RP:Absolution And Ales

From HollowWiki

Summary: The verdict is in and Lanara is deemed -not- guilty and is cleared of all charges! To celebrate, Lunalesca hosts an open bar event at the Green Fairy, where many come to mingle and congratulate the witch on being acquitted.


Part of the Magic, Madness, and Mayhem Arc



*An official notice is stamped to the board in each of the taverns in Lithrydel, bearing the insignia of Enchantment* A verdict has been decided in the case of the Woodland Witch versus The Realm, and it’s hereby declared that Lanara Banks has been found innocent and has been cleared of all charges.


It had been nearly a week since Lunalesca had dashed into the Snowflake Soiree seeking Lanara, trailed by half a dozen guards, with the news that a verdict had been decided. The witch was cleared of all charges, thanks to the use of the rose quartz crystal skull, but of course she had to be kept in a safe place for a few days while the verdict was announced. The last day of the trial had turned into a massacre and Lunalesca didn’t want to put anyone in danger, so the verdict was shared via tavern notices and in the large city newspapers, rather than a public hearing. Lanara was truly innocent of murder, arson, and animal abuse… However, the witch was found –guilty- of misusing magic! The courts decided to waive any sentencing on the matter, since Nicolai Garter had already served for crimes he didn’t commit, and Lanara had performed three months of heavy community service in Enchantment. That ‘guilty’ part had been omitted from the record, and Lunalesca smiles warmly as Lanara enters the tavern and takes a seat at her side, “Good evening, Lana. I’m so pleased that you were able to make it, and I hope that you’re enjoying your freedom! The village of Enchantment wanted to throw together this small celebration in your honor… Along with all your friends and family, because you –are- an asset to this community and you are loved more than you could possibly know!”


Lanara takes a seat at Lunalesca’s side and listens to everything the wise woman has to say, a faint smile on her lush lips as she nods, “I appreciate all that Enchantment, and you, have done for me. I don’t think I would be sitting here right now if I didn’t have the support of my friends and family, and such an unbiased city to represent me.” There is so much food and drink around the spacious tavern, that the witch is speechless with the generosity of the Green Fairy! Wearing a form-fitting little black dress, a pair of leopard print heels, and having pulled her long locks back with a clip, the witch looks as if she’s ready to partake in the cocktails. A three month old puppy is perched on her lap, his chubby paws resting on his impossibly long ears, as he yips in excitement as the tavern fills with those that bear well wishes and ill intentions for Lanara.


Zahrani | When word had reached the Isran Collective about Lanara being cleared of the charges against her, many who knew the witch sisters wished to celebrate. A small group of them would make their way to Enchantment, bringing their instruments to play should the opportunity for musical entertainment arise. When Gamsiz had received a purchase request from Lunalesca asking his business Ozcan Provisions to provide catering, he leapt at the chance in a heartbeat. This party was going to have a lot of booze and a lot of chaos, and what goes great with booze and chaos? Finger food, and the tattooed seacat has every intention of making it flavorful and unforgettable. To the Green Fairy, he brought an array of tasty treats from the port city; spiced dry-aged cold cuts called pastirma, slices of aged ham cut directly from a leg the man has on display; dolmas made with seasoned rice, fish, and wrapped in brined grape leaves; special stuffed mussels called mijya dolma, with that same spiced rice and mussel meat placed on half a mussel shell as if it were a spoon; pickled vegetables of every conceivable kind. Even some Cenril-based sheep and goat cheese. All of these would no doubt pair well with some of the Ginger Snapped bakery’s fresh bread. The Isran cat has experience with catering to both sailors and nobles of many races, a clientele that generally loves its drinks. Salt, fat, acid, and spice are carefully balanced and diversified for many palates. When he’s not checking to make sure the food is readily available, he’s chatting in his native tongue with the other felines who came with him. Matriarch Roahin approaches, drawn in by the familiar aromas, before sampling one of the mijya dolma and saying in the common speech, “You continue to outdo yourself, Gamsiz. Is that cinnamon and clove in the rice?” The male nods, grinning at the compliment. Zahrani makes her way over to join them, the paladin wearing her original panther appearance. She’s here to check in on her favorite witchy sisters, given the recent trial and subsequent attack, and with members of her colony being here as well, she had all the more reason to hang out. Not that they couldn’t handle themselves; but Rani would still rather be here than elsewhere.


Odhranos has decided that enough is enough; his lectures are prepared within an inch of their life, his apprentices are keeping on top of their studies, and he must have made twelve pots of tea the day before, just to keep himself occupied. The terramancer is in dire need of a change of scenery. Word had trundled up the pass that a shindig was being held in Enchantment that evening, and so Odhranos takes the opportunity to escape his dusty study and set off into the mountains early, hiking through the pass with the sun rising between the peaks. Enjoying the simple solitude of the morning air, Odhranos takes an off-track route, following the ridge of the Xalious range as it hugs the edge of Sage Forest, before finally descending into the foothills as the sun dips low over the far side of the mountains. With the golden light at his back, Odhranos reaches the edge of Enchantment and he makes his rambling way towards the foot of the colossal tree that houses the Green Fairy. Sparing a moment to appreciate the spiraling staircase, the terramancer steps inside the carved doorway of the tavern. Blinking at the sudden light and raucous merriment, Odhranos peeps around meekly, seeking a familiar face or two amongst the throng.


Krice arrived dressed in his usual black garb, not the smarter getup he had worn when last most of these people gathered in Enchantment. On his left wrist was the same iron bangle that had encircled it a week prior, and on his right arm, a particularly gentle and kind-hearted brunette. Strapped to his back, the warrior's katana lay dormant with its hilt visible past his left shoulder, ready for utilization at a moment's notice. Not one for crowds, and even less so given the short timeframe between gatherings, the enigma seemed a little more reserved than he had been during the last event, coolly surveying his surroundings - and the people who milled about. He would follow Talyara's lead, lacking the interest - at present - to initiate anything with anyone else.


Talyara arrives to the Green Fairy with Krice at her side and dressed much more casually than she had the week prior at the Snowflake Soiree. This was an even greater moment to celebrate, what with the official declaration of innocence of her sister Lanara, but the little witch was thankful for the more casual atmosphere. She's decided not to dress like a complete bum though, so she wears a black pleated skirt which falls to her knees and a festive crimson hued plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. A pair of red Mary Jane heels adorn her feet while her crazy curls were left to their own devices, and she wore no jewelry or makeup. As soon as she enters the tavern, Taly would relinquish her grip on Krice's arm and beeline towards her sister and give her a quick hug. Knowing that she would have to make her rounds, Talyara doesn't occupy Lanara's time and instead sidles up to the bar to order herself a drink.


Khitti || The Forest of Shadows held Khitti’s attention until it was time to head to The Green Fairy for Lanara’s party. For a time, she sat there in the darkness, staring at nothing, with only a floating ball of purple shadowflame to illuminate everything in her direct vicinity. She was not alone though: her ever-nameless tikifhlee had brought her here, and its cub--the twin of Lanara’s own cat, Cinder--had accompanied them. She was one with the darkness and the darkness was one with her. Since the return of her dark magic, wielding the Black Tides felt like home. A home that’d been stolen from her. Locked away for what felt like an eternity and dangled in front of her like a carrot on a stick by so many enemies. Time would go on, as she sat there, the orb of violet fire twisting and turning with wisps and tendrils of shadowy smoke, and soon after crystals of shadow-ice joined the other two magicks, dotting the flames and shadows here and there like bits of glitter or even the stars themselves. She wondered if she still had the ability to create black lightning, as she had so long ago but that was something for another time unfortunately, and if Vailkrin didn’t suit as a place to practice, then this particular forest absolutely would. Khitti pushed back the curiosity that threatened to take hold to the back of her mind, letting it sit there and fester with the constant rage and guilt that never left her. The stroll back was a languid one; she’d not make it there right on time, but she’d get there nevertheless, stopping briefly in front of the door to let out a heavy sigh. When she entered The Green Fairy, it would appear as if nothing was amiss with She Who Walks Both Paths, as she’d been called lately in the Shadow Plane. Both eight-foot-tall felines would be shapeshifted to their house cat size, their mistress dressed in blacks and dark purples. Khitti’s violet-eyed tikifhlee took the leap from floor to the redhead’s shoulder and curled up into Khitti’s duster’s hood to sleep while Khitti went about her business. There’d be a smile for all whom Khitti knew, varying in degree depending on who the person was, and soon after, she’d find a seat, somewhere near where Lanara and Talyara and Meri would be, if not at their own table. Before finally getting comfortable, Tenbatsu Kaji is removed from its place at her back and Embershard from her hip; the former is left to float beside Khitti as it pleased, while the latter was placed on the table in front of her. It was some time before Khitti remembered why her cat’s child had joined them and she’s soon clicking her tongue at the cub to get its attention, a tilt of her head given towards Talyara. The greenish-black-furred feline, with its charcoal grey eyes, would pad its way over to the witch and attempt to jump in her lap. “She gets much bigger when she needs to be,” Khitti said at length. “She’ll keep you hidden in the shadows as you travel and protect you when you need it.” Other than that, Khitti didn’t say much else, and she was trying her best to hide the pensive look on her features as she took stock of those gathered for the celebration.


