It's a beautiful night and the air is scented with the first of the spring blossoms. The heart of the Hart seems to be stirring, the long cold winter drawing back to reveal the first green buds of the season. It is a mercifully warm night, but the braziers and lanterns are lit throughout the garden to welcome and warm all those who wish to explore. Valencia cannot help but smile, dark eyes dancing with playful mischie as the first of her guests beging to arrive, moving to greet each in turn, with warm greetings, an offere of a delicate hand, and perhaps a little hug for those who are amiable.

    You know who also looks glad over Doll being here? Probably no one. She doesn't. She's scowling when she walks in with her skirt swirling across her thighs and her pretty pink parasol slung over the back of a shoulder, revolving quickly - like the world does around Doll herself. She glares at nothing in particular, then probably at Valencia too, before just continuing further in, pausing by the garden swing. She sneers at it like it offends her somehow.

Doll has joined the charming garden swing.

    This stupid garden swing might be charming. But that Doll may not be so charmed. She edges a step at it, reaches out with her free, non-parasol-wielding-hand, and gives it a shove. Predictably, it swings and she snorts.

As Thrond is the first to arrive, he is the first to be greeted but the little vixen. Valencia looks up offers a bright and beautiful smile as he arrives. "Missere Thrond! I am so happy to see you. Thank you so much for returning to my Hart, come, let us see you set with drink," she offers with a little nod, turning to catch the arrival of Lord Sebastian and then Lady Lethe and Lady Titania.... in a dresss. The little princess moves to greet the handsome Lycene lord with as well with an offer of a delicate hand and bright smile. "My Lord, I cannot tell you how happy I am that you are here. Thank you. Have you met Missere Thrond yet?" she says turning to indicate the Northman to her left. Pausing she looks back at Titania again, "If you will pardon me just a moment gentlemen, I have someone I wish to welcome home from Maelstrom," she offers sweetly, moving to give Titania a bit warm hug. "Welcome, my most beautiful lady. You look stunning tonight. I am so glad you are home."

Lethe arrives to the event wearing a simple dress and with her hair up. She politely greets Valencia and then looks around with curiosity at both the garden and the people.

Aodhan arrives wearing his black..nicer tunic with his Crovane Cloak over his shoulders. he didn't bring weapons to be polite. He does bow to Valencia when he enters "Thank you for allowing us to enter your Hart, good Princess." he smiles, and at his side is Titania! he does smile to her faintly, but he seems rather distracted with everything. "Springs already here...came fast."

Sebastian takes the hand that is offered and bends to press a kiss just above the Princess' knuckles before he says to Valencia, "No, I'm afraid that I haven't." He turns his attention toward Thrond then and dips his head. "Missere Thrond, a pleasure." He then says, "Of course," to Valencia as she makes her way off to greet other guests. He is dressed simply in dark blues with a white shirt and few adornments save a couple of rings on his hands.

Malesh arrives in business doing attire. Not too formal, but not casual, mostly just nondescript. While not the tallest man on the continent, his height is certainly not nondescript. It is a descript height. He enters and looks around with his dour expression and gets to mingling, despite looking more like he's here for a meeting than a celebration of spring.

    It's not real long before Doll's half-clothed ass finds its way into the basket of the swing, parasol still over her shoulder, legs bending in from her knees and then extending in turn to properly gather some momentum. She looks over at all the people giving their disgustingly polite greetings and rolls her eyes. The swing is lame, but they're way more lame than the swing. Maybe it's just charming by comparison.

Titania walks in with Aodhan she has a soft blush to her cheeks as she is so use to being in her leathers and a weapon at her side that being in such a dress has her feeling a bit shy. "Your highness." she moves to step into the hug her arms wrapping around Valencia, "It is good to be home your highness." she says softly moving into take a step back after a moment, "I brought it back." she takes something out to hand it back to Valencia, "Thank you."

Nisaa steps into the garden quietly, her steps careful and graceful. She is swathed in umbra, and could easily slip into the shadows if she wished, but she does not, not quite. She does however step to the side, out of the way of everyone there, spending a fair amount of time admiring the beauty of the garden around her, verdigris eyes sweeping from newly budded tree to newly budded tree.

