The courtyard is looking festive with all the decorations, silk ribbons everywhere, little glowing lanterns and huge vases of fresh summer flowers. It's elegant and casual, with lots of seafood and livery stationed around the area for guests to partake in. Staff are here to welcome people into the space, while Denica Thrax stands in a central spot to wave at those that enter. Dressed in a gown that is reminiscent of ocean waves, she is wearing a bright smile and enthused to be hosting tonight.

"Welcome! Come in, eat, drink and enjoy yourselves. We have some great entertainment and some games to play tonight, but otherwise it's an open space to have a little fun!" A beat, "I wanted to bring people together, because while there is lot on the horizon and if we can take time to breath and smile, I think we will be better for it. There is nothing that means more to me than the Mourning Isles, so my hope is to bring a little of that spirit here to you tonight and celebrate together. Thank you for joining me!" It's a short introduction, letting people come in and mill about, find a drink or something to eat and mingle.

Lucita strolls into the courtyard after sending her guard-dog escort off to train a while with one of her human guards. She glances around at the flowers and lighting appreciatively and can not help but take a deep breath, sniffing the various scents. A slow smile upturns the corners of her mouth as her gaze sweeps over those gathered, seeking familiar faces.

1 Iron Guardsmen, 3 Black Fleet Reavers, Moonsilver, the pale-feathered raven arrive, following Raven.

Jasher is already present within the Crimson Square when guests begin filtering in, if only because he assisted Denica with hefting in furniture and hanging up decorations wherever and however directed. Not that he can take /any/ credit for just how wonderfully it turned out. He stands apart from the growing crowd, beryl eyes bent upon the tables that his cousin beautified with an assortment of ribbons, colorful foods and bottles of liquor. Somehow, she managed to make the cornucopia of mundane items into a work of art. He's clad in a strange mix of armor and casualwear, as though making some effort to look presentable without sacrificing self-defense. A leather sword belt hangs from his hips and the hilt of his blade glints in the candlelight as he pivots on a heel, glass of rum in hand, to belatedly greet a few known guests. "Baroness," he addresses Lucita formally, at the start, and inclines his head politely. "Glad you were able to make it. Drink?" He gestures with his free hand to the laden table.

Ian has been in a 'lingering on the edges of things not talking to anyone' mood lately, and today he's playing that part to perfection once again. He's found a wall on the edge of things to lean against, and while his gaze picks out various people in the square, he shows no signs whatsoever of having any intention of actually engaging with anyone. The event has only just started, and he's already giving off a sense of being right on the edge of gone.

Haakon is as cheerful and merry as ever, sitting sullen and dour as far out of the way as he can manage. As the radiant hostess speaks of not dwelling on the events looming on the horizon, the prodigal reaver exhales and drinks, muttering into his mug, "Well fuck, I wrote the wrong song for that."

Zoey takes her time enjoying the work put into preparing for the event; smelling flowers, admiring decorations. When she hears Haakon's exclamation she heads in his direction with a smile. "I am sure it will be fine! I know that I look forward to hearing it regardless." She gets a glass of wine from the table and sips on it.

Few familiar with Romulius Thrax would ever associate the man with either games or revelry, possessing a reputation for severity that borders on over-dramatic. Still, there are occasionally social gatherings that draw him out from whatever war rooms or libraries that he typically haunts, and so into the courtyard from the looming estate emerges the prince. Dressed in gleaming diamondplate that seemingly acts as a second-skin, he's at least had the good sense to keep his hands bared for whatever festivities his cousin has planned for the evening. On his arm is one of the few women able to match (and often exceed) his strict austerity, a few hushed words offered to his wife before Natasha is led towards her cousin and the evening's hostess, Denica given a quick nod of greeting and a warm smile, "Cousin. You've outdone yourself. I pray you've not planned anything *too* frivolous that might lead me to reconsider." He doesn't linger long, allowing his wife to offer her own greeting before stepping away from Denica to allow her to greet other guests as they arrive. When a familiar face enters his eyeline, they're given a polite dip of head as he makes to pull a drink from one of the servants' trays.

Ksenia pads on into the courtyard, seemingly enticed by curiosity to follow the noise heard from the nearby Crimson Square. A faintly apprehensive look scans over the party, particularly when it comes to all the nobles and royalty in attendance. It's the sight of all that food though that seems to convince the woman to stay, and she's soon angling over to one of the tables laden with seafood and shellfish, like a good islander should, to find a more comfortable spot where she's able to sample everythung.

Rohran, dressed in Keaton colors, wearing a Keaton signet, and looking, well, VERY Keaton arrives just before the festivities begin. He lets his eyes move around the crush of people filling the courtyard. His face is a vague, polite half-smile that could mean anything or nothing. He seems content to stay near the wine table, taking a glass in hand, from which he politely sips. According to typical Valardin standards, politely simply seems to mean 'pretends to.'

Romulius has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Jasher has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Lucita executes a graceful curtsy as she approaches Jasher on hearing the familiar voice and greeting. "Oh, yes, please. You know my preferences so trust you to provide a nice drink." She glances around once more and gives a little wave to Ian, Zoey and Haakon, overhearing a bit of that mutter into the mug. "You are writing songs now? Perhaps that is where my musical muse has disappeared, visiting you for a while, Lord Haakon." A glance over the decor once more leads to her saying. "This is wonderfully done, so inviting and anywhere you look, something lovely to see or experience."

Lucita has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

"There is no such thing as a wrong song, it's everything else that's out of place!," she exclaims to Haakon, her lips curling into an easy smile. With people arriving, Denica is waiving and greeting and seeming rather excited to have them all here. "Thank you!," she says to Romulius and looks around, "it's nice to bring some colour anywhere, really. Even more so, to bring people together," she seems pleased by everything even if it's just the beginning. From time-to-time, she glances over at Jasher, keeping an eye on him, for whatever reason. It's not at all suspicious. Even if it is, the princess is swishing around with her ocean-wave-like skirt, seeming to delight in everything and letting her guests settle in before doing anything more official.

Yuri had taken a bid of inspiration from his patron; having arrived earlier upon the grounds and moving whatever furnishings and decorations that had still yet to be placed in their proper settings before any guests began to filter through. But as soon as a window of opportunity had reared its head, the lord was off toward the bar to partake in some of the first helpings of rum and whatever was fit to load upon his plate to give himself a small platter to pick from throughout the evening. He did not sacrifice any sort of form and function in his current company; to be adorned in a comfortable mix of leather and mail. The only piece to remove were his leather gauntlets as he absently partook in his plate.

Raven steps and glances about. Moonsilver is nowhere to be seen but her guards remain with her as she enters and gets an eyefull. Upon noting the crowd is almost entirely nobles they feel away and find somewhere discrete to loiter allowing Raven some room to breath. Her gaze spots Zoey and she flashes a quick, warm smile and then the surly Haakon draws her gaze causing her eyebrows to loft up a bit.

Gleaming diamondplate is contrasted sharply with funereal blacks; despite the summer's sweltering heat, Natasha Thrax appears to bear it with all the severe, unflappable grace that seems to cloak *her* like second skin. Arriving with pale fingers curled securely within Romulius' inner elbow, her greeting towards Denica, while expectedly perfunctory, is laced with a subtle affability reserved for close kin. Dark eyes gleam like embers in the dying light as she adds, "I'm not surprised that everything looks wonderful, and I look forward to the evening's diversions - better you than me though, cousin. I'm not as practiced a hostess as yourself and Alarissa." Tall bootheels pivot sideways then, following her husband's taller, broader shadow, and soon she allows herself to be steered away towards the nearby refreshment table, curls brushing against the high set of her cheek as she meets Romulius' murmur with a faintly amused glance, and a hushed reply.

Rohran has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Ksenia has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Natasha has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Ian definitely notices Lucita's wave, and nods in reply. And that's all he does. He doesn't move from the spot he's found leaning against the wall where he can so easily just be gone. He doesn't offer any kind of verbal greeting.

Zoey in turn waves to Lucita, then Raven, then to Natasha where she is at Romulius' side. She spots so many people moving toward the table lined with rum and looks down at her own glass. "I fear I may be drinking the wrong thing."

Haakon sniffs to Zoey, in something like greeting. Lucita gets a sidelong look. "Now and for the past many year. I don't oft mane a show of them, but when a Princess of Thrax asks.." A simple shrug.

Natasha's dark eyes fall on Ian where he lounges, and as she passes by Zoey, she murmurs softly to her protege - whatever she has to impart must be brief, however, because she doesn't linger.

Lucita casts a little wink toward the man who married her sister-in-law, a good natured grin showing briefly. She glances back at those seated at the table bearing rum and starts to engage in conversation with them.

