Winter, A Highhill Puppy, Angeline arrive, following Kiera.

Eddard is standing amidst the finished arrangements of the Beehive Garden, looking relatively satisfied as people begin to arrive. He is dressed in comfortable springtime clothes, a cream doublet with wonderful socks and a tweed skirt. Accompanying it as if it might be an accessory is a large tankard of frothy ale poured from a nearby barrel. "Uncle. This might be the best the garden hsa looked yet."

The Pravus Princess, Renata, was here and dressed for freeing the knees! An outfit made especially for this occasion. Blouse, high-waisted skirt with high-socks. Escorting her to the Clement House Beehive Garden, was Prince Nazmir Redrain, also with high-socks even if he didn't seem too keen on wearing them. Unamused in fact. They were quietly conversing with one another as they entered. Her aqua colored eyes like jewels of the Summer Seas, looked about, excited to be surrounded by so many flowers and plants. "Tulips.. I love tulips." she chuckles softly noting to Naz. "You think the Clements will let us borrow some bees to pollinate my flowers?" a soft murmur for the Northern Prince before she's waving to everyone here, in a very bubbly mood today.

Walking alongside Renata into the grounds, there's a little grumble that escapes Nazmir's lips, "High socks. Why did you have to get my high socks. Couldn't just let me show off a healthy amount of leg?" He makes a little face at her, though it's more in jest and is quickly followed up by a tug of his lips to a grin. It's then that he's actually looking around, ice blue eyes taking in the flowers before darting back over towards her, "No. They will want to keep all the bees. I'm /very very very/ certain of this, Ren." That carries the hint of a tease, smile tugging itself back into place.

Jennyva has left the a sky blue hammock stretched between two trees.

Mistress Vivika have been dismissed.

Dame Alisane have been dismissed.

Mistress Aurelia have been dismissed.

Banda the Bard have been dismissed.

Lierre has observed the dress code, it seems! She arrives wearing a dress of Keaton-hued green linen, whose high-low skirt reveals both her knees and the long black socks she's wearing over her ankle boots. Though her gait and her posture are confidently poised as she walks onto the grounds, there's an absent-mindedness to her expression and to the way she looks around for a familiar face.

Kiera enters with little fanfare and for the moment alone. She is dressed for the occasion, sporting a knee-length dress of blue and black checkers , wyvernheart house colors and imprinted with a mastiff. She approaches eddard with a smile "Thank you for hosting Lord Eddard"

Clerk Kant, a mild mannered assistant, 2 Redire Veilleurs arrive, following Amari.

Someone has replaced Lady Tesha today, as the redhead generally wouldn't be caught dead wearing something scandalous. Much less with a lot of skin showing. But here she is! "Well, maybe it won't be so bad." she tells her dogs as they walk on either side of her. She does keep to herself for the moment given she's not attended one of these events by Lord Eddard before. So she was observing.

There is a small squint of aqua eyes that turn into mere slivers as Renata looks to Nazmir, "Because that's what the event insisted. Also, mind you, your like 6'ft plus your already showing off a healthy amount of leg, silly." The princess snickers under her breath as she says this to Naz. "And I had them made for you. Are you to tell me you don't like my gift?" Ren teases the poor prince before walking towards Eddard to whom she's introducing herself. "Wonderful gardens, truly. Thanks for hosting this event. I'm Princess Renata Pravus, and this." a delicate hand would gesture to Nazmir, her musical lilt carrying endearment for the prince with it, "Prince Nazmir Redrain."then the princess is smiling, "Your Lord Eddard Clement, I presume? Cousin to the Baron? I heard Princess Keely speak of you. I also think your part of the Bard's college?"

Wyla, a small wisp of an assistant arrives, following Keely.

"Why thank you, Lady Wyvernheart." Eddard dips a short bow towards Kiera when she comes into the garden and greets him. "I'm at part of the Bard's College yet again. The past few years have been trying enough in terms of things to do that I wasn't able to do both. Thankfully, things have settled within Duskshire and Arx enough for me to attend to my hobbies and passions once more."

