Evan, a veritable mountain of an Arakkoan, Estevan, an attentive young man carrying a writing desk arrive, following Maharet.

Soft, cheerful music is played by the full band that has set up near the dance floor, filling the room with a merry ambience that compliments the warm glow of the candlelight and the delightful smells coming from the banquet table. The ballroom is decorated in autumn colors, all of the tables draped in richly-dyed silks and velvets and their centerpieces comprised of lifelike silk leaves, acorns, and the last roses of all hues to blossom for the year.

Keely, dressed in rich purples and golds, stands near the entrance, warmly and individually greeting guests as they arrive, and holding short conversations as attendants take coats and cloaks before encouraging each person to help themselves to the sumptuous feast, and to visit the bar for a beverage. "There will be a game soon," she promises excitedly, a broad smile on her features and a light flush in her fair cheeks.

Further into the room, First Captain Corban lingers with a few members of the King's Own dressed in their finest, chatting quietly and offering secondary greetings as attendees filter past.

Udell arrives just as the festivities begin, his warm smile finding Corban and Keely as he bows his head gently before addressing the latter, "Quite an inspiring sight, Your Highness. I hope you won't be seeking vengeance for the comments I made during the lecture about the wriggling things?"

Viviana prowls into the ballroom -- without escort (unless one counts the daggers peace-bound at either side) offering a bow of her head, the flourish of a duelist-may-care smile -- and off she goes. "Good evening, lovely set-up, your Highness. Such an excellent showing, First Captain." A cup of that strong mulled wine is going to be her focus, snagged, and she chases down sips of strong drink with constant passes of the charcuterie table. She doesn't seem particularly inclined to settle.

Ysabel enters the Ballroom adorned in colors varying from midnight blue to white. She literally was sparkling, her heels dripping with precious stones as if a million stars were guiding her to there destination. The Baroness of Gilden accompanied by none other the Caspian, of the Champions Guid. A beautiful gown made of midnight blue duskweave flattered her figure, attached to the collar was her hood, which made her that much more mysterious however, it was brushed down bow that they came inside from the autumn chill. Her blonde locks were luxurious and on either side were pinned by ocean blue sapphire hairpins, matching her cerulean colored eyes that scanned the room. A beautiful white fur shawl hugged her shoulders, yet draped down gracefully along shoulders.

"A pleasure Princess Keely. A magnificent way to end the season. I'm sad that I didn't get a chance to bring a bushel of fresh apples for the occasion from Gilden Orchards." she then shifts her attention to Caspian, "Thank you for escorting me. You find your self often at parties of this nature?"

"They are entirely forgiven," replies Keely with a small grin to Udell, dipping her chin to him in greeting as she makes a small gesture farther into the room. "I am so pleased you could join us, Archlector Udell. Please make yourself comfortable, and avail of the last of the harvest to have been brought in from the fields. Only the freshest things for our guests."

Viviana is next to receive one of the princess' warmest smiles. "Princess Pravus!" she greets the woman with no small amount of delight. "Oh, it is wonderful to see you. There will be a game soon, so be sure to linger!"

And here comes Caspian and Ysabel, who earn a smile of their own from the young Grayson. "Baroness, Mister Wild, welcome," she murmurs in warm greeting. "I am sure your apples are divine. There is a particularly delicious mulled cider made from some of the last apples to be brought in from a more local orchard, if you are seeking to warm yourselves."

Sir Corban and some of the other knights of the King's Own are here, mingling and welcoming the guests as they arrive. The First Captain is in something for the chill of winter and smiles when Viviana passes by. "Thank you so much for coming, Princess Viviana. I am so very glad that you could join us in this important endeavor." He does not explain what he means by that, yet.

Carolina, an orphan from Bravura arrives, following Lore.

Mattheu steps into the festivities and might be considered part of them by any that simply look at him in the mixture of reds, purples, blues, oranges, and yellows which he is covered in. Several layers of tunic and scarves, all adorned will small jingling bells which sing out in his every movement. He makes a weaving path for Princess Keely, swiping a glass to drink from on his way then ducking under another passing tray before standing up in front of the Princess with a silly grin. Handing her the drink before he sips from the second one he has, "I found you something to drink, Princess Keely." There's a soft wink before he turns to others that are also coming over to say hello, Ysabel's gown has the Rivenshari tapping at his chest and giving a shower of cascading bells in response to the duskweave she wears.

Caspian enters alongside Ysabel, though shortly after entering the room he steps aside to allow the onlookers to gaze at the magnificent dress Ysabel sported. He smiled warmly and bowed to those present, before looking back to Ysabel, "Well i try to make my war round these happenings as often i can. They usually turn out to be quite entertaining!" he bowed, "Thank you for the honor of accompanying you Baroness Ysabel." he looked to Keely, "princess, it is a pleasure to see you again!"

With a beaming smile, Udell bows his head once again to Keely, reaching quickly for one of the lauded mulled ciders before he glides over to the side to nurse it, keeping his back very clearly close to a wall after darting his eyes about warily.

3 Armed Confessors arrives, following Insaya.

5 Armed Confessors, Confessor Warren arrive, following Tikva.

"Mattheu!" a surprised Keely giggles out quite informally, in comparison to the other greetings she has given. She extends a pale hand, gently resting it against his arm in a fond sort of salutation, her smile broad and a little silly as she then accepts the drink from Mattheu. "I knew I picked the very best protege Arx had to offer. How have you been? Did you see all of the colors?" She makes a gesture with the glass before lifting it to her lips.

But more people are arriving and she soon gently shoos him farther inside with a promise to catch up more shortly.

Insaya bobs down and yields the doorway for Princess Tikva, the flute of white wine sparkling away in her fingers.

Maharet has joined the a marble fountain flowing with rich chocolate.

The best verb to describe Tikva's locomotion as she arrives in the ballroom is fwoosh. She fwooshes into the room in a swirl of beadwork and silvery fur. She beams at Insaya ahead of her with a little fingerwiggle of greeting. Today is her day to encounter her coworkers charmingly out of context.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: People have begun gathering near the dance floor-- it is rumored that a game will be commencing shortly!

There were brief glances given to everyone gathered as Ysabel was led by Caspian. She smiled delightfully at the Rivenshari that took notice of her gown, blue eyes twinkling in return and a polite bow given. Every time the Baroness would turn, her dress changed with the colors of the lights, a brilliant twilight rainbow effect along the duskweave fabric. As if the night sky itself was an aura around the woman,

"Of course Master Caspian. It is I who should be honored. Especially one of fighting prowess and prestige such as yourself. You are a Champion after all, and everyone speaks of your name around Arx." she chuckles before gracefully leading the man towards the cider that Keely offered.

Tikva is overheard praising Keely: Ooo, what good taste!

"Important?" Viviana asks, mouth full of cured meat, left eyebrow arched with the question. Glug, gulp, and good manners are returned. It's a little strange, one-eyed squinting, and she rolls her shoulders back. "Games. Sure to linger," she murmurs, and then she looks for a good section of wall to prop up with a lean. It's better than attempting to sit still. A step back, then, entirely too aware and too alert to more colors in each entrance. "Kingfisher, Lord Mattheu" Viviana salutes Mattheu with her cup, then -- again -- "Champion Caspian."

Caspian turns at the sound and spies Viviana, "Princess Viviana! a pleasure to see you again! im still sporting those bruises you left me with after our exchange on the training sands!" he laughs merrily, "i do hope you will allow me a rematch sometime soon!" he looked around the room as the many people filed in, "i heard rumor of some games.."

"Tivka," Keely is greeting the fwooshing Grayson Princess with a luminous smile, attempting to intercept her for a fond little hand-squeeze. "There are lots of desserts, make sure to eat them up so they don't go to waste!" And then she turns to offer a warm smile of greeting to Insaya, making a welcoming gesture further in.

Attendants have begun making an outward-facing circle of chairs at the center of the dance floor. "Everyone interested in playing the game we have arranged for this evening, please assemble near the dance floor," the young royal attempts to call over the din, her soft tones making projecting her voice quite a feat.

Lore slips into the room, wearing the night sky in gown and cloak, hood back and allowing her to look around the room with a smile. She offers small waves towards those she recognizes on her way to greet the hostess with a deep curtsy and a warm smile for Keely, "Your Highness, you've made the ballroom look truly stunning. And you yourself are a vision." Shifting aside to allow others to speak with the princess as well, she flashes a quick wink and grin for Corban, "Going to join in the games, Sir COrban?"

"Please do enjoy the drinks and the foods," Corban is saying to no one in particular as his co-host greets so many of the others. "And yes. Please come to the floor for the game." He herds them towards it. "And yes. Surely, I will. We are offering last vintages. Last fruits of the season. Last of so many things."

Tikva turns the hand-squeeze into a quick brush of lips against Keely's cheek, leaning in and bouncing on the balls of her slippered feet. "It's such a lovely party, Keely, I'm delighted," she says. "A fine goodbye to the autumn indeed," and then she swirls on in a swirl of flaring fabric so as to avoid monopolizing the hostess, hailing another person she knows to talk loudly about how great the party is and it isn't nice to be able to commemorate the King's Own at an event like this?

Tikva is overheard praising King's own: They're great and their party is great!

Mattheu nods with a radiant smile towards Viviana, "My crested caracara! It has been far too long come join us." he then swings with a nod to Keely, "It is a lovely set of colors, the winds from autumn would be proud of your ability to catch their lovely shades." Then looking to his own clothing, "Perhaps I should have worn more of those colors myself? The wind has been getting colder, I needed to start layering better."

Insaya could not fwoosh if she wanted. She's lucky if she can slink, on a good day. Especially in these shoes. But anything going on near a dance floor, she's there for it. Down the hatch goes the wine, *gulp* with the glass handed away at the perimeter. She's fascinated with Corban's longcoat, trying not to stare too much at the weaving on the damask.

Udell finishes the cup of cider in his hands in a single draught before he makes his way towards the chairs with a laugh, crinkling his eyes up.

"You look stunning," Keely murmurs to Tikva, gently ushering people furthering inside and toward the dance floor. "Miss Artiglio," she greets Lore next with a smile of welcome. "Thank you for your kind words. Please, come in and warm up!" Mattheu's question simply brings a grin to her lips, and shoo shoo shoo, she is coaxing him toward the circle of chairs! She herself now approaches, moving to carefully climb up and stand atop a chair at the edge of the floor. "Everyone please gather round to hear the rules! Those who wish to watch, you are welcome to one of the seats at the edge of the floor."

12 House Velenosa Guards, Ibasia, the Velenosa Lady-in-Waiting, Ellani, the palm sized spider arrive, following Jaenelle.

Jordan, apologetic Gentleman of the Chamber, 6 House Velenosa Guards, Jaenelle arrive, following Noah.

"You know they were all cheering for me on the bridge. You should be awed by your husband's fame and talents. Really, you should show me off more often." Noah's deep voice is offered as he is escorting the regale Jaenelle Velenosa into the party. "Before you say it. No. No they were not cheering for someone to push me off said bridge. I /protected/ you from that. We lose more Archduchesses that way." It might be the most Noah Velenosa has spoken in public without prompting. He pauses just inside the event to take stock and assess where his cousin is. A certain cousin. "Well... at least if she's still all red, it will match the theme."

Ysabel makes her way to where the beverages are and grabs a glass of cider. Swirling the liquid at first and then taking a few sips as she brings the glass to her lips, blue eyes peeking past the rim. She then approached Mattheu, "Your bells are beautiful. Your Rivenshari correct? I've read a bit about your house in the library." she smiles politely making small talk.

Viviana has left the Balcony.

