It's a warm fall day, perfect for people to be milling around outside. The festival is well underway with vendors showing off their stuff and potential customers or future trading partners checking out the various booths. Cristoph is there, moving from one thing to the next with seemingly tireless energy. He's dressed down. Like way down. These are clothes no one would care were ruined. However, they are /clean/. Likely due to protest from a certain someone. Apparently Cris won't be using the dunking tank as his personal wash basin. He spots Arn over there and snorts in mild disbelief before he's whisked away to the next thing. Note: Yes, the BEEara is on.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards arrives, following Desiree.

Arn Telmar arrives earlyish. Certainly there servants and vendors and farmers and knights and Laurents around but the majority of the crowd has not yet arrived. Which is how the duke likes it. Moving at a rapid pace and accompanied by a guard and a few attendants, he moves stiffly around and immediately starts buying produce from the farmers at their booths. A dozen beets here, three heads of cabbage there, pork, honey, some chickens, apples, other fruits. Everything is paid for out of his hand and the products are handed over to the attendants. He doesn't want this shit, he's just throwing money around in socially acceptable way, spending freely before anyone can show up and see him acting like a decent person. Shh. Granted, he grumbles and grunts if any merchant or farmer tries to get too personable, warding them off with well-practiced techniques.


Dressed simply herself, Caelis Malvici walks her way in with a simple red dress on, her black hair braided and out of the way. She looks about for Cristoph and smiles, walking over and waving a hand. "Duke Cristoph! I am here and ready for duty!" She announces, pausing to curtsy once she's closer.

The Prince of Sanctum arrives at the Laurent Estate, carrying with him a large bowl covered with a cloth. He looks around for the hosts, eventually seeing Jael first, he heads in her direction, "Lady Jael! Everything looks so festive." He holds out the bowl as if presenting it, "I was not certain if I was supposed to bring something, so I brough some meaty plumb pudding to share!" he looks around as people filter in and leans over to say almost conspiratorially, "You might want to get some first.. I am not sure it will last long...." Edain says, perhaps over estimating how well loved puddings might be.

As the time for the festival start draws near, or passes, it's hard to keep track of time sometimes, Nicia makes her way towards the Laurent estate, having sent someone through earlier to tend to the entry into the contest on her behalf, she's been keeping herself busy with her own preparations. Mostly reading and counting the hours, then losing track of time before she arrives on timeish.

Kit, the grey fox, Brigid the Genet arrive, following Monique.

Erika wanders through the estate grounds, admiring all the stalls. Garbed in grey and lavender silks she seems to stand out a touch. Not exactly autumn colours. Her pine marten follows close at her heels, and icy blue eyes scan the area for anyone she may know, chewing on her bottom lip idly. Spotting Edain she waves in his direction before heading for a stall of candied apples.

Alis arrives in some pretty standard fair clothes. Sturdy leather boots with pants tucked into them. And what looks like an overly large button down shirt that's obviously been stolen from her husband. Why would she gets her own clothes dirty!? I mean, there's cornhole going on today. And obviously, she first person she goes to sneak up on after waving to Caelis, is Arn. Stalk, stalk, stalk. "Hey, look at you spending money! I'm all impressed over here."

In a divide-and-conquer routine established a few years ago in the sibling's routine, Jael has been working the grounds in a direction counter to Cristoph's. She's dressed neatly but casually in yellow silk, and no one even had to tell her to. She flashes a smile when Edain approaches bearing gifts, holding slim arms out to receive the burden of pudding. "Oh! It's...I mean, yes, we're showcasing goods so this is perfect!" She starts bearing the bowl towards one of the display tables which is fortunately not too far off, saying over her shoulder, "I'll just have some spoons brought, then. I will, ah, certainly take your advice." Firm nod, and a Laurent servant nearby is dispatched for utensils.

It would seem Lady Fiora prizes punctuality, for here she is, dressed to impress and making a striking dichotomy as she moves from booth to booth. Arn is noted with a faint and brief smile and a more respectful bow. "Duke Telmar. A pleasure to see you again, and in much better lighting this time." The quiet greeting is offered as he passes before she's rising up and slipping away to the next booth. While not spreading her coin around too freely, she's at least picking out some items that seem particularly interesting. Honey. Tea. A bit of dark chocolate that she nibbles on as she goes. Everything else is arranged to be delivered elsewhere. Edain is given a brief dip of her head in greeting as she passes him by before she's smiles briefly towards Alis' cornering of ARn.

Once his spending spree is complete and Arn has shown to requisite generosity for a man of his standing, his attendant leaves with a sack full of stuff that will be given out to...someone. Who knows? When Alis surprises him, he grunts at her in response. "I spend plenty of money. It's called taxes. I'm going to tell that brother of yours to ease my burden." he's not really. It's a joke! Without the smile. With a look that could mean 'come along' as easily as it could mean 'go away', the old troll turns and begins stalking in the direction of the high lord, murder in his eyes. Not agains Edain, just in general. If there's anyone he's not a threat to, it's Edain. Arn lumbers up and stands beside the young prince of Sanctum and looks at the bowl he's just offered to Jael. "You check that for poison?" he growls, "You should give me the first taste. Better I keel over than someone else. Well, better me than him, not you." he rumbles at Jael. It's almost good-natured.


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

Edward wanders back towards the front and smiles as he sees the Prince of Sanctum. Giving a glance to the one he is speaking with he approaches politely and stands off to the side so he can make his own introduction to Jael, not interrupting the discussion regarding the finest of puddings.

Edain ohs happily and bows to Jael and says, "Thank you!" He carries it over to a table where such confections are placed for people to sample as a servant is ready to dispense untensils. He sets down the bowl and says, "Here you go." he leans forward then and lowers his voice, "Make sure you get yourselves a taste. I asked my kitchen staff to make just a little extra runny." Edain winks then as if this somehow leads to a more desirable texture and flavor for meaty plum pudding.

His contributions deposited he turns and claps his hands and says, "Ah Duke Arn.. definately try some of the pudding as well. I understand there is a dunk tank though? Were should I report to do my duty."

"Lady Caelis!" Cristoph calls back when he hears his name. The sight of Nicia moving on the grounds catches his attention and he waves to her, trying to get her attention. "Are you ready? I think I'm going to go first. Get he plunge over with." His focus is briefly caught by the sight Prince Edain delivering a meaty pudding.

Desiree arrives wearing pink with her hair put up. She smiles as she walks and looks around at everyone she notices. She does give a friendly wave to Edain. She then turns her attention more to the booths that are set up.

It's not hard to spy Monique. It's all that tumbling firetruck red hair. Can't possibly be natural. She's paired it with a lighter summer dress in deference to the weather, a vibrant shade of emerald. In her arms, a backpack. On her face, a curious smile. The dunk tank gets the longest look.

Alis tries not to look pained as meaty plum pudding is delivered; and definitely not nauseous at the idea that it's a little bit runny. To cure herself of the sudden need to bolt and hurl - thanks Edain! - she smiles brightly at Arn. "How about you tell him you'll knock a percent off your tax rate every time he brings... that stuff, to a fair?" she suggests, turning her smile next to Lady Fiora. "Good day. It's nice to see you again."

Erika pauses as she reads the note delivered to her, chewing on her bottom lip. She purchases another candied apple before moving to step out. Moving past Lorien she stops to smile to the familiar man, waving the candied apple. "I'll be right back." With that she leaves quickly in a sweep of silks, smiling politely to those she passes.

Osmond the Pine Marten leaves, following Erika.

When the wave is spotted, Nicia lifts a hand in response, a smile brightening her expression as she begins to make her way in Cristoph's direction. "Duke Cristoph, Lady Caelis." She greets them both once she is within polite speaking range, "Wonderful to see you both..the festival looks amazing."

"Duke Telmar, it's lovely to see you here," Jael greets Arn warmly, and then tilts her head, birdlike. "I don't think I have given Prince Edain any reason to poison me recently but one can never be too careful, I suppose." Spoons arrive, and are fanned out before the bowl, and Jael gestures to them, saying in a low tone, because otherwise everyone will want some, "You heard the man. It's extra runny." Over the crowd gathering for pudding...or dunking...both? She raises a hand in greeting to Edward, seeing him lingering.

Waving to Alis in return, Caelis smiles and nods to Cristoph. "As you like my Lord. I'm certainly ready to brave the water myself." She offers pleasantly. Seeing Nicia she waves too, adding a quick "Countess Sunshine" before ambling over to the tank to inspect the game. She leans up against the tank.