Jasher turns back to the refreshment table to select from the assortment of bottles one that looks distinctly like wine. The cork is pulled from the mouth and red liquid poured into a waiting glass that is thereafter handed off to Lucita. "It is not Saik vintage but will suit just fine, I think," he remarks dryly, then raises his eyes to observe the arrival of Romulius and Natasha. "Cousins." The observation is made with an modicum more delight than he's wont to express for their appearance. "It's been a while. I trust you are both doing well? And Marius?" The bottle of rum he's already opened is plucked up from the table and set down within their immediate reach, followed by two empty glasses. "Try this instead." The Keaton lord is observed for a moment, and then /another/ glass is procured. "My lord?"

Aedric Blackshore enters the courtyard in a worn-but-clean breastplate and, upon spotting Denica, immediately gravitates toward her. "Thank you, your highness, for extending my family an invitation," he tells the hostess, offering a small smile and polite dip of chin. "I will apologize ahead of time for completely mopping the floor with the rest of your contestants. I have always been quite fond of oysters," the sailor confesses, shifting his gaze toward the refreshment table. "Then again, it wouldn't be called the 'crimson' square without the occasional bloodbath." Grim humor from a grim man in a grim fealty.

Ksenia busies herself first with the oysters, reaching for one of the shells and bringing it towards her nose for a quick sniff before she tips it back with the ease of someone who's enjoyed a few before. That's only the start though, and she's soon piling a plate with crab legs and smoked fish, even as she ignores all the rum set out on the table.

Zoey pauses with the glass near her lips and nods in reply to what Natasha said. Looking back to Haakon, she smiles. "Certainly! I make no habit of arguing with princesses, especially ones baring the name of Thrax. It seems unwise, at best."

There is a little smirk that forms on Denica's lips in response to Aedric's comment and she says to him, "if no one gets hurt, I will be a little disappointed, but I suspect you will have some competition!"

Raven spots the rum and makes her way that way, pausing to pay respects to the Host and Hostess with a polite bow and unobtrusive greeting. Denica gets a flashed grin and bow of Raven's head. Armed with rum her gaze sweeps across others gathered though she's mindful not to intrude upon the conversations of her betters.

Romulius gives a half-shrug to Rohran, some exchange near the inordinate assortment of rums appearing to prompt faint amusement. "There is nothing at all to forgive, I would only caution against assigning virtues where they don't exist." Jasher is given a nod of his own and another warm smile seemingly reserved for close friends and family, though Natasha sees to addressing the inquiry on their son, leaving him only to add, "Gods help Amelia, at least. I wish for no part in chasing after a toddler, hearing how my uncles described it when my siblings and I were that age." Speaking of uncles, the Baron of Blackshore's arrival manages to draw attention immediately in that direction, the distinct blue gaze that betrays a shared bloodline apparently preternatural in its ability to find a mirror. The occasional conspiratorial glances that Denica shoots to Jasher, though, prompts an apparent wariness, Romulius taking a half-step away from his cousin as attention tears away from Aedric.

Evander accidently walks into a party, chewing on an ice cone.

As people start to get comfortable and have a drink or an oyster in hand, there is a clank on her glass like the princess wants to make an announcement. Standing up on a chair, to get a better vantage point where she can let her voice carry (and it does), she begins to speak. "We are rather lucky tonight to witness a never-heard-before sea shanty written by Lord Haakon Eswynd. I expect to be singing this for a couple weeks and I am excited to hear it. Please, welcome Lord Haakon and thank you my Lord for indulging us with your talents tonight!," the princess begins to clap enthusiastically as she announces the start of the performance and takes this opportunity to snag a shot of rum, two and she downs them pretty quickly.

Ian takes note of Evander from where he's leaning against a wall, very near the exit of the square, but doesn't make any effort to intercept or greet him. His eyes move towards Haakon when his song is announced, after that.

Raven's eyebrows shoot up and there's something akin to what may the beginnings of understanding as she watches Haakon's visage during this announcement.

Evander walks over to Ian, placing his hand on the Kennex lord's shoulder, "A friend ruined clams for me. You know if they have any chicken?" He asks, looking around.

Rohran bows his head politely towards Lucita, seemingly answering her. "Ahh. Baroness. We met several years ago, if memory serves. I cannot remember the circumstances. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance again." He looks around. "I feel as if I have forgotten everyone. It is a disconcerting sensation. To go from the Oatlands to this....is different."

Haakon nods once when named, and rises. As brusque as the hostess was kind, he draws a slow breath, "For ye Mainlanders-" he did spy a Keaton keaton-ing about, earlier, "Keep time with fist or foot. Join in the refrain once you know it." He sets the cadence by thumping a fist steadily on the table. It is a rowing rhythm, with two beats in the time needed for each oar stroke. Four beats in, he begins singing in a rough baritone. His is a voice for the battlefield and the rowing benches: loud, strong, and clear, but no listener would ever call it sweet..

Ksenia looks up from gorging on all the free food, perhaps surpsingly so for such a wispy woman, to look at Haakon when it's indicated he has something to perform. She doesn't seem all that familiar with most of the highborn, but appears content to stay long enough to listen to the song.

Ian shakes his head to Evander. "I haven't been to the table to look. I'm not really sure how long I'm staying here, tonight. It's a lot of people."

Yuri raised his glass up toward Haakon's introduction, giving a short series of taps of his mug of rum on the table in appreciation before rising along to settle closer to the table where others had settled to partake in the spirits and other seafood placed about. He was mid-place of a clam within his mouth before glancing off toward Evander's comment to Ian, blinking rather suddenly before guzzling down the clam.

"When the looming storm at long last broke
And Kinstrife claimed we Isles folk
The Thrax unto his swords so spoke:
"We'll make their widows mourn.

For we are heirs of the Mourning Sea,
The hard old ways we'll share with thee.
For House and kin we war and reave,
We are to battle born."

The tides will rise and the tides will fall,
Old ways are kept in proud grim halls,
With new winds at our backs, stand tall
To greet the rising morn.

For we are heirs of the Mourning Sea,
The hard old ways we'll share with thee.
For House and kin we war and reave,
We are to battle born.

Although it were a strife unsought
And sons against their fathers fought,
For grief of men, the Wind cares not,
We’ll never be forsworn.

For we are heirs of the Mourning Sea,
The hard old ways we'll share with thee.
For House and kin we war and reave,
We are to battle born.

All those who rose with rebel hearts
Did call on vassals to do their parts.
They’d well trade in the warrior’s arts,
Once damned and thrice scorned.

For we are heirs of the Mourning Sea,
The hard old ways we'll share with thee.
For House and kin we war and reave,
We are to battle born.

Yon fools cry for the bad old days,
Thinking that we forgot our ways.
Their pride will bleed and coasts will blaze
When sound the reaving horns.

For we are heirs of the Mourning Sea,
The hard old ways we'll share with thee.
For House and kin we war and reave,
We are to battle born.

Come throngs! Come beasts! We never yield.
To fight until death’s rest we’re steeled.
Bear me to the grave upon my shield
Weep not nor be forlorn.

For we are heirs of the Mourning Sea,
The hard old ways we'll share with thee.
For House and kin we war and reave,
We are to battle born.

Zoey moves to stand with Natasha as Haakon prepares to sing. She grins to Romulius. "Nannies are lifesavers, are they not? I know I would have stopped at one baby if I did not have them." But then Haakon is singing and she is quiet until she finds the rhythm.

Zoey has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Jasher raises his glass of rum in Haakon's direction as he begins, then taps the heel of his boot against the stone pavement along with the beat. He even manages to keep time.

Caspian rushes into the courtyard, sweat beaded on his brow as if he had bolted across half the city to get here. he was still wearing his armor and normal attire, and little flecks of sand could be seen, hinting that perhaps he had come straight from a duel.

Evander leans against the wall alongside Ian, watching the party. He listens to Haakon and nods his head to the beat of the song.

Yuri has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Raven spots Caspian and offers a wave, trying her best not to spill the rum but definitely not interrupting Haakon's tune.

There is another shot glass in the princess's gloved hand and she knocks it back as the song begins. A foot stomps in time and she is quick to join in the chorus, she is not quiet, never is. Well versed in the arts, singing doesn't seem to be one of them, though, but she doesn't quite care, I mean who is going to stop her and so she is loud just because! As the song continues there is a little emotion that flickers in her vivid blue eyes, but she tempers it, because she is a Thrax and so she just stomps her foot harder and raises her fist like she is in fact battle ready in her frilly dress.

Lucita obviously loves music. She stamps one foot heel in time to the shanty but adds a little drumming on the edge of the table as a counterpoint enhancing Haakon's singing. Once done she calls out as a simple accolade. "Well done!"