Leila leaves, following Viviana.

"It is a nice longcoat, isn't it?" asks Corban of Insaya, when he notices her look. "It is a Selene Whisper original. I am so very lucky to have it." A small smile. "Thank you for coming and may Jayus favor you in the game."

Caspian watch Viviana leaves and chuckles lightly. his eyes dart back to the dance floor an eagerness and excitement in his pose hinting to the fact that he likely enjoyed competition a bit to much. As he waits, he notices Lore and waves from across the room with a broad smile. he spies Jaenelle enter and moves toward her. "Princess Jaenelle, glad you could make it. Baroness Ysabel is... here somewhere"

2 Ivory Shields, Rodrigo, the Surprisingly Large Flautist, Romeo, a love sick bird who wouldn't be free arrive, following Nina.

Insaya smiles a bit, and says, "She was the Radiant, wasn't she? I'm sorry, I don't usually make it out for this sort of thing, my lord. But it is nice to see something whose motif reminds me of the peaks at home." She makes a little bending motion and scoots along to a chair, embarrassed. "I wonder if there is a cake involved," she says to no one, with a squint.

Keely is presently standing on a chair at the head of the dance floor, addressing gathered attendees. She -is- still red, or red again, at least in the cheeks, the drink she is holding perhaps having something to do with this. Noah and Jaenelle are politely relieved of their outerwear and ushered inside toward the game by attendants, probably on they Grayson's instruction.

"As the music plays," she is attempting to say loudly, despite her usually quiet voice. "You will walk around the circle of chairs. When it stops, everyone must sit in a chair. Whoever is left standing is out, and must take a chair off to the side to join the audience. Everyone get ready!" And she then waits for everyone to get ready around the circle of chairs.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: A rousing game of musical chairs has begun on the dance floor!

Nina loves a good party, even if it's one she didn't have to organize! She's ever so fashionably late... arriving dressed in what looks like a very comfortable but no doubt expensive sweater ensamble in cashmere, with her hair all pinned up. She heads right over to the bar to partake of the cider, while seeing some party games are about to commence. "Oh, how lovely! Is it too late to join in? If so I can also cheer!"

Tikva performs a little spot math in terms of parlor game + dessert, and thus has descended upon the desserts very quickly as she listens to the rules. She abandons her square dessert plate to an attendant with a mouthful of cake and custard still in her mouth, and makes a great show of pulling up the sleeves of her sparkly gown as she prepares for the competition, although presumably it would not be decorous to actually make weaponry out of her elbows.

"To be fair, it was only one, and she returned so it isnt as if falling from that bridge loses you forever. Just a decade. But really how do you know if it was not worth the lost years for the adventure? What if the river was like one long water slide and Esera could have retured sooner but decided she was having far to much fun," Jaenelle counters casually as her hand is tucked into Noah's arm lightly, the smaller woman peering sideways at him after speaking. "Carlotta is much more annoyed than Esera was when she returned," she adds, "and she didn't fall off a bridge." Logic. Her attention shifts towards Caspian when he speaks, a nod given and a loog around for the baroness before her attention turns back to him, "if she is up to trouble, I am blaming you," she teases. Then she is being stripped, politely, and nudged towards the game she turns back towards Noah, though her words are for him alone.

Caspian looks to Keely as she explains the rules. he nods as the she explains, the sim0licity likely belying the cuthroat nature the game would devolve to. he walked out to the dance floor, standing beside a chair and smiling with a playful smirk to others, "Time to be light on your feet My lords and ladies!"

Ysabel looks to Caspian, and offers a gentle wave in return when she hears her name. She then makes way to this chair game Keely mentions, listening intently to the rules. "Ready for a game Master Caspian." The Baroness picks a chair to stand behind.

Maharet has left the a marble fountain flowing with rich chocolate.

Evan, a veritable mountain of an Arakkoan, Estevan, an attentive young man carrying a writing desk leave, following Maharet.

3 House Velenosa Guards, Grace, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed lady's maid arrive, following Sofia.

Noah laughs a bit to the low words. "You've seen me try it, but perhaps if you show me first." He waits and there may or may not be a swat on a shapely piece of Jaenelle. It can neither be confirmed, nor denied. He sighs and then moves towards the chairs to be social. "Everyone blames Noah when something goes wrong."

Ilira glides into the ballroom in a sumptuous ensemble of silks, velvets, and luxury lace, her carriage languid and dreamlike. From the artfully tousled mass of her rich, dark curls to the plush quality of her clothes, she appears freshly awoken, which she may very well be with her home only a block away. She effortlessly insinuates herself into the party, plucking a flute of wine from the tray of a passing server, who inclines his head respectfully in recognition. Drink in hand, she steps onto the floor and finds herself beside Lore. Murmuring something to the Artiglio, she grins.

Mattheu nods with a smile as he's pushed towards the chairs, he partially listens to the rules of the game and looks at the chairs. As Noah and Jaenelle come in though, he's partially distracted and looks to Noah with a smirk. "Prince Noah! Come, lets take some chairs and dance upon them before another tries to steal them!" Mattheu has either perfect misunderstood the game or is ready to create his own.

A lively, rollicking tune is kicked up by the band, and Keely lifts her free hand to make an encouraging gesture, indicating that it is time to begin circling the chairs! She gives a glance to Mattheu, pleading with her eyes for him to not prematurely steal any chairs without saying a word.

Caspian looks to Mattheu with a broad grin, "Well im certainly game for that variation my lord!" he laughed, noting keely's glance, "Or perhaps not, less the Princess plot our demise"

Noah looks at the chairs. Looks at Jaenelle. Looks at the chairs. Looks at Keely. Looks at the chairs. "I'm down." This is why Noah gets in trouble. Or is going to get dead at a premature age.

Insaya says, "Not yet, your highness. But I suspect some of us are pushers..."

Tikva starts humming along with the tune and clapping her hands as she moves along the chairs, so she's /probably/ not going to smash her elbow into anyone's gut to secure a place. That'd /probably/ be dishonorable.

Ysabel's cerulean colored eyes twinkled dangerously at the prospect of a game. A devious grin gracing her features. She was a modest Baroness but games were no joke to the woman, she indeed planned on winning.... maybe?

Nina has her glass in hand and hears music starting. She rushes to chairs with a spring in her step. She wants to play of course, so she begins circling around with everyone else, no matter how much this means she must mix it up. As long as she doesn't spill her drink, that is... can't ruin a new sweater.

Noah glances at Insaya, "Tch, can't keep your hands off me?"

"Do not ruin your cousin's party or I will make you plan her next one and host it with her," Jaenelle threatens Noah, leaning in a little to say, "and be social the entire time." She means business. Then she points towards Mattheu and wiggles her finger in a chastising gesture, "I expect it from him, not from you." She then looks between Noah and Insaya, grinning slightly, "you did not hear? She cheered the loudest on the bridge."

Lore offers a wave and smile back to Caspian, enjoying watching the games from the sidelines. She sips lightly on a glass of something and laughs at the sudden appearance of Ilira beside her! Leaning in to offer a hug, she murmurs a response and flashes a smile towards her friend.

Peering about as he starts to circle the chairs when the music begins, Udell licks at his lips with some rapt concentration, despite his rapid consumption of the cidery beverage earlier.

Having received a personal invitation from Keely, how could Sofia possibly miss the party? She couldn't. And thus she's here, in silks whose hems are miraculously untouched by mud. "Oh, good, I didn't miss the game." Just in time to take her place in the circle, sending a small waggle of her fingers towards Keely herself as she does.

The lively music draws to a sudden halt and everyone scrambles for a chair!

Keely has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 6, 11

Caspian has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 9, 12

Corban has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 11, 11

Sofia has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 5, 8

Mattheu has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 6, 11

Ysabel has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 6, 10

Noah has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 6, 7

Tikva has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 6, 7

Ilira has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 3, 12

Jaenelle has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 10, 11

Insaya has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 1, 1

Udell has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 3, 4

Ilira gives Lore a tight, warm hug and exchanges a few words with her, parting with a smile into the line. She paces gracefully, sipping lightly on wine as she goes. Catching Nina's eye, she flashes her fellow bard a grin and a little flutter of her free hand.

Nina has rolled 2 12-sided dice: 2, 8

Mattheu looks to Caspian with a grin, then to that look from Keely and is quick to quiet and remaining with a broad smile as he finishes off his drink. Watching for a moment where others are going. He hops and skips around with the others adding in his own jingling bells to the music and when it stops he keeps spinning along. It's when everyone else has found a chair and he's still spinning does he stop and look around. The realization that he gets to take a chair doesn't appear to change his mood nor smile, and the chair is hooked with his foot then dragged across the floor to the audience seating. He doesn't just sit down in it and heads over to find a couple of apples, then comes back spinning a few in his hand as he then sits down on the chair by climbing over the back, onto the seat, and flopping down with his legs crossed a little under him and takes a deep crunchy bite from the apple. "I've done this correctly, yes?" He calls back between crunchy bites of apple

Insaya dances her way along the circle with a laugh. "I think I will plead against having to self incriminate." At the music's abrupt stop, she steps up over a chair that someone has just planted themself on, into the empty one behind.

Nina catches Ilira's look, grins at her, and then... whoop! Music stops! She quickly grabs a chair and sits right down in it, holding her cider up so nothing spills. She takes a sip from it there after, secure in her seat.

5 King's Own Guardsmen arrives, following Symonesse.

Symonesse arrives, following Aindre.

Noah points his hands towards Mattheu in a 'but look at him/but mooooom he's doing it' sort of manner. Then he sighs out at Jaenelle. "I remember when you encouraged me to start riots." He smirks a bit and then looks Insaya over. "Was she the loudest and she beat us here? She must be really good at her breathing. Nothing would stop that and her endurance to beat us and not be out of breath. Amazing." He tries to figure out the game as best as someone half-listening can.

Tikva HURTLES into the chair. Like, without dignity. This is without dignity. But is done, and she crows a laugh, triumphant, as she hooks her arm over the back. Someone is going to make her eat this in a round or two.

Ilira drops swiftly into a seat as the music prompts! One slippered foot jiggles, anticipating the next move.

Sir Corban moves around and around in the circle, walking in careful measured, steps, offering a smile to his co-host as he does. And then the music STOPS and the knight is fast on his feet, scooting over into a chair. Ta-da. Safe. For now.

Udell manages to prowl around the circle of chairs, stealing a chance to light upon a second glass of cider before he rushes rather un-Archlectorly into the seat. He chuckles and takes a self-assured sip afterwards.

Ysabel makes her way around the chairs, eyes clearly on the prize. That devious smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she claims a seat for herself with a laugh.

Keely watches with a soft giggle from atop her chair as everyone scrambles for a seat, lifting her drink for a sip and casting her keen eyes over the floor to see who is out. It's Mattheu! She offers him a sympathetic smile, calling out, "Yes, you have done perfectly! Well done, my lord," before gesturing for the music to commence again. Her cheeks are growing steadily rosier, and she calls out to one of the attendants, "Let's make this exciting. Take another chair!" And they do. TWO people will be eliminated this round. But who?!

Caspian strolls around the circle of chairs, smiling and moving in time with the music. For all appearances, he was entirely relaxed. then the music stop and the man turned into a blur of clothing as he dives for the nearest chair, clinging to it like a sailor drowning at sea. he watches mattheu takes his leave and laughs merrily, "ill try and win for the both of us my lord!"

Tikva lkkkkkkkkklllllllllllll'

The music commences again, a little faster this time!

