Isolde smiles warmly at the others that arrive, nodding the them with a warm expression, though the Redrain barbarian approaches and she gives him a sardonic look. "Well, well, well... look what the rabble dragged in." She grins, utterly bratty and sassy, and casually loops her arm with his. "A joyous day in the midst of chaos and horror. It will be good for everyone around, i think." She waves to Eleyna, motioning her over. "Darren, do you know my cousin Eleyna? Have I introduced you a thousand times?"

Isolde has joined the benches by the fountain.

"He did." Calandra says, sounding all flattered. "So that I can sing and entertain if needed." She says while staying close to Joslyn. She nuzzles her cheek into the kiss. "I missed you." She murmurs softly.

The hustle and bustle of the gathering has drawn the attention of one Rickard Corsetina. He keeps to himself, largely, content to stay out of the way unless acknowledged. If/when acknowledged, he offers a polite smile and nod in response. He's a quiet sort of individual.

Duke Cassius Pravus enters the Velenosa Grounds looking just as one might expect the big Knights to look. That is to say: Armored and agitated. Annoyed to be here, without a doubt. Annoyed to be in his armor. Annoyed to be away from his duty. But more than just annoyed, Cassius is looking... well. Shitty. There's some faint bruising on the face and the Northman is moving a bit more stiffly than he might otherwise. Still, he is here!

Dulcinea probably hasn't been asked to attend any more than Orathy, but a good cause is a good cause. She plops herself down on the edge of the fountain and crosses her legs, rolling back her shoulders. She attempts to brush a few strands of hair from her face with her archer's glove, but the rough leather pulls. She wrinkles her nose and switches hands. "I'll never, ever remember not to do that," she mutters.

"I have met your family nearly a thousand times over, Isolde," Darren remarks wryly as he allows her arm to loop with his own, chuckling as he nods over to Eleyna. "It is nice to see you again, Princess Eleyna. How is your husband? I should take Talen on another hunt sometime," he ponders this to himself.

Darren has joined the benches by the fountain.

Rickard has joined the shadowy corner of the gardens.

Eleyna spots Isolde in the crowd and nods to her as she carefully winds her way towards her cousin, just in time to hear herself being 'introduced' to Darren. One side of her mouth lifts in a smirk and she looks at Darren as she says wryly, "Oh, I thought you looked a bit familiar. I might have seen you around a time or two. Talen is probably pouting because I tried to burn down our room today. Purely on accident."

Eleyna has joined the benches by the fountain.

Malena arrives at grounds, carrying a small bundle of poultices and herbal pastes for those injured that might be in need. She quietly makes her way to the table and donates her good, her smile is given to those manning the tables. Being a commoner, she skirts any obvious nobles and instead looks for a quiet place to watch the festivities.

"Look... I don't want to -assume-, especially when I'm caught up in my own selfish world. The -polite- thing would be to go along and not let me feel stupid. UGH. Will you never learn!" Isolde laughs and shakes her head, sticking her tongue out at both of them, laughing to herself as she settles into the benches.

Niccolo steps out of the estate, with Deva on his arm. The archduke of House Velenosa approaches the are where the tables are set up, and immediately those guards nearby come to attention. The stately man turns to those already there with a touch of a smile on his features. "Thank you all for coming. First, let me assure you, there will be a reception," he says, with a look to Isolde. "Once our enemy has been defeated. It wouldn't be a Lycene wedding without some kind of party associated with it," he shares, smiling and then, he grows more somber. "But today, it felt more appropriate to do something for the people of this city. The people that have suffered because of this enemy we now fight. Many of us have lost during this time, and it is to them, that I wish to dedicate this day. Let the union between my wife and I be a reminder of there being life after this siege. A life we will hopefully continue to live, soon enough." He looks over at Deva, offering her a fond smile to her.

Joslyn leans affectionately into Calandra, nuzzling into her happily before regarding her. "Well, when that moment comes, I'll let you go and watch you perform. You'll be as radiant and beautiful as ever."

"No," Darren deadpans to Isolde, before flashing her a bold grin. To Eleyna, he utters a low chuckle, eyes bright. "Was he in the room when you tried to burn it down?" he inquires in a purely jovial sort of manner. He is momentarily distracted though, by the appearance of Deva and Niccolo - and before the Archduke speaks, Darren lets out a whoop of a cheer. You can take the man out of the North, but you can't take the North out of the man, apparently. He at least shuts himself up afterward, and refocuses into a more somber sort of appearance, as Niccolo talks.

Calandra smiles over to Niccolo and Deva as the Archduke speaks. She stays close to Joslyn, leaning into the brunette.

Cassius looks annoyed to be here. But he does spot a table with drinks, and decides to head that way. He pauses fetching a glass of wine to turn to Deva and Niccolo, as they make themselves known, and he watches as long as 'good etiquette' requires. Then he's back to fetching a drink.

Somber indeed. Deva nods in a serious fashion as she looks out toward those gathered as Niccolo. There's not an inch of silk or floaty fabric to be found on the new bride -- she's dressed in dark leathers from head to neck, as if she just showed up after a jaunt out on the ramparts. "Right," she dips her head, lips pressing together in a thin line for a beat. "Thank you for coming," she adds, sounding more formal than anything.

"Not this time. I didn't even set fire to his favorite things. I don't know why he'd even be upset." Eleyna murmurs with a smirk before she focuses her attention on Niccolo. She folds her hands in her lap and tilts her head, brows lifting as she listens to the Archduke speak. She trades a glance with Isolde, brows still lifted as she leans in to murmur something before refocusing herself on the newlyweds.