The petite dark haired princess smiles glances to Doll as she passes through and offers the striking ebon haired, pink parasol carrying woman a bright and beautiful smile, desptite the glare that maybe leveled her way. "Good evening," the little fox offeres to her as she moves to go and inpsect the swing. Valencia watches her disappear down the path and turns to welcome to Aodhan and offers a greeting in return, "My dearest lord, everyone is always, ALWAYS, welcome in my Hart. I am so very glad you have chosen to join us. Another smile is offered to Malesh as he enters, "Marquis, so good to see you. Twice in one week. I am honoured. I hope your Marquissa will be joining you. She is very much missed. Have you met Lord Sebastian and Missere Throd. I am sure you have met the lovely Lady Titania. And...," Valencia pauses to smile at Lady Lethe, "How do you do? You will pardon me if I am horrible and we have met. Please allow me to introduce myself again. I am the Princess Valencia," she offers, then the introductions begin.

    Oh, yeah, look at this one, in her crop top and long skirt. With her own low-cut piece and slashed-up excuse for a skirt, Doll whips Nisaa's ass in skin exposure, which may or may not be satisfying by itself, but she snorts in her direction with apparent disdain either way. Valencia had barely gotten a glance from her until she came over to the swing, which only that Doll looks all the more territorial, like this swing was personal property of her pale buttcheeks. Valencia goes away and Doll slows her swing, keeping a lazy pace of it.

Lethe smiles as she speaks to Valencia and the others nearby. "I'm doing well." She shakes her head "No, we haven't met, but it is nice to meet you. I'm Lady Lethe. This is actually my first time here, but I was told it was a good place to visit."

    "Where's the food?!" Comes that Doll's sharp voice toward Valencia, her nose wrinkled, long legs extending to set her sandaled feet amongst the disturbingly pleasant atmosphere that only she's perhaps keeping from being too saccharine.

Malesh's found himself a glass of wine along the way some place, and so at least one hand is full when he approaches the host, nodding some. "I've been avoiding the place for far too long." He admits, "As for Ariel, you know she is even more petite than yourself, and isn't getting around as freely now that she carries my heir..." He smiles and looks to Throd and Sebastian, "Not met prior, but well met now, and Lady Titania, Lady Lethe? Yes, yes it is a good place to visit. One of my favorites. Princess Valencia is the best host in all the city, if not the five kingdoms."

Titania smiles letting Valencia go and steps back to stand next to Aodhan, when she is introduced to Malesh she gives him the best Curtsey she can in her dress, "It is a pleasure to meet you Marquis." she moves to places a hand on Aodhans arm looking to him then over to Doll wrinkling her nose, her ocean blue eyes stare at her for a long moment then she looks back to Malesh and the group with a soft smile.

Nisaa is thankfully not taking part in any skin exposure competition. When Doll shows apparent disdain for Nisaa, a woman she has never met, the Whisper glances at her, blinks once, and moves on. It seems she could not care less about Doll's opinion, or snort. Perhaps the contrary woman has a cold. Perhaps she needs a handkerchief. Well, Nisaa is fresh out of them, and ventures to another part of the garden, well away from any potential diseases.

"Lady Lethe, I am so glad to meet you," Valencia chimes taking the woman's hands in her own. "Please feel welcome. Whatever you need, please ask. It is my staff's delight to see to your pleasure. I hope we will see much of you in the coming days," the little vixen smiles and nods, giving the woman's hands a gentle squeeze. Glancing over her should ther she turns to the Marquis and smiles again, "My dearest Marquis, have you met Lady Lethe?" Valenica asks by way of introduction.

There is a little blink as Doll's demand is registered and Valencia turns to speak with her with a warm and bright smile. "Hello! Welcome. I am so sorry. Please come this way, we are just setting," the little Southern princess replies to Doll, earnestly and utterly unfussed by the curt demand as she ushers the woman to the banquet table laden with food and drink for the taking. "I am so pleased to meet you. I am the Princess Valencia. Welcome to my Hart. May I know what to call you?" she asks kindly, glancing up to smile a hello to Nisaa as she sees that Doll is made as comfortable as the woman will allow.

1 Grayson Guardsmen arrives, following Sabella.

Aodhan smiles faintly to Titania a moment before offering to walk her over to seats to sit down, before kissing the knuckles of the Princess "Thank you again." He looks around for a moment, though he doesn't seem too amused at Doll, everyone else seems rather happy and he seems pleased. He looks around a little more, yawning a little bit respectfully with a covered hand to be polite.

