The Laurent Beesy kitchen has taken color today with silken streamers hanging about the walls. There are sweet and savory finger-foods, drinks and desserts laden on every surface but the island in the center, which is where the action will take part. A large cake showcasing a tiara is set to the side, red velvet of course, easily distracting you from what you are to do here today.

Mabelle is standing by the door wearing a plush velvet dress decorated with red roses and a Cupcake tiara on her head, "Welcome to the Laurent Kitchen, I hope you did not wear your finest clothes!", she greets those who arrive and cackles, "See how I made sure I will look the most wonderful in the room? There is food, there are sweets and then... there will be a mess. I suspect".

Her girl is standing by a large wooden beehive, handing out door tokens.

Renata takes a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Keely gets a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Nazmir gets a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Amari takes a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Ryhalt takes a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Griffin takes a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Keely steps inside, pausing with a warm smile for Mabelle, delicate hands extending to take those of the birthday Lady. "Happiest birthday to you, Lady Mabelle," she murmurs warmly, leaning in to peck either of the woman's cheeks. "Your gift is being held for safekeeping until the... eventfulness of the day has been cleaned up."

Katarina Valardin enters wearing her nicest clothes just as Mabelle says that she hopes people aren't wearing their nicest clothes. She turns on a heel and exits.

It's about ten minutes before Katarina returns, still in /nice/ clothes... but /less/ nice.

Edris enters the kitchen with the same quiet solemnity as seems to be his habit, though he does arch one dark brow as he looks about with curiousity. Mabelle's outfit and her commentary, however, break some of that reserve, a ghost of a smile curving his lips briefly. "Mm. Well played, my lady," he tells her, quite seriously, before offering a courtly bow. "I hope that you have the happiest of birthdays and celebrations today." Though with that, he moves further in, not wishing to over-detain the hostess. He's wearing his usual leathers (though not the fanciest ones, so probably some poor squire isn't going to have to scrub frosting out of ivy leaves...today). Maybe that's all he has in his closet.

Ryhalt knows these are practically kitchen-burners, so comes dressed appropriately in some clothes that look more like he'd been adventuring in them than are strictly suited for baking in. He smiles at Mabelle. "Happy Birthday Lady Mabelle. Your dress is lovely."

Edris takes a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Amari wore white, nearly all white. She's either brave or a very tidy and cautious baker, or mad. First stop upon breezing in, is of course to greet the hostess. "Happy birthday, Lady Mabelle. I hope you'll join me for a celebratory drink after this..." Cake based chaos. Her tone suggests a worry that adding alcohol to this endeavor could lead to a terrible, terrible tragedy.

Nazmir is arriving alongside Renata, quiet conversation ensuing and while he's dressed in nice clothing, he at least didn't happen to dig out the nicest outfit possible for such an event. Waiting his turn behind the others, he's then approaching Mabelle and offering a smile and an incline of his head towards her, "A very Happy Birthday, Lady Mabelle. I do hope that it becomes one of the most memorable that you've had to date." And then it's off towards the island, to stand and wait.

Mabelle squeezes Keely's hands gently, "Thank you sweet Princess, your presence is the greatest gift", smiles to her, spying the departure of Katarina amusedly. "Lord Edris, a pleasure to see you here, please feast as your heart desires, I'll await laters before the kitchen island becomes a war zone". Her smile warms for Ryhalt as well, "Thank you, Duke Farshaw. You were listening!" she wags her finger.

Her girl starts handing out some aprons, just in case. "Why not during?", Mabelle grins at Amari as the Baroness walks in and then chuckles at Nazmir, "Depends how much we will have to renovate once you're all done!"

Griffin comes in looking for someone. "Ah, she isn't here.." But Lady Mabelle /is/ - and it's her birthday! "Many happy returns, " he bows to her.

Renata says, "Happy Birthday Lady Mabelle," Renata says in a cheery musical lilt. The Princess' assistant, Sparrow, is behind her and Nazmir carrying two small gift boxes. "I've come bearing gifts, but I'll have them over after we've made a mess of your kitchen." she chuckles, before letting Nazmir lead them over to the counter. Leaning in she whispers to the northern prince."

3 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields arrive, following Patrizio.

Mabelle inclines her head to Griffin, "Thank you, My Lord and eyes Renata amusedly, "I told you I was carving candles"

Katarina checks stamina and survival at hard. Katarina fails.

After the ten minutes spent /running/ back to Valardin manor (impressive, on such short legs!) and changing clothes, Katarina returns to the party, now wearing aeterna -- an all-white outfit immune to the struggles of flour and batter trying to stick and stain. "Lady Mabelle," she says, huffing and puffing, visibly out of breath from her sprint. "Happy b-- Happiest of-- huff, hff, ooh, my side has a stitch, I -- sorry, I will just be a moment-- Happy... (wheeze)"

Patrizio is fashionably late - it's an homage, perhaps, to his cousin Sebastian - but he's definitely arriving and in a manner that has it clear that he would not miss this for the world. A beaming smile as he's coming in behind the panting and wheezing Katarina, waiting his turn, before he's reaching out to take up Mabelle's hand, drawing it to his lips, jade eyes dancing over her knuckles. "Happy birthday, my lady," he says, with obvious warmth, and there's a grin offered to the Valardin princess as well. "It's been a while, your highness."

Patrizio takes a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Katarina smiles at Patrizio while leaning forward with her hands on her knees. She's still sucking in air, so she just kind of nods in agreement. "Happy birthday," she finally chokes out. "Is there... a pitcher of water I might...?"

A quick little laugh is given in the direction of Mabelle as Nazmir nods his head, "Well, hopefully not /too/ much to renovate when it's all said an ddone." Settling at the counter, his gaze plays about the room after smiling to Renata and a hand lifts to give a little wriggle of his fingers to those that he knows ... and then another wriggle of fingers to those that he doesn't.

Mabelle rounds her eyes at Katarina, "Goodness, I feel guilty, I could have given you one of my robes, forgive me". She directs the servers her way with drinks. Patrizio gets her attention and she grins, "Thank you, Prince Pravus, I'm pleased to have you here".

Renata says, "Indeed you did!" The Pravus Princess replies to Mabelle, "I still would love to watch you make them sometime. I've been collecting candles as of late. So yours will be a wonderful addition." Renata grins, looking about with aqua colored eyes to all whom appeared for this birthday baking celebration! When Patrizio enters, Ren smiles widely, and waves a flutter of fingers towards him. "Good day Cousin, have you come to get covered in batter?" Her gaze shifts to Katarina who just looked like she ran a marathon."

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

2 Valardin Knights have been dismissed.

Hermeline, a russet vixen have been dismissed.

Terese takes a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Another of those smiles for Mabelle, and he's shaking his head. "I'd not have missed it for all the steelsilk and silver in the world," he points out with a shake of his head, but Renata's tease gets a laugh from him. "We'll see, cousin. I seem to recall that my last baking adventure - probably the last such birthday part, admittedly - was hardly a triumph for me, so I'd imagine that... yes. Probably."

With a small smile up to Wyla, Keely steps off to the side momentarily and lifts her arms, allowing her assistant to tie a charming, ruffled apron onto the princess to protect her clothes from what ever disaster is impending. She then approaches the island, finding a spot to stand and looking a little more withdrawn with each new face that passes through the door. Her fingertips pluck at the buttons on her gloves, which she carefully tugs free and pockets before quietly folding her hands before herself.

Apparently it's not too early in the day to start an event with a stiff drink--or perhaps it's something that the Elwood knight wagers he needs before engaging in more artistic pursuits. Edris looks about for a tumbler of whiskey, though barring that he'll take the blackest coffee. He offers a respectful bow of the head towards Lord Ryhalt, and then again towards the princesses Keely, Renata, and Katarina, as well as princes Nazmire and Patrizio. Lord Griffin and Lady Amari are also offered respect. It's a lot of bowing, but honestly, the oathlands knight probably makes it look natural, at least as one expects from an oathlander.