Lorien strolls along, looking at the various contest entries with some interest, dressed in his usual drab greens and greys, leather and simple cloth more practical than stylish. Thumbs hooked in his belt, he gives a smile to Erika as she passes by, candied apple in hand. There's a little chuckle of amusement as she comes and goes too quickly to truly respond to, and so he continues his wandering, occasionally scanning the crowd in search of a familiar face.

Arn frowns severely at Edain then lets the look sink in for a few moments before he speaks, "I wouldn't know anything about a...dunk tank." just saying the two words seems to offend him. For his part, Arn seems eager enough to try whatever is in the bowl. Maybe he loves him some meaty plums. Who wouldn't? And he's not kidding about taking a bite before anyone else can. Grabbing a spoon and grunting in response to Jael's warm and polite greeting, he digs in and shovels a heaping pile of pudding into his mouth. It receives effusive praise in the form of a dropped spoon and a wordless nod before he turns away, "Enjoy your dunking, lad. I'm going to," he pauses, lips twisted sourly at Edain, "mingle." and then he's off heading after Alis.


Edward smiles as he sees the greeting and he walks up and puts his hand on his stomach, "Lady Laurent, I am Edward Redreef," he gives her a half-bow, "I wanted to introduce myself and give my compliments on the turn out for the festival." he shifts on his feet so that he can move when others approach though he does not stop smiling, clearly enjoying himself.

Fiora approaches Alis with another faint smile, "Princess. Its a pleasure to see you again as well. It would seem the menfolk have deserted us today, shall I play escort in his stead?" She's trying to be more personable, even if it isn't her natural millieu, though it leaves the woman looking ill at ease for how to follow up such an offer. Brightening a touch, she asks, "Oh! I've heard about this... cornholing game? Could you explain the particulars to me?"

Cristoph is a good solider about heading to the tank. Losing his shoes along the way, he'll climb up to the plank of wood that extends over the water. "HELLO!" Nice and loud to grab attention. "Thanks for coming to our home and celebrating the harvest season with us. I hope everyone gets a chance to see and try everything they'd like tonight. I have a couple of bottles to give away and if you'd like to try your hand at knocking myself, Lady Caelis, Lady Jael /or/ Prince Edain into this tank of cold water, come up. I'll be going first. Good luck everyone." He bows at the waist and settles in on the plank. He can swim right? Right.

Edain gives Arn a double thumbs up, quite happy to see him mingling. "So, Princess Alis are you going to see if you can send us into the drink?" He says with a smile and then says to Fiora, "Oh Princess Alis is quite good at Cornhole. Her husband Prince Fiachra has yet to be the victor when they play cornhole I understand!" And that said he moves over to queue up by the Dunk Tank waiting for his turn, He stands next to Caelis and bows, "Lady Caelis. Perhaps after we've both been dunked, we can have our duel of a bracing game of cornhole."

Monique moves to a spot by the dunk tank, too, waiting for her turn. It's going to end badly, no matter what.

Fiora checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 2 lower.

Alis giggles quietly under her breath at Arn's scowl for having to mingle. But then schools her expression into seriousness to nod politely at Fiora. "I would very much appreciate that. I blatantly absconded with one of Fiachra's shirts when I found out he wouldn't be here right away." she admits. As if he doesn't have a dozen others. "Of course I... might, dear brother. Aw, that's so nice. For you to be championing my cornholing prowess like that. Perhaps we should attempt pairs cornholing one of these days. You and Caelis versus Fia and I." Her dimples definitely show there, when she smiles.

Alis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 9 lower.

Monique checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 22 lower.

Lorien checked strength + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 15 lower.

Jael lets out a little sigh and reaches gingerly for Arn's ditched spoon, which she forgets to hand off to a server before dropping a little curtsy to Edward. Then she blinks wide blue eyes and lets the spoon be taken from her by the anxious young woman at her elbow, before breaking into a smile tinged with a smidge of self-consciousness. "Lord Redreef, I'm so pleased that you're here." Despite Cristoph announcing her name for the tank, she pointedly ignores him. "Have you tried this pudding?"

Nicia moves in the direction of the tank, but she doesn't seem to be lining up to dunk anyone. Instead she's just watching those that do come up to try and knock them into the water. There's a bit of an amused smile that appears as she watches, a hand lifting to wave towards the one or two familiar faces she spots in the crowd.

The call of the dunk tank seems to entertain Lorien, grabbing his attention from whatever it was that he had been looking at. He makes his way over toward the line and he waits his turn, stepping up and taking a shot, but he misses by a fair margin and can only laugh at his failure. "Well, that was terrible." He doesn't seem to feel too badly about it, and gets out of the way so that someone else can take a shot.

Arn checked strength + athletics at difficulty 40, rolling 6 lower.

"Ah my Lady you do me honor. I am a Lord no more, but old habits are hard to break." Edward smiles to Jael and he looks at the pudding, "Ah. I have not." if a spoon is free he will take a tasting and smile to her, "Oh it is quite delicious. The His Grace deserves the compliments for it." he chuckles as he glances to Cristoph and then he turns to those gathered at the dunk tank, watching the calls. He seems to consider taking ashot himself.

1 Trained Telmar Armsmen have been dismissed.

Fiora flashes a brief smile towards Edain and inclines her head before he's off towards the dunk tank. Looking back to Alis, she chuckles softly and murmurs, "Sadly, mine will not be here tonight. He has estate matters to see to. He insists on going over all the books from the March to ensure nothing has been mismanaged between Marquis'. But come, lets try our hand at getting a Duke wet?" Proffering an elbow towards Alis, she leads them over to try her luck, asiding in the meantime, "So what are the basic rules of cornholing?"

Fiora checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 1 higher.

Alis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 8 lower.

Monique checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 8 lower.

Curtsying to Edain, Caelis smiles. "Your Grace, I would be delighted to. I believe I owe you a crushing defeat now that we can't blame the owl." She teases and looks to those throwing to dunk Duke Cristoph and claps. "You can do it!" She cheers for each. With a look to Alis and Fiora, she flexes an arm and grins. "If Prince Edain and I teamed up there would surely be none to beat us."

"What the hell is cornholing!?" Arn bellows at the Valardin siblings. And anyone else that happens to be nearby. "I'm going to stay by you." he lowers his voice to speak to Alis, "Don't introduce me to too many people and keep your conversation to a minimum." he almost sort of smiles. It's like an upwards scowl. He looks at Fiora and seems to recognize her, eyes narrowing slightly and then swinging over toward Caelis, "Who are you?" he asks directly of the woman, squinting at her.


Desiree grins Cristoph enters the dunk tank. "I love these things." She doesn't actually try to play, but she happily watches everyone else. She eagerly awaits a successful throw. As Fiora makes the dunk she lets out a laugh and claps. "Great job!"

Cristoph swings his legs over the water as several people try to knock him in. There's several misses and then Lady Fiora manages to land a winning throw. The board goes out from underneath him and there's one drowning duke. Just kidding. He can swim. But it takes him a minute to haul himself out of the tank. He comes sputtering and landing non-gracefully on the ground.

Monique's throws go wiiiiiildly askew. Maybe she was aiming at Arn? She hits nothing, though, but applauds when Fiora makes the contraption dump.

Jael makes just the tiniest grimace when Edward corrects her, but just leaves the error where it stands and hands the man a clean spoon. "It is apparently very runny and meaty," she says with what might be called encouragement, and looks faintly relieved when the man pronounces it good, even though she didn't make it. Seeing his gaze shift towards the tank, "Aww, someone got Cris...you could take a shot at the next one though."

Is it appropriate to applaud? Nicia looks momentarily torn on if she should be worried that Cristoph got dunked into the water, or applaud Fiora's efforts. She defaults on the applause, smile flashing, "Good job!"

Edward watches the Duke sputter and he gives a nod to Jael, "I will thank you, my Lady, I hope we can talk again I will let others come make their introductions." he smiles to her one more time before he begins to wander over towards the dunk tank, interested in taking his own throw then. When Arn shouts he laughs and he wanders near and points to the cornholing boards, "You throw bags into the holes, to...score or something, my Lord. But I hear if you want to know about the finer points of cornholing you'll have to ask His Grace, he is quite an experienced cornholer if what I heard is accurate."

Clapping for the Duke when he's dunked, Caelis laughs happily. Arn's question prompts a quirked smile. "Lady Admiral Caelis Malvici, Voice of Southport, Admiral of the Arvum Refugee Relief Group. If it pleases you. And export dunk victim, amateur cornholer."