Orathy will continue to groom himself by way of teeth and chewing on nails, until with a glance to his fingers, it is determined that no more can be chewed off. Gloves are rolled back on, and he heavily sits back with his arms crossing, thug life against the bench. His eyes lazily turn toward the announcement of the Archduke, an unlikely snort made, which is better than some unfavorable commentary.

Malena gets wide-eyed at the appearance of the host and his lady, keeping a respectful eye to the ground and a careful distance. She fingers her skirt as the speech is made and gives a little smile as she muses something to herself. She then glances about and moves to an alcove archway so she can stay out of the thick of it and people watch.

Malena has joined the alcove by the archway.

People from not only around the ward, but other parts of the city start making their way to the grounds of Velenosa estate. People in need, some dressed in pieces of torn armor, others in rags. Others dressed much better, but carrying the weight of the siege on their shoulders. The Velenosa guards warily keep an eye on them, but they're all allowed to approach and when they reach the tables, supplies start being handed out.

Niccolo watches as more people arrive and allows a touch of a smile on his lips. One of his guards looks at the archduke with concern, but the Lycene High Lord just lifts a hand. "So please, eat, drink, and take home whatever you need," he offers before he turns to Calandra. "Mistress Calandra, would you happen to have a song you could share with us today?"

Joslyn releases her hold on Calandra as Niccolo addresses her, giving her an encouraging smile and stepping back after whispering with a small smile.

Calandra turns her attention to Niccolo and the Whisper drops down into a Curtsy. "I do, Your Grace." She says and then pulls away from Joslyn, coming to stand near the front of the gathering. She gives Deva a gentle smile that touches her dark eyes and brings her dimples to bloom.

Rickard continues to hang back in the shadowy corner of the gardens, content to listen as words are spoken. An eyebrow raises in interest as mention is made of food and drink, and supplies are handed out. He crosses his arms over his chest, pondering.

Darren sits in quiet converse with the Princesses near the fountain, though he does drift his focus back up to Niccolo and his sister. Once the crowd starts to filter in, there's a slow glance across the crowd, before he returns to his quiet conversation.

Cassius eyes the commoners that arrives for the festivities. That each one is a potential combatant in his eyes should seem apparent. Still, he manages to not say anything. Well. Not to any random individuals. Instead, he moves (with his glass of red wine) over towards Orathy. He eyes that commoner, instead of those other ones. "Can't manage to look happy for the new husband and wife?" he grumbles out, with an expression that is anything but happy.

Calandra starts to sing in her clear alto voice, a song about marriage before Limerance.

"He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts,

Rest assured this troubadour is acting on His part.

The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain.

For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name.

There is love, there is love.

Calandra checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Swooping up a drink into her hand, Deva offers a small smile after a long sip. She nods toward Calandra, not quite returning the grin, but she listens politely and sinks into a seat. First finding Cassius among those gathered, she gives the man what appears to be a briefly skeptical look. Then her gaze wanders, and she nods toward her brother from afar.

Eleyna glances away from the conversation she's having with Darren and Isolde to watch and listens to Calandra as she sings with an expression of detached interest in her face.

Darren checked perception + war at difficulty 40, rolling 9 higher.

Cassius checked perception + war at difficulty 40, rolling 8 lower.

Rickard checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 40, rolling 35 lower.

Orathy gives a good strong sniff that pulls up part of his nose in doing so, leaning over his knees with a heedless gesture made to Cassius, "I am happy. This is my happy face, right here." He points to his expression, which was grim and a little irked. "Happier if I was slugging some whiskey. Have any?"

Eleyna checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 40, rolling 24 lower.

Orathy has rolled a critical success!
Orathy checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 40, rolling 9 higher.

Isolde checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 40, rolling 27 lower.

Malena checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Deva checked perception + war at difficulty 40, rolling 4 lower.

Malena checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 40, rolling 32 lower.

Joslyn checked perception at difficulty 40, rolling 24 lower.

Though it seems to be all laughter and grins for Darren there at the fountains, he does leave the focus of his seat-mates to look once more over the crowd. His expression of delight fades into something more serious as he purses his lips together, and shoots a look across the way to Deva.

Cassius eyes Orathy for a moment, then gives a snort. There's a faint smirk on his lips. "Just wine," he offers the commoner. "I'm sure they have stiffer than that. But the Mercies say mixing gallons of whiskey with the shit they have me on is bad for the body," he mutters out. "Worse for the senses," he adds, as if the thuggish man might need to hear that to understand.

Orathy checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 40, rolling 2 higher.

Orathy checked strength + brawl at difficulty 40, rolling 6 lower.

Joslyn is just watching her girlfriend happily, not really noticing anything else around her. She might even be letting out a dreamy sigh.

Niccolo remains standing, moving behind Deva and putting a gentle hand on her shoulders. He looks over at Calandra, listening to the music. He remains silent, not interrupting. Every so often the High Lord, turns his attention to the crowd, looking pleased at the gathering. He leans in to whisper something to Deva.

Isolde chuckles and jokes with her seatmates, but Darren's reaction causes her to sober a bit, tensing slightly. "Darren?" She murmurs, concerned, looking to Eleyna.

As she looks around, Deva is frowning. At her brother. At Cassius. Her gaze lingers mostly on the former, giving her twin a confused expression with furrowed brows. At whatever Niccolo murmurs, she suddenly nods very vigorously and lifts her nearly empty glass.

Eleyna had been laughing and smiling with Darren and Isolde, yet her own smile fades as she looks from her cousin to the Redrain.