Jaenelle can do multiple things at once, clearly. She moves around in the circle while slowly shifting before each chair to make sure no one steals it before rushing over towards the next one and repeating the movements. "I just encourage you to use your power for good and not evil," she comments to Noah over the music as it becomes faster.

Ilira hops up with a quickness. She commenses her dance, swirling, dipping, and gliding between the others, but maintains close proximity to the edge of the circle. Not a drop spills from the glass of wine in her hand.

The music draws to an abrupt halt and everyone scrambles for a seat!

Keely has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 15

Tikva has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 4

Sofia has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 17

Corban has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 6

Nina has rolled 2 22-sided dice: 9, 19

Caspian has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 2

Ilira has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 12

Noah has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 17

Insaya has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 22

Jaenelle has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 11

Udell has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 22

Ysabel has rolled 1 22-sided dice: 22

Ilira cascades toward a seat when the music stops and plants her rear firmly before anyone can take it from her. Her cheeks are a little flushed, and she helplessly giggles with excitement to the others around her.

Caspian continues once more to move around the circle, beginning to move and twirl with the music as the tempo increased. he laughed merrily as the group continued on, eyeing the others and grinning. When the music stops, he immediately jumps onto the nearest chair and then drops to the seat, sprawling out slightly as his foot slipped on the wood. still he kept himself seated until the unlucky few were named

Sir Corban makes a lunge for a chair when the music stops, managing to land himself in one quickly enough. He breathes in relief as he looks around. Safe. Phew. He then looks back at the others, waiting for the next trip around the chairs.

Nina takes a biosterious approach to this next round, and ends up in a seat again. Thank goodness! But alas, her cider is empty, so she goes to run up and get more before the next round of music starts. Balance is very important.

Noah was sort of moving around chairs. He was sort of not paying attention. He was also sort of checking his wife out, because who wouldn't. Then the music stopped, but you know what? Noah forgot about that and looked around as people are scrambling for chairs. Another look around and then he seemed to remember that he was playing a game and not just meandering around chairs. -- Drugs are bad mmkay? -- A sigh. "Darn. I'm out. Guess I will just go hold up the alcohol table. Okay, Baby.." That's for Jaenelle. "You have to win for us." Then he's moving off towards the drinks. "MATTHEU!" He does the 'universal' sign for smoking and toking, then nods his head over to the drinks. Yep, Archduke Consort material right here.

Ilira downs her wine in one swift quoff and passes off the empty glass to a server. Hands free, from now on.

Insaya slides into a chair, silent but deadly? Really she just has the exquisite luck this time to see the stringed instruments start to go bows-down. An extra second, to save her bottom.

This time, when Tikva claims her chair, she rocks it almost hard enough to knock the darn thing over. She makes a squeaky noise, and then looks mildly horrified when she discovers that she has stolen a chair that Sofia was about to take. "Oh no!" It's possible that Tikva does not know how musical chairs is supposed to work.

Sofia's hips sway in time with the music as she circles the chairs. She's intent upon the game, no excuses about attention wandering or any such thing. It's pure unfortunate timing that when the music stops she's betwixt and between two chairs, and while she darts for the one in front of her, Tikva is already there. "Oh, no," she echoes Tikva's exact words with the softest of pouts. "Where is Baldessare when you need someone to give you a seat?" She blows a kiss at Tikva from her fingertips and departs for the edges of the room, her lady in waiting carrying a chair behind her.

The band kicks up the jaunty rhythm right where it left off, but faster. Time to stand up and circle the chairs! Or to get a refill, apparently, but better hurry back before the music stops...

Thankfully, and perhaps a bit ruthlessly, Jaenelle totally steals the chair Noah was standing by when the music ends, and she laughs with a roll of her eyes as he forgot what he was doing in the first place. "Right, all on me," she agrees, shooing him away, the loser that he is.

Ysabel is quick on her feet even in diamond encrusted heels. She hoped they were a distraction for the other players, twinkling at just the right time against the light to blind 'em.

Better late than never, Prince Aindre arrives to send off Autumn dressed for the occasion and brimming with the sort of polish that's befitting a person of his station. Already the coat he'd worn to ward off the chilly edge of the late season's weather has been left with the people taking them and as he steps into the warm glow of the stunning, candle-lit ballroom there is on his arm someone who rivals said glow in every way, Queen Symonesse Grayson. He's caught up in some quieted conversation with her as they appear but the sight of the place dressed up like it is and full-up on merriment and celebration drags the attention of his one good eye out and across everything to take it all in with an open sort of wonder and a little admiration too. "Oh, candles!", he says, surprised, and cuts that eye toward the Nox'alfar after, "I do love candle light. Princess Keely never misses, does she?"

Ilira jumps up and retakes flight! She accidentally bumps Tikva in passing and giggles brightly, apologizing with a bright blush as she swirls off.

Keely glances to the door at the fashionably late arrivals from where she stands atop her chair by the dance floor. Her whole face lights up when she first spies Aindre, a flash of a grin offered to her cousing before she eagerly searches for his radiant companion-- and there she is, Queen Symonesse. The Grayson princess rises precariously to her toes, and she lifts a little wave to the pair above the heads of those preparing to battle over a chair. Hopefully not to the death.

Insaya is still in it, worried about stamping heels stomping on her hem, and so ties her skirt through her legs into a trouser-like configuration.

The music abruptly stops and everyone dives for a chair!

Keely has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 17

Ysabel has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 13

Ilira has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 17

"Not to worry, it's all fair in love and music," Tikva says with an easy laugh, swirling her skirts around her as she flows around the circle. "Ooo, the Queen's here--!"

Hermeline, a russet vixen, 2 Valardin Knights arrive, following Terese.

Udell has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 6

Tikva has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 14

Jaenelle has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 9

Caspian has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 10

Nina has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 6

Corban has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 2

Unlike Aindre, Symonesse doesn't abandon her outerwear, in her case a shawl, right away once they have found their way inside the ballroom. It will likely be set aside later, but for now, the chill of the outdoors lingers on her pale skin and the shawl, at least, wards off a bout of shivering. As her companion comments upon the decor, the Queen's golden gaze does a sweep of it as an unbidden smile creates a small curve of her lips as she murmurs to him, "She has a wonderful eye. Have I told you that I have asked for her help with the ball I'm throwing someone in the next few months. I feel lucky to have caught her. I imagine that everyone is going to want her help now." Keely's wave grabs her attention and she uses her hold on Aindre's arm to gently guide him in that direction, "Look, she's over there." She glances toward the game playing, curious and rather amused.

Nina runs back to the chairs at once, dashing and doing a dance and spinning around as the music swells up again. The second it stops, she grabs onto a chair and plops herself into it. With a fresh drink and a sigh of relief, watching people scramble about.

Insaya has rolled 1 20-sided dice: 6

Noah can multi-task when high. Mainly because he's almost always high. There is a glance at Keely and he hands her a glass of champagne, "My wife cheats, keep an eye on her." Saying she cheats is not said like he's not proud of it though. He pauses. "Don't look too hard, it's how I lost my seat. She uses that to her advantage. So maybe don't look at her? Then, of course, you won't see her cheat." The ex-Grayson is silent. "I think she has this all figured out." Then he's moving towards the Queen and Aindre. That universal 'high' thing is offered to them too. Just in case. Then he looks at Aindre and back to Symonesse. "However, if you do take me up on the offer --" That silent one. "-- she's /really/ going to want all the cake. Caution given." Then he sort of swaggers towards Mattheu as if Noah owns the Whisper House. They are doing things. They probably aren't legal.

There is sudden rush of giggling coming from the Baroness Ysabel as she attempts to steal a chair, sitting in it just in time. AND managing to do it stylishly without tripping over her dress.

When the music stops, Tikva is waving at Symonesse across the room and jumping into the air. This is not conducive to reaching a chair in time. She tries to sit on one, but she and Ilira are moving at the same time, for the same chair! Tikva lets out an extremely silly noise, half cackle, half whoop, as she caromes off Ilira and the chair and winds up on the floor in a giant puddle of fabric.

There is a //woosh// of relief as Corban manages to slip himself into a chair before the others, even thought he is quickly //out// of the chair at the Queen's arrival, but not out so quickly that he is giving up his place, don't get any ideas, Tikva. He places his head to his chest out of respect -- because, habit -- before he prepares for the next round.

Udell does not so much as dance around the chairs as much as saunter around them, a somewhat goofy-looking grin plastered on his face as the music stops, turning to a streak of black and silver as he finds a seat. He looks down to his cup and laments out loud, "There seems to be a hole in my cup and someone's been drinking from my cider..."

Caspian makes his way to the nearest chair when the music stops only to find Ysabel sitting squarely on it. his choices were grim... sit on her, pick her up and move her.. or loose. obviously NONE of these were good options. His eyes go wide and he spins lunging wildly for the nearest empty one and barely managing to get himself seated on it before another made off with it. he lets out a sigh and grins. "one more round down!"

Helpless giggles bubble from Keely to match the bubbles in the glass Noah has so graciously delivered to her. "You should sit," she gently encourages the baked Archduke-consort, who then instead goes to harass the other Graysons present. She looks out over the chairs, and there is more giggling, her smile luminous and broad as she watches the antics of the chair-grabbers.

Perhaps fashionably late would discribe The Valardin's enterence

"It is not cheating if you dont get caught," Jaenelle calls out towards Keely, another wink given to the hostess. The flop into her chair is not exactly graceful but it works and she settles into the seat when the music ends, doing her best to catch her breath before the music begins once more and they have to stand up. "Corban, you dont believe I would cheat, do you?"

Ilira darts in under Tikva's arm and attempts to fluidly spin into the chair, but they collide in motion and tumble together onto the floor in a great tangle of silks. Ilira's seasilk-woven curls pool luxuriously around them, spilling to veil her face as she rises in a fit of high, silvery giggles and reaches out to help Tikva up with her. "Sorry!" she laughs delightedly, "Are you okay!"

The music resumes, even faster! Hurry, hurry, but not too fast, lest you be the next to be robbed of a seat...

Perhaps fashionably late would discribe The Valardin's enterence but she is hardly dressed fashionably also, is her hair a mess. What on earth is she doing here at this event so unkept? She enters to hear music and see people frantically fighting over chairs and smirks at the sight. She stands where she can onserve the event and be out of the way

Tikva is laughing far too much at herself in turn, but she is quick to accept Ilira's assistance to get back to her feet. "The dancing slippers are so slick, I should have gone for dancing boots instead," she's saying with a flap of her free hand, the other accepting Ilira's arm. "Whoops!"

Mattheu is spending a good amount of time at just how he bites and chews upon the apples he has, even tossing one to Noah as the Prince heads over in his direction. "Your highness, the apples are very good. Exceptionally tasty."

"Let's eliminate three this round," a possibly tipsy and clearly mad with power Keely calls over to the attendants. Someone sneaks in to grab another chair out of play, narrowly avoiding Nina as she makes her next round about the chairs. The stakes are getting higher!

Kit, the grey fox, Primus, First of Monique's Assistants, 1 Greenmarch Guards, Tertius, Third of Monique's Assistants arrive, following Monique.

"I am wearing literal pajamas. I could've made better decisions," Ilira laughs, another bright peal of sound. "Come, let's replenish ourselves at the bar?" She slips her silk-clad arm easily into Tikva's.

Noah gets an apple. He's making healthy decisions. Or he's just hungry. He sort of leans against a wall and crosses his ankles to watch the game and eat with Mattheu. "So I was thinking. I should take a protege but then I was thinking, I'm probably a bad patron. I should work on that."

"Oh no!" Nina says as Keely gets more aggressive about elimination. But that's the way of the game, isn't it? More elimination means faster! She starts to dance about, not wanting to rush too quickly away from the chairs or let one out of her sight for long. Her drink sloshes a bit as she skips about, and she sips some to make sure to rescue it.

