On one hand, Prince Edain does not generally care for social gatherings. But on the other hand, Tea. And so Prince Edain makes his way to the circle of tables on which the wide variety of teas have been arrayed for sampling. He approaches the host and bows to Silas, "Sir Silas, am I to understand there is tea afoot for one to sample?"

    The head maid of Mercier Manor, Mistress Lisette Joyce, is present to help lead the tea partiers to the park clearing. Horatio was left to wander free for a day! Though even now her dark eyes seem to be watching out for him like a hawk.

    Silas is seated at the center table, having already help himself to a cup of the iced tea, when the others arrive. Edain is the first to capture his attention, as he was the first to inquire about the display! "Happy to see you here and curious, Your Highness." He gestures to the three teapots on the table before him. "There is plenty! Also scones. I was told you eat scones at tea parties. I hope that's correct." He was a knight - this was likely a first for him.


The gliding grace of Grayson is shown in the movements of Princess Natalia. She has her hair pulled back to allow the golden curls to tumble down her back while her chin is lifted with confidence. She moves with wafting black silks and laces. Her lips curve up a bit as she sees THE high prince Edain. She will move towards Silas as well, "It is a wonderful day for an event." Her eyes move towards Edain. "High Prince, it is good to see you at a socal engagement."

Horatio meanders into the park with a book tucked under one arm, he isn't reading for once, and instead is looking around the tables like he was searching for something or someone specifically. The kid with his silver hair and dark eyes is dressed in rather unremarkable clothing of grey and black, and the sleeves of his cotton shirt rolled to his elbows. He notes his cousin, and not having found what he was looking for starts over to Silas instead. Ugh. Lisette is already here. Damn her.


Rather more earthy in pace and presentation is Lady Dawn. Hers is a brisk step, confident and sure in contrast to the delicate styling of gown and hair. Briskness is justified by anticipation, however, and the pleasure that arises to see those already gathered. "Masters Mercier," she calls in greeting to that family as a whole, before a grin goes chasing Edain. "And your Grace." As she passes Natalia, the young woman is subject to a touch to the arm in more friendly greeting, complete with a smile before the Lady of Grayson moves past to find a seat. "It smells like a rare garden here today. Is that... chocolate?"

Edain bows his head to Natalia, "It is good to see you Princess Natalia." He turns then and bows to Dawn as well, "And you as well Lady Dawn. I hope you are blessed today." a brow raises, "I don't think I have ever had chocolate. Does it taste like bacon?" These are important questions. "I am looking forward to trying some variations of mint tea personally."

The Bastion-born courtier arrives, Rook Grayward's progress steady and patient, his steps graceful and balanced enough that the hands behind his back don't seem to hinder him. A practiced posture, straight spine, chin high. "Oh my," he emits upon coming into view, "what a splendid spread. How do you do, everyone." A bow first for high lords, princesses and ladies; royalty and nobility throughout. That doesn't stop him spending a moment to bow his head to the others, however. There's plenty of respect to go around.

Lazarus
joins his brother at the center table, greeting with a polite smile and nod those that came for the party his brother Silas was throwing. There is an air of relaxation coming from the oldest of the Mercier even when the high-born start making their way towards them. Horatio wandering is ignored, out of respect for the man's privacy but Edain, Natalia, and Dawn all have his attention after Lazarus whispers to his brother, "That is Prince Edain, house Valardin?" He says to Silas with a quick question before turning to greet them. A smile is given to Dawn when she greets them and in response, he bows his head politely, "Lady Dawn." He laughs at her inquiry and provides her with a cup of the black tea, hushing the maid away. "One of our favorite cultivars, very strong in flavor and rolled by both mine and our father's hand." Princess Natalia also gets a respectful bow of his head, "Your highness thank you for coming. Our last social was extremely informative I hope to be invited for the next one." He says promptly turning to Edain and offering his hand, "Prince Edain, we have not had the chance to introduce ourselves. I am Lazarus Mercier, head of the Mercier household."


Aurora comes into the Judgement green without her usual collection of work materials. She does not appear to me a tea party aficionado, but here she is anyway. Her green eyes scan across each person as she moves closer, probably looking at their clothing with more interest than the people inside of them. She notes Rook, giving him a genuine smile in greeting, offering him a few softly spoken words, though she does not linger that long.

No polite greetings and no bows, not for the high born sort or the courtiers. Horatio gives each face a glance as they arrive but otherwise stands near Silas, not yet taking a seat. He does set his book on the centre table so he didn't need to hold it anymore, and unceremoniously takes up a raspberry scone to bite into. Even the head of his household just gets a glance as Lazarus comes to the table, and Horatio keeps chewing. Then apparently out of nowhere he's leaving the table, maybe he found what he was looking for in making idle pace towards the tailor, Aurora.


Silas nods to his cousin as the youth finally arrives on the scene, though in exceptionally glum colors compared to the festive hues of the park. "I'm glad you decided to come. I don't think you've tried these varieties yet." His brother's question is also given a nod, but the older Mercier is quick to introduce himself without his help. He stands to bow to the Grayson ladies who arrive, and nods to Dawn's correct guess. "Aye, my uncles back at home have concocted a chocolate blend. It's actually quite good, though I suspect it's harder to make." Edain's retort has him laugh. "Not quite. It's sweeter! But bacon probably tastes good with it," he slyly suggests. Then there's a Rook! The courtier doesn't get a bow, but he does get Silas's attention. "Hello, Master Rook. Glad you've dropped by!" A beat, when Aurora arrives. "And Mistress Aurora. Lovely to see you." There is a pause as he regards all who have gathered. "You can seat yourselves however you'd like, and I'll have Lisette serve the first blend."

Natalia smiles at Edain, "You are surely to join myself and Dawn?" There isn't a lot of question to that as she looks over him thoughtfully. Then she gives a smile towards the Merciers. "I cannot wait to try all your delicious samples." She indicates her head towards the others too.

Rook laughs at whatever Aurora has to say, his hand lightly touching hers as he leans in, green eyes gleaming with a mischievous light. As he retorts whatever quip he's armed with by his wit, the courtier turns his head toward those who name him elsewhere. "Thnak you, Sir Silas, it is a pleasure to show a face at your family function. It is good of you to share your hospitality with the populace." Simple steps then and soon he's finding a seat, ducking forth and settling upon a chair in all due course.

"Certainly blessed in company, your Grace. Yes, do please join us," Dawn returns to Edain, dipping her head to him and letting her smile tuck deeper. The way it makes crescents of her eyes banishes those telltale marks of long nights in the lady's face. So too the way she lights at Rook's arrival, and lifts a hand intended to beckon the courtier closer. Then she turns to accept the cup from Lazarus' hands, her eyebrows lifting. "Truly? Then I'm honoured, Master Lazarus. If it tastes as exquisite as it smells, you can expect a rather large order... but I promise not to be impatient." That last is said to Silas, with a hint of humour for his mention of difficulty in making it.

"Different tastes." The phrase is spoken by Acacia with a healthy bit of skepticism, steps leading her up to try to approach Silas from either behind his shoulder or to his side. "I never did quite get the whole flavor difference. I mean, I'd sell it either way, advertize it as this and that with certain nuances and chocolate flavoring or the finest herbs of insert-herb-name-here. But I'll be damned if my tongue can work for it. I assume you'll teach the fineries for those of less... refined?" She supplies a bow towards just about everyone else there, comprehensively, a short lowering of her torso in formal style and then straightening enough to try to visually assess one of the lemon scones. A linen napkin gets tugged free from an empty serving, if only to toy with temporarily.

Silas drops small circular table.

Silas drops small circular table.

Edain smiles to Natalia and says, "That is a very kind offer, but I am here just for a quick sample and then I fear I must be back to work. I hope you and Lady Dawn can forgive me and I hope I can catch up with you both soon." He turns then to Lazarus and bows, "It is my Honor to meet you Lazarus Mercier. Thanks to your brother, I have come to appreciate the excellence of craft that the Mercier family is known for. I look forward to hearring more about the Mercier's concerns." And that said he bows and lets the hosts greet other guests, before he fades back to find a cup a small tea sample which he throws back l ike a shot before slipping out.

Silas drops small circular table.


     Joscelin is quite late; she promised someone she'd attend and here she is. She's a little out of breath, going from a trot to a rapid walk, peering around and looking for someone she knows.

