Princess Ailys, Prince Aiden, and Lord Edward are seated at a table. They arrived earlier and had taken to talking quietly amongst themselves while waiting for the events of the evening to begin.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice, Quiet, the Grayward champion leave, following Rook.

Ford enters the ballroom with a certain gift tucked under arm. He glances around, finding himself a table to sit before the things and stuff begin.

Ford has joined the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Ferrando troops in, not to just stand around and smile looking all guardy, but... up the stairs to the balcony he continues. Is he just a VIP guard today, or is he actually... judging?

Ferrando has joined the Balcony.

Desiree has joined the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Arcelia quietly makes her way into the ballroom and makes her way over to where Ford is seated. She joins him and Desiree.

Arcelia has joined the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Valery stays near the door, against a wall, looking hesitantly and curiously around, as unsure of what to do.

Desiree takes a long look around before making her way to a seat.

Ailys nods her head to her brother and she then smiles before she murmers to the table

The slight Whisper has put all sorts of effort into assuring the ballroom look fabulous. She has also set up 4 stations. One is home to furniture, one to several clsoed chests with servants by them, the toher two statios a just tables. The tiny Mailys assures her judges are all situated then she slants a look towards Niccolo to urge him to do the speaking thing. Mailys clearly has even who goes when for talking planned out and the Archduke is the first up."

There are looks of confusion coming from the Grayson table, so far, the trio continue to speak amongst themselves.

Niccolo has been present for a while, sitting at the judges table. In his hand he holds a goblet of wine and rises. "Welcome, everyone to tonight's event. These are very difficult times, no doubt of that. But we must take time to take care of ourselves, I'm often reminded by those close to me. It is true. So therefore today, enjoy yourselves, enjoy the event and enjoy the company of each other. Our judges for the night will be Mistress Nisaa Whisper, Master Ferrando Artiglio, Mistress Mailys Whisper, and myself." He looks at Mailys then, inclining his head to her.

Valery has joined the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Valery eventually moves closer to one of the tables, almost moving against the wall. And she mostly seems to do it more to stay our of the way than anything else.

Once Niccolo has done the welcome Mailys flashes a brilliant smile to everyone, "Welcome!" echoes Mailys of Niccolo, "Tonight we're going to have a tournament, not one that involves fighting but to show your social graces and impress your local Whispers and the Archduke. THe first event wil consist of looking good while moving furniture around. This is a little bit of a silly one but it is a nod of appreciation to our beloved Ferrando for all he does for the Whispers. Plus? I just enjoy watching people look good." Mailys is all about people looking good, "THe furniture is made to be purposefully light and smaller than normal." To the furniture area she indicates, "Since it is not about actually doing the labour of moving things but looking awesome doing it."

When her name is called, Nisaa lifts her hand, even that simple movement done with an artistic elegance. She smiles, then wiggles her fingers to those below that she knows; Aiden, Ford, and Edward, namely. She then listens to Mailys speak.

Ferrando waves amiably from the balcony. "Furniture moving is an excellent way to stay in shape and an important element of proper interior decoration. Even if our models aren't quite as weighty as the real thing please do remember, lift with your knees and not your back!"

A belated add of, "Also, everyone gets a set amount of points just for doing BUT your jduges get to give or take away points on their whim. It is for impressing those acting as your judges, after all." is done by Mailys.

Edward smiles to Nisaa and motions so the Prince will notice her greeting as well. He shifts in his seat slightly and then resumes the soft talk at the table.

From his table, Aiden looks up at the judges and catches the wave from Nisaa. He waves in return, an arm shooting up to acknowledge her. Between speaking to his table mates, he looks toward the hosts, listening absently between carried conversations on going at their table.

Ailys giggles a little "I will leave you two at it, I need to go.." she says "there was a shaman who I bandaged up that needs me to look at him." she smiles a bit and she stands from the table

Ailys has left the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Aiden smiles at Ailys and reaches out to her, as he stands as well, "Be well sister." Then his eyes travel to Edward, "Only one way to see if you can be groomed, as my sister said." A nod toward the sign up sheet, his mild tone edged with a friendly challenge.

2 Grayson Guardsmen, Max, an emperor tamarin, Rosalee, The Champion leave, following Ailys.

Edward smiles to those at his table and a particular look at Valery for a moment before he rises and quietly makes his way towards the exit.

Edward has left the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Valery blinks and raises a hand to wave in farewell to Edward, before looking at Aiden.

After giving plenty of time for people to sign up she gives an indication to the contestants to join the furniture area, "Start your furniture movign and arranging, ladies and gentlemen (+roll strength + performance). Remember, we're more about looking good than actual feats of strength." Mailys beams then settles back to wait for everyone to do their thing.

Aiden checked strength + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 13, 2 lower than the difficulty.

Ford rises from his seat to go get his furniture moving on. "Hold this for me will you?" He sets his bottle of Mango Vodka on the table and makes his way over to the stuff the needs moved.

Desiree checked strength + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 15, 0 higher than the difficulty.

Ford checked strength + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 42, 27 higher than the difficulty.

Arcelia checked strength + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

"Make it stylish," Niccolo suggests to those participating. "Grab our attention. Make me care about what you're doing to that poor table," he points out, almost serious. There is perhaps a touch of a smile on his features, but that is hidden as he drinks from his goblet. "A sad story is sometimes as good as a a happy one," he muses.