Baroness Redire arrives in an ensemble of white silk and aeterna, completed for the occasion with a pair of knee high black, green and white diamond check cashmere socks. They look fuzzy and warm. She has a similar disposition, with smiles for everyone as she strides into the garden. Eddard gets a wave and as she finds herself breezing up on Tesha, she gives the Telmar lady a polite nod and solemn assurance. "It won't be so bad."

"I never said that," offers Nazmir, followed by a quick, "Merely that I could have done without them." A hint of a chuckle and then he's looking over towards Eddard, offering a polite bow of his head, "A pleasure, I'm certain. Absolutely delightful setup that you have here. I have a feeling that that obstacle course is going to prove far too difficult for me." A quick little smile and then his gaze is glancing around at the others that begin to gather, only to lift a hand and give a wave to .... everyone, "Come on over, everyone! Lets get introductions done and out of the way! Don't be shy!"

Tesha was looking over things with a soft smile, then Amari is there and that causes her to give a genuine one, "Baroness. You're looking well. I hope that things are going alright for you?" she asks her. "I am not participating in the obstacle course. I've concussed myself one too many times on the Gauntlet so I will leave this to others." she muses to that.

Keely's knees are like... super free. And so are her elbows, and ankles, and shoulders, because equality. She steps into the garden, starlight silk floating about her slender frame in the form of a slip dress with slender silver straps over her shoulders. The lovely violet of the garment shows, by contrast, how very pale all that bare skin is. She has heeled sandals laced to just below the knee, providing an illusion of more cover, and her uppers arms are coiled in silver. She wanders along the path on her way to Eddard, subtly trying to tug the skirt of her dress down a bit to cover more, all of her movements somewhat awkward and self-conscious. "Lord Eddard, how splendid," she greets her protege, with a small motion around the garden. "Happy spring to you."

Lierre turns with a swish of her ponytail, faraway eyes ruminative for a moment or two before she catches sight of what she's been looking for: a familiar face! A light seems to flicker to life behind the Keaton's gaze as she lifts a hand and waves merrily to Amari from across the grounds. After a moment of thoughtful hesitation, Lierre starts to walk across the grounds to her cousin, and then when she arrives, she gives a bright smile to Amari, and a polite dip of her head to Tesha accompanied by a half-bow. "Excuse me, hope you don't mind if I barge in here. It's been a while since I've seen my dear cousin Amari!"

Kiera nods "It is good that you have found room for them again. Finding time for joy is importantant. Perhaps even more so in trying times" she says "I've been endeavoring to get out of the library more myself. i need to live my own life not simply read about those of others. She turns slightly to give Tesha awave as well as a nod for Keely as she approaches

"Theres quite a few things to do today, here. Theres the obstacle course that I will abstain from so my uncle, the Baron, won't have to tut over my bruises." He'll sweep a hand towards the aforementioned DangerZone, then over towards the low and wide barrels. "Stomping your feet on grapes to help make wine and then just drinking and merriment. With legs free to welcome the breeze." Nevertheless though, Princess Keely's arrival has Eddard snagging up her hand to thread through his elbow immediately. "My patron. Happy spring, welcome to the Clement Cottage-house. Finally."

"Nonsense Eddard," Norwood says as he exits the HOUSE and makes his way to Eddar's side in the Garden. Alas, Norwood isn't showing any knees. "While I do not want to see you injured badly, there is much to be said about bruises."

"Never mind the risk of concussion, I'd be loathe to potentially tear a dress so fine." Amari replies after she's had a moment to look Tesha over. "Honestly. If I look well, you look twice as. Life must be treating you-" And here Lierre approaches and is beckoned closer in an amiable way, "Another long lost friend. Hello, cousin. We were just trying to determine how well we've been. Life's been good, I hope?"

"Finally," Keely echoes Eddard softly, with a little grin touching her lips. She curls her delicate hand at his elbow, looking over him before giving a small nod of approval. "These colors suit you quite well, my lord, how inspired." There is some recognition in her dark eyes as she looks at his socks for a moment, head tipping briefly to one side. Kiera gets a smile at her greeting, the princess' chin dipping gently as she seems to try to use her protege as some kind of shield between herself and the rest of the party, perhaps having second thoughts about her attire. Norwood's entry pulls her focus for a moment and she offers a timid smile to the man. "Baron Clement, happy spring," she chirps quietly, but cheerfully.