"//Three// people? Can she even //do// that?" asks Sir Corban, clearly shocked at what his co-host has gotten up to this particular round. Is that even //in// the rule book for musical chairs?

Insaya says, "The humanity!"

"You hadn't mentioned, but it's a wise choice.", Prince Aindre answers, letting his attention linger on the Queen for a longer moment as he decides, "You'll have to tell me more about it when we're not in a room full of chair thieves. You can never be too careful around chair thieves.", that with a rather playful demeanor to the smile that hangs around his mouth. He manages to catch his cousin's wave toward him around the same time as Symonesse does, just in time to find himself being pulled off in that direction by the enthusiastic elf. As they close in on their host, the Grayson nobleman plucks a glass of cider from off a table they've passed. "Princess Keely! Just look at all this. I'd say you've outdone yourself, but you do that every time, don't you? You're getting that a lot these days, I bet." He lifts the cider in her direction, before taking a sip of it.

Ysabel blinks to Caspian, and waggles her finger, "That's in poor manners Caspian. I seen the way you looked, trying to steal my chair earlier." she tsked tsked him with a devious grin.

1 Iron Guardsmen, 3 Black Fleet Reavers arrive, following Raven.

With a jingling nod to Noah as Mattheu takes another bite, he smiles to Noah. "I'm sure you can't be that terrible of a Patron. Your cousin has been a wonderful Patron. Just allow yourself time to find someone that fits."

"Oh, sure! Have you tried any of the desserts yet?" Tikva, once standing, is quite mobile despite her claims about how slick the undersides of her dancing slippers are. "They're positively obscene. Oh, wait! Cider!" Attention span, what?

The music halts. EVERYBODY TO A CHAIR!

Keely has rolled 1 18-sided dice: 9

Monique slips into the Elysian ballroom as if she's just come from... something. There's a rip in her snakeskin pants, her steelsilk is all askew, and her glorious crimson hair is mussed like someone just tried to grab a handfull of it. For all that, she looks entirely self-satisfied as she searches the crowd for familiar faces and strides towards them. Is that a limp? It's a slight limp. It doesn't stop her.

Corban has rolled 1 18-sided dice: 12

Nina has rolled 1 18-sided dice: 4

Ysabel has rolled 1 19-sided dice: 1

Caspian has rolled 1 18-sided dice: 4

As Noah approaches and gives his hand signal, Symonesse just gives him a long, baffled look as if she has no idea what he might be gesturing. She gives a look toward Jaenelle as if seeking her out to deciper, but she's busy with musical chairs and unable to provide assistance. Once Noah wanders off toward others likely better able to interpret him, the Queen can't help but look visably relieved. She just looks at Aindre and raises her brows as a faint, but still bewildered grin curves her lips. She gives Keely a wave in return and says, "Lovely as ever, Keely. Just when one thinks you cannot top yourself, you go and prove us all wrong." She returns Tikva's wave now that she's not occupied in trying to take a chair from anyone, but then murmurs as an aside to Aindre, "I think I heard the word desserts..."

Insaya has rolled 1 18-sided dice: 18

Udell has rolled 1 18-sided dice: 16

Ysabel has rolled 1 18-sided dice: 10

Raven makes her way in and slips along the throng, surveying the festivities with her guards in tow.

Jaenelle has rolled 1 18-sided dice: 2

Having found the refreshments, Sofia has turned her full attention on selecting a drink, in deep discussion with one of the attendants over the vintage of the wines. By the time Tikva and Ilira arrive, she's seems to have made a selection. "Excellent effort," she tells Tikva, turning with a glass in her hand. "If there was a prize for enthusiasm, you'd win in a moment." She pats the hair at the back of her neck into place, where it has been fractionally disturbed by the game. She directs a warm smile around Tikva and to Ilira. "I mean absolutely no disrespect to your own efforts, of course."

Raven has joined the Semi-circular Bar.

She's been here, really! It's totally not that her player is working and idling. Lifting her glass for a sip, she glances sidlelong towards Mattehu and Noah, calling out, "He absolutely can be a terrible patron." She moves towards the nobles, smiling and dipping a bow towards them, "Lord Rivenshari, a pleasure. Your Highness, I'm terribly sorry I haven't been able to fulfill your request just yet, my patron required my services for a rather large order, and then Mo's birthday ate up a chunk of time and resources. But I will start on yours this week. By the way, you should ask to see her new daggers."

Monique limps up to Lore and offers, smiling widely, "Not sorry at all."

Udell manages to pounce on a chair at the last moment, beginning to lean as though he is liable to fall off of the side, but regains his perch with a few owlish blinks.

"Oh, thank you both so very much," Keely murmurs warmly down to Aindre and Symonesse from up on her chair as they near. "You always have the very kindest things to say to me at these things. Oh, do be careful," she warns, nodding out toward the dance floor. "They are getting vicious. I think this will be the final round, pardon me for just a moment..."

"Always commit," Tikva says, raising her new mug of cider - which she has now claimed - to Sofia. She smiles. "Princess Sofia," she says, "we meet again. I'm glad you don't hold my temporary triumph over your chair against you. Do you like chocolate?"

Tikva has joined the a marble fountain flowing with rich chocolate.

Nina comes very close this time, but gets on the edge of a chair and waits. Her face is flush at this point nearly red, as she's been drinking and having a good workout both.

At the bar, Ilira lifts her chin gracefully to Sofia, her cheeks still deeply flushed and her eyes twinkling as she grins, "We are meteors. We collide."

Terese makes her way over to Lore, one person she recognizes here not seeming to fight over chairs, "Nice to see you again Lore," she says. She offers a friendly wave to Raven when she arrives at the event. Terese overall seems to keep a low profile, her keen eyes watching the event as she settles in

Raven's gaze sweeps across the familiar faces and of course makes securiting libation her top priority. Her gaze stops on Monique and there's a frown of stained lips as her verdant gaze traces the noble's unevent progression.

Ilira has joined the a marble fountain flowing with rich chocolate.

One chair remains. Or is put back, Keely isn't paying attention at this point. Three contestants shall compete. Who will be victorious? The music kicks up again, at a breakneck pace!

"Oh, uh, no, you would never cheat, Your Grace," says Corban, trying to keep himself focused on the chairs as he minces around the circle, looking this way and that. Eye on the finish line. Eye on the fish line. But perhaps distracted by the combination of Jaenelle and Symonesse, the First Captain misses his chance and is forced to carry off a chair to the side. Alas. "Do have some of this wine, Your Majesty," remarks the knight. "This bottle here is from the last of the Mercier vineyards before ..." His voice trails off. "It is terribly sad. But it honors, in a way, what we are doing tonight." Something more unsaid.

Caspian once more the music starts and the duelist begins to move around the chairs. This time, he watches it closely waiting for his chance to strike! when the music stops, he darts forward with a laugh as victory seems to be but an ass's width away! however, his fate was sealed. once more he saw before him a horrid choice. Collide with ysabel as she vaults for it as well, or abort. he refuses to yield, and so does she it seems as the two rebound off eachother with a resounding THUD. as they stumble back, another quietly sits down in their stead

Sofia has joined the a marble fountain flowing with rich chocolate.

Terese makes her way over to Lore, one person she recognizes here not seeming to fight over chairs, "Nice to see you again Lore," she says. She offers a friendly wave to Raven when she arrives at the event. Terese overall seems to keep a low profile, her keen eyes watching the event as she settles in

Noah arches a lone brow above his left eye as he takes a look from Monique from top to bottom. He leans in to offer her a question with a smirk on his lips before he goes back to leaning. "I have put out feelers, but I fear no one wants a boring Archduke to be their patron. I mean, really it probably isn't good that I ask what they can do for me?" He looks up when there are others eliminated to see Jaenelle is still standing. He also hands off an apple to Monique.

Actually four contestants remain! And still only one chair! The most nail-biting round of musical chairs the world has ever seen has commenced!

Ilira's gaze strays from her conversation to Monique across the room, locking eyes with her and cocking her head to a slightly owlish cant. With a quick sweep of the Minx's form, she determines her to be all right and flutters her a gentle wave before turning back.

Monique catches the look Raven sends her way and the Minx looks to the slash in the snakeskin of her pants, eyeing it with a renewed interest. "Hm. That's new." She laughs softly to whatever Noah says, thoroughly amused, whispering back as she claims the apple, and then, aloud, "Boring, you? I'd take you as a patron. I doubt boredom ever enters into it. Only urges to kill." She looks up and waves to Ilira in return, mouthing something.

Yup, she was going for it. No way was she gonna let that champion grab her chair and steal the title of said Musical chairs winner. Oh no, she would be victorious. And then a /thud/. A hand would go to feverishly rub at her forehead and then arm. Ouch.. "Well played Master Caspian." she laughed, blonde hair in a frizzled mess. She finally stands up, wiping the front of her gown and regaining her balance, moving with Caspian off scene. This definitely earned a cider and so Ysabel decided to go for the beverages... Oh! And pastries.!

Aindre follows Keely's nod out toward the dance floor for a moment and when he turns his attention back toward his cousin it's with that one eye of his gone a little wide just artfully so. "Oh, it looks vicious out there, I believe you. Good luck! Don't stray too far from your chair..", he tells her good-naturedly. Someone says dessert and the Grayson prince is turning to Symonesse still there on his arm to catch her in the act of spying on the sweets. "Desserts?", he asks, doing a quick sweep of the area as if he can't find any at all. "I'm afraid I don't see any desserts.", he confides with an edge of mischief just there on each corner of his mouth. "It's for the best. If there were, I'd have too much competition on my hands and I'd need both of them anyway to try and keep up with you." No, no desserts around here. The cider he'd sipped though? That he holds up in offering, "This on the other hand. Care to try? It's fantastic. It tastes just like you would imagine out of Autumn!".

Caspian laughs in delight, while rubbing his own bruises, as he escorts Ysabel off the floor. "Somehow it seems I managed to earn bruises even at a fancy party! im not sure if its a good skill to have, but it certainly have it" he smiles warmly, "Well played Baroness, well played." he resisted to make a comment about her apparently iron hard bottom, this was not the place. he looked around, seeing Monique and Raven joining the crowd." he waved with a smile and looked to Ysabel, "Have you met Lady Blackheart or Lady Monique?"

The music comes to a halt! WHO WILL WIN?

Keely has rolled 1 12-sided dice: 12

Noah listens to Monique and sort of sucks his teeth for a moment. "What would you do for me that would make me want to be your patron? Sell me on it." Noah might not understand the patron relationship. His eyes drift back to his wife on the floor as he sees the one chair remains. "Oh Gods, this is going to get cut throat." Then back towards Mattheu. "Keely is a good girl." He offers with his deep voice. "Of course, I'm partial to my family."

Udell has rolled 1 12-sided dice: 8

Jaenelle has rolled 1 12-sided dice: 5

Nina has rolled 1 12-sided dice: 7

Insaya has rolled 1 12-sided dice: 2

Raven remains at the bar contentedly nursing he rum and watching the chaos which for once does not involve her. Ahhh, so nice to watch the who's who of Arvum scramble and dart.

As the music once again comes to a stop... Nina scrambles for that one remaining chair. But she's not close to getting it, this time! Standing on her feet and with another half-empty drink in hand... she pouts a bit... but then laughs, and finshes the drink in one go so she can hand off the mug and clap her hands. "Oh, well played!"

