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Belladonna's Birthday

There is nothing Belladonna loves to celebrate so much as herself. That is to say that her birthday is absolutely her favorite holiday, and she celebrates accordingly. On the bright side, she does not actually expect anyone else to agree with her, and so bribes everyone with free food and drink to come and pretend that it's a grand occasion. It's an open party at Pravus Manor, no invitations needed, and gifts not required. Appreciated! But not required. This scene is likely to be social only in nature, an opportunity for characters to make contact with one another when they might not otherwise do so.

Date

Jan. 8, 2017, 4 p.m.

Hosted By

Belladonna

Participants

Tobias Lianne Ferrando Cedarav Victus Sudara Mirari Elonso(RIP) Cassius(RIP) Angelo Max(RIP) Niccolo(RIP) Damon Valkieri(RIP) Alrec(RIP) Lucio Sigurd Felix Eleyna Samantha Hadrian

Organizations

Location

Arx - Ward of House Pravus - Palestone Manor - Adrienne's Chambers

Largesse Level

Grand

Comments and Log

Angelo

The birthday of Belladonna was a pleasant evening festivity, mostly crowded with pleasant individuals of fine upbringing and manners. The house-bard of the Pravus had prepared a diverting sing-a-long lyric for those in attendance, where we had to finish the last sentence. I was chosen to sing one line, and fortunately it seems it was pleasant enough for the rest. I met some interesting people that I intended to meet, and I look forward to what might come out of the new acquaintances I have acquired in the future.


2 Pravus Honor Guard arrives, following Alrec.

There are staff present at the front doors already to guide everyone to the guarden, the private areas of the house roped off for the affair. Out in said garden, Belladonna already has a glass of something in hand, standing not far from the larger of the two pools, standing somewhere with room enough around her. She is all sorts of decked out right now, as might be expected.

Ryder the falcon arrives, delivering a message to Belladonna before departing.

Master Lucio Mandragora has set up in the gazebo, requisitioning it as an impromptu stage. It provides him with a little bit of height, and some protection should the guests begin throwing things. A chair with a cushion has been placed there at the top of the steps, and upon it rests his harp. He himself is near the chair as well, though he currently stands and holds a glass of wine in one hand, smiling as the guests begin to arrive.

Valkieri has joined the a shadowy corner.

Hadrian enters rather jovially; he's got a grin on his face, mischief in his eye, and a little capuchin monkey wearing a tunic on his shoulder, who holds a small case. As he enters, he waves away staff, immediately opening his arms and approaching Belladonna, "Happy Birthday!"

Alrec dressed to the nines for this event in a brand new silk red shirt with his hair tied back from his face with a little strap of leather. He is freshly shaved and his eyes drift around the room his boots freshly polished and his pants are new black with a brand new leather belt. The man had gone all out which is odd for him but he wanted to look good for his duchess's party. He walks towards her with a soft smile on his face looking at her for a moment."Hello my Duchess how are you doing today and happy birthday as well."

Valkieri is here to ruin the party. That is: he has arrived, which is apparently the only present that he's brought to offer, and he's gotten a drink, which is apparently the most important part of his visit, and now he's standing in a corner with his drink and his tension and his scowl doing absolutely no socializing.

Felix makes his way out towards the garden with his usual lumbering step. Towering above most of the other guests, as he's wont to do, he makes his way inside to greet Belladonna. Although he doesn't have a gift with him, he seems confident enough in approaching her. He clears his throat and looks sidelong to Hadrian. "I wouldn't," he says briefly before looking to Belladonna and lighting his face up with a smile. "Happy birthday, Duchess Belladonna."

Sigurd strides into the garden, dressed in green silks, with the only concession to Northern sensibility the sword that is peace-knotted at his side. He looks around, clearly scanning the party for somebody but then shrugging as he makes his way to Belladonna to bow and make his greetings. "Happy birthday, Duchess Belladonna. A pleasure to meet you." He does not linger long, however, looking about at the other guests. Felix gets a smile and a bob of his head in friendly greeting, and a couple of the others a small glances, including Damon, who gets a shallow nod.

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

With her hair freshly pinned up in some semblance of neatness, Lianne makes her way through the gardens with a glass of something red in hand. It suits her current attire, a simple dress of pitch black silk with a plunging neckline serving as a backdrop for the choker she wears, an affair of elegant black lace, delicate gold rings and an onyx direwolf, a bright garnet dangling against her chest. While the duchess is swarmed, she keeps to the edges, nearing the gazebo where Lucio sits. "Will you try to make her laugh again tonight?" seems to be a request, delight taken in that rare and precious sound.

6 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

Is he...oh. Belladonna straightens up and backs up a pace when Hadrian comes at her with open arms, and her hands lift together to be offered out his way in a fashion that puts them squarely between herself and the duke. It is as polite as she can get about refusing to let him that close to her. Her smile never falters, staying warm. "Duke Hadrian. You brought your creature." Her observation is matter-of-fact, the look she gives the monkey one with no emotional content. "Thank you for coming; it is lovely, to see you." Then of course there are others approaching. She shifts back from Hadrian, smiles at Alrec. "Thank you," she says, to him. "Thank you," she repeats, for Felix. Smile. Oh, and Sigurd is there and bowing and she turns that way. "Thank you," she says to him, too! She looks around nearby, probably for more people to thank. She's beaming now, though.

Victus Thrax does not normally attend these things. The soirees, the parties, the balls, the galas, any of it. Somehow he always finds that the business of the Thrax Fleet has conveniently intervened. Yet here he is, for once. The warlord's not dressed for a party. He wears a simple grey tunic, cotton, and some plain pants. They're well made but more officer material than high noble, the caste to which he technically belongs. The sword on his hip is a plain soldier's weapon. His hair's a tangled mess, his beard only moderately less wild. There are no gifts in his big battle scarred hands, either.

He enters the gardens without fanfare, his guards left behind. Dark eyes sweep across the lavish party affair, across the guests - here and there with recognition - and then to Belladonna herself.

Adorning the typical Wyrmguard colors, Damon went all out for the Duchesses birthday. His jacket, white a can be with a unique and interesting geometric fractal pattern throughout. His black leather pants with trims of gold, and a crimson silk shirt beneath it all. When he approaches Bella, he has only the widest smile, "Duchess." He offers his hand to her, "Happy birthday. Perhaps we may be able to have that dance I've promised you."

Ferrando trucks in with a general air of enthusiastic anticipation. Free Setarcean food! It's kind of his favorite. He gets into the well-wishers' line to take his turn to give Belladonna her birthday greetings. "The best of birthdays to you, Duchess, and many more to come," he says appreciatively upon his turn. Yielding the spot for those coming in behind him, he seems to feel duly released to go eat all the fishes. All. The fishes. Yummy.

Cedarav is here, because it seems to hold the most to hold his attention. Quickly his gaze flits between the attendees, the food, and even the decor, as well as the plants in the garden - mostly Lyceni transplants, but with certain other influences as well. He wanders to Duchess Pravus, waiting to speak with her, and occasionally skipping his way through conversational talent and simple cheery intrusiveness forward. Once he reaches the Duchess, he states, "Happy annuity ! The spinning of the heavens has crossed such a time to just arrive at the same place to look upon you again. You know - I've only missed one out of the past ten birthdays! I still remember when you were off in who-knows-where getting into who-knows-what. Ah, well. The present only corroded through half of the table by that point." He grins a bit, though his rueful expression suggests its a bit of a touchy subject. "I never bought concentrated ichor of sulfur from that man again, I mean, it was supposed to be a gaseous effluvia, a marvelous pranking device, but, well. Next time."

A glorious smile blooms on Lucio's face at the approach of Lady Lianne, his teeth a sharp contrast to the dark olive of his skin. "I shall always endeavor to make the Duchess laugh, if only because I dread the alternative." He shoots the lady scholar a wink, quick as a flash of light on a polished surface, then openly admirers her. "I must say, you look exquisite, my lady. We must pull you from your studies more often." He hoists his wineglass at her in toast.

Molly arrives, delivering a message to Damon before departing.


Lycene beauties are not exactly in short supply at this particular festive event, but there are few who are likely to turn up clad entirely in mourning black. At least Sudara looks quite cheerful as she slips quietly into the garden, pausing for a few moments near the entrance to cast her gaze over the gathering. A slow, steadying breath... then she starts to pick her way through the throng towards her liege-lady and hostess.


Pariah, The StormCrow arrives, delivering a message to Damon before departing.

Felix returns Sigurd's greeting with a broad smile and a respectful dip of his head. "Lord Sigurd," he greets, his voice raising just enough for the man to hear him. This is subjective, however, given Felix's naturally loud speaking voice. "Good to see you." Silver eyes are cast back to Belladonna along with a nod and a wink. "Off to the drinks, m'Lady." And with that, Felix is off towards anywhere he spots a bottle of Setarco Fire. The smith inclines his head in a friendly nod to Victus as well in transit towards the table.

Hadrian stops his approach with the lift of his brow, but lets his arms drop slowly to his side. "Yes, Joboo brought you a gift." The capuchin makes small noises as he holds the tiny case out in offering from Hadrian's shoulder, bearing the Duchess' gift. The Duke shifts a little then, seemingly ready to depart the company of the frosty Pravus woman.

Valkieri watches the series of well-wishers approach Belladonna from his spot in the corner, his own expression muted. He perhaps note Victus out of all of them with a hint of something that might be surprise some other time, and then his expression shifts to annoyanace as he watches Hadrian's expansive approach of the duchess. He takes a gulp of his wine.

Sigurd slowly begins to drift toward the food, seeming to have quite an appetite as he snags a plate of delicacies, including some shrimp and bits of tuna if he can spot them, seeming to find that cause enough for a celebratory expression. He also snags a bottle of the local liquor, bobbing his head to Felix, who is apparently of the same mind. "Greetings, Master Felix. Good to see you at this most auspicious event." He looks perhaps a touch uncomfortable in the crowd, but gives the smith a clap on the shoulder before turning about until he manages to catch a glimpse of Lianne's raven locks over there by the gazebo, starting to drift off that way with a little, vague smile on his face.

Pariah, The StormCrow arrives, following Maximilian.

Eleyna arrives shortly after Sudara. The pale Velenosan princess's fair skin and gleaming blond hair are made all the more prominent by the dark blue of her dress and the flash of blue sapphires at her throat. She pauses briefly to survey the crowd before moving to approach and greet Belladonna, though she will wait patiently for others to deliver their greetings first.

"Perhaps," is Belladonna's answer for Damon, a sweet smile fluttered up his way. "Thank you." And everyone is probably very surprised, but when Ferrando reaches her, she smiles for him and tells him, "Thank you," too. Cedarav's words have her laughing, the little Duchess shaking her head at him and reaching to squeeze his shoulder. "I am still mad at you for the one you did miss," she tells him, proving that she does actually still have other words. When she spots Sudara approaching she does shift to lean into a slight bow that way -- and then her eyes catch on Victus. That gaze touches with surprise, and then that warm smile of hers is being sent in his direction, though she does not lift her voice to call out to him. Hadrian's words drag her atention right back to him, and she smiles again. There is plenty of warmth in her smile, it is just plainly clear that she is not comfortable with hugs -- at least where Hadrian is concerned. No ice, just a sense of personal space. "Oh, thank you, Joboo," she tells it, reaching to take the offered gift carefully, a bit ready to defend herself if it decides instead to throw it at her.

Alrec nods towards Belladonna and then he is moving towards the back of the room to lean against the wall watching it all. His eyes dancing around from person to person trying to gague who he knows and what he needs to protect her from if anything. His fingers grabbing a drink as it passes him by and sipping it the ex Admiral for the moment is warry and not wanting to be social.

