4 Redoubt Buccaneers, Luna, the Darkwater Assistant arrive, following Carita.

Who got to dinner early? Rorik and Porter got here early! The oversized Kennex cousins have parked themselves down on child-sized seats at the table that is //meant// for the littler Kennex; these chairs are not meant for Rorik and Porter. Amazingly, while the legs look like they are buckling, they have yet to snap. Hopefully they'll hold through dinner. But what's most important isn't the large men on the tiny chairs, it's the fact that they've come here early clearly to be the entertainment for the evening. It's doubtful Zoey hired them to do this, but they're doing it anyway!

Rorik's cleared a significant section of the table to use as his drum for the evening. He's tapping out a snappy beat, using a stack of plates on either side as cymbals. Occasionally, he makes a grab for a wooden gourd that *someone's* filled with dried beans, shaking it vigorously to add to the rhythm.

Braziers have been brought in to warm and brighten the main hall of Kennex Kay on this snowy winter's eve. A long table, laden with food has been set for adult residents and guests, while a smaller table farther from the door has been set for the children who run laughing through the hall as guests start to arrive. The liquor cabinet is well stocked and unlocked, with a handful of bottles already set out for consumption.
Zoey goes to the door to greet guests as they arrive.

They really aren't supposed to be sitting at the children's table with the kids. But Porter is okay with however they got here. He's seated a FEW SEATS away from Rorik, mostly to prevent him drumming on his head again no matter how nice a hollow sound his skull makes. He's dragged the guitar out with him tonight and he's currently letting one of the kids mess around with it while he watches. The string probably won't break and accidentally blind any of them.

Catalana didn't plan to come early, in fact, she is still only partly ready. The drumming and music making may of startled her into flying down the stairs believing her own children may be causing a riot, but no. It's the man-children of Kennex making that noise. She squints at Rorik and Porter as she pulls the last roller from her hair and hands it to her side and goes to sit with them. To manage their mischief of course.

Whatever one might be able to say about a Darkwater family dinner, two giant cousins sitting at the kiddie table and using it as a drum is not the typical type of gathering. Immediately her eyebrows quirk up, and Azova turns towards Carita as they make their entrance. "You didn't tell me we could get fuckin' drunk -before- we got here! You know I do better with crowds after I've knocked a few back." the redhead laments. "Welp, nothing for it but to get started right away." she decides, flashing a bright smile at Zoey the greeter. "Lovely to see you, Lady Zoey."

As promised, Thea comes hurrying in, brushing the snow from her before removing it to reveal an actual gown. One that is form fitting but still appropriate for the winter. The flakes cling to her now damp brown hair, but there's still a brief smile to her lips. Her gold-flecked green eyes appear a bit more golden-a sure sign she's up to something impish for the evening. She bows her head and greets everyone, politely,"Good evening,"as Finn comes venturing in beside her, big tail wagging to greet everyone he knows. Which is EVERYONE!

Thea walks over to one of the Kennexes and gives them a couple bottles. Could be an apology gift for what's about to transpire. Who knows. But she smiles nonetheless,"Here you are. I brought this for you to try if you'd like. Thank you for having me." That said, she goes to sit at the children's table--for now. Thea sort of needs to be there for a moment.

Thea drops Winter's Heart, Nightgold White Whisky.

Thea drops Nightgold's Aureate Aspirations.

Evander's rattling cough might well be alarming to those not familiar with the thin Kennex Lord, but for those that live in the Kay it's a familiar noise, especially during the winter months. It's probably the noise of the entertainment more than the gathering that draws him forth from his room, wearing his fur cloak inside even with the warmth. He pauses to admire the sound Rorik and the others are making. "You missed your calling, cousin," he tells Rorik quietly. Although he watches, he makes no move to join the children's table. He might not be big, but he's tall, and that's apparently an awkwardness he's not keen to demonstrate in front of so many guests.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, 1 Saik Guard arrive, following Lucita.

William, a taciturn quartermaster arrives, following Aethan.

Skye has left the the children's table.

Esme has dropped off ALL the layers of warmth at the door and is now just in her rose-gold silk dress. Her emerald eyes move over the familiar area and people, but she moves to Rorik first. There is a cant of her head. She nods to the drumming and offers. "I changed out of black for you. You're welcome. Next time you wear the rose-gold." She finds one of the seats to slide into with all that feline movements of hers. Then she smiles vibrantly at the rest of the people. There is a slight reach over to make sure she can reach Porter's head. To make sure she can drum by proxy.

"And you," Zoey greets the Darkwaters as they enter. "Please do come in and make yourself at home.

Marchande, Junebug, the endearing and enthusiastic Graypeak Mountain Dog arrive, following Rosalie.

Skye comes into the main hall and hands off her velvet cloak to a servant. She goes to the washroom to freshen up and then makes her way into where the dinner is being held. Her sapphire winter ballgown lightly swishes as she walks. She takes a moment to look around, find a few familiar faces. Zoey gets a bright smile, "M'lady, thank you for the invite." She properly greets her and moves in deeper. She spies a few familiar faces sitting at the children's table, giving them a wave before making her way to where the adults are sitting.

Skye has joined the the grown up table.

Carita's laughter lifts as she enters with Azova, "Well, now you know. I try to save myself for the event because ... I'm not sure I could last otherwise." There's a dip of her head to Zoey, her smile turned on the Kennex Lady next. "So good to see you again, Lady Zoey."

Lucita walks into the key with a sigh and a glance cast over her shoulder at the snow and ice. Her dogs are left with a guard to dry their coats and paws and they settle down in the spot allocated for them. One by one she removes her gloves and finally her cloak as she moves over toward the warming brazier. "The things I do for friends, coming out into the snow again." She gives a wink toward her Kennex friends, and the corners of her lips upturn as she teases them a little."

Without missing a beat - seriously, Rorik continues to drum on the table - he looks up to Esme and pushes the chair beside him out with a foot. "I'll look amazing in rose-gold," he agrees with a grin. "Look, I found a seat that's just your size!" Then he twists to pat-a-pat-pat on the seat of the small chair before he goes back to making table-music. He does, at least, lean over to whisper something to Esme.

As a member of the Kennex fealty and the Voice of Navegant, Estil makes her way into the Kennex Kay's main hall, with Skapti. Speaking in a hushed tone to the man, though as she sees Zoey, she gives a light smile to the woman and a polite nod of her head. "Good evening, Lady Zoey, thank you for the invitation. I hope you are doing well." Once greetings are done, Estil would head in to take a seat at the grown ups table, her own dog, Duchess, politely following along behind her.

Catalana is naturally attuned for Evander's cough. Her eyes instantly find her baby brother in the crowd and start their usual assessment of his health. She briefly leaves her cousins to the mischief making so she can go fuss over Evander, this time it's tutting and fixing his hair.

Skapti has joined the the grown up table.

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist arrives, following Rysen.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Warden, Vagari The Cinder Cat, 1 Order of the Firebird, 2 House Crovane Guards, Biorna - The Protective Mastiff, Rysen arrive, following Mikani.

Wulfrum has joined the Cream colored leather couch set.

Lucita has joined the the grown up table.

Porter tries to unsuccessfully duck out of the way when Esme reaches out for his head. "Will the torment never stop?" he wonders to the ceiling. The kid playing with his guitar eventually gets bored and runs off screaming because, well, he's a kid. It means that the Kennex brother is left to play his own instrument, which he does for a bit, lightly strumming along with whatever beat that Rorik is setting. It's a very idle kind of thing, like what a person does when they need something to do with their hands.

