Lien le Storm

An Expansive Foyer
[Pleasantly Cool]
This expansive room rears its roof two stories tall, airy and light despite the stone it’s constructed of. A cathedral ceiling slopes up to a rectangular skylight of thick stained glass, elegant design framed with wrought iron. Half of it displays a daytime sky, a brilliant pale blue enlivened by a sun, clouds and detailed birds in flight; the other half a deep blue twilight sky, all five moons bright in a sea of stars. More ordinary windows ring the walls, concealable with deep blue velvet drapes hung artistically through the room. Underfoot, tiles of black marble adorned with a geometric starry design surround a square dancing floor of polished mahogany, framed with plush couches and armchairs in matched deep blue. A massive black marble fireplace floods the room with heat and light, aided in the latter mission by a gold chandelier that sends the light of its candles reflecting off glass planes. Carved mahogany doors in the northern and southern walls lead into the rest of the house; a similar door in the eastern wall leads back out. A glass panel in the western door shows a dining room beyond.

[ Exits: north east south west ]
( 3) A slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving is filled with icewine and set on a table. (eastern edge)
( 6) A small chalice of dark green absinthe is here. (eastern edge)
A long wooden table laden with a feast stands here. (northeastern corner)
A festive table with a long tablecloth has been arrayed with a selection of drinks and desserts. (northeastern corner)
A collection of mahogany chairs and couches in blue velvet is here. (eastern edge)
Huge windows in wrought-iron frames ring the room. (western edge)
Jei ab Sevoi is seated here with an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair in his lap. [App: 3]
Ari is here. [App: 5]
A stoic faced male Knight with broad shoulders and blond hair stands here.
An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair is here.
A tall elderly gentleman with a gray mustache and hair is here.
You have arrived.

[Action: Ari is pouring glasses of wine and chatting to Jei.]

Lien dashes quickly into the room, then comes skidding to a halt. Slippered feet sliding a good couple of feet along the marble floor. Though she manages to do so without falling, somehow.

“Just so you know, Ari, I have no idea how -that- got here.” Lien says, pointing her finger at the rows of chalices filled with dark green absinthe.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “Just as long as you don’t do anything stupid.. doctoring sounds like a good idea.” he grins and then looks to Lien and nods at her, “Hello Miss Storm.”

“What would you define as something stupid, Jei?” Ari wonders, before turning to grin crookedly to Lien. “It’s all right; I’m fine with absinthe, you know. Actually, I got a bit of it myself, along with the reds and the icewine.” [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “Getting yourself stabbed to death, mainly.” he smirks a bit and chuckles, “Anything that would upset my cousin, essentially.”

“I assure you, my cousin is rather boring, and incapable of doing anything remotely stupid.” Lien says, offering Jei ab Sevoi a curtsy. “Hello.” She clarifies for Ari with a grin. “And I definitely did not go Southside, into the Blind Horse which you forbid me to return to, to get it.”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “That doesn’t sound at all like a very specific lie to me at all.” he grins a bit and shifts an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair on his lap, “Oof, no more sweets for you, you’re getting fat.” and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair reaches up to bop Jei ab Sevoi on the head with his stuffed knight, “You fat.” an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair retorts.

“Because that would not mandate a pressing reason to go there and because I would be -very- angry if you had done such a thing oommededdawewe.” Ari fixes a direct gaze on Lien for a long moment. “Because if it turns out you lied to me about doing your best to stay out of trouble, I’m going to be really angry, and there aren’t going to be any more parties, do you understand?” Glancing to Jei ab Sevoi, he asides, “She thinks I’ve never been to the Blind Horse’s underbelly, clearly.” [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi nods at Ari and says, “Clearly. How sad for her that she oomdeweddemaded you so.” he grins from ear to ear.

Lien puts on her best lash-flutter, and winning smile which she directs to Ari. “Cousin, dear. You want this party as much as I do, to break up your boring and mono tonous life with some thing some what exciting.” She says, grinning as she looks between him and Jei ab Sevoi. “And, I was very care ful. Doing my absolute best to stay out of trouble. I even sent word to the little Knightling to tell him.”

“If you need absinthe, buy it from Penmoor Sweet Wines. There’s nothing else down there that you have a reason to be buying. I meant what I said, Lien. I really expect you to do your best to avoid getting in trouble. In return, I’ll do my best to be a good guardian for you. But this bargain doesn’t hold up unless we both try.” Ari sets down the bottle of icewine on the table. “Also, I’m amused you think that -boredom- happens to be a problem of mine. Am I boring, Jei?” [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “So would we be able to start taking bets on when you start to go gray about the temples?” he grins a bit after listening to Lien’s words.

Ari puts a slim, tall bottle of dessert icewine in a long wooden table laden with a feast.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “No, not boring at all, you get into more trouble than… just about anyone, really.” he says with that same grin on his face.

“Well, then I shall put as much effort into avoiding getting into trouble as you do Cousin.” Lien says, resting a hip against one of the tables, she eyes Ari’s hair. Eventually she leans in and grabs the very tip of one hair, and yanks, intending to pluck it out. “This one looks a little gray.” She says, approaching Jei ab Sevoi to show him. “What do you think?”

“Hey,” Ari remarks with a grimace, frowning at Lien. The hair is in fact grey… and it’s not the only one, despite his age. “Listen, when I get into trouble, it’s trouble for a -good- reason. Helping out Lithmore’s peace and safety. That’s different trouble than showing my leg at the Blind Horse and getting mentioned in the city’s ddooddwefoodd for looking like a woman of… negotiable affections, which yes, I heard somebody say about you just today.” [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “That’s shameful. You don’t want to be known as the guardian who allowed some drunk Southsider to deflower your niece while she’s in your care, do you? You had better be careful..” he grins.

A town crier passes by, calling, “Everyone is invited to a Tubori-themed party at the Orban manse, off the Chessboard Gardens in North Lithmore. Come one, come all!”.

Lien rolls her eyes towards the ceiling, the grey hair flicked away. “I asure you, I have no intentions of being ‘deflowered’ by any drunken Southerner. Did the same gossip mention how I was -kidnapped- right after that and dragged across town?”

A tiny, flimsy woman arrives from the east with bouncing steps.
A tiny, flimsy woman slows to a halt.

“I went to the Blind Horse, tied her up and dragged her home,” Ari explains to Jei ab Sevoi with a mild sigh. “She insists on calling it a kidnapping. Me, I think that’s overly dramatic, right?” [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “Well you did restrain her against her will, I think that’s kidnapping.” he grins and looks to Lien, “Shall I call a Reeve?”

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman stands in the doorway, looking about.]

“Can I have him flogged for it?” Lien asks Jei ab Sevoi, broad grin upon her lips as she looks between Ari and Jei ab Sevoi.

Jei ab Sevoi nods at Lien, “Flogged, spanked publically, I’m sure you could do a lot of things to him.”

“You can’t kidnap your own ward,” Ari snorts, waving a dismissive hand. He glances to the doorway, broad smile lighting up his expression at the sight of a tiny, flimsy woman. “Trouble! Please, come in.” [Ari]

A tiny, flimsy woman enters from the outside. She looks a tad flushed from walking from the city. Straightening her a belled jester’s cap with three half-red half-purple tails she soon locates Ari and calls to him from the doorway: “Ohoy, Master Orbie! May a fool enter this fancy abode?” Just as she does, Ari invites her in. She does so, heading over the floor towards him.

Lien grins, seeming about to say something further when she looks over at the direction of a tiny, flimsy woman and offers the woman a nod of greeting.

“What’s this talk of spanking?” a tiny, flimsy woman asks as she without hesitation joins the conversation. “And where is this famous cousin of yours, Orbie?” Her eyes land on Lien. “Ah. The lucky girl with the foot masseur if I’m not mistaken?” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Jei ab Sevoi looks over at a tiny, flimsy woman and nods at her. an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair grins over at a tiny, flimsy woman and also waves at her.

“Trouble, you should know you’re welcome anywhere that I own. Have a drink, something to eat, whatever,” Ari invites with a wide, sweeping gesture toward the tables. “Aye, this is the Lady Lien le Storm, heir to Strongjaw back in Tubor. Lien, this is the Jester. I call her Trouble; everyone else calls her… whatever they see fit, really.” [Ari]

Lien performs a small curtsy to a tiny, flimsy woman, grin upon her lips as she greets her. “The very same. Sad though the priest did not wish to leave the employ of the church to become my servant. It is good to meet you again, Trouble.”

Marisa arrives from the east, hips swaying back and forth as she goes.
A stocky, sandy-haired bodyguard with a square jaw has arrived.
A tall, slender manservant with light brown hair has arrived.
Marisa slows to a halt.

“Good evening,” Marisa calls in with a warm smile, bringing her retinue in tow. “How ees the party doing at getting started?”

A tiny, flimsy woman bows a flourishing bow back at Lien. Her outfit – different from that the woman might have seen before – is strung with small bells in various places, causing her to give off soft jingles at random moments. “Lady le Storm!” a tiny, flimsy woman says, “I realize I cannoe’ measure with a good foot massage, but I heard rumors of a gift being in order – so what not to remember the homeland than a coconut?” Flipping her fingers a tiny, flimsy woman seems toproduce a dark iron rough coconut with brass ringed knob on its end from somewhere on her person. She presents this curious item to Lien with the full flourish of a priceless treasure.
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

Edvard arrives from the east.
Edvard slows to a halt.

Jei ab Sevoi waves over at Marisa, “Hello cousin.” he grins and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair waves at Marisa too, “Tirisa!” he calls out with a grin.

“Well, now that you’re here my lady, it’s truly begun,” Ari calls to Marisa with a light laugh, turning to bow deeply her way. “Welcome; please come in, help yourself to the wefwedvmemdd.” He blinks at a tiny, flimsy woman’s coconut, downright staring for a moment. “Where… what?” [Ari]

A tiny, flimsy woman gives you a dark iron rough coconut with brass ringed knob on its end.
You examine a dark iron rough coconut with brass ringed knob on its end. On close inspection, there is a seam and hinge along the bottom of the
coconut which appears to be openable by pulling on the brass knob.

Lien ‘s grin somehow becomes all the broader at the sight of a dark iron rough coconut with brass ringed knob on its end as it is passed into her hands. She looks over it carefully, turning it over and over in her hands. Eventually she touches the brass knob, giving it a small pull.

“Well, I am certeenly glad to help weeth that,” Marisa agrees to Ari, glancing to a tiny, flimsy woman’s gift with a chuckle. She smiles and waves over to Jei ab Sevoi and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair.

“Thank you, Trouble. Your gift is very much adored, truly.” Lien says as she brings cocnut up to her nose and sniffs cautiously the contents.

“If ya can figure out how it works, then that’s half the gain right there” a tiny, flimsy woman grins to Lien. She flashes her eyelashes to the baffled Ari, “Wha-at? You don’t have a coconut at hand at all times? Shame on you, Orbie!” She offers a smile and a bow to the recently arrived Marisa as well. [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Ari glances to Edvard, lifting a hand to wave. “Stirke, greetings. Come in, come in; help yourself to the food and drinks.” At a tiny, flimsy woman’s question he laughs, admitting, “It’s a flaw in my emergency fwefawadeamd, I suppose. Shame on me!”

Marisa gets a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

Lien takes a good sized sip from the fluid within, making a show of taking a staggering step backwards against the table. “Good stuff!” She remarks to a tiny, flimsy woman, offering her a nod before taking another mouthful of the contents.

“So, I noteece you steell have at least most of your hair,” Marisa teases Ari with a mischevious grin. “Ees the Lady Storm starting to settle een, or ees that een spite of her efforts?”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Marisa, “It’s going gray though, have a looksie.” he grins and glances over at Ari teasingly.

“Ormph, I’ve been trying and trying and trying. He completely foiled my plan with the dead rats. I had -eight- of them too.” Lien says, with exagerated sadness and a sigh.

A mild sigh escaping Ari, he admits, “It’s been going grey for at least a year now. The worst Lady Storm can do is hasten the inevitable.” He shoots a quick glance over at Lien. “I expect the process of acclimation to be… long, and stressful.” [Ari]

Ari gets a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.
Ari drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

“Master op Orban.” Edvard nods to Ari as he moves further into the room. He nods to Marisa as well. He seems to recognize the sight of the coconut, “You know.. I remember leaving that sitting around in queen’s.” With a shrug and grin, Edvard moves over to the table, swiping up a drink.

Marisa gives a light laugh in response to Jei ab Sevoi’s words, grinning over to him. She glances to Lien, wondering in a playful tone to Ari, “Oh dear… well, that doesn’t sound terreebly promeesing. I suppose she hasn’t been good enough for a welcome geeft then?”

“That it is” a tiny, flimsy woman nods to Lien. “If I may, Orbie’s hair is not gray” a tiny, flimsy woman points out to Jei ab Sevoi, “It’s just the light I’m sure.” She smiles. “And right now, Orbie wonders how I shall turn this around into a tease…” she slides over towards the table. “Oooh, Tubori dumplings!” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Marisa drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.
A tiny, flimsy woman gets a plate of fine Tubori dumplings encasing slices of herring from a long wooden table laden with a feast.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair arrives from the east with a concealing crimson leather cloak that hangs a full circle billowing about his calves.
A vivacious old Knight with pitch black hair and green eyes has arrived.
An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair slows to a halt.

Edvard gets a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair looks around plaintively, and gives a nod to Lien. “Lady.” he states simply, holding out a bright crimson-wrapped giftbox with small paper charms.

“Teasing me appears to be half of Lithmore’s favorite pastime… I suppose I should be glad to be fashionable in at least -one- sense,” Ari muses, contemplating his wine. He blinks at an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair’s entrance, but bows his head deeply all the same. “Your Eminence. …Lady Storm, did you actually tell people to bring gifts?” [Ari]

“I have been evdefdeamawwe good for the last two hours.” Lien says with a nod to Marisa. At the sound of an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair’s greeting, she turns on her heel and approaches. “It is a Tubori tradition!” She exclaims, as she skips towards an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, and the gift he holds. “Your Eminence, glad you could make it.”

A tiny, flimsy woman bows respectfully to the appearance of an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair as she mingles over towards Edvard by the table. “If it isn’t my friend from the rain” she smiles to him. “Edvard, wasn’t it? Not ‘looking out from a huge helmet’ yet I see.”

“I heard the rumors that geefts were encouraged, and I feegured eet oreegeenated from the Lady Storm, rather than yourself, but deedn’t feegure there wasn’t too much harm een eendulging,” Marisa tells Ari with a chuckle.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair looks past Lien to Ari. “Is there an issue, Ariel? I had no issue bringing something. This also seems to be a party for the… More privledged of Lithmore, so I should hope no one else would.” He looks over to the table with a uirked brow. “I smell absinthe.” he states in a capriciously friendly tone.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair gives you a bright crimson-wrapped giftbox with small paper charms.

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman stands over by the table, near Edvard and others.]

Jei ab Sevoi listens to the conversations around him without taking part.

[Action: Edvard stands next to the table, a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving in hand.]

Edvard drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

“I suppose there is no issue… do call me Ari, however, Your Eminence, rather than Ariel,” Ari requests, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. “I do apologize if anyone felt obliged to bring anything, though. I would not go so far as to call it a ‘Tubori tradition.'” He slants a glance Lien’s way. [Ari]

“Ariel.. You know, that sounds rather feninine of a name..” Edvard pipes up.

“Happy Birthday to you,” Lien says, taking the gift box from an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair and giving it a light shake. “And to me too. I missed mine a few weeks ago, stuck on a ship and all that. Can you imagine a more horrid thing? Missing your own birthday?”

You open a bright crimson-wrapped giftbox with small paper charms.

a bright crimson-wrapped giftbox with small paper charms holds:
a finely honed iron tuning rod with a thick mahogany handle
a smart black journal with a gold-leaf chalice on the cover
a glass bottle of rose perfume

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair points a finger between Ari and Lien. “I wasn’t sure who to buy for, so I got something for the both of you.”

“Yes, that is why I prefer Ari,” Ari remarks, somewhat flatly, to Edvard. He blinks at an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair’s words, gaze shifting back his way. “Ah, well… thank you, Your Eminence.” [Ari]

A tiny, flimsy woman, seemingly being ignored by Edvard, shrugs and instead focuses on her a plate of fine Tubori dumplings encasing slices of herring. “I love these things” she sighs.

A tiny, flimsy woman gently eats a Tubori dumpling.
Edvard wonders to a tiny, flimsy woman, “Never had any before.” He motions to the plate of dumplings.

“Thank you, it is perfect” Lien says to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, plucking a glass from a nearby table, she offers it to him, before plucking one up for herself.

You get a slim, tall bottle of dessert icewine from a long wooden table laden with a feast.

You get a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes from a long wooden table laden with a feast.

“Well, you should try some then” a tiny, flimsy woman tells Edvard with emphasis, through her own chewing. “Damn good stuff, lemme tell ya!” She plucks one of the dumplings on a thin stick and holds out of Edvard to sample. [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“Well, you should try some then” a tiny, flimsy woman tells Edvard with emphasis, through her own chewing. “Damn good stuff, lemme tell ya!” She plucks one of the dumplings on a thin stick and holds out for Edvard to sample. (fix) [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Ari drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “So how are things with you, Cami?” he grins a bit.

Edvard gets a plate of fine Tubori dumplings encasing slices of herring from a long wooden table laden with a feast.
Edvard gently eats a Tubori dumpling.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair gratefully accepts the glass with a nod to Ari. “I don’t believe I’ve ever actually been out to socialize like this before.” he directs back to Lien. “I suppose since I’m officially an elder now, it is high time.”

Lien holds up the two different wine glasses, eyeing them both to decide which to pass over to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair. Eventually she decides on a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes and gives it over to his hand before skipping back to the crowd and taking a seat next to Jei ab Sevoi.

“Do not -even-,” Ari informs Jei ab Sevoi, fixing him with a narrow-eyed stare. “It’s Ari. Come on, you’re all here eating my food and drinking my wine, the least you can do is call me Ari. M’lady accepted, since she pays me,” he adds on, inclining his head to Marisa. [Ari]

You give a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair.