Renata says, "Well I quite like the high socks," Renata says with a grin towards Nazmir. When he's calling out for everyone to make introductions, the princess is busy slinking behind him, only to look towards the obstacle course. A brow lofts and she chuckles, "I've no coordination for something like that. You'll likely have to carry me home. I might break a leg or something." There is bout of laughter from the petite princess till she's waving towards Keely. "Oh Princess Keely! I've something for you." Renata digs something from out of the bag that Sparrow hands her. Delicate hands take out a small gift box before handing it to her. "I thought it was beautiful. I've a sunset inspired one and I got Naz a falcon quill one." she says softly. To Norwood the Pravus Princess smiles, "I don't believe we've had a chance to meet Baron Clement. A pleasure, Princess Renata Pravus. Have you met Prince Nazmir?" she gestures to the very tall northern prince."

Tesha's stormy gaze flicks to Lierre when she approaches and there's a dip of her head, "It's no problem, my Lady." she tells the incoming Keaton. Then she gives a smile to Kiera and others that she knows. Her gaze goes back to Amari, "Life is still treating me like it was years ago. Just getting out more." she muses to the Baroness. "Go, have fun!" she tells the ladies.

Kiera smiles as Norwood joins the group "It has been some time Baron Norwood. I hope you are well"

"Thank you, Lady Tesha. It's very good to see you." Lierre's smile is bright, cheerful, aimed at both Telmar and Ridire with equal enthusiasm. She turns back to face Amari, though, and considers the question asked for a moment. "Life's definitely on the up for me, I think." She dips her chin just a touch, smile remaining, and if she's unsure of the truth of what she just said, she's not manifesting any sign of that uncertainty. "I hope you've been well."

Renata's call pulls Keely's eyes her way, and another little smile finds her lips. "Oh, Princess Renata, how nice to see you," murmurs the slightly withdrawn young princess from where she shelters beside Eddard, holding his arm like a life raft. When the Pravus Princess approaches with a gift for her, her assistant Wyla accepts it and opens the box for her to peek into, smile growing. "It is positively lovely, your highness," she utters in warm tones. "Thank you very much, I cannot wait to try it out on my next batch of letters." And then the woman is off doing other introductions, leaving the young Grayson to peek around quietly at the remaining attendees, polite smiles all around.

"There are always challenges to face." Amari notes understandingly before wrinkling her nose and positing, "Were life always a smooth road without bumps, nor curves, it would be very, very boring. Doubly so without fellow travelers, Lady Tesha! We won't abandon you so quickly." Although she does realize that Norwood has appeared, so raises a hand to wave across the garden to him with enthusiasm. "So if you're spectating... What are your plans, cousin? I see you're be-socked, are you running Eddard's obstacle course?"

"Oh gooood." Eddard responds to Keely's pleasure at coming to the Clement cottage. Amari getes mean side-eye that one only gets when one is family, concerning her unwilling to run the course. Which means some poor servants are going to have to do it. "I'm much too soft and malleable that the line between bruises and broken bones is so small that one might hop-skip over it like a child dodging cracks in cobblestone paths." Keely gets tugged right and properly towards Norwood now. "This is Princess Keely Grayson, my patron. Princess Keely, this is my uncle, Baron Norwood Clement. I've only got four or five songs about him and they are praising and chiding at the same time. The best of songs."

"I am gratified by your presence Princess Keely," Norwood replies to Keely, giving a small nod of his head in return for her greeting. He's not as chipper as her, but his smile is real enough. Then to Renata, "I do not believe so," and he bows to both her and to Nazimir. "La- Baroness." Norwood corrects himself, "Amari," a greeting before back to Eddard. "Yes, I am afraid it is true. My wife takes delicious pleasure in hearing every single one of them. Did I tell you, Eddard, that she was humming the one about the knight who was distracted by a flower just the other night?"

