pillow?"

Sebastian gets Tournament of Thorns - a steel thorn from Tournament of Thorns - a chest of thorns.

Although the Marquis' answer for his riddle earns him a steel thorn from Sebastian, his attempt at diplomacy doesn't seem sufficient to stir the Pravosi Prince from his pillow. "Very comfortable," he assures Malesh, with a wry twitch of lips. He shifts his wine glass to his other hand as if to grab the spear, but shakes his head. "Knowing my luck, I'd stab you by accident and leave Stonewood without a Marquis. So I'd best not."

Malesh laughs a bit and bows to accept the one thorn he did earn. "Alas, I was no liar when I said I am not the diplomat of Stonewood. I am certainly no storyteller either, so I will not burdenyou with a poor attempt for the other thorn. However, be warned that shall I have too much to drink I may return and tell you such a tale as to bore you senseless. I may chase you right off your pillow with doldrums." He chuckles a little more and, trying to remain respectful of the time, shuffles off to take a try at telling Anisha where she's from.

Sebastian's mirthful laughter greets Malesh's words, and he tips the edge of his glass in the Marquis' direction before he drinks deeply of the wine. "I'm not sure whether I should say I look forward to it or fear it, Marquis. But good luck." His gaze turns to watch the man consider Anisha's past.

Malesh checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 30, rolling 1 lower.

Anisha idly twirls her goblet slowly in hand, her wine swished against the surface, as she regards Malesh with a bright-eyed interest. "Marquis Stonewood. I look forward to hearing your interpretation of my past."

Malesh gets right into it with Anisha, despite JUST saying he's not a good storyteller. Given the eyepatch he's either got the kind of courage that puts men on the battlefield, or the sort of foolishness that causes accidents in the kitchen. Courage or foolishness, he makes his attempt! "You live a life of mystery Anisha Whisper, and claim that your past is a mystery. I know the truth, however, and recognize that it is neither unique nor all that different than that for most of us. You may claim to have once been a noble of this house or of that, but I know in truth you begain as just a whisper. In some inn, or grand hall, or ale house, as many of us began, when a man and a women met and began to speak and play the game of eyes and of words that young hearts know when they are filled with love and desire. A drink perhaps, and maybe a dance or song, but your orgin began on that night or one like it, be it the first or the hundreth. Yes, oh yes, you have always been a whisper because you began as a whisper. When your mother whispered to your father..." he leans in then, lowering his voice to make a stab at dramtic effect, "Would you fancy getting some privacy?" He leans back then, smiling at what he seems to think is a very clever play on words, though his skill as an entertainer is somewhat lacking. He adds, a hand pressed to his own chest, "Myself? I began as a twinkle."

Monique eyes the sharp objects, perking up with visible interest, but settling when she realizes there will be no bloodshed.

Anisha laughs. "I will never cease to be astounded at however humble my origins, people will find a clever twist that puts it all in a new light. First a rose and now a whisper. Brava." She offers polite applause to the Marquis. "There may be truth to your words, my lord. And so I do feel that... Well. Your cheek, and your cleverness is worthy of a thorn."

Malesh chuckles a bit and dips his head some, "Well, I have found that what I lack in diplomatic prowess, or polished performance, I may some times make up for with just the right amount of cheek, so my thanks to you for your thorn. I must not delay, however, as there remains one game I have avoided due to my own fears, that I must make an attempt at. If you'll excuse me?"

Anisha gives a regal bow of her head, excusing the Marquis, before she takes another sip of wine, smiling into her goblet. "...Started as a whisper, indeed. Gods, I am ever amused by the cleverness."

The lift of Sebastian's glass seems to indicate the Pravosi Prince enjoyed that particular story, too, glancing at Anisha with a brief twitch of lips. He finally -- finally -- pushes up from the pillow, stretching as he finishes his wine.

Malesh has left the Large Table.

Malesh has joined the Far rear couches.