Ysabel wrinkles her nose, a hand going up to brush her frizzled mess of blonde hair. "I've not the pleasure, Master Caspian. Are they friends of yours, I assume? Though Raven does sound familiar." she smiles being led by Caspian, sipping the cider in her glass.

Insaya dives at that chair in slow-mo. Well, for her it is. Everyone else probably just sees the ginger commoner as a lavender streak, piling onto the chair with a LOT of sideways force, which moves it about a foot and a half from its original position. Which might.... MIGHT just saave her from having some seriously powerful and floofy women in her lap. Not that she objects, it's just... you know. Dignity. Always dignity.

Symonesse checks composure and survival at normal. Symonesse is successful.

Udell jabbers idly at one of the attendants, gesticulating towards his empty glass when the music begins to play, only managing to remember the game going on just soon enough to find himself a good distance away as the prized seat is snatched away, despite a valiant attempt.

At the mention of her name, Monique looks over to Caspian and lifts her elegant fingers in a wave. There are several more mouthed exchanges with Ilira across the room as the Minx finds a handkerchief to hold against her thigh. And then Noah asks her *that* question and she laughs. It's a long, pleasant laugh. Something is whispered to him, and then aloud, she offers, "Why don't we discuss it over drinks somewhere, sometime?"

Mattheu's apple is devoured without much of a thought, eating it from top to bottom there's only a small stem left which is thrown over his shoulder as he stands up form his seat and claps loudly with his bells singing out, "Very well played!"

When she is offered cider instead of pastries, Symonesse just gives Aindre the most quizzical look as if he's said something in an utterly incomprehensible language. No desserts? That just sounds like gibberish to her. So, she smiles sweetly, takes the glass of cider from Aindre's hand and, without breaking eye contact, chugs down the entire glass. Once it is empty, she very politely dabs a little at the corner of her mouth and hands the glass back, saying in her softest, sweetest voice, "Maybe we can find some cake while you get a refill, hm?"

1 Malespero Guard, Salindra, the task tracking assistant arrive, following Macario.

Keely nearly drops her empty glass as she lifts both hands to her mouth, eyes wide as she watches the commotion on the floor before her over the last chair. What has she done? Absolute power clearly corrupts. When the smoke clears, she makes a faint 'ahem', announcing. "Inquisitor Insaya has claims the last of the chairs, and won the game!" She quickly passes off her glass, lifting both hands again, this time to applaud gently. "Now everyone, Sir Corban Telmar would like to address the gathering, if he could have your attention, please?" And she is beckoning to Corban to take her chair before hopping down most inelegantly and swooping for the champagne tray that Tikva has mercifully sent in her direction by way of a server.

Tikva is overheard praising Insaya: Huzzah! Victory!

Insaya is overheard praising Keely: What a fun game! Even without the cake!

Terese casts a gaze over to where Caspian is then focuses back on Lore. She still seems quite unkept for such a fancy even but no one has hardly noticed her or her apperence

Caspian is overheard praising Insaya.

Udell is overheard praising Keely.

Udell is overheard praising Insaya.

Nina, having not won and being now a little tipsy besides, lookins around for friends at the party. She is about to head over and say hello to a few when Keely announces an announcement. So, Nina hops off to grab a creamcake, rather than interrupt with too much chatter.

Macario is overheard praising Insaya.

Ilira is overheard praising Insaya: Fabulous!

Ysabel is overheard praising Keely.

Nina has joined the Semi-circular Bar.

Mattheu is overheard praising Keely.

Ysabel is overheard praising Insaya.

Ilira is overheard praising Keely.

Jaenelle knows better than to attempt to get between Insaya and the chair she dives at, all but taking the chair with her as she throws herself into the seat and claims it as her own. She skids to a stop, almost sitting on the other woman's lap but pulling away just in time to avoid to accident waiting to happen. With the ending of the game, and coming so close to winning, there doesnt appear to be any disappointment on her features as she falls short. Instead, she offers another blown kiss towards Keely in thanks and moves to collect Noah. She moves towards his side, now a frown forming as she looks up at him sad like, "Ive lost. make it better."

Caspian smiles, shoulders bouncing in a gentle chuckle, "Friends i like to think, and they seem to tolerate my presence.. least they haven't stabbed me yet. Except Raven.. she stabs me often but thats in training so hardly counts." he looks up as keely speaks, eyes focusing on the princess and nods in her direction, "Seems there is to be a speech!"

When the games come to a stop and Princess Keely recognizes him, Sir Corban takes a step forward to address the crowd.

"Thank you, each and every one of you, for coming this evening. And thank you, most of all, to Princess Keely for organizing this wonderful party and to Whisper House for welcoming us to its ballroom to have it. You may be wondering why, exactly, the King’s Own is a sponsor for tonight’s merriment. After all, we are usually thought of us as the silent protectors of the Crown rather than patrons of the social calendar.

"So that is what I am here to explain. Tonight, we say not just farewell to the last of autumn, but offer you many of the last things. The last harvest of apples from the trees near Arx. The last wines of Mercier Vineyards. In doing so, we honor Sir Vigil Telmar, who stands eternal watch over ground sacred to the King’s Own. He believed in the use of the last of things, not to be preserved or kept on a shelf or locked away in a museum, but enjoyed and shared and woven into our stories. So let our joy tonight be an honor to Sir Vigil and may what we do here in time reinvigorate him on his Watch. I thank you all for your participation and for your health and happiness in the Winter season."

Noah arches his brow again as he eats an apple. Like a good Archduke? He looks Monique from head to toe. "Is it a secret to that answer, Monique? Or are you just trying to get me to buy you a drink? Or do you just need time to tell me what you would bring to the table as a protege?" He's still leaning against the wall with his ankles crossed. He watches Jaenelle play the game. He grins fully at Jaenelle and wraps an arm around the back of her waist. His head bowing to kiss the top of her head. "You are still the most Arch of Archduchesses. Rawr."

Macario arrives in his typical fashion, with a goblet of some drink from another event, as he hops from one to the next. The arrival is met with praises for Insaya, and he joins the chorus with an easy few words, "They are just wonderful, in whatever they did, that makes them worthy of such high word." The words are quick, he missed the actual reason for the praise. "And Princess Keely, such a wonderful event," says the man that just walked in. He downs the goblet of wine from the previous event, hands it off to a mismatched platter of goblets that pass by him, and he quickly reaches out for another goblet of wine. "I came just in time," he assures the server just in case there was any thought he arrived late.

As the room quiets, Ilira raises her azure gaze respectfully to Corban. Lips curling in a faint, warm smmile, she bows her head at the end of his address and gives up a dainty round of applause.

Raven lifts her silk-clad hands and claps demurely for the winner and for the hostess, offering a pleased smile for such a lovely affair.

Ooo, a story. Nina listens in to that, as there is a tale to be told and that sort of thing always does interest a bard. Once her mouth is no longer full of dessert at least, she once again claps her hands. "Here here!"

There is a soft chuckle that comes from Ysabel. A quick blow to the stray hair still in her face. Eyes now focus on Corban's announcement, one arm hooked under Caspian's and a soft, delicate hand resting along his forearm. She gives it a gentle squeeze before smiling and nodding to Sir Corban, "Well said." she states softly. Her gaze then shifts to Caspian, "I would like to think that you've more skill then to get stabbed so easily. Or perhaps you've gotten rusty?" she jests with the man. Everytime the Baroness would move, her duskweave gown rippled with iridescent colors like the twilight sky. Heels adorned with diamonds glittering and peeking just under the hem of her dress. It was very eye-catching to those that passed by. Her eyes shifted to the apples available, "Oh these are lovely. Reminds me of our own apples in Caith."

Monique smiles in greeting to Jaenelle's approach, offering a bow to the Archduchess. "Looking radiant, as always," the Greenmarch greets before turning back to Noah. "Daggers the likes of which you've never had. The chance to practice your skills. I've been looking for someone to blend a special lipstick, something that I used to wear, the most deadly shade. Entertainment." Monique counts off traits on her fingertips. "And I'll try not to get you killed." Maybe that's for Jaenelle. Conciliatory.

Prince Aindre can't help but look just a little pleased with himself when he manages to coax the Queen into having a sip of his cider. After all, it nudges her off the notion of sweets. A sip turns into a drink and the Grayson is laughing, telling her, "See? I told you it was a fine cider." but it doesn't stop there. No, Symonesse chugs all the rest of his drink down and he's left there watching her. "Hey, that's my cider..", he says, like he's watching something slip out of his grasp. In a way that's a little too put-out to be anything but minor theatrics, he laments, "I really liked that one. I guess /chair/ thieves aren't the only thieves around tonight." He squints a little with that one good eye of his. He's onto her! "I suppose it went to a good cause..", he offers while she's dabbing the corner of her mouth, the smile finally resurfacing on his lips once more. On one hand, he's listening to the speech being made, though at the same time he's started to pull his Nox'alfar companion over toward where the sweets are harbored, confessing, "I guess it's only fair now that I eat your cake. I'll save you a bite, though.", just a little roguishly.

Terese claps along with the applause, smiling gently but still not going out of her way to draw any attention

Keely lifts her (third) glass of champagne at the end of Corban's speech, cheering quietly and applauding against her wrist. "And now, everyone," she calls as well as her soft and now slightly strained voice will allow. "The dance floor is -open-." She demonstrates this by attempting to sweep the remaining chair off the floor, but it does not go to plan. Instead, the back two legs of the chair drag noisily all the way across the room until she releases it with a thump and a soft clear of her throat.

The band begins to play light-stepping dance music, just below the din of chatter throughout the room.

Lore smiles up at Terese, "Hello Your Highness! How are you doing tonight? Have you met Archduke-Consort Noah Velenosa, Lord Mattheu Rivenshari, Lady Monique Greenmarch, or Mistress Ilira?" SHe glances to Monique, leaning in to peck a kiss to her cheek, "Looking lovely and deadly as ever. I want the story on the foot later. I'll bring the Green."

Insaya is just wonderful and worthy! Er... isn't she? Well, never mind. At least she's quiet now, listening to Corban. But her face falls, like someone who has just snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. So instead, she slips back into the background of the gathering. A whisper to an ear here, a hastily-penned note passed from her bag to a pocket there... and then the solace of the snacks.

Nina is overheard praising Insaya: Excellent musical chairing!

Nina is overheard praising Corban: Such a great tale!

Symonesse clearly needs a minute after she's chugged the cider. She blinks a little and makes a soft exclamation under her breath before she looks to Aindre, hears what he is saying. He might have received some sort of retort in response, but Corban is speaking about the cause behind the night's festivities and, instead, she claps her gloves hands after the King's Own is finished speaking. Only to be whisked off in search of cake to be stolen from her. "There is plenty of cake. I am very sure that Keely will let you have your own, you know. She seems to like you. She likes me -better-, but she is definitely friendly with you, I think."

Nina is overheard praising Keely: Lovely party!

Caspian looks to Ysabel and smiles, "Well i do a good bit of stabbing myself. And i like to think im pleasant enough to be around. Im a fair dancer, can lead a merry tune, and know thirteen different ways to peel a potato." he nods and clicks his tongue, "That last one is in high demand, i can promise you that." he moves toward Raven, weaving with Ysabel through the people. "Raven! always good to see you! how is your arm?"

Monique is overheard praising Corban: Honorable to the last

Symonesse is overheard praising Insaya.

Symonesse is overheard praising Corban.

Tikva is overheard praising Symonesse: Look, the woman can DRINK like a CHAMPION.

Noah is overheard praising Jaenelle: While she was not first in the game, she's first in my life. It is glorious and wonderful for when she walks in the room it is like the light has walked into our lives. She shimmers when she walks. She is amazing. She is a winner of life. Glorious.