Tesha gives a smile to Amari and Lierre, "As you wish." she tells the Baroness. She does spot Norwood as well and she offers a nod to the Baron, but doesn't interrupt things going on over there. For now, she quietly listens to conversations and people watches.

Cufre is away from the crowd gathering on the grass just long enough to seek out Eddard and wave to him, a low wave that flutters quickly at her hip. She doesn't seem to wait for an acknowledgment before slipping back into the crowd.

Nazmir's quiet now and as he catches sight of Keely, there's a smile given and a lift of a hand, to give a little wave with a wriggle of fingers. Then, he's promptly looking to Norwood, to give a smile and a nod, "Pleasure." That said, the Prince then turns and ambles off to find himself a seat somewhere.

To Amari, Lierre offers another of the bright smiles and offers an airy reply. "Quite true. There's nothing to do but to carry on, really." Perhaps not the most inspired of words, but it is what it is. Then, regarding the obstacle course, she nods a couple of times. "I was planning to give it a try, yes. I suspect I might fall in a heap and make a fool out of myself, but it's all in good fun. Probably funny for onlookers, anyway."

Easily tugged, Keely turns to face Norwood with a light pink to her cheeks and a gentle dip lowering her chin once more. "It is lovely to meet you, my lord," come her naturally soft tones. "I think you are the one who..." She hesitates after almost casually recalling something, lingering in uncertainty for a time and clearing her throat quietly before continuing. "Highlord Alis is my Patron." Her smile waxes apologetic, and she fidgets a bit with some lint on Eddard's sleeve before subtly flicking it off to the side. At which point she catches Nazmir's wave and she offers a small smile of greeting in return. "Oh, Lord Eddard, will you be doing a song here at your party?" she asks of her protege, lighting up a little.

Renata calls out to Keely as she's being tugged by Eddard, "Glad you like it your highness!" To Norwood, Renata doesn't crowd him much, she politely bobs her head in greeting before what seems to be his family popping in. With that, Renata goes to collect drinks for Nazmir and her. Ale? She thinks so anyways, some staff handing her two mugs of the frothy liquid and then she goes about to hand one to Nazmir. "Ale.. I think?" she chuckles. "I've no idea. Your the connoisseur of drinks like Sebastian."

Renata has joined the an Aion starlight table.

Nazmir has joined the an Aion starlight table.

"I suppose thats better than the song about the Commoner who hugged a bear until it left a Noble Lady alone." Eddard lets Keely unwind a bit from his arm at her question, and more to the fact that his gaze is flitting about the party once more to keep track of newly arrived festival-goers. "Hm? Oh. No. Lord Eddard Clement could never afford Lord Eddard Clement. He is far too expensive to have sing at a Clement Festival." The strangeness of the statement doesn't seem to faze the man at all.

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

Amari nods in agreement with Lierre's summation: 'Nothing to do but carry on'. Eddard's look is returned with one from her that's half confused and half bemused, paired with a subtly raised eyebrow. After a moment she returns her attention to Lierre and Tesha, "It does look designed with that result in mind, doesn't it? I suppose we'll have to risk it, in the name of fun and to support House Clement's efforts here today."

Renata and Nazmir find seats at the Aion starlight table with drinks, quietly conversing amongst themselves and enjoying the spring time weather.

"The one whom...?" Norwood prompts Keely, as the character probably remembers but the player has no clue. "Lady Kiera, it is a pleasure again," Norwood says, bowing to her in turn. "Well, at least that one has partial truth attached - the lady being Lady Jael and the bear being, well, dead now. I hope my hugs are not deadly."

Jingling of soft bells carry over the small breeze as Mattheu follows their song, with his pantaloons rolled up past his knees then tied off in place with scarves. He stops edge of the garden, his arms crossed as he watches the others already in attendance, as if planning a direction to slip through the crowd.

Tesha gives a look to Amari and Lierre and there is a smile, "I sadly can't stay very long, but I hope you two have a wonderful time tonight with all of this." the woman tells them. But she hears about Jael hugging the bear and there's a bit of sad smile, "I still have the scars from that bear batting me across that room." she comments to Norwood. That had been a terrifying situation. But Jael and Norwood handled it amazingly.