Ford regards the furniture, and starts moving and arranging. Getting his fung shui on. This goes here, that goes there. No no no. The table must be slightly off center to the couch to be within reach of the armchair. Mmmhm.

Aiden has left the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Desiree isn't exactly the type to move furniture, but she's willing to try. She picks up what she can of it and tries to choose just the perfect place. She does try to seem cheerful while she moves the furniture, but she seems more focused on where things go than the actual point of looking good.

Mailys puts Of Mixtures Obscura Perfume Voucher - Cheap Perfume in a velvet drawstring pouch slipped over the wrist.

Mailys gets Of Mixtures Obscura Perfume Voucher - Perfume from a velvet drawstring pouch slipped over the wrist.

3 Culler Lackeys, Serenade, a lovely nightingale arrive, following Calandra.

Arcelia doesn't look entirely certain about this task but she rises from her seat and goes to start doing her best to move furnature while looking beautiful. She looks up at Ferrando though, giving the man a knowing look as she lets her vivid blue eyes scan the setting. She places her hands gently on the table, that piece of furnature might as well be someone she really cares about for how gently she settles her fingers onto the piece. She lets her fingers move over the edges like she cares for it and is confirming with the table that it is okay with being moved. Then she slowly pushes the table one direction before gently spinning herself around, dress fluttering around her, and pulling it in another. She doesn't smile, rather that table has her full attention like in that moment it means the world to her.

Ford takes a pause, sitting in all the furniture supplied to get a good feel for the arrangement. After his tour of the seats. He adjusts and moves more, until it's one of the most cozy seating arrangements ever. And there aren't even any walls. It just BLEEDS homeyness.

Mailys gives a grin at Niccolo's words, "Remember, it is an Archduke as well as us Whispers you are trying to impress."

Aiden checked command + diplomacy against difficulty 15, resulting in 41, 26 higher than the difficulty.

3 Culler Lackeys have been dismissed.

Calandra slips quietly into the event, having a gentle half smile and bright dark eyes.

Aiden departs from the table he was sitting at, after trying to encourage the woman who sat down at the table to join him, hand extended gets left hanging and he opts to move over to an available station where furniture can be... arranged. He rolls up his sleeves and then plants his hands on his hips, getting a good scope out for what the competition is doing exactly, with a near dear in the headlights blink. He bumps one of the chairs with his toe, testing the movability of the chair over say a couch or a table. Pivoting around, he crooks a finger at his grayson guard, with a boyish and most foppish of commands, effective as it might be: "Could you be so kind as to move the furniture around? Most of it is too heavy for me. If you can just grab that couch and set it over there? I can get the chair." The grayson guard gives Aiden a pecuilar look but does it all the same, "Thank you Jazlan! You know, cousin Barric was right about you! Hard worker, excellent companion." And he does his thing where he one arm sweeps over the chair and drags it across to a new point because, Aiden is no designer, he just plops it a few feet where it had once been.

A snicker escapes Mailys as she watches the arranging happen. Her hands move to clasp behind her, "Judges?" she questions of her companions, likely letting them do their thoughts before she does hers.

Ford has taken to lounging in his arrangement while he waits for the decision.

Nisaa makes some notes on a little score card, which, will be interesting for anyone to read, as it is at the moment half in Eurusi and half Arvani. She looks up to make sure all have competed. "I appreciative all shows. Mostly took enjoyment in way Lady," she gestures to Arcelia, "cared for table, like I tell judges, like Whisper takes care of Patron. Pay attention to wants, needs, not just own thought." She smiles and says, "but Prince Aiden saw obsta... urrr.. obstak..." She pauses. "Challenge, and took initiative to address." She nods with a smile, lifting her hands to clap for them all.

Niccolo speaks quietly at the judges table, looking between the participants. He turns his attention back to the other judges.

"Very well, we have the results," Niccolo says, reading off a parchment. "First place for this round goes to Lady Arcelia. Second place, Prince Aiden. Third place, Lord Ford and finally Lady Desiree." He sets down the parchment and claps. "Well done everyone," he looks over to Mailys.

After Niccolo has announced the placings Mailys has a Whisper House servant bring the first and second place prizes to the winners. "For the second event you are looking to impress with your fashion sense. Us whispers take great pride in looking good and helping people look good." To the station that has the chest she indicates, "OVer there you've got a chest with a felt hat, a few bolts of silk, a necklace, and a couple pairs of shoes (male and female basically). The colors are terrible and the jewels are cheap but you've got a ball to go to and these are all you have to work with. You're dressing to impress. IF you can wow us divas that are known as Whispers with these items you'll surely be able to impress the world (perception + etiquette)

Ford looks positively flabbergasted. He rises from his seat that, he arranged rather well, "So wait a minute. It was a challenge of looking good while applying strength, and someone who told someone -else- to do it for him gets second place!?"

Calandra draws her slender hands together, clapping when the winers are announced.

"He used his know how, perhaps not int he way expected but he impressed the judges." Mailys flashes a brilliant grin at Ford and blows him a kiss, "You can grumble at me later. I left the decisions up to the judges on what impressed them."