Nina laughs at little at this too. She kind of enjoys when a story has a bit of an edge to it, though she doesn't usually act like it. Her poetry has borne that out, at least. She steps away from the bar and finds herself walking back toward Sebsastian, though, obviously it's no longer to play a game. He just looks comfortable there.

Malesh has gathered, or failed to gather, most of the thorns yet, but there is still one game he hasn't tried. Making his way to Swift and her mystery bowls. "Let's see... this is a game where we race to see who can drink their bowl the fastest, yes?"

"I would absolutely -not- recommend drinking from any of these bowls, my lord," Swift lets out a laugh and shakes her head, smiling at him. "You must use either alchemical knowledge or skill of distraction to get the thorn from the bowl. Care to try your hand, Marquis Stonewood?" She motions towards the bowls and grins.

Sebastian /does/ look comfortable. Like it's awfully difficult to get up, in fact, but he does, with a long exhale. "You're welcome to take my place, Messere," he offers to Nina, with a wry smile.

Anisha offers another little smile to Nina as she returns towards their table - or rather, towards Sebastian and his pillow. She quirks her lips at the Prince's offer - and her eyes widen a bit at Malesh's suggested contest. "...Do we... Do we know if it's even -safe- to drink those?"

"I'm going to assume it's not," Monique interjects, laughing and giving a shake of her head. "The only fatality I'm hoping to encounter is if a folly is granted by the Nox instead of a boon. Please don't kill the contestants," she calls out to Swift, amusement deep in her tone.

"I'd have sat next to you," says Nina, maybe brave because of the wine, or just because he was so nice to her before. But then she brightly smiles. "But let's take some time to discuss the painting after the tournament, and I'll do it then!"

"I look forward to that," Sebastian tells Nina, sincerely: it's not like it's difficult to convince the Pravus artist to talk art, after all. "And as much as I would like to see the Marquis come out with stained hands, a thorn, or death... I'm afraid I must take my leave." There's a nod of head towards his fellow committee members, a smile for the bard, and then the Prince is heading off, Briar carefully packing up the painting and following in his wake.

Sebastian takes The Deepest of Jungles, a painting.

Sebastian has left the Large Table.

Swift has left the Far rear couches.

Ramsay, the dynamic Direhorn leaves, following Swift.

Briar, a quiet young woman, 2 Pravus Honor Guard, Intruder, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound, Swift leave, following Sebastian.

Ramsay, the dynamic Direhorn arrives, following Swift.

Briar, a quiet young woman, 2 Pravus Honor Guard, Intruder, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound, Swift arrive, following Sebastian.

Briar, a quiet young woman, 2 Pravus Honor Guard, Intruder, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Sebastian.

Swift has joined the Far rear couches.

Malesh sits and stairs at the bowls for some time. They aren't for drinking, so that's a clue at least... hrm. He slides from his seat, proclaiming as he moves, "I bet it's a trick of the light, and one must sit on this side..." And so he slides in next to Swift with all the grace and poise one would expect of a man in his parade armor. His people call it "wounded bear style." Once he's settled though, he's thinking on that side of the bowls.

Malesh checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 45, rolling 26 lower.

Anisha leans a bit closer to Monique, as they watch Malesh and Swift with rapt fascination. "You know, next year we should have bets on the contestants or something..."

"Next year I'll offer a prize to the Committee members if they can guess who will win the entire Tournament," Monique offers to Anisha in return, a chuckle freeing itself from her throat as she watches Malesh attempt Swift's challenge.

Nina is still here. She is sitting in Sebastian's former spot, and puts down her empty glass. She watches Malesh ... not succeed at the challenge, and kind of smiles a bit at it. It's tough to do it... that way, anyway. She finally rises up, and gives a little bow to the ladies. "Thank you for hosting these events. I've learned a great deal and look forward to the final tournament."

Smiling brightly at Malesh, Swift gives a nod, "Congratulations, my lord, Luck was with you tonight. You very nearly chose the wrong bowl but got the correct thorn in the end!" She looks to Monique and grins, "This was the best night I've had so far! Five winners! Thank you for your suggestion, my lady!"