Meri :: This moment was a long time coming, and it would not be one that Meri would miss. The blonde arrived solo today, not because Callum was not deeply concerned with the outcome of the trial but because...well someone had to watch Fleur. Yes! They have the funds to hire a babysitter but it can be hard to do so on short notice sometimes, okay? So daddy is on kid duty tonight as a result. Cal's contribution to this moment was the bouquet of flowers that Meri has come armed with, they might have selected them together but the herbalist was overall responsible for the cutting and arranging. Flowers were not the only thing that Meri has armed herself with though, after the way the trial played out the psion has seen fit to bring her sword to this party. She's not donning her armor though, just her usual attire of black pants, black boots, and a corset. As soon as she had the chance, she'd sneak over to Lanara to gift her with the bouquet of flowers but she does not try and claim the witches attention for dreadfully long. Surely others want to speak to her as well, "Always knew we'd show them the truth." Once Meri leaves Lanara's side, she's off to greet other familiar faces. Starting with Talyara and Krice. At the bar. That seemed like a great place to start.


Zahrani wanders over to Lanara, offering her a warm embrace and a kind, "It's so good to see you." The panther woman turns to see Khitti, offering her a wave before glancing at the tikifhlee's in her lap and hood. The panther gently holds out a furred hand for the one in Khitti's lap to sniff at, and should it choose to, to brush its head against. To Khitti, the paladin asks, "How's the family?"


Krice watched as Talyara slipped off to greet her sister. Past the brunette's unruly curls, he would spy the older sister's face; if acknowledged, she'd receive a nod from the warrior, a hybrid of greeting and congratulations for her innocence proven. Thereafter, the warrior glanced down at the bangle around his left wrist, just a subtle look, before Khitti's arrival drew his attention--or more specifically, the presence of the katana she possessed. After a moment, his focus deviated once more, this time to Meri, who was making her way toward Talyara. He would afford the tattooed woman a friendly nod and a somewhat soft expression of familiarity, angling in her direction to lean against the bar just a seat away from her and Talyara. And Khitti, as it seemed. The woman would also get a nod from him, if she cared to glance his way - though they weren't the closest of friends. Near enough to be part of the conversation if he so chose, but not so close as to crowd the witch and her friends, the silver-haired enigma observed the room in silence, with a healthy dose of skepticism for the peace that presently reigned.


Quintessa had no real reason to be here other than to make an appearance. She didn't know Lanara personally, only hearing about the trail in passing, but the changeling was happy to hear the witch was cleared of the worst charges. After all, Lanara threw great parties and Quintessa wanted to see more of them. Showing up a tad bit late wearing a formal high-low dress of black and crimson, the odd girl makes her way through the crowds, searching (of course) for the refreshment table. She always liked to get a better view of the situation with a drink in her hand that these kinds of thing. Already noticing Odhranos had ventured out of his office or once, the baroness makes a mental note to at least say hello to her fellow guildmate. He was the only person she recognized just yet, but she would linger a while yet in case more people showed up.


Raphaline isn’t one to miss many parties, but with her recent travels outside of the land it seems she has missed quite a bit. In order to remedy this, she decides a cursory appearance at the Green Fairy to congratulate on a good verdict and reconnect with friends. Rather than wear her casual traveling leathers, she makes a quick stop at home to pick up something a bit more party savvy and appealing before heading south. She doesn’t make many trips down to the thicket of magic, but as she glances around at the tree houses erected and the permeation of magic in the air, she begins to wonder why not? The Green Fairy is easy to find, and dressed in a simple, emerald dress with golden embroider around the sleeves and bottom, she ascends the stairs. Needless to say, the tavern is just as mystical as the area it resides in. Her green eyes spot a few familiar faces among the crowd (she makes note to see them soon) before they turn towards the color bottles behind the bar and heads there first. “Give me your most colorful drink please,” she asks, flashing the barkeep a dazzling smile before she glances over her shoulder once more and settles her gaze on a certain, lost mage. Smiling, she makes her way over to the gray-clothed mage and presses a hand to his shoulder as she says, “I am here to rescue you.” And presses a quick kiss to his cheek.


Eleanor was here, in-cog-neat-o. Dressed plainly in black, she probably followed Meri around being weird and listening in on people, just quietly lurking in the background. Like a creepy lurker. Lurk lurk.


Talyara is ordering herself a glass of wine when Meri appears beside her and she's greeted with a friendly smile and a nudge with her shoulder. "I will spare you a hug for now," she teases her friend with a wink. "But I make no promises for later!" The pattering of feet garner the witch's attention and she turns to see a tikifhlee cub heading her way. It's beautiful aside from its powers and Taly eagerly pats her thighs inviting the creature into her lap. Naturally she scoops it up and meets Khitti's eyes. Yup--she's getting a hug! So off the stool she goes to embrace her red headed friend and gush her appreciation of the tikifhlee. "Thank you so much! That is so incredibly kind of you." Taly pauses, noting her pensive expression and cants her head to the side. "Are you alright?"


Penelope waltzes in with two people, her best friend Ruari Erickson who thought Lanara was literally the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and he needed to ogle at her again, and the elf Linken (whose narrator would shortly be in to speak for himself). The woman had read the papers of Lanara’s freedom and kept up with all the hot news. She figured that she would join the celebrations to honor the witch, so she trekked her way to the beautiful town of Enchantment. The herbalist was always looking for a reason to escape to Enchantment, for she idolized the place. With a pair of shiny leather pants, her chunky black boots, and a minty, thick sweater that hung off her shoulders revealing her scarred floral tattoo. The tavern is bustling and through the thick crowd of familiar faces, she does not see Lanara just yet. Instead, she suggests to both the men that they should get a round of drinks and find a place to land before also adding to the swarm around the witch. Penelope takes lead and who knows if Ruari or Linken end up actually following. The girl then moves to the bar and lingers against the counter. “If you have a beer that is citrusy, I’ll take that.” The order is given, the beer is poured, and the girl is satisfied.


Lanara giggles and wraps her arms tightly around Talyara, as the sisters share a brief but touching moment. “Meet your Auntie Taly!” The puppy is lifted so that he can lavish Taly’s cheeks with kisses, and once her face is thoroughly dampened, he wiggles towards Krice and tries to plant a kiss on the stoic warrior. “This is Ranger! Thank you both so much for coming!” Knowing that her sister needed to get a drink, Lana bounces Ranger in on arm, as she spoons some exotic rice onto a plate and greets Zahrani, “Your colony outdid themselves! The food looks and smells delicious, I cannot wait to dig in!” Once back in her original place, she finds that Khitti and Meri have joined, and the redhead is offered a hug, while the blonde is given a delighted squeal as the flowers are accepted. “Thank you both, for everything! I couldn’t have done any of this without you, girls… And Callum, too, of course!” As the flowers are held, Lanara places the puppy briefly in Meri’s arms, “They are beautiful, thank you! That little guy is Ranger! And Cinder is around here, somewhere… She’s in a ‘mood’ today.” They would understand, as cat’s tended to have their standoffish moments!


Meri greets the warrior with a smooth smile and a polite nod of her head, "Hey Krice. Hey Talyara." And before Meri knows it! The little witch is on about how she'll spare Meri a hug and then she buzzes off to see Khitti. Meri smirks at the friendly and energetic little witch. "Bye Talyara." Well. At least for now. Meri acquires herself a glass of whiskey...and then an even taller glass of whiskey for Khitti. Beverages in hand, Meri turns to leave the bar and join Khitti at her claimed table. There are a few other people that Meri says hi to along the way, Raphaline for example is greeted with a smile and a wink in passing. Zahrani a nod and a smile. Eleanor following her around is also noticed, but her greeting is far more subtle than the rest. If it can even be considered a greeting. It's eye contact. Anyway, there are only a limited combination of greeting options because Meri has a whiskey in each hand. Khitti though? She is greeted with a whiskey right before Meri slides into a seat at her sister's table.


Odhranos is most decidedly lost. Though familiar faces have been spotted; including some that haven't been seen in quite some time, the mage is a little out of his depth in the thick of the crowd. While he dithers over whether to make a beeline for the bar, bathroom or just bail out entirely, he is broken from his indecision by a surprising touch and familiar voice. Tension seems to slough from the mage's shoulders as Raphaline kisses his cheek and he leans down to return the kiss. "I was definitely in need of rescuing." Odhranos laughs gently as he turns to face the bard properly. "I'm glad I dragged myself from my study today, how was your trip?" At ease with the crowd now that he is with Raphaline, Odhranos gestures that they move towards the bar, ordering a glass of cider on arrival. "You look gorgeous, I feel very underdressed." Joking as he shrugs his coat off, the mage indicates to his robes. Due to the hike, he elected for slightly less fancier robes than his usual attire, and his boots and trousers are very clearly intended for muddy hikes, instead of suave meet-cutes.