Aiden draped a leg over the couch arm as he had sat on it while waiting for the deliberations from the judges, wiping his brow with a cloth from a pocket, looking proudly upon his helper. Looking up toward the judges on the balcony to hear their announcement, Aiden makes a little bow and then slips off the arm of the couch, to clap his guard, Jazlan, on the shoulder, "Good work, see. They were very impressed at how you helped me." He looks over toward the next event as it's outlined, snickering behind a bent wrist, "Oh my. How am I going to pass this one?" Jazlan mutters something that makes Aiden thwap him lightly on the arm, then he moves toward the indicated chests.

Arcelia gives a graceful and polite curtsy and thanks the servant when she is handed over the price. She hands the price to her guard to hold while she listens on to the next part of the tournament. She looks to Ford and then Aiden briefly but she then gives Mailys her full attention.

1 Saik Guard arrives, following Estaban.

Aiden checked perception + etiquette against difficulty 15, resulting in 19, 4 higher than the difficulty.

Desiree claps politely for the others. She's obviously not bothered by being last. Instead she seems eager for the next challenge.

Desiree checked perception + etiquette against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Valery looks up and claps her hands too, lightly and kinda shyly.

Arcelia checked perception + etiquette against difficulty 15, resulting in 16, 1 higher than the difficulty.

Ford checked perception + etiquette against difficulty 15, resulting in 19, 4 higher than the difficulty.

Nisaa applauds again, her delicate hands coming together to create the sound. When Mailys speaks about Whispers looking good, she gives a very brief self conscious look to her dress. it is nice enough, but surely does not seem to fit the exotic woman in style.

"Nothing personal my friend," Niccolo says to Ford, with a touch of fondness in his voice. "You often do impress me, worry not," he assures the man that he trained himself back when he was younger. He stares a little at the items to be used for the next event. "Well then, this will be interesting. I have a distinct lack of fashion sense," he admits out loud and rubs his chin.

Calandra quietly slips out, trying to draw as little attention to her leaving as possible. She does have a gentle smile for anyone who does look her way.

"You are most impressive in your every day person," Nisaa says to Ford with a smile. "You have more chances yet this eve."

Ford lowers his brow into a near scowl as he takes the bits and bobs from the chest. It takes some time to sort through the gawdy colors and shoddy jewels. After a moment he gestures to one of the servants and asks the man to go get him a mannequin. They're in whisper house. There's bound to be at least ONE nearby. When it's finally brought out to him, Ford begins using a particularly garrish color bolt of silk, garrish colors get garrish fashion. With some working, Ford wraps the silk around the mannequin in a way that creates a sort of....high fashion ice cream cone style dress. Jewels afixed to the hat like the ice cream and sprinkles. A belt is applied to add a break so it's not just a constant line down to the knee. It's not the -most- amazing dress in the world, but.. Lady Gaga would probably wear it. So that's something.

Aiden stepped lightly over toward one of the dressing stations that housed the terrible colors. He reaches for a bolt of muddy orange silk that was out of fashion, one that looked bold against his dark complexion. Then he pairs it with a too vibrant azure that by itself would be too brilliant for the eyes to want to hold to. That he layers it with the muddy orange contrasts it to warm the orange and dull the blue. He layers the silks to come long enough over his frame to settle like a robe, sinching it around the waist with a twist knot of both colors, as if it were a toga. The felt top hat he takes and wraps one of those azure pieces around the rim, to give it a color, and uses the necklace as a broach piece, twisting the chain around it so it settles at the rim of the hat and keeps the silk in place, a tail of it draping off behind the back of it. The shoes he picks, require him to shuck off his boots, trading them in for flat loafers which he makes a gaudy addition by pinning a few smaller jeweled broaches to, of hues to sparkle along with his contrasting silks. Doffing the hat upon his curly hair, he does a familiar twist of checking out how he looks prior to pivoting so he can walk with a facade of confidence, lifting the felt top hat off his head to bow his head and present, before he straightens and reclaims the roost for the hat on his head.

Arriving a bit late the man in armor stands in the door looking around. Estabans ocean blue eyes look over the room and his helm is held under his harm, his other hand rests on the hilt of his sword. Attached to the shoulders of his armor is his cloak and at the right shoulder is a badge with the Icon of th Iron Guard, he does not move fully into the room just yet but instead watches for the moment.

Valery checked dexterity + stealth against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Ferrando peers a little over the edge of the balcony, apparently to try and reassure himself that Aiden in fact actually is wearing what he appears to be wearing.

Valery has been looking at the contest, curiously and almost amazed by all the stuff happening. But she is blinking her tired eyes more and more as time passes and she has to hide a yawn with her hand. She eventually stands up, as quietly as she can, and she starts moving to the door trying to interrupt the event as little as possible.

Nisaa watches both Ford and Aiden work with the items supplied to create their fashion choices. Her verdigris eyes are alight with curiosity, though the then settle on Estaban, the late arrival to the ballroom.

Aiden is certainly wearing an orange and blue toga with a felt top hat that has a streaming blue silken tail fluttering behind him. This is why Princes don't dress themselves, usually!