"Amalia is hardy and fit, like most members of the house's nanny corps," Natasha remarks with all of her signature stoic confidence. "Unfortunately knowing how you were when you were wee, I might need to offer prayers nightly for her to keep up." Unmitigated affection colors her words, however, while addressing her husband, the gossamer threads of one of the only times in which she has deviated from what is expected and traditional finding the day's dying light before her attention is once again ensnared by Jasher. Deception is a tool he is ill-versed in, and the more his attempts at deflection becomes apparent, the more amusement pushes up from underneath the ivory contours of her visage. Still, she doesn't address it, and lets the sleeping serpent lie as she addresses the rest of his remarks: "Well, I have it on good authority that the males of my family tend to grow rather tall, rather quickly - I trust he won't be any different, but despite his age, he loves the sea. I can't wait for you to witness how he takes to it." There may have been more coming, but when Haakon starts his shanty, the princess grows quiet and listens - the initial bars earn the Eswynd lord an approving glance, and participates along with the growing clamor with the stomping of a foot, and a smattering of applause when the last chord is sung.

There's a sense of politeness about the way that Ian listens to Haakon sing. He shows no sense of being taken by the singer, the melody, the rhythm, even the lyrics. Everyone else is being quiet and paying attention, so he does the same. Once the song is over, a little bit of equally polite applause, and then he returns his attention to Evander.

Caspian spies raven and beams, though Haakon and his son has his full attention. his smile grows and grows, his eyes alight with a need to join in and sing! he bites hi tongue, instead humming and stamping his foot. he pumps his fist, bobbing along and smiling. as he finishes, caspian bursts into raucous applause, "Well done my lord well done! well sung and well written!!" he practically bounced in his excitement and applause, moving to stand next to raven, "Gods i had heard the man could sing a brilliant shanty but i think i was not told the half of it!!" he looked toward haakon again and called out once more "well done!"

Ksenia joins the scatter of applause for Haakon, in the middle of inching away from her table and towards the exit of the courtyard now that she's finally had her fill of free food.

Zoey taps her hand on the table in time with the song, and even hums along toward the end. When

Evander grits his teeth at the conversations that develop around. He coughs, reaching for an handkerchief inside his pocket and covering his mouth with it. Evander's dead eyes scan around, turning to give Ian his attention when his cousin speaks to him.

Zoey taps her hand on the table in time with the song, and even hums along toward the end. When the song ends she applauds as well. "People underestimate him in that regard, it is true," she tells Caspian.

When it comes to an end the princess is cheering, hands clapping and feet stomping, still humming the tune, but at least she's stopped singing along. "That was perfect, thank you so much Lord Haakon" she says with sincerity in aside to Haakon looking impressed by all of it. "I can see why they are sung, I think that it would make the travel on the sea, all the more invigorating." The princess has probably never rowed a boat herself, but she can pretend!

Rohran doesn't join in the signing. Or the merriment. Or the dancing. Or laughing. Or smiling. He does stay near the rum table, arms folded across his chest, jaw set, eyes hard. He is ready. Ready to do battle with this party. In a compromise with the situation, he tilts back a glass of rum, and actually drinks the entire glass! Miracles. They happen.

Jasher sets his rum down just long enough to applaud Haakon's excellent shanty, one that will no doubt catch and spread like wildfire among his own sailors.

Raven offers Caspian her rum, "You are the encouragement we all need, champ. Have some rum. Don't mind the grim air, if there's rum I promise it's a party." she reassres.

Haakon answers the scattered applause with an uplifted flagon, a deep drink, and the toast of, "East Wind see us home." That done, he answers Denica's thanks with a mute nod and a strong desire to no longer be the center of attention.

Ksenia has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Zoey's comment draws the momentarily flash of a sickled-white grin, but it's quickly hidden behind a sip of rum as Natasha addresses the Kennex lady. At Denica's announcement, Romulius's attention turns towards his protege - a strange pairing, certainly, but lethal if nothing else - though the ever-serious prince does not lend any percussion to Haakon's shanty. At its conclusion, his hands come together twice in polite applause, the prodigal reaver given a nod that's slightly more genuine in its praise of the man's performance. It being finished allows him to comment upon his son's apparent taking to the sea in an echo of his wife's answer, "My kin have always been introduced to the sea early - if not at birth. You'd know better than I that the Thrax in him is just the same. If you'd like to take Marius out, I can send word to Maelstrom to ready him for a voyage."

Natasha is overheard praising Thrax.

Raven is overheard praising Haakon.

Haakon Eswynd never failed to impress the elder Blackshore, and this shanty -- regardless of its significance, or how long it had taken for the prodigal nobleman to craft -- was no exception. Once he'd completed the jig, Aedric joins the crowd in their enthusiastic applause. "Hard old ways, indeed," the mariner murmurs, collecting a glass of unidentified amber liquor from the tray of an attendant as he passes. He lifts it to his lips and drains its contents in a single swig, momentarily lost in the memories of the youthful years he'd once spent at sea. Those were gone, now, and though his liver was certainly worse for the wear, he doubted there would ever be a day he did not reminisce fondly upon the sound of sailor singing.

Aedric is overheard praising Haakon.

Zoey is overheard praising Haakon.

Caspian looks to zoey and smiles, nodding his head, "i am guilty of that for sure! thought never again after this! i wonder if he would ever join me in a song at the bar.." he chuckles softly at the thought before looking to Raven, "Is there a grim air? i only just got here sadly.. but their is rum and drink so surely it cant stay grim for long!"

Denica is overheard praising Haakon: The sea shanty-iest!

Evander is overheard praising Haakon.

Zoey is overheard praising Denica.

Evander closes his eyes and shakes his head.

With the entertainment closing and folks returning to their drinking, the short Thrax princess waves a hand in the air to get everyone's attention. When that doesn't work, she whistles. Loudly. Denica is very loud for such a little thing. "Okay everyone! We are going to play a game! A shuck and shoot game. Alright. The object of the game is to take a shot, shuck an oyster, eat the oyster, throw the shell at a target. I've got some Water of Life, which I am told is the strongest drink in the Mourning Isles," Denica looks at Haakon, "thanks Lord Eswynd. This will get harder the longer you go because you will get more drunk!," she points out the obvious.

There are targets being set up as Denica explains the game and buckets of oysters brought out along with basic shucking knives. "There are three prizes, and what I will do is let the winner pick first, and the others after." As the princess mentions the prizes another staff member brings them out to display. "Mostly, try not to hit each other, but if you do?," she shrugs, no skin off her. "So again, take a shot, shuck an oyster, shoot that oyster, throw your shell to hit the target. Any questions?"

Denica drops a pearl encrusted red oyster shucking knife.

Denica drops a beautiful pair of dangerous shell-tipped hairpins.

Denica drops a small painting of the Mourning Isles within an oyster shell.

Evander pushes himself of the wall, squeezing Ian's shoulder and walking off towards the games, "Watch out guys, Darkwater incoming, mercy ain't no virtue!"

Raven's gaze flicks towards Haakon, then slides towards Ian and Evander and shrugs at Champ, "Nah, it's just a Party. I'm mostly here to see what the four winds shuck and shoot is...." She ahhhhs and grins, "Ask and ye shall receive. You gonna try your hand, Champ?"

Zoey sets aside her glass of wine. "I was only planning on watching, but I like the look of those hairpins," she tells the others standing near. "Keep an eye on my wine, would you?" With that, she goes to join the other contestants.

Ian doesn't seem to be intent on participating. Participating would involve him leaving his wall, and it might fall down if he does that.

Caspian gives a cackle as the game is described, "Oh absolutely!! got years experience shucking oysters... should be easy enough! throwing things.. eh.. but hey! can always be lucky!" he beams and wets his lips, "you are going to try yes?"

"The story sounds familiar," Natasha replies to Jasher in an unblinking fashion. "There's a part of me that hopes that he grows up to be as bold and reckless as his father, but I may be shooting myself in the foot as a mother while saying so." A smile, barely there, flits like a spectre across a coral-pink mouth, before she pauses to listen to the rules of the game. "I think I might actually try my hand at this one, though I may forfeit after the second round - even if I do have Rom to carry me home." No amount or degree of revelry, it seems, will dissuade the princess from her daily two-drink minimum, and gestures for a server to retrieve a shucking knife for her.

Raven shakes head, "One hand, I'm just likely to hurt myself. I'll be cheering you on, champ."

Yuri placed his mug of rum down upon the counter as the announcements rang out, watching as contestants began to gather. He smirked a bit, canting his head as if he were ruminating something over along to himself. He shook his head, rising up as he took a moment to tap Jasher on the shoulder before looking down the line of those lined up at the refreshment table, "Today is a very special day." His fingers laced together, extending out in a mock-stretch as he mimicked a passerby's question, " 'Oh, why is that Lord Tessere?' Why, this is the day you see a Lycene threaten the shucking skills of Thrax."