Lianne's own laugh, a bright and quiet thing, answers Lucio's remark about Belladonna's laughter, her head dipped in wordless agrement. That bow of her head deepens at the offered praise, her smile softening in gracious acceptance. "This is the last of my days off for the foreseeable future." As if one can simply take days off from their noble obligations. "May as well enjoy it, mm?" She turns to cast a look over the crowd, counting faces both familiar and new, settling on the approaching northerner with a small smile of her own. "If you might give us something to dance to, perhaps a touch on the somber side?" Her green eyes skirt to Lucio, delicately imploring, assuring gratitude if that request might be met.

Victus' expression has a tendency towards scowling malevolence even when he is not, technically, scowling. Or feeling all that malevolent. Its a condition of the scar tissue that pulls on his harsh features. This evening's half-scowl then is one of those; accidental.

He snaps up a glass from a passing servant, the delicate stem looking far too frail when held in his hand. Like it aught to break by contact. He doesn't sip, he gulps down. When Belladonna smiles at him, something hinting at gruff humor slips into his gaze, and he dips his head just a touch in acknowledgement. He lets others crowd around her, though, content with his wine and to simply stand and watch. A watching that leaves him finally notice Alrec's presence.

The not-scowl becomes an actual-scowl.

It's a bad place to not wish to be social! Maximilian of Darkwater steps into the room, with Pariah everpresent on his shoulder. The massive black stormcrow jerks its head to stare at Alrec, because, birds. Birds are creepy.

Pausing at the back of the room, Maximilian observes the people and the flow before setting course for Victus.

The bird continues to watch Alrec. It all but points two feathers at Alrec, then points at his eyes, then back at alrec.

Almost.

Angelo walks into the garden with his hands clasped behind his back and his black hair combed backwards behind his ears. His chest straightened to highlight noble etiquette. Wintry emerald irises sweep from left to right and from right to left in their study of the people at the garden, briefly stopping over Eleyna, to whom he gives a little bob of his head. "Your Royal Highness," he greets her in a soft, musical note, "good to see you, as ever." The next item of his focus is Belladonna, the birthday Duchess,but the line to greet her is long and he doesn't seem like he wants to make rows just yet, patiently waiting for it to clear up a little bit.

Hadrian still seems uncomfortable, but Joboo doesn't fling the item, he just holds it out for Belladonna to take, and smiles that monkey smile as she does so. "Enjoy, Duchess," the Malvici Duke says with a smile of his own, already backing away and escaping the swarm to find himself some wine.

Damon moves off from the procession of well wishes and goes to find himself a drink. Also scanning the joint for anyone he might be inclined to bother.

Felix grabs a couple of tumblers, grinning at Sigurd when the man claps him on the shoulder. Both tumblers are filled with Setarco Fire and one handed to Sigurd. "Likewise, m'Lord," he speaks up in his rich baritone. "Here. Give this a try." When Sigurd starts drifting Lianne's way, he raises a brow to Sigurd and smiles lopsidedly at the man. "Alright. I'll admit to...about equal." The man gets a wink before he shifts his attention to Hadrian and his damnab--adorable monkey.


While maneuvering through the bustle, Sudara does glance back the way she came - and spots an at least somewhat familiar figure standing where she herself had been a few moments before. Eleyna receives a warm smile and a politely formal inclination of the head. Then Angelo moves to engage the Princess, and the Pravus widow opts to resume her progress towards her own liege rather than butting into the conversation behind her.


Ferrando loads up with some squid ink risotto and the mantecato cod and the herbed shrimp and the mm mmm mm. Fantastic. He glances around for a good spot to chow down before doing his socializing and seems to decide that Valkieri looking grim over in the corner should provide enough cover to ward off anybody wanting to come up and chatter while there's seafood to be ate. "Good evening," he greets the Rubino noble politely as he walks over and commences with the people-watching and the dinner.

Ferrando has joined the a shadowy corner.

"Somber?" Lucio arches a dark eyebrow at the request from Lianne. "Are you sure this is the word you are looking for?" His pale brown eyes dance over her face, down her neck, across the neckline of her dress, and then back to her eyes. While he awaits her response, however, he is already moving to the chair, taking up the small harp in long-fingered hands, and seating himself on the cushion. He positions the instrument in his lap, fingers at the ready.

Eleyna's eyes shift in Angelo's direction at the sound of his greeting. A faint smile curves her lips and she inclines her head, "Lord Fidante. It's always a pleasure to see you as well. I was rather hoping you would show up." Sudara's nod isn't missed, but is returned and a smile offered in greeting.

Sigurd thanks Felix for the glass, calling over his shoulder to the Smith, "Be hard-pressed, Felix. All I'm going to say." Then he's out of the man's sphere with a rough chuckle, approaching Lianne and tilting his head to the side as he hears at least some of her words. "Getting a day off? My word, we're allowed to do that?" He looks faux-flabbergasted, taking a sip of the Lyceum drink and letting out a faint grunt, seeming a little curious about the flavor as he mulls it over. He stands next to Lianne at a proper distance, remarking quietly, "Looking ravishing, Lady Lianne, as always." He then turns to Lucio and watches the man take up the harp. "Somber? At a party? well...Alright, I suppose you /did/ promise dancing," he reminds the noblewoman beside him.

Cedarav wanders away from the press around Belladonna, waving over his shoulders, "Don't worry, not, erm, many surprises tonight!" He smiles a bit, taking some Thraxian salt-herring and munching on it, though his nose wrinkles and his mouth puckers at the pickled fish. He pauses by Valkieri finding a balustrade to lean on, to munch on the food, happening to be near the man. "Good evening, my Lord. What a wonderful evening, mmh? "

"Thank you," Belladonna tells Hadrian, dipping her head to him. The gift is held in the hand without her glass, though she doesn't move to open it yet. The Duke is watched as he moves away, and then she's glancing around again. There's a pause as she notes Victus's look, glances his -- ah. There's a sweep of her gaze over the place, eyes noting who else might be paying particular attention to her ex-admiral, but ultimately not moving to act. She smiles and lifts her glass to Max when she sees him, though Eleyna's greeting of Angelo catches her attention. She darts a look that way, though when she sees who Eleyna is addressing she setles again, gaze turning....to Sudara. It's hard to tell who might have been nearby first. "Lady Sudara!" She smiles warmly in the woman's direction, though her hands are too full for a handsqueeze to be offered.

Angelo's pale green eyes follow Eleyna's nod to Sudara -- she receives a nod and one of the idle smiles on his bowed lips that seems not to lack in warmth as much despite evident unfamiliarity. His attention returns, then, to Eleyna. "As did I hope you would, in turn, Your Royal Highness," he deftly replies with a quip at the right edge of his lips which somehow reaches to crinkle the edge of both his eyes. One effortless hand unclasps from its pair behind straightened back, gesturing wholesale to the garden as a whole. "Quite the festivities by the Duchess. A good opportunity for me to make her acquaintance, formally, isn't it? I am here despite not having made my debut official in the courts."

Damon is eyeing up the various foods and drinks when he spots Lianne. He's about to make his way over, but he sees she's already got a legion of people talking to her so he diverts and simply explores the garden a bit.

Cedarav has joined the a shadowy corner.

Felix's own chuckle can be heard by, well, everyone. The sound is loud, mirthful, and accompanied by a raise of his glass to Sigurd before he tips it back towards his lips. He's over by the table with the drinks at the moment, enjoying a tumbler full of a dark, reddish-amber liquid. While he's scanning the crowd, he spots Cedarav and lifts his glass to him as well. "Master Grisni, good to see you."

Victus gives Maximilian a greeting by way of throaty grunt. Its a companionable throaty grunt, though. Cedarav has drawn his attention to the food. No wrinkling of the nose or puckering of his mouth, though, as he comes up close by Valkieri and Cedarav and drops a whole one down his gullet with hardly a chew. Just a noise of contentment. "You're looking fucking happy," he remarks to Valkieri. For the time being his scowls in Alrec's direction have come to an end. Mostly by no longer looking in that direction.

Victus has joined the a shadowy corner.

Hadrian lets his gaze scan the growing crowd, not recognizing very many; a piece of cheese is simultaneously lifted for Joboo to take and eat. His sight catches Lianne, another he is familiar with, and nearly opens his mouth to call out in greeting, but seeing the large amount of men around her, he does not. Instead, quietly, the Duke passes staff and guards for a stealthy exit.

Valkieri almost startles to suddenly find himself addressed by actual people, as if he wasn't expecting anyone to actually /speak/ to him. At a party. He frowns faintly at Ferrando and Cedarav -- and then Victus -- before responding.

"Duchess Belladonna has inimitable skill in the throwing of parties," Eleyna says with a slight smile of her own. She glances at Belladonna as she greets Sudara and then looks again to Angelo. "I can offer an introduction, if you like." The princess' pale blue eyes only leave Angelo's face long enough to watch Hadrian as he tries to sneak off, a smirk lifting the corners of her lips.

"Just one sad song," Lianne confirms, her smile anything but somber. "I will accept full responsibility should our duchess object." With a gracious and grateful bow of her head, she sets her wine down and steps away from the gazebo to meet Sigurd, her chin lifted with some minor measure of challenge to the taller man. "I am /recuperating/," she tells him, though there's little about her that seems particularly injured. A little more reserved in her movements, perhaps, evidence of something internal. "I believe it was you, Lord Sigurd, who promised me dancing." She extends a hand toward the single, intimidating individual nearby, waiting for an offered arm so that they can take to the dancefloor and make good on that promise.

Lianne has joined the the dancefloor.

Sigurd has joined the the dancefloor.

Sigurd is the only man actually chatting Lianne up at the moment, seeming very familiar with the woman and remarking casually, "Nice necklace, Lady Lianne." He has a twitch of a smile at her choice of words, seeming a bit pleased with something as he takes Lianne's hand in his own, moving for the dance floor with only a trace of hesitation in his step before he erases it.

"I certainly would not mind, Your Royal Highness, if there's a formal introduction," Angelo tells Eleyna with a little nod of his head and a glance off towards Belladonna. He does not notice the sneaking Duke as well as his conversational partner of the moment does, ready as he is to move towards the hostess of the party for a greeting. "Lead the way," he tells Eleyna, belatedly.

Lucio bows his head to Sigurd when he arrives. "My lord," he greets warmly, glancing from the strapping Redrain soldier to Lianne's neckline for some reason, and then back once more. The lady's response earns a nod from the musician that sends a lock of his dark curls tumbling onto his forehead. And his fingers start to pluck at the strings…

For those inclined to notice such things in the hubbub of conversation, note of harp-song can be heard. Though they are seemingly random at first, after a moment, they start to coalesce into something more formal, coaxed by Lucio's fingers into a gentle tune. Perhaps oddly for a party, it has a melancholy feel, minor chords swirling and climbing as it builds to an aching melody, soft yet inexorable. He does not sing, allowing the music to shine for the moment.

Hadrian misses Eleyna's smirk and stare in his stealthy retreat to more welcoming territory.

Joboo the tunic'd capuchin leaves, following Hadrian.

Stepping out from the manor proper and into the garden comes the visage of Knightlyness that is Cassius Nightgold. The big man is clad from neck to toe in gleaming steel platemail, polished to a near mirror finished. Heavy steps, heavy boots, and the sound of metal clacking together herald the arrival of the Knight of Solace, who looks not at all in a festive sort of mood. No, the big man scowls as he scans the garden, his helm tucked under one armor-plated arm. In his other hand, there's... a bouquet of flowers. Wildflowers, in blue and yellow and orange, tied with a blue ribbon. Yes, the knight has flowers.

Pariah, The StormCrow have been dismissed.