Alis is... apparently not very good at aiming for the dunk tank lever today. Or at least not for Cristoph. Though she does yell, "Don't lose the BEEara in the water!!!" at him, as he is climbing out of the tank and sputtering. There is no pity, only amusement. "I shall do my best to be curt and unfriendly." she counters toward Arn, clearly not meaning it. "You going to try and dunk Edain?" She hands him one of the balls for throwing. "Well, Lady Fiora. Duke Arn. Cornholing is when you take a sack." She gestures at the ones filled with hard corn. "And aim it towards the holes" Another gesture made. "Sometimes they smack pretty hard, so you have to be careful. But if you get it in, you win points." See? So easy!

Edain bows to Arn and says, "Duke Arn Telmar, this is Lady Admiral Caelis Malvici. One of the finest ship captains in Arvum." And he looks over the edge of the tank as Christop swims to the edge, "I will take my turn next Duke Cristoph." And that said he moves to the platform and pulls himself up into place.

Once seated he shifts himself to get comfortable, but looks aorund the grounds with a pretty good view, "Count Kael! Lady Reigna welcome!" he calls out in greeting. "Ok! Who wants to try and knock me into the drink?"

Osmond the Pine Marten arrives, following Erika.

Jael dips another curtsy to Edward, then abandons the pudding to approach the tank with steely resignation. On the way there she touches Nicia lightly on the arm. "The scallops are delicious, thank you for bringing them. Were they fresh-caught?"

Fiora flushes a pink that stands out markedly against her nearly colorless skin at the attention received, though she's smiling and nodding her thanks to the congratulators. Flicking a glance aside to Arn, she flickers a brief smile and leans across Alis to murmur something towards Arn, letting Alis hear it as well by nearness! Design or accident, so hard to tell with these Lycene folk! She winks to Alis, then straightens and smile towards Cristoph as he emerges, "Apologies, Duke Laurent, but you went to all the trouble of climbing up there..."

Monique checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 22 lower.

Caelis checked strength + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 16 lower.

Nicia glances at Jael, eyes widening a bit as her mind quickly shifts tracks from just watching to actually conversating with someone. "The scallops? Yes! They were...I was a little worried that they wouldn't make it in time, but I'm glad they did." She smiles a bit, nodding in the direction of the tank, "Seems a very crazy sort of game, sitting there for someone to dunk you."

Edward checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 17 lower.

Alis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 13 lower.

Fiora checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 8 higher.

Cristoph recovers on the ground before he gets his ass up and moves out of the way. After all, if he stands that close to the tank someone is likely to hit him with a ball. And that would hurt. He moves towars his sister and Nicia, pulling the wet shirt away from his chest and trying to wring it out. "That was fun." He announces happily.

Kael enters the festival grounds with Reigna on his arm in a most formal manner, despite the general relaxed atmosphere of such an event. He is lingering on the outskirts for a moment, inhaling a deep breath that squares up his shoulders, and starting to explore the various wares that are available. Refreshments first and foremost are in order, and a mild apple cider is acquired for the lady on his arm before he selects ale for himself.

Fridrik, a small White Fox arrives, following Charlaine.

Fridrik, a small White Fox have been dismissed.

"No." Arn shakes his head at Alis and then hurls a ball toward the tank to try and get Cristoph. He fails but doesn't seem to mind. "I could hit it pretty well with my hammer." he offers Alis and then listens to her explanation of cornholing. He gets it. The rules, but not the purpose so the duke just shakes his head some more, disappointed. "Admiral, huh?" the old troll looks Caelis up and down slowly, judging and likely finding her lacking. Edain has deftly handled the introductions so he doesn't bother to repeat what the high lord said. "Never liked boats." and that's that. He is made uncomfortable by Fiora murmuring quietly to him like she knows him and his response is spoken aloud, "If you think I'm getting into the damn tank so some dummy can drop me into a tub of water for the amusement of other dummies, then you're as stupid as you look." that seems like a no. "I'm not a damned clown. I'm not here to amuse you."


As people start to try and hit the plate to knock him into the drink he calls out, "Don't give up! You're all coming very close! I have faith in you!" The irony of this? He manages to sound completely sincere and encouraging rather than sarcastic. One might observe that Edain doesn't get this 'heckling' thing.

Again it is Fiora who's throw in on mark and he drops into the tank with a 'kersploosh' His hand comes up above the surface before his hand does and he gives a thumbs up.

Edward misses his throw but he laughs when Fiora dunks the man. He gives a grin and he looks at Fiora with a smile, "Two for two. Very good." and then back to watch Edain climb out of the tank.

Reigna has a hand on Kael's forearm, walking at his side, steps in sync with his. She holds her cider with care, drinking enough to ensure the motion of walking itself won't slosh her beverage over. She moves along the circuit of goods with her huband pointing out this or that that catches her eye.

"You're supposed to tell us how we couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, Your Highness," Monique informs Edain with a chuckle as he resurfaces, bouncing a leftover ball in her hand. "Get in our heads, make us doubt our abilities!"

Alis glances between Fiora and Arn, lips curling upward into a smile. "Arn is here to scowl at anyone who looks at Edain funny." she explains, winking over at Caelis when she says it. "Boats are just fine, once you get used to the way everything moves under you. I didn't even hurl the last time I was on one." is pronounced proudly, as if this is an amazing feat!

Jael crosses her arms and tips her head in the direction of the dunk tank, and, as it happens, her approaching pre-dunked brother. There's an amused curve to her lips. "I suppose crazy's a good word for it." She smoothes her skirts a little and sighs. "And I'm in the hot seat as soon as they get Caelis."

Edain climbs out of the tank and just blinks at Monique, "Why would I do that? That seems awefully mean, and not at all encouraging." He looks over his shoulder to Caelis as she gets in place and says, "Good luck!"

Desiree cheers yet again for Fiora. "I'm certainly impressed." She takes another look around and smiles as she notices Reigna. She takes herself away from the booth and approaches her and Kael. "Reigna? Is that you? I had heard you were in Arx. You look as beautiful as ever!" She turns to look at Kael. "I don't believe we've met but hello!"

Clapping for Fiora, Caelis smiles to her cousin and arches a brow at Arn. "If Prince Victus doesn't scare me you surely won't." She retorts to Arn. Alis of course gets a warmer smile and she waits fro Edain to make it out of the tank before taking her turn to slide onto the board for the game. "Maybe my cousin Fi might knock us all out. She's as scary with a ball as she is with a bow it seems." She teases.

Charlaine laughs a bit as Edain gets wet! She laughs softly before she slowly moves to a spot to watch the festivities her eyes catch Cristoph and his sister before she takes a step closer to Princess Alis, she curtsies and then she smiles softly "Highness." she greets and then smiles also to Desiree.

Fiora doesn't seem offended at Arn's response, merely lifting her shoulders into a shrug and murmuring, "As you wish, Duke Telmar." Then its her turn to try and dunk the Prince. She takes aim, lets it fly, and smiles to herself when she hits her mark again. Glancing back over her shoulder to Arn, she offers, "That's two for two. The offer stands." Looking back to Alis, she chuckles softly, "I have Mydas for that. He's been urging me to scowl less myself. So here I amm, trying to be... normal? ish?" She shakes her head and motions to the tank, "Perhaps when this is all said and done, I should give all the dunkees a chance to get some payback..."

Monique gently lobs the ball she holds in Edain's direction. "Here, try your luck? There's got to be a streak of competitiveness in there somewhere!"

Nicia laughs when Cristoph makes his way over, giving him a slow once over, "I really do hope you thought to bring something to dry off with outside." She reaches out to pluck at a bit of his sodden shirt, then glances at Jael, "You are going to be dunked as well?"

Lorien glances over at Erika when she comes up alongside him as he lingers by the dunk tank, watching as Cristoph and then Edain both get dunked. He grins at her and says, "Tried my hand at the dunking but missed." He nods toward the tank and says, "Want to get in line to give it a go?" There's a little bit of a challenge in it, the sparkle in his eyes and raise of his eyebrows.

Kael nods to this or that as it is pointed out to him, but it does not take long at all until he spies the gathering clustered around the dunking tanks. Up goes his brow and, rather than offering anything verbally to Reigna, he is instead tipping his head that way in silent query. When Desiree approaches however, he turns to regard her with a blink. A glance to his wife, before back to the woman before them. "Ah," he starts, clearly thrown for just a moment. "Kael Keaton." His lips part as though to offer something thereafter, but he holds his tongue and offers his hand instead after shifting his drink to the other.

Cristoph runs his fingers through his hair, ruffling it to get the excess water out. He watches Fiora knocks out yet another person and rocks on his heels with an amused expression on his face. "That's a good point..." He decides when Nicia points it out, he smiles at her plucking at his shirt. When a worker passes them, he gesture at his soaked clothes. "Help please." The man laughs at him, but seems to know what to do an scurries off.