Khitti || The silver-haired warrior’s very presence was a reminder of the somewhat recent past and Khitti did her best to quell thoughts of Dominic, Brand’s former other half/headmate. He’d get a nod from the redhead though, before she finally addressed Zahrani, ”They’re fine. One’s forever obsessing over chickens and the other’s probably sneaking cheesecake while I’m gone.” She eyed the tikifhlee that was now in Talyara’s lap, the witch getting her own response now from the templar as well, “You’re welcome! I’ve been meaning to give her to you for some time now, but the planets just never seemed to align.” The question asked was evaded though, but a smile offered to her instead. Hugs seemed to be given out left and right to Khitti and she took them in stride, eventually settling down into her chair again. Tenbatsu Kaji took a moment, while Khitti was distracted, to float up behind her and whack Khitti in the back. “What is your problem, Seika?!”, she hissed at the sword, or rather, the sprite within it. The sword’s golden glow shifted to orange, and Khitti could only smirk at it. “Quit being jealous. I’m not fueling my magic into you so you can project yourself. Everyone but Zahrani and Meri here think I’m crazy because I talk to a frakking sword. I’d rather keep it that way, thank you very much.”


Eleanor was doing a fine job lurking, oh yes. It might be her best lurk yet. At some point the sly wench managed to steal someone's whiskey, and now nursed it lovingly in-between clumsy little bumps into strangers - coincidentally, their pockets are subtly lighter now. Wonder what that's all about. Not that Eleanor has any clue, her attention's still on Meri - although occasionally also Lanara For. Reasons.


Khitti was absolutely grateful for Meri’s gift of booze. She could probably cry because Meri understood her so well, but she won’t. Instead, she offered a smirk to her sister and downed the glass, soon motioning to the bartender to just send over the entire damned bottle.


Quintessa nurses her rum. "Raphaline and Odhranos?" she whispers quietly to herself, "I had no idea..." The changeling can't help but smirk at such a cute couple. Perhaps this meant she should say hello to her old friend Raphaline too.


Lanara places the bouquet of flowers in a pitcher of water, making sure that all of the stems were getting the proper nutrients, as she opens her arms to pull Penelope in for a hug. Being careful not to bump into the healers drink, the witch is delighted that her new friend was attending the event. She was innocent, after all, so any qualms about dark rumors are far from her mind, as she speaks, “That color looks lovely on you, Penny! It truly brings out your eyes. I’m so happy that you’ve come tonight!” A glance over the healer’s shoulder is given to the blushing man standing at Linken’s side, “Are these friends of yours?” Once Meri heads to the bar for her drinks and hands Ranger back to Lana, the witch deposits him on the lap of Taly, so she’s now holding a puppy and a kitten. “They’re cousins, it’s high time that they met!” It’s easier this way, since everyone and their mother was pulling the witch in for a greeting or offering their congratulations. Raphaline and Quintessa are both blown a kiss, as Lana has met them on at least one previous occasion and wishes to make them feel welcome. Odhranos, who appears a tad lost, is given a friendly wave.


Krice was too far away from the puppy to be kissed by it, but the animal's bouncy happiness triggered a smirk to the warrior's otherwise reserved expression. Animals were charming. Talyara's shadow-plane feline was the next to receive his gaze, scrutinized quizzically. A glance from Khitti to the witch acknowledge the gift-giver and recipient, and warmth filtered through his eyes as a result. Talyara looked comfortable holding the tikifhlee. Khitti ultimately grabbed his attention again, though due to the sword that floated up behind her and was apparently communicating - as told by her response to it. Way, -way- peculiar, but he had seen weirder, so he recovered from that oddity relatively quickly. Odhranos and Raphaline were acknowledged simply with a look, but if either of them noticed him, he'd greet them with his customary nod. Whilst Talyara, Lanara, and others congregated around a table, the warrior remained at the bar. Despite his bond with the aforementioned brunette, he still preferred to remain on guard, naturally watchful of everything that unfolded between himself and Talyara, and around them. Unlike the lost-looking mage, the enigmatic warrior seemed quite comfortable to observe from afar.


Talyara is in her glory. A puppy -and- a kitty?! What had she done to deserve this much happiness.


Raphaline slips her hand into the crook of the mage’s arm as she follows him back towards the bar. On the way, she offers smiles and waves to those she recognizes: Meri is given a return wink, Lanara a swift grin and Quintessa a wave. As for those around the bar, she makes quietly waves to the feline paladin and Krice before turning her full attention on Odhranos. Grinning, she casually shrugs in response to his question about her trip. “Nothing too eventful. A few stops in some taverns, inns and what not. I got invited to a fancy party to play, which was glamorous and yet so utterly boring. Maybe that is why rich people adorn themselves so heavily; they have nothing else worth saying.” Chuckling, she reaches for the drink she ordered earlier and casually slips a few silver coins onto the counter for her and the mage’s drink. She tastes a small sip of the green drink, her eyes widening at the strength of the liquor, before downing a bit more. “What about you? How goes the lectures? Any recent student shenanigans that you’ve had to break up?”


Zahrani rejoins Grand-Mother Roahin, the elder feline woman carrying a staff and donned in aged terramancer robes. Her shrewd amber eyes rest on Lanara, offering a polite smile and a nod before responding to the compliment, "We were overjoyed to hear the news of your release, and Gamsiz couldn't resist showing off." The male cat continues to busy himself with replacing empty trays with full trays of morsels; the rice-stuffed mussels were a hit. The panther paladin grins at Khitti in regards to her comment about talking to a sword, turning to Meri and offering her a charming wink and a smile. One of the felines aiding Gamsiz, an adult woman well-dressed in a button-up shirt, pants, vest, carrying a tray of morsels around the room, glances at the shuffling figure that is Eleanor. ~That's unusual,~ she mutters in her feline language. A compatriot overhears her, before replying in the same language, ~We'll double-check our belongings when we leave, as always.~ They didn't much care if a thief was working in their midst, especially since they were on foreign soil, as long as they don't steal from the Collective.


Penelope is almost spooked when Lanara pulls Penelope in to embrace her. When she realizes that the woman is the witch, the healer finds ease and becomes rather giddy. “Oh my gosh, Lanara! Hi!” She is ecstatic. “I would literally not miss this. Figured I would show some support and well, you have just been a doll,” what a friend crush forming. The woman looks the witch up and down before gaping her mouth down at the woman’s shoes. “Those are –cute-. I love those heels! Don’t even talk about me, -you- look great,” Penelope did, in fact, love fashion. Perhaps that would have been another optional career choice if she was not so book smart. The girl then turns at the gesture Lanara is making. “Yes, yes,” the woman points. “You probably briefly crossed Ruari Erickson,” the tall man with the piercing blue eyes and dark black hair waves. “Mr. Erickson is a nurse back at the hut. He used to be my roommate a time ago back in Cenril.” The girl then points to Linken which she pauses because the man was complicated. Friend would be a correct term, right? Ex-lover, now friend that needed her help because she is the only one he can remember type of friend. Yeah, that was a story for another day. Not on Lanara’s day. “And the other one is my friend Linken. Figured he could use a bit of new faces tonight. Get us both out from that healing home. Gets stuffy, really,” she smirks and then finally sips on the beer given to her prior. “I hope to do lunch soon. I actually am dying to share some details with you. I think I need girl time. I don’t get a lot of girl time,” she laughs awkwardly. “As you can tell.”


Meri sasses off to her sister despite being fully aware of Khitti's mean right hook, because she can. "What? I still think you're crazy, just maybe not because you talk to a sword. That's only a small part of the reason you are crazy." Meri will make her sassing off better by refilling Khitti's glass once the bottle of whiskey that her sister orders arrives. The glances that the felines throw toward Eleanor do not exactly escape the werewolf's attention, but since they are speaking in a different language Meri has no way to warn the guild leader. She is oblivious, beyond trying to interpret and analyze what that glance meant. It may not have meant much? Meri did not know.


Talyara looks around the room and sees that everyone has seemingly gotten settled and she suddenly stands, taking Ranger and the tikifhlee with her. Taly deposits the latter into Krice's arms before moving towards the next closest person (Penelope) and plopping the puppy in hers. Grabbing a fork from a nearby table she taps it on the side of her wine glass, the resulting chime reverberating around the room and hopefully garnering everyone's attention. "Excuse me!" she calls out before precariously climbing up on a chair and waving her hand to call attention to the few who continued to chatter. "I'm sorry to interrupt your mingling but I just wanted to say a few quick words. If you wouldn't mind grabbing your drinks and raising them to the woman of the hour." Turning to face her sister, Taly likewise holds out the wine glass towards the elder witch. "I don't think there is anyone in this room who has never been the victim of adversity. However, no one can deny that your year has been anything but easy. I'm not going to waste anymore breath on what has happened in the past, what you have had to endure, but rather, I'd like to raise a toast in your honor, Lana. May you continue to hold your head high and face all of life's troubles with grace and dignity. I'm sure I speak for all of us here when I say we are proud to call you friend, confidant, partner in crime, and in my case, sister." Talyara's eyes catch Lana's in a more significant glance before she adds, "I know Mother is especially proud of you and the woman you've become." Clearing her throat to rid it of emotion, she concludes her speech with a loud, "to Lanara!"