Looking over in the direction of Patrizio, Nazmir is giving a little chuckle, "I wouldn't worry too much, Your Highness. I'm fairly certain that I'm going to walk out of here with the worst possible creation of all time. Baking is, quite simply, not my forte. Though, it should be amusingly fun to watch and participate in." Edris' bow draws his attention and a hand lifts to give a little wave, followed by, "I'm fairly certain that's a rule about no bowing in a kitchen. If not, there should be."

Katarina accepts whatever water the Laurent servants offer her. Glug-a-lug. By the time the diminutive Eurusi woman is recovered, she's standing next to Keely. "Ah! Princess Keely! I must thank you again for the night you hosted in the Menagerie... in fact, I am wearing my prize from it today...!" She lifts the thin chain around her neck, showing off her Special Investigator Charm.

Terese enters in a little late and dressed in plain clothing anf noots as dhe makes her way over to where Griffin is, offering respectful bows to everyone else. "Sorry, excuse me, Hello," she says asn she settles in next to Griffin, blushing. "Sorry I am late," she murmers as she gets a candle and await directions

Mabelle wanders toward the kitchen island and encourages everyone to join here. "No collaborations!", she announces at first and grins, "As you can see, there are no ingredients in your stations. This contest is not only for bakers, no no. You will need to use your mind, you hands, your feet and.. then other things", she cackles. She is enjoying this too much, but its her birthday, what can you do.

There is a piece of parchment on each makeshift 'station'. "The recipe for the dessert you are making today, is a riddle. HELLO PRINCESS TERESE", she wiggles her fingers and concentrates anew, "Its a riddle. You need to solve the riddle in order to know what ingredients you need".

Ryhalt smiles to Edris and makes a gesture that that's not necessary today. "Hello again Lord Edris..." He glances over to Mabelle as she starts to inflict the first challenge upon them and groans. Shaking his head, he looks back to Edris. "The kitchen burning is going to start early this year."

"All the best military efforts are done through collaboration with one's allies," declares Patrizio in a voice that's not at all serious, even as he is moving in to contemplate the situation there at the station and... a breath. A riddle. There's the dart of his gaze around, though, to notice who else might be around to be 'allies' that he shouldn't be collaborating with. A smile and a playful wink to Nazmir at his barb, and a gentle rejoinder for him. "Is this a dare, your highness, to see which of us fails most spectacularly?" Edris, too, gets the respectful inclination of his head, and a smile for Keely as well, as he's noticing the putting away of those gloves - probably a wise thing, too, though he's sans gloves himself.

Katarina looks over from showing off her charm at Keely, then asides to the Grayson: "Wait, did she say we are baking our own feet?"

Renata is busily waving to Keely, and then a polite smile for Edris who seems to be doing an awful lot of bowing. Her attention then turns to Mabelle when she's announcing the rules, and what they will be doing. "Oh.. riddles," she blinks slowly then looks to Nazmir, "No cheating off my paper dear Naz." A sly smirk is given to him as she teases.

Mabelle claps her hands delightedly as everyone panics, "You have 20 mins!" (not really, tyt, have fun)

Katarina checked perception + investigation at difficulty 28, rolling 34 higher.

Mabelle has joined the a huge red velvet cake on a pedestal sporting a tiara.

Renata checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 28, rolling 5 lower.

Ryhalt checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 28, rolling 46 higher.

Griffin smiles at Terese when she finally comes in. "There you are!'

Keely gives a start when Katarina addresses her, and she smiles wide-eyed with a turn of her head until realizing who is addressing her. A soft exhale of relief follows, and her tense smile eases into something warm and bright. "Hello, your highness," she half-whispers aside. "Well, you -did- save us all from the Sleep Wizard. I am so glad you like it." And then Mabelle is talking and she gives a bit of a slow blink. "No... no I think she said we are using our... feet to bake with? Which... does not sound terribly clean..."

Edris listens to the directions attentively, though his brow furrows ever so slightly at the mention of riddles. Still he shakes his head slightly, as if to shake off the cloud that would surely be forming over his head right now, if such things were possible. "Mm," is his comment, perhaps in assent to Ryhalt, before the Elwood knight goes bottom up on his glass or mug and sets it aside. "I am told lighting things on fire is a speciality cooking technique in some parts of the word," he says to the Farshaw Duke.

Nazmir checked wits + streetwise at difficulty 28, rolling 7 lower.

Patrizio checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 28, rolling 14 lower.

Keely checked intellect + riddles at difficulty 28, rolling 1 lower.

With everyone filtering in and Mabelle drawing the would be bakers towards the island with explanation of the rules of the game, Amari joins. There's nods and smiles for all and sundry, warm and amiable. Princes and princesses, all the way down the line to Edris and Griffin. "Hello, everyone! Best of luck, and I apologize in advance for the crimes against baking I'm about to commit. If we haven't met, I'm Baroness Amari Redire. I don't want anyone to think that I mean to escape any justice due by concealing my identity." Now on to the riddles.

"Oh, it's a dare," offers Nazmir to Patrizio with a grin, only to then look back to Renata, "Hey, I'm not gonna be cheating. You keep your eyes on your own creation, though." Looking to the paper before him, he's regarding it a moment, brows furrowing before he's simply calling out, "I think who ever wrote my instructions was drunk! I'm sure of it."

Terese checked intellect + riddles at difficulty 28, rolling 17 lower.

Edris checked intellect + riddles at difficulty 28, rolling 22 lower.

Amari checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 28, rolling 27 higher.

Griffin checked intellect + riddles at difficulty 28, rolling 6 higher.

Mabelle comments to Edris over Ryhalt's shoulder, "Dont let him fool you! He won the first one!", she wanders toward the huge velvet cake on a pedastal and stands there. "No one is baking feet", she assures Keely, or I'm not eating it", she wrinkles her face as she tastes the frosting of the cake. Her eyes survey delightedly the mayham that is the kitchen.

Terese is at her station frowning as she thinks on the riddle. "Uhhhh.." so far she has no idea and randomly picks something

Amari's introduction gets a gentle nod from Renata, "A pleasure to meet you Baroness. I'll be sure to note down your name for when you try to offer me any sweets." she grins, teasing the woman in light hearted fun. To Nazmir, eyes squint, "I will keep my eyes to my own creation...." she mumbles, gaze looking to the sheet only to turn it over. "Well, I've got no idea.. I have an awful feeling that this isn't going to be the most delicious cake." She then turns to Nazmir, "You'll be my test taster right?"

"Though I'll be kinder to your wallet, your highness, than when last we met." Patrizio's grinning to Nazmir at the matter of the dare, with another dart of his gaze to Renata... but it's back to Mabelle that he's looking as he's trying to puzzle through the quandary that's been put before them. Swords, arrows and major units, those are the tools of his trade, but trying to figure out what the dessert should be /made of/ is clearly not in his wheelhouse as he starts to gather some of /everything/.

Keely looks around with wide eyes upon realizing it's time to start, dark gaze flitting from person to person before noticing the recipe riddle before her. She scrambles to pick it up and immediately rips one of the corners with writing on it. "Oh..." she breathes, watching it flutter to the floor and then vanish beneath Katarina's shoe. "Oh dear..." She drops to hands and knees to chase after it, very softly intoning, "Oh, excuse me, your highness. I think... there is a piece of my..." She gives the gentlest tap to the woman's foot, glancing up to her plaintively.

Griffin turns his paper that way and that figuring outthe riddle. It's not as easy as it would seem!

Katarina checks dexterity at easy. Katarina is successful.

Mabelle assures Renata, "Unfortunately, I'm the one who has to taste them. who designed this stupid contest? Oh wait its me", she grins. Her eyebrows waggle to Patrizio, "Dont look at me, I am not helping you"

"Right," Edris mutters to himself, as he squints at the recipe riddle he's been handed. It's definitely a thinking face. And clearly the knight's two brain cells are trying to bump around in his head as fast as they can. He nods slowly as he thinks and puzzles things out, clearly thinking that he IS starting to understand what all needs to be done. Uh oh.

Katarina manages to avoid accidentally kicking Keely in the face while Keely is down on the ground.