Malesh turns to watch as, just like that, Valencia is gone, off to attend to other guests, leaving him with all these people he's just now met. "Well I've met her now..." he says with a charming smirk, though Valencia isn't there to receive his answer. "You know I first arrived after the siege, and that is when I discovered this gem, I'm so pleased you might find it under better circumstances than I first did." His comment is mostly directed to Lethe, but he doesn't know for sure who else in their little circle has been before, so it's sort of open ended.

    A short pause takes Doll, and she gives Valencia a brief stare before replying, "Hungry." She smiles? On her face, it's somehow questionable, "Can call me hungry." She catches Titania's look at her squints. She stands a little taller and spins her parasol over her shoulder, then bounces her brows at the other woman before just following Valencia along to what had better be some food.

Titania puts a hand on Adohans arm and leans in to whisper to him, then pats his arm and starts to head over to where Valencia and Doll are there is a not so pleased look on her face.

Lethe looks to Malesh. "It's nice to meet you, and I do think this is a better time than that. I'm already liking it here." She gives Doll a curious look. "Do you know her?"

With an arm over his stomach to favor his side, Edward steps in and he looks around. The amount of people might surprise him but he smiles anyways and moves away from the door to make his way towards Valencia.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintence, Mistress Hungry. I hope you find adequate fare to sate appetites," Valencia offers with a nod to a trully well stocked table of food of all kinds, from roasted and braised meets, savory and sharp cheese, to sweet cakes and savory pies. "Please enjoy, " the little princess invites, looking up to smile at Titania as she arrives. "Lady Titania, I am so glad you are here. Please meet Mistress Hungry. Do you and Lord Aodhan have enough to drink?" she asks with a little nod..

Malesh shakes his head, "I do not, well, the Hostess yes of course, but that guest no." He turns back to his circle, sipping his wine, "Truth be told My duties to my house and related business interests often keep me too cooped up with books and ledgers to socialize. I've made special effort for Princess Valencia, with the extra return on my time that I would be likely to meet some lords and ladies with whom I had not yet." He gestures about with his glass smoothly, "Such as yourselves."

Aodhan nods faintly to Titania "Do what you must." before he glances then to Valencia "oh, I'm quite happy with the amount I have to drink, thank you." he smiles warmly.

    "Mistress huh? Yeah, I'll take that. Definitely a mistress a few times over..." With another glance around, Doll's cold grey eyes ensure she's still well in the lead of the skin exposure contest. WINNING. Then, her hand snaps out to grab some piece of cheese that she holds up and glares at suspiciously before her teeth find it ample enough to sink into. She nibbles. Then squints. Then nibbles again. With a bite taken out of it, she puts it back where she found it and reaches for something else. It's a slice of pie. She glances back at Titania again, then bites in and chews slowly. Yum. Pie.

Sebastian inclines his head to Malesh and says, "A pleasure to meet you as well. And congratulations to you," he says at the mention of the man's heir. He then turns to watch as the guests come and go around him, observing their progress as he finds himself something to drink. Once armed with glass in hand, he turns back to Malesh and says, "I find myself often losing myself in the studio and it seems that the Princess is good at drawing those of us out who have a penchant for getting lost in our work."

Lethe nods to Malesh. "I'm new to the city, and I'm just trying to experience as much as I can now that I'm here." She smiles as she listens to Malesh and then to Sebastian. "Hello! What is it that you do?"

Offering a smile in return to Valencia, she dips her head to the Princess in greeting before leaving the hostess to hostessing. Nisaa decides to take the opportunity to explore some more, having never been able to. She finds a rose garden and ventures within, looking over the bushes that are just now beginning to spring with the promise of a new season, and gorgeous blooms to come.

Nisaa has joined the rose garden.

Edward's approach slows as he notes Doll and those standing with the Princess. Edward smiles warmly to Valencia and he puts his hand on his chest in lieu of a bow, "Your Highness. I heard you were having a small gathering and I thought to step in." he smiles to her and then to those around the hostess he gives a nod.

Titania checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Titania reaches Valencia and Doll looking to Doll, "I do not know who you are, but you will treat Princess Valencia and her Hart with a bit more respect, if you do not and continue to be rude I will not allow you to treat my friend in such away." she does not raise her voice but she has a tone of command to it as she watches teh woman that cause herself Mistress Hungry.

Aodhan takes a seat and watches the festivities around him, thoug hhis eyes narrow in on Titania and Doll since they are having an altercation. He does sip his whiskey a little bit and remains ready to interfere if it manages to get out of hand. He does smile to Edward when he enters though, giving him a small wave.

