Silas is present when the guests arrive, leaning against one of the birch branches and molding what -appears- to be a big ball of cloth and some kind of rubbery mesh in between his hands. When people begin to walk across the expanse of sand he greets them with a wide smile. "Welcome to my beach party. Mind the lack of silk." He gestures to the makeshift buffet table. "Feel free to eat to your heart's content. I -think- I brought enough." There was a twinge of uncertainty in his tone, but there appears to be plenty! Maybe.

(OOC) Silas wonders if the room desc is popping up?

(OOC) Dawn says: It is not.

(OOC) Silas says: LAME.

(OOC) Abbas says: I shall be playing the role of Iceman in this game. Would Tom Cruise and Goose kindly step forward so I know my mortal enemies?

(OOC) Valencia says: But I see a table full of delicious food and casks of booze, a diamond-braided hemp net erected by two long birch branches

    The beach has been sparsely decorated for the gathering; a festive gala it was not. The most noteworthy new feature was the net which dominates a good amount of space. Lines have been drawn in the sand to make what appears to be a primitive volleyball court. Not far off rests a wooden picnic table hosting a buffet of delectable summer foods and an ample amount of alcohol for imbibing.

Trust that Lady Dawn would arrive to a beach function in full dress. It's summer-weight silk, at least, but such a simple cut and a shade of grey that is not so very flattering to a honey-hued complexion. At least she's shed her slippers, letting them dangle from one hand while the other rests on the supportive wrist of Rook, her escort. "I had hoped to see you in the aeterna," she might be heard mourning to the Whisper as they pick their way along the beach. "And dripping emeralds too. No luck from your advertisment yet?" The gathering ahead, once spied, sees her lifting her chin in a nod for Silas when he comes into view.

(OOC) Salazar says: One sec, grabbing my sis.

(OOC) Salazar drags his sister over. BEACH VOLLEYBALL.

The commonly dressed man with dusky sun-kissed skin that arrives does not particularly stick out. His hair has grey streaks that have been born upon the long strands; well before his time. Abbas has left his boots in the sand. Bare feet and toes leave their imprint in the compacted sand and he gazes over to the net. The Prince hardly looks the part and outside of the Thrax that may know him personally or from his exploits as the famed Lion upon the Dark Waters; his recent arrival makes his presence largely an anonymous one. As he nears the table he leans down and takes a handful of sand which he slowly sifts through the cracks of his fingers. Like time through an hourglass the breeze picks up and the falling grains blow-betraying the speed and direction of the wind's course. The Prince hangs back and is content to observe the events. His disposition does not suggest he is one much for games.


    Princess Valencia Redrain had been cooped up for too long after her trip to the South! And now was a perfect time as any to start adding to her wardrobe. As makes her way to the beach slowly on wedge-heeled leather sandals, a silken sarong swishing about her legs, while a white fur bikini hugged tightly to the curves of her cinnamon toned flesh. The silken black hair was swept back from her face and tied into a tight high ponytail with a red silk ribbon bearing the crest of the Redrains. Her arms were lightly wrapped about herself as she makes her way along the beach, smiling and nodding polietly to others as she travels along the sand. She raises a hand slightly and offers a wave to the host of the evening, Silas, as she makes her way towards the net that's been strung across the birch branches. "Good evening."

"I received two emeralds," Rook replies, "and they've been stockpiled for when I have some precious metal worked into jewelry. I've even begun motions to commission the outfit to go with the aeterna. In due time, my lady. Patience is a virtue, isn't it?" The chin of the patrician of Bastion lifts slightly, then he adds, "After all, perfection cannot be rushed, can it?" With a short laugh then, the rich sound filling the air, he indicates the winding path they'll take down the small dunes. In his spare arm not supporting his companion he carries a wad of blankets, woven material in summer colours, perfect for a seaside picnic. "I'd ask you all the usual about how your week has gone but tonight we'll just focus on escaping all our burdens, yes? Let's just enjoy the company here, under the sun, on the sand."

It is hard to settle on 'appropriate' attire when one has /just/ gotten to the city and been pre-occupied with other things. So for this afternoon, Sylphie has settled on a simple outfit of a red, sleeveless silk shirt and herringbone pants that cling to the long line of her legs, rolled up above the ankle, with simple sandals. Her own escort, of course, comes in the form of Lord Valkieri and no one else though her smile is for Silas at his greeting. But her gaze? Her gaze sweeps over the arriving nobles, studying them out of habit as she leads the way towards the table of drinks. "Do you think you will play?" is asked of Valkieri, almost teasingly.

(OOC) Silas glares at the client. Did his pose go through?

(OOC) Dawn says: No. :(

"Absolutely not," Valkieri says to Sylphie, because he hates fun. He hasn't managed to bring himself to wear sandals, although his shirt is /slightly/ less casual than usual. He's eyeing the table of drinks they approach with /particular/ interest. "Don't be ridiculous," he adds, in case she was not fully aware. Still, he's given her his arm in case she needs extra balance on the sand.

(OOC) Silas tries it again.

Camp is now locked.

(OOC) Rook says: I mean that's not worrying at all

(OOC) Valkieri says: no one wanted to visit you anyways, camp!

(OOC) Rook says: WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE

(OOC) Valencia says: brbs again, also don't see a silas bose.

(OOC) Valencia says: pose*


Appropriate attire for Salazar Argento is what he always wears. Come rain or shine, snow or hail, blood-thirsty shav corsairs or willowy maidens come willingly, the pirate prince descends upon the beach in his usual splendor. White silk shirt with sea-blue hems, otter-skin breeches and boots to match, his dark head of brown-black hair, whipping in the wind, a single copper ring embedded in his left ear, and a wickedly curved scimitar at his waist. Bronzed by sun, salted by sea, and whittled down by hard exercise to lean, wiry proportions, the Voice of House Argento has got a great big grin on his face, as he turns around to guide a woman, similarly colored, down. His sister, perhaps.

His amber-gold eyes slowly scan the gathered crowd for anyone distinguished. "Ah," Salazar says with a shrug of his shoulders, "A nice day to be out, hm?" He turns to Orianna and lifts a brow, trying to coax something more than her usual skepticism. But the sea and the sun are like rowdy cousins to Clan Argento, often coming to play with the scions of the Stormborn. Salazar lifts a hand up to steady his sister as they climb down the slightly rocky path down to the marble beaches outside Arx.

    Silas's smile somehow brightens further when he spots Dawn and Rook nearby and he sends them a wave. "Lady Dawn and Master Rook! Nice to see you this evening!" Valencia and her colorful attire catches his attention next and he directs the dazzling smile her way. "Good evening, Your Highness. You're looking lovely as ever." He inclines his head in the direction of the others, letting his eyes linger on each face for one curious moment. "We could use some beachball players. Anyone interested?"

(OOC) Silas sniffles. He had to shorten it.

"Would it be so ridiculous?" murmurs Sylphie with a crooked smile touching at the corners of her lips as she lifts smokey eyes to Valkieri under dark lashes. Her fingers against his arm, however, are adorned with the flashing black diamond and rose gold of her wedding ring. "A show of Gemecitta strength within days of arriving to the city by its new heir wouldn't go entirely amiss." Her gaze, however, drops away after a moment rather than pressing the subject further. Instead, it slides back to the Lady Dawn and lingers there at Silas' greeting before she continues to follow who the host marks.

"If you can promise a true escape from my burdens, Master Rook, you'll have earned a chest of gold in which to set your emeralds." Dawn tilts her head to survey the gathering, a smile at the ready with which to greet those who meet her eyes. Nods are sent to those recognized as well, marks of respect or acknowledgement freely given. "Still," she says, glancing back to her companion and letting her smile deepen to almost a merry look. "It is good to have goals. I like this one. Where will we spread the blankets and pretend we have no cares in the world? I might need some pointers, I've been out of practice for some time. Instruct me, Whisper?" Quieter still, she wonders, "What is beachball?"

Dagon Thrax steps onto the beach. Uncharacteristically he is not being accompanied by his guards, having left them hanging back a ways. Eyes find Abbas and he nods, proceeding to walk around, offering nods to those he's familiar with, dark blue eyes constantly in motion. He approaches the table full of food and frowns. "The only seafood here is crab, none of the true delicacies that the sea can offer." He mutters to himself, shifting his attention to the alcohol being served. "At least there's brandy."

"Ah, how do you do, Master Silas. Thank you for your gracious hosting talents this evening," Rook returns fluidly, green eyes switching to Dawn as he asks her questions and makes her claim. "Well, a man certainly can try, no? Let me dream." Squeezing the lower arm of the woman, he leads her down towards a place upon the beach that is, for whatever reason, deemed suitable. "Here," he decides, "it is suitably close to the water, yet far enough away. We will have a good view of the beachball game and-- oh, you don't know? Well, they have a net," he says, uttering lower the rules in brief, in concise non-technical explanation.
The rumble of his voice is issued in short beforeh e concludes, "and I half wonder if we shouldn't play. What do you say? The people would no doubt enjoy the sight of you doing more than your extreme quill-waggling sport."

    Overhearing Dagon's complaint, the guardsman shrugs his shoulders. "Crab meat is cheaper than lobster meat. Do you like shrimp? I can do shrimp next time." He lifts his chin to regard those expressing the slightest interest in his game. "Eh, it's a commoner game and not terribly well-known I guess. I can explain the rules if you'd like." He holds up the 'ball' and points. "We use this."


    Valencia smiles brightly and tilts her chin downwards, "Thank you, so gracious of you." She looks about the others gathering and gathered, smile still resting on her lips before her attention gets drawn back to the host, "Oh, I have no idea how to play, but I would be delighted to give it a try!" She giggles lightly and then holds up a hand, "After a get a bit of wine in me of course." And with that she strides across the sand and takes a seat at the table, crossing her legs at the knee as she picks up a cup and pours some wine into it, sipping lightly as she looks over the other guests, hand coming up touch at the side of her face, as if to brush away hair, before she realizes it was tied up and instead places the hand on her knee.

Silas chuckles at Valencia when she announces her desire for wine. "Understood."