Renata spots Mattheu and waves to the Rivenshari Lord, "Hello Lord Mattheu." she says in a musical lilt sitting next to Nazmir.

Keely just smiles uncomfortably at Norwood, probably not wanting to mention the time with Alis and the joust aloud even if he does remember. Mercifully, there is a jingling of bells, and she draws a breath, still nominally gripping Eddard's elbow but otherwise having departed his side a bit to turn in search of the source of the sound. "Lord Mattheu!" she calls, as well as her gentle voice will allow. "Have you met Baron Clement? And Lord Eddard Clement, my other protege?" She really ought to do some kind of patrons and proteges party at some point.

Kiera turns to greet Amari and Tesha "Baroness Reidre. We haven't had much time to speak. I'd like to meet at some point to see how house Reidre and House Wyvernheart and Lady Tesha, we will have to set aside time to talk aboutour mutual research intrest" She waves enthusiastically as Mattheu enters

Catching sight of Mattheu making his way into the grounds, Nazmir is lifting a hand so that he can give a wave, along with a smile and a little incline of his head.

Lierre grins lightly at Amari's appraisal of the course, and the subsequent decision that it must be tackled. "Excellent. I'll try not to embarrass you. Still, I'm sure I've fallen out of enough trees to have learned to duck and roll, and I imagine you're quite the athlete by now." To Tesha, Lierre offers another graceful half-bow, arms folded across stomach. "Thank you. So lovely to see you again." She lowers a polite dip of her head to Kiera, lips curving amiably.

A duck and weave through the crowd, a bottle of honey mead found - a server wondering why their tray is suddenly lighter. Mattheu finds his way over to Kiera, a quick soft word to her before continuing along towards Keely, with a nod towards Renata as he steps closer to his patron. "Princess Keely. I have not meet Lord Eddard Clement." He stops to look at the mustard collection with wool socks and skirt which Eddard is wearing with a grin, "Though I absolutely love his style."

"Bears can be so... troublesome. I'm really not at my best for the same reason, cousin. I wasn't batted across the room, but one did try to pull my leg off." Amari commiserates over the bears and the horrible injuries they seem to be causing. "It was nice to see you, Lady Tesha. Perhaps the next time we can compare scars." Kiera's greeting is returned with a warm smiles and nod to acknowledge she's heard. "Of course, I'll make the time Lady Kiera."

Being polite requires that Norwood not press the issue, and nods once. Right. His year turns towards he others and he smiles at Tesha. "Lady Jael is quite a warrior, and I'm proud to have had the training." Honestly guys, he sucks at this kind of party, but he's here, because he supports his nephew.

"Doesn't he look dashing?" Keely asks of Mattheu, smiling broadly aside to Eddard as if she picked his outfit herself. Which she definitely did not. "Lord Eddard Clement, this is Lord Mattheu Rivenshari, my first ever protege. Lord Mattheu, Lord Eddard is Quite a bard." And then she releases her hold on the Clement Lord's arm entirely, folding her delicate hands before herself. Her expression for both is quite warm, dark eyes flitting back and forth as if expecting them to now become the best of friends from this one introduction.

"Oh good. We won't have to leave you alone amid the crowds, your highness." Eddard lets Keely unwind from his arm before reaching out to jostle Norwood's elbow with his hand. The man's hips wiggle and sashay in small circles to set said skirt to dancing for the compliments. "I do many things well, just bardery is the most visible. I also satisfy ghostly desires for recompense, handle coin and generally look very good."

Tesha gives a smile to Amari, "It is always good to see you, Baroness. I should reach out more to see how things in Redire are going as well." she admits. Then to Kiera, "I do need to set aside some time to get together and talk on our shared interest, yes." she tells the Wyvernheart. Then there's a smile to Norwood, "We'd have been a lot worse off had you not been there to help." she tells him. "For now, I think I need to get going as I am sorely out of my element for the moment." she chuckles. "Have a good evening everyone." she dips her head to them and then moves to head out. Not used to walking in gowns like this!