“So, whaddya think?” a tiny, flimsy woman asks Edvard, after the man having tried the dumpling. “Not bad eh? Tubor delight straight down yer throat.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Jei ab Sevoi grins at Ari and says, “Alright, alright… Ari.” he says and glances over at Lien and says, “Hello Miss Storm.” he grins a bit wider.

Edvard nibbles on the proffered dumpling, and exclaims through a full mouth, “Ooh Dewishoush!” He immediately moves over to the table, picking up a plate for himself.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair gets thin ginger-roasted salmon served with mango slices from a long wooden table laden with a feast.

Marisa grins back to Ari, inclining her head in return. “Oh, that ees a good reason to keep you on staff then, eef that’s the only reason I get to call you what I like,” she teases.

Lien offers up glass to Jei ab Sevoi. “For you.” She then glances briefly to Ari, her brow raising curiously. “The Knightling did say that the best way for me to terroise you was to call you.. what was it now.. it was like Cami….”

Lien queries, “Camine? Carmine? Callouse?”

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair inhales slightly over the plate, a brow shooting up. With a soft shrug, he follows suit after Lien, looking past her to Jei ab Sevoi. “Sevoi. Mind if I join you?”

“Well, even should I not be your bard, my lady, I can hardly order a baroness around… not that I wouldn’t -try-, but,” Ari notes, grin broadening only momentarily before he looks to Lien. “Ari, Lien. I am not joking.” [Ari]

“There ya go. Once you start, you cannot stop” a tiny, flimsy woman chuckles after Edvard. “Another one hooked on dumplings.” Leaning against the table she gazes across to Ari. “Orbie” she says, simply. “Works for me so far.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“She ees seeming to tempt that line of ‘not really deserving welcome geefts’….” Marisa muses thoughtfully to Ari.

Jei ab Sevoi shakes his head at Lien, “No thank you, Miss Storm.” he grins a bit and then says to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, “Oh why not, Dominus?” he grins slightly.

A tiny, flimsy woman gently eats a Tubori dumpling.

[Action: an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair is seated near Jei ab Sevoi, red clothing standing out like a sore thumb.]

Lien sits back in the chair with a pout, and rests the base of the glass on her knee as she looks between Ari and marissa, “Alright, alright, Ari it is. No more Cami-whatever..”

Edvard drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.
Marisa gives a light smile, looking over to a tall, slender manservant with light brown hair with a gesture. “Henry, eef you would? To the Lady Storm.”

“Why thank you, my lady,” Ari remarks, without particularly targeting that remark to either Marisa or Lien clearly. He moves toward the tables, surveying the food on offer. “I should have had a spar brought in for some good Tubori spar balancing.” [Ari]

A tall, slender manservant with light brown hair bows in response, stepping forwards to Lien and offering up a large item.
A tall, slender manservant with light brown hair gives you a stormy grey velvet winter cloak, lined in soft rabbit fur.

Jei ab Sevoi says, “I brought no gifts. I think they’re a bit… much.” he grins slightly.

“We can’t very well have you freezing een Leethmore, mm?” Marisa remarks to Lien with a soft smile.

Edvard gets a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Lien puts the glass of wine down on the ground and takes a stormy grey velvet winter cloak, lined in soft rabbit fur from a tall, slender manservant with light brown hair, her fingers sinking into the fur. “My Lady, thank you. I know I did not deserve this at all. But thank you none the less. It is beautiful.”

Edvard grouses over the table of drinks before picking up handily. He turns, leaning back against the table now.

“That would have been something. Awdewmadefewe there is a bathroom with lots of thin ledges over there” a tiny, flimsy woman thumbs towards a door at Ari’s mention of spar balancing. “Wet, slippery ledges make for good balancin’.” She looks at the cloak offered to Lien. “Wow, that’s beautiful!” she murmurs. “I need to throw a party with gifts too some time. Clearly that’s a very good idea.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“Well, then, the only thing for eet ees to do your best to deserve eet een upcoming days, yes?” Marisa suggests to Lien with a light raise of her eyebrows. “Try not to go too hard on your good couseen.”

A tiny, flimsy woman gently eats a Tubori dumpling.

Ari turns a warm smile to the gift exchange, shaking his head gently. “Lovely -and- practical, my lady Damassande; oomdoowfwedemdwe, from you, a perfect gift.”

“I always have good ideas,” Lien says to a tiny, flimsy woman and nodding quickly to Marisa’s words. “I will not cause a single grey hair to sprout from his head for a good few days. Promise. No window climbing, no …” She pauses here, as if considering what else she can promise. “No rats! And I will avoid Southside unless it is absolutely critical that I go there.”

Sniffing a small chalice of dark green absinthe hesitantly, Edvard exclaims over to Lien, “Ya know, this stuff we got smells -horrid-.” [Edvard]

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “Why would it ever be critical for you to go to southside?”

Marisa lets out a soft chuckle to Lien, remarking over to Ari, “Well, eet ees something.”

“Oh by the way, lady Damassande!” a tiny, flimsy woman says, snapping her fingers, as she just came to think of something. “Don’t think ya saw me in it, didya?” If Marisa looks her way, the small woman makes a little spin on the spot, causing a belled jester’s cap with three half-red half-purple tails and bell-edged, divided cotton skirts with red and purple bands to swirl about her. “It’s lovely! And I’m starting to learn to use the bells too.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“That will put my heart at ease… at least for a few days,” Ari remarks to Lien, chuckling as he turns to survey the food and take a plate of dumplings from the table. “Better luck than I’ve had thus far, my lady Damassande, so I truly must thank you.” [Ari]

Ari gets a plate of fine Tubori dumplings encasing slices of herring from a long wooden table laden with a feast.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about Eddie… that stuff was all gotten without even stepping a toe over the Southside border..” Lien says, as she turns towards Jei ab Sevoi, drawing the cloak in against her. “Well. Running away to join the circus for starters. I believe that would best be done South side.”

“I hadn’t previously, but eet does seem to suit just perfectly,” Marisa beams over to a tiny, flimsy woman. “They’re all jingling appropriately een that case?”

Jei ab Sevoi shakes his head a bit at Lien and says to Ari, “So, how are you Butch?” he grins a bit.

“Aye, they do” a tiny, flimsy woman beams back to Marisa, just as brightly. “Trickiest is the bigger ones off the hips -” she flicks her hips quite suggestively with the purpose of causing the heavier bells around her belt to give off a lower, muffled chime. “I keep getting the feeling one could play something if moving just right … but I’m not quite there yet. Great fun all around though.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Lien stands up for a moment, and undoes the ties that keep her cape secured at her throat. Sweeping it off her shoulders, she instead wraps a stormy grey velvet winter cloak, lined in soft rabbit fur around her.

Lien grabs up a slim, tall bottle of dessert icewine again and sits back down on the chair, lifting the glass to have a sip.

Edvard drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

“Ahh, well, I hope we can all enjoy een the efforts once you’ve got eet down,” Marisa grins amiably to a tiny, flimsy woman. “I have the feeling eet may take a beet of energy to spring about just right, but I think not more than you have on hand.”

“Butch is also perfectly acceptable,” Ari remarks, seemingly to the room at large. Taking a bite of a dumpling, he chews and swallows before answering Jei ab Sevoi, “Mostly well, I would say. Still getting used to all the upheaval in my life, but it seems every other month something wild happens, anyway.” He glances over to a tiny, flimsy woman at the kingling. [Ari]

A stoic faced male Knight with broad shoulders and blond hair sneezes loudly.
An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair mutters quietly. (OOC Emote)
An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair says OOCly, “Sorry. I’m being accosted.”
An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair has gone IAW.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair drinks Tubori wine from a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes.

Edvard takes another dumpling from his plate, scoffing it.
Edvard gently eats a Tubori dumpling.

A tiny, flimsy woman nods to Marisa, “Oh, I don’t think the energy is the problem, you are right about that mylady!” She makes a few small jumps. “Well, we’ll see. In the meanwhile a random jingle works fine. It -is- after all the signum of a jester, is it not.”

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair slowly picks at salmon, peering at it piece by piece. “Lady Storm, what’s your business in Lithmore, anyways? I don’t believe I was ever informed of that.”

“I certeenly don’t think anyone weell complain at that,” Marisa tells a tiny, flimsy woman with a grin. “Plenty cheerful weethout any organization at all!”

“Oh, Trouble,” Ari suddenly calls across the room, “did you get my letter about the ballet? I know, I know, not your thing… but do consider it, aye? So far, no one has contacted me with interest in the third part.” [Ari]

Lien turns in her seat towards an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, legs crossing at the ankle as she regards him. “Well. My Father sent me here in the hopes that by association alone, that some of the values of the Lith morran ladies here would sink into my thick skull- his words, not mine. Also, he desires a marriage that will strengthen his ties or some such thing with Lithmore.” The last is said with an eyeroll as she takes another sip from her wine.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair chuckles at that. “Lady Storm, are you perhaps…” He looks over to Ari with a quirked brow. “Trouble?”

Marisa gives a soft chuckle, correcting to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, “The leettle jester.”

“I am an entirely different kind of trouble.” Lien says with a nod to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair.

“Sure, sure” a tiny, flimsy woman replies easily to Ari. “I’m all for trying new things. Ballet it is. But don’t blame me if ya hold me by me sides and I collapse from laughter. You know how ticklish I am.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“Well, you aren’t terreebly likely to drop her,” Marisa notes over to Ari with a soft laugh. “Provided she doesn’t squeerm too terreebly much.”

A tiny, flimsy woman says, “”I’m Trouble” /self clarifies to those who didn’t hear the name before. “For Master op Orban, that is. The rest of you are most welcome to call me whatever you fancy.””

“You’ll actually do it?” Ari blinks, but smiles all the wider over to a tiny, flimsy woman, clapping his hands together. “Wonderful! Aye, I found it quite easy to dance the part when I practiced with her… far easier than when I practiced with Haroun. Also, it will create quite a dramatic aesthetic contrast, with the third dancer being nearly my height if not my size.” [Ari]

Edvard sighs lightly to himself, before taking a sip from a small chalice of dark green absinthe.
Edvard drinks absinthe from a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Jei ab Sevoi yawns and says to Lien, “Did you say why you’re here in the city?” he grins.

Edvard wobbles slightly, putting a hand out to the table to steady himself. He grins oddly.

“I never said I’d not do it” a tiny, flimsy woman says, rolling her eyes at Ari, “I just said it sounded very -serious- and that serious is not really my thing.” She pulls down the corners of her mouths with her fingers. It looks quite weird on her round face. “Here’s me being seeerious. I’m seeeerious. I’m in paaain, and my lover is deeead. I’m soon dead toooo…” she shakes her head, “Most of the ‘serious’ theatres I’ve seen are something like that, really.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“I did,” Lien replies with a smile to Jei ab Sevoi, her hand directing to Edvard as she says, “Eddie, can you bring me a little of what you’re drinking?” She puts aside the remainder of her glass of wine.

Edvard gets a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

“You must have been reading that egregious play, the one with all the stabbings – what is it called?” Ari idly wonders to himself, then shrugs it off. “Well, I’m afraid you’ll have to be a little serious for this, Trouble, but I promise if you pull it off I owe you a performance where I am every bit as silly as you want.” [Ari]

Edvard giggles slightly, and swiping up a small chalice of dark green absinthe, moves across the room, proffering it to Lien.

Edvard gives you a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Lien lifts her hand up to take a small chalice of dark green absinthe from Edvard, “Thank you”, she says, before again offering it first to Jei ab Sevoi with a raise of her brow.

Jei ab Sevoi shakes his head at Lien again, “No thank you.” he grins.

Edvard smiles at Jei ab Sevoi, “It actually tastes rather good.”

“Are you always going to say no?” Lien asks of Jei ab Sevoi, as she brings a small chalice of dark green absinthe up to her nose, sniffing it, before taking a small sip.

A tiny, flimsy woman laughs. “Nah, I figure I’ve gotten ya into enough silly plays already” she says. “If we keep scores, I’d say it’s rather I who owe you a serious one, than the other way around. “She bites down on a dumpling. “‘Tis will be fun, I’m sure. We are to wear masks or something, or is that another play I’m confusing things with?”

Ari drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Edvard, “You can have mine if you’d like then.” he grins and then replies to Lien by saying simply, “No.”

“There are costumes, I think masks… I need to figure out where the eagle costume is. We’ll have to send it to the seamstress to get it cut down from Dame op Chevalier’s size to yours,” Ari realizes with a soft laugh. “You’d downright drown in it, at the moment.” [Ari]

Ari gently eats a Tubori dumpling.
Edvard drinks absinthe from a small chalice of dark green absinthe.
Edvard discards a small chalice of dark green absinthe as empty.

Edvard holds up a finger to Jei ab Sevoi, “Weeell, I just might have to take you up on that.” Pose frowns exclaiming, “You’re all just sitting around talking. What sort of party is that?”

“I could do the drowning eagle” a tiny, flimsy woman suggests to Ari, “Or maybe the shrunken eagle.” She starts, then pauses, “We could … gah, right. Serious.” She knocks her temples with both hands. “Serious. Remember that. Serious. This is tough for me, Orbie.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Lien takes a second sip from the chalice and relaxes back a little more in her seat, her eyes narrowing to lazy slits. “Mmm..” She murmurs, before quickly finishing the rest of the contents of the chalice.

“The kind of party where no one gets arrested,” Ari suggests to Edvard, quirking a brow. “But what would you suggest? We -do- have two Troubadours here… I could play some music for dancing, or Trouble could simply, ah, be herself.” [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi says, “Fancy music for fencing, hmm?” he grins at Ari teasingly.

“There’s very little fun in a party where no one gets arrested,” Lien says as she pushes herself up from her seat, and slides the cloak she wears from her shoulders, letting it rest there as she stretches.

You stop using a stormy grey velvet winter cloak, lined in soft rabbit fur.

“Edvard has a point” a tiny, flimsy woman says. She eyes Ari. “Well, if ya want, I could dance a story for ye to master op Orban’s music… that or I shall randomly pick a cavelier to dance with me, music or not.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“I happen to be very fond of parties where no one gets arrested,” Ari remarks firmly. “And I don’t mind providing music, whether for Trouble, dancing, or for Trouble dancing. Or we could play one of those getting to know you style games… but I have a feeling that would be quite embarrassing.” [Ari]

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman stands by the table, just having finished her dumplings.]

“Getting to know you game?” a tiny, flimsy woman asks with interest. “Embarassing, you say? Tell me more!” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Marisa laughs softly. “You do know how to eenterest the Jester Meerth, mm?” she notes with a grin.

“That does not sound like fun.” Lien complains on the tail end of a tiny, flimsy woman’s words.

“So it seems,” Ari warily notes to Marisa. “I was thinking of that game where you say something you’ve never done, and anybody else in the room who -has- done it has to take a drink. But not only would that be embarrassing in its own right… we’d all get very drunk.” [Ari]

Edvard grunts, “An’ the last ‘getting to know you game’ I played ended up with people getting arrested..”

“That ees what happens when people get to know you, mm?” Marisa teases of Edvard with a playful grin.

Bene ab Piuso arrives from the east with a slightly hobbling, restrained step.
Bene ab Piuso slows to a halt.

Edvard brightens up at the description of the game, He nods to Marisa, “People just -love- getting to know me.”

Wolfe Journier arrives from the east.
Wolfe Journier slows to a halt.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Edvard, “I don’t really want to get to know you.” he grins a bit.

“Father Piuso!” Ari is entirely distracted from the topic at hand by the sight of Bene ab Piuso, turning to greet him with a broad smile. “I’m so glad to see you on your feet again! Please, come in, have a seat…” [Ari]

Wolfe Journier walks a little slowly muttering to himself, he doesn’t bother to address everyone because of the numbers.

Bene ab Piuso hobbles his way into the room, a pleasent smile greeting the people as he does. A bow, somewhat pained, is given lamely to the appopriate nobility, Marisa, Jei ab Sevoi, and Lien. He nods to Ari, “As am I. That bed.. was beginning to be very unwelcome.”

Lien turns back to Jei ab Sevoi, considering him with a canted head. “I–” T hen, with the arrival of the new comers, she is distracted enough from completing her sentance and turns to greet Bene ab Piuso and then Wolfe Journier with a smile.

“Ah, Father, don’t strain yourself, please,” Marisa asks of Bene ab Piuso with a light shake of her head. “I do hope you’re feeling better?”

“Cousin, just play some music,” Lien suggests finally to Ari with a wink.

Edvard grins over to Bene ab Piuso, from where he stands.

Wolfe Journier sighs and lightly smiles back to Lien “Where do the gifts go?”

A tiny, flimsy woman muses, “It does sound like fun” she declares. “Oh, we all want to know, you Eddie!” she adds cheerfully to Edvard. As Bene ab Piuso appears in the doorway, she too becomes distracted however. “Evening, father” she says. “Good ‘ta see ya back on yer feet.” She nods to Wolfe Journier as well, but most of her attention is on Bene ab Piuso.

Ari sits down at a collection of mahogany chairs and couches.

Ari moves over to the chairs to claim one for himself, rummaging through his things. “Aye, I’ll play something,” he agrees with a chuckle. Out comes a stylish rosewood viol fitted with a dark leather chinrest, and he carefully begins to adjust the tuning, humming to himself.

Ari holds a stylish rosewood viol fitted with a dark leather chinrest in his hand.

Marisa drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

Lien sips over to Wolfe Journier and halts with a hand on her hip, greeting him with a broad smile. “Glad you could come, and a gift too? Thank you.”

Bene ab Piuso waves a hand to Marisa, “Don’t worry, my Lady. I’m feeling much, much better. Just don’t look to me to run anywhere, aye?” then, smiling over to a tiny, flimsy woman, “Thank you, Miss Jester, and good evening to you as well.” a nod given to Edvard. “So, how is everyoe tonight? Seems Lithmore has not changed too much in my absence. I am pleased for it.. was beginning to worry.”

Wolfe Journier nods “Sorry, not much of a gift.” he says handing a chic yellow linen purse embroidered in floral patternings to Lien.