Orathy casually stands up from where he was talking to Cassius, snorting at the man in passing, "Wine? Aye fuck no. Ain't for the likes of me. Nor are those rags fer the likes of real commoners eh. Reckon yer senses are shit...We'll be seein ya, be needed now aye...." He salutes Cassius in a most cocky way as he slips along into the throng of people, disappearing amongst the crowd as he weaves through. He approaches behind one man, coming up on him rather quickly... maybe he was going to rob him. His hands make to cease an individual, without a care for the brutish style in which he attempts it. He's not an iron guard, he's a kick ass Culler. Finest blades of the Boroughs.

Calandra continues singing, seemingly clueless that anything might be amiss.

"Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife.

Is it love that brings you here or love that gives you life.

For if loving is the answer then who's the giving for.

Do you believe in something that you've never seen before.

Oh there's love, oh there's love

Darren sets his hand on Isolde's shoulder in an almost protective sort of way as he murmurs something to the women, before he lifts to his feet. His eyes are on the crowd, on a few individuals in particular, as his other hand moves to rest on the pommel of his sword.

Isolde nods a little to Darren and Eleyna, murmuring. "Shall we go mingle? See if we can find any... gossip to hear? There's always good gossip at Lyceum weddings."

Malena is watching Calandra sing, her eyes never leaving the singer as she performs. Yes, the other folks move here and there but they are just on the edge of her focus as enjoys the entertainment. She pulls an apple from her skirt and takes a bite, munching happily away.

Orathy has left the pathway benches.

One of the commoners has managed to reach Niccolo, as close as a few steps from the archduke. Orathy manages to sneak upon the man, and there's a moment of struggle. Still, the commoner shoves Orathy back, turning towards Niccolo once more with eyes seething with hatred. "FOR OBLIVION!" The commoner cries out, now revealing that he's holding a dagger, he throws himself at the archduke... CLANK. That dagger connects with the naked blade of Niccolo's sword, still hafway in its scabbard, as the archduke managed to only pull it out just in time to avoid a lethal stab to his side. Still... the blade does cut, leaving an angry red gash on his armor, armor that was cut through. The archduke stumbles back and falls to a knee. And all throughout the grounds, some, not all of the commoners start revealing the weapons they brought. All in unison say two words. "For Oblivion."

Eleyna gets Webripper from a black velvet pouch.

The song ensnares Rickard, drawing his attentions away from all else. He feels his heart soar into his throat, briefly, before it settles back down into its proper place. When the call goes up, Rickard readies himself for a fight. Something doesn't feel right, especially not with all of those weapons coming out. Yikes.

Joslyn wields Emerald Dagger of Entwined Serpents.

Darren wields a cusped falchion with a blood red blade.

Darren checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 11 lower.

Darren checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 11 higher.

Eleyna wields Webripper.

Calandra's song comes to a sudden end when she realizes that the Archduke is being attacked. The Whisper seems frightened, very frightened. Her breathing elevates and the pink drains from her cheeks. She doesn't draw a weapon and it seems likely that she doesn't have one to draw.

Calandra checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Isolde checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 25, rolling 14 higher.

Deva checked dexterity + huge wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Orathy checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 32 higher.

Cassius checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 4 lower.

Darren catches sight of the man going for Niccolo, and he immediately moves to wrestle Nightfrost out of his scabbard. "Don't do anything stupid. Don't try to be a hero," he says sternly to Isolde, giving her a look of true concern for her well-being before he's off to pull through the crowd. But there is a lot of traffic in the panic that follows the attack, and before Darren can reach the Archduke, he is confronted by a different attacker who launches himself at Darren with a brandished dagger. Darren pulls his elbow up to knock the man in the face and then swipe at him with a sword to the gut, sending the attacker to the ground.

Calandra checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 25, rolling 13 lower.

"Ladies and gentlemen... if you are skilled with a blade, by all means, take out the rabble. Those of you who are terrified like me, this way!" Isolde hops up on a bench, making herself extremely visible, waving her arms, motioning. "To safety! Come on, come on, the good wine is over here! The evil creatures are not!" She makes a show, her own entourage gently tugging on those that seem frozen, and the Princess gives guidance to those who are not, without looking terrified herself.

Malena checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 7 lower.

Isolde looks at Darren after hitting enter too soon. "You either, Redrain. I'll be Cross."

Deva is just inches away from Niccolo when the attack appens, and it occurs in the blink of an eye. She immediately spins out of her seat, eyes wide and frantic. Then she hauls up the chair she was sitting in and smashes the assassin over the head with it. The wood splinters with a satisfying crunch, and she pulls what's left of it back, ready to weaponize the rest of it. "My bow," she calls out to one of the guards. "Are you okay?" she asks Niccolo, voice lower, expression dark.

Ugarte, Magpie arrive, following Aureth.

Ugarte, Magpie leave, following Aureth.

A good chunk of the people present seem very okay with the idea of getting better wine and they immediately start moving in the direction Isolde bravely leads them.

Of course, the Bringers that revealed themselves take issue with this, and start trying to cut some of those poor commoners down.

Orathy Culler, shoved off?! No way. It happens. The Culler grunts as he's checked and shoved aside. It gives him time to loosen the axe off his belt, "I give ya one fuckin chance 'n tha be what I gettiny bloody nutsucker!" Heavy tromping boots fall in after the man going for Niccolo, axe getting lifted toward the weasel, "C'mere..." As if that was to be a prompt for the man to actually listen. Orathy lifts his arm to block the chair debris that explodes when Deva's shatters a chair over the back of the man, smirking at the opening that provided. One. Hefty. Downward. Blow. The rubicund red steel axe whirls down and cleaves a gaping mess into the back of the man's neck and back, severing spine gruesomely. With a kick, he sends the man off his axe. An inhale is made, deep, wonderful, inhale. Battle. His espresso eyes alight with frenzy.