Desiree goes straight for the chest and sees what's there. She reaches for the hat right away. She nods approvingly while looking at what else there is. She almost looks like she actually likes what's available. She takes the boldest colors of what's available. Of course she has to wear her unique outfit, so she takes the time to put on everything just so like she'd like it. She puts the hat on last because she needs the hat. Once she's finished she stands with confidence in her unusual outfit that you can't help but notice.

This was perhaps not the Saik's strong point but that did not stop Lady Arcelia from doing her best to impress the judges. She takes a deep breath and lets a smile slip onto her face. Without further hesitation she heads over to her chest and begins to look through it. After some consideration she grabs some burnt orange silk and begins to spin it and twist it together with a horrible green bolt of silk. In the end she has a string of twisted orange and green fabric. She carefully wraps the twisted silk around herself. At the top she lets the two colors of silk separate and lets one color cover one side of her chest and the other color the other. She ties the fabric in a halter around her neck. Then she reaches down and pulls the fabric so that it would cover her lower assets before making a tied off train with the remainder of the silk. She quickly then uses the necklace and the hairpins holding her hair in place today and fashions a jeweled hair piece from the necklace. She does not bother with shoes, she leaves her feet bare. She was from the Lycene after all, who said you needed a lot of clothing to look great? In her twisted fabric gown, Arcelia steps forward with a touch of confidence on her face and gives a slow spin.

Valery has left the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Boots, Chip, a small mouse leave, following Valery.

Ford is still working on his. Putting pins in places to to cinch the waist tighter. Like he's actually expecting this dress to be worn. He even takes the absurdly high cone-like collar and folds it in on itself, making it slightly shorter and giving it some thickness.

I got more green than I thought." observes Mailys with a laugh at herself. Then she beams, "You all have done excellent work with what you've been provided with." Towards the judges she looks, "And my amazing judges?" Never mind that she is one as well.

Nisaa hums a song of some sort as she watches the contestants. "Lady." she says, gesturing to Arcelia, "seems to like what is offered, though Lady," gesturing to Desiree, clearly never meeting either of them, "seems very confident. Prince Aiden seems very comfortable, and Marquis Ford... very creative. I am not sure what it is, but creative."

Ferrando scribbles his scores on a small message paper and passes it along. "Hats!" he declares brightly. "Always an underappreciated accessory. It's all about the hats."

Estaban moves to find himself a seat to watch whats going on, placing his helm down near him close enough just in case he had to run he watches everyone start to do their thing. He spots Arcelia with a smile that comes to his face he watches her create her clothing, he looks between them all and when Nisaa speaks he looks in her direction realizing she had been looking to him. He still smiles looking then back to Arcelia and the others creative statments of fashion.

"For this round, the winners are Lord Ford, tie for second place for Prince Aiden and Lady Desiree and finally on third place, Lady Arcelia," Niccolo reports, drinking from his goblet.

"Since I foolishly did not plan for a tie.. We'll have a tie breaker. What it is will be decided by.." Mailys pauses then beams, "Lord Estaban." She saw him arrive even if she did not say anything with the whole judging and all.

Is still in the process of refining his monstrosity. Apparently he intends to make it actually wearable for -someone-. But when his name is called, Ford looks up to the balcony and dips his head, "Many thanks, Judges."

Mailys gets Of Mixtures Obscura Perfume Voucher - Perfume from a velvet drawstring pouch slipped over the wrist.

Mailys gets Of Mixtures Obscura Perfume Voucher - Cheap Perfume from a velvet drawstring pouch slipped over the wrist.

Aiden looks unabashed by being called out as secondary once again. The Prince is a natural born second, it is the way of things! He dips his head for the measure of a tie, looking toward the one called Lord Estaban who is to break the tie. He spins in his muddy orange and bright azure blue toga, doffing his hand yet again, with the silken ribbon tail fluttering as he inclines his head to the late comer judge, awaiting how the tie breaker would be decided.

While Arcelia did not win this round, she has much the same response as she did in the round she did win. She graciously curtsies before she moves back over to remove the items she is wearing and stores them politely back in their proper place. She does not look discouraged at all, her usual smile lighting her face and her posture full of confidence. She moves politely out of the way for the tie breaker and looks to her brother, Lord Estaban, to see what it is he says.

Mailys has a house servant once again bring the prizes to the proper people. Well, Ford's anyways. She holds second until Estaban gives his decision on a tiebreaker.

"Misstress Mailys." he smiles looking to her when she calls on his name, standing up he looks to Arcelia then back to Mailys. "I would say a dance, the two who tied should dance with our Winner Marquis Ford and our Third place Lady Arcelia and see who can partner dance better." he looks to the others then to Arcelia his eyes twinkle and a grin spreads across the young saiks face. He watches her for a moment then looks back up to Mailys.

{A nod is given to Estaban at his suggestion, "THere you have it, ladies and gentleman. A quick dance off to determine who takes second (+roll dexterity + performance). You have 30 seconds to impress us. IF your partner doesn't do well you need to compensate for them (I totally encourage Arcelia and Ford to purposefully dance bad. Even if Mai would not :P)"

A nod is given to Estaban at his suggestion, "THere you have it, ladies and gentleman. A quick dance off to determine who takes second (+roll dexterity + performance). You have 30 seconds to impress us. IF your partner doesn't do well you need to compensate for them (I totally encourage Arcelia and Ford to purposefully dance bad. Even if Mai would not :P)"

Nisaa applauds Estaban's suggestion, calling out in her heavily accented words, "Marv... Mar.. That is wonderful idea." She nods, looking to the contestants. Aside to Mailys, she says, "I know not armed man, but he seems brilliant."