Malesh watches as Titania moves away to settle things between Doll and Valenica, his wine sipped. "It's never dull here..." he muses to those still near him, "Valencia is such a gracious host, and so welcoming, that it's often one can see a clash of cultures which are not normally mixed."

    That Doll's still in the middle of chewing when she starts getting diplomatted upon. Commanded? Negotiated? It's a stretch, one way or another, but she has to stop looking at something else to potentially eat next to redirect her attention to Titania, her mouth half-open and a tiny glob of chewed-upon pie trickling from her lower lip down closer to her chin. Mistress Hungry has had her meal interrupted. Her brow furrows. Interrupted meals, where she's from, sometimes result in fistfights. Dirty looks do too. She might be on the receiving end of both right now. But she looks authoritative enough and maybe she doesn't wanna be in jail AGAIN. Her eyes roll, and she answers, wristing away the pie on her face, "Yeahyeah. I ain't shoved nobody in the pool yet. Just for you, I won't."

Edward's arrival seems to catch her attention and the little vixen looks up with suprise. Dark eyes widen and she moves t meet him, offering a truly devastatingly beautiful smile as he greets her, reaching out both hands to take his and offering an affectionate kiss upon each cheek and a whispered word of greeting. "My dearest Baron, you are home. Gods, I am so glad you are home," she returns, taking in a little breath. Titania's words to Doll call her back to the conversation and she turns back, "My loveliest, sweetest Lady Titaina. You are so kind to worry for me. I am sure that no ill will was meant. I suspect that Mistress Hungry is simply very much so hungry. I am not offended at all. I hope she enjoys her time here with us and we see her again in time, yes?"

Valencia offers warmly, looking between the two, her smile mild and gentle. Another smile is leveled at Doll. "You have heard of our pools. Do you like swimming, Mistress Hungry," she as asks turning to stand beside Edward as the conversation continues to unfold.

Edward takes a glass of something from a server as they pass. He sniffs it. Wine and then he lifts it to Aodhan, "Lord Crovane," and then he gives Malesh an equal acknowledgement, "Marquis Stonewood." he offers a smile to Lethe, "My Lady." though he has not met her and then he looks at the interaction between Doll and Titania. He rubs his side and watches, though he glances to Valencia for a moment and gives her a nod and light smile before he looks back to watch.

Aodhan nods a little to Malesh "You're telling me..." he sighs a little bit, "Oh, how is Ariel by the way...haven't heard from her in a while." he shrugs then, looking to Edward and lifting his glass to him in return. He does seem pleased that Titania and Doll's altercation has ended somewhat peacefully.

Titania looks away from Doll now as her eyes fall on Edward there is a smile that comes to her lips, as she looks back to Doll her smile fades, she looks to Valencia. "MY Swee Princess I will not allow someone to take advantage of you and be so rude." she sighs looking back at Doll, "You been warned." she looks to Edward moving to hug him. "It is good to see you back." she says softly and then heads back over to Aodhan, "I am sorry M'lord."

Malesh smiles to Aodhan, "She is well, thank you for asking." He sips his wine and then adds, "She is petite, as you know..." his free hand comes up to a place on his chest a little below his armpit to show her height, "And we Stonewoods make for large people..." He's not bulky like his brothers, but he's tall enough that his weight is probably similar, "She's had a little trouble getting out and a bout because of it, but she'll soon be free of the heir and likely carraging all around the city to show the baby off."

Lethe returns the smile as she looks at Edward. "Hello. It's nice to meet you. I'm Lady Lethe." She looks around and decides to grab a glass of wine.

Things seeming to calm, Valencia nods graciously and offers a gentle smile, pausing to wave over Magnus, the Harts Master Barkeep, a large and formidable man who looks as though he has seen some battles. The broad shouldered man pauses and recieves intructutions, glancing to Doll and then the others with sparkling steel grey eyes before turning to see what Doll might like to drink, leaving Valencia to see ot her other guests.

Scanning the crowd the little fox finds the lovely visage of Sabella. Moments later she is at the Princess's side offering a little hug and a light peck on the cheek. "Princess, I am so glad you are here. You look so beautiful tonight. When did you return?" she asks the regal blonde Grayson Princess, dark eyes dancing happily to see her again.