"I would say that they'd pay for it even." Acacia hadn't entered via the normal route, breaking free instead from a copse of trees upon the side with her boots sinking into the sand and disrupting it. She sips languidly off one a simple metal flask, interjecting between Dawn and Rook's conversation without precedent. Sweeping into a flourished brow, she provides the duo a comprehensive smile before glancing up towards where the rest may be gathered. "Lady Dawn. Courtier. Have you tried the--" A short pause is taken to assess the table at a distance, "... anything?"

"I don't think a display of skill at beachball is really going to have any influence on people's opinions of me /or/ Gemecitta," Valkieri mutters down at Sylphie. He watches the others as well, but he's looking more desirous of the wine set out on the table.

Between Silas' efforts and Rook's, Dawn has a fair grasp of what might ensue on the beachball court. Lips quirked with amusement, she looks from Whisper to guardsman. It isn't a difficult or particularly long debate. "I'll have you know I'm a champion quill-waggler. Less so this but... ah, Mistress Culler. We haven't yet, no. Sir Mercier is recruiting for a beachball team. Will you join us? Master Rook has cast aspersions on my preferred hobby and I feel I must defend my honor."
    With waiting for either to speak up, she drops the slippers and raises her hand to signal Silas. "Three more for your teams, here!"

Arianna finds her way past the gathering people, nimbly weaving between bodies as she surveys the beach, using her size to her advantage. Aria's green silk dress isn't particularly conducive to the idea she actually intends to participate in athletics, but when they ask for players there is excitement glittering in the young woman's azure eyes. She keeps it in check, of course, shaking her head. A few beats later the young woman is to be found at the banquet table not too far from one Dagon Thrax. He might not acknowledge Aria but she'll at least offer him a polite bob of her head. As you do. Then she is setting appreciatively to the feed left on display.

(OOC) Valencia says: If anyone does something towards me just gimme a lil page afterwards, big scenes like this and I tend to lose track, please and thank you!

(OOC) Dagon says: Oh that's a good idea.

(OOC) Aria says: That's a great idea.

(OOC) Valkieri strongly recommends highlighting your character's name client-side if you have one that supports it

(OOC) Valencia says: Ooh I have one that does but no idea how.

Sylphie's brow curves upwards in a challenge for Valkieri's thought, but she doesn't counter it. Instead, she smiles and slides her hand from his arm to pour their drinks with an "Apologies, your highness," to Valencia as she must move past the young woman. She offers one glass to Valkieri, but it's to Valencia that she continues, "Perhaps you can convince my companion here about the excitement of playing beachball. I'm not sure he could resist your charm if you were to request it of him."

"I'm... surprisingly horrible at beachball, my Lady," Acacia reluctantly confides towards Dawn, her fingers drumming upon the side of her flask as her eyes narrow slightly to observe the net. "I'm quite good at quill-waggling, however, though not nearly as refined as you. Something to shoot for, perhaps?" As her mouth twists slightly with amusement, she wets it somewhat against her flask and then gestures carelessly aside, once the announcement had already been made. "But for you, my Lady? I'd be honored," she concludes, tone wry and bemused. "Can we convince anyone who looks less athletic to join then? Preferrably anyone wearing skirts or lots of jewelry."

"I've not yet had a chance to try the anything but I hear it's quite varied and extensively sought after by all, from one side of the realm to the other," Rook retorts with the glint of amusement in his eyes and broad, almost chesire smile, so very pleased with his own humour. "I'm not acquainted with who you are, dear Mistress, but let's keep it that way." Dawn's inclusion of their participation to the game is only acknowledged with a nod of support when Silas looks their way and then he briefly unloops his arm to wander over and settle his jacket upon the blanket they laid out. "It'll be far too hot for this, I should think."

Rook drops an exceptionally well-designed tailcoat with stiffened shoulders backed by kid leather.

(OOC) Orianna says: Sorry trying this again.

Dagon glances up at the guardsman and nods. "Sure, but there are various types of fish that are quite, ah, nevermind." He sighs, picking up a brandy and sips it, turning to view the crowds. He catches Aria's nod and returns it. "If you are going to get something to eat, my lady, at least try the crab cakes. Though, I may be a bit biased in that regard."

Orianna, slow to things and taking in the beach realized she was being rude and hadn't greeted anyone at all. She bowed her head and spoke "Sorry, to have my brother do all the talking. I've been stuck at home and being at the beach feels wonderful." She looks around again looking at everyone and politely smiling. "I promise not to be rude again and join in beachball, it is my favorite. Me and my brothers play it all the time. I usually win, though. She said turning to her big brother.


    Valencia gives Sylphie a warm smile, turning her eyes to Valkieri at her words, pursing her lips slightly, directing a few words his way "Well, I must admit I know not of what it is, but it looks like a simple sport, and it's always good to get the blood flowing, especially when your company is such a lovely lady." She winks at Sylphie slightly as she hides the grin behind the rim of her wine glass while taking a sip, then another to finish off the small amount she had poured, placing the cup upon the table and standing again, "Will you be accompaning him upon the field of battle m'dear?" she offers to Sylphie.

    "Three?" It takes him a moment to spot the familiar redhead now with Dawn and Rook. "Oh! Hey Mistress Acacia!" Cue enthusiastic wave. He begins to count outloud. "So that's five, including me and Valencia? Oh, six!" His eyes alight upon Orianna when she arrives in a very timely manner. "Okay, we have a veteran in our midsts. Might have to even out the teams to make it fair." He grins wryly at Orianna and approaches the center of the court, mindful of the net. "Last call, before I start with the rules."

Dawn happens to be one of those skirts wearers. When Rook sheds his jacket, she glances down at herself and then dips to begin gathering up the hem of all that pale silk. "He has a way with turning anything into poetry, doesn't he?" she says of the not as of yet formally introduced Whisper. "I expect that's why I engage him, he pretties up all of my slips and errors." Such as the one created now when she pulls the back of her skirt forward and lifts it to tuck into her belt. Dress into billowy shorts, how very sporty. "Right. Now, is this a game better waged after a drink or before it?"

"We should invite her--," Acacia abruptly claims, the flask waggling in the general direction of Orianna from the distance. "Is this in teams of three? Because teams of four would be splendid. Especially were it against a team of three with the fourth -- me -- sitting to the side enticing other people to join in." She squints one eye into the funnel of her flask, tilting it a bit to peer into the darkness of the contents and then ends up merely shrugging her shoulders and using it to gesture at Rook, "I am quite fine with this agreement, but well--" Pausing, she slants a look towards Dawn, she inquires, "Do I have permission to utilize a nickname, my Lady, for your grand companion? Preferrably one you give him, so that I can say 'Hey so-and-so, you missed the ball'. As far as the drink, well. I prefer to get everyone else to drink, especially if I'm bad at the game. But I might be biased. Let's turn it into a celebratory thing. Let's toast."

"Ah, well, Orianna, you don't -always- win," Salazar replies as he meanders his way to the front, leading Orianna with him. "I'm up for beachball and so is my sister," he calls out airily. He considers Valencia and Sylphie briefly - there's a clouded look of half-recognition, before he lifts his hand to hail down Silas. "The Argentos are here in force. Hold fast, Stormborn!" This last phrase, he calls out with bravado, as if trying to patent and popularize some kind of motto. Few north have heard of these Lycene vassals, the odd cross between Thrax-like sea-raiders and silk-wearing Lycene merchants.

(OOC) Silas says: Alright so we have Val, Dawn, Rook, Acacia, Orianna, Slyphie, Salazar? With Aria, Dagon, and Valk spectating/drinking? :P

(OOC) Salazar says: Apologies, Silas!

(OOC) Silas says: No problem. Blocks of text do that.

(OOC) Sylphie says: no no, not me. Sylphie will be demurring in her next pose. :)

(OOC) Salazar says: This is Orianna's first time MUing -ever-. She's a bit overwhelmed by the scene, so we're going to exit stage right.

(OOC) Orianna says: I think I'm going to sit this out. Moving way too fast for the noobie.

(OOC) Sylphie says: aw yeah. Group scenes not a good place to start. Good luck, Orianne!

(OOC) Dawn says: Aw, welcome, Orianna! Big events can definitely be overwhelming.

(OOC) Silas says: Alright!

(OOC) Sylphie says: *Orianna

(OOC) Valencia says: Aww, well welcome to MU*s!

"One can only polish or reshape a diamond in the rough but it is nevertheless and will always remain a diamond," Rook says to Dawn, "so you need not thank me for much other than a few small matters." A pause, then he reaches to slowly, politely and quite carefully amend the way the dress is settled on Dawn. "Like so," he adds, as if the case was in point. "Splendid." Casting a glance toward Acacia then he chuckles, waving a hand, "I normally offer people the chance to call me whatever I like but something tells me that'd be a terrible idea. The Lady Voice must be in charge here, then. We can each be given our temporary beach names and call each other such."

"You hardly have to enlist people I've never met to harass me," Valkieri grumbles at Sylphie before his gaze slides reluctantly to Valencia. "I'm sure I won't get in your way if you wish to join the game, your highness." He picks up the cue of Valencia's address from Sylphie with ease. He offers her a polite dip of his head. "Lord Valkieri Rubino."

(OOC) Orianna says: Thanks for the welcomes.

(OOC) Acacia says: Welcome, Orianna! You'll get it in no time!

(OOC) Valencia says: Big social scenes like this can def overwhelm, even after almost a decade I still suck at them.

(OOC) Salazar waves and blows kisses, before motioning towards the <U> exit.

"Oh! Good evening, your Highness." Aria looks up from the food in front of her and favors Dagon with a glittering smiile. She offers a quickcurtsey afterward, as best can be done this close to a laden table in a small crowd. "It's a good bias to have. I think I shall definitely try the crabcakes then. Thank you..." She nods slowly then, tilting her head slightly so that logn, blondeh air falls away from her grinning face. The young woman purses her lips. "I do love these little sausages, though. Terrible habit. Ah... Hmm. I don't believe we've truly been introduced. Arianna, of House Gilden. It's a pleasure." Aria is loading up a plate, but seh keeps hergazed affixed toDagon.

"Not harass, my lord Valkieri. To merely provide you better company than I ever could," claims Sylphie innocently, though her half-smile does nothing to hide the amusement that she finds in it. But she directs much more geniunely to the princess, "No, I am afraid I will have to cheer from the sidelines today. My stomach has been upset since our travels," her hand drops briefly to press there. But then after a pause, she admits, "And I am also afraid that I am miserably un-athletic. My skills lie elsewhere."