Wolfe Journier gives you a chic yellow linen purse embroidered in floral patternings.

The focus is more on rhythm than melody, the line simple enough to hum but bright with a repetitive sequence of regular notes designed for dancing. He plays fluidly and with ease, a content smile coming to his lips as his fingers shift on the strings.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Bene ab Piuso, “I’m doing well Father.” he grins a bit and then looks over to Ari to listen to him play.

[Action: Ari is sitting on a chair, playing a fast and merry jig.]

“It is perfect, thank you.” Lien says, taking a chic yellow linen purse embroidered in floral patternings from Wolfe Journier. “And an even better gift that you are here.” Then, she approaches Bene ab Piuso, adding to him. “And you too. I see you took my advise and snuck out?”

A tiny, flimsy woman puts away her empty plate of dumplings on the table. “Can’t stand still when there’s music!” she exclaims. She starts a quick series of steps in tune to the music. She waves to those seated to come join her, but for the moment without singling out a particular target.

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman is dancing alone on the spot, in tune to the fast music.]

Marisa gives a smile over at Ari’s playing. She looks around, and gives a soft chuckle. “Rei,” she calls over to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair. “Would you like to dance weeth your Auntie Marisa?”

Catching sight of a tiny, flimsy woman, Lien approaches and asks as she takes a few steps in time with her, “May I join you?” [Lien]

Meets Marisa’s smile softly for a moment before his attention returns to what he’s doing. He begins to improvise, complicating the tune by adding chords to the plain melody. While he keeps the overall form of the rhythm, he tosses in little flourishes between the emphasized beats, creating a complex sub-pattern for anyone who feels like particularly adventurous dancing. [Player]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“I am glad to hear it, my Lord.” Bene ab Piuso dips his head to Jei ab Sevoi he chuckles to Bene ab Piuso, “Ah, the nurses did not protest and I am feeling much better, My Lady.” he smiles before eyeing the dancing as if wanting to join but not quite sure if it is the best idea at this point. For the moment, he leans back and enjoys the music.

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair climbs down off of Jei ab Sevoi’s lap and moves over toward Marisa with a big grin, toddling a little as he does, “Tirisa! Dance.” he agrees and reaches up both hands toward Marisa.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair is idle.

Marisa extends her hand out to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, stepping out into the floor with a grin. “Now, eef I remember right, you’re a very good dancer, aren’t you?” she asks the little boy.

Edvard gets a powdery white sugar cube from a festive table with a long tablecloth.

A tiny, flimsy woman says, “Of course!” She’s smoothly twisting about to include Lien in her steps, a sort of half-pair dancing, half dance-alone movement. At Ari’s increasing rythm she grins to Lien. “I believe Orbie is trying to test us, see if we stumble!”
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

Edvard gets a powdery white sugar cube from a festive table with a long tablecloth.
Edvard gets a powdery white sugar cube from a festive table with a long tablecloth.
A older woman with silver-grey hair arrives from the east.
A older woman with silver-grey hair slows to a halt.

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair takes one of Marisa’s hands and with the other touches his chubby index finger and thumb together in an O and says to Marisa, “Wheel good.” he agrees, stepping careful out onto the floor. [Jei ab Sevoi]

[Action: Bene ab Piuso leans on a couch, listening to the music.]

Marisa takes up an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair’s hands with a soft laugh, dancing him about the floor. She releases the one hand to twirl him about with a grin. “You get to tweerl me next though!”

Edvard grins as a number of people begin to dance, moving over to a table to browse over it briefly, before picking up a handfull of a powdery white sugar cube. He shouts out to Lien, “Hey Storm! Catch!” He bounces one of the cubes in his hand, before chucking it in her direction.

“Ahh, but I’m Tubori, we’re born dancing,” Lien says with glee, matching a tiny, flimsy woman’s quickening steps with ease, a tri-layered black & silver silk skirt falling to the knee flaring around her knees as she adds a twist. Slippered feet using the smoothness of the floor to glide, right hand snapping out to try grab the cube as it is tossed in her direction.

A older woman with silver-grey hair walks through the doors, her gaze sweeping the foyer at all the people present. Although Jei ab Sevoi and Marisa get a nod and smile in greeting, her main attention goes to Ari with a nod to him as well.

Edvard flips a powdery white sugar cube towards you.
Flipping end over end, a powdery white sugar cube sails towards you.
You catch a powdery white sugar cube, snatching it from the air.

Jei ab Sevoi nods at a older woman with silver-grey hair in greeting and grins and then turns his attention back to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair and Marisa. an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair twirls slowly with Marisa’s help and giggles, holding onto both of Marisa’s hands with his own. He doesn’t dance, so much as stand and walk with Marisa as she leads.

Ari offers a older woman with silver-grey hair a flash of a grin and a bow of his head, though he’s kept busy by his playing. The tune is getting fiendishly complex at this point, though he’s careful to keep the extra emphasis on the basic beats so that no one has to dance the full routine of steps unless they wish. “Aye, can you keep up?” he calls to a tiny, flimsy woman.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Wolfe Journier remains quiet watching the dancing with a smile.

Edvard pops one of the sugar cubes into his mouth, as he moves over to join into the group, quickly catching onto the tune.
Edvard eats a powdery white sugar cube.

A older woman with silver-grey hair keeps that smile on at seeing Marisa and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair dance together, but stays well clear of the dance floor herself. All that armor does not lend to a graceful figure at all. She seems content to simply watch for the moment. An additional nod is given to Wolfe Journier, Bene ab Piuso, and Edvard in greeting as well.

Seeing the food, Bene ab Piuso pushes off from the couch and makes his way over. Deftly avoiding the sugarcubes and absinthe, he instead settles on a glass of wine. As a older woman with silver-grey hair enters, he drops a small bow to her, “Earl Marshall.” he smiles, “Good Evening.” His attention then returns to the dancing, his smile growing all the warmer at the scene of Marisa and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair.

Marisa lifts a hand to wave over to a older woman with silver-grey hair, not breaking from her dancing with an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, which really isn’t so much a formal dancing as toodling about on the floor with the boy. “Alright… your turn to tweerl me, right?” she asks with a grin. “Are you ready?” And she twirls around, crouching down to twist under an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair’s toddler-level arm.

Bene ab Piuso gets a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes from a long wooden table laden with a feast.

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair lifts his arm up high to let Marisa twirl under it and laughs, giggling more as she twists, “Wheel good Tirisa!” he says to Marisa cheerily. [Jei ab Sevoi]

A tiny, flimsy woman chuckles to Lien. “Well, good think I’m Tubori too then” she says as she raises her hands above her head. “Hit it, Orbie!” The bells of her bell-edged, divided cotton skirts with red and purple bands fly about her but their sound is drenched in the louder tunes of Ari’s viol. She mirrors Lien’s sliding movement, continuing with a series of fast, twirling spins that go faster and faster as Ari increases the complexity if the tune. She is building up a bit of colour, laughing as she does at the faster and faster movements.”
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

Wolfe Journier gets a powdery white sugar cube from a festive table with a long tablecloth.

“Why thank you, Rei!” Marisa tells an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair with an airy laugh. “You make a wonderful dancing partner!”

Wolfe Journier gets a stout dark-colored stein from a long wooden table laden with a feast.
Wolfe Journier drinks rum from a stout dark-colored stein.

Bryne ab Porter arrives from the east.
Bryne ab Porter slows to a halt.

[Action: Bene ab Piuso stands near the table of food, watching the dancing and listening to the music.]

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair lifts one foot and then the other, almost marching in place while he ‘dances’ with Marisa, a big grin on his face. [Jei ab Sevoi]

Wolfe Journier takes a sip of a stout dark-colored stein and blinks a bit, he than pops a powdery white sugar cube into his mouth.
Wolfe Journier eats a powdery white sugar cube.

Ari glances to Marisa and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, his smile downright sentimental for a moment before his gaze lands on a tiny, flimsy woman. “So far so good, but I’ve only just begun!” he calls, taking a deep breath. His grip shifts ever so slightly on the bow. He tears into his playing with renewed fervor, slowly speeding up until he’s playing almost exactly one and a half times as fast – again, allowing more sedate dancers to keep up the same steps without falling out of rhythm.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Marisa is dancing about with an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair out in the dance floor, seeming to be enjoying herself.

Bryne ab Porter ambles in, offering a salute and bow to those requiring such. He tips a black cavalier’s hat sporting long multi-hued blue plumes towards Ari, and then looks over to Lien, “Quite the party you’ve put on.” He notes, leaning his weight against the doorframe.

[Action: Bryne ab Porter is standing close to the door.]

A older woman with silver-grey hair looks to Bryne ab Porter as soon as he arrives, giving a silent salute to him in greeting and then after a moment’s consideration, gestures for him to join her.

Lien, without missing a step, tosses the sugar cube up into the air, catching it between her teeth she lets it fall onto her tongue, where it soon melts. She twists about, her hips moving with short quick flicks that sends the hem line of her skirt well above her knee. Mirroring a tiny, flimsy woman’s steps, picking up on the sound of the bells to guide her movements.

Bryne ab Porter nods his head to a older woman with silver-grey hair and returns the salute. He presses off the doorframe and moves towards, a older woman with silver-grey hair, “Enjoyin’ the Tubori themed party, Earl Marshall?” He wonders with a faint smile.

Marisa questions to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, “You weell let me know eef you are getting tired, yes?”

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair nods at Marisa but keeps right marching along with her and says to Marisa, “Uh huh.” he agrees and lets Marisa’s hands go to turn himself in a circle and then takes her hands again, grinning. [Jei ab Sevoi]

A older woman with silver-grey hair wonders to Bryne ab Porter, “I don’t really know yet, Porter, I just arrived. However, I recall you sent me a letter the other day?”

Ari plays on and on, wildly, but the speed and complexity of the tune are his undoing. He strikes an entirely sour chord with enough force to make him wince, the man complaining, “Yowww… alright, let’s slow it down…” And thus said he abruptly improvises a transition, returning the music to a still energetic but far less frenetic pace.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“The one about Latago?” Bryne ab Porter wonders to a older woman with silver-grey hair, giving the bridge of his nose a bit, “Or was there another one? Sorry, I’ve been sendin’ out so much postin’, I’m thinkin’ about gettin’ an office at the Courier.” [Bryne ab Porter]

A tiny, flimsy woman “Very good, mylady!” a tiny, flimsy woman grins to Lien with a little appreciative nod. “Do ya know this one, mayhaps? Off the ports of Tubor!” And she puts her hands on her hips, swaying them from side to side at the same time as she moves her feet in an intricate pattern that does seem to manage to keep up almost all the way until Ari’s wild finale. “Oooow, Orbie! Made me miss my step there!” she laughs. To Lien she says, as the music slows a bit, “True, the dames doing this are rounder than I, but as long as one has a skirt to flare, it works too!”
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

A older woman with silver-grey hair muses to Bryne ab Porter, “Latago I believe… the one that died anyways… with your help, as I recall?”

Marisa chuckles at an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair’s turn, telling him, “Oh, that ees a good turn! -Oh, and I bet you can do some fancy footwork too, mm?”

Bene ab Piuso is mostly silent, taking up a light, polite conversation with a gentrywoman who soon moves off on her own affairs. He keeps a genuine, soft smile on his face through it all, seeming to be pleased enough with everything. Carefully, he takes a sip from the wineglass.

Bene ab Piuso drinks Tubori wine from a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes.

“Latago, yeah. She was already dead, I just helped speed up the process.” Bryne ab Porter notes, drawing his index finger along his stomach, “Gut wounds aren’nae a nice way t’ die.” He frowns a bit, “The Grand Master is takin’ it hard.” [Bryne ab Porter]

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair nods quickly up at Marisa and says, “Wheel good.” and starts to what might appear jog in place in front of Marisa, but only for a few seconds, then he grins up at her. [Jei ab Sevoi]

A older woman with silver-grey hair has her face fall at Bryne ab Porter’s words. “Don’t tell me she was a friend or family member of his?”

“I don’t know that one.. ” Lien admits, attempting to mimic the steps as best she can, watching a tiny, flimsy woman intently, her own hands moving to her hips. When the music slows she steps back with a grin, cheeks infused with a healthy amount of colour, both from the cubes and the dancing. She offers a tiny, flimsy woman a curtsy. “I suspect we need to get a few more to the dance floor yes?”

Glancing to a tiny, flimsy woman, Ari makes sure to pace this newer song appropriately for her dance. It’s clearly a Tubori tune, with a familiar chord progression for those from the Isles (likely exotic to others) and an unhurried, almost sinuous beat. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Edvard pipes up to Bene ab Piuso from where he moves about alone, “Try out the green stuff, it’s delightful!”

“They served together on the front lines, if I recall correctly.” Bryne ab Porter replies to a older woman with silver-grey hair, “He stormed off sayin’ that he can’nae trust anyone, an’ that he’d make sure that Fort Latago got renamed. He did’nae like my suggestion o’ Fort Porter.” [Bryne ab Porter]

“Oh, my, I don’t know eef I can keep up weeth that!” Marisa teases an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair with a light laugh. And she keeps up her own light steps matching to the beat.

As Wolfe Journier pops the cube into his mouth his smile slowly turns into a very strange grin, he moves to dance with the group.

Jei ab Sevoi chuckles a bit at an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair and calls to him, “Alright Rei, I think you’ve entertained your aunt for long enough. Come have a rest now?” and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair looks over at Jei ab Sevoi and sticks out his lower lip, then looks up at Marisa for help.

A older woman with silver-grey hair hangs her head with a shake of it. “I shall lose another Knight at this rate… Anyways Porter… although I commend you for showing mercy to a defeated opponent… unless she expires of her own injuries, we do -not- speed up the process. Reeves and Order must have their chances to question the person, even if it is a brief chance. I shall ignore it this time, but next time take whatever care you can to keep the condemned among the living.”

Marisa releases an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, suggesting to him, “Why don’t you ask your Daddy eef he can find you one of the desserts on those tables?”

A tiny, flimsy woman nods to Lien as she slides sideways to pull the nearest male person onto the dancefloor. This person happens to be Wolfe Journier, who is already on his way over anyway. She pulls him by his hands, a rather funny sight considering that he literally towers over her. “Come now. Wolfe, wasn’t it?” she cooes as she pulls him towards the dancefloor she and Lien has so far been the sole occupants of.
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

“Er.. maybe later.” Bene ab Piuso calls back over to Edvard with a little chuckle, “The Tubori wine will be enough for now, I do think.” an eye drifts over to Bryne ab Porter and a older woman with silver-grey hair’s conversation, his smile dropping a moment. However, a sigh an a little shake of the head turns his attention away from the affair and back to the part as a whole.

Bryne ab Porter nods his head, “He’ll pull through, the Grand Master’s strong.” He assures, before nodding his head, “If I moved her, she would o’ spilt all over the decks, but I apologize, next time I’ll try my best t’ keep them alive so they can be properly saw to.” He dips his head down to a older woman with silver-grey hair apologetically.

Jei ab Sevoi gets up and heads over to the table, an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair gives Marisa a little bow then toddles to Jei ab Sevoi. Jei ab Sevoi selects a plate of cake and moves back to his chair and settles an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair on his lap and begins the process of sharing the cake with him.

Jei ab Sevoi gets a rich caramel cake layered in dark chocolate from a festive table with a long tablecloth.
Jei ab Sevoi eats a rich caramel cake layered in dark chocolate.

“If the Knights are hiring, my lady Earl Marshall, evidently I am not too grand a bard – judging by the end of that last song, anyway,” Ari calls lightly to a older woman with silver-grey hair, continuing to let the smoother, slower dance tune pour from his viol. His hands seem to be moving almost on automatic, little visible conscious attention paid to them. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Wolfe Journier ‘s grin remains and if anything gets bigger “Yes, and I believe I gave you the name Miss Enthused.” he says allowing himself to be ‘dragged’ onto the dance floor.

“I would ask you, but you do not look the sort that knows how to dance.” Lien says with an upward twist of her lips to Jei ab Sevoi as she walks the outskirts of the room, and comes to a pause where he has returned to sit with an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair. Without waiting for his ‘no’, she starts to continue on.

Marisa steps out of the way of the dancers as her dancing partner scampers off for cake.

A older woman with silver-grey hair nods to Bryne ab Porter. “Very good. Please enjoy the party. You are doing quite well for a new Knight, Sir Porter.” She looks to Ari with a smile and says, “I shall remember that next time Orban for when we march to Daravi’s capitol.”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “I dance well enough, but I’m having cake.” he grins.

A tiny, flimsy woman takes to the slower tune as she grabs Wolfe Journier by the hands and makes a few slow turns around him. Since she’s considerably shorter the sight is quite funny, but regardless of his skill in dancing, the jester seems quite capable of at least making it look good.
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

“All well then, cake, can’t miss out on that,” Lien says over her shoulder with a wink. Continuing on, and lightly humming as she makes a show of considering and eventually makes a grab for Bryne ab Porter’s hand. “Come on Knightling.” [Lien]

[Action: Wolfe Journier is here dancing with miss.]

“Thank you Earl Marshall.” Bryne ab Porter replies, nodding his head, “I’m currently seekin’ out the court, the Lady Chancellor wants me t’ join her house as a Household knight. I’ve already got the Grand Master’s an’ Master op Orban’s support, I was wonderin’ if you were able t’ give me your sponsorship, as Countess o’ Brune?” He wonders, before getting his hand grabbed, “What’s goin’ on? Am I bein’ kidnapped?” [Bryne ab Porter]

“I am sure I’d be good at marching; it’s just another kind of dancing, moving in time, really,” Ari muses with a chuckle, fingers sliding almost lazily down the strings to strike a complex chord. “Will someone be a dear and get me a glass of wine, as I can’t get up right now?” [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Marisa chuckles over to Bryne ab Porter. “By the guest of honor at that, eet seems,” she remarks.

Lien slides backwards on slippered feet on marbled floor, attempting to draw Bryne ab Porter with her back towards the dance floor. “I figure it is only fair, after I was kidnapped yesterday. Consider it pay back.”