"Lady Charlaine, it's a pleasure to see you." Alis murmurs, proferring the other woman a friendly smile. This is after sighing gustily at her inability to hit the broad side of a barn today. But, it's just one of those days. "I, for one, think you are doing quite well Lady Fiora. You can tell Marquis Mydas I said so, even. And you have such an aim. I'm quite envious." is admitted, as she watches Caelis man the dunk tank for her turn. For this one, she isn't going to throw the ball. Nope. Not doing it.

"Come on! Surely someone has a better arm than Lady Fiora!" Caelis calls out, sitting on the board and clapping for the competitors.

Edward checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 7 higher.

Charlaine laughs a little as she watches Caelis step up and sit on the platform, and she nods her head to Ails "And you Princess, I hope you are well yourself?"

Turning to look towards the booths, Reigna is distracted by Desiree's arrival. A smile lights up her face -- washing away most of that cool reserve in favor of a happy expression. "Cousin Desiree! Hello! I have so been meaning to find a moment to come and *see* you!" She moves from Kael's side in order to embrace her cousin, "Yes, oh! Yes. This is my, ah.... husband." The word is said with a bashful sort of smile, from the girl who at last mention so wanted to be godsworn. "Count Kael Keaton, this is my cousin, Lady Desiree Wyrmguard."

Edward's bouncing a bag in his hand and grins to the new dunkee on the board. He grins with the taunt and gives the bag a toss. Not expecting a hit he chuckles as he does, not expecting the hit.

"Why the hell would Victus scare anyone? I remember that boy when he was up to my knees hanging around his bastard of an uncle and trying not to cry. He talks tough like all them do, but he was raised a prince just like the rest of them. Bastard of Maelstrom, though. Good nickname." he looks away from Caelis in time to watch Edain get dunked. This makes him frown deeply and shake his head. "Some offer that is. Get up there and be made a fool of? I don't think so. I'm gonna hold my own fair where people stand around and speak quietly and respectfully and then everyone runs the gauntlet one at a time with no cheering or conversation. That'll be a damned festival." he looks around and grunts, "This one's all right though, despite all the cornholding and meaty plums, and dunk tanks." the duke is standing near Alis and so when Charlaine arrives, he nods. This one he recognizes. Vassal of a vassal. "Where's your father at, girl? I haven't seen him in forever. How is he?"


"He's just going to stand out here until he gets pneumonia," Jael says blithely to Nicia, knowing full well that someone's going to show up with something warm and dry eventually. She nods then, as Edward knocks Caelis into the drink. "Yes. If you'll excuse me for just a moment." She pats at her hair absent-mindedly and threads her way towards the tank.

Desiree hugs Reigna and then takes a long look at Kael. "It's a pleasure to meet you!" She says in a softer voice to Reigna. "He's certainly handsome. Congratulations on your marriage. How are you liking the city?" She does give a friendly wave to Charlaine.

"You should probably also have some ready for Lady Jael and Lady Caelis." Nicia suggests when Cristoph catches the worker to send them off to find some solution, then she glances at Jael, nodding, "Of course, Lady Jael. Good luck!" She calls when the other Laurent sibling goes to take her seat in the tank, turning back to Cristoph with a smile, "It seems like a fabulous festival so far."

Charlaine looks over to Cristoph and she smiles "Count Blanchard has been busy on the county, but he has myself and my cousin as voices, do you need anything of our house Ser? Perhaps we can talk trade at another time." she says quietly before she sighs looking over to Desiree with a bright smile

Well, thank the gods Sir Rhys has the forethought to bring shove some kind of drink in her hand at around the time Arn starts tlaking abotu Victus like he's still a wee little boy. She just can't. And she ducks her head to hide her expression behind the cup. Ohmygod. "What would the gauntlet winner get?" she wonders, trying desperately to change the topic. "I mean, you can't have a festival without prizes. And a punch in the face doesn't count." she warns. Finally making note of new entrants, she lifts her hand and waves to Kael and Reigna.

Caelis drops with a whoop, she seems to enjoy the plunge. Clambering out, she smiles to Jael. Despite her skirts sticking to her, she looks about to Nicia and shakes her head. "I thought ahead and brought my armor. Figure it's better than a wet dress clinging about." Wringing out her braid she looks to Alis. "Was your arm tired your highness?" She wonders and shakes her head as she loosens her braid, to spray water about.

Smiling back at Alis she dips her head into a nod and murmurs, "Thank you, Your Highness. I was surely taught social graces somewhere along the way, they just lay buried forgotten under other things for a long time. They're coming back, albeit a bit rusty still." The mention of her skill has her offering, "I could teach you. And truly, I'm still learning myself, but I can show you some techniques, I believe." Fiora refrains from trying to dunk her own cousin, merely smiling at Caelis when she climbs onto the board. Glancing across to Arn, she lifts a brow at him, "And I would attend that festival equally as I do this one. I am adaptable to the situation around me. Besides, sometimes when worries weigh heaviest is when we're most in need some of some harmless fun and frivolity. Any good soldier knows that R&R is needed from time to time."

Jael offers a little wry grin and nod to Caelis, soldier to soldier, and takes her seat primly on the damp board, golden skirts arranged neatly over her legs and slippered feet crossed at the ankles. Once settled, she sticks two fingers in her mouth and whistles, a shrill blast of sound to quiet the crowd. Then in a loud clear voice, "BRING IT."

Oh look at that, as soon as that long look is bestowed upon him, Kael is inclining his head in a solemn, polite manner. Or perhaps it was with the introduction -- from his wife, not his own floundered one -- that caused him to do so. "Ah, my wife's family. Yes, it is good to meet you." The slight lift of his corner lip is likely what goes for his smile. When Desiree's voice softens to talk to Reigna his gaze politely averts, just in time spy that wave. He stands up a bit straighter, lifts his chin, and a hand to return the wave.

Caelis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 6 lower.

Lorien checked strength + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 5 lower.

Cristoph nods again at Nicia, "And more towels for everyone else!" Because it probably wouldn't be a good idea to give everyone a death of a cold. Eventually someone is going to return with towels for everyone dunked into the water, Edain, Caelis, Cris and Jael too when makes her way to dry land again. Eventually. He watces with interest to see who's going to knock Jael in. Cupping his hands over his mouth. "GET HER." Encouraging!

Charlemagne the Unicorn arrives, following Larissa.

"I figure I missed twice in a row. Better not to embarass myself a third time. Did you enjoy the dunking?" Alis grins, watching Caelis wring out her braid. "Thank you for that offer, Lady Fiora. Perhaps if you can help me with my skill in athletics, that would be appreciated. I'm not quite a beginner. But I need to focus on some stretching I think." Maybe she's trying to make herself taller.

Erika checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 35, rolling 9 lower.

"A congratulatory nod! You ran a damned obstacle course. Congratulations. What prize would anyone even want? How about the pride of having done a good job at something? The pleasure of feeling physically exhausted? That's prize enough! There's nothing better than a good boost in one's self esteem from having overcome a challenge." Arn is speaking to Alis as if she were four years old, which in his mind she probably still is. Justb a tall four year old. When Charlaine presumably responds to him, the duke stares a moment or two and then nods. "I don't need anything from your house, no. If I did, I would have told you I did." he looks over at Fiora, "You calling me a bad soldier because I don't like festivals?" eyes narrow and he grunts while proceeding to ignore the woman for now.


Lorien checked strength + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

Erika checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 18 lower.

Caelis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 8 higher.

"Would your armor be warmer?" Nicia wonders when Caelis wanders closer, smiling at her before she glances at Cristoph, laughing at him, "This is why she'll have a bucket of honey sitting above a door one day, waiting for you to walk through it." She shakes her head, looking amused, "When you're dry again, were we doing this walking and talking to people thing, or are we avoiding it?"

Edain catches the ball that Monique tosses to him and looks over his shoulder to Caelis just in time to see her go into the drink. "I think I have missed my window of opportunity." He says and he tosses the ball back to her. "But you might see me get competative playing some cornhole later." And he approaches where Kael and Reigna and Desiree all speak, "Count Kael, Lady Reigna, Lady Desiree. It is good to see you could all make it today."

Alis rolls her eyes so hard, a servant rushes forward thinking that she's about to pass out. Oops. Sorry about that! "Arn. Seriously."