(OOC) Abbas is distracted RL and bows out.

"I suppose titles do slow down reaction time when screaming orders. But you both already come supplied with such lovely names. Rook, meet Acacia, Acacia, Rook. And I shall be Dawn," the Lady decides as she obligingly lifts her arms and holds very very still for the courtier's fussing. Scandalous times two, but such is to be expected of a Baseborn. "Unless you're going to insist on a beach theme. In which case -he- can be Gull, the lady can be Sage, and I shall be... Star? I don't know, I'm very bad at this. I've only ever named dogs before."

    "Alright," he announces, determining it was safe to continue. "The goal is to ground the ball on the other team's court. You do such by hitting the ball over the net. Each time the ball manages to land in the other team's court, your team scores a point. The team who scores ten points first wins." He nods in Sylphie's direction. "Very well. Perhaps next time.

(OOC) Silas says: Dumb enter.

Belatedly, Sylphie adds in introduction, "Lady Sylphie Zaffria of Gemecitta."

(OOC) Sylphie says: ugh I hate forgetting big things like that. LIKE TELLING YOU MY NAME.


    Valencia smiles a bit, and taking ahold of the sarong in her left hand, does a half-curtsey with a soft bend at the knees for a moment, "Princess Valencia Redrain. Since we're doing formal greetings." She giggles slightly and then raises her left foot behind her while bringing her hand down to slip the heeled sandal off, repeating the action for the other foot and tossing them underneath the bench of the table, slightly scrunching her bare toes in the sand. "Oh alright then, will you be leading me to glory then Sir Rubino?" She asks with a soft smile, raising and offering her left arm to Valkieri gently.

(OOC) Aria says: For all I know I messed up the introduction, I got hit by RL the second I got here. :D Seems to have cut out, though. But yes, names are... Useful.

"Sir Silas! Please don't forget to lead us all in a celebratory before-game strongest-drink-you-have, preferrably in multiples, toast before we get started, love," Acacia implores towards the Guard, his enthusiastic wave responded to by an affable, if roguish grin in return and a sweeping sort of bow in his general direction. "It's customary," she further expresses, "Or it should be, which is nearly the same thing." A check of her dark eyes temporarily absorbs both Sylphie and Valkieri to the side, but it's Valencia who receives the more formal inclination of her head. There's a tiny furrow of her brow, before Dawn's titles distract her, her word shared aside, humored, "My Good Lady, nicknames are required. Gull, Sage, Lady Star? I kind of have to call you Lady here, I'm afraid. I will fight the urge to caw at Gull though. Or chirp. Well, whatever it is."

Silas ducks under the net, stationing himself on the other side of the court. "The teams will be Lady Dawn, Master Rook, and Mistress Acacia versus me and Princess Valencia. I'm a veteran, so that seems to be fair."

Silas is quick to add, in light of Acacia's proclamation. "And don't consume too much of the whiskey before you play if you wish to have any coordination!"

"Utterly terrible," Rook tells Dawn as he steps backwards and clasps his hands at his front, stood tall and amused. "We were trying to avoid our true names," he tells the Voice of Grayson. "Remind me to never entrust you with state secre-- oh, wait." After a pause for his own half-laugh, he then greets Acacia anew. "Star, I am Gull. Hello." With a single wink of green he then ducks past them both toward the netting. "Caw, caw!" he shouts, for Acacia's own benefit and joke, before clearing his throat. From across the way he bows his head to the princess. "Your highness, good day to you. Are you ready? I'm not!"

Star -> Sage*

(OOC) Valencia says: Am I the only princess here?

(OOC) Rook says: No. I am also one.

(OOC) Rook says: (Yes, yes you are)

(OOC) Valencia says: O.o

(OOC) Dagon says: Yes, but I am a Prince.

(OOC) Sylphie says: and I am a dragon.

(OOC) Sylphie says: -- Wait, I'm not here.

"Gods, I'm no knight," Valkieri says, balking at the idea. He takes a moment to glare at Sylphie, the look clearly saying, 'This is your fault,' before he starts shrugging out of his jacket. It's a bit of a violent shrug, and he shoves it at Sylphie to hold. "Fine, fine," he says, allowing Valencia his arm to be led to the net. "Yes, fine, I'll -- play," he says in a louder voice to Silas.

With the teams called, Dawn proceeds in the wake of her cawing courtier to take up a position on one side of the net. She goes laughing, at least, which means neither Rook's teasing or Acacia's attempt to get everyone drunk before leaping around in sand, are taken as bad things. She is, in fact, gesturing the other woman up to help in flanking their enthusiastic teammate. "This is so very -not- dignified," she says in a tone of absolute relish. "Sir Mercier, prepare to be crushed!"


    There's a nod in return to Dawn, a light smile, and then her attention is brought to bare on Rook as she slips her arm into Valkieri's, "Why hello, thank you! Ready, to have fun yes." She giggles lightly as she leads the gentleman on her arm towards Silas's side of the net, "I do hope you don't mind that I've recruited a third for us?"

Sylphie accepts that jacket with a triumphant smile, amusement darkening grey eyes as they dance over Valkieri and Valencia. "I am sure he will not disappoint you, your highness," she assures the young woman before she settles in with her wine to watch.

(OOC) Valencia slaps her princess name on there.

Silas smirks when Valkieri relents and jerks his thumb for the man to join their side of the court. "Good, m'lord! We welcome you. I'm sure you'll have fun." Though Valkieri seems adamant not to! He looks between the two assembled teams. "Alright, each team should designate a person who serves, unless we wish to rotate and give each other a turn. Up to you folks."

"I feel like I should buy more furniture suddenly..." Acacia had been occupied with glaring with no real venom towards Silas, when Dawn positioned herself and she was soon to follow along. Allowing her boots to sink comfortably within the stand, she situates herself somewhat behind her, stealing another sip off the flask and then filing it away inside of her cloak. "Prepare to be destroyed," she's still quick to bolster Dawn, or temporarily Star, with her threats to the other side of the nest. Aside, she adds, "That was very good cawing, Gull. I see how you got the name."

(OOC) Silas says: As a sidenote, look at the net if you forget the checks we're going to use. :P

"What? You're evening the teams now? What is this tomfoolery!" Rook's abhorrence is short lived and his hands clasp at his back, shoulders rolled while he waits for his companions to get into line. "Sometimes, Lady Star, dignity can be set aside for a few moments of unadulterated fun. I tell you, though... if I get sweaty and sand sticks to me, I'm going to need a long soak back in the baths at Whisper House before I even so much as think about showing my face again." With a small blast of air out of his nose in stifled laughter he then dusts down his front, idly swaying left and right. "The first one to faceplant will be me, I bet. I ask you all to politely look aside when this occurs."

(OOC) Valencia hasn't done anything dice related in the game yet so I might need a bit of walk through!

(OOC) Valkieri glance nervously at lack of athletics

(OOC) Silas thinks you can copy/paste most of them.

(OOC) Valkieri says: YOU'RE NOT PLAYING, SYLPHIE

(OOC) Dawn says: Ohhh, Silas, good idea.

(OOC) Sylphie says: what. I was just checking.

(OOC) Sylphie says: On catching you when you fall.

(OOC) Silas pats Sylphie.

(OOC) Valencia says: If athletics is a skill, this princess is terrible at it in the form of having none, so this should be entertaining.

(OOC) Silas says: We will all be flailing messes.

(OOC) Silas says: That's why I included lower difficulties for some. :P

"I suppose I'll have the first go at serving, while my teammates provide the banter. They're far superior to me in that regard," Dawn claims. That means she gets the ball, right? "If you win this for us, Gull, I'll take you and Sage both to soak in the pools at the palace. We've our own waterfall, you know." And with that bait laid she gestures at Silas-- Team Ridiculous is ready.

"Yes, yes." It hardly seems an agreement to have fun, but rather Valkieri trying to dismiss further conversation about his entertainment. He stands on the beach with his hands on his hips, back straight, shoulders solid, as he waits for the game to start.

"Sure, you're still at a handicap with me on the other team," he retorts to Dawn and tosses the ball over the net, in her direction. This might be the first test! "For us, I'll serve first, the princess will go next, and the lord will go last." He looks to Valkieri and Valencia curiously. "Any problem with that? I mean, if I serve, I'll just keep scoring and that'll be no fun."

(OOC) Silas adds his name in there.

Rook clears his throat and makes an effort to throw his voice. It isn't very effective. It's very much he who shouted.

Rook shouts from elsewhere, "Let's start already!"

Rook says, "Who said that?"

Acacia double-takes at Dawn's claim, her tongue drawn along her upper teeth as she eyes the other side of the net. "Gull, if you faceplant, please do so after you make a stupendous saving grace to the opposite side." Easing into a partially balanced stance, she inhales a steadying breath, amused, "Your prowess with inspiration never ceases, my Lady."

(OOC) Silas says: Serve, and indicate who you're aiming to hit it to somewhere in your post. :P

(OOC) Dawn booyeah.


    Valencia gives out a giggle at Valkieri's stance and then tosses a quick nod at Silas as she undoes the knot for her sarong and pulls it off her hips, tossing it to the edge of the drawn out arena, "Ready!"

Clearly no one has warned Silas of Dawn's truly preferred hobbies: she has a fierce and competitive love for outdoors activities. The ball is caught and she flashes him a grin that marks just /how/ competitive she is, before she backs up and balances the ball in her hand. "I thank you kindly," she says in her best lofty lady voice to Acacia. After eyeing the other team, the ball is lofted and smacked with an upward swing of her other hand to send it sailing over the next in Valkieri's direction.

(OOC) Silas says: Gogogo Valk!

(OOC) Valkieri cackles

(OOC) Sylphie says: oh no.

(OOC) Valencia tempts fate?

(OOC) Silas says: Okay, we can save. Or try to.

(OOC) Sylphie says: maybe I should have played.

(OOC) Valkieri says: I'M NEVER LETTING YOU TAKE ME ANYWHERE

(OOC) Sylphie :_

(OOC) Sylphie says: oh god.

(OOC) Valencia giggles, Alright I'll pose after Vlaki

(OOC) Silas says: Yeah, pose time.