Ian is sitting at the adult table. He may or may not belong there, but he has a wife who probably wants him sitting near her, so here he is. He has a glass of wine in hand and watches the guests stream in with the peaceful demeanor of someone who can leave all of the details to servants. Or his wife.

Ian's dinner is safe at the adult table. For now.

"It's alright, I have the best hangover remedy." Azova assures Carita. "We'll work on your tolerance I promise." Threat, or promise, or both? Regardless, she moves along in the line so as not to hold it up, and so that she can make a beeline for the alcohol. Until, that is, she hears a cough. And of course, her attention narrows in on the culprit with the immediate concerned gaze of a healer. "Ooooh, that sounds harsh. I know it won't take long to go get my herbs."

"...so there we are, stuck on the side of a road, a bear riding away on our horses, and Oswyn turns to me and says 'now that's what I call a prickly porcupine'," says Prince Niklas Grayson to his wife as the pair enter, followed by an enormous group of assistants, guards, ladies in waiting and nannies. He gives a little laugh at what was probably a very witty tale if one heard it from the start, then turns and waves to the nannies. "Take the kids to the nursery. It's over there somewhere." He waves in the general direction of Not In This Room. "Let them play with the little duke and their various second and third cousins." He then turns and looks over the tables on offer. "Where's Wash? I want to sit at whatever table at which he is not."

Skapti walked into the place, looking around the area a bit. "You know, I've never been inside here, before?" he remarks to Estil, who he's accompanying at the moment. He gives an easy nod to those Kennex's he's met, which to be fair, is a decent amount of them, as he pulls out a chair, turns it around, and sits straddling it, with the back of the chair against his stomach.

Juliana, did anyone really think that the Lady Ingiseri wouldn't show up? Of course they did! It's snowing outside. Everyone that is anyone knows that Juliana doesn't leave her rooms when there is snow on the ground or in the air. But there she is, stepping inside with her clock wrapped around her and not really looking all that happy about the cold. With her man Tyce at her back.

So why? Does she care for the Kennex so much that she would venture into the cold? The truth, possibly... but more likely, it's the small dark haired moppet that rides in the Tyce's arms. Lady Bastain, in her bunny ear hood and cheeks pink from the cold as she hugs a stuffed phoenix in her arms and wiggles with anticipation. Clearly, Tia does not share her mother's dislike for the cold.

Wulfrum is arriving shortly after Skapti and calls out, "Captain Skapti." he pulls a dark leather pouch from his belt and gives it a heft as if beckoning the man with it.

Estil has joined the the grown up table.

Esme smiles vibrantly towards Rorik, but her eyes move towards the others. "You are all looking so beautiful tonight. Glorious even." Niklas might get a larger smile before she arches her auburn brows at Rorik's low comment. She offers one of her own and then flashes her teeth at Porter. "You love the torment."

Evander doesn't seem to protest Catalana's fussing, even with so many people to witness it. He's just that used to it. He smiles and murmurs something quietly to her, before he gestures Jaq over and bids him to locate some hot tea, despite all the alcohol on offer. His expression lightens as he spots Carita, lifting a hand to the Countess and taking a step towards her and Azova, urging his sister along with him with the briefest tug on her arm.

Finn goes about the kids table nudging at all kids, sniffing at Rorik, Esme, and Porter. More than likely scrounging for food. One of them will feed him. Thea meanwhile begins searching around in her bag. She looks at those around her and tells them, half joking,"I'm not below throwing food."

Aethan enters a little belatedly, but is anyone going to tell him he's late? ...Well, maybe. But in any case, he's here, and he looks around briefly before heading toward the adult table. He nods to those already sitting there as he settles in, reaching for a glass that is set beside the place setting he's selected and taking a sip. It's water, though, just in case anyone was worried.

Aethan has joined the the grown up table.

"Oh stop," Sabella laughs and swats at Niklas' arm, "You'll sit with Wash and love it because you're both hilarious," she gives her husband a quick kiss on the cheek then turns a beaming smile to the room, "What a turnout! I think everyone must be stir crazy with the way this winter has thrown so much snow at us and everyone is just jumping at every invitation. I for one am glad there's been so many."

Ian straightens briefly out of his usual slouch when Skapti comes in. "Captain Skapti." There's a hint of respect in his voice when he makes the greeting.

Zoey smiles brightly for every guest as they pass. "Thank you for accepting it," she tells Sky. "And you!" she replies to Carita. "I am, thank you. And I hope you are the same?" she answers Estil. Lucita gets cheek kisses if she does not slip by too fast. Niklas' story gets a laugh, Juliana gets a surprised greeting -- "You braved the snow for us!" -- and so on, and so forth.

Porter stops picking on the strings long enough to reach across the children's table and grab his glass of wine, taking a long swallow from it. An eyebrow is arched in Esme's direction. "Prove it," he challenges her and then takes another quick sip. He spots his older brother moving through the room and choosing to sit at the adult table which-- okay, that makes sense, honestly. He can't fault him for that. "AETHAN. I have something I want to show you later, it's amazing. You're going to love it." Is he?

Rosalie enters the Kay with gentle steps, quietly handing her cloak to the servant at the door, smiling softly before moving further into the room. Hands folding lightly in front of her, she gazes around the room, reaching self-consciously towards the updo her hair has been wrangled into, the sleeveless gown exposing slender arms and long, slender fingers stained with ink. She offers smiles and nods to those she knows.. most everyone, really, whose eye she can catch. Moving forward to Zoey she offers and brief but warm smile, "Its lovely to see you again, my lady."

Skye gives s bright smile to those sitting at her table. Aethan gets the first gentle nod, then her cousin, Estil. She gives a bright smile to Lucita, "Oh lovely, it's good to see you here." Ian gets a polite nod as well. Finally, she greets Nova and Skapti with sweet smiles.

Lygeia, a calligrapher and alchemist have been dismissed.

"Is it more glitter?" Ian asks of Porter.

Looking over towards Wulfrum, Skapti nods to the man, seeing the purse. A brief glance to Ian, "Lord Ian," with a nod, and a smile. "Just one moment, actually..." the Salt rasps. "I think I've a wager to collect," shared to Ian and Estil. Skapti stands back up momentarily then, and makes his way to the Darkwater lord. "Lord Wulfrum. Doing well, I hope? No hungry fish people since we last spoke?"

"Only some of it," Porter's answer is cagey at best.

Rorik suddenly stops drumming in order to gasp at whatever it is Esme may have offered in her low comment. He looks up at her with saucer-plate wide eyes and touches his hands to his chest, frowning in a most exaggerated fashion. Whatever he says to her is spoken in hushed tones before he shakes his head, and then immediately drops the act to raise a hand up when he spies Niklas. "NIKLAS!" he bellows.

Catalana calls over to Niklas as she's tugged with Evander "Wash is going to pay his debt by making your beautiful wife some gorgeous gowns. A much better way to spend that money." She beams at Carita when she joins her. "Good evening Countess. I was hoping you'd come."

Lucita spots a likely looking seat and walks over to sit near Skye and Ian and Nova. " Hello everyone. Good to see you again Lady Skye!" She says as she passes through those who are gathering. A hint of surprise shows as she looks toward Julianna as she arrives and then beyond her to see if Luis is accompanying her. Any disappointment at his absence is masked with a welcoming smile. "You got here, too. Had I known you were coming, we could have walked together.

"And to you," Zoey says to Rosalie, but at the mention of glitter her head snaps around. "It had better not be glitter!" she calls back in the general direction the offending word came from.

"Only some of it!" That voice that's certainly not Porter (it definitely is) calls back.