And Jael gets dunked leaving Edward to chuckle at the fun of it. He claps his hands for the Lady hostess and then he smiles to Caelis who did the job. With that done he watches a few moments more before he turns and seems interested in seeking out a confection, something ridiculously sweet.

Lorien moves up to the dunk tank to take another shot, this time for the lady Jael. Unfortunately, throwing is clearly not his skill. Once more, he misses, though this time by a much narrower margin. Shaking his head, he asides to Erika, "I think perhaps I ought to stick to skills that I've mastered, such as eating. Those apples looked good. Where did you find them?" It's about then that he notices that Kael and Reigna have arrived and he asks "Would you like to meet my cousin and his wife?" nodding in their direction.

Reigna's cheeks fill with color at the compliment to Kael and she nods, darting a glance to her husband of just over a week. "Yes, yes he is." Reigna's cheeks are rosy-pink as she looks to Desiree. "And how are you, cousin? Arx is wonderful -- I spend almost every day in the Archives. I've never seen a more incredible place in all my life. Have you been there?" She follows the trajectory of Kael's wave, but misses the orgin of it and simply looks back to her cousin.

Summarily dismissed without so much as a faretheewell, Monique moves on after a short glance at Edain's retreating back. There's a glance to the wooden chest, and the greenmarch moves to examine its contents.

Jael has enough time to take a quick breath before Caelis' throw hits the mechanics solidly and the seat falls out from under her. There's a little bit of bubbling and thrashing for effect, but finally the wet-silk-swathed woman emerges from the tank, black hair straggling down her back. She tips her head back and laughs, offers a sharp salute to Caelis, and seeks out a servant with towels and a blanket.

Apparently not done, Caelis picks up a ball and lobs it at the target to drop Jael. She grins and looks to Nicia with a nod. "Sure would. All leather-if you prefer I can jaunt on home to put on a dress Countess Nicia?" Caelis offers and looks to Edain. "Oh, I mean to make you work for a cornhole victory, your Grace. It'll be a long, hard game. If you haven't sweated for it where's the satisfaction?"

Eirlys is reeeeaallly late getting here. She actually shows up and slips through the crowd till she gets to Alis and Edain. She looks at them with a small smile. "Hey sorry I am really late." She says to both Alis and Edain. "Also what is cornholing?" She asks as she looks around then looks at Arn, her brow raising. Then she leans in to whisper something to her sister in law. She wonders if the big man will realize she looks very much like Alis's husband.

Larissa wanders up to the crowd dunking, her arms already laden down with goodies she hadn't been able to resist as she walked through the festival. One fist held two varieties of candied apples and another held a very large stick of meat and she was taking turns with which to stuff her face with bite by bite. A canvas tote was slung from one shoulder and there were any number of honey pots and jams and jellies and goodies for the cook back at the house. She stands back, watching the antics with a smile as she nods and waves at the few here she was better aquainted with.

Desiree continues to smile as she listens to Reigna. "I'm so glad that you're enjoying yourself. I've been doing well, but I'm little busier than I'd like. I haven't had much time to go there lately, but I know many people enjoy them." She looks to Edain. "It's wonderful to see you, and I'm glad I was able to come. I've had a good time. I think I enjoy just about any place with a dunking tank."

Nicia laughs at Caelis, shaking her head, "That seems to be a bit of a rash action." She then glances towards Edain, nodding to him, "Your Grace, a pleasure to see you once more." She then leans towards Caelis, whispering to her quickly.

Alis gives Caelis a long look there, with perhaps a hint of both amusement and exasperation contained therein. But to answer Eirlys question she leans towards her sister in law and whispers quietly. "Don't worry about being late. It's a festival. They're for fun!" She emphasizes the word fun, before looking at Arn pointedly. She said the F word, Arn. The F WORD. A polite nod is offered toward Larissa when she is spotted, and then her attention turns towards the nearby conversations again.

Jael goes under and he claps loudly for her fall into the water. A call goes out for Caelis, "Nice shot!" Cristoph is still toweling off when he tips his head towards Nicia, "Lets go over by the cornhole. A game of that is starting up soon." With the dunk tank complete and the winners having the bottle of mead handed out to them, he'll lead the way over to that. Once she's wrapped up whatever immediate conversation she was in.

Arn seems to be getting antsy as time passes and the crowd grows and shifts around him. Eirlys' arrival seems to be the last straw for him. He recognizes her, or more importantly, what she is. "All right, that's enough mingling and socializing for a life time." as his his custom, he doesn't say goodbye to Alis or anyone else and just turns to walk away. The duke doesn't fade into the crowd, he charges through it, making space with either glares or shoulder blocks depending on the apparent standing of the person. He's walking in a straight line. It's faster.


Kael spies Edain's approach and then is taking one single sidestep toward Reigna, although he continues to face the other man. Likely this is to tip of his wife of the incoming High Lord. Now, he offered inclination of his head to Desiree, but to Edain, he bows low. "Your Grace," he says, voice most certainly humble. "It is an honor for us to be present." He catches sight of Lorien's approach, head angling just so, but for now the full of his focus is on Edain.

"Of course, Your Highness. There are some good stretches that we learn in Malvici military training you might find useful. I'll come find you after the festival to set a time and place?" Fiora offers with a faint smile, looking pleased to be able to help. Her interest renews at this 'cornholing' game being brought up again. She glances over to Caelis and smiles, "Perhaps *you* will tell me the rules of this game, cousin?"

Jael scrubs at her hair with a towel, then wraps herself in a soft blue blanket and makes her way towards the cornhole court, apparently perfectly at ease working a crowd in this fashion. When she's reached the boards laid out she calls, again projecting her voice to cut through the crowd noise, "Now who is ready for a vigorous cornholing!?"

Eirlys looks up and grins. "Aww. I got you to leave just by showing up. I thought you'd have a bit more..stamina than that." She grins widely at Arn as she says it and she is using a super polite voice to do so. "See You later Duke Arn." She grins widely then turns to Alis. "I think he is allergic to Greenmarchers."

Looking over at the dunking tank, Reigna blinks at the contraption. "So the lord and ladies are taking turns making eachother fall into the water?" There's a lift of her brows as she looks up at Kael. But suddenly (or less suddenly, but still surprise!) there's an Edain. Reigna's hand tightens on Kael's arm as he bows, offering an equally low curtsy to the High Lord. "Your Grace." Reigna's head is bowed, her hair pulled up in a painfully tight looking bun that only enhances the overall ...repressed vibe she gives off. Still, she seems sincere in her humble greeting, only rising as Kael does. Lorien gets a quick smile and a nod, but Edain's presence holds her attention.

Edward gets a candy apple and walks over towards Jael. He had a bit of a bite in his mouth and he raises his hand. When he finishes eating the bite he says, "I would not mind learning. His Grace speaks so well of it in his journals...," he grins widely for that as he gets closer. He looks at the boards and then back to Jael while he waits to see who else comes over.

Alarissa gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Larissa brightens at the mention of cornholing! "Yes!" she calls and steps forward eagerly, looking excitedly over to no one in particular exclaiming "I'm so pleased I didn't miss it! I've heard so much about it. I.." she pauses to take a bit bite out of her candy apple, eating faster so she can have her hands free. "What are the rule?" she asks, giving up and letting Charlemagne eat the last of of the apple all while trying to dance out of Arn's way and look graceful and posed doing so.

Fiora gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

"Of course...I've been really very curius about this game." Nicia points out when Cristoph suggests going over by the cornhole game, a hand reaching out to curl around his elbow, ready to be lead off as soon as the conversation with Caelis seems to wrap up.

Peeling her skirt off her legs, Caelis nods to Nicia. "Fair enough, I could ask Rohm to go fetch a dress if you prefer that. My armor is warm enough. It served me well at Giant's Fall and it was bitterly cold then." She tells her and calls back to Jael. "My pleasure! I'm so glad you took a seat!" She glances to Fiora and nods. "Oh, Lady Fiora. Easy. There's the board, and you take your sack and toss it at the board to get it in the hole. That's a point. If it lands on the board and stays it also counts for a point. And that's Cornhole." She smiles before looking to Edain. "Did you want to step away for that rematch?"

Edward gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

"Thank you, my lady. I would greatly appreciate that." Alis decides, inclining her head politely at Fiora. And then, of course, she blows Arn a kiss. Because it will undoubtedly annoy him. And that's one of her favorite pasttimes. "It's okay. I have a story for you later." It's a good one, apparently, and she grins at Eirlys when she says that. "Alright! Cornhole time! Everyone enjoys a good cornholing." She's convinced of it.