Evander coughs.

Denica drops Water of Life.

There is a very obvious part of Romulius that wants no part of the game laid out by his cousin, but ultimately familial support wins the day and the prince lets out an exasperated sigh followed by a long drink from his glass that sees it emptied of the amber liquor. "I'd prefer not to carry you, but I suppose it would hardly be charitable to forbid you from *any* sort of amusements." The game is (hopefully) harmless enough, at least. Yuri's comment seems to inspire some of the prince's competitive spirit, and thickly accented baritone issues a challenge, "If you win, Lord Tessere, I'll grant you command of the Order's next landing."

Jasher inclines his head toward Natasha. "I am certain he will benefit from the best qualities of both his parents." Thereafter, he pivots on his heel to lid his eyes at Yuri. "We will see about that." The right corner of his mouth twitches with the suggestion of a smile. The empty glass is set down atop the refreshment table as he says, "Lucita, if you will excuse me a moment?" And with that, he slips from the table to stand in front of the oysters laid out for the competition.

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

Evander sees Zoey and leaves the competing line for a moment to greet her, "Sorry, did not see you there." He says, approaching Zoey and excusing himself from those in her company.

The sight of WHAT everyone participating in the contest will be drinking gets a very brief hint of a grim smile from Ian.

Romulius checks stamina at normal. Romulius is successful.

Evander checks stamina at normal. Botch! Evander fails completely.

Caspian checks stamina at normal. Caspian is successful.

Zoey checks stamina at normal. Zoey is successful.

Yuri checks stamina at normal. Yuri is successful.

Aedric checks stamina at normal. Botch! Aedric fails completely.

Jasher checks stamina at normal. Jasher is successful.

Lucita laughs softly, ducking her head so it is not obvious. She shakes her head a little and then says. "Best of luck to you, Prince Jasher!"

Renata checks stamina at normal. Renata fails.

Raven eyees that, "Ooooh, Gods. Ah...Be careful champ! Lady Zoey!" She purses her lips, "Someone's gonna loose a fucking finger..."

Natasha checks stamina at normal. Natasha is successful.

"Evander! Good to see you," Zoey says as she collects her first shot. She glances at Raven, her eyes narrowed but still playfully asks, "What is that supposed to mean?" She takes the shot and shakes her head after gulping it down.

"And that is precisely why I intend to forfeit by the second round should I actually prevail in moving forward, my love - to prevent you and myself from suffering the indignity," Natasha says simply as she collects her shucking knife from a passing servant, as well as a shot of the Water of Life. Yuri's bold challenge earns him a tilt of her head, and looks him right in the eye while she downs her short glass with a solid swallow, upending it on the table in front of her. "Bold words, my lord Tessere. I eagerly look forward to watching you rise to the challenge."

Caspian coughs loudly as he takes the drink, "Oh gods! i think i have used that to clean blood stains off armor before. oh that burns something fierce" he coughs again, wiping his mouth and looking to Zoey and raven, "thats.. people dont drink that normally right? cause by the powers..."

Rohran checks stamina at normal. Rohran is successful.

Evander takes the shot, inhaling too much air with it, it throwing him into a coughing fit.

Renata arrives fashionably late, but not quite late enough to entirely miss the start of the current game. The merriment of all provides enough encouragement for the Pravosi princess to be nudged into joining, and she lines up with the other competitors to take her assigned shot. It's a short foray into the competition though, since her fair cheeks turn a curious shade of pink as she promptly chokes and coughs on the hard liquor.

Rohran tilts his head back, draining the shot down his throat with little apparent effort. Well. MAYBE his eyes water. A little. In a manly, stoic way.

Natasha checks wits at normal. Critical Success! Natasha is spectacularly successful.

Zoey checks dexterity at normal. Zoey is successful.

Yuri checks dexterity at normal. Yuri is successful.

Romulius checks dexterity at normal. Romulius is successful.

Jasher takes a shot. He barely winces. TOO EASY.

Jasher checks dexterity at normal. Jasher is successful.

Rohran checks dexterity at normal. Rohran is successful.

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

Raven's eyebrows lift and she cheers for those she knows, ambling lover to top off her rum.\

Romulius checks dexterity at normal. Romulius is successful.

Jasher checks dexterity at normal. Jasher is successful.

Yuri checks dexterity at normal. Yuri is successful.

Renata waves a hand rather frantically at the corners of her aquamarine eyes, some moisture lingering on the corners of her eyes after her coughing fit subsides. With that, she bows out of the game and soon slinks off to a different table to find something more hospitable to drink.

Caspian checks dexterity at normal. Caspian is successful.

Aedric exchanges his current glass for the 'water of life', empties its contents, visibly winces, and then takes a single step away from the competition area. That would be all for tonight. Maybe his liver had finally met its match. If he were not standing in the presence of polite company, he would spit -- but he can't, so he settles instead for awkwardly shaking his head and scraping the top of his tongue against the roof of his mouth.

Yuri pointed with menace upon Jasher, Romulius, and then Natasha as the verbal gauntlet was thrown down. "Fortune favors the bold, your Highness. Else, we would not be here." And a deft hand grasped out for a shot as if the thing were water, taking knife in hand to sink the blade within the oyster's shell to give it a rather slick pry before it was shucked and lobbed upon his given target.

Zoey checks dexterity at normal. Zoey is successful.

Ian's moment of amusement was just that. A moment of amusement. Now it's over, and he scans the square as much as he watches.

Caspian quickly makes short work of the oyster, true to his word that he had experience doing this. He was a tad wobbly, the drink already having effect as he hoisted the shells up and aimed at the target. "oooh this is going to be tricky.. moving target!" he took a breath.. then hurled the shell.. and miraculously hit the target! he beamed with pride, "Haha! one round down!"

Lucita watches the ongoing competition. She gives a little clap of the hands as friends progress a round.

Rohran is, apparently, deft with a knife. Or at least an oyster shucker. The drink knocked back, he pries open the shellfish with alacrity, then lobbed in one go!

Yuri's challenge, and the whole of the Thraxian party with Natasha rising to it, must put something fiery in her blood - a shot of something ephemeral and incandescent that allows the Eye of Maelstrom to spin the shucking knife in her hand with dexterous flourish, and aim the tip of her knife in a precise point upon the craggy shell. The top comes off with a flick of a wrist, spinning across the table to knock down a spent shot glass in either an absurdly precise, or extremely lucky shot. Revealed briny flesh is consumed in an almost dainty swallow, before the point of her bootheel turns so she could look for the target. Really, that might be her undoing in the end - physical pursuits are hardly a forte of hers, but she looks game enough to try. "I've a feeling that I might be bold enough to dance with Fortune tonight, my lord Tessere, but to the victor go the spoils."

Romulius, outside of rum, is not overly fond of *any* liquor. This putrid drink has an obvious effect on the prince, unable to hide a decidedly unrefined wince as he chokes it down before taking up his shucking knife and driving it into the hinge of an oyster. This part, at least, is a practiced enough motion that he's capable of doing it ably even while reeling from the shot. The unlucky bivalve is lifted up and drank down in a moment before the empty belly is flung towards a target. It's not a *perfect* throw, but contact is made, finally allowing a comment on the quality of the competition's chosen beverage, "Gods, that's terrible." A quick lean towards his wife to offer a hushed whisper, no effort made to hide his grin this time.

Natasha checks dexterity at normal. Natasha marginally fails.

Oyster shells are flying across the courtyard and the princess is watching with a growing smile, she is cheering on the contestants and watching how everyone is doing well.

Zoey takes her knife and expertly opens the shell before slurping down the meat of the creature as carefully as one can do such a thing. with a flick of her wrist she throws the shell at the designated target.

Jasher shucks the oyster with a single smooth slide of his knife edge and twist of his wrist. The meat is swallowed whole and the shell aimed and thrown at its target all in one fluid motion. It seems the alcohol has not touched his mind. Yet. "Are you still feeling confident, my lord Tessere?" he inquires along with a quick shift of his eyes in the man's direction.

Raven carefully moves well out of the way, just to be safe, calling encouragingly to those she knows competing. She smiles wryly and notes to one of her guards, "You all are helping drag champ home, right? Not leaving me to haul him myself like you did what's his face last week, right?"

Rohran checks dexterity at normal. Rohran is successful.

Renata subtly brushes a last tear from the corner of one eye while watching the remaining competitors at work, an amused smile curving her lips while she spectates.

Lucita sets her now empty wine glass aside and rises from her seat. She quietly moves toward the exit, pausing to murmur a discrete goodbye to others along the way out. She casts a glance back toward the contestants and watches a moment before finally leaving.