"Captain, nothing like that. I've been working with the Countess on organizing Darkwater's many projects. Who would think that someone who eats breakfast for two meals a day would have so much prepared and ready for willing hands." Wulfrum remarks as he deposits the whole pouch into Skapti's hand with a nod to Ian as he notes the man that he just stole to pay a wager. "It's good to see you again, I thought of writing."

Aethan's attention is caught by his brother suddenly yelling his name -- and he looks over toward the children's table, one eyebrow raising. 'Skeptical' is the best way to describe his expression right now, though after a moment, he says, "All right. You're welcome to come by whenever you're free." One might think he's not excited about whatever it is. But of course, he doesn't usually sound excited about much, so it could just be that.

"Oh gods, not glitter. Did somebody say glitter? That shit is the herpes of... wow, this is a loud and lively bunch." Azova's attention is so easily captured and then dragged away, though her gaze tracks the path of the cougher and the person fussing over him. "Good evening to you both." When they greet Carita, she is right there to butt in. "I couldn't help but take note of the rattling cough, milord. I am sure I could brew something that would help, even just a little. I'm sorry, I'm a healer and I just can't help but offer assistance whether it's wanted or not, really."

"I am, thank you, Lady Zoey," Estill replies back to the woman. "Good evening, everyone," Estil greets all those gathered at the two tables. Skye is given a warm smile, "Cousin, it is wonderful to see you. I hope you are doing well. I heard about your whaling endeavor, how is that coming along? Are you still looking for investors?" And then a nod to Wulfrum, remembering the man from the Island 'Adventure'. "Lord Wulfrum, I hope you have been well, since I last saw you."

Thea looks over and greets Niklas, Sabella, Lucita, Rysen, Mikani, and a slew of other people she knows and doesn,"Good evening. It's good to see you again." She takes a sip from her wine, mentioning,"Speaking of glitter, there will be a big portrait of Domonico and Martino in Malvici hall. With a big smile on Domonico riding a horse...." Thea says this so straightface, but means every word.

"Baroness Saik." Ian bows his head to Lucita when she joins them at the table. He looks sidelong at Aethan. "You should probably make sure he gives it to you when you're outside. Maybe in the Grayson ward."

Esme cants her head to hear Rorik's words. Then she smiles a sweet smile, but her eyes full of mischief. "If you took time to do that, someone is doing something wrong." She winks to the man and watches the others before her eyes slide over towards Porter. She just looks at him and blinks. She blinks slowly again and laughs. "I thought that that was already a proven thing." She glances towards Thea. "Please tell me there will be a showing of this painting."

"I'm coming over after this dinner!" Porter promises Aethan. Be excited Aethan, it's probably REALLY awesome. In a way that is completely terrible. He's going for his wine again, having abandoned any pretense of playing so that he can chat with random people as the conversation flows around the crowded room. "Look Lady Darkwater!" is that who Azova is? "I'll show you too. You're not going to be disappointed. I /promise/." Does she even KNOW Porter? Maybe. When Rosalie moves into the room, he waves to her from the children's table. "Sister Rosalie!"

Carita's smile brightens as Evander nears, "Would you like to sit over..." and thens she points to a spot a little less populated at present.

Carita has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

Fighting back a smile, Rosalie looks to Zoey and murmurs, "Damp clay. The 'cure' for glitter is damp clay." Allowing just a faint hint of the smile to flicker through, she moves along to offer her greetings to others. Pausing at the children's table, she wears an amused expression as she looks at Porter, "Now, the question is.. did you choose to be here or were you relegated here by others?" Dipping into a quick, precise curtsy, she murmurs, "Its good to see you again, my lord. How are you doing tonight?"

Lucita says, "He does ride sometimes, the new Count Domonico. He had to ride in Saikland and he did not fall off even once." She gives a little grin as she says that."

"Pfft. The bastard should make _me_ some gorgeous gowns." Niklas gives Catalana a sniff, then offers waves and nods to those he recognizes or to whom he is related. "Hello over there, Lady Esme! You do not miss a chance to spend time with others, do you? If only more people liked people as much as you do." To various relatives, "Zoey, Ian. You look very cheerful and full of good humor this evening. Porter, quite dour. Aethan! I think I have something to talk to you about, but damned if I remember what it is!" Rorik gets a, "RORIK!" and the medieval equivalent of finger guns, making a note to return to his cousin(?) once he gets done saying hello to everyone else in the packed room. When he spies Estil he gives her a quarter bow. "Lady Estil. I do thank you for having saved my life." Then, "Countess Carita! We should speak soon about what I can do to assist Darkwater since you are always such a help to me."

Evander glances at Catalana briefly, before Azova's words draw his attention. "It's fine," he says, with the acceptance of someone all too used to providing that reassurance. "It comes and goes during the winter mostly. I've had every healer my sister Cat's ever pressed on me ply me with all manner of concoctions." He has an air of resignation, before he says, "Lord Evander Kennex. My sister, Lady Catalana Kennex." Without hesitation he follows Carita towards the couch.

Evander has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

"That right, now? Sounds like a lot of paperwork," Skapti remarks to Wulfrum with what sounds like it might be sympathy. He pockets the purse, tucking it into his belt. "An early riser, is she?" he asks. "Well, I'm sure she's found an able man for it." He gives the Darkwater a nod, and then afterwards, shall stride back to the grown up table, retaking his seat once more.

Skye nods at Estil's question, giving her an overview, "Oh yes, Dycard and I have been talking to a few investors but there's plenty of opportunities if House Navegant would like to get involved." She gives a hopeful look, "I can drop by the manor and bring more details." She spies Carita sitting elsewhere and gives her liege a quick smile before turning back to her dinner companions, "Oh this is lovely." She smiles at Nova's greeting as she lays a napkin on her lap.

Mikani enters with Rysen. While she is not on Rysen's arm, she has Emma in her arms and Dia is in Rysen's. Mikani knew that Zoey would love to see the two girls and the Fabrons have Nakoa for the night. She moves to greet Zoey and give her a hug. "Hello ... so good to see you." She says warmly. Mikani waves at Carita with one hand and Thea. Others get a nod.

"If it's what I think it is, I have the second half to show," Rorik offers at the tail-end of Porter's statement of 'showing' something, before he turns his eyes up to Esme once more. He purses his lips, considers her for a second, and then shrugs his broad shoulders. "Don't knock it 'til you try it," he recommends, before he picks up a wooden spoon and streeetches to start drumming it on Porter's head.

Wulfrum nods in Estil's direction with a hand lifting up to the Lady. "Lady Estil it's good to see you again as well. I hear the Prince Niklas so he must be doing well after your attentions." he states as much as anything. Skapti gets a nod in return as he moves away and instead the severe faced man moves towards Estil, "Are the Kennex dinners always so hectic?"

Ian watches Evander and Carita go off to a place that's not in the middle of a whole fuckton of people with maybe a little bit of envy. "Usually not until the drinking starts," he says to Wulfrum.

"I'm glad you can make it," Zoey tells Mikani and Rysen. "Please, make yourselves at home."

"But Lord Kennex, your beard is already on full display. What else of an impressive nature could you possibly show us?" Azova pauses a beat before adding, "I assume you will have your pants on, yes? I heard there's one of you that likes to nto wear pants." is pointed out, as she follows Carita along towards the couch. "Pleased to meet you Lord Evander, Lady Catalana. I'm Lady Azova Darkwater." Her smile is understanding when she addresses Evander again at least. "It's a bad habit of us healers to poke and prod and want to try everything, isn't it."