Whatever is shared between Aurora and Rook causes the woman to look completely and totally shocked. "You will not" is said louder than the softer spoken words as before. She turns when Silas says her name and dips her head slightly, "thank you Sir Silas, I promise not to die during your tea party, I have been informed that would be rude." Her attention is pulled though as Horatio approaches. She does not take her eyes off him as he slowly closes the distance.

The only thing that seems to alter Horatio's sullen expression is Rook apparently, who gets an arched browed appraisal before the kid finds his way between the arriving crowd to fine Aurora. "No mysterious illness then?" he asks her and looks over his shoulder to all the people. "I suppose we should sit," and of all things offers Aurora the other half of the raspberry scone he'd snagged. Or quarter of it as he'd bitten another piece out on his journey.


Natalia hmms softly and moves over to sit with Dawn. There is a shift of her eyes to take in the area. "I did not realize you were into tea, Dawn. I suppose that I learn so much about people daily. You look nice." She does watch Edain leave. "I feel that our High Prince needs a little more.. happiness." She beams as she waits to be served.

Dawn has joined the small circular table.

Natalia has joined the small circular table.

Rook has joined the small circular table.

Lazarus bows his head to Edain but does not engage the man in conversation, allowing him to enjoy his tea in peace. Lady Dawn promotes a chuckle from Lazarus and he says to her, "I have faith our products will speak for themselves and will gladly take fill any order you wish. The Mercier House prides themselves in quality and variety." He glances over to Acacia, his brow raised and his tone more collected as he interrupts his conversation with Dawn to include her, "Our black tea are renown for their flavor. They are very strong in both aroma and taste. The chocolate helps settle it."


Rook had caught sight of Dawn's gesture and obliged her; perhaps that is why he selected a place at her table. "Oh, what a shame," he says, mere seconds on the back of whatever he'd laughed off that leaves Aurora looking so alarmed. "I have never had the pleasure of seeing and speaking with him up close," say the young Grayward, eyes for the departing Edain. Turning his face toward Dawn and Natalia, there's a brillaint smile for both. "Tea is for everyone. Some people just don't know it immediately, you see." Catching sight of Horatio, Rook provides that sullen fellow as much of a positive, genuine look as anyone else. Unrepentant.

The arch of Acacia's brow almost mirrors Lazarus' own, paried with a mirthful quirk of her lips which favors one side more than the other. "Oh," she remarks, leaning back fractionally as if it provides a better vantage of the Mercier from head to toe, "You're good. You're far better than your--" Her eyes drift towards Silas and then return for the duration of the pause, with her fingertips drumming lightly against the leather of her belt, "-- Well, really. Have you ever seen him sell? It's a good thing he's such an amazing craftsman. And provider of scones. Which-- speaking of sconces, educated and silver-tongued Sir. ... Which one suits the settled chocolate? There has to be one?"

Dawn settles into a chair and tilts her smile at Natalia. "Thank you, cousin. Difficult to out-do you but... oh, this is wonderful." That last comes after a cautious sip of the dark blend she's been gifted with. As she dips her head to drink again, those pale eyes slide towards Acacia. Studious at first and then softening with a more characteristic smile. "An excellent choice, Mistress," she offers before her focus moves on... to more sipping. It's chocolate. She can't help it.

There is no hesitation when Aurora reaches to accepts the pretty much devoured scone from Horatio, taking a single bite out of it before offering the rest back to the man just incase he wishes to finish what he started. "None yet. There is still time." She looks around at the various seats, "I suppose we should. Before Rook decides to dump anything on my head."

Ianthe didn't realize that there was a tea tasting happening this evening. No one really looks at Ianthe and thinks, 'Now there is a woman who loves some tea" so she was likely not made aware of the event. Or she was told and promptly forgot about it. In fact, she had been headed for the Lyceum Ward, likely to drink something with a bit more bite to it. But, as she enters the area, she can't help but be a little curious. Oh, look. Pastries. Whatever else Ianthe had planned could wait. Ianthe waves in acknowledgement to her sister and anyone else who may look her way, but she's making rather a bee-line for a plate of cherry scones and won't be deterred unless someone actually steps in front of her.

Silas raises his brows at Aurora. "I certainly hope you do not die here. That would be most unpleasant," he answers before shifting his attention to the approaching Acacia. Her presence seems to surprise him. "Oh, wow, now I -have- to sound professional," he jests back. His gaze jumps back to Lazarus as his brother more or less explains it better than he does. "Or Lazarus can just do it. I'm fine with that."

    The knight nods knowingly at the maid standing quietly nearby. She moves to begin pouring the hot tea first, namely the chocolatey tea everyone's talking about, which still steams whilst being poured carefully into each and every empty teacup with an occupant nearby.


     Joscelin steps in front of Ianthe. She might even push out her sizable hips to deter her sister further. And steals all of Ianthe's scones.

Silas idly watches Joscelin and Ianthe wrestle over the scones. "Our mother might have a future as a baker," he muses to Lazarus.

Silas has joined the small circular table.

"Why would he dump anything on your head?" Horatio asks with a wrinkle in his nose and perplexed expression. He does take the scone back and tosses it into his mouth to chew on as he reaches to take Aurora's wrist and sort of guide, partially pull, her towards a table. "Here?" he asks, a glance to the others at the table. He doesn't offer Aurora a seat, but he takes his own with one empty next to him which is basically the same thing, right? Then reaches for another scone, of a different variety.


Horatio has joined the small circular table.

And there's Acacia on the other side of Joscelin, despite her proximity eyeing both Silas and Lazarus, already reaching over to attempt to steal one of those cherry scones that were recently stolen from Ianthe. Just one. "Oh, thank you, Mistress Joscelin. For me? You shouldn't have," she remarks, voice humored and with a slight pivot to place part of her shoulder to the jeweler in order to keep retaliation to a minimum. The pilfered napkin rises to catch crumbs preemptively, even as she sheds a warmer smile in Dawn's general direction, "Good Lady Dawn. I suppose I should've stolen advice from you first, but you looked busy." The final word has her focus touching upon Natalia, an extra flourished bow given, scone-in-hand, before she looks back to Lazarus.

Natalia tries the heavenly chocolate tea. It's a light sip as she smiles at Dawn. "Oh sweetie, no one can compete with me. There is only one Natalia Grayson." Some might thank the Gods for that. "You do look beautiful though." Her smile turns towards Rook. "Ahhh Master Rook, it is good to meet you again. I believe His Highness Edain, enjoys a little air of mystery." Then she looks over towards Joscelin and Ithane with a smile. A pirate's smile.

Aurora has joined the small circular table.

Lazarus can not help but laugh at Acacia's remark, patting Silas on the back. He shakes his head and says to her, "Sir Silas does the best he can with what he has." Lazarus grips his brother's shoulder proudly, "Do try our gold tea after the black tea if you are curious about our range of flavors." He clears his throat and says to everyone gathered, "All of our materials are locally grown from our home at Ashford holdings." When speaking about the teas, there is a glimmer in Lazarus' eyes revealing his true sentiment about his family's tea business. This was his baby. He chuckles to Silas, "Mother has always been an artist in the kitchen. Father a close second with his famous beef stew."


Lazarus has joined the small circular table.

Ianthe stops, being handily obstructed from her goal by Joscelin's rather ample posterior. She just looks at Joscelin, narrows her eyes, and leans in to say quietly, "Josie. Don't do something we will both regret. I have a key to your house and you sleep very, very deeply."

"I would no sooner do such a thing than someone here would drop dead," Rook calls out to Aurora in sudden reply, overhearing his name and backtracking to latch onto whatever was said. "By the grace of the pantheon, what is this slander," he dispenses amongst a chuckle. Still, pushing his saucer and cup forward for some tea to be poured, he then lifts and sips it. "Mm," he emits in ambigious noise, undecided. Reaching out, forefinger and thumb secure a scone, the crane of his arm moving it to his side plate. Tucking a napkin over his lap and lifting that heavy emerald pendant and adjusting it so it doesn't swing over where his hands work, the courtier speaks to his table mates. "It is always good, that. Mystery, I mean. It keeps the adventurer in all of us alive and well, a spirit and passion to unearth truths and facts."


