RP:Yuletide Authority

Summary: It's time for the yearly Yule Ball in Frostmaw! Everyone is dressed to the nines, and a few participate in the tradition of asking Aramoth (represented by Hildegarde here) for a holiday boon. Eirik and Raven win King and Queen of Love and Beauty, then Gilwen and Ansel pummel each other to build hype for the Titans of Winter tournament. Good times all around!

Frostmaw Fort Main Room

Pilar and Yozenra entered the grand hall, arm-in-arm and wearing simple but stylish dresses. Pilar was wearing a green one with three-quarter sleeves and an open back to show off her graveyard tattoo. Her hair was up in a neat bun, and adorned with a single red poinsettia. White slippers covered her feet, and gold studs rested in her ears and left nostril. On her finger was a silver ring with an amethyst set into a flower. Yozenra's dress was silver, with long sleeves and beading along the bodice. Silver beads had been placed in her dreads, and a sprig of holly was pinned near her left shoulder. Her naga tail was gone, replaced with human legs for the evening. She wore an onyx necklace and matching black slippers, and her finger bore a silver ring with filigree on either side of a marquise-cut yellow citrine. The duo headed straight for the refreshments table, scanning the growing crowd for familiar faces.

Artia had placed soft, but bouncy curls along her waist length dark strawberry hair. The sides pinned up in ruby hair clips, helping the longer length frame along her body better and aid in showing the chandelier like ruby earrings. About her neck a navy-blue lace choker, dangling down from a white gold chain with a tear drop shaped ruby, resting above such ink. Lightly applied makeup, mascara to curl those long eyelashes, shimmering eyeshadow, lip-gloss upon her face. Along the curving hourglass, the vampire sports a skin-tight affair, till further down to the wide hips. The dress is of ruby and navy blue; highly sequin laced up maxi dress. Stunning navy-blue sequins create an art-deco-inspired design atop the medium-weight knit of ruby lining, as it shapes this elegant gown with a lightly pushup sweetheart bodice, featuring a v-bar and princess seams. Fitted about the waist cascades into a mermaid maxi skirt with back slit, side slits each three measuring to thirty-one inches from hip to bottom. The back of such stunning attire features a lace-up open back, not hiding her tattoo of the tree of life. Each element burned into the barn as a brand. No sleeves are apparent, further showing the ink enchanted Vines that are a bright green and twist up her arm ending at her elbow and beginning at her wrist. Upon her feet reside two-inch heel, covered in navy blue sequins, the heels ruby red. At her side, stands her sixteen-year-old daughter with hair pinned up in sapphire hair clips. Allowing a few curls to hang out, while the rest cascades down against the back. Mascara as well, with a soft amount of blush and hot pink lipstick upon her plump lips. About her neck, hangs a sapphire pendent Ava's attire consisting of sapphire-blue lace maxi dress; lovely, sheer eyelash lace tops a darted sweetheart bodice, long sleeves, and half open back. Fitting the young girl's thin waist, tops a stretchy, mermaid look of a maxi skirt. Red sequin about the bottom of the dress and in the hems in the shape of poinsettia flowers, reaching to the teenager's ankles. Upon her feet like her mothers were sequin covered heels, but Ava's in the color of sapphire. Her one grey and one blue eye scan the surroundings, staying close to her mother to point she locks arms with her. Artia offers her child a comforting smile, patting her hand to twirl her towards a table they would sit at.

Ansel had spent a decent part of the day travelling to Frostmaw. The children were with a young teenage babysitter in Ansel’s hotel room. Jenson, the ex-nanny and Ansel’s family friend, travelled up to Frostmaw for the ball to spend time with Ansel and her new rich husband – Edvin. Basically, this meant that Jenson was dressing up the men for the party, mostly Ansel. “Ow!” Ansel cringes as she is trying to tighten his bow tie. “Oh hush now! You’re worse than Dana and Shia,” this continues on for another hour of the pulling and tugging. While heading to the ball, Ansel tries to pull out a smoke for the nerves until Jenson snatches it from his thin lips. “The hell, Jenson?” The wolf sounds hostile. “Ansel James, you are not going to smell like ash if you are dancing with a young woman. It’s common courtesy!” The three show up to the gates with the rest of the crowd. Jenson is in a plain silk sapphire blue gown with a white furry shawl, and Edvin is in a crisp black tuxedo. The one who sticks out like a sore thumb in their pod is the Cenril clinician who shadows them. His curled hair is brushed in a swoop on the sides and the waves rest “stylish” on top of his head while curls fall over his forehead. He is more cleaned rather than looking like Shirley Temple on the average day. The man is well-trimmed, still keeping that gruff edge to him, but not looking like a tired wild beast. Ansel’s suit is what really highlights his features. Below, the man wears a white dress shirt, a burgundy brown bow-tie, and a matching burgundy brown cumberbund. Over the dress shirt, the man wears a gold velvet blazer and he also wears black fitting dress pants. The man is Yule-ready and snazzy. His hands are stuffed in his pockets as he moves behind the two until they find the drinks.

Bastion wasn't normally one for balls and other large celebrations... but after the events of Larket, he felt the need to stay social, to keep his finger on the pulse of whatever society he surrounded himself with. Thus, he'd come to the Yule Ball... and would spend most of his time offering massage and acupuncture to all who would partake, on a set of high beds set aside for his use, by courtesy of the Queen herself. He even had beds sized for the giant residents of Frostmaw, who's large and unique physiology posed interesting and unique challenges for him. He found himself quite enjoying the chance to help in such a place, and enjoyed being bundled in a suspiciously suave and comfy looking wool coat, which made him look like a big bundle of kiddo. He wore his robes under it, of course, but he'd yet to truly acclimate to the Frostmaw clime, and it was a harsh one, indeed.

 Raevyn was nervous. Much more nervous than at any other point in her life. She had never been to a ball before. Such prestigious and formal events were always out of reach for a girl of her social status and wealth. Yet, when she found those fliers posted upon the board of the dorm room in Xalious, she eagerly jumped on the opportunity to attend. With a little encouragement from the guardian that accompanied her, Raevyn finally entered into the main hall on the arm of that large undead man. Thanks to the perstering and persuasion of the two women he often spent his time with, Baelok had come decked out in one of the fanciest suits his money could buy. He went classic for the most part, with black shoes, black pants and a black jacket over a violet waistcoat. Under the waistcoat, a white silk button down shirt that he would try his damnedest to avoid staining throughout the entire night. To accent his outfit, he wore silver cufflinks and a violet bow tie. Although, as dapper as he looked, his undead features were still a little off putting to those of a living nature. Raevyn was quite assuredly not the same conservative girl most had met. Not tonight. That blackened attire of a gothic nature as entirely discarded for elegance. She arrived in a satin, strapless ball gown that had a sweetheart plunge down to the sternum. The dress itself was a dark violet at the top, and appeared to ombre into lilac toward the bottom. Unseen would be a pair of violet, gem encrusted slippers on her feet- Meaning she was not looking as tall as she usually had been in her heeled boots. To accent her dress, as well as compliment her dearest friend, Raevyn wore silver and diamond teardrop earrings, as well as a silver and diamond ornate bracelet on her left wrist. Upon her neck she wore a violet choker that was studded with diamonds housed in silver settings. To keep herself from getting too cold in this land of frost, the young girl wore a silvery wolf-fur shoulder cover. Her hair, usually thin and straight, was styled into side swept curls that hung over her right shoulder, with a flower shaped silver and diamond hairclip stuck on the left side of her head. Corpse-blue eyes shift over the arriving crowd, and with the nervousness still present, asks her guardian and her half-elven friend, “What do we do?”

The radiance of the ice kingdom fortress was unlike any she had seen before. Somehow, she had been expecting walls and chandeliers of crystal clear ice that would be pleasantly cool to the touch, something more from a setting that would make one reminisce of ballet about dolls and mice and dreams of crystalline fae. The warmth of the tightly packed logs offer a more rustic charm to the fortress, though, and it seems more fitting for the Queen. The impression of Queen Hildegarde was based on just a brief view of her when she began to protest the execution to the furious monarchs, but nonetheless, the bardess knew that this was more fitting. The avians and hobbits of the Smyth College that had traveled with her wasted no time branching off into pairs and smaller groups, leaving her to take in her surroundings alone. This didn’t bother her in the least, though, not after the more dramatically-inclined of the students took so much time to help her get ready. (“What do you mean you’ve never been to a Yule Ball?” “So this will be the first time you ever celebrate Yuletide?” “If you will be attending without a date, then the dress has to show enough to ensure you’ll leave with one, then!”) They teased and fawned over the ‘cute’ human for hours, and now Kanna could finally breathe. She felt uncomfortably lighter without the heirloom koto on her back, but she trusted Yoshika to safeguard it. (“You can’t let it out of your sight. Ever! Ever!!” “No worries, I will be on the lookout for the case growing legs and walking away.”) Instead of fiddling with the ends of her sleeves or the hem of her shirt, the bardess lifted a maroon gloved hand to rub the material of a nearly identical-colored scarf between her fingers. The familiar scent of earth and smoke relaxed her some. The maroon fabric draped around her collarbones in a rounded foulard shape in lieu of a necklace, and could have easily passed as the collar of the deep sapphire gown. The fitted sleeves of the dress disappeared under the gloves just above her wrists, kept from bunching back up and exposing her wrists to the cold with-- costume, of course-- pearl bracelets with faux diamonds scattered between them. The fitted sleeves would lead up to a mock puff shape from her mid-upper arm to her shoulders. Around her hips, just above where the skirt of the dress began, was a similar maroon sash, tied into a neat bow at the small of her back. The skirt of the dress, similarly, would fall just inches from the floor, extended just slightly outwards in a bell shape with layers of tulle beneath. The dress itself had no intricacies in design, no velvet damask patterns, and no glitter, nor sequins, as one may have expected from the bright bardess. Her usual loose walnut curls were pinned into a high ponytail, and her usually skewed bangs lay soft against the pale wheat-colored skin of her forehead. As she turned her head this way and back to admire the fort, the-- also costume, mind you-- diamond and pearl drops swayed with her. She felt just a bit plain compared to other women here, even though she had been so bold as to wear a lip color just a shade brighter than her maroon accessories. Still, she would have fun here, wouldn’t she?

Talyara slips into the main room of the Frostmaw Fort doing her best to blend in with the crowd; this witch was not one to enjoy being the center of attention, even for a minimal amount of time. Her plain attire is a testament to this. The witch is quite festive, draped in cranberry hued fabric made of satin, the sleeveless gown hugging her body before flaring out at her knees. Slightly heeled black shoes adorn her feet yet they remain unseen under the flowing fabric of her dress. Her unruly, wavy locks seem to have been tamed into more elegant twists, tied in a knot below her right tapered ear where the remaining locks flow freely over her shoulder. To accent her simple style yet continue with the Yuletide theme of the evening, some holly leaves and berries are pinned into the knotted part of her hair. Talyara wears no makeup despite the fact there is an abrasion on her right cheek, the flesh there slightly inflamed causing her eye to squint. Once she’s inside, Taly skirts around the other guests in attempt to fixate herself against a wall and remain as inconspicuous as possible.

Lanara steps into the ballroom, a wide smile on her face, and her arm laced through Eirik’s. The couple is dressed to the hilt, and their attire perfectly matches, as though they had used the same tailor, and the same pattern of fabric. The witch looks exquisite in her custom designed gown, which is a rich shade of midnight blue, with silver sparkles swirling throughout, and an elegant silver filigree design embroidered at the hem. The gown is strapless, with the top being that of a corset, and the lower half gently easing from her slender waist, to flow outwards in a bell shape, all the way to the floor. A thin lace is sewn to the gown, from her hips downward, and adds some extra sway with every move she makes, making it the perfect ball gown for dancing. Silver gloves reach up to her elbows, and she’s wearing silver ballerina slippers on her feet, though they go unnoticed as her dress graces the floor, with a hint of a train following from behind. Her long chestnut locks have been expertly twisted into an elegant updo, with one curl purposely left out to dangle against her left eye. There is a hint of makeup on her face, to accentuate her already fine features, and her eyes have been done in a charcoal liner to make her chocolate hues stand out. On her left wrist she bares a lovely corsage, with three small white roses and pale blue baby’s breath, complete with a dusting of silver glitter. Diamond studs adorn her tapered earlobes, and she wears a matching diamond choker across her neck. Lana looks as though she’s a princess that has just stepped into a winter wonderland, and she can’t help but blush as several other party-goers stop to point and stare, in awe at her beauty. She’s not one to take a compliment though, and she mentally insists that it’s the dress that leaves them breathless, so she nudges Eirik. “Thank you again for spoiling me… I love this gown. I may never take it off.” Each step she takes causes the gown to sparkle, and she’s careful not to step on the hem of the dress and cause a tear. Her date always made her feel so nervous and clumsy! The duo walks further into the room and Lana sweeps her gaze through the crowd, looking to see if any of her friends have already arrived at the Yule Ball.

For many at the ball, their entrances are grand - filled with lustrous displays of gaudy colored clothing and smiles plastered to their features. True to such frivolities, the Northman is but another parading into the Fort of Frostmaw dressed for these festivities. Themed to match his date Lanara, who happens to clutch at his extended arm. Firstly, he had trimmed that beard which had been growing upon his features down to a very neat and tidy short cropping; it does help to hide that gruesome scar upon his hardened features. His normally messy long and light brown hair, carries mild decorations, which are less wild than the beads he usually adorns; swept back and tied behind his square-jawed head. A few unruly strands have fallen, only adding to the character of Eirik this night. The beads are a mixture of colors, blues, silvers and blacks, themed for the wolf he personally represents. An ornate double breasted, wool lined, midnight blue overcoat with silver stitching, has intricate patterns of knotwork around its’ cuffs and his peak lapels. The six silver, engraved buttons perpetuate his wolf theme further. Those calloused hands are covered by silver gloves, lined with fur to help keep out the cold of Frostmaw. A long black leather belt is affixed to his midsection, over the outside of his coat. Where a buckle might normally reside is instead a simple knot - his style had been one of the times. His trousers are much the same, fit to his form and matching the entirety of his theme. Well kept black formal boots cover his feet, and berate the ground with clicking every step. To complete this affair is a sky blue rose boutonniere surrounded by babies breath pinned to his jackets pocket. The whole ensemble is set to match Lana, without the sparkles of course, but add a twist of his own nature. The accent colors chosen only match those bright hues his eyes perpetrate. “You’re very welcome,” he nods once and returns a quick jab. “I may never let you.” His attention however, twists to the crowds, where he guides his elf into the room, looking for familiar faces.

Shishi arrives at the fort in a carriage built for frost giants and pulled by mammoths, guest of honor that he is. The dark haired vampire has to leap down from the coach lest he wait for portable steps, which he doesn't. White shirt, black tie, no jacket. Standard attire for the reigning Titan of Winter, who probably fought at least one match of the outgoing year’s tournament in a very similar outfit. While walking this event's equivalent to the red carpet, the sport celebrity does some waving, fist bumps a couple giants, and signs an autograph or two. Press from all over Lithrydel are if course in attendance for the event of the season. The assassin handles softball questions about the tournament, his field of expertise, easily enough, joking about who he thinks the favorite is this year, etc. However when they get away from those questions, many of the others center around his first wife and the state of Vailkrin, which technically he still calls home. He flat out avoids or talks around those, at one point asking instead, “Is Leo going to be here?” Once he gets past the media, he gives one more half-shy point and wave and moves into the fort, emerging on the other side at the yule ball, just a little later than the time on the invite.

Leone 's sense of style is atrocious, truth be told. But the priestess is not one to be lax on the fanfare, and has attented in full regalia: mammoth fur and wolf hide robes dyed a gradually increasing shade that fades from grey to black. The petite priestess's outfit is complete with the traditional braids of her station, weaving sterling and jet black strands into intricate chevrons. Aramoth's insignia is dyed into the mammoth fur mantle that drapes her shoulders and back. Almost immediately, the cleric moves from her position in the doorway of the fort's throne room into the Hall proper, where she promptly snags a drink: A Frostmawian Ale.

Ansel is chit-chatting with the couple before him, keeping a glass in his hands for looks, but not touching the liquid in the glass. Out of the corner of his eye, the man notices a familiar figure in the crowd. The clinician turns his head to find Talyara across the room through the swarm of people. The Cenrilian takes note and he nods once or twice to Jenson and Edvin to try to not seem rude until he says, “Excuse me for one moment,” and he leaves them hanging mid-topic. The man grasps a drink for the woman in the process. “Talyara,” he calls. As he takes a glance at Lanara, he gives the woman a nod with her date – if she should notice Ansel – however, the wolf has his eyes on Talyara again. He approaches her, and extends the glass for an offer. “Hi,” he is short and sweet and smiling ever-so-charming.

Blut enters the ball in his traditional suit. Black pants and blazer with a white shirt and a blue tie. Despite regaining his sight he still had to wear wraps so he figured he'd keep up the facade of his blindness. He used a cane to help him navigate through the crowd. Without his illusions he has no means for a disguise so he does his best to blend in. Keeping only one dagger tucked away neatly by his waist.

Bards Guild members had come earlier in the day to set up their equipment and while people were arriving they played some times background music. Some instruments look different or unique and there are a few potions being taken by the singers to help with their voice. Anticipation can be seen on the guild members and college student’s faces.

Bastion was beside Kanna in an instant. "Hello there, friend. Glad you could make it." If she was plain, he was infinitely more so... for someone at a ball, he sure hadn't dressed up. Of course, his vows forbid such frivolities... he was sworn to poverty, and humility was part of his dogma. His wooly black coat worked fine until he was too warm, then his normal robes did the trick just as well. Someone would have to force him to wear something snazzy if it were to happen. "You look lovely, Kanna." He seemed less interested in all the festivities, and more in the people. "It's so odd, watching giants side by side with us smaller folk. Just... getting along, at that. Never thought I'd see such a thing. Boggles my mind. How are you?"

Raven and Corvo enter, but entirely separate seeming as he walks in a full minute before she does with a small detail of three secret service guards with her, but they are to be blending in and not be obvious. This is some swanky thing right? Raven chose a black velvety number which accents her curves and carves out room for where those large onyx wings connect to her back, but the front in the shape of a wide boat neckline across her collarbone. The small hint of a train to her gown was barely able to sweep over the floor as heeled steps hurry herself to the nearest table to a window for, as childish as it may seem, she’s never seen snow. She looks down at her red damp hands from feeling the snow to which Corvo and her promptly had a fight because apparently senatorial candidates can’t play with snow?! A glance around the room as she takes a seat at an empty table and her gaze would rest on current familiar faces, half smirk, half a bow of her head at them in acknowledgement before she turns herself towards the window a bit more to stare out it at the snowflakes. She might look happier if she tried to make an effort, but for now all she can think is, ‘snow is weird’, while her bored expression remains untouched. She nearly goes to push the glasses up the bridge of her nose after she wiped her damp cold hands on a table napkin, but realized she wasn’t wearing them today and she goes back to letting her mind wander while staring out at the snowy night. Corvo was really tiring of Raven and, okay, he’s pounded - like six strong whiskeys before they got here because he hates the cold and had to ~literally~ argue with Raven on ~everything~ for tonight…. Okay, he was glaring a little, and buzzed, and wanting a touch of revenge for her sarcastic quips lately. So, he gets the bright idea of entering her name in the King and Queen of Love Beauty contest. Surely she won’t win it, but she will definitely not like being entered in the first place - take THAT, Raven! Hinder Windgate is probably sitting at the table his parents reserved, he’s dressed up in a black suit with a slate grey undershirt and tie, but looks bored out of his mind when he’s not schmoozing people along with his parents.