Meri also fills her glass with whiskey quite shortly after she is done filling Khitti's so that she can join in on the tail end of Talyara's speech, "To Lanara!"


Lanara doesn’t feel the lingering gaze of the foxy lady that seems to be lurking amidst the area, as Eleanor is very sneaky, indeed! Lunalesca approaches Lanara with a drink in hand, since the little witch hasn’t yet had a moment to approach the bar. A nod of thanks is given as the spiked cider is sipped, and her attention is momentarily stolen by the sword smacking Khitti in the back. What the heck?! Vaguely, she recalls Khitti stating that the sword could speak to its wielder, but they had never gone into depth about its origin or powers. Thinking it’s akin to a broom, the witch gives her friend a knowing smile, as a plate of rice stuffed mussels is offered to her from Roahin. Smiling, Lanara accepts the offering and takes a tentative bite, purring in contentment as she nods to Gamsiz, “Compliments to the chef! And thank you for your kind words, Roahin.” An apologetic expression is offered to Penelope, as the poor woman had to wait for a lull in conversation to introduce Lanara to her friends. The witch lowers her plate and extends a hand in greeting to both Ruari and Linken, “Well met! I love to meet friends of my friends, as friendship is something I take very seriously. I appreciate that you both came to show your support, and I hope you enjoy your evening.” The elf is pleased to make the acquaintance of another elf, and she’s wondering if he is a healer, much like the company that he keeps. To Penny, she nods, “My schedule is wide open next week, but I will send you a letter and see what day works for you! We must do lunch!”


Khitti leaned over and nudged Meri’s shoulder with her own, her smirk still present. “Yes, well, you’re not wrong. I’d say I take pride in being the weird one in the family, but you and Brand and Dominic are all pretty frakking weird too.” It’s true. Talyara would make her speech not long after Khitti finished pointing out the obvious to Meri, and she’d lift her glass when necessary. There’d be no cheers from Khitti, for Lanara knew full well that Khitti supported her. No, for now, Khitti’s far too attached to that whiskey and she can’t exactly cheer for Lanara when she’s got expensive whiskey in her mouth. Well. She could. But expensive.


Odhranos laughs as his drink is passed across the bar. "Maybe that's why they are so keen on supporting the arts, it finally gives them something to talk about." Savoring that first ice-cold sip of cider, made all the more delicious by the long walk that preceded it, Odhranos turns to survey the crowd again, taking the time to meet the faces of people he knows now that he is more settled. Krice is greeted with a pleasant smile and nod, it had been months since he had last encountered the swordsman, shortly after his return to Xalious, in fact. Though he doesn't know Lanara personally, he deduces from the way that the hustle and bustle of the crowd seems to focus around her that she is the lady of the evening, so he returns her wave with another in kind. He spots Quintessa as she mosies through the crowd and the changeling is afforded a more familiar grin from the mage. "The Guild seems to have cottoned on to the fact that I'm now of a rank where they can start piling on the responsibilities, this is the first time I've been out of the Tower in weeks. They have me running lectures every other day, and giving tutorials to the apprentices whenever I'm not lecturing. It's a little exhausting." Odhranos leans on the edge of the bar and sups from his glass, closing his eyes as he savours the taste. "They've been pushing me to take on an apprentice of my own also. Provosts are expected to take a personal apprentice to study under them, on top of their other responsibilities. I've been looking at some potential candidates, but to be honest.." Turning and giving Raphaline a wry grin. "...I barely feel qualified to be teaching at all, never mind being the personal master of some poor apprentice."


Penelope is caught off guard again when a puppy is now shoved into her arms. The woman grits her teeth and sort of wraps the arm with her beer glass around the pup before grinning. “Well, aren’t you just the most precious thing. Oh my goodness,” she makes the tone that one would use for babies. Ruari Erickson then nears the herbalist to pet the puppy. “Ruari, I told you I have been wanting a puppy so bad. Why haven’t we got one yet?” The woman tilts her head. “Because you live in bedroom above your shop,” he says flatly. “Whatever, boo to you,” she then listens to Taly’s speech while caressing the dog. Oh, puppy breath. Penelope Halifax is swooning over puppy breath. “To Lanara,” she would lift the puppy paw with one of her hands while holding the beer in the other. Then, as Lanara shows her appreciation and returns to their conversation, she would nod. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll wait for your word then,” she grins while bouncing the dog.


Krice 's eyes drifted across the faces of those gathered in a languid, semi-predictable pattern, until Talyara's movements ensured that he ceased his observations--visual, at least; the ears were still working--to watch her approach. When she held out the tikifhlee, he reached out to take possession of it, tucking the feline against the lest side of his chest, whilst he scratched its chin with his right fingers. " Hi," he said, clearly quite taken with the creature--as 'clearly' could be observed from the otherwise stoic man. Turning his gaze back to Talyara, to find out why she had emptied her arms of the two young animals, the warrior listened attentively as she began her Lanara-centric speech, pride and love evident in the tone of every word. The warrior's demeanor softened and he adopted a lopsided smile that touched a dimple in his cheek - which the tikifhlee promptly began to groom. He squinted and lowered the animal to avoid further slobber as a round of cheers filled the air on Lanara's behalf, glancing briefly at the older sister before he noted his emerald-eyed companion once more.


Linken silently followed Penelope into the establishment, his head low and gaze focused on the floor as he silently prayed no attention would be drawn to him. Penelope would diverge on her path towards the bar, and Ruari on his way to locate a table, and for a few moments the elf's anxiety began to swell as he found himself standing in a crowd of unfamiliar faces. "Oh, boy," he grumbled beneath his breath, questioning whether or not coming to this was really a good idea. How did he let her talk him into this? Linken's gaze would shift from right to left, arms folded tightly across his chest as he surveyed the tavern and considered his options; He continue to stand where he currently was, surrounded by people and locked in a perpetual state of social paralysis. Or, he could either accompany Ruari to their table, or follow Penelope to the bar, a choice that he was able to make fairly quickly, given how much Ruari seemed to despise his presence. The elf took a deep breath and held it as he turned to follow her again post haste, swiftly and silently weaving between the other patrons and sliding up to the bar beside her before the void could be filled. "So, there's ah-" His voice cracked slightly, a hand swiftly lifting to cover his mouth as he cleared his throat before continuing, "...There' kind of a lot of people here. Are you sure this is a good idea?" Before he could continue to plead his case, the elf was approached by the barkeep, his posture snapping upright and hands clasping together on the counter top, flashing a nervous, rigid smile in response to their inquiry about his drink. " Oh. uh...No. A water, maybe? Yeah, a water is fine. I'll have that. Thanks."


Zahrani and the other felines raise their respective drinks, many of them elderflower wine brewed by Gamsiz. They join in the echoing phrase, "To Lanara!" After the toast, Zahrani grins and offers a wave of greeting to Raphaline, Penelope, and Linken, glad to see that the healer had successfully found him. Word of a potential thief had reached all of the felines; it was not an unexpected turn of events, given they're in a crowded location and people are celebrating. Alas, the cats of Isran keep a closer watch on their personal things. A smaller feline, taking the form of a house-cat, prowls the rafters, as if keeping an eye out for mice while casually surveying the party-goers below.


Penelope waves Linken off. "Don't fret, Lyn. Relax. Pet a puppy instead. Puppies make -everything- temporarily better. I got you."


Khitti apparently needed to hold a meeting for select individuals to meet Seika, so that they can find out that Khitti’s only -mostly- crazy. Not entirely. Maybe like… 98%. Look, there’s a looooooooong list of people in Lithrydel’s history that talked to their weapons. This one came to -her-, not the other way around. There’s no way this was her fault. Ever. Nothing’s ever her fault. At least, that’s what Mr. Whiskey was telling her. And I mean the alcohol Khitti’s drinking right now, as Brand could also be referred to as Mr. Whiskey.


Lanara blinks when her sister breezes past and deposits the hound puppy in Penelope’s arms and just walks off! “I’m sorry about that… His name is Ranger and-“ The chime of a utensil being hit against a glass reaches her tapered ears, and before Lanara can finish her sentence, everyone is lifting a glass in her honor! She wasn’t one to shy away from the spotlight, and she had hosted many events over the years, but for some reason this becomes a tad overwhelming. Never had someone toasted to the witch, or said they were proud of her for merely being herself, so Lana stands there like a deer in the headlights, with her lips slightly parted. At the conclusion of Talyara’s speech, she runs over to her sister and wraps her in a tight hug, tears spilling onto her blushing cheeks. The last bit, regarding their mother, hits so close to home that now they are –both- teary eyed! “I love you, Sister. Thank you so much for –everything- you have done for me, and your support during these trying times.” Sniffling, Lana releases Taly from the embrace and addresses the crowd, though she’s unable to quite meet anyone’s gaze in particular. Why was she suddenly so shy?! “Thank you all for coming tonight, and for supporting me through the expanse of the past few months. I-I… I just want to say that those of you that misjudged me at first, and didn’t believe in my innocence… That I hope we can begin on a clean slate, and that I don’t hold it against you.” Aside from Largakh, he was the single exception, and there wouldn’t be any forgiveness. “I also want to give a personal thank you to Lunalesca, my sister Talyara, and my two best friends, Khitti and Meri, for their unwavering support and assistance.” Lifting her glass, she smiles, “To new beginnings and friendship!”