If one judges success by that alone, then Katarina has already won the game that matters. "Hmm? Oh. Apologies, Princess Keely, let me just..." Katarina lifts her foot, carefully. Fortunately, the motion doesn't send the recipe flying. The short, Eurus-born woman looks over at Amari while awkwardly standing on one foot so that Keely can sort of crawl under her dress for a second. "Nonsense, Baroness Amari. I promise I will taste whatever you create and give it fair judgment. The same extends to all of you~."

Oh, Katarina. Oh, no, no, no, Katarina, no.

Arching a brow at Renata, Nazmir is giving a shake of his head, "Oh, no. I'm fairly certain your cousin over there has offered up to be the official taste tester for this event." A grin towards Patrizio and then, "It certainly couldn't be worse to it! Not that I can complain, though. It was a delightfully good cause in which to lose silver to." He's regarding the paper again, hrrming softly to himself before scooping it up, "I got it!" No he doesn't .. and then Katrina is offering to taste things, "Oh! How very brave of you!"

Ryhalt chuckles at Mabelle. "I didn't say *I* burnt it down last time... just, there was very much smoke and I'm fairly sure I recall a mutiny in the taste-testers."

Mabelle decides to be gracious as she cuts out a piece of cake and sits with it at the edge of the island, "There certainly is butter in there". She purses her lips, "How many baking contests were there, I'm not sure if this is the third or fourth. There was that awful dog cake last year", she laughs.

Terese is so busy watching the others she quite forgets what she should be doing. "I really do not see how this makes anything tasty at all," she murmers as she puzzles over the intructions, frowning

Normally it would be mortifying to crawl around on the floor, let alone beneath someone's dress (at least in public amirite?) but this is a CONTEST and Keely, passive as she is, is still a Grayson. She gently bats away Katarina's skirt until she can get sort of under it, plucking up the riddle corner with a soft 'ah hah!' and then scrambling to her feet, doing her best not to take the woman's dress along with her. "Thank you," she breathes aside, piecing her 'recipe' back together on the island countertop and whispering to herself as she reads over it. "...we are not putting chickens in this, are we? That is not what this means, surely..."

"My cake was /not/ that bad. Just butt ugly." Patrizio's willing to have fun with Mabelle's pronouncement of how the cake was last year, before there's a glance around to see how the others are faring. A grin to Nazmir when there's that barb back, and a sigh, before he muses, "We might have to have /that/ as a competition, to see which amongst us can bake best when we're not trained," he voices, though he's stealing glances at the others' work to see what he might crib from them...

Katarina checks dexterity at normal. Katarina is successful.

Renata grins deviously, "But I remember you telling me explicitly that you weren't picky with what foods you ate." she pauses for emphasis, his own words used against him, "So obviously, you'd be the perfect taste tester." a soft little chuckle before she looks to Patrizio. "That was all you, cousin. You made him triple the bet." Ren's gaze is going around the room, watching as Keely searches for her missing piece of the puzzle so to speak. When Patrizio is looking around Ren catches his glimpse and hides her paper like it's her treasure. "No peeking! You heard the birthday lady."

"These are not the ingredients for honey oatcakes." Amari announces after she's had an opportunity to review the riddle and seems to have that part figured out. Katarina is given a solemn shake of her head in reply, "Your Highness, I humbly suggest that you don't. If it's not oatcakes you'll be risking your life." She gestures then to Renata, who had the right idea on the matter, avoid all sweets the baroness might offer. "I had hoped. I even brought my best oatcake cooking axe." Yes, she said axe.

Mabelle checked dexterity + alchemy at difficulty 9, rolling 26 higher.

"Ha!" Griffin laughs at Patrizio. "Now /there's/ a baking contest I would have a chance of winning!"

Mabelle shushes at Amari, "There now they will know to take honey and you lost your edge, truly Baroness, why are you not more mean? Princess Keely here was going to make me doughy chicken", she teases Keely.

"She said no collaborating. I'm not looking to collaborate - I'm going 'winner takes all', and good intelligence is the way any army wins." Patrizio's smiling playfully to his cousin when she chides him, but it's Griffin who gets a warm laugh and dip of his head. "I'm always full of ideas. Whether they're practicable or good is a different issue." His attention, though, is briefly drawn over to where Mabelle is shushing Amari, though...

Katarina manages to both stay upright and fully clothed as Keely lifts herself up and away. As people call her out for her foolish promise to try /everyone's/ attempts, she huffs. "I have already given my word, Baroness Amari. I would be a poor shade of a Princess of House Valardin if I went back on it now." See, now she's getting all /stuffy/ about it. Which is a dead giveaway that Katarina is starting to realize what a bad idea it was, to make that promise. She looks over at Keely. "...no, you are holding it upside-down, there," she says, pointing. "It is a turkey." Katarina is also scavenging for her own recipe clues, but not calling attention to it as she does so. Sneaky.

Mabelle stares at Katarina, "I am not eating that!", she then gazes at Ryhalt and Edris, "None of you have chicken there, do you? ITs not chicken!! Its a dessert!!"

"Hm." Some of the confidence that was settling in for Edris evaporates at the announcement of what it is that they're to be making, though he looks gratefully over to Amari. "Is it truly all the same recipe, my lady?" he inquires gently of Mabelle. But the wheels continue to turn, as he squints down at his recipe riddles again. "No, my lady, no flesh involved, but I was wondering if you'd truly have the type of eggs this seems to be calling for..."

Katarina stares back at Mabelle. "You do not eat turkey?"

"A turkey." Keely stares at her recipe card, turning it the other way round, her pale brow furrowing gently. "...a turkey." Her lips lightly purse to one side. "A turkey could mean... to gobble... and gobble sounds like goblet... wine is served in goblets..." Her young face lights up and she turns to Katarina. "Wine! We need wine. To put wine in." She may have forgotten this was not a collaborative effort.

"I reserve the right to rephrase that comment." That's offered to Renata in relation to his food choices and Nazmir offers it with a chuckle, only to then give a laugh at Patrizio's choice of a competition and Griffin's sudden endorsement of it. A glance towards each and then, "So we'd be competing on the grounds of whoever can /not/ make the taste tester make faces after trying random creations. Got it." Looking back to his riddle, he's then looking to Mabelle and then back again, "No chicken? Got it. Now, how about honey? I'm sure there's gotta be honey in it, right?"

Terese pushes the mushrooms back where she got them..."Hmm, maybe some eggs...," she murmers

Ryhalt shrugs to Mabelle. "No. I mean, I could *try* to make a turkey shape," please don't, "but I wasn't planning on doing that. Clearly if it's a desert for you it just needs to have honey and chocolate in it. And sugar. No mystery there?"

"Turkeys and chickens have eggs?" Griffin is trying. Riddles are one thing. Baking is another.

Mabelle chooses Edris' confusion and declares, "NO, ITS NOT! Its different . There. And yes I do eat turkey, just not as a cake", she grins at Katarina. Keely's making sense amuses her and she looks at Nazmir, "Certainly there is honey. Yes. I'm a bee after all". Her crystalline eyes narrow at Ryhalt, "Yes", she huffs and then claps for Griffin!

Renata says, "Please no... chicken or turkey." Renata looks back to her paper, mentally sweating and hoping they weren't cooking with meat, after all, what kinda cake would it be if it was turkey... Dressing? She wrinkles her nose and looks to Nazmir, "No take backs." she politely tells him, before squinting at the paper. "Uh... honey.. Ok.""

"Oh!" Katarina says, having stealthily hoarded a few clues. "This part is how to make a glaze!" She pauses. "...or it is a warning /not/ to glaze. I seem to be missing the... truly important section of this..."

Terese smiles warmly at Griffin, maybe she will -just- grab whatever he does...that makes sense...just gotta do it discreately

Keely's dark eyes snap toward Griffin and she draws a soft, excitable breath. "Eggs! Oh, Griffin, you wonderful genius," she enthuses softly, beaming across at the Redreef Lord. "The kitchen people told me there are almost always eggs in baking."

Mabelle meanwhile comforts herself with her red velvet cake, "Mmm yum", she rises, "So if you figured out your ingredients. They are in the pantry. All. In one basket. You kinda need to race there. Because there might not be enough for everyone. Just saying".