"Easy." Edward grimaces with the hug from Titania and he hugs his side again a moment as he smiles to her, "It is good to see you back in Arx, Lady Kennex." and then he looks at Lethe, "A pleasure my Lady. I am Edward Stormbreak, Baron of Whitefrost." and then he sips his wine before he looks at it like he is questioning what he is drinking. Then he notes Valencia stepping away. He holds his position a few moments to take in the groupings.

Aodhan glances to Malesh, chuckling a little "I understand. She's a real soldier. You'll have a nice little bundle of joy too....and that is certainly something Ariel would do. Wouldn't you have it she once made me make a cloak for her because she's so goddamn good at gambling?" he laughs a little. He does turn his head back to Titania as she approaches. "No worries. Welcome back."

    "Hey, I ain't pooled nobody yet!" That Doll, Mistress Hungry, whinges minimally, "That's plenty polite." She scowls, then looks at Valencia, then thumbs some more pie into her waiting maw, chewing noisily before she murmurs through a half-full mouth at the barkeep, "Yeahgimmedatfuckin'... whiskey." She snaps her fingers impatiently, then sneers and looks around, tapping her foot.

Malesh chuckles, his cheeks pinkening as the conversation has him thinking of his wife. "Ahh yes, one of her many talents. It's a good thing I never gamble, or she might absolutly embarass me at it." He sips and finds himself nearly out of wine. "Still, if it wins her cloaks and saves me the coin, I suppose I can't be too upset can I?"

With a shift of his feet Edward lines his lips and then he finally steps away from where he is standing and he makes his way over to Nisaa where she sits in the rose garden. He smiles to her as he approaches and goes to take a seat with her, "Goodevening Miss Whisper." he greets her as he eases himself down into a seat.

Edward has joined the rose garden.

Titania smiles at Edward and then looks between Aodhan and Malesh, "It has been a whole since I talked to her, last time was at her birthday celebration before she for married." she is in a dress OMG! so she moves a hand over her dress smoothing it out.

"I'm an artist," Sebastian answers Lethe when she asks about what he does. He falls a little bit quiet then, mostly listening to others and observing, taking in the people as they move through the garden. There's a smile for the talk of gambling and a glance in Doll's direction as she sampls the food, but the Pravus lord is relatively quiet, remaining on the periphery as he finds himself one of the trees to lean up against.

Malesh's perk up when Sebastian speaks and he turns to face him a little better in that little clump of people. "An artist? May I ask what your field of expertise is?" Not waiting for an answer he drains the last of his wine and then gestures with the empty glass, "You know I've just been thinking about become a more serious patron of the arts, what with Stonewood doing so well and my wife being such a fan."


Amist the dance of the soft, pale light of the myriad of candles and paper lanterns a quiet figure had barely arrived. Sabella moves with a quiet grace and a guardsman close at her side. She lifts one hand slightly, a subtle gesture given to them to remain at the entrance as she slips further into the hidden courtyard. A sudden smile graces her features as Valencia approaches her. Her fingertips curl upon her lifted hand as she reaches out warmly to embrace the cinnamon beauty and hostess of tonight's event.
    Sabella returns the soft kiss in kind even as the music of laughter drifts from her lips. "I've returned only recently within the past day or two into the city. You are a welcome sight, m'dear." Her greeting more cordial than with most. "You know I couldn't resist the allure of a spring party and soiree."

Nisaa smiles to Edward when he steps into the rose garden. "It is a good evening, Baron Edward. It is very good to be seeing you again as well. I have been thinking of you and all of the others who have traveled to sea. To see so many of you return mostly in good health, is a relief." She looks into his eyes and asks, "you are mostly healthy, yes?"

Lethe nods to Sebastian. "Perhaps I'll get to see some of your art one day." She drinks some of her wine and also ends up observing some of the others around.

Edward gives a nod, "More or less after having a bear-duck-woman creature use me as a personal chew toy." he motions and says, "Got some new scars for it and my ribs are still healing but mostly healthy." he looks at her, "There were others who got it worse than me." he sips the wine he has and continues, "But I have a story to tell and the chinks to show for it I spose."

Valencia smiles fondly at Princess Sabella and gently links her arm with hers and then begins to guide her to the others. "Welcome back as well then. I think you will see much has changed in my Hart. We are opening a library, though still trying to ensure support is in place. I hope it will be a wonderful place. And our roof garden is almost ready," she explains, moving slowly back. "Come, let me introduce you to everyone, yes?"