Talyara ’s eyes are quickly drawn to her sister who enters the fort’s main room shortly after she does. The witch cannot help but smirk to herself when she sees Lanara’s attire for the evening. She is reminded that while they share many similarities, when it comes to style and grand entrances, the elder sister takes first place. Despite her trepidations about Lanara and Eirik’s relationship, she couldn’t deny how happy they looked together. Talyara is just considering leaving her spot against the wall to greet her sister when she hears someone call her name, turning to see the clinician headed her way. She chuckles when he approaches but accepts the glass all the same. “Following me all the way up to Frostmaw now, are you Ansel?”

Celaeno :: said dearest friend stood arm and arm with the violet and lilac flower that had made itself a human shape for the night--or so she thought if she were to attempt to wax poetic. Celaeno had help arranging herself as carefully as she would her tools, all smooth curves and flowing lines. Each strand of dark hair had been coifed and folded into an chignon that exposed the silver choker she wore with its festooned chains and black diamond insets. The cloak to keep out the cold matched the silver furred one Raevyn wore, though it did little to hide her finery for the event. Her dress was her simplest adornment, a form-fitted black gown that hung from her bare shoulders, with a train that trailed on the floor behind her. She strode in with her chin high and shoulders back, like a noble lady who had practiced balancing books on her head under a tutor’s hard stare. It was a formal event, after all, one had to be presentable when entering before dancing and drinking took over. Her starkest decoration was not a any jewelry, nor clothing specific to the occasion, but her glove-like, silver gauntlets. The metal glowed with neat rows of various runes, some that swirled where they linked, as if the one who had carved them wanted to add a flair to the otherwise practical artifact. They showed years of study and a determination to survive, for any bold enough to ask why. For the night at least, Cela chose to expose them for the treasures they were, instead of hiding behind tattered robes. Armed with as much dignity as she could muster, she gulps and leans in toward her companions. “Perhaps we should eat? Or would it be better to save that for later?”

Kanna smiled down at the young monk besides her, relieved to see a familiar face. "Bastion. Good evening." Standing against a wall away from the crowd. She gave a small laugh. "As a monk, would such peace not be something to be happy about?" She absentmindedly clasped and unclasped her hands at the question. Turning to him, she starts to speak with a somber expression before her attention is caught by-- "Are those acupuncture tables?!" She says quietly, but still loud enough to convey the horror in her voice.

Ansel raises his brows and raises his glass. “Once you know me, you can’t get rid of me,” he smirks. Well, unless he ditches you because Jenson and Edvin are staring from very far away with gossipy eyes. He noticed her face the first moment he saw her, but he makes no comment yet. “Did you want to go see your sister? I’ll come with and say hello.”

Lanara gives Eirik’s arm a gentle squeeze and lifts her hues to admire her handsome date. She was one lucky little witch! Although the pain in her back was slowly returning as the numbness spell wears off, she refuses to let her date see her discomfort. Yet, she wasn’t strong enough to walk more than a few feet without assistance, and so she gently nudges her lycan. “Can we get a drink?” As he nods in consent, the two slowly glide through the crowd, and several party-goers stop to stare at the impeccably dressed couple. One elf, in particular, has the audacity to grasp Lana by the forearm and ask the cost of her dress! She narrows her eyes and then breaks into a smile, understanding that the woman was merely being complimentary. “It was nine thousand gold… I have a very adoring boyfriend. The fabric was imported from Rynvale. Please, excuse me.” And so, they were on their way and they arrive behind Leone, at the table of drinks. Lana plucks a strawberry wine from the table, and sips slowly, her cheeks reddening. “Oh my god! My favorite! I love strawberry wine!” She was excited, and it showed that she didn’t get out all that much. Several stop to gawk at her outburst. She in turn, waves to Ansel and Talyara, and hugs her date closer.

Bastion looked to the table, and back to Kanna, "Yes, I'm offering my services during the celebration. You don't have to partake, but I do massage as well as acupuncture, of course, for those who dislike the idea of needles." He looked quite comfortable with what was going on around him. "It is nice to see such peaceful coexistence. If only Larket could be similar...."

Ashe was exactly where you'd expect him to be. It was as if the bard hadn't left but remained exactly where he had been since Hildegarde's coronation. Seated on a corner of the musicians stage with a violin across his lap and the instruments bow dangling lazily out of his left hand. As he bent forwards, leaning on a elbow against his knee, his midnight blue, star spangled, half-cape wrapped around his entire left side and hid much of his form. The dazzling white dress shirt he wore only visible by the widely blooming sleeve of his right arm. Tonight the bar jingled merrily, little bells attached to the bottoms of his loosely fit slacks – matching the starry cloak – as well as a silver bracelet around his right wrist. He was chatting merrily with the other musicians and the odd guest. Jauntily trading pikes and jests with giants and hobbits alike. It was as if the bard was a constant fixture of the court, rather than a rarity.

Gilwen is here with Maegus and Syelnar, and all three are dressed real snazzy, believe you me! Details later at 10.

Artia had got up from the table after placing the white flower gifted to her from Ashe into her hair behind her ear, such pale color complimenting her whole attire, even her pale skin color. Ava silently noding towards Bastion, "Go ahead, do not leave though." While Ava went to sneak up behind Bastion, yelling boo at him, with a playfully flick to his horns. Artia would go to the bar to grab a drink, only to see Lanara. "Lanara!" She exclaims excitedly, then noticing her brother, "Eirik." Looking between the two, pointing at them with a large smile. Only then noticing the item Lanara wore that belinged to eirik, making her eyes for wide. "Spill you two!"

Alvina and Hudson are running late. This is standard for people with children. They are stepping out of the carriage while most of the guests are inside. Hudson pays the driver while Alvina adjusts the white faux fur wrap around her shoulders. They make their way inside - Hudson dressed smartly in a navy suit and Alvina in a matching dress that cuts at the hip. The neckline draped elegantly across her shoulders, leaving the dull pink scarring of her prosthetic arm visible when her wrap is removed. Alvina’s hair is up, twirled in various curls. Hudson appears to have shaved. She’s a little about it. Before she can blink, he vanishes and reappears with a mocktail and his own beverage of choice so they can mill around in the crowd.

Eirik does see a plethora of faces he recognizes here at the ball! He is actually a little shocked to see so many all in one place. Though his date Lanara has his attention the moment she speaks. “Of course.” Eirik nods and guides the way towards the drink maker, only to be interrupted by Lanara’s envious admirer. He is happy that’s over rather quickly and continues to help her along the way. While she takes her wine, Eirik snatches something less refined; Ale, before giving a wave to Artia. Like he’d give her the juicy tale. Lords, his eyes almost roll into the back of his head.

Hildegarde was glad to hear that guests had begun to arrive within the Fort. It had been quite some time since an event of this scale had been arranged at Fort Frostmaw, longer still since it was a joyful event. The last Yule Ball was a rather horrendous one, particularly for Hildegarde who feels a need to steel herself to endure this one. As is tradition, Hildegarde enters the main hall from the throne room: the massive blue steel double doors open wide, the Queensguard standing ready and alert as the Queen of Frostmaw emerges from the throne room and into the main hall. She offers a smile to those gathered and a brief raise of her hand in relatively awkward but stalwart greeting. She was a soldier, not a hostess! “Yuletide greetings to you all,” she announces when the hall falls somewhat silent. “I am pleased to see you all here on this fine evening and I am happy to share with you the splendour and warmth of Frostmaw. Whilst we have a frosty exterior, you’ll see that our warm hearts more than make up for our cold hands!” a murmur of laughter from the gathered giants and locals within the hall. Hildegarde’s face takes on a more serious expression though, something more akin to a sombre expression. “I know that most of us have recently witnessed – or heard of – the events in Larket; the execution of Valrae. I know that many of you are against the actions of Larket. I stand with you in your condemnation of this deed and I vow to you today that Frostmaw will support and protect those who need it. We will be the shield of the weak and the blade of the weary,” she assures those gathered. “But… there is a darkness in our land that is growing. A darkness not just in Larket, but something more foul. My own good Steward, Lionel O’Connor, has been fighting hard against the rising darkness but we cannot fight this alone. I ask you all today, in the spirit of togetherness, the spirit of kind wishes and love, that we stand together against the rising tide of evil in this realm. Whether that be the persecution of witches or the tyranny of another, we stand together,” the Silver taps the breast of her tunic, drawing attention to the red Xalious tree pin attached to her tunic; symbolising a unity she extends to those gathered here today. The serious business completed, Hildegarde offers her classic champion smile to the crowd! “We are here today to celebrate, however, and to enjoy the bonds of friendship. So eat heartily, drink well and be merry!” Lisbeth, the Captain of Hildegarde’s Queensguard, steps forth to bring Hildegarde some kind of cap which the Queen exchanges for her royal circlet. The Queen dons the fur-trimmed cap and beams at the crowd, “On this night, we partake in ancient Frostmawian tradition. I believe my…” she fights to suppress a cheeky grin, “my lovely assistant shall detail a delightful tale to you now!” The Silver gestures to Orikahn at this point, taking a seat in a rather grand wooden chair that has been brought out behind her by members of the Queensguard. A small, fur trimmed stool has been placed next to her chair.

Baelok didn’t take long to unlike his arm from Raevyn’s once he spotted a familiar dark skinned avian across the room. She was the only one that seemed of interest at this shindig, as the woman often came off as disinterested and bored as he was. “You two go have fun.” he comments to his charge and her half-elven friend, Celaeno. “I got someone to bother.” The dapper death knight left the girls then and made his way over to where the Senator sat, calling out to her to make sure his presence was known. “Hey. Fancy pants!” With Celaeno’s first suggestion turned to food, the ebon haired girl lit up like a christmas tree. “FOOD. YES. Please.” she said, looking around for where any sort of buffet may have been. It wouldn’t take long before she, much like Baelok had, spotted a familiar avian. A classmate in fact, and a star athlete in the city of Schezerade.”Wait. I want you to meet someone!” Raevyn leads Celaeno over to the table where a handsome young avian was seated, a bit of a wave preceding her greeting. “Hinder! Hi! Meet my friend, Celaeno.” To the half-elf she would smile proudly, “This is Hinder. We share a potion making class at the… Wait. Did I tell you I enrolled into the College in Schezerade?”

Bastion said, "I am with you, Kanna! For Frostmaw! For Yuletide!"

Orikahn steps into the hall during Hildegarde's speech and stands at her right, looking non-plussed. clad in a blue, bell-bangled talbard of blue and black with a pair of costume imp wings on his shoulders. His fur is blue likewise, probably by means of a powdered pigment, or so one might guess the by faint, dusty blue haze that accompanies every movement. On his head is a red cap, trimmed with white fur and topped with a simple white pom. Ears stand pert as he listens, attentively, to Hildegarde's opening words. Catching his rehearsed cue, clears his throat, raises his hands, and begins his tale. "Listen up!" The great saber cat growls, maw wrinkling in a toothy scowl, his basso profundo rumbling through the hall like a crash of tumbling rocks. "I am the yuletide snow imp." He glares at the crowd to suggest it's better they do not question his identity. "I sing the song of Aramoth and the Yule Cap." Kahn looks to one side, then the other, then begins. "Once, on a night just like this, Aramoth deigned to come down and associate with such the likes of you." To call it "singing" is clearly false advertising; he's just yelling the same note. "Stern Aramoth, god of battle, came down on a winter wearing a hat," Orikahn unsheathes a glistening claw to point sternly upward at his own cap, "just like this one," his three eyes flash dangerously. "SO ENAMORED WAS ARAMOTH with the cap of your ancient ancestors, the cap of the yuletide season that he, Stern Aramoth himself, knelt to grant each brave soul the chance to ask of him ONE BOON." Orikahn thrusts his finger high for emphasis, stirring up a cloud of blue dust in the process, then points at Hildegarde. "Tonight, Queen Hildegarde offers her knee in Aramoth's stead, so come, any brave souls, and make your yuletide wishes!" A final flash of fangs accompany this last, and he looks daringly, menacingly into the eyes of the crowd. His big, fluffy blue tail gives a swish, stirring up more pigment. Whoever dares, may approach.

Hudson relieves his wife of their winter outerwear once inside the venue to handle the husbandly business of coat check. In the coat check line, he converses with other husbands, mostly to the effect of making jokes about how the coat check line is always mostly husbands. But also the line converses a little about Lanara, who apparently is so dazzling that certain idiot husbands in the coat check line point and stare openly. Not Hudson, although he looks and then declares, "Oh, it's Lanara!" before waving at Lanara and thereby trollishly attracting her attention to the coat check line of gawking men. "Later dudes," he says to his fellow men, leaving to go procure drinks. Wives have a way of vanishing on you, he swears he searches the entire venue before finding her again. He hands her her drink. "I think you should go sit on the Queen's lap," he comments mildly.

Kanna shook her head adamantly. "I-I would like to be less fearful, but maybe next y-" She let out a yelp at the "boo", even it wasn't directed at her. Turning to the woman with a hand on her chest, she scrunched her eyebrows as if to say, "Why?!"

Leone spies Pilar and the yet-to-be introducted fiance (or, at least, whom she assumes is the fiance), and makes her way toward the pair. The smith dips her head in a semi-formal greeting to the vampire, and adopts a genial smile. "I was happy to receive the invitaiton to your nuptuals," the holy woman's sand on silk timbre cuts through the general din of the festivities, "Congratulations! And I will be attending - er, that is if you don't need me to officiate?"

Talyara shrugs her shoulders and breathes out a faux sigh of annoyance. “Well I guess I’ll just have to live with it.” She’s teasing of course, and sips the drink that Ansel had brought her with a grin on her lips. “Ooh, strawberry wine. This is Lana’s—“ Taly is cut off by a sudden voice from across the room. “MY FAVORITE!” Talyara laughs at Lanara’s outburst but is soon waving Ansel to join here. “Yes, let’s go say hello.” She pauses mid-stride as Hildegarde enters the room, falls silent as she makes her eloquent speech and feels the warmth of hope well up inside her. Once she “releases” them back to the festivities she continues on her way towards her sister.

Lanara giggles at Eirik’s reaction when his sister appears before them, though she does offer a sly response. “Oh! This is my date, Eirik. Have you met? By the way, I love your dress, Artia.” The elf takes another sip of her wine, to stifle a giggle. Obviously Artia knew Eirik! They were, in a sense, siblings! She chose to play coy, rather than divulge the truth about their relationship. If her lycan wanted to dish about their love life, he was welcome to, but she felt a little shy speaking about such things in such a public place. Glancing around she spies Bastion and wiggles her gloved fingers in his direction, and a quick kiss is blown to Raven, before she returns her attention to her date and Artia. “How is Ava, these days?” As she’s in the middle of conversing with the redhead, Hudson warrants her attention and she peers over her slender shoulder to see a row of men eyeing her derriere. It was phenomenal, even in a lavish ballgown. She narrows her eyes in disgust, and mouths a ‘thank you’ to the soccer star. Later she’d be sure to visit with Alvina and inquire about the bard’s guild.

Pilar looked to Hildegarde as the queen entered and spoke. She frowned at the mentions of Valrae and Kahran. She'd heard about Valrae from the witches who'd moved to Chartsend. She'd fought Kahran's forces herself. Yozenra wrapped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed comfortingly. Orikahn's tale of Aramoth and the Yule Cap did bring a smile to her face. Were people really going to go sit on Hildegarde's lap? Leone's approach drew her attention away and Pilar smiled. Leone, once up close, might recognize Yozenra as one of the patients she and her clerics had purged of the curse. “Thank you, Lady Leone,” Pilar said. Yozenra, usually stoic, offered a small smile to the blacksmith. “Yes, thanks. I don't think we were ever properly introduced. I'm Yozenra. I hear you helped banish that curse months back. I owe you for that.” Pilar smiled. “We both do. And, while I appreciate it, we have an officiant already.”

Shishi has, in the past known Frostmaw to not offer a variety of vampire friendly drinks, so he ends up with a spirit in his hand that doesn't feature the word ‘blood’ in the name. He takes a look around once he has a moment to himself between meet and greets with fans of watching people be punched in the face. Undead bloodsuckers are in the heavy minority here, from what he can tell. Sure, he has a grandsireling present in the form of Artia, but someone told him that she doesn't drink blood anyway. What a mutation to come of The Blue Demon’s bloodline. Also Pilar, he knows that's a vampire. So there's at least two others… What's she drinking, he wonders…

Pilar fed before the ball and is drinking red wine. Sorry, Shi.

Ansel adds, “Sound so happy much?” he teases, of course. As Hildegarde enters and gives her grand entrance speech, the man nods along. With the catastrophe that was Larket, there was hope among them. As they carry about their jolly business, the man turns back to Talyara. “I grasped the first thing I saw,” he shrugs nonchalantly. He then follows behind Talyara towards the stunning Lanara and her date, and he remembers the last Yule and how they were not even talking. Times have really changed, and with that, he starts to drink.

Eirik is still recoiling from rolling his eyes - though smiling from his dates reaction. The marker Lanara wore is a clear enough sign for Artia. “This is my date.” He gives a pause allowing them to speak for a moment. “Lana,” a hand gestures to Artia, “Artia. She’s family, and will probably want to know -every- detail. Just a heads up.” Eirik is so obviously teasing her, before raising that mug to his lips. “How’s the strawberry wine?” There is so much going on! Are people sitting on Hildegardes lap? He’s suddenly wondering if he might wander over there. Could make for an interesting night. This would also allow him to speak with her in private. “Lanara, do you mind if I hop in line to ask for one favor from Hildegarde?”

Shishi knew it. He should have BYOB.

Lanara listens intently to Queen Hildegarde’s empowering speech, though her hand trembles and she lowers her wine glass. Valrae. She feels the pang in her heart as she remembers the fellow witch, rather fondly. If Frostmaw was taking a stance against Larket and their misdeeds, then she would volunteer to help out in any way possible. She smiles at Hilde, though it’s unlikely she would be noticed amongst the massive crowd. Mentally, she vows to chat with their frost host at a later date, to see how she may be of some use. As Ansel and Taly approach, seemingly together, she can’t help but eye how the two have also managed to match. “Ansel! Taly! You make such a lovely couple. That shade of cranberry looks wonderful on you both. I must know… How did you two meet? Ansel, this is my boyfriend, Eirik. Eirik, this is an old friend, Ansel…” Her voice trails off as she makes the proper introductions, and wondering if perhaps they would know each was a lycan? As Eirik requests to go and chat with Hilde, she nods in consent, and winks. “Sure. Hurry back, I may start to miss you.”

Niall arrives late. Not fashionably so, just late. His misses the Queen's speech. He's troubled himself to pull his boy-long hair back. He'd been in a hurry though and he hadn't bothered with a mirror so the end result was a little messy. His suit is okay and an unremarkable standard black. His tie is grey, just a bit darker than that of his eyes. He'd traded his travel worn buckskin work boots for slightly less used and almost formal black boots. His dirk is on his side, his bow left with the old Percheron that would surely be in Frostmaw's stables by now getting warm. He skirts the crowd and grabs a beer and a corner. He stuffs his free hand in his pocket and lets his eyes scan the crowd.

Leone is only drawn by the spectacle that is Hilde and Kahn after she's greeted Pilar. The farrier's brows ascend, ebon tracts against milky flesh, until both are in high arches upon her forehead. She smirks, and dips her head to the seated Queen in greeting, her glass raising once the monarch speaks of aligning against the actions of Larket. A curt bow is offered to the huntsman at the Silver's side. A moment later, the smith returns her attention to Pilar and Co, leaning in to garner a more thorough look at Yozenra. "Oh," the bantam blacksmith declares in buttery yet gritty tones of mingled surprise and recognition. "Of course, now I remember! You do look drastically better. How good to see you again," the priestess states warmly. A breath is released, relieved, when the pair impart that they already have a clergyman lined up. "Ah, that is a relief," the petite plover professes, "I don't usually get to enjoy marriages as a guest. But this time, I will be able to thoroughly enjoy them."