There's a brief moment of panic in Valkieri's face when he sees the ball coming directly for him. He freezes, and then darts forward, reaching to try and knock it back over the net -- except it goes totally wild instead. Oh gods.

"Nicely done, Lady Star," Rook asserts in approval. As the ball sails over the netting he idly reaches down, tightens the laces of his boots and watches up through his tumble of hair falling into his face. When he rights himself, the ties adjusted, his hand sifts through and pushes aside his wayward fringe. "Look at that /save/," he exclaims upon seeing Silas' dive. "Pantheon praise, he wasn't lying about being the advantage to his team."


    Watching Valkieri fumble the ball the princess Valencia tries to help, stepping forward in bare feet and leaping up to try and hit the ball... and ever so gracefully missing and instead falling forward into the sand, making her laugh out loudly as she pulls herself up onto her knees and dusts some of the sand off her fur bikini before standing.

"I did say Gilden, yes." Aria's eyes drift briefly to the beachball game, wide as can be to take in all of the details as people take their places. They quickly retur n to Dagon, however, and the diminutive woman takes a deep breath that helps to draw her to her full, impressive height of approximately five feet. Perhaps slightly less in sandals. "I'm afraid the Baroness has ye to befound. I'm actually in town about just that, in fact, among other things. And I will absolutely try the crab cakes," she agrees, placing a couple onto her plate. There. And you've no need for forgiveness for asking. I think information is best heard from no ther place than the source. Enough of my troubles, though. How has the evening found you? Enjoying the pleasant weather?"

"You learn by watching people, right, Gull? Now that you saw it, I very much hope you can emulate such a move flawlessly." Acacia's dark eyes barely strafed aside to hook into Gull, watching the arc of the ball repeatedly, with Valencia's laughter spurring her own grin. "Blessed be, the Princess certainly still has the penchant for making things look good." In her best beseeching voice, undoubtedly to counter Lady Star's lofty lady voice, she implores, "Save us, Lady Star."

(OOC) Silas says: I'm gonna assume a save means = hit over the net because it's a higher difficulty anyway. ;)

(OOC) Valencia says: You're the GM!

Silas watches the ball sail over the net in a graceful arc. He glances aside to note Valkieri's position and readiness, and upon making a quick assessment that the poor man was unprepared, he anticipates his failure and makes a step in his direction. He waits for the princess to make her ill-fated dive into the sand, before nimbly stretching out and bopping the ball up into the air and into Rook's direction. Thankfully for him, perhaps, it's a slow drop.

Sylphie is watching. Watching and drink. She is /not/ laughing when Valkieri sends the ball wildly away from him, or when Valencia falls. But then Silas saves! And she raises her voice in a bright, warm call of, "Go, home team! You can do it!"

(OOC) Silas is hitting it to Rook because he's mean.

(OOC) Silas says: Though Dawn stealing everyone's hits would be hilarious.

(OOC) Dawn says: Ignore my roll, oops. Was trying to copy and paste, my finger slipped. XD

(OOC) Rook says: So that's 15?

(OOC) Silas says: Yep!

(OOC) Silas says: Your teammates can save if you fail.

(OOC) Rook says: Or 10 if I pass. Gotcha.

(OOC) Silas says: That too. :P

(OOC) Silas says: It's up to you, Dawn!

Rook is ever the polite individual and so when the ball comes hurtling his way he stares up at it, places his hands together and bumps it high, calling toward Acacia. "I'm setting this up for you, right now, Sage!" Unfortunately the ball goes wonky, so bad in fact it will no doubt be too off-kilter for Acacia to save.

(OOC) Dawn says: Womp womp!

(OOC) Silas says: Team Ridiculous - 0, Team Awesome - 1 ;)

"Ah, well if you need help cracking a few skulls, you should have a chat with my cousin Victus sometime." Dagon tells Aria, picking up one of the crab cakes and taking a bite. He catches sight of the game, where it seems a lot of people aren't doing very well. "Mm, the mustard is a bit overpowering, but crab is still crab and therefore good." He gestures towards where others are playing. "Did you want to participate in that? I don't want to hold you up if you had plans to."

(OOC) Sylphie says: No you guys are the Home Team.

(OOC) Sylphie says: I decided ICly. *point*

"Gull-- you have to--" Acacia is unable to finish off that last concluding remark, sacrificing all form of grace in order to launch herself in his general direction to try to save it once it goes awry. Although the vault off of her feet was solid, her fingers merely scrape the underside, further adding to its off-spin when she tumbles hard upon the sand and sends the grains showering everywhere with a harder 'mmph' upon impact. "You don't fly at all, Gull!" The complaint was voiced through a huff of bemused air, "Lady Star! Shine?" She pauses, dusting at her knees, "Shine? That's what stars do, aye?"

Let it not be said that Dawn can't be bossed around. She too joins the others on her team in admiring the strange dances performed on the other side of the net, a cheer raised when Silas bops for the save. But Acacia's call sees her darting forward, head back and eyes tracking their target's trajectory. Alas when Rook's attempted pass goes wonky, and Acacia launch is off-course, her own dive falls just a little short: outstretched fingers bump the ball but it dribbles to the sand as she skids to a halt. "...that didn't go as planned," she announces cheerfully. Collecting herself back to her feet, the ball is given a kick to send it to the other team for their serve.

"Oh, I really shouldn't," Aria responds quietly to Dagon's query, her eyes following the game as she tastes the crabcake. She gives a delicate cough and laughs softly, shifting herh and as if weighing the cake carefully. "I do wonder how they managed to fit so much mustard into so little crab." The girel's voice is soft and sweet, mellow while making itself easily heard, and right now there's a teasing lilt to her smiling. "If I need help cracking skulls I will consider looking to your cousin, absolutely. Hopefully my family has it well in hand, but..." She gives a delicate shrug. "I truly appreciate the offer, your highness." She takes another bite of crab then.

"Someone clipped my wings, decided I was better grounded and kepts as a pet than a free creature," Rook says in overdramatic fashion. "In all honesty, however, I am rather terrible at this kind of sport. It requires too much focus. I am much better with things like dancing, which I have learnt by rote, rather than improvisation." As Dawn makes her last pitch to save it and fails, he shakes his head. "By my account, this was a terrible showing," he concurs with her, moving to step forward and offer her his hand upward. "My lady Star," he says simply, before presenting an uptick of his chin in the direction of the opposition. "Let's prepare again."

Silas watches the other team sputter around in the same with obvious amusement, even though his team didn't fare much better just a few seconds prior. The ball eventually finds itself in their court, tauntingly nestling in the sand. He turns to Valencia and Valkieri and flashes a broad grin. "Good job, team!" He hops to catch the ball in it's flight and hands it to Valencia to serve. "I'll serve last."

"Very shiny, Lady Star," Acacia praises, once she's eased back up to her feet, a casual sweep of her boot attempting to send sand skittering towards Rook aside under the guise of it being an accident. "All you have to do is imagine it being like dancing, Gull," she suggests, clearing her throat and then settling back in her prior placement with a bit of a sway here and there in anticipation.

Valkieri's gaze has focused noticeably, and Sylphie might be able to spy the telltale gleam of fierce competitiveness in his expression, even from her distance. (It should be clear enough to his teammates as well.) Now he watches the ball with considerably more preparation as Valencia serves.


    Princess Valencia tilts her head away and holds her hands up as the ball arcs towards her, fumbling but managing to catch it. She beams a smile of victory and holds the ball up over her head, "Right! Okay... lets see..." She steps back to the edge of the drawn 'court' holding the ball out front of her with her left hand, then tosses it up into the air. She leaps up a bit and smacks the ball hard with her palm, sending it in a lazy arc over the neat and towards Acacia just as she finishes standing up!

(OOC) Valencia says: ugh, neat, fml

That anticipatory rocking to and fro might've been enough for Acacia to sprint forward for that lazy arc. Narrowing her eyes a bit, she paces backwards a bit before jumping up to smack it hard in Silas' general direction, "That's for the lack of -- toasts!" She's a bit breathless by the time she lands again, but her grin is in full, "With respect, of course, love."

Dawn takes the hand up and uses her other to sweep sand from her dress. Silk was perhaps not the best beach option. "But we performed with -immense- style," she says in consolation of her teammates. She drops back then, eyes locked on Valencia and her serve. Acacia's return? "That was beautiful!"

Rook narrows his eyes at the spray of sand, its careening across his legs and boots causing him to stare at Acacia even as she runs to smack the ball back over the net. "I'll forgive you for that only because you've made an excellent hit," he calls, before running off to the side and lifting his hands as Silas' ball comes hurtling back. "Mind your heads!" he yells in warning.

Silas stumbles a tad when Acacia spikes it at him, but he manages to twist himself to successfully bump it into the air - in Valk's direction. He was prepared, you see!

(OOC) Silas makes Valkieri hate volleyball. ;)

(OOC) Valkieri says: >:O

(OOC) Valkieri laughs and laughs

(OOC) Silas says: TRY VAL

(OOC) Sylphie says: Poor Valk. :(

(OOC) Valkieri says: i feel like i'm going to have to @check composure before this scene is done

(OOC) Silas lets Valencia attempt a save first? :P

Valkieri is READY. He is just not SKILLED. He gets his hands on the ball, sending it back into the air, but it's /clearly/ not going to make it over the net as he'd hoped.

(OOC) Valencia says: Yup!

(OOC) Valencia shifty eyes.

(OOC) Valkieri says: silas is carrying this team

(OOC) Dawn says: I'll take you to the palace pools too if you throw the game, Silas!


    THe Princess's attention was on the guests more than the ball, so she barely even notices when Silas tips it off to Valkieri, watching the ball starting its descent too early, "I've got it!" She rushes forward, sending little plumes of sand behind bared feet, and then trips and goes down before she even reaches the ball, skidding along the grains and giving another bemused laugh at her own expense, "Darn it!"

Silas watches the ball warily as it bounces -away- and makes a mad scramble backwards to attempt to salvage the situation. He hits the ball harder to make up for the distance and sailing to Dawn it goes!

(OOC) Silas says: You guys have a female Michael Jordan, don't worry. ;)

(OOC) Silas is also liking the image of Dagon the Food Critique, btw.