Wolfe Journier dances rather badly but still manages to hold up with the expertness of a tiny, flimsy woman who is making the scene make it looks somewhat good.
He appears to be incapable at performing.

Marisa drinks icewine from a slim, tall glass etched with delicate engraving.

A older woman with silver-grey hair nods to Bryne ab Porter and says, “I can indeed. Both as Earl Marshall and Countess of Brune. Great Lady and Countess after all.” She then smiles and the guests are treated to an even more rare sight, a laughing a older woman with silver-grey hair as Bryne ab Porter is kidnapped by Lien.

Bene ab Piuso laughs at Bryne ab Porter and Lien’s dialogue, sipping from his wine as he surveys the room cheerily. A deep breathe relaxes him a little more as he remains near the edges of the action. Content for now but to watch the comings and goings.

Bene ab Piuso drinks Tubori wine from a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes.
Bene ab Piuso discards a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes as empty.

Jei ab Sevoi eats a rich caramel cake layered in dark chocolate.

Edvard grabs a drink off of one of the tables, bring it over to Ari. Setting it down he sniffs himself, and states loudly, “I’m going to take a bath now.”

Edvard gives a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes to Ari.

“I would appreciate it, my Lady, findin’ down sponsors has been a feat unto itself. You are a Great lady indeed.” Bryne ab Porter notes with a quick bow, before being nearly tugged off his feet by Lien, “It would be rude t’ deny the host, an’ a Lady.” [Bryne ab Porter]

Ari misses a note – just one, immediately jumping back in. “Take a bath…? Well, alright,” he decides after a moment, uncertainly. Nodding at the door to the north, he notes, “Ah, the bath is just there. Thanks for grabbing me the wine.”
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“Aww, Eddie, I’ll dance with you later. You smell just fine.” Lien promises Edvard, making sure to by pass the dessert table, she grabs up another cube, and tosses it into her mouth. Finally, she releases Bryne ab Porter’s hand once they reach the center of the floor and she asks. “So, can you dance?”

You get a powdery white sugar cube from a festive table with a long tablecloth.

A tiny, flimsy woman cheerfully helps Wolfe Journier along as she spins and weave about him in the slow Tubori dance that Ari is weaving out from his viol. “Now you lift you hand…” she offers pedagogically, before spinning under his raised hand. She throws Ari a look at the missed note. “Another missed note?” she muses aloud. “It’s either spilled wine or the prospect of a naked woman, and I see no wine on the floor.”
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

“Hmm?” Bene ab Piuso quircks a brow in Edvard’s direction. With a half chuckling sigh, he dismisses it.

Edvard calls out to a tiny, flimsy woman, “No naked women, I’m afraid, though I’m sure the prospect of a naked Edvard could make ’em miss a note too.”

“My footwork’s not bad.” Bryne ab Porter replies to Lien, “I’ll pretend you’re tryin’ t’ stick me with a knife, should get my feet workin’ well enough.” He explains, raising an eyebrow, “Would’nae want t’ make Master Stirke jealous though.” [Bryne ab Porter]

I don’t see any naked women either,” Ari shoots back to a tiny, flimsy woman, “so unless everyone is thinking of moving the party to the baths…” He improvises a playful little flourish. “…it was mere surprise.” [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Laughs “I think I’ll let all the other people get some dancing with you in, I think I’ll go grab more sugar cubes.” Wolfe Journier says moving out of the dance floor to have some sugar cubes. [Wolfe Journier]

Marisa lets out an airy laugh of her own.

Edvard shrugs at Bryne ab Porter’s comment, before playfully chucking a powdery white sugar cube that had been in his hand towards his head, “Oy!”

Edvard flips a powdery white sugar cube, arcing it gracefully towards Bryne ab Porter.
Flipping end over end, a powdery white sugar cube sails towards Bryne ab Porter.
Bryne ab Porter catches a powdery white sugar cube, snatching it from the air.

A tiny, flimsy woman neighs smoothly as Wolfe Journier excuses himself and flees back to the table of foor. “A naked Edvard…” she makes a show of staring into the air for a few moments. “Yep, that -does- give pause” she finally agrees. She looks around for another dance partner.

“Moving the party to the bathes.. Why Ari, you’re full of good ideas tonight.” Lien says, looking past Bryne ab Porter’s shoulder towards her cousin, before returning her focus to her dance partner. Starting a few slow steps in time with the music, she places a hand on Bryne ab Porter’s hip and encourages him to join. “Just like foot work yeah?”

Edvard gets a powdery white sugar cube from a festive table with a long tablecloth.

Edvard picks up another of the sugar cubes from the table as he passes by it on the way to the baths.

Jei ab Sevoi looks all around.

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman stands dancing on her own near the center of the dance floor.]

Jei ab Sevoi forks a bit more cake into an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair’s mouth while he watches the dancers idly, grinning a bit.

Bryne ab Porter catches the sugar cube between his fingers and looks at it for a moment, “You know, I’ve seen what these things do t’ people.” He gives Ari a curious look, waggling a powdery white sugar cube at him. He places a hand on the small of Lien’s back and nods his head, “I think someone somewhere said somethin’ along the lines that fightin’ an’ dancin’ are similiar in all but the end result.”

“Wait a minute… is that one of those sugar cubes?” Ari abruptly stops playing, frowning at Bryne ab Porter. “That was -not- on the refreshments list. …Lien?” he wonders, gaze slowly turning to Lien. [Ari]

Bene ab Piuso brings a clasped fist to ‘muffle’ a loud clearing of his throat at the mention of moving the party to the baths but, all the same, makes his way out to the dancefloor, “Miss Jester.” he calls, “I do believe I owe you a dance, as much as I’m able at this point.. For the broth and kind care.” he gives a happy smile and a little bow to her, “If you are to the challenging of dancing with a lame Priest, that is.”

Bryne ab Porter flips a powdery white sugar cube, arcing it gracefully towards Ari.
Flipping end over end, a powdery white sugar cube sails towards Ari.
Ari catches a powdery white sugar cube, snatching it from the air.

Lien purposefully turns Bryne ab Porter about so that his back is to Ari and thus, she’s more or less hidden behind him. “You know, you should try it..” She suggests quietly, nodding at the small cube held in his hand. When it is thrown away, she pouts. “Or you could of given it to me…”

Jei ab Sevoi smirks as he looks over at Ari and says, “You’re serving a lot of pretty strong stuff here, Ari.” he grins.
Jei ab Sevoi eats a rich caramel cake layered in dark chocolate.
Wolfe Journier gets a powdery white sugar cube from a festive table with a long tablecloth.

Ari examines the sugar cube, giving it a careful sniff. His expression darkens. “Lien…” he repeats, but this time at an ominous rumble rather than a questioning lilt. He jumps out of his chair, striding over to the tables.

A tiny, flimsy woman has just about gotten herself into dancing on her own as Ari abruptly stop his music. “People seem to be flinging those things all over tonight” she offers to the man. “I … ” she is interrupted by Bene ab Piuso approaching. Her face splits into a wide grin as she bows to the man and offers him her hands. “That you do, Father! A dance it is! Orbie! Forget those sweets now and play us some music!”

With a flick of the wrist, Bryne ab Porter tosses the sugarcube from between his fingers towards Ari. He looks back to Lien and chuckles a bit, “He seems to enjoy them more than me.” He explains as begins to dance, pulling Lien away with him, away from Ari. [Bryne ab Porter]

Ari drops a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.
Ari gets a powdery white sugar cube from a festive table with a long tablecloth.

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman is clasping hands with, and is ready to start dancing with piuso.]

Wolfe Journier grin doesn’t fade “Oh, come on Ari, you should try one, they are really good.” he says popping another in his mouth.

Wolfe Journier eats a powdery white sugar cube.

“Okay, if he starts getting that deep crease at the bridge of his nose that suggests he’s getting -really- angry, the plan: is you distract him and I’ll run.” Lien suggests to Bryne ab Porter as he guides her across the dance floor, looking more than a little relieved at the added distance between herself and Ari.

“I apologize to -anyone-,” Ari remarks firmly, holding up a powdery white sugar cube, “who took one of these, not knowing what it was. It was not my intent to serve them.” [Ari]

Bene ab Piuso smiles, “Excellent.” he takes the hands gently, looking to Ari with a touch of concern as he awaits the music’s beginning. He frowns slightly, his eyes narrowing but a little, before he resumes his smile and looks back to a tiny, flimsy woman, “That is, if the music rebegins.” he chuckles a little.

Jei ab Sevoi asks of Ari, “Why don’t you explain what it is, Butch?” he laughs a bit and chews on some cake, then gives an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair another bite.

“Oh, if he gets that crease, send him to me” a tiny, flimsy woman assures Lien across the dance floor. “I specialize in taking that crease out of him, you see. It’s a tough job, but a jester’s gotta do it.” She looks up at Bene ab Piuso. “If he won’t start playin’ we’ll whistle the tune ourself and dance to that, dontcha worry.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“It’s sugar – you put it in tea.” Bryne ab Porter explains, before looking to Lien and grinning a bit, “Oh, sure, leave me for the slaughter. Why don’nae I run… err… I mean heroically egress, an’ leave you for Ari?” [Bryne ab Porter]

“You know! I found those at the back of one of your cabinets by your bed!” Lien calls out to Ari, looking around the side of Bryne ab Porter’s shoulder. “You really should get a lock!”

A older woman with silver-grey hair has just been standing there, watching the current situation with an amused smirk. She shares a look with Jei ab Sevoi before she looks back to Ari to watch what happens next.

Edvard grins at the conversation, having come to a stop at Ari’s outburst.

Lien looks up at Bryne ab Porter, teasing as she says, “You know, that would be a very non-Knightly thing to do, taking off like that.”

“You did -not- find these anywhere in this house, because I won’t have them here!” Ari snaps harshly at Lien, his eyes narrowing. He closes his eyes for a moment, drawing a breath. “…Pardon me for making a scene. Please, continue enjoying yourselves,” he adds after a moment, and turns toward the door to the south. [Ari]

Ari stands up.
Ari begins to move south.
Ari crosses the center of the room.
Ari leaves south.

Marisa gives a sympathetic smile after the bard, shaking her head lightly.

Edvard raises a brow, “Big deal, just over a couple o’ sugar cubes..”

Bryne ab Porter looks to Lien and shakes his head slightly, “I think you’re goin’ t’ put Ari in an early grave, Lady le Storm.” He notes, as he continues to dance around the floor with Lien. He gives a quick look to Marisa, “I believe with the Earl Marshall’s support, I have the three necessary sponsors, Chancellor.”

Wolfe Journier nods with a big grin “Yeah, I mean what’s over sugar?”

The southern door closes from the other side.

[Action: Jei ab Sevoi is seated with an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair on his lap, eating cake.]

“He’s had a bad reaction to them previously,” Marisa tells Edvard with a light frown. She is distracted by Bryne ab Porter’s words, “Ahh, excellent. We weell have to speak later.”

A tiny, flimsy woman rolls her eyes as orban sets off. “Well …” she tells Bene ab Piuso. “I guess whistling it is? You begin by stepping left …” She begins whistling a cheerful tune. She’s quite horrible at it, but she lets Bene ab Piuso lead her into the dance.

Lien watches the Southern doorway and then turns her focus back to Bryne ab Porter, still dancing but looking a little distracted. “Think I had best pack my bags and join the circus.”

Bene ab Piuso looks south, “Hmm..” he ponders, his hands still in a tiny, flimsy woman’s as they await a dance, “Perhaps I should check on him..” he mulls the idea about in his head a little before deciding to simply dance upon the whistled tune. He dances suprisingly well, beneath the heavy slowness given my his condition, and to a tiny, flimsy woman, perhaps a touch familiarly..

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “Lots of adventure in the circus, I’m sure.” he grins.

“Would’nae work, you’re only entertainin’ when you’re terrorizin’ Ari.” Bryne ab Porter notes as he gives Lien a small dip. He looks to Marisa and nods his head, “We’ll be able t’ hash out the details when I am’nae spinnin’ around an’ makin’ a merry arse out o’ myself.” [Bryne ab Porter]

“Excellent,” Marisa agrees with a grin. “I look forwards to eet!” She raises her wineglass up in response to Bryne ab Porter.

Wolfe Journier drinks rum from a stout dark-colored stein.

“Ah well.. Too bad..” Edvard mentions, now turning back to enter the baths.

A tiny, flimsy woman switches (mercifully) from whistling to humming the tune as they dance. She follows easily in Bene ab Piuso’s lead, not speeding up more than he can handle. “You dance very well, Father” she smiles. She angles her head. “I do think ya might have murdered me brutally just before we last danced?”
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

“If you could…” Lien says to Bene ab Piuso when he makes the suggestion, “I would go, but I suspect it would get bloody.” She pauses then, when Bryne ab Porter sweeps her backwards, coming up again, she places her other hand on his shoulder. “He’s never going to let me have another party again though…”

Edvard begins to move north.
Edvard leaves north.

Bene ab Piuso flushes a little bit at that, “Thank you. And aye, that may have been me.” he admits, “And, as I remember, I nearly escaped too.” he nods to Lien, “Yes, I’ll see what I can do.” as he goes about the dance.

“Ah, he just needs some time t’ adapt t’ this new situation – he was used t’ livin’ alone, now he’s got a ward, a mother, a dog an’ a knight all hangin’ around his house.” Bryne ab Porter replies as he pulls Lien back up. [Bryne ab Porter]

Edvard arrives from the north.
Edvard slows to a halt.
Jei ab Sevoi eats a rich caramel cake layered in dark chocolate.
Jei ab Sevoi eats a rich caramel cake layered in dark chocolate.

Ari arrives from the south.
Ari slows to a halt.
Ari closes the southern door.

Edvard reenters, hair now sopping wet, and looking a good deal cleaner now.

Jei ab Sevoi finishes off the cake and grins at an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, “How was that, hmm?” and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair replies simply by touching his index finger to his thumb in an O at Jei ab Sevoi while he chews.

[Action: Bene ab Piuso is slowly dancing hand in hand with jester.]

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman is dancing slowly with Bene ab Piuso, humming the music hersef.]

Ari steps back out of the room to the south, his expression calm and even as he shuts the door behind himself. “Apologies, I needed to go dispose of those. Right, shall I start up the music again?”

“Museec would be lovely,” Marisa agrees with a light smile to Ari.

A older woman with silver-grey hair begins to move east.
A older woman with silver-grey hair leaves east.

“It was a fun murder. In a different time” a tiny, flimsy woman muses. She follows Bene ab Piuso’s conversation with Lien, “Father” a tiny, flimsy woman says firmly. “No running off now, you hear! You are not getting away this time!” She spins slowly under his arm. “Besides, Orbie’s back now. Orbie! Music! I had to whistle here, and I -suck- at whistling!” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Lien draws back against Bryne ab Porter, her steps matching his as he takes her around the dance floor. “Aye, full house now…” Her words fade off when Ari rejoins the group and she watches him cautiously.

Ari reseats himself without another word, lifting the viol to his shoulder again. He looks to a tiny, flimsy woman and Bene ab Piuso, watching them a moment; lightly, he nods, and strikes up a soft, pleasant tune that matches the tempo of the steps they’re already dancing.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “What if my son had gotten into that sugar cube bowl, Ari? What then?” he grins and glances at Lien, “Someone needs to be punished for such an irresponsible action.”

Bryne ab Porter pulls Lien a bit closer and states in a low tone, “I think he just ate all three o’ those cubes. Heroically.” He nods his head a bit and spins Lien around, and away from Jei ab Sevoi.

Edvard grins to himself, idly rolling a powdery white sugar cube around in one hand (If observed closely). He moves over to the table, and once more picks up a drink, sipping from it.

Edvard gets a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.
Edvard picks up the bottle, swigging straight out of it.
Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

“She will be punished,” Ari remarks, almost pleasantly. “But for the time being I would prefer that we not speak about it any longer.” He continues to play without missing a note, the sweet and almost lazy tune winding its way through the room. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman dances slowly with Bene ab Piuso, in tune with the music.]

“Ah, he is.” Bene ab Piuso grins as Ari resumes the music, “Yes, a different time it was.. But, if I may so, a fine murder by my reckoning” a chuckle and a few nods finally as the spin is executed. “Sorry, my mind to easily is drawn to work. A curse, you can be sure.”

Jei ab Sevoi nods at Ari, “Well that’s good to hear.” he grins and glances aside at Lien and Bryne ab Porter.

[Action: Bryne ab Porter is dancing with lien.]

“If he did, he’d be grinning more…” Lien says quietly back to Bryne ab Porter, slippered feet gliding across the marble floor, hand clutching onto his hip a little tighter. Jei ab Sevoi and Ari’s words are both heard and she winces. “Running away is starting to look a little better.”

Wolfe Journier drinks mead from a Queen’s pint.
Wolfe Journier drinks rum from a stout dark-colored stein.
Wolfe Journier drinks rum from a stout dark-colored stein.
Edvard ambles over to where Jei ab Sevoi is seated, and settles into a nearby chair.

Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

[Action: Ari is seated, playing a slow and sweet dancing tune.]

“I think Ari was talkin’ about gettin’ you a bodyguard, maybe gettin’ you one t’ guard you from Ari would be a good idea, Lady le Storm.” Bryne ab Porter notes with a snort, moving with a bit more grace on the dancefloor than one would really expect from him. “Now I sort o’ wish I had’nae given mine away.” [Bryne ab Porter]

A tiny, flimsy woman sighs with releaf as Ari takes over the work of making music from her. “I do many things, but music is not one of them” she smiles to Bene ab Piuso. “Aye, Noone seemed to realize that I wore reddish colours, or you might had gotten away with it – people thought you innocent, and hence you were caught. A strange game, as befits a strange evening I guess.” She offers cheerfully over to Lien dancing nearby: “If ya need ‘ta run away, running away with the troubs is a long-honoured tradition. Problem is that Orbie is a troub himself, of course! Sorry ‘ta say it, you’re screwed, mylady.”
She appears to be a grandmaster at performing.