Artia crosses her arms as her brother rolls his eyes, "Yes, we have met. Eirik-" she pauses, "Date? You are dating my brother, Lanara?" Blinking rapidly, "Dress? Oh yes, I had it custom made from Larket shop and imported sequins and fabrics from other cities. I adore your dress, always dressed beautifully." Watching where Lanara blows a kiss at, spoting the person that wears Brennia's body caused a cringe and tears to make way in her eyes. With a quick lean back of her head and blinking the threatening tears away quickly. Artia would not be going around Raven, the pain was too much to bare. A random man moving up to Artia giving her a wink at the way the slits in her dress show off her long tone legs, Artia giving him a quick smile and moved on to conversation. ONly to point Ava out, sneaking behind Bastion to scare him, "She is doing better, her mind is not as scattered as before I think it is finally settling as a sixteen-year-old would. Also, I am happy for you two." Giving a wink to Eirik, "You have good taste, picking a witch...keeping witch's in the family?" Obviously joking back to her brother. Ansel and Taylara have now arrived, giving a nod to Ansel. A hug to Lanara, "Excuse me, I need to go show my date I have not stood him up." Moving up to the stage where Ashe is sitting, bumping him with her wide hips. If there was a table to sign up for the Love and Beauty contest, she would sign her and Ashe up.

Celaeno 's attention was pulled in so many directions, between the bustling crowd and the impressive Queen's address. The food, the music, she might go quiet for long periods of time as she took it all in, but Raevyn's voice snapped her out of it as she followed her friend on instinct. Hinder would be given a polite smile and a bow of her head. "A pleasure Mister Hinder." Then the delayed reaction would kick in to Raevyn's news and she shakes her head, nearly messing up her hair before she held it in place. "No, you did not! That is amazing. It would make sense that city had a college with its library, but I didn't know they accepted...not winged people. Non avians?"

Talyara ’s emerald hued eyes widen as Lanara so boldly proclaims her and Ansel as a couple. Those eyes dart to his tie—she hadn’t noticed they were matching. “Oh no we’re not…I mean, we’re just. Uh…it’s a coincidence.” To stop herself from stumbling over words some more, the witch lifts her glass to her lips and downs the rest of the wine in one gulp. “Oh, we stumbled upon each other outside the Whaler. Now I’m pretty sure he’s stalking me,” she tells her sister with a wink.

Pilar smiled. After Leone had helped save Yozenra's life, they figured the least they could do was invite her to enjoy their wedding, rather than making her work. “It won't be anything extravagant, but we're hoping it'll still be fun.”

Kanna stares at the menacing beast with a blank expression, which soon turns into a smile. Despite the third eye and the large fangs, anyone willing to put on a costume mustnt be that bad. She pats Bastion on the shoulder in a silent message to wish her luck, and makes her way to the stage. When she passes Orikahn, she motions with her hand for him to lean down to her short height, where she takes anyone watching by surprise by planting a sweet kiss on his furry cheek. "Thank you for assisting Aramoth this Yuletide." Quickly shuffling away from whatever reaction the creature has, she gives a bow to the snow queen and sits on the plush stool. Though she could easily pass for a teen with her round, freckled face and sweet demeanor, her eyes are that of one who has seen horrors, whether from the Larket incident or before. "Good evening... Aramoth." She starts hesitantly, unsure if she should keep in character. "My Yuletide wish is...well." She lowers her voice so only Hildegarde can hear. "I would like to not be so afraid of allowing myself to get close to others." She looks slightly ashamed as she says this.

Ansel smiles with courtesy towards Artia as she nods towards him. His attention is now directed towards Lanara, and he grows uneasy. The man peering down at his own tie and Talyara’s dress – the same shade. He lets Talyara take the reigns on this one. He sips the white wine that is in his glass idly with manly awkwardness and stares somewhere else, well, until Talyara mentions Ansel stalking her. “Wrong. I’m the one who lives in Cenril. You came out and keep coming out of nowhere,” he waves her off playfully and stares at Eirik. “Aye, pleasure, I’m sure, Eirik.” The man would give a shake or a nod, whatever Eirik preferred.

Raven’s teal gaze eventually peels from the window when it seems a man is addressing her, Baelok. She places her chin upon her fist which is propped atop the table she occupied, “ah… It is you - Bae.” She knows he hates the shortening of his name, but doesn’t care, “and yes. I actually dressed up today.” It was strikingly different from the sweatpants, messy bun, slippers, and oversized white tee he caught her in a few days ago. “Also, look who's talking.” Her free hand gestures lazily at the fact he was all dappered up, but none of this granted even a smirk or infliction of her timbre, she still sounded bored, sarcastic and cold with the subtle Veretian(French) accent to her voice. She glanced to the bar once, spotted Niall and one half nod of her head in acknowledgement.

Ashe was essentially only on stage to represent the court. After all, why have a court bard if they didn't play music? The accompaniment had been planned by the bards guild – of which he was not a member – and was preformed by the very same. Ashe himself simply helped and looked official. Not a bad job to have, all things considered. For one it meant he was free to slip of the stage and take Artias hand when came up to him, kissing her knuckles in a pitch-perfect imitation of old-fashioned courtesies. “I should've known you'd be dangerous.” he greeted. “I'd best watch myself or I'll mess up the melodies for my compatriots -” A gesture to the bards guild members on stage “- because I was too busy watching you to pay attention.” He concluded the unconventional 'greeting' with a wink. “Enjoying yourself so far? Not going to make a wish from our generous monarch?” he raised his eyebrows at her, goadingly, and gestured to the queen with a flick of his head.

Alvina takes the drink and shoves her husband lightly. “She’s my boss, it’ll look silly.” The mocktail tastes sweet, entirely like something alcoholic that she enjoyed. She grins smugly at Orikahn in his costume. “I’ve been wondering if we should get another cat -” She comments at random before turning to wave at Lanara and then Brennia as she orchestrates the bardic entertainment. She watches the line of guests as people approach the Queen with their yuletide wishes. She leans forward to whisper something in Hudson’s ear before drawing back and chuckling privately. They were in this room full of people but she felt nervous. These large gathers had started to do that - especially after the S. S. Turnt sank in the Cenril harbor. “Do you want to go sit on her lap? Ask her if she wants to replace Emily??” She’s wearing a mischievous grin that suggests a hidden connotation. The events of Larket are not on the bard’s mind. She appears to be in her own blissful bubble.

Hildegarde had rather enjoyed Orikahn’s festive performance, she struggled to keep a straight face in that fancy chair of hers! The entire time she was holding her fingers over her lips, doing her best to restrain the laugh that so desperately yearned to escape. Hildegarde quite likes the festive cap, though, she can see why Aramoth was so enamoured with it in the legend. Like father like ‘daughter’, right? The Silver Queen awaits in her humble wooden throne, waiting for the first to request a boon. Who would be so brave as to request something of her? As Kanna approaches and bestows a kiss to Orikahn’s furry cheek, Hildegarde offers a smile. A bold one, to be sure. When Kanna takes her place upon the stool and addresses her as Aramoth, the Silver waves her hand to dismiss the godly name. It wasn’t necessary. As Kanna leans in to state her boon, Hildegarde offers a sagely ‘hmm’ of thought and contemplation. “My dear, fear is natural. You wear your fear like an armour,” she jabs her finger – albeit gently – at Kanna’s shoulder, “and expect it to protect you. Armour will break if you wear it constantly and do not treat it with care. Taking off your armour is hard and arduous work, all knights have squires to assist them... love is similar, I suppose. Your spirit, though, that is armour that can heal itself. When hurt, when exposed to pain or shame, it will heal over time. By being afraid of allowing others to become close to you, you prevent yourself from living your life.” The Silver nods at Kahn, as if indicate some kind of gift be given.

Leone simply says to the engaged couple, "I do look forward to it. Thank you for inviting me." After a moment, the smith moves away, looping through the room to mingle with other guests before finally coming to a halt at the back of the line to attend Hildegarde in the evening's parody of "Silver-Clause".

Artia smiled widely, giving a courtesy to Ashe as he moved off the stage to take her hand. Placing his lips to her knuckle to present her with a kiss, giving her love a wink. "Well, it was your idea for the slits, was it not? I told you I would custom slits into this dress" Biting her lip as a faint blush appeared upon her cheeks, giving herself a twirl into his arm. Stealing a kiss from his lips, "You best not stare then, eh? Don't need to embarrass yourself with messing up, just because you can't keep your eyes off of me." Taking a step back, "Why would I make a wish? I already have my dream here in front of me. You know better than try to goad me, I always prove to you I will do such things." A giggle escaping her, lifting a brow at him as if she would call his bluff.

Orikahn bears down his stare upon Kanna as she approaches, and when she beckons him closer, he welcomes the challenge. Seems he got more than he bargained for. His eyes widen in surprise at the kiss, and Kanna may or may not have gotten a little blue on her in the process. No matter. After the girl's wish, Kahn is there to greet her nonetheless. "A sign of your boon, puny mortal." Reaching inside his talbard, Kahn procures a pin bearing a red insignia in the shape of a Xalious tree, gives it to Kanna, and shoos her along. Next wisher.

Gilwen ,Syelnar and Maegus wandered the room, stopping occasionally for conversation before moving on; they seemed more content on taking in the décor, than actually conversing, but then again, each of them were social hermits in their own rights. Syelnar and Maegus both wore forest green tunics, shot through with silver thread in dancing swirls filigree that occasionally stretched out into leaves, and their trousers were black and smartly pressed with well polished boots. Their silvery blonde hair was braided back at the temples, and knotted neatly at the nape of their necks while the rest remained loose and spilling down their shoulders. Gilwen's own hair was braided back in a similar fashion with sprigs of baby's breath tucked into the plaiting; the knot at the nape of her neck was decorated with a sprig of holly. Her dress was silver, long and flowing, and the only embellishments were small glass beads across her bodice, and each bead shined brilliantly under the lamplight. The fiery headed elf split from the two other elven leaders at the sight of Pilar and her fiance, and she moved to greet the two with a warm smile. "Happy holiday's Pilar."

Bastion was startled by Ava coming up behind him, then playing with his horn, and flailed, poofing himself. His coat fell to the side, as a woolen fluff coated his whole body, turning him into a large ball of wool... it took an effort for him to suppress the floof, and go back to normal. "Shoot, Ava. That was embarassing." The boy was blushing mightily. Rarely did he look so much like a prey animal. He turned his attention to the Snow Imp, and could think of no one thing to wish for, but found the offer far too tempting to ignore, for some reason. He shuffled up past the imp, wary for some reason... this particular imp smelled very strongly of a predator, and it put him a little on edge. Maybe it was that childish spirit of Yule that had taken him, but his heart had seized at the offer, and he would not be intimidated out of it by the silly blue kitty claws. He found himself waiting in line, then clambering up into Hildegarde the Silver, Queen of Frostmaw and frickin' DRAGON's lap. Somehow, that made it even more amazing... royalty, and a mythical, legendary creature besides, a warrior of prime renown. She glowed like divinity, and there were sparkles in his young eyes. She was a warrior of her people, too... he'd seen firsthand where her heart lay, in her bold actions. "I... I... Stern Aramoth, err... Queen Hildegarde!" He was squeeking out the words, biting his pouty lip, and trying to form a whole sentence in his mush of a mind. "I uh, um. That is. I-if I could, um, have a wish, it would be... it would definitely, most certainly be, um..." He smiled, suddenly. "I don't think I have a wish. There's everything I could ever want, in this room. Friends. Allies against the coming tide of darkness. These are all boon companions, and you, you most of all, Your Majesty. But, well, I suppose there's one thing. It's been ever a dream of mine to dance with a dragon." He looked up into her eyes, his wine pink eyes misty, filled with dreams and a heady sense of wonder, and hopeful. Dragons had always fascinated him to no end, and Hildegarde was a bundle of legends, including his very favorite. This was certainly a moment in which he was meeting a hero, in his mind.

Pilar looked to Gilwen with a smile. “Happy Holidays, Lady Gilwen.” Yozenra looked at Gilwen's dress, then at her own, then back to Gilwen's. They weren't identical, but the similarities couldn't be denied. “I like your dress,” she said. Pilar just smiled.

Hudson pretends that he did not hear the name Valrae uttered and seizes that exact moment to reach for some sort of mini quiche off of a plate that is being passed around. His wife is likewise pretending that she did not hear the name Valrae uttered. This is good. He also pretends that he did not hear this cat suggestion. One is enough. His wife leans close to whisper into his ear, Hudson puts his hand on her backside as she does. He barks a laugh at her suggestion. "Careful, I might call your bluff," he comments dryly, into his drink. He nods in the direction of Ansel. "Check it. We should probably go say hi," he observes. "Though I'd rather lurk around and eat this meat on a stick they're passing around and make snarky comments with you." He reaches for one such meat on a stick and eats it, lifting his eyebrows at his wife. "Let's go," he says, once that's done. He lets her thread her arm through his. "On a scale of one to ten how grumpy are you that you're not allowed to drink right now?" he asks, conversationally, as they make their way over.

Hildegarde watched as Kanna was escorted by Kahn and given a frosty reception by the cat, he was a typical cat anyway. The Silver accepted the next wisher, raising her hands slightly as Bastion clambers up into her lap. The Silver adjusts her posture to try and adjust him as best as possible, to make sure it was balanced and comfortable. “A sweet wish from a sweet soul,” she told him kindly, “friendship is needed in these dark times. Friendship and strength, strength of unity and understanding,” she reiterates from her earlier speech. “But a dance… we shall dance come the end of the evening, eh? I shall give you my hand in this dance,” she assures him, pressing a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Now, off you go, wait for the dance,” she bids him, extending her hands to guide him down off her lap and allow Kahn to give him a gift for a rebel and united fighter.

 Raevyn smiled as Hinder returned the gesture toward her ‘date’ for the evening. He would be the first to answer the silver-handed woman’s curiosity. “Of course! Our city has grown quite a bit in the more recent decades. There are some still set in the old ways of the generations before, but for the most part, Schezerade is growing. Especially if miss Devere has her way.” Raevyn nods. “Mmhm! They even have an orc instructor for the botany class! You should come with me one day, Cela. See for yourself if you’d like it.” Over at the table of the soon-to-be senator, Baelok was wrapped up in conversation. “Bae. Bah. I will never escape that damned nickname. Anyhow, why are ya sittin’ over here all quiet for? Shouldn’t be be the mingling type? Winnin’ over the people an all?” To the observation of his own dolled up appearance, he scoffed. “Ain’t my call. I had two people gangin’ up on me. Though, the threads ain’t half bad now that I’ve been in’em for a bit.”

Gilwen belatedly realized Yozenra's dress, and she blinked, but an uncharacteristic grin spread across her mouth. "Well, you certainly wear it better than I do. Where did you get yours from?"

Alvina shrugs. “Roughly around a four. Oh hey!” She grins and waves as they approach the small group gathered with Ansel. Artia and Lanara are granted a nod, Eirik is regarded with a squint. Dang he looks familiar. “Long time no see!” She says to Ansel, clapping him carefully on the shoulder and moving away. Hildegarde is still accepting sits and wishes. She regrets not going to stand in line sooner. Ah well. “Everyone looks so lovely, I have no idea how they’ll decide this year.”

Ashe slipped the arm around her waist as she twirled into him. Holding Artia with her back against him for a moment yet after she'd broken the kiss to whisper something into her ear. Only to let her go, looking the absolute picture of innocence. “Easier said than done, Love. And you know it. I swear you had but one objective tonight.” he didn't explain what that objective must be, however. “Oh surely there is something you want? A pony?” he suggested, smirking.

Shishi takes the last two meats on sticks from tray the waiter that just left Hudson's area is carrying. Whatever meat this is (mammoth Probs), it isn't exactly rare, and therefore doesn't satisfy the hankering the assassin is trying to rid himself of with some bloody substitute.

Artia :: Ava bent over her five foot three form laughing deeply at Bastion flailing then even worse when he had made himself fluff. The large black ball of wool, giving him a quick hug before moving away. "Dance with me later?" She asked before she quickly walked up to Uncle Eirik, wrapping her arms around him tightly. Resting her chin on his chest smiling brightly, "Uncle Eirik! You look handsome!" Turning around remembering Lanara, giving her a shy wiggle of her fingers. "Hi, I uh..I am Ava."

Orikahn greets Bastion likewise with a pin ready in hand. "Cherish this mark of your boon, puny mortal. That is not a request." Next wisher.

Celaeno 's brows furrow together as the new name comes up. "Who is Miss Devere? A noblewoman?" Her mouth opens, nothing coming out a moment as the concept of attending a college, a formal place of learning floors her for a moment. It had been a childhood dream once before being reminded of her station. "I would love to. I have no doubts I would enjoy myself thoroughly. Such a place seems almost as fitted to me as a library."

Lanara winks at her sister, finding it adorable that Ansel had stumbled into her sister, and then they showed up seemingly in matching attire. Uh huh. Sure. She’d heard that one before! She returns Artia’s hug and smiles at the woman, pleased to hear that Ava is doing well and that she seems to be alright with Eirik choosing a fellow witch as his lady. “Enjoy your evening, Lady Artia.” As the woman returns to her table, Lana spies that Taly is also enjoying the same beverage. “Oh my god! My favorite! I can’t believe they have this… I love it! I haven’t had this in years…” Her dark hues look to Ansel’s untouched glass, though he appears to be getting nervous and picks up his drink. Why was he so awkward? Lana had forgiven and forgotten their strange past! She reaches out and lightly pats him on the shoulder. “And here I was planning on setting you two up on a blind date myself… When you went and found her on your own!” Her eyes sparkle with excitement. Talyara and Ansel made a handsome couple. Each sister would have a lycan. And she could now plan adventurous double dates! Her scheming mind is momentarily distracted as she sees Pilar, and she makes sure to blow the gypsy a kiss. As a slow song comes on she glances at the bard’s gathered and nods to those she recognizes from the school, although her heart aches. She would give anything to be able to dance again. At best, she’d be able to stand still and maybe move from side to side, and even that would be taxing, considering the extent of her injuries. Yet, anything that looked at her would see a pretty winter princess and nothing more, as she’d been applying powder to cover her bruises all morning, and cucumbers on her eyes to hide the circles. She peers down at herself, slightly self-conscious, and makes sure that her dress is smoothed, her slippers are on the correct feet, and that she looked the part of both ‘love’ and ‘beauty’ before she glances up again. She seems tired, and stifles a yawn, as she motions for her sister and Ansel to go and enjoy a dance. As she waves the two off, she sees that Hudson and Alvina are approaching, and she greets them both with a warm smile and exchanges pleasantries.

Eirik plants a kiss on Lanara’s forehead before leaving the group. “I’ll be right back.” His eyes shift to Ansel and accepts his handshake. “It’s a pleasure,” he proffers a smile, which starts from the corners of his lips; spreading to reveal near perfect ivory teeth. “I’m sorry that I can’t hang around to chat. I must be off to join the festivities for a moment.” A hand points in the direction of Hildegarde. “Do you mind keeping an eye on them for a moment?” He is obviously referring to Lana, and Taly. Though the later does not like him much. Eirik doesn’t wish to leave her here, but she is in good company. After all, half the reason he even came here is listening to requests from guests who sit upon her lap. Without waiting for response he moves onwards over to where Hilde resides. Eirik patiently waits his turn and listens to each speech from Kahn. Once he is allowed to approach, he carries no weapon of any kind - he plops down onto Hildegardes lap and smiles. This must surely be an awkward thing after the Larketian affair. However, he is here to clear some of the air regarding that and the expression upon his scarred features reveal the same. “Queen Hildegarde,” His voice is low trying to disguise his words amongst the commotion of all those who gather. “I’m going to,” He pauses for a moment. “Ask for this.” Eirik leans in rather close and finally whispers into Hildegard's ears. This matter is private, and hopefully, she would regard it as such! Once finished, he leans back and waits for her response.

Eirik whispered something to Hildegarde.