Ford holds his hand out to Desiree with a laugh, "Shall we, my lady?"

Desiree takes Ford's hand. "I'd be honored to, my lord."

Desiree checked dexterity + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Ford checked dexterity + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 11, 4 lower than the difficulty.

Aiden checked dexterity + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 14, 1 lower than the difficulty.

Ford makes a concerted effort to dance off beat apparently.

Arcelia checked dexterity + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 39, 24 higher than the difficulty.

Dancing? Aiden becomes the awkward Grayson that he is when it comes to dancing. It means getting close to a dance partner! He actually doesn't approach Arcelia with any grace and honestly she might have to approach him. When it happens, he'll have a good gap between himself and her, arms extended way way way out, like one would expect from a younger teen.

Nisaa checked charm + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 49, 34 higher than the difficulty.

Arcelia looks over at Estaban and laughs softly but nods in approval before she steps forward once again so that she can offer herself up as a dance partner to Aiden. She curtsies to the Prince and offers him a warm smile. "Your Highness." She offers her hand out to him and offers him a reassuring smile. "I would be honored to be your dance partner this evening if you would have me?"

Nisaa looks to Ferrando, then nods, for whatever reason, she begins to sing. There is no music, save for her voice, sung in Eurusi. The melody is soft and lilting, easy to dance to, even if the words are not understood.

Arcelia checked charm + etiquette against difficulty 15, resulting in 25, 10 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo watches as the stances take place. There might not be music, but the archduke taps on the table with his fingers. Tap, tap, tap, creating a bit of a rhythm with them. Those dark brown eyes study the dances, watching their every move with the expression of well, a judge.

Desiree has no problem keeping up with the beat, but she doesn't bother to correct her partner. Instead she smiles as she looks to Ford. "Let's have a little fun." She grins as she twirls around.

Nisaa continues to sing for the dancers, whether they choose to dance to the rhythm of her song or not. Her voice is loud enough to be heard, though, not intrusive if others found it offensive.

Aiden nods quickly and curtly, as if he was feeling some anxiety at having to dance, before an audience. "Yes, thank you... uhm... Lady Arcelia... was it?" Not that her charm will really help the awkwardness of the Prince. He's not a good dancer because it requires being comfortable with getting close to someone else and he continues to box hold her, or whatever they do.

Ford may have started out dancing poorly, but when Desiree showed that she could, and wanted to have fun, he picked up his pace and started dancing like a human. Also to have fun because that's kinda the point

Ford checked dexterity + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 13, 2 lower than the difficulty.

Ford checked dexterity + performance against difficulty 15, resulting in 26, 11 higher than the difficulty.

Arcelia kept her eyes on Aiden and offered the man a warm and kind smile. "Yes, it is Lady Arcelia. It is nice to meet you Prince Aiden." She gently tries to guide a hand to her hip and takes the other one. She is more than happy to be here doing this, in fact she seems to be at peace and quite passionate about dancing. She lets Aiden lead the dance but she also does her best to support the dance and make Aiden look good. She is a lovely dancer and a pretty lady and in that moment she was all about the dance and helping Aiden through it.

LAdy Desiree has taken second with her dancing skills. Despite, apparently, Lord Ford's best efforts to make it impossible." says Mailys, a little note of teasing towards the lord she is failar with. She beams, "We are now going to play a game of flattery. You need to woo your judges. You're trying to win our hearts with your words alone. Flattery is one of the strongest weapons in a Whispers arsenal, after all. We can flatter even the least appealing people and mean it. Lets see how you guys do with this." says MAilys. (+roll charm + seduction)

familair*

After Mailys' words, Niccolo gives everyone dubious looks. He lifts a brow and drinks from that goblet he's been drinking from for a while now. He looks from participant to participant, waiting.

Ford checked charm + seduction against difficulty 15, resulting in 5, 10 lower than the difficulty.

Aiden checked charm + seduction against difficulty 15, resulting in 10, 5 lower than the difficulty.

Ferrando has left the Balcony.

Arcelia checked charm + seduction against difficulty 15, resulting in 48, 33 higher than the difficulty.

Desiree checked charm + seduction against difficulty 15, resulting in 20, 5 higher than the difficulty.

Estaban smiles sitting back down watching his sister and the others dance, heleans back in h is seat enjoying watching them. Then he looks over as the new challange has been called and he blinks looking around then leans back into his seat. He remains silent for the moment this one may not be for him, nope he lets his sister have the fun for the moment and just grins.

The dance doesn't have to last forever and he breaks away from Arcelia at his earliest opportunity. "Thank you... for uhm, helping..." And then he shifts away, still in orange and blues, toward the tables and doesn't look quiet so eager to charm in the judges for the third event. In fact, he doesn't look to be having so much fun anymore.

Nisaa giggles a little at the way Niccolo looks at everyone. She herself gives them a smile, settling her clasped hands in her lap to see what they have in store for her and the other judges.