Amari presses hand over mouth as Mabelle takes her to task for not being mean, or more careful with her guesswork. "I'm not terribly mean by nature." She protests a little. Like, she isn't even insisting that Katarina stand by her word to try ALL the cakes. That's merciful of her, right? "Can I at least tell them there's no poultry meat in the recipe?"

Keely checked composure + manipulation at difficulty 28, rolling 36 higher.

Mabelle nods amusedly at Amari, "Please, for the sake of my stomache.

Nazmir checked composure + manipulation at difficulty 28, rolling 10 higher.

Renata checked composure + manipulation at difficulty 28, rolling 9 lower.

Ryhalt checked strength + manipulation at difficulty 28, rolling 4 higher.

Griffin checked composure + manipulation at difficulty 28, rolling 12 lower.

Katarina checked dexterity + manipulation at difficulty 28, rolling 32 higher.

12 Grayson House Guards arrives, following Liara.

Patrizio checked strength + athletics at difficulty 28, rolling 2 lower.

Amari checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 28, rolling 42 higher.

Edris checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 28, rolling 27 higher.

Nazmir has absolutely no idea what he's looking for, but when he's told they are in the pantry and all in one basket, he's swiftly turning and making his way in that direction. Height certainly has it's advantages and he's quick to make his way there, only to pluck up a basket with a triumphant, "Ha!" Then it's back to the counter, arms wrapped protectively around the basket as if trying to protect it from a rampaging mob.

Terese checked composure + manipulation at difficulty 28, rolling 20 lower.

Not having an idea of what to get means having to stand there and actually be puzzled by the things that are in the pantry. Patrizio does have some idea of things that /should/ always be needed - a sweetener, some fat, flour - and so he does make sure to have those things. But the rest - not knowing the answer to the riddle has him, again, with the basket and trying to at least echo some of the choices made by others...

So there /were/ eggs! There that would also point to ..flour? Griffin doesn't really know baking, but he finally gets an idea what sort of items he's looking for. He's not the first in the pantry though!

Liara checked perception + riddles at difficulty 28, rolling 17 lower.

Zoom! Keely turns and bolts from the island toward the pantry, bringing both pieces of her recipe with her. "Butter, eggs, flowers... no, flour!" she is whispering/chanting to herself. She is perhaps surprisingly fast and, in a strange strategy, had reached in attempt to take Kararina's hand and pull her along. The Valardin princess gave her the turkey clue, fair is fair. She doesn't reach the pantry first, but she does manage to get all of the ingredients she... thinks she needs. And if Kat does come along with her, she snatches doubles of things to toss her way.

Liara checked composure + manipulation at difficulty 28, rolling 33 higher.

Katarina's gambit may fool some, but not others, as she scrambles toward the cabinet. "Oh! Please, be careful! I have a delicate constitution -- to jostle me would be unthinkable!" Somehow, Katarina is able to say stuff like this and make it sound /almost/ plausible, as she continues scampering forward like a gremlin. "Please, take mercy on my pitiful-- out of the WAY, Princess Keely!" Katarina is like, trying to climb over Keely.

Katarina checks dexterity at hard. Katarina is successful.

Mabelle claps her hands amusedly, "Run, run and get eggs little chicken", she laughs over her cake as they all rush to the baskets over the pantry.

you know those mushrooms...that Terese thought she moved...some of them fall into whatever she is making as she goes to get her other ingredients...last in line. She is struggling to bring it all back to her station. "Sorry, excuse me, Oh no," she murmers as she tries not to drop anything

It's hard for Edris to truly set chivalry aside. He won't be bodychecking anyone out of the way or anything--but he uses his height to his advantage, as well as his relative nimbleness, as he moves to collect ingredients. He will even throw in a few "pardon me"s in there for good measure when he has to reach over some of the shorter competitors. Maybe he's even helping them after a fashion, since he's probably getting a very wrong combination of things.

Renata's eyes widen at the realization she'd have to be fighting to get ingredients..... from a basket. "Oh goodness..." she says softly, nibbling her lip and looking to Nazmir, "I.. oh, Excuse me.." Renata was no warrior nor was she any place to be skirting and dodging around the others that passed by her quickly. She didn't have the height of Nazmir, being a petite little thing and she certainly didn't have the manipulative abilities to sweet talk her way into getting things, at least not under pressure. The princess is finally grabbing a few ingredients, but she wasn't at all sure if these were the right ones. Flour sure, and honey.. that bit was given to her, eggs, check mark for that. And... a few more off the wall things, an apple.. Surely fruits belong in cakes. And, oh look! A tomato, perfect. Ren finally returns back and laughs.

"Oh, now we know why the cake is red..." Ryhalt nods slowly, hiding a grin. He doesn't seem too much in a wrestling mood, though since all he does is try to lift the eggs up high enough to get out of the reach of shorter people, but it doesn't seem to work very well.

Keg, a warhorse arrives, following Kritr.

Keg, a warhorse have been dismissed.

Kritr gets a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

Kritr checked perception + investigation at difficulty 28, rolling 20 lower.

Mabelle calls out amusedly, "Did anyone get the chicken?!"

Kritr checked composure + athletics at difficulty 28, rolling 9 higher.

Griffin really doesn't have a clue. Other then the base ingredients he looks for honey (he was certain somebody made mention of that) and a few odds and end that he thought would make it good. Some nuts sounded good! Right? Honey and nuts sounded good. "Here I though we were going to /taste/ the entrie! ha!"

"You're just trying to egg us on, my lady," calls Patrizio back to Mabelle as he's going through his basket for a little bit, as if to make sure he has everything he /thinks/ should be in there...

Not only is Liara late, to say that she is bad at anything baking-related is grotesque understatement. She appears not to have even the first clue of what any ingredient might be, or what it might be for. She has, in fact, probably never been in a kitchen before. The requirement for eggs appears to be the last straw, and she instead sees herself over to somewhere closer to where Mabelle is, to offer a warm smile and some lighthearted words, "Happy birthday. I can see that eggs must be a requirement, although what relation they have to cake is rather a mystery."

Amari is decidedly polite and yields the way to anyone who wants to rush the pantry ahead of her. She has a look of utter confidence about her, no doubt based on her read of the recipe riddle. With that on her side, she can be cool and patient. When she does manage to make her way in, she's quick, efficient and elegantly ruthless about filling her basket with all sorts of things. Maybe too many things, really. Some of the selections are quite suspicious in that no one in their right minds would use them in desserts. Avoiding Keely and Katarina with some deft darting, laughing and reach throughs and bys, she's soon out and headed back for the island with a small smile.

Keely perhaps did not choose the best ally in this, as it turns out. She nearly topples over as Katarina climbs her in pursuit of turkeys, probably, and the look of betrayal on her flushed young face is unmistakable. Her big brown eyes lift in the princess' direction, and she takes a full four seconds to compose herself before she reaches to TAKE BACK the butter she had shoved into the woman's arms. And put it back on the shelf. Carefully and really not very far out of reach, but still perhaps the most aggressive thing she has ever done. And she stares at the woman the entire time.

"This is supposed to be cake?!" Kritr wonders allowed, a tin of sardines in hand.

Katarina just barely avoids headbutting Amari in the ass as she climbs over Keely. "Aha! Victo--" she says, reaching out for... an empty cabinet shelf, devoid of the ingredients that Amari just claimed. "No! Betrayal!"

Mabelle beams at Liara as she enters, "Patron, thank you for coming. And oh, you do not have to do this, you can sit with me on the sideline and eat cake and laugh at everyone". Mabelle flashes a grin at Patrizio, and a sympathetic smile at Keely. "No fish in my cake, Lord Clearlake!", she warns Krit, "I think I might end up in a hospital tomorrow", she murmurs at Liara.

"Couldn't find the blasted chicken, so I sent my assistant to go get one from the coop," calls out Nazmir to Mabelle, a grin tugging to his lips. He's got a basket full of goodies and he hasn't even started looking through them, yet, still leaving his arms wrapped around them as if that alone is going to be enough for some tasty dessert to be created.