Pilar missed Lanara's kiss, sadly. Meanwhile, Yozenra smiled. “Thank you. This was from a little shop in Venturil, actually.”

Hildegarde watched as Kahn shuffled Bastion away and gifted him with the pin. Then Eirik was coming over, settling down onto her lap with a laugh from her. The big lycan man upon the big dragon lady’s lap! “Ask away,” she instructs, leaning slightly so as to hear his whisper all the better. As he whispers his confession, Hildegarde nodded here and there as if in response. The Silver offers a whispered response in return before placing her hand delicately upon Eirik’s cheek, “This is my boon to you,” she says softly, leaving it a bit of a mystery. “Now… bog off, you’re heavy,” she tells him with a grin.

Artia enjoyed his arm about her waist after she had twirled into him, letting the slits in the dress fan out to mess with her partner. The whisper though, that had made her eyes go wide and a deep red blush appear on her face. "Ashe!" She calls out to him, shaking her head. He was trying to be innocent and it was probably working from others around, but to her, she knew this man was far from Mr. Innocent. "I would never try to distract you..." A hand moving to her chest, gasping as if she was offended he would try to claim she wanted to taunt the one-man orchestra. "I don't know if a pony would do, I mean if..." She would not finish the rest of the comment, but whisper it into his ear. Finishing the whisper with a rough bite to his ear, mimicking his picture of innocence like she had not just bit him. "A private island? Now that be a wish."

Talyara can feel her cheeks warming with a red blush that probably clashes with the cranberry color of her dress. Why did Lanara have to be like this? The witch is wishing she had another drink in hand and in fact, she’s sizing up Ansel’s own glass of wine wondering if she could get away with pilfering it due to her embarrassment. “Shhhh…” she hisses at her sister before taking the initiative and grabbing Ansel’s wrist. “Yup, a dance sounds good right about now.” She doesn’t wait for an answer, she’s already tugging on his arm.

Hildegarde whispered something to Eirik.

Ansel finds his hazel gaze landing on Hudson as he lets the two sisters mingle. The man pauses long at the other, but he reflects the nod. Attention turns to Eirik. “Always, their in good hands, I’ll keep them right here.” The glass in his hand is now empty. “Err, I may need a—“ Lanara then makes her little comments of glee between the two who were now a “couple” at this shindig. “She might have found me raging outside of a bar, so romantic if it has to be,” it was not, though something was creeping under his skin. He was not going to deny a pretty girl. Alvina chimes in as the married couple are now in their chat-group. Along Hudson and Alvina come Jenson and Edvin. As Alvina gives a pat on Ansel’s shoulder, he lets out a small laugh. “Ah, yes, how’ve you been, Alvina?” The man eases into the small talk. He then turns his attention to Hudson. “Now, this is really a long time no see. Hey, stranger,” he raises his brows and his emptied glass in the man’s direction.

Lanara looks over to find Eirik on Hildegarde’s lap, and she nearly spits out her strawberry wine. What the hell was going on?! However, she finds Ava suddenly standing before her, all smiles. “Hello, dear. Are you enjoying the ball? Your dress is so lovely!”

Orikahn glares down at Eirik with glowing menace. "Wear the mark of your boon proudly, puny mortal, or face Aramoth's crushing disdain." Here's your pin. Next wisher.

Leone traipses up to Hildegarde and, pushing the mantle to drape over one shoulder rather than down her back, smooths her robes and slides onto the Queen's expressly proffered knee. "Now then," the gravel and velvet timbre strikes into chord, "Seeing as my Queen is preoccupied this evening, I'd like to make a wish in her stead. I wish for health, happiness and honor for the people of Frostmaw, her allies, and all of her guests here tonight." Once the redhead monarch has rebutted, the smith will move off quietly, stopping before Orikahn long enough to slide a hand up onto his shoulder, her arm otherwise kept rigid, with the elbow locked. The gesture lasts for merely a moment, a brief flicker of time, before she accepts her gift and retreats back into the crowd.

Hudson had very briskly kissed Lanara on the cheek hello, as one does with female friends who also happen to be hot, before turning to Ansel and Talyara, who seem to have been headed to the dance floor but are momentarily delayed by the arrival of himself and Alvina. Oops. "Heeeey! Good to see you!" he greets them both, before waving that they should get on it. He doesn't wish to intrude on Ansel's game. He notes that the passed food is no longer the meat on a stick, they appear to have run out. Now it's some sort of thing that looks vegetable. His wife has made a remark about someone winning the dress contest, and it immediately triggers the need to touch her on the butt. "You should win, babe," he tells her. "Hmm, I'll go see if I can bribe the judges," he says in what is maybe a serious tone, craning his neck in an effort to determine if this is even possible.

Kanna waits for Bastion to get off the stage, her eyes just a tad watery from Hildegarde's encouragement, and her maroon lips dusted with a fine layer of blue glitter to match her dress. "You would ask the Queen to dance? I think you may have stolen my heart too with that kind of boldness." She laughs.

Hudson amends his post. He fist bumps Ansel. "I'm good, go dance with the lady."

Bastion blushes at Kanna as she compliments him, and stutters, "Well, before I came here, I never really believed dragons existed. Then... then I saw them. It was... it's amazing. But, honestly, she's not the only one I want to dance with." He was fidgeting, shuffling his toe on the floor, with his hands clasped behind his back. "Um, uh. Miss Kanna, well. Would you maybe like to, uh... dance with me?"

Hildegarde , now free of Eirik, swiftly finds Leone plopping down into her lap! She offers the priestess a smile, “Oh, you sap,” she bemoans playfully, offering Leone a brief embrace. “I wish the same for Frostmaw, too. To peace, prosperity and honour!”

Ashe only smirked at the whisper. “True! I expect you to live up to that later, though.” he hopped backwards, slipping back onto the edge of the stage. “Well. If by 'island' you mean an abandoned cave under a glaicure.” Ashe shrugged. “Otherwise, Rynvale's the place to ask for that I'm afraid.” his eyes briefly – very briefly – leaving Artia to scan over the crowd and to the queen. “Not long left before I may have to put in a bit of work, I believe.”

Raven glanced to a guard walking up to make his round and check on her again, “Bae, you remember… Uh… Nancy.” The secret security guard doesn’t look amused, “that’s not my name…” Raven gives a slight eye roll, “I’ll learn all of them one day.” She motions to one of the many open seats at her table, “sit or something.” She looks around and was unsure who were familiar faces and who were from dream… Alvina, Hudson. Lanara, Raevyn and finally, Niall… She wonders where Queenie is, she would really love to pet a dog right now and distract her, “yeah I should, but everyone seems occupied - don’t want to intrude.” She relaxes into her chair and is the definition of calm and peaceful.

Cenril Mayor Uma Abelin has been among the crowd as well, and she now steps onto the dias. She is wearing a simple gown in an off the shoulder style in stiff cream fabric, with the neckline folded over and peaked like a blazer. The sheath gown goes all the way to her feet. Her dark hair is pinned at the nape of her neck. She waits for the attention of the room before addressing it: "Hello." She has on red lipstick and bares her teeth when she smiles. "As many of you know, I am Mayor of Cenril, Uma Abelin. I would like to thank Her Grace Hildegarde for her hospitality and for inviting me to this beautiful event." She pivots to make an open gesture at Hildegarde and pauses here for applause before speaking once more: "I am very pleased to announce the commencement of Frostmaw's King and Queen of Love and Beauty Contest." She pauses for more clapping. "At this point in the party, our judges will begin circulating to select our King and Queen," she gestures at a group of Frostmawian civilians lined along a red carpet, all of whom are wearing sashes that read 'JUDGE,' before continuing, "I urge those of you who are hoping to win to 'strut your stuff' ... but also to speak to the judges and in those conversations to express your sentiments for how we can make the world a more compassionate place." Having concluded her piece, she steps away.

Artia "Trouble, you know I will. "What? No island off of Frostmaw? Making snowman for days, snow gates, snow castles...come on you know that be fun! And if you to get too cold I can help you get warm." Giving a wink, and a pause for dramatics, Ashe rubbing off on her about such pauses. "With a fire." She gave him a stern look, and biting her lip to keep from laughing at her own words. "When you do, I will just grab some drinks or go twirl ava about the dance floor until you are free. My brother is here tonight, I would like for you two to meet."

Kanna blinks a few times in surprise before motioning for him to lean in. When he does, she brushes away the hair from his forehead and plants her second maroon lip-print of the night on him. Letting down his bangs to cover the display of affection, she stands back up and gives a wide smile, bigger than he's seen from her yet. "I'd love a dance."

Lanara accepts the kiss to her cheek from Hudson, and leans in to quickly hug Alvina. “You both look so fancy! Go have a dance! I’m sure you both have some wicked dance moves!” Ever the party enthusiast, she gently pushes the two towards the dance floor, and quickly slips through the crowd to have a minute by herself. This room was somewhat stifling, and her back was on fire. And her wine glass was empty. Frowning, she nearly stumbles, and latches on to a stranger to steady her balance. Eyeing Niall, she smiles faintly at the man and murmurs an apology, before plucking another strawberry wine from the table.

Orikahn has his pin already out when Leone hops down. "Your boon..." Leone's gesture cuts him off, and he stiffens at the touch, meeting her gaze as something unspoken passes between them "...puny mortal." Here's your pin. Kahn clears his throat, turns to face the crowd with a look of warning to say "that's all you get" then marches over to lean with his shoulder against the high back of Hildegarde's chair and watch with arms crossed.

Alvina waves as Ansel departs before swatting Hudson's shoulder. "Maybe stop doing that?" She ask / tells him. "I'm never going to live down wearing that stupid strappy dress and winning a while back ugh..." It's embarrassing to remember. Josleen had to give her a shaw and everything. The bard sighs. Somehow it's not the lack of Emily or Valrae that's haunting the halls of her heart. It's Josleen that makes her wish this year was instead years long past. She leans her head onto Hudson's shoulder, drawing him back from his 'judge search'. "I miss Jos..." She whispers privately against his neck. "Everything is so different now."

Eirik makes his way back Lanara and offers a smile and his hand. "Well, that went better than expected," He proffers a smile. "Now, how about I escort you to the judges?" The northman ignores the group around her, and waits to guide her as a dutiful date. After all her back must seriously be hurting!

Niall had decided, with great sadness, that his giant ugly dog had no place in a black tie event. He hangs in his corner now, alone with his bear as he people watches and wishes he hadn't have tried to be so polite. He'd love Queenie's company right now too as he spots Brennia, er Raven. He was pretty sure the only reason the avian woman spoke to him was for his dog. He takes a long drink from his beer and decides to cross the room to her anyway. He gives her a half smile and a drawled, "Hello,"

Ashe raised an eyebrow. “Ah? Well. I suppose it's the time for it.” He agreed to Artia's suggestion? Request? Instruction? Whatever it was. He made the violin vanish with a flourish, said; “Then lets see this brother of yours so he can question my motives before I'm reminded I've a job to do.” and slipped of the stage again and offered Artia his arm.

Gilwen adopted a thoughtful expression in the wake of the answer provided by Yozenra, but ultimately shrugged her shoulders. "To be truthful, I had someone purchase one for me last minute. Formal dress is not more forte." She had sent someone with more fashion sense than herself to procure her a gown and accessories for the event. "I guess they must have visited the same shop then." She turned from the conversation then at the declaration from Uma, and her gaze swept over the judges before finding Syelnar and Maegus snared in diplomatic conversation; both men looked increasingly uncomfortable. "It was a pleasure to meet you. If you'll excuse me." With a nod and smile for Pilar, the elf made her way toward her kin to help extract them from whatever discussion they were about.

Raevyn too pondered that the name Hinder had mentioned, until it dawned upon her. "Oh! The dean! Who.. I think.. is also a politician." The young necromancer looks over to where Baelok was currently schmoozing and points the woman out. "The one there, that Baelok is bothering." When Celaeno made her interest known, Raevyn smiled brightly. "Yay! Good. I thought you might like that idea." Just then her stomach began to growl and she looked to the handom avian, "Excuse us, Hinder. We were just on our way to gather food. We will... see you around?" The athlete would smile and nod in return, "Alright. Do hurry back!" Wasting no time, Celaeno was once more hauled off to find where the food was being served. Baelok watched as this Uma woman gave a bit of a speech, his caring for such frivolous activities next to null. To 'Nancy' he smirked. "Don't worry about it. She does the same to me. A right witch this one." Raven was winked at before he sat himself down in an empty seat. "I would. It's easy. See how easy I came to you? No fussin'. Just hey, look at me, I need attention." A chuckle. "Though, I wouldn't blame ya for not doing so. All these fake smiles. Makes me want to die. ...Again."

Talyara is going to assume that she convinced Ansel to join her far, far away from her sister (sorry Alvina and Huds, nothing personal but older sister’s are super embarrassing). Once they are out of earshot from Larana, Taly turns towards the clinician and wrinkles her nose. “I’m sorry about…” the witch gesticulates her hand in the direction of Lana. “She’s just…Lana."

Bastion was surprised when a judge approached him, but he rolled with it. "These are just my normal robes. I'm sworn to poverty, dressing up would be against my vows. Oh, thank you, I do think they look rather nice. Lithrydel a better place? Well, that's an easy question. I've dedicated my life to sharing the labors of the common folk, along with their joys, their woes, their sorrows. All I do is civil service, relying on the charity of the people I serve for my own survival. If we want to make Lithrydel a better place... all we need is unity. Love, compassion, understanding, hope. These are things that bridge gaps, that bring worlds together. There is an easily defined darkness moving against Lithrydel. Against all of us, demanding we band together to fight it. Accepting our neighbors and banding together will see us all through the coming darkness, and far beyond, when it has passed." He seemed utterly convinced of what he espoused, a little doe eyed child with eyes full of hope, and tables full of patients sighing in euphoric tranquility as he poked needles into their backs, or kneaded knots out of their muscles with his hands.

Bastion said to Lanara, "Miss Lana! You should bring your sister for acupuncture treatments. You and your dates! It's a great idea, I promise."

Artia hears the sound of a voice, turning to pay attention to the one calling herself the mayor of Cenril. Giving her attention, purposely trying to ignore Ashe. As usual, the two always banter but never mean anything negative at the other. Once her speech was done she looked at Ashe, "Oh, I am so signing us up. You are so coming with me if you can." Backing up, swaying her hips side to side at the music that is now playing again. Moving her fingers for him to follow, much like he did to her when they went to Xalious for one of his performances. If he refused to go with her, Artia would head to the judge tables. Smiling brightly, "Hello I am Artia, I have sworn an unbreakable vow of healing anyone in need of it. I have started making a healers group that is free of charge for –any-, anyone that needs to be healed. By doing this, this is my way of attempting to make all the lands be a better place. No amount of healing should be at a charge, there are those that cannot pay to be healed or even treated. I plan to offer a no charge or fee to be seen by a doctor, surgeon, apothecary, or even healer. I plan on making stations in each city to offer free medical services even medicines. This way the lands will be healed after any war, while saving their money to rebuild their life. Instead having to pick between health or having a home again. Treatment will not be based upon who the person is, no matter who they are. I cannot deny treatment, either will my little group of healers." After she saw the judge, she would nudge him to make his little speech for the two to be entered for Queen and King. Once done, she would guide Ashe and herself back to Eirik and Lanara. Luckily the couple was heading there way, "Eirik, Lanara, this is my date." She beamed so brightly, if she had a heart beat it be drumming away inside her heart.

Krice was dressed in his usual black attire with his katana strapped to his back. This lent itself to the prospect that he hadn't arrived at the fort with any intention to stay and enjoy the Yule Ball. He came from the western hallway and moved along the edge of the room, around the flanks of the gathering, ambling without haste toward the fort's exit. All the while, gold-streaked eyes swept the faces of the crowd, his emotions imperceptible as each person, familiar and unfamiliar, filled his vision. His other senses were attuned to things like the atmosphere; searching for the presence of magic, splits between realms, and other such otherworldly effects that might pose a danger to everyone here.

Shishi wasn't listening to Uma and never reads sashes, so he ends up handing two sticks that used to have meat on them to one of the judges. He also says getting a refill on his drink would make Lithrydel a better place. "Why do you ask?"

Niall had totally give Lanara a reassuring smile and told her, "Not a problem ma'am,".

Hudson acts like he doesn't know what he's supposed to stop doing. "Soon!" he tells Lanara about the dancing, waving as she weaves away from them. His wife is making noises like she's the most put upon woman in Lithrydel for winning the Queen of Love and Beauty title. He rolls his eyes. "You were hot in that dress, everyone thought so, so-ordered," he says, pantomiming a gavel bang. HE thinks he's funny. It doesn't put her off pouting about Josleen, though. He puts an arm around her waist and turns to kiss her head. She smells like product and her hair feels a little crunchy. "I know, baby," he tells her. He reaches with his free hand to pick one of the meats on a stick off a passed tray, it's the last one, the server tells them. Hudson holds it out to his wife. "I'm letting you have the last meat on a stick," he informs her. "I better be getting some credits in the bank of wife."

Lanara mutters another ‘sorry’ towards Niall, who hadn’t even seemed to notice that she grabbed onto his shoulder to steady herself, and finds her hand grabbed by Eirik. How did he get over here so fast?! She blinks her eyes innocently, and immediately looks for Ansel and Talyara, the group she was supposed to remain in. Her lycan even gave the others a ‘warning’ to keep an eye on her, yet she managed to slip away, unnoticed. “Um. Yeah! How did it go with Hilde Claus? And ooh! There’s one of the judges!” The handsome couple approaches one of the judges, a woman, with wavy black hair and a no-nonsense attitude. After they offer their names, it’s Lana that handles how she would make Lithrydel a better place. In a singsong voice, she’s sure to charm any judge, along with her breathtaking ball gown, and handsome arm candy, Eirik. “I would create a Companion Guild. There are a lot of animal lover’s in the lands… And so many animals would love to have a home! I think that we need to learn to live in perfect harmony with nature and all that we are blessed with, be it those with wings, fur, or scales! This guild would encourage others to rescue, foster, and donate, to those animals in need. As well as opening up a sanctuary for those animals that may be injured but are too dangerous to keep as a pet. It will allow them time to heal, and to trust again. I mean… I think I speak for everyone, but who doesn’t love a puppy!? Or a kitten? Or a baby bunny? Animals are our friends. Our protectors. And it’s time that we treated them more with kindness. Thank you, M’Lady.” Dipping into a curtsey, Lana peeks up to see the woman smile and jot something down on her paper. The elf peers at Eirik next, to see what his answer would be.

Raven was being bothered by a different secret service mentioning, “Madame Cadenza, Corvo has instructed I escort you to the Judges table.” She sips on an ice water before asking, “for what?” The guard looks uncomfortable, “for the Queen and King of Love and Beauty.” She crossed her arms and leans back in her chair with a ‘pfft’ sort of sound, “good one, Muriel. Nah….” The expression didn’t shift until she spotted Niall to which gets a half smirk, “bonjour, Mister Coin.” A disappointed sigh, “no Queenie to steal my treats… You’re okay though.” She offers another empty seat to her friend. She was looking at the undead Baelok again, “that is a very good point… I am so sick of fake.” The guard was still just standing there looking like he was stuck between a rock and a hard place, “Muriel… I am not winning that and not even trying - Corvo forced me in this dress and forces me here… He can get f-” The guard just walks away...

Ansel wanders away with Talyara. “No, no, I know how Lanara is. She gets excited, Talyara,” he knew his old friend well. The man then somehow makes them maze back around to the drinks table, picking up something a little stronger. To Talyara, this may seem like nothing, but Lanara it would be a different scenario; however, Lanara was nowhere to be found at the moment. “So… what happened to you? Looks like you got into a sort of mix-up,” he lifts a digit towards her inflamed cheek and outlines it in the air.

Lanara belatedly smiles at Niall, over her shoulder.