Azova has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

Porter checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

"Hm." Between Porter's assurances, and Ian's suggestion, Aethan looks, if possible, even more skeptical. However, he just nods in a somewhat resigned manner, taking another sip from his glass. It's then that his gaze finds Niklas, and he lifts a hand, moving it to include Sabella as well. "If you remember, let me know," he replies as he puts down the glass. "I'm at your disposal." He catches sight of Juliana then, and in clines his head to her.

Catalana beams at Avoza, "A healer? Oh please. Ev could always use a new set of eyes check over him." She is absolutely distracted by Niklas, "You need no new gowns. I am certain you have a new one for every day of the week. Plus, you're not Wash's favorite Grayson." She briefly parts from Evander to talk to Niklas, "I actually have a project I could use help with, but it may be a conflict of interest for you."

Lucita's glance drifts idly over the gathering and all the familiar faces there. Except one. That one draws her attention for a moment as she looks the man over. "Lord Kennex, mose here I know but not that man over there. Is he a relation?" Her discrete nod is in the direction of Rorik as she speaks to Ian.

"I think maybe a celebration of Domonico's newest title would be the best time, yes,"Thea impishly suggests to Esme. She looks over to Ian then, because--best timing. "I did bring a special drink with me. I thought it would be the perfect time to do so." Her eyes briefly look between Catalana and Porter.

"Niklas and my most beautiful Sabella!" Esme offers to them but she's in a kid's seat, so for now she stays reclined there. Her eyes move for a glass of wine, or she'll attempt to take Porter's if she can't find it. Her lips curve more at the comments flowing around her, but she does shift so that she doesn't get hit by the Porter drumming attempt. Her lips curve higher towards Rorik's comment. "I will make sure to try it." Then her eyes move towards Thea with a radiate smile. "Wonderful. I look forward to seeing it."

"He actually sent me over a design already and it is absolutely gorgeous!" Sabella looks around trying to keep up with all the conversations and looking absolutely delighted about it, "Yes! Lady Estil I am in your debt for saving my husband from his own courageousness, which is not a sentence I really ever thought that I'd be saying especially since all of that took place on a boat! Have you seen Zoey at all?" She spies the hostess across the room and waves to her, as well as Aethan, then says, "Oh, there's the Countess, come on!" and pulls Niklas over towards the couches. "Lady Esme, hello! At this rate none of us will need kitchens at our own houses for we'll always be eating at others!"

Sabella has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

Niklas has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

Wulfrum has left the Cream colored leather couch set.

Wulfrum has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

"Cat," Evander says, discouragingly but not too sharply. "I do not need more healers to check over me." He glances towards Ian like he's the one envious of where his cousin is seated. "I had assumed from a young age it's listed as step one and two of your documentation," he tells Azova earnestly.

Ian follows Lucita's gaze to Rorik. "That's my cousing Rorik. Rorik Kennex." You know, in case she forgot. "He didn't used to be this tall."

As guests begin to settle themselves at tables and couches, servants weave around with additional platters, bottles, and glasses, distributing food and drink to the guests. Beef, pork, vegetables, cheeses, and freshly baked bread is plentiful, as is the wine, rum, and vodka.
Zoey waves back to Sabella from across the room before giving instruction to a handful of servants.

"I heard that! I came out of my mother this tall!" Rorik shouts back to Ian.

"DOUR?" Porter repeats in an all too loud voice, sounding incredulous. Offended even, Niklas. Offended. When Rorik reaches out to start tapping on his head with a spoon, he quickly snatches it out of his hands, turns it around and raps him on the knuckles. "Ha! He looks triumphant and smiles broadly, but then he also moves his child sized chair even further away before retribution can take place. A grin is flashed in Rosalie's direction, "Lets say we were voluntarily regulated to this location of the dining room. 50/50 on the seat placement." The comments from Azova earn a round of gregarious laughter from the man. "It's very impressive and yes, Rorik has the other half. Prepare to be blown away. I can't guarantee that I'm going to keep my pants on, unfortunately. I'm not even sure that these are mine, if we're being honest." They sure LOOK like his. He sighs as Esme steals his wine.

Catalana has left the the children's table.

"I am glad to see you are doing very well, your highness," Estil replies to Prince Niklas, as she slips out of her chair to give a quick, but polite curtsy to the prince. "Thank you, Princess Sabella," Estil replies before she stands back up and retakes her seat. Turning her attention back to Skye, Estil's smile warming, "We would be, I believe it would be an excellent, and solid investment. And it would be wonderful to have a change to speak with you and catch up some as well." And then to Lord Wulfrum, about to reply to his question, she gives a nod at Ian's reply, "I would believe Lord Ian, as this is my first time attending dinner here."

Catalana has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

"That would have killed her," Ian fires back to Rorik. Oh look, and the drinking is starting now.

Lucita says, "I didn't know the Kennex family had giantresses in it!" A little wave is given Rorik's direction. "I'm Baroness-regent Lucita Saik, and if Wash or Lords Porter or Ian have said anything about me, don't believe everything you hear.""

Catalana warns Porter "If you remove your pants you sleep outside."

"But if I said it, you can trust that it is the truth," Zoey says to Rorik as she drifts past.

Esme stagewhispers, "Cat, he has a /boat/. You need a better threat."

Glancing over, Skapti looks at Rorik, and the larger Porter next to him. He turns back to Ian, then. "...Since when did Kennex's start growing up as tall as Blackrams', anyhow?" he drawls, curious, before leaning over to eavesdrop on Estil and Skye.

Skye chooses a glass of white wine to pair with her steak and veggies. She murmurs how wonderful everything is as she settles down to have her meal. She glances over at Estil, "Oh yes, it's been far too long since I've visited the family." She starts to cut her steak, "Getting the barony up and running has been a consuming element in my life. Thank goodness Dycard came back from adventuring. He's been a godsend."

Mikani has joined the the children's table.

"She's a sturdy woman!" Rorik yells back to Ian, only to have his spoon taken away. He narrows a look at Porter, moving his child-size chair closer. The legs give a wooden groan in the process; he's coming for you, Porter! The distraction is real though, in the process of jumping his chair over, his attention turns to Lucita, offering the Baroness a bold smile. "A pleasure to meet you!"

Thea agrees aith Skapti,"I wondered the same thing. And they're super loud." She realizes then before introducing herself,"I'm Lady Thea Malvici by the way,"smiling a bit. "i'm not sure we've met."

"Aethan and I are pretty short for our family," Ian explains to Lucita and Skapti solemnly, his voice pitched just as loud as it needs to be for the conversation and no louder. Then he takes a sip of his drink, and helps himself to some food. "Most of the family is pretty tall."

Esme also chokes on her ..erm Porter's wine when she hears the name 'Dycard'. Esme's head comes up and she looks around the room before giving a look towards Porter. Then she smiles charmingly. "Sabella, I feel that if people want to invite others over. I should show up. Meet some people. Tell some jokes. Hang out with...a..dul..ts" This last word is said as the looks between the Kennex guys. She tries to put her chair between the waring guys and refuses to scoot her chair. She glances up at Lucita with a bright smile. Then she tries to catch Nova's eyes to swing a smile her way.

Tsking lightly, Rosalie cants her head at Porter and smiles, shaking her head in amusement, "Do you suppose you could behave, just this once? I am not certain my gown can withstand those tiny chairs, though I will certainly try if you are insistent on staying at this table." She glances between him and Rorik before leaning in to murmur something to the tall man. Then she's straightening once more and offering a smile to Esme, "Lady Fidante, how wonderful to see you again!"