Samantha makes her way into the garden, a small box in hand; no doubt Belladonna's gift. It is handed off to a servant as she considers the event and the placement of people. Making her way further in, she heads of course, for the large pool first, ad offers a curtsy to the lady of the hour. "Your Grace," Samantha offers, "Joyous birthday to you." She will not linger overlong if Belladonna has many people to speak to.

Damon has joined the admiring the view.

Expression briefly puzzled, Belladonna does glance in the direction of Lucio when the music starts. She considers only briefly before deciding to smile, looking over towards Lianne and Sigurd with pleasure. Her attention starts to shift to Angelo and Eleyna, but the sound of metal clanking and moving drags her eyes away. When she sees Cassius her face lights up, a brilliant laugh escaping when she sees the flowers. Rather than continuing to hold her place by the pool, the little Duchess heads in the man's direction to meet him halfway. Samantha has her pausing partway there with no displeasure about it, though she does look briefly surprised to see the woman. "Thank you, Lady Deepwood," she answers. And then Samantha moves off, and she's back to heading for Cassius.

Elonso makes a quiet entry into the place-- well, he tries. For some reason, his cheeks are a bit flushed and he appears to be sliiiightly out of breath, must be why he opts to find a relatively shady place to linger around for several beats before stepping out and into view, taking the time to notice where everyone is and who is conversing with who-- unfamiliar faces included.

Lianne takes well to the morose melody which Lucio summons up from that harp, moving with confidence and grace as Sigurd leads her in a dance. The pair converse quietly, her bright expression at odds with the mood of the music. But that, too, seems to suit her well, a spot of brightness amid that purposeful gloom.

Eleyna gives Angelo a nod and companionably links her arm with his, leading him toward Belladonna. The princess is careful not to interrupt any others also offering greetings, but, when there is a break in conversation, says with a smile to the duchess, "Happy birthday, cousin. You look radiant as usual. Please allow me the pleasure of introducing Lord Angelo Fidante, Duke Leo's very clever cousin."

Belladonna does also pause, for Eleyna and Angelo. Cassius might have to walk more than halfway, plate or not. Poor him.

Sigurd takes Lianne's hand and waist with ease, his movements spry and graceful in raw potential, but obviously having /zero/ clue how to dance this particular dance. Or perhaps in general. He glances aside to Cassius as he spots his cousin in his full plate, and he grins as he sees Belladona's reaction. He speaks quietly and with clear amusement to Lianne, the couple sweeping across the dance floor slowly to the somber tune, alone for the moment in their dance and not seeming to care in the slightest.

Lucio's fingers continue to dance over the strings of the harp. Though the song is a sad one, it is sweeping in scope, replete with long, fluid arpeggios. Deliberately missed notes tremble more noticeably for their absence, giving the tune a hollow feeling and leaving the ear yearning for completion.

Alrec watches the room still and then he finshes his drink and pushing himself off the wall moving towards a empty trry setting it down for a moment and then he looks over at Belladonna. This is not a place he enjoys but here he is to show his support with a frown for a moment. Social was not something he ever enjoyed and here he is at a blasted party. His eyes drifting back and forth taking it in all for a moment and then he nods at Elonso for a moment.

Samantha starts to make her way to a particular point in the room, scooping up a drink smoothly on her way to her destination. She seems to have an intent of striking up a conversation with Lord Damon, but the bard's music grabs her attention and she drifts over to him to observe him as well as listen to the music, eyes thoughtful.

Lyceum? Check. A womans birthday? Check. Lots of wine a near certainty? Check. Yep, Tobias Telmar has decided to come on out and get social outside the taverns. Sure, he's wearing his now traditional Crimson Blades tunic, but he comes in with a big old smile, his arms stretched to the sides as he announces. "The party can start now. Tobias is here!" Not quite a shout... but those nearby can definitely near it, as he looks around, obviously surveying his temporary domain.

Angelo easily links his arm with Eleyna's as they begin their approach towards Belladonna. His lips are kept curved into the ghost of a smile, ever present. His back is straightened and his chin is subtly lifted. When the Duchess gives them a moment, he's quick to take it after the introduction of Princess Eleyna. "Happy Birthday, Duchess Belladonna," the mellifluous voice of the Lord Fidante greets her, a man that seems to be keen and interested in studying everyone else's expressions as much as he might, "it is a pleasure to finally meet you. This looks like it will be such a lovely party," he confides to her, "it speaks of great skills." After a couple of beats, he also adds, "The Lady Juliet Fidante also sends her regards. She wanted to come, but alas, she has fallen ill for the day."

Angelo's irises briefly flit towards Elonso, a flash of recognition and a warm smile given his way -- but it's very fleeting because his conversation with Belladonna is keen to take the whole of his attention.

Valkieri shoots Tobias a considerably irritated look from where he stands in a corner with Ferrando, Cedarav, and Victus.

Cassius spots Belladonna and starts that way. Though he surely sees everyone, including his cousin, over there, making an ass out of himself on the dancefloor, it's Belladonna that is his target. When the duchess is intercepted, not more than a few feet away, he stops, letting Angelo and Eleyna give their birthday wishes. He stands there, just a little ways off, waiting patiently, looking very stiff, like he might well be nothing more than model for that suit of armor. He looks agitated, of course, but no more so for having to wait. Even if he is sweating in this awful heat.

Felix is over by the table with the drinks, naturally. The large smith is wearing his red shirt and leather pants at the moment and has cleaned up before leaving for the party here. His silver eyes scan over the people present, but settle on Lucio as he performs.

Elonso plucks out a glass from a tray held by one of the servants who walk past him... or whom he walks past as he makes his way toward Alrec, having supposedly glanced about to see where who was. "Whatever happened to me... or you the other day?", he requests from Alrec when he steps into conversational distance, "Most likely you. Whatever happened to you?", he decides after a while, an odd way to begin a conversation but it does look like he expects the other man to know what he speaks off. On reaching him, he turns around to survey the place from a supposedly better vantage point, Angelo receiving a similar manner of acknowledgement.

Sigurd flicks a glance abroad as he hears some raised voices near the entrance, then chuckles as he turns his attention back to his dance partner. He is learning the repetitive sweeps around the floor slowly, but yes, is far from looking impressive, no matter what grace he has otherwise. He seems to be far more interested in making what sounds to be short, almost snarky comebacks to the woman he is near than in trying to perform.

Samantha continues to listen for a few more moments, and then offers an easy smile to the nearby smith. "Hello, Master Felix." She reaches up and gently pats her hairpins, inclining her head to him in acknowledgement - though someone off in the corner seems to have attracted her attention as she tilts her head.

As Lucio's song builds to a trembling climax, he looks up from the harp and makes eye contact with Samantha who he finds nearby. He holds her stormy grey gaze as his fingers climb higher and higher on the strings, moving ever faster. At last, they reach the smallest of the strings. There is one final pluck, all other movement ceasing. The long, trebble note sings out, quavering in the air like some fragile, living thing, destined for this one moment of aching glory, and doomed, like all things, to fade. He shoots the marquessa a wink as she moves to go in the stillness that follows.

Cedarav seems to be waving a pickled herring, over by Valkieri, Victus, and Ferrando, for some unknown purpose but with certain vigour as he speaks.

Victus has left the a shadowy corner.

Felix smiles broadly at Samantha as he's greeted and he inclines his head in a nod to the woman. "Marquessa Deepwood," he greets her with a dip of his head. "It's good to see you." Again he lifts his drink in greeting before taking a sip from the tumbler.

Oh, there isn't just wine. There's hard alcohol, too. Belladonna smiles for Eleyna and the introduction she offers, bowing her head politely to the pair. Angelo's words on Juliet's behalf have her tipping her head just a touch, considering something briefly that starts to cause that smile to fade. It recovers after only an instant, gaze refocusing from whatever thought there might have been. "Unfortunate," she says. "You will please tell her that she was missed, and that I hope she is well recovered soon. Thank you, for coming; I am thrilled for the opportunity to finally meet, of course." When she spies her brother her smile lights up again, though he doesn't keep her attention for long. "I am glad that you could make it," she tells Eleyna. "Do enjoy yourself." She's surely aware of Cassius right there, but she stays where she is for the moment. Tobias's arrival has her laughing, looking his way to lift her glass in greeting. Apparently, she is not bothered by the tone of his arrival. The close of Lucio's song catches her attention again, of course.

"Business and drinks and then more business and then bed, I told you send me the bill if you picked it out my friend."Alrec walks over to Elonso and his hand claping the other man on the back with a chuckle."But I'm so sorry if you felt sleighted my friend and if so I will have to take out again on my coinage." His fingers softly picking up another glass as it passes and then he sips the iwne slowly watching the room for a moment.

Victus departs the corner where he'd briefly been interacting with Valkeri, Cedarav and Ferrando. He drifts off in search of a refill to his wine. He stays away from any more of the pickled herring. What's the point when its all you eat at home, right? Instead he starts to sample up the various little foodbits into one hand, building himself a pile. A treasure trove to which he can dive into for choicy morsels while he stands and observes the to and from of the party.

Lucio's wink earns him a throaty chuckle from the Marquessa in question, even as she starts to drift away. "It's a pleasure to be seen. We'll talk soon, Master Felix, I should very much like to give you further commissions." With that, she heads over to, of all places, the shadowy corner where Cedarav seems to be exuberantly signalling homing pigeons with a herring. With a nod of her head to Victus in passing, she approaches the corner. "My lords. Gentlemen. Pardon my interruption, but may I join you?"

"I'll not keep you since you have so many other guests to greet. I hope we'll have a chance to speak later. We haven't had a proper conversation in so long." Eleyna inclines her head and gently extricates herself from Angelo's arm, just in case the Fidante intends to speak further to the duchess. For Eleyna, it's off to find a glass of wine, her smile fading minutely as she seeks out the proper fuel in this bid to remember her manners.

Lianne keeps her chin lifted while she dances with Sigurd, a defiance in her posture while they move to that aching melody. When it comes to its conclusion, and she finds her hands taken up by her dance partner, she dips her head in gracious acceptance of his words. From the outside, it may look like she's conceding a point, victory in a single battle accepted with acknowledgement that the war wages on. Stepping back into polite distance, she bows her head low to Lucio, gratitude evident in her eyes. Only then does she turn to look at the rest of the party, to note, "Your obligation has been met, Lord Sigurd, your honor in tact. Thank you."

As he gets only a few glances... and Valkieri's irritation, Tobias simply waves over to Valkieri with that big old grin still. "Gods man. It's a party. *Celebrate*!" He gives in a very helpful announcement to Valkieri, before he goes *straight* for the wine, grabbing... something. Who cares? It's a party, it'll all be good. Then, he heads right for Belladonna, who he gives a charming, happy bow. "Thank you, for giving me an excuse to get out of yet more client business and get blackout drunk with plenty of women around, My Lady." He straight up, before he gives that grin again. "It's been positively *ages* since I've been able to come to one of these, and I have missed them."

Angelo gives a soft nod to Belladonna as she issues a response for Juliet. "I will surely tell her of it," he tells her with a soft, breathy voice, "and thank you for hosting this. It is a pleasure to be here." When Eleyna speaks of not keeping her long from the many guests, he seems to remind himself that there's more people and agrees easily. "Yes, I shan't either, Duchess Belladonna. I look forward to more conversation with you-- mayhaps when there are no such hosting obligations on the table. Happy birthday, again." His eyes trail off towards Eleyna, when she heads towards the quest for her glass of wine. He seems to decide that is a good idea and follows after her with a placid, calm pace. When he reaches her side to get the glass, his mouth would be seen moving, saying something to her in lower tones - a question.

"Of course, m'Lady," Felix says with a dip of his head. "Seaborn Weaponry will remain open and very, very busy." He chuckles then and dips his head once more in a nod as Samantha steps away.