"I think we need to aim the next spike at Sir Mercier's head," says the Lady of Grayson as she trots to the side, closely watching the arc and fumble and arc and fumble and final return of the ball. Not that Dawn would advocate cheating, mind you. Strategic aiming is most definitely not cheating. Ah! Her close observation pays off and she runs to meet the ball with hands joined in a combined fist. It's caught! And bounced towards Acacia.


Swallowing down the rest of his crab cake, Dagon washes it down with some brandy. He offers Aria a faint smile when he's done. "Lady Aria, think nothing of it. The Baroness was something of a friend to my cousin, and he wants to know if something has happened to her as well. "One of these people is going to end up planting their face directly into the sand. Maybe more than once." He sips his brandy, eyes intent on the game.

"I-- I did mention that I wasn't--" It wasn't quite a scrabbling for the ball, but it was close, with Acacia's uncertainty rendering her swaying and stepping back somewhat behind Dawn. "Blessed fu--" The cruder language is funneled into a shunted breath of exertion when she barely manages to hit it upwards, smacking it back across the net just barely and into Valencia's section of the sandy court. Easing forward a bit, she squints her eyes, wondering, "Waterfall, aye?"

(OOC) Valencia says: YES!

(OOC) Silas thumbs up.


    Princess Valencia is just getting to her feet while dusting sand out of the white fur, only glancing up at the last moment with chocolate eyes going wide. "Uhhh here!" She quickly brings a hand up and pushes the flat of her hand against the ball as she turns her head away again as if afraid to get pelted by it, a squeal as she tries to aim it in Valkieri's general direction without double checking the trajectory. She opens her eyes after the impact, shaking her hand out a little from the sting of pain.

"Eyes on the prize," Rook issues approvingly to Acacia as she repeats one of the descriptions of the pools mentioned by Dawn. With the ball bouncing around on the opposing team's side, he hops from foot to foot, waiting impatiently for purpose. "If it comes over here I'll try to smack it back." With that said, he adds, "I mean, you'd hope so, anyway. That's kind of what the rules dictate we do."

Dawn confirms, "Oh yes. And the pools are naturally heated. It's lovely. Our Gull would shine like a pearl there, I think. We might never be able to drag him out again, if he's fond of soaking." Not that this sounds, from her tone, to be an unpleasant prospect. The Whisper is in fact eyed for a moment before the Lady begins to mimic his hopping. Sadly, he is far, far more graceful.

(OOC) Sylphie says: omg /27/ higher.

(OOC) Valkieri says: oh my god why did i get the high roll on the pass check

(OOC) Sylphie laughing so hard.

(OOC) Sylphie says: You passed so well, Valk.

"Oh, that's half the fun of beachball," Aria chirps in resposne to Dagon, grinning while she watches the game. "We played all the time when I was a wee one, even if I don't really make much of uit now." She shifts to retrieve a drink of her own, gaze still flitting between her companion and the game. "WEll, I proimise that as soon as I know what has happened to her and it's been dealt with they will know. I'll make a point of it. The baroness had many friends..." The girl shakes her head slowly. Then she quints a the game. "Sometimes an entire team plants their face direct in the sand all at once. That's always entertaining."

Valkieri is STILL READY. He is, however, a bit leery of trying to get it over the net; at this point, winning is clearly the most important, and so he manages a beautiful -- nay, /perfect/ -- pass directly to Silas. It's awe-inspiring. Honest. He is glaring fiercely with concentration all the way through it.

(OOC) Silas says: noooo :P

(OOC) Dawn gasps.

(OOC) Valkieri says: SILAS

(OOC) Valencia says: YES!

(OOC) Silas says: LOL

(OOC) Acacia says: LOL

Sylphie's voice lifts in a cheer for /that/ one, even if Silas misses even as she does. And then she flushes as a laugh escapes for the timing. "Well, go Gemecitta!" she will insist.

Silas looks nonplussed at the discussion of aiming at his head! "Not recommended! I have a hard head!" He calls over whilst still keeping his eye on the ball as it comes over once again. This time it wasn't finding the sand! He seems prepared to whap it over the net when Valkieri makes a -stellar- pass, only to slip and unceremoniously land on his bum. "AAAH!" He exclaims in dismay -- BUT THEN THERE'S WONDER VALENCIA.


    Whom is more entertained by the conversation on the other side of the court, "Oooh, those sound like a wonderful place to take an afterno--" THen there's a ball arcing in front of her towards the sand, "Hey!" She quickly leaps forward and clutching her palms together, diving into the sand on purpose this time, but did she? No she did! She managed to knock the ball up and over the net in a high but shallow arc straight for Rook. Meanwhile the Princess is ungracefully spitting clumped sand out of her mouth.

"Blessed... He got the hang of it." Acacia's jaw twitches the slightest bit, all the more so with Dawn's description of the pools. She hadn't provided the extra time in watching Rook, however, eyeing the ball with far more intensity than such a game, especially one filled with that amount of laughter, might warrant. But she's stuck almost rigidly in place when Valencia scores that strike, gaze just watching it soar with her jaw partially unhinged in that awe, "The oldest trick. That net of partial safety. No pun intended." This is concluded by the simple, "I blame Sir Silas."

(OOC) Valkieri says: i do have to say that this will take forever to get to 10 points

(OOC) Silas says: We'll go to five or maybe... three. >>;


"That sounds quite exciting, actually." Dagon admits, laughing lightly. "I wish I could stay around to see it, but alas there are some things I do need to take care of." He turns to face Aria and bows his head to her. "It was nice meeting you, my lady. I hope we can speak again soon. For now, please enjoy the rest of your afternoon."

"I can't be blamed for the luxurious--" Rook begins to reply on the topic of his languid soaking in naturally heated pools, but the ball is soon rushing backward over the net and he yells something rather incoherent as he notices it's for him. In his rush he just smacks the ball to the side and tumbles into the sand. "GO ON WITHOUT ME!"

(OOC) Rook needs to bow out soonish so 3'd work for me.

(OOC) Silas says: Three it is!

(OOC) Rook says: Not that I'm... like... a valauble, contributing member of the team.

"We're fucked." Who said that? Did /Dawn/ say that? She'll deny it if anyone points it out. Perhaps she can distract from the fact she even knows a word of that sort by lunging forward. The last foot is crossed on her knees, a slide that positions her to punt the ball back up over the next. And once again, it is tracking poor, poor Valkieri.

(OOC) Valkieri says: WHY

(OOC) Aureth says: It's your charm.

Sylphie is seated, in herringbone pants and a sleeveless, red silk shirt at the table full of wine and food, watching the entertaining proceedings at the net. On one side, the Lady Dawn, Rook, and Lady Acacia facing across from Lord Valklieri, Sir Silas, and Princess Valencia. Her next cheer comes as the ball heads towards Valkieri: "Just do what you did last time, over the net!"

Acacia's stunned state is broken by Rook's side smack, with her natural inclination lending her to teeter backwards in either dodge or preparation. But once the ball is on its way back across the net towards safety, she brings her hands together into an enthusiastic clap to pair with her appreciative whistle, "Good play, Lady Star! Good play!" That grin is retained, however, lopsided and roguish as she settles down, "We rely on your guiding light? You form the most beautiful constallations? You inspire poetry to the most lost?"

Valkieri tries. He really does. His focus is /intense/ as he dives for the ball -- and ends up face down in the sand.

(OOC) Dagon puts soap into Dawn's mouth before he leaves.

Silas gets to his feet and offers Valencia and impressed look. "Well done, Your Hi--" He spies the ball going in Valkieri's direction again. The poor man faceplants again and the guardsman can only -barely- manage to dive in time to hit it back over the next. And to Rook again.


    Not having to be concerned with the ball, Valencia takes her time in scraping sand off her tongue, and then dusting down the front of her bikini, though after a few moments she realizes it is pretty much a waste of time and stands up. She's got a few scrapes along her forearms and knees now from the coarse sand scraping over her delicate cinnamon-toned flesh but she seems to shrug it off alright for now, raising a fist triumpantly as the two men on her team work together to get the ball back over the net, "Take that! Also... I might need to ask to soak in those pools one of these days!" she calls out to the enemy team on this most valiant of battlefields.

"And you yours," ARia responds. She bows her head as well and then shifts back towatching as the game occurs nearby. Arianna isn't likely to do much other than leet her eyes dart back and forth to observe the ball.

(OOC) Silas says: It's the rally which never eeeends.

Rook barely has time to climb to his feet, covered in sand, before he runs for the ball and tries again to punt it. "I'VE GO-- NEVERMIND!" His shouting is simply due to the fact he's in no speed other than full enthusiasm. Even if he's absolutely useless. "Look," he tells Acacia and Dawn then, panting, "I'll level with you." A pause. "Master Silas planted me on this team to betray you both. I know, I know. /Scandal/."

"I deny everything!" Silas calls out.

"I. Want. A. Waterfall." Each of the words punctuated one of Acacia's jogging steps in the sand, with her intensity spiking enough that when Rook's attempt to hit it goes off-center again. Her focus had her near barreling into him, smacking it just shortly after he had and towards the calling Silas' once more. Wiping the back of her hand across a sand-speckled curl waggling annoyingly across her eyes, she assures Rook, "I had full faith in you, Gull."

Dawn scrambles to her feet, precious seconds spent in once again trying to brush the dress from the garment. Maybe Victus is right and she is more princess than bastard. "I knew it!" she cries. "Everyone on the opposing team can visit the palace waterfalls if you -lose-... oh Sage, well done! That was beautiful." Sadly, she hasn't the same mastery of poetry as Acacia possesses; her grin and its light will have to serve.

(OOC) Valencia lifts Valkieri up and takes him to the table to get wine, "I think he's got this."

Silas looks to his team with a laughable amount of fierceness. "Don't listen to her honeyed words! Victory or DEATH!" He pumps a fist... while sprinting forward and dramatically spiking the incoming ball back from whence it came. Back to Acacia!

Wandering up the trail, Aureth finds his step slows at the sounds of sport and merriment on the strand, so of course he heads in that direction, with a magpie's interest. I mean, how not? Drifting at the edges of the gathering, he observes the flower of the nobility with eyebrows ticked high, and doffs his mildly fashionable hat with interest as he observes.

There's no quips this time, or team-play involved with passing. Acacia abruptly jumps up to try to hit it right back towards Valkieri.

(OOC) Silas says: Yep, Valk's definitely hating volleyball.