Celaeno cranes her head over the crowd to spot the hard to mistake, white-eyed face of her friend's guardian, then follows his eyeline to the avian he speaks with. Her eyebrows go up with some intrigue. Politician usually did mean noble, though it was admirable one would also run a center of learning, especially one open to more than a small group. Next she knew, Cela was swept away to refreshments, though a mixture of nervous butterflies and distractions made her not realize how empty her stomach was at the moment. Then the smells hit her nose and she began filling herself a plate. She takes a deep breath and touches Raevyn's shoulder with an apologetic smile. "I'm going to take some time to eat and...decompress. I want to continue staying and enjoy the event. Perhaps we can test our mettle with a dance or two, but after I take a moment." She hadn't been in such a large group with so many fancy people before, after all. All talking at once with various events...Some deep breathing might help make it less maddening, despite that she was enjoying herself so far.

Lanara winks at Artia and smiles at Ashe. "Pleasure to meet you."

Alvina sniffles a bit and straights at Hudson's side. Her drink looks empty but she doesn't look around to refill it. She regards this meat on a stick with a scrunched expression. Why is he offering her this? She doesn't want it? Would prefer the little quiches? "Absolutely not?" She laughs, knowing this was just a ploy. He wants it, let him have it. "I'll trade you for a dance?" She offers, navigating around the various judges with Hudson in tow. She makes a pit stop at Uma for a split second to kiss her cheek while she answers a nearby feline's question about the contest. The music is softer now to allow better answers to the judge's questions about making things better here. With a cheesy smile, Alvina threads her arms around the back of Hudson's neck after dropping her empty glass off at a nearby table. "What would you do to make Lithrydel a better place?" She asks coyly.

Talyara is thankful for the roundabout way Ansel brings her over to the table of drinks. She’s especially thankful for a stronger beverage. There, in that glass, is something dark and smelling of fuel. Perfect. “Oh you know…” she says waving her hand in a dismissive way. “This is nothing compared to the stitches in my head…” which are conspicuously hidden behind that elegant not of her hair. Just then a judge comes over and Taly is left with a blank expression. “How would I better Lithrydel? Oh um…” she looks to Ansel for some help. “I think we need to focus on helping others. So many times people are so wrapped up in their problems, perhaps there should be more community service related functions. Help those in need, ya know?” Cue a drink from her glass and Taly is ready to become inconspicuous again. They move away and she is free to speak to Ansel once more. “Lana and I, um, fought,” she finally confesses to the clinician.

Eirik is all too happy to provide the support Lanara needs in these moments. A gentle smile curving over his features, that damned dress looked good on her. The northman waits patiently for her answer to the judges who take everything she says into account and then offer their attention to him. “She has great ideas!” He responds with a chuckle and then gives his own account. “I will strive to work on balancing out the atrocities of late.” His voice denotes the problems of Larket. “To try and explain the difference between good and evil. Even if stereotypes exist, it’s not always the truth.” Eirik doesn’t give any further response, thinking that his words will never win him any title. However, Lana’s might. His attention is snagged once more by Artia and her date. Eirik extends a hand to Ashe and proffers a smile. “And you are?”

Ashe watched Artia walk away with a questioning look and glanced back at the stage. Then he shrugged and followed, appearing mildly curious. He didn't cut through the crowd so much as flow through it like water, clearly in his element. He caught up to his date explaining to a judge how to make Lithrydel a better place, a patient smile on his face. If asked to add anything by the judge Ashe simply swept a imaginary hat off his head. “More women like her, of the top of my head?” and gave a cunning wink. Only to let himself be pulled away again. This time with the look of someone allowing themselves to be dragged around with good humor. He returned Lanaras smile with an absolutely dazzling one of his own. “Pleasure is all mine, surely!” The words came with a curteous incline of his head. “Trust me. I meet a lot of people. I'd know.”

Kanna is confused when one of the judges approaches her, as she thought only couples could enter the contest. Ah, perhaps they're just looking for conversation. "Good evening. Are you enjoying the ball? Ah, yes, I am too, haha. Glitter? Oh, yes, I gave Aramoth's snow imp a thank-you kiss. Ah, it wasn't meant to be funny, was it that silly of me to do? ... Hm, yes, I suppose he does look menacing, but I am just a visitor here, but if he was willing to play the part, then he can't be that bad of a perso-- felyne." She corrects herself. "To make Lithrydel a better place? Hm... I don't think there's a simple answer to that. I am a bardess by trade, so I have been to other continents, and many cities. In all my years of travel, this is the first time that I've felt truly welcome somewhere. Maybe the monarchs have their differences in affairs, but I think Lithrydel is already home to the kindest people; we just have to help others find that kindness as well." She furrows her brows in confusion as the judge writes something down.

Niall has strolled into a tense conversation. As Raven begins a rather cutting four letter word he speaks over her quickly, "Free drinks," He skips the offered seat and gently places a wide hand on the underside of her forearm. "How about we go get free drinks?" The Kelayian gives the avian a charming, crooked smile. "I'd love some company crossing this room and I can tell you all about how Queenie is missing you," If she accepts his offer, he'd steer them away from the drinks and toward a judged with while talking animatedly about his dog and her current love affair with the latest foal his at his father's stables. "This lovely woman here has an excellent suggestion on how to make our little corner of the world a better place," He'd suddenly say, catching the attention of one of the red sashed judges.

Ashe took Eirik's hand in a practiced grip and returned the smile with one of his own, lighting up his pretty – and pretty was the word more than handsome – face better than any lantern. “Ashe Stormcrow. Court Bard of Frostmaw, incidentally. Funny how things sometimes come together. Fortunately for me, the bards guild were hired for tonight. Allowing me to enjoy the festivities instead of being responsible or productive.”

Leone slides across the hall toward the quickly departing Krice. The smith lunges forward, arm outstretched and fingers splayed, seeking to latch onto his arm for a moment's pause. "Where are you going?" The smith's question is hasty, though not accusatory.

Gilwen , once returned to her two companions, discovered that it wasn't a diplomat who spoke to Syelnar and Maegus, but a sashed Judge; now their discomfort seemed to make more sense. Of course, as soon as she approached, she was dragged into conversation about Lithrydel and how to spread compassion. "I struggle showing compassion myself," she answered truthfully. "At the end of the day, I can't say I've walked the paths they have in life, and so a little patience and understanding can go a great way. Don't let fear or prejudice muddle your thoughts, and extend a hand to those in need. A good deed is the rock that sends ripples across a pool of water." She shrugged thereafter in finality and dismissed the judge with a nod.

Ansel raises his brows in surprise. “Stitches?” In that moment, the judge comes swaying over. He sips his drink idly. His outfit is a little out there, but really he had no speech what-so-ever. He tags on to Talyara. “Yes, we need to focus on helping others rather than being drawn in with the evil. The air really feels heavy, as-of-late, and instead of falling into the negativity, it is our job to be optimistic, especially as citizens.” He pauses. “I think Lady Talyara and I can both agree that with our talents of caring for the public already, being a clinician, and her specializing in her… kind aura and hidden talents,” he had no idea what she did, but he was going to make them shine like stars because Ansel was dressed like one with his gold blazer, “we can move this world to a little positivity one day at a time by helping others.” Wow, good sugar-coat, Ansel. He then nods the judge off and continues to walk – sipping on the drink. “Fought? That’s a pretty brutal fight considering you both are siblings?”

Artia couldn't believe what Ashe had said! More women like her? Dear goddess, he had a way with words. She would not comment, as her snort gave him the reply. He knew what he just said about her, and how that would make her feel. The wink given to Artia from Lanara caused a small blush, the witch ever-so smitten with Ashe. They had been traveling together lately, and Artia enjoying watching Ashe perform. Moving up to Lanara, "I didn't think it would be possible for me to ever open back up, but...Ashe wouldn't have me bottling up. So, how long have you and my brother been seeing each other?" Hip bumping Lanara ever so gently, rest were very hushed words. "I am in love...after so long of making my heart cold and closed up. He just danced and sang right into it, and tried to impress me. I didn't even want a relationship or dating again, but dear goddess...I couldn't stop the magic between us." Stopping the hushed words to Lanara, only to watch Eirik and Ashe with curiosity of how this would go. Was her trouble going to get a speech? A hit? Taking Lanara hand, smiling to her, "I do have a wish for tonight, and my wish you for you and my brother to give each other all the happiness and love in the world." So far, so good between her boyfriend and her brother.

Lanara smiles politely at Ashe, though she is unsure what to say to the man next, and is somewhat awkward around strangers. Her gaze flits from one person to the next and she inches nearer to her date, his answer having struck a chord. “That was a really beautiful answer, Eirik.” Of course Lana knew what events he was referring to, and how he had planned on making things better, or at least stable, again. She seems proud of his answer, and kisses him on the cheek, in front of his sister and the bard. Her cheeks flush faintly in a blush as she gives his hand a gentle squeeze. He was, hands down, the best dressed male at this event. “I’m such a lucky elf, right now…” She mutters.

Kanna finds herself seated after a while, in a chair against the wooden wall where she and Bastion had been before. Her eyes fix on the floor, an air of sadness returning to her. "Bastion. What should I do if I find myself becoming attached to someone who for all intents and purposes would never consider loving a human because he would outlive a human ten times over?"

Krice arched a brow as fingers latched onto the folded right sleeve of his shirt, causing him to slow to a halt and turn toward the accompanying voice. His expression softened noticeably as crimson eyes settled on emerald, but guarded remained his disposition. " Parties aren't my thing," he muttered to Leone, scanning the crowd briefly before he looked upon the priestess once more. Something shifted in his face, shadowy and indiscernible.

Hudson looks startled that his wife doesn't want the meat on the stick, believing it far superior to the mini quiches, but he doesn't question her decision. He eats it and accepts her suggestion that they dance. It's always a pleasure to see Uma, but she seems overwhelmed by having to greet important Frostmaw person after important Frostmaw person so they don't linger. On the dance floor, Hudson pretends to seriously consider his wife's question. "Build a monument to my wife in the center of town," he jokes. "Gotta one up Macon somehow."

Lanara said to Artia, "I'm so happy that you found love again. He seems like a nice fellow! And I can see how smitten he is with you! Eirik and I have been dating for... A few weeks, now. He's unlike anyone I ever met, and I am very fond of your brother."

Bastion sat with Kanna, tilting his head to the side, considering the question. "I can't say. I'm sworn never to marry, myself. But, maybe I have some useful insight... I think, personally, that nothing should ever be allowed to hold you back from loving freely. To me, all living creatures are my own children. I care for even the most wicked dearly, and mourn their passing. I have never regretted loving anyone in my life, no matter that my love may have been unrequited. I never asked to be loved in return, yet I find there is much love in my life. I say, just love, and whatever will be, will be, miss Kanna."

Raven is being ushered away and for once her expression changes to slight anger, “you’re lucky we are friendly…” Corvo had tried to push her around like this ONCE and he nearly got an ear ripped off literally. He’s speaking of getting drinks and slowly her blank and bored expression returns, “Niall, you know I don’t dri-” Then she’s thrown to the wolves which felt literal. A glance over her shoulder at the Kelayian, “what?” Then she is on the spot… It would be rude to just walk away NOW… She’s cursing up a storm in her mind, “I would make Lithrydel a better place by making sure none are turned away from Schezerade in this time of need. All are welcome no matter what people may assume. I strive for unity of all races, classes, and backgrounds.” Her peaceful and even tone gave an effortlessness to her being and she pulls up the short train to her black velvet dress. Her heart was pounding and her ears red from blushing, she was embarrassed and hates this.

Raevyn smiled and nodded to her friend, a gentle touch to the woman's silver gauntlet as she replies, "It alright. Relax, take your time. I am a bit overwhelmed myself." Copying the half-elf, the pallid human begins to fill a plate of her own with whatever she could find. She had to sate the inner fat child. It was sometime into her little feast, with cheeks puffed out, that a judge would make approach. The girl had heard of the beauty contest, and had no real intention of joining. She would never win, there was no way. So, when the judge spoke, Raevyn greeted back with a full mouth. She realized that this may be impolite and washed down what she were chewing on with a bit of water before answering the question. "Truthfully? Education... dispel superstitious notions. Educate the people better and teach them to make proper informed decisions. And stop allowing corrupt, ignorant members of society from running for positions of power. Look at Larket. A lovely town ruled over by ignorance. The lack of education has caused untold death and despair... it saw one woman burned alive in public. so.. Education. This is how I would fix Lithrydel." Baelok would grin at the moody avian he was speaking with, a nod in agreement to her sentiments. "You and me both, sister. Why most of you fleshbags make me sick. Fake smiles and fake caring, all to get what ya want. And as soon as ya get what ya want, it's backstabbin' and betrayal at the first bit of wealth or power." He wasn't jaded or anything.

Alvina rolls her eyes at this terrible suggestion. "No one needs to see that, thanks." The music begins to die as the roar of the crowd dims to a light hum. The announcement of the winner is drawing near!

Talyara arches a dark brow as Ansel piggy-backs onto her answer to the judges, tilting her head to the side as the corners of her mouth twitch into a smile. “Kind aura and hidden talents, huh? I thought last time you said I was -amazing-. Thanks for the downgrade.” She’s teasing, as she has done to the poor clinician since their first meeting. “Well, you have two kids, right? I’m sure they’ve fought before. It’s the same thing."

Leone looks sidelong at the assembled crowd, peering at the glitz and glam, and all it encompassed out of the corners of her sockets. The faceted, peridot gaze fixes upon the swordsman anew while her caramel-colored lips draw down in a frown. A brief nod is given to Krice, and the bantam blacksmith simply mutters, "I'll see you later. You know how to find me."

Artia said to Lanara, "Ashe and I too! For a few weeks, almost a month I think. He is the most charming, funniest male I have ever meet. He gets my twisted humor and laughs with me, instead me laughing alone! I am very glad you and my brother found each other, he needs to be happy and so do you. I am equally smitten with Ashe as he is with me."

Eirik nods to Ashe, "Quite the title." He flicks his gaze between Artia and Ashe, sizing them up as a pair. What the hell, it’s yule. "Congratulations on your date. Treat her right?" Though it's proposed as a question, it isn't one. He's quite serious and Artia had many stories which she could deliver to her date. The northman listens to Artia’s explanation and true to his normal composure, he offers a response bereft of details. How typically Eirik! “For a little while now. But we can discuss this later. For now, if you two don't mind, I'm going to try and get a dance in with my date?" His attention moves back to Lanara, he’s apparently having difficulty with the whole social gathering of this all! “Thank you,” he responds to her kiss and her comment. Eirik had meant every word of it.

Krice bent his arm beneath Leone's to curl his fingers around her elbow in an affectionate hold, nodding in acknowledgment of her words. " Don't get lost," the stoic warrior requested, before releasing his divine companion and turning to at least depart the fort.

Ashe gave another nod. “I wouldn't dare do otherwise.” He assured, with a hint of self-mocking laughter, and bumped into Artia with a hip. The grace of his movement downright feminine. “I believe you've a stock in this?” he alerted and gestured vaguely upwards, referring to the upcoming announcement.

Niall is actually surprised he'd gotten away with it, if he were being honest with himself. He's grinning, trying to hide it behind his beer because he knows when Raven gets half a chance she's going to put him in hot water. No doubt she's as mad as a box of frogs right now. Niall manages to snag fresh drinks by some help walking by though, so he holds a little stem glass out to her by way of peace offering and tries not to look to smug. "Well, I was right," His tone is laced with humor. "You are beautiful and you do have some idea of how to knit the world together."

Eirik responds to Ashe, "I believe she might, but I don't think I do."

Ansel takes another swig of his drink. “Well, shoot, I guess I forgot,” he smirks. Their whole thing was teasing, and Ansel was fond of it. “You’re lovely,” he corrects himself. He then looks at the judges in their huddle. “You hear that? She’s amazingly lovely!” he is only trying to embarrass her, but he then turns stoic as he lowers his drink as she speaks of his children. “Correct. Though, do they beat the crap out of each other? Well, I try to stop them before they do and teach them otherwise. Then again, they are rowdy boys with only one figure who is not a good role model – hence, the Whalers.” He tilts his glass slightly and examines the contents. “Well, you two best get along because she really did a number on you. At least like… put blue stain in her bar soap or something,” he laughs.

Kanna turns her head to him, giving him a sad smile in return. "You do not have to ask to be loved in return because you have a pure heart. It only takes a few stubborn compliments from you to win someone over. Perhaps you could sweet-talk the Palm into your favor as well." She jokes half-heartedly. Standing to see the winner of the event, she adds, "Someone like me who only got hurt worse the more she asked for someone, anyone, to love her... I just don't think it's in the stars for me."

Artia :: It was true, Ashe had a well-established title, but her personal favorite was 'my trouble.' He was trouble from the first night she watched him perform, first night they shared a drink. "Enjoy Eirik, Lanara, we should all get together again." Mouthing a silent 'thank you' to Eirik, he didn't try to test Ashe out like he did her last boyfriend, which was a relief. Ashe didn't need to be tested, she has already done that. Glancing to Ashe, tilting her head to the smile, grinning as he hips bumped her. His words were wonderful to be said to her brother, or to her they were. Twirling herself slightly, offering her hand to him. She made a deal to wear this dress, as long as Ashe would give her at least one dance. She wants at least once dance before she would later leave, "Cross your fingers, love."

Bastion couldn't stand to see such sad smiles on these occasions. Sad smiles were given for the selfless sake of others. Instead of responding with words, he wrapped her up in a hug, and held her tight.

Lanara tightens her grip on Eirik’s arm as he mentions a ‘dance’ and she nips her lower lip in worry. The woman’s back was killing her, and she prayed that she wouldn’t stumble or hurt herself further. Sure, she could go old school and rest in his arms on the dancefloor with her head against his chest, awkwardly rocking from side to side. She’d just be super careful. Swallowing, she listens to Ashe and Eirik continue their chichat and she smiles faintly as Artia goes on and on about her lovelife, the woman gushing every last detail. She was happy for the couple, even if she hardly knew them, and as the other witch wishes them luck, she takes it to heart. “Thank you, Lady Artia. I wish you and Ashe all the best, as well. Perhaps we’ll get together sometime for dinner? All four of us?” She hints at a double date in the near future, and winces as the woman bumps hips against her own. Ouch. Although it was gentle, she saw stars. “Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again, to you both. Happy Yule!” That said, she turns away, and shuffles in her slippered feet, wanting another drink to number the pain. Something heavier this time.

Uma drifts through the partygoers, at length winding her way back to the dias. She is flanked by the many judges and joined by Queen Hildegarde. "Hello all," her voice cuts through the party's chatter, the music dims in response. She smiles, again showing her teeth. "Thank you all for participating, there is such positive feeling and optimism here tonight," she says. "I am now going to announce our King and Queen of Love and Beauty." She is handed an envelope from the 'most senior' of the judges, and she makes a show of opening it. "Ladies and gentlemen, please congratulate your King and Queen of Love and Beauty, Raven and Eirik! Would you please step forward to be crowned by Her Grace Queen Hildegarde?"

Talyara is thoroughly embarrassed and she swats at Ansel’s arms and makes loud shushing noises as he tries to garner the attention of the judges. She is thankful, surprisingly enough, when the conversation turns back to her fight with Lanara. “Well it’s not like we make a -habit- of it. It was…just a, um. Uhhh…stressful night?” She answers in an unsure tone because that was the understatement of the night. Soon, the Mayor is taking her stand and the King and Queen are crowned. As Eirik’s name is called she searches for Lanara to catch her eye. “I better go steady Lana,” she says to Ansel before weaving through the crowd to intercept her sister. “Do you need to sit? I’m sure your back must be in a lot of pain."

Orikahn steps forward again from his silent, surly post to glare again at the festive partygoers, cued this time by the announcement of winners. "The King and Queen of love and beauty will now enjoy a MANDATORY DANCE." His glare turns to Eirik and Raven, and he raises a stern, condemning hand to point at each in turn, his glowing gaze and saber teeth gleaming with dire Yuletide Authority.