     Joscelin squints at Ianthe. It's in her to challenge the smaller woman but... Josie knows better. Fuck. "You're such a tart." But she does keep one scone, and leaves the rest for Ianthe.

"I've won a moment's reprieve but we'll see how long that lasts," Dawn remarks, something very much like a chuckle traced through her tone. "I suspect Prince Edain is in the same situation. Less mystery and far, far more paperwork. But that means more tea for us. And scones? How did I miss those?" Probably because she's been far, far too busy dosing herself with whatever vital ingredient there is to be found in chocolate in chocolate. Her reach for one of the treats is briefly interrupted to send a wave winging towards Joscelin and company, but then it's pastry to plate and another sip taken from her cup.

Lazarus does not seem to partake in the eating or drinking, focusing more on working with the servants to ensure those present are being taken cared of. Eagerly responding to any question about the different teas. Eventually he settles down on his seat giving Silas an accomplished nod.


"As an excuse to get out of staying with you should you do or say something that would make Lisette chastise you and give me a headache" Aurora says with a lack of tact in her honesty, sliding into the seat which he didnt offer. "I was told dying is not allowed" she gives a glance towards Silas as if his seconding it secured the no dying plan. "So Rook promised to dump wine or something on me. Which would be horrible. Do you know how hard it is to get wine out of silk?" Her voice rises for the simple purpose of informing Rook least he not know. Aurora looks back towards Horatio, waiting for him to take a bite before taking it from him.

Joscelin checked dexterity against difficulty 15, resulting in 8, 7 lower than the difficulty.


     Joscelin kisses Ianthe's cheek, tries to steal a scone from her and FAILS UTTERLY. Cursing, she flees before Ianthe decides to threaten her some more.

Ianthe smirks in triumph, accepts Joscelin's surrender, and takes the plate from her. "Ah, but I'm a tart with a plate of pastries. So there is that." She takes a scone, sets the rest of plate down, but not too far away, and finally notices that people are drinking tea. How about that.

Silas seems compelled to enter the conversation between his brother and Acacia. "I just let the product sell itself, is all. I mean if it's good enough it'll be obvious, right?" He wrinkles his nose in slight distaste, but it's quickly replaced by a grin when Lazarus claps his shoulder. "I can beat him up, so he has to be nice." Edain's sudden departure doesn't seem to bother him. "Truth be told, the High Prince has sampled Golden Smile already. Hopefully it'll make his work go by more quickly." Joscelin's sudden flight has him arching a brow. "She hasn't, though. A pity. I'll have to send some scones."

A pair of men stroll past the fringe of the crowd, one in the fittings of a Velenosa guard, the other dressed in all blacks and silvers. The only drop of color on him being the verdant his finely groomed beard happens to be today. When one is a Harlequin, such things aren't given a second glance. The pair keep talking until Blacktongue holds up his hand to stall whatever words the other has, observing, "It seems we have missed tea time."

Rook leans forward and insists to his companions, Natalia and Dawn, "I did not /promise/ to dump tea on Mistress Thornburn," he scoffs. A pause. "I merely suggested it. I provide a service and if that service is providing meaningful escapes from unpleasant situations, well--" What can he do, after all.

"It must've taken some time to get the flavors just right. A lot of experimentation, aye? Acacia Culler, by the way. I don't think we've formally met. You seem exceptionally experienced, so I won't take too much of your time. Surely there's others who will want a case or ten after this." Acacia cuffs a hand about one of the nearest chairs to Lazarus, slipping into it abruptly as she plucks up the black tea when it's granted and inhales it slowly. There's a mild twist of her lips, before she queries towards Lazarus and Silas both with just a sliver of uncertainty suggested at the wrinkle to her brow, "... It's interesting. It smells of-- ... Oh. How would you describe it? That way I can carry it on when someone asks me." She indulges in a small sip, swallowing it down thickly and then carefully depositing the cup back on the table. "Oh... yes. That's lovely," she praises, tone a bit strained.

Silas checked perception + empathy against difficulty 15, resulting in 17, 2 higher than the difficulty.

Lazarus checked charm + stewardship against difficulty 15, resulting in 21, 6 higher than the difficulty.

To the idea Horatio would do anything to require chiding from the maidservant the kid grunts a little, and focuses on taking a bite out of the scone in hand. He casts another look towards Rook for the promise of pouring something on Aurora, which narrows his dark eyes a little, but says nothing to the courtier instead comments lightly, "no more difficult than blood, really." Dark, and probably an insight no one needed. And pre-emptively he holds out the half eaten scone out for Aurora to steal, it's lemon flavoured.


Blacktongue dismisses the guard he had arrived with a quiet joked shared between them two, laughter soon following. He folds his hands behind his back and makes a show of walking a tightrope - one foot placed exactly in front of the other as he approaches the tables, not aiming towards anyone in particular just yet.

Dawn chuckles and is drawing breath to make some no doubt glittering and highly amusing remark, the likes of which could be retold by bards for centuries, when a messenger pops up at her elbow. Thus interrupted, her tablemates are spared whatever passes for humour with the Lady as she bends an ear to the runner's whispering. Message delivered, she reluctantly sets down her cup and rises. "My apologies," she says, folding a hand over her heart and inclining her head to the Merciers. "If you'll excuse me, please," is added for those at the table, before Dawn steps away to stride off.

Dawn has left the small circular table.

Ianthe watches the others try the tea as she happily eats a cherry scone. Watching Acacia make such an effort to swallow almost has her choking, but she manages to maintain her dignity and now spray crumbs everywhere. Though, really, how much dignity one can still have after almost getting into a wrestling match over pastries is debatable. Ianthe spots Blacktongue and chuckles to herself as she watches him approach the others. As the servants are filling cups, Ianthe manages to get handed one as well. The chocolate kind. At least it smells like chocolate. Ianthe sniffs delicately at it, but gives the cup an uncertain stare.

Aurora lets out a soft hmming sound, head slightly moving from side to side as she considers this. "Thats why people who bleed a lot should wear nothing but aeterna. You can't dye the material, so you'd never have to worry about anything. Should I dress you in aeterna?" Maybe he plans on bleeding a lot, who knows. The tailor leans over, motioning towards Natalia.

Silas watches Acacia sip the tea closely, and bites back a snicker at the slight change in her expression. "You don't need to pretend you like it, Mistress Acacia. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone preferred a different flavor today." Blacktongue was noticed in the corner of his eye and the guardsman waves him over. "Come, there's plenty to enjoy, whether it's the pastries or the tea." Consequently, there were still free spots available.

    Lisette begins to serve the citrusy tea next, in another cup if the guest is still savoring the first.

Natalia comes to her own feet with a smile towards those in attendance. "I should probably be on my way as well. I mean I do wish to order one of each teas of course." There is a smile and an inclination of her head.

Lazarus personafies the attitude of a cat and when Acacia pulls herself towards him to speak more about the tea, he can not help but emit a sound that resembles a purr. He offers her a playful smile and says, "We are a family of tradition that dates back many years. Even when Arx changes around us we persist and continue to provide its citizen with the same quality you expect from a house of artisans. Tea and wine, our art." He clears his throat, "The black tea is exquisite in its own right. The chocolate is simply extra. While you expect the flavor to expire from the leaves within a year, the black tea is very resourceful in that it mantains that strong flavor for a lot longer. Very popular among those that travel..." Silas remarks brings a frown to his face as he shares glances between him and Acacia. He fixes his gaze on the woman, wrinkling his nose.


Natalia has left the small circular table.

Rook rises as is gentlemanly, waiting for both Dawn and Natalia to make their way out. "Farewell and good eve to you both."

Samantha arrives, looking faintly rueful for being late to the event. Bureaucracy is its own entrampment. A demure wave and apologetic smile is offered to Silas, and she approaches the teapots with an eager, anticipatory air. She pauses briefly to dip a curtsy to Natalia before turning her attention the offerings. The iced tea is tried first, and from her smile she finds it quite pleasing.

"No, the tea is wonderful," Acacia assures Silas, clearing her throat a bit as she leans back further in her chair. Without looking, she tugs upon another napkin to the side, loosening it from its place and then attempting to toss it towards Ianthe with a snap of her wrist. With her free hand, she begins to delve into the inside of her cloak to withdraw a flask, already beginning to unscrew the top. When Natalia begins to rise, dark eyes follow the Princess as Acacia voices, "Truly, your Highness? A shame. The Merciers truly deserve to have someone more capable of talking about the flavors and what goes with what. The correct etiquette and so forth. No time to enlighten the lesser folk?" After Lazarus' attention, she attempts to try to kick his chair a bit, "Ask her to stay."