The dance doesn't have to last forever and Aiden* breaks away from Arcelia at his earliest opportunity. "Thank you... for uhm, helping..." And then he shifts away, still in orange and blues, toward the tables and doesn't look quiet so eager to charm in the judges for the third event. In fact, he doesn't look to be having so much fun anymore.

Desiree smiles as she looks to the judges. "This has been quite the exciting event, and I'm glad I got to participate. You've all been the absolute best judges. Everything has been so creative and fun, but I think I'm going to be going." She looks to the others competing. "Good luck!"

Mailys gets Of Mixtures Obscura Perfume Voucher - Cheap Perfume from a velvet drawstring pouch slipped over the wrist.

Mailys gets Of Mixtures Obscura Perfume Voucher - Perfume from a velvet drawstring pouch slipped over the wrist.

Ford checked dexterity + all against difficulty -81, resulting in 28, 109 higher than the difficulty.

Ford checked dexterity + all against difficulty -81, resulting in 17, 98 higher than the difficulty.

Dash the Guard Corgi arrives, delivering a message to Aiden before departing.

Desiree has left the Round guest table draped in lace and silk.

Ford clears his throat, looking up at the balcony. One might think he would set his sights on Nisaa or Mailys for the seduction. But no. Not today. Ford walks back to his table and grabs his set of AWARD WINNING(tyvm) Mango Vodka and returns to his spot looking up at the balcony, "Archduke Niccolo." He says, lobbing one bottle up, "Compliments of your friends at House Kennex." Then the next bottle, "Nisaa, because you enjoyed the pineapple, you'll certainly love this." Then with a grin, the third bottle gets tossed up to Mailys, "Because you have witnesses of me giving this one to you."

Mailys laughs at Ford's words and opens the bottle to tilt back a swig, "You already woed me this so it has no effect on my judgement. I'll need more than just this for you to woo me." Given the affectionate teasing she does to Ford she is likely fond of him as it is.

Nisaa takes the bottle from Ford and smiles at him. "Thank you, Marquis Ford." She dips her head to him and looks at the bottle in hand. "I am sure that I will enjoy it." Even if she doesn't remember having Pineapple before, she smiles as if she does, charmingly so.

Arcelia gives a last spin and ends in a curtsy to Aiden, even as he walks away from her. "Thank you for the dance Your Highness." She gives him another warm smile and looks up at him, as he goes, with her vibrant blue eyes before she rises from the curtsy and pays attention to Mailys again. The fact that he walked away quickly from her doesn't seem to bother her in the least. She takes it in stride.

After Arcelia takes a quick couple of seconds to gracefully move over towards the judges. She very politely offers them all a smile and patiently lets the others speak with the judges first but her eyes try to meet the eyes of all four judges and she offers them warm smiles, an attempt to let them all know that they have her attention and they are the most important people in this room. When she has the chance it is her turn to speak. "Archduke Niccolo, I am honored once again to be in your presence again." She politely curtsies to him. "Mistress Mailys, it has been a while. I am glad to see you this evening." She nods her head respectfully to her and then looks finally to Nisaa. "Mistress Nisaa, it is lovely to meet you."

"I wanted to take a moment and thank you all very much for the time you have put into tonights gathering." Her eyes continue to look over the judges as she speaks, her attention equally divided among them. "I think it is a rare treat during a siege to be able to gather ourselves here today and create a semblance of normality. You are all very wise and I am thankful for your fair judgements tonight. I look forward to the rest of my evening among you and I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as much as I have been enjoying myself this evening."

With that Arcelia takes a step back and curtsies once again. With a bright smile she rises and moves back, looking at Ford and chuckling a bit. This was all in good fun afterall! She is quiet after that, giving the judges the floor once again.

Nisaa looks to Aiden at the table and asks him in her honeyed accent, "won't you try to woo us, Prince AIden?"

Dulcinea enters far more than fashionably late. She approaches Niccolo to drop a low curtsy. "Dulcinea Telmar, my lord, forgive me for barely attending. I did so wish to be here earlier, but there was an unavoidable delay. Thank you for providing this welcome respite from our woes." She looks about. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting Whisper Mailys."

Aiden turns toward the judges after Arcelia's grand speech and the bribes from Ford. Aiden's taken off the top hat and the garish silks and taken a messenger while the others have done their thing. Once he has a moment, he walks at least to a point that he can spot the judges. Nisaa's comment warms his cheeks and he admits upward, in a shy and most laconic way the Grayson can muster, "Judges, hostess, friends, thank you for the games." He tips his head, fidgeting with all the attention.

Arcelia's eyes look back to Aiden, she looks worried for the Prince but she remains silent for now.

Nisaa gives Aiden a reassuring smile and a nod. "Thank you, Prince Aiden, for attending. I am quite happy to see you take part."

"Well Marquis, that is definitely a good start," Niccolo admires the bottle and sets it down on the table. He gives Ford an approving nod. "It seems you remember your lessons well," he says and looks to Arcelia. He studies her thoughtfully. "It is precisely what we were aiming for. There is a siege, and these are troubled times, but the people can use a dose of normal life, to remind them what we are fighting for." And then there's Aiden and at his words, the archduke can't help but smile. It's a genuine smile at that. "The truth is, I've never been one to enjoy pointless flattery aimed at me," he admits. "So I appreciate that none of you truly engaged in that," he notes. "I in turn thank you all for being a good sport. For being part of this and for helping me remind people that we do have a life to look forward, something to fight for." He includes Dulcinea in his words, with a look her way and offers a wave, dismissing the apology, "You're here now, that's what matters."