"I am sorry, a what?" Nisaa asks to Edward, verdigris eyes looking at him with a deep confusion. She glances to his ribs, as if she could see the scars, then back up to his face. "Oh, I am ever more glad to have you home then, Baron. If only to hear your stories of this being bear-duck-woman."

"Sculpting and Painting," Sebastian says, "Painting in more recent years, though I've been working on some new sculptures lately as well," in answer to Malesh when he asks about his artwork. He takes a sip from his glass and then asks, "Have you been to the show that is currently going on? I haven't yet made it but plan to go soon. I believe Fortunato and some others are holding it." He then says to Lethe, "It would be my pleasure if you are interested, Lady."

Titania looks to Malesh, "I am sorry for breaking our covesation Marquis." she looks to Aodhan, "M'Lord are you alright?" she asks softly watching him for a long moment then looks around. She breaths deeply. "I am sorry." her cheeks pinken slightly about her leaving them to speak with DOll.

Aodhan turns his head to Malesh and chuckles fainty "heh, wise head rests upon your shoulders." he chuckles a little, lifting his glass to him before taking a swig. He looks then to Titania "I'm fine. Just exhausted...been extraordinarily busy lately." he nods a few times. "Nothing to apologize for." he nods.


Sabella seems to welcome the link of arms with the Princess Valencia as one bare arm interlocks with the other woman's. She moves in step with the woman, the soft drift of her cerulean dress drifting behind her. "You are truly as lovely as ever," she remarks to the dusky beauty at her side though as much for her demeanor as her offer of introductions from her long absence from the city. "Then I shall have to visit each," she chimes softly. It is only then that her deep stormy blue gaze turns towards those that have gathered.

Malesh shakes his head and smiles, "Worry not my lady, for you left for good cause I think." He gestures to Sebastian, "We've just been discussing painting and scultpure now. And no sir, I have not made the time to see that show, what can you tell me about it? Is there a theater troup behind it, or is it perhaps a presentation of The Faith?"

Lethe nods as she again speaks with Sebastian. "Of course I'm interested. I like seeing how art makes me feel." As Malesh talks about the show. "I think I'd also like to see that show. I haven't been either."

"Yeah. It was...," Edward thinks and then he says, "It was like the body of a bear but it had the head of a duck. And it was," Edward tries to think and he says, "The face was almost like a woman's face but with a duck's bill." he says, "And when it opened its mouth it had two rows of teeth and it had claws much more imposing than that of a normal bear. A swipe from the small one we fought cut through my armor like it was hardly there." he shakes his head and he says, "We fought two of them. And the second one...," he shakes his head, "We almost got massacred."

"I am quite glad you were not, Baron Edward. I would be quite devastated if you had been," Nisaa says to the man with a soft smile. "The beast is sounding frightening, even without the danger of it. I may have nightmares with that image in my head."

The little Southern princess moves towards Lethe, Titanai, Sebastian, Malesh and Aodhan, dark eyes keen to the conversation. "I am so very happy to know so many talented artists in Arx. It inspires me to so something with this. Perhaps an artists salon in summer? Inivite those to share their work in a new venue... perhaps in the gardens, yes? I should like to see if we might find artist from all over Arx to participate," Valencia muses aloud, with a smile to Lady Lethe and Lord Sebastian in particular. "My dearest friends, I do not know if you have had the pleasure of meeting my dearest Princess Sabella. She has recently returned to Arx. I am so very excited for you to meet," she nods with a bright smile, stepping back so they may all get to meet the princess. Dark eyes take a quick look about, looking to see if Doll is well content and then peering down the garden towards the rose garden, where Edward and Nisaa have drifted off to. Satisfied, she draws back to speak to staff about ensuring more wine and whiskey is brought.

Titania nods her head, "I understand M'lord from spending my time in Maelstrom to coming back it has been very tiring." she smiles looking to Lethe, "Lady Lethe, your brother is Lord Archeron yes?" she asks of th woman standing there. She brings the wine glass to her lips sipping from it.

Aodhan eventually though, rises to his feet. "Thank you all for welcoming me tonight...but I'm afraid I must away." he bows again, the Crovane Lord doing so at the waist. However, he does offer them all a warm smile. "I pray I see you all again soon."

"I haven't been yet," Sebastian says to Malesh, "but it was mentioned to me the other night and I was thinking of going to find out." He then says to Lethe, "Perhaps we shoul all make a trip of it. I'm always curious to see what each indiviual finds in a particular piece. I've heard that they are thought provoking." He then nods to Valencia and says, "I think that would be a good idea when the weather warms." He then turns and gives a bow to Sabella when she is introduced. "Highness. A pleasure," before straightening once more.