Quintessa raises her glass idly to the toast, the motion feeling natural with the other people doing so. "To Lanara," she agrees, mismatched eyes flickering to the woman before returning to her survey of the crowd. Quintessa would have to meet the woman proper some day. As she meets eyes with Odhranos, she tilts her glass in his direction and crosses the distance between them to join him and Raphaline for a moment. "Evening, Provost," she says to him before giving a smile to the bard, "Evening, Raphaline. Enjoying yourselves?"


Penelope :: A Ranger puppy wave is given to Zahrani in return of greeting.


Eleanor eventually made her way through a second and then a third whiskey, and by that time she decided she'd had enough fun for now. Just as quietly as she had arrived, she sauntered past Meri, winked, and sneaked out into the night.


Meri :: The way Khitti was drinking tonight had Meri wondering if she would be able to make it all the way back to Cenril tonight. Worse comes to worse, Meri could rent out a room for her and escort her upstairs. Meri makes no move to relieve Khitti of her bottle of whiskey, that's not her place. As her sister, she was merely responsible for making sure that Khitti did not pass out in the middle of the forest somewhere. Another speech is made, another reason to cheer. Except Meri feels a bit weird 'cheers'ing herself...so in this case she just lifts her glass in appreciation for Lanara's speech. With so many people present, it's not surprising that Meri has not managed to greet everyone she knows. Penelope has not been forgotten, but parties were hectic. Now that Meri has a moment, she waves to Penelope from afar.


Talyara had barely managed to hop gracefully off of the chair after her to toast to Lanara when her sister is suddenly before her, wrapping her in a tight embrace. Her red wine slops over her hand but she carefully navigates it so nothing spills on Lana's dress. The hug is returned as well as a few tears that likewise spill down her cheeks as she gives the elder witch an extra squeeze. "I love you more. And just remember I will -always- be here for you, alright?" Now it's the woman of the hour's turn to speak and Taly steps to the side slightly to give her most of the attention and she smiles sweetly at the words. "To new beginnings and friendship!" she echoes Lanara before polishing off the remainder of the wine. Turning her attention to Penelope, the little witch ruffles Ranger's ears and grants the herbalist an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that! I didn't think I could navigate climbing onto a chair in -heels- to deliver a toast while holding a puppy and kitty." Green eyes swivel to Penny's companion and Talyara gives Linken a wave. "Hello there! I'm Taly! Pleased to meet you!"


Raphaline takes another sip of her drink as she listens to him. Nodding to the bit about more responsibilities before breaking into a grinning and making a playful suggestion. “Well, Provost,” she begins as she leans in closer to the mage so her next words stay more or less between them, “I might need to make my next trip to the tower to make sure you get a break from all that work, no? Maybe you can show me the best places in the library too?” She crooks a brow at him before she pulls away, casually returning to her drink as she smothers another bout of grins and possible giggles. She really loves giving the mage a hard time. It is then she spots Quintessa heading their way, and offers a nod of greeting before she waves to a near by seat, offering for her to join them. “A good drink coupled with good company always makes for a great night. How are you Quin?”


Penelope has a grin growing on her unpainted lips. “Are you kidding me? Don’t apologize ever for sticking me with a puppy,” she laughs. “I love this little guy. I just don’t want to end up spilling my beer on him on accident. You had a –great- speech. It’s good to see you again,” she says reassuringly. In the distance now, she notices a familiar blonde. Meri. She had wondered how the woman was. The freckle-dusted herbalist also gives the blonde a pupper wave before maintaining that grin all the same.


Khitti side-eyed Meri as she waved to Penelope, “You know, you don’t have to babysit the alcoholic. You can go see your friends.” She hadn’t said it with any kind of attitude though. She just felt bad that Meri knew so many people here and Khitti wasn’t feeling entirely social today. “I’ll be fiiiine if you want to go. I’m better at watching people than I am socializing with them. Socializing requires me to make friends first,” she said with a smirk before drinking a bit more whiskey. Of course she had friends, but her list was a very short one and she liked it that way.


Odhranos , rather goes a lovely rosy red at Raphaline's mention of the library, and the implications of what the "best places" might be for. "You'll have my apprentices giggling for weeks, I'd never hear the end of it." When Quintessa approaches and greets Odhranos with his title, he laughs warmly as he moves to make space. "The same to you, Quintessa. What say we leave the titles aside for the evening? I don't feel like being particularly Provostly for a while." Odhranos grins as he turns to face Raphaline. "I didn't know you two were acquainted, Xalious seems like a smaller place every passing day."


Talyara grins at Penelope and nods in understanding. "Puppies are the -best-. If you ever want to adopt one, let me know! The sanctuary is always getting some in. But if you'll excuse me, I have a stoic warrior to bother," she adds with a wink before wiggling her fingers in a departing wave to Penny and Linken. Back to Krice she goes and relieves him of the tikifhlee. "Wanna get food? I think we should get some food."


Linken was mildly startled when Lanara approached and issued a greeting to him, his arms snapping down and folding behind his back as he pivoted on his heel to face her directly. Since his awakening, the number of people the elf had socialized with could easily be counted on one hand with fingers to spare, and an uneasiness pervaded the tone of his voice as he flashed an awkward smile, attempting to hide the nervousness in his expression with a deep, polite bow of his head. "Yes, M-Ma'am! The pleasure is all mine! This is a very nice...er- crowd, you have here." A nice crowd? What kind of response is that? Linken winced, lifting his hands from behind his back and waving them apologetically. "Gyah!- What I mean is, a lot of people have turned out here to show their support for you. I think it must be great to have so many people who care."


Enelys showed up, shoving cheese in her face and looking around at the gathering without a clue as to what was going on. If it wasn’t about her, how important could it be, honestly? She stood with a fist on her hip and a gnawing paranoia in the back of her mind that assassins or thieves would be after her as if some word would have already gotten around about her illegal dealings earlier that day. It was scary, but it felt kind of good too - breaking the law is fun if you can get away with it! But had she gotten away with it yet? Enelys shook the thought and looked for someone fancy to announce herself loudly to...


Zahrani surveys the crowd gathered, before finally taking a seat near Meri and Khitti. To the tattooed leader of the Adventurer's Guild, the paladin says, "I asked Khitti, but I forgot to ask you too: how's your family doing?" Meanwhile, Gamsiz and Atakan, the latter Sphinx feline being an employee at The Ginger Snapped Bakery, take a break and invite the other felines to do the same, now that the majority of the party attendees had gotten food. In the background, the small band of feline musicians plays a festive Yuletide song, the sound of drums, dulcimer, and zither intermingling with the chatter of the tavern.


Quintessa slips her rum before nodding at the half-elf. "That is does," she agrees, "Ol' Odhranos here is okay once you get him out from behind his desk." Quintessa laughs at her own joke, her slender fingers running through her short hair. "I've been okay, just trying not to die. The normal stuff. We should catch up sometime, I've got a place in Vailkrin now." Mismatched eyes flicker over to the terramancer before she offers him a slight smile. "Same goes to you. Anytime you need to get away from Xalious my doors are always open." A slight smirk is given to the pair, "I have plenty of room to accommodate you both, in fact."


Meri side-eyes Khitti right back. She answers Khitti with a shake of her head, for she really has no intention of getting up and leaving the alcoholic. After a moment, the blonde leans over to have hushed words with her sister. The exchange is a brief one, with Meri only murmuring a few quick words to her.


Lanara sips her drink and tucks a rogue strand of hair behind a tapered ear, surveying everyone that had come to the tavern on this night. Some were here for the free food and booze, others were here to congratulate her on beating a nearly impossible case, and there were a few stragglers that didn’t know –what- was going on, but were excited to mingle and have a good time. All in all, the Green Fairy was a very happening place, and Lanara is touched to be surrounded by such love. As everyone speaks and passes the puppy around for cuddles, the witch finds her attention drawn to Khitti and Meri, one of which is nursing a bottle of expensive ale. Choosing to sit at their table, she crosses her legs, and pokes Khitti on the arm, “You doing alright? You seem a little down tonight…” The blonde is offered a smile, “Keep an eye on this one, hm? She’s had quite a bit to drink and I don’t have the place above the flower shop since the case is closed.”


Krice :: Obscured by the fur of the temporarily-his tikifhlee, Krice's iron bangle began to glow orange. The feline purred in response to the heat emanating from the 'jewelry', but Krice shifted the animal onto his right arm, to free up the left. He turned toward the bar, asked the 'keep for a glass of water to drink, and in that time did something obscured. He nodded his thanks to the keep for the water, which he ignored, and turned back to the room. The iron bangle was on his other wrist, beneath the tikifhlee, and back to its natural hue. The enigma released a sigh, diverting his gaze to watch Eleanor depart the room, and squinting in distrust. Why? Well, they had a very, very short history, during which she proved herself untrustworthy. To him, anyway. Just then, Talyara returned to him and he breathed through a lazy half-grin, pleased to see her. As she took possession of the tikifhlee, who only briefly protested with a grumble because she liked the warrior's warmth, but also didn't mind returning to the witch, he acknowledged her request for food and said, " Yeah, sure. Right this way, little lady." The warrior turned to pass Talyara, leading her through the crowds and over to the buffet table. There, he'd procure a plate and line up at the dishes atop the table, glancing to the emerald-eyed woman. "What're you having?"