Catalana answers as she takes a glass of wine from one of the servers, "It's all the sunshine and seawater." She asks Sabella after, "I'm not sure if you've met Rorik. He's like a louder version of Porter."

Pleasantries spoken, Rorik attempts to go hop his chair back over towards Porter. He just winds up smacking right into Esme's chair, having to grab onto the back of it to keep her seat from spilling right over. The leg of Rorik's chair cracks! Oh no.

Zoey dances and weaves her way between servants and guests, snatching a bit off one platter and a drink from another. "But without a beard," she points out to Catalana.

As the food and drinks are coming out, Thea looks over at Catalana and Zoey, then to Porter,"Do you remember that vodka I made that one time? And Porter claimed it was so good?" That said...One of the servants start to haul out a case of--Gods. "I brought some for you all as gift. Though I think him and Rorik can well--see who can drink more first."

At the comment of Kennex's growing as large as Blackrams, Estil glances toward Porter and Rorik's way, "Hmm," a light smile to both Kennex men and then Estil is looking back to Skye, nodding at her cousin's reply. "Turo might be busy, but I will do my best to make sure he is around when you come to visit. He has been rather busy himself," Estil shares. And then there is a friendly smile to Thea as she introduces herself to Skapti, perhaps listening in to the Salt's own conversations as well.

Niklas just gives Porter a helpless shrug. "Would you prefer dowdy?" Rorik's comment earns a thoughtful frown. "Your mother was gigantic before you were born, it's true. Kennex woman get absolutely huge when pregnant. Alarmingly so." He plops down at the couches after Sabella leads him over there and nods to Catalana. "Of course. Do tell and I'll see what I can do to help. Though I must admit, my attention is a bit scattered, what with the war building up and my opera ready to open any week now."

Thea drops a pack of six distilled spicy vodka bottles.

"By the thorns.." Esme offers as her chair almost tips. "I will end you Rorik if you make me spill my wine."

Rysen has joined the the children's table.

Mikani drops Baby Lady Emma Crovane.

Mikani drops Baby Lady Arcadia 'Dia' Crovane.

Catalana narrows her eyes at Niklas, dangerously so. "Kennex women do not get alarmingly huge when pregnant."

"I caught you!" Rorik offers defensively to Esme, and then knocks his knee into her. That is absolutely purposeful. But: "What did you say about my mother, Niklas?!" He bellows a laugh. "She's actually STILL alarmingly huge."

Skye glances over at Rorik and Porter, following Estil's gaze in their direction. She watches for a moment, smiles to herself and then turns back to her cousin, "Estil, I shall then make the time if Turo is going to be there." She also lets her know, "I'll bring over some of the cherry wine that our winery made and you'll have to let me know if you like it."

Oh, shit. Porter hurriedly moves his chair even further away from Rorik when he notices him coming for him, an uncomfortable creaking noise emitting from the wood. When he hears Dycard's name, an amused expression crosses his face and he stops trying to escape his cousin long enough to whisper something to Esme. "I only say nice things about you, Baroness Lucita!" he calls over to her. The servants come around with more wine and he corrects Esme, "You mean my wine." He takes a new glass and gives her a pointed look before being distracted by Rosalie and her quietly murmured remark. He laughs brightly, "Yes, this is the cousin. Sit with us! I promise it won't be terrible on your gown." Or will it? Rorik's chair cracks. Uh.

The Salt turns to Thea, and gives a nod. "Skapti Thrallson, m'lady," he shares with her, voice something of a rasp. Looking to Ian, "Mmmm... Don't recall Ford bein' as tall as them, but I guess he was tall enough," he muses. "Cherry wine? Hmmm... Have to try me some of that," he murmurs, half to himself.

Lucita says, "He looks the type for swinging from balcony to balcony or clammering over rooftops the way you mentioned in some of the old Kennex adventurous stories." She mentions that absently to whatever Kennex ears the comment may fall upon. "Careful there Lady Esme! That chair.." Her voice trails off as Rorik seems to handle the situation, maybe... probably... somewhat."

"You got pretty big, this last time," Ian says to Catalana, with all of the adroit social intelligence that he's known for.

Esme points to her wine. Then her eyes. Then Rorik's before he looks away. "End. You." Her eyes are happy eyes though, it kills the threat. She tries to down the wine quickly. Not to save it but to take Porter's again.

Lucita says, "Oh, well any nice things you can absolutely, completely believe." (maybe... probably... somewhat)"

Rysen takes a seat beside Mikani cradling young Arcadia in his left arm. His right quickly finds a strong drink, which he raises in greeting to Ian, Zoey, the Kennexes and the many familiar faces. "Good to see you, Lady Thea," he says to the Malvici woman seated not far from him. "Been a while." Catching Niklas's comment about Kennex women in their pregnancy, Rysen laughs, but quickly takes a drink in case it's one of those things someone outside the family shouldn't find amusing.

"I did meet him!" Sabella calls out to Catalana, giving Rorik a wave, "They came to Grayson family dinner the other night and Porter made a wonderful horse!" She doesn't explain that statement, but turns back to say something to the people at the couch.

Evander gives Ian a look. Somewhat like the look you might give another man you know he's committed a terrible act and terrible things are sure to follow, kind of almost sympathetic. And then he sips his tea.

There's the sound of a creaking chair and---well, that's about it. Thea grabs her wine and moves just in case that's about to get spilled. She nods to Rysen and gives him a brief smile,"You too. How are you,"looking at the children at the table.

"Sister Rosalie, it is wonderful to see you. How is Ilvin doing?" Esme offers with a smile until Porter's whisper. She just looks at him and then puts out her foot to kick over his chair.

"That would be lovely, Skye, I look forward to getting to try it." Estil replies to her cousin, having a sip of some sort of liquour that is going around, likely wine for the moment. Glancing a touch to Skapti, "We can have a glass of it while we talk about the most recent book, what was it called?"

Rorik looks positively bewildered when Esme does the eye thing, but he shrugs. "If you insist," he tells her, and then takes the wine cup right out of her hands and finishes it off. Surely, that's what she means! But as he drinks, he cranes his head that-a-way, waving his empty cup at Sabella and asking, "Are we going to jump from balconies later? I want to go first!"

Juliana has joined the the grown up table.

Mikani hides her grin at Niklas' comment in a kiss to Emma's forehead. "Thea .... Porter .... " Mika says instead, "How are you two doing?" She asks as she gets a mug of spiced cider.

"There will be no jumping off balconies!" Zoey approaches the kids table as she says this. "The pool is too cold to make an adequate landing spot."

Azova leans over to the side almost alarmingly, so she can check on Porter's pants or lack thereof. But like most healer's, she's perfected the straight faced expression. "If there are medical concerns preventing you from wearing your own pants, my lord, I am sure as a healer I can be of help. There are ointments for just about everything these days." She's just saying. Even if there is that bit of mischief in her voice, before her gaze turns towards her couch mates and she murmurs towards them.

Skye gives a pause so she can excuse herself for the moment. She moves out of the dining room to find the washroom.

Looking back to Estil, "The one about the Baron? The Salacious Tale of the Baron and His Rose," Skapti shares. "Or did you mean the one with the Highway Man?"

Skye has left the the grown up table.

2 watchful Blackshore guards leaves, following Skye.

Catalana gives Ian a withering stare, not that he would notice, before defending herself "It wasn't amazingly huge. Nor was I whale size." She takes a much needed sip of her wine before lowering her voice to those closest to her.