Lethe looks to Sabella with a friendly smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you." She nods as Titania mentions Archeron. "He's my brother. Are you a friend of his?" She nods. "A trip sounds like it could be fun."

Malesh smiles to Sabella after he finishes flagging down a staff member for a refill on his wine. "Princess, I know you by reputation only I'm afraid, I am Marquis Malesh Stonewood, we are sworn to Bisland and through them the Graysons. I believe my sister Arianna is close with yours. Princess Reese I mean, I've not yet met your other sibling."

Glancing up, Valencia smiles to Sebastian as he addresses her, "Then this is what we shall do, my lord. Perhaps, I might speak with you and Lady Lethe about how this might work. From an artist's perspective, eyes?" she queries, dark eyes turning to Doll again, "Mistress Hungry, do you know of many artist or artisans that might benefit from having their art shown and connections made withe others in Arx?" she asks the woman with a sweet smile.

Graham enters into the garden dressed up tonight instead of his usual armror much more appropriate attire. The young Stonewood moves further in looking to all those here to get an idea of who he may know

Titania smiles to everyone as her date has to leave, she nods her head to everyone empting her glass and getting another wondering off to find herself some place to sit and watch everyone speak and walk about.

Titania has joined the table by the fountain.

Stands at the doorway, and quickly peers around the place a few times, before completely walking into the room. Tarik walks around dipping his head to the nobles that he has encountered, "Lady Titania, I have not forgotten about that sparring session and tour." Tarik dips his head to Graham as he walks around the room some more. He dips his head to Valencia, "It is a pleasure to be back in your Hart after only a short time away."


    A soft turn of her head is given towards Valencia's words as she speaks though ultimately Sabella's gaze falls upon the small gathered party to which she has been introduced to. A slow smile curves upon her features even as she gives a tilt of her head, soft stray lock of honeyed tresses falling over one bared shoulder. A single tussled curl clinging lightly to one cheek against the soft blush that rises in anticipation of face faces, new meetings, and so much more.
    To Sebatian, the fair princess chimes, "Greetings, and well met M'Lord." The storm blue of her gaze settling upon the man for a moment in curiosity though she'd only heard but a fraction of their conversation of the group's conversation. The diminutive stature of the young woman drawing her chin upwards further as her gaze shifts towards Malesh. A sparkle gleams in her gaze along with a soft chuckle, "By reputation only? I dare say that could be for good or ill. Though they do say.." Her voice draws soft and wily at this, "That the middle child is the worst. Though it is a pleasure Marquis Stonewood and I shall endeavor them to make further acquaintance."

Lethe drinks some more of her wine and then looks to those nearby. "It's time for me to be heading home, but I've enjoyed meeting everyone."

Edward smiles and raises his glass to Lethe, "Good evening, my Lady." he says as she announces her departure. Then he looks back to Nisaa to continue talking with her.

Moving towards the group he will nod and give a smile warmly to the hostess and owner of the Hart. Graham looks back though towards hiz brother "Wouldnt that make me the middle- worst?" he chuckles

"Certainly," Sebastian says to Valencia, seeking out another glass of wine to replace the one that he had recently finished. At the mention of Arianna, though, he looks to Malesh and studies him for a moment or two, some thought crossing his mind, but he doesn't give it voice for the time being. When he notices Graham enter the garen, he lifts his glass in the young man's direction. When Lethe moves to depart, however, he turns his attention to her and says, "It was a pleasure to meet you. Send a messenger when you've some time and would like to view some of the art."

The little fox satellites through her guests seeing that one and all are happy and cared for. Moving across the courtyard in a swirl of light linen Graham is spied and she detours to greet him with the offer of a delicate hand. "My Lord Graham. I am so happy to see you. Your lovely brother is here," she notes with a little look over her shoulder and back. "I do not mean to impose, but would you see that Lizette and Anna bring out the spiced rum. I have not seen it and I should like to offer it as a digestive for those who wish to indulge." Another smile finds her lips as Tarik arrives and he too is greeted warmly, again, a dainty hand is offered and a warm incline of head. "My dearest Missers. I am glad to see you again. It does my heart so well to see you so soon. Have you met everyone?" she asks her large glimmering eyes moving between them.

Valencia checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 23 higher.