(OOC) Valkieri GASP

(OOC) Silas says: YAY

(OOC) Dawn says: This is the game that never ends, it just goes on and on my friends...

(OOC) Silas says: And here I thought you'd all be flailing.

Valkieri is glaring directly at Acacia in a manner that might provoke feudal war in a different situation. He watches that ball with a level of hatred some people never experience in their entire lives. And he slams it right back over the net at Rook's /face/.


    The Princess of the North is now having plenty of time to just watch the ball, giggling at all the quips and snide remarks bouncing back and forth, though she does check out the slight scrape along an elbow that has a shallow trough filling with red, but it was nothing serious, leaning down and taking a bit of sand to pack in over the tiny wound to avoid any blood getting on her nice white bikini. She claps then as Valkieri makes an excellent return, "Yay go Sir Rubion!"

Nothing much escapes Sylphie's natural skills of observation. Even with her interest in the game before her, Aureth's approach does not go unnoticed. She watches him for a moment, as if to take in what he means to do. It does /seem/ as if she's totally missed Valkieri managing to hit the ball over the net, however, as she lifts her voice to invite the commoner, "I believe anyone is welcome. There is food and drink here, if you would like to partake while being entertained by this sport."

(OOC) Sylphie says: that was probably because he slammed it at your face, rook. rude.

(OOC) Silas says: Rook you don't look at the ball you hit it.

(OOC) Dawn says: Whoa.

(OOC) Rook says: Not in this instant.

(OOC) Acacia says: Waterfalls.

(OOC) Acacia says: The power of waterfalls.

(OOC) Dawn says: Apparently, ain't no one getting between Acacia and waterfalls.

(OOC) Sylphie says: Acacia carrying team ridiculous.

(OOC) Sylphie says: she wants those waterfalls.

(OOC) Sylphie says: (don't go chasing waterfalls.)

"NOPE!" Rook yells in reply to the ball coming full pelt at his face. Like a fainting goat, he just tumbles to the floor in a quick, emergency panic. "NOT THE FACE!" The ball is forgotten, the game forgotten and the two women on his team must deal with the consequences. "I'm not paid enough for a beach ball to the face."

"I think he likes you!" is Dawn's cheerful call for Acacia, referring to Valkieri's dewy-eyed looks. And all of that visible love inspires much energy. "Rook, look out!" she cries, forgetting Team Ridiculous' mandate for ridiculous nicknames. She dives, the brave lady gone to rescue her swain... only for her skirts to come untied in that moment, leaving her tangled, stumbling and ultimately flat on her belly. Nooo!

Aureth lifts his hat and uses it as a prop to his bow as he approaches the table at Sylphie's invitation, his smile lighting his features. "What a thrilling invitation, my lady," he says with humble ease. Despite the fact that the beach appears thronged with his social betters, he exhibits comfort with idle courtesy. "Thank you. Usually I'd expect to be the entertainment at such a gathering, not to be asked to partake."

Acacia's a commoner, through and through, and the prospect of waterfalls and delightfully heated pools seem to be enough to keep her spurred into movement. That dive by Dawn had stolen her focus for a minute, but she manages a graceful upwards strike while simultaneously not stepping on the fallen Lady. It must've been pure luck, because she hardly had time to check where it went -- which was for Valencia. Skidding upon her knees, she pants heavily as she looks after it, "Water--" Heaving exhales interrupt the final syllable to the treasured words.

"I am /not/," Valkieri snaps for the second time tonight, "a /knight/." He takes a slow breath through his nose before adding, "Your highness," to give Valencia her titled due.

Silas snickers at Rook's theatrics. "It shouldn't bruise!" The score was still 1-to-0, and everyone appears to be getting quite the work-out. He tilts his head back to Valkieri and Valencia, at their verbal exchange. "Yeah I'm the kni--LOOK OUT INCOMING!"


    Valencia giggles at Valkieri's reaction and shakes her head a little, but then there's a beach ball almost on her face again! "Save me Sir Rubion!" She squeals out as she tilts her face and curls her body away, slapping at the ball just mere inches from colliding with her towards her 'Knight' that she's apparently laid claim on now.

(OOC) Valencia says: IE Valkieri

"Then you deserve more than anyone, surely, to laugh at this game that we have unravelling here," Sylphie insists to Aureth, sliding slightly on the bench to free a space for him to sit. But her attention is wrested away at Valkieri's snap, something wary in her smoked gaze as it watches even where her smile remains warm and easily at her lips. She even manages to continue lightly, explaining, "You see, the other team here," she points towards Team Ridiculous, "is playing for waterfalls. My lord Valkieri has a personal history and vendetta against the ball. And Sir Silas has arranged this all."

"It's /Lord/," Valkieri says through gritted teeth, "/Rubino/. //Your highness//." And then, almost despite himself, he manages to pass the ball to Silas.

(OOC) Valencia says: Typo! jeeze man! :P

(OOC) Valkieri says: he hates everyone

"How does one stake a waterfall to a game of chance?" Aureth seats himself willingly, turning in the seat to survey the beach with one leg extended to its full length and the other folding neatly inward with his eyebrows swept, again, high. "I usually gamble for silver. Next time perhaps I should stake sunshine, instead."

(OOC) Valencia says: Oh I did the same exact type to the name last time too, I suck

(OOC) Valkieri says: rofl

Silas looks nervously between Valkieri and Valencia, but doesn't have much time to verbally respond when the ball is bounced his way. It easily goes over the net this time, to the Voice of Grayson. Who is bribing her team and theirs with waterfalls.

(OOC) Dawn says: THAT STILL COUNTS

(OOC) Silas says: Yeah. XD

(OOC) Silas says: YOU GUYS NEED TO FAIL MORE

(OOC) Acacia says: But waterfalls. :|

"Would you like to gamble for silver, then? The teams are even in points, currently, but I am honor-bound to put my coin on Lord Valkieri's team," Sylphie offers to Aureth with a quick smile. "Though, I should think I should bet /against/ them. Given that the team is fracturing before our eyes." She lifts her wine to her lips, taking a slow sip, before she explains after, "And the waterfalls are part of the palace's pools."

(OOC) Valkieri says: If I wanted to @check composure + diplomacy for my own personal fun should I just make up what difficulty it is for Valk

Dawn hasn't had time to secure her skirt in its former pretty skort blouse again. Which means the Voice of Grayson goes dashing in full regalia, including a few pretty gems, to catch the ball lobbed her way. "If you don't con/cede/," she puffs as she slapps her hands beneath the ball to toss it back towards Valencia, "I think our Sage might... go on... a rampage."

(OOC) Sylphie says: over 9000

(OOC) Sylphie says: 15 is default, so I'd think 20?

(OOC) Silas says: IT'S ALL UP TO YOU VALK

(OOC) Valkieri says: oh god

(OOC) Acacia says: Let's play to two! Game point!

(OOC) Sylphie says: I take back my offer of a bet, Aureth.

(OOC) Aureth says: Too late

(OOC) Silas says: Yeah, before Valk goes on a murderous rampage.


    Princess Valencia, the Northern Fox, was putting up a grand display of how a fox dives into the snow for prey, though in this case it was the sand, while trying to hit a ball into the air. "Okay I so have this one!" She says as she leaps up, smacks the ball, and sends it spiraling straight towards the ground on their side of the net.

Camp is now unlocked.

Rook brings his hands together to his lips, as if in silent prayer for the other team to fail. "Come on, come on..." When it seems to work, he hisses in victory. "Yes! Go Lady Star, go Sage!"

Aureth grins in a wide flash. "Would that make them the underdog? I think I might be honor bound, in turn, to place my wager on the underdogs." He flips a single silver coin between his first two fingers of his left hand and holds it up. "A silver coin from a gray coin, my lady?" He does a rapid coin trick with it, letting it dance across his knuckles, and then vanishes it from sight only to reappear it from behind Lady Sylphie's ear, because why not, apparently.

(OOC) Aureth says: sorry I got excited about dice. carry on.

(OOC) Sylphie says: are you pulling something out of a lady's ear.

    To be fair, Valencia's form was perfect - she just hit it into the wrong court! Silas's own attempt comes too late and he gets his own face full of sand this time. His acrobatics have failed him! He peers upward, then looks crestfallen when he finds the ball now on the ground. "Aw damn. That was a -good- rally." He glances up to the sky. "Next is the game point. It's gotten very late and you've all proven much more skilled than I anticipated!" This was a genuine statement. He tosses the ball to Dawn, for the last serve.

(OOC) Aureth says: well, from behind it.

Again, Valkieri ends up with a mouthful of sand, and there's a moment when he finds his feet that it looks like he might honestly loose his temper. It's with distinct effort that he pulls himself back together, breathing deep through his nose until his expression is even. Sylphie will be so proud of him.

"Anything for you, Gull! It's one to one, we can do this," Dawn declares, beckoning regally at the other team to provide them with the ball. Silas' toss earns the knight a grin as the lady retreats to the rear of the court. "Never underestimate a badger," is her advice, before she thumps the ball with the top of her fist. Over it goes and it /does/ seem she is deliberately aiming for Valkieri. Tactics.

(OOC) Valkieri says: YOU'RE AWFUL PEOPLE

(OOC) Dawn <3

(OOC) Silas says: LOL

"You be the Star and I will be your Shadow, my Lady," Acacia relays towards Dawn, dusting off her hands and then crouching down a bit into balanced stance. Wiping some of the perspiration from her brow, she amends, "Or something medicinal, since Sage really probably isn't a Shadow." After a short pause, she appends optimistically, "But Gull could probably make a shadow with the right amount of flying."

"From a gray coin?" questions Sylphie, her smile playing at her lips even as he pulls that coin from her ear. "And what do you mean by that, good master?" Her gaze slides briefly back to the game as game point is called, long enough to see Valkieri's temper reigned into check. She adds, "Well, we cannot bet on the same team. How would either win?"

(OOC) Dawn says: Also maybe we can just roll it out because I have to be awake in five hours and Rook before that, I think. >.>

"Wait, we only have one point? Master Silas, I thought we scored two? I'm almost /certain/ it was two," Rook insists, lying simply and no doubt ineffectively. Glancing toward Acacia and then back, he brushes off some more sand and then exclaims, "It's /everywhere/. We better win the trip to the palace," he tells Sage.