Malena is a healer with a gentle heart so when she sees the attack on the archduke, her first thought is to throw herself into the fray, but not as a defender or even attacker but as another body between the archduke and his attackers. She starts to try to move that way but instead finds herself getting bumped and jostled by the crowd.

Eleyna checked command + leadership at difficulty 25, rolling 14 higher.

Joslyn checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 25, rolling 13 higher.

Darren checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 33 higher.

Cassius gives a long look to Orathy as the man responds to him. A look that seems wholly displeased with the reaction. Then Orathy is moving away, and Cassius just watching the man, with obvious and overt disapproval. Cassius decides not to deal with it now. His attention slips over to Deva, eyeing his fellow northerner for just a moment. And then chaos breaks loose. His eyes fly open wide and he starts his way over to the newly weds (or, well, over to Deva, but also Niccolo!). Fighting through the crowd seems to be slowing the big man, though.

"I'll be fine," Niccolo tries to reassure Deva, wincing and using her to try and get himself to his feet. It doesn't look like he's going to bleed to death any time soon, but he also can't fight. He looks at the chaos and grunts, smiling at his wife. "Go, do yout thing," he says to her, nodding towards the crowd being assaulted by Bringers.

While Eleyna isn't much of a fighter, she is an incredibly bossy Princess. Where Isolde uses charm, all her blonder cousin has to work with is her own imperious sense of command. With a steely expression in her cold eyes, Eleyna stands on the bench that she had been previously sitting upon and starts barking orders to the guards. One group, she directs to get the Archduke to safety while the others, she orders to start defending the commoners being attacked. A last group is directed to the gates to prevent any of the attackers from escaping. No one can harm a Velenosa unpunished and, as far as Eleyna is concerned, no one is going unpunished for daring this tonight. As the guards move into position, Eleyna glances around from her vantage point, looking for weakness to direct the guards to.

Isolde checked command + leadership at difficulty 25, rolling 1 higher.

Calandra is near the front of the event. She glances over to Isolde at her words, but the girl is attacked before she can head that way. One of the attackers punches the Whisper hard in the face, leaving behind this angry red hue against her cheek. It will probably deepen into a painful bruise later. It has already began to swell. The blow was hard enough to send her sprawling to the ground with her slender legs getting tangled in her long skirts.

One of the Bringers notices Malena as she tries to make her way to the archduke and rushes at her with a weapon. The rest of the Bringers start attacking anything in sight. They are spread through the grounds. One of them, sees Isolde but is cut down by a guard before he can get to her. Another, however identifies Eleyna as another source of orders for the Velenosa guards and throws himself at her, sword first.

Orathy checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 11 higher.

"Oh no you fuckers don't. GUARDS! To me. Jaxon, love, if you don't mind?" Isolde whips out her rapier, slashing at one of the Bringer's faces that is attempting to attack her commoners. She jumps in front of the attacking ones and Jaxon makes a noise of utter and -thorough- frustration. He barrels into the Bringer to push it out of the way of his idiot princess charge. Isolde, herself, laughs and keeps ushering commoners away. "LET THERE BE AN END TO SILENCE!" She lets out a cry of triumph, to rally and inspire.

Eleyna checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 20 lower.

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

Joslyn swiftly moves over to Calandra, dagger being pulled from beneath the silk of her skirts and standing protectively by the whisper. "YOU GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER!" Joslyn roars loudly to the bringer, her diamondplate dagger slashing angrily at the attacker. The dagger sizzles through it's flesh, and with a scream she pushes into him.

Malena checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 30, rolling 18 lower.

"Calandra!" Orathy roars when he looks over toward where his niece had been and... no longer can see her. "Move it! Git th'fuck out 'f me way!" He starts to head through the crowds, blocking blows here and there, and shoving when he has to. He comes along the scene in time to see Joslyn taking care of it, his arm reaching down for Calandra, "Up ya go sweetheart! No time fer takin a nap, eh? Youse good?"

Deva helps Niccolo up, assisting the guards that Eleyna orders in sweeping the Archduke off to safety. The chair remnants are tossed aside. With a scowl, she finally manages to snatch up her bow. "It fucking figures..." she hisses furiously, fingers deftly stringing an arrow. "Cassius! Darren. Isolde? You okay?" she calls out various names, her tone crisp and angry. When she sees a bringer charging for Eleyna, she fires immediately. Her arrow lands right in the bringer's eye. Apparently that's a favorite target of hers.

With the attacker bleeding out at his feet, Darren bursts through the crowd to see that Deva's already taken care of her husband's would-be assassin. He winks at her, shouting out, "Good with a bow /and/ a chair. You married a winner, Niccolo!" before he sweeps back into the crowd and back towards where Isolde and Eleyna are trying to gather the commoners. As the Bringers start to run after the innocents, Darren launches into his attack, slicing and dicing through the bad guys to keep the Bringers at bay and allow the commoners time to run.

Niccolo checked command + leadership at difficulty 40, rolling 12 higher.

There is a fierce grin on Eleyna's face as she hears Isolde's shout. She might have thought to echo it, but the attacking Bringer puts a stop to any words that she might have offered in reply. She notices the blade coming at her just a touch to late to dodge effectively. Yet, the whish and thwack of an arrow halts what was likely meant to be a sword through the Princess' belly. Instead, it slices along her forearm, making her gasp in shock. Her eyes find Deva and she releases a startled laugh, calling out, "I could kiss you, Deva Redr- Velenosa, but I shouldn't steal you from my uncle on your wedding day!"