Symonesse is overheard praising Keely.

Insaya is overheard praising Jaenelle: Pure class.

Noah is overheard praising Keely.

Tikva is overheard praising Ilira: The best meteor I have ever collided with to date!

"I was tempted to ask my guards to lift the chair high in the air and then pick me up to sit on it so no one else could get to it," Jaenelle admits, perhaps she would cheat after all. She offers a smile and polite dip of her head towards Monique when the other woman greets her, "thank you, as do you. Though perhaps I am not exactly dressed for the chill that is in the air. Sometimes we must do as we do, regardless of how wise they might be." She listens to all the ways Monique would make a good protege, and upon reaching the end, "he does his best to get himself killed all on his own, it would be a challenge." When the dance floor opens, she releases her hold on Noah and takes a step back, "I shall leave you to your business, I am going to find someone to dance with."

Raven looks up and around at the calling of her name, "Ahhh, Caspian! Hi there. Same as always, How are you? Enjoying the party? No one throws a party like the whispers, eh?"

With his announcement complete, Sir Corban moves to Keely's side and places his hand on her arm, leaning in to murmur to her, a fond smile on his lips.

Ysabel is overheard praising Corban.

Sofia is overheard praising Keely: An impeccable hostess.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The floor has been opened up for dancing, and a lively song plays.

Mattheu steps over towards Keely as the chair is dragged across the floor, smiling to her as he is closer, then with a sweeping bow and jingling bells he stands up about to speak and nods to Corban instead, folding his hands behind his back and rocking slowly on his feet until their conversation appears to be done. Smiling back to Keely, "A dance my Patron?"

Ilira is overheard praising Tikva: Can meteors collide more than once? If they may, I hope ours do.

"Only the lovely Ilira, but nice to meet anyone new," Terese replies warmly to Lore. "I am well enough," she adds. Her ruffled appreance maybe says otherwise.

Macario rounds the room with a newly minted drink in his hand. It's hard to miss the tall lord as he walks through. There are a bunch of people he recognizes, but he 'sneaks' past a particularly clumpy crowd. More praise are worded, this time about Corban, and he's quick to murmur them to those he passes. "Terrific storyteller. Bone-chilling," he adds, as he continues to move through the crowd. At the end, he manages to catch the Jaenelle, Monique, and Noah. "Archduchess," he greets just as she turns away, and he nods to Noah, "Prince Noah. Lady Monique." The greetings are quick, polite, as he doesn't want to interrupt on his way to wherever he might be going, with that newly acquired goblet of wine.

Noah wraps an arm around his smaller wife and drops his lips to her hair. His lips might move. Maybe. He does release her to go, should she want to. His eyes scanning the crowd as if looking for someone. He nods his head towards Macario. Then he looks over at Monique. "What kind of daggers?" Yes in all that promise, including life, he picks up that one.

A warm smile touches Keely's lips as she tilts her head to hear Corban's words beneath the noises of the party, and she utters a soft reply. Then Mattheu draws her attention with his jingles and his words, and she dips her chin with a wider curve to her lips, looking around for somewhere to put her champage. "I would be delighted," she replies, giving the First Captain's arm a gentle touch before turning to move to the dance floor with the Rivenshari Lord.

Caspian nods his head, "Oh that is very true! been quite the gathering, complete with chair larceny, impromptu wrestling matches and fashion to set trends for the next year." he perks up as music starts and his smile grows even larger. "Ah and now its complete!! DANCING!!" he laughs merrily and looks around at those gathered, offering a hand out to them "Would any care for a dance?"

Ysabel takes a healthy glance to Raven, "Your dress is absolutely stunning." she comments, a hand gesturing towards Raven. "You'll have to let me know who designed it. I'm always looking for more clothes to add to my wardrobe. However, there's been a bit of a pause to that. With remodeling the Gilden Villa and what not." she grins. Her voice was soft and dangerously edgy, definitely a Lycene accent. "I hope the autumn air treats you well. Master Caspian here was telling me how much you like to stab him." she chuckles watching Caspian and taking his hand. "Of course."

From where she leans against the bar, Ilira raises a lazy, delicate hand toward Terese and grins at her with rich warmth. She observes on the outskirts for a few minutes, silent and still in contrast to her revelry hitherto.

Sofia has left the a marble fountain flowing with rich chocolate.

Tikva has left the a marble fountain flowing with rich chocolate.

Monique's amusement at Noah's reply suggests there wasn't anything surprising about it. Her lips curve. "How could I tell you, if you've never seen the like before? You'd have to see them to find out. Ah, Lord Macario," Monique greets the Malespero, "looking handsome, as always, but particularly so tonight." She glances back to Noah. "Dance and talk, or drink and talk?" the Minx offers, taking a bite out of the apple.

Sir Corban politely steps away when Keely is claimed by Lord Mattheu for a dance, and dips his head to his co-host as she is called away for protege dancing duties. He places his hands behind him at a sort of practiced parade rest, clasped lightly as he surveys the crowd and the dance floor.

"Well then! You absolutely MUST meet Lady Monique, she is my best friend and delightful besides!" Lore flashes a grin towards Terese and looking to Monique with a warm smile. Casting her gaze towards Caspian, she smiles, "Save a dance for me?" THen she's looking back towards Monique, "Mo! This is Princess Terese Valardin!"

The song is sprightly, lively, and so too is Princess Tikva, so it is only fitting that she should sweep to the dance floor. She does so with her arm hooked through Princess Sofia's, such that the pair of them may partner on the floor to the lively rhythm of the orchestra. Their contrasts are pretty visually stunning, Sofia all dark in her sheath and Tikva all bright in her light gown. Possibly each has selected a dance partner for these aesthetic reasons.

Nina hears a bit of gossip about gowns, and slides in to the conversation. She gives Raven a look, and then a grin. "You do look fantastic in it!" she says. "I don't know that I've seen it on!" She watches the dance begin, and then looks at Caspian. He's on his way to the floor, but she says, "Oh I'll have to be introduced to some of your fighter friends at some time. I need to meet some more people."

Raven smiles and offers nods and salutes with her glass. She smiles Ysabel, "Thank you. Nina Autumndal made it, I absolutely love her work." her own is Setarcan lowers, "The Autumn air is miserable and I shudder to think of Winter but I return to Setarco for a tikme so that is rather timely. Lovely to meet you, my lady, enjoy your dance."

Mattheu's smile seems to brighten a little more as his offer of a dance is accepted, and leads Keely towards the floor to sweep, slip, and spin around as his bells accompany each step they take

3 Armed Confessors leaves, following Insaya.

Raven smiles to Nina, "Nina! Hi! IT is so good to see you! You look stunning which surprises no one!"

Monique turns from Noah to Lore's arrival, a smile finding her lips. "Lore, my sweet wonderful friend. Have you tried these apples? They're fucking delightful. Your Highness," the Minx greets Teresa. "Sister to Prince Talwyn, I think? It's a pleasure."

Jaenelle takes another step back from the small gathering before she grins as she spots Macario moving closer. She holds out a hand, fingers wiggling in invitation, "Master Orator" she says to the man with a straight face. "You have arrived in just the right place at just the right time, and I feel as if nothing more perfect could have occurred even with years of planning. Would you care to ask me to dance?" she wonders, not right out asking him to dance but certainly asking him to ask her.

Caspian looks back and nods to Nina with a broad smile, "certainly! and i must say, your work is flawless! between Raven and Baroness Ysabel.. the whole of the fashion world will be abuzz for months!" he looked to Lore and flashed a smile as well, "Always lore!" he chuckled and headed onto the floor with a smile, holding Ysabel's hand as he lead her there.

Despite all his talk of visiting his cider-sworn vengeance upon some unsuspecting dessert, Prince Aindre actually does find a fine, Symonesse-sized portion of spiced sweet honeycake to offer up to her as he turns a little and leans just gently against the table there. "I don't want my own cake.", the Grayson promises, letting his attention drift from the sliced sweet up to his companion's perfectly compelling face so he can assure her. "I want your cake." He doesn't seek out a plate of anything for himself, not yet, letting his attentions linger as he promises the Queen, "Besides, you're easy to like. I'm not sure you get praise for being more likeable than /me/. Everyone likes you. Animals. Babies. Baby animals. Every spider ever.", he teases, though it's easy to tell that it's the kind of tease that comes with so much truth to it. "At least one person likes me. It's enough for me."

"There is a vast lack of Gentleman to dance with, would it be terribly un acceptable if two woman where to dance," Terese questions, seeming to long to Dance. "Ah yes, my brother Talwyn, do you know him well," she answers Monique

Keely is overheard praising Noah: He always comes out to support my parties. And he didn't even hurt anyone this time!

"Thank you!" Nina giggles. "But don't mind me. I was being a little sneaky and a little drunk. But thank you so much for talking about the dress. I do love it on you. I've been knitting again because of the winter, but the cashmere gets so expensive. I may do another round of velvet gowns I think. For the winter parties!" She grins as Caspian compliments her. "And very nice to meet you as well."

Keely is overheard praising Jaenelle: She always makes Noah come to my parties.

"Not at all, Your Highness. It happens quite often at these affairs, you dance with whom you please," Lore turns a smile towards Terese to answer her question before reaching across Monique to snag one of the apples.

Macario does a polite incline of his head in Monique's direction, "I can't argue with such a compliment." He's about to return the compliment, as would be polite, but Jaenelle offers a hand and commands his attention. "Archduchess," he greets again with the appropriate bow and as such he takes the offered hand. The goblet of wine, well, that's emptied in the next gulp and gone on the next serving tray (whether it was intended for used glassware or not). "Naturally, my time is perfect," he concludes with easy grace. "My pardon, but, would the Archduchess have the opportunity for a dance?" The question comes off entirely unprompted, if the tone of his voice is to be believed (it's not). "I hear the band here last played at the event of the Storm and Art," he makes something up, before proceeding to escort Jaenelle toward the dance-floor. "There might have been a poisoning. But only a few suspected the band members," he adds more false rumours to the fire.

Keely is overheard praising Corban: An excellent co-host

Keely is overheard praising Mattheu: The best protege Arx has to offer

There is something in what Monique says or does that causes a slight twitch to Noah's eye. Twitch. He looks to make sure Jaenelle is taken care of in her dance. One he probably would have lovingly walked her to the dance floor. Monique? She doesn't get that treatment. Noah's hand all but lashes out to capture around Monique's waist to force her to the dance floor. His voice drops to her ear as he does but it's probably not nice words and probably not romantically asking her to dance. This may lead to one or more people being stabbed.

Raven ahhhs, "If I can help fund some of your inspiration let me know, you do the best work when allowed to explore. Of course, Nina, I've always loved your work and you're the only one I can stand tlaking to long enough for a proper fitting. Don't apologize for bring drunk-I ain't been sober since spring." she flashes a lopsided grin and a wink at Nina.

Ysabel politely dipped her head in return to Raven, "I will have to ask her about her work." she calls out, words trailing whilst being led to the dance floor with Caspian. She awaits for the Champion's start before she follows lead. Her movements graceful and studious, every step was planned out meticulously as if she'd had a knack for dancing. She was Lycene after all. "I wonder if you, Master Caspian, are as good as a dancer as you are with your fighting prowess." she chuckles, jesting. Every so often being twirled and spun by the man in dance. The fabric of her dress ripples and twinkles amidst the light. The jewels are her heels glittering and shimmering with her movements.

Monique checks dexterity and legerdemain at hard. Monique is successful.