Mabelle murmurs aside to Terese about Katarina, "Is she like that in every dinner party?", wagging her finger at Nazmir next, "I'll egg your favorite honeysilk dress".

Mabelle takes a sweet surprise beewax candle from a large wooden beehive.

When Nazmir is saying he's gotten a chicken from the coop, Renata nearly gives him a death stare, before eyes are squinty and then she's turning around to grab... a paper, crumpling it up and trying to throw it at him! Not sure, if she was able to hit him turning quickly to whistle innocently. "A dress!!!! It better not be one of mine!"

Renata checks dexterity at normal. Renata is successful.

"It is the relationship between certain of the constituent parts and the apparent final product that I cannot fathom," Liara replies to Mabelle. She does indeed elect to settle nearby for now, and inquires, "Do you plan to eat all of them? That would be a feat." Then she quiets as she looks about, somewhat curiously and with a smile.

"Ice. Square tin." Kritr has no clue what he is doing. "Round white... marshmallows." He looms over the tablespace given to him, supporting his very confused expression with locked elbows and willpower.

When Mabelle says that she's going to egg his favorite honeysilk dress, Nazmir unwraps his arms from around the basket, only to plant his hands on his hips, trying to look dignified for the moment as he offers up, "I'll have you know that I don't have a favorite honeysilk dress." There's a laugh at Renata's comment, only for him to then look back to Mabelle, "Buuuuut, if you go get me one, Lady Mabelle, I shall wear it and declare it my favorite."

Terese is here fumbling over the ingredients...-oh- No did egg shell get in there..she seems to add random things together all at once, the mushrooms hidden..tricky things those...she is staring at mustard and is thinking, why Mustard!?! she decided not to add that *whew*

Patrizio heaves a sigh when there's the back and forth about doing horrible things to clothing, and there's that sense that perhaps the prince of Pravus isn't as worried about fashion. Though there's a smile to Renata, before he murmurs, "Cousin, I don't think he can fit in your dresses. Your wardrobe is safe." Those jade eyes dance for a moment, or two, though the expression's far more wary at the consideration of what he has to work with.

Katarina, meanwhile, is having a diplomatic crisis between Valardin and Grayson. Looking up at the high shelf on which Keely placed the butter, the five-foot-one Eurusi heiress /gasps/. ".../wars/ have started over /less/, Princess Keely," she huffs. It's probably /true/, but.

More crawling. Keely is clutching her ingredients to herself with one arm and crawling on the other hand and her knees out of the pantry, from beneath Katarina. Wyla rushes over to help the young Grayson to her feet, and reseat the tiara in her hair, which she smooths a bit so she looks less Entirely Disheveled from the VICIOUS attacks she was subject to courtesy of a certain young dragon. And then she is off again, back to the island to put her things down!

Kritr is still collecting ingredients, having arrived late. Kritr calmly brings over a vase of flowers. Flowers do not belong in cake. On cake maybe.

"What did you need? I can share." Amari helpfully offers Katarina, forgetting almost immediately that she's been counselled to be mean. Incorrigible! Mabelle will be so disappointed. Smiling over her shoulder, she asks, "Goose?" She has extra fowl. "Dried fennel?" That's not what she's putting in her own bowl, yet.

Katarina checks dexterity at daunting. Katarina is successful.

"Does one have to be able to wear a dress for it to be a favorite?" Edris muses aloud. "I cannot say that I would fit into any of mine, either." But he's setting out his ingredients in a claimed space on the island. There's nothing too outlandish that's not kept dubiously to the side, but he's probably missing a few things that make for a toothsome dessert.

"Fennel, please, yes!" Katarina calls back to Amari, while /hopping/. Jumping up and down, trying to reach the stuff on the high shelf. Finally, she manages, gripping the shelf with her hands, but just barely. She pulls the ingredients left there to herself and lets go, somehow not making the cabinet pitch over onto her. She has her armful of stuff -- including butter -- and scampers to the island, now. "...is this flour?" she asks, of what is obviously flour.

Renata gasps for a moment, realizing the paper she threw at Nazmir was actually part of the instructions... Oh gods.. She frantically looks around, nibbling at her lip as she goes back to read the paper, part of it anyways, looking all the more puzzled. Which technically hasn't changed from this whole time! The comment that Patrizio makes about Nazmir not fitting into her dresses causes her to laugh abruptly, and she's turning to him to reply, "Very true, but he's a /very/ stubborn man. He'll try I'm sure of it." she shakes her head.

Mabelle grins at Nazmir, "If you fit into one of mine, you can have it". He might fit an arm. She does not look worried. Mabelle looks at Kritr who seems utterly lost, "Are you alright over there? we are about to start baking!". Her eyes dart from Katarina to Amari and Keely in some concern, Renata as well, "Maybe not all of it", she murmurs to Liara.

"In an oven?" Kritr asks, looking down at the things he has collected. He sounds a little exasperated, looking at the ingredients. "Is there such thing as a cake you do not bake?"

"Ooh." Patrizio catches some of Kritr's remark, and there's a turn of that head of his to let his gaze settle on the other lord, before he nods. "That'd be a novelty. And probably safer, but less fun. Everything's better with fire."

Says the general in love with the threat of using Arvum Fire.

Mabelle claps her hands, "Time to bake! Yes Kritr in an oven", she laughs, "You can try making a cold dessert if you so wish it", she looks amused, "Did I mention there is only one oven?", her eyebrow rises a bit.

"That would be a rather tight fit and show far too much leg," offers Nazmir to Mabelle at the prospect of fitting into her dresses, only for him to then look back over towards Patrizio, "You're right there. Her wardrobe is entirely too safe." Now, he's looking to the ingredients and he's scooping up the honey, though he doesn't go mix it. Instead, he's simply opening it and stealing a taste from it before looking to Renata, "Noo. I'll just go get a dress made so that the Lady Mabelle has something to egg. See how good her throwing arm is."

Nazmir checked composure + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 25 higher.

Keely checked composure + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 25 higher.

Ryhalt checked luck + artwork at difficulty 28, rolling 19 lower.

Katarina checked composure + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 32 higher.

Patrizio checked composure + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 25 lower.

Edris checked composure + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 33 higher. Edris rolled a critical!

Renata checked perception + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 21 higher.

Griffin checked composure + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 3 higher.

Amari checked perception + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 5 higher.

Terese checked luck + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 15 lower.

Liara replies quietly to Mabelle, with a renewed smile, "It will apparently be a very full oven. I have matters to attend or I would linger longer. I wish you a very happy birthday and a day after your birthday free of any unusual ailments."

Mixing together ingredients, pouring them out, and preparing them when it comes to a war plan is certainly far more Patrizio's general skills than this baking thing, and it shows. The pan he's using is a mess - thankfully restrained largely to the interior of it - but there's a wonder if it's actually anything that's going to come out on the far side as being edible. And that shows on the prince's features as he at least checks to see that there's a flame within the oven before he puts the tin in.... Though again, he's stealing looks at the others, to see how they're doing, or how far off his looks.

Time to cook but for how long! oh no! the Princess is distracted by all the happenings and she burns her whatever it is just adding a charred topping...the say food fit for the gods..right? She is trying to take it out and set it up..there is clear signs of eggshell and mushroom in this eggy, suggery floury charred mess

Katarina checked composure + small wpn at difficulty 28, rolling 24 higher.

Mabelle murmurs hushedly to Liara, "I appreciate you taking the time to come", before rising to notice the upside down pantry and eye Katarina, "This better be a damn good cake".

If one were to pay attention to Nazmir's creation, now that he's actually working on it, it consists of nothing but chocolate, wine and honey, nothing that needs to be baked. The other ingredients in the basket are all but ignored, considering his lack of knowledge on them .. or at having not managed to solve the riddle. Instead, it's a liquid mess. At least it's colorful.

Kritr checked luck + performance at difficulty 28, rolling 19 lower.

Liara then turns to head out, with a laugh as she overhears Mabelle's words on the cake.

Kritr made soup. Fish soup. The flower petals are a garnish. The ice melted, the fish smell never really left the tin.