Tesha is overheard praising Eddard.

2 Telmarine Guards, Cale, the Highhill War Hound pup, Atramentous, The Highhill War Hound leave, following Tesha.

Keely is overheard praising Eddard: Excellent knee freeing.

A few messengers slipped through the Beehive Garden to make their way to Nazmir and Renata who were conversing over drinks. She gives a polite dip of head to Mattheu, and the others that were here.

Norwood has joined the an Aion starlight table.

Norwood breaks from the group and meanders his way towards the Aion table, nodding to Renata and Nazmir. "May I join the pair of you?"

Renata smiles warmly as she inclines her head towards Norwood, "Of course, Baron Clement. It would be very rude of me to take your table in your own gardens and not partake in your company." she jests light heartily with the man before gesturing towards a chair. "We were just speaking of Trade contracts and the likes."

Mattheu nods to Eddard in their introduction, sweeping into a deep and flourished bow, even holding his grip upon mead bottle as to not spill any. A jingling cascade of bells in both his bow and standing back up. "Well met Lord Eddard. While I don't sing, I do carry a good tune upon violin. And can dance when it is sought to be the thing." He grins with a soft aside, "Really, I'll dance when I've become tired. It's an excellent means to change direction and see a new perspective. Much like Princess Keely tonight." Mattheu turns a little to look to Keely with a warm smile.

Kiera nods to Lierre "Rane's sister, right?" she asks the woman by way of checking her memory"Good to see you back in Arx "I do believe lord mattheu could dance in his sleep"

Lierre's smile is still amiable, still polite, but nonetheless there's a little twitch to it that descends upon her brow when Rane's name is mentioned. Still, she renews the warmth that plays around the curve of her smile and nods gently to Kiera. "I am. And thank you so much. It's good to see you too. I hope you've been well." A soft touch of laughter, then, at the quips about Mattheu.

The soft pink in Keely's cheeks grows darker at Mattheu's comment, and she smiles up to him with a slight exhale, a delicate hand briefly rubbing up over one of her bare arms in a self conscious motion. "I do love your confidence, both of you," she informs her proteges, giggling quietly as Eddard does his little strut dance.

Mattheu looks to Keely and nods over something said, removing a scarf from around his waist to unfold it showing off that it is much larger swath of cloth than what it looked to be upon him. "I don't know if I would call it confidence. I think there is less at stake by rolling my legs up. I couldn't find a long enough tunic to call it good, spare everyone having a better idea of how many bells I might have." He grins as the scarf is handed to Keely and he takes a long sip from the bottle 'found' "Lord Eddard. Whatever is the idea behind showing off our knees?"

Eddard watches Norwood move along to go and meet folks and he nods all sagely about it. As if it needed to be done. "The basis of it all? I found tweed to be both a sturdy fabric and fashionable enough to wear. But I got tired of pants. Then things rather snowballed after that. Its mainly to get people moving after a lethargic winter. Not that this one was lethargic. Very eventful winter."

Nazmir has left the an Aion starlight table.

Jenkins, an armed champion, Talidan, a crotchety old man who shakes his cane leave, following Nazmir.

Since there's a serious athletic challenge in her near future, Amari grows quiet and simply listens to the talk swirling next to her and through the garden. Hearing the jingling bells of the Rivenshari, she gives a nod to Mattheu, but otherwise she has a more pressing matter. She needs to put her hair up. Like Lierre, she goes for a simple ponytail that she'll tie off with a green ribbon.

Kiera gets a pink color to her cheeeks as she listens politely to eddard's explanation

Linx, a beautiful Persian cat with a green collared bow, 2 Seryn veteran guards, Mihai, a Rivenshari guard trying to be unobtrusive arrive, following Thesbe.

Lierre gives Amari a side-smile, eyes curving into crescents that bespeak a familial affection. Once her cousin's ponytail is in place, she gives it a quick looking-over to make sure all the strands are gathered in place. Otherwise, Lierre is also listening, hands crossed twined together in front of her body.