Raven was on her way to scold Niall and head back to her chair next to Baelok, but her name is called… This is rigged, right? Her blank expression is not blank for once people - this is not a drill. Its… Confusion mixed with surprise “surpfusion” if you will. She takes a slow and deep breath before gently handing Niall his drink back, “excuse me ~Mister Coin~.” Her tone totally said she wanted to kill him, but she turned, dawned that half smirk and relaxed to her usual peacefulness. Heeled steps click her way through what felt like silence to Hildegarde and teal half lidded eyes set on the Queen, waiting for whatever it was that was supposed to come next. Then she’s being shouted at to dance by some oversized feline and eventually her gaze travels to Eirik… This is awkward.

Hildegarde claps as Uma announces the winners of the contest! As the contestants are urged to kneel before the Hilde-Claus, the Silver offers them both words of congratulations. “A wondrous title,” she tells them both, leaning to the side to collect the laurels resting upon a cushion that is being held near her. The Silver lifts one of the finely crafted winter berry laurels and rests it gently upon the head of Eirik. “The King of Love and Beauty,” she announces, lifting the second laurel before setting it gently upon the head of Raven, “The Queen of Love and Beauty! Blessings to our Yule!” More clapping! Excitement for the dance, hooray!

Ashe raised an eyebrow at Artia. “I was never one to put much stock in awards.” he admitted rather dismissively. He barely even listened to the announcement. Rather, he took her hand and lead her off to the dance floor and spun her on the spot to place her with her back against him and his hands resting on her hips. “Not the most fitting music. But we'll make do?”

Ansel furrows his brows at her description of the incident. “Stressful night?” Either way, Uma takes over the party and Eirik has won, but Lanara is not by his side. “Oh shoot, okay. I’ll talk to you later,” he then parts ways with the woman and moves back towards Jenson and Edvin. Here comes all the questions: who is the girl? You and Lanara are friends again? And more… It goes on and he just drinks.

Lanara smiles at Eirik. “Congrats! Go! Go dance with Raven!” She literally shoves him towards the dance floor and joins in with applauding the new couple. As her sister nears her, she gratefully accepts the offered arm and leans in to whisper in Taly’s ear.

Eirik twists his features up into confusion! Wait? Had he just been announced the winner? Really? He thought for sure such a thing would be handed to someone other than himself. What an odd turn of events! He looks to Lanara, offering her a frown, “I’m sorry,” it’s whispered into her ears before another kiss is planted on her cheek. SIlver hues look directly into her chocolate ones “I’ll be right back. We still need our dance.” Finally the northman shifts his attention to Hildegarde and meanders away from Lanara to partake in the crowning event. He’s still dumbstruck that he had literally just told Ashe that he stood no chance! This is beyond weird! Once before Hildegarde his eyes turn to the laurels planted upon them and take heed of Orikahns words. A hand is offered to Raven, with a pleasant smile. “May I?” He formally bows, and waits for her to join him in dance.

Shishi has been cornered by a literal giant super fan! The huge, suit-wearing Frostmaw native has sipped up enough barrels of ale to work up the courage to approach his favorite Titan of Winter of all time. (Eat it, Svilfon) Now that he's got The Blue Demon right where he want him he goes into a full retelling of Shishi's first match of this years tournament, -to Shishi himself!- Blue nods politely and backs up a bit every time the giant swings his ale holding arm accompanying each description of a blow or twist in the fight. "Then the ice broke, and you sliced that guy's arm off!? There was blood everywhere!" The fan lowers his dink to the assassin's eye level for a mandatory 'cheers' that is obliged with a light 'clink' of glass on whatever material holds enough ale for a giant.

Niall finds himself taking Raven's fancy glass of water back and watching her accept the title of Queen of Love and Beauty. He feels particularly proud of himself for strong arming her into the contest even if he knows the very next time they are out of public eye he will likely be toting an arse kicking. He didn't even need to hear the tone she carried with his name. Watching her grace under fire approach to public situations made it a worth while venture in his mind. He can't clap, his hands were full of drinks, so he whoop shouts a little to add to Raven's embarrassment. You can take the boy from the country... He'd wait patiently by their seats while nursing his beer for his deserved scolding.

Shishi says to his largest fan, "Thanks. It was really easy."

Lanara whispered something to Talyara.

Talyara whispered something to Lanara.

Hudson turns Alvina, and then pauses because the music has stopped and Uma is announcing the winner. He applauds along with everyone else, although he begins to tune out this part of the proceedings. He casually observes a man (Shishi) at the other end of the room, seemingly being cornered by Hollow's answer to a rabid neckbeard.

Talyara :: To make her point to her whispers to Lana, she inclines her chin towards a group of nearby men.

Hudson whispered something to Alvina.

Lanara rolls her eyes at her sister and shakes her head. "No. They don't count."

Alvina whispered something to Hudson.

Kanna hiccups softly as the child wraps his arms around her. Thank heavens she had chosen not to wear any eye make-up, for surely it would have been wasted getting washed away down her cheeks. Crying twice in two days... What in the worlds was wrong with her? "Even you... one day, you'll leave too, just like everyone else, without a word because you're too sweet to tell me how you only stayed by me out of some guilt-filled obligation, and I won't know if its because you've gotten bored of me, or if you hate me for something I said or did, or if its just because I should be strong enough to not have or want to be close to anyone." She thanks the heavens that the childlike pair are concealed in the shadow of the grand hall. After a few moments to gather herself, she wipes her eyes and gently motions for the monk to release her. "I'm sorry. This is supposed to be a happy occasion, isn't it? After all, I've given Aramoth my wish, so surely it will come true. Now, come on. The Headmistress of my school is the Queen of Beauty. We're going to have to dance to that." She grins, despite her eyes now being just slightly red-rimmed from the tears. Too caught up in trying to paint on a happy face for her friend, she fails to notice another guest at the Yule Ball: An older human man, with cornflower eyes and walnut-colored hair cropped against his head. He does not take notice of her either.

Raven bowed her head to Hildegarde with fist over her own heart, “merci.” She nods respectfully to Eirik, “you may.” They move to the floor and she looks down from her perspective as she’s got a few inches of height on him. This is fine. Her wrists lay over his shoulders and she mumbles his hands should stay at her waist - no lower. A nice distance between them, they could probably fit another person between them and she continues her pleasantries of her half smirk while mumbling that she's going to totally kill to men after this. Her sarcastic tone ends that thought with, “it’ll be a political scandal.” She doesn’t mean it of course. She heard Niall’s ‘whooping’ and glances over the top of Eirik’s head to him with a mini-glare look, literally if you blink you miss it.

Talyara throws her arms gently around her sister's shoulder and nods. "Uh huh. Yes they do!" A server walks by with a tray of beverages and Taly snags one to hand to her sister. "Look! Strawberry wine! Your favorite!"

Artia smiled, and applause for her brother winning. Which only brought a chuckle out of her, she couldn't wait for him to have to dance or even be crowned. When she saw such, she would bump her hip to Ashe, whispering to him. "You are my King of love and beauty." Accompanied by a kiss to his cheek. "Do you want to leave? Ava knows how to get back to the rented rooms, she can stay and dance if she wants. Her best friend Bastion is here, so she will probably steal a dance or two." Bringing him a long she gives Ava a key to her room, technically she was a grown woman now. Who had been well educated to act her age now. Plus, she been getting trained by Eirik, she could defend herself if a unwanted person wanted a dance.

Alvina said to Hudson, "Awwww"

Having made the announcement, Uma and the judges clear off the dais and weave back into the crowd. The dance floor is thinning, due to the Mandatory Dance, and Hudson at this point leads himself and Alvina away. They'd agreed beforehand to head home after this part, to catch the children before bed, so they stop to get their coats before going on their way.

Niall doesn't miss the glare. He coughs over a laugh and grins like a mule eating briars.

Ashe smirked as Artia returned to him. “Well.” he started, glancing to the stage. “I don't believe the accompaniment need me after all.” he surmised, finally. “Good thing I wasn't expected to do anything in particular this year, or you'd be persuading me to abandon my duties.” he accused as he walked out with her.

Lanara glowers at her sister, clearly no longer desiring the strawberry wine, and declining. “I don’t want wine, sister. I’ve already had -4- glasses and I’m seeing double.” Sighing, she turns her attention to watch the dance between Eirik and Raven. She was stunning in that gown, and if it were anyone else, she’d likely have clawed her eyes out for touching her lycan. But it’s Raven, which is basically a replica of her close friend Brennia, and so she merely watches, in silence. Eirik is handsome, as ever, and if he were to look her way, she’d offer a smile. Though, if one were to hear her heated whispers with her sibling, they’d find that something was brewing.

Lanara whispered something to Talyara.

Eirik had no intention of breaking the barriers that Raven had sought to put up. This is just a formality after all. His hand stays in all of the proper places. Besides he doesn’t need to be scolded by Lanara later. Though Eirik stands at near six feet, she is taller than he! This is still too much for him to take in. In all of his time, he had only met Brennia.. Well once or twice. And this is Raven, it’s all still too confusing for him. However, no questions are asked while he takes lead and whisks around the dance floor. The northman had been getting a little training in. Silver hues flick to Lanara his date for a moment, apologizing for the briefest of moments. However, the Lycans feet perpetuate his simplistic style, whilst he carries a smile. Once everything is done, he gives another bow to Brennia. “Congratulations,” despite his efforts to help Lanara win, Raven had earned the title. “Thank you for the dance.”

Talyara scowls at her sister before relinquishing the glass of wine to another server before furiously whispering back to Lanara.

Hildegarde departs from the dais, intending to seek out her dance with Bastion as promised as his boon. It’s not a terribly long dance or anything, given that Hildegarde is a very self-conscious dancer. Besides, it’s time for the final event of the night and the most Aramoth pleasing one! Hildegarde gives a smile to Shishi, the celebrity of Frostmaw and reigning Titan of Winter, before moving over to Lanara and Talyara. “Good to see you both,” she offers them gently, making her way through the crowd to greet familiar and unfamiliar faces alike. Time to mingle after all. Raevyn gets a compliment on her dress (perhaps fuelling further rumours of Hildegarde’s unlikeness to wed a King?); Kanna is offered a warm and friendly smile in the hopes that her confidence is a bit boosted after the boon; Alvina is given a waggle of the fingers but something is missing. Without Jos, the dynamic had changed a little. Sad. Definitely time to watch people punch.

Talyara whispered something to Lanara.

Lanara glares at her sister, latches onto her pointed ear to pull her closer, and resumes whispering. She does manage to pause as Hildegarde passes, and she smiles at the woman.

Lanara whispered something to Talyara.

Raven kindly departs from her fellow winner of Love and Beauty with a half bow/curtsy thing and a “congratulations to you, it was a pleasure… Au Revoir”, but makes a beeline for Niall, “is it bad I wish I was Queenie right now?” She takes up the water he had gotten for her, “thanks or something.” She found herself looking outside at the snow again, “it’s warm in here.” Heeled steps bring her to the nearest exit weather Baelok or Niall followed was entirely up to them, but secretly she just wanted to see or feel the snow again.

Orikahn steps aside too, making room for the giant attendants that readily clear the dais of chairs, stools, and everything else.

Talyara yelps in pain as he sister grabs hold of her ear and unfortunately that translates into a pained smile for Hildegarde.

Pilar saw Hildegarde making the rounds, and when the queen drew close enough, she'd give her a wave. “Hi. Happy Yule.” She looked like she wanted to say something else, but was hesitant.

Talyara whispered something to Lanara.

Niall laughs at Raven. "I don't think even you would be able to convince her to trade places right now," He answers. When she turns abruptly from him, without so much as another glare, he abandons his beer and trots after her. "Look, Rae-"

Lanara leans back and lowers her hold on her sibling's ear, as though she managed to reach through to her. "Oh. That-That makes sense...." Lana looks caught offguard, and returns the whisper.

Celaeno wandered her way back toward her friend, with food consumed and her nerves settled moreso. It was just in time to spot the queen she had spotted on the dias throw a compliment her way and she grins full on, hoping for a positive effect on her friend as she waits and swoops in. "Apologies for the reprieve. I see Artia's brother won that pageant. Surprising." She glances around at all of the dancers gathering up, people eating, conversing with each other. It gives her a new surge of energy. "Do you like the food?" Then giants came in and began removing tables and chairs and such other furniture. Her brows knit together in evident confusion. "Is it over already?"

A colony of stray cats lick the milk up out of half-frozen puddles.

Lanara whispered something to Talyara.

Raevyn had been stuffing her face like a pig when the winners were announced, awkwardly clapping with her hands full of food. The compliment from Queen Hildegarde made her face turn a couple shades of pink, but finds herself at a loss for words. it could be because her face was puffed out like a chipmunk. So she offers a curtsy to the queen instead with a bright beaming smile. To Celaeno she turned and swallowed her food, mouthing 'Oh. My. Gods.' to her friend to indicate the level of surprise she felt. With the question of whether she liked the food, the girl nodded. "A little too much I think... How about you? And it's nice to see you're looking better." It was now that the girl noticed the giants, "Um.. I.. don't know. " She had been in a food coma. Everything was lost.

Shishi is saved by Hildegarde smiling his way. "Ah~! I'm sorry. Have to go do my thing," he says while finally slipping between the side of the giant fan and a table. The belligerent fighting fanatic assures the assassin that he'll find him afterwards so they can keep talking about how awesome Shishi is. The vampire nods, knowing full well this will not happen even if he has to turn into a cloud of crows to escape it. The reigning Titan of Winter hops up onto the dais, half-full drink still in hand, to a smattering of cheers for Frostmaw's current favorite champion. He raises his glass and winks out at the crowd before shouting. "So! We've got a fight here to kick off this coming year's Titan tournament. A lady I once saw turn a giant spider into ash by looking at it funny, against a guy I've never met!" He waves the combatants out onto the stage with him, "Gilwen and Ansel! They're gonna beat the snot out of each other until one of them bleeds. They promised me privately earlier."

Eirik makes his way through the crowd back to his date Lanara, who seems to be in a heated discussion with Taly. What happened during his absence? “Talyara, do you mind if I steal your sister for a few?” His midnight blues and silvers accentuating his features - despite the scar which resides upon his visage. His eyes settle on Lana. “I think it’s about time we danced, My Queen?” Doesn’t she become one just solely based off his title? An easy twist of words, but truthfully she is his Queen. “Even if they are setting up for something else, we shall take our time.” He ignores anyone else, and their approaches or advances. He was here for Lana. This whole ordeal is what she had spoken of immediately after their fight with Thronnel. This whole outfit, the night. It was for her.

Talyara wrinkles her nose at Lanara. "I know you are. But try -harder-." She opens her mouth to further respond when Eirik arrives as the little witch shoots her sister a narrowed gaze. Poor Eirik might think it was directed at him but it wasn't. Instead she excuses herself from Lanara and weaves her way through the crowd to find Leone. "Hey did I see Krice before? Is he still here?" Realizing she's being terribly rude she thunks herself in the forehead with the heel of her hand. "I'm sorry, Leone. It's really good to see you. I hope you are well?"

Hildegarde offers Pilar a gentle nod of the head, "And to you," it's a bit of an awkward one. Pilar isn't really on her list of people she particularly wants to talk to, but she'd do it if she had to. Their last encounters left a sour taste in the mouth, after all! The talk of a fight is far more intriguing.

Celaeno had eaten modestly enough, a few parcels here and there from everything. To see her friend's face stuffed so much her cheeks puffed out makes her giggle, shielding her mouth to make sure it wasn't too obvious. "Is it for dancing do you think or something else?" Then the Shishi stood up and announced the upcoming event. "A tourney? Perhaps we should move further out to watch. This could be intriguing if people can turn others into spiders with only a glance..."

Ansel finishes the next drink and he sets it on a nearby tray that one of the waiters are walking by with. He is having a deep conversation with Jenson and Edvin. “Yes, yes.” The man then looks at Shishi who is now on stage announcing the brawlers. Himself and Gilwen? Gilwen? Who was Gilwen? Eyes land on a woman who some people seem to know and are cheering for. “The hell,” the Gilwen is a woman. “Uhh…” Jenson and Edvin are laughing so hard they almost pee themselves and Jenson gives Ansel a hard shove towards the stage. He stumbles forward in awkward steps. Ansel never beat up a giant spider before. He was conflicted, and most likely, doomed. The man stands as tense as a board. “Uh, yeah. Yeah…” Some people look appalled and some are cheering and clapping.

Pilar decided it was best not to say anything for now, and just looked to the dais for the upcoming fight. She hoped it wasn't going to be anything too nasty.

Orikahn doffs his imp wings and yule cap, rolls his shoulders, and shakes to fluff his fur, stirring up a thick cloud of blue. When the dust settles, he's a shade lighter, still quite periwinkle, but at least you can start to make out his natural stripes beneath. Still in talbard, the seven foot, three hundred pound cat walks back up onto the dais, crosses his arms, taps his clawed toes, and waits impatiently for the fighters to step up to their places.

Lanara tilts her head in Eirik’s direction, and immediately stops glaring at her sister and whispering in a heated fashion. “Hey… Did you enjoy your dance?” She flashes the lycan her best smile, and as he offers her his arm and asks for another dance, she hesitates. “We can’t. They’re setting up for some sort of fight? How about a rain check?” In truth, the elf was terrified of a fight breaking out in the midst of their time on the dance floor. She had been battered enough only two days prior and was still on the mend. It hurt her to decline, but she manages a smile and pats the chair at her side. “Sit with me. Let’s watch the fight?” Those big brown eyes catch her sisters green gaze, and she sighs. “Go check on Ansel, okay? He was drinking a bit too much earlier. Make sure he’s alright?” As her sister fades from view, she laces her gloved hand with Eirik’s, and settles her head on his shoulder. Apparently her chat with Taly had her seeing things from a different perspective, as she almost seems content to just sit at her King’s side and enjoy the festivities.

Talyara momentarily looks up in surprise towards where a man speaks of a brawl. Ansel's gonna do what now?

Uma is rooting for Gilwen, because #sisterhood. She has somehow, as women tend to, found herself a gaggle of like-minded women, all of whom are drinking sparkling rose. United, the group immediately begins to cheer and shout words of encouragement, some of which are obscene. One woman yells, "Punch the dick!!!!"

Raven caught Niall on his wait out to chase after her, her hand behind her back, but the other on her hip. Her cheeks her red from the cold, “what did you just call me?” A head tilt, “that short thing of my name?” A glint in those teal eyes as her hidden hand was revealed to be holding a ball of snow, her half smirk returns and she tosses the ball at Niall, but if he dodged and it hit Corvo (who was strolling up behind him after Raven) then EVEN BETTER! Whoever it hit, didn’t matter, she would not take Niall up by the back of his arm and lead him to sit she explains dully, “there is talk of a fight. I want to see someone get their halls decked.”

Baelok didn't follow the senator outside, instead option to keep an eye on the girl he was supposed to be protecting. He remained seated neat the window, watching close as Raevyn and Celaeno enjoyed the festivities. "Um. Probably a good idea." The young necromancer replied. "I'd sooner not get blood spatter on my dress." She offers a bit of a cheesey grin before taking her friend by the silver gauntlet and once again leads her to a more isolated position to watch. Probably near where her guardian was seated.

Leone moves to the dias, as well. She's not one for merrymaking and socializing - unless there's a lot of alcohol involved. And tonight, that would be unseemly. So instead, the Priestess remains sober and reserved. Bummer.

Gilwen was shot twin bemused stares by her two elven companions as Shishi introduced her as one of the fighters for tonight's entertainment, but she left them with little more than a nod. As she moved through the crowd, she heard murmurs of her spider killing abilities, as well as comments regarding her current attire; how was she supposed to fight in a gown? Eventually, the elf pushed out of the crowd and stood on the stage, saying nothing on the fake news of her and the vampire's long ago arachnid hunt. She met Ansel with a nod and a studious glance, before her attention moved to the skirt of her dress. Gathering it up in handfuls, she ripped the gauzy material away easily and tossed it aside; hidden beneath that dress were a pair of leather leggings and and boots.