Valkieri pulls his gaze away from watching Victus make his way back to the food to see Samantha's arrival. His tone is a bit bland when he says, "We hardly have ownership of the area."

"Oh, I am always glad to throw myself a party, but you are welcome," Belladonna tells Angelo with a laugh, lifting a hand to wave after Eleyna and the man. Once they have both moved to step away, she turns to cross the last few paces to Cassius, stepping right in to lean up and kiss his cheek in greeting, quiet words offered to him.

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

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

Samantha has joined the a shadowy corner.

Sigurd bows slightly to Lianne, the faintest of smile on his face as he says brightly to the noblewoman, "It was an..Interesting departure from the usual dancing you find at a Redrain affair. Well...less fancing, and more wrestling," he admits. He brings up one knuckle to kiss gently with his lips before telling her apologetically, "I regret that I must depart soon, but I thank you for this little glimpse into your world, and thank the Duchess for me for this lovely party." He leans in, murmuring something quietly to her before he begins to step away.

Samantha replies blithely, "That may be so, Your Grace, but I was raised to be courteous when imposing myself into a conversation." And with that, Samantha steps further into the corner.

Victus knocks back another glass of wine, nodding when he's nodded to. Afterwards he makes a brusque wave with his brute hand to keep them coming. The burly Thraxian's eyes return, quite despite themselves, towards Alrec where he stands with Elonso. Once more his scowl darkens, his mouth thinning. With a grunt, to himself, he starts to make his way in that direction. His movements are slow and unhurried, and there's a certain swordman's grace to them.

"Still breathing, I see," he tells Alrec when he reaches the pair. Breathing might not, by the gruff tone of his voice, be a good thing. Elonso gets a blunt appraisal, up and down, measuring the man.

Once she's kissed Cassius's cheek, Belladonna turns towards Tobias, staying at the big man in plate's side. She flashes a brilliant smile when Tobias rises from his bow, her expression warm and clearly pleased. "I am thankful at least *someone* understands the intent here, tonight. I am glad that you could make it, and glad to finally meet you. Welcome. Enjoy yourself, please. Someone will be sure to make certain you get home if you forget yourself."

The musician enjoys a short break to savor a few swallows of ruby-red wine, wetting his throat before he takes the small harp up once more. There is a glint to Lucio's eye this time, and already the corners of his mouth are pulling upwards. His hands settle once more on the strings and there is a moment of suspension. Then, suddenly with a sharp strike, his fingers plunge into a quick and cheerful tune, the likes of which might be heard at any tavern worth its salt in Setarco. This time, he sings, his voice a pleasant tenor, rising and falling in opposition to the chords he plays. Though the song is largely nonsensical, it is one of those that makes the toes tap and the head bob. Something about a drunkard calling for help in an alley.

Eleyna turns to look at Angelo after she has a glass of wine in hand and has taken a rather more than moderate drink of the same. His murmur is received with a smile and she responds in return before sweeping her eyes over the crowd. They rest a moment on Valkieri, but, for probably the first time ever, there is no sneer on her features. Only a placid nod given in response to the Rubino duke's appearance as she says idly to Angelo, "Are there other introductions you would like to make, Lord Fidante?"

Lianne offers Sigurd a look of warning as he compares Lycene dancing to northern wrestling, not even bothering to give voice to the fact that she won't be reciprocating in that particular cultural exchange. Her expression softens at the brush of lips to knuckles, and she nods absent agreement to his request, murmuring a few words of her own in response. Though she considers the man for a moment as he slips off, her attention is turned to the others. No, to her wine. She moves to recover her wine, lifted so that she might breathe in its lush bouquet, and then she's off to properly mingle.


Finally winning her way through the festive horde, Sudara comes within conversational range of her Duchess - and sinks into an elegant curtsey as she does so. She waits for Belladonna to finish addressing Tobias, before risking (briefly) butting in. "My dear cousin. I offer felicitations on the day, and congratulations on organising such a well-attended event. I confess that this is one role in which I am particularly glad that I was not called upon to act as your Voice: I could not hope to stand in for you here."


"Ah, You did! The singers must have stolen my attention then because it most definetly slipped my mind-- I do apologize. Why are you alone here? Come with me, I have my own end of the bargain to fulfil.", Elonso says to Alrec as the corners of his lips curve just slightly, followed by a fluid motion as he lifts the glass -- which doesn't have anything alcoholic for now -- to his lips for a sip. Though after lifting his to wander over the various faces present he shakes his head, "On second thought.. hold that, I will call you when my end is met.", he looks like he was juuust about to depart when Victus joins them, causing him to abandon that course to action to appraise the Lord as well-- in a much more polite and warm manner of course, the silence could be him waiting for Alrec to make the introductions.

Sigurd tips his head at Lianne's murmured words, seeming to spark a pleased smile before he turns to stride off, veering aside only to clap his cousin on a steel-clad shoulder as he passes him. "Do the family proud," he tells Cassius on the way out, a bit of a spring in his own step and a little grin on his face.

Sigurd has left the the dancefloor.

As Cassius stands and waits ever so patiently, a Pravus house servant comes to hand him a message. The big knight sighs. No rest for him! He idly opens the letter as he waits for Belladonna and her guests, and whatever he reads, it breaks his scowling. He gives a little laugh, then leans back over to the servant to murmur out a reply. When Bella finally makes it over to him, Cassius dips his head down, just a bit, so she might kiss her cheek. He then stands back up straight, and holds out the flowers to her. "I am sorry I am late," he says to her. "My friend... the Lady Khanne... had a bit of an incident. Had to see to her," she explains. "Then come down this way and..." And then Belladonna's talking to others, and Cassius cuts himself off. He just waits a moment, then without a word, he holds out the bouquet of flowers to her. When Sigurd comes by to clap his shoulder, there's just a grunt in response.

It doesn't take long for Tobias to down half of his wine immediately, before he looks to Sudara who joins him next to Belladonna. He flashes her a charming smile. "Ah, her Voice?" He turns his attention on Sudara, and gives a more informal bow. "Tobias Telmar, usually the life of parties once I'm completely drunk." He straightens up, then. "What does a Voice of Buchess Pravus do in her off time, if I might ask?"

Angelo replies to Eleyna back in low tones, lifting the wine-glass to her before he takes a sip as healthy as hers. His own smile furthers in mirror of hers, as his eyes sweep the own crowds -- following her attention to Valkieri, and then looking back at Eleyna. The question she asks is answered with an easy twist of his wrist and his mellifluous voice, "There is no need, Your Royal Highness -- unless there is someone else you think I'd have to meet?" His emerald eyes briefly fall on Elonso, too, and he comments something to the Black Widow, "Have you met the Lord Elonso Pravus? We had what I think was the start of quite a brilliant talk the other day -- dramatically stopped in unfortunate briefness because I had some business to tend to."

Max returns. He was waylaid by an unfortunate buffet table. It regrets now, having delayed the count, and is lesser for it.

He steps up next to Victus. "I miss anything good? Have you tried the little shrimp things? Holy shit."

If Valkieri catches Eleyna's nod to him, it's only for a moment before he's looking away again.

Lianne has left the the dancefloor.

Eleyna glances in the direction of Elonso and shakes her head, causing that curtain of lush blond curls to sway down the length of her back, "I believe we've met before, but it was years ago. I think we must have been children. But if he's as brilliant as you say, please do lead the way."

"I would never expect you to," Belladonna assures Sudara with a laugh. "I think I am so gifted with it because it is something I enjoy; there is little better than seeing people get together," she says. Her eyes freeze over on the little situation developing around Alrec, the nearby conversation forgotten for a moment. Tobias's words to Sudara jerk her gaze back, and she smiles prettily at him before she's shifting to take those flowers that are offered out, the whole of her attention shifting back to him. "You don't need to apologize for being late; I'm glad you managed to come at all. These are beautiful." The flowers are lifted in indication. The appreciation in her expression for the bouquet seems very genuine. Apparently he managed to get her favorite or something, given the smile on her lips.

Alrec turns slowly making his way slowly out of the way again and leaning against the wall to watch and not anything out of place touching the wall just his back. His eyes dance along the others for a moment with a soft chuckle and then he watches his friend tracking him and the other eye on his Duchess now.

Angelo checked composure + etiquette against difficulty 15, resulting in 16, 1 higher than the difficulty.

Alrec turns slowly looking over at Victus for a moment with a soft chuckle taking the man in for a moment."Aye I still breath and you as well which is good. Can we stave off our battle for another day?" His tone is only half joking knowing how this man feels about him and then he watches as Elonso makes his way back into the crowd for a moment with a nod."I hold you to that my friend and deal was struck and it is your turn. But yeah it was a fun night." He then watches Victus for a moment longer with a cold look only dancing in front of his face for a moment and then the friendly pirate is returned.


For good or ill, Sudara is largely oblivious of nearby conversations, responding to Belladonna's laugh with a swift and rather impish grin. "I knew that you would come in useful, one day," she teases her liege, before inclining her head and offering Tobias an amused smile. "Read and study ledgers, for the most part. I'm afraid that I'm a rather dull old amateur scholar, certainly when compared to our lovely hostess."


Maximilian glances between Alrec and Victus, with Pariah locking on Alrec once more - staring at the former vassal of Darkwater, current PRavan Former Admiral. "Not a Thrax party, Vic... bad place for a duel, brother..."

Lucio's long fingers draw the lively jig out on the harp, the melody looping back on itself in ways that are at once familiar, yet offer intricate and subtle variation, a play on the drunk man's repetitive pleas for someone to help him out of the alley in which he finds that he has fallen. His voice playfully slurs some words as he takes on the man's persona, only to return with startling clarity as it falls to narration once more. His eyes travel around the party as he sings, lingering here and there, but never for long.

Victus glances sideways at Max, and lifts his broad shoulder in a languidly dismissive shrug. He has a hand full of various foodstuff, even if they're leaving a mess and mixing together in a jumble. He scrounges through the pile and then comes up with a little shrimp thing. He pops it into his mouth.

"Victus Thrax," he supplies to Elonso when Alrec failed to provide it.

Maximilian murmurs to Vic... "SEe? The shrimp things are -delicious-."

Cassius stands straight and stiff in that armor, giving a small look around as Belladonna does. He followers her gaze, here and there, to Sudara, to Tobias. Really, Cassius doesn't seem to care much at all what is going on about him. Rude much? You betcha. Alrec does catch his eyes, though, and he ends up staring for a long, long moment. Everything else, for the moment, is forgotten.

Damon kills the last of his wine in a large gulp before handing the glass off to a roaming servant. Having been off by himself for several long moments gave him opportunity to read up a document he was now folding and sticking into his inside jacket pocket.

Angelo keeps smiling to Eleyna as he keeps mouthing words under the volume of a whisper, giving a small bob of his head to her. On the matter of Elonso, he tells her, "Let us wait for him to stop his conversations and I will introduce you two -- I must still profusely apologize for cutting that short." If anything, it is clear that the Lord Fidante is not too fond of big conversations.

Felix quietly observes the interaction between Alrec and Victus in silence. There's just a small amount of worry on his expression for a moment, but things seem to be peaceable enough. The large smith goes back to his drink, though his silver-grey eyes do stay on the area around the shadowed corner.

It might be surprising that Belladonna does not move to intervene; she watches the interaction between Alrec and those around him, then instead just looks back to Cassius. She turns to face him a bit more, passing the wrapped gift from Hadrian and the flowers off to a servant to free at least one of her hands, fingers lifting to rest against his armored shoulder once she can. A few quiet words are offered, another smile to go along with them.