"I need to work on my Princess wooing skills," Acacia decides, not bothering to taste the golden tea before she taints it with a significant bit of whiskey this time around.

"I assure you, I have tasted worse." Blacktongue says to Acacia as he appears beside her, peering over her shoulder and at the tea if he had not been noticed of given away yet. A glance is given to Ianthe along with a wink before he steps over to the side to properly greet, "Sir Silas! I would expect an invitation for such a thing to have at least some dress code to adhere to. Sadly, I lack in bells. Always. Do I fit the bill?'

Ianthe checked dexterity against difficulty 15, resulting in 23, 8 higher than the difficulty.

Lazarus watches in horror as Acacia mixes her tea with whiskey. He leans into his brother's ear and whisper, "Who is this?" An irritated tone in his word. He pulls his chair away after Acacia's kick and scoffs.


Lazarus is overheard praising Silas for: Provided a venue to present the Mercier tea.

Silas chortles when Acacia douses her tea in whiskey. "Ah, your favorite seasoning." It's whiskey, so he finds it hard to approve, but he doesn't protest. "I mean, it's terrible on it's own, but I can't imagine tea making it better..." He concludes with a note of finality in his tone. He shakes his head to Blacktongue. "You could waltz in here nude and I wouldn't care much, though you might scare the children and offend the sensibilities of the park-goers. You're fine." Lazarus's reaction to Acacia has him laugh outright. "I've already told you, brother."

Horatio only catches Natalia as she leaves, prompted from what Aurora had whispered. "Why?" he says back, apparently missing the point of whispering and that one tends to answer in whispers back. The next set of tea is brought about and he peers at the cup, a brow lifted to Acacia and the whiskey. Despite Lazarus' horror, Horatio looks almost amused for it.


"I take it that... isn't something that a family of tradition that dates back many years should do," Acacia gathers, flask still tilted over the golden cup as she looks after Lazarus, calling affably, "But it was wonderful! There were just so many mixed messages. Sir Silas was here saying that I should be myself and you were speaking of the strength... and--" As her voice dwindles away, she can scarcely conceal her snerk-- humor which tapers when she catches her focus upon Blacktongue and Silas. There's a small pause, with the Iron Guard gaining a wink at his words. To the Artiglio, she expresses without explanation, "It looks good on you. ... I don't suppose I could bother you to smooth things between me and Master Mercier over there for my horrible error, eh?" Her eyes deliberately slide towards Lazarus and back again, in time for her to brandish a fuller smile, "Please?"

Lazarus exhales deeply and shakes his head, "Clearly, I have blocked that introduction from my mind. Is she seriously drinking black tea with that junk?" Another scoff and he summons a servant, "Black tea." Lazarus checks his head and when the servant arrives he says, "Bring me a sample of the gold tea." Once the servant dispatches out to fulfill the command Lazarus says to Acacia, "Not just princess. Try the gold tea with whiskey, it works a lot better than whatever mess you have created there."

    "Samantha, come join us. It's been too long," Silas calls in her direction when she arrives, waving from his table. Rook at this solitary table is also noticed. "You can, as well, Master Rook. If you're in want of company."

Ianthe snatches the napkin Acacia tosses her with ease and presses it against her mouth. She offers Acacia a bow and a wink, along with a nod of approval as she watches her spike the tea with whiskey. Now that there was a creative woman. She makes sure to hang on to that napkin, considering that she fully intends on spiriting away a few more of those scones for later. Blacktongue's wink is met with a grin and Ianthe finally slides into a chair near Acacia. Both to be friendly and because the redhead is seated near the lemon scones. Now seated, Ianthe takes a tentative sip from the teacup in her hand. Not bad. Good with scones.

Rook hastily finishes the sip he's mid-way through when called to by Silas, laughing, "Oh, no, thank you. I'm finishing this cup and then extracting myself as well, I think. I appreciate it, however," he insists. "Thank you very much. It was a pleasure to come and to see what you were all up to. Taking tea is a fascinating past time. A moment of revery sorely needed. I've been buried away in accounting books for the last three days straight, it's abyssmal."

Blacktongue finds a seat for himself, sitting with his back straight against the chair and his left heel crossed to rest on his right knee. "Now, for a man that has no taste whatsoever, what tea shall I dare?" He looks to Acacia and Ianthe for their sage advice, one brow reaching far up while the other angles down. A glance is given to Silas and he attests, "I don't do that sort of humor."

"Why what?" Aurora asks, brows lifting. "Because I made it, thats why" she offers when the second cup of tea is brought and poured. She looks into the cup for a moment, and whatever idea she has of spiking the liquid is dashed by the reaction given to Acacia. She sighs and lifts the cup to her lips, taking a sip of the hot tea, her brows drawing as she takes in the flavors.

    "Ah, you're a scholar now, aren't you?" Silas answers Rook back with a curious tilt of his head. "I'll let you escape this time, then. For the good of the realm. I'll send you something to pass the time, as a gift for coming," the knight promises before he turns to Acacia. "My brother finds black tea and whiskey distasteful because he may have tried it, I think. I still think it'll ruin the citrus tea as well, but... who knows?"

"I always thought whiskey paired with everything," Acacia murmurs aside towards Ianthe once the woman takes a seat beside her, stealing her third napkin of the hour in order to dab her lips this time. The concocted mixture is judged with a narrowing of her eyes, rotated between paired fingers and then abandoned, whiskey and all. "Apparently that was wrong. I bet it pairs well with those scones, eh?" The suggestion is made when the flask finds itself near Ianthe's plate, strategically blocking her straight path to the lemon scones. She affixes Blacktongue with a grin after stealing a peek over her shoulder towards Lazarus to see his order, advising perhaps incorrectly, "Don't mix dark tea with whiskey without doing it under the table, enrichen the gold with it and speak endless good things about the final one in order to get in that man's good tea-providing graces. I think we're almost on the last tasting cup?"

"Don't you like it?" Horatio asks of Aurora, watching the way her brows draw together. He takes up his own and rather than sips, takes a mouthful unfussed by the temperature. But he makes no comment on the skill of the beautiful dress the tailor had made.


"Hello, Mistress Ianthe. Mistress Acacia. Master Blacktongue." Samantha salutes them both with her cup, finishes the swig, and sets the cup on a passing tray before making her way to Silas and Lazarus. "Thank you, Silas." She leans forward as if she's going to try kissing the knight's cheek, when she pauses to take in Lazarus with blink. "Is this Lazarus? I haven't seen you in forever!" She beams at him. "Do you remember me?"

"My good man, Sir Silas, I'm a little bit of everything," Rook reports. "An economist, a linguist, a researcher and scholar yes... it's really part of my forte. Being a courtier, well, that's just a title to get me from place to place to serve people who need my help, after all. Oh and the good company in an easy smile and dapper clothing simply helps." The tea is polished off and seat aside and then he wraps up a scone in a napkin, raising it high. "I'm pirating this," he reports. "As for a gift, please don't! Instead... why don't you send one to Lady Lydia Nightgold instead. I'll pass the gift on, as it were. You needn't say who it is from."

"I have never been much of a tea drinker, im afraid" Aurora tells Horatio, but there is a good chance she has informed him of this before he invited her to an event in which there was tea everywhere. "It is not bad, really, even for tea." She shifts her attention towards Lazarus, least he yell at her for her tastes. As Rook decides to leave, she calls out, "we will be in touch."

Blacktongue nods his head to respectfully to Samantha when she approaches, giving her a wide cheshire smile before turning his grin to Acacia and answering/asking, "Have you never heard of the hollow ring trick? A simple pass over the cup, and your tea is spiked. It is all the rage for certain activities in the Lyceum." A brief smirk that passes as quickly as it appeared.

Silas doesn't dodge the cheek kiss, but it does initially catch him off guard and he smiles sheepishly. "Aye, it's Lazarus. He's in charge of the estate now," Silas answers. He takes a small sip from the tea he hasn't touched yet, letting Lazarus reunite with Samantha without any aid. He blinks at Rook when the man lists off all his professions, but nods at his request. "Very well. Lady Lydia shall receive your favor and I'll let her guess who sent it. The scone is yours - a good decision, definitely. Be well, Master Rook, and good luck." He shakes his head in dismay at Acacia's plotting, but he wears a grin, suggesting he isn't genuinely offended.