Lionel rubs his neck to ease the tension in his muscles. Tonight, he’s kept tabs on everything and nothing; the stewardship of Frostmaw demands no particular task at such events, but it does recommend his presence. With battle plans aplenty springing through his mind, it’s all he can do to cut a striking figure in a vivid red uniform and hope the message is heard loud and clear over the ruckus of all these festivities. Lionel has gone through three full glasses of wine, which is approximately one third of his usual routine. Best to embrace a minimalist alcoholic’s approach in front of such a crowd, after all. There’s a slight slowness in his gaze, and the ghost of a smirk chases his lips -- he’s buzzed. Good times. Hail Frostmaw and all that jazz.

Celaeno moved with Raevyn closer to the edge of the festivities, taking a seat beside her and Baelok. She tossed a smirk the dead man's way, "Were you perfecting your flirting arts with the Queen of Beauty, Baelok?" Raevyn might catch the slight hint of wine on the half-elf's breath. She...may have sipped down a couple glasses. For courage, you know. "How bloody do you think it will get?" she asks, as if Raevyn had any better idea than she how the brawl would transpire. Short glances were shot toward the combatants, and she let out an 'ooh' as Gilwen tore her dress away to reveal the more masculine garb underneath.

Shishi shouts again, "Before they do that though! I am now allowed to announce that this tournament's winner will be awarded the chance to fight me for my title as the reigning Titan in a match for double the finals prize money!" The Blue Demon has mouths to feed, so whoever wins this thing better be ready for a fight. That one super Shishi fan in the crowd is going crazy at the idea of seeing another of his fights. "Oh Wow! Yeah! Heck Yeah!" Shishi hears someone yell 'Punch the dick!' and looks out in horror at the group the evil command came from. He shakes his head to snap back to the task at hand. Looking back and forth between the two he asks in a much less boisterous tone, "All set?" and smiles before looking once more to the audience, "I'm gonna hand this to your favorite crazy cat to get things started. Have fun!" If he had a microphone, he would toss it underhand to Orikahn right now, but he doesn't so he just sends an upward nod to the dressed up feline and moves to get off the dais, slapping Ansel on the shoulder and telling him to "Watch out for the left hook." Which is 100% fake news.

Niall stops as abruptly as Raven does. His face is pinched with concern. He hadn't actually meant to upset her and this is exactly what he thinks hes done. The rose on her cheeks is endearing and prompts him to start taking off his jacket. "Rae?" He answers cautiously, noting the glint to her eye. His grin springs back as she produces the snowball. He dodges just in time, skipping on one leg and wiggling out of his jacket simultaneously. It was a strange sight, all his long limbs and stumbling grace. The Kelayian doesn't bother to hide the smug pleasure he gets from seeing Corvo tagged by the snow. Something was off about that man.He follows Raven to a seat and holds out the jacket casually, his loud rolling laughter escaping him at her play on words. "Excellent," He teases. He might not really bother to watch the fight. He waves for another beer and steals glances at Raven.

Eirik nods and gives a sigh. “My dance would have been better,” His hand comes to rest under her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his own. “If it had been you.” But they will get theirs later, of that he’s certain. For now, he’s content to relax with Lanara, and watch the next proceedings. It wouldn’t be nice after all, to continue in the background ignoring the festivities of this night. “Would you mind escorting me to get a drink. After being before everyone, I’m ashamed to admit I’m a little nervous.” There is truth to his words, his voice shaky as a few still eye him and his beautiful date. “And that will help settle my nerves.” He had forgotten the ale he had purchased some time ago, which has probably been swept away by workers clearing space for this event. It’s a shame too, because once they arrive, all he is able to obtain is strawberry wine. Finally he escorts Lana somewhere that she is able to sit and watch the proceedings. “So,” he eyes his drink for a moment and then flicks attention back to her. “How's your night been so far? As full of surprises as mine?” That Laurel which had been placed upon his head is already forgotten - still sitting where hildegarde had placed it. Even amidst all the talking and Shishi’s shouting, she is still the only one.

Raevyn was equally impressed with Gilwen's quick change of attire; This might be a pretty good spectacle after all! "Um. I'm not sure! This is my first brawl of this sort. Though, I did see a gladiator match in Cenril and that was nasty." It was now that Raevyn caught that fruity hint, leaning over to sniff at Celaeno's breath. "have you been partaking in the spirits?" she asked with a grin. Baelok on the other hand scoffed at the half elf, "As if. She's not my type. Too... alive."

Ansel was barely ready for anything. The wolf is drunk by now, but he tries to keep his posture steady. The man blinks as the woman comes up on stage and rips her skirt revealing leggings and boots. The man listens to the women in the crowd and sizes up Gilwen again. “They want no mercy,” his eyes are widened and almost terrified. Do not touch his man parts! He will throw up all over the stage because he had no food in his system – just booze. He then remembers that Talyara is also in this crowd and he eyes her with a drunken and clueless gaze. “I told you I wasn’t the best role model,” this was not going to be pretty and he shrugs apologetically. There also goes the girl. He slowly shrugs off his golden blazer and tosses it to the side. As Shishi slaps Ansel’s back, his dizzy mind took a while to digest this fake news. This whole hitting a chick thing was not his style -- not that chicks were not capable of handling their own.

Orikahn welcomes the fighters onto the dais, beckoning each up and speaking the terms clearly. "First blood! The first of you to draw blood from the other is the winner. This is an honest fight," the sabercat pauses to send Ansel... then Gilwen... each a stern warning glance, "in the sight of Aramoth. Any foul strikes or evil trickery," Kahn jabs himself in the chest with his thumb, "and you'll have me to deal with. Now," he steps back, "for glory and the battle's own sake..."

Orikahn shouted, "Brawl!"

Celaeno 's cheeks were already flushed from the strawberry wine, but they heated up all the more when her breath was noticed by her friend. "Only a bit. It...is surprisingly tasty. Like mead, almost, which is all I've really had before this." She suppressed a hiccup, but it comes out as a slight squeak she muffles with her gauntlet. Baelock's comment demanded reply, though, at least in Cela's somewhat tipsy mind it did. "What -is- your type? You never say anything about what you actually like..."

Raven ended up taking the seat opposite of Baelok for the fight while Niall at next to her. She just caught the tail end of what Baelok just said to which she sarcastically asks, “who’s not your type?” Bored teal eyes stay on the combatants while sipping on her water. Eventually the secret security meanders around with Corvo who is drying his face with a napkin and Raven isn’t visibly uneasy that they just always have to intrude on her, but she only glances from one to the other because apparently her mimi escape outside set them all on edge. She’s not… entirely helpless. While wheels were turning in her mind about all this she caught Niall looking at her, “you alright?”

Nothing quite like the sheriff bowing out to spark immediate action from the deputy. Queen Hildegarde waves her hand in a discreet manner which Lionel nevertheless detects, prompting him to kick his foot free from its perch upon a wall and leisurely traipse his way to her side. “Gotcha,” he whispers, glancing to and from to ensure the likelihood of violent surprise is at bare minimum. Hildegarde, for her part, snorts cheekily at his thoroughness; she’s more than a fair match for just about anyone who might wish to slip a dagger between her ribs. But just now, with villages vanishing and cities struck, with thousands dying every month to the whims of Kahran and others like him, with Larketian leadership so questionable… well, he’s not taking any chances. “Thank you all for coming. Please continue to your heart’s desire. We welcome you, always.” Frostmaw’s Queen says with a smile. She even bows, ever so slightly. Ever the picture of regality blended with a warrior’s resolve, she exits to attend the next matter of state, with Lionel by her side.

Shishi , while very good at being a Frostmaw celebrity, is good at assassin-y things first and foremost. So when he gets off the dais he slips out of sight from the giant super fan before he can be cornered again, and disappears into the audience until he gets to the VIP section he is meant to watch the brawl from, away from where that rabid fanboy should be able to access. "Whew."  

Lanara blushes at his words and shakes her head, that lower lip being pulled into her mouth by her upper teeth. She’s suddenly shy. This was a high holiday for those that practiced the craft, and she rarely dressed up in such fine fabrics. There also were so many gathered, and amongst the screaming towards Ansel and the catcalls towards Gilwen, it was rather hard to hear his words. She’s almost thankful when she’s tugged in the direction of the beverages, for her tapered ears were pounding from all the noise. As Eirik sighs and is forced to accept a glass of strawberry wine, she can’t help but smirk, and she subtly hands him a chilled bottle of frostmaw’s finest ale. “Here. I figured you’d want one… So I grabbed it for you while you were dancing with Raven.” She doesn’t tell him that it was stolen from some distracted party-goers table. It was the thought that counted. He was her beloved lycan, and she would always quench his thirst. Minutes later they are seated and she cuddles up at his side, watching Ansel drunkenly slur to her sister, in the midst of his match, about how he’s a poor role model. This was entertaining. Lana seeks out Taly and almost laughs at her sister’s expression, though she does have a concern in her heart for the lycan and his two boys. She’d make certain that someone healed him, if he were to lose in battle. Her attention is once more captured by the handsome man at her side, and she grins as he asks about her evening. “I loved seeing all the beautiful gowns and decorations. I also loved being on the arm of the most handsome man in the room… Oh, I’m sorry, ‘The –King- Of Beauty And Love’ I mean, please pardon my foolishness, your majesty!” She’s giggling now at her little quip, and she lightly pokes him in the ribs. “I will admit… I was bummed for a minute there. I wanted to be crowned for being beautiful, because you make me feel beautiful and you bought me this super expensive gown… I feel like I let you down because I wasn’t deemed ‘pretty’ enough tonight… But there’s always next year!” She quickly looks away, as her moment of vulnerability surprises her, but she finds that it’s always better to be upfront and honest.

  Gilwen realized Ansel was intoxicated, and she felt a touch guilty, but as soon as Orikahn released them to brawl, that feeling was forgotten, and her hands rose to her face in a typical boxer's pose. This made it clear to all watched the state of her left hand, which mottled unnaturally in hues of black and gray, barring any chance that the discoloration was bruising. But movement, however limited, had been restored to the appendage, and it balled into a lose fist. That left hook comment from Shishi was completely false. Her approach was quick, her natural agility and small, lithe figure would hopefully make for a hard target as she ducked beneath the stretch of his arms and throw a quick, right hook at his side in a body check, and thereafter a quick left jab to his solar plexus. While the rule was first blood, she couldn't quite reach his face without opening herself up too much. Slow him down with body shots, and when the time came…

  Nasada :: Baelok glared at Celaeno. He was about to answer her, when Raven returned. "uh. What? Did you know there was a fight going down?" When someone walked by with a couple bottles of wine on a platter, the undead guardian quickly snatched both off of the tray and thrust one at the half-elf. "Sssh. You need more wine." Then to the human beside her, "You know what? You too. Jes sssh." With that all settled, the Baelok turned his attention to the scheduled entertainment for the evening. He needed to see a good brawl. Raevyn took the bottle hesitantly. Unlike Celaeno, she had never even touched a drop of alcohol in her life. An empty glass was picked up off of the table and turned right side up, the bottle soon uncorked and poured. She sniffed at the liquid, still unsure as to whether or not she wanted to partake. She had seen what people looked like when they were fully inebriated. It was a little off putting. Still, she looked to Celaeno as if seeking approval, before taking a little sip. It wasn't too bad.

  Talyara crosses her arms and fixes Ansel with the annoyed expression women everywhere adopt. Was he really going to brawl when he was making comments about her doing the same just earlier this evening. She rolls her eyes before pushing her way towards the beverage table once more grabbing one of those hard liquored, fuel-scented glasses. Eirik and Lanara are then graced with her presence when Taly comes over and just plops herself in a chair. “I’m crashing your date,” she informs them.

  Brennia | Raven glances down to Raevyn and that half smirk returns, “nice to see you. I hope you are enjoying yourself.” A glance down at the bottle in her hand and the uncertainty, “if you don’t feel ready, don’t.” She extended her caramel complexioned hand out to Raevyn if she wanted to hand the wine off to someone else.

  Niall is caught glancing at Raven and he grins. "What?" Casually, he slings a long arm around her seat. "I can't look at you now? I know I herded you a little bit back there but you can't really be that mad." He finishes off his beer and decides he'd better cool it for the ride home. His eyes stray toward the fight finally. He leans over to whisper to Raven.

  Niall whispered something to Brennia.

  Eirik is completely surprised by the offered beverage! The lengths she went too! “You’re the best.” He sets the strawberry wine aside. Instead the ale is snatched without question. Who cares if she had stolen it from an absent minded guest? It’s now his. “You know, by right, that does make you a Queen. I mean kings don’t date non royalty right? And you haven’t let me down yet.” His question is thrown in the air right after she pokes him in the ribs. His features twist into a smile. “Even if they didn’t crown you, you are by far the most beautiful. They just needed someone else to feel wanted tonight. I already know who the real Queen is.” Just then, Taly takes up a seat and announces that she’s crashing their date. “Well, would you care for a drink?” He offers the strawberry wine which has been untouched by his lips.

  Ansel steps onto the dais with the sabercat and the elven woman. The crowd could probably tell that he has had a few stronger drinks, and although Gilwen felt guilty, he was just as the same. However, Orikahn signals their brawl and Ansel throws his fists up as well, but almost hesitant. The woman is too quick for his intoxicated reaction time, but the right hook catches him off-guard. He is more aware and his arms move down to block her punch towards his gut. Ansel is much taller than the woman and he throws a fist towards her shoulder to push her back from him – causing more hesitation with the fight to determine what he –really- wanted to do. He steps forward again and squats trying to undertake her with his fist towards her own abdomen. He may be a little gentle, though. Someone help him. In the crowd there is a bulky man who is yelling, “Little girl! Pansy! Knock her down!” But really, he was just an ass.  

Celaeno blinks a few times, taking the bottle and her gauntlets making a sick scraping noise like the tines of a fork being tugged across a glass. It had shut her up, that's for sure. When Raevyn tipped her glass, Cela opens her mouth, unsure what to say, at least in her present state. One glass shouldn't hurt, should it? An entire bottle though... "Perhaps Lady Devere is right and we should share one of the bottles instead of consuming one a piece."     Lionel is offered crumpets during his zigzag course through the thick of a crowd en route back to the ball. He twirls acrobatically to evade the poor waiter, who is only doing his job. The waiter scoffs, well aware of Lionel’s frequent adversity to food in favor of drink. More than once, someone bold makes to grab the Catalian’s arm in the hopes of gaining his favor with a whisper or a shout or some ill-suited party joke. At each interval, he’s deft to avoid the grab. “You’re the Steward!” A great-bearded Frost Giant says with much feigned alarm. “Might it be within your pleasure to act like it?” Lionel shakes his head sternly, faking solemnity. That’s all the answer you’re going to get, ser. Lionel isn’t here to negotiate for granary shipments or reconsider his stance on the slave market. Lionel is here to make sure that if Frostmaw’s -- no, Lithrydel’s -- enemies strike, casualties will be kept to a minimum.

  Celaeno did mutter an, "Oh my..." when she caught a glimpse of Gilwen's performance. Then another comment was thrown toward Baelok. "Can you teach us to do that?"   Niall turns his attention to the heckler across the crowd. "Aye, whats wrong with being a little girl then, you great arse?" He shouts back at the man. "I don't see you up there trading blows!"

  Brennia | Raven suctly scowls at Baelok, “Bae…” The tsking of her tongue, “don’t peer pressure.” When she goes to relax back into her seat she nearly froze. There’s an arm… It takes her a moment to relax for avians wings are very sensitive and symbolize probably way too much, but he doesn’t know that right? Her wings would feel velvety and warm, like the best blanket ever. “Look where you please, Niall. Just making sure those drinks are going right to your head, you act like I just won a beauty contest or something...” she monotone’d out - it’s funnier if you imagine Daria from that 90’s cartoon saying these things! His whisper came as a surprise, not at what he said, but more of the closeness and those teal eyes open wider just a tad. “I hear you… No I do, but there is one thing you didn’t account for…” she didn’t lean into him, but only put her hand up over her lips so only Niall can see so she can whisper.

 

Brennia whispered something to Niall.

Brennia shouted, "Deck her halls!"  

Nasada :: Raevyn hadn't realized the headmistress had returned, turning then to offer her a very warm and welcoming smile. "Oh! hello miss.. DeVere?" She hoped she pronounced that right. "I am very much enjoying myself, thank you. How are you?" When Raven held out her hand, the pallid girl did pass off her drink, but only as an offering to the Dean. With Celaeno's suggestion, she nodded and set her bottle upon the table, now taking another glass and holding it out for Celaeno to pour. "Tonight is a night for growth. To.. do something new. I will do so responsibly." she assured. Baelok stoof then and shouted out loud, mostly for Gilwen, "Yeah! Crack'em one! Make'em spit out his teeth!" Celaeno would be answered directly after, "Yeah, I think so. Though, we'll get working on your blades first." Raevyn watched the fight with mild surprise, when that familiar handsome warrior caught her eye. Something about Lionel just seemed out of place. Like they had crossed paths some point in time; Well before that day on the battlefield near Chartsend. Lingering a little too long, the girl pulled herself out of her creepy stare and spoke to the Dean, "Oh! Miss Devere. This is Celaeno. She has interest in the College." Then to Celaeno, "Cela, this is the Dean of the College."  

Gilwen 's reaction time wasn't hindered by alcohol, and the punch thrown at her shoulder is dodged easily, but it ultimately did as Ansel intended, and she backed up a step. She watched his movements closely, trying to glean his next set of movements and calculate the best possible means of defending against him, while also waiting for an opening to strike next-… and there it was. As soon as he ducked to catch her in her stomach, the targeted musculature tensed in expectation, ready to take the brunt of the pulled punch, but this put his face in perfect reach. Again, she threw another right hook, her hips turning into the punch to throw her entire weight behind it. She aimed for the side of his head, and in a quick combo, jabbed yet again with her left to hopefully catch him in his mouth. One-two, one-two. Syelnar and Maegus watched the spectacle with almost sour expressions.

  Orikahn circles, half crouched and light on his toes, keen to keep the fighters in clear view. For something so large, the abominable creature can certainly move when he feels like it. His eyes are wide and bright, and they follow every strike with keen, excited interest.

  Celaeno had grown up with a rather flirty sister, and would fall back on old habits as she leaned in to whisper under her breath--however enough for anyone to hear because she didn't have much in the way of volume control at the moment. "Do you fancy that one any?" Referring to her stare lingering a bit long on Lionel of course. Baelok's comment did have her watching the fight with a bit more focus as she mentally took notes on both fighters' techniques, when they showed them. Her slightly pointed ears perk, however, when her name is said and her attention flits back to the gathered company. She offers the other Raven a brighter than polite smile as she bows her head. "Hello, M'lady. Wonderful sport today, isn't it?"  

Lanara theatrically rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “A woman doesn’t become a ‘Queen’ for dating the King. They have to marry. Everyone knows that.” She stops short, as she realizes what she just said, so in an effort to cover her tracks, she clears her throat. “I mean… I guess I would be your concubine or mistress, or something along those royal terms.” Talyara appears out of the blue to ‘crash’ their date, and it’s such perfect timing, that she doesn’t have to further explain her ‘marriage’ slip of the tongue. Her sister is awarded a pointed glare, and she grins, unable to stop herself from busting her chops. “Taly! So Ansel is training to become a cage fighter… Did he forget to mention that to you? And it looks like he had a little too much of grandpa’s old cough medicine!”