Meri 's blue eyes swivel toward Zahrani when the feline joins their table, greeting the feline with a smooth smile once she is done with that hushed exchange with her sister. "My family is doing well enough." Okay, Callum was maybe not doing so well....but her fiance was a private man and Meri preferred to respect his privacy as best she could. This often meant she downplayed things. "He's actually at home with Fleur right now. Probably fighting with her to get to bed, I bet. Have you ever met our daughter? How is your family?"


Mahri's here, somewhere, lurking in the shadowy places and probably enjoying a drink or three. Parties are fun, right? She hated parties, but where else would she be able to catch the latest gossip or news from outside of Vailkrin? This didn't seem like that kind of party though which was fine, really. At least they had food.


Penelope almost waves Talyara goodbye, but she follows the woman first and sticks the puppy in Krice’s arms at the buffet table. “Someone might wanna snack. Sorry, Krice, gotta drink,” the woman then smiles at Talyara and Krice before wandering back off to return to Linken. “Let’s sit, ‘kay? I know this is a little overwhelming. We will leave shortly. I’m a little nervous for the both of us,” the woman is now talking about the entity in a low voice. Linken should catch on. “I just wanted us to feel normal, y’know?” The girl then begins to swivel throughout the room to the table that Ruari had picked out prior the socializing. “So, Lyn, how are you… actually doing?” The woman seems rather fidgety at her question as she taps her fingers on the table idly. The girl then takes a few gulps of the citrusy brew in her hands. She was on edge lately with the metallic-armed elf.


Zahrani nods, grinning at the thought of trying to convince a cub to go to bed. In response to the psion's question, the panther responds, "Well, you can see some of them here, celebrating Lana and keeping everyone fed. The rest are doing well in Cenril, preparing for winter. There's a Yule parade we do in our neighborhood. After Darkest Night, children dress up like nature spirits and dance in the streets, ushering in the new season. I was actually helping a couple of our young ones gather antlers for their costumes in Kelay the other day."


Khitti let out a snort at Meri’s response. “Yes well.” She wasn’t sure where she was going with that, so she left the thought to just hang there. The templar shook her head at Lanara, “I’m alright! Really. And after Venturil, I’m perfectly fine with holding my liquor, thankyouverymuch. Kind of have to be to deal with that place. And… most places in Lithrydel to be honest.” And places that were -not- Lithrydel, like the Shadow Plane, but she was not going to bring that up in front of Meri and Lanara.


Krice was only -just- about to pick up a serving-spoon when his free arm, the left one, was filled once more with another animal. He sent a bemused blink in Penelope's direction before apologizing to Talyara with a wistful smirk. "I'll hold the plate, you grab the food," he said, turning to angle the empty plate in front of her, whilst his left arm was fully occupied by a slobbery--he tolerated it admirably--puppy.


Talyara nuzzles her face against the yet-to-be-named tikifhlee as she walks in Krice's wake towards the buffet trays of food. As she passes the table where Zahrani sits with Meri and Khitti, she is given a playful poke on the arm and a wave. When they reach the array of food, Talyara audibly laughs out loud, the kind that has her head tilting back, as Penny deposits the puppy in the warrior's arms. Tempering her amusement just enough to pick up the serving spoon, Taly begins to dish out a sampling of everything onto the plate. "Do you want your own plate?"


Raphaline chuckles, amused by the suggestion of the changling. "I would be happy to visit, and I might be able to drag him out from behind the desk as well." She finishes off her drink and sets the glass atop the bar before turning to Odhranos, a quiet look before she nods towards the door. "It is getting a bit late, and I think I'd like a bit of fresh air. Mind walking with me back to Xalious?"


Enelys whipped her luxurious purple robes around and tilted her steepled hat, keeping the unruly mass (some might even say barge) of water falling platinum locks away from the ruinous way the minuscule mage devoured the local foodstuffs provided. She walked with a practiced ladylike gait in splendiferous boots and peered critically out at the huddled masses with indigo eyes.


Khitti || The mention of Vailkrin caught Khitti’s attention, though she hadn’t heard much else besides that. Human hearing was so… lacking compared to what it was when she was a vampire. Oi. She took a moment to look in the direction of where the conversation had come from, but there were so many people in the building that it was a bit hard to tell. Hrm. Khitti gave it a moment of thought, then resumed her drinking.


Meri knew that Khitti was upset. Meri could only do the best that she knew how to do, which was to keep the liquor coming. It's not that Meri did not care about Khitti's current emotional state, she just knew better than to press too much on this matter right now. Especially in front of so many people. Khitti would talk if she wanted to talk, she knew that Meri was always a willing ear for her...or willing sword. So Meri just made sure to keep Khitti's glass full of whiskey. Zahrani, "A parade? I don't know when the last time I saw a parade was. Could I bring Fleur down to see the parade with you and yours sometime? It might be kind of fun."


Lanara nods in response to Khitti’s words, though she senses that everything is clearly –far- from alright with her best friend. She didn’t want to argue though, and as long as Khitti was content with nursing a bottle and not in any imminent danger, she would keep silent on the matter. A look of concern is exchanged with Meri, however, and she hopes that the psion can pry a little more from Khitti, as they were sisters and she may be more willing to speak. The witch laughs as the puppy exchanges arms again, and Ranger wiggles and wags his tail, as he sneaks licks to Krice’s chin. If the warrior were to glance the other way, he’d find that a meatball just may slide off of his plate and into the hound’s waiting mouth. It was all part of the puppy’s malicious meatball plan! Lana offers a pleasant smile to Penelope, and she studies Linken from afar, thinking about their strange greeting. He almost seemed robotic in the way he introduced himself, and she wonder if he’s always so awkward around strangers. Maybe he disliked being in such a large crowd? Enelys and Mahri walk past her, and she greets them with a soft, “Hello! I hope you enjoy your evening.”


Enelys || By the powers that be, that person has a metal arm! Well I just have to know about that. Enelys sauntered over to the cripple and fluenced an introduction preceding loudly with her name - “Salutations, I am Enelys Ruza - star mage child of Willington Village! Lyn, your name was? I’ve come from a rich family of a small village, and although my experiments with magic have allowed me to see all manner of great and terrible things, I have yet to see a prosthesis such as yours. Tell me more,” She chewed curiously with bated breath for answers.


Krice's smirk broadened to incorporate amusement and pleasure, derived from Talyara's laughter. He shook his head when she offered him a plate, speaking in tones rounded by mirth, "Nope, I'm fine." The warrior nodded to redirect Talyara's attention to the plates of food on the table, indicating that she needed to choose something to eat. The puppy cradled in his left arm seemed content to sit there, occasionally licking his cheek, along with playful bites toward the tikifhlee, and distracted glances at the food.


Odhranos grins at the teasing of the two women. "Right, I get the message, I need to get out more. I also haven't visited Vailkrin in quite a long while, I've been planning on looking into that library you mentioned" Laughing warmly as he finishes his pint, the mage raises a curious eyebrow before a gentle smile tweaks his lips. "I'd be delighted to." Placing his glass back on the bartop, Odhranos pulls his coat back on as he prepares to leave. "Ah, Quintessa, that reminds me, I've been meaning to organize a meeting with yourself and Provost Grace. There are some changes to the curriculum that we need to discuss, if you have the time." Odhranos' words were perfectly innocuous, but a slight hesitation in his smile belayed the meaning behind his statement. With one final nod as he excuses himself, he follows Raphaline to the door of the tavern, before they set off homeward.


Linken breathed a faint sigh of relief as Penelope cut through the crowd and located him once again, placing one hand on the counter-top as he relaxed his posture and lifted his free hand to scratch the nape of his neck beneath his hair. "No, yeah, I'm fine, definitely." He wasn't doing a good job of hiding his nervousness, but her honesty about her shared opinion did manage to ease his mind, somewhat, though the thought of being the reason behind forcing herself to leave such a party didn't sit well with him. "Okay..." He nodded in response, following her to the table where Ruari sat, and it wouldn't be long before he interjected himself into their conversation, not even giving the other a chance to speak his response before issuing his solution. "Listen, I'm sorry, to both of you." The elf stepped around from behind Penny, now in plain view of both of them. "I don't want to be the reason neither of you can stay here and enjoy yourselves; I've put you guys through enough as it is. After all, neither of you two are the problem. I'm sure Ruari agrees with me..." The elf took a deep breath and sighed again, lurching forward and pressing both of his hands down on the table for support. "I can just go back to the house and wait for the two of you. I'll be fine."