There was a smile when Sudara replied, and Tobias gives her a nod. "I can certainly work to change that, if you have a mind for it. I'll even offer some fun after the party, if you ever had time for it." Tobias gives another charming grin.... then Alrec and Victus gets his attention. "Oh for gods sake." All happinessis gone from his voice as the two start to raise the tension of the party all by themselves.

Eleyna offers a one-shouldered shrug in response to whatever Angelo whispers to her, but offers no counter murmur in reply. Instead, her pale eyes watch the interplay between the Thraxians and Alrec with a sort of detached curiosity as she sips her wine, saying to Angelo as she watches the others, "Of course. We wouldn't want to be impolite." Yet, by expression and the slight mocking edge of the princess' tone, there might be some manner of question as to the truth of those words as she utters them.

"Everyone has /some/ sort of use, you just have to be able to find it," was Belladonna's response for Sudara, the words accompanied by another quiet laugh. There was also that.

"An absolute pleasure, Lord Elonso Pravus.", Elonso inclines his head just a bit toward Victus, the glass he holds hovering some distance from his lips as he surveys the foodstuffs occupying the Thraxian, "What you have there looks quiet excellent, Lord Victus. I, quite shamelessly admit, am interested in hearing your comments on it as I am about to decide what to chew on.", his tones are quite pleasant, topped with a smile that seems to not be willing to leave his lips. Alrec receives to nod as well to show that he has been heard before his attention drifts back to the Thrax Lord and settles there, expectant.

Maximilian nods to Elonso, then introduce himself. "Maximilian of Darkwater Watch, count." He says, before gesturing to the bird, still watching Alrec. "My paranoid companion is Pariah, Master of Nothing, but able messenger."

Victus finishes the last of the food he's piled up in his hand. Absently he gives it a lick and then wipes it off against the back of his pants. Probably with a stain or two to the fabric. The wine too is finished, a quick gulp. "Shrimp. The wiggly blue things that I don't know what are, are decent," helpfully offered Elonso.

He tells Maximilian in a grumble as he half turns away from Alrec: "I was hardly going to fucking duel him. I'm a guest. That would've been fucking rude, and I'm not rude." Well, that is debatable, obviously. As he says it he turns a brief glance in Belladonna's direction. He lifts his shoulder in a languidly dismissive shrug.

As subtle and unobtrusive as a heavily armored Thraxian guardsman can be, one makes his way in a beeline towards Victus, and whispers a few words. The bastard Warlord's expression turns sour. "Bah," he mutters under his breath, and starts turning towards the exit. He does pause long enough to give Belladonna a last look, and a brisk sort of nod by way of acknowledgement. Whether she sees it or not is another question. He leaves.

Alrec nods slowly towards Elonso and then his eyes are on Victus and then he nods towards Max for a moment."Our wise friend is correct this is not the time or place, also as I have stated before I have no wish to draw your blood or have you draw my own." He looks at the new bird unseen on Max's shoulder for a moment."He is lovely my friend and I love him Maximilian and he is a strange type. I have only seen his type a few times on my travels. I would love to hear how you have trained and found him." The voice is cheerful again and then he nods towards Victus."Even if it was not a pleasure for you Lord Victus and I wish some day we could have a pleasent talk and maybe a spar. But I wish the blood to settle between us some day."

At last, Lucio's playful tune comes to its end, brightly plucked out in the merry footsteps of the little Setarcan children who come to carry their drunk Papa home from the alley in which he has fallen. The family. So important. Once more he pauses setting aside the harp for more wine. As he drinks it, he scans the crowd, seeking someone specific..."Lady Lianne," he calls out. "I need your help for this next song! And the help of a few other volunteers as well. It is a birthday song for the Duchess!"

Maximilian eyes Alrec for a long moment. "Friend..." Says Maximilian. "Might be stretching the nature of our relationship, Alrec Magaldi." Now it's the Totally-not-a-Pirate Counts turn to turn frosty. "But time shall tell and we shall se, no? Actions speak louder than words.

Angelo takes a sip from his wine-glass as he studies the features of Princess Eleyna. "Of course we would not," he wholly agrees with her with his own subtle, barely-suppressed grin on his lips to match her amusement, even as he's trying to link his left arm around hers to lead her towards the Lord. "We can surely try to wait for a small window to sneak an introduction," he assures her after a moment, probably deciding it is such a bad idea to miss the matter. Should she comply, Elonso, Alrec and Victus would find the Lord Fidante and the Princess Velenosa already heading their way, the man moving with graceful strides and a lifted chin.

Pariah opens its beak to speak, but Max raies one finger and the bird stills. "No foul language here, Master pariah. It would be rude."

Cassius stands beside Belladonna still, close to her, the Duchess with a hand on his shoulder. As he slowly scans the party, looking from person to person, he whispers idly with Belladonna. His face looks, as ever, stern and stiff. Like he's still working, still patrolling.

Felix finally pushes away from the drink table and drifts over towards Lianne, still looking as jovial as ever. "Lady Lianne," he greets her in his warm, loud voice. He closes the distance with long, striding steps to tower over the woman. "Enjoying the party?"

There are a few quiet words exchanged with Cassius; Belladonna smiles up at him with considerable pleasure, whatever his response is making her give a little shrug, a playful flutter of her lashes. She does at least reply. The armored guard catches her attention and so she does indeed end up seeing the nod from Victus -- she dips her head to him in return, flashes another smile. And, well. Alrec. She starts to look that way, except Lucio steals her attention when he calls out. Oh. Oh, dear. "Gods above, they are going to sing me a song," she does not know if she should be thoroughly amused or afraid, and so she laughs.

Cassius murmurs out another few words to Belladonna, then draws back slightly, to eye her. Whatever was said, his expression changes now. To deal wiht her shock. "It's your birthday," he tells her. "Of course they are going to sing for you..."

Joboo the tunic'd capuchin arrives, delivering a message to Belladonna before departing.


Sudara offers Tobias a mildly startled look... then finds herself being distracted by Victus, Alrec, Lucio, and lastly Belladonna's response. "If you need someone to hide behind, I shall do my best to oblige," she offers to her Duchess, attempting to both sound and look serious. "As you say, we should all strive to be useful every now and then."


Lianne may well have dipped into the house for a moment. Almost assuredly. When she returns to the gathering, her wine glass is full and her feet are bare. Her vibrant evergreen gaze sweeps over the crowd, catching on familiar figures here and there, settling on Felix as he draws nearer. "Master Meadson. It's been lovely." Clearly, she missed the earlier tension. She may be able to say something more, but Lucio calls out to her from the gazebo, eyes widening at the request. What little reservation flickers across her features is gone quickly as she steels herself to perform her duty, to help celebrate her beloved cousin's birthday. Unfortunately for Felix, he's part of what will help her get through this, a hand snagging on his elbow as she starts off toward Lucio. "You'll have to sing louder than me," she tells him. "It is not one of my talents."

Damon looks up at the position of the sun, squinting a bit before silently making his way to the exit as discreetly as possible

"Highnesses, Ladies, Lords! Poor and downtrodden!" Lucio's eyes twinkle as he stands at the gazebo, pitching his voice for all to hear. "I have composed a song for the Duchess, in honor of her birthday. It is a simple and silly thing, like me, and, also like me, it requires a good deal of sportive help to flourish. You see…I couldn't quite figure out all of the rhymes, so, when I point to you, you have to sing what I have left undone. And so, in effect, each of you will also be giving another little present to our beloved Duchess. The good Lady Lianne has volunteered to be my first victim." And so saying, careful not to look at the scholar and witness her objection, he settles himself down and takes up the harp once more.

Damon has left the admiring the view.

Valkieri eyes Lucio with faint skepticism as he seeks to gather the crowd in.

Eleyna takes Angelo's arm when he tries to link with hers and allows herself to be led, careful to keep a good hold on her wine glass. At the announcement of music, the princess' pale blue eyes light up a bit and she looks in Lucio's direction with keen interest.

Lianne has joined the the gazebo.

Belladonna laughs again for Cassius's reply, shaking her head at him. His shoulder finally gets another pat before she turns away, forgotten wineglass finally lifted for a sip. "You are right, I should have expected it," she agrees, her attention settling and staying on Lucio. When what it is he is up to is revealed she laughs again, clear delight in the sound. "I am so spoiled," she asides to Cassius, though not as quiet as she's been speaking to him previously.

As Lucio announces his need for help, Felix looks to the bard and then to Lianne. It happens a bit too fast and before he knows it, he's being dragged up onto the stage/gazebo at Lianne's behest. He looks down at Lianne and grins briefly before murmuring to her and then looks once more towards Lucio. As Lianne is called upon for her duty, he just watches and grins at the woman.

Maximilian moves over next to Valkieri... "Duke Rubino. I do not think we've met." He murmurs. "Maximilian Darkwater, of Darkwater Watch."

Cassius turns his attention to Lucio, to hear the announcement. Cassius blinks, then looks left, then look right. Here he is, in the middle of the garden, standing next to the duchess. Steel thyself, knight, for your true trial approaches rapidly.

Angelo was walking with Eleyna towards Elonso, but it seems like the announcement of Lucio that music will be sung makes him stop. "Oh, goodness, I hope I don't shock half Arx with my voice," he jests at Eleyna with a musical tone. The introduction they were going to exchange with the Lord Pravus is for now forgotten.

Valkieri checked intellect + diplomacy against difficulty 20, resulting in 19, 1 lower than the difficulty.

Felix stands near Lianne for some friendly support, but does lean down...and down some more to murmur to her briefly again.

Valkieri blinks as Maximilian is suddenly there and addressing him. "Ah," he says. "Yes. Feel free to join our thoroughly enjoyable corner--" Yes, it looks like he's having a blast. (To be fair, Samantha, Ferrando, and Cedarav look like they're having a perfectly pleasant time.) "--Lord Darkwater. You clearly already know who I am."

Lucio Mandragora starts to play the harp again. Once more the notes start in seemingly random fashion, and once more they build into a melody. This one is as bright and cheerful as any children's song with a catching tune that sticks, perhaps unmercifully, in the listener's ear long after it has finished. He begins, it would seem, with the chorus, an easy rhyme for memory's sake so that people may join in each time it comes around:
    " She's slender of girth,
    With eyes full of mirth,
    No finer flora or fauna!
    Yes, she's beyond worth,
    So here's to the birth
    of Duchess Belladona!"

"You part is coming up," Lucio turns to whisper to Lianne with a wink. Then he goes on to sing,
    "She's a beauty, our Bell',
    We think she's just swell,
    She'll tickle and thrill you and tame you,
    She's where our hearts dwell
    Puts you under her spell,
    But if you're not careful..."

And with that, Lucio points at Lianne to finish the line!

5 Velenosa House Guards arrives, following Niccolo.

Ferrando has left the a shadowy corner.

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

Ferrando takes his three (3) empty plates of food back to where the servants will reclaim them to be washed and put away, and strolls along to the exit.

Lianne nods once to Felix at whatever was murmured, then again to Lucio, confirming her willing victimiz--err, participation in this gift to her cousin. She seeks out Belladonna in the crowd and smile affectionately at the woman, only a little knit of her brow suggesting she's at all concerned about what comes next. And, truly, she was right to be worried. When Lucio trails off and leaves that next line open for her, she hesitates a second, eyes wide, before singing out, with a quickening of the rhythm to fit it all hurriedly in, "She'll pay someone else discreetly to maim you."

Alrec laughs softly at the last line and then he looks around with taking in the room for a moment with a little sigh and his drink already drained just holding the empty glasse now and rolling it between his fingers. He then walks slowly over towards Belladonna through the crowd stoping near her but not quiet appoarching yet.

Eleyna lifts a brow at Angelo, her opinion of his self-deprecating words evident on her face, before she turns her attention to the singing. At the conclusion of the line, the princess chuckles and offers applause at the verse's clever conclusion provided by Lianne.