"What's huge and what does that have to do with Porter's pants?" Sabella asks, still smiling and trying to keep up with the conversations. Badly.

"Ford was fairly tall. Of course being the shortest person in the family, I suppose they're all tall to me. Catalana towers over me like some grim, goony statue worshipped by north Isles shavs." Niklas offers Catalana a long-distance cheek kiss. "You are right, you do not get alarmingly human. I think it's more disturbingly. Honestly, the part where you rolled off into the ocean during your second trimester and then we didn't see you for four months while you smashed the ships of Everfrost whalers was pretty impressive, though." He raises a hand when he sees, "Rysen! By gods, it's been ages!"

"Hmmmmmmmmm... I think I would be safer with the adults, my lord..." Still watching, amused, as Porter's chair gets kicked over. Turning to Rorik, she smiles, "A pleasure to meet you, Lord Rorik. Lord Porter has told me ever so much about you." She offers a quick but precise curtsy, then returns smile to Esme, "I have not seen him since the day at the gardens. I am certain that we will speak again soon. We do enjoy swapping tea recipes."

Zoey has joined the the grown up table.

Porter holds his wine glass out of Esme's reach with his stupid long arms, laughing when she tries to kick over his chair. Sorry, he's too solid for that. She does give it a solid rock however and prompt a round of loud, gregarious laugheter from him that could best be described as: BAHAHAHAHA. He looks sadly disappointed that they can't jump into the pool, but that's winter for you. Azova's reply about ointments and itching is met with more laughter, though to his credit, he does not further comment on what's going on inside of his pants. He holds his hand out to ward off anymore attacks from Esme, "Oh, no. It's definitely safe here. See, I'm still in my chair," he tells Rosalie.

"Better than I had been," Rysen replies to Thea. "Hope you and your brothers are doing well." Arcadia grabs a handful of the Crovane lord's scarf. He smiles warmly at Niklas. "It has, Your Highness. It's good to see you and Princess Sabella again. There are few pleasures like hearing you converse with your family."

Esme might have been threatening very tall men, but there is a mention of a story. A precise story. One that causes Esme's eyes to towards Skapti. "HEY!" She looks at Rorik and his wine taking. "It's not nice to take wine.." Pause. "..from women." She'll try to kick his chair too.

Thea finally stands and walks over to Esme. She murmurs to Esme,"I have itching powder I keep in my bag. Just say the word...Oh, and squid ink at home,"the youngest Malvici starts giving a list, not at all feeling any shame.

Indeed, Ian continues blissfully ignorant of Catalana's glare. "You know, if we piled up some snow, you could probably jump off the roof," he says to Porter and Rorik. Stop, Ian. Stop. You're not helping. "Remember when we were in the north and you were trying to get away from what's her name's husband and jumped out a third story window into a snowbank? I mean, we had to dig you out..."

"Ian, no. We are not encouraging this behavior," says Zoey. "At least not until after dessert and the children are away in the nursery."

Catalana stares godsmackedly at Niklas. "You're the worst! Next time you go sailing I'll let Wash feed you to the sharkenoids."

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Rosalie. I'm sure he's told you only the very best things about me, if only because there are only very best things to say about me," Rorik says in greeting to Rosalie before he looks to Esme. He gasps at her again in mock offense. "You TOLD me to take your wine, with your EYES!" he defends, only to have his chair kicked. A normal, solid chair wouldn't budge. But Rorik's chair leg is already cracked - it proceeds to SNAP right off and the entire chair tips, sending a flailing Rorik spilling out and straight into Esme's lap.

Grown man plus grown woman on child-size chair do not agree; the legs of Esme's chair promptly buckle and give out.

Estil turns her attention to Skapti at his question of which books, "I heard there was a third book in the Baron and his Rose, but I have not managed to get a copy of it yet. If we can get one, then we can discuss that one." A touch of a mischievous smile there, as she has a sip of wine.

Azova is seen taking a glass of whiskey from Jaq, and before she sips and returns to her couch conversation she is sure to lift and tip her glass just slightly towards the children's table for the humorous rapartee that's transpired.

THE WINE GOES EVERYWHERE.

Porter looks on at the chaos next to him, using his legs to kick his chair further away from the worst of it in a manner that suggests he's all too used to this kind of excitement. He dabs wine from his shirt. "We should do that again!" he call back over to Ian and then drains his wine.

"Mmmm, yes, something about Bread Crumbs, if I heard right," Skapti rasps to Estil. Looking over at the others, "Jumping into snow banks from third floors? Seems to me, that's why you don't dally with married women, if you can help it," he comments. "Naked in the snow sounds... Unpleasant." Maybe he's misconstruing. Maybe he's not. Who knows?

After one wave of servants weaves through to refresh drinks and clear away any empty plates, another comes by with platters piled high with baked goods and sweets. A tea cart is brought out with a wide selection of teas and herbal blends to enjoy with said desserts, and the smell of peppermint fills the room.

"I have volumes two and three of the Salacious Breadcrumb books," Zoey calls over to Skapti. "We lost volume one and don't have volume four yet."

Mr. Hops arrives, following Jules.

It's like slow motion. Esme sees the error of her ways too late. There is a man in her lap (oh hey bit forward). Her chair breaks. This crashes them both into the solid effort of Porter. Who moves. Esme watches the wine and her lip wobbles. "Look what you did, Porter." Because everything is his fault. EVERYTHING. "Also.. how much in the petals do you weigh, Rorik.. ugh.. get.. off."

Ian watches his relations and guests go down like dominoes amid an explosion of wine with a remarkable nonchalance. Like this happens every time he sits down to dinner. Maybe it DOES happen every time he sits down to dinner. "That's one of many reasons," he says to Skapti with a chuckle. "Aethan and I were heading back to the inn where we were staying and we heard shouting coming from another house. We look over just in time to see Porter dive -- I mean dive, arms pinwheeling in the air -- out of a window. He fell into the snowbank, and just disappeared. I don't even think there was a sound. Like he was just gone."

As Rorik falls on Esme and wine flows everywhere at the children's table, Rysen pops up from his seat to save the baby from a dousing, though some wine does splash on his trousers and boots. He laughs, and says to baby Arcadia, "You're a little too young yet."

A servant comes be the kids table with a glass of wine on a tray and sets it down in front of Porter.

At hearing Zoey, Estil looks the woman's way, "I have volume one, and would be happy to have a copy of it made for you. Would it be possible to get one of volume two and three from you?" A smile there, hopeful that Zoey will agree, turning then to ask for a cup of tea, and picking up a baked good off one of the trays.

Thea is watching at the kid table standing back and starts--laughing. Ever see a donkey sit on rabbit? That's what this looks like. Really! Not that she's calling Rorik a donkey, or Esme a rabbit--but the imaginary there. And it's great. And Thea starts laughing and laughing. "Gods Esme! Do your legs still work?!"

Looking to Porter, Rosalie wears a skeptical expression and shakes her head, "This is far more rowdy than I am prepared to deal with... I think I shall join the others, my lord, and wish you the best of luck in your... shenanigans." There's amusement there, but she also fears for her pretty new gown and starts to escape towards the adults table, with only a brief pause to offer wry smile towards ROrik, "Sister, my lord. I gave up noble title when I took Godsworn vows." Then she's slipping towards the adults table and offering a faint smile to those gathered, "Good evening. A lovely dinnner so far."

Lucita's eyes widen as the 'mishap' occurs. In the midst of all the turmoil, she hears a message and with regret, excuses herself from her hosts. "I thank you for the invitation. Am glad to have seen everyone but must go.