Lucita has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

1 Saik Guard, Micana, an efficient assistant leave, following Lucita.

Rohran simply flicks his wrist, sending his empty shell spinning through the air. And....it's right on target. Dink!

Yuri gulped down the contents of his oyster as the shell was launched forward against his target, glancing off from Natasha over to Jasher as he gestured with his knife, "I'm fairly confident we'll be feeling that Water in an hour or so, truthfully, your Highness." He flashed a wicked grin before taking in hand another oyster, ready for the second heat.

Between the uncontrollable coughing and being unable to open the shell Evander just quits and stumbles away for something to wash down his coughing. He grabs some wine from the bar and downs his cup.

Romulius' grin threatens to cause Natasha's own to blossom, but the immovable, reticent quality of her expressions manage to prevent her from doing so. Whether it is the whisper or his expression, it is enough to distract her when she flicks her shell at the target and manages to hit it *barely*. It prompts a faint groan. "At least my uselessness in anything resembling athleticism remains constant," she laments, self-deprecation carrying hues of clear amusement.

Zoey chuckles to Natasha. "At least you can now sit by comfortably while the rust of us think and play with knives, Your Highness."

Zoey chuckles to Natasha. "At least you can now sit by comfortably while the rest of us dink and play with knives, Your Highness."

Romulius offers a quick quip to Yuri's comment, "I'd rather feel it now if only so I'd not have to taste it."

Romulius checks stamina at hard. Romulius marginally fails.

Yuri checks stamina at hard. Yuri fails.

Zoey checks stamina at hard. Zoey fails.

Natasha checks stamina at hard. Natasha fails.

Caspian looks to Raven and grins, "pfft.. ill be fine *hic*. takes more than a few shots to drop me you know." he looks at the oyster and winces, "though last time i had these.. ugh"

Caspian checks stamina at hard. Critical Success! Caspian is spectacularly successful.

Jasher checks stamina at hard. Jasher is successful.

Rohran checks stamina at hard. Rohran marginally fails.

Now that Renata finally has a chance to look around at the other partygoers, she is able to spy some familiar faces among them. The princess makes some time to scoop up a glass of wine as she heads in Raven's direction to greet her pleasantly, "I feel like it's been too long since we've last seen each other, Captain."

Jasher checks dexterity at hard. Jasher is successful.

Raven chortles, "Eyes on the knife in your hand please, champ. " She watches the row of nobles a smidge worriedly though Renata's voice claims her attention and she smiles, "Princess Renata! It has been too long, it's good to see you, your highness. Are you enjoying yourself? Did you place any wagers on the..er...competition?"

Caspian checks dexterity and legerdemain at hard. Critical Success! Caspian is spectacularly successful.

Jasher checks dexterity at hard. Botch! Jasher fails completely.

Caspian checks dexterity at hard. Botch! Caspian fails completely.

This shot goes down too, and already Romulius has reached his limit. It's held down - barely - but there's a sputtering cough that sees him throw his hands into the air in surrender. "Enough. If I wanted to be poisoned I'd visit Lenosia." A hand wipes at his mouth in some feeble attempt to rid himself of the aftertaste, trudging slightly-less-proudly back towards the rum as he prepares to drink away the memory of such a wretched concoction.

Zoey collects the glass for her second shot, but when she raises it to her lips there is a visible moment of NOPE and she sets it down. "I know it is called Water of Life, but I think if I try to force it down now I will feel like death come tomorrow."

Romulius checks luck at hard. Romulius marginally fails.

Evander checks luck at hard. Evander is successful.

Yuri checks luck at hard. Yuri is successful.

Natasha checks luck at hard. Natasha is successful.

Aedric checks luck at hard. Aedric fails.

Raven chuckles and calls, "I always knew you were smarter than I am, Lady Zoey!"

Zoey checks luck at hard. Zoey is successful.

"Fortunately I did not arrive in time for that. I did try my hand at the game, but I couldn't even get past the rum." Renata amusedly confides to Raven, taking a much-needed sip of wine to cleanse her palate of its taste. Casting a speculative look at the remaining competitors, she wonders lowly, "Have you placed any bets on the competition? Which one?"

Rohran checks luck at hard. Rohran is successful.

Rohran checks luck at daunting. Rohran fails.

Evander checks luck at daunting. Evander fails.

Yuri checks luck at daunting. Yuri is successful.

Zoey checks luck at daunting. Zoey fails.

Ian peels himself away from the wall and leaves. If the wall starts to fall down, everyone should probably run.

Natasha checks luck at daunting. Natasha fails.

Caspian gives raven a look, "oh its a knife.. i know my way around .. OW!" he nicked his thumb and grinned. he reached for the shot, and took a breath before downing it one go. this caused another eruption of coughing. "yeah.. still burns.." he cleared his throat and then shook his head as he worked for the oyster. maybe it was an easy one, but that thing practically flew open, and green faced.. caspian swallowed the salty meat. he put a hand to his stomach with a slight wince though.. something wasnt sitting right. sill he hoisted the shell and prepared to throw... when suddenly..he caught himself mid hurl. the shell went flaying FAR off course..but Caspian managed to hold onto his dinner"

For all of her bold words and the zest she has demonstrated in the challenge, much like most of those present, Natasha seems to have reached her limit by the second shotglass. Unlike her bigger, hardier husband, however, it isn't the taste that stops her but its vile potency; dark eyes glimmer with unshed tears once the concoction burns down her throat, and she takes a slightly unsteady step back to their table so she can find something non-alcoholic to resettle her normally steely nerves.

Jasher takes a shot of that famed Water of Life, sets the glass down, shucks his oyster without incident and then...misses the target entirely. It seems that alcohol is finally starting to have its way with his motor skills. Blue eyes shift to rest upon Caspian, who he toasts with a refilled shot in a sportsmanlike manner. After all, he's handling the shucking knife far more dexterously than the prince, by far. A drop of blood rolls down his finger where the sharp edge sliced through skin. Oops.

"I like to think I am smarter than average, at the very least," Zoey tells Raven with a grin before turning to Natasha. "Shall we step away from the sharp knives and flying shells?"

Raven eyes Caspian, "That one there, Caspian Wild. He's not looking too good though, poor guy. Ah well. Sure he'll be right as rain as soon as he tosses toenails." She looks to Renata, "Sorry for the colorful language, highness. It's good to see you back."

It was during his second shot that Romulius's comment seemed to hit him with extreme amusement. So much so that Yuri barely could get the bite to go down of the Water. He imbibed for sure, but it was the fact of keeping himself from falling off the bench he had been sitting on, or cutting himself with the knife in his hand, that was the true test. His laughter came next from the quip about Lenosia, gesturing with the knife that almost did slip out of his hand. And threatened to fling out of it toward Romulius but it was a winning stroke of luck that had him maintain control as he closed his eyes to regain some sense of composure, all chuckles even in the midst of the shucking contest.

Rohran works on the second shot. For something called 'water of life' it certainly seems to dampen one's ability to live it. Woozy, blinking like a man who barely ever drinks, let along anything like THAT, he meanders towards the rum table. "No. I think that does it." With a few murmurs....out he goes.

There are two front runners in the end, and the princess is watching with wide eyes, knocking back some shots of rum as everything unfolds. It's only at the end, that is really shows, and while there are some challenges at the throwing, it requires a quick call on the overall efforts and Denica is soon to announce. "That was amazing! Well done!," she cheers and the yard is really messy, but such are the way of things. "I am very pleased to announce the winners for the Shuck and Shoot! In first place, Caspian Wild!," a bright grin forms. "Then! In Second place, my lovely cousin, Jasher Thrax." A beat, "Caspian pick up your prize and then Jasher, you go next." Then the princess considers something, "since third place is a bit of a toss up we will draw for it, Stojan," she says to her assistant, "please write the...," he is thinking ahead and already bringing her a little bag with papers inside and the princess is rummaging around in it to pull out a name. "Yuri Tessere!," she says with respect to the prizes for the evening. "I hope everyone had fun and no one is too sick," she looks around, but not her problem, really!

"Oh... blood." Renata murmurs this faintly as she notices the cut fingers among the competitors, the color once lingering in her cheeks rapidly draining away to an abrupt pallor. With that, she turns promptly in the opposite direction to focus on anything but bloodied appendages, no matter how minor. When Caspian is announced as the winner, the still slightly faint-looking princess does manage a smile for Raven, "And it seems you won, Captain, you have a good eye. What did you wager?"

Caspian looks to Denica and smiles, "oh? i won! but.. no alright i wont complain!" he gave a broad smile and moved.. a bit unsteadily, toward the prizes. he looks them over and smiled broadly, "well.. these are marvelous! but, as always.. the knife just call to me! takes me back to.. well anyway, thank you! a marvelous game!" he picks up the shucking knife and offers a wobbly bow.