Dulcinea bows her head to Niccolo. "Thank you, my lord. That's very kind." She looks again about the ballroom, flashing Ford a brief smile of recognition.

Ford dips his head in Dulcie's direction, giving her a smile and a wink.

Estaban looks over at Aiden watching him for a long moment then looking to Arcelia and back to the judges, when Dulcinea comes in he watches the woman for a moment then looks back up to the judge's. Estaban watches and listens taking mental note of things and seeming to be having a good time there is a smile on his face, the young man is dressed in Iron Guard armor and watches the contests.

Renault, a floofy persian cat arrives, delivering a message to Mailys before departing.

Dulcineas eyes widen and she swallows a laugh, obviously shocked -- or impressed -- with Ford's cheek. Otherwise, she's silent, trying to get the gist of the game... in progress. Or ending. Or... something.

Niccolo dips his head when he looks at a parchment. He lifts a brow, curious but goes on to announce the results. "And the winners are, Lady Arcelia first place, Marquis Ford second place and Prince Aiden third place," the archduke shares. "Well done everyone."

Renault, a floofy persian cat arrives, delivering a message to Nisaa before departing.

Dulcinea applauds for the winners. Well done, everyone... whatever it is you did.

Once again Arcelia curtsies to Niccolo and nods respectfully to Nissa and Mailys. She lets a smile slip onto her face, enough to show appreciation but she remains gracious about it. She quietly waits to see if the judges have anything else to say, her attention remaining on them for now.

"And the final event I have is all about keeping your cool and not offending anyone no matter the situation you are thrown into. For this case you are beign put in the most dangerous, politically, situations. You are negotisting a treaty with someone who is the enemy of your leige. You do something to offend the person you could make the stife worse. However, if you do not meet the expectatioons of your leige things will go from bad to worse." This is all said by Mailys after Niccolo announces the winners and the prizes go where they need too. Dulcinea is noted too, "You're welcome to join int he last round if you wish." (+roll charm + diplomacy)

Dulcinea flashes Mailys a warm smile. "How kind of you. Thank you. I think I shall. Nothing like starting a little war to end the evening."

Ford checked charm + diplomacy against difficulty 15, resulting in 19, 4 higher than the difficulty.

Estaban calps his hands for Arcelia as they call her for first place, pleased for his sister he shows it so all can see. He looks to Arcelia for to see if she does this one as well, he leans forward in his seat a bit to see what everyone does.

Dulcinea checked charm + diplomacy against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.

Arcelia checked charm + diplomacy against difficulty 15, resulting in 64, 49 higher than the difficulty.

Aiden checked charm + diplomacy against difficulty 15, resulting in 10, 5 lower than the difficulty.

"I'd like to start by saying, your grace.." Ford starts, mid-stream of consciousness, "Not only was it -not- me that slept with your daughter, I wasn't even in the gates of the ward. I'd even go so far as to say that I was sleeping with someone who wasn't your daughter. You can as her. From what I understand she had a rather spectacular time. Anyway, that's beside the point, my point is that if you intend on escalating on a misunderstanding, you'll be going to war over something false. A falsehood that many people already know is false. Do you truly wish to start a war knowing you will be seen as an overly emotional and brash lord who doesn't check his facts? I wouldn't."

Nisaa puts a hand over her lips and tries to supress a giggle.

Aiden looks over at Ford and blinks at the other man. He looks back with a blink toward the judges description of what they're to do. There's confusion on his face and he really stands there tongue tied and an 'I don't get it' expression written on his face.

Mailys gets Of Mixtures Obscura Perfume Voucher - Perfume from a velvet drawstring pouch slipped over the wrist.

Dulcinea takes a seat across the table from her invisible mark. "Thank you so much for coming, your grace. It makes you so much the better man, considering the insult you've suffered -- oh, I /have/ heard. Please, my sympathies /must/ remain between you and I. My liege would never forgive me, but I cannot tell you how much I admire your forbearance. Tea?" She 'pours.' "I heard your daughter recently made a splendid match! I'm so glad for you. The trade dividends are an absolute coup..." She laughs. "Tea? Me. Well, I occasionally have a little tea in my brandy. While Lourche fetches it, shall we talk business? I hate to do so, when we're getting on so well, but I believe we can continue this bonhomie when we look at the trade routes. You see where my liege's interests and your soon-to-be son-in-law's interect... with a peace between us, this could be immensely profitable..."

Mailys gets Of Mixtures Obscura Perfume Voucher - Cheap Perfume from a velvet drawstring pouch slipped over the wrist.

1 Saik Guard have been dismissed.

Arcelia listens to Ford and her eyes twinkle in amusement. He would. She then waits for Dulcinea to finish speaking, she is in no rush, this was not a game of speed. She looks to the judges when it is her turn and slips into her given role. She begins with a respectful curtsy as if she has just approached for the first time. When she rises she folds both hands over her stomach to keep them from fidgeting and lets a gentle but respectfully serious look settle onto her face. "Your Grace, Mistresses, it is an honor to speak with you all again. I hope you will forgive Marquis Ford, his reputation clearly proceeds him but it is my experience that he is not the malicious sort. I can vouch for his location and honestly say that he has in fact was nowhere near the Lady in question as he claims."