For all of her gremlin antics, once Katarina is actually at the island with her ingredients, she shifts demeanors entirely. Gone is an antsy, climbing-over-Keely little hellion, and in her stead is a composed and assured young Princess. (Or young Queen, depending on which Eurusi folk you ask.) "I assure you, Lady Mabelle, on your birthday I would give you nothing less than my best." Katarina has some level of reputation in Valardin for having an insatiable sweet tooth -- she looks like she's lost weight recently, so maybe she's forced herself to cut back. But perhaps this is what makes her so comfortable in baking: some supernatural connection to the Pastries of the Universe. "...you do like extra frosting, yes...?"

Edris has that frown of concentration as he begins to mix his ingredients. Though he has many disparate ones gathered, the pickled pigs feet and cherry preserves are set to the side for now. He doesn't seem pleased with the look of the "batter" but it does seem to stir a sudden inpsiration in the Elwood knight. With a look around the pantry, he lights up as he sees a iron skillet that is similar, if a little bigger, than one would use at a campire. So inspired, he rushes to grab it, dabbing it with the lard from his ingredients list. After a few minutes, he has it sizzling in the kitchen hearth, pouring a few griddlecake sized dollops into it. They don't even smell bad as they're starting to cook.

Ryhalt seems to be taking the very least you can do approach to the baking part since he doesn't try to go for the one oven either. From the looks of things he seems to be making either chocolate pudding or just chocolate icing. He even tries to stick a candle in it, but it's not firm enough for that, so it leans over the side like it's some sort of spoon. He tried.

2 Valardin Knights have been dismissed.

Hermeline, a russet vixen have been dismissed.

Katarina's quip about frosting does bring a faintly wistful look to Patrizio for a moment, and then he's shaking his head. "Extra frosting's not going to save this cake this year," says the Pravusi prince after he's ruefully peeked in the oven for the fourteenth time, and there's that contemplation of his soldiers... and a shake of his head. "No, buying a cake and trying to substitute it at this point would be cheating." And again, he's trying to steal glances at the others' works...

When it's time to bake, Amari's focus is total. This is serious business, and she's a perfectionist. Every ingredient is precisely measured, every addition to the bowl mixed well (maybe too well) and as it progresses her obvious worry and concern grows. The results are perhaps not what she expected. Is the batter supposed to be that lumpy? Is the bubbling natural? Did the butter need to be melted? These are questions she can't answer, but she followed the recipe. Into the pan it's poured to spend some time in the oven. She's done all she can. She prays. "Lagoma bless this batter and change it into a cake that is passably edible."

Renata is looking over in the direction of Nazmir, and just blinks. She isn't entirely sure what he's putting in there won't make a cake but it does look questionable. "Wine? Of course you put wine in it." she laughs, before hoarding her ingredients and starts to put them in the bowl, leaving the tomato for last. And then she's trying to mash them all together, which is very hard when she's so not inclined to be strong. But she's having a good time and she starts to sing a lovely little tune, a few laced words in there that might've been her pep talking her bowl to make a cake. A baking song.

Griffin is not going to see the oven soon. BUT he has an idea! So he isnt going to win, but he can cook his concoctions. All he need is a pot of oil, and a slottled spoon. While everyone lines up for the oven, he disappears to find his pot and begins to heat up the oils. hopefully his.. whathaveyou wont sink to the bottom.

"Oh! Flour!" Kritr realizes belated. "It is a play on words."

Mabelle walks over toward Keely while others are baking, "Sure sure, more extra frosting", she smiles to Katarina, "Are you hurt, Princess Keely?", she checks her quite seriously after eyeing the pantry. Ryhalt's cake amuses her, "Not your best day, Duke Farshaw", she smiles at him, straightening her tiara. She smiles at Kritr for a moment, "That is not cake. And that smells horrid", she cannot help but laugh, "And yet somehow, there are worst things on this Island", she eyes Terese and Patrizio. Her eyes wander over Amari and Griffin's creation as well as Renata's concerned.

Kritr says, "Sardines are much better fresh."

whatever Terese made looks very terrible she makes a face. "Oh I do not think this is ediable at all," she murmers, cheeks flushing. "Please do not eat that," she says

Despite how her big sister is ABANDONING her to the dragons, Keely offers a smile Liara's way, lifting her spoon to give a little wave of parting before she gets to work! Somehow no eggshells land in the bowl. She mixes the butter and honey first, almost like she has been lurking in the Grayson kitchens demanding baking tips. The tip of her tongue pokes out of the corner of her mouth, brow furrowing in concentration. She is careful not to overmix. She FOLDS IN THE CHEESE. No, the egg whites. It is all done inexpertly, certainly, but with lots of whispering of memorized instructions to herself. "Oh, no my lady, I am well," promises Keely, whose shin is already showing a lovely blue bruise through her lace stockings.

"To be fair, cakes taste better when made with love and by someone else," Patrizio says, to counter Mabelle's assertion about how here are worse things on this island, in reference to his own work. "Emphasis on the latter of the two of those traits. And made better by sweeter company while enjoying them."

Mabelle promises Terese amusedly, "I have no designs to, its raw", she laughs and comforts the PRincess. Nodding barely to Keely, she mentions to Patrizio, "So on my birthday you just told me you love me not and I'm not a sweet company?", she twists his words entirely. Men!

Ryhalt nods in agreement with Mabelle. "Afraid not, got a bit on my mind of late. Still, it shouldn't taste that bad even it looks..." He looks at his creation and blinks like he hadn't really been paying attention to whatever it was he'd been making. "Umm... I'm sure it doesn't taste that bad. It shouldn't, in theory. It's not to late to make it a turkey shape instead..." He looks a bit perplexed like he's trying to figure out if it IS too late.

Nazmir didn't manage to get past the riddle, so there was no point in attempting to make a cake. Who knows, maybe he was supposed to make brownies! When Renata questions him on the choice of wine, he's giving a nod of his head, "Of course! Any good dessert needs wine. And lots of it." A look to her bowl and then back to his bowl .. which is little more then a soupy mess at the moment and he's giving a little grunt, "I had to improvise. For all I know, that riddle directed me to make some dastardly dessert that required days of preparation!" He's looking over in the direction of Patrizio, only call out, "How you doing over there, Your Highness?"

Katarina is still hard at work. Cinnamon comes into play, and almonds. Yogurt. Pistachios. She's /up/ to something. She's also whisking up a storm, like she was born to use the implement -- or like she has /incredible/ tendon strength in her wrists. The final product is set into a round cake pan and decorated with the almonds and pistachios in a ring. Whatever it is, it looks like it will be good. "Aha! Princess Keely, I apologize for my earlier conduct," she says, after getting her cake in the oven. "Here, there is some of the batter left in the bowl, try some, it is quite good on its own." And now, Katarina goes to lick the whisk she's holding.

Katarina checks dexterity at impossible. Katarina DONE GOOFED!!!111

Edris turns over the frying hotcakes with the pointy end of his hunting knife, because of course he is. At least when he's done he remembers to set aside hot pan safely. He puts the hotcakes in a small stack, and dollops them on top with the cherry preserves. Utilizing some discretion, the picked pigs feet are sliced thin and placed to the side. Because....well. Sometimes salty goes with sweet, right? He hopes. It's shaping up to not /look/ terrible--but it probably is not going to taste great.

And that's the story of how Princess Katarina Valardin got her tongue briefly stuck in a whisk. "Agh-- pthhg--"

"But the top burnt...How is it still raw," Terese questions, fowning at her abomination of baked goods. "I uh do not think Baking is for me," she admits

"Too much of a good thing, including sweetness, can be a bad thing, no?" Counters Patrizio, with a faint sigh to Mabelle, though there's a tell-tale twitch at the corners of his lips to hint that he's gotten that his leg's being pulled. And then with a softer - and more genuine - sigh, there's a turn of those jade eyes to Nazmir. "I fear I'm proving that such ought to be left to the professionals. There are some avocations that are just not for this soldier."