Catalana watches the drama at the children's table and mildly expresses "At least they haven't broken anything expensive yet."

Plot twist, the children's chairs were all antiques.

Zoey's eyes light up at Estil's words. "I can definitely get you a copy of volume three! I have an extra."

Rorik falls all over Esme, the wine splashes everywhere, and Rorik's smooshing the poor Fidante lady into the ground with bold laughter. "Look what you did, Porter!" he too plays the blame game, flopping around like a fish on Esme's lap. She tells him to get off, and he insists while laughing: "I'm //trying//." Except what he's *doing* appears to be doing is rolling around on her like a useless, helpless worm. At least he rolls off eventually, right into a puddle of spilled wine. "It's wet here."

Ian bows his head to Lucita when she goes to make her escape. There are bits and scraps of good humor in the smile that -almost- plays around his mouth. "It was good to see you.":

Jules makes his way into the room with a smile on his face, he spots a jar for Porter's Emergency Fund. Upon seeing the jar, he can't help but put in a few coins before he starts to make his way into the Main Hall and looks around and waves, bows, and greets random people about. If you've not got someone to interact with then he just pointed at YOU! So feel free to randomly interact with him because you caught his attention and grabbed a wave.

Lucita has left the the grown up table.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, 1 Saik Guard leave, following Lucita.

As Rosalie gets up to join the adults table, he laughs and ducks his head. "Alright," he says, relenting to her wishes to sit with people who can actually behave themselves. He turns and watches as Rorik and Esme roll around in the wine on the floor and... blame HIM? Ah, well. It can't be helped. It often is always Porter fault. He sighs very dramatically, very put upon. "I'm going to go drown myself in the pool." That's frozen over. In other words, he's not in any danger. Unless he goes under the ice. Then well, it's fine. He has two brothers.

Esme looks up at Thea. "No. I think they are forever broken. /Forever/." She tries to squirm from under Rorik. Then his words hit her. She reaches up for that glass of wine and GETS IT. Only to upend it over Rorik's head. "Not that kind. Get off of me. By the Thorns." She tries to put up a hand to pull on Porter to get her body from under the other one. "Rorik is going too."

If Porter thinks Aethan is going to save him from the frozen pool, well...he's right, but he'll probably wait a second or two.

Porter has left the the children's table.

Rorik has left the the children's table.

Rorik leaves, following Porter.

Rorik has joined the the children's table.

Mikani murmurs to Emma in an exotic tongue. The little girl just makes a fish face, in the way the baby opens and closes her mouth. "Yes ... we are having fun ..." She says playfully. Her eyes move to Zoey, "How did you get copies? I had to beg and borrow just to get volume one ....." When she spots Jules she looks slightly panicked. "Is everything with Nakoa?!?"

"Wonderful, thank you! I look forward to reading it," smiling to Zoey, as Estil seems delighted over it. A glance to Skapti, as she finishes off her tea, setting it down. "Would you care to escort me back? I have some work that I need to finish." And then to Zoey, "Thank you for putting this dinner party together, Lady Zoey. I hope you all have a wonderful evening."

Jules is also hold Nakoa, he's had him the entire time. He'll make an appearance in the next pose!

Resuming his seat, still laughing to see Rorik rolling around on Esme, Rysen glances from Zoey to Mikani. "This isn't about the Baron books, is it?" he asks with a wry grin, before raising his glass to Jules in greeting.

"Thank you again for coming," Zoey bids Estil with a wave. "I'll be in touch about the books."

"Aye, m'lady," Skapti rasps with a nod to Estil. "Need to be gettin' back, m'self," as he stands then, offering a hand to help Estil up, if she needs it. "Early mornin' an' all that."

Rorik sputters as the wine spills out of his head, twisting and tipping in Esme's direction so that when he shakes vigorously, the wine splatters all over her. "You can't get rid of me that easily!" he declares, reaching up blindly with a big hand to smack the table once ... twice... score! He gets his hand on a cupcake, then proceeds to mash it into Esme's face.

Thea take bottle

Throughout all this, Aethan has been characteristically silent. It is possible he's used to it. Having finished his dinner, though, as well as let it sit for however long, he stands as well. "Good to see everyone," he says. "Zoey, thank you." With that, he turns to start out of the hall.

"I look forward to it," Estil replies to Zoey, and then a nod to Rysen at his question, "Yes, it was, sadly, I must head out, or I would be delighted to talk about them. Please have a wonderful rest of your evening, everyone." And then she would head off with Skapti as her escort.

Thea takes Winter's Heart, Nightgold White Whisky.

Jules has his backpack with him, he always does. It only has one strap tied, the other is opened a flap. He looks over to Mikani and blinks, "Why of course Lady Mikani, he's sleeping in the backpack! I was worried he'd be too cold outside and he just snuggled right in my lady. I even left it opened a bit so he could breath... and a little blanket. I didn't even cover his head!" He seems quite pleased with himself. He looks over to the others there and bows, no doubt the baby is jostled about but he seems completely oblivious of that fact.

When Aethan stands to go after Porter, Ian excuses himself, braces himself on the table, and, after pushing to his feet, moves to follow as well. Apparently you can't have two of the three of them without the third trailing along after. Either that, or he's just tactfully avoiding the food fight/cupcake slaughter that's about to break out.

Thea takes Nightgold's Aureate Aspirations.

Aethan has left the the grown up table.

Ian has left the the grown up table.

William, a taciturn quartermaster, Ian leave, following Aethan.

Estil has left the the grown up table.

Duchess, a graceful greyhound, 2 Navegant Marines, 2 Navegant Sailors, Palwen leave, following Estil.

William, a taciturn quartermaster, Ian arrive, following Aethan.

Skapti has left the the grown up table.

William, a taciturn quartermaster, Ian leave, following Aethan.

Zoey puts The Baron and the Salacious Breadcrumb, Pt. 2 and The Baron and the Salacious Breadcrumb, Pt. 3 in a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

Trig, a large dog with an intense stare arrives, following Kace.

Zoey excuses herself from the table to give servants instructions on post food fight cleanup.

Zoey has left the the grown up table.

Oh. No. He did not just.. Esme is hit by a cupcake and narrows her eyes. There is death offered in that as she wipes her hand down her face slowly and then takes that messy hand and wipes it down his face. Slowly. Making sure to smear it well. "Now.. I have to go wash this off." She shoves the big oaf, but it's not that easy. She glances towards Thea. "A little help?"

Thea snorts at Esme but ventures over after finishing drink,"Fine. But you owe me later." Eyeing the large but not bearded Kennex, she considers how to knock him down. Thea just starts to climb on a still intact chair to reach his ear,"Did you know there's a point behind your ear, that if I press it, you can cry..."

Normal people don't lean into getting cupcake smeared down their faces. Rorik is not normal people. He practically buries his hand into Esme's hand so the cupcake REALLY gets in there, and then he licks it off his lips with a nod. "Very good, the chefs outdid themselves. Do you need me to get you some wine to help you wash it off?" he meets Esme's dangerous gaze with a happy one - big, broad grin and amused eyes, before he looks to Thea with raised brows. "I'm getting up, I'm getting up," he huffs, climbing to his feet and jutting a hand out to Esme.

Zoey has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

Azova suddenly finds that her glass is /empty/. Horrors! "Well, that just won't do. I'm going to look around in that cabinet to find something interesting to try, I think. And a good thing we live so closeby, too. I may need to be carted home!" And promptly, she is up and wandering towards the liquor offerings.

"That easy,"Thea eyes Rorik with question. There's an actual amusement in her eyes as she hears him. "Gods. I didn't realize I was that scary." She looks around and asks,"Who told him I was intimidating?" She's not--she didn't think...