Arcelia was playing off of the others, using the material provided by them and the judges to get her own diplomatic point across. "In such difficult times I think that we all need a little bit of affection and understanding. Perhaps you would allow me to assist you in getting to the bottom of this problem though? If one of ours has offended your House I would be more than grateful to lead an investigation and see to it that any wrong is set right. Once the issues at hand are laid to rest perhaps we can speak on the business my mentor has sent me here on?" She pauses and then with a warm smile adds. "And I would love to hear more about your daughter's present affairs. I hear that you have approved a fine match for her her?"

Ford dips his head towards Arcelia, "Thank you, my lady."

Nisaa watches and listens to all that plead their cases, giving a sympathetic look to Prince Aiden. When Arcelia finishes, she turns to the other judges, speaking softly.

Something occurs with Aiden Grayson and it might be the political end of things or the hypothetical end of it. With a shake of his head, he heads for the door.

1 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Aiden.

Arceila's eyes watch Aiden as he leaves and again she looks concerned but for the time being she remains in her place, respectful of the time being given by the Archduke and Whispers.

Dulcinea taps her closed fan gently against pursed lips as she watches the Grayson prince depart. There's a faint frown between her brows. Hm. Well. Her thoughts on the man's retreat seem to be dismissed quickly enough. She calls merrily over to the judges, "If I don't win, I'm poisoning our theoretical enemy's tea." She considers. "I probably should have done that in the first place. Problem solved. Less sucking up."

Niccolo inclines his head to Mailys. "And the results are, Lady Arcelia takes first place, Lady Dulcinea second, Marquis Ford takes third... he was a favorite of mine, I almost wanted to poison him," the archduke says this deadpan, "And Prince Aiden fourth."

Ford laughs and puts his hand to his chest, dipping his head to Niccolo, "You're too kind."

Arcelia places a hand over her mouth and muffles her own giggle when Niccolo says he almost wanted to poison Ford himself. Once she has that out she curtsies again to the Archduke and offers the Whispers each a thankful nod. Once more she stands quietly and waits to see what else might be said.

Dulcinea laughs, smiling as Mailys gives her prize. "My lord. Madame. My thanks. We have all avoided war! And who knew it could be done with a convoluted disclaimer about where a cock hasn't been!"

As usual Mailys sends off servant with prizes to go to the appropriate people. Once that is done Mailys flashes a brilliant beam, "THat concludes the tournament. Everyone did an excellent job." praises the little Courtesan. "I hope it was enjoyable, even if it was a bit on the long side. I would like to thank my judges for doing their part excellently. Archduke Niccolo for stepping up to host with me when I asked him. He is a good archduke." Another beam is given to everyone, "The Archduke has decided to give 10,000 silver to charity to support the aid in assuring people stay on their feet. THe Whisper House has agreed to match his donation with one of their own to the charity the Archduke decides on."

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

Arcelia is overheard praising Mailys for: For putting together the Social Tournament and being a gracious host!

Arcelia is overheard praising Niccolo for: For helping put together the Social Tournament with Mailys Brooks(Whisper) and being a fair judge.

Arcelia is overheard praising Nisaa for: For helping Mailys Brooks(Whisper) and ArchDuke Niccolo Velenosa put on the Social Tournament and for being a fair judge.

"And thank you, Mistress Mailys for putting this together," Niccolo tells Mailys and turns to the other judges. "And to my fellow judges, as well as those participating and watching," he says to Nisaa and then the rest of the group. "I hope you all had a good time and that you go home with a reminder of what is that we're fighting for."

Niccolo is overheard praising Mailys for: For helping to bring a smile to the people.

Niccolo is overheard praising Nisaa for: For being a great fellow judge.

Niccolo is overheard praising Ferrando for: For being a great fellow judge.

Mailys is overheard praising Niccolo for: Archduke Niccolo for stepping up to host with me when I asked him. He is a good archduke.

Nisaa is overheard praising Mailys for: A stunning Whisper who put on a stunning event.

Mailys is overheard praising Nisaa for: For being a judge right to the end!

Nisaa is overheard praising Niccolo for: A pleasure to meet, and to judge with. Generous to charity.

Dulcinea is overheard praising Niccolo for: For donating so generously to charity and co-hosting a delightful evening.

Arcelia is overheard praising Ferrando for: For helping Mailys Brooks(Whisper) and ArchDuke Niccolo Velenosa put on the Social Tournament and for being a fair judge.

Dulcinea is overheard praising Mailys for: Co-hosting a delightful event and being part of the Whisper House's generosity, matching Duke Niccolo's donation.

Arceila offers the judges a warm smile and nods her head. "Thank you again for hosting the event. It was nice to be able to test my skills today. It is something that with the siege going on I have had little opportunity to do." She sincerely looks like she appreciates the opportunity given. "Thank you all for being fair judges and gracious hosts this evening."

Dulcinea makes her way over to Nisaa, smiling. "I do adore your jewelry! Gemecittan quartz is such a lovely stone. Are they Joscelin's work?"