Quintessa gives a farewell nod to both of her friends. "Yes, of course, and then perhaps we can visit the Black Library while you're in town too. Just send word to House Dragana and I'll be happy to discuss the new curriculum. I'll drag Veneficus Kasyr along too. He's been wanting to meet the two of you. Anyway, don't let me keep you any longer. Goodnight." She watches the two leave before turning back to scan the crowd. One more drink and she'd think about heading out.


Talyara wrinkles her nose at Krice when he indicates that he doesn't want a plate of food and she even sticks out her bottom lip in quite the impressive pout. "You're going to make me eat alone? I know this was all a part of your elaborate plan to get me fat!" She's teasing of course and still turns her attention to the platters of food before addressing Ranger. "What do you think we should get? What looks good?" Everything apparently looks good to the excitable pup for wriggles in Krice's arms. Taly quickly scoops the food onto the plate before inclining her head towards a vacant table. "Maybe we should go sit?"


Khitti listened just a little bit more closely now to the Vailkrin-centered discussion as she tended to her whiskey. Vailkrin. Library. Quintessa. Those were three words Khitti wasn’t keen on hearing together. The only truly important library in the entire city was the one within House Mahara’s domain. Was Bradyn truly just letting anyone waltz in there these days? It wasn’t so long ago that someone practically had to give the guy their firstborn child to get in there. Hrm. Perhaps she needed to have another visit with him soon… “Do me a favor and keep an ear out for anything interesting in that direction,” Khitti whispered to Meri, motioning with her eyes towards Quintessa, Odhranos, and Raphaline.


Zahrani glances to Khitti as the templar drinks, offering a soft smile to the woman before continuing the conversation with Meri, "You are absolutely welcome to join us. You could even join the parade itself, if you wanted to dress up." Roahin overhears the conversation, leaning against her staff as she enjoys a glass of cider. She offers the psion a wave, before speaking in her aged feline accent, "In my opinion, anyone who is friends with members of our Collective is welcome to join. Especially if you call the city your home. It is an old celebration of the wheel of life and its turning. There will of course be food and drink, and the parade ends with a bonfire by the sea."


Krice's smirk persisted following Talyara's teasing words, but then he naturally returned to a more reserved state once she began to pile food onto the plate he held. The puppy wriggled with excitement over the lean contours of his left forearm, but the warrior held him comfortably to prevent him from falling. Once the plate was ready, he offered a nod to Talyara and indicated for her to lead the way. "You choose." As he pivoted to follow her, he noted the unease between Linken and the two to whom he spoke with only a passing glance.


Mahri takes note of familiar faces. Quintessa especially and even Enelys, the later getting a wry shake of her head.


Penelope :: The elf before her was, in fact, someone she hardly knew. The nervousness was a new trait to her. Linken had always been so confident, heroic. Now, he just seemed to be an innocent man. He was foreign to the herbalist. Ruari raises his brows at the elf and did not step in to stand up for the elf. Ruari Erickson had his opinions on Linken and thought that he was way too dangerous to even be around the girl. Ruari just sips idly on his drink like how a frog sips his tea. Penelope, on the other hand, shakes her head. “No, Linken do not apologize. I wanted you to enjoy yourself too. I’m sorry that this isn’t the best place and I know things are… strange. Let me come with you. I’ve made my rounds. Besides, I had my beer,” she finishes off the last ounce of her drink. Ruari then blinks. “Well, I’m not leaving. Let him go, El. He can do what he wants.” Just then, Enelys interrupts them which she sort of eases when she is able to tame what was almost venomous coming out of Ruari’s mouth by stepping in to say hello to the elf. While those two interact, Penelope leans into Ruari. "Don't be such a jerk.


Talyara hoists her tikifhlee into a more comfortable position before weaving her way through the throngs of people and settling into a cramped table in the corner. The shadow kitty is placed on her lap where she is welcome to curl up before the witch tugs her plate of food towards her, leaning down to inhale the aromas. "This all smells delicious. Are you surrrrrre you don't want some?" she asks waving a forkful of rice in the warrior's face.


Quintessa grabs another rum before scooting next to Mahri. "Hey," the odd girl says to her, "Making these appearances a habit, huh?" A pointed grin would be shot at the wolf before she takes a long drink of her alcohol.


Meri pushes up from her seated position, linking her arm with Khitti's so that she can prepare to drag the redhead home. It makes her sister's whispering to her all the easier. A brief glance is shot at Quintessa and company, but it seems to Meri the conversation Khitti wanted her to eavesdrop in on has found it's end. "Oh, I don't know about participating, but we'd very much like to come watch at least. Send me word on the details for this so that I can try and come? In the mean time, Khitti and I should head out. We're just going to say goodbye to Taly and Lanara and then be on our way." Which also effectively serves as a goodbye for Zahrani too. As soon as Meri was able to, she'd drag Khitti off to Taly and Lanara to say those goodbyes.


Mahri side-eyes Tessa with what can only be described as a grunt. "Gotta keep an eye on you somehow."


Krice followed Talyara to that cramped table and lowered her plate to the table-top, thereafter pulling out her chair with his newly-freed hand. After tucking her in, he took up a seat next to the witch but facing the room, settling the puppy into his lap. The warrior furrowed a brow in conveyance of his bewilderment. What was he supposed to do with this animal? Talyara's rice-waving drew his attention next and he dipped his head in a diagonal 'shake', politely declining the offer. " It's all yours."


Linken feared social nightmare shifted into a reality as Enelys suddenly approached him from out of nowhere, her loud introduction provoking a brief terrified scream as he clenched his heart in panic, his long, blonde hair whipping around and smacking Penelope in the back of her head as he spun about to face the mage. "AAaahh! Hello there!" Linken wheezed for a moment as he caught his breath, eyes widening as he observed Enelrys and listened to each question-inducing extension of her long-winded greeting before finally reaching the question at it's conclusion, only giving a few short blinks and a confused stare in response. "...Uhhh, wait, how did you know my...?" His name. It couldn't have been a guess. As his attention fell to his arm, he looked it over with a curiosity all his own; He had been awake for several weeks, but no knowledge had returned to him in regards to his prosthetic and how it was obtained, let alone how he lost his arm. "I...Wish I could tell you, but I honestly don't know ma'am. I've been having...er, 'issues' with my memory. I'd like to know about it as much as you, I'm afraid..."


Talyara huffs at Krice's refusal to share in the meal so instead she turns her attention to Ranger. "What about you?" she asks the puppy in a singsong voice. "Do you want something to eat?" Plucking a meatball off of her plate she hands it over to the floppy eared basset hound before partaking in that forkful of rice for herself. Once she's done chewing she leans in close to the warrior to whisper in his ear.


Lanara is eating one of the rice filled mussels when she sees that Talyara is enjoying her dinner, and Krice is just watching on, as his arms are occupied by Ranger. Laughing, she finishes her drink and walks over to the couple, “Come here, Little Guy.” Plucking her puppy from the warrior’s arms, she grins, “Now you can enjoy some food, too. Don’t let my little sister dine alone! Try the rice, it’s amazing. And the carrot cake from Khitti’s bakery is heavenly.” Rocking the puppy in her arms, like one would a baby, the witch makes her rounds and offers hugs and hello’s to those that she knows. Eventually, she bumps into Ruari and Penelope, who seem to be in a heated discussion. “Are you both having a nice time?”


Zahrani nods, bidding farewell to Meri and Khitti before rejoining Grand-Mother Roahin and Gamsiz. As the night stretches on, they would eventually pack things up and depart back to Cenril.


Khitti was being dragged away from her alcohol! Help! She was being kidnapped! Clearly! Wait no. For once in her life, Khitti was not being captured. Coins were dug out for the booze and left on the table as she snatched Tenbatsu Kaji out of the air and Embershard from the table and shoved them in between Khitti and Meri’s linked arms for safekeeping. And then she made sure to grab that bottle. She was nice enough to save some of the nice expensive stuff for her husband! All that shuffling about woke up the tikifhlee in Khitti’s hood and batted her in the back of the head a few times. “I swear to the gods, the next thing to hit me is getting stabbed,” she said, shooting a look over her shoulder at the cat. But yes. She let Meri take her wherever. Lead on, Meri! To the witches to say goodbye! And then to the Tranquility before Brand ate all the goddamn cheesecake.


Enelys saw the wearer flinch in a way that seemed strangely pleasing. “Aahhhh,” She cooed, immediately laying her hands on it and him and smoothing them over the mostly cylindrical surface, appreciating and measuring, knocking it and listening, already trying to guess at its inner workings. “Well then, you should come by my room in Xalious sometime, we can close the door and be alone where I can explore your bodily means of functioning this device. How does it move h5he way you want it to, what is it made of, how was such a delicate shape and interlocking, smooth joints achieved - surely some magic is at foot here and I must know,” She was nearly drooling already, humming with the idea of possessing knowledge previously unknown. It seemed rather marketable and perhaps even profitable if she could recreate it and gift it to victims who would trade their allegiance for limbs. She could see it already, an army of mechanical limbed soldiers, unable to tire or grow sore, impervious to fire and blade, and the glory they’d win in her name...