Calandra watches as Joslyn draws near to the bringer who punched her, the girl's dark eyes widen with relief and lingering fear. She reaches for Orathy's offered arm, pulling herself to standing with his help. She then gives Orathy a nod, even as tears bead on her lashes, because the Whisper is not used to getting hit. She releases his arm quickly, after all Orathy is a fighter. She then tries to keep behind him or Joslyn.

"Steal her! It's only tradition!" Isolde laughs brightly, shaking her head, helping Jaxon up, nodding to Deva. "I'm fine! The guards are rather skilled. Darren, are you all right?" She hops up on the fountain then, looking around to make sure there are no other commoners and civilians in danger, keeping her guards working on them. "Do we have a count?! Call out if you need assistance!"

Malena is already disoriented as the other commoners push and jostle her from helping the archduke. Then the Bringer is suddenly in front of her, stabbing her with his blade. The only kindness is that her fumbling attempts stops the Bringer from attacking the archduke. She lets out a cry as the blade buries deep. She feels that sudden fear of her life being taken until Niccolo's call for aid brings the Mirroguard into the fray. She is pushed back, gripping her wound as they step in to defend innocents like her.

"You're biased, Darren! We come from the best," Deva yells out at her brother, and just for a moment, there's a flicker of a smile. "A hug later will suffice, Eleyna," she calls to her new-- daughter in law? The realization obviously crosses her face for a moment, expression skewing in a sour fashion, but then she's got work to attend to. More monsters to shoot at.

|Niccolo sees that Malena has become a target. He whistles and just before that Bringer has a chance to do too much damage, his Mirrorguard agent drops in, blocking the dagger. That Bringer is then engaged by those guards surrounding the archduke. Another Bringer goes on to attack Deva, while Darren becomes the attention of one as well. Two Bringers start going after those people that Isolde led to safety.

"Are you alright?" Niccolo asks Malena, who is now by him under the protection of the House Velenosa guards. He looks at his wound, and at her wound. "Those look nasty," he says, with a wince and a wry expression. "But I think we'll live."

Orathy checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 45 higher.

Orathy, for all the crude and rough 'n tumble thug life antics, gently puts a hand on Calandra's shoulder, to steady her. "Youse will be alright eh? First one always hurts the most," he nods to her face, the swelling and the tears. In the corner of his eye, he notes the Bringer by Darren, sniffs again, and tromps over that way, saying behind him to Calandra, "Keep safe eh?" And then he's going back into the thick of things, this time, to assist Darren, if needed. Axe gets raised regardless... !

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard arrives, following Eirene.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard leaves, following Eirene.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard arrives, following Eirene.

Joslyn checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 25, rolling 39 higher.

Cassius wields Sanctuary's Avenger.

Calandra is on her feet. She tries to avoid getting hit by any bringers and is close to Joslyn now. She looks over to Orathy. "Kick ass." She calls in his direction.

Malena nods her head at the archduke's question, at first surprised that he's addressing her, "Yes..." She then looks at his wound, "Please...if you let me. I can help." She waits for the archduke to allow her before ripping her skirt so she can bind the wound he has, "I am a healer..." She gives a half-pained look, "I don't have my bag...but I can stop the bleeding."

Cassius checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 33 higher.

Eleyna checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 32 lower.

Eleyna checked command + manipulation at difficulty 25, rolling 30 higher.

Deva checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 40, rolling 1 higher.

As it appears that Isolde has things under control at the fountains, Eleyna gives her cousin a nod and hops down off the benches, holding her injured arm against her chest, and makes her way to a cluster of guards, slashing with her dagger to try to drag anything that sees her as a convenient target toward the better equipped and skilled guards or any of the other fighters if she runs across the first. Of course, she is shit with a dagger, so she just slashes at air. So, she resorts to a weapon that she is -far- more effective with: insults. "No wonder you fuckers are all about Oblivion. You can't fight for shit and I swear it smells like a middens around here. Do you -literally- lick Brand's ass in worship? I thought that was just hyperbole! I suppose I'd want to unmake the world, too, if that was my lot in life!"

Malena checked intellect + medicine at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Eleyna is trying to divert the Bringers from the commoners to the fighters, for the record.

Darren checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 55 higher.

Rickard checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 1 higher.

"Fuck off," Deva starts to hiss at the bringer headed her way, firing an arrow that strikes it in the knee. It's at least enough to slow it down and send it limping. Her body starts to tense, as if bracing for impact as the creature keeps heading toward her.

"I'm good!" Darren shouts over to Isolde. "Watch your back!" It is a comment that is made just a Bringer comes towards him, duel wielding daggers. Darren whips around, holding his sword at the ready, glancing over the Bringer's shoulder to catch an eye with Orathy as the man comes prowling with his axe. He flashes the man a wide, wild sort of grin before launching himself at the Bringer, going straight for the gut.

Isolde checked perception at difficulty 10, rolling 2 higher.

Cassius finally manages to push through the crowds to reach the newly weds, the Duke and Duchess Velenosa. Only, well, it seems the big man's trajectory is more towards 'duchess' than it is 'duke'. Cassius heads towards Deva, and the Bringer she's just shot. He lets out a viscious roar, then his rather perfect diamondplate blade flashes. The thing is too wounded by Deva's shot to really do much, and the blade comes to neck, and in a flash of polished gunmetal, the Bringer's head is removed from it's body.

Joslyn checked perception at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Calandra checked perception + streetwise at difficulty 25, rolling 0 higher.

Orathy's expression is stoic, not grim, but there was a predatory look to his gaze that set upon the Bringer in which Darren was engaged with. He catches Darren's wild grin, nods one and seems to know what to do to work in tandem with another fighter. As Darren goes for the gut, Orathy heaves up his axe and once again goes to cleave the back, since he's certain the gut shot will bow over the Bringer to expose the spine. There's a sickening sound of flesh and bone parting underneath a heavy rubicund steel blow, a rooster tail of blood and matter spraying upward as Orathy heaves his axe outward again, leaving a long gaping wound that he follows up with a second cleave to it's head. Make sure it's dead. Double tap.