In Symonesse's opinion, a piece of cake that would be appropriate for her would be the whole cake. Yet, she seems pleased with Aindre's modest offering of honey cake and wastes little time and giving it a test lick. Upon finding it more that acceptable, the Queen takes a bite and then, with something approaching a sly smile, says, "I am not inclined to share, but I suppose I might get too distracted with the offer of a dance, if one is made, to keep such careful watch over my cake, which might be the perfect opportunity for any enterprising thief, I would think." Then, she looks out over the crowd and taps the fingers of her cake-free hand against her lips as she murmurs, "Hmm, I wonder I might be able to convince to dance..." Her golden eyes cut toward Aindre even as she is feigning to be looking over the crowd as the sly grin just widens all the more.

Caspian spins as they reach the floor, turning to her with a broad smile. he holds his hands out for her and smiles broadly, "So.. shall we dazzle the onlookers Baroness?" he smiled happily as he began to lead them across the floor in time with the music, spinning and twirling as they went.

Caspian checks dexterity and performance at normal. Caspian is successful.

Monique and her already-wounded thigh are dragged bodily onto the dance floor by the waist by Noah and whatever he whispers down to her, there's very little mistaking the flare of murder in her eyes. But she doesn't *do* anything save stand there, body next to his. It's like dancing, only there's not much movement and a lot of angry whispers.

Raven nurses her drink ans grins wickedly as she chatters with Nina at the bar, watching the festivities, her gaze particularly amused as she watches Caspian cut a rug and rolls her eyes with a slight shake of her head and an amused chuckle.

Soft giggles escape Keely as she twirls around the floor with Mattheu, relying on him at times to keep her steady as all of the bubbles have begun to go to her head. She speaks with him softly, glancing around now and again, a few of those looks cast Corban's way with smiles to accompany as the dance partners have their quiet chat.

Sir Corban is also standing off to the side, dance-partner-less, and is clearly not available to be tortured by the Queen. To be clear.

"The Storm and Art event, you say?" Jaenelle asks Macario with an appropriate level os curiosity and shock, eyes widening just so as her hand rests lightly on his arm as they move from the side towards the floor. "I feel as if I have lost something in life that I did not attend such event. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to attend a second should they host another. With or without poisoning." She turns towards the man, moving to a natural dance position before peeking over her shoulder towards the band, "are all the band members here tonight or is there someone missing tonight that was there for the last? If so, it certainly was him who did the poisoning. I would think he would avoid the public eye in that case. Unless he wished to pretend that all was well, and life goes on since he was innocent." She tsks softly, amusement coloring her eyes, "I have heard that Princess Keely is able to detect if someone was poisoned, but only if they were done so from a tea cup."

Terese leaves her place beside Lore apporaches Sir Corban. "Would you dare dance with a knight," she questions curiously.

"Ah! Princess Terese," laughs Sir Corban as he reaches out to take her hand. "I would be pleased to do so, but I warn you I promised the dance after this to my delightful co-host." He chuckles. "But truly, I only dare to dance with a knight if you take the same risk."

Noah arches that one brow above his left eye at the stalemate on the dancefloor. He looks pretty serene about things rather stoic as he stands there. Then he will attempt to wrap his arm around her waist properly to pull Monique a bit closer. "So you were promising me daggers?" His deep voice drops.

Ysabel is happily letting Caspian lead her in there dance, twirling and all. The Baroness' dress spun on point, creating a circle of fabric around her before she returns back to Caspian afterwards.

Caspian checks dexterity and performance at hard. Caspian is successful.

Terese take his hand and smiles. "Challenge accepted," she says as she lets Corban lead her to the dance floor

Raven continues to watch the interaction between Noah and Monique with an idle interest over the rim of her glass.

Nina watches the dance go on as well, though for the moment, she's not rushing into it herself. "I may be back to the shop soon, but it was so wonderful to see you at the party! I'm glad I managed to get out tonight. Once more before it's too cold and I huddle up in the bath for a few months."

Keely's dark eyes drift toward Jaenelle as she hears her name on the lips of the Archduchess. "Oh, no Your Grace," she voices as Mattheu spins her past. "It is Noah who can detect if someone has been poisoned, with kisses." This is declared with the sunniest smile before she is distracted by the next nearest thing.

Corban checks dexterity and performance at normal. Corban is successful.

Terese checks dexterity and athletics at normal. Terese fails.

Nina has left the Semi-circular Bar.

2 Ivory Shields, Rodrigo, the Surprisingly Large Flautist, Romeo, a love sick bird who wouldn't be free leave, following Nina.

The whispers fly back and forth but no one dies. Yet. Monique steps closer to Noah and seems to delight in doing it. It's definitely a kind of dance though she does still favor her left leg.

The man's smile lights up as she follows along, keeping in time with his steps. Each twirl sends her dress sparkling and shimmering in a flow around her as they maneuver over the floor. For himself, he spins her deftly in his hands, moving to support and guide as they shift in concert with the music. As a crescendo approaches, he looks to Ysabel with a smile and they move for a climactic finish!

Macario is, of course, entirely serious that it be difficult to taking him seriously. As they approach the dance-floor, he considers the band members. "I had a few drinks that night, you see, a few more then tonight even, but I recall it was at the climax of the evening that the scream was heard in the back hall." At the drop of the story, he claims Jaenelle's hand and the other goes to her waist, in a proper sort of box-step position. As the dance-floor moves, Macario eyes the background before he steps into the floor to lead the Archduchess into the dance. "It seems there were jealous artists involved, some paint, and shared love-interests that made things very messy... especially when the art was tossed around. I had a new silkens shirt scattered in red! Red paint, on a new shirt, how terrible. Terribly typical, anyway," he says, as they start into the dance. "Perhaps, come to think of it, it was more of a theatre party with some dramatic twist. Regardless, it was definitely this band." He thinks.

Ysabel checks charm and performance at normal. Ysabel fails.

Despite the supposed risk of dancing with knights, Sir Corban is a perfectly adequate dancer and has apparently had some modest training. He leads Terese through some basic steps easily, keeping a pleasant amount of space between him and the Valardin royal. "See?" he says. "Not that ... Oh. Wait." He goes to steady her.

Ilira checks dexterity and performance at normal. Ilira is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and performance at daunting. Caspian fails.

Raven seem to realize what she's actually witnessing and her nose wrinkles daintily in disgust and slides away from Monique and Noah, moving instead to watch the Dancers to scrub her gaze from whatever she was just a voyuer to.

If Sofia didn't accept Tikva's invitation for the aesthetic, she's certainly not above taking advantage of it. She leans closer to the Grayson princess to exchange a few quiet words, the dark hair stark beside the light. She straightens again with a laugh and a shake of her head, a few more words exchanged between the pair.

seems it has been a while since Terese has danced or maybe she never really has and she stumbles slightly as she tries to let Corban take control of the dance. "opps, sorry," she says

Mattheu shares a soft laugh as Keely offers a few words in their dance past the Archduchess, his bells sing out loudly along with the music, or over it depending upon the step he is to take. He watches the others take to the dance floor then shifting his attention back to the quiet conversation with his patron

In the midst of a spin as they turn and twirl, Tikva lifts her arm and, apparently, flexes to show off her biceps, which is not usually one of the steps of the dance she and Sofia are currently involved in.

As two spin together, the music swells and ysabel leaps toward Caspian inn a flourishing finish! sadly, her shoes, while gorgeous to behold, were not the best for dancing. she stumbles slightly as she does, and the leap turn smore into a fall. Desperately trying to help to help, Caspian grabs her hand and attempts to guide her into a controlled slide onot the ground. This of course fails spectacularly and he is instead dragged down to the ground alongside her. Laughing heartily caspian hops back to his feet and offers her a hand. "Thank you for the dance!!" his smile is no less dimmed. if anything it seems even broader now"

"You are just fine, Princess Terese," Sir Corban reassures the Valardin woman. "It is just a dance." He turns and tries to lead Terese through a few more steps. Taking it easy. There is no need to be the flashiest couple out here.

Keely is overheard praising Tikva: The Most Glorious dancer at the ball. Such fwooshing.

"You're not going to /share/?", Prince Aindre asks, letting something of his purposefully incredulous tone show on that expression of his. "Not even with /me/?". It's unbecoming for a prince to pout and this one doesn't, but the shadow of the sentiment is there, right where he wants it. He really has the best view for watching Symonesse go on about dancing and the sly show she puts on in searching for a partner. "Well, anything for cake I guess..", the Grayson huffs out in contrast to the Nox'alfar's not-all-that-innocent grin. He pushes off the table and slips one hand beneath the Queen's own, the one holding her plate, to gently guide it back toward the table where dessert can be put in a time out. "You probably won't need that on the dance floor..", he promises, "Not that I don't believe you can't dance and indulge in sweets at the same time, I know better." His princely confidence is ever and always premiere but he still stows it momentarily to beseech of the golden-eyed Nox'alfar, "That is, if you'll dance with me? Are you sure you don't prefer the cake? I'd be honored to be chosen over dessert. If just temporarily." He even manages to look a little hopeful about it.

Noah sucks his teeth and then his foot sweeps out to connect with Monique's bad leg to knock it out from underneath her. It's iffy that he might catch her before the last moment he will. His hand coming out to also wrap around her wrist. "Tch, careful there, Monique. It would be bad if someone was hurt at an event such as this. Or do you not actually know how to dance?"

Raven checks perception at normal. Raven is successful.

Whatever fall that may be had, the Baroness truly does everything as gracefully as she can even if she stumbles along in her heels. Ysabel wears her emotions on her sleeves and there is a joyous laugh that comes from the woman, "Your a much better dancer then I. Perhaps I'll have to come see you for dancing lessons." she comments on Caspian's skills. "I've now realized I'll have to make a long list of everything your good at; how many books will I need." a jest again with the man before seeing to his hand to help her up. "Cider? I think we earned ourselves some drinks."

In a swift, colorful burst of movement, Ilira whips off her robe, drapes it over a barstool, and swirls toward the floor in a cascade of curls and velvet. Stepping with artful celerity, she slinks around the dancers right to where Monique and Noah abide, spinning past them with a vivacious toss of her raven hair and a sharp, fiery smile. She points two fingers to her eyes, then at them, a fluid gesture that melds seamlessly with the flow of her movements. Twirling gracefully, she slips away.

Terese offers Corban a soft smile. "Thank you Sir Corban," she says as they dance together

Monique checks composure at hard. Botch! Monique fails completely.

Terese checks dexterity and athletics at normal. Terese is successful.

Caspian clicks his tongue, "well im not sure they make books that small Baroness! but i'd be happy to show what little i know. and yes.. Cider sounds marvelous." still smiling, he dusts himself off and heads back toward Raven and nina.. though sadly it seems Nina had left. "Where is the Cider? nothing like a lively dance to work up a thirst!"

Raven rises abruptly and makes her way towards Noah and Monique and she DOES NOT look pleased. It's hard to tell which of them has raised her ire but she does not bother conceal that her ire has been raised as she weaves through the crowd making a bee line for the pair.

Ilira tips her head appreciatively toward Raven in the midst of a voluminous spin.

"Red is difficult to get out of cloth," comes Jaenelle's next reply to Macario as the story continues. "Sometimes it is better to toss it out completely and just purchase something new. I have always found that when I have the inspiration for art work it is better to remove all types of cloth from the area to begin with, your least likely to get paint on something that is not there, after all. Do you paint?" she wonders as they spin close enough to Keely for the woman to share the words of Noah and his abilities. Before Keely is moved off, she replies, "he only detects poison because he is given it so often and so much that no matter how often he wipes his lips the poison lingers. He can't help but enjoy the taste of Poison." Then back to the terrible art drama, "I have heard that the Black Rose Mummers are very good at what they do and can make you believe anything is possible. They are talented actors. I wonder what the scream was about though."