Lazarus shakes his head to Silas and as he is about to educate his brother, Silas' remark does remind him of an important ingridient, "Yes but a bit of honey will work well with that blend. The black tea's flavor is lost to the whiskey and why else would you drink it if not for its flavor. If her palate must include whiskey she is better off with the citrus blend." He shakes his head, half expecting everyone to know this already. Lazarus' attention turns to Samantha as he studies her for a moment, "Ah, yes Marquessa Samantha..." His words trail off as he is being disarmed from defending his black tea to share polite conversation with their childhood friend.


Ianthe sees that flask appear in front of her and beams at Acacia. She makes a point to look around, just to make sure that Lazarus isn't looking, and adds some to the up of golden tea. She takes a sip, nods and shrugs a shoulder before drinking again. Samantha is offered a smile and a slight wave before she leans in to murmur something to Acacia.

Rook says, "Ta ta!"

Rook has left the small circular table.

Samantha has joined the small circular table.

Horatio turns his head as Rook takes his leave, still scowling and mutters something into his tea as he drinks the last of it. "At least it is good tea, even if you do not like tea in general." The kid suggests to Aurora. He grabs up another scone, and some chocolate this time, offering the chocolate to Aurora as he bites into another raspberry-deliciousness.


"Just Samantha is fine." Samantha replies with a careful smile. "The title is a tool, and I only like to use when it's of useful purpose. You've taken over the estate? That's a significant responsibility. Congratulations, especially with your family widening its markets for profit." She gestures gracefully to the tea service, and pours some of the golden tea for herself.

Acacia inclines her head affably towards Samantha, thoughtfully studying the Marquessa upon her greeting with Lazarus. "I have to give him credit for being truly knowledgeable though," she acknowledges with a lower voice as if to not intentionally interrupt the two. She studies the untouched black tea, thoroughly tainted as it is and then looks sidelong towards Blacktongue at his word. Lifting one of her hands, she studies it for a moment and skeptically proposes, "You'd have to wear like ten rings on each hand to successfully do it." She pauses, "For whiskey. What about a vial in the wrist?" Even as she speaks, the man's own fingers are inspected, "Do you know a jeweler for such things? Perhaps you can show me the trick at some point." She'd leaned towards Ianthe at the whisper, a roguish grin rewarded after with an agreeable nod, "What was your advice to him about the tea, love?" And then she questions more seriously, "... The lack of taste. Does it transcend to everything? These scones? Wax? Truly, Blacktongue?"

Aurora rolls her eyes at the scowling, "stop that." She isn't exactly sure what she is telling him to stop, just it, as scowling isn't polite. The chocolate is taken and a piece is popped into her mouth. "It isn't bad" she concedes, "but it is also tea. You'd think you'd be all about tea, and medicinal purposes and such."

Lazarus chuckles and shakes his head, "Sir Silas here is just trying to keep me humble but I have been by our father's side since a child, learning the trade." He clears his throat, "Groomed to take charge of our house, now it is simply official due to our father's failing health." Lazarus lowers his voice at the end, nodding to Samantha in her congratulations. His gaze drifts occassionally towards Acacia and Ianthe, watching them briefly before turning back to Samantha. Acacia's compliment earns her a subtle smile that diverts his gaze back to the other guests.


Silas indulges in his own tea more thoroughly now, but keeps tabs on the conversations floating around. Right now, Lazarus and Samantha were the highlight. "The suggestion to move towards the tea market was my brother's actually." He exchanges a glance at his brother, then at the whiskey-infused tea Acacia had concocted. "I think wheat-based drinks were also suggested? Pardon my reluctance on that front."

The Harlequin holds up his hands to show Acacia that there are indeed no rings on his fingers of any sort. "I would ask my ray of sunshine nephew for the jeweler, though I thought you had one on cue with the gift you gave me?" He cants his head to the side ever so slightly and then explains, "I was commenting on my lack of taste regarding knowing one tea from the other. My tongue may be black, but I can still taste certain things, thank you." He says politely, calmly, truly without a hint of snark to be found. For a Jester, he is oddly the picture of etiquette when he wants to be.

"Stop what?" the kid asks, watching Aurora take the chocolate while he devours another scone. Horatio covers his mouth at least as he speaks again, and tucks the mouthful to one cheek, manners and all that, "this isn't medicinal tea," he states flatly. He swallows the mouthful with the last of the tea.

Ianthe listens to the exchange between the Harlequin and Acacia. She's smiling and has her head bent, as if she's really, truly resisting the urge to add a comment. But this is supposed to be a dignified tea-tasting event and, despite her upbringing, Ianthe sort of knows how to behave herself. So, she just sips her spiked tea and enjoys another of those lovely scones. She leans back in her chair, dark eyes glittering with amusement.

Lazarus bows his head to Silas, he loved getting compliments and was easily sedated in this fashion. "It was only natural. Our work at the vineyard almost does itself and father thought it be a good test for me. I am more incline towards this trade but understand the importance of Mercier Wine." He glances over to Silas and nods, "Yes, Bourbon they call it and in my opinion a way better alternative. It allows us to rotate our corn crops with wheat."

"The look. As if this is painful" Aurora says casually. "Are you in pain? Because again, no dying. Unless its you who've decided to come down with an illness?" It is quite possible, after all. She leans slightly closer, "do they talk about work all the time, or is this a special occasion?"

"I don't have a working design for it. I imagine if I asked around for that sort of thing, I would get a lot of weird looks. It's easier if someone already specializes in it," Acacia delivers towards Blacktongue, breaking off a corner piece from one of the raspberry scones and pausing to shove it into her mouth with her index. Chewing on it silently as she looks over Blacktongue, she reaches over to slide another tray of scones his way - if only to separate them in part from Ianthe. "But my apologies about the taste thing. I figured it could go either way. If I asked you to comment on the flavor and you reiterated you couldn't differentiate it, I'd look just as foolish. Especially since almost all of my conversational things are going to be about tea or pastries. But Ray of Sunshine nephew. Tch. More like--" She cuts off the words in order to glance at Ianthe, prompting, "... Bah. Speak your mind, love. You can't do worse than mixing chocolate tea with whiskey."

Samantha takes a careful sniff and sip of the golden tea. She seems to approve of the scent, but her thoughtful frown as a result of the sip seems do indicate she finds it not to her taste. She dutifully finishes the tasting cup however, and prepares to try the green tea next. "Where did you hear of this bourbon?" she asks in interest, "More importantly, when did you have an opportunity to taste it?" She ooh's. "I thought I smelled chocolate."

"No." Horatio blinks, "that's just how I look." Grumbled as he looks away to the other guests for a moment, "often, yes. But this is an event to showcase my cousin's teas, give the public a chance to try them, so orders can be made of the ones they prefer. We're Merciers," Horatio looks towards his far more sociable cousins, "business is everything."


    The raspberry iced tea was now being poured, the last due to being delightful at cooler temperatures. It was also likely the tastiest when paired with scones - not so much with whiskey. It doesn't mean one can't try, however! It seems Blacktongue's choice may have been made for him. He seems unsurprised when Samantha voices her interest in the chocolate tea. "Aye, it's one of our more experimental blends. I think it's going to be the favorite of the day. I'll ask Lisette to pour you a cup once you finish your current drink." He turns his head to Horatio and Aurora, their comment having been overheard. "Eh, I'd say I talk about swords and furniture more." Lazarus, on the other hand...

Samantha is overheard praising Lazarus for: Enterprising young man taking on the responsibility for his family's future. Well done!

Samantha is overheard praising Silas for: His devotion to his family and seeing to their future, and his support of his brother is admirable.

Blacktongue runs his tongue against his incisors as he thinks, a secondary action that he doesn't give much thought to but might unsettle others given his namesake. "He is, when he has the right influence. But, one must remember that a torrential tempest is far more pleasing to some than a Spring rain may ever be." His piercing eyes drift over to Ianthe. "Please do, speak your mind. If you don't I fear your smirk may crack your face in half." He pauses and gives a soft laugh, explaining further to Acacia. "The assumption always is that I can't taste, or that I can taste only things, and the truth is I will never fully divulge. Even if my tongue weren't as it is, it is my tool for my trade. What sets me apart. Think of it like this, my tongue is no different than any others truly like a Whisper's....'talents' are no different than any other woman's at the base of it. She, and I, simply know how to use it better."