Titania ohs and nods to Lethe, "Yes, I am LAdy Titania Kennex M'lady." she smiles standing, "Do tell him I send my greetings please." she looks to Valencia, "Your Highness if you have a moment." she says softly.

Lethe nods to Sebastian. "I'll send you a messenger soon, and I'll be sure to tell him My lady." She replies to Titania before she goes.

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

Valencia looks lost in thought for a moment and then nods and smiles to Titania, "Of course, my lady," she offers moving to join her at the table with a glance to the others.

Valencia has joined the table by the fountain.

Tarik takes the message and peers down at it for a moment. Tarik begins to write the back on it as he addresses Valencia, "No, I am afraid I have not had the pleasure of meeting everyone." Tarik watches as another person departs. "Did I come too late? Tarik hands the message off to Cybelle.

Graham accepts the hand given by the princess. "Im glad to help i will find them and the spiced rum. He looks as she is called away and finds the rum and returning to the group quickly enough

The party carries on, soft music playing, and abundance of food and drink served as happy guests mix and mingle. A member of the Hart's staff arrives with a note in hand and murmurs polite apologies as he interrupts. Valencia offers an apologetic smile and turns to receive the missive, gently smiling and thanking the man and pausing briefly to read the missive.

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

Titania wraps her arms around valencia hugging her cloae at her table she is holding somehting in her hand.

While the guardsmen at the entrance scans the small gathering, keeping watching, Sabella seems perfectly at ease. A hand lifts, fingertips half curled as her forefingers draw through her golden tresses that brush across her face to tuck a stray tendril behind one ear. She leaves the soft wavy tendrils that fall over a bared shoulder to curl about the outer curve of the soft curve of her bust to cling beneath towards the slender trim of her waist. "It seems I have been away from court and the city too long," she muses softly at all of the new faces through she's more than aware that her own counts amongst that many.
    Sabella gaze slips for a moment as people move and shift. She notes each of the guests in turn as well as the twists of expressions of those around her. Sebastian's study of Malesh giving the young princess pause as a wily little smile turns the corners of her lips. She says nothing however though it is but a slight turn of a her her head a flick and curl of her fingertips that has the guard within the room moving towards the table of food and drinks. "The intrigue deepens," she chimes dramatically to both men still nearby though she looks as if to drift.

Valencia smiles and hugs Titania as tightly as her small lithe frame will allow. "Now go beore I become very silly," she smiles gently. "I will see you later,' she smiles at Titania, nodding warmly.

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

Malesh is oblivious to Sebastians study until Sabella points it out. "Hrm?" He noises as he's sipping his wine. He lowers it and looks around the little group. Whatever the intrigue is he seems to have missed it or is playing at having done so.

Titania nods her head kissing the princess cheek, she moves out from the table giving a bow to those she has meet and a curtsey to Malesh, "Good evening, I do hope we get to meet again." she lookg to Edward, "Baron Stormbreak when you have some time I like to speak with you." she say softly then she turns and heads off.

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

Sebastian looks to Sabella and says, "Oh, I just realized that.. as Arianna is my second cousin, then so.." must Malesh be as well, as her brother. It's a name he hadn't heard for a while. "No great mystery or intrigue," he assures. "How is Arianna? I haven't seen her in quite some time."

"Of course Lady Kennex. I will seek you out on the morrow." Edward says as he finishes his glass of wine and then he shifts in his seat and rubs his side again as he looks back at Nisaa and nods to her

Malesh ahhhs as Sebastian explains the matter, "It is interesting how interrelated we all are isn't it? More in common than not, I think keeps the compact strong." He sips a little more wine and answers teh lord's question, "Arianna is busy but well, having grown into a warrior of note recently, amongst her other duties, I'm worry only about when she manages to find time for sleep."

Titania has left the table by the fountain.

Valencia rises gracefully from the table as Titania depards, her expression flashing with a warm regard as she moves back to join the main group again, coming to stand by Tarik and Graham, opposite to Sabella, Malesh and the charming Sebastian. She gently clears her throat and smiles, "My sirs and madames, if I may, I would like to propose a toast this evening. To life, luck and love. To the return of those who left to protect us. To the coming spring and the hope of beautiful and new things, and the continued growth of all that is good. And to you... brightest blessings. May we see you in our Hart many more times this season. "

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

Tarik takes a deep breathe and sighs. "I am sorry your Highness, but I have to depart. I have a meeting of a personal nature, but I promise I will come back and share a drink after that.