Mabelle eyes the surface of the Kitchen Island, "Good thing I brought cake", she laughs and points at the huge red velvet cake in the room. Her eyes land on Katarina there while she attempts to sooth Terese, "It can always be worse, you could be doing that", she points at Katarina, preplexed. Mabelle notes to Patrizio now, "I think you should stuff yourself with cake, you're making it worse", she laughs.

Mabelle checks dexterity at impossible. Mabelle DONE GOOFED!!!111

Renata is going quiet, and she's mixing.. or trying too. That's when batter gets flung from her spoon and lands near Nazmir's spot along the counter. She blinks and then looks over, trying not to snicker. "Oh.. goodness me. I can see why Bella never let me make any kind of cakes for birthdays." she laughs, before returning to her creation.. She does look around and catches Edris' pig feet that he's slicing, the princess gagging a little before turning around to compose herself.

Keely looks like she might try some of Katarina's batter, but after seeing how perilous that is, she offers a polite smile. "Oh, thank you, but it would break my heart to taste how much better yours... is..." She gives a concerned look toward the woman's tongue-tied state before hurrying over to get her cake baking! She hovers near the oven, keeping an eye on her layers of cake, fidgeting with her apron, pacing. Alas, she does not let her cake cool all the way before decorating it, and so the icing melts just a little. Still, for a princess not known for much in the way of creating things with her own hands, it is a relatively attractive dessert, and probably tastes pretty nice, too. She did -something- to make it pink all the way through, and there are fresh, plump berries scattered across the top. The rosy frosting has a lovely waft of lemon to it.

"Lady Mabelle! I need a wine glass for my dessert drink!" That's bellowed out before Nazmir is looking back towards Patrizio, "Alas, alark. At least it was an enjoyable attempt at a masterpiece, Your Highnesss, even if it didn't quite turn out as one might attend." He does happen to catch sight of Katarina getting her tongue stuck in a whisk and there's the hint of a chuckle. When batter flies from the direction of Renata's station, he's glancing over towards her, "Hey, hey. Keep your bits of creation on your own side."

Mabelle regards Katarina and wonders, "Should I get medical attention?", trying very hard not to laugh before indulging Nazmir, "OF course, honey wine or red wine?", she indicates her girl to him, "Go to the cellar for the Prince".

Mabelle also extends a trophy to Terese, "Its horrible. Here".

Mabelle drops a less golden etched wooden star trophy.

"Whichever is stronger," Patrizio offers up as his own bit of advice towards the drink, though he's grinning still at Mabelle's jibe about stuffing himself with cake. A shake of his head, though, for Nazmir as he muses, "No, the attempt is what matters. Perhaps when next the Skal'daja choose to invade, we'll hurtle a recreation of my creation at them, and they'll flee in terror."

Katarina tugs at the whisk one way, then another way. She tries to say something to Mabelle. "Ehg uugg fllhhh eg uug uhhheellh," she says, slowly working her way out of this infernal tongue-trap of a kitchen utensil. "Eh taayyhh ghh ah lllhh."

Terese takes her trophy blushing slightly. "Thank you," she murmers. "At least some of you made something ediable," she states

Ryhalt mutters, "Something"

Nazmir gives a little laugh to Mabelle, "No, no. I need a wine glass to pour my creation into. It requires no baking. Just wine, chocolate and honey. I shall call this drink The Queen Bee." A firm nod of his head and a little grin, "Though .. I have a feeling it's going to be awfully sweet to actually drink." He's looking back to Patrizio, to give a soft little laugh, "Better get cracking on creating more. One bowlful probably won't be enough."

Terese gets a less golden etched wooden star trophy.

Mabelle offers a glass to Nazmir then, "It sounds like something I would serve at the Bee Lounge", she grins at him and steps toward Katarina, "Let me see", she did not think she will have to spend her birthday prying a Princess out of a whisk BUT HERE WIE ARE!"

Ryhalt wanders out of the kitchen, distracted and muttering to himself.

Kritr does want to learn how baking a cake is done however. So he pays attention to the most successful. "Can I try some of that?"

With only a little aid, Katarina's tongue comes loose. "Ah! Lady Mabelle, you are not only a good hostess, you are also a hero who has saved my very life~."

Keely steps back to give a Mabelle and Katarina room, dusting her hands off against her apron, dark eyes peeking over toward Patrizio and his... creation. She draws her teeth over her lower lip, shuffling over and toting her frosting bowl with her. She sets it beside the Pravosi Prince, nudging the pink lemonade icing remnants toward him. "I made this," she informs him, for some reason, considering how he just... watched her and everyone else make their own things. Then she nudges it closer again. And places a spoon beside it.

With the glass procured and passed over, Nazmir is chuckling to Mabelle, "Well, hard to say if it even tastes good." The bowl of liquid dessert is upended into the glass, a rather ruddy red in color and he's regarding it a moment, only to then give a shake of his head, "And this is why I do not bake. Or even attempt such things." Not that he actually baked. Scooping the glass up, he's taking a sip of his creation and then another, only to set it back down.

Mabelle begins to circle the table, "Now I begin to taste, my the gods be in my favor", she moves between the cakes and looks impressed with some efforts, shocked by others and is she... cringing?. "That's actually not bad at all, Princess keely. I wouldnt open a career but you can assist an orphan", she chuckles. Her finger dips into the dessert Amari made, "Oats . On my birthday. Oats. I'll serve you water on yours. But its good, dammit". A sip of the wine of Nazmir and a bite of whatever it is Edris was making, "Oh not bad! I'm not touching those", she apologizes to Kritr as she eyes his soup fish, "Or that, I'm sorry. Alright. I have a favorite". Her legs return to Katarina, "This is the nicest. You win!", she pushes a trophy on her. One of the servers gives little velvet bags to the first three winners too, likely holding gemstones.

Mabelle drops a golden etched wooden star trophy.

For a moment, Patrizio's jade eyes are drawn from whatever else is going on to that setting down of the pink icing, the spoon, and then his attention's turned more properly to Keely with a smile curving his lips. "You did make this," he says, agreeing with her, and there's a chuckle. "And I've claimed ownership of the not-quite-a-cake that came forth with my effort. This is why the gods made us all different, so we can enjoy what each of us excels at." Though at hearing the declaration about the nicest, he does turn his head to see who Mabelle's awarding that honour to.

"So there is no ice in icing?" Kritr confers with someone who actually knows how to cook. "It's -just- sugar and butter."

Katarina takes a golden etched wooden star trophy.

Katarina drops a golden etched wooden star trophy.

Jenkins, an armed champion have been dismissed.

Talidan, a crotchety old man who shakes his cane have been dismissed.

Renata doesn't blame Mabelle for not eating hers, the pravus princess sliding her bowl over off to the side somewhere. Best not any one get sick from that, however, it wasn't that bad, considering the tomato was the only weird ingredient... maybe? She couldn't remember now. She chuckles and scoots over to Nazmir's spot. "We were baking and you made a drink?" she smirks, shaking her head. "Always thinking out of the box, it seems."

Terese is trying to help clean up the mess, waving over to Griffin to offer him a warm smile. "Well, for sure I am never trying to bake you a cake," she tells him


*** Katarina has called for an opposing check with Keely. ***
Katarina checks strength and brawl at easy. Katarina is successful.
Keely checks strength and brawl at easy. Keely is successful.
*** Keely is the winner. ***

There is a pause where Keely seems to wait. Perhaps for Patrizio to -try- the frosting she brought over to him. But he doesn't, so she exhales quietly and collects the bowl again with a small, polite smile to the prince. She instead returns to Katarina, and places the bowl in front of her, scrunching the bridge of her nose at Mabelle in the process. "Are orphans known for their... baking?" she wonders...


*** Katarina has called for an opposing check with Amari. ***
Katarina checks strength and brawl at easy. Katarina is successful.
Amari checks strength and brawl at easy. Amari is successful.
*** Amari is the winner. ***

Unfornately the oil didn't get hot enough fast enough. Just as well, Griffin isn't a baker. He eats them though! Alas. No the big question is: who's washing the dishes?