Lien uncurls her fingers and offers up a powdery white sugar cube to Bryne ab Porter, moving with him and matching his footsteps across the dancefloor. “Here, I snuck one earlier. Try it if you want…” When they pass a tiny, flimsy woman she adds, “Oh, I so know it. I suspect never to see the light of day again. I think the Knightling is right, I need a Guard from Ari, to stop him murdering me.”

Ari lets his eyes slide closed as he plays onward, some subtle lingering tension in his expression relaxing. The music, simple as it is, is infused with a virtuoso sensitivity – tricks of volume used to shape every nuance, unabashedly tugging at the heartstrings.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Well, we’ll see. I’ve got another. that’s better than none. the green stuff’s still mostly there, too.

Wolfe Journier gets a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Wolfe Journier drinks absinthe from a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Bene ab Piuso smiles happily as he slowly dances about with a tiny, flimsy woman to the kind tempo, “‘Strange’ would be a word that well befits that evening, that is sure.” he nods, “A distant evening as well, much has changed. In someways for the better, some for the worse.” he pauses, letting the music seep in, “Ah.. Ari, that is beautiful.” he remarks, glancing back over his shoulder, “Bravo.”

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair wanders into the vicinity. [login]
A vivacious old Knight with pitch black hair and green eyes wanders into the vicinity. [login]

“Getting murdered is not too bad, actually” a tiny, flimsy woman replies to Lien as she turns about in the arms of Bene ab Piuso. “Been there, done that. I even danced with my murderer afterwards.” She grins up at her dance partner. “But I admit is nicer ‘ta dance when murder most foul did not preceed it.” She also throws an appreciative glance towards Ari. “‘Tis very nice. Just don’t mention the prospect of naked ladies now anyone. Or naked Edvards, for that matter.” [a tiny, flimsy woman]

“I’ve seen what it’s done to… ” Bryne ab Porter grins a bit and gestures towards Ari, “People.” He moves nimbly along the marbled floor, and offers Lien a small shrug, “Maybe later.” [Bryne ab Porter]

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair returns to the party after an absence, tilting his head at the music. “Benedictus. You made it.”

Edvard gets a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Bene ab Piuso grins, “I assure you, Miss Jester, my days of murder most foul are long gone. So, nice dances are all you shall get from me for now on.” At an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair’s words, he nods a few times, “Yes, Eminence, I did, much to my joy.”

Edvard nimbly moves over to the table, picking up another glass. Sipping from it, he returns to his seat.

Edvard drinks absinthe from a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Wolfe Journier drinks a small chalice of dark green absinthe merrily and looks at the air around him, he says to Ari “You should try this stuff, it’s fantastic.” he says with a wide grin.

Ari seems completely deaf to the world around him, noticing neither glances, praises or importuning to drink; he just plays onward, the tune no longer something solely for dancing. Though it maintains its slow, steady beat, it’s rich with harmony.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Jei ab Sevoi looks over to Marisa and says to her, “How are you doing, cousin?” he grins a bit.

Bryne ab Porter gets a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Lien wraps a powdery white sugar cube in a piece of paper and slips it down into a small black silk purse dangling from silvery satin ribbon, her hand returning to Bryne ab Porter’s hip. “Sick of dancing yet?” She asks quietly, still occassionally glancing in Ari’s direction as he plays.

“Gettin’ a bit dizzy, all this spinnin’ an’ twirlin.” Bryne ab Porter admits as he moves Lien towards one of table and plucks a small chalice of dark green absinthe quickly, “What about you?” He asks, before taking a quick sip. [Bryne ab Porter]

Bryne ab Porter drinks absinthe from a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair drifts across the floor, and offers a hand to Lien. “Please, m’Lady. It would be rude to let them dance by themselves.” He cants his head to one side. “Would you like to dance? I promise to take it slow.”

Edvard raises a small chalice of dark green absinthe to Bryne ab Porter, calling out, “Good stuff, eh?”

“Glad ‘ta hear it” a tiny, flimsy woman tells Bene ab Piuso. The dance having slowed considerably now, a tiny, flimsy woman steps in to dance in a slow stepping motion. Whereas slow enough a beat, being much taller than her (same as Wolfe), it’s unlikely to be a very comfortable pose for Bene ab Piuso. [a tiny, flimsy woman]

Lien rests her hip against the edge of the table, eyeing Bryne ab Porter as he drinks from the chalice. She cants her head to the side, waiting for his reaction to the stuff. “Doing alright… there?” (fix)

Bryne ab Porter blinks a bit and rubs his wrist against his eye, “It’s… interestin’.” He admits, looking to Edvard for a moment. He looks back to Lien and grins a bit, “Doin’ great. This stuff tastes terrible.”

Ari plays on, but the tune is slowly segueing into something with a little more life and speed to it – another Tubori dance, one with an unusual swinging rhythm and a quirky melody resting on unexpected chords.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Wolfe Journier drinks absinthe from a small chalice of dark green absinthe.
Wolfe Journier discards a small chalice of dark green absinthe as empty.
Wolfe Journier drinks rum from a stout dark-colored stein.
Wolfe Journier discards a stout dark-colored stein as empty.
You get a small chalice of dark green absinthe.

Bene ab Piuso suffers the discomfort all the same, happily going along with it. As the faster dance begins, he releases her, “And here, Miss Jester, I’ll let you find another lucky dance partner, one perhaps with a little more agility than I.” a formal bow is excuted, a black cotton skullcap with off-white chalices embroidered even sweeped off for her as his legs pull a little at the edge of his white robe. He then makes his way back to the tables, eyeing the absinth drinkers with a slightly raised eyebrow, “Be careful there, Sir. That stuff is.. potent.” he chuckles a little at this before glancing over to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, “How are you, Archbishop?”

Jei ab Sevoi gets up with an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair and holds his hand, then makes his way closer to Ari to get a better listen in.

[Action: Jei ab Sevoi is standing near to Ari, holding an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair’s hand.]

Jei ab Sevoi moves nearer to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair. [Tech]

“Yeah, it doesn’t taste the best but…” Lien reaches out across the table and plucks up a chalice for herself. “It does have interesting effects.”

Edvard nods in agreement with Lien, “Very..”

“He does play beautifully tonight” a tiny, flimsy woman muses to Bene ab Piuso. She nods towards Ari. “With all the teasin and stuff I do forget that he’s really a master at his craft.” As the music changes and Bene ab Piuso steps away, she bows back to him. “Thankies for the dance, Father! You dance great!” She too steps away from the dance floor at this point, heading for the table. [a tiny, flimsy woman]

[Action: a tiny, flimsy woman is mingling near the table.]

Bryne ab Porter looks to the side of the room for a moment and blinks slightly. He shaeks his head and peers back to Lien, “Had this before I take it?” He wonders, tapping a finger against the small chalice, “Just where did you get this from?”

[Action: Edvard sits on the edge of a chair.]

Ari doesn’t even show any sign of recognizing Jei ab Sevoi’s presence, one hand deftly sliding to finger the chords while the other glides the bow across the strings. The tune settles into something more sultry as the chord progression begins to become familiar rather than unusual, though it maintains the unique rhythm. Close up, it’s audible that he’s humming along faintly.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair looks over to Bene ab Piuso briefly. “I am rather disposed with things, and quite… Happy to see you out of bed, Benedictus.” He offers a brief smile to Marisa and moves over to Lien. “Would You like to dance, m’Lady. I am comitted to dancing with at least one noblewoman tonight.”

“Once before.. I got some.. and Ari got the rest from somewhere Penmoor Wines or something?” Lien says as she brings the chalice to her lips. She quickly downs the contents and then accepts the offer from an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, offering her hand out to him. “Of course, your Eminence. I would love to”

“Wonderful.” Bene ab Piuso nods to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, “I’m happy to see you as well.” then, looking to Lien, he removes a hooded cloak of black linen, dramatically full in its cut and hands it over, “Thank you for the cloak, my Lady. A dance in return, I am sure, one His Eminence is finished, if you are so inclined.” he smiles before getting an opulent hooded black cloak lined with decadent blood red from a satchel of ivory samite embroidered with a golden Chalice and clasping it about him, its sable contrasting distinctly with the white of his Priestly vestment.

Bene ab Piuso stops using a hooded cloak of black linen, dramatically full in its cut.
Bene ab Piuso wears an opulent hooded black cloak lined with decadent blood red about his body.
Bene ab Piuso gives you a hooded cloak of black linen, dramatically full in its cut.

Bryne ab Porter takes a step back from Lien and offers her a small bow, “Thank you very mu-” He gives a sidelong look across the room again, before looking back to Lien, “- much for the dance, my Lady. You make an excellent partner.” He offers a smile to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair and moves to the side of the room.

[Action: Bryne ab Porter is resting his back against the southern wall.]

A tiny, flimsy woman begins to move east.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair twiddles his fingers briefly, and tugs off his gauntlets, giving them to a vivacious old Knight with pitch black hair and green eyes. “Louis, if you would.” He takes Lien’s hand in his, and tilts his head with a crooked smile. “Now, I’m not quite familiar with Tubori dances, so perhaps I could lead you in traditional Charali footwork?” he ventures in a pleasant tone.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair stops using long crimson leather gauntlets reinforced with iron backing.

Wolfe Journier finishes all the drinks he has and sways a good bit, eventually he cries out something not understandable and falls on the floor asleep.

Wolfe Journier goes to sleep.

“I shall try to keep up.” Lien advises an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, grinning as she wraps her fingers around his hand and steps closer. “Though I must admit that I’ve never seen much less partaken in a Charali dance before.”

Jei ab Sevoi gives an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair a little pat on the head and looks at an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair and Lien as they dance.

Bryne ab Porter rests his back against the southern wall and closes his eyes. He takes a short, breath in, holds it for moment, and slowly exhales. He opens his eyes after a moment and looks into the chalice he had plucked off of the table, swirling it around for a moment. He looks to Marisa and chuckles a bit, “Interestin’ party, hmm?”

“Oh, eendeed,” Marisa agrees with a light chuckle to Bryne ab Porter. “They always are, eet seems.”

Ari may not be completely deaf to his surroundings, it seems; the song transitions into a Charali dance, all fast and furious fiddling with little attention paid to harmony. The notes pour out in a wild cascade, a torrent of sound.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“Perhaps you should consider hostin’ a Vavardi themed party?” Bryne ab Porter replies to Marisa, cocking an eyebrow up. He looks to Ari and frowns a bit, “Does he always look that serious when he’s a fiddlin’?” [Bryne ab Porter]

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair looks over to Ari, noting the music, and starts in with slow steps. “It’s all in the feet, just pay attention to your feet.” He takes Lien’s other hand, and guides her into a surprisingly close dance formed of complex, and energetic footwork.

“No, not always,” Marisa counters Bryne ab Porter with a grin. “But eet can strike at times. A Vavardi themed party though? Mm, perhaps I should at some point. Though all of my parties tend towards the Vavardi. I can hardly help eet.”

Jei ab Sevoi makes his way over to Marisa and Bryne ab Porter since Ari isn’t much of a conversationalist at the moment, “How are you two doing?” he grins.

Wolfe Journier wakes and stands up.

Edvard comes out of his reverie, eyes flicking to the left briefly, before turning his attention to where the three stand.

Edvard drinks absinthe from a small chalice of dark green absinthe.
Edvard discards a small chalice of dark green absinthe as empty.

Lien cants her head to the side, listening to the sound of Ari’s playing a moment, foot tapping in time to the beat as she picks up the tempo. Once she has it, she begins to dance with an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair. At first she misses a couple of steps, jumping back as she steps on his toes, but soon she has it, and she beams. “Like that..?”

“Perhaps goin’ out o’ your way t’ make it especially Vavardi.” Bryne ab Porter replies, folding his arms across his chest. He shifts his focus to Jei ab Sevoi and shrugs his shoulders, “Doin’ well, Count. How about you?” He looks down to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, “An’ you Lord Rei?” [Bryne ab Porter]

Jei ab Sevoi says to Bryne ab Porter, “I’m doing fine.” and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair replies, “Wheel good.” and touches his index finger to his thumb in a circle and shows it to Bryne ab Porter.

Edvard grunts to himself, shaking his head. Turning a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine up on his end, he drains what remains of it’s contents.

Ari indeed continues to be completely boring… except for the music he’s producing, like an automaton with only one purpose. It’s lively, likely sounding oddly raw to those unused to Charali music: delighting in rapid leaps, wide intervals and irregular rhythms.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Bene ab Piuso reaches for another glass of wine before making his way over near where Wolfe Journier lies. Carefully, he picks him up and sets him up on a couch before making his way over to Edvard. He raises both his eyebrows at the man and folds his arms, “Just be careful, Ed. I’m watching.” he he points at him severely before chuckling and setting off to the group of nobility.

Bene ab Piuso gets a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes from a long wooden table laden with a feast.
Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

Edvard puts the bottle down briefly, sticking his tongue out at him briefly. Calling out to Ari, Edvard states, “Hey Ari, ya know, this Tubori stuff you left out here is fantastic!”

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair nods, and cants his head to the side. “If I didn’t know any better, and if I didn’t think you’d take it as an insult, I’d say you’ve got a bit of Charali in you.” He doesn’t seem to mind when Lien steps on his toes, his boots thick enough that he simply doesn’t feel it, and continues with the lively dance. For a brief moment, he almost seems to be having fun, the occasional stomping and twirls in the movements coming along flawlessly with the erratic music. “Miss Storm, you learn quickly.” he adds, finally slowing again.

“…what?” Ari opens his eyes after a moment, shaking his head a little – but still not missing a note. “Oh. Thanks,” he states simply. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“I’m real good too!” Bryne ab Porter replies to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair with a grin, returning the gesture, “You enjoyin’ spendin’ more time with your paw?” He wonders. [Bryne ab Porter]

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair nods his head quickly up at Bryne ab Porter and grins up at Jei ab Sevoi, “Uh huh!” he agrees.

Marisa glances over at the conversation with a smile and a light chuckle.

“Is your arm still botherin’ you?” Bryne ab Porter wonders to Jei ab Sevoi, before glancing over to Marisa, “Maybe Lady le Storm will employ your cousin as a household knight, or a sworn shield?” [Bryne ab Porter]

Jei ab Sevoi wiggles his fingers and shakes his head at Bryne ab Porter, “Good as new.” he grins.

Marisa gives a light chuckle. “Perhaps eef he keeps feeling bored… that would certeenly feex that eessue.”

Edvard sways slightly in his seat, taking another swig from the bottle.

Bene ab Piuso sips from his wine, listening quietly and simply as the conversation and party progresses about him.

Bene ab Piuso drinks Tubori wine from a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes.

“I’ve been dancing since I was lil.” Lien says, slippered feet making use of the smoothness of the dancefloor to improvise a few extra slippery steps in time with the beat of the lively music that Ari produces. “And if I learn quickly, it is only due to both the amazing skills of my cousin’s playing and your patience as a teacher, your Eminence.” She says smoothly to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Bryne ab Porter, “I wouldn’t lower myself to that, Porter.” he grins.

“Perhaps he could be convinced t’ rejoin the Knights, I’ll take him on as my squire.” Bryne ab Porter replies to Marisa with a crooked smirk, before looking back to Jei ab Sevoi, “Good to hear, when I first saw the break I was worried you may lose your sword arm.” [Bryne ab Porter]

Marisa lets out a light laugh. “Oh, I think he ees enjoying the time weeth Rei, though.”
Edvard claims generally, “I dun thing that.. I can’t see straight.”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Bryne ab Porter, “You wish I would be your squire.” he snorts.

Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

“If his father is a lost cause, I better start workin’ on the nexte generation o’ Sevois, my Lady.” Bryne ab Porter notes to Marisa, before looking to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, “How would you like to be a page, laddy?” [Bryne ab Porter]

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair nods his head at Bryne ab Porter and says, “‘Age.” he agrees but Jei ab Sevoi says, “Maybe when he’s older.” he smirks.

Bene ab Piuso looks over to Edvard as he calls out before striding over to him slowly, “Hey, Ed. Might be time to lay off that wine.” he smiles to him, “Maybe get some coffee or tea, take some time to clear your head?”

“Best stop drinking and sit down,” is Ari’s sage advice to Edvard, the man’s eyes sliding shut as he continues to pour out the Charali tune, thunderous as ever. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair finishes abruptly, stuck in an odd posture for a moment before relaing, and letting go of Lien’s hand. “I believe you owe Benedictus a dance, and I would not wish to keep him.” He looks over to Bene ab Piuso. “What do you think? You wanted to dance with the lady? Though I’m sure you’re still far too injured for Charali fare.”

“Ari, I -am’ sittin’.” Edvard exclaims to Ari, before grinning over to Bene ab Piuso, “Dance too much, an’ stuff can come apart again, right? That wouldn’t be any fun then.”

Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

Bryne ab Porter squats down so he’s at eye level with an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, “Ah, come now, judgin’ by your size, you must be, what? Fourteen?” He grins crookedly, “You look like you could hold a sword, Lord Rei. I bet you can beat your dad in fights every time!”

Lien steps backwards, and offers an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair a small curtsy. Her cheeks flushed with a healthy amount of colour from the fast beat of the song. When he directs her to Bene ab Piuso, she offers him a nod. “Did you wish to dance still?”

Bene ab Piuso looks over to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair and Lien from his post near Edvard, “Love to, of course. Though I am a little slow. Definitely too slow for Charali work.” he chuckles he looks back to Edvard and raises and eyebrow, “I’m not sure I understand what you mean, Ed. Just.. stop drinking.” with that he turns over to the dancefloor, an opulent hooded black cloak lined with decadent blood red flaring up a bit as he does.

Obligingly, Ari improvises yet another transition. This time he moves into another slow dance, this one pleasant but touched with a hint of melancholy. To make up for the simple rhythm, it’s rich with complex harmonies, the end of each phrase resolving on a happy note before the next line begins again. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Edvard leans back in the chair, still swigging away at the bottle.

Lien approaches Bene ab Piuso and offers him her hand, her eyes seeking Ari’s, she nods once he slows down the beat. “I think, just a little dance, if you were returned to the hospital with your stitches busted, I’m sure I’m going to end up, somehow, in even more trouble.”