(OOC) Silas says: Good for me.

(OOC) Rook says: oh god please don't remind me

(OOC) Dawn says: Dicewars: The Reckoning.

(OOC) Valkieri says: pass to silas

Silas chortles at Rook. "We scored one a piece." He then steps anxiously towards Valk, who thankfully bumps it to him. Or... was that a good idea!?

(OOC) Silas says: To Rook. ;)

"Aureth Grayhope, at your service." He holds out the coin on the flat of his palm. He glances back at the sands and says measuringly, "We could always bet on the number of injuries that accrue, but I suppose it would be discourteous. Very well; I'll bet against you, against my better judgment."

(OOC) Silas says: WEAKEST LINK

(OOC) Rook says: To Satan

(OOC) Acacia says: To Valencia.

(OOC) Silas says: so close

"Sylphie Zaffria," offers the noble easily in turn, accepting the bet with a nod. And as a sign of good faith, she pulls out her own silver and sets it precisely on the table as she turns to watch the last point play out.

(OOC) Valencia flubs

(OOC) Silas says: to Dawn :P

(OOC) Acacia says: Noooo.

(OOC) Silas says: WINNAR

(OOC) Valkieri says: YEAH

(OOC) Valencia says: CHICKEN DINNER!

(OOC) Dawn bwahahaha.

(OOC) Rook says: At least I wasn't last.

(OOC) Rook says: Acacia is to blame.

Rook is overheard condemning Acacia for: WHY

(OOC) Silas says: LOL

(OOC) Acacia says: LOL

(OOC) Sylphie says: you ducking away from the ball earlier and screaming not the face was the best pose this scene, btw.

Rook shouts from elsewhere, "SAGE, WHY. You were /meant to catch that/. You know /I/ couldn't!"

Valkieri is overheard praising Acacia.

The fight is fierce, the vollies heated, but at the end of the match, Team Ridiculous sees their Lady on her back on the sand. "There's a moral in all of this," Dawn muses at the sky. "Perhaps one ought not to chase waterfalls."

(OOC) Sylphie says: stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.

Chuckle low in his throat, Aureth says: "Just my luck," and slides his silver piece across the table to Sylphie beside him.

    The next rally, though not as long, is no less graceful than the last. The two times bop it back and forth over the net, passing and saving in an impressive display of diving and eating sand. Nevertheless, it comes to an abrupt end when Silas harshly spikes it over the next at Dawn, and Team Ridiculous proves unable to save her.

Rook picks himself out of the sand and looks rather miserable in truth. Wandering across to Dawn, even as he shouts for Acacia, his smile only reappears when he stares down at her. "I brought blankets for a reason, you know," he reminds, dusting himself off. "I seem to have erred in my suggestion that we play," he states, extending his arm for the second time today to help the woman up. "Sage, I was obviously being too dramatic, for comedic effect; you did wonderfully and carried us when Lady Star did not."

Acacia had lunged forward in an effort to save the final spike of the rally, but her legs had gotten tangled upon Rook and down she went, missing the ball by the width of a finger. Suffering from the physical exertion, her shoulders deflate as she stares loathingly at the ball as it rolls away in taunt. "This is all due to the lack of a toast." She unhooks her flask from the interior of her cloak, drinking upon her misery for a time, and then stands. Bowing towards Dawn, she inhales, "You did well, my Lady." By the time she's straightened once more, there's the tiniest quirk to her mouth, but it dissolves into panted breaths soon after, "Eff, this game makes one hot." Rook receives no compliments, but he does get eyed a bit aside.

Valkieri draws in a slow, deep breath as the game finally comes to a close. There's no denying the satisfaction in his expression from the victory -- but it doesn't mean he had /fun/! It does mean that he's left calm at the end rather than stalking off. "Well played," he says calmly to the opposing team, and perhaps Acacia in particular. Gosh Rook control your temper jeez he'd never lose it like that. (Shhhh.)

(OOC) Silas corrects all his typos before anyone notices.


    For her part, the Princess Valencia is eager and quick on her feet, even if that meant diving into the sand one last time when she tries to hit the ball. She does hit it, however it goes wide and the rest of her team will have to pick up the slack as she worries about cleaning off her furred garments!

"You fly like no other, Gull," Acacia relates eventually towards Rook. While the compliment may have been in question, the dip of her head is purely respectful for the Courtier.

Dawn clambers to her feet with Rook's assistance, shedding sand every which way and laughing at the effect. A different sort of 'fall, this. "You -both- did well. And have earned your trip to the waterfall anyway. Let's arrange it soon, I expect we'll need daily soaks to get this sand out of... everywhere. Well fought, our rivals!" That last, with her hand raised in salute of the other team. "But no waterfalls for you!"

"But was it not worth the price in entertainment?" Sylphie's amusement is like honey on her words as she moves to rise, offering Aureth, "It was a pleasure to meet you. I will give you another chance to win back your coin, surely, some day." She doesn't move away immediately, instead waiting for the congratulations on the field of battle and for Valkieri to join her again.

(OOC) Dawn says: Oh no, dad's home.

(OOC) Rook says: NO FUN ALLOWED


    Valencia finishes mostly de-sanding herself and stands up, coming over to Valkieri and doing a semi-curtsey lacking any of the garments with which one normally does the motion with. "Thank you for the game /Lord/ Valkieri, I do hope my teasing was not too much." She straightens her knees and giggles slightly at him, offering out her left hand all dainty like, "Truce until next we meet upon the sandy beaches of battle?"

"I will be honored and delighted by that future opportunity, Lady Zaffria," smiles Aureth. He rises when the lady rises, not because he's going to follow around but because it seems appropriate and polite.

(OOC) Dawn says: Hide the beer!

"Well, yes. When one flies like all the others, they actually fly. In the sky. When you fly like no other, that means you do this..." With his hand he makes a motion, horizontal, then promptly vertical, into the sand. "That was me." Glancing to Dawn then he smiles for her, bowing his head. "How gracious, thank you, my lady." Moving across, he exchanges pleasant congratulations with the other team before preparing to collect the blankets. "Lady Voice, do you require a further escort back to the city or wish to stay? I'm rather exhausted and feel... grotty. So much sand. It gets everywhere."

Rook ^

The flask is lofted towards the opposing team, as Acacia's grin is partially refreshed. "Well played. Please... drink. Lots." She tapers to the side, leaning a bit with a grin towards Dawn and Rook and the inclination of her head. "You're too gracious, my Lady. I look forward to it." That triumphant gleam can't be completely erased though and it remains even when she ventures towards one of the tables to try to transfer some of the White Mountain whiskey into her flask. "You caught on surpassingly fast, my Lord. I'm glad it was just a game," she adds towards Valkieri.

Silas retrieves the ball and rests a hand on his hip. "Team Awesome comes out victorious, as always. We do not know what defeat tastes like," he declares proudly. "But it was a well-fought battle. If you need to cool off..." He gestures at the casks, which were still full and waiting. "By all means." He smirks to Acacia. "You're particularly skilled at it, in spite of your protestations. I still owe you that whiskey. I have no forgotten." A pause at Rook's words. "I think we all need a bath."

"Quite, yes," Dawn says, hand already angled to find the crook of Rook's arm. "Let's get you returned to your former pristine state, lest your Radiant send me stern letters about how I've abused her trust."

(OOC) Silas says: no = not blah

(OOC) Silas says: Thanks for coming, Dawn and Rook. :D

"I need /two/ baths," Rook says, to be contrary. "And so do all my clothes. Or maybe I'll burn them all in a fire and buy some new ones." With a short laugh for Dawn he then bows his head a second time and begins to walk up the sands, collecting the coat on his way.

(OOC) Dawn says: Thank you for hosting! That was fun. :D

(OOC) Rook says: Thank you!

"I'm sure I didn't notice," Valkieri deadpans at Valencia, taking her hand with perfect gentility to lead her back towards the tables with beverages waiting. He offers a respectful nod to Acacia for her compliment, but he has a narrow look saved for Sylphie. "I am never speaking to you again," he informs her upon arrival.

(OOC) Dawn trudges off to buy Rook all new clothes. :(

(OOC) Silas says: Always a pleasure. :D

(OOC) Dawn says: Also to sleep. Night! <3

Rook can be heard asking, "Lady Dawn, if I burn them all will you get me new ones?"

(OOC) Rook says: Haha, Dawn.

"It isn't quite my forte though," Acacia relays towards Silas', grinning a bit as she tapes her hand upon one of the kegs. Her gaze tracks after Dawn and Rook, with an extra dip of her head granted in their direction. "But you do owe me that whiskey. Really though? No drinks? Earnest advice about how it would be bad? It was like a cleaving of our hard won and near non-existant comraderie."

Rook picks up an exceptionally well-designed tailcoat with stiffened shoulders backed by kid leather.

"And on that day, won't I be the luckiest woman in the Compact?" is Sylphie's teasing response to Valkieri's threat. She extends the lord's jacket back to him again, briefly introducing, "Lord Valkieri Rubino, this is Aureth Greyhope. He was quite a pleasant companion while you played."


    Valencia waves at their competition as they prepared to leave the beach, "Thank you for the fun! Sorry you lost, does that mean I get to come soak in those pools?!" As Valkieri begins to lead her away from the net, she bends down and snatches up her sarong from the edge of the court then settles down gracefully on the table's bench, "Thank you m'Lord." She says softly, taking a moment to brush some of the sand off the bare sections of her chest before looking about at those that have decided to stay, "Well that was fun! I suggest others give it a try as well."

Silas moves off the court to take stock of what was left on the table. "Someone liked the crab cakes," he notes with a glance to Sylphie and Aureth, though Dagon was the primary culprit. His grin fades when Acacia complains about the lack of a toast. "I was contemplating having one to congratulate the winners, buuuut I think everyone is eager to leave and get clean." He grabs a cup to get himself a serving of brandy. "I'll consider it next time, if you remind me."

Acacia is overheard praising Silas for: The Guardsman is great at games, though bad at toasts.

Valkieri scowls at Sylphie's response, and his gaze barely hits Aureth before it's sliding away to the drinks. "Who are you?" he says, voice short as it often is with anyone who doesn't have an honorific to go with their name. He pours himself a very full glass of wine and downs half of it.

Silas also smiles to Valencia when meanders off the court. "You were also very impressive, Your Highness. I'm surprised this was your first time playing."