Caspian takes a pearl encrusted red oyster shucking knife.

Raven gently takes Renata's arm and turns so Renata can't see blood, "How about some more wine, highness?" she ahhhs, "Oh, a few thousand silver, nothing much. I Have to be careful with my silver while I'm saving up to replace my armor so nothing too crazy."

"I'll be fine, just need a moment." Renata assures Raven, the princess pausing to take a few deep breaths and chasing them down with a healthy drink of wine. When the worst of the spell seems to have passed, she still looks pale but less inclined to lose her already consumed beverages or keel over. A thankful smile is offered aside to her companion, "Thank you, Captain. That's always a touch embarassing."

Jasher takes a final shot of that Water of Life, sets the glass down, then turns to verbally congratulate Caspian. "Fine work. That shucking knife will certainly be put to good, deft use." And with that, he turns to take his own prize from the options remaining. Instead of the painting, he opts to palm the hairpins. He observes their beauty for a moment before pocketing them in his leather coat.

Jasher takes a beautiful pair of dangerous shell-tipped hairpins.

Yuri carefully rose out of the stool he had been perched in for the contest, taking smallish steps toward the lingering prize that remained. Before this, however, subtle bows of his head were offered toward Caspian and Jasher, "Congratulations, both." He cleared his throat and shut his mouth again, raising a hand to his chest to stem off some feeling before taking a moment to appreciate the prize. He took up the painting, settling it along under his arm rather gently before stepping off.

Raven smiles warmly, "No need to be embarrassed, Your highness. Plenty civilized folk have the same reaction to such unsavory things. Is there anyone here you'd like to say hello to once you've had a moment or three to enjoy your wine?"

Yuri takes a small painting of the Mourning Isles within an oyster shell.

Denica checks charm and performance at normal. Denica marginally fails.

3 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

1 Thrax Elite Guards have been dismissed.

With the prizes handed out and the courtyard a mess with broken shells, the princess is knocking back another shot of rum, having lost count along the way. It is then that she makes her way around the area, taking time to smile and stop and greet people, making sure everyone is eating their weight in fresh oysters. Then she is making her way towards Jasher, she bumps into him as though she is trying to distract him, but she does a rather haphazard job of it, probably because she's been drinking and then she gasps, all so dramatically. Oh this is bad acting, surely. "Oops! What's that! In the trees! A kraken!," she points at something somewhere, and tries to take an oyster from Jasher's plate. This was probably suppose to be smooth, but it's not, not at all.

1 Thrax Elite Guards have been dismissed.

3 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

Cato, a stealthy non-descript man have been dismissed.

Jasher checks stamina at hard. Jasher marginally fails.

"I'm afraid I don't recognize too many, even if I might have heard of them by reputation," Renata is soon to confide this aside to Raven after studying the assembled faces, aquamarine eyes soon lifting up in an inquisitive wonder, "Is there anyone you recommend I should meet?"

Caspian looks to Jasher and Yuri, "Thank you! and well done both of you! i think it really just came down to luck at the end!" he gives a laugh and makes to move back toward raven, pausing every few steps to steady himself. he looks over as Denica attempts her pilfering and grins broadly, wagging a finger at the princess with a bright smile as if to say 'i see you' but doesnt say anything. he looks to Raven and Renata, blinking a few times to get rid of the multiples of each he saw. "ahh! princess Renata! its good to see you *hiuc* again!"

While Romulius has been exercising a healthy amount of caution in keeping an eye out for Denica throughout the evening, he's currently too busy regretting his decisions to participate in her contest to offer any sort of warning to Jasher. "...a kraken?" He seems almost disappointed in the young princess's attempt at deception, to the point that the rest of the conversation at the rum table goes largely unnoticed.

Raven chuckles, "Well I know you remember Caspian, Have you met Princess Denica, Prince Romulius and Princess Natasha?" She grins to Caspian, "You gonna give that to one of your lady friends, champ?"

Were Jasher not already prepared for this show to begin, he might have straight-faced Denica's poor attempt to distract him so that she can steal his only oyster. As it stands, the alcohol has loosened him up somewhat, and he's willing to play along. With an agonizingly slow response time, he turns to follow the direction his cousin pointed out. "Kraken...?" he inquires with feigned interest, and when he turns back to find the plate in front of him empty, a balled fist comes down atop the table with more control and composure than an an angry drunk man might otherwise be capable of exercising. "There's a whole plate of oysters over there, and you had to take mine?"

"Of course - Denica would be pleased," Natasha replies to Rohran after a glance sideways to Zoey at her rejoinder. Elegant ivory tines collect a glass of cold water with lemon from an attentive server, finally turning towards her cousins and her husband once gigantic tentacled creatures from the deep are invoked. Dark brows climb upwards in silent inquiry, silently mouthing the word to Romulius, but once the mischief is revealed, there is a game attempt to smother a telling smile at the bivalve heist.

"Congratulations, Caspian. It seemed like a hard game to win. I'm believe I'm relieved I didn't make it past the first obstacle. I wouldn't have even eaten the oysters." Renata lets out a soft, musical laugh at the thought, favoring Caspian with a smile in greeting. Looking aside at Raven, she makes a small face and leans in a touch to whisper, "If I have, I fear it has been so long I have forgotten. But don't tell them that."

When Jasher accuses Denica of taking his oyster, she looks mock shocked, eyes wide and her mouth goes open to gasp in protest. "Jasher Thrax! Just because I am known to cause trouble, you just assume that I would steal your oysters? I was merely pointing out something very neat," which was not a kraken, "but might have been a branch, because I wanted to show you how great it was! You think I am up to no good, don't you?," she wiggles her eyebrows and Denica is clearly up to no good. "Well, I've had enough," she says and she takes one of her gloves off and throws it on the ground. Very dramatic. "This is the last time.," she steps up to the man, trying to hard not to smile, especially after drinking, that smile is a little silly on her face. "I think it's time you put your money, where you mouth is, cousin." Those are fighting words, much like the glove, which she might think means something?

Caspian offers a bow to Renata, his smile easy though he wobbles a bit on the bow. "bah.. was more luck than anything. but yes.. that drink and those oysters.. they do not mesh well." he winced slightly, before looking to Raven, "hmm.. i might at that! its a very pretty knife after all! and goodness knows i dont eat oysters to actually need a shucking a knife.."

Rohran moves off, quietly and politely as he came, with nary a word.

Rohran has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Raven watches Caspian warily as he wobbles, "Congrats champ." She looks to Renata, "Would you like introductions, your highness?"

"If you would be so kind, Captain," Renata agrees to Raven's offer with an incline of her head, looking largely recovered from her blood-induced spell earlier and ready to return to proper socializing.

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

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

Raven eyes Denica and Jasher with some amusement, "Well, princess Denica's busy, Let's go find Princess Natasha and Prince Romulius. You gonna be ok, Champ?"

Jasher casts a very brief wary glance to those seated at his table as he straightens out of his lean against it, and places his right hand on the hilt of his blade. "Are you certain you want to do this, right here and now?" he asks aloud, and seeing as how he knows the answer to that question, slowly withdraws the sword from its sheath without another word. The sharp tip is held low, in a non-threatening manner, as he waits for Denica to reveal her own choice of weapon. Perhaps this show accounts for the mismatched selection of armor he dons for the occasion.

Caspian gives a grin, "im fiiiine. just a bit.. woozy. that is some STRONG drink." he looks over as Denica throws down the gauntlet and smiles brightly, "oh now this is really becoming a grand party!" he claps merrily "Show him what for princess Denica!"

Mirthsome conversation appears to be the rest of the evening's directive, at least for Natasha Thrax, engaging both her husband and her protege with it as they attempt to wash down the taste of the Water of Life with other libations. For her part, a chilled glass is clasped securely between pale fingers, condensation scattering diamond drops upon her skin as ice clinks against its crystalline interior and presses a lemon wedge against it.

The princess's attire, which is rather festive and embraces the theme of the sea, is suspiciously got a lot of hard leather worked into it, surely a coincidence. But when Jasher draws his blade, she is pulling one out that is hidden in the folds of her pretty party dress. "Right here and now, Jasher Thrax!," she tells him and her thick Islander eyebrows are wiggling with evident mischief. "I'll even throw down some money on the fight. To the Heart-in-Hand in the winners name?" The princess is grinning from ear-to-ear, and she winks at her cousin, already moving to an empty space in the courtyard, which is probably the dance floor, but this is a kind of dancing right?

Lord Tessere was quiet as he kept a close hand on his painting within the palm of his head, propped up rather comfortably in his mail but he looked to be propped against the counter to prevent himself from falling off entirely, eyes closed as he had fallen into a rather embarrassing doze.