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair nods at Bryne ab Porter and says, “‘Ight wheel good.” he pats his toy sword on his hip. [Jei ab Sevoi]

Bryne ab Porter nods his head back, “You can beat him, an’ your paw can beat everyone else, that makes you best warrior in the whole darn kingdom, m’Lord.” He decides, “We should knight you here on the spot, make you the new Earl Marshall an’ Champion o’ the Throne.” He looks back to Jei ab Sevoi, “An’ you say he’s not old enough, Count.”

“I am being very careful.” Bene ab Piuso assures Lien, taking the hand and setting a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes off on a table for safekeeping, “And yes, a little dance is all. It would be horribly impolite of me to neglect it.” he glares over at Edvard momentarily before he begins he dance, falling smoothly, if not but a little slugglishly, into the beat.

Ari has his eyes shut, not even catching Lien’s gaze; all the same he plays, again careful to infuse the tune with a wealth of expressiveness and feeling. Each phrase swells in volume and force toward the middle, breaking from a crescendo into a softer resolution. The overall feel is similar to waves on a shore.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Bryne ab Porter, “Ha, ha, ha… and who says I can beat everyone? You never saw me beat Paere, did you?”

“Eh, I’ve never seen you fight de Laerne. But Lebou could fight de Laerne t’ a stand still, an’ you easily defeated Lebou.” Bryne ab Porter replies to Jei ab Sevoi, “Besides, I’m pretty sure Lord Rei could break down the Farin Wall. He’s right fearsome.” [Bryne ab Porter]

“I am glad you came, it must be more than a bit boring being stuck in the hospital all day. And at least you don’t look like you’re going to die at any moment anymore” Lien keeps her steps slow, mindful of Bene ab Piuso’s injuries, as she follows his movements across the dancefloor. When she nears where Bryne ab Porter, an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair and Jei ab Sevoi talk, she says to the latter, “Just a warning Count, you are next.” She says with a wink.

Jei ab Sevoi leans down and scoops up an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair in one arm and lifts him up, “Maybe in a few years.” he grins and pecks an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair on the cheek and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair loops his arm around Jei ab Sevoi’s neck.

Bryne ab Porter looks between Lien and Jei ab Sevoi, “Seems you got an admirer.” He states with a grin, before looking to Marisa, “Perhaps once Lady le Storm drags your cousin t’ the dancefloor, you’d humour your daam-da-fe-Dvamfeam to a dance, Chancellor? I promise that I will’nae step on your toes.”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Bryne ab Porter, “Oh, that’s.. great.” he grins a bit and says to Lien, “Sorry, hands are full right now, Miss Storm.” and he lifts an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair a bit more to show.

His step smooth and slow, care given to keep his torso fairly stable, as he dances with Lien, Bene ab Piuso smiles down at the woman “Yes, at least that.” he chuckles, “Thank you for inviting me. I am really enjoying myself.” Suddenly, he takes a deep breath, the music setting in, his gaze flies from Lien up to an undiscerned spot a little above. He seems all at once melancholy, even outright sad, as they continue, “The music.” he says without looking away, “Good as always, Ari. Even better than the last.”

“Oh, I think I could find eet een my heart, somehow,” Marisa agrees with a grin to Bryne ab Porter.

Bryne ab Porter takes off a black cavalier’s hat sporting long multi-hued blue plumes and offers a sweeping bow to Marisa, “You’re far too generous, my Lady. Would you rather we wait for the next song or take to the floor immediately?”

“Thanks,” Ari murmurs, his voice faraway. The song doesn’t seem inclined to end any time soon, meandering on with the same gently flowing pattern. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“Well, I don’t fawdeedoowawwe see a reason to delay,” Marisa decides with a light chuckle. She holds out her hand to Bryne ab Porter.

“Then, you may want to bring the little Lord with you hmm? I hear he is quite the dancer,” Lien suggests to Jei ab Sevoi, as she lays a hand lightly on Bene ab Piuso’s hip, letting him set the pace of the dance, her slippered feet moving soundlessly across the marble. “And you are most welcome.” She says, and seeming to pick Bene ab Piuso’s melancholy mood, is quiet for a time. [Lien]

Jei ab Sevoi shakes his head a bit at Lien, “I think he’s a bit tired..”

Bryne ab Porter takes Marisa’s hand and gently leads her towards towards the center of the floor. He moves to place his other hand on the small of Marisa’s back, “Sure you’re a better dancer than me, I’ll try my best t’ keep up.”

Edvard looks about now, having set the bottle aside earlier, he seems to be more clear headed now.

Bene ab Piuso seems equally distant, detached, far off as he and Lien progress in the meandering song. Finally, he pulls himself from whatever has stirred his attentions, bowing his head and giving a soft, sad smile, “Apologies, my Lady. You arrive at the end of.. very long months.” he murmers he sinks back into the melody plainly, some of the sorrow relieved from him, “Have you been enjoying youself here? Quite different from Tubor, I would imagine.”

The music hushes slightly, but remains more than audible enough for dancing; the decrease in volume simply adds to the dreamlike nature of the song as it rolls onward. Ari’s eyes remain shut, the man continuing to hum to the tune. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“Ah, well, there ees nothing for that but to practeece,” Marisa assures Bryne ab Porter with a grin, falling into position. “I do know you have danced at least the once before. Much beyond that, though?”

“Eh, mostly with my older sister. You’re not as big as her though, or as hairy, an’ she tended t’ lead.” Bryne ab Porter responds with a chuckle, as he begins to move in step with the music. [Bryne ab Porter]

“I admit it has been kind of hard.. leaving everyone and everything behind I’ve known. Not even really getting a chance to say good bye, missing my birthday party,” Lien admits quietly as she dances slow steps with Bene ab Piuso. “Knowing I might not see many of my friends again, or at least, not for a while and coming to stay with a cousin I’ve never met before.” She hefts a bit of a sigh, her eyes glancing briefly over her shoulder before returning to Bene ab Piuso.

Jei ab Sevoi sets an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair back down and says, “Oof, heavy. Way too fat.” he says and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair smacks Jei ab Sevoi on the leg lightly with his stuffed knight, “You fat.” he says.

Marisa follows Bryne ab Porter’s lead, dancing about lightly, a grin on her lips. “Ahh, well, I hope eet won’t be too much of a stretch for you. You haven’t stepped on my feet yet though, so I would certeenly call that a good start, mm?”

“I can imagine it is very hard.” Bene ab Piuso nods to Lien as the dance, “Yet, take my word for it, Lithmore has her own charm, if you take the time to see it beneath the careful disguise.” he smiles, “Just be careful for as many ways as there are to happiness here, there are all the more, who though intriguing and wonderful at first sight, can lead to reather unpleasent places.” he chuckles, “Keep a good head on your shoulders and you should come out unscathed. And, if you ever need anything, I am but a messenger away.”

“Oh, it’s not too late, I could always step on your toes if you wanted.” Bryne ab Porter notes as he takes Marisa across the dancefloor, his movements steps syncing up nicely with Ari’s playing. [Bryne ab Porter]

Ari begins, at last, to wind the song to a close. It’s subtle; it grows both slower and quieter gradually, rather than actually changing the melody.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair looks to Bene ab Piuso with a quirked brow, leaning against the banquet table.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “Great song, Butch.” he grins a bit.

An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair says to Ari, “Wheel good, Butch.” he agrees. [Jei ab Sevoi]

Marisa lets out a soft laugh. “No, that ees quite alright. You may feel free to go weethout stepping on my feet for the whole dance.” Her feet step along smoothly in time with the music and Bryne ab Porter’s steps. “Een fact, we’re almost there, I think.”

“Thank you. I admit I’m not quite in love with Lithmore yet, and not sure if I ever will be like I was Tubor but.. I’m here now so.. got to make the most of it yeah?” Lien says, her steps slowing a little, keeping in time with the music and careful not to strain her dance partner as she says to Jei ab Sevoi, teasing. “So, Count, if someone else looks after the little Lord, will you find another excuse? More cake to eat? An injured foot? Too drunk?”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “Alas, I need to watch out for him myself.” he grins a bit.

Edvard rubs a hand over his head, much more in control of his senses than he had been. His attention is focused on the movement of the dancers.

As he draws the song to its final close, Ari exhales, shaking his head a little. “Thank you, Count, Rei,” he murmurs to the two Sevois. “I think I’m… about played out.” [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“Well, if you really wish. Would’nae want t’ scuff your shoes, Chancellor.” Bryne ab Porter responds, his shoulders easing as he gets a little more comfortable, his movements with Marisa seeming a bit more confident. “Seems like we just began, good things pass quickly, it seems.” As teh music draws to a close, he steps back from Marisa and offers her a deep bow. [Bryne ab Porter]

Jei ab Sevoi nods his head at Ari, “Alas, no dancing without music.” he grins at Ari, “Sorry, Miss Storm.”

“Thank you, Seer Porter,” Marisa tells Bryne ab Porter with a grin. “Eet was a lovely dance.”

“Ah, only reason it was a lovely dance was because o’ my lovely partner.” Bryne ab Porter explains, pulling up from his bow. He looks to Jei ab Sevoi and raises and grins a bit, “I could get my lute out an’ strum a merry tune for you an’ Lady le Storm. It’s not proper t’ spurn the host o’ the party.” [Bryne ab Porter]

“That is best. Make the most of it.” Bene ab Piuso nods slowing as well, “And who knows, by the end, you may again see your beloved Tubor. Hope.” his words are sincere as is his smile. As it comes the song finishes, he bows to Lien, one hand still in hers, the other respectfully sweeping off a black cotton skullcap with off-white chalices embroidered before replacing it as he takes a step back and releases her completely, “Thank you, my Lady. You are a very good dancer.” as he turns slightly, a hand comes up to dab the corner of his eyes, it is discreet, but anyone watching him closely may notice the gesture. He nods to Ari, “You played.. beautifully on that last. A true masterpiece, even. Thank you also.”

“Thank you, Father.” Ari bows his head, lowering his viol. With a wince, he rubs at the shoulder on which it was resting. “I’m glad that you enjoyed it. I haven’t played for so long in… a very long time.” [Ari]

Lien steps back and offers Bene ab Piuso a curtsy, “It really was my pleasure. I enjoy dancing and my cousin plays beautifully.” She reaches out and gives his arm a bit of a squeeze, “Perhaps it is time for a little food hmm?” She suggests as she makes her way over towards one of the tables, saying to Bryne ab Porter in passing. “It is fine, he obviously doesn’t want to.”

“Well, all the same,” Marisa counters to Bryne ab Porter with a soft laugh, stepping over towards Ari’s position, “She can’t very well dance all on her own, and my previous dancing partner was coopted for hees cake.” She looks to Ari with a smile now, telling him, “Lovely playing as always.”

Ari ceases playing his instrument.

“Thank you, my lady.” Ari climbs to his feet, stretching his arms over his head with a soft hiss of discomfort.

“I best not eat too much.” Bene ab Piuso answers, moving over to the table, “But someting might be nice.” he smiles faintly before looking over to an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair, “Archbishop, any food for you?”

“Well, Ari, you’ll have t’ keep playin’ once you finally get goin’ on your tour.” Bryne ab Porter explains, folding his arms tightly behind his back, “Perhaps you should o’ stretched a bit before you started playin’ – had t’ work a few muscles you had’nae has t’ work before, eh?” [Bryne ab Porter]

Jei ab Sevoi sighs and says to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, “Stay here with Ardai.” and moves over toward Lien, “Shall we, Miss Storm?” he grins.

You get a rich caramel cake layered in dark chocolate from a festive table with a long tablecloth.

“I’m not going on a tour,” Ari reminds Bryne ab Porter, shaking his head. “I think I must have told you that a dozen times by now… if I go on a vacation somewhere, it will be a -vacation-.” [Ari]

“A tourin’ vacation.” Bryne ab Porter corrects, before looking between Lien and Jei ab Sevoi, “Seems we need one last song, you got one in you, Ari?” [Bryne ab Porter]

“Not getting yourself too exhausted, mm?” Marisa asks of Ari, sitting down with a grin at an adjacent seat.

Bryne ab Porter gets a plate of plain, roast chicken with mashed root vegetables from a long wooden table laden with a feast.

“One last song, sure. What style are you two after?” Ari interlaces his fingers, stretching out his arms once more in front of himself; joints pop, and he drops back into his chair. [Ari]

Bryne ab Porter gets a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes from a long wooden table laden with a feast.

Lien quickly gets a small piece of cake from the table, teasing Jei ab Sevoi as he approaches by mirroring his first refusal. “I can’t, I’m eating cake.” She says, as she quickly stuffs the majority of the morsel in her mouth.

Edvard stands from his seat blearily, stumbling northwards. He clips with his shoulder Lien by accident as he moves past the table.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Ari, “Alas.” when he is rebuffed and turns on his heel to go back to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, whose hand he takes up in his own.

Bryne ab Porter moves to the buffet table and starts helping himself. He looks to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair and shakes his head, “I’m startin’ t’ ken that you’re the most mature person at these parties, m’Lord.” He states, as he takes a short bronze blade with a thick sandalwood handle and drives it through a piece of chicken.

Bryne ab Porter eats a plate of plain, roast chicken with mashed root vegetables.
Bryne ab Porter drinks Tubori wine from a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes.

Lien quickly moves after Jei ab Sevoi, finishing off the rest of the cake before touching his shoulder, she adds, “I was kidding. Come on.”

Ari drinks Tubori wine from a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes.

Jei ab Sevoi sighs and turns around to face Lien and nods, “Alright.”

Ari finds the glass of wine he was given much earlier after a moment’s searching, gulping down a hearty mouthful, then another.

Ari drinks Tubori wine from a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes.
Ari discards a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes as empty.
An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair looks up at Bryne ab Porter and grins up at him and nods. [Jei ab Sevoi]

Jei ab Sevoi calls to Ari, “Lady’s choice, I suppose.” and turns his gaze back to Lien.

Bryne ab Porter offers a fancy wineglass etched with a cluster of grapes to an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, “Care for a wee nip?” He wonders, eyeing Jei ab Sevoi with a teasing grin, “This is what happens when you leave him alone for a few moments.”

“And again, with more enthusiasm?” Lien says to Jei ab Sevoi, stepping backwards towards the dancefloor and holding out her hand. “Cousin, anything you like, your hands must be tired so, play something easy on them?

A tall elderly gentleman with a gray mustache and hair puts a hand on an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair’s shoulder and frowns at Bryne ab Porter, “Sir Porter, that will not be occuring.” and a stoic faced male Knight with broad shoulders and blond hair frowns just a little toward Bryne ab Porter. [Jei ab Sevoi]

Jei ab Sevoi follows along after Lien, he takes her hand in his and waits for the music.

Edvard starts to move towards the north.

Ari flexes his fingers, multiple joints popping. Grasping the bow, he strikes up another song; cheerful, pleasant and at a carefully balanced tempo that’s neither too quick or too slow. Compared to his earlier artistic efforts, this is simply played without much emphasis or feeling.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“Ah fine. Would’nae want Lord Rei t’ get pickled.” Bryne ab Porter responds to a tall elderly gentleman with a gray mustache and hair. He finishes off his glass, and sets it aside, “See, all gone, none left for little lordlin’s.” He takes another bite from the chicken he had skewered on his bronse dagger. [Bryne ab Porter]

Bryne ab Porter approaches Ari, closing the distance.
Bryne ab Porter is near.

Bene ab Piuso sets a side his wine and yawns a moment, “If you’ll all excuse me.” he gives a bow to the room as a whole, “I best be off. Need a little rest.” he smiles sadly, though perhaps its but weariness, “My Lady, Ari; a wonderful party. Thank you for the great evening.” he pauses, “Dav bless, all of you.” another bow before he turns about and slips on out.

Lien watches for Ari to begin playing, and places a hand on Jei ab Sevoi’s hip, her eyes now upon him. There’s a slow tapping of her foot as she catches the beat, waiting for him to lead.

“Conteenue on the eemproving health, Father,” Marisa bids Bene ab Piuso.

Bryne ab Porter looks to Bene ab Piuso and brings a pair of fingers to the brim of a black cavalier’s hat sporting long multi-hued blue plumes. He plucks another flute of wine off the table and moves towards Ari.

Jei ab Sevoi places a hand on Lien’s hip and begins to guide her in a dance that matches the beat of the song Ari plays. He keeps it simple, but his steps are deft and precise in spite of his armored form.

Bryne ab Porter drinks Tubori wine from a thin crystal wineglass with subtle fiery engravings.

“Dav bless, Father; glad to see you on your feet,” Ari calls, pairing the words with a small, weary smile. His hands continue to play the notes with rote perfection, rather than warmth. [Ari]
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Bene ab Piuso leaves east with a slightly hobbling, restrained step.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair dips his head slightly. “I should be going as well, as I need to see him back to the hospital safely.” Good day.
The eastern door closes from the other side.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair begins to move east.
An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair slows to a halt.

“Is it really that bad?” Lien asks Jei ab Sevoi, following his lead and matching his steps, with her own light footed ones, keeping time with the beat as Ari plays. [Lien]

“He’s surprisin’ly graceful for a lad in fullplate.” Bryne ab Porter decides about Jei ab Sevoi, before offering an aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair a bow, “Dav Bless, your Eminence.” [Bryne ab Porter]

Jei ab Sevoi replies to Lien, “Not at all. You’re a good dancer, it’s too bad you’re so troublesome.” he grins at Lien, who he is eye-level with.

An aged, gaunt-faced man with red hair leaves east with a concealing crimson leather cloak that hangs a full circle billowing about his calves.
A vivacious old Knight with pitch black hair and green eyes leaves east.

Jei ab Sevoi glances through the window for a moment.

Jei ab Sevoi lifts an arm to urge Lien to twirl under it at one point.

Marisa gives a light chuckle at Jei ab Sevoi’s words, sitting by with a smile.

Ari plays on, humming the tune under his breath. His eyes slide shut again, but even so the music doesn’t change a whit, reeling on precisely from one bar to the next.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Wolfe Journier yawns and decides to leave, he gets up and slips out of the room.