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

Oh. Belladonna stares as the song starts, but he's not but a few lines in before she's laughing. She grins up towards Cassius and then she's looking back, and that laugh is ringing out all the brighter for Lianne's contribution. She lifts her glass in salute before taking another swallow, not bothering to try and suppress her grin even a little. For once, the little Pravus Duchess looks relatively happy.

Niccolo steps into the garden accompanied by his usual retinue of guards. Once inside, he lifts a hand and said guards all but spread out do their thing, and leaving the duke to some privacy while he mingles. The man's dark brown eyes take a moment to adjust as he gives the place a cursory glance. His hands clasp behind his back, and the Velenosa duke walks further in.

5 Velenosa House Guards have been dismissed.

Lucio laughs at the response from Lianne, his laughter as musical as the notes that play under it. Once more, he leads everyone through the chorus, inviting the assembled guests to join in with the singing:
    " She's slender of girth,
    With eyes full of mirth,
    No finer flora or fauna!
    Yes, she's beyond worth.
    So here's to the birth
    of Duchess Belladona!"

His brown eyes lift from the harp to scan for his next victim, landing on Felix. The weaponsmith gets a little wing before he launches into his next rhyme, singing merrily:
     She's a beauty, our Bell',
    We think she's just swell,
    And like a pet cat she has belled you
    She's where our hearts dwell
    Puts you under her spell,
    But if you're not careful she'll…"

And one hand leaves the harp to point at Felix! It's his cue!

Cassius has eyes on Lucio. As the bard starts, his grouch slowly fades. Soon, he really, actually, truly looks amused. He's not laughing or clapping, but a faint, pleased sort of smile crosses his lips. He can't help a glance aside, at Belladonna, as Lucio sings of her. Of course, that all ends when a message is shoved at him agian. He takes it, eyes it, and grunts. He looks back to Lucio, then to Lianne, just as she finishes her line. He waits for the song to continue another few versus, then he leans aside, to Bella and whispers to her. A few words, and then he stands up straight, turns, and leaves.

Angelo lifts a brow back to Eleyna with a flash of good humor in his face, before gazing back towards Lucio and his singing, following his pointed fingers to the different persons that have to sing. The first is Lianne, and it earns a mostly soundless 'chuckle' that doesn't echo with a full smile -- it's just like a tiny hiccup. His attention then falls on Felix, watchful.

Lianne laughs, all too quiet, at Belladonna's laughter, delighted by the sound, but she steps aside to let Lucio--and poor, put-on-the-spot Felix--have the stage all to themselves. She takes up a position from which she might watch both the musician and the birthday girl, smiling back at the duchess regularly.

Lianne has left the the gazebo.

Belladonna's expression is startled for whatever Cassius whispers to her, and as the big man walks away she watches him with her full attention for a few moments. Her smile is certainly pleased. The song from the gazebo recaptures her attention swiftly, laughter scaping as it goes on. She has apparently spotted Niccolo though, because for all that she's watching Lucio and Felix, she's moving again, starting to drift in her uncle's direction.

Felix laughsat Lianne's line, the sound loud and mirthful. Another sip is taken from his tumbler then as he starts preparing his own line in hhis head. Watching Lucio with a broad smile, he waits for that cue from the bard. With a broad smile he raises his glass and does the best the human version of a Golden Retriever can do to look menacing. "She'll verbally geld you in..." At the last syllable, his baritone rises to a squeak. "...public."

Belladonna stops in her movements so she can bark out another bright laugh for Felix's contribution, her free arm circling her midesction as her shoulders shake with it. She does not double over, but it's a close thing.

Eleyna glances in Niccolo's direction when he arrives, her pale gaze on him for a few long moments before she glances away and takes a long drink of wine, her fingers tight around the stem of the glass as she drains it. She leans in to murmur to Angelo, "Excuse me. I'm just going for a refill." The princess threads her way through the crowd toward the table of drinks.

"Well met, Lord Maximilian.", Elonso replies to Max, Victus having long since left before he could offer his thanks, "You're enjoying yourself I hope? I would be terribly embarrassed to hear that someone spilled wine on your fine garments.", he notes further to the man but the the singing begins.. or is already in progress-- he is quite slow today. An amused expression flickers that way as he begins to observe, expectant like everyone else!

Niccolo continues his approach, intending to meet Belladonna halfway. "Happy Birthday, my dear niece," he says, with a touch of a smile in his usually schooled features his hands unclasping from behind his back, and unless he stops them coming first to touch her arms then slide down to take her hands in his. "Your birthday present is a little delayed, but I'll have it for you soon," he says and then leans in, intending to kiss her cheek, speaking quiet words to the young woman.

"Yes," Lucio crows at Felix, clearly having too much fun. A foot stamps at the hollow wooden floor of the gazebo in mirth as he leads the group through the chorus once more. This time, when the chorus ends and the verse comes around, he sings:
     She's a beauty, our Bell',
    We think she's just swell,
    She'll give you a kiss for to thank you
    She's where our hearts dwell
    Puts you under her spell,
    But if you're not careful..."

The singer's hand swings out to point at Angelo!

Angelo checked charm + performance against difficulty 10, resulting in 33, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Angelo gives a faint nod of his head to Eleyna and murmurs back to her, "Of course," emerald irises now flitting across the crowds and it seems like he's decided to, once more, head towards Elonso to enact a new conversation. A single step is taken towards him -- but then the next pause comes for someone to sing. He looks at Lucio to see where he's pointing at, following the direction of his index finger behind himself -- oh, wait, no. That's you, Angelo! He clears his throat and signs the last line in a musical tone, "A whipping lesson she will tell."

Felix grins over at Lucio before dipping in a bow towards the audience. While his voice is nothing to cheer for, he seems perfectly at home at a party or in a crowd. The large smith steps back just a little to watch now, smiling brightly as the song continues. A warm, hearty chuckle is given to Angelo's contribution.

There is no move made to avoid Niccolo. Belladonna recovers enough during the chorus to straighten, turning a bit towards her uncle as his hands slide down her arms. She tips her head up for the cheek, smiling warmly for his words. She does pause in responding to him when the verse comes around again, another laugh escaping after Angelo's sung words. She lifts her glass to him in praise, and then she's turning back to lean in, offer some quiet words back to Niccolo, her smile briefly wry before settling back into warmth again.

Angelo gets a grin and a nod of thanks, and Lucio leads everyone through the chorus again. "Last one!," he announces, fingers plucking at the strings. His tenor voice sings out:
     She's a beauty, our Bell',
    We think she's just swell,
    She'll easily lift and elate you
    She's where our hearts dwell
    Puts you under her spell,
    But if you're not careful..."

And Lucio's last victim is...the Duchess herself! He smiles wickedly at Belladonna.

Angelo lifts his own wineglass towards Eleyna with his own smile warming, mouthing a wordless congratulations, or happy birthday -- it is hard to tell. He takes a sip from his wineglass, returning some of the chuckles from with more warm smiles from himself, as if he had just brought eternal peace to Arx and negotiated a flattering array of contracts with everyone and everything. Oh, but then the Duchess has her own verse to tell, and his attention focuses on her expectantly.

Angelo lifts his own wineglass towards Belladonna with his own smile warming, mouthing a wordless congratulations, or happy birthday -- it is hard to tell. He takes a sip from his wineglass, returning some of the chuckles from with more warm smiles from himself, as if he had just brought eternal peace to Arx and negotiated a flattering array of contracts with everyone and everything. Oh, but then the Duchess has her own verse to tell, and his attention focuses on her expectantly.

After procuring herself another glass of wine, Eleyna turns to watch the singing once again as she sips at it. She smiles briefly for Angelo's contribution to the song. Her pale blue eyes shift to Belladonna to wait for her own verse.

The Velenosa duke kisses Belladonna's cheek a second time, before he lets go of the duchess. Niccolo dips his head to her, "I should go get myself a drink, and let you go back to enjoying the music and your guests," he says, with a touch of a smile showing once more. His hand lifts to briefly touch Bella's cheek, before he steps back, giving her space to move on as she pleases.

Samantha has left the a shadowy corner.

Alrec nods slowly watching Belladonna for a moment and then he sips the fresh drink that he just grabbed from another passing tray and then he sips it slowly watching for a moment. His eyes drifting around trying to figure out the nice bit that needs to be fired out for the song. The drink placing him in better mood and now the song lifiting him back to where he was pre troubled last few months.

"She'll surely frustrate you!" Bella calls out with another laugh, and she reaches to squeeze Niccolo's arm with her free hand for his quiet words before he moves to step away. She stays where she is for the moment, beaming in the aftermath of the performance.

Lucio tilts his head back and howls at Bella's response. And then there is nothing else to do but to ask everyone to join in for one last rousing version of the chorus, his own voice booming out joyfully:
    "She's slender of girth,
    With eyes full of mirth,
    No finer flora or fauna!
    Yes, she's beyond worth.
    So here's to the birth
    of Duchess Belladona!"

Lucio is overheard praising Belladonna.

Felix laughs again at Bella's line, giving a shake of his head at her. After taking another drink, he starts swaying along to the rhythm of the song while he watches Lucio.

Cedarav joins in the clapping for the particular Duchess who happens to have a birthday today, a smile on his features.

Elonso is in no way a singer but when the conclusions come and the invites are issued for everyone to join he does just that, careful not to chorus in so loud a manner that it drowns out all else then lifts his glass as a substitute for clapping hands.

Cedarav is overheard praising Belladonna for: This is 9/10 years I've attended her birthday, and I regret missing that one every year!

Belladonna is overheard praising Lucio for: A truly gifted performer.

Lianne lets out a louder laugh than she usually manages at Belladonna's contribution. She lifts her glass toward the duchess and drinks deeply of her wine before finally heading in that direction, intending to greet her cousin at last, though she'll wait patiently if anyone else currently waits for her attention.

Angelo hums to himself as Lucio keeps singing that last verse, effortlessly putting himself to the left side of Lord Elonso Pravus, gazing at him with emerald eyes before his mellifluous voice can be heard greeting him when the song is over -- and the man is no longer singing. "Isn't it the Lord Elonso Pravus?" As if he didn't expect him here.

Once he's left Belladonna to continue enjoying the music, Niccolo makes his way to where the drinks are being served at. Seeing Eleyna, he offers a touch of a smile to her and approaches. "Eleyna," he greets his other niece, coming to stand at her side. He reaches for a glass of wine. "Enjoying yourself?"

"Thank you, everyone," Belladonna calls out after the music winds down, her voice full of laughter. "This has been the best birthday I have had in many years." Her glass is lifted to the assembled group in general before she moves to circle around the pool and start for the gazebo, heading straight for Lucio.

Eleyna offers a faint smile and a lifting of her glass for the song's conclusion as well. Her eyes slide to Niccolo as he approaches, favoring him with a long look and a few murmured words before she smiles perhaps a touch -too- brightly and says, "Of course, I am. Who doesn't enjoy a birthday party? And you? Are you enjoying yourself, Uncle Niccolo?"

With the conversation around him lulling, Valkieri is left to enjoy his relative solitude. He watches Belladonna head towards Lucio before his gaze slides over to Niccolo and Eleyna for a moment. And then his attention moves on as he sips his wine.

"Am I wrong in thinking that it is the Lord Angelo Fidante asking?", Elonso wonders to Angelo, the glass being downed and placed on a passing tray and then turns to face his most recent conversational partner, "From you, I'm not willing to accept that you're not enjoying yourself after all I've witnessed. Are you well, My Lord?", he asks with a light incline of his head.

Pariah, The StormCrow have been dismissed.