"Yes, I think we should... leave them to that," Renata seems eager to agree to give the dueling Thraxes a pass, but she soon nods towards the remaining royals and squares her shoulders lightly in preparation, "That seems a fine idea though, let's."

Raven leads renata over to Natasha, Romulius and co, bowing respectfully, "Lively affair Thrax throws, highnesses. Princess Natasha Thrax, Prince Romulius Thrax, I hope you might forgive the intrusion but I had hoped you might permit me the honor of introducing Princess Renata Pravus."

Zoey has indeed picked up her wine, though the look on her face seems to indicate hesitation at adding more alcohol to her body. Still, her smile is bright as she stays by Natasha and observes the Thrax cousins getting ready to throw down.

Raven adds, "This is Lady Zoey KEnnex, a good friend of mine."

Jasher nods his head once, then takes up a defensive stance. There is absolutely /no way/ he is going to strike his cousin first in this scenario. No matter how faux the initiation was, the /actual/ duel is to take place with real weapons and skill. The prince does not look particularly comfortable standing toe-to-toe with Denica, especially after all that Water of Life he consumed only minutes ago, but alas...he's going to carry on.

"Surely they aren't serious?" Romulius Thrax is, for better or worse, rather traditional in his beliefs, and he apparently finds the idea of House Thrax's Sword fighting one of its princesses somewhat abhorrent - even if it is Denica instigating the conflict. It's enough to cause him to rise from the self-inflicted torture caused by the contest, gaze narrowing at Jasher in an attempt to silently will him against entertaining further mischief. Renata's approach and introduction serve as only a minor distraction, the princess given a dip of head and shoulders that's almost a bow. "Your Highness - it has been some time." Eyes still look past her and towards the apparent beginning of a duel, "Have you been in Setarco, then?"

It's almost an afterthought when Romulius politely adds, "Blackheart."

There's only a *slightly* wary eye cast in Denica and Jasher's direction as they play at a duel, though interest grows visibly when the possibility of a wager is bandied about within earshot. An unrepentant lover of games, she is only prevented from engaging at the appearance of Raven and the Pravosi princess, both to whom she turns with a smooth pivot of snakeskin heels thin enough to kick through a man's femoral. "It's good of you to come, Blackheart, it's been a while," she says, and while her ivory facade is as constant and unchanging as ever, her words and air are amicable. "You are well, I hope, from the last time we've spoken?" With the subject of the introduction brought forward, a bob of her head allows for the movement of dark curls. "Welcome, Your Highness. We've never met, but it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." There's a curious glance to Romulius when he seems familiar with the Pravosi royal, before adding, "I imagine the weather is lovely in Setarco now - Bas had extended an invitation to visit so that his boy and ours could be properly introduced, but I've yet to take him up on it. Do you know my cousin well, princess?"

"They seem to be," Zoey confirms to Romulius, still cradling the glass of wine in one hand. "Ah, Princess Renata, good to see you again. And you, Raven! Have you been well?"

"Thank you, Captain. It's a pleasure, your Highnesses." Renata offers Raven a thankful smile at the introduction made, next dipping her head politely to Natasha and Romulius as she stands, notably, with her back resolutely turned to the impending fight. She instead seems quite happy with the small talk provided, offering a small nod, "Yes, I've had a number of agricultural projects there to oversee as of late. Bas was the one who requested them of me, but I am relieved to be back here in Arx again." Amusemenr creeps into her smile for Natasha, "It seems we share him as a cousin."

Caspian looks between Denica and jasher, excited to see this unfold. He looks to Zoey and gives a playful smirk, "honestly, princess Denica is quite the warrior. i have seen her fight before and she is something to behold! this will be a marvelous little duel i think!"

Coincidentally the princess has her back to any sort of sensible folks that might discourage her, asides, she isn't quite the type to listen, so much is obvious. Rather, she has her blade and she is looking at her cousin, she's had a lot to drink, but she knows how to hold it, that much is obvious. Rather, she gets a rather empowered smile, she probably knows she is going to lose, but that's not why she is doing it, and that much is obvious. There is a sense of confidence to her, or maybe it's the liquor and if Jasher wants to stop her, he doesn't have much longer to do it, because the little thing is coming towards him with her weapon drawn and a look of delight on her face. It's a Thrax party and someone is going to be stabbed, one way or another.

Raven bows her head, "Aye, I've been well enough. Pleased to have time to catch my breath and enjoy festivities like tonight, Thank you for allowing me to attend. I trust you've been well as well?" This is asked first of Natasha and then of Zoey, "I've been alright, how about you? It feels like it's been ages, my lady."


*** Denica has called for an opposing check with Jasher. ***
Denica checks dexterity and small wpn at easy. Critical Success! Denica is inhumanly successful in a way that defies expectations.
Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Jasher is successful.
*** Denica is the winner. ***

Romulius's attention *should*, courteously, be upon a fellow member of one of Arvum's Great Houses while speaking to her. His nature prevents that, however, unable to draw cerulean away from the disaster unfolding on the dance floor-cum-dueling ring. He can at least engage in small talk. "I am sure that Prince Sebastian is pleased to have you back in the capital, though I imagine Setara misses their minister just as much." He shakes his head in exasperation, knuckles whitening as his fists ball into a tight clench. It's probably not owed to Renata or Raven.

"I have no doubt," says Zoey to Caspian. "I only hope there is no permanent damage done. I am fond of both of them." Raven gets a smile that could almost be apologetic. "I have been working behind closed doors for quite some time. I rarely get out these days."

The mention of mutual relations causes Natasha's slight smile to broaden infinitesimally, albeit she is distracted briefly by Romulius' eagle-eyed watch over the proceedings between Jasher and Denica. "Bas' mother was born a princess of Thrax, before her unceremonious exile by my tyrannous uncle," she confirms to Renata. "True to our blood, however, she didn't let that hamper her ambitions - she married a Eurusi prince, returned with him, and after he died, she married a Pravosi prince and had Bas. Despite the history, however, he holds a fondness for me, and I, him. What kind of agricultural projects are you engaged in, princess?" To Raven, there's another acknowledging nod, "As well as it could be, considering current circumstances, but Denica has always been skilled at improving our people's morale. I'm glad that you've managed to secure a bit of a breather, as well." A hand absently reaches forward to rest cool fingertips on her husband's white-knuckled fist in a gentle brush.

Jasher takes a half-hearted swing to defend himself from Denica's advance, but nothing more. It does not appear as though he's interested in leaning into this duel, and perhaps he even thinks that attitude going to succeed. Play along, defend her attacks, take a knee without incident. Easy. Except /not/. She has no such intention, and instead manages to catch his forearm with the edge of her blade. It does not make purchase with the armor, but almost, and that's enough. He shoots a look in her direction that suggests he's every bit as tense carrying this out as Romulius is watching it in the crowd.

Raven notes Romulius reaction a tad warily, then looks over to Denica and Jasher. She eghns and tilts her head to Romulius, "Children. What'cha gonna do? At least it's not a Lycene squabble. Never know something up til something's on fire or there's a body to dispose of." She ahhhs and inclines her head, "Denica's always the best companion in stormy weather, it is true."

"It's lovely to see you again too, Lady Kennex. We met the other day," Renata explains this to Raven after bidding her greeting warmly to Zoey, the woman stubbornly avoiding any attempts to even notice nearby violence. Instead she turns to listening to Romulius and Natasha, smiling gently at the latter's tale, "Oh, a few different things. Establishing more farmland, to start, and also some work on growing the Setaran wine industry. For now, I have plans to work with and recruit some people here to keep things going before we take it all back to Setara."

"Mind your tongue, Blackheart. This is becoming something of a trend." Under any other circumstances, Romulius might have offered a sharper rebuke to a commoner referring to his cousins as 'children'. As it stands, he can't spare the attention to venture further than that, wincing as Denica lunges for Jasher. His fellow knight's half-hearted approach to the duel, at least, means that he'll likely have no need of drawing his own weapon. Something prompts him to look towards Zoey for a moment, shaking his head and muttering a response to her under his breath.

The princess is not as dainty as she looks and that is apparent as she is coming for Jasher, her eyes sparkle with mischief as they are oft to do. The blade is held easily in her hand and she is really going to go at him, even if it's obvious that it's all in good fun, and the princess is not really trying to hurt her cousin. But, there is something more to it, a dance of a different kind, an artistic expression that is uniquely Denica. When she makes contact, those pale shell pink lips curl a little and even if everything falls apart from there, she is content. It was her performance piece and she feels she got the message across, but still there is more fighting to have and she isn't one to shy away from, well anything.

Caspian gives Romulius a look, brow knitting and frowning slightly. he gives a smile to Raven and then continues watching the fight. "As i said.. princess Denica is a warrior make no mistake!" as she lands her blow he claps and cheers, "Well hit well hit!"