Monique gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Late to the festivities, but then, can one really be late to such a thing? Alariss in white - of course - is making her way in to the active festival instead of the one that she saw being put together last night, hair a little damp but still looking ever the put together Princess. There's a stop to grab a jar of honey before she's set to wandering around, looking for someone.

Larissa gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Nicia's brows twitch upwards a moment, then she shakes her head, "No need for that..." She then gestures off towards the cornhole game, "I'm going to find out about this first hand, finally."

Reigna gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Alis gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Edain smiles to Kael and Reigna, "Catch up with your friends and relatives, and enjoy the festival. But w will catch up soon enough." He says with a bow of his head, and then bows to Nicia as well. As the voting goes on, Edain goes to start setting up the Laurents official looking cornhole set.

Eirlys gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Monique selects a jar of honey with a quiet 'thank you' to whoever is assigned to hand them out. Maybe coin changes hands in gratitude. There's a glance to Eirlys' arrival, and the Greenmarch slips away.

1 Trained Telmar Armsmen, Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog leave, following Arn.

Kit, the grey fox, Brigid the Genet leave, following Monique.

Desiree gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Lorien gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Jael will happily explain rules on a case by case basis, as others have already, but here are the loud official ones! Everyone choose your opponent and pick a board. Stand next to your board and face your opponent. One person goes first, throwing 4 bags at their opponent's hole. If you get a bag in your opponent's hole, that is 3 points! A bag on the board but not in the hole is one point. If you can't get your bags in any holes or boards, zero points.

Erika picks up Laurent Fall Festival Entries: 10/5/1006 AR.

Desiree looks toward the cornhole with a small pout. "That looks fun, but I actually have to go." She lets out a dramatic sigh as she looks to Reigna and Kael. "It was very good to see you here, and we'll have to meet up again soon."

Erika drops Laurent Fall Festival Entries: 10/5/1006 AR.

Caelis gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Edain gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

Erika gets Laurent Honey Jar from Wooden Chest TAKE ONE.

"Thank you, Your Grace. We look forward to it." Kael actually winces after his words and then clarifies, "Catching up, that is." Look at that, his brows are knitting together not even a moment later before he is casting a sidelong look to Reigna and adding, "...actually, look forward to catching up with relatives as well, yes?" The look in his eyes is some variation of 'help' and 'oh gods.' He is, however, temporarily silent and turning toward Lorien with his companion. Desiree's departure is something he is not oblivious to, however, and he is instead remarking, "It was a pleasure. Another time, I will introduce you to my cousin."

Cornholing! "So I didn't miss it!" Alarissa says, coming up to one side of Alis, smiling at the set-up. "I thought I might. I challenged Prince Edain earlier. But I suspect that others will want to challenge him." She seems to be in good spirits tonight.

Edward listens to the explanation and he nods thinking he understands it. Then he smiles turning and he spots Larissa and he slips over to her, "Softest Whisper, fancy meeting you here." he smiles warmly to her and then he says, "I see your hands are full, are you going to play?" he motions to the game while he glances at the others.

There is a nod to Edain, "Of course Your Grace. Hopefully sometime soon." She looks to Desiree as he cousin mentions leaving and she nods, "Yes. Definitely. We should have dinner together soon." She spares at glance for her husband, the raw helplessness found there pulling a smile from her as she squeezes his arm. She offers Desiree a grin, an actual, human grin. "Soon. I'll send a missive." She turns then to Lorien, waving him closer, "Lord Lorien, so nice to see you again." She casts a look up at Kael, patting his arm in a reassuring manner.

Alis looks to her side, and sees an Alarissa! "Alarissa, I'm so glad to see you were able to make it." She hooks an arm with the other Princess and gives her an encouraging smile. "Who doesn't want to beat the Highlord at Cornholing." It's a rhetorical question, right?

Looking to Nicia, Caelis nods her head to the games. She wanders over hearing Alarissa call out her challenge. Looking up at Edain, she smiles. "I think I see some pudding calling my name if you want to settle your challenges? I can always play you again later your Grace." She murmurs and looks to Alis with a little smile and a small wave before wandering to the table of foods.

Slipping off towards their host, Fiora manages to appear in front of the man suddenly, offering a small bow and a faint smile. "If nobody has challenged you yet, my lord... shall we cornhole?" She pauses, then glances at him, "Am I saying that right? It doesn't sound right. In either case, I challenge you to a cornholing, Duke Laurent."

Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog arrives, delivering a message to Fiora before departing.

Larissa removes her sack-o-goods from around her neck and places it over Charlies neck, just under his ruffled collar as she gives his muzzle a few gentle rubbings and motions for him to mosey on to a clear spot and munch on grass. She then looks up to see Edward and offers up a bright smile "Fancy indeed. And yes, of course I am. Try to stop me" she challenges playfully. "Would you like to be my opponent?" she asks with a waggle of her brows as she takes a few steps backwards towards the game. Then she notices Alarissa and offers a simple smile and a nod of greeting, after all it would be rude not to. "We could put a wager on it" she offers to Edward, because leave it to Larissa to make a game of a game.

When Erika seems inclined to join him, Lorien walks over toward Kael and Reigna, but only after they have finished making their current greetings before doing so. Once they seem to be less occupied, he drifts over in that direction with Erika, dipping his head to Kael and Reigna. "Good to see you both," he says when Reigna addresses them, then to Erika he says, "This is my cousin, Count Kael Keaton, and his lovely wife Lady Reigna." Then in turn he says, "This is Lady Erika Blackwood, whom I met most recently." Introductions made, he says, "You missed the dunkings. Will either of you be trying your hand at the games?"

Edain looks to Alis and Alarissa and says, "I love you both dearly, but.. not on your best day. I have this little hip move I do when I throw. Keeps me on target." He says, "However I had accepted Lady Caelis' challenge of a duel earlier.. so I think that will be my first challenge." he looks to Caelis and says, "Are you ready Lady Admiral?"

Cristoph leads them to the cornhole boards and gives Nicia a pat on the arm. "Lady Fiora!" He calls out. "Care to try your aim out on me?" Which is really like saying 'do you want to compete against this rock' because that's how good his aim is.

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

Desiree nods to Kael. "I look forward to meeting your cousin later, and yes dinner." She turns to Reigna. "I'd like that." She takes a moment to whisper a little something to Reigna before going.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards leaves, following Desiree.

Edward chuckles, "Well. I am horrible when it comes to wagers but we can do so." the man loving a challenge and perhaps having a gambling problem, "What is it you wish to wager, dear Whisper?" he asks as he watches her divest of her hoarde and then he turns to follow her to an empty and open board.

Alis just stares at her brother. "A hip move." she says flatly, before looking over at Caelis and snorting. "What? No. You can't let him get away with this! He obviously needs a good cornhole beating." she points out.

Erika follows Lorien over to Kael and Reigna, offering the pair a warm smile, "A pleasure to meet you both." She offers, giving a small curtsy before munching on a candied apple. She throws a glance to the others present around them, head canted curiously.

Arm slides in around Alis's and Alaris grins at Edain. He choice to challenge Caelis means Alarissa lowers her head a bit as if it were the worst thing in the world but it doesn't diminish her smile. "Then I shall place my coin on her throws to beat yours!" She spies Larissa out of the side of her eyes and nods her head toward the woman, just a little before returning attention to the game. "As the Princess Alis said!"

"I was going to pig out on pudding, but I will happily defeat you and your hip thrust. You'll see, it's all about slow and smooth, you just have to ease the sack towards the hole." Caelis points out and walks back over to stand across the board from him. She smiles to Alis. "Don't worry your Highness, deep down he knows I'm the better pitcher."

Reigna turns her attention to Erika, bobing her head and while her smile is on the muted side, it seems sincere. She looks from Lorien to Erika and says, "The pleasure is mine, Lady Blackwood." She looks up at Kael and then over to Lorien and back to the huge man at her side, "What do you think, husband? Should we try our hand at this -- Cornholing was it?"

Fiora chuckles and gives a nod to Cristoph, "Challenge accepted, my lord! Prepare to be cornholed!" She makes her way towards the game board and presents herself in front of Cristoph with a smile. "Are you sure you're properly prepared, my lord? All loose and warmed up?"

When the challenges begin getting thrown left and right, Nicia's brows lift upwards a fraction, laughing a bit before she glances at Cristoph at the pat on her arm, flashing a smile at him, "Good luck." She gives him a light nudge before she releases her hold on his arm so that he can go play Fiora, moving back a bit so that she's not in anyones way, or at risk of getting smacked in the face with someones throw. Finally spotting Alarissa she lifts a hand, giving her a wave, "Hello again, Your Highness!"