Lazarus leans back and returns his gaze to Samantha as she sips from the tea, "On the ferry to Bastion." He clears his throat, "We were having issues with corn smut, a fungus that grows in the soil and father wanted a different crop to rotate the corn. It was during our talks about expanding our menu. With whiskey becoming more popular that I left Ashford Keep but uninterested in doing what everyone else doing I met a farmer on the way that showed me an interesting approach to whiskey. Unlike whiskey, bourbon is not mix. It is done with corn and wheat, then aged in charred oak barrels." Lazarus sighs deeply and shakes his head, "I do not operate in opinion because what I think of the taste is unimportant. Our cousin Horatio," He motions to Horatio, "And his science ensure a calculated perfection."

Ianthe looks between Blacktongue and Acacia, offering a look of beatific innocence in response to their requests that she speak her mind as she makes a point to take TWO of the raspberry scones off the plate that Acacia appears to be trying to separate her from. The third type of tea is taken with a smile for the server that offers it. Now, that was much better. It could still use for some whiskey or maybe some rum, but very nice regardless. She looks at Blacktongue, grinning in response, "Indeed, your tongue is a tool of your trade and you use it well. But, and I've always wanted to ask a Whisper this as well, does it ever bring you pleasure? THAT is what people are curious about, Master Blacktongue."

The scowl softens from Horatio's features when the raspberry ice tea is brought about, between that and the scones it is easy enough to pick the kid's favourite flavour. The cup is taken from Lisette without so much as a glance to the woman, his attention off with Lazarus for the mention of his name. "there is not a great deal of alchemy behind it," Horatio murmurs, "it's all very simple." Said mostly into his tea before he drinks and a sidelong glance to Aurora next to him.


Silas wrinkles his nose at Blacktongue. "Your sense of taste is dulled? Or do you simply taste differently than most people?" He is not intimately aware of Blacktongue's former profession. He stifles a snicker when he overhears 'corn smut'. "That's why I stayed at Arx. Because of the corn smut." Not that he has much of a comprehension of what that actually was. "I suppose I ought to organize a bourbon-tasting party soon. I think we might get a larger crowd, though..."

"That sounds almost like a challenge, except I imagine that others would have tried it before," Acacia acknowledges towards Blacktongue as she subtly brushes the crumbs from her fingertips over the side of her chair. Her eyes scanned the minor exposure of his tongue when he spoke, with the occasional rip of her gaze away elsewhere to break the stare. Clearing her throat a bit, she accepts the raspberry iced tea with a toast to the server and mentions, "I think my concern initially was if one lacked that taste - even if you don't - what they'd try to use to make up for it. Burn. Texture. Things of that nature." Her brow creases for a small measure, before she notes towards Ianthe with a bit of humor, "It would horrid if you ever lost your taste, but I imagine it'd be worse if one ever lost their tongue. Especially if it were a trained specialty. Don't we all get enjoyment from that faculty? I think I'd try to find the whiskey with the best burn. Or maybe the best color."

"When you're prepared for tastings, I hope to hear about it. Particularly if you seek investors." Samantha's not signing on the dotted line, but she'd like to learn more. "Especially if there's some opportunity to be found in Deepwood's lumber supply." Ahh, business. She seems to be able to give or take the green tea, and let's be honest. She's been eyeing the chocolate tea ever since hearing about it and having a chance to smell it. "Your ventures would bring a great deal of employment across the region." And this, she greatly approves of.

Acacia is overheard praising Lazarus for: Only a true expert like him would know the real definition of corn smut.

Aurora takes the offered iced tea, enjoying this more than the hot varieties. "There is nothing wrong with business" she states in response to Horatio's words, "especially if its a business that makes money. Money is always a good thing, really." She takes a drink from her tea, reaching for her own scone after, "it is always good to have more than one person interested in the going ons, that way it doesn't fall to one person. Maybe that is why my sister followed in my father's footsteps and went into armorering. It might have been easier if I had as well." Not that sewing is all that difficult. She peeks at her date from the corner of her eyes as he does, almost expecting him to say something that is going to make her want to sew his lips shut.

Lazarus gives Silas a side-along glance, corn smut is not a joking matter, "I am pretty sure it was more than the corn smut." He shakes his head and nods to Samantha, "Yes, of course but that is almost a given. We have always done business with House Deepwood." Lazarus clears his throat, rolling his shoulders, "But the bourbon business if for another time. I am looking for support in our tea trade and will be focusing our efforts in that avenue."


"I was the poison-tester and most trusted hand of Arch Duchess Carlotta." Blacktongue says with polite brevity for Silas' sake. Other than that, he intones to them all. "I believe if we are to inquire about my body's well being, that there are far more interesting appendages I can speak of, but alas. We are in polite company." This is said dead pan as he drinks tea finally. "Everything is a challenge, Mistress Culler, if you care to find it."

"It depends upon the business." Horatio corrects, probably not all that interested in wine or tea by the sound of it. Dark eyes consider the scone Aurora takes up but he doesn't go stealing a bite, simply comments, "perhaps you would have made a better blacksmith than a costume maker." As if he was vying to get his mouth stitched shut, "but the dress you said you made was elaborate, which seems to be fashionable. So perhaps you aren't terrible." Almost a save!


    "That and the geese. Those birds have a mean streak a mile wide," Silas retorts to his brother. He wasn't -entirely- joking on that subject, at least. His expression lights up at Blacktongue's revelation. "Ah, that explains it. Um, I'm glad you've survived, evidently." Being how Velenosa reportedly was, this seems to a marvel in itself. He smiles at Samantha again, and gestures for Lisette to finally pour her a cup of the chocolate tea she's been eyeballing. "I'm certain there are some interesting herbs native to Deepwood not commonly found elsewhere. It is a rather green place."

Ianthe chuckles at Blacktongue's response, her dark eyes resting on his for just a moment before she looks away to tear off another piece of scone to pop into her mouth. To Acacia, Ianthe murmurs, "I'd look for the whiskey with the best burn. Even if you can't taste it, you can feel it. That's part of the experience I seek even with my tongue still attached to my mouth. The best ones make you feel like you're on fire inside, burning down the throat to the chest all the way down." Ianthe sighs at the very thought of a good, fiery whiskey a she sips... tea.

Lazarus nods in agreement with Silas, "Yeah, fuck those geese." He says with a wrinkle in his nose and a curl of his lip.

Silas also gives Horatio a dull look at his 'save'. He's been eavesdropping.

Aurora points over to Lazarus, wiggling her finger at the man's outfit, casually stating, "I made those too." Because chances are she has made a lot of clothes for a lot of people. She doesn't take the bait, her tone remaining soft and even, "I don't think I would have been a good blacksmith. I might fall into the forge." She'd probably fit. "If this whole mixing random things into bottles and shaking until something happens falls through, you could always become a scarecrow, standing and glowering at birds trying to eat grapes."

"I'll take a crate of the iced tea, if you can write me up directions of how to make it. Something I can shove off to someone else and they can fix it up," Acacia voices towards Silas, hooking a bent arm atop the back of her chair in order to better pivot to face him. "Bill me for it, if you would." Blacktongue is eyed thoughtfully for a beat, but when her gaze connects to Ianthe once more she only expresses a fuller grin. The backwards shove of her seat has the rungs scraping the ground when she rises and looks between the two, "A woman after my own heart. Or at least a special one. Perhaps I should leave you, Mistress, in Blacktongue's care. Or vice versa? Appendages and fire-- well. There's all kinds of conversations to be brought up with that, no? You've both been delightful though. Thank you for that." Lazarus' curse has her glancing his direction in time to expel a mirthful exhale through her nose as she straightens marginally. "Anyhow. Marquessa. Good Merciers. Masters and Mistresses. It was an experience with lessons to be learned."

"I'm ignorant of the nature of the tea trade. Are there any treatises I can review?" asks Samantha, finally getting to try th chocolate tea. Lazarus' language causes to her to gently cough before bringing the tea to her lips, and with a broad, impish grin, she finally has a taste. She lets out a soft, "Hmmm." of satisfaction, and then a blink in Acacia's direction. "Ah, Mistress Acacia. I hope we'll have opportunity to converse again soon."