Soon, Sir Corban and Terese come to a halt as Sir Corban has led the Valardin royal off to the edge of the dance floor. "Well," he says, bowing his head to her and placing a hand over his chest. "For two knights, I think we managed just fine," he says gently. "Thank you, Princess Terese, for the dance."

Symonesse isn't a very sly person by nature, but even this very obvious show of 'manipulation' falls away to reveal her delight when Aindre both asks her to dance and also seems to be entirely taken by her clever game. For a moment, the Queen looks entirely pleased with herself, even as she is being divested of cake and pulled toward the dance floor. She leans in to murmur something to Aindre, her radiant smile not fading for a moment, before the tension between Monique and Noah steals a bit of the attention from the prince at her side. Her pale brow furrows and she might cling a little tighter to Aindre's arm, in fact, she is leaning on him quite a bit more than usual this evening altogether, but that does not dissuade her from dancing in the slightest.

It might seem like Monique doesn't know how to dance. Her leg is knocked out from beneath her and she can't help the strangled sound of pain that forces itself from her parted lips. But she doesn't hit the floor thanks (?) to Noah's catch. Are those... tears in her eyes? She struggles to straighten, to turn, to extract herself. "I think I've had *enough*," the Greenmarch bites out, voice strained. "You're right, of course. I'd better go."

Perhaps it is the alcohol, or Keely's naivety, but something protects her brain from the full meaning of Jaenelle's words in her direction, and she just smiles a cheery smile, enjoying one last spin around the dance floor with Mattheu before drawing back from him and dipping into a deep curtsey that is only slightly wobbly. "Thank you for the dance," she murmurs up to her partner with a smile.

Mattheu nods in more jingling of bells to Keely, "It was a lovely dance Princess Keely." He bows to her before he looks around for a moment. Spotting another jingling individual, where his smile falters for a moment as he steps towards them for a quiet word.

Sofia, it should be noted, does not stop to flex. She does manage to adapt to Tikva's improvisation with aplomb, however, with a bright laugh. "I think I need to have a word with your dance instructor," she comments as she spins the Grayson. She narrows her eyes at some low-voiced comment, but with obviously false dismay. "In some things, Your Highness," she answers at normal volume. "Only in some things. A time and place for everything, you know."

Ysabel says, "Thank you again for the dance Master Caspian." Ysabel leads them to the drinks giving him a glass of his own whilst taking one for herself."

Mattheu makes a relatively quiet slip out the door, even with his bells chiming as he walks.

"Terribly difficult," Macario agrees with Jaenelle on the topic of laundry and removing stains. "At least that's what the Malespero staff member told me," he adds, clearly unsure himself of the truth of it. Jaenelle goes on about the removal of clothing to keep from staining one's clothing and then the question. He probably misses a step somewhere in there with the dance, but he does keep on moving on the dance-floor with Jaenelle. "I do not paint, no, but now I'm a tad more curious in the craft than I was just oh, moments ago. I think I dated a painter once," he adds thoughtfully. "Yes. I did, definitely, but I assumed that was... well, never-mind." He nods sagely, as though the topic of poisoning her husband (erm, building immunity) was the proper thing to do at all times. "I believe I have been to a Black Rose Mummers show. They often involve an octopus costume in their performance, don't they?"

Violeta Emili, a Ravashari smuggler dressed as the wind, 2 Rivenshari Clan Guardsman leave, following Mattheu.

Noah looks at Monique for a long moment to that. "I usually am." The words are given in that standard growl of his. He seems rather placid on the front end of things. Stupid Grayson stoic thing. He also is not a total inhuman jerk (though he'll deny that later) and will move to sweep Monique off her feet to take her to a chair and set her on it. He offers a light word to the woman and then moves to gather up some napkins and blot his shirt front. Must have been the spilled drink or something.

When Keely completes her dance with Mattheu, Sir Corban crosses to her and holds out his hand, offering it up to his co-host. "Princess Keely, might I have the honor of the next dance?" he wonders, formally.

Since this song seems to be winding to a close, Tikva spins close to Sofia for one last twirl and then sketches an elaborate bow to her, her grin rakish as she straightens. "As a member of the Bard's College, Your Highness, I am actually the instructor," she says, "which does mean I /do/ feel terribly free to improvise. But I thank you for a beautiful dance." She murmurs something much quieter to her as they start to leave the floor.

Raven closes the distance and stands so as Noah straitens Raven is in Monique's way. Her green eyes glisten with the promise of violence barely restrained, nostrils flared as she leans back and murmurs something softly to Noah. She has her iron guard crest pinned to her dress where it was not before.

Terese a messenger arrives and Terese excuses herself from the party quietly, so mysterious

A half-spin sends the rich purples of Keely's skirts swishing about at the sound of Corban's voice, and she offers a brilliant smile to the knight, a delicate hand rising to rest within his own. "Mmhmm," she hums with absolutely no etiquette, but a smile so bright it perhaps makes up for the lapse. She moves into position to allow him to lead her around the floor, her steps not as precise as usual but full of bounce.

Hermeline, a russet vixen, 2 Valardin Knights leave, following Terese.

Caspian watches Raven stalk toward the pair, his brow furrowing in confusion at the look the woman wore. he looked after Ysabel, taking the drink offered and smiling briefly in thanks. Ge began to move slowly toward the trio, head cocked to the side in confusion as he sipped his cider. he looked between Monmique, Noah and raven, trying to understand what the trouble was

Corban checks dexterity and performance at normal. Critical Success! Corban is spectacularly successful.

Matteo arrives, delivering a message to Raven before departing.

Alone, at the center of the floor, Ilira lifts her arms above her head and spins and spins and spins, her roseate velvet flaring splendidly out around her. When at last she stops, she faces the Archduke, the Minx, and the Blackheart. She smiles beatifically at the three, her lips curling like the edges of a page set alight. Then she whirls away, off the dancefloor.

Keely checks charm and performance at normal. Keely is successful.

Raven checks willpower at hard. Raven is successful.

Monique is swept and deposited and whatever Noah whispers to her, the Minx's frame relaxes and while she doesn't smile, she does accept whatever he says. No one gets stabbed. No one dies. It's a good event. She looks to Raven's arrival with a lifted brow, imperious as royalty. But catches Ilira's look too, and waves her over. Her eyes seek out Lore.

Oh, Aindre is entirely taken with the Queen's clever little game and there's not an ounce of him that conspired at all to see her filled up nicely with warm cider and spiced honeycake and looking so terribly pleased to be pulled along in the direction of the dancefloor. "I'll take that as a yes then.", he says, not without stealing a glance over Symonesse's shoulder for a moment to leave the cake in their wake a briefly longing look. She leans in close to murmur something to him and the Grayson prince just captures the momentum of that to go ahead and drape her hands around him so he can listen in, carrying it along into the beginning of a dance that's perfectly languid enough for the conversation that's happening along with it. One of Aindre's brows rises upward just smoothly so at whatever is said to him and he shares a quiet laugh before murmuring something.

Like with Princess Terese, Sir Corban does not attempt any complicated moves with Keely. But he catches her in his arms gracefully, pulling her close to him to murmur into the princess' ear. Then he takes her and spins her around the dance floor gracefully, each placement of the knight's foot just right.

Ilira is already there, by Monique's side, materializing from one part of the room to another. She perches on the arm of the chair and cocks her head with a smile, her voice low in a murmur to her friend.

Ysabel says, "Hmm.." she looks about, "I probably should get back to the Villa. Thank you for the wonderful night and dance Master Caspian." Ysabel would say before departing from the party with a smile."

Matteo arrives, delivering a message to Raven before departing.

Monique has joined the Semi-circular Bar.

"I dont believe there has ever been an octopus costume, though they clearly dont know what they are missing. Perhaps we should write our own play and cast one," Jaenelle suggests, a grin touching her features before she offers a quieter word with her dance partner. "I once dated a painter too, they are rather moody arent they?" her eyes roll playfully. Whatever is said then, quieter, is nodding before she releases her hold on the man and the dance pauses, another quiet word is shared before she grins, offers a curtsey, and moves off the floor. Noah's arm is taken, head shifting towards the door to indicate she is ready.

Ilira has left the a marble fountain flowing with rich chocolate.

Ilira has joined the Semi-circular Bar.

Raven hisses softly to Monique, still NONE too pleased as she speaks in low tones, her head canting and eyebrows lifting in an inquisitive angle. A messenger weaves through the crowd and approaches the Blackheart. Raven looks down sharply and accepts the message.She flicks an irate glower at Monique before she opens the letter and reads. Let lips move and her brow furrows like a second grader silently sounding out letters. She struggle through it and reads it twice before she crumples it and looks ceilingwards, her knuckles turning white and she slutches it and for an instant it looks like tonight is that night she has that epic meltdown-but no. She swallows. Draws in a deeep breath and her visage settles into something impassive, blank expression. she shoves the message away into her sling and inclines her head to Monique and turns back towards the bar, weaving through the crowd.

Soft conversation flows between Keely and Corban as their simple dance somehow misses not a beat. The rich hues of her swirling skirts meld in gorgeous contrast to the knight's cool-toned clothing, everything about their trek around the floor impressive. The champagne-floaty princess relies on her partner's lead a bit heavily, but he meets the task with striking aplomb.

Noah nods his head and wraps an arm around Jaenelle as he presses his shirt to get the wine out. He offers a low comment to her, but leads her towards the exit. He does pause to nod towards Keely though as he moves. He still strides like he owns the place.

"Oh dear." Sofia touches her fingers to her chest as she and Tikva move off the dance floor. "In that case, perhaps I'm the one who could do with finding a dance teacher." She pauses, dark gaze flicking to the floor and back again with a sly slant and soft laugh. Her manners haven't entirely abandoned her, and she dips a curtsey to Tikva. "Thank you for the dance, Your Highness."

Much of her good cheer returned to her, Monique finds herself at the bar with Raven, Ilira and Lore and the whiskey flows with a wonderfully fluid abandon. The conversation is hushed but animated and the redhead pantomimes dagger slashing for the others.

Lore has joined the Semi-circular Bar.

Caspian has joined the Semi-circular Bar.

Caspian still seems entirely confused as to what was happening, but for the moment anyway, it seemed to have been resolved. He approached the bar and leaned back against it, offering a smile and pouring a glass of whiskey before pushing it toward Raven. he spoke though his voice was low.

Ilira listens to Monique all the way up until Raven's messenger. She follows her with her gaze, unnerved.

Symonesse easily, gracefully, falls into the moments of the dance as if she's been dancing since the beginning of time itself. She gazes up at Aindre, what he murmurs to her prompting not just a little half-breathless laugh, but even a wash of color across the otherwise pale alabaster of her cheeks. One of her lily white brows arches and she murmurs in kind, though it is clear even without knowing -what- she is saying that her words are far more flustered than Aindre's, as if he has bested her in -this- round of matching wits. She clears her throat a little and says a touch louder, "It -is- only fair, after all." To make up for her stumbling words, she demands that much more out of Aindre as a dance partner and even makes the attempt to take the lead from him as well.

After she and Princess Sofia go their separate ways, Tikva goes to back to the true siren of the room, which is of course, the dessert table. Cake on the outside and custard or cream on the inside? How can she possibly look that trim and eat all this? THIS IS A FANTASY WORLD THAT'S HOW. The real magic is how she isn't getting it all over her gown, honestly, this is why I can't wear white.

Macario manages to grab another goblet of wine on his way out of the event, with a wave of his hand to the hosts and some more murmured praises.