The color in Keely's face flares farther at Mattheu's remark, but soon she is wrapped in one of his colorful scarves and looks a good deal more comfortable than she has all evening. She then extends a hand to loop into the crook of Mattheu's arm, because apparently it is time for musical proteges. No pun intended. "There is a Things Lord Eddard has arranged for... racing, or climbing," she informs the Rivenshari Lord, with a gesture toward the obstacle course.

It was a surprise that Thesbe was even here to be honest, since she'd been traveling abroad. So when she did arrive she made careful to slip along so Mattheu couldn't see her. Striking, cerulean blue eyes taking the crowd and gardens in. She wasn't exactly dressed for such an even either, but more so stealthy in the shadows in her exotic leather armor. It wasn't until she was walking behind to poke Matti did she finally speak, "Well hello handsome." There was a brilliant, charming smile as she looked to the Rivenshari Lord.

Kiera hms "and then there's grape stomping. I wone that once before you know, though i have doubts about someone want to consume what my feet have touched

Mattheu turns a little as Keely takes his arm towards the opposite direction of Thesbe and looks clear past her. Turning back to Keely with a smile as she begins to explain of the /Things/ of the event. However there's a voice that he doesn't look past and is quick to spin both himself and Keely with crook of his arm towards where Thesbe stands. Nearly a croak in his throat, "Lady Thesbe." His smile widens as does a small blush upon his cheeks. A nod to Keely, "I'll be right along." And he lets his arm down to then pick up Thesbe and spin her in a hug.

"Well. An obstacle course that might ruin me for weeks were I to fall. However. Participants in that or the grape crushing little activities receive socks just like the ones I wear now." Eddard's booted foot lifts to display socks as if it weren't obvious to everyone around that he was wearing such fine things.

Keely gives a start as Thesbe's voice comes from behind she and Mattheu, and the princess quickly pulls her hand away from his arm, lacing her fingers together before herself and clearing her throat quietly. She takes a small step back, and then another, with a small, apologetic smile as if she had interrupted by merely being there, and she drifts across the garden in a somewhat aimless fashion, admiring various plants and decorations. "A wonderful affair, Lord Clement," she murmurs softly as she pauses near Eddard. "Thank you for having me. I think I will head back to the mansion now, but we should do tea soon and catch up." There is a gentle smile, and she utters some soft farewells on her way out, carefully drawing Mattheu's scarves from her petite shoulders and folding them before leaving them with Violeta as she passes.

Wyla, a small wisp of an assistant leaves, following Keely.

Quiet though she is as she stands with Amari, Lierre fractionally turns her head so to watch Keely leave the grounds. A slow lowering of eyelids later, dark eyes absent-minded, she looks back in the direction she was gazing at before.

Thesbe is caught off guard by being picked up, squeezed quite literally in a bear hug and spun around by Mattheu. "Oh.. ouch, that hurts." Even so, she laughs before he's settling her down eventually.....she hopes. A hand would go to rub at her bruised shoulder. "Estroch isn't the best of places... too many nasty creatures that wanna take a bite from you." There is a sparkle to her eyes in that moment before she's looking around. There is a furrow of brow as Keely takes off but the Seryn Lady gives a wave of goodbye to Keely before she's looking to Mattheu and leaning in to murmur something to him.

Mattheu nods to Thesbe, then with arm around her shoulders looks over to Eddard. "Where are these troublesome grapes?"

Renata gets a missive handed to her before she's reading it and then rising from her seat. "It was a pleasure chatting with you Baron Clement." the princess politely curtsy's to him before waving her goodbyes to all that were around. "Good Eve." then finally Renata disappears.

With her ponytail arranged with Lierre's help to find and smooth down some flyaway strands, Amari is ready. She nods to her cousin and returns her side-smile in kind, the two looking like the cousins they are now that they're both ponytailed especially. "I do miss this garden sometimes. That little tent over there is surprisingly comfortable, and there wasn't so far to go to hear Uncle Norwood yelling." Musing so, she watches Mattheu bearhug and spin Thesbe, Keely depart and then her eyes seek out Eddard. "Perhaps you should have made the grapes part of the obstacle course."