The Bringers numbers start dwindling and those that were going for those poor commoners, have now made Eleyna their target. They're pursuing her, and this causes some of the Velenosa guards with Niccolo to detach and go to try and help her.

Niccolo dips his head to Malena, "Of course," he pulls up on his armor, to better reveal the wound for her. "You should take care of your wound too," he suggests, wincing and letting the healer do her work.

A Bringer sneaks up on Isolde, or tries to. He does get to grab her hand. He lifts his finger to his lips, crossing them. "Shhh..." He's about to stab her...

Malena concentrates on seeing to Niccolo first, binding his wounds before finally seeing to her own. She murmurs shyly, "You are more important..." She then winces as she looks down at her own wound at her side and tears off more skirt to see to herself. She moves a little stiff as the angle makes it difficult to wrap around herself but for now, she feels safe while the guards and able fighters protect them.

Rickard spots a Bringer sneaking up on Jos and Calandra out of the corner of his eye, and moves to intercept it. A dagger is drawn, and deftly introduced to the creature's back. He punches into the Bringer once, twice, and a third time, before pulling his blade free and flicking the blade clean. Good times.

Isolde checked luck at difficulty 5, rolling 2 lower.

Letting out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, Deva stares as Cassius beheads the creature formerly storming toward her. She shuffles forward, clasping a hand to his shoulder once the deed is done. The 'thank you' remains unsaid for now, conveyed merely through a sharp look.

Joslyn looks over her shoulder to Calandra, making sure she's all right before charginge forward, blade driving once again into the attacker with a determined sort of glare. "Cali? Are you all right?" she asks.

Isolde checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Eleyna checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 3 lower.

Calandra looks toward Rickard as he stops a bringer heading for them. "Thank you!" She cries out, but doesn't have time to say much else. She keeps close to Joslyn, nodding in response to her words. "I'm okay." She says, keeping behind the warrior.

Rickard checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 1 higher.

Isolde lets out a shriek... of fury. "Don't. You. TOUCH. ME!" She whirls on the Bringer, shifting just enough to not get a dagger in the throat, though the wicked blade slices across her face, blood dripping from the wound, her mask exacerbating it. She lets out a roar of fury and, rapier in hand, she stabs her own blade into the eye of the Bringer, riding him down to the ground. "Go FUCK the Silence you empty shelled, demon souled ASSHOLE!"

Eleyna laughs a little nervously as she realizes that she's attracted a crowd, but once a person commits to something, it's best to follow through. As she glances around for someone to assist, and spots Orathy and Darren, she makes her way in that direction, continuing the string of insults just to keep their attention. "That's it, you morons. Ugh. Is there a ceiling as to how intelligent one is allowed to be to join your little cult? Because you have to be the stupidest things I've ever met. This is an obvious trap." One glance behind as she bellows, "Incoming, boys! Help a princess protect her pretty face, will you?"

Darren checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 15 higher.

Malena checked intellect + medicine at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Orathy checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 28 higher.

"Everyone is important," Niccolo retorts to Malena, and offers a nod in thanks. He looks around, still surrounded by his guards. There are many commoners injured, but thanks to the actions of those present, none but Bringers are dead. "Once you've taken care of yourself, tend to them," he nods to those commoners and slowly rises to stand straight.

The Bringer attacking Isolde just falls back, dead thanks to that eye stabbing by the princess. There is one last Bringer, trying to run and escape Right in range of Rickard...

With the Bringer downed between Orathy and Darren, the High Lord flicks the blood from his sword, sweeping to see where to go next. It is then that he sees Isolde with the Bringer ... and Eleyna running towards him with more on her heel. There is some serious conflict for Darren, though it's lessened some when Isolde shrieks in her fury and stabs her blade deep into the Bringer's eye. "Now THAT'S foreplay, Isolde!" he shouts at her, before he drops into a stance for the incoming Bringers, launching himself into one at the perfect time to catch him off of Eleyna's heel. His sword makes a perfect arc into the Bringer, tearing through flesh and bone and muscle, before the Bringer falls to the ground. But Darren sticks his sword through the Bringer's eye, just in case.


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The Most Lamentable Tale of Thyrimus and Prisbe, A Comedy of Errors Disguised as a Heartwrenching Tragedy - the streets were positively abuzz for several days with the tales of the plays glory, with it reaching a fevered pitch amongst the populace the day of the public opening as rumors swirled that the King himself might be in attendance that night! The crowds pressing to try and enter the famed Blackrose Theater created such chaos that additional Iron Guard had to be deployed to the area, and the Valorous Few and Crimson Blades were both present in the employ of various nobles as guards. As those lucky enough to gain entry vanished within, donning ornate masks given to them as they entered, the crowds outside gradually dispersed as the play got underway.

The quality of the play remains, ultimately, lost amidst the chaos which follows as the tales emerging from the theater are wildly mixed. People seem to agree that Princess Isolde, the hostess, got things underway and that at some point Lady Tikva Riven was called upon to sing, either just before or right as intermission began. But from there, the tales become a mix of horror and fancy, as people speak of some kind of coordinated ambush or attack, launched by dozens of fighters in green masks. As the rumors swirl and spread it, details seem to bubble forth about the night. These tidbits are usually attributed to a Guardsman who a sisters friend knows, or a Crimson Blade who came to check upon an injured comrade, or perhaps a member of the Valorous Few who was overheard boasting amongst his comrades at the tavern, lending that splash of credibility to what is at best hearsay!