Lucio is still laughing as he sets aside his harp, the back of his hand lifting to swipe at a tear of mirth. As he notices the approach of the Duchess, however, he quickly rises and sketches out an elegant bow. "Please forgive the meager gift, your grace. I hope you receive it in the spirit it was intended."

Angelo checked charm + diplomacy against difficulty 15, resulting in 25, 10 higher than the difficulty.

Angelo takes a measured sip from his wine-glass before his lips spread into a warm and quite cordial smile for the Lord Elonso. "You must be right, lest I've forgotten that I am indeed such a Lord," he jests back to him, before making a gesture towards Lucio as he speaks, "hard not to enjoy oneself when there are such troubadours, deft enough to put the whole crowd to play and engage in a nice gift for the Duchess. Is he serving your house, I wonder?" Though at the question he's quick to bob his head, saying, "Quite well, My Lord. Are you well, too? I won't ask you if you're having fun. I will be rude and assume that you are, because you always are, aren't you?" A good-humored grin spreads across his lips, deviating from his usual ghost of a smile. His teeth are white.

"I am appreciative of the gift, Master Mandragora," Belladonna assures the bard as she stops at the edge of the gazebo, offering him a smile to go with her words. "Very much so. You have outdone yourself again. I am pleased. Your skill only increases every month that passes."

"As much as one can during these times," Niccolo replies to Eleyna, and offers a faint smile to her. He listens to her whispered words and chuckles once, whispering something back. "Find me before you leave," he tells the young woman. "There's someone I would like to speak with," he tells her, and touches her arm, before he steps away towards Valkieri.

Angelo is overheard praising Lucio.

"Then I am honored beyond measure, Duchess. Truly, I wish you a very happy day. And I am very glad you were born." Retrieving his glass of wine, he holds it up toward her. "To you." And with that, he drinks heartily.

It takes Valkieri a moment to notice Niccolo's approach, because he's been so focused on not enjoying himself. But he does straighten a bit, however weary his appearance, and offers the duke a nod. "My lord," he says in quiet greeting.

Lianne finds her way back to Felix, her wine glass both emptied and shed somewhere along the way. As she sidles up along side the smith, she asks, "Have any more Fire?" before dropping her voice lower to speak softly to the man as she eyes the crowd consideringly.

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

Belladonna's gaze lingers on Niccolo and Eleyna for a moment, and then when Niccolo heads towards Valkieri, her attention goes there. The Rubino man is studied for several heartbeats, teeth briefly worrying at her lower lip, and then Lucio is catching her attention again and her gaze goes back to him. "We will speak later," she tells him, and though she lowers her voice to continue, the words are not so quiet as to not be overheard. "You have contributed significantly to a very happy day. I have not had a birthday like this in longer than I can remember. Thank you."

Alrec slowly pushes off the wall moving towards Belladonna now and he watches her for a moment and then he steps close to her."I wish you a grand birthday my Duchess and but I have a few things that need to be finshed by nights end." His voice is soft and then he bows before her slowly and then he nods towards the others he knows."Is there anything you wish of me before I bid your party a fond farewell?"

"I'm afraid to let you know that I am not offended if you're being rude in such a manner.", Elonso replies to the Fidante Lord, his own lips warming up into a pleasant smile as he speaks, gaze wandering off toward Lucio-- whom is accompanied by Belladonna at the moment and he nods,

Felix is looking over the rest of the party from the gazebo when Lianne addresses him again. The smith looks down to her and then leans down so he can hear her way up where he is. "I think I can manage that," he says, producing a flask from his belt. Apparently he really likes the stuff. He pours some of the contents into her tumbler before topping his own off. With a warm smile, he speaks softly back to the woman.

Pariah, The StormCrow leaves, following Maximilian.

Lucio's smile is wide and genuine at the thanks, but he hides it quickly with a bow of his head. "Of course, your grace." Taking a break between sets, he sips at his wine and, dicovering it woefully empty, goes in search of more.

Eleyna gives Niccolo a slow smile and a nod as she watches him walk towards Valkieri. She makes no move to join her uncle and instead, after having her glass of wine topped off, moves to rejoin Angelo. "Lord Fidante, I did not know you were a singer. I commend you for your additions to the musician's clever song." She glances from Angelo to Elonso then back to Angelo, as if expecting an introduction.

"I'm afraid to let you know that I am not offended if you're being rude in such a manner. I am well.", Elonso replies to the Fidante Lord, his own lips warming up into a pleasant smile as he speaks, gaze wandering off toward Lucio-- whom is accompanied by Belladonna at the moment and he nods, "He is quite marvelous, isn't he? I must say I'm flattered to receive such compliments about one of our own but I need not be, he is terribly gifted.", he then glances off toward one of the many tables hosting foodstuffs, wondering, "Have you had the pleasure of tasting our cuisine, Lord Angelo? I must insist on exciting your palate if you haven't."

Belladonna watches Lucio step away, then turns towards Alrec as he approaches. She stares at him for a long moment, then steps in and murmurs something to him. There is clear displeasure in her face for a moment, though it's gone when she steps back, offers him a polite smile. "You are excused," she tells him, more audibly.

"My lord," Niccolo returns the greeting and comes to stand right by Valkieri. There's a brief moment of studying the man, before the Velenosa duke turns to look to the party. When he speaks to Valkieri again, it is quietly, for the man to hear.

Niccolo has joined the a shadowy corner.

"Yes my Duchess and I bid you aideu." Alrec nods towards her for a moment with a shake of his head and his eyes still warm as he starts towards the door for a moment. He turns to wave at the party as he steps out into the night and to enjoy the errands he most run.

2 Pravus Honor Guard leaves, following Alrec.

"Ah, splendid, I was fretful of my helpless gaucheness," Angelo confides to Elonso before he takes a sip from his glass of wine, which renders empty now. He sets it on a nearby tray before agreeing with the man on the matter of his bard's skill. "Talented, indeed. I'm one who can... ah... how to put it?" His eyes half-lid for a moment of theatrical thought, before deciding with an artful gesture of his hand, as if he was describing the most breath-taking of the sceneries for someone who has never seen it. "...enjoy the subtleties of song-making. It takes an unusual set of skill, almost a fascinating amount, to be skillful enough and render an idea into something nice to the ear. And to rouse the crowds in the doing? Hm-hm." The last sound is that of approval. "I have not--" but he doesn't end the sentence when Eleyna joins them once more. "Ah, I have a trick or two, Your Royal Highness," he tells her with a fond smile and a look towards Elonso. "This is the Lord Elonso Pravus. We didn't have the pleasure of meeting more than a few exchanges, but I can say that he is an intelligent and fascinating conversationalist."

Cedarav nods politely to Valkieri, appearing to be about to finally desert Valkieri's little corner, leaving him actually alone, but pauses as Niccolo approaches. He offers a polite dip of his head to Niccolo, greeting, "Duke Pravus, good evening."

Mirari slips in quietly, dressed in severe black silk. Her gaze shift around the room, looking for a particular person, no doubt.

Lianne, glad for the fiery drink, sips more carefully than she had her wine, murmuring a few more quiet words to Felix as she studies the crowd. And, truly, that's what it is, that evergreen gaze seeming to analyze the guests' interactions as if they were part of a nature show.

When Alrec moves away, Belladonna watches after him for a long moment. Eventually she gives a little shake of her head, finally fishing off her glass of wine. It's set aside, and she moves to step down away from the gazebo and over towards one of the benches.

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

Eleyna murmurs to Angelo, "So I am beginning to gather, Lord Fidante." The princess offers Elonso a smile as he is introduced to her. "I think we met many years ago, Lord Pravus. As children. I am Princess Eleyna Velenosa. You seem to have grown up well." The princess' eyes sweep over Elonso approvingly before those cold eyes rest once again on his face.


Having listened to the song, been relieved not to be called upon, bade farewell to Tobias, snared a drink, and then observed the exchange between Alrec and Belladonna, Sudara starts towards the Duchess once more - moving towards the same bench as her liege.


Belladonna settles herself down carefully, smoothing that dress of hers down just so. When she spots Sudara approaching, she offers a warm smile up that way.

Belladonna has joined the admiring the view.

"Are you very much into the marvelous complications of making something that is pleasing to the ear, Lord Angelo? Your lyric sure was fascinating.", Elonso notes to Angelo after being very much of an enthusiastic listener to all that was mentioned to him, interest clear in his words as he queries the other man but ah, Eleyna is with them as well and he shifts his position to best face her, only to then press a hand against his stomach and bows. "Ah, Your Highness.", he recalls as he straightens, a warm smile playing on his lips as he regards her, "Even after so many years I wouldn't forget that we did indeed met, a presence such as yours isn't quite easy to forget. Striking as ever."

"Velenosa, Cedarav," Niccolo mildly corrects the other man, allowing a faint smile and in a tone that suggests he doesn't expect that correction to stick any time soon. "And these days it would be more appropriate to say Duke Father, really," he adds, reaching to pat Cedarav on the shoulder in a friendly gesture that suggests familiarity. "Give us a moment, Cedarav, I'd like to have few words with Duke Valkieri."

Angelo checked composure against difficulty 15, resulting in 23, 8 higher than the difficulty.

Felix tips the Setarco fire back, savoring the burn of it. Even as large as he is, he knows to show caution with the drink. He casts his silver eyes sidelong at Lianne and grins again.

Mirari makes her way in the direction of Bella, glancing around to make sure she isn't interrupting before getting too close to the little duchess.

Angelo's lips are kept spread into a warm smile for both Eleyna and Elonso as they praise him. "Ah, goodness, you're going to make me blush," he tells them both -- looking like he's absolutely not going to blush right now. "I am glad that my lyrics were good. I feared there would be screams and shouts across the garden, but there was none of that so it must mean it was decent." He seems content to let the two recall their childhood appreciations versus the current ones, chiming in the defense of both. First Elonso, to Eleyna, "Quite the conversationalist, as I was telling you, Your Royal Highness. He has astounded me with his wit, and no moment is boring with my lord around." On Eleyna, he has to say to Elonso, "Both striking and skilled, from the few times I've had the pleasure of meeting her, Her Royal Highness."

Sudara has joined the admiring the view.

Lianne dips her head in silent apology to Felix when her attention is stolen by a messenger, the missive read without any response sent. Instead, she looks up at the smith and suggests, "An idea to explore another time?" She drinks to that possibility, heavily, emptying her glass in one swift swig. Despite her familiarity with the liquor, its burn gets the better of her, a little cough erupting into a giggle. Then another cough. Glass set down, she braces a hand on Felix's arm for a second as she reminds herself how to breathe. Cheeks a touch red, she nods and departs, heading off to address whatever was in that letter.

Cedarav has left the a shadowy corner.


Folding herself elegantly into place beside Belladonna, Sudara offers her duchess a warm smile, before leaning a little closer to quietly address her.


Cedarav , for whatever reason, still has a pickled herring from the buffet. Approaching the large pool, at the tail end of the party, he flicks his wrist, and tosses it in. Splash. Does he expect it to resurrect and start swimming again...?

Cedarav has joined the large pool.

When Lucio re-emerges from the crowd, it is next to Felix, taking the place that was so recently vacated by Lady Lianne. He grins at the man. "Thank you for being a good sport," he offers the smith before turning to the table to pour some wine into his glass. "How are you making out?" His eyes dance around the gathering before returning to the man.

"Well, I think you could only have improved as a conversationalist, since I do believe you were all of eight or nine years old last time I saw you. I am pleased to hear that you are possessed of wit. Perhaps we'll be able to entertain each other at events such as these." Eleyna's smile is faint before she lifts her glass to her lips. Once lowered, she turns those pale eyes on Angelo, "I appreciate your words, my lord, even if I suspect they are mostly flattery. Luckily, I've had enough wine that I am in a mood to be flattered."