Blacktongue finishes his tea and says his appreciation of it before rising and commenting aloud, "I believe I should find my way back to my quarters, if you will all excuse?" He doffs an imaginary hat and bows with a flourish. "I bid you all a good evening."

Lazarus turns to Acacia, as she places an order and then a quiet nod when she excuses herself. He intents to watch her leave but Aurora steals his attention when she points at him. He raises a brow at the woman pointing to him, sharing a glance towards Horatio. Before Acacia leaves he sends her off with a farewell, "Good fortune." He says to her before responding to Samantha, "Just the usual, I can send you the documents later tonight for you to review them. I did not think about it initially but using lumber from your house for the construction that is required might prove good business for the both of us."


Ianthe blinks as both Acacia and Blacktongue rise to leave. Was it something she said? She offers smiles to both. "Good night." She sounds almost a little confused as she sips from the glass of iced tea and toys with the uneaten half of the scone she's been nibbling on.

Horatio actually smirks over Aurora's suggestion but says nothing of his future carrier as a scarecrow. Instead he takes another mouthful of iced tea and comments lightly, "it would be a tragedy to lose you to the forge, so I think it best you stick with sewing." A glance up to Lazarus, considering the clothing, another little smirk for something he leaves unsaid.


Silas smirks at Acacia and nods. "Raspberry iced tea for Mistress Culler. A marvelous choice made for the brisk summer." He glances to Lazarus, expecting him to actually do the ordering, and looks away when it is evident that he's paying attention. He nods to Blacktongue as well, when he announces his intent to leave as well. "Be well, Mistress Acacia and Master Blacktongue. Thank you for coming and I hope to see you both again soon." He offers them a genuine smile.

A smile is given to Ianthe, the cheshire Blacktongue is so well known for. "I have only just remembered something." Then the Harlequin does the unthinkable, gasp! He musses Ianthe's hair with his blacked gloved hand on his way out.

"And for you. Until later, to you all." Acacia extends one formal bow, albiet with a bit of a flourish, comprehensive to all. The Marquessa receives an additional smile and a singular nod, before she slips out once more.

Aurora reaches over to pat Horatio's hand, "I would never wish to make you sad. You might cry, and I wouldn't want that to happen. I promise to stay far away from a forge, since you care so much." Even with the pat, her tone doesn't hint at any emotion for the substance of the topic.

Samantha perks when she hears Silas. "Do you have stock in tonight's teas for sales tonight, or is there only just enough for tasting?" She gestures to the lady filling cups. "Some more of the chocolate, please."

Ianthe gives Blacktongue a look and an arched brow as her hair is mussed. She makes no move to fix it. With curls like hers, there is never a point where they actually look un-mussed. She gives the Harlequin a nod, a smile on her lips if not necessarily in her eyes as she murmurs softly, "Gods be with you."

Lazarus says to Samantha interrupting Silas, "I will send a supply of the black tea with the documents."

"The grieving would only be that for your size," Horatio's dark eyes consider Aurora next to him, "that an adequate snack for Meandre would be lost. She does not enjoy over cooked meals." The hand she had set those little pats on lifts then, his thumb absently wipes near Aurora's lips to rid some miniscule crumb from the spot. Then he's back to finishing his tea and looking about for Lisette for a refill of the raspberry drop.


Silas gets interrupted, but he still grins to Samantha and gestures for Lisette to pour another cup. "This is both a tasting and a sales opportunity, I confess." He looks to Ianthe now, peering at her supply of scones. "You prefer the baking to the tea, I suspect? I will have to remember so I keep us well-stocked."

Ianthe turns her head to watch Blacktongue depart, the corner of her mouth turned up in a sort of half smile, before she glances over at Lazarus and Silas, not exactly sure which one is the one to do business with. Ianthe delicately clears her throat, not wanting to interrupt.

"I can't stand sweet wines, but pastries are my weakness." Ianthe grins at Silas. "These are really quite good. The iced tea as well, though I'm not sure what I would do with an entire case..."

Lazarus catches a glimpse of Ianthe, trying to decipher her caution. He smiles to her, "Miss Ianthe? From the Crafter's Guild?" He says to Ianthe, studying her for a moment.

Aurora holds still while Horatio makes her presentable again, even though she is old enough to have been able to wipe the scone from her mouth herself. "You still have not told me who Meandre is. And why are you feeding me to it?" She then looks around, "where is Lisette?"

Ianthe glances at Lazarus, smiling. "The very same, though only tangentially related at this time. I'm still working out the particulars of what I have to offer. Seems the Merciers are doing a fine trade, though. I'm impressed with this." Ianthe waves a hand to encompass the entirety of the tea-tasting event. "I think we could do more with these sorts of events to introduce wares to customers. Maybe some sort of bazaar is in order. A night to connect merchants and crafters with people with heavy purses. There could be food, some of these delightful scones, entertainments..." Ianthe trails off, smiling as she muses.

Samantha studies the brothers playfully askance. "Well. I should like to purchase some of the cold brewed tea as well." She leaves the question of whether she's expected to pay for the chocolate tea or whether it's a gift open to the air. If it's not, she has no qualms about paying for something of worth. With the brothers distracted by Ianthe, she helps herself to a scone, nibbling with demure cheer.

Lazarus smiles to Ianthe and nods, "Yes, this is Silas' efforts but I agree that us merchants should meet more with the crafters and create networks to be used by both parties." Shifting to Samantha, Lazarus chuckles and nods, "I will include an order of the cold brewed tea as well."

Thankfully Meandre had not come for the tea tasting, probably for Silas' sake more than anything. "She is one of my pets," Horatio says plainly, as if there was nothing unusual about the creature at all, "I did not bring her, though I will introduce the two of you at some point." Then looks over his shoulder at the mention of Lisette, who was being very attentive to the likes of Samantha, and thankfully no where near Horatio. "Shush," he mutters, "breath her name and she appears."


    The knight nods sagely to Ianthe. "Parties like these are good for attracting customers. Especially if they offer free things. My brother is the salesman and I'm the host." That's how it turned out, anyway! "But food and drink are easily offered free. I'm not so sure if all wares should be."

"A pet that could eat me" Aurora says slowly, trying to understand. "Oh good. Im glad. Wonderful." She can't keep the sarcasm from her words. "I was supposed to ask you about animals. That was a talking point. I forgot my talking points." She sighs, ruining everything.

Silas has left the small circular table.

"Excellent." Samantha has to swallow first before speaking. "I'll make sure my exchequer has the funds on hand to settle the invoice and my cook will likely set up an account for regular purchase." She looks back over to Aurora and Horatio, wildly curious. "Apologies for interrupting, but what manner of creature is this Meandre?" She must know what strikes such feer in the heart of Sir Mercier.

Ianthe shakes her head, smiling at Silas. "Lure them in with the free food, something to drink, a party atmosphere. Make it like a taste of the night markets one can find in the south. All draped in silk with torches. Then, you can offer the wares at whatever price you wish. Set up stalls and booths, make it festive. The Silks will love it." Ianthe shrugs and glances at Lazarus,grinning. "The key to developing networks is to develop relationships. People like dealing with their friends."

Silas chuckles when Ianthe lays her idea out in its entirety. "I admit, that sounds like a place I'd want to check out, even if I ultimately go home with nothing." He grunts when he overhears the talk about Meandre. "She's a giant snake, but she hasn't attempted to eat me in my sleep. Yet." Lisette, as though she smelled Horatio's fear, now approaches his and Aurora's direction. She disguises it as an attempt to refill their cups. "Lazarus, I suggest you and Mistress Ianthe get together and create this bazaar event. I could help out, but you two are the salespeople."

Lazarus nods to Ianthe, chuckling, "Yes, business is best done admist a party or else it gets too dull." He nods to Silas turning back to Ianthe, "I mean, it was her idea." He smiles to her and then looks at Samantha, nodding to her, "As you wish Samantha. I will converse with your seneschal."

"She would not really eat you," Horatio stifles a chuckle, already feeling the lurking sensation Lisette had spied him. Dark eyes lift at the thought but instead catch on Samantha. For the Marquessa's question the scowl disappears from his silver brows, "she is a Eurosi python, an albino. She is beautiful." He explains, lifting his voice a touch to drown out the complaint from Silas, adding in short order, "if you keep her in wood to lay upon she will continue to be no threat to you I am sure, cousin."