The Thraxian dance of blades continues, and realization settles in the Eye of Maelstrom's features. "Ah, so that's what," she murmurs quietly under her breath. There is a brief lapse of her words at watching Romulius and Raven interact, before she turns towards Renata once more. "Have you spoken with Messere Venturo Thayne or Lady Medeia Eswynd about your aims for the Setaran wine industry?" she wonders. "I prefer vodka and whiskey, myself, but I know how much Bas loves his wine, and those two are the most experienced vintners I personally know."

Raven bows her head, "Please forgive me, your highness." She makes sure she is between Renata and the scuffle. She grimaces then, "Champ!" Her tone sharp, "Please don't encourage!" She otherwise tries to let the princesses chat with minimal interruption.

Caspian's glance sees Romulius meeting it, the prince lifting a brow in an expression that reads at once question and warning, though he seems satisfied enough with Raven's immediate contrition. His eyes fall upon her for a beat as he dips his head in acknowledgment before turning attention back towards the 'duel', allowing Natasha to acquaint herself with Renata.

Zoey gives Romulius an understanding nod, and when she glances toward the combatants she winces. "Well, at least nobody's blades are being thrown this time," she says. "All right, I had best return home, but this has been a fantastic time." She makes polite goodbyes, including a wave to Denica and Jasher from a safe distance.

"Be well, my lady." Romulius gives Zoey a quick smile - albeit somewhat forced - as she makes her departure from the courtyard.

"Not yet, I have been making something of a list of people to get in touch with. We have plans to try and breed some new strains of grapes unique to Setara," Renata offers this explanation, though she does appear to make note of the offered names, "For now, I am looking for people who are skilled with plants for that, but I will have to get in touch with them as we move onto the next steps." A soft chuckle escapes her, "We are all quite fond of wine in Setara, though I know there are plenty who like harder drinks too. You can use wine grapes to distill a number of different beverages though, it's quite interesting." Noticing Raven acting as her human shield from the fight, she offers a small, grateful smile.

Zoey has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Caspian looks to raven and then glances to Renata with a small knowing look. he moves to stand next to raven, adding to the wall, though still watching the fight. he looked back over his shoulder at Renata for a moment, "plants? hmm.. i'llm keep an ear out for that. i dont have any skill when it comes to dealing with plants."


*** Denica has called for an opposing check with Jasher. ***
Denica checks dexterity and small wpn at easy. Denica is successful.
Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Jasher is spectacularly successful.
*** Jasher is the winner. ***

Raven falls silent, here as a visual barrier and meatshield to the princess and little else at present though she sneaks a quick glance at Caspian to see how the pickled Champion's faring.

"It would explain the interest in the agricultural projects, then - I heard from Princess Adrienne that Setarco boasts some unique flora, but I've never been. I'm afraid I'm not as well-traveled as my husband, but now that I'm my brother's Voice, it would give me the opportunity to visit other territories." Natasha's attention remains fixed on Renata, albeit there are a few deviations here and there as she watches the pace of the 'duel' between Jasher and Denica, with a slight pause as she lifts a hand to wave to the departing Zoey.

After the first strike, Jasher and Denica fall into something of a comfortable battle rhythm that, from the outside, may appear synchronized and planned. They are matched well enough for skill and deftness, though they use very different weapons and fighting styles to accomplish their goals. It is a give and take, blades parry with a loud reverberating ring that is clear but not necessarily overwhelming, allowing others to continue their conversation without having to shout above a din of activity. In the end, he begins to gain the upper hand in the conflict, though just barely, while still maintaining strict awareness of his combatant's wellbeing. It's a lot of work to keep it all straight /and/ not get stabbed by his mischievous cousin in the process.

"Perhaps when the weather cools we'll finally take your cousin up on his offer to host us. I doubt that Marius is old enough to make a *friend* of Prince Giacomo, but it would not hurt to have them introduced early." Romulius seems pleased that Jasher has managed to secure an advantage in the spar without drawing any blood from their more fragile cousin, and his fists unclench to collect his wife's hand. To Renata, then, "If I am not mistaken, Lady Medeia's talents extend to agriculture as well as vinting. I would echo a recommendation of seeing about perhaps collaborating with her."

"At the very end of things, I hope to hold a celebration to introduce and promote the new wines being produced," Renata concludes this with a light tip of her chin in a nod given to Natasha, "It's beautiful, I do recommend you visit sometime. I always like returning to Setara, even if I hate having to travel there and back." Her interest soon turns to include Romulius once more, "Lady Medeia Eswynd, you said? I'll have to inquire with her about it, then. It's really the root of the entire project, so the proper expertise would be a great boon."

Art. That is what the princess embraces above all, but art can be found in all things, it is not just the paintings she creates or the sculptures her hands form. It's in how the princess choses to live her life, and she does to the fullest. It comes through in the way she strings words together, but also in how she holds a blade and pulls pranks on those she cares for the most. Denica is delighted. The fight is not an easy one, and Jasher's skills are superior to her own, he's bigger too! But, she does well to keep up, and when he strikes next, she feels it against the bare arm where her gloves don't reach and the dress doesn't cover. It probably hurts, but it still brings a smile to her face, not because she was struck, but because she was struck. There is movement and dance and she is graceful on how she takes the strikes as much as delivering them. "Good, you've stopped holding back!," she says after the hit, wiggling her eyebrows at him and when she lunges, she doesn't do it with her knife, rather she is whispering something to Jasher and reaching for his hand.

Caspian seemed to be steadying up slightly, the queasiness from the mixing of oyster and such a strong drink passing. he was still a little tipsy, after all those shots would get to anyone, but he no longer looked as though he would hurl at any moment. he was enthralled with the fight, watching both duelists with a very practiced and excited eye

Romulius is overheard praising Thrax.

Romulius is overheard praising Denica: 2

Romulius is overheard praising Haakon.

Raven wonders to Renata, "Do you need introductions to Lady Medeia, your highness?"

Ballard, a grizzled mariner have been dismissed.

Romulius has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Yuri looked to list forward a bit in his slumber, soon catching himself as he jolted awake with a heavy start and glanced around to his dismay to see he had dozed off a bit too long. He blinked in a hurry, looking around for anything to sate his stupor. But looking at the empty rum and liquor glasses caused him to clear his throat, shaking his head a bit.

Jasher steps into the dance with about as much fluidity and grace as he could muster for the sudden switch. And so instead of swinging weapons at one another, they manage to orchestrate a final performance ending for the remaining crowd, all topped off with a very brief, rigid bow from the prince in the aftermath. "So, who won?" he inquires aloud, rhetorically.

Jasher is overheard praising Denica.

"Indeed - she's lovely to speak with, and I think she would have plenty to say about your project," Natasha tells Renata. Glancing over her husband, she exhales and takes a step back. "Please excuse me, I ought to see to a few messengers - but thank you both for attending, and I bid you a lovely evening."

Natasha has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards, Torsney, an attentive high strung law clerk leave, following Natasha.

"I might need it," A nod is given at Raven's offer, Renata bowing her head in farewell to both departing Thrax royals before the Setarcans are left alone again, "She wasn't on my list, but it sounds worthwhile to meet with her, at least."

Raven nods her head, "She's well known, send her a messenger or I can make introductions if need be." She eyes Caspian, "You ok getting home, champ?"

Denica is overheard praising Caspian: One darn good shucker!

Denica is overheard praising Jasher: My favourite partner-in-crime!

"Thank you for all your aid today, Captain. I think I shall return home too," Renata seems cheerier now, given that Raven has physically blocked any sight of violence from the Pravosi princess' eyes.

Renata gets a unique turquoise seashell hanging from a silver keyring from a nautical coloured beach-bag.

Raven says, "IT is my most distinct honor, your highness."

Renata inclines her head in polite farewell to the remaining esteemed guests, though she is soon turning to depart after a last flash of a smile given to Raven and Caspian.

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

Caspian gives a bright smile to Renata and bobs his head at Raven, "oh yeah ill be fine to get home im sure. if not ill just find a bench and curl up somewhere"

Raven sighs, "c'mon champ, walk me home?" she takes his arm and steers him out.

Caspian loops his arm around hers, his face grinning, "oh i'd be happy to!" as she steers him away he looks around, "wait.. who is leading who here?" he laughs merrily, waving a bit drunkenly to a few people as he departed

It's all dancing and rather than finish the fight, for they are squared up already, the princess takes her cousins hand and she starts to dance off with him. There is laughter and it is joyous, and they probably kick up some oyster shells with that. The drinking continues, the food is eaten, and no one died, so it is rather a success in the end. The complain letters can come in the morning!

Raven chuckles, "Does it matter? We'll end up somewhere, champ." as they exit.