“Am I being trouble some right now?” Lien asks Jei ab Sevoi with a bit of a grin, turning as he does as they move across the floor, watching him as they talk. “And, as for any other trouble some affairs, give me a chance, it’s a big change you know.” She says, twisting under the lifted arm, with a flare of her skirts.

Wolfe Journier leaves east.

Edvard hums idly to himself from where he has sprawled out against the northern wall, nursing a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

Jei ab Sevoi settles into a more normal stance and leads Lien along, “Sure, you can have.. three chances.” he decides as he steps along to the beat of the music. Nothing fancy, due to his armor, but he keeps his pace well enough.

Bryne ab Porter taps his foot quietly, completely out of tune with Ari’s performance. He brings his wine up, takin a generous quaff from it. For the moment he stays quiet… well, except for the noisy chewing he makes whenever he munches on the snacks available.

Bryne ab Porter eats a plate of plain, roast chicken with mashed root vegetables.

[Action: Edvard is sitting against the northern wall.]

Ari begins to wind the song to a close, noticeably a bit shorter than some of the other dances. But he at least does so properly; the melody shifts, adding in some grand flourishes to accompany the slowing-down phrases.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“How many have I used already?” Lien asks, following Jei ab Sevoi’s lead across the dance floor. Her hand gives his a light squeeze as she picks the slowing of pace in Ari’s playing, her own footsteps matching.

Bryne ab Porter drinks Tubori wine from a thin crystal wineglass with subtle fiery engravings.

Jei ab Sevoi pulls Lien in a bit closer as the music slows, weaving with the music as the song begins to wind to an end, “One, because of the sugar cubes. Two left.” he says with a grin.

Bryne ab Porter looks to Marisa and asks softly, “Is he flirtin’ with her, or threatenin’ her? Or both? I can’nae tell.”

“Eet’s really hard to say,” Marisa agrees back to Bryne ab Porter, voice low, and she chuckles. “Perhaps both, though.”

Ari draws out the end of the song now, seeming to be enjoying himself now all the sudden; it only gradually meanders toward an actual conclusion, taking its sweet time as it slows down bit by bit.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

Bryne ab Porter nods his head to Marisa, and whispers back, “If they start attackin’ eachother, should we call a reeve or usher them into somewhere private?”

“You know I didn’t know they weren’t allowed right? He did say they Absinth was okay so I figured he’d not mind.” Lien, for the most part, either ignores or doesn’t hear the chatting going on around them as she draws in closer to Jei ab Sevoi.

“I think we should all relocate elsewhere,” Marisa tells Bryne ab Porter. “Eef Jei ees attacking, eet’s likely quite dangerous to remain nearby.”

Edvard picks up on the tail end of Marisa and Bryne ab Porter’s conversation, throwing in smartly, “Yeah.. We could all go hide in baths!”

Edvard motions towards the door that he sits next to.

Jei ab Sevoi continues to dance with Lien, grinning, “Still, two left.” he says to Lien as he continues to slowly dance with her as the song continues on.

“Not sure if all o’ us could fit in the one tub.” Bryne ab Porter explains to Edvard, “Perhaps the Chancellor’s manse would be a better choice – she has liquor an’ chocolates there.” [Bryne ab Porter]

Ari finally brings it to an end, taking nearly a full minute to finish the last cadence – ending it on a long, drawn-out, mellow chord.
He appears to be a grandmaster at the viol.

“So, that I’m clear what I need to not do. What things should I avoid for the next few years?” Lien says to Jei ab Sevoi with an arching of her brow, her steps eventually slowing to a stop when the music completes.

“Oh.. I thought I saw more than one when I was in there..” Edvard explains carefully to Bryne ab Porter, though it comes out rather comically in his current state.

“I could certeenly have guests eef such a relocation were to become necessary,” Marisa agrees with a soft chuckle to Bryne ab Porter. “Not terreebly far, at least.”

“There -are- actually three baths in there, Stirke, it wasn’t just the absinthe.” Ari tucks away his viol with a deep, tired sigh. [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi comes to a stop and says to Lien, “Hm. No going southside, no stealing, no drinking until extremely drunk in public, no killing people, no heresy, no magery…” he looks up, “No lying to me, or to Ari or my cousin or any of our wefwedemdadefed… or the Order, or Reeves, or King.. or Knights..” he hmmms, “I’m not sure what else. That will do for a start.” he grins.

Bryne ab Porter gets a thin crystal wineglass with subtle fiery engravings from a festive table with a long tablecloth.

Jei ab Sevoi does, by the way, keep his hand on her hip and the other still holds her hand.

Bryne ab Porter looks to Marisa and offers a smile, “Might make use o’ your guest room, my Lady, if you don’nae object.” He states with a nod of the head, “Not that I wish to impose.”

“An’ he did’nae mean treason – you can still plot t’ overthrow the throne, an’ remain in the Count’s good books.” Bryne ab Porter states, pointing his wineglass towards Lien. [Bryne ab Porter]

Edvard swigs again from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine, before asking to jei,”This doesn’t count as public, right?”

Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

“That… is quite a long list already.” Lien muses, considering Jei ab Sevoi seriously with a tip of her head to the right. “Most of them, I have no issue with, but there are a couple there that might be difficult.”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, the grin lowering a bit, “No treason.” at Bryne ab Porter’s words, “No law breaking in general, Order or Crown law.”

“Not an eemposeetion at all, eef eet’s not een use,” Marisa tells Bryne ab Porter. She turns to ask Ari, “Were you steell making use of the guest room?” She chuckles at Bryne ab Porter’s words, pointing out to him, “As long as she ees honest about eet. – Ah, there we go.”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “Which ones aren’t you going to be able to do, hmm?” he grins.

“Ah, I was, but I’m sure we can work out somewhere else to put me. I might just sleep on the couch here tonight, or something.” Ari rubs at his face, a slow passage of his hand from brow to chin. [Ari]

Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

Bryne ab Porter nods his head to Marisa, “If she were goin’ t’ plot sedition, I’d like that she at least be transparent about it.” He agrees. He looks over to Ari and raises an eyebrow, “What’s wrong with your bed? If you wish I could take your couch. I’m just not feelin’… far too tired t’ ride all the way back t’ the keep.” He taps a finger against a thin crystal wineglass with subtle fiery engravings.

“I am a Noble, I do not steal,” Lien says indignantly, before going on, “I can barely hold a sword without chopping off my own toes, I think killing anyone is going to be very difficult. I have no intentions to overthrow anyone or anything much less the Crown or the Church.” She pauses, thinking, “But.. not going South side? You intend to make my existance in Lithmore very boring…”

Bryne ab Porter drinks Tubori wine from a thin crystal wineglass with subtle fiery engravings.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “Your guardian doesn’t want you there and it’s dangerous in any case. That one has to stand.” he grins.

[Action: Jei ab Sevoi is just standing here in front of Lien, one hand on her hip, the other holds her other hand.]

Jei ab Sevoi glances through the window for a moment.

“Lady le Storm is using my bedroom for right now while the renovations are completed,” Ari explains to Bryne ab Porter, “hence I’ve been living in the Lady’s guest room. But there are enough bed-like places between her house and mine that I’m sure anybody who needs to rest… can.” [Ari]

“I don’t think that weell be a problem,” Marisa agrees with a light chuckle.

“How about as long as she does’nae go to southside -unescorted-.” Bryne ab Porter offers to Jei ab Sevoi. He looks back between Marisa and Ari and snorts, “If it makes things easier, I can sleep on the lawn.” [Bryne ab Porter]

Edvard glances through the window for a moment.

“So, you’re willing to let some of the others slip, like killing or treason, but hey, I must -not- go Southside?” Lien teases Jei ab Sevoi, giving his hand a light squeeze. “How bout, I go but only with an escort of someone suitably capable of ensuring my safety?”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “How about only with your cousin’s permission?” he smirks a bit.

Edvard drinks Tubori wine from a bottle of sweet red Tubori wine.

“I’m fine if she has an escort… given that the escort is someone she approves with me first,” Ari calls over to Jei ab Sevoi and Lien, weariness and amusement warring in his voice. [Ari]

Bryne ab Porter eats a plate of plain, roast chicken with mashed root vegetables.

“Cousin, may I have your permission to go Southside as long as I have a suitable escort–” Lien starts to ask when Ari, already offers her agreement to her words. “There you go. How is that?”

Bryne ab Porter looks to Lien and snorts a bit, “Plannin’ any trips t’ southside in the future, Lady le Storm?” He wonders, before looking to Marisa, “If you have any interest in journyin’ down t’ Southside for whatever reason, Chancellor… ” He doesn’t even bother finishing his sentence.

Marisa lets out a light laugh. “Oh, I don’t have to prove to anyone that I am terreeble trouble,” she tells Bryne ab Porter.

Edvard pulls of a pair of checkered black leather shoes, massaging one of his feet.

Edvard stops using a pair of checkered black leather shoes.

Jei ab Sevoi nods at Lien and asks, “What else?”

“You seem like you’re a handful as it is, I’m sure I’ll have my work as champion cut out for me.” Bryne ab Porter replies to Marisa with a snort. [Bryne ab Porter]

“I have to approve the -specific- escort. Right now I approve of Porter and Count ab Sevoi. Anybody else, clear them with me first. …Not right now,” Ari adds, reaching up to rub at his temples. [Ari]

“You see?” Marisa notes playfully to Bryne ab Porter. “You already know eet and I deedn’t have to step south of.. right here.”

“I don’t know if there is anything else. Should there be?” Lien asks Jei ab Sevoi.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “That’s the only one you’d have trouble sticking to?” he grins.

Edvard glances up, wondering, “An’ why is this discussion bein’ had here, now?” He grumbles to himself some, continuing to massage his foot.

Edvard mutters: ‘.u.n.n. a ..r.ec..y good party..’

Marisa glances over to Edvard with a light chuckle.

Bryne ab Porter looks to Marisa and grins, “Well, any mess o’ trouble you find yourself in, I’ll be happy t’ come fish you out o’.” He looks over to Ari as he hears his name annouced, “You’de trust me with Lady le Storm’s life? I’m honoured.” He notes as he takes off a black cavalier’s hat sporting long multi-hued blue plumes and places it over his heart.

Edvard tilts the bottle up, catching the last few drops, befoe setting it aside.

Lien considers Jei ab Sevoi seriously, humming. “Perhaps… I might stretch the truth addaddeamawwe….” She suggests after a moment. “For example, I might tell the Knightling that he plays the flute beautifully.”

“Right… I’d like to thank you all for coming, but I’m going to start closing up shop, so to speak,” Ari suggests, turning toward the tables. Wandering through the room, he starts to collect empty glasses and plates of food. [Ari]

Bryne ab Porter drinks Tubori wine from a thin crystal wineglass with subtle fiery engravings.

Jei ab Sevoi says to Lien, “I mean real lies, not like that.” he lowers his hands from Lien’s hand and hip.

Lien slides her hand from Jei ab Sevoi’s and nods. “Then that should be fine too.”

“I don’nae ken if I can play the flute lovely at all, I’ve never picked one up.” Bryne ab Porter admits to Lien, “Shall I return the compliment an’ say that you are as wise as you are beautiful?” He looks back to Ari and raises an eyebrow, “Need a hand cleanin’ up?” [Bryne ab Porter]

Jei ab Sevoi nods a bit and reaches up to tap Lien on the nose with one finger, then turns to head back to his entourage.

“No, I should be fine… wait, I have servants for this,” Ari realizes, halting and shaking his head. “I don’t have to clean it up myself.” [Ari]

Bryne ab Porter nods his head to Ari, “Aye, or get your ward t’ do it!”

Marisa gives a smile over to Jei ab Sevoi, and glancing to Ari, she chuckles. To Bryne ab Porter, she notes, “That ees likely more effort than cleaning eet up.”

“I think I might.. Might need some cleanin up, too.” Edvard states.

Lien grins, and steps back, fingers adjusting a silver bracelet strung with alternating diamonds and onyx around her wrist. “Bryne, you know.. I sent a letter to the Lord Justiciar about you..”

“It would probably result in a bigger mess too.” Bryne ab Porter replies to Marisa, setting his glass aside. He looks back to Lien and nods his head a bit, “I think you mentioned that once, my Lady, or have you sent further letters in the mean time?” [Bryne ab Porter]

“Well, I might have to tell you to use the city baths this time, Master ab Stirke… I really need to start kicking people out,” Ari admits to Edvard with a lopsided grin and a helpless shrug. [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi heads over to Marisa and takes up an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair’s hand again, “How’s it going, cousin?” he grins.

Bryne ab Porter eats a plate of plain, roast chicken with mashed root vegetables.

“Oh, I intend to make it quite the campaign, till I see you get pinned with a nice pretty medal or nice pink ribbon.” Lien teases, plucking up some of the food.

Edvard gives Ari an odd look, “Ya know.. I might have a hard time movin’, ta get kicked out.”

Marisa rises up to her feet. She notes over to Ari, “I think I weell be retiring back to the Palazzo.” She looks over to Jei ab Sevoi with a grin, “Ahh, fairly well. And deed you enjoy yourself today?”

Ari reaches up to rub at the bridge of his nose. “…really? Where exactly do you live, Master ab Stirke?”

Jei ab Sevoi says to Marisa, “The cake was good.” he grins a bit and picks up an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair, who is looking quite drowsy himself.

Bryne ab Porter looks back to Lien and nods his head, “We really should find you a hobby. Perhaps needle point.”

“Well, you can’t very well have a good party weeth bad cake,” Marisa tells Jei ab Sevoi with a chuckle. She looks to Ari and Bryne ab Porter, “Wheech of you was I putting up een the guest room tonight?”

Edvard raises a hand to Bryne ab Porter, “Weeell, I -was- gonna try out bein’ a Reeve. That just worked out fine, didn’t it..”

“Good idea, I think I’d enjoy sticking your hand with needles. I apparently have a talent for doing just that you know..” Lien teases Bryne ab Porter as she plucks at a plate of dumplings.

Bryne ab Porter looks to Marisa and dips his head, “I think I’m actually sober enough now t’ attempt the trip back to the keep.” He looks to Lien and smiles, “Lady le Storm, lovely party.”

“Eef you are quite certeen,” Marisa tells Bryne ab Porter with an incline of her head.

Lien inclines her head to Bryne ab Porter, smiling she says, “Thank you for coming, Bryne.”

Bryne ab Porter bows to Marisa, “If I don’nae make it, I’m sure I’ll be mourned.” He looks to Lien and bows to her now, “Anytime, just be sure t’ keep the sugar cubes away from Ari.”

“I’ll be seeing you around, Porter. Aye, thanks for coming,” Ari wishes to Bryne ab Porter with a slight smile, bowing his head. [Ari]

Jei ab Sevoi looks over at Ari and says to him, “It’s your obligation to let me know if she goes southside without your permission, you know.” he grins.

Bryne ab Porter looks to Ari and tips a black cavalier’s hat sporting long multi-hued blue plumes to him, “Thanks for providin’ the music an’ the venue.” He offers Jei ab Sevoi and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair a bow and then departs.

“The guest room ees steell yours then,” Marisa tells Ari with a smile. “And I weell be off for now myself. A lovely party.” To Lien, she says, “And welcome to Leethmore, Lady Storm.”

Bryne ab Porter begins to move east.
Bryne ab Porter leaves east.

“I’ll be by later to take advantage of it, my lady,” Ari tells Marisa, bending into a fluid bow. Straightening, he nods Jei ab Sevoi’s way. “Will do, my lord Count, never you fear.” Edvard gets a sideways glance. “Stirke? Do I need to get you home?” [Ari]

Lien approaches Ari and rests a hand upon his shoulder. “Thank you Lady Damassande, for coming and the beautiful gift.” To Jei ab Sevoi, she adds, “I am sure that Ari will report any deviance.”

Jei ab Sevoi says, “I suppose I’ll get going then.” he grins at Ari and then nods at Lien, “I’m sure he will.” he agrees and starts to head off.

Edvard waves a hand at Ari, “Oh, I’m sure that my feet’ll find me again..”
Edvard wears a pair of checkered black leather shoes on his feet.
Marisa leaves east, hips swaying back and forth as she goes.
A stocky, sandy-haired bodyguard with a square jaw leaves east.
A tall, slender manservant with light brown hair leaves east.

Ari glances down at Lien, promising her quietly, “We are going to have some words before I head to the Lady dul Damassande’s for the night. Ah, Dav bless,” he calls more loudly to Jei ab Sevoi, waving. “Thank you for coming, and you too, Rei!”

Lien winces a little with Ari’s words but nods, her own hand lifting up in a wave to Jei ab Sevoi and an amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair as they move to depart.

Jei ab Sevoi leaves east walking fluidly, his cloak flowing about his calves.
A tall elderly gentleman with a gray mustache and hair leaves east.
An amber-eyed male toddler with a head of auburn hair leaves east.
A stoic faced male Knight with broad shoulders and blond hair leaves east.

Glancing over to Edvard, Ari wonders, “You sure you’re up for getting home, Stirke?” [Ari]

Church Square
[Chilly, clear, slight breeze from the southwest, afternoon]
The grand facade of the Lithmorran cathedral dominates the square, providing a stained-glass, gothic opulence to the space below. Laid in an artful pattern, red and white bricks converge in alternating bands towards a central fixture, a splendid fountain. Off to the southwest, in the tended lawn, stands a statue easily nine feet tall. Below it rests a bench, obscuring the engravings in the statue’s base. At each of the four corners of this square stands a tall stone lamp to light the square at night.

(The Square looks reasonably neat, with the fountain looking recently cleaned and polished. People wander throughout the area, conversing with one another and whispering as they talk of events that have recently passed. )

[ Exits: north east south west ]
A baroque fountain spurts gloriously into the sky. (center)
The square’s public board stands beneath a protective wood shingle roof. (northeastern corner)

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair rides in from the east.
A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair slows to a halt.

Lien is standing on top of a bench, hopping from foot to foot. At the sight of a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair on the horse, she points towards a shadow at the base of the statue and glares. “I saw a rat. DO SOMETHING about IT.”