Azova has left the Patterned plush couch set.

Orion, the surly healer's assistant, 2 Redoubt Buccaneers leave, following Azova.

Catalana harmlessly flicks Niklas's shoulder. Possibly to get rid of dirt. Likely more to do with annoying him. "I didn't say it wasn't. I just personally find more satisfaction in a project that honors gods. Something bigger than myself. A theater is nice yes, but a place dedicated to worshipping makes me happier." She nods after. "But I do like your idea. Especially as it's a space that can be used for multiple events."

Esme stands up as if she's not covered in cupcake. She 'rights' the three chairs and pushes them delicately into the children's table as if that's where they are supposed to go and perfectly. Then she smiles in that radiate manner of hers. "Thank you for getting up. I should really go find a bathroom to.. get the cupcake off of me."

"What space is this?" Zoey asks, joining the group at the couch with a cup of peppermint tea in her hands.

After being somewhat distracted by the food fight, Sabella looks back to Wolfrum, expression rather serious despite her smile, "Then I owe you as much thanks as I gave to Lady Estil! Thank you so much for helping to save my husband from any further scars, although he is rather proud of the ones he's retained, I'm glad that he's here to show them off. So thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Yes, you chilled me to the very bone with fear," Rorik deadpans over to Thea before he looks back to Esme. Those big bushy brows collapse into a furrow as a frown sets on his lips. But he digs into a pocket and whips out what is probably a handkerchief or a //giant// napkin, holding it out like an olive branch. "You want me to show you the way?"

Kace Pokes her head in to see if this is the right room for the party. She see's a few familiar faces and a bunch she doesn't know so steps in assuming this is the right one.

"I've heard it said the story of a husband's scars are terrifying when they happen but comical in later years." Wulfrum offers to Sabella with a shake of his head at the multiple thank you's as if deferring then considers Niklas

Mikani smiles at Jules as she is still holding Emma. "Well he looks very content." She says as she invites Jules to come and sit by her. "Did he have a good day with you and Svana?" She asks curiously as she signals for some food to be brought to Jules.

Zoey sips her tea, looking a little bit distracted. When a new guest arrives she sets her cup aside and goes to greet Kace. "Welcome to Kennex Kay! Please do come in. We're mostly having dessert now, but there is dinner left as well as plenty to drink."

Thea lifts her gold-flecked green eyes to Rorik and smiles innocently,"Looks are decieving. We don't know eachother, but that's ok. There's time,"grabbing another glass of wine. She takes another drink and admits,"I should get home. I have a meeting with the Duchess. I'm going to be upgrading Southport's wall defenses and need to go over plans." Which makes her pause and look to Ian,"If you wanted to help, I would like your input and any of your brothers...if you have the time."

Esme grins. "I've been drunk here enough. I just have to squint to find it. I don't want to pull you from your family's dinner." She offers a wave to those couch bound and on seats. "In case it takes longer than I thought, I won't hug you, but thanks for this."

Kace looks for an empty seat finding one and taking it.

Kace has joined the Patterned plush couch set.

Evander and Carita have been exchanging quiet whispers, and once the former's finished his tea he rises, offering an arm to Carita. "I'm going to escort the Countess home," he says to those nearby, with a nod towards the small group gathered at the couches. "It was good to see you all. Family, and family to be."

Thea has left the the children's table.

After finishing his drink, with young Arcadia sleeping in his arms, Rysen rises from his seat. "Thank you very much for your hospitality, Lady Zoey," he says to the hostess. He bows his head to those remaining, and kisses his wife, before making his way home with the youngest of the twins.

Mikani takes Baby Lady Arcadia 'Dia' Crovane.

Rysen has left the the children's table.

Rorik lifts his shoulders in a shrug, flourishing a hand to his face with the wine and the cupcake and all that mess. "I might follow Porter and take a jump in the pool to wash off anyway," he throws up a hand to those on the couches. "Have a good evening. NIKLAS, I probably need to speak with you soon."

Evander has left the Patterned plush couch set.

Jaq, a solemn looking assistant, 2 Kennex corsairs leave, following Evander.

A little hand, like a zombie coming up from the grave, stretches out from the open side of the backpack. Jules meanwhile continues to talk on, "Oh, I do believe so! Hops came about for a bit for the bell, took a nap, I found some delightful little sweets for him to enjoy." He blathers on for a few more moments when the groan of the zombie comes out. Okay, it's nothing like a zombie but it is a little baby noise.

Zoey watches as Kace quietly walks past and finds a seat. She shrugs her shoulders and returns to the couch.

"I'd say you should build the largest ampitheater in the Compact, given how popular it is these days to build very, very large things for no reason. But it seems a bit silly to build an enormous theater at the ass end of the world." Niklas considers for a moment, then says, "Perhaps an enormous statue of the Kennex house founder. To replace the one that Elara knocked over."

Marchande, Junebug, the endearing and enthusiastic Graypeak Mountain Dog leave, following Rosalie.

Catalana hears a thud and a wail from upstairs before a familiar bossy voice shouts "I'm telling Daddy you threw a knife at me!" Catalana groans and excuses herself, "I should of known I'd end up with a mini Wash. Never a dull moment." She promises Wulfrum and Niklas, "I'll speak with you both on those things further. But excuse me while I save my son from my daughter."

emote finishes up a hearty meal (with Sir Floppington having helped, too) with dessert port/treats then stands up. "Thank you so much, Lady Zoey. This was an excellent dinner." She briefly bows her way as well as to Lord Ian, too.

Rowenova finishes up a hearty meal (with Sir Floppington having helped, too) with dessert port/treats then stands up. "Thank you so much, Lady Zoey. This was an excellent dinner." She briefly bows her way as well as to Lord Ian, too.

Rowenova has left the the grown up table.

Catalana has left the Patterned plush couch set.

2 Kennex corsairs, Jane leave, following Catalana.

Esme smoothes out her dress. SHe's not cake covered. YOU'RE CAKE COVERED. "You should jump in the pool or the snowbank." She indicates the door. "I mean, if you are going to go out. Then you can show me where the bathroom is."

Carita has left the Patterned plush couch set.

Rorik has left the the children's table.

Esme has left the the children's table.

Joy, the advisor of roses leaves, following Esme.

Esme leaves, following Rorik.

Joy, the advisor of roses arrives, following Esme.

Esme arrives, following Rorik.

Joy, the advisor of roses leaves, following Esme.

Esme leaves, following Rorik.

Nodding politely to Sabella "Princess Kace Redrain" as she turns to Zoey who sat back down "Thank you for the invite and sharing your home."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, your Highness," Zoey says to Kace with a nod. "Please make yourself at home."

As the party winds down and the guests depart, servants quietly begin cleanup efforts. Spilled wine and cake frosting are wiped away by mop and rag while glasses and plates disappear back into the kitchen.

Niklas looks Kace over and says, "Prince Niklas Grayson. Though we're here because I used to be a Lord Niklas Kennex. It was a sad day for the house when I left, so I have to stop in now and again to brighten everyone's day."

Kace says "Nice to meet you Niklas. One can never have too many bright days."

Wulfrum dips his head to Kace as she introduces herself to those near the patterned couchs. "Princess Kace, I am Lord Wulfrum Darkwater." then he finishes his rum and hands off the glass to a servant. "I wasn't expecting Kennex to have such a diverse crowd showing up."

Juliana has left the the grown up table.

"The members of this family have many friends," Zoey tells Wulfrum with a smile.