(OOC) Silas misses whole words tonight. Disappoint.

Sylphie is overheard praising Aureth for: He was quite a pleasant companion while Lord Valkieri played beachball.

"Your Highness. We rarely speak, for rather obvious reasons, but I'm still appreciative of the time that you sent me your whiskey for my feast. You're a wonder in action." Acacia dips into a formal bow towards Valencia, granted she's scattered in sand and her red curls are near plastered to the sides of her face from the gathered perspiration. Silas is provided with another grin, before she mentions with a lazy turn of her hand, "You do well, Sir Mercier. I always like your events and seeing that I missed the one last night, much to my dismay, due to upstanding and wonderful things, I didn't want to miss this one. I look forward to you paying your debt though and appreciate the opportunity for waterfalls. Because really-- waterfalls."

"It depends on who asks, my lord," Aureth answers lightly. "To some, I'm a simple entertainer and teller of tales. To others, I unravel secrets and reveal opportunities." Again using his hat as a prop, he bows to Valkieri as he did to Sylphie, and shares easily, "Aureth Grayhope, professional diviner, at your service." With demure humor, he adds, "Of course, on this day, I was the one being entertained."

(OOC) Valencia says: Oh there was staff here?!

(OOC) Sylphie says: shh, the gods are always watching.

(OOC) Silas thinks he peeked. :P

(OOC) Valkieri says: he just popped in like a minute ago

"And how much do you charge to divine a fortune, Aureth? Perhaps I will give you an opportunity to earn this coin back," Sylphie wonders lightly, offering a smile again to the man. "Or perhaps, rather, I'd like you to divine /his/ fortune. The gods know that Lord Valkieri could use the help."


    Valencia is not very lady like either at the current moment as she pours a glass of wine, giving Acadia a warm smile, "Thank you, though.. I rarely did but slide into the sand, I did have that one good moment. And if you ever need fine liquors again do not be afraid to ask dear." She brings the wine to her lips and tastes it, leaning her back against the table's edge and crossing her legs at the knee as she fusses over the fur lined top, trying to get brown and yellow sand clumps to break free from the white strands. "Thank your Sir." She says in regards to Silas, though shakes her head a little ruefully with a silly grin.

    His vibrant smile returns and he gives Acacia and Valencia a nod each. "You've both made this a night to remember. I enjoy giving people the opportunity to metaphorically let their hair down. Or... roll around in the sand." He -did- manage to get royalty and a Whisper to partake, which was a feat in itself. "Everything else can be too dark and serious."

(OOC) Silas says: That's me.

"I don't need help from a common swindler," Valkieri scoffs. "I'm not fooled by you dancing around with words." He shoots Sylphie a glare for the mere /suggestion/.

"Sometimes one good moment is all that it takes, your Highness, but you made every slide interesting, all the same." The compliment is distributed with a genuine touch, from Acacia to Valencia, but she eases back a step or two with a partially disgruntled shaking of one leg and then the other. "Time to go pick sand from my boots, I'm afraid. Your Highness. Sir Mercier." There's a toast provided simply for Valkieri, with Sylphie and Aureth included by proximity. But the words granted by the man thereafter garnered an additional grin, as she interjected, "Occasionally, common swindlers are good to have in one's pocket, my Lord. As a humble suggestion, only. Acacia Culler, protege of Duke Niccolo Velenosa. It was enjoyable to go against you. Please enjoy the rest of your evening."

"You wound me, my lord," Aureth says. He demonstrates by pressing his hand over his heart. Since his hand was already holding his hat, he's now holding his hat over his heart. "Me, a swindler? I take no money that I do not earn for value. To read the cards is the task of an entertainer, not a cutpurse. I do not /swindle/. I perform." He bows to Sylphie, then, and says, "It would be my honor to read for you or for Lord Rubino. My readings vary in price depending on how /thorough/ and /in depth/ you wish me to be."


    The touch is returned with another warm smile, "Thank you dear, tell the Duke I send my regards please." And then she's got her chocolate eyes on the other three, a brief glance at Silas with a nod to his words before she sips her wine and seems intrigued by the idea of some sort of reading, "Perhaps I shall call you to the Redrain Villa for a private one." She states before sipping from the wine one last time, then taking a look over the various sand packed scrapes she has on her bare cinnamon-hued skin, "And a healer."

"And perhaps not just perform. After all, do we not all believe that the gods can speak through men? That the priests can speak with their voices?" suggests Sylphie smoothly, dismissively as she rolls a shoulder upwards in a shrug as she casts a sidelong glance towards Valkieri. "And if not, well, I, for one, would welcome the performance. I think that my lord Valkieri would need a very /thorough/ reading. Will you come to the Hundred Cities Inn soon and perform such a reading?" The last is directed towards Aureth, apparently overruling the other noble's protests.

Silas looks over to Aureth and Valkieri with some concern, but he doesn't leave his conversation with Acacia just yet. "I hope there's not too much in them. They look pretty sturdy." He comments offhandedly. "But be well, Mistress Culler. Tell His Grace I missed him." He offers the redhead a friendly salute. "I'm sure we'll see each other again soon."

Valkieri offers a rather formal nod for Acacia when she toasts him. "And yourself," he says, his eyes lingering on her as if he hasn't had a chance to make a study of her until now that the match is ended. He finally drags his attention back to Sylphie with a snort. "He'll do no such thing," he says, but any annoyance is muted by his standards. "If you wish to throw your own coin away, do it in search of your own fortune."

"I certainly shall, your Highness," Acacia graciously assured Valencia, before she returns Silas' salute with a two-fingered and exceedingly lax one of her own. "Hopefully in good conditions, Sir Silas. As one would always hope." Her grin is partially concealed by the swig drawn heartily off her flask. That assessment by Valkieri was acknowledged only by the flourished bow presented in return, deferrential yet slightly emboldended by the upwards pitch of her eyes a half-second before she straightened. With a small smile brandished towards Aureth and Sylphie, she stole away back up the main pathway with a casual swagger to her stride.

Aureth looks delighted at all of this prospective business, and does not bother to act slighted by Valkieri's attitude anymore. "Of course," he says. "Send a messenger to me at my family's inn--" For some reason he neglects to name it off the top of his head-- "--and I'll make myself available for each of you." His smile slight, he lowers his hat and says, "For a private reading I can be very discreet. Of course, I'm afraid I could make no promises to a reading about Lord Rubino's future opportunities when he isn't present ... he must imbue the cards with his aura for any chance of an accurate reading." He winks at Sylphie and adds, "Besides, it would be irresponsible of me to use the power of the threads of fate to gossip behind a gentleman's back."


    Princess Valencia finishes off her wine and then takes a gander over the avaliable food, picking up one of the last crab cakes and eating it slowly as she listens to the remaining guests, staying silent for now but a smile is easy on her face with a slight blush to her cheeks from the alcoholic beverages. Once she's devoured the remaining crab cakes she stands up to wrap the sarong back about her hips and tie the knot loosely in place to keep it there.

Sylphie glances briefly towards Valkieri for his disagreement, but she only looks back to answer Aureth, "We shall see about the lord's presence. I will send word, however, and I hope to see you again." She pauses to finish off her wine, flashing a small smile to Acacia before she leaves, and then replaces her glass on the table. She moves away from the two men without another word, crossing towards Silas to offer him a geniunely warm, "Thank you for hosting, Sir Silas. I could not think of a better way to spend my afternoon."

(OOC) Valencia says: highlightning thing, best ever.

(OOC) Valkieri says: yw

Silas cants his head, still eavesdropping on the conversation but not having quite decided his opinion on what was being discussed. He finishes the remainder of his brandy and sets about dismantling the net one birch branch at a time. "I hope you're not too injured, your highness?" The knight muses in Valencia's direction.

(OOC) Valkieri says: i think you missed sylphie talking to you silas

(OOC) Sylphie says: oop.

Valkieri looks at Aureth a moment, and then he takes his wine and stalks off somewhere quieter to have a few moments of peace while he waits for Sylphie to decide they can leave.

(OOC) Valkieri must sleep. Thanks for the scene, everyone!

(OOC) Valencia says: Good night grumpface!

(OOC) Valencia says: Thanks for the RP

(OOC) Silas waves. Goodnight and thanks for coming! :)

(OOC) Silas also did miss it.

Silas smirks back at Sylphie and gives the noblewoman a bow from where he stood. "I'm happy to deliver, m'lady. I do hope to see you again soon."

"You will, sir," Sylphie promises easily, offering a quick, bright smile for Silas. She stops to talk to maybe one or two other nobles that she recognizes from her last time in the city, but then eventually puts Valkieri out of his misery and lets him escort her from the gathering.

(OOC) Sylphie says: Thank you guys for the scene!

(OOC) Aureth says: thanks for letting me crash in at the end like that. :)

(OOC) Silas says: Goodnight Sylphie! You make great commentary! :P

(OOC) Silas says: Aureth's neat, too. :P

(OOC) Silas says: You're welcome.

(OOC) Valencia says: Thank you everyone! Gonna do a pose out, almost dazed off there.

(OOC) Silas says: NP. :P

(OOC) Silas says: It's that kind of night.


    Very unlady like, Valencia crams a few more edibles down her mouth while hopefully no one is paying attention, she was quite hungry after all that activity. Then she's caught red... mouthed! With a blush across her cheeks she swallows what she was chewing and smiles at Silas, "I should leave I believe Sir, do not fret too much, it tis but a scratch or ten." She giggles and then yawns as she stretches out, arching her back and tensing the straps of her bikin across her cinnamon skin before she stands up, "I do so much thank you fro the evening, it was a nice change of pace, and an excuse to have this made." She grins ruefully for a moment before she does a little half-curtsey with a sweep of the sarong's fabric in her left hand, "Good night, shall the marrow sun be sweet upon your eyes least you drink too much and reject it." She offers a little dip of her chin to the fortune teller before she collects up her sandals, dangling them from her fingertips as she makes her way back towards the city gates.

(OOC) Valencia waves!

Silas picks up a diamond-braided hemp net erected by two long birch branches.

Having made a few potentially very profitable and pleasant social connections, Aureth whistles cheerfully to himself as he strides along the beach towards home.

Silas picks up a table full of delicious food and casks of booze.