Soon though, the rumormill is telling of a cunning trap laid, no doubt with the conspiracy of the Princess Isolde Velenosa herself, as well as the entire company of the theater (to which the Lady Tikva Riven, as a featured performer is assumed a part). Of a combined strike force of Iron Guard, Valorous Few and Crimson Blades secreted into the theater's nooks and crannies. Storytellers declare their oaths that certain blades which are, in this time of struggle and war becoming renowned as the weapons of certain champions, attest to the presence of Prince Ainsley Grayson as Threnody held the stage, and that clearly Lord Commander Silas Mercier was amongst the green masks, as he was heard to call orders while Dirge set about it's gruesome busines. That Coinspinner emerged at the lead of the Valorous Few, proclaiming that Captain-General Audric was personally in command of the troops, and that the force of Crimson Blades holding the exit, allowing citizens to flee the chaos was under the crisp command of a man wielding spiral guarded Requiem, no doubt Lord General Tobias Telmar. The silvery pink short sword Devotion is becoming as known as Princess Reese Grayson, and the incredibly nimble figure fighting in tandem with her, ever the two returning together as the battle raged was most assuredly her betrothed Prince Luca Velenosa, his Viper's Soul in hand as he danced nimbly through the fray. Some claiming to have witnessed the aftermath say that Prince Aiden Grayson was seen in the care of Lady Eirene Malvici, being supported by Nisaa Whisper as he left, though others swear it was another archer. There are even wild stories going about that Princess Reese Grayson somehow struck the fiercest of the beasts and it was snuffed out in a blinding flash of light!

What is certain though, is that the bodies of over a half dozen Bringers, and over two score of their minions, along with several mercenaries and guardsmen, were removed from the Theater which, one might hear, is going to need cleaning and renovation.
**********************************************************************


Malena is able to stop her own bleeding and flushes as someone like the archduke tells her that she's important. She carefully moves from his side to a few of the other commoners that are wounded, starting to tend to the wounds the best she can without her supplies on her. She is soft and gentle in her touch, mindful of their pain and compassionate in her care.

Rickard gives chase, and makes a leap for the last Bringer, holding on with all of his might. He clings to it like a piece of fluff to a jacket with one arm, stabbing it furiously with his dagger with his free hand. He crows in triumph as the bringer falls, and climbs to his feet, cleaning his weapon before returning it to its sheath.

That Bringer that Rickard seems to have killed twitches...

Deva checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Joslyn nods to Calandra, the emerald encrusted diamondplate dagger finding a home in the throat of the bringer, a wicked grin gleams across Joslyn's face and she violently pulls the dagger down, effectively disemboweling the creature. Joslyn, herself, gets coverd in the dark blood of the vile creature, grinning as it collapses to the ground, kicking it one last time for good measure. She turns around to face Calandra, the rush of battle apparent in her expression tempered only by her concern for Calandra. "You have any weapons?" she asks, reaching behind her head to pull out the hairpins from her hair, handing them to Calandra as her hair tumbles down around her shoulders. "You know how to use these, right?"

Cassius does not seem to believe everyone is important. Not the way he seems fixated on defending Deva... and Niccolo, too, totally! The big Knight in shining armor, wielding a sword, ends one Bringer then stays there, near the newly weds. "Orders, auntie?" he asks, with a glance over his shoulder, to Deva.

Orathy looks toward the haggard remains of the Bringer cast down in tandem effort, sniffing strongly again with a satisfied grunt made, or something to that effect. His eyes flash toward Eleyna when he spots the woman being pursued by Bringers. Or maybe it was just the woman herself bouncing along. Upward heave of his axe made though as she calls out for the incoming. "Aye, move yer pretty little ass eh?" He says to the Princess with a loud crack of a laugh and the solid SWING of a his axe, followed by the squleching POP as the Bringer's head is cleaved straight off in a few effortless movements by the Culler. Nothing fancy. Precise butchering!

Calandra takes the offered hair pins. "A little bit." She says toward Joslyn. "I didn't think to wear mine. I thought it would be safe." She adds a bit sheepishly, maybe thinking she should have been more prepared.

"Remind me to punch you later for calling me that," Deva mutters to Cassius. "Let's make sure everyone else is still--" It's then that she sees the one last Bringer running for Rickard. The convenient thing about archery is that she doesn't have to move from her spot much. Taking aim, she fires a nasty shot into its back, splattering gore across the ground.

Isolde gets up, blowing some hair out of her face, flashing a tooth filled grin at Darren, laughing darkly. "Now you notice. I see how it is." She kicks the face of the Bringer after pulling her blade from it, taking a deep breath and looking around. "Everyone all right? Wounded? Call out. Jaxon, my healing bag, if you please."

Joslyn nods to Calandra, frowning for a moment before she says. "Always wear your hairpins," she warns. "Even if you don't need them, you'll still look good." she says with a nod. She carrys a dagger around now, so the hairpins aren't even her primary weapon. "Stay behind me, only use those if something gets by me."

Eleyna manages to get out of the way as Darren and Orathy take care of the Bringers on her tail. She watches with a near gleeful smile as Orathy beheads one and Darren stabs the other through the eye. "My heroes!" She says with a laugh as, if she's not otherwise batted aside, she reaches for Orathy, since he's closer, to pull him into a quick kiss of gratitude.

"Uh huh," Cassius responds to Deva, without much thought. She fires off an arrow, and he stands close, holding a defensive position. He doesn't move more than a few feet away from the woman, and surely doesn't go chasing after Bringers. He is holding defensive.