When Mabelle casts her judgment upon Katarina -- and finds it good, Katarina brings both hands together over her chest and almost squeals. "Oh! Thank you, my Lady! I wanted to honor your birthday, and..." She avoids gushing, but she does give Mabelle a big ol' hug. And Amari and Keely, too -- or at least, Katarina /attempts/ to hug them, but they're able to fend her off or otherwise avoid getting squeezed by a tiny Valardin. She's undeterred in her good cheer. "Please, I hope that my cake is enough for everyone, if you wish to try, and if Lady Mabelle allows it...!"

Katarina takes a golden etched wooden star trophy.

And her cake is done? Amari reaches in to poke at the center of it with her finger and it doesn't collapse or squish under the gentle touch. That's good enough for her, so she finds a towel to serve as an oven mitt and returns it to the island counter to cool. The only thing left to add is a swirling drizzle of honey and voila! It's a cake with a sweet nutty flavor and a golden exterior that's got a nice crispness to it. To Mabelle after her taste test, she grins and takes a bow. "You can even make this out in the woods, next time you're travelling - if more by his method by frying it over a campfire." She gives a nod to Edris and his bushcraft griddle technique. Kritr's question has her look his way and consider. "Ice in icing? I wonder if it could be done, butter, sugar, ice..." She's still thinking about it when she's gremlin hugged. "You smell like a delicious cake, Your Highness."

Nazmir looks over as Katarina is proclaimed the winner, only to call out, "Congratulations." Then, he's looking to Renata, a chuckle falling past his lips, "I couldn't make heads or tails of the riddle .. how was I supposed to know what to make. A drink seemed the perfect attempt and it's got honey and chocolate in it, so clearly it's a dessert."

Mabelle cuts pieces of Katarina's cake, delivering one to Kritr, "Its not bad, there you go". She mentions amusedly to Griffin and Renata, "Well making a drink got him nowehere, oh the kitchen looks horrible, how delightful. Maurice will kill me". She pushes the rest of the tray of Katarina toward the middle, "There you go, all of you. There is also real cake", that wasnt offensive. She takes out her cake knife and heads toward the big cake and slices it . Because.

Mabelle takes Frosting Spreader - a brightly colored wide seax from a fashionable hand bag.

Mabelle wields Frosting Spreader - a brightly colored wide seax.

Nazmir is overheard praising Mabelle.

Renata is overheard praising Mabelle.

Edris is already halfway wincing when his creation is tasted, with a sense of palpable relief once it's determined to at least be /edible/. He offers a courtly bow. "Not the greatest of performances on such an occasion," he admits, though it's with a brief smile that warms his eyes. "But as long as you enjoyed watching all of us scuttle abount it is worth it." It's then that he can relax enough to wander around and gawk at others' creations, and staying out of the way of incoming hugging attempts directed towards others.

Renata is overheard praising Katarina.

Renata is overheard praising Keely.

Keely is overheard praising Mabelle.

Mabelle is overheard praising Griffin: Good try!

Keely is overheard praising Katarina.

Mabelle is overheard praising Katarina: She broke my pantry!

Nazmir is overheard praising Katarina.

Mabelle is overheard praising Edris: Clearly in the wrong profession.

Mabelle is overheard praising Nazmir: Looks Hawt in a dress.

Kritr does try the cake, even though he's not fond of sweets in general. "There are nuts on this." He points out. "I like that."

Mabelle is overheard praising Amari: I will serve oats at your wedding.

Terese is politely enjoying the safe treats and drinks as she watches the others here. She seems mainly quiet as she offers soft smiles to everyone

Briefly, Patrizio's glancing to Renata at the question asked by Keely, with a wink and a half-grin. And a soft sigh, before he's making sure it's clear to the household staff that, yes, perhaps it's best if his untouched cake is conveyed somewhere where it can be safely done-in.

Keely has set a bowl of frosting in front of Katarina. Once she's done gushing, Katarina notices it.

And that's the rest of Katarina's afternoon settled.

Mabelle glances left and right at all her guests, "Laurent pool is open, if you need, also the baths at the conservatory", she laughs, happy to remain perfectly clean.

A soft, surprised giggle escapes Keely, and she gently straps her arms about Katarina when it is her turn to be wrestled into a hug. "Oh, thank you," she murmurs softly, her cheeks going as pink as her cake. Once she releases the woman, she turns her focus to the Lady of the hour with a warm smile. "What a wonderful birthday, Lady Mabelle. Thank you so very much for having us all!"

Renata easily catches Patrizio's glimpse at Keely's question, a press of lips and she's offering her own faint smile in return. At Mabelle's comment of Nazmir's drink she chuckles, "Yes, well I'm just glad he's experimenting here." there is a sly smirk for him before nudging his arm.

Mabelle nudges Keely's hip with her own hip, which is the only place not floury, "Thank you for coming", she grins at Keely and then asks Renata, "Did you taste it? Its like drinking melted sugar".

Katarina looks up from eating a bowl of frosting with a spoon at Mabelle's mention of something being like 'drinking melted sugar.'

"I thank you for your hospitality, Lady Mabelle," Edris says gently. "And it was a pleasure to compete in such company," he offers to the others. "However, I cannot escape my duties to Elwood overlong. I hope that our paths shall cross again soon." He tidies up his working space even, though true to stereotypical norm, the Elwood knight seems to have worked efficiently and neatly, relatively. With one final respectful bow to the room, the Elwood knight waves off, retreating back out of the kitchen.

There's an arched brow briefly at the mention of 'drinking melted sugar', and... for his own part, Patrizio's looking far more content with drinking things that are more potent and less sweet. A chuckle slips from his throat as he's echoing the sentiment offered up. "Indeed, thank you for hosting this, my lady," the prince says with warmth to Mabelle. "A delight as always, and enjoyable to have the chance to try doing something different."

Kritr nibbles, but does not finish the slice of Katarina's cake. He leaves it aside and nods to Mabelle. "Happy Birthday Lady Laurent. I am sorry that I did not practice first. I should have done this, preapared something from the North. We have sweets there. Maple syrup for one."

Mabelle smiles warmly as people Edris and Patrizio as they retire, "Thank you for attending and I'm sorry for your clothes!!!", she looks at Kritr then curiously, "What's maple syrup?"

"Thank you Lady Mabelle, this was fun even if disatorious," Terese murmers softly. "Walk me home," she asks Griffin, offerinf her hand to him

Mabelle teases Kritr, "Is that when Maple goes on a walk?"

As if oatcakes for the wedding is even a threat. Amari merely smiles and as attentions shift, she has a wander to see what everyone else has produced. No judgement either, just plain curiosity. "Sweets of the Compact. Now that's an exhibition you ought to host, Lady mabelle."

Kritr says, "It is sap from trees. When boiled it becomes very sweet... You know what maple syrup is."

Mabelle smiles to Terese , "Thank you for coming, you too Lord Griffin", she bows her head to him and her eyes land on Amari, "Oh I like that. Ooooo I will!"

Amari is overheard praising Mabelle.

Amari is overheard praising Katarina.

"As you please," Griffin nods to Terse with a smile. "Thank you Lady Mabelle for what turned out to be lots of fun!"

Nazmir is giving a hint of a chuckle at the mention of him experimenting, his gaze sliding to Renata as she nudges him and then he's looking back to Mabelle, "Thanks very much, Lady Mabelle, for a grand time, by the way. We'll have to do egg throwing, at some point, since you had brought it up. We'll even get a dress for Prince Patrizio and charge admission to make it a charity event." A glance to the other Prince and there's a flash of a grin.

Patrizio smiles, briefly taking up Mabelle's hand to kiss the back of it, before he's retreating a step, and offering the dip of his head. "Your highnesses, my lady and lords. If you'll all excuse me. Duty calls." Those jade eyes twinkle again, before he's gathering his soldiers and making his way out, but not before there's notice of a grin at Nazmir's threat...

Katarina isn't going anywhere -- at least, not until she's sampled every last thing that catches her eye.

This could be a while.

3 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields leave, following Patrizio.

Mabelle eyes Nazmir, "Give me 4 Princes, and I will make it a charity event", she challenges him.

Terese is seen leaving hand in hand with Griffin

2 Redreef Wardens leaves, following Griffin.

Griffin leaves, following Terese.