Penelope :: Ruari Erickson shakes his head. “I’m not being a jerk. I’m looking out for you,” he whispers back harshly. They bicker for a while in silent lip movement. As Lanara’s voice rings from the side, both Penelope and Ruari side-eye the woman as if caught for something terrible. “Oh, Lanara, hey, sup,” Ruari says trying to be smooth. The freckled girl then squints and looks at the dark haired man. “Why do you sound like that?” Her nose is crinkled in disgust. “Stop.” Moss eyes then return to the witch. “Yes, we are. Thanks! We might head out soon—“ she is then cut off by Ruari. “-They- might head out soon. –I’m- staying.” He tries to make that as clear as possible for the pretty witch. Meanwhile, Penelope is rolling her eyes.


Talyara waves goodbye to her canine nephew when Lanara swings by to finally relieve Krice of Ranger.


Meri would indeed lead on! First she'd lead on to Lanara, where they said goodbye to the witch. "Another splendid party, I am glad we got to celebrate you being an innocent woman." Meri does her best to contain a smirk when she speaks of Lanara's innocence. Then! They go to say goodbye to Talyara, except she is enjoying dinner with Krice. Rather than interrupt them while they were dining, Meri wiggles her fingers to them from a distance and then she and Khitti slip out the door.


Krice received some meatball sauce over his hand as the puppy munched on the treat, courtesy of the generous Talyara. He shot his companion a faux-chastising look for the mess but overall, he wasn't genuinely bothered. Lanara arrived shortly after to retrieve the puppy from him, and he was glad - though he seemed fond of animals - for the freedom. He acknowledged the older witch's words with a glance at the table, Khitti's carrot-cake in particular, before returning his focus to the woman at his side. Whilst retrieving a napkin to wipe away the meatball juice on his left hand, candlelight glinted off the faintly-glowing iron bangle wrapped around his wrist, and he responded to Talyara in equally hushed but casual - tones.


Krice fares Meri and Khitti well with a flick of two fingers, somewhere in there.


Talyara catches that wave from Meri and offers her and Khitti an enthusiastic one in return!


Linken yelped when the woman grabbed his prosthetic arm and began caressing it, all the blood in his body rushing to his face as he squirmed and tried to wiggle free; As far as his weak memory permitted, this was the most physical contact he’s -ever- had with a woman, and he could in fact feel her hands all over him. This was, after all, no ordinary metallic limb; The joint was bonded to his flesh at the shoulder, and it's surface was sleek and sheen, Enelys' own reflection staring back at her as she ogled over the limb. There were no joints, bolts, gears or pneumatic systems involved, for the entire arm was one piece, and though solid and cold to the touch the metal seemed to fold and flex when he moved just as plain muscled do, and a deep well of magic could be sensed ever welling within. However it was made, it was truly a marvel of both magic and scientific achievement. "Hey!! What are you- Oh! My goodness, you're, aheh, you're all... over me, hey, can I have that back, please??" Linken's eyes shifted over to Penelope, his face nearly melting from embarrassment as he silently pleaded to be saved from this situation.


Lanara smiles as Ruari vehemently assures her that he’s sticking around, at the same time that Penelope states that they have to leave. Unsure which one to believe, she gives her healer friend a gentle hug, “I understand, feel free to take some sweets back with you for the patients. There’s enough to feed a small army! And we will do lunch next week, alright?” Linken is given a warm smile, and since Ruari is still gazing at her, she gives him a quick hug, too. Meri and Khitti approach and say they have to depart, and Lanara doesn’t force them to stay long into the night drinking, like she may have on another occasion. It had been a long week and she’s happy to put this trial business behind her, “Thank you both for everything, I love you, girls!” The psion and templar are given tight one armed hugs, as Ranger does his best to lick them goodbye, too!


Talyara frowns slightly at Krice's words but nods in understanding. Her right hand idly strokes the soft green-tinted fur of her tikifhlee while the left begins to move the food around on her plate contemplatively. Green eyes scan the tavern.


Penelope can hear the pleads from the elf and she turns to find the half elf woman all over the man’s arm with fascination. The man is begging for anyway to escape. “Err,” she then turns back to Lanara and hugs her in return. “Of course, it was lovely. And I’ll see you next week sometime soon then.” The girl then turns back to the Linken situation. Ruari is warmed by the hug and his cheeks fill with a pink shade. “Linken,” the herbalist now exclaims. “We ready to go?” This was very, very odd. She gives him a hint to hopefully get out of it. She knew that Linken was innocent to not remember flirtatious and physical exchanges. He had lost all of his memory of that.


Enelys smiled in a vicious way as she saw her reflection and felt the vast amount of power thrumming within the man’s metal arm. “Oh, yes, I simply must know more about how this works - promise me you’ll visit me Lyn, so I can study it and get a little more acquainted with your marvelous appendage - I’ll make it worth your while,” of course just being studied by a powerful mage she thought of herself and her exuberant presence should be compensation enough. After all, Enelys had no idea why no one wouldn’t want to visit just for her.


Krice adopted an apologetic expression following Talyara's frown, and he leaned in slightly to continue their hushed conversation.


Lanara overhears Enelys marveling over Linken’s appendage, and she wonders what the woman would do if the elf was missing more than an arm! A dirty thought strikes the witch and she bursts into a fit of giggles, but thankfully, she turns away so no one would figure out –what- she was laughing about. So much for being an ‘innocent’ witch!


Linken gulped nervously at the woman, her carefully placed innuendo far too obvious to go over the elf's head. Regardless how much of his memory he had lost, he still knew enough to understand that. " Oh. I, um- uh, well. You see, I-" It was at that moment Penelope intervened, acting as his saving grace from this embarrassing exchange. "Yes! Oh, absolutely!" Linken turned back to Enelys, an awkward, apologetic smile stretching from ear to ear and he cautiously pried his arm free from her embrace. "I am...so terribly sorry, I do have to be going, but it was -very- nice meeting you, touchy...feely...lady." The elf stumbled backwards a few steps as he wiggled himself free, brushing himself off and adjusting his belt before pulling his sleeve back down. "I'm quite sure I'll be seeing you around, haha..." After all, he had a feeling this would not be the last time they crossed paths. She did, after all, not only know his name, but his -true- name. That couldn't have been a mere guess. His nerves would begin to creep up on him at the mere thought of him being watched or examined, backing up just enough to avoid falling back into the woman's snare before clenching Penny's wrist tightly, giving her arm a slight tug as to signal that he would follow her out whenever she was ready. Very soon, hopefully.


Talyara flicks her gaze back to Krice when he continues their hushed conversation and her expression softens in spite of herself. "You're silly," she informs the warrior, but her tone was affectionate. Figuring she shouldn't let the good food go to waste Taly resumes taking another forkful. Lana's fit of giggles carries across the now emptying tavern and Talyara looks in her direction and gives her sister a quizzical look.


Krice was vaguely aware of innocent commotion elsewhere in the room, but for the time being, his attention was focused on the emerald-eyed witch seated beside him. He leaned back in his seat following Talyara's reply and smiled fondly, shrugging his shoulders in casual acceptance of her observation. He could indeed be silly. Shifting in such a way that he could rest against his chair while angling his back-mounted katana alongside the wooden backrest, the warrior assumed a comfortable, relaxed posture and gazed out at the thinning crowds, arms folded over his chest. The iron bangle around his left wrist began to glow red, faint but visible to those close enough, and he squinted in contemplation of something.


Enelys fully believed Lyn was agreeing to visit her, and she was sure that if he didn’t, she would be certain to track him down. She wondered why he was so flustered for a moment but she was too thrilled to think about it long and sighed contentedly to herself watching him go. “Goodbye, newest test subject,” she said quietly before turning back towards the desserts. Wait, who was that person he left with? Enelys would have to remember that woman’s face.


Penelope felt Linken’s tight grasp around her wrist. Desperation. “And we’re off, Ruari. See you back at the hut,” she would wave with her other hand. The woman is now strung along behind him as they make their way out of the tavern. The physician looks over her shoulder to peer at the strange half elf who was fondling Linken’s arm. The woman and the blonde then disappear out the tavern doors. What an odd ending to the night.


Lanara cuddles the puppy to her chest as her random bout of giggles dies down, and she wanders over to her sister and the warrior, offering them a kind smile. “I see you have your own tikifhlee, now? Cinder and her sister will have to have a play date, soon! We’ll arrange one, Taly, perhaps after our annual Yule party?” There’s a brief pause, as last year the part was held at Elioyahazer’s home, and technically Lanara was homeless. “Maybe we can host at your cottage in Frostmaw?” Her smile is a little strained as she stifles a yawn, “I have to get this little bugger to sleep. But, I hope to see you both soon! That was a beautiful speech you gave, Sister.” Giving them both a parting hug, the witch makes her final round about the tavern, before sidling up beside Lunalesca. The two speak in hushed tones as the caterers begin to clean up for the night. All that is hear from the mouth of the witch is a final, “Thank you…” before she heads upstairs to the room she had rented for the evening. The truth was –finally- public, Lanara had been cleared of all charges, and the witch would work hard to rebuild all that was lost in the past year. This wasn’t only a happy ending, it was also a clean slate, and a new beginning.