Darren slides his sword out of the Bringer, flicking off the blood as he flashes a dashing grin over to Isolde. Then, to Eleyna, he merely sighs. "I'll just stand over here, patting myself on the back.." he jokes, though he does not wait around for a kiss. Instead, he leaves Orathy and Eleyna to their celebration, and sweeps his eyes around to see if there is anyone left standing that looks dangerous, before calling out to Deva. "Are you okay over there, sister dearest?"

And all bringers are dead.

Niccolo watches as Malena goes on to help the wounded. He winces, but steps towards Deva. On his way there, he swipes to glasses of whiskey from a poor server that through this whole ordeal has been standing at the same spot, with drinks, frozen in fear and holding a tray of drinks. He reaches Deva, offering a glass to her. Then those dark brown eyes look for family, friends and allies, doing a count to make sure it will be memorable. No drink for Cassius, except... "Get the man a drink," the archduke says to that poor frozen server, nodding towards Cassius. The server blinks and runs to do as ordered, happy for the normalcy of the order. Niccolo then holds his glass to hold it to clink it with the one he gave Deva, then meets looks for Darren, nodding in his direction. To Deva he adds, "At least, it will be memorable," he muses, before he drinks.

As the Bringer beneath him twitches, 'post-death', Rickard quickly hops back a step and draws his sword, just in time to see the beast well and truly brought down. He exhales, quietly, trying to bring himself back down from battle/self-preservation mode. Of course, there's a part of him that enjoys the rush of adrenaline, oh yes..

Oooo baby! Orathy crans his head toward the elation of Eleyna and gets his immediate reward! Pulled into a kiss of gratitude! Well now, that's what a common man works for every day, doesn't he?! Mid-battle, pause the scene, epicness as Orathy one arm holds the Princess and takes that smooch! He chuckles with a low rumble, "Now tha be a fuckin reward."

Calandra keeps close to Joslyn, seemingly rather clingy with her even after the battle comes to an end. Her face is bruised and swollen, but she looks like she will be okay.

Eleyna pats Orathy's cheek and laughs, calling after Darren as he walks away, "Don't be jealous, your highness. Not a good look for a High Lord. Besides, at least my husband might not kill you!" That's when Eleyna notices the blood soaking the sleeve of her gown and dripping down her hand. "Oh, dear."

Malena checked intellect + medicine at difficulty 25, rolling 30 higher.

"Congratulations Father, Deva. I'll try not to make the celebration reception afterward a bore like this one was." Isolde gives a wry look to the two of them, making her way to Niccolo to check out his wound, whether he likes it or not, ignoring her own cheek at the moment.

Darren scoffs over to Eleyna, flashing her a grin. "I've got someone waiting that I'll be giving victory kisses to when I get there. No jealousy here. Besides, I'd rather not be on Talen's hit list." He does flash an apologetic look to Orathy, before he walks over to Deva and Niccolo both. "Well, I think that was the best wedding reception I've been to in awhile..." he bends to kiss his sister on the cheek, as he sheathes his sword.

"Do you think I'm kidding?" Deva asks Cassius with a snort, slowly lowering her bow after firing her last shot into bringer flesh. "Fine, Darren, you?" she calls out to her twin, checking through the crowd to see the aftermath. As Niccolo approaches, she gives him a once over to assess his current state, wound, and bleeding or lack thereof. "Understatement," she murmurs gravely in reply. Then she just takes a moment to breathe, not even drinking the whiskey provided just yet. Her expression softens, and she nods to Isolde. "Very funny," she mutters to her brother, elbowing him lightly.

Joslyn holds Calandra close then as she sees that all the bringers are taken down. Her fingers gently brush over the bruise on her cheek and she sighs softly. "Shall I take you home? We can relax and I can have a bath readied for you," she offers.

Malena is making her rounds, seeing to the wounded and notices that Princess Eleyna has been wounded. She gives a soft murmur, "Your Highness...let me see to your wounds please." And once she is given the acceptance, she moves in to see to her, binding her wounds with almost expert care. She glances up and murmurs, "Let me know if it hurts when I bind you." She wants it secure but not at the princess' expense.

Calandra looks toward Joslyn, nodding in response her words. "Yes, please, lets go." She murmurs, keeping close to her. She peeks around to make sure that Orathy seems okay, but he seems more than okay! She gives her uncle a smile.

Cassius eyes Deva for a moment, then shifts his gaze to Niccolo. He dips his head. "In a moment, your grace," he grumbles out. As he puts off a drink, he does reach out to snatch a towel from the passing server. His blade is wiped clear, and then sheathed. His attention shifts to whatever soldiers remain near. "Velenosa!" he calls out, in a stern, commanding tone. "Gather up! All bodies are to be collected and brought to pyre! Burn the bodies!" Cassius barks out. "Won't be a proper fucking wedding without a nice pyre. Get the fuck moving!" he calls at the men, as he steps away from Deva and Niccolo and sets to work.

Orathy smirks at the pat to his cheek, wiping the gore of the Bringer blood off his axe as he mutters, "Reckon all I be needin now is a good whiskey eh." He overhears Darren with a smug sneer, "Bout time that Talen 'n I give it another go. He can try ta hit me now, jist tell 'em I've been practicin. All the same, tell 'em she gives good kisses aye! Aye. Be worth protectin the city for 'em alone!" With a scoff, he goes to sort out where the nearest drink is.

Eleyna sways a little on her feet and parks her rear on the nearest bench so that the healer can work, wincing both at the fact that Malena has to rip the expensive gown's sleeve for access to the wound as well as the pressure against the cut the runs the length of her forearm. Shallow, but Eleyna is obvious a bleeder. She closes her eyes as the cut is bound and murmurs to Malena, "We'll just let them think that the heroics made me swoon. Just like a proper princess."