As the identity of the snake is revealed, Aurora does not look amused nor impressed. She just stares at the man. Stare. Even as he explains in more detail what kind of snake it is. "Wonderful" she repeats. "If she tries to eat me, will you save me, Silas?" she calls over.

Silas hestitates at this request, evidently needing to think about it. "I.. sure I can, Mistress Aurora." A pause. "Has he told you about his giant tarantula yet?"

"I always prefer to think that a party makes people forget how much money they're spending." She stands and offers a nod to Lazarus, Silas, and the other two she hadn't the pleasure of meeting yet. Samantha gets a curtsy and a wink before she says, "Something to consider, I suppose. I'm off." Ianthe licks a little bit of raspberry off her fingers as she hums to herself and sees her way out. Oddly, the napkin Acacia tossed to her as well as the remainder of the scones on their side of the table have mysteriously disappeared...

"A snake! Like the ones in the menagerie? What does she feel like? I hear children saying they must be slimey, but they don't look like they would be at all. It's too cold in Deepwood for snakes." Samantha is fascinated, but then blinks. "Oh...Lazarus. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to - look, of course you're welcome in my home to visit, you're a friend." She wouldn't dismiss him to a subordinate and sits there, looking sheepish. A furtive grin is offered to Ianthe before she offers in dismay to Lazarus, "That was thoughtless of me."

Silas quickly perks up and offers a finger-waggling wave to Ianthe before she officially departs from the park. "Be well, Mistress Ianthe." The scones were meant to be taken, so he takes their sudden disappearance as a compliment.

Lazarus stands and stretches, "It is getting late for me. Miss Ianthe perhaps we converse in private another time and discuss business." He says to Ianthe while shoving his chair back into the table. He watches Ianthe leave and then turns to Samantha and says to her, "No do not think anything of it. I simply ment that I will ensure our business concluded. I will work on your supplies tonight and you shall have them before I go to bed." Lazarus gives them a polite bow and says, "Good night." and to Silas he says, "Very good work here."

Silas wears his signature wry grin as he salutes his brother. "Any time, brother. I'm glad I could help you out. Do sleep well."

The worse regions of the afterlife just froze over; mainly because Horatio actually smiles at Samantha. It softens his features a great deal, and remind that he is not as old as he often looks. "If you like, I can bring her to show you," he tells Samantha damn near cheerfully, "they do not feel slimy at all, more like soft silk." He doesn't even seem to notice the others leaving, and well, it seems Aurora has been spared being fed to the python. Though he casts a glance Silas' way, "her name is Goliah," he asserts, which must be the giant tarantula.

"Well, don't be a stranger." Samantha insists to Lazarus, still looking visibly aghast at what she considers a faux pas. Her attention turns to Horatio. "That would be marvelous. I've always wanted to touch a snake...though I confess I am less eager with spiders." Her grin turns more playfully rueful as she takes a moment to watch Lazarus depart.

Lazarus has left the small circular table.

"No" Aurora tells Silas, "No he didn't". She hms softly, having finished her scone, and now that her date is quite occupied with snake talk, Aurora stands and smooths down the black rose covered silk skirt. She offers Silas a bright smile, "this was wonderful, I can now tell people I have been to a tea party and did not make horrible social decisions like dying."

    "Goliah, yes," he answers with a wince. It will likely take awhile for him to remember. "Try waking up with Goliah on your face." It hasn't actually happened yet, but Lazarus and Silas are still getting used to all the new creepy crawlies now dwelling in their residence. "Lazarus intends to build a nursery in the Grayson ward to house Horatio's pets. I think it may become a zoo." He chuckles to Aurora's response. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mistress Aurora. I was delighted to have your company. I'm sure my cousin was, as well, deep down." He offers Hori a wink.

"You're leaving?" Horatio's attention, despite the refreshing conversation with Samantha who did not hate his snake on principle, returns quickly to Aurora. He stands from his seat, "well," Horatio glances from Aurora to the table and back again, apparently unsure what one does now. "I hope it was not an awful experience." Yeah. That isn't what one does, but oh well. "I am glad you came." Pointedly not acknowledging Silas for the moment or the wink, lest the tease bring more colour to his cheeks. After a moment though he clears his throat and looks to Silas, "the pets that I keep do serve a purpose, cousin. Each and every one of them, though not the purpose of being gawked at by strangers, so I feel a zoo would be an inappropriate term."

"I find that not dying is quite condusive to social success." Samantha offers agreeably to Aurora, her eyes widening in delight at mention of a second menagerie in the city. Silas is given a calm smile. "This was a huge success, Silas." she compliments sincerely.

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

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

"I don't know about that" Aurora tells Silas, though she doesn't seem to mind, something to work towards. She turns back towards Horatio when he rises as well, nodding her head, "yes. I should go home, I have a lot of work I need to do and while I enjoyed this I should return to do it all." She stands there a bit awkwardly, fingers lacing before her as she shifts from one sandaled foot to the other. "I hope it wasnt an awful experience for you either" she offers helpfully. A nod is offered, relief as Samantha speaks, "yes, and also hiding under the table is frowned upon in social events I was told." Because it might have crossed her mind.

Silas hums and scratches at his chin. "I'll inquire about their uses at another time, I think. We still need to secure you a steady supply of goats and bugs." The grin returns when Samantha compliments him again. "Thank you, Samantha. Your happiness makes it even more worthwhile." His gaze flits to Aurora again and his smile turns sympathetic. "I do hope you join us again, Mistress Aurora, and I wish you luck with your marvelous work. It saved Lazarus some embarrassment at Princess Natalia's function." So -that- may be why he was wearing Aurora's silk mens' outfit and not Silas.

"Well, depending on how old you are, being knee high to a man makes being a table an excellent option for childhood espionage." Samantha says playfully, "But after that it just becomes an opportunity for knockin over table accoutrements. And head lumps. Good evening, Mistresss...Aurora." She caught that from Silas just now.

Horatio, for lack of anything else to do, takes his seat again. One more glance and a dip of his head as Aurora leaves. "I should, on that note, feed Goliah." Horatio thinks aloud, sparing a moment to look to Samantha, "if you wish to see Meandre merely send word to me, I appreciate people who do not so quickly judge a book by its cover." Scaled, or silver. Then sees the folly of having sat now that he needs to leave, "thank you cousin for hosting, I will see you at the manor."


"Thank you" Aurora tells Silas before dipping her head towards Samantha, "yes, Aurora." She turns back towards Horatio, totally waving at him quickly before she heads north west to where her shop is located.

Aurora has left the small circular table.

Samantha has left the small circular table.

Silas finds Horatio's obvious social awkwardness endearing, in its own way. "Lisette will see you home. Be careful, cousin." Because of course. He stands from his seat and turns to Samantha. "I suppose this means our party has finally come to a close. I'm afraid I do not share your fondness for snakes, but it looks like you've made a friend. And by snake standards I think she's rather tame, anyway." He shrugs ruefully and begins to collect the leftover scones. "Take as many of these as you'd like, by the way."

"I would be delighted. You shall hear from me in the next few days, Master Mercier." She looks askance at Silas, "I should very much like to visit the Mercier home, and welcome the family into Deepwood Manor as regular visitors." She looks then more fully to Silas, "The event does seem to be winding down. I think I shall call for my carriage."

Though the offer was not made to Horatio, the kid does steal a couple of those raspberry scones before he departs with his baby-sitter in tow. "Goodnight," he bids as he and Lisette leave, the kid munching away on scones as he does. And thankfully, thoughtful Lisette though to gather his book from the table so he did not forget it.

Horatio has left the small circular table.

    "Aye, I have to stick around for a bit longer for clean-up." Silas begins to collect the saucers and cups, Lisette having been assigned cousin escort duty. "We should invite you to dinner sometime soon. It has been awhile since we've been together ourselves, in fact. We'll be in touch, and be well, Samantha." A sincere smile touches his lips and he bows his head respectfully towards her.

Samantha's fingers twitch, and she eyes the table like she might very well start bussing the tables herself, but she only rises, and this time she will succeed in kissing Silas' cheek if he permits before departing.