  Lionel is oblivious to Raevyn’s brief, creepy stare. He’s oblivious to the botched efforts of a town crier to gain a moment of his time, too. He is on a high alert when a fellow carrying glasses of merlot passes him by. That makes four. Lionel  blinks a little more sluggishly just now. Nevertheless, a shaven-headed elf in gorgeous robes flanks his left side and two high-ranking Frostmawian soldiers flank his right, presenting the appearance of ironic importance to the ashen-haired man. Esche, the elf, is doing a stellar job redirecting inquiries and handling the rote tasks therein.

  Niall doesn't understand avians. In fact, he's often forgetting the differences between Raven and himself when he's around her. He doesn't even think of his causual gesture until his wings brush the calloused and scarred skin of his hand. Well. He's already here though. He sticks the landing and doesn't let his face show the small panic he feels. It felt... Intimate touching her wings. "Uh, right," He stumbles uncharacteristically. "Maybe they have," He deflects. "It's better if I switch to water," He quiets as Raven is introduced with her title as Dean and keeps his eye forward and his arm still.

  Ansel might have been getting even drunker as his last drink did not settle in until now. Well, this is even worse. As Niall yells towards the heckler, the man slams on his table. “You’re lucky it’s not us up there!” Okay, okay people just needed to calm down. Anyway, Ansel is now open for a quick blow towards the head and she strikes his temple, and with his woozy vision, he falls on his butt. The knock to the temple makes him black out in too much alcohol content. Then, there was a clock to the mouth, but he hits her arm out of the way. His vision comes back in slowly. Maybe he was not as far-gone as we thought! The man strikes forward at her leg hoping to catch her down with him. If this was so, he would try to hook her in the jaw, but his aim was slow and it was easy to block. It's not like Ansel was this bad of a fighter, he was scrappy in the bars all the time. This was just not good.

  Leone rounds the makeshift ring in opposite circuit of Kahn. The priestess's hands crackle to life, a surge of blue and white twining around the woman's wrists before moving up her palms and encircling each finger. Once the pair are done beating eachother senseless, she will be on hand to revive and renew.

  Niall stands abruptly, not wanting to shout in Ravens ear again."You're right! I don't want to figure out how I'd get troll blood stains out of one of my nicest shirts!"

 

Celaeno may have taken a moment to clap, her gauntlets clacking together. It was turning out to be very exciting!     Brennia | Raven leaned across where Baelok was sitting since he stood up to shake Celo’s hand, “bonjour. All are welcome. Come speak to counselor Dewfoot-Barrows she will love to set you up,” for she’s a little bogged down with the campaign and nearly dying and all that. Her voice remained even and calm and peaceful which was odd given the fight happening. Niall is up shouting and at this she half smirks, “you -have- had too many.” A guy like that has been paying way too much attention to her -duh. Eyes back on the fight, “go Ansel- the underdog…”

  Orikahn brightens as the combatants come to proper blows, whiskers pert, nares flaring as he tries to catch the scent of blood. Will it be over so quickly? Briefly, his excitement dulls as he considers the spectacle, but he knows he'd never be one himself to pull a punch for the sake of a show. The cat licks his chops and circles around the opposite way, throwing Leone a careful glance as they make a near pass of one another.  

Nasada :: Raevyn felt her cheeks flush this time. Celaeno's loud voice was more than embarassing. "Cela!" she scolded through gritted teeth. The nudge into the half-elf's side was gentle, playful, accompanied by a laugh to show that she wasn't really mad. "No.. I just.. I can't explain it." she tried to reason. As soon as there was wine in her glass, the girl took a good few gulps; The way her mother used to do when she was uncomfortable at festivities. Though, she was more than pleased when Raven and Cela made aquaintances. Progress! Baelok was heavily invested in this fight, turning away only to address the dark skinned avian, "Pft. Peer pressure. I spend too much time with these two. They can afford to loosen up!" Once his piece of mind was out there, he resumed watching the fight, uncaring who won. He just wanted to see someone get thumped.

  Talyara casts her gaze towards Eirik and she lifts up her glass of amber liquid. “I’m good thanks.” She nods in Lanara’s direction, though. “But that’s he favorite, maybe she wants some?” To Lanara’s comment on Ansel she merely takes another sip of her drink. “I guess he forgot to mention it…"

  Gilwen could have been taken to the ground where she three sheets to the wind as well, but she had years (centuries really) of experience under her belt, and the moment he reached for her leg, she kicked it away. "Get up." Her command wasn't cold or cruel, and she retreated just enough that Ansel could get safely to his feet. Once he was standing again, and ready to go, she'd move in again with another combo'd attack: the left jab to his stomach was meant to double him over, and the right upper cut following was meant for his chin, to snap his head back and either knock him unconscious entirely, or ring his bell for another left jab to strike at his nose. She'd get the blood she and everyone wanted, one way or another.

  Lionel whispered something to Esche.

  Celaeno shook the Dean's hand eagerly when it was offered, perhaps a bit too much as the harness on her gauntlet had become a bit too loose from her clapping and fell askew, her entire wrist seeming to bend at an odd angle with it. She pulls it back into her lap and rushes to tighten it back into place. "Apologies, it does that sometimes." When Raevyn scolded her, she merely bats her eyes and smiles as if she had done nothing wrong. Of course she was a newcomer to the land, unaware of the reputation that particular steward held. "He does seem to be enjoying his drink..." As if she could talk at the moment as she pours herself another glass, with her newly tightened hand, and takes a few sips.

  Lionel | Esche removes a stray strand of someone else’s hair from the edge of his robe, scrunching his nose in distaste. One of many reasons such gatherings are a bother -- right up there with the ever-looming possibility for enemy ambush. “As you will,” he says with a bow. Lionel rolls his eyes at the flourish of it but winks at his elven aide as he takes off through the crowd. Esche will now take silent stock of the number of patrons donning red pins and report back in secret.

  Shishi said, "Yeah! Punch him in the -face-!"

  Brennia shouted at Shishi, "I'll punch yer face!"

  Celaeno said, "Good sportsmanship!"  

Lanara shouts at the top of her lungs to Ansel, in an effort to cheer him on. "Throat Punch that biyotch!"     Brennia shouted at you, "I want that stricken from the record"     Shishi shouted at Brennia, "Oh yeh!?"

  Leone stops short in her vigilant rotation, pausing briefly to eye Lionel from across the room. The cleric's shoulders square toward the Steward and a slight wobble of her head is offered to the sandy-haired man in greeting and recognition.

  Lanara said to Talyara, "Our fight was better than this..."  

Ansel stood up in a sway as she told him to. He tries to collect himself, but at this moment she is sweeping in. The man is quick with the first jab to block from hunching over. He moves to the side of her arm and tries to upper-cut her stomach again, but to do that, he has to crouch lower than he was. Ansel was a scrap and not as experienced as this woman, and nor was he really a fighter. Men get angry in bars, it’s a thing. He was a clinician for Sven’s sake. Did he really tell Shishi he wanted to brawl or was is Edvin trying to be a funny guy? He blames the second part. They look awfully similar, and Edvin is nowhere to be found. As he bends his knees, she swipes up and knocks his chin back making things go black again, but automatically his head retracts up. Then, his nose is jabbed at the side and now he is on the ground. He is done. He is drunk. He is gushing blood out his nose – the man is out. Gilwen wins and Ansel is the new “pansy” to the guy in the corner screaming at Niall.  

Eirik twists the glass to Lanara and offers it to her. She's had plenty to drink, that much he can tell. Perhaps she still wanted more? His eyes flick over to the fight, wondering who might win this? But unlike his date, GIlwen is his choice! "Get him!" He starts to cheer as well.

  Orikahn shouted, "Blood!"  

Brennia shouted, "Crip!"     Talyara wrinkles her nose as Ansel goes down and blood pours from his nose. "Ya know, this is becoming a habit every time I run into him..." The witch downs the remainder of her drink and pushes herself to a stand, deciding she better go over and see if Ansel is okay.  

Niall becomes just as distracted as the man he was screaming at from across the gathered crowd as Gilwen takes her win. He hollers for her and drops back in his seat to grin at Raven. "So that's ten gold," He drawls. "Or maybe you could give me a rain check and I can bring Queenie back up for a drink sometime?"

  Lionel | “Greater than anticipated,” Esche speaks quietly after leaning in close to his Catalian companion. “Snazzy,” Lionel replies. “And aces, too. Dare I say rad?” Esche scoffs and steps wayward as Lionel continues. “Oh, I dare say rad. Esche, get back here.” The elf does as bid, although any lingering spring in his step has been replaced with sulk. The remainder of Lionel’s words are spoken in a whisper. “Everyday we inch closer to oblivion. The more sentiment we espy against the realm’s enemies, the better our chances. Still near-zero, methinks, but if the people are brave enough to take a stand against something like the injustices against witches down Larket way, we won’t be fighting alone. Make sure folks have plenty of access to whatever red attire tickles their fancy.”  It’s at that very moment that Lionel notes High Priestess Leone’s cant of the head; he cants right on back in response. He lets the look linger a few seconds overlong, signaling to Leone that he might ask a moment of her time at a date soon to come.

  Nasada :: Raevyn didn't quite realize how fast or how much she had been sipping from her wine, as on her next attempt to partake, she found the glass empty. The bottle was tipped and more of that bitter-sweet liquid was poured into her glass as she oberved the steward with Celaeno's comment. Baelok suddenly rises when Ansel is felled, his gruff boisterous voice cheering for the winner, "Atta' girl! Now crush his skull!" he might have been going a little overboard. Raevyn winced as she looked to the defeated party, her eyes averted to adjust the bracelet on her wrist.

  Leone waits for the official call of the display being finalized before moving in to assess and heal Ansel.

  Orikahn exclaims,. Accompanying his observation is a look of deranged, hungry glee. Catching himself, he sterns up again, clap his hands, and steps in, his broad mitt stretched outward toward Gilwen, urging her back as he unceremoniously steps over Ansel. "The fight is fought. Blood pleases Amaroth!" It certainly pleases Kahn. Reaching out to take Gilwen by the wrist (should she allow herself to be touched by such a creature) he looks to Shishi for confirmation, waiting for his sign to hoist her arm in the air and make the victory official.

  Lanara elbows Taly. "Go and heal Ansel."

  Celaeno jumps up, clapping anew at the elven woman's victory, beaming at the stage. More clacking from her gauntlets, but she then hurridly takes back her seat beside Raevyn and goes to fill her glass once more, only to find the bottle empty. She glances toward her friend, light headedness beginning to get to her as she takes a final sip of her glass. "They both did very well, didn't they? Maybe we can spar like that." She bites her lip, her nose wrinkling as she rubs it. "But we should make a rule of no faces when we do it. That looked particularly painful."

  Shishi cringes when the knockout punch is delivered, figures he probably has to get up there again, and when Orikahn yells 'Blood!' he does just that, so when the feral feline is looking his way, he's only just across the platform. He won't make the rest of the trip to raise Gilwen's other arm, because it is the gross looking, bruised one, and no thanks. Instead he gives an enthralled double thumbs up, signaling a good fight in his eyes.

  Ansel twitches. There is blood oozing down the sides of his face. It’s embarrassingly awesome.

  Lionel | One of the soldiers accompanying Lionel cheers and expresses his strong opinion of the bloodsport in a positive, albeit crude, manner.

  Brennia | Raven drops her gaze to the long sleeved black velvet dress hugging her curves, “uh…” and then he’s making excuses to come up to the college. Using Queenie as a bribe though… He was playing dirty there, “Queenie is a saint and will have no part in your gambling ways, sir Coin.” She was scolding him in her sarcastic way, “but I must have left ten gold coin in my other dress.” It was at this time Corvo comes to ruin the fun as always, “we have an early appointment tomorrow.” Raven doesn’t respond, but looks to Celo, “pleasure to meet you.” Eyes set on Raevyn, “keep Bae safe.” She looked to Baelok, “stay out of trouble.” She stands up and looks to Niall, “maybe you should sleep one off in the tavern. Queenie needs you to return home safe,” she walks passed Corvo and he walks on after her.  

Nasada :: Raevyn startles when Celaeno jumps up, those corpse-like eyes fastened to her friend with a very much amused smile on her face. She reaches back when the half-elf sits, to grab the other bottle that had been left alone, and offers to pour a little more of the drink into her glass. "Yes, I agree. If we spar, no faces. I mean, Cela.." she giggles and motions to the other's hands. "I think one of us would have a bit of an advantage, don't you think?" It was at this point that Raevyn began to feel a bit of a strange glow as the wine settled in her system. It was nice and had her smiling a little too easily.  

Nasada :: Raevyn beamed at miss DeVere. "I will!" While Baelok's reply would be, "Come on, now." before offering her a bow of his head.     Celaeno blinks down at the wine. She still had enough wits about her to form articulate sentences. Another glass and she might swear... The comment toward her hands had her twisting the gauntlets in front of her face as she unconsciously takes another sip...then swig of the wine in her glass. It tingled down her throat. "Oh hell, you're right. What if I put pads on them? Or...or I could have soft fists made with little metal joints embedded in them for solidity." She waved toward the dean as she departs. All the dignity she had arrived with was gone at this point.

  Gilwen immediately moved forward to help Ansel to his feet once the fight had been concluded, but Orikahn's gesture had her retreating instead. She glanced around at the amassed crowd, her gaze settling on each of those who cheered for her. She offered each a nod, except for Baelok, who is given a blank stare in response to his 'crush his skull' jeer; she'd pass on that. Her attention was ultimately drawn back to the officiator of the fight the moment the feline gripped her wrist, and she waited for confirmation that she was indeed the winner. Once it had been given, and her minuscule title earned, she moved to clap a hand against Ansel's shoulder with an apologetic expression. "You did well, considering." Thereafter, the elf moved back across the stage to where Syelnar and Maegus both stood, still dressed brilliantly in their formal attire, holding the ragged remains of her dress. "Honestly, Gilwen. You might've well worn your regular clothes." One of the men said, before moving to exit the fort with their fiery headed companion in tow.     Niall laughs at Raven, knowing full well Queenie would agree if she wasn't just a dog and could speak her mind more clearly. "Good night, Rae," He says, standing when she does because that's the way his moma raised him. He watches her leave before plopping back in his chair and grabbing another beer. Sven be damned, he was staying in Frostmaw for the night.

  Leone retreats from the felled fighter's side once his own henchmen rush in. The priestess extinguishes her healing hands, and moves toward the Steward of Frostmaw. She wends her way through the guards, and stands beside Lionel. Still facing the fighting pit and the mass of spectators around it, the farrier none the less inquries toward the Catalan, "You need to speak?"

  Talyara makes it to the edge of the dais but it seems as if Leone has it under control and Ansel’s companions are there ready to take him back. Feeling confident that he is being taken care she halts her forward progress and turns back to head towards her sister. “Hey, I’m going to get going. I’ll see you soon.” She leans down to kiss Lanara’s cheek. “Feel better.” Taly pauses long enough to waggle her fingers at Eirik before heading out.  

Nasada :: Raevyn could not help but to giggle at the notion of padding on those gaunlets of Celaeno's. She was picturing a puffy marshmallow type rig that almost sent her into a fit. "I think padding would be quite hilarious! We could both have puffy padded punching fists!" Another drink of wine. Probably not the best idea- But, when in rome! Baelok had finally calmed himself and caught wind of the girl's conversation. "What in the hells? Padding? Ain't no one gonna use padding on ya in the real world, ladies. Pain is a good teachin' tool, believe me." It had been a long, long time since he went through his own training, yet he remembered well the broken bones and lacerations from being pushed so hard. Now they were talking about padding? A soft generation, this one.

  Lionel winces when a pair of tribalist sages approach him for his counsel. He’s trapped. Picking a nice secluded corner has prevented his escape. Just when fate stabs cruelly with the dark promise of insipid conversation, Leone arrives from due east. “Oh thank…” Lionel begins, but then he angles his head sideways and coughs awkwardly. “...Aramoth for all the blessed… harvest moons… or something.” Suave. “Yeah, it’ll have to wait, fellows. Off you go. My office is always open, whether you’ll find me there or not. High Priestess. Good to see you. Remember the thing we spoke about a few weeks past? With the saving-the-world-from-doom, maybe? Reconnaissance. I won’t say more amidst prying ears. That. I’d like us to get to it soon.”

  Orikahn thrusts Gilwen's hand skyward, affording her the proper ceremonial victor's lauds. "Gilwen!" As soon as the cheers have diminished, he releases her, personally congratulates her with a fraternal pat on the back. "Good juju." And that's that.  

Lanara lifts her head and accepts Taly’s kiss, grinning at her sister. “Night, Taly. I’ll see you on Monday to give you your present! I love you, sis!”  

Hudson | Uma, having won some insignificant amount of money engaging in for funsies wagers over the fight, says her goodbyes to her new friends before taking her leave.     Celaeno turns toward Baelok, patting her gauntlets and pointing specifically to a string of runes she was rather proud of. "These may be made of silver, but they feel like well made iron. Necessary so they don't get crushed! I could wallop someone very well if they didn't fall off in the process..." Oh she was beginning to feel very silly, and a bit dizzy as she yawns and sways in her seat. She leans her head against Raevyn's shoulder and it seemed like such a convenient pillow at the time. "I quite think I need a nap...what do you think?"  

Eirik waves goodbye to Talyara and stands, offering Lanara aid to do the same. "Let's get out of here?" His words are a hint that more is to come. If she accepted Eirik would waive goodbye to those fellow faces and escort Lanara out of frostmaw.

  Celaeno said, "Long may she reign champion!"     Shishi gets carried out of the Fort by a bunch of giants that are followed by some regular sized people. Somewhere there is an after party where they will 'Get the Titan drunk!' If, for some reason The Blue Demon is not heard from after a few days, please assume a 'Misery' situation and send a search party to find him kidnapped and strapped to a bed.

  Leone clicks her tongue at the pair of sages seeking counsel from the Steward. "Oh now," the sacred smith admonishes them, "Certainly this is something I would be better equipped to handle than the Steward. A more gentle touch? Something alinged with your particular set of skills and sensibilities, rather than a warrior's? Yes," she says with an air of finality, "Good. I'll see you tomorrow. Around 10 in the morning? Just in time for tea." The prietess folds her hands and looks pointedly at Lionel. "Mm, yes," the Holy one agrees, "We do need to see to that. What time are you available? I mean, any time other than 10am." A lopsided grin is then presented to the once and future knight.  

Nasada :: Raevyn rests her head atop Celaeno's, one ar folding around the half-elf with a gentle squeeze. "Iiii think that's probably a good idea, my dear Cela. It looks like much of the event is winding down." To Baelok she asks, "Shall we, sir Parellius?" Of course, she gets the stare of death as the former zombie rises and heads for the exit. "Nope. You two can walk!" Raevyn quickly gets to her feet and pulls Celaeno up with her (she's done that a lot tonight!) hurrying after her guardian in protest. "Baaaaaae!"

  Lionel can be plenty gentle, damn it. His lip twists in hypocritical irritation but he masks it with the joy in his eyes from seeing the backs of his would-be interlopers. “Sounds like a plan,” he says. It’s as if they’re talking weather. A dangerous and possibly one-way trip into a plane of existence beyond the comprehension of most sapients? Nah. Snow. Spies could be anywhere, be they Macon’s or Kahran’s. The whole world’s gone sour, save for the notes of fruity red on Lionel’s tongue from all that merlot.

  Celaeno yelps and finds herself dashing toward the exit toward a dead man and a woman dressed as an orchid. It was a good thing Raevyn snatched Cela by her elbow rather than her peculiar hand armor, else there would have been an awkward scene of the half-elf falling on her face much like noble combatant, Ansel, now being tended to. She hardly has time to lift her skirt so she doesn't trip over it before scurrying off!     Leone nods and begins to move away from Lionel and his camouflaging small talk. Yes, the snow. The snow will save them all. Or at least make quite a number of them completely numb. The bantam blacksmith gravitates toward the western wing of the fort. There were other matters she needed to attend to, and thus could not be relieved of her duties for the night - not just yet.