Renata has left the an Aion starlight table.

6 First Legion Centurions, Sparrow, an enthusiastic and bubbly assistant leave, following Renata.

Norwood has left the an Aion starlight table.

Norwood leaves his table as his companions are called away. Amari's saying his name has him drifting back in that direction. "What am I yelling about this time?"

"Troublesome grapes are over yonder." Eddard gesticulates towards the wide and low wooden barrel packed near to the brim with grapes divested of their brambles and sticks. The question caught him as he was moving along to go natter at a servant, perhaps.

Thesbe quirks a brow, "Um grapes.. What about grapes?" The Seryn is looking about to only then look at Matti.

Lierre's smile turns soft as she admires the garden with thoughtful gazes here and there. "It really is lovely. And camping's nice, even when the tent is in a garden." Lierre giggles at Amari's quip, "I suppose you need to have to be able to command a good loud yell when you're a knight. Your voice can't boom over the battlefield if-- oh, hello Baron Clement!" Lierre bows, really more a dip of head and shoulders, as Norwood approaches.

Mattheu grins as the troublesome grapes are pointed out, slipping his boots off to give his toes a wiggle. Looking to Thesbe, "There's grapes that need a good stomping, a lesson to be taught for they will be pressed into wine."

"I was complaining that I couldn't hear you yelling, now that I'm not staying here in the garden." Amari clarifies with a broad smile as she holds out a hand for Norwood as he draws closer. She seems to want to anchor him there, for story time, "Uncle, Lierre's just returned. I don't think she's even heard about your incredible feat of riding yet..."

"Ah, yes, it is a problem. Shall I come wake you in the morning?" Mirth plays in Norwood's eyes as he makes the offer. Lierre gets bowed to, "Hello my dear. And really there isn't much to speak of. I rode a horse."

There was an unamused look given to Matti when he states something about crushing grapes.. "Yes... And clearly they were meant for Rivenshari Lords whom have the energy I do not at the moment. But I will definitely get some pleasure from watching you." The blonde teases Mattheu, but then he's pulling her closer and she looks like a cat being dragged into water. Except her cat Linx, was very much looking to her like he was the better species in that moment. "Wow, thanks Linx." she murmurs to her cat that was sitting along the table licking it's paw as Mattheu pulls her closer to the barrel to crush grapes. "I've no love here. I just got back from traveling abroad, and somehow I'm being conned into crushing grapes. How does that work?" she laughs.

Amari checks 'recovery check' at normal. Amari is successful.

Linx, a beautiful Persian cat with a green collared bow have been dismissed.

2 Seryn veteran guards have been dismissed.

Mihai, a Rivenshari guard trying to be unobtrusive have been dismissed.

Despite Norwood's demuring about his horsey antics, Lierre doesn't seem entirely convinced. She lifts her eyebrows a little. "Oh, I bet it was more than that, if Amari's mentioning it. I mean, you've won so many jousts; if it's more impressive than that, I'm wondering if you're being modest." Lierre looks back to Amari, curious, as if she's expecting some confirmation here, but then Norwood gets a smile. "But if you say so! It's really good to see you, either way."

Thesbe takes knitted wool socks from sack of socks.

Kiera hms "I was hoping Princess Keely would be my grape crushing partner as i judged she might be skipping the obstacle course as well. Lady Lierre which did you plan to try

"You'd have to wake up very early." Amari says in such a tone of concern for her dear uncle who might want to sleep in to a reasonable time in the morning. "And you're being very modest. So modest, you're in danger of someone commissioning a song, poem or dramatic account of your exploits and excellence in jousting." At Kiera's mention of the race and grapes, she says, "We're definitely for the race, but that's perfect if you'd like to smush grapes too, cousin."

Thesbe is half rubbing her eyes as she looks to Matti, giving him a quick kiss along the cheek. She then leans in to murmur something.

Lierre nods very seriously at Amari's words, then makes an 'ooooh' face between her cousin and Norwood. Curious! To Kiera and Amari, "Oh, I don't mind which one. Maybe I could do both, even! Though I'm wondering if that would be a disaster..."