Belladonna smiles up at Mirari as she approaches, though she holds a finger up in a 'one moment' sort of position as Sudara settles down beside her. Once she's heard what her Voice has to say initially, she gestures the courtesan over, holding an arm out to receive her to the bench beside her, so she can draw her in close. "It's beautiful," she says softly. "Thank you." That said, she's turning her attention back to continue speaking quietly with Sudara.

Cedarav checked intellect + alchemy against difficulty 25, resulting in 39, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Lucio has left the the gazebo.


Sudara incliens her head to Belladonna, before offering Mirari a smile of welcome as well, then resuming her sotto voce conversation.


"Should you request that I make you blush, I will not hesitate to do so, Lord Angelo and should it be tasteless I will blame it on intoxication, I can very well act the part.", Elonso says to Angelo, now in a position where he can face them both without having to turn each time he addresses the other as he converses in pleasant tones, "While I'm very much in the shadow of our Lord her when it comes to wit and speaking tastefully, I will try exceptionaly well to ensure that you don't leave such events filled with boredom, Your royal highness.", he remarks to Eleyna then, "It would be terrible manners to act poorly after the words mentioned by the Lord."

Felix grins broadly to Lucio and waves after Lianne simultaneously. "Pretty well," he replies with a chuckle. "Josie had a bit of business, I think, so I'm here all by myself. No supervision at all." He clicks his tongue then and winks to the bard.

Mirari smiles toward Belladonna and says, "I'm happy, my lady. I think, however, it's beauty comes from the woman wearing it." She shifts a little bit closer to murmur hellos to Sudara in return as well.

Cedarav crouches near the pool, studying the bobbing, certainly dead herring for a moment. "Mhm. Seventy percent displaced...yes, rather salty, as I surmised." He then straightens, licking his fingers free of the saltily brined snack.

"Well, in that case we must get up to no good. Goods," Lucio says, hooking a finger into his collar and pulling it away from his neck, "I'm desperate to take my clothes off and get in that pool." He sips some chilled wine, then glances up at the other man. "How are the rennovations on the shop going?"

"Oh, no, my lady, don't minimize yourself," Angelo tells Eleyna, lifting his wine-glass towards her with a subtle smile at the right edge of his lips. "You're skilled." He does chuckle a few times as Elonso speaks to him, and then speaks to Eleyna, his smile now facing towards his wine-glass as if he was blushing or overwhelmed by the wave of praises. He's not blushing. After a timed pause, he decides to kick the wheel rolling onto another conversation, "Your Royal Highness, Lord Elonso was telling me about the food in the feast -- that it was most pleasant. I fear I've never dined over..." He takes a look at the food available with a thoughtful tap of a finger against his lower lip. "What is that? Setarco dishes, mostly, isn't it?"


Sudara inclines her head to Mirari, smiling warmly. "It's good to see you again."


"I think I know the policy on Silks and nudity," Felix says, casting a glance to Lucio with a grin. "...but I'm not sure how that would go over. Then again, it is a party." Broad shoulders lift in a shrug and he takes another sip of his Setarco Fire. "The renovations are coming. I insist you stop by once they're complete. I think you'll approve."

Belladonna gives Mirari a brief hug, then lets the woman go. "Thank you, so much. We will speak later." Another smile, a squeeze, and she's looking back to Sudara to continue chatting. Chat chat. Of course, her attention wanders over towards Lucio and those he's speaking with, even while she's conversing with the Pravus Voice.

There's a sudden sound of glass shattering from the corner where Valkieri and Niccolo stand, and Valkieri's bloodied hand certainly seems to be the cause of it as the Rubino duke turns to face his liege's voice more directly, seething with barely-restrained tension as he speaks to him.

Lucio shakes his head. "I share your uncertainty. I suppose I shall have to wait until the guests depart." He eyes the crowd as he sips his wine, watching over the edge of the glass. Bella gets a wink when her gaze strays his way, a fleeting thing, perhaps unnoticed. "I have no doubt I will approve. Is business--" The question cuts off as his eyes shoot over to the shadowy corner of the lawn.

Belladonna's attention jerks at the sound of glass shattering. She does not even say anything further to Sudara; the little Pravus Duchess rises and she is promptly starting in that direction. She does not run, but she straight up strides. Not that that's very fast, considering shortlegs, but hey.

Belladonna has left the admiring the view.

Eleyna laughs lightly at Elonso and says in a mock-conspiratorial tone, "Luckily, I am easily amused." She opens her mouth to say something further, but the sound of glass breaking startles her out of whatever words were to leave her lips. She turns to look in the direction of Valkieri and Niccolo, her pale eyes drifting between the two men. She starts to move in that direction, but, upon noticing Belladonna rising, she stops where she is and just looks with a deep frown.


Sudara lightly touches Belladonna's back as the duchess rises to depart, providing an instant of mute reassurance to her younger relative as she sets off to investigate the worrying sound.


Felix's eyes sshift quickly towarrds the shadowed corner as well and his brows lift sharply. "Well. The good news is we may not have to make asses of ourselves after all."

"Ah, of course there is still food to be had and as of today, I will have a bit of what her royal highness and my lord have. If I am not their equal in skill, wit and wisdom I can /surely/ try to reach them in dish.", Elonso decides when Angelo brings up the topic of food, glancing off toward the various tables and what they have laid out on them but then there is the shattering of glass and the oh so scarlet colour of blood, this as well, earns his attention before he carries on with his current conversation.

Niccolo faces Valkieri with curiosity in his face, and features that are schooled as ever. The Velenosa brings his very pristine glass, filled with wine to his lips and calmly drinks from it. The man's expression is faintly wry, as he replies to Valkieri, quietly, then dips his head and steps away, walking towards Belladonna.

She looks for a moment like she's going to pass Niccolo to go to Valkieri, but Belladonna does stop, looking up at her uncle as he approaches. There's a look beyond him to Valk again, then back up, her head tilting to the side just a bit.

Pariah, The StormCrow arrives, delivering a message to Belladonna before departing.

"Indeed." Lucio watches for a moment, then murmurs an 'excuse me', to Felix, turning to speak in low tones with one of the house servants. The woman in question quickly pulls a white cloth from behind one of the food tables, and the musician carries it in the direction of Valkieri and his bloodied hand. "You grace," he offers bowing his head, and extending the cloth to the Duke.

Angelo's shoulders startle when there is the sound of glass, and he gazes off in the direction of Niccolo and Valkieri. "Ah--" he tells Eleyna and Elonso apologetically, as if that very sound had changed his mind rather abruptly or as if he's trying to be polite, "I fear I might better depart now, Your Royal Highness, My Lord Elonso, if you will excuse me for the sudden departure. There is some business I must tend to." His eyes flit to Elonso and he tells him, "I would like to meet with you. Maybe send me a messenger after these festivities are over and see if I am available at my estate?"

Felix gives what's left of his drink a quick swirl before he too steps down from the gazebo. Casually, he begins walking in the direction of Niccolo and Valkieri to eye both of the men in silence. He doesn't go /over/ there, but he does stand a few yards away.

Valkieri watches Niccolo leave with an open frustration and something raw in his expression. He meets Belladonna's eye for a moment, but says nothing and offers nothing informative in his expression before Lucio approaches him. He snatches the cloth the singer offers him without comment and presses it into his hand, his jaw hard.

Niccolo casually places a hand on Belladonna's arm, gently squeezing. He leans in to speak quietly to the duchess.

"Very well, My lord, I sure do hope that the evening was enjoyable to you and am terribly heartbroken that you've to depart soon. I will do such.", Elonso bids Angelo farewell, some measure of dissappointment snaking its way into his features as he speaks, though he does offer a light nod but after a while says, "Infact, You shouldn't leave with empty hands-- not impolite since I wish it,", he adds, calling a servant to where they are and when the servant arrives he says, "He will package something of our cuisine and walk with you to your estate, My Lord, should it not be very much impolite of me to suggest such."

Lucio dips into another bow after the cloth is snatched, then crouches and begins collecting pieces of glass from the ground, picking them from the grass with his long fingers.

Niccolo has left the a shadowy corner.


Under cover of the bustle and the focus of many people upon the breaking glass, Sudara opts to effect an escape - at least for the time being - as she slips into the entrance hall and out of sight.


Sudara has left the admiring the view.

Belladonna gives a light shake of her head for Niccolo's quiet words. She does offer up a smile, and then she's leaning in against him as she offers a quiet response. His shoulder gets a squeeze as she straightens and moves to step past him, continuing on towards Valk.

Elonso is overheard praising Lucio for: Quite the dutiful house servant who knows how to react to tense situations!!

"Please excuse me," Eleyna murmurs distractedly to Elonso and Angelo and starts to walk toward Niccolo. She passes her half full glass of wine on to a servants nearby tray before she approaches Niccolo just as Belladonna steps past him, leaning in to murmur with her brows lifted.

Valkieri ignores Lucio's attempts to help clean up his mess, looking down at the press of cloth on his palm. He does glance over at Belladonna's approach, his jaw stubbornly set and his gaze stormy. He's a great party guest.

Belladonna has joined the a shadowy corner.

"Oh, I wouldn't mind that, my Lord," Angelo tells Elonso with a warm smile, and complies to the servant who will bring him the package outside and walk with him home. "You are very kind. I am sure to tell my cook to warm it up so that I can taste it at home. Do get my thanks and do call for me when you are free. I look forward to our meeting." With that said, he begins to turn around, with a final "Gods be with you."

Lucio has joined the a shadowy corner.

Niccolo turns to Eleyna when she approaches and inclines his head to her. "I should probably be heading back, if you would like to come along with me, my Princess Niece," he gallantly offers her his arm. He finishes his glass of wine, and passes the empty glass to one of the servers. He finds Belladonna with his gaze again, once she joins Valkieri, and inclines his head in farewell, letting her speak with the stormy guest.

There is an appreciative smile sent in Lucio's direction, warm and pleased. It's a brief thing, though, because Belladonna's attention shifts back to Valkieri and the smile fades to something concerned. She slips in close, reaching to try and rest one hand against the wrist of his wounded hand, the other reaching to try and take the cloth, to press it against the spot where he's bleeding. She speaks to him softly, seemingly entirely undaunted by the grumpy.

Lucio holds one of his hands palm-upward, placing bits of glass there as he finds them. He seems uninterested in otherwise interacting with the stormy Duke, head bowed, eyes averted to the task at hand. Once he feels he has found all the glass, he runs his free hand through lawn, searchingly. Only then, satisfied, does he rise and being to walk away.

Lucio has left the a shadowy corner.

Belladonna is overheard praising Lucio.

Belladonna is overheard praising Niccolo.

Belladonna is overheard praising Angelo.

Niccolo is overheard praising Belladonna.

Niccolo is overheard praising Lucio.

Belladonna is overheard praising Lianne.

Belladonna is overheard praising Eleyna.

Eleyna nods and accepts the offered arm. She allows for one last look in the direction of Valkieri and Belladonna before she looks to Niccolo.

Eleyna, 5 Velenosa House Guards leave, following Niccolo.

Angelo is overheard praising Belladonna for: Such a wonderful birthday party, I wish her many more.

Angelo is overheard praising Elonso.

"Gods be with you, my Lord.", Elonso states to the departing form of Angelo and now with no one about him, he inhales sharply and glances toward where Belladonna and Valkieri are though he doesn't head that way yet-- surely, the duchess has this handled, instead, he begins to make his way toward Lianne with slow, graceful steps-- checking over that shadowy corner every once in a while.

Belladonna has managed to get ahold of Valkieri's hand, and is now holding the cloth to his cut. She's looking up at him with a little smile, and her own expression is gentle for all that she is being scowled at. They are speaking, certainly, but the Duchess's words are quiet.

Event logging is now off for this room.



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