The horse that a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair is riding upon looks jumpy at best in the crowded church square, and as they come closer to the fountain, a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair pets the mane of the horse, trying to calm it down. He looks to Lien and raises an eyebrow, “A rat?” He wonders, sitting his saddle, “Did you try rhyming at it?” [a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair]

“What am I? An Arien bard? Can’t you just… go in there and chop off it’s head?” Lien suddenly screeches and points her finger towards a dark shadow that darts across the square and towards the bench she’s standing atop of. “THERE! Quick! Before it gets away?! Come on, your a knight aren’t you?!”

You think to yourself, “RAT. This city is full of RATS!”

“You… might be a bard, I don’nae know who you are an’ you’re far too well dressed to be a washer woman.” a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair explains to Lien. He looks to the shadow, before looking back to Lien, “If they dedfaddved knights to deal with rats, we’d have t’ maintain a garrison at the mills.” He mutters as he takes a small, iron woodsman’s axe off his belt. “Alright, where is it?” [a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair]

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair stops using a steel longsword with a leather handle.

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair wields a small, iron woodsman’s axe.

Lien hops from foot to foot, dressed somewhat morbidly all in black, her skirts flaring around her knees as she darts from one end of the bench to the other trying to get a look at where the creature is. “Oh, wait.. it’s just a leaf.” She says, as she spots a leaf about where she thinks the rat to be.

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair twirls a small, iron woodsman’s axe around a bit, readying to throw it. “Oh, well. I could get a rake if you want… ” He states in a deadpan, putting his axe back into a navy satchel adorned with Crossed Swords on a Chalice, “Is there any other vegetation that needs Knightly attention, m’Lady?” He wonders with a snort.

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair stops using a small, iron woodsman’s axe.

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair wields a steel longsword with a leather handle.

Her relief is short lived, when the rat in question does indeed appear and darts up the side of the bench and atop the seat. Lien literally screams as she jumps off the bench and takes off towards the fountain, putting a good few feet between her and it before scrambling up to stand on its edge. “GET IT!” She demands, pointing again.

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair snatches a small, iron woodsman’s axe from his belt and in a fluid motion throws it end over end at the rat. The axe head splits the rat in twain, sending the top half of the rat scurrying away from it’s body before it plops over head, “Sinful little rat, pesterin’ a maiden fair, scurryin’ all about, an’ giving her a scare. So I’ll yell ‘be gone!’, and if you don’nae leave-her, I’ll get quite annoyed, and kill you with a cleaver.” He snorts loudly and looks to Lien, “Hey, maybe I got what it takes t’ be a bard after all.”
a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair appears to be capable at throwing.
A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair drops a small, iron woodsman’s axe.

“Is it dead…?” Lien asks cautiously, peering in the direction of the beheaded critter. “Maybe it has friends… probably a whole demon litter of them there. You should probably check. Just in case.” Lien says anxiously, hopping still from foot to foot, looking only slightly impressed by the tossing of the axe and the accompanying rhyme.

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair swings his legs off of a shaggy, yellow courser and jumps down in an ungraceful manner. “Looks dead, I think.” Bryne decides, looking to the bifurcated rat with an interested look. He looks back to Lien, “Why did you come t’ Lithmore if you can’nae stand bein’ around rats?” He wonders with a chuckle.

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair swings his leg over his mount, preparing to dismount.

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair easily dismounts from a shaggy, yellow courser.

Lien isn’t ready to hop down yet, her eyes fixated on the bench and where the bloodied corpse lies. “Not my choice. Studiest idea ever. Ward with my cousin, he says, become a proper Lady he says. Get a husband he says.” She rolls her eyes skyward, fingers tugging at a black silken sash threaded through a delicate silver ring anxiously. “I think I saw its tail twitch.” She says, eyeing it.

Lien stands atop the fountain’s edge, eyeing a beheaded rat on the bench

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair says OOCly, “Bifurcated – it was chopped into two even pieces >_>”

Lien stands atop the fountain’s edge, eyeing a bifurcated rat on the bench

Lien stands atop the fountain’s edge, eyeing a bifurcated (certainly not beheaded) rat on the bench

“Yeah, things do that for awhile after you murder them. I saw a guy run fifty feet without a head once.” a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair explains as he reaches down and yanks the axe from the remains of the rat, “Who’s your cousin again? Refresh my memory.” He wonder as he brushes some of the blood away on a crusted, browned, silken rag. [a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair]

“Help me down?” Lien directs as much as asks a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair with a hand wave towards the cobblestones. “My cousin, Ariel op Orban. Affawemdwe he also has business ties with my Father, so he’s making him do it or some thing. Don’t think Ariel is too happy about it none either. Don’t you want to know who I am?”

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair hangs the axe from his belt and offers a pair of hands to Lien, “Oh, you’re Ari’s relation? He’s a good friend o’ mine. Wants me t’ move into his house.” He states with a chuckle, “Do I want t’ know who you are? Sure, you’ve piqued my dooweaoodede now.”

Lien takes the hands on offer, her own glove clad fingers sliding over his as she gingerly steps down from the edge of a baroque fountain. Obviously descending post-rat, is much more difficult than leaping up with the fear of a rat on your heels. “I am Lien le Storm, heiress to the Barony of Ddwamddaoo in Tubor. Who in Lithmore are you?”

A young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair kicks away the top part of the rat when Lien descends, “Ah, Lady le Storm, lovely t’ meet you then, an’ protect you from vicious mousies.” He explains with a crooked smirk. He offers a small bow, “Sir Bryne ab Porter, o’ the Knights Wedvmawwam.”

[Action: a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair is here heroically slaying rats.]

Lien is here, being heroically saved from rats

Lien releases a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair’s hand and passes it over her brow, removing stray dusky locks as she watches him with her capacious eyes. “Most people call me Stormy. We’re not ones for titles much back home. But… here, affawemdwe I can whip someone for not using them? How Arien awesome is that?”

From here on you will remember a young man, with blue eyes and thick, black hair as Bryne ab Porter.

“Very well, Lady le Stormy.” Bryne ab Porter states with another bow, “Never had t’ have someone whipped, dvawwemded someone t’ a duel once when he spat on me though. That would o’ been pretty awesome if he did’nae refuse t’ fight me himself.” He grins crookedly, and places his hands on his hips, “With Ari’s maman here, it seems his bringin’ his whole extended family t’ Lithmore.” [Bryne ab Porter]

“Well, if I ever need to have some whipped, I’ll call for you edfedeawwe so you can have the pleasure?” Lien says, her hands adorned in gloves coming up to expose the palms. “I mean, would be pretty silly if I were to do it hmm? Kind of pointless.” She takes a few steps over towards the bottom end of the rodent surprisingly reaches down to pluck it up by the tail, examining it.

“Still havin’ some problems with your Wedvmawwam, eh?” Bryne ab Porter states with a chuckle, resting a hand on a steel longsword with a leather handle, “If you’re goin’ t’ have someone whipped, I’ll let you do it yourself, my Lady.” He notes with a smirk, “Not so scared o’ the rat anymore – now that it’s insides have been made outsides.” [Bryne ab Porter]

I might demand you to. I can do that you know.” Lien says, eyeing the bloodied creature before tossing it off to the other side of the square. “And if you refuse, I could have you whipped. And yes. Not speak well yet.”

“I think you would need a Reeve t’ get someone whipped, my Lady, not a Knight.” Bryne ab Porter states with a nod of the head, “An’ I’m sure Ari would protest if you had his friend scourged. Not very lady like now is it, eh?” [Bryne ab Porter]

“Pretty sure a Knight can do it if I can do it.”Lien says with a pout upon her lips as she turns back to face Bryne ab Porter. “So, you’re not much of a Knight really if you can’t whip people for affemdemd a Lady?”

“Who exactly has earned your scorn so badly that you want t’ whip them?” Bryne ab Porter wonders with a loud snort. a shaggy, yellow courser has wandered over to the remains of the dead rat and cautiously picks it up and starts chewing on it. “Oi!” Bryne ab Porter shouts out ot the warhorse, “Strangler! Drop that! Drop it!” He commands. [Bryne ab Porter]

A shaggy, yellow courser a shaggy, yellow courser snorts loudly and drops the chewed, spit covered carcass of the bisected rat.

“Your horse -eats- -rats-?” Lien says with wide eyes, what ever retort she had been about to give to Bryne ab Porter forgotten at the revelation of this new piece of information. “EATS RATS?! What kind of Knight exactly are you?!”

“Strangler would eat his own shite if he wanted to.” Bryne ab Porter states, moving to a shaggy, yellow courser and giving it a whap across the snout, “Bad horse.” He scolds. The horse responds by snapping at Bryne ab Porter. He looks back to Lien and shakes his head, “Strangler is just a bit… odd, sometimes, I got him for a discount.” He looks to a shaggy, yellow courser, “An’ I regret it every time.” The horse just looks at Bryne ab Porter blankly. [Bryne ab Porter]

[Action: Bryne ab Porter is here having an arguement with a horse.]

“Maybe you should burn him. Pretty sure eating rats is something demonic horses do.” Lien suggests helpfully to Bryne ab Porter, stepping backwards a couple of paces and gesturing widely towards a shaggy, yellow courser. “I have a lantern with oil, if we douse him well he’ll go up real good.”

A shaggy, yellow courser a shaggy, yellow courser lets out a small grunt, and slams his hoof against remains of the chewed, chopped rat, flattening the carcass.

Bryne ab Porter looks to Lien and shrugs, “We will’nae be lightin’ my horse ablaze. Not yet at least, my Lady. If it were on fire it would be a bit hard t’ ride him without burnin’ my nethers.” He looks back to a shaggy, yellow courser and gives him a scratch on the snout, which leads to the horse snapping at Bryne ab Porter’s hand again, “In his defense, he did spit it out. He was just makin’ sure it was well an’ truely dead.”

“He spat it out because you told him to, he was going to wolfe the whole thing down and go for seconds.” Lien argues, stepping around a shaggy, yellow courser and approaching Bryne ab Porter’s side. She grabs a handful of his cloak, and lightly tugs. “It might be catching. You could end up eating rats next and then wham, you’re in the tower and thinking Mmmmm wish I had of listened to Stormy.”

“If Ddwamdwew wanted t’ eat the rat, he would o’, even if I had told him not too.” Bryne ab Porter assures Lien, offering to pat her on the shoulder, “I don’nae think you’ll have t’ worry about me snoopin’ around the sewers, tryin’ t’ put on a rat on a spit, my Lady.” He grins a bit, “Suddenly concerned that Brave Sir Porter will be locked in the tower? Who will defend you from pesky rodents then?” [Bryne ab Porter]

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes arrives from the south with a humble stride.

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes slows to a halt.

“I think your demonic horse is smarter than you give him credit for.” Lien says next to Bryne ab Porter, trying to come up to the tips of her toes and extend her height by a couple more inches, but even so, it doesn’t even come close to bringing her to eye level with him. “Right, then. You’re hired. Rat, critter and demon killer. I’ll arrange it with my cousin who will see to your salary. I think we’ll start you off on a gold coin a week and if you do a good job and only if, we’ll talk pay rises. I don’t want to see a single rat again though mind you. Ever. So you better be good.”

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes enters smiling, he gives a nod of the head to Bryne ab Porter “Gonna be a rat killer?”

“MY rat killer, get your own.” Lien warns a young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes with perhaps, a hint of a grin.

Bryne ab Porter a shaggy, yellow courser looks to Lien and whinnies a bit, taking a cautious step towards her. He looks back to Lien, and noticing that she’s on her toes, he slouches down slightly to shorten the gap. “I’m afraid I’m already pledgin’ my services t’ another Noble house, my Lady, but I’m sure the Chancellor dislikes rats just as much as you do.” He notes with a crooked smile, before looking to bryd, “Eh, I don’nae think I’ll be givin’ up the knights t’ follow my dream o’ becomin’ a Rat Catcher just yet, laddy.”

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes chuckles “Not gonna share?” he glances to Bryne ab Porter “I sure hope not. Since you’re a knight now.”

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes holds a book entitled Erra Pater in his hand.

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes flips through a book entitled Erra Pater, reading brief sections.

[Action: Bryne ab Porter is talking with Lien and byrd.]

“You can unpledge then, I’ll give you a week to arrange it.” Lien says, resting her right hand delicately on Bryne ab Porter’s shoulder when he lowers himself down to almost her level. “Can’t be too hard, offer a bribe, say you have a more needing client who is a MORBID fear of rats. And critters.” Lien eyes a young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes cautiously from across the square, “Maybe small boys too.”

“The Knight o’ Rats or the Knight o’ Fleas, what has a better sound to it?” Bryne ab Porter wonders to a young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes with a faint laugh. He looks back to Lien and shakes his head, “Ari’s pledged t’ the Dvamdewwaw, too. If I’m aroudn the both o’ you often enough, I’ll see to it that no mamddewaood rats will harm you. As for boys… ” He looks to a young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes and gestures to him with his thumb, “I don’nae think I can rhyme him t’ death.” [Bryne ab Porter]

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes chuckles “Please, spare me your rhymes. I would prefer a thrust of a blade.”

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes gives a slight wave “I must be on my way.”

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes begins to move south.

A young boy, with short black hair, and green eyes leaves south with a humble stride.

“Then it is mighty greedy if she gets the both of you…” Lien starts to say more when boy’s words reach her ears. “Ahh yes, I heard his rhyming earlier, and have a similar sentiment—” Again, her accented Lithmorran words are cut off and she screams. She attempts to leap on Bryne ab Porter’s back and points towards the shadow of the statue across from them, peering. “There! Did you see it?”

[Action: Bryne ab Porter is here with Lien on his back.]

Lien is strangling /Bryne with her arms around his neck

Bryne ab Porter grunts loudly as Lien hops onto him, “Ack, bugger hell lassy!” He exlaims, taking a broad stance so he can support her weight. He takes a tentative step forward, before pitching right over, falling face first onto the cobblestones. a shaggy, yellow courser nickers nervously, and approaches Lien, poking her in the shoulder curiously with his muzzle.

Thankfully, with Bryne ab Porter to break her fall, Lien is fine. And she makes no attempt to get up right away, stretching slowly out she tests her limbs and curses, “Arien, you could of killed me!” She says, lightly thumping him on the rear. It is at this point she notices a shaggy, yellow courser and holds herself suddenly very still. “I think your horse.. is trying… to eat me..” she whispers.

Lien is sprawled atop of /bryne on the ground.

“I think I bit my tongue.” Bryne ab Porter laments, picking himself off of the ground, a spitting a small glob of blood onto one of the cobblestones, “Why did you jump on my back? I am’nae a horse! If you wanted t’ mount me, you should o’ wedded me first.” He yells, before looking to a shaggy, yellow courser, “Oh sod off! She’s’nae your type!” The horse takes another cautious step towards Lien and begins to gently lick the side of her head. [Bryne ab Porter]

Any witty retort that Lien was going to give is stalled as a shaggy, yellow courser starts to lick the side of her head. Her small body held very, very still, and her fingers trembling in her lap. She eyes a shaggy, yellow courser very cautiously, not moving an inch.

A shaggy, yellow courser continues to work his big, stinky tongue along the side of Lien’s head, until he’s satisfied that he’s impressed her. His work complete, the horse takes a few steps away from Lien. Bryne ab Porter rolls onto his front, and burries his face into his hands. [Bryne ab Porter]

Lien bravely edges backwards across the cobbles, keeping a close eye on a shaggy, yellow courser. When she is close enough to do so, she lays a gloved hand on Bryne ab Porter’s shoulder. “Sorry. You okay?”

Bryne ab Porter lets out a few small whimpers. After a moment it becomes clear that he’s burried his hands in his face to suppress laughter. His cheeks are bright pink, and he has to take a few moments to regain composure. “Yes, yes, I’m fine. Sorry about the bath you just got.” He says, clearing his throat lightly. He takes the end of a blue cotton cloak bearing the Crossed Swords on a Chalice and tabs it across Lien’s face, “How are you?”

“Can we burn your horse now?” Lien asks quietly, one hand still on his shoulder and holding still as Bryne ab Porter clears off the slobber from her cheeks. “Pretty sure licking a Noble is a burnable offense. At the very least, it’s a little bit demonic don’t you think?”

“It just means he likes you.” Bryne ab Porter explains as he works his best to clean the drool off of Lien’s cheeks, “Why are you so convinced about killin’ my horse? Would’nae serve for a Knight such as myself t’ run around on foot.” [Bryne ab Porter]

“Do all Lith morran’s lick people they like?” Lien asks with a raised brow, still occassionally looking over towards a shaggy, yellow courser, checking his position before returning focus to Bryne ab Porter. “Just.. he .. scares me I guess. Rats do too. And boars.”

“Some do, not best t’ do it in public though.” Bryne ab Porter explains to Lien as he pulls himself off of the ground and offers Lien a hand up, “Strangler’s nice, just jumpy around ddwamdewd. If he’s lickin’ you, it either means he likes you, or he’s wonderin’ how you taste.” He chuckles quietly, “I hope he did’nae give you too big a spook.” [Bryne ab Porter]

Lien takes the hand on offer and awkwardly comes to a stand. Showing some bravery, she then approaches a shaggy, yellow courser, but doesn’t yet let go of Bryne ab Porter’s hand. (Not quite that/ brave yet), and extends the fingers of her free hand out towards the creature’s head. “If he bites me, we burn him.” She declares, waiting.

“We’ll get Ari t’ buy me a new horse, can afford it.” Bryne ab Porter agrees, with a nod of the head. a shaggy, yellow courser approaches Lien’s offered hand and gives it a sniff. The horse then turns around, swishing his tail about, and moves to the other side of the fountain. Bryne ab Porter chuckles slightly and looks to Lien, “Was’nae so bad, was it?” [Bryne ab Porter]

[Action: Bryne ab Porter is talking to Lien, bleeding slightly from the mouth.]

“Not so bad. I still have my fingers.” Lien says as she releases a held breath and pulls the glove from her right hand, tucking it into where a black silken sash threaded through a delicate silver ring wraps around her waist. She brings the base of her palm up, and with slippered tip toes, wipes at the corner of Bryne ab Porter’s mouth. [Lien]