Rules delivered, people pairing up at the boards, Jael steps to the side of the cornhole pitch and waves someone over to bring her a warm boozey drink while she snuggles her blanket around her, looking like a very tall urchin with very nice footwear.

Larissa hums dramatically "That is the question, isn't it. Let's see.... " she muses and then brightens with an idea "If I win, you must dress in your most ridiculous pirate garb and put on an entire one man theatrical for the orphans of the Tragedy." she tells him with a stout nod as she reaches for a basket to pick up some of the sand bags, keeping some and tossing some to him. "And if you win?" she asks

"Wonderful idea, Alarissa. Perhaps the proceeds should go to the Mercies again. I hear that the more vigorous the cornholing the higher chance there is of injury. Especially with the hip thrust involved." Alis notes solemnly, utterly serious in tone and expression. "Of course, Lady Admiral." she adds, towards Caelis. She can't even look up at Fiora right now, nope. Not and ruin her perfect expression.

"Countess Pravus!" Alarissa smiles at the sight of the Pravus noble, gesturing with that hand bearing honey for the woman to join her if she wants, where she stands with Alis. "Of a certaintly, five hundred silver that the Lady Caelis can outthrow Prince Edain." Alarissa seems truly in great spirtis, though she murmurs something to Alis but never takes her eyes off the cornholing battle about to start.

"Good to see that you could make it," Kael says in response to Lorien, nodding toward the other man. There's a curious look cast toward his companion soon enough, and after the introductions are made he is offering forth, "And good to meet you, as well, my lady." The question regarding the games has him looking from cousin to wife and then pursing his lips just so. Lowering his voice, he says, "If you like. I-- what is it that they are doing? What is the purpose of the game?" He shoots his cousin and companion a look before countering, "Are *you*?"

"Pirate theater huh?" Edward considers and then he grins, "Very well. If I win then you will do the same...except we will paint you up like a male pirate." there is a nod to this as he watches her pick up the bag and he motions, "Well then...ladies first." he puts a hand behind his back and picks up a bag himself with his throwing arm.

"We are betting?" Nicia wonders when she moves over towards Alarissa and Alis, giving the latter a nod and a smile, "Your Highness." Then she glances towards the pairs competing, "So how do you know who actually wins at this game? Is it sort of like a best two out of three situation?"

With his challenge accepted, Cris squares off with Fiora by one of the boards and scoops up some of the bags. He steps back with his four potential shots and starts lobbing them at the board. Could go well, probably won't, so here goes!

Cristoph checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 13 higher.

Cristoph checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 10 higher.

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

Cristoph checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 3 higher.

Edain checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 16 higher.

Caelis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Larissa glances over to Nicia and smiles "Well, I'm betting and Edward is betting but only because he's a gentleman and I challenged him to" she explains giving the man an indulgant smile before she cracks up in laughter at the idea of herself dressed up as a male pirate "Is it wrong of me to hope I lose?" she asks him before passing a wink and giving her first toss

Larissa checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 13 higher.

Grabbing up her own bags, she moves to opposite Cristoph and gives the man a nod for him to go first. Fiora watches, learning the game as Cristoph takes his turn. Giving a nod, she calls out, "Not bad! Lets see what I can do!"

Edain checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 7 higher.

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

Erika seems a touch curious at the looks she receives, but she smiles and curtsies once more none the less, "Thank you my lord, my lady. Hmmmm. I'm not sure I'll be taking part in these games, I'm rather tired. I met your cousin while out in the woods rather early today." She offers Lorien a grin.

Edain checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 1 higher.

Caelis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 1 higher.

Caelis checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

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

Fiora checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

Fiora checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 10 higher.

Fiora checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 12 higher.

Fiora checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 23 higher.

Larissa checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 3 lower.

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

Larissa checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 13 lower.

Cristoph loses at cornhole and is quite sad, squinting at the board when one of his bags barely makes the mark. "Betrayed by my own cornhole set..."

"Countess Pravus." Alis, ever polite, ushers Nicia in towards herself and Alarissa. "I think the most holes you get into the higher your score. So.." Yes, that must be how they win! And whatever it is that Alarissa whispers to her she nods at, murmuring in turn with a bit of a smile. "Oh, poor Duke Cristoph. It's awful when your own cornhole betrays you like that."

Squaring off with Edain, Caelis sticks to her tactic, long and slow underhand lobs of her bean bags at the board. She smiles at Edain when he throws, wiggling her hips, to try and copy his form and tease.

The first shot that Larissa makes right into the hole has him blinking and then he says, "Oh." thinking that he might have just lost before he began but then as she misses the rest he glances to her, "You may...," he picks up his other three bags and then gives them a throw.

Edward checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 7 higher.

Edward checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

Edward checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Edward checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 3 lower.

"I don't think so," Lorien says to Kael then says, "Perhaps we should watch and pick a competitor to cheer on?" Offering that suggestion to Erika as well as Kael and Reigna. He nods in agreement with Erika and says, "It was very early."

Edain is actually pretty good at this. But there is one he throws a bit to hard. It hits the board and goes careening off onto the ground. Caelis meanwhile, gets her bag in his cornhole with flawless precision, "See." he says, "The hip move helps. But I must conceed. You have won this battle Lady Caelis."

When her first bag makes it in Larissa gets excited thinking the game was much easier than everyone made it out to be. "Why his isn't hard at all, is it?" she asks and throws her second bag and it sails right over and drops in front of someone elses cornhold board "MY APOLOGIES!" she calls out and then looks at Edward and slicks back her eyebrows. "This one will do it" she insists and throws.. and the poor darling, she hits him square in the stomach. "Oops!" she winches and then looks about self consciously because.. well.. "Ok, this one will be the lucky shot" she insist and... It's not. It's not at all.

"Oh, sounds very direct, at least." Nicia replies to Alis, nodding at the explanation of how the scoring goes, letting her attention shift towards Larissa with a smile, "I see. Edward is unfailingly polite." She agrees, then there is this sort of amused look about Cristoph losing, "I'm certain he did his very best."

Reigna looks to Erika and nods, "It was lovely to meet you, Lady Erika. I hope to make better acquaintence soon." Reigna offers a sympathetic nod when the other lady pleads fatigue.

Fiora tosses her bags almost casually, flicking her wrist to send them spinning neatly into the hole. At the end, she proffers a bow towards Cristoph and smiles faintly. "It would seem you've been cornholed, my lord. With your own bags, no less. Perhaps I can buy you dinner sometime in repayment?"

Jael sips from her drink and paces the sidelines. "Please try not to hit anyone else with your sack!"

Erika smiles gently towards the other woman before offering a wave of her hand, "I hope so too, and I'm sure we will. Enjoy the rest of the festival, all of you." She gathers up Osmond before heading off, waving farewell over her shoulder.

"And thus, while I would not lose five hundred silver, I will donate it anyways, in the name of Prince Edains poor skills at Cornhole in comparison to the skills of the Lady Caelis." Alarissa intones. "Prince Edain, you should do the same." She suggests, still with that arm around Alis's arm. She doesn't answer Nicia's question because the answer is all of them playing and seeing the winners fall out as they may.

"You should come by Keaton Hall when the construction finishes," murmurs Kael in response to Erika, inclining his head toward the woman. There is another glance toward the game as a whole before he adds, "And I believe spectating and cheering on those participating is a fine idea. Unless my lady objects?" That, well, is noted to Reigna with a hopeful look.

Edward's bags are spot on target...almost. The first one sinking handily and the others just poppling on the board to slide a little and stay there. He laughs and rubs his stomach still feeling the place she hit him with hers and he grins to her, "Well dear Softest Whisper, I think that is one show at the orphanage that you are responsible for. Unless you would like to make a new wager and do a new round."

Osmond the Pine Marten have been dismissed.

"I'll simply have to be your cornhole champion if ever anyone comes to challenge your cornhole your Grace." Caelis suggests, completely straightfaced. She draws a breath and looks to the others playing, walking around the board to talk more quietly. "I got a bottle of mead for landing a ball at the dunk tank if you feel the need to take a break later." Realizing there was a bet, she flushes and curtsies to the princesses in her wet dress with a smile. "Thank you Princess Alarissa, Princess Alis.

"I didn't do b adly!" Edain protests to Princess Alarissa, "Lady Caelis just did better that's all." He clears his throat then and says, "Thank you for the bracing match, Lady Caelis. and I might very well take you up on that offer."

"Please excuse me a moment," Jael says to...no one? Everyone? and steps away from the crowd.

Cristoph laughs at his own failure, shaking his head. "I demand a rematch one of these days." He reaches for his towel from earlier and tries vainly to dry off some more. At Fiora's question, he seems entertained. "Certainly, my lady. Whatever you'd wish. Excuse me, I think I have some more winners to announce." He tips his head in the direction of a man brandishing a piece of paper at him.

Alis claps for the winners.. well, all of the participants really. A simple game, yes, but it takes skill to master! "No, no. Thank you Lady Admiral." is murmured to Caelis. "This has been quite a delightful day so far."

Reigna nods to Kael and offers him a smile, a little less muted than her usual. That's a good sign of a healthy marriage right? "Certainly my lord." S he turner her attention to the games and asks, "Prince Edain seems to have ended his match. Any idea how we should cheer for?"

"No thanks is needed Lady Caelis. A bracing match indeed." Alarissa looks to Alis. "Shall we give it a try, or do we leave the mystery of who is the better cornholer, to be discovered another day?"

Nicia lifts her hands to applaud for the winners, and the losers. She simply indiscriminantly applauds for a little bit before she catches Caelis' eye, "Drink and a walk again tomorrow?"

Jael drops House Laurent regulation cornhole set.

Jael drops House Laurent regulation cornhole set.

Larissa laughs, possibly on a sugar high, and shakes her head "Actually I'm completely in love with the idea now that I've come up with it. Don't you dare take my loss away from me" she warns, stepping over to click her tongue at Charlie and relieve him of her bag while murmuring a few quiet words to Edward before she turns to Cristoph and Jael "Duke Laurent, Lady Jael thank you so much for hosting such a lovely, darling festival. This was so very needed and absolutely delightful. Well done" she offers them a curtsy and then a wave to others gathered before leading Charlie out and back home to divest themselves of their goodies.

Alis laughs quietly. "I think we may have to wait for another day to see who is the better cornholer between the two of us. If we want to annoy Arn, we can make a huge deal out of it, too." is whispered towards Alarissa. Stage whispered, of course. So that those nearby can absolutely hear her.

Jael returns wrapped in a long coat and just in time to drop a curtsy to Larissa. "Whisper, I am so glad you enjoyed it."

"Everyone," responds Kael, the single word offered immediately with a vague hint of amusement lurking within his tone. He is raising his hands to applaud here and there, though every so often Reigna herself is drawing his eye. Maybe he's applauding her too? Who knows.

Looking to Nicia, Caelis nods. "I would love to. Reflection Square again?" She asks the Countess and looks up at Edain. "When ever you would like." She tells him before turning her attention to Alarissa and Alis. "A bracing day of ladies cornholing." She suggests and looks about for somewhere quiet to sit and catch her breath.

Cristoph takes the paper from the exhausted looking man and reads it over. "We have the winners for our goods contest!" That man from before returns with a set of three masks and lays them out on the table. "Winner gets first choice, second place gets choice of what's left and the runner up gets what's left from that. But I think everyone should be happy. So without further wait: Prince Edain and his pudding wins first place! Princess Alis wins second place with the deepfried pickle wrapped in bacon! And third is a tie between Master Magpie's incredibly disturbing book on roosters with Sister Thena's spa basket." Cristoph looks confused on that part. "I'll take care of the tied entry." As in, make something fo them to split.

Cristoph drops a Midnight Phantom Mask.

Cristoph drops an Infernal Shadow Mask.

Cristoph drops a Phantom Kitty Cat Mask.

It is the amusement in Kael's expression that really brings out Reigna's smiles. And a blush. There's a blush as well. She lifts her hands, though that necessitates taking her hand from his arm to join in the cheers. When the winners of the contest is announced she cheers all the more.

Lorien seems to find the ansawer of "everyone" to be acceptable to him, and he nods to Kael with a chuckle, glancing between he and Reigna with an amused little grin. Lifting his hands, he applauds along with his cousins, lettting out a cheer here and there.

"Yes, Reflection Square again. I believe that worked well last time." Nicia replies, smiling at Caelis before her attention is pulled away by the list of the winners. She then applauds once more, "Congratulations on your win, Your Grace, Your Highness."

"Oh, I do so like the idea of that." Cornholing and angering Arn. "Promise me we'll do that. But for now, I will speak with you tomorrow and I will go and explore the rest of the festival now that is actually up and not while it is being put up." Alarissa presses a kiss to Alis's cheek before she's peeling away.

Edward picks up House Laurent regulation cornhole set.

Edward smiles to Larissa and he gives her a bow, "Of course not, Softest Whisper, the loss is yours then." he chuckles and then he gives a nod as she passes the things to Charlie and he looks at her, "Fair winds and have a good evening."

Alis smiles brightly at Alarissa and squeezes her shoulders lightly, unable to help herself when she laughs at Edain's runny plum pudding winning the contest. "Well done, brother." As she inclines her head towards Nicia in thanks for her congratulations. "Hurry up and pick a mask, Edain." Shoulder poke, nudge... she's being an annoying sister on purpose now.

Jael picks up House Laurent regulation cornhole set.

Jael picks up House Laurent regulation cornhole set.

Fiora chuckles softly and offers a nod towards Cristoph as he hurries off to handle the prizes. Moving to rejoin Alis, she smiles faintly. "I believe I'm enjoying these games of Valardin's. They're not so different from a lot of the training techniques I was taught in the military."

Edain picks up a Phantom Kitty Cat Mask.

Charlemagne the Unicorn leaves, following Larissa.

Jael checked dexterity + all at difficulty 9, rolling 13 higher.

Jael drops House Laurent regulation cornhole set.

Edain peruses the masks and eventually picks up the Phantom Kitty Cat Mask, which he takes ot the bench where Caelis sits and say, "Since you bested me at Cornhole.. I think you should also carry this mask as sign of your victory, and a reminder of the tastiness of meaty plumb pudding."

Jael checked dexterity + all at difficulty 9, rolling 9 higher.

Jael drops House Laurent regulation cornhole set.

Kael is already applauding, and yes indeed, after a momentary pause to listen to the winners there is a resuming of said applause. "Would you care to explore a bit more?" he asks Reigna, once things have settled down. He's still curiously observing the selection of the prizes as well.

Smiling, Caelis scoots over to offer space on the bench. A wry smile spreads over her face and she opens the bottle she won, taking a sip and offering it to Edain before leaning over to murmur to him quietly.

Alis is dubious when Edain picks up the kitty mask. But, shrugs! She reaches down to pick up one of the others. "You know, I hadn't really thought of that lady Fiora. You'd be right. It is a lot like training exercises." is agreed. "A lot of aiming and dexterity involved."

Alis picks up an Infernal Shadow Mask.

Caelis strokes her new kitty mask so proudly!

Claiming his prize and his competitor having departed Edward tucks things into his satchel and then carries the board with him while he watches the rewarding with the masks. He smiles and then turns from the gathering to step away somewhat and look among the vendors.

With the winners announce, Cristoph departs from that scene and slips through the crowd to once more catch up with Jael and Nicia. "Goo all of that is over. Can we start drinking?" Unless of of course everyone else has /already/ been drinking. With the main events of the day wrapped up, everyone else is free to more or less meander and get into trouble on their own!

Cristoph is overheard praising Fiora for: For cornholing Cristoph.

"A very wonderful new mask you have there, Lady Caelis." Nicia observes when she spots Caelis with the kitty mask, the corners of her mouth twitching just a bit as she tries her very best to not start laugh. When Cristoph asks about drinking she nods, "Yes....I believe so." Which just means that she's now scanning for the drinks, "It'd be silly to ask if you had any of that mead you sent me around, wouldn't it?"

Cristoph is overheard praising Jael for: For organizing cornhole!

Reigna is overheard praising Cristoph for: For hosting a marvelous Festival!

Alis is overheard praising Cristoph.

Reigna is overheard praising Jael for: Organizing a remarkable Festival!

Alis is overheard praising Jael.

Nicia is overheard praising Cristoph.

Cristoph is overheard praising Arn for: For being the crustiest old guy ever.

Nicia is overheard praising Jael.

Kael is overheard praising Cristoph for: A wonderful festival, my lord!

Caelis is overheard praising Cristoph.

Kael is overheard praising Jael for: A wonderful festival, my lady!

Caelis is overheard praising Jael.

Edain is overheard praising Jael.

Edain is overheard praising Cristoph.

Reigna looks back up at Kael, taking his arm once more, her fingers resting on the leather wrapped forearm. "I would certainly like to explore, my lord. It would be good to have a chance to say hello to our liege if we find him."

Jael has been drinking. She's holding a mug of something steaming that is definitely not just